Friday, August 28, 2015
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New truancy law to take effect
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By Lea Victoria Juarez s of Sept. 1, any Texas student with a truancy case will have the offense dismissed and will start from scratch as a new state law goes into effect. The law decriminalizes truancy, eliminating jail time and making court hearings a last resort for repeat offenders. For the last 20 years, truancy has been a class C misdemeanor. Students with 10 unexcused absences were taken to an adult court where they could be fined, have their license taken away and be placed in jail. Now, there could be more pressure on schools and parents to make sure students
attend class. “What the system is trying to say is that we need to work with our system before sending them to court, do a lot of the truancy prevention measures, have a plan for them,” said Jesse Treviño of Mission Consolidated Independent School District’s student services department. The new approach to targeting truancy includes faceto-face meetings with parents of potentially truant children and implementing truancy prevention measures. If a student has 10 absences within a six-month period, the school must evaluate the reason for the absences. Students who are pregnant, homeless, in foster care
or are the primary earner for the family may not be sent to truancy court. Instead, the school will offer services to help them stay in school. If a student does not fall into one of the four categories, schools may file a criminal complaint against the parents and the school then has to prove that the unexcused absences are due to parental negligence. If the truancy prevention plan isn’t working, a student may be sent to court and possibly fined $100, have their driving privileges revoked or taken to juvenile court. If the truancy prevention program is working, the student will
BATTLE OF CONWAY See story page 5
The Mission Eagles and the Veterans Memorial Patriots will face off in the first game of this year’s non-district football season tonight. File photo by Progress Times photo by Mike de la Cruz
See TRUANCY 8
NEEDS AND WANTS SISD approves 2015-2016 budget S
By Lea Victoria Juarez
MCISD takes a look at district’s facilities
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By Julie Silva ission CISD employees have gotten good at making what they have work, district leaders emphasized while standing in a bus yard packed tightly with vehicles. Typically, buses require 11 feet to park. Mission Consolidated Independent School District’s drivers make do with 8 feet, they said Saturday to a group of district administrators, board members and parents. The trip to the transportation and warehouse facilities was the last stop on a walkthrough of several buildings in the heart of school district as part of a needs assessment. MCISD Superintendent Ricardo Lopez emphasized the trip was just aimed at taking an inventory of the facilities. District leaders aren’t necessarily gearing up for a bond issue, but their assessments may lead to that,
he said. The last bond issue was $59 million borrowed in 2008. The last of the projects under the bond, which include the third phase of Mission High School renovations, are still under construction. “The beautiful thing about Mission is they do things in phases, so they don’t go for an all or bust mentality,” Lopez said. “And the district has invested $30-$40 million of its own money to avoid bonds.” Saturday’s tour made stops at four Mission CISD facilities: the transportation building, Mission High School, Veterans Memorial High School and Mission Junior High School. Space is an issue at both high schools, though a two-story academic building is under construction at Mission High.
See MCISD 10
TOP: Mission CISD Superintendent Ricardo Lopez stands in the bus yard while talking to a group of district administrators, board members and parents. ABOVE: A group tours Mission High School’s art program.
“Our programs are growing, and our facilities that we have don’t fit those needs.” – Principal Edilberto Flores
haryland teachers will receive pay raises while the district keeps its tax rate steady in the 2015-2016 budget. The board approved the final budget at a board meeting Tuesday, which followed a public presentation of the budget by Director of Finance Jaime Ortega. The funding elements include Average Daily Attendance, property values and proposed tax rate to generate revenue. The state uses a formula to disburse funds to school districts based on their ADA numbers. Sharyland ISD’s ADA is 9,700 with a zero percent growth from last year. Meanwhile, property values jumped from $2.6 billion to $2.9 billion and the proposed tax rate of $1.3355 per $100 valuation is expected to generate $38,199,378 in tax revenue. The total budget for the 2015-2016 fiscal year is $111,284,080. Teacher salaries will increase by $1,200, and auxiliary and other staff will get a 2 percent raise. “We talk about our employees being certainly one of the most important assets we have at our district, and we’re certainly trying to do the best we can to maintain that as-
set,” school Board President Ricky Longoria said. Ortega said the district will be dipping into the fund balance to make these changes possible, but next year’s goal is to find another way. A fund balance is the amount of assets in excess of liabilities. Assets can include investments, delinquent taxes, accounts receivable and inventories. According to Ortega, the district will take $1,586,554 from the fund balance to cover all expenses. The official budget consists of three different funds – general, food service and debt service. The general fund has $88.3 million, with 77 percent of the budget going to payroll, which is good for the district Ortega said, and 1.2 percent of revenue sourced from the fund balance. The food service fund is at $5.2 million with 51 percent of the funds going to supplies. The debt service fund has $8.3 million with 6 percent of revenue sourced from the fund balance. “It’s always good to look at the future based upon what I consider to be a good foundation,” Longoria said. “Certainly for this coming year, we were fortunate enough to have a great foundation to be able to incorporate the raises, not having taxes (raised).”
INSIDE
INDEX
La Joya ISD students receive First Book
House fire displaces family
Crossing guards put safety first
Community unites to provide books, backpacks and school supplies to low-income students in the area.
The Ornelas family lost their home of nine years when it was engulfed in flames Saturday night while the family was out.
As school year begins, Mission CISD retrains its crossing guard to ensure students get to class safely.
See story page 2
See story page 2
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Entertainment | pg. 2
Lifestyle | pg. 6
Sports | pg. 5
Obituaries | pg. 9
Classifieds | pg. 11
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August 28, 2015
Crossing guards ready for new school year
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By Lea Victoria Juarez
art of Victor Rodriguez’s duties at O’Grady Elementary includes being a crossing guard. The computer technician takes his post at the crosswalk around 7 a.m., donning a neon vest, a whistle and wielding a stop sign. Although the job requires him to endure the elements and changing seasons, he enjoys the interaction with the kids. “You see them angry sometimes and you ask what happened. You get the chisme,” he said with a laugh. “You get the gossip in the morning and the afternoon. You get the best of both worlds – the home life and the school life.” With the new school year up and running again, Rodriguez and the rest of the guards had to retake the crossing guard course. The
Crossing guards for Mission CISD practice their duties at the Bryan Elementary crosswalk before the first week of school. The employees took a refresher course from Mission Police Department before the hands-on practice. Progress Times photo by Lea Victoria Juarez
course is mandatory for everyone, including those with experience, such as Rodriguez, who has been a crossing guard for four years. Officers from the Mission Police Department hold about a two-hour lecture inside one of the campuses, and then they take the Mission CISD staff members to
the actual crosswalk so they can get hands-on experience. “It’s not just get out there and stop vehicles,” Officer Jody Tittle said. “You have to see when’s the best opportunity, find a break in traffic, how to get the attention of all the motorists – less liability in the safety field for everyone.”
Tittle said he couldn’t remember the last time there were any accidents in a school zone or at a crosswalk. Majority of Hidalgo County’s pedestrian crashes occur in the core of McAllen and Edinburg, but from 20112012, a “substantial” number of accidents occurred in rural
Hidalgo County, according to Texas Department of Public Safety crash data. Palmhurst had fewer than five pedestrian-related fatalities and crashes from 20112012. Causes of pedestrian accidents include, but are not limited to, failed speed control, failure to yield right-ofway to pedestrian, pedestrian failed to yield right-of-way to vehicle and driver inattention. The peak hours for pedestrian accidents during the weekdays are in the evening from about 4 p.m. to midnight. Rodriguez said he had an incident last year when he almost got hit by a car while on crosswalk duty. At O’Grady, the guards put cones on the right-of-way to prevent drivers from turning right. While Rodriguez was crossing the street, an inattentive driver attempted to turn right and hit the cone, nearly missing
the crossing guard. “Some parents tend to think that just because a person is halfway across the crosswalk, they can still turn right in their vehicle or that they can continue driving and that’s not true; it’s not within the law,” he said. A person cannot willfully disobey a school crossing guard, according to the Texas Transportation Code. The crossing guard is a traffic control device just as a stop sign or traffic light. Rodriguez said every year he learns something new at the refresher course and he becomes better prepared for the school year. “It’s exhausting sometimes because kids don’t always listen, so you have to redirect every day,” he said. “The weather doesn’t help that much down here. But it’s just about keeping the kids safe.”
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morning. “We’re just trying to make the students feel welcome. That’s the most important,” Farias said. Although the facility is not 100 percent complete, Principal Orlando Farias said that hasn’t stopped instruction during the first week. “Everybody’s excited about being in the new building,” Farias said. “We still have a few things to work out but everything is going great. As far as the flow of instruction, we started right off the bat.” Principal Leticia Leal from Sharyland North Jr. High anticipated traffic congestion for the first few days of school and took action by sending out an alert to her staff before the first day so they can secure a spot early. By 7:10 a.m. students were receiving their schedules and by 7:55 they were seated in their classrooms
principals discuss La Joya AFT heads book giveaway Area first week of school
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By Julie Silva
t took a year and a half to obtain all the needed signatures, but Martin Alaniz’s work paid off Saturday in a book giveaway at Iglesia del Pueblo through the First Book organization. The organization, which aims to give disadvantaged children their first book, requires 2,000 signatures with email addresses in exchange for a truckload (about 40,000) of books. Alaniz is treasurer of La Joya chapter of the American Federation of Teachers, which organized Saturday’s event in partnership with the city of Palmview and Iglesia del Pueblo. “This is the result of when the community gets together for the same purpose of helping out kids,” said Palmview Mayor Jerry Perez, who said people started lining up for the books at 8 a.m. Children and their parents were also treated to a hot dog lunch and a backpack with school supplies in it. First Book ended up sending not one, but two truckloads of books to La Joya AFT for the event, and J.J.
A Palmview police officer reads with a student during La Joya AFT book giveaway held Saturday at Iglesia del Pueblo. Progress Times photo by Julie Silva
Luna, union representative, said the organization already has filled up half a truck more. At this pace, there may be another book giveaway by December or next spring, he said. The books aren’t meant to sit in a library, but to go home, where students can
read them at their leisure, said Greg Barrera, La Joya AFT president. “If they do 30 minutes a day, they’re going to raise their scores,” Barrera said. “It’s already researched. Fifteen is OK, but thirty is the best – every day. But they have to start at home to
read.” The Peñitas and La Joya libraries both got a pallet of books and every elementary school in La Joya ISD got half a pallet. In addition, teachers who came Saturday were able to pick out 40 books each to take with them. But, Barrera emphasized, those books should be used as rewards for students and not remain in the classroom. By noon, event organizers estimated more than 2,000 people had picked up books and 300 volunteers from area churches had come to help. “The union is not just working conditions and wages,” Barrera said. “The union is community. We emphasize getting involved.” Luna added, “We’re just hoping that this is not the end of it. Hopefully, in the near future, we’ll have another book distribution. We hope the community gets to embrace all the knowledge that the kids are taking home with them.”
By Lea Victoria Juarez tudents at Mission Collegiate High School launched their school year at a new campus with a tradition that began with their 2013 freshman class. Only this time, they added a little twist. In the past, the upperclassman lined the halls of the portable buildings the MCHS students occupied and allowed the freshman to walk between them as they entered the building. But now that the students have a full-on campus, they’re tweaking the tradition. Each senior paired up with a freshman, locked arms and escorted them into the campus while the sophomores and juniors lined the walls from the cafeteria to the main entryway. During the entire first week, staff and Principal Orlando Farias have been welcoming the students as they get dropped off in the
See PRINCIPALS 8
Fire takes La Joya family’s home L By Julie Silva
A JOYA – The Ornelas family lost their home of nine years Saturday night when it caught fire. Dressed up for a family member’s birthday party, all they could do was sit and watch helplessly as crews with the Palmview and La Joya fire departments put out the blaze. Everything was lost. The next day, with two children readying to start school this week, community leaders set to work gathering school supplies and clothes. By Wednesday afternoon, La Joya Mayor Fito Salinas said he and his wife were looking at a two-bedroom apartment with the Ornelas family, which has been staying in a McAllen hotel. Salinas’ Citizens Working Together organization
was looking to pay at least the first month’s rent on the apartment, the mayor said. Also, Salinas said, Citizens Working Together is planning to hold a Helping Hands fundraiser selling burgers Sept. 12. “I’m local. I’m a La Joya resident – I have been all my life,” Salinas said. “We’ve got to give back. We don’t just ask for votes.” Anyone looking to help the Ornelas family can con-
tact the mayor or any member of Citizens Working Together, he said. Hidalgo County Fire Marshal Juan Martinez ruled the fire accidental. Investigators suspect it started with an iron that may have been left on near combustible materials. “Make sure that all appliances, especially all appliances that are heat producing, that they are unplugged when not in use,” Martinez cautioned residents.
August 28, 2015
Peñitas audit details city’s money woes
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By Julie Silva he city of Peñitas accepted the 2013-2014 fiscal year audit last week almost a year after closing out the budget. Santiago Gonzalez presented an unequalified, or clean, opinion of the city’s financial statements, but before auditors could detail on the numbers represented in the audit, Mayor Rigo Lopez cut them off. “The majority of this stuff we’ve gone over. We’ve processed. We’ve learned our own stuff while waiting for the audit,” Lopez said. “I just want to hear your basic opinion on the total audit on what are your findings – that’s basically it.” Auditor Hector Garza responded, “Well, he already gave you the opinion on the overall operation of the city of Peñitas, and it’s unqualified, which means everything’s OK.” Lopez pointed out one of the findings in the report states the audit should be done within 180 days. “We’ll move on and we’ll leave it at that,” Lopez said when Garza agreed the audit was behind. According to the audit, which is public record, the city’s fund balance for the general operating fund was
negative $359,745 at the end of the last fiscal year. Also, the city is required by the United States Department of Agriculture to reserve a percentage of money from the sewer system project for its bond. However, at the end of the 2013-2014 fiscal year, the city had set aside $18,571 of the $94,820 required by the USDA. The audit also notes the city is currently in litigation over $1.4 million owed on the sewer system project. The project is being funded through a USDA grant, and the audit states ultimately the USDA is expected to authorize the payment. However, it states the city will likely have to pay interest on the outstanding payment as well as attorney fees incurred by the plaintiff. The city went over approved funding on the project by $371,072, the audit states. If the USDA does not approve all costs associated with the project, the city will have to pay it, according to Gonzalez. Also, the audit states the city of Peñitas had been negotiating with the USDA a more than $4 million loan to construct a new city hall and police station. At the end of the year, the audit states, $222,814 in “unfunded architect fees” had been
incurred and $192,000 was due, though architect was terminated in June. Peñitas had four projects underway at the end of September: septic decommissions, house connections, sewer collection and city hall architect. The audit states the city was exploring funding sources to complete those construction commitments of $1.7 million. Gonzalez listed five findings in the report, including the fact that the audit was being presented after the recommended 180 days. The finding states the audit was late because the financial information wasn’t presented to the auditor in a timely manner. Another finding Gonzalez stated is the city did not have the internal controls necessary to properly report all revenues and expenses, particularly in the utility fund. The auditor also recommended the city adopt a purchasing manual to prevent the possibility of unauthorized expenditures. Finally, Gonzalez noted in the report that expenses were in excess of what was budgeted. He recommended the city compare financial statements monthly and approve budget amendments as needed.
UT System launches first all-digital degree program at UTRGV
A Reminiscing... USTIN — Entering freshman enrolled in the new biomedical sciences degree program at
the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley will never have to buy a traditional textbook.
30 Years Ago This Week
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Mission agreed to challenge tax appraisals In a special meeting, the Mission City Council voted to appeal the new Hidalgo County Appraisal District tax values for 1985 on behalf of the many citizens who complained that their taxes had been raised unfairly. For the third meeting in a row, citizens were present to state grievances on tax hikes that have created a 22 percent overall increase in property value throughout the county. Mission FFA member received Lone Star Award David Bazan, a third-year member of the Mission Chapter of Future Farmers of America, received the Lone Star Farmer Degree at the recent state FFA convention in Houston.
Instead, their course materials will be delivered to them on iPads, which they’ll receive at orientation on Aug. 26. And that’s just the first indication that this degree program will not be business – or in this case – higher education as usual. The biomedical sciences degree marks the official launch of the UT System’s competency-based education initiative, an ambitious and sweeping mission to reimagine and personalize courses to increase student success and access. The degree uses elements of competency-based education. Competency-based education allows students to advance through courses based
See DIGITAL 8
McAllen Minutes
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cAllen city commissioners decided this week to leave the tax rate alone, at least for the moment. At their regular meeting Monday evening, they voted unanimously to keep the present tax rate of 47.63 cents per hundred dollars of valuation ($.4763), even though they have not adopted next year’s budget. Commissioner Richard Cortez, just before the vote, asked, “We haven’t approved a budget, but we’re adopting a rate?” Mayor Jim Darling replied that they are adopting rate “subject to adopting a budget” and they’ve given no indication the budget they will adopt will require a tax increase. Commissioners and city staffers are finalizing a budget, and have held several days of discussions, but the commission won’t officially adopt a budget until Septem-
by
Davis Rankin, FutuRo Mcallen
ber. Members of the public will have a chance to give their opinions about it all at two hearings: Sept. 9 and 14, both Mondays, at 5 p.m. meetings at City Hall. It’s a PUD with a CUP A development replacing McAllen’s 55-year-old civic center took a step forward Monday when commissioners unanimously approved plans to develop the almost 14-acre site. About a year ago, commissioners picked Provident Realty Advisors Inc. of Dallas to come up with a plan for the strategically located land at South 10th Street and the expressway. Provident has submitted layout plans to the city for approval and called the project The Shops at Solana. Planning and Zoning Commission earlier this month approved a CUP – Condition-
al Use Permit – for the site, which means they waived certain city requirements so long as the developer/owner abides by certain restrictions. The commission also agreed to the creation of a PUD – Planned Urban Development – which gives Provident more freedom in how they lay out and develop the land. The city and Provident recently amended their agreement allowing Provident to bring in a partner if they choose and extending the time to finalize plans until October. City Manager Roy Rodriguez said after the meeting that things are “back on track and we’re still looking at closing (on the deal) this year.” The city is requiring them to put in at least 200,000 square feet of retail space and they can have no more than 15 percent of the footprint dedicated to bars.
Earning top honors as allstar dancers were: Abby Abrego and Meylin Banuelos. Earning top honors as superlative dancers were Andrea Gonzalez, Alondra Salinas, Meylin Banuelos, Abby Abrego, Anjelica Garcia, Julie Garcia, Natalia Nevarez, Kimmy Villarreal, Rosa Gonzalez.
The High Flyer officers also attended the American Dance and Drill Team officer camp where they received the following awards: best choreography award, Gussie Nell Davis team of the day, Ruby Sweepstakes Division 1 rating for camps and home routine performances.
MHS High Flyers earn honors over the summer
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he Mission High School High Flyers Dance and Drill Team returned from the Showmakers of America dance and drill team camp held during the summer, with a few honors. The team received a sweepstakes division 1 rating for its home routine and camp dance performance.
Pictured on the front row are: Julie Garcia, second lieutenant; Julissa Alvarez, third captain; Meylin Banuelos, first captain; Rosa Gonzalez, major; Kimmy Villarreal, second captain; Natalia Nevarez, first lieutenant; Anjelica Garcia, third lieutenant. On the second row are: Abby Rivas, Ay Becho, Jackielyn Adame, Abigail Abrego, Kimberley Chapa, Joselly Coronado, Abigail De Leon, Jacinda Chavez, Amber Canchola. On the third row are: Jedidiah Contreras, Irma Cuellar, Ashley Flores, Andrea Gonzalez, Alondra Salinas, Marion Rodriguez, Kimberly Martinez, Dianira De Leon, Sidney Cantu. On the fourth row are: Brianna Saenz, Stephanie Galaviz, Krystal Carrera, Haley Reyes, Bethney Ramirez, Abigail Brewster. On the back row are: Beatriz Garcia, Valleria Villarreal, Yaritza Gracia, Britney Ontiveros, January Morin, Jennifer Herrera, Alondra Garcia, Samantha Barrera, Jayda De Leon.
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August 28, 2015
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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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August 28, 2015
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Eagles and Patriots to meet in Battle of Conway
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By Luciano Guerra t’s come to be known as the Battle of Conway and it’s on tonight at Tom Landry Stadium. The 12th installment of the cross-town rivalry between the Mission Eagles and the Veterans Memorial Patriots kicks off at 7:30 tonight with 365 days’ worth of bragging rights going to the victor. Historically, the Eagles hold a seven wins to four advantage over the Patriots since the series’ inception. And Mission head football coach Mario Pena holds a four wins to two advantage over Veterans Memorial head football coach David Gilpin. However, it’s the Patriots that have owned the bragging rights over the past 12 months after their 14-7 win over the Eagles in last year’s season opener. At first glance tonight’s matchup may appear to be just another game on the teams’ non-district schedules, but the players, coaches and fans that will be filling Tom Landry Stadium tonight know that no matter what else happens this season, a win tonight is something that they will be able to look back at with pride. As a three-year member of the Eagles’ varsity squad, senior middle linebacker and running back Juan Salazar has participated in this grid-
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White Out - The Patriot Defense stiffened the second half and held the Eagle's in check in last year’s Battle of Conway. Progress Times photo by Mike de la Cruz
iron rivalry for the past two seasons. With the memory of last year’s loss still fresh in his mind Salazar is determined not to let history repeat itself. “This game means a lot to me,” said Salazar. “I really want to win this game. I don’t want to graduate having lost to the Patriots two years in a row and we’re going to do all we can to keep that from happening.” With it being the Patriots’
turn to be the home team tonight, the south-side stands in Tom Landry Stadium will almost certainly be filled with the Eagles’ faithful. When asked what having the fans cheering him and his teammates on will mean to him Salazar said, “Having a lot of fans there like we did last year really motivates us. Everybody yelling our names and cheering for us makes us even more determined to win for our fans. We want them to
be able to go home celebrating our victory.” As one of two quarterbacks that Mission head coach Mario Pena is planning on platooning this season, senior William Arias knows very well that anytime the Eagles and the Patriots meet on the football field it’s a battle. “There’s something special about this game,” said Arias. “There’s a lot of pride at stake.” As for how he and his
teammates will feel about being the visiting team at Tom Landry Stadium tonight Arias added, “We play here and we practice here so we feel that this is our field and we’re going to go out and prove that it is.” As a first year member of the Patriots’ football team, senior defensive end Colton Kaufman will be experiencing this cross-town rivalry first-hand for the first time tonight. When asked what he
is looking forward to the most about this game Kaufman said, “I’m ready to hear the crowd go wild and for all the excitement that goes with this game. It’s been a big rivalry and I’ve been watching it since I was a little boy. It is the Battle of Conway so that pretty much says it all.” Having been promoted to the Patriots’ varsity squad after the Mission game last season, senior right guard John Paul Martinez will also be experiencing this rivalry on the field for the first time. That however does not mean that he is not familiar with the history behind this 11 year rivalry. “This game not only sets the tone for the rest of the season but I’ve been going to the games ever since I was little so I remember them well,” expressed Martinez. “With us having won this game last year I want to help turn this into a streak by making it two in a row.” “This is a game we’ve been looking forward to since the summer,” added Martinez. “Ever since halfway through the summer we’ve been talking about the season and coach has been reminding us of August 28 as the date we go to battle. We’ll be going up against Odessa Permian next week so if we can win these two games it will give us great momentum going into the season.”
Huskies pulling for winning season Veterans Memorial J.V. pulls off upsets By Luciano Guerra f there’s one thing that gets Juarez-Lincoln Huskies’ head football coach Tomas Garcia riled up it’s negativity about his team. Yes the Huskies are coming off a 0 – 10 season and yes they are still in the hunt for their first ever playoff berth but the way Garcia sees it, any negative talk about this year’s Huskies team is bulletin board material. While some may accuse Garcia of being thin skinned, it’s more a matter of his believing in his team and his doing all he can to instill a positive attitude among his coaching staff, the Huskies’ fans and most importantly his team. “The way I see it, the only way for us to go this year is up,” shared Garcia with a smile. “Negative talk about our team just motivates us more. If I didn’t believe that we’re going to get into the playoffs I shouldn’t be doing what I’m doing.” “Every year we lace them up and we strap them on and we believe that we’re getting into the playoffs,” added Garcia. “The first two years of my tenure here as head coach we were one game out of the playoffs. Last year we took several steps backwards but we’re going to change that this year.” The main reason Garcia is so positive about his team’s chances of turning things
around in this his fourth season as head coach is an extremely talented group of sophomores he has on the roster. Many of which have not only made the varsity squad but that he fully expects to earn the right to become starters. “I really believe that our sophomore group is going to dictate and determine whether we get into the playoffs or not,” explained Garcia. “We have five sophomores on defense and four on offense that could very well beat out juniors and seniors for starting positions. The thing that I commend them on is that they’re here every day while some of the older kids still haven’t bought into it what we’re doing here fully.” The five possible defensive starters Garcia referred to are Benito Gonzalez (LB), Elias Gutierrez (DB), Joseph Valdez (LB), Bryan Lira (DL) and Norberto Lomeli (DL). On offense Eddie Hernandez (RB), Adonis Barillas (RB), Jesus Proa (OL) and Julio Monsivalles (OL) are the sophomores that will be vying for starting positions. As of Monday of this week the Huskies had 20 sophomores on the varsity roster. With a 0 – 7 record going into the final three games of the season last year the Huskies could’ve very easily thrown in the towel and let their remaining opponents blow them out. Instead they
played the Palmview Lobos (24-19), the Mission Eagles (27-14) and the La Joya Coyotes (24-14) all tough. As for what that says about their team junior tight end Livan Pequeno said, “We don’t give up. We go 100 percent all-out each play and that’s what we’re focusing on this season. Also executing and getting results from all the hard work we’ve been putting in over the summer and the offseason.” Junior wide receiver Cesar “C.J.” Flores shared what he believes it will take for the Huskies to get that all-important first win this year and build from there when he said, ”It’s going to take everybody showing up to all the practices and giving 100 percent every day.” As one of the sophomores that will be vying for a starting position on the Juarez-Lincoln defense Joseph Valdez expressed similar sentiments about what it will take for the Huskies to have a turn-around season. “It’s going to take dedication and never giving up,” Valdez said. “Our defense will need to stop the opponents from scoring touchdowns. If we can do that we can go all the way.” Juarez-Lincoln will be hosting PSJA Memorial in its non-district opener tonight at 7:30 and opening its District 30-6A schedule at home against Nikki Rowe Friday September 25.
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By Luciano Guerra
hey came from as far west as Laredo and as far east as Brownsville. Thirty two high school volleyball teams converged on Mission last week to compete for what only one could claim - the highly coveted Mission Varsity Volleyball Tournament championship trophy. The three day tourney began last Thursday with half the games being played at Mission High School and the other half at Veterans Memorial. Play continued Friday and then into Saturday with the consolation championship game, the fifth place, fourth place, third place and tournament championship games all being played at Veterans Memorial High Saturday. When all was said and done it was the Veterans Memorial Lady Patriots varsity team that emerged victorious on their home court as they defeated the McAllen Memorial Lady Mustangs in straight sets of identical 25 – 19 scores in the championship game. Immediately after the game Veterans Memorial head volleyball coach Diana Lerma expressed what winning the tournament, and doing it against a team like the Lady Mustangs, meant to her and the team. “We came into this tournament on a high after win-
ning the Silver Division championship of the Adidas Tournament in Houston last weekend,” explained Lerma. “Our goal was to use that experience this weekend. Winning the championship by defeating McAllen Memorial, who we always play at the end of the season to prepare us for the playoffs, not only means that we accomplished that goal but it also helps to prepare us for the season and the playoffs.” As the two favorites going into the tournament, it was no surprise that the Lady Patriots varsity team and the McAllen Memorial Lady Mustangs were the last two teams standing. What was very surprising however was the play of the Veterans Memorial junior varsity (J.V.) team. The Lady Patriots’ J.V. team opened its tournament play with a 26 - 24, 19 – 25, 15 - 14 victory over one of the tournament favorites, the Sharyland Pioneer Lady Diamondbacks. They then defeated Donna North 25 – 16, 25 – 10 and Laredo Nixon 25 – 10, 25- 21 before falling to the Lady Patriots varsity squad 14 - 25, 14 - 25 in the semifinal round and Laredo Alexander 16 – 25 and 21 – 25 in the third place game. The fact that the Lady Patriots’ J.V. team pulled off the upset over the Lady Diamondbacks was something that even Lerma was not expecting.
“Pioneer was coming in off the high of winning first place in the Austin tournament,” Lerma said. “Even I was predicting that Pioneer would win over our J.V. But as I told the girls, ‘You have nothing to lose. You’re expected to lose so just have fun and show what you have.’” “Like I’ve always said, the junior varsity is our second string varsity and they get pounded and pounded and pounded by the varsity in practice all the time. And if you get pounded enough by the very best team in the Valley you should be able to go up against anybody,” added Lerma. The Veterans Memorial varsity squad defeated PSJA North in the opening round of the tournament and then went on to defeat Weslaco High, PSJA Memorial and the Lady Patriots J.V. before defeating McAllen Memorial in the championship game, all in straight sets. The Lady Mustangs placed second while Laredo Alexander placed third, Edinburg High placed fourth, Brownsville Veterans placed fifth and the Lady Diamondbacks took the consolation championship.
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August 28, 2015
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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS
IMAS homeschool workshops set
Events Calendar Aug ust 29 – Estero Llano Grande, 154A Lakeview Drive in Weslaco, will hold Full Moon, New Moon Night Hikes from 8 to 10 p.m. The program is free with park entrance fee. For more information, call 565-3919. Aug ust 30 – The public is invited to the Frontera Audubon annual meeting which begins at 2 p.m. It is located at 1101 S. Texas in Weslaco. Light refreshments will be served, and the meeting is free to the public. For more information, call 956-968-3275. September Sep tember 1 – The next Speer Memorial Library book discussion will be on “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room. Pick up a copy at the library, 12th and Kika De La Garza in Mission. Through a special grant, a select number of free copies are available while supplies last for people who sign up for the discussions. This title is also available as an eBook at mission.lib.overdrive.com. For more information, or to sign up for the book discussion, call 580-8750 or 580-8754 or stop by the library to register. Sep tember 13 – It’s Grandparents Day at the International Museum of Art & Science, 1900 Nolana, McAllen. All grandparents age 55 and older receive free general admission throughout the day. A valid I.D. must be presented at the time of admission. Sep tember 17 – The Mission Historical Museum’s ninth annual awards banquet begins at 6:30 at the Mission Community Center. Along with the dinner, the fundraising event includes music, a silent auction and a program recognizing the 2015 “Wall of Fame” honorees: Bill Filut, Dr. David Heflin, Kathy Olivarez, Tomas Tijerina and Renee Martin, and Richard and Connie Walsh. Tickets are $30 for members and $40 for non-members. Reserved tables for 10 guests are $40 for members and $500 for nonmembers. For individual tickets or table reservations, or donations for the silent auction, contact Linda Castaneda at lcastaneda@missiontexas.us or call at 580-8646.
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T Hoedown for scholarships Board members are gathering shown with some of the auction items for the 26th Annual 4-H Country Hoedown. It’s set for Friday, Oct. 2, at 6 p.m. at Las Palmas Race Park in Mission. The evening includes a concert featuring Roger Creager and a dinner with beverages. A live auction and drawings will take place throughout the evening to help raise money for scholarship funds for Hidalgo County 4-H seniors. Board members and officers, sitting left to right, are Tonya Hill, from Edinburg; Tammie Hartzog, president and Hoedown chair, McAllen; and Claudia Medina Salas, O.D., Edinburg. Standing, same order, are James Cano, treasurer, Edcouch; Justin Cerelli, D.V.M., past-president, Edinburg; Melissa Neuhaus, Weslaco; Jode Vaughn, Progreso Lakes; Lisa Keller, McAllen; Janice Ciomperlik, San Juan; Nelda Barrera, first vice president, McAllen; Rebecca Kotzur, secretary and Hoedown co-chair, McCook; and Rene Vela, president-elect, Edinburg. To purchase individual tickets or a table for 10 or to donate an auction item or to make a monetary donation, contact Mary Kelley at 929-4767 or via email at 4hfoundation@gmail.com.
he International Museum of Art & Science will host a round of homeschool workshops on plant printmaking. They are scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 2, at the following times: 1st to 4th grades, 11 a.m.; 5th to 8th, 12 p.m.; and 9th to 12th, 1 p.m. Workshops are hands-on, interactive programs that take students on an in-depth exploration of art and science concepts. They are thematic and cover grades 1st to 12th in specialized units. They are held the first Wednesday of each month. Capacity is 25 students and up to 10 adults. Rates are $5 for IMAS members and $10 for nonmember. Call 682-0123 to register.
To see the complete Events Calendar for daily events and the coming weeks, go to www.ptrgv.com
Supporting Hunger Action Month In support of Hunger Action Month, the UTRGV Men’s Soccer and Women’s Volleyball teams will hold food drives on Friday, Sept. 4, at the UTRGV Soccer and Track & Field Complex and the UTRGV Fieldhouse. Fans will receive one free ticket for every four cans of non-perishable/ unexpired food donated at the gates. The gates will open one hour before game time. Volleyball matches start at 11 a.m., 1:30 and 6:30 p.m. in the UTRGV Fieldhouse. Soccer matches start at 4 and 7 p.m. at the UTRGV Soccer and Track & Field Complex south of Jackson and Schunior Road in Edinburg. For more information, call Omar I. Rodriguez at the Food Bank at 904-4514 or by email at omarir@foodbankrgv.com.
Hawk Watch training day is Sept. 5
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he public is invited to join Bentsen State Park naturalists and
volunteers as they count thousands of migrating raptors during the annual Hawk
Watch, according to Roy Rodriguez, park ranger. Volunteers will be at the Hawk Tower Thursdays through Sundays in September from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. To learn more about migration and field identification of birds of prey and to become a Hawk Watch volunteer, the park will host a Volunteer Training Day on Saturday, Sept. 5, from 1 to 4 p.m. This training will have a classroom focus on field identification of raptors in flight. Participants should bring binoculars, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and drinking water. Park admission and registration is required. To register, or for more information, contact Rodriguez at 584-9156. Bentsen is located at 2800 S. Bentsen Palm Drive in Mission. Birds of prey are indicators of environmental well-being and Bentsen’s annual Hawk Watch program contributes to HawkCount, a long-term study monitoring raptor population trends and the largest standardized raptor migration count network in the world. HawkCount is a project of Hawk Migration Association of North America (www.hawkcount.org).
August 28, 2015
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Happy trails: Broncs celebrate last graduation
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DINBURG – For almost 90 years, The University of Texas-Pan American (UTPA), and its earlier iterations, have transformed lives in
the Rio Grande Valley and beyond, awarding more than 81,000 degrees to graduates who have gone on to make a difference in their communities.
On Saturday, Aug. 22, UTPA awarded more than 900 degrees at its final graduation ceremony at the McAllen Convention Center. UTPA and its sister institutions —The University of Texas at Brownsville and The University of Texas Health Science Center at
San Antonio’s Regional Academic Health Center in Harlingen — will unite to form The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) this fall. Addressing a full auditorium, UTPA President Ad
See UTPA 8
Locals graduate from TAMUK
K Valerie Rodriguez of Alton, who received a Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Counseling, received her doctoral hood at the graduation ceremony from Dr. Shawn Saladin, associate dean of Education and Research in the College of Health Sciences and Human Services last Saturday, Aug. 22. She was one of 900 students in the last graduating class of UTPA before students become part of UTRGV on Aug.31.
INGSVILLE – Several Mission and surrounding area residents were among nearly 400 graduates who crossed the stage to receive their degrees from Texas A&M University-Kingsville. The summer commencement ceremony was held last Friday, Aug. 7, in the Steinke Physical Education Center at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Alumna Carol Alexander Scott was the keynote speaker for the commencement ceremony.
Receiving master’s degrees were Heidi Cleofas Arteaga and Amy M. Valdez from Mission. Students receiving their master’s degrees were recognized within their academic colleges. Graduating with bachelor’s degrees were Bradley Richard Chavez, Cindy Hinojosa, Corinna Elizabeth Ramirez and Alejandra Cantu, all from Mission; Jesus Eduardo from La Joya; and Lorena Villalon from Los Ebanos.
STC Theatre hosts auditions for Crime and Punishment
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cALLEN – South Texas College Theatre has scheduled auditions for its October 2015 production of Marilyn Campbell and Curt Columbus’ adaptation of Dostoyevsky’s
classic novel “Crime and Punishment.” Auditions are scheduled next on Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 2 to 3, from 7 to 10 p.m. at the STC Cooper Center, 3201 W. Pecan Blvd. in McAllen.
IMAS presents ‘Noche Bohemia’
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cALLEN – The International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) along with the Mexican Consulate in McAllen invite the public to “Noche Bohemia” with Luly Gonzalez. The event is the first of its kind for the museum and will take place on Thursday, Sept. 3 from 6 to 9 p.m. Typically, “Noche Bohemias,” consist of the idea of socializing with friends in an atmosphere of camaraderie , where music, songs, poems, anecdotes and spontaneity are the main element.
Travel down memory lane as Mrs. Luly Gonzalez serenades the audience with classic songs in English, Spanish and French. She will be accompanied by pianist Armando Latigo and guitarist Ricardo Pompa. A small reception will be held before the concert. Albums will be available for purchase after the performance. “Noche Bohemia” is part of the museum’s Family Fun Night Program. For more information, call 682-0123 or visit www.imasonline.org.
All South Texas College and Rio Grande Valley community members ages 18 and over are welcome to audition. This award-winning adaptation of Dostoyevsky’s literary masterpiece is told by three actors playing Raskolnikov (the murderer), Porfiry Petrovich (the detective), Sonia (the young prostitute) and many other characters in this famous story. “The conversation on the nature of evil is set in the mind of the murderer where he relives and explores, through the urging of Porfiry and Sonia, the thoughts, ideas and feelings that drove him to his horrible crime,” explained Director Alfredo Garza Jr. “The play becomes a psychological landscape that creates a thrilling journey into the mind of a killer and his search for redemption.”
Raskolnikov speaks directly to the audience at times, addressing his case, so that they become another character in the production. This is an intimate psychological and spiritual journey which seeks to unveil hidden dimensions of the human condition. Community members who audition can expect a cold reading from the script that will be available at the audition. Three selected actors will include two men and one woman playing multiple characters. “Crime and Punishment” is scheduled to open at the Cooper Center on Thursday, Oct. 15, and will run through Sunday, Oct. 18. For more information, call 872-2639 or email jrodriguez@southtexascollege.edu or agarza_5463@southtexascollege.edu.
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Life figure sessions begin at UVAL
ife figure drawing sessions are starting up again at the Upper Valley Art League, 921 E. 12th in Mission. held each Saturday, beginning Sept. 5, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thomas Murray is the facilitator who will be setting up the sessions and arranging for the live model. This is not a structured class taught by an instructor, but an open
class to use a live model for beginners and experienced artists to hone their skills. Each artist must bring their own supplies and must be a member of UVAL. There will be a $10 charge per person each session, which includes the model fee. Annual dues to be a UVAL member are $30 for adults, $12.50 for students and $50 per family.
Coming Attractions
August 30 Chayanne performs at State Farm Arena in Hidalgo at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets prices start at $66.50 all the way to $172 per person. Go to ticketmaster.com or call 800-745-3000 to reserve a seat. September 1 Deadline Season subscriptions and tickets are now on sale through Sept. 1 for Valley Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra 2015 season. Performances kick off Sept. 24 in a new venue at the Performing Arts Complex auditorium of the University of Texas Rio Grande. To reserve a spot, call the VSO Box Office at 6611615. For more information, go to valleyorchestra.org or stop by the VSO Box Office located inside the first floor of the Chase Neuhaus Tower at 200 S. 10th St., Ste. 104 in McAllen. Group, senior and student discounts also are available. September 5 Boxer Johnny “Blaze” Tapia is the main event with Jose Prado in the co-main spot for Border Wars II. It’s happening at the Boggus Ford Events Center in Pharr, 3000 N. Cage. Other Valley
talent on the fight card include Brandon Figueroa, Gabriel Ayala, Joseph Treviño, Jojo Rodriguez, Benito Rios and Tovey Tovar. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the matches begin at 8 p.m. Along with general admission, VIP table and reserved seating are available. Tickets range from $30 to $275. Go to ticketmaster.com or call 800-745-3000 to purchase. September 11 Gloria Trevi’s “El Amor” world tour makes a stop at State Farm Arena in Hidalgo for a 7 p.m. performance. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets run $38.50 to $153.50 and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com or 800-7453000. September 12 The next Upper Valley Art League event features the works of Monolo Lice in a one man art exhibit. The opening reception begins at 7 p.m. The event is free, and the public is invited to attend. UVAL is located at 921 E. 12th Street in Mission. Call 583-2787 for more information. To see the complete Coming Attractions calendar, go to www.ptrgv.com
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DIGITAL
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on their ability to master knowledge and skills. Students are held to clearly defined and rigorous expectations but can move through a course at a pace that ensures their success. Courses will be delivered in a hybrid format, a combination of online, classroom, laboratory or clinical time. The UTRGV biomedical sciences degree program was designed by the UT System’s Institute for Transformational Learning in partnership with UTRGV Department of Health and Biomedical Sciences faculty and is part of a larger initiative to increase the number of physicians in South Texas, who are desperately needed in the region. Francisco Fernandez, M.D., dean of the new UTRGV College of Medicine, calls the project a groundbreaking initiative in premedical education that’s a game changer for aspiring physicians. “Using elements of the competency-based approach and student services supporting creativity, determination and drive, UTRGV students are going to be better prepared to take the MCAT, enter medical school and be
successful medical school students,” he said. “What this will result in is more qualified doctors coming from the Rio Grande Valley who have the power to transform this community.” The reconstructed biomedical sciences curriculum features core courses relevant to health professions, including medical humanities, the history of medicine and public health, and health care policy. Marni Baker Stein, UT System ITL’s Chief Innovation Officer, said UTRGV faculty worked tirelessly to reimagine this curriculum for a new education delivery model that, if successful, could be adopted by other universities. “The most exciting moment for all of us will come in the following years when we see students succeeding by graduating, entering medical school, and becoming knowledgeable and talented biomedical researchers and health care professionals,” Stein said. All classroom and online content can be accessed with iPads via TEx (Total Educational Experience), a revolutionary, mobile-first,
application designed by the UT System to boost student engagement and retention. Highly personalized, TEx offers online support from faculty and student success coaches to help monitor students and keep them on pace to achieve their educational and career goals. Students will be able to speak to their classmates, cohorts and faculty online anytime and take courses. Judith R. Shapiro, president of The Teagle Foundation, said she hopes TEx and the new biomedical sciences program will inspire other major state higher education systems to launch similar projects. The Foundation provided the UT System with a $300,000 grant to support its biomedical sciences project, which will provide a core curriculum that interconnects liberal arts with students’ professional aspirations. The biomedical sciences program will save students hundreds of dollars because a per-semester program fee, which includes the iPad and content for all courses, is cheaper than buying traditional textbooks and course materials throughout college.
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learn about what it means to be a Vaquero at The Roundup, 7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, at the Fieldhouse in Edinburg. This mandatory orientation offers informational sessions about campus resources and tips to ensure a successful university experience. Soccer Cheer on the UTRGV women’s and men’s soccer teams Friday, Aug. 28, during games at the Soccer Complex in Edinburg. The women’s team will play Prairie View A&M at 5 p.m. and the men’s team will play its inaugural game against Huston Tillotson at 7 p.m. Pedals to the Metal On Sunday, Aug. 30, for the Tour de Valley, two groups of cyclists — one group starting from Edinburg and one from Brownsville
— will ride to Harlingen to symbolize UTRGV’s impact on the entire Valley. Once they unite in Harlingen, the cyclists will travel together to the Regional Academic Health Center in Harlingen for a post ride celebration. Edinburg cyclists will check in at the UTPA Bronc at 6 a.m. and depart at 6:30 a.m. The Vaquero Stomp Come celebrate the official first day of class and the opening of UTRGV with this signature event, “The Stomp,” from 6 to 10 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 31, at the old Track and Field facility in Edinburg. The Stomp will include food, entertainment and fireworks. Picnic with the President Students will have a chance to meet UTRGV’s
UTRGV launches ‘Best Week Ever’
By Jennifer Berghom
DINBURG – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is inaugurating its beginnings with a slate of activities to celebrate a new chapter in higher education for the Rio Grande Valley. Similar events are scheduled on both the Brownsville and Edinburg campuses. The Edinburg events are as follows: Move-in Days The fun starts Friday, Aug. 28, with the Freshman Vaquero Move-in. UTRGV’s newest students to live on campus will move into their new home on Aug. 28 at the Edinburg residences – Heritage, Troxel and Unity Halls and The Village. The Round-Up UTRGV freshmen will
August 28, 2015
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DPS enhances patrols for Labor Day enforcement period
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ESLACO – The Texas Department of Public Safety is increasing DWI patrols Aug. 21 – Sept. 7, which includes the Labor Day holiday weekend. During this period, DPS troopers will focus DWI patrols in high-risk locations at times when alcohol-related crashes are most frequent. “Impaired drivers who take to the roadways put other travelers in harm’s way, and these increased patrols during the Labor Day holiday are designed to save lives by getting these dangerous drivers off the road,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “The depart-
PRINCIPALS
with only a few stragglers roaming the halls. “Everything is running smoothly, so smoothly. I’m a little nervous,” Leal said with a laugh. “But it’s because of my staff. We made it work.” Part of a principal’s job the first week of school is making sure everything runs seamlessly, Leal said. She just wants everyone to feel comfortable on the campus.
ment urges all drivers to do their part to keep our road and highways safe by obeying traffic laws and not drinking and driving.” The increased patrols that target impaired driving are funded through a grant from the Texas Department of Transportation. DPS offers the following tips for safe travel during the Labor Day holiday: • Don’t drink and drive. Designate a driver or take a cab. • Eliminate distractions, including the usage of mobile devices. • Buckle up everyone
in the vehicle – it’s the law. • Slow down – especially in bad weather, construction areas and heavy traffic. • Slow down or move over for police, fire and EMS vehicles as well as tow trucks and TxDOT vehicles stopped on the side of the road with emergency lights activated – it’s the law. • Don’t drive fatigued. • Drive defensively, as holiday travel may present additional challenges. Make sure your vehicle is properly maintained before your trip begins. from pg 2
An ideal first day for her, she said, would be to have all students eager and motivated to get the year started. ELA teacher Angela Salinas said she has a few icebreakers for the first day of school that usually have an educational concept. As a way to practice alliteration, students have to announce their name to the class along with a food that starts with the same letter.
UTPA
After 10 years as a teacher, Salinas said she finally doesn’t feel as nervous for the first day of school. “The adults get nervous, too. That’s what I tell the kids. I’m nervous, and I’m the principal,” Leal said. “I just want to make sure that it’s so perfect for them. We want to make sure that it’s nice and smooth and organized.” from pg 7
Interim Dr. Havidán Rodríguez encouraged graduates to address challenges, seize opportunities and embrace their achievements. He also reminded them to always make positive contributions to their communities. Jorge Cantu, 24, of Mission, who earned his master’s degree in biology, will head to South Texas College on Monday to start a job as a biology instructor for dual-enrollment students. Cantu said he returned to the Valley purposely to get his master’s at UTPA after earning his bachelor’s degree in the same field from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville. At UTPA, the faculty support was amazing, he said. “I love the faculty here, they were always willing to help me,” said Cantu who, with an undergraduate minor in horticulture, became heavily involved in UTPA’s agroecology lab, which provided him opportunities for conducting research and community involvement. As a graduate research assistant to Assistant Professor of Biology Alexis Racelis, Cantu led a 32-member team of students over three semesters to inventory all of
the nearly 2,000 trees on the Edinburg campus. The work of Cantu and the students helped garner for The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley the 2014 Tree Campus USA designation, which signifies the university’s commitment to urban forest management and engaging the community in environmental stewardship. Valerie Rodriguez of Alton received her doctoral degree in rehabilitation counseling and said being a part of the final graduating class at UTPA was bittersweet. “My educational experience at UTPA has been nothing short of exemplary,” Rodriguez said. “Without having attended UTPA for my bachelor’s, master’s and now, finally, the doctoral degree, I certainly wouldn’t be where I am today.” A first-generation college graduate, Rodriguez also earned her bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation services in 2006 and her master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling in 2008. She also was named Doctoral Student of the Year by the National Council on Rehabilitation Education in 2013. Rodriguez works as a regional program specialist
for the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services Region V, which includes the Rio Grande Valley. She praised the faculty and staff of UTPA’s Department of Rehabilitation, saying they were not only supportive of her as a student, but also in her career as a vocational rehabilitation counselor. Though Rodriguez said she is glad to have all of her degrees from UTPA, she is happy her alma mater is continuing to grow and improve as it becomes UTRGV. She said she encourages students who will be a part of the new university to dream bigger than their circumstances, stay focused and surround themselves with people who will be supportive of them. “What you’re really doing is preparing yourself to be a valuable asset to the community-at-large,” she said. “At the end of the day, it’s more about helping others and what you’re doing is preparing yourself — your mind, body, spirit, soul — to be really well-prepared to adequately and exceptionally do that.” The first day of classes at UTRGV is Aug. 31.
not be referred to court. “I just think it’s a lot of collaborative effort between the school system, student and the parent. It’s definitely building that partnership for the students to be successful,” said Cynthia Wilson, MCISD’s executive director for secondary education. “We need to make sure that the parents are involved and you want to make sure that that doesn’t stop at elementary.” Wilson and Treviño said the majority of MCISD’s truant students are at the high school level. Last year,
the district had 70 truant students, a drop from 150 during the 2013-2014 school year. Treviño noticed students skip classes during the day as opposed to the school day altogether. Sharyland ISD had 74 cases of truancy for each of the previous two school years. In 2011, La Joya ISD’s attendance was anywhere from 70 to 80 percent, but the district is required to be at 90 percent. La Joya implemented the Attendance Improvement Management system to keep students in school. Students with cases of truan-
cy are assigned a mentor and given a GPS tracker that has to be clicked 5 times a day, letting the mentor know of the student’s location. La Joya ISD Police Chief Raul Gonzalez took part in heading the AIM operation. He included law enforcement in the group of people that need to collaborate to support the students. “I see education as ... something that is good for you,” the chief said. “Let’s engage these kids. Let’s encourage them and find ways to entice them and have them enjoy their education.”
TRUANCY
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August 28, 2015
obituaries
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Shizue Sakai Kawamoto ISSION - Shizue Sakai Kawamoto, 91, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2015, at her home in Mission. Mrs. Kawamoto was born on Feb. 3, 1924, in Westmoreland, Calif. until she and her family were relocated at a camp in Poston, Ariz. during World War II. After spending almost four years in the camp and working as a secretary, she came to the Rio Grande Valley in 1948. Survivors include her husband of 65 years, James Kawamoto; daughters, Joanne and Susan; sister, Aiko Shimamoto of Northridge, Calif.; and two grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Carolyn Kawamoto Parsley. A funeral service will be held on Friday, Aug. 28, at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial follows at Valley Memorial Gardens in Mission. Eduardo Torres ISSION - Eduardo “Eddie” Torres, 61, of Sharyland, passed away on Friday, Aug. 21, 2015, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Mr. Torres was a 1973 graduate of Sharyland High School. He retired with the United States Postal Service after 40 years of service. Survivors include his wife, Bartolita Torres; sons, Gustavo, Marco and Miguel Torres; daughters, Myra Martinez and Monica Torres; and brothers, Hector, Eusebio Jr. and Noe Torres. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eusebio and Maria de Jesus Torres, and brother, Alejandro Torres. The funeral was held on Aug. 25 at Ric Brown Family Funeral Home in Mission. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens in McAllen. Porfirio Villalon UEVITAS – Porfirio “Pilo” Villalon, 84, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2015, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Mr. Villalon was born in Cuevitas on Dec. 6, 1930, to Reginaldo and Paz Villalon.
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He was a U.S. Army veteran honorably discharged in 1960. He worked for the Water Boundary Commission in Falcon and worked as a lab technician for the Texas Department of Transportation of Highways until1992. After retiring, he worked part-time with Upper Valley Caliche. Survivors include his wife, Consuelo Villalon; children, Belinda Winkler, Reggie Villalon and Esmeralda Villalon; brothers Domingo Villarreal II and Enrique Villarreal; and one grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, Reginaldo and Paz Villalon; his first wife, Maria Elena Villarreal; and numerous siblings. The funeral was held on Aug. 26 at Lord and I Funeral Home in Sullivan City. Burial followed at Cuevitas Cemetery.
Notices
Napoleon Solis Alanis MISSION - Napoleon Solis Alanis, 81, passed away on Monday, Aug. 24, 2015, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Susana Blackmore MISSION – Susana Blackmore, 68, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2015, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Barry D. Burrow MISSION – Barry D. Burrow, 79, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2015, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Roselee Farber MISSION - Roselee Farber, 79, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2015 in Mission. Aurora Garcia MISSION - Aurora Garcia, 84, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 23, 2015, at Mission Regional Medical Center. A funeral service was held on Aug. 26 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at Garden of Angels Cemetery in Abram.
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Energy agency chief rails against federal plan
USTIN — Texas Railroad Commission Chair David Porter on Aug. 19 spoke against America’s Clean Power Plan, a regulatory framework rolled out by the White House on Aug. 3. Texas is one of at least a dozen states lining up in opposition. Porter called the plan “another blatant attack on the oil and gas industry that will further impede America’s energy security, kill jobs and put even more stress on our national and state economies.” Porter was elected chair of the three-member commission that oversees the energy industry regulating state agency in June 2014. President Obama called the final version of the plan to reduce methane emissions from the energy and agriculture industries “the biggest step we’ve ever taken to combat climate change.” Obama said the plan “sets the first-ever carbon pol-
lution standards for power plants while providing states and utilities with the flexibility they need to meet those standards.” The plan is designed to reduce premature deaths attributed to power plant emissions by nearly 90 percent in 2030 compared to 2005 and decrease pollutants that contribute to soot and smog and can lead to more asthma attacks in kids by more than 70 percent, Obama said. The plan also would spur the creation of tens of thousands of jobs while ensuring grid-reliability, the president added. On Aug. 3, Gov. Greg Abbott reacted to the president’s announcement, saying: “Texas will lead the fight against an overreaching federal government that seems hell-bent on threatening the free-market principles this country was founded on.” Jail study to be launched Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who presides over the state
Rosario Guajardo ALTON – A graveside service for Rosario Guajardo was held on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2015, at Garden of Angels Cemetery in Abram. Olegario Hinojosa MISSION – A funeral mass for Olegario Hinojosa was held on Monday, Aug. 24, 2015, at St. John of the Fields Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at Laurel Hill Cemetery. Josefina Mercado MISSION - Josefina Mercado, 67, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 23, 2015, at McAllen Medical Center. A funeral was held on Aug. 27 at San Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Alton. Jose C. Olivo MISSION - Jose C. Olivo, 87, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2015, at his home in Mission. Francisco Verdugo Orrego MISSION - Francisco Verdugo Orrego, 81, passed away on Monday, Aug. 24, 2015, at his home in Mission. Idolina Oviedo MISSION - Idolina Oviedo, 39, passed away on
Thursday, Aug. 20, 2015, at her home in Mission. A graveside service was held on Aug. 26 at San Jose Cemetery in Mission. Diego J. Ramos MISSION – Diego J. Ramos, 71, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2015, at his home in Mission. The funeral was held on Aug. 24 at Ric Brown Family Funeral Home in Mission. Burial followed at San Jose Cemetery. Maria Ninfa Solis MISSION - Maria Ninfa Solis, 83, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2015, at Pax Villa Hospice and Palliative Care Facility in McAllen. A funeral service was held on Aug. 27 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens in Mission. Napoleon Solis MISSION – A funeral service for Napoleon “Polo” Solis was held on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2015, at Memorial Funeral Home in San Juan. Burial followed at Lord and I Cemetery in Palmview.
ChurCh DireCtory BREAD OF LIFE CHURCH 2820 N. Conway Ave. • 581-1411 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 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
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
DARRELL DAVIS
301 E. Tom Landry • Mission • 585-1622
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IMPLEMENT COMPANY, INC. MISSION 585-1618
Senate, and Senate Criminal Justice Committee Chair John Whitmire, D-Houston, on Aug. 18 announced an interim study on Texas jail standards. This comes in the wake of the death of Sandra Bland, a woman who in July was found dead in a Waller County jail cell three days after she was arrested and jailed following a traffic stop. The death was ruled a suicide but questions remain. “Our criminal justice system assumes a great responsibility for the people in our custody. In many instances, individuals have unresolved issues in their lives, particularly a mental illness, which has resulted in their arrest. It is our responsibility to make certain we have the necessary tools and resources to meet the health, welfare and safety needs of every individual in our custody,” Whitmire said. Early ratings come out Texas Education Agency on Aug. 21 announced its release of preliminary financial accountability ratings for more than 1,200 school districts and charters across the state. Ratings are based on annual financial reports provided by districts and charters from the 2014 fiscal year. Figures show that of the 1,024 public school districts in Texas 1,012 received a favorable rating and of the 167 charter schools in the state 155 received a favorable rating. Any district or charter wishing to appeal its rating must submit a written appeal with supporting evidence by Sept. 8, Education Commissioner Michael Williams said. Job growth continues Texas Workforce Commission on Aug. 21 announced Texas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained at 4.2 percent in July, the lowest monthly unemployment rate since July 2007. With the addition of
31,400 seasonally adjusted nonagricultural jobs in July, Texas Workforce Commission Chair Andres Alcantar said the state has added jobs in 57 of the last 58 months. Returned funds set record Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar on Aug. 20 announced his agency had returned a record $248 million in unclaimed property to rightful owners this fiscal year. Hegar said the previous record was $205 million in unclaimed property returns in fiscal 2014. Texans may call 1-800654-FIND to see if the state is holding some of their unclaimed property. Those who have Internet access may visit ClaimItTexas.org. More Cyclospora reported Texas Department of State Health Services on Aug. 18 announced an uptick in reports of illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora. Some 243 cases have been reported in Texas this year. Past outbreaks have been associated with the green vegetable cilantro from the Puebla area of Mexico. The major symptom of the illness is watery diarrhea lasting a few days to a few months. More patrols are watching Texas Department of Public Safety last week announced the increase of DWI patrols during the Labor Day holiday period starting Aug. 21 and ending Sept. 7. State troopers will focus patrols in high-risk locations at times when alcohol-related crashes are most frequent, said DPS Director Steven McCraw.
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August 28, 2015
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UTRGV
MCISD
library and gym, which they Junior High campus was besaid don’t stack up to the fa- ing gutted and renovated. cilities available at Mission Now, the only original portion High School. Veterans Me- of the campus still standing morial also has no resources is the gym, but the school’s for fine arts. Art teachers have principal reported issues with regular classrooms with no the foundation on some of the sinks and have to take their portions of campus. supplies outside with a bucket Lopez stood beside the to rinse them off. back entry to the junior high “We would walk you to school, which is lined with our art facilities and our band heavy metal fencing. The facilities and our mariachi fencing isn’t inviting, he said, facilities, but we don’t have but it’s for student safety and those,” Lopez said. “For one way to improve the area whatever reason, the vision is to enclose it. has never been there for the Over at the transportation arts. It’s there now, but we property, members of the don’t have the facilities here.” Meanwhile, over at Mission High School, renovations are ongoing, but Principal Edilberto Flores pointed out issues that still haven’t By Lea Victoria Juarez been addressed. One of the school’s buildings, he said, he Sharyland Independoesn’t have student redent School District strooms. The art rooms are board took no action too small and have no space on a level three grievance for storage. An old locker filed by Nereida “Nelly” room was converted into a Cantu at Tuesday’s school dance studio too small to hold board meeting. The non-acthe program’s 45 girls, while tion upholds the prior decia band room is being used for sion for the level two grievfolklorico. ance, which district leaders “Our programs are grow- said cannot be discussed ing, and our facilities that we publicly because it is a perhave don’t fit those sonnel matter. needs,” Flores said. Cantu, former assistant Job Opportunity: Assistant Director When Rivera ar- superintendent of curriculum Classification: Full Time rived at the district and instruction, received an Salary: $26,000-$28,000 yearly in 2006, the Mission informal notice of a recomWork Hours: 40 Weekly legalnotices Description: PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES • Assist director in all program operations. PUBLIC NOTICE • Work with the Director to sustain and grow programs. CITY OF ALTON BUDGET • Manage administrative functions to ensure smooth and efficient operations of the organization. The City of Alton will conduct a public • Fulfill all duties delegated by director. hearing on the 8th day of September • Represent the organization well to the public, school 2015, at 7:00 p.m., at Alton City Hall Commission Chambers located at 509 S district and business partners. Alton Blvd., Alton, Texas. The purpose of • Assist with the planning and implementation of the public hearing is for the general public the annual calendar of activities including fundraising to be present and participate in the Hearing initiatives, special events, school and city events. relating to the adoption of the Fiscal Year 2015-2016 City of Alton Budget. A copy Abilities: of the proposed budget may be viewed at • Must possess maturity, self-control, sound judgment, the Office of the City Secretary on regular and a positive working relationship with Director, staff, city business days from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. If officials, administration, parents, club members. any person needs special accommodations • Ability to work with club members and staff in an as specified under the Americans with Special Disabilities Act, please contact the educational and professional environment. Office of the City Secretary at (956) 432• Ability to work collaboratively and independently with 0760 at least 72 hours prior to the date of minimal supervision and in a self-sufficient manner. the meeting. • Ability to multi-task, prioritize, meet deadlines, and problem solve issues. Publication Date: August 28, 2015 Baudelia Rojas TRMC, CPM, • Ability to work 40 hours per week (office hours can be City Secretary flexible); some weekend work is required. • Must have a Class C Motor Vehicle License or equivalent and an acceptable driving record. PUBLIC NOTICE • Strong proficiency in using computer programs such as The Mission City Council will hold a Word, Excel, and Power Point. Regular Meeting on September 14, 2015 at 4:30 p.m. at the City Hall Council • Well-developed and excellent written and verbal Chambers, 1201 East 8th Street, communication skills to support and effectively interact Mission, Texas in order to consider the with diverse programmatic and non-programmatic following: audiences. • Must be able to safely lift 40lbs. Rezoning: 3.92 acres out of Lot 205, John H. Shary Subdivision, from (AO• Must be able to work in an office atmosphere as well as I) Agricultural Open Interim to (C-3) all areas of the organization and outdoor environments. General Business; and Rezoning: The • Ability to communicate in Spanish preferred. West 131.17’ of the East 181.17’ of the Experience: South 129.93’ of Lot 160, Addition “A” of Sharyland Orchards Subdivision, from • must have previously worked with children/youth, boys (R-1A) Large Lot Single Family to (C-2) & girls clubs or youth programs. Neighborhood Commercial from pg 10
founding president, Guy Bailey, at the Picnic with the President. The Edinburg event will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1, at the Quad. It includes free food, entertainment, games and prizes. Wrap Up with ‘Orange Out’ The festivities culminate Friday, Sept. 4, with UTRGV volleyball and men’s soccer games. UTRGV volleyball will play Incarnate Word at 11:30 a.m. and San Jose State at 6:30 p.m. at the Fieldhouse in Edinburg. UTRGV’s men’s soccer will play Buffalo at 7 p.m. at the Soccer Complex in Edinburg. At the men’s soccer game, UTRGV will participate in “Orange Out” for Hunger Action Month, to benefit the Rio Grande Valley Food Bank. Bring four non-perishable food items to receive free admission to the UTRGV men’s soccer game scheduled that day. Following the soccer game, UTRGV will host Costello in concert at 9 p.m. at the soccer complex.
Veterans Memorial’s campus was originally a freshmen campus and not intended to hold 1,800 high school students. Starting outside, Rick Rivera, executive director for maintenance, listed off the campus’ shortcomings. Three tennis courts aren’t enough. There isn’t space for the entire student body to come together, and the school’s track and practice fields need more bleachers. “As you can see,” Lopez said, “this isn’t adequate for a high school facility. I mean, we have grade A facilities – we have a division 1 track; we have top of the line turf – but it can’t be to its maximum use if you can’t hold the people here.” Moving inside, Lopez stopped at the Veterans Memorial cafeteria, which he said is very nice, but has a capacity of 400. There are 1,800 students cycled through three lunches, so many students spill outside into the courtyard, he said, and others don’t eat. “This is a top priority,” Lopez said. Rivera and Lopez then led the group to the school’s
Application may be obtained at Recreation Center or City Hall located at 400 W. Veterans Blvd. Applications will be accepted until Friday September 4th, 2015.
legalnotice NOTICE OF INTENTION TO ISSUE CITY OF ALTON, TEXAS CERTIFICATES OF OBLIGATION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Commissioners (the Governing Body) of the City of Alton, Texas (the City) will convene at its regular meeting place in the City Hall, 509 S. Alton Boulevard, Alton, Texas 78573, at 7:30 o’clock P.M., time on September 29, 2015, and, during such meeting, the Governing Body will consider the passage of an ordinance or ordinances and take such other actions as may be deemed necessary to authorize the issuance of one or more series of certificates of obligation in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $240,000.00 for the purpose or purposes of paying contractual obligations of the City to be incurred for making permanent public improvements and for other public purposes. Funding will be used to connect 478 new households to the main sewer system with a lateral connection from the existing house to the main system, towit: (1) Furnish and install 4” PVC SDR35 sewer service lateral including: connecting new 4” pipe to existing sewer and gray water pipes; landscaping and/or other surface media repair; and all appurtenant work as specified, completed in place; (2) Disconnect, pump and decommission existing septic tank or cesspool; and all appurtenant work as shown or as specified, complete in place; (3) Hauling and disposal of spoil material from existing septic tank/cesspool; and all appurtenant work as specified; and (4) the payment of professional services related to the construction and financing of the aforementioned projects. The certificates of obligation (the Certificates) will be payable from the levy of an annual ad valorem tax, within the limitations prescribed by law, upon all taxable property within the City and from a lien on and pledge of net revenues derived by the City from the operation of the City’s water utility system. The Certificates are to be issued, and this notice is given, under and pursuant to the provisions of the Certificate of Obligation Act of 1971, as amended, Texas Local Government Code, Section 271.041 through Section 271.065 and Chapter 1502, as amended, Texas Government Code. Baudelia Rojas, TRMC|CPM City Secretary City of Alton, Texas
group were dismayed at the side of a large tarp suspended over part of the shelving in the warehouse. It’s there to prevent leaks and protect storage from the elements. One MCISD parent said the tarp was there when she toured the facilities 10 years ago. District officials said years ago the beams in the warehouse were tested to see if new roofing panels could be screwed into place, but the beams were deemed too old and rotted. Some items in storage were moved over to an empty wing at Pearson El-
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ementary. Lopez said the district would continue examining what needs to be done on its campuses. He has his own priorities, such infrastructure projects like technology that people can’t see. “We do have priorities that we’ll bring forward. It’s a constant collaboration,” Lopez said. “The community has been a very giving community. If we don’t bring people in to evaluate our buildings to see what our kids go through, it’s hard to evaluate what’s a need and a want.”
SISD board takes no action on grievance
T
If a zoning is amended during the public hearing, it shall be pursuant to the City of Mission’s Amendatory Zone Policy Statement. Anyone interested is invited to attend. Anna Carrillo, City Secretary Bids are being solicited for qualified and registered Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) and/or Minority or Women Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBE) for the Bella Vista Apartment project located at 815 S. Shary Road, Alton, TX 78573. The purpose is to ensure that training, employment and other economic opportunities generated by certain HUD financial assistance shall, to the greatest extent feasible, and consistent with existing Federal, State and Local laws and regulations, be directed to the greatest extent possible to low and very low-income persons. Bids and/or Proposals are due to Realtex Construction, LLC on September 21st before 5:00pm, CST, and may be delivered to 1101 S. Capital of TX Hwy., Ste. F200, Austin, TX 78746; submitted by fax at (512)306-9010 or emailed to bhughes@ realtexdevelopment.com. For professional service bids and/or proposals please direct those to Madhouse Development Services, Inc., 8311 Rockwood Lane, Austin, TX 78757; submitted by fax at (512)9002860 or emailed to Charles Johnson at cjohnson@madhousedevelopment. net. Bid documents are available on our FTP site. Contact Buzz Hughes at (512)306-9206 for more information on procurement of plans, specifications, and other documents. All bids greater than $250,000.00 must be bonded by the subcontractor. Realtex Construction, LLC reserves the right to reject any and all bids, Realtex Construction, LLC and Madhouse Development Services, Inc. are an equal opportunity employer. Qualified Section 3 respondents are strongly encouraged to submit proposals. For more information please email bhughes@ realtexdevelopment.com or cjohnson@ madhousedevelopment.net.
mendation for non-extension of her contract mid-spring semester. In late May Cantu was demoted to director of professional development, but she was not told her duties and later was told not to report to work. According to documents from the Peña Law Firm, Cantu assisted former Superintendent Virginia Richter in an investigation regarding financial inconsistencies for Sharyland. As of July, the Texas Education Agency was investigating former employee Jesse Muñiz, who was the assistant superintendent of business and finance at the time Cantu and Richter were investigating the discrepancies. Muñiz was placed on paid leave in July 2014 and returned in September 2014
as the director of operations. On July 24, 2015, Muñiz resigned from the Sharyland school district and had his contract paid out. “We were hoping it would be resolved here – save the taxpayer the headache of this, the expense and the embarrassment,” said Javier Peña, Cantu’s attorney. “We were hoping with a new superintendent and a couple of new board members that they would actually see what is going on and do what’s right for the students and taxpayers and just let Dr. Cantu do the job she’s been doing so well.” Board President Ricky Longoria would not comment on the board’s actions, citing personnel issues.
theclassifieds August 28, 2015
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buy • sell • trade • rent • hire
this page is your oyster opening up to a world of opportunity
autos
2014 CHEVY MALIBU, 23k miles, silver, 4 cyl., great a/c, all power, $10,000 obo, call 956-222-9000. DODGE CARAVAN 2010, 85k miles, 3.31 motor, good condition, $9,000 obo, call 956-6318461. GMC TERRAIN 2012, super clean, low miles, $16k obo, call Paula 956616-4016. NISSAN SENTRA 2009, must see, low miles, lots of extras, $7k, call Paula to set up a showing at 956-616-4016. CHRYSLER 200 2012, super clean, low miles, must see, $10k, call 956-6164016. 2012 FIAT POP 500, 5 speed, like new, 35k miles, garage kept, $11,500, call 956-533-5436.
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MISSION ON THE Golf Course, 55+ community, 3 bdrm., 2.5 bath, furnished, $750 mo, 1 year lease, 563590-2580.
forsale
FOR SALE, FOUR (4) Laurel Hill Funeral Plots, call 956-7033010. MOVING SALE, BABY items and appl., Lot #33 Sept.
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page 11 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.
4th & 5th, 8am2pm. Mobile Gardens 55+, several mobile homes, possible contract, prices right, plus lots for rent, 956 -5328600.
helpwanted
SWIMMING POOL SERVICE job, full time in the Mission area, must have driver license, social security on hand, must provide with own pick up truck, call for interviewing 956-240-4979. NOW HIRING LICENSED Professional Barber, for more information call Henry or Joel at Tatan’s Barber & Styling Shop, 956585-7406 or 956739-0012.
services
NEED A MAID? Cleaning and cooking services - bilingual - affordable rates. Call Carolina 956-827-1853. PHOTOGRAPHY -PORTRAITS, WEDDINGS, special events. Sean Downey, 956.320.7427. www.seandowney. com WEBSITE DEV E L O P M E N T, GRAPHIC design. Blast Reach Communications. 956.320.7427. w w w. b l a s t re a c h . com
Notice of Budget Hearing Notice is hereby given that a Public Hearing on the City of Palmhurst, Texas Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2015-2016 (October 1, 2015 through September 30, 2016) will be held on Tuesday, September 29, 2015 at 6:00 pm at 4417 N. Shary Rd., Palmhurst, Texas.
NOTICE OF 2015 TAX YEAR PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX RATE FOR CITY OF SULLIVAN CITY
NOTICE OF 2015 TAX YEAR PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX RATE FOR CITY OF LA JOYA
A tax rate of $0.4668 per $100 valuation has been proposed for adoption by the governing body of City of Sullivan City. This rate exceeds the lower of the effective or rollback tax rate, and state law requires that two public hearings be held by the governing body before adopting he proposed tax rate.
A tax rate of $0.5435 per $100 valuation has been proposed by the governing body of City of La Joya.
PROPOSED TAX RATE PRECEDING YEAR’S TAX RATE EFFECTIVE TAX RATE ROLLBACK TAX RATE
$0.4668 per $100 $0.4478 per $100 $0.4332 per $100 $0.4678 per $100
The effective tax rate is the total tax rate needed to raise the same amount of property tax revenue for City of Sullivan City from the same properties in both the 2014 tax year and the 2015 tax year. The rollback tax rate is the highest tax rate that City of Sullivan City may adopt before voters are entitled to petition for an election to limit that rate that may be approved to the rollback rate. YOUR TAXES OWED UNDER ANY OF THE ABOVE RATES CAN BE CALCULATED AS FOLLOWS: property tax amount = (rate) x (taxable value of your property)/100 For assistance or detailed information about tax calculations, please contact: Pablo (Paul) Villareal Jr. Hidalgo County Tax Assessor-Collector 2804 S Business Hwy 281 Edinburg, TX 78539 (956) 318-2157 propertytax@hidalgocountytax.org http://www.hidalgocountytax.org You are urged to attend and express your views at the following public hearing on the proposed tax rate: First Hearing: September 3, 2015 at 6:30 PM at Sullivan Municipal Building, 500 Cenizo Dr., Sullivan City, TX 78595. Second Hearing: September 10, 2015 at 6:30 PM at Sullivan Municipal Building, 500 Cenizo Dr., Sullivan City, TX 78595.
PROPOSED TAX RATE $0.5435 per $100 PRECEDING YEAR’S TAX RATE $0.5700 per $100 EFFECTIVE TAX RATE $0.5435 per $100
The effective tax rate is the total tax rate needed to raise the same amount of property tax revenue for City of La Joya from the same properties in both the 2014 tax year and the 2015 tax year. YOUR TAXES OWED UNDER ANY OF THE ABOVE RATES CAN BE CALCULATED AS FOLLOWS: property tax amount = (rate) x (taxable value of your property)/100 For assistance or detailed information about tax calculations, please contact: Pablo (Paul) Villareal Jr. Hidalgo County Tax Assessor-Collector 2804 S Business Hwy 281 Edinburg, TX 78539 (956) 318-2157 propertytax@hidalgocountytax.org http://www.hidalgocountytax.org
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