October 3, 2014 - Progress Times Issue by Progress Times

Friday, October 3, 2014

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LEGAL IMMIGRATION: AN INVISIBLE WAITING LINE Editor’s Note: An influx in people crossing into the United States, particularly through the Rio Grande Valley, illegally has stirred nationwide debates on the need for immigration reform. This is the second in a three-part series offering a close-up look at immigration and the people involved.

By Mary Alice Nichols aria Garcia first crossed illegally into the United States from Nuevo Leon, Mexico in 2004. In May, Garcia, now 27, obtained a resident visa. The achievement took her six years and $14,000, mainly because she crossed illegally into the country three times before applying for residency. “Thankfully, because of my husband I was able to

apply for my resident status, but it was not easy,” Garcia said. “Especially because of my illegal entry, but a new waiver that was passed allowed me to be granted a pardon.” Others like, Marina Treviño, didn’t have to endure such a difficult immigration process. Treviño entered the states legally with a tourist visa. She married a U.S. citizen this past year, and is in the process of receiving her resident visa. It’s only taken her three months. She is awaiting her interview with the immigration officer to complete her legal status. “I told my husband if I was going to live here, I wanted to be here legally,” she said. “I didn’t want to be suffering because I couldn’t find proper work.” Treviño did not use a lawyer. Instead she did the process herself. Filing for

her resident visa has cost her $4,000 dollars. In Mexico, Treviño works with an international commercial business. She knew living here illegally would not allow her to have a decent job. “Unfortunately, it’s not

that easy for others. Especially if they entered illegally,” she said. “They can’t find work. If they do, they won’t receive job benefits. They struggle forever to have a future in this country.” A trying journey The first time she crossed,

Richter bows out, Leo steps in

Garcia returned back to Mexico after six months because of a lack of money. The second time she crossed was in 2008, and she was six months pregnant. Garcia said it was quite a risk crossing the border in her condition. “Immigration almost caught me. At one point I had to fall to the ground belly-first to take cover,” she said. “Thankfully, my baby wasn’t harmed. I wanted her to be born in the U.S. to have a better life.” Garcia said she did file for a visa in 2008 but was denied because she didn’t have proof of sufficient funds to be in the U.S. In 2009, she crossed again and married to her husband, who is a U.S. citizen. That same year she decided to apply for her resident visa. Garcia ultimately was granted resident status because of the Provisional

Unlawful Presence Wavier. It was passed on March 4, 2013, and allowed certain immigrant visa applicants who were spouses, children and parents of U.S. citizens, to apply for the waiver in the U.S. Then, individuals, such as Garcia, returned to their consulates abroad for immigrant visa interviews free of consequence. The consular officer in Ciudad Juarez approved her green card based on the waiver. After the approval, she was allowed to come back to the states and continue the legal immigration process. That process alone took Garcia a year. “Many of us have benefited from this new waiver,” she said. “Before, if I had returned to Mexico to file paperwork, there was a chance they would keep me there

See IMMIGRATION 11

RGV RAS to aid hunt for missing people A By Julie Silva

By Lea Victoria Juarez irginia Richter said it was apparent things weren’t going smoothly in Sharyland ISD, and that was the reason she decided to resign from her superintendent position. When asked by Progress Times what caused the discontent, she paused and stuttered for 15 seconds before giving her answer. “Let me think how to say this,” she said before pausing again. “They [the board] were not supportive of administration. We didn’t see eye to eye on everything is the best way to say it.” With a 5-2 vote, Richter’s voluntary resignation was final at the special called meeting Monday night, following nearly an hour of debate in executive session. “I felt that it was in the best interest of everyone involved,” Richter said of her resignation. “If you attended some of the last board meet-

ings, you could sense some uneasiness and that’s not what I’m about.” Richter signed on as superintendent in 2012 and now will serve as a consultant during the interim period. Her contract expires June 30, 2015. Filomena Leo, former La Joya superintendent, starts full-time as the interim Oct. 6. Leo also served as the interim when former SISD superintendent Scott Owings resigned in 2012. Richter knew about a month ago that things weren’t going well, and when she felt it was no longer a “conducive environment” that’s when talk of her stepping down occurred. During the summer, the board initiated a climate survey on the district’s leadership and work environment. It was a unanimous agreement that Richter approved as well. “This was a way of get-

See RICHTER RESIGNS 11

TOP: Supporters of Virginia Richter, former superintendent of Sharyland ISD, display signs at the board’s Monday meeting before trustees accepted Richter’s resignation. All wearing blue, the supporters said they were from Richter’s former district, PSJA ISD. BOTTOM: Richter, right, is pictured with Board President Dr. Noel O. Garza. Progress Times photos by Lea Victoria Juarez

“I felt that it was in the best interest of everyone involved.” --Virginia Richter

Brownsville man wanted on outstanding warrants for sexual assault and kidnapping fled to Mexico with his 5-year-old daughter through the Anzalduas Bridge two months ago. The Department of Public Safety wasn’t able to issue an Amber Alert until well after Miguel Angel Flores had disappeared into Mexico, and local law enforcement agencies hope a movement to create a regional alert system will give officers the time they need to find missing people before they cross into Mexico. The Rio Grande Valley Regional Alert System would work in conjunction with the statewide Amber and silver alerts. In a news conference Wednesday, State Rep. Eddie Lucio III said he started thinking about developing a region-wide system when he was contacted “by a constituent who experienced losing a loved one because they weren’t found in time because they didn’t meet the criteria for a statewide alert system.” When he started investigating whether the statewide system needs to be changed, he found 17 regional systems across the state of Texas. “There are state alert systems, but it’s a one-size-fitsall for the entire state,” Lucio said. “However, we are very unique. We are on the border, and there are situations that occur that need to have a local response.” Lucio referenced his own 5-year-old girl as an inspiration for advocating the alert system. Wednesday, he announced the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office would oversee the system. The sheriff’s office will be the entity local law enforcement agencies

Sheriff Eddie Guerra

contact to issue the alerts. The regional system will cover Hidalgo, Cameron and Willacy counties and all agencies within the area are invited to participate, Sheriff Eddie Guerra said, adding that there is room to expand if Starr County wanted to be a part of the program. Guerra said it’s not uncommon for it to take an hour for an Amber Alert to be issued because of the strict state guidelines. A regional alert will allow for faster dissemination of information because a local entity will be overseeing it, he said, estimating the time could be cut to 15 or 20 minutes. “This regional alert system is going to be a very vital tool for us when minutes count, and we’re trying to find a missing person in all the counties down here on the border,” Guerra said. The sheriff’s office is willing to shoulder some of the personnel and software costs of the system, but Lucio said the system primarily would be funded through charitable donations and fundraisers, similar to local Crime Stoppers agencies. He has committed to donating money himself and during the news conference, Sergio Muñoz Jr., who helped de-

See MISSING PEOPLE 11

INSIDE

INDEX

Leo Najo Hall of Fame inductees

Monday last day to register to vote

County looks at financing new courthouse

In observance of Leo Najo Day, six former Valley baseball players will be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Along with statewide races, three La Joya ISD races are on the ballot as well as tax rate for hospital district.

Commissioners court may refinance bonds to free up $32 million for capital improvement projects.

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PalmFest Folklife Celebration

Coming Attractions

October 4 “Got Faith?” Music Fest begins at 6 p.m. at State Farm Arena in Hidalgo, featuring Francesca Battistelli, Sanctus Real, For King & Country, Jon Bauer and Kairy Marquez. Tickets are $20, $35, $50 and $75. Buy online at ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000. October 8 Tim McGraw makes a stop at State Farm Arena in Hidalgo for his Valley fans. The performance, featuring special guest Jana Kramer, begins at 8:30 p.m. Ticket prices range from $75 to $175 and are available at ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000. October 11 Individual and VIP tickets are available, along with sponsorship seating and special perks for the upcoming performance of Wynonna & the Big Noise. Opening band is Costello. Proceeds benefit the Sharyland ISD Education Foundation. It takes place at Las Palmas Race Park in on Bentsen Road in Mission. Individual tickets are $45 per person, and VIP tickets are $200. Sponsor tables for 10 are $2000, $5000, $7500 and $10,000, each with varying benefits. VIP tickets include a steak dinner, beverages and VIP seating. Purchase tickets at ticketfly.com, Cavender’s Western Outfitters, laspalmasracepark.com or at the Sharyland ISD administration by calling 580-5200, Ext. 1080. October 19 Q94.5 presents “Rocktoberfest” with 10 bands rocking the house: The Toadies, Buckcherry, Saliva, P.O.D., Drowning Pool, Devil You Know, Otherwise, Crobot, Eyes Set to Kill and Scare

Don’t Fear. Show starts at 2:30 p.m. at the Pharr Events Center, 3000 N. Cage. All tickets are general admission seating for $35. Purchase online at ticketmaster.com or call 800-745-3000. (Band line-up subject to change.) October 23 Ana Gabriel headlines at State Farm Arena in Hidalgo. Doors open at 7 p.m.; show starts at 8 p.m. Ticket prices range from $45 to $295 and are available at ticketmaster. com or by calling 800-7453000. October 24-26 The three-day Conjunto Music Festival sponsored by the Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center in San Benito features accordion-driven sounds featuring 17 of the top bands in the area and beyond. Events on Oct. 24 will run from 6 to 11 p.m. and will feature Conjunto Delta Boys, Los D Boyz, Los Morales Boyz, Los Badd Boyz and Tejano Boys. Music begins at 4 p.m. on Oct. 25 and features San Benito High School Conjunto Estrella, Conjunto Fuego, La Clica, Johnny Degollado y Su Conjunto, Los Monarcas de Pete y Mario Diaz and Mingo Saldivar y Sus 4 Espades. On Oct. 26, music again begins at 4 p.m. and will highlight Crystal N Crew, Chano Cadena y Su Conjunto, Los Layton, Los Fantasmas del Valle and Los Dos Gilbertos. For vendor/booth information, contact Yolanda Lopez at 571-3325, or for other information, Rogelio T. Nunez at 367-0335. No outside beverages or food allowed. Admission is $5 per day. The public should bring their own chairs for seating.

October 3, 2014 page 2 www.progresstimes.net NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

cALLEN – The eighth annual PalmFest International Folklife Celebration features an array of attractions this weekend on Oct. 4 and 5. It will be staged on the grounds and in the conference halls of the McAllen Convention Center at Ware Road and Expressway 83 from Noon to 11 p.m. on Saturday and Noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. PalmFest features major

offers variety entertainment

attractions, historical displays, car show, art, family games, rides and activities, cooking competitions and demonstrations, live entertainment, diverse food and beverage. Admission is $5 and kids under 12 are free. Parking is also free. There will be six live entertainment stages with a variety of local performers and musical talent. Performing on the Main Stage the line-up includes JB and the Moonshine Band, Marshall Law, Costello, John Slaughter Band, John Wolfe Band, Texas Legend and Time Machine. The Ballroom stage features the John O’Bryant Magic Show; Indian, Folkloric, Middle Eastern, Belly dancing and more. The Exhibit Hall B stage is set up for gunfighters, Victoriano Flores Trick Ropers, Sebastian Zarate Dancing

Horses and more. Individual acts on stage includes Mari Carmen Satana, Uriel Cruz, Marena Treviño, Jolselo Sanchez, DJ Mark and others. The McAllen Heritage Center museum of history and culture will feature the history of South Texas with displays inside the Convention Center. The outdoor Heritage Village features an authentic cowboy campsite, colorful American Indian Village complete with tipis and performances daily. Civil war re-enactors roam the festival grounds daily along with the revolutionary Pancho Villa. Inside displays include working artisans, potters and leather works and a larger rail exhibit, and the popular South Texas College Mother Goose story tellers will return for this year’s event.

See PalmFest 5

UVAL 2014 Member Exhibit is a dual celebration

he Oct. 11 opening of the Upper Valley Art League’s (UVAL) annual All-Member Exhibit will be a special occasion this year. It not only celebrates the unique work of approximately 50 talented artists, but also the birthday of its president, Maxilou Link, who turns 90 on Oct. 12. Approximately 50 talented UVAL artists will be featured, with over 100 works of art on display and for sale. Included will be a variety of oil, acrylic and watercolor paintings, sculptures, fiber art, assemblages, photography and ceramics. The members’ exhibit will be on display from Oct. 11 through Nov. 7. Visitors will be asked to select their favorite entry for the “Viewer’s Choice” award. The winning artist will be

recognized with a ribbon and certificate. The opening reception runs from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Kika de la Garza Fine Art Center located at 921 East 12th Street in Mission, next to Speer Memorial Library. It is free and open to the public to enjoy the original artwork, meet the artists, and also to share in the birthday celebration, for Maxilou Link. There will be light refreshments, including birthday cake. Link has been affiliated with the Upper Valley Art League for over 20 years and president for more than12. When offered the Kika de la Garza building in 2005, she jumped at the chance to bring the organization from McAllen to the City of Mission. Through her efforts, and with the support of the City

of Mission, the Upper Valley Art League and the Kika de la Garza fine Arts Center has become the venue for visual arts in the city. In 2012 she was named Mission’s “Woman of the Year.” “Maxilou is a virtual dynamo,” said Bev Allies, UVAL vice president. “Under her leadership the art league has thrived and expanded.” UVAL is one of the oldest non-profit organizations in the Rio Grande Valley, managed solely by volunteers. Since its beginning in 1935, this organization has been dedicated to cultivating the artistic growth of the community by offering classes and workshops in a variety of media for all ages. Classes are now held in the adjacent annex building, named the “Art-link” after Maxilou. She was only 11 years old when UVAL came into existence. Current board members are Link, president; Allies, vice president; Sherry Rundell, second vice president; Catherine Abel, secretary;

Birthday girl Maxilou Link

and Robert Rivera, treasurer. UVAL currently has 154 members and is open to the public. The annual membership dues are $30 for adults, $12.50 for students and $50 for family. Winter Texan artists have become an integral part of the program. The gift shop, located in the gallery, is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and Friday from 2 to 6 p.m. It features the sale of original art created by UVAL members. For more information, contact UVAL at 583-2787, via email at uval.texas@ gmail.com or go to www.uppervalleyartleague.org.

October 3, 2014

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Community leaders to be County considers financing options for capital needs, courthouse honored at annual banquet H

he selections have been made, but the identities will be a closely guarded secret until Thursday, Oct. 16, when the annual citizens awards will be presented at the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce Banquet. Meanwhile, folks can only guess who will be honored as Mr. Mission, First Lady of Mission, Man of the Year and Woman of the Year, presented annually by the Progress Times at the chamber banquet. But first, the chamber will introduce the 2014-15 board of directors to the members and community. After the board directors are introduced, the chamber will present the awards for Business of the Year, Business Leader of the Year, and Partner of the Year. The Progress Times and the Mission Chamber of Commerce have partnered together to have the citizens awards presented at the chamber’s annual membership banquet for the past nine years. Previously, the Progress Times coordinated a separate Mission Awards Showcase Banquet for the presentations. “We truly appreciate the excellent job George Myers and the chamber staff does each year putting together the annual banquet and allowing us to be a part of that as we present the citizens awards,” said Jim Brunson, publisher of the Progress Times. “This is one of the city’s premier events.” “This partnership between the Progress Times and the Chamber of Commerce in presenting these awards is

By Kathy Olivarez

LEFT: Sandra Vecchio -2012 First Lady of Mission; RIGHT: Beatriz Tijerina - 2013 First Lady of Mission

reflective of the unity and strength of this community,” said Myers, president and CEO of the Mission Chamber.  The event will take place from 6-9 p.m., Oct. 16 at Mario’s Banquet and Conference Center located at 1716 E. Griffin Parkway in Mission. With the banquet theme “Noche Española” guests will be entertained by a special Spanish dance performance by Soñia Chapa and Spanish music to fill the night. “The evening promises to be enjoyable and entertaining, so get your tickets now before they sell out,” said Paola Lopez, chamber vice president of tourism and events. Tickets are $100 per person. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

Navin Buxani, director of operations of Holiday Inn Express, will be introduced as the new chairman of the board. Retiring as chairman of the board is Rob Neagle, general manager of Main Event Entertainment. “Every year, the chamber comes together with the business community at its annual meeting to celebrate the previous year’s accomplishments and outline plans for the new year,” Myers said. “We have made great strides in 2014, and we look forward to accelerating the momentum of key initiatives that have established."  To purchase tickets or tables, contact the Mission Chamber office at 956.585.2727 or via email at events@missionchamber. com

idalgo County Commissioners Court heard a report from Estrada-Hinojosa for financing capital improvement needs for the County for 2015 and looked at possible financing for the proposed new courthouse at its Tuesday meeting. The firm of Estrada-Hinojosa told the court refinancing outstanding loans at lower interest rates and freeing cash on hand would give the county $32 million to do needed projects. By using certifications of obligation series 2014 for long-term assets, the county could get up $22 million for projects. By refinancing the 2014 tax notes for vehicles, road, parks and community center, another $6 million could be freed. The county could also get an additional $4 million to have as cash on hand by freeing $4 million of the $4.8 million the county received in a lawsuit for repairs to the county jail. All of the actions together would give the county the $32 million to work on projects. Proposed uses included $4 million for courthouse engineering fees, $3.75 million` for each of the four precincts to use for roads and equipment. The estimated cost of jail repairs is figured at $7 million, which would be entirely financed if the county chooses to release the $4 million being held for the project to be used for cash on hand. According to Sheriff Eddie Guerra, another $6 million is needed to replace about 160 older vehicles

with a minimum of 150,000 miles on each of them at an estimated $50,000 each, $8 million total. Those expenditures bring the total of capital improvements recommended to $32 million. Looking down the road at the courthouse, the court was told the new courthouse, based on an estimated $157 million current cost (not the $187 million projected final cost) combined with the cost of financing jail repairs would take about 72 percent of the budget for capital improvements. Being able to build the courthouse would include restructuring $28 million in debt for a $2 million savings. It would also include the promised 20 percent of the cost from the city of Edinburg. Estrada-Hinojosa also told commissioners it was possible to borrow money in order to have cash on hand for small projects. No decision has been made yet on whether to move ahead with the courthouse. Commissioners will consider the cost and decide later whether to move ahead after consulting with the city of Edinburg to see if it is still on board for 20 percent of the cost.

In other action, the court heard a report from the Hidalgo County Regional Mobility Authority on the proposed toll road. The section of the road from 0.85 miles east of FM 886 to 0.28 miles west of Shower Road, known as project 0050, is funded with state funds in the amount of $60 million and will be let in June 2015. Construction should be completed by July of 2018. It includes 8.30 miles of road. Project 0030, part of the toll road, is to be funded by the HCRMA and will receive local funds of $118.45 million while Texas 365 will be funded by PDA bonds of $115.85 million, requiring a Texas Department of Transportation reimbursement of $13.7 million for 10 years based on funding commitments of $112 million and $25 million in International Boundary Commission to cover costs. The project is to let in April of 2015 and be completed by June 2018. It includes FM 396 to US 281, approximately 12.22 miles of road. Segment three of SH 365, known as project 0033, not part of the toll road, will be funded by the HCRMA. The

See FINANCIAL OPTIONS 11

opinion

October 3, 2014 page 4 www.progresstimes.net NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

Crime Prevention Month: Be proactive in response to data security breaches By Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott

ach October, National Crime Prevention Month encourages communities across the country to make crime prevention a priority. As part of this worthy endeavor, the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) reminds Texans to renew their focus on protecting their identities and financial data. Texas residents who have been impacted by recently announced data security breaches affecting retailers nationwide should take proactive steps to protect themselves from identity theft. To prevent damage to their credit, Texans who shopped at the affected stores should affirmatively monitor their credit reports, learn about their rights under Texas law and utilize the credit monitoring services that the affected retailers have made available to them. For example, Home Depot announced in September 2014 that the information of customers who used debit or credit cards at its U.S. stores was impacted by a data breach. The retailer is offering free identity theft and credit monitoring services to customers who register for those services either by calling (800) HOME-DEPOT or sign up online at https://homedepot. allclearid.com. The OAG is actively participating in multistate investigations of the data breaches and urges Texans who have been affected by these security breaches to consider taking the following actions. • Check their credit card and debit card accounts regularly. Even if their information has not been used, it is critical for Texans to monitor their accounts for any suspicious activity such

as charges they don’t remember making. If they notice any errors, they should immediately notify their credit or debit card provider – by phone and in writing. •Change PIN numbers and passwords for any affected accounts. •Place an initial fraud alert on their credit report. Contact one of the three major credit reporting agencies — Experian, Equifax or TransUnion — to place an initial fraud alert, which will stay on their credit report for 90 days. The alert is free of charge and will make it more difficult for someone to open credit in their name. The person’s credit file will be flagged and if someone attempts to open a credit account in his or her name, increase the limit on an existing account or obtain a new card on an existing account, the creditors should take steps to verify that the person has authorized the request. •Obtain their free credit report at www.annualcreditreport.com or by calling (877) 322-8228. (These are the only sites which provide a free credit report.) Individuals are entitled to one free credit report per year from each of the three major credit reporting agencies. Individuals can pull all three at once or stagger their requests so they can review their reports throughout the year. •If they determine they are an ID theft victim, they should file an identity theft complaint with local law enforcement, obtain a copy of that report and consider obtaining a security freeze. Under Texas law, if individuals provide the credit reporting agency with their police report, there is no charge for a freeze. A freeze on an individual’s file pre-

vents credit reporting agencies from releasing his or her credit report to a credit grantor unless the person first gives his or her permission. (Certain exceptions apply so that for example, companies the person already does business with – such as his or her mortgage or cell phone company – will still have access to the person’s report.) •Go to the OAG’s ID Theft website and review the Identity Theft Victim’s Kit found at www.texasfightsidtheft.gov. The website kit is designed to help victims navigate the process of protecting their credit and includes relevant forms and agency contact information. •Go to the website of the affected retailers and find out how their customers might be impacted and what services may be offered to them as a result. For example, Target announced in December 2013 and January 2014 that the information of approximately 70 million customers was impacted by a data breach and is offering free credit monitoring to all customers of its U.S. stores who register for that monitoring service at www.creditmonitoring.target.com. •File a complaint of identity theft with the U.S. Department of Justice, which has the authority to prosecute identity theft at the federal level. Texans can report ID theft to federal authorities and receive additional assistance with identity theft-related issues through the Federal Trade Commission by calling (877) IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338), or visit the agency’s website at www.ftc.gov. • File a complaint with the Texas Attorney General at www.texasattorneygeneral.gov and learn more about identity theft at www.texasfightsidtheft.gov.

By Ed Sterling Texas Press Association

STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

USTIN — A debate scheduled Sept. 29 pits Leticia Van de Putte, D-San Antonio, and Dan Patrick, R-Houston, two state senators who are vying to succeed David Dewhurst as lieutenant governor in 2015. Van de Putte, a pharmacist in private life, has served in the Senate since 1999. Patrick, a radio talk show host, was first elected to the Senate in 2009. Whoever wins will preside over the Senate. On Sept. 30, a second debate between state Sen. Wendy Davis, D-Fort Worth, and Republican Greg Abbott, Texas attorney general, gives voters another look at the two competing to succeed Rick Perry as Texas’ next governor. “Now is also a good time to check your registration to make sure you are prepared for Election Day on Nov. 4,” Secretary of State Nandita Berry said Sept. 23. Unregistered voters have until Oct. 6 to get registered, she added, and some 13.6 million Texans already are registered to vote. Early voting begins Oct. 20 and ends Oct. 31. Perry helps break ground Gov. Rick Perry on Sept. 22 participated in a groundbreaking ceremony for the SpaceX Commercial Launch Facility near Boca Chica Beach, adjacent to Brownsville, which will launch commercial satellites into Earth orbit. Perry said the groundbreaking “is the result of years of cooperation between Texas and SpaceX” and his office’s Texas Enterprise Fund “was instrumental in bringing SpaceX to Texas, with a $2.3 million grant in August that will bring 300 jobs and create $85 million in capital investment in South Texas.” The State of Texas also is offering $13 million from its

Spaceport Trust Fund to the Cameron County Spaceport Development Corp., Perry said. Elon Musk, SpaceX chief executive and chief designer, said, “With today’s groundbreaking at Boca Chica, we will begin an investment in South Texas that will create hundreds of jobs and over time contribute hundreds of millions of dollars into the local economy.” Governor will not appear Visiting state district Judge Bert Richardson on Sept. 26 granted Gov. Perry’s request to be excused from a pretrial hearing scheduled for Oct. 13. Perry was indicted last month by a Travis County grand jury on felony charges of official oppression and abuse of office. The charges stem from the governor’s threat to veto legislation funding the state’s public integrity unit in 2013 unless Travis County District Attorney Rosemary Lehmberg resigned, following her arrest for driving while intoxicated. Lehmberg, who heads the unit, refused to resign and Perry vetoed the unit’s funding. Energy report is released State Comptroller Susan Combs on Sept. 23 released a report that she said urges policymakers and elected officials “to discontinue costly subsidies and tax breaks driving development of new electricity generation and allow a more market-driven approach to providing reliable power to millions of Texas consumers when they need it most.” In the report titled “Texas Power Challenge: Getting the Most From Your Energy Dollars,” Combs also said she “challenges the wind energy industry to ensure taxpayers and ratepayers are not double-burdened with infrastructure costs and tax

subsidies for power sources that are intermittent.” “It’s time for wind to stand on its own two feet,” Combs said. “Billions of dollars of tax credits and property tax limitations on new generation helped grow the industry, but today they give it an unfair market advantage over other power sources.” Searchers work in Brooks The Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas State Guard announced Sept. 19 they have special search teams to assist the Brooks County Sheriff’s Office with locating and recovering human remains in remote areas north of the Texas-Mexico border. According to the announcement, the majority of the remains are suspected to be those of illegal immigrants who died attempting to avoid detection while entering the United States. The first of these search missions began this week and will continue through the weekend.” ‘No Child’ waiver extended Texas Education Commissioner Michael Williams on Sept. 22 announced the U.S. Department of Education granted his request to extend the state’s conditional waiver from specific provisions of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (commonly known as the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001). The extension will run through the 2014-2015 school year pending approval of the agency’s proposal for new teacher and principal evaluation and support systems in Texas. The systems are a specific component of the federal waiver and are scheduled to be piloted in school districts and charters during the 2014-2015 school year.

Judge rules in favor of Texas comptroller in lawsuit regarding dunes sagebrush lizard

exas Comptroller Susan Combs applauded yesterday’s ruling by the United States District Court for the District of Columbia that struck down a lawsuit brought by environmental groups. Defenders of Wildlife and the Center for Biological Diversity had asked the court to require the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to reconsider its June 2012 decision not to list the dunes sagebrush lizard (DSL) as endangered. The decision comes as a huge victory for the Texas Conservation Plan (TCP) for the DSL. Comptroller Combs was instrumental in the development of the TCP for the DSL. Combs worked with a broad group of stakeholders, including private property owners, oil and gas companies, agricultural interests, biologists, and state and federal agencies, to provide protection for the DSL while allowing continued economic activity in the Permian Basin, a region that accounts for 57 percent of Texas’ total crude oil production and supports 47,000 oil and gas-related jobs.

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with Fish and Wildlife on the plan including enrollment, research conducted, allowed disturbances and conservation activities by regularly and transparently sharing aggregated information with FWS both through required monthly and annual reports (both publicly available) as well as other communications. At the time of FWS’ initial decision not to list the DSL, U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar lauded the TCP, calling it “a great example of how states and landowners can take early, landscape-level action to protect wildlife habitat before a species is listed under the Endangered Species Act.” Currently more than 227,000 gross acres and more than 108,000 habitat acres are enrolled in the plan, and 575 acres of land have been used for conservation. Only 30.6 acres of habitat have been disturbed by those enrolled; that is 1.4 percent of the total amount allowed for the first three years. Additional information is provided to the public on a Comptroller-run website, www.KeepingTexasFirst.org

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✩

Bryan Rd.

In his ruling Judge Rudolph Contreras noted “the Court finds that the FWS’s withdrawal decision rested on ‘the best scientific and commercial data available,’ as required by the ESA.” Contreras added that environmental groups “proffer no scientifically superior data from the administrative record that FWS failed to consider.” “I am very happy with the judge’s decision,” Combs said. “It supports our basic belief that the TCP provides appropriate conservation for the lizard and reaffirms that the research conducted by Texas A&M University about the DSL helped to provide Fish and Wildlife the best scientific data available to make the decision not to list the species as endangered.” The plaintiffs also argued the DSL was not being protected because the Combs-led TCP for the DSL was voluntary in nature, and the partners to the plan were providing too little information to FWS. According to Combs and Contreras, this is simply not the case. The Comptroller’s office maintains frequent reporting

Expressway 83

★

MISSION NURSING HOME

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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lifestyle

October 3, 2014 page 5 www.progresstimes.net NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

BETWEEN THE BOOKENDS

Events Calendar Oct ober 4 – The Sixth Annual Mission Pink Walk/Run for Breast Cancer

Awareness and Prevention kicks off at Mission Regional Medical Center. Registration fees are $10 for children ages 7 to 12; $15 for teenagers, ages 13-17; $25 for adults over age 18; and $10 for breast cancer survivors. Registration will still be available starting at 6:30 a.m. For more information, visit www.MissionPink.org or call the hospital marketing department at 323-1150. Oct ober 4 - The Special Olympics Texas (SOTX) Fire Truck Pull will be staged at the McAllen Convention Center at 12 p.m. A Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) fundraiser, it is open to the public. The event wraps up with a ceremony and awards going to the Fastest Team Pull (first, second and third place), Most Money Raised by a Team, and Most Money Raised by an Individual. The entry fee is $300 per team of 10 or $30 per person. For more information, contact Gloria Cruz at gcruz@sotx.org, Lauro Garza at lgarza@sotx.org or 630-3434. Oct ober 4 – Take a guided kayak tour of the Laguna Madre from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. sponsored by the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, 22688 Buena Vista Blvd., Los Fresnos. Learn basic kayaking skills. All equipment and training provided. Cost is $30 for adults and $25 for ages 8 to 12. Call 748-3607, Ext. 111, to make a reservation. Oct ober 9 – Buckets of Fun, “Fun with Water,” runs from 10 to 11 a.m. at Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset in McAllen, for preschool children and their parents. Admission is $3 for adults and $2 for kids and seniors. Javier De Leon, TPDW, will speak from 6 to 7 p.m. on “Butterflies of the RGV.” Admission is $3 per person. Call 681-3370 for more information. Oct ober 11 – Aglow International Mission Spanish Lighthouse Chapter will hold their monthly meeting at Taco Ole Restaurant, 2316 N. Conway in Mission from 6 to 8 p.m. This month’s speaker will be Juanita Villarreal. She has been a pastor for 34 years and is currently the pastor at Liberty Temple in Eldora Road in Phar. For more information, call Esthela Villarreal at 655-1119 or Connie Escamilla at 279-7887. Oct ober 11 – Jessica Monroe will lead a series of children’s art classes, “Fall into Art,” beginning Oct. 11 at the Upper Valley Art League, 921 E. 12th in Mission. Geared for ages 7 to 10 years, it runs for six weeks on Saturdays from 1:30 to 3 p.m., ending Nov. 15. Students will use a variety of materials to explore color, texture, pattern and rhythm. Cost is $120 for the six sessions, plus a one-time $15 supply fee. A minimum of five students is needed for the class to make. To sign up, contact Maxilou Link at maxiloulink88@gmail.com or Monroe at jmonroeart@gmail.com. Oct ober 11 – The Rio Grande Valley Quilt Guild meets 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at South Texas College, 400 N. Border in Weslaco, Building G, Room 191. Use parking Lot 1. For additional information, call Rene Darkis at 812-890-1572. Oct ober 11 – Come develop writing skills and share the results with other creative writers at 6:30 p.m.at the Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center at 225 E. Stenger in San Benito. Participation is free. For more information, call 350-3905. Oct ober 11 – San Benito Market Days runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Batts Street & Railroad Tracks with vendors, live music and food. Call 361-3804, Ext. 302 or 304, for more information. Oct ober 11 – Take a guided kayak tour of the Laguna Madre from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. sponsored by the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, 22688 Buena Vista Blvd., Los Fresnos. Learn basic kayaking skills. All equipment and training provided. Cost is $30 for adults and $25 for ages 8 to 12. Call 748-3607, Ext. 111, to make a reservation. Oct ober 14 – The South Texas United Auto Workers Retirees meet at 10:30 a.m. at Elks Lodge #1889, 1426 S. Commerce St. in Harlingen. Oct ober 16 – Buckets of Fun, “Fun with Rocks,” runs from 10 to 11 a.m. at Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset in McAllen, for preschool children and their parents. Admission is $3 for adults and $2 for kids and seniors. From 6 to 7 p.m., come for the Fossil Trail grand opening featuring Dinosaur George. Admission is $3 per person. Call 681-3370 for more information. Oct ober 18 – The Sharyland Pioneer High School Diamond Belles Booster Club will hold a Chalup Bingo fundraiser from 1 to 3 p.m. in the La Hacienda subdivision clubhouse. It is located at the northwest corner of Glasscock and Griffin Parkway (FM 495) in Mission. Cost is $10 for two cards. A concession stand will be available to purchase snacks. To see an extended Events Calendar for the coming weeks, go to www.progresstimes.net.

By William Renner

Robert Granados and Sammy Rivera

Alton Memorial Jr. High teachers receive special invite

n less than two years, students from Alton Memorial Jr. High School’s (AMJH) after school robotics program have made a name for themselves not only in the region, but also at the national level when their team placed 10th at the National Science Bowl competition. This success also caught the attention of officials at Lego, which is the robotics platform used by the school. Lego has invited teachers Robert Granados and Sammy Rivera to present at the annual Texas Computer Educators Association (TCEA) conference to be held in February 2015. The pair also happens to be brothers. They said they are honored by the invitation to present and are now excited to represent Mission CISD at the conference. While they are looking forward to sharing with others at the state conference, they said they really want to take advantage of networking with other teachers in the state to learn more. They feel the opportunity is about everyone sharing their ideas

PalmFest from pg 2

The Fajita Cookoff will be back with five cooking categories: frijoles, pan de campo, mollejas, and traditional and gourmet fajitas. The “El Mercado” arts and crafts outdoor shopping and there will be paddle boats to rent in the reflecting pond. For general PalmFest information contact the McAllen Convention Center at 681-3800.

and bringing them back to their own schools and students. Some of the topics the Granados and Rivera plan to share include tools on working together with other content areas to incorporate them into the Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM) base; how they incorporate the state curriculum into what they do; and how programs like this can give students another way to be a part of something through the after school activity. The main focus is to help teachers who are new to robotics incorporate it into their classrooms. In the meantime, the success of the robotics teams at AMJH is resulting in an increase in students who are becoming interested. Granados and Rivera said so many are interested that they are holding tryouts for the after-school program. While STEM driven instruction and robotics grows at AMJH, Granados and Rivera said they have also been helping spread robotics at some of the elementary schools that feed into their school and are also supporting their students as they move on to high school.

he public is invited to Speer Memorial Library in Mission, on Tuesday, Oct. 14, at 6:30 p.m., for a discussion of the book “The Wednesday Sisters.” It takes place in the library’s Community Room. On a Wednesday morning in 1967, a group of women, their young children in tow, meet one another in a park— an inauspicious beginning to a friendship that will endure for decades. They come to the park every Wednesday, and as the weeks go by the women discover their shared interest in literature, and their shared aspiration to be writers. As the years pass and their children grow, Frankie, Linda, Kath, Ally and Brett turn their meetings into The Wednesday Sisters Writing Society, helping one another express their sentiments through novels, short stories, and poetry, while the great issues of their day—the Vietnam War and women’s liberation, among others—challenge their fundamental assumptions about

themselves and society. Along the way, they also extend emotional support and encouragement to one another throughout the illnesses, heartbreaks, successes, and failures that change their personal lives. Written by Meg Waite Clayton, and first published in 2008, the book is a moving and heartwarming novel about friendship and love, narrated by the character Frankie and set in the San Francisco Bay area in an era of tremendous social upheaval. A comment by Frankie captures the essence of the story: “It makes me a little sad when I look back on it, to think how very many women didn’t have Wednesday Sisters, to wonder who they might have become if they had.” Copies of the book are available for check out to those who sign up for the book discussion. Stop by the library, call at 580-8754 or email reference@missiontexas.us to reserve a copy. This title is also available as an eBook at http://mission.lib. overdrive.com.

Singing their songs Singing in the choir is not just a girl thing, according to Kat Callaway, MHS choir director. That is one of the main ideas behind a new choral group at Mission High School, “Surround Sound.” The purpose is to encourage more young men in the district to join a choir program and experience singing in a choral group. Besides school functions, the group is available to perform at community events and during the upcoming holiday season. Anyone interested in booking the group can contact Callaway at 323-8098, or through email at kjcallaw@mcisd.org. Surround Sound members pictured here are performing the National Anthem at the recent 9/11 memorial 5K event at the Mission Hike and Bike Trails. They are, left to right, J.J. Gaitan, Joel Guerrero, Frankie Chaires, Chris Barboza, Oscar Salinas, Esai Balderas and Xavier Alonzo.

October 3, 2014

page 6

PALMVIEW looking for some payback against

MISSION

By Ed Salas

hile La Joya Palmview looks to avenge their previous two season’s losses against Mission on Friday in the Lobos’ District 30-6A home opener at 7:30 p.m. at Pack Stadium, the Eagles hope to recover from their home opening loss to McAllen last week and leave it in the past. “They’re a pretty good defensive team, I can’t take that away from Coach Peña,” Palmview head coach Margarito Requenez said. “Their offense is there; they just had some offensive miscues (against McAllen). We’ll probably be playing in the rain again and they’re out to win.” “What I’ve been telling my ball club is that you have to be prepared,” he added. “Yes, they have a losing record, but that’s not the team

that we’re facing. We’re facing a well coached team, a disciplined team and that’s what I’m harping on. The last two seasons they’ve beaten us by a score of 12 points combined and we’re out for some revenge.” Palmview (2-1-1) is coming off a 7-7 overtime tie against Roma. The game was called due to lightning. The Lobos lost to Mission 21-19 in 2012 and again last season 23-13. Before then, Palmview defeated the Eagles 25-7 in 2011 and 42-28 in 2010. The all-time series is tied 2-2. Prior to last week’s tie with the Gladiators, Palmview lost a heartbreaker to Rio Grande City 14-9. “We lost against Rio, but that’s because we lost so many fumbles and dropped some critical passes. It should’ve been a different score,” Requenez explained. “Against Rio we ran the ball whenever we wanted to, but the fumbles killed us.” Unlike Mission, the Lobos have only suffered one injury so far this season. Palmview lost starting quarterback Andrew Puente, who

More Sports ONLINE

Mission, Sharyland and La Joya football game highlights are online at www.progresstimes.net

Above: Eagle junior Marc Garcia breaks up field for short yardage during Mission’s 48-7 district loss to McAllen High last Friday night. Left: Eagle quarterback Jesus Cuellar passes for short yardage during Mission’s 48-7 district loss to McAllen High last Friday night. Progress Times photos by Doug Young

has been substituted by a committee of three backups that will most likely be rotated against the Eagles (1-4). “We’ve been very lucky, the only player we lost was our starting QB,” Requenez said. “Without a signal caller in there, it’s a different ball game. We’ve put in our backups and rotated them. We’ve had two weeks to get our quarterback back and healthy, we’ll play it by ear once we play Mission. Hopefully, we can sit him out another week until we play La Joya.” On the other side of the ball Friday will be a recovering Eagles squad looking to survive another day and win just enough games to creep into the playoffs. “I told them that once you’re in district that’s your second season and in our district if you can win three games, hopefully you can slide into the playoffs,” Mission head coach Mario Peña said. “Ultimately, that’s one of the goals we have is to make the playoffs and anything can happen on any

given Friday. In football you got to have a short memory, we got to let go of what happened against McAllen. They’re a good football team and we have to learn from our mistakes.” In addition to Mission’s miscues in the 48-7 loss to the Bulldogs, the Eagles lost four players to injury over the course of the game. “Our mistakes was something I’m not used to seeing, but when we got banged up and we had to replace some of those players, the guys that came in were a little lost, especially on defense,” Peña said. “We gave up a lot of third and longs and you can’t do that against a good football team, that’s definitely something we’ve got to clean up. We also have to keep the defense off the field. We can’t be playing one side of the ball, we need to play a complete game.” A complete game is what the Eagles hope to put together against the Lobos and extend their dominance over Palmview to three seasons. “They understand that

“We can’t be playing one side of the ball, we need to play a complete game.” --Mario Peña

was our first game in district and they need to let go,” Peña said. “The mistakes we made

need to be corrected and they understand that and are ready to play on Friday night.”

Prep Schedule

Friday District Football – Oct. 3 La Joya High at McAllen High (TH) 7:00 p.m. Sharyland Pioneer at Rio Grande City 7:30 p.m. Sharyland at Mission Veterans 7:30 p.m. Mission at Palmview 7:30 p.m. Juarez-Lincoln – Bye Saturday Volleyball – Oct. 4 Mission High at McAllen Memorial 12:00 p.m. Veterans Memorial at Edinburg Vela 12:00 p.m. Sharyland High at Rio Grande City 12:00 p.m. La Joya High at Juarez-Lincoln 12:00 p.m. Palmview at McAllen High 12:00 p.m. Sharyland Pioneer – Bye Tuesday Volleyball – Oct. 7 La Joya High at McAllen Memorial Mission High at McAllen High Nikki Rowe at Juarez-Lincoln Sharyland High at Edinburg Vela Sharyland Pioneer at Valley View Veterans Memorial, Palmview – Bye

6:30 6:30 6:30 7:00 7:00

p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m.

October 3, 2014

www.progresstimes.net | www.sharylandtimes.com

page 7

RATTLERS AND PATRIOTS SET TO CLASH

By Luciano Guerra

fter a non-district loss to Laredo Alexander in Week 4, the Sharyland Rattlers lost their No. 1 ranking among Valley teams as they prepared to take on the Edinburg Vela Sabercats at Richard Thompson Stadium last Friday night. But it didn’t take the Rattlers long to regain their lofty perch atop the rankings as their 2724 come-from-behind victory over the Sabercats has them ranked No. 1 once again. While most coaches will say that rankings are nothing more than fodder for fans to brag about, the fact that a team that Sharyland defeated rather handily in Week 1, the McAllen Memorial Mustangs, had overtaken Coach Ron Adame’s Rattlers at the top of the rankings could’ve

been just the motivation his boys needed to emerge victorious over the young but talented Sabercats. In any case, Adame did find a silver lining to the loss that caused his team to drop to No. 2. “I think the Alexander loss was a blessing in disguise,” said Adame. “I think it refocused our whole program and we saw how we have to finish games. Last week we let that game slip away in the fourth quarter and I’d rather that happen in a non-district game than late in the season or in the playoffs.” Sharyland senior quarterback Lance Madden played a big part in last week’s win that got the Rattlers off to a 1-0 District 31-5A start. Not only did he pull off a 68-yard touchdown run in the third quarter to regain the lead against the Sabercats, but he

completed nine of 18 passes for 200 yards and two touchdowns and ran the ball 18 times for 167 yards and two more touchdowns. After the game, Adame said of Madden’s play, “Lance has definitely stepped it up. He’s been running this system since the seventh grade, so the chemistry is there …. He’s making a lot of plays with his legs; he’s seeing the field well and he’s dumping off passes to outlets that we have built-in on running plays. They were keying on him tonight but he’s hot right now.” While defeating the Sabercats was quite a hurdle for the Rattlers to overcome en route to what could be the third straight district title under Adame, tonight’s game against the sixth-ranked Veterans Memorial High School (VMHS) Patriots is shaping up to be just as tough a matchup for Sharyland. With non-district wins over Mission, Juarez-Lincoln and PSJA North, a loss to Odessa Permian and a bye last week, Coach David Gilpin’s Patriots will be opening their district schedule against

Sharyland tonight having had two weeks to prepare. Gilpin knows that his boys will have their hands full as they take on the Madden-led Rattlers. “We’ve watched Sharyland from a distance over the last couple of years but now that they’re in our district we’ve been able to get a firsthand look at them and they are definitely legit,” Gilpin said. “The split into two high schools has had virtually no effect on them this year, except possibly for having less depth. They are No. 1 and they deserve to be No. 1 and as I said going into the season, ‘Until somebody beats them they’re the No. 1 team.’” “Sharyland is simply at a different level than other Valley teams when it comes to their athleticism and their speed,” added Gilpin. “And they’ve got weapons all over the field – offensively, defensively and on special teams. You always have this mentality of not letting one guy beat you but the problem with Sharyland is that if you stop (Sean) Landez you’ve got Madden, you stop Madden

See CLASH 10

SIX to be inducted into Leo Najo Hall of Fame

By Luciano Guerra ix former Valley baseball players will be the newest members inducted into the Leo Najo Hall of Fame tomorrow. In a ceremony to be held in conjunction with the 43rd annual observance of Leo Najo Day, Juan Barrera, Oscar De Luna and Jake Longoria, Jr. of Mission, Richard Flores of Edinburg, Oscar “Blackie” Hernandez of San Juan and Sonny Paz of Pharr will all be honored for the contributions they made to the sport of baseball in the Rio Grande Valley. Leo Najo Day president Vicente Estevis said the ceremonies will be held at the Mission Community Center starting at 11 a.m. with dinner to be served at 12 noon. “Our committee and the City of Mission honors the memory of Leo Najo, one of the greatest baseball players in the Valley, the United States and Mexico,” ex-

plained Estevis. “At the same time we honor old-timers by inducting them into the Leo Najo Hall of Fame. “This will be our 43rd annual observance of Leo Najo Day,” added Estevis. “We normally honor anywhere from seven to 10 inductees each year and we recognize one or two others with special recognition.” With so many former Valley baseball players to choose from, those selected for induction are considered as the most deserving by the Leo Najo Day organization. “We are very fortunate to have even more potential candidates for induction than the six we are honoring but unfortunately time does not permit us to do more,” Estevis said. “Those we are honoring have placed the Rio Grande Valley on a very nice pedestal as far as their playing was concerned. We have civic leaders such as Mr. Jake Longoria. Jr. who was a coach, we have an outstand-

Sharyland junior wide receiver Seth Carter crosses the goal line as he scores the Rattlers’ second touchdown of the game. Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra

ing former football coach and athletic director at Edinburg High School who was also an excellent baseball player in Richard Flores. Juan Barrera and Oscar De Luna distinguished themselves playing for Mission High School and the 30-30 Club. Oscar “Blackie” Hernandez was the winning pitcher in the 1963 state semi-professional baseball tournament in Lubbock, and Sonny Paz was a very successful pitcher for Pharr-San-Juan-Alamo High School and Pan American University.” Besides the six former players being honored at tomorrow’s ceremony, three non-players will be receiving “Special Recognition” status as well – two of them posthumously. They are Mission Mayor Norberto “Beto” Salinas and Jim and Jerry McKone. “The City of Mission has been very helpful and generous by letting us use the Mission Community Center to hold our event and Mayor Salinas has been very nice to our organization and has been very active as well,” said Estevis. “Jim McKone was the Sports Information Director for Pan American University for many years. His wife Jerry also worked for the college and for some newspapers. Unfortunately, they both passed away within a week of each other this past July. I have contacted their daughter who lives in San

Antonio and she is planning on attending the event.” Leo Najo was born Leonardo Alanis on February 17, 1899 in the small town of La Lajilla, Nuevo Leon, located across the border from Zapata. When he was 10 his mother moved the family to Mission where he lived until his passing in 1979. “At a very young age Najo was playing baseball with boys that were much older than he was and his incredible skills were recognized very quickly and he soon began to play with adults,” explained Estevis. “In 1923, he signed to play professionally for the San Antonio Bears of the Class A Texas League. He was so good that he became the franchise of the team because people would fill the stadium just to see him play. Subsequently, the Chicago White Sox contracted him for one year but San Antonio clamored for his return because their attendance dropped so drastically without him so the White Sox lent him back to San Antonio.” “He was the first Hispanic to play U.S. professional baseball,” added Estevis. “So when people ask me who Leo Najo was I tell them that he is to the Hispanics what Jackie Robinson is to the blacks.” Admission to tomorrow’s induction ceremony is free with lunch costing $7 per plate. Refreshments, including water and other beverages, will be available.

page 8

www.progresstimes.net | www.sharylandtimes.com

October 3, 2014

Man faces MONDAY LAST DAY FOR VOTER REGISTRATION manslaughter charge S everal items on the November ballot will affect residents locally and countywide, and Monday is the deadline to register to vote. Not only are key statewide seats, like the governor’s and lieutenant governor’s offices, up for grabs, but the Hidalgo County Sheriff will be on the ballot as well as the 92nd District Court judge bench. Three trustees on La Joya Independent School District Board are up for reelection and all have opposition. Not only is there a proposition on the ballot to implement an 8-cent tax rate for the Hidalgo County Hospital District, but also local activists are working on a petition to call a rollback election on the proposed South Texas College 3.5cent tax increase. Early voting begins Monday, Oct. 20, and ends Friday, Oct. 31. Election Day is

Tuesday, Nov. 4. Qualified voters are U.S. citizens who will be 18 by Election Day; residents of the county in which they register; not convicted felons (unless a person's sentence is completed, including any probation or parole); and not declared mentally incapacitated by a court of law. Voter registration applications are available at local voter registration offices and many post offices, libraries, the Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Department of Human Services offices and the Texas Secretary of State's website, http://www.sos.state.tx.us/ elections/voter/reqvr.shtml. Texans who want to find out if they are already registered should visit http:// votetexas.gov/. Voters who have not received their voter registration cards or who need to change names or addresses also should contact their local voter registrars. Texans who vote in person are required to show one of the following forms of photo ID at the polls: • Texas driver's license—unexpired or expired no longer than 60 days at the time of voting • Texas personal identification card—unexpired or expired no longer than 60 days at the time of voting • Texas concealed handgun license—unexpired or expired no longer than 60 days at the time of voting • U.S. passport book or card—unexpired or expired no longer than 60 days at the time of voting • U.S. Military identification with photo—unexpired or expired no longer than 60 days at the time of voting • U.S. Citizenship Certificate or Certificate of Naturalization with photo Those who do not have any of these types of ID may apply for a free Election Identification Certificate (EIC) at driver's license offices and EIC mobile locations.

in Sullivan City shooting

27-yearold man h a s been charged with manslaughter after he said his gun went off while he was cleaning it, killing his 25-yearold girlfriend, according to the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office. Sullivan City police officers responded to a house on Loma Street on Friday, Sept. 26, around 9 p.m. and found Federico Cantu pulling a woman out of the house. The woman, Viridiana Hernandez, appeared to have been shot in the face, states a criminal complaint. Cantu told officers it was an

accident that occurred while cleaning the weapon. Hernandez was pronounced dead at a local hospital by Hidalgo County Pct. 3, Place 1 Justice of the Peace Luis Garza, who also ordered an autopsy. The Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office took over the investigation at the request of the Sullivan City Police Department. Hidalgo County Pct. 2, Place 2 Justice of the Peace Rosa Trevino arraigned Cantu earlier this week and set a $500,000 bond.

Former deputy sentenced for laundering $40 million

cALLEN–Robert Ricardo Maldonado, 49, of Weslaco, has been sentenced to federal prison following his conviction of conspiracy to commit money laundering, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson. Maldonado was a former deputy with the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office. He pleaded guilty Monday, May 12. This week, U.S. District Judge Randy Crane, who accepted the guilty plea, handed Maldonado a total sentence of 12 years in prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court found the relevant conduct to be $40 million worth of drug proceeds Maldonado laundered over several years. From 2001 to November

2013, Maldonado transported currency derived from the distribution of narcotics from various destinations including Detroit, Chicago, Birmingham and elsewhere to the Rio Grande Valley. Maldonado was a paid a percentage of the total amount of the currency transported. He then utilized these funds to purchase various properties and assets. Previously released on bond, Maldonado was permitted to remain on bond and surrender later this month. The investigation leading to the charges was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant United States Attorney James Sturgis is prosecuting the case.

October 3, 2014

obituaries

Howard Lee Reese ISSION - Howard Lee Reese, Jr., 84, of Mission, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014. Mr. Reese was born in Houston. He retired after serving 23 years with the Houston Fire Department. He was a veteran of the Korean Conflict and played in the 531st Air Force band during his time of service. He played the trombone professionally with several bands in the Houston area, including the Bob Smith Orchestra, the E.C. Holland Band and the Ed Gerlach Orchestra. He also played with The Heartbeats, a band composed primarily of cardiologists in the Houston area, which regularly played at social functions benefitting the Texas Heart Institute and other local charities. Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Lucille Reese; sons, Kyle Reese and Eric Reese; daughters, Margaret Walker and Toni Trevino; and nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death

Ronald Ray Smith anuary 2, 1934 – September 28, 2014 Ronald R. Smith, 80, of Bryan, passed away peacefully Sunday, September 28, 2014 at Hospice Brazos Valley in Bryan, Texas. A private Celebration of Life will be held in his honor at a later time. Cremation services are in the care of Callaway-Jones Funeral Home and Crematory. Ronald was born January 2, 1934, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Ronald C. and Viola M. Smith. He served honorably in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. In addition to spending time with family, Ronald enjoyed golf, fishing, playing cards, Dallas Cowboys and Texas A&M football. He leaves behind his loving wife of 53 years, Lauralee Smith of Bryan; daughters and sons-in-law, April and Robert Eyeington of College Station, Tammy Smith Hall of Austin, Wendy Smith Jack of Luling,

by his mother, Joyce Klapeski; step-father, Stanley Klapeski; and father, Howard Lee Reese Sr. A celebration of life service will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association at www.heart.org or the Houston Firefighters Foundation at www.fffhouston.com or by mail at The Fire Fighters Foundation of Houston, One Houston Center, 1221 McKinney St., Suite 2100, Houston, TX 77010. Oralia S. Rivas ralia S. Rivas, 86, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2014. She was born on April 8, 1928 in Los Ebanos. Mrs. Rivas held bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education, taught in the classroom and worked at Region One during her career. Survivors include her children, Roel Rivas, Aaron J. Rivas, George Rivas and Pamela Rivas; siblings, Dahlia Ochoa, Fausto Sali-

Stephanie and Montie Bland of China Spring; sister and brother-in-law, Linda and David Lahre of Rockford, Illinois; eleven grandchildren and four great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for contributions to Hospice Brazos Valley at 502 W. 26th St., Bryan, TX 77803. The family extends special thanks to Brazos Valley Hospice Inpatient Facility, all the Hospice Nurses and to Ronald’s caregiver Rolanda Ginn for all their help.

nas, Cristela Reyna, Azucena Gonzalez and Romeo Salinas; and 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ines G. Rivas; son, Inez G. Rivas Jr.; parents, Pedro and Herminia Salinas; and brother, Amando Salinas A funeral mass was held on Sept. 29 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Los Ebanos. Interment followed at Los Ebanos Cemetery. Freddy A. Lewis Thrash ISSION –Freddy A. Lewis Thrash, 32, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2014. He was a member of Conway Avenue Baptist Church in Mission and an honorary member of the Blue Knights Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club. Survivors include his mother, Diane Thrash; sisters, Melanie Goss, Melissa Frost and Reki Casey; brother Melbourn Goss. He is also survived by his biological family: mother, Lucille Margaret Rich; sisters, Lucy Alvarez, Margret Musolf and Kimberly Rollins; and brother, Martin Rich. He was preceded in

Notices

Jose De La Puente PENITAS - Jose De La Puente, 72, passed away on Monday, Sept. 29, 2014, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Robert Garcia MISSION - Robert Garcia, 70, passed away on Friday, Sept. 26, 2014, at Mission Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Ricardo Meza Gonzalez MISSION - Ricardo Meza Gonzalez, 48, passed away on Friday, Sept. 26, 2014, at McAllen Regional Medical Center. Viridiana Hernandez PENITAS - Viridiana Hernandez, 25, passed away on Friday, Sept. 26, 2014, in Mission. Timothy R. Jackson MISSION - Timothy R. Jackson, 60, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Cremation was held on Sept. 30 at Val Verde Memorial Gardens in Donna.

death by his father, Richard Thrash; grandmother, Myrtle Verner; and brothers, Troy Thrash, Terry Thrash, and Tony Thrash. A memorial service was held on Sept. 28 at Conway Avenue Baptist Church. Eulalio Villarreal ISSION - Eulalio Villarreal, 100, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2014. He was born in Mission on Feb. 12, 1914. A funeral mass was held on Sept. 29 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at Granjeno Cemetery.

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

Mary Jane Lester MISSION – A reception of remembrance has been set for Mary Jane Lester, 78, who passed away on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2014. It will be held on Saturday, Oct. 4, from 3 to 5 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Mission. She will be laid to rest at Meadowbrook Gardens in Paris, Texas. Jose Mendez ALTON - Jose Mendez, 82, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2014, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Uvaldo Navarro MISSION – A funeral service for Uvaldo Navarro was held on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2014, at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at San Jose Cemetery in Mission. Lizandro Saenz MISSION – A funeral mass for Lizandro Saenz was held on Friday, Sept. 26, 2014, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at

ChurCh DireCtory BREAD OF LIFE CHURCH 2820 N. Conway Ave. • 581-1411 CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD 4501 N. McColl. - McAllen CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS 29th & Dove - McAllen 618-0884 CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS Missonaries • 580-2570 CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CHURCH 911 N. Main - McAllen 686-4241 CONWAY AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH 1 Mi. N. Conway • 585-2413 EL FARO BIBLE CHURCH 15 miles W. of Mission on Exp. 83 Sullivan City, TX • 585-5617 EL MESIAS UNITED METHODIST 209 E. 6th • 585-2334 FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH 3 miles N. Shary Rd. • 581-1465 FAITH FELLOWSHIP BIBLE CHURCH 1 mile N. Exp. 83 on Tom Gill Rd. 519-6311 FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 1300 Doherty • 585-1442 FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH 12th and Miller - Mission 585-7281 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 1102 Ash St. • 585-4829 for worship schedule. FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 1101 Doherty • 585-1665

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

ROAD TO SALVATION ASSEMBLY OF GOD 239 W. 2nd St. - La Joya 1312 Oblate • 585-3261

OUR LADY QUEEN OF ANGELS One-half mile South Leo Avenue La Joya • 585-5223

SAN CRISTOBAL MAGALLANES & COMPANIONS PARISH

3805 Plantation Grove Blvd., Ste. 5

OUR LADY OF FATIMA CHURCH 6634 El Camino Real • Granjeno 279-4159

SAN MARTIN DE PORRES 5 mi. N. Conway, 1/2 Mile West Alton • 585-8001 & 585-8002

IGLESIA BAUTISTA BETANIA 851 S. Breyfogle Rd. • 585-5688

OUR LADY OF LOURDES CHURCH 2.5 miles S. Conway (FM 1016) Mission • 279-4159

ST. JOHN OF THE FIELDS CATHOLIC CHURCH 1052 Washington Ave. • 585-2325

IGLESIA BAUTISTA CRISTO EL REY 1600 E. Bus. 83 - Mission

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE CATHOLIC CHURCH 620 Dunlap • 585-2623

IGLESIA BAUTISTA COLONIAL 3713 N. La Homa Rd. • 585-5332

OUR LADY OF THE HOLY ROSARY CHURCH 923 Matamoros St. • 581-2193

ST. PETER & ST. PAUL EPISCOPAL CHURCH 2310 N. Stewart Rd. 585-5005

IGLESIA BAUTISTA DEL VALLE 217 W. Mile 3 Rd. • 424-1602 Palmhurst

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

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

FREEDOM LIFE CHURCH 2214 W. Griffin Pkwy. • 519-7000 Mission GRACIA DIVINA MINISTRY 4122 N. Conway • 584-3112 GREAT OAKS COMMUNITY CHURCH 2722 N. Conway • 451-5500 Mission IGLESIA ADVENTISTA DEL SEPTIMO DIA 1725 W. Griffin Parkway 581-9008

IGLESIA DEL PUEBLO 7500 West Expressway 83 581-1900 IGLESIA DEL DIVINO REDENTOR 1020 North Los Ebanos Rd 585-5898

PEÑITAS BAPTIST CHURCH 1/3 Mile S. of Exp.83 on FM 1427 583-6236 PRIMERA BAPTIST CHURCH Corner of 6th & Oblate 585-4711

LA RESPUESTA CHURCH 405 W. 12th Street • 585-0787

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

MISSION CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE 1 mi. E. 495 • 585-6683

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

NEW HOPE AT THE BORDER 905 N. Conway • 585-4122

RIVER OF LIFE CHURCH 901 S. Shary Rd. (Located in the Holiday Inn Express Conference Room) 451-4838

NORTH MISSION CHURCH OF CHRIST 1410 E. 3 Mile Line • 585-0146

ER MAE EPQOU IW PMENT

Commercial Lawn Equipment “Since 1954”

915 West Bus. 83 • Mission, tX 78572 • (956) 581-7433 ATTORNEYS AT LAW DAVID H. GUERRA NEAL KING (retired) DARRELL DAVIS ESMERALDA GARCIA (retired) 301 E. Tom Landry • Mission • 585-1622

United States Postal Service Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation (All Periodicals Publications Except Requester Publications) (1.) Publication Title: PROGRESS TIMES (2.) Publication No: 971-420 (3.) Filing Date: October 1, 2014 (4.) Issue Frequency: Weekly (5.) No. of Issues Published Annually: 51 (6.) Annual Subscription Price: $20 (7.) Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication: 1217 N. Conway, Mission, TX 78572-4112 Contact Person: Jim Brunson Telephone: (956) 5854893 (8.) Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher: 1217 N. Conway, Mission, TX 78572-4112 (9.) Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor; Publisher: Jim Brunson--1217 N. Conway, Mission, TX 78572-4112 Editor: Jim Brunson--1217 N. Conway, Mission, TX 78572-4112 Managing Editor: Jim Brunson--1217 N. Conway, Mission, TX 78572-4112 (10.) Owner: Full Name: Mission Publishing Company Complete Mailing Address: 1217 N. Conway, Mission, TX 785724112 Full Name: Jim Brunson Complete Mailing Address: 2200 Clinton, Mission, TX 78572 (11.) Known Bondholders, Mortgages, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities: None Complete Mailing Address: None (12.) Tax Status: The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for federal income tax purposes: (Has not changed during preceding 12 months) (13.) Publication Title: PROGRESS TIMES (14.) Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: September 26, 2014 (15.) Extent and Nature of Circulation: a. Total Number of Copies: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months: 5212 No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: 5650 b. Paid Circulation: (1.) Mailed Outside-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541. (Include paid distribution above nominal rate, advertiser’s proof copies, and exchange copies)

Valley Memorial Gardens in Mission. Tomasa Savala MISSION - Tomasa Savala, 74, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2014, at her home in Mission. A graveside service was held on Sept. 30 at San Jose Cemetery in Mission. Cecilia Soto MISSION - Cecilia Soto, 60, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2014, at her home in Mission. Carol B. Thompson MISSION – A graveside service for Carol B. Thompson was held on Friday, Sept. 26, 2014, at Valley Memorial Gardens in Mission. Matilde Vasquez MISSION – A graveside service for Matilde Vasquez was held on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014 at San Jose Cemetery in Mission.

Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months: 52 No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: 58 (2.) Mailed In-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541. Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months: 292 No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: 308 (3.) Paid Distribution Outside the Mails Including Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Paid Distribution Outside USPS® Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months: 2556 No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: 3021 (4.) Paid Distribution by Other Classes of Mail Through the USPS (e.g. First-Class Mail®) Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months: 0 No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: 0 c. Total Paid Distribution Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months: 2900 No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: 3387 d. Free or Nominal Rate Distribution. (1.) Free or Nominal Rate Outside-County Copies Included on PS Form 3541 Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months: 0 No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: 0 (2.) Free or Nominal Rate In-County Copies Included on PS Form 3541. Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months: 4 No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: 3 (3.) Free or Nominal Rate Copies Mailed at Other Classes Through the USPS (e.g. First-Class Mail) Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months: 0 No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: 0 (4.) Free or Nominal Rate Distribution Outside the Mail Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months: 1904 No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: 1998 e. Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months: 1908 No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: 2001 f. Total Distribution Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months: 4808 No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: 5388 g. Copies Not Distributed Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months: 404 No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: 262 h. Total Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months: 5212 No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: 5650 i. Percent Paid Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months: 60% No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: 63% (16.) Total Circulation includes electronic copies. Report circulation on PS Form, 3526-X worksheet. (17.) Publication of Statement of Ownership If the publication is a general publication, publication of this statement is required. Will be printed in the Oct. 3, 2014 issue of this publication. (18.) Signature and Title of Editor, Publisher, Business Manager, Or Owner: Jim Brunson, Publisher Date: October 1, 2014 I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/ or civil sanctions (including civil penalties).

C OME JOIN US SUNDAY, OC TOBER 5, 2014 AT 6:30 P.M. FOR THE BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS

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

KING, GUERRA, DAVIS & GARCIA

page 9

www.progresstimes.net | www.sharylandtimes.com

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 IN THE ETERNAL BATTLE BETWEEN BOOSTING & BASHING, BETWEEN WONDER & CYNICISM, I HOPE YOU NEVER LOSE YOUR SENSE OF WONDER” (LEE ANN WOMACK)! CHRIST CALLS US (HE CALLS YOU)! “ YOUR THOUGHTS SHOULD BE WHOLLY DIRECTED TO ALL THAT IS TRUE, ALL THAT DESERVES RESPECT, ALL THAT IS HONEST, PURE, ADMIRABLE, DECENT, VIRTUOUS, OR WORTHY OF PRAISE. LIVE ACCORDING TO WHAT YOU LEARNED & ACCEPTED. THEN WILL THE GOD OF PEACE BE WITH YOU.” (ST. PAUL)

“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 10

October 3, 2014

www.progresstimes.net | www.sharylandtimes.com

LJISD TO DISPLAY TOWN HISTORY THROUGH MUSEUM

By Lea Victoria Juarez

embers of the La Joya community will have a chance to revisit their past when the town museum opens Oct. 9. The La Joya ISD Museum, located at the central office, will feature artifacts brought in by townspeople and the few of the schools.

“The goal is to have this history be brought up to our students,” La Joya ISD spokeswomn Blanca Cantu said. “We want our community to be aware of where we come from.” Tucked away in the southwest end of Hidalgo County, the city of La Joya is home to more than 4,000 people. The grounds

have been inhabited since the early 1800s, according to the town’s website, but it wasn’t officially named until 1926. Museum manager Aleyda Guerra said she has artifacts dating back to the 1930s, including an antique school desk, one of the first American encyclopedias and a basketball.

The museum will also feature work from the present. Each month there will be themed activities with tours, and students will have the opportunity to create pieces to be showcased on the museum walls. Guerra explained that she wants the museum to be a hub for people to reunite during homecoming, and al-

low them to reconnect with their years at La Joya ISD. “It’s all about reminiscing and comparing the past to the future,” Guerra said. “It’s also for those who haven’t been acknowledged. We have a lot of talent out there that have been students.” The inauguration will be from 6 p.m.–7 p.m. A rib-

bon cutting ceremony will take place and the public will have the opportunity to mingle and tour the area. “Our district has so much history,” Cantu said. “We thought a museum would be ideal to hold this history and be able to offer this to our community as well and our students.”

CALLEN–Cassandra Camacho, 25, of Mission; and Juan Ivan Rodriguez, 34, and Nestor Leal-Cedillo, 24, of Reynosa, Mexico, have all been ordered to federal prison for conspiring to export firearms into Mexico, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson. Leal-Cedillo pleaded

guilty June 12, while Camacho and Rodriguez entered their pleas July 1. This week, U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez sentenced Camacho to 46 months in federal prison while Rodriguez and Leal-Cedillo received respective sentencing of 37 and 60 months. On or about Feb. 27 law enforcement learned Cama-

cho was looking to purchase firearms to be exported into Mexico. Between then and March 5, Camacho and Leal-Cedillo discussed the transaction with an undercover agent, agreeing to pay $17,000 in return for one .50 caliber semi-automatic firearm, three AK-47 assault rifles, one AR-15 assault rifle and two fully automatic firearms.

you’ve got Cole and it goes on and on and on.” Even though tonight’s game is his team’s district opener, Gilpin sees it as a must-win, if the Patriots want to be a contender for the district title. “At the end of the day we’re sitting here at 3-1 and we’ve got the No. 1 team coming in,” said Gilpin. “Basically we’re playing for a district championship, or a piece of a district championship, Friday night. If

Sharyland beats us they’ll be 2-0 having already gotten through us and Vela. Seeing as how I do not see them losing at any other point this season, if we want a piece of the district championship, or to be in the district championship hunt, we’re going to have to win Friday night.” “Sharyland’s the same way,” added Gilpin. “They knew that going into the Vela game and they know that coming in tonight. They know that if they beat us

there’s a good chance that they’re going to take the district championship. I’m not saying that Roma, or Rio or Pioneer won’t give them a good game but chances are that if Sharyland gets past us they’ll win the district championship. So they have the same mentality we have.” Tonight’s District 315A match-up between the Rattlers and the Patriots is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 at Tom Landry Stadium.

On March 5, Camacho, Rodriguez and Leal-Cedillo met with agent at a location in Edinburg to finalize the sale and transfer, at which time Leal-Cedillo inspected the firearms. As agents approached, Leal-Cedillo and Rodriguez fled on foot and were subsequently detained. Camacho was detained at the scene. Leal-Cedillo’s sentence was enhanced as the court determined that he possessed a firearm during the course of the commission of the offense. All will remain in custody pending transfer to a Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Juan Villescas is prosecuting the case.

Three sentenced for involvement in conspiracy to export firearms

CLASH

from pg 7

October 3, 2014

FINANCIAL OPTIONS from pg 3

project will be let in April of 2015 and completed by June of 2018. It will be funded with $5.6 million in state funds and $1.82 million in local funds. It includes 1.84 miles of road. Segment 0034, which runs from FM 1016 to FM 396 currently has a funding shortfall of $44.56 million. The project can be let if there is a $54.46 million increase to the PDA bond proceeds requiring an additional TxDOT reimbursement of $6.35 million a year for 10 years. It includes 2.65 miles of road. Project 0010, which includes 13.16 miles of toll road from FM 3072 to Interstate 2 (main lanes) to FM 493 (connector road) will be let in September 2015. There is currently a funding shortfall of $91.5 million. The project can meet deadline presuming $112.31 million in IBTC and a separate

TxDOT reimbursement of $13.09 million for 10 years to cover costs. Project 0070 will be let in April 2016. It includes 10 miles of non-toll road between I-69 to I-2 and FM 1925 to I-2. It is fully funded. The short-term strategic plan includes 48.9 miles of road at a cost of $770.39 million. Section C, known as project 0060 includes 29.85 miles of toll road, will be let in 2025. There is currently a funding shortage of $7.2 million for advanced planning. Section A west from FM 1016 to IF-2 includes 8.26 miles of toll road. There is currently a $2.2 million shortfall for planning. The project is scheduled to be let in 2033. The long-term strategic plan is for an additional 38.1 miles of toll road at a cost of $717.53 million. In Precinct 3, the court

approved an interlocal agreement between the City of Mission and County of Hidalgo for road improvements to Moorefield Road between Mile 2 Road North and Mile 3 Road North. A donation from Wynn-Crosby Operating in the amount of $1422.35 was accepted for road repair at Mile 5 Road and Iowa Road. A DA-Border Prosecution Unit Grant in the amount of $230,000 was approved. An overtime agreement between the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Department for $15,000 was approved. A prostitution Prevention Court Program Grant of $150,000 was approved. A grant for monitoring high-risk offenders from the Office of the Governor Criminal Justice Division was approved in the amount of $50,000.

IMMIGRATION

from pg 1

and I’d have to wait 10 years.” She said she was bombarded with paperwork and went through six different lawyers, before finding the right one. Garcia said there are lawyers and organizations that take advantage of immigrants’ situations and disappear with their money. Her sister-in-law has been waiting for 13 years for her

papers because of crooked lawyers. She has had to restart the process over and over. “That’s why many people decide to cross illegally because of the cost and the fear of being denied by the government or taken advantage of by lawyers,” she said. “It’s sad.” Now that Garcia has legal status, she tries to help

others that were in her situation. She is expecting her fourth child and is glad she has a chance to progress now. She’s taking English classes and hopes to get her GED and apply for citizenship soon. “It’s crazy what a small piece of paper can make you feel,” she said. “A weight is lifted. I feel free. I want to keep advancing.”

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velop the system, agreed to donate as well. Guerra estimated it would cost between $5,000 and $64,000 to start. He plans to have the system in place by the beginning of the year. But first, Guerra said, he and a task force of local law enforcement officers will invite their counterparts from existing regional systems to the task force’s next meeting to learn about the best way to ting some feedback to the board, as far as if there were any possible issues out there,” Board President Dr. Noel Garza said. The survey results presented in open session at the Sept. 23 meeting showed low morale at SISD, but Richter doesn’t believe they’re entirely accurate. “I’m not completely convinced that everything was included in the report because of the number of people that have come to me and said, ‘My comments weren’t there,’” Richter said. “But when it came out, it was obvious there are people that are not happy with my leadership.” Regardless of the results, Richter said it would have been a courtesy to have the survey presented in executive session. Board Member Eddie Montalvo alluded to

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Contact Administration Department @ 956-581-7002 To Solicit Application (Resume Is Required) DEADLINE TO SUBMIT APPLICATION Friday, October 17, 2014 @4pm The City of La Joya is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

LEGAL NOTICE

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

Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a Wine and Beer Retailer’s Permit by Leticia Ramirez DBA J.A.L.L.’S Bar and Grill, to be located at 1810 W. Griffin Pkwy Suite B, Mission, Hidalgo County, Texas. 956 Towing & ReCoveRy LLC 1515 w. 3 MiLe Rd. Mission, Texas 78573 (956) 585-8245 • Fax: 581-6668 TdLR vsF LiC. no. 0640957

PURSUANT TO THE PROVISION CONTAINED IN RULE 85.704. SUBCHAPTER D, FROM CHAPTER 85, PART 4 OF TITLE 16 IN THE TEXAS ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, WE ARE OFFICIALLY NOTIFYING YOU THAT THE BELOW DESCRIBED MOTOR VEHICLE(S) HELD IN OUR CUSTODY ARE TO BE PICKED UP, REMOVED AND ALL CHARGES PAID WITHIN (30) DAYS. FAILURE OF THE OWNER OR LIENHOLDER TO CLAIM VEHICLE(S) BEFORE THE DATE OF SALE IS A WAIVER OF ALL RIGHT, TITLE, AND INTEREST OF VEHICLE(S). AND ALSO A CONSENT TO THE SALE OF THE VEHICLE IN PUBLIC SALE ACCORDING TO TEXAS LAW. SECOND NOTICE MODEL TIIDA RL

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BALANCE $1,200.00 $910.00

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

not in agreement with what happened. Rolando Peña cast the other dissenting vote. Leo said she wasn’t completely informed on the issues surrounding Richter’s resignation, but she is more concerned about the Sharyland community. “My first goal will be to assess what is needed and then plan an approach that will nurture the staff to continue doing the good work that they have been doing,” she said. Garza said it’s not easy whenever an employee decides to resign, but the district will put their best foot forward and move on. “It’s always sad to see somebody that you wanted to see succeed form the beginning and it just not turn out that way,” he said. “We wish (Richter) the best.”

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING TO DISCUSS Mission Consolidated Independent School District’s State Financial Accountability Rating Mission C.I.S.D will hold a public meeting at 6:00 p.m., October 15 , 2014 in the Mission C.I.S.D. Boardroom, 1201 Bryce Drive, Mission, Texas. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss Mission C.I.S.D.’s rating on the State’s financial accountability system.

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La Joya Senior Citizens Director Manage the Operations of the Senior Citizens Center in accordance with the State Law, applicable Ordinances and Policies of the Governing Body. Must have a Bachelor’s Degree (B.A) from a four (4) year College or University, at least five (5) years related experience and/or training.

why the survey was public before declining to comment further on the matter and forwarding all questions to Garza. “They had a survey done; it was done out in the open in public. When Jesse Muñiz was, you know, everything we had with him was private,” Montalvo said before cutting himself off. Muñiz, SISD’s former assistant superintendent for business and finance, was quietly placed on paid leave over the summer while the district’s leaders worked out a $2.3 million budget deficit for this fiscal year. He has since been reassigned, but district officials have not disclosed the title of Muñiz’s new position. Montalvo, who cast one of the dissenting votes Monday night, said Richter was “under pressure” and he was

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

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on the media and local residents to get involved and sign up for the alerts. “To have a great community, you need participation from every aspect,” Lucio said. “If you want a safe community, you have to do your part. What I would ask or want the citizens to know is they’re going to have to make some effort, but once that effort is made, the return of that effort is great.” from pg 1

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implement the program. “The biggest challenge is funding,” Guerra said. “Once we cross that hurdle, we’re going to crawl, we’re going to walk and then we’re going to run.” At first the system will be subscriber based, and Lucio said he expected immediate buy-in from law enforcement agencies, school districts and federal agencies. But he said the system depends heavily

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The City of La Joya will conduct a Public Hearing on October 9, 2014 at 6:00pm at City Hall located at 101 N. Leo Avenue, La Joya Texas, for Utility System Upgrade Fees of Water, Wastewater, Brush, Trash and Fire Services for year 2014-2015.

from pg 1

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JOB OPENING CITY OF LA JOYA

Notice of Public Hearing

YEAR MAKE 2011 NISSAN 2006 ACURA

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PROJECT:

City of Alton – Alton Town-site Drainage Improvement Project

DESCRIPTION: Work of the Project consists of relocating an existing detention pond and installing an underground drainage system. The new detention area will be excavated at an adjacent existing drainage ditch. The project is located at the City of Alton on 5 Mile Line Road (FM 676), between Delaware St. and Florida St. PROPOSAL DUE DATE:

October 29, 2014

TIME:

10:00 A.M.

The City of Alton will receive sealed bids for the Town-site Drainage Improvements until 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 addressed to the City of Alton in the office of the city manager, Alton City Hall, 509 S. Alton Blvd., Alton, Texas 78573. The bids will be publicly opened and read aloud as near as practical after 10:00 a.m. on the date of submittal at the Alton City Hall. Bids received after closing time will be returned unopened. Bid/Contract Documents, including Drawings and Technical Specifications are available from LeFevre Engineering & Management Consulting, LLC. located at 612 Nolana, Suite 520, McAllen, Texas 78504 the phone number is 956-687-5362, upon request and payment of $100.00. The payment is non-refundable. A pre-bid conference will be conducted by the Owner on Wednesday, October 15, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. The pre-bid conference shall be conducted at the City of Alton City Hall office located at, 509 S. Alton Boulevard, Alton, Texas 78573. Subcontractors, suppliers, and equipment suppliers may attend. A bid bond in the amount of 5 percent of the bid issued by an acceptable surety shall be submitted with each bid. A certified check or bank draft payable to the City of Alton or negotiable U.S. Government Bonds (as par value) may be submitted in lieu of the Bid Bond. Equal Opportunity in Employment – All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, handicap or national origin. Bidders on this work will be required to comply with the President’s Executive Order No. 11246, as amended by Executive Order 11275, and as supplemented in Department of Labor regulations 41 CFR Part 60. The City of Alton is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. The City of Alton reserves the right to reject any or all bids or to waive any informality in the bidding. In case of ambiguity or lack of clearness in stating prices in any bid, the Owner reserves the right to consider the most advantageous construction thereof or to reject the bid. The contract will be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder. Bids may be held by the City of Alton for a period not to exceed 60 days from the date of the bid opening for the purpose of reviewing the bids and investigating the bidder’s qualifications prior to the contract award. City of Alton Salvador Vela, Mayor

Date Published: September 26, 2014

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October 3, 2014