Friday, June 29, 2018 - PT ISSUE

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Vol. 46 No. 46

WIDESPREAD FLOODING CALLS CITIES TO ACTION

By Jamie Treviño and Jose De Leon III With an estimated $100 million in damages, more than 2,000 homes flooded and nearly 1,000 people rescued during last week’s floods, Hidalgo County is getting to begin the process of rebuilding.

During a Tuesday press conference, Gov. Greg Abbott signed a federal disaster proclamation for Hidalgo and Cameron Counties which calls on President Donald Trump to release Federal Emergency Management funds to assist the counties.

“We do not have FEMA assistance yet,” Eddie Olivarez, director for Hidalgo County Health Services said Wednesday. “Currently FEMA is doing a preliminary damage assessment to the area now that the governor feels that Hidalgo and Cameron county meet the $38 million guidance that the federal government requires to receive FEMA funds. Those estimates may be higher than that.”

According to the FEMA website, there exists two types of assistance they provide. One is a grant for public entities such as cities, counties and school districts that they receive if the affected area receives at least $38 million worth in damages.

The other form of assistance is a grant given to individual homeowners

where they can receive up to $33,000 in assistance.

“The governor has sent a letter to the president encouraging him to sign off and declare an emergency in the county,” Olivarez said.

“It could take a few days or weeks for that to happen. If and when it happens there will be centers set up for people to go and file a claim with FEMA. It’s not happening yet.”

Until then, Olivarez recommends that people take photos and video of any property damage before they clean it up, save all repair receipts, document all damaged items and throw away flood-damaged items that pose a health risk.

Abbot’s declaration comes after constant rain in the area brought 19 inches of rain in the mid-Valley Wednesday, June 20 and another 17 inches of rain in western Hidalgo County the following day, Olivarez said.

“The entire area was tremendously affected within a 48-hour period,” Olivarez said. “That’s a lot of water in a short amount of time.”

Several cities were gravely impacted in western Hidalgo County, Olivarez said.

Mission

The City of Mission was hit with seven inches of rain in the first four hours.

They opened their Parks and Recreation Department as shelter for people who had been evacuated, and also allowed the Salvation Army, Mission Consolidated Inde-

Stagnant water left from the severe rainfall on Thursday off of TX-495 and Mayberry Rd. in Mission, Texas. Progress Times photo by Dee Rendon. pendent School District and city officials to open Veterans Memorial High School as a more permanent shelter Thursday evening.

At a press briefing held Monday, Mayor Armando O’caña and City Manager Martin Garza, Jr. discussed the importance of reporting damages to the city, so the city could then report the total cost to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). According to Garza, O’caña signed a proclamation claiming Mission as a disaster area in Hidalgo County, which was signed

by Judge Ramon Garcia and Governor Greg Abbott.

“We’re looking at five different counties that were involved in this devastation,” Garza said. “These five counties need to meet a threshold in order for FEMA to be activated.”

A threshold of at least $38 million needs to be reached so FEMA can take action.

Garza said it is vital that people report the interior and exterior damages of their homes, property and assets to Mission so everyone can be accounted for.

“The City of Mission, through the assistance of our council and Mayor O’caña, is putting out a live page [on the main City of Mission website] that reads up at the front ‘June Flood Assessment,’” Garza said. “In that form, you’re going to be able to provide information that is pertinent to us and to be able to have the estimated cost to provide to FEMA.” The forms are directly overseen by the city, and contain questions that FEMA will be asking. O’caña stressed that Mission residents needed to complete

Sheriff’s Office busts the biggest supplier of synthetic marijuana in western Hidalgo County

By Dave Hendricks After conducting surveillance for more than a month, investigators busted the biggest synthetic marijuana supplier in western Hidalgo County during April, according to court records.

The Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office seized nearly 19 pounds of synthetic marijuana on April 26, when investigators raided drug houses in McAllen, Mission and Palmview.

“I told my street-level guys to concentrate on these individuals that were selling

this stuff,” said Sheriff Eddie Guerra.

Commonly called “spice,” synthetic marijuana is falsely marketed as a safe, legal alternative to marijuana. It’s popular among teenagers, who sometimes buy the drug at unscrupulous smoke shops.

Depending on the chemicals involved, synthetic marijuana “may affect the brain much more powerfully than marijuana; their actual effects can be unpredictable and, in some cases, more dangerous or even life-threatening,” according

to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Guerra said reports about teenagers who suffered serious medical problems after

Cruz Felipe de la Garza

trying synthetic marijuana prompted the Sheriff’s Office to crack down.

Investigators went to

See MARIJUANA BUST Pg. 10

Juan Antonio Garza

Mission looking into engineering services to assess drainage systems

By Jamie Treviño During this week’s council meeting, mayor and council approved an authorization to request proposals for engineering services regarding drainage assessment in wake of the flood last week.

“In the scope of work, please add that whoever you hire do interviews with people,” Mayor Armando O’caña said. “They need to

come up with the status of our drainage system currently and give us their recommendations for the future.”

Mission residents spoke about how the city handled the rain and flood that hit the area last Thursday. A couple of citizens said they were happy with how the city acted during the event, and were glad that evacuations were made thanks to the local government.

“I’m just here to say thank you today,” Isauro Treviño said on behalf of his parents, who were evacuated from their home in Mission on Thursday. “I was not surprised that by 11 o’clock, under the supervision of the Mayor’s office and Martin’s [Garza, Jr., the city manager] office, we already had a boat in front of my parent’s house.

We don’t see that every day in south Mission. About

eight families got evacuated, we just want to say thank you for that.”

Treviño said that after calling the city manager, they were able to get boats out to his parents’ neighborhood and rescue some of the elderly residents.

There were other residents, however, like Pam and Albert Garcia, who were not

See DRAINAGE SYSTEMS Pg. 10

these forms so everyone could receive the help they need.

“The importance of this form is that it will give us a basic general idea about the total damages from Thursday to now,” O’caña said. “It is also a tool we are going to use for future planning of our drainage system.”

According to O’caña, 80 percent of the City of Mission was underwater at one point, but by lunchtime 70 percent of the city had drained completely. By filling out the form on the city website, officials will be able to make data-driven decisions.

“Obviously, we did experience major problems,” O’caña said. “But those problems will be addressed, and we should have longterm drainage solutions for the citizens of Mission.”

The rain was severe enough to cause several canals in the area to overflow, which lead to several families being evacuated from their homes. The city has taken steps toward further preparation and health awareness.

Garza said that Mission is always preparing for these events, and it is difficult to gain complete control in an emergency situation.

“This preparation happens throughout the year,” Garza said. “This is a wake-up call for these five counties, to make sure we are working together with our residents so we can make sure we report the proper damages and get the proper authorities [FEMA] here to come and assist our families.”

See FLOODING CALLS CITIES Pg. 8

Mayor says La Joya will not ‘house’ inmates for ICE but details remain unclear

By Dave Hendricks After a week of heart-wrenching news coverage, La Joya Mayor Jose A. “Fito” Salinas decided he couldn’t stay silent.

Salinas had traveled to Phoenix for the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials conference, but the Rio Grande Valley still dominated the news.

Migrant children waited in Border Patrol processing centers, separated from their parents and surrounded by chain-link fences. Toddlers had been taken from their mothers and sent to shelters.

And someone had leaked audio of the children crying.

He had to act.

“BREAKING NEWS” Salinas posted on the city Facebook page Saturday afternoon, underscoring the announcement with exclamation points and emojis.

“EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY The CITY of La JOYA P.D. Jail/Detention Center will NOT House ICE Detainees.”

Jose A. “Fito” Salinas La Joya Mayor The post drew criticism, but Salinas didn’t care.

“I was very, very upset with what they’re doing, separating families,” said Salinas, 79, a veteran of civil rights struggles in South Texas. “And so we’re not going to detain anybody there in La Joya for them.”

Nearly a week later, though, what the announcement actually means remains unclear.

City Administrator Mike Alaniz and police Chief Adolfo Arriaga didn’t know about the announcement un-

See CITY OF LA JOYA Pg.11

INSIDE Lobbyists sue Agua SUD Lobbyists who formerly represented the utility district say Agua SUD owes them $52,500 and refused to pay them for months. Dave Hendricks has the latest, inside.

See Pg. 4

INDEX

Entertainment | pg.2

CLOSED

Shary Gardens Flood

Notice from Progress Times

Residents gathered in the Shary Gardens neighborhood last weekend to discuss how to deal with the aftermath of last Thursday’s rain.

For more information, read Jamie Treviño’s article.

This Wednesday, July 4, the Progress Times newspaper office will be closed for the holiday. We will be open during our summer hours every other day this week.

4TH OF JULY

Lifestyle | pg.2

See Pg. 10

Sports | pg. 5

Obituaries | pg. 9

Classifieds | pg. 11

page 2

EVENTS

Dinosaur George to visit Quinta Mazatlán McALLEN – Stomp over to Quinta Mazatlán on Thursday, July 5, at 7 p.m. for an interactive show featuring over 30 fossils and a presentation on prehistoric life with Dinosaur George.

There will also be a special photo session at the conclusion where families can take pictures with him and some exhibit items. The program is included in the $3 per person park admission.

“Dinosaur George” Blassing is a self-taught paleontologist and animal behaviorist with over 36 years of research and study. He is a public speaker, author, television host, and writer with

June 29, 2018

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CALENDAR

a television series, Jurassic Fight Club, on the History Channel, which has been viewed by 40 million people.

Blassing has spent more than 17 years teaching to elementary, intermediateand middle school students about the creatures who once ruled the earth. He has volunteered his time and made hundreds of appearances at Boys and Girls Clubs, children’s hospitals, YMCA’s, Boys and Girls Scouting events and more.

Quinta Mazatlán is located at 600 Sunset in McAllen.

Call 956-681-3370 for more information.

“Dinosaur George” Blassing brings his interactive program to Quinta Mazatlan July 5.

Veteran agribusiness loan assistance expanded

DALLAS — The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue have announced expansion of loan opportunities through an ongoing initiative to help military veterans start their own agricultural businesses.

Veterans participating in AgriLife Extension’s “From Battleground to Breaking Ground” program can now receive comprehensive and expedited one-on-one loan qualification assistance through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency.

The programworks alongside public and private organizations to reach returning military veterans with ground-up agribusiness training: business ideas, business planning, financing options, face-to-face expert mentoring, veteran transition assistance, agricultural production training and more.

Veterans interested in entering the agriculture industry can go to txagrability. tamu.edu for information.

Named to Dean’s List

MEDFORD/SOMERVILLE, Mass. – Jeanelly Gonzalez was recognized for earning a spot on the Spring 2018 dean’s list at Tufts University. Dean’s list honors at Tufts University require a semester grade point average of 3.4 or greater.

Progress Times Like Us on Facebook scan this code with your smartphone

Jose “Joe” Correa Scholarship Fund

2017-2018 Jose “Joe” Correa Scholarship Fund recipients: MISSION HIGH SCHOOL

Julissa Alvarez Sebastian Carillo

MISSION VETERANS MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL Klarissa Rae Farias Kaitlyn Ramirez Jorge L. Salinas

On behalf of the Jose “Joe” Correa Scholarship Fund Committee, we would like to take the time to acknowledge and sincerely thank the following individuals for their generous contributions in making this scholarship a reality and success. This scholarship was created to benefit Mission CISD FFA students at Mission High School and Mission Veterans Memorial High School.

Miss Bella Alaniz Miss Zenaida Alaniz Mr. Aaron Balli – Balli’s Social Event Center Mr. Ramiro Barrera, Jr. DDS Mr. & Mrs. David Bazan - Palmview Plumbing Mr. Gary C. Burt Mr. & Mrs. Roger Correa Mr. & Mrs. David Crook Mr. & Mrs. Jorge De La Garza – South Texas Surfacing Solution Mr. & Mrs. Medardo De Leon, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Polo De Leon Mr. & Mrs. Ruben De Leon Mr. Les Deuel Mr. Leo Garcia

Mr. & Mrs. Beto Garza Mr. & Mrs. Rafael Gonzalez Mr. & Mrs. Romeo C. Gonzalez, II Mr. & Mrs. Carlos Guerra – La Muneca Cattle Co. Mr. Mike Helle – Green Gold Farms Mr. John Leidner Mr. Oscar Lee Longoria, Jr. – Attorney at Law Los Pinos Home Care Mr. J.J. Pena Mr. & Mrs. Robert Perez Mr. & Mrs. Mario Ramirez Mr. Alberto Villarreal, Jr. Mr. Michael Warshak

June 30 – The Edinburg World Birding Center, 714 S. Raul Longoria Rd., is hosting a Nature Exchange, a swap shop for nature, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring personal collections of natural items to earn points to trade them for other nature items. The event is free. For more information, call 956-3819922.

June 30 – Celebrate International Mud Day at the Edinburg World Birding Center, 714 S. Raul Longoria Rd., with mud activities from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Participants should dress appropriately to get muddy. The event is free. Call 956-3819922 to register or for more information.

July July 1 – The Tip of Texas Orchid Society will meet at 2 p.m. at the Valley Nature Center, 301 S. Border in Weslaco. This month’s demonstration/workshop will be led by Janet Schofield, Master Gardener plant propagation specialist, to cover several methods to try and propagate orchids using cuttings.

We will talk about growing from seeds but will not attempt this method. Participants will be able to take home an example of a propagation method. There will be no admission charged for this workshop meeting. There will be orchids for sale at the meeting and a variety of orchid supplies available for purchase.

July 2-3, 5-6, 9-12 –Session 3 of the Mission CISD Learn-toSwim program begins at the district’s Aquatic Center located at 1500 Nicholson Ave. on the Mission High School campus.

It consists of eight, 45-minute classes for children from 5 to 11 years of age, and they must pass a pre-swim test. Class sizes are limited to eight students to each instructor depending on swim level and age. Fee for is $40 with two morning classes and two afternoon classes. Registration at the Aquatic Center is available Monday through Thursday from 8 to 10 a.m. and 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. For more information, call 956-323-5830.

July 7 – Cub Scouts can earn badges at the Edinburg World Birding Center from 10 a.m. to noon. Webelos will work on requirements for the Into the Wild bads; Tiger Cubs, can fulfill thre of seven for Tigers in the Wild; and Bear Cubs, five of seven for Fur, Feather and Ferns. Badges are not included.

Scouts must be accompanied by a troop leader or other adult.

Deadline to register is June 30. Fee is $4 per scout. Payment is due by July 5. Call 956-381-9922 for information or to register. For more information on this and other programs, call (956) 381-9922. The EWBC is located at 714 S. Raul Longoria Rd. July 10 – The Edinburg World Birding Center will host the four-day Naturally Creative Camp for children ages 6 to 9.

From building forts to painting with mud, the camp is about creativity and play. The camp runs from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. each day. The fee is $28 for EWBC members and $32 for nonmembers. The EWBC is located at 714 S. Raul Longoria Road. For more information call 956-381-9922. Deadline to register is July 3.

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

Coming Attractions

June 30 – July 1 • The nationally recognized UTRGV Ballet Folklorico presents “Summer Alegria” with vibrant concerts featuring the color, drama and excitement of Mexico’s folkloric dance art.

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday in the Performing Arts Complex on the UTRGV Edinburg campus. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and $5 for children. For tickets, go to tickets.vendini.com or call 800-901-7173. For information, call 956-882-7025.

July 5 • The Education Foundation of Mission C.I.S.D. is hosting a summer fundraising concert featuring The Spazmatics at the new Mission Event Center, 200 N. Shary Rd. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the event runs to midnight. Sponsorships with benefits are now available from $1,000 to $3,500. Benefits range from unlimited VIP food and beverages and concierge service with meet and greet passes and up to 20-chair table seating. To make reservations, or for more information, contact Hector Olivarez at 956-445-4255 or Candy Martinez at 956-240-2059.

July 7 • The UTRGV Mariachi and Dance Summer Tour Kick-off Concert begins at 3 p.m. at the Performing Arts Complex on the UTRGV Edinburg campus. The new, all-female Mariachi Azalea performs with Mariachi Aztlan and the Ballet Folklorico. Admission is $5. For tickets, go to tickets.vendini.com or call 800-901-7173. For information, call 956-882-7025.

• ResacaFest 2018, Celebrating the Spirit of America, will be held in San Benito from 4 to 11 p.m. with live music, refreshments and performances on the Resaca at Heavin Memorial Park, 705 N. Bowie Street, and capped by a fireworks display over the resaca. Arts, crafts, corporate and food vendors can apply for a spot. Call Martha McClain at 956-361-3800 for information.

July 12 • The final event in the Summer Nights at the Museum series, hosted by the Museum of South Texas History, features the River Crossroads exhibition highlighting the technological feats of the 20th century. Visitors can dress like a Mexican revolutionary, learn the impact of the railroad lines, and use a decoder to decipher secret military telegraphs and then be transported into the WWII era by learning to spot enemy planes, working on a recycled goods drive, and looking through a German U-boat periscope. The event is included in the regular admission price. Active duty military personnel and up to five family members receive free admission. MOSTHistory is located at 200 N. Closner Blvd. in Edinburg. Call 956-383-6911 for more information.

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

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O

n July Fourth, we celebrate the birthday of the United States of America, and all the great things our nation represents. We’re proud of our country and the values it upholds, and we gratefully salute the brave men and women of our Armed Forces who fight to defend America and her ideals. God bless the U.S.A.

Wishing You and Yours a Safe and Happy Independence Day Weekend!

Mary Salinas Mayor Pro-Tem

Jose A. “Fito” Salinas Mayor Dr. Armando Ocaña MAYOR

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

Ruben Plata COUNCILMAN

Norie Garza MAYOR PRO-TEM

Martin Garza, Jr. CITY MANAGER

Gus Martinez COUNCILMAN

Happy 4th of July!

Mayor

City of Alton

Happy 4th of July! facebook.com/ cityofpenitas

Salvador Vela

Ricardo Garza COMMISSIONER

Mike Alaniz City Administrator

Anna Lisa Ruiz Commissioner

Jessica Ortega-Ochoa COUNCILWOMAN

Maria E. “Geny” Salinas Commissioner

Rey Acosta Commissioner

Michael Pruneda Julianita Sabala City Attorney Administrative Secretary

www.CityOfPenitas.com

Arturo R. Galvan Jr. MAYOR PRO-TEM

Richard Arevalo COMMISSIONER

Emilio Cantu Jr. COMMISSIONER

Gerardo Perez Mayor

Javier Ramirez Mayor Pro Tem

Joselito Hernandez Councilman

Linda Sarabia Councilwoman

Ricardo Villarreal Councilman

Joel Garcia Councilman

MAYOR PRO-TEM

COUNCILMAN

ALEX GUAJARDO JOSE ROEL FLORES

MAYOR

RIGO LOPEZ

COUNCILMAN

www.cityofpalmhursttx.com

Leo Olivares Interim City Manager www.cityofpalmview.com

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

Jaime Aranda Councilman

Ruben De Leon Councilman

COUNCILMAN

FELIPE QUINTANILLA RAMIRO LOYA

Israel Silva Councilman

Ofelia Peña-Perez Councilwoman

page 4

June 29, 2018

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Lawsuit: Lobbyists say Agua SUD owes them $52,500

By Dave Hendricks Lobbyists who represented the Agua Special Utility District last year claim the utility district refused to pay them for months.

Former Executive Director Oscar Cancino hired Austin-based Strategic Public Affairs during May 2017, when the utility district wanted to kill a bill.

The utility district agreed to pay $7,500 per month.

Lobbyists started working the Texas Legislature, but lawmakers passed the bill just two weeks later.

In April 2018, long after the legislature adjourned, the utility district filed a lawsuit against Strategic Public Affairs, claiming Cancino signed the contract without board approval. The lobbyists fired back on June 11, filing a counterclaim against the utility district.

Strategic Public Affairs claims the contract is valid — and wants $52,500 plus interest, along with attorney fees and court costs. To support the claim, the lobbyists produced a resolution signed by utility board President Roger Hernandez.

“We obviously disagree with their assessment of the situation,” said attorney Armando Marroquin, who represents the utility district.

Attorney Michael A. McGurk of McAllen, who represents the lobbying firm, didn’t respond to a request for comment.

The utility district, which provides water and sewer service to more than 15,000 customers in western Hidalgo County and a small part of Starr County, didn’t always keep high-powered lobbyists on the payroll.

In December 2016, a public notice published in The Monitor caught the utility district by surprise.

State Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen, planned to file a bill related to the utility district, according to the tiny ad tucked away in the newspaper.

Cancino sent a sternly worded letter to the utility district’s longtime lobbyist, Rene Ramirez of Pathfinder Public Affairs.

Before becoming a lobbyist, Ramirez served as the

state senator’s chief of staff.

Cancino wanted to know why Ramirez didn’t warn the utility district about the bill.

“As Executive Director of the Agua SUD, let me emphasize my concern that this public notice appeared in a printed publication without our legislative representative advising any Agua SUD representative of this legislative matter,” Cancino wrote.

Hinojosa filed the bill in February as Senate Bill 814.

The bill included a provision designed to stop elected officials from hiring each other.

“If a director is an employee of another taxing entity within the district, the board may not employ as an employee, as a consultant, or on a contract basis an elected official of the other taxing entity that employs the director,” according to the bill.

That posed a problem: At the time, four members of the utility board worked for the La Joya Independent School District. And two members of the school board worked for the utility district.

The bill would force them to choose between elected positions and public employment.

Ramirez suggested the utility district work with the senator and reach a compromise. Members of the utility district board, however, had started wondering whether Ramirez really represented them or remained loyal to Hinojosa.

The utility board passed a resolution opposing Senate Bill 814 and authorized Cancino to "act on behalf of the Board and in the best interest of the District regarding any and all legislation affecting and/or related to the District, its composition or operations.”

They were joined by the La Joya school board, the Sullivan City Commission, the La Joya City Commission and the Peñitas City Council, which also passed resolutions opposing the bill.

Ramirez resigned on April 24.

“On numerous occasions I have advised and conferred with you about the contradictory impact your actions have had on our efforts to reach Agua SUD’s legisla-

tive goals,” Ramirez wrote to Cancino in an email. “My suggestions and advice have been ignored and I can no longer represent you in your efforts.”

With the legislative session winding down, the utility district needed to find a new lobbyist — fast.

Cancino hired Austin-based Strategic Public Affairs on May 12, according to a copy of the contract.

The utility district agreed to pay $7,500 per month, the same fee charged by Pathfinder Public Affairs, for a year.

Lawmakers passed Senate Bill 814 two weeks later.

Strategic Public Affairs remained on the payroll.

Financial records reviewed by the utility board in August 2017 and October 2017 show payments to the lobbying firm.

In April 2018, though, the utility district sued Strategic Public Affairs, attempting to void the contract. The lawsuit claims Cancino signed the agreement without informing the utility board.

“In January 2018, during an internal audit, the above mentioned agreement was discovered,” according to the lawsuit.

Strategic Public Affairs filed a countersuit on June 11, citing the resolution passed by the utility board as proof Cancino had authority to sign the contract.

The countersuit also claims the utility district failed to pay the monthly retainer.

“Agua has defaulted under the terms of the Contract by failing to make payments as they became due,” according to the countersuit. “The current amount owed and past due is $52,500, with interest continuing to accrue at the rate of 6% per annum.”

Strategic Public Affairs also asked a judge to award the lobbying firm attorney fees and court costs.

Cancino, who resigned in September 2017, maintains he acted with authority from the board. He’s not a party to the lawsuit.

The case, C-1500-18-J, remains pending before state District Judge Israel Ramon Jr.

We want you to stay, really & don’t wait on a permit to fix your house

McAllen city commissioners at their regular meeting held onto their city manager and swept away the need for a city permit before residents fix rain-damaged homes.

Mayor Jim Darling announced at the end of the regular commission meeting that City Manager Roy Rodriguez has made the finals list for the city manager’s job at Brownsville “and after discussing this matter, as a show of our appreciation for the job that he’s done and will continue to do, I’d like to entertain a motion to amend his employment contract to provide for a raise of $25,000, conditioned on his withdrawal of his application for the city manager position in the city of Brownsville.”

Darling got his motion and a second from Commissioners J.J. Zamora and Aida Ramirez and it passed unanimously (Commissioner John Ingram was absent). Zamora likened the city manager’s job to conductor of an orchestra with “many departments, many employees.”

In 2014, Rodriguez was hired as city manager from the top job at McAllen Public Utility, McAllen’s independently-elected sewer and water operation. Rodriguez earns about $250,000 per year, plus benefits, so it will be $275,000 per year after the raise. He is a licensed engineer. Rodriguez had worked as interim city manager after then-City Manager Mike Perez left in 2014.

By Dave Hendricks

ley” Cantu, the brother of La Joya school board Trustee Alex Cantu — borrowed $200,000 for a daycare. And businessman Miguel Cortez borrowed $23,000.

They were supposed to repay the money with interest, allowing Palmview to make new loans.

When the Palmview Economic Development Corp. went under, the city started managing the loan portfolio.

Olivares and city Finance Director Rachel Chapa said they discovered many businesses had simply stopped making loan payments. They also became concerned the businesses hadn’t provided Palmview with proof of insurance and other documents required by the loan agreements.

“We’re trying to do right by the program regulations,” Olivares said.

Palmview sent the businesses warning letters in April, requesting proof of standard property insurance, which covers fires and storm damage; life insurance on the business owner, which is payable to the city; and workers compensation records.

They didn’t respond.

During interviews, Jackson and Ismael Cantu said they didn’t recall the letters. Cortez couldn’t be reached for comment.

Don’t need a permit Finally, even though the city announced that city residents whose homes were damaged due to last week’s torrential rains and flooding do NOT have to get a city permit before doing repairs, commissioners voted to instruct the city attorney to bring them at their next meeting a formal resolution to that effect. This is to cover all legal bases, according to City Attorney Kevin Pagan. Pagan, also McAllen’s emergency manager, had previously told commissioners and staff that, while preliminary, it looks as if McAllen received more than 16 inches in a 24-36 hour period and that they haven’t seen a rain event like that one since Hurricane Beulah in 1967.

Palmview sets deadline for local businesses to comply with loan requirements

Faced with the threat of foreclosure, several businesses near Palmview City Hall spent the past week scrambling to comply with federal loan regulations — or avoid them altogether by paying what they owed.

Palmview warned three business owners to provide proof of insurance and other documents or risk foreclosure. When the businesses didn’t respond, the City Council hired McAllen-based law firm Walker & Twenhafel to collect.

During a meeting on Monday afternoon, the City Council finally set a deadline: If the businesses didn’t provide the documents or pay off the loans by Friday afternoon, Palmview would start foreclosure proceedings.

“We’re trying to find a way to avoid foreclosure,” said City Manager Leo Olivares. “I hope we can. But I’m not sure we will.”

The Palmview Economic Development Corp. started making small business loans with seed money provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Roberto Jackson, the former La Joya city attorney, borrowed $187,500 to build a law firm. Nereyda Cantu and her husband — Ismael “Smi-

The Cantus borrowed $200,000 for a daycare called Imagination Express Learning Center in 2011, according to city records.

When the city approved a modified loan agreement in 2016, they still owed nearly $195,000.

Olivares said he heard from an insurance agent who represents Ismael Cantu.

They may be able to reach an agreement, avoiding foreclosure.

Palmview couldn’t determine whether or not Cortez, who borrowed $23,000, had actually started a business.

He couldn’t be reached for comment.

Jackson, the former La Joya city attorney, borrowed $187,500 in 2007. When Palmview approved a modified loan agreement during 2016, nearly $53,000 remained.

To avoid the hassle and paperwork, Jackson sent the city a check for about $9,900.

“So I’m paid out,” Jackson said. “I’m out of the program.”

With low interest rates, the loan program benefits Palmview and small businesses, Jackson said, adding that he made regular payments to avoid any problems.

“It’s a win-win situation,” Jackson said. “As long as everybody follows the rules.”

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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.

June 29, 2018

page 5

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

Progress Times Distinguished Student of the Week: Nyla Vela

By Jamie Treviño For Nyla Vela, attending Rice University has been her dream for as long as she can remember.

The valedictorian of Veterans Memorial High School’s Class of 2018, Vela has spent her summer before heading off to college working at the Mission Historical Museum. Ready to explore a new chapter in her life, Vela is both excited and nervous to head out.

“I feel like just going to Rice is really daunting,” Vela said. “But everybody there makes you feel so comfortable, and there’s so many resources to help you.”

Vela ran cross country and track for all four years she attended high school, and also participated in HOSA (Future Health Professionals), National Honors Society and Destination Imagination.

While she enjoyed her time at VMHS, she is ready to begin the next level of education.

“I think being in college is going to be a testament to myself,” Vela said. “There’s that quote, they say it a lot in sports, when somebody gets a world title or a grand championship or something, ‘Okay, now you have to do it again to prove to everybody that you weren’t just lucky.’

So I feel like that’s what I’m doing when I go to college, proving to everybody that it wasn’t just luck, that I did it because I deserved it, because I put in the work too.”

When Vela was in junior high, she experienced partial paralysis in her leg from her knee down, and as an avid runner, was devastated.

When visiting local doctors to try and determine the issue, no one could find the answer.

“I’ve been doing track and cross country and running since the third grade, that was my first love,” Vela said.

“So when that happened to me, it was this giant obstacle, this thing that was going to hinder me from meeting all the goals I wanted to in my high school sports.”

Nyla Vela Vela plans on studying neuroscience at Rice, and hopes to focus on the research aspect of the subject.

Because she loathed the feeling of partial paralysis, she wants to work so that other people don’t suffer as she did.

“I hated feeling that way, and I felt really bad about myself for a really long time,” Vela said. “I guess I just don’t want anyone else to feel that way. I don’t think there’s enough resources, especially down here in the Valley, there’s not a lot. So I want to spread out across the neuroscience field to bring it to other parts of the world.”

The youngest daughter, Vela’s older sister has already left home for Texas A&M University. Because of this, her parents are better prepared for Nyla’s move to Houston.

“They’re [her parents] really excited for me,” Vela said. “They’re kind of used to the whole ‘leaving the nest’ thing. I’m really glad they’re not making a huge deal of it.”

After attending Houston Rockets games with her family her whole life, Vela’s heart had been set on Rice University for a long time.

“Rice has been my dream school since I was seven years old,” Vela said. “We used to pass by the campus all the time, it was always there, a part of my childhood. And they just started their neuroscience program maybe a year or two ago, so wow, what are the chances?”

Vela is looking forward to the independence of college

The Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley is currently coordinating with H-E-B Stores across the Rio Grande Valley, local charities and state and county emergency management officials in response to the flooding event impacting communities in Hidalgo, Cameron and Willacy counties.

The Food Bank RGV has been making emergency food relief bags with bottled water for distribution in the hardest hit areas since June 20. Some areas have reported up to four feet of water in their homes.

According to Omar Rodriguez, Food Bank RGV communications manager, the organization has put out a call listed as “urgent need” for volunteers, monetary donations and specific food donations at this time.

Individuals in a position to respond are asked to donate only foods and items on the approved list. The listed items may be found at all H-E-B Stores from through July 1. Other donations can be dropped off at 724 N. Cage Blvd. in Pharr, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekdays and 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Satur-

life, and is ready to be able to “do her own thing.” More than anything, she will miss her dog.

“Not that being here with my parents and being young has hindered me,” Vela said.

“But I feel like once I get over there, I’m going to be able to find out more about myself and figure out what I want to do with my life.”

After obtaining her bachelor’s degree, Vela aims to attend medical school in a scenic location, where she can run every day and take in the beauty of her surroundings. The VMHS graduate credits her grandmother for being her biggest motivator throughout high school.

“Every single time I would have a track meet or I’d do the smallest thing, I’d get a hundred on a test, and she’d text me, ‘Just heard about the big accomplishment,’” Vela said. “And I was like, wow, I’m just going to do this all the time because she makes me feel so good about it.”

The driving factor in Vela’s life, however, is her desire to be more than average and her fear of being mediocre.

“You always want to feel like you’re the protagonist of your own story,” Vela said.

“You don’t want to be the side character in somebody else’s.”

After learning a lot about herself during her senior year of high school, Vela discovered the importance of getting back up when you have fallen down. She said she wanted to encourage other students to enjoy the little things that life has to offer.

“School is about getting the knowledge you want, and learning about things you like to do, and learning new things,” Vela said. “It shouldn’t be about ‘Oh, you need to get a hundred,’ don’t take it too seriously. Just relax sometimes. Enjoy all the little things. It’s really cliché, but I think it’s such an important thing to do, because without all the little things, you end up freaking out about everything else.”

Alex Cordova during his signing ceremony to run track at Central Methodist University. Progress Times photo by Jose De Leon III.

Mission High School grad signs with Central Methodist University

By Jose De Leon III Despite signing a letter of intent to run track at the Missouri-based Central Methodist University, a Mission High School graduate will still represent the Eagles thousands of miles away.

Alex Cordova signed the LOI Tuesday at a signing ceremony at Mission High School where he agreed to run track for the CMU Eagles.

“Once an Eagle, always an Eagle,” Cordova said.

Among Cordova’s achievements in his last school year alone is being named a State Qualifier, placing 7th in the 400 meter run in the State Meet, being named a regional and area

qualifier and the Valley’s Fastest in the 200 and 400 meter runs.

Cordova said he is excited to compete at CMU where he plans to study pre-law.

“I want to help people as a lawyer and plan to do my four years there before transferring to St. Mary’s or UT to continue with law school,” Cordova said. “I’ll gain a lot at CMU while staying with my Eagle colors.

According to Ben Lopez, the CMU recruiter present at the signing, Cordova is the first student from Mission High School to be recruited to CMU. “He’s one of the fastest runners in the Valley, he will be named an All-American athlete after his first year,

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Monetary donations can be made online foodbankrgv.com under the “How to Help” menu item.

Volunteers can call 956682-8101 or go to their website for assignment hours.

that’s how good he is,” Lopez said. “The coaches at CMU are waiting for him, he will go to a good program.”

Cordova is officially the last student athlete of the 2017-2018 school year to have a signing, Daniel Longoria, the campus’ head track coach said.

“I came here only last year but he’s made such an impression on me,” Longoria said. “He’s a hard worker and so extraordinarily competitive, he hates to lose. He will be one of those athletes who will make his teammates better. He will push them and consequently they will push each other. He will be in a good place at CMU.”

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page 8

FLOODING CALL CITIES Alton

For Rudy Garza, Public Works director for the city of Alton, last week’s flood was “extraordinary” for the area.

“I’ve been here 11 years and I’ve never seen anything like this,” Garza said. “We had reports of seven and a half to 11 inches of rain in some areas. Alton was literally flooded in places that have never been flooded before.”

Garza, who calls last week’s event the “Great Alton flood of 2018,” said streets along Inspiration and Trosper Roads were flooded and waters did not begin to subside until Sunday when the city was able to finish pumping out the water in the streets.

Emergency crews evac-

uated two families in those streets but besides that, the city handled the flood pretty well, Garza said.

“We cleared the disaster as fast as we could, things are moving up and hopefully we’ll come up a lot better in the next emergency,” Garza said.

Garza also urged citizens to help with the cleanup by not illegally dumping in undesignated areas as the debris could clog up the city’s drainage system. Any debris in the city can be picked up by the city’s trash service if the homeowner places their flood-damaged items directly in front of their property.

Palmhurst

Besides a few streets along Mile 3 being shut down for a few hours Thurs-

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com from pg 1 Palmview

day, Palmhurst Police Chief Mike Vela said there weren’t any emergencies in Palmhurst.

“We weren’t affected that much,” Vela said. “All the streets between Mayberry and Conway on 3 Mile Line had to be closed for at least five hours.”

Besides the road closures, Vela said there were no emergency calls made by residents and the Palmhurst crew members assisted Mission residents as there were no reports of evacuations or any major emergency calls.

“The city did very well in responding to the flood,” Vela said. “We have a good rapport with our neighboring cities and the county and we got to work with them.”

July 24-27 & 29

Sinkholes along Farm-toMarket Road 495 between Bentsen and Minnesota Roads have led to that street being closed to the public until further notice, Palmview Fire Chief Jerry Alaniz said.

“The storm created sinkholes in those streets that were involved with construction with our sewer project, so that’s why we ordered evacuations in those streets,” Alaniz said. “The water is so deep you can’t see the sinkholes.”

Alaniz reported that 10 people had to be evacuated from their homes last Wednesday due to the rising floodwaters in that area.

However, all the areas that were flooded were pumped out by Sunday and the city is working to assess the damages, Alaniz said.

“If there’s standing water in the area, get rid of it to prevent mosquitoes in the area,” Alaniz urged citizens. “Make sure the grass is cut, dispose of any trash at the disposable bins at the Precinct 3 offices.

Just bring your ID and proof of address.”

Peñitas

The City of Peñitas also experienced heavy rain-

9am - 12pm

Sunday Service Times:

Adult Sunday School • 9:30 AM Sunday Worship • 10:30 AM Wednesday Services: Adults, Teens, Kids • 7:00 PM

3 Mile & Shary Rd. • Mission • 956-581-1465

Located at 3 Mile & Shary Rd.

June 29, 2018 fall last week, particularly Thursday morning. According to City Manager Omar Romero, a few roads had to be closed due to sinkholes.

“The sinkholes were caused by recent construction that obviously was affected by the amount of water that fell,” Romero said. “We were able to work with Precinct 3 and TxDOT [Texas Department of Transportation] to redirect traffic while the contractor came out, recompacted the area and repatched the road.”

Romero credited the recent installment of drainage systems in the city through urban county projects for offsetting most of the severe impact of the rain on the streets and in the homes of Peñitas residents.

“The drainage systems worked very well to keep the water level low,” Romero said. “I went and toured the drainage systems myself, and they are pretty full of water, hopefully over the course of the next few days some of that will recede as the water gets absorbed and drained out.”

According to Romero, one home in Peñitas had trouble with water inside their home, but the family

was able to relocate during the storm.

“They’re disabled, and obviously it’s harder to cope with cleaning and dealing with water inside their home,” Romero said. “They relocated for a day or two and right now they’re in the process of cleaning up and getting back to normal.”

The Peñitas City Hall lost power for a bit, but other than those instances no major damage was done in the area.

“Everyone was on alert,” Romero said. “The Fire Department was available, along with the Police Department was ready for any response, so everyone was there.”

La Joya

Despite providing sandbags to residents, City Administrator Mike Alaniz said the city only provided them as a precaution.

“We just had lots of water and a few broken trees, we were very fortunate,” Alaniz said.

Mosquitoes

According to Olivarez, the biggest health risk posed by the floodwater is the increase of mosquitoes, which he said will happen due to all the water from last week.

“However, there are 26 types of mosquitoes in the county and only three of them carry diseases such us Zika and dengue, “Olivarez said. “The county is taking preventative measures to protect the public and the public can participate.”

Olivarez echoed Alaniz’s comments on keeping the grass cut and getting rid of standing water to reduce the areas where mosquitoes breed. People can also wear long sleeve clothing, pants and mosquito repellent to prevent mosquito bites, Olivarez said.

The county, meanwhile, is taking steps to reduce the mosquito population by spreading larvicide in large bodies of standing water and spraying for mosquitoes. Olivarez noted that spraying is the hardest step due to the county needing wind speeds under 10 miles per hour to effectively spray the area.

“Any people that want to help are also urged to contact the Rio Grande Valley Food Bank and ask what items they need and donate them,” Olivarez said.

June 29, 2018

‘We’re ready’ Palmview annexation goes into effect tomorrow

By Jose De Leon III When the city of Palmview approved two rounds of annexation last fall, the city agreed to make the annexation ordinance go into effect June 30, to give the city time to provide services to its new residents.

“The advantage of waiting to enact the ordinance is so the city does not have to provide the services until then,” interim City Manager Leonardo Olivares told the city council last November.

“We don’t have the financial resources to immediately provide services such as police, fire protection and emergency medical services to those residents but by next July these residents will be able to vote and run for city

council. They’re essentially citizens of Palmview.”

City Councilman Joel Garcia believes the city is now adequately prepared to welcome its new citizens.

“We’re ready to go, the city’s been ready for so many years and it’s finally happening,” Garcia said.

As previously reported, the city council approved annexing 980 acres of land in the city’s south side and center that came with 3,680 residents in two separate rounds of annexation.

According to the city’s service plan, the first round of annexation had 1,600 residents and 17 commercial properties and will bring in around $240,000 in revenues to the city after expenditures.

The second round of an-

obituaries Federico Valdez PALMVIEW – Federico Garza Valdez, 68, passed away on Saturday, June 23, 2018, at his home in Palmview.

He was a native of San Benito Los Ramones, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.

Survivors include his wife, Irene Garza; children, Isabel Garza, Norma Garza, Jamie Garza, Federico Garza Jr., Julie Garza and Noe Gonzalez; five sisters and two brothers; and 12 grandchildren..

He was preceded in death by his parents, Barbarita and Simon Garza, and a sister and brother.

A funeral service was held on June 25 at Iglesia Bethel Asasmbleas de Dios in Palmview. Burial followed at Panteon Municipal de San Benito, Nuevo Leon.

Eusebia Venecia MISSION – Eusebia Venecia, 92, passed away on

Saturday, June 23, 2018, in McAllen.

She is survived by her children, Arnoldo Venecia, Frank Venecia, Gerardo Venecia, Omar Venecia, Martin Venecia, Esmeralda Garza, Juanita Alvarez and Maria Elva Ramirez, all of Mission; and 21 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 35 years, Francisco Venecia; daughter, Irma Venecia; and siblings, Lucio Ramos and Rebecca Garcia.

A funeral service was held on June 27 at El Divino Pastor in Mission. Burial followed at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Mission.

Notices Evelyn Cooper MISSION – Evelyn Mae Cooper, 95, passed away

nexation included 16 commercial properties and will bring in around $277,000 in revenues to the city after expenditures, according to the city’s service plan.

The United States Census Bureau states city’s current population is just under 6,000 residents.

Garcia noted that Palmview delayed the ordinance due to a lack of financial security.

“The city was basically broke at this time last year,” Garcia said. “We had to prepare financially, we have a team of people working on our finances, we’re getting more sales tax money and we’re looking at every penny being spent and taking care of our money. Without being financially stable, we

on Friday, June 22, 2018, in McAllen.

Laura Cowan MISSION – Laura Marie Cowan, 83, passed away on Wednesday, June 20, 2018, at Pax Villa Hospice in McAllen.

Evangelina Mendoza MISSION – Evangelina “Eva” Mendoza , 78, passed away on Tuesday, June 26, 2018, at her home in Mission.

Dario Olivares MISSION – Dario Sosa Olivares, 82, passed away on Friday, June 22, 2018, at Doctor’s Hospital in Edinburg.

Francisco Perez PEÑITAS – Francisco Perez, 53, passed away on Sunday, June 24, 2018, at his home in Peñitas.

San Juana Ramirez MISSION – San Juana Ramirez, 84, passed away on Monday, June 18, 2018, at her home in Mission.

Jose Venecia Jr. LA JOYA – Jose Venecia Jr., 75, passed away on Monday, June 25, 2018, at McAllen Medical Center.

wouldn’t be able to do this.”

Last September, the city of Palmview approved a 2.5 cent property tax rate increase that raised its property taxes to 0.5001 cents per $100 of assessed property valuation after a presentation from the city’s finance director that showed the city was saddled with $2 million in loans and back taxes that were not paid for on time and other IRS penalties.

Since then, the city has been in good financial standing, according to Garcia.

The city has purchased a $160,000 ambulance to start an in-house EMS service last February. The city also passed a $2.8 million bond to

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

MISSION - Over the next several weeks, let’s take a better look between growing up as a kid in my generation as opposed to today’s kids.

While we’re looking at this, let’s explore some really simple things you can do to improve your child’s chance of future health and success while making sure that he spends plenty of time playing outside >> after all, “Life is Better Outside”! O If you were to stop and think about it; you will probably be able to come up with a variety of ways why today’s generation is different from that of yesteryear’s… One of the most drastic contrasts is the amount of time spent indoors! One might consider the lack of safe places to play

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3805 Plantation Grove Blvd., Ste. 5

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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

pay for a street-paving project to repave all the roads that had sewer lines put in as a result of construction for the $42 million Wastewater Collection System the Agua Special Utility District is constructing.

The city council also approved the purchase of a second ambulance that will be housed at the city’s second fire station on Showers Road and Expressway 83 to service the city’s south side.

According to Garcia, in the coming months the city will hire more police and fire officers.

“We didn’t have any sewers, now we’re getting sewer service in the city,” Garcia

said, “Now we’re getting the streets paved and this will all blow up once the sewer comes and brings in all the big franchises interested in coming down here. It’s way overdue, the city’s been stagnant for so long and the city needs to go forward.”

According to Garcia, city police officers have been going door-to-door to residents living in the annexed areas to remind them of the ordinance.

“They’re going to have trash, fire, police service all the benefits a city provides,” Garcia said of the residents.

“This city has a lot of potential. It just needs it to spread its wings and get to work.”

Welcome to the outdoors where life is so much better…

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page 9

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outdoors; but when you stop to think about it, you might seriously consider the increase in time spent interacting with electronic games, the emphasis on scheduled activities and achievements and of course, we can’t forget about concerns of sun exposure. Is this found only in our kids? When you stop and think about it; adults are just as guilty of spending less time outdoors as well!

This week, let’s explore our first way playing outside can help our children: • Sunshine! Mother Nature’s Radiance! Yes, exposure to our sun - - especially sun burns can in fact increase the chance of skin cancer. But!!! As it turns out, our bodies need sun! Vita-

min D, hmmmm…. Exposure to the sun is essential in the creation of Vitamin D which plays a crucial role in our immune system. Research shows that sun shine aids in attaining a healthy sleep as well as our mood.

You might be surprised to find out that our bodies will generally work best when they get some sunshine every day.

Join us next week as we explore other ways how playing outside can help our children. In the meantime, visit us for some free air as you enjoy a walk on our .46 mile walking trail at Hollis Rutledge Sr. Park located at 3404 North Inspiration Road.

page 10

June 29, 2018

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

Shary Gardens residents sign petition to City of Mission

By Jamie Treviño

After unexpected flooding in Hidalgo County last week, several Mission neighborhoods have been left with uncertainty about how to efficiently handle the situation without the help of the city.

Like 80 percent of Mission, houses and residents in the Shary Gardens neighborhood were underwater last Thursday. On Sunday, homeowners from this community gathered at a meeting to sign a petition calling the City of Mission to action in their area.

“The purpose of the meeting was for us to share the experience and then see if any help was going to come out of it,” Lilliana Salgado, a resident in Shary Gardens, said.

Salgado was at work in La Joya when the rain began falling back home. Her children had to be evacuated by the Mission Police Department and Border Patrol due

to the flooding of the neighborhood, which is located right next to a canal that was overflowing most of the day.

According to Salgado, none of the residents in Shary Gardens carry flood insurance because they never needed it in the past.

“There’s people that have lived there 20, 30 years, and it has never happened,” Salgado said. “Since we’re all having to pay out of pocket, since we didn’t have flood insurance, a lot of us are hoping that through pictures and receipts, maybe some kind of reimbursement is on its way, some kind of help.”

Salgado had to replace her refrigerator and washing machine, and also had to have her walls gutted. She said that for the most part, everyone in the neighborhood had to make similar repairs to their walls and floors.

“Everyone in my neighborhood is gutting their walls, pretty much two feet off the floor,” Salgado said.

“All our walls had to go, it messed up our floors, furniture, doors, you name it. If you drive by our neighborhood, you can see what’s going on.”

For the repairs to her house alone, Salgado is paying $6,000, and said that there were some neighbors at the meeting who were paying upwards of $10,000.

“The water went everywhere,” Salgado said. “It’s not just the garage or the living room, it was in the rooms, the restrooms, the closets, everywhere.”

People living in the neighborhood have been leaving their couches and other furniture that was damaged by the roads outside their houses.

“It’s not just the home repair, it’s the appliances, the furniture,” Salgado said. “All weekend, there’s been trucks going by and picking up the garbage. The city’s been very good about that, thank God. They’ve been there constant-

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she said. “I took whatever I could and just took off.”

The resident said that they all got together to request more assistance and to better prepare for a storm like this in the future.

By Thursday night, the water had receded enough to return to their homes. The resident checked her home for bugs and mold in order to ensure that whatever needed to be repaired could be done

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satisfied with how the city has responded to the incident after it occurred. The couple, who live on the corner of Stewart Road and Pamela Drive, said their front yard and backyard “was a river.”

“We’ve been here for 19 years, I’m a Mission resident,” Pam Garcia said.

“We’re faithful to Mission, we’re taxpayers, we don’t have contacts like that gentleman [Treviño] does, we don’t know anybody on the board.”

Pam Garcia said that it is well known in Mission that Stewart Rd. floods, even if there is only a little rain.

“What are we going to do when there’s a hurricane?”

Pam Garcia asked. “We’re in a well-developed neighborhood. Our streets weren’t blocked, we had continuous traffic there that pushed water on fences.”

According to Pam Garcia,

in a timely manner.

For Salgado and her neighbors, it has been an unfortunate experience.

“We’re over it, because it’s so much,” Salgado said.

“It happened so suddenly, and nobody was expecting it, nobody was prepared, no one had insurance, so everybody’s pretty frustrated with the entire situation. I don’t think anybody expected it to be this bad.”

Shary Gardens residents gather outside on Sunday to discuss their petition and what state the community was in. Photo courtesy of Lilliana Salgado.

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Another resident of Shary Gardens, who wished to remain unnamed, also had to have her walls gutted and repaired one of her restrooms.

“It was very scary, actually,” she said. “I think it was one of the scariest things I’ve ever experienced, I didn’t expect it to be like that.”

When her home began flooding on Thursday, the resident and her dog were home. Although she needed to be evacuated, no one had come by her house.

“It was my father who actually helped me out,” she said. “He had to park in one of the other neighborhoods that we have in Shary Gardens and he had to walk to my house to help me get out.”

Because of the amount of water getting into her house, the resident couldn’t wait for the city to come by. According to her, citizens had to “be put on a list” to be rescued, and they could not wait in fear of how close Shary Gardens is to the canal.

“We didn’t know if it was going to overflow even more and go more into the house,”

from pg 1 no one living on Stewart has wooden fences anymore due to cars pushing the floodwater onto their property.

“There was no traffic control,” Pam Garcia said.

“Those cars that were stranded were floating. That could cause injury to our homes and our loved ones. What are we going to do?”

She said that sandbags were not distributed in time, and therefore no one in her area had time to prepare for the rainfall. The Garcias called for change, and said that they did not want to lose their home.

Arturo Campos, who lives next to the couple, also said that he had not received adequate assistance with the damages caused by this storm. Since moving to Mission 18 years ago, he said he has had to repair his fence four times due to flood damage.

“Similar to all our neighbors, I lost my fence,” Campos said. “That comes out of our pocket, which I’ve done before in previous floods.

And a lot of that comes from not blocking or patrolling the flow of traffic. You’ve got these big trucks coming through like nothing at all, and what do they do? They create those waves.”

While the mayor and city council cannot respond to citizens participation, O’caña said that they were doing all they could for the city and her citizens.

“Our city manager is available for you and is able to discuss the issues,” O’caña said. “But we are going to address the issues. Stewart is one of our priorities.”

As stated by City Manager Martin Garza, Jr. and Mayor O’caña during a press conference held Monday,

MARIJUANA BUST

smoke shops and warned proprietors not to sell synthetic marijuana.

Most smoke shops quickly complied.

When the synthetic marijuana market went underground, the Sheriff’s Office worked with the McAllen Police Department, U.S. Border Patrol and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to track down major suppliers.

Investigators sifted through tips, intelligence reports and other information before targeting two men: Juan Antonio Garza, 43, of Mission, and Cruz Felipe De La Garza, 30, a former McAllen Independent School District employee.

The Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Division spent more than a month conducting surveillance, following De La Garza to drug houses in McAllen, Mission and Palmview, according to court records. Investigators also watched him make drug deals near the intersection of Expressway 83 and 29th Street in McAllen.

Informants told the Sheriff’s Office that Garza — known on the street as “Juan Barras” because he sold Xanax bars — purchased synthetic marijuana in Houston or Beaumont every month, according to court records.

Border Patrol conducted a database check, which confirmed that Garza’s vehicle passed through the Falfurrias checkpoint roughly once a

Mission residents need to fill out a form found on the city website reporting all the damages to property and assets. With these reports, the city can send accurate information to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and get assistance.

As a result of Dr. John Guerra’s resignation, the council appointed Hector Moreno to replace his vacant seat in the Planning and Zoning Commission. Moreno said he was grateful for the opportunity to serve the City of Mission.

City Council also approved Resolution #1556, designating the Hidalgo County Metropolitan Planning Organization members for the City of Mission. According to O’caña, this is “crucial to the future of Mission.”

“Each governmental entity is represented by three members of the entity, one of whom shall be the Mayor by virtue of his position,” City Secretary Anna Carrillo said.

“All three represent the governmental entity in any and all NPO [Non-Profit Organization] policy committee meetings, but only one may exercise the right to vote.”

The primary alternate was Martin Garza, Jr., and the proxy was Roberto Salinas, the Public Works director.

After O’caña turned to the council and asked if any council members wanted to be involved, Jessica Ortega-Ochoa and Gus Martinez said they would like to, and after no discussion, both were appointed.

The council approved the resolution, replacing Martin Garza Jr., with Ortega-Ochoa as the primary alternate and Roberto Salinas with Martinez as the proxy.

from pg 1

month.

Border Patrol also discovered that Garza visited Mexico on a weekly basis, crossing the Hidalgo and Pharr bridges.

Investigators arrested both men and raided the drug houses on April 26. Along with synthetic marijuana and Xanax pills, they seized about $22,000 cash.

The raids significantly reduced the availability of synthetic marijuana, which had put dozens of Hidalgo County teenagers in the hospital, Guerra said.

“These dealers, they don’t care as long as they sell the stuff,” Guerra said. “They don’t care what’s in it.”

After the raids, the Sheriff’s Office noticed a reduction in theft and other crime linked to drug use.

Synthetic marijuana may also be declining in popularity among teenagers in western Hidalgo County, said La Joya school district police Chief Raul Gonzalez. Educational programs helped dispel the myth that synthetic marijuana is legal and wouldn’t appear on a drug test.

“Eventually it died down when kids started realizing what was in it,” Gonzalez said.

Drug charges against Garza and De La Garza remain pending. Attorney Mauro Barreiro, who bonded them out of jail, declined to comment on the case.

June 29, 2018

page 11

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CITY OF LA JOYA

til they checked Facebook.

The City Commission never met to discuss the decision.

And administrators didn’t notify La Joya police about any policy changes.

Alaniz and Arriaga declined to comment on the announcement, referring interview requests to Salinas.

The city jail, which consists of two temporary holding cells, doesn’t actually “house” detainees for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement — or any other agency.

“ICE does not utilize the city of La Joya jail to hold immigrants,” said agency spokeswoman Adelina Pruneda.

However, police do comply with federal immigration detainers. Failure to comply would jeopardize grant funding and violate state law.

Major Consequences for Misdemeanor Arrests Officers detain people charged with Class C misdemeanors, including public intoxication, assault and theft, at the city jail. They’re typically released within a few hours.

Anyone with a more serious charge is transported to

the Hidalgo County jail for booking.

ICE sends a federal immigration officer to check the city jail most days, said former police Chief Ramon Gonzalez, who spent more than 11 years with the department.

Many days, the jail is empty, Gonzalez said. When someone is detained, the federal immigration officer attempts to verify whether or not that person is legally present in the United States.

ICE places an immigration detainer on anyone without legal status.

Police release people arrested on Class C misdemeanors directly from the city jail. People with immigration detainers, though, aren’t released. They normally remain in custody until ICE picks them up.

Salinas said La Joya will no longer hold people after the underlying criminal case is completed.

“We’re not going to keep them after they’ve been released by our police department,” Salinas said, adding that local police shouldn’t enforce federal immigration law. “That’s not our job. Why

from pg 1

should we be doing that?”

‘I’ve Been There’ News about migrant children being separated from their parents convinced Salinas that La Joya shouldn’t cooperate with ICE. Salinas said he viewed the “zero tolerance” immigration policy, which separated children from their parents, as part of a long history of racial discrimination.

“In 1954, I was thrown out of a restaurant in Lubbock, Texas,” Salinas said.

“Because we were migrants.

Because we were Mexicans.

We had to eat outside.”

The memory stuck with Salinas, who joined the Raza Unida party and fought dis-

theclassifieds buy • sell • trade • rent • hire

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

crimination against Mexican-Americans wherever he went.

When he retired, Salinas served on the La Joya school board and later ran for mayor. On immigration and civil rights issues, he’s among the most outspoken mayors in the Rio Grande Valley.

“I’ve been through all of that,” Salinas said, referring to discrimination against Mexican-Americans. “Nobody’s told me about it. I’ve been there.”

Refusing to cooperate with ICE is the right thing to do, Salinas said, adding that La Joya shouldn’t be forced to handle federal immigration issues.

“They’ve got to prove it to me that I’m wrong,” Sali-

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Year Make VIN# 2000 GMC Jimmy 1GKCS13WOY2157383 1998 Dodge 1500 3B7HF16Y5WM298247

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS, VACATING AND ABANDONING A TWENTY FOOT (20’) STREET RIGHT-OFWAY LOCATED ADJACENT TO THE NORTH LINE OF LOT 4 YEWELL SUBDIVISION, MISSION, HIDALGO COUNTY TEXAS; AUTHORIZING CONVEYANCE OF LAND TO ABUTTING LANDOWNERS; PROVIDING SEVERABILITY, EFFECTIVE DATE AND OPEN MEETINGS CLAUSES; AND PROVIDING FOR RELATED MATTERS. READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 25th DAY OF JUNE, 2018 Dr. Armando O’caña, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

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THE STATE OF TEXAS NOTICE TO THE 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 and Petition, a default Judgment may be taken against you.”

TO: Ray Ramon, DEFENDANT(S) GREETINGS: You are herby commanded to appear by filing a written answer to the Plaintiff’s Original Petition at or before 10:00 o’clock A.M. of the Monday next after the expiration of fortytwo (42) days after the date of issuance of this citation the same being the on this the 31st day of May, 2018 before the Honorable Rodolfo “Rudy” Delgado, 93rd District Court of Hidalgo County, Texas at the Courthouse of said county in Edinburg, Texas. Said CITY OF MISSION’S ORIGINAL PETITION, REQUEST FOR PERMANENT INJUNCTION AND REQUESTS FOR DISCLOSURE filed in said court on the on this the 22nd day of January, 2018 in this case numbered C-0250-18-B on the docket of said court and styled CITY OF MISSION VS. RAY RAMON Said petition was filed in said court by Attorney JAIME TIJERINA, 1201 E. 8th ST., Mission, TX 78572.

A brief nature of the suit is as follows: PLAINTIFF(S) PRAY FOR DAMAGES IN AN AMOUNT TO BE PROVEN AT TRIAL, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ACTUAL DAMAGES, DIRECT AND CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, ATTORNEY FEES AND TAXABLE COURT COSTS. The officer executing this writ shall promptly serve 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 at Edinburg, Texas on the on this the 31st day of May, 2018.

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Mission Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a Regular Meeting on July 9, 2018 at 4:30 p.m. at the City Hall Council Chambers, 1201 East 8th Street, Mission, Texas in order to consider the following:

nas said.

Failing to comply with immigration detainers could cause serious problems for La Joya.

The Texas Governor’s Office requires all Homeland Security Grants Division applicants to comply with immigration detainers. Any agency that fails to comply may be removed from the program and required to return the grant funding.

La Joya participates in two grant-funded border security programs: Operation Stonegarden and Operation Border Star. Officers who work the border security programs receive overtime pay for targeting drug traffickers and immigrant smugglers.

Without the overtime hours, local police officers would take a major pay cut.

Arriaga worked more than 450 hours of Operation Stonegarden and Operation Border Star overtime last year, according to city records. The city paid him nearly $11,700 for the border security assignments — more than 20 percent of the total amount Arriaga earned last year.

Many police officers, who earn just $14 per hour, depend on grant-funded overtime to make ends meet.

Salinas said he knows La Joya could lose grant funding, but the consequences didn’t change his mind.

“If they don’t want to give us the grant, fine,” Salinas said, adding later: “And if any of our police officers don’t want to work with us because we don’t have Stonegarden, so be it.

They can leave. They can go somewhere else.”

Along with jeopardizing grant funding, adopting a policy that prohibits the city jail from complying with immigration detainers would break state law, according to guidelines published by the Texas Attorney General’s Office.

Whether the announcement Salinas posted Saturday constitutes a policy remains unclear.

Asked about the city’s announcement, a spokeswoman said the Attorney General’s Office doesn’t comment on investigations.

Salinas said he didn’t know the details about immigration detainers, but maintained the city wouldn’t cooperate with ICE. “Whatever happens, happens,” Salinas said. “But I feel I’m right.”

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Call: (956) 399-3469 ORDINANCE NO. 4646

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR A HOME OCCUPATION – REGISTERED HOME PROVIDER, 2003 W. 40TH STREET, LOT 68, TAURUS ESTATES #9 PHASE III SUBDIVISION READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 25th DAY OF JUNE, 2018 Dr. Armando O’caña, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

Rezoning: A tract of land out of the Northwest 9.96 acres of Lot 203, John H. Shary Subdivision, from (C-4) Heavy Commercial to (R-1T) Townhouse Residential; Rezoning: A 1.81 acre tract of land, more or less, out of Lot 28-1, West Addition to Sharyland Subdivision, from (AOI) Agricultural Open Interim to (C-3) General Business; and Rezoning: A .99 acre tract of land, more or less, out of Lot 28-1, West Addition to Sharyland Subdivision, from (AOI) Agricultural Open Interim to (C-4) Heavy Commercial

Rezoning: Lots 7, 8, 9, and the East 8’ of Lot 10, Block E, Wright Addition, from (R-2) Duplex-Fourplex Residential to (R-3) Multi-Family Residential

If a zoning is amended during the public hearing, it shall be pursuant to the City of Mission’s Amendatory Zone Policy Statement.

Anyone interested is invited to attend.

Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

If a zoning is amended during the public hearing, it shall be pursuant to the City of Mission’s Amendatory Zone Policy Statement.

Anyone interested is invited to attend.

Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

PUBLIC NOTICE The Mission Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a Regular Meeting on July 11, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. at the City Hall Council Chambers, 1201 East 8th Street, Mission, Texas in order to consider the following:

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scan this code with your smartphone NOTICE TO PUBLIC AND NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY OF MISSION Draft Five Year Consolidated Plan & Strategy FY 2018-2022 and Proposed One Year Action Plan 2018-2019 The Citizens Advisory Committee will be holding a Public Hearing on July 2, 2018 at 5:30 p.m. at the Evaristo “Slim” Olivarez Center, 722 Mayberry, Mission Texas and extending the comment period to solicit input for the Draft Five Year Consolidated Plan & Strategy FY 2018-2022 and Proposed One Year Action Plan 20182019 from July 2, 2018 through July 5, 2018 by 12:00 noon, due to there being no quorum at the Public Hearing held on June 26, 2018. All interested agencies and citizens/residents are encouraged to attend and participate in the public hearing.

Oral and/or written comments will be accepted until 12:00 noon on July 5, 2018.

AVISO AL PÚBLICO Y AVISO DE AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA CIUDAD DE MISIÓN Borrador de plan y estrategia de cinco años para el año fiscal 2018-2022 y Plan de acción propuesto de un año 2018-2019 El Comité Consultivo de Ciudadanos llevarà a cabo una Audencia Pùblica el dia 2 de Julio de 2018 a las 5:30 p.m. en el Centro de Evaristo “Slim” Olivarez en 722 Mayberry Mission Texas y extendiendo el periodo de comentarios para solicitar información para la Borrador de plan y estrategia de cinco años para el año fiscal 2018-2022 y Plan de acción propuesto de un año 2018-2019 del 2 de Julio de 2018 hasta el 5 de Julio de 2018 a las 12:00 horas. Se invita a todas las agencias interesadas y ciudadanos/residentes asistir y participar en la audiencia pública. Comentarios orales y/o escritos serán aceptados hasta las 12:00 horas el dia 5 de Julio de 2018.

Accommodations for persons with disabilities/handicapped, non-english speaking, or limited English proficiency (LEP) who may require interpreters shall be provided upon request by calling (956) 580-8670 at least three days in advance of meeting.

Persons who are deaf, hard-of- hearing, deaf-blind or speech-disabled may use Relay Texas at 1-800-735-2989, a text telephone (TTY) user or 711 (VOICE).

Para personas con cierta discapacidad, personas que no hablan inglés, conocimientos limitados de inglés (LEP) y que requieran intérpretes, se les solicitará llamando al (956) 580-8670 por lo menos tres días antes de la reunión. Las personas con problemas auditivos, ciegas sordas o discapacitados del habla pueden usar Relay Texas al 1-800-735-2989, un usuario de teléfono de texto (TTY) o 711 (VOICE).

For further information on this document, contact the Community Development Office at (956) 580-8670. Written comments may be forwarded by noon on July 5, 2018 to Jo Anne Longoria, Community Development Director, City of Mission, 1301 E 8th Street, Mission, Texas 78572.

Para más información sobre este documento, comuníquese a la Oficina de Desarrollo Comunitario llamar al (956) 580-8670. Comentarios escritos serán aceptados hasta las 12:00 horas el dia 5 de Julio de 2018 a Jo Anne Longoria Directora de la Oficina de Desarrollo Comunitario, 1301 E 8th Street, Mission, Texas 78572.

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June 29, 2018