December 22, 2017 - PT ISSUE

Merry Christmas Friday, December 22, 2017

www.ptrgv.com | 25 Cents

Vol. 46 No. 20

Alton living up to its motto with new developments Lone Star National Bank breaks ground

Christmas spirit in Mission

The statue of the late U.S. Rep. (D-TX) Kika de la Garza appears to be enjoying the holiday lights display early Wednesday morning at Rotary Park in Mission.

Progress Times photo by Joe Hinton

State puts hold on future Agua SUD projects Water utility passes $30.6 million budget, gives bonuses

By Joe Hinton Citing concerns about “management issues” at the Agua Special Utility District a state agency has put a hold on funding its future projects. But despite the concerns, utility officials say already planned sewer and water projects continue moving forward.

The action by the Texas Water Development Board follows a Dec. 13 meeting between TWDB staff and Agua SUD board members, contractors and attorneys at the utility’s Palmview headquarters. During the meeting utility officials were informed the TWDB “would not be authorizing additional projects or committing future funds to Agua SUD until their management issues

are addressed,” said TWDB spokeswoman, Kimberly Leggett.

At issue is the allegation the latest in a series of interim managers and executive directors, Richard LeFevre, hired in late September, is no longer fulfilling his duties with the utility.

In an interview Tuesday, LeFevre, an engineer and president of the McAllen-based firm, LeFevre Engineering & Management Consulting, LLC, and who serves as city engineer for Palmview, Mercedes and Donna, confirmed he was stepping back from his duties due to a health issue diagnosed in early November.

“I actually had to step back from my business because of my condition,” LeFevre said in a telephone interview after

Democratic State Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa released a copy of a letter he sent Tuesday to Agua SUD Board of Directors President Rogelio Hernandez III. The letter reiterates the decision to block approval and funding for future projects and requested a plan of action be developed immediately to address concerns for the $45 million in projects the TWDB has already invested including the $41 million Palmview wastewater project.

Hinojosa stated its clear LeFevre “is not carrying out his responsibilities” and notes LeFevre hired his company’s vice president, Emigdio “Milo” Salinas, without board approval and has paid Salinas $18,000 of taxpayer funds without any approval.

Richard LeFevre

Local leaders participate in the groundbreaking of the Alton branch of Lone Star National Bank Tuesday. Progress Times photo by Jose De Leon III. Located adjacent to the

By Jose De Leon III city’s fire department at 605 Known as the “City on S. Alton Blvd., the bank is the Grow,” Alton lived up to scheduled to open in April, its motto holding a ground- Deanda said. breaking ceremony Tuesday The bank is expected to for the Alton branch of Lone bring 15 jobs into the city, Star National Bank, the first said Steve Peña, chief exstandalone bank for the city. ecutive officer of the city’s And city officials detailed Development Corporation. other commercial properties Peña said the groundbreakin development. ing occurred three years after The Alton branch will be the bank purchased the propthe bank’s 33rd Valley lo- erty for $1.5 million. cation. The groundbreaking “We asked the bank a was held on the eve of the bunch of times to open a bank’s 35th anniversary, said location here, sent letters to David Deanda Jr., bank pres- the president, facilitated a lot ident. of meetings and we’re final“We felt the timing was ly here,” he said. “The only right for this location,” De- other thing we have to a bank anda said. “We’ve seen a lot is an ATM from this branch of opportunities for the city in the same lot and an Interto grow and we’re looking national Bank of Commerce forward to serving the needs housed inside our Junior’s of the community and hav- supermarket. This was a coling a big splash in helping See GROUNDBREAKING Pg. 12 their small businesses.”

Palmhurst holds first Christmas tree lighting ceremony

During a Nov. 27 board of directors meeting board member, Ricardo Ochoa, questioned Salinas’ appointment as “interim assistant general manager” saying

See AGUA SUD PROJECTS Pg. 13

Council sets costs of using Mission properties other matters also addressed Monday

By Joe Hinton It will cost producers $15,000 to put on a show or concert at Mission’s new Events Center when it opens in March. It’s the highest price of any combination of ways the nearly $18 million, 45,000 square foot facility can be configured for community events.

Besides the events center, the city council also set pric-

es for using city recreational facilities and for telecommunication companies to place equipment on city utility poles. The latter measure is emanated from a law passed in the last Texas legislative session in which cities are now required to allow telecommunication companies to use public utility poles.

On Monday the council approved fees for the installation of “network nodes”

and “network node support poles” within city limits.

Once the new ordinance is published the city will begin charging $500 per application covering up to five network nodes and $250 for each additional node. The city is also charging $1,000 per application for each pole and $250 a year for telecommunication companies to maintain their right-of-way to the poles.

The city also set new rates to use public recreational facilities such as parks, gymnasiums, pavilions, tennis courts, swimming pools, walking/running trails and green space. Separate rates were set for residents, non-residents and corporate/ commercial entities. Rates for non-profit organizations are set at 50-percent less than

See MISSION COUNCIL Pg. 13

CORRECTIONS

In last week’s edition a story headlined, “Mission attorney key witness in Irene Garza murder trial” misspelled in a cutline the name of Darrell Davis and incorrectly stated the year of the Sept. 11, 2001 attack on the Twin Towers in New York. And in a report about District 30-6A girls basketball headlined “Big 7 teams looking for improvement in ’17-’18” a photo cutline incorrectly identified the Mission High School Lady Eagles as the Lobos.

INSIDE Mission, La Joya ladies court battle

Mission High School’s Lady Eagles faced off this week against La Joya’s Lady Lobos in a closely fought game. Bryan Ramos has the story and Luciano Guerra the photo inside.

See Pg. 10

INDEX

Entertainment | pg.2

Lifestyle | pg.3

Palmhurst city leaders from left to right: Ruben De Leon, Robert A. Salinas, Mayor Ramiro J. Rodriguez, Ofelia Pena-Perez and City Manager Lori Lopez pose in front of Palmhurst’s Christmas tree Wednesday evening as part of the city’s first ever tree lighting ceremony. Progress Times photo by Jose De Leon III

By Jose De Leon III The Christmas spirit was alive and well in Palmhurst as the city held its first ever Christmas tree lighting ceremony Wednesday evening.

Located at the Shary Municipal Park at 4915 N. Shary Rd., the community was invited to marvel at the city’s 30-foot-tall artificial Christmas tree that was followed by a screening of the

Palmview continues ‘aggressive annexation’

The Progress Times’ office will be closed Monday, Dec. 25. Also there will not be Dec. 29 issues of the Progress Times, Sharyland Times or The Progress.

Normal publications will resume Jan. 5.

See Pg. 5

Sports | pg. 10

See FIRST CHRISTMAS TREE Pg. 15

Progress Times Closed

Palmview’s city council has approved a second round of property annexations that will increase the city’s size by two-thirds its current population. Jose De Leon III has the story inside.

Opinion | pg.4

movie “Home Alone.”

“We just wanted the public to come to a free, family-oriented event where they can have fun while we showcase what we have here at Shary Municipal Park,” City Manager Lori Lopez said.

Earlier this year, the park underwent the first of several phases in a project that will ultimately expand the park

Obituaries | pg. 15

Classifieds | pg. 16

entertainment

December 22, 2017

page 2

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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

UTRGV Opera Theater takes first place in national competition

BROWNSVILLE – The UTRGV Opera Theater’s Bravo Opera Company has been awarded first place in the National Opera Association’s (NOA) Opera Production Competition, Division II, for its spring 2017 production of Orpheus in the Underworld.

The association opens

competitions each season to encourage and reward creative opera productions in small professional opera companies and training programs, including academic institutions, music conservatories summer opera training programs and opera outreach programs. The competition includes six divisions based

Coming Attractions

December 22-23 • The International Museum of Art & Science, 1900 Nolana in McAllen, is holding gingerbread workshops to decorate graham cracker houses. IMAS is located at 1900 Nolana Ave. Call 956-682-0123 for more information.

December 23, 27-30 • Discovery Days are going on all month long from 11 a.m. to noon and 2 to 3 p.m. at Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset in McAllen. Decorate the nature tree on the Dec. 23; paint watercolor nature scenes, Dec. 27; check out “Thorn Forest Skulls to Bones to Fur & More,” Dec. 28; take the Feather Fun Foto nature walk on Dec. 29; and learn survivor skills, Dec. 30. The fee is $3 per person. For more information, call 956-681-3370.

December 30, January 6 & 13 • In a three-day workshop, learn how to make a short comic strip using digital programs with instructor Francisco Rodriguez at the Upper Valley Art League. Workshops run from 5 to 7 p.m. each date. A minimum class size of five participants is required for it to be held, with a maximum of nine. Cost to UVAL members is $40 and $50 for nonmembers. Participants should bring a laptop computer with a digital drawing program. Materials provided will be pencils, erasers and paper. Classes will be held at UVAL in the Kika de la Garza Fine Arts Center, 912 E. 12th St. in Mission. For more information, call 956-583-2787.

• The 25th North American Anniversary Tour of Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker on the West Tour is performing at the McAllen Performing Arts Center at 3 and 7 p.m. Tickets are available at nutcracker.com/buy-tickets.

(For more Coming Attractions, go to ptrgv.com)

on criteria such as set/costume cost, class rank of students in roles and orchestra size.

Dr. Catherine Compton, Opera Theater director and lecturer in voice with the UTRGV School of Music, said it was an honor to be recognized in the company of the other schools and ensemble that were competing.

“We are a student-led organization in a lot of ways, so our students helped with everything from creating the program and organizing costumes, to finding props and even directing some of the scenes from the opera,” Compton said. “It was a big group effort so it’s exciting to be recognized nationally

for that.”

UTRGV’s winning production, Orpheus in the Underworld by Jacques Offenbach, is a comedy production that targets Greek mythology and operatic conventions.

The production was directed

by Compton, with support by Dr. Allan Armstrong, music director and conductor; Dr. Daniel Holly-Hunter, production design; and Joey Garcia, Connie Elizabeth Muñoz and Meagann Nimchan, student assistant directors.

Compton and Hunter-Holly will attend the NOA conference in New Orleans next month to network on their grant project

Exhibit showcases UTRGV student works

The artistic works of students pursuing master’s degrees in Fine Arts at URTGV is on display through March, 2018, at the Cielo Properties Gallery in the Neuhaus Tower in McAllen. The eight students – Alexandria Canchola, Angela Scardigno, Carlos Limas, Eva Williamson, Iliana Salazar, Jesmil Maldonado, Josie del Castillo and Lourdes Ballard – were selected to have their work showcased for their unique, abstract concepts. Here, Carlos Limas, co-curator of the exhibit and a UTRGV MFA student pursuing a master’s in studio design, stands in front of a painting about innocence and the harsh reality of violence. The gallery is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. (Photo by Paul Chouy)

Music educators are encouraged to contact the Valley Symphony Orchestra to send students to performances for the VSO Children’s Education Concerts in January, 2018. The admission to the concerts has been privately funded, and is free to the students.

VSO looks to fill the seats at children’s concerts

The UTRGV Opera Theater’s Bravo Opera Company has earned first place in the National Opera Association’s Opera Production Competition, Division II, for this spring 2017 production of Orpheus in the Underworld. (Photo by David Pike)

McALLEN – The Valley Symphony Orchestra is gearing up for their annual Children’s Education Concert Series with three concerts on Jan. 19, 2018, and three more on Jan. 26, 2018, at the McAllen Performing Arts Center. The symphony

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is looking for schools around the Rio Grande Valley to fill the 10:30 a.m. spot on both days, along with other time slots upon availability.

The concert itself is approximately 40 minutes long and includes interactive music education from Dr. Peter Dabrowski, VSO music director. In addition to learning about the structure of an orchestra, the students learn about the composers, techniques and historical significance of each piece.

The concerts will be visually dynamic with images on an LED screen.

This year’s series revolves around dances from around the world, such as Habanera from Bizet’s Spanish opera Carmen and Brahms’ Hungarian Dance No. 5. These are private concerts specifically aimed toward elementary and middle school aged children. The concerts meet the fine arts curriculum of TEKS for elementary and middle schools.

For more information and how to get students involved as a teacher or fine arts director, contact Vivian Vargas, VSO marketing manager, at 956-661-1615 or via email at vivian@valleyorchestra.org.

Solve cabin fever with nature programs

60 New Golf Carts 2201 Mayberry Rd. • Mission, Texas Tee Time Reservations: (956) 580-8770

drifts of snow, boughs of holly

’Tis the Season to Be Jolly!

We appreciate your continued support and for being part of another successful year. We strive to provide the best customer service through dedicated leadership and efficient use of resources to enhance the quality of life in our community.

THANK YOU for entrusting us with your families, homes, and businesses.

Hope your holiday is blessed and happy!

From Martin Garza Jr., City Manager & Staff

McALLEN – Parents and children don’t have to fall prey to cabin fever during the holiday break from school.

Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset, has planned a variety of programs twice a day during the week of Dec. 27 to 30, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 2 to 3 p.m.

On Watercolor Wednesday, Dec. 27, families can paint together. No matter what the age or artistic skill, anyone can create a watercolor painting using a special stencil technique and an animal silhouette.

On Thornforest Thursday, Dec. 28, specimens from the Discovery Center’s science lab cabinets come out for a day of show and tell. Visitors can look at the bones, claws, beaks, feathers, eggs, furs, scales of the thornforest creatures, and investigate using microscopes and magnifiers.

Learn some basic nature photography skills, and follow one of the Quinta naturalists to the best bird spotting areas of Quinta Mazatlan, during “Feathery Fun Foto Friday,” Dec. 29.

And on Saturday, Dec. 30, “Survivor Skills Saturday” returns. Families can learn rope making, fire-building and animal trapping skills passed down through the generations of people who lived off the land.

The $3 program fee includes park admission. For more information, phone 956-681-3370.

lifestyle

December 22, 2017

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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

Speer Memorial Library 12th & Kika Loop Mission • 580-8750

BETWEEN THE BOOKENDS

By William Renner

Rafael and Yadira Segura of Mission honored their son, Carlos Yisai Martinez, on the occasions of his 15th birthday. A service was held Nov. 18 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission, followed by a celebration at the family residence. Carlos is a ninth grade student at Mission High School.

(Austin Studio)

Enrique and Ofilia Cuellar of Mission honored their daughter, Avril, in celebration of her 15th birthday on Nov. 18. The honoree is a ninth grade home school student.

(Austin Studio)

EVENTS

CALENDAR

December 27 – Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset in McAllen, hosts “Watercolor Wednesday,” a special holiday program, for all ages and artistic skill levels to paint a nature theme using a unique watercolor stencil technique. Workshop times are 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Admission is $3 per person. For more information, call 956-681-3370.

December 27-29 – Visit the Edinburg World Birding Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for Winter Wonder Wetlands. With different activities each day, become a nature explorer, join in nature games and crafts, and build and paint a bird or butterfly house. Entry is free all week. Bird and butterfly houses must be purchased for $3. The EWBC is located at 714 S. Raul Longoria Road. For more information, call 956381-9922.

December 28 – Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset in McAllen, hosts Thornforest Thursday, with a close-up look at the features on the creatures in the thorn forest using hand-lenses to microscopes. Program times are 11 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Admission is $3. For more information, call 956-681-3370.

December 29 – Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset in McAllen, hosts Feathery Fun Foto Friday for a family-friendly birding hour, including nature photography basics, a bird-call lesson, and feathery crafts. Program times are 11 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Admission is $3. For more information, call 956681-3370.

December 30 – Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset in McAllen, hosts Survival Skills Saturday to show how early cultures in the Valley ate food from the forest, made rope, arrowheads and fire. Program times are 11 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Admission is $3. For more information, call 956-681-3370.

(For more Events, go to ptrgv.com.)

page 3

Join us at Speer Memorial Library in Mission, on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2018, for a discussion of The Aviator’s Wife, to take place in the library’s Community Room at 6:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend.

Anne Morrow, a senior in college, travels to Mexico City in 1927 for Christmas break with her family at the U.S. Embassy, where her father serves as U.S. Ambassador to Mexico. While there, she meets Charles Lindbergh, who has recently gained fame as the first person to fly across the Atlantic Ocean.

After visiting Anne at her family’s home in New Jersey the following year, and giving her flying lessons, Charles feels that Anne is meant to be his copilot in life, and the two get married.

But will Charles’ attempts to

shield her from the press— and its ever-pursuant publicity hounds—stifle Anne, a shy but accomplished woman in her own right, or will she find a way to be more than just the aviator’s wife?

Written by Melanie Benjamin, and first published in 2013, The Aviator’s Wife is a work of historical fiction based on the life story of Anne Morrow. Set in the context of several famous historical events, it gives insight into one of the most famous marriages of the 20th century.

For more information, to sign up for the book discussion or to reserve a copy of the book, call William Renner or Rose Alvarez at 956580-8754, 956-580-8750 or by email at reference@missiontexas.us.

The library is located at 12th and Kika De La Garza in Mission.

The Rio Grande Valley Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalist organization elected new officers for 2018. They are, from left, Norma Trevino, first vice president; Barbara Peet, second vice president; Steve Lanoux, president; Heidi Linnemann, treasurer; and Deli Lanoux, secretary.

TMN chapter elects officers, offers speakers bureau

HARLINGEN – The Rio Grande Valley Chapter of Texas Master Naturalist recently elected new officers to serve in 2018, and the group has opened a speakers’ bureau offering more than 50 free presentations available to local groups.

Dr. Steven Lanoux accepted the president’s gavel from outgoing president M. Lee Brown. Also newly-elected were Norma Trevino, first vice president, and Deli Lanoux, secretary. Re-elected were Barbara Peet, second vice president, and Heidi

Heading to area band competitions

Fifteen students from Veterans Memorial High School have earned spots in a Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) Region 15 Band out of hundreds from across the Rio Grande Valley. Among the 15 are three who are advancing to the Area competition – Fabian Gutierrez, bass clarinet; Rodrigo Barrera, horn; Damian Gonzalez, euphonium. That competition will be held in January at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. Making the TMEA Region 15 Concert Band are, back row – Fabian Gutierrez, Brandon Salinas, Matthew Garcia-Perez, Paul McCoy and Damian Gonzalez; middle row – Rodrigo Barrera, Julio Villarreal, Rodrigo Flores and Alexandra Galvez; and front – Kelly Lam, Daniel Martinez, Bethany Duke and Laura Barba. Not pictured are Juan Mercado and Carlos Sepulveda.

Linnemann, treasurer.

Dr. Lanoux was instrumental in creating the speakers’ bureau that offers speakers to nonpolitical events and meetings.

Topics range from information about the Rio Grande Valley’s ecosystem to planting native trees and plants to attract birds and butterflies.

Many presentations are designed to be 50 minutes and electronically projected to large audiences or tailored to 20-minute stand-up information programs with questions and answers. Texas Master Naturalist experts also are available for guided native plant walks and other field trips.

Two- and three-hour photography, writing and presentations skills workshops are also available for a fee.

Texas Master Naturalist, with chapters throughout the state, is an educational volunteer program of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Texas Sea Grant, and Texas Parks and Wildlife. Extension Agent Tony Reisinger, extension agent, and Javier de Leon, park ranger, are the Rio Grande Valley sponsors.

The chapter also has guest speakers the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Cameron County Annex Building at Williams Road & Hwy. 83/77, 1390 W. Expressway 83. Meetings are free and open to the public.

Visit rgvctmn.org for a list of topics, to request a speaker

page 4

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By Ed Sterling Texas Press Association

STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

Abbott asks Rangers to investigate reports of misconduct AUSTIN — Gov. Greg Abbott has asked the Texas Rangers to investigate reports of sexual misconduct and inappropriate relationships by Texas Juvenile Justice Department personnel.

On Dec. 13 Abbott sent a letter to Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steven McCraw requesting the investigation.

“Recent reports of sexual misconduct and inappropriate relationships by state employees at the Texas Juvenile Justice Department are reprehensible and necessitate an appropriate response,” Abbott said. “Action is needed to guarantee the protection of the youth in the care and custody of the State of Texas. I am requesting that our esteemed Texas Rangers immediately open a detailed investigation to determine the extent of the alleged misconduct at the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.”

Abbott also sent a letter to Camille Cain, newly named executive director of the Juvenile Justice Department, urging her to work with his office to ensure that the youth in the state’s care are protected, and to carry out the agency’s mission to transform young lives and create safer communities.

Tax payments spreadable Taxpayers with hurri-

cane-damaged homes and businesses may pay their 2017 and 2018 property taxes in installments, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said in a Dec. 13 statement.

Patrick said the option is open to residents with damaged homes and businesses in the 60 Texas counties declared disaster areas following Hurricane Harvey.

Ordinarily, taxpayers are expected to pay their taxes in a lump sum due by Feb. 1.

“This will not lower appraisals or property taxes, but it will spread out what is owed over several months and eliminate penalties and interest,” Patrick said.

Eligible property owners must take the following steps in order to pay their property taxes in installments: — By Jan. 31, pay 25 percent of your property tax bill and inform your local taxing unit that you intend to pay the balance in installments; — March 31, the second 25 percent payment is due; — May 31, the third 25 percent payment is due; and — July 31, the final 25 percent payment is due.

Abbott, DHS chief meet Gov. Abbott on Dec. 12 met with U.S. Department of Homeland Security Sec. Kirstjen Nielsen at the state Capitol. The two discussed the ongoing recovery ef-

forts following Hurricane Harvey, border security and cyber security. Joining them were John Sharp, head of the Commission to Rebuild Texas, Land Commissioner George P. Bush, FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson and Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd.

“After today’s productive meeting,” Abbott said, “I am confident that we have a dedicated partner in Secretary Nielsen and this administration, and I look forward to working closely with them on issues important to Texas and the United States.”

DSHS urges immunization With flu-like illness on the rise, it’s not too late for everyone 6 months old and older to get vaccinated, the Texas Department of State Health Services announced Dec. 15.

Texans can learn where flu shots are available at texasflu.org or by contacting their health care provider. People can help stop the spread of flu by getting vaccinated, washing hands frequently, covering coughs and sneezes and staying home when they’re sick, the agency said.

Vaccination is especially important for older adults, infants, pregnant women and people with chronic health conditions because they are

at greater risk of developing serious complications from the flu, said DSHS Infectious Disease Medical Officer Dr. Jennifer Shuford.

Concern: Winter safety The Texas Department of Public Safety on Dec. 5 encouraged Texans in all regions of the state to make preparations for winter weather.

“While we’ve all heard the joke about Texas only having two seasons — hot and hotter — all Texans

need to prepare now for the serious threats that the upcoming winter could bring,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw.

A few among a long list of potentially lifesaving tips offered by the DPS are these: Winterize vehicles by checking the battery, windshield wipers, anti-freeze, tire pressure and tire tread, and by lubricating door and trunk locks to prevent freezing.

Work agency sets rates The Texas Workforce

December 22, 2017

Commission on Dec. 12 announced the average unemployment insurance tax rate for all employers would be 1.37 percent for calendar year 2018, dropping from 1.64 percent in calendar year 2017 to its lowest point since 2009.

Unemployment insurance taxes replenish the Texas Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund, which provides temporary income for Texas workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own.

Reaction to chief appraiser’s comments I must be honest. When I read in last week’s Progress Times about the presentation Hidalgo County Appraisal District Chief Appraiser Rolando Garza made Dec. 12 to Commissioners Court, I was laughing and crying so hard I almost soiled myself.

What made it so hysterically funny was that given the political corruption existing in Hidalgo County; the claimed independence and isolation of the Appraiser, the District, the “nominating entities”, and the County Court could

only exist in a sociopolitical vacuum. Here in the RGV, where political decisions are bought and sold every day by a few wealthy and connected families, it is impossible to believe such a pristine system would be allowed to exist. It is my opinion that the actual process is more akin to a bunch of the anointed gathering around the table deciding how big the pie will be, deciding how the pie will be cut , then cooking it in the Appraisal Districts oven before forcing the pieces down

our throats. The only cure is to bring two-year budgets for each taxing agency before the public for a vote and limit the appraisal to that of the total of all the entities approved budgets. Oh yes, and any tax money received in excess of the budget would be forwarded to the next two year period as a credit to reduce taxes then.

Ned Sheats Mission

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1217 N. Conway • Mission, TX (956) 585-4893 MEMBER 2017

TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATION

The Progress Times (USPS 971-420; ISSN 0890-2666) is published each Friday by Savy Publishing, LLC, 1217 N. Conway, Mission, Texas 78572, (956) 585-4893. Subscriptions $20 annual in Hidalgo County; $25 outside of Hidalgo County. Second class postage paid in Mission, Texas 78572. ©2017 Savy Publishing, LLC. 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 22, 2017

By Joe Hinton The Texas Secretary of State’s Office shows 129 candidates seeking 49 offices ranging from the U.S. Senate to county constable met the Dec. 11 filing deadline to run in the March 2018 primary elections. Those numbers apply to Hidalgo County voters, according to records posted on the Secretary of State’s website.

The site shows three Republicans and two Democrats are seeking the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Ted Cruz, who is among the three Republicans who met the filing deadline. The two other Republicans in the race are former La Marque May-

Races set in March primaries or, Geraldine Sam and Austin accountant, Mary Miller.

Democrats who met the filing deadline are U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke and Edward Kimbrough, a relatively unknown Houston resident.

There are nine Democrats and two Republicans running for governor including incumbent Republican Greg Abbott. Other open races include lieutenant governor, attorney general, comptroller of public accounts, commissioner of the general land office, commissioner of agriculture, railroad commissioner, supreme court justices, state representatives, district court judges, county court-at-law judges, probate judges, Hidalgo County dis-

trict clerk, treasurer, county commissioner, justices of the peace and constable. The Progress Times will focus on candidates representing Precinct 3, which encompasses all of the cities along Expressway 83 from Mission to Sullivan City and including Palmhurst and Alton and areas north to the Brooks County line.

Some offices are already determined such as that of State Representative Oscar Longoria who is unopposed in District 35 and Sergio Muñoz Jr., whose District 36 represents Mission and surrounding areas. Muñoz is unopposed in both the March primary and November 2018 general election as no Re-

publicans have filed to run against him.

In the race for Justice in the 13th Court of Appeals Mission’s Deputy City Attorney Jaime Tijerina has no Republican opponent in the March primary and will face Hidalgo County District Court Judge Rodolfo “Rudy” Delgado, who has no Democratic opposition in the March primary. The two will face off in the November general and the Progress Times will have more on that race as it draws nearer.

In upcoming editions look for coverage of the race between incumbent Criminal District Attorney Ricardo Rodriguez Jr. who faces the man he defeated three

Manager Leonardo Olivares recommended the city make the ordinance go into effect June 30, 2018 as the county appraisal district needs to know what properties are outside and inside the city limits by July 1, 2018.

“The advantage of waiting to enact the ordinance is so the city does not have to provide the services until then,” Olivares told the council last month. “We don’t have the financial resources to immediately provide services such as police, fire protection and emergency medical services to those residents but by next July these residents will be able to vote and run for city council. They’re essentially

citizens of Palmview.”

Located on the city’s south side, the most recently annexed area also includes 16 commercial properties and will bring in around $277,000 in revenues to the city after expenditures, according to the city’s service plan. The United States Census Bureau states city’s current population is just under 6,000 residents.

The two annexations will generate an additional $518,137 for the city, according to the city’s service plan. As previously reported, the revenue generated from the annexation, as well as that of the city’s property tax rate increase from last

September, will help finance $2.7 million worth of capital improvement projects the city has planned.

The projects include more than $2.6 million for the city’s street repaving and line connections for the ongoing sewer project that will connect more than 1,600 homes in the city to the Mission Wastewater Treatment Plant.

The city is also purchasing a new police cruiser for it’s police department for $45,000, an Emergency Medical Service Vehicle valued at $8,000 and $33,000 for new software for the city’s finance department.

Palmview approves second round of annexations

By Jose De Leon III After annexing nearly 400 acres and 1,680 residents into the city last month, the Palmview city council approved an ordinance at their Tuesday meeting annexing an additional 480 acres into the city along with the more than 2,000 residents.

Much like the first round of annexations the city approved last month, the ordinance will not take effect until next summer instead of the standard 15 days it normally takes for an ordinance to take effect.

At the November meeting when the first annexation was approved, interim City

page 5

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years ago, fellow Democrat Rene´Guerra. Also look for coverage of the race for county judge between Democrats Eloy Pulido and Richard Cortez in the March primary. The winner of that primary race will face Republican Jane Cross who is unopposed in the primary.

The three are vying for the seat being vacated by Ramon Garcia who is not seeking reelection after holding the seat for three terms.

Closer to home, in the race of Justice of the Peace Precinct 3, Place 2 both candidates are running unopposed in the primary meaning Republican Arminda “Mindy” Garza will face Juan “J.J.” Peña Jr. in No-

vember. Their race will also be featured as that election draws nearer. For a complete list of all candidates who will appear on ballots in Hidalgo County access the complete list via the Texas Secretary of State’s Office via: https:// webservices.sos.state.tx.us/ candidate-filing/cf-report. aspx.

Two weeks ago the Progress Times featured the race for the District Judge seat in the 275th Judicial District between Mission attorneys, Patricia “Patty” O’Caña-Olivárez and Marla Cuéllar.

The Mission Consolidated Independent School District has hired a new public relations specialist to assist Craig Verley, who heads the district’s public information office. She is Cynthia Ybarra-Leal who comes to MCISD from the Rio Grande City CISD where she was also in public relations. Ybarra-Leal, a Mission resident and Mission High School graduate, replaces Naida Robles who married and moved to Houston prior to the start of the current school year.

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Sports week

BIG7 SCHOOLS

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Covering Mission, Veterans Memorial, Sharyland, Pioneer, La Joya, Palmview & Juarez-Lincoln Sports

Lady Coyotes, Lady Eagles battle down to wire La Joya tops Mission for first district win

Mission freshman Mayella Cantu and La Joya junior Jackie Resendez battle for a rebound during the second quarter of the Lady Coyotes’ 61-57 District 30-6A win over the Lady Eagles Tuesday evening.

Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra

By Bryan Ramos Momentum can move mountains, and when the La Joya Lady Coyotes and Mission Lady Eagles met on Tuesday, it was a battle from beginning to end between the two 30-6A playoff hopefuls searching for their first district win.

Both the Lady Coyotes and Lady Eagles entered Tuesday night’s meeting in Neuhaus Gym at Mission High School desperate to get

in district the win column for the first time this season.

District 30-6A features playoff regulars in the McAllen Memorial Lady Mustangs, the Palmview Lady Lobos and the McAllen High Lady Bulldogs. All three are off to a good start early in district action, and if the trend continues, would leave one playoff spot up for grabs.

Mission and La Joya are both in that group, hungry to become playoff regulars and make a name for themselves on the hardwood.

On Tuesday night, it was the Lady Coyotes who came storming out of the gates, allowing just six points in the opening quarter while dropping 18 of their own.

Forward Karina Casanova scored eight points in the first quarter to lead La Joya, while Mission senior Brittney Garza scored all three buckets for the Lady Eagles.

La Joya Head Coach Rene Zamora said he was proud of the defensive effort his team showed on the floor against a scrappy group in the Lady

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Eagles, who he called the toughest team the Lady Coyotes have faced thus far in terms of hustle.

“The effort, that’s what we try to instill in them,” Zamora said. “It doesn’t matter who we play, how far ahead, how far behind, play and battle until the end. I tell them every loose ball is our ball and that’s what they’ve got to be thinking all the time, and they didn’t disappoint tonight.”

A 30-6A honorable mention for her play last year,

Garza, a post, dominated early for the Lady Eagles, but needed help if Mission had hopes of winning the game.

Garza got that help in the second quarter as a number of Lady Eagles stepped up, including Janett Moreno who scored eight points. Mission outscored La Joya 21-11 in the second quarter to send the game into halftime at 2927 with the Lady Coyotes out in front.

In the second half, the teams went back and forth, fighting for loose balls and hitting the ground making hustle plays. La Joya’s Monica Garcia, who Zamora called the team’s spark-plug, turned things up a notch on both ends of the floor. Whenever the Lady Coyotes need a stop on the defensive end or to control the pace of the game, Garcia is their girl.

The combination of Garcia, Casanova, and guard Jackie Resendez led the way for the Lady Coyotes in the second half, making plays on both ends of the floor. With the Lady Eagles in search of answers, guard Ashley Sanchez stepped up. After briefly exiting the game with an injury, she returned to score seven straight points for Mission to close the quarter trailing 48-41.

The Lady Eagles fought back in the fourth quarter to tie the game at 54 with two minutes to play. That’s when Garcia stepped up for the Lady Coyotes, converting an and-one and scoring on a putback to put La Joya up for good. Casanova drained a pair of free throws which sealed the deal, giving the Lady Coyotes their first dis-

trict win in a 61-57 battle against the Lady Eagles.

“We’re kind of up and down,” Zamora said. “We’d get those big leads, lost it.

I think we were losing a lot of mental focus but you have to give a lot of credit to Mission, they’re scrappy, they get after it. They’re one of the best teams I’ve seen hustling. They had a lot of fight, but then again, we were finally able to finish a close game so I’m proud of my girls; they never quit, the intensity kept going until the end.”

The Lady Coyotes had three scorers in double-figures as Garcia led the way with 22, Casanova with 15, and Resendez with 10 points.

For the Lady Eagles, Garza posted 14 points as Sanchez finished with eight points.

The Lady Eagles (5-20, 0-) will be in search of their first district win when they take on McAllen Memorial on Jan. 2 at 1 p.m. at Memorial High School in McAllen.

Over the break, the Lady Eagles will face Rio Hondo at home on Thursday Dec. 28 at 1 p.m. and Edcouch-Elsa on the road on Dec. 30 at 1 p.m. at Edcouch-Elsa High School.

The Lady Coyotes (9-16, 1-2) are set to take on Donna North on Dec. 28 at 1:30 p.m. at Donna North High School and Brownsville Lopez at noon on Dec. 29. The Lady Coyotes will be hunting their second district win on Jan. 2 when they host the McAllen High Bulldogs at 1 p.m.

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Big 7 volleyball players receive honors

Jackie Howell, Audrey Smith named All-Area First Team

By Luciano Guerra Thirty one Big 7 schools’ volleyball players received post-season honors by being named to All-district and/ or All-area teams. Nineteen of those honored coming from the three District 31-5A teams, Mission Veterans, Sharyland High and Sharyland Pioneer, and 12 coming from the four District 30-6A teams, Mission High, La Joya High, Palmview and Juarez-Lincoln, that make up the Big 7.

The Mission Veterans Lady Patriots led the way among these seven teams with eight players named while the Sharyland Lady Rattlers had six and the Pioneer Lady Diamondbacks had five.

Of the 30-6A teams, the Mission Lady Eagles led the way with four players named, while the La Joya Lady Coyotes and the Juarez-Lincoln Lady Huskies each had three players named and the Palmview Lady Lobos had two.

The Lady Patriots also led the way among Big 7 teams with the most players receiving either a Most Valuable Player or an Outstanding Position Player award, with three, and All-Area recognition, with two. The only other Big 7 teams with players that received either of these were the Lady Diamondbacks, the Lady Rattlers and the Lady Eagles.

Receiving the highest honors among all Big 7 players were Mission Veterans junior outside hitter Jackie Howell who, along with Laredo Nixon’s Jennifer Peña, was named 31-5A’s Co-MVP and Pioneer senior Audrey Smith who was named 31-5A’s Outstanding Setter. Howell and Smith were also named First Team All-Area.

In her third year on the Lady Patriots varsity squad, this was not the first time Howell has received post-season honors.

“My freshman year I was named All-District Honorable Mention,” Howell said. “My sophomore year I was All-District Defensive Player of the Year and Second Team All-Area.”

This season, Howell recorded 515 kills, 345 digs and a team-high 77 aces.

When asked which of these she is the most proud of, Howell said, “Usually people say the kills because kills bring in the crowd, but the digs are something you do more for your team. You’re not

scoring a point but you’re also not letting the other team score so they mean the most to me.”

The niece of Lady Patriots’ head volleyball coach Diana Lerma, Howell has been around the sport of volleyball her entire life. With aunts and cousins that have excelled not only at the high school level but at the university level as well, volleyball is in her blood. And when it comes to the Lerma and the Howell families, you can never start playing too young.

“I was about 10-years-old when I started playing competitively,” shared the now 5-foot-10-inch, 145 pound Howell. “I remember being so little that I had to wear elbow pads on my knees because the knee pads were too big. I was practically born with a volleyball in my hand. My whole family is volleyball, volleyball.”

Like Howell, Smith is no stranger to post-season honors. Prior to being named this year’s 31-5A Outstanding Setter and to the All-Area First Team, Smith received district and/or Valley-wide honors each of her previous three years on the Lady Diamondbacks’ varsity squad.

“My freshman year I was honored to be named the District 31-5A Newcomer of the Year,” Smith said. “My sophomore year I was awarded 31-5A First Team and All-Area Second Team. And my junior year I was awarded 31-5A’s Outstanding Setter, All-Area First Team, First Team All-State and All-State All-Academic First Team. That was a very big honor for me.”

At 5 feet six inches tall and 145 pounds, Smith lacks the height to be an outside hitter. Fortunately for her, and for the Lady Diamondbacks, she was pegged to be a setter from the very beginning of her volleyball career by her then club team coach that eventually became her coach at Pioneer.

“My high school coach, Laura Cavazos, was also my very first club, or travelling team coach when I was about eight-years-old,” Smith said. “The second she looked at me she said, ‘Yup, you’re going to be a setter I just know it.’ That’s because I was pretty talkative and setters are kind of like the quarterbacks of the team so we need to be vocal and we need to be able to handle a lead-

ership role. Ever since then it’s the position I’ve played and the position I fell in love with.”

Smith’s outstanding play on the volleyball court has done more than earn her local as well as state-wide honors. It has also made it possible for her to continue her volleyball career at Texas Tech University in Lubbock which she’ll be doing next year. An opportunity she’s always dreamed about.

“I’m extremely grateful for this one-in-a-million opportunity,” shared Smith. “Not very many people get the opportunity to play college volleyball first of all and even less get the opportunity to play it in the Big 12 Conference. It still blows my mind that I’ve been given this opportunity and I’m so, so excited.”

With a brother, a father and a grandfather that all played college football and a sister that competed in equestrian events at Texas A&M University, Smith comes from a long line of collegiate athletes.

“It’s always been in my genetics,” Smith said. “I was raised in a very competitive environment so it’s always been a dream of mine to play college volleyball and I’m so happy that this dream is coming true.”

Here is a list of the other Big 7 athletes that received All-District and/or All-Area honors: Mission Veterans Lady Patriots Makenzie Gerlach (31-5A Outstanding hitter, Second Team All-Area), Kassy Lerma (31-5A Outstanding Blocker), Dariana Garza (31-5A First

See VOLLEYBALL HONORS Pg. 12

THE

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SCHOOLS

The Magic of Chiristmas never ends and its greatest gifts are family and friends

Merry Christmas!

page 12

December 22, 2017

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VOLLEYBALL HONORS Team), Ronnie Cantu (31-5A Second Team), Bela Dominquez, Val De La Fuente and Thalia Espinoza (31-5A Honorable Mention) Pioneer Lady Diamondbacks Mikayla Zimmerer and Daizy Coronado (31-5A First Team), Christina Ybarra (31-5A Second Team), Brianna Ramos (31-5A Honorary Mention) Sharyland Lady Rattlers Caleigh Hausenfluck (Outstanding Libero), Este-

from pg. 11 fania Hinojosa (31-5A First Team), Tristen Maddox and Melanie Lazos (31-5A Second Team), Aydee Hinojosa and Paola Chapa (31-5A Honorable Mention) Mission Lady Eagles Jazmine Sustaita (30-6A Outstanding Libero), Ariel Sanchez (30-6A First Team), Alexis Farias (30-6A Second Team), Anyssa Aguilar (306A Honorable Mention) La Joya Lady Coyotes Karina Casanova and Alexandria Alaniz (30-6A First

Team), Destiny Garcia (306A Honorable Mention) Juarez-Lincoln Lady Huskies Yolanda Hernandez and Diana Bustos (30-6A Second Team), Jecelyne Rodriguez (30-6A Honorable Mention) Palmview Lady Lobos Jazmin Campos (30-6A First Team), Shelsey Luna (30-6A Honorable Mention)

Merry Christmas from Faith Baptist Church Sunday Service Times: Adult Sunday School 9:30 AM Sunday Worship 10:30 AM Wednesday Services: Adults, Teens, Kids 7:00 PM

GROUNDBREAKING

laborative effort that we’ve made into a reality.”

At the groundbreaking, Alton Mayor Salvador Vela said the bank will add a sense of legitimacy to the city.

“I’m real happy we’re breaking ground. It’s been three years in the making while the city kept growing in that time,” he said. “It feels like now that there’s a bank the city counts as a major player and the city can enjoy being prosperous. It’s a sign of what’s coming into the city and we’re all elated for the growth.

Urgent Care Center At the groundbreaking, Vela and Peña said the city is in negotiations with Doctors Hospital at Renaissance to create an urgent care facility next to the bank. Peña said the negotiations could be finalized by early next year so the care center could arrive by late 2018 at the earliest.

“The urgent care center is something that has been in the mix for about a year already,” Peña said. “DHR

sees the need that is out here because we don’t have anything like that here. The closest thing we have is Mission Regional Hospital in Mission or DHR in Edinburg and some people cannot make it that far if they’re in an emergency.”

Peña said the city currently has a population of 15,550 residents and could expand by 5,000 residents within two years. He added that the urgent care center could also service colinia residents.

Stars Last week, the city’s second burger restaurant, Stars Drive-in, opened in the city across from the upcoming Lone Star bank site.

According to Peña, the burger chain invested $300,000 into the city and the new location added 15 jobs.

“Ever since it opened it’s been packed, I guess people love those burgers,” Peña said.

Fire Academy At a city council meeting

from pg. 1

held earlier this month, the Alton city council was treated to a tour of the former Alton recycling warehouse, which has been converted into the city’s new fire academy.

Located across the street from the Alton City Hall at 509 S. Alton Blvd., the warehouse went through $600,000 in renovations to make the former warehouse habitable The work included new plumbing and electrical systems and will have four exam and computer labs and one conference room, said Assistant City Manager Jeff Underwood. The renovations for the building started in June and lasted six months, he said.

The Alton location of the local non-profit La Union del Pueblo Entero will also be housed in the building, Underwood said, adding that a red ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for next month to celebrate the academy.

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• 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.

Emergency Calls: Dial 911 Non-emergency: (956)584-5000

Have a Safe & Secure Holiday from

Mission Police Department “Committed to Our Community”

Located at 3 Mile & Shary Rd.

Go to www.missionpolice.org for additional holiday safety tips.

1200 E. 8th St. Mission TX, 78572

December 22, 2017

AGUA SUD PROJECTS

until Salinas made a presentation to the board that night he was not aware of the appointment and questioned its legality. However utility attorney, Frank Garza, said the board had given the general manager the authority when it created the position in September. The position was created at the same time the board abolished the executive director position after Oscar Cancino resigned as interim executive director after serving since Oct. 2016.

“The water development board knew, they were kept informed” about Salinas’ hiring, LeFevre said.

On Tuesday, LeFevre said he has not been collecting a salary from the utility and defended hiring Salinas saying the money paid the interim assistant manager was for 178 hours of work performed between Sept. 25 and Dec. 4.

LeFevre said during those two months Salinas, working with utility engineer, Eddie Saenz and Garza, had renegotiated deals with contractors that saved the utility nearly $1 million. LeFevre said it was necessary to renegotiate the contracts because

page 13

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com they were originally negotiated at least 10 years ago and that inflation has reduced their value. And LeFevre said even though he has not been personally involved, Salinas and utility staff have kept the installation of sewer lines in Palmview moving and have negotiated more than half of the 19 property acquisitions needed to begin construction of four lift stations for the project.

During his two months in charge LeFevre said Salinas found the utility has purchased 500 acre feet of water, or about two million gallons, from the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality that has not been converted, or received from the Rio Grande River, that once utilized could result in reduced customer water costs.

“I’ve voted many times for Mr. Hinojosa and I love him to death,” LeFevre said.

“The senator is entitled to his opinion and I don’t have any problem with that opinion.

But I can tell you that the district and the board is doing everything it can to proceed forward.”

Saenz, the utility’s engi-

from pg. 1

neer, agreed projects were moving forward despite the absence of a full time general manager. He said there have been several applications filed for the position that closes on Dec. 27. Saenz said he has been running the day-to-day operations of the utility in consultation with Salinas and Garza.

At its Dec. 12 meeting the board approved a 30.6 million budget for FY 2018 that begins Jan. 1. The budget contains $5.6 million in drinking water projects and $25 million in sewer projects. The projected budget also includes an end of year surplus of over $233,000 if all projects continue as planned, said the utility’s chief accountant, Dagoberto Soto Jr. A slightly less surplus in this year’s budget allowed the board to approve one time bonuses for the utility’s 68 full time employees of $400 and its one half-time employee of $200 costing the utility less than $30,000.

As for an action plan board member, Ochoa, said if he had his way the board would immediately appoint

Saenz as the assistant general manager while the search for a permanent general manager continues. Ochoa is managing partner of CSJ Group, an Edinburg-based civil engineer and construction firm.

Saenz said he has been putting in 20 to 24 hours a week overseeing the utility and is considered by Ochoa as the defacto interim assistant manager. Asked if he would accept such an appointment Saenz declined to comment.

LeFevre said despite insinuations to the contrary the utility has strategic plans in place and only lacks a permanent general manager which he contends is just a matter of time.

“It’s a good system,” LeFevre said. “And the employees, good employees. I mean just honest, hard working people. And I know the district is trying and it can be a great system if they get the right general manager. It’s going to be a great system.”

Neither Board President Hernandez or the utility’s attorney, Frank Garza, responded to requests for comment by press time.

MISSION COUNCIL

from pg. 1

the resident rate.

Some examples of the rates set, Mission residents are charged $50 a day to rent a pavilion at Bannworth Park while corporate/commercial patrons will pay $150. And residents will pay $250 a day to use the Boys and Girls Club facility while corportate/commercial entities will pay $400 per day.

Mayor Pro Tem Norie Gonzalez Garza said the new rates are intended to keep the city up to date with the community’s increased awareness of the need for physical fitness and increased usage of city facilities.

The rates for recreational facilities and use of the Mission Event Center were the result of separate recent city council work sessions.

During the sessions the council agreed to add the category of promoter to the varying rates charged for residents, non-residents, non-profits and corporations for use of the event center.

The most dramatic rate change emanating from the work session was a five fold increase the city will charge for the center’s 2,500 square foot patio which city staff had originally set at $500 and

will now cost $2,500.

Garza said the increase was necessary because some other portions of the center cannot be used when just the patio is rented.

“Keep in mind that running a city is like running a business,” said Councilman Dr. Armando O’Caña, “you can’t be in the hole all the time.”

The $2,500 rate for the patio is the same rate residents will be charged to rent the more than 17,000 square foot Grand Orchard ballroom. Corporate clients will pay $6,500 for its use for a night.

Garza and O’Caña said the $15,000 the city plans to charge promoters is still less than what the city of McAllen and Brownsville charge concert promoters.

“Having a concert is not our intent,” O’Caña said of the event center. “Our intent is to have a place for the community to have a decent wedding, quinceneara, graduation party or family reunion.”

O’Caña said the prices remain subject to change in the future based on public feed-

See MISSION COUNCIL Pg. 17

With appreciation for your friendship and patronage, we wish you a warm and wonderful season.

Residents like you have really made our year special.

Thanks, and Happy Holidays!

Mary Salinas Mayor Pro-Tem

Jose A. “Fito” Salinas Mayor

Maria E. “Geny” Salinas Commissioner

Rey Acosta Commissioner

Gerardo Perez Mayor

Javier Ramirez Mayor Pro Tem

Ricardo Villarreal Councilman

Anna Lisa Ruiz Commissioner Mike Alaniz City Administrator

Roberto Jackson City Attorney

Norberto “Beto” Salinas MAYOR

1201 E. 8th St. (956) 580-8650 www.missiontexas.us

Leo Olivares Interim City Manager

Julianita Sabala Administrative Secretary

Norie Garza MAYOR PRO-TEM

Hernandez www.cityofpalmview.comJoselito Councilman

Jessica Ortega-Ochoa COUNCILWOMAN

Linda Sarabia Councilwoman

Joel Garcia Councilman

Ramiro J. Rodriguez, Jr. Roberto A. Salinas Mayor Mayor Pro-Tem

Jaime Aranda Councilman

www.cityofpalmhursttx.com

Ruben Plata COUNCILMAN

Dr. Armando Ocaña COUNCILMAN

Martin Garza, Jr. CITY MANAGER

www.CityOfPenitas.com Javier Ramirez Mayor Pro Tem

Ricardo Villarreal Councilman

Leo Olivares Interim City Manager MAYOR PRO-TEM COUNCILMAN MAYOR Joselito Hernandez www.cityofpalmview.com ALEX GUAJARDO JOSE ROEL FLORES RIGO LOPEZ Councilman

Israel Silva Councilman

Ofelia Peña-Perez Councilwoman

City of Alton

facebook.com/CityOfPenitas Gerardo Perez Mayor

Ruben De Leon Councilman

COUNCILMAN COUNCILMAN Linda Sarabia Joel Garcia FELIPE QUINTANILLA RAMIRO LOYA Councilwoman Councilman

“The City on the Grow” Salvador Vela Mayor

509 S. Alton Blvd. • Alton, TX 78573 • www.alton-tx.gov • (956) 432-0760

Ricardo Garza COMMISSIONER

Arturo R. Galvan Jr. MAYOR PRO-TEM

Emilio Cantu Jr. Richard Arevalo COMMISSIONER

COMMISSIONER

page 14

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December 22, 2017

MHS and MCHS students participate in first of its kind internship program More than a dozen girls from the Mission High School T-STEM Academy and Mission Collegiate High School are participating in a new internship program designed to advance the careers of high school girls in Mission.

According to a Mission

CISD press release, the program, called Career Readiness and Empowerment of Women (CREW), is a yearlong, multidisciplinary internship provided through the Mission Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).

Participants are select-

ed based on their academic performance, commitment to improving their community, and a keen interest in pursuing a career in entrepreneurship and Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math, or STEAM, fields.

The participants from Mission High School are

Brianna Garcia, Kysela Garcia, Ana Gonzalez, Brijida Luna and from Mission Collegiate High School, Angelica Aguilar, Angelina Ayala, Chelsea Barrientos, Carina Martinez, Wendy Moncivais, Daisy Powers, Yatzziri Ruiz, Xitlaly Villanueva, Odalis Villarreal, Laura Zavala.

CREW provides interns with the technical skills and soft skills needed to succeed in the entrepreneurship and STEAM fields through four core areas: Career Lab, Mentorship, Social Innovation, and Coding. Interns will go through intensive career readiness training, and also create professional networks with successful women across the globe. During the second semester, CREW interns will focus on developing solutions to problems affecting their community by embarking in social innovation projects. After completing a coding course, they will create the website for their respective social ventures.

The multifaceted approach focuses on what is needed to succeed as a woman, resulting in a one-of-akind program that addresses the invisible barriers that keep young women in the Rio Grande Valley from entering careers in the STEAM fields, the press release states.

“Success does not simply rely on having access to computer science or engineering classes,” said program director, Cristina Garza. “For women in underrepresented fields, success is tied to not being isolated, having role models, a strong support system, and the professional skills to manage difficult situations. In other words, the interns will gain the soft and hard skills to navigate a career in which they are expected to be the minority.”

It’s the first time that a high school internship program is based out of the Mission EDC. “Through this innova-

tive internship program, the Mission EDC continues to redefine how economic development is done at a local level, once again prioritizing the professional skills we provide our future Mission leaders,” said Alex Meade, MEDC CEO. “Studies have shown that prioritizing financial opportunities and career development for women and girls is one of the single most effective actions a city can take to advance its local economy.”

Mission EDC officials said they plan to extend the CREW program to other schools in the area in the future. This first internship cycle is expected to end in June 2018.

Picture courtesy of Mission EDC. For more information, contact Cristina Garza, program director at cgarza@missionedc.com or learn more here: www.crewmissionedc.com.

Holiday Wishes During this holiday season our thoughts turn to those who have made our progress possible.

In this spirit, a simple and sincere wish for you and yours: May you have a very happy, healthy and safe holiday.

May Peace, Joy and Prosperity be with you now and throughout the New Year.

Judge Rose Guerra Reyna Pol. Adv. Paid for by Rose Guerra Reyna Campaign, John Skaggs - Treasurer, P.O. Box 2285, McAllen, Texas 78502-2285; 956-687-8203. In compliance with the voluntary limits of the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act.

At this festive time of year, we count customers like you among our best reasons to celebrate.

Thank you for dropping in on us and for trusting us with your business. We are truly grateful for your support and friendship.

MISSION NURSING & REHABILITATION CENTER 1013 S. Bryan Rd. • MIssion, TX

(956) 580-2100 BOTTOM L TO R: Sylvia Gonzalez, BOM; Tanya Carrillo, HR; Sandra Naranjo, Medical Records; Sarah Omoso, RN, MDS Coordinator; Isabel Flores, Administrator; Gaye Springer, LVN, Supervisor; Elisa Larson, RN, MDS Coordinator; Lisa Garcia, Admissions Coordinator.

BACK L TO R: Gian Mira, AIT; Jorge Hinojosa, LVN, Supervisor; Clarence Suento, DON; Rogelio Fuentes, Dietary Manager; Carl Zayas, Social Worker.

December 22, 2017

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

obituaries

Heriberto Aviles Jr. MISSION – Heriberto Aviles Jr., 25, passed away on Monday, Dec. 18, 2017, in Corpus Christi.

Mr. Aviles was born on Sept. 15, 1992, in McAllen to Heriberto and Carmen (Perales) Aviles.

Survivors include his parents; children, Averie Aviles and King Aviles; and siblings, Leticia Cordova, Belinda Piñon and Abigail Rendon.

Viewing will be held on Thursday, Dec. 21, from 2 to 9 p.m. with 7 p.m. rosary at Rivera Funeral Home in Mission. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, Dec. 22, at 9 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial follows at San Jose Cemetery in Mission.

Margarita Garza MISSION – Margarita “Tito” G. Garza, age 96, passed away on Tuesday morning, Dec. 12, 2017, at her home in Mission.

Survivors include her children, Diana Garza of Mission, Dora Mendoza of College Station and Jose Garza of Mission; siblings, Maria Ramirez of San Antonio, Gregoria Strozzi of Guadalajara, Porfiria Rodriguez of Mission and Maria Luisa Carrizalez of Missouri City; and three grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Luciano B. Garza.

A funeral mass was held on Dec. 15 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church

in Mission. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery in McAllen.

Maria Jackson LA JOYA – Maria Del Carmen Jackson, 85, passed away on Friday, Dec. 15, 2017, at her home in La Joya.

Mrs. Jackson was born on Aug. 17, 1932 in Camacho, Zacatecas, Mexico. She was a homemaker and a farm worker.

Survivors include her children, San Juana Lopez, Dalia Porath, Gregoria Jackson, Emma Chou, Maria Cirlos, Mona Jackson, Josefa Wong, Amalia Jackson, Roberto Jackson Jr., and Linda Jackson; and 30 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Roberto Vela Jackson.

Notices

Jose Cobarruvias PEÑITAS – Jose De Jesus Cobarruvias, 46, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2017, at his home.

Willie De La Cruz MISSION – Willie R. De La Cruz, 76, passed away on Monday, Dec. 11, 2017, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Antonia Doust MISSION – Antonia Doust, 83, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, at McAllen Medical Center.

Praxedis Eufracio MISSION – Praxedis Eufracio, 94, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2017, at Comfort House in McAllen.

Ofelia Garza MISSION – Ofelia Garza, 65, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2017, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Cielo Gomez MISSION – Cielo Gomez, infant, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2017, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Maria Gomez MISSION – Maria P. Gomez, 74, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, at her home in Mission.

Jesse Gonzalez MISSION – Jesse Gonzalez, 63, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2017, at his home in Mission.

Jimmy Gooch PALMVIEW – Jimmy Gene Gooch, 84, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2017, at his home.

Gabriel Guillen MISSION – Gabriel Guillen, 80, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Charles Long PALMVIEW – Charles W. Long, 83, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, at Comfort House in McAllen.

Juan Lopez LA JOYA – Juan Lopez, 61, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017, at his home in La Joya.

Geronimo Mendoza Jr. PALMVIEW – Geronimo Mendoza Jr., 30, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2017, in Palmview.

Dawn Meyer MISSION – Dawn Meyer, 73, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Lorena Ruelas MISSION – Lorena Aleyda Ruelas, 53, passed away on Monday, Dec. 18, 2017, at McAllen Heart Hospital.

Juan Saenz LA JOYA – Juan Angel Saenz, 77, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, at Amara Hospice in Edinburg Jose Sauceda MISSION – Jose Martinez Sauceda, 76, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, at his home in Mission.

Urbana Soto MISSION – Urbana Soto, 70, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017, at her home in Mission.

Aaliyah Sullivan ALTON – Aaliyah Sullivan, 3-month old infant, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, at Doctors Hospital in Edinburg.

FIRST CHRISTMAS TREE

in hopes of making it a natural landmark, City Mayor Ramiro J. Rodriguez said.

In August, the city began widening the entrance and driveway of the park and added a parking lot east of the city’s iconic Shary Memorial Chapel. Future plans for the park include additional parking, a gazebo and a hiking trail.

“We want this to be our annual event and for next year, screen movies every weekend in December instead of once a month like we did tonight,” Rodriguez said. “It’s a small, quaint event for a city of 2,700 res-

idents but in the future we hope to make this event big enough to compete with the tree lighting ceremonies in Mission and McAllen.”

Originally, the event was scheduled for Friday, Dec. 8 but was cancelled due to inclement weather that resulted in the Valley’s first snowfall in 13 years.

“It was a blessing that the snow happened, because now the event happened much closer to Christmas,” Rodriguez said, adding that he estimated 500 people would attend the event.

Among the residents who turned up was Bertha Gam-

boa, a Mission CISD teacher who brought her 5-year-old son, Zack to the event. She admitted to being nervous about the event as Zach would be watching the film “Home Alone,” a favorite of hers, for the first time ever and was hoping he would like it.

“It’s nice to be in an event like this with family,” Gamboa said. “Usually I go to Christmas events in McAllen but already I prefer this one.

It’s small and intimate while in McAllen it’s such a huge crowd but nowhere near as peaceful.”

By Jose De Leon III

While the district couldn’t immediately give a total number of employees in the district or what the total amount of the bonus was, the Texas Education Agency’s Texas Academic Performance Report for the 2016-2017 school year says the district has a total staff of 4,353 employees. The figure includes teachers and auxiliary workers like custodians and school bus drivers across the district’s 29 campuses.

If each employee received a $500 bonus, that would mean the bonus totaled $2,176,500.

Last year, the district had 4,747 employees and gave out $2,373,500 in bonuses, the district’s public information office confirmed at the

time.

School Board President Oscar “Coach” Salinas said the district again this year had a healthy fund balance that enabled the school board and administration to offer the bonus which the employees should receive by today.

“This was done with the heart and mind to do the right thing in the time of giving as an incentive so the employees will be motivated to be better and work harder since it will reflect on their kids,” Salinas said. “We value their work and commitment to the kids and for being so loyal to the district. We want them to be happy and make sure that we can help them.”

La Joya ISD employees receive Christmas bonus

For the second year in a row, the La Joya Independent School District has awarded each of its employees with a $500 bonus.

Approved by the district’s board of trustees during a Monday special called meeting, district officials said the bonus - or supplemental pay as it was referred to in the meeting agenda - is a sign of appreciation to district employees.

“It’s a little extra something for them as employees, the ones who help our district grow and our students succeed. This is how we show them our appreciation,” School Board Member Juan Jose “JJ” Pena said.

ProgressTimes

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ChurCh DireCtory

BREAD OF LIFE CHURCH 2820 N. Conway Ave. • 581-1411 CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD 2322 N. McColl. - McAllen 682-2092 CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS 5609 S 29th St. - McAllen 682-4881 CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS 2Mile & Bryan Rd Mission.

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

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 1101 Doherty • 585-1665 FREEDOM LIFE CHURCH 2214 W. Griffin Pkwy. • 519-7000 Mission GRACIA DIVINA MINISTRY 11809 N. Shary Rd. • 584-3112 GREAT OAKS COMMUNITY CHURCH 2722 N. Conway • 451-5500 Mission HERITAGE BAPTIST MCALLEN 2549 Lindbergh Ave. McAllen • 451-6358 IGLESIA ADVENTISTA DEL SEPTIMO DIA 1725 W. Griffin Parkway 581-9008 IGLESIA BAUTISTA BETANIA 851 S. Breyfogle Rd. • 585-5688 IGLESIA BAUTISTA CRISTO EL REY 1600 E. Bus. 83 - Mission IGLESIA BAUTISTA COLONIAL 3713 N. La Homa Rd. • 585-5332 IGLESIA BAUTISTA DEL VALLE 217 W. Mile 3 Rd. • 424-1602 Palmhurst IGLESIA DEL PUEBLO 7500 West Expressway 83 581-1900 IGLESIA DEL DIVINO REDENTOR 1020 North Los Ebanos Rd 585-5898

IGLESIA PENTECOSTES NUEVA VIDA A/G 211 W. Mile 3 Road Palmhurst • 956-342-9711 Rev. Candelario Banda

LA RESPUESTA CHURCH 405 W. 12th Street • 585-0787 MISSION CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE 1 mi. E. 495 • 585-6683 NEW HOPE AT THE BORDER 905 N. Conway • 369-3603 NORTH MISSION CHURCH OF CHRIST 1410 E. Mile 3 Rd. • 585-0146 Palmhurst NORTH PALMVIEW APOSTOLIC CHURCH 7612 W. 6 Mile Ln. ONLY THRU JESUS 1511 E. Mile 2 Rd. Mission • 918-760-1625 OUR LADY QUEEN OF ANGELS One-half mile South Leo Avenue La Joya • 585-5223 OUR LADY OF FATIMA CHURCH 6634 El Camino Real • Granjeno OUR LADY OF LOURDES CHURCH 2.5 miles S. Conway (FM 1016) Mission OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE CATHOLIC CHURCH 620 Dunlap • 585-2623 OUR LADY OF THE HOLY ROSARY CHURCH 923 Matamoros St. • 581-2193 PALM VALLEY CHURCH 1720 E. Griffin Pkwy.

585-3203 PEÑITAS BAPTIST CHURCH 1/3 Mile S. of Exp.83 on FM 1427 583-6236 PRIMERA BAPTIST CHURCH Corner of 6th & Oblate 585-4711

PROMISE LAND CHURCH 2300 E. Palm Circle (Corner of 495) Mission, TX 78572 • 624-9307 RIVER OF LIFE CHURCH 901 S. Shary Rd. (Located in the Holiday Inn Express Conference Room) 451-4838 SAN CRISTOBAL MAGALLANES & COMPANIONS PARISH

3805 Plantation Grove Blvd., Ste. 5

Mission • 580-4551

SAN MARTIN DE PORRES 5 mi. N. Conway, 1/2 Mile West Alton • 585-8001 & 585-8002 SPIRIT OF PEACE EV. LUTHERAN CHUCH 3104 Los Milagros Mission • 581-1822 ST. JOHN OF THE FIELDS CATHOLIC CHURCH 1052 Washington Ave. • 585-2325 ST. PAUL'S CATHOLIC CHURCH 1119 Francisco • 585-2701 ST. PETER & ST. PAUL EPISCOPAL CHURCH 2310 N. Stewart Rd. 585-5005 SHINING LIGHT BAPTIST CHURCH 6 1/8 N. Doffing Rd. (FM 492) 580-4078 TEMPLO BIBLICO 5 Mile/Conway 581-4981or 585-3831 TEMPLO EVANGELICO, M.B. CHURCH La Joya TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH 3905 W. 3 Mile Line • 585-3261 VALLEY FELLOWSHIP 1708 E. Griffin Parkway Mission • 424-7200

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

KING, GUERRA, DAVIS & GARCIA ATTORNEYS AT LAW

DAVID H. GUERRA

page 15 from pg. 1

DARRELL DAVIS

301 E. Tom Landry • Mission • 585-1622

MISSION AUTO ELECTRIC, INC. DBA

ER MAE EPQOU IW PMENT

Commercial Lawn Equipment “Since 1954”

915 West Bus. 83 • Mission, tX 78572 • (956) 581-7433

theclassifieds page 16

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buy • sell • trade • rent • hire

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

ELECTRIC BED ALMOST new fully electric Invacare homecare bed with side rails, never used it, Invacare Model G5510 electric bed complete package with head and foot sections, bed ends, bed rails and mattress, compare value at $2,000$3,000, need the money, so will sell for just $600, call 956-8026530.

HAPPY JACK FLEXENHANCE plus, relieves arthritic joint & muscle pain in older dogs without prescription, Mission Feed & Hardware, 956-5812153, (kennelvax. com) ANTIQUE ROCKERS FOR sale, 2 antique rockers, $125 each or offer, call 956-581-9427.

QUEEN ADJUSTABLE BED used 6 weeks $1,500, oak entertainment dresser with night stand $450, Ken-

ORDINANCE NO. 4582 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 3797 ADJUSTING AND ESTABLISHING FEES FOR THE INSTALLATION OF NETWORK NODES AND NODE SUPPORT POLES PURSUANT TO TEX. LOC. GOV. CODE CHAPTER 284; PROVIDING FOR ACUMULATIVE CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR A PUBLICATION PROVISION READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 18TH DAY OF DECEMBER, 2017.

Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

Classified Rate:

1 Week = $7.00 2 Weeks = $10.00

4 Weeks = $14.00

more frostfree up- 2013 WINNEBAright freezer, 1 yr. GO TOUR 42FT., $350, call 956-905- 450 Cummings Die7247. sel, 4 slides, wash19 FT. 1996 er, dryer, and dishCLASS B Motor washer, Aqua Hot, home, 118K, 360 king bed, queen bed Dodge, new tires, front, one owner, cab roof air, good 20,500 miles, call condition, $7,000, 870-219-9225. call 218-310-8682.

PUBLIC NOTICE The City of Alton will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. at the City Hall Legislative Chambers located at 509 S. Alton Boulevard to consider the following request: Si desea información en español, llame al departamento de Planeación de la Ciudad de Alton, (956) 432-0760.

CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT: Blesson B. George, d.b.a., Alton Drive Thru is requesting a Conditional Use Permit to obtain a Wine and Beer Retailer’s Off-Premise Permit at 2115 E. Main Avenue, Suite 6, also legally described as Palmasola, Lot 31, Alton, Hidalgo County, Texas.

The public is invited to attend and express support for or opposition to this application. You may also file written support or opposition to by 12:00 noon on January 9, 2018, for the Planning and Zoning and the City Commission.

For questions please call Jeff Underwood, Assistant City Manager at (956) 432-0760.

PUBLIC NOTICE The Mission Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a Regular Meeting on January 10, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. at the City Hall Council Chambers, 1201 East 8th Street, Mission, Texas in order to consider the following: Rezoning: A 2.98 acres (3 acres-Deed call) of land out of Lot 16-6, West Addition to Sharyland Subdivision, from (C-3) General Business to (I-1) Light Industrial; Rezoning: Being a 14.33 acre tract of land, more or less, lying north of Expressway 83 comprised of 1.90 acres of Lot 1, 3.12 acres of Lot 2, and 9.33 acres of Lot 3, The Goodwin Tract Subdivision No. 3, from (AO-I) Agricultural Open Interim to (C-3) General Business; Rezoning: Lot 81, Sharyland Orchards Subdivision, from (R-1A) Large Lot Single Family to (R-3) Multi-Family Residential; Rezoning: 0.407 acres out of Lot 265, John H. Shary Subdivision, from (R-1) Single Family Residential to (C-3) General Business; Rezoning: Lot 1, Block 4, Bryan Park Addition, from (R-2) Duplex-Fourplex Residential to (R-3) Multi-Family Residential; and Rezoning: A 0.65 acre tract of land out of Meadow Creek Country Club Phase II-A Subdivision, from PUD (Planned Unit Development – Permanent Open Space District) to PUD (Planned Unit Development – Commercial) Discussion and Action to Amend Ordinance #4044 as it relates to: Carports with a roof composed of tarp, canvas, or other similar fabric-like material.

Replat of Lot 6, Ellis No. 6 Subdivision Being a 0.50 acre tract of land, more or less, consisting of all of Lot 6, Re-plat of Lot 6, Ellis No. 6 Subdivision 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

December 22, 2017 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.

ORDINANCE NO. 4581 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS AMENDING ORDINANCE 4576, AMENDING VARIOUS PORTIONS OF CHAPTER 86 – SIGNS – OF THE MISSION CODE OF ORDINANCES, CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING A PUBLICATION DATE READ, CONSIDERED PASSED, THIS THE DAY OF DECEMBER,

AND 18TH 2017.

Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

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TEXAS COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

NOTICE OF APPLICATION AND PRELIMINARY DECISION FOR TPDES PERMIT FOR MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER RENEWAL PERMIT NO. WQ0012675001 APPLICATION AND PRELIMINARY DECISION. City of La Joya, P.O. Box H, La Joya, Texas 78560, has applied to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for a renewal of Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES) Permit No. WQ0012675001, which authorizes the discharge of treated domestic wastewater at an annual average flow not to exceed 1,470,000 gallons per day. TCEQ received this application on May 18, 2015.

The facility is located approximately 1.5 miles south-southwest of the intersection of U.S. Highway 83 and Farm-to-Market Road 2521, in Hidalgo County, Texas 78560. The treated effluent is discharged directly to Rio Grande Below Falcon Reservoir in Segment No. 2302 of the Rio Grande Basin. The designated uses for Segment No. 2302 are high aquatic life use, public water supply, and primary contact recreation.

The TCEQ Executive Director has completed the technical review of the application and prepared a draft permit. The draft permit, if approved, would establish the conditions under which the facility must operate. The Executive Director has made a preliminary decision that this permit, if issued, meets all statutory and regulatory requirements. The permit application, Executive Director’s preliminary decision, and draft permit are available for viewing and copying at La Joya City Hall, 101 North Leo Street, La Joya, Texas. This link to an electronic map of the site or facility’s general location is provided as a public courtesy and is not part of the application or notice. For the exact location, refer to the application. http://www.tceq.texas.gov/assets/public/hb610/index.html?lat=26.228888&lng=-98.488055&zoom=13&type=r PUBLIC COMMENT / PUBLIC MEETING.: You may submit public comments or request a public meeting about this application. The purpose of a public meeting is to provide the opportunity to submit comments or to ask questions about the application. TCEQ holds a public meeting if the Executive Director determines that there is a significant degree of public interest in the application or if requested by a local legislator. A public meeting is not a contested case hearing.

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

TO REQUEST A CONTESTED CASE HEARING, YOU MUST INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING ITEMS IN YOUR REQUEST: your name; address, phone number; applicant’s name and permit number; the location and distance of your property/activities relative to the facility; a specific description of how you would be adversely affected by the facility in a way not common to the general public; and the statement “I/we request a contested case hearing.”

If the request for contested case hearing is filed on behalf of a group or association, the request must designate the group’s representative for receiving future correspondence; identify an individual member of the group who would be adversely affected by the proposed facility or activity; provide the information discussed above regarding the affected member’s location and distance from the facility or activity; explain how and why the member would be affected; and explain how the interests the group seeks to protect are germane to the group’s purpose.

Following the close of all applicable comment and request periods, the Executive Director will forward the application and any requests for reconsideration or for a contested case hearing to the TCEQ Commissioners for their consideration at a scheduled Commission meeting.

The Commission will only grant a contested case hearing on disputed issues of fact that are relevant and material to the Commission’s decision on the application.

Further, the Commission will only grant a hearing on issues that were raised in timely filed comments that were not subsequently withdrawn. TCEQ may act on an application to renew a permit for discharge of wastewater without providing an opportunity for a contested case hearing if certain criteria are met.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ACTION. The Executive Director may issue final approval of the application unless a timely contested case hearing request or request for reconsideration is filed. If a timely hearing request or request for reconsideration is filed, the Executive Director will not issue final approval of the permit and will forward the application and request to the TCEQ Commissioners for their consideration at a scheduled Commission meeting.

MAILING LIST. If you submit public comments, a request for a contested case hearing or a reconsideration of the Executive Director’s decision, you will be added to the mailing list for this specific application to receive future public notices mailed by the Office of the Chief Clerk. In addition, you may request to be placed on: (1) the permanent mailing list for a specific applicant name and permit number; and/or (2) the mailing list for a specific county. If you wish to be placed on the permanent and/or the county mailing list, clearly specify which list(s) and send your request to TCEQ Office of the Chief Clerk at the address below.

All written public comments and public meeting requests must be submitted to the Office of the Chief Clerk, MC 105, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, TX 78711-3087 or electronically at www.tceq. texas.gov/about/comments.html within 30 days from the date of newspaper publication of this notice.

AGENCY CONTACTS AND INFORMATION. If you need more information about this permit application or the permitting process, please call the TCEQ Public Education Program, Toll Free, at 1-800-687-4040. Si desea información en Español, puede llamar al 1-800-687-4040. General information about the TCEQ can be found at our web site at www.TCEQ.texas.gov.

Further information may also be obtained from City of La Joya at the address stated above or by calling Mr. Mike Alaniz at (956) 580-7001.

Issuance Date: August 24, 2017

December 22, 2017

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Page 17

La Joya High School among nation’s top contributors in effort to aid Puerto Rican hurricane victims

La Joya High School students of teacher Georgiana Rioscollected the most in donations at La Joya High School to provide portable water purification systems to victims of the recent hurricanes in Puerto Rico.

In September Hurricane Irma swept over Puerto Rico leaving many of its 3.6 million inhabitants without electricity or water. Within the next few weeks Hurricanes Jose and then Maria hit the island territory again.

At La Joya High School, teacher Maria G. Rodriguez, sponsor of the school’s International Club and member of the American Federation of Teachers, began an effort to collect donations to purchase portable water purification systems for the island’s residents.

And last month the school donated $1,219 to the AFT’s Operation Agua Every Drop Counts Challenge.

Juan J. Luna, the La Joya ISD AFT delegate, said it was the third largest amount in the nation contributed to the effort from participating schools.

“We have a school in Albuquerque, New Mexico that contributed $1,500 and another in Omaha, Nebraska that contributed $1,455 so our $1,219 was the third largest amount contributed to Operation Agua

MISSION COUNCIL back.

Also Monday the council approved spending $36,000 on a portable, interlocking dance floor for the event center and $73,000 to upgrade the aging system that keeps vital police communications gear operating during power outages.

The council also authorized the public works department to seek bids on a $200,000 project to overhaul the city’s four sewer lift stations and it authorized a $75,000 expenditure to pay Mission-based Javier Hinojosa Engineering to develop plans for repaving Kika de la Garza Loop between Conway and Tom Landry Avenues. Public Works Director Robert Salinas said work on the approximately $700,000 project should begin in late February or early March.

The council also took the opportunity to recognize the staff of the city secretary’s

Courtesy photo

in the nation,” Luna said.

An AFT spokesperson said about 75 schools are participating in the challenge nationwide adding not all have concluded their fundraising efforts meaning La Joya’s third place position could potentially shift. The spokesperson said the AFT website lists only schools that have concluded their fund raising efforts though there is no deadline for contributing to the effort as of Thursday AFT had raised $968,000.

Luna said the $30 purification systems are similar to the Britta water purifiers available in many retail stores.

Luna said it was Rodriguez who took it upon herself to ask permission from Principal Antonio Caño to show a video about the plight of Puerto Rico’s hurricane victims and Operation Agua on the AFT web site to all second period classes at the high school.

The winning classroom was that of AFT member, Georgiana Rios whose was rewarded with a Pizza Party for lunch, Luna said.

The Veterans Memorial High School Patriots football team were among three Mission Consolidated Independent School District teams recognized for their achievements this year during the district’s regular Dec. 6 meeting. With a 9-1 regular season record the Patriots were district and bi-district champions and made it into the second round of the state playoffs. Also recognized was the Veterans Memorial High School tennis team that won the Bi-District championship and the Veterans Memorial High School Volley Ball team that won both the district and Bi-District championships.

Courtesy photo

from pg 13 office for receiving for the second year in a row the Texas Office of Vital Statistics’ highest honor, the Five Star Exemplary Award. City Secretary Anna Carillo noted the office has received a five star rating from the state since 2003 but the exemplary award was given the past two years in a row.

The council used its last meeting of the calendar year to recognize 20 employees for service ranging from 20 to 35 years to the city. Among them were City Manager Martin Garza Jr., who was recognized for 25 years of service, Police Chief Robert Dominguez for his 30 years of service along with Robert L. Rivera who retired after 30 years at Speer Memorial Library. And the employee with the longest service was Assistant Police Chief Jose A. Garcia who has been with the city for 35 years.

We are especially grateful for the friendship and support of our customers and Progress Times readers.

MICHAEL FERNUIK PGA Professional

Golf Lessons Available.

956.874.4812 Please call to set up an appointment. email: mikeferpro@aol.com

Merry Christmas!

page 18

December 22, 2017

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An employee at Rio Grande Children’s Home lays down a gift for the children under the Christmas tree during a Christmas party for them Saturday.

Progress Times photo by Jose De Leon III

The spirit of giving at Rio Grande Children’s Home

By Jose De Leon III

In the spirit of giving

Clarissa Ramirez, lower right, director of the Hidalgo County Women, Infants and Children’s Food and Nutrition program, takes a number drawn Wednesday morning by a student enrolled in the Head Start program on Mayberry Road in Mission. The number responds to one of the Christmas gifts donated by WIC employees who donate to a different area Head Start center each year in a program started in 2009 and coordinated by the office of Hidalgo County Judge Ramon Garcia.

Progress Times photo by Joe Hinton

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For many of the children in the Rio Grande Children’s Home, the other children they interact with at the home are like a second family to them.

That’s according to Monica Skrzypinksi, gift officer for the private facility owned by the Christian ministry Buckner International.

The home serves as a foster home for children across the Rio Grande Valley where 33 children currently reside, Skrzypinksi said. On Saturday, Dec. 16, the home had a Christmas party for the children where the Mission branch of Texas Regional Bank arrived with gifts for the children. For these kids, this is the closest they’ll get to celebrating Christmas, Skrzypinksi said.

“I know our children are dear to us and it is always very rewarding for them to know they are not alone,” Skrzypinksi said. “They go through really hard times and having the community reach out to them and make them feel like they’re a part of the community is rewarding for them. It makes them feel secure. For all of them right now, this is their family where they get to feel the love, nurturing, discipline and joy of what a family is

that they didn’t have.”

Texas Regional Bank provided the gifts thanks to a new initiative the bank is doing this holiday season where each location sponsors a local organization during the holidays. According to Cesar Suarez, the marketing president of the bank’s Mission branch, the Mission branch sponsored the children’s home after he and Skrzypinksi discussed it as they knew each other as members of the Mcallen Rotary Club.

“I think it’s important for everyone to enjoy Christmas,” Suarez said. “One of the things we believe in is community involvement and this organization offered an opportunity to help others in time of need.”

Suarez said the branch reached out to customers for donations to purchase the gifts for the children. Even Ace’s BBQ reached out to Suarez to provide free meals for the children as part of the event.

According to Skrzypinksi, the home still needs volunteers year-round to assist employees in caring for the children.

To find out how you can help, contact them at 956585-4847 or visit their website at http://www.buckner. org/blog/a-growing-family/