Friday, May 1, 2015
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MINNIE RODGERS EARNS NATIONAL HONOR
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By Lea Victoria Juarez
s Minnie Rodgers prepares to accept a Lifetime Achievement award at the upcoming SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in June, the 72-year-old said she doesn’t feel as if she’s been working for that many years. Rodgers, a Mission Consolidated Independent School District board member, worked as a cosmetology teacher at Mission High School for 39 years before retiring in 2009. Her role as District 13 Director for SkillsUSA is what occupies most of her time now. The youth organization prepares
students for technical and service occupations like auto mechanics, cosmetology and computer programming. But before Rodgers started her career as a teacher, she was young girl living in San Isidro. Rodgers came from humble beginnings, she said, as the daughter of ranch foreman and housewife. Her mother told her that every woman needed an education and a job, so she suggested her daughter would make a good hairdresser. “I had fine, ugly hair,” she said with a wrinkled nose. “What did I know about doing hair at 18 years old? But somebody gave me a chance to get started. Everybody de-
serves a chance.” Rodgers had three older brothers, and the oldest was handicapped from cerebral palsy. Although she said her oldest brother never walked or talked a day in his life, he always had a joyous disposition. “We were raised with a wheelchair, and if that doesn’t make you humble, nothing else will,” Rodgers said. “Everybody always says ‘Que vivo ayudando.’ I’m always opening doors for others. When you’re raised that way, that’s what you do.” Rodgers lost her husband when her daughter was 8 years old. Her voice began to break and her eyes watered
as she explained the hardships of being a single mother, but it encouraged her to be better teacher. “Sometimes I asked myself ‘God, why didn’t you take me instead of him?’” she said with her head in her hands. “But you know God has a plan for us from the time we’re born. You have to thank him because without his grace and guidance you have nothing.” The 72-year-old has accumulated 46 years with SkillsUSA. She’s taught at St. Paul’s Church in Mission and is a eucharistic minister, church wedding coordinator and funeral helper.
See RODGERS 9
HORSE SENSE
City of La Joya administrators plan to turn the old Plains Capital bank into a new city hall. The board of aldermen agreed to purchase the building for $1 million in a special meeting this week.
La Joya readies for new city hall
BP opens new Mission facility
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By Julie Silva ntil recently, an abandoned warehouse west of the National Butterfly Center and a mile from the Rio Grande once was the perfect site for criminal activity close to the U.S.-Mexico border. Now, the warehouse has been turned into Border Patrol’s horse patrol compound, capable of housing 40 horses. “I can recall many times that we would apprehend subjects inside this warehouse,” Agent Ruben Garcia said as Border Patrol agents opened the new facility to media after a graduation ceremony for seven new members of the horse patrol. The Rio Grande Valley sector horse patrol was initiated two years ago with 14
horses. Now there are 30. Garcia said another 10 would be added by September. Mission Police Chief Robert Dominguez and
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By Julie Silva
Palmview Chief Christopher Barrera both attended the ceremony Wednesday. Dominguez said the additional resources in Mission’s
TOP: A Border Patrol agent demonstrates his horse-riding skills at an open house for the agency’s new horse compound, west of the National Butterfly Center. ABOVE: Seven agents graduate from a four-week training to join the horse patrol. Progress Times photos by Julie Silva
backyard “is what regionalized policing is all about, working together for the good of the community.” Mission’s police department did away with its own horse patrol years ago, Dominguez said. In it, officers used their personal horses on patrol, but he said he was glad to see Border Patrol expanding its program. Border Patrol had a commercial boarding contract for 18 horses, and when that ended, Garcia said Chief Patrol Agent Kevin Oaks wanted to expand the patrol. They partnered with U.S. Fish and Wildlife, which owned the warehouse property, to clear it of brush. Garcia said they hauled out 20 truckloads of trash and debris, and worked with
See HORSE SENSE 10
he city of La Joya has been sitting on a $3.5 million loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the last five years, waiting for the right time to move on a new city hall and public safety facility. At a special meeting this week, city leaders decided the time is now, approving the purchase of the old Plains Capital Bank building near the fire department off U.S. 83 for $1 million. The building is about 4,300 square feet, and with the leftover funding, the city plans to renovate and expand the facility. It sits on five acres. Mayor Fito Salinas said he planned to invite members of the community to join the city on May 7, the National Day of Prayer, for a ceremony at future city hall. He hoped to get the keys to the building this week. Architects are drawing up plans, but Salinas estimated the total cost of the project at $2.75 million. “We’re saving almost a million dollars,” Salinas said. “We’re very proud. We’re very happy. It’s going to be really nice.” They’ll enclose four of
the eight drive-thru lanes, and keep some lanes open for residents to make utility payments. He suggested the landscaping alone on the property is worth $100,000 alone, and Salinas said there would be a lot more parking available. City Manager Mike Alaniz said USDA has approved of the city’s plan, but the city is taking out an interim loan from a local bank to purchase the property. When the funds are released from USDA, he said the city would pay off the loan. Salinas said the city got a good deal on the property, which was appraised at $1.7 million, though the city originally bid $850,000. He said the city increased the bid after finding out the school district and a credit union also wanted to buy it. When the loan originally was approved, the plan was to build a city hall from scratch, but Salinas said he held off on plans to start construction because the city was digging itself out of debt, and he didn’t think it could afford the loan payments. “Now I can see we’re doing fine on the audit, and we have some money left,” Salinas said.
INSIDE
INDEX
Early voting ongoing
Mission sees first homicide in 2 years
Cuellar to speak at luncheon
With seats open in Sharyland ISD, Peñitas and Alton, hundreds of voters have been hitting the polls to make their voices heard.
A family member has been arrested in connection to a death last weekend and charged with first-degree murder.
The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce will host its Spring quarter Buenas Tardes Luncheon on May 5 at the Club at Cimarron.
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Entertainment | pg. 2
Lifestyle | pg. 6
Opinion | pg. 4
Sports | pg. 8
Obituaries | pg. 9
Classifieds | pg. 11
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entertainment
South Texas College Theatre migrates with the monarchs to The Highest Heaven
outh Texas College Theatre will migrate with the monarchs when they present their May 2015 production of José Cruz González’s The Highest Heaven that will run May 2 at 8 p.m., and a Sunday, May 3 matinee at 2 p.m., at the STC Cooper Center for Communication Arts Black Box Studio. The Highest Heaven is a heartfelt story of a young boy named Huracán, one of the 400,000 people involuntarily repatriated from the southwest United States to Mexico during America’s Great Depression. Abruptly alone and separated from his mother, Huracán follows the path of the monarch butterfly on a haunting search for his past and future. Along the way, he undergoes his own metamorphosis from little boy to young man with an inner strength that no one can take away.
“I read this play last summer and it hit home for me as we saw the number of young children migrating to the U.S. on their own,” The Highest Heaven Director Joel Jason Rodríguez said. “There have been so many conversations regarding this issue, and immigration as a whole, that I felt this play could allow for dialogue to occur within our community. The themes are addressed in a subtle way and allow us to consider other
perspectives. This is going to be a beautiful and powerful production.” General admission tickets cost $5. No children below the third grade are permitted entry. The Sunday, May 3 matinee production will be interpreted in American Sign Language by graduates of STC’s Interpreting Training Program. Tickets can be purchased one hour before the performance at the box office or in
advance online at https://secure.touchnet.com/C20193_ ustores/web/store_main. jsp?STOREID=13. The STC Cooper Center for Communication Arts Black Box Studio is located at 3201 W. Pecan Blvd. in McAllen. For additional information about the show or for group rates, call (956) 872-2301 or email namaro1@southtexascollege.edu or jrodriguez@ southtexascollege.edu.
2015 South Texas Comic Con in McAllen May 9 and 10
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t's time to rally the forces once again for the Rio Grande Valley's largest Comic Con. Don your best gear and join the fun and adventure at the McAllen Convention Center May 9 and 10 for South Texas Comic Con 2015. This epic two-day event is your dream come true,
the ultimate comic con experience for gamers, comic aficionados and sci-fi enthusiasts. Visitors will get to shop through a vendor market filled with collectibles and other goodies. The weekend will feature interactive events like the Cosplay Contest, Children’s Costume Parade, Kid’s Comic Cele-
bration, Gaming events and more. Visitors will also have a chance to see and get autographs from celebrities and artists during their individual Q&A panels. The lineup includes Pro-Wrestling Legend Ric Flair, Actor and Filmmaker Sean Astin (Lord of the Rings and Goonies), Power Rangers Actor Steve Cardenas, Voice Actor Sean Schemmel (Dragon Ball Z, Pokemon, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), Marvel/DC Comic Artist Carlo Barberi, Marvel/IDW Comic Artst Matt Frank, Cosplayer/Martial Artist Elektra Knight, Cosplayer Lyndsey Elaine, Cosplayer/Prop Maker Spencer Doe, and Texas Turtles and Texas Saiyans. Doors will open at 12 p.m. on Saturday, Ma9 and will end at 7 p.m. on May 10. Children 10 and younger are admitted free. A child pass for 11-14 is $10 per day, a Saturday pass is $30, Sunday pass $25, two-day pass is $40 and a VIP Pass is $65 at the door. A Sunday pass is $20 and Saturday pass is $25, plus fees, if purchased online. Preregistration is available online at www. southtexascomiccon.com as well as information regarding pricing information for photo ops and autographs.
May 1, 2015
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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS
Coming Attractions
May 1-May 6 Upper Valley Art League had an opening reception April 11 for the Artist Unanimous Juried Exhibition. The Exhibit will run through May 6. UVAL is located in the Kika de la Garza Fine Arts Center at 921 E. 12th St., in Mission. May 1- 3 South Texas College Theater presents The Highest Heaven by Jose Cruz Gonzalez at the Cooper Center on the Pecan Campus, 3200 W. Pecan Blvd., in McAllen. It will be performed from 5 to 8 p.m. all three nights. For more information, call 956-872-2301. May 2 The City of Harlingen will present Fiesta Cinco de Mayo on Saturday, May 2, 2015, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Lt. George Gutierrez Jr. Park, 500 W. Harrison Ave. Children’s activities, live music, and cultural performances are scheduled during the fiesta at the park in the La Placita District. Contact Harlingen Convention & Visitors Bureau Events Manager Esmeralda Martinez about sponsorships and details at (956) 423-5440 or emartinez@ myharlingen.us. Ronnie Radke’s Three Ring Circus Tour Falling in Reverse and Ghost Town will be at the Boggus Ford Events Center with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Music will begin around 7:30 p.m. All ages welcome. General admission is $25. For more information or tickets, visit www. pharrevents.com/events/. May 7-10 University Theatre Productions at UTPA present Coraline, the Musical, written by Stephen Merritt and David Greenspan and based on the novella Coraline by Neil Gaiman. The musical will be performed in the Albert L. Jeffers Theatre on the corner of University Dr. and Sugar Rd. from 7:30 to 10 p.m. For more information call 956-665-3581. May 9 · Undefeated former lightweight world champion Omar “Panterita” Figueroa (24-0-1, 18 KOs) will take on former two-division world champion Ricky Burns (37-4-1, 11 KOs) in the main event when Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) returns to CBS on Saturday, May 9, at the State Farm Arena in Hidalgo. In the co-main event, a pair of bantamweight world champions square off when Tomoki Kameda (31-0, 19 KOs) battles Jamie McDonnell (25-2-1, 12 KOs). Tickets start at $25. Tickets are available
at www.ticketmaster.com or at the State Farm Arena Box Office. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 7453000. · From 5 to 10 p.m., the McAllen Convention Center’s Oval Park will host the Sunset Live Outdoor Concert Series: Red, White and Blue. This event is free and family- and pet-friendly. Drinks, food, artisan market, activities and live music will be present at the event.
May 12 Kenney Chesney will perform The Big Revival Tour with Chase Rice at the State Farm Arena at 8 p.m. For more information and to buy tickets, visit www. statefarmarena.com. May 14 Josh Abbott Band, Wade Bowen and Costello will be performing at Las Palmas Race Park. Gates open at 7 p.m. Advance tickets are $23. Reserved tables are also available. For more information or to buy tickets, visit www.laspalmasracepark.com/events/. May 16 The 3rd Annual Mayo de Dance with Zeds Dead and Hunter Siegel will perform at Boggus Ford Events Center in Pharr. General admission and standing room only tickets are $38. For more information or tickets, visit www.pharrevents.com/events/. May 22 Pepe Aguilar will perform at the State Farm Arena at 8 p.m. For more information and to buy tickets, visit www. statefarmarena.com. · The Spzzmatics, the Ultimate New Waves 80s Show, will perform at the Boggus Ford Events Center. Reserved tables, 10 seats to a table, are $32. Standing and general admission tickets are $22. For more information or tickets, visit www.pharrevents.com/events/.
Weekly · Catholic War Veterans Post #1065 in Mission invites the public to their “Get Away Thursday Dance” held every Thursday evening, from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. It is located at 500 W. Business 83. Music by the Electro Band provides country western, Tejano, the Oldies, cumbias and more. No cover charge. Call 583-5961 or email Doodrey@netzero.com for more information. To see the complete Coming Attractions calendar, go to www.ptrgv.com.
May 1, 2015
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Early voting underway
arly voting in area city and school district races ends Tuesday. Among races on the ballot in Hidalgo County are those in Sharyland ISD, the city of Peñitas and Alton. SISD recently moved to single-member districts and two seats are up for grabs – Place 3 and Place 4. Trustees Fernando Ramirez and Eddie Montalvo did not file for reelection. Former board member Suzanne Peña filed for Place 4, along with La Joya ISD Principal Jose “Pepe” Garcia, attorney Robert Puente and chiropractor Kevin Sparks. However, Puente announced he was withdrawing from the race at a candidate forum last week.
Early voting schedule Saturday, May 2: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday, May 4: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Alton closes at 5 p.m.) Tuesday, May 5: 7 a.m. – 7 p .m. (Alton closes at 5 p.m.) In Place 4, Melissa Martinez-Smith, a retired educator and local business owner will face attorney Cesar O. Aguilar. Meanwhile, in Alton, incumbents Mayor Salvador Vela and Place 1 Commissioner Arturo Galvan Jr. each have opponents – Baldemar Flores and Jose C. Picasso,
Rey Mendoza: Place 2 candidate
Editor’s Note: The Progress Times contacted all candidates running for election in Peñitas to distribute questionnaires. Only two were returned by the Tuesday deadline. Name: Rey Mendoza Age: 53 Occupation: retired Education: high school graduate Any previous public office held: City of Peñitas place 1 2003-2006
Why are you the best candidate for the job? Since I am not an employee of La Joya ISD, nor are any of my immediate family members, I believe I can do what is best for Peñitas without being a puppet of La Joya ISD. This will give not only the people of Peñitas their voice back, but will also allow me to do what is in the best interest of Peñitas as it should be. What are the three biggest issues facing Peñitas and, if elected, how would you address them? 1) Sewer project. Work at my very hardest to lower the sewer bill to a decent cost to the consumer. 2) There is no immediate 1st medical and fire response
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in Peñitas. Bring in a 1st medical and fire station response. 3) Growth in the city of Penitas is at a stop still. Start by improving roads and streets. Bring in more businesses. More lightening is needed on some of the streets. Control city taxes from increasing too much. Get more police protection around the clock. Provide city of Peñitas its police officers health and retirement benefits. There has been a series of missteps in construction of the sewer system that has left the project over budget and unfinished. What steps will you take to ensure that these types of problems don’t persist? We must break off from
See MENDOZA 10
Voting Locations Sharyland ISD: Mission Boys and Girls Club at Bannworth Park, 1822 N. Shary road, Mission Peñitas: City Hall Annex, 1320 S. Main St. Alton: City Hall, 509 S. Alton Blvd.
respectively. Two slates have formed in Peñitas, where every seat but one is up for grabs. Tomas Cedillo, Place 3 commissioner, is the lone candidate not attached to a slate. He is running for mayor. Peñ1tas candidates are Rigo Lopez, mayor; J.R. Flores, Place 2; Armin Gar-
za, Place 3; Ramiro Loya, Place 4. The other slate, unofficially called “The Green Team,” is composed of Manuel Garcia, mayor; Rey Mendoza, Place 2; Arnoldo Ochoa, Place 3; Mary Cervantez Barrientos, Place 4. Early voting ends May 5. Election Day is May 9.
Arnoldo Ochoa: Place 3 candidate
Editor’s Note: The Progress Times contacted all candidates running for election in Peñitas to distribute questionnaires. Only two were returned by the Tuesday deadline. Name: Arnoldo Ochoa Age: 42 Occupation: Business Owner 8/A Builders Education: Attended the University of Texas Brownsville Any Previous public office held: City of Penitas and La Joya I.S.D.
Why are you the best candidate for the job? I was raised in Penitas and the city has become a part of me. I served the community of Penitas before when the city was going through some hard times, like it is now. I was there to help and made sure the city would move forward with their projects. I can say I helped bring the Penitas Crime Prevention program, helped with the implementation of the storm drainage for the city , and was instrumental on the decision of starting our own Sewer Project. Tell us about your goals as a commissioner, if elected to the Peñitas city council. What would be your plan of
U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar to speak at Buenas Tardes Luncheon
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he Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce will host its Spring quarter Buenas Tardes Luncheon on Tuesday, May 5, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Club at Cimarron. This quarter’s Buenas Tardes Luncheon is sponsored by Texas Regional Bank and will feature keynote speaker, United States Congressman Henry Cuellar. “I thank the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce for inviting me to speak oneon-one with its members and to give a legislative update from Washington. Our local chambers of commerce serve as tremendous resources for business-owners and citizens alike to make sure our communities grow and prosper, and I look forward to the opportunity to sit down with Mission-area business leaders and hear directly from them what policies are working and how we can continue to work together to help our local businesses thrive,” said Cuellar. Tickets are only $20 per person if purchased before Monday, May 4. They may also be purchased at the door for $25. To make reserva-
tions, contact the Mission Chamber of Commerce at (956) 585-2727 or events@ missionchamber.com. Walkup luncheon registrations are limited and may not be available. Arrive on time to ensure seating. Club at Cimarron is located at 1200 South Shary Road in Mission.
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action for years one, two, three and four? If elected I would like to see the city move more towards the free trade zone and work with Mission and McAllen. I would like for the city to work with our U.S government to build a railway for international crossings. I would also work toward building more recreational facilities for our kids, and help improve our Police department by having our own working fire department. if elected this plan could take 4 years . How can Peñitas become more competitive with surrounding cities? The City is right where it has to be for the growth, it just needs the right leadership to make sure the city can prosper.
This Week
Norma Davis took Council Place 3 The Place 3 position was the only one remaining unfilled as a result of the April 6 election, which saw Leo Peña as the only incumbent reelected. Elected at that time were Mayor Pat Townsend Jr., Place 2 Councilman J.D. Villarreal and Place 4 Councilman Ricardo Perez. Alavarez, Casanova and Galvan qualified for state Three Mission-area athletes qualified for the state UIL Track and Field meet in Austin by placing first or second in their respective events at the regional meets in San Anotiono and Kingsville. David Alvarez, of Mission, was the only Eagle to qualify, and one of only two representatives of District 32-5A. Alvarez finished second in his specialty, the 800-meter run. Isidro Casanova, of La Joya, made it in the Class IV-A high jump with a first-place leap of 6’4”. The only 32-3A state qualifier was Sharyland’s Frank Galvan, who set a new regional record in the 800-meter run with a time of 1:54.6. Bill Dondlinger asked for red bricks downtown The project would go hand-in-hand with plans to widen Conway. The project required replacing the existing sidewalks and Bill Dondlinger, who owned a business on Conway, suggested red bricks. His plan called for asking existing businesses to pay the additional cost for the sidewalk in front of their locations.
Politica
opinion By Ed Sterling Texas Press Association
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STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS
USTIN — With barely more than a month left in the regular session of the Texas Legislature, it’s time for the House and Senate to do whatever can be done to reach an allpoints agreement on House Bill 1, the state budget for fiscal years 2016 and 2017. A widely reported sticky area in the estimated $211 billion budget is over which taxes to cut and how much to cut. House and Senate conferees will meet this week. From both ends of the Capitol, the budget has a waysand-means inertia to it, with House leaders pushing for cuts in the state sales tax rate and the state franchise tax. Senate leaders favor more emphasis on cutting homeowners’ property tax rates, a job traditionally in line with the normal functions of local governmental bodies. School districts, for example, get most of their revenue from local property taxes, and under the Senate plan, the state would have to make up for revenue lost to property tax cuts. The House plan, touted to provide some $5 billion in tax relief through other means, includes the first-ever reduction in state sales tax, with a 0.30-cent reduction in rate from the current 6.25 percent to 5.95 percent. Wherever such matters settle, the state’s checkbook must balance. Tax cuts will have to be “paid for” by corresponding cuts to budget items, such as health care, education, transportation and public safety. Last week, House Speaker Joe Straus and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick picked five members each for the conference committee on HB 1: House Appropriations
Chair John Otto, R-Dayton; Rep. Trent Ashby, R-Lufkin; Rep. Sarah Davis, R-Houston; Rep. Larry Gonzales, R-Round Rock; and Rep. Sylvester Turner, D-Houston; and Senate Finance Chair Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound; Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen; Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston; freshman Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham; and Sen. Charles Schwertner, R-Georgetown. Abbott challenges haze rule Gov. Greg Abbott on April 22 submitted comments to the federal Environmental Protection Agency’s Air Planning Section over the agency’s proposed regional-haze rule. Abbott said the EPA’s proposed action “is unlawful on multiple fronts, and perhaps most egregiously it would impose a $2 billion burden in compliance costs and threaten the reliability of Texas’ energy grid — without any discernible benefits.” The governor is arguing that the EPA: (1) does not have the authority to regulate “invisible” haze; (2) oversteps its statutory authority by imposing a compliance cost on Texas; (3) discriminates against Texas by imposing a different standard than it has on California; and (4) is basing the proposed rule on outdated data from 2009. Senate OKs body camera bill The Texas Senate on April 23 passed SB 158, legislation authored by Sen. Royce West, D-Dallas, that creates a framework for the use of body cameras by police officers. The cameras, to be worn
by officers to record interactions between them and members of the public, may help “restore credibility and trust in our law enforcement agencies,” West said. While West’s bill does not mandate that police departments adopt the use of body cameras, it does create a grant program at the Office of the Governor that local law enforcement agencies can apply for to help offset the cost of purchasing equipment. During floor debate, West said that documenting encounters between police officers and citizens reduces complaints against police, incidents of lethal force and lawsuits against law enforcement. “People act different on camera,” he said. Injection well hearings planned Southern Methodist University on April 21 announced an SMU-led seismology team has found that “high volumes of wastewater injection combined with brine extraction from natural gas wells is the most likely cause of earthquakes occurring near Azle, Texas, from late 2013 through spring 2014.” On April 24, the oil and gas industry-regulating Texas Railroad Commission directed the agency’s hearings division to initiate proceedings requiring the operators of two disposal wells in the area of Azle, 17 miles northwest of Fort Worth, to “show cause” why the injection permits for the wells should not be cancelled and the wells ordered shut-in, due to an alleged connection raised by new seismic research between ongoing operation of the wells and seismic activity in the vicinity.
May 1, 2015
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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS
Cruz: It is my sincere hope that the Supreme Court will rule on the side of the U.S. Constitution
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OUSTON – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, released the following statement regarding oral arguments in the Supreme Court concerning whether the Fourteenth Amendment requires states to license marriages between two people of the same sex and to recognize same-sex marriages licensed and performed in another state: “In recent years, federal judges have defied the power of the people to define marriage through their elected representatives as a covenant between one man and one woman. At the behest of those seeking to use unelected judges to strike down democratically enacted marriage laws, courts across the country have seized for themselves the authority to redefine marriage. Today the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in cases raising the question of whether such judicial intrusion is constitutionally proper. It is not. “For millennia, the union of a man and a woman has been the fundamental building block of society, and the Judeo-Christian value of traditional marriage is a cornerstone upon which the strength of our Nation rests. Before 2004, no U.S. state recognized same-sex marriages. And to preserve the traditional understanding of marriage, thirty states have
amended their state constitutions to define marriage as between one man and one woman, and in total over forty states have passed laws or amendments to protect traditional marriage. “This effort to redefine marriage by judicial fiat poses a serious threat to the religious liberty for those who embrace traditional marriage. We are seeing businesses shut down and individuals threatened with costly lawsuits simply because they do not agree with same-sex marriage. There was a time when the defense of religious liberty was an issue of bipartisan agreement. Yet now the progressive left is seeking to force their view of marriage upon all Americans, regardless of their religious convictions. “Resorting to federal courts to further that effort is unconstitutional. Under our Constitution, courts do not make law. This is why I am proud to have filed an amicus brief in support of the right of states to define marriage as the union of one man and one woman. It is my sincere hope that the Justices of the highest court of our land will rule on the side of the U.S. Constitution and let the people, through their elected State representatives, continue to define marriage as it has been understood since the beginning of time.
“In case that does not happen, I have also introduced legislation and a constitutional amendment in the Senate last week to prevent federal courts from further interfering with any state’s Constitutionally-protected authority to define marriage.” Last week, Cruz introduced the Restoration of Marriage Amendment and the Protect Marriage from the Courts Act of 2015. The Restoration of Marriage Amendment would amend the Constitution to guarantee the right of the people to define marriage in their laws as the union of one man and one woman and to prevent the courts from misconstruing the Constitution to tear down those democratically adopted state marriage laws. The Protect Marriage from the Courts Act of 2015 would bar federal courts from having jurisdiction to strike down state marriage laws. Congress has express power under Article III of the Constitution to limit the jurisdiction of the lower federal courts and to make exceptions to the appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court. This legislation would eliminate the jurisdiction of federal courts to determine the constitutionality of state laws defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman.
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May 1, 2015
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Arrest made in National Butterfly Park gets grant for summer program Mission homicide During the following school year, these children will use their skills to mentor younger children in the afternoon sessions of Boys and Girls Club, teaching what they learned. The students also will design a native plant habitat and pollinator garden for their school. This process will include selecting the plants and type project they want, producing designs for the project, and getting permission from their local school administration and school boards before the projects can be built. Wright said being required to plan and then present their
plans to local authorities would develop communication skills as well as the critical thinking skills needed in planning and implementing their projects. “We teach our lessons from Project Wild, where children are outdoors learning in nature as it exists around them,” Wright said. The grant from the state through the Community Outdoor Outreach Program is for $33,171 and will be matched by a grant of $34,000 from North American Butterfly Association and its partners.
By Lea Victoria Juarez then present the case to a grand jury and it is the grand eputies shot and jury’s responsibility to deterkilled alleged narcot- mine whether charges will be ics, burglary and auto brought against the officers. theft ringleader Santos CorThe raid was part of a tez Hernandez April 20. The multi-agency initiative called 24-year-old Mexican nation- Operation Lockdown intendal was armed during a police ed to dismantle the crime raid at a home in the 5600 organization in the west porblock of Schuerbach Road. tion of Hidalgo County. The No other injuries were initiative was led by the sherreported at an April 23 news iff’s department but included conference. the US Border Patrol, Texas Hernandez, also known Department of Public Safeas “Cuate” and “Chaparro,” ty, the Precinct 3 Constable was wanted on multiple fel- Office and the McAllen, ony warrants and involved in Mission, Alton, Palmhurst, the murder case of a juvenile, Palmview, Peñitas, Sullivan according to authorities. City, La Joya PD, La Joya Hidalgo County Sheriff ISD police departments. Eddie Guerra could not di“It’s just one example of vulge why Hernandez was how working together can linked to the home near Mis- expedite the efficiency for sion because of a pending our communities,” McAlinvestigation, but said it was len Chief Victor Rodriguez necessary for the officers to of McAllen said. “A lot of use deadly force. these crimes are compressed “I’m sorry that they had to to the U.S. side of the border. do that,” Guerra said. “Un- That’s a result, I think, of fortunately, as law enforce- the effectiveness of the DPS ment officers we’re faced operations. They’re not able with these criminals, and I to penetrate that wall going can tell you that the officers south as often or as freely as are very experienced and they used to.” highly trained officers.” The case began with the The two deputies in- 11 McCook burglaries in volved in the shooting are on 2014. Two juveniles were administrative leave during arrested and authorities said the investigation, which is Hernandez was leading the conducted by a team from activity. various departments, includLa Joya ISD Chief Raul ing internal affairs and major Gonzalez confirmed Hercrime scene investigators. nandez recruited some of The district attorney will his associates from the La
Joya school district. La Joya ISD implements millions of dollars worth of prevention programs to battle the issue, he said. The Texas Education Agency now makes teachers take a training on how to recognize human smuggling.
“It is not a reflection of the close to 30,000 kids we have at LJISD,” Raul Gonzalez said. “We always encourage parents to talk to their kids because we don’t want for people like (Hernandez) to be talking to your kids.”
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n arrest has been made in the first homicide in Mission in two years. Officers were dispatched to a home in the 600 block of Oblate Avenue at 7:14 a.m. Saturday when someone called in a dead body in the backyard. When they arrived, they found Jorge Alberto Diaz face down in the yard. They did not see any signs of life, and Diaz had been hit in the back of the head, states a criminal complaint. Just west of Diaz’s body was a tree with blood on it, officers reported. There was also blood on the northeast corner of the house and numerous empty beer bottles and cigarette butts. According to family members, the last person seen with Diaz was Robert Eugene Diaz, Jorge Diaz’s nephew. Robert Diaz was taken to the police station to provide a written statement, and he told a detective he and Jorge Diaz had gone to a bar. Robert Diaz said his uncle ignored him at the bar, and Robert Diaz met a woman at the bar and left with her, though she later dropped him off at his dad’s house. However, when detectives spoke with the woman, she told them she dropped Robert Diaz at his grandmother’s apartment, which is near the home on Oblate Avenue, states the complaint. Detectives then went to Diaz’s house to search the vehicle Robert Diaz allegedly was driving. The owner of the home consented to the search of the car and the property. Under the house, west of the front door, detectives stated they found blue jeans and a maroon shirt with blood on them. Authorities then read Robert Diaz, 19, his Miranda warnings and taped a video of his statement. In it, Robert Diaz said he was in the backyard drinking and smoking with Jorge Diaz when they got into an argument,
active during summer. It will be a nine-week program with weekly lessons at the park designed to teach children 9 to 12 years old about habitat, ecology and wildlife, building skills for outdoor encounters like animal tracking, campfire safety and bird and butterfly identification. The purpose of the program is to teach children about the unique habitat where they live and help develop a desire to protect it for future generations. There will also be a field trip to Estero Llano Grande in Weslaco to learn about wetlands.
By Kathy Olivarez
arianna Wright, director of the National Butterfly Park in Mission, told the Mission City Council the National Butterfly Center received a grant for a summer educational program that would provide classes for students attending summer programs at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Mission During the Monday meeting of the council, Wright said campuses involved include Leal, Castro, Marcell and Jensen Elementary schools, where Boys and Girls Club is
the complaint states. Robert Diaz told detectives that Jorge Diaz grabbed a piece of a wooden table and tried to hit him with it, but Robert Diaz took the wood away and hit Jorge Diaz twice in the head with it, the complaint states. Then, it states Robert Diaz used a piece of metal that broke off a chair to hit Jorge Diaz four more times. After that, the complaints states Robert Diaz walked to his grandmother’s apartment where he had parked his car. He changed, and then went to a Stripe’s to wash his hands before returning to his dad’s house to hide his clothes, the complaint states. According to the complaint, Robert Diaz took detectives to the backyard and walked them through what happened, showing them where he allegedly threw the piece of metal in a nearby alley. Robert Diaz also told detectives he took $310 out of Jorge Diaz’s pocket after he was dead, according to the statement, which adds Robert Diaz told authorities he hid the money in his mother’s car. After obtaining consent from Robert Diaz’s mother, the money was recovered. Authorities charged Robert with first-degree murder. He was issued a $2 million bond.
See MISSION 10
Fugitive shot to death in Mission
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lifestyle
May 1, 2015
page 6
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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS
Mission Regional Medical Center awards $17,000 in Healthcare Scholarships
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ission Regional Medical Center (MRMC) awarded $17,000 in scholarships to seventeen exceptional students from nine different high schools in the Mission area. The scholarships are awarded annually to high school seniors interested in pursuing a career in health care. MRMC scholarships are available to students who are graduating seniors from Mission, Veterans Memorial, Sharyland, La Joya, Juarez-Lincoln, Palmview and Jimmy Carter Early College High School. This is the first year the scholarships were available to students from Juan Diego Academy and Pioneer High
Take a picture with mom at Speer Memorial Library
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ho ran to help me when I fell? And would some pretty story tell, or kiss the place to make it well? My Mother shall. Mother’s Day is a special day for honoring mothers throughout the world and it holds great significance for all of us so why not capture that in a picture. In honor of Mother’s Day visit Speer Memorial Library on Thursday, May 7, 2015 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. for a Free Mother’s Day Picture in the Children’s department. Cherish and treasure that moment of your mother, as a family or your own picture as a gift to mom. Speer Memorial Library is located at 12th and Kika De La Garza in Mission. All activities are free and the public is invited to attend. For more information contact the children’s department at 956-580-8753.
School. The application for the $1,000 scholarship highlights academic performance, financial need and extra-curricular activities. A one-page essay is also required. Recipients of the 17 Mission Regional Medical Center Scholarships are Jessica A. Soto (Jimmy Carter Early College High School), Roberto D. Blanco (Jimmy Carter Early College High School), Janay L. Rocha (Juan Diego Academy), Myriam A. Ibarra (Juan Diego Academy), Yaletzy Alaniz (Juarez-Lincoln High School), Aurora I. Veliz (Juarez-Lincoln High School), Brittny L. Garcia (La Joya High School),
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Aylin Reta Cordoba (Mission High School), Alejandra E. Lopez (Mission High School), Amanda M. Trevino (Palmview High School), Elias Pulido (Palmview High School), Angela T. Ballesteros (Pioneer High School), Lizette E. Regino (Pioneer High School), Dong Geon Lee (Sharyland High School), Marco A. Sanchez (Sharyland High School), Mikayla A. Martinez (Veterans Memorial High School), and Brandon M. Garza (Veterans Memorial High School). Mission Regional Medical Center congratulates the dedication of these exceptional students and encourages their career in the health care industry.
Pictured in the front row, left to right, are Janay Rocha, Mikayla Martinez, Angela Balleteros, Amanda Trevino, Aylin Reta, Aurora Veliz, and Myriam Ibarra. Back row, left to right, are Tim McVey, Chief Financial Officer; Javier Iruegas, Chief Executive Officer; Elias Pulido; Brittny Garcia; Alejandra Lopez; Lizette Regino; Jessica Soto; Roberto Blanco; Brandon Garza; Carlos Trevino, Chief Operating Officer and Kennetha Foster, Chief Nursing Officer.
UTPA Dance Ensemble presents annual Spring Concert
he University of Texas-Pan American Dance Ensemble will present its annual Spring Dance Concert at the new state-of-the-art UTPA Performing Arts Complex. The concert, whish will run May 1 and May 2 at 7:30 p.m., will include works by guest artists Libby Rhodes, Christy McNeil Chand, and Golden Wright, and pieces by UTPA Dance Ensemble Artistic Directors Min Kim and Dana Shackelford. The concert will also feature performances by senior dance majors Jossue Barajas and Courtney Wantland, whose choreography was featured in this year’s South-Central American College Dance Association regional conference. The UTPA Dance Ensemble Spring Concert promises to be filled with a variety of dance styles as it presents three works by guest choreographers from different universities. Rhodes, from Stephen
F. Austin State University, will present Fiesta, a lively Latin jazz ensemble piece. McNeil Chand, an assistant professor of dance from California Polytechnic State University, pays tribute to the 1920s Charleston dance craze with A Side, B Side. Set to two pieces of music by Parov Stellar, A Side, B Side is an exploration of contemporary and classic jazz movement. The title refers to the fact that the two sections of music and dance are different just like the two sides of a record. Each section is its own experience and can stand-alone, yet go better together. Wright, assistant professor of dance at Lamar University, will present an emotional duet entitled The Next Chapter? This piece examines the dynamics of overcoming challenges and adversities within an intimate relationship. UTPA senior Barajas will present Plains of the Serengeti, an African inspired extension of a historic under-
standing of the genesis of dance movement influenced by primitive tribes that live amongst wild animals in Africa. Wantland, a UTPA senior dance major, will present FIN, which was recently selected to be part of the South-Central American College Dance Association Gala Concert. This is the first time a UTPA student has advanced to the Gala Concert. Wantland was one of only three undergraduate students whose works were selected for the concert. Shackelford, a UTPA Dance faculty member, will choreograph Support Systems, a work set to the music of composer Johann Johannsson. It explores the physical and practical realities of weight sharing and the resulting vulnerabilities that we as humans experience when we “let go” and put our trust in others. Kim, also a UTPA Dance faculty member, will be presenting a contemporary work in progress. Tickets will be available at the door. Ticket prices are $8 for adults and $5 for children and students with ID. For additional information, contact the
Free Society News Announcements
Quinceanera, engagement, wedding, milestone anniversary* and milestone birthday** announcements are run FREE of charge in the Progress Times. The quinceanera, wedding, anniversary and birthday announcements should be submitted no later than two months after the event date. Engagement announcements must be submitted no later than three weeks prior to the wedding date. Quinceanera and milestone birthday photos are upper body, single column of the individual only; no group shots. Engagement, wedding and anniversary photos of the couple are run two columns in size. For questions or to obtain the appropriate form to submit with a photo, send an email to communitynews@ progresstimes.net, call the Progress Times at 585-4893. Please include a contact name and phone number for all inquiries.
Events Calendar
May 3 – Valley Nature Center will host the Tip of Texas Orchid Society meeting at 2 p.m. with special guests that will share the wonderful world of the Philippines and Asian Species Orchids. The Center is located at 301 S. Border Ave. in Weslaco. For more information, call 956212-0032 or 956-969-2475. May 7 – Dine on the Lawn: Taste of Spain will take place at Frontera Auduon at 6 p.m. The flavors of Spain will be met by sounds of Spanish guitars and Flamenco dancers’ rhythmic steps. Tickets are $70. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.fronteraaudubon.org or call 956-968-3275. May 7 – La Plaza Mall will hold n “Indulge: Fashion Show and Fun for Moms” event from 5 to 7 p.m. The evening will provide mother with a much-needed opportunity to treat themselves to a night out and celebrate motherhood through a fun, fashionable shopping experience. Attendees will experience fashion tips, style consultations, beauty services, light bites, product demonstrations, plus event giveaways and other special offer. The event is free and open to women of all ages. For more information, visit www.simon.com/la-plaza-mall. May 9 – Aglow International will hold their monthly meeting at Taco Ole, 2316 N. Conway, from 4 to 6 p.m. This months speaker will be Letty Gutierrez, and evangelist and teacher of the word of God who also ministers in Central and South America. Afternoon snacks will be served. May 9 – The Upper Valley Art League will hold an opening reception for their Annual International Exhibit from 7 to 9 p.m. The event will feature art, sales, and refreshments. It is free and open to the public. UVAL is located at 921 E. 12th St. The exhibit will run through May 9. May 9 – The last spring Edinburg World Birding Center (EWBC) Toddler Play Date is all about dragonflies. Geared for families with children ages 1 to 4, activities include puppet shows, story-telling, puzzle time, free play, coloring, crafts, and guided walks throughout the grounds. It runs 9 to 10:30 a.m. Cost is $2 per toddler with free admission for one guardian. The EWBC is located at 714 S. Raul Longoria Rd. Call 381-9922 for information and to register. May 9 – The last spring Edinburg World Birding Center (EWBC) Toddler Play Date is all about dragonflies. Geared for families with children ages 1 to 4, activities include puppet shows, story-telling, puzzle time, free play, coloring, crafts, and guided walks throughout the grounds. It runs 9 to 10:30 a.m. Cost is $2 per toddler with free admission for one guardian. The EWBC is located at 714 S. Raul Longoria Rd. Call 381-9922 for information and to register. May 16 – “Tales & Myths” at the Edinburg World Birding Center uncovers the truth about the way the world is defined in folk tales. The March topic covers the world of mammals during an indoor presentation and show and tell followed by a story walk on the grounds from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Admission is $3 for adults; $2 for senior citizens, students, and children; and ages 5 and under are free. The EWBC is located at 714 S. Raul Longoria Rd. Call 3819922 for information. To see the complete Events Calendar for the coming weeks, go to www.ptrgv.com.
May 1, 2015
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Agua SUD to interview applicants
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By Julie Silva
Mud Volleyball Fun this weekend
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ission Lions Club, with support of the City of Alton, is hosting the third annual Mud Volleyball Tournament Saturday, May 2 as an “the dirtiest way to have some good, clean fun.” The family activity is a fundraiser for the Lions Club’s charitable projects. Several other non-profits will be selling food and beverages to raise money for their organizations as well. Admission is free, although there is a $1 parking fee, which benefits the Alton Fire Department. The event begins at 9 a.m. and runs all day Saturday as over 40 teams compete for bragging rights as this year’s Mud Volleyball Champions. “The games are great fun to watch, plus there will be
activities for the kids where they can have fun playing in the mud in a designated Kids Zone area. The kids love it!” said Lions Mud Volleyball Chairman Gilbert Sanchez. Over 40 teams have signed up for the event in advance, but as of press time, there is still room for another three or four teams. Registration for teams will be held Friday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at the Mud Volleyball site, located at 4 ¾ Miles N. Conway Ave., Alton. Pre-enrolled teams must check in before the games begin. Team sponsorships cost $300; each team consists of 6 to 10 members, age 16 and over. For more information about team registration, call Gilbert Sanchez at 956-360-6472. Information
is also available on the Facebook page at Mission Lions Mud Volleyball. In addition to the dirtiest games in town, the event will feature music all day, door prizes and lots of food and drinks, including pizza, hamburgers, hot dogs, French fries, fajitas, snow cones, Frito pies, cookies, sausage wraps, popcorn, candy, corn and coco en baso, chicharrones, aguas frescas, soft drinks, Gatorade, lemonade, fruit cups and ice cream. The Mission Lions invite everyone to come out and have a good time Saturday. The fun begins at 9 a.m. in Alton on the east side of Conway Ave. “Mud Volleyball is the dirtiest way to have some good, clean fun for a worthy cause,” said Sanchez.
gua Special Utility District board members are scheduled to select both an executive director and a community outreach coordinator in special meetings this week. The board agreed to interview all three candidates who applied for the executive director position in its Thursday, April 30, meeting. Those applicants were Juan G. Ortiz, Chris E. Garcia and Julio Cerda. The board also selected three of the five applicants for a new community outreach position. Two special meetings were scheduled, one for Thursday, April 30, after the Progress Times press deadline, and Friday, May 1. In March, the board unanimously voted to hire a top executive, essentially demoting District Manager Frank Flores, who was brought on board in 2005 when La Joya Water Supply Corporation was brought under receivership. Several board members cited lack of communication as the reasoning behind the decision. Also at the Thursday meeting, the board discussed communication with the media. Matt Beatty, attorney for Agua SUD said he was asked
by Board President Ricardo Ochoa to look into media policies in other governmental bodies. “What I’ve determined and what I know to be the case is that it’s common and typical for governmental units to have a person that the media requests and requests for statement and what-not are directed to that particular person,” Beatty said.
Ochoa said most school districts have a designated person for the media as does the county and some cities. The board agreed the new community outreach person would be their designee, and in the meantime Ochoa told District Manager Frank Flores to contact Ochoa or board Vice President Everardo Chapa with any media requests.
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Lady Patriots rolling into the playoffs
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By Luciano Guerra fter going 3-3 through the first round of District 31-5A play, the
Lady Patriots softball team looked like they were going nowhere fast. Veterans Memorial head coach Vivian Ray knew that
she had the talent to make a return trip to the playoffs and possibly even exceed last year’s bi-district championship success, but her team
Lady Patriots’ shortstop Isela Rodriguez prepares to throw the ball to first base as the Lady Diamondbacks’ Emily Michki slides into second during the third inning of Veterans Memorial’s 8-1 victory over Pioneer Monday night. Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra
was just not clicking. With teams like the then 6-0 Edinburg Vela Lady Sabercats and the 5-1 Pioneer Lady Diamondbacks atop the district standings, Ray knew that it was do-or-die time for the Lady Patriots even though the season was just halfway through. “Coming into the second round, the girls understood that they couldn’t lose,” Ray said immediately after the Lady Patriots 8-1 win over the Lady Diamondbacks Monday night. “We simply couldn’t take another loss and still have a shot at the playoffs.” Since their rather lethargic first round performance the Lady Patriots have gone 6-0 to end the regular season at 9-3 and clinch the district’s second playoff seed. Among their victims during this hot streak were the Lady Sabercats who, coming into their game against Veterans Memorial, had not lost a game all year long. “When we played Vela in
Lady Patriots, Eagles, Diamondbacks Softball Bi-district Playoff Matchups Pioneer Lady Diamondbacks vs Brownsville Porter (Best of Three) Game #1 - Thursday 4/30 7 p.m.at Porter Game #2 - Friday 5/1 7 p.m.at Pioneer Game #3 (if necessary) - Saturday 5/2 5 p.m. at Porter VMHS Lady Patriots vs PSJA (Best of Three) Game #1 - Friday 5/1 7 p.m. at PSJA Game #2 - Saturday 5/2 4 p.m. at VMHS Game #3 (if necessary) - 30 Minutes After Game #2 at VMHS MHS Lady Eagles vs Laredo LBJ (One Game Playoff) Friday 5/1 7 p.m. at Mission High the first round it was a fantastic game,” explained Ray. “It came down to the last inning, but the ball fell in Vela’s favor. But that’s the name of the game. Somebody has to be a winner and somebody has to be a loser. But when it came to our second round game against them we knew what we needed to do because we couldn’t afford a loss.” Veterans Memorial defeated Vela 5-3 in that second
round game that was originally scheduled to be their district finale. However, a rainout of their April 14 game against the Lady Diamondbacks resulted in a make-up game Monday night. In that game, played on the Lady Diamondbacks’ home field, Veterans Memorial scored two runs in the top of the third and six in the sixth to
See SOFTBALL 10
Rattlers’ tennis duo state-bound
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By Luciano Guerra here won’t be stands full of cheering fans, cheerleaders on the sidelines or marching bands performing between sets the next time Sharyland’s Sebastian Arizola and Carlos Ramones step onto the court but maybe there should be. That’s because while their sport-of-choice may not be as popular a spectator sport as other high school sports are, the tennis-playing duo has already exceeded anything the local football, basketball, volleyball and soccer teams accomplished this year and as a result of their recent regional tournament success they’re just three wins away from a state championship.
How much of an accomplishment is it for Arizola and Ramones to be making the trip to College Station for the University Interscholastic League’s (UIL’s) state tournament later this month? As Sharyland High boys’ tennis coach Mike Salinas explained it’s been six years since a Sharyland High tennis player has qualified for the state tournament. “In 1999 we had a boys’ single player named Matthew Toney make it to the state semifinals,” explained Salinas. “Then in 2008 we had a boys’ doubles team of Nathan Alhalel and Cristobal Ramirez qualify for state and in 2009 Nathan and Lila Martinez made it to the state semifinals as a mixed doubles
team.” Salinas went on to explain how Arizola and Ramones have gelled together in this their second year as a team. “When we first put Carlos and Sebastian together as a team it was a work in progress,” Salinas said. “They were both really good singles players but playing doubles is a different mentality and there are different strategies involved. To be successful at doubles tennis you have to be very efficient in what you do and you have to be able to get up to the net and cut off angles so that was what we worked on the first year.” “Within that year they grew a lot and I think that this year is when they’ve made the biggest jump as they’ve
become more aggressive when it comes to attacking the net and setting up strategies to attack the net,” added Salinas. Over the 19 years that Salinas has been coaching tennis at Sharyland the Rattlers have won 16 district championships. That tradition is something that Arizola is proud to continue. “We won the district championship by winning all five of our matches,” explained Arizola. “We then qualified for regionals where we won four of our five matches to place second. That is how we qualified for state because the top two teams from each region qualify.”
See TENNIS DUO 10
Carlos Ramones (left) and Sebastian Arizola
May 1, 2015
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obituaries
Geronimo Lopez LTON - Geronimo Lopez, 94, passed away Friday, April 24, 2015 at home in Alton. Geronimo was born May 29, 1920 in Mission, Texas. He is the son of the late Francisco and the late Victoria (Villarreal) Lopez. He is survived by his sons, Miguel Lopez of Mission, Francisco Lopez of Rockport, Geronimo Lopez, Jr. of Rockport and Jose Candelario Lopez of Mission; daughters, Yolanda Salazar of Cleveland, Olivia Peña of Mission, Ernestina Santoyo of Mission and Dominga Rivera of Dallas; one brother, Leonel Lopez of Weslaco; 30 grandchildren, and 39 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife, Lydia Villarreal Lopez; daughters, Rebecca Lopez and Juanita Mora; son; Victor Lopez; a grandson, Luis Lopez; and a granddaughter, Jessica Rubi Peña. A mass was held Monday, April 27 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in
Notices
Eloy Chiu MISSION - Eloy Chiu, 56, died Sunday, April 26, 2015, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Angelita V. Crosby MISSION - Angelita V. Crosby, 86, died Saturday, April 25, 2015 at Cima Hospice in McAllen. Feve Colunga MISSION - Funeral services for Feve Colunga, 88, were held Monday, April 27 at Ric Brown Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mission. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery in McAllen. Alberto Munoz Flores MISSION – A funeral service for Alberto Munoz Flores was held Tuesday, April 28 at Aurora Funeral Home, Chapel of Peace in Pharr. Burial followed at La Piedad Cemetery in McAllen. Monique Gomez MISSION - Monique Gomez, 20, died Friday, April 24, 2015 in Mission.
Mission. Interment followed at Valley Memorial Gardens in Mission. Enrique Noyola Sr. ISSION - Enrique Noyola Sr., 56, passed away Thursday, April 24, 2015 at his residence in Mission surrounded by his family. He was born in Mission on July 4, 1958. He is survived by his wife, Raquel P. Noyola; his children, Enrique Noyola Jr., Elvia Noyola, Joanna L. Perez, Adriana Santana, Roel Ramirez, and Juan Manuel Luna; and his siblings, Eugenio Noyola Jr., Miguel Noyola, Bartolita N. Torres, Petra N. Guajardo, Lupita R. Guzman, Elvia N. Cantu, and Dalia N. Rios. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugenio Noyola Sr. and Olivia A. Noyola; and his brother, Alejandro Noyola. Chapel services were held Monday, April 27 at Flores Funeral Home in Mission. Interment followed at San Jose Cemetery in Abram, Texas.
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Maria Magdalena Guerrero MISSION - Maria G. Guerrero, 91, died Wednesday, April 22, 2015, at Selah Hospice Care in Weslaco. Chapel services for Maria Magdalena Guerrero were held Monday, April 27 at Virgil Wilson Memorial Chapel in Mission. Burial followed at Laurel Hill Cemetery. Jose Guadalupe Lara MISSION – A funeral mass for Jose Guadalupe Lara was held Monday, April 27 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Penitas. Burial followed at Lord & I Cemetery in Palmview. Eulalio Rodriguez MISSION - Eulalio Rodriguez, 84, died Friday, April 24, 2015. Raul Salinas SULLIVAN CITY - Services for Raul Salinas were held Friday, April 24 at The Lord and I Memorial Chapel in Penitas. Burial followed at Garden of Angels Cemetery in Mission.
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Angelita Villarreal ISSION - Angelita Villarreal, 86, passed away on Saturday, April 25, 2015 at her residence in Mission. She was born to Gabino and Florencia Villarreal on October 2, 1928 in El Azucar, Cd. Camargo, Tamaulipas. She is survived be her children, Linda Lopez of Hidalgo, Ignacia Contreras of Mission, Eliza Marshall of Houston, and Juan Alberto Rodriguez of Houston; siblings, Santos Villarreal, Enriqueta V. Rodriguez and Francisco Villarreal; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents and Efrain Rodriguez. A funeral mass was held Tuesday, April 28 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Mission. Interment followed to Valley Memorial Gardens in Mission. Obituaries can be found online and are updated as they are received. Visit www. progresstimes.net to stay current with obituaries and other news that matters to you.
Concepcion G. Sanchez LA JOYA – A funeral mass for Concepcion G. Sanchez was held Friday, April 24 at Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church in La Joya. Burial followed at Lord and I Cemetery in Palmview. Dessie Schaffer MISSION - Dessie Schaffer, 86, died Monday, April 27, 2015, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Juan Martin Segovia MISSION – A funeral mass for Juan Martin Segovia was held Wednesday, April 29 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Cremation followed. Juan Serrato MISSION - Juan Serrato, 57, died Wednesday, April 22, 2015, at McAllen Medical Center. Ricardo Javier Zamora LA JOYA – A funeral mass for Ricardo Javier Zamora was held Friday, April 24, 2015, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Mission.
Buckner invites the community to partner in 30 Days of Prayer for Foster Care
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ith more than 31,000 children in foster care in Texas, Buckner Children and Family Services is inviting the Valley community to participate in 30 Days of Prayer for Foster Care during National Foster Care Month. Buckner encourages those interested in participating to visit beafamily.com/30daysofprayer/ where individuals can sign up to receive free daily devotional emails from
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rmy Spc. Ashlee Martinez has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, SC. During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed
RODGERS
Rodgers became a Mission school board member in 2014. Lending a helping hand has always been important to her, she said, and it’s a trait that makes her memorable in the MCISD community. Former MHS principal Gus Zapata supervised Rodgers from 1973 to 1996. In that time, he saw her give hours of her time to students during the week, after school and on weekends. He described her as dedicated and enthusiastic. “She was the type that taught students the skills in cosmetology but also family,” Zapata said. “She was like a second mother to many of the students that attended her classes. I know she made a difference in the lives of many, many students.” Craig Verley, an MCISD employee since 1998, has known Rodgers in both the teacher and board roles. He
CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD 4501 N. McColl. - McAllen CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS 29th & Dove - McAllen 618-0884 CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS Missonaries • 580-2570 CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CHURCH 911 N. Main - McAllen 686-4241 CONWAY AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH 1 Mi. N. Conway • 585-2413 EL FARO BIBLE CHURCH 15 miles W. of Mission on Exp. 83 Sullivan City, TX • 585-5617 EL MESIAS UNITED METHODIST 209 E. 6th • 585-2334 FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH 3 miles N. Shary Rd. • 581-1465 FAITH FELLOWSHIP BIBLE CHURCH 1 mile N. Exp. 83 on Tom Gill Rd. 519-6311 FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 1300 Doherty • 585-1442 FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH 12th and Miller - Mission 585-7281 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 1102 Ash St. • 585-4829 for worship schedule. FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 1101 Doherty • 585-1665
NORTH PALMVIEW APOSTOLIC CHURCH 7612 W. 6 Mile Ln. Mission • 735-2569
ROAD TO SALVATION ASSEMBLY OF GOD 239 W. 2nd St. - La Joya 1312 Oblate • 585-3261
OUR LADY QUEEN OF ANGELS One-half mile South Leo Avenue La Joya • 585-5223
SAN CRISTOBAL MAGALLANES & COMPANIONS PARISH
3805 Plantation Grove Blvd., Ste. 5
OUR LADY OF FATIMA CHURCH 6634 El Camino Real • Granjeno 279-4159
SAN MARTIN DE PORRES 5 mi. N. Conway, 1/2 Mile West Alton • 585-8001 & 585-8002
IGLESIA BAUTISTA BETANIA 851 S. Breyfogle Rd. • 585-5688
OUR LADY OF LOURDES CHURCH 2.5 miles S. Conway (FM 1016) Mission • 279-4159
ST. JOHN OF THE FIELDS CATHOLIC CHURCH 1052 Washington Ave. • 585-2325
IGLESIA BAUTISTA CRISTO EL REY 1600 E. Bus. 83 - Mission
OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE CATHOLIC CHURCH 620 Dunlap • 585-2623
IGLESIA BAUTISTA COLONIAL 3713 N. La Homa Rd. • 585-5332
OUR LADY OF THE HOLY ROSARY CHURCH 923 Matamoros St. • 581-2193
ST. PETER & ST. PAUL EPISCOPAL CHURCH 2310 N. Stewart Rd. 585-5005
IGLESIA BAUTISTA DEL VALLE 217 W. Mile 3 Rd. • 424-1602 Palmhurst
PALM VALLEY CHURCH 1720 E. Griffin Pkwy. 585-3203
SHINING LIGHT BAPTIST CHURCH 6 1/8 N. Doffing Rd. (FM 492) 580-4078
FREEDOM LIFE CHURCH 2214 W. Griffin Pkwy. • 519-7000 Mission GRACIA DIVINA MINISTRY 4122 N. Conway • 584-3112 GREAT OAKS COMMUNITY CHURCH 2722 N. Conway • 451-5500 Mission IGLESIA ADVENTISTA DEL SEPTIMO DIA 1725 W. Griffin Parkway 581-9008
IGLESIA DEL PUEBLO 7500 West Expressway 83 581-1900 IGLESIA DEL DIVINO REDENTOR 1020 North Los Ebanos Rd 585-5898
PEÑITAS BAPTIST CHURCH 1/3 Mile S. of Exp.83 on FM 1427 583-6236 PRIMERA BAPTIST CHURCH Corner of 6th & Oblate 585-4711
LA RESPUESTA CHURCH 405 W. 12th Street • 585-0787
PRIMERA IGLESIA DEL VALLE APOSTOLIC ASSEMBLY 210 St. Marie. • 585-8651
MISSION CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE 1 mi. E. 495 • 585-6683
PROMISE LAND CHURCH 2300 E. Palm Circle (Corner of 495) Mission, TX 78572 • 624-9307
NEW HOPE AT THE BORDER 905 N. Conway • 585-4122
RIVER OF LIFE CHURCH 901 S. Shary Rd. (Located in the Holiday Inn Express Conference Room) 451-4838
NORTH MISSION CHURCH OF CHRIST 1410 E. 3 Mile Line • 585-0146
Mission • 580-4551
ST. PAUL'S CATHOLIC CHURCH 1119 Francisco • 585-2701
TEMPLO BIBLICO 5 Mile/Conway • 581-4981 or 585-3831 TEMPLO EVANGELICO, M.B. CHURCH La Joya THE DOOR CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
810 E. Veterans & La Homa Suite F.
Palmview Crossing Plaza 212-1594/424-1984
TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH 3701W. 3 Mile Line • 585-3261 WEST MISSION LUTHERAN FELLOWSHIP Pleasant Valley Ranch 7320 W. Exp. 83 • Mission 583-7667 VALLEY FELLOWSHIP 1708 E. Griffin Parkway Mission • 424-7200
MISSION AUTO ELECTRIC, INC. DBA
ER MAE EPQOU IW PMENT
Commercial Lawn Equipment “Since 1954”
915 West Bus. 83 • Mission, tX 78572 • (956) 581-7433
KING, GUERRA, DAVIS & GARCIA
ATTORNEYS AT LAW DAVID H. GUERRA NEAL KING (retired) DARRELL DAVIS ESMERALDA GARCIA (retired) 301 E. Tom Landry • Mission • 585-1622
May 1 – May 31. Through following the daily devotionals, readers will be encouraged and challenged to reflect on God’s word as it relates to foster care and adoption. Each daily email will also include a prayer guide to help the reader pray for children in need of a family. The daily devotionals are written by foster and adoptive parents along with Buckner staff who minister to orphans and vulnera-
Martinez graduates from basic
ChurCh DireCtory BREAD OF LIFE CHURCH 2820 N. Conway Ave. • 581-1411
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IMPLEMENT COMPANY, INC. MISSION 585-1618
and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field training exercises. Martinez is the daughter of Abel and Sandra Martinez of Mission. She is a 2005 graduate of Veterans Memorial High School, Mission. She earned a master's degree in 2012 from the University of Texas-Pan American. said it’s been interesting to see Rodgers make the transition because of the disparities in the roles, but she continues to have the students at heart. Verley’s relationship with Rodgers, although professional, has always involved light jabs and jokes. They hit it off from the first minute, he said. “She is a very fun person to be around from where I sit,” Verley said. “She’s one of those individuals where she and I just instantly started picking on each other in a very fun way. You can get a whole lot done but still have some fun doing it.” Rodgers admitted that her Lifetime Achievement award still seems unreal, but she remains thankful for the highest SkillsUSA honor. She’s
ble children on a daily basis. “There are countless misconceptions surrounding foster care and the children in care,” said Cara Jane Brister, marketing coordinator for Buckner foster care and adoption. “While foster care isn’t for everyone, there are many great potential foster parents who simply need to hear truth about foster care and how they can meet an incredible need. Children are in foster care by no fault of their own - they are victims of abuse and neglect. They are children who need to know the love of a family.” About Buckner Children and Family Services: For more than 136 years, Buckner Children and Family Services has been transforming lives through handson ministry, serving the most vulnerable from the beginning to the ending of life. Buckner is one of the oldest and most unique faith-based social service organizations of its kind, serving people each year in the United States and worldwide. from pg 1
stood on the stage to present others with awards, but on June 23 she’ll be on the receiving end. “How many people at 72 years old, get up every morning and go? I take a nighttime aspirin – that’s it,” she said knocking on the wooden table. “I’ve been truly blessed. My sister-in-law says ‘Slow down. You’re walking too fast.’ But that’s how I’ve done it all my life.”
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HORSE SENSE
the city of Mission to have it dumped in the city landfill. “Horse patrol is the heritage. It’s the history. It’s how Border Patrol started,” Garcia said. “We’ve evolved. We have a lot of technology, a lot of good equipment, a lot of infrastructure in place. However, we’ve learned that horses, especially these mustangs because of the fact that they were wild mustangs, they have a sense of survival already built in.” The animals start out as wild mustangs, rounded up and given preliminary training by prisoners in Kansas City, Missouri. Then, Border Patrol selects the horses they believe have “the heart to come out here and take care of our agents,” Garcia said.
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The mustangs have spent their first few years in the wild, and because of that, they’re constantly alert, Garcia said. He’s noticed they’ll breathe deeper and their ears will tune into people hiding in the brush before Border Patrol technology even picks up on it. The agents go through four weeks of training, and Garcia said it’s extensive. Border Patrol aims to put the best riders in the field because what they’re doing is dangerous, he said. “We are literally a mile from the river in one of the busiest zones in the nation,” Garcia said. “From here, the agents deploy immediately to where the threat is at.”
May 1, 2015
In other action, the council approved Resolution No. 1399 for expansion of the Hike and Bike Trail by 2.8 miles. The new expansion will pick up the trail where it ends near Bentsen Palm Road and loop it around the north side of the Rhodes Developments and take it back to Inspiration Road and back down to the trail to create a loop that will provide additional area for those who enjoy riding the trail. The council also heard a rezoning request to zone a long narrow lot on Shary Road near 20th Street that measures 80 feet by 544 feet as C-3 (heavy commercial zoning). The request was denied at the Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) because the site is completely surrounded by single-family residential lots. Mayor Beto Salinas asked the council what the property owner was supposed to do with the land if it was not zoned commercial. The property developer
suggested if a C-3 zoning were not acceptable, a C-2 for office use would be acceptable. Planning Director Danny Tijerina said a C-2 use was not on the agenda and could not be voted on, so the item was remanded to the P&Z for further consideration. Seven housing reconstructions were approved by council at the request of Jo Anne Longoria, director of Community Development Block Grant Funds. Three of the reconstructions were awarded to A-One Insulation in the amount of $152,700 and four were awarded to G&G Construction in the amount of $202,520. At the request of Fire Chief Rene Lopez a contract for repair of fire department uniforms was approved with G&K Services at a rate of $25,000 per year. Lopez stated uniforms often get torn in the line of duty and the average bill for repairs is between $380 and $500 a week. The council agreed two write off uncollectible utility bills in the amount of $167,269 for water, $107,390
for sewer and $91,997 for garbage for a total of $366,658. Also, the council approved payment of $672,857 toward funding of a future medical school in conjunction with the University of Texas system and approved the first payment of $250,000 from Mission Economic Development Association funds. Under the Safe Route to School Program, Mission will do about $150,000 in sidewalk improvements at five local school campuses. Schools to receive the improvements are Bryan Elementary O’Grady Elementary, Escobar-Rios Elementary, Leal Elementary and Pearson Elementary. At the request of Police Chief Robert Dominguez, the council agave final approval of the improvements made at the Mission Public Safety Jail Facility. Joe Williamson Construction did the repairs and construction. According to Dominguez, the interior walls had to be broken and reconstructed so that mortar was placed between the walls. Dominguez also said the
defeat Pioneer, 8-1. With that victory the 9-3 Lady Patriots clinched second place in district while the 8-4 Lady Diamondbacks fell to third. The final two runs of the Lady Patriots’ six-run sixth inning Monday night came as a result of a two-out homerun over the left field fence by junior shortstop Isela Rodriguez. “This was my third homerun of the season, but it was my first in district play,” shared Rodriguez. “I felt that it was a big hit when it came
off my bat but it wasn’t until after I turned at first base and I saw it going over the fence that I realized it was a homerun. We had two outs at the time and I knew that the team was depending on me to do well so it was a big hit.” On the mound for the Lady Patriots against Pioneer was senior Alysson Moreno, who has pitched every game for Veterans Memorial since her freshman year and could possibly have to pitch three games this weekend in their best-of-three bi-district play-
off series against the PSJA Lady Bears. When asked about the wins over Vela and Pioneer, Moreno said, “We knew we had to win our last three games because we were in fourth place and time was running out. They were must-win games in order for us to move up and now here we are in second place. Now we’re hoping to accomplish more this year than we did last and make school history once again.”
As a senior this was Ramones’ final shot at the state tournament – a goal he has been striving for since he was a freshman. “We should’ve gone to
state last year but we played a bad match in the second round,” Ramones said. “Now that I’m going to be in it I’m looking forward to seeing the new competition In what is now his sixth year of playing tennis competitively, Ramones explained why he took it up as a sport in the first place when he said, “I just didn’t want to go to my football tryouts so I tried out for tennis instead.” No matter the reason he took up the sport to begin
with Ramones went on to explain how he is hoping to continue playing tennis at the collegiate level next year and how he has already been talking to coaches about turning that possibility into a reality, The UIL’s state tennis tournament will be taking place Tuesday and Wednesday May 12 and 13 at the Mitchell Tennis Center and Omar Smith Instructional Tennis Courts at Texas A&M University.
MISSION from pg 5
SOFTBALL
TENNIS DUO
from pg 8
from pg 8
rebuilding of the roof was still underway. It had to be done because of the number of leaks in the roof that were a danger to the computer systems should they get wet. He expected the project to be completed in four to eight weeks. The police department was given permission to upgrade computers to meet higher standards required for new U.S. Communications technology. The $67,350 cost of the upgrades will come from the Federal Drug Forfeiture Account. In a related item, the city received a $4,000 grant for the annual Click It or Ticket program designed to encourage use of seatbelts for safety. Under board appointments, Brad Bentsen was appointed to the Parks and Recreation Board. Cipriano Saenz and Humberto Garza were appointed to the Youth Advocacy Advisory Board. Bids for right-of-way improvements for Arnulfo “Tatan” Rodriguez Park were approved. Improvements to be done include sidewalks and a handicapped ramp along with decorative lighting so the park will blend with the new improvements in the downtown area.
MENDOZA from pg 3
the political cloud of La Joya ISD. Peñitas must be left to run on its own without the claws from other surrounding cities. Bidding contracts for constructions should be given to the lowest bidder -not to the highest like the current city administration has been doing. Doing the wrong thing like giving it to the highest bidder is what has placed Peñitas in a hole! When new agendas are voted on are considered, passing out fliers or mailing them will allow the people of Peñitas to be up to par in what is happening or what new visions are about to take place or coming. People need to know and be kept abreast of what the candidates they chose as their leaders are doing as this will enable them to have knowledge of what's happening and what their vote has done or not done.
theclassifieds May 1, 2015
Personal classified rate: $7 for 15 words
25¢ each additional word thereafter
Business classified rate: $15 for 15 words
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25¢ each additional word thereafter
this page is your oyster opening up to a world of opportunity
garagesale
SATURDAY, MAY 2ND 8am-1pm, 2705 Norma Dr. Mission, Tx. SATURDAY ONLY MAY 2nd, garage sale 1116 Fortuna Mission, clothes,
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furniture, misc., 8am-12pm. GARAGE SALE, SATURDAY May 2nd, Aladdin Villas 1614 Aries, 8am to 12pm, clothes, plants, porcelain dolls, misc.
services
NEED A MAID? Cleaning and cooking services - bilingual - affordable rates. Call Carolina 956-827-1853 or 956-683-6243.
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Send us your classified today! Bring it in: Fax it in:
up to 15 words
585-2304
1217 N Conway
Submit online:
www.progresstimes.net
Or Scan This Code With Your Smartphone PUBLIC NOTICE
The Mission Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a Regular Meeting on May 13, 2015 at 5:00 p.m. at the City Hall Council Chambers, 1201 East 8th Street, Mission, Texas in order to consider the following: Rezoning: 0.38 acres out of Lot 184, John H. Shary Subdivision, from (C-3) General Business to (R-3) MultiFamily Residential; Rezoning: 1.00 acre out of Lot 235, John H. Shary Subdivision, from (R-1) Single Family Residential to (C-2) Neighborhood Commercial; and Rezoning: Lot 20, Villa Capri Subdivision, from (C-1) Office Building to (C-3) General Business
EscalEra WrEckEr Inc. 1515 W. 3 MIlE rd. MIssIon, TExas 78573 (956) 585-8245 Fax: 581-6668 Tdlr VsF lIc. no. 0548371
YEAR 2005 1999 2007
MAKE DODGE CATERPILLAR CHEVY
YEAR MAKE 1998
TOYOTA
Howard R. Levine, Chairman, CEO and Director Jason Reiser, Executive VP - Chief Merchandising Officer Barry W. Sullivan, Executive VP - Store Operations Mary A. Winston, Executive VP - Chief Financial Officer Robert L. Rogers, Senior VP - Real Estate James C. Snyder Jr., Senior VP - General Counsel and Secretary Bryan E. Venberg, Senior VP - Human Resources Jonathan E. Broz, VP - Assistant General Counsel and Assistant Secretary Erik D. Gast, VP – Finance and Treasurer Jose M. Luis, VP - Real Estate Development Thomas E. Schoenheit, VP - Assistant General Counsel and Assistant Secretary Family Dollar Holdings, Inc., Managing Member (officers are same as listed above)
ORDINANCE NO. 4213 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS AMENDING ORDINANCE NO.780 DESIGNATING PLACES WHERE BEER AND OTHER ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES MAY BE SOLD WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF MISSION TO INCLUDE THE PREMISES LOCATED AT 600 N. SHARY ROAD, SUITE D, LOT 1, ESDRAS VEGA SUBDIVISION, C-3 READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 27TH DAY OF APRIL, 2015. Norberto Salinas, Mayor ATTEST: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary
BALANCE $455.00 $5,092.00 $739.00
MODEL
AVALON
VIN#
4T1BF18B2WU274591
BALANCE
$1,400.00
TOTAL CHARGES CANNOT BE COMPUTED UNTIL VEHICLE IS CLAIMED. STORAGE CHARGES WILL ACCRUE DAILY UNTIL VEHICLE IS RELEASED.
Officers of said Limited Liability Company are:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXASGRANTING A REZONING LOT 24, BLOCK 2, ERDAHL SUBDIVISION, FROM R-1 (SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL) TO C-3 (GENERAL BUSINESS) READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 27TH DAY OF APRIL, 2015. Norberto Salinas, Mayor ATTEST: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary
VIN# 1B3EL46X25N626699 1TR01285 3GNFK12377G251161
2ND NOTICE
Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for Wine and Beer Retailer’s Off-Premise Permits by Family Dollar Stores of Texas LLC d/b/a Family Dollar Store #5904 located at 900 W Expressway 83, Sullivan City, Hidalgo County, Texas 78595
ORDINANCE NO. 4210
MODEL STRATUS 438C AVALANCHE
PURSUANT TO THE PROVISION CONTAINED IN RULE 85.704. SUBCHAPTER D, FROM CHAPTER 85, PART 4 OF TITLE 16 IN THE TEXAS ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, WE ARE OFFICIALLY NOTIFYING YOU THAT THE BELOW DESCRIBED MOTOR VEHICLE(S) HELD IN OUR CUSTODY ARE TO BE PICKED UP, REMOVED AND ALL CHARGES PAID WITHIN (30) DAYS. FAILURE OF THE OWNER OR LIENHOLDER TO CLAIM VEHICLE(S) BEFORE THE DATE OF SALE IS A WAIVER OF ALL RIGHT, TITLE, AND INTEREST OF VEHICLE(S) AND ALSO A CONSENT TO THE SALE OF THE VEHICLE IN PUBLIC SALE ACCORDING TO TEXAS LAW.
Company Name: Family Dollar Stores, Inc. Billing Address: P.O. Box 1017, Attn: Tax and Licensing Department, Charlotte, NC 28201-1017
Sale to be held at: Bond & Bond Auctioneers 1-1/2 Mi. N. Cesar Chavez Road San Juan, Texas On Saturday, May 2, 2015, at 10 AM. No minimum and no reserve.
MIssIon ToWIng Inc. 1515 W. 3 MIlE rd. MIssIon, TExas 78573 (956) 585-8245 • Fax: 581-6668 Tdlr VsF lIc. no. 0551944
TOTAL CHARGES CANNOT BE COMPUTED UNTIL VEHICLE IS CLAIMED. STORAGE CHARGES WILL ACCRUE DAILY UNTIL VEHICLE IS RELEASED.
LEGAL NOTICE
Consisting of Electronic assembly machinery, Conveyor equipment, Shelving
956 ToWIng & rEcoVEry llc 1515 W. 3 MIlE rd. MIssIon, TExas 78573 (956) 585-8245 • Fax 581-6668 Tdlr VsF lIc. no. 0640957
PURSUANT TO THE PROVISION CONTAINED IN RULE 85.703. SUBCHAPTER F, FROM CHAPTER 85, PART 4 OF TITLE 16 IN THE TEXAS ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, WE ARE OFFICIALLY NOTIFYING YOU THAT THE BELOW DESCRIBED MOTOR VEHICLES HELD IN OUR CUSTODY ARE TO BE PICKED UP, REMOVED AND ALL CHARGES PAID WITHIN (45) DAYS OR THESE VEHICLES WILL BE DECLARED ABANDONED ACCORDING TO TEXAS LAW.
If a zoning is amended during the public hearing, it shall be pursuant to the City of Mission’s Amendatory Zone Policy Statement. Anyone interested is invited to attend. Anna Carrillo, City Secretary
CAIN CUSTOMS BROKERS, INC. NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE ABANDONED MERCHANDISE
Make it happen, we’re located at 1217 N. Conway in Mission, TX Come on in! Our hours of operation are Mon. - Fri. 8 - 5 p.m. If you can’t drop by, mail it! P.O. Box 399, Mission, TX 78573 Order by phone 585-4893 with a major credit card. The deadline to get your classified in is Tuesday at 3 p.m.
ORDINANCE NO. 4211 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR THE SALE & ON-SITE CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES – GREENS & LEMONS RESTAURANT, 2707 E. GRIFFIN PARKWAY, LOT 11, ADAMS CROSSING SUBDIVISION READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 27TH DAY OF APRIL, 2015. Norberto Salinas, Mayor ATTEST: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR AN AIR QUALITY STANDARD PERMIT FOR PERMANENT ROCK AND CONCRETE CRUSHERS PROPOSED AIR QUALITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 131871 APPLICATION. Superior Asphalt, Inc., P.O. Box 720099, Byram, Mississippi 39272-0099 has applied to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for an Air Quality Standard Permit, Registration Number 131871, which would authorize construction of a permanent rock crusher. The facility is proposed to be located approximately 0.4 miles northeast of the intersection of Tablero Road and El Faro Road, Sullivan City, Hidalgo County, Texas 78595. This application is being processed in an expedited manner, as allowed by the commission’s rules in 30 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 101, Subchapter J. This link to an electronic map of the site or facility’s general location is provided as a public courtesy and not part of the application or notice. For exact location, refer to application. http://www.tceq.texas.gov/assets/public/hb610/index.html?lat=26.2938&lng=98.5425&zoom=13&type=r. This application was submitted to the TCEQ on April 15, 2015. The executive director has determined the application was technically complete on April 22, 2015. PUBLIC COMMENT. Written public comments about this application may be submitted at any time during the public comment period. You may submit public comments either in writing to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Office of the Chief Clerk, MC-105, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas 78711-3087, or electronically at www.tceq.texas.gov/about/comments.html. If you choose to communicate with the TCEQ electronically, please be aware that your email address, like your physical mailing address, will become part of the agency’s public record. The deadline to submit public comments is 30 days after newspaper notice is published. RESPONSE TO COMMENTS. A written response to all relevant comments will be prepared by the executive director after the comment period closes. The response, along with the executive director’s decision on the application, will be mailed to everyone who submitted public comments and requested to be added to the mailing list. The response to comments will be posted in the permit file for viewing. The executive director shall approve or deny the application not later than 30 days after the end of the public comment period, considering all comments received within the comment period, and base this decision on whether the application meets the requirements of the standard permit. CENTRAL/REGIONAL OFFICE. The application will be available for viewing and copying at the TCEQ Central Office and the TCEQ Harlingen Regional Office, located at 1804 W Jefferson Ave, Harlingen, Texas 78550-5247, during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, beginning the first day of publication of this notice. INFORMATION. For more information about this permit application or the permitting process, please call the Public Education Program toll free at 1-800-6874040. Si desea información en Español, puede llamar al 1 800-687-4040. Further information may also be obtained from Superior Asphalt, Inc., P.O. Box 720099, Byram, Mississippi 39272-0099, or by calling Ms. Andrea Kidd, Environmental Specialist, Westward Environmental, Inc. at (830) 249-8284. Notice Issuance Date: April 22, 2015
ORDINANCE NO. 4212
ORDINANCE NO. 4209
ORDINANCE NO. 4217
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR THE SALE & ON-SITE CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES – MARISCOS LA CHIVIS, 600 N. SHARY ROAD, SUITE D, LOT 1, ESDRAS VEGA SUBDIVISION READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 27TH DAY OF APRIL, 2015. Norberto Salinas, Mayor ATTEST: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A REZONING LOTS 1-3, BORIQUEN SUBDIVISION, FROM R-1 (SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL) TO C-1 (OFFICE BUILDING) READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 27TH DAY OF APRIL, 2015. Norberto Salinas, Mayor ATTEST: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT RENEWAL FOR IN & OUT DRIVE-THRU CONVENIENCE STORE, 1401 N. CONWAY AVENUE, LOTS 7 & 8, BLOCK 230, MISSION ORIGINAL TOWNSITE SUBDIVISION READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 27TH DAY OF APRIL, 2015. Norberto Salinas, Mayor ATTEST: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary
ORDINANCE NO. 4215
ORDINANCE NO. 4216
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXASGRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT RENEWAL FOR A TEMPORARY MOBILE HOME FOR HEALTH CARE OF PARENTS, 909 S. STEWART ROAD, W. 300.31’ – N. 145.05’ OF LOT 1, SAN JOSE SUBDIVISION READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 27TH DAY OF APRIL, 2015. Norberto Salinas, Mayor ATTEST: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT RENEWAL FOR A HOME OCCUPATION – ONE CHAIR BEAUTY SALON, 508 LOS EBANOS ROAD, .29 ACRE TRACT OF LAND OUT OF LOT 19-3, WEST ADDITION TO SHARYLAND SUBDIVISION READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 27TH DAY OF APRIL, 2015. Norberto Salinas, Mayor ATTEST: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary
ORDINANCE NO. 4214 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT RENEWAL TO HAVE A GUEST HOUSE, 2709 E. MILE 2 ROAD, 11.04 ACRES OUT OF LOT 296, JOHN H. SHARY SUBDIVISION READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 27TH DAY OF APRIL, 2015. Norberto Salinas, Mayor ATTEST: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary
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May 1, 2015
02
Progress Times 2015 Mother’s
Garden inspired
gifts for Mom I
f you’re struggling to find the perfect gift for a mom who has it all, or just the right way to express your love and appreciation, this Mother’s Day you can give a gift that keeps on growing with items inspired by the garden. There’s no better way to show mom how much you care than by taking the time to create a DIY gift from the heart. Score extra points with a gift that helps her unwind by promoting calm, unplugged and peaceful serenity - a key trend in crafting for 2015. From pots and planters to floral patterned handbags and trinkets, the options are endless when you’re looking for project ideas that bring the soothing elements of nature indoors. One great option, as functional as it is stylish, is the Mini Indoor Garden created by the crafting experts at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores. Pretty vases made from wine bottles instantly
add an herbal touch to mom’s kitchen, or seal the bottoms and fill the vases with her favorite flowers for a bright and beautiful accent in any room. Find this and more garden-inspired DIY gift ideas for mom at www.joann. com. Mini Indoor Garden Crafting time: 3-5 hours Skill level: Some experience necessary Supplies and Tools: Pencil Spray paint 2 wine bottles Ruler Wooden CD storage crate Marker Jig saw G2 bottle cutter Safety glasses Floral moss Surface cover Artificial herbs see INDOOR GARDEN pg. 07
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621 E. Griffin Parkway MISSION
956•519•0339 We have Mother’s Day Specials www.serenityflowersandgifts.com
Show Mom how much you care with our premium floral arrangement. Artfully designed using the finest, freshest blooms, our bouquets will last beautifully long after Mother’s Day.
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Mother’s Day
KITCHEN
TRADITIONS
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here’s no better place than the kitchen to honor your special bond with a woman who has taught you all you know about cooking and baking. Whether she’s your mom, or a woman who has been like a mom in your life, Mother’s Day is the perfect time to create kitchen traditions you can cherish together year after year. A decadent recipe you can prepare together and enjoy warm out of the oven is an ideal choice. As you wait for the dough to rise in these homemade cinnamon rolls, you’ll have plenty of time to catch up and reminisce over shared memories of your childhood and beyond. Remember, the best results in baking come from top quality ingredients. The secret to the melt-in-your-mouth flavor of these rolls is the vanilla. Wilton Pure Vanilla Extract, made with the world’s finest vanilla from Madagascar, lends
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Progress Times 2015 Mother’s
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unmatched flavor and aroma to enhance or rolls, stir together warm cakes, puddings, pie fillings, custards, salmilk, yeast and 1 tablead dressings and more. spoon sugar in large bowl. For more tradition-worthy recipes to Let stand 5-10 minutes or until share with mom, visit www.wilton.com. foamy. Add butter, remaining 3 tablespoons sugar, egg yolks, Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Glaze vanilla and salt. Mix with elecServings: 1 dozen rolls tric mixer using dough hook on medium speed until combined. Rolls: Gradually add flour, 1 cup at a 1 1/3 cups warm milk (105∞F) time, and mix on medium speed 2 packages (1/4-ounce each) until smooth, elastic dough active dry yeast forms, about 5 minutes. 1/4 cup granulated sugar, divided Spray large bowl with vege 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened table pan spray. Form dough into 2 egg yolks ball, place into bowl and cover 1 teaspoon Wilton Pure Vanilla with plastic wrap. Let stand in Extract warm place for 45 minutes or 3/4 teaspoon salt until doubled in size. 4 cups bread flour, plus more for or filling, stir together butdusting ter, sugar, flour and cinnamon in medium bowl until Filling: well-combined. 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened Prepare 13-by-9-inch pan 1/3 cup granulated sugar with vegetable pan spray. 2 tablespoons bread flour Punch dough down and roll 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon out to 18-by-14-inch rectangle on floured surface. Spread filling Glaze: onto dough and roll up from long end, like 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter a jelly roll. Pinch seam to seal, trim ends 1/2 cup lightly-packed light brown and cut into 12 equally-sized pieces. sugar Place rolls into prepared pan; cover 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream with plastic wrap and let rise 25-30 min 1 teaspoon Wilton Pure Vanilla utes or until doubled in size. Extract Meanwhile, heat oven to 350∞F. Re 1/4 teaspoon salt move plastic wrap from rolls and bake 25 1 cup confectioners’ sugar 29 minutes or until golden brown. Cool in
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216 Mayberry • Mission • 585-1287
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Beauty
Specializing In:
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pan on wire rack while preparing glaze. or glaze, melt butter in saucepan over medium heat. Add brown sugar and cream. Cook over medium-high heat until mixture reaches a simmer; cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and salt. Whisk in confectioners’ sugar until smooth. Pour glaze over warm rolls. Serve warm. Source: Wilton
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EXPLORE THE WAYS TO SHOW YOU CARE M this Mother’s Day other’s Day is the one day each year when men, women and children across the country gather to honor the mothers in their lives. Though it can be challenging to find new and unique ways to display your affection for Mom on Mother’s Day, rest assured that sometimes the simplest concepts are the ones mothers most appreciate. This year, look no further than the following ideas for some inspiration as you aim to make this Mother’s Day as special as possible for the mother or mothers in your life. • Give the gift of sweet treats. What better way to highlight mom’s sweetness than with some delicious treats made just for her? Whether you decide to whip up some homemade confections in the kitchen or visit a nearby store for something decadent, mom will no doubt appreciate the chance to indulge on her big day. Moms who prefer cookies and portable snacks will no doubt enjoy Pocky and Péjoy biscuit sticks. These tasty snacks from Gilco are dipped or filled with popular flavors, such as chocolate and strawberry, and are now available with green tea cream. Pair with a cup of tea, coffee or whichever beverage mom prefers to complement her favorite treat. Pocky is available in most grocery stores, and can typically be found in the Asian food section. • Make a meal to remember. Mom deserves a night off from dinner detail, and while dining out is an option, a homemade meal may come across as more intimate and heartfelt. Thanks to kitchen appliances that make it easier than ever to prepare gourmet meals at home, you can now make restaurant-style meals in your kitchen without sacrificing restaurant-quality taste. For example, new tacook Rice Cookers from Tiger Corporation do more than just perfectly steam rice. They
also incorporate synchro-cooking to cook two different items at once. Present mom with her favorite Asian-inspired poultry-and-rice dish or use the cooker to easily bake bread or steam a side of vegetables. Pair the meal with her favorite wine and make sure you handle all the cleanup. While mom waits for dinner to be served, a soothing cup of tea can set the tone for a relaxing evening. The Tiger Hot Water Kettle boils water in seconds. With three temperature settings and a de-chlorination cycle for removing chemical tastes and odors, the kettle allows mom to quickly enjoy a cup of her favorite brew. These kitchen essentials are available at Bed, Bath and Beyond. • Plan a Mother’s Day picnic. Busy moms may look forward to a break from the bustle of daily routines. An afternoon picnicking outdoors can be the ideal way to enjoy a special Mother’s Day. Plan an easy menu of foods that have portability. It’s easy to transport hot or cold foods when you have Tiger Stainless Steel Thermal Wares on hand. A refreshing fruit salad can be kept cool for about 8 hours. If mom prefers pasta primavera, the thermal container can keep it warm and ready until it’s time to enjoy. Gifting is made easy when you tap into the things mom likes. Learn more about these gift ideas and more at www.pocky.com and http://usa.tiger-corporation. com.
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Unique gifts ideas for Mother's Day
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hether she's still hard at work raising children or her kids have grown up and now have children of their own, Mom deserves our best efforts come Mother's Day. And while traditional gifts like flowers and chocolate might make for thoughtful Mother's Day gifts, those who want to go the extra mile for Mom this year can consider these unique gift ideas. • Concert tickets: Many adults recall the days of their youth when Mom would relax while listening to some of her favorite music on a lazy summer afternoon. Why not take a stroll down Memory Lane and take Mom to see one of her favorite acts in concert? Even if you have outgrown Mom's musical tastes, she will still appreciate the chance to spend an evening out on the town with her kids and some good music.
• Parts unknown: Moms who love to travel and experience other cultures would certainly appreciate a trip abroad or a domestic getaway to a region of the country they have yet to explore.Before booking any such trips, speak to your Mom and ask if there's anywhere in particular she'd like to go. Such trips can be expensive, so adults might want to speak to their siblings and finance such an excursion together. • Spa treatment: If Mom is still as active as ever, then a day of pampering at a nearby spa is sure to please. Many luxury spas offer packages, especially around Mother's Day, that make a full-on spa treatment a more affordable gift. Men and women can even accompany Mom on her trip and reap the rewards of being such a thoughtful son or daughter.
INDOOR GARDEN
From pg. 02 1. Use pencil to trace around bottom holes and mark 1 1/2 inch up from of wine bottles on one side of wood crate, using a Sharpie. crate, spacing evenly. 6. Follow instructions provided with 2. Cut out circles using jig saw. Wear bottle cutter to cut wine bottles at safety glasses while cutting to proSharpie marking. Again, wear safety tect your eyes. glasses to protect your eyes. 3. Cover surface where you will spray 7. Fill bottles with artificial moss and herbs, or seal bottoms of vases and paint. fill with fresh cuttings of mom’s fa4. Spray paint entire crate, inside and vorite blooms. out. 5. Turn bottles upside down in crate Source: Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores
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