June 12, 2015 - Progress Times Issue by Progress Times

Friday, June 12, 2015

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DIAMONDBACK DEBUT

La Joya ISD eyes pay raises L

By Julie Silva

Pioneer High graduates first class By Lea Victoria Juarez state qualifiers and two state champions who walked wo months before Pi- across the stage that Friday. oneer High School “Even though our rough graduated their first patches may outweigh the class, senior Franklin Reyes positives for some of you, it died when a car struck him. was at those moments that His mother tearfully accept- amazing memories were ed his diploma on his be- made,” Chapa said. “It was half at the inaugural Pioneer those moments that made us commencement ceremony proud to be Diamondbacks June 5. and it was because of that we Later, the 174-student wanted to prove everyone class that chose to attend wrong. We were the underSharyland ISD’s new high dogs, but we weren’t here to school threw their caps in the play around.” air before exiting the State Before Pioneer opened its Farm Arena as a group for doors, Principal James Heath the last time. instilled his trust into the SeDespite losing a class nior Advisory Council – the member, the ongoing cam- first students to step foot pus construction, vandalism on campus. This group was and mocking, according to responsible with creating class president Lizette Cha- the Alma Mater, fight song, pa, Pioneer boasts accolades school crest, yearbook name in both the academic and ath- and letterman jacket colors. letic fields. Some of the honMember Zachary Ramon ors include district champion See PHS GRADUATION 12 titles, sweepstakes bands,

TOP: The Sharyland Pioneer Class of 2015 joins hands during the school’s alma mater. BELOW: The first senior class of Sharyland Pioneer High School graduates June 5 at the State Farm Arena. Progress Times photos by Lea Victoria Juarez

“The inaugural year of Pioneer High School was a very successful one.” – James Heath

a Joya ISD board members Monday agreed at a recent budget workshop they wanted to give employees a raise, but debated whether $1,200 was a big enough boost for teachers. After the district’s first budget workshop on Memorial Day, Ricardo Villarreal, assistant superintendent of human resources said, “We were asked to see what we could invest in the adults who are investing in our kids.” He presented two options, and both included the $1,200 raise for teachers. Option 1, however, included a 2.5 percent raise for nonteaching professionals and a 50-cent per hour raise for those in clerical positions or manual trades. Option 2 bumped the increase to 3 percent for nonteaching professionals and 75 cents per hour for clerical positions and manual trades. Option 1 would cost the district an additional $4.7 million. Option 2 would cost the district $5.6 million. Last year, the district gave teachers a $2,400 raise, gave nonteaching professionals a 4 percent boost and increased clerical and manual trade positions by $1.25. A five-year plan conducted by the Texas Association of School Boards recommended a $1,000 increase this year, according to Villarreal. From the beginning of the school year, La Joya ISD has lost 90 teachers, some of whom have retired, compared with two years ago when about 120 teachers left

the district, Villarreal said. “It’s not only money that retains teachers,” he said. “It’s principals. It’s us in central office and how well we support them as well as the plans and ideas that you allow us to work with.” Superintendent Alda Benavides pointed out that every time a new school opens in the area, the district loses teachers. Still, she emphasized the district has moved up its pay to be more competitive. A few years ago, she said, La Joya ISD was the 16th highest paying district. Then it was twelfth, and now fifth. Villarreal said the increase in teacher pay would make La Joya Independent School District the second-highest paying district in the area, behind only Weslaco ISD. The starting salary for a teacher would be $45,750. Trustee Oscar “Coach” Salinas said he wants to see a time when the district can retain its teachers even when new schools open up down the street. He challenged district administrators to come up with an Option 3 and add “a little bit more” for teachers and other staff. Salinas said he wouldn’t be satisfied with less than $1 raise for manual trade and clerical employees, and trustee Joel Garcia agreed. Garcia and Salinas also suggested administrators look at increasing stipends for teachers who have master’s degrees or other desirable qualities, like math and science certifications. At the request of trustee Esperanza “Espie” Ochoa,

See PAY RAISES 12

Wernecke teacher SHS teacher preps students for life earns district Teacher of the Year

By Lea Victoria Juarez

By Lea Victoria Juarez arisol Avalos remembers arriving to class before her teacher when she was in grade school, and helping her classmates with their homework in the hallway. “I have blurry memories of telling my friends that I would not give out my answers,” the Wernecke Elementary teacher said. “Instead I would help them work out the problems.” The Sharyland Independent School District elementary Teacher of the Year knew her passion for education began in elementary school, but her focus on special education began in college. Initially she envisioned

herself working as a tutor in correctional facility while earning her degree as a probation officer. But Avalos came to find that about 34 percent of the state prison

inmates and 54 percent of the federal prison inmates received special education classes. After receiving an associate degree in criminal justice in 2003 she turned her attention to special education. In July 2015, the teacher of nine years will receive a master’s degree in special education. “Not once do I regret the fact that I chose to be a special education teacher,” Avalos said. “The progress I see in my students keeps me motivated to continue to teach. We learn new things every day and this is the reason why I went back to college...” Avalos, who teaches kin-

Lt. Gov. offers legislative highlights

INDEX

See AVALOS 11

nglish teacher Liza Cantu has one message for those entering the teaching profession -- be prepared to teach life. The Sharyland ISD secondary Teacher of the Year said that in her 16 years of being an educator, sometimes the goal isn’t academics, instead its teaching the students to become better people. Cantu said she realized that teachers and students have an endless “need-want” conflict. “I need Johnny to read at grade level from his textbooks, but he wants me to understand that he will be up all night taking care of his siblings because mom is working two jobs,” she said. “I need Johnny to bring a

INSIDE

USB to save his projects, and he wants me to understand that right now he cannot ask his parents for anything because dad was fired from his job yesterday.” At the end of the day, students want to know they matter, she explained.

VMHS graduates 97 percent in 2015

The Sharyland High School teacher had to learn to pick her battles and empathize with her students. In turn, she becomes the student – learning the obstacles they go through. This has allowed her to adapt to both party’s needs. “(Students) want to know that what they think and say and do matters to someone,” Cantu said. “For those 90 minutes in my classroom, I am that someone.” Cantu said the three components that make up her teaching beliefs are teamwork, professionalism and compassion. She collaborates with her coworkers to prepare the students for their exams. She teaches professionalism by keeping firm, fair and consistent deadlines,

See CANTU 11

County, Palmview on the grow

Dan Patrick kicked off a statewide tour in McAllen last week to review the accomplishments of the past session.

Seniors overcome hardships, excel and leave Veterans Memorial with associate degrees in Saturday’s ceremony.

Hidalgo and city leaders joined together Wednesday at a luncheon hosted by the Chamber of Commerce to talk about the future.

See story page 10

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Entertainment | pg. 2

Lifestyle | pg. 5

Opinion | pg. 4

Sports | pg. 8

Obituaries | pg. 9

Classifieds | pg. 11

entertainment Pharr Community Theater presents ‘Una Huelga Singular’

he Pharr Community Theater invites the whole family to a locally produced spanish language play that will surely have you laughing in your seats, say’s veteran RGV theater director Pedro Garcia. Una Huelga Singular which translates to ‘A Singular Strike’ is the Pharr Community Theater’s next play opening June 18 through June 28 in Pharr. It’s the tale of contemporary housewife, Teresa Pacheco, living in Mexico City who has had about enough from her tyrant husband Rafael and from other family members living in her household. Rafael, a busy newspaper editor says he has too much stress at work and that the only place he can take it out is at home on his wife. And with two teenage kids turning out to be just like him, Teresa is about to hit

Cast members from Una Huelga Singular from L-R are: Luis Alvarez, Genaro Escobedo, Armandina Sesin, Judith Luna, Daniela Ramos, Ivan Ali Orozco, Wendy Lara, Cecilio Muñoz, Erika Salinas & Francisco Crisanto (not pictured is Alexandra Torres)

the roof. Over and over she tries to reason with them but they're so self-centered that they blame her for all their shortcomings and treat her

like a slave. And if that wasn't enough, Teresa’s old fashioned parents who also live at her

home are stuck on the ideology that a woman is meant to

See THEATER 5

ResacaFest 2015 to celebrate the Spirit of America

he Spirit of America will be celebrated on July 4 with a day of live music, food and family-styled fun, capped with a fireworks exhibit over the Resaca at ResacaFest 2015. Two stages of entertainment are scheduled to keep the activities moving during this free community event. The public is invited to participate in this festival, scheduled at W.H. Heavin Memorial Park and Amphitheater at 705 North Bowie Street, from 4-11 p.m. Fun-filled activities include live music and children’s events which will feature a kiddie carnival, children’s games, Miss ResacaFest Pageant, Patriotic Costume Dog & Owner contest, face painting, contests, and food and drink booths. Live entertainment headliners are Roger Velasquez & the Latin Legendz with Raulito Navaira and Fama. Other popular local bands

will include Los Latinos and others. The music will feature country, classic, pop and Tejano in a continuous venue through 11 p.m. Returning this year is a Miss Tiny ResacaFest Pageant featuring divisions including ages one to four; Miss Little ResacaFest, ages five to eight, Miss Pre-Teen ResacaFest ages nine to 12 and Miss ResacaFest: ages 17-19 years. A mini-market will feature unique collectibles and arts/crafts, jewelry and other unique items at bargain prices. Queens and runners-up will be crowned at the Amphitheater Stage at the event which begins at 6 p.m. For more information, please contact Bobbie Jo Leal at (956) 990-0995. Potential vendors and sponsors can find down-loadable application forms at the City of San Benito and ResacaFest Facebook sites.

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Coming Attractions

June 12-13 Niko El Hipnotista de las Estrellas will perform at 8 p.m. each night at the McAllen Civic Center. For more information, visit http://www.mcallenconventioncenter.net. June 12 McAllen Convention Center will present the South Texas Fighting Championships MMA Cage Fights. Fighters include Fabian Saldivar versus Josh Montalvo, Andoni Sorando versus Sam Guardiola, Saul Elizondo verus Ricardo Palacios and Guilherme Farias de Costa. Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com or call 292-5669 or 414-8698. June 13 The Summer of Love, Sunset Live, will be held at the McAllen Convention Center from 6 to 10 p.m. The event will feature music by The Night Mothers, Chloe Loverock, Ruby Jane Smith, Sylvia Sandoval and Elizabeth Marie. The event will also have food, an artisan market and food trucks. It is free and family and pet friendly.. For more information, visit http://www.mcallenconventioncenter.net. Sacred Heart Church will host Trevor Thomson. Door will open at 7:30 p.m. General admission is $10, VIP tickets are $25. Tickets can be purchased at www.sacredheartconcert. eventbrite.com or for inquiries call 478-6325. The church is located at 501 E. Kuhn in Edinburg. June 14 The Real Deal Tour with Mike Epps and Friends will be performing live at the McAllen Convention Center at 7:30 p.m. Doors will open at 6 p.m.. For more information, visit http://www. mcallenconventioncenter.net. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster. com or by calling 956-648-2333. June 19 Yuri will perform at the State Farm Arena at 8 p.m., doors will open at 7 p.m. For more information and to buy tickets, visit www.statefarmarena. com. June 20 17th Annual Home Buyer’s Fair will take place at the McAllen Convention Center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event connects potential homebuyers with the resources they need to achieve

their dream of becoming a homeowner. There will be 18 free seminars and more such as exhibitors, furniture and appliance giveaways, and door prizes. For more information, call 681-3800. June 26 Metro PCS Friday Night Knockout will be at the State Farm Arena at 7 p.m., doors will open at 6 p.m. The event will feature No. 2 World Ranked Middleweight Gilberto Ramirez and two-time Mexican Olympian Oscar Valdez. For more information and to buy tickets, visit www.statefarmarena. com. June 27 Texas Hunters & Sportman’s Expo will kickoff with Tracy Lawrence performing at the Las Palmas Race Park. Gates open at 7 p.m. For more information visit www.laspalmasracepark. com/events. Latin Grammy winner for Best Contemporary Pop Vocal Album in 2014, Camila – Elypse World Tour will perform at the State Farm Arena at 8:30 p.m., doors will open at 7:30 p.m. For more information and to buy tickets, visit www.statefarmarena.com. July 11 Here’s a chance to show off your sidewalk chalk drawing skills and win prizes. Get your own sidewalk block and let your imagination run wild. All ages and skills levels are welcome at the Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest at the Palm View Community Center in McAllen from 6 to 8 p.m. There will be categories and age divisions for contests. Each sidewalk block is $3. For more information, call the community center at 681-3360. 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.

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VMHS graduates 97 percent in 2015 L By Lea Victoria Juarez

ast week, Principal Angelina Garcia saw her first senior class graduate since becoming the administrative head of Veterans Memorial High School. Her voice broke as addressed the 435 students who stood together for the last time at Saturday’s commencement ceremony. “You have set the standard high for following classes to mimic,” Garcia said. “If I had to choose any other class to initiate me to be a high school principal, I would choose every one of you.” The class of 2015 saw VMHS become the Battle of LEFT: Veterans Memorial High School has 435 students graduate June 6. RIGHT: VMHS JROTC seniors present the colors. BELOW: The top 10 students donned white caps and gowns at the ceremony.

State Rep. Sergio Muñoz speaks during a legislative luncheon hosted by the Palmview Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday at Iglesia del Pueblo church. In the background are Mayor Jerry Perez, County Judge Ramon Garcia and Joel Garcia, vice president of the chamber.

Palmview on the move

By Julie Silva

almview leaders have big dreams for the future of the city that include creating a loop around the city, installing a sewer system and improving the quality of life with a new park and LED lighting on the highway. These improvements, City Manager Ramon Segovia believes, will bring new businesses and economic development to the community. The Palmview Chamber of Commerce hosted a legislative luncheon Wednesday to discuss issues affecting the area. Among the speakers were Segovia, Mayor Jerry Perez, State Rep. Sergio Muñoz, County Judge Ramon Garcia and Julio Cerda, executive director of Agua Special Utility District. Segovia said within the next 18-24 months, people are going to start seeing a lot more commercial develop-

ment in Palmview. Already, he said, the city has been fielding calls from national companies. “They want to come in,” Segovia said. “The downside has been the sewer, but once we get it, I don’t see anything stopping us at this point. They know about us. They’re coming. We talked to multiple ones that said, ‘Hey, Palmview’s in the top five of where we want to go.’” The sewer project has been talked about for at least 18 years, Mayor Perez said, adding that he’s been aware of the need since moving to the city in 1976. Cerda said it’s the biggest project in the works for Agua SUD. The district currently is finalizing the routes with the city of Mission and the Hidalgo County Drainage District, and Muñoz emphasized that the district must draw down the money from the Texas Water Development Board by

Reminiscing... 30 Years Ago This Week

Two retired educators were honored The Mission school board and central administrative staff honored a Mission businessman who served 15 years on the school board and an administrator who worked with the school district for 28 years. Carl Waitz, owner of five supermarkets in the upper Valley, served five terms on the board before stepping down, and Bob Gossett served 28 years as a supervisor of special services in Mission CISD. The Chamber of Commerce appointed a new director Carlos Blanco was appointed to fill the unexpired term of Charles Zey.

Aug. 15. Segovia said the first Palmview residents to get sewer will be those in the city proper, from old 83 to Farmto-Market 495 and between Moorefield and Abram. Commercial properties will have to pay to be connected, he said. Agua SUD expects to go out for bids on the sewer project in September. To improve traffic flow, Perez said Palmview leaders are working to turn FM 495 into a four-lane road, like it is through Mission. The city plans to extend the four lanes from La Homa to Abram Road in the first phase of the project, and then down Abram Road to old 83 in the second phase. Perez said he also wants to see La Homa extended down to old 83, creating a loop around Palmview. Other projects the mayor highlighted included extending the LED-lighting on U.S. 83 west past Abram Road and buying a ladder truck for the fire department at nearly a $500,000 price tag. The city also is partnering with La Joya Independent School District to construct a handicap-accessible park next to Cesar Chavez Elementary School using Urban County funds. It also will include a learning center with Internet access. He estimated the cost of the project at $550,000, and the construction is scheduled to start in September. When asked by a community member whether its possible the state will construct

See PALMVIEW 10

Conway champs, state representation in athletics and electives such as SkillsUSA and a state-recognized mariachi. Among the graduates are two National Hispanic Scholars and a National Merit Scholar. In addition, the 2015 class boasts a 97 percent graduation rate, and it’s the first class with students who also have obtained associate degrees. Superintendent Ricardo Lopez singled out a few students who have overcome hardship in their lives. They

served as example of the struggles the students face while still earning their accolades. One of the students was placed into foster care due to an unsuitable home environment. Another student lost her single mother and had to be raised by family members. Student Zoe Alaniz is paralyzed from the waist down, but became Veterans’ first wheelchair athlete for track and field. He made it to

See VMHS GRADUATION 12

opinion By Ed Sterling Texas Press Association

STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

USTIN — Governor Greg Abbott has until June 21 to give bills recently passed by the Texas Legislature his final consideration before signing them, letting them take effect without his signature or vetoing them. By June 1, the last day of the Legislature’s 84th regular session, some 819 House bills and 504 Senate bills earned final passage, plus two House Joint Resolutions and five Senate Joint Resolutions. Unlike bills, which are subject to gubernatorial veto, the voters of Texas will find the seven joint resolutions appearing as proposed constitutional amendments on the Nov. 3 statewide ballot. By June 4, Abbott had signed 340 bills into law and vetoed two: HB 225, relating to the prescription and dispensation of “opioid antagonist” drugs; and SB 359, relating to the emergency detention of a person with mental illness. Here are 10 examples of signed, approved bills: HB 4, establishing a new $130 million “High Quality Prekindergarten Grant Program” to be provided free of tuition and fees to qualifying students. HB 505, prohibiting the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board from adopting any rule that would limit the number of dual credit courses or hours in a which a student may enroll while in high school or in a given semester or academic year. HB 593, requiring the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement to establish a statewide comprehensive education and training program on canine encounters and canine behavior.

HB 903, requiring the comptroller to adjust the state’s “rainy day fund” investment portfolio periodically by putting some funds into higher-returning instruments to ensure that the balance of the fund is sufficient to meet cash flow requirements HB 1740, improving community access to rabies vaccination services. HB 3628, requiring the director of the Texas Department of Public Safety to adopt rules governing the use of unmanned aircraft in the Capitol Complex. SB 97, prohibiting a person from selling, giving or causing to be sold or given an e-cigarette to someone who is younger than 27 years of age unless the person to whom the e-cigarette was sold or given presents an apparently valid proof of identification. SB 339, authorizing a qualified physician under certain conditions to prescribe low-THC cannabis to alleviate the seizures of a patient diagnosed with intractable epilepsy if the patient is a permanent Texas resident. SB 458, increasing the duties of the aerospace and aviation office of the Texas Economic Development and Tourism Office to promote the retention, development and expansion of aerospace and aviation industry facilities in Texas. SB 1072, creating a method for counties to remove from office a precinct or county chair who has failed to perform statutory duties provided by the Election Code. Health agency chief to resign Texas Health and Human Services Executive Com-

missioner Dr. Kyle Janek on June 5 announced his decision to step down from his position effective July 1 “to make way for new leadership as the agency prepares for major reorganization.” Janek was appointed head of the agency in 2012 by then-governor Rick Perry. With a budget of $74 billion and more than 56,000 employees, the agency came under fire following publication of a series of investigative reports by the Austin American-Statesman that exposed a lucrative no-bid contract with a computer software firm executed by high-ranking personnel at the agency. Oversight at the agency was a topic of Sunset Commission hearings held at the Capitol in April. Gov. Abbott, in a June 5 announcement, said Chris Traylor, chief deputy commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission, will succeed Janek, and Charles Smith, current deputy for child support at the Texas Office of the Attorney General, will be Traylor’s successor. Rick Perry starts presidential run Former governor Rick Perry, who served the state’s chief executive from 2001 to 2015, launched his second run in hopes of securing the Republican nomination for president in an Addison, Texas, aircraft hangar on June 4. Using a C-130 cargo plane as a backdrop, Perry, who served as a U.S. Air Force pilot during the Vietnam War era, was joined in the announcement by military veterans as he talked about his upbringing

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Governor Abbott signs state agency contracting reform legislation

USTIN – Governor Greg Abbott has signed legislation implementing key reforms to enhance reporting and increase transparency and accountability in state contracting. “As one of my first actions upon taking office as Governor, I directed state agency heads to immediately implement critical reforms to their contracting procedures, including the disclosing of no-bid contracts, any conflicts of interest in the procurement process, and prohibiting state employees from entering into contracts with companies from which they financially benefit,” Abbott said. “This legislation puts those reforms and additional accountability measures for state agencies into law. I am proud to sign this bill that ensures Texans can trust their state government to issue contracts in a fair, open and responsible man-

ner.” SB 20 (Nelson, R-Flower Mound; Price, R-Amarillo) includes provisions to strengthen document retention requirements, requirements for documents to be posted on agency websites, requirements for reporting contracting information to the Comptroller (CPA), requirements for reporting vendor performance to the Comptroller's tracking system, requirements for use of information in the tracking system in contract award decisions, ethics reporting requirements and disclosure of potential conflicts of interest, and creation of a centralized contract database maintained by the Comptroller. In a letter sent to all state agency heads on Jan. 28, 2015, Governor Abbott directed agencies to implement the following reforms as of Feb. 1, 2015:  • Require public disclosure of all no-bid contracts

and a public justification for using such a procurement method; • Require that all agency employees involved in procurement or contract management disclose any possible conflicts of interest; • Prohibit contracts with business entities with which high-level agency leadership or staff have a financial interest; • Require that the agency's board chair sign any contract valued at more than $1 million or delegate signature authority to the agency head; • For procurements of more than $5 million, require the agency's central contracting office or procurement director to sign off on the procurement method and to indicate, in writing, to the Board and agency head any potential issue that could arise in the contract solicitation.

reform our forensic science practices to protect the integrity of the criminal justice system and preserve individuals' liberties; legislation to enhance job creation; bills that protect the health and safety of our children; and legislation to protect and preserve our military communities." "I am also pleased to pass the Office of Inspector General Sunset bill to provide due process, increase transparency, and get at actual fraud while not wasting our resources on innocent providers." "In the final budget, I was able to secure over $60 million for our new medical school at the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley (UT-RGV). I was also able to

secure $7 million for the Engineering Program and $60 million of TRBs for the Life Sciences Research and Engineering building at Texas A&M- Corpus Christi (TAMUCC)." "The final budget adopted increases access and funding to services needed by our most vulnerable populations -- the young, elderly, sick, and poor. We invested in infrastructure, border security, and our students. The budget will pave the way for an educated and healthy workforce and a successful Texas economy." Any specific inquiries regarding legislation or funding accomplishments can be directed to Hinojosa's Capitol Office at 512-463-0120.

Sine Die: Sen. Hinojosa reflects on a successful legislative session

USTIN – Last week the Texas Legislature adjourned Sine Die for the 84th Regular Session. Sine Die is the last day of the 140 days every-odd numbered year the Texas Legislature meets. Sen. Chuy Hinojosa issued the following statement: "I am proud of what we accomplished this session for South Texas and the entire State. We had important legislative victories and crafted a balanced budget that takes care of Texans. This session I passed over 60 individual pieces of legislation and secured millions of dollars for priorities in South Texas and the Coastal Bend regions." "Among the many bills I passed were key bills that

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lifestyle

June 12, 2015

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‘Don’t be a Chikin, donate blood’ U

Events Calendar

Jun e 13 – Aglow Internationl Mission Spanish Aglow will hold their monthly meeting at Taco Ole Restaurant on 2316 N. Conway from 4 to 6 p.m. Afternoon Merienda will be served. The meeting will be a continuation on the teaching power of prayer. For more information, call Liza Rayo at 776-8505, Delia Bazan at 240-5813 or Connie Escamilla at 279-7887. Jun e 13 – It’s World Wide Knit in Public Day ant the Lamb’s Loom in McAllen is invited all local needle knitters, loomers and crocheters to join in the celebration. Contact them at 607-6855 to sign up your group for a nearby location or to let them know where you’ll be stationed. All group will report to WWKiP. The afternoon will end with some food and fun. The Lamb’s Loom is located at 1209 Pecan Blvd. Jun e 13 – Frontera Audubon invites birding enthusiasts, or those wanting to learn more about birds in the Valley, to a Birding 101 Workshop with Ranger Raul Garza. Participants will learn the basics of birding at 10 a.m. with Garza. He will cover bird identification basics such as habitats for birds, backyard and local birds, and birding by ear. It is a beginner workshop open to adult, teens and children. A walk in the Frontera thicket will take place after the presentation. Fee is $5 for adults and teens and $3 for children 12 and under. Call 956-968-3275 for more information. Jun e 13 – The Edinburg World Birding Center invites all toddlers to learn more about nature. This month the activity will be about snakes. Activities may include puppet shows, story-telling, puzzle time, free play, coloring, crafts, and guided walks throughout the grounds. Fee per toddler is $2, with one free guardian. Additional family members visiting must pay regular EWBC admission. Space is limited so call ahead to register. The Edinburg Scenic Wetlands and World Birding Center is located at 714 S. Raul Longoria Rd. (in the Edinburg Municipal Park) in Edinburg. Jun e 16 – Quinta Mazatlan will hold a Survivor Skills Camp for children ages nin to 12. The camp will run through June 19 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Participants will learn how to survive outdoors by building a primitive hut, using a bow and arrow, exploring for geocaches, learning animal tracks, finding safe food in the natural forest and more. The camp costs $50 for residents, $60 for non-residents. Call 681-3370 for more information. Jun e 18 – Quinta Mazatlan’s Thursday Evening Exploration will be Bear Clan Native Culture Night in the Park at 7 p.m. This is a family event of entertainment and education. Fee is $3 for adults, $2 for children and seniors and free with memberships. Quinta Mazatlan is located at 600 Sunset Dr., McAllen. Jun e 18 – The International Museum of Art and Science will present Stars and Skies: New Moon at 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. IMAS is located at 1900 W. Nolana Ave. Call 682-0123 for more information. Jun e 18 – The Edinburg World Birding Center invites visitors to learn how to attract the many birds of South Texas to your own backyard by making bird food during the “Bird Brew: Making Food for Birds” program. Space is limited, so reserve your spot soon. The program will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Fee is $5 for members and $7 for non-members. The Edinburg Scenic Wetlands and World Birding Center is located at 714 S. Raul Longoria Rd. (in the Edinburg Municipal Park) in Edinburg. Call 381-9922 for more information. Jun e 25 – Quinta Mazatlan’s Thursday Evening Exploration will be Kids Concert in the Park at 7 p.m. This is a family event of entertainment and education. Fee is $3 for adults, $2 for children and seniors and free with memberships. Quinta Mazatlan is located at 600 Sunset Dr., McAllen. Jun e 27 – The Mission High School Class of 1980 will celebrate their 35th Class Reunion from 7 p.m. to midnight at the Mission Community Center with a dance and dinner. The “Let the Good Times Roll” evening of music and food will be highlighted with Class of ’80 memorabilia. For more information, contact Alice Chapa Gonzalez at 225-3652, Irma Flores Lopez at 789-9429 or Tito Garza at 607-7796. Jul y 15 – the International Museum of Art and Science will present Stars and Skies: New Horizons from Pluto at 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. IMAS is located at 1900 W. Nolana Ave. Call 682-0123 for more information. Jul y 18 – The Edinburg World Birding Center invites all toddlers to learn more about nature. This month the activity will be about ladybugs. Activities may include puppet shows, story-telling, puzzle time, free play, coloring, crafts, and guided walks throughout the grounds. Fee per toddler is $2, with one free guardian. Additional family members visiting must pay regular EWBC admission. Space is limited so call ahead to register. The Edinburg Scenic Wetlands and World Birding Center is located at 714 S. Raul Longoria Rd. (in the Edinburg Municipal Park) in Edinburg. Aug ust 12 – The International Museum of Art and Science will present Stars and Skies: Night of Perseids at 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. IMAS is located at 1900 W. Nolana Ave. Call 682-0123 for more information. Aug ust 15 – The Edinburg World Birding Center invites all toddlers to learn more about nature. This month the activity will be about rabbits. Activities may include puppet shows, story-telling, puzzle time, free play, coloring, crafts, and guided walks throughout the grounds. Fee per toddler is $2, with one free guardian. Additional family members visiting must pay regular EWBC admission. Space is limited so call ahead to register. The Edinburg Scenic Wetlands and World Birding Center is located at 714 S. Raul Longoria Rd. (in the Edinburg Municipal Park) in Edinburg. To see the complete Events Calendar for the coming weeks, go to www.ptrgv.com.

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nited Blood Services is partnering with Chick-Fil-As across the Valley for the annual “Don’t Be A Chikin, Donate Blood!” blood drive. The nonprofit organization continues its partnership with the franchise, hoping to top last year’s totals. Because United Blood Services depends on Valley high schools throughout the school year to help with the Valley blood supply, the summer months can be a challenging time for the local blood bank. The nonprofit organization services 18 hospitals and relies on community businesses to make up for the short supply of blood. This year, all donors will receive a free Chick-Fil-A T-shirt, a Chick-Fil-A coupon, and a free cholesterol test. Also, as part of the “Summer Drives to Save Lives” promotion that runs

June 1 through August 31, all donors will be entered into a drawing to win a brand new car. Residents are invited to donate blood at the Mission Chick-Fil-A location on Friday and Saturday, June 19 and 20, at 2501 East US Expressway 83. Make your appointment to give blood at www.UnitedBloodServices.org. With each donation, donors earn points in United Blood Services’ Hero in Me reward program. Volunteer blood donors must be at least 16, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in good health. Additional height/weight requirements apply to donors 22 and younger, and donors who are 16 must have a signed permission from a parent or guardian. For more information, visit www.UnitedBloodServices.org.

Pharrmers Market to present Heroes Blood Drive

e a hero and donate blood at the Pharrmers Market, Thursday, June 18, at the Food Bank RGV. Everyone can be a hero on Thursday, June 18, because United Blood Services of the RGV will be on hand conducting a blood drive. The Pharrmers Market operates from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., every Thursday at 724 N. Cage Blvd., in Pharr. Everyone who donates blood or platelets will be

registered to win a car provided by United Blood Services. Full details are at www.facebook.com/unitedservicesrgv. As always, there will be vendors selling fresh vegetables and artisan products as well. For more information on the Pharrmers Market, contact Chris Bueno, Community Garden Manager, at (956) 904-4525 or chbueno@foodbankrgv.com.

Aquanauts Nature Camp at EWBC

et a little wet and wild at the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands & World Birding Center’s Aquanauts Camp. This camp is all about water and aquatic life. Each day will be full of fun and exciting hands-on activities and adventures. Participants will take a

THEATER

endure her husband’s wrath at any cost and especially if you are a catholic. Topping things off is the nosy, pretentious and alluring neighbor Gloria who everyone wishes Teresa was more like. At the end of the first act, it all comes to a cake throwing halt at a birthday party for Teresa when she say’s ‘No Mas!’ That’s when the tide turns and…well…you’ll have to come and see the rest for yourself said director Pedro Garcia. The play is told in two fast-paced acts with eleven local actors who have been

field trip to South Padre Island to find out what makes the coastal habitat a special one and will include a sea creature dissection. They will also visit Estero Llano Grande State Park to explore what the site has to offer. All

See AQUANAUTS 10 from pg 2

in rehearsals since early May. The shows runs from June 18 through June 28 with a total of eight shows. Shows will be held on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. at the Carnahan Auditorium at 317 W Gore Street in Pharr. Tickets will be sold at the door starting one hour before each show and will cost $10 adults and $8 for Senior Citizens and anyone under 18. For more information please call 956-655-9308 or 956-655-7915.

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.

Tortoise and Toddler Quinta Mazatlan’s Tortoise and Toddler photo taken by Virginia Mann will be featured on the July 2015 cover of Parks & Recreation Magazine after winning a photo contest.

Quinta Mazatlan wins national contest

hoto to be featured on cover of Parks and Rec magazine Quinta Mazatlan has once again captured national attention. A photo taken at the McAllen branch of the World Birding Center was one of 13 pictures selected nationwide to vie for a spot on the cover of the 30th anniversary National Recreation and Park Association magazine. The organization sponsored a weeklong competition from May 18 through May 22 on its Facebook page to see which photo would garner the most votes. Quinta Mazatlan’s Tortoise and Toddler took top honors after a close competition. The photo was taken by Virginia Mann in the sum-

mer of 2014 during Forest Tots, a program designed to connect our youngest community members to nature. “We are honored to be featured on the cover of the anniversary issue of the magazine,” said Quinta Mazatlan Manager Colleen Hook. “The endearing photo of a toddler overlooking a tortoise is symbolic of longevity and stability around the world.” The picture received 2,407 likes on Facebook while the second place finisher from Palm Beach County, Florida picked up 1,964 votes. The Tortoise and Toddler photo will grace the July 2015 cover of Parks & Recreation Magazine.

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June 12, 2015

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June 12, 2015

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SISD Top 10 Sports Achievements of the Year

By Luciano Guerra raditionally speaking, the splitting of a high school has a devastating effect on the original school’s sports programs, and it can take years for the new school’s programs to experience any kind of success. The opening of Sharyland Pioneer High School for the 2014-2015 school year marked the first year that Sharyland Independent School District varsity athletes would be split into two schools and how that would affect Sharyland High’s athletic program, a perennial south Texas powerhouse in most sports, was one of the questions that only time would answer. With the school year now complete, a look back at the Rattlers’ successes on the fields, courts, tracks, courses and mats demonstrates that while they did not dominate their district in the same way they have become accustomed to in recent years, they still had more than their fair share of success. As for the Diamondbacks, their level of success may have fallen short of that experienced by their sister school; however, the school surpassed the kind of success that is typical of firstyear programs. Here are the Progress Times’ Sharyland and Pioneer High top 10 sports achievements of the year: Nora Monie – Pioneer High – UIL State Discus Champion and Shot Put Bronze Medalist In what was her sixth and final throw at the UIL State Track and Field Championships in Austin, Monie hurled the discus 141 feet 8 inches to better the field and earn the highly coveted gold medal. Just one day prior, Monie threw the shot put 41 feet 4.75 inches to claim the bronze medal in that event. Alexandra Winfree – Pioneer High – Girls’ Powerlifting State Champion Winfree became a two-time state champion when she deadlifted 365 lbs., bench pressed 305 lbs. and squatted 145 lbs. for a total of 815 lbs. at the Texas High School Women’s Powerlifting Association’s state meet in Corpus Christi earlier this year. Having competed in the 123 lb. weight class for the Lady Rattlers last year, Winfree dropped down into the 114 lb. class this year and is now a deadlift state record holder in two different weight classes.

Carlos Ramones and Victor Arizola – Sharyland High - State Boys Tennis Tournament Runner-Ups Ramones and Arizola made Sharyland High School history when they advanced into the finals of the UIL State Tennis Tournament held in College Station earlier this spring. While they fell one win short of claiming a state championship, they are the first Rattlers’ tennis players to qualify for the state finals. Sharyland Lady Rattlers Soccer Team – District, Bi-district, Area and Regional Quarterfinals Champions and Regional Semifinalists In their first season under Coach Aaron Clemons, the Lady Rattlers’ soccer team went 12 – 0 in District 31-5A play and advanced into the fourth round of the state playoffs. Sharyland’s dominance over their district opponents was exemplified by the fact that they scored 58 points on the season while giving up only three for a 55 point differential. After outscoring their first three playoff opponents by a total of 10 – 2, the Lady Rattlers’ season came to an end when they fell to Cedar Park 2 – 0 in the Regional Semifinals. Pioneer Lady Diamondbacks Soccer Team – District Runner-ups, Bi-district, Area and Regional Quarterfinals Champions and Regional Semifinalists With a 10 – 2 record, the Lady Diamondbacks may have come in second to the Lady Rattlers in District 31-5A, but they matched the Lady Rattlers every step of the way in the playoffs with wins over Edcouch-Elsa, Victoria East and Edinburg Vela in the first three rounds of postseason play. However a 1 – 0 loss to Austin Vandegrift in the Regional Semifinals saw the Lady Diamondbacks’ extremely successful inaugural season come to an end. Sharyland Rattlers Football Team – District, Bi-district and Area Champions and Regional Quarterfinalists After an undefeated District 31-5A season, the Sharyland Rattlers football team defeated Edcouch-Elsa 29 - 0 and Corpus Christi Calallen 28 – 0 in the Bi-district and Area rounds of the state playoffs to advance into the Regional Quarterfinals for the third year in a row. And for the third year in a row the Rattlers saw their season come to an end in that round when the the Cedar Park Timberwolves broke the Rattlers’ eight-game winning streak by a score of 52 – 24. Sharyland finished the season as the No. 1 ranked team in the Valley. Girls Golf Team – Sharyland High – District Champions, Regional Runner-ups, Fourth Overall at State Led by Region IV Champion and Second Team All-State

golfer Ana Jose Erana, the Sharyland Lady Rattlers golf team placed fourth overall at the state tournament in Bastrop. Their two-day combined score of 663 was just four points behind the third place team and 11 points behind the second place team. Other state qualifiers for Sharyland included Michelle Moroles (Honorable Mention All-State), Mariana Flores, Christina Shinn-Roldan and Raquel Flores.

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Girls Powerlifting Team – Pioneer High – Regional and State Qualifiers, Fifth Overall at State Led by state champion Alexandra Winfree (114 lbs.) the Pioneer Lady Diamondbacks’ powerlifting team had eight girls qualify for the THSWPA State Meet in Corpus Christi and placed fifth overall. Other than Winfree, Pioneer’s state qualifiers were Yuliana Gonzalez (sixth 97 lbs.), Nora Monie (fourth 165 lbs.), Daniela Alfaro (seventh 165 lbs.), Avery Coronado (10th 165 lbs.), Ashley Garza (fifth 165 lbs.), Monica Garcia (eighth 181 lbs.) and Lizette Guerrero (132 lbs.). Girls Powerlifting Team – Sharyland High – Regional and State Qualifiers, 12th Overall at State The Lady Rattlers powerlifting team had seven members qualify for the THSWPA State Meet in Corpus Christi where they placed 12th overall. Bryanna Ramirez (148 lbs.) was the highest placing Lady Rattler with her fourth-place finish. Beatriz Uribe (132 lbs.) placed 10th and Amanda Rodriguez (114 lbs.) placed 11th. Other state qualifiers for Sharyland included Kimberly Kelly (123 lbs.), Brissa Ramirez (132 lbs.), Priscilla Reyna (114 lbs.) and Brianna Rugerio (105 lbs.). Girls Track Team – Pioneer High – District Champions, 4 x 400m Relay Valley Record, Eight Regional Qualifiers The Pioneer Lady Diamondbacks’ 4 x 400m relay team of Lizette Chapa, Rebeca Martinez, Isabel Mendoza and Ashley Gonzalez set an all-time Valley record with a time of 22:17:10. Individual regional qualifiers included Nora Monie (Shot put, Discus), Lizette Chapa (3200m), Isabel Mendoza (400), Jayda Garcia (100m), Kassandra Torres (300m hurdles) and Ashley Gonzalez (Long Jump).

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June 12, 2015

obituaries

Andres Elizondo LTON – Andres Elizondo, 84, passed away on Friday, June 5, 2015 at Mission Regional Medical Center in Mission. He was born in Reynosa, Tamps., Mexico on November 10, 1930. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Lilia R. Elizondo; five sons, Jose Luis Elizondo, Arturo Elizondo, Hector Martin Elizondo, Jesus Mario Elizondo and Eduardo Elizondo; four daughters, Maria Ludivina Villalobos, Alma Rosa Garza, Elma Nora Elizondo, and Veronica Garcia; two sisters, Gertrudis Garza and Juanita Cerda; 23 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren.

Obituaries can be found online and are updated as they are received. Visit www. progresstimes.net to stay current with obituaries and other news that matters to you.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Apolinar and Rosa Elizondo; and one brother, Roberto Elizondo. A funeral mass was held Monday, June 8, 2015 at 2 p.m. at San Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Alton, Texas. Interment followed at Valley Memorial Gardens in McAllen. Santana Garcia ISSION - Santana Garcia passed away Sunday, June 7, 2015 at the age of 87 at Mission Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center. He was born on July 26, 1927 in Mission to Ignacio and Francisca R. Garcia. Santana worked for numerous years at Mission Hardware. He then went to Broadway Hardware in McAllen where he worked until his retirement. He was a proud member of the Woodmen of the World Society. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Santos Garcia; his son, Fernando Garcia; his daughters, Gloria Ibarra, Juanita Rangel, Ramona Garcia, Sylvia Batres, Beatriz Rangel, Maria Elena

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Salinas all from Mission, and Minerva Jubera from Gober, Texas; his sister, Maria G. Guerra from Mission; 14 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Ignacio Garcia Jr., and a granddaughter, Sonia Rangel Singleton. Funeral services were held Wednesday, June 10, 2015 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at San Jose Cemetery, on S. Stewart Rd., in Mission. Everardo ‘Vere’ Gomez DIBURG/MISSION – Everardo ‘Vere’ Gomez Sr., 84, residing in Edinburg and originally from Mission, passed away on Wednesday, June 3, 2015. He is the son of Francisco and Maria Gomez, born on February 21, 1931 in Mission. He is survived by his wife, Sylvia Chaveznava Gomez; his nine children, Everardo Gomez Jr., Yvonne Bazan Jr., Sylvia De Luna, Fransisco ‘Frank’ Gomez, Becky Garza Sr., Mike Gomez, Myrthala Gonzalez Sr., Claudia Mora, Abby Gomez Jr.; sisters aka ‘The Golden Girls’, Emma

Notices Rafael ‘Rafas’ Alaniz ALAMO/MISSION – Rafael ‘Rafas’ Alaniz, 55, died Friday, June 5, 2015, at McAllen Medical Center. Funeral services were held Tuesday, June 9, 2015, at Resurrection Catholic Church in Alamo. Cremation was held at Val Verde Memorial Gardens in Donna. Maria G. Cantu MISSION - Visitation for Maria G. Cantu will be from 3 to 9 p.m. today, June 10, 2015, with a 7 p.m. rosary at Flores Funeral Home of Mission. Maria Figueroa ALTON - Maria Figueroa, 79, died Sunday, June 7, 2015, at her Alton residence. Eligio De La Garza MISSION – Eligio De La Garza, 81, died Sunday, June 7, 2015 at Mission Regional Medical Center. Maria Dominga Gonzalez LA JOYA – Maria Dominga Gonzalez, 100, died Wednesday, June 3, 2015, at

Mission Regional Medical Center. Leonard Miller MISSION – Leonard Miller, 80, died Wednesday, June 3, 2015, at his residence in Mission. David Daniel Munoz MISSION – David Daniel Munoz, 59, died Saturday, June 6, 2015. John F. Perry MISSION - Funeral services for John F. Perry were held Tuesday, June 9, 2015, at First Assembly of God in McAllen. Burial followed at the Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission. Leopoldo Ramirez MISSION – Leopoldo Ramirez, 88, died Wednesday, June 3, 2015, at Mission Regional Medical Center. America Davila Ramos MISSION - America Davila Ramos, 66, died Sunday, June 7, 2015, at Rio Grande Regional Hospital in McAllen.

Guadalupe Rodriguez MISSION – Guadalupe Rodriguez, 82, died Wednesday, June 3, 2015, at Windsor Arbor View Nursing Home in Edinburg. Funeral services were held Saturday, June 6, 2015, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at San Jose Cemetery in Mission. Eugenio Rosales MISSION - Funeral services for Eugenio Rosales were held today, June 10, 2015, at Virgil Wilson Memorial Chapel in Mission. Burial followed at the Lord and I Cemetery in Palmview. Richard Schweitzer MISSION - Richard Schweitzer, 73, died Monday, June 8, 2015, at LifeCare Hospital in McAllen. Francisco A. Tijerina MISSION - Francisco A. Tijerina, 72, died Monday, June 8, 2015, at his Mission residence.

Gonzalez, Bertha Perez, Tina Ramirez, Alma Gloria Garcia Sr.; 29 grandchildren, 55 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services were held Friday, June 5, 2015, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Edinburg. Interment followed at Valley Memorial Gardens in McAllen. Serving as pallbearers were his grandchildren, Vere Gomez III, Amado Bazan III, Leo Limon Jr., Frank Gomez II, Ricky Garza Jr., Anthony Gomez, Arnoldo Gonzalez Jr., Alex Gonzalez, Eric Mora and Ruben Gomez. Joana V. Hernandez ISSION – Joana V. Hernandez, 35, passed away on Sunday, May 31, 2015 at North Central Baptist Hospital in San Antonio. Joana is survived by her husband, Daniel Hernandez; children, Stephanie, Daniel and Isabella Hernandez; parents, Ezequiel and Tomasa Villanueva; and brothers, Ezequiel Villanueva Bernabe, Jorge Villanueva Bernabe and Ricardo Villanueva Bernabe. Chapel services were held Saturday, June 6, 2015 at Rivera Funeral Home in McAllen. Interment followed at Roselawn Cemetery in McAllen. Roberto Hinojosa ISSION – Roberto Hinojosa, 24, passed away Wednesday, June 3, 2015. He is survived by his parents, Domingo and Elda Hinojosa; son, Alan A. Solis; and siblings, Esmeralda Hinojosa, Domingo Hinojosa III and Esperanza Hinojosa. A funeral mass was held Monday, June 8, 2015, at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in McAllen. Entombment will follow at Roselawn Cemetery in McAllen. Francisca Madrigal ISSION – Francisca Madrigal, 81passed away Friday, June 5, 2015 at her residence in Mission. She was born to Fidel Alvarez and Maria de la Paz Galdeano on December 8, 1933 in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon. She is survived by her

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

IMPLEMENT COMPANY, INC. MISSION 585-1618

  

 



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

 

children, Esther M. Gomez of Plainview, Victor Madrigal of Hale Center, Elias Madrigal of Lubbock, Daniel Madrigal of Littlefield, Andrew Madrigal of San Antonio, Rebecca Madrigal of Mission, Johnny Madrigal of Goodyear, AZ, Alisia Gonzalez of Mission, and Noemi Villarreal of Mission; 25 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Victorio Madrigal; and son, Samuel Madrigal. Graveside services were held Tuesday, June 9, 2015 at Hale Center Cemetery in Hale Center, TX. Delia Martinez ISSION – Delia Martinez passed away Saturday, June 6, 2015, at her residence in Mission. She is survived by six children, Ludivina Rios, Olivero Martinez, Onesimo Martinez, Oneida Arambula, Sergio Martinez, Otoniel Martinez; 17 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, Zaragoza Martinez. Services were held Monday, June 8, 2015, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Interment followed at Valley Memorial Gardens in Mission. Delia T. Mendez LTON - Delia T. Mendez, 63, passed away Monday, June 8, 2015. She is survived by her husband, Frank Mendez; her mother, Julia Tello; children. Cynthia Jean Karr, Sandy Marie Cantu, Frank Mendez Jr., Joe Daniel Mendez and Michael Adam Mendez; siblings’ Francisco Tello Jr., Estella Penwell, Hilda Cantu, Sylvia Najera and Odilia Aguinaga; and 12 grandchil-

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dren. She is preceded in death by her father, Francisco G. Tello. Funeral services were held Wednesday, June 10, 2015 at 10 a.m. at Funeraria Del Angel. Interment followed at Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery. America Davila Ramos ISSION – America Davila Ramos, 66, passed away Sunday, June 7, 2015. She is survived by her husband, Jose M. Ramos, Sr.; children, Joe Ramos Jr., David Ramos, Margie Guerra and Iris Ramos; a brother, Gilbert Davila; and sisters Gloria Payan and Julia Gonzalez; 11 grandchildren and three 3 great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held Thursday, June 11, 2015 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. Burial followed at Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery. Alicia C. Sanchez ISSION – Alicia C. Sanchez, 69, passed away on Tuesday, June 2, 2015 at LifeCare Hospital in McAllen. She was born in Mission on November 16, 1945. She is survived by her husband, Nemecio Sanchez Jr.; two sons, Rodolfo Sanchez and Adrian Sanchez; one daughter, Lisa Sanchez; five sisters, Ofelia Guajardo, Ana Casanova both from Mission, Enedelia Arellano from McAllen, Ernestina Salinas from Alton, and Adela Guerrero from Edinburg; and 10 grandchildren all from Mission. She was preceded in death by her parents, Antonio L. and Antonia Casanova. Funeral mass was held Friday, June 5, 2015 at Our Lady of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Mission. Interment followed at Valley Memorial Gardens in McAllen.

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June 12, 2015

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Patrick offers highlights from the 2015 legislative session

By Lea Victoria Juarez t. Gov. Dan Patrick visited the Valley last week in his first leg of a Texas-wide tour to he give a rundown of the 84th Texas legislative session. Sens. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa and Eddie Lucio joined him in a news conference at McCreery Aviation in McAllen. “We had a better session this session than last session,” Hinojosa said. At the conference, the state leaders focused on bills that Valley residents would benefit from the most, such as adding $30 million to the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley medical school. In addition, about $60 million was added for a program that has residency slots for every student that graduates from medical school. UTRGV is the second highest funded university in the UT System; it is set to be-

gin classes in the fall. Texas also approved A-F ratings for public schools. House Bill 2804 is supposed to allow parents to see just how well a school is doing, similar to student report cards. Schools will not rely on student performance on state tests as extensively when receiving their rating. The bill received backlash from education groups as it moved through legislation. Groups like the Association of Texas Professional Educators stated it provided parents with a glimpse of a school’s ability, and labeling any school as a “failure” would do more harm for its students. About $50 million went into funding a program that is designed to have all students reading at a fourth grade level by the time they reach fourth grade. In spite of missing the deadline to tackle school finance, overall education spending increased about $3 billion.

Texas also approved open carry law for handguns. The “campus-carry” bill is expected to go into effect August 2016 at universities and August 2017 at community colleges. Texas A&M University Colonias Program, which aids residents living in economically disadvantaged areas, received $2 million. One of their community resource centers is located in Alton, and there are nine other centers throughout the Valley, four in Hidalgo County. Patrick said overall funding for healthcare increased a little under $3 billion, particularly in the area of Medicaid. Lawmakers created a special program that speeds up the process of produce trucks moving across the border. Food trucks that cross into the Texas can have about 10 percent of their product spoil due to delays at the border. With the new process in

place, Patrick said he hopes to reduce the waste number. “The Valley is such an important part of our overall economy,” Patrick said. “It’s the gateway to Texas from Mexico and all points south. This is a growing area.” In November, the voters of the RGV will have a chance to vote for SJR 1, which deals with property taxes. Patrick highlighted two elements – language in SJR 1 that will forever prohibit any sales tax being placed on the transfer of property, and the increase of homestead exemption from $15,000 to $25,000. Patrick also said they intend

to continue reducing property taxes in the years to come. Also in November, people have a chance to vote on more funding for transportation. That legislation, if passed by the voters, will begin to put them at another $2.5 billion to $3 billion per year without raising any taxes or any fees in the transportation. Businesses that pay franchise tax will have to pay 25 percent less. The goal, Patrick said, is to eventually get rid of franchise tax entirely. “That’s an immediate big savings, tax dollars in the pockets of small business to create more jobs and reinvest

in their business,” he said. “The less taxes that businesses pay, the more jobs they can create.” Sen. Eddie Lucio said that of his 15 legislative sessions, he enjoyed this one the most by far, but commenters throughout Texas have called the 84th legislative session uneventful, stating that several prominent bills died in session. It ended hours early and “defied expectations,” according to the Houston Chronicle. “Well they were asleep, apparently, for 140 days,” Patrick said.

Access to MHS and MCHS changing due to demolition work

ission High School will begin one of its biggest transformations this week. The next phase of planned renovations will result in some immediate changes to how everyone accesses the campus, and the portable buildings still housing Mission Collegiate High School. Effective immediately, the regular entrances used at the front of the school, along Cleo Dawson will be closed. Employees and visitors for MHS and MCHS will now need to park in an area along Cummings Avenue (softball field parking) and enter the campus from the east side. All administrative offices for MHS will be temporarily housed in the “R” classroom building. MCHS plans to remain in the portable buildings until they relocate to its new campus later this summer. Coaches, athletes, etc. who need to access the Neuhaus Gym will park in the Tom Landry Stadium Parking lot and enter the campus from the south, near the Northside Swimming Pool. Work crews are scheduled to demolish the cafeteria, Building “G”, the pavilion, and the Eagle Café/original library building during

See DEMOLITION 11

Credit by Examination dates announced

he parents of Mission Consolidated Independent School District students interested in having their children participate in the district’s Credit by Examination Without Prior Instruction have four deadlines this school year to keep in mind. The application period for the first testing dates will be June 27- July 31. Dates in this testing period include: September 8, 9, 10, 2015. The application period for the second testing dates will be August 3-September 4, 2015. Testing dates in the second testing period are: November

PALMVIEW

its planned law enforcement intelligence center in Palmview, State Rep. Muñoz said it’s unlikely. “I’m sure it’s going to be very limited in terms of where we can find the 200 acres at a minimum,” he said. Meanwhile, County Judge Ramon Garcia, said Hidalgo continues to work on drainage in the area. It took out a $100 million bond issue in 2006 and $84 million in 2012 and is working on 23 projects. Garcia estimated another two bond issues before the county is finished working on drainage. He also said it’s only a matter of time before the controversial healthcare district finds its way back on the ballot. State Rep. Bobby Guerra sponsored a bill approved by the state Legislature lowering

AQUANAUTS

participants will learn about wetland critters and coastal ecology while making friends and unforgettable memories. The Aquanauts Nature Camp is for children ages 9 to 12. Snacks are provided though participants will need to bring a sack lunch. The camp will run June 23 through June 26 from 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. The fee is $70 for Scenic Wetlands members and $78

3, 4, 5, 2015. The application period for the third testing dates will be November 9- December 18, 2015. The testing dates in the third testing period are: February 2, 3, 4, 2016. The application period for the fourth testing dates will be March 28-April 29, 2016. The testing dates in the fourth testing period are: June 7, 8, 9, 2016. A test consists of two sections of three hours each. Elementary students meeting the requirements of 19 TAC Chapter 74.24 in language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies will be

the cap on a proposed Hidalgo County healthcare district from 75 cents to 25 cents per $100 property valuation. Garcia said the tax rate would start off at 8 cents. “It’ll be on the ballot probably no sooner than November of next year, but it’s coming,” he said. “The Legislature voted a bill into place that’s already been signed by the governor that if 50 registered voters petition the county commissioners court that the health district be placed on the ballot, then the court has no choice. There’s no discretion. Hopefully, it won’t be any sooner than November 2016.” Garcia also emphasized the need for a new courthouse. The current building was constructed in 1954 for a population of about 170,000 from pg 5

for non-members. Space is limited so call ahead to register no later than one week before the start of camp. The Edinburg Scenic Wetlands and World Birding Center is located at 714 S. Raul Longoria (in the Edinburg Municipal Park) in Edinburg, Texas. For information, call (956) 381-9922 or visit www. edinburgwbc.org.

accelerated one grade in. Secondary students meeting the requirements of 19 TAC Chapter 74.24 will receive credit for the course. Applications are available in English and Spanish at http://www.mcisd.net/ apps/pages/index.jsp?dir=Credit by Exam&pREC_ ID=489578&type=d&u REC_ID=217824. Parents interested in exploring Credit by Examination for their child should contact the school counselor or call the Mission CISD Advanced Academic Services office at 323-5506. from pg 3

people. It had three courts and a fourth for expansion. Now, Hidalgo County has 24 different judges, and four of them are operating out of temporary buildings. The Hidalgo County courthouse is 110,000 square feet, and Garcia said a needs assessment showed the county needed 310,000 square feet. Plus, he said, it would take a minimum of $30 million to renovate the current courthouse. “And even then you’re going to have a fixed up 61-yearold building that is still inadequate because it doesn’t have space,” he said. In the last legislative session, a bill was approved authorizing the county to charge an additional filing fee in court cases to help pay for a new building. Garcia estimated the fee would raise between $1 million and $1.5 million annually. The city of Edinburg also has agreed to cover about 20 percent of the cost. “We want to do it now while the interest rates are at a very historical low,” Garcia said. “Hopefully, by this time next year, if not sooner, we’ll be out there letting project out for bid.”

legalnotices

ORDINANCE NO. 4239

ORDINANCE NO. 4240

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR EL JALISCO EXPRESS DRIVE-THRU CONVENIENCE STORE, 3300 N. INSPIRATION ROAD, LOT 1, GOMEZ ESTATES SUBDIVISION READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 8TH DAY OF JUNE, 2015. Norberto Salinas, Mayor ATTEST: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR A DRIVE-THRU SERVICE WINDOW FOR FIESTA MART, 901 W. BUSINESS HWY 83, LOT 4, HOLLAND CENTER SUBDIVISION READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 8TH DAY OF JUNE, 2015. Norberto Salinas, Mayor ATTEST: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

June 12, 2015

DEMOLITION from pg 10

the summer while students are out of school. Construction on a new, two-story instructional building, cafeteria, fine arts building, and renovations to several other buildings will likely begin in the first half of the coming school year. During the demolition process this summer, some

CANTU

and she relies on her compassion to let students know that teachers are not the “enemy.” When the English teacher’s father died last year from kidney failure, her students gave cards with condolences and listened to stories about her father. They laughed when she laughed and cried when she cried. On other occasions they were quick to point out her flaws, such as a spelling error or mispronunciation of a word. She said they needed

phone service, electric service, water service, etc. may need to be interrupted, resulting in another relocation of some administrative personnel during those outages. Plans for traffic patterns and campus access for the new school year are being finalized and will be announced prior to the beginning of school. to know she wasn’t perfect. “It eventually became important for me to help students realize that teachers are humans like them,” Cantu said. “We make mistakes; we have our quirks and flaws, but it became important to show that we can overcome those fears and flaws with dignity and compassion.” Cantu has been the National Honor Society sponsor for six years and consistently participates in volunteer work. The group sponsors

Mission High School and Mission Consolidated Independent School District officials ask for everyone’s patience as this extensive construction projects progresses. The goal is to provide students and staff with a campus addition and renovated spaces to serve the community well into this century.

the Christmas Toy Drive, has worked with the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley and works with the American Cancer Society. The former UIL extemporaneous speaking coach now volunteers to run UIL events, judge or coach before district. She helps students in after school tutorials and assists with college applications. A teacher wears many hats, including life coach, mentor and faux parent, Can-

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TWO CEMETERY PLOTS for sale at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Mission, for information call 956342-4476.

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ORDINANCE NO. 4236 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR KITTY’S DRIVETHRU CONVENIENCE STORE, 501 N. INSPIRATION ROAD, LOT 61, GEORGEANNA ESTATES SUBDIVISION READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 8TH DAY OF JUNE, 2015. Norberto Salinas, Mayor ATTEST: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

ORDINANCE NO. 4235 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO PLACE A PORTABLE BUILDING FOR ROLIE’S SNACKLAND, 1002 HOERNER ROAD, BEING 2.78 ACRE TRACT OF LAND OUT OF LOT 204, JOHN H. SHARY SUBDIVISION READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 8TH DAY OF JUNE, 2015. Norberto Salinas, Mayor ATTEST: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

ORDINANCE NO. 4234 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A REZONING 0.38 ACRES OUT OF LOT 184, JOHN H. SHARY SUBDIVISION, FROM C-3 (GENERAL BUSINESS) TO R-3 (MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL) READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 8TH DAY OF JUNE, 2015. Norberto Salinas, Mayor ATTEST: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

ORDINANCE NO. 4233 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A REZONING 1.00 ACRE OUT OF LOT 235, JOHN H. SHARY SUBDIVISION, FROM R-1 (SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL) TO C-2 (NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL) READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 8TH DAY OF JUNE, 2015. Norberto Salinas, Mayor ATTEST: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Mission Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a Regular Meeting on June 24, 2015 at 5:00 p.m. at the City Hall Council Chambers, 1201 East 8th Street, Mission, Texas in order to consider the following: Rezoning: Lot 3, Alex Cavazos Subdivision, from (AO-I) Agricultural Open Interim to (C-3) General Business If a zoning is amended during the public hearing, it shall be pursuant to the City of Mission’s Amendatory Zone Policy Statement. Anyone interested is invited to attend. Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

ing services - bilingual - affordable rates. Call Carolina

AVALOS

dergarten through third grade, said her entire teaching philosophy revolves around the idea that every student has the potential to achieve success. But success does not only mean academics. She teaches her students life management and social skills, and she tailors from pg 1

tu said. According to her, incoming educators will quickly learn that time is their worst enemy. “There will never be enough time for all a teacher has to do in a day, a week, a semester or a year,” Cantu said. “Sadly, in the end none of that will matter. What will matter is how you spend the time you do have with your students and coworkers, but more importantly, how you spend your time with your loved ones at home.”

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LEGAL NOTICE Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a Retail Dealer’s On Premise Late Hours License and Wine and Beer Retailer’s Permit by Maria Magdalena Lambeth dba La Potranka Bar, to be located at 5404 Katrina Drive Mission, Hidalgo County, Texas.

and adults with intellectual disabilities. For the nine years, she has made donations to families in need in Reynosa. She began by donating her daughter’s clothes to a single family, but word quickly spread of her deeds. Now she helps four families by donating anything from canned goods to small electronics once a month. Her volunteer work in her personal life carries over to her professional life, Avalos said. She continues to be motivated and aims to transfer that to her students. “Children need to be inspired to embrace the challenges in their lives, make the best of it and find the joy of self-worth through their achievements,” Avalos said. “We have the duty to ensure that every student is successful.”

Make it happen, we’re located at 1217 N. Conway in Mission, TX Come on in! Our hours of operation are Mon. - Fri. 8 - 5 p.m. If you can’t drop by, mail it! P.O. Box 399, Mission, TX 78573 Order by phone 585-4893 with a major credit card. The deadline to get your classified in is Tuesday at 3 p.m.

ORDINANCE NO. 4238

ORDINANCE NO. 4237

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR THE SALE & ON-SITE CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERGES – PALMS II LOUNGE, 600 E. 9TH STREET, LOTS 11-15, BLOCK 142, MISSION ORIGINAL TOWNSITE SUBDIVISION READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 8TH DAY OF JUNE, 2015. Norberto Salinas, Mayor ATTEST: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR THE SALE & ON-SITE CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERGES – YOKO’S SUSHI RESTAURANT, 122 S. SHARY ROAD, STE. K, LOT 2, HOME DEPOT SUBDIVISION #2 READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 8TH DAY OF JUNE, 2015. Norberto Salinas, Mayor ATTEST: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

PUBLIC NOTICE The City of Alton Planning Department will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, June 30, 2015 at 5:30 p.m. at the Alton City Hall Legislative Chambers, located at 509 S. Alton Boulevard, Alton, Texas in order to solicit input on the following: 1)

the classroom lessons to fit the needs of each individual. By implementing life skills, she said her students gain confidence, build their self-esteem and take pride in themselves. But all this is done with the collaboration of her coworkers, parents and administrators. “The era of isolating teaching is over,” Avalos said. “Good teaching thrives when teachers and school leaders work together and when teachers connect to their colleagues. The success of each child takes place in a positive and safe environment filled with happiness and laughter.” Avalos has volunteered at the Special Olympics by providing year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic type sports for children

from pg 1

Jose Alejandro Villarreal is requesting the rezoning of property legally described as a 1.72 acre tract of land out of Lot 44-5 West Addition to John H. Shary Subdivision, Hidalgo County, Texas from R-2 - Single Family Residential District to MF Multi-Family Residential District.

Anyone interested is invited to attend and voice their concerns. Written comments received by 12:00 noon Tuesday, June 30, 2015, will be considered and should be addressed to the above mentioned address. For questions please call Jeff Underwood, Assistant City Manager at (956) 432-0760.

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Mission City Council will hold a Regular Meeting on June 22, 2015 at 4:30 p.m. at the City Hall Council Chambers, 1201 East 8th Street, Mission, Texas in order to consider the following: Rezoning: 1.735 acres tract of land out of Lot 172, John H. Shary Subdivision, from (R-1) Single Family Residential to (C-3) General Business; and Rezoning: The East 130’ of the South 105’ of Lot 30-12, West Addition to Sharyland Subdivision, from (AO-I) Agricultural Open Interim to (R-1A) Large Lot Single Family; and Rezoning: A 0.89 acre tract of land out of Lot 29-4, West Addition to Sharyland Subdivision, from (AO-I) Agricultural Open Interim to (R-1) Single Family Residential If a zoning is amended during the public hearing, it shall be pursuant to the City of Mission’s Amendatory Zone Policy Statement. Anyone interested is invited to attend. Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

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June 12, 2015

VMHS GRADUATION

from pg 3

the state finals, placing fourth in shot put. “There’s greatness all around us,” Lopez said. “There are obstacles that we don’t see in our lives. These individuals, and many I didn’t mention today, nothing was handed to you; everything was earned.” Salutatorian Henry Davis said what made his school special was the close-knit community that the members share.

PHS GRADUATION

said that it was rumored Pioneer would only have 50 seniors on the first day of school. He admitted that leaving the more populous halls of Sharyland High School for a brand new campus that wasn’t even finished yet didn’t sound very appealing initially. “However, Pioneer did have one aspect that no other high school could match...I’m talking about

PAY RAISES

Villarreal also went over a proposal to offer stipends to tenured teachers within the district. In the proposal, those with 20 years of experience would receive a $2,500 stipend. At 25 years, the stipend would increase to $3,000, and then $3,500 at 30 years and $4,000 at 35 years. In the coming year there would be 19 teachers with the district more than 25 years, eight at 30 years and one at 35 years. Those increases were not included in budget estimates, Benavides

“I think that the familiarity in our town and our district is awesome. Not the word awesome that you use casually on a day-to-day basis,” he said. “I mean awesome as in it truly leaves me in awe to see how our school, our community and the people in it can connect with one another.” Toward the end of Lee Sanchez’s valedictorian speech, after he joked that his mom actually wrote it, gave

his sponsor a “shameless” plug and thanked friends and family, he gave his peers a word of advice. “Expect disappointment from both yourself and other people, but don’t let is stop you from moving past it,” he said. “You have to go out and take things you want in life. With that being said, I am no way encouraging you to do anything illegal. Remember, class of 2015, make reasonable choices.”

our very own Principal Heath,” Ramon said. “He understood our situation and reassured us that this leap of faith would be the right choice.” Some of the memories shared included the faculty dressing up as crazed doctors and members of the band Kiss. The students recalled their first-ever homecoming festival, burning of the letter “P” and celebrated

no longer being told to keep off the campus grass by administration. “The inaugural year of Pioneer High School was a very successful one,” Heath said. “Even if we were judged by the standards of the established school, it is my belief that we have far exceeded all the expectations that everyone had for us, except for our own.”

said. Also at Monday’s meeting, Alfredo Vela, assistant superintendent of finance, presented $35 million in special requests from departments and campuses across the district. Already, the list has been cut down over the past month, but Vela emphasized administrators are still going over it and it’s not final. Proposed expenses include 15 new buses, school supplies for elementary students and $1.2 million for the child nutrition department

from pg 1

for things like plumbing, sinks, ovens and a freezer truck. Benavides was adamant there is no way the district could cover all of the requests. For example, she said, there was a request for additional golf carts at the golf course, but the district will not put any more money into the facility until it starts to make money, she said. “It’s like a budget at home. You can’t do everything in one year,” Benavides said.