May 8, 2015 - Progress Times Issue by Progress Times

Friday, May 8, 2015

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Agua SUD names new top dog

By Julie Silva ulio Cerda, former Mission city manager, was named the finalist last week for chief executive officer of the Agua Special Utility District. Ricardo Ochoa, Agua SUD board president, said the board wanted someone with experience in government work, preferably an engineer. Cerda, he said, fits

that description. “We felt that he was the most experienced, most educated, most qualified person and old enough to come here and, we the board felt, he would hit the ground running,” Ochoa said. “Even if we didn’t meet with him, he would know what to do.” In the same meeting, Oscar “Coach” Salinas, a Hidalgo County employee and La Joya ISD board trustee,

was chosen as Agua SUD’s community outreach coordinator. Both positions are new and salaries are being negotiated. The CEO spot was budgeted at the beginning of the fiscal year as an assistant district manager. A meeting had been scheduled for Thursday, May 7, to take further action on the positions. Ochoa described Salinas a people-person who is flu-

ent in Spanish and English. Salinas, he said, worked as a radio and television announcer for the school district and once was a Sullivan City commissioner. “He has a lot of experience right now working with the county, as well, with the septic tanks and inspections and business and everything else. He knows the area here, so he knows some of the problems we have,” Ochoa

NOTEWORTHY

said. Cerda also works as a consultant engineer for the city of Peñitas, but he said his work with Agua SUD would not affect his consultant business. Ochoa said the district’s attorneys are checking to ensure everything’s “above board” on the appointments, looking into the fact that Cerda is a consultant for Peñitas, a client of Agua

By Julie Silva orm Sands is getting ready to retire after 30 years of teaching music to elementary students, but on his way out, he’s making sure to hit all the right notes. Sunday, Sands was honored with the H-E-B Excellence in Education Lifetime Achievement Award in elementary education. It was his third run at the award, having been a finalist in 2012 and reaching the semifinals in 2014. The award comes with a $25,000 prize for Sands and another $25,000 for his campus, Tabasco Elementary in La Joya Independent School District. “My knees almost buckled when they called my name,” Sands said in an interview with H-E-B representatives after the ceremony. “This is my second time as a state finalist, and I know what it feels like to not have your name called, and I was so worried that was going to happen once again, so when they called my name it just was incredible.” He already started speculating on what the money could be used for at Tabasco Elementary, suggesting tech-

TOP: Norm Sands, music specialist at Tabasco Elementary School, receives the H-E-B Excellence in Education Lifetime Achievement Award for elementary education. ABOVE: Sands leads a class after it was announced in March that he was a semif-finalist for the award. Courtesy photos

nology upgrades in the cafeteria, a second playground for the school’s 800 students and a robotics lab using Legos. In March when the finalists for the award were named, Tabasco Principal Alfonso Valdez had no doubt Sands would win the honor. Valdez said Sands is the only music teacher he’s seen go out of his way to build relationships with students out in the halls and in the school cafeteria.

“He talks to them as human beings and tries to learn about their home life, their personal life, and builds those bonds,” Valdez said. “He’s an amazing person. You’ll probably meet one person like him in your lifetime.” Teaching, Sands said, has given him a great deal of satisfaction, but he’s ready for retirement, and he’ll be eligible in March 2016. Valdez said he’s trying to convince Sands to stay on a few years,

but Sands said whether it’s in March or at the end of the next school year, he will retire. Sands plans to look for other things to keep his mind stimulated, and he’s already planning to publish a book on curriculum for music courses. He equated teaching to building a house. If the foundation isn’t solid, the structure will soon fall apart. That’s why he’s continued to teach at the elementary level. Academics – reading, writing and mathematics – are paramount in education, but Sands believes students’ knowledge of the arts is important to the human experience. “If they do not have a deeper knowledge of any of the arts, I feel like they’re missing half of their personhood,” Sands said. “Not only does music enhance the knowledge of reading and math and science and so forth, but it enhances their humanity.” Over the years, Sands said, his teaching techniques have changed. For example, students are able to learn music concepts through Garage-

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School funding may see changes By Lea Victoria Juarez

La Joya teacher receives Lifetime Achievement Award

SUD, and that four of Agua SUD’s board of directors are employees for La Joya ISD and voted in favor of Salinas. The board met for three hours both April 30 and May 1 to interview three candidates each for the two positions. Other applicants for CEO were Juan Ortiz, former Peñitas city manager, and Chris Garcia, a water plant

he Texas Legislature entered uncharted territory by taking on school finance when State Rep. Jimmie Don Aycock announced in late March that the House Public Education Committee would be addressing funding formula during the 84th session. Aycock presented a plan that would increase funding for many school districts in the state by removing several provisions, including the Cost of Education Index. Under the index, money from property-wealthy school districts was distributed to low-income districts. Under Aycock’s plan, Mission Consolidated Independent School District would receive more than $1 million in addition to its current budget, and Sharyland ISD would receive nearly $3 million more from the state. La Joya ISD currently benefits under the plan, receiving $2 million because of the number of low-income students in the district. Aycock’s plan would make up the difference in La Joya so it would not lose funding. But people aren’t too sure what that means for the pending Supreme Court litigation. The state is appealing the Supreme Court’s ruling that Texas funding is unconstitutional, but the Supreme Court isn’t expected to make a ruling until the fall at the earliest. The legislative session ends June 1, and no one knows how any action will affect the Supreme Court ruling. However, according to lobbyist Josh Sanderson, the discussion has gone stagnant. “There’s not as much momentum talking about doing anything on the school finance front outside of just the money that’s in the budget,” said Sanderson, lobbyist for the Association of Texas Professional Educators. “I hate to get into predictions when it comes to the Legisla-

ture and what they’re doing, but right now...it looks like they’re going to probably wait to see what the Supreme Court does.” Retired State District Judge John Dietz ruled Texas’ method of funding public education was unconstitutional in 2014, stating it was not distributed fairly. Texas public schools are primarily funded through property taxes with varying amounts depending on resident location. In addition, there is also a cap on how much can be raised through property taxes. Then-Attorney General Greg Abbott appealed Dietz’s decision to the Supreme Court shortly thereafter. It’s all politics, according to Sanderson. “The money is here. We’ve got surplus; we’re looking at about $18 billion right now that are going to be sitting in state coffers that could be spent,” the Austin-based lobbyist explained. “But largely they’re just going to go unspent because the political will simply doesn’t exist to do it.” Sanderson said the reason the school funding discussion has slowed down is because more pressing issues have taken its place and the days are dwindling down. Mission teacher Nydia Alvarez-Alonzo is one educator banking on a change during this session. “They’ve stalled a little bit to see the outcome of the court case, but no matter what was decided by the court, they knew that they cut funding,” the fifth-grade teacher said. “They knew that the kids needed more funding. They could have acted on it sooner.” Aycock’s proposal includes approximately $3 billion in addition to what the state needs to pay for growth in student enrollment. That’s $800 million more than the House had previously budgeted. The Senate has $1.5

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INSIDE

Saturday is Election Day

INDEX

Couple moves to children’s home

Congressman highlights luncheon

Residents in the Alton, Peñitas and Sharyland ISD boundaries have the opportunity to make their voices heard at the polls.

The Lopezes gave up their house in 2014 to have more space to care for foster children and encourage others to do the same.

Henry Cuellar was the keynote speaker during this week’s Buenos Tardes event hosted by the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce.

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Entertainment | pg. 2

Lifestyle | pg. 6

Opinion | pg. 4

Sports | pg. 8

Obituaries | pg. 11

Classifieds | pg. 13

entertainment

UTPA Theatre presents ART

musical T

he University of Texas-Pan American's University Theatre Productions will close out its spring season this weekend with a Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) production of the musical Coraline. The musical, based on a children’s novella by author Neil Gaiman, has music by Stephin Merritt, and book and lyrics by David Greenspan. It follows a precocious young girl, Coraline Jones, who loves to explore and has plenty of time to do so because her parents are too busy to spend time with her. One day, she opens the door to a parallel world, which at first delights and then frightens her. The book also resulted in a 2009 animated, 3D dark fantasy film, also titled “Coraline,” that received critical acclaim, including

Call for

this weekend

Academy and Golden Globe award nominations for best animated feature. The musical also debuted in 2009. Playing the title role is 12-year-old Hailey Pearson, already a theatre veteran of TYA productions of Jackie and the Beanstalk and Twelve Dancing Princesses. She is the granddaughter of Tom Pearson, professor in the UTPA Department of History and Philosophy and himself an experienced and accomplished thespian. Pearson said he is proud of Hailey and loves watching her in action on the stage. “I know she is very excited about opening night of Coraline,” he said. Hailey said she has really enjoyed the Coraline rehearsals. “They are a lot of fun, but I have a lot of lines to learn!” she said.

Coraline is directed by Brian Warren. The curtain goes up at 7 p.m. May 8, and again at 2 p.m. May 9 and 10. All performances will be at the Albert L. Jeffers Theatre, located inside the Arts and Humanities Building (ARHU), corner of University Drive and Sugar Road. General admission is $3 per person regardless of age, open seating only. For more information or special accommodations, call the UTPA Box Office at (956) 665-3581. The box office opens one hour prior to all performances.

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he Upper Valley Art League is current calling for artwork that will be displayed at Chase Tower in McAllen and Edward Jones in Mission. The call for art is part of ART at Work program, which provides an opportunity for UVAL members to showcase their artwork in high traffic locations in the Upper Valley. Participating artists must be willing to assist in the promotion and set up of the exhibit. All work must be finished and ready to hang. Artists must be able to exhibit new work every three to six months. Active participation and good communication are also required to be a part of the program. All artwork exhibited must be available for sale. Artists will receive 70 percent of the sales from artwork displayed at Chase Tower and 80 percent of sales from artwork displayed at Edward Jones. Sold artwork must be replaced with a new one of similar size. Participating artists must be UVAL members. If not currently a member, but you would like to submit your work, annual dues are $30 for an individual and $50 for a family. For consideration to be a part of Art at Work, e-mail you contact information, biography or artists statement and up to 10 images of recent artwork to uval.texas@gmail. com with the subject ‘Art at Work.’ All images must be jpeg format and the name of the file should include artist name and title. Include a list of artwork submitted with title, size, medium and date. All applicants will be contacted by late May. For questions, contact Jessica ad JMonroeArt@gmail. com or visit www.uvalartatwork.com for more information.

May 8, 2015

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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

Coming Attractions

May 8-10 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 9-10 It’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 scifi 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 Celebration, Gaming events and more. Doors will open at 12 p.m. on Saturday, May 9 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 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 third 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 18 As a Memorial Day tribute, Gensis Keren Nava, Alexis Monique Chapa and Villalon will perform at A Night of Honor & Remembrance in Weslaco from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Mayor Eugene A. Braught Memorial Theater. Admission is free. Nava has performed on America’s Got Talent. Chapa and Villalon, from the Mission area, have both performed on American Idol and Chapa has also been on La Voz Kids. 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 Spazmatics, 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 8, 2015

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Move to expand Shary Road may affect city of Palmhurst plans

By Julie Silva

Congressman Henry Cuellar addresses area business leaders at the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce’s quarterly Buenas Tardes Luncheon held Tuesday.

Cuellar talks budget at luncheon C By Julie Silva

ongressman Henry Cuellar emphasized the need for moderate Democrats and Republicans to work together to get work done in Washington, D.C., at the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce’s quarterly Buenas Tardes Luncheon held Tuesday. Balancing the federal budget isn’t as easy as just cutting expenditures to match revenues, Cuellar said, while noting the federal deficit has been reduced from $1 trillion in 2009 to $486 billion last year.

“But we need to bring it down to where we can start having a surplus like we did in the late 1990s under President Clinton and the Republican Congress at the that time,” Cuellar said. The challenge, however, Cuellar said is about twothirds of the $3.7 trillion federal government budget are mandatory expenses like veterans benefits, social security and Medicare. If Congress were to cut expenses to match revenue, he said there would be a little money left over, but not enough to cover transportation needs, the military, border security and

education. As a congressman, Cuellar said people tell him three things: don’t raise taxes, get rid of that deficit, and certain programs are the most important programs, so don’t cut them. For example, Cuellar pointed to the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act, which removed the “pay as you go” option on Medicare reimbursements to doctors. It will cost almost $200 billion, Cuellar said. “Doctors said, ‘Hey, we’re the exception.’ I support that,” Cuellar said. “But

Mexico, is able to work with children up to 16 years old, but the six children they are housing range from 3 to 12 years old. Certain requirements need to be met to become a foster parent, including, but not limited to, being 21 years old, agreeing to a background check and training to learn more about the role. But Nelida Tristan, a home developer for the children’s home, said they are having a difficult time finding ticommitted people to recruit for Hidalgo County. “We’re seeking foster parents who are going to love and care for these children, but when they start asking me ‘How much do you pay?’ and ‘What can I get out of it?’ I always say ‘The love of a child,” Tristan said. “It’s the care of a child, making a significant impact in a child’s life, changing their future.” Maria and Ruben raised two sons who are now in their 20s – both in their careers, one with a family of his own. They visit when they can, along with the

grandchildren. Raising the boys and helping with the grandchildren helped the foster parents, Maria said, adding that their parental skills got stronger with each round. “When one has their children, well, it’s the first time you’re having kids. It’s an experience,” Maria said. “You have your grandchildren and you see them more clearly, like with more care, and you see them in a different way. You can see the child’s necessities more.” Each child has a treatment plan tailored to his or her needs. In that plan there are professionals such as therapists, psychologists and teachers for speech and occupational therapy. Once a child is comfortable in the foster home, the healing process starts, but it is up to the foster parents to provide that comfort. “Staying up late at night, comforting them – there’s a lot that the foster parents have to focus on to get these children the help that they need,” Tristan said. “I’ve got awesome foster parents that

See CUELLAR 13

chunk of the 10 acres the city of Palmhurst recently purchased would be eaten up under a plan by TxDOT to expand Shary Road from 3 Mile to 7 Mile Line. The schematic from the Texas Department of Transportation calls for 120 feet of right of way to expand Shary Road to a five-lane roadway with shoulders and sidewalks. Currently, there is 80 feet of right of way down Shary Road, and the city of Palmhurst would be responsible for acquiring the additional 40 feet. Along most of it 20 feet would be taken from both sides of the road. However, the Shary mansion has been deemed a historical site and is protected from the project. On the other side of the road sits the 10 acres the city purchased last year with plans to develop into a park. Because the mansion is protected, TxDOT’s plans call for taking all 40 feet from the city’s side of Shary. A public hearing was held

in November, and the plans have been sent to Austin for approval. Javier Hinojosa, an engineer working on the project, said members of the Texas Historical Commission would be in town next week to determine if the Shary chapel, which sits on the city’s 10-acre property is historic. Hinojosa said the commissioners would be looking at other things, like a nearby retaining wall, that may also be historic. If the land is deemed historic, TxDOT will be limited to the 80 feet of right of way that currently exists through that stretch of Shary Road. It still will have five lanes, but the shoulders will be eliminated through that portion of the project. Palmhurst Mayor Ramiro Rodriguez said that’s the best-case scenario. “We would love to preserve it – keep that area sacrosanct, clean from any of the right of way,” Rodriguez said. “It would be nice to clarify it.” Hinojosa said there’s time to go back through the public hearing process if the project

were to change. The first part of the project extends from 5 Mile and north to 7 Mile, and that’s not even designed. Budgeted at $11.3 million, the first section of the project isn’t scheduled to let until 2022. Councilman James Aranda said the city should fight to keep the footprint of the roadway at 80 feet from Mile 3 to just past the chapel. He pointed at a house across the street from city hall and said 20 feet of right of way would end at the homeowner’s front porch. “How much trouble do you think we’re going to have getting that right of way? A lot,” Aranda said. “This cross-section has a lot of fluff in it. I believe that we can take the fluff out. We’ve got a lot of valuable properties. We’re going to have a hard time obtaining that 120 feet.” Rodriguez said the meeting is just to address the historical value of the city’s property, and “I want to get to that bridge before we cross it.” The city doesn’t know what will happen in the future, he said, adding that the property along Shary Road might become commercial.

Couple moves to dedicate time to foster care Reminiscing...

By Lea Victoria Juarez

oster parents Ruben and Maria Lopez left their home and unnecessary belongings for a cottage at the Rio Grande Children’s Home nearly a year ago. The two have been living on campus since August 2014 and have seen 14 children come and go. Prior to on-campus living, the husband and wife worked with another agency as foster parents from their home, but moved to the children’s home to better house the children. “We saw there was more space and how we could accommodate the kids. There were more benefits for them,” 50-year-old Maria said in Spanish. “If you have the means, and you have a house and you have the time, why not help a kid who needs it?” The cottage looks like a standard home. It has a full kitchen, spacious living room and enough capacity to house up to 10 children. The couple from Reynosa,

focus on the child’s needs and help them feel comfortable in their own home...help them feel that they’re always going to be there for them.” Ruben and Maria Lopez said it isn’t difficult working with the children because of the help around them and their dedication. As May is Foster Care Month, the Lopezes encouraged others to consider becoming foster parents. “It’s a beautiful experience,” 49-year-old Ruben said in Spanish. “Maybe a love that isn’t in your family you can have in them. Even if you’re older and don’t have any children, this is one of the things that fills your heart.”

30 Years Ago This Week

Sharyland’s Galvan was third in the state Frank Galvan placed third in the boys’ 800-meter run in the State UIL Track and Field Meet with a time of 1:55.3. Treviño, Alvarez were named top athletes Sonia Treviño, who was named most valuable girl athlete in three sports at Mission High School, and David Alvarez, who won second in the 800-meter run at the District 32-5A meet, placed second at region and qualified for state, were named the most outstanding girl and boy athletes in Mission High School. The Floy J. Goodwin hearing was postponed Goodwin alleged her contract was violated when she was terminated as principal of Nellie B. Schunior Junior High School in La Joya. She was under a teacher’s contract rather than a term contract commonly used for administrators. Meanwhile La Joya ISD stated Goodwin overstepped acceptable boundaries of behavior. Goodwin stated the district had not given time to correct alleged deficiencies cited her.

opinion

May 8, 2015

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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Sen. Brandon Creighton discuss SB 1760.

By Ed Sterling Texas Press Association

STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

USTIN — Legislation approved by the House and Senate last week reveal widely differing views on how to bring about tax relief to Texans in fiscal years 2016 and 2017. Speaker Joe Straus lauded the preliminary approval of House Bill 31, legislation to reduce the state sales tax from 6.25 percent to 5.95 percent, resulting in a $2.66 billion revenue decrease, and House Bill 32, legislation cutting the franchise tax paid by many businesses by 25 percent and resulting in a statewide revenue decrease of $2.56 billion. Both bills were written by House Ways and Means Chair Dennis Bonnen, R-Angleton, along with several members credited as coauthors. The bills, in combination, are intended to provide a form of tax relief that would be insulated from the powers of local taxing entities and appraisal districts. Straus said the House “looks forward to a productive conversation with the Senate about how best to deliver results on this issue and the many others that matter to our economy and to Texas families.” Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, on the other hand, praised the Senate’s preliminary approval of Senate Bill 1760 authored by Freshman Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe. “Sen. Creighton’s bill gives homeowners the ability to hold local government accountable for the demands they place on taxpayers,” Patrick said, and called the measure “another step in an overall plan to reduce property taxes for homeowners and businesses.” SB 1760 would, if adopted by the House in its present form:

- Remove the requirement that taxpayers due a refund have to apply for it; - Increase the interest rate on refunds due to taxpayers to 9.5 percent; - Require local taxing entities to justify the necessity of a tax increase on notices and election ballots; - Allow a court hearing an appraisal dispute to give preference to the testimony of an independent licensed appraiser; - Require the state comptroller to compile and annually publish a ranked list of tax rates by entity; and - Require a local governmental body that wishes to exceed the effective tax rate to first have a vote of at least 60 percent of the governing body in support of the tax increase. Bills aim to retool certification Speaker Straus on April 27 welcomed the House’s passage of HB 6, HB 7 and House Joint Resolution 111, measures that work together toward undoing the state’s practice of using general revenue-dedicated balances for certifying other parts of the state budget. “For more than two decades the state increasingly collected billions of dollars in fees for one purpose, but then used that money instead to certify spending in other areas of the budget,” Straus explained in a news release from his office. “The House began working to end that practice almost three years ago, and in the 2013 session, the Legislature reduced the use of dedicated funds for budget certification by nearly $1 billion. “This session, the House is well on its way to reducing that amount even further,

from $4.5 billion to $2.9 billion. And if voters approve HJR 111, which the House passed today, we will end this practice altogether in the coming years.” Senate approves ethics bill On April 28, the Senate approved SB 19, an omnibus bill that includes multiple initiatives from the governor’s emergency item on ethics reform. Written by freshman Sen. Van Taylor, R-Dallas, the bill expands personal financial statement reporting requirements for each state officer, elected official or candidate to include the disclosure of written contracts for goods or services with governmental entities if the aggregate value of those contracts exceeds $10,000 per reporting year. SB 19 also contains various provisions to curb perceived conflicts of interest, such as a prohibition against a person who is registered as a lobbyist from serving in elective office unless that person is an elected officer for a political subdivision with a population of 150,000 or less, or the presiding officer of a political subdivision of 50,000 or less, provided they do not receive a salary or wage from the political subdivision. Texas to reciprocate with Ohio Gov. Greg Abbott on April 28 issued an official proclamation that the state of Texas now recognizes valid concealed handgun licenses issued on or after March 23, 2015 by the state of Ohio as long as Ohio licensees comply with all Texas laws, rules and regulations governing the use and carrying of concealed handguns.

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Update with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick

USTIN – Last week, the Texas Senate passed Senate Bill 1760 (SB 1760) by Sen. Brandon Creighton. “Property tax relief has been one of the Senate’s top priorities,” said Lt. Governor Dan Patrick. “SB 1760 delivers true tax relief for Texas homeowners by placing a downward pressure on the oppressive growth of property taxes through transparency.” SB 1760 will require the following: •It removes the requirement that taxpayers due a refund have to apply for it. •It provides interest rate uniformity for taxpayers, by increasing the interest rate on refunds due to taxpayers to 9.5 percent. •Requires local taxing entities (applies to school districts and all other taxing jurisdictions) to justify the necessity of a tax increase on notices and election ballots. •Allows a court hearing an appraisal dispute to give preference to the testimony of an independent licensed appraiser. •Requires the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts to compile and annually publish a ranked list of tax rates by entity; deterring tax rate increases. Finally, an amendment by Sen. Paul Bettencourt requires a local government that wishes to exceed the effective tax rate to first have a

vote of at least 60 percent of the governing body in support of the tax increase. “SB 1760 levels the playing field for Texas taxpayers,” Creighton said. “Standing strong for taxpayer rights was a promise I made to the citizens of Senate District 4; and, I am thankful my Senate colleagues voted to pass this landmark legislation.” “Sen. Creighton’s bill gives homeowners the ability to hold local government accountable for the demands they place on taxpayers,” concluded Patrick. “SB 1760 is another step in an overall plan to reduce property taxes for homeowners and businesses. In March, the Senate passed with bipartisan support to double the homestead exemption for homeowners to over $30,000 a year. I applaud the Senators for making sure homeowners across the state receive the tax relief Texans deserve.” Historic ethics package in the Senate A very important ethics bill was unanimously passed out of the Senate this week that makes state government more transparent and accountable. Senate Bill 19 (SB 19) by Sen. Van Taylor is a historically significant ethics reform package in the Texas Senate. It holds our elected officials, state officers and candidates accountable and requires them to disclose written contracts for goods

or services with governmental entities, professional consulting or legal services. The bill further restricts a member of the United States Congress, Texas Legislature or statewide office from registering as a lobbyist, eliminating potential conflicts of interest. It also prohibits a retired member of the legislature from lobbying for one legislative cycle following their retirement. I am proud of Sen. Van Taylor for carrying this bill to completion on the Senate floor. Restoring the public’s trust in their government is a serious matter and a top priority for me, the Texas Senate and Governor Abbott. Texans have spoken and expect the highest ethical standards from their government. The Senate will remain focused on following the will of the people. Expanding charter schools in Texas As a state senator, I championed and passed legislation to expand high quality charter schools in Texas. As Lt. Governor, I remain committed to giving parents and students the opportunity they deserve to excel. This is about students’ opportunity for a better future and together, we are going to make Texas the number one state for charter schools. There should not be a wait list for entry into a charter school or for the American dream.

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May 8, 2015

Identifying a victim

Teachers battle human trafficking

By Lea Victoria Juarez he Texas Education Agency now requires educators to go through training that will help them identify human trafficking victims on campus. Human trafficking is the exploitation and, or forced labor of an individual, and can involve commercial sexual acts. Trafficking is a crime against a person, whereas human smuggling is a crime against a country, but the two can overlap. A person who is being trafficked is seen as a victim, as one cannot consent to be a victim, according to the TEA training powerpoint. “We not only worry about

student safety inside our school grounds but outside too,” said La Joya ISD Police Chief Raul Gonzalez. “The problems they have outside our schools may filter into the schools, and we don’t want that. That’s why we want to deal with this before it gets into our gates.” The 83rd Texas Legislature passed a bill that called for the Texas Human Trafficking Prevention Task Force to team up with TEA. The task forced developed a training that is meant to be rolled out to all faculty and staff within Texas public schools. Two months ago La Joya ISD began to roll out the Texas RISE to the Challenge training – RISE

Saturday is Election Day

lection Day is Saturday for several local cities and school districts. 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 days before early voting began. 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, respectively. Two slates have formed in Peñitas, where every seat but

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Election Day Schedule 7 a.m. – 7 p .m. 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. 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 Garza, 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.

meaning Recognize, Identify, Share and Engage. Human trafficking incidents are to be treated similar to child abuse cases. Incidents are to be reported to law enforcement within 48 hours. Some victim indicators include physical signs such as a student with large amounts of money or tattoos that show ownership. Behavioral signs include use of advanced sex terms, distrust in law enforcement or low-self esteem. “A lot of times we don’t see kids outside of school, and we think that the problems are here and we don't realize that they have other problems,” Gonzalez said. “In order for us to make sure that they focus on their education, we first need to understand what’s happening in their lives.” At an April 23 press conference, Gonzalez confirmed that associates involved with alleged multi-crime ringleader Santos Cortez Hernandez were enrolled in La Joya ISD at some point. Gonzalez said that the school spends millions of dollars on prevention programs. “We don’t have problem kids; we have kids with problems, and now we’re trying to find the root of the problem,” Gonzalez said. “It’s a topic that not a lot of people talk about. We may not want to believe (students) are part of human trafficking, are being sexually exploited.” Although Mexican cartels contribute to the illegal activity, the crime is not limited to gangs or isolated in the Rio Grande Valley. A juvenile probation officer in El Paso was convicted for sex trafficking. Incidents in Odessa and Amarillo resulted in a 26-year prison sentence for a man who lured a 14-year-old girl through social media in 2012. In 2011, Mission bar owner Beleal Garcia-Gonzalez was sentenced to 30 years in prison

See TRAFFICKING 13

DA: Victim assistance coordinator will put victims and families first

DINBURG – Hidalgo County Criminal District Attorney Ricardo Rodriguez Jr. has fulfilled one of his top priorities by hiring a victim assistance coordinator to ensure victims of crime and their families are afforded the rights granted to them. Victim Assistance Coordinator Rosie Martinez, the co-founder and program coordinator of the Regional Victims of Crime Program for the Rio Grande Valley Empowerment Zone, joined the DA’s staff Monday, April 20. “Hidalgo County is fortunate to have such a dedicated and talented professional assisting victims of crime and their families,” Rodriguez said. “She brings a wealth of experience in working with crime victims, developing programs to assist victims, and in training for law enforcement officers and victim service providers.” Martinez, who has more than 15 years experience in the field, developed and implemented a regional victim assistance program to provide services to victims of family violence, sexual assault, child abuse, teen dating violence, survivors of homicide victims, victims of stalkers and human trafficking victims in Hidalgo, Cameron, Willacy, Brooks and Starr counties. She is certified as a Crime Victim Specialist with the Office of the Attorney General of Texas and by the U.S. Office of Victims of Crime in Victim Assistance. Martinez started her career in victim assistance with the Hidalgo County Juvenile Probation Department, working with first-time offenders. She then worked as a legal advocate with Mujeres Unidas for eight years, helping victims with protective orders, immigration relief for Violence Against Women Act and U-Visa petitions, crisis intervention, support services, emergency shelter services, Crime Victims Compensation and relocations.

Rosie Martinez

lifestyle

May 8, 2015

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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

SISD holds Baccalaureate ceremony May 13

Mike Patin

ISD will be holding its own Baccalaureate ceremony this year on May 13. Since 1995, the seniors of Sharyland High School have been celebrating Baccalaureate with MICSD high school seniors. Due to the growth in both school districts over the past 20 years, Sharyland and Pioneer High School will be holding their own event at the Sharyland High School Gym at 7 p.m. This year’s speaker will be Mike Patin. Patin uses energy, humor and stories to affirm God’s goodness and

presence among us while inviting others, and himself, to take the “next step” in the journey with God. Patin has worked in ministry since 1984, first as a high school teacher and coach, and then in diocesan ministry for the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Since 2003, he has worked full time as a speaker and “faith horticulturist.” Throughout his ministry, Patin has been privileged to speak to groups ranging from 10 to 23,000 in over 130 diocese in the U.S. and Canada. He has spoken at parish

mission, conferences, rallies, retreats, leadership institutes and in-services, addressing youth, adults, families, clergy, seminarians, school faculties, businesses, athletic teams and hospital staff. Patin has published two books, “A Standing Invitation” and “This Was Not in the Brochure: Lessons from Work, Life and Ministry.” In 2006, he received the National Catholic Youth Ministry Award. Patin lives in Lafayette, Louisiana, with his wife, Marlene, and his daughter,

Mission Baccalaureate Committee announces ceremony date

or nearly 40 years, the Mission Baccalaureate Committee has been dedicated to providing a baccalaureate program for high school graduates in Mission. This special graduation service for Mission High School, Veterans Memorial and Options High School seniors provides a spiritual message and prayerful sendoff for students who are finishing high school and embarking on new careers, studies or family life. The committee was formed in 1974 by a group of concerned mothers who felt it was important for the high school graduates to hear a motivational and uplifting message as they were met with such a transitional time in their lives. In 1995, the seniors of Sharyland High School were invited to attend the baccalaureate service. The speaker that year was the famed coach, Tom Landry, whose Mission roots run deep. Sharyland has attended

ever since, along with Veterans Memorial High School (2004) in a joint service honoring the three high schools of 1,500 plus students. With the incredible growth over the past 20 years that both Mission and Sharyland School District have experienced, this year will be the first year that Sharyland will host its first independent Baccalaureate service for Sharyland and Pioneer High School Seniors. Join Mission as this year’s distinguished guest speaker Retired U.S. Army Colonel Danny McKinight delivers a message about better understanding of the unparalleled commitment and leadership required to be successful in life’s most difficult situations. His military career included combat duty on two occasions, Panama in 1989 and Somalia in 1993. He is well known for his leadership as the Ranger Battalion Commander during the 1993 raid in Mogadishu, Somalia as part of Task Force RANG-

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ER. The raid became the subject of a series of newspaper articles written by Mark Bowden, who later wrote a book called “Black Hawk Down” based on the articles; the book was adapted into a 2002 movie by the same name. McKnight was born in Columus, Georgia, before moving to Rockledge, FL in 1959. He was a Distinguished Military Graduate from Florida State University in 1973, where he earned s B.S. degree in Management. In 1985, He earned his master’s degree in Higher Education at the Univesity of Florida while assigned as an Assistant Professor of Military Science in the Army ROTC Department. He completed Airborne and Ranger Training in 1973-1974 after his commissioning as an officer in the U.S. Army on August 3, 1973. McKnight’s awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit (two), the Bronze Star Medal for Valor, the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, the Ranger Tab, Master Parachutist Badge with Combat Star, and the Pathfinder Badge. After completing 28 years of service to our country, Colonel McKnight returned

to his hometown in Florida where he and his wife Linda live today. He now focuses all his efforts on being a nationwide Motivational Speaker. McKnight has also become a successful author releasing his book, Streets of Mogadishu, in July 2011. The public is both invited and encouraged to attend this special event on Thursday May 14, 2015, at 7 p.m. at the Neuhaus Gymnasium at Mission High School. Today it is a challenge to raise the funds needed to cover the increased costs of quality speakers, but the organization has been blessed by the past support of community members who recognize the importance of the event. The committee members are asking the community, businesses, parents, churches and any interested individuals, to once again help by making a donation to the Mission Baccalaureate Committee (501 C3). Contributions can be mailed to MBC, 2800 N. Stewart Road, Mission, Texas 78574. Current committee members are Mary Kay Broughton, Heather Marks, Jeannette Womack, Myra de la Garza, Maritza Esqueda, Christina Reyna and Brandy Vela.

Megan. For more than 30 years the Baccalaureate Committee has been organizing a service that positively encourages graduating seniors. The service has always been made possible through the support of the Mission and Sharyland communities. In the past, SISD has relied on the generosity of local citizens, organizations and business in the community to help fund the event. SISD is asking for support to help with expenses of this worth-

while event that imparts an inspirational message to the graduates, brings community together for an evening to give thanks for our blessings and keeps graduates focused on a positive path. If you would like to help out in anyway, contact Nora Landavazo at 956-827-5232 or Suzanne Pena at 956-2129522. Other committee members that may be contacted are Albert and Lisa Chapa, Keith and Ginger Padilla, Mike and Larissa Ramirez and Isela Villalobos.

Events Calendar May 9 – Aglow International will hold its 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 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 381-9922 for information. May 23 - If you like solving puzzles or mysteries and your curious about animals and the tracks they leave behind then Animal Tracks Detectives is perfect for you. The Edinburg Scenic Wetlands & World Birding Center invites you to visit on Saturday, May 23, from 2 – 4 p.m. for a fun-filled, clue-finding program. Fee for this program is $3 for adults, $2 for senior citizens, students, and children, and ages 5 and under free. To insure you’re included call ahead to register. To see the complete Events Calendar for the coming weeks, go to www.ptrgv.com. 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.

May 8, 2015

BETWEEN the bookendS

Speer Memorial Library

12th St. & Kika Loop • Mission • 580-8750

Speer Memorial to host Portrait in Sepia discussion By William Renner, Reference Librarian

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oin Speer Memorial Library in Mission, on Tuesday, May 19, at 6:30 p.m., for a discussion of the book Portrait in Sepia, to take place in the library’s Community Room. Everyone is welcome to attend and discuss the book. For 2015, the Library is providing an added incentive to participate in our Morton’s Book Club. Speer Memorial Library was the recipient of the Texas Reads Grant and will make free copies available, while supplies last, to people who sign up for our book discussions. This project is made possible by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act. As the story begins, Aurora del Valle is born in San Francisco in 1880. Her mother dies shortly after giving birth, and Aurora lives with her maternal grandparents. But after the death of her mother’s father, Aurora is raised by her paternal grandmother, Paulina del Valle, a shrewd businesswoman and domineering family matriarch. Some years later, the family leaves San Francisco and moves to Chile, Paulina’s native country. Aurora, who suffers recurring nightmares, has no memories of the first five years of her life. But as she grows, she learns about the mysteries surrounding her grandfather’s death—and her own identity as well—secrets from the past that Paulina has kept hidden from her. Written by Chilean author Isabel Allende, and first published in 2001, Portrait in Sepia is a historical novel,

set in late nineteenth century San Francisco and Chile. The novel revolves around several themes, such as love, politics, war, and feminism, particularly as seen in the context of socially conservative nineteenth century Chilean society. This title is also available as an eBook at http://mission. lib.overdrive.com. For more information, or to sign up for the book discussion, please call William Renner or Rose Alvarez at 580-8750 or 5808754. You can also register at the Circulation Desk, Reference Desk, or by email at reference@missiontexas.us. Speer Memorial Library is located at 12th and Kika De La Garza in Mission.

Texas Master Naturalists visit Port Isabel for May meeting

exas Master Naturalists visit Port Isabel for May meeting The Rio Grande Valley Texas Master Naturalist chapter is doing something different for their May 12 meeting. They are combining a beach ecology lecture, tour of the Port Isabel Event and Cultural Center and a field trip to a

South Padre Island beach. The group will meet at 9 a.m. at the event center at 309 East Railroad Avenue in Port Isabel. The public is invited and welcome to attend the morning’s events free of charge. Dr. Richard Kline, Ph.D., will give an introductory beach ecology lecture and

UTPA to host Final Bronc Ring Ceremony May 11

he University of Texas-Pan American will have their final Bronc Ring Ceremony on Monday, May 11. The ceremony will take place at 6:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Complex Auditorium. UTPA President Ad Interim Dr. Ad Interim Dr. Havidán Rodríguez, UTPA Alumni Association Board Member Celine Rodriguez Schultz will present nearly 300 students with Bronc

rings. This will be the final Bronc ring given to students before the university switches over to the medical school, UTRGV. The auditorium is located at 1201 W. University Drive, Edinburg. The nearest parking lot to the complex is Parking Lot G. For more information, contact Deanna Garza, UTPA Office of Alumni Relations, at (956) 665-2500.

slide presentation that will include coastal plants, animals, dunes and tides. After a brief tour of the Cultural

Center, the group will drive to a designated beach area for a

See NATURALISTS 8

Help Stamp Out Hunger tomorrow

ou can help Stamp Out Hunger on Saturday, May 9, 2015 This one day food drive is easy to do. Just leave non-perishable food items in a bag by your mail box on the morning of Saturday, May 9th and your letter carrier will pick it up. All donations will stay right here in the Rio Grande Valley. The Food Drive effort is the nation's largest single-day drive. In 2014, 72.5 million pounds of food was collected, which brought the grand total of donations to more than 1.3 billion pounds of food collected since the drive began in 1992. The National Association of Letter Carriers’ Food Drive celebrates its 23rd year helping the hungry this year.

“The letter carriers have always done an amazing job getting the word out to the community about the need,” Terri Drefke, Chief Executive Officer of Food Bank RGV, said. “We are so thankful for their efforts and the generosity of the people and businesses who give every year.” For more information about the annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive, visit www.helpstampouthunger. com or www.facebook.com/ StampOutHunger, and follow the drive at www.twitter. com/StampOutHunger. For more information about the Food Bank, contact Yara Doyle, Retail Partnership Manager, (956) 904-4533, or e-mail her at ydoyle@foodbankrgv.com.

May 8, 2015

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REGIONAL CHAMPIONS Nora Monie and G.J. Reyna advance to state

By Luciano Guerra eterans Memorial’s G.J. Reyna and Sharyland Pioneer’s Nora Monie are both looking forward to continuing their track and field careers at the University of Houston next year. However, as a result of their stellar performances at the Region IV Track and Field Championships held at Alamo Stadium in San Antonio last week they both have added one more thing to their high school to-do lists – the UIL Track and Field State Meet. Reyna and Monie will both be making their second trips to the state meet in as many years. However, unlike last year when Monie qualified for the state meet as the regional runner-up in discus and the shot put and Reyna as an at-large third place finisher in the 3,200m run, they are both regional champions this year. Reyna, who took the regional championship in the

3,200m run with a time of 9:17.81, not only set a new PR (personal record) at regionals but he cut nine seconds off his previous PR of 9:26. As it turned out he needed every one of those seconds to take the gold medal. “It was a very close race between myself and Andrew Tankersley of Boerne Champion,” Reyna said. “The first time I took the lead was at the mile mark. He then passed me but with about 600 meters to go I took the lead again and I tried to separate myself from him. He passed me again with 300 meters left and it wasn’t until the very last stretch that I outkicked him. At the finish line he was maybe three meters behind me.” Tankersley’s time of 9:18.30 was less than half a second behind Reyna’s winning time. Having placed seventh in the 3,200m run at the state meet last year, Reyna’s goal this year is to move up at

Nora Monie

G.J. Reyna

least four slots. “While I would definitely love to win the state championship my goal is to make

it to the podium,” shared Reyna. “Second and third place are right up there with what our goals are going to

be. But I’m just looking forward to getting out there and competing at the state meet again. Last year was more of an experience thing but this year we’re out to make it to the podium.” Reyna’s regional winning time is the second fastest time of all state qualifiers and Tankersley’s is the third fastest. There is a wider gap between the third and the fourth fastest times so his chances of medaling are good if he can match his new PR. Unlike Reyna, Monie won her regional championship by a very comfortable margin. Her discus throw of 136-08 was more than 15 feet further than the second place throw of 121-06 by PSJA Southwest’s Brittany Vielma. Monie also placed second at the regional meet in shot put, advancing to the state meet in that event as well. As for how she’s approaching this year’s state meet Monie said, “I think that I’m better prepared for

the state meet in the shot put. I’ve thrown in that ring three times now. The first time I was there I remember that the first line was 40 feet while it’s 20 feet here. So that got my heart racing a little bit. But after going to state last year I threw there again at the Texas Relays and I was fine.” As good as Monie’s regional meet winning discus throw was, it fell short of her PR of 144 feet. Should she be able to match or better her PR at the state meet she will have a good chance of earning her first state medal. Other than Reyna and Monie the only other Big 7 schools track athlete to qualify for state is Juarez-Lincoln’s Yariel Matute, who placed second in the 400m dash with a time of 48.94 seconds. The UIL Track and Field State Meet will be held Thursday, May 14 through Saturday May 16 at Mike A. Myers Stadium at the University of Texas in Austin.

Patriots, Rattlers, Lobos and Coyotes in playoffs

By Luciano Guerra hile April showers may bring May flowers when it comes to high school baseball April games bring May playoffs. And the playoffs are what four of the seven Big 7 baseball teams have qualified for and will be participating in this weekend. Not only did the Veterans Memorial Patriots, the Sharyland Rattlers, the Palmview Lobos and the La Joya Coyotes all qualify for the state playoffs but they all finished in no worse than second place in their respective

districts. The Patriots and the Rattlers ended their regular seasons as District 31-5A co-champions while the Lobos claimed District 30-6A’s championship and the Coyotes were runners-up. While the Patriots (10 – 2) and the Rattlers (10 – 2) did finish the regular season tied atop the District 31-5A standings Veterans Memorial won a one-game playoff to earn the top seed in the playoffs. As a result they will be playing the fourth place Mercedes Tigers (7 – 7) this weekend while the Rattlers will be playing the third place Edcouch Elsa Yellow

Jackets (9 – 5). As for the Lobos (11 – 1) and the Coyotes (8 – 4) they will be playing Laredo United South (6 – 9) and Eagle Pass (7 – 8) respectively. Having missed out on the playoffs last year the Coyotes are looking forward to making the most they can out of this post-season opportunity. Unlike the other three Big 7 teams however, La Joya will only need to win one game to advance. “The one game winnertake-all format is something I wanted to do,” explained La Joya head coach Reuben Farias. “I felt that a one game

The La Joya Coyotes only need to win one game to advance to the next round.

playoff would give us the best chance of moving on.” “Eagle Pass is a wellcoached team with a couple of very good ballplayers,” added Farias. “They put the ball in play, they’re sound defensively and their pitchers throw strikes. They’re certainly not a team that’s going to beat themselves.” La Joya senior third baseman Damian Leal shared what making the playoffs again this year after missing out last year means to him. “It’s a special feeling,” Leal said. “After coming so close last year but falling short and being able to come back this year and get back into the playoffs has us all excited. Our goal is to make it as far into the playoffs as possible but first we have to get past Eagle Pass.” One of the Coyotes’ starting pitchers is junior Anibal Leal. His injury in the final weeks of last season may have contributed to La Joya missing out on the playoffs. This season however he has remained injury-free and he is ready to start against Eagle Pass should he get the call. As for what it means to him to still be playing at this

Big 7 Schools’ Bi-district Baseball Playoff Match-ups: Veterans Memorial vs Mercedes - Best of Three Series Game #1 - Thursday May 7, 7 p.m. at VMHS Game #2 - Friday May 8, 7 p.m. at Mercedes Game #3 (if necessary) - Saturday May 9, 2 p.m. at VMHS Sharyland vs Edcouch Elsa - Best of Three Series Game #1 - Friday May 8, 7 p.m. at Sharyland Game #2 - Saturday May 9, 2 p.m. at Edcouch Elsa Game #3 (if necessary) - Shortly after completion of Game #2 La Joya High vs Eagle Pass - One Game Playoff Friday May 8, 8 p.m. at Laredo Student Activity Center (SAC) Palmview Lobos vs Laredo United South - Best of Three Series Game #1 - Friday May 8, 7 p.m. at LJISD Baseball Complex Game #2 - Saturday May 9, 4 p.m. at Laredo Student Activity Center Game #3 (if necessary) - Shortly after completion of Game #2 point in the season Leal said, “It’s pretty special because last year we came up short but we but we managed to get their this year. We started out slow but we started getting the rhythm of winning and we kept it going.” Like the Coyotes, who won eight of their last nine games, the Patriots won their final six games to clinch a share of the district title and earn the top seed in the playoffs. Veterans Memorial sophomore left fielder Roman De Leon, who as a freshman was part of the Patriots’ team that

lost a close bi-district playoff series for the second year in a row, explained why he believes the Patriots are better prepared to make a run deep into the playoffs this year. “We have a lot of sophomores on this team that were on the varsity last year as freshmen,” explained De Leon. “With that additional year of experience we feel that we are better prepared. And then there are the seniors on this team. This is their last chance to win a playoff series so that is additional motivation for us to win.”

May 8, 2015

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MCISD announces building staff members of the year

Pioneer sophomore catcher Karina Lopez takes the collision protecting the plate during the Lady Pioneers’ 7-6 bidistrict playoff win over Brownsville Porter Friday night. Progress Times photo by Doug Young

Lady Diamondbacks’ area round playoff match-up

he Sharyland Pioneer Lady Diamondbacks will be facing the Castroville Medina Valley Lady Panthers in the area round of the state softball playoffs this weekend. Pioneer defeated Brownsville Porter and Medina Valley defeated Corpus Christi Tuloso Midway – both two games to none – in their respective bi-district round best-of-three playoff series to advance to the area round. The best-of-three series between the Lady Diamondbacks and the Lady Pan-

NATURALISTS

hands-on, feet-in field trip. Kline joined the Department of Biological Sciences at UT-Brownsville in the fall of 2011 where he teaches ichthyology and animal behavior. His research interests include behavioral ecology, artificial reef monitoring, population genetics, and acoustic telemetry. In addition to teaching courses at

thers will be played at Tuloso Midway High School. Game No.1 is scheduled to be played tonight (Friday, May 8) at 7. Game No. 2 is scheduled to be played tomorrow (Saturday, May 9) at 1 p.m. and game No. 3 (if necessary) is scheduled to be played tomorrow at 4:30 p.m. The winner of this series will advance into the Regional Quarterfinal round of the state playoffs against the winner of the Corpus Christi Moody vs Pharr San-Juan Alamo series. from pg 7

the university, he is a regular lecturer for the RGVCTMN and Texas Coastal Naturalists training programs, focusing on marine ecology and coastal processes. For more information about the Rio Grande Valley Chapter Texas Master Naturalist visit https://www. rgvctmn.org/.

or several years, Mission Consolidated Independent School District has provided a Teacher of the Year program to honor highly regarded teachers at each of its schools. This spring, the district started a new program to honor other important district staff for their efforts in providing for the needs of Mission CISD students. Each Mission CISD campus/building has selected a paraprofessional/ hourly employee to honor as its Staff Member of the Year. Those individuals were then nominated for the District Staff Member of the Year honor. The campus/building staff members of the year are: Melissa Martinez, Alton Elementary School; data management clerk; Iris Saldivar, Bryan Elementary School; instructional aide; Alma Nieto, Cantu Elementary School, custodian; Elizabeth Vela Huerta, Castro Elementary School, Special Education paraprofessional; Eva Zamarripa, Cavazos Elementary School, LVN;

Gloria Hernandez, Escobar/ Rios Elementary School, computer lab proctor; Melba Martinez, Leal Elementary School, instructional aide; Ana Rojas, Marcell Elementary School, instructional aide; Rosalinda Lozano, Midkiff Elementary School, principal’s secretary; Elvia Garcia, Mims Elementary School, computer proctor; Mary Chapa, Newcomers Academy, parent liaison; Noemi Cardoza, O’Grady Elementary School; P.E. instructional aide; Melba Elizondo, Pearson Elementary School, library clerk; Martin Rodriguez, Salinas Elementary School, computer technician; Anita Gonzalez, Waitz Elementary School, parental liaison; Norma Vasquez, Alton Memorial Jr. High School, Special Education paraprofessional; Gloria Contreras, K. White Jr. High School; Darlene Torres, Mission Jr. High School, Special Education paraprofessional; Trinidad Gutierrez III, R. Cantu Jr. High School, custodian; Diana Newton, Mis-

sion High School, budget/ activity clerk; Fred Gonzalez, Veterans Memorial High School, head custodian; Marissa Femat, Mission Collegiate High School, principal’s secretary; Guadalupe “Patty” Morales, Options Academy, counselor’s secretary/PEIMS clerk; Maria Ramirez, Roosevelt Alternative School, campus secretary; David Garcia, Central Office, custodian; Manuel Serrano, Maintenance Department, HVAC technician; Otoniel Vela, Transportation Department, bus driver; Ismael Nunez, Fixed Assets/Warehouse,

purchasing clerk; Ana Ileana Hernandez, Central Kitchen, production manager. These individuals will be honored by the Mission CISD Board of Trustees and administration at a special luncheon on Friday, May 15, at Balli’s Social and Event Center, beginning at 12:00 p.m. In addition to recognizing the each of the campus/ building staff members of the year, the superintendent will announce who will be the District Staff Member of the Year. The awards are sponsored, in part, by Horace Mann.

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JFK Elementary students walk the world

irst graders at La Joya ISD’s JFK Elementary took on an interesting challenge alongside children from across the planet to accomplish a very unusual goal. Walk Our World is an online project where classrooms from around Earth are invited to count their steps and then add them together to (hypothetically) “circle the globe”– all 87,653,456 steps. A goal with so many little

May 8, 2015

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feet sounds insanely difficult to accomplish, but by dividing the task and working as a team, participating students from everywhere can walk the world together. Using technology such as Google Earth to count to any destination, and with the help of teachers keeping tab of the steps taken, JFK first graders strolled their school track a couple of times – contributing to the overall world total. Even LJISD Superintendent Alda Benavides joined in on

the cause to help the students add on some steps. The cyber project can also be a virtual experience, as students can connect with other participating classrooms to discuss the walking experience, while they’re walking. In essence, this project allows students to visit and see the world without leaving home. So far, JFK Elementary has pitched in with 19,952 steps and is still counting.

VMHS band earns top marks at UIL event The Veterans Memorial High School Varsity Patriot Band came home from the recent UIL Concert and Sight Reading contest with some nice hardware. The earned the sweepstakes trophy. To do this, a band must achieve a superior (division 1) rating in all areas of the contest. Earlier this year, the band earned division 1 ratings at the Pigskin Jubilee marching contest. This marks the second year in a row for the distinguished achievement of division 1 ratings in marching, concert, and sight reading.

La Esperanza De Alton to be developed in Alton A groundbreaking ceremony was held Wednesday for a garden-style, multi-family complex on Stewart Road in Alton called La Esperanza De Alton. This is the second of three housing complexes that will be developing this year utilizing housing tax credits. Construction is estimated to take 11 to 14 months to complete.

In February, the City and the City of Alton Development Corporation supported an application for Casa Linda Development Corporation to the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs for the 2014 competitive nine-percent housing tax credits to develop La Esperanza De Alton apartment complex to be located along

Alton general fund balance moves into the black

By Julie Silva he city of Alton’s general fund was boosted nearly half a million dollars from a negative balance to $218,000, according to an audit presented by Noel Garza at a meeting last week. “That’s a very big change, and I point it out to you because the city had worked very hard and had not been able to get that positive fund balance for a couple of years now, and so for you to move into the black is a big step,” Garza said. Garza offered an unmodified opinion, meaning there were no significant discrepancies in the city’s financial reports. The one finding from 2013’s audit, the city’s fund balance, was listed as corrected. Still, Garza encouraged Alton city leaders to keep spending conservatively.

The fund balance serves as the city’s nest egg, giving the city something to draw from should it come up short in revenues in the future, he said. The city budgeted $2.5 million in revenues, but actual revenues were more than $2.6 million. The city spent $3.5 million, which was slightly more than what it budgeted. However, land sales and transfers in gave the city the boost it needed to move into the black. City Manager Jorge Arcaute said the goal is to have three months of reserves, about $900,000, in the fund balance. At the end of this fiscal year, he thinks the city will be close to $600,000, “while lowering the tax rate for seven years in a row.” “We’re having a good year because of all the projects,” Arcaute said.

Stewart Road just South of Mile 5. The capital investment for this project is approximately $10.1 million. The CADC approved a permanent loan commitment to Case Linda Development Alton for $160,000. The loan was utilized to comply with TDHCA requirements in order to qualify for the maximum points under the rules for the Housing Tax Credit Program. Other partners to this project were the Affordable Housing Partners, a Berkshire Hathaway Company, and USDA/ Bonneville Mortgage Lender. This 10-acre gated development will host an 80-unit mixed income development with 1, 2, and 3 bedroom rentals. Some of the amenities that will be included will be a full perimeter fence with controlled access gates, swimming pool, picnic tables, grills, fully equipped playground with green areas. The community center will host a business center with computers. Units will have covered entries and patios and apartments will also have 9-foot ceilings.

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obituaries

Gonzalo G. Garcia ISSION - Gonzalo G. Garcia, 71, passed away on Friday, April 24, 2015 in Alton. He was born in McAllen on November 29, 1943, the first born to Gonzalo and Agueda Garcia. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1967 and served in Vietnam. He is survived by one son, Luis Garcia from Colorado; two daughters, Esther Garcia from Colorado and Jessica Mendoza from Corpus Christi; three brothers, Luis Garcia from The Dalles, Oregon; Jesus Abel Garcia from Monmouth, Oregon; Octavio Garcia from New Mexico; three sisters, Dalia Torres from Hubbard, Oregon; Delia Aleman from Van Couver, Washington and Aurora Trevino, Matzalan, Mexico; and seven grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents and his son, Gonzalo Garcia III. A funeral service was held Friday, May, 1, 2015 at Ric Brown Family Funeral Home in Mission. Burial followed at Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission. Noe G. Garza ANTA ELENA/MISSION – Noe G. Garza, 84, passed away on May 3, 2015 at Pax Villa Hospice in Mission. He was born to the late Benjamin and Maria Dolores Garza on June 2, 1930. He was a long-time Starr Co. rancher and farmer who also served as general manager for Guerra Bros. Cotton Gin in La Reforma, as well as Grain Elevators in both Linn and McCook. Noe is survived by his wife of 54 years, Otila Garza of Santa Elena; and his four sons, Dr. Noel Garza of Mission, Abel Garza, Joel Garza and Onel Garza of Houston; six grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. A funeral service was held Wednesday, May 6, 2015 at San Isidro Catholic Church. Burial followed at Garza Ranch Cemetery. Maria D. Rodriguez ISSION - Maria D. Rodriguez, 76, passed away Sun-

day, May 3, 2015, at Doctors Hospital at Renaissance in Edinburg, Texas. Maria D. Rodriguez was born July 01, 1938 to Viviano Rodriguez and Maria de la Luz Alvarez in Mexico. She is survived by her children, Angelica Garza, Jose Armando Rodriguez, Oscar Rodriguez, Eduardo Rodriguez, Linda Dolores Rodriguez, Jesus Salvador Rodriguez; her siblings, Carmen Rodriguez, Agustina Guadalupe Rodriguez, Irene Rodriguez; nineteen granchildren and twelve greatgrand children. She was preceded in death by her husband, Armando Rodriguez; her parents; daughter, Andrea Rodriguez and brother, Jesus Rodriguez. Services were held Wednesday, May 6, 2015, at Virgil Wilson Mortuary Memorial Chapel. Interment followed at Lord and I Cemetery in Mission, Texas. Jose Hernan Solis ISSION - Jose Hernan Solis, 65, passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2015 in Mission. He was born in Elsa on August 28, 1949 to Abel and Carmen Solis. Jose Hernan is survived by his wife of 41 years, Enedelia Flores-Solis; son, Jesus Gerardo Solis and daughter, Julissa Reyes; his mother; six brothers, Herby, Jose Hesbin, Efrain, Heleazar, Abel Jr. and Hector; three sisters, Sandra Mora, Susanna Guevara and Carmen Menchaca; and four grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his father. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, May 8, 2015 at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mission. Burial will follow at Valley Memorial Gardens in Mission. Carolina ‘Tia Caro’ Vela Trevino ISSION - Carolina Vela Trevino, 84, passed away on April 30, 2015, at Mission Regional Medical Center. She was born in Mission and lived there all of her life. She worked for Mission CISD for many years, serving as a migrant recruiter, loving her job immensely, taking

such pride in her work until her retirement. She loved all, cared for all, and treated all with love and respect. She is survived by her husband, Jesus ‘Chuy’ Trevino; and seven siblings, Inocenia “Chencha” Vela, Ramiro Vela, Reynaldo Vela, Raul Vela, Amparo Barbosa, Roberto Vela, Rogelio Vela. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bonifacio and Carolina Vela and sister Lydia Rodriguez. Funeral services were held May 4, 2015, at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Mission. Interment followed at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Mission. Roberto Villarreal Sr. EÑITAS - Roberto Villarreal Sr., 88, passed away Friday, April 24, 2015 at Las Palmas Nursing Home in McAllen. He was born in Mission on June 6, 1926. He is survived by six children and 21 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister, Evangelina Ramos and his son, Alfonso Villarreal. Services were held Thursday, April 30 at Flores Chapel A in Mission. Cremation will follow.

Notices

Roque Rios Alaniz MISSION - Services for Roque Rios Alaniz were held Tuesday, May 5, 2015, at Rivera Funeral Home, L.L.C. of Mission. Burial followed at Garden of Angels Cemetery in Mission. Eloy Chiu MISSION - Funeral services for Eloy Chiu were held Thursday, April 30, 2015, at Ric Brown Family Funeral Home in Mission. Burial followed at San Jose Cemetery in Mission. Antonio Cardenas MISSION - Antonio Cardenas, 76, died Sunday, May 3, 2015. Jorge Alberto Diaz MISSION - Chapel services for Jorge Alberto Diaz were held Thursday, April 30, 2015, at Virgil Wilson Memorial Chapel in Mission. Burial followed at Garden of Angels Cemetery in Mission. Gonzalo Garcia MISSION - Funeral services for Gonzalo Garcia

Mission Regional Medical Center's Auxiliary makes $70,000 donation

he Auxiliary Department of Mission Regional Medical Center (MRMC) made their annual donation to the hospital in the generous amount of $70,000. Auxiliary Board Vice President Russ Winters presented the donation to Javier Iruegas, CEO, Mission Regional Medical Center, during the Annual Auxiliary Board Installation meeting at The Club at Cimarron. The donation to the hospital is a result of the Auxiliary’s 2014-2015 fundraising efforts as well as proceeds from gift shop sales. Donation monies will be designated to support various service lines at MRMC. This year, Auxiliary members provided approximately 26,000 hours of onsite volunteer service to MRMC. According to the Texas Association of Hospital Auxiliaries, each volunteer hour is worth $22.55 to its recipient institution. Based on that hourly figure, Mission Regional Medical Center

were held Friday, May 1, 2015, at Ric Brown Family Funeral Home in Mission. Burial was held at Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission. Margarita Garcia MISSION - Margarita Garcia, 89, died Friday, May 1, 2015, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Funeral services were held Tuesday, May 5, 2015, at Ric Brown Family Funeral Home in Mission. Burial followed at Lord and I Cemetery in Palmview. Celia M. Gomez MISSION/NEBRASKACelia M. Gomez, 86, died Thursday, April 30, 2015, in Nebraska. Martha Gomez MISSION - Martha Gomez, 86, died Saturday, May 2, 2015 at Mission Regional Medical Center. Maria del Carmen Granados MISSION - Maria del Carmen Granados, 93, died

ChurCh DireCtory

BREAD OF LIFE CHURCH 2820 N. Conway Ave. • 581-1411 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

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IMPLEMENT COMPANY, INC. MISSION 585-1618

  

 





 

on-site volunteers provided $586,300 of volunteer assistance in one year. “I don't know what we'd do without our great volunteers,” said Lilliam Santana-Barrera, Director of Volunteer Services. “We appreciate their time, their effort and all of their hard work,” added Santana. The new Auxiliary Board Members for 2015-2016 are Dora Banda, President; Russ Winters, Senior Vice Presi-

dent; Oma Bush, Vice President of Membership; Rosa Nea Garza, Treasurer; Gloria Ibarra, Assistant Treasurer; Violet Wiersig, Corresponding Secretary; Carmen Garza, Recording Secretary; and Nancy Martinez, Parliamentarian. For more information about volunteering at Mission Regional Medical Center, contact Lilliam Santana-Barrera at (956) 323-1104.

Army Pvt. Finishes basics

rmy Pvt. Julio C. Sanchez has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. 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 and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field training exercises. Sanchez is the son of Katty Tiffer and Ernesto Sanchez of Mission. He is a 2014 graduate of Mission High School.

Friday, May 1, 2015, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Ethel Hensley MISSION - Ethel Hensley died Thursday, April 30, 2015, at The Bridges in Mission. Funeral services were held Monday, May 4, 2015 at Ric Brown Family Funeral Home in Mission. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens in McAllen. Vicente Juarez EDINBURG - Vicente Juarez, 83, died Monday, April 27, 2015, at Doctors Hospital of Edinburg. Gilberto Mancilla MISSION - Funeral services for Gilberto Mancilla were held Thursday, April 30, 2015, at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Granjeno. Burial was held at San Jose Cemetery in Mission.

Jose Mena MISSION - Jose Mena, 81, died Sunday, May 3, 2015, at Mission Regional Hospital in Mission. Guadalupe Pineda MISSION - Chapel services for Guadalupe Pineda were held Tuesday, May 5, 2015, at Rivera Funeral Home, L.L.C. of Mission. Burial was at Catholic Cemetery in Mission. Maria Dolores Rodriguez MISSION - Chapel services for Maria Dolores Rodriguez were held Wednesday, May 6, 2015, at Virgil Wilson Memorial Chapel in Mission. Burial followed at Lord and I Cemetery in Palmview. Virginia B. Villarreal MISSION - Virginia B. Villarreal, 80, died Friday, May 1, 2015 at Mission Regional Medical Center.

page 12

CERDA from pg 1

operator in Brownsville. Besides Salinas, the board interviewed Iris Reyes, of Pharr, and Crystal Olvera, of McAllen for the community outreach position. Other applicants were Maxine Perez-Vieyra, of San Antonio, and Raymond Garza, of Mission.

Most of the two meetings were held in executive session as the board interviewed candidates one at a time; however, tempers rose during public comment on April 30, when Arnold Ochoa said the district has been running well and he asked board members not to make political decisions. “Do the right thing for the community. Don’t do the

May 8, 2015

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political actions of hiring a board member from La Joya ISD to come and work for you,” Arnold Ochoa said. “Once you go into that political circle, it’s very hard to get out … We all know Julio Cerda works for the city of Peñitas, and we all know he’s going to get the position.” Ricardo Ochoa said Arnold Ochoa does not know everything that’s happening at Agua SUD. “We do,” Ricardo Ochoa said. “This board here is going to interview the three people that have applied for this position and this board will vote for the most qualified person.” Board member Francisco Flores asked Arnold Ochoa how long charges on new water meters have been high, “since you know everything.” “The question is why are they high?” Arnold Ochoa said. “I barely entered (into office), and I’m trying to lower them,” Flores said. “We’re not taking office to hire our friends our coworkers and the people who are here to help us,” Arnold Ochoa said. “We’re here to help others.” Before he could say more, the board president cut him off. “You’ve got three minutes, that’s more than enough. Sit down,” Ricardo Ochoa said. The board voted in March to hire a CEO who would answer directly to the

board and over see District Manager Frank Flores, who has held the position since 2005. In the meeting, board members cited a lack of communication with Flores and the need for better customer service. Flores said the move violated his contract, which states he is “the chief executive and administrative officer of the SUD.” It also states Flores “is responsible for hiring and firing personnel.” In addition, Agua SUD’s bylaws state the general manager “is responsible for employing all persons necessary for the proper handling of the business and operation of the Agua SUD and determining their compensation.” The board approved an amendment to the bylaws in September clarifying the role of the general manager, stating that the general manager is authorized to manage the affairs of the district, but the general manager had to get authorization from the board to hire and fire employees. “I expected that they would hire somebody to be over me because this place is turning back into La Joya Water Supply Corporation real quick,” Flores said after the March meeting. “I get phone calls from the board, you know? ‘Go turn this guy’s water on.’ Well, he hasn’t paid his bill. Why would I turn his water on?”

SCHOOL FUNDING from pg 1

billion plugged into its budget. Districts have been trying to regain their footing since the 2011 $5.4 billion budget cut. Although the extra $3 billion is a step in the right direction, it is not the cure-all, according to Sanderson. “We appreciate this investment, but it needs to be said that we’re just finally getting back to somewhere near break even after the cuts of 2011,” Sanderson said. “We’re still digging ourselves out of this hole and this $3 billion doesn’t even get us all the way out.” During the school finance case, experts in Dietz’s court estimated a range of $9 billion to $14 billion would get the school finance system where it needed to be. Dietz ruled that about $10 billion extra per year would meet the constitutional adequacy requirements. “On a per student funding level right now, we’re still funding students at less than we were in 2006 when you adjust the dollars for inflation,” Sanderson said. “We’re not even keeping up with inflation, we’re funding the kids less than we were in 2006.” Public schools took the funding cut in 2011, but even

SANDS

Band on iPads. Still, he has guitars, keyboards, recorders and even harmonicas in the classroom. Sands said the biggest reason he became a teacher was his love for music and learning. His own teachers also inspired him as a young student. Drawing from personal experience, he aims to make his classroom a safe place for all students. “When I was starting out as a music student, as a young student, obviously everyone else wanted to play baseball and kickball, but I needed to go practice the piano, so yes, I did have to stand up to some tough

before then, they weren’t faring well. Maintenance and operation property taxes were cut by one-third in the 2006 property tax swap. The state became responsible for bridging that gap and reducing property taxes. According to Sanderson, this froze school funding from 2006 to 2011 because revenue was dedicated to property tax relief. “We raise the standards for students and teachers every year but the money is not kept up and because it’s a system built on property taxes,” said Jennifer Cannaday, the Association of Texas Professional Educators governmental relations manager. “There’s obviously a lot of political pressure to keep the taxes low.” Sanderson said he believes the next direct step is for Chairman Aycock to decide if they have the legislative appetite to take on school funding before time runs out. Regardless of politics, Alvarez-Alonzo just wants the every type of student taken into account. “Ultimately we have to look at what do the children need,” the Mission CISD teacher said. “There are very complex formulas...but making an honest effort to provide every Texas child with the same opportunities no matter where they live is important.” from pg 1

criticism, some bullying if you will, especially through high school, but I knew what I wanted to do.” A recent video featuring Sands along with students and staff at Tabasco Elementary performing a parody of “Uptown Funk” recently went viral. Featured on TeacherTube’s Facebook page, the video received more than 162,000 views. In it, Sands sang and danced wearing a fedora, bandanna and gold chain with a dollar sign pendant to motivate students to pass the STAAR. The video has received comments from all over the world, Sands said, adding that he had friends of friends on Facebook sending it to people he knew. “I don’t like when I hear adults say, ‘I can’t play an instrument. I don’t know how to sing.’ Everyone can do something with music, even if it’s just enjoy it at a richer level,” Sands said. “I’m not a big fan of the audition. If you want to be in my groups, you can be in my groups.”

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE of property to satisfy Landlord’s Lien. Sale is 10 am, May 16, 2015 at 2604 W. Exp. 83, Mission, TX. Property will be sold to the highest bidder for cash. Clean up and removal deposit may be required. Seller reserves right to withdraw property from sale. Property includes contents of spaces of following tenants: #11 Ernesto Alvarez Bed rails, car seat, shelves, microwaves, vacuum cleaners, ceiling fans, bar stool, toys, pallets with misc items; #39 Alfredo Martinez Dryer, chest, baby items; #41 Iris Cardenas sofa set, table, misc household items; #49 Greci Ynosencio clothes, propane tank, chest & speakers; #53 Kristopher Lee Pena chest, clothing & toys; #59 Arnoldo Solis go-cart, compressors, pressure washer; #66 Yadira Garcia mattresses, a/c unit, refrigerator & household items, refrigerator, game table, crib & misc items; #67 Melinda Ramona Gomez crib, TVs, table, office items, baby items & household items; #70 Marissa Requenez household & baby items; #73 Devora Blanco bed & TV; #77 Maria A. Rodriguez a/c, refrigerator, bed, sofa, baby items & household items; #79 Jorge De Leon blinds, #85 Manuel Gonzalez sofa & TV; #91 Martha Angelica Garcia mattress & refrigerator; #119 Juana Lucia Cabrera Buffer propane tanks, a/c buffing pads & floor buffing; #125 Graciela Barcenas ladder, x-mas items, desk, computer monitor & household items; #127 Raul M. Melendez Treadmill, beds, mattresses & bikes; #132 Abelino Villareal chairs, table & desk; #136 Juan Antonio Estrada stove & box spring; #138 Elvira Castaneda table, washer & suitcase; #146 Jesika E. Alonso Bedroom set, table & bike sofa; #148 Leonardo Trujillo cargo case, mattress set, twin bed, bikes, BBQ pit, folding chairs, speakers, baby items & misc household items; #149 Ana Chablet above ground pool; #164 Esmeralda Fuentes crib, baby & household items; Contact ABC Storage, 2604 W. Exp 83, Mission, TX 956-585-1155.

May 8, 2015

TRAFFICKING from pg 5

for the sex trafficking of undocumented minors. Another scenario that isn’t often spoken about is students recruiting students, the district police chief said. The police department has not received any reports of human trafficking, he said,

CUELLAR

I hesitated because of deficit spending because somebody else is going to come in and say, ‘I’m special. Go into deficit spending.’” To put the budget into perspective, Cuellar said out of the $3.7 trillion in expenditures, only $1.1 trillion is not encumbered entitlement funding. Half of the $1.1 trillion goes to the military and the other half funds everything else, he said. Cuellar said he hears complaints that taxes are too high, but income taxes under Obama and former President Bush are the lowest they’ve been since the Truman administration in the 1950s. Still, he admitted the country needs tax reform. The congressman said he hoped see work on it this year because almost everything will stop in 2016 during the presidential election. Another complaint Cuellar said is that the federal government is too big. However, he said in 1962 there

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but the possibility is always there. He is grateful that TEA is being proactive and is glad there are more eyes and ears helping law enforcement. “We know that (teachers) are not highly skilled officers, but they may see something that may be out of the ordinary,” Gonzalez said. “All we want is them to pick up the phone and report it.” from pg 3

were 5.3 million federal employees, compared to 4.1 million employees in 2012. “Again, I’m trying to give you some facts and some myths that are out there,” Cuellar said. He said he’s also working to get Texas more transportation dollars. The administration’s preliminary draft of freight corridors started about 150 miles outside of the border. In subcommittee, he added language to the transportation bill that would start freight corridors in the middle of the international bridges. It’s not quite the Coordinated Border Infrastructure program, which provided billions in funding for projects that expedited border crossings, but it’s getting closer, Cuellar said. “I said with all due respect, I’ve never seen an 18-wheeler jump 150 miles from one place to another,” Cuellar said.

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COMBINED NOTICE TO PUBLIC CITY OF MISSION COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT ENTITLEMENT PROGRAM SUBSTANTIAL PROGRAM AND BUDGET AMENDMENT FOR ONE YEAR ACTION PLAN 2014-2015 AND PROPOSED ACTION PLAN 2015-2016 (DRAFT) In accordance with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the City of Mission hereby announces public hearings to be held on May 11, 2015 at the Mission City Hall Council Chambers at 4:30 p.m. regarding consideration and approval of a substantial program and budget amendment to the FY 2014-15 and the Proposed 2015-16 Action Plans. The Substantial Program and Budget Amendment for FY 2014-15 would eliminate the activity for Habitat for Humanity funded at $100,000 and would allow those funds to be re-allocated to the City’s Housing Assistance Program for reconstruction of approximately two dilapidated homes for eligible low income families. 1) (14A) Housing Assistance Program $611,742 Reconstruction $611,742 And In compliance with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant Program rules and regulations, the City of Mission hereby announces its proposed One Year Action Plan 2015-2016 for its 32nd Year Entitlement Program. On May 5, 2015 the Citizens Advisory Committee made the following funding recommendations utilizing the city’s 2015 CDBG allocation of $923,850. 1) (05) Public Service Agencies $72,250 a) (05A) Amigos Del Valle – Activities $7,250 b) (05A) Amigos Del Valle – Home Delivered Meals $25,000 c) (05A) LRGVDC – Area Agency on Aging $10,000 d) (05A) Silver Ribbon $5,000 e) (05B) Easter Seals Rio Grande Valley $5,000 f) (05M) Dentists Who Care $10,000 g) (05N) Children’s Advocacy Center $10,000 2) (14A) Housing Assistance Program Reconstruction $638,288

$638,288

3) (14H) Housing Administration

$76,113

4) (21A) CD Program Administration

$137,199

These proposed recommendations are being provided for public comments. Oral and/or written comments will be accepted through June 8, 2015. Accommodations for persons with disabilities, non-english speaking or handicapped individuals shall be provided upon request. Please notify the department at least three days in advance of meeting. Personas con impedimentos, quienes necesiten asistencia o interpretes para comunicarse pueden ser requeridos contactando al Departmento con tres dias laborables previos a cualquier junta para poder hacer los arreglos correspondientes. For further information on this document, contact Ms. Jo Anne Longoria, Community Development Director at (956) 580-8670.

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.

LEGAL NOTICE Company Name: Billing Address:

Family Dollar Stores, Inc. P.O. Box 1017, Attn: Tax and Licensing Department, Charlotte, NC 28201-1017

Applications are being 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 #4996, located at 217 S. Alton Blvd, Alton, Hidalgo County, Texas 78573 and d/b/a/ Family Dollar Store #10352, located at 3312 E. Main Ave., Alton, Hidalgo County, Texas 78573. Officers of said Limited Liability Company are: 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 – Controller Jose M. Luis, VP - Real Estate Development Thomas E. Schoenheit, VP - Assistant General Counsel and Assistant Secretary David R. Styka, VP - Finance and Treasurer

CONSTABLE’S SALE The State of Texas County of Hidalgo Notice is Hereby Given that by virtue of a certain Writ of Execution issued out of the HONORABLE 80TH DISTRICT COURT OF HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS, on the 11TH of MARCH 2015, for the sum of $4,137.42 with interest thereon at the rate of 7% per annum from the 8th of DECEMBER 2005 and cost of suit, under a judgment in favor of CREDIGY RECEIABLES INC. in a certain cause in said court, No. 2005-18395 And styled CREDIGY RECEIABLES INC. Vs. MYRTHALA R. GARCIA And placed in my hands for service for service on 22nd of APRIL 2015, I, Lazaro Gallardo Jr., as Constable Pct.3 Hidalgo County, Texas, did on the 23rd of APRIL 2015, levy on certain real estate in Hidalgo County, Texas, described as follows, to-wit THE SOUTH ½ OF LOT TWENTY-THREE (23), BLOCK TWENTY-FIVE (25), TEXAN GARDENS SUBDIVISION, HIDALGO COUNTY, TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 8, PAGE 57, MAP RECORDS, HIDALGO COUNTY, TEXAS. THAT BEING THE SAME PROPERTY CONVEYED TO MYRTHALA R. GARCIA AND MARINA E. GARCIA-RAMOS BY WARRANTY DEED WITH VENDORS LIEN DATED AUGUST 14, 2003 AND RECORDED UNDER FILE NO. 2003-01242084 IN THE OFFICIAL RECORDS OF REAL PROEPRTY IN HIDALGO COUNTY, TEXAS ., And levied upon as property of MYRTHALA R. GARCIA and that on the first Tuesday in JUNE 2015, the same being the 2nd day of said month, at the court house door of Hidalgo County, TEXAS in the City of Edinburg, Texas, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (sale starts at 10:00 a.m.) by virtue of said levy and said writ of execution, I will sell said above described real estate at public venue for cash, to the highest bidder, as the property of said MYRTHALA R. GARCIA and in compliance with the law, I give this notice by publication, in the English language, once a week for three consecutive weeks immediately proceeding said day of sale, in The PROGRESS TIMES a newspaper published in Hidalgo County. Witness my hand, this 4th day of MAY 2015 By: ________________________________ Lazaro Gallardo, Jr. Deputy Ruben Salinas, Jr. Constable Pct.3 Hidalgo County, Texas

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May 8, 2015