July 1, 2016 PT ISSUE

Friday, July 1, 2016

www.ptrgv.com | 50 Cents

Mission approves smoke free workplace

By Kathy Olivarez and Jim Brunson

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group of 20 citizens wearing orange t-shirts with the words, “Mission Smoke Free Workplace,” applauded when the Mission City Council unanimously voted to approve an ordinance declaring the City of Mission a “Smoke Free Workplace” to protect the health, safety and welfare of the residents.

The new ordinance, designed to protect non-smokers from second hand smoke, bans smoking in public places and places of employment throughout the city, including not only city and school buildings, but also businesses such as restaurants and retailers.

The new ordinance replaces a 1994 ordinance that left much of the regulation of smoking up to the individual businesses.

Mission City Manager Martin Garza Jr. said the new ordinance is a step further from the 1994 ordinance.

“It protects the employees who have to deal with the second-hand smoke, such as working at a bar…,” Garza explained. “So it jumps into that level of protection of the employee.”

The Mission, McAllen, Edinburg area was recently named as the top area in the nation for a healthy environment, Garza explained, and this ordinance helps the city to promote that same sentiment.

The ordinance follows a model ordinance drafted by the Tobacco Control and Prevention Coalition and is similar to an ordinance recently approved by the city of Edinburg.

The ban on smoking in public places includes libraries, museums and sports arenas, as well as areas

used by the general public in businesses and non-profits, including banks, hotels, bars, movie theaters, lobbies, common areas in apartment buildings and trailer parks.

The prohibition of smoking in places of employment covers all enclosed areas, including common work areas, classrooms, conference and meeting rooms, elevators, hallways, medical facilities, cafeterias, employee lounges, restrooms and all other enclosed areas. Businesses will be required to post “No Smoking” signs at every entrance.

The new ordinance imposes new restrictions on smoking in outdoor areas within 20 feet of building entrances, as well as all outdoor stadiums and amphitheaters.

In city-owned parks, smoking is prohibited within 20 feet of all pavilions and playgrounds.

Exceptions to the new

rules include private residences, hotel and motel rooms designated as smoking rooms, outdoor seating areas of restaurants desig nated as smoking areas and retail tobacco stores.

Violators of the ordinance will be subject to fines up to $200 for the first offense and up to $500 and $2,000 for second and third offenses, respectively.

The ordinance cites several U.S. Surgeon General’s Reports that found second hand smoke exposure carries serious health risks, including increased risk of heart disease, lung cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. The 2014 report found that second hand smoke exposure causes stroke in nonsmokers. The report also stated that since 1964 2.5 million nonsmokers have died from diseases caused by tobacco smoke.

King family preserves, restores Bryan House

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By Brittany Asbury

hen Ariel King saw a piece of Mission’s history for sale just down the road from her own home, she made immediate plans to look into buying the property. The Bryan House, known as the winter home for William Jennings Bryan, already had a possible buyer but King showed up to speak with the realtor anyway and discovered her husband was the other buyer.

Now, the King family owns the historic Bryan House, winter home of the three-time presidential candidate, two-time Nebraska Representative and Secretary of State under President Woodrow Wilson. Bryan is most famously known for his defense against evolution in the Scopes Trial of 1925.

King intends to use the home to highlight the history of Mission, Texas. She believes that she and her family are only stewards of the Bryan House, and wants to be able to pass on a true historical experience to the community.

“Everybody loves old houses. I want to show that you can do something wonderful with old houses; we have so little, what we do have we need to treasure,” King said. “This area in Mission has so much wildlife, and so the house also has nature all around. It’s great for birdwatching.”

King has been working with curators around the country to restore the home and gather information on Bryan and the Bryan House.

She has been working on renovating the home since December 2014, and has just opened the home for events

“Smoke free” advocates attend the June 27 Mission City Council meeting to show their support for the no smoking ordinance.

Courtesy photo

City to be reimbursed for event center debt service

cover of the Valley Wedding Pages magazine for winter 2016.

King has been applying for grants to finish landscaping the grounds around Bryan House and to continue its upkeep, as it has been expensive to renovate the house and furnish it with appropriate historical items.

King has already put more than $100,000 into restoration, furnishing and now landscaping the home, and will put all money earned from events into the house’s upkeep. Because the city of Mission doesn’t have a historical initiative in place to preserve historical sites, the house isn’t eligible for a lot of grants, so King would like to get the public involved in the home’s preservation.

“We’re non-profit, so I hope the city and community will see the value in preserving our history,” King said.

decided yet. The tower will replace the existing tower on Lucksinger, and upgrade the tank capacity from 500,000 gallons of water to 750,000 gallons of water.

About $2.3 million of the Mission Redevelopment Authority’s budget was appropriated for the new water tower and land acquisition, but Garza said there is a possibility that the city will spend less on the tower structure.

“The fact that we're (building the water tower) on the same 10 acres, we’re hoping (the cost) will be reduced,” Garza said. “We still don’t have a complete and true estimate on the actual water tower. Once we go out for bids, we’ll have the final number, but we anticipate for less.”

A soil test is being conducted on the 10-acre site.

Once it is completed, the city can move forward with the construction. The city council approved the solicitation of bids for construction. All the specifications are being finalized between the engineers and architect to be able to move forward in advertising for construction bids.

I

Agua SUD Executive Director Julio Cerda. After meeting with the board attorney in executive session, Board President Ricardo Ochoa announced the board wa¬¬s taking no action on Salinas’ complaint.

During the investigation, Salinas was ordered to report directly to the board of directors, rather than to the executive director. However, following the board’s “no action” decision, Salinas

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Historical photos of William Jennings Bryan and family adorn the mantle in the Byran House.

Photo by Brittany Asbury

in June after receiving permits to operate from the Mission City Council.

The plan is to operate the home as a small, but unique event center as well as a bed and breakfast. Events could include small weddings and social gatherings, bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, parties, family reunions, honeymoon getaways, photography shoots and anything low-key and intimate.

The home itself can comfortably fit about 25 people, but it is possible for up to 50 when the immediate grounds around the house are included.

Some events have already been scheduled for the house, including a kids’ camp by the Mission Historical Society on June 21 that will include a tour and hands-on activities.

A wedding will take place in November, and the house is already featured on the front

By Lea Victoria Juarez

he City of Mission completed another step in the process of constructing the new event center. Now, the city will be reimbursed $500,000 a year by the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone to offset the debt service that the city is going to incur for the event center.

Mission will be reimbursed for the project for the remainder of the TIRZ or the life of the debt, whichever is first. The TIRZ expires in 2031.

At a May 23 city council meeting, Mission City Council approved a resolution that authorized bonds for no more than $25 million to pay for the event center and related costs. According to City Manager Martin Garza, the bond issuance will hopefully close in mid July. The city will make the bond payment, but TIRZ will reimburse the city the yearly half a million dollars.

A water tower, which was already approved by the city council, is also going to be built on the same property, but the location has not been

“I love things that have character, things that tell a story.

We have so little that is preserved; it could be knocked down, or destroyed, or altered in a way that would destroy its history. When I saw the house was for sale, I felt a strong need to take care of it. It will be preserved if it is a part of the community.

That’s my goal.”

The Bryan House owner explained that many in her family, particularly her grandmother and an aunt, are involved in restoration of historical sites.

King’s aunt is in the Colonial Dames, an organization that promotes the places where people and events helped form and grow the United States, and upkeeps George Washington’s estate, Sulgrave Manor, in England.

She was King’s inspiration to

See BRYAN HOUSE 10

Agua SUD resolves complaint

By Jim Brunson

n a two and a half hour board meeting held June 23, Agua Special Utility District board of directors considered a wide range of topics, from personnel issues surrounding Oscar “Coach” Salinas to stagnating growth of the water district.

The board completed its investigation into a complaint filed by Salinas on Feb. 12 alleging was harassed by his supervisor,

See AGUA SUD 10

INSIDE

Happy Fourth of July!

The Progress Times office will be closed on July 4 in honor of the national holiday. Office hours will resume July 5.

INDEX

Lifestyle | pg. 2

Entertainment | pg. 3

‘Dancing with the Stars’

7-on-7 Tournament

The RGV Diabetes association preps for the 10th annual ‘Dancing with the Stars’ performance and banquet on Oct. 8.

Out of 32 high school teams from Texas, one local team advanced to the state tournament for off-season football.

See story page 2

See story page 7

Opinion | pg. 4

Sports | pg. 8

Memorial Cremation Center

208 E. Canton • Edinburg, Texas 956-720-4449 or 956-720-4097

Obituaries | pg. 9

Classifieds | pg. 11

Direct Cremation

$795

Immediate Need

lifestyle

July 1, 2016

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

EVENTS CALENDAR

New CDA officers installed

UTRGV to launch primary care clinics

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By Jennifer L. Berghom

D I N B U R G / BROWNSVILLE – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s College of Health Affairs will hold ribbon-cutting ceremonies July 7 and 8 for the grand opening of two primary care clinics it will operate in McAllen and Harlingen.

Both events start at 9 a.m.

The first will be July 7 at 300 E. Hackberry Ave in McAllen; the second will be July 8 at 2106 Treasure Hills Blvd. in Harlingen.

The UTRGV Community Primary Care Clinics were made possible by a three-year, $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration, to

July 2 – Resaca de la Palma World Birding Center will host “Bark in the Park” from 9 to 11 a.m. There will be contests for dog and owner look-a-like, best costume, most patriotic and best trick. A pet adoption station will be set up.

Admission is $4 for adults and children 12 and under, $1.

All dogs must be on a leash. The birding center is located at 1000 New Carmen Ave. in Brownsville. Call 956-350-2920 for more information.

July 2 – Learn what reptiles and amphibians have to do with crime scene investigation from 1 to 3 p.m. at Resaca de la Palma World Birding Center, 1000 New Carmen Ave. in Brownsville. Stan O. Sterba, retired crime scene investigator with the Portland, Ore. Police Department is the presenter.

Call 956-350-2920 for more information.

July 3 – The Gladys Porter Zoo Animal Play Day theme this months is a patriotic red, white and blue. Animal enrichment provides novel food and play items to stimulate and entertain zoo inhabitants. It is performed on a daily basis at the Zoo and is a vital component essential to the health and well-being of our animal collection. For more information, call 956-546-7187.

July 9 – Toddlers can learn more about nature and birds at the next monthly Edinburg World Birding Center Toddler Play Date. For ages 1 to 4, it runs from 9 to 10:30 a.m. each month and may include interactive puppet shows, storytelling, crafts, free time and guided nature walks. Cost is $2 and free for one guardian. Space is limited; registration is required. To register, call 383-9922. The EWBIC is located at 714 S. Raul Longoria Rd. July 12-14 – The Edinburg World Birding Center Tots Nature Camp is designed for toddlers ages 1 to 3 and their parents to explore nature in a secure and safe environment. It runs from 9 to 11 a.m. each day. Camp fee is $10 for EWBC members and $14 for non-members. The registration deadline is one week prior to the camp. Registration is required as space is limited. Full payment is due two days prior to the camp. For more information or to register, call 956-3819922. The EWBC is located at 714 Raul Longoria Rd. July 14 – The Museum of South Texas History begins its Summer Nights at the Museum with the first installment of the three-night series at 7 p.m. The museum will come to life with costumed interpreters, hands-on activities and outdoor fun. Each night will provide a new adventure each evening.

Guests who attend and play the “Find Me if You Can” game at all three Summer Nights at the Museum will have a chance to win a grand prize. The event is included in the regular admission price (passes and coupons excluded). The museum participates in the Blue Star Museum for active duty military personnel and family members to receive free admission. The museum is located on the courthouse square in downtown Edinburg. Call 383-6911 for information.

July 16-17 – Attend the Gladys Porter Zoo Family Starlight Sleepover from 6:30 p.m. on Saturday to 8 a.m. on Sunday at the South Texas Discovery Education Center. The zoo is located at 500 Ringgold in Brownsville. Families will challenge their senses as they observe nocturnal animals and tour the zoo at night. It’s a sleepover in an air-conditioned building. There will be games, a pizza party, an early morning outdoor breakfast and more. Cost is $25 per person. The minimum age is 7. For more information, call 956-548-9453, Ext. 337, or e-mail educ@gpz.org.

July 19-22 – The Eco-Explorers Nature Camp at the Edinburg World Birding offers children ages 6 to 9 days filled with games, investigative activities, crafts and time to explore the outdoors. It runs from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. each day.

The fee is $36 for EWBC members and $44 for non-members. The registration deadline is one week prior to the camp.

Registration is required as space is limited. Full payment is due two days prior to the camp. For more information or to register, call 956-381-9922. The EWBC is located at 714 Raul Longoria Rd. (For daily events and upcoming weeks, see the full calendar at ptrgv.com.)

PARKS CALENDAR

The Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Court St. Rose of Lima #827 celebrated the installation of their newly-elected officers during a mass at Our Lady of St. John of the Fields Catholic Church in Mission on Saturday, June 11. Elected officers are, left to right, Adela Ortega, financial secretary; Connie Canales, vice-regent; Anna Salinas, regent; Lilla Ledesma, secretary; and Anne Whitfield, treasurer. They will serve a twoyear term until June, 2018.

provide primary healthcare services to residents in underserved communities.

The College of Health Affairs and its School of Nursing will operate the two clinics four days a week, two days at each clinic.

The purpose of the grant is to provide students in the nursing and other allied health disciplines the opportunity to get hands-on training in an interprofessional model of providing care, and to offer healthcare to underserved communities, said Dr. María I. Díaz, UTRGV associate professor of nursing and the project’s director.

In addition to the clinics, the nursing program and its partners also plan to go to colonias throughout Hidalgo County.

RGVDA preps for 10th ‘Dancing with the Stars’

The gala committee of the Rio Grande Valley Diabetes Association (RGVDA) is prepping for the 10th Annual Dancing with the Stars of Hidalgo County. The event will take place at Saturday, Oct. 8, at Corinthian Banquet Hall in Mission. In addition to the performance there will also be a cocktail hour, gourmet dining, live and silent auctions and dancing to the music of Joe Rocks Entertainment. Committee members, pictured left to right, are Olga Caltzonizint, gala chair; Loretta Gracia; Wilma Mealer, RGVDA board member; Dr. Richard Gillett, RGVDA board member; Ray Garcia; Orelia Herrera-Erdem, RGVDA board member; Pat Torres; Maribel Land; and Nancy Garcia, RGVDA board member. Committee members not shown are Belinda Vargas, and Edna Garcia. For information on sponsorship, donating an auction item or to reserve a table, call the RGVDA office at 956-782-1900.

REUNIONS &MEETINGS

Short on cash this Summer ?

Loans Up To

P

HARR – The Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley is gearing up for the 11th Annual Empty Bowls Luncheon and Auction confirmed for Sept. 13, and sponsors are needed. The Empty Bowls event will be held from

$1,300 R * Receive $25 for every referral.

Designed to meet your needs.

Excellent Customer Service!

901 N. Conway Ave. Mission, TX 78572 956-583-5236

www.atlascredit.com

239 W. Exp. 83 La Joya, TX 78560 956-585-5992

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EWBC hosting workshops for educators

DINBURG –The Edinburg Scenic Wetlands and World Birding Center invites educators is hosting two WILD workshops for teachers this summer, and one WOWworkshop The first is a half-day Growing Up WILD workshop to learn how to connect young learners with the outdoors. It is scheduled for Thursday, July 7, from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. The fee is $28 per participant – snacks included.

The workshop is designed to show educators how to build on a child’s sense of wonder through a wide range of activities that encourages them to explore wildlife and the world around them.

During the four-hour workshop educators will sample activities and receive a curriculum and activity guide.

The curriculum is designed for ages 3 to 7 and is in line with the National Association for the Education of Young Children Standards and the Head Start Domains.

The EWBC will also host a Project WILD and Aquatic WILD combination workshop that will provide educators with ideas, tools, and resources for grades Kinder through 12th.

The combination workshop is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 11, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Friday, Aug. 12, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The fee is $50 per participant, which includes lunch on Thursday and snacks on Friday. Space is limited; registration deadline is Aug. 4.

This workshop will focus on how to teach young people about terrestrial and aquatic wildlife and ecosystems using entertaining, hands-on, educational activities. During the 10-hour training, participants will sample activities and receive both curriculum guides.

Activities are adaptable for all grade levels, integrated with core subject curricula and aligned to the TEKS. Participating teachers will

receive SBEC and TEEAC continuing education credit.

Informal educators, teachers, youth group leaders and any other enthusiastic educators are encouraged to register.

Anyone who works with children, including teachers, day care educators, homeschool teachers, informal educators, scout leaders and other educators are invited to participate. All participants must complete the length of the respective workshop to receive the WILD materials.

The one-day WOW! (Wonders of the Wetlands) workshop that will focus on how to connect young learners to the importance of wetlands. It will be held Thursday, July 28, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The workshop is for educators working with grades K-12. This workshop will concentrate on how to teach young people about wetland habitat, functions, and wildlife with hands-on activities.

Participants will sample activities and receive a curriculum guide. Activities are adaptable for all grade levels, integrated with core subject curricula, and correlated with the National Science Education Standards developed by the National Academy of Sciences.

Participating teachers will receive SBEC and TEEAC continuing education credit.

Informal educators, teachers, youth group leaders and any other enthusiastic educators are encouraged to register.

All participants must complete the full day to receive the WOW! materials.

The fee is $30 per participant and includes lunch and snacks. Space is limited; call to register no later than one week prior to the program start date.

The EWBC is located at 714 S. Raul Longoria Road.

For more information on any or all of the workshops and to register, call 956-3819922 or visit web at www. edinburgwbc.org.

11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Pharr Events Center, 3000 N. Cage.

In addition to the sponsorships, slots are available for local restaurants to promote their gourmet specialties.

Companies, organizations and individuals are encour-

aged to donate unique bowls and silent auction items that help promote their products, services or talents.

Sponsors and restaurant owners can sign-up now at foodbankrgv.com or by calling Philip Farias at 956-9044513.

the adults in the system get it right, kids can do remarkable things. For the last 16 years, IDEA has been working to prove this is possible. We are proud of this achievement.”

Prior to announcing this year’s winner, a seven member review board of national education experts analyzed publicly available student performance and college-readiness data for 30 of the country’s largest public charter management systems and named three finalists: IDEA Public Schools, Success Academy Charter Schools and YES Prep Public Schools.

IDEA Public Schools was selected as this year’s Broad Prize recipient because of its strong record of success preparing students in South and Central Texas for college.

IDEA Public Schools is

a network of 44 elementary, middle and high schools in Texas that serves more than 24,000 students in San Antonio, Austin and the Rio Grande Valley. IDEA’s student population is 87 percent low-income and 95 percent Hispanic. In 2015, all of IDEA’s schools were in the top 30 percent of Texas schools for advanced proficiency for low-income and Hispanic students in elementary, middle and high school English, math and science. That same year, 97 percent of their Hispanic students took the ACT, while the high school graduation rate for IDEA’s Hispanic students was 99 percent. For the past 10 years, 100 percent of IDEA graduates have been accepted to a four-year college or university.

Empty Bowls sponsors, donations needed

IDEA Schools named America’s Best

IO GRANDE VALLEY – IDEA Public Schools has been named the winner of the $250,000 Broad Prize for Public Charter Schools at the 2016 National Charter Schools Conference in Nashville. The award honors the public charter management organization that demonstrates the most outstanding overall student performance among the country’s largest urban charter management organizations while reducing achievement gaps for low-income students and students of color.

“We are thrilled to be the recipient of the 2016 Broad Prize for Public Charter Schools,” said Tom Torkelson, founder and CEO of IDEA Public Schools. “This recognition is validation that when

e Peanuts Movie ursday July 7th

entertainment

Coming Attractions

July 2 • The Santa Maria Bullring presents a Grand Bullfight Festival at 2 p.m. to celebrate Don Fred Renk’s 80th birthday. The line-up features matadors Karla Santoyo, Jim Verner, David Verner and Cesar Martinez. Tickets are $20 each. Music begins and the food and beverage stand opens at 1 p.m. Call 956-481-3300 for more information.

July 3 • The world’s largest paint party returns to State Farm Arena with Life in Color and the “Kingdom” tour featuring Steve Aoki, Yellow Claw, Ghastly and David Solano on the line-up. Doors open at 6 p.m., and tickets are available for $30 per person from ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000.

July 7 • The International Museum of Art & Science continues their Science on A Sphere presentations with “Juno Arrives @ Jupiter.” The dome planetarium show, and hands-on science experiments run from 4 to 8 p.m., followed by star gazing outside from 8 to 10 p.m. Bring lawn chairs, telescope or binoculars or use the IMAS equipment for star gazing. The program is included in the regular price of admission. IMAS is located at 1900 in McAllen.

Call 682-0123 for information.

July 14-24 • The Pharr Community Theater presents “El Color de Nuestra Piel,” a Spanish language drama/tragedy called by Celestino Goroztiza. PCT is located at 213 W. Newcombe Ave. in Pharr. For information, call 956-6559308.

July 22 • Nicky Jam, Zion & Lennox, Dd La Ghetto and Valentino will perform full sets for The Fenix Tour at State Farm Arena in Hidalgo. The show begins at 9 p.m. Tickets range from $51 to $161 and are available from ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000.

• It’s a Friday Night Honky Tonk from 7 p.m. to midnight at the Boggus Ford Events Center, 3000 N. Cage in Pharr. Tickets are $10 per person and available at ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000.

July 25 • Pitbull heads to State Farm Arena in Hidalgo with “The Bad Man Tour” for a 7:30 p.m. show. Admission ranges from $65 to $175. Buy online at ticketmaster.com or call 800-745-3000.

July 27 • The Steve Miller Band will perform at State Farm Arena in Hidalgo for an 8 p.m. show. Purchase tickets, ranging from $40 to $145, at ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000.

July 29 • The boxing gloves are on from 7 to 11:30 p.m. at Border Wars IV at Boggus Ford Events Center, 3000 N. Cage in Pharr. Tickets range from $30 to $75 and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000.

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

Free-flight program sails overhead Did you know that the native Harris Hawk hunts in family groups? This unusual hunting style earned them the nickname Wolves of the Air. Sky Kings Falconry will be at Quinta Mazatlan on Thursday, July 7, at 7 p.m. to for a program on Harris Hawks and other birds of prey. Take the family out for an evening in the park as raptors fly right overhead with the Wildlife Revealed free-flight program and learn about the natural history, unique traits and extraordinary abilities of these and other birds of prey. Park admission is $3 per person which includes the program. Quinta Mazatlan is located at 600 Sunset in McAllen. Call 956-681-3370 for information.

S HARY

Seniors forced to work to rebuild retirement nest eggs

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ASHINGTON, DC – Seniors who went back to work after retirement used to do it to keep busy, but the Great Recession has made it an economic necessity for more and more older Americans, according to Dan Weber, president of the Association of Mature American Citizens.

“There are those who say we’re coming out of the Great Recession [2008], and there are others who predict a new recession is on the horizon. Either way, the U.S. economy is not what it used to be and neither is the prospect of an early retirement.

Not long ago the financial services company, Northwestern Mutual, conducted a poll that found more than 60 percent of respondents admitted they would be working beyond that traditional retirement age of 65 due to necessity. Nearly 80 percent of them said they could not retire because of insufficient savings,” Weber said.

The AMAC chief also cited a recent Gallup survey.

It found that there are more post-retirement job seekers out there than ever before, mainly because they don’t have enough money.

“The historically destructive recession that started as President Obama took office and his inability to speed up the recovery have seniors scrambling for ways to salvage what’s left of their retirement. Bear in mind that while the net worth of all Americans has declined sharply during this period, seniors have been hardest hit.”

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Another Gallup poll concluded recently that the biggest financial concern for Americans “is funding their retirement, with 61 percent worried about having enough money for that. This worry has been exacerbated by the recession’s aftermath, which has perhaps caused more seniors and baby boomers near retirement age to remain in the workforce and postpone retirement until they have replenished their nest eggs.”

Gallup also reported that confidence in the U.S. economy has suffered, Weber said, quoting a Joint Congressional Economic Committee report predicting that “the recession’s impact on retirement security will persist even as the economy continues to recover. Older workers may delay retirement, while many primeaged workers face the daunting prospect of rebuilding lost home equity and saving for retirement despite persistently slow wage growth.”

Weber said that the recession put the country into a deep hole, so deep that we’re not out of it yet. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities was quoted: “In the first quarter of 2016, the demand for goods and services (actual GDP) was roughly $407 billion less than what the economy was capable of supplying (potential GDP). This output gap, which is manifested in excess unemployment and idle productive capacity among businesses, is the legacy of the Great Recession.”

Don’t miss the discounts Eat for less

here are benefits to growing old; among them are senior discounts. Often franchise and local stand-alone eateries offer discounts to seniors, but don’t advertise that fact.

The Association of Mature American Citizens recommends asking the server when placing the order.

Even those establishments with no specific policies are apt to make an on-the-spot decision to reduce the final

bill by five to 10 percent if asked. Restaurants thrive on repeat business and offering a break to seniors is one way to gain repeat customers.

It’s the same at supermarkets and other chain stores, says AMAC. Some even have special days when seniors get discounts. Meantime, go online and search for “senior discounts” before heading out to take advantage of other opportunities.

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Go to store.usgs.gov/ pass/senior.html#benefits to find out how far $10 can go.

Play for even less

he U.S. Geologic Survey, the government agency that focuses on the country’s natural resources, offers seniors age 62 and older a lifetime pass to more than 2,000 outdoor recreation facilities throughout the U.S. for only $10.

For example, go paddling on the Little Calumet River Water Trail in Porter, Ind. or visit Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park in Key Biscayne for sunbathing, swimming, picnicking, camping, hiking and kayaking.

AMAC notes that senior pass holders get a lifetime of free access to locations such as these throughout the U.S. along with discounts at campgrounds and other onsite facilities.

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July 1, 2016

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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

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Public asked to join in ‘Crosses for Food’

embers of the Clay Group with the Upper Valley Art League began a project of making crosses during their weekly classes to benefit the Mission Food Pantry. The “Crosses for Food” creations will be sold at the Pantry and proceeds will be used to purchase food to restock the shelves for those in need.

The group has now opened the project up to other members of UVAL, and the general public is invited to participate and make it a community-wide effort, ac-

cording to Maxilou Link, UVAL president.

They are seeking donations of original works of crosses in oil, acrylic, fiber art or quilting. The general public can drop off their completed works at the Upper Valley Art League during regular gallery hours. Hours are Tuesday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and Saturday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Call 956-655-3153 for more information or 956583-2787.

MHM hosts July movie nights

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he Mission Historical Museum and the City of Mission present the third annual Family Movie Night on the Lawn this summer. The general public is invited to the free event held every Thursday evening in July at the museum for an outdoor, family movie beginning at 8 p.m.

The movie line-up for

the month includes “The Peanuts Movie” on July 7; “Alvin and the Chipmunks Road Trip,” July 14; Kung Fu Panda Part III,” July 21; and “Zootopia,” July 28.

For viewing comfort, take a blanket or lawn chair for seating. Refreshments will be sold. The museum is located at 900 Doherty Ave in Mission.

Sign-up open for next art classes

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ession 1 is underway and registration is open for Sessions 2 and 3 of the Children’s Summer Art classes at the Upper Valley Art League. UVAL is located at 921 E. 12th St. in Mission, next to Speer Memorial Library.

Taught by Veronica Jaeger, the classes are held on

Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 to 4 p.m., and cost is $75 per session for four classes. Dates for Session 2 are July 19, 21, 26 and 28 and Session 3 is set for Aug. 2, 4, 9 and 11.

For more information, call UVAL at 956-583-2787 or email Jaeger at verojaeger2013@gmail.com.

Military families receive free admission to historic sites

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USTIN – The Texas Historical Commission’s (THC) state historic sites will again participate in the Blue Star Museums program, which gives active military personnel and their families free admission to museums and historic sites across Texas and the U.S. The program runs through Labor Day, Sept. 5.

This year, more than 2,000 museums in all 50 states are taking part in the

initiative, including more than 500 new museums. The free admission program is available to any bearer of a Geneva Convention common access card (CAC), a DD Form 1173 (dependent ID), or a DD Form 1173-1 ID card.

To find participating museums, visit arts.gov/bluestarmuseums. For more information on the THC’s state historic sites, visit texashistoricsites.com.

...And You Said You Wouldn’t

Drive

MUNICIPAL Words deserve actions. Don’t just say you won’t drink and drive this Fourth of July, take action to designate a driver. July 4th is one of the deadliest holidays for drunk driving accidents.

Be responsible and act on what you say: We’re

gettin

Only

g bet

ter

Emergency Calls:

Dial 911

Non - Emergency: 956.584.5000

Happy 4th of July from

Mission Police Dept.

Committed to our community www.missionpolice.org

opinion

By Ed Sterling Texas Press Association

STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

Supreme Court affirms 5th Circuit in immigration case

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USTIN — The deadlocked U.S. Supreme Court on June 23 in effect affirmed a judgment that the Obama administration’s use of deferred action in implementing immigration policy violates the United States Constitution.

The U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals earlier ruled it was a presidential overreach to implement an immigration policy not approved by Congress. The Supreme Court’s 4-4 tie vote leaves that ruling in effect.

Gov. Greg Abbott welcomed the outcome. “The action taken by the president was an unauthorized abuse of presidential power that trampled the Constitution and the Supreme Court rightly denied the president the ability to grant amnesty contrary to immigration laws,” Abbott said.

In his remarks to the press following the court’s action, President Obama said, “I have pushed to the limits of my executive authority. We now have to have Congress act. And hopefully, we’re going to have a vigorous debate during this election. This is how democracy is supposed to work and there will be a determination as to which direction we go in.”

The main question before the court since January was whether the discretionary power exercised by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson violates the “take care clause” of the Constitution. The clause requires the president to take care that the laws of the nation be faithfully exe-

cuted.

A “guidance” memorandum issued by Johnson on Nov. 20, 2014, lays out a process called “deferred action” by which he exercises discretion over whom to deport and whom not to deport.

The process was to be used when considering undocumented residents who have lived in the United States for five years and either came here as children or already have children who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

Other questions in the case included: 1. Whether a state that voluntarily provides a subsidy to all undocumented individuals with deferred action has constitutional standing and a court-worthy cause of action to challenge the guidance because it would lead to more undocumented individuals having deferred action; 2. Whether the guidance is arbitrary and capricious or otherwise not in accordance with the law; and 3. Whether the guidance was subject to the federal Administrative Procedure Act’s notice-and-comment requirement.

Meanwhile, unless Congress takes action, the fate of millions of undocumented residents remains in question. Congress is on summer break until late July.

Court decides Fisher case The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld the University of Texas’ use of race as a factor in student admissions.

The high court voted 4-3 to affirm the judgment of the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of

Appeals in Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin.

Petitioner Abigail Fisher filed suit after being denied admission to UT in 2008.

Fisher alleged the university’s consideration of race as part of its holistic-review process placed her and other Caucasian applicants at a disadvantage. She maintained that the policy amounted to a violation of the U.S. Constitution’s equal protection clause.

An Austin federal district court ruled the university’s admissions policy was in violation of the clause, but on appeal, the Fifth Circuit ruled the policy was legal.

According to Justice Anthony Kennedy’s majority opinion, the component of UT’s admissions policy that had the largest impact on Fisher’s chances of admission was not the school’s consideration of race but rather the Top Ten Percent Plan. That plan guarantees acceptance for students who graduate in the top 10 percent of their high school class.

“Because petitioner did not graduate in the top 10 percent of her high school class,” wrote Kennedy, “she was categorically ineligible for more than three-fourths of the slots in the incoming freshman class.”

Assistance request granted The Obama administration on June 22 granted Gov. Abbott’s federal disaster request for individual assistance for Bastrop, Burleson, Eastland, Lee, Liberty, Stephens and Tyler counties, amending the June 11 disas-

July 1, 2016

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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS ter declaration that was issued to address recent severe flooding.

Individual assistance, which must be applied for, may include help with temporary housing, lodging expenses, repairs to a primary residence, financial assistance to homeowners to replace their home destroyed in the disaster that is not covered by insurance and permanent or semi-per-

manent housing construction in FEMA-specified areas or locations.

According to the governor’s office, more counties may be added to the list.

DPS: Don’t leave kids in car The Texas Department of Public Safety on June 22 posted a warning that warmer weather places children at greater risk of injury or death if left unattended in a vehicle.

Every year children die from heatstroke after being left in a vehicle or entering a vehicle unnoticed.

DPS Director Steven McCraw said, “Members of the public can also do their part to keep kids safe by notifying emergency personnel if they witness a child alone or in distress inside a vehicle — regardless of the weather.”

Construction commences on La Plaza Mall parking garage

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By Davis Rankin

onstruction on new parking at McAllen’s La Plaza Mall has already started and on Monday city commissioners voted to pay for it. McAllen will sell up to $20 million in bonds to finance two parking garages.

In March, David Contis, president of Simon, La Plaza’s parent company, was in McAllen to announce what had long been rumored, that they are going to more than double the mall’s size to nearly 250,000 square feet.

To accomplish this, Simon bought the Sears building on the north side of the building and that is where the expansion will be. Sears has left the market.

As part of the project, Simon will build two double-deck parking garages.

One will be on the south side next to Dillard’s and the other will be on the north side

by Macy’s and both will be connected to those stores.

Construction has already started on the Macy’s garage.

As part of the negotiations with Simon over the expansion, the city pledged to finance much-needed parking and Simon is ultimately on the hook for it.

Here’s how City Manager Roy Rodriguez explained what the city is doing: “We all know how important La Plaza Mall is to our economy. We understand what a vital role they are in the sales tax revenue we receive and which we’re blessed to get. We also know ... La Plaza Mall has parking issues on many occasions during the year and we felt that we could have an agreement that would help La Plaza Mall with that issue and help us with the sales tax issue.”

Under the deal made with Simon, they established as a base line the amount of sales tax generated by sales at La Plaza from Oct. 1, 2014, to Sept. 30, 2015. Any sales tax money generated above that baseline is then split with 50 percent going to pay back the bonds and the other 50 percent going into the city’s coffers. If there’s not enough tax money generated to pay the bonds, La Plaza “is required to make up that difference,” explained Rodriguez.

The expansion will pay for the expansion “Ultimately, the sales tax coming off the expansion of the project (the mall) will eventually repay the development corporation

back for the bonds,” is the way the city’s bond lawyer, Tom Spurgeon of McCall, Parkhurst & Horton, put it to commissioners. Spurgeon is referring to the city’s Development Corporation, which gets and spends 1/2 cent of sales tax revenues and is not to be confused with the McAllen Economic Development Corporation, which recruits businesses.

McAllen will sell bonds in increments to keep costs down. Commissioners voted four to one Monday to go ahead and sell the first $5 million in bonds. It’s actually $5,250,000 with the $250,000 going to pay the costs of issuing the bonds.

The city’s financial advisor, Rick Ramirez of First Southwest Company, said they will set the price of the issue on July 11 and are authorized to offer a maximum interest rate of 4.5 percent and joked “it will be substantially less than that.” The deal should be done by midmonth.

Commissioners Trey Pebley, Veronica Whitacre, Richard Cortez and Hilda Salinas voted in favor of issuing the bonds and Commissioner John Ingram voted against it but did not say why.

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1217 N. Conway • Mission, TX (956) 585-4893 FAX (956) 585.2304

Email news items to: news@SharylandTimes.com Advertising Inquiries: ads@SharylandTimes.com Copyright ©2015 Mission Publishing Company

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July 1, 2016

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Investigators seek person of interest

person of interest, identified as 24-yearold Jose Francisco Ballinas-Trevino, is being sought for questioning related to an aggravated kidnapping investigation in Peñitas.

Sheriff’s investigators are seeking Ballinas-Trevino, aka Paco and Pakin, for questioning related to an aggravated kidnapping investigation. The crime allegedly took place on May 23 in rural Penitas when an 11-year-old female went missing from her home and was found the same day nearby.

Water loop project update

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Information on the whereabouts of Jose Francisco Ballinas-Trevino can be given to the HCSO Investigations Division at 956383-8114. Anonymous calls can be made at the Hidalgo County Crime Stoppers hotline at 668-TIPS (8477).

Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the smart phone app “P3 Tips.”

If the information provided through the crime stoppers program leads to an arrest, the tipster may be eligible for a cash reward.

By Lea Victoria Juarez

Criminal trespass suspect shot by homeowner

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criminal trespass suspect was shot after fleeing a Mission home. The county sheriff’s office is investigating an incident that led to the shooting.

Deputies responded to a burglary report at a home on the 7200 block of Bentsen Palm Drive in rural

Mission at about 4:30 a.m. on June 20. The homeowner reported seeing an unidentified male in his fenced backyard.

According to a media release, the owner informed deputies that he went outside and confronted the alleged trespasser, while discharging a firearm. The

male suspect ran away and jumped over the fence, fleeing the scene. The homeowner suspects the male stole alcoholic beverages from an outside cooler in his backyard.

Shortly after, the sheriff’s office was notified of a person with a gunshot wound at a local hospital.

Deputies and investigators responded to the hospital and determined it was the same suspect seen in the homeowner’s backyard.

The suspect is currently in the hospital receiving medical attention for his injuries. Criminal charges are pending and the investigation is still ongoing.

troopers responded to the 1200 block in La Joya to assist U.S. Customs and Border Protection aircraft personnel after their aircraft was illuminated by a laser light on the ground.

The DPS officers were

able to locate the suspect, 57 year old Juan Peralez, from La Joya. Peralez was arrested and transported to the Hidalgo County Jail.

He was charged with illumination of aircraft by intense light, a Class A mis-

demeanor.

Pointing a laser light at an aircraft can temporarily blind individuals inside the aircraft or potentially cause permanent eye injuries to the pilot or crew.

Transportation has awarded a STEP Impaired Driving Mobilization grant to the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office.

The Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office will use this funding to focus DWI saturation patrols within high-risk locations where alcohol-related

crashes are most frequent.

The enforcement period for this operation will be from June 24, 2016 through July 5, 2016.

Texas Department of Transportation statistics show that holiday periods continue to be some of the most dan-

gerous times for Texas motorists. In the combined period of June and July 2015, there were 163 DUI (alcohol) related fatal crashes and 179 fatalities in Texas. The 2015 yearly total is 861 DUI (alcohol) related fatal crashes and 960 fatalities.

La Joya man arrested for illuminating aircraft

T

he Texas Department of Public Safety arrested a male suspect on June 20 for allegedly illuminating an aircraft with a laser light in Hidalgo County.

At about 1 a.m., DPS

DWI enforcement operation

T

he Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office is initiating an enforcement operation to help keep streets safe from impaired drivers for the Fourth of July holiday.

In an effort to reduce alcohol-related car wrecks, the Texas Department of

Reminiscing...

30 Years Ago This Week

City wins blood drive trophy Sixty pints of blood were collected ruing a two-day blood drive in Mission, sponsored by American Legion Post 93. The United Blood Services of McAllen helped to organize the event.

Local officials join ceremony for Olympic torch The Olympic torch will pass through Mission on July 11, on its way to open the U.S. Olympic Festival ’86 in Houston. The torch will be received at La Homa Road at 7:30 a.m. and will be run to city hall for a short welcoming ceremony at 8 a.m.. It will then continue along Business 83 to Taylor Road, where it will be given over to representatives of the City of McAllen.

Coyotes place two players on All-District team The La Joya Coyotes landed two senior players on the first team District 16-4A all district basketball team — pitcher Jose del Angel and outfielder Carols Cienega.

Emergency alert system now available to Hidalgo County residents

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he Hidalgo County Office of Emergency Management has launched a new online alert system, called E-Dalgo, for residents who want to be notified of emergency situations.

The county will use E-Dalgo to alert residents about events ranging from severe weather, fires, floods and other emergencies, to more routine announcements, such as road closures and water utility maintenance. Messages will be sent to residents on their preferred contact paths— cell phone, SMS, home phone, email, fax, pager and more—to ensure real-time

access to potentially lifesaving information. To register for E-Dalgo go to www. co.hidalgo.tx.us “We have a commitment to ensure public safety, community awareness and emergency response,” said Hidalgo County Emergency Management Director and County Judge Ramon Garcia. “To uphold this, when critical information and public service announcements are available, we need to reach our residents as quickly and reliably as possible.”

The E-Dalgo emergency notification system allows the county to disseminate this information across all types of devices, ensuring residents have access to real-time public information when they need it the most, said Emergency Management Coordinator Ricardo “Rick” Saldaña.

While anyone can register for E-Dalgo, Saldaña said that alerts will cover incidents affecting residents who live outside of city limits and countywide weather and emergency events.

ission’s Military water loop project is ahead of schedule and moving along nicely, according to Mario Reyna, the vice president for engineering company Melden & Hunt. But in an effort to accommodate the Madero Bridge construction, the engineers suggest adding two valves to the project to turn off the water while the bridge is being built. Reyna reported the potential change order at the Mission Redevelopment Authority’s June 18 board meeting, but the board will make a decision at the next meeting.

The additional two valves

would cost $17,000, and would allow for the uninterrupted flow of water for residents, which is sourced from a main line located on the East side of Conway and the West side of Inspiration.

By next month, construction on the water loop will be across Conway and the canal. The water line will be ready to be tested by then.

The valves need to be added before the lines are tested.

The Madero Bridge location is not set in stone, but according to the coordination meeting on June 27 between engineers and city leaders, the bridge is going to be between Los Ebanos and Conway.

Highlights from Mission City Council

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By Kathy Olivarez

n addition to approving a smoke free Mission, the Mission City Council tackled the budget, zoning, police matters and plans for upcoming city events at the June 27 city council meeting.

The council voted to approve the Fiscal Year 2016 Community Development Block Grant Fund allocations of the $904,240 granted to the city. Jo Anne Longoria presented the final budget for approval. The Lower Rio Grande Development Council Agency on Aging will receive $7,000; Amigos Del Valle, $126,000; Silver Ribbons, $4,000; Easter Seal Society, $4,000; Children’s Advocacy Center, $7,000; Salvation Army, $2,000; Housing Division, $637,000; and Administration of CDBG funds, $217,240.

The firm of Burton, McCumber & Cortez, LLP, was selected as the highest qualified firm to conduct the city’s annual audit.

Zoning Under zoning matters, a request for a conditional use permit for Monchi Loko, a business located in a portable building located in 1002 Hoerner Drive and Bus. 83, was denied. The business opened last year with another owner selling snacks and raspas.

Because ownership changed, a new permit was requested.

The mayor stated his opposition to allowing portable buildings that sell food at lower prices than the merchants who operate restaurants and pay taxes to the city.

This is an issue that frequently comes up in the council where opinions are mixed.

The vote was three to two in favor of denying the request.

Salinas and councilmen Dr. Armando O’Caña and Ruben Plata opposed the business; councilwomen Norie Garza and Jessica Ochoa were in favor of the request.

City Events Josh Stockel, new CEO of the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce, invited the council and those in the audience to take part in the upcoming Chef’s Barbecue Showdown and Car Show to be held at Mission Market Square, 202 W. Tom Landry Street, on July 30 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event will raise money to fun $1,000 schol-

Mission First United Methodist Church 1101 Doherty Ave.

Mission TX 78572 (956) 585-1665

Sunday

Worship Times 8:00 a.m. Informal 9:00 a.m. Contemporary 10:00 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Traditional 11:00 a.m. Childrens Church 5:00 p.m. Spanish Worship

Everyone is Welcome!

Join us for communion the First Sunday of every month.

www.missionfumc.com

arships for each of the high schools located in Mission.

Chefs from across the Valley will compete in cooking barbecue beef brisket, pork ribs, chicken and the “chef’s choice.” Wristbands to be able to sample food cooked by the chef teams are $15 each. The top chef will win a $2,500 prize.

Action items Under action items, the council approved the lowest responsible bidder for the wastewater plant expansion project. R.P. Constructors, Inc. of New Braunfels was awarded the bid in the amount of $14,841,556. The expansion will add an additional 4.5 million gallons daily (MGD) to the plant.

That will bring total capacity to 13.5 MGD. Council approved solicitation of bids for a storm drainage project on Perkins’ Avenue between the 11th and 15th blocks.

The council approved donations to Sister Cities. A 2004 Chevy dump truck will go to San Fernando, Nuevo Leon. A 1998 International dump truck will go to Francisco I. Madero, Coahuila.

A Ford F-250 pickup truck will go to Guadalupe, Nuevo Leon. Representatives of the cities receiving the trucks were present to thank the council and the City of Mission for giving them the trucks.

The council approved a “no parking anytime” zone on the north alley-way of the 500 and 600 blocks of Ramirez Street after being told it was impossible to transverse the alley due to the cars parked in it.

Police Under police matters Police Chief Roberto Dominguez was given permission to purchase a new Broadband System for the police department’ in-car lap top system through the National Intergovernmental Purchasing Alliance in the amount of $295,294. Funding will come through the department’s drug forfeiture funds.

The purchase of Broadband System hardware, software and professional services from Tyler Technologies was approved in the amount of $35,450. Funding for the purchase will also come from Drug Forfeiture Fund.

Properties Following executive session, the council voted to enforce the Dilapidated Structure Legal requirements for removal on the following properties: lots one and two, Block 10 Southwest #1; Lot 10, Block 1, Southwest #1; E Part of Lot 1, Block 206, Mission Original Townsite Subdivision; lots six and seven, Glasscock Acres; and lot 12, Block 2, Citriana Heights.

The council will use the right of eminent domain to acquire properties needed to complete the Inspiration Road Project. Site to be taken include an .008 acre tract (341 square feet) of a .079 acre tract of s 81.66 acre tract including all of Lots 21-2 and 22-1, West Addition to Sharyland Subdivision.

The second site to be taken is a 005-acre tract of land (200 square feet), portion of lot 182, Taurus Subdivision.

The third site is a .126-acre parcel of land our to 10 acres out of Lot 30-1, West Addition to Sharyland.

The council will also acquire property describes as Mission Original Townsite Lot 1, Block 91.

July 1, 2016

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Sharyland Pioneer advances to state 7-on-7 tournament

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By Bryan Ramos ootball is much more than a game in the state of Texas; it’s a way of life. Mission displayed this last Saturday as 32 high school teams from across the state converged to compete in the Rio Grande Valley 7-on-7 state qualifying tournament for just two spots to advance to the state 7-on-7 tournament, sacrificing a part of their summer for the love of the game.

The 32 teams were placed into four brackets and eight pools to play at four different locations hosted by Mission High, Mission Veterans, Sharyland High, and Sharyland Pioneer. 26 of the teams who competed in the tournament were from the Rio Grande Valley with some teams traveling from Laredo and El Paso for their chance at the state tournament.

Friday night lights in the fall is what draws all the eyes, but 7-on-7 tournaments and leagues in the summer provide players an opportunity to build toward football season. Sharyland High offensive coordinator Dario Saenz was on hand Saturday as Richard Thompson Stadium hosted the semifinal games; he spoke about the benefits 7-on-7 football offers athletes.

“It gives our guys a chance to work on their skill

set like timing, technique and form. We have spring football but this keeps the programs alive through the summer,” explained Saenz.

“7-on-7 brings unity between the groups as far as teams are concerned. It’s a good thing to get to see the kids play, they’re having fun, they’re enjoying themselves but they’re also competing and perfecting their craft.”

After 52 total games played on the day, the four remaining teams vying for the two qualifying slots came down to bracket winners Sharyland Pioneer Diamondbacks, Weslaco Panthers, McAllen Memorial Mustangs, and Laredo United Longhorns. The two teams victorious in their semifinal matchup would be the only teams left standing and therefore both qualify and advance to the 7-on-7 state tournament.

The final four teams clashed at Richard Thompson Stadium where the Diamondbacks were victorious over the Laredo United Longhorns by the tune of 4124 in a highly competitive, do-or-die game that included jawing and shoving after the whistle on multiple occasions. The Diamondbacks jumped out to an early lead and never looked back as they struck gold on numerous deep balls and pinpoint precision behind the arm of

sophomore quarterback Jacob Rosales. Rosales spoke about the team accomplishing what they set out to do from the start.

“All year we’ve been talking about wanting to go to state, it’s something all teams from the Valley want to do and it really helps us for the upcoming season. It means a lot, we’ve all been working hard and this was our goal.”

In the other semifinal game, the Memorial Mustangs pulled out a close win over the Weslaco Panthers by a score of 34-33 to advance to their first state tournament since 2002. The Mustang defense came up with multiple stops in the closing minutes to hold on to the slim lead after trailing the Panthers early in the second half.

The Pioneer Diamondbacks will be making the program’s first appearance in the state 7-on-7 tournament in school history. As the final buzzer sounded, players rushed the field to embrace and celebrate the hard fought victory.

Although they earned every reason to celebrate their accomplishment, Diamondback senior receiver Bobby Acosta remained focused on the bigger picture.

“Now that we’re here, we’re ready to put in work.

We’re going to celebrate now, but tomorrow’s a new

day,” Acosta said after the team’s victory. “We got to come back and be ready to fight. We’re ready to go up there and show them what we’re capable of and represent the Valley.”

With the conclusion of qualifying tournaments across the state, the stage is set to crown a champion at the Adidas State 7-on-7 Division I Tournament on Friday, July 8 at Veterans Park and Athletic Complex in College Station. The Sharyland Pioneer Diamondbacks, Mercedes Tigers, and McAllen Memorial Mustangs will represent the Rio Grande Valley in the Division I Tournament while the La Feria Lions will represent in the Division II Tournament. The Diamondbacks are in Pool E along with Dickinson High, Harker Heights, and Plano East. Division I games are scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. on July 8, time and location are subject to change.

Diamondback senior receiver Alec Garcia, who made a spectacular leaping touchdown catch in between two defenders in the second half of the semifinal victory, shared his reason on why this group has achieved success and will continue to make noise.

“Our main thing is we believe. We’re just one team trying to do big things out there,” said Garcia.

Power of positive thinking

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rowing old is not for the faint of heart; one only needs a positive attitude, says the Association of Mature American Citizens.

A study led by Becca Levy, associate professor of epidemiology and psychology at the Yale School of Public Health, suggests that the way individuals think about growing old may have an impact on the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease.

She said, “We believe it is the stress generated by the negative beliefs about aging that individuals sometimes internalize from society that can result in pathological brain changes. Although the findings are concerning, it is encouraging to realize that these negative beliefs about aging can be mitigated and positive beliefs about aging can be reinforced, so that the adverse impact is not inevitable.”

July 1, 2016

Hiding in plain sight?

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ould it be that King Tut’s tomb was a handy, make-shift burial chamber when he died suddenly at the age of 19? The Association of Mature American Citizens reports that at least one Egyptologist believes the tomb was actually built for his predecessor, Queen Nefertiti.

Archeologist Nicholas Reeves is out to prove that Nefertiti’s remains lie behind a wall in Tut’s burial chamber. She died more than 3,300 years ago, but her body has never been found. Apparently, Reeves suggests, Tut was too young when he died to

have built his own tomb, so they put him in an outer compartment of a much more elaborate tomb in which the Queen was buried.

Howard Carter achieved worldwide fame when he discovered the “boy king’s” resting place almost a century ago. He had his suspicions about Tut’s “unkingly” tomb as evidenced by an enigmatic passage in his memoirs.

Carter wrote: “The unfamiliar plan of [the] tomb repeatedly caused us to ask ourselves in our perplexity whether it was really a tomb or a Royal Cache.”

‘Think Tank’ doesn’t tolerate thinkers

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ne would think that an organization with the name, Institute for Policy Studies, would welcome debate on the issues they study. But, Caleb Rossiter lost his job as an associate fellow at the Institute because his superiors felt he was too open-minded, says the Association of Mature American Citizens.

He was fired because his “views on key issues, including climate science, climate justice, and many aspects of US policy to Africa, diverge so significantly from ours,” his boss-

es wrote in their letter of termination. The pink slip was handed to him two days after he published an article in the Wall Street Journal in which he revealed his doubts about the validity of climate change.

After he got the axe, Rossiter, who is a self-described liberal thinker, told reporters, “I am not someone who says there wasn’t warming and it doesn’t have an effect, I just cannot figure out why so many people believe that it is a catastrophic threat to our society.”

obituaries

Homero Rodriguez-Barrera MISSION – Homero Rodriguez-Barrera, 61, passed away on Sunday, June 26, 2016 in Edinburg.

Survivors include his wife of 39 years, Enedelia A. Rodriguez; children, Gladisbel Espinoza, Sonia Elizondo, Enedelia Reyna and Homero Rodriguez; siblings, Maria del Carmen Sustaita, Maria Luisa Rodriguez, and Adalberto Rodriguez; and nine grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Epifanio Rodriguez and Baudilia Barre-

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ra, and brother,Sergio Rodriguez.

A funeral mass was held on June 29 at Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church in La Joya. Burial followed at Ruben Solis Cemetery La Grulla.

Valerie Jean Martinez PEÑITAS – Valerie Jean Martinez, 31, passed away on Friday, June 24, 2016, at Mission Regional Medical Center in Mission.

Ms. Martinez was born in Berlin, Germany on March 31, 1985 to Joe Martinez and Maria Teresa Castañeda.

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Beat the tick and flea season for pets

hen dog and cat owners notice their pet excessively scratching, biting, and licking, many of them associate these signs with fleas. With so many products on the market for flea treatment and prevention, finding the right product to treat a pet and their surrounding environment can be both intimidating and confusing, according to an expert from Texas A&M. Controlling fleas is a multi-step process and often involves assistance from a veterinarian, especially in severe cases. For every flea an owner finds on their pet, it is likely that many other immature flea life stages, such as eggs, larvae, and cocoons, are in the pet owner’s home and yard. An efficient flea treatment and prevention plan includes caring for both the pet and the pet’s environment.

Dr. Adam Patterson, clinical assistant professor and chief of dermatology at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine &

N

Biomedical Sciences, explained the importance of treating both pets and their environment.

“The adult fleas owners see on their pet is just the tip of the iceberg, as those fleas come from immature and unseen flea life stages in the carpet, area rugs, upholstery, dog beds and shady places outdoors,” Patterson said. “Depending on environmental conditions, it may take a couple of weeks to months for all of the eggs to hatch, so if you don’t keep regularly administering flea prevention to all fur-bearing animals in your home, you are giving fleas an opportunity to come right back on your pet.”

A successful flea control plan eliminates fleas from the pet, as well as the indoor and outdoor environment. Owners should be guided by their veterinarian in choosing the safest and most effective flea control product to treat their pet and home. Veterinarians will choose a product based on the extent of the flea in-

festation and other considerations, such as the pet’s health, age, and breed.

Patterson said, “Some products may be harmful to some animals in your household so a veterinarian can recommend the best product for you.”

In addition to using a flea control product, owners can treat their homes and yards in other simple ways.

For an indoor environment, vacuum thoroughly below drapes, under furniture, and where the pet sleeps. Be sure to remove and discard the vacuum waste bag after every use until the flea infestation is resolved.

Washing the pet’s bedding on a weekly basis can also help in flea prevention.

Controlling fleas in the great outdoors includes disturbing flea habitat to prevent adult fleas from developing. To do this, apply veterinarian-recommended products to moist, warm, and shady areas and areas in the yard where there is organic debris, such as leaves. Fleas also populate in areas where pets spend

much of their time, such as under patios, porches, and outdoor kennels. Disturb these breeding ground areas by raking, sweeping, and applying an insecticide.

There are many flea control products for pets on the market, including flea collars, once-a-month topical spot-on treatments and oral tablets.

Allergic reactions, bacterial skin infections, anemia and the transmission of parasites are additional potential complications that may occur in pets with fleas.

“Of course, if you notice any signs of itchy skin, sores on the skin, hair loss, lethargy, or weight loss in your pet, you should have the pet examined by a veterinarian,” Patterson advised. “The good news with fleas and ticks is that there are very good preventatives available. If you are consistent and vigilant with preventative treatment, you shouldn’t have to worry about complications from fleas.”

A retirement home for college kids

ot so old college students have found a home – a retirement home – at Cleveland’s Judson Manor, reports the Association of Mature

Survivors include her father, Joe Martinez; mother, Maria Teresa Castaneda; and siblings, Carol Barnette, Mary Helen Martinez, Bonnie Marie Martinez and Joey Martinez; maternal grandmother, Beatriz Castaneda; and paternal grandparents, Jose and Ramona Martinez.

She was preceded in death by her paternal grandmother, Margarita Martinez.

A funeral service was held on June 29 at Lord and I Funeral Home in Peñitas.

Cremation followed at Val Verde Memorial Gardens in Donna.

American Citizens. The students from the Cleveland Institute of Music get free housing in exchange for free performances. The 20-something year old stu-

Notices

Jose Barrera MISSION – Jose Barrera, 47, passed away on Monday, June 27, 2016, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Concepcion Flores MISSION – Concepcion Flores, 67, passed away on Sunday, June 26, 2016, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Maria De Jesus Gonzalez ALTON – Maria De Jesus Gonzalez, 101, passed away on Saturday, June 25, 2016, at her home. A funeral was held on June 29 at Funeraria Del Angel in Mission.

dents also get a life-lesson from the 70-something year old retiree residents, according to NBC Correspondent John Yang. “The residents have developed

such an affinity for the students they even consider them as part of their family, referring to them as grandchildren.”

Patricia Galvan MISSION – Patricia Galvan, 47, passed away on Saturday, June 25, 2016, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Juan Garcia MISSION – Juan Garcia, 76, passed away on Friday, June 24, 2016, at Mission Regional Medical Center. A funeral service was held on June 27 at Ric Brown Family Funeral Home in Mission.

Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery McAllen.

Melly Meza MISSION – Melly Meza, 80, passed away on Thursday, June 23, 2016, at her home in Mission.

Adalberto Munguia MISSION – Adalberto Munguia, 85, passed away on Wednesday, June 22, 2016, at Comfort House in McAllen. A funeral service was held on June 25 at Ric Brown Family Funeral Home in Mission. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens in Mission.

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE MISSION

PADRES OBLATOS THE FATHERS: †FR. JIM, FR. PHILION, FR. DON & FR. ROY (†MAGNA, †SENTINEL, †MAGNO, †AUGIE, †DIDYMUS, †CHUNKLY, †GIRLY, CANTINA, VALENTINE, NEWLY, BENDITO & CHARLOTTE) MISSIONARY CATECHIST OF THE POOR: SR. LUPITA DAUGHTERS OF MARY MOTHER OF MERCY: SR. ELIZABETH, SR. BIBIANA & SR. MADONNA † DEACON AYALA & DEACON CASTAÑEDA GOD BLESS MISSION, TEXAS AND THE U.S.A., OUR HOME SWEET HOME! MAY THE PRAYERS AND LOVE OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE INSPIRE US TO FORM A COMMUNITY OF BRAVE, FREE, NOBLE PEOPLE WHERE OUR CHILDREN AND THEIR CHILDREN WILL ALWAYS HAVE THE RIGHT TO LIFE, LIBERTY AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS, THE RIGHT TO BECOME THE “WORKS OF ART” GOD CREATED THEM TO BE! “I WILL SPREAD PROSPERITY OVER MY PEOPLE LIKE A RIVER...YOUR HEART SHALL REJOICE AND YOUR BODIES FLOURISH LIKE THE GRASS: THE LORD’S POWER SHALL BE KNOWN TO HIS SERVANTS.” (1ST READING)

MASS SCHEDULE “Texas Friendly” spoken at all masses (and confessions) Saturday (English) ........................................... 4:00 P.M. Saturday (Spanish) .......................................... 7:00 P.M. Sunday (Spanish) ........................................... 7:30 A.M. Sunday (English)............................................. 9:00 A.M. Sunday (English)........................................... 10:30 A.M. Sunday (Tex-Mex) Mariachi Mass ......... (Noon)12:30 P.M. Sunday (Tex-Mex)............................................ 5:30 P.M. Monday - Wednesday & Friday (Tex-Mex) ....... 6:55 A.M. Thursday (Tex-Mex) ......................................... 7:00 P.M.

CONFESSIONS

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

620 DUNLAP, MISSION, TX • 585-2623

ONE BLOCK WEST OF CONWAY ON MAGNA DRIVE (6TH ST.)

page 10

BRYAN HOUSE

Commissioners Court Report

Texas Veterans’ Commission grant he Community Service Agency gained approval to accept a $300,000 grant from the Texas Veterans’ Commission.

The Series 16B grant will go toward Operation Bravo Zulu and benefit honorably discharged veterans. Up to 450 veterans will be eligible to receive a maximum of $600 in utility assistance payments.

The Hidalgo County Commissioners Court approved the 16B series grant and authorized County Judge Ramon Garcia to sign the appropriate documents to accept the grant.

To optimize the chances of success, program orga-

T

nizers of Operation Bravo Zulu will attend a mandatory webinar in July. The webinar will include general training as well as a question and answer session.

County selected for Zika conference The Hidalgo County Commissioners Court gave approval for a State of Texas Active Response (STARZ) Conference on the Zika virus at the McAllen Convention Center. The July 6 conference will emphasize risk reduction, provide unity on the state’s response to a potential outbreak and discuss ways to increase educational outreach.

Eduardo (Eddie) Olivarez, the chief administrating officer of the Health and Hu-

AGUA SUD

was again ordered to report directly to Cerda.

Salinas was hired by Agua SUD in May 2015 as community outreach coordinator.

He previously worked for less than a year as a surplus and inventory specialist for Hidalgo County Purchasing Department. From June 2012 until May 2014 he worked for the county as a storm water inspector. The current La Joya ISD board member worked for the school district from 1990 to 2010 as radio/TV producer.

Next, the Agua board appointed three board officers to negotiate a new employment contract with Cerda. The appointees are Ricardo Ochoa, president; Homero Tijerina, vice president; and Francisco Flores Jr., treasurer. Tijerina was elected vice president by the board earlier in the meeting.

New Palmview sewer project The utility district has plans to bring sewer services to approximately 1,200 homes in the Palmview area that are presently using septic tanks.

Reddy Kajuluri, an engineer

July 1, 2016

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man Services Department, praised the Commissioners Court for their assistance in bringing the conference to McAllen. Prior to the June 20 approval, the court held a workshop on the Zika virus and invited the mayors from the Hidalgo County cities to work jointly on education and prevention efforts.

More than 300 emergency response personnel are expected to attend the joint event between the City of McAllen and Hidalgo County.

The next regular commissioners court meeting will be held at 9 a.m. on July 5 in the commissioners courtroom, located on the first floor of the courthouse annex at 100 E. Cano in Edinburg. from pg 1

with S&B Infrastructure Ltd. reported that he expects the Texas Water Development Board to approve the plans for the project within two weeks.

The $40 million project will then be put out for bids. He said there will be three phases to the project, which will include construction of three lift stations, collector lines and connections to homes and businesses.

Agua SUD, as per an interlocal agreement with the City of Mission, will send the raw sewer water to Mission’s sewer plant for treatment.

Stagnant Growth Cerda made a presentation to the board, explaining that, due to declining growth in the number of new water connections in the district’s service area, he has engaged SAMES Engineering to conduct a study of the district’s fee structure and project how it impacts growth. He explained that typical growth for area municipalities is 2.5 to 3 percent annually. However, Agua has been experiencing declining numbers of new meter connections since 2012 and the rate of growth for 2015

was only .5 percent -- only 67 new meters, compared to 240 new meters in 2012.

He said he is looking at ways to spur growth in the number of new water meter connections. SAMES will study the effect of possibly lowering the cost for new meter connections. Presently, Agua charges about $4,200 for a new connection, whereas neighboring cities such as Mission, McAllen and Edinburg charge about $500.

The district’s higher fees discourage growth. However, a sizeable portion of the cost of a new connection is the district’s $1,700 impact fee. The impact fee was established as a way to have developers pay the cost of the added infrastructure needed to provide water service.

Cerda said, “It’s not something we have to do today.

We have to make sure we are doing the right thing for Agua and for Agua’s growth.

What is it going to do? If it’s to get that 150-200 meters a year growth … the board will make the decision at that time.“

restore the Bryan Home. Her family also undertook the complete restoration and upkeep of the Cochran House in Austin.

“My aunt has been very active about projects that involved restoration and I grew up in that environment; I feel it’s our duty,” King said with a smile. “I love history, old houses, things made by hand, so when I see an old house like this I think of the workmanship that went into it. It’s an instant attraction.”

King wants to share that love of history with the community and for future generations, giving people something to do and somewhere to go in Mission. She believes that the new generations want more quality in life and more meaning in things, and she intends to give it to them through Bryan House.

“When we purchased the house, we didn’t have any idea what we were going to do with it, we just knew it needed to be saved; not only for older generations, but also for new generations,” King explained.

King is a native of Mission and lives just down the

road from Bryan House, and has a personal connection to the home that she didn’t remember until she and her husband purchased the home.

“I was here working late and started to remember having been here years ago.

There was a teepee in the back. I didn’t remember that when I bought it; I must have been really, really little.”

The teepee no longer exists, but many other people in the community have stories about or connections to the Bryan House.

“It’s been amazing hearing the stories from the elderly people who remember this house from their childhood,” King said. “That’s been the biggest surprise for me, given me the strength, the push, to keep going, realizing this is really something to take care of.”

Some of those stories included the fact that John J. Conway, one of the founders of Mission, sold the property to Bryan, starting the home’s history in Mission as a place with a connection to the Valley’s growth. One such connection is with the

from pg 1

Rabb House in Brownsville, once home to Frank Rabb, a Texan rancher and politician active during the Mexican Revolution. Bryan would stay with Rabb while he was in the Valley before the Bryan House was built. The home itself was built because his wife, Mary Elizabeth Bryan, suffered from arthritis, so they needed a winter home, thus making the Bryans some of the first Winter Texans. The Daughters of the American Revolution used it in the 60s as their headquarters and gave tours.

These stories and many others are what King would like to share with community both now and in the future.

And if anyone has a connection to the House, she would like to hear those stories as well to add to the history and share with future generations.

“Progress is measured by how much cement is poured,” King said, “but if we want our kids to come back to the Valley we have to offer quality of life, we have to preserve our historical districts.”

Above, top to bottom: The Bryan House honeymoon suite, the desk inside the home’s study and the Bryan House basement. Left: Ariel King, the owner of the historic Mission home.

King has been working on renovating the home since December 2014, and has just opened the home for events in June after receiving permits to operate from the Mission City Council.

Photos by Brittany Asbury

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buy • sell • trade • rent • hire

this page is your oyster opening up to a world of opportunity Personal classified rate: $7 for 15 words

25¢ each additional word thereafter

Business classified rate: $15 for 15 words

25¢ each additional word thereafter

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 Submit by email or pay by phone 585-4893.

The deadline to get your classified in is Tuesday at 5 p.m.

Mobile Homes

Autos 2013 MALIBU LTZ for sale, must sell, call Roy for more information 956-5370820.

INFINITI G37S COUPE 2013, custom ride, low miles, Ally black wheels, many features, super low price of $27,500, call or text Albert 956-2526617.

2006 LINCOLN TOWN Car - Excellent condition, low miles, one owner. $5,200. Call 956534-1100.

2003 MERCURY MARQUES, like new, 51,000 miles, call 916-813-9635.

For Sale LAZY BOY LOVE seat, electric, brown, $500, call for more information 316-650-2640.

Garage Sales

MULTI FAMILY BIG garage sale, Friday & Saturday July 1-2, 8am-3pm, 4109 South Conway.

1614 ARIES ALLADIN Villas, Saturday 25th, 8am -2pm, pictures, microwave, blinds, chairs, clothes, etc.

ORDINANCE NO. 4367

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR THE SALE & ON-SITE CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES – MARISCOS LA CHIVIS, 600 N. SHARY ROAD, SUITE C & D, LOT 1, ESDRAS VEGA SUBDIVISION READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 27TH DAY OF JUNE, 2016.

Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

AN ORDINANCE REPEALING AND REPLACING THE CITY OF MISSION CODE OF ORDINANCES HEALTH AND SANITAION CHAPTER 42, SMOKING REGULATIONS; PROVIDING A REPEALER CLAUSE; PROVIDING A SAVINGS CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION AND EFFECTIVE DATE; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; AND ORDAINING OTHER PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 27TH DAY OF JUNE, 2016.

Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

UPDATED MOBILE HOME, 55+ park, own lots, 2br/2b, covered carport, screen porch/hurricane shutters, Harlingen, 903 -9009180.

DBL WIDE MOBILE home, TX room, completely remodeled, 3 br, 2 baths, lg storage area, Harlingen, $75,000, 956-4408015.

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AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS ESTABLISHING A NO PARKING ZONE AT ANYTIME ON THE NORTH SIDE ALLEY-WAY OF THE 500 AND 600 BLOCK OF RAMIREZ STREET; PROVIDING FOR INSTALLATION OF SAID TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES BEING NO PARKING ZONE TRAFFIC SIGNS AND PROPER SIGNAGE THEREOF AND MAKING PROVISIONS OF THE STATE TRANSPORTATION CODE AND TRAFFIC ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MISSION IN REGARD TO PENALTY FOR VIOLATION APPLICABLE THERETO READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 27TH DAY OF JUNE, 2016.

Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO PLACE A 24’ X 60’ PORTABLE BUILDING, 915 W. EXPRESSWAY 83, LOT 1, NIDO DE AGUILA SUBDIVISION READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 27TH DAY OF JUNE, 2016.

Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

ORDINANCE NO. 4366 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO PLACE A PORTABLE STRUCTURE FOR THE SALE OF FOOD – FIESTA GROCERY, 208 N. INSPIRATION ROAD, LOT 1, MADRIGAL SUBDIVISION READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 27TH DAY OF JUNE, 2016.

Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary NOTICE TO PUBLIC

Notice of Public Hearing Mission Economic Development Corporation Notice is hereby given that the Mission Economic Development Corporation will conduct a public hearing on Tuesday, July 19, 2016 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers, 1201 East 8th Street, Mission, Texas to consider the following project or projects during the proposed fiscal year 2016-2017: A) City of Mission in an amount not to exceed $1,000,000; B) Texas Citrus Fiesta in an amount not to exceed $75,000; C) RGV Lead in an amount not to exceed $75,000; D) Small Business Fund Programs in an amount not to exceed $350,000; E) Downtown Façade Improvement Program in an amount not to exceed $100,000; and F) Rent Subsidy Program in an amount no to exceed $50,000.

Anyone interested is invited to attend and present their comments.

Date of publication: July 1, 2016 Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

PUBLIC NOTICE The Mission Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a Regular Meeting on July 11, 2016 at 12:00 p.m. at the City Hall Council Chambers, 1201 East 8th Street, Mission, Texas in order to consider the following: Rezoning: 2.93 acres out of Lot 271, John H. Shary Subdivision, from AO-I (Agricultural Open Interim) to R-1A (Large Lot Single Family); Rezoning: 0.250 acres, being a part or portion of the Golf Course and Lake Reserve out of Meadow Creek Country Club Phase 1-A Subdivision, from AO-I (Agricultural Open Interim) to R1-T (Town House Residential); and Rezoning: The Southeast 1.0 acre of the South 10.0 acres of the North 20.0 acres of Lot 226, John H. Shary Subdivision, from AO-I (Agricultural Open Interim) to R-3 (Multi-Family Residential) 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 MISSION ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION NOTICE OF INTENTION TO UNDERTAKE A PROJECT OR PROJECTS TAKE NOTICE that the Mission Economic Development Corporation of the City of Mission, (the “MEDC”), shall convene not earlier than 60 days after first publishing this notice and shall consider authorizing and undertaking a Project or Projects, as hereinafter described, pursuant to the provisions of V.T.C.A. Local Government Code Sections 505.001 et seq. The MEDC is authorized on behalf of the City of Mission, Texas to undertake the Project or Projects by paying the cost of the Project or Projects with sales tax revenues authorized under said Local Government Code sections.

The Board of Directors of the MEDC will determine whether the Project or Projects will be undertaken and whether it will finance the cost of the Project or Projects with proceeds from sales tax revenues.

The Project or Projects shall consist of the following: A) City of Mission in an amount not to exceed $1,000,000; B) Texas Citrus Fiesta in an amount not to exceed $75,000; C) RGV Lead in an amount not to exceed $75,000; D) Small Business Fund Programs in an amount not to exceed $350,000; E) Downtown Façade Improvement Program in an amount not to exceed $100,000; and F) Rent Subsidy Program in an amount not to exceed $50,000.

Date of Publication:

ORDINANCE NO. 4369

ORDINANCE NO. 4365

Farm/Ranch 1940’S AEROMOTOR Windmill; complete baling equipment; feeding bin for sale, for more information call Leo at 956-342-3086.

ORDINANCE NO. 4368

July 1, 2016

Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

CITY OF MISSION COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT ENTITLEMENT PROGRAM FINAL ACTION PLAN 2016-2017 In compliance with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant Program rules and regulations, the City of Mission hereby announces its Final Action Plan 2016-2017 for its Thirty-third Year Entitlement Program. On June 27, 2016 the Mayor and City Council approved funding recommendations utilizing the following: $904,240

2016 CDBG Allocation 2016 ACTION PLAN PROJECT NAME: FUNDING: PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

(05A) AMIGOS DEL VALLE $ 4,000 Funding will be utilized to provide senior activities at the Arnaldo Ramirez Senior Center.

ELIGIBILITY: SENIOR SERVICES 570.201(e) PROJECT NAME: (05A) AMIGOS DEL VALLE FUNDING: $ 22,000 PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Funding will be utilized to provide meals to homebound seniors ELIGIBILITY: SENIOR SERVICES 570.201(e) PROJECT NAME: (05A) AREA AGENCY ON AGING FUNDING: $ 7,000 PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Funding will be utilized to assist seniors with medications, hearing aids and Medical supplies and equipment ELIGIBILITY: SENIOR SERVICES 570.201(e) PROJECT NAME: (05B) EASTER SEALS SOCIETY FUNDING: $ 4,000 PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Funding will be utilized to provide outpatient rehabilitation services.

ELIGIBILITY: HANDICAPPED SERVICES 570.201(e) PROJECT NAME: (05N) CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY CENTER FUNDING: $7,000 PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Funding will be utilized to provide counseling services for abused/ neglected children and their families.

ELIGIBILITY: ABUSED AND NEGLECTED CHILDREN 570.201(e) PROJECT NAME: (05Q) SALVATION ARMY FUNDING: $ 2,000 PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Funding to provide rental assistance to help prevent low/mod income families from becoming homeless.

ELIGIBILITY: PUBLIC SERVICES (GENERAL) 570.201(e) PROJECT NAME: (05) SILVER RIBBON FUNDING: $ 4,000 PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Funding will be utilized to assist disabled individuals and seniors with rent and rent deposits, utilities and utility deposits, and/or medications, dental, eyeglasses and durable medical equipment ELIGIBILITY: PUBLIC SERVICES (GENERAL) 570.201(e) PROJECT NAME: (14A) HOUSING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FUNDING: $627,000 PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Funding will provide Housing Rehabilitation for approximately one (1) eligible low moderate income family whose home is dilapidated and in need of repair $15,000 and Housing Reconstruction for approximately ten (10) eligible low moderate-income families whose homes are not adequate to live in $622,000 ELIGIBILITY: REHAB; SINGLE UNIT RESIDENTIAL 570.202 PROJECT NAME: (14H) HOUSING ADMINISTRATION FUNDING: $ 80,000 PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Funding for staff costs for administration, operation and maintenance expenses relative to the development, implementation, and monitoring of the overall Housing program.

ELIGIBILITY: REHAB ADMINISTRATION 570.202 PROJECT NAME: (21A) CDBG ADMINISTRATION FUNDING: $137,240 PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Funding for staff costs for administration, operation and maintenance expenses relative to the development, implementation, and monitoring of the overall CDBG program.

ELIGIBILITY: GENERAL PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION 570.206 In accordance, with Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, Phase XI of the City of Mission’s Entitlement Community Development Block Grant Program, provides maximum feasible priority to activities benefiting low to moderate income residents and will aid in the prevention and elimination of substandard living conditions within the community of Mission. The activities will be administered and are designed for use by and benefit the residents of neighborhoods predominately consisting of low to moderate-income persons.

After the public comment period expires and comments are considered the Final Action Plan 20162017 will be submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, H.F. Garcia Federal Building/U.S. Courthouse, 615 E. Houston Street, Suite 347, San Antonio, TX 78205.

For further information on this document, contact Ms. Jo Anne Longoria, Community Development Director at (956) 580-8670.

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O

n July Fourth, we celebrate the birthday of the United States of America, and all the great things our nation represents.

We’re proud of our country and the values it upholds, and we gratefully salute the brave men and women of our Armed Forces who fight to defend America and her ideals.

God bless the U.S.A. Wishing You and Yours a Safe and Happy Independence Day Weekend!

NorbErTo “bETo” SaLiNaS NoriE Garza

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rUbEN PLaTa CoUNCiLMaN

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JESSiCa orTEGa-oChoa Dr. arMaNDo oCaña CoUNCiLMaN

CoUNCiLWoMaN

City Manager - Martin Garza, Jr. 1201 E. 8th St. - (956) 580-8650 www.missiontexas.us

w w w. c i t y o f p a l m h u r s t t x . c o m

Ramiro J. Rodriguez, Jr. Jr. James James Aranda Ramiro Rodriguez, Aranda Mayor

Mayor

Mayor Pro-Tem

Mayor Pro-Tem

Ruben De De Leon Ruben Leon Councilman Councilman

Israel Silva Israel Silva Councilman Councilman

RobertA. A. Salinas Robert Salinas Councilman Councilman

Ofelia Peña Perez Ofelia Peña Perez Councilwoman Councilwoman

NorbErTo “bETo” SaLiNaS NoriE Garza MaYor Pro-TEM

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rMaNDo ESSiCa rTEGa Salvador Vela Arturo R. Galvan Jr.Choa Ricardo Garza rRichard Arevalo EmilioCaña Cantu Jr. MayorCoUNCiLWoMaN Mayor Pro-Tem Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner CoUNCiLMaN

509 Jr. S. Alton Blvd.

- Martin Garza, CityCityofManager Alton Alton, TX 78573 1201 E. 8th St. - (956) 580-8650 “e City on the Grow” www.alton-tx.gov www.missiontexas.us (956) 432-0760

Gerardo Perez Mayor

Joel Garcia, Jr. Mayor Pro-Tem

Ricardo Villarreal Councilman

Ramon Segovia - City Manager

Gracie Flores Councilwoman

Arlando Nacianceno Joselito Hernandez Councilman Councilman

David Nacianceno -Assistant City Manager

Jose A. “Fito” Salinas Mayor

Penitas Anna Lisa Ruiz Commissioner

Maria E. “Geny” Salinas Commissioner Roberto Jackson City Attorney

Mary Salinas Mayor Pro. Tem

Victorio Salinas Commissioner

Mike Alaniz City Administrator

Julianita Sabala Administrative Secretary