November 20, 2015 - Progress Times Issue by Progress Times

Friday, November 20, 2015

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VALLEY NATIVE RECOUNTS EXPERIENCE DURING PARIS ATTACKS M By Lea Victoria Juarez ission High School alumnus Steve Smith was at a restaurant in Paris when a series of attacks involving gunfire and explosives occurred in the French capital, Nov. 13. The Islamic State, known as the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), claimed responsibility for the attacks shortly after, killing at least 129 people. Smith and his girlfriend didn’t hear any shooting or explosions from their dinner location, but he said the restaurant occupants reacted almost as soon as they got word of what happened. “To see their reactions,

the instant crying, the worry, literally the guys were saying ‘We’re scared, we’re scared,’” Smith said. “I don’t think any of us understood how big of a deal it was.” He said about 90 percent of the restaurant cleared within about 10 minutes of receiving the news, but he and his girlfriend continued with their scheduled evening. It wasn’t until the next morning, when they saw a news story on TV, that the two realized the gravity of the situation. The following day, the couple set out to continue exploring Paris. The two went to the Eiffel Tower, which, to Smith’s surprise, was still a heavily trafficked

area. However, the restaurants inside the monument were closed. Smith and his girlfriend were scheduled to go on a tour, but it was canceled. They also planned to attend mass at the Notre Dame Cathedral, but that was also canceled. The couple sat in a cafe the evening of Nov. 14, disappointed about the canceled events, when a young woman received a phone call in front of them and began to cry. “I guess she found out that someone she knew closely was either gravely injured or potentially killed, but that’s when it kind of hit home,” Smith said. “At that point I was thinking about all the people that had died...

and thinking about how many people had received phone calls like that today.” He remembered how he felt during the series of terrorist attacks that occurred in the United States on Sept. 11, 2001. “I didn’t lose anybody, but it (was) that same fear and same uncertainty of what was going on,” Smith explained. “It’s a sad thing but unfortunately early on I didn’t really realize the gravity of the situation until that second evening.” Smith said he didn’t initially react strongly to the Paris attacks because he has experience in those types of situations. He moved to Mexico in 2010 and since then has lived in both

Reynosa and Monterrey where he’s seen a lot of violent deaths. “You name it, I’ve seen it – people being shot, people shooting,” Smith said. “I’ve always lived by the fact, and told this to many people, if you can’t hear the gunfire then don’t be so worried because I’ve lived through so many events where I heard the gunfire.” The Monterrey resident said staying calm during the Paris attacks might have actually saved his life. Had the couple rushed out of the restaurant upon receiving the news of the incidents, they would have walked toward the direction of some of the attacked locations to return to their hotel.

Smith has a daughter at Sharyland Pioneer High School and another at University of Texas at Austin. He said he text the two of them to let them know he was safe before they heard about the attacks. “For me, I don’t think I was fearful at all, unfortunately because of those experiences in Mexico, but it hit home when I saw that young lady break down,” Smith said. “I hadn’t realized the impact of what it’s going to do to reshape France…the people and the way they think. To hear them say ‘This is our September 11,’ it made me realize this is going to change the way people live there.”

Lady Lions roar to state championship Constable announces reelection campaign

By Lea Victoria Juarez the criminal and civil process that comes out of the courts. idalgo County Pre- When there is a lawsuit filed cinct 3 Constable in the justices of the peace Lazaro “Larry” Gal- court or county and district lardo Jr. announced his court, the constable’s office candidacy for reelection in is given an order to execute March 2016. He’s served the the judgement ruled by a people in the 3rd Precinct judge. This could mean colfor 15 years, making him the lecting money or property longest-standing officer of from an individual. the four current constables in The more warrants they the county. execute, the more fees and Gallardo said he’s always fines they bring back to the admired law enforcement. community. He played cops and robbers “Sometimes it’s not nice as a child, riding his bike because it’s hard to sell down the street and mimick- somebody’s property. We’re ing the siren noise of a police messing with somebody’s car. livelihood,” Gallardo said. Throughout the last 15 “Everybody’s human, evyears, he said he’s become erybody’s got problems. We more appreciative of the job. always try to work with in“I am paid by the tax- dividuals that are being sued payers and I think I have before drastic measures have the sworn duty to give them to be taking in order to give what they pay for,” he said. them every opportunity to He said an issue he comes take care of their problems.” across is that people don’t In 2014, constable’s ofunderstand the purpose of a fice generated an estimatconstable’s office. ed 2.8 million dollars. This A constable serves the year, they have already genjustice of the peace court by See GALLARDO 14 providing bailiff and serves

By Luciano Guerra io Grande Valley high school sports team state champions are few and far between. While several Valley soccer teams, including the 2011-2012 Sharyland Rattlers boys team, have accomplished this impressive feat, only a handful of Valley teams in other sports have reached the pinnacle of high school sports as the top team in the Lone Star State. Last Saturday, the Juan Diego Academy Lady Lions volleyball team took to the court at the South San ISD Activity Center in San Antonio with the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) 1A state championship on the line. The Lady Lions earned this right by compiling an impressive 36-3 record, including a straight sets victory over Fredericksburg in the bi-district round, a four set victory over San Antonio Gateway in the area round,

a straight sets victory over San Marcos Hill Country Christian School in the regional semifinal round and last Thursday’s straight sets victory over Bellville Faith Academy in the state semifinal round. Located south of Mission, in the shadows of the old St. Joseph and St. Peter Seminary, Juan Diego Academy is a private regional Catholic high school with a current enrollment of 129 students. Of those 129, 13 are members of the Lady Lions varsity volleyball team. Those 13 girls made the trip to San Antonio as regional champions and returned as state champions with a 25-17, 25-22, 2225 and 25-21 championship game victory over Lubbock All Saints Episcopal School. Two of the Lady Lions’ standouts are transfers from McAllen Memorial High School – senior Jasmine Long and junior Elouise “Elie” Kittleman. While Juan Diego Academy did get as far as the state

semifinal game last year, Kittleman is in her first year on the Lady Lions’ squad making this her first trip to the state tournament. That made the entire experience an especially memorable one for her. “It was really exciting,” declared Kittleman. “We had a lot of support going to the game. I had never felt so much support and love. It was just exciting and fun!” As for what she felt going into Saturday’s championship game Kittleman said, “Obviously the nerves were there; I’m not going to lie. We were all nervous and excited. But we all had confidence in each other and we knew that we could do it.” In her second year as a Lady Lion, Long was part of the team that qualified for the state tournament last year but lost to San Antonio Gateway in the semifinal round. Long believes that having been there before helped the Lady Lions this year. “I think that we weren’t

mentally ready last year,” Long said. “This year though we conditioned a lot more so I think that not only were we more mentally prepared this year but we were also more physically prepared.” As for what she felt the moment the Lady Lions scored the final point and became state champions Long said, “It was something unforgettable. All the work that we had put in that led up to that last point. While we were a little shaky in the third set, we came back and we knew what we had to do. We knew we could do it and winning the state championship made all our hard work pay off.” Lady Lions head volleyball coach Vic Garza shared what having the support of the fans meant to him and his team. “We counted and we had about 214 people at the game,” Garza said. “They were definitely the loudest

See LADY LIONS 9

Lazaro “Larry” Gallardo Jr.

INSIDE

Veterans Memorial to play Victoria West next

Campaign Announcement Policy

La Joya fire cadets graduate

The Patriots football team advances into the second round of playoffs for only the third time in school history.

Candidates for local elected office may submit a campaign announcement to Progress Times before the filing deadline Dec. 14.

Eight trainees were the first cohort to receive their badge and certificate from the Alton Fire Academy, Nov. 13.

See story page 9

INDEX

Entertainment | pg. 2

Lifestyle | pg. 3

See story page 5

Opinion | pg. 4

Sports | pg. 8

Obituaries | pg. 11

Classifieds | pg. 12

entertainment UTRGV presents Mariachi Winter Showcase

he University of Texas Rio Grande Valley invites the public to celebrate the pageantry and beauty of the Mariachi tradition with the Mariachi Winter Showcase concerts in Brownsville and Edinburg. They will be held on campus at the TSC Arts Center in Brownsville on Tuesday, Dec. 1, at 7 p.m. Two more will be held at the Performing Arts Complex on the Edinburg campus at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday,

Dec. 5, at 3 p.m. The University’s School of Music presents the mariachi ensembles within the mariachi program, including the nationally award winning Mariachi Aztlán, which has captured first place in numerous national competitions and has performed with renowned symphony orchestras and opera companies. The concerts will feature folk harp virtuoso Ivan Velasco performing music from Veracruz. Tickets for all perfor-

ROWNSVILLE – Gladys Porter Zoo’s annual Zoo Nights and Lights runs Dec. 4 to 6 from 6 to 9:00 p.m. each evening. The zoo is located at 500 Ringgold St. in Brownsville. The annual holiday celebration is family-friendly event offering a holiday spirit and fun for guests of all ages, as well as a romantic setting for a date night. Enjoy live performances by local bands and choirs while taking in the dazzling light displays and enjoying hot chocolate and churros. Activities for children include taking a picture with

Santa Claus, decorating their own gingerbread cookie and creating a unique holiday craft. There will be shopping at the arts and crafts show in the special events building for holiday goodies that can mark a few gifts off the family’s wish list. Tickets for Zoo Nights and Lights are now on sale for $2.50 each; or, visitors can donate a new, unwrapped toy for the Toys for Tots Foundation. Zoo members receive free admission to this event but are still encouraged to donate a toy. For more information, call 547-7187.

Zoo Nights and Lights runs Dec. 4-6

Bible Alive Theater comes to the Valley

n a ministry partnership with Bibleville Conference Center, Bible Alive Theater will present their first free full-cast Bible musical in the Rio Grande Valley. Two performances take place on Saturday, Dec. 12, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Bibleville main auditorium, 1346 N. Cesar Chavez Rd. in Alamo. Many of the cast and crew are from Bibleville, while others are Valley residents. This is a cross-denominational effort with adults and youth from many different churches and denominations. The original musical “Isaiah’s Christmas Story” was written by Myra Green, president and co-founder of the first Bible Alive Theater

in Santa Fe, N.M. in 2008. They are now in their seventh season. The play tells the traditional Christmas story from the viewpoint of the prophet Isaiah who had much to say about Christ’s birth 700 years before it occurred. Since 2001, Bible Alive presents stories from the Bible throughout the United States as musical theater to bring the element of sight and sound to share their message. Over 100 volunteers have participated in these Bible musicals and many have been written by student members. Currently there are 21 different musicals that have been performed. For more information, call 505-690-2548.

mances are $10 at the door and will be available at the theater’s box office one hour before the shows. Patrons may enter free with their pass. The UTRGV Mariachi program was founded by UTRGV College of Fine Arts Interim Dean Dr. Dahlia Guerra and is directed by Francisco Loera, a faculty member of UTRGV’s School of Music. Since 1989, the Mariachi Aztlán has traveled throughout the United States, Mexico, and

Canada. The mariachi’s other accolades include performances with the Chicago Lyric Opera and winning Grand Champions on five different occasions at the Mariachi Spectacular de Albuquerque national competition. The mariachi has also performed with the Houston Grand Opera, at the Hollywood Bowl, at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, and at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.

Swing with a holiday concert in the park

wing into the holiday season with a Big Band Holiday Concert in the park with the original Dean Canty Band performing on Thursday, Dec. 10, 6 p.m. at Quinta Mazatlan World Birding Center in McAllen. Canty is a leader, arranger, trumpet soloist and vocalist with the band, which will present a concert featuring traditional as well as contemporary Christmas songs and other favorite gems. The band consists of 18 swinging musicians and one lovely female vocalist, Ani Tharpe. They perform music from the libraries of and in the style of Harry James, Woody Herman, Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Stan Kenton, the Dorsey Brothers and other nationally known bands. Their repertoire includes arrangements from Frank Sinatra, Michael Buble, Harry Connick, James Brown, Brian Setzer, Asleep at the Wheel and other pop stars. Dean is an alumnus of

the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra with Warren Covington, Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra with Lee Castle & Bill Tole and Les Elgart. He has appeared as first trumpet with Bob Hope, Julio Iglesias, Vikki Carr, Jerry Lewis and others. Located in the Rio Grande Valley, the band has performed locally, nationally and in Mexico, for over 35 years, backing such groups as the Platters, Four Diamonds, Four Aces, Four Lads, Gene White Show from Las Vegas, and 4 Wunnerful Girls from the Lawrence Welk Show. The Dean Canty Band will play outdoors on the north lawn of Quinta Mazatlan with a special appearance by Santa Claus for family photos, cookies and cider. The concert is $5 per person with tickets at the door; dressing for the weather is recommended. For more information, call 681-3370.

RGV Concert Band opens 2015-16 season

Christmas concert at Our Savior Lutheran Church in McAllen starts the Rio Grande Valley Concert Band off with a “Merry, Merry Christmas” for the 2015-16 season. The first concert on Dec. 13 takes place at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 1105 Fern in McAllen, at 3 p.m. as a “thank you” to the church members for allowing the band to practice there each Saturday morning at 9 a.m. The holiday concert features favorite holiday music, including new arrangements of Christmas classics featured in the “GLEE” television series. “Do You Hear What I Hear” and Holiday Mash-Up featuring “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “Jingle Bell Rock” are two of these selections. The band will also play the crowd pleas-

er “Twas The Night Before Christmas” with narration. There is no charge for the concert, and the public is invited to attend. A free-will offering will be taken. After Christmas the RGV Band will grow to around 60-plus members performing seven concerts over the following three months. Concert dates, all at 3 p.m., include Jan. 10, Tip-O’ Texas, Pharr; Jan. 24, Rio Valley Estates, Weslaco; Feb. 7, Alamo Palms, Alamo; Feb. 21, First Presbyterian Church, Mission; March 4, Trinity Worship Center, Pharr; March 6, El Valle Del Sol, Mission; and March 13, Paradise Park, Mission. People with band performance experience are invited to join. The band has a special need for players of clarinets, flutes and percussion instruments. Interested persons should contact Director Gene Goede at 6829225.

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Coming Attractions

November 21 “Table Manners of the WILD Puppets,” a puppet show for all children begins at 2 p.m. in the Building D auditorium of South Texas College on the Pecan campus in McAllen. The public is invited, and admission is free. For more information, contact Tom Fuschetto at 872-3487 or at tomf@southtexascollege.edu. November 20-22 Enjoy Beth Henley’s comedy “The Miss Firecracker Contest” with the STC Theatre’s second performance of the season. Show times are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. for the Sunday matinee which are interpreted by student interns. Individual ticket prices for Main Stage productions are $5 for students/faculty/senior citizens/military and $10 general admission. Individual Studio productions cost $5 general admission. All productions will be at STC’s Cooper Center, 3201 W. Pecan Blvd. in McAllen. For information, call 8722301. November 27 The Casey Donahew Band headlines at Las Palmas Race Park, 9809 N. Taylor Rd. in Mission, and gates open at 7 p.m. Opening acts are Costello and Matt & the Herdsmen. Tickets are $23 per person and on sale at ticketfly.com, at Cavender’s in McAllen or by calling 877-435-9849. Ticket prices go up the day of the event. The Spazmatics return for another night of frivolity at the Boggus Ford Events Center, 3000 N. Cage in Pharr. The show begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are on sale at ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000. Prices are $23 and $33. November 28 It’s a “Thanksgiving Holiday Hangover” with Kevin Fowler at the Boggus Ford Events Center, 3000 N. Cage in Pharr. The show begins at 7 p.m. General admission is $20 and reserved seating is $30. Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000. November 29 The Museum of South Texas History welcomes Dr. Joe Chance, who will present a historical program “The Man and the Myth” about one of the Valley’s most controversial figures – Dr. Alexander M. Headley at 2 p.m. For more information, contact Pamela Morales at 956.383.6911. November 30 Adam Lambert woke up the world when he hit the American Idol stage and now makes his Valley debut at State Farm Arena in Hidalgo. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the show begins at 7 p.m. Ticket prices range from $26 to $75 and are available at ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000. December 1 The conclusion of WILD’s (Writers in Literary Discussion) Film Contest, the awards night, begins at 7 p.m. Free, and open to the public, it takes place in the Building D auditorium at South Texas College on Pecan in McAllen. Find out which films won the awards while networking with others in acting and film. The award winners will be shown that night. For more information, contact Tom Fuschetto at 872-3487 or tomf@southtexascollege.edu. December 3-5 McAllen Memorial High School choir’s 27th annual music production brings Broadway’s “Guys & Dolls” to the stage. Performances will be at the school’s auditorium, 101 E. Hackberry, and will run on Thursday and Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be reserved by calling 632-5258. December 3 & 6 Valley Voices, a regional Chorale under the direction of Patrick Graves, presents “Holiday Sounds” at the Fishers of Men Lutheran Church, 603 Tarnava in Port Isabel, at 7 p.m. on Dec. 3. Admission is $10 for advance tickets and $12.00 at the door. A second performance will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, 901 Boca Chica in Brownsville at 3 p.m. There is no admission charge for the Brownsville performance. Call 572-6369 for information. December 4-6 The Edinburg Dance Theatre presents “The Nutcracker” at the Edinburg High School Performing Arts Center, 2600 E. Wisconsin Rd. Performance times are 7:30 p.m. on Friday, 1:30 and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and 1:30 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $12 per person. To purchase, go to the Dancentre of Edinburg at 2750 Hedfelt Dr. call 330-9439. (To see the complete Coming Attractions calendar, go to www.ptrgv.com.)

lifestyle MMA to pay homage to heroes of forgotten battle H

ARLINGEN – To commemorate the 65th anniversary of the Battle of Chosin Reservoir, Marine Military Academy will hold the Chosin Few Memorial Ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 12, at 10 a.m. at the Chosin Few Memorial

Gate on the MMA campus in Harlingen. The public is invited to give their respects to the heroes of a forgotten battle and a forgotten war. Survivors of the Battle of Chosin Reservoir, or those known as the Chosin Few, will travel from across the United States to participate in the ceremony. The public is invited to attend this event, especially all Korean War veterans. According to MMA Superintendent Col R. Glenn Hill, the Korean War (June 25, 1950 – July 27, 1953) is known as the “Forgotten War.” “At MMA, the south entrance of our campus is named Chosin Few Memorial Gate. Because so many people are unfamiliar with

BETWEEN the bookendS

Speer Memorial Library

12th St. & Kika Loop • Mission • 580-8750

By Robert L. Rivera

ngélica Reyna-Bland will give a presentation at the library on Tuesday, Nov. 24, at 2 p.m. in the library’s community room to discuss her latest work and newest book, “Last Ride on the Ferry: My Life as a Migrant Worker 1940’s”. The author, an American of Mexican descent, gives the reader a first-hand account of being a migrant worker, constantly changing schools five or more time a year. She traveled, camped and worked with Braceros and Mexican families. Reyna-Bland says; “God blessed me with a good memory for recalling my early years.” She first published her fiction book in 2006; however, she had always wanted to make it non-fiction. After receiving all of her siblings’ approval and blessings to use their real names, she made a revision with more stories of recollections her siblings shared with her and published it as non-fiction in

April, 2014. This memoir tells the multi-generational story of the Reyna family, especially the life of Severo, and the endurable bond of family love. When Severo’s life cycle ends, the family honored their father’s request to have his remains return to Mexico and reunite with his umbilical cord. It was his last ride on the ferry. She was born Angélica Reyna in Mercedes in 1941. During the 1940s, they traveled, camped, and worked side by side with Braceros and undocumented Mexicans picking cotton in the Midwest. In the 1950s, her family shifted to the Mideast, following the harvest of crops from state to state. As an adult she worked in factories, as a realtor and as a cosmetologist before her retirement. She now resides in Hagerstown, Ind., but makes it a point to visit the Rio Grande Valley once a year. For information, call 5808479 or email robert@missiontexas.us.

this period of history, parents and guests frequently ask me and the staff why ‘Chosin’ is misspelled. After I tell them the spelling is correct, I tell them about the Battle of Chosin Reservoir during the Korean War,” Hill said. The Battle of Chosin Reservoir (Nov. 27 – Dec. 13, 1950) was one of the bloodiest battles during the Korean War. It was also one of the coldest battles in history and often referred to as “Frozen Chosin.” It took place during the coldest winter in 100 years in North Korea that 8,000 fighters, mostly Marines, were surrounded by 120,000 Chinese soldiers at the Chosin Reservoir. In 17 days of brutal, sub-zero temperatures,

Learn history through food at Mission Historical Museum

he Mission Historical Museum presents “En Mi Casita Pioneer Days,’ a series of demonstration classes on how to make Mexican foods and pastries for the holiday season. Every Wednesday, starting Nov. 25 and running through Dec. 16th, the programs will showcase a demonstration, opportunity for participation, and tasting. The classes will be led by community members and volunteers to tell their stories growing up in Mission with these recipes. All classes run

right to close entries before the deadline. This will allow for the best possible presentation for all entries. To allow for the broadest representation, participants may submit only one item per person. Any quilt entered in this show within the past five years is not eligible for entry this year. The quilts will be judged by a panel of independent judges, with ribbons awarded for first, second and third places in each category. Best-ofshow and Viewers’ Choice ribbons will also be awarded. Entries will be accepted at the museum from Tues-

from 2 to 3 p.m., and early arrival is encouraged. Featured foods and class dates are as follows: flour tortillas, Nov. 25; empanadas, Dec. 2; pan de polvo, Dec. 9; and tamales, Dec. 16. Participants must provide their own rolling pin and apron. All other materials and supplies will be provided. Classes are $5 per person. Early registration is encouraged as seating is limited. The museum is located at 900 Doherty Ave. For information, contact Lisa Price at 580-8646.

Spend Black Friday at IMAS

cALLEN – Avoid the crush and join the staff at the International Museum of Art & Science for Black Friday shopping on Friday, Nov. 27, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will be a time to shop, have fun with the family in hands-on activities and be among the first to see the IMAS Guild Christmas Tree Forest! IMAS is offering family memberships for $10 off and special sales in the gift shop. There will be hands-

Mission museum to begin accepting quilt show entrees

t’s time once again for quilters to think about entering one of their creations in the 10th Annual Mission Quilt Show. The Mission Historical Museum will accept entries beginning Dec. 1 in three categories: hand-quilted bed quilts, machine-quilted bed quilts and wall hangings. The show is open to all quilters, both Winter Texans and year-round residents. Quilts and wall hangings must be ready to hang with a sleeve for display purposes. Entries are accepted on a first-in/first accepted basis. Because of limited space, the museum reserves the

the men battled wave after wave of Chinese soldiers as they fought 78 miles down a steep and narrow mountain road they called the MSR, or main supply route. By inflicting crippling losses on the Chinese, the Allied troops actually broke through the trap and reached freedom at the Hungnam port. Their fighting spirit, courage and determination saved the lives of 98,000 civilian refugees. Survivors and family members of the fallen men at the Battle of Chosin Reservoir who plan to attend the Dec. 12 ceremony are asked to call 956-421-9222 or email salazar@MMATX.org.

day, Dec. 1, through Saturday, Jan. 2, 2016. Quilts will be accepted Mondays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Museum will be closed Dec. 24 and 25, and Jan 1. The exhibit opens on Saturday, Jan. 9, and runs through Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016. An awards reception and Turning of the Quilts program will take place at 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 5, 2016. MHM is located at 900 Doherty in downtown Mission. Admission is free. For more information, call the Museum at 580-8646.

on activities with the “Learn the science behind the holiday feast,” “Make your own light up holiday card,” enjoy painting with watercolors or acrylics in the art studio and much more. All activities are included with the general admission fee. IMAS is located at 1900 Nolana Ave. For more information, call 682-0123.

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November 20, 2015

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Reminiscing... 30 Years Ago

’85 –’86 goals set for Mission Chamber This Week During a retreat the chamber board of directions set priorities for the fiscal year. The top five goals were city beautification, tourist development, streets and highways, industrial development and advertising. Cuero defeats Sharyland, 20-10 The Sharyland Rattlers reached the end of the line in the 1985 Class 3-A state playoffs when they dropped a 20-10 decision to the state-ranked Cuero Gobblers in Kingsville.

Events Calendar

Nov ember 20 – Learn more about dragonflies from John Yochum from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Edinburg World Birding Center, 714 S. Raul Longoria Rd. Admission is free. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Call 381-9922 for information. Nov ember 21 – Speer Memorial Library’s Third Annual 5K Thanksgiving Walk/Run for the hungry starts at 5 p.m. at the Mission Hike and Bike Trail on south Conway. Early registration ends Nov. 20 at the library during business hours. Participants who bring 10 nonperishable can food items will have a $5 entry fee. Late registrations will be accepted at the trail between 4:30 and 5 p.m., with an entry fee of $15. Reflective gear or safety lights are recommended. All entry fees will be used to purchase more canned food items for distribution to the families. For information, contact Lisa Riveraat 580-8753. The library is located at 12th and Kika De La Garza in Mission. Nov ember 21 – The International Museum of Art & Science Scout Workshop will focus on requirements for the Boy Scout robotics merit badge from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and the Webelos engineer badge from 1 to 4 p.m. All workshops are led by certified merit badge counselors. Program capacity is 25 scouts. Admission rates are $5 for IMAS members and $10 for nonmembers. Call 682-0123 to register. IMAS is located at Nolana and Bicentennial in McAllen. Nov ember 21 – The McAllen Aglow International Community Lighthouse meeting will be from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. The speaker this month is Ruth Marquez who has been ministering since 1980. She has served in different board positions for Aglow International Ministry and is the president of the South Texas Region. For location and directions, call Criselda Alvarado at 534-7941. Nov ember 21 – The Fifth Annual Autumn Nights, celebrating Frontera Audubon’s 40th anniversary, begins at 7 p.m. and will be in the Skaggs House at 1101 S. Texas Blvd. in Weslaco. Tickets for the wine tasting with appetizers and silent auction are $50 per person and available at fronteraaudubon.org, by calling 968-3275 or at the Frontera Audubon Visitors’ Center. Nov ember 25 – Travel with the Edinburg World Birding Center staff to tour the brush land of Rancho Lomitas. The tour is led by owner and ethnobotanist Benito Treviño. Cost is $20 for members and $25 for nonmembers. Registration and payment required two days due to limited seating. Call 381-9922 to register. Nov ember 28 – Cadette Girl Scouts can complete requirements towards their artists badge from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the IMAS Scout Workshop. Junior Scouts will work on their flowers badge requirements from 1 to 4 p.m. All workshops are led by certified merit badge counselors. Program capacity is 25 scouts. Admission rates are $5 for IMAS members and $10 for nonmembers. Call 682-0123 to register. (For daily events and upcoming weeks, see the full calendar at www.ptrgv.com

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November 20, 2015

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By Ed Sterling Texas Press Association

STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS 5th Circuit rules immigration policy unconstitutional

USTIN — A threejudge panel of the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals on Nov. 9 affirmed a Brownsville federal district judge’s Feb. 15, 2015, order forbidding the Obama administration’s implementation of DAPA, the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Residents Program. Against the wishes of Congress, the White House sent out a memorandum in November 2014 extending the reach of the policy include to more people. Gov. Greg Abbott reacted to the Fifth Circuit ruling on Nov. 10, saying: “The court’s decision is a vindication for the Rule of Law and the Constitution. The president’s job is to enforce the immigration laws, not rewrite them. President Obama should abandon his lawless executive amnesty program and start enforcing the law today.” In affirming the lower court’s ruling, the Fifth Circuit sided with Texas and 25 other states that sued to prevent the implementation of DAPA on three grounds: 1. That DAPA violated the procedural requirements of the federal Administrative Procedures Act as a substantive rule that did not undergo the requisite notice and comment; 2. That the U.S. Department of Homeland Security lacked the authority to implement the program even if it followed the correct rule-making process; and 3. That DAPA was an abrogation of the president’s constitutional duty to “take Care that the Laws be faith-

fully executed.” The trial court and subsequent appellate court actions stem from the Department of Homeland Security’s implementation of DACA, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, a 2012 executive order by President Obama. According to the Fifth Circuit majority opinion, under DACA, at least 1.2 million people who are “lawfully present” in the U.S. may qualify for Social Security retirement, Social Security disability benefits and health insurance under Part A of the Medicare program, but those who are “unlawfully present” are generally not eligible to receive federal public benefits. White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest on Nov. 10 said the Obama administration would file an appeal of the Fifth Circuit’s ruling with the U.S. Supreme Court. SCOTUS to hear HB 2 suit A lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Texas’ 2013 House Bill 2 that revised the state’s abortion law will be reviewed by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2016, the court announced Nov. 13. In Whole Women’s Health et al. v. Texas Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner Kirk Cole et al., plaintiffs contest the law’s new restrictions requiring an abortion-performing doctor to have admitting privileges at a hospital no more than 30 miles from the clinic and requiring clinics that provide abortions to have facilities meet strict guidelines as am-

bulatory surgical centers. Planned Parenthood Texas said if the high court does not reverse a Fifth Circuit ruling that allows the law to stand, “it would leave the 5.4 million women of reproductive age in Texas with only 10 health centers that provide safe, legal abortion in the entire state, down from approximately 40 health centers before the passage of the dangerous law.” Gov. Abbott on Oct. 19 announced an initiative calling for the elimination of taxpayer funding for Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers. Abbott comments on Paris French officials confirmed the deaths of 127 people and the hospitalization of an estimated 300 hundred others in Nov. 13 terrorist attacks at six sites in a small section of Paris. Gov. Abbott issued the following statement: “Today’s despicable attacks in France are an assault to all of humanity, and the world must unite to condemn acts of terrorism on every front. My office has been in contact with DPS and federal authorities who will continue to monitor the situation in Texas. Additionally, I have spoken with the Consulate General of France in Houston to offer any and all assistance on

behalf of the State of Texas. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the victims and all those affected in France tonight.” Speaker names committee Texas House Speaker Joe Straus on Nov. 9 formed the House Select Committee on Mental Health to study the state’s behavioral health system for children and adults. Straus instructed the panel to study substance abuse treatment and recommend ways to improve early identification of mental illness, increase collaboration among entities that deliver care, methods to measure and improve outcomes, and ways to improve care in underserved and rural areas, and for veterans and the homeless. Panel members include Rep. Four Price, R-Amarillo, chair; Rep. Joe Moody, D-El Paso, vice chair; and Reps. Greg Bonnen, R-Galveston; Garnet Coleman, D-Houston; Sarah Davis, R-Houston; Rick Galindo, D-San Antonio; Sergio Muñoz, D-Mission; Andy Murr, R-Kerrville; Toni Rose, D-Dallas; Kenneth Sheets, R-Dallas; Senfronia Thompson, D-Houston; Chris Turner, D-Grand Prairie; and James White, R-Woodville.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR November 17, 2015 To the Residents of the County of Hidalgo:

As you may be aware, there has been much talk about the anticipated Medical School for the Rio Grande Valley over the past year. We have all heard of how important and valuable this Medical School will be to our area. I couldn’t agree more. The Valley’s availability of health care in our area through new expanded facilities, medical students, residents, faculty and other health care professionals as well as education and prevention programs would enhance tremendously.

Furthermore, the establishment of this facility will not only advance health and education, but will also greatly stimulate the region’s economy. Who wouldn’t want that for their community?

As Mayor of the City of Mission, I would like to express our City’s support for the development of a Medical School in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. However, I would like to make it clear that I do not support the creation of a hospital taxing district, which I believe will be an additional burden to the residents of Hidalgo County. When our state leaders approved the Medical School for the Rio Grande Valley, they should have also approved to fund it at 100%. Creating a taxing district that would burden our taxpayers would be very poor business decision.

Currently, the County’s property valuation is at $30.6 billion; if the County was to impose an .08 cent tax, it would cost the taxpayers approximately $24.5 million. I am gravely concerned about the potential costs to residents of Hidalgo County if this taxing district is uncapped and reaches the .75 cents maximum. This could cost us taxpayers up to $229.8 million using the current valuation – that is absolutely outrageous.

We have studied the numbers for Mission with our current valuation of $3.5 billion, our cost at .08 cents would be $2.8 million in one year and if we calculate it at .75 cents, Mission’s contribution would be $26.2 million. Be it known, that Mission had already signed a previous M.O.U. with a commitment of $250,000 annually which was paid last November, AND we even expressed our willingness to increase the funding up to $1 million ONLY if we didn’t burden our taxpayers.

We should all be focusing on efforts to reduce healthcare costs and improve access instead of raising taxes. I will be working diligently to oppose the creation of the taxing district in Hidalgo County to help prevent an additional tax for our taxpayers. I strongly encourage the residents of the County of Hidalgo to join me in this endeavor. Respectfully,

ProgressTimes

Mayor Noberto “Beto” Salinas

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The Progress Times (USPS 971-420; ISSN 0890-2666) is published each Friday by Mission Publishing Co., 1217 N. Conway, Mission, Texas 78572, (956) 585-4893. Subscriptions $20 annual in Hidalgo County; $25 outside of Hidalgo County. Second class postage paid in Mission, Texas 78572. ©2015 Mission Publishing Company, Inc. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the PROGRESS TIMES, P.O. Box 399, Mission Texas 78573.

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November 20, 2015

Inaugural class graduates from fire academy

By Lea Victoria Juarez a Joya Fire Chief Leroy Salinas sounded the silver ceremonial bell to signify the completion of the La Joya cadets’ training with the Alton Regional Fire Academy. After more than 460 hours of training, eight cadets received their badge and certificate of completion at the graduation ceremony Nov. 13. Their training included but is not limited to emergency medical care, fire behavior and suppression, search and rescue and hazmat training. Consultant Jorge Jalomo started his own fire training company a few years ago and was approached by Salinas to create a class specifically for La Joya residents. The members of the Alton Fire Department trained with the cadets Monday through Friday for four hours, and every other Saturday at the Alton Regional Training Facility. Jalomo, who was the project manager, compared their training to the creation of the ceremonial bell -- a bell that is forged and crafted before being hanged in fire trucks and stations. In the past, the bell was rung to signal the beginning of shift and the end of an emergency. The bell is also run at funerals of those served in a fire department. “They have been forged by the instructors that have pushed them to their limits,” Jalomo said of the cadets. “Their strengths have been honed, their weaknesses burned away, the concept of teamwork and respect hammered into them. During their careers, like the life of the bell, they will be there for their citizens, through good times and bad.” Guest speaker and State of Texas Fire Marshal Chris Connealy, who has been a firefighter for 37 years, touched on why he decided to become a firefighter and what the cadets have to look forward to in their careers. “It’s a profession that’s exciting. It’s going to challenge you, it’s going to, at

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Mission Regional nationally recognized

By Lea Victoria Juarez ince at least 2005, Mission Regional Medical Center has received awards in women’s services almost every year. This year the recognitions include: ● Healthgrades Labor and Delivery Excellence Award ● Healthgrades Obstetrics and Gynecology Excellence Award ● Healthgrades Five Star Rating for Gynecologic Surgery

La Joya Fire Department Chief Leroy Salinas rings the ceremonial bell 23 times for the 23 weeks of training his cadets completed in the Alton Fire Academy. Photo by Lea Victoria Juarez

times, upset you because you’re going to see some things that no one should have to go through,” Connealy said. “But it’s all part

of the community’s vital services to take care of Mr. and Mrs. Smith or Mr. and Mrs. Lopez because that’s who we are.”

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Nurse Manager Andrea Kohnert remembers the moment she decided she wanted to pursue a career in women’s healthcare. “Well, years ago I was privileged enough to witness the birth of my niece and it changed the whole direction of my career,” the women’s services manager said. “I knew all through nursing school that I wanted to do labor and delivery. I knew, even after doing all the other

clinicals, my heart was labor and delivery and I haven’t regretted one moment.” Kohnert has been with Mission Regional for 13 years. In that time she has seen the addition of a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and advances in technology and practices to improve service quality. The NICU is located within the delivery and labor unit so there is constant communication. In addition, the floor has its own surgical

See MISSION REGIONAL10

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Rattlers tame tigers, face Wildcats tonight

Manny Campos hands off to running back Sergio Tornero during Sharyland’s 45-35 bi-district win over Mercedes last Friday night. Progress Times photo by Doug Young

By Luciano Guerra ere kitty, kitty. The Sharyland Rattlers struck the Mercedes Tigers and knocked them out of the playoffs last weekend. Now, they’re poised to do the same tonight as they take on the Corpus Christi Calallen Wildcats in the Area round of football playoff action. While Tigers and Wildcats can be ferocious, they are no match for the venom of a Rattler – but only when the pit viper strikes. And

against the Tigers last Friday, the Rattlers struck early and often as they outscored Mercedes 45-35 to claim their fourth consecutive bi-district championship. One Sharyland player that played a part in all six of the Rattlers’ touchdowns last week was senior quarterback Manny Campos. He passed for three and ran for three TDs on the night. In addition, his 310 yards passing, and 114 yards rushing, both season bests, accounted for all but five of Sharyland’s total yards against Mercedes.

Campos, who did not become the Rattlers’ starting signal caller until recent weeks, is fine with playing the wide receiver position he lines up at when he’s not under center. “Seth (Carter) started the first eight games of the season and I’ve started the rest,” Campos said. “But it really doesn’t matter to me because I really like both positions.” What was it about the Mercedes game that allowed him to accumulate so many yards? Campos says, “All of our offense did great; from the blocking to the route running. Also, our coaching staff did a great job of knowing what was open and what we could do with our speed. But mostly it was the fact that it was the playoffs, so you want to play extra hard because you never know if it might be your last game.” Sharyland senior defensive end Roy Rodriguez is in his first year on the Rattlers’ varsity squad. That made last week’s win over Mercedes his first playoff game. When asked what that was like Rodriguez said, “I fed off the pressure I had as a starter to go 110 percent every play. Knowing that it was my first, and it could be my last playoff game, I took it to heart that I had been given

the chance to start a playoff game so I set out to take full advantage of the opportunity.” Last year, Sharyland and Calallen met in the Area round of the playoffs as well. The Rattlers took that game 28-0. However, the Wildcats were a 7-5 team last year, while they’re 9-2 so far this year. Likewise the Rattlers put together an 11-2 season last year but are 7-4 so far this year. While one team having a better record than another does not predetermine the outcome of a game, as the Mercedes Tigers learned the hard way last week, all indicators are that the Wildcats will be much more of a challenge this year than they were last. Case in point, so far this season Calallen has outscored its opponents 454130. This includes back-toback wins against Victoria East and Medina Valley by a combined score of 97-13 the past two weeks. If the Rattlers are going to defeat the Wildcats and advance into the third round of the playoffs for the fourth year in a row, they will need their defense to stop, or at least slow down, the Wildcats’ potent offense. As a three-year member

Quarterback Manny Campos looks at a would-be tackler during Sharyland’s 45-35 bi-district win over Mercedes last Friday night. Progress Times photo by Doug Young

of the Rattlers’ defensive unit, senior defensive end Beto Ruiz credits defensive coordinator Craig Krell for Sharyland’s excellence defensively. “I think it all started with Coach Krell,” explained Ruiz. “Not that our old coach was bad but Coach Krell changed our scheme. Now we run a 3-4 defense, which I think fits us better than the 4-3 we used to run. So I think that’s played a big part in our success.” Sharyland senior defensive back Brandon Garcia

is in his second year on the varsity but in his first year as a starter. When asked what it means to him to be a Rattler, Garcia said, “It’s an honor really. To be an example to all those little kids who come watch our games. I know that they look up to us so we have to set a good example for them and try to be the best that I can be for them.” Tonight’s Rattlers vs Wildcats Area round playoff game is scheduled to kickoff at 7:30 at Texas A&M University Kingsville.

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Patriots defeat Redskins, take on Victoria West next

By Luciano Guerra e may just be a freshman but Veterans Memorial Patriots quarterback Landry Gilpin played like a seasoned veteran last Friday night as he ran wild over the Donna Redskins’ vaunted defense. With Gilpin leading the way offensively, the underdog Patriots defeated the Redskins 33-21 to claim their second bi-district championship in as many years, both over Donna, and advance into the second round of the playoffs for only the third time in school history. Entering this season, Gilpin was listed as the Patriots’ third string quarterback and second string wide receiver. He was promoted to second string signal-caller after then back-up Adam Solis left the team for personal reasons. Gilpin then made the leap to the first team when their starter, and the district’s top passer at the time, Diego Hernandez suffered a Week 7 season-ending injury. Since then Gilpin has led the Patriots to a 4-1 record. Against the Redskins Gilpin rushed for a school record of 295 yards on 24 carries, including a 47-yard touchdown run and a 69-yard run from the Patriots' own 1-yard line to the Redskins 30, both in the third quarter. Through the air he completed eight of 19 passes for 101 yards and one touchdown. Veterans Memorial head football coach David Gilpin had a feeling that his young but talented quarterback, who also happens to be his son, was going to do something special against Donna long before either team ran onto the field at Bennie LaPrade Stadium Friday night. “Let me tell you exactly what I told Landry when he

walked into my office just before we boarded the buses for Donna,” Coach Gilpin said. “I told him, ‘Son, I have a feeling that you’re going to make some big plays in the running game tonight. I think that once we get them spread out, I think that you can make something happen.’ And he obviously did that.’” After jumping out to an early 13-0 lead against the Redskins, the Patriots saw that lead disappear in the second quarter, much like it did the previous week when they lost their district finale against Edinburg Vela. This time the Patriots took the lead back with a late second quarter touchdown and then put the game away with two additional TDs in the third stanza. Next up for the Patriots are District 30-5A co-champions, the Victoria West Warriors. So far this season the 10-1 Warriors have outscored their opponents 466-188. This includes a combined score of 151-22 against their three most recent opponents, including a 56-10 bi-district round win over Laredo Nixon last week. In that game Victoria West quarterback Gamarquis Girdy completed three of three passes for 81 yards and two touchdowns. However, much like Gilpin did for the Patriots last week, Girdy did most of his damage against Nixon on the ground as he carried the ball 11 times for 247 yards and four touchdowns. Girdy, who tacked on 17 additional yards on punt returns, accounted for 345 of the Warriors’ 532 total yards on the game. On the season Girdy has carried the ball 182 times for 1,417 yards and 25 touchdowns. Through the air the 5-foot-10, 170 lb. senior has completed 45 of 89 passes for 799 yards and 11 touch-

downs. Based on both teams’ recent successes, tonight’s game is shaping up to be a battle of the quarterbacks Gilpin the freshman vs Girdy the senior. While no team can win strictly on the play of one its players, whichever of the two field generals gets the better blocking and support from his offensive teammates and whichever team’s defense succeeds in limiting the opposing quarterback’s ground game, will almost certainly be the team that will advance to take on the winner of the Vista Ridge vs Lockhart game in the Regional round next week. Tonight’s Patriots vs Warriors Area round playoff game is scheduled to kickoff at 7:30 at Buccaneer Stadium in Corpus Christi.

Progress Times Photo by Luciano Guerra

LADY LIONS fans there. It meant a lot that so many made the trip to support us because they give you some energy and they give you that extra shot of adrenaline that you really can’t get unless you have them there.” “With so many students, parents, teachers, members of our administration and even board members there that were so committed to cheering us on, that was something that the girls fed off of and they used it to our advantage. It was really

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sweet,” added Garza. Next year the Lady Lions will be making the jump from 1A to 3A in order to avoid having to play their district games out of the Valley. While that will make a state championship repeat more challenging, Garza has all the confidence in the world that the 2016 version of the Juan Diego Academy Lady Lions will be ready to take on every challenge they’re faced with just like they were this year.

Progress Times Photo by Luciano Guerra

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MCHS celebrates completion of its new home

ission Collegiate High School had a modest start in the fall of 2012. The first officially designated Early College High School in Mission CISD began with a freshman class of about 125, attending classes in a group of portable classroom buildings located

November 20, 2015

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at the front of the Mission High School campus. Fast forward to August 2015; construction crews were hurrying the final completion items on a brand new school building while MCHS and district staff worked to move in furniture and get everything ready for the first

day of school in their permanent home. Now that the final details are done and students and staff have settled into their new home, officials celebrated its completion with a ribbon cutting ceremony this morning. The event was attended by district officials; officials from the cities of Alton, Mission, and Palmhurst; South Texas College; and MCHS students and staff. MCHS currently serves 421 students in grades 9-12. The building consists of 75,485 square feet that include 18 classrooms, four Science labs, and two computer labs. The construction

budget for the school was $13.6 million. The primary focus of MCHS is to offer the opportunities of an Early College High School experience to first generation college-going students, and lower socio-economic backgrounds. Students have the opportunity to begin taking college courses their freshman year and graduate with up to 60 college credits and an Associate’s Degree. MCHS is designed to follow the more traditional early college design that uses smaller grade level populations than a traditional high school.

Fire, rain had nominal impact on South Central Texas agriculture

VALDE – “I’ve seen fire and I’ve seen rain.” That lyric from a ‘70s James Taylor song would certainly apply to the residents of South Central Texas over the past few months. But while Mother Nature has been less than kind to this region, the agricultural losses caused by these natural woes have been less than expected, according to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service experts. “Most of the losses from the fire were small-landholder losses and didn’t have too much of an agricultural impact,” said Rachel Bauer, AgriLife Extension agriculture and natural resources agent for Bastrop County. “Some fences around ranches were burned, but there was little loss of livestock. Some smaller livestock, like sheep and goats were lost to the fire, but no large animals that I know of were lost.” Pastures hit by the fire were already greening up and did not appear to have suffered any long-term damage, she said. In the agriculturally prolific Winter Garden area, which consists primarily of Dimmit, Frio, La Salle and Zavala counties and includes parts of Atascosa, Maverick, McMullen, Bexar, Medina, Wilson and Uvalde counties, recent flooding did not damage many crops, said area producers and AgriLife Extension personnel. “We’re still too wet for planting or harvesting crops,” said Jay Karnes, president of Winter Garden Produce in Uvalde. “The recent flooding destroyed one of our producer’s cabbage crops, but overall the quality and yield of other crops hasn’t been affected.” While some of the area’s producers have taken a pretty hard beating this year, overall the rains have benefited corn, cotton and grain sorghum crops, said Rob Hogan, AgriLife Extension agricultural economist in Uvalde. “Producers will also continue to benefit from re-

MISSION REGIONAL

charged water sources and from the improved moisture in the soil profile,” Hogan said. He said additional moisture in the region’s soil will help reduce the amount of water typically used to irrigate crops, which will help lower producer costs and improve their bottom line. “The spinach harvest has begun and spinach producers are seeing really good yields and quality in what they’ve harvested so far,” said Dr. Larry Stein, AgriLife Extension horticulturist in Uvalde. The region’s pecan trees also got a boost from recent rains, Stein said. “The pecan crop this year was good,” Stein said. “Besides that, the pecan trees will now have additional moisture in the soil profile going into winter, which will help protect them from freezes and provide protection for them while they ‘sleep’ through the winter.” Livestock will also be beneficiaries of recent rains, though not without some potential trouble, said Dr. Rick Machen, AgriLife Extension livestock specialist, Uvalde. “While the rains are providing lots of forage in area pastures, which is good for all area livestock, some livestock, especially sheep and goats, likely will experience greater parasitism due to the wet conditions,” Machen said. He said young calves are more likely to have parasites this year than in the past several years due to continued wet conditions. “Producers need to remember to stay on top of this problem, particularly by taking whatever proactive and preventive measures they can to protect their animals,” Machen said.

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CEO Javier Iruegas, Chief of Staff Dr. Desi Canals and Director Sheena Kaukel-Garza accept the Healthgrades Excellence Award for Women’s Care Service. Courtesy photo

suites separate from the medical center’s main operating rooms. Some other advances include an infant security system that helps prevent child abduction and a central fetal monitoring system. This system allows nurses to monitor all babies’ heart rates through every computer on the floor. The nonprofit medical center is also Texas Ten Step certified, a program that is based on the philosophy that breastfeeding is the best option for feeding a baby. A lactation consultant is available, as well as English and Spanish discharge classes that focus on the basics of baby care. “(The staff) empathizes and they help answer questions because it is a stressful situation,” CEO Javier Iruegas said. “It’s a nine-month journey of love and you’re finally getting to that end point and working with people that understand that is really important.” There were 104 hospitals that achieved the 2015 Healthgrades Labor and Delivery Excellence Award. These facilities are distinguished as the top 10 percent of hospitals evaluated, based on vaginal and C-section de-

livery outcomes. For the Obstetrics and Gynecology Excellence Award, 76 facilities that outperformed during and after delivery, as well as during gynecologic surgeries, were recognized. Kohnert said her favorite part about working in women’s services is witnessing life and seeing parents’ reactions to the birth of their child. One of her patients has had all four of her children at Mission Regional and Kohnert was the nurse each time. “It’s really a privilege to be a part of this person’s life,” Kohnert said. “I always remind the nurses that you have the opportunity to make a difference in this person’s experience because for a lot of them it’s the first pregnancy and you want it to be enjoyable.” Anywhere from 2000 to 2500 babies are delivered from Mission Regional each year. The hospital has provided more than 60 years of service. “Mission is like my home,” Kohnert said. “I have worked at other local facilities before, but there is just something about this place that is just very special.”

November 20, 2015

obituaries

Domingo Garcia MISSION – Domingo Garcia, 72, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2015, at Doctors Hospital in Edinburg. He was born Aug. 8, 1943, in Encino. Survivors include Elba Reyes of Alamo; daughters, Maria Muñoz of Palmview, Esmer Garcia amd Terry Romero of Burnet and Criselda Rodriguez Garcia of Mission; son, Domingo Garcia Jr. of Holland, Mich.; siblings, Guadalupe Garcia, Bernardino Garcia, Ereneo Garcia and Consuelo Espericueta; and 10 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his children’s mother, Catalina R. Garcia, and his parents, Paulino Garcia and Wenceslada Solis. A funeral service was held Nov. 14 at Flores Funeral Home in Mission. Interment followed at Garden of Angels Cemetery in Abram. Martin Garcia SULLIVAN CITY – Martin Garcia, 79, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2015, at McAllen Medical Center. He was born June 27, 1936, in La Grulla. Survivors include

his wife, Maria Rosa Garcia; children, David Garcia, Cynthia Flores and Ana Maria Urenda; sister, Isidra Flores; and six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was was preceded in death by his parents, Octavio Garcia and Francisca Garza, and siblings, Rafaela Saqr, Manuel Garcia, Margil Garcia and Octavio Garcia Jr. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, Nov. 20, at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Sullivan City. Burial follows at Sullivan City Cemetery. Miguel Mejia MISSION – Miguel Mejia, 92, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2015, at his home in Mission. Survivors include his wife, Ester Mejia; children, Jose Mejia, Miguel Mejia, Margarito Mejia, Jose Enrique Mejia, Maria de Jesus Gonzalez, Maria del Refugio Mejia, Juanita Mejia and Linda Grimes; siblings, Emiliano, Lupe, Carmen, Rafaela, Teresa, Rosa and Gloria; and 25 grandchildren and 39 great-grandchildren.. He was preceded in death by his parents, Adela

Vargas and Ricardo Mejia; brothers, Jesus and Daniel; and son, Gerardo. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, Nov. 20, at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Mission. Burial follows at Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Onesimo Garza III MISSION – Onesimo”Nesi” Garza III, 30, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015, in San Antonio. He was born on July 5, 1985, in McAllen. Survivors include his children, Victoria Elisa Garza and Alexander Mario Garza; companion, Erika Esparza; mother, Veronica Imelda Flores; father, Onesimo Garza Jr.; siblings, Lizette, Gina, Sarahi, Jacob and Esau; maternal grandmother, Maria Flores; and paternal grandparents, Onesimo and Eva Garza. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Jose Ricardo Flores Jr., and grandmother, Rachel G. Magallan. A funeral was held Nov. 19 at Flores Funeral Home in Mission. Interment followed at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Mission. Guadalupe Gomez Serna MISSION – Guadalupe Gomez Serna, 72, passed

Notices Alberto Carrillo MISSION – Alberto Carrillo, 60, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015 at Mission Regional Medical Center. A funeral was held on Nov. 18 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at San Jose Cemetery in Mission. Alida Solis SULLIVAN CITY – Alida Solis, 67, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2015 at Doctors Hospital in Edinburg. Teofilo M. Garza MISSION – Teofilo M. Garza, 78, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 11, 2015 at his home in Mission. A funeral was held on Nov. 13 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at Valley

Memorial Gardens in McAllen. Ramiro R. Hinojosa PEÑITAS – Ramiro R. Hinojosa, 79, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015, at Mission Regional Medical Center. A funeral mass was held on Nov. 17 at Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church in La Joya. Burial followed at Lord and I Cemetery in Palmview. Doris Luhrsen MISSION – A burial of ashes for Doris Luhrsen was held on Friday, Nov. 13, 2015, at Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission. Maria De La Luz Martinez Peña ALTON – Maria De La Luz Martinez Peña, 70, passed away on Friday Nov. 13, 2015 at her home in Al-

ton.

Antonia F. Solis LOS EBANOS – Antonia F. Solis, 94, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 12, 2015, at Grande Terrace Rehabilitation and Healthcare in McAllen. A funeral was held on Nov. 16 at Lord & I Funeral Home in Peñitas. Burial followed at Los Ebanos Cemetery. Vallie Toney MISSION – A funeral for Vallie Toney was held on Friday, Nov. 13, 2015, at Ric Brown Family Funeral Home in Mission. Burial followed at Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission. Marie L. Wulf MISSION – Marie L. Wulf, 99, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2015 at her home in Mission.

away November 15, 2015 at his residence in Mission. He was born on Nov. 11, 1943, in General Teran, N.L., Mexico. Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Ana Maria Gomez; children, Maria Saucedo of Blessing, Nicolas Gomez of Mission, Noelia Cervantes of Edinburg and Miriam Reyna of Albuquerque, N.M.; siblings, Juventino Gomez, Hermila Gomez de Calvo, Orfelinda Gomez de Prado, Maria de la Luz Gomez de Garza and Elida Gomez de Gonzalez; and seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. A funeral was held on Nov. 18 at Funeraria Del Angel in Mission. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Ramiro Valladares MISSION – Ramiro Valladares, 78, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015. Mr. Valladares was born on Feb. 11, 1937, to Luis and Maria G. Valladares in Mission. He graduated from Sharyland High School in 1958. During his working career, he began at Lee’s Pharmacy in McAllen, became a mobile maintenance technician for MAMCO for 20 years and finished in sales at Broadway Hardware from 1988 until his retirement in 2000. He was a member of the Men’s Club at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church and the PTO at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. He served at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Mission in the ACTS ministry and Eucharistic Adoration. He also served as a leader for Boy Scout Troop 83 in Mission. Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Rosa Maria Valladares; sons, Romeo Valladares of McAllen and Marco Valladares of Ft. Worth; sister, Irene Cabrieles of Mission; and five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Reyes and Luis Valladares and Cecilia Rivera. The funeral mass was held on Nov. 19 at St. Paul’s. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens in

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

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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

Mission • 580-4551

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

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

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

IMPLEMENT COMPANY, INC. MISSION 585-1618

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Time to Sign Up for Health Insurance

By Janet Trautwein EO of the National Association of Health Underwriters The Affordable Care Act’s health insurance exchanges opened for business earlier this month. Now, millions of Americans who do not get coverage through work have the opportunity to shop for policies that will take effect in 2016. But they only have a few months to do so. This open enrollment period will end on January 31, 2016. Those who currently lack insurance should sign up without delay. And those who have had coverage this year should investigate whether there’s a better deal available to them for coverage that will kick in next year. Picking a plan can be complicated, but it’s worth it -- and there’s help available to ensure that consumers make wise decisions for themselves and their families. There are many advantages to getting covered. The most important, of course, is that insurance ensures access to medical care. Robust coverage can be a life-saver in the event of a serious medical emergency. But insurance also keeps people from having to pay the Affordable Care Act’s penalty for not maintaining coverage -- a penalty that increases dramatically in 2016. This year, those who were uninsured paid either $325 per adult and $162.50 per child, up to a maximum of $975, or 2 percent of their income -whichever was greater. In 2016, those who don’t secure coverage will pay much more. The per-person rates will more than double to $695 per adult and $347.50 per child, up to a maximum of $2,085. Wealthier uninsured will have to pay 2.5 percent of their incomes. That’s a lot of money to spend on not getting insurance. Additionally, federal tax credits subsidizing coverage are available through the

exchanges for low-income individuals who need help paying for their policies. This year, 85 percent of those who bought private plans on the exchanges got financial assistance. However, the online insurance exchanges can be very complex. Fortunately, buyers who find themselves overwhelmed can seek the expert counsel of a licensed, professional insurance broker. The easiest way to do so is via a free tool available online, at agent-finder.org. Brokers are specifically trained to help consumers work their way through the maze of plans, coverage levels, deductibles, networks, and premiums. Nearly three-quarters spend most of their time explaining coverage to clients, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. And nearly two-thirds of brokers devote significant time to resolving claims questions or disputes with insurance carriers. Brokers also yield results for their clients. According to research from the University of Minnesota, premiums are 13 percent lower in areas where there are the most brokers, compared with those with the fewest. It’s no wonder that nearly 84 percent of shoppers who got assistance purchasing exchange coverage in 2014 rated their agent or broker as “helpful.” No other enrollment assistance group received a higher satisfaction rate. Selecting a health plan can be confusing. But help is readily available. And the Affordable Care Act provides incentives for buying insurance -- carrots in the form of subsidies to those with low incomes, and sticks in the form of penalties for those who fail to sign up. During this open enrollment season, getting covered should be a no-brainer. Janet Trautwein is CEO of the National Association of Health Underwriters. To learn more, visit www.BrokersMakingaDifference.org

theclassifieds page 12

buy • sell • trade • rent • hire

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

forsale

GE STOVE FOR Sale: Electric Stove in working condition. White color. $70. Call 956-5341100. R E F R I G E R AT O R FOR SALE: Excellent condition. One year old. 26 cu. ft., Frigidaire side-byside with icemaker and ice and water dispenser. $400. Call 956-534-1100. RICOS TAMALES VERACRUZANOS con aceite de olivo, de carne, de dulce y vegetarianos. Catering para sus fiestas Dona Mary, 956655-4661.

garagesale FRI NOV. 20 & SAT. Nov 21, 8am, vintage/old items, tools, recliners, radios, 1513 Blake St. Mission, TX. NOV 20-21, CRIB excellent condition, toys, TV, tools, clothes, shoes and miscellaneous, 4913 Walnut St. McAllen, TX, 7am2pm. GARAGE SALE, SATURDAY and Sunday, 9am-5pm, 2322 Orange Ave. Mission, TX.

November 20, 2015

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helpwanted

FRY COOK/ KITCHEN help, Riverside Club, Mission, call 956-5811003 and ask for Jennifer. SAENZ MEDICAL CENTER is looking for a nurse practitioner, if interested please send resume to PO Box 1380 La Joya, TX. 78560 or call 956-585-1688.

room w/br, mostly furnished, storage, shed, 55+ park, health forces sale, $9,500 OBO, 956293-1440. 14X56, 2 BEDROOM, 1 bath, 12X24 add on, screen patio, Casa del Sol, Donna , lot 351, 956-5326012. 2 YEAR OLD park

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model home for sale, located at Fig Tree RV Resort in Harlingen. 2 bedroom/1 bath, stackable washer and dryer, Texas room add on with air conditioning and tool shed. Call Darcy or Roger Carpenter at 956-428-6820, $25,000 OBO, please leave mes-

sage if no answer. FOR SALE: MOBILE home in Rio Valley Estates, 55+ park, lot #289, contact us 956463-1979 or 402885-0032, riovalleyestates.com. 3 BDRM MOBILE with gated land, garage, 2 sheds, pool amenities, located in Edinburg, $68,000,

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.

218-269-5087. 14X56 MOBILE HOME, 10X22 addition, storage room, new roof, appliance, a/c 5 years or less, 2 bed, 956-5810203. MUST SEE! 55+ gated community, 16X68, 2/2, master suite with king bed, newer refrigerator, washer, dryer, covered patio, shed,

972-567-7564. WE BUY MOBILE homes, trailer houses, RV’s, 5th wheels, park models. We pay cash, any year, any condition, old or new. Call Ms. Davis anytime at 956-5451118. EXCELLENT 16X44 CLAYTON and land, many upgrades, beautiful retirement subdi-

vision, San Juan, $29,500, 913-4886760.

motorhome

2005 DAMON 40’ Diesel pusher, 2 slides, hardwood, fireplace, dinette with 4 chairs, cargo tray, pass thru 2 heat pump/ a/c, lots of windows & storage, $59,900, 956-358-4817.

mobilehome

FULLY FURNISHED, 2 bedroom, large Texas room, new air/ heat, storage shed, covered deck and carport, 515-8655227. MOBILE HOME FOR sale, 2 bed, 1 bath, 16X48, fully remodeled and furnished, 55+ park, call 712-259-2120. LOVELY TRI-LEVEL mobile 1,200 square feet; garage, 5 rooms, covered patio, covered deck, den with fireplace, furnished, $35,000, Victoria Palms, owner motivated, 940390-5001. FOR SALE: 12X50 MH, one br, new roof, windows, floors, heat/ac & appliances. Texas

INVITATION TO SUBMIT PROPOSALS FOR ACQUISITION OF A NEW VEHICLE Proposals are being accepted from all interested retailers at the Office of HCID#6, 3735 N. FM 492, Mission, Texas 78573, 956-585-8389 for: (1) 2016 4X4 Ford F-150 Super Crew or (1) 2016 4X4 Chevy 1500 4 door Deadline to submit a proposal is Friday, November 27, 2016 at 4:00 p.m. Proposals will be read aloud on December 21, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. Hidalgo County Irrigation District No. 6 reserves the right to accept and/or reject any or all proposals, and waive any formalities. Joe Aguilar, General Manager, HCID#6

ORDINANCE NO. 4289 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS, ESTABLISHING A NO PARKING ZONE ON THE EAST AND WEST SIDE OF THE 2300 BLOCK OF ORANGE AVENUE FROM MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 11:00 A.M. TO 3:00 P.M., COMMENCING ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTYTWO (182) FEET NORTH OF EAST GRIFFIN PARKWAY TO THE NORTHERN MOST PORTION OF ORANGE AVENUE; PROVIDING FOR INSTALLATION OF SAID TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES BEING NO PARKING ZONE TRAFFIC SIGNS AND PROPER SIGNAGE THEREOF AND MAKING PROVISIONS OF THE STATE TRANSPORTATION CODE AND TRAFFIC ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MISSION IN REGARD TO PENALTY FOR VIOLATION APPLICABLE THERETO; READ, CONSIDERED AND APPROVED THIS 9TH DAY OF NOVEMBER 2015. Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

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.

EscalEra WrEckEr Inc. 1515 W. 3 MIlE rd. MIssIon, TExas 78573 (956) 585-8245 • Fax 581-6668 Tdlr VsF lIc. no. 0548371 PURSUANT TO THE PROVISION CONTAINED IN RULE 85.704. SUBCHAPTER D, FROM CHAPTER 85, PART 4 OF TITLE 16 IN THE TEXAS ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, WE ARE OFFICIALLY NOTIFYING YOU THAT THE BELOW DESCRIBED MOTOR VEHICLE(S) HELD IN OUR CUSTODY ARE TO BE PICKED UP, REMOVED AND ALL CHARGES PAID WITHIN (30) DAYS. FAILURE OF THE OWNER OR LIENHOLDER TO CLAIM VEHICLE(S) BEFORE THE DATE OF SALE IS A WAIVER OF ALL RIGHT, TITLE, AND INTEREST OF VEHICLE(S). AND ALSO A CONSENT TO THE SALE OF THE VEHICLES IN PULBIC SALE ACCORDING TO TEXAS LAW. 2ND NOTICE YEAR MAKE MODEL VIN# BALANCE 2004 CHEVY CORSA 8AGXM19R34R106071 $930.00 TOTAL CHARGES CANNOT BE COMPUTED UNTIL VEHICLE IS CLAIMED. STORAGE CHARGES WILL ACCRUE DAILY UNTIL VEHICLE IS RELEASED.

MISSION ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION NOTICE OF INTENTION BUDGET AMENDMENT TO FY 2015-2016 BUDGET TAKE NOTICE that the Mission Economic Development Corporation of the City of Mission, (the “MEDC”), shall convene not earlier than 60 days after first publishing this notice and shall consider authorizing a Budget Amendment to the fiscal year 2015-2016 Budget, as hereinafter described, pursuant to the provisions of V.T.C.A. Local Government Code Sections 505.001 et seq. The MEDC is authorized on behalf of the City of Mission, Texas to undertake the Project or Projects by paying the cost of the Project or Projects with sales tax revenues authorized under said Local Government Code sections. The Board of Directors of the MEDC will determine whether the Project or Projects will be undertaken and whether it will finance the cost of the Project or Projects with proceeds from sales tax revenues. The Project or Projects shall consist of the following: Infrastructure Improvement Project located at 2140 E. Business Hwy 83, Mission, TX 78572 in an amount not to exceed $11,000. Date of Publication: November 20, 2015 Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

theclassifieds November 20, 2015

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

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Comisión de Calidad Ambiental del Estado de Texas

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

AVISO DE RECIBO DE LA SOLICITUD Y EL INTENTO DE OBTENER PERMISO PARA LA CALIDAD DEL AGUA RENOVACION PERMISO NO. WQ0014884001 SOLICITUD. La ciudad de Peñitas, P.O. Box 204, Peñitas, Texas. 78576, ha solicitado a la Comisión de Calidad Ambiental del Estado de Texas (TCEQ) renovar el Permiso No. WQ0014884001 (EPA I.D. No. TX 0131491) del Sistema de Eliminación de Descargas de Contaminantes de Texas (TPDES) para autorizar la descarga de aguas residuales tratadas en un volumen que no sobrepasa un flujo promedio diario de 750,000 galones por día. La planta de tratamiento de aguas residuales domésticos está ubicada aproximadamente 2000 pies al Este de la intersección de la calle Military Road y la calle 19th street en el Condado de Hidalgo, Texas. La ruta de descarga es del sitio de la planta a travez de una tubería al Rio Grande aguas abajo de la Presa Falcon. La TCEQ recibió esta solicitud el dia 31 de Agosto del 2015. La solicitud para el permiso está disponible para leerla y copiarla en las oficinas de la cuidad de Peñitas localizadas en el 1111 de la calle Main Street, en Peñitas, Texas. Este enlace a un mapa electrónico de la ubicación general del sitio o de la instalación es proporcionado como una cortesía y no es parte de la solicitud o del aviso. Para la ubicación exacta, consulte la solicitud. http://www.tceq.texas.gov/assets/public/hb610/index.html?lat=26.228055&lng=98.441111&zoom=13&type=r

NOTICE OF RECEIPT OF APPLICATION AND INTENT TO OBTAIN WATER QUALITY PERMIT RENEWAL PERMIT NO. WQ0014884001 APPLICATION. City of Penitas, P.O. Box 204, Penitas, Texas 78576, has applied to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to renew Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES) Permit No. WQ0014884001 (EPA I.D. No. TX0131491) to authorize the discharge of treated wastewater at a volume not to exceed a daily average flow of 750,000 gallons per day. The domestic wastewater treatment facility is located approximately 2,000 feet east of the intersection of Military Road (1427) and 19th street in Hidalgo County, Texas 78576. The discharge route is from the plant site via pipe to the Rio Grande Below Falcon Reservoir. TCEQ received this application on August 31, 2015. The permit application is available for viewing and copying at Penitas City Hall, 1111 Main Street, Penitas, Texas. This link to an electronic map of the site or facility’s general location is provided as a public courtesy and not part of the application or notice. For exact location, refer to application. http://www.tceq.texas.gov/assets/public/hb610/index.html?lat=26.228055&lng=98.441111&zoom=13&type=r

AVISO ADICIONAL. El Director Ejecutivo de la TCEQ ha determinado que la solicitud es administrativamente completa y conducirá una revisión técnica de la solicitud. Después de completar la revisión técnica, el Director Ejecutivo puede preparar un borrador del permiso y emitirá una Decisión Preliminar sobre la solicitud. El aviso de la solicitud y la decisión preliminar serán publicados y enviado a los que están en la lista de correo de las personas a lo largo del condado que desean recibir los avisos y los que están en la lista de correo que desean recibir avisos de esta solicitud. El aviso dará la fecha límite para someter comentarios públicos.

ADDITIONAL NOTICE. TCEQ’s Executive Director has determined the application is administratively complete and will conduct a technical review of the application. After technical review of the application is complete, the Executive Director may prepare a draft permit and will issue a preliminary decision on the application. Notice of the Application and Preliminary Decision will be published and mailed to those who are on the county-wide mailing list and to those who are on the mailing list for this application. That notice will contain the deadline for submitting public comments.

COMENTARIO PUBLICO / REUNION PUBLICA. Usted puede presentar comentarios públicos o pedir una reunión pública sobre esta solicitud. El propósito de una reunión pública es dar la oportunidad de presentar comentarios o hacer preguntas acerca de la solicitud. La TCEQ realiza una reunión pública si el Director Ejecutivo determina que hay un grado de interés público suficiente en la solicitud o si un legislador local lo pide. Una reunión pública no es una audiencia administrativa de lo contencioso.

PUBLIC COMMENT / PUBLIC MEETING. You may submit public comments or request a public meeting on this application. The purpose of a public meeting is to provide the opportunity to submit comments or to ask questions about the application. TCEQ will hold a public meeting if the Executive Director determines that there is a significant degree of public interest in the application or if requested by a local legislator. A public meeting is not a contested case hearing.

OPORTUNIDAD DE UNA AUDIENCIA ADMINISTRATIVA DE LO CONTENCIOSO. Después del plazo para presentar comentarios públicos, el Director Ejecutivo considerará todos los comentarios apropiados y preparará una respuesta a todo los comentarios públicos esenciales, pertinentes, o significativos. A menos que la solicitud haya sido referida directamente a una audiencia administrativa de lo contencioso, la respuesta a los comentarios y la decisión del Director Ejecutivo sobre la solicitud serán enviados por correo a todos los que presentaron un comentario público y a las personas que están en la lista para recibir avisos sobre esta solicitud. Si se reciben comentarios, el aviso también proveerá instrucciones para pedir una reconsideración de la decisión del Director Ejecutivo y para pedir una audiencia administrativa de lo contencioso. Una audiencia administrativa de lo contencioso es un procedimiento legal similar a un procedimiento legal civil en un tribunal de distrito del estado.

OPPORTUNITY FOR A CONTESTED CASE HEARING. After the deadline for submitting public comments, the Executive Director will consider all timely comments and prepare a response to all relevant and material, or significant public comments. Unless the application is directly referred for a contested case hearing, the response to comments, and the Executive Director’s decision on the application, will be mailed to everyone who submitted public comments and to those persons who are on the mailing list for this application. If comments are received, the mailing will also provide instructions for requesting reconsideration of the Executive Director’s decision and for requesting a contested case hearing. A contested case hearing is a legal proceeding similar to a civil trial in state district court.

PARA PEDIR UNA AUDIENCIA ADMINISTRATIVA DE LO CONTENCIOSO, USTED DEBE INCLUIR EN SU PEDIDO LOS SIGUIENTES DATOS: su nombre; dirección; teléfono; nombre del solicitante y número del permiso; la ubicación y la distancia de su propiedad/actividad con respecto a la instalación; una descripción específica de la forma cómo usted sería afectado adversamente por el sitio de una manera no común al público en general; y la declaración “[Yo/nosotros] solicito/ solicitamos un/a audiencia administrativa de lo contencioso”. Si presenta por parte de un grupo o asociación el pedido para una audiencia administrativa de lo contencioso, debe identificar el nombre y la dirección de una persona que representa al grupo para recibir correspondencia en el futuro; debe identificar un miembro del grupo que sería afectado adversamente por la planta o la actividad propuesta; debe proveer la información ya indicada anteriormente con respecto a la ubicación del miembro afectado y la distancia de la planta o actividad propuesta; debe explicar como y porqué el miembro sería afectado y como los intereses que el grupo desea proteger son pertinentes al propósito del grupo. Después del cierre de los períodos para los pedidos y comentarios, el Director Ejecutivo enviará la solicitud y los pedidos para reconsideración o por una audiencia administrativa de lo contenciosos a los Comisionados de la TCEQ para su consideración en una reunión programada de la Comisión. La Comisión otorgará solamente un audiencia administrativa de lo contencioso sobre los hechos reales disputados del caso que son pertinentes y esenciales para la decisión de la Comisión sobre la solicitud. Además, la Comisión sólo otorgará una audiencia administrativa de lo contencioso sobre los asuntos que fueron presentados antes del plazo de vencimiento y que no fueron retirados posteriormente. Si ciertos criterios se cumplen, la TCEQ puede actuar sobre una solicitud para renovar un permiso para descargar aguas residuales sin proveer una oportunidad de una audiencia administrativa de lo contencioso. LISTA DE CORREO. Si somete comentarios públicos, un pedido para una audiencia administrativa de lo contencioso o una reconsideración de la decisión del Director Ejecutivo, la Oficina del Secretario Principal enviará por correo los avisos públicos en relación con la solicitud. Ademas, puede pedir que la TCEQ ponga su nombre en una or mas de las listas correos siguientes (1) la lista de correo permanente para recibir los avisos de el solicitante indicado por nombre y número del permiso específico y/o (2) la lista de correo de todas las solicitudes en un condado especifico. Si desea que se agrega su nombre en una de las listas designe cual lista(s) y envia por correo su pedido a la Oficina del Secretario Principal de la TCEQ. CONTACTOS E INFORMACIÓN DE LA TCEQ. Todos los comentarios escritos del público y los pedidos para una reunión deben ser presentados a la Oficina del Secretario Principal, MC 105, TCEQ, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, TX 78711-3087 o por el internet at www.tceq.state.tx.us/about/comments.html. Si necesita más información en Español sobre esta solicitud para un permiso o el proceso del permiso, por favor llame a El Programa de Educación Pública de la TCEQ, sin cobro, al 1-800-687-4040. La información general sobre la TCEQ puede ser encontrada en nuestro sitio de la red: www. tceq.state.tx.us. También se puede obtener información adicional de la ciudad de Peñitas a la dirección indicada arriba o llamando a el alcalde Rodrigo Lopez al telefono (956) 581-3345. Fecha de emisión 22 de Octubre del 2015.

DRIVERS:

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LEGAL NOTICE Application is being made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a Wine and Beer Retailer’s Off-Premise Permit by Dolgencorp of Texas, Inc. d/b/a Dollar General Store #8295 located at 701 E. Highway 281, Progreso, Hidalgo County, TX 78579. Officers of said Corporation are Steven R. Deckard, CEO, John Garratt, CFO, and James W. Thorpe, Secretary/CMO.

Drivers: CDL-A. $2500 Sign-on Bonus! Long Haul US/Canada. Steady Miles! Monthly/Annual Bonuses! Health & Dental after 90 days. 855-645-7789

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Food-Retail Asst. Managers: Local Federal Emp Opportunity! Beginning Salary $28k to 30k! Federal Benefits Package! 3yrs Mgnt. Exp. Send Resume to: canteenrecruiter@ gmail.com

TO REQUEST A CONTESTED CASE HEARING, YOU MUST INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING ITEMS IN YOUR REQUEST: your name, address, phone number; applicant’s name and proposed permit number; the location and distance of your property/activities relative to the proposed facility; a specific description of how you would be adversely affected by the facility in a way not common to the general public; and, the statement “[I/we] request a contested case hearing.” If the request for contested case hearing is filed on behalf of a group or association, the request must designate the group’s representative for receiving future correspondence; identify an individual member of the group who would be adversely affected by the proposed facility or activity; provide the information discussed above regarding the affected member’s location and distance from the facility or activity; explain how and why the member would be affected; and explain how the interests the group seeks to protect are relevant to the group’s purpose. Following the close of all applicable comment and request periods, the Executive Director will forward the application and any requests for reconsideration or for a contested case hearing to the TCEQ Commissioners for their consideration at a scheduled Commission meeting. The Commission will only grant a contested case hearing on disputed issues of fact that are relevant and material to the Commission’s decision on the application. Further, the Commission will only grant a hearing on issues that were raised in timely filed comments that were not subsequently withdrawn. TCEQ may act on an application to renew a permit for discharge of wastewater without providing an opportunity for a contested case hearing if certain criteria are met. MAILING LIST. If you submit public comments, a request for a contested case hearing or a reconsideration of the Executive Director’s decision, you will be added to the mailing list for this specific application to receive future public notices mailed by the Office of the Chief Clerk. In addition, you may request to be placed on: (1) the permanent mailing list for a specific applicant name and permit number; and/or (2) the mailing list for a specific county. If you wish to be placed on the permanent and/or the county mailing list, clearly specify which list(s) and send your request to TCEQ Office of the Chief Clerk at the address below. AGENCY CONTACTS AND INFORMATION. All written public comments and requests must be submitted to the Office of the Chief Clerk, MC 105, TCEQ, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, TX 78711-3087 or electronically at www.tceq.state.tx.us/about/ comments.html. If you need more information about this permit application or the permitting process, please call TCEQ Public Education Program, Toll Free, at 1-800687-4040. Si desea información en Español, puede llamar al 1-800-687-4040. General information about TCEQ can be found at our web site at www.tceq.texas.gov. Further information may also be obtained from City of Penitas at the address stated above or by calling Mayor Rodrigo Lopez at (956) 581-3345. Issuance Date: October 22, 2015

ORDINANCE NO. 4288 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 600 N. SHARY ROAD, SUITE G #1, LOT 1 ESDRAS VEGA SUBDIVISION READ, CONSIDERED AND APPROVED THIS 9TH DAY OF NOVEMBER 2015. Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

Notice of Public Hearing Mission Economic Development Corporation Notice is hereby given that the Mission Economic Development Corporation will conduct a public hearing on January 19, 2016, at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers, 1201 East 8th Street, Mission, Texas to consider the following project or projects during the proposed fiscal year 2015-2016: Infrastructure Improvement Project located at 2140 E. Business Hwy 83, Mission, TX 78572 in an amount not to exceed $11,000. Anyone interested is invited to attend and present their comments. Date of publication: November 20, 2015 Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

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GALLARDO

November 20, 2015

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erated an estimated 2.5 million dollars through the collection of civil and criminal process fees and delinquent taxes. This revenue goes back to cities, school districts, and Hidalgo County. One of his biggest commitments was to change the image of the constable’s office and their duties. Precinct 3 has taken on additional duties such as juvenile truancy and delinquency with Mission CISD and La Joya and Sharyland ISDs. The precinct works with solid

waste enforcement in addition to collaborating with local, state and federal law enforcement. Gallardo said the only difficulty with taking on the additional tasks, is working with the available manpower. However, thousands of dollars have been applied for and received in grant funding for border security, which is used for overtime pay for the deputies. This funding provides additional manpower. With 16 deputies and a support staff, Gallardo’s job is to

make sure the office is a well-oiled machine. “I think that there’s always room for improvement,” the constable said. “I think that every department has an issue here and there, but we just need to polish up on what we’re doing and be well aware that we work for the people in this county.” Some of Gallardo’s recognitions include the 2007 and 2010 Texas Constable of the Year, 2010 National Constable of the Year and the 2011 Constable T.A. Vines Award.

In June, Gallardo received the Lifetime Achievement Award during the 71st Justices of the Peace and Constables Association of Texas Annual Conference. “It’s up to the people, but it’s been an honor to serve as constable for the last 15 years,” he said. “I’ve learned a lot. I used to serve under constable Luis Zamora, who basically taught me how important it is to serve the people.”

Welcome Home Winter Texans!

NOW PROVIDING STATE INSPECTIONS

RESOLUTION CALLING A HEARING FOR EXCLUSION OF NONIRRIGATED LAND OF HIDALGO COUNTY IRRIGATION DISTRICT NO. 6 WHEREAS, the following described property is believed to constitute Nonirrigated Land under Tex. Rev. State. Ann. Art. 8280-3.2; and WHEREAS, the District desires to call a public hearing in order to receive evidence regarding the status of such land as Nonirrigated Land; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That in accordance with Texas Water Code, Chapter 58, and Tex. Rev. Civ. Stat. Ann. Art. 8280-3.2; HIDALGO COUNTY IRRIGATION DISTRICT NO. 6, hereby calls a hearing before the District’s Board of Directors concerning the exclusion form the District as Nonirrigated Land the following described real property, to-wit: And further described on Exhibit “A”: attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. SUBDIVISIONS TO BE EXCLUDED 1) Taurus Estate No. 20 2) Eduardo’s No. 9 3) Cavazos Heights 4) Cardinal Waves 5) Venecia Estate 6) Las Palmas Del Norte No. 3 7) Eduardo’s No. 10 8) Eduardo’s No. 11 9) Santoys’s Estate 10) Cantu’s Subdivision 11) Brushline LTD 12) Las Estrellas Subdivision No. 1 13) Las Estrella’s Subdivision No. 2 14) Las Estrella’s Subdivision No. 3 15) Las Estrella’s Subdivision No. 4 16) La Homa Crossing Subdivision, PH 1 17) Eduardo’s No. 12 18) RSBR DG Alton Subdivision 19) David Garza Subdivision 20) C & F Subdivision OTHER PROPERTY TO BE EXCLUDED 2.89 acres out of Goodwin #1, Lot 112N Block 3, Hidalgo County, Texas; and That the hearing will be held on December 21, 2015, at 1:00 P.M. in the District boardroom, wherein all persons interested in the matter of exclusion of the above-described property, or any part thereof, from the District as Nonirrigated Land are invited to attend and to offer evidence in support of or opposing the exclusion of said property, or any part thereof.

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READ, CONSIDERED, APPROVED, SIGNED AND EFFECTIVE on this 16th day of November, 2015 at a Regular Called Meeting of the Board of Directors of HCID#6 at which a quorum was present and which as in accordance with Vernon’s Texas Codes Ann., Government Code and pursuant to the Texas Open Meeting Act. ATTEST: Oscar Garza, President Diana Izaguirre, Secretary