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Voter count low at La Joya polling site
By Lea Victoria Juarez Oct. 28. Mayoral candidate Mike Early voter turnout has Salinas said he believes been low for La Joya’s may- people are choosing not to or and commissioners elec- vote for fear of retaliation. tion. As of Oct. 28, 772 peo- He said some voters have ple showed up at the “New” told him they don’t want to La Joya City Hall polling be bombarded with people site, which has been open at the polling place tell them since Oct. 19. who to vote for. Early voting ends Friday, “I’m not saying vote for Oct. 30 at 7 p.m. Election me, just go and exercise Day polls open Tuesday, your right to vote,” Mike Nov. 3 from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Salinas said. “And if you do Voters must report to their not feel comfortable voting respective polling sites for at that particular location, Election Day voting. you can vote anywhere According to Hidalgo in the county. But just go County’s unofficial report, vote.” the first day of early voting Mike Salinas partnered had the highest voter turn- with Maria Peña Salinas, out at 170. For each day in who is running for place 4. the second week, the count Mayor Jose “Fito” Sahas remained under 40, as of linas, who is running for
reelection, said he has spoken to voters who aren’t aware of the local election. Fito Salinas heads the slate that consists of alderwoman Anna Lisa Ruiz, who is running for place 2, and Maria E. “Geny” Salinas, who is running for place 4. “They told me that they didn’t want to come out just to vote for the propositions,” Fito Salinas said. “I think that’s the main problem, people are thinking that it’s only the propositions and not for any other race.” Mayoral candidate Isidro Casanova, and his slate members did not respond to calls from the Progress Times before the article went to press. Alongside Casanova are Rosie Trev-
iño, running for place 2, and Daniel Flores, who is running for place 4. This year voting hours on were from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. the Monday through Friday for the first week and Monday through Wednesday for the second week. In the past voting hours have been from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. during the week. The candidates believe the schedule change has hindered voter turnout because people usually work during the allotted hours. Many of those camping at the polling site expected at least 200 people for Saturday, Oct. 24, but due to inclement weather only 108 turned out. Victor Salinas, husband
National Night Out
of commissioner place 2 candidate Maria Peña Salinas, said he was disappointed in the early numbers and worries about how they will affect state politics. “I want my wife to win, I want Mike to win, but I want the voters to come and vote because that’s what makes a city grow,” Victor Salinas said. “If people don’t come to vote, the politicians in Austin won’t listen to you. Nobody will remember La Joya if you don’t vote.” Both Mike and Fito Salinas said they feel good about where their slates stand thus far. However, Mike Salinas is aware that the candidates have to take voters’ word with a grain of salt. “We’re doing pretty well.
We’ve had a few people come in and tell us they voted for us or sent me texts or a phone call,” he said. “Of course there’s some of those that say ‘Hey, I voted for you.’ And then they go to the next camp and say the same thing.” Fito Salinas said if his team’s calculations are correct, a runoff election will not be necessary. “Our supporters are very positive with how we’re doing now,” he said. “We have a meeting every day, we talk about the numbers and make schedules for who is going to get the voters that have not come out to vote. I’m very confident with the way it’s coming out.”
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and serves 16 school districts. “I think this is a good mechanism for training of the students that are not going to go to college,” Reyna said. “They’re the ones that are either not interested or they can’t for whatever reason, and this is a good opportunity for them to gain a skill so that they can find employment.” Reyna said if the school district brings her on as a consultant, she could look for ways to fund the center, which she estimated would cost $1.2 million per year. The district could talk to South Texas College, which has money for continuing education programs, or it could look into new market tax credit. Her fee would be $85,000 annually. The full center would take about a year to get running, Reyna said. In the meantime, it could operate a small version with 25-35 students under Corpus Christi’s accreditation, she said. “You would be able to stem the tide of kids dropping out,” Reyna said. “You would have a place to send them, so they can continue training and, hopefully, get a certificate at the end of it.” Board President Johnn Alaniz said trustees would talk with the superintendent and may bring Reyna back at a future meeting to answer more questions.
La Joya ISD considers craft training center
By Julie Silva
Palmhurst celebrates growth, PD
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By Lea Victoria Juarez he city of Palmhurst means a golden sunset on a calm and quiet evening for Chief of Police Michael Vela. The 15-year resident has been with the police department since its inception in 2005 and seen the community grow from two-lane roads to a 23,000-person town. Citizens of Palmhurst celebrated their fourth annual National Police Night Out Oct. 27. The event is meant to promote a partnership between law enforcement and community members. The local PD, border patrol, sheriff’s department and even Edinburg PD showed up to celebrate at the festival grounds. Games, food and business vendors set up shop while students from the Sharyland and Mission school districts performed. “What makes this event possible is your heart and your families because you care for this community and you care for your families and you care for the children in this community,” State Representative Bobby Guerra said. “I live less than
a mile from here, off Shary Road, and I’ve always been amazed by how this community comes together.” The growing community means a growing police department, as well. Vela has seen the staff grow from four officers and a chief to 13 officers, with a 14th in the works. In addition, Palmhurst now has six of their own 24-7 dispatchers. “We went from the Mayberry (small town) mentality to a full-blown police department,” Vela said. “There is some crime but nothing major, fortunately. We try to keep it low with high visibility and being in full force in the residential areas and commercial areas.” Trying to keep the officer-count in tandem with the city growth has been difficult due to lack of funds, according to the chief. He said financial issues caused a period of hiring freezes in the last year, but the hold has been removed and he looks forward to new members on the force. Chief Administrator Mona Ramirez Faras for Hidalgo County Precinct 3 recalled conversations from about 10 years ago between
TOP: Palmhurst Police Chief Michael Vela begins the celebration for the fourth annual National Night Out festival by cutting the ceremonial ribbon. The recorder class from Midkiff Elementary performs tunes while dressed as zombies for the community gathering. Other schools from Mission CISD and Sharyland ISD also performed for the event.
Commissioner Joe Flores and Mayor Ramiro Rodriguez. At the time, the two spoke of new projects, infrastructure and promoting the community to attract businesses. In 2014, city officials broke ground for the shopping center on Mile 3. In July, they broke ground for
the Applebee’s Bar & Grill, and Mayor Rodriguez also mentioned an incoming Panda Express and hopefully Taco Palenque. “We have a great community here and a low crime rate,” Rodriguez said. “We’ve had a great 50 years of Palmhurst. We’ll have another future 50.”
a Joya ISD heard a proposition Monday morning to create a training center that would train students in trades such as welding, pipefitting and electrical work. Consultant Petra Reyna said she is working with La Feria to create a facility similar to the Coastal Bend Craft Training Center, a nonprofit program created by a group of industry leaders in need of employees. “It was developed specifically to help the energy sector train workers for the industry … in different categories that the industry requires, so that they can keep up with the refineries and all of the expansion that’s going on, particularly in Corpus Christi,” Reyna said. She said about 25 percent of the enrollees in Corpus Christi are from the Valley – some from La Joya. The center would require about 35 acres, Reyna said. She envisioned La Joya’s facility serving the upper Valley while La Feria’s center serves the lower Valley. La Joya’s center could serve students in the surrounding school districts, she said. Plus, at night it could be used to train adults. Reyna said she could see the center expanding quickly to serve 1,000 students a year. The Corpus center has about 400 students, she said,
INSIDE
Update on Rivera Bazaldua case
Former Mission CISD board member Irma Patricia Rivera Bazaldua has case dismissed, regarding charges of theft and forgery. See story page 8
INDEX
Entertainment | pg. 11
Lifestyle | pg. 10
Daylight Saving Time ends
Playoff hopefuls
It’s time to fall back as Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, Nov. 1 at 2 p.m. Remember to set your clocks back one hour before going to bed Saturday!
A look at the two remaining weeks of district football for the Mission Eagles and Juarez-Lincoln Huskies teams. See story page 6
Opinion | pg. 4
Sports | pg. 6
Obituaries | pg. 13
Classifieds | pg. 14
October 30, 2015
Frank Flores resigns Agua SUD
By Julie Silva The morning after a contentious board meeting, Frank Flores, district manager of Agua SUD, submitted his resignation Oct. 9, effective immediately. Julio Cerda, executive director of the Agua Special Utility District, said Flores already had removed personal things from his office two weeks prior to the resignation, indicating Flores planned to leave. Flores could not be reached for contact by press time. “I’m sad to see him leave,” Cerda said. “I know he’s had quite an experience with Agua SUD.” Flores had worked for the city of Mission for 20 years in the public works department before retiring. He then was brought in to lead Agua SUD in 2005 by Pablo Vela Jr., of Long Chilton, who was hired as receiver
October 30, 2015
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for the district when the attorney general filed a lawsuit against then-La Joya Water Supply Corporation, pointing to inconsistent customer billing and debt collection mismanagement. La Joya Water Supply Corporation was disbanded and Agua SUD was created in its place. In March, Agua SUD’s board of directors voted to hire Cerda to head the district, effectively demoting Flores. Board members cited communication issues with Flores and said they have received complaints from community members who said they did not feel comfortable approaching Flores about utility concerns. For his part, Flores said he feared Agua SUD was turning back into La Joya Water Supply Corporation. At a meeting the night before Flores turned in his resignation, he protested the use of lobbyists to recover
$8 million from the Border Environment Cooperation Commission. BECC had approved an $8 million grant for construction of a wastewater treatment plant for Palmview sewer service, but that grant was pulled when the project changed from construction of a treatment plant to construction of a lift station. As a result, Agua SUD had to go to the Texas Water Development Board for a loan to cover the lost funding, pushing up the cost of the project. Victor Guerra, of Pathfinder Public Affairs, told the board he was preparing for a meeting with Sen. Jose Rodriguez, D-El Paso, who sits on the board for BECC. Guerra said he hoped to obtain transitional assistance funds from BECC and lower Palmview utility bills by $10 per person a month. Guerra said he also planned to meet with the chairman of the Texas Water Development Board to discuss uses for $435,000 in surplus funds from a Sullivan City project. That’s when Flores jumped in at the Oct. 8 meeting. “Why do we need a lobbyist for that?” he asked. “Up to date, every fund we’ve had left over, we’ve talked to the board and said we’d like to do this project or that project, and we’d go from there.” “It’s just added work,” Flores later said, asking Guerra, “Do you know what transitional assistance is?” Transitional assistance from BECC would help pay for the debt of the project for up to seven years, allowing for a gradual increase of rates so customers can get used to paying higher bills. Guerra said his agency just came on board, and when pressed further by Flores, Guerra said he didn’t know what transitional assistance was. “That’s all I have to say,” Flores said. “Thank you very much. We’re not paying you for that right? You’re doing it
for free, pro bono, right?” “No,” Guerra responded. “I used to run this place a long time ago,” Flores said. “And we’ve done $60 million, almost $100 million worth of projects, sir, without lobbyists, without having to go do this and that. I’ve done a pretty good job at it. If y’all think I’ve done something bad about it, well, that’s the reason I’m not the director around here anymore. Just to let you know, we’re just paying money for something we can do aqui en la casa (here in-house).” After a closed session, Board Member Oscar Gonzalez told Guerra he wanted to apologize for the unprofessional behavior of the district’s employees. Cerda explained that because BECC pulled the funding, the utility district has to start from scratch. The lobbying firm knows the people involved, he said. “Who better to assist us with this than someone who’s in Washington, who’s a senator?” Cerda asked. Agua SUD attorney Matt Beatty said he believed the lost funding is $10 million, not $8 million. Spending the money on a lobbyist to recover the grant is a prudent move, he said. “My firm is from Austin, and I’m from Austin,” Beatty said. “Pathfinder is one of the most well respected, absolute first-rate government relations firms in Austin. They also have significant contracts in Washington, D.C.” Monday, Cerda said the board had not given him direction on what to do with Flores’ position, and it was unclear if he’d be replaced.
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La Joya ISD education foundation readies for first disbursements
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By Julie Silva
he La Joya ISD Educational Excellence Foundation is getting ready to make its first round of disbursements since it’s establishment in November. The goal of the foundation is provide students and staff additional support for innovative educational programs. It is a registered nonprofit agency. “Several school districts in the Valley, starting with Sharyland, McAllen, PSJA, have foundations,” said Sergio Muñoz Sr., vice president of the foundation’s board. “I thank you for your belief in the foundation. I thank Dr. Benavides for your vision.” So far, Muñoz reported, the foundation has collected $2,746 through payroll deductions made by the district’s employees. He estimated more than $6,000 would be collected by the end of November. The board also is looking at raising money through a family fun walk/run, yard signs, a gala/silent auction and a concert. Two grants
for teachers were set to be awarded this week, Muñoz said, totaling $1,800. Muñoz said the foundation will be able to do bigger things as more people begin to participate. For example, he said, the district has about 4,000 employees. If half of those employees gave $20 a year, that would mean $40,000 a year. “Every cent out of that dollar is going to stay here,” Muñoz said. “You’re getting dollar for dollar return on that money … I just don’t believe you’re going to get a greater return than the foundation can get. And I think that through the transparency that we have with the school district and the dedication of the employees, I’m more than sure that every penny and every dollar that is raised and awarded to the students here is going to have a great benefit and impact on their lives.” Applications for teacher grants are available on the foundation’s website, lajoyaisd.com/district/foundation.
Reminiscing... 30 Years Ago This Week
BRB office planned for South Texas A steering committee for formation of Better Business Bureau of South Texas was named and formulated. The bureau was started as a public service agency devoted to the protection of the consuming public and the vitality of the free enterprise system. Mims Elementary holds dedication Then-mayor Pat Townsend declared Nov. 10, 1985 as “Charles H. Mims Day.” He was a doctor in Mission for 40 years and served on the school board for 12 years. The elementary was the newest and biggest school in Mission CISD at the time. Bingo, drinks bring money to Mission Taxes on bingo and mixed drinks earned Mission a little more than $3,800 for the financial quarter. Texas cities and counties received a 12.5 percent share of tax collected on mixed drinks sold within their boundaries under the law that legalized the sale of mixed drinks in the state.
October 30, 2015
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opinion By Ed Sterling Texas Press Association
STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS
State says funding to Planned Parenthood will be cut AUSTIN — The state Health and Human Services Commission notified Planned Parenthood affiliates in Texas on Oct. 19 that state funding they have been receiving through the Medicaid program would be cut. The letter from the HHSC’s inspector general’s office said the termination of all Planned Parenthood affiliates would not affect access to care “because there are thousands of alternate providers in Texas including federally qualified health centers, Medicaid-certified rural health clinics and other health care providers across the state that participate in the Texas Women’s Health Program and Medicaid.” According to the governor’s office, the action is based on evidence of Medicaid program violations. Citing widely publicized videos reportedly exposing the harvesting and sale of fetal body parts by abortion providers, Gov. Greg Abbott said, “Texas has stepped forward and shown its unyielding commitment to both protecting life and providing women’s health services.” Abbott said the action is consistent with his LIFE initiative that calls for changing laws to stiffen penalties against abortion providers, improve availability of adoption services, eliminate funding to abortion providers and eliminate and criminalize any sale or transaction involving fetal tissue by an abortion clinic. On Oct. 22, HHSC’s inspector general agents, acting on subpoenas, seized records at Planned Parenthood-affiliated clinics in Dallas and other cities. Planned Parent-
hood national headquarters posted the following statement on social media: “We will not be bullied by Texas extremists (and) we won’t stop fighting. Take note: Planned Parenthood is not going anywhere.” Planned Parenthood has one month to deliver a legal response. Emergency forces Just before Hurricane Patricia hit the west coast of Mexico and headed north toward Texas, Gov. Abbott on Oct. 23 announced the activation of the Texas State Operations Center. Abbott also approved the use of state resources for rapid deployment as needed to assist local officials “during this significant weather event.” “The State of Texas stands ready to provide support to communities as needed,” he said. The State Operations Center coordinates emergency responses with the Texas Department of Transportation, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Texas A&M Forest Service, Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service/Texas Task Force 1 and Texas Military Forces. Texas joins suit to stop EPA A U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rule to reduce carbon emissions from electric-generating plants by 32 percent below 2005 levels by 2030 is the target of a lawsuit filed in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit by 24 states, including Texas. Under the rule, Section 111(d) of the Clean Air Act, the EPA establishes guidelines and states design programs that fit in those guidelines to reduce air pollution. Texas Attorney General
Ken Paxton on Oct. 23 said “to achieve these reductions, EPA will require states to shut down coal plants prematurely and invest billions of dollars in new renewable generation.” Paxton maintains that the EPA doesn’t have authority to enforce the rule, and said the goal of the lawsuit is “to prevent massive increases in electric bills that would hurt hard-working families, the elderly and the poor.” Board gets new chief Gov. Abbott on Oct. 21 appointed Bobby Jenkins of Austin as chair of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Jenkins replaces Harold Hahn of El Paso as chair. Jenkins, president of ABC Home and Commercial Services, has served as vice chairman of the coordinating board since September 2013. The agency’s mission is “to promote access, affordability, quality, success, and cost efficiency in the state’s institutions of higher education.” Student safety Safe Schools Week was observed in Texas, Oct. 1824. Under state law, each school district is required to adopt a multi-hazard emergency operations plan. “Every student in Texas should be confident that they are being provided an education in a safe environment,” Texas Education Commissioner Michael Williams said on Oct. 19. “Safe Schools Week is an annual reminder to everyone in education of our need to plan and prepare for whatever potential situation might arise on school campuses,” he added.
October 30, 2015
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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS
Proposition 7 is the Road to the Future
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By Senator John Cornyn
ast November, nearly 80 percent of Texas voters approved a forward-looking measure to help our state maintain and upgrade its vast network of roads and highways as we continue to grow. Next Tuesday, I hope Texans again approach the ballot with our state’s future in mind and vote in favor of Proposition 7. Texans understand the important role of quality infrastructure. Our state’s reputation as an economic powerhouse is fueled, in part, by the interconnectivity, trade and travel we enjoy as a result of our extensive roadway system. Investing in our roads means investing in our economic future, and that investment continues to pay off. For example, the highways, interstates and farmto-market roads move goods to consumers efficiently and safely and have helped make Texas the top exporting state in the country for the past 12 years. High-performing infrastructure is essential to transporting the massive amounts of trade traveling through Texas on the way to global markets every day. This serious commitment to infrastructure investment is necessary as our state absorbs droves of new people and vehicles coming to Texas. According to census data, more people have moved to Texas in recent years than to any other part of the country. In fact, one out of four people moving
from one state to another are choosing to make Texas their new home. The Office of the State Demographer estimates that, on average, more than 600 people move to Texas every day.
These statistics are a point of pride for Texans, and they speak volumes about our thriving economy and vibrant culture. It’s clear that our state will need to do more to keep up with projected growth. By 2040, that influx of new Texans could mean an additional 18 million vehicles on our roadways. And some estimates project our population could double by 2050. Increasing capacity in addition to maintaining our highway system will be crucial to meeting the rising demands that come with more people and vehicles hitting our roads. To continue our strong economic growth, we must find a responsible way to fund mounting roadway needs. Fortunately, under the leadership of the State Legislature and Gov. Greg Abbott, Texans have another opportunity to advance a conservative proposal that would provide much-needed transportation resources and significantly add to the measure approved last November. Early voting has already started for Proposition 7 — an amendment to the Texas Constitution that would direct a portion of certain existing sales and use taxes, including those imposed on motor vehicle sales, to
the State Highway Fund. The amendment would be a hallmark of responsible governance and conservative principles — it doesn’t create new taxes or raise current ones, and it doesn’t force any additional fees upon Texans. Instead, Proposition 7 dedicates funds collected from existing sources to help pay for our roads in a smart and targeted way. Approving Proposition 7 would help our state prepare for future transportation needs. It’s difficult, and at times impossible, to plan for improvements or major projects if there is no clear way to pay for it. That’s why I worked to advance a long-term highway transportation bill in the U.S. Senate so that states, including Texas, have the certainty and resources necessary to not only plan for, but to deliver, better transportation infrastructure. While I’ll continue to move this effort forward with my colleagues in the House of Representatives, our state has a chance to prioritize common-sense solutions that will go a long way toward meeting our future roadway needs. Proposition 7 has the potential to deliver wide-ranging benefits across the state, from relieving urban and commuter congestion to upgrading critical rural routes to improving the overall safety and efficiency of our roadways. By investing in our future today, we can promote a more stable economic climate for the generation of tomorrow.
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October 30, 2015
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Diamondbacks thinking playoffs I is the Diamondbacks’ final game of district play. And with their playoff hopes riding on the outcome of this game, a loss tonight would bring Pioneer’s season to a sudden and disappointing end. It started out so well. A
By Luciano Guerra
t may be the next to the last week of District 315A football action, but for the Pioneer Diamondbacks it’s do-or-die. With a bye next week, tonight’s game against the Roma Gladiators
2015 Football Scoreboard
Last Week’s Game - Week #9 Nikki Rowe – 18 at Mission High – 28
Valley View – 24 at Veterans Memorial - 45 Sharyland Pioneer – 10 at Sharyland High - 19 Juarez-Lincoln – 21 at Palmview – 15
This Week’s Game - Week #10 Palmview at McAllen Memorial (TH) Veterans Memorial at Rio Grande City (TH) Mission High at Juarez-Lincoln (FR) La Joya High at Nikki Rowe (FR) Roma at Sharyland Pioneer (FR) Sharyland High at Valley View (FR)
Win/Loss Records Veterans Memorial Palmview La Joya High Sharyland High Mission High Pioneer High Juarez Lincoln
Season 6–2 4–4 3–5 4–4 4–4 6–3 2–6
District 3–1 2–2 2–2 2–2 2–2 2–3 1–3
Sponsored By:
4-0 record through non-district play and back-to-back wins against Valley View and Rio Grande City to open their district schedule had the young and upstart Diamondbacks sitting pretty with a 6-0 record. However, their smooth ride through the first six weeks of the season turned rough quickly when they fell to the still undefeated Edinburg Vela Sabercats in Week 7, 49-14. Subsequent losses to Veterans Memorial and Sharyland has the Diamondbacks entering tonight’s game with a 6-3 overall record and a 2-3 record in district. While three consecutive losses has hurt the Diamondbacks’ playoff chances, they still control their own playoff destiny – well sort of. “Our playoff scenario is, if we beat Roma and Sharyland wins out, we’re in the playoffs,” explained Pioneer head coach Jason Wheeler. “If, however, Sharyland loses their last game against Rio Grande City and it goes to a tie-breaker, then we have to win by 11 points or more. Unless Veterans Memorial loses their last two games, which is a possibility because they play Rio Grande City and Vela, then a win against Roma will also put us in.” “Basically, if we beat Roma we have a great chance of making the playoffs. But
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Eagles and Huskies still playoff hopefuls
The Mission Eagles run onto the field at the beginning of the second half of their recent 35-14 win over the La Joya Coyotes. Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra
I
By Luciano Guerra
t’s been an up-and-down season for the 6A Big 7 football teams. The Palmview Lobos and La Joya Coyotes both seemed to be on the path to their second playoff appearances in as many years, while Mission and Juarez-Lincoln both seemed to be destined to another year of being stuck on the outside looking in. However, with only two games left on their district schedules, the Lobos and Coyotes are both coming off losses, while recent wins by the Eagles and the Huskies have revived their playoff hopes. Mission Eagles At 2-2 in district play, the Eagles control their own
Prep Schedule District Football – Thursday/Friday Oct. 29/30 Palmview at McAllen Memorial (Thursday) 7 p.m. Veterans Memorial at Rio Grande City (Thursday) 7 p.m. Mission High at Juarez-Lincoln 7:30 p.m. La Joya High at Nikki Rowe 7:30 p.m. Roma at Sharyland Pioneer 7:30 p.m. Sharyland High at Valley View 7:30 p.m. Bi-district Volleyball – Monday/Tuesday Nov. 2/3 Veterans Memorial at Brownsville Pace (Tuesday) 7 p.m. Donna High at Sharyland High (Tuesday) 7 p.m. Sharyland Pioneer vs Edcouch Elsa at Valley View 7 p.m. Mission High vs Laredo United or Laredo Alexander TBD
playoff destiny as they take on the Huskies at Pack Stadium in La Joya tonight, then finish up their regular season at home against McAllen Memorial next Friday. If Mission can manage two wins, they will improve their district record to 4-2 and be all-but-assured of their first playoff appearance since their 9-2, 2012 season when they took the District 32-4A championship. While a win against the Huskies tonight is well within the realm of possibility, closing out their district schedule against the undefeated, and the Valley’s topranked, McAllen Memorial Mustangs next week makes it unlikely that the Eagles will win both games. While anything is possible, even Mission head coach Mario Pena readily admits that the Mustangs are the class of the district. “I’ve told my boys all year that there is one team in the district that’s head and shoulders above everybody else, and that’s the McAllen Memorial Mustangs,” Pena said. “Aside from them we can play with anybody in the district. We let one go against McAllen High that really hurt, but these guys have shown a lot of resiliency and they haven’t quit, so I’m very proud of them.” Juarez-Lincoln As for the Huskies, their 0-3 District 30-6A start did
not bode well for making this their first playoff-qualifying season in school history. However, after their 21-15 win over the Palmview Lobos Saturday, Juarez-Lincoln head coach Tomas Garcia was talking playoffs. “We believe that we’re a playoff team,” Garcia said. “We want to win out by beating Mission Friday and La Joya next week. Beating Palmview and La Joya is not about defeating our sister schools, it’s about getting into the playoffs.” With five teams currently ahead of them in the standings, the Huskies are facing an uphill road to the playoffs even if they do win-out. However all they can do at this point in the season is defeat Mission tonight and La Joya next week and hope that at least two of the three 2-2 teams ahead of them lose their remaining games. Those 2-2 teams are Palmview, Mission and La Joya. As for the Lobos, they still have the district’s top two teams ahead of them, the 4-0 Mustangs and the 3-2 McAllen High Bulldogs. That makes it possible, if not probable, that they will be one of the teams that the Huskies could leapfrog in the standings if they do winout. The Coyotes on the other hand have the last place 1-4 Nikki Rowe Warriors on their schedule tonight. Should the Warriors make the Coyotes their second district victims of the year, the Huskies will then be able to help their own cause greatly by defeating the Coyotes next week. With only two weeks remaining in district play and with six of the seven 30-6A teams still in the playoff hunt, it’s pretty much anybody’s guess who will be in. However, it’s a certainty that two of the district’s four playoff teams will be Big 7 teams. The outcome of tonight’s game between the Eagles and the Huskies will go a long way towards determining which two they will be.
PROGRESS TIMES
players of the week
WEEK 9
sharyland
pioneer
mission
veterans memorial
RATTLERS
DIAMONDBACKS
EAGLES
PATRIOTS
SPECIAL TEAMS
SPECIAL TEAMS
DEFENSE CO-PLAYERS
Fernie Perez #34
Leo Rios #46
HENRY MORALES #5
MARC GARCIA #42
SPECIAL TEAMS
Brayan Barrios #16
OFFENSE
DEFENSE
OFFENSE
DEFENSE
OFFENSE
SPECIAL TEAMS
OFFENSE
DEFENSE
Manny Campos #2
Tyger Brigmon #35
JR Lopez #3
Joe Garza #30
RUDY TREVINO #3
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Bobby Tovar #3
Hugo Cabrera #44
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October 30, 2015
page 7
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DIAMONDBACKS
Lady Patriots undefeated, again
from pg 6
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By Luciano Guerra
Pioneer defensive end Perin Horner causes Sharyland quarterback Manny Campos to hurry his pass during the Rattlers’ 19-10 win over the cross-town rival Diamondbacks last Friday night. Progress Times photo by Doug Young
if we lose we’re out,” added Wheeler. The Roma Gladiators’ season has almost mirrored that of the Diamondbacks. Roma swept through their non-district schedule just like Pioneer. They won their district opener just like Pioneer, and they suffered their first two losses of the season to Vela and Veterans Memorial. However, unlike the Diamondbacks, the Gladiators ended their losing streak at two games with an 18-7, Week 8 win over the Sharyland Rattlers. “Roma is a tough opponent,” Wheeler said. “I just know that we match up against them much better this year than we did last year. They have a ground-andpound running style of offense and the strength of our defense this year has been stopping the run. They’re going to keep pounding it and they’ll be patient with their running attack, but I don’t think that they’re quite as dynamic throwing the ball as they were last year. But the way I see it, it’s going to come down to the offense that makes the least mistakes.” Speaking of offense, the two players that handle the ball more than anybody on the offense are the quarterback and the center. Senior Jacob Lopez, Pioneer’s starting center, shared what he believes is the secret to the Diamondbacks’ success. “I think that we all came
together as a group very well. Last year, everybody was new to it and nobody really knew what to expect, but this year we were ready for it and we’re tackling it.” With the Diamondbacks’ starting quarterback, senior Alejandro Ramirez, suffering a season-ending injury against the Patriots, Lopez has had two different quarterbacks taking snaps from him, a freshman and a sophomore. “Our quarterbacks have been Jacob Rosales (freshman) and Tyler Bulthuis (sophomore). Jacob is really stepping up at quarterback and Tyler is a pretty good receiver but he may be going at quarterback too,” Lopez said. On the defensive side of the ball, senior defensive tackle Sean Colunga has played a major role in Pioneer’s success against the run. “Everybody on our defense just pretty much does their job,” Colunga said. “We’re not looking for individual awards. We go out there and play our hardest in order to put our offense in the best situation possible.” As for what making it into the playoffs will mean, Colunga said, “We’re all pretty excited about that possibility, so we’ve just got to win this game to make it happen.” Tonight’s game is scheduled to kick-off at 7:30 at Richard Thompson Stadium.
he Veterans Memorial Lady Patriots volleyball team capped off their third straight undefeated season and outright district championship with a straight sets victory over the Edinburg Vela Lady Sabercats Tuesday evening. As a result, the 12-0 (36-3 overall) Lady Patriots will now be heading into the bi-district round of the state playoffs where they will be playing Brownsville Pace on their home court, Tuesday Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. Big 7 teams joining the Lady Patriots in the bi-district round will be fellow District 31-5A members Sharyland Lady Rattlers (93, 19-7) and Pioneer Lady Diamondbacks (7-5, 25-13) as well as District 30-6A’s fourth place Mission Lady Eagles (6-6, 16-20). The Lady Rattlers are the second seed and the Lady Diamondbacks are fourth. Sharyland Head Coach Raul Castillo believes the Lady Rattlers, who will be taking on the Donna Lady Redskins at home Tuesday evening at 7, are ready for the playoffs. “The girls are looking good on the court and making good adjustments to our offense,” explained Castillo. “They are very excited about the playoffs but I’ve told them we need to stay focused and motivated because it’s clutch time and our opponents are only going to get tougher. We need to play great games from here on out; not only for our senior captains; but for ourselves.” The Lady Diamondbacks
Several members of the Veterans Memorial Lady Patriots volleyball team celebrate their straight sets victory over the Edinburg Vela Lady Sabercats Tuesday. Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra
bi-district opponents will be the Edcouch Elsa Lady Yellowjackets. The Lady Eagles will be taking on either Laredo United or Laredo Alexander, who ended their regular season in a tie. The day, time and location of both of these games had not yet been determined at press time. With former Lady Patriots’ head coach Diana Lerma reassigned, her long-time assistant, Vivian Ray, has been leading the Valley’s top team through the final weeks of district play and will continue to do so through the playoffs. When asked what it means to her and to the team to have once again swept their district opponents Ray said, “I think that it’s very important for the girls and to our program as part of a tradition. We knew that we had
Volleyball Final Standings
the team to do what we’re doing and now we’re well on our way to accomplish what we’re capable of accomplishing.” With five members of the Lady Patriots squad being seniors this year, most of whom have been starters since they were freshmen, this may be the best chance that Ray and her girls will have to get past the Regional Semifinal (Sweet 16) round they have reached the past two seasons. “Our goal is always to get beyond the round of the playoffs we’ve reached before,” Ray said. “That’s what we’re going to try to do this year. The seniors that we have are phenomenal. They’ve worked very hard and they play well together as a team. They’re out to accomplish the goals that they’ve had since they were kids.”
One of those seniors is Karina Garcia. “Being undefeated means everything to me,” Garcia said. “I’m so happy that it’s our year and I have high expectations for our team this year. Hopefully, that will be the state tournament but whatever we accomplish, I’m just happy to be part of this team.” Libero Mariah Gonzalez is another senior on the Lady Patriots’ team. As such she has had to face the fact that in the playoffs, each and every game could be her last as a Lady Patriot. “Being a Lady Patriot has meant everything to me. We have all accomplished so much by combining our skills and abilities. We have set our standards high and now we have to meet up to those standards and represent,” Gonzalez said.
Note: Teams above dotted line represent the teams in the playoffs. DISTICT 30-6A Overall District McAllen Rowe* 38-9 11-1 McAllen Memorial 33-4 10-2 McAllen High 9-3 38-4 Mission High 16-20 6-6 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------La Joya High 20-13 4-8 Palmview High 5-22 2-10 Juarez-Lincoln 0-12 0-18 DISTICT 31-5A Overal District Veterans Memorial* 36-3 12-0 Sharyland High 19-17 9-3 Edinburg Vela 33-12 8-4 Sharyland Pioneer 25-13 7-5 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------19-16 4-8 Valley View Roma 9-24 2-10 Rio Grande City ---- 0-12 *District Champion
GB 1 2 5 7 9 11 GB 3 4 5 8 10 12
PROGRESS TIMES
players of the week juarez-lincoln
palmview
HUSKIES
LOBOS
SPECIAL TEAMS
SPECIAL TEAMS
Eliutt Gonzalez #24 OFFENSE
DEFENSE
WEEK 9
Brandon Hernandez #22 OFFENSE
DEFENSE
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Charges dropped against former MCISD board member
Council approves new personnel policy
A
By Kathy Olivarez fter delaying action on proposed personnel policy changes in a previous meeting, the Mission City Council approved the changes as presented at the Monday, Oct. 26, meeting of the council. The first change was a state-mandated change to the insurance policy based on the Affordable Care Act. It stated part-time employees who average a minimum of 30 hours a week during a 12-month period are now eligible for health insurance and other voluntary products. A second change presented by Assistant City Manager Aida Lerma stated an employee in the initial employment period is not eligible to appeal any disciplinary action during this time. Lerma said the initial employment period usually lasts about six months. A third change indicated that a temporary assignment should not be regarded as a temporary promotion and should not circumvent the normal selection process, or give the employee preferential status or rights to the position he or she was assigned temporarily. Employees whose positions are reclassified will be given six to nine months to show satisfactory performance in that position. An employee transferred to a position where he or she does not show satisfactory performance may be terminated. Under the weapons ban and violence prevention “zero tolerance” was removed from the policy along with the statement that specified incidences only related to work matters. The policy substituted wording from the “open carry” law for the statement” except for employees who have a Texas license to carry. Lerma said suspensions could now be considered for employees involved in weapons problems that are not related to work. Under health coverage issues, an employee can elect
October 30, 2015
www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com retirement coverage at the time of employment. Only eligible dependents covered at the time of retirement can be covered under retirement coverage for a period not to exceed 18 months of COBRA coverage. Regular full-time employees with less than 25 years are eligible for city retirement only until they reach 65 and are Medicare eligible. For employees with over 25 years with the city, the city will fund the cost of the COBRA insurance plus an additional six months of city retirement until retiree reaches Medicare eligibility. Once the 18 months of COBRA and six month’s of city retirement have ended, the former employee will be responsible for the entire cost of continuation of coverage. An employee is eligible to retire from the city at age 60 with five years of service or at any age with 20 years of service. In either case, coverage under the city health plan shall end upon the retiree reaching age 65 or becoming Medicare eligible. An employee is eligible for a maximum of five days bereavement for a death in the immediate family. Proof of death, funeral and/or family relationship must be provided. Employees who are out on a jury summons must return to work if excused before the end of the day. Upon separation from employment, an employee shall be paid for sick leave if he has completed 15 years of service with the city. An employee with 15 to 24 years of service shall be paid half their accumulated sick leave not to exceed 720 hours (90 days). Civil Service employees shall be paid their accrued sick leave in accordance with provision of Chapter 143 of the Texas Local Government Code. Under the shared sick leave policy any donated hours remain in the donors leave balance until used by the beneficiary employee.
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By Julie Silva
Mission FFA invited to conduct workshop at Region One
M
ission, Texas- The Mission High School FFA Chapter was recently invited to conduct a Parliamentary Procedure Workshop at the Region One Education Service Center. The students presented to the Migrant Parent Advisory Council (PAC) Officers and Region One staff. The students shared their knowledge of parliamentary law, Robert’s Rules of Order and the proper way to run an organized meeting. This is the second year in a row Region One has
asked the team from Mission High’s FFA Chapter to conduct a workshop or training. Last year, they presented a mock trial at the PAC regional meeting. This year’s presentation included audience members from throughout Region One. The Mission FFA was invited to conduct the workshop based on the awards and recognitions earned at the local, regional, state, and national competitions in the area of parliamentary procedures.
EDINBURG, Texas (Oct. 8, 2015) Mission, Texas native, Aviation Structural Mechanic 2nd Class Jorge Garza, a recruiter with Navy Recruiting District San Antonio, inspects robots during Robotics Day hosted at the 2015 Hispanic Engineering, Science and Technology Week (HESTEC) on the campus of the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV). Robotic Day Competition was for sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth and 10th graders using the Lego Mindstorms EV3. Students had to design and build their own robot as well as devise offensive and defensive programming strategies to best their opponents in several “best-of-three” matches. HESTEC Week is an educational conference that features events geared towards promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education to people of all ages and backgrounds. The Theme for this year’s conference is “Change the World through STEM”. (U.S. Navy photo by Burrell Parmer, Navy Recruiting District San Antonio Public Affairs/Released) 151008-N-ND850-466
harges of theft and forgery have been dropped against former MCISD board member Irma Patricia “Patty” Rivera Bazaldua. District Attorney Ricardo Rodriguez said his office made a deal with Rivera Bazaldua stating that the charges would be dropped if she resigned from her seat on the Mission Consolidated Independent School District Board of Trustees and paid restitution to the victims. Rivera Bazaldua could not be reached for comment. She submitted her resignation to the board in July. At the time, she served as vice president of the board and was serving her seventh year. “I informed Dr. Lopez for personal reasons I need to resign,” the resignation letter states. Rodriguez noted the dispute was between Rivera Bazaldua and her in-laws. Rivera Bazaldua and her husband are now divorced. “At the end of the day, the victim got his money back,” said Rodriguez, adding that it was also important to the community that Rivera Bazaldua give up her position as a public official. Rivera Bazaldua was ar-
rested by Mission police officers in September 2014 on two counts of theft and one count each of forgery and fraudulent use of identification after her in-laws filed complaints against her in June and July 2014. According to a statement from Rivera Bazaldua’s sister-in-law, a $5,000 loan was taken out on her insurance policy without her knowledge. Also, a credit card was taken out in the name of Rivera Bazladua’s father-inlaw without his knowledge. Rodriguez said the amount paid back in restitution was less than $10,000.
Young Volleyball Champs Mission, Texas- As a part of the district’s continuing promotion of physical activities, two volleyball tournaments were held recently; one for six grade students from each of the district’s junior high schools, and an elementary school tournament. The team from K. White Jr. High School won the sixth grade tournament. Second place went to Mission Jr. High School. Alton Memorial Jr. High School came in third. Fourth place went to R. Cantu Jr. High
School. Mims Elementary School won the east side volleyball tournament. Bryan Elementary School came in second. Midkiff Elementary School came in third place. Fourth place went to Alton Elementary School. At the west side tournament, Pearson Elementary School was the champion. Waitz Elementary School was second. Third place went to Cantu Elementary School. Fourth place went to Cavazos Elementary School.
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October 30, 2015
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GOOD LUCK IN THE PLAYOFFS
2015 Veterans Memorial Volleyball Roster
2015 Sharyland Volleyball Roster
2015 Sharyland Pioneer Varsity Volleyball Roster
2015 Mission Eagles Varsity Volleyball Roster
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1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Makenzie Gerlach Gabrielle Lerma Jacqueline Howell Andrea De la garza Alexandra Jimenez
Elise Lopez Sandra Solis Bianca Garza Kristina Lugo Savannah James Deandra Garza Brooke Garza
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Darin Ibarra Karina Garcia Mariah Gonzalez Daisy Reyna
Desiree Garza Maddie Hatzold Caitlyn Cottrell Samantha Roberts Mariah Youngblood Audrey Smith
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9. Clarissa Gonzalez 10. Kassandra Rodriguez 11. Maria Garcia 12. Charleen Fuentes 15. Lissete Vela
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October 30, 2015
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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS
SHS Class of 86’ plans reunion
Veterans golf tournament rescheduled
Due to weather conditions last weekend, the Veterans Golf Tournament, hosted by Catholic War Veterans Post #1065 in Mission, has been re-scheduled for this coming weekend on Saturday, Oct. 31. Teams can still sign up to enter the three-man scramble at the Mission Shary Golf Course, 1900 N. Mayberry. Tee time is 10 a.m. Bert Ogden Chevrolet in Mission is sponsoring at 2016 Chevy Cruze as the hole-in-one prize, and there will be door prizes, drawings, food and more for the players. To sign up a team, become a sponsor or make a donation, contact Robert Garza at 222-3871; David Silva, 581-6973; Ernesto Flores, 240-6319; Tomas Ocana, 821-5185; or the Shary Pro Shop, 580-8770.
The Sharyland High School Class of 1986 is celebrating with its 30th Year Class Reunion. Activities will span three days Nov. 5 to 7. Former classmates are invited to kick off the festivities and join in the homecoming parade and game. The weekend will continue with dinner and dancing. For the event schedule, call 789-8820 or 457-6678.
Coming Attractions October 30-31 The La Joya High School Theatre presents “The Odyssey” at 7 p.m. on Friday and 2 and 7 p.m. on Saturday. Performances are held on the Mainstage of the Alejandro H. Saenz Performing Arts Center, 604 N. Coyoted Blvd. Call 3232895 for information or ticket prices. October 31 Come and have a “spooktacular” time with family and friends. Celebrate the City of Mission’s “Halloween Mysteries at the Boo!seum,” hosted by the Mission Historical Museum from 6 to 9 p.m. The family festival features a line-up of kid’s gohstly games and prizes, refreshments, cake walk, candy, a jail house Haunted House, activity booths, a moon jump and a Halloween photo area. Everyone is encouraged to wear a costume. Admission is free to the event. MHM is located at 900 Doherty. For more information, call 580-8646. October 30-November 1 The Pharr Community Theater Co. (PCTC) presents ''The Last Battle of the Civil War” by Jefferson Williams. Part of Rio Grande Valley history, the production presents the last battle of the Civil War fought at Palmito Ranch near Brownsville in 1865, 34 days after Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox. Presented at the Pharr Community Theater, 213 W. Newcombe Ave., show times are Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets are $7 general admission and $5 for anyone under 13 and for senior citizens. Tickets will be sold beginning one hour before each show, upon availability. Seating is limited to 60 persons per show. Advance tickets are recommended by calling 648-2488. November 11 Juan Gabriel returns to the Valley on his latest Tour Noa Noa 2015. The show begins at 8 p.m. at State Farm Arena with doors opening at 7 p.m. Tickets are $92.50 to $203 per person and are available at ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000. November 14 The Upper Valley Art League will host an opening reception from 7 to 9 p.m. for their themed exhibit, “Rio Grande Valley.” Artwork by UVAL members will represent aspects of South Texas, from landscapes to cityscapes and nature/ wildlife to portraits. UVAL is located at the Kika de la Garza Fine Arts Center, 921 E. 12th in Mission. Call 583-2787 for more information. (To see the complete Coming Attractions calendar, go to www.ptrgv.com.)
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The $3 billion swindle
‘Gold Rush’ benefits Juan Diego Academy
Juan Diego Academy invites the public join in the “Gold Rush,” the theme for their fifth annual fundraising gala. It takes place on Saturday, Nov. 7, from 6 to 11 p.m. on the school campus located at 5208 S. FM 494 in Mission. Event proceeds are earmarked
for the construction of new classrooms. For more information on tickets or sponsorships, call the school at 583-2752. Pictured are Juan Diego Academy students with a few of the items that will be available for the silent and live auctions.
Senior citizenss have become favorite targets for scammers, according to the Association of Mature American Citizens. The answer is simple: the haul is worth more than $3 billion a year. Identity theft tops the list of rip-offs followed by phony debt collection schemes in a study by the Federal Trade Commission.
Walk for health
Valley Hadassah members are preparing for the Walk for Health 5K Run/Walk to be held this Sunday at Firemen’s Park. Committee members seated, left to right, are Rosalie Weisfeld, Andrea Temkin, Claudia Silberman and Dr. Ofelia Averack. Standing, same order, are Evelyn Tencer, Maggie Vellez, Carla Cantu Ramirez and Gina Algranati. Not pictured are Cora Woloski and Elizabeth Schnaiderman.
5K run/walk benefits Hadassah
The McAllen Valley chapter of Hadassah will hold its annual Walk for Health, a 5K run/walk, this Sunday, Nov. 1. It begins at 7:30 a.m. at Town Lake at Firemen’s Park, 201 North 1st St. in McAllen. The family-oriented event is for all ages. Registration is $15 per person and includes T-shirts
and snacks. Sponsorship levels are also available. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m., and the warm-up exercises begin at 8 a.m. The 5K run/ walk start takes off at 8:30 a.m. Hadassah is a volunteer organization with a commit-
See 5K RUN 15
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entertainment
Events Calendar Oct ober 31 – The Capable Kids Foundation is holding the
Accessible Trick-or-Treat Event at La Plaza Mall beginning at 10 a.m. Children with special needs and their families will be able to trick-or-treat from store to store in the “Children’s Wing” near JC Penney. There will also be valet parking passes available for those who need to unload children with special equipment. Registration is open at capablekidsfoundation.com or by calling Maegen at 328-6883. November Nov ember 1 – The Tip of Texas Orchard Society will host Brian Monk of Blu Llama Orchids in Naples, Fla. for their next meeting at the Valley Nature Center in Weslaco at 2 p.m. He will discuss heat-tolerant Cymbidium orchids and how to grow them in RGV climate. Nov ember 5 – The public is invited to head to Quinta Mazatlan World Birding Center for an hour with author Jan Dunlap, from Minnesota, as she unveils her newest book, “The Kiskadee of Death.” The program begins at 6 p.m. Admission is $3 per person. Quinta Mazatlan is located at 600 Sunset in McAllen. Call 681-3370 for more information. Nov ember 5 – The grand re-opening of the Pharrmers Market is set for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Food Bank RGV, 724 N. Cage Blvd., Pharr. The market seeks vendors selling organic and natural produce that will help the Food Bank RGV promote a healthy lifestyle. For more information, contact Chris Bueno at 904-4525 or chbueno@foodbankrgv.com. Nov ember 6 – The Superintendent’s Golf Tournament for the Education Foundation of Mission CISD begins at 1 p.m. at the Shary Golf Course, 1900 N. Mayberry in Mission. It is a three-person Florida Scramble. Registration after Oct. 23 is $275 per team. Registration includes green fees, one-half cart, drinks and food. Sponsorships are available ranging from $200 to $2,500 with varying benefits. For registration and more information, call the Shary Pro Shop at 585-8770; Hiram Burguete, 323-5522; or Minnie Rodgers, 802-8645. Nov ember 7 – The International Museum of Art & Science will offer Brownie scouts an opportunity to complete requirements for their painting badge from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., and Junior Girl Scouts can work toward their drawing badge from 1 to 4 p.m. at a Scout Workshop. All workshops are led by certified merit badge counselors. Program capacity is 25 scouts. Admission rates are $5 for IMAS members and $10 for nonmembers. Call 682-0123 to register. IMAS is located at Nolana and Bicentennial in McAllen. (For daily events and upcoming weeks, see the full calendar at www.ptrgv.com.)
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MHM hosts city’s Halloween Family Festival
he public is invited to come out Saturday, Oct. 31, and celebrate the City of Mission’s Halloween Mysteries at the Boo!seum. Under the direction of the Mission Historical Museum staff, it will be held indoors from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Mission Parks and Rec facility, 721 N. Bryan Rd. The family festival will keep kids— and their parents—safe and entertained. There will be a variety of kids’ ghostly games com-
plete with prizes, topped off with refreshments, a cake walk, candy and activity booths. No Halloween is complete with a haunted house, and kids can expend their energy on the moon jump. Families can top off the evening and capture the moment at an area set up for Halloween photos. Everyone is encouraged to get in the “spirit” of the evening and go in a costume. Admission is free to the event. For more information, call 580-8646.
ROWNSVILLE – The 26th annual Boo at the Zoo takes place two nights, Friday and Saturday, Oct. 30 and 31 from 6 to 9 p.m. on both nights. Zoo members get in an hour early, at 5 p.m.
Boo at the Zoo is a family-friendly, fun alternative to trick or treating on the streets. Families are encouraged to dress up in their favorite Halloween costumes and enjoy all the fun the Zoo has to offer.
he seventh annual Vibrant Heritage Mexican Artisan Expo takes place Nov. 6 to 8 featuring 80 artisans from across Mexico. It will be held at the McAllen Creative Incubator, 601 N. Main in downtown McAllen. Free and open to the public, on Friday, Nov. 6, it runs from 1 to 9 p.m.; Saturday, Nov.7, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Nov. 8, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Artisans representing over 12 Mexican States will display some of their best arts, clothing, crafts and candies for which Mexico is renowned. In addition, live performers from Mexico and the Rio Grande Valley will provide musical and other entertainment. For more information, call Luis Cantu at 6822871.
massive study conducted by the University of Miami offers proof that it’s best to keep busy as we age, according to the Association of Mature American Citizens. Researchers studied data on more than 83,000 seniors over a period of 14 years and found that those who were idle in retirement were not as healthy as those who worked to one degree or another. In fact, those with demanding jobs were among the healthiest. The research report concluded that, “Older adults who continue working tend to be much healthier across
multiple health outcomes, but perhaps providing better workplace accommodations for older adults with functional limitations would allow more of them to join the ranks of their healthier peers.”
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Creep over to Boo at the Zoo
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Heritage Mexican Art Expo is Nov. 6-8
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Workers benefit as they grow old
Completes basics
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rmy Reserve Pvt. Cesar Guzman Jr has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. after nine weeks of training. Guzman is the son of Vanessa Solis of Mission and a 2015 graduate of Palmview High School.
October 30, 2015
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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS
Tuba-Euphonium Festival By Gail Fagan
EDINBURG – The public is invited to a number of free performances during the RGV Tuba-Euphonium Festival this Friday and Saturday, Oct. 30 and 31, at the UTRGV Performing Arts Complex, in Edinburg. The festival kicks off with a concert at 7:30 p.m. tonight by the North Texas Euphonium Quartet. On Saturday, registration begins at 8:30 a.m. for a 9 a.m. ensemble rehearsal. Local tuba and euphonium students are invited to bring their instruments and participate. A master class with Norwegian tuba soloist and chamber musician Oystein Baadsvik follows at 10 a.m. At 1:30 p.m., a mass ensemble performance will be conducted by Dr. Bill Water-
man, faculty member at the University of Tennessee at Martin, who directs that university’s athletic bands and studio tuba/euphonium. Baadsvik will present a guest artist recital at 2 p.m. on Saturday to conclude the festival. He made his New York recital debut at Carnegie Hall in 2006 and has performed with orchestras worldwide. He is known for his master classes, performances and tuba clinics, which are held in numerous universities throughout the United States, including The Julliard School, Indiana University and the Cleveland Institute of Music, among others. For more information, contact UTRGV Associate Professor of Tuba/Euphonium Dr. Scott Roeder at 6657134, or email scott.roeder@ utrgv.edu.
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Bocce unites Special Olympians and student volunteers
M Remember these simple safety rules:
1 2 3 4 5
October 30, 2015
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Don’t trick-or-treat alone! Always go in groups, and younger children should always be accompanied by an adult. Beware of confining costumes! Avoid masks that obstruct vision and costumes that restrict movement. Be visible! Carry a flashlight, and apply reflective strips to your costume, so drivers can see you at night. Do not enter! Only accept treats outside the front door never go inside a stranger’s house or car for any reason. No eating! Discard any unwrapped or suspicious looking candy. Have parents inspect all food before eating.
This important safety message courtesy of:
Mission Police Department www.missionpolice.org
956-584-5000
SHARYLAND DENTAL CARE
ission, Texas- Special Olympic athletes from Mission CISD (Consolidated Independent School District) partnered with volunteers from their schools through their Meet in the Middle clubs to participate in the Area 1 Special Olympics Bocce Tournament. This is the first year that Mission CISD has paired Special Olympic athletes with other student volunteers from their campuses to play together in a unified sport. The Meet in the Middle clubs are designed to promote social inclusion and unified activities for the special needs students at Mission High School and Veterans Memorial High School. The Bocce Tournament was held this past Saturday, October 17 at UTRGV. More than 150 athletes from 10 school districts participated in the general tournament. Here are the Mission CISD results for the unified doubles competition (Special Olympian/ student volunteer): VMHS
females division 1, Elidia Garcia/Shakira Miranda, second place; VMHS females division 2, Emily Perez/Vanessa Cabrera, second place; VMHS males division 3, Cesario Pena/Jaime Lopez, second place; VMHS males division 4, Sebastian Llamas/Eric Garza, second place; MHS female division 7, Ana Villarreal/Yasmine Rodriguez, first place; MHS division 8, Raylene Vela/Brittaney Farias, first place; MHS female division 9, Jaquelyn Porcayo/Kayla Muniz, second place; MHS mixed division 10, Joel Bravo/Martha Rodriguez, second place; MHS mixed division 11, Brandon Garza/ Julissa Perez, second place. In the singles competitions, Ethan Linares from VMHS earned first place in the male division 1. Second place went to Pedro Ruiz from MHS in the male division 14. Pictured are the participants from MHS and VMHS in the Area 1 Special Olympics Bocce Tournament.
Community members get a look at the job of campus principal, from the inside
Mission, Texas- On Tuesday, October 13, the number of campus principals in Mission CISD (Consolidated Independent School District) doubled; but only for one day, and it didn’t cost the district any additional money for salaries. On October 13, each Mission CISD school had a business or community leader experience the life of a principal by becoming a Principal for a Day. These Principals for a Day reported to their respective schools at 7:30 a.m. and then shadowed the real campus principal through their regular duties. The Principals for a Day had a shortened work schedule that ended with a luncheon at the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce. The real campus principals then reported back to their schools to complete their work days. Mission CISD first started the Principal for a Day program in 2006 as a way to help educate the local business and community leaders about the rewards and rigors of the principalship. Principal for a Day also gives the partici-
pants an unfiltered look into what goes on in a school on a regular day. It is also meant to help build relationships between the district and the communities its serves. The list of participants for the tenth annual Principal for a Day program was quite varied. This year’s Principals for a Day were: Rudy Garza, public works director, City of Alton; Davis Rankin, on-air host, KURV-AM; Luis Suner, reporter, El manana; Jeff Prinkey, manager, Luby’s Cafeteria; Raquel Ramos, board member, Education Foundation of Mission CISD; Daniel Silva, chief operating officer, Mission Economic Development Corporation; Honorable Letty Lopez, judge, 389th District Court; Rene Lopez Jr., fire chief, City of Mission; Randy Perez, deputy city manager, City of Mission; Danya Perez-Hernandez, education reporter, The Monitor; Augie Lozano, public relations, Bert Ogden Dealers; Gus Martinez, board member, Education Foundation of Mission CISD; Steve
Medical Services Directory
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October 30, 2015
obituaries
Richard Ramirez MISSION – Richard Ramirez, 57, of Mission, passed away on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2015, while traveling to Dolores Hidalgo, Gto., Mexico. Mr. Ramirez was born in Chicago, Ill. on July 30, 1958, to Reginaldo and Laura Ramirez and moved to La Grulla in 1969. He graduated from La Joya High School in 1976. He was owner and operator of Potrero Homes, StarVision and StarVideo. Survivors include his wife, Irma San Juanita Ramirez; daughters, Rennetta, Rejeana and Rebecca Ramirez; and siblings, Reginaldo, Roberto, Rebecca and Raquel Ramirez. Private family services were held, and his remains were cremated. Rene Reyna MISSION – Rene Reyna, 83, passed away on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2015 at the Autumn Grove Cottage in San Antonio. Mr. Reyna was born in Sam Fordyce to Urbano and Dorotea Reyna. A graduate of La Joya High School, he received his bachelor’s degree from Pan American University and a master’s from Texas A&I University. He was employed by the Mission Independent School District where he retired as a high school assistant principal. He was an active member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church and sang in the Spanish choir. Survivors include his children, Dorotea Reyna, Sonya Rodriguez, Rene Reyna, Pastor Carlos Reyna, Rebecca Reyna and Lucinda Roy; siblings, Dora Cavazos and Victoriano Reyna; and 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in his death by his wife, Virginia L. Reyna; his birth parents; adoptive parents, Hipolito and Maria Salinas; daughter, Maria Veronica Reyna; granddaughter, Mia Virginia Reyna; and brother, Urbano Reyna. A funeral mass was held on Oct. 26 at St. Paul’s
Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery in McAllen.
Notices Everardo Cantu LA JOYA – Everardo Cantu, 78, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2015 at Mission Regional Medical Center. José Roman Cienega SULLIVAN CITY – Jose Roman Cienega, 71, passed away on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2015, at Mission Regional Medical Center. A funeral mass was held on Oct. 27 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Sullivan City. Burial followed at Sullivan City Cemetery. Ramon Carrillo MISSION – Ramon Carrillo, infant, passed away on Friday, Oct. 23, 2015, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Carmen Kratz MISSION – Carmen Kratz, 71, passed away on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2015 at Mission Regional Medical Center. José Jesus M. Ramirez MISSION – Jose Jesus M. Ramirez, 84, passed away on Friday, Oct. 23, 2015, at his home in Mission. A funeral was held on Oct. 26 at Virgil Wilson Mortuary in Mission. Burial followed at Garden of Angels in Abram. Esmeralda Vasquez MISSION – Esmeralda Vasquez, 55, died Sunday, Oct. 25, 2015 at her home in Mission. A funeral mass was held on Oct. 28 at San Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Alton. Mario Alberto Vega MISSION – Mario Alberto Vega, 18, passed away on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2015 at Mission Regional Medical Center. A funeral mass was held on Oct. 26 at Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church in La Joya. Burial followed at San Jose Cemetery in Abram.
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$37 million P.E. program did not reduce obesity
USTIN – Between 2007 and 2011, the State of Texas spent $37 million on grants to help high-poverty middle schools reduce obesity through physical education. The grant program, called Texas Fitness Now, provided grants to the poorest 24 percent of Texas middle schools in 2007-09, and it made grants to the poorest 40 percent of middle schools in 2009-11. Yet a new article by researchers at The University of Texas at Austin reports that Texas Fitness Now had no effect on children’s weight. Middle school obesity rates held steady during Texas Fitness Now, both in schools that received the grants and in schools that did not. The article, written by Paul von Hippel and Kyle Bradbury at UT Austin’s LBJ School of Public Affairs, is the largest study ever conducted of a physical education (PE) program. Using publicly available data, the authors analyzed obesity
rates at more than 1,150 middle schools enrolling more than 770,000 students per year. Schools spent most of their grants on sports and fitness equipment, according to the article. Although the grants did not reduce obesity, they did increase fitness. The fitness benefits were greatest in measures of strength, and greater for girls than for boys. As a result of the grants, both boys and girls in high-poverty middle schools could complete more pushups and a faster shuttle run, the researchers found. Girls could also complete more curlups, a higher trunk lift, and had a better sit and reach. But the grants did not increase shoulder flexibility or help children run a mile more quickly. State guidelines for Texas Fitness Now predicted that the program would improve academic achievement because “through increased fitness, students’ cognitive ability will improve.” Yet
CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD 2322 N. McColl. - McAllen 682-2092 CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS 5609 S 29th St. - McAllen 682-4881 CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS Missonaries • 580-2570 CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CHURCH 911 N. Main - McAllen 686-4241 CONWAY AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH 2215 N. Conway • 585-2413 EL FARO BIBLE CHURCH 15 miles W. of Mission on Exp. 83 Sullivan City, TX • 585-5617 EL MESIAS UNITED METHODIST 209 E. 6th • 585-2334 FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH 3 miles N. Shary Rd. • 581-1465 FAITH FELLOWSHIP BIBLE CHURCH 1 mile N. Exp. 83 on Tom Gill Rd. 519-6311 FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 1302 Doherty • 585-1442 FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH 12th and Miller - Mission 585-7281 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 1102 Ash St. • 585-4829 for worship schedule.
NORTH MISSION CHURCH OF CHRIST 1410 E. Mile 3 Rd. • 585-0146 Palmhurst
FREEDOM LIFE CHURCH 2214 W. Griffin Pkwy. • 519-7000 Mission
NORTH PALMVIEW APOSTOLIC CHURCH 7612 W. 6 Mile Ln.
GRACIA DIVINA MINISTRY 11809 N. Shary Rd. • 584-3112
ONLY THRU JESUS 1511 E. Mile 2 Rd. Mission • 918-760-1625
IGLESIA ADVENTISTA DEL SEPTIMO DIA 1725 W. Griffin Parkway 581-9008 IGLESIA BAUTISTA BETANIA 851 S. Breyfogle Rd. • 585-5688 IGLESIA BAUTISTA CRISTO EL REY 1600 E. Bus. 83 - Mission IGLESIA BAUTISTA COLONIAL 3713 N. La Homa Rd. • 585-5332 IGLESIA BAUTISTA DEL VALLE 217 W. Mile 3 Rd. • 424-1602 Palmhurst IGLESIA DEL PUEBLO 7500 West Expressway 83 581-1900 IGLESIA DEL DIVINO REDENTOR 1020 North Los Ebanos Rd 585-5898 LA RESPUESTA CHURCH 405 W. 12th Street • 585-0787 MISSION CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE 1 mi. E. 495 • 585-6683 NEW HOPE AT THE BORDER 905 N. Conway • 369-3603
OUR LADY QUEEN OF ANGELS One-half mile South Leo Avenue La Joya • 585-5223 OUR LADY OF FATIMA CHURCH 6634 El Camino Real • Granjeno OUR LADY OF LOURDES CHURCH 2.5 miles S. Conway (FM 1016) Mission OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE CATHOLIC CHURCH 620 Dunlap • 585-2623 OUR LADY OF THE HOLY ROSARY CHURCH 923 Matamoros St. • 581-2193
RIVER OF LIFE CHURCH 901 S. Shary Rd. (Located in the Holiday Inn Express Conference Room) 451-4838 SAN CRISTOBAL MAGALLANES & COMPANIONS PARISH
3805 Plantation Grove Blvd., Ste. 5
Mission • 580-4551
SAN MARTIN DE PORRES 5 mi. N. Conway, 1/2 Mile West Alton • 585-8001 & 585-8002
Commercial Lawn Equipment “Since 1954”
915 West Bus. 83 • Mission, tX 78572 • (956) 581-7433
KING, GUERRA, DAVIS & GARCIA ATTORNEYS AT LAW
DAVID H. GUERRA
DARRELL DAVIS
301 E. Tom Landry • Mission • 585-1622
A growing trend among “millennials” (young men who have come of age in the first decade and half of the new century] is to put their hair up in what they call “man buns,” reports the Association of Mature American Citizens. It’s “cool,” they say, and it’s popular among urban men lucky enough to have particularly thick tresses.
But Dr. Sabra Sullivan says that while it may be fashionable, those with tight “updos” risk going bald in due course. “I see it probably once or twice a week. They’re putting traction on the hair follicles that the hair is not really meant to take,” the dermatologist told the Huffington Post recently.
OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE PARISH
CORNER OF MAGNA (6TH) ST. & DUNLAP
956-585-2623
SACRED SUMMER SUNDAYS!
ST. JOHN OF THE FIELDS CATHOLIC CHURCH 1052 Washington Ave. • 585-2325 ST. PAUL'S CATHOLIC CHURCH 1119 Francisco • 585-2701 ST. PETER & ST. PAUL EPISCOPAL CHURCH 2310 N. Stewart Rd. 585-5005
PALM VALLEY CHURCH 1720 E. Griffin Pkwy. 585-3203
SHINING LIGHT BAPTIST CHURCH 6 1/8 N. Doffing Rd. (FM 492) 580-4078
PEÑITAS BAPTIST CHURCH 1/3 Mile S. of Exp.83 on FM 1427 583-6236
TEMPLO BIBLICO 5 Mile/Conway 581-4981or 585-3831
PRIMERA BAPTIST CHURCH Corner of 6th & Oblate 585-4711
TEMPLO EVANGELICO, M.B. CHURCH La Joya
PRIMERA IGLESIA DEL VALLE APOSTOLIC ASSEMBLY 210 N. St. Marie. • 585-8651
TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH 3905 W. 3 Mile Line • 585-3261
PROMISE LAND CHURCH 2300 E. Palm Circle (Corner of 495) Mission, TX 78572 • 624-9307
“We come from a long line of love!” Our Lady of Guadalupe School, offering a “down home” Catholic Education since 1914! Texas and Tex-Mex friendly spoken here too! Kinder/Montessori through 8th Grade registering now!
SPIRIT OF PEACE EV. LUTHERAN CHUCH 3104 Los Milagros Mission • 581-1822
VALLEY FELLOWSHIP 1708 E. Griffin Parkway Mission • 424-7200
IMPLEMENT COMPANY, INC. MISSION 585-1618
IN SOME WAY GOD IS CALLING EACH OF US TO BE A SAINT. EVEN AS WE REMEMBER AND MISS OUR LOVED ONES WHO HAVE DIED, WE GET IN TOUCH WITH HIS CALL IN THE STORY OF OUR LIVES AND WE RENEW OUR EFFORTS TO BE FAITHFUL TO HIM AND TRUE TO HIS CALL, TRUE TO OUR REAL SELVES. “Texas Friendly” spoken at all masses (and confessions)
MISSION AUTO ELECTRIC, INC. DBA
ER MAE EPQOU IW PMENT
that PE classes reduce obesity as a “myth.” The American Academy of Pediatrics strikes a middle ground, endorsing PE but describing child obesity programs that rely on activity alone as “somewhat disappointing to date.” A 2013 review by the Cochrane Collaborative found that, out of 11 child obesity programs that relied on physical activity alone, none significantly reduced weight gain in boys, and only one very small program, in France, significantly reduced weight gain in girls. Programs that combine physical activity with diet have had better results. On paper, Texas Fitness Now required schools to spend 25 percent of their grant funds on nutrition. But the nutrition requirement was not enforced; in 2009-10 only 7 percent of grant funds were spent on nutrition, according to the University of Texas article. The question of whether PE improves academic achievement is also controversial. In a recent exchange in JAMA Pediatrics, different authors came to opposite conclusions. One set of authors concluded that “participation in physical activity is positively related to academic performance,” but other authors, reviewing the same data, concluded that “physical activity is not related to performance at school.”
WE CELEBRATE ALL SAINTS WEEKEND
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 1101 Doherty • 585-1665
GREAT OAKS COMMUNITY CHURCH 2722 N. Conway • 451-5500 Mission
the article reached mixed conclusions on the grants’ academic effects. On average, the grants had no effect on math or reading scores, but they may have improved scores among seventh- and eighth-graders who spent two to three years in participating schools. The research was funded in part by the St. David’s Foundation in Austin, Texas, and published in the peer-reviewed journal Preventive Medicine. Texas Fitness Now launched in 2007. The program received widespread news coverage, including a segment on the HBO documentary “Weight of the Nation.” Texas Fitness Now expanded in 2009 but ended in 2011 when the economic recession forced cuts to the state budget. The termination of Texas Fitness Now had no adverse effects, according to the article. Schools kept their grant-purchased equipment, and after termination, participating schools did not see obesity, fitness and achievement levels worsen relative to nonparticipating schools. PE, obesity, and achievement Although research has demonstrated that PE can improve fitness, it is unclear whether PE reduces obesity. American The Heart Association and the Institute of Medicine endorse using PE to reduce child obesity, yet a recent review in the New England Journal of Medicine classified the idea
‘Man buns’ cited as a new cause of baldness
ChurCh DireCtory BREAD OF LIFE CHURCH 2820 N. Conway Ave. • 581-1411
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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 - 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.
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Groundbreaking for Bella Vista Apartments ing for Bella Vista Apartments.
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ustin, Texas. Gardner Capital Development “Gardner Capital” and Madhouse Development Services, Inc.
October 30, 2015
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“Madhouse”, real estate development firms based in Springfield, Missouri and Austin, Texas are proud to announce the ground break-
The Bella Vista development will be a high-quality, affordable apartment community for working families. This new construction development totaling approximately $17,000,000.00 will consist of 120 units on approximately 15.8 acres. The project is the result of a team effort between Community Bank of Texas, the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, the City of Alton and the partnership between Gardner Capital and Madhouse.
Bella Vista became a reality as a result of Gardner Capital and Madhouse successfully receiving an allocation of housing tax credits from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs and an economic development loan from the City of Alton Economic Development Corporation. In addition to providing the construction financing, Community Bank of Texas also provided the permanent loan for the development. RBC Capital Markets is serving as an equity investor for the development. Regarding the pending construction of this new development, Henry Flores, Vice President of Madhouse, commented that, “Bella Vista is the result of a tremendous amount of effort on the part of all our partners. The development will create a quality lifestyle that we hope will exceed the community’s expectations.” With gated and controlled access, Bella Vista will offer spacious one, two, and three bedroom apartment homes. Individual homes include a variety of amenities such as gourmet kitchens, spacious walk-in closets, ceiling fans, See BELLA VISTA 15
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 6:15 p.m., November 11, 2015 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. PUBLIC NOTICE The City of Alton will hold a public hearing on Monday, November 16, 2015 at 5:30 p.m. at the City Hall Legislative Chambers located at 509 S. Alton Boulevard to consider the following requests: Si desea información en español, llame al departamento de Planeación de la Ciudad de Alton, (956) 432-0760. CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS: Amanda Martinez, d.b.a. Emma’s Quick Stop is requesting a Conditional Use Permit to obtain a Wine and Beer Retailer’s Off-Premise Permit at 122 N. Alton Blvd., also legally described as Alton Original Townsite, Lots 4-8, Block 36, Alton, Hidalgo County, Texas. Monica Centeno is requesting a Conditional Use Permit to allow for the construction of a guest house at 1020 S. Trosper Blvd., also legally described as Oaks Subdivision, Lot 2, Alton, Hidalgo County, Texas. The public is invited to attend and express support for or opposition to these applications. You may also file written support or opposition by 12:00 noon on November 24, 2015, for the Planning and Zoning and the City Commission. For questions please call Jeff Underwood, Assistant City Manager at (956) 432-0760.
EscalEra WrEckEr Inc. 1515 W. 3 MIlE rd. MIssIon, TExas 78573 (956) 585-8245 • Fax 581-6668 Tdlr vsF lIc. no. 0548371
956 ToWIng & rEcovEry llc 1515 W. 3 MIlE rd. MIssIon, TExas 78573 (956) 585-8245 • Fax: 581-6668 Tdlr vsF lIc. no. 0640957
PURSUANT TO THE PROVISION CONTAINED IN RULE 85.703. SUBCHAPTER F, FROM CHAPTER 85, PART 4 OF TITLE 16 IN THE TEXAS ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, WE ARE OFFICIALLY NOTIFYING YOU THAT THE BELOW DESCRIBED MOTOR VEHICLES HELD IN OUR CUSTODY ARE TO BE PICKED UP, REMOVED AND ALL CHARGES PAID WITHIN (45) DAYS OR THESE VEHICLES WILL BE DECLARED ABANDONED ACCORDING TO TEXAS LAW. YEAR MAKE 2004 CHEVY
MODEL CORSA
VIN# BALANCE 8AGXM19R34R106071 $510.00
TOTAL CHARGES CANNOT BE COMPUTED UNTIL VEHICLE IS CLAIMED. STORAGE CHARGES WILL ACCRUE DAILY UNTIL VEHICLE IS RELEASED. PURSUANT TO THE PROVISION CONTAINED IN RULE 85.704. SUBCHAPTER D, FROM CHAPTER 85, PART 4 OF TITLE 16 IN THE TEXAS ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, WE ARE OFFICIALLY NOTIFYING YOU THAT THE BELOW DESCRIBED MOTOR VEHICLE(S) HELD IN OUR CUSTODY ARE TO BE PICKED UP, REMOVED AND ALL CHARGES PAID WITHIN (30) DAYS. FAILURE OF THE OWNER OR LIENHOLDER TO CLAIM VEHICLE(S) BEFORE THE DATE OF SALE IS A WAIVER OF ALL RIGHT, TITLE, AND INTEREST OF VEHILCE(S). AND ALSO A CONSENT TO THE SALE OF THE VEHICLE IN PUBLIC SALE ACCORDING TO TEXAS LAW 2nd Notice
YEAR MAKE MODEL VIN# BALANCE 2009 ITALIKA RT200 LLCLPL20491108502 $770.00 2007 UTILITY REEFER 1UYVS25377U070405 $1,190.00 TOTAL CHARGES CANNOT BE COMPUTED UNTIL VEHICLE IS CLAIMED. STORAGE CHARGES WILL ACCRUE DAILY UNTIL VEHICLE IS RELEASED.
October 30, 2015
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Hidalgo County Tax Assessor and Collector Supports Proposition 1
DINBURG – Property owners who claim the Homestead Exemption will get a nice surprise when they receive their tax statements this year; a lower tax bill. But the lower tax is contingent on voters approving Proposition 1 on the Nov. 3 ballot. This year’s tax statements, which are scheduled to be mailed to Hidalgo County residents in the next two weeks, will include a homestead exemption of $25,000 – which is an increase over the current exemption of $15,000.
Proposition 1 is a constitutional amendment increasing the amount of the resi-
BELLA VISTA
outside storage rooms, microwaves, energy efficient frost-free refrigerators with icemakers, and covered patios/ balconies. All units will display elegant, professionally selected colors, upgraded carpet, vinyl wood plank flooring, and decorative lighting. An incredible clubhouse facility will feature a stateof-the-art fitness studio, a “connected” business center, a supportive services room, laundry facility, a fully equipped kitchen, and a large media room. The community offers a large swimming pool, extensive land-
dence homestead exemption from $15,000 to $25,000, thus reducing ad valorem taxes for public schools. The homestead exemption has not been increased since 1997, when voters approved a measure to increase it from $5,000 to $15,000. As directed by the State, this year’s tax statements, which are scheduled to be mailed to Hidalgo County residents in the next two weeks, will include the increased exemption of $25,000, said
Please call Roland Broussard, Vice President of Realtex Housing Management, LLC at (512) 306-9206 for further information about the development or for leasing information. from pg 10
Tencer. Cora Woloski and Claudia Silberman are co-vice presidents of fundraising. For more information contact Claudia Silberman at 655-9580 or clausilb@gmail.com or Evelyn Tencer at 330-4850 or etencer@msn.com. To learn more about the organization, go to Hadassah.org from pg 12
research/innovation/ economic development, UTRGV; Dr. Jonikka Charlton, associate vice president for student academic success, UTRGV; Veronica Mendoza, member, Mission CISD Board of Trustees. Pictured are Dr. Jonikka Charlton as she was getting her official Mission Collegiate High School Identification badge picture taken, and Randy Perez as he conducted classroom observations at Midkiff Elementary School.
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this page is your oyster opening up to a world of opportunity
2012 CHRYSLER 200, super clean, low miles, must see, $9k OBO, call for more information 956-616-4016. 2014 NISSAN ALTIMA 31k miles, a/c, all power, 4 cyl., $11,000 OBO, call 956-222-9000. TAURUS LTD 2015, only 5k miles, still under factory warranty, $25,500, call 956279-1512. MAZADA 3 2006, great condition, 139k miles, $4,000 negotiable, must see, call 314-4965161. 2012 MALIBU LT., 77k miles, $6,500; 2005 Eclipse, 66k miles, $3,800;
Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 19 through Wednesday Oct. 28. Early voting locations will have extended hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the last two days of early voting (Thursday and Friday, Oct. 29 and 30).
Bella Vista will be located at 815 S Shary Rd, Alton, TX. Gardner Capital and Madhouse believe that the first units should be ready by May 2016.
theclassifieds autos
A list of early voting substations is available on the county’s website at: http:// www.co.hidalgo.tx.us/DocumentCenter/View/21302 Early voting will run from Monday, Oct. 19 through Friday, Oct. 30. Polls will be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.,
scaping with BBQ areas, a fully fenced Children’s Playground and a sand Volleyball Court. These amenities will be shared by all residents of Bella Vista.
PRINCIPAL Pena, CEO, Alton Development Corporation; Thelma Garza, president, United Way of South Texas; Samm Mercado, special projects coordinator, City of Alton; Ramon Rosales, municipal court judge, City of Mission; Gilbert Ramirez, branch manager, BBVA Compass; Ralph Cantu, former Mission CISD superintendent; Jennifer Garza, CEO, Edinburg Children’s Hospital/Edinburg Regional Medical Center; Dr. Theresa Maldonado, senior vice president for
bills with the lower exemption.” Villarreal encourages all Hidalgo County residents interested in lowering their property tax bills to vote in favor of Proposition 1. Early voting starts Monday and the Constitutional Election will be Tuesday, Nov. 3.
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5K RUN ment in its partnership with the land and people of Israel. The fundraising efforts of Hadassah members help to improve the health of people worldwide through their support of medical care and research at the Hadassah Medical Organization in Jerusalem. Local president of the McAllen-Valley chapter is Evelyn
Tax Assessor and Collector Pablo “Paul” Villarreal Jr. “In 1997 nearly 94 percent of voters supported the increase to the homestead exemption,” said Villarreal. “We’re hoping that is the case this year as well. If the measure doesn’t pass, we will have to send revised tax
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2009 G6, 74k miles $4,800; 2011 Escape, 57k miles, $8,500, call 956867-2216. NISSAN SENTRA SV 2015, auto, all power, must see, call Eddie Vargas 956-451-4008.
forrent
MISSION: 1002 BURNEY Drive, 3/2 carport, newly remdl, incl. new a/c unit, appliances, cabinets. W/D room. Stucco fenced backyard, handicap access, 3 mins. to MHS, Marcell elem. $900 mth. For more info call 956-581-4333.
forsale
GE STOVE FOR Sale: Electric Stove
in working condition. White color. $70. Call 956-5341100. R E F R I G E R AT O R FOR SALE: Excellent condition. One year old. 26 cu. ft., Frigidaire side-byside with icemaker and ice and water dispenser. $400. Call 956-534-1100. HAPPY JACK ONEX: wound dressing repels flies and kills hatching larvae. Allows healing. Border Enterprises 487-2570, kennelvax.com. RICOS TAMALES VERACRUZANOS con aceite de olivo, de carne, de dulce y vegetarianos. Catering para sus fiestas Dona Mary, 956655-4661.
Personal classified rate: $7 for 15 words
25¢ each additional word thereafter
Business classified rate: $15 for 15 words
25¢ each additional word thereafter
mobilehome
complete - dishes, pots and pans, dishwasher appliances - table, chairs, also 2 Lazy Boys, desk, several other chairs, end tables - lamps. Outside: nice storage
FOR SALE: WELL kept 14X76 mobile home with a 12X28 all weather Texas room, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and showers, home is NOTICE TO CREDITORS
ESTATE OF DALILA FRAUSTO; Notice to Creditors; in Cause No. P-35817 HIDALGO COUNTY, TEXAS; Be it known that on October 29, 2013 the Probate Court of Hidalgo, County issued Letters of Administration to Dependant Administrator Richard R. Storm. Notice is provided to any and all creditors to the estate of DALILA FRAUSTO that notice of claim may be presented to “Richard R. Storm, Dependant Administrator of the Estate of Dalila Frausto; at 5826 IH10 West, San Antonio, Texas 78201; or at rstorm@texaslegalgroup.com.
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.
shed, nice covered patio area with round 5’ glass top patio table and 4 padded chairs. Two bearing orange trees, 1 navel and
1 tangelo. Located in exceptionally nice park, very active, wonderful neighbors, located close to hospital, police dept., gro-
ceries, reason for selling - health. For appointment to see, call 712-6602503.
INVITATION TO SUBMIT PROPOSALS FOR ACQUISITION OF NEW VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT Proposals are being accepted from all interested retailers at the Office of Hidalgo County Irrigation District No. 6, 3735 N. FM 492, Mission, Texas 78573, for: (2) 2016 F 150 4X4 / Super Cab / Short Bed / White / No Carpet (2) 2016 F-150 4X2 / Super Cab / Short Bed / White / No Carpet (2)100 HP or less 4WD Tractors/AC/Heat/2 remotes/Rear Tire (2) 10 ft. shredder / 1 side Flex Wing cutter Deadline to submit a proposal is Friday, November 6, 2016 at 4:00 p.m. Proposals will be read aloud on November 16, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. Hidalgo County Irrigation District No. 6 reserves the right to accept and/or reject any or all proposals, and waive any formalities. Joe Aguilar General Manager, HCID#6
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October 30, 2015