September 5, 2014 Progress Times Issue

Patriots Win ‘Battle of Conway’

Mission Skeet and Trap Club on target

Crosstown high school rivals Mission High School and Veterans Memorial faced off for the unofficial Mission Champs title last Friday at Tom Landry Stadium.

See story page 1B

Nonprofit offers skeet, trap and sporting clays range, a pistol range and a 3-D archery range to its members.

See story page 3A

Friday, September 5, 2014

newsbriefs

Booster Club could win $500 Grand Prize in football contest

Want to help win $500 for your favorite local high school’s athletic booster club? Just enter the Progress Times Football Contest each week -- and encourage other fans of your favorite school to do the same. Every contest entry for your favorite school increases their chances of winning the $500 Grand Prize.

At the end of the regular football season, the

See CONTEST Pg. 8A LJISD needs $50M from fund balance to balance budget

By Julie Silva La Joya ISD will spend nearly $50 million more than it brings in next year in a budget presented last week.

“Remember, we did undertake an aggressive approach to technology for our schools,” Alfredo Vela, assistant superintendent of finance told La Joya Independent School District Board of Trustees at a public hearing on the budget.

He also acknowledged a $2,400 salary boost for teachers and a 4 percent raise for other professionals in the district. Technical and maintenance workers will get a $1.25 per hour raise.

In total, the budget calls for $363 million in expenditures and $314 million of estimated revenue.

www.progresstimes.net | 50 Cents

Schools earn special recognition

By Julie Silva No longer are Texas schools designated as “exemplary” or “recognized”; under the state’s new rating system, top performing schools are listed as high-performing and high-progress.

Few campuses in the western portion of Hidalgo County earned either honor. Those that did are called Reward Schools.

A school is designated as high performing based on its

reading and math performance.

Graduation rates also are considered at Title I high schools.

Schools are identified as high progress if they are in the top 25 percent in annual improvement or in the top 25 percent of the campuses that have shown the ability to close performance gaps.

At La Joya Independent School District, Jimmy Carter Early College High School was listed as both high performing

and high-progress. The Thelma Rosa Salinas STEM Early College High School earned a high-performing label and Perez Elementary was listed as high-progress.

Over at Sharyland ISD, Sharyland High School and Sharyland North Jr. High received both distinctions. Jensen Elementary was listed as high performing and Hinojosa Elementary was listed as high-progress.

“It’s a big deal for us, especially because one of our (elementary schools), Perez, was named a high-progress school,” said Eden Ramirez, La Joya ISD spokesman.

Sylvia Sepulveda, principal at Jimmy Carter ECHS, pointed out the campus recruits first-generation college goers, accepting 100 new incoming freshmen each year. The school

By Julie Silva Months after purchasing Martin Valley Ranch Golf Course, La Joya ISD is preparing to turn the property into a sports complex that could rival facilities around the state.

La Joya Independent School

District has moved its plans for a $9.5 million natatorium to the land, which is now named Howling Trails Golf Course.

Another $2.5 million will be used to construct soccer fields and tennis courts.

A $2 million planetarium

also is planned for the golf course property.

School district leaders invited staff, members of the community and Winter Texans to a ground breaking for the project Monday.

“I heard a big misconcep-

tion,” Superintendent Alda Benavides said as she looked out into the crowd filled with students wearing T-shirts emblazoned with “La Joya Swimming” and “Palmview Swim-

See SCHOOLS Pg. 7A

La Joya ISD begins work on sports complex

See COMPLEX Pg. 8A

See FUND Pg. 7A Gov. Perry names Mission doctor to Texas Medical Board

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry has named Michael Arambula of San Antonio chair and appointed John Guerra of Mission to the Texas Medical Board. The board protects and enhances the public’s health, safety and welfare by establishing and maintaining standards of excellence used in regulating the practice of medicine and ensuring quality health care for Texans.

See GUERRA Pg. 11A Mission police arrest four in home invasion

Four men have been arrested in connection to a home invasion in the 1800 block in Mission on Aug. 26.

When officers arrived at the scene, they found the four victims shaken up in the living room.

The four told officers that two armed men wearing ski masks kicked in the back door and pointed their guns at the home’s inhabitants, guiding them all into the living room. The armed men then checked the rooms and found a safe, victims told police.

According to a criminal complaint, the armed men told the victims to go into a room and stay there, taking two cell phones away from them.

After 30 minutes, the victims came out of the room, and one of them ran next door and called

See ARREST Pg. 8A

MEDA to sell property to Crawford Electric Supply

By Julie Silva The Mission Economic Development Authority agreed Tuesday to sell 2.9 acres at the business park to Crawford Electric Supply.

At a previous meeting, the authority had agreed to sell 4.3 acres to Crawford for $466,000.

The move called for closing St. Claire Street, a temporary road that runs alongside Mission Regional Medical Center, but the project has been downsized.

Before agreeing to sell the 2.9 acres, the authority rescinded the contract for the original 4.3-acre purchase. According to plans submitted to the Texas Department or Regulation and Licensing, Crawford Electric is planning to spend $2.7 million to construct an office and ware-

INDEX

See MEDA Pg. 7A

Entertainment | pg. 2A

La Joya Independent School District board members were joined by staff and swim teams from the district’s three high schools at the groundbreaking ceremony for the $12 million natatorium to be constructed at Howling Trails Golf Course.

Museum to host annual banquet

The Mission Historical Museum Board of Directors and Banquet Committee have announced the date September 18, as the evening for the eighth annual Fundraiser Banquet to be held at the Mission Community Center.

The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a social hour, music and time to preview the amazing silent auction items. Dinner will be served at 7:15 p.m., followed by the program and presentations. This will be a memorable evening to recon-

nect with friends, family and Mission’s past.

Each year the Mission Historical Museum honors five individuals who have lived, worked, or owned a business for 30 years or more. They are being recognized for their dedication, leadership, accomplishments and contributions to the history and development of our community whether it is in education, business or organizations.

The highlight of the evening will be the presentations of the

“Wall of Fame” honorees for 2014: Jim Brunson, Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, Don Lester, Blanca Marroquin, and Amador and Alicia Requenez.

The Wall of Fame Awards was developed in 2009, as a permanent exhibit in the main lobby of the Shary Building.

The honorees in 2009 were: June Brann, Sol Marroquin, Jim Miller, Warren Suter, Dina Trevino and Rosco Watkins. In 2010 the museum honored: Ben Cavazos Sr., Gen Long, Wayne Sparks, Emma Valdez and Ken-

neth White. The 2011 honorees were: Bill Dondlinger, Kika and Lucille de la Garza, Mary Guerra, Estella Guerra, and Pat and Virginia Townsend. The honorees in 2012 were: Jerry Bell, Elliott B. Bottom, Clark Spikes Jr., Jim Schroeder, and Father Roy Snipes. In 2013, the honorees were: Nancy Shary Cheever, Romulo D. Martinez, Maria Lydia Rodriguez, Joe Roseland, Rosa M. & Gustavo Zapata.

By Jim Brunson Mission teachers will receive raises and equity adjustments ranging from $1500 to $3000 plus a 2.5 percent from midpoint pay bonus just before Christmas. Meanwhile, taxpayers will see their school taxes go up next year, and every year for the next three years if school administrators get their way.

The pay raises/adjustments for all Mission CISD employees will cost $3.75 million and the bonuses will run an additional $2.6 million.

In the Aug. 6 meeting of the

Mission CISD Board of Trustees, Superintendent of Schools Ricardo Lopez pushed for a 5.5-cent tax increase this year, followed by a series of tax hikes each year until a total of 13 cents is added to the I&S tax levy. However, board members Sonia Trevino and Patty Bazaldua reined in the superintendent, instructing the staff to come back with a budget based on a 3-cent tax increase.

This week, Mission CISD board of trustees unanimously approved a 3-cent tax rate increase for next year to fund a

$179.5 million budget. Even with the tax increase, this is a deficit budget with the district spending $28 million more than it will take in. The board also approved the budget for the 2014-2015 school year.

Last year’s budget was $168.8 million, serving approximately 150 more students than this year, due to declining enrollment.

The largest component of the district’s budget is payroll, which is estimated at $114.3 million, including teacher pay raises. Teachers will receive

raises of between $1500 and $3000 this year, not including stipend increases, plus a big bonus -- classified as “incentive pay” by school officials -- just before Christmas.

First year teachers will be paid $45,250 per year, plus benefits, while teachers with 20 years of experience are to be paid $54,768 annually. Teachers reaching 10 years of experience will receive the biggest bump in pay this year -- an increase of $3,000, due to a

See MUSEUM Pg. 7A

Mission CISD raises tax rate 3 cents

Lifestyle | pg. 6A

Opinion | pg. 4A

Sports | pg. 1B

Obituaries | pg. 9A

90 Day Supply For $10 * Some Restrictions Apply.

215 E. 3 Mile Rd. Palmhurst • 519-8453

1705 Exp. 83 Peñitas • 580-6840

See MCISD Pg. 11A

Classifieds | pg. 11A

Immunizations Offered Daily No appointment needed.

Ask the pharmacist or visit www. walmart.com

September 5, 2014

page 2A

VSO opens new Sky Tower Chamber Concert series The Valley Symphony Orchestra (VSO) presents “Hungarian Passion” for their new Sky Tower Club Chamber Concert.

This new chamber series debuts on Tuesday, Sept. 9, at the newly-remodeled Sky Tower Club located on the 17th Floor of Chase Bank located on 200 S. 10th St. and Business 83 in McAllen. It runs from 6 to 8 p.m. This is the 62nd season the VSO brings together the talents of musicians from across the Valley and beyond for Valley audiences.

In this new setting, the evening offers the ambience of the 17th floor setting for a brief reception at 6 p.m. that includes complimentary beverages and hors d’oeuvres followed by a 45-minute music program. After the program, mingle for another 45 minutes with other members of the audience, musicians and supporters of the arts in the Concert Connection Post-Reception.

The concert features the talents of virtuoso pianist Éva Polgár in an intimate atmosphere to enjoy music in the sky from Hungary and a chance to mingle with mu-

sicians and other classical music lovers.

Polgár is a native from Hungary pursuing a doctoral degree in piano performance at the University of North Texas, where she also holds a teaching fellowship in the keyboard department. Internationally distinguished, she graduated from the Franz Liszt University in Budapest Hungary and the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, Finland. She has been awarded the Eötvös Scholarship for postgraduate studies and research every year since 2011. She is also the winner of international piano competitions, among them the Budapest Concert competition (2012) and the Los Angeles International Liszt Competition.

She has performed with orchestras in Pasadena, Calif. and at the Leipzig Gewandhaus. As a soloist she has performed in London, Washington D.C. and other cities in Hungary, Austria, Finland, France, Italy, Colombia and the United States. This year, Éva was recognized with University of North Texas’ prestigious Sherman/Barsanti Inspira-

Coming Attractions

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 11 The International Museum of Art & Science, will host an opening reception for Ken Little’s exhibit, “The Elements of Progress: Dreams Escape.” Guests can meet the artist during the reception from 6 to 8 p.m. It is included in the regular price of admission. Call 682-1564 for more information.

September 13 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 from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Kika de la Garza Fine Arts Center and be on display there through Oct. 3.

The event is free and open to the public. Artwork will be available to purchase and light refreshments will be served. Call 583-2787 for further information.

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.

September 20 The ultimate foam party experience, “Foam Wonderland,” takes place at 7 p.m. at the Pharr Events Center north parking, 3000 N. Cage.

Tickets are $20 and available at ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000.

tion Award for her originality and dedication in her creative pursuits.

The program will consist of piano music from Hungary. Most of the pieces in the program are by Franz Liszt, the titan of the piano who invented the solo recital and was known to drive his audiences wild, much like

rock stars do today. During his days as a solo performer, Liszt was known not only as an extremely talented pianist and composer; he was also a famous arranger and improviser.

Polgár will begin the program with a piece that represents this aspect of Liszt’s output; a virtuosic arrange-

ment of Tchaikovsky’s famous Polonaise from the opera Eugene Onegin. She will then perform excerpts from Liszt’s “Years of Pilgrimage,” as well as the famous Hungarian Rhapsodies. The program also includes a piece from a later Hungarian composer, the Étude de Concert No. 6 in F minor by

Ernst von Dohnányi.

Tickets are general admission for $25 per person.

Senior discounts are available by calling us at 6611615 or stop by the VSO Box Office located inside the Chase Tower, Suite 104.

It is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or go online at www.valleyorchestra.org.

VSO Chorale to hold auditions this month

EDINBURG – The Valley Symphony Chorale and Dr. David Means, chorale conductor, announces the beginning of the Chorale Auditions to take place on Mondays in September at The University of Texas-Pan American campus located at 1201 W. University Drive in the Temporary Music Building, Rooms 1.101 and 1.105 in Edinburg for all returning and new chorale volunteers.

Dr. Means will set up small group auditions comprised of two to four singers per group. During these auditions, singers will first be taught a few short excerpts from the new repertoire to give the conductor an opportunity to get to know the individual voices of the chorale. No one will be required to sing solo.

The VSO Chorale is seeking experienced and flexible choral singers who read music and can quickly make adjustments to sound, rhythm and pitch during rehearsals.

Auditions will begin on Monday, September 8, for soprano females only. Monday, Sept. 15, is for only alto females. Monday, Sept. 22 has been set aside for men only.

The first official full rehearsal for all new and returning Chorale Members will begin on Monday, Sept.

29, at the UTPA Temporary Music Building.

For more information on how to join the chorale, email Dr. Means at MeansDL@utpa.edu, go online to www.valleyorchestra.org, or call the VSO Box Office at 661-1615.

Tranquil Beginnings Upper Valley art League member David Bowen is a musician, but only recently entered the visual arts scene when he became a member of UVAL about three years ago. He is an accomplished organist, pianist and harpsichordist whose primary interest is early music. Having no experience in the visual arts, the floodgates opened when he immersed himself in all the instruction available as he attended many workshops, and studied with Ines Kowalyszyn who says that his rapid progress is based on “practice, practice, practice.” The fruits his labors and dedication will be on display in his exhibit, “Tranquil Beginnings,” that opens at McAllen Stained Glass this Friday, Sept. 5, from 4 to 7 p.m. It is located at 800 Main St., Ste. 400.

Materon to lead acrylic painting class

Interested in acrylics, color and texture? A new class on painting with acrylics will be offered by artist and designer Cristina Materon. It takes place on Sept.

19 and 20 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Upper Valley Art League, 921 E. 12th in Mission.

According to Materon, “The class will be an exploratory approach that offers fun and challenge to all painters. It is an ideal opportunity to observe and

explore a ranging variety of techniques to produce different paint effects on canvas, as well as contemplating the basics of composition and color. A wide range of results can be achieved using acrylic paints—from a transparent watercolor effect to thicker oil painting-like textures.

Acrylics have become the choice of artists who like to experiment.”

Demonstration and modeling will be provided by

the instructor. Personalized instruction is given to each student along with on-going support.

Cost for the class is $155 for nonmembers and $125 for UVAL members. Registration and payment is due

by Sept. 17. A supply list will be given at the time of registration. Class members should bring their lunch each day.

Sign up at UVAL during regular gallery hours. Call 583-2787 for further information.

Texas’ biggest beach cleanup is Sept. 27

AUSTIN – As many as 10,000 Texans are expected to hit the beach Saturday, Sept. 27, for the Texas General Land Office’s AdoptA-Beach Fall Cleanup. The all-volunteer cleanup will take place 30 of the state’s most popular tourist beaches, starting at 8:30 a.m. Post cleanup celebrations begin at noon.

Volunteers can sign up online at www.texasadoptabeach.org or just show up at any participating beach that morning. Each volunteer will be given data cards, gloves, pencils and trash bags. All volunteers are advised to wear closed-toe shoes, bring sunscreen and plenty of drinking water. The Texas General Land Office AdoptA-Beach Cleanups are held rain or shine.

To learn more, visit www.

TexasAdoptABeach.org or call 1-877-TX COAST.

September 5, 2014

www.progresstimes.net | www.sharylandtimes.com

Skeet and Trap Club

page 3A

offers education, competition and fellowship

By Luciano Guerra When it comes to hitting the mark on recreational and competitive shooting, hunter education and good fellowship, the Mission Skeet and Trap Club is on target.

Located half a mile south of Expressway 83 on Conway Avenue in Mission, the club features a skeet, trap and sporting clays range, a pistol range and a 3-D archery range.

Formerly known as the

McAllen Gun Club, the club is a nonprofit organization offering three types of memberships and three associate memberships to all qualified individuals. Membership types include; Member, Member – Senior Citizen, Junior Member, Associate Member – Pistol, Associate Member – Archery and Associate Member – Winter Texan. Member and Member – Senior Citizen memberships include full club

Above: Juan Gomez and Robby Beddow pose with the 3-D deer target. Below: Robby Beddow and Stephen Burns look on as Beto Cavazos takes aim on a 3-D target during the Mission Skeet and Trap Club’s archery shoot.

privileges and voting rights.

Annual dues range from a high of $200 for members to a low of $50 for Winter Texans. National Rifle Association membership is required prior to becoming a member of the club.

“The gun club originally started in McAllen in the 1960s,” said Lester Tisdale, club board member and handgun director. “In 1988 the club made a deal with the city of Mission to lease part of the sanitary landfill, where we are located now, since nothing else could be done there. We are a private, nonprofit 501c4 organization so anything we make we have to put back into the facilities at the club whether it be machinery, buildings, salaries or anything needed to make the club work.”

One of the more popular shooting features at the club is called the Five-Stand.

“Five-Stand is a scaled down version of what is they call sporting clays,”

Jeff Simpson, manager, said.

“This uses clays to simulate hunting situations. At one stand you have a rabbit, at another you have a duck, at another you have a dove and at another you have a teal.

It is a really popular sport across the country and it is popular here in Mission as well.

“There are Five-Stand shoots all over the country and the nationals are held in San Antonio in October,” Simpson added. “We hold sanctioned shoots here where Five-Stand shooters can get points and jump up in classes that allow them to compete at higher levels.”

Art Salinas of McAllen was among three club members practicing their FiveStand shooting at the club one evening last month. He has been competing in shoots all summer long in preparation for the upcoming nationals.

“There are four National Sporting Clays Association certified shoots held here per year,” Salinas said. “How you do at each shoot counts toward your ranking. It’s all broken down to classes based on each shooter’s skill level.”

The 3-D archery shoots, like one held at the club last month, are a popular way for bow hunters to hone their hunting skills. Fifteen new 3-D Rinehart targets have been purchased thanks to a recent grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commis-

See CLUB Pg. 8A

Above: Bow hunter Robby Beddow takes aim on a 3-D hog target during the Mission Skeet and Trap Club’s archery shoot. Below: Art Salinas, Mark Southwell and Alonzo Guerra hone their shooting skills at the Mission Skeet and Trap Club’s 5-Stand shooting range. Progress Times photos

by Luciano Guerra

September 5, 2014

By Ed Sterling Texas Press Association

Letter to the Editor

Reader alert for Agua SUD consumer information We had become com- p.m. It has changed to MonTo the editor,

We had nine years of great service from the Agua SUD, with our court-appointed General Manager Frank Flores, attorney David Mendez, and we lost Mr. Jesse Valadez, from Long Chilton, but they audit us still.

These people have integrity, have vast experience in the water business, and most of all, they have no political agendas. All the personnel I had dealt with, from meter readers to technicians to supervisors to receptionists to clerks to administrative staff, had been professional, helpful and pleasant.

placent. I myself had not been attending meetings until lately. We have a new board of directors that wants to change the management that has served the people so well.

It is time for all consumers to be aware of what is going on or we might find ourselves back to the La Joya Water chaotic experience.

The new board members were installed June 2014.

Now they just hired a new lawyer. They have changed the meeting date because a board member can’t make it to the usual Thursday at 6

day, Sept. 8, at 6:30 p.m. and Monday, Sept 22, at 6:30 p.m.

It is interesting to note that out of approximately 14,000-plus consumers, votes cast were only approximately 1,220. This is not even 15 percent of the consumers.

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

Agua SUD does not need any fixing.

Thanks for your help and God bless us and America.

Signed, Marilou Prudencio

Preventing bullying and cyber bullying

Parents, educators and law enforcement officials are increasingly recognizing that bullying is a serious problem that can pose a real threat to a child’s well-being.

Young victims of bullying can suffer long-term consequences that haunt them long into adulthood.

A research study published in 2013 showed that 19 to 26-year-olds who were affected by bullying as children are four times as likely to have been charged with a felony as adults. For the perpetrators, bullying can cross the line and become a criminal violation with lifelong consequences.

Bullies typically choose their victims based upon a particular vulnerability or a specific trait. Some simply choose victims randomly.

For example, a bully may target a child because of the child’s height or academic successes. To intimidate their victims, bullies rely upon a variety of harmful behaviors such as hitting, teasing, threatening, spreading rumors, damaging belongings, and excluding others from social groups.

In an increasingly electronic world, cyber bullies rely on technology to torment others. Cyber bullying occurs when teenagers use the Internet, cell phones, or other devices to send or post texts or images that are intended to hurt or embarrass their victims. Put differently, cyber bullies may attempt to destroy or smear a victim’s reputation with emails, blogs, forum posts, text messages, and other electronic media.

Bullying situations often involve seemingly powerful aggressors and victims who feel helpless. Sadly, some

page 4A

students who suffer bullying at school may believe that violence is the only way to defend themselves – but it is not. Texas law allows bullied students’ parents to request that their children be transferred to another classroom or school. The law also requires that all schools display a student code of conduct that imposes disciplinary consequences for young bullies.

Parents and students alike should be aware that some instances of cyber bullying can cross the line and become criminal conduct.

Texas law defines criminal harassment as “sending repeated electronic communications in a manner reasonably likely to harass, annoy, alarm, abuse, torment, embarrass, or offend another.”

Texas teenagers who suffer from cyber bullying or harassment should save all communications from a bully and report those threatening or hurtful messages to a parent, teacher, law enforcement officer, or other trusted adult.

By working to prevent young Texans’ bullying, harassment and intimidation, adults can help protect young people and make our communities safer. Parents and teachers are often best poised to build a child’s self-confidence and teach the student how to peacefully resolve their problems.

Parents and school personnel should always take bullying seriously so that children are not embarrassed or afraid to tell adults that they have been bullied.

To help children deal with bullies, parents should work to bolster children’s self-assertiveness and self-esteem. They should also teach their children to

solve problems without resorting to violence. Victims of bullying should be taught that they should immediately report the bully or cyber bully to an adult.

Parents should also teach children that if they witness bullying, there are positive steps to end a potentially dangerous situation and help the victim. Witnesses must not watch or encourage the bully, since bullies typically desire an audience. Instead, witnesses and bystanders should go to the victim’s aid if it is safe to do so and report the incident to an adult.

Parents who observe any bullying should take action to stop it right away – even if their own child is responsible for the bullying.

To ensure children and teenagers know how to safely resolve a bullying incident, parents and teachers should teach students to: • Report to an adult any type of bullying – including theft, physical attacks, online harassment, abusive text messages, etc.

• Protect themselves and others. Young Texans should follow rules and stay out of trouble, avoid gangs, walk to school with friends, and be aware of their surroundings.

• Be cooperative and respectful. Conflict resolution exercises, parental involvement in school or summer activities, and spending time with family can help offer children opportunities to experience appropriate social interaction with their peers.

Together, parents, children, teachers and law enforcement authorities can help prevent bullying and cyber bullying, reduce crime and build a brighter future for all Texans.

STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

AUSTIN – When the Texas Legislature convenes on Jan. 13, 2015, lawmakers will have the job of revising the state’s school finance system, again.

This task was made necessary on Aug. 28, when state District Judge John Dietz ruled the current finance system violates these four state constitutional standards: the state property tax prohibition and the education clause requirements of adequacy, suitability, and financial efficiency.

In his 400-page ruling, Dietz pointed out that the Legislature is constitutionally required to “structure, operate and fund” a public school system that achieves a “general diffusion of knowledge” and that “children who live in poor districts and children who live in rich districts must have a substantially equal opportunity to have access to educational funds.”

The case was brought in October 2012. Plaintiffs, to whom the court granted relief, are: The Texas Taxpayer & Student Fairness Coalition, et al.; Calhoun County ISD, et al.; Edgewood ISD, et al.; Fort Bend ISD et al.; and Texas Charter School Association, et al.; and Intervenors Joyce Coleman, et al. Defendants are Michael Williams, Commissioner of Education, in his official capacity; Susan Combs, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, in her official capacity; and Texas Board of Education.

Williams reacted, saying, “Regardless of the ruling at the district court level, all sides have known this is an issue that will again be resolved by the Texas Supreme Court.”

Dismissal order is sought Gov. Rick Perry’s legal team on Aug. 26 submitted a 60-page document seeking

dismissal of a Travis County grand jury’s Aug. 15 twocount indictment of the governor on felony charges of abuse of office and coercion of a public servant.

The document, an application to the 390th Travis County Judicial Court for a pre-trial writ of habeas corpus, contains arguments in support of the Governor’s veto of the 2014-2015 budget of the state’s Public Integrity Unit, a division of the Travis County District Attorney’s Office. Perry said he would veto the division’s budget unless District Attorney Rosemary Lehmberg, a Democrat, resigned from office after she was arrested for drunken driving in April 2013. Lehmberg refused to resign and Perry carried out the veto, prompting the grand jury indictment.

The conclusion portion of the application for a pre-trial writ of habeus corpus asserts, “continued prosecution of Governor Perry on the current indictment is unprecedented, insupportable, and simply impermissible” and suggests the court “should not hesitate to dismiss both counts of the indictment and bar the prosecution immediately, if not sooner.” Also, the conclusion portion states “it is not fault of the court that it has been asked to intrude on a political dispute.”

Panel to study ethics laws Texas House Speaker Joe Straus and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst on Aug. 22 announced appointees to a new Select Interim Committee to Study Ethics Laws, in accordance with Senate Bill 1773 passed by the Legislature in 2013.

The committee will study “the effectiveness of laws and regulations related to ethics, including campaign finance, lobby laws and personal financial disclosure laws,” Dewhurst said.

Straus said, “Sound ethics laws can help build and maintain public confidence in government. I trust the members of this committee to give those laws a thorough review and recommend ways to make our system more transparent and accountable to citizens.”

Sen. Joan Huffman and Rep. Sarah Davis, both Houston Republicans, will co-chair the committee.

Lowest-yet interest rate State Comptroller Susan Combs on Aug. 26 announced the sale of $5.4 billion in one-year Texas Tax and Revenue Anticipation Notes, and those notes received a record-low interest rate of 0.1326 percent. The previous low was 0.2008 percent in 2013.

“The best ratings from Wall Street ratings firms and strong demand for Texas notes helped drive down the borrowing cost,” Combs explained. Money from TRAN sales is used to help fund expenditures such as public school payments early in the fiscal year and manage cash flow between the start of the fiscal year and the arrival of tax revenues later in the year.

Extra caution is advised Texas Department of Public Safety on Aug. 22 reminded drivers to watch out for children walking to and from school or waiting for school buses.

Also, drivers who illegally pass school buses face fines up to $1,250 for a first offense. A ticket for illegally passing a school bus cannot be dismissed through defensive driving.

DPS Director Steven McCraw said, “Individuals who illegally pass stopped school buses endanger our children, and DPS officers will not tolerate drivers who break the law and put others in harm’s way.”

Immigrants deserve better than Obama

By Sen. Ted Cruz The Texas Tribune We should welcome a debate over how to secure our borders and reform the legal immigration system.

That’s not a debate, however, that President Obama and his supporters are willing to have. Instead, they are devoted to amnesty — and they’re holding the safety and security of our nation hostage to get it.

Although polling shows that 68 percent of Americans disapprove of Obama’s immigration policies, the president and his allies remain committed to an agenda that has created an unprecedented humanitarian crisis at our southern border.

As the son of a refugee from Cuba, I understand the plight of immigrants in a very personal way. And I'm unwilling to follow the president's course of spending billions on social services but maintaining the amnesty that will in perpetuity cause thousands more children to be victimized.

I am opposed to the president’s immigration policy because I believe immigrants deserve better. The direct cause of the border crisis that Texas is now forced to address is the president's 2012 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

In 2011, before this policy was enacted without approval from Congress, roughly 6,000 unaccompanied children were apprehended at the border; in 2014, with the policy in effect, an estimated 90,000 children will cross the border, many of them smuggled by vicious criminals.

If amnesty is granted to those who come as children, many more children will come. And those children are being victimized, many physically and sexually assaulted by violent drug cartel coyotes. It is not compassionate to act like the Democrats, who are doing nothing to stop tens of thousands of little girls and boys from being abused.

We cannot solve this crisis without ending the amnesty.

According to a survey conducted by Obama's own U.S. Border Patrol, 95 percent of adults and children who are apprehended say they came to the U.S. because they believe they will receive a "permiso" that will allow them to remain here. That has to end.

Earlier this month, the U.S. House passed two major reform bills to address the crisis. Several elements of that legislation mirror proposals that I had introduced in the Senate. However, Senate Democrats refused to even allow a vote on these reforms, and Majority Leader Harry Reid sent the Senate home for August without having passed anything to address the crisis.

Immigrants deserve a system in which they will be welcomed to the United States safely and with dignity.

The solutions are really quite simple: Secure the border, end the amnesty and implement a system that celebrates legal immigration. If, that is, Democrats would let

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

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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.

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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.

September 5, 2014

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page 5A

Corruption case casts shadow over Hidalgo County race stopped the Hidalgo County Republican Party from fielding its own candidate to try and unsettle the political establishment.

Perez will face Democrat Eddie Guerra, the acting sheriff who heads the department of about 800 employees, including about 300 sworn peace officers, and an annual budget of about $55 million. (Guerra also worked as a Hidalgo County sheriff’s deputy from 1999 to 2004.)

The election will decide who finishes Treviño’s term.

“Anybody that knows me down here knows they can’t associate me with the past administration,” said Guerra, a constable who was appointed interim sheriff in April. “I have a proven track record.”

Perez however, said people are tired of the status quo.

“Our image has been tarnished,” he said. “Yes, we have our share of crime and corruption, but can this be different? Definitely?”

Perez says he identifies as an independent and said he was eligible to run as a Republican because he hadn’t voted in the Democratic primary in several election cycles. He served in the sheriff’s department for 14 years before retiring in June to run for the head position.

He approached the county’s GOP leaders after learning that the Democrats had

already decided on their nominee shortly after Treviño resigned in April, he said. Ten candidates were submitted for consideration, but Perez said the Democrats appeared to have already made their minds up to suppoert Guerra.

As for any ties he has to the old guard under Treviño, Perez said he purposely kept himself out of the loop.

Though he heard rumors about an investigation, he chose to mind his own business, he said.

“That was all I heard,” he said. “They isolated me.”

He added that if elected, he would make administrative changes.

He said Guerra has yet to make any significant moves that reflect a commitment to change.

“The old administration is still there with the exception of one commander,” he said.

“I am changing the department for the better. I am not a politician, I am a professional law enforcement officer.”

Guerra cites his 2008 election win the constable’s race as proof he can turn around a department. His predecessor, Democrat Andy Rios, was also indicted on theft charges, which were eventually dismissed.

“It was under a dark cloud, and people lost a lot of trust,” he said. “Now they see the constable’s office in a totally

different way.”

Guerra’s mention of another scandal in the county’s history reflects the prevalence of public corruption allegations in elections on the border. Guadalupe Correa-Cabrera, an associate professor and chair of the government department at the University of Texas at Brownsville, said it doesn’t mean people will stop voting for Democrats.

The pattern doesn’t mean voters condone or don’t notice corruption, she said.

Instead, the trend continues because the voters will still identify with the Democratic Party on issues like border security and immigration.

Scandals aside, voters in the area tend to disagree with the GOP playbook that includes the current deployment of the National Guard, which many there consider unnecessary, Correa-Cabrera said.

“They are not changing their position because of a scandal,” she said of Hidalgo County’ voters. “It’s not going to define an election even though it is a big deal.”

Others cite the sheer number of Democratic voters in Hidalgo County.

As of March, there were more than 305,000 registered voters in the sprawling border district; about 47,350 cast ballots in the Democratic pri-

mary. That’s compared with the 6,100 who voted in the Republican primary.

Polinard, the UT-Pan American professor, said Hidalgo County is the strongest Democratic area in the state, if not the nation.

“It would be a major upset” if the sheriff’s race didn’t go to the Democrat, he said.

“The one upside [for Republicans] is it is an off year and turnout may drop off.”

But because the position of sheriff does not include other counties the way a state representative or judge’s seat would, the race is all but decided, he said.

Hidalgo County Democratic Party Chairman Ric Godinez said he expects the Republicans will bring up Treviño’s past to try to associate Democrats with corruption. But he seems unfazed.

He said voters believe the state’s Republican leadership typically ignores the border, especially the Rio Grande Valley. State Sen. Leticia Van de Putte’s candidacy in the lieutenant governor’s race should help encourage voters to punch a straight Democratic ticket, he added. Democrats are also excited about state Sen. Wendy Davis,

D-Fort Worth, and her bid for governor, but Van de Putte, D-San Antonio, is more popular, he said.

“She’s Hispanic and been in the Senate longer,” he said.

“But that’s not to say we’re not impressed with Senator Davis.”

Van de Putte is taking on Republican state Sen. Dan Patrick in the lieutenant governor’s race, while Davis is running against Attorney General Greg Abbott, a Republican, for governor.

Hidalgo County Republican Party Chairman Sergio Sanchez said the sheriff’s race is getting the most attention in the area, which bodes well for the party’s chances.

What people want to know, he said, is whether voters will have more than one option this year and be able to move on from the past.

“It’s not that they don’t care, but they don’t ask about the courts or the governor’s race. And that says a lot,” he said. “All I hear is, ‘Will I have an option come November?’ Everybody already knows about the corruption, everybody already knows about the shame that’s been brought to the community as a result of the prosecution.”

+

=

BIG SAVINGS Ana Alaniz 956-205-2850 2000 E. Business 83 Ste. G Mission aalaniz@allstate.com

Palmview recognizes local heroes Owners of Starr Telecom hosted a dinner last month to honor Palmview police and firemen after three Palmview residents were saved from a fire at a home near the intersection of 2 ½ Mile Line and Bentsen Palm. Two adults made it out of the house safely, and a neighbor had retrieved an 18-month-old child from the home. When Palmview Police Officer David Nacianceno arrived at the scene, he found the child unresponsive and began CPR. Other officers retrieved a toddler from inside the home. That child also was treated for ventilation. The fire department arrived soon after and a search and rescue team retrieved one last woman inside the house. All five were taken to area hospitals for treatment. The woman later died from injuries sustained during the fire.

Insurance and coverages subject to terms, qualifications and availability.

Allstate Vehicle and Property Insurance Co., Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Co. Northbrook, Illinois © 2010 Allstate Insurance Co.

98486

By Julián Aguilar The Texas Tribune McALLEN — Hidalgo County voters will elect a new top lawman this November, replacing a former sheriff who was sentenced to five years in prison following a public corruption scandal.

Guadalupe “Lupe” Treviño, a Democrat, was convicted in July on a federal conspiracy charge after he admitted taking cash from a drug trafficker, but his party’s leaders are confident the seat won’t go to Al Perez, a Republican candidate with three decades of law enforcement experience.

Analysts say that’s because candidates with anything but a “D” by their names are few and far between in the Lower Rio Grande Valley region.

“The corruption is defined more in the context of corrupt politicians” and not Republican versus Democrat, said Dr. Jerry Polinard, a political science professor at the University of Texas-Pan American.

But to label Hidalgo County voters as tolerant of corruption if they vote for another Democrat is also unfair, Polinard said, because the one-party dominance here eliminates a basis for comparison.

The region’s tradition of voting for Democrats hasn’t

County warns public of jury duty scam a fine for failing to comply with the law.

“The Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office encourages any victims of this ‘jury duty scam’ to report the incident immediately with the law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction over the address they reside in,” Guerra said. “We want to let the community know that we are concerned about their financial well being and we advise against sharing any information over the phone that may be used for a financial transaction, whether it be credit card/debit card numbers, checking account information, or cash card information.

The Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office does not collect fines for violations of contempt of court or for failure to appear to jury duty over the phone.”

County residents are

urged to be vigilant and refuse paying a jury fine over the phone from anyone claiming to be a county court or law enforcement official and immediately report the incident by contacting local law enforcement.

You can greatly contribute to helping stop this type of criminal activity by reporting similar incidents.

To avoid becoming a victim of these scams you should remember: • You can only be ordered to pay a jury fine by a judge through court proceedings.

• County court or law enforcement officials will never ask for credit, debit or card information over the phone.

• County court or law enforcement officials will never threaten to arrest for not making a payment over the phone.

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The services provided are but a glimpse of how we can help your loved one receive the best services available in the community. Mission Nursing & Rehabilitation Center is able to provide services that focus on treatment and our primary objective is on returning you home as soon as possible.

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Contact us for a private tour of our facility.

1013 S. Bryan Road Mission, TX 956.580.2100

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Bryan Rd.

Hidalgo County Sheriff Eddie Guerra and District Clerk Laura Hinojosa are warning the public about a scam to extort money from Hidalgo County residents.

Criminals, posing as county court or law enforcement officials, are calling victims to collect fines for failing to appear for jury service. In most cases the impersonator(s) instruct their victims to pay the “fine” by using prepaid debit cards.

Victims are further instructed to provide the card number and 3-digit card security code located on the back of the card, all while the impersonator remains on the line with the victim. The victims are then directed to the courthouse where a supposed court official will remove the warrant for arrest as a result of the payment.

Hinojosa said the county does not call residents and ask them to pay fines over the phone.

“This is extremely unfortunate for our constituents, particularly those who have fallen victim to this scam and have suffered monetary loss as a result of this criminal activity,” Hinojosa said. “Our office will generally send a failure to appear notice by mail or reschedule jurors if necessary before taking any action. We encourage potential jurors to contact our office directly should they have any doubts or inquiries regarding the jury process. We further encourage residents to be extremely cautious when any payment demands are made over the phone and report the incident immediately.”

The law provides for a fine of $100 to $500 for failing to appear for jury service; however, no county court or law enforcement official will ever contact potential jurors over the phone to demand they make a payment. Only through normal court proceedings can a judge order a potential juror either be arrested or pay

Expressway 83

★

MISSION NURSING HOME

Seeking UTPA alumni Members of the Class of 1965 at Pan American University are searching for former graduating classmates in preparation for the Alumni 50+ Reunion scheduled for March 1, 2015.

The reunion will recognize the Class of 1965 and earlier. Organizers need help in locating the following class members: Juanita Brixey, Paul Calvert, Carolyn Gaye Currey, George Finch, Yolanda G. Garza, C. Dennis Guxon, Eva A. Hinojosa, Evie P. McMullen, Maria Tomasita Saenz, Maritza Sibauste, Rickey Smith, Howard Test and Reba Wood. Planners for the event include, left to right, Arnoldo Benavides (BS ‘65), Marcy Alamia, Luis Alamia (BA ‘65), and Maria Cleopatra Hinojosa (BA ‘65, MED ‘81). To volunteer to assist with the reunion, call 665-2500 or email alumni@utpa.edu. Go to utpa.edu/50plusreunion for more information.

September 5, 2014

page 6A

Duke TIP Scholars Seven students from Alton Elementary School have been accepted as Duke University Talent Identification Program (Duke TIP) scholars. Left to right, they are Kevin Salais, Keyla Del Angel, Denally Escalona, Noe Pena, America Martinez, Nahomy De La Cruz, Jesus Colin. Not pictured is Brandan McGee. These students have attained the distinction by scoring in the 95th percentile or higher on a grade-level standardized achievement test, aptitude test, mental-ability test, approved state criterion-reference test, or 125 or above on an IQ test. Participation in the 4th to 6th grade talent search provides students with additional opportunities through online lessons, publications, contests, the Duke TIP Book Club, and an optional above-level testing experience through the EXPLORE test. Eligibility for enrollment is an honor and indicates outstanding intellectual ability.

Unique MHS Ag teaching duo recognized

Mission High School (MHS) agriculture teachers Rolando Gonzalez and Benito Garza share a unique relationship and were recently recognized by the Vocational Agricultural Science Teachers Association of Texas (VATAT). Gonzalez was recognized for 30 years of service and for his retirement, while Garza was recognized for completing 15 years as an agricultural science teacher.

What makes them unique is the overlap of student-

turned-peer relationship.

Garza was a student of Gonzalez’s in the 1990s at MHS, but has spent the past seven years working alongside him as agriculture science teachers and FFA chapter advisors in the MHS program.

During that time they have led the Mission FFA Chapter to several district, area and state championships. Their students have also advanced to national competitions, finishing in the top 10.

Cantu Elementary School music teacher, Enrique Trevino has been selected by the Texas Education Agency to serve on the Proclamation 2015 Review Panel for High School Fine Arts.

As a member of the review panel, he will help review and evaluate instructional materials submitted

for the November 2014 adoption by the State Board of Education.

Panel members help determine the extent to which instructional materials cover the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills( TEKS), as well as document any factual errors that are discovered in the evaluation process.

Local teacher selected for review panel

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.

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September 5, 2014

FUND

About 90 percent of the budget is funded through state and federal government, and the remaining 10 percent comes from local revenue, Vela said.

In previous budget hearings, board members agreed not only to the salary increases, but also to $30 million in projects around the district.

More than $2 million is budgeted for technology upgrades, including iPads and

from pg 1A

upgrades to La Joya High School, East Academy and West Academy.

The budget includes $12 million for a natatorium and a sports complex on the district’s new Howling Trails Golf Course, as well as $250,000 for improvements to the course itself. Another $1.5 million is budgeted for an emergency dome shelter and $4 million has been set aside for work to the La

Joya High, Chavez Middle, Benavides, Leo and Flores schools’ HVAC systems.

Security cameras districtwide make up another $450,000 of the budget, and $900,000 for middle school band instruments. The district will spend $1 million on 10 school buses, $560,000 on two travelling buses for athletics, $60,000 for two police units and $25,000 on a vehicle for the district’s television station.

Events Calendar

Sep tember 6 – The Empty Bowls Paint-A-Thon is a pre-event to the annual fundraiser benefitting the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley. Individuals, families and friends can gather for a day of painting ceramic and non-ceramic bowls for the upcoming event. The painting will take place from 1 to 5 p.m. in the ceramic studio of The University of Texas-Pan American art building. A $10 donation per person covers the materials. Drinks and appetizers will be provided. Call Philip Farias at 904-4513 or via email at pfarias@foodbankrgv.com to sign up.

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 347-903-5498.

Sep tember 6 – Celebrate National Hummingbird Day from 9 a.m. to noon at Quinta Mazatlan World Birding Center, 600 Sunset in McAllen. There will be presentations on hummingbirds, designing gardens, hummingbird photography tips, art exhibit, native plant sale, special gift store items and more. For more information, call Quinta Mazatlan at 681-3370 or visit www.quintamazatlan.com Sep tember 6 – The Urban Science Initiative, Inc. and the Gladys Porter Zoo are teaming up to present the ocean science program, Oceanarium. The educational event provides opportunities for students, parents, teachers, and others to meet scientists, oceanographers, meteorologists, marine biologists and others deeply involved in science. The event will also feature pirates, exhibits and learning stations where “hands-on” activities will be available.

The event is $1 with regular paid admission or Zoo membership. For more information, call 546-7187 or visit www.gpz.org.

Sep tember 7 – The South Texas United Auto Workers Retirees meet the second Tuesday of each month at the Elks Lodge #1889, 1426 S. Commerce St., Harlingen.

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 – Ruth Marquez will be the featured speaker for the next Spanish Mission Lighthouse Aglow International meeting. It begins at 10 a.m. with a free continental breakfast at Taco Ole Restaurant, 2316 N. Conway in Mission. For more information, call Estela Villarreal at 655-1119 or Connie Escamilla at 279-7887.

Sep tember 13 – For those who don’t know where to start to landscape with native plants, the Edinburg World Birding Center will hold three sessions in a landscaping series, “What to Plant.” The first will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and focus on what plants will fit in specific planting areas (size). Reservation is required by calling 381-9922. The program fee is $3 for members and $5 for nonmembers. The EWBC is located at 714 S. Raul Longoria Rd. 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 13 – A program on “Fantastic Fossils” will explain how they are made and the story they have to tel of ages past. A hands-on activity to make a fossil to take home will conclude the program. It takes place at 2 p.m. at the Edinburg World Birding Center, 714 S. Raul Longoria Rd. It is included in the regular price of admission. Call 381-9922 for more information.

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.

Sep tember 23 – The annual Empty Bowls luncheon and silent auction, benefitting the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley, runs from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Pharr Events Center, 3000 N. Cage. Tickets are $25 per person and online registration is available until Sept. 22 at www.foodbankrgv.com. Valley restaurants showcase their menus for guests to sample a wide array of cuisines. Donations are still being accepted for auction items and sponsorships are available. Call Philip Farias at 904-4513 or via email at pfarias@foodbankrgv. com to sign up.

Weekly

Monday TOPS #415 (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), 3 p.m. weigh-in, Mission Historical Museum, 900 Doherty. For info: Shirley Earp, 254-258-2380.

Crossroads Al-Anon, 7 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 1101 Doherty. For info: Lydia, 330-6559, or Shirley, 581-8084.

AARP Driver Safety Classes, 12:30 p.m., Salvation Army, 1600 N. 23rd, McAllen. AARP members, $12; non-members, $14. Checks or money orders only. Class size limited to 15. For info: 682-1468.

Wednesday Mission Lions Club, 12 p.m., Danny’s Mexican Restaurant, 122 W. Tom Landry. Meals are $8. Fellow Lions welcomed.

Upper Valley Art League open painting for members, any medium, 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., 921 E. 12th St., Mission. Annual dues, $30. Info or to join: 583-2787.

Helping Other Patients Emotionally (H.O.P.E.), cancer patient support group, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., McAllen Library at Nolana and 23rd, Conference Room B; Marsha Nelson, Ph.D., facilitator. Info: 624-3840.

Thursday Mission Rotary Club, 12 p.m., Club at Cimarron, 1200 S. Shary Rd. Salad bar buffet, $10; Mexican food buffet, $15. All Rotarians and interested persons welcomed.

“Family Fun Night,” $1 admission to IMAS, 4 to 8 p.m., Bicentenntial Way and Nolana Ave., McAllen. Info: 682-0123.

Friday Upper Valley Art League, open clay/pottery group (coil method), 9 a.m. to noon, 921 E. 12th Street, Mission. Participants furnish their own clay or contribute toward purchase. No instructor, no fee. UVAL membership required/$30 annually. Info: 583-2787.

Weekends

The Friends of the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge guided kayak tours run through August. No experience necessary. Instruction provided. Cost: $30 per adult; $25 ages 8 to 12 (must be accompanied by parent). Includes equipment, snack, guides and transportation to the Laguna Madre. Reservations required; call 748-3607, Ext. 111.

Quinta Mazatlan World Birding Center, 600 Sunset, McAllen; early morning bird walk, 8:30 a.m. Regular admission applies.

McAllen Farmers Market, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., McAllen Public Library, 4001 N. 23rd St. To see an extended Events Calendar for the coming weeks, go to www.progresstimes.net.

MEDA

house.

In the new plan, St. Claire Street will remain open and it will be conveyed by the hospital to the city for maintenance. St. Claire originally was constructed to ease traffic flow while improvements were made to Bryan Road.

About an acre is left over, and Alex Meade, CEO of the authority, said he’s offering it to the Social Security Administration because employees already use it for parking.

Also Tuesday, the Mission Economic Development Corporation held a public hearing on a budget amendment to offer Calstrip, a steel-stamping company, $450,000 to locate a new factory at the Mission Industrial Park. The park is one of several locations the company is looking at for

MUSEUM

the new factory.

Last week, the Mission Redevelopment Authority agreed to spend $300,000 to expand rail lines to the proposed site after the company asked for tax abatements from both Hidalgo County and the city of Mission.

The city has to act fast, Meade told members of the MRA, because Calstrip needs to make a decision soon. The company is looking at investing between $16 million and $20 million, he said.

The original plan was to construct a 60,000 square foot building in the first phase of the building, but Meade said Calstrip now is considering starting with an 80,000 square foot building.

If Calstrip selects Mission, the company would purchase a little more than 7 acres at the industrial park

page 7A from pg 1A

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.

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. from pg 1A

The Mission Historical Museum Board of Directors appreciates the community’s attendance at the annual Fundraiser Banquet as well as the community’s support to any of the platinum, gold, or silver sponsorship levels.

The Mission Historical Museum Board members and staff thanks the community for its generous support, and for believing in the Museum’s mission and vision to instill pride in future generations.

Since its opening in 2002, the museum has strived to remain a unique and effective channel of history and a cultural educational resource for our visitors, citizens of the community and students of all ages.

Individual tickets and table reservations are now available. Tickets are going fast. Price for a reserved table for ten guests is $400 for members, $500 for non-members.

Price for open seating

individual tickets is $30 for museum members, $40 for non-members. Mission Historical Museum is a non-profit organization and donations are tax deductible to the extent provided by law. For more information on sponsorships, table reservations or tickets please call Linda Castañeda, banquet coordinator or the museum office at 580-8646. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Friday.

also offers dual enrollment, enabling students to graduate not only with a high school diploma, but also with an associate’s degree.

Starting with zero period, when students can come for extra tutoring before school, Sepulveda said the school offers interventions throughout the day to help students meet high expectations.

Teachers are encouraged to think creatively and outside the box, she said, adding that students may be given the choice to turn in a PowerPoint or a project in place of a written test.

Irasema Garcia, an instructional coach at the school, said children will be engaged and think at higher levels if they know their teachers care. Students have cell phone numbers of the staff and are able to ask questions via text messaging or email.

The school also is working to bridge the gap between high school and college. For example, Garcia said she’s teaching a college-level course that requires four tests over four chapters of content. She’s following the syllabus, but she’s testing the students at the end of each chapter. Students can average the tests together for their grade or take the overall test at the end of four chapters, she said.

“We have to be flexible,” Garcia said. “They’re not yet college students, so we’re trying to get them to that college level.

“We do a lot of things outside the curriculum just to help them become that college student. Our classes are at that high rigor; there’s always support.”

Whatever they’re doing is working, Sepulveda said, because students are lining up to enroll at the school, which just graduated its first class last year, and out of the 84 students who graduated, 71 already had an associate’s degree from South Texas College. The school had to hold a lottery to select students for attendance this year, she said.

Meanwhile, over at Jensen Elementary, Principal Cuahutemoc Paz said attendance is a big part of the state accountability system, and Jensen Elementary had the best in Sharyland ISD three out of six times last year.

The school earned five out of six possible distinctions from the state: reading, mathematics, science, social studies and closing the performance gap.

Paz said he noticed when he looked at the STAAR test results that all the school’s subgroups, like special education and English language learners, met state standards.

“That’s what made us high-performing is that all of our groups moved along and met the standard,” Paz said.

Paz said there are multiple efforts at the campus to identify students who need extra help early in the school year and help them catch up with their peers.

As early as October, students are pulled for an extra three hours of tutoring on Saturday. And the campus invested in a program that allows students to “spiral” their skills, performing a five to 10 minute review of old material while learning a new skill. The program also

helps teachers provide consistent lessons from kindergarten through sixth grade.

Teachers worked together on the program and finetuned it into something everyone takes ownership of, Paz said. In fact, he said, the school’s motto this year is “Own it,” and students are expected to take on responsibility as well.

Cindy Prochazka, whom Paz called the instructional heart of the school, said they start looking at STAAR results at the beginning of the year. Counselors at the school meet with each student and review their results from the previous year and outline goals for the current year. They then ask the student what he or she intends to do to make sure they meet that goal.

“Our students need to own their graduation plans, they need to own their scores, they need to own all those decisions that are made every day,” Paz said.

With Title I funding, Paz said the school hired a Spanish literacy tutor, and the school’s reading specialist is bilingual. That helped the school address students coming in that have not learned English. In fact he said, the school’s English language learners outscored the main population in some areas, Paz said.

Still, he said, their work isn’t finished. Administrators are constantly analyzing their practices and working to improve them. Plus, he said, he has a friendly competition going with Hinojosa Elementary, which earned the high-progress honor.

“This year, we’re going for all the stars,” Paz said.

SCHOOLS

from pg 1A

page 8A

COMPLEX

from pg 1A

ming.” “I heard there were only 11 swimmers in La Joya ISD, and from the looks of it, there’s a lot of swimmers here.”

Discussion of the natatorium began two years ago

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when the school district had conflicts with the city of La Joya over the contract for the pool.

Students believe the teams will be stronger once the natatorium is complete.

La Joya High School Junior Luis Enriquez joined the swim team after he saw

his brother competing. It’s exhausting, and he used to make fun of the Speedos, but Enriquez said he likes that the sport gets him involved.

But others, particularly freshmen, walk out when they learn that the La Joya Municipal Pool, where the team now practices, has a broken heater. Plus, he said, the pool is small and dirty and the team has to share with students at Palmview and Juarez-Lincoln high schools.

Fellow teammate Santos Flores, also a junior, said he hoped to see a facility like Brownsville’s natatorium, which has three pools and bleachers.

“So people can actually come and watch,” Flores said.

Members of the La Joya High School swim team agreed that the new pool would attract more participants.

According to Board President Esperanza “Espie” Ochoa, the indoor natatorium will include a climate controlled water system and a 10-lane competition pool. It also will have a competition

CONTEST

Progress Times will tally the number of contest entries received for each of the seven local high schools. The school with the most entries wins the $500 Grand Prize.

You may also have a chance to win the weekly

diving well and a spectator area with a capacity of 500, according to plans released last year.

At a meeting last week, the La Joya ISD Board of Trustees agreed to negotiate a contract with Texas Descon, one of two bidders on the project. The bid came in over budget at $16.3 million, but Gignac Architects indicated in a letter to the district that the firm is available to look for ways to cut costs on the project.

Construction is expected to take 12 to 14 months.

The complex also will include seven summer water attractions and four tennis courts.

Ochoa said the facility also gives students the opportunity to earn summer jobs as lifeguards.

“When we get criticized for doing the right thing for all of you, it’s worth it,” Ochoa said, referring to the more than 100 students and coaches involved in swimming. “We’re looking forward to state competition because a lot of you have a lot of talent.”

$50 prize if you predict the most winning teams. Previous winners of this season’s contest are not eligible to win the $50 weekly prize in subsequent weeks, but they can still enter the contest to help increase the chanc-

CLUB

sion. There are separate categories for youth and adults as well as for bow hunters and free-style.

The club’s facilities are open to members and non-members alike Wednesdays from noon to twilight and Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to twilight. Skeet and sporting clays tournaments as well as archery shoots are hosted by the club

ARREST

police.

Using an iPhone locator application, police soon tracked down the man they believe was the driver of the vehicle at the robbery.

Alejandro Villarreal Jr., 23, was charged with aggravated robbery, and he told investigators he was paid $600 to drive the getaway vehicle, states the criminal complaint, which adds Villarreal said there were passports, jewelry, a Rolex and cash in the safe.

The complaint states Villarreal told authorities where to find Cesar H. Sanchez, 40, es for their athletic booster club to win the Grand Prize.

The contest entry form and the complete rules are printed in today’s edition of the Progress Times on the Football Contest page.

These can also be found on-

September 5, 2014 from pg 3A

throughout the year. While membership is not required in order to use club’s facilities, members are charged a lower rate than non-members are.

For more information about the club, classes and upcoming shoots, call 956583-5996 or visit their website at http://www.missionskeetandtrap.com/. from pg 1A

and Cesar H. Sanchez Jr., 20.

An investigator received a phone call Aug. 28 that led officers to a fourth suspect.

According to the complaint, a woman called in to say she had a recording of Ricardo Hinostroza Sanchez, 29, talking to his ex-wife (who is a co-worker of the caller) about a robbery in Mission involving a safe and money All arrested have been charged with aggravated robbery and have a $500,000 bond. Authorities are still looking for a fifth suspect known only as “Barbas.” from pg 1A

line at www.progresstimes. net. Share the link with all your friends and post this on your Facebook page to get more entries for your school.

September 5, 2014

obituaries

Angelita Peña MISSION - Angelita Peña, 76, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2014, at McAllen Heart Hospital.

She was born to Jose Maria Peña and Maria Salinas on Sept. 30, 1937, in Mexico.

Survivors include her husband, Praxediz Peña; children, Maria Galaviz, Melva Gonzalez, Jose Peña, Rosbel Peña, Graciela Iniguez, Otoniel Peña and Oralia Rodriguez; sister, Esperanza Silva; and 24 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

The funeral mass was held on Sept. 3 at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Mission. Interment followed at Garden of Angels Cemetery in Abram.

Virgil Wilson Mortuary in Mission handled the arrangements.

Joan Perez PALMHURST – Joan Perez, 51, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2014, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

She was born to Felipe Perez Jr. and Elva Perez on May 6, 1963 in McAllen.

Survivors include her daughters, Jennifer Joan Rubio and Valerie Nixon; sons, Jonathan Jaamar Perez and Joey Orlin Vega; her father; sister, Debbie Nelson; brother, Felipe Perez III; and one grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her mother and daughter, Ashley Joan Perez.

A funeral mass was held on Aug. 30 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Interment followed at Lord & I Cemetery in Palmview.

Rodolfo Perez Jr. MISSION - Rodolfo “Rudy” Perez Jr. passed away on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2014.

He was born on June 3, 1964.

Survivors include his wife, Terry Lynn Perez; son, Alexander Lee Perez; siblings, Diana Zavala, Dora Gonzalez, Dalia Venegas, Randy Perez, Debbie Gonzalez and Ricky Perez.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rodolfo and Ofelia Perez Sr. A memorial service was

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held on Sept. 2 at Ric Brown Family Funeral Home in Mission.

Pedro Torres MISSION - Pedro Torres, 61, passed away on Monday, Sept. 1, 2014, at his home in Edinburg.

Mr. Torres was born in Mission on July 11, 1953.

He graduated from Mission High School in 1972 and, after serving his country in the U.S. Air Force, graduated from Pan American University.

Survivors include his wife, Sylvia Torres; mother, Senaida Torres; sons, Jaime and Miguel Torres; and brothers, Juan and Eduardo Torres.

He was preceded in death by his father, Juan C. Torres; brother, Gustavo Torres; and sister, Dolores Torres.

A funeral mass was held on Sept. 4 at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Mission. Interment followed at the R.G.V. State Veterans Cemetery in Mission.

Maria Olivia Villarreal ABRAM - Maria Olivia Villarreal, 75, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2014 at Mission Regional Medical Center.

She was born on Sept. 23, 1938, in Abram to Alfredo Villarreal and Clara De Luna Villarreal.

Survivors include her brother, Adelaido A. Villarreal; sisters, Rosa Estrada, Elma Villarreal and Amalia Loya.

The funeral mass was held on Sept. 2 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at San Jose Cemetery in Mission.

Serving as pallbearers will be Leo Zamora Jr., Luis Zamora, Leonel Zamora, Adelaido Villarreal Jr., Aguinaldo Villarreal and Abelardo Villarreal. Honorary pallbearers will be Oscar Estrada and Richard Martinez.

Obituaries can be found online and are updated as they are received.

Visit www.progresstimes. net to stay current with obituaries and other news that matters to you.

Trooper Eduardo Chavez Memorial Highway

At a roadside ceremony near the Starr/Hidalgo County Line, State Rep. Sergio Muñoz, Jr. unveiled a roadside marker dedicating a five-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 83 as a memorial to fallen Texas Highway Patrol Trooper Eduardo Chavez.

Surrounded by family of Chavez, state and local leaders and fellow law enforcement officers, Muñoz officially recognized the five-mile stretch, starting near the Starr/Hidalgo County line and proceeding northwest to Farm-to-Market Road 2360, as the “Trooper Eduardo Chavez Memorial Highway."

Among those in attendance were Texas Department of Public Safety Direc-

Notices

Erick Andrade MISSION - Erick Andrade, 24, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2014, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Saul Arredondo MISSION - Saul Arredondo, 49, passed away on Friday, Aug. 29, 2014, at Doctors Hospital in Edinburg.

Rufino Farias MISSION - Rufino Farias, 63, passed away on Monday, Sept. 1, 2014, at his home in Mission.

Florinda Garcia ALTON.– Florinda Garcia, 80, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2014 at Doctors Hospital Edinburg.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Virgil Wilson Mortuary.

Jose Garcia MISSION - Jose Garcia, 82, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2014, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Oscar Garza Gomez MISSION - Oscar Garza Gomez, 77, passed away on Monday, Sept. 1, 2014, at Mission Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Flor Idalia Guerra MISSION - Flor Idalia Guerra, 35, died Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2014, at McAllen Medical Center.

Janice Guthrie MISSION - Janice Guthrie, 72, passed away on

tor Steven McCraw, Texas DPS Regional Commander Jose Rodriguez, Hidalgo County Sheriff J.E. "Eddie" Guerra, Hidalgo County District Attorney Rene Guerra, Pct. 3 Constable Larry Gallardo and Pct. 4 Constable Atanacio "J.R." Gaitan.

Patrol Trooper Eduardo Chavez was killed in the line of duty on May 2, 2006, while responding to assist another trooper with a felony narcotics stop. Trooper Chavez was a three-year veteran of the Department of Public Safety after working as a Hidalgo County Sheriff's deputy. Chavez was a native of Hidalgo County and comes from a law enforcement family. He was 30 years old and is survived by

Thursday, Aug. 28, 2014, at Comfort House in McAllen.

Rebecca Hernandez MISSION - Rebecca Hernandez, 84, died Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2014, at Mission Nursing and Rehab Center.

Audelia Macias PENITAS – A funeral service for Audelia Macias was held on Friday, Aug. 29, 2014, at Lord and I Funeral Home in Peñitas. Burial followed at La Grulla Cemetery.

Nancy Marin MISSION - Nancy Marin, 47, passed away on Monday, Sept. 1, 2014, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Cremation was held on Sept. 4 at Val Verde Memorial Gardens in Donna.Duaine McKee PALMVIEW - Duaine McKee, 79, passed away on Friday, Aug. 29, 2014, at his home in Palmview.

Aida Lerma Ordaz MISSION – A funeral mass for Aida Lerma Ordaz was held on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2014, at St. John of the Fields Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at San Jose Cemetery in Mission.

Olympia Peña MISSION – A memorial service for Olympia Peña was held on Friday, Aug. 29, 2014, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission.

ChurCh DireCtory BREAD OF LIFE CHURCH 2820 N. Conway Ave. • 581-1411 CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD 4501 N. McColl. - McAllen CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS 29th & Dove - McAllen 618-0884 CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS Missonaries • 580-2570 CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CHURCH 911 N. Main - McAllen 686-4241 CONWAY AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH 1 Mi. N. Conway • 585-2413 EL FARO BIBLE CHURCH 15 miles W. of Mission on Exp. 83 Sullivan City, TX • 585-5617 EL MESIAS UNITED METHODIST 209 E. 6th • 585-2334 FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH 3 miles N. Shary Rd. • 581-1465 FAITH FELLOWSHIP BIBLE CHURCH 1 mile N. Exp. 83 on Tom Gill Rd. 519-6311 FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 1300 Doherty • 585-1442 FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH 12th and Miller - Mission 585-7281 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 1102 Ash St. • 585-4829 for worship schedule.

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 1101 Doherty • 585-1665

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

individuals who sacrifice their lives to keep us safe,” Muñoz said.

Following the unveiling, Rep. Muñoz hosted a small ceremony at his district Office where he presented Chavez's wife and son with a Texas flag that was flown over the Texas State Capitol.

Dollar General celebrates grand opening of a new store in Mission

Dollar General will celebrate the opening of its new location at 1011 W. Business Highway 83 in Mission on Saturday, Sept. 6, at 8 a.m. with free prizes and special deals.

The first 50 adult shoppers at the store will receive a $10 Dollar General gift card and the first 200 shoppers will receive a Dollar General tote bag, among other giveaways.

“Dollar General is committed to delivering a pleasant shopping experience that includes a convenient location, a wide assortment of merchandise and great prices on quality products,” said Dan Nieser, Dollar General’s senior vice president of real estate and store develop-

ment. “We hope our Mission customers will enjoy shopping at Dollar General’s new location.”

Dollar General stores offer convenience and value to customers by providing a focused selection of national name brands and private brands of food, housewares, seasonal items, cleaning supplies, basic apparel and health/beauty products. The store’s fresh layout is designed to make shopping simple for customers. Seasonal products are displayed in the center of the store, departments are easily recognizable with visible signage and coolers are conveniently located at the front of the store.

ProgressTimes

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THE SPIRIT OF LA LOMITA LIVES HERE AT

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE PARISH

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

his wife of five years, Iliana.

During the 83rd legislative session, Muñoz passed H.B. 442 to commemorate the life and service of Trooper Chavez.

“The highway memorial on behalf of Trooper Chavez allows Texans to acknowledge and pay respect towards

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

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

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September 5, 2014

www.progresstimes.net | www.sharylandtimes.com

September 5, 2014

MCISD

from pg 1A

$1500 “equity adjustment” when compared with other school districts.

All other staff positions will receive a 3 percent from midpoint pay increase.

Capital improvement spending for the upcoming year is budgeted at $18.8 million, with the largest budget item being construction of the new Mission Collegiate High School campus, estimated to cost $9.66 million. Construction on the new campus started earlier this summer and is scheduled to be substantially completed by June 29, 2015.

Another planned capital improvement project is expansion of the central kitchen and equipment, priced at $2.8

million. However, during the district’s Facilities Committee meeting held Wednesday, Sept. 3, the superintendent asked the board to hold off on the project temporarily while staff studies the option of going back to full-functioning kitchens at the campus level.

Admitting it would be a more costly approach to providing meals, he wants to look at preparing the meals on campus, rather than at the centralized kitchen.

Other capital/construction projects in next year’s budget include: warehouse roof replacement, $1.2 million; canopies and sidewalks, $1.17 million; stadium bleachers, $1 million; and Transportation Department Hub, $800,000.

Some of the other major

expenditures planned include $2.3 million for textbook adoption, $700,000 for a new Finance/Human Resources System, and $570,000 to purchase five new school buses.

During the public hearing on the proposed budget and tax rate held just prior to the adoption of the new tax rate, Rumalda Ruiz, assistant superintendent for finance and operations, said the 3-cent tax increase would go to the Interest and Sinking (I&S) Fund for debt service, and the administration proposes to increase the tax rate by approximately 3.5 cents per year for the next three fiscal years in order to meet bonded indebtedness obligations.

Since voters approved the Tax Ratification Election, or TRE, in 2011, moving

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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.

CONSTABLE’S SALE The State of Texas County of Hidalgo Notice is Hereby Given that by virtue of a certain Writ of Execution issued out of the honorable JUSTICE COURT OF PCT. 2 PL. 1 OF DALLAS COUNTY TEXAS, on the 28TH of JULY 2014, for the sum of $1,623.28 with interest thereon at the rate of 5% per annum from the 24th of OCTOBER 2012 and cost of suit, under a judgment in favor of SOCA FUNDING LLC AS ASSIGNEE OF STEPHANIE MATLOCK DBA EMPOWER BOOKING FIRM in a certain cause in said court, No. JS1200283D and styled SOCA FUNDING LLC AS ASSIGNEE OF STEPHANIE MATLOCK DBA EMPOWER BOOKING FIRM Vs. GRAHAM, JOHN KEVIN And placed in my hands for service for service on 11TH of AUGUST 2014, I, Lazaro Gallardo Jr., as Constable Pct.3 Hidalgo County, Texas, did on the 11TH of AUGUST 2014, levy on certain real estate in Hidalgo County, Texas, described as follows, to-wit LOTS TWENTY- FOUR (24) AND TWENTY-FIVE (25), RIVER OAKS ESTATES AN ADDITION TO CITY OF MISSION, HIDALGO COUNTY, TEXAS, AS PER AMENDED MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 31, PAGE 106, MAP RECORDS, HIDALGO COUNTY, TEXAS. That being the same property conveyed to John Kevin Graham by Warranty Deed with Vendor’s Lien dated November 22, 2005 in File No. 2005-1551388 in the Official Records of Real Property of Hidalgo County, Texas.

GRAHAM, JOHN KEVIN and that on the first Tuesday in OCTOBER 2014, the same being the 7TH day of said month, at the court house door of Hidalgo County, in the City of Edinburg, Texas, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (sale starts at 10: a.m.) by virtue of said levy and said writ of execution, I will sell said above described real estate at public venue for cash, to the highest bidder, as the property of said GRAHAM, JOHN KEVIN and in compliance with the law, I give this notice by publication, in the English language, once a week for three consecutive weeks immediately proceeding said day of sale, in THE PROGRESS TIMES a newspaper published in Hidalgo County.

Lazaro Gallardo, Jr. CONSTABLE PCT.3 Hidalgo County, Texas

13 cents from the Interest and Sinking (I&S) fund to Maintenance and Operations (M&O), the board of trustees can increase the tax rate as much as 13 cents without voter approval.

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day of AUGUST 2014 By: _________________ Deputy Ruben Salinas Jr.

from pg 1A

“It’s going to be an honor and a privilege to serve the great State of Texas in this manner,” Guerra said of the appointment. He previously had served on one of the board’s committees.

Arambula is a psychiatrist in private practice and an adjunct associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry at University of Texas Health Science Center (UTHSC) at San Antonio. He is a member

Personal classified rate:

PUBLIC NOTICE

Witness my hand, this 21ST

GUERRA

of the American and Texas Medical associations, American Psychiatric Association, National Hispanic Medical Association and the Federation of State Medical Boards.

He is also a member of the Texas Society of Psychiatric Physicians, Bexar County Medical Society, American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law, and the American Society of Law, Medicine and Ethics.

Arambula received a bachelor’s degree and Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Texas at Austin, and a medical degree and completed his psychiatry residency at UTHSC at San Antonio. He is appointed as chair for a term to expire at the pleasure of the governor.

Guerra is a board certified

page 11A

obstetrician and gynecologist at Woman’s Place at the Lakes in McAllen. He is a member of the Texas Osteopathic Medical Association, American College of Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Texas Medical Board District Four Review Committee.

Guerra received a bachelor’s degree from The University of Texas-Pan American, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from North Texas State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, and completed his internship and residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Phoenix General Hospital and Deer Valley Medical Center in Arizona. He is appointed to the board for a term to expire April 13, 2017.

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Mission Towing inC. 1515 w. 3 Mile Rd. Mission, Texas 78573 (956) 585-8245 • Fax 581-6668 TdlR VsF liC. no. 0551944 pursuant to the provision contained in rule 85.703. subchapter F, From chapter 85, part 4 oF title 16 in the texas administrative code, we are oFFicially notiFying you that the below described motor vehicles held in our custody are to be picked up, removed and all charges paid within (45) days or these vehicles will be declared abandoned according to texas law.

YEAR MAKE 2007 bmw 2009 arca

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BALANCE $670.00 $4,032.00

total charges cannot be computed until vehicle is claimed. storage charges will accrue daily until vehicle is released.

Constable’s Sale The State of Texas County of Hidalgo Notice is Hereby Given that by virtue of a certain WRIT OF EXECUTION issued out of the honorable JUSTICE COURT OF PCT.4 PL.1, HIDALGO COUNTY, TEXAS, on the 29TH of JULY 2014, for the sum of $9,458.17 with interest thereon at the rate of 6% per annum from the 12TH of AUGUST 2011 and cost of suit, under a judgment in favor of SOCA FUNDING LLC AS ASSIGNEE OF AIR PLUS HEATING & COOLING, INC. in a certain cause in said court, No. E11-871 And styled SOCA FUNDING LLC AS ASSIGNEE OF AIR PLUS HEATING & COOLING, INC. VS MELANIE GARCIA & JAVIER GARCIA And placed in my hands for service for service on 6TH of AUGUST 2014, I, Lazaro Gallardo, Jr., as Constable Pct.3 Hidalgo County, Texas, did on the 11TH of AUGUST 2014, levy on certain real estate in Hidalgo County, Texas, described as follows, to-wit LOT 62, SILVERADO WEST SUBDIVISION, AN ADDITION TO THE CITY OF PALMVIEW, HIDALGO COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO MAP RECORDED IN VOLUME 26, PAGE 90, MAP RECORDS OF HIDALGO COUNTY, TEXAS, THAT BEING THE SAME PROPERTY CONVEYED TO JAVIER GARCIA BY ASSUMPTION WARRANT DEED DATED MAY 26,2009 AND RECORDED FOR RECORD UNDER FILE NO. 2009-2001558 IN THE OFFICIAL RECORDS OF REAL PROPERTY OF HIDALGO COUNTY, TEXAS. LOT THIRTY-EIGHT (38), LOS NOVILLOS SUBDIVISION, HIDALGO COUNTY, TEXAS AS PER MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 49, PAGES 10-14, MAP RECORDS, HIDALGO COUNTY, TEXAS. THAT BEING THE SAME PROPERTY CONVEYED TO JAVIER GARCIA & WIFE, MELANIE GARCIA BY WARRANTY DEED WITH VENDORS LIEN DATED SEPTEMBER 7, 2011 FILE NO. 2011-2242669 IN THE OFFICIAL RECORDS OF REAL PROPERTY OF HIDALGO COUNTY, TEXAS., And levied upon as property of . MELANIE GARCIA & JAVIER GARCIA and that on the first Tuesday in OCTOBER 2014, the same being the 7TH day of said month, at the court house door of Hidalgo County, in the City of Edinburg, Texas, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (sale starts at 10: a.m.) by virtue of said levy and said writ of execution, I will sell said above described real estate at public venue for cash, to the highest bidder, as the property of said . MELANIE GARCIA & JAVIER GARCIA and in compliance with the law, I give this notice by publication, in the English language, once a week for three consecutive weeks immediately proceeding said day of sale, in THE PROGRESS TIMES a newspaper published in Hidalgo County.

Witness my hand, this 19TH day of AUGUST 2014 Lazaro Gallardo, Jr. Constable Pct.3 Hidalgo County, Texas

By: _______________________ Deputy RUBEN SALINAS JR

page 12A

www.progresstimes.net | www.sharylandtimes.com

September 5, 2014

September 5, 2014

page 1B

PATRIOTS

emerge victorious in

‘BATTLE OF CONWAY’

By Luciano Guerra It was the official opening of the new and improved Tom Landry Stadium as the Mission Eagles hosted the Veterans Memorial Patriots last Friday evening in what was billed as “The Battle of Conway.” With the Eagles having won the last three matchups between the two sister schools it was the Patriots’ turn to emerge as the victors, pulling off a 14-7 come-from-behind victory much to the pleasure of the boisterous Patriots’ fans that filled the visitors’ side bleachers.

Senior running back John Garcia was the workhorse for the Patriots with 12 rushes for 56 yards and five pass receptions for 57 yards and one touchdown.

“It was great because the past three years that I’ve been on the varsity squad we lost all three games to Mission,” shared Garcia about the win. “With this being my senior year it’s a great feeling to beat Mission.”

After a line of thunderstorms delayed the start of the game an hour, it was the Eagles who drew first blood when MHS starting quarterback Jesus Cuellar completed a 38-yard touchdown pass to David Flores with 6:40 left in the first quarter.

Cuellar, who connected on his first eight passes on the night, completed nine of 12 passes for 104 yards and one touchdown in the first half.

Flores caught four passes for 64 yards and rushed 10 times for 27 yards on the night.

The Patriots scored their first points of the 2014 season when senior quarterback Santos Villarreal connected with John Garcia for a 10 yard touchdown pass with

“This was a rivalry game and rivalry games are never easy,” -- Coach David Gilpin 1:31 remaining on the clock in the first half. The point-after-attempt failed which gave the Eagles a 7-6 lead at the intermission.

After a scoreless third quarter Villarreal, who ran the ball 12 times for 53 yards on the night, called his own number on the first play of the fourth quarter and powered his way into the end zone from one yard out to give the Patriots a 12-7 lead.

Villarreal then connected with junior receiver Bobby Tovar in the end zone for a successful two-point conversion to extend the Patriots lead to 14-7. Villarreal connected on 23 of 35 pass attempts on the night for 300 yards, one touchdown, one two-point conversion and one interception.

The Patriots started their only scoring drive of the second half on their own 14yard line and ran almost seven minutes off the clock as they marched down the field to score what turned out to be the winning points.

William Arias and David Flores were the Eagles’ signal callers in the third and fourth quarters but they simply could not put a scoring drive together. Arias completed three of six passes for 24 yards in the third quarter while Flores went 0-3 passing in the fourth quarter but did have four receptions for 64 yards as a receiver in the first half.

After the game, Veterans Memorial head coach David Gilpin shared what the victory over his team’s cross-town

Veterans Memorial Patriot Bobby Tovar (#3) breaks through a pack of Eagle defenders last Friday in their cross-town rivalry game. Progress Times photo by Mike de la Cruz rivals meant to him.

“This was a rivalry game and rivalry games are never easy,” said Gilpin. “It’s never going to be an easy game against Mission and it’s never going to be easy for them.”

“We’ve seen them on film and they’re better than I thought they were going to be this year so I was a little worried coming in to this game,” added Gilpin. “As the game went on I felt that we had control of it, but we had another touchdown called back and we had to endure some adversity. At the end of the day though we’re 1-0 and we got the monkey off our backs by beating Mission and now we’re going to move on with the rest of our season.”

The Patriots are on the road to Odessa, Texas today where they will be playing the Permian Panthers tomorrow at 2 p.m. The Eagles will be hosting Brownsville Hanna at Tom Landry Stadium tonight at 7:30.

Big 7 Football: Week 1 in Review

Sharyland Pioneer 21, Hidalgo 10 Sharyland Pioneer sophomore quarterback Alec García scored twice, including a 95-yard TD run from scrimmage, to lead the Diamondbacks to a 21-10 inaugural season-opening victory over Hidalgo on Friday at Bill Pate Stadium.

After falling behind 3-0 on a Hidalgo (01) field goal with 4:44 remaining in the second quarter, Pioneer (1-0) found itself on its own 5-yard line right before intermission.

García found an opening and shot through a few holes until he found daylight and ran 95 yards to score the first TD in Diamondback history and give them a 7-3 lead.

In the fourth quarter García found himself in trouble and just as it seemed he was in the clutches of the aggressive Pirates defense, he found an opening and poured on the speed. The Pioneer QB scampered 48 yards to give the Diamondbacks a 14-3 lead with 8:56 remaining in the game.

On the next series, a Pioneer interception set up the Diamondbacks third and final TD

See REVIEW Pg. 2B

Prep Schedule Friday Non-District Football – Sep. 5 Brownsville Hanna @ Mission High Sharyland High @ Laredo United Brownsville Pace @ Sharyland Pioneer La Joya High @ Donna North PSJA SW @ Palmview Juarez-Lincoln @ Rio Hondo

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

Saturday Non-District Football – Sep. 6 Veterans Memorial @ Odessa-Permian

2:00 p.m.

Saturday Non-District Volleyball – Sep. 6 Mission High @ Donna North San Benito @ Veterans Memorial Ed. Economedes @ Sharyland High Sharyland Pioneer @ Laredo United Donna High @ La Joya High PSJA Memorial @ Palmview Juarez-Lincoln @ PSJA SW

3:00 p.m.

3:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

Tuesday Non-District Volleyball – Sep. 9 Donna High @ Mission High Brownsville Hanna @ Veterans Memorial Sharyland High @ McAllen Memorial Laredo United South @ Sharyland Pioneer (S. North Jr. High) Edcouch Elsa @ La Joya High Weslaco East @ Palmview Valley View @ Juarez-Lincoln

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

6:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

www.progresstimes.net | www.sharylandtimes.com

page 2B

Pioneer to set Pace Friday

Pioneer sophomore Brandon Casas tries to avoid a tackle during the Diamondback’s 2110 win over Hidalgo. Progress Times photo by Doug Young

By Ed Salas With last week’s season-opening victory over Hidalgo in Sharyland Pioneer’s inaugural game out of the way and in the record books, the Diamondbacks are set to debut on their home field at Richard Thompson Stadium on Friday at 7:30 p.m. against Brownsville Pace.

“It’s going to be exciting playing at home,” said Pioneer first-year head coach Jason Wheeler. “Anytime you come off a win from playing on the road, it’s going to be exciting. We’ll probably have a few more people in the stands. We’re looking forward to it. The Rattlers won in that stadium and we want to keep the winning tradition going.”

Pioneer (1-0) defeated Hidalgo 21-10 on Aug. 29 at Bill Pate Stadium on the heels of a 210-yard rushing performance by Diamondback quarterback Alec García, who scored two TD’s in the process. Pioneer generated a total of 411 yards of offense against the Pirates.

“It’s going to be anoth-

Sharyland turned what was a close game at intermission into a rout with 31 second half points while giving up only seven. The Rattlers starting quarterback Lance Madden completed seven of 13 passes for 121 yards and one touchdown and ran the ball 10 times for 83 yards and one touchdown on the night.

PSJA Memorial 33, Juarez-Lincoln 0 Costly penalties and turnovers and a strong PSJA Memorial running attack were too much for La Joya Juarez-Lincoln to overcome last Thursday night as the Wolverines handed the Huskies a 33-0 loss. The Wolverines ran the ball 40 times for 206 yards and three touchdowns and passed the ball 12 times for 128 yards and two touchdowns as the Huskies managed to compile only 81 yards on the ground and 45 yards through the air on the night.

Bright spots for the Huskies’ offense included Obed Fernandez who accounted for 55 of Juarez-Lincoln’s 81 total yards on the ground on 13 carries and quarterback

with five solo tackles, seven assisted tackles, four tackles for loss, three sacks, one caused fumble and one fumble recovery. Villarreal was also the Coyotes’ top kick returner against Roma with one return for 40 yards.

Palmview 46, Brownsville Lopez 14 It was the battle of the Lobos at La Joya ISD Stadium last Thursday evening as the La Joya Palmview Lobos football team opened its 2014 season with a 46-14 win over the Brownsville Lopez Lobos.

Top performers for the Palmview offense included senior running backs Freddy Villarreal with 11 carries for 161 yards and Jose Bernal with 14 carries for 183 yards.

Senior linebacker LeRoy Rodriguez had 8 solo tackles 4 assists and a fumble recovery to lead the way for the Palmview defense. Sophomore Fabian Perez contributed to the win with five solo tackles on special teams alone.

Having just come off a 1-9 2013 season, Palmview has already matched its win total for last year.

REVIEW

September 5, 2014

from pg 1B

of the game when García found receiver Marcos open for a 22-yard strike with 6:23 left.

Hidalgo cut the Pioneer lead to 21-10 on an interception that Francisco García returned for a TD with 2:44 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Sharyland High 59, McAllen Memorial 28 In the first game played at the newly named Richard Thompson Stadium, the Sharyland High Rattlers avenged their only two losses to a Valley team since Halloween night 2008 when they defeated the McAllen Memorial Mustangs 59-28.

The Rattlers scored twice in the first quarter on an 86yard kickoff return by James Cole and a fumble recovery and 55-yard run back by Raul Garcia. In the second quarter Sharyland’s Loredo Guerra scored on a 12-yard pass from Lance Madden, and Cesarin Chapa ran it in from two yards out to give the Rattlers a 28-21 lead at the half.

Edward Garcia who added 36 rushing yards of his own on four carries. Anthony Mora was Juarez’s top receiver with two receptions for 20 yards.

Defensively, Dustin Ruiz had 15 total tackles (8 solo tackles and 7 assists), one quarterback sack and one hurry to lead the way for the Huskies.

Roma 14, La Joya High 7 The La Joya Coyotes dropped their season opener to the Roma Gladiators by a score of 14-7. La Joya junior running back Justin Leanos, who accounted for the Coyotes’ only touchdown on the night, ran the ball seven times for 19 yards. La Joya senior quarterback Julio Garcia completed 9 of 17 passes for 68 yards with one interception. Junior Victor Dehoyos was the Coyotes’ top receiver against the Gladiators with five receptions for 40 yards. Joel Casas and Overlin Montes each had two receptions on the night for 17 and 11 yards respectively.

Defensively senior linebacker Yonny Villarreal led the way for the Coyotes

er tough match like against Hidalgo, but I think we can come out with the win,” García said. “The home opener is going to be good.

We just have to come out there and execute, and play strong every play. Being in front of our own fans is going to be awesome and I hope there’ll be a lot of them cheering us on.”

While Pioneer debuted with a victory on the road,

Pace (0-1) wasn’t so lucky.

The Vikings were routed by Edinburg Vela 56-21 on Aug. 29.

Pace was led by senior QB Alex Cisneros, who completed 12-of-31 passes for 193 yards against the Sabercats.

“Brownsville Pace has a lot of kids back from last year,” Wheeler said.

See SPHS Pg. 3B

September 5, 2014

www.progresstimes.net | www.sharylandtimes.com

Patriots to play Odessa-Permian

By Luciano Guerra Road trips are nothing new to Coach David Gilpin and his Veterans Memorial Patriots football team. Each season approximately half their games are played away from the friendly confines of Tom Landry Stadium so boarding buses for quick trips up or down the Valley, or possibly to venues as distant as Laredo or Corpus Christi, comes with the territory.

Today, however, the Patriots will be embarking on the longest road trip in Veterans Memorial High School (VMHS) football history.

Their destination will be the fabled Ratliff Stadium in Odessa, Texas which is known as “The epicenter of Texas high school football,” home to the Odessa-Permian Panthers – the team immortalized in the book and subsequent movie and television series titled, “Friday Night Lights.”

So why would Gilpin go to all the trouble and expense of scheduling a non-district game so far away? It’s all part of his plan to make his Patriots competitive against the kind of teams that always seem to beat Valley teams in the third round of the playoffs and beyond.

“Studying and looking and listening and talking to other coaches and then developing my own philosophy, I have a deep-seated belief that in order for us to take our program to another level one thing we have to do is to up our non-district schedule by playing the toughest competition we can,” explained Gilpin. “As I’ve said many times before, the only negative to playing a tough dis-

trict schedule against teams that we’re expected to lose to would be the head coach’s win/loss record. And I don’t have an ego that worries about my won/loss record. I worry about where our football team is and how we can get better.”

Since he took over the VMHS football program five years ago, Gilpin has led the Patriots to the playoffs four times. In only one of those years did the Patriots make it past the first round. And Gilpin is determined to keep raising the bar.

“If it comes down to us taking losses, or possible losses, in non-district games to help us challenge for district championships, instead of just getting in the playoffs, and we’re looking at playing second, third and possibly fourth round playoff games then I’m willing to do it,” said Gilpin. “That is why I set out in September of last year to find the toughest opponents I could for our non-district games this year and why I contacted several coaches across the state.”

“I tried getting Harlingen on our schedule but Coach Gomez was doing the same thing I was doing and trying to get the toughest non-district schedule he could by calling teams from the Dallas and Houston area,” added Gilpin. “I then called Corpus Christi Calallen, a tradition rich program that’s been successful for many, many years. I called Odessa-Permian, another team with the tradition and history behind them. I called Marble Falls where Coach Todd Dodge was at the time – four-time state champion at Southlake

Carroll.”

Gilpin did originally succeed in lining up Calallen as a non-district opponent in Week 3 but a scheduling conflict forced them to back out of their commitment leaving Odessa-Permian as the Patriots’ only out of the Valley non-district opponent.

While Gilpin had plenty of good reasons to schedule a game in Odessa, it never would’ve happened had he not had the support of Mission ISD Superintendent of Schools Ricardo Lopez.

“Our superintendent came in and said to the coaching staff and to the administration, ‘I want us to be the best in the state. I want us competing at the state level. Winning in the Valley or in the region is not good enough,’” said Gilpin. “When he said that, I told him, ‘I appreciate what you said so much because here is what I want to do.’

And we sat down and talked about making this trip to which he said, ‘Coach if this is going to help you then I’m all for it.’”

As for those who might be critical of making such a long trip at taxpayer expense Gilpin said, “We’re going to end up making money on this trip. It is going to cost us around $13,000 to make this trip but they’re giving us a $5,000 check and half of the gate. I expect there to be a very large crowd so if they make $40,000 in ticket sales on Saturday and we get half of that, that’s $20,000 plus the $5,000 for a total of $25,000 and a $12,000 profit for our district. That’s just an example because it could be more or it could be less but this trip is not going to cost

“They’ve struggled a little bit the last couple of years, but they’re going to be a lot better football team this year.

It’s going to be a good challenge for us and we’re going to be at home. It’s a ballgame we have the opportunity to win again, but we have to correct our mistakes.”

“We definitely can’t take anyone lightly, I just want to improve,” he added. “I want to be a little bit better football team after the Pace game than we are now so

that we’re peaking in district because our district is going to be very tough. Our goal is still to get into playoffs, but for us to do that we have to get better each week.”

The Vikings totaled 292 offensive yards and scored 21 points in their losing effort against Vela, while Pioneer gave up 294 yards and only 10 points against Hidalgo.

One of the keys to victory for the Diamondbacks again this week will be the defense.

Pioneer ILB Joe Garza had 3 solo tackles and 11 overall in the season opener, including half a sack. OLB Jesús Sánchez led the Diamondbacks with 12 tackles overall, and one sack.

“They predicted us to lose (against Hidalgo), but I guess we proved everyone wrong,” Garza said. “It’s going to be a tough matchup against Brownsville (Pace). We have to play hard and we have to execute. We just have to step up our game.”

SPHS

from pg 2B

the school district anything at the end of the day.”

The Patriots/Panthers game is scheduled to kick-off

page 3B

at 2 p.m. tomorrow (Saturday) in Odessa.

page 4B

www.progresstimes.net | www.sharylandtimes.com

September 5, 2014