December 11, 2015 - Progress Times Issue by Progress Times

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REMEMBERING PEARL HARBOR

By Lea Victoria Juarez

ission Police Chief Robert Dominguez was the guest speaker the annual Pearl Harbor and 9/11 remembrance ceremony, Dec. 7. He retold the stories of the two honored days and stated that more than 300 law enforcement officers were killed during the Sept. 11 attacks. Dominguez recalled an instance not too long ago while he was eating lunch at a local restaurant with one of his staff members. A gentleman extended his hand to Dominguez and thanked him for his services to the city. The chief said he was humbled by the man’s words,

but admitted that he didn’t feel worthy of such gratitude. “I know I have served the citizens of the city of Mission proudly for the last 28 years,” he said. “However, my father instilled in me the high respect view of all military veterans.” With that, he turned to nearby World War II veteran Clyde Eidson, thanked him for his services and returned to his seat. Dominguez was one of several law enforcement officers and veterans present at the Veterans War Memorial of Texas in McAllen. The cities of McAllen and Mission have continued a long-standing tradition of honoring the service members of WWII and

those that died following the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. The memorial site at 29th and Galveston is home to the American Spire of Honor -a 105-ft, granite monument that is surrounded by memorial walls, statues and United States flags. It’s a dedication to the 1.3 million American service members killed and missing in the nation’s wars and conflicts. Mission lost 43 troops during WWII. The city sponsored a wall in their honor, which is titled We Remember, with the deceased’s names etched into the charcoal gray granite. Mission also sponsored a wall called Escuadron 201, which is dedicated to

Honored guests at the Veterans War Memorial of Texas, Dec. 7. Photo by Lea Victoria Juarez

See PEARL HARBOR 12

Mission traditions J

Joe Flores makes re-election bid

City gathers for Christmas ceremony

By Lea Victoria Juarez n the count of three, Leo Placita Park sparkled in the night at the annual Christmas lighting ceremony Dec. 7. It’s a tradition that’s more than 20 years strong, and City Manager Martin Garza said each year the displays and lights get more extravagant. Vendors set up shop with their hot chocolate and tamales, while local talent groups performed Christmas-themed numbers. The city raffled off 34 children’s bikes to the first 2,000 attendees in line and even brought in Santa Claus to pose for free photos. Renae Villalobos and her five children were first in line for Santa photos, they had been waiting for almost an hour before the event started. She was hoping to get one group photo of all her kids to avoid buying separate photos from each of their schools. “We try to do the Santa picture every year. A couple of the years they don’t look too good because they cry,” she said with a laugh. “They’ll see them when

they’re bigger and they’re going to be like ‘Oh my god, mom. Why do you have those pictures?’ But it’ll be nice.” Villalobos has four girls and boy, ranging from ages 2 to 11. Like with the Santa photos, the family has a few other holiday traditions. On Christmas Eve they spend time with one side of the family and spend Christmas day with the other side. They make tamales and have a gift exchange, there’s a game of white elephant and baby jesus serenading session. The familial aspect is Villalobos’s favorite part, she said. Some of her fondest memories include spending time with her cousins during the holidays. “We grew up like brothers and sisters, which is why I like it for my kids because they grow up with their cousins and they get used to doing the same things every year,” the 37-year-old said. Although she lives in Mission, this was her first year attending the Christmas Lighting Ceremony. Villalobos hadn’t heard about the event until the day of, but

after partaking in the festivities, said she would like to make it part of her family’s holiday traditions. “I like it because I know there’s a lot of kids that don’t get to have nice gifts and I know that the city works really hard to get stuff together,” she said. “We really don’t come for that, but I like that they do this for the kids that otherwise wouldn’t really be able to have any of those things.” The parks and recreation department hosts the event, but Martin Garza said each

department has a hand in making sure it runs smoothly. In addition to the light fixtures in the park, the city decorated 14 blocks down Conway Avenue with more lights and festive wreaths. “It’s really about being able to have the opportunity to give back to the community,” the city manager said. “Being able to see families come down here and being able to provide a toy or gift is just a great thing. To see the smiles on the kids’ faces, that’s very rewarding to us.”

The city of Mission celebrates the holiday season with a Christmas lighting ceremony at Leo Placita Park. Photos by Lea Victoria Juarez and Jim Brunson

oe Flores has always had a vision for Precinct 3 — to bring progress and prosperity to the Western County, using the same skills, insights and instincts that made him a successful businessman. As he seeks his fifth term in office this March, it’s plain to see his vision is coming to life, and his hard work has paid off. Born and raised in Cuevitas, Commissioner Flores is a lifelong resident of the West. He has vivid memories of what his homeland used to look like, and how much it has changed since. “I remember when we were kids, my dad used to drive me to Mission,” he said. “We didn’t have an expressway, and we knew just about everybody we’d run into down Highway 83. Now we’ve got around a million people.” When he first took office more than 15 years ago, Commissioner Flores knew the only way Precinct 3 could ever begin to prosper was through proper planning and smart spending. The urban planning and infrastructure improvements he has provided the cities of western Hidalgo County have allowed the area to become one of the fastest-developing and most promising economic regions in the State of Texas. “Precinct 3 is a better place today than it was before I became Commissioner,” he said. Commissioner Flores led the way in reforming the county’s approach to health insurance and workman’s compensation, enacting self-funded programs that have saved more than 50 million tax dollars. His work with the Texas Department of Transportation has also had an enormously positive impact for Precinct 3 and set the standard for the entire county. “We’ve leveraged over $750 million from TxDOT for Precinct 3,” he said.

Joe Flores

“That’s twice as much as all the other precincts combined. I’ve always said infrastructure will bring business, and that’s what we need for our tax base.” Currently, Commissioner Flores is spear-heading improvements and expansions to practically all of Precinct 3’s major roads, including Shary Road (Phase 1 from 3 Mile Line to 5 Mile Line, and Phase 2 from 5 Mile Line to 7 Mile Line), Taylor Road from Expressway 83 to 2 Mile Line, 2 Mile Line from Conway to La Homa (in coordination with the City of Mission), 3 Mile Line from 492 to Tom Gill Road, and 7 Mile Line from Conway to La Homa. Additionally, Commissioner Flores is working with the City of Palmview on expanding Veterans Blvd. from La Homa to Abram Road and on La Homa from FM 495 to 3 Mile Line. He is also working with the City of Peñitas on expanding Liberty Road from Expressway 83 to 7 Mile Line. These latest projects are simply a continuation of the vision he has had since the very beginning — all of which he has accomplished without ever raising taxes. “I wanted to get all the corridors north and south, east and west, built by the time I got out of office,” he

See FLORES 12

INSIDE

A look at the Lady Lobos basketball team

INDEX

Sullivan City annexation

Kops for Kids Toy Drive

With the 10-4 record to date, Sports Reporter Luciano Guerra gives a rundown of the players’ strengths and weaknesses.

The city council has plans to extend the boundaries of the city limits to include 308 acres on the eastern side.

The Mission Police Department will distribute the gift donations to 350 families in need, Friday, Dec. 18.

See story page 5

See story page 8

Entertainment | pg. 2

Lifestyle | pg. 3

Opinion | pg. 4

Sports | pg. 5

Obituaries | pg. 9

Classifieds | pg. 10

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entertainment

MOSTH presents ‘Fiesta de Noche Buena’ it is miraculously turn into taken home. The museum’s

DINBURG – The Museum of South Texas History invites the public to “celebrate a newly-imagined tradition” at Fiesta de Noche Buena. The festivities take place this Sunday, Dec. 13, from 1to 5 p.m. at the museum at 200 N. Closner. Fiesta de Noche Buena is a Spanish phrase translated as “party of good night” and refers to a traditional Christmas Eve feast after a religious mass that is observed in Mexico. Among the holiday foods and decorations are poinsettias, also known as noche buenas, which are indigenous to Mexico. The legend associated with the poinsettia, or noche buena, is that of a poor Mexican girl who presents weeds to the infant Jesus and

beautiful, red rich flowers – noche buenas. Just beyond the mesquite double doors at the front entrance, visitors can experience traditional pan dulce, Bavarian roasted nuts, freshly brewed coffee, hot tea, atole and champurrado and go on to enjoy fajita tacos or tamales, followed with a delicious dessert – arroz con leche, cookies or buñelos. Families can document the holidays with multiple photograph opportunities that include a photo booth, a 12-foot tall Fiesta tree, a holiday-themed wagon filled with gift boxes and a Cowboy Santa with a saddle. There will be free ornament crafts that can be added to a tree in the museum or

annex hallway will be lined with artisan vendors selling handmade crafts ranging from flower headbands, wooden holiday houses, jewelry and cuadros (paintings) to decorated crosses, birdhouses, corn husk dolls and more. Live entertainment will be provided by award-wining storyteller and folksinger Rickey Pittman, “The Bard of the South.” Visitors will also experience traditional folklórico performances by Grupo Folklórico RGV from Mission. The event is included in regular museum admission ranges from $4 to $7, depending on age, and is free for children ages 3 and younger. For more information, call 383-6911.

Jason Crabb to perform at FBC Christmas concert

cALLEN – Grammy and Dove awardwinning, gospel artist Jason Crabb is the featured guest artist performing with the First Baptist Church’s Celebration Choir and Orchestra on Dec. 11 to 13. The church is located at 1200 Beech Ave. in McAllen. He will combine many of his favorite hits with the traditional sounds of the Christmas season to celebrate the season, joining with the church’s choir and orchestra. Crabb rose to prominence singing with his siblings as The Crabb Family before launching a successful solo ministry. He released his first solo album in 2009, and it earned him his first Grammy the following year. Since then, he’s amassed numerous industry accolades, among them 21 Dove Awards, with awards in the “Artist,” “Male Vocalist,” and “Song of the Year” categories. In addition to his recording career, he is also an actor and author. Tickets range from $5 to $15 and are available by calling the church office at 821-7676.

Costumes represent ‘A Stroll through Mexico’

ROWNSVILLE – The Costumes of the Americas Museum, located in Dean Porter Park in Brownsville, pays tribute to the costumes worn in Mexico with their exhibit, “A Stroll through Mexico.” Costumes displayed come from the 31 states in Mexico representing the attire of indigenous people, folkloric costumes and special traditions of the cultures of the various states. The museum, located at #5 Dean Porter Park, 502 Ringgold St., is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission is $2. The museum is located at #5 Dean Porter Park, 502 Ringgold Street in Brownsville.

December 11, 2015

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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

Coming Attractions

December 11 The South Padre Island Christmas Parade begins at 6 p.m., along Padre Drive between Mars and Kingfishers Streets. Enjoy the season at the “Bunuelo Bites and Christmas Lights” celebration at 7 p.m. at Estero Grande State Park, 3301 S. International Blvd., in Weslaco. Included with regular park admission. December 12 Bible Alive Theater will present their first free full-cast Bible musical, “Isaiah’s Christmas Story,” in the Rio Grande Valley at the Bibleville Conference Center, 1346 N. Cesar Chavez Rd. in Alamo. There will be two performances at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The original musical was written by Myra Green. For more information, call 505-690-2548. The St. George International Festival at St. George Orthodox Church, 704 W. Sam Houston in Pharr runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It’s a day of arts and crafts, live entertainment, Eastern Christmas carols and dancing. Bring canned goods for the “Give a Can, Get a Cookie” food drive for St. George Food Pantry. Join in the Jolly Night Hike and Christmas celebration at Resaca de la Palma State Park, 1000

New Carmen Ave. in Brownsville. For information, call 3502920. December 13 Ring in holiday cheer at the annual RGV TubaChristmas concert at 2 p.m. at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s Edinburg fieldhouse performed by musicians ages 8 to 80. Admission is free. Guest artist is Lance LaDuke, an artist lecturer in euphonium and music business at the Carnegie Mellon School of Music. LaDuke serves as principal solo euphonium with the River City Brass Band, the only full-time professional brass band in the country. For more information or special accommodations, call 665-3471. A Christmas concert at 3 p.m. at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 1105 Fern in McAllen, gets the Rio Grande Valley Concert Band off to a “Merry, Merry Christmas” for the 2015-16 season. The concert features traditional holiday favorites and new arrangements of Christmas classics. There is no charge for the concert, and the public is invited to attend. A freewill offering will be taken. (To see the complete Coming Attractions calendar, go to www.ptrgv.com.)

Reminiscing... 30 Years Ago This Week

City adopts emergency system Mission City Council gave its approval to a proposed emergency “911” telephone service for Hidalgo County. A Southwestern Bell representative told the council that the 911 emergency system would provide instant response for fire, police or ambulance service simply by dialing 911 on the telephone. Mission now third percentage Mission replaced Harlingen in the percentage column for third place, regarding volume production of sales tax rebated to the city.

lifestyle

Hear Mission’s history from those who lived it

he Mission Historical Museum is launching a series of historical lectures that add personal dimensions to tell the story of early Mission. The series begins with Mission native Estella Guerra Salinas on Tuesday, Dec. 15, at 10 a.m. Her narrative, “Growing up in Early Mission,” provides an oral history on education, early commerce and the comings and goings of her family as a pioneer family. Born in Mission in 1927, and the eldest of four children, she graduated from Mission High School at the top of her class and went

on to become an alumnus of McAllen Business College and the University of Texas Pan American. She worked for the Texas Rehabilitation Commission and became a substitute teacher following retirement. With heavy involvement in civic, social and church organizations, she served as an officer in several and received a number of awards for her community service, including being named Mission’s Woman of the Year in 1992, and receiving the Mission Historical Museum’s Wall of Fame Award in 2011 and the Yellow Rose of Texas award.

AN BENITO – Registration is currently underway for the next Rio Grande Valley Chapter Texas Master Naturalist (TMN) training which begins in January, 2016.Weekly evening classes are offered at the Cameron County Annex Building in San Benito each Wednesday beginning Jan. 13 and continuing through mid-April. It is open to all residents of Cameron, Hidalgo and Willacy counties. Training

includes customized field trips and hands-on work through mentored volunteer opportunities at area nature centers and other TMN partners. The line-up of Saturday field trips for the 2016 class includes National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather station in Brownsville, private local ranches, University of Texas-Pan American Coastal Studies Lab at South Padre Island.

Training is region-specific and taught by local university professors, field experts from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and noted authors, photographers and other local professionals. Go to rgvctmn.org to register or contact Carolyn Cardile at p42339@aol.com. The cost is $150. Limited scholarships are available.

ROWNSVILLE – New cottages have been added to the ever-growing Brownsville Holiday Village located in Dean Porter Park, now with 29 on display throughout the month. From the traditional replica of the

Immaculate Conception Church to the historic Stillman House, each is uniquely and intricately decorated with a variety of themes. Treats are available for purchase the Gingerbread Bakery or the Sweet Tooth while strolling the grounds,

and Santa will be there Friday and Saturday evenings to take photos. The village is on display until Jan. 1, 2016 with musical entertainment lined up. Go to holidayvillagebrownsville.com to see a complete schedule.

Estella G. Salinas

The museum is located at 900 Doherty Avenue and is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For information, call 580-8646 or go to missionmuseum.org.

Master Naturalist training begins Jan. 13

Holiday Village adds new cottages

December 11, 2015

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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

First UTRGV commencement set for Dec. 19

Town hall meeting to focus on needs of hearing impaired

DINBURG – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley will graduate about 1,800 prospective students for its first commencement ceremonies for both UTRGV campuses this fall. Ceremonies have been scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 19, and will include the traditional pomp and circumstance of graduation ceremonies, with the addition of new traditions

for the four-month-old university. For students enrolled in the upper Valley, ceremonies are scheduled as follows at State Farm Arena in Hidalgo: 2 p.m., Colleges of Sciences, Engineering & Computer Science and Liberal Arts; and 6 p.m., Colleges of Business & Entrepreneurship, Education & P-16 Integration, Fine Arts and Health Affairs.

Tickets will not be issued to attend any of the commencement ceremonies. Seating will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. To comply with the fire marshal’s code of maximum seating capacity, once the limit has been reached, no additional guests will be allowed into the venue. For individuals unable to attend the ceremonies, live streaming will be offered at YouTube.com/utrgv/live.

ersonnel from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley have been holding a series of town hall meetings, including one in Mission, in an effort to assess how to better serve the needs of the deaf community in the Valley. The meeting in Mission will be held on Thursday, Dec. 17, in the Community Room at Speer Memorial Library, 801 E.

12th St. UTRGV plans to use the information to determine how to best serve the community in health clinics it plans to open with its hospital and other healthcare partners. These meetings have been led by Linda Nelson, UTRGV senior director of Clinical Operations, and Dr. Shawn Saladin, associate dean for Research and Graduate Pro-

grams for the UTRGV College of Health Affairs. In other meetings already held, suggestions have been made such as having ASL interpreters available for patients and to offer a speaker series and other health education events. Those who are hearing impaired and their families are invited to attend and give their input.

Events Calendar Dec ember 12 – The Marine Military Acade-

my in Harlingen will commemorate the 65th anniversary of the Battle of Chosin Reservoir in a ceremony at 10 a.m. at the Chosin Few Memorial Gate on the campus. Considered on the bloodiest battles of the Korean War, it was also one of the coldest. Despite the odds of survival with 8,000 Marines against 120,000 Chinese troops, their efforts helped to save the lives of 98,000 civilian refugees. The public is invited, especially Korean War veterans. Survivors of the battle will travel from across the United States to participate. Survivors and family members of the fallen men of the battle, who plan to attend, are asked to call 956-4219222 or email salazar@MMA-TX.org. Dec ember 12 – Aglow International Spanish Lighthouse chapter of Mission will host their monthly meeting and Christmas party from 4 to 6 p.m. at Taco Ole Restaurant, 2316 N. Conway in Mission. The public is invited. For information, call Lisa Gomez at 776-8505; Delia Bazan, 240-5813; and Connie Escamilla, 279-7887.

Dec ember 12 – The Texas Parks & Wildlife’s Fifth Annual Jolly Night Hike runs from 5 to 9 p.m. at Resaca de la Palma State Park, 1000 New Carmen Ave. in Brownsville. Open for all ages, the Elf Dash, 5K and 1 Mile Run/Walk is complemented by an evening of guide night hike, caroling around the Christmas tree, making festive crafts and a visit from Santa Claus. Admission is $6 for adults and $2 for children ages 12 and under. For event information please contact Gloria Alcaraz or Lauren Acevedo at 350-2920. Dec ember 17 – Join the Edinburg World Birding Center staff on a “Spider Sniffing” walk along the gardens at 6 p.m. and eat snacks by the fire while learning about the eight-legged creatures, their incredible webs, how they’re different from other arachnids, and the benefits they bring to the ecosystem and people. Program fee is $3 for members and $5 for non-members. A reservation is required at least one day prior to the program as seating is limited. Call Monica Barrera at 381-9922 to sign up. The EWBC is located 714 Raul Longoria Rd. (For daily events and upcoming weeks, see the full calendar at www.ptrgv.com.)

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www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com By Ed Sterling Texas Press Association

STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS Paxton amends approach to resettlement of refugees

USTIN — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on Dec. 4 withdrew his request for a temporary restraining order to put a hold on the federal government’s plan to relocate Syrian refugee families in Texas. Paxton, as the state’s chief law enforcement officer, initiated the court action on behalf of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, the state agency potentially most involved with the resettlement process. In an explanation of his reasoning, Paxton cited the U.S. Refugee Act of 1980, a law requiring that the federal government consult with state authorities in advance of such relocations. Paxton said, in effect, that his request for the restraining order prompted the federal government to provide information that he said would help resolve security concerns about the first group of refugees set to arrive in Texas. Still, however, Texas continues to seek a federal court injunction requiring the fed-

eral government to consult with state authorities before resettling refugees. According to the state attorney general’s office, Texas takes in roughly 10 percent of the refugees resettled in the United States, partnering with local volunteer agencies to help refugees transition to the state and pay associated costs. “Texas shouldn’t have to go to court to require Washington to comply with federal law regarding its duties to consult with Texas in advance,” Paxton commented. “Our state will continue legal proceedings to ensure we get the information necessary to adequately protect the safety of Texas residents. While we remain concerned about the federal government’s overall refugee vetting process, we must ensure that Texas has the seat at the table that the Refugee Act requires.” Border security panel meets Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick acknowledged “strong pleas for state assistance” after a Dec. 3 Senate interim committee hearing on border security.

Patrick said he is “committed to work with the Senate, both during this interim and the remainder of my term in office, to make sure that assistance is provided.” During the hearing, Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steven McCraw testified that over the last four years more than 174,000 undocumented individuals had been arrested and booked into Texas jails. A.J. Louderback of Texas Sheriffs’ Association also testified, saying PEP — the Priority Enforcement Program of ICE, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency, “significantly weakens how we protect the state.” Under PEP, ICE seeks the transfer of a removable individual when that individual has been convicted of an offense listed under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s civil immigration enforcement priorities, has intentionally participated in an organized criminal gang to further the illegal activity of the gang, or poses a danger to national security.

December 11, 2015

Patrick, who presides over the Texas Senate, said, “While securing the border is a responsibility of Washington, D.C., it is still a Texas problem. That’s why the Senate led the way during the last session to provide funding for border security at the highest levels in history.” Abbott takes group to Cuba Gov. Greg Abbott and first lady Cecilia Abbott are back in Texas after leading a group of two dozen members of the governor’s staff and economic development team and

representatives of economic interests “with a stake in increased trade with and travel” to Cuba. The group included officials from the ports of Houston, Beaumont and Corpus Christi, plus Houston’s airports. News of the Nov. 30-Dec. 3 trip was posted by the governor’s office in a series of press pool reports by the Austin American-Statesman. In one of those reports, Cuba’s minister of foreign trade and investment told Gov. Abbott that he believes “the normalization of rela-

tions between Cuba and the United States is an inexorable process that won’t be reversed no matter who is elected president in 2016.” “This is an historic process,” said Rodrigo Malmierca Diaz. “It’s historic because it’s been a long time and a lot of administrations and there weren’t any changes, and now is when the changes are taking place. We think this process is irreversible, it’s not going to be taken back.”

es for patients, the healthcare system in general, and Obamacare in particular. High costs cause moderate to low-income patients to skip prescriptions. Non-adherence increases hospitalization rates and overall health spending, thus burdening all taxpayers and healthcare consumers. ObamaCare itself won’t have much of a future if healthy people (particularly healthy young people) continue to avoid exchange plans -- and the skimpy coverage they offer -- like the plague. If regulators limited cost sharing, people would find exchange plans more attractive, since the plans would provide real rather than illusory coverage. Higher quality plans would bring more healthy people into the exchanges. And more healthy people would make the plans more affordable. Unfortunately, rather than upgrade the quality of exchange plans to make them more attractive, ACA backers have turned on a much easier target -- the pharmaceutical industry. Their narrative goes like this: co-pays are high because of steep increases in drug prices. The facts tell a different story. After taking manufacturer rebates into account, brand name drug prices increased 5.5 percent last year -- the slowest pace in 5 years, according to pharmaceutical industry research. But facts haven’t deterred the true ideologues, many of whom would be delighted to throw in the towel on

ObamaCare and instead impose single payer health care on Americans. Activists in several states, including California, Colorado, and Ohio, have advanced ballot initiatives that would impose outright single payer systems or de facto ones. Despite the repeated failures of single payer programs, they believe that more government control is the solution to America’s healthcare woes. Again, the facts tell a different story. Consider the problems besetting the Veterans Affairs system, which fixes prices for all medicines. Because the government refuses to cover certain newer medications, veterans can’t access about 1 in 5 of the most common medicines. Or consider the United Kingdom, where the single payer National Health Service explicitly rations treatment. Until exchange plans are made legitimately attractive, healthy people will continue to avoid them, and insurers will follow UnitedHealth’s lead and stop offering plans that only lose them money. But rather than face the music, ACA supporters are playing the blame game -- while those who support a more complete government takeover of health care are waiting in the wings. Peter J. Pitts, a former FDA Associate Commissioner, is President of the Center for Medicine in the Public Interest.

ObamaCare’s Inelegant Design

By Peter J. Pitts nitedHealth Group, the nation’s largest health insurance company, announced it will likely stop selling insurance plans in the Affordable Care Act’s exchanges after 2016 due to a lack of profitability. Other big insurers are reporting huge losses as well. With ObamaCare facing headwinds due to insurer defections, regulators need to boost enrollment numbers by improving the quality of exchange plans. Failure to do so will only embolden those who wish to see it replaced with a single payer healthcare system. Under current ACA regulations, there’s a stark difference between “having insurance” and “having access to health care.” To get around caps on how much they can charge in premiums, insurers have imposed higher out-of-pocket costs for many specialty drugs. The absurdly high copays mean that many patients can’t afford their medicines. Just look at silver plans (the most popular category). In five of 20 drug classes for conditions from cancer to HIV, at least 20 percent of plans require patients to pay 30 percent or more of the medicine’s cost. Over half of Silver plans place all multiple sclerosis medicines in the “specialty tier” with the highest level of cost-sharing. In short, patients with such plans lack a single affordable treatment option. That has serious negative consequenc-

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1217 N. Conway • Mission, TX (956) 585-4893 MEMBER 2015

TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATION

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

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Letters to the Editor are welcome but must conform to certain guidelines. All letters must be original, dated, signed and bear the complete name, address and phone number of the writer/signer. No photo copied letters will be printed. No letters addressed to others will be printed. Letter content must be relevant to concerns and interests of Mission and the surrounding area. Relevance is determined by the editor. Anonymous cards or letters are neither read nor printed. Letters may be submitted by e-mail to letters@progresstimes.net, but must include the author’s name and daytime phone number.

December 11, 2015

page 5

Lady Diamondbacks moving on up

1 Kelly Regino, 2, Chelsea Chandler, 3 Ashley Briseno, 4 Devin Perez, 5 Kayla Alaniz, 10 Crystal Alonzo, 11Makayla Garza, 12 Miranda Ramos, 13 Daylann Garza, 15 Melissa De Leon, 22 Cesia Beltran, 32 Victoria Moussman. 33 Marie Aguilar

By Luciano Guerra uilding a sports program from the ground up at a new high school can be a challenging proposition. Just ask Lady Diamondbacks’ head basketball coach Nicole Villarreal who took this challenge on at Pioneer High School last year. A challenge that ended with the 2014/2015 Lady Diamondbacks winning only one of their 12 District 31-5A match-ups and losing all but three of their 32 games overall. Having coached in San Antonio for 12 years, nine as an assistant and three as a

head coach, prior to taking on her current position at Pioneer, Villarreal is starting to see the fruits of her labor ripen. “We’re definitely a lot better at this point in the season this year than we were last year,” Villarreal said. “That speaks volumes in regards to the girls’ hard work and determination to be better. We’ve picked up where we left off last year and that’s quite refreshing.” Although their current 4-13 record is nothing to write home about, four wins in seventeen games is a vast improvement over last year’s total of three wins in 32 games.

If their non-district improvement is going to continue into their district schedule however, the Lady Diamondbacks will be counting on their four returning starters to lead the way. “Our returning starters are junior guards Ashley Briseno and Miranda Ramos and senior posts Marie Aguilar and Crystal Alonzo,” Villarreal said. When asked what it was like to be on the first-ever girls basketball team at Pioneer High School, Briseno said, “Last season was a little difficult. The transition from Sharyland High to a team

Eagles on mission to win

#1 Caleb Oviedo, #2 Oscar De La Garza, #3 Artemio Herrera ,#4 Jorge Muniz, #5 Danny Monreal, #10 Ricky Martinez, #11 Juan Escobedo, #12 Jaciel Contreras, #20 Marcus Olvera, #22 Mauricio Ramiro, #23 Rudy Trevino, #24 Frank De Leon, #25 Jose Salinas, #32 Israel Cortez, #44 Jose “Geo” Solis

By Luciano Guerra he Mission Eagles basketball team has gotten off to a bit of a slow start this season but with three weeks to go before they open their District 30-6A season against the McAllen High Bulldogs there’s time to right the ship. The fact that they’re without the services of one of their main offensive weapons has something to do with that, but according to Mission head boys basketball coach Everardo Castellano, Jr. that’s not the only reason they’re currently 3-7. “We are losing close games to top teams,” explained Castellano. “However the fact that we still do not have the services of one of our top shooters, Ricky Martinez, who is out with an ACL injury, has hurt us as well. The good news is that we are expecting to have him back in time for district play.” Castellano, who is in his 21st year with the Mission boys’ basketball program and his fifth year as the head coach, went on to explain that another reason for his team’s slow start is the fact that their roster is not yet set. As a result he has been playing younger, inexperienced players in order to determine if they have what it takes to make the varsity squad. Last year’s version of the Eagles had their roster set early-on so they got off to a much quicker start. However as Castellano explained, their non-district success did not translate into continued success when it really mattered. “Non-district last year we did really well,” Castellano said. “We beat Weslaco and Los Fresnos who both went on to win district championships. Once we got into our district schedule however we didn’t fare so well. We were in one of the toughest districts and we winded up winning only three games.” “Our district was so tough last year that even teams like

La Joya, who won 20-plus games didn’t make the playoffs,” added Castellano. “But this is a different district and a new year so we’ll see how it goes for us. The most important thing right now is for us to get better every game.” One advantage the Eagles have this year is the fact that they have two of last year’s starters and three others that played a lot of minutes last year returning. Point Guard Caleb Oviedo and junior wing Oscar de la Garza are the two returning starters while Danny Monreal, Rudy Trevino and Ricky Martinez are the three with plenty of varsity experience. As for how he expects the District 30-6A race to shape up, Castellano said, “Everybody’s going to have to try to beat McAllen Memorial. They’ve got height, they’ve got point guards, they’ve got everything. Everybody else is going to be competing for

the last three spots. All of us are going to be there fighting just like last year when every game was close.” Whether or not the Memorial Mustangs take the district championship, they will almost certainly take one of the district’s four playoff spots. That will leave six teams vying for the remaining three spots. Castellano believes he knows what it will take for the Eagles to secure one of those spots for themselves. “We have to be more consistent and we have to realize that we can not only compete, but we can win games; games against teams like McAllen High and Nikki Rowe,” Castellano said. “Maybe we can even upset McAllen Memorial. Last year we had them spread out in the fourth quarter but in the end they were just bigger and stronger and they beat us by eight or 10 points.”

made up mostly of girls without any varsity experience was a difficult one. We’ve been working really hard this year though so all we can do is to keep working hard and hope for the best.” As one of only four seniors on the Lady Diamondbacks’ roster, Marie Aguilar believes that she and her teammates are ready for Tuesday’s start of district play. “I feel that we’re ready,” shared Aguilar. “All the non-district and tournament games we’ve played in, all the preparation and especially all the practices we’ve been through have us as ready as we’ll ever be.” While the Lady Diamond-

backs struggled last year, fellow senior Crystal Alonzo appreciated the opportunity of being part of Pioneer High School history. “It was difficult at first to transition from being a Lady Rattler to being a Lady Diamondback but it was good being part of the first girls’ basketball team ever at Pioneer,” Alonzo said. “We had to start over and build chemistry with each other here but at the same time it gave us an opportunity to make a name for ourselves.” While teams like Sharyland, Veterans Memorial, Edinburg Vela and Rio Grande City are all expected to be serious contenders for the

district’s four playoff spots, Villarreal does not see the possibility of the Lady Diamondbacks sneaking into the playoffs as being too far-fetched. “One of our goals is to make the playoffs,” shared Villarreal. “That’s what we’re shooting for and what the girls want really bad. It’s going to take confidence for us to achieve that goal. We are doing the right things but the ball is not falling through the hole for us so we’ve been spending a lot of time working on our shooting while going at game speed. So as soon as the ball starts falling for us things will be different because we’re taking the shots we need to take.”

Lady Lobos are for real

By Luciano Guerra ome may have wondered if the Palmview Lady Lobos were for real last year. That’s because after having failed to put together a winning season for the first six years of their existence, the Lady Lobos pulled off a dramatic turnaround last year in which they went 9-3 (20-11 overall), finished second place in District 30-6A and qualified for the playoffs for the first time in school history. While a 51-41 bi-district round loss to Del Rio brought their breakout season to a quick and sudden end, there’s no denying the fact that the Lady Lobos put together a very successful 2014/2015 season. What accounted for such a dramatic turnaround? Palmview girls basketball coach Anisa Reyna credits the play and leadership of two of her players as the catalyst for the Lady Lobos’ success. “I believe our success had to do with us grasping the concept of running the floor, being in shape and showing some endurance,” explained Reyna. “But also we had the help of a graduating senior, Monica Noyola, and a junior, Samantha Gutierrez, who came through for us offensively and who displayed the kind of leadership we were needing. Everyone followed their leadership and it just progressed into something very special last year in which we built a legacy that nobody really expected but we knew we could accomplish.” Gutierrez, who as the district’s top scorer last year was named the Offensive Player of the Year in District 30-6A, has returned for her senior year and is expected to help lead the Lady Lobos to another successful season. “Samantha kind of ex-

1 Joilys Gomez, 3 Brittany Cano, 4 Samantha Gutierrez, 5 Ashley Hernandez, 11 Edna Ovalle, 12 Renee Flores, 20 Krystal Bocanegra, 23 Cyndar Magallon, 32 Cristina Chavez, 33 Martha Bocanegra

ploded last year with her quality of play and her inside, outside game,” added Reyna. “At only 5-foot-3, she is by no means tall, but yet her game brings so much to the table that she has added another dimension to our game offensively.” Like Gutierrez, 5-foot-4 sophomore point guard Brittany Cano, 6-foot sophomore post Cyndar Magallon and 5-foot 10 junior post Edna Ovalle are also returning starters. “These girls present a lot of different dynamics as far as being dominant forces in the paint and with their ability to block shots and rebound,” shared Reyna. “So we do have the height inside to counter any other offensive players.” So far this season the Lady Lobos have put together a 10-4 record with their most recent victory coming Tuesday against the Pioneer Lady Diamondbacks. In that game Palmview scored 15 unanswered points to open the third quarter and go on to double-up the Lady Diamondbacks by a score of 6432.

With district play starting Tuesday, Reyna is hoping to see her team get off on the right foot. “After this week I hope that we’ll show improvement and that we’ll take strides in the right direction,” Reyna said. “Our district opener is next week and it is a very huge game for us. That’s something that we’ve stressed and emphasized to our kids; that the first game sets the tone for the rest of the season. So we’re hoping to make a mark again and see where our program can go with this team.” While the Lady Lobos will not have the element of surprise on their side this year like they had last year, their size, talent and experience should be enough to help them secure their second playoff berth in as many years. “There’s a lot of potential in this team that was left behind from last year and I think that now it’s just a matter of getting back to where we ended the season last year,” added Reyna. “It’s going to be exciting to watch what happens this year in 30-6A because anything is possible.”

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Annexation proposed for Sullivan City

By Lea Victoria Juarez

ullivan City has plans to extend the boundaries of the city limits to include 308 acres on the eastern side of the city. Cities are allowed to annex 10 percent of their total acreage or up to one mile outside of their extraterritorial jurisdiction. Sullivan City is currently 3,064 acres. Council member Leonel Garcia said the annexation is a response to the anticipated highway loop. “We want the city to grow more,” he said. “We see a loop coming there and we actually want to be closer to the loop...to provide more services to the rest of the community around us.” There were no public comments for or against the proposed annexation at the Dec. 7 public hearing. The city council held a second public hearing Dec. 10, after this article went to press. The proposed loop project consists of constructing a four-lane controlled access expressway facili-

ty within a 300-foot usual right-of-way (ROW) to 450 foot maximum ROW in two or more phases. Construction will begin spring 2016 and the project should be completed the summer of 2020. Phase I would involve construction of a four-lane divided rural highway consisting of two roadways separated by a depressed median, which would serve as the future frontage roads. Each roadway would consist of two 12-foot wide travel lanes, a 4-foot wide inside and a 10-foot wide outside shoulder. Controlled access ramps would provide connectivity between the main lanes and the frontage roads constructed during this phase. Future phases of construction would include main lanes and overpasses within the depressed median. These main lanes would also consist of two 12-foot wide travel lanes with a 4-foot wide inside and a 10foot wide outside shoulder in each direction of travel.

DPS offers tips to avoid vehicle theft during the holidays

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety is reminding Texans about the potential for vehicle thefts during the holiday season and is advising individuals to takes extra precautions to guard against possible auto thefts. Vehicle burglaries are also a concern during the holiday season. “The holiday season is a busy time for everyone – including criminals; and DPS is urging Texans to do what they can to keep vehicles and valuables safe from possible thieves,” said DPS Director

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Steven McCraw. “The months of December and January can be prime times for auto theft and burglaries. It is important to always lock car doors and store valuables out of sight.” In December 2014, 5,717 automobiles, pickups and motorcycles were recorded stolen, making it one of the highest months for vehicle thefts that year, outside of the summer months. In addition, more than 13,190 vehicle burglaries were reported and $13.3 million in property stolen last December, also making it one of the highest months that year.

DPS offers the following tips that Texans can follow to help protect against vehicle theft: • Never leave your car running unattended, even for a quick visit to a business or store. • Never leave keys in the car or ignition, inside a locked garage, or in hide-a-key boxes. • Always roll up your windows and lock the car, even if it is parked at your home. • When possible, always park in high-traffic, well-lighted areas. • Install an anti-theft device that locks the steering wheel,

column or brakes, especially if your vehicle is considered to be at increased risk for theft. • Never leave personal documents, vehicle ownership title or credit cards in your vehicle. • Always keep valuables or property hidden out of sight or locked in the trunk. If your vehicle is stolen, report it to the police immediately. DPS also encourages individuals to keep a copy of their license plate and vehicle identification number on hand in case of theft, since police will need this information to take a report.

Kops for Kids brings joys to children

he city of Mission staff presented an impressive show of support and solidarity for the Mission Police Department’s annual Kops for Kids Toy Drive, which kicked off publicly with a ribbon cutting Thursday, Dec. 3 at the Walgreens Pharmacy located on Conway Ave. at Expressway 83. Not only was Police Chief Robert Dominguez there, so was City Manager Martin Garza, Deputy City Manager Aida Lerma -- who was first in line afterwards to place toys in the donation box at Walgreens -- and all of the city’s department heads. This show of support was symbolic of the shared sense of purpose throughout the city staff to join with the Police Department and the community as a whole to bring a little happiness to the underprivileged children of the area at Christmastime. While the Kops for Kids program has been going on in Mission for about 14 or 15 years, Chief Dominguez said, “For three years we have been doing it with all the city departments and city staff involved. It’s important for us to stand together as a community and give back.” He explained, “It’s a citywide endeavor that we undertake every year to give back to the needy of our community. “ What does the Police Department do with all the toys that are donated? A big Kops for Kids cel-

ebration will be held Friday, Dec. 18 at the Mission PD for 350 needy families. While the gifts will go only to the families who have registered in advance at the Police Department, the public is invited to attend. “There will be food, drinks, moon jumps, games for the kids. We have a lot of activities planned for that day. We welcome the public in general to come out and be part of this great event,” he said. Of course, to have a successful event, they need toy donations from the community. To make a donation, drop by either Walgreens location in Mission, or go by the Mission Police Department. There are also donation boxes at several area schools, including Bryan, Castro, Leal, Marcell, Mims, O’Grady and Pearson Elementary schools in Mission. Boxes are also located at K. White Jr. High, Mission Jr. High, Mission High, Veterans Memorial, Sharyland and Pioneer High schools. For those wishing to make a monetary donation, please make the check payable to Mission Crime Stoppers and either drop it off at the Mission Police Department, or call Investigator Romeo Ortega at 956-458-9046 and he can arrange to pick it up. “I just want to thank everybody in general. This would not be possible without the help of the community,” said Dominguez.

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obituaries

Thomas L. Connell AUSTIN/MISSION – Thomas “Tom” L. Connell, 67, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 28, 2015. Mr. Connell was born on Nov. 3, 1948, in Mission to Tommy and Juanita Emmons Connell. He was a 1968 graduate of Mission High School. In 1969, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam. He was a third generation plumber in Mission and later moved to Austin where he was employed by

Palm Harbour Homes. Survivors include his brother, Tim Connell of New Braunfels. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Ron and Terry. A graveside service was held on Dec. 7 at Valley Memorial Gardens. Rev. Jim Nelson of St. John’s Episcopal Church officiated. Cruz Munguia MISSION – Cruz Munguia, 86, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2015, at

her home in Mission. Mrs. Munguia was born and raised in Madero. She was preceded in death by her great-granddaughter, Kayla D. Alonzo; husband, Alejandro Munguia Sr.; and parents, Luz and Casimiro Gonzalez. Survivors include her children, Alejandro Munguia Jr., Isabel Garza, Rosa Sanchez, Blanca Chavez and Otila Estrada; and 18 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. A funeral mass was held

Paula De La Cruz MISSION – Paula De La Cruz, 92, passed away on Monday, Dec. 7, 2015, at her home in Mission. Israel Garza PEÑITAS – A funeral mass for Israel Garza was held on Friday, Dec. 5, 2015, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Peñitas. Burial followed Lord and I Cemetery in Palmview. Guadalupe D. Gonzalez MISSION – Guadalupe D. Gonzalez, 85, passed away on Friday, Dec. 4, 2015, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Mario A. Gonzalez PEÑITAS – Mario A. Gonzalez, 34, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2015. A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 9, at 10 a.m. at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Peñitas. Burial follows at Lord and I Cemetery in Palmview. Julia Montoya MISSION – Julia Montoya, 86, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2015 at her home in Mission. A funeral was held on Dec. 7 at Virgil Wilson Mortuary in Mission. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens. Jorge R. Moreno MISSION – Jorge R. Moreno, 84, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2015, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Edward Reineke MISSION – Edward Reineke, 73, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 6, 2015 at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Delfina I. Rios ALTON – Delfina I. Rios, 77, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2015 at Mission Regional Medical Center. Jose Guadalupe Ruvalcaba PEÑITAS – A funeral mass for Jose Guadalupe Ruvalcaba was held on Monday, Dec. 5, 2015, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Peñitas. Burial followed at Lord and I Cemetery in Palmview. Jesus Vela Jr. MISSION – Jesus Vela Jr., 83, passed away on Sunday Dec. 6, 2015, at Mission Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 9, at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial follows at San Jose Cemetery in Mission. Nicolas Vigil MISSION – Nicolas Vigil, 79, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 6, 2015, at his home in Mission. Virgie Lou Waller MISSION – A memorial service for Virgie Lou Waller was held on Friday, Dec. 4, 2015, at Promise Land Church in Mission. Teodoro Cantu MISSION – Teodoro “Lolo” Cantu, 83, passed away Sunday, Dec. 6, 2015, at Amara Hospice of Edinburg. Born on Nov. 9, 1932, in Davis Switch, Mr. Cantu was a lifelong resident of Mission. He was a veteran

of the Korean Conflict and served in the U.S. Army. Survivors include his wife, Marta (Diaz) Cantu; children, Norma Handy, Juanita Maldonado, Angel Cantu, Teodoro Cantu Jr., Yolanda Cantu, Leonel Cantu, Abel Cantu, Isabel Cantu and Melissa Davila; siblings, Telesforo Cantu Jr., Jose Cantu, Juanita Niño, Cande Sanchez, Irma Martinez, San Juanita Molina and Belia Clouse; and 33 grandchildren, 61 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, Telesforo and Catarina (Segundo) Cantu, and sisters, Margarita Barrera and Elisa Montes. A funeral service was held on Dec. 10 Rivera Funeral Home in Mission. Interment with full military honors followed at Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission. Notices Jose Garza MISSION – Jose Garza, 90, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 6, 2015, at McAllen Nursing Home. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 9, at 12 p.m. at Virgil Wilson Mortuary in Mission. Burial follows at Lord and I Cemetery in Palmview. Morse Goodell MISSION – Morse Goodell, 77, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2015, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Notices

on Dec. 7 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Madero. Burial followed at Granjeno Cemetery. Ciro Ochoa Sr. MISSION – Ciro Ochoa Sr. passed away on Sunday, Dec. 6, 2015, in McAllen. Mr. Ochoa was born in La Feria and lived there until 1964 when he moved to Mission. He worked at his beauty shop until his retirement. He was a Korean War veteran and a member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Mission. Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Maria de la Luz Ochoa; sons, Ciro Ochoa Jr. of Mission, Eli Ochoa of McAllen and Lino Ochoa of Mission; and eight grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jose Maria and Guadalupe Ochoa, and siblings, Jose Maria Ochoa, Humberto Ochoa, Delia Ochoa and Carmela Cavazos. A funeral mass was held on Dec. 9 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church. Burial with military honors followed at Rio Grande Valley Veterans Cemetery in Mission. Pallbearers were Joe Ochoa, Robert Ochoa, Danny Prado, Noe Moraida III, Robert Farias, Hector Gandaria, Joseph Tamez and Michael Davis. Honorary pallbearers were Ralph Cantu, Ricardo Chapa, Arturo Guerra, Tony Diaz, Bobby Champion, Carlos Alaniz and Jerry Saenz. All obituaries must be submitted by the funeral home. Obituary notices are run FREE OF CHARGE in the Progress Times if they are submitted in a timely manner to run the same week of the date of death. Otherwise, there is a fee for notices submitted later than the closest possible publication date. Late obituaries will be subject to a $50 charge. Obituaries can be found online and are updated as they are received. Visit www. progresstimes.net to stay current with obituaries and other news that matters to you.

CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD 2322 N. McColl. - McAllen 682-2092 CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS 5609 S 29th St. - McAllen 682-4881 CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS Missonaries • 580-2570 CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CHURCH 911 N. Main - McAllen 686-4241 CONWAY AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH 2215 N. Conway • 585-2413 EL FARO BIBLE CHURCH 15 miles W. of Mission on Exp. 83 Sullivan City, TX • 585-5617 EL MESIAS UNITED METHODIST 209 E. 6th • 585-2334 FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH 3 miles N. Shary Rd. • 581-1465 FAITH FELLOWSHIP BIBLE CHURCH 1 mile N. Exp. 83 on Tom Gill Rd. 519-6311 FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 1302 Doherty • 585-1442 FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH 12th and Miller - Mission 585-7281 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 1102 Ash St. • 585-4829 for worship schedule.

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 1101 Doherty • 585-1665

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

FREEDOM LIFE CHURCH 2214 W. Griffin Pkwy. • 519-7000 Mission

NORTH PALMVIEW APOSTOLIC CHURCH 7612 W. 6 Mile Ln.

GRACIA DIVINA MINISTRY 11809 N. Shary Rd. • 584-3112

ONLY THRU JESUS 1511 E. Mile 2 Rd. Mission • 918-760-1625

GREAT OAKS COMMUNITY CHURCH 2722 N. Conway • 451-5500 Mission IGLESIA ADVENTISTA DEL SEPTIMO DIA 1725 W. Griffin Parkway 581-9008 IGLESIA BAUTISTA BETANIA 851 S. Breyfogle Rd. • 585-5688 IGLESIA BAUTISTA CRISTO EL REY 1600 E. Bus. 83 - Mission IGLESIA BAUTISTA COLONIAL 3713 N. La Homa Rd. • 585-5332 IGLESIA BAUTISTA DEL VALLE 217 W. Mile 3 Rd. • 424-1602 Palmhurst IGLESIA DEL PUEBLO 7500 West Expressway 83 581-1900 IGLESIA DEL DIVINO REDENTOR 1020 North Los Ebanos Rd 585-5898 LA RESPUESTA CHURCH 405 W. 12th Street • 585-0787 MISSION CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE 1 mi. E. 495 • 585-6683 NEW HOPE AT THE BORDER 905 N. Conway • 369-3603

OUR LADY QUEEN OF ANGELS One-half mile South Leo Avenue La Joya • 585-5223 OUR LADY OF FATIMA CHURCH 6634 El Camino Real • Granjeno OUR LADY OF LOURDES CHURCH 2.5 miles S. Conway (FM 1016) Mission OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE CATHOLIC CHURCH 620 Dunlap • 585-2623 OUR LADY OF THE HOLY ROSARY CHURCH 923 Matamoros St. • 581-2193

RIVER OF LIFE CHURCH 901 S. Shary Rd. (Located in the Holiday Inn Express Conference Room) 451-4838 SAN CRISTOBAL MAGALLANES & COMPANIONS PARISH

3805 Plantation Grove Blvd., Ste. 5

Mission • 580-4551

SAN MARTIN DE PORRES 5 mi. N. Conway, 1/2 Mile West Alton • 585-8001 & 585-8002 SPIRIT OF PEACE EV. LUTHERAN CHUCH 3104 Los Milagros Mission • 581-1822

Mims Elementary School launches a minitropolis

Mission CISD is home to the Rio Grande Valley’s newest “town”. Over the last few months, the students of Mims Elementary School have been busy forming their own minitropolis known as Mustangville. This micro-society is designed to mirror a fully functioning community in order to create an academic learning experience for students. A special ceremony was held Dec. 4 to introduce the new city council members, and to officially swear in the new mayor, city council, police officers and postmasters. Principal Yvonne Zamora said this project has been in the works for more than year, in an effort to provide students with as broad an experience as possible. This has not only involved running for city offices, but students have also been applying and interviewing for jobs within the city and its businesses. Mustangville is starting

with, a Walmart, IBC Bank, bookstore, music store, treasury department, IRS, newspaper, radio station, recycling center, police department and future nurses and teachers. Zamora said students are already planning on expanding their city and city services. In the coming weeks, time will be set aside on Fridays for the city and its businesses to conduct business with the student citizens. The first city council of Mustangville are: Antonio Gamez, mayor; Carla Guerrero, city council place one; Ian Hinojosa, city council place two; Sarah Martinez, city council place three; Jaditza Gutierrez, city council place four. Midkiff Elementary School has also joined the minitropolis movement. Minitropolis counterparts attended the Mustangville swearing-in ceremony from the city of Mission.

Old soldier did not “fade away”

Army Private Frank Levingston, the nation's oldest surviving second World War veteran, attended this year's ceremony at the at the World War II Memorial in Washington commemorating the 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. He was 37 years old when he enlisted in the Army shortly after the U.S. entered

the Great War as a result of the attack on Hawaii. Livingston, who hails from Lake Charles, La., turned 110 years old, appropriately enough, in November—the month set aside to honor and thank the nation's veterans of all ages for their service, according to the Association of Mature American Citizens.

“We come from a long line of love!” Our Lady of Guadalupe School, offering a “down home” Catholic Education since 1914! Texas and Tex-Mex friendly spoken here too! Kinder/Montessori through 8th Grade registering now!

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE PARISH

CORNER OF MAGNA (6TH) ST. & DUNLAP

956-585-2623

SACRED SUMMER SUNDAYS!

ST. JOHN OF THE FIELDS CATHOLIC CHURCH 1052 Washington Ave. • 585-2325 ST. PAUL'S CATHOLIC CHURCH 1119 Francisco • 585-2701 ST. PETER & ST. PAUL EPISCOPAL CHURCH 2310 N. Stewart Rd. 585-5005

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

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

PEÑITAS BAPTIST CHURCH 1/3 Mile S. of Exp.83 on FM 1427 583-6236

TEMPLO BIBLICO 5 Mile/Conway 581-4981or 585-3831

PRIMERA BAPTIST CHURCH Corner of 6th & Oblate 585-4711

TEMPLO EVANGELICO, M.B. CHURCH La Joya

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

TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH 3905 W. 3 Mile Line • 585-3261

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

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THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

ChurCh DireCtory

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

VALLEY FELLOWSHIP 1708 E. Griffin Parkway Mission • 424-7200

MARY REVEALED MORE THAN HER IMAGE TO JUAN DIEGO. SHE REVEALED TO HIM HIS OWN IMPORTANCE, DIGNITY, AND CAPACITY AS A MAN OF COURAGEOUS, FAITH, HOPE, AND LOVE. THE “LITTLE BIT” HE HAD WAS THE STUFF THAT HEROIC LEGENDS ARE MADE OF! “Texas Friendly” spoken at all masses (and confessions)

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

DARRELL DAVIS

301 E. Tom Landry • Mission • 585-1622

IMPLEMENT COMPANY, INC. MISSION 585-1618

  

 



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

 

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

CONFESSIONS

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

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

forsale

PARK MODEL, EXCELLENT condition, 12X32 w/ 8X10 shed in Mission Bell RV Resort, move in ready, 515240-9664. 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. TOW DOLLY AND other RVing equipment, make offers, 423-381-9383. 1992 EZ GO golf cart, batteries fair, great looking cart, $975, 573-3595682. 10X12 METAL SHED, $750, Hidden Valley Ranch 7401 Bogey Dr. Mission, TX, 320894-3289. PORTABLE SATELLITE DISH, new price $700 at Camping World, used once, asking $450, Seven Oak RV Resort, 913-9721297. ELECTRIC WHEEL CHAIR, two wheel chair carriers, one manual one hydraulic, 956-580-4631. 2011 CLUB CAR, completely re-done, like new, lights, windshield, must see, $3,400 will consider offers, 563-528-9843. RV LOT GREEN Gate Grove, extra concrete, fruit trees, vinyl, 12X14 shed, w/d refrigerator,

cabinets, $25,000 OBO, 956-5295535. FOR SALE 12’X38’ 2008 Destination trailer, 12’X36’ car port, 6’X8’ shed, $23,500, Donna, TX, 309-224-9592. 10X10 WOOD SHED with 110-220 wiring, stackable Kitchen Aid washer and dryer included, $800, 956-5663217. 43 LOT RV & trailer park includes 8 park models (furnished), 2 mobile homes (furnished), city water & sewer, 8 storage sheds, 641-6602560 or 956-7813821. 802 BOSE SPEAKERS fender electric fiddle, 2 yrs old, 701-640-3676. CONSOLE PIANO KOHLER Campbell, Oak finish, $400, 956-424-0508. GARAGE WORK BENCH solid wood, 4- drawers, shelf on bottom, never used and AB lounger exerciser, like new, less than half the price, call 357-3724. 40’ METAL WHEEL chair ramp for sale, $1,100, 956-4615461. LEGENDS 3 HANDICAPPED scooter made by Pride for sale at Sleepy Valley Resort lot #544 Apricot Rd, complete with van lift, $1,000, cell 308-750-1364.

garagesale

GIGANTIC GARAGE SALE, new items added daily, many brand new, Dec. 11, 12 & 13, 9am, 1407 E. 2nd Street, Mission.

helpwanted

INTRESTED IN EARNING extra $$$? Looking for experienced tax prepares. Call 956585-1818 or email resume at atefax@ hotmail.com. Full/ Part time.

homes4sale

RETAMA VILLAGE, MISSION, 2br, 2ba, RV port home w/50ft FHV, covered RV parking, tiled Pergola covered courtyard, corner lot, furnished, gated 55+ community, $235K, see website Retamarentals.com for pictures of 3700 Heron Way, 321480-4999. BRICK HOME, WINTER Haven Resort, 55+ gated community, security 24/7, 2br WIC, 2 bath, tiled floors, 2 car garage w/ pulled down attic storage. Enclosed tiled/wood rear patio on Resaca, tiled patio on front. Hurricane shutters w/ wired connections for heavy duty gen., $168,900, please call Bill 956-8381512. 1,560 SQ. FT., 2 br, 2 bath, home furnished, 1 1/2 car garage, 55+ Village Grove Subdivision, Donna, $68,000, 309-338-3008. OWN YOUR LOT 55+, Winter Green Estates, 14X84 partially furnished, 2b/2bath, 956-5663607.

mobilehome

DOUBLE WIDE, FULLY furnished, 28X44, covered carport & deck, shed, Casa del Valle, $44,900, 956783-2330 or 785713-2271. MOBILE HOME YOU own the land-

2 bedroom, 2 baths, Texas room, nice furniture, all carpeted, all electric, completely furnished, lots of storage space, big carport, everything is ready to move into, call 712-660-2503. FOR SALE IN Aladdin Villas - nice home, 2 bedroom, 2 bath, completely furnished, you own land, adjoining home is a covered area to park camper or bus, must see to appreciate, 712-660-2503. NICE MOBILE HOME located in Rollin Home Park in Mission, 2B/2bath, $22,000 move in ready, 218-8415314. 14X65 MOBILE, 2 bed, 14X50 awning, attached shed, $19,000, updated-must see, 55+ park Citrus Mobile & RV Park, Edinburg, 501-473-1747 or 501-827-2608. 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. BEAUTIFUL SUNRISE THROUGH tinted windows from 14X24 Texas room, coffee breaks on protected 14X10 patio, cooking comfort in 18X14 kitchen/furnished dining room with island, China cabinets, and plenty of natural light, beautifully decorated and furnished 18X16 living room, spacious 18X12 furnished master bedroom with walkin closet and walkin shower in 18X6 double sink full bath, are the highlights of this 18X76 mobile home. Enjoy your leisure with 2 additional bedrooms, one additional full bath, separate laundry/pantry (all appliances included), workshop/storage room, and separate Rubbermaid 7X10 storage shed. All sinks and faucets new; AC, water softener, water heater recently replaced. All of this in an active and safely gated community Texas Trails Resort, 956-702 -2772. 2001 16X60 SANTA Fe, 2 bd, 2 baths, lots of extras, deck, front living room, 99 year lease lot, 55+ community, 956783-4929. FULLY FURNISHED 2 bedroom, large Texas room, new air/heat, storage shed, covered deck and carport, 515865-5227. MOBILE HOME FOR sale, 2 bed, 1 bath, 16X48, fully remodeled and furnished, 55+ park, call 712-259-2120.

motorhome

FOR SALE DUNCAN Tow Bar with cover, good condition, $150 OBO, Jerry 248-887-3321. 2000 MONACO 36FT., 1 slide, Diesel, 4 door, refrigerator, new mattress, clean, ready to travel, 956-583-6735. 2006 CLASS C Gulfstream MH 5500 Chevy engine, new tires, 60,000 miles, 224-3054457.

December 11, 2015

The Palmview community took in a night of music and dance at the sixth annual posada. The city council invites talents from the La Joya school district to perform at the festival in celebration of the holiday season. Some of the acts included the Palmview High School mariachi and conjunto band, the elementary choirs and ballet folklorico groups. Photo by Lea Victoria Juarez

theclassifieds buy • sell • trade • rent • hire

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

2000 ALPINE LIMIT 40ft, one big slide out, 350 Cummings Diesel Transmission, 6 speed Allison, new batteries, new tires, 78,000 miles, fully loaded, located in Donna, TX, $38,000, 816868-8003 or 816529-2384. 2001 HOLIDAY RAMBLER Endeavor 38’, 2 slides

Cummins, Diesel, newer tires, batteries, $37,000, lot also available, Mission, TX, $55,000, 309-781-6542.

motorcycles

FOR SALE 2006 Suzuki Boulevard C -50T, very good condition, can be seen at Heritage Square unit L-11, call 956584-6824.

page 11

Chosin survivors to gather 65 years later

motorhome

December 11, 2015

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

2012 HARLEY 1200 excellent condition, windshield, shaped bags, 7,800 miles, always stored indoors, $8,800, 317-364-6447.

parkmodel

1996 CEDAR RIDGE carport covered patio, attached shed, washer, dryer, central electric heat/air, 2 recliners, couch, Oak table/

ORDINANCE 2015-17-1124 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF ALTON; ZONING CODE DEFINITIONS RELATING TO BROADCAST TOWER AND PERSONAL WIRELESS SERVICE FACILITIES, ADDING DEFINITIONS RELATING TO ELIGIBLE FACILITIES REQUEST AND PROCEDURES; PROVIDING FOR APPLICATION FOR A PERSONAL WIRELESS SERVICE FACILITY; AUTHORIZING CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS, REQUIREMENTS OF CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS, RELATING TO ELIBIGLE FACILTIES REQUEST; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, AND ORDAINING OTHER PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT MATTER THEREOF. READ, APPROVED, AND PASSED on this the 24th day of November, 2015. Salvador Vela, Mayor ATTEST: Baudelia Rojas TRMC|CPM, City Secretary

ARLINGEN – At least 19 survivors of the Battle of Chosin Reservoir during the Korean War will gather in South Texas Dec. 12 to commemorate the 65th anniversary of an epic military triumph. The Chosin Few Memorial Ceremony will take place Saturday, Dec. 12 at 10 a.m. on Marine Military Academy campus in Harlingen. The survivors – or those known as the Chosin Few – will originate from at least 11 different states. Among the survivors is Billy Jim Rogers of Mission. Though the men are all well into their 80s, they will come together 65 years later to be honored for what they achieved: escaping a military trap and defeating the Chinese … all in a “frozen hell.”

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chairs, new fridge, cooking utensils, dishes, gas grill, Trophy Gardens lot 250, 712-2766509. 1997 TROPHY PARK model, excellent condition, washer, dryer, shed, many extras, 217313-0620 or 618980-1570. 2001 CANTERBURY, LOFT, w/d, wood floors, furnished, security bars, shed, carport, lake side site, Canyon Lake RV Park, $23,500, 585-8137218. 1999 PALM AIRE park model, 12X34 with full awning, 16X20 deck, 6X6 laundry room, covered parking in 55+ park, 10X14 shed golf cart, asking $25,000, call 956279-1502. 12X38 NEW SHINGLES awning, laminate fridge, microwave, taps, lights fixtures, washer & dryer, shed, Tropic Star Resort, $12,900, 956-702-

3392. I PAY CASH for your travel trailers, park models, fifth wheels and cars. I’ll make you a good deal. Call Jerry Garcia at 956 -9293842. 1997 TROPHY 12’X36’ Park Model on lot 2110 in Sunshine Resort, Harlingen, 12X12 Texas room or second bedroom, new hot water tank, 13X24 covered car port, thermopane windows, stack washer and dryer, leather couch, sleeper sofa, dinette set, newer refrigerator, handicap toilet, 36” Sony and 27” Toshiba LCD TV’s, pots, pans, dishes, bird watchers delight, 1,200 sq. ft. nature garden, 8’ cement Mr. G’s Fireworks is looking for responsible person to operate fireworks stand. Must stay on premise & be over 21 years of age for the December season, call 956-399-3469.

DRIVERS:

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

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 was 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, 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. Though the Chosin Few defied impossible odds, these heroes have mostly gone unsung. “At MMA, the south entrance of our campus is named Chosin Few Memorial Gate. Because so many people are unfamiliar with this period of history, parents and guests frequently ask me why ‘Chosin’ is misspelled,” Hill said. “After I tell them the spelling is correct, I tell them about the Battle of Chosin Reservoir.” Hill continued: “It’s now been 65 years since the battle, and we felt it was high time we observed it and honored these great men.”

fountain, 2 storage sheds, lot rent paid till October 2016, price reduced

services

$25,500, 419-6512901. 2006 FULLLY FURNISHED with shed beside golf course in Seven Oaks RV, park site 87, 306-698-7888. TRUE ROOFING AND Construction, shingles, metal, vi-

nyl sliding, awnings, deck additions, windows, paint, -insured-, 956-8841688. COMPUTER AND GUITAR/Luthier repairs, 25 years experience. Software hardware and electronics, Roy 956472-1089. MOBILE RV SERVICE 4U, general repairs/maintenance, RVIA certified, licensed, insured,

call Revel 715-2965036, www.mobilervservice4u.com. APPLIANCE REPAIR, MOST brands, handyman, plumbing and electrical repairs, over 55 years of experience, 956-5847817. MASSAGE AND BODYCARE by Nicole starting at $15, call 956-739-5524.

ORDINANCE 2015-18-1208 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF “CITY OF ALTON, TEXAS COMBINATION TAX AND REVENUE CERTIFICATES OF OBLIGATION, SERIES 2015A”; PROVIDING FOR THE PAYMENT OF SAID CERTIFICATES BY THE LEVY OF AN AD VALOREM TAX UPON ALL TAXABLE PROPERTY WITHIN THE CITY AND FURTHER SECURING SAID CERTIFICATES BY A LIEN ON AND PLEDGE OF THE PLEDGED REVENUES DERIVED BY THE CITY FROM THE OPERATION OF THE CITY’S UTILITY/ WATER SYSTEM; PROVIDING THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SAID CERTIFICATES AND RESOLVING OTHER MATTERS INCIDENT AND RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE, PAYMENT, SECURITY, SALE, AND DELIVERY OF SAID CERTIFICATES; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A PAYING AGENT/ REGISTRAR AGREEMENT, AN ESCROW AGREEMENT AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE, WAIVING SECOND AND THIRD READING. READ, APPROVED, AND PASSED on this the 8th day of December, 2015. Salvador Vela, Mayor ATTEST: Baudelia Rojas TRMC|CPM, City Secretary

page 12

December 11, 2015

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

La Joya ISD joins global coding movement

he Hour of Code is a one-hour activity where students of all ages participate in self-guided, online tutorials to learn the language of computer coding. Introduced in 2013, Code. org set a goal to have 10 million people participate in the Hour of Code and surpassed their objective with over 16 million. In 2014 they hoped to reach 100 million and exceeded that number with 133 million – making it the largest education event in history. This year, in 2015, they aim to influence 200 million students across the globe by teaching fundamental computer concepts that help nurture problem solving and creativity. LJISD is joining the tens of millions of students around the world with The Hour of Code. “Our district understands the power of technology and how technology touches every part of our lives. We want to instill in our students the freedom to build anything they can imagine using computer programming,” said Clem Garza, director of instructional resources and technology. The reality is that 90 per-

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cent of schools don’t teach computer science. This movement serves as introduction to millions everywhere that becoming a computer scientist isn’t as scary as it sounds. That if we want to keep on the cutting edge of our technology-driven lifestyle, then acquiring computer-coding skills is a must. Throughout the week of Dec. 7 -13, the LJISD is supporting Computer Science Education Week by mandat-

ing that every campus in the district be a part of the Hour of Code. Activities in every grade level are scheduled to take place, which allow stu-

FLORES

said. “So far, I think we’re doing pretty good.” Commissioner Flores has also built a reputation for charity, donating most of his Commissioner’s salary toward relief for Precinct 3 residents in extreme need.

AT SOUTH TEXAS HEALTH SYSTEM HOSPITALS Edinburg Children’s Hospital Edinburg Regional Medical Center 281

McAllen Medical Center

South Texas Health System ERs provide quality care and a comfortable environment and now they make it even easier to get the care you need with ER Just Got EasiER.

McAllen Heart Hospital

• See ER Wait Times online in any one of the system’s emergency rooms. • Use ER Reserve online and request an appointment in the emergency department at any South Texas Health System hospital for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries.

Go to southtexashealthsystem.com

Get social with us ER Reserve should be used only if you decide your care can wait until the time you select. Do not wait if your symptoms or conditions worsen or if you need immediate care since delays may complicate your condition. If you are unsure of your condition or if your condition worsens, then please go to the nearest emergency room or call 9-1-1. Some insurance plans may not cover an ER visit if it is deemed urgent care or may apply a different copay. Please check your covered benefits with your insurance provider for details. ER Wait Time is an average provided for informational purposes only. Standard text message and data rates apply. Physicians are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of South Texas Health System. The system shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. 152533

dents to experience the world of coding and realize that anyone can learn the basics to be a maker, a creator and an innovator. from pg 1

He has helped countless families facing the tragedy of a sudden or unexpected death, covering the costs of funerals and burials so that family members can focus on grieving and healing instead of worrying about finances. In Spring 2015, with the help of other community leaders, Commissioner Flores arranged for a brandnew home to be constructed for a single mother and her children whose home north of Mission had burned to the ground. Commissioner Flores’ forward-minded leadership and benevolence have set a new standard for public servants in Precinct 3 — and with the support of voters in March, he will continue to make strides that will improve life for generations to come here in the West.

PEARL HARBOR from pg 1

the air force squadron from Mexico that was trained in the U.S. and fought with alongside the United States in WW2. In addition, the city also sponsored the Spire Pathway of Honor, which is a bricked walkway that circles around the monument. “It has been a privilege for us to be part of this memorial in honoring and remembering the hundreds of our nation’s sons and daughters that died defending our right to live as free people and raise our children in a free and independent nation,” Mission City Manager Martin Garza said. “We’re very thankful for the city of mcAllen to be able to regionalize this memorial throughout the RGV, which really is the center of patriotism.” World War II veteran Clyde Eidson has attended every Pearl Harbor remembrance ceremony at the Veterans War Memorial in McAllen since they began about 15 years ago. The 93-year-old remembers when the plot was just a field, but he’s slowly seen additions with every year that passes. Founder Col. Frank Plummer said the last few additions should be finalized in 2016, and Eidson remains hopeful that he’ll still be around when that time comes. “I don’t know how much longer I can hang on,” he said “But I’m going to hang on here as long as I can.” Eidson was a U.S. Navy submariner, stationed at Pearl Harbor when the Japanese air strikes occurred Dec. 7 1941. Looking back on that day, his most prominent memory is how fearful he felt at the time. “Most generally, I was scared,” Eidson said. “They handed me a gun and said ‘Start shooting at those people,’ and we did. All we wanted to do was sink their ships and kill as many of them as we could. It’s a terrible thing, but that’s the way it was.” During his brief address to the crowd at the ceremony, Eidson looked back on his 30-plus years of military service and encouraged the citizens to “be vigilant.” He commented on the recent shootings in San Bernardino and numerous shootings that have taken place in 2015. “We are in perilous times right now. Be vigil. If you see something going wrong, report it,” he said. “Without us there wouldn’t be a country, and without a country like this there wouldn’t be any of us.”