Friday, February 1,2019_PT ISSUE

TUES & WED FEBRUARY 5 & 6

9:30 AM TO 4:00 PM • PHARR EVENTS CENTER, 3000 N CAGE BLVD., PHARR, TX • INFO: 1-800-265-3200

FREE SNOWBIRD SHOW

Featuring

FREE ENTERTAINMENT • FREE ADMISSION

GEORGE CANYON, JOHN WING, JOHN McDERMOTT, VALDY & MORE!

Your Hometown Newspaper, Bringing Communities Together.

Progress times

2019EXT Progress Times banner 10.5x2.indd 1

Vol. 47 - #23

50¢ cents

INSIDE

Friday, February 1, 2019

By Jamie Treviño

Check out this week’s issue for all the results and photographs from this year’s Texas Citrus Fiesta - featuring the Parade of Oranges, Royal Coronation of Queen Citrianna 2020, and more.

See Section B

Peñitas Mayoral Race

Progress Times photo by Jamie Treviño.

The current state of the lake in Meadow Creek. Some residents have homes with this lake in their backyard.

The Peñitas mayoral race is underway, with current Mayor Rigo Lopez running against his predecessor, Marcos Ochoa. Dave Hendricks has the latest on what the candidates have to say, inside.

For Mission, majority stake in Madero bridge may not be worth the price

by Dave Hendricks

See Pg. 5A

INDEX Entertainment......pg. 2A Lifestyle...................pg. 3A Sports.......................pg. 6A Obituaries..............pg. 9A Classifieds........... ..pg.10A

Sheriff: Crime dropped 10 percent in rural Hidalgo County last year

By Dave Hendricks Crime dropped nearly 10 percent last year in rural parts of Hidalgo County.

Every category of crime tracked by the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Program dropped in 2018, according to Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office data. Deputies handled just four murder cases,

See HIDALGO CRIME Pg. 8A

Photo courtesy of the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s website.

www.ptrgv.com

Meadow Creek rezoning to be discussed at special meeting

82nd annual Texas Citrus Fiesta Post Edition

Sheriff Eddie Guerra

09/01/2019 11:47:54 AM

For the Mission City Council, a majority stake in the Madero bridge project may not be worth the price.

The City Council tabled a new version of the Madero bridge agreement Monday, concerned Mission can’t afford the $114 million project.

Under the agreement, McAllen and Hidalgo would cede control of the Madero bridge project to Mission.

In exchange for a 37 percent stake, Mission would cover all construction costs. McAllen and Hidalgo wouldn’t pay Mission back until construction is completed — and only with cash from bridge tolls.

The City Council peppered Mayor Armando “Doc” O’caña with questions Monday night, asking how Mission would pay for the bridge and manage the risk.

“The only thing I can tell you: That if this inter-local

is not approved, then we’re probably going to have to start reapplying for our permit,” O’caña said. “Because it is what it is.”

The U.S. State Department approved the Madero bridge project in 1978, awarding the city a presidential permit. Mission, though, delayed the project for decades.

To keep the permit, Mission must demonstrate progress on the Madero bridge.

McAllen, Mission and Hidalgo, which worked together on the Anzalduas bridge, hired Houston-based S&B Infrastructure to study the Madero project.

“Through the analysis performed by S&B Infrastructure, Ltd. and the members of the project team, it is our opinion that not only is the project feasible, but that in time the project will be necessary to accommodate the ever changing climate

See MADERO BRIDGE Pg. 8A

During this week’s council meeting, the Mission mayor and city council voted to table four items regarding the Meadow Creek golf course community and hold a special called meeting next week.

Following last week’s Planning & Zoning Commission meeting, residents of Meadow Creek, many of whom have been living in Texas for over ten years, made their opinions about the potential rezoning of the golf course they live on known to the city council.

Owner Olaguer Bauza and his wife, Laurice, have been trying to get part of their golf course (along One Mile South) rezoned to three residential lots and one commercial since 2016 - the year they bought the land.

The Planning & Zoning Committee voted to approve

the four items unanimously.

This past Monday, Meadow Creek residents came forward during the public forum and explained their frustrations with the potential rezoning. After listening to them, city council went into executive session with legal council for questions.

When they came back from executive session, they voted to table the items and discuss them further at a special meeting on Monday, Feb. 4 at 5:30 p.m.

Residents were concerned with how the Bauzas have let the course deteriorate, because they bought their homes with the intent to live on a playable golf course and enjoy the community that came with it.

“I moved in a month before they [the Bauzas] took over, I bought my home for

See MEADOW CREEK Pg. 9A

Attorney says prominent Mission businessman is innocent of sexual assault charges

By Dave Hendricks Mission Police Department investigators executed a search warrant at Taco Ole’ on Sunday morning, days after charging the general manager with sexual assault.

Investigators also executed a search warrant at a home where General Manager Elias Bazan III, 49, of Mission — a member of the family that owns Taco Ole’ — resides.

Police Chief Robert Dominguez declined to comment on what, if anything, investigators recovered during the searches, which took place at about 6 a.m.

Sunday.

“It seems to me that someone may have a vendetta against this guy,” said attorney Rick Salinas, who represents Bazan.

The Bazan family owns Taco Ole’ restaurants in Mission and Edinburg.

Elias Bazan III owns the

Elias Bazan

Photo courtesy of the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office.

Edinburg restaurant, according to records filed with the Texas Secretary of State’s Office. He also serves as general manager of the Taco Ole’ restaurant on Conway Avenue, according to the restaurant’s Facebook page.

Salinas said he believes Bazan is the victim of a con-

spiracy by disgruntled employees.

“The true victims of crimes deserve all the attention and justice our legal system has to offer,” Salinas said in a statement. “However, this system, that is unique to our country, has recently been abused by individuals who either use it to collect a debt or to somehow enrich themselves.”

Bazan is innocent, Salinas said, adding that he’s conducting an investigation to ferret out the facts.

“My client, Mr. Bazan, is emphatically claiming innocence,” Salinas said in a statement. “We will aggressively defend these false claims and will proactively seek all legal measures available once his name has been cleared.”

Bazan surrendered to police on Jan. 22. He’s charged with three counts of sexual

See BUSINESSMAN Pg. 10A

Mission denies conditional use permit for drive-thru restaurant near Summer Breeze on Shary Rd.

By Jamie Treviño Development on a commercial lot has affected not only the homeowners living on Summer Breeze, but residents like Jennifer Siegler, whose family lives across the street from the property.

At this week’s Mission city council meeting, two items on the agenda drew several residents living on Summer Breeze off of Shary Rd. The items were for conditional use permits that would have allowed the applicant, Arnoldo R. Gonza-

lez, to build a restaurant with a drive-thru window right next to several residential lots.

Prior to the public hearing, Planning and Zoning Director Jaime Acevedo said that the applicant claimed they were close to reaching an agreement with the residents of the area, and requested the items to be tabled. Based on the reactions from homeowners present, that was not the case.

“Any resident who lives on Summer Breeze can tell

See SUMMER BREEZE Pg. 4A

Photo courtesy of Jennifer Siegler.

The Ancer Construction site on Shary Rd. next to the Summer Breeze residences.

Time is money. Manage both with online banking, our mobile app, or even by phone.

• NEW Mobile Banking App With La Joya FCU, • Mobile Deposit you can choose what is • Online Bill Pay convenient for you.

• Vehicle Loans as low as 3.65% apr* CALL OR CLICK TODAY! (956) 585-6207

*Must live or work in Hidalgo County

Some conditions may apply. APR: Annual Percentage Rate.

www.lajoyafcu.com

Insured by NCUA. Equal housing lender.

LOCATIONS IN

LA JOYA • PALMVIEW

page 2A

February 1, 2019

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

Palmview’s mariachi, folklórico to showcase rich music and dance traditions

LA JOYA – La Joya ISD presents Palmview High’s Grupo Mariachi Los Lobos and Grupo Folklórico Ozomatli with special guest Conjunto La Tradición on Saturday, Feb. 9, at 1 and 5 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 10, at 2 p.m., Special guest Conjunto Sol will be featured at the performances to be held at the Alejandro “Alex” H. Saenz Performing Arts Center, 604 N. Coyote Drive, La Joya.

The groups are celebrating the 10-year anniversary and retirement of Rolando Rodriguez, director, who has been a part of the district’s Folklórico tradition for 30 years.

Folkórico sets will include a tribute to Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), as they dance to live music performed by Mariachi Los Lobos. The audience will be entertained with a history of Tejano dance to live music performed by Conjunto

IMAS plans Luna New Year Festival tion, UTRGV Department of Writing & Language Studies, McAllen International Mission Church, McAllen Public Library, Texas Korean Women’s Network, House of China, China Café, Dai Tung, and Tokyo Asian Market. I It is included in cost of general admission. IMAS is located at 1900 W. Nolana in McAllen. Call 956-681-2800 for more information.

PT

progresstimes

progresstimes

progresstimes

progresstimes

McALLEN – The International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) will be hosting its seventh annual Lunar New Year Festival on Saturday, Feb. 2, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The calendar used in most Asian countries, including China, Taiwan, Korea, Vietnam, and Tibet, is based on the phases of the moon. Lunar New Year Festivals begin with the first new moon of the lunar calendar and end on the first full moon of the lunar calendar, 15 days later.

Celebrate the Year of the Pig at the International Museum of Art & Science alongside the RGV’s Asian community.

Activities include traditional Korean games, Chinese calligraphy, red envelopes, tea and food tastings, and more. Entertainment ranges from a piano performance by UTRGV student Louis Liu to a variety of dance performances, including a hip-hop dance by X Studio.

This cultural event is presented in partnership with the Chinese American Associa-

For the latest news and updates

La Tradición. Part of the performance will include a tribute to musical legend Juan Gabriel.

Mariachi Los Lobos recently earned a Division I at the Texas Association of Mariachi Educators (TAME) competition under the direction of Mayra Garcia, and will feature Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) Region Mariachi High School vocalists Kathe Rodriguez and Cecilia Garcia.

At the 5 p.m. Saturday show, alumni dancers and musicians will accompany current students on stage for one special set.

Tickets can be purchased online at lajoyaisdtr.eventbrite.com, at Palmview High, 3901 N. La Homa Rd., Mission, or at the Performing Arts Center ticket booth. Tickets will be sold daily from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Coming Attractions February 1 • Faculty artist Dr. Brendan Kinsella presents the second part of his performance study on J.S. Bach’s keyboard work, The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I. It begins at 7 p.m. at the UTRGV Performing Arts Complex in Edinburg. For special accommodations, call 956-665-3881.

February 2-3 • La Joya ISD presents Juarez Lincoln High School’s Grupo Mariachi Sol de Oro and Grupo Folklórico Sol Azteca on Saturday at 1 and 5 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m., with special guest Conjunto Sol. Performances will be at the Alejandro “Alex” H. Saenz Performing Arts Center, 604 N. Coyote Drive, La Joya. Grupo Admission is $8, and tickets can be purchased online at lajoyaisdtr.eventbrite. com or at the school, 7801 W. Mile 7 Rd., Mission. Tickets will be sold daily from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. For more information or assistance with ticket purchases, call 956-3232898.

February 2 & 4 • Trombonist Bill Haugeberg performs at 7 p.m. on Feb. 2 at the UTRGV Performing Arts Complex in Edinburg and on Feb. 4 at the TSC Performing Arts Center in Brownsville. Admission is free.

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

Tickets $8

Creative Wellness workshop announced The Upper Valley Art League will host a Creative Wellness workshop using the Creative Journal Expressive Arts (CJEA) method, a creative, holistic approach to addressing challenges in daily life. The workshop will be led

by Racheal Brown, a certified CJEA instructor. It will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturday, Feb. 9.

The techniques used can involve various artistic media including drawing materials, collage, paint and three- dimensional media to address some of the following topics: Dancing on Paper: Alleviating Stress; Understanding from Another Perspective: Four

Questions for Insight; Life Design: Mapping Out the Feelings of a Better Future; and Play Date: Getting to Know Your Inner Child.

The workshop fee is $20 for UVAL members and $30 for nonmembers.

Brown has a master’s in painting and one in art history.

She has a certification in Museum Studies and a bachelor’s in anthropology and archeology.

Sign up at the UVAL gallery desk. UVAL is located in the Kika de la Garza Fine Arts Center, 921 E. 12th St., Mission. Call 956-583-2787 for information.

‘2 Views on Realism’ exhibit opens Feb. 9

The Upper Valley Art League will introduce the next exhibition, “2 Views On Realism,” by artists Sheri Rundell and Dennis Grover, with an opening reception on Saturday, Feb. 9, at 7 p.m. It will be held in the Kika de la Garza fine Arts Center gallery.

Rundell specializes in oils while Grover’s works are mainly in watercolor and pencil. The two focus on detail and their works are loved by many. The public can meet the

artists and view their works at the opening reception. The exhibit runs through March 2.

Admission is free and open to the public for both the reception and exhibit.

The Kika de la Garza Fine Arts Center is located at 921 E. 12th Street in Mission.

Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday. Call 956-583-2787 for information.

To purchase tickets online go to

www.lajoyaisdtr.eventbrite.com

Tickets may also be purchased at Palmview HS between 9am - 12pm and the Performing Arts Center

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

(956) 323-2898

604 N. Coyote Drive La Joya, Texas 78560

February 1, 2019

Vendors sought for new Mission Lions Market Days The Mission Lions Club is inviting vendors to participate in a new, city-wide venue, called Mission Lion Market Days, for selling arts and crafts, as well as food and beverages. Commercial booths will also be available

for local businesses.

Mission Lions Market Days will be held on the second Saturday of each month in February, March and April, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the newly-renovated La Placita Park in downtown

Mission. The park is located on Conway Ave. and 9th Street (Business 83).

The event will feature bingo games, door prizes and music for a festive, inviting atmosphere.

For more information or

Annual RGV Mennonite Relief Sale is Feb. 9 EDINBURG - Traditional Mennonite quilts, handmade crafts, baked items, and Mexican food are an annual draw for crowds during the annual Rio Grande Valley Mennonite Relief Sale. This year’s event is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 8, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Rio Grande Bible Institute in Edinburg.

Quilts made by Mennonites around the country and other crafted items will be available at auction. A craft bazaar with smaller items will operate throughout the day’s events, along with a bake sale, garage sale, food court, and children’s activities.

The sale and auction is hosted by over 15 Mennonite and Mennonite Brethren churches in the Rio Grande Valley to raise funds for Mennonite Central Commit-

tee (MCC), an international development, relief, and peace organization. MCC works in the U.S. and over 50 other countries in the areas of relief, food, water, health, education, migration, and peace building. Over the last 18 years, the Rio Grande Valley Mennonite Relief Sale has raised over $275,000 for MCC and local projects.

The Rio Grande Bible Institute is located at 4300 S. Business Highway 281 (S. Closner Blvd.). For more information, go to texasreliefsale.org. Information about Mennonite Central Committee can be found at mcc. org. For other information, contact publicity coordinator, Maria Alanis at maria. alaniz7@gmail.com or 956616-9449.

Future educators advance to state

Several students from the Mission High School (MHS) educators training program are advancing to state competitions after participating in the Texas Association of Future Educators (TAFE) Teach Tomorrow Summit. In individual events, advancing are Amber Chavez and Amy Chavez in educational leadership fundamentals and Ashmin Torres in educational leadership fundamentals and interactive bulletin board-elementary. Teams include Ashmin Torres and Iliana Alvarado, project visualize recreation; MiaJolie Resendez and Yarah Garcia, project visualize service; Emma Alfaro and Jessica Alfaro, project visualize appreciation; Amy Chavez and Amber Chavez, teacher created materials-elementary. Pictured front, left to right: Yarah Garcia, Amber Chavez, Amy Chavez and Jessica Alfaro; back row, same order, Ashmin Torres, Iliana Alvarado, Emma Alfaro. Not pictured is MiaJolie Resendez.

UTRGV Alegria 2019 performances begin Feb. 8 EDINBURG/Brownsville – The nationally and internationally recognized UTRGV Ballet Folklórico has announced their line-up Ballet Folklorico – Alegria 2019 performances.

The award-winning dance troupe presents vibrant concerts featuring the color, drama and excitement of Mexico’s folkloric dance art at performances in Edinburg and Brownsville.

Performances at the UTRGV Performing Arts Complex, 1201 W. University Dr. in Edinburg, are slated for two weekends: Friday and Saturday, Feb. 8 and 9 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 10, at 2 p.m. then on Friday and Sat-

page 3A

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

urday, Feb. 15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 17, at 2 p.m.

The final performance is planned for Sunday, March 10, at 7:30 p.m., at the TSC Performing Arts Center, 90 Taylor Ave. in Brownsville.

Tickets are $15 general admission, $10 for seniors and $5 for children.

Performances begin promptly, and early arrival is encouraged to purchase tickets and be seated.

For information, go to utrgv.edu/balletfolklorico. For tickets or special accommodations, call 956-665-2230.

to register as a vendor or to reserve a commercial booth, contact Adela Ortega, Mission Lions president, at 956458-9066.

EVENTS

CALENDAR February 2 – Our Savior Lutheran Church-ELCA, 1105 W. Fern Ave. in McAllen, will hold its 13th Annual Lutefisk & Meatball Dinner fundraiser. Tickets are $19 for a plate of lutefisk and other traditional Scandinavian food, including Swedish meatballs and lefse. Only 400 tickets will be sold, and none at the door. There will be two dinner seatings, one at 11 a.m. and another at 12:30 p.m. Proceeds benefit the church’s youth program. For more information and tickets, call 956-631-6121 or go to oursaviormcallen.org.

February 2 – Head to Quinta Mazatlán, 600 Sunset in McAllen, for “Begin to Birdwatch,” at 2 p.m. Learn about the diversity of birds in the Rio Grande Valley and get tips to identify them. It will be led by John Brush, Mazatlán’s urban ecologist. Participants will get a hands-on experience using binoculars, spotting scopes, field guides and other tools followed by a guided bird walk through the park. The program fee is $5 per person. For information, call 956-681-3370.

February 2 – McAllen Public Library and Workforce Solutions invites the public to Job Fair 2019 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the library, 4301 N. 23rd Street. Connect with employers from several different companies, fill out printed and online applications, and have onsite interviews. Attendees should bring updated resumes and dress interview ready. For more information, call McAllen Public Library at (956) 681-3000.

February 2 – Teams are now forming for this year’s Birdathon at Frontera Audubon. Those interested in spotting birds across the Rio Grande Valley can do so while raising money to help protect birds and their habitat. It will be held on Saturday, Feb. 2, from sunrise to sunset. To raise funds, participants collect donation pledges from friends and family members. Birders of all levels and ages are welcome to participate. For further information, or to join a team, call Chris at 956-968-3275 or email fronteraaudubon@yahoo.com.

February 3 – Dr. Joseph Chance, a local historian, will provide insight about the “The Goodnight-Loving Trail,” an offshoot of the famed Chisholm Trail, in a program at 2 p.m. at the Museum of South Texas History. Chance is an author of several published books on history, newspaper columns and essays. A fifth generation Texan, Chance was raised in Austin before becoming a resident of Edinburg. The program is included in the regular admission. MOSTHistory is at 200 N. Closner Blvd. in Edinburg. Call 956-383-6911 for information.

February 3 – The Tip of Texas Orchid Society’s next meeting begins at 2 p.m. at the Valley Nature Center, 301 S. Border in Weslaco. Guest speaker will be Brandon Tam, orchid specialist for the Huntington Library Art Collections and Botanical Gardens. Admission is $5 for nonmembers and free for TOTOS members. Annual membership is $20.

February 7 – Victoria Cappadona and Jaclyn Cappadona will be at Quinta Mazatlán at 6 p.m. to present “The Power of the Mesquite Bean.” The Cappadonas will share healthy recipes made from the mesquite bean.

The program admission is $3 per person. Quinta Mazatlán is located at 600 Sunset in McAllen. For more information, call 956-681-3370.

February 7 – The International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) will host a lecture by Dr. Juan Gonzalez at 5:30 p.m. titled “New Insights into the Geologic History of the Lower Rio Grande Valley.” Dr. Gonzalez is a native of Colombia and an associate professor at the School of Earth, Environmental, and Marine Sciences at UTRGV. The program is included in cost of admission. IMAS is located at 1900 W. Nolana in McAllen. Call 956-681-2800 for more information.

February 9 – The Third Annual Resaca City Bike Tour begins at 8 a.m. at Heavin Trail Park, 705 N. Bowie in San Benito.

There will be 20-mile, 40.4-mile and 62.2 Mile rides. Medals will be awarded to all participants, and T-shirts will be given to the first 100 registrants. Cost is $25 per person. Register online at chamberofsanbenito.com. Call 956-361-9111 or 956200-6701 for further information.

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

Save the date for Pioneer, Ranching Day EDINBURG – Time to save the date for the Pioneer & Ranching Crafts Day at the Museum of South Texas History (MOSTHistory) on Saturday, Feb. 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This year’s theme features the tortilla and the all-important question, “Flour or corn tortilla?”

This family-friendly event will include live music by local artists, folklórico dancers, home style-infused foods, local heritage organizations, historical demonstrations and wall-to-wall activities.

Returning this year is Matt

& The Herdsmen, a local band, as the headline performance. The five-man band has a sound filled with country twang, soft ballads and Texas/ Red Dirt.

Event admission fees are $8 for adults, ages 18 and over; $6 for seniors with ID, 62 and over, active military and students with ID ages 13 to 17; $5 for children ages 4 to 12; and free for children ages 3 and younger.

MOSTHistory is located at 200 N. Closner Blvd. Call 956-383-6911 for information.

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you.

No Deposit Required!

Convenient Access Low Monthly Rates Fully Fenced, Key Entry Gates Open 7 Day a Week Boat & Trailer Storage Available

ARK STORAGE 1210 U.S. 83 Business, Palmview, TX (956) 584-5788

www.arkstorage.net

Master gardeners, naturalists offer speakers to local groups

SAN BENITO – Master gardeners in Cameron and Hidalgo counties and two Valley Texas Master Naturalist chapters offer speakers and presentations, free, to local community organizations and groups for non-political events and meetings.

More than 160 topics of educational and informational value are offered through the four groups.

Master Gardener topics are about many aspects of gardening from garden-to-table vegetable and fruit gardening to exotic Brassavola orchids, including developing public community gardens, composting, butterfly and pollinator gardens, growing and caring for palms and citrus, medicinal plants, herb gardens and native plants and trees.

Master Naturalist topics are about the Rio Grande Valley’s unique habitat and ecosystem from birds, butterflies, migration and critters, to native plants and trees, to adaptive landscape plants, Texas archaeology, shrimping the Gulf of Mexico, and from bats and beachcombing to water features on a budget.

Texas Master Naturalist and Master Gardener experts also are available for guided native plant walks in Harlingen’s Hugh Ramsey Nature Park.

Many presentations are 40-minutes and designed to be electronically projected to large audiences or tailored to 20-minute stand-up information programs with questions and answers. In addition, residents are eligible to join any of the four organizations and sign up for the training classes.

Two- and three-hour fee-based workshops are available about aspects of gardening from propagating

plants to making decorative pots and designing a container garden, to PowerPoint design, presentation skills training, photography composition, and writing for newspapers.

The Master Gardener and Master Naturalist organizations are educational volunteer programs of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Texas A&M University System. They offer speakers as part of their community education and outreach.

Master Gardeners are members of the local community who take an active interest in their lawns, trees, shrubs, flowers and gardens and receive special training in horticulture. They demonstrate research-based recommendations of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.

Master Naturalists are volunteers with diverse interests who are involved in myriad activities with local partners, to learn about, work with, help sustain, and help educate others about the Valley’s special native habitat and the critters that depend on it. Many work as docents and nature guides at local city, state and federal wildlife preserves.

Visit the following websites for lists of each organization’s presentation topics and to request a speaker: Cameron County Master Gardeners or Hidalgo County Master Gardeners at txmg.org; South Texas Border Chapter of Texas Master Naturalist (counties of Cameron, Hidalgo and Starr) stbctmn.org, or contact Elizabeth Perdomo at mateliza@ aol.com; and Rio Grande Valley Chapter, Texas Master Naturalist (counties of Cameron, Hidalgo and Willacy) rgvctmn.org.

A/C Starting at:

2,555

$

No Credit / Bad Credit

NO PROBLEM!

24 Month. No Interest. Duct Cleaning Discount with A/C Replacement.

PROTECT YOUR HEALTH When was the last time you cleaned your A/C DUCTS Call for your FREE VIDEO INSPECTION

HEATING & COOLING www.alltechcool.com

956-519-3308

page 4A

February 1, 2019

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

By Ed Sterling from pg. 1A SUMMER BREEZE

Texas Press Association

STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

Senate Finance panel starts work on state budget AUSTIN — Jane Nelson, chair of the Senate Finance Committee, on Jan. 22 said she would follow an aggressive agenda to deliver a budget ready for floor debate by the end of February.

“There are a lot of things this committee and the full Senate will decide to add, subtract, change, before we actually recommend out of this committee a budget,” she said. At the top of the list are school finance and property tax relief.

Nelson, R-Flower Mound, has chaired the powerful committee for three consecutive sessions. On Jan. 15, Nelson filed Senate Bill 1, a base budget for the 20202021 biennium, and scheduled daily meetings for the panel to consider the particulars that go into a document that typically exceeds 1,000 pages in length.

Important in the budget-writing process is the state comptroller’s revenue estimate, an amount based on economic indicators and models that predict how much revenue the state will collect over the next two fiscal years. That number also serves as a constitutional cap on spending; the legislature cannot appropriate more in spending than the comptroller forecasts in revenue.

Comptroller Glenn Hegar estimated just over $119 billion would be available in general non-dedicated revenue —nearly $7 billion more than the $112.2 billion in the Senate’s base budget — in the upcoming fiscal biennium.

Speaker names committees House Speaker Dennis Bonnen, after weeks of meetings with individual members, on Jan. 23 announced committee assignments for the 86th Texas Legislature and named Rep. Joe Moody, D-El Paso, as speaker pro tempore.

Chairs and vice chairs are as follows: — Agriculture & Livestock: Drew Springer, R-Muenster, and Charles “Doc” Anderson, R-Waco; — Appropriations: John

Zerwas, R-Richmond, and Oscar Longoria, D-La Feria; — Business & Industry: Trey Martinez-Fischer, D-San Antonio, and Drew Darby, R-San Angelo; — Calendars: Four Price, R-Amarillo, and Joe Moody; — Corrections: James White, R-Hillister, and Alma Allen, D-Houston; — County Affairs: Garnet Coleman, D-Houston, and Dwayne Bohac, R-Houston; — Criminal Jurisprudence: Nicole Collier, D-Fort Worth, and Bill Zedler, R-Arlington; — Culture, Recreation & Tourism: John Cyrier, R-Bastrop, and Armando Martinez, D-Weslaco; — Defense & Veterans’ Affairs: Dan Flynn, R-Canton, and Tony Tinderholt, R-Fort Worth; — Elections: Stephanie Klick, R-North Richland Hills, and Philip Cortez, D-San Antonio; — Energy Resources: Chris Paddie, R-Marshall, and Abel Herrero, D-Robstown; — Environmental Regulation: J.M. Lozano, R-Kingsville, and Ed Thompson, R-Pearland; — General Investigating: Morgan Meyer, R-Dallas, and Nicole Collier; — Higher Education: Chris Turner, D-Arlington, and Lynn Stucky, R-Sanger; — Homeland Security & Public Safety: Poncho Nevarez, D-Eagle Pass, and Dennis Paul, R-Webster; — House Administration: Charlie Geren, R-Fort Worth, and Donna Howard, D-Austin; — Human Services: James Frank, R-Wichita Falls, and Gina Hinojosa, D-Austin; — Insurance: Eddie Lucio III, D-San Benito, and Tom Oliverson, R-Houston; — International Relations & Economic Development: Rafael Anchia, R-Dallas, and John Frullo, R-Lubbock; — Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence: Jeff Leach, R-Plano, and Jessica Farrar, D-Houston; — Juvenile Justice &

Family Issues: Harold Dutton, D-Houston, and Andrew Murr, R-Junction; — Land & Resource Management: Tom Craddick, R-Midland, and Sergio Munoz Jr., D-Mission; — Licensing & Administrative Procedures: Tracy King, D-Uvalde, and Craig Goldman, R-Fort Worth; — Local & Consent Calendars: Geanie Morrison, R-Victoria, and Mary Gonzalez, D-Clint; — Natural Resources: Lyle Larson, R-San Antonio, and Will Metcalf, R-Conroe; — Pensions, Investments & Financial Services: Jim Murphy, R-Houston, and Hubert Vo, D-Alief; — Public Education: Dan Huberty, R-Houston, and Diego Bernal, D-San Antonio; — Public Health: Senfronia Thompson, D-Houston, and John Wray, R-Waxahachie; — Redistricting: Phil King, R-Weatherford, and Chris Turner; — Resolutions Calendars: Ryan Guillen, D-Rio Grande City, and Rick Miller, R-Sugar Land; — State Affairs: Dade Phelan, R-Nederland, and Ana Hernandez, D-Houston; — Transportation: Terry Canales, D-Edinburg, and Brooks Landgraf, R-Odessa; — Urban Affairs: Angie Chen Button, R-Richardson, and Matt Shaheen, R-Plano; and — Ways & Means: Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, and Ryan Guillen.

Voter roll advisory issued Texas Secretary of State David Whitley, the state’s chief elections officer, on Jan. 25 issued an advisory to county voter registrars regarding voter registration list maintenance activities.

In the advisory, Whitley said about 95,000 individuals identified by Texas Department of Public Safety as non-U.S. citizens have a matching voter registration record in Texas and about 58,000 of those have voted in one or more Texas elections.

Voting in an election in which the person knows he or she is not eligible to vote is a second-degree felony in Texas. Because the secretary of state has no statutory enforcement authority to investigate or prosecute alleged illegal activity in connection with an election, the matter has been referred to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, the state’s chief law enforcement officer.

Higher Ed chief resigns The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board on Jan. 24 announced the resignation of Higher Education Commissioner Raymund A. Paredes after 15 years in the position. The resignation is effective Aug. 31.

Prior to joining the agency, Dr. Paredes spent most of his academic career at UCLA, where for 30 years he taught as a professor of English and also served 10 years as vice chancellor for academic development.

Income Tax Masters, LLC

Photo courtesy of Jennifer Siegler.

The sign from the Ancer Construction site that flew onto the Siegler property, destroying a security camera. Photo courtesy of Jennifer Siegler. you that we decided to purchase a home on this street because of the cul-de-sac, typically that means you have less traffic and more privacy,” Kaylee Edwards said. “With this new development going up at the only entrance and exit to our street, we are very unhappy with the current future increase in traffic.”

The planning and zoning staff recommended approval of the items, but the planning and zoning committee recommended denial of the items.

During the hearing, council listened to the residents who came forward and voiced their disapproval of the development, stating that a restaurant with a drive-thru so close to residences was not safe for their children and would contain grease traps and large garbage bins that would attract insects and rodents.

“My kids were able to walk home without me worrying that something was going to happen,” Vanessa Martinez said, noting that she is an educator and her husband is a state trooper, so they cannot pick their kids up. “This is just in the construction stage, once it is built, I don’t know the risk that my children are going to face walking home because of the higher amount of traffic.”

32 neighbors met at Paula Wells’ home with the developers, particularly Jorge

Gonzalez, and their attorneys a week before the city council meeting to discuss a possible resolution to their issues with the development.

Neither side could find a compromise.

The issues with the development don’t just reside with the residents on Summer Breeze. Residents across the street are also dealing with other issues regarding the development, being done currently by Ancer Construction.

Jennifer Siegler and her family, who have had a presence in Mission since the 1950’s, have been trying to reach out to the developers and Ancer Construction, since Dec. 14 of last year.

That morning, the Sieglers discovered that a large plywood sign had flown from the property across the five lane Shary Rd. and into the front of their house, knocking out one of their security cameras.

“My husband called the number on the sign, and we knew who it belonged to, it said ‘Ancer Construction’ on it,” Siegler said. “A whole bunch of the construction crew’s trash has also flown into our yard.”

Siegler said a man affiliated with Ancer Construction came to their home when they called, picked up some of the trash and took the sign back. When her husband asked about paying for the camera, the man said it wasn’t their problem.

“My husband said ‘no, I honestly believe it was your property that destroyed it, we need to hear from the owners as to what they plan on doing about it,’” Siegler said. “We gave them until Jan. 22 to say something to us about it, and we heard nothing.”

The repairs for the camera would cost $200. After over one month of no contact, Jennifer attempted to reach their attorney, Abiel Flores, former Mission city attorney, for answers at the neighborhood meeting.

Flores told her to send the photos she had of the damage in an email so he could forward them to his client.

After one more week of silence from Ancer Construction, Siegler called the police and filed for the property in small claims court.

“And for a developer, $200? I wasn’t asking for the world,” Siegler said. “The one camera, that was all I was asking.”

Gonzalez was not present at the council meeting to state his case for the permits. After hearing the public opinion, the council unanimously voted to deny the permits.

The group was excited about the decision, but are also weary in the event that the developers try again in six months.

“It was quite something,” Siegler said. “It was nice to see that the little person can still win, and that democracy still works.”

Alton death ruled as accidental

By Jose De Leon III Alton police released more information in the case of a McAllen man who was found dead in Alton last Christmas.

The body of Eustacio Christian Mireles, 25, was pulled from a detention pond in Alton on Christmas Day, over a month after he was reported missing to McAllen police.

According to a statement from Alton police Chief Jonathan B. Flores, Mireles’ autopsy found drugs in his system.

The autopsy “ruled the cause of death to be methamphetamine toxicity with recent cocaine use, and the opinion on the manner to be accidental,” Flores said in the statement.

“The Alton Police Department’s investigation into this matter is in line with the forensic pathologists findings.”

Flores added that Mireles’ body was in the pond for approximately one month Mireles was the second such fatal drowning in Alton in the past year following Elias Barajas, 18, of Mission whose body was found in a detention pond about half a mile north of the pond where Mireles was found.

His death was also ruled as accidental, Flores said.

Eustacio Christian Mireles, courtesy photo

February 1, 2019

Former Pharr cop accused of threatening to kill 2 people during drunken rampage

By Dave Hendricks A former Pharr policeman accused of threatening to kill two people during a drunken rampage pleaded not guilty to driving while intoxicated last week.

Former police Officer Omar Gutierrez, 30, of Edinburg waived arraignment on Jan. 23 and pleaded not guilty to driving while intoxicated.

Felony charges against Gutierrez — including two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon — remain pending.

“Unfortunately, Mr. Gutierrez’s criminal case is still pending. Therefore, we cannot comment on his case,” said his attorney, A. Andre Maldonado, in a statement. “Under due process of law, Mr. Gutierrez will have his day in court and we look forward to diligently and vigorously defending Mr. Gutierrez in this case, and any other case that may arise.”

After graduating from high school, Gutierrez joined the U.S. Marine Corps and deployed to Iraq, according to Maldonado. He left the Marine Corps with an honorable discharge and returned to the Rio Grande Valley, where he found a job with the Pharr Police Department.

With the exception of August 2014, when the City Commission thanked him for assisting a stranded motorist, Gutierrez kept a relatively low profile in Pharr.

page 5A

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

Omar Gutierrez That changed a few minutes after midnight on Nov. 30, when the Mission Police Department dispatched officers to the 200 block of Salinas Drive.

Officers found Gutierrez holding a pistol and “in the process of putting on a Pharr Police jacket,” according to the criminal complaint against him. Gutierrez dropped the gun and police detained him.

Investigators determined Gutierrez crashed a 2017 GMC Sierra truck through a chain-link fence. The truck hit a 2018 Honda Pilot.

“The impact pushed the parked vehicle towards the front porch of the residence damaging the steps and the side railing,” according to the criminal complaint. “It also damaged the structure of the mobile home (inside & outside).”

Officers interviewed Gutierrez’s wife and her parents, who owned the mobile home.

After the crash, they said

Gutierrez started yelling and threatening them with a pistol.

“Omar told them that it was their fault he got divorce (sic) and that he was there to kill them,” according to the criminal complaint, which summarized their statements to investigators.

Officers transported Gutierrez to the police department, where they administered a breath test. He failed.

The results indicated a blood alcohol concentration of 0.14 or 0.15, according to the criminal complaint. The legal limit is 0.08.

Officers charged Gutierrez with two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a second-degree felony; one count of criminal mischief causing more than $30,000 in damage, a third-degree felony; and driving while intoxicated, a Class B misdemeanor.

If convicted on a second-degree felony charge, Gutierrez faces a maximum of 20 years in prison.

“Mr. Gutierrez is a decorated United States Marine Veteran who served in Iraq and has received the Combat Action Ribbon and the Navy Commendation Medal, among others,” said Maldonado, the attorney who represents him, in a statement. “This case should not tarnish the sacrifice he’s made serving our country and defending the freedoms we hold today.”

It’s official: Peñitas election will pit current mayor against his predecessor

by Dave Hendricks Peñitas Mayor Rodrigo “Rigo” Lopez and his predecessor, former Mayor Marcos Ochoa, started campaigning for the city’s top job last week.

Lopez filed a ballot application on Jan. 25. Ochoa announced his candidacy the following day.

“At the end of the day it’s their choice,” Lopez said, referring to the residents of Peñitas. “They’ve seen the results of both candidates. And may the best candidate win.”

Lopez, 35, who serves as transportation director for the La Joya Independent School District, will campaign with City Councilman Jose Roel “J.R.” Flores and City Councilman Ramiro Loya.

They filed ballot applications Friday, supported by La Joya school board Trustee Oscar “Coach” Salinas, Agua Special Utility District board President Roger Hernandez and businessman Everardo “Ever” Villarreal, who is running for Hidalgo County Precinct 3 commissioner.

During the past four years, the City Council focused on the basics, Lopez said.

Peñitas worked with Hidalgo County on major drainage and road projects. Peñitas improved public safety by starting a fire department and creating a police substation. And Peñitas expanded city services, hiring a full-time animal control officer and training employees to conduct health inspections.

The City Council also worked with the school board to secure property near John F. Kennedy Elementary School

Rodrigo “Rigo” Lopez

Marcos Ochoa

for a new park.

With a solid foundation, the city is ready for development, Lopez said, adding that he wants to bring new businesses to Peñitas.

“I invite people from surrounding cities and professionals to come and raise a family here in Peñitas,” Lopez said.

“Because we have everything to offer a growing family.”

Under the current administration, Peñitas also became a powerhouse in western Hidalgo County politics.

Former City Councilman Armin Garza, who resigned to serve on the school board, returned as the Peñitas Economic Development Corp. director. The City Council replaced Garza with his father-in-law, Felipe Quintanilla.

Peñitas Chief of Staff Andy Morales, who owns a company called RGV Redlight, donated thousands to candidates for the school board, the utility district board, Palmview City Council and Mission City Council.

Until mid-January, Morales also served as campaign treasurer for Lopez and three members of the City Council.

Morales works closely with

Peñitas City Manager Omar Romero, who owns a company called Government Asset Services. Romero also makes frequent campaign donations.

The incumbents will face off against Ochoa, 64, who spent seven years as mayor before resigning to become justice of the peace. He plans to run with Osiel Ramos, a teacher at JFK Elementary School, and former City Clerk Esmeralda Medina.

What, exactly, they will campaign on remains unclear.

Ochoa said he’s concerned about recent decisions made by the City Council but didn’t offer details. He wasn’t available for an interview.

Peñitas hasn’t held a City Council election since 2015, when Lopez won a three-way race for mayor. The only candidate who challenged the incumbents during 2017 withdrew from the ballot.

“We hold the city to the highest standard,” Lopez said.

“And we want it to be the number one city in western Hidalgo County.”

The deadline for candidates to submit ballot applications is Feb. 15. Election day is May 4.

On probation for drug trafficking, former Progreso school board trustee pleads not guilty to DWI

By Dave Hendricks After the Texas Department of Public Safety caught him with 1,250 pounds of marijuana, former Progreso school board Trustee Felix Hernandez Jr. asked for a second chance.

“No one was going to benefit by putting him in prison,” said attorney Terry Canales of Edinburg, who represented Hernandez at

sentencing. “Not the taxpayer. Not his family.”

State District Judge Linda Yanez apparently agreed.

Yanez sentenced Hernandez to five years in prison on Jan. 28, 2016. Yanez, however, suspended the sentence and placed him on probation for five years.

As long as Hernandez avoided trouble, he wouldn’t serve any time.

Hernandez jeopardized

that second chance on Sept.

24, 2018, when a state trooper caught him driving 91 mph on Expressway 83 in Weslaco.

He “displayed signs of intoxication” and failed a field sobriety test, according to the criminal complaint, but refused a breath test.

The state trooper arrested Hernandez on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, a Class B misdemeanor.

“People do make mistakes,” Canales said. “And, unfortunately, he’s made a second one.”

While the drunken driving charge is a misdemeanor, Hernandez had violated the terms of his probation by drinking alcohol.

State District Judge Juan Partida, who didn’t run for re-election in November, required Hernandez to post a $10,000 bond and meet other

conditions, but didn’t send him to prison.

Hernandez returned to the Hidalgo County Courthouse on Jan. 23 wearing jeans, a red shirt and a gray sweater.

He arrived at County Court at Law #5 late, waived arraignment on the drunken driving charge and pleaded not guilty.

How the misdemeanor charge will affect the felony drug trafficking case remains

unclear.

“As far as I know, he’s been complying with all conditions of probation and he’s been doing well,” Canales said. “I think that this is definitely a blow to the second chance that the court gave him. And right now the future of that case and this one are uncertain.”

THE

February 1, 2019

Sports week

BIG7 SCHOOLS

page 6A

www.ptrgv.com/sports

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

One step closer

Mission Veterans playoff-minded entering final stretch

By Bryan Ramos

Mission Veterans Memorial hoops moved one step closer to the playoffs Tuesday night as the Patriots and Lady Patriots picked up big wins on the road over the rival Sharyland Rattlers.

With just a few district games remaining for boys and girls high school basketball across the Valley, both teams are in position to play into the postseason with the Lady Patriots extending an impressive streak, while the Patriots attempt to start one of their own.

Lady Patriots It’s not how many times you fall that matters, but how many times you get up.

After falling to Pioneer on Friday night in a battle for the district championship, the Mission Veterans Lady Patriots bounced back in a big way as they beat the Sharyland Rattlers on the road 40-19 to improve to 10-2 in district play.

“Coming off Pioneer, we didn’t get the outcome we wanted, but we all played tough and we all played hard,” said senior post Jackie Howell. “We still have a goal for ourselves as a team, so we just wanted to come into this game and use the same enthusiasm we had against Pioneer, and we came out strong in the second half and it worked out.”

Last season, the Lady Patriots walked into the Sharyland High School gym for their second meeting with the Lady Rattlers, and as junior point guard Ronnie Cantu described, the loss was a

disaster. This time, Mission Veterans wasn’t walking away without a win.

“It was a matter of just coming out strong, coming out with the mentality that we’re going to take this game and every game from here on out,” Cantu said after the win. “We knew Sharyland was a good team, we lost a game to them last year here in the second round in their house and it was a disaster. We knew we just had to come out strong and win this game.”

The Lady Patriots got off to a bit of a slow start offensively, but the energy on defense was there from the opening tip. Mission Veterans held Sharyland to zero first quarter points and just two in the third, disrupting the Lady Rattler offense with tipped passes and smart defense.

“Despite the first half, which we wasted a lot of opportunity, the girls did it the second half and it showed,” said Head Coach Rafael Cantu. “They got a little tougher mentally and carried out the game plan. I told them we have to focus on ourselves and do it together, because when we play connected like we were today, we’re a good team.”

It was a balanced offensive effort from the Lady Patriots as Kaylee Flores (11), Howell (8), Cantu (7) and Selinda Cortez (6) all hit big shots to build a second half lead.

The victory over Sharyland also clinched the Lady Patriots’ 14th playoff berth in 15 years, an impressive

streak for Mission Veterans girls hoops program. With just two district games remaining, the Lady Patriots have their eyes on the postseason.

“We’re pushing to see how far we can go in the

playoffs and just improve each game and each practice,” Howell said. “Coach has been emphasizing the playoffs so we need to get ready for what we’re going to see.”

Progress Times Photo by: Mario Magallon

Mission Vet’s #1, Noe Cantu, shoots from the 3 point line.

Patriots If you’re in need of a heater this winter, maybe Mission Veterans’ Noe Cantu can help you out.

The senior guard was scorching hot against the Sharyland Rattlers on Tuesday night as he dropped a game-high 37 points to lead the playoff hungry Patriots to a 65-62 win, and one step closer to a playoff berth.

“We just came with a lot of energy; we knew how important it was,” Cantu said.

“I felt really good, I knew I had to come in and step up.

I had to do it for the team.”

The Rattlers came out swinging themselves as a loss would eliminate Sharyland from playoff contention. Andres Abrego and Nazier Moore combined to score 36 points for the Rattlers, but Cantu wasn’t about to be outdone.

“Noe is a special guy; he’s a scorer and we have a lot of confidence in him, the team has a lot of confidence in him,” said Mission Veterans Head Coach Jose Ramos. “It’s great to see him confident, having fun and the guy’s enjoy watching him play.”

After Sharyland took a 6261 lead late in the game, the Patriots proceeded to knock down four foul shots to take the lead back at 65-62. That’s when the Patriot defense stepped up and shut down the Rattlers. Sophomore post AJ Gonzaque grabbed rebound after rebound on the defensive glass, denying Sharyland the chance of victory. He finished with 16 rebounds, four points and four

steals, while Josue Muniz scored 11 points of his own.

“Sharyland put us in tough situations, they did a good job. Some guys stepped up at the end grabbing some big rebounds,” Ramos said.

“Josue and AJ stepped up and grabbed some boards that helped us out a lot, the little things that they did at the end helped us out big time.”

Since entering the starting lineup the last three games, Gonzaque has added athleticism, energy, and a winning mentality to the floor for the Patriots.

“It’s a winning mentality, I come out here every day and I try to win,” he said.

“We don’t want to be ok with mediocre performances. We want to go out there and be the best at whatever we do, whether it’s points, rebounds, assists, steals, we all just need to be the best we can.”

Ramos, in his first year leading the Patriots, has his team at 6-4 in District 31-5A play with just four games remaining. Currently the third seed, a playoff berth would be the Patriots’ first since the 2014-2015 season.

“I think we’re at a good place right now,” said Ramos. “We’re in a good spot, we just got to keep getting better, make a push and God-willing, make the playoffs. These guys have bought in to what I wanted to do and bought into the culture I wanted to bring. We preach energy, effort and excitement and these guys play hard every game.

COME OUT & SUPPORT THE PACK ATHLETICS

THE LA

JOYA PACK

Educational Excellence - The Right of Every Student

LATEST PACK NEWS: LJCOYOTES.COM • JLHUSKIES.COM • LJPALMVIEW.COM

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL 2018-2019 SEASON

MVP F THE WEEK

#32 Lavar Lindo

#20 Andres Abrego

#20 Sigifredo Flores

#25 Alicia Martinez

#11 Marissa Jones

#12 Andy Martinez

#24 Hayley Garza

THE

#1 Noe Cantu

#23 Kaylee Flores

BIG7 SCHOOLS

NOTHING BUT NET!

Alberto Vela, R. Ph.

583-2700

1242 Bus. 83, #7 - Mission

Fred Morón, R. Ph. VETERANS MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL

MISSION HIGH SCHOOL EAGLES

581-5499

2120 E. Griffin Pkwy. - Mission

#4 Josh Briones

#5 Santiago Rodriguez

#22 Lori Esqueda

#11 Megan Bell

#3 Cynthia Ayala

February 1, 2019

page 7A

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

Progress Times photo by Jamie Treviño.

Progress Times photo by Jose De Leon III

Nydia De La Garza (center) with her family at a signing ceremony Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019 where she signed to attend St. Edwards University in Austin on a track scholarship.

Veterans Memorial High School student Jose Leo Cantu (center) recently signed to run track for Neosho College in Kansas. Cantu was surrounded by family, friends, coaches and administrators during the signing at the fieldhouse, which happened this past Wednesday. Noe Hernandez, who graduated from Mission High School in 2007, also attended Neosho College on a track scholarship. Now in his first year coaching at the school, Hernandez was happy to have a fellow MCISD student in the program, and said Cantu’s passion and desire for the sport set him apart from the rest.

“All his coaches that I’ve talked to, they’ve all said very good things about him,” Hernandez said. “His work ethic, his character as a young man - he’s going to be a great asset to our team next year.”

Mission First United Methodist Church 1101 Doherty Ave.

‘Moving on to the next level’ Pioneer HS student signs on to St. Edwards University

By Jose De Leon III A Sharyland Pioneer High School senior already has her college plans laid out after signing on to run track at St. Edwards University.

Nydia De La Garza finalized these plans Wednesday during a signing ceremony held at her school that was attended by her coaches, family and classmates.

Thomas Lee, Athletic Director for the campus, had nothing but praise for one of his athletes.

“She’s moving on to the next level where she will continue to impress every one of her skills,” Lee said.

“She is a Four-Year Letterman in Cross Country and Track and is one of the best Cross-Country runners in District 31-5A over the last four years.”

Accolades earned by De La Garza include qualifying for regionals in the last two years in cross country, earning 3rd in the 1600-meter run in varsity track her freshman year and being part of the all-

State Academic Team.

At the ceremony, De La Garza thanked those in attendance. Many of her coaches, friends and family members gave her the guidance she said she needed to excel as an athlete to be able to run Track at St. Edwards, where she said she planned to study kinesiology.

“I’m grateful for having all you guys here, a lot of you helped me through a roadblock I hit my sophomore year and this year I am excited to see what track has

in store,” De La Garza said.

“I wasn’t competing as well as I was in practice that year and all of them helped me realize I had so much potential.

They all told me I’m more than I think I am and once I started believing it, I started excelling.”

Coach Lee said De La Garza was the third PHS athlete to sign to a college this month, with many more to come within the next two months.

Big 7 football coaches make their Super Bowl Picks

By Bryan Ramos

The big game is just days away so we decided to turn to our Big 7 head football coaches to see who they’re picking to win Super Bowl LIII. So, who exactly do they think will walk away with this year’s Lombardi Trophy? Let’s find out.

Juarez-Lincoln Coach Tomas Garcia “I really believe the Los Angeles Rams will win the Super Bowl. Todd Gurley will have a big game the L.A. defense will be dominant and have at least three takeaways. Sean McVay and Jared Goff will be the new faces of the National Football League. Prediction: Los Angeles Rams 31, New England Patriots 29.

La Joya Coyotes Coach Reuben Farias “The Patriots because of dynamic combination of Tom Brady and Bill Belichick’s experience and game planning.”

Mission Veterans Coach David Gilpin “I believe the Rams will win the Super Bowl. They beat our Cowboys, and the

Cowboys were the Super Bowl favorite, weren’t they?

No, they weren’t? Well, I still think the Rams win anyway.

Aggressive coaching from McVay leads them to victory.”

Sharyland Pioneer Coach Tommy Lee “I am picking the New

England Patriots to win. I believe Tom Brady has too much experience and feel for Super Bowl games and that can be very hard for the young Rams to beat the Patriots in that big of a game.”

Sharyland Rattlers Coach Ron Adame “Although I respect New

Pet of the Week

Skye is a Belgian Shepherd Mix believed to be around 5 months old. She is very friendly, playful, and a great companion. If you would like to make Skye a part of your family, contact the Mission Pawsible Program at 956-580-8741, M-F, 8AM-5PM. The City of Mission Animal Shelter is located at 227 Abelino Farias, and is open throughout the week and on Saturdays - 9AM to 4PM. The cost to adopt is $50, which includes: Spay/ Neuter, Rabies Shot, 1st Vaccine, Microchip and Deworming. To view more animals in the Mission Pawsible Program, visit missiontexas.us.

Sponsored by

Fiesta Lube Express Full Service Oil Change

5 QTS. OIL • REPLACE OIL FILTER • CHECK FLUIDS CHECK TIRE PRESSURE • VACCUM • TRANSMISSION FLUID

Mission TX 78572 (956) 585-1665 Sunday Services:

England, Bill Belichick and Tom Brady, I’m rooting for the underdog this year. I’m for the Rams!”

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

UMYF

(youth group)

is having a spaghetti lunch on Saturday, February 9 from 11 – 2, $7.00 a plate, at the church.

Dinner with Friends

Join us for communion the First Sunday of every month.

every Friday @ 5:30pm

Everyone is Welcome!

www.missionfumc.com

La Joya ISD Spring 2019

Folklorico & Mariachi Concert

Juarez-Lincoln HS Mariachi Sol de Oro and Grupo Folklórico Sol Azteca Feb. 2nd & 3rd Saturday Shows at 1 & 5pm, Sunday Show at 2pm

585-0115 1418 E. Bus. 83 Mission, TX

(Between Bryan Rd. & Stewart Rd.)

$

3599 $10 OFF $5 OFF

Oil Change with FREE 15 point Inspection

Expires: March 31, 2019

A/C or Brake Service

Expires: March 31, 2019

any service with your TLC Pharmacy bottle Expires: March 31, 2019

To purchase tickets online go to

www.lajoyaisdtr.eventbrite.com

Tickets may also be purchased at Juarez-Lincoln HS

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

(956) 323-2898

604 N. Coyote Drive La Joya, Texas 78560

page 8A from pg 1A

February 1, 2019

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

MADERO BRIDGE

of the region,” according to the 425-page report. “It is however expected that there will be challenges associated, however each of the challenges can be managed and mitigated with proper planning.”

Building the bridge and key infrastructure would cost $144 million, according to the report.

To lock down about $70 million in federal funding, Mission must secure support from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. General Services Administration and the Federal Highway Administration.

Mission must also convince the Mexican government to champion the bridge.

Without support from the state of Tamaulipas or key decision-makers in Mexico City, the project would become a bridge to nowhere.

“We can’t extend the permit without the Mexicans having a positive cost-benefit ratio,” said Daniel Rios, the president of S&B Infrastructure, during a meeting with the Anzalduas bridge board on Jan. 14. “It’s like you want to get married but you don’t have a bride. We don’t have somebody on the other side that’s capable of moving forward. So we both have to move forward together. And right now they’re behind us.

We’ve got to get them caught up. It’s not a priority for them.”

McAllen and Hidalgo would help Mission lobby for the bridge on both sides of the border.

While they seek federal funding, Mission would front $44 million for the project.

Where that money would come from remains unclear.

As part of the Madero bridge study, S&B Infrastructure hired a Boston-based consulting company called Steer Davies Gleave to produce a financial analysis.

Steer Davies Gleave determined that toll revenue

probably wouldn’t cover debt payments on the Madero bridge.

“While toll revenues should more than offset ongoing operating, maintenance and renewal costs, there is some doubt whether the surplus revenues can fully repay the initial capital costs,” according to the financial analysis.

To reduce the red ink, Steer Davies Gleave suggested delaying the bridge project.

Waiting until 2032 to start operations would boost the bottom line, but tolls still wouldn’t generate enough revenue to pay off the debt within 30 years, according to the financial analysis.

Borrowing the money poses additional challenges for Mission.

McAllen, which maintains a strong financial position and an excellent credit rating, would still need to borrow a significant amount of money to build the bridge.

“The City of Mission on the other hand, does not appear to be in a similarly strong position,” according to the financial analysis. “In fact, they are at a deficit with their unrestricted funds, and have a negative net position.”

Moody’s Investors Service, which downgraded Mission’s debt rating twice last year, had similar doubts about the city.

“Mission, TX’s credit profile is constrained by a trend of operating deficits which have materially reduced reserves in both the general and debt service funds,” according to a credit opinion Moody’s published July 24.

“The city’s decision to maintain property tax rates despite rising operating expenditures associated with stable growth has ultimately hindered its ability to attain structural balance.”

McAllen and Hidalgo would wait until construction ended to start paying Mission

back.

“The Cities of McAllen and Hidalgo shall not be liable for any costs or expenditures related to the construction of the Madero Bridge until the completion of the bridge,” according to the agreement. “Upon completion of the Madero Bridge, McAllen and Hidalgo shall begin repayment of costs expended by Mission, in proportion to its allocation, but such repayment shall come only from the revenues of the operation of the Madero bridge.”

The McAllen City Commission approved the new agreement Monday afternoon.

“Really, what this agreement is doing is removing liability from the city of McAllen and the Anzalduas bridge board and placing it completely on Mission,” said McAllen City Manager Roy Rodriguez, explaining the agreement to the City Commission. “So we discussed it at the bridge board meeting.

It’s kind of like: ‘Well, ok.’”

Under the agreement, Mission would hold a 37 percent stake in the Madero bridge and control three of five seats on the bridge board. McAllen would hold a 33 percent stake and Hidalgo would hold the remaining 30 percent.

Mission, which is concerned about the presidential permit, wants to accelerate work on the Madero bridge project, Rodriguez said.

Members of the Anzalduas bridge board considered that work premature.

“They want to take that on and, therefore, they’re willing to pay for it,” Rodriguez said.

Hours later, however, Mission balked at the agreement, revealing an apparent disconnect between O’caña and the City Council.

“I kinda just look at it the way whenever somebody comes to the bank and ap-

plies for a loan,” said City Councilman Ruben Plata.

“During the construction period is the most risky part of any project.”

Plata and City Councilwoman Norie Gonzalez Garza repeatedly asked O’caña how Mission would pay for the project.

“How can we commit to something that we’re not sure where we’re going to get the funding from?” Gonzalez Garza said.

City Councilman Gus Martinez also had reservations about Mission assuming all the risk.

“It’s time to pump the breaks on this,” Martinez

from pg 1A

said, adding that he would prefer Mission, McAllen and Hidalgo share the risk.

When neither O’caña nor city staff could explain how Mission would fund the bridge project, the City Council tabled the agreement.

During an interview, O’caña said he’s working on five options to fund the bridge but couldn’t discuss them.

O’caña said the S&B Infrastructure analysis also included good news for Mission, including the lack of any environmental obstacles.

Traffic projections show the Anzalduas bridge may hit ca-

pacity in 2034, pushing commercial traffic to other ports of entry.

Mission must commit to building the Madero bridge as part of the presidential permit process, O’caña said.

Without a signed agreement, Mission could lose the permit and the opportunity to build a second border crossing.

“And I’m going to lay it down real quick,” O’caña said, describing what he plans to tell the City Council about the agreement. “If they want to lose the presidential permit, we can lose the presidential permit real quick.”

HIDALGO CRIME

the lowest number during the past decade.

“Hidalgo County is one of the fastest growing areas of the state of Texas,” said Sheriff J.E. “Eddie” Guerra, adding that more people often correlates with more crime. “But yet with more population we not only kept the crime in check, we also lowered the crime rate.”

Guerra summarized the crime statistics Tuesday during the Hidalgo County Commissioners Court meeting in Edinburg.

Aggravated assault cases dropped nearly 16 percent from 2017 to 2018, according to Sheriff’s Office data.

Rape dropped nearly 13 percent. And robbery dropped nearly 1 percent — from 103 cases in 2017 to 102 cases in 2018.

Rural parts of Hidalgo County served by the Sheriff’s Office had four murders last year, down from 23 in 2017.

Most murder cases result from domestic violence and street-level drug activity, Guerra said. The Sheriff’s Office aggressively targets street-level dealers. Address-

ing domestic violence is more difficult.

The Sheriff’s Office, though, plans to tackle the problem with a $260,000 grant.

Hidalgo County will provide an additional $106,000 from forfeiture funds.

Grant money will pay four deputies and a victims assistance coordinator.

They’ll conduct follow-up visits after every domestic violence call, assisting victims with protective orders and referring them to appropriate resources.

“And just try to break that chain of domestic violence,” Guerra said.

The Sheriff’s Office also reported a significant decrease in property crime.

Auto theft cases dropped 19 percent. Burglary dropped nearly 13 percent. And theft, which accounted for more than half the total crimes tracked by the Uniform Crime Reporting Program, dropped nearly 6 percent.

Information sharing is key to reducing property crime, Guerra said. Deputies assigned to specialized units share information with patrol

deputies, which allows them to quickly identify and arrest criminals.

“I think this past year we probably caught more burglars in progress than we’ve ever had,” Guerra said.

The 2018 crime statistics aren’t an anomaly.

From 2010 to 2017, when the population of Hidalgo County increased from about 775,000 to nearly 861,000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of property crimes dropped every year.

The number of violent crimes also gradually decreased.

Despite the long-term drop in crime, border security rhetoric often paints the Rio Grande Valley as a dangerous place.

“I get frustrated,” Guerra said, adding that some descriptions make Hidalgo County sound like the Wild West. “I’m the sheriff, and I’m going ‘Well, where?

What community are you talking about?’ It’s definitely not happening in our community. In any of our communities.”

AREA'S BEST BUSINESS REVIEW

PRESENTED BY METRO NEWS ©2019 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 1-918-234-7768

HOME DEPOT, located at 120 S Shary Rd in Mission, phone (956) 583-4194, has become known as the do-it-yourself headquarters in this community. Whatever your hardware requirement may be, you’ll find it here. They feature hand tools, electrical and plumbing fixtures, power tools, lawn and garden supplies and much more, all at very reasonable prices. At HOME DEPOT, the service is always courteous and you can count on their help in selecting the appropriate items for any application. Whether you’re building a cabinet or staining the backyard fence, their experienced personnel will assist you in selecting the proper tools and supplies. The management of this well- respected store likes to feel that its good reputation is based on person service as well as durable hardware items. Quality name brand products, sensible working man’s prices and superior service are three great reasons to rely on HOME DEPOT for all your hardware needs.

We, the editors of this 2019 Area’s Best Business Review, wish to take this opportunity to recommend this well established firm to all of our readers.

La Joya High School Chess Team Victorious at Regional Chess Tournament!

The La Joya High School Chess Team took 2nd place at the Regional Chess Tournament that was held at Robert Vela High School in Edinburg, Texas on January 26th. This win qualifies the team to advance to the 2019 Texas Scholastic State Chess Championships to be held in Houston from March 8th – 10th. Members of the team are Jonathan Davila, Jason Garza, Juan Adriel Hernandez, Grabiel Rosales, Jonathan Sanchez, and Aleyssa Villagran. Individual medals and trophies went to Jonathan Davila 16th, Jason Garza 12th, Jonathan Sanchez 3rd, and Grabiel Rosales 2nd. Since its inception four years ago, the LJHS Chess team has qualified for State and National competition each year. The team has earned over seventeen trophies competing in local, regional and state tournaments.

The LJHS Chess Team wishes to express their sincere appreciation to all of their supporters. The LJHS chess club meets every day in Room F-101 from 12:00-1:00 pm. New and experienced players are invited to join. The club is sponsored by Mrs. Rachel Henning.

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

February 1, 2019

Snowbird Extravaganza returns to Rio Grande Valley Pharr Events Center to host Snowbird Extravaganza

By Bryan Ramos The Snowbird Extravaganza, North America’s largest mature lifestyle show loaded with music, exhibits and a good time, returns to the Rio Grande Valley on Tuesday, February 5 and Wednesday, February 6 at the Pharr Events Center.

Admission to the Snowbird Extravaganza is free for an interactive day with entertainment, gaming and fun.

In addition to entertainers gracing the stage with music

and comedy, there will be exhibits showcasing products and services suited to the Winter Texan lifestyle.

Attendees are encouraged to fill their showbag with free giveaway items and information before heading to the main stage for the show.

“The one thing we love about Snowbird Extravaganza is the smiles we see on all the faces before, during and after the event. Don’t miss it.

Gather all your friends and come spend the day with us,” reads the Snowbird Extravaganza website.

obituaries William Harrison II MISSION – William Andrew “Bud” Harrison II, 88, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 24, 2019, at his home after a one-month battle with cancer.

Mr. Harrison was born to Ollie V. and James William “Jimbo” Harrison in Woodville on Jan. 18, 1931, and moved to the Sharyland area with his family in 1946. He graduated from Sharyland High School in 1948 and Texas College of Arts and Industries in 1953 with a degree in horticulture. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1953 and served in Korea.

After his discharge in 1955, he returned to start his career in agriculture. Following a stint with Pride ‘O Texas, he began his partnership with Ross Smiley at Smiley Grove Care, Inc., that lasted until his retirement. He married Martha Elizabeth Virden, on June 8, 1963.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Martha; children, Lisa Keller of Mission, Jim Harrison of Houston and

Bill Harrison of Houston; and four grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Mary Bokor and Ann Bowman.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Feb. 1, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Ric Brown Funeral Home in Mission. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Feb. 2, at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Mission.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations may be made to the Memorial Fund at First United Methodist Church, 1101 Doherty Ave., Mission, TX 78572.

Ada Wied ALTON – Ada Thomas Clark Wied, 90, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2019, at her home in Mission.

Mrs. Wied was born on Jan. 4, 1929, in Realitos to Lillie and Frank Clark. She graduated from high school in Houston. After her husband, Herbert, came back from WWII they began their married life in Realitos. They

The show begins at 9:30 a.m. featuring performances from George Canyon, John Wing, Jimmy Flynn and other big acts.

The year’s Stage Schedule is as follows: 10 - Welcome 10:05 - Canadian Snowbird Association 10:15 - Jimmy Flynn 10:45 - Valdy 11:30 - Sean Emery 12 - Intermission 1 - John McDermott 1:30 - John Wing 2:15 - George Canyon.

George Canyon is a mem-

ber of the Nova Scotia Country Music Hall of Fame and has recorded 12 albums, performing all over the world and acted in a number of film and television shows.

John Wing will bring his stand up comedy skills to the stage as he has six times on The Tonight Show and the Montreal Just For Laughs Comedy Festival. Wing was a semi-finalist on America’s Got Talent in 2013 and has more than 300 television appearances to his credit.

moved to Sharyland in 1954.

She was a founding member of Faith Baptist Church in Palmhurst.

Survivors include her husband of 71 years, Herbert Arno Wied; children, Donna Wied, Glenn Wied, Dana Wied; and seven grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and 13 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her siblings Lidy Rossi, Frank Clark, Forrest Clark, Cotton Clark, Jim Clark, Maude Rogers, Leta Fowler and Lillie Biela.

A funeral service was held on Jan. 26 at Faith Baptist Church. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery in McAllen.

home in Mission.

Richard Clendenin MISSION – Richard A. Clendenin, 94, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019, at The Gardens in Pharr.

Joan Einhorn ALTON – Joan Ellen Einhorn, 74, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019, at Amara Hospice in Edinburg.

Javier Ortiz ALTON – Javier Ortiz, 54, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019, at Comfort House in McAllen.

Jose Perez MISSION – Jose Roel Perez, 73, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019, at Mission Valley Nursing and Transitional Care.

Miguel Salas MISSION – Miguel Acuna Salas, 85, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Sammie Travis MISSION – Sammie Travis, 81, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Carlota Treviño ALTON – Carlota Treviño, 84, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 24, 2019, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Notices

Alberto Anzaldua MISSION – Alberto Anzaldua, 72, passed away on Friday, Jan. 25, 2019, at Comfort House in McAllen.

Maria Augusto MISSION – Maria A. Augusto, 76, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019, at Doctors Hospital in Edinburg.

Richard Borrego MISSION – Ricardo Borrego, 83, passed away on Monday, Jan. 28, 2019, at his

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.

page 9A

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

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

from pg. 1A

MEADOW CREEK

top dollar,” Sandra Wakefield said. “And it just went down from there. They had no intention but to buy this, sell it and try to develop it for profit.”

After last week’s P&Z meeting, two residents of Meadow Creek made claims that the homeowners opposing the rezoning were using “racist” language toward the Bauzas, who are originally from Mexico. According to the homeowners against the rezoning, that could not be further from the truth.

“I so object to be connected in any way with the word ‘racist,’” Catherine Raftery, a Meadow Creek resident who moved to Mission from Ireland, said. “We have no business being in the Valley if we’re racist.”

Residents say that while they don’t like what the Bauzas have done with the property, there is no hostility toward them.

“A number of people stepped forward over the past two years and offered to help him [Olaguer Bauza] with the golf course, to help him get it up and running and be successful,” Tom Morgan said.

The Meadow Creek golf course was owned by John Grisham before he passed away. Grisham left the land to his daughter, who sold it to the Bauzas in Feb. 2016 at a “low rate,” according to some residents. In Oct. 2016, they rezoned one part of the land, and have continued to try and do so since.

“These are the things that make us question if they ever intended to keep up the golf course,” Shari Wand said.

One of the homeowners’ concerns with the current ownership is that because of the lack of upkeep within the golf course, their property values have dropped significantly, but their taxes have

gone up because they live on a golf course.

“There is a home on the eighth hole of the golf course where the owner wanted to sell it last year, they put up a sign, they had a price on it, then they took it off the market,” Richard Paddock said.

“They came back this year and they put it on the market again. It was selling for $17,000 less. It was the same realtor, and they asked why it happened, and she [the realtor] pointed at the golf course.”

The lounge in Meadow Creek, which used to be a popular spot for residents to meet up, play cards, sing karaoke and have a drink, slowly closed after 2016.

The Bauzas did not renew the liquor license, events that were hosted there stopped, and as the building deteriorated they quietly closed it without notification to residents.

Planning and Zoning Director Jaime Acevedo said that any developed property on the Meadow Creek golf course would allow for improvements on the current drainage system in the area, which the homeowners also deny. According to several residents, during the heavy rainfall that happened in June 2018, the drainage in the golf course held up well, and no one in the neighborhood experienced flood damage on their property.

Currently, there is a group of investors living in Meadow Creek that have made two offers to purchase the land themselves from the Bauzas in order to revitalize the golf course, which they have not accepted. The land is up for rezoning and will be discussed further at Monday’s meeting at city hall.

page 10A from pg 1A

February 1, 2019

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

BUSINESSMAN

assault, a second-degree felony, and one count of making a terroristic threat, a Class B misdemeanor.

Attorney Marco A. De Luna represented Bazan during an initial hearing in

Mission Municipal Court.

After the hearing, Salinas started handling the case.

Complaints filed by Taco Ole’ employees triggered the investigation.

Women who worked at

the restaurant on Conway Avenue said Bazan sexually harassed them, solicited sexual favors and forced them to perform oral sex.

“She stated that he had told her that if she ever says

anything to anybody, that no one was going to believe on her (sic), due to being illegally in the country,” according to court records, which summarize statements made by an employee. “She stated that he had told her that

all the employees were his slaves, and that he had a lot of political power, saying that no body (sic) can do anything to him.”

Salinas said a female employee fabricated the allegations because she wanted to buy the restaurant and Bazan wouldn’t sell.

Taco Ole’ had a very relaxed atmosphere, Salinas said, adding that Bazan and several female employees engaged in flirtatious behavior that could be misconstrued as sexual harassment.

The felony charges, though, aren’t the first sexual harassment claims against Bazan.

In 1998, four women who worked for Taco Ole’ filed lawsuits against Bazan, his father and the restaurant.

“While employed at Taco Ole’ Restaurant, Plaintiffs were forced to endure repeated conduct by Defendant Elias Bazan, III, all of which conduct constituted unwelcome sexual advances and harassment,” according

to a lawsuit filed by three of the women. “On numerous occasions, Defendant Elias Bazan, III would touch their bodies in a sexual manner.”

The women apparently reached a settlement with Bazan and judges dismissed both lawsuits.

In a January 1999 letter, attorney Rodney W. Sipes, who represented the women, discussed settlement negotiations with attorneys who represented Bazan.

“Since I have not heard from either of you since our meeting on Dec. 3, 1998, I presume that my clients’ offer to settle their claims for $30,000.00 each has been rejected,” according to the letter, which became part of the case file.

Sipes didn’t respond to requests for comment. The settlement agreements weren’t filed with the court or summarized in court records.

Salinas, however, said he heard the Bazan family settled for $50,000.

PT

progresstimes

progresstimes

progresstimes

progresstimes

For the latest news and updates

BUY • SELL • TRADE • RENT • HIRE

T H E C L A S SI F I E D S

Make it happen, we’re located at 1217 N. Conway in Mission, TX Come on in! Our hours of operation are Mon. - Fri. 8 - 5 p.m. If you can’t drop by, mail it! P.O. Box 399, Mission, TX 78573. Submit by email

or pay by phone 585-4893. The deadline to get your classified in is Tuesday at 5 p.m.

ORDINANCE NO. 4755 ORDINANCE AMENDING CERTAIN SECTIONS OF ARTICLE II OF CHAPTER 16 SECION 16-22(b) OF THE CITY OF MISSION’S CODE OF ORDINANCES; PROVIDING A CODIFICATION CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING A PUBLICATION DATE READ, CONSIDERED, AND PASSED THIS THE 28th DAY OF JANUARY, 2019.

Dr. Armando O’caña, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

CLASSIFIED RATE: 1 Week = $7 2 Weeks = $10 4 Weeks = $14

ORDINANCE NO. 4756

ORDINANCE NO. 4759

ORDINANCE NO. 4760

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ARTCILE VIII. - USE DISTRICT AND CONDITIONAL USES; PROVIDING A CODIFICATION CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING A PUBLICATION DATE READ, CONSIDERED, AND PASSED THIS THE 28th DAY OF JANUARY, 2019.

Dr. Armando O’caña, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

ORDINANCE AMENDING BUILDING PERMIT FEES OF THE CITY OF MISSION’S CODE OF ORDINANCES; PROVIDING A CODIFICATION CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING A PUBLICATION DATE READ, CONSIDERED, AND PASSED THIS THE 28th DAY OF JANUARY, 2019.

Dr. Armando O’caña, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

ORDINANCE AMENDING PARK FEES OF THE CITY OF MISSION’S CODE OF ORDINANCES; PROVIDING A CODIFICATION CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING A PUBLICATION DATE READ, CONSIDERED, AND PASSED THIS THE 28th DAY OF JANUARY, 2019.

Dr. Armando O’caña, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

February 1, 2019

page 11A

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

BUY • SELL • TRADE • RENT • HIRE

THE CLASSIFIEDS

Make it happen, we’re located at 1217 N. Conway in Mission, TX Come on in! Our hours of operation are Mon. - Fri.

can’t drop by, mail it! P.O. Box 399, Mission, TX 78573. Submit by email or pay by phone 585-4893. The deadline to get your classified in is Tuesday at 5 p.m.

8 - 5 p.m. If you

For Sale

Services

USE SEAL ‘N Heal to seal wounds with a bitter taste to stop gnawing and promote healing, at Tractor Supply, (www.kennelvax. com).

I’M A HOME provider looking for work in the Mission/ McAllen area, please call 956-279-0874, leave name, number and message, I will call back, *Pay $20 for referrals.

CLASSIFIED RATE: 1 Week = $7 2 Weeks = $10 4 Weeks = $14

LEGAL NOTICE

Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a Wine and Beer Retailers Off-Premise Permit by Zacatecas Meat Market, LLC, dba Zacatecas Meat Market, LLC, to be located at 1716 N. La Homa Rd, Palmview, Hidalgo County, Texas.

Officer of said Limited Liability Company is Dziedzorn Seshie, managing member.

ORDINANCE NO. 4747

ORDINANCE NO. 4750

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A REZONING OF LOT 1 & THE NORTH ½ OF LOT 2, BLOCK 165, MISSION ORIGINAL TOWNSITE SUBDIVISION (AKA OBLATE ADDITION), FROM (C-3) GENERAL BUSINESS TO (R-3) MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL READ, CONSIDERED, AND PASSED THIS THE 28th DAY OF JANUARY, 2019.

Dr. Armando O’caña, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO DESIGNATE AN AREA AS A MOBILE FOOD PARK FOR OPERATION OF MOBILE FOOD UNITS, 2140 E. BUSINESS HIGHWAY 83, LOT 51, SHARYLAND ORCHARDS SUBDIVISION READ, CONSIDERED, AND PASSED THIS THE 28th DAY OF JANUARY, 2019.

Dr. Armando O’caña, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

ORDINANCE NO. 4749

ORDINANCE NO. 4753

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A REZONING OF THE EAST ONE (1) ACRE OF THE WEST 6 ACRES OF THE NORTH 16.65 ACRES OF THE SOUTH 21.65 ACRES OUT OF LOT 195, JOHN H. SHARY SUBDIVISION, FROM (R-3) MULTIFAMILY RESIDENTIAL TO (C-3) GENERAL BUSINESS READ, CONSIDERED, AND PASSED THIS THE 28th DAY OF JANUARY, 2019.

Dr. Armando O’caña, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT RENEWAL FOR 4 DRIVE-THRU SERVICE WINDOWS FOR SNOWBALL EXPRESS #2, 3124 N. MAYBERRY ROAD, BEING 1.27 ACRES OF LAND OUT OF THE WEST 310’ OF THE NORTH 224’ OF LOT 28-9, WEST ADDITION TO SHARYLAND SUBDIVISION READ, CONSIDERED, AND PASSED THIS THE 28th DAY OF JANUARY, 2019.

Dr. Armando O’caña, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

ORDINANCE NO. 4754

ORDINANCE NO. 4758

ORDINANCE RESCINDING ORDINANCE NO. 3396 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS, RESCINGING SECTION 42-38 (d) – COURTESY NOTICE READ, CONSIDERED, AND PASSED THIS THE 28th DAY OF JANUARY, 2019.

Dr. Armando O’caña, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

ORDINANCE AMENDING PLANNING FEES OF THE CITY OF MISSION’S CODE OF ORDINANCES; PROVIDING A CODIFICATION CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING A PUBLICATION DATE READ, CONSIDERED, AND PASSED THIS THE 28th DAY OF JANUARY, 2019.

Dr. Armando O’caña, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

ORDINANCE NO. 4748

The Mission Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a Regular Meeting on February 13, 2019 at 5:30 p.m. at the Mission City Hall’s Council Chambers, 1201 East 8th Street, Mission, Texas in order to consider the following: Rezoning: The North 5 acres of Lot 42, Bell Woods Company’s Subdivision “C”, from AO-I (Agricultural Open Interim) to R-3 (Multi-Family Residential); and Rezoning: 21.632 acres out of Lot 204, John H. Shary Subdivision, from AO-I (Agricultural Open Interim) & C-4 (Heavy Commercial) to R-1 (Single Family Residential) Discussion and Action to Abandon a .034 acre tract of land out of that southeasterly portion of Block 4, Erdahl Subdivision If a zoning is amended during the public hearing, it shall be pursuant to the City of Mission’s Amendatory Zone Policy Statement. Anyone interested is invited to attend.

Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

AN ORDINANCE TO ANNEX CERTAIN TERRITORY AND TO INCORPORATE THE SAME WITHIN THE CORPORATE BOUNDARIES OF THE CITY OF MISSION, COUNTY OF HIDALGO, STATE OF TEXAS, BEING DESCRIBED AS TRACT A: 24.83 ACRES OUT OF LOTS 27 AND 28, NEW CALEDONIA UNIT NO. 1, TRACT B: BEING 6.911 ACRES CONSISTING OF 6.885 ACRES OUT OF LOT 26, THE GOODWIN TRACK SUBDIVISION UNIT NO. 3, AND 0.026 OF ONE ACRE OUT OF THE PREVIOUSLY KNOWN HIDALGO COUNTY IRRIGATION DISTRICT NO. 6 CANAL RIGHT-OF-WAY LYING ADJACENT TO THE EAST OF SAID LOT 26, HIDALGO COUNTY, TEXAS READ, CONSIDERED, AND PASSED THIS THE 28th DAY OF JANUARY, 2019.

Dr. Armando O’caña, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

PUBLIC NOTICE

ORDINANCE NO. 4757 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ARTICLE IV. SECTION 1.16.14.a – PROVIDING FOR THE BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT, QUORUM, PROCEDURES FOR APPEALS AND POWERS OF THE BOARD; PROVIDING A CODIFICATION CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING A PUBLICATION DATE AN ORDIANCE AMENDING ARTICLE V. SECTIONS 1.20., 1.21., 1.23., AND 1.24. – AMENDMENTS, PROCEDURES, FILING FEE AND APPEALS FROM DECISIONS OF THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION; PROVIDING A CODIFICATION CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING A PUBLICATION DATE AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ARTICLE X. SECTIONS 1.50. AND 1.56. – CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS; PROVIDING A CODIFICATION CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING A PUBLICATION DATE READ, CONSIDERED, AND PASSED THIS THE 28th DAY OF JANUARY, 2019.

Dr. Armando O’caña, Mayor

Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

ORDINANCE NO. 4751

ORDINANCE NO. 4752

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT RENEWAL FOR DRIVE-THRU SERVICE WINDOW, 2728 N. CONWAY AVENUE, LOTS 2 & 3, NORTHTOWN UNIT #1 SUBDIVISION READ, CONSIDERED, AND PASSED THIS THE 28th DAY OF JANUARY, 2019.

Dr. Armando O’caña, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO KEEP 2 MOBILE HOMES FOR RANCH & SECURITY PURPOSES, 3301 N. GLASSCOCK ROAD, BEING A 6.08 ACRE OUT OF LOT 291, JOHN H. SHARY SUBDIVISION READ, CONSIDERED, AND PASSED THIS THE 28th DAY OF JANUARY, 2019.

Dr. Armando O’caña, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE OF FUNDING AVAILABILITY The City of Mission will conduct several public hearings to solicit comments from interested residents and agencies for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. The City is expecting to receive notification of the proposed fiscal year 2019 CDBG allocation, which is anticipated to be $960,474.

Comments received will be considered for preparation of the City of Mission’s Annual Action Plan FY 2019-2020. Interested parties are encouraged to attend and make their views known. These funds can be utilized for activities benefiting low/moderate income areas and/or persons. We are accepting project applications for CDBG funds for Fiscal Year 2019 (October 1, 2019 through September 30, 2020). Applications can be picked up at the address listed below or downloaded from city’s website: www.missiontexas.us. The applications are due in our office on Friday, March 1, 2019, by 5:00 p.m.

CDBG funds may be used to finance any activity that accomplishes one of the following national objectives.

1. Principally benefits low and moderate income persons.

2. Aids in the prevention or elimination of slum and blighted areas.

3. Meets a need having a particular urgency.

The Public Hearings are scheduled as follows: DATE: Tuesday, March 12, 2019 PLACE: City Hall Council Chambers 1201 E. 8th Street Mission TX 78572 TIME: 5:30 PM

Tuesday, March 26, 2019 Mission Social & Support Center 115 S. Mayberry (Mission Food Pantry) Mission TX 78572 5:30 PM

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).

For further information, visit the Community Development Office at 1301 E. 8th Street Suite 102, Mission, Texas or call (956) 580-8670.

AVISO DE AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA AVISO DE DISPONIBILIDAD DE FONDOS La Ciudad de Mission conducirá varias audiencias públicas para solicitar comentarios de los residentes y agencias interesadas en el programa para el Desarrollo de la Comunidad (CDBG, por sus siglas en inglés). La Ciudad espera recibir la notificación anticipando los fondos de un total de $960,474 para el año fiscal 2019. Los comentarios que se reciban serán considerados para la preparación del Plan de Acción Anual para el periodo 2019-2020. Los interesados se les aconsejan asistir a estas audiencias y exponer sus puntos de vista. Estos fondos podrán ser utilizados para actividades que beneficien a zonas y/o personas de bajos recursos. Estamos aceptando aplicaciones para la solicitud de financiamiento para fondos aplicables por parte de CDBG para el año fiscal 2019 (1 de Octubre 2019 hasta el 30 de Septiembre 2020). Las aplicaciones estarán disponibles en la dirección de nuestra página web: www.missiontexas.us. Las solicitudes deberán presentarse en nuestra oficina el Viernes día 1 de Marzo, 2019 a las 5:00 pm.

Los fondos del programa CDBG pueden ser utilizados para financiar alguna actividad que logre uno de los siguientes objetivos.

1. Este programa beneficia principalmente a personas de bajos recursos.

2. Ayuda en la prevención o eliminación de barrios marginales y zonas deterioradas.

3. Responde a una necesidad de urgencia particular.

Las Audiencias Publicas son programadas: FECHA: Martes, Marzo 12, 2019 LUGAR: City Hall Council Chambers 1201 E. 8th Street Mission TX 78572 HORA: 5:30 PM

Martes, Marzo 26, 2019 Mission Social & Support Center 115 S. Mayberry (Mission Food Pantry) Mission TX 78572 5:30 PM

Para personas con discapacidades/discapacitados, 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, ciegos, sordos o discapacitados del habla pueden usar Relay Texas al 1-800-735-2989, un usuario de teléfono de texto (TTY) o 711 (VOZ).

Para más información pase a la oficina de Desarrollo de la Comunidad localizada en 1301 E. 8th Street, Ste. 102 Mission, Texas o llamar al (956) 580-8670.

PUBLIC NOTICE The Mission City Council will hold a Regular Meeting on February 11, 2019 at 5:30 p.m. at the Mission City Hall’s Council Chambers, 1201 East 8th Street, Mission, Texas in order to consider the following: Rezoning: A tract of land containing 0.94 of an acre, more or less and being 0.19 of an acre, more or less out of Lot 21-9, West Addition to Sharyland Subdivision and 0.75 of an acre being 1.0 acre out of the Southwest ¼ of Section 19, La Lomita Subdivision now Lot 21-9, West Addition to Sharyland Subdivision of Porciones 53-57, Less and Except 0.25 of an acre, from (R-2) Duplex-Fourplex Residential to (R-3) Multi-Family Residential; Rezoning: Being a 7.686 acres tract of land out of Parcel X, as per document No. 2686858 O.R.H.C. said parcel forming part of Lot 16-1, and 15-1, West Addition to Sharyland Subdivision, from PUD (AO-P) Permanent Open Space District to PUD (C-2) Neighborhood Commercial District; Rezoning: Being a 7.060 acres tract of land out of Parcel X, as per Document No. 2686858 O.R.H.C. said parcel forming part of Lot 16-1, and Lot 15-1, West Addition to Sharyland Subdivision, from PUD (AO-P) Permanent Open Space District to PUD (R-1) Single Family Residential District; Rezoning: Being a 26.724 acre tract of land out of Parcel VI, as per Doc. No. 2686858 O.R.H.C. said parcel forming part of out of Lot 14-1, 14-2, 15-1, 15-2 and 16-2, West Addition to Sharyland Subdivision, from PUD (AO-P) Permanent Open Space District to PUD (R-1) Single Family Residential District; and Rezoning: A 1.682 acre tract of land out of Parcel VI, as per Doc. No. 2686858 O.R.H.C. said parcel forming part of out Lot 14-1, 14-2, 15-1, 15-2, and 16-2, West Addition to Sharyland Subdivision, from PUD (AO-P) Permanent Open Space District, to PUD (R-3) Multi-Family Residential District 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

page 12A

February 1, 2019

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

FREE

SNOWBIRD

W hn

For sponsor and exhibitor info call 1-800-326-9560

Jo

Presented by Medipac (US) International Inc.

in

g

Va l

dy

Se

an

Em

er

y

Ji

m

m yF

ly n

n

Ge

or

ge

Ca

Jo

hn

ny on

M

cD

er

m

ot

t

SHOW

Tues. & Wed. February 5 & 6 PHARR EVENTS CENTER 3000 N Cage Blvd., Pharr, TX • 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

FREE ENTERTAINMENT will be showcased from country to classic to pop.

www.snowbirdextravaganza.com

FREE ADMISSION

to enter the Pharr Event Center and experience the show. Parking is free.

FEATURE AREAS

at the show offer workshops, exhibits and the comfort of our hospitality center.

www.facebook.com/snowbirdextravaganza