November 14, 2014 - Progress Times Issue

Progress Times has a new feature - ‘Reminiscing: 30 years ago this week’ Friday, November 14, 2014

page 11

www.progresstimes.net | 50 Cents

hopes to restore PRESERVINGHISTORY: Couple William Jennings Bryan home S

By Julie Silva everal years ago, Jane Wilson was watering the plants outside her house when she looked up and saw a busload of Winter Texans stopped on the street and watching.

She smiled and turned around and continued watering because it wasn’t an unusual occurrence. Over the years, Wilson has had people ask to take photos outside her home and a few even got to tour it. They weren’t interested in the home itself, though it is unique in South Texas, but its history.

The house was for William Jennings Bryan. Bryan, “The Great Commoner,” was a leader in the Democratic Party in the early 1900s and was a three-time candidate for presidential candidate before he was named Secretary of State under President Woodrow Wilson.

“It’s something I really feel that the community has an obligation to take care of and preserve.”

--Ariel King

Over time, Wilson said bystanders’ interest in the house has diminished, and she suspected people are forgetting the original inhabitant of the house on the northwest corner of Bryan Road and Mile 2. In 1909, Bryan built a winter home in Mission at the suggestion of John Conway. The white two-story, two-bedroom home features two fireplaces and hardwood floors. Built into a hill, it’s also one of few homes in the area with a basement.

Wilson and her husband Gerald purchased

See RESTORATION 12

Mission aims to HONORED GRADUATE lower the costs of residential homes

A

By Kathy Olivarez n ordinance approved

by Mission City Council on Monday would drop the cost of building a house in Mission nearly $30,000, according to city leaders.

City staff was asked to look at the fees collected by the city when a lot is developed for a primary residence after a homeowner came forward and complained about escalating costs to construct his house months ago. Monday, following a lengthy executive session the council approved a homestead exemption variance that will help people trying to develop single lot subdivisions by eliminating some of the costs associated with developing a subdivision.

Under the variance, a home built as a primary residence will not be subject to street widening, sidewalk and street lighting costs. Park and sewer fees also will be eliminated along with water and sewer utility upgrades.

Lots must front a street and must be at least one-half acre in size if a septic tank is to be used. Fire hydrants must also be provided.

With the variances provided, the average cost of developing a single-family residential lot would drop from an average of $33,152 to $4300, according to the city planner.

Also Monday, following executive session a preliminary plat approval was granted to Old Mission Subdivision, a 2.41 acre tract of

land at the corner of Holland Avenue and Perez Street. Engineer Alfonso Quintanilla had argued against a request to hook the subdivision to a storm sewer line and keep the existing outfall instead.

The property is being developed as a commercial lot.

Residential lots are being planned in the future.

Although the Planning and Zoning Commission approved development of the first section using the existing outfall, Mayor Beto Salinas objected, saying the council must require connection to the storm sewer along with the partial development of the subdivision.

Salinas took a similar position on the development of Tres Picos subdivision to be developed on the site of the old Mr. Fun site on FM 495.

Developers presented a plat showing a commercial area in front and multi-residential lots in the back. Developers requested final plat approval for the commercial area and were willing to escrow money for improvements to be built in the back at a later date.

“Escrows get lost or used for other things and by the time the second part of the subdivision is built, the costs may have increased more than the escrow,” Salinas said. He asked the council to deny final plat approval for the commercial part of the plat only and told developers to come back when they were ready to develop the entire plat.

See ORDINANCE 14

WWII veteran receives diploma

H

By Julie Silva is grandchildren believe he’s intelligent and caring enough to be a doctor, but Saragosa Salinas only received his high school diploma last week– the same week as his 90th birthday.

Born on the Jarachinas Ranch, Salinas was drafted into World War II in 1945.

He was a junior in high school at the time, but in the Army, Salinas was assigned to the 121st Evacuation Hospital in Korea as a medical technician.

Then, during a bout of appendicitis, Salinas was operated on by a doctor with two fingers. As Salinas was recuperating, he began helping the doctor. The Army kept him there, and Salinas eventually helped in surgeries.

While serving, Salinas earned several honors, in-

See SALINAS 14

TOP: La Joya ISD Superintendent Alda Benavides, left, presents a diploma to World War II veteran Saragosa Salinas, who turned 90 last week. Salinas was drafted his junior year in high school and never graduated.

BOTTOM: Salinas is pictured in uniform.

INSIDE

Saldaña named to county position

Commissioners Court introduced Rick Saldaña, the new Emergency Management Coordinator for Hidalgo County, at its Monday meeting.

See story page 3

INDEX

cluding, the Asiatic Pacific Theatre Campaign Ribbon, the Occupational Ribbon and the Japan Victory Ribbon.

Then, he came home to La Joya and got to work as a farmer and rancher. He met his wife, Eva Vela, in 1955 and had six children. He never talked about his time in the war with his children, and he now has 14 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

It wasn’t until Salinas had grandchildren that he began to talk about his time overseas, and one of his grandsons began researching whether Salinas still could get his diploma.

“My dad has always been able to talk to them and always instilled in them that you need to get your degree, and you’ll be better off,” Elma Garcia said of her father’s relationship with his

Entertainment | pg. 2

Lifestyle | pg. 6

Butterfly Festival a hit in Mission

La Joya ISD swears in trustees

The annual Texas Butterfly Festival concluded with a total of 115 species sighted, including the very rare Blue-studded Skipper and Telea Hairstreak.

See story page 7

Opinion | pg. 4

Sports | pg. 8

J.J. Peña, J.J. Garza and Johnn Alaniz all were reelected to the district’s board of directors in the November election Wednesday night.

See story page 3

Obituaries | pg. 13

Classifieds | pg. 15

entertainment

‘Little Shop of Horrors’

L

A JOYA – The Palmview High School InterAct Theatre Company and the Lobo Choir have joined for a three-night performance of the 1986 comedy, horror rock musical “Little Shop of Horrors.” It runs this weekend, Nov. 14 to 16, at the La Joya ISD Performing Arts Center, 604 N. Coyote Ave. Show time is 7 p.m. on Friday with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday.

The original movie released in 1960 was written

by Charles B. Griffith and directed by Roger Corman as an indie production. The version performed by Palmview High’s InterAct is the off-Broadway musical adaptation originally written by Howard Ashman with music

by Alan Menken. It was first performed in 1982 and had a five-year run before productions swept the U.S. and went abroad.

opens tonight

The story line remains the same: Seymour, a clerk in florist’s shop, inadvertently finds an unusual plant which thrives on human blood and flesh. Over the course of time, Seymour becomes the plant’s unwitting conspirator in a design intended to take over the world. But, he also becomes a victim to its insatiable appetite, along with his girlfriend, Audrey.

InterAct held auditions in early September and put together an ensemble of students from all classes who have been in rehearsals since then.

Joseangel Macias takes the lead male role of Seymour, and Bianca Cantu plays Audrey as the lead female.

Tickets for each performance are $6. Call Velma Cisneros at 580-5160 or via email at v.cisneros@lajoy-

The relationship of Seymour (Joseangel Macias) and Audrey (Bianca Cantu) grows into a fatal ending from the evil designs of a man-eating plant. “The Little Shop of Horrors” plays this weekend at the LJISD Performing Arts Center.

isd.net, or purchase the tickets at the door.

VSO adds ‘Touch of Frost’ to the holidays

J

oin the Valley Symphony Orchestra and Chorale for the annual holiday concert, “A Touch of Frost,” on Thursday, Nov. 20, at the McAllen Civic Center auditorium. It is located at 10th St. and Expressway 83 in McAllen.

Joining the orchestra and chorale will be the always popular University of Texas-Pan American (UTPA) Mariachi Aztlan performing holiday favorites from 8 to 10 p.m.

The concert begins at 8 p.m., and doors open at 7:15 p.m. Persons with disabilities may be seated as early as 7 p.m.

Tickets range from $25 to $45 per person. Group discounts for 10 or more people range from $12 to $20 a person. To purchase tickets in person, go to the McAllen Convention Center Box Office at Ware Road and Expressway 83 in McAllen on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Or, go online to www.ticketmaster.com or call 800-745-3000 to make a purchase.

November 14, 2014 page 2 www.progresstimes.net NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

Coming Attractions

November 14-23 · The Pharr Community Theater presents their production of “Pat & Lyndon” based on a script by Archer Crosley and directed by Luis Moreno. The two-act play will be staged at the Carnahan Elementary auditorium, 317 W. Gore St. in Pharr.

It’s the story of two men who went to Vietnam and died. Pat in body and Lyndon in spirit. Pat was a soldier, Lyndon was the 36th President of the United States. Showtimes are Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m.

Tickets are $7 general admission and $5 for anyone under 18. For more information, call 648-2488 or 655-9308.

November 14-16

· The Upper Valley Art League (UVAL) second Mission Celebration of Fine Art show will be held at the Mission Community Center at 1420 E. Kika de la Garza Loop.

Artists will be exhibiting original works of fine art in oil, watercolor, acrylic, mixed media, drawing, sculptures, ceramics, jewelry, fiber art, encaustic and photography. Participating artists will demonstrate their various mediums on site all three days of the event and will also have works available for sale.

Show hours are Friday from 1 to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The show is free and open to the public. Vendors will have food to sell.

November 15 · The Ballet Folklorico South Texas College presents the Amistades Concert Series 2014 at the Edinburg city auditorium. They are joining with El Ballet Fol-

clorico del Nuevo Santander for a special one-time performance of both institutions of higher education.

It begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 (cash only) per person, payable at the door. The auditorium is located at 415 W. McIntyre St. in Edinburg.

November 22 · The JLKS Auto Tech Club presents the first Automotive Showcase with door prizes, live music, food and drinks at Juarez Lincoln High School, 7801 W. Mile 7 in Mission. There will be 13 categories of vehicles with trophies and plaques to be awarded.

Registration is from 9 to 11 a.m. with judging from 12 to 2 p.m. and awards presented at 2:30 p.m. Vehicle registration fee is $15; bikes are $10. Deadline is November 12. Call 323-2850, Ext. 7021 for information and registration.

November 25 · The re-scheduled Willie Nelson & Family concert takes place at 6 p.m. at the Pharr Events Center, 3000 N. Cage. Tickets range from $35 standing room only to $78 reserved seating. Go to ticketmaster.com or call 800745-3000 to purchase.

Weekly · Catholic War Veterans Post #1065 in Mission invites the public to their “Get Away Thursday Dance” held every Thursday evening, from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. It is located at 500 W. Business 83. Music by the Electro Band provides country western, Tejano, the Oldies, cumbias and more.

No cover charge. Call 5835961 or email Doodrey@ netzero.com for more information.

To see the complete Coming Attractions calendar, go to www.ptrgv.com.

November 14, 2014

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La Joya ISD Board gets reorganized

The La Joya Independent School District Board of Directors, pictured from left to right, are: Oscar “Coach” Salinas, Juan Jose “J.J.” Peña Jr., Joel Garcia (vice president), Johnn Valente Alaniz (president), Juan Jose “J.J.” Garza (secretary), Esperanza “Espie” Ochoa and Jesus “Chuy” Avendaño. Progress Times photo by Julie Silva

Former Mission chief named Hidalgo County Emergency Management Coordinator

Commissioners Court introduced Rick Saldaña, the new Emergency Management Coordinator for Hidalgo County, at its Monday meeting.

Saldaña is a well respected emergency management and fire department professional with 33 years of experience.

Prior to joining the county, he

served as the fire chief in the city of Mission for 17 years and previous to that position he served 15 years as Mission's emergency management coordinator.

Saldaña holds certifications as a fire fighter, fire inspector, instructor, peace officer, and advanced arson investigator. In 2007, he was

selected as the Firefighter of the Year by the State of Texas Firemen’s and Fire Marshal’s Association and the Rio Grande Firefighters Association.

“I am honored to have been chosen for this position and for entrusting me with the safety of the citizens of Hidalgo County,” Saldaña said.

Veterans Honored Castro Elementary honors veterans for their services during their Veterans Day program Nov. 11. Students donned paper Uncle Sam hats while their peers recited poetry, performed patriotic tunes and explained the five military branches to recognize the guests of honor.

Mission CISD held six separate ceremonies where they acknowledged those in the armed forces and had the Catholic War Veterans conduct the 21 Gun Salute & Taps. Progress Times photo

by Lea Victoria Juarez.

T

By Julie Silva here were no new faces when the three La Joya Independent School District board members were sworn in to office Wednesday evening.

Incumbents Juan “J.J.” Peña, Place 1; Juan Jose “J.J.” Garza, Place 2; Johnn Valente Alaniz, Place 3, all kept their seats each with about 60 percent of the votes cast during the November election.

“Like I said when I first started to run this time around, everything I said

I would do is what I did, which was look out for the best interests of our students, first and foremost, our staff and the taxpayers of La Joya ISD,” Peña said.

He then thanked members of community, including those who didn’t support Team Liberty, the incumbents’ slate, for helping shed light on some issues at the district that need to be addressed. During the campaign, opponents pointed to overcrowded schools they said needed to be expanded and renovated.

The board also reorga-

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nized, and Trustee Oscar “Coach” Salinas motioned for Alaniz to be named president of the board, trustee Joel Garcia as vice president and Garza as secretary.

As outgoing president, Ochoa became emotional when addressing the crowd during the meeting. She said she first ran back in 2007 as educator with a heart for the children and employees at La Joya ISD. “Were about integrity, and we’re about this district,” Ochoa said. “La Joya ISD is the place to be, and we will make it No. 1 always.”

A

opinion

By Ed Sterling Texas Press Association

STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

USTIN — Winners in the Nov. 4 general election on the whole proved that incumbency and/or running as a Republican continue to be assets when Texas voters hit the polls.

Democrats Wendy Davis and Leticia Van de Putte lost by wide margins to Republicans Greg Abbott and Dan Patrick for the offices of governor and lieutenant governor, respectively. In the Abbott-Davis race, the spread was 20 points: 59 to 39 percent. Similarly, the spread in the Patrick-Van de Putte race was 19 points: 58 to 39 percent.

Incumbent U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, rebuffed Democratic challenger David Alameel, a Dallas businessman, by a 27 percent margin or 2.85 million votes to Alameel’s 1.59 million.

Incumbents, regardless of party, exacted a near sweep in races for congressional seats. The exception was incumbent freshman U.S. Rep. Pete P. Gallego, D-Alpine, who lost massive Congressional District 23 stretching from El Paso to San Antonio by two percentage points (about 2,500 votes) to Republican Will Hurd of San Antonio.

Republicans to head agencies In the races to head state agencies, Republican state Sen. Ken Paxton of McKinney was elected attorney general, to replace Greg Abbott as the state’s chief law enforcement officer.

Paxton, of McKinney, received nearly 59 percent of the vote to Democratic challenger Sam Houston of Houston, who received 38 percent. Farmer and Republican state Sen. Glenn

Hegar of Katy in the race to succeed Texas Comptroller Susan Combs, beat Houston-area accountant and Democrat Mike Collier by a margin of 20 points: 58 percent to 38 percent. Republican Fort Worth attorney George P. Bush in the race to succeed Jerry Patterson as land commissioner beat Democratic opponent John Cook by a 25-point margin, 60 percent to 35 percent.

Former state Rep. Sid Miller, R-Stephenville, won the race to succeed Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples, over Cleburne farmer and Democrat Jim Hogan by 20 points, 58 percent to 38 percent. Petroleum engineer Ryan Sitton, a Friendswood Republican, won a seat on the oil and gas regulating Texas Railroad Commission, beating Democratic opponent Steve Brown, a Houston businessman, 58 percent to 36 percent.

Most other posts go GOP Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Nathan Hecht, a Republican, overcame Democratic challenger, El Paso State District Court 34 Judge William Moody, garnering 59 percent of the vote to Moody’s 37 percent.

Incumbent members of the State Board of Education retained their seats but in a race between non-incumbents for SBOE Dist.

13, Democrat Erika Beltran won, getting 90 percent of the vote to Libertarian Junart Sodoy’s 10 percent.

Republican Konni Burton of Fort Worth won the race to succeed Wendy Davis in the state Senate Dist. 10 race, getting about 53 percent of the vote to Democratic opponent Libby Willis’s nearly 45 percent. Sen. Leticia Van de Putte of San Antonio did

not resign to run for higher office. She will continue to hold the Sen. Dist. 26 seat.

Dan Patrick’s successor in northwest Houston’s Sen. Dist. 7 is Republican Paul Bettencourt, who got nearly 72 percent of the vote to Democrat Jim Davis’s 26 percent.

Incumbents in the 150 state House of Representatives races, regardless of party, dominated their challengers. One exception was incumbent San Antonio Dist. 117 Rep. Philip Cortez, who with 47 percent of the vote lost to Republican challenger Rick Galindo’s 52 percent.

Another incumbent Democrat, Rep. Mary Ann Perez of Dist. 144, which includes parts of Houston, Pasadena, Deer Park and Baytown, lost to Republican challenger Gilbert Pena by 1.31 percent of the vote.

Notably, Republican House Speaker Joe Straus, in his race to retain the San Antonio House Dist. 121 seat, won against Libertarian Jeff Carruthers, 82 percent to 18 percent. Straus must receive the support of at least 76 of the next Texas Legislature’s 150 members to retain the speakership in the coming regular session convening in January.

Proposition 1 wins approval Finally, Proposition 1 on the statewide ballot — “The constitutional amendment providing for the use and dedication of certain money transferred to the state highway fund to assist in the completion of transportation construction, maintenance, and rehabilitation projects, not to include toll roads” — passed with 80 percent of the vote in favor and 20 percent against.

November 14, 2014 page 4 www.progresstimes.net NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

Texas leaders launch $1 million pilot program to help veterans Texas leaders are committing more than $1 million in state support for an innovative pilot program that will address Texas veterans’ mental health needs.

The new project, the Texas Veterans Initiative, will allow the state’s $1 million investment to match local and private funds to expand and evaluate community-based mental health programs serving veterans and their families. If the pilot phase generates widespread interest from communities around the state, the Legislature could act in 2015 to expand it. The project will be funded by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

The decision to support the program with public dollars was made by Governor Rick Perry, Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst and House Speaker Joe Straus.

“This unique public-private partnership represents an opportunity for the State of Texas, private donors and local communities to work together to create enduring solutions for addressing mental health needs for Texas veterans and their families,” Governor Perry said. “Each of the parties involved will share responsibility and accountability in helping improve the lives of Texas veterans who have already given so much to our nation.”

Funding will focus on regional collaborations that address severe mental health needs that are not currently met, as prioritized by each community.

“As a U.S. Air Force veteran myself, and a longtime

advocate for honoring our commitments to our veterans, I support this effort to enhance the innovative approaches that local medical providers across Texas are developing to better serve our veteran communities,” added Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst. “This new partnership is the next transformative step in our efforts to ensure our veterans receive the quality of medical care they were promised and earned with their faithful service and sacrifices.”

Speaker Straus added, “This project brings communities together to provide better outcomes for Texans who served our country in uniform. It’s a smart, effective way to address an issue that affects veterans across this state. This pilot program is a very good starting point as we head into the legislative session.”

Projects funded by the Texas Veterans Initiative will be selected through a competitive statewide request for proposal process, administered through a memorandum of understanding between the Texas Health and Human Services Commission and the non-profit Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute. Applications will be developed by community organizations and funding partners, and thoroughly reviewed by a panel of Texas veterans, state and community leaders, and mental health experts.

The objective will be to award state funding to programs throughout Texas, with decisions made on successful applicants for the pilot phase no later than March

1, 2015. One goal of the pilot phase is to generate a backlog of promising programs that demonstrates both the interest and the types of programs that would be considered in subsequent phases of the Texas Veterans Initiative. Using private funding, the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute will evaluate the outcomes of projects funded by the initiative and provide technical support and operational oversight to the program.

“The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs currently offers a variety of mental health programs but there are still many gaps and geographic barriers,” said Dr. Kyle Janek, Executive Commissioner for Texas Health and Human Services. “The Texas Veterans Initiative will create an opportunity for Texas communities to come together to fill those gaps and improve the delivery of mental health services to veterans and their families for years to come.”

“The Texas Veterans Initiative is designed to efficiently use state and local resources by identifying and filling gaps in services communities currently provide to veterans,” said Tom Luce, CEO of the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute.

“It is our goal to identify and evaluate promising practices in veterans’ mental health, and scale programs that work across the state.”

For more information about the Texas Veterans Initiative, and to respond to the request for proposals, please visit http://www.texasstateofmind.org/texasveteransinitiative.

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

TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATION

The Progress Times (USPS 971-420; ISSN 0890-2666) is published each Friday by Mission Publishing Co., 1217 N. Conway, Mission, Texas 78572, (956) 585-4893. Subscriptions $20 annual in Hidalgo County; $25 outside of Hidalgo County. Second class postage paid in Mission, Texas 78572. ©2014 Mission Publishing Company, Inc. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the PROGRESS TIMES, P.O. Box 399, Mission Texas 78573.

LETTER GUIDELINES

Letters to the Editor are welcome but must conform to certain guidelines. All letters must be original, dated, signed and bear the complete name, address and phone number of the writer/signer. No photo copied letters will be printed. No letters addressed to others will be printed. Letter content must be relevant to concerns and interests of Mission and the surrounding area. Relevance is determined by the editor.

Anonymous cards or letters are neither read nor printed. Letters may be submitted by e-mail to letters@progresstimes.net, but must include the author’s name and daytime phone number.

November 14, 2014

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page 5

lifestyle

Thanksgiving 5K benefits needy families

S

peer Memorial Library’s Second Annual Give ‘N Gobble Turkey Trot 5K will be held Saturday, Nov. 15, at Mission Banworth Park on Shary Road. Beginning at 8:30 a.m., the sporty spirit builder is an opportunity to work up an appetite and share blessings with the community by contributing to a good cause, according to Lisa Rivera, Children’s Librarian.

The registration “fee” is part cash and part canned

goods. The library takes the donated food, boxes them and distributes it to needy families in the area which have been recommended by school district personnel and other organizations.

The funds raised are then used to purchase other food items to complete the contents of each box.

Early registration runs through today at the library until closing at 5 p.m. Late registrations will be accepted at the trail between 7:30 and

8:15 a.m.

The fee for early registration will be 10 non-perishable can food items and a $5 entry fee. The race day registration fee will be $15 (cash only). A commemorative T-shirt will be given to all registered participants.

For additional walk sponsorship forms (registration/ pledge forms) or more information contact Rivera at 580-8753. The library is located at 12th and Kika De La Garza in Mission.

Remembering their veterans The Mission High School Class of 1965 honored their veteran classmates attending the 50th reunion celebration held Nov. 1. Classmates who went on to serve their country included, seated left to right, Rodolfo “Rudy” de Leon, Danny Garza, Ed Escalante, Ella Bautista Bone, Henry de Sylva, Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, John Forquer, Pablo Rodriguez, Mike Wagner and Oscar Alvarez. Standing, same order: Marcy de la Fuente, Raul Villanueva Kelley, Daniel Pena, Dan Trussell, Crispin Avila, Wendall Malloy, Arnulfo Esqueda, and Heraclio Salinas.

Marlen Garcia of La Joya announces the engagement of her daughter, Leticia Reynoso, to Rolando Rodriguez, both of Palmview. He is the son of Aracely Treviño of Palmview. Luis Ayala will officiated over the nuptials on Saturday, Nov. 22.

The bride-elect and prospective groom are graduates of La Joya High School. Austin Studio

Andres Rodriguez Photography

Melissa Cantu honored her daughter, Julissa Arianna Alvarez, in recognition of her 15th birthday. The celebration began with a mass at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Mission on Oct. 4. The reception followed at Hinojosa’s Platinum Ballroom in Mission. Her escort was Diego Gonzalez Cooper of San Antonio. She is a ninth grade student at Mission High School.

November 14, 2014 page 6 www.progresstimes.net NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

Events Calendar

Nov ember 15 – A chicken barbecue fundraiser will be held to benefit the new Pioneer Diamond Belles dancers. Plates are $6 each filled with a leg quarter, rice, beans, bread and jalapeño. Pick-up will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.at the Thompson Fruit Stand, 2409 E. 4 Mile Rd. in Mission. Plates can be purchased in advance from any Diamond Belle or by calling Betty Peña, Booster president, at 802-2994. Plates will also be available that day while supplies last.

Nov ember 15 – The public is invited to the Annual Migration Celebration /Art in the Park at the Edinburg World Birding Center from 2 to 9 p.m. Activities include guest speakers, guided nature walks, games, crafts, face painting and original artwork displayed throughout the grounds from 2 to 6 p.m. with a movie at 7 p.m. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, pillows, and insect repellent. Lawn chairs will also be available for rent. Snacks and beverages will be available for purchase. The EWBC is located at 714 Raul Longoria Rd., Edinburg. For more information, call 381-9922 or 381-5631.

Nov ember 15 – Come listen to stories by children’s books authors and storytellers at Wild Tales from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This year’s event features Kimberly Johnson, Rickey Pittman, Melanie Smith and Suni Paz. Play stations, face painting, and crafts will be set-up on zoo grounds. Children’s books will be given away while supplies last. Admission is $4 for elementary and middle school students, $4.50 for high school and college students and $5.50 for adults. Zoo members get in free. For more information, call 546-7187 or visit www.gpz.org Nov ember 16 – Gladys Porter Zoo, 500 Ringgold St., Brownsville, will host a “Day of the Dead” themed Animal Play Day to watch animals interact with sugar skulls and other enrichment items provided by zookeepers. Animal enrichment provides novel food and play items to stimulate and entertain our Zoo inhabitants. It begins at 11 a.m. at Gorilla Island and continues to other exhibits throughout the day. It is included in the regular admission.

For additional information, call 546-7187 or visit www.gpz.org.

Nov ember 18 – A book discussion on “The Elephant Keeper,” begins at at 6:30 p.m. in the Speer Memorial Library Community Room. Copies of the book are available to those who sign up. Go to the library reference desk or call 580-8754 to reserve a copy. The title is also available as an eBook at http://mission.lib.overdrive.com. Speer Memorial Library is located at 12th and Kika De La Garza in Mission.

Nov ember 20 – Buckets of Fun, “Fun with Thanksgiving Forest Feast,” runs from 10 to 11 a.m. at Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset in McAllen, for preschool children and their parents.

Admission is $3 for adults and $2 for kids and seniors.

Nov ember 20 – Learn about “Tower Gardening” from Steve and Donna Wright from 6 to 7 p.m. Go vertical to grow vegetables, herbs and fruits using less than 10 percent of the water and land used growing in soil; no weeding, tilling, kneeling or getting dirty. Admission is $3 per person. Call 681-3370 for more information.

Nov ember 20 – Create microscopic slides to explore the miniature world within for “Family Fun Night” at the International Museum of Art & Science, 1900 Nolana in McAllen. It will be held in the old art studio from 4 to 6 p.m. Seating is limited. Cost is regular admission price plus $2 for supplies. Admission for IMAS members is always free. Call 682-0123 for information.

Nov ember 22 – In observance of Texas Independence Day, the 2nd Annual Indian Cultural Pow-Wow will be held at Veterans Memorial Academy, 2115 N. Williams Road, San Benito. The Pow Wow is sponsored by the Texas Heritage and Independence Celebration Association, Inc. For more information, call 367-3155.

Nov ember 22-23 – An archery 3-D shoot will be hosted by the Mission Skeet & Trap Club, Inc. and the RGV Bowhunters Club at the Mission club’s facilities located on Conway Avenue, south of the Expressway 83 about 1/2 mile on the right. The Saturday start time is 3 p.m.; Sunday is from 8:30 to 10 a.m. The fee will be $10 for adult members, $15 for adult nonmembers, $5 for those under age 13, and $10 for ages 13 thru 17. For more information on the event, the range or membership, call 424-6528 and 583-5996.

Nov ember 27 – Explore chocolate art created with molds, painting and more for “Family Fun Night” at the International Museum of Art & Science, 1900 Nolana in McAllen. It will be held in the old art studio from 4 to 6 p.m. Seating is limited. Cost is regular admission price plus $2 for supplies. Admission for IMAS members is always free. Call 682-0123 for information.

Weekly

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

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

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

Tuesday Quinta Mazatlan: Songbird Strolls, 8:30-9:30 a.m., 600 Sunset, McAllen. Included in regular admission. Call 681-3370 for info.

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

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

“In Step to Health” free Wednesday seminars, Mission Hope Seventh Day Adventist Church, 203 W. Mile 3 Rd., Mission, 6:30-8:30 p.m.: exercise, marriage and relationship enhancement, financial empowerment and addiction support; ends November 19. For info or to register, call 454-4596.

Quinta Mazatlan: Garden Walk and Talk, 10 –11 a.m., 600 Sunset, McAllen. Included in regular admission. Call 681-3370 for info.

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

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

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

Quinta Mazatlan: History of Quinta Mazatlan Tour, 10 –11 a.m., 600 Sunset, McAllen.

Included in regular admission. Call 681-3370 for info.

Saturday Creatures of the Night program led by Bentsen-RGV State Park naturalists; call 584-9156 for program time and to reserve a spot. Located at 2800 S. Bentsen Palm Drive, Mission.

Quinta Mazatlan: Songbird Strolls, 8:30-9:30 a.m., 600 Sunset, McAllen. Included in regular admission. Call 681-3370 for info.

Sunday

“In Step to Health” free Sunday seminars, Mission Hope Seventh Day Adventist Church, 203 W. Mile 3 Rd., Mission, 3-5 p.m.: health lectures, screenings and healthy cooking; ends November 23. For info or to register, call 454-4596.

Bentsen Bird Walk, Bentsen-RGV State Park, 2800 Bentsen Palm Drive, Mission, 8:30-10:30 a.m. For beginning to expert birders; no experience necessary. Call 584-9156 for info.

Weekends McAllen Farmers Market, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., McAllen Public Library, 4001 N. 23rd St. Friday-Sunday, Bayside Habitat Tours, Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. & 1 to 4 p.m.; wheelchair accessible, open-air tram: Tickets: $4, adults (16 & over); $3, seniors (62 and over); free, under 16. Reservations required; call 748-3607, Ext. 111.

To see the complete Events Calendar for the coming weeks, go to www.ptrgv.com.

Free Society News Announcements

Quinceanera, engagement, wedding, milestone anniversary* and milestone birthday** announcements are run FREE of charge in the Progress Times.

The quinceanera, wedding, anniversary and birthday announcements should be submitted no later than two months after the event date. Engagement announcements must be submitted no later than three weeks prior to the wedding date.

Quinceanera and milestone birthday photos are upper body, single column of the individual only; no group shots. Engagement, wedding and anniversary photos of the couple are run two columns in size.

For questions or to obtain the appropriate form to submit with a photo, send an email to communitynews@progresstimes. net, call the Progress Times at 585-4893. Please include a contact name and phone number for all inquiries.

November 14, 2014

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Entries sought for Alton Christmas Parade

Texas Butterfly Festival beats the storm P O ne week before the ‘Arctic blast’, the 19th Annual Texas Butterfly Festival concluded with a total of 115 species sighted, including the very rare Blue-studded Skipper and Telea Hairstreak. While these special visitors thrilled festival participants in search of ‘life’ butterflies, the majority of folks who made the trek to deep, South Texas were here to experience the unique volume and variety of Lower Rio Grande Valley butterflies that burst onto the scene each fall.

Colorful migrants, including Monarchs, arrive each October through November, to herald the change of seasons. Finding warmth in the Valley—and lots of blooming flowers on which to nectar—cold-blooded butterflies typically stop here to re-fuel on their journey south, while some choose to make this their home for the winter. Moderate, seasonal temperatures and a 365-day per year growing season sustain abundant breeding and feeding areas for them at the National Butterfly Center and other native habitat preserves in the LRGV Wildlife Conservation Corridor.

The annual Texas Butterfly Festival continues to bring new people and greater renowned to the region, well known for it's subtropical clime and genial atmosphere.

Together, these support a booming environmental tourism industry that has an estimated economic impact of more than $400 million/ year.

“The value of visitors from nearly two dozen states, many of whom stay for several weeks at this time of year, is significant,” said Marianna Trevino-Wright, executive director of the National Butterfly Center, which organizes and hosts the festival. “Not only do they contribute to the local tax base by frequenting local businesses, they also act as unofficial ambassadors for our community. Through social media posts, stunning photos, and reports shared back home, festival participants help spread the word about the Rio Grande Valley's friendly people, affordable amenities and, of course, our wonderful landscape, featuring clouds of butterflies that look like something straight

page 7

out of a Disney movie.”

In the wake of this year's nightly news headlines, events such as the Texas Butterfly Festival are especially important to dispel negative stories about South Texas, Treviño said.

Chris Tenney, a former festival participant, said last winter he spent several months, most of November to March, searching for butterflies along the river. He traveled both on foot and on a mountain bike at the National Butterfly Center several times a week. He also visited Estero Lllano Grande and Bentsen-RGV State Parks and Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge.

“At no time did I feel any concern for lack of safety, and I experienced no incidents with any type of illegal crossing,” Tenney said.

“Border Patrol agents were a constant presence, so I often waved to them and engaged them in conversation, and this may have enhanced my sense of security. I look forward to repeating my visit this year.

I’ve already booked an RV site for December through March at Bentsen-Palm Village RV Resort.”

This year, local law enforcement played an unexpected role in the festival by directing butterfliers to a cache of Curve-winged Metalmarks near the old pump station on south Rio Rico Road, in Hidalgo County.

From Falcon Heights to Port Isabel, festival participants benefitted from the expertise of familiar guides and thoughtful planning, made possible by support from the city of Mission and Mission Economic Development Corporation, primary sponsors of the event.

“The Texas Butterfly Festival began nineteen years ago as a way to celebrate the richness and diversity of butterflies that may be found here,” states Aida Lerma, deputy city manager.

“Since then, we've adopted the Mexican Bluewing as our official butterfly and attracted the attention of the North American Butterfly Association, which chose to build the National Butterfly Center, here. This beautiful facility represents a $7 million investment in our com-

munity—and it keeps growing. Now, Mission boasts one of the Top Gardens in Texas, and has been called 'the butterfly capitol of the USA' by USA Today. This just goes to show that preserving our natural treasures has led to many good things, like creating jobs, generating tourism and protecting quality of life for local residents.”

To learn more about the 20th Annual Texas Butterfly Festival, visit www.texasbutterflyfestival.com, where the full schedule events, field trips and educational sessions will be posted, or call 956-583-5400.

arade entry applications are now being accepted and preparations are underway for the Ninth Annual Christmas Parade & Toy Giveaway sponsored by the Alton Chamber of Commerce and the City of Alton.

The parade begins at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13, west of Cantu Elementary and the toys are passed out to the children where it ends at the Alton Recreation Center, 349 W. Dawes.

Children age eight and under must be residents of Alton to receive a toy and have a voucher. Parents can stop by the Alton Recreation Center between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday to register their chil-

dren. Proof of residence must be provided.

There is a $50 registration fee for organizations, groups or individuals participating in the parade. Registration forms are available at the city hall at 509 S. Alton Blvd. or online at chamber@alton-tx. gov. Payment must be submitted with the registration.

Parade organizers are also seeking business, organization and individual sponsors. Sponsorship levels, with varying degrees of benefits, include Gold, $1000; Silver,$500; Bronze, $250; and Honorable Mention, amounts below $250.

Call 432-0760 for further information, to become a sponsor or to enter the parade.

November 14, 2014

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Rattlers to take on Yellowjackets

F

By Luciano Guerra or the past two seasons the Sharyland Rattlers have taken almost identical paths to and through the playoffs. After having backto-back undefeated seasons, Sharyland went on to defeat a Laredo team in the first round and the Harlingen Cardinals in the second round before seeing their 2012 and 2013 seasons both come to an end at the hands of San Antonio Madison in the third round.

As a result of the UIL’s most recent realignment and with Sharyland’s drop in classification to the new 5A (formerly 4A), however, the Rattlers are looking at having to take an entirely new path through the playoffs this year. And that path begins at Richard Thompson Stadium tonight against one of the Valley’s perennial powerhouses the Edcouch-Elsa Yellowjackets.

In his third season as the Rattlers head coach Ron Adame knows that if the Rat-

tlers are going to earn their third straight bi-district title tonight they will have their work cut out for them against the Yellowjackets.

“Anytime the topic of conversation is most playoff appearances in the Valley, Edcouch is mentioned in the same company as Port Isabel and Harlingen, so they have a lot of playoff tradition,” explained Adame.

“However, this particular group that we’re going to be facing started out the year as a young team,” added Adame. “With their defensive linemen all being seniors and most of them being three-year guys, the strength of their defense is going to be in their front four. But there are a lot of juniors in their surrounding supportive staff and their quarterback is a sophomore, so you could say that there’s not a lot of Friday night experience there.

However, by this point in the season those kids have 10 games of experience under their belts. So that fact combined with their tradition

has us expecting a tough Edcouch-Elsa team.”

With the Yellowjackets home stadium being nicknamed “The Black Hole”, as opponents seldom emerge from it victorious, Adame likes the fact that tonight’s game will be played on the Rattlers’ home turf.

“There’s no doubt that our crowd is going to show up,” Adame said. “Our fans have been a big part of our successes this season. They call themselves Rattler Nation and it’s amazing what something like a football game does to unite not just the school but the community together. And our kids see and feed off of that.”

Senior Sharyland quarterback Lance Madden is entering the playoffs as a Rattler for the final time. Having been part of the Rattlers’ success for the past two seasons, Madden is looking forward to helping to take the Rattlers deeper into the playoffs this year. But he is not looking past the Yellowjackets.

“We’re expecting a phys-

Sharyland’s Cesar Chapa faces a host of Diamondback tacklers as the Rattlers topped Pioneer 58-6 October 24. Progress Times photo by Doug Young

ical matchup Friday night,” said Madden. “We’re not about to take anybody lightly. Anything can happen in the playoffs and we don’t want to be that team that goes

one and done. We know that they’re going to be tough so we just have to be tougher.”

One of the reasons the Rattlers have been so successful over the past two sea-

sons has to do with Adame and his coaches’ ability to instill a team-first attitude among the players. That atti-

See RATTLERS 11

Patriots look to playoffs as No. 2 seed

E

By Ed Salas

Veterans Memorial’s Adam Solis stretches out for a pass during the Patriot’s rain-soaked 39-12 loss to Edinburg Vela last Thursday night. Progress Times photo by Doug Young

DINBURG – Amid an unceasing mist of rain, Mission Veterans Memorial became Edinburg Vela’s latest victim last Thursday, Nov. 6, as the Patriots fell to the Sabercats 39-12 at Cats Stadium in the District 31-5A regular-season finale.

The loss dropped Mission Veterans to 7-3 overall, 4-2 in district play, and a thirdplace finish in 31-5A. Edinburg Vela (9-1, 5-1) finished as the district runner up and claimed the No. 1 seed in 315A Division I. The Patriots captured the No. 2 seed.

“Edinburg Vela beat us and you give every bit of credit to them,” Mission Veterans head coach David Gilpin said. “Tonight was not a good night for us, but we’re going to come back and regroup…and we’ll get

ready to go to win a championship....”

The Patriots defense held Edinburg Vela’s potent offense to just 10 points in the first half and was still very much in the game.

However, the second half proved fatal for Mission Veterans as the Patriots were plagued by miscues and missed opportunities that resulted in the Sabercats putting up 29 second-half points that allowed Edinburg Vela

to stroll away with a 39-12 victory and the No. 1 seed.

“It was only 10-0 at the half and we read them the Riot Act at halftime hoping they would respond, but they didn’t,” Gilpin said. “From the very top of our program to the bottom, we got beat.”

Despite the disappointing loss, Mission Veterans is turning the page and moving on to the playoffs in search

See PATRIOTS 11

Prep Schedule Friday/Saturday Bi-district Football – Nov. 14 & 15 Donna High at Veterans Memorial 7:30 p.m.

Edcouch Elsa at Sharyland High 7:30 p.m.

La Joya High vs Laredo United at Laredo SAC 7:30 p.m.

(Sat.) Palmview vs Laredo LBJ at Laredo SAC 6:00 p.m.

Friday Regional Semifinal Volleyball – Nov. 14 Veterans Memorial vs Alamo Heights 5:00 p.m. at Texas A&M Corpus Christi’s Dugan Center

November 14, 2014

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page 9

Lady Patriots return to Sweet 16

O

By Luciano Guerra fficially known as the regional semifinal round of the 2014 UIL’s 5A State Volleyball Championships, the Veterans Memorial Lady Patriots have advanced into what is more commonly called the state’s “Sweet 16.”

Tuesday night’s 3-1 regional quarterfinal round victory over the Calallen Lady Wildcats earned the Lady Patriots their fourth championship of the year.

That come-from-behind victory has them preparing to take on the Alamo Heights Lady Mules tonight (Friday) at Texas A&M Corpus Christi’s Dugan Center, the same location that Veterans Memorial saw its almost magical 2013 season come to an end at the hands of the Cedar Park Lady Timberwolves.

While Lady Patriots head coach Diana Lerma has not seen the Lady Mules play this year, the fact that they defeated Cedar Park in straight sets Tuesday night to earn the right to play Veterans Memorial tonight gives her a pretty good idea of how good a team they are.

“From what I’ve read

about them, they’ve been knocked out of the playoffs

by Cedar Park several times before, so they made a commitment among themselves not to let that happen again,” explained Lerma. “That goes to show you than when girls come together with a common goal like that and they do whatever it takes to make it happen. They are able to accomplish things like defeating Cedar Park in three sets. That’s how strong of a bond team unity like that can form.”

“It’s like when we walked into the gym at Bishop for our game against Calallen, the first thing the other team said was, ‘Oh they’re so tiny’,” added Lerma. “But like they say, ‘It’s not the size of the dog in the fight but the size of the fight in the dog that matters,’ and the fact that our girls kept on fighting is what resulted in the outcome going our way.”

As one of the Lady Patriots’ setters and back row players, junior Karina Garcia shared how comments made by some of the Calallen players prior to their game Tuesday night motivated her and her teammates to prove that when it comes to volley-

ball heart matters more than height.

“When we were warming up they kept saying things to each other like, ‘They’re going to lose,’ and ‘We’re not going to carry them, we’re just going to play against them.’ But our defense is better and we finished strong against them, so what they said didn’t matter to us,” Garcia said. “As for Alamo Heights I’m sure that they’re going to underestimate us because everybody else does, but when we’re on our game we have the talent to beat them and it doesn’t matter to us if they did beat Cedar Park.”

Losing the first set to Calallen Tuesday night put the Lady Patriots in a position they’re not used to – having to come from behind. However, as Veterans Memorial junior Isela Rodriguez shared, it was the coaches’ words and the fans’ support that motivated her and her teammates to overcome the deficit and sweep the final three sets.

“After we lost the first set

The Lady Patriots celebrate their 3-1 win Tuesday night, defeating Calallen in the regional quarterfinals. Photo by Adrian Ibarra

our coaches were telling us that it was going come down to who wanted it more… then we looked around and we saw all our fans and everybody that believed in us and we knew that we had to

believe in ourselves,” said Rodriguez. “That was when we came out strong and got the victory.”

Tonight’s game between Veterans Memorial and Alamo Heights will be played at

Texas A&M Corpus Christi’s Dugan Center at 5 p.m. The winner of the game will advance into the regional final game tomorrow, also to be played at the Dugan Center at 5 p.m.

Local runners excel at state

S

By Luciano Guerra ixteen local runners competed at the State UIL Cross Country Championship in Round Rock Saturday. While they all competed individually, the Veterans Memorial boys’ and the Sharyland Pioneer girls’ second and fourth place finishes respectively at the Region IV Championships qualified the Patriots and the Lady Diamondbacks to compete as teams as well.

VMHS Patriots Boys When it comes to cross country running, few across the state do it as well as the Veterans Memorial boys. For the second year in a row the Patriots cross country team has left their mark at the state meet.

Having won the first district and regional championships in school history last year, the Vets went on to place sixth in state with then junior G.J. Reyna leading the way with his ninth place finish.

Saturday the Patriots made a return trip to Round Rock where they improved on last year’s results, placing fourth in the state.

Reyna, who placed 17th among the 149 runners at this year’s state meet, was once again Veterans Memorial’s top finisher. While he may not have placed as high as he did last year, he has helped the Patriots’ boys cross country program become one of

G.J. Reyna, Jesus Mata, Fabian Garcia, Jose De Ochoa, Eric Chavez, Martin Garcia, Alvaro Mendez and Yael Sanchez are members of the Veterans Memorial boys cross country team that placed fourth at the state meet Saturday, Nov. 8.

Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra

the best in the state.

“A few years ago when I first got here we really weren’t anywhere near where we are now,” said Reyna. “I’m very proud of my teammates. We’ve come such a long way and now that we’re the fourth best team in the state is really an amazing difference from when I was a freshman. It’s really awesome to be part of such a strong team now.”

As fourth place finishers, the Patriots fell one slot short of attaining their season-long goal of medaling at state.

That, however, is not something that Reyna is dwelling on.

“One of the things we talked about before the state meet was finishing with no regrets,” Reyna said. “The way we decided to do that was to make sure that everybody gave it a flat out 100 percent and when we finished I know that everybody did. So even though we didn’t medal I don’t think that anybody was disappointed at all in what we accomplished.”

Veterans Memorial’s

other top finishers at state included sophomore Jesus Mata (36th), junior Fabian Garcia (48th), junior Jose De Ochoa (60th), sophomore Eric Chavez (74th), senior Martin Garcia (86th) and sophomore Alvaro Mendez (117th).

In his 10th year as Veterans Memorial’s boys cross country coach, William Proctor has seen first-hand how hard work and long hours of training have led to making the Patriots’ cross country program one of the best in the state.

“This is not something that has happened overnight,” explained Proctor.

“It’s been a long process and the boys have been working really hard. It’s their dedication, commitment and willingness to put in the time and effort necessary to attain such a high level of success that has made all of this possible.”

Pioneer Diamondbacks As the only other Big 7 team to qualify, the Sharyland Pioneer girls placed 12th among the 16 teams competing at the state meet.

Individually, senior Isabel Mendoza’s 11th place finish made her the Lady Diamondbacks’ top finisher at Round Rock. Senior Lizette Chapa (29th), freshman Nadia Gutierrez (99th), freshman Laura Garza (133rd), sophomore Brianna Garcia (141st),

See RUNNERS 14

page 10

November 14, 2014

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County selects new firm for delinquent tax contract

H

By Lea Victoria Juarez idalgo County selected Linebarger, Goggan, Blair & Sampson as the number one ranked firm for the county’s delinquent tax contract. The Austin-based firm ranked above the county’s current firm, Perdue, Brandon, Fielder, Collins & Mott.

Both vendors presented on Monday at the commissioners court meeting. Based on their presentations, the court had the opportunity to ask questions to both firms and then evaluate each vendor.

Linebarger received a score average of 96.6 and Perdue an average of 96.1.

Perdue was charging a 15 percent fee for its services and proposed a reduction to 12. 5 percent. Even though Linebarger proposed a rate of 15 percent, they still ranked higher than Houston-based Perdue.

Perdue Brandon’s contract will expire Dec. 31 Currently there is no set date as to when the new contract will be awarded, but any contract will have to be approved at commissioners court. The next meeting date is Nov. 18. The request

for qualifications calls for a two-year term with an option to renew for one additional year.

Although Linebarger Goggan is ranked highest for the new contract, it is no stranger to Hidalgo County.

The firm held the contract until 2006. At the time, the joint bid from the law office of then-Hidalgo Mayor John David Franz and Perdue Brandon Fielder Collins & Mott were awarded the contract.

The Franz-Perdue Brandon partnership ended and Franz moved to the Linebarger firm.

every day. These uninsured and unlicensed drivers present public safety concerns and liability issues for other drivers. S.B. 132 will allow certain Texas residents to obtain a driver's permit so that they too can be responsible drivers.”

Sen. Eddie Lucio III, of Brownsville, has, once again, filed legislation to establish a law school in the Valley.

“Much like access to medical care and education, access to legal services and education will provide new opportunities for our region,” Lucio said in a news release.

“Not only is our region the most heavily underserved in legal services, but the nearest law school is close to five hours away.”

Lucio states that the Valley is underserved when it comes to lawyers and Brownsville only has one attorney per 768 residents and the national ratio is one for every 253.

Sen. Judith Zaffirini, of Laredo, filed legislation that would ban texting while

driving statewide. Several cities have approved similar bans locally, but no such law exists statewide.

Other bills submitted by Hinojosa include: Senate Bill 66 - This legislation will require that Epi-Pens used to treat anaphylaxis are stocked in all public and open-enrollment charter schools, and that these schools have on-campus staff who are prepared to administer them in case of an emergency, Hinojosa said.

Senate Bill 96 – This legislation will ban e-cigarettes on school property. E-cigarettes, just like regular cigarettes and tobacco products, do not belong in classrooms or on school property.

Senate Bill 98 – This legislation repeals the prohibition on same-sex marriage and provides for marriage equality.

Senate Bill 104 – This legislation will raise the age for criminal responsibility and other related procedural matters from 17 to 18 years old.

State legislators prepare for 2015 session

I

n a flurry of activity, Rio Grande Valley state legislators filed bills this week that would create a Texas resident driver’s permit, build a law school in the Valley and ban texting while driving statewide, among other things.

Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, McAllen, joined Sens.

Jose Rodriguez, El Paso, and Sylvia Garcia, Houston, to create a Texas resident driver’s permit. The legislation would allow access to driver's permits regardless of immigration status.

Ensuring that all drivers are driving legally and insured supports broader public safety goals such as increasing the likelihood that drivers know state traffic rules, states a news release from Hinojosa’s office.

Many immigrants, including undocumented persons, are working in Texas and continue to drive to work to provide for their families and other day-to-day activities.

“Currently millions of Texas workers cannot obtain a driver’s permit and insure their vehicles because of their citizenship status,” Hinojosa said. “These workers drive vehicles on Texas roads

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Reminiscing...

30 Years Ago This Week

Sharyland and La Joya were pushed out of the bi-district playoffs

Hebbronville ended the most successful season Sharyland had seen in 23 years with a score of 14-8 game in the first round of the bi-district playoffs. A misdirected pass from quarterback John Rodriguez in the first quarter resulted in an interception by Joe Solis of Hebbronville, who took it to the Longhorns’ five-yard line.

Meanwhile, La Joya had a heart-breaking loss to the Donna Redskins with a final score of 20-19. The Coyotes’ two young quarterbacks, junior Andy Gonzalez and sophomore Fidelio Salinas, teamed up with halfback Efrain Hernandez and split end Isidro Casanova for more than 200 yards in passing. La Joya had 309 yards to 228 for Donna.

Mission CISD students raised money to restore the Statue of Liberty

John Abbenante, chairman of the campaign, hoped to raise $5,000 for the project, and was readying for a Chinese auction during the

Parents Interested in Education (PIE) meeting.

The project was the brainchild of Superintendent Kenneth White, who said it would be a good opportunity for students and staff to work on something worthwhile together.

Sharyland board heard complaints from teachers

Members of the Sharyland Chapter of the Association of Texas Professional educators attended the Nov. 13, 1984, board meeting to address employee dissatisfaction.

Among the issues discussed were administrative intimidation of teachers on a campus, teachers being overworked and merit pay.

The water district trial was ongoing

The trial of two former Hidalgo County Irrigation District No. 6 employees entered its second week before 206th District Court Judge Joe B. Evins. Reynaldo Ruiz, former general manager, and Lee Alaniz, former office manager were indicted on several counts relating to purchase of items for personal use on water district accounts.

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PATRIOTS from pg 8

of a championship that they set as one of this season’s objectives to accomplish.

“Like I told our kids, we’re going to erase this one, get our film work done… and this game is done and let’s move forward,” Gilpin said. “We started this season looking to call ourselves champions and we have the opportunity to do that…. We can’t afford to look back.”

Down only 3-0 in the second quarter, Edinburg Vela scored with 26 seconds left in the half on a 14-yard TD run by sophomore running back Robert Guerra to increase their lead to 10-0.

RATTLERS

tude has manifested itself in spreading of the glory among a wide group of offensive, defensive and special teams players that can, and often do, change from week to week.

“The coaches emphasize every week the need to spread the glory and that we’re a team and not just one person,” said Madden. “So everyone is going to get their touches. Some players may get more touches than others one week, but they may get less the following week. All that matters is winning.”

As a free safety, kick returner and occasional receiver, senior Sean Landez is a triple threat for the Rattlers.

His 109.9-yard return of a

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The Patriots went threeand-out in their first possession of the second half.

On the Sabercats’ ensuing possession, Edinburg Vela senior quarterback Ebher López found wide receiver Elijah Reyna for a 39-yard TD pass to make it 17-0 after the extra point.

A sack and two fumbles in the same possession, the second resulting in a turnover, had Mission Veterans hand the ball back over to the Sabercats after a nineplay drive with less than seven minutes left in the third quarter.

Edinburg Vela added a 22-yard field goal on the next drive and a safety on the ensuing kickoff to infrom pg 8

missed field goal against Edinburg North in 2012 has been called the longest return in American football history and its video made the Top 10 countdown on ESPN’s Sportscenter.

While Landez did receive a lot of attention as a result of that one play, like Madden, he believes that it’s his teammates’ willingness to spread the glory that has led to the Rattlers’ success.

“The fact that we’re a team and not individuals is stressed here over and over again,” said Landez. “That’s what has helped us to get deeper into the playoffs.

That’s the key. We don’t care who gets the glory as long as we get the win.”

Kickoff for tonight’s bi-district playoff game between Edcouch-Elsa and Sharyland is scheduled for 7:30 at Richard Thompson Stadium.

crease their lead to 22-0 with 2:46 remaining in the third quarter.

Mission Veterans finally found the end zone when senior QB Santos Villarreal connected with sophomore Adam Solís for a 22-yard TD. The extra point was blocked to make it a 22-6 ballgame.

The Sabercats came right back and answered the Patriots’ TD with one of their own on a 4-yard run by López to increase the home team’s advantage 29-6.

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Mission Veterans struck for their second TD in a row on a 4-yard pass to sophomore Román de León to cut Edinburg Vela’s lead to 2912 after the extra point was blocked for the second consecutive time with 10:17 left in the game.

A 39-yard field goal with 7:31 left and a Patriots fumble that resulted in a 40-yard TD return by Reyna with 6:25 remaining sealed Edinburg Vela’s victory and the No. 1 seed.

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McDonald’s grows again McDonald’s in Palmhurst celebrated its grand opening last week with a ribbon cutting, free cookies and a visit from Ronald McDonald. Pictured, from left to right, are Owner Fred Del Barrio, Palmhurst Mayor Ramiro Rodriguez, Ronald McDonald, Council Member Ruben De Leon and Council Member Ofelia Peña-Perez.

Citrus legacy continues Dennis and Lynda Holbrook, center, cut the ribbon on Earth Born Market last week as Julie and Will Klement, left, and Emily and Russon Holbrook, right, look on during a ceremony with the McAllen Chamber of Commerce. Progress Times photo by Julie Silva

RESTORATION

the house in 1989 and lived there until 2010, when his health began to deteriorate.

They moved in with their son and the house has been empty for four years.

After Gerald Wilson died in January, Jane Wilson decided it was time to put the house they loved up for sale.

The sign went up two weeks ago and Wilson said she was surprised when days later, they’d already received bids on the century-old structure.

And she was excited to hear a familiar name amongst the bids. Wilson met Ariel King, one of her neighbors, at an estate sale hosted by the Wilsons when they moved out of their home.

King and her husband both had been keeping an eye on the house ever since they found out it would be uninhabited.

She grew up in Sharyland and her husband has lived in the area since the ’80s.

“It’s a very neat old house,” King said. “It’s something I really feel that the community has an obligation to take care of and preserve. We really were fearful that it would fall into the wrong hands.”

So when King saw it had been listed for sale, she called the realtor and set up a viewing at 2 p.m. that Thursday. The realtor said she’d already had an appointment at the house at 1:30. As King was driving over to the house, she said she talked to her husband and found out he was the 1:30 appointment.

There was no debate on whether or not they should put in a bid.

Meanwhile, Wilson said not only did she like and know Ariel King, she loves that the Kings want to restore the old house. They’ve been doing research on Bryan and asking questions about original fixtures in the home.

Back in ’89 when Wilson’s first purchased the home, Jane said she was apprehensive about living in such an old house. Her husband loved it. They worked on it six months before moving in. Then, she’d see a crack and panic, but her husband reassured her the house

was just settling. They eventually had it leveled.

She wanted to knock out walls and make the house more functional, but he put his foot down on too many renovations. He wanted the home preserved as much as possible.

In the end, they installed air conditioning, closed off the back porch and closed off some doors in the dining room. Wilson said she believed the front porch had been closed in some time in the 1930s.

The two were antique dealers, owners of Memories Antiques, and the house suited them well. Wilson said when she lived in it, it was filled with antiques, and the longer they lived there, the more she came to love it.

Preservation King said she’s trying to put together a chronological list of what’s been done to the house.

“We’ve been trying to make a list and talk to general contractors who have appreciation for historical homes and talk to other homeowners who have historical homes,” King said.

“It’s certainly important to preserve whatever history we have.”

The Kings just built their dream house down the street, and Ariel King said she wasn’t sure what they’d end up doing with the Bryan property. King said in this day and age, restoring a house is easier than ever, though she admitted they have an adventure ahead of them.

And Wilson already gave Ariel, a nature lover, a head start in the yard. It’s filled with native plants, King said.

Along with the house, Wilson said she’s leaving behind photos of Bryan’s family as well as memorabilia she and her husband have collected. She’d planned to give it to the Museum of South Texas History in Edinburg, but she heard the city of Mission might be interested in the house and held onto it.

Since the Kings are interested in preserving the house, Wilson’s leaving it for them.

Now, as Wilson remi-

November 14, 2014 from pg 1

Jane Wilson

nisced, the home is special not because it was built by Bryan, but because Wilson can look at the threshold between the living room and dining room and remember her now 26-year-old granddaughter learning to walk in that house.

The little girl would walk to the entry, then get down on all fours and crawl over the wooden divider between each room, then stand up and walk again.

“We had a lot of fun memories in this house,” Wilson said.

But when her children pushed the couple to move out in 2010, she was happy at first. Her husband was coming down with dementia, and her children worried after he’d fallen a few times. She worried how she was going to take care of him by herself.

They moved in with her son, but Gerald Wilson grumbled all the way. He didn’t want to leave his home.

Four years later, Wilson is ready to sell, and she said she’s excited to see what the Kings do with the place.

Even so, the sale is nostalgic for the family, and Wilson said her daughter was sad it wouldn’t be their house anymore.

“I told her, ‘Your daddy would be thrilled with this sale,’” Wilson said. “‘He would be so happy that it would be taken care of for many, many more years.’”

November 14, 2014

obituaries

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Astolfo Cavazos Jr. ISSION - Astolfo Cavazos Jr., 64, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2014, at his home in Mission.

Survivors include his wife, Yolanda Cavazos; daughter, RoxAnne Cavazos; and two grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Miracle Cavazos; parents, Astolfo and Maria Alicia Cavazos Sr.; and brother, Jose Angel Cavazos.

A funeral mass was held on Nov. 13 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Mission.

Notices

Armando Alvarez MISSION – Burial for Armando Alvarez was held on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2014, at Valley Memorial Gardens in Mission.

Rodrigo Ayala Cantu MISSION - Rodrigo Ayala Cantu, 68, passed away onTuesday, Nov. 11, 2014.

Jose Guadalupe Castellano HAVANA - Jose Guadalupe Castellano, 52, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2014, at his home in Havana.

A funeral mass was held on Nov. 12 at Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church in La Joya. Burial followed at La Joya Cemetery.

Juanita Davila LA JOYA – A funeral service for Juanita Davila was held on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2014, at Flores Funeral Home in Mission. Burial followed at Catholic Cemetery in Mission.

Anita Galvan MISSION - Anita Galvan, 68, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2014, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Cremation was held on Nov. 12 at Val Verde Memorial Gardens in Donna.

Esther Garcia SULLIVAN CITY - Esther Garcia, 82, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2014, at Doctors Hospital in Edinburg.

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Linda Garcia Gomez ISSION - Linda Garcia Gomez, 47, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2014 at Mission Regional Medical Center.

She was born on Nov. 12, 1966, in Mission where she graduated from Mission High School.

Survivors include her husband, Michael; son, Michael D. Gomez; parents, Delmiro and Godelba Garcia; brother, Roberto Garcia; sister, Lisa Gonzalez; and brother, Delmiro Garcia Jr. A funeral mass was held on Nov. 12 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Rev. Roy Snipes, OMI, officiated. Interment followed at San Jose CemeRodolfo Guerra LA JOYA - Rodolfo Guerra, 93, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2014, at Mission Regional Medical Center. A funeral service was held on Nov. 11 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Alice. Burial followed at Collins Cemetery there.

Rogelio Hernandez MISSION – A funeral service for Rogelio Hernandez was held on Monday, Nov. 10, 2014, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at Lord and I Cemetery in Palmview.

Julia Mata MISSION - Julia Mata, 57, passed away on Monday, Nov. 10, 2014, at Rio Grande Regional Medical Center.

Ricardo Mendiola MISSION - Ricardo Mendiola, 18, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2014, in Mission. A funeral service was held on Nov. 7 at Rivera Funeral Home in Mission.

Burial followed at Catholic Cemetery in Mission.

Maria I. Moreno MISSION - Maria I. Moreno, 86, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2014, at Amara Hospice in Edinburg.

A funeral service was held on Nov. 10 at Ric Brown Family Funeral Home in Mission.

Burial followed at San Jose

tery in Mission.

Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic School, 611 N. Dunlap, Mission, TX 78572.

Angie Lopez ISSION - Angie Lopez, 92, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2014.

Mrs. Lopez was born on Aug. 2, 1922, to Emiliano and Maria de Jesus Lopez in Needville. She spent her life working as a nurse before her retirement Survivors include her sons, San Juanito Flores of Alamo, Francisco R. Flores of Issaquah, Wash., Jorge Luis Flores of Sparks, Nev.; daughter, Irene Flores of Pharr; brother, Cosme Lopez of McAllen; and 10 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and eight

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Cemetery.

Elida Rivera MISSION - Elida Rivera, 76, passed away on Monday, Nov. 10, 2014, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Thelma A. Rivera PENITAS - Thelma A. Rivera, 39, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2014, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Frank S. Rodriguez MISSION - Frank S. Rodriguez, 64, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2014, at McAllen Medical Center. A funeral service was held on Nov. 7 at Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission.

Jesus Salinas PENITAS - Jesus Salinas, 37, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2014, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Burial was held on Nov. 8 at Lord and I Cemetery in Palmview.

Rosa Maria Salinas MISSION - Rosa Maria Salinas, 50, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2014, at Doctor’s Hospital in Edinburg.

Ramon Vela MISSION – A funeral service for Ramon Vela will be held on Friday, Nov. 7, 2014, at Virgil Wilson Mortuary in Mission. Burial followed at Lord and I Cemetery in Palmview.

great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Ramon Lopez, Concepcion Pena, Julio Lopez, Martin Lopez, Maria Trevino, San Juana Tellez, Benita Gonzalez, Leona Zeno, Nicolasa Rivera and Petra Medrano.

The funeral service was held on Nov. 8 at Ric Brown Family Funeral Home in Mission. Burial followed at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Mission.

Serving as pallbearers were Rene Pena, Robert Flores, Orlando Flores, Julian Pena, Rene Pena Jr. and Wade Flores.

Elijah Ramon A JOYA - Elijah Ramon, 12, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2014, at Driscoll Children’s Hospital in Corpus Christi.

He was born on Dec. 14, 2001, in Corpus Christi to Joe Ramon and Esperanza Valdez.

Survivors include his parents; brother, Jose Isaiah Ramon; and maternal grandparents, Rodolfo and Blanca Valdez.

He was preceded in death by his great-grandmothers, Maria Elia Alaniz and Esperanza Valdez; A funeral service was held on Nov. 13 at Lord & I Funeral Home in Peñitas. Interment followed at Havana Cemetery.

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All obituaries must be submitted by the funeral home. Obituary notices are run FREE OF CHARGE in the Progress Times if they are submitted in a timely manner to run the same week of the date of death.

Otherwise, there is a fee for notices submitted later than the closest possible publication date.

Late obituaries will be subject to a $50 charge.

Obituaries can be found online and are updated as they are received. Visit www.progresstimes.net to stay current with obituaries and other news that matters to you.

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

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 1101 Doherty • 585-1665

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

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

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

SAN CRISTOBAL MAGALLANES & COMPANIONS PARISH

3805 Plantation Grove Blvd., Ste. 5

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PALM VALLEY CHURCH 1720 E. Griffin Pkwy.

585-3203

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Commercial Lawn Equipment “Since 1954”

915 West Bus. 83 • Mission, tX 78572 • (956) 581-7433

KING, GUERRA, DAVIS & GARCIA

ATTORNEYS AT LAW DAVID H. GUERRA NEAL KING (retired) DARRELL DAVIS ESMERALDA GARCIA (retired) 301 E. Tom Landry • Mission • 585-1622

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ission CISD (Consolidated Independent School District) students, parents, and staff will start to see changes in the coming months and years designed to better educate and reinforce healthier lives for students. In addition to continual changes to school lunch standards from the state and federal government, the district has joined the Alliance for a Healthier Generation.

Students have seen some of the changes already this school year, reflected in what they are served in their lunches and snacks. Schools are required to serve more fruits and vegetables, whole grains, etc.

There are also changes this year to what is allowed to be sold to students outside of the Child Nutrition Program offerings. No competitive foods will be sold during the school day on school campus. A school day, for this purpose, is considered to be from midnight before to 30 minutes after student dismissal time.

The district’s nutrition policy is based on the Texas Competitive Rule and the Smart Snacks Rule. More information about this is available on the Child Nutrition Program website at, http://www.schoolnutritionandfitness.com/index. php?page=smartsnacks&s id=1008122255236285.

The state of Texas also no longer allows for any “exempt days” from their nutri-

tional rules. In the past, the district was allowed three “exempt days.” This will impact foods being sold in association with school celebrations just before the winter break, before Easter, and on the last day of school. However, it should not impact food provided to students during these celebrations this school year. Specific guidelines are currently being developed regarding future changes in what is provided to students in association with these celebrations.

As a part of the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, Mission CISD has just embarked on a four-year journey designed to create and sustain healthy environments where students can learn better and flourish. This is done through improvements in physical education, physical activity, health education, nutrition, employee wellness, etc.

“In these early stages we are focusing on evaluating ourselves as a district and setting some goals,” said Lety Ibarra, coordinator for P.E. and Health. “Once we have a handle on that, we begin to work on plans to reach those goals and implementing those plans.”

Ibarra indicated the Alliance for a Healthier Generation provides additional resources for the district to use in addressing all areas needed to truly have a positive impact on student and employee wellness.

ProgressTimes

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THE SPIRIT OF LA LOMITA LIVES HERE AT

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE PARISH

Mission • 580-4551

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

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

TEMPLO BIBLICO 5 Mile/Conway • 581-4981 or 585-3831 TEMPLO EVANGELICO, M.B. CHURCH La Joya THE DOOR CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

810 E. Veterans & La Homa Suite F.

Palmview Crossing Plaza 212-1594/424-1984

TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH 3701W. 3 Mile Line • 585-3261 WEST MISSION LUTHERAN FELLOWSHIP Pleasant Valley Ranch 7320 W. Exp. 83 • Mission 583-7667 VALLEY FELLOWSHIP 1708 E. Griffin Parkway Mission • 424-7200

MISSION AUTO ELECTRIC, INC. DBA

ER MAE EPQOU IW PMENT

A healthier approach to impact many areas of schools operations

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

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

page 13

www.progresstimes.net | www.sharylandtimes.com

IMPLEMENT COMPANY, INC. MISSION 585-1618

  

 



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

 

PADRES OBLATOS

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

"LIFE IS SHORT AND WE HAVE NOT MUCH TIME TO GLADDEN THE HEARTS OF THOSE WHO SHARE THE JOURNEY WITH US. OH MAKE HASTE TO BE KIND! BE QUICK TO LOVE!" (HENRI AMIEL) & (ST. PAUL AND JESUS IN TODAY'S READINGS)

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

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

CONFESSIONS

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

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

page 14

SALINAS

November 14, 2014

www.progresstimes.net | www.sharylandtimes.com

grandchildren.

Salinas believed so much in education that he served on the La Joya Independent School District’s Board of Trustees in the 1960s.

When Garcia’s son found out Salinas could be granted his diploma nearly 70 years after he was drafted, Garcia called the Texas Education Agency and set everything up. La Joya ISD Superintendent Alda Benavides pre-

sented Salinas with his diploma Saturday.

“He was so proud to get his diploma,” Garcia said. “I never thought it could happen. It’s amazing.”

Salinas has always been a hero for his granddaughter, Belinda Garcia, who works for the school district. She’s the first one to graduate from college in her family and her brother will be the second one with a college degree.

from pg 1

Belinda Garcia described her grandfather as a no nonsense kind of guy who’s addicted to the news.

“Weather-wise, he knows everything, even before the forecasters say it on the news,” Belinda Garcia said.

“He’s the greatest human being ever,” she said. “He always says the right thing.

He’s always pushing his grandchildren to do the right thing and get our education.”

ORDINANCE

The Council approved a resolution allowing Mission Economic Development Council to issue Mission Economic Development Solid Waste Disposal Revenue Bonds for Fair Energy Operation in Beaumont and Angleton in the amount of $100,000,000.

Consultant Richard Perez said that although the city has no liability, it stands to earn $440,000 in revenue over a 13-year period by issuing the bonds.

Mission Police Department was authorized to accept a Securing Adolescents Futures with Encouragement and Enforcement (SAFEE) grant of $55,772.90 with a matching city grant of $6,197 that will come from drug forfeiture funds for a total of $61,971.

The police department was also authorized to spend

RUNNERS

theclassifieds buy • sell • trade • rent • hire

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

freshman Kelsie Bazarte (142nd) and sophomore Jenin Morales (144th) were Pioneer’s other runners at the state meet.

Jose Aleman was the only Sharyland Pioneer boy to qualify for state. His time of 16:45:89 earned him a 33rd place finish among the 149 runners at Round Rock.

Sharyland Rattlers Sharyland senior Rene Personal classified rate: $7 for 15 words

25¢ each additional word thereafter

Business classified rate: $15 for 15 words

25¢ each additional word thereafter

ORDINANCE NO. 4161

ORDINANCE NO. 4162

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A REZONING A 9.42 ACRE TRACT OF LAND, MORE OR LESS, OUT OF LOT 18-11, WEST ADDITION TO SHARYLAND SUBDIVISION, FROM AO-I (AGRICULTURAL OPEN INTERIM) TO C-3 (GENERAL BUSINESS) READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 13TH DAY OF OCTOBER, 2014.

Norberto Salinas, Mayor ATTEST: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A REZONING A 20.67 ACRE TRACT OF LAND OUT OF LOT 30-3, WEST ADDITION TO SHARYLAND SUBDIVISION, FROM AO-I (AGRICULTURAL OPEN INTERIM) TO R-1 (SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL) READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 13TH DAY OF OCTOBER, 2014.

Norberto Salinas, Mayor ATTEST: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

ORDINANCE NO. 4160 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A REZONING OF ALL OF BLOCKS 226-228 & 246, MISSION ORIGINAL TOWNSITE SUBDIVISION, AND ALL OF BLOCK 1, BLAKE ADDITION, INCLUDING ALL ROADWAYS AND ALLEYS LOCATED WITHIN THESE BOUNDARIES (AKA MISSION JR. HIGH SCHOOL), FROM R-1 (SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL) TO P (PUBLIC ZONE) READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 13TH DAY OF OCTOBER, 2014.

Norberto Salinas, Mayor ATTEST: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

ORDINANCE NO. 4159 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A REZONING OF THE NORTH 5.75 ACRES OF THE SOUTH 9.75 ACRES OF THE EAST 20 ACRES OF LOT 22-10, WEST ADDITION TO SHARYLAND SUBDIVISION & THE EAST 80’ OF LOT B, CAUTHEN COMMERCIAL SUBDIVISION (AKA CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION BUILDING), FROM C-1 (OFFICE BUILDING) TOP (PUBLIC ZONE) READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 13TH DAY OF OCTOBER, 2014.

Norberto Salinas, Mayor ATTEST: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

PROBATE NO. P-36,602 CITATION BY PUBLICATION ************* THE STATE OF TEXAS THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF ESTATE OF NORMA CASANOVA, DECEASED. On the 31st day of October, 2014, Arturo Casanova filed an Application to Determine Heirship and for independent administration and letters of administration in a proceeding styled the ESTATE OF NORMA CASANOVA, DECEASED, and bearing the Probate Case Number P-36,602, in the Probate Court of Hidalgo County, Texas.

The Court will hear the aforesaid Application for the Determination of Heirship at 10:00 A.M. on the first Monday after the expiration of ten (10) days from the date this citation is published, at the County Courthouse in Edinburg, Texas.

All persons interested in the aforesaid estate are commanded to appear at or before the time set for said hearing by filing a written contest or answer to the Application for Determination of Heirship should they desire to oppose or contest it. Said written contest or answer shall be filed in the office of the County Clerk of Hidalgo County, Texas, in Edinburg, Texas.

The officer serving this citation shall, in compliance with the law, serve it by publication once in a newspaper of general circulation in this, the county in which such proceeding is pending, for not less than ten (10) days before the return day hereof, exclusive of the day of publication and the date of publication said newspaper bears shall be the day of publication.

If this citation is not served within 90 days after the date of issuance, it shall be returned unserved.

ISSUED UNDER MY HAND AND THE SEAL OF SAID COURT at office in Edinburg, Texas this the 31st day of October, 2014.

$43,673.84 for exercise equipment to be purchased through the Texas Buy Board.

Also, the council approved the purchase of two police units at a cost of $51,594 for two new criminal investigators. The money will come from the drug forfeitures fund.

A bid for repair of electrical and maintenance services for the water treatment plants was granted to Saenz Brothers in the amount of $81,260.

The council held a special ceremony honoring Joe Reymundo Perez, a volunteer firefighter with the City of Mission for 39 years. Perez had been a firefighter at Moore Field before becoming a volunteer in Mission.

He was to have been honored at the meeting but he died suddenly of a heart attack on from pg 9

Guillen was the Rattlers’ sole qualifier at the state meet. His seventh place finish made him the top individual finisher among all Valley runners Saturday.

“The whole experience was pretty unreal,” shared Guillen. “I think that I’m only the second individual from Sharyland to compete at the state meet so it’s a very special thing.”

from pg 1

October 17. His widow was presented with a leather fire helmet with his name on a gold leave, in recognition of his service to the city. Several members of his family were present to take part in the presentation in his honor.

Interim Fire Chief Rene Lopez Jr. later said because Perez was still active at the time of his death, he was given a firemen’s funeral with full honors. An honor guard stayed with the body from his wake until the time for burial. His casket was loaded on a fire truck for delivery to the church and cemetery. The service included a Fireman’s Prayer, a siren blast and a last call on the radio, asking for a signal from the missing fireman. Lopez said it was a very emotional event for the firemen who served with Perez for so many years.

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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.

ORDINANCE NO. 4164

ORDINANCE NO. 4163

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR THE SALE & ON-SITE CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES – ROLIE’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT, 2105 W. 3 MILE ROAD, SUITE 8, LOT 3, BLOCK 4, TAURUS ESTATES NO. 9 SUBDIVISION PH. I READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 13TH DAY OF OCTOBER, 2014.

Norberto Salinas, Mayor ATTEST: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A REZONING A 0.94 OF 1 ACRE OUT OF LOT 92, MISSION ACRES, FROM AO-I (AGRICULTURAL OPEN INTERIM) TO R-1 (SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL) READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 13TH DAY OF OCTOBER, 2014.

Norberto Salinas, Mayor ATTEST: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

ORDINANCE NO. 4165 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS AMENDING ORDINANCE NO.780 DESIGNATING PLACES WHERE BEER AND OTHER ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES MAY BE SOLD WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF MISSION TO INCLUDE THE PREMISES LOCATED AT 1928 N. CONWAY, SUITE C READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 13TH DAY OF OCTOBER, 2014.

Norberto Salinas, Mayor ATTEST: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

ORDINANCE NO. 4166 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS, AMENDING CHAPTER 98 –SUBDIVISIONS OF ITS CODE OF ORDINANCES TO ADD SECTION 98-16 TO ARTICLE l THEREOF TO ADOPT A HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION VARIANCE PROVISION WITHIN THE SUBDIVISION CODE; TO PROVIDE FOR A SEVERABILITY PROVISION; AND PROVIDING FOR A PUBLICATION PROVISION READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 13TH DAY OF OCTOBER, 2014.

Norberto Salinas, Mayor ATTEST: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS/QUALIFICATIONS TO SUPPLY CITY OF PALMVIEW with sealed qualifications/proposals on “EMERGENCY AMBULANCE SERVICES FOR CITY OF PALMVIEW, CITY OF PALMVIEW EXTRA TERRITORIAL JURISDICTION AND THE CITY OF PALMVIEW FIRE DEPARTMENT’S RURAL FIRE CALLS JURISDICTION”.

QUALIFACTIONS/PROPOSALS PACKETS may be obtained by contacting the CITY OF PAMLVIEW at (956) 432-0300, requested via email crbarerra@ palmviewpd.us or may be picked up in person at the City of Palmview, with a Physical location of: 400 W. Veterans Blvd. Palmview, Texas 78572 UPON SUBMITTING SEALED QUALIFICATIONS/PROPOSALS, bidders are required to properly identify (handwritten, typed or printed) sealed envelope and/ or packet as follows: Bidder’s name and address on the upper left hand corner of the sealed envelope and/or package and CITY OF PALMVIEW “EMERGENCY AMBULANCE SERVICES FOR CITY OF PALMVIEW, CITY OF PALMVIEW EXTRA TERRITORIAL JURISDICTION AND THE CITY OF PALMVIEW FIRE DEPARTMENT’S RURAL FIRE CALLS JURISDICTION” on the lower left hand corner of sealed envelope and/or packet. OVERNIGHT MAIL MUST ALSO BE PROPERLY LABELED ON THE OUTSIDE OF EXPRESS ENVELOPE OR PACKAGE. The sealed bid must contain one (1) original and seven (5) copies of bid and must be clearly identified and addressed for delivery to: C. Robert Barerra, Chief of Police CITY OF PALMVIEW US POSTAL MAIL/COURIER ADDRESS 400 W. VETERANS BLVD. Palmview, Texas 78572

PHYSICAL LOCATION 400 W. VETERANS BLVD. Palmview, Texas 78572

Sealed proposals will be accepted until 9:30 a.m. on WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2014 at which time they will be opened in the City of Palmview Conference room at Physical Location 400 W. Veterans Blvd. Palmview, Texas 78572 NO FACSIMILES OR LATE ARRIVALS WILL BE ACCEPTED. ANY RFP RECEIVED AFTER THAT TIME WILL NOT BE OPENED AND WILL BE RETURNED. City of Palmview reserves the right to refuse and reject any/all proposals and to waive any/all formalities or technicalities, or to accept the proposal considered the best and most advantageous to the City.

theclassifieds November 14, 2014

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buy • sell • trade • rent • hire

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

Personal classified rate: $7 for 15 words

25¢ each additional word thereafter

Business classified rate: $15 for 15 words

25¢ each additional word thereafter

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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.

forsale

FOUR GRAVE PLOTS - Lauren Hill Cemetery, Four Plots, Block #33, 2 plots, $1500 each, Block #43, 2 plots, $ 2,000 each. 956703-3010.

garagesale

COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE, The Highlands Subdivision, Glasscock & 2 1/2mile, Mission, Saturday November 15, 2014, gates open at 8am.

MISSION/MCALLEN GARDEN Club plant and rummage sale, November 15, 1001 W. Whitewing Avenue McAllen, Tx.

helpwanted

EXPERIENCED TAX PREPARERS needed. Also, if you have existing clients but require office space we are willing to discuss compensation. Call (956) 585-1818, Fax (956)585-9818, E-mail: atefax@hotmail.com.

miscellaneous SHARI’S BERRIESORDER Mouthwatering Gifts for Any Occasion! SAVE 20 percent on qualifying gifts over $29! Fresh dipped Berries starting at $19.99! Visit www.berries.com/ easy or Call 1-888919-1668!

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

CALL Now! 1-800-3462186.

services

CORONADO SERVICE HANDY Services, Painting, Plumbing, Sidewalk fence, 956-2224377.

NEED A DJ Call Eddie with Unique DJing Production.

All Music...Customized to your Preferences! All special events. Web: www. myspace.com/d j_by_eddie Email: d j _ b y _ e d d i e @ y ahoo.com - Eddie 956-219-9072.

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

novena Oracion Al Espiritu Santo

Espiritu Santo, tu que me aclaras todo, que iluminas todos los caminos para que yo alcance mi ideal, tu que me das el don divino de perdonar y olvidar el mal que me hacen y que en todos los instantes de mi vida estas conmigo, yo quiero en este corto dialogo agradecerte por todo y confirmar una vez mas que nunca quiero separarme de ti por mayor que sea la ilusion material.

Deseo estar contigo y todos mis seres queridos en la gracia perpetua. Gracias por tu misericordia para conmigo y los mios.

La persona debera rezar esta oracion 3 dias sequidos sin decir el pedido. dentro de tres dias sera alcanzada la gracia por mas deficil que sea. (Publicar en cuanto se recibia la gracia).

Agradece gracia alcanzada.

T.R.

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LEGAL NOTICE Company Name: Family Dollar Stores, Inc. Billing Address: P.O. Box 1017, Attn: Tax and Licensing Department, Charlotte, NC 28201-1017 Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for Wine and Beer Retailer’s Off-Premise Permits by Family Dollar Stores of Texas LLC d/b/a Family Dollar Store #5904, located at 90 W. Expressway 83, Sullivan City, Hidalgo County, Texas 78595.

Officers of said Limited Liability Company are: Howard R. Levine, Chairman, CEO and Director Jason Reiser, Executive VP - Chief Merchandising Officer Barry W. Sullivan, Executive VP - Store Operations Mary A. Winston, Executive VP - Chief Financial Officer Robert L. Rogers, Senior VP - Real Estate James C. Snyder Jr., Senior VP - General Counsel and Secretary Bryan E. Venberg, Senior VP - Human Resources Jonathan E. Broz, VP - Assistant General Counsel and Assistant Secretary Erik D. Gast, VP – Controller Jose M. Luis, VP - Real Estate Development Beth R. MacDonald, VP - Assistant General Counsel and Assistant Secretary Thomas E. Schoenheit, VP - Assistant General Counsel and Assistant Secretary David R. Styka, VP - Finance and Treasurer

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November 14, 2014