Friday, December 16, 2016
www.ptrgv.com | 25 Cents
Vol. 45 No. 20
McAllen Performing Arts Center architect home grown in Mission By Joe Hinton When Eli R. Ochoa was in second grade his father, Ciro, a Mission Barber and businessman, hired a friend to design and build a new home for his growing family. It was an act that would shape who the younger Ochoa would become, a regionally known architect whose recently completed McAllen Performing Arts Center has been compared to New York’s Lincoln Center and Washington, D.C.’s John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. “We knew when we were designing it that we were designing something special,” Ochoa said Tuesday in the conference room of his McAllen-based firm, ERO Associates. With his Belgian Malinois, LaLa, sitting nearby Ochoa, 60, called the McAllen PAC the crowning achievement of his 30year career, but not the last achievement. Among other projects his staff of 30 is designing are two high schools for the Houston Independent School District as well as projects for the University of Texas and the South Texas College’s new nursing building. Ochoa said perhaps his
most gratifying accolade for the McAllen PAC came from singer Tony Bennett, who performed at the center Dec. 6. “He alluded to the point this was one of the best, if not the best performing arts center that he’d ever performed in. That was a very nice testament to what we’ve done. It’s definitely world class,” Ochoa said as his staff continued working in the open, classroom-sized workspace behind him. Ochoa, who moved from Mission to McAllen six years ago, said the McAllen PAC is more to him than just an acoustically sound music hall, it’s the culmination of his design philosophy. “I have a design philosophy I’ve been following for a long time which is respecting the land, the people and the history. And so before we start designing we do a lot of research into the historical aspects of the land,” he said. As examples of design elements tying the center to it’s site are the use of Pecan, the Texas state tree, for the overhead acoustical diffusers; the use of Mesquite, ubiquitous to the Southwest, for the center’s grand stairway, and the
See PERFORMING ARTS pg. 5
What may appear to be an artist’s rendering of McAllen’s Performing Arts Center is an actual photograph with a real person taking advantage of a lakeside ramada about 12:30 p.m. Tuesday. The center is thus far the crowning achievement of Mission native Eli R. Ocha’s 30-year architectural career but as he said not his final achievement. Progress Times photo by Joe Hinton
‘This is needed’ La Joya breaks ground on ER Joya City Hall, 701 E. Exp. 83, and is expected to open by mid-2017, said Texas ER Management CEO Dan McLean, who will be overseeing the medical facility. “This 6,300 square foot facility will serve as an ER where experienced physi
By Jose De Leon III LA JOYA — Strong winds and temperatures in the low 40s did not prevent a group of 20 people from attending the Dec. 8 groundbreaking for La Joya’s first medical emergency room. The South Texas ER is being built behind the new La
By Henry Miller
Artist’s rendering of South Texas ER. Image courtesy of the City of La Joya
See GROUNDBREAKING pg. 10
Alton holds annual Christmas Parade and Toy Giveaway By Jamie Treviño
ALTON — The City of Alton and the Greater Alton Chamber of Commerce held the 11th Annual Christmas Parade and Toy Giveaway last Saturday, Dec. 10. The parade drew families and involved many Alton
city officials, business leaders and residents who volunteered to make the event a success. Beginning at 10:30 a.m. with a Posada put on by the youth ministry from the San Martin de Porres Church, the children acted out the Christmas Nativity scene and
Alton’s Fire Department provides a platform for Santa and his reindeer during last Saturday’s annual parade in Alton. Progress Times photo by Jamie Treviño
Christmas can be challenging for kids in foster care
kicked off the parade with prayer on the stage at Main Street Park. The parade ran down Main Ave. in Alton and ended with a toy giveaway at the Recreation Center at Sylvia Vela Park. The kids who attended the parade were excited to meet Santa and receive a gift. Justin Hinojosa, a supervisor from the community’s Recreation Department, helped organize the parade. He spoke about how many floats and acts were involved in the parade. “The parade starts exactly at 11 a.m., and we have 43 entries this year,” Hinojosa said. “It’ll be about an hour, and it ends at the City Hall.” Hinojosa also mentioned why the Christmas Parade was important for the people in Alton and what the city is trying to do with the event. “I think it’s good for the community,” Hinojosa said. “It’s a small community; it’s unlike other cities that tend
to steer from the reason for Christmas and do these parades for other reasons. The mayor of Alton likes to keep the cause and reasoning behind the parade, what it’s supposed to be, every year.” Along with the parade, which involved bands from Mission and Veterans Memorial High Schools, cheerleaders, dancers, a Zumba demonstration and numerous city officials, there were vendors selling food and drinks. Music played loudly and kids watched and cheered as the parade passed by. Marco Muñoz, in attendance that day, talked about the event and its impact. “It’s just really good that this parade could bring everyone out here,” Muñoz said. “It isn’t the biggest city, so to see so many of its residents out and having a good time is really great. When everyone is able to come out and enjoy the day together, it shows how unified we can be.”
The 16-year-old girl’s Christmas list was short; a car with gas, an iPhone to be able to call family and a husband. “Yeah, I don’t think I’m going to get those,” she said. But what that short list tells is of a young lady who wants to be on the go, yearns to stay in touch with family and dreams of a loving, lasting future.
“A gift card would be nice,” she said. “I’d like to buy some things from that brand, ‘Pink.’ I’m girlie.” The girl lives with her sister and another young girl with a foster family connected to the Rio Grande Children’s home. The home, on North Bentsen Palm in Mission, houses three on-campus sets of parents and has several foster parents around
See FOSTER CARE pg. 12
Nelida Tristan (right), Foster Care Supervisor for the Rio Grande Children’s Home in Mission, stands with Lucia Cavazos De Leon, program assistant, in front of a Christmas tree in the office building. The home has three on-site sets of parents and each parent can take care of up to six siblings at a time. Progress Times photo by Henry Miller.
INSIDE
Postman Arrested
Football Honors With 15 of its players named to the 1st or 2nd All-District team and taking the district’s co-championship Sharyland High School’s Pioneer football team took the most honors in this year’s 31-5A district.
A mission postal worker has been indicted on two counts of bribery after allegedly selling voter lists to a campaign worker for candidates in the La Joya ISD two years ago. Venessa Cruz will be the next assistant principal at Raquel Cavazos Elementary School on the See pg. 12 city’s north side. See pg. 12
New vice principal at Cavazos
See pg. 8
INDEX
Entertainment | pg. 2
Lifestyle | pg. 3
If you need to go to the
Opinion | pg.4
Sports | pg. 8
Obituaries | pg. 9
Classifieds | pg. 11
entertainment
EWBC plans holiday Adventure at the Wetlands
EDINBURG – The Christmas break is just around the corner, and kids will be home with time on their hands. For families looking for options to bond and explore, the Edinburg World Birding Center (EWBC) has planned four days of educational opportunities on Tuesday, Dec. 27, through Friday, Dec. 30 with its Adventure at the Wetlands program. The nature-related and outdoor activities are designed to engage, inspire and entertain, according to EWBC program organizers. On Tuesday, from 2:30 to 4 p.m., join in the geocaching and learn how to use a GPS unit while heading out on a high-tech scavenger hunt to find geocaches. On Wednesday, from 1 to 4 p.m., visit the Dragonfly Pond to capture and observe the crit-
ters from the waters below. Thursday is Kid’s Birding Day and birding experts will lead a bird walk from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. On Friday, from 2:30 to 4 p.m., build a boat from natural materials and then race them down one of the EWBC streams. The fee for each day of Adventure at the Wetlands is included in the regular admission: $3 for adults, $2 for students, children, and seniors, and no charge for children aged 5 and under. Admission is free for EWBC members. Reservations are recommended. The EWBC is located at 714 S. Raul Longoria Road. For more information, call 956-381-9922 or visit www. EdinburgWBC.org.
Go on a holiday trek with Adventure at the Wetlands and the staff of the Edinburg World Birding Center.
Moscow Ballet presents Russian Nutcracker Dec. 30
The world famous Moscow Ballet brings the Great Russian Nutcracker to the Rio Grande Valley stage this month. The performance will be held Friday, Dec. 30, at 7 p.m. in the McAllen Performing Arts Center. In the biggest Christmas experience of the year, this is the original, direct from Russia, with the artistry of the world’s finest dancers against a backdrop of larger-thanlife magical props, a 60-foot growing Christmas tree and spectacular Russian-made costumes and sets. Platinum ticket buyers will receive a premium Nutcracker doll and a Moscow
Ballet Book with each ticket purchased. In addition, Platinum ticket buyers will have a Meet and Greet opportunity before the performance for a backstage guided tour. Platinum ticket buyers MUST meet the Moscow Ballet representative 45 min. prior to curtain time at the merchandise to participate in the backstage tour. Gold Circle Tickets buyers will receive a Nutcracker doll and the official Moscow Ballet Book with each ticket purchased. Ticket prices range from $26 to $148 and are available at ticketmaster.com.
Take a night hike with Santa this Saturday, Dec. 17, from 8 to 10 p.m. at Estero Llano Grande State Park. Part of their Christmas Night events, kids, parents and the general public can join Santa in a search for nocturnal creatures. On Sunday morning, Dec. 18, head out on Santa’s Bird Hike from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. The activity is suitable for all ages Finally, the New Moon Night Hike is set for Thursday, Dec. 29, from 8 to 10 p.m. There is nothing to be afraid of in the kid-friend-
ly event to go spider sniff, look for scorpions with black lights, check out the pauraques night birds, search for alligator eyes in the night and engage in stargazing. It’s free with admission – $5 for adults, children 12-and-under free. Meet on the deck outside the park store. Bug spray, binoculars and flashlights are recommended, but not necessary. Black lights can be useful. Estero Llano Grande is located at 3301 South International Boulevard (FM1015) on the southeast edge of Weslaco.
The Mariachis of the Mission Consolidated Independent School District (MCISD) invite the community, staff and students to their 2016 Winter Mariachi
concert tonight, Friday, Dec. 16. It will be held at the Veterans Memorial High School auditorium at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free.
Explore outdoors with Santa
Mariachi show tonight
FREE FOOD FREE TOYS
LIVE MUSIC DANCE SHOWS
(956) 583-5656 / (956) 581-3345 • Exp. 83 & Liberty Blvd. • Peñitas, Tx Equipment Services
December 16, 2016
page 2
www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com
NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS
Coming Attractions
Now to December 31 • The 26th Annual Hidalgo Festival of Lights runs all month with over three million lights and 500 illuminated displays with a superheroes theme this year. Go to hidfol.com for a full lineup of activities and musical performances. • Brownsville’s Holiday Village, located at Dean Porter Park across from Gladys Porter Zoo, officially opens for the season. Come out for the first lighting of the season at 7 p.m. Take in the food, fun and festivities from 6 to 10 p.m. throughout the season on weekdays and 6 to 11 p.m. on weekends. Admission is free. December 16 • The RGV Nights artists will host a “Winter Wonderland” at Leo Pena “La Placita Park” in Mission from 6 to 10 p.m. The event is free to the public to view original artworks, which will be for sale, along with a variety of foods for sale. Entertainment will be provided by local dance and musical groups. For more information, call 605-9393. • Prepare to join in the singing with Grammy award winner Vikki Carr in a Christmas concert at 8 p.m. at the McAllen Performing Arts Center at Ware and Expressway 83. She will be joined by the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley Mariachi Atzlan and Ballet Folklorico. Tickets range from $40 to $100 and are available at the McAllen Convention Center Box Office and ticketmaster.com. For tickets or more information on the performance, visit ticketmaster.com or call 956-681-3800. • “The Christmas Story Comes to Life” in the form of a live nativity presented by the First Baptist Church of Brownsville from 7 to 9 p.m. There will be several scenes from the Christmas Story complete with live animals for the public to walk through the area. Following the scenic performances there will be numbers by a children’s choir and refreshments. December 16-17 • The Fourth Annual Bert Ogden Mission Chevrolet Cowboy Christmas Cook-off will be held in the dealership’s parking lot in Mission. Benefitting the Silver Ribbon Community Partners, the IBCA-sanctioned cook-off carries $15,000 in prize money. Barbecue categories include brisket, pork spare ribs and half chicken. The entry fee is $150 for one or all of the main lineup. Register and pay online and save $25 by going to bertogdenchevrolet.com. The $25 jackpot categories include ribeye steak, beans and fajitas. Judges are needed, and vendors are welcomed. For more information or to volunteer, call George Lopez at 956-984-9384. • The Upper Valley Art League is offering a ceramic workshop from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. both days with Alexander Comminos from the University of Texas RGV as the instructor. Cost is $36 for UVAL members and $46 for nonmembers. Class size is limited to 12 people; payment is required at registration. Classes will be held at the UVAL studio in the Kika de la Garza Fine Arts Center, 921 E. 12th, in Mission. Call 956-583-2787 for information or stop by the UVAL gallery to register. December 16-18 • Enjoy the local production of “Chicago,” the musical, by the Palmview High School InterAct Theater & Lobo Choir. Performances will be at the “Alex” H. Saenz Performing Arts Center, 604 N. Coyote Drive in La Joya at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are general admission and cost $6. (No credit/debit cards are accepted.) Tickets are sold at the door one hour prior to the start of each performance. Call 956-323-2896 for more information. • Experience Ariel, Sebastian and the evil Ursula coming to life at Mission High School’s E.N.C.O.R.E. Theatre production of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” at the Mission High School Theatre, 1802 Cleo Dawson. Show times are 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday with 2 p.m. matinees on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $5 for students at the door. For more information, call 956-323-5700. • The Harlingen Community Theater, 1209 Fair Park Blvd., presents “Christmas Belles,” a Christmas comedy, on Friday at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, at 2 and 7 p.m.; and Sunday at 3:30 p.m. Admission is $15, and doors open one hour before show time. For information, call 956-412-7529. • Camille Playhouse in Brownsville stages the musical “Billy Elliot,” the story of a young boy’s struggle again the odds to make his dreams come true. At Camille Playhouse, tickets for plays are $15 and musicals are $20. Performances are 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights and matinees at 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Go to camilleplayhouse.net for more information. December 17 • Las Palmas Race Park presents Kyle Park, with guest opener Mike Ryan. Gates open at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $20 for general admission to $30 for reserved table and are available at ticketly.com or by calling 877-435-9849. Las Palmas is located at 9809 N. Taylor Rd. in Mission. Call 956-585-7223 for information. December 18 • The annual Port Isabel-South Padre Island Christmas Lighted Boat Parade begins at 6 p.m. The awards ceremony takes place at Louie’s Backyard at the conclusion. December 19 • The Pharr Community Theater presents “A Tejano Christmas Carol,” an adaptation of the Dickens classic at The Bogus Ford Events Center at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased one hour before performances for $10 general admission and $7 for students, seniors and veterans. It’s free for children under age 5. For more details, call 956-600-9463. December 22 • In the next Nature Series presentation, Quinta Mazatlan World Birding Center presents the musical interlude and storytelling of Rosa Canales Pérez and Joe Pérez of Rumbo al’ Anacua in their presentation, “Palmomas de Valle,” at 6 p.m. Located at 600 Sunset Drive in McAllen, admission is $3 at the door. Call 956-681-3370 for information. December 23 • In a celebration of the Carpenters, Michelle Berting Brett honors the duo in her “Merry Christmas Darling: Carpenters’ Christmas” performance at 7 p.m. at the McAllen Performing Arts Center. Featuring the music of the Carpenters and their greatest hits and Christmas classics. Brett takes center stage accompanied by a live seven-piece band. Ticket prices range from $30 to $95 and are available at ticketmaster.com or at 800745-3000. December 28 • The Eli Young Band Holiday Hangovers 2016 tour comes to the Boggus Ford Events Center, 3000 N. Cage in Pharr. The performance runs from 7 to 11:30 p.m. Tickets are $27 general admission and $47 reserved seating. Go to ticketmaster.com or call 800-745-3000. December 29-30 • The talents of Seven Lions, Ghastly, Saymyname and FYER come together for Winter Fantasy 2016 at the Boggus Ford Events Center, 3000 N. Cage in Pharr. The concert runs from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. each night. Tickets are $32.50 per person, available at ticketmaster.com or by call 800-745-3000. To see the complete Coming Attractions calendar, go to ptrgv.com
lifestyle
Food drive benefits local families
It’s not too late to donate to the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce food drive, spearheaded by the GMCC’s ambassador program, Team GoMission. This is the first year for the effort to partner with the Mission Food Bank to feed 1,000 people in need during the month of Decem-
ber. The drive ends Dec. 21. The Mission Food Bank is requesting non-perishable foods. Recommended items include any canned food items, including canned or packaged meat, poultry and fish, and dry, packaged foods such as beans, rice and pasta. Drop-off locations include
The Mission Historical Museum is once again looking for antique – or just “old and interesting” – quilts for the annual “Turning of the Quilts” program in February, 2017. The Museum will accept vintage quilts from now until Friday, Jan. 27, 2017. Quilts can be brought in Mondays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Museum will be closed Dec. 23 to 26, and Jan. 1 and 2, 2017. The quilt owners are asked to provide as much information as they can about the history of their quilt, including its construction and
any stories associated with it. More than one can be submitted by each person. Quilts are presented stacked on a bed. As each quilt is shown, it is turned down to reveal the next quilt, until all have been presented. All quilts will be handled by trained and knowledgeable individuals. The program is presented as part of the awards ceremony at the 11th Annual Mission Quilt Show at the Mission Historical Museum at 2 p.m. on Feb. 10, 2017. MHM is located at 900 Doherty and 200 E. Tom Landry, in Mission. Admission is free. For more information, call 956-580-8646.
Entries sought for “Turning of the Quilts”
Masterminds The Veterans Memorial High School Masterminds team of Damian Gonzalez, Kimberly Garza and Kellen Shults have advanced to the second round of competition to air Jan. 22, 2017. The academic quiz show challenges students on such subjects as history, math, English, current events, art and music. It airs on Sunday mornings at 11 a.m. on KRGV Channel 5.
’Tis the season – for diplomas
Over 4,500 seniors with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and South Texas College have a little more to celebrate during the holidays with upcoming commencement exercises this weekend. South Texas College South Texas College will confer more than 2,000 degrees during its December commencement ceremonies on Saturday, Dec. 17. Graduation will take place at the State Farm Arena. The ceremony for Business and Technology students receiving Bachelor’s degrees begins at 10 a.m. The afternoon commencement for Liberal Arts is at 2 p.m. Friends and families who plan on attending commencement ceremonies are encouraged to arrive at the State Farm Arena as early as possible in order to secure
seating. Tickets have been issued to graduates and will be collected before entering. For the complete graduation schedule and more information, including access to a live stream of the commencement ceremonies, visit southtexascollege.edu/graduation/students.html. UTRGV The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley will have 2,499 prospective graduates in ceremonies today and tomorrow. Speaking at the 6 p.m. ceremony on Dec. 16 and the 9 a.m. ceremony on Dec. 17 will be Valley businessman Robert C. Vackar, owner of Bert Ogden Auto Group. The UTRGV business college was named after him following his $15 million donation to the university last May. The UTRGV commencement program schedule is as
the GMCC office at 202 W. Tom Landry, Jitterz Coffee Bar at 1625 N. Conway Ave., Plains Capital Bank at 1709 N. Conway Ave. and New
NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS York Life at 616 N. Conway Ave., Suite A. For more information, call 956-585-2727.
CALENDAR
December 16 – Learn about the intriguing world of ants during this month’s segment of Friday Night with a Naturalist at the Edinburg World Birding Center from 6 to 7 p.m. Registration is required. The event is free. The EWBC is located at 714 S. Raul Longoria Rd. Call 956-381-9922 for information. December 16-22 – The International Museum of Art & Science has brought back their Gingerbread Workshops where families can decorate their own miniature gingerbread house to take home. Spacing is limited; reservations are required. Cost is $3 per person, supplies included. Call 956-682-0123 for workshop times. IMAS is located at 1900 Nolana in McAllen. December 17 – Don’t miss the Adult Birding Series at the Edinburg World Birding Center from 9 to 10:30 a.m. At the first session, titled “Color to Learn: Bird ID,” learn the basics of bird ID through coloring. Registration is required. The fee varies each month; call ahead for rates. The EWBC is located at 714 S. Raul Longoria Rd. Call 956-381-9922 for information. December 17 – Eat breakfast with Santa at the International Museum of Art & Science from 8 to 10 a.m. in a buffet style meal. Guests will have the opportunity to take a photo with Santa, make holiday crafts, play holiday games, and more. Cost is $8 per adult and $5 for children who are members and $15 for adults and $12 for children who are nonmembers. Call 956-682-0123 for information. IMAS is located at 1900 Nolana in McAllen. December 26-30 – Kids can explore the world of art and science during the Winter Break Camps at the International Museum of Art & Science. Camps run from 9:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. Campers can register for just one day or for the entire week. Rates are $35 per day for IMAS members and $40 per day for non-members or $160 and $180, respectively, for the whole week. Before care or after care is $5 per day; both are $10 per day. Before care begins at 8 a.m.; after care runs until 4 p.m. Campers should bring a brown bag lunch. A snack will be provided in the afternoon. Call 956-682-0123 to register. IMAS is located at 1900 Nolana, McAllen. December 30 – This is the deadline as the Mission Historical Museum is closing out the 2016 year for the purchase of brick pavers to honor individuals, family, friends, groups and clubs or even to advertise a business. They come in two sizes: 4x8-inch, priced at $70 for members or $75 for non-members, and square 8x8-inch priced at $140 for members and $150 for nonmembers. For more information or to order a paver, call Linda Castañeda at 956-580-8646 or visit the museum at 900 Doherty Ave. (For daily events and upcoming weeks, see the full calendar at ptrgv.com.) follows: 6 p.m., Friday, Dec. 16, Student Union Lawn, Brownsville Campus (All Colleges); 9 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 17, McAllen Convention Center (Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship, College of Health Affairs); 1 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 17, McAllen Convention Center (College of Engineering and Computer Science, College of Education and P-16 Integration, College of Sciences); and 5 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 17, McAllen Convention Center (College of Liberal Arts, College of Fine Arts). In the event of a weather-related cancellation in Brownsville, that ceremony will be moved to 6 p.m., Friday, Dec. 16, at the McAllen Convention Center. Notification will be provided 24 to 48 hours prior to a change of location.
• Don’t leave your holiday presents or valuables out in the open. • Keep your windows and doors locked. • Don’t advertise your holiday travel plans - especially on social media. • Keep your garage door closed and locked. • Trim your shrubbery around your home to reduce cover for burglars. • Light up your residence, lock your doors at all times and call the Police when you see something suspicious.
Have a Safe & Secure Holiday from
page 3
www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com
EVENTS
Holiday Safety for your home
Emergency Calls: Dial 911 Non-emergency: (956)584-5000
December 16 , 2016
Sign-up opens for Mission health fair
Sign-up is open for vendors and sponsors for the 22nd Annual Mission Community Health Fair co-sponsored by the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce (GMCC) and Mission Regional Medical Center (MRMC). It will be held Sunday, Jan. 15, 2017, from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Sharyland High School gym, 1106 N. Shary Rd. Free and open to the public, health screenings available include bone density or signs of osteoporosis, flu vaccinations, pulmonary function tests and more. The MRMC laboratory team will provide master blood tests to the first 500 people. The screening includes complete blood count
(anemia), comprehensive metabolic panel (diabetes, liver and kidney function) and lipid profile (total cholesterol HDL and LDL). For males over 40, it includes a free prostate cancer screening; for females, it includes a free thyroid function screening. The value of the screenings are valued at approximately $1,000. A 12-hour food fast is necessary before the blood screening tests are performed. For more information to become a sponsor or a vendor, or about the event, contact Zoe Molina at events@ missionchamber.com or Rachael Houpt at rachael@ missionchamber.com, or call 956-585-2727.
LJISD student is metal champ
Once a year, welding students from across valley high schools meet to compete in the “Fastest Torch of the South.” This year, La Joy I.S.D. Palmview High School senior Martin Garcia earned the title and took up the prize. The welding competition, sponsored by one of the top welding institutions in the nation, Tulsa Welding School in Tulsa, Okla., was held at the Mercedes Livestock Show grounds. Over 300 high school welding students vied for the chance at becoming the fastest welder in the Rio Grande Valley. Garcia battled it out for seven rounds going head to head with fellow high school welders to ultimately take
home the first place award which included a $2,000 scholarship to Tulsa Welding School, a Victor Torch Set, an Auto Darken Welding Hood, and the Grand Champion belt buckle.
Martin Garcia
Progress Times Like Us on Facebook scan this code with your smartphone
Award-winning quality care for your heart? Check! South Texas Health System is
RANKED #1
In the McAllen/Edinburg market for Medical Excellence by CareChex® - a division of Comparion® for the following categories: 2016 QUALITY RATINGS
Cardiac Care
South Texas Health System
✓++
✓+
✓++
✓++
Doctors Hospital at Renaissance
✓
✓-
✓+
✓-
Knapp Medical Center
✓
✓-
✓
N/A
Mission Regional Medical Center
✓
✓-
✓
N/A
✓+
✓
✓+
N/A
Rio Grande Regional Hospital
Heart Attack Heart Failure Treatment Treatment
Interventional Coronary Care
Quality Rating Legend: ✓++ = Highest ✓+ = High ✓ = Average ✓- = Low
CareChex is an innovative medical quality rating system designed to assist hospitals and health systems in improving the quality of inpatient care and promoting medical excellence.
Learn more about the award-winning cardiac services at South Texas Health System at www.southtexashealthsystem.com.
Mission Police Department “Committed to Our Community” Go to www.missionpolice.org for additional holiday safety tips.
1200 E. 8th St. Mission TX, 78572
Get Social with us! Physicians are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of South Texas Health System. The hospitals shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. 163160
opinion Maybe a decision soon on med school & a crowd of 250,000 McAllen City Commission Monday, December 12, 2016
By Davis Rankin,
T
FUTURO McAllen he last McAllen city commission meeting of 2016 adjourned Monday night with still no decision by commissioners on their promised financial support for the University of Texas RGV medical school. Monday’s regular meeting was the third at which commissioners kept the item tabled. “I’m getting some more information,” was the only reason offered after the meeting by Mayor Jim Darling for why he left the proposed payment on the table. When does he expect to get the information needed? “Hopefully, this week, so I can report back to the commission at a regular meeting,” noting that the next regular meeting isn’t until January 9. “We’ll have to see if we have to call one or not cause it’s a long time between now and January,” said Darling, so a called meeting to deal with the payment is a possibility. During the meeting, when the item came up on the agenda, all Darling said was, “I’m going to leave Item 8a on the table with your permission.” No commissioner spoke up. City staff has suggested a payment of $1 million, according to city documents, with no explanation as to why that amount. Two years
ago, McAllen made a payment of $2 million but made no payment in 2015. The (McAllen) Monitor reported two weeks ago that The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley sent the city an invoice for $2 million, pursuant to a pledge McAllen made as a signer of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the university in 2014. Also signing and pledging money are Hidalgo County, Pharr, Mission and Edinburg. Mission has refused to pay and the other governments are believed to be current. While the other governments promise a fixed amount, McAllen promised only to pay up to $2 million, a point city officials stress. After it was announced that University of Texas-Brownsville and University of Texas-Pan Am would be merged into a new university, complete with a medical school, McAllen officials met with UT System officials, lobbying for a new administration building to be located in the city, among other things. The System has not announced plans for an admin building. Broken promises are said to be the reason for the city’s slow action on the med school support payment. The healthcare district that was defeated 2 to 1 in November was supposed to use some of the tax money gathered to support the school, although no dollar
amount was mentioned. Here’s how that is spelled out in the MOU: All such funds will be provided until a Hidalgo County or multi-county taxing district is created and such district either provides at least an equivalent amount of support attributable to the county and communities within the county or accepts and continues the commitments made by the county and the cities. One other note on the medical school payment. What is being considered and that has been tabled is a budget amendment of $1 million. They would vote to amend the budget, done by passing a city ordinance, and add the money. That means the money was NOT included in the budget they passed recently, the budget for the Oct. 1, 2016 - Sept. 30, 2017 fiscal year. Does that mean they did not anticipate spending the money at all? Lastly, in reports by the mayor on the new performing arts center, all Darling said was “Tony Bennett sold out,” which he did. As soon as they started talking about how to launch the new venue, Darling said he wanted the legendary singer, and he got him. Darling also said a fuller report on the holiday parade is coming but that “we broke even and hopefully plus” and reported the police chief pegged the crowd at 250,000.
November January 2, 16, December 2015 25, 2016 2016
page 4
www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com
NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS By Ed Sterling Texas Press Association
STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS
Abbott nominates Racing Commission chair as secretary of state
A
USTIN — Gov. Greg Abbott has appointed Rolando Pablos of El Paso to succeed Secretary of State Carlos Cascos, effective Jan. 5. Pablos has served as chair of the Texas Racing Commission, the state agency that regulates pari-mutuel racing, since December 2015. Because Abbott nominated Pablos during a legislative interim, the Texas Constitution requires the Senate to conduct a confirmation hearing and vote on the appointment during the first 10 days of the next session of the Legislature. The 85th Regular Session of the Legislature is scheduled to convene on Jan. 10. Confirmation would make Pablos Texas’ 111th secretary of state. In accepting the appointment, Pablos said, “I am humbled and honored that Governor Abbott has placed confidence in me to faithfully execute those duties. I look forward to serving on behalf of all Texas communities and demonstrating my unwavering dedication to the responsibilities of the office.” Secretary Cascos, whose resignation takes effect Jan. 4, was Abbott’s first appointee after being sworn in as governor in January 2015. Abbott thanked Cascos, saying, “I would also like to extend my sincere appreciation to Secretary Cascos for his service and dedication to the people of Texas, and for strengthening our partnerships across the globe.” The secretary of state serves as: - Chief election officer for Texas; - Keeper of the state seal; - Attestor to the governor’s signature on official documents; - Senior advisor and liaison to the governor for Texas Border and Mexican Affairs; and
- Chief International Protocol Officer for Texas. The Office of the Secretary of State is the repository for certain official and business and commercial records, it publishes government rules and regulations and commissions notaries public. Pablos, co-founder and chief executive of Uriel Americas, formerly served as chief executive of the Borderplex Alliance, a bi-national economic development organization based on the U.S.-Mexico border. Craddick is new RRC chair Christi Craddick, one of the three members of the Railroad Commission of Texas, on Dec. 6 was elected chair of the commission, the state agency that regulates the oil and gas industry. Craddick, a member of the commission since 2012, succeeds fellow member David Porter as chair. Porter chose not to seek reelection and Wayne Christian, a former member of the Texas House of Representatives, won the race to replace Porter in the Nov. 8 general election. Christian will take office in January. “Earlier this year,” Craddick said, “I was appointed to the National Petroleum Council, and I look forward to working with the new administration’s secretary of energy on ways to protect states’ regulatory authority of energy production for the benefit of local industry growth and state economies.” Revenue down in November Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar on Dec. 2 announced that state sales tax revenue totaled $2.51 billion in November, 2.9 percent less than in November 2015. “Continued weakness in the manufacturing and wholesale trade sectors, combined with persistently lower levels of oil and gas
drilling activity compared to the same period last year, is exerting ongoing downward pressures on sales tax revenues,” Hegar said. Total sales tax revenue for the three months ending in November was down by 2.2 percent compared with the same period a year ago. Canine teams graduate The Texas Department of Public Safety on Dec. 9 announced the graduation of five troopers and five canines from an eight–week training program. The new canine teams will join 46 other DPS teams stationed throughout Texas, including seven explosive-detection teams stationed in Austin, according to the announcement. So far in 2016, the DPS reported, canine teams assisted in the seizure of approximately 5,000 pounds of marijuana, 90 pounds of cocaine, 63 pounds of heroin, 191 pounds of methamphetamine, and $3.6 million in cash. Turner files car seat bill Legislation to require rear-facing car seats for children under two was filed by state Rep. Chris Turner, D-Grand Prairie, on Dec. 7. If passed into law, Turner’s House Bill 519 would apply to all children under two unless the child weighs more than 40 pounds or exceeds 40 inches in height. A news release from Turner’s office points out that according to a 2007 study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children under two are about 75 percent less likely to die or sustain serious injury in a rear-facing car seat than a forward-facing one. State Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, on Dec. 8 filed SB 278, proposed legislation identical to Turner’s.
STAY CONNECTED EVEN ON THE GO!
SUBSCRIBE TODAY, AND WE’LL DELIVER IT TO YOU
only $20 per year 956.585.4893 www.ptrgv.com
www.ptrvg.com
1217 N. Conway • Mission, TX (956) 585-4893 MEMBER 2016
TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATION
The Progress Times (USPS 971-420; ISSN 0890-2666) is published each Friday by Mission Publishing Co., 1217 N. Conway, Mission, Texas 78572, (956) 585-4893. Subscriptions $20 annual in Hidalgo County; $25 outside of Hidalgo County. Periodicals postage paid in Mission, Texas 78572. ©2016 Mission Publishing Company. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the PROGRESS TIMES, P.O. Box 399, Mission Texas 78573.
LETTER GUIDELINES
Letters to the Editor are welcome but must conform to certain guidelines. All letters must be original, dated, signed and bear the complete name, address and phone number of the writer/signer. No photo copied letters will be printed. No letters addressed to others will be printed. Letter content must be relevant to concerns and interests of Mission and the surrounding area. Relevance is determined by the editor. Anonymous cards or letters are neither read nor printed. Letters may be submitted by e-mail to letters@progresstimes.net, but must include the author’s name and daytime phone number.
December 16, 2016
PERFORMING ARTS
colors and form of the Bougainvillea to decorate the center’s seats. He said the colors in the main auditorium, browns, golds and blues, were inspired by the colors of the Indigo Bunting, a small bird that traverses McAllen during its annual migration between north and south and changes colors with the regions. The building’s exterior is an homage to McAllen’s moniker as the City of Palms. Ochoa said the tree’s trunk was the inspiration for the exteriors’ multifaceted configuration. Ochoa noted the center’s round turret in the front is representative of the gone but not forgotten smoke stack of the steam-powered engine that once pumped water from the Rio Grande River to McAllen. And the turrets’ placement, intersecting with the tree-lined arcade that encircles neighboring Oval Park, ties the center to its location. “Most might design aesthetically. They just design a building that’s pretty. It’s a beautiful building but it could be anywhere U.S.A. It really doesn’t have ties to anything,” Ochoa said. “You can design contextually in that you use similar materials and colors from the surrounding development, much like a university where all buildings are kind of alike. But when you take it to that third degree, that nth degree, is when you start incorporating cultural elements into the design. And that’s what really ties a building to its area, to its region and to its location.” Though architect Frank Lloyd Wright was known for melding his architectural designs with their environment Ochoa disavows any inspiration from the iconic designer. “I can’t really say I was inspired by any particular architect,” Ochoa said. “I was really more inspired by being raised in south Texas. For me our culture, our land; the people down here were all inspirations.” Ochoa said if there was
page 5
www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com from pg 1 one person who most inspired him it’s his father’s friend, Arturo Guerra, who designed and built the new home for Ochoa’s family back when he was a second grader. “And from second grade I’d go over to Arturo’s office and watch him draw plans for the house. And then after school every day I’d go over to the construction site and watch those plans take shape and I just loved it. Ever since then I knew that’s what I wanted to do,” he said. That childhood connection would also shape Ochoa’s early professional life. After graduating from Mission High School in 1975 Ochoa obtained his degree in Architecture from the University of Texas at Arlington. During his studies Ochoa found he was more drawn to structural engineering so after obtaining his architect’s degree he obtained his structural engineering degree from the University of Texas at Austin. Upon graduation and while attending graduate school he went to work for Arturo Guerra’s brother, Jose I. Guerra, who owned a structural engineering consulting firm in Austin. While working for Guerra, Ochoa obtained his engineering license. He worked for Guerra until 1986 when his attitude about living in Austin changed. It happened when he was unable to take his first born daughter, Laura - about 18 months old at the time - home for Thanksgiving to Mission to visit with their extended family, a family he said counted up to 80 persons gathering at his parents home after Sunday mass each week. Ochoa said he had an epiphany as he and his wife, Dr. Velma Menchaca, today a professor and department head at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, had Thanksgiving dinner in a restaurant that year. “We’re eating and both of us are just down in the dumps,” Ochoa recalled. “I just finally threw my fork down on the table and said, ‘the heck with this, we’re
moving back to the Valley.’” Ochoa said he decided to open his own structural engineering firm in Mission and found his first client on the first Monday after New Years 1987 landing a contract designing the expansion of a warehouse. “It was my first day on the hunt and I found a job knocking on doors,” he said. Ochoa said his business grew as he obtained clients who otherwise would have sought the services of Austin-based firms. And in 1995 he merged his consulting firm with an architectural firm known then as “The Austin Group.” He said that arrangement worked fine until one day he found himself soliciting a contract for the Hidalgo Independent School District in competition with another consulting firm. “And I did the presentation for our office and a competing architectural firm said basically right there in front of everybody, ‘Don’t hire Eli’s firm, he’s not an architect he’s just an engineer.’ Needless to say you don’t say that to an Ochoa.” Within three months Ochoa had passed the exams needed to obtain his Architect’s license and from there business blossomed to the point in 2001 he established ERO Architects. In the intervening years his firm has designed 55 high schools, including Palm View in the La Joya ISD, 26 middle schools and 92 area elementary schools. His firm has also rendered designs for the planned Hidalgo County District Courthouse, the University Center at Texas State Technical College, the engineering building at the University of Texas Pan American campus and the nursing school at South Texas College, among many other projects. During this time his daughter Laura, now 33, became a teacher in the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District. And he had three more children, Joseph, 32, a San Antonio salesman, Andrea, 25, a Ph.D. candidate who is a cancer researcher, and his youngest, Eli junior, who
will graduate this year from Veteran’s Memorial High School and then study business at The University of Texas. Looking back on his life Ochoa said his biggest obstacle occurred when he was a junior at Mission High School planning his future after graduating. “I’ll never forget it,” he said smiling. “The counselors were telling me, ‘you’re not going to make it, number one, so you might as well just stay here, go to the local technical college – which at the time was Texas State Technical College – and get a degree in drafting. And then you can stay around here and work. “But that’s not what I wanted. I was raring to go because I had seen it done,” he said referring to watch-
ing Guerra build his family’s new home. “And I knew I could do it.” Ochoa likes to point out that he was not the only success in his family. Both his older brother, Ciro Ochoa Jr.
and younger brother Lino, are attorneys. “So mom and dad not having any college experience raised two attorneys, an architect and an engineer. Not too shabby.”
Mission native Eli R. Ochoa, center, CEO of his McAllen-based ERO Architects, confers Tuesday with staffers Manny Zamora, left and Larry Alvarez. Progress Times photo by Joe Hinton
Direct Cremation
$795
Immediate Need
We are proud to be family owned. Dedicated to the care of those we serve.
Memorial Cremation Center 208 E. Canton • Edinburg, Texas
956-720-4449
Holiday Low Rates
Vehicle loans as low as
2.65apr %
*
New • Used • Refinanced
Membership Available to anyone who lives, works or has an immediate family member in Hidalgo County. Call Us For Details.
CALL OR CLICK TODAY! (956) 585-6207 www.lajoyafcu.com
LOCATIONS IN LA JOYA • PALMVIEW *Some conditions may apply. APR: Annual Percentage Rate. Insured by NCUA. Equal housing lender.
December 16, 2016
page 8
#17 Diego Hernandez Offensive MVP
#1 Joey Garcia Co-Defensive Newcomer of the Year
Jason Wheeler Co-Coach of the Year
Sharyland Pioneer Football Team District 31-5A Co-Champions
Pioneer leads 31-5A All-District honors By Luciano Guerra The 31-5A Football All-District selections have been announced and Sharyland Pioneer took more honors than any other area school. The school’s awards include District Co-Champions, Co-Coach of the Year, Offensive Newcomer of the Year, and 15 players selected to 1st or 2nd Team All-District. In all, 34 Big 7 players were named 1st or 2nd Team All-District. Pioneer Diamondbacks In only its third year as a program, the Pioneer Diamondbacks football team received the most All-District recognition of any Big 7 team. Having tied Laredo Nixon for the best district record, the Diamondbacks were District Co-Champions. In addition, Pioneer’s head coach, Jason Wheeler, was named Co-Coach of the Year, sophomore running back Michael Benavides was named Offensive Newcomer of the Year, and 10 Diamondbacks’ players were named 1st Team while five were named 2nd Team All-District. In his third year as a head coach, Wheeler is glad to see his players receive individual honors. “If your team has a great season then your players will be recognized,” Wheeler said. “That was the case this
year with our six defensive, three offensive and one special teams 1st Team players. It’s always nice for the kids to receive those honors. We teach them how to set individual goals during the year and it’s always good for the kids to get those awards.” As for his Co-Coach of the Year honor, Wheeler said, “As I said before, that recognition comes along with having had a great year. Our players and coaches made a lot of sacrifices over the past year and I couldn’t have done it without the great staff I have now.” The Diamondbacks players named 1st Team All-District are, Jacob Rosales (quarterback and punter), Alec Garcia (slot back), Senon Moya (defensive end), Marco Serna (outside linebacker), Angel Chapa (inside linebacker), Tyler Bulthius and Albert Ruiz (safeties), Anthony Jimenez (cornerback) and Bobby Acosta (punt returner). Pioneer players named 2nd Team All-District are, Fernie Perez (offensive tackle), Michael Madrigal (tight end), Bobby Acosta (wide receiver), Juan Pena (defensive line) and Edgar Lozano (kicker). As for what it meant to him to be named Offensive Newcomer of the Year Benavides said, “It means a lot because it means that our
program is being noticed. That makes our team better, makes us work harder and brings us even closer together as a family. This came as a complete surprise to me. I was playing for my team and to be the best I could be for them and not for any awards I might receive.” Sharyland Rattlers The Sharyland Rattlers had another successful season in 2016. As a result, they had four players named 1st Team All-District and 10 named 2nd Team. The Rattlers’ 1st Team players are, Blake Klein (slot back – unanimous), Edgar Alanis (wide receiver), Christian Salinas (defensive end) and Andres Tamez (punt returner). Sharyland’s 2nd Team players are, Jowan Payton (running back), David Cantu (center), Adolfo Trevino (offensive tackle), Max Robles (defensive line), Tyger Brigmon (outside linebacker), Javier Lopez (inside linebacker), Andres Tamez (safety), Jimmy Esquivel (cornerback), Jacob Bieber (kicker) and Edgar Alanis (kick returner). Sharyland head football coach Ron Adame expressed his pleasure over the number of Rattlers’ players selected All-District when he said, “Usually the district championship teams and the top two or three teams in the district
Fiesta Lube Express
STATE INSPECTIONS
35
10
99 $
Oil Change with FREE 15 point Inspection
Expires: Jan. 31, 2017
OFF
A/C or Brake Service
5
$
OFF
any service with your TLC Pharmacy bottle
5 QTS. OIL • REPLACE OIL FILTER • CHECK FLUIDS CHECK TIRE PRESSURE • VACCUM • TRANSMISSION FLUID
585-0115
1418 E. Buss. 83 • Mission (Between Bryan Rd. & Stewart Rd.)
have the most players on the 1st teams. But overall we’re pleased with the number of kids we had selected. As a matter of fact, I believe that all the kids we had nominated received at least an honorable mention. We even had one young man that received a 1st Team unanimous selection, Blake Klein, and one of our wide receivers, Edgar Alanis, was a repeat 1st Team selection.” VMHS Patriots The Veterans Memorial Patriots may have been 31-5A’s fourth seed in the playoffs but they were the only team in the district to advance into the third round of the playoffs. A lot of their success this year can be attributed to their senior quarterback, Diego Hernandez, and their sophomore inside linebacker, Joey Garcia. Hernandez was named 315A’s Offensive Most Valuable Player and Garcia was named the district’s Co-Defensive Newcomer of the Year. The Patriots only 1st Team All-District player was a unanimous selection, senior wide receiver Jacob Guerrero. The Patriots four 2nd Team players are Roman De Leon (slot back), Landry Gilpin (wide receiver), Raul Lozano (defensive line) and Jacob Garcia (safety).
1st Team All-District Picks - Offense Jacob Guerrero (WR, Sr.) – 1st Team (Unanimous) Mission Veterans Blake Klein (Slot Back, Jr.) – 1st Team (Unanimous) Sharyland High School Jacob Rosales (QB, Soph), Sharyland Pioneer Alec Garcia (Slot Back, Sr), Sharyland Pioneer Edgar Alanis (WR, Sr.), Sharyland 2nd Team All-District Picks - Offense Jowan Payton (RB, Sr.), Sharyland Roman De Leon (Slot Back, Sr), Mission Veterans David Cantu (Center, Sr), Sharyland Adolfo Trevino (Tackle, Sr.), Sharyland Fernie Perez (Tackle, Sr.), Pioneer Michael Madrigal (TE, Sr.), Pioneer Landry Gilpin (WR, Soph.), Mission Veterans Bobby Acosta (WR, Sr.), Pioneer 1st Team All-District Picks - Defense Christian Salinas (DE, Sr.), Sharyland Senon Moya (DE, Sr.), Pioneer Marco Serna (Out Lber, Sr.), Pioneer Angel Chapa (Inside Lber, Jr.), Pioneer Tyler Bulthius (Safety, Jr.), Pioneer Albert Ruiz (Safety, Sr.), Pioneer Anthony Jimenez (CB, Sr.), Pioneer 2nd Team All-District Picks - Defense Raul Lozano (D-Line, Sr.), Veterans Max Robles (D-Line, Sr.), Sharyland Juan Pena (D-Line, Sr.), Pioneer Tyger Brigmon (Out Lber, Jr.), Sharyland Javier Lopez (Inside Lber, Soph.), Sharyland Jacob Garcia (Safety, Sr.), Veterans Andres Tamez (Safety, Sr.), Sharyland Jimmy Esquivel (CB, Jr.), Sharyland 1st Team All-District Picks - Special Teams Jacob Rosales (Punter, Soph.), Pioneer Andres Tamez (Punt Return, Sr.), Sharyland Bobby Acosta (Kick Return, Sr.), Pioneer 2nd Team All-District Picks - Special Teams Jacob Beiber (Kicker, Jr.), Sharyland Edgar Lozano (Kicker, Jr.), Pioneer Edgar Alanis (Kick Return, Sr.), Sharyland
NO MORE CABLE BILL…. FOREVER
Full Service Oil Change
$
#27 Michael Benavides Offensive Newcomer of the Year
TV Box of the Future
Any Movie, Channel Song any time.
Television, as we know it is changing. Just look at developments like DVR, Movies On Demand, Netflix Instant Watch, and Hulu- “old TV” is going away, and “new TV “is interactive, available whenever we want, and portable.
NO MORE
CABLE BILL…. FOREVER
TV SHOWS: Watch all our favorite shows the same day, all sessions, all episodes commercial free! PREMIUM CHANNELS: Watch all your favorite shows from HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, Starz! MOVIES: Watch 1000’s of current movies in full HD, even movies still in theaters! SPORTS: Games, Redzone, NBA, NHL, NFL, all live in HD!
PAY PER VIEW Games and Events!
1-855-321-TECH /1-956-378-7427 SALE
Please call for questions and in home demos.
December 16, 2016
Boys Basketball:
Rattlers ready to rebound in 2017
T
By Bryan Ramos
he Rattlers are out to right the ship this season after last year ended with the team in unfamiliar territory. The Sharyland boys’ basketball team, led by head coach David Keith, missed the playoffs last year for the first time since he took over the program in 2006-2007, ending a nine-year streak of qualifying for postseason play in consecutive seasons. Last year’s squad finished with a 8-25 overall record, finishing District 31-5A play 4-8 in fifth place, narrowly missing out on a 10th consecutive playoff berth. Senior point guard Sean Tucker, the team’s co-captain and leading scorer who is playing his fourth year on the varsity level for the Rattlers, said missing the playoffs stung and is focused on leading Sharyland back to the postseason. “A big goal of ours is to make it to playoffs because we didn’t make it last year and that stung, it was the first time in a long time,” said Tucker, the team’s leading scorer. “We just have to give 100 percent every day and if we do that we have to be sat-
isfied with that.” Keith, who is in his 11th season as the Rattlers’ head basketball coach, is depending on senior leadership from guys like Tucker, and seniors Edgar Alanis and Kale Cator, to lead this team throughout the grind of District 31-5A play. “They understand the things that they need to do to help their team be successful and I think their senior leadership is key to make sure that that’s consistent year-toyear,” Keith said. “They’ve done a great job in their senior year. They’re fighting hard, they’re playing hard and we’re getting better.” Cator, the team’s leading rebounder from his post position, has always had a knack for fighting for rebounds and isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty down on the block. “As the big man on this team, the most important thing is rebounds,” Cator said. “Every ball that’s up or on the ground, I have to get them. I’ve always played with a fire and just go; that’s how I contribute to the team.” District 31-5A action began Tuesday night for the Rattlers, as they hosted the Laredo Martin Tigers (8-9, 1-0) in their district open-
obituaries
Tito Salinas MISSION – Tito Salinas, 70, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2016, at Rio Grande Regional Hospital in McAllen. Survivors include his wife, Ninfa Salinas; children, Petra Salinas, Tito Salinas Jr. and Jesus Guadalupe Salinas; mother, Guadalupe G. Salinas; seven siblings; and nine grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Guadalupe Salinas; daughter, Concepcion Espinoza; and sister, San Juanita Gonzalez. Burial was held Dec. 9 at San Juan City Cemetery. Helen Schuckenbrock
CUERO/MISSION – Helen Schuckenbrock, 87, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 8, 2016, at Cuero Community Hospital. Mrs. Schuckenbrock was born on Nov. 17, 1929. She retired from San Juan Nursing Home. Survivors include her children, Tommy Schuckenbrock of Richmond and Richard Schuckenbrock of San Antonio; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Joseph; parents, Bert and Gladys Robinson; son, Larry Schuckenbrock; and sib-
page 9
www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com
er. Sharyland fought back after falling behind early in the first quarter by 10 points but couldn’t string together enough positive plays in a row to mount a comeback, ultimately losing the district home opener to the Martin Tigers 74-59. Tucker led the Rattlers with 20 points, knocking down five three-pointers on the night, while senior guard and co-captain, Edgar Alanis, poured in 12 points of his own with his energy off the bench. Keith told his team after the loss that it’s a marathon, never a sprint, and saw some things that he liked and feels they can continue building on to put themselves back in the playoffs. “The deal is always to get to the playoffs,” said Keith. “Of course a district championship would be excellent and this team can do it but there are still some things we need to put together. Second or third round of the playoffs is doable and that’s my hope, that over the next few weeks we find that.” Next up for the Rattlers is a District 31-5A clash with the Roma Gladiators (10-7, 0-1). The Gladiators dropped their district opener Tuesday night to the Rio Grande City
lings, Bert Robinson Jr., Geraldine Baldridge, Bobby Robinson and Mary Lewis. A graveside service will be held on Friday, Dec. 16, at 10 a.m. at Valley Memorial Gardens in Mission. The family suggested memorial donations to be sent to the American Heart Association in lieu of flowers.
Notices Marina Alaniz MISSION – Marina Alaniz, 83, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016, at Solara Hospital in McAllen. Harold Carter MISSION – Harold B. Carter, 89, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016, at Mission Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
Rattlers by the score of 5059. Tucker is looking to contribute leadership and an overall presence on the court with his playing experience. The point guard has upped his scoring average from 9.5 last year to above 17 points per game this year by letting it fly from three-point range and attacking the basket. “As point guard I have to make sure everybody is doing their job on the court,” said Tucker. “We got to go hard. We got to fight because it seems every team in our district has a decent team so if we’re going to make it to the playoffs we have to play harder than we’ve ever played and fight harder than we’ve ever fought before.” Cator, the team’s physical presence down-low, is nearly averaging a double-double with over nine points and seven rebounds per game and thinks this team has everything they need to win games and earn a playoff spot. “We just need to take it game by game and give it our all,” Cator said. “We have everything we need to win games, we just need to put it together and execute as a team. We want to get back in the playoffs and I think we can do that.” The road back to the playoffs for the Rattlers continues tonight as they pay a visit to the Roma Gladiators at 7:30 at Roma High School for a District 31-5A showdown. Joan Drafahl MISSION – Joan Drafahl, 80, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 8, 2016, at her home in Mission. Paulino Garcia Jr. PEÑITAS – Paulino Hernandez Garcia Jr., 75, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2016, at his home in Peñitas. Oscar Garza MISSION – Oscar Casimiro Garza, 40, passed away on Friday, Dec. 9, 2016, at McAllen Medical Center. Albesa Gonzalez MISSION – Albesa Gonzalez, 86, passed away on Friday, Dec. 9, 2016, at Comfort House in McAllen. Martha Hanson MISSION – Martha Hanson, 77, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016, at Comfort House in McAllen.
Sharyland senior Max Robles goes in for a layup during the first quarter of the Rattlers’ District 31-5A opener against the Laredo Martin Tigers Tuesday evening. Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra
Manuel Jimenez MISSION – Manuel Jimenez, 59, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016, at his home in Mission. Francisco Nieves MISSION – Francisco Nieves, 49, passed away on Monday, Dec. 12, 2016, in Mission. Amado Peña MISSION – Amado E. Peña, 86, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 9, 2016, at Lifecare Hospital in McAllen. Gabriel Ramirez PALMVIEW – Gabriel Alejandro Ramirez, 19, passed away on Monday, Dec. 5, 2016, in Palmview. Juanita Rivas ALTON – Juanita Rivas, 61, passed away on Friday, Dec. 9, 2016, at Amara Hos-
pice in Edinburg. Dalarye Rodriguez MISSION – Dalarye Nichole Rodriguez, 16-dayold infant, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2016, at Doctors Hospital in Edinburg. Pablo Saldivar MISSION – Pablo Saldivar, 75, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016, at his home in Mission. Carmela Treviño PEÑITAS – Carmela Treviño, 58, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2016, at Comfort House in McAllen. Santiago Villarreal PALMVIEW – Santiago Villarreal, 67, passed away on Friday, Dec. 9, 2016, at Mission Regional Medical Center.
page 10
www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com
December 16, 2016
GROUNDBREAKING
from pg 1
cians will be on site at all times to stabilize patients before transferring them to a hospital,” McLean said at the event. “The alternative is to wait 30 to 45 minutes in the back of an ambulance to take you to [Mission Regional Medical Center] and not all patients can wait that long.” McLean, who previously served as CEO for Valley Baptist Medical Center-Harlingen, formed Texas ER Management two months ago and the La Joya location
is their inaugural medical emergency room, he said. Construction on the ER is slated to begin Jan. 15, he said. McLean said South Texas ER is looking to break ground in at least 12 other locations in eight different municipalities throughout south Texas within the next 18 months. The ERs will be built in areas where residents don’t have access to a hospital, much like the La Joya location, he said.
La Joya Mayor Pro Tem Mary Salinas spoke at the groundbreaking praising city officials for bringing in a much-needed service to the area. “Events in the past have demonstrated the importance of a facility such as this,” Salinas said. “We’ve had a lot of incidents happening in front of our police department throughout the years from babies being born to people suffering heart attacks who need immediate medical attention. We all know in an emergency time is of the essence, therefore this is needed.” City Administrator Mike Alaniz said after the groundbreaking the city contributed nothing to the construction cost but donated 1.5 acres of land where the ER will be built. McLean said Dr. Eduardo Candanosa, M.D., on staff at McAllen Medical Center and South Texas Regional Medical Center, will be the ER’s chief medical officer and has been working to find staff to work at the ER. “Even though South Texas ER will just be an emergency room facility that prevents us from keeping a patient for more than 24 hours, the community will greatly benefit from its presence,” said Candanosa. “We’ll be open twenty-four-seven and be able to treat people with an acute illness so anyone in the area will have an opportunity to see a doctor no matter the time of day.”
theclassifieds December 16 , 2016
1 Week = $7.00 2 Weeks = $10.00 4 Weeks = $14.00
buy • sell • trade • rent • hire
For Sale
Mobile Homes
FOR SALE THREE electric mobility chairs all in excellent condition, need to sell, call 913–6244327. LAUREL HILL CEMETERY Plots, Mission Texas, 2 Plots, Block #33, $1500 each - front section - 2 Plots, Block #43, $2000 each - front rows, call or text 956– 703–3010. BEAUTIFUL ENT E R TA I N M E N T CENTER— Excellent condition. Must sell. $50, OBO. Call 956-585–4893.
2008 EASY GO electric golf cart, $1,299, call 956– 580-3370.
FULL TIME PARK Maintenance person, positions available at several established Valley resorts. All hours paid, minor plumbing repairs, some digging, painting, landscaping and pool maintenance. Experience preferred, please call 956–226-9479. LOOKING FOR AN experienced screen printer, full time/part time, apply at MCM Sporting Goods, 1302 N. ConwayMission, TX, call 956–581-1632, fax 956–581-1685, or email mcmsports@ yahoo.com. NEED LICENSED HAIR dresser FT or PT, please call 956585–1287 for more information. POSITIONS AVAILABLE IN several Valley resorts for workcampers. We need front desk help and maintenance, minor carpentry, painting, mowing, and weedwacking. Please call 956– 226-9479, we offer site and electric and pay for extra hours.
Services GOLF CART REPAIR, 25 years serving the Valley, insured & factory trained, 956–580 -3370.
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.
Classified Rate:
this page is your oyster opening up to a world of opportunity
Help Wanted
page 11
www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com
956 Towing & RecoveRy LLc 1515 w. 3 MiLe Rd. Mission, Texas 78573 (956) 585-8245 • Fax 581-6668 TdLR vsF Lic. no. 0640957
escaLeRa wReckeR inc. 1515 w. 3 MiLe Rd. Mission, Texas 78573 (956) 585-8245 • Fax 581-6668 TdLR vsF Lic. no. 0548371
NOW HIRING Bookkeeper
PURSUANT TO THE PROVISION CONTAINED IN RULE 85.703. SUBCHAPTER F, FROM CHAPTER 85, PART 4 OF TITLE 16 IN THE TEXAS ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, WE ARE OFFICIALLY NOTIFYING YOU THAT THE BELOW DESCRIBED MOTOR VEHICLES HELD IN OUR CUSTODY ARE TO BE PICKED UP, REMOVED AND ALL CHARGES PAID WITHIN (45) DAYS OR THESE VEHICLES WILL BE DECLARED ABANDONED ACCORDING TO TEXAS LAW.
resume@progresstimes.net
TOTAL CHARGES CANNOT BE COMPUTED UNTIL VEHICLE IS CLAIMED. STORAGE CHARGES WILL ACCRUE DAILY UNTIL VEHICLE IS RELEASED.
TO APPLY Send your resume to
and call 956.585.4893 to schedule an appointment for testing. Tests will be administered for typing, spelling and proofreading skills.
Now
HIRING Mr. G’s Fireworks
is looking for responsible persons to operate fireworks stand. Must stay on premises & be over 21 years of age.
Call: (956) 399-3469 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of Sheryl L. Weaver, Deceased, were issued to Clay S. Adam on December 6, 2016, under Docket No. P-37,757 pending in the Probate Court of Hidalgo County, Texas. Claims may be presented in care of the attorney for the estate, addressed as follows: Representative, Estate of Sheryl L. Weaver c/o Margaret M. Menicucci Braun & Gresham, PLLC 14101 Highway 290 West, Building 1100 Austin, Texas 78737 OR PO Box 1148 Dripping Springs, Texas 78620 All persons having claims against this estate, which is currently being administered, are required to present them within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. Dated: December 7, 2016
YEAR MAKE
MODEL
2007 2003
NITRO VNL-SERIES
DODGE VOLVO
BALANCE
1D8GT58K27W608409 4V4NC9JF93N341204
$630.00 $17,171.00
PURSUANT TO THE PROVISION CONTAINED IN RULE 85.704. SUBCHAPTER D, FROM CHAPTER 85, PART 4 OF TITLE 16 IN THE TEXAS ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, WE ARE OFFICIALLY NOTIFYING YOU THAT THE BELOW DESCRIBED MOTOR VEHICLE(S) HELD IN OUR CUSTODY ARE TO BE PICKED UP, REMOVED AND ALL CHARGES PAID WITHIN (30) DAYS. FAILURE OF THE OWNER OR LIENHOLDER TO CLAIM VEHICLE(S) BEFORE THE DATE OF SALE IS A WAIVER OF ALL RIGHT, TITLE, AND INTEREST OF VEHICLE(S). AND ALSO A CONSENT TO THE SALE OF THE VEHICLE IN PUBLIC SALE ACCORDING TO TEXAS LAW. 2ND NOTICE YEAR MAKE
MODEL
2001
PATHFINDER
NISSAN
VIN#
BALANCE
JN8DR07X41W507075
$4,060.00
TOTAL CHARGES CANNOT BE COMPUTED UNTIL VEHICLE IS CLAIMED. STORAGE CHARGES WILL ACCRUE DAILY UNTIL VEHICLE IS RELEASED.
CARGAZING 2017 2009 KIA XXXXX SORENTO
Sorento demonstrates safety PRESS RELEASE
BY THE NUMBERS
K
ia Motors America’s best-selling CUV, the 2017 Sorento, has earned top honors – Top Safety Pick Plus (TSP+) – from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) when equipped with optional front-crash prevention. With the Sorento earning “good” crashworthiness ratings and a superior rating for the optional frontcrash prevention system, Kia continues to demonstrate its ongoing commitment to safety. “These results are a clear indication that Kia places a high priority on safety by offering advanced crash avoidance technologies and enhancing vehicle structure through the use of advanced high-strength steel,” said Orth Hedrick,
Base price: $25,400 Wheelbase: 109.4 in. Length: 187.4 in. Width: 74.4 in. Height: 66.3 in. Engine: 2,4-liter inline four cylinder, 185 hp, 178 lb.-ft. torque Transmission: Sixspeed automatic EPA Mileage: 21 city, 28 highway
LINEUP
The Kia Sorento adds an Advanced Touring Packand and Advanced Technology Package for 2017.
Margaret M. Menicucci Braun & Gresham, PLLC Attorneys for the Estate
NOTICE TO PUBLIC HEARING/SPECIAL MEETING AVISO AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA/REUNIÓN ESPECIAL CITY OF MISSION COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL PERFORMANCE AND EVALUATION REPORT FY 15-16 (DRAFT) AND CITIZENS PARTICIPATION PLAN AMENDMENT The Citizens Advisory Committee will be holding a Public Hearing/Special Meeting on December 20, 2016 at 5:30 p.m. at the Mission City Hall Council Chambers, 1201 E. 8th Street, Mission, Texas and extending the comment period to solicit input for the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) FY 15-16 (DRAFT) and the Citizens Participation Plan Amendment from December 16, 2016 through December 27, 2016 by 12:00 noon, due to there being no quorum at the Public Hearing held on December 13, 2016. The CAPER is a document which contains a summary of resources and accomplishments of the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) and the Citizens Participation Plan will reflect additional citizen participation requirements for Local Governments by the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing rule for preparation of the assessment of Fair Housing Plan. El Comité Consultivo de Ciudadanos llevará a cabo una Audiencia Pública/ Reunión Especial el 20 de diciembre de 2016 a las 5:30 p.m. en la Comisión Consultiva de los Ciudadanos de Mission, 1201 E. 8th Street, Mission, Texas y extendiendo el período de comentarios para solicitar información para la reunión. Informe anual consolidado de desempeño y evaluación (CAPER) FY 15-16 (borrador) y la enmienda del Plan de Participación Ciudadana del 16 de diciembre de 2016 hasta el 27 de diciembre de 2016 a las 12:00 horas, debido a que no hay quórum en la Audiencia Pública prevista para diciembre 13 de octubre de 2016. El CAPER es un documento que contiene un resumen de los recursos y logros del Programa de Subsidios Globales de Desarrollo Comunitario (CDBG) y el Plan de Participación Ciudadana que reflejará los requisitos adicionales de participación ciudadana para los Gobiernos Locales. De la evaluación del Plan de Vivienda Justa. For additional information, please contact the Community Development Department at (956) 580-8670. Para obtener información adicional, póngase en contacto con el Departamento de Desarrollo Comunitario (956) 5808670. Persons with disabilities or non-English speaking who need to communicate more effectively and who may need auxiliary aids or services such as interpreters for persons who are deaf or hearing impaired are asked to contact the Community Development Department at (956) 580-8670 three working days prior to any meeting so that appropriate arrangements can be made. Las personas con discapacidad o no habla Inglés que necesitan comunicarse de manera más efectiva y que pueden necesitar ayudas o servicios auxiliares, tales como intérpretes para personas sordas o con discapacidad auditiva se le pide ponerse en contacto con el Departamento de Desarrollo Comunitario al (956) 580-8670 tres días hábiles antes de cualquier reunión para que los arreglos apropiados se pueden hacer.
VIN#
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also additions to the Sorento lineup for the new model year.
vice president, product planning, KMA. “We are proud that the Sorento received strong ratings across the board, and having earned the prestigious TSP+ award bolsters our strong safety record and the integrity of our products.” To qualify for a Top Safety Pick Plus rating, each vehicle must earn “good” ratings in each of the five crashworthiness tests – small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side impact, roof
strength and head restraints – as well as an “advanced” or “superior” rating for front crash prevention. The 2017 Sorento is available with many driver-assistance systems including Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Advanced Smart Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), and HID headlights with Dynamic Bending Light (DBL) tech-
nology, high-beam assist (HBA), and rear parking assist.
CHANGES FOR 2017
The 2017 Sorento carries over into its second model year with new technology such as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (late availability) in addition to two new packages that add greater flexibility – the Advanced Touring Package and the Advanced Technology Package.
0
+
PAYMENTS UNTIL SPRING 2017
The third-generation Sorento is available in five trim levels. The handsomely equipped LX, EX, SX, and SXL models are powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that produces 185 horsepower and 178 lb-ft. of torque, or a 3.3-liter V-6 that makes 290 horsepower and 252 lb.-ft. of torque, while the EX trim is also available with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 240 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. Sorento continues to offer an advanced AWD system that automatically routes power to the wheel with the most traction, while inside, the Sorento delivers class-up premium materials, offering the perfect combination of refinement and capability.
0
%
FOR UP TO 66 MONTHS
YOUR $97 CHOICE! 39 MO LEASE
2016 Kia Optima
Stk# K15248 | Total due at signing $5704
2016 Kia Soul
NAMED 2017 BEST SUB-COMPACT SUV!
Stk# K15186 | Total due at signing $5394
2016 Kia Forte
Stk# K14877 | Total due at signing $5584
OR
2017 Kia Sportage
149
$
YOUR
2016 Kia Sorento
2017 Kia Forte
Stk# K14877 | Total due at signing $5584
169
$
AND
39 Mo Lease
Stk# K15193 | Total due at signing $5619
14,749 CHOICE!
$
39 Mo Lease
Stk# K15091 | Total due at signing $6294
Warranty is a Limited Powertrain warranty. For details see retailer or go to kia.com. 2017 Kia Sportage Stk#K15193 MSRP: $24160 BO Disc:$1600 KMA lease cash:$500 Sale Price: $22060. 36 mo. close ended lease of $149/mo.Based on $5619 down (total due at signing). Total payments for lease term $5364. 2016 Kia Soul Stk#K15186 MSRP: $18420 BO Disc: $1000 KMA lease cash $1400 Sale Price: $16020. 36 mo. close ended lease of $97/mo. Based on $5394 down (total due at signing). Total payments for lease term $3492. 2016 Kia Optima Stk#: K15248 MSRP: $23120 BO Disc: $1400 KMA lease cash $2700 Sale Price: $19020. 36 mo. close ended lease of $97/mo. Based on $5704 down (total due at signing). Total payments for lease term $3492. 2016 Kia Forte Stk#K14877 MSRP: $19815 BO Disc:$1400 KMA lease cash $2800 Sale Price: $15615. 36 mo. close ended lease of $97/mo. Based on $5584 down (total due at signing). Total payments for lease term $3492. 2017 Kia Sorento Stk#K15091 MSRP:$29670 BO Disc:$1800 KMA lease cash $2000 Sale Price: $25870. 36 mo. close ended lease of $169/mo. Based on $6294 down (total due at signing). Total payments for lease term $6084. *All prices include TTL,VI Tax & 150 doc fee WAC. First payment due at signing. 10k miles per year. Mile overage fee is $0.20/mi. No security deposit required. Customer will be responsible for maintenance. Early termination fees will apply. Excessive wear and tear fees may apply. Stk #’s subject to presale. Artwork for illustration purposes only. Not all customers will qualify. Customer is responsible for maintenance, car insurance and possible payment delinquencies. Offers expireo December 31, 2016. Dáles! Ga
Ever Torres General Manager
Rick Gomez Used Car Manager
Bert Ogden KIA - MIssIOn
Send us your classified today!
CORNER OF EXP. 83 & SHARY RD.
www.BERTOGDENMISSIONKIA.com
1-956-616-4044
Or Scan This Code With Your Smartphone
Submit online: www.ptrgv.com Fax it in: Bring it in: 1217 N Conway Mission 585-2304
page 12
Mission mail carrier charged with soliciting bribes By Joe Hinton and Jose De Leon III A Mission man has been arrested for allegedly using his position as a U.S. Postal Service employee to sell voter mailing lists to candidates in the La Joya Independent School District two years
December 16, 2016
www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com
ago. Bond was set at $50,000 Thursday for Noe Olvera, 43, who was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Peter E. Ormsby in McAllen. Olvera is charged with accepting two bribes on separate occasions totaling $1,200 in Oct. 2014 per his indictment ob-
tained by the Progress Times. Per the indictment Olvera purportedly was going to provide the list to a woman named Yolanda Hidrogo. The indictment does not elaborate on Hidrogo’s role in the case. However in an affidavit filed with the Hidalgo County District Court on Nov. 18,
2014 in a related civil suit Hidrogo said she recorded two Mission Post Office mailmen receiving cash for the mail-in ballots list, one of whom was Olvera, the other she could not name. Hidrogo said the lists were intended for members of the Team Liberty candidate slate in the La Joya
Independent School Board of Trustees race. Olvera was in custody at the time of the arraignment Thursday. His attorney, Marco De Luna, said he had just received the case and did not know enough about the charges to comment. The U.S.P.S. Office of the Inspector General investigated the case with assistance from the FBI. A federal grand jury re-
turned the indictment under seal Dec. 7, 2016. It was ordered unsealed three days later, per the press release. Olvera was arrested Dec. 9 upon his arrival at the U.S.P.S. facility in McAllen. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David A. Lindemuth and Roberto Lopez Jr. are prosecuting the case. Neither returned calls Tuesday for comment nor did a spokeswoman for their office.
New vice principal at Cavazos
Assuming she doesn’t decline the offer, Venessa Cruz will be the next assistant principal at Raquel Cavazos Elementary School on the city’s north side. Following an executive session Wednesday night the Mission Consolidated Independent School Board of Trustees voted unanimously to offer a contract to Cruz, who has been working at
the school as an instructional assessment strategist, said district public information officer, Craig Verley. Cruz replaces Andy Garza who now heads the district’s fixed assets office. Also Wednesday the board appointed Kimberly Garza as the head guidance counselor at Mission High School and Eduardo Martinez as the district’s Public
Education Information Management System specialist (PEIMS), a job that encompasses maintaining all data requested and received by Texas Education Association about public education, including student demographic and academic performance, personnel, financial, and organizational information.
the Rio Grande Valley. The onsite parents are allowed to foster up to six children at a time. The past few weeks have been filled with Christmas parties as organizations from around have come to help make sure these kids, whose struggles at home have made life difficult, feel the joy and the love that these holidays are meant to bring. But there still are some needs, said Nelida Tristan, Foster Care Supervisor for the Rio Grande Children’s Home, which comes under the umbrella of Buckner Children and Family Services. “Something we are really and always in need of are things like duffel bags or luggage,” she said. “When these children get here their clothes are usually in bags and we don’t want to send them back to their families the same way. We want them to have suitcases or luggage – it’s a new beginning for them.” The 16-year-old’s foster father said he and his wife had run a Christian Ministry for church children for 18 years. Earlier this week he discussed the opportunity to help more children in need. “This is an opportunity to teach them things that are Godly, to help them make those right decisions and
walk a Christian path,” he said. “They come from so many different backgrounds but we’ve been through some very good trauma training that has enlightened us quite a bit. We just want to provide love, care and guidance for these kids.” He said holidays can be difficult times for the children, especially the youngest of them who can’t comprehend what’s happening around them and to them. “These are children who are sometimes here a month or sometimes here a year, depending on the situation,” Tristan said. “Sometimes they go home but it’s not the right time and they come back or go elsewhere. We just know that our role is to be a positive voice, to instruct them and teach them the right things – and to be an instrument of God and love them.” Tristan said the children also have other needs including backpacks and camping accessories for their annual summer trek to Camp Buckner in the Hill Country. But, in the long run the biggest need is for the children to be reunited with their parents, to be loved and find stability. It’s not an easy process for anyone involved. Tristan told the story of a recent foster parent who had
six siblings in their care and the time came for the children to be reunited with their parents. Three went with their mother and three went with their father. The foster parent couldn’t find any comfort and grieved. Finally she saw the children, first the three with the mom and then at another time the three with the dad. “The mother had changed and had accepted Christ and was going to church,” Tristan said. “Then when she saw the boys with the dad she found out he had stopped drinking and had also accepted the Lord and had totally turned his life around. The father was calling the former foster father for advice and the boys were reminding him to not drink anymore. The children and the parents were happy and that soothed the former foster mom’s worries. Now she has more foster children.” As far as the 16-year-old, she may not get those big three wishes right away, but she has a lot to look forward to. “We’re going to the River Walk in San Antonio and Six Flags,” she said. “I love the rides. That’s going to be fun.” For more information on the Rio Grande Children’s Home and how to help call (956) 585-4847 or visit www. buckner.org.
FOSTER CARE
from pg 1