Friday, April 6, 2018 - PT ISSUE

Friday, April 6, 2018

www.ptrgv.com | 50 Cents

Vol. 46 No. 34

Palmview police chief accuses city manager of sexual harassment

By Dave Hendricks After the city pressured him to resign last month, Palmview police Chief Chris Barrera filed a sexual harassment complaint against the interim city manager — accusing him of sending suggestive text messages.

Interim City Manager Leo Olivares met with Barrera on March 16 and warned him to resign or risk a potentially messy termination process.

Three days later, Barrera filed the sexual harassment complaint.

City Attorney Gus Ace-

vedo investigated the complaint and determined the sexual harassment allegations had no merit.

“There was no sexual innuendo or undertone or any requests for sexual favors,” Acevedo said, adding later: “The actions complained of do not rise to the level of sexual harassment.”

Olivares denied the allegations from the beginning.

Barrera didn’t return to work after filing the complaint. Attorney Javier Peña, who represents him, said Barrera wants Palmview to thoroughly investigate the allegations and take appro-

priate action.

“We’re hoping that everything can be resolved without having to file lawsuits,” Peña said.

Barrera is among the last top-level managers from the previous administration.

After taking control of the City Council during No-

Chris Barrera

Leo Olivares

Palmview Police Chief

Interim City Manager

vember 2016, the Progress for Palmview candidates — Javier Ramirez, Linda Sarabia and Joel Garcia — formed a new majority and slowly replaced the management team.

Assistant City Manager David Nacianceno and City Attorney Rick Perez resigned. The City Council fired City Manager Ramon Segovia and City Secretary Bertha Garza. Palmview terminated police Capt. Saul Uvalle during a “reduction in force” layoff. And police Cmdr. Lenny Sanchez left for the Hidalgo County District Attorney’s Office.

The City Council hired Olivares and demanded a top-to-bottom review of city business.

During the review, Olivares and Finance Director Rachel Chapa developed serious concerns about how Barrera managed the police department.

Olivares drafted a fivepage memo, which detailed problems with how Palmview spent asset forfeiture funds and warned about potential conflicts between Barrera’s private security business, DefenseCom, and

See SEXUAL HARASSMENT. Pg. 11

Attorneys say questions about O’caña’s residency would hold little weight in court

By Dave Hendricks

Any challenge to mayoral candidate Armando O’caña’s residency — a hot topic during recent Mission City Council meetings — is unlikely to prevail in court, according to three attorneys familiar with Texas law.

Questions about whether or not City Councilman Armando “Doc” O’caña actually lives in Mission surfaced in mid-February, when businessman Tomas Tijerina addressed the City Council during public comment.

Without mentioning O’caña

by name, Tijerina said a candidate actually lived outside city limits.

Mayor Norberto “Beto” Salinas interrupted him.

“Who are you talking about? Dr. O’caña or what?”

Salinas said, adding later: “Well, we all know that he lives there outside the city of Mission. We’ve known that for 10 years.”

O’caña sat silently while Salinas attacked him from the dais.

“I have no problem with him running. He’s got all the right, you know,” Salinas said. “If he can get away

with him lying to the people of Mission, that’s fine. I have no problems with that either.

He needs to live with himself.”

In an interview, O’caña said he’s a lifelong Mission resident and vehemently disputed the allegations.

“Obviously, that information isn’t correct,” O’caña said.

The controversy stems from the fact that O’caña owns two homes: a modest 1,300-square-foot home on Greenlawn Drive in Mission and another 4,500-squarefoot home on Schuerbach

Road — outside city limits.

O’caña filed for a homestead exemption on the Greenlawn Drive address, declaring the home his primary residence. His driver’s license also lists the Greenlawn Drive address. And he registered to vote from the Greenlawn Drive address.

Tijerina, though, remained unconvinced.

“So I thought the water bills were a good place to start,” said Tijerina, a wellknown businessman who owned Renee’s of Sharyland and supports Salinas for mayor.

Tijerina requested 18 years of water billing records for the Greenlawn Drive home.

The records appear to show zero water usage from June to December 2003. The records, which aren’t complete, also show a significant drop-off in water usage after December 2006.

Tijerina said he considered the records proof that O’caña doesn’t actually live at the Greenlawn Drive address. He never asked O’caña about the records before addressing the City Council about the matter in

February.

“I didn’t ask him because I thought it was evidence,” Tijerina said. “And I’ve come to believe even more steadfastly that he doesn’t live there.”

Tijerina said he’s concerned with where O’caña actually spends his time, not necessarily the legal definition of residency.

“It’s where you live,” Tijerina said during the February meeting. “It’s where you wake up in the morning and you brush your teeth. And

See O’CAÑA’S RESIDENCY Pg. 11

For Agua SUD candidates, every vote matters in Mission

By Dave Hendricks

Brewing Company based in Mission making a name throughout the RGV

By Jamie Treviño Aiming to change the craft beer game in the Valley, 5x5 Brewing Company is making a few appearances leading up to their official opening and ribbon cutting ceremony.

5x5 (pronounced “five by five”) is the first focused distributing brewery in the Rio Grande Valley. It is based in Mission in the Center for Education and Economic Development (CEED) Building at 801 N. Bryan Rd. Founded in Aug. 2016, the company produces craft beer.

Sean Downey, one of the three partners at 5x5, is the Brand Manager, and grew

INDEX

up with the other two current partners at the company, George Rice and Matt Mauzer. Downey and Mauzer were childhood friends, and because Rice is Mauzer’s younger brother, the three have a bond that is part of the foundation of 5x5.

“What we want to do for the business is number one, we love beer,” Downey said. “Number two, we love sharing beer, and number three, and most importantly, we want to give back to the community.”

The three grew up in Mission, and have so far enjoyed their new relationship with

See 5X5 BREWING CO. Pg. 9

In the race to represent Mission on the Agua Special Utility District board, every vote matters.

Nobody knows that cliche better than Director Cesar Rodriguez Jr. When Rodriguez ran for the utility board in May 2014, just 11 people cast ballots, according to Hidalgo County Elections Department records. Six supported Rodriguez — who won by a single vote.

Four years later, Rodriguez is running for re-election against businessman Eric Sanchez, a neighbor from down the block.

“He’s a friend of mine, as a matter of fact,” Rodriguez said. “It’s politics. That’s the way it is. And at the end of the day, we’ll still continue to be friends.”

Rodriguez is backed by Team L1berty, the dominant political party in western Hidalgo County. Sanchez joined a rival ticket called Team Agua SUD, which is supported by utility board Director Homer Tijerina and Palmview City Councilman Joel Garcia, among others.

Political muscle, though, may not make much of a difference in Mission, where the candidates will compete for votes from friends and neighbors.

Rodriguez rides a bicycle

through the neighborhoods.

Sanchez walks, knocking on every door.

“It’’s real small, it’s like four streets,” Rodriguez said.

“And I know they annexed two more streets south of Palmview.”

The winner will represent small parts of Mission served by the utility district, which provides water and sewer service for western Hidalgo County.

Cesar Rodriguez Rodriguez, 35, is the discipline compliance officer for the La Joya Independent School District.

“I’ve been here for four years. I have more experience,” Rodriguez said, adding that he’s running for re-election to keep serving utility customers. “It’s not a business, that’s for sure. You

have to be here for the community.”

During the past four years, the utility district finally broke ground on the Palmview sewer project, lowered meter fees and built new lift stations, Rodriguez said, adding that infrastructure improvements will spur development in western Hidalgo County.

The utility district also plans to replace existing water meters with new smart meters, Rodriguez said.

Smart meters will allow the utility district to detect leaks and prevent tampering.

Installing smart meters will provide advantages for customers, including the ability to track water consumption with an app, Rodriguez said. The app will help people monitor usage and

Eric Sanchez Age: 33

Cesar Rodriguez Jr. Age: 35

Occupation: Co-owner of First Line Fire Protection

Occupation: Discipline compliance officer at the La Joya Independent School District

avoid big bills.

Rodriguez said he’s running a positive campaign, talking with neighbors and introducing himself to utility district customers recently annexed by Mission.

“They know me, they know my family,” Rodriguez said. “In all that area, they’re really good friends of mine.”

Eric Sanchez Sanchez, 33, co-owns the family business, a company called First Line Fire Protection.

“The reason I want to run is to fix everything,” Sanchez said, adding that he wants to improve customer service and make the utility district more transparent.

Sanchez said several candidates backed by Team L1berty work for the school district, which may expose them to political pressure.

“What’s the point of calling it ‘Team L1berty’ if nobody really has their liberty?” Sanchez said. “I really don’t like what they’re doing, the way they do their stuff.”

Some supporters of Team L1berty want change, but they’re afraid to say anything, Sanchez said, adding that people are intimidated by the school board.

“But come May, there’s going to be a big wall that they’re going to hit,” San-

See AGUA SUD CANDIDATES Pg. 11

INSIDE

LJISD Sports & Learning Complex

SHARYLAND BASEBALL

Alton Park Expansion

La Joya ISD held a ribbon cutting ceremony this week for their new Sports & Learning Complex. Jamie Treviño has more information about the complex, as well as the event, inside.

The Sharyland Rattler baseball team is hunting for playoffs, as they faced Valley View and loss this Monday.

Luciano Guerra has more information about the team and the game, inside.

The City of Alton recently received a grant that will be used for expanding Josefa Garcia Memorial Park. Jose De Leon III has more information about the grant and how the city plans to use it.

See Pg. 5

See Pg. 6

See Pg. 12

Lifestyle | pg.3

Sports | pg. 6 Obituaries | pg. 9 Classifieds | pg. 11 Time is money. Manage both with online banking, our mobile app, or even by phone.

Entertainment | pg.2

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LOCATIONS IN

LA JOYA • PALMVIEW

entertainment

April 6, 2018

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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

Juarez-Lincoln High mariachi, folklorico presents Spring 2018 concert

La Joya Juarez-Lincoln High School’s Mariachi Sol de Oro and Grupo Folklórico Sol Azteca will present their Spring 2018 concert on Saturday, April 7, at 2 and 7p.m., and Sunday, April 8, at 2 p.m. Performances will be held at the Alejandro “Alex” H. Saenz Performing Arts Center at 604 N. Coyote Drive. The award-winning Grupo Folklorico Sol Azteca is a folklórico and contemporary dance company is under the artistic direction of Jose Zamora in a self-directed program where the students have done the majority of the choreographic work and repertory.

Mariachi Sol de Oro recently advanced to state in UIL competition and with the Texas Association of Mariachi Education Competition They are under the direction of Emilio Cantu.

Tickets may be purchased in advance at the Fine Arts office of the Performing Arts Center or at the door prior to each performance. Tickets will be sold Monday through Friday through April 6, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., and 1 to 4 p.m. For more information, call 956-323-2898. Photos by Magallon Photography

Pharr Hub Phestival is April 7

PHARR – Gates open at 4 p.m. this Saturday, April 7, for the City of Pharr’s annual Pharr Hub Phestival. The music, food and more runs until midnight. The festival grounds are at Pharr city hall, located in downtown Pharr at 118 S. Cage Blvd.

Among the attractions will be the Pharr Out Kids Nature Day that includes an animal petting zoo, raptor

project, kid fish, dock dogs, information and exhibits from the World Birding Center, the Austin Bat Conservation and a West Texas Rattlesnake Show. Other features include an IBCA-sanctioned barbecue cook-off, carnival and car and motorcycle show.

There will be plenty of entertainment from the time the gates open until closing. The

performance line-up features headliner Easton Corbin.

Prior to Easton’s 10 p.m. slot on stage, performances begin at 5 p.m. with Drew & The Dancehall Dreamers, Grupo Arroyo, Texas Dezire, Bo Garza and Little Joe y La Familia.

Admission is free before 5 p.m. and $5 after 5 p.m. for ages 12 and older.

BROWNSVILLE – The annual Brownsville Vintage Day will be held from 3 to 9 p.m. this Saturday, April 7, at the Historic Market Square in downtown Brownsville near 1150 Market Square St. Admission is free to the family-friendly event.

The event is a vintage-inspired indoor/outdoor event featuring vintage fashion, clas-

sic cars and motorcycles, 50’s to 80’s music, original art, antiques, clothing, jewelry, handmade treasures, home décor, food vendors and more. There will be a vintage fashion show and drawings for vintage attire.

There will also be a special appearance by Tejano recording artist Veronique Medrano, a Brownsville native, and 2013

graduate of the University of Texas Pan-American. In late 2013, she launched her debut album “Encantadora” and received a nomination for Best New Female Artist at the 34th Annual Tejano Music Awards.

The event is sponsored by the Brownsville Historical Association

Celebrating Vintage Day April 7

UTRGV Studio Theatre presents ‘Theatre People’

EDINBURG – The University of Texas-RGV University Productions Studio Theatre will present the premiere of “Theatre People,” a series of short comedies written and directed by UTRGV Professor Eric Wiley.

Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. on April 11 to

14, and 2 p.m. on April 15, at the Studio Theatre next door to Albert L. Jeffers Theatre on the Edinburg Campus.

General admission is $7, and tickets are available at webapps.utrgv.edu.

The Theatre People series is comprised of six short plays about theatre majors

at a college in Texas. These short comedies celebrate the theatre subculture as seen in auditions, rehearsals, classes and shared apartment living.

For more information or special accommodations, call 956-665-3581, or email Elva Galvan at Elva.Galvan@utrgv.edu.

Coming Attractions

April 6 • The final concert of the Valley Symphony Orchestra season features the Valley Symphony Chorale and guest vocalists Heather Phillips – soprano, Brian Yeakley – tenor, and Lee Poulis – bass, in Forbidden Pleasures of Carmina Burana at 8 p.m. at the McAllen Performing Arts Center. Single tickets range from $38 to $58. For tickets, visit valleyorchestra.org or stop by the McAllen Performing Arts Center box office weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

April 7 • The closing concert of the 2018 UTRGV Flute & Clarinet Festival features guest artists Amy Porter, soloist, recording sensation, and most requested American flutist, along with Daniel Gilbert, former clarinetist with the Cleveland Orchestra and professor of clarinet at the University of Michigan. It begins at 5 p.m. at the TSC Arts Center in Brownsville.

The concert opens with performances by the 2018 UTRGV Flute & Clarinet Festival Flute & Clarinet Choirs, followed by the guest artists performing works by Bach, Hüe, Caliendo, Schumann, Resonavic and Poulenc.

Tickets are $10 general admission and $5 for seniors and students. For questions, call 956882-7025.

April 9 • Join the UTRGV Percussion Chamber Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Mark Joseph Ramírez, for an evening of rhythmic landscapes at 7 p.m. at the UTRGV Performing Arts Complex in Edinburg. The concert features works by Michael Burritt, Joseph Harchanko, Nigel Westlake, Mark Ramírez and others. Tickets are $5 general admission available at tickets.vendini.com.

April 10 • The UTRGV Master Chorale Spring Concert, “Let There Be Light,” begins at 7 p.m. at the TSC Arts Center in Brownsville. The UTRGV Chamber Singers with Jasmin De la Cruz, mezzo-soprano, will perform Aaron Copland’s 20th century masterwork “In the Beginning.” The Master Chorale then joins

forces with the Brownsville Festival Chorus and Chamber Orchestra to perform Franz Joseph Haydn’s “Creation Mass.” Alexa Salas, soprano, Noe Saenz, tenor, and Sean Moran, baritone join De la Cruz for that performance.

General admission is $5. Tickets are available at tickets.vendini.com. For questions, call 956-882-7025.

April 11 • The UTRGV Student Chamber Ensemble recital will feature a variety of small ensembles from the School of Music in a performance at 7 p.m. at the TSC Arts Center in Brownsville. It includes the Flute Ensemble, Clarinet Ensemble, Low Brass Choir and Horn Choir performing a variety of transcriptions and original works for small ensemble. General admission is $5, and tickets are available at tickets.vendini.com. For questions, call 956-882-7025.

April 11-14 • The UTRGV Department of Theatre’s spring Studio production presents “Theatre People,” an original play by Eric Wiley, set to run April 11 to 14 at 7:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. on April 15. Performances are held in the Albert L. Jeffers Theatre and the Studio Theatre in the Edinburg Liberal Arts Building South (ELABS) at the corner of University Drive and Sugar Road. For subscription information or tickets, school matinees, groups and special accommodations, contact Elva Galvan, University Productions Box Office, at 956-665-3581, or email her at elva.galvan@ utrgv.edu.

April 15 • The McAllen Music Club is hosting a concert by Camarata Cellista under the direction of Benjamin Ponder, principal cellist for the Valley Symphony Orchestra and string instructor at Brown Middle School, McAllen I.S.D. It begins at 3 p.m. at Valley Keyboards Music Store, 900 Harvey in McAllen.

Camarata Cellista is a performing group of young cellists from across the Rio Grande Valley, comprised all cellos with one string bass. Admission is free, but donations to the McAllen Music Club’s Scholarship Fund will be accepted.

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

Opening Night Tickets Start at $15!

Restrictions, exclusions and additional charges may apply. Subject to availability.

STATE FARM ARENA DisneyOnIce.com

APR 18 – 22

lifestyle

April 6, 2018

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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

Sign-up begins for Lions Mud Volleyball Tournament, BBQ cook-off The Mission Lions Club invites area residents to join the fun as registration for teams is now underway for the Sixth Annual Mud Volleyball Tournament and the Texas Lions Camp Cook-off to be held Friday and Saturday, April 27-28, in Alton.

The tournament is a fundraiser for the Mission Lions Club charitable programs, while all net proceeds from the cook-off will go to the Texas Lions Camp for crippled children.

The mud volleyball tournament will be held Saturday only, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The number of teams allowed in the tournament is limited so early registration is recommended. Youth and adult teams are invited for players age 15 and over.

Teams are composed of six to 10 players, with up to eight players in the pit at a time. Teams may be co-ed, all male or all female. High school teams are invited to form and join in.

Volleyball team registra-

tion/sponsorship cost is $300 per team. Teams are encouraged to obtain sponsors, but a limited number of sponsorships are available for teams needing sponsors. Registration forms and additional tournament information are available at progresstimes. net or on the Mission Lions Club Mud Volleyball Facebook page.

Sponsorships are needed for teams, and corporate sponsorship packages are also available. For more information about sponsors or team registration, contact Adela Ortega, mud volleyball tournament chairperson, at 956-458-9066.

The Texas Lions Camp Cook-off will be held Friday and Saturday. The IBCA sanctioned event will offer prize money for first, second and third places in brisket, spare ribs and chicken categories, as well as grand champion overall, reserve grand champion, Best Campsite and Kid’s BBQ prizes.

For complete IBCA rules, go

Palmview High teacher named H-E-B finalist LA JOYA – John Grossi, a teacher at Palmview High School, was named as a finalist for the 2018 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards, spotlighting him as one of the best educators in Texas.

Grossi was presented with a $1,000 check for himself and a $1,000 check for his school. As a finalist in the Rising Star Secondary category, Grossi has the opportunity to compete at the statewide level against four others for a cash prize of $5,000 for himself and $5,000 for his school. All finalists are invited to Houston on May 5 and 6 for the final announcements.

H-E-B’s Excellence in Education is the largest mon-

etary awards program for educators in Texas, and among the largest in the nation.

John Grossi

to ibcabbq.org.

Entry fee for all three categories is $175. Entry is $25 for the Jackpots in fajitas, beans, pan de campo and dessert.

Prizes range from $150 to $325 in the three primary barbecue categories. Grand champion prize is $325, and

reserve grand champion is $175. Best campsite and the Kids’ BBQ winners will each be awarded $50.

To register a cook-off team, contact Esmer Flores at 956-212-5485 or via email at esmer.bernal26@yahoo. com.

EVENTS

CALENDAR

April 7 – The Greater Alton Chamber of Commerce, City of Alton and the Alton Development Corporation will host the 40th anniversary of the city’s incorporation with a Rubies and Diamonds Gala. The semi-formal event is an evening of music, dining, awards, casino games and door prizes. It begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Cosmpolitan Banquet Center, 10605 N. Conway in Mission. Tickets are $50 per person or $475 for a table for 10. For tickets and reservations, call 956-4320760 or 956-432-0790 April 7 – The Jeffrey T. Ortiz Memorial Scholarship Run and 1 Mile Fun Run set at Donna Wernecke Elementary, on Bentsen Rd. between 3 Mile and 4 Mile Roads, promotes Congenital Heart Defect awareness with proceeds providing scholarships for Pioneer High School students. Check-in is 8 a.m. on race day, before the 9 a.m. start. Entry fee is $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 4 to 12. Checks should be made payable to the Jeffrey T. Ortiz Scholarship Fund.

For information, or to register, contact Yolanda Mandujano at 956-467-6573 or at yoli21366@yahool.com.

April 8 – George Hatfield, president of the American Orchid Society, will speak at the Tip of Texas Orchid Society (TOTOS), at 2 p.m. at the Valley Nature Center, 301 S. Border in Weslaco. Admission is $5 for nonmembers and free for members of TOTOS. The yearly membership fee is $20.

There will be orchids for sale at the meeting and a variety of orchid supplies available for purchase.

April 10 – Join in the book discussion of “A Man Called Ove” at Speer Memorial Library in Mission in the library’s Community Room at 6:30 p.m. Copies of the book are available to check out for those who sign up for the book discussion. To reserve a copy, stop by the library’s Reference Desk or call William Renner or Rose Alvarez at 5808754 or 580-8750, or by email at reference@missiontexas. us. Speer Memorial Library is located at 12th and Kika De La Garza in Mission.

April 12 – At 6 p.m., Quinta Mazatlan World Birding Center, 600 Sunset in McAllen, hosts “Erren Seale – Colorful Adventures around the Globe Photography Night.” The program takes a global journey with photographic images combined with Seale’s stories and adventures. The program fee is $3 per person. For more information, call 956-681-3370.

April 14 – From 1 to 3 p.m., Gladys Porter Zoo, 500 Ringgold in Brownsville, hosts “Tortuga Tales” where kids can learn about the sea turtles that visit the Texas Coast. A zoo tour, arts & crafts, animal encounter and snacks are included. Cost is $15 per child or adult. Pre-registration (For more Events, go to ptrgv.com.)

Colorful birds such as the Painted Bunting is one of many spring songbirds to watch for as they migrate north through the Rio Grande Valley – bird watcher’s hotspot.

Watching for spring songbirds

McALLEN – Get ready for a colorful migration with Quinta Mazatlan World Birding Center’s “Spring Songbirds, Colorful Travelers,” on Saturday, April 7, from 3 to 5 p.m. and get introduced to the variety of songbirds that migrate through the Valley on their journey north, including warblers, buntings, tanagers, vireos, and more.

The two-hour program by John Brush, urban ecologist at the new Center for Urban Ecology at Quinta Mazatlan, includes an indoor, interactive presentation introducing the background of bird migration, along with tips

and tricks on bird watching.

It will be followed up with a guided walk to look for birds. Visitors will learn how to identify spring migrants, where to look for them, how to attract them to their yards, and get hands-on -learning.

Brush has his master’s in Biology from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, where he studied neighborhood bird communities in McAllen and Edinburg.

The program fee is $5 per person. Quinta Mazatlan is located at 600 Sunset Drive in McAllen. Call 956-6813370 for more information.

Cemetery’s hidden history brought to light

EDINBURG – Discover the stories Esther Camacho will present with “Hidalgo Cemetery 1884: Hidalgo’s Hidden History” at the Museum of South Texas History on Sunday, April 8, at 2 p.m.

This presentation will cover the history of the 130-year-old cemetery and the stories of several past Hidalgo residents interred there. Famous individuals include Elder B. Barton who fought in the Battle of San Jacinto, Jose Luis Martinez who was killed in the 1989 USS Iowa explosion and Franciso (Panch) Garza who planned on killing John Closner. Stories of early Rio Grande Valley pioneers

such as William & Charles Schunior, John Savage, Andres E. Chavez and Alberto P. Tagle will also be shared.

Camacho is a reference librarian with the McAllen Public Library where she conducts genealogy classes.

She has presented at the 37th annual Texas State Hispanic Genealogical and Historical Conference. She leads monthly lecture, “Valley Roots Series,” at the McAllen Public Library.

The program is included in regular museum admission. MOSTHistory is located at 200 N. Closner Blvd.

Call 956-383-6911 for information.

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April 6, 2018

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By Ed Sterling Texas Press Association

STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

Question to appear on upcoming census stirs opposing viewpoints

AUSTIN — Ted Cruz of Texas was one of three United States senators who requested that respondents to the 2020 decennial census be asked if they are citizens of the United States.

When Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross responded in the affirmative last week, Cruz said, “I applaud Secretary Ross for honoring this request by my colleagues and me. It is imperative that the data gathered in the census is reliable, given the wide-ranging impacts it will have on U.S. policy. A question on citizenship is a reasonable, commonsense addition to the census.”

On March 28, state Sen. Sylvia R. Garcia, D-Houston, who chairs the Texas Senate Hispanic Caucus, took issue with the question.

“Adding a question on citizenship at this time would only seek to fan the flames of fear and distrust in the Census, further risking depressed response rates,” Garcia said.

She added that the Census Bureau would “have to expend more resources in the field for those fearful of an initial response.”

“Even with additional resources, an undercount could result in less representation for Texas in Congress, inaccurate data for redistricting, unreliable numbers for business seeking to move to Texas, and a loss of federal funding for communities across the state. In a word, this could be disastrous. I implore our state leaders to support the litigation to remove this question and fight for an accurate Census count nationwide,” Garcia added.

State Rep. Cesar Blanco,

D-El Paso, on March 26 held a Capitol news conference detailing concerns similar to those expressed by Garcia.

Citizenship questions have been included on prior censuses: “Between 1820 and 1950, almost every decennial census asked a question on citizenship in some form,” according to a Commerce Department news release.

AGs file court brief Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on March 26 announced the filing of a friend-of-the-court brief supporting the Trump administration’s lawsuit against California over state laws that signatories of the brief say intentionally obstruct the federal government’s ability to enforce the nation’s immigration law.

Paxton, the state’s chief litigator, was joined in the brief by a coalition of 17 state officials, including the attorneys general of Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina and West Virginia; and Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant and Maine Gov. Paul LePage.

In the brief, Attorney General Paxton and his fellow attorneys general highlight a 2012 case where the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that states couldn’t stand in the way of federal agents following federal immigration law.

“Dangerous sanctuary policies like California’s undermine the rule of law and endanger good law enforcement officers and the communities that need their protection the most. It is in-

comprehensible that California finds criminal illegal aliens dangerous enough to detain, but then insists on releasing them back into the community to offend again instead of turning them over to federal immigration authorities for removal. If California prefers different immigration policies, it is free to take them up with the appropriate authority: Congress,” Paxton said.

DeVos approves plan Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos on March 26 announced her approval of Texas’ consolidated state plan under the Every Student Succeeds Act. The Every Student Succeeds Act became law in 2015, replacing the No Child Left Behind Act, which was signed into law by then-President George W. Bush in 2002. The new act retains annual standardized testing requirements and tasks each state with developing a revised plan subject to federal approval.

“Texas’ plan met the requirements of the law, therefore I have approved it,” said DeVos. “I look forward to seeing how Texas embraces the flexibility afforded by ESSA to innovate on behalf of the Lone Star State’s students.”

DeVos pointed out three elements of Texas’ approved plan: — Rigorous, yet achievable goals for all student groups in Texas, while creating stronger alignment between all state and federal program areas; — Strong support and interventions to assist low-performing schools; and

— Alignment of federal funding with priorities within the Texas Education Agency’s strategic plan.

Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath welcomed the announcement by DeVos, saying, “In Texas, we are committed to ensuring every child is prepared for success in college, a career or the military. Our state plan reflects a commitment to re-

inforcing public education outcomes for more than five million schoolchildren while continuing to strengthen the economic future of Texas.”

Guv returns from India Gov. Greg Abbott on March 30 returned from a nine-day business development trip to India, where he visited with government officials and business leaders in several cities to promote

economic and trade relationships between India and Texas.

Abbott met with Reliance Industries, Infosys Limited, JSW Steel and Wipro Limited and with India Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the nation’s ministers of petroleum and natural gas, commerce and industry and civil aviation.

Speaker Straus appoints representantive Longoria to the State’s Legislative budget board AUSTIN, TX-- Speaker of the House Joe Straus, has announced Representative Oscar Longoria (D-La Joya) as one of his four appointees to the powerful Legislative Budget Board, which is tasked in providing the state legislature with the recommended budget for the upcoming legislative session.

The Board, which is composed equally of five members of the House and the Senate, co-chaired by Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and Speaker Straus, is responsible for the development of recommended legislative appropriations for all agencies of state government. The board’s influence on state government spending is important, especially with an expected budget shortfall due to a variety of hindrances such as sales tax and motor vehicle sales tax

transfers to the state highway fund, supplemental costs for the current biennium (i.e. Medicaid & Hurricane Harvey), costs of the Texas Prepaid Tuition program, and foregoing sales tax collections for internet services because of a new federal law.

Representative Longoria currently serves as Vice-Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, and Chair of the Appropriations General Government Sub-Committee, which include Articles I, IV & V of the budget. Speaker Straus also appointed Longoria as a conferee in approving the final Senate and House budget versions during the 85th Legislative Session.

“Representative Longoria has provided strong leadership as Vice Chair of the Appropriations Committee,” Speaker Straus said. “Last

year he played a key role in advancing priorities such as education, child protection and mental health care. As a member of the LBB, he will help the House prepare for a challenging session in 2019, he added.”

“It is an honor to have been selected by Speaker Straus to serve on this board,” said Representative Longoria. “The number one priority in convening each legislative session is to create a balanced budget for the state. I am confident my colleagues and I will work together, as we did during last year’s tumultuous budget year, to address and invest in Texas’ most critical needs and programs, especially: healthcare, education, transportation, economic development, border security, and our institutions of Higher Education.”

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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; $30 outside of Hidalgo County. Second class postage paid in Mission, Texas 78572. ©2018 Savy Publishing, LLC. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the PROGRESS TIMES, P.O. Box 399, Mission Texas 78573.

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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.

April 6, 2018

page 5

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La Joya ISD unveils Sports & Learning Complex

Dr. Alda Benavides cutting the ribbon in front of the natatorium at the LJISD Sports & Learning Complex. Progress Times photo by Jamie Treviño.

By Jamie Treviño Making a splash in the Rio Grande Valley, the La Joya Independent School District has just opened a new venue in order to encourage their students and promote education and athletics.

This Wednesday La Joya ISD held a special ribbon cutting ceremony for their new Sports & Learning Complex, a $20 million project four years in the making. The 215 acre complex houses an indoor natatorium, a multi-depth waterpark, tennis courts, a golf course, planetarium, and a learning center.

Located at 1801 N. Western Rd. in Mission, TX, the district is positive that this complex will be significant for students and the community alike. Alda T. Benavides, La Joya ISD Superintendent, said that it was another great day in the history of La Joya

ISD. “It’s about providing opportunities for kids, and this says it all,” Benavides stated.

“There’s definitely a lot of gain for the children that we serve. We’re very proud to be here today.”

Benavides spoke about the hardships faced during the four year construction period, and the criticism the district faced because of it.

“When it comes to enriching the lives of children, there is no price,” Benavides said.

“Already we have started to enrich the lives of children.

So La Joya ISD is proud to have a school board that is willing to take risks, that is willing to be criticized, that is willing to make a difference in the lives of kids, and is willing to have the courage and persistence, because it took a lot of persistence to get this project done.”

Victor Garza, the LJISD Sports & Learning Complex

Director, spoke at the event, and praised the students, faculty and community that were present.

“It’s going to improve our educational processes and improve the opportunities for our students,” Garza said.

According to LJISD, the natatorium is an environment that will ensure the success of their swimming and diving teams, and will also offer aquatic programs focused on safety, fitness, and technique.

The facility has the potential to be beneficial for therapy for injuries, helpful for individuals with special needs, and allow elementary children a chance to learn how to swim.

“Our sports complex will provide physical fitness opportunities to promote lifelong sports with our natatorium, water park, tennis courts, and definitely with our golf course,” Garza said.

“We want to promote and in-

Photos by Magallon Photography

vest in our lifelong sports.”

The waterpark will be open to the public at the beginning of summer 2018, and will also be available for private bookings and reservations. The season will begin Memorial Day weekend and end the weekend before Labor Day. The hours of operation will be from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day except Wednesdays.

The Howling Trails Golf Course is also a public facility that student athletes will use for practice as well as tournaments.

The planetarium will allow students to experience full-dome educational lessons that tie in with classroom curriculum. It is equipped with desktop computers, interactive monitors, and an 86-inch screen that will provide live-streaming via webcams. LJISD is working toward using it to communicate with the

NASA International Space Station, giving students a rare opportunity.

“For the planetarium, our goal and our vision is very simple: our mission is to excite,” Garza said. “Our mission is to amaze. Our mission is to inspire audiences of all ages about the wonders of sciences and space. We will also compliment our educational processes with innovative learning styles and educational learning programs in our learning center.”

Nelia Garcia, the Sports & Learning Complex Specialist, gave a tour of the facilities after the ribbon was cut.

“Just seeing the reaction from people, this is why we do it,” Garcia said. “We started getting the field trips, and the little kids were floored.

This is for them.”

This is the first complex of its kind from any school district in the region and in

the state of Texas. LJISD has already allowed students to use the facilities, which is already showing to have a positive impact. Former Juarez-Lincoln swimmer, Alondra Isabel Alanis, is now a lifeguard at the Sports & Learning Complex. The mechanical engineering student at UTRGV is excited about what the facility will do for LJISD students.

“Having this Sports & Learning Complex, it’s amazing what the district brings to us,” Alanis said.

“I’m speechless at this amazing facility. I’m very excited.

It gives more opportunities for the swimmers, for the divers, it opens their horizons and gives them more opportunities to do what they need to do. It’s amazing. I can’t express how grateful I am, it’s an amazing thing the district has done.”

La Joya Juarez-Lincoln High School’s Mariachi Sol de Oro and Grupo Folklórico Sol Azteca Spring 2018 concert Saturday, April 7 at 2pm and 7pm Sunday, April 8 at 2pm.

Tickets may be purchased in advance at the Fine Arts Office (located within the Performing Arts Center Complex), or at the door on the day of the event.

Tickets will be sold Friday, April 6, 9am-12pm, and 1-4pm.

Alejandro “Alex” H. Sáenz Performing Arts Center FOR MORE INFORMATION

(956) 323-2898

604 N. Coyotes Blvd.

La Joya, Texas 78560

THE

April 6, 2018

Sports week

BIG7 SCHOOLS

page 6

www.ptrgv.com/sports

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

Rattlers back in the playoff hunt

By Luciano Guerra

On a night in which the NCAA men’s basketball champions were crowned at the Alamo Dome in San Antonio and the Houston Astros raised their World Series championship banner at Minute Maid Park in Houston, a varsity high school baseball game was played at Sharyland High School in Mission between the Valley View Tigers and the Sharyland Rattlers.

While this high school baseball game did not receive the national attention that either Villanova or the Astros received, there was still plenty at stake when the then 7-2 Tigers and the then 7-1 Rattlers faced off Monday night; primarily sole possession of the District 31-5A lead.

Despite the fact that Sharyland came into this game having won seven games in a row and with a half-game lead over Valley View, it just wasn’t the Rattlers’ night as Coach Bart Bickerton’s young, but talented, squad fell to the Tigers, in a 10-run “mercy” rule shortened game, by a score of 11-1.

While the Rattlers did take an early 1-0 lead in the first inning with a walk to center fielder Pepe Contreras, a fielder’s choice and a single by first baseman Martin Vasquez, the Tigers took the lead to stay in the top of the third when they scored three runs on a hit batsman

sandwiched in-between two homeruns. Valley View then added eight runs in the top of the fifth with two singles, two doubles, a walk and two more homeruns. The Rattlers’ failure to score in the bottom of the fifth inning allowed the Tigers’ 10 run lead to hold and the mercy rule to take effect, bringing what was expected to be a close, hard-fought game to a surprisingly quick end.

Immediately after the game, Bickerton was quick to acknowledge how talented a team Valley View is when he said, “They’ve got a lot of power and they hit the ball well against us, just as they did last time. With the wind blowing out the way it was, I knew that we couldn’t get the ball up and that’s all we did. Our pitchers have done a great job all year but they just had a really bad game.”

Bickerton then went on to add, “Valley View beat us in every aspect of the game tonight; defensively, at the plate and on the mound. Simply put, we got dominated.”

A ten-run, five inning loss is not the way Bickerton planned on the rematch with Valley View going. However, it has been his experience that a lopsided loss can be easier to bounce back from than a close one.

“It’s easier to get over a loss like this where you get completely dominated than it is a heartbreaker where you lose by one run,” Bickerton said. “Last time we played

them we were ahead going into the seventh inning and they came back to beat us.

That was a little tougher than tonight’s loss where we just got pounded.”

While Monday night’s loss is definitely a set-back to the Rattlers’ district championship aspirations, the fact that with seven games remaining on the district schedule they’ve already matched their win total for the entire 2017 season is proof of how far Bickerton’s team has come in a relatively short period of time. And what accounts for this dramatic turnaround?

“We’ve played unbelievable defense in the outfield and in the infield, even though we didn’t do that tonight” Bickerton shared. ”Also, even though we don’t have anybody with any special stuff on the mound, we’ve just pitched our butts off. Our pitchers have thrown strikes, they’ve kept the ball down and they’ve kept us in games.”

With only one senior on the roster, the Rattlers are a young team. The fact that they responded to their first round loss to Valley View by winning their next seven games in a row however is an indicator of the fact that despite their youth, the Rattlers have the ability to shake off a setback and respond in a positive way. Will they be able to repeat their first round performance in the second round? Only time will tell.

Sharyland second baseman Randy Garcia prepares to turn a double play against Valley View during the third inning of the Rattlers 11-1 loss to the Tigers Monday evening. Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra.

However, should they succeed in doing so, they will not only assure themselves of making a return trip to the

district championship race despite having come up short against Valley View twice this season.

Lady Rattlers stumble in second round Future remains bright for Sharyland girls’ soccer

By Bryan Ramos Sharyland’s season came to a close this week as the Lady Rattlers (25-6) fell in the Area Round of the 5A Soccer State playoffs by a score of 3-1 to Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial, but if the past four years are any indication of what’s to come, the future remains just as bright at Sharyland High.

Senior forward Kaitie Watson has been a large part of Sharyland’s success on the soccer field over the past four years, winning four district championships and awards like Newcomer of the Year in 2015 and All-Area Player of the Year in 2016. As fellow seniors Elise Townsend and Adlee Simoneaux call it a career at Sharyland High, Watson said what will stick with her are the memories shared with teammates and coaches, along with the bright future the seniors helped build for the Lady Rattlers.

“It’s unfortunate that we lost tonight, but what’s going to stand out to me is how great a family we were and how close we were,” she said. “This team is young, so it’s not the end, it’s still a developing program. I know they’re going to carry it on in future years without us and they’re going to be just as amazing.”

In the playoff matchup against the Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial Lady Eagles, the Lady Rattlers’ defense that faltered early in each half for just a second.

That second was all the Lady Eagles needed as they capitalized to score two goals in the opening minutes of each half, which had Sharyland playing from behind from the jump.

Sharyland got on the board after junior midfielder Aneli Pena penetrated the Lady Eagles’ defense and sent a solid shot on goal only to be deflected into the air by the goalie. The ball landed at the foot of freshman Alejandra Garcia, who sent the ball past teammates, defenders, and ultimately the Lady Eagles’ goalie to give Sharyland its’ lone goal of the match.

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Watson was marked well throughout the 80 minutes by two, three, even four defenders at times, and without freshman standout Xochitl Nguma (concussion protocol), Sharyland just didn’t have enough firepower to keep up.

Even in defeat, Sharyland girls’ soccer Head Coach Mario Ribera said the Lady Rattlers showed effort, heart and toughness.

“I believe my girls played very well to their abilities,” Ribera said. “They played with their hearts; unfortunately, CC Vets was the better team today. We made mistakes in the first half in the first two minutes, and then in the second half again in the first two minutes, but I believe they played with their hearts, they played tough.”

Ribera ends his first year leading the Lady Rattlers with district and bi-district championships under his belt. The former Palmview boys’ head coach said he was most proud to be a part of what his three seniors, Watson, Townsend and Simoneaux, helped build at Sharyland.

“Something that I feel proud of is being part of their four-time district championships,” he said. “It was incredible to work with them; to be their coach not only here on the field, but off the field. It was beautiful learning from them, coming to a new program and having seniors

who were the captains. They treated me very nice and I told them I was very proud and hopefully they can come back to give back to the community.”

The Lady Rattlers will return 16 players from this year’s team in the 2019 season, setting up Sharyland for continued success on the pitch. The group includes current freshman Nguma, Alejandra Garcia and Cloe Ribera, the daughter of Head Coach Mario Ribera.

Watson has played a key role instilling the winning mindset on the soccer field at Sharyland High over the past four years. The senior goal-scoring-machine is now set to take her game to the next level at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, where Watson committed to play soccer collegiately, but will never forget where she came from.

“Sharyland is an incredible program, everyone’s so loving and encouraging, I’m very lucky to have gone to school here,” she said. “It’s like a second family. Everyone has a good time and the coaches are amazing. It gives you something to be a part of. I’m glad that I’m staying home and going in to a college experience is going to be totally different. I’m excited for the change; it’s going to be sad leaving but I’m ready for the new challenge in competition.”

Sharyland’s Kaitie Watson dribbles the ball down the field as a Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial defender looks for an opportunity to steal, during the first half of the Lady Rattlers’ 3-1 Area Round playoff loss to the Lady Eagles. Progress Times photo

by Luciano Guerra.

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Sharyland High School FFA Team Place 1st in the Large BBQ Pit Trailer Type Division The Sharyland High School FFA Agriculture Mechanics Team placed 1st in the Large BBQ Pit Trailer type Division at the 79th Annual Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show in Mercedes, TX. The team, consisting of Diego Mascorro, Josue Cruz and Jared Rhyne, also received Reserve Champion of the Farm & Ranch Division and Reserve Grande Champion over all the 4-H & FFA Shop Divisions. These stu-

dents began this sponsored project in December while enrolled in the Sharyland High School’s Agriculture Mechanics and Power and Machinery classes. Each student put in roughly 200 plus hours towards this project, working before, during and after school as well as weekends.

The skills they learned at Sharyland High School include custom fabrication, Gas Metal Arc Welding , American Welding Society

Code, cutting/fitting metal, plasma arc cutting, CNC part fabrication technology, Computer Aid Design, OSHA Safety practices, Department of Transportation (DOT) Code, trailer fabrication, roofing, propane burner fabrication, stainless steel fabrication, plumbing, food processing, material calculation, employability, dependability, time management, record keeping, industry production and entrepreneurship.

page 7

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April 6, 2018

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Victoria Cantu seeks STC District 2 trustee position

Victoria Cantu is seeking the position of trustee for District 2 on the South Texas College board in the upcoming May 5 election.

Early voting is April 23 to May 1.

In her announcement, Cantu said, “As a wife, mother, businesswoman, educator, and proud product of western Hidalgo County, I am honored to announce my candidacy to serve on the South Texas College Board of Trustees, District 2, representing the communities of La Joya, Western Mission, Palmview, Sullivan City, Peñitas and western Alton.”

A graduate of Roma High School, Cantu said she earned a bachelor’s degree in Communication Science and Disorders from Texas A&M University-Kingsville, and her professional career has been spent in western Hidalgo County.

Expressing her reason for seeking the position, Cantu said, “My desire to serve stems from my commitment to give back to our community and helping to increase access to educational opportunities for all students. I enjoy a career helping children as a speech language pathologist assistant. I also own a children’s childcare facility in Peñitas, which serves infant, toddler, and pre-school children from the surrounding communities.”

She concluded, “Increasing educational opportunities for students has been a lifelong passion of mine, and I know that I can contribute my knowledge, expertise, and innovative

Victoria Cantu ideas to serve the citizens of western Hidalgo County in this capacity. I am eager to put my experience and education to work for District 2 families and for South Texas College, and I am ready to serve.”

CITY OF

MISSION The City of Mission has

Graciela Farias announces bid for re-election to STC board

Graciela “Gracie” Farias is seeking re-election to her position as trustee on the South Texas College (STC) board, a capacity she has served in for six years. Early voting will be from April 23 to May 1, and the election is May 5. The area she represents runs west of Conway Avenue in Mission to Sullivan City.

According to the press release announcing her candidacy, Farias expressed here qualification to serve comes from her “educational background, experiences, and has demonstrated the leadership skills necessary to serve as an STC board member.”

As a lifelong educator , Farias said she “sincerely believes an education is the pathway to a better life for students and for the improvement of the community.”

She graduated with honors from both La Joya High School and Pan American College, where she obtained her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. She worked for 27 years in the McAllen Independent School District as a teacher and central office (K-12) administrator in reading and language arts.

She stated she was responsible for curriculum development and delivering staff development for teachers. She also organized and implemented a Valley reading conference for 14 years with over 500 teachers from across the Valley participating.

After leaving McAllen, Farias said she went on to join a major publishing company for nine years where she continued to learn about teaching and continued to provide professional development for teachers throughout the United States. She now works for the same company on a part-time basis.

Farias said she “enjoys learning and sharing with teachers her numerous experiences in the area of education.”

In her list of accomplishments on the

Graciela Farias

board, said she takes the role seriously, dedicating the time to prepare for meetings to “make intelligent decisions that ultimately impact student learning.” She felt that work has been demonstrated bond issue passing for the growth of STC buildings across Hidalgo and Starr counties.

As an STC board member, Farias has also been the presenter at national conferences where she shares the programs available at STC. She has lived in La Joya for over 50 years and is married to Rodolfo (Fito) Farias. They have four daughters – Natalia de la Garza, Norma Escamilla, Lynda Farias and Laura (Ludy) Garcia.

PUBLIC NOTICE AMENESTY PROGRAM

The City of Mission has placed large containers at placed large containers the following locations forat thethe following public tolocations throw awayfor the any public to throw away large bulky items any large bulky items I.E. I.E. mattresses mattresses and furniture and furniture (no tires & no refrigerators (no tires and no because of the freon) refrigerators because FREE to the citizens of the freon) NO CONTRACTORS!!

CITY OF LA JOYA MUNICIPAL COURT FROM APRIL 6, 2018 TO MAY 31, 2018

Free to Citizens NO CONTRACTORS!!

Jaycee Park - Los Ebanos Rd. & Barnes St. Birdwell Park - Stewart Rd. & 24th Starting April 6, 2018 through May 4, 2018 a total of 9 roll-off City Warehouse - 609 Canal containers will be placed at the locations below: Water Tower Entrance - N Lucksinger & Buslisted 83 South of Fire Substation - 2 1/2 Mile & Inspiration Toll ParkConway - South Parking Area • Melba Carter Nell between & Mayberry at drain ditch Francisco St. & 2 Mile Line North of Drain Ditch • JC Park – Los Ebanos & Barnes Los Indios & Beatty St.-&Madero - atSWater Tower • Old Parks Rec –Park 609 Canal Melba• Center Between Conway & Mayberry at Drain Ditch Nell Tolle Park – South Parking Area

City of La Joya Municipal Court is offering a change to get on the right side of the law during the months of April and May 2018. The court is beginning an amnesty program on Friday, April 6, 2018 and continuing through May 31, 2018 for people who want to clear up old fines and avoid possible trip to jail for failure to pay. This offer of amnesty is for old fines only-those owed prior to April 1, 2018. The person owing the fine is required to voluntarily come in person to the municipal court. You will NOT be arrested during April and May to address delinquent fines and outstanding warrants.

Come and take advantage of this most generous opportunity!

• Los Indios & Beatty St at Water Tower R.O.W. (Containers Available thru May 2nd) • Birdwell Park – 24th & Stewart For more information • N. Lucksinger & Bus 83 – Water Tower Entrance contact the CityofofFire Mission • 2 ½ mile & Inspiration (South Station) • Francisco St & 2 Mile Line North of drain ditch

956-580-8780

For more information please contact the City of Mission Public Works Department at 956-580-8780.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT LA JOYA MUNICIPAL COURT AT (956) 581-7095 OR COME BY AT 101 NORTH LEO AVENUE LA JOYA, TEXAS 78560

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obituaries Raul Esparza Sr. MISSION – Raul R. Esparza Sr., 79, passed away on Thursday, March 29, 2018, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Mr. Esparza was born and raised in El Ranchito. He founded Esparza Pest Control.

Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Esther Esparza; children, Rick Esparza, Adrian Esparza, Raul Esparza Jr., Orlando Esparza and Lori Garza; and 15 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; and three brothers and a sister.

He was preceded in death by his parents, W.L. and Maria Esparza; seven brothers and four sisters; and a granddaughter.

A funeral mass was held on April 5 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Mission.

Burial of cremains will be held on Friday, April 6, at Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission.

Robert Granados Sr. MISSION – Robert Granados Sr., 53, passed away on Friday, March 30, 2018.

Mr. Granados was born in Mission, TX on March 24, 1965 to Gregorio Granados and Francisca Medellin. He grew up in Mission, and as a son of migrant workers, he traveled with his family to work in Florida, Michigan, Minnesota and Maryland.

He went on to become a stocker and merchandiser at K-Mart and worked his way into retail management. He was employed as a pharmacy store manager and later became a pharmaceutical sales representative with Walsh Southwest and then with Morris & Dickson Company.

Survivors include his

wife, San Juanita Granados; children, Sammy Granados-Rivera, Roberto Granados Jr., Ronnie Granados and LeAnn Granados; siblings, Juan, Alejandro, Maria, Hector, Rosa and Gregorio Granados; and nine grandchildren.

A funeral mass was held on April 4 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Notices

Judith Bailey MISSION – Judith J. Bailey, 78, passed away on Tuesday, March 27, 2018, at McAllen Medical Center.

William Bradley MISSION – William Dean Bradley, 89, passed away on Friday, March 30, 2018, in McAllen.

Otilia Garza MISSION – Otilia G. Garza, 88, passed away on Tuesday, March 27, 2018, at Pax Villa Hospice in McAllen.

Delilah Kincaid MISSION – Delilah Kincaid, 84, passed away on Wednesday, March 28, 2018, at McAllen Medical Center.

Francisca Lopez MISSION – Francisca Lopez, 84, passed away on Monday, April 2, 2018, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Fernando Solis PEÑITAS – Fernando Solis, 89, passed away on Tuesday, April 3, 2018, at his home in Peñitas.

Sandra Vela MISSION – Sandra Vela, 55, passed away on Friday, March 30, 2018, at Rio Grande Regional Hospital in McAllen.

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Agua SUD sees change in insurance carriers

By Jose De Leon III Later this month, the Agua Special Utility District will see a change in their insurance policy after the district moved to change their insurance carrier.

Agua, which for the last few years has used Texas Municipal League as its insurance carrier, will now use two separate carriers. These are the Austin-based Texas Mutual Insurance Company to cover the district’s workers compensation and Philadelphia Insurance Companies to cover the district’s property and casualty insurance.

The board unanimously approved this change Monday after their agent of record-Ismael Martinez-compared the current insurance policy against what both companies were offering.

“In an audit we performed, we found some discrepancies in things you had that were covered that should not have been covered,” Martinez told the board. “Therefore, you were paying premiums that were unnecessary. So we traded those dollars and tried to get what the standard industry requires of you as a water utility district.”

Now, Agua board members and even their underground water lines will be insured, Martinez said.

Under the new policy, the utility district’s property liability will stand at $1 million per occurrence and $3 million aggregate, the standard of most utility district in the state, Martinez said.

With this policy, the district would only have to pay a deductible of $250,000 to

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replace or repair its property, ranging from water towers, lift stations and even the district’s 96 miles of underground lines and sewer if they’re on schedule. The insurance company would then pay the difference, whereas in the old policy TML would only give the district the depreciated cash value of the property and make the district pay the difference.

The district’s board of directors and its interim general manager will also have the same policy limit, Martinez continued.

“You have no coverage under the current policy,” Martinez told the board.

“Hypothetically speaking, if there was a lawsuit against you, you’d be on the hook for it personally-not as directors and officers of Agua.”

Texas Mutual will take care of the workers compensation, which Martinez said has a lower premium than the one through TML. TML’s premium was close to $80,000 while Texas Mutual’s premium will start at a little under $53,000, Martinez said, adding this will help the district save money.

According to Agua interim General Manager Eddie Saenz, the new policy will go into effect within two weeks and the changes in the insurance policy is a break for their customers.

“It’s added security,” he said. “The board and staff as well as infrastructure is covered. All that isn’t covered we have to pay for by raising rates for our customers. This coverage should put our ratepayers at ease.”

Submit online: www.ptrgv.com Bring it in: 1217 N Conway Mission

Fax it in: 585-2304

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

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

5x5 BREWING CO. the city as business owners.

According to Downey, they wanted to bring the business to the community that raised them and give back.

“Working with the CEED has been great,” Downey said. “The City of Mission has been really supportive of us. One of the things we’re going to do is, we’re going to offer tours, and we’re actually going to be having beer making classes for the community and stuff like that.”

A big part of this particular company is the military theme. Downey is a Marine Corps veteran, and Rice is an Army veteran and Purple Heart recipient. They try to give back to various veterans charities as often as possible, and hope to use their company to, besides sell craft beer, empower veterans.

“Our main focus is veterans charities, first responders, law enforcement, fire, border patrol, homeland security,” Downey said. “That’s really our main group of consumers as well, because it’s a brother/sisterhood of people who are in service to the country.”

5x5 recently has begun selling Founder’s Coins to raise money for Team Red, White & Blue, a veterans charity that has 204 locations across the world. The proceeds from the coin sales will be going to a local chapter of Team RWB, which Rice and Downey also happen to be a part of.

“Team Red, White & Blue is a national veterans charity that empowers veterans through fitness,” Downey said. “They’re in that routine of physical fitness, but it’s also therapy through physical fitness. We believe in what they’re doing.”

Online, 5x5 is already getting positive reviews, even though they are not officially opening until the end of May. Various posts praise the veteran owned and operated business, and the owners are encouraged by the feedback so far.

“We’ve had a strong following when it comes to our veteran status, and in the veterans themselves and in the

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military,” Downey said. “But people are just really happy to see us succeeding. And the word of mouth has been great. So up to this point, we’ve had tastings, but I would say 80 percent of the people who are fans of 5x5 have never tasted our beer.”

Although 5x5 has about 15 beer recipes under their belt, they will be launching with three this summer.

“We’re actually going to launch with our nose art series, which is based off the classic World War II bomber nose arts that you saw hand painted on the bombers,” Downey said. “So we’re going to launch with, as it stands now, Spitfire Golden Ale, our Kittyhawk Cherry Cream Ale, and then we’re going to go with our Brunette Bombshell which is a Honey Brown Ale.” 5x5 is already making a name for itself in the RGV through its various tastings and appearances at local events. Their official ribbon cutting ceremony is set for May 5.

This weekend, they have been invited to the International Museum of Arts and Science’s Brew-seum event, celebrating National Beer Day, on April 7. They will also be serving beer at Weslaco’s upcoming Spring Feast at the Valley Nature Center. “[at the Brew-seum] We will be showcasing two of our beers, both are actually at this point experimental,” Downey said. “For the Spring Feast, we’re going to have five, because it’s actually a five-course meal.”

The three partners have been working hard for the last year and a half in order to get 5x5 running and ready for people to enjoy. They hope to see it sold at least across the state of Texas.

“You know, for our business to be successful, we have to reach a certain amount of distribution,” Downey said. “And we’re really confident we can do that just in Hidalgo County based on the feedback we’re getting.”

page 10

April 6, 2018

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

Enter to win a family 4pk

of tickets!

presents a

drawing contest!

APRIL 18 -22

La Joya high schools receive national athletic recognition The La Joya Independent School district has become the first school district in the entire Rio Grande Valley to have all their high schools recognized for providing safe environments for student athletes.

According to a news release from the district, La Joya High School, Jurez-Lincoln high School and Palmview High School are all recipients of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association 1st Team Safe Sports School award for their athletic training and sports programs.

The award champions safety and recognizes secondary schools that provide safe environments for student athletes while reinforcing the importance of providing the best level of care,

injury prevention and treatment, the release stated.

“We are grateful to receive this Safe Sports 1st Team recognition from NATA, and we remain committed to keeping our student athletes safe during physical education classes, team practices and games so they can accomplish their own goals of great competition, winning records, fair sportsmanship and good health,” Israel Montano III, athletic trainer for Juarez-Lincoln High School sad. “Our goal is to lead our athletics program to the highest safety standards for our players.”

In order to achieve Safe Sport School status, as the 3 LJISD schools did, athletic programs must, among other things, create a positive athletic health care administra-

tive system, be sure athletes and parents are educated of the potential benefits and risks in sports as well as their responsibilities and Develop injury and illness prevention strategies, including protocols for environmental conditions.

“We remain committed to the health and welfare of young athletes in competitive sports,” NATA President Scott Sailor said. “This award recognizes the contributions and commitment of schools across the country that are implementing safe sports policies and best practices to ensure athletes can do what they love best and have the appropriate care in place to prevent, manage and treat injuries should they occur.”

Children in Pre-K 4 thru 5th grades are invited to enter their original, themed artwork for

Moana & Princess Characters

on a WHITE, 81/2 X 11 piece of paper

to Progress Times

1217 N. Conway Ave. • Mission, TX

Clearly print the child’s first name, grade, school, parent’s name and phone number on the back of the drawing so we can notify the winners. Several 4-packs of tickets will be awarded.

Deadline for submissions: Monday, April 13, 2018 • 5pm

No purchase necessary. Parent/Legal Gardian must pick up tickets and must be over 18. If tickets not picked up within 24 hours of notification tickets will be awarded to runner-up. Employees of Progress Times and their families are not eligible.

The La Joya ISD athletic trainers for each district high school. Courtesy photo.

April 6, 2018

O’CAÑA’S RESIDENCY you can’t brush your teeth with zero water.”

O’Caña said he found the water bill controversy ridiculous — especially because the mayor owns property outside city limits, but nobody questions his residency.

“It’s mind-boggling that it’s got to this point,” O’caña said.

O’caña said he built a home on the Schuerbach Road property for his mother-in-law. The nearly 3-acre property gradually became a family compound, which he calls the “O’caña Family Center.”

AGUA SUD CANDIDATES

chez said. “And as soon as we clean that up, that Agua SUD office, we’re going to move on. That’s the beginning. It’s going to start at Team Agua SUD and we’re going to take it from there — to clean up everything.”

Part of the problem is a lack of transparency, Sanchez said. The utility district occasionally holds special meetings at noon, when many customers can’t attend.

Regular meetings typically start at 6 p.m.

Holding all meetings after work would be more convenient, Sanchez said, adding that the utility board might also consider holding meetings in Sullivan City, Peñitas, La Joya, Mission and

He asked Mission to annex the home, but the city rejected the annexation request, O’caña said. Tijerina said he also remembered the annexation request.

“I’ll be the first one to say: ‘Do I spend weekends at my O’caña Family Center? Yes,” O’caña said, adding that he returns to Mission during the week. “Now ask me: ‘Where did you sleep last night?’ 927 Greenlawn Drive.”

Attorneys familiar with Texas law said any legal challenge to O’caña’s residency would be difficult to win. rural areas — not just Palmview.

The board could provide updates on local projects and listen to concerns from customers, Sanchez said.

While Sanchez said he’s concerned about Team L1berty, he remains friendly with Rodriguez.

“I know Cesar,” Sanchez said, adding that they occasionally socialize together.

“We’re not enemies. We’re friends.”

While the campaign remains cordial, whispers about Sanchez’s drunken driving arrest recently surfaced on Facebook.

In November 2009, a state trooper stopped Sanchez for driving erratically, according

The Texas Election Code defines residence as “one’s home and fixed place of habitation to which one intends to return after any temporary absence.”

Courts typically take a candidate’s stated intent at face value unless strong evidence exists to the contrary, said attorney Roger Borgelt of Austin, who handles election law cases.

For example, a candidate who buys a vacant lot and claims he plans to build a home there — even though no home actually exists — could use that address to run

from pg. 1

to the Texas Department of Public Safety offense report.

The trooper smelled alcohol on his breath and found an “open container” in the truck.

Sanchez failed a field sobriety test and refused a breath test. A judge dismissed the drunken driving charge after Sanchez completed a pre-trial diversion program.

“I’m not going to say that wasn’t me — because it was me,” Sanchez said, adding that the incident occurred more than eight years ago. “I was young. And everybody makes mistakes.”

Early voting starts April 23. Election day is May 8.

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page 11

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HAPPY JACK FLEXENHANCE plus: relieves arthritic joint & muscle pain in older dogs without prescription. Mission Feed & Hardware, 956-5812153, (kennelvax. com).

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Services RIVERO ROOFING, ROOF leak repairs, roof replacement, both residential and commercial roofs, reparacion de techos o remplasar techos, presupuestos gratis, free estimates, call Jesse at 956-458-8555.

Local attorneys agreed.

“At the end of the day, ‘residence’ is where you decide to live,” said attorney Ric Godinez, who served on the McAllen City Commission and currently heads the Hidalgo County Democratic Party. “It’s a pretty subjective requirement. It’s not an objective requirement.

Courts weigh many factors, including where the person sleeps, where the person’s children attend school, where the person’s wife or husband lives, the person’s mailing address, the person’s voter registration and other documents.

Unless a homestead exemption or a voter registration conflicts with a candidate’s stated intent, it’s extremely difficult to win a residency challenge, Godinez said, adding that water billing records wouldn’t convince a court.

“I think it would be very, very difficult to prove against his intent in that case,” Godinez said.

Edinburg City Attorney Ric Gonzalez took a similarly dim view of the water bills.

“They won’t win that one,” Gonzalez said.

Voters usually adjudicate disputes over residency, re-

jecting candidates who aren’t considered part of the community, Gonzalez said.

Unless the candidate with questionable residency wins, the disputes rarely head to court.

O’caña said he’s content to let voters decide.

“I’m going to let the citizens of Mission cast their votes and make a decision for mayor,” O’caña said.

“My residency should not be questioned because I’ve been a lifetime Missionite. I’ve been born and raised, and I think I’m going to be buried in Mission also.”

the city.

During a meeting on March 16, they discussed the draft memo. Olivares suggested retirement or resignation would allow Barrera to avoid a potentially messy and public termination.

Three days later, Barrera accused Olivares of sexual harassment. After contacting Mayor Jerry Perez about the situation, Barrera submitted a two-page affidavit dated March 28.

The complaint includes three text messages and an incident during mid-March: In April 2017, Olivares sent Barrera an invitation to Splash, the annual gay pride event on South Padre Island.

Olivares assured the City Council he sent the informa-

tion to Barrera by mistake and told the police chief to disregard the invitation, according to two people familiar with the investigation who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

In July 2017, Olivares sent Barrera an invitation to stop by the house.

Olivares said he sent the message by mistake and quickly told Barrera to disregard, according to two people familiar with the investigation who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

In February 2018, Olivares sent Barrera a message asking him to “go by.”

The context of the message remains unclear. Barrera apparently interpreted the message as inappropriate,

according to two people familiar with the investigation who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

The in-person incident happened in March 2018.

Barrera accused Olivares of leaving the private bathroom in the city manager’s office and zipping up his pants in public.

During private conversations with members of the City Council, Olivares said the bathroom incident never happened, according to two people familiar with the investigation who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

The City Council discussed Barrera during executive session on Tuesday night but adjourned without taking any action.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Classified Rate:

1 Week = $7.00 2 Weeks = $10.00 4 Weeks = $14.00

Mission Towing inc.

1515 w. 3 Mile Rd. Mission, Texas 78573 (956) 585-8245 • Fax 581-6668 TdlR VsF lic. no. 0551944

from pg. 1

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 to info@progresstimes.net or pay by phone 956-585-4893.

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

956 Towing & RecoVeRy llc 1515 w. 3 Mile Rd. Mission, Texas 78573 (956) 585-8245 • Fax 581-6668 TdlR VsF lic. no. 0640957

escaleRa wReckeR inc.

1515 w. 3 Mile Rd. Mission, Texas 78573 (956) 585-8245 • Fax 581-6668 TdlR VsF lic. no. 0548371

PURSUANT TO THE PROVISION CONTAINED IN RULE 85.703. SUBCHAPTER F, FROM CHAPTER 85, PART 4 OF TITLE 16 IN THE TEXAS ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, WE ARE OFFICIALLY NOTIFYING YOU THAT THE BELOW DESCRIBED MOTOR VEHICLES HELD IN OUR CUSTODY ARE TO BE PICKED UP, REMOVED AND ALL CHARGES PAID WITHIN (45) DAYS OR THESE VEHICLES WILL BE DECLARED ABANDONED ACCORDING TO TEXAS LAW. YEAR 2018 2018

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VIN# TZ152FMH160310351 3KPA24AC7JEO45024 3AKJCYDJ1JDJM1299

BALANCE $670.00 $1,315.00 $21,484.53

TOTAL CHARGES CANNOT BE COMPUTED UNTIL VEHICLE IS CLAIMED. STORAGE CHARGES WILL ACCRUE DAILY UNTIL VEHICLE IS RELEASED.

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THE STATE OF TEXAS NOTICE TO DEFENDANT: “You have been sued. You may employ an attorney. If you or your attorney do (does) not file a written answer with the clerk who issued to this citation by 10:00 A.M. on the Monday next after the expiration of forty-two (42) days after the date of issuance of this citation, a default Judgment may be taken against you.”

TO: THE TRUSTEES OF THE WEIDNER TRUST AGREEMENT DATED OCTOBER 5, 1994, WILBERT D. HOOD, CARMEN R. BAILEY, PAULA MARIE SEAMAN, DENISE ANN HOOD, WILBERT DAWSON HOOD, JR., LISA KAY KOPPEL AND TIMOTHY LEE HOOD, CYNTHIA ANNE McPHEE AND TERESA COOPER, AND THE HEIRS AND UNKNOWN HEIRS AND SUCCESSORS-ININTEREST OF ALL OF THE FOREGOING NAMED DEFENDANTS, Defendants Greeting: You are hereby commanded to appear by filing a written answer to the Plaintiff’s petition at or before 10:00 o’clock a.m. of the first Monday after the expiration of forty-two (42) days from the date of issuance of this citation, the same being Monday April 30, 2018 at or before 10 o’clock a.m., before the 332nd District Court of Hidalgo County, at the Courthouse in Edinburg, Texas.

Said Plaintiff’s Petition was filed on February 13, 2018 in this case, numbered C-00575-18-F on the docket of said court. An Amended Original Petition was filed February 15, 2018. A Second Amended Petition was filed March 16, 2018.

The names of the parties to the cause are as follows: CRYSTAL LYN FENCIL, Plaintiff and THE TRUSTEES OF THE WEIDNER TRUST AGREEMENT DATED OCTOBER 5, 1994, WILBERT D. HOOD, CARMEN R. BAILEY, PAULA MARIE SEAMAN, DENISE ANN HOOD, WILBERT DAWSON HOOD, JR., LISA KAY KOPPEL, and TIMOTHY LEE HOOD, and CYNTHIA ANNE McPHEE AND TERESA COOPER, AND THE HEIRS AND UNKNOWN HEIRS AND SUCCESSORSIN-INTEREST OF ALL OF THE FOREGOING NAMED DEFENDANTS. AND GORDON RUDD, Defendants. A brief statement of the nature of the suit is as follows, to-wit: The suit seeks to have clear title to Lot 6, Block 2, MARTIN ENTERPRISES SUBDIVISION,Hidalgo County, Texas on grounds of limitations and recovery damages as requested in the Plaintiff’s Petition.

If this citation is not served within ninety days after the date of its issuance, it shall be returned unserved. The officer executing this writ shall promptly served the same according to requirements of law, and the mandates thereof, and make due return as the law directs.

ISSUED AND GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND SEAL of said Court office in Edinburg, Hidalgo County, Texas on this March 16, 2018.

NOTICE TO PUBLIC CITY OF MISSION COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM PROPOSED SUBSTANTIAL PROGRAM AND BUDGET AMENDMENT ONE YEAR ACTION PLAN 2017-18 In accordance with the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the City of Mission hereby announces a public hearing regarding a proposed substantial program and budget amendment to the FY 2017-18 One Year Action Plan. The Public hearing will be held on Tuesday, April 10, 2018 at 5:30 pm at the Aldea “Learning” Center, 1300 Aldea Drive, Mission, Texas. De acuerdo con el Departamento de Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano de los Estados Unidos, la Ciudad de Mission anuncia una audencia publica sobre un programa substancial propuesta y modificacion del presupuesto de accion del ano fiscal 2017. La audencia publica se llevara a cabo el martes, 10 de Abril de 2018 a las 5:30 p.m. en el Centro de Aldea, 1300 Aldea Drive, Mission, Texas.

The Proposed Substantial Program and Budget Amendment consists of the elimination of an activity originally described in the Action Plan FY 2017-18.

The elimination of the activity funding $2,000 to United Charitable Programs fbo Heroes Haven would allow those funds to be reallocated for a new activity for the Boys and Girls Club of Mission. Funding this activity will allow them to provide partial waivers for their summer program fees for at risk youth and low income families. Further, the activity for United Charitable Programs fbo Heroes Haven will be deleted and the $2,000 would provide funding for the Boys and Girls Club of Mission. The program and budget amendment is requested in order to address the need to assist at risk youth and low income families to allow them to participate in the Summer Program. This proposed activity is eligible through Youth Services 570.201(e). El programa sustancial propuesta y modificación del presupuesto consiste en la eliminación de una actividad descrita originalmente en la plan de accion del ano fiscal 2017-18. La eliminación de la actividad de financiación de $2,000 a United Charitable Programs fbo Heroes Haven le permitiría a esos fondos se reasignen para una nueva actividad para el programa del Boys and Girls Club de Missión. Financiación de esta actividad les permitirá descuentos parciales sus cuotas del programa verano para familias de bajos recursos y jovenes de alto riesgo. Además, se eliminará la actividad de United Charitable Programs fbo Heroes Haven y $2,000 proporcionaría fondos para el programa del Boys and Girls Club de Missión. Se solicita la modificación de programa y presupuesto para hacer frente a la necesidad de ayudar a las familias de bajos recursos y jovenes de alto riesgo para que puedan participar en el programa de verano. Esta actividad propuesta es elegible a través de 570.201 de servicios de juventud(e).

All interested agencies and citizens are encouraged to attend and participate in the public hearing. This public hearing is part of the Community Development Block Grant Program Citizen Participation process and complies with program requirements. For more information, please contact the Community Development Office at (956) 580-8670. Written comments will be accepted until May 7, 2018, and may be forwarded to Jo Anne Longoria, Community Development Director, 1301 E. 8th Street Suite 102, Mission, Texas 78572. Se alienta a todas las agencias y ciudadanos interesados a asistir y participar en la audiencia pública. Esta audiencia pública es parte del proceso de Participación Ciudadana del Programa de Departamento de Desarrollo de la Comunidad y cumple con los requisitos del programa. Para obtener más información, comuníquese con el Departamento de Desarrollo de la Communidad al (956) 580-8670 o ver sitio web de la Ciudad en www.missiontexas.us. Se aceptarán comentarios por escrito hasta el 7 de mayo de 2018, y se pueden enviar a Jo Anne Longoria, Directora de Departamento de Desarrollo de la Communidad, 1301 E. 8th Street Suite 102, Mission, Texas 78572.

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April 6, 2018

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

Alton receives funding for $1.5M park expansion

By Jose De Leon III The Alton City Commissioners are expected to approve a grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission that will help the city expand their most popular park.

Late last month, the TPWC approved a $500,000 grant to the city of Alton that will go toward expanding the Josefa Garcia Memorial Park from five acres to 55 acres, according to Alton city Manager Jorge Arcuate.

The city has to approve the acceptance of the grant at their Tuesday, April 10 meeting, Arcuate said.

“Staff is anticipating acceptance, so we might have a timeline with some key target dates at the meeting Tuesday,” Arcuate said. “We want to move as quickly as

possible.”

As reported last fall when the city applied for this grant, the city is looking into expanding the park to address an expected growth in population on the city’s east side and a lack of space in the city’s Sylvia Vela Park.

Located on the corner of Bryan and Mile 5 Road, the Josefa Garcia Memorial Park is well-known in the community. It is adorned with 21 crosses and a statue of Jesus to commemorate the 21 victims on a Mission school district bus who were killed in 1989 after the bus was struck by a delivery truck, sending it over to a flooded caliche pit.

With the expansion, the city is interested in highlighting the natural landscape of the park which will have a splash pad, soccer fields, ex-

ercise stations, natural hike and bike trails and overlooks for birdwatching and native shade trees, Assistant City Manager Jeff Underwood said.

The city is budgeting the expansion project at $1.5 million, which will be split between the funds raised from the TWPC grant, the city and the City of Alton Development Corporation, Underwood said.

“With the way the city is growing, we’ve made improvements to the existing park north of city hall but we’re out of space there,” Underwood said. “The city is growing to the east, we need to find more park area for residents in the east and this expansion seemed like a natural fit. We already had all these tracks of land, there’s an existing track and there’s

Transforming Lives...

La Joya ISD

Transforming Communities!

Summer Specials Begin Memorial Weekend May 25th Monday - Sunday

$20 18 holes includes 1/2 cart $15 9 holes includes 1/2 cart

Join us for our Sundowners Beginning April 17th 1910 Hole-In-One Dr. Mission, TX 78582

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Downtown Revitalization

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some vacant land adjacent to it and we thought it was the perfect opportunity to use all of that for our citizens.”

To complete the expansion, the city will buy up to 30 acres of land adjacent to the park, Underwood said, adding that the city plans to apply to a second $500,000 grant from the Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation, a local foundation which promotes healthy lifestyles and gives out grants to build hike and bike trails.

“We’re really excited to see this come to fruition,” Underwood said, adding that the park could be completed in 18 months after the city approves it. “We’re happy to bring this to our citizens, it’s going to take some time to put it all together but it’ll certainly be worth it.”

Alton’s Josefa Garcia Memorial Park. Progress Times photo by Jose De Leon III

MCISD receives communications awards The Mission Consolidated Independent School District (MCISD) public relations department was recently honored with 2017 Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA) Star Awards for excellence in school communications.

The awards were announced at the TSPRA Star Awards Celebration held during the organization’s annual conference in Frisco.

Each year, TSPRA recognizes school communicators for outstanding work in both print and electronic media. Entries are judged by Texas public relations, marketing, video production and graphics professionals using a standard set of evaluation criteria based on current professional industry standards.

The department earned a total of one Best of Category honor, five Gold Star Awards, three Silver Star Awards, and one bronze Star Award.

A special set of billboards

created as a part of a promotional campaign for the district’s Mission CISD Reads community literacy project with Alton, Mission, and Palmhurst not only earned a Gold Star Award, but it was also selected as the Best of Category in the area of Advertisements-Other and a Gold Star Award in the area of Image/Identity Package credited to Craig Verley, director of public relations and marketing and Aaron Cantu, graphic and media arts specialist.

Also earning a Gold Star Award for Verley and Cantu was a series of billboards created as a part of efforts to advertise achievements of the district through the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. These billboards highlighted honors for being among America’s Healthiest Schools.

Gold Star Awards were earned by Cantu for creation of an Image/Identity Pack-

age for the Mims Elementary School minitropolis named Mustangville; as well as a series of college acceptance posters featuring college acceptance letters received by members of graduating high school seniors.

Silver Star Awards were received by Cantu for the creation of the Mission CISD Reads logo that has been used in all aspects of this district/community literacy initiative and also for a special science fair logo used for this district-wide event.

In the area of Video Promotional/Marketing, a special thirty-second video advertisement created with student vocals and computer animations earned a Silver Star Award for Verley and Cantu, and a Bronze Star Award was given for the 2017 Mission Collegiate High School Commencement Program.