August 29, 2014 Progress Times Issue

One Mission at MCISD

Back to School

Students and faculty at Mission Consolidated ISD cheered as the Eagle and Patriot statues were erected at the renovated Tom Landry field.

See story page 3B

As children from across the area headed back to school this week, parents made sure they looked their best, submitting photos as proof.

See photos page 7A

Friday, August 29, 2014

newsbriefs Closed Labor Day

The Progress Times, Winter Texan Times and Sharyland Times offices will be closed for Labor Day on Monday, Sept. 1. The newspapers will be open for normal business hours Tuesday at 8 a.m. Most city and government offices also will be closed on Monday. Local public schools, however, will hold classes Monday.

Mission’s Conway Streetscape behind schedule

By Julie Silva Construction on the Conway Streetscape project has been slow-going and a consultant told the Mission Redevelopment Authority this week that the estimated completion date has been pushed back a month.

The original substantial completion date was set for Nov. 9; however, that date is now set for Dec. 12. The contractor’s time on the project expires Nov. 25, and the city can charge $500 for each day past that if the project is late.

However, the contractor may be due some days because of weather delays.

Work was slow over the past month, the board was told, but it should speed up now, as two separate crews will handle demolition and concrete work. Also, work on the splash pad at the park on First Street already has begun and should be finished by the end of September.

www.progresstimes.net | 50 Cents

Agua SUD fears loss of funding

By Julie Silva Palmview leaders fear $44 million in grant funding to build a wastewater treatment plant could be in jeopardy after the city of Mission filed a temporary restraining order to prevent work on the project.

“As you can imagine, the funding agencies are not interested in tying up over $40 million in grant funds in South Texas if there is any potential for some political or other intramural squabble,” states a letter sent from Mario Chapa, Agua Special Utility Board president,

to members of the Mission City Council in November.

At that point, the city of Mission had not yet filed a restraining order, but Chapa’s letter states that the Texas Water Development Board told Agua SUD that Mission city leaders had indicated they would attempt to block construction of the plant in Mission city limits “unless the funding was redirected to the city of Mission.”

According to Chapa’s letter, Agua SUD began acquiring the land for the plant in 2009 and finished it in 2012. The proper-

ty is north of the Hidalgo Drainage District levees and next to the Frontera Power Plant off of Goodwin Road, south of Palmview.

The city of Mission annexed the property in August 2012, just two months before Agua SUD closed on the property, according to court documents.

Last month, attorneys for the city filed a motion for a temporary restraining order and requested a temporary injunction against construction of the plant in Mission city limits or within its extraterritorial juris-

See GROWTH Pg. 10A

County increases projected revenues for 2015

By Kathy Olivarez Projected revenues for 2015 were increased from $172 million to $176 million in the third budget workshop held by Hidalgo County Commissioners Court.

At the same time, Budget Director Sergio Cruz decreased the projected shortfall from $16 million to a projected shortfall of only $35,548.

At the last workshop, Cruz suggested reducing operating expenditures, the amount of money set aside for indigent health care and COPS grant employees to save $9 million.

Wednesday, Cruz found $7.5 million in additional revenues to cut the shortfall even more.

Additional revenues include $2 million for the sanitation permit, $500,000 from a land sale, $2 million from salary savings, and $1 million each from third party collection, lapsed operating expenditures and additional revenue.

The 2015 budget started out at nearly $193 million, $4 million more than last year because of the $1 million contribution for the medical school, $2 million less in debt service, $774,000 for a countywide communication system and another $749,000 in miscellaneous increases.

The funds for the 1115 Waiver reduction were set at $2,438,864. Cruz said the amount budgeted was $5.5 million. Based on the state multiplier funds (estimated at 1.384), the county would receive an additional $7,696,612 in funds for a total of $13,257,747 in funds for indigent health care, which Cruz said should be sufficient. He said the adjusted gross revenue tax levy increased in amount due in 2015 from $12,784,713 by 3.7 percent to $13,257,747.

The COPS grant included 11 Deputy Sheriff Step I positions at $430,540 and two Deputy Sheriff Step II positions at $81,020. While salaries amounted to $511,560 other allowances were $10,980. Health insurance was $76,822 while life insurance was $488 and fringe benefits were $144,959 for a total projected budget impact reduction of $714,809.

INDEX

Entertainment | pg. 2A

See AGUA SUD Pg. 3A

Residents split on Taylor expansion

Mission economy gaining ground in ‘14 A cross section of economic indicators in Mission are showing that the city is bouncing back from the recession with steady growth, job creation, stronger retails sales and more residential construction.

Through the first half of 2014, unemployment is down over last year and has dropped to its lowest point on average since 2008. Mission’s retail stores and restaurants are humming this year and the city stands to have its biggest year yet for retail. On construction, residential building is a bright spot and through the first six months, it’s the busiest in three years.

The Mission Economic Development Corporation and the City of Mission have worked together for years to draw more business to the city and to grow from within. In 2014, MEDC CEO Alex Meade, said that “as the economy begins to turnaround, businesses are seeking to expand”.

“The City of Mission is very pro-business and pro-growth, and with the economy getting stronger, we are perfectly situated to take advantage of it,” said Meade. “Due to the city’s quality of life and school districts, people keep choosing Mission to buy and build new homes.”

Meade said that Mission, the Valley’s third largest city (according to U.S. Census 2013 population estimates), is poised for more growth.

Through the first seven months of 2014,

diction without consent.

An affidavit submitted by Daniel Tijerina, planning director for the city of Mission, states Agua SUD has not applied to the city for a permit to construct the plant. Tijerina also states that the property is zoned for agricultural use and would need to be rezoned for public use to allow for the plant.

“If Mission’s application is not granted, harm is imminent and irreparable because construction of the wastewater

Taylor Road residents look at a map of a proposed expansion of the street before a public hearing conducted by the city of Mission last week. Progress Times photo by Julie Silva

By Julie Silva Residents on Taylor Road are split on a joint effort to expand the roadway to five lanes.

Dozens of residents showed up at a public forum at Romulo Martinez Elementary School to learn more about the project, which requires cooperation from the cities of Mission, McAllen and Palmhurst as well as Hidalgo County.

“I’ve been looking at Taylor Road for the last 30 years,” Mission Mayor Norberto “Beto” Salinas said. “I never thought we could do this project because of the funding, but we finally got it put together, and I think we can make it happen.”

The project spans from Interstate 2/U.S. 83 to Mile 4. It would expand the narrow twolane rural roadway into five lanes, two of which would be wider for shared use by vehicles and bicycles. Included in the plans are 5-foot sidewalks and drainage. Two houses are within 10 feet of the proposed roadway, which would mean they possibly would have to

See TAYLOR Pg. 10A

Bats spotlighted at Bentsen State Park

By Luciano Guerra The bat signal was on at Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park in Mission Saturday evening.

Bats were the topic of discussion during the most recent edition of the park’s Creatures of the Night interpretive program.

With 11 different species calling the Rio Grande Valley home, helping the public better understand these underappreciated–and oftentimes feared–winged creatures of the night that make up the second largest order of mammals in the world was the program’s goal. Led by Park Ranger and Interpreter Roy Rodriguez and Jesus Franco, assistant coordinator of the Rio Grande Joint Venture (a conservation partnership), Saturday’s program began with a PowerPoint presentation featuring the “A, B, Cs” of bats followed by an outdoor demonstration of the process biologists use to document vital information about them.

Information that includes, but is not limited, to their species,

Visitors learn about bats during Creatures of the Night interpretive program hosted at the Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park last week. Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra sex, measurements, weight and the northern yellow bat, the and the hoary bat. They’re all southern yellow bat, the pallid insect-eating species of bats.” overall health.

According to Franco, all “The most common species bat and the ghost-faced bat. of bats we have here in the Those are pretty much the res- south Texas species of bats are Valley is definitely the Mexi- ident species. Then we have a insect-eaters. However other can free-tail bat,” Franco said. few that are migratory species See BATS Pg. 3A “We also have the evening bat, including the eastern red bat

By Julie Silva In hopes of luring a steel-stamping factory to city, the Mission Redevelopment Authority agreed to spend $300,000 to expand rail lines to the proposed site.

Calstrip Industries plans to construct a factory in the Rio Grande Valley and is evaluating a few locations, one of them being the Mission Industrial Park.

The company has asked for tax abatements from both Hidalgo County and the city of Mission.

However, because the Mission site is within the tax in-

crement reinvestment zone, the county’s share of the property tax improvements go back into the TIRZ, which is managed by the Mission Redevelopment Authority. That means the county can’t give Calstrip a tax abatement because those taxes are going to the authority.

As a result, Alex Meade, president and CEO of the Mission Economic Development Corporation, said he got together with Daniel Silva, executive director of the authority to see what could be done through the TIRZ, and that’s when they

Mission aims to lure steel company

Lifestyle | pg. 6A

Opinion | pg. 4A

came up with funding for the railway expansion. The money would be taken from $6 million budgeted for improvements at the park.

Meade said he planned to go the MEDC board to request a $450,000 incentive for the company. The city has to act fast, he said, because Calstrip needs to make a decision soon.

“The project is a big deal for us,” Meade said. “The company is looking at investing between $16 million and $20 million.”

The original plan was to construct a 60,000 square foot

Sports | pg. 1B

Obituaries | pg. 9A

building in the first phase of the building, but Meade said Calstrip now is considering starting an 80,000 square foot building. If Calstrip selects Mission, the company would purchase a little more than 7 acres at the industrial park at an $800,000 price tag.

Meade said the initial investment would be $10 million to $12 million. Initially, 26 employees would be hired at salaries between $10 and $35 an hour.

See CALSTRIP Pg. 10A

Classifieds | pg. 11A

August 29, 2014

page 2A

Celebrate Hummingbird Days Celebrate National Hummingbird Day from 9:00 a.m. to noon at Quinta Mazatlan on Saturday, Sept. 6, with keynote presentations on hummingbirds, designing gardens, hummingbird photography tips, art exhibit, native plant sale, special gift store items

Coming Attractions

August 29-31 “Frontera Sin Fin/Endless Border” by Carlos Morton is a new one act-play, in Spanish, to be presented by the Pharr Community Theater Company for eight performances at the Carnahan Auditorium, 317 W. Gore Street, Pharr. The story is about the struggles of Olegario “El Tanque” Luján, a young man originally from Catemaco, Veracruz, who now lives in Arizona and left his hometown with dreams of returning one day to build a huge grocery store for his mother instead of the street stand she now operates.

Show times are Friday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m.

The show’s rating is equivalent to a PG-13 for some scenes with harsh language.

Morton, former Mina Shaughnessy Scholar and Fulbright lecturer to Mexico, will visit the Valley for the last four performances.

On Saturday, Aug. 30, at 3 p.m. when he will speak and read excerpts from his books at the Pharr Memorial Library, 121 E. Cherokee, Pharr. There is no admission charge.

Tickets for all perfor-

mances are $7 for general admission and $5 for youth under 18. Tickets will be sold first come, first serve at the door one hour prior to each show. The auditorium seats approximately 80 people.

For more information, call 655-9308, 789-5690 or 648-2488.

August 30 American rapper and singer-songwriter Nelly (aka Cornell Iral Haynes Jr.) will make an appearance at the Pharr Events Center, 3000 N. Cage, at 7:30 p.m. General admission is $35, with VIP tickets for $55. Go to ticketmaster.com or call 800-7453000 to place an order.

September 7 Los Tigres del Norte and Joan Sebastian perform at State Farm Arena in Hidalgo at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets range from $59.50 to $175 and are on sale at ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000.

September 17 State Farm Arena in Hidalgo will host Roberto Carlos in a performance at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $45 to $150 and are on sale at ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000.

the R i o Grande V a l ley and Mexico.

He will be followed by a program by horticulturist

and more.

Quinta Mazatlan will kick-off the morning with keynote speaker, Rene Valdez, coming from Monterrey Mexico. Valdez will talk about hummingbirds of

Ouina Rutledge, “Designing a Hummingbird Garden.”

Mike Heep, owner of Heep’s Native Plant Nurs-

Though pets may dread the veterinarian, there are many instances when a trip to the local animal hospital or clinic is essential to their health. Since past cannot express in words when they are feeling, there are symptoms to look out for to determine if it’s time for a visit to the vet.

“It is most important to remember that everything should be taken within the context of the other signs,” said Dr. Jean Rubanick, veterinary resident instructor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVM). “Basically, if there are multiple signs, then taking a pet to the vet is indicated.”

Some common signs of irregularity may include extreme lethargy, increased respiratory rate, profuse vomiting or diarrhea, anorexia, or increased drinking and urinating. While these are most widely recognized as indicators for veterinary attention, some symptoms may be more unique and less recognizable.

“Abnormal circling (not to be confused with the occasional circling of an excited

dog), head pressing, seizures, inability to rise, weakness, respiratory distress, changes in the gum color, and bubbles coming from the nose are some other sign to look out for,” said Dr. Rubanick.

If a pet ingests something that is toxic to animals, whether it is a plant or food, consultation with aveterinarian is vital.

“Eating sago palm, chocolate, lilies, people medication, or anything else unusual should also prompt a call to the veterinarian,” said Dr. Rubanick.

Although stomach abnormalities such as vomiting and diarrhea may be signs of sickness or ingestion of toxins, it is also possible that Fido merely scarfed down his dinner too quickly. Depending on the pet and their usual behavior, a brief upset stomach may not be much cause for concern.

“Vomiting once or one bout of diarrhea is probably nothing to worry about, as long as the pet is otherwise acting normally,” said Dr. Rubanick. “Likewise, a pet that eats too quickly or drinks

at Quinta Mazatlan ery, will bring an array of great native plants for hummingbirds, along with his expertise on how to care for the plants. The program will be followed by a short walk to view the Hummingbird Garden at Quinta Mazatlan to get ideas to take home.

The Texas Nature & Environmental Photographers (TexNEP) booth with offer hummingbird prints for sale along with hummingbird photography. Vendors will be selling everything for hummingbird shopping, including feeders, ant traps, cleaning brushes, books, jewelry and more.

For more information, call Quinta Mazatlan at 6813370 or visit www.quintamazatlan.com

a lot of water and then vomits but continues to act normally afterwards is probably fine.”

In general, pet owners are encouraged to contact a veter-

inarian if symptoms or behavior is abnormal for their pet.

Rubanick emphasized that it is always better to be safe than sorry.

Ouina Rutledge

When to call the veterinarian

‘Building Being’ Veronica Jaeger’s art exhibit, “Building Being,” will be featured in the September art show at the Upper Valley Art League (UVAL), 921 E. 12th Street, Mission. The opening reception for the exhibit will be held Saturday, Sept. 13, from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Kika de la Garza Fine Arts Center.

The exhibit will be on display there through Oct. 3. Pictured above is her work, “Eye War,” which is included in the exhibit. The event is free and open to the public. Artwork will be available to purchase and light refreshments will be served. UVAL art shows are held the second Saturday of each month. Call 583-2787 for further information.

August 29, 2014

www.progresstimes.net | www.sharylandtimes.com

Ag commissioner stresses need for water conservation

The state climatologist reports the current drought, which started four years ago, is among the five worst droughts that have occurred over the past 500 years, and it is taking a toll on South Texas.

In an effort to alleviate the state water crisis and avoid increased restrictions, Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples has teamed up with Pharr Mayor Leopoldo “Polo” Palacios Jr. and the Texas Water Smart coalition to challenge all Texans to step up their daily water conservation efforts. A first of its kind public-private coalition, Texas Water Smart encourages households and businesses to adopt everyday habits to curb wasteful water usage.

“This drought is as serious as it gets, and smart water conservation is a proven way to save money and do our part to build a stronger community,” Staples said.

“With the hot and dry Texas summer in full swing, some of our cities are at risk of running out of water. It’s time all Texans take a look at individual water use habits and find common-sense ways to conserve. We have a choice to make: Conserve water now or risk stalled economic growth and future job losses.”

Texas Water Smart is a public-private partnership of nearly 300 businesses, associations, research organizations, and state and local officials. Through a highly successful consumer education program, Texas Water Smart has raised awareness about water conservation by

encouraging homeowners and businesses to adopt daily habits to save water. Texas Water Smart is a reminder that even a few drops saved, when multiplied by 26 million citizens, can add up to big savings.

Currently, more than 80 percent of the state is experiencing some degree of drought conditions. The state water plan dictates nearly 25 percent of our future water needs will be met through water conservation. Failure to conserve today’s water supply stands to increase water rates, jeopardize jobs and hurt future economic development.

Texas Water Smart asks all Texans to conserve by adopting more frugal water-use habits such as: • Watering only when plants look like they need it, keeping in mind most plants die from over-watering, not under-watering • Checking outdoor faucets, hoses and sprinklers for water-wasting leaks, and making sure to repair them quickly • Adjusting sprinklers so only lawns and gardens are watered — not houses, sidewalks or streets • Cleaning driveways, patios and sidewalks with a broom or leaf blower instead of a hose Inside the home, Texas Water Smart encourages shorter shower times, washing only full loads of dishes and clothes, and fixing leaky faucets and toilets.

For more helpful tips and information, visit www.TexasWaterSmart.com.

BATS

page 3A

from pg 1A

species eat fruit, vertebrates such as fish and frogs, nectar and a few even drink blood.

“We don’t have any night-blooming, nectar-producing plants in South Texas so we don’t have any nectar-feeding bats here,” Franco said.

While he did set up a mist net in an attempt at capturing a live bat to demonstrate the process he and other biologists use to determine and document vital statistics about local bat populations, Franco did not succeed in actually capturing a bat Saturday evening. However he did use a life-sized plush toy bat named “Pepito” to demonstrate how bats get trapped in the net and the subsequent step-by-step process involved in measuring, weighing and determining the overall health of individual bats.

While Saturday’s program was all about bats, Rodriguez shared details about the park’s Creatures of the Night weekly program.

“Every Saturday night throughout the year we have a Creatures of the Night program,” shared Rodriguez.

“Our programs are designed to be family friendly and we’ll do things like star gazing, listen for bats with special tools, we’ll look for owls, bobcats, giant toads and coyotes. We also show people how to find spiders

AGUA SUD

plant is near commencement and will be in violation of Mission’s rules, regulations and zoning ordinances,” Mission’s motion states.

Chapa’s letter from November states Agua SUD will be applying for a building permit for the construction of a laboratory building and power lines.

“It will alleviate public

really easily with a flashlight and we’ll use ultra-violet lights to look for scorpions.

Sometimes it seems as if the adults are having more fun than the kids are because they’re discovering their childhood all over again by exploring nature.”

The park’s Saturday programs are free of charge to children under the age of 13.

Other than the weekly Creatures of the Night programs, the park will be holding nature walks each Thursday from 10 to 11 a.m., beginners’ hawk watches each Friday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and bird walks each Sunday from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. throughout the month of September. For more information about the park’s weekly programs and walks, from pg 1A

nuisance conditions caused by existing septic tanks as recorded in a Texas Department of Health report,” Chapa states. “It also creates the opportunity for Agua to partner with the City of Mission to serve territory that is in Mission’s city limits but in the Agua CCN, as we currently do.”

as well as other special programs and the upcoming fall hawk watch, visit the www.

theworldbirdingcenter.com or call 956-584-9156.

August 29, 2014

page 4A

By Ed Sterling Texas Press Association

STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

Steps to take when a company goes out of business

When a company closes down unexpectedly, its customers often turn to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) for help recovering up-front layaway payments and merchandise that was never delivered. In addition to filing a complaint with the OAG, Texans should take independent steps to protect themselves when a retailer suddenly goes out of business.

The most important step is simple. Customers should always maintain meticulous records of every transaction.

Invoices, sales receipts, credit card slips, sales representatives’ names, and other documentation are vitally important to recovering refunds or merchandise.

Whenever possible, customers should pay for goods only after the products are delivered. If a vendor requires an up-front payment, customers should try to negotiate the deposit down to the lowest possible amount.

Customers contemplating a large purchase should avoid paying with cash and instead use credit cards to make large deposits or payments. Under the Fair Credit Billing Act and certain credit card companies’ chargeback rules, financial institutions can usually provide refunds to customers whose purchases are not delivered.

Before disputing a credit card purchase, customers should attempt to resolve the problem with the actual re-

tailer. Customers should outline their complaint in a certified letter to the merchant and save copies of all correspondence.

If the retailer fails to respond, customers should contact their credit card company, formally dispute the charge and provide the issuer with a copy of the dispute letter.

To be eligible for protection under the Fair Credit Billing Act, customers must dispute a credit card charge within 60 days. The credit card issuer likely will attempt to contact the merchant to determine whether the customer is owed a refund.

In the event a company declares bankruptcy, customers

become creditors who may be paid after the business liquidates its assets. The bankruptcy court is charged with overseeing which creditors get paid first based upon the order of priority in the bankruptcy code.

Bankrupt companies typically pay their debts first to “secured” creditors, and only later to ordinary creditors (such as customers).

To protect their rights in a bankruptcy proceeding, customers must complete a Proof of Claim form and file it with the bankruptcy court.

Customers should ask whether the court has appointed a trustee. Bankruptcy trustees are responsible for attempting to pay the bankrupt company’s creditors – including customers.

Unfortunately, there are few guarantees that customers who are owed money by a suddenly-shuttered company will receive a refund. Customers who are owed large amounts of money should consider contacting a private attorney regarding their individual legal rights.

Customers may also file a complaint against the company with the Office of the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division. While the OAG cannot take legal action on behalf of private individuals, the agency is empowered to enforce state law, and some enforcement actions do produce restitution for individuals.

By Sen. Ted Cruz Howdy Texas Students, It’s back to school time and last week as I dropped my daughter Caroline off at her first day of first grade, I remembered the excitement that a new school year brings.

I wanted to give a message to our students: seize the opportunities that come with each academic year. Whether you’re starting kindergarten or finishing college, it’s an opportunity: an opportunity to work hard, attain new skills, and discover talents.

While some of you may not enjoy those multiplication tables, others might find the reading assignments to be drudgery, still others may have difficult jobs and obligations after class, or live in a home where it’s always a challenge to make ends meet, or be stuck in a lagging school system.

These challenges are real, and they are often factors in students’ success rate. But let me tell you one thing: don’t let anyone else determine your future for you. When critics don’t think you can get

great grades, or make the allstar team, or be admitted to the most rigorous school, that should encourage you even more to do your best.

This is the best of the Texas tradition. We have so many great innovators before us who refused to accept failure.

In the 1960s, for example, Mary Kay Ash found the male-dominated business world nearly suffocating, but rather than giving up, she created a new business model that would enable women to be both successful businesswomen and mothers, and that put customers first. It has now become one of the best-selling cosmetic companies in the country.

In the 1970s, Willie Nelson moved back to Texas.

After being inspired by the emerging rock and jazz scene in Austin, he broke the mold of Tennessee country and created an untried genre now known as outlaw country.

His record sales soon sky-rocketed, he emerged as one of the great American icons, and today, we consider albums like “Texas in My

Soul” to be Lone Star staples.

In the 1980s, when everyone said the oil boom was finished, pioneers like George Mitchell refused to accept that the Texas soil was done giving, and he spent years innovating ways to crack the Barnett Shale, which eventually resulted in hydraulic fracturing, a practice that continues to revolutionize our nation’s energy supply and lead to more energy independence.

It was through their determined and innovative spirit that a floodgate of job opportunities opened to countless Texans and Americans.

There’s nothing stopping you from doing the same.

You are fortunate to have parents and grandparents who have made sacrifices so that you may succeed, and teachers who work long hours to make sure you learn as much as possible. Thank them for all they do to help you succeed and honor them by making the most of every single opportunity.

Best of luck, and God bless Texas.

The Federal Trade Commission enforces the Fair Credit Billing Act for most creditors. To file a complaint or receive free information on consumer issues, contact: Federal Trade Commission (877) FTC-HELP www.ftc.gov The Office of the Attorney General takes legal action to enforce state consumer protection laws. To file a complaint, contact: Office of the Attorney General (800) 252-8011 www.texasattorneygeneral. gov

Cruz letter: Welcome back to school

AUSTIN — Gov. Rick Perry on Aug. 20 walked the block and a half from the Governor’s Mansion to the Travis County Courthouse, presented himself for arraignment by a state district judge and routine booking procedures, spoke at a five-minute press conference and left.

Perry was indicted on Aug. 15 by a Travis County grand jury on felony charges of abuse of official capacity and coercion of a public servant. Perry entered a plea of not guilty to either charge.

The charges stem from the governor’s veto of the Public Integrity Unit’s 20142015 budget in June 2013.

The 35-employee unit, which serves as the state’s ethics-investigating body, is under the direction of Travis County District Attorney Rosemary Lehmberg. Perry said he would veto the agency’s budget unless Lehmberg resigned from her elected office.

Lehmberg was arrested in Austin for drunken driving in April 2013. Photographs and video recordings of her condition immediately before, during and after her arrest were widely disseminated.

She served a short jail sentence, publicly apologized, underwent counseling, returned to her post, and contrary to the governor’s wishes, refused to resign. Perry reacted with a line-item veto of legislatively approved funding for the Public Integrity Unit ($7.5 million) in the state’s 2014-2015 general appropriations act.

Perry assembled a legal defense team and called the charges baseless. Concerns about the cost of a taxpayer-funded defense soon arose

and Perry supporters said private donations were being raised in lieu of public funding.

DWI patrols to increase Texas Department of Public Safety on Aug. 15 announced the planned increase of DWI patrols through Sept.

2. Labor Day is Monday, Sept. 1.

DPS troopers will focus DWI patrols in high-risk locations at times when alcohol-related crashes are most frequent. Enhanced patrols targeting impaired drivers are funded through a grant from the Texas Department of Transportation.

During the Labor Day enforcement effort last year, DPS troopers made 1,682 DWI arrests, 24,443 speeding citations, 3,541 seat belt/child safety seat citations, 1,223 fugitive arrests and 977 felony arrests.

DPS Director Steven McCraw said, “The Department urges all drivers to do their part this Labor Day holiday and every day by obeying traffic laws and not drinking and driving.”

Meanwhile, Texas Department of Transportation is promoting its annual Labor Day “Drink-Drive-Go-to-Jail” campaign to remind drivers and motorcyclists to avoid drinking and driving or else face severe consequences.

The Aug. 15 through Sept.

1 campaign coincides with a nationwide enforcement period sponsored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

CNG, LNG sales reported Sales of natural gas motor fuel in Texas has exceeded expectations for fiscal year 2014, Texas Railroad Com-

missioner David Porter announced Aug. 19.

As of July 31, fiscal 2014 tax revenue from sales of compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) motor fuel totaled $2,178,199, according to the state Comptroller’s office.

“These collections are more than double the estimated amount,” Porter said. “At 15 cents per gallon equivalent, $2,178,199 of motor fuel tax equals sales of 14,521,326 gallon equivalents of natural gas.” A gallon equivalent is the amount of CNG or LNG with the same energy content as a gallon of gasoline or diesel fuel, Porter explained.

Prop. 1 to be on ballot Texas Secretary of State Nandita Berry on Aug. 20 announced a proposed amendment to the Texas Constitution related to transportation will appear on the Nov. 4 statewide election ballot as Proposition 1.

Prop. 1 provides for the use and dedication of certain money transferred to the state highway fund to assist in the completion of transportation construction, maintenance and rehabilitation projects, not to include toll roads.

The last day to register to vote in the election is Oct. 6. Early voting begins Oct. 20 and runs through Oct. 31.

More information may be found at VoteTexas.gov.

ACT number hits high Texas Education Commissioner Michael Williams on Aug. 20 announced the number of Texas students in the 2014 graduating class taking the ACT college admission test hit a new high: 116,547, up by more than 6,700 students from 2013.

The power of parents

By Sarah Sanchez Summer is over as many of us sent our kids on their way today for a new school year. As a parent of seven children, I know that many of us are focused on supplies, classes, teachers and afterschool activities. With so much already on the to-do list, the last thing you might be thinking about is talking to your teens about not drinking.

But this is a conversation that we must have with our children.

Just last year, drivers ages 16 to 20 were responsible for nearly 10 percent of all alcohol-related crashes in the state in the first month of school alone. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, these 196 alcohol-related crashes led to 103 injuries and 9 deaths.

This is an unacceptable and avoidable tragedy. So why do teens think it’s okay to drink?

My two oldest children are 15 and 18; I know they face situations where other people – teens and adults alike – are encouraging them to drink.

This is something nearly all teens experience. In fact, a recent MADD survey found that 71 percent of Texas teens say they know of or have attended parties where parents or other adults have provided alcohol – giving teens the implicit message that it’s okay to drink alcohol, even though it’s illegal and unsafe. However, less than 40 percent of Texas parents reported that they were aware of such parties. The reality is that teens are being given access to alcohol and are suffering from the consequences, including death, injuries and sexual assault. This underscores the importance of parents talking to their kids and clearly explaining that it is unacceptable to drink alcohol before they are 21. So why aren’t more parents doing so?

Maybe parents are avoiding this conversation to avoid embarrassing their teenager or maybe they don’t think their teen would listen. However, we know from previous surveys of teens that parents remain the biggest influence

on their teen’s decision to not drink. We also know that teens whose parents give them a clear message that alcohol consumption is unacceptable are less likely to drink before they’re 21.

We must tell our children that drinking underage is dangerous and unacceptable.

I make a point to talk with my children regularly about the dangers of drinking. I also tell them that my main concern is making sure they come home safely.

So please do not let other adults undermine your power as a parent. Your kids may not appear to be listening, but they are. They need your parental guidance to steer them away from the negative consequences of underage drinking as well as the deadly combination of drinking and driving.

Sarah Sanchez is a Mission resident and mother of seven. Sanchez volunteers with Mothers Against Drunk Driving as an advocate for underage drinking prevention.

Become a fan on Facebook and be notified of updates, the latest headlines and more. www.progresstimes.net

1217 N. Conway • Mission, TX (956) 585-4893 MEMBER 2014

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. ©2014 Mission Publishing Company, Inc. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the PROGRESS TIMES, P.O. Box 399, Mission Texas 78573.

LETTER GUIDELINES

Be of

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.

August 29, 2014

www.progresstimes.net | www.sharylandtimes.com

page 5A

Mission looks at changes in lighting and landscape ordinances

By Kathy Olivarez Aware of the need for lighting in parking lots for safety and the need for additional beautification of parking lots, the Mission City Council approved changes in ordinances regarding city policies of both at a Monday meeting.

Lighting plans for parking lots will be examined whenever a building permit is sought for safety against vandalism, theft and assault, and for the convenience and comfort of the user.

Levels of lighting will be regulated to provide sufficient lighting but not cause interference on public thoroughfares or encroach on the privacy of occupants of adjacent buildings. The plan must show the types and heights of the lights to be used, which must provide illumination at 10-foot intervals.

Canopy lights must be sheltered from an eye height of four feet to protection automobile drivers from glare.

Sign lighting and shielded

spotlights must be screened by evergreen landscaping, walls, berms, or cut-off shielding so the light source is not visible off-site. If a light is considered to be a public hazard or nuisance, the city can require its removal.

Hazards include light trespassing in surrounding areas that causes impairment of the visual performance of operators of motor vehicles.

Coupled with the new lighting requirements and regulations, the city’s landscaping ordinance was revised in a way that there will add more landscaping in non-residential parking lots.

Any nonresidential parking lot with more than 10 parking spaces shall provide 162 square feet of landscaping for each 20 parking spaces.

Landscaped islands, medians, and peninsulas shall be a minimum of six feet in width, and be dispersed throughout the parking lot.

A minimum of one threeinch caliper shade or orna-

mental tree shall be provided for each island, median or peninsula. The remaining area must be landscaped with plants not exceeding three feet in height. Landscaped areas must be protected by curbs, or similar structures and they must be irrigated.

Another ordinance was adopted as a result on a council workshop held Aug. 8, requiring ground or tenant signs to have a minimum setback of five feet from the property line. They can have a maximum of 800 square feet and four faces. The maximum height is 80 feet.

Temporary signs such as banners may not exceed three feet in width and may be displayed no more than 30 days. A permit is required for all banner signs. They may not in any way interfere with traffic visibility.

Anyone using an off-premises sign must obtain written permission from the owner of the land or his authorized agent.

Billboard signs will be

Matt’s Building Materials Breaks Ground in Palmview Palmview Mayor Jerry Perez, left, stands with Danny Smith, owner of Matt’s Building Materials, at the groundbreaking for a new location in Palmview. Progress Times photo by Dee Rendon

Peñitas approves higher tax rate

By Julie Silva The city of Peñitas approved a 2.5-cent tax increase Monday, but even with the higher tax the city doesn’t project to bring in as much property tax revenue as it did last year.

At 46 cents per $100 property valuation, the projected revenue s $22,485 less than it was last year at a tax rate of 43.5 cents. If the city had kept the rate the same, it would have seen $68,000 less in revenue.

City Manager Oscar Cuellar said he preferred to increase the property tax revenue in steps, rather than propose a 4.5 cent increase

in one year. Peñitas’ tax rate has increased each year since 2010, when the tax rate was 31 cents per $100 property valuation.

Cuellar said the increased tax revenue has gone to support increased debt as the city first constructed a sewer system and is now preparing to spend $4.2 million on a new city hall and police department.

The city is looking at other ways to generate income and is considering starting a sanitation program, Cuellar said. It would start with commercial trash and then expand to residential service in the future.

Cuellar said some residents don’t like the idea because they take their own trash to the dump themselves for an $8 charge. But, he said, Hidalgo County is considering closing the nearby dump, and that would force residents to drive farther to get rid of their trash.

When the dump is closed, he said, residents probably could appreciate paying more for the convenience of having their trash picked up on their property.

“We think that will generate enough revenue to make up for the loss in taxes,” Cuellar said.

By Kathy Olivarez The Hidalgo County Commissioners Court authorized administrators to advertise for architects with extensive experience in the design, construction, and related services of judicial and courthouse facilities.

There was no discussion on the proposed new courthouse, only an approval of the request for qualifications.

Alex Palacios, of Prodigy Engineering, told the court the construction manager for the new Hidalgo County Administration Building is asking for two additional weeks to complete the project. Palacios did not give a date for final completion.

In other action, the recommended tax rate for Hidalgo County for the 2015 budget was set at $0.5900, the same rate that was adopted for 2014. However, because of the increased appraised value of the dounty, that amount will provide an additional $2,045,846 in revenues. The total levy will be $166,046,423.

The effective tax rate or amount needed to raise the amount of revenue received this year ($164,000,597) was figured at $0.5822. The rate will be officially adopted on September 30.

Also Monday, the court heard a presentation on delinquent tax collections by Perdue, Brandon, Fielder, Collins & Mott, LLP on 2014 delinquent tax collections. About 31 percent of delinquent taxes were col-

lected resulting in over $14 million in revenue. Approximately 2,700 cases were taken to litigation, resulting in $11 million. Nearly 500 foreclosed properties were resold, adding to tax revenue in the amount of $196,000.

Hidalgo County Auditor Ray Eufracio told the court an additional $10 million in revenues over projections in the 2014 budget had been received during the year.

The money came from fines, fees and grants and added to the budget. The estimated fund balance for 2014 at the end of the fiscal year is $34,684,010.

Eddie Olivarez, chief administrator for Hidalgo County Health and Human Resources told the court the recent Operation Lonestar was the largest operation of its kind in the United States.

Two Valley high schools were used for training for military for emergency situations.

At Pharr-San Juan-Alamo High School, 3,649 people received 9,185 services while 4,196 people received 11,330 services at Palmview High School. Nearly 800 people received 1,200 dental services free of charge while 492 people received

new glasses at no cost. In all, more than half a million dollars worth of services were provided to Hidalgo County residents at no cost. Olivarez said the program was “a tremendous success.”

Olivarez said he was honored to be one of two nominees statewide to serve on the U.S.-Mexican Border Health Board, which serves four United States and six Mexican border-states on common health concerns.

Gov. Rick Perry makes the decision on the board that advises President Obama.

Olivarez requested permission to have the county health clinics inspected pursuant to the Texas Architectural Barriers Act, a state requirement.

A memorandum of understanding between the Department of State Health Services, Hidalgo County Health and Human Services, and Mission Regional Medical Center was approved for the protecting of the public health of citizens of Texas.

In other action Urban County requested approval of a contract between South Texas Infrastructure for street improvements for the city of Peñitas.

County requests RFQ for architects for new courthouse

ProgressTimes

Like Us on Facebook scan this code with your smartphone

restricted to the expressway corridor or to a lesser degree along a secondary arterial corridor. Billboards shall not be erected within a 1,500-foot radius of other off-premises signs. The maximum setback is five feet from the property line.

The maximum size is 484 square feet per face with a maximum of two faces. Off premises billboards may not be erected within 1,000 feet of a Mission business ground pole sign although they may be located on the opposite Business 83 or properties considered to be secondary arterial corridors having frontage to Conway Avenue.

They must be outside a 500foot radius of a church, park, or school to ensure there is no traffic hazard.

Real estate signs are limited to one temporary, non-illuminated sign per site with a minimum setback of five feet from the property line, a maximum size of 40 square feet, with a maximum height

of ten feet.

A public hearing was held, and a copy of the proposed 2014-2015 budget was available at city hall for anyone wishing to see it. There was no discussion. The public was also told the tax rate for the city had been set at $0.5188, a drop of one cent from the tax rate of 20132014.

Virginia Townsend thanked the Mission Council for keeping Mission taxes low while Hidalgo County and other taxing entities were raising their tax rates.

The bid for the Mile 2 West Road reconstruction and widening project was awarded to IOC Company for $5,714,001. The project includes improvements between Moorefield Road and F.M. 107.

A contract for arbitrage service was awarded to Arbitrage Compliance Specialists. The company will perform annual arbitrage calculations on all bond issues

to determine if funds are due to the IRS. At the request of Police Chief Robert Dominguez, authorization was granted to accept the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant from the Office of Justice Programs Bureau of Justice Assistance. The grant will provide 50 percent of the cost, or $14,197,41, while the city will provide the other 50 percent of the cost.

The bid for storm drainage for Gerlach Subdivision was awarded to JCON Construction in the amount of $222,421.

JCON also received a bid for sanitary sewer improvements at Oleander Subdivision in the amount of $169,613.

Leonardo Lopez was appointed to the uncompleted term of Keri Sandvig on the Tax Reinvestment Zone/ Mission Redevelopment Authority. Sandvig is moving out of town.

August 29, 2014

Killebrew-Menchaca vows recited ALTON – San Martin de

Porres Catholic Church was the setting for the nuptial mass uniting Jennifer Lee Killebrew and Pablo Baltazar Menchaca. Rev. Julian Becerril officiated over the July 26 ceremony.

Parents of the bride are Patrick and Nelida Killebrew of Los Ebanos. The groom’s parents are Pablo and Celia Menchaca of Abram.

Attending the bride as matron of honor was Elizabeth Garza of Mission. Serving as maid of honor was Elsie Zuniga of Edinburg. Bridal attendants included Jasmine L. Killebrew and Jenelle L. Killebrew of Alton and Amy Menchaca of Abram.

Flower girls were Sophia and Sadie Torres, daughters of Joe Jr. and Tanya Torres of Mission.

Eric Zuniga, son of Jason Sullivan and Elsie Zuniga of Edinburg, served as the ringbearer.

Cesar Garza Jr. of Mission stood as the groom’s best man. Groomsmen were Jason Sullivan and Javier Angel Rios of Edinburg and Joel Baeza of Palmview.

Padrinos to the couple included Amy Menchaca of Abram; Mr. and Mrs. Guadalupe Garza, Palmview; Mr. and Mrs. Martin Garza, Palmview; Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Torres, Peñitas; Rodolfo Toscano and Genoveva Mendo-

Mr. and Mrs. Pablo Baltazar Menchaca (Jennifer Lee Killebrew) Julio Torres Photography

za, Sharyland; Mr. and Mrs. Victor Rodriguez, Palmview; and Mr. and Mrs. Joe Torres Jr., Mission.

The reception following the ceremony was held at Mandingo’s Ballroom in Mission.

The bride is a 1997 graduate of Wheeling High School in Wheeling, Ill. She received her associate’s degree in teaching from South Texas

College in 2009 and went on to receive her bachelor’s degree in history from The University of Texas-Pan American in 2011. She is employed as a teacher at IDEA Public Schools.

The groom graduated from La Joya High School in 2000.

He is an assistant supervisor at I. Kunik in McAllen.

The couple is making their home in Alton.

Lady Broncs fight hunger The UTPA Lady Broncs will support Hunger Action Month with a food drive on Thursday, Sept. 4, at the UTPA Fieldhouse when they take on Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders.

Volleyball fans will receive one free ticket for every four cans of non-perishable/unexpired food donated before the game. The gates will open at 5 p.m.; the game starts at 6 p.m.

For more information, contact Omar I. Rodriguez with the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley by calling 904-4514 or by email at omarir@foodbankrgv.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.

New UTPA food pantry to assist students

College students should be hungry for knowledge, but with rising tuition costs and living expenses and some with families to support, many also have rising needs to put food on the table. Food insecurity or hunger is an escalating problem on campuses nationwide according to recent surveys, including at The University of Texas-Pan American.

To ensure students won’t go hungry, a food pantry was opened at UTPA with a ribbon cutting yesterday, Aug. 28. It will provide non-perishable food items once per week to currently enrolled students who need assistance. The pantry, under the sponsorship of the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley, will be located in Room 104 of the University Center and initially be open eight hours over four days each week.

The UTPA Food Pantry is the second university-run food pantry in The University of Texas System, the first located at The University of Texas at Dallas.

During the event the first donation to the pantry was made by UTPA President Robert S. Nelsen, who will end his presidential tenure at UTPA on Sept. 1. He and his wife Jody were recognized.

Mrs. Nelsen is the current president of the Food Bank RGV board of directors and joined interested students to help develop the food pantry on campus.

The UTPA Food Pantry will be based in the Dean of Students Office, under the direction of Dr. Eugenia Curet, assistant dean for Student Support. There will be an advisory board comprising staff, faculty, students and Food Bank RGV representatives. Its day-to-day operations will be run by students, including social work majors who will help qualifying students to apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program that can provide longer-term assistance.

In its initial year, the UTPA Food Pantry is expected to serve an average of 100 students weekly and 1,600 unduplicated students throughout the year. Food for the pantry will be obtained from the Food Bank RGV as well as collected in regularly scheduled food drives on campus. Monetary donations will also be accepted.

To support the UTPA Food Pantry, or for more information, call 665-3663.

page 6A

Events Calendar

Sep tember 6 – The “Girls and the City” shopping expo offers a day out for ladies seeking a little pampering with a touch of luxury from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the McAllen Creative Incubator, 601 N. Main Street. Vendor booths are $75 and proceeds benefit the nonprofit KCYP 97.7 station operated by Intercity-Christian Youth Program. They offer free radio broadcasting classes for at-risk youth ages 10 to 17.

The event features a pink carpet paparazzi arrival, sponsor tastings, fashion show, food and drinks, product demonstrations, free samples, door prizes and entertainment.

There will be special appearances by American Idol contestant Vivian Villalon and La Voz Kids contestant Alexis Chapa. DJs, who have gone through the KCYP 97.7 program, will provide music throughout the day. For more information, or to become a vendor or sponsor, call 347903-5498.

Sep tember 9 – Join the staff at Speer Memorial Library in Mission at 6:30 p.m., for a discussion of the book “The Language of Flowers.” It takes place in the library’s Community Room. Written by Vanessa Diffenbaugh, and first published in 2011, it’s a story about overcoming past heartaches and finding the capacity to love set in the context of flowers and their meanings. Copies of the book available for check out to those who sign up for the book discussion. Stop by the library or call at 580-8754 to arrange for a copy. The title is also available as an eBook at http://mission.lib.overdrive.com. For more information, or to sign up, call 580-8750. The library is located at 12th and Kika De La Garza in Mission.

Sep tember 13 – The Rio Grande Valley Quilt Guild celebrates Friendship Day at Pharr South, 1402 S. Cage Blvd., Pharr from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please bring a cover dish to share. For additional information, call Florea Flores at 648-4833 or go to www.rgvqg.com.

Sep tember 18 – The Mission Historical Museum’s Eighth Annual Museum Dinner Banquet will be held at the Mission Community Center, from 6:30 to 10 p.m. It begins with a social hour, music, and a preview of silent auction items. A dinner will be served at 7:15 p.m., followed by the program and awards presentations. The 2014 Wall of Fame Award recipients include Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, Don Lester, Blanca Marroquin, Jim Brunson and Amador and Alicia Requenez. Individual tickets and group table reservations are available. A reserved table for 10 is $400 for members and $500 for non-members.

Individual, open seating tickets are $30 for museum members and $40 for non-members. For more information, contact Linda Castañeda at 580-8646.

To see an extended Events Calendar for the coming weeks, go to www.progresstimes.net.

Supporting the battle against diabetes The Mission Lions Club recently made a $2,000 donation to the Rio Grande Valley Diabetes Association (RGVDA).

Shown above are Minnie Rodgers, Lions Club president; Henry Smith, DDS, RGVDA volunteer; and Ron D’Andea, Lions treasurer. The RGVDA is one of dozens of charities supported by the club, including purchasing eyeglasses for needy students, giving scholarships, and the Texas Lions Camp for children. The RGVDA provides programs and services tailored specifically this region and all funds generated locally are used for the residents of Hidalgo County.

For information regarding RGVDA services and events, call 782-1900.

Paint-A-Thon preps for Empty Bowls fundraiser The Empty Bowls luncheon and silent auction, one of the more popular and larger fundraisers benefiting the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley, is just a month away.

Over 500 guests attend the event each year, which is planned for Tuesday, Sept.

23, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Pharr Events Center,

3000 N. Cage I Pharr.

But, it’s pre-event PaintA-Thon is just around the corner on Saturday, Sept. 6, where individuals, friends and families can get together and enjoy a day of painting ceramic and non-ceramic bowls for the event.

The Empty Bowls theme highlights the lack of food

far too many people face daily in their homes—or living on the streets—across the Valley and the country.

Each year individuals can gather together to help in the pre-event activity to paint and glaze bowls to be used during the Empty Bowls luncheon.

The Paint-A-Thon will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. in the ceramic studio of The University of Texas-Pan American art building. There is a $10 donation per person to cover materials. Drinks and appetizers will be provided.

Valley restaurants showcase their menus and event guests sample the wide array of culinary cuisines available across the Rio Grande Valley. There are still spots open for area restaurants interested in promoting their dishes.

Sponsorships are also still available for companies and individuals to promote their products, services and talents or to donate items for the silent auction. Sponsorship levels range from $250 to $10,000 with a variety of benefits.

Tickets for the Empty Bowls event are $25 per person and online registration is available at www.foodbankrgv.com. Online registration ends Sept. 22.

For more information, to become a sponsor or to donate a silent auction item, contact Philip Farias at 9044513 or via email at pfarias@ foodbankrgv.com.

page 8A

www.progresstimes.net | www.sharylandtimes.com

Buckner celebrates expansion of Family Hope Center

PEÑITAS–Buckner International executives and community leaders celebrated the new expansion of the Buckner Family Hope Center in Peñitas with a ribbon cutting and ceremony on Tuesday, Aug. 26.

Thanks to the generosity of Buckner donors, the construction provides additional resources for families in the Peñitas area.

“We are excited for this new addition because it gives Buckner an opportunity to expand the work of the Buckner Family Hope Center and provide hope to

even more struggling families,” said Monica Salinas, executive director of Buckner Children and Family Services in the Rio Grande Valley. “This expansion will provide a safe and stable environment as our families strive to gain control of their futures and make positive changes for their families.”

The Family Hope Center focuses on improving the lives of Peñitas individuals and families that experience moderate to extreme poverty by providing a holistic ministry approach. The program seeks to strengthen

and support these families by empowering them to break the cycle of poverty and achieve self-sufficiency. This is accomplished through a variety of services including case management, social services, education,

business development, and humanitarian aid, while addressing the physical, spiritual, medical, emotional and vocational needs of clients.

Since it began in 2011, the Family Hope Center has supported more than 20,000

individuals in the Peñitas area through humanitarian aid, community and health programs. Following the completion of the expansion, the Center will continue to impact even more individuals through the ad-

August 29, 2014

dition of two community classrooms, a youth classroom, computer lab, family room and a children’s room that will provide activities while parents participate in program classes.

La Joya ISD Students return to school

By Julie Silva There were tears from both students and parents Monday as schools in the area welcomed them in for the first day of class.

La Joya Independent School District is one of few districts in the area to offer full-time pre-kindergarten programs, and some of the youngest students at Camarena Elementary weren’t quite ready for their parents to leave.

The first day of the school is the only morning parents are allowed on campus to visit their children’s classrooms before school, and Principal Mary Lily Garza said everything was running smoothly as she ushered par-

See SCHOOL Pg. 12A

August 29, 2014

obituaries

Aurora Salas Delgado MISSION – A funeral mass for Aurora Salas Delgado will be held on Friday, Aug. 29, at 11 a.m. at St. John of the Fields Catholic Church in Mission. Interment will follow at the Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery.

Mariano Manrique MISSION - Mariano Manrique, 99, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 24, 2014, at Mission Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

He was born in Guanajuato, Mexico on Aug. 8, 1915.

Survivors include his children, Moises Manrique and Adelaida Manrique, and five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Teresa Manrique, and his parents, Francisco and Timotea Manrique.

A funeral mass was held on Aug. 27 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Interment followed at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Mission.

Olga Rivera Morales MISSION - Olga Rivera Morales, 70, passed away Monday, Aug. 25, 2014, at Amara Hospice in Edinburg.

She was born in Mexico on Sept. 7, 1943.

Survivors include her mother, Josefina Rivera; son, Emmanuel Mendoza; siblings, Elva Duarte, Alicia Morales, Oralia Rubio, Esmeralda Rivas, Silvia Romero, Candelario Morales Jr., Jaime Morales, Alma Morales and Maria Luisa Mendoza; and four grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her father, Candelario Morales.

A funeral service was held on Aug. 28 at Flores Funeral Home in Mission. Interment followed at Val Verde Memorial Gardens in Donna.

Maria de Jesus Moreno MISSION - Maria de Jesus Moreno, 81, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 24, 2014, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

She was born on Dec. 28, 1932, in Mexico, Porfirio Moreno and Sara Ojeda. Ms. Moreno was employed by Mission C.I.S.D for 27 years

www.progresstimes.net | www.sharylandtimes.com

where she worked as a cook server at the central kitchen.

Survivors include her siblings, Lolita, Elias and Porfirio Moreno, Belen Olivarez, Armando, Rafael, Arturo and Juan Ojeda, Susie Guerra and Olga Salinas.

She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Ascencion, Herlinda Moreno and Raul Ojeda.

A funeral mass was held on Aug. 27 at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Mission. Interment followed at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Mission.

Maria Luisa Peña MISSION – Maria Luisa Peña, 75, passed away on Monday, Aug. 25, 2014, at McAllen Heart Hospital.

She was born on May 5, 1939, in Cerralvo, Nuevo Leon, Mexico to Manuel and Leonarda Hinojosa.

Survivors include her husband, Guadalupe Peña; children, Sergio Peña, Mayradela Peña, Jose Luis Peña, and Marco Antonio Peña; siblings, Guadalupe Martinez, Manuela Uresti, San Juana Vasquez, Rosalina Quintanilla, Eliazar Hinojosa, Rodolfo Hinojosa, Eladio Hinojosa and Eudalio Hinojosa; and six grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

A funeral mass was held on Aug. 28 at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church in

Notices

Ramona De La Rosa MISSION - Ramona De La Rosa, 93, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2014, at Mission Regional Medical Center. A funeral mass was held on Aug. 27 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Sullivan City.

Burial followed at Sullivan City Cemetery.

Jose Milton Flores MISSION - Jose Milton Flores passed away on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2014. A funeral service was held on Aug. 27 at Virgil Wilson Mortuary in Mission.

Jose Mario Gonzalez ALTON - Jose Mario Gonzalez, 66, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2014, at Comfort House in McAllen.

Abram. Interment followed at Garden of Angels Cemetery in Abram.

Vicente Villarreal MISSION - Vicente Villarreal, 71, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2014, at Rio Grande Regional Hospital in McAllen.

Survivors include his children, Vicente Villarreal, Alejandra Mendoza, Gabriela Peña, Jose Jaime Villarreal, David Villarreal and Marianela Barrera; brothers, Juan A. Villarreal, Anselmo Villarreal and Refugio Villarreal; sisters, Guadalupe Villarreal and Isidra Delgadillo; and 12 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Rebeca Villarreal; parents, Clemente and Simona Villarreal; and brothers, Alberto Villarreal, Ignacio Villarreal and Isidro Villarreal.

A funeral service was held on Aug. 26 at Ric Brown Family Funeral Home in Mission. Interment followed at Lord and I Cemetery in Palmview.

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.

Jose Angel Herrera MISSION - Jose Angel Herrera, 83, passed away on Friday, Aug. 22, 2014, at his home in Mission. A funeral service was held on Aug. 25 at Hernandez Funeral Home in Rio Grande City. Burial followed at Rio Grande City Cemetery.

Jean M. Johnson MISSION - Jean M. Johnson, 85, passed away on Friday, Aug. 22, 2014, at Mission Regional Medical Center. A memorial service was held on Aug. 26 at First Presbyterian Church in Mission.

Benito Mata Jr. MISSION – A funeral mass for Benito Mata Jr. was held on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2014, at Our Lady of

VMHS Patriot Stars heading to national competition The Veterans Memorial High School (VMHS) Patriot Stars returned from the National Dance Alliance camp held in San Antonio this summer with a few honors, including a bid to nationals to be held in Orlando, Fl. in the spring of 2015. In addition to their national invitation, the squad received a Bronze plaque for their team dance. Misty Cornejo, Ashley Alanis, and Joshua Alcaraz made the All American Dance Team, and numerous other individual awards were won by team members. The VMHS Patriot Stars who participated include Alyssa Gonzalez, Ashley Alaniz, Cassandra Galvez, Cynthia Gonzalez, Joshua Alcaraz, Karla Ferro, Michelle Salinas, Misty Cornejo, Monique Alvarez, Natalie Marroquin, Rebecca Rodriguez, Victoria Escamilla and Zeleen Leal.

Ruth Marquez to speak at Lighthouse Aglow

Ruth Marquez will be the featured speaker for the next Spanish Mission Lighthouse Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at La Piedad Cemetery in McAllen.

Juan A. Salinas MISSION – A funeral service for Juan A. Salinas will be held on Friday, Aug. 29, at 10 a.m. at Ric Brown Family Funeral Home in Mission followed by cremation.

Ruben Sanchez MISSION - Ruben Sanchez, 76, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2014, at Life Care Hospital in McAllen.

Brandon Eli Santoy MISSION - Brandon Eli Santoy passed away on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2014, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

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

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

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

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

ProgressTimes Like Us on Facebook scan this code with your smartphone THE SPIRIT OF LA LOMITA LIVES HERE AT

Mission • 580-4551

ST. PAUL'S CATHOLIC CHURCH 1119 Francisco • 585-2701

MISSION THE FATHERS: †FR. JIM, FR. PHILION & FR. ROY (†MAGNA, †SENTINEL, †MAGNO, †AUGIE, † DIDYMUS, CHUNkLY, VALENTINE, NEWLY, BENDITO & FRITZ)

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

has served as president and treasurer for Aglow chapters in McAllen. She is currently vice president of special events for the south Texas region. Her message will focus on God’s plan and purpose for individual lives, and to develop their God-given abilities.

For more information, call Estela Villarreal at 6551119 or Connie Escamilla at 279-7887.

THE SPIRIT THAT CONQUERS SIN AND DEATH! CELEBRATE LIFE & LOVE WITH US

NORTH PALMVIEW APOSTOLIC CHURCH 7612 W. 6 Mile Ln. Mission • 735-2569

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

Aglow International meeting set for Saturday, Sept. 13.

The meeting begins a free continental breakfast at 10 a.m. at Taco Ole Restaurant, 2316 N. Conway in Mission.

Marquez has been ministering since 1980 in various churches, women conferences, prisons and retreats in Mexico and the United States. She established the first Women’s Aglow chapter in Reynosa, Tamps. , and

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE PARISH

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

page 9A

IMPLEMENT COMPANY, INC. MISSION 585-1618

  

 



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

 

PADRES OBLATOS

THE MISSIONARY CATECHIST OF THE POOR: SR. LUPITA THE SISTERS OF ST. DOROTHY: SR. CINDY, SR. COLLEEN DAUGHTERS OF MARY MOTHER OF MERCY: SR. ELIZABETH, SR. BIBIANA & SR. MADONNA †DEACON AYALA, DEACON CASTANEDA

VEN IF (OR ESPECIALLY WHEN!) IT’ S TOUGH, “ DON’ T CONFORM YOURSELVES TO THIS AGE, BUT BE TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWAL OF YOUR MIND, THAT YOU MAY DISCERN WHAT IS THE WILL OF GOD, WHAT IS GOOD AND PLEASING AND PERFECT.”

“Texas Friendly” spoken at all masses (and confessions).

Saturday (English) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4:00 P.M. Saturday (Spanish) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7:00 P.M. Sunday (Spanish) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7:30 A.M. Sunday (English) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9:00 A.M. Sunday (English) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10:30 A.M. Sunday (Tex-Mex) Mariachi Mass . . . .(Noon)12:30 P.M. Sunday (Tex-Mex) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5:30 P.M. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday (Tex-Mex)6:55 A.M. Thursday (Tex-Mex) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7:00 P.M.

CONFESSIONS

Thursday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6:00 P.M. Saturday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3:00 P.M.

620 DUNLAP, MISSION, TX • 585-2623 ONE BLOCK WEST OF CONWAY ON MAGNA DRIVE (6TH ST.)

page 10A

www.progresstimes.net | www.sharylandtimes.com

NOTICE OF 2014 TAX YEAR PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX RATE FOR CITY OF SULLIVAN CITY A tax rate of $0.4478 per $100 valuation has been proposed for adoption by the governing body of City of Sullivan City. This rate exceeds the lower of the effective or rollback tax rate, and state law requires that two public hearings be held by the governing body before adopting the proposed tax rate.

PROPOSED TAX RATE PRECEDING YEAR'S TAX RATE EFFECTIVE TAX RATE ROLLBACK TAX RATE

$0.4478 per $100 $0.4160 per $100 $0.4147 per $100 $0.4478 per $100

The effective tax rate is the total tax rate needed to raise the same amount of property tax revenue for City of Sullivan City from the same properties in both the 2013 tax year and the 2014 tax year.

The rollback tax rate is the highest tax rate that City of Sullivan City may adopt before voters are entitled to petition for an election to limit the rate that may be approved to the rollback rate.

YOUR TAXES OWED UNDER ANY OF THE ABOVE RATES CAN BE CALCULATED AS FOLLOWS: property tax amount= (rate) x (taxable value of your property)/100 For assistance or detailed information about tax calculations, please contact: Pablo (Paul) Villarreal Jr. City of Sullivan City tax assessor-collector 2804 S Business Hwy 281 Edinburg TX 78539 (956) 318-2157 propertytax@hidalgocountytax.org http://www.hidalgocountytax.org You are urged to attend and express your views at the following public hearings on the proposed tax rate: First Hearing: September 4, 2014 at 06:30 PM at 500 Cenizo Dr., Sullivan City, TX. Second Hearing: September 11, 2014 at 06:30 PM at 500 Cenizo Dr., Sullivan City, TX.

NOTICE OF 2014 TAX YEAR PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX RATE FOR CITY OF LA JOYA A tax rate of $0.5700 per $100 valuation has been proposed for adoption by the governing body of City of La Joya. This rate exceeds the lower of the effective or rollback tax rate, and state law requires that two public hearings be held by the governing body before adopting the proposed tax rate.

PROPOSED TAX RATE PRECEDING YEAR'S TAX RATE EFFECTIVE TAX RATE ROLLBACK TAX RATE

$0.5700 per $100 $0.5678 per $100 $0.5278 per $100 $0.5700 per $100

The effective tax rate is the total tax rate needed to raise the same amount of property tax revenue for City of La Joya from the same properties in both the 2013 tax year and the 2014 tax year.

The rollback tax rate is the highest tax rate that City of La Joya may adopt before voters are entitled to petition for an election to limit the rate that may be approved to the rollback rate.

YOUR TAXES OWED UNDER ANY OF THE ABOVE RATES CAN BE CALCULATED AS FOLLOWS: property tax amount= (rate) x (taxable value of your property)/100 For assistance or detailed information about tax calculations, please contact: Pablo (Paul) Villarreal Jr. City of La Joya tax assessor-collector 2804 S Business Hwy 281 Edinburg TX 78539 (956) 318-2157 propertytax@hidalgocountytax.org http://www.hidalgocountytax.org You are urged to attend and express your views at the following public hearings on the proposed tax rate:

First Hearing: North LeoLeo Avenue, La Joya, TX. TX. First Hearing: September September 9, 9, 2014 2014atat6:00 6:00PM PMatatCity CityHall Hall,101 1001 North Avenue, La Joya, Second Hearing: September September 16, 16, 2014 2014atat6:00 6:00PM PMatatCity CityHall, Hall,101 1001 North Avenue, La Joya, Second Hearing: North LeoLeo Avenue, La Joya, TX. TX.

August 29, 2014

Hispanics are more likely to need transplants but less likely to donate

New data from Texas Organ Sharing Alliance shows that while Hispanics make up 70 percent of the transplant waiting list in Central and South Texas, Hispanics are one-third less likely than non-Hispanics to register to become organ donors. The findings are a result of an analysis of data on patient referrals, demographics and the number of registered donors in each county in Texas.

“We’ve known for some time that Hispanics do not register at the same rate as other ethnic groups, but what we did find surprising is the large discrepancy among the groups,” states TOSA CEO Patrick Giordano. “Also noteworthy are the 3,348 Hispanics in our service area awaiting a life-saving organ transplant.”

TAYLOR

See ORGANS Pg. 12A from pg 1A

be relocated–one house is south of Mile 4 on the east side of the road and the other is north of the highway also on the east side.

As proposed, the work would be done in three sections. The first section would begin at the highway and stretch to Business 83 for a mile. The second would extend to .3 miles south of Mile 2, for another 1.6 miles; the third would span to Mile 4, for another 2.3 miles.

The first section has $9 million in funding from the Hidalgo County Metropolitan Planning Organization. Engineers estimate environmental clearance would take about a year and a half, obtaining the right-of ways would take another year and a half, and it would take another year to build the roadway.

Proponents of the project pointed to three schools on Taylor between the highway and Farm-to-Market 495. Traffic is congested in the mornings and afternoons when students are arriving and leaving campus.

John Milford, who lives next to the Sharyland High School entrance, said he and his family support the project because it’s going to happen one way or another. He recommended a raised median because they’ve seen several accidents in the area.

Meanwhile, Will Klement, who lives close to 3 Mile on Taylor, said all of the problems on Taylor could have been solved years ago with turn signals and turning lanes. But, he said, Taylor doesn’t need four lanes.

“Two lanes fixed up? Yes. Turning lanes?

Yes. Drainage? Wouldn’t be a bad deal. Sidwalks? I haven’t seen anybody walk by my place in a long time,” Klement said.

William Milligan, Klement’s neighbor, agreed, said Glasscock, Stewart and Bryan all are in as bad of shape or worse than Taylor.

Plus, he said there already are two five-lane roads within a half-mile of Taylor: Shary and Bentsen.

Milligan said some of the pecan and oak trees have been on the road since before he was born and dozens if not hundreds would be removed to make way for the project.

Others said a wider road means more traffic and more speeders.

“Have they considered, instead of the big ol’ lanes they have, can we do like a three lane and widen it with a center turn lane? You still could put in drainage and maybe some sidewalks,” suggested Adam Scoggins, who lives at the northern end of the proposed area.

Finally, a young college student asked for a show of hands on who supported and who opposed the project. Most of the residents in the first section supported the project, while most of the residents in the second and third sections indicated they were opposed to the construction.

A week after the meeting Garza said Mission officials hadn’t had a chance to meet with the other three entities involved in the project, but they’re considering shortening the construction to Mile 2.

“We heard about sidewalks, drainage, maybe lessening the lanes. All of these comments are going to be taken into consideration before moving forward,” Mission City Manager Martin Garza said at the end of the meeting.

GROWTH

from pg 1A

CALSTRIP

from pg 1A

Mission is averaging 7.6 percent unemployment with June and July – typically the highest for the year – already done. It was the lowest first seven months for unemployment since 2008, six years ago.

In addition, in March, Mission topped more than 30,000 people employed in the City – the most ever. Five years ago, Mission had about 5,000 fewer people employed in the city (25,309). In March 2005 just 22,900 were working in Mission. Every year, more jobs have been added in the city.

And while unemployment has fallen, retail sales are up. Through the first eight months of the year, Mission is averaging about $1.3 million in monthly retail sales tax allocations, which puts the city on track to improve over the last two years if sales continue at the same pace. May’s $1.579 million retail sales tax allocation was the city’s highest ever for a single month (actual sales took place in March).

Similarly, through the year’s first six months, the city’s $21.5 million in residential building is the highest since 2011.

In the second phase, Calstrip would invest an additional $6.4 million and add 42,000 square feet to the facility. Another 26 people would be hired, bringing the total number of employees to 52.

Meade emphasized that the MRA would not have to give the funding to Calstrip up front.

Instead, he said, the company agreed to accept $100,000 a year for three years. The first payment would be next year, after the city is already receiving a property tax boost from the improvements to the property.

Silva estimated the first payment at $87,000, which would be doubled with the county’s share of the funding.

“If we can get a commitment from the TIRZ, they (Calstrip) can probably close on the property next month, which would give them enough time to start production,” Meade said.

theclassifieds

www.progresstimes.net | www.sharylandtimes.com

August 29, 2014

buy • sell • trade • rent • hire

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

autos

CLEAN 2004 & 2005 F150 Ford Pickups, make offer 956-585-2131.

forrent

2 BEDROOM APT, stove, refrigerator, water bill included, North of Mission, call 956-400-2404.

forsale

WHITE GE REFRIGERATOR for sale in good condi-

tion. Approx 3 yrs old. Glass shelves, freezer on top, w/ icemaker. $225.

Call 956-789-4434.

SEVEN GRAVE PLOTS - Laurel Hill Cemetery, Two Plots - Front plots $2,500 each, Five

DRIVERS:

Now Hiring Regional and OTR Class A CDL Drivers. New Pay Package and $1500 Sign-On Bonus! Home regularly, bonuses, and full benefits. Call today for details 888-283-4021 or apply at www.heyl.net

Plots - front quarter - $1,500 each. 956703-3010.

miscellaneous

SHARI’S BERRIESORDER Mouthwatering Gifts for Any Occasion! SAVE 20

Personal classified rate: $7 for 15 words

25¢ each additional word thereafter

Business classified rate: $15 for 15 words

25¢ each additional word thereafter

percent on qualifying gifts over $29! Fresh dipped Berries starting at $19.99! Visit www. berries.com/easy or Call 1-888-9191668!

DISH TV RETAILER. Starting at $19.99/month (for 12 mos.) & High Speed Internet starting at $14.95/ month (where available.) SAVE! Ask About SAME DAY

page 11A

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.

Installation!

CALL Now! 1-800-3462186.

mobilehome

2005 PARK MODEL for sale with Texas room, All electric, metal roof,

rock yard, 2905 N Conway, Wagon City North, 109 Harness. Phone 309659-2942.

services

NEED A DJ Call Eddie with Unique

DJing Production.

956-219-9072.

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

NOTICE OF 2014 TAX YEAR PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX RATE FOR CITY OF GRANJENO

ORDINANCE NO. 4133 An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Mission, Texas, Amending various Portions of Chapter 86- Signs- of its Code of Ordinances; and Providing a Codification Clause; and Providing a Publication date READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, this the 25th day of August 2014 Norberto Salinas, Mayor ATTEST: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

ORDINANCE NO. 4131 An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Mission, Texas, Amending Sec. 98-15- Landscaping Regulations of its Code Of Ordinances to add Commercial Lighting Standards; Providing for a Cumulative Provision; Providing for a Severability Provision; and Providing for Publication Provision READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, this the 25th day of August 2014.

Norberto Salinas, Mayor ATTEST: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

ORDINANCE NO. 4132 An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Mission, Texas, Amending Section 98-15- Landscaping RegulationsSubsections (e)6 and (e)7 of its Code of Ordinances by Providing mot·e Specific Language Requiring Landscaped Islands, Medians, and Peninsulas in Nonresidential Parking Lots, Providing for a Cumulative Provision; Providing for a Severability Provision; and Providing for Publication Provision READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, this the 25th day of August 2014 Norberto Salinas, Mayor ATTEST: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

PUBLIC NOTICE The Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a Regular Meeting on September 10, 2014 at 5:00 p.m. at the City Hall Council Chambers, 1201 East 8th Street, Mission, Texas in order to consider the following: Rezoning: The South 1.0 acre out of a tract of land containing 6.37 acres, out of Lot 205, John H. Shary 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

PUBLIC NOTICE The Mission City Council will hold a Regular Meeting on September 8, 2014 at 4:30 p.m. at the City Hall Council Chambers, 1201 East 8th Street, Mission, Texas in order to consider the following: Rezoning: The South Half of Lots 15-7 & 15-8, West Addition to Sharyland and the North Half of Lot 15-7 and the West 12.5 acres of the North Half of Lot 15-8, West Addition to Sharyland Subdivision, (aka Lots 1-24 & 27-65, Earnhard Subdivision U/R, & Lots 1-24 & 27-65, Melba Carter Subdivision U/R), from their current zonings (R-1) Single Family Residential & (C-3) General Business to (I-1) Light Industrial; and Rezoning: Lot 1, Block 4, Gulf Breeze Subdivision, from (R-1) Single Family Residential 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

A tax rate of $0.4230 per $100 valuation has been proposed by the governing body of City of Granjeno.

PROPOSED TAX RATE $0.4230 per $100 PRECEDING YEAR'S TAX RATE $0.4253 per $100 EFFECTIVE TAX RATE $0.4230 per $100 The effective tax rate is the total tax rate needed to raise the same amount of property tax revenue for City of Granjeno from the same properties in both the 2013 tax year and the 2014 tax year.

YOUR TAXES OWED UNDER ANY OF THE ABOVE RATES CAN BE CALCULATED AS FOLLOWS: property tax amount= (rate) x (taxable value of your property)/100 For assistance or detailed information about tax calculations, please contact: Pablo (Paul) Villarreal Jr. Hidalgo County Tax Assessor-Collector 2804 S Business Hwy 281 Edinburg TX 78539 (956) 318-2157 propertytax@hidalgocountytax.org http://www.hidalgocountytax.org

NOTICE OF 2014 TAX YEAR PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX RATE FOR CITY OF PALMVIEW A tax rate of $0.4790 per $100 valuation has been proposed for adoption by the governing body of City of Palmview. This rate exceeds the lower of the effective or rollback tax rate, and state law requires that two public hearings be held by the governing body before adopting the proposed tax rate.

PROPOSED TAX RATE PRECEDING YEAR'S TAX RATE EFFECTIVE TAX RATE ROLLBACK TAX RATE

$0.4790 per $100 $0.4665 per $100 $0.4596 per $100 $0.4790 per $100

The effective tax rate is the total tax rate needed to raise the same amount of property tax revenue for City of Palmview from the same properties in both the 2013 tax year and the 2014 tax year.

The rollback tax rate is the highest tax rate that City of Palmview may adopt before voters are entitled to petition for an election to limit the rate that may be approved to the rollback rate.

YOUR TAXES OWED UNDER ANY OF THE ABOVE RATES CAN BE CALCULATED AS FOLLOWS: property tax amount= (rate) x (taxable value of your property)/100 For assistance or detailed information about tax calculations, please contact: Pablo (Paul) Villarreal Jr. Hidalgo County Tax Assessor-Collector 2804 S Business Hwy 281 Edinburg TX 78539 (956) 318-2157 propertytax@hidalgocountytax.org http://www.hidalgocountytax.org You are urged to attend and express your views at the following public hearings on the proposed tax rate: First Hearing: September 9, 2014 at 6:00 PM at Palmview City Hall, 400 W Veterans Blvd., Palmview TX. Second Hearing: September 16, 2014 at 6:00 PM at Palmview City Hall, 400 W Veterans Blvd., Palmview TX.

page 12A

www.progresstimes.net | www.sharylandtimes.com

August 29, 2014

SCHOOL

from pg 8A

ents out of the building at 8:15 Monday.

In an effort to help families out, the school district purchased school supplies for its 16,000 elementary students, and many of the kindergarteners sported Captain America and pink princess backpacks.

Garza said a lot of parents

struggle with the cost of new clothes at the beginning of the school year, and it was a great gesture for the district to pay for the supplies.

“What was nice about this initiative is the supplies went to everybody,” she said. “It didn’t matter your economic status.”

The number of Hispanics waiting is significant because transplants are more successful when the donor and the recipient share the same genetic similarities, which are found within certain ethnic groups. It then stands to reason, if more Hispanics and other minority groups are donating, more minorities will get the transplants they need in order to survive.

Nationally, minorities overwhelm the waiting list because of serious illnesses that affect many of those in multicultural commu-

nities. Specifically, diabetes and hypertension are more prevalent among minorities, both of which can damage the kidneys and other vital organs.

During National Hispanic Heritage Month, TOSA is reaching out to Central and South Texas communities to inform them about the need for minorities to register their decision to be organ donors.

All Texans are invited to visit www.DonateLifeTexas.org or www.DoneVidaTexas.org to do so.

ORGANS

legalnotice

from pg 10A

PUBLIC NOTICE The City of Alton will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, September 17, 2014 at 5:30 p.m. at the City Hall Legislative Chambers located at 509 S. Alton Boulevard to consider the following request: REZONE REQUEST: Michael Pavon is requesting the rezoning of property legally described as 7.70 acres and 0.29 acres out of Lot 39-7, West Addition to Sharyland Subdivision, Hidalgo County, Texas from AG Agricultural 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, September 23, 2014, 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.

legalnotice

NOTICE OF 2014 TAX YEAR PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX RATE FOR CITY OF PENITAS A tax rate of $0.4595 per $100 valuation has been proposed by the governing body of City of Penitas.

PROPOSED TAX RATE $0.4595 per $100 PRECEDING YEAR'S TAX RATE $0.4345 per $100 EFFECTIVE TAX RATE $0.4718 per $100 The effective tax rate is the total tax rate needed to raise the same amount of property tax revenue for City of Penitas from the same properties in both the 2013 tax year and the 2014 tax year.

YOUR TAXES OWED UNDER ANY OF THE ABOVE RATES CAN BE CALCULATED AS FOLLOWS: property tax amount= (rate) x (taxable value of your property)/100 For assistance or detailed information about tax calculations, please contact: Pablo (Paul) Villarreal Jr. City of Penitas Tax Assessor-Collector 2804 S Business Hwy 281 Edinburg TX 78539 (956) 318-2157 propertytax@hidalgocountytax.org http://www.hidalgocountytax.org

4 Weeks

In Print & Online

ONLY $20 up to 15 words

Send us your classified today!

Bring it in: 1217 N Conway

Fax it in: 585-2304

Submit online: www.progresstimes.net

Or Scan This Code With Your Smartphone

August 29, 2014

page 1B

La Joya football players John Cadena (10) and Julio Garcia (17) are two of the Coyotes Coach George Espinoza will be looking to lead his offense this year. Progress Times photo

by Bill Leidner

Coyotes ready to howl

By Luciano Guerra At first glance, the La Joya Coyotes had an extremely disappointing 2013 season.

With their only win being a non-district 64-0 thrashing of Brownsville Porter, the Coyotes went on to lose eight straight games en route to a 1-9 season.

While it has been said that numbers never lie, they can be deceptive. And according to La Joya head football coach George Espinoza that is the case when it comes to the team’s 2013 record.

“Last year we knew going into the season that we were very young,” explained Espinoza. “Therefore as a staff we decided that what we needed to do was to give our young players some experience. We had a lot of sophomores that got thrown into the mix right away and they had to grow up.”

“Even though we did have a 1-9 season, we’ve gone back and we’ve looked at each loss and there were four or five ball games that we should’ve won,” added Espinoza.

“When you look at how many sophomores we had in there and how many critical mistakes we made in the red zone – how many times we jumped off-sides on offense or we had busted coverages on defense – those are all things that can be attributed to sophomore mistakes.”

Espinoza is optimistic about 2014 being a turnaround year for his Coyotes. The fact that he has already had good numbers coming out for the team with more expected now that school has started only adds to that optimism.

“We’re looking good as far as our numbers,” said Espinoza. “That’s the biggest thing that we can see as far as our turnaround.

We probably have around 145 players suited out already. Just last week when we came out

La Joya High football players Jose Medina, Yonny Villarreal, Erik Marroquin, Tony Cerda, Frank Melendez, Genaro Hernandez and Enrique Rodriguez (L-R) are among the key players the Coyotes’ will be counting on to lead them to a successful 2014 season. Progress Times photo by Bill Leidner

the day before our scrimmage we had about 76 kids suited up and ready to go through the pre-game even though we had some injuries and some kids that couldn’t make it because they had to work. As of right now our numbers for varsity and junior varsity are in the 80’s while we have 50 or so freshmen.”

As a result of the UIL’s most recent renaming of classifications, La Joya High is now a member of 30-6A (formerly 30-5A).

Since there are only seven teams in their district, as opposed to nine last year, the Coyotes will have a better shot at making the playoffs this year.

With the Coyotes, the Juarez-Lincoln Huskies and the Palmview Lobos all vying for playoff spots, chances are that this year a La Joya ISD football team will break into the playoffs for the first time since the three-way split of La Joya High in 2008.

Will that team be the Coyotes? Espinoza likes his team’s chances if things go his way.

“The key thing for us will be to stay healthy,” shared Espinoza. “Our numbers have improved but we’re still not at the level that programs like Sharyland, Edinburg North and Weslaco, who carry 40 or 50 seniors on their roster, are at. While we may still be a year away of having the kind of experience they have, we’ve seen a lot of good things from this group. We started out at ground zero with these guys, but they’ve started to believe in themselves and in the program and that’s what you want.”

The Coyotes will have seven players on offense and seven on defense that were either starters last year or played on a regular basis. As for which of those players will be lining up at the skill positions come game time against Roma tonight, Espinoza has that all worked out.

“Julio Garcia is entering his third year with the varsity, so he’s going to be our quarterback,” Espinoza said. “Justin Leanos started for us as a sophomore last season and he’s been working hard all summer, so he’s our starting running back. We also have Joel Casas and J.C. Maldonado coming back at the receiver position. While we did lose Omar Ozuna, who was a first team All-District pick for us last year, Joel and J.C. can do the job.”

Other key players Espinoza will be counting on to lead his offense this season include Victor DeHoyos (WR), Overlin Montes (RB) and Zeke Garza who will be entering his third year as a starter at center.

Defensively, the Coyotes’ returning starters include Tony Cerda (DL), Ricky Ornelas (LB), Yonny Villarreal (LB), Frank Melendez (LB), Jorge Munoz (DB), Gabriel Rios (DB) and Genaro Hernandez (CB).

www.progresstimes.net | www.sharylandtimes.com

page 2B

August 29, 2014

Patriots and Eagles to debut revamped Tom Landry Stadium

By Luciano Guerra Tom Landry Stadium will be rocking tonight as the Veterans Memorial Patriots and the Mission Eagles face off on the gridiron for their annual head-to-head, east

side versus west side matchup. While the Eagles and the Patriots have met on the football field many times before, tonight’s contest will be unlike any other Eagles-Patriots game. Not necessarily

Prep Schedule Friday Non-District Football – Aug. 29 Veterans Memorial @ Mission High 7:30 p.m.

McAllen Memorial @ Sharyland High 7:30 p.m.

Sharyland Pioneer @ Hidalgo 7:30 p.m.

Roma @ La Joya High 7:30 p.m.

L.J. Juarez-Lincoln & L.J. Palmview (Played Thursday) Saturday Non-District Volleyball – Aug. 30 Mission High @ Laredo Tournament Veterans Memorial @ Laredo Tournament Sharyland High @ Sharyland Tournament Sharyland Pioneer @ Sharyland Tournament La Joya High @ Sharyland Tournament L.J. Palmview @ Hidalgo Tournament L.J. Juarez Lincoln @ Hidalgo Tournament

TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD

Tuesday Non-District Volleyball – Sep. 2 Mission High @ Roma Los Fresnos @ Veterans Memorial Sharyland High @ Nikki Rowe Sharyland Pioneer @ Harlingen South La Joya High @ Brownsville Lopez L.J. Palmview @ Hidalgo Mercedes @ L.J. Juarez-Lincoln

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

6:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

as a result of the play on the field but definitely due to the look and feel of the game due to its surroundings.

As fans of both teams will certainly notice as soon as they’ve made their way up one of the ramps and emerged from under the bleachers, the natural grass is gone and brand new artificial turf has been installed. In addition, a new state-of-theart track encircles the field, a new fieldhouse has been erected on the west end of the field, a new Eagle sculpture and Patriot sculpture have been erected at Tom Landry Stadium.

With all the improvements the stadium has undergone, the Patriots now having a sculpture they can call their own and with tonight’s contest being a non-district game for the first time in three years, this matchup has all the makings of being a celebration of the community of Mission coming together.

One of the players Eagle head coach Mario Pena will be counting on to lead the Eagles’ defensive unit this year is senior linebacker Eddie Garcia.

“The fact that we’ll be the first senior class to use

the new stadium and the new fieldhouse makes us all feel really excited about this season,” said Garcia. “I take a lot of pride in Mission being my hometown and Mission High being my school.

My parents attended school here so we all take pride in the fact that this is the original high school. There is so much tradition here and that is something that motivates us to do our best.”

“We’ll be playing for pride against the Patriots,” added Garcia. “It’s the west side against the east side and we take a lot of pride here on the west side because a lot of people tend to look down on the west side.”

Mission senior receiver Robert Veliz Jr. shared similar sentiments when he was asked what being an Eagle means to him.

“It means a lot to me to be a Mission Eagle,” said Veliz. “I just want to keep the tradition going. With all the improvements that have been made to the stadium and with our new fieldhouse it makes us want to work harder and it makes us feel as if we can do even more now that we have a new field and a new weight room.”

“But having a new field

is not enough because we have to show everyone that we can play,” added Veliz.

“As a senior I take my role as a team leader really seriously. We have to show these young guys what being an Eagle is all about and how much pride we have here on the west side.”

In his third year as the Patriots’ starting quarterback, Santos Villarreal was among the VMHS players in attendance at the raising of the Patriot statue at Tom Landry Stadium last week. As he prepared for tonight’s game against the Eagles, Villarreal shared how having the statue at one end of the field will make Tom Landry Stadium feel more like home.

“Seeing that statue at the stadium felt really good,” said Villarreal. “That field is obviously right next to their school so somehow, someway they wanted to let them know that it’s our field too.

We share that field and having a Patriot statue there lets people know that when you come to our city of Mission you’re not just playing the Eagles, you’re playing us

too.”

As for how he and his teammates are approaching tonight’s game Villarreal said, “We really want to set the tone for our upcoming season. We obviously want to win the game, which will boost our confidence for the rest of the season, but it is a rivalry game and they have beaten us the last three times, so it should be an exciting game to watch.”

Patriot senior defensive end Raymond Santos was at last week’s statue raising ceremony as well. He reflected on what seeing the Patriot statue at Tom Landry Stadium meant to him.

“It’s nice to see that they’re putting more blue out there,” said Santos. “All we had before was a little sign that had our name on it, so it’s nice that they’re doing that. It makes us feel as if we’re getting more support from the community.”

Tonight’s game, which is scheduled to kick-off at 7:30, will be preceded by a ribbon cutting ceremony at 7:25.

The Eagles will be the home team.

McAllen Memorial at Sharyland High Over the past five seasons the Sharyland Rattlers have compiled an impressive 36-1 district record. The one team that kept the Rattlers from having five consecutive undefeated district seasons was the McAllen Memorial Mustangs. The Rattlers’ previous district loss dates all the way back to October 31, 2008 and that also came at the hands of the Mustangs.

While tonight’s matchup is a non-district game, the fact that the Mustangs have handed the Rattlers their only two non-playoff losses since Halloween night of 2008 should make tonight’s game as much of a grudge match as Sharyland will ever have.

As a result of the UIL’s recent realignment and renaming of its classifications, and with the opening of Pioneer High, Sharyland has dropped down one classification to what was formerly 32-4A but is now 31-5A. Tonight’s game will feature the oddson preseason favorite to win the district title in 30-6A, the Mustangs, and the favorite to take the title in 31-5A, the Rattlers.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at the newly renamed Richard Thompson Stadium in Sharyland.

Sharyland Pioneer at Hidalgo A new era in Valley High SchA new era in Valley High School football will begin tonight as the Sharyland Pioneer Diamondbacks will be traveling to Hidalgo to play the Pirates in the first football game in Pioneer High School history. The Diamondbacks will be led onto the field tonight by head football coach Jason Wheeler who, in his 22nd year of coaching, has been given his first varsity

head coaching opportunity with Pioneer.

With his roster including only a handful of seniors, Wheeler will be fielding a much younger team this year than most of his District 315A opponents. Tonight’s game should be invaluable to Wheeler and his staff as they look to fill all the starting positions including quarterback. With three potential starting quarterbacks on the Pioneer roster, Diamondbacks fans may be seeing Alex Ramirez, Alec Garcia and Tanner Trigg all platooning behind center tonight.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on the blue turf at Bill Pate Stadium in Hidalgo.

The Progress Times will be covering this game, so watch for game updates on the Progress Times Facebook page and a game wrapup story online shortly after the game at ProgressTimes. net.

Roma at La Joya High Despite their 4-3 district record last year, the Roma Gladiators missed out on postseason play as a result of a tie-breaker with the Veterans Memorial Patriots. On the other hand, the Coyotes’ youth movement last year resulted in a disappointing 1-9 overall and a 0-8 district record. Tonight’s matchup will be the first opportunity for La Joya head football coach George Espinoza to see if the experience he allowed his underclassmen to gain last year is going to translate into wins this year as the Coyotes prepare to make a run at one of the four playoff spots in District 30-6A. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at La Joya ISD Stadium in La Joya.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at La Joya ISD Stadium in La Joya.

Big 7 Football Preview: Week 1

ProgressTimes Like Us on Facebook scan this code with your smartphone

August 29, 2014

www.progresstimes.net | www.sharylandtimes.com

page 3B

Tom Landry Stadium home to

By Luciano Guerra Everything old is new again at Tom Landry Stadium–new turf, a new track, a new fieldhouse and now new eagle and patriot statues.

The final touches on the renovations at Mission’s Tom Landry Stadium were put into place last Thursday morning as the brand new Veterans Memorial High School Patriot and the new and improved Mission High School Eagle statues were set into place

‘One Mission’

atop their newly built pillars on the east end of the field.

With Mission Consolidated Independent School District board members, cheerleaders, bands, dance and football teams and faculty members from both high schools in attendance, a crane lifted each statue high into the air,

Statue sculptors Douglas Clark right, Yolanda Colin and Cesar Gonzalez. Progress Times photos by Luciano Guerra

swung it over the chain-link fence and lowered it onto its permanent base where each will serve as a constant reminder of whose home field the Eagles’ and the Patriots’ opponents will be invading.

Douglas Clark, of Douglas Clark Art in Edinburg, and Yolanda Colin and Cesar Gonzalez of Reynosa, Mexico, were the sculptors in charge of refurbishing the eagle statue and sculpting a new patriot statue. However, plans for the eagle changed quickly once they began working on it.

“The original eagle was on the other end of the football field and it was made out of steel,” Clark said. “It was made 27 years ago by Mike Birdwell. They asked me to sandblast it, clean it and touch it up, but when I studied it I found that it was completely rusted on the inside and there was not enough steel left to do that so it couldn’t be saved.

“I wanted to sculpt an entirely new eagle but I was told instead to make the new eagle out of a mold of the original as a way of keeping the tradition alive. So that’s what we did.”

Built out of fiberglass with heavy steel structures inside, Clark expects the two sculptures to last 50 if not 100 years. The eagle has a 27 foot wingspan and weighs approximately 3,500 pounds while the Patriot would be 12 feet tall, if it were standing straight, and it weighs approximately 1,000 pounds.

The pillars the two sculptures sit atop of were built at different heights so that each sculpture would have the

same overall height.

Mission ISD Superintendent Ricardo Lopez was among those present at the ceremony last Thursday.

Upon seeing the eagle sculpture set into place and the patriot being prepared to be raised, Lopez said the statues symbolize that while there are two high schools, “We are one Mission.”

“You can see the pride and energy here today and this is just one of many things that show how Mission is on its way to being a leading force– not just in the Valley and not just in the state of Texas but in the nation,” Lopez said.

When two sister schools’ sports teams compete in the

same d i s trict, as the Eagles and the Patriots have the past t w o years, a rivalry can develop that can go beyond the playing field. That scenario is something that Lopez is hoping events like last week’s statue raising will prevent.

“Competition and rivalries are very healthy things when done the right way,” Lopez said. “We’ve framed our rivalry much like a sibling rivalry–brother versus brother or sister versus sister.

When our teams play against each other, we leave it on the field and afterward we’re a

fami l y again.

So that’s the message that we’re sending out here today.”

With the MHS and VMHS bands, drum lines, cheerleaders and dance teams participating in unified performances and with the Eagles’ and the Patriots’ football teams posing side-by-side for pictures, there was a real sense of unity during the statue raising ceremony. According to Lopez, more such unifying events are yet to come.

“There are a lot of things that we’re going to be doing together to symbolize that family aspect but there are times that we have to compete,” Lopez said. “As long as we understand that no matter what teams are playing that they’re playing to win but that when it comes to each other we leave it right there after the competition is over. That’s how we’ll be able to grow.”

page 4B

www.progresstimes.net | www.sharylandtimes.com

August 29, 2014