July 24, 2015 - Progress Times Issue by Progress Times

Friday, July 24, 2015

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MISSION OFFICER FACES DRUG CHARGE

By Julie Silva

he men who went down with the Panama Unit have been called the dirtiest cops in America, but federal agents believe they weren’t the only corrupted officers operating in 2012. Hector “JoJo” Mendez, who’s served on Mission police force 17 years and ran for Hidalgo County Pct. 2 constable in 2012, was charged July 16 with possession with intent to distribute cocaine in connection to a three-year-old case. He was released on a $50,000 bond Wednesday.

Mendez is currently on paid suspension and Mission Police Chief Robert Dominguez said he’d hold a meeting with Mendez this week before making a final decision on Mendez’s future with the police force. “As a law enforcement agency ourselves, we have to back up what the federal officers do,” Dominguez said. “The actions of this one individual do not reflect on all we do and all we stand for.” “Obviously, every time a situation like this happens, we have to go back and revisit things that we can do differently,” he said. “We had already taken some steps

when the Panama situation happened.” For example, Dominguez said, now Mission’s officers are rotated out of the four different task forces associated with the agency and officers can serve no more than three years on a task force. Dominguez added before placing an officer on the task force, the department looks at the officer’s criminal history and credit report to ensure the officer is not in a dire financial situation. A polygraph and drug test are also submitted, he said. In July 2012, Salvador Gonzalez Jr. was arrested after Mendez said he received

a tip from an informant who said Gonzalez wanted the informant to transport a load of cocaine from Mission to Chicago. The next day, a criminal complaint from the 2012 incident states Gonzalez called the informant and told him he parked a Ford Taurus in front of a restaurant on Farm-to-Market 495, and the cocaine was in the trunk. Mendez found the vehicle, and requested a K-9 to sniff for narcotics. The drugs were found in a laundry basket in the trunk, and Gonzalez had been in contact with the informant throughout the transaction, the criminal

complaint states. Gonzalez’s case still is pending in federal court, but his story contradicts Mendez’s version of events, according to a criminal complaint against Mendez released this week. Gonzalez told federal agents he didn’t deliver the drugs to the restaurant, but to the informant’s home days before it was seized. Also, he said, it was packaged differently and he never used the Ford Taurus to deliver the cocaine anywhere, the complaint states. The complaint states that in September 2013, a lab found the cocaine seized in

July was poor quality, just 18 percent pure. In June 2015, agents spoke to the informant who told agents Mendez allegedly took the bundles of cocaine shortly after it was delivered to the informant’s Mission house, according to the complaint. It adds the informant said Mendez intended to have the cocaine diluted, “so that the bulk of the narcotic could be stolen and re-distributed for a profit.” In July, the complaint states, the agents contacted the person who sold the Ford Taurus out of the Pharr area

See MENDEZ 12

‘IT WILL HAPPEN’ SISD contracts Mission O’Connor dancer for $230K on Fox Edson Juarez, of Mission, is part of Team Stage on “So You Think You Can Dance,” airing Mondays on Fox. Photo by Brooklin Rosenstock courtesy of Fox

reality show

By Julie Silva ission’s Edson Juarez got a late start in his dancing career, but that hasn’t slowed him down as he competes weekly on Fox’s “So You Think You Can Dance.” After a Bollywood routine Monday, Juarez slid safely into the top 18 contestants, down from 20 in the second week of competition. Divided into teams of street dancers versus stage dancers, the show each week showcases different styles of dance. In an introductory video, 24-year-old Juarez stated he didn’t start dancing until he was 19, though he was a cheerleader in high school and now works as a dance director at Valley Cheer Elite in Pharr. “Boys don’t dance apparently where I’m from,” Juarez said. “I want to show everybody that it is possible. Just believe in yourself and keep pushing through, no matter who supports you, who doesn’t support you, it will happen – maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but it will happen.” This year was Juarez’s second shot on the show. Last year, he didn’t make it to the top 20, and when asked why during his audition, Juarez gave a straight answer, stating he needed more connection with the audience and to

See JUAREZ 2

By Lea Victoria Juarez haryland ISD’s Superintendent Robert O’Connor is making $60,400 more than former Superintendent Virginia Richter, according to their respective contracts. Prior to Sharyland, O’Connor was the superintendent for Marble Falls ISD in Burnet County and has 10 years of superintendent experience. According to local media, Marble Falls ISD offered O’Connor a $170,000 contract and benefits per year, for the next five years. Richter’s annual salary was $169,600. “When we hired Dr. Richter, her background was more as an assistant superintendent,” SISD board President Ricky Longoria said. “So from that standpoint, Dr. O’Connor’s skillset, in terms of a leadership role, he’s much more seasoned that way.” O’Connor began his term as SISD’s CEO on July 6, but he has been visiting the district since April 16 when he was announced as the lone finalist for the position. SISD will compensate O’Connor for work performed prior to his official start date, but only for the days the superintendent actually worked. This includes, a daily rate equal to his base salary of $230,000, mileage costs for travel and lodging costs. The district is giving O’Connor and his family a one-time relocation reimbursement not to exceed $10,000. Allowance for his cell phone usage and travel

Robert O’Connor

will cost the district $1,334 a month. Richter’s cell phone and travel allowance was a combined $750 a month. In addition, the district will contribute $13,992 per year to the Sharyland superintendent’s Teacher Retirement System fund. The contributions will be made in equal monthly installments. Richter did not have any contributions to the retirement fund in her contract. Although the district has not finalized any budget numbers for this coming school year, Longoria said that the district is able to comfortably afford O’Connor’s contract. Longoria also stated that the new superintendent has a strong background in the finance area. “I think that we’re going to do better this year,” the board president said. “By no means is the district broke or in financial strain or anything like that. Now, we do have financial challenges but

See O’CONNOR 12

INSIDE

Peñitas city manager resigns

Oscar Cuellar leaves spot as city administration. Police Chief Roel Bermea named interim city manager. See story page 2

INDEX

Entertainment | pg. 2

Lifestyle | pg. 8

Civil War remade in state textbooks

La Joya ISD lawsuit dismissed

Mission teachers say new guidelines for American history that exclude the Ku Klux Klan and Jim Crow Laws won’t affect how they approach lessons. See story page 5

Opinion | pg. 4

A federal judge has ruled against more than two dozen plaintiffs in an employee retaliation suit filed after the 2012 board election. See story page 3

Obituaries | pg. 9

Classifieds | pg. 10

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Peñitas city manager submits resignation

he Peñitas City Council accepted the resignation of City Manager Oscar Cuellar in a special meeting Monday. Police Chief Roel Bermea was named interim city manager and said he was settling into the job Wednesday. Bermea directed all questions about Cuellar’s departure to Peñitas’ city attorney, Oscar Longoria, who did not return calls for comment. Longoria was hired by the council in June, replacing Ricardo Gonzalez. Peñitas Mayor Rigo Lopez also did not return numerous phone calls. Cuellar has served as city manager since March 2013 when Noe Cavazos stepped down citing his health. Prior

to that, Cuellar served as the city’s chief financial officer. Earlier this year, a lawsuit was filed against the city of Peñitas by contractors who said they’ve not been paid for work in connection to the

city’s multi-million-dollar sewer project. The work was being funded through a loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. However, in March Cuellar said the USDA wouldn’t release final payments until the city paid back $421,000 that the state said was incorrectly reimbursed in 2012 under a different city manager. Cuellar said he was talking to banks to get a loan to cover the $421,000 payment, but he needed the city’s audit for the 2013-2014 fiscal year before the money could be borrowed. As of last week, the audit still had not been complete and it was unclear where the city stood with USDA reimbursement.

but because the district terminated the contract a year in advance, SISD must pay Muñiz $120,810 by Sept. 10, according to a settlement agreement. The settlement agreement and general release states that Muñiz waived his rights for any potential lawsuits and claims against the district. The board approved a settlement along with his resig-

nation with a 5-1 vote July 8 at a special board meeting. Trustee Rolando Peña was the dissenting vote and Jose Garcia was absent. In July 2014, Muñiz was placed on paid leave and returned in September 2014 as the director of maintenance and operations with the same salary as assistant superintendent position previous position.

Muñiz resigns from Sharyland ISD

By Lea Victoria Juarez haryland’s former assistant superintendent of business and finance will have have his contract paid out at a total of $128,740. As of July 20, Jesse Muñiz was placed on administrative leave until Aug. 31. He was under contract for the 2015-2016 school year,

July 24, 2015 Edson Juarez and Kate Harpootlian perform a contemporary routine to “Shaped Liked A Gun” choreographed by Travis Wall on “So You Think You Can Dance.” Photo by Adam Rose courtesy of Fox

JUAREZ

work through his feet. But after a high-energy audition in Dallas to “Hope This Makes You Love Me” by Tank, judges Paula Abdul and Jason Derulo were filled with praise. “I think this is one of the best we’ve seen today,” Derulo said, and Abdul said for her, it was the best. Nigel Lythgoe was more reserved, telling Juarez he needs more connection. “So You Think You Can Dance” bloggers also seemed

entertainment

IMAS to honor First Responders

cALLEN – In honor of the opening of Mark Roddenberry’s photography exhibit, “Avenue of the Strongest,” the International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) invites all First Responders for First Responders Weekend from Saturday, July 25, to Sunday, July 26. During the

weekend all First Responders will receive free general admission into the museum by showing a current and valid I.D. Roddenberry’s exhibit fully captures First Responders’ resilience, dedication, and sacrifice during and shortly after the attacks of the World Trade Centers on

Sept. 11, 2001. The exhibit will be on display through Sunday, Oct. 25. First Responders Weekend is open for all First Responders, including police, firefighters and EMTs. General Admission to the museum includes access to the IMAS Fine Art Galleries, RioScape Children’s Play

Park, Discovery Pavilion, the Ann Moore Art Studio and Science Lab. General admission for additional guests is $7, adult; $5, senior citizen or student with I.D.; $4, child (age 4-12); and free for IMAS Members. For more information, call 682-0123 or visit www.imasonline.org.

December and January. Game that may be hunted include white-tailed deer, feral hog, and nilgai antelope. Hunt permits are $80 per person per hunt. Three archery hunts are scheduled, each for a five

day period. A total of 800 permits will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Archery permits will be sold at Laguna Atascosa’s Refuge Office between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday from August 3 to 31.

Cash, check or money order will be accepted. Archery hunt applications with payment (check or money order only) may also be mailed to Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, 22817 Ocelot Road, Los Fresnos, TX 78566. They must be postmarked between August 1-31, 2015 to be accepted. Five firearm hunts are scheduled, each for a three day period. There will be a random drawing to select hunters for the 175 available permits in September. Firearm hunt applications must be submitted from Aug. 1 to 31 and will be accepted by mail (see address above) or in person at the refuge office during the same hours of operation or at the visitor center, which is open Saturday and Sunday from 8a.m. to 4 p.m. Payment will be due only if a hunter is selected in the random drawing. Applications are available to download online at www.fws.gov/refuge/laguna_atascosa. The Laguna Atascosa NWR is located 18 miles east of Rio Hondo, TX off FM 106. Call 748-3607, Ext. 111, or visit the refuge’s website for more information.

Laguna Atascosa accepting hunter apps during August

aguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge (LANWR) will be accepting hunter applications during the month of August for archery and firearm hunts that will take place during the months of November,

to be fans of Juarez. “There’s definitely some work to be done on connection here,” one blogger wrote. “But Edson is a great dancer. Hopefully he can improve during Vegas this year because there’s lots of potential here. I do wish he danced a little lighter. I don’t like it when you can feel a dancer hitting the ground if that makes sense. But I think he can improve.” Another blogger said Juarez was a power house,

from pg 1

and an article on TVline. com stated he “moved like his bones were made of pure spring water — a rather remarkable quality for a fella whose torso looked like it had been chiseled from the same marble as Michelangelo’s David.” After making it through the first cuts, Juarez took to Twitter to say he was excited for another week of competition and he gave a shout out to his roots, posting he was “#valleystrong.”

Coming Attractions Through August 12 The Upper Valley Art League will host Christopher Brown Sports Artist One Man Exhibit through August 12. Brown’s work is in the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame where he is trusted with creating each inductee’s Hall of Fame portrait. Some of the inductees include Shaquille O’Neil, Marshall Faulk and Nick Saban. Brown, a former pro baseball player, now combines two of lifelong passions: sports and art. A prismacolor artist, Brown has recently established new mixed media techniques. UVAL is located at 921 E. 12th St. in Mission. July 24 State Farm Arena hosts Alejandra Guzman. Tickets are on sale now. Doors open at 6 p.m., event starts at 7 p.m. Visit statefarmarena. com for more information. July 25 Teo Gonzalez will perform at the McAllen Civic Center at 8:30 p.m. Also joining him is Mayito Show Man. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit

mcallenconventioncenter.net or call 681-3800. August 1 State Farm Arena will host WWE Live Summer Slam Heat Wave Tour. Tickets are on sale now. Doors open at 6 p.m., event starts at 7:30 p.m. Visit statefarmarena.com for more information. August 7 Foam Wonderland 2015 features Bro Safari, Quintino, Lookas and Kayzo at the Boggus Ford Events Center. For more information, visit pharrevents.com. August 8 Sports artist Chris Brown will conduct a one day colored pencil workshop from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Upper Valley Art League Art Link Annex. Participants will need to bring their owned colored pencils and lunch. Supplies provided include paper and pattern. Cost for the workshop is $45. UVAL is located at 921 E. 12th St. in Mission. Call 583-2787 for information or to sign up. To see the complete Coming Attractions calendar, go to www.ptrgv.com.

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July 24, 2015

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Judge dismisses La Joya ISD Rivera trial reset for August employee retaliation lawsuit T A Hidalgo County Public notice to all By Julie Silva

federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed against La Joya Independent School District alleging employee retaliation after the 2012 board election. In an order filed July 16, Judge Micaela Alvarez states the complaint is “very poorly drafted.” “After a meandering recitation of very loosely set out facts as to each plaintiff, the complaint sets out what it identifies as “Factual Allegations” but which are nothing more than irrelevant facts and conclusory allegations,” Alvarez states. Attorney Javier Peña, on behalf of more than two dozen plaintiffs, filed the original lawsuit in April 2014 in

CORRECTION

story about the Mission Consolidated ISD budget on page 1 of the July 10 edition contained incorrect information. In fact, to qualify for funding from the state’s instructional facilities allotment, the district would not need to reverse the tax swap. In fact, the district would need to restore the debt service tax rate. Also, the district changed its fiscal year to begin July 1, 2015.

By Julie Silva

Hidalgo County. The plaintiffs all are school district employees who stated they were fired, demoted or retaliated against because they did not support Team Liberty, the winning slate in the 2012 election. La Joya Independent School District, all of the individual board trustees and Flores were named as defendants in the suit, and attorneys for La Joya ISD moved the case to federal court in May 2014. In the order of dismissal, Alvarez states the complaint gave no details on how or why the plaintiffs were retaliated against. Also, she states, there are no specific allegations against any one defendant. For example, she said the only reference to trustee Juan Jose “J.J” Peña is only mentioned in the paragraph stating his address, where he can be served. Alvarez also notes Felipe del Angel, a plaintiff who was demoted from field supervisor at the child nutrition department to bus parts purchasing department to groundskeeper. Del Angel “complains specifically of Defendant Oscar ‘Coach’ Coach Salinas but does not state what it is Defendant Salinas did,” Alvarez stated. In a news release issued Wednesday, La Joya ISD

spokesman Eden Ramirez called the lawsuit frivolous and stated Alvarez wrote a “scathing Order of Dismissal.” “La Joya ISD is saddened that tax-payer money was used to defend the school district against these frivolous claims, but would like to remind parents and the community that teaching and transforming the lives of the children of this school district are our number one priority,” the news release states. “Moving forward, La Joya ISD is looking at all options to ensure that taxpayers are not taken advantage in the future with frivolous claims like this.”

he trial for Irma Patricia “Patty” Rivera (Bazaldua), vice president of the Mission CISD school board, has been postponed to Aug. 24. Rivera pleaded not guilty

Hidalgo County taxpayers

DINBURG – Be advised pursuant to Section 33.07 of the Property Tax Code, all 2014 taxes that remain unpaid as of July 1, 2015, have been turned over to the delinquent tax attorneys for collection. To avoid additional fees, Tax Assessor-Collector Pablo “Paul” Villarreal urges

Reminiscing... 30 Years Ago This Week

in May to two counts of theft and one count each of forgery and fraudulent use of identification. 206th District Court Judge Rose Guerra Reyna told Rivera at a pretrial hearing last week the last day to enter into a plea agreement

Principal vacancies were filled in Mission schools Luis Sanchez, principal at Roosevelt Elementary School for two years was named principal at Alton Elementary. Sanchez replaced Kenneth Marlin, who was named curriculum coordinator for the district. Helen Ibbotson, assistant principal at Mission High School was named Sanchez’s replacement, and Mona Parras, a high school counselor, was promoted to assistant principal at the high school. Showers, Brand got ag awards Two agricultural leaders of the McAllen area in the Rio Grande Valley, Othal E. Brand and Wayne E. Showers, were presented the Knapp-Porter Awards in ceremonies during the State Extension Conference at Texas A&M University.

residents to please make arrangements to pay as soon as possible. Delinquent accounts will continue to accrue additional penalties and fees each month. Residents with delinquent accounts may make payment arrangements at any Hidalgo County Tax Office. Payments may also be made online at: www. hidalgocountytax.org Property owners, who have not received a statement, are advised to call or visit any Tax Office immediately. Failure to receive a statement does not affect the validity of penalties and interest nor attorney fees. Residents in the Mission area can visit the Hidalgo County tax office substation in the Pct. 3 complex, 722 Breyfogle Road, or call (956)205-7050.

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will be at a hearing scheduled for Aug. 17. Rivera is accused of using the identity of her then in-laws without their knowledge to take out loans and draw down insurance money in 2012.

to integrate online courts and justice system

idalgo County asks residents with court-related business to be patient as offices transition from the county’s current case management system to an integrated courts and justice system called Odyssey. Tyler Technologies’ Odyssey court management system – which will go live at 8 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 3 – will modernize court processes and optimize resources. Odyssey will help move Hidalgo County to a paperless court system and is fully integrated with the state’s mandated e-filing platform for civil cases. It will also eliminate redundant data entry, improve access to information across county departments, and simplify maintenance and support, said Hidalgo County Chief Information Officer

See ONLINE COURTS 12

opinion

July 24, 2015

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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

By Ed Sterling Texas Press Association

STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

USTIN — Gov. Greg Abbott on July 18 authorized Adjutant General John Nichols of the Texas National Guard to arm personnel at military facilities across Texas. Abbott’s action comes following the July 16 shooting on two military facilities in Chattanooga, Tenn., that resulted in the deaths of four U.S. Marines and one U.S. Navy sailor. A suspect was killed at the scene. An investigation is in progress. “It is with a heavy heart that I issue this order,” Abbott said. “After the recent shooting in Chattanooga, it has become clear that our military personnel must have the ability to defend themselves against these type of attacks on our own soil. “Arming the National Guard at these bases will not only serve as a deterrent to anyone wishing to do harm to our service men and women, but will enable them to protect those living and working on the base.” Texas Army National Guard, Texas Air National Guard and Texas State Guard, referred to collectively as the Texas National Guard, are administered by the adjutant general. Senator urges recapture State Sen. Carlos Uresti, D-San Antonio, on July 13 posted a statement regarding the recent escape and disappearance of drug kingpin Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman from a federal prison in Mexico. “As a senator who represents over a third of the Texas-Mexico border, I’d like to propose that if Mexico needs help keeping him behind bars once he is found, I know just the place: Texas,” Uresti said. “I find

it incomprehensible that he was able to escape from a maximum-security prison. I urge Mexico to pursue and hold responsible those who aided in the escape and move swiftly to bring El Chapo back into custody. Sales tax holiday is set State Comptroller Glenn Hegar on July 14 released an announcement promoting the annual sales tax holiday scheduled for Friday, Aug. 7, through Sunday, Aug. 9. Annual sales tax holidays were initiated by the Texas Legislature in 1999. Most clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks priced under $100 are exempted from sales tax, which could save shoppers about $8 on every $100 they spend during the weekend, Hegar said. Lists of items that may be purchased taxfree can be found on the comptroller's website at TexasTaxHoliday.org. Shoppers will save an estimated $87 million in state and local sales taxes during this year’s sales tax holiday, according to the comptroller’s office. Navigate Life site debuts The Interagency Task Force for Children with Special Needs, supported by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, on July 6 launched NavigateLifeTexas.org, a website to help families who have children with disabilities and special health care needs. According to the task force, the site “was built for anyone who needs to find relevant, comprehensive, and accurate information about services in Texas for children with disabilities and special health care needs. A Spanish version of the site is at AvancemosJun-

tosTexas.org. Visitors can enter their ZIP code to search for support groups, services, and events that are specific to their region. Data provided on the site has been vetted by parents, physicians, parent organizations, subject matter experts, and state agencies. 5th Circuit hears arguments Oral arguments in a preliminary injunction appeal in State of Texas, et al. v. USA, et al. were made before the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals on July 10. This is another step in a case brought by Texas and 26 other states who are challenging President Obama’s November 2014 executive order allowing an estimated 4 million undocumented residents to remain in the country and offer them a path to citizenship. Texas Solicitor General Scott Keller argued for the states. On May 26, the Fifth Circuit denied the Obama Administration’s request to begin implementing the order after the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas granted a preliminary injunction on Feb. 16, halting the president’s executive action on immigration from taking effect. RRC chief testifies in DC Texas Railroad Commission Chair David Porter on July 14 testified before the U.S. Agriculture Committee in Washington, D.C. Porter suggested to lawmakers that allowing Texas and U.S. producers to compete in international energy markets would “create jobs and economic prosperity for American workers and continue to strengthen the nation’s economy.”

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TEXAS

John Cornyn TIMES

What it means to be a Texan, officially By U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas

s Texans, we have a style of our own – from our hospitality to our headwear. But you may be surprised to hear the iconic symbol of Western culture, the cowboy hat, only became an official state symbol a few weeks ago courtesy of the 84th Texas Legislature. This makes Texas the first state to designate an officially sanctioned hat. The cowboy hat is just one of dozens of items ranging from food to flower to fossil that are Texan enough to be deemed official state symbols. You’ve heard our unofficial motto, “Everything’s bigger in Texas” – well, that includes our number of official state symbols. According to the Texas State Library and Archives, 76 items, things, or activities have now earned official status.

Many are obvious: the official state jig is the square dance. The official flower is the bluebonnet. You’ve seen the state flag, and of course you’ve heard our official state song, ‘Texas, Our Texas.’ Our state bird is the mockingbird, so named for the way it mimics the sound of its neighbors. It’s only fitting the mockingbird represents our state, as they are known for their pride and their fierce protection of their nest. Texans are a loyal bunch, which is why our state motto is “friendship.” Texas hospitality is alive and well in the Lone Star State – which is, of course, our state’s nickname. The more than 268,000 square miles that comprise our state are home to three official state mammals: the longhorn, the armadillo, and our official flying mammal, the Mexican free-tailed bat. Anyone who has stood on the Congress Avenue Bridge

in Austin knows that one well. And those three mammals don’t even account for the official state horse (American quarter horse) or our state breed of dog (Blue Lacey). Just a few months ago the Texas Legislature gave Texas our newest official state symbols. Lawmakers in Austin passed a bill declaring #txlege one of three official hashtags to help Texans follow their representatives on social media. They designated the official hashtag of Texas as, you guessed it, #Texas. And while we couldn’t possibly capture the essence of the Lone Star State in even one hundred items, our 76 official symbols bring pride to our almost 27 million residents and give an idea of what it really means to be a Texan to our millions of annual visitors. Now that’s something to hang our state-sanctioned cowboy hat on.

sition we made it very clear to the Director that as a CoChair of the LBB I would not join her in a letter challenging the Governor’s vetoes. We support the Governor’s goal of saving taxpayers over $200 million. If there are process issues we can work through them during the interim between our offices. The Director persisted in writing a letter to the Comptroller. We then asked her office to send our staff the letter in advance. We wanted to be

sure that it was clear the letter was from her, expressing her and her staff’s opinion, and not from me. She had a right to send a letter, but she knew we were not in support of her position. I am sending a letter to Speaker Straus to recommend a joint special committee to examine how the LBB and all legislative agencies operate, what reforms are needed, what guidelines are needed and what changes need to be made.

Patrick disappointed in actions of the LBB

By Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick

USTIN – I am extremely disappointed that the Legislative Budget Board (LBB) Executive Director, Ursula Parks, sent a letter to the Comptroller expressing the view that Governor Abbott did not act appropriately in vetoing over $200 million from the budget. Our office staff met with the Governor’s staff recently to discuss this issue. After listening to the Governor’s po-

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TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATION

The Progress Times (USPS 971-420; ISSN 0890-2666) is published each Friday by Mission Publishing Co., 1217 N. Conway, Mission, Texas 78572, (956) 585-4893. Subscriptions $20 annual in Hidalgo County; $25 outside of Hidalgo County. Second class postage paid in Mission, Texas 78572. ©2015 Mission Publishing Company, Inc. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the PROGRESS TIMES, P.O. Box 399, Mission Texas 78573.

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Letters to the Editor are welcome but must conform to certain guidelines. All letters must be original, dated, signed and bear the complete name, address and phone number of the writer/signer. No photo copied letters will be printed. No letters addressed to others will be printed. Letter content must be relevant to concerns and interests of Mission and the surrounding area. Relevance is determined by the editor. Anonymous cards or letters are neither read nor printed. Letters may be submitted by e-mail to letters@progresstimes.net, but must include the author’s name and daytime phone number.

July 24, 2015

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Teachers say new state guidelines won’t affect local history classes

By Lea Victoria Juarez he State Board of Education may have adopted new textbook standards that revise the story of the American Civil War, but that won’t change Mission’s standards. Texas’ new guidelines for American history do not include the Ku Klux Klan or the Jim Crow Laws. Students are required to study Jefferson Davis’ speech when he was inaugurated as the president of the Confederacy, which does not mention slavery. Students are not required to read Alexander Stephens’ vice president speech, which states slavery needs to be preserved. But the most controversial change is the telling of the American Civil War. With the new guidelines, students are supposed to learn that the war was started by “sectionalism, states’ rights and slavery,” specifically placed in that order to assert that slavery was a side issue, according to state board members. Now, for the first time in 13 years, Texas has the funds to adopt new history textbooks, which include these changes and will be implemented in the fall. Sharyland ISD social studies teacher Robert Barbosa said he thumbed through the textbook samples the board approved in March and did, in fact, see content on topics such as the Jim Crow

S Jefferson Davis

Laws and Ku Klux Klan. But the amount of content is presented at a different volume than before. Eighth-grade social studies teacher Cecilia Lopez said the new standards change the emphasis on each topic, but they won’t change how she runs her classroom. “We think they are all very important concepts – sectionalism, states’ rights, slavery,” the Mission CISD teacher said. “Ultimately, me in the classroom, I let my students make that decision and evaluate it themselves.” By law, districts have to provide resources for instruction and the state will pay for the approved textbooks. Districts can buy outside of the approved list, but it would have to come out of their own funds. Regardless of textbooks, teachers from the Mission and Sharyland school districts said they gather information from an array of sources and teach their students to do the same. As a history teacher, Emmanuel Abrio stressed the importance of teaching both sides on any topic so students can become critical thinkers. “Teaching them to be a critical thinker is more important than being able to recall facts and information from the textbook,” the MCISD teacher said. “People don’t sit down and teach from page 1 to page 200 anymore

Keeping our community safe is everyone’s responsibility. If you observe suspicious activity or witness a crime, be a good neighbor and report it to the police. And remember, you don’t have to give your name or personal information to report a crime.

See HISTORY 12

Sharyland Pioneer student council members attend state conference

haryland Pioneer High School student council members attended a leadership camp at Texas State University in San Marcos from July 7-11. There were over 40 schools from the state that attended the leader-

ship camp and Sharyland Pioneer was the only high school from the Valley to attend. Student council members who attended were Kailee Serna, president; Esmeralda France, vice president; Victoria Torres, secretary; Andres

Border Patrol agents rescue three people from the Rio Grande

io Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol agents rescued three people who were struggling to swim across the Rio Grande. The rescue occurred early Tuesday morning when agents from the McAllen Station were patrolling the river by boat and responded to suspected illegal activity near Bentsen State Park, south of Mission. Upon ar-

rival, agents encountered three people struggling to stay afloat. Riverine agents rescued the three individuals and immediately offered them medical attention, which they declined. The rescued individuals, one Mexican male juvenile and two Honduran men, were transported to the McAllen Border Patrol Station for fur-

See BORDER PATROL 12

Galvan, treasurer; Alejandro Rodriguez, class representative; and Cyana Arrendondo, class representative. The leadership camp focused on the basic skills needed to function effectively in student leadership roles. A standard curriculum outline was used in all workshops. Students were placed in different groups to complete a project on Energy and Environment, Community Service, Pride and Patriotism, and Dash (Drugs, Alcohol, Safety and health). “Students brought back great leadership skills and are very excited to share all of their ideas to the entire council. We are ready to start off the school year and can’t wait to incorporate all these ideas to the entire school,” stated Lisa Cruz, Sharyland Pioneer High School Student Council sponsor.

lifestyle

July 24, 2015

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

Save the date for MHM 2015 banquet

he board and staff of the Mission Historical Museum invite the general public to mark their calendars for Thursday, Sept. 17. The Mission Historical Museum board of directors and the banquet committee are preparing to host an evening to honor distinguished individuals who have contributed to Mission’s historical past. The evening will take place at the Mission Community Center, beginning at 6:30 p.m. with a social hour and continue with music and a silent auction. Dinner will be served at 7:15 p.m. followed by the program and presentations of the “Wall of Fame” honorees for 2015. They are Bill Filut, Dr. David Heflin, Kathy Olivarez, Tomas Tijerina and Renee Martin, and Richard and Connie Walsh. For complete details on sponsorships with excellent benefits, individual tickets or table reservations, contact Linda Castaneda at lcastaneda@missiontexas.us or call the museum office at 5808646. Office hours are Tuesday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.

Front, L to R: Linda Castañeda, MHM membership development and banquet coordinator; Elma Snell, board member; Sylvia Vick, volunteer; Evelyn Saenz, Mission Regional marketing director. Back, L to R: Terri Plata and Ben Olivarez, MHM Members; Amancio Chapa Jr. , board chair-elect; Vernon Wechbecker, MHM curator/archivist; Dorothy Prukop, board member; Ann Whitfield, board member; and Rosie Olivarez, volunteer. Courtesy photo

to 2 p.m. (This cutline MUST run 3 columns. If it won’t fit this week, run the story this week, and I will update the photo for next week after to spread out their publicity.) 3 col cutline—

Junior Girl Scout Day registration ends tomorrow

he Edinburg Scenic Wetlands & World Birding Center (EWBC) will present Junior Girl Scout Day on Saturday, August 1, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Girl Scout troops in or near the area are invited to have fun while completing requirements for three badges. There will be educational, hands-on activities to fulfill requirements for the Flowers, Gardner and Animal Habitats Badges. Participants will discover the science and creativity behind flowers, learn about seeds and designing gardens, and explore wildlife

in the area while investigating their habitats. Each girl will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the day. Badges are not included. The fee for Junior Girl Scout Day is $10 per participant with no charge for the Girl Scout leaders. Other non-participants present are welcome to enjoy the Center and grounds and must pay the EWBC admission fee. Participants need to bring a sack lunch. Some snacks will be provided. Space is limited; reserve a spot by calling 381-9922. The registration deadline is this Saturday, July 25.

Preparations are in full swing for the 2015 Mission Historical Museum annual banquet fundraiser. Pictured in front, from the left, are Linda Castañeda, MHM membership development and banquet coordinator; Elma Snell, board member; Sylvia Vick, volunteer; Evelyn Saenz, Mission Regional

marketing director. In back, same order, are Terri Plata and Ben Olivarez, MHM Members; Amancio Chapa Jr. , board chair-elect; Vernon Wechbecker, MHM curator/ archivist; Dorothy Prukop, board member; Ann Whitfield, board member; and Rosie Olivarez, volunteer.

Sites needed for school supplies drop-off

chool is just around the corner and 59 percent of the families served by the Food Bank RGV have to decide between paying for quality food or medicine and medical bills. With the Food Bank’s School Tools program over 50 elementary school campuses direct new school supplies to the children that need it the most. Two businesses have signed up as drop-off points for the school supplies donations—CORE Business Solutions and Hewitt Dental.

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More businesses are needed to sign up to give the public ease of access. Donations supplies are also sought from the general public. Elementary aged student supplies that are needed are include crayons, pencils, filler paper, etc.—whatever is on the supply lists in the local elementary schools. For more information, or to sign up as a drop off location, contact Erica Lechuga, school tools manager, at 904-4528 or by email at elechuga@foodbankrgv.com.

Events Calendar

Jul y 25 – The Edinburg World Birding Center will host Making Music in the Park from 1 to 3 p.m. where families can gather to make homemade instruments out of recycled and natural materials. The EWBC is located at 714 S. Raul Longoria Rd. Call 381-9922 for more information. Jul y 25 – Head to Frontera Audubon Nature Sanctuary, 110 S. Texas Blvd. in Weslaco, with Yoga on the Lawn taught by Jackelin Trevino. Appropriate for all skill levels, poses can be modified for any body type and skill level. Cost is $10 per person and $8 for Frontera members. For more information, call 968-3275. Jul y 25 – Check out the nocturnal creatures along the Thicket Trail at Frontera Audubon Nature Sanctuary. Guests will follow guides with flashlights to see the nocturnal creatures found along the trail. Some flashlights will be provided, but guests are encouraged to bring their own, to bring bug spray and wear closed-toe shoes. Cost is $3 per person and free for Frontera members. For more information, call 968-3275. Frontera Audubon is located at 1101 S. Texas Blvd. in Weslaco. Jul y 28 – Speer Memorial Library will hold a book discussion about the twentieth-century American literary classic, “The Old Man and the Sea,” in the library’s Community Room. The public is invited to attend. For more information, or to sign up for the book discussion, call William Renner or Rose Alvarez at 580-8750 or 580-8754. Speer Memorial Library is located at 12th and Kika De La Garza in Mission. Jul y 28 – The Rio Grande Valley Diabetes Association (RGVDA), in partnership with Frontera Audubon, offers cooking classes led by a registered dietitian every other month for adults with or at risk of diabetes in the Mid-Valley. To register, call the RGVDA office at 782-1900. Space is limited. For more information, call 968-3275. Frontera Audubon is located at 1101 S. Texas Blvd. in Weslaco. Jul y 30 – MOSTHistory: Summer Nights at the Museum puts the spotlight on the museum’s signature exhibition, Rio Grande Legacy. It will come to life section by section, providing adventures through time. The event will include a puppet show, interactive history, hands-on activities and multiple chances to win prizes. MOSTHistory is located at 200 N. Closner in Edinburg. For more information, call 383-6911. Jul y 30 – Learn all about sea turtles and their hatching season at Quinta Mazatlan when Sea Turtle Inc. migrates to McAllen for a program at 7 p.m. The mission of Sea Turtle, Inc. is to rescue, rehabilitate and release injured sea turtles, educate the public and assist with conservation efforts for all marine turtle species. Admission is $3 for adults and $2 for children. For more information, call 681-3370 or visit www.quintamazatlan.com Jul y 31 – Estero Llano Grande will hold Full Moon, New Moon Night Hikes from 8 to 10 p.m. The program is free with park entrance fee. It is located at Lakeview Drive in Weslaco. For more information, call 565-3919. Jul y 31 – The Edinburg World Birding Center, 714 S. Raul Longoria Rd., will again host WILD workshops for educators; pre-registration is encouraged. It runs from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and will feature a curriculum designed for 3- to 7-year olds. The fee is $28 per participant. Call 381-9922 for more information. August Aug ust 1 – The Fourth Annual CASA Superhero 5K will be held at Edinburg Municipal Park. Interested participants can register through July 24 at CASA of Hidalgo, Valley Running Co. in McAllen and Footworks in Edinburg. It will be held from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Call 381-5631 to register or for more information. Aug ust 6 and 7 – The WILD Combo (Project WILD/Aquatic WILD) Workshop for educators is scheduled for Aug. 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Aug. 7 from 8:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. The curriculum is designed for grades K-12. The fee for this program is $50 per participant. Fee includes lunch on Thursday and snacks on Friday. Space is limited; register July 30. Call 381-9922 for more information. The EWBC is located at 714 S. Raul Longoria Rd. Aug ust 7 – The McAllen Parks & Rec will host will host Pools Gone Wild at the Municipal Pool on Bicentennial from 4 to 6 p.m. There will be pool games, contests, prizes, crafts, music and more. Admission is $2.50 per person. Aug ust 8-9 – Estero Llano Grande, 154A Lakeview Drive in Weslaco, presents Camping with a Ranger, an overnight camping trip for families. The event is limited for up to 10 families. The park will supply all camping gear: tents, lanterns, sleeping pads, cooking stoves and more. Cabins will be offered to the first five families. Families are responsible to bring their own sleeping bag, food and personal items. Cost is $65 per family of six. For more information, call 565-3919. 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.

July 24, 2015

obituaries

Jeronimo Arce Jr. NGLETON – Jeronimo (Jerry) Arce Jr. of Angleton passed away on July 18, 2015, at Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston. Mr. Arce was born Oct. 18, 1942, in Mission to Jeronimo Sr. and Isaura Lopez Arce. After serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Charles R. Ware DD-865, he began his 28-year career working for the Texas Department of Corrections. He received his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Houston. After retiring from TDC he began his second career working for the Brazoria County Probation Department as an adult probation officer for 10 years. He also worked as a bailiff at the Brazoria County Courthouse and was a volunteer for UTMB Auxiliary Department. He was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. Survivors, all from Angleton, include his wife of 48 years, Esperanza; daughter, Sandra Lopez; son, Oscar Arce; sibilings, Yolanda Ramirez of Pharr, Efrain Arce of Pharr, Richie Arce of Houston, Diana Ruiz of McAllen; and four grandchildren. The funeral mass was held Thursday, July 23, at 10 a.m. at Holy Trinity with burial at Angleton Cemetery. Pallbearers were Manuel Ramos, Balde Torres, Mike Avila, Joe González Froy Pérez, and Marco Ramirez. Honorary pallbearers were Chris Coale, Eddie Ramos, Brandon Lopez, Mikey Lopez, Rylan Arce, and Ashtyn Arce. Memorial donations may be made in his name to Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church or St. Thomas Food Pantry, 1713 N. Tinsley, Angleton, TX 77515. Erick Cavazos ISSION/UVALDE - Erick Cavazos, 35, passed away on Tuesday, July 14, 2015, at Mission Trail Baptist Hospital in San Antonio. Survivors include his mother, Servey Cavazos;

children, Nickali Cavazos and Kayla Aree Cavazos; siblings, Juan Cavazos III, Simon Alejandro Cavazos, Senaida Zamarripa, Adelaida Garza, Camelia Ledezma, Servey A. Cavazos and Crystal Nazarret Cavazos. He was preceded in death by his father, Juan Cavazos Jr. A funeral service was held on Friday, July 17, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Cremation services followed. Lucia Chavez ISSION - Lucia Chavez, 78, passed away on Wednesday, July 15, 2015, at Doctor’s Hospital in Edinburg. Survivors include her husband, Hipolito Chavez; children, Georgina Enriqueta Perez, Jesus Leal, Blanca Angelica Gutierrez, Maria Teresa Chavez Gonzalez, Leslie Macarena Chavez Trevino, San Juanita Taylor, Abraham Chavez and Jorge Ivan Chavez; and 20 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jorge and Maria de Jesus Garay, and a sister, Esperanza Garcia. A funeral service was held on July 17 at Funeraria Del Angel. Interment followed at Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Raymundo C. Gonzalez ISSION - Raymundo C. Gonzalez, 70, passed away on Thursday, July 16, 2015 at Doctor’s Hospital in Edinburg. Mr. Gonzalez was born on March 15, 1945, in Los Ramones, N.L., Mexico to Juan and Petra Gonzalez. Survivors include his wife, Antonia Gonzalez; children, Raymundo Gonzalez Jr., Raquel Garza, Rosalinda De La Pena, Rene Gonzalez and Ruby Gonzalez; siblings, Sara Ozuna, Victoria Valdez, Tomasa Gonzalez, and Alfredo Gonzalez; and 17 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Juan and Petra Gonzalez; siblings, Amado Gonzalez, Felipe Gonzalez and Juana Ozuna.

A funeral mass was held on July 20 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Peñitas. Interment followed at Lord and I Cemetery in Palmview. Velia R. Hinojosa ISSION - Velia R. Hinojosa passed away on Monday, July 13, 2015. Mrs. Hinojosa was born on Nov. 8, 1934, in Camargo, Mex. to Jesus and Maria Rodriguez. She worked for Mission I.S.D. and later retired after 20 years of service at Luby’s Cafeteria. Survivors include her husband of 64 years, Olegario Hinojosa; daughters, Janie Cortez, Mary Perez and Nora Hinojosa Rivera; siblings, Ofelia Hinojosa, Virginia Acevedo, Hermila Silva, Martha Cantu, Jose Rodriguez and Juan Rodriguez; and five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Jesus and Gilberto Rodriguez. A funeral mass was held on July 17 at Rivera Funeral Home in Mission. Monsignor Juan Nicolau officiated. Interment followed at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Mission. Edna Mae Boren Wyant

cCOOK – Edna Mae Boren Wyant, 89, passed away on Thursday, July 16, 2015, in Harlingen. Edna was born to Hiram Newton Boren and Ella Mae Carr on June 2, 1926, near Tobe, Colo. She grew up in McCook and later retired there. She was a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Mission and most recently of Calvary Baptist Church in Harlingen. Edna will be remembered for her love of Rat Terrier

dogs, she would raise them and sell them for many years. She could always be found next to her husband, they were inseparable. She is survived by her children, David (Ginny) Reynolds Wyant, Ernest (Ann) Stanley Wyant, Ricky (Eileen) Lee Wyant, and Linda (Keith) Ann Wyant; siblings, John Alfred and Pearl Lee; grandchildren, Carina (Daniel) Ann Brunson, George ‘Treay’ (Gloria) Stanley Wyant, Brett (Lindsey) Wyant, Kyle Wyant, Brian Wyant, Michael Wyant, Marissa Nichole Wyant and Liana (Chris) Rene Poirrier; and great-grandchildren, Anastasia Lynn, Alexandria Nicole, Alisabeth Michelle and William Anthony Brunson, Joseph Stanley and Theodore Newton Wyant, and Luke Wyant. She was preceded in death by her husband, Reagan Wyant, in 2002; her parents; and siblings, Newton, Bertha, Albert, Lena, Merle Jason, and Mary Maud. A funeral service was held on Monday, July 20, at Ric Brown Family Funeral Home in Mission. Burial followed at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Mission. Aida Zapata ISSION - Aida Zapata, 87, passed away Sunday, July 19, 2015, at Mission Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. She was preceded in death by her parents, Alfredo Zapata, Sr. and Andrea Reyna Zapata and a sister, Anita Zapata. Survivors include her siblings, Maria Rita Z. Alaniz, Alfredo Zapata, Jr., Francisca Z. Garza, Juventino Zapata and Gustavo Zapata, Sr. The funeral mass will be held on Friday, July 24, at 10 a.m. at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Mission. Interment will follow at Valley Memorial Gardens in McAllen.

All obituaries must be submitted by the funeral home. Obituary notices are run FREE OF CHARGE in the Progress Times if they are submitted in a timely manner to run the same week of the date of death. Otherwise, there is a fee for notices submitted later than the closest possible publication date. Late obituaries will be subject to a $50 charge.

ChurCh DireCtory BREAD OF LIFE CHURCH 2820 N. Conway Ave. • 581-1411 CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD 2322 N. McColl. - McAllen 682-2092 CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS 5609 S 29th St. - McAllen 682-4881 CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS Missonaries • 580-2570 CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CHURCH 911 N. Main - McAllen 686-4241 CONWAY AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH 2215 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 1302 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 MISSION CHURCH OF CHRIST 1410 E. Mile 3 Rd. • 585-0146 Palmhurst

FREEDOM LIFE CHURCH 2214 W. Griffin Pkwy. • 519-7000 Mission

NORTH PALMVIEW APOSTOLIC CHURCH 7612 W. 6 Mile Ln.

GRACIA DIVINA MINISTRY 11809 N. Shary Rd. • 584-3112

ONLY THRU JESUS 1511 E. Mile 2 Rd. Mission • 918-760-1625

GREAT OAKS COMMUNITY CHURCH 2722 N. Conway • 451-5500 Mission IGLESIA ADVENTISTA DEL SEPTIMO DIA 1725 W. Griffin Parkway 581-9008 IGLESIA BAUTISTA BETANIA 851 S. Breyfogle Rd. • 585-5688 IGLESIA BAUTISTA CRISTO EL REY 1600 E. Bus. 83 - Mission IGLESIA BAUTISTA COLONIAL 3713 N. La Homa Rd. • 585-5332 IGLESIA BAUTISTA DEL VALLE 217 W. Mile 3 Rd. • 424-1602 Palmhurst IGLESIA DEL PUEBLO 7500 West Expressway 83 581-1900 IGLESIA DEL DIVINO REDENTOR 1020 North Los Ebanos Rd 585-5898 LA RESPUESTA CHURCH 405 W. 12th Street • 585-0787 MISSION CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE 1 mi. E. 495 • 585-6683 NEW HOPE AT THE BORDER 905 N. Conway • 369-3603

OUR LADY QUEEN OF ANGELS One-half mile South Leo Avenue La Joya • 585-5223 OUR LADY OF FATIMA CHURCH 6634 El Camino Real • Granjeno OUR LADY OF LOURDES CHURCH 2.5 miles S. Conway (FM 1016) Mission OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE CATHOLIC CHURCH 620 Dunlap • 585-2623 OUR LADY OF THE HOLY ROSARY CHURCH 923 Matamoros St. • 581-2193

RIVER OF LIFE CHURCH 901 S. Shary Rd. (Located in the Holiday Inn Express Conference Room) 451-4838 SAN CRISTOBAL MAGALLANES & COMPANIONS PARISH

3805 Plantation Grove Blvd., Ste. 5

Mission • 580-4551

SAN MARTIN DE PORRES 5 mi. N. Conway, 1/2 Mile West Alton • 585-8001 & 585-8002 SPIRIT OF PEACE EV. LUTHERAN CHUCH 3104 Los Milagros Mission • 581-1822 ST. JOHN OF THE FIELDS CATHOLIC CHURCH 1052 Washington Ave. • 585-2325 ST. PAUL'S CATHOLIC CHURCH 1119 Francisco • 585-2701 ST. PETER & ST. PAUL EPISCOPAL CHURCH 2310 N. Stewart Rd. 585-5005

PALM VALLEY CHURCH 1720 E. Griffin Pkwy. 585-3203

SHINING LIGHT BAPTIST CHURCH 6 1/8 N. Doffing Rd. (FM 492) 580-4078

PEÑITAS BAPTIST CHURCH 1/3 Mile S. of Exp.83 on FM 1427 583-6236

TEMPLO BIBLICO 5 Mile/Conway 581-4981or 585-3831

PRIMERA BAPTIST CHURCH Corner of 6th & Oblate 585-4711

TEMPLO EVANGELICO, M.B. CHURCH La Joya

PRIMERA IGLESIA DEL VALLE APOSTOLIC ASSEMBLY 210 N. St. Marie. • 585-8651

TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH 3905 W. 3 Mile Line • 585-3261

PROMISE LAND CHURCH 2300 E. Palm Circle (Corner of 495) Mission, TX 78572 • 624-9307

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

DARRELL DAVIS

301 E. Tom Landry • Mission • 585-1622

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IMPLEMENT COMPANY, INC. MISSION 585-1618

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Food Bank needs help for Empty Bowls

ow is the time to become a sponsor or add your restaurant for Empty Bowls 2015. Empty Bowls will be held Sept. 29 at the Boggus Ford Pharr Events Center, 3000 N. Cage in Pharr. Companies and individuals are encouraged to donate

unique bowls and silent auction items that help promote their products, services or talents. For more information contact Philip Farias, manager of corporate engagement and events, at 904-4513 or by email at pfarias@foodbankrgv.com.

Texas Wildflowers license plates now available

USTIN – Texans can now display their wildflower pride and support Texas’ native wildflowers and landscapes by purchasing the Texas Wildflowers specialty license plate. The new plate depicts four iconic spring blooming wildflowers that are broad-

Making the grade at Boston

urelinda Ortega and Tess E. Velasquez were named to the Dean's List at Boston University for the Spring 2015 semester. Students must attain a 3.5 grade point average or above, or be in the top 30 percent of their class, as well as taking a full course load as a full-time student.

Notices

Maria Elena Acevedo MISSION - Maria Elena Acevedo, 70, passed away on Monday, July 20, 1215, at Paxvilla Hospice in McAllen. Vicente Carrillo MISSION - Vicente Carrillo, 72, passed Sunday, July 19, 2015, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Lesley Castilla MISSION - Lesley Castilla, 12, passed away on Sun-

ly distributed across Texas: Texas bluebonnet, pink evening primrose, Indian blanket and Indian paintbrush. Proceeds from plate purchases go to support the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center and its efforts to conserve native plants and promote the restoration and creation of healthy landscapes across Texas. The Wildflower Center will receive $22 of the $30 fee for each Texas Wildflowers specialty plate sold This is added to the regular license plate fee. The Center is a self-funded unit of The University of Texas at Austin. To learn about obtaining the Texas Wildflowers license plate, go to: www. wildflower.org/licenseplate/. To learn more about the Wildflower Center, visit www.wildflower.org.

day, July 19, 2015, at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston. Clarissa Gonzalez MISSION - Clarissa Gonzalez, 22, passed away on Wednesday, July 15, 2015, at Mission Regional Medical Center. A funeral service was held on July 20 at Memorial Funeral Home in Edinburg. Burial followed at San Jose Cemetery in Mission.

theclassifieds page 10

buy • sell • trade • rent • hire

this page is your oyster opening up to a world of opportunity

homes4sale

ALTON, OWNER FINANCE Brick 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 1 car garage. Built 2002. $74,900. $8,000 down. 7.9% interest. Call 956607-9179.

forsale

ROUND TABLE WITH 6 chairs, china cabinet pure Mahogany wood, perfect antique set of dishes and silverware, all included $2,000 obo, 956532-8600. INVEST IN RESIDENTIAL Lots, Walker Lake, La Joya, TX. 4 lots and 3 other lots with availability of water, sewage, electricity, public entrance to lake for fishing and boating year around. Only $20,000 per lot; a lot of shade on all lots, 25% down and

whatever rate of interest is available on an average. Owner Finance. If interested call Mr. Garza, 956-451-3530.

garagesale

VENTA DE GARAGE dias 24 y 25 de Julio de 8am5pm y el 31 de Julio y 1 de Agosto 8am5pm, 110 Encino Ave. Mission, Tx. GARAGE SALE ALADDIN Villas 1614 Aries, Saturday July 25th 8am2pm, clothes, refrigerator, dishes, etc. ESTATE SALE 7/24-7/25 at 1555 S. Gastel Circle, Mission. 8 to 11 a.m.

helpwanted

LAW OFFICE WANTS to hire Receptionist/Clerk. Call Shirley for interview from 2:00p.m. to 4:00p.m., 956585-4864.

NOW HIRING LICENSED Professional Barber, for more information call Henry or Joel at Tatan’s Barber & Styling Shop, 956585-7406.

Personal classified rate: $7 for 15 words

25¢ each additional word thereafter

Business classified rate: $15 for 15 words

25¢ each additional word thereafter

services

NEED A MAID? Cleaning and cooking services - bilingual - affordable rates. Call Carolina 956-827-1853 or 956-683-6243.

Notice of Public Hearing Mission Economic Development Corporation Notice is hereby given that the Mission Economic Development Corporation will conduct a public hearing on Tuesday, August 18, 2015 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers, 1201 East 8th Street, Mission, Texas to consider the following project or projects during the proposed fiscal year 2015-2016: Downtown Rent Subsidy Program in an amount not to exceed $50,000.

The Board of Directors of the MEDC will determine whether the Project or Projects will be undertaken and whether it will finance the cost of the Project or Projects with proceeds from sales tax revenues. The Project or Projects shall consist of the following: Downtown Rent Subsidy Program in an amount not to exceed $50,000. Date of Publication: July 24, 2015 Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

Re-Plat: Lots 2C and 2D, being a ReSubdivision of all of Lot 2, ReSubdivision of Lot 1, Mission Center Subdivision A 0.85 acre tract of land, more or less, consisting of all of Lot 2, out of ReSubdivision of all of Lot 1, Mission Center Subdivision 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

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVE Well-established newspaper is now hiring advertising sales representatives. Excellent work hours – no nights or weekends. Excellent earning potential. Competitive pay: base salary plus commission. Great opportunity to take over existing territory with established clients, plus cultivate new business. Prior ad sales experience much preferred. The right candidate will have excellent lead generation, phone communication, cold calling and organizational skills. Must have excellent command of English including speaking, writing and spelling. Email resume to: resume.email1987@gmail.com or call 956-580-7800 to apply.

ADVERTISEMENT/INVITATION FOR BIDS REQUEST FOR SEALED PROPOSALS City of Alton – Public Works Improvement Project – Jefferson Street

DESCRIPTION: Public Work Improvements: New Road Improvements to Jefferson Street. PROPOSAL DUE DATE:

August 3, 2015

TIME:

3:00 P.M.

The City of Alton will receive sealed bids until 3:00 p.m. on Monday August 3, 2015 addressed to the City of Alton in the office of the City Manager, Alton City Hall, 509 S. Alton Blvd., Alton, Texas 78573. The bids will be publicly opened and read aloud as near as practical after 3:00 p.m. on the date of submittal at the Alton City Hall. Bids received after closing time will be returned unopened. Bid/Contract Documents, including Drawings and Technical Specifications are available from LeFevre Engineering & Management Consulting, LLC. located at 612 Nolana, Suite 520, McAllen, Texas 78504 the phone number is 956-687-5362, upon request and payment of $50.00. The payment is non-refundable. A pre-bid conference will be conducted by the Owner on Wednesday July 29, 2015 at 10:00am. The prebid conference shall be conducted at the City of Alton City Hall office located at, 509 S. Alton Boulevard, Alton, Texas 78573. Sub-contractors, suppliers, and equipment suppliers may attend. A bid bond in the amount of 5 percent of the bid issued by an acceptable surety shall be submitted with each bid. A certified check or bank draft payable to the City of Alton or negotiable U.S. Government Bonds (as par value) may be submitted in lieu of the Bid Bond. This contract is subject to the requirements of the Davis Bacon Wage Act and all reporting requirements. Wages paid on this project will be governed by the Department of Labor (DOL) Wage General Decision or Decisions included within the bid documents for this project. This contract is subject to the Environmental Protections Agency’s (EPA) “fair share policy”, which includes EPA-approved “fair share goals” for Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Women Business Enterprise (WBE) firms in the construction, supplies, equipment, and services procurement categories. EPA’s policy requires that applicants and prime contractors make a good faith effort to award a fair share of contract, subcontracts and procurements to Minority Business Enterprise and Women-Owned Business Enterprise firms. Although EPA’s policy doesn’t not mandate that the fair share goals be achieved, it does require applicants and prime contractors to demonstrate use of the six affirmative steps. The current fair share goals for the State of Texas are as follows: Category Construction Equipment Services Supplies

MBE 12.94% 7.12% 10.84% 9.68%

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Mission Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a Regular Meeting on August 12, 2015 at 5:00 p.m. at the City Hall Council Chambers, 1201 East 8th Street, Mission, Texas in order to consider the following:

Date of publication: July 24, 2015 Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

TAKE NOTICE that the Mission Economic Development Corporation of the City of Mission, (the “MEDC”), shall convene not earlier than 60 days after first publishing this notice and shall consider authorizing and undertaking a Project or Projects, as hereinafter described, pursuant to the provisions of V.T.C.A. Local Government Code Sections 505.001 et seq. The MEDC is authorized on behalf of the City of Mission, Texas to undertake the Project or Projects by paying the cost of the Project or Projects with sales tax revenues authorized under said Local Government Code sections.

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.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Anyone interested is invited to attend and present their comments.

MISSION ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION NOTICE OF INTENTION TO UNDERTAKE A PROJECT OR PROJECTS

PROJECT:

July 24, 2015

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

WBE 8.72% 5.39% 5.72% 9.34%

Small, Minority and Female owned firms are encouraged to submit bids for this project. Equal Opportunity in Employment – All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, handicap or national origin. Bidders on this work will be required to comply with the President’s Executive Order No. 11246, as amended by Executive Order 11275, and as supplemented in Department of Labor regulations 41 CFR Part 60. The City of Alton is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. The City of Alton reserves the right to reject any or all bids or to waive any informality in the bidding. In case of ambiguity or lack of clearness in stating prices in any bid, the Owner reserves the right to consider the most advantageous construction thereof or to reject the bid. The contract will be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder. Bids may be held by the City of Alton for a period not to exceed 60 days from the date of the bid opening for the purpose of reviewing the bids and investigating the bidder’s qualifications prior to the contract award. All contractors/subcontractors that are debarred, suspended or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation on federal assistance programs may not undertake any activity in part or in full under this project.

The City of Alton Planning Department will hold a public hearing on August 10, 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)

V & M Development, LLC is requesting the rezoning of property legally described as a 21.82 acre tract of land out of Lot 391, John H. Shary Sudivision, Hidalgo County, Texas from R-2 Single Family Dwelling to MF - Multi-Family Residential District.

Anyone interested is invited to attend and voice their concerns. You may also file written support or opposition by 12:00 noon on August 11, 2015, for the Planning and Zoning and the City Commission. For questions please call Jeff Underwood, Assistant City Manager at (956) 432-0760.

ADVERTISEMENT/INVITATION FOR BIDS REQUEST FOR SEALED PROPOSALS PROJECT:

City of Alton – Public Works Improvement Project – Lucia Street

DESCRIPTION: Public Work Improvements: New Sanitary Sewer and Road Improvements to Lucia Street. PROPOSAL DUE DATE:

August 3, 2015

TIME:

3:00 P.M.

The City of Alton will receive sealed bids until 3:00 p.m. on Monday August 3, 2015 addressed to the City of Alton in the office of the City Manager, Alton City Hall, 509 S. Alton Blvd., Alton, Texas 78573. The bids will be publicly opened and read aloud as near as practical after 3:00 p.m. on the date of submittal at the Alton City Hall. Bids received after closing time will be returned unopened. Bid/Contract Documents, including Drawings and Technical Specifications are available from LeFevre Engineering & Management Consulting, LLC. located at 612 Nolana, Suite 520, McAllen, Texas 78504 the phone number is 956-6875362, upon request and payment of $50.00. The payment is non-refundable. A pre-bid conference will be conducted by the Owner on Wednesday July 29, 2015 at 10:00am. The pre-bid conference shall be conducted at the City of Alton City Hall office located at, 509 S. Alton Boulevard, Alton, Texas 78573. Sub-contractors, suppliers, and equipment suppliers may attend. A bid bond in the amount of 5 percent of the bid issued by an acceptable surety shall be submitted with each bid. A certified check or bank draft payable to the City of Alton or negotiable U.S. Government Bonds (as par value) may be submitted in lieu of the Bid Bond. This contract is subject to the requirements of the Davis Bacon Wage Act and all reporting requirements. Wages paid on this project will be governed by the Department of Labor (DOL) Wage General Decision or Decisions included within the bid documents for this project. This contract is subject to the Environmental Protections Agency’s (EPA) “fair share policy”, which includes EPAapproved “fair share goals” for Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Women Business Enterprise (WBE) firms in the construction, supplies, equipment, and services procurement categories. EPA’s policy requires that applicants and prime contractors make a good faith effort to award a fair share of contract, subcontracts and procurements to Minority Business Enterprise and Women-Owned Business Enterprise firms. Although EPA’s policy doesn’t not mandate that the fair share goals be achieved, it does require applicants and prime contractors to demonstrate use of the six affirmative steps. The current fair share goals for the State of Texas are as follows: Category Construction Equipment Services Supplies

MBE 12.94% 7.12% 10.84% 9.68%

WBE 8.72% 5.39% 5.72% 9.34%

Small, Minority and Female owned firms are encouraged to submit bids for this project. Any contract or contracts awarded under this invitation for bids are expected to be funded in part by a loan from the Texas Water Development Board. Neither the State of Texas nor any of its departments, agencies, or employees are or will be a party to this Invitation for Bids or any resulting contract. Equal Opportunity in Employment – All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, handicap or national origin. Bidders on this work will be required to comply with the President’s Executive Order No. 11246, as amended by Executive Order 11275, and as supplemented in Department of Labor regulations 41 CFR Part 60. The City of Alton is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. The City of Alton reserves the right to reject any or all bids or to waive any informality in the bidding. In case of ambiguity or lack of clearness in stating prices in any bid, the Owner reserves the right to consider the most advantageous construction thereof or to reject the bid. The contract will be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder. Bids may be held by the City of Alton for a period not to exceed 60 days from the date of the bid opening for the purpose of reviewing the bids and investigating the bidder’s qualifications prior to the contract award. All contractors/subcontractors that are debarred, suspended or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation on federal assistance programs may not undertake any activity in part or in full under this project.

July 24, 2015

HOUSING AUTHORITY

Mission Towing inc. 1515 w. 3 MiLe Rd. Mission, Texas 78573 (956) 585-8245 • Fax 581-6668 TdLR vsF Lic. no. 0551944

OF THE CITY OF MISSION

1300 EAST 8TH STREET MISSION, TEXAS 78572 REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ’s) FOR PROFESSIONAL LEGAL SERVICES The Housing Authority of the City of Mission, Texas is requesting Qualifications for Professional Legal Services. Interested firms in providing Legal Services in the area of Public Housing Law and in related matters as applicable to administering of Housing Assisted Programs for the Mission Housing Authority should obtain the Authorities Professional Legal Service Specifications and submit their qualifications no later than 2:00 p.m. on Friday, August 7, 2015 (Opening of qualifications at 4:00 p.m.) Mr. Joel A. Gonzalez Executive Director Mission Housing Authority 1300 E. 8th Street Mission, Texas 78572 Telephone: (956) 585-9747 Submission by fax will not be accepted and will be disqualified. Eight (8) original copies of the proposal shall be submitted. Any informational questions regarding this proposal for Professional Legal Services may be directed to Mr. Joel A. Gonzalez. Qualifications received past the aforementioned deadline shall not be considered. Qualifications are to be submitted in sealed envelopes marked Qualifications for Professional Legal Services. The Authority will evaluate the qualifications of the firms on the basis of technical ability and experience. The award shall be made to the Attorney whose proposal will be most advantageous to the Authority, fees and other factors considered.

ADVERTISEMENT/INVITATION FOR BIDS REQUEST FOR SEALED PROPOSALS City of Alton – Contract Labor for General Services

DESCRIPTION: Work will consist of labor for various types of tasks including, general construction services such as painting, concrete work and minor building construction, brush pickup, street cleaning and lighting repairs. PROPOSAL DUE DATE:

August 3, 2015

TIME:

3:00 P.M.

The City of Alton will receive sealed bids for the Contract Labor for General Services until 3:00 p.m. on Monday, August 3, 2015 addressed to the City of Alton in the office of the city manager, Alton City Hall, 509 S. Alton Blvd., Alton, Texas 78573. The bids will be publicly opened and read aloud as near as practical after 3:00 p.m. on the date of submittal at the Alton City Hall. Bids received after closing time will be returned unopened.

956 Towing & RecoveRy LLc. 1515 w. 3 MiLe Rd. Mission, Texas 78573 (956) 585-8245 • Fax: 581-6668 TdLR vsF Lic. no. 0640957

PURSUANT TO THE PROVISION CONTAINED IN RULE 85.703. SUBCHAPTER F, FROM CHAPTER 85, PART 4 OF TITLE 16 IN THE TEXAS ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, WE ARE OFFICIALLY NOTIFYING YOU THAT THE BELOW DESCRIBED MOTOR VEHICLES HELD IN OUR CUSTODY ARE TO BE PICKED UP, REMOVED AND ALL CHARGES PAID WITHIN (45) DAYS OR THESE VEHICLES WILL BE DECLARED ABANDONED ACCORDING TO TEXAS LAW. YEAR MAKE MODEL VIN# BALANCE 2002 NISSAN SENTRA 3N1CB51S62L066453 $350.00 TOTAL CHARGES CANNOT BE COMPUTED UNTIL VEHICLE IS CLAIMED. STORAGE CHARGES WILL ACCRUE DAILY UNTIL VEHICLE IS RELEASED. PURSUANT TO THE PROVISION CONTAINED IN RULE 85.704. SUBCHAPTER D, FROM CHAPTER 85, PART 4 OF TITLE 16 IN THE TEXAS ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, WE ARE OFFICIALLY NOTIFYING YOU THAT THE BELOW DESCRIBED MOTOR VEHICLE(S) HELD IN OUR CUSTODY ARE TO BE PICKED UP, REMOVED AND ALL CHARGES PAID WITHIN (30) DAYS. FAILURE OF THE OWNER OR LIENHOLDER TO CLAIM VEHICLE(S) BEFORE THE DATE OF SALE IS A WAIVER OF ALL RIGHT, TITLE, AND INTEREST OF VEHICLE(S) AND ALSO A CONSENT TO THE SALE OF THE VEHICLE IN PUBLIC SALE ACCORDING TO TEXAS LAW. YEAR MAKE 2003 JEEP 2006 DODGE

2ND NOTICE MODEL VIN# GRAND CHEROKEE 1J4GW48S13C572279 RAM 1D7HA18236S655591

BALANCE $1,243.00 $1,400.00

TOTAL CHARGES CANNOT BE COMPUTED UNTIL VEHICLE IS CLAIMED. STORAGE CHARGES WILL ACCRUE DAILY UNTIL VEHICLE IS RELEASED.

The Housing Authority reserves the right, as the interest of the Authority may require, to reject any of all qualifications and to waive any minor informality or irregularity on qualifications received.

PROJECT:

page 11

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ADVERTISEMENT/INVITATION FOR BIDS REQUEST FOR SEALED PROPOSALS PROJECT:

City of Alton – Demolition of Structure at 207 West Main Avenue

DESCRIPTION: Work will consist of the demolition of an approximately 5,600 square foot structure, with 3,700 square feet on slab and a 1,900 square foot second story. Demolition shall include the complete removal of all building material, concrete slab, asbestos abatement, driveways and all utility service lines, including electrical, gas, water and sanitary sewer. PROPOSAL DUE DATE:

August 3, 2015

TIME:

3:00 P.M.

The City of Alton will receive sealed bids for the Demolition of a Structure at 207 West Main Avenue, Alton, Texas until 3:00 p.m. on Monday, August 3, 2015 addressed to the City of Alton in the office of the city manager, Alton City Hall, 509 S. Alton Blvd., Alton, Texas 78573. The bids will be publicly opened and read aloud as near as practical after 3:00 p.m. on the date of submittal at the Alton City Hall. Bids received after closing time will be returned unopened.

Bid/Contract Documents, can be downloaded from the City of Alton web page address: www.alton-tx.gov, or you may obtain copies of same by contacting the office of: JEFF UNDERWOOD, ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER, LOCATED AT 509 S. ALTON BOULEVARD, ALTON, TX 78573 by calling (956) 432-0760 or by e-mailing your request to the following e-mail address: jeff.underwood@alton-tx. gov

Equal Opportunity in Employment – All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, handicap or national origin. Bidders on this work will be required to comply with the President’s Executive Order No. 11246, as amended by Executive Order 11275, and as supplemented in Department of Labor regulations 41 CFR Part 60.

The City of Alton is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer.

The City of Alton reserves the right to reject any or all bids or to waive any informality in the bidding. In case of ambiguity or lack of clearness in stating prices in any bid, the Owner reserves the right to consider the most advantageous construction thereof or to reject the bid. The contract will be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder.

Bids may be held by the City of Alton for a period not to exceed 60 days from the date of the bid opening for the purpose of reviewing the bids and investigating the bidder’s qualifications prior to the contract award.

REQUEST FOR STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS

The City of Alton is soliciting sealed Statement of Qualifications; hereinafter referred to as SOQ, to be received by Jorge Arcaute, City Manager, at 509 S. Dawes, Alton, Texas 78573. City of Alton normal business days are Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and shall be closed on recognized holidays.

SOQ’S will be received until 3:00 p.m. Central Time, on Monday August 3, 2015, shortly thereafter all submitted SOQ’S will be gathered and taken to the City’s Conference Room, to be publicly opened and read aloud. Any SOQ received after the closing time will not be accepted and will be returned to the submitter unopened. It is the responsibility of the submitter to see that any SOQ submitted shall have sufficient time to be received by the City prior to the SOQ opening date and time. The receiving time at the City Hall Front Desk will be the governing time for acceptability of the SOQ’s. SOQ’s will not be accepted by telephone or facsimile machine. All SOQ’S must bear original signatures and figures. The SOQ shall be for:

SOQ # 2015-02 LAND SURVEYING SERVICES

SOQ # 2015-01 CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES

Respondents receiving a “NOTICE TO RESPONDENTS” and/or “REQUEST FOR STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS” notice in the mail or reading same in the newspaper are advised that the solicitation documents can be downloaded from the City of Alton web page address: www.alton-tx.gov, or may obtain copies of same by contacting the office of: JEFF UNDERWOOD, ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER, LOCATED AT 509 S. ALTON BOULEVARD, ALTON, TX 78573 by calling (956) 4320760 or by e-mailing your request to the following e-mail address: jeff.underwood@ alton-tx.gov

Hand Delivered SOQ’S:

509 S. Alton Boulevard C/o Jorge Arcaute

Hand Delivered SOQ’S:

509 S. Alton Boulevard C/o Jorge Arcaute

If using Land Courier (i.e. FedEx, UPS):

City of Alton C/o Jorge Arcaute 509 S. Alton Boulevard Alton, Texas 78573

If using Land Courier (i.e. FedEx, UPS):

City of Alton C/o Jorge Arcaute 509 S. Alton Boulevard Alton, Texas 78573

If Mailing Proposals:

City of Alton C/o Jorge Arcaute 509 S. Alton Boulevard Alton, Texas 78573

If Mailing Proposals:

City of Alton C/o Jorge Arcaute 509 S. Alton Boulevard Alton, Texas 78573

page 12 Renan Ramirez. The change will be completed from July 27 through July 31 and may cause delays in the process during the transition period. “We’re asking our internal and external customers to be patient during this transition, which we expect to take

no longer than one week,” Ramirez said. During the transition period, community members will not be able to make payments at Justices of the Peace offices. Payments will continue to be accepted online at http:// pay.hidalgocounty.us. The Texas e-file portal will not be affected during the transition to Odyssey.

for $400. That person gave agents the phone number for the person who bought the car, and the buyer said the car was re-sold for a profit. In July 2012, two people came to buy the vehicle, and one appeared to be on the phone with someone else, states the complaint. Without a test drive, the vehicle was purchased for $800. Recrods show Mendez’s cell phone dialed the number for the car owner three times

before the seizure in July 2012, the complaint states. In interviews with federal agents, according to the complaint, Mendez said he knew nothing of any theft, “but made several inconsistent and inaccurate statements concerning his and other interaction with (the informant), his knowledge of the history of the Ford Taurus, and dates and sequence of events during the time of the cocaine seizure.”

ONLINE COURTS from pg 3

MENDEZ

legalnotice

from pg 1

AEP Texas warns consumers about calls from scam artists

EP Texas reminds area electricity users that scam artists posing as electric company personnel are continuing to call consumers telling them they are behind on their electric bill and threatening to disconnect their electric service unless immediate payment is made. Reports of such scam calls

BORDER PATROL

from pg 5

ther processing. The Rio Grande Valley Sector is part of the South Texas Corridor, which leverages federal, state and local resources to combat transnational criminal organizations. To report suspicious activity, call the sector’s toll-free telephone number at 800-863-9382.

ADVERTISEMENT/INVITATION FOR BIDS REQUEST FOR SEALED PROPOSALS PROJECT:

City of Alton – Grounds Maintenance at City Facilities

DESCRIPTION: Work will consist of general grounds maintenance at City of Alton facilities including, mowing, trimming and edging turf and lawn areas, landscape bed maintenance, tree pruning and trash and debris removal at selected sites. PROPOSAL DUE DATE:

August 3, 2015

TIME:

3:00 P.M.

July 24, 2015

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

The City of Alton will receive sealed bids for the Grounds Maintenance at City Facilities until 3:00 p.m. on Monday, August 3, 2015 addressed to the City of Alton in the office of the city manager, Alton City Hall, 509 S. Alton Blvd., Alton, Texas 78573. The bids will be publicly opened and read aloud as near as practical after 3:00 p.m. on the date of submittal at the Alton City Hall. Bids received after closing time will be returned unopened. Bid/Contract Documents, can be downloaded from the City of Alton web page address: www.alton-tx.gov, or you may obtain copies of same by contacting the office of: JEFF UNDERWOOD, ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER, LOCATED AT 509 S. ALTON BOULEVARD, ALTON, TX 78573 by calling (956) 432-0760 or by e-mailing your request to the following e-mail address: jeff.underwood@alton-tx. gov Equal Opportunity in Employment – All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, handicap or national origin. Bidders on this work will be required to comply with the President’s Executive Order No. 11246, as amended by Executive Order 11275, and as supplemented in Department of Labor regulations 41 CFR Part 60. The City of Alton is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. The City of Alton reserves the right to reject any or all bids or to waive any informality in the bidding. In case of ambiguity or lack of clearness in stating prices in any bid, the Owner reserves the right to consider the most advantageous construction thereof or to reject the bid. The contract will be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder. Bids may be held by the City of Alton for a period not to exceed 60 days from the date of the bid opening for the purpose of reviewing the bids and investigating the bidder’s qualifications prior to the contract award.

began appearing earlier this month within the AEP Texas service territory, as well as the service territories of other utilities. For example, a business in Vernon, Texas, received a telephone call indicating that the firm’s electricity bill was overdue and that service was about to be disconnected if payment was not made immediately. The manager at the business was suspicious about the claim especially when the number given to call was the number of a different retail electric provider (REP). In some cases, consumers are left a phone message indicating that their service is about to be disconnected and given a toll-free number to call. If called, a voice

HISTORY

because history is not neatly fitted into something. It can be messy.” Barbosa from Sharyland ISD said he often uses the History Channel in his teachings. Eighth-grade social studies teacher Triana Rodriguez said she takes current events and uses them to relate to historical events.

indicates that the caller has reached the company’s disconnection phone number. This number is a fraud. Consumers should call the phone number of their REP as shown on their monthly electric bill. Sometimes the consumer is advised to purchase a prepaid debit card or other type of reloadable debit card, load the card with money, and then call the toll-free number to provide the serial number from the card. Electricity users are reminded: • Consumers who are unsure if the caller is with their REP should hang up and call the number on the monthly bill they receive from their REP. This is the number that consumers should call – not a number given by someone

over the phone. • AEP Texas is an energy delivery company and does not call consumers asking for payment over the phone and/ or threatening disconnection unless immediate payment is made. AEP Texas disconnects electric service for nonpayment under instructions from the customer’s REP. AEP Texas will not ask for bank information or credit/ debit card numbers over the phone. • Consumers who are behind on their bills receive written notices from their REP of a possible disconnection and how to prevent it. • Customers who believe they have been a victim of this or any other scam should contact their local police department.

History repeats itself, she said. That is why students shouldn’t be “shielded” so they can understand and learn from past mistakes. “We don’t seem to give our kids enough credit,” Abiro said. “At times we feel they have to shield them from certain things but we really can’t. We are in a glob-

al community. They know what is going on.” As far as content change, Rodriguez said as long as passionate teachers are in the classroom, the state board’s standards won’t hinder the learning process. “The fact that they do these changes and set these limitations in the textbook, they don’t matter,” she said. “A passionate teacher will just go above and beyond and search and explore and find for their student.”

from pg 5

O’CONNOR from pg 1

I don’t want to give the public the idea that somehow the district is broke.” Longoria said the board members have set the bar high for O’Connor to get them through any budget challenges they may incur in the future, and they trust that he will get the students and staff to perform at a high level. “We as a board think very highly of Dr. O’Connor,” Longoria said. “We think that as the community gets to know him over time I think that they will think just as highly of him as we do.”

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