Friday, February 15, 2019_PT ISSUE

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Progress times Vol. 47 - #25

Friday, February 15, 2019

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MCISD teacher named finalist for H-E-B Lifetime Achievement Award

By Jamie Treviño For Rita Perez, Pearson Elementary School has been a place where she has continued to grow for most of her career journey.

Perez was named as a finalist for the 2019 H-E-B Excellence in Education Award in the Lifetime Achievement category. The third grade math and science teacher was surprised with the announcement this week.

According to a press release from the Mission Consolidated Independent School District, the H-E-B program is “the largest monetary awards program for educators in Texas” and being named a finalist has spotlighted Perez as “one of the best educators in Texas.”

Wednesday morning, H-E-B representatives visited her classroom with a cake, balloons, flowers, and a check for $1,000. Pearson Elementary also received a $1,000 check.

The Lifetime Achievement Award honors teachers in Texas with more than 20 years of experience. Perez has been with MCISD for

over 34 years, and she says she is still learning every day.

“I grow every day, I learn different things,” Perez said.

“In return, I need to get them ready for everything.”

Perez attended Pearson Elementary School growing up, and began her educational career as a teacher aide at that very school in 1974.

In the early 80’s, she became a teacher and worked at the McAllen Independent School District before returning to her roots in Mission.

“This [the award] is unexpected,” Perez said. “There are so many things that you do, and you care because of the kids, you never expect to be recognized.”

Perez considered being a finalist a plus in her career experience.

“I will cherish this,” Perez said.

Finalists are nominated

by H-E-B customers, community members and employees. The press release from MCISD said that nom-

See FINALIST Pg. 10

Photo courtesy of MCISD Public Relations and Marketing.

Third grade teacher Rita Perez receiving her $1,000 check from H-E-B in her classroom at Pearson Elementary School.

La Joya ISD showcases new campus designations

By Jose De Leon III With nearly 28,000 students enrolled across their 43 different campuses and academies, the La Joya school district ensured their community is aware of the opportunities the district can offer their students at their fourth annual “Why La Joya ISD” expo.

On Saturday, Feb. 9, the district held their annual event that highlights the numerous programs that help their students. The expo had the theme of “Opportunities and Choices” to discuss starting next year, each middle school campus would receive a designation so that all district schools would have an area of focus.

“Next year all our middle schools will have designations like technology, health science professionals and fine arts,” district spokeswoman Liliana Salgado said. “No other school disProgress Times photo by Jose De Leon III.

Attendees at the 4th annual “Why La Joya ISD?: Opportunities & Choices 2019” expo Saturday, Feb. 9, 2019.

Judge jails former La Joya police chief for inappropriate Facebook posts

By Dave Hendricks When former police Chief Geovani Hernandez heard the La Joya Police

Department had provided information about him to federal agents, he fired back on Facebook.

“Are you ready City of

A screenshot of one of the Facebook posts made

by Hernandez, which includes comments about the city of La Joya.

la Joya for a Lawsuit?” Hernandez wrote, according to a copy of the Facebook post, which apparently included a letter thanking him for serving the city. “I got the letter for an outstanding job during my one year contract with you? The letter is signed by your City Administrator MIke Alaniz, CC (carbon copy) Mayor Jose A. Fito Salinas and City Council to include your City Attorney Robert Jackson.”

The post, which is riddled with punctuation and capitalization errors, also referenced police Chief Adolfo Arriaga.

“I think your Burger flipper chief of police f****d up and violated your trust, city policy, and civil rights,” Hernandez wrote. “Good luck to you all.”

Before he joined the police department, Arriaga worked at McDonald’s. He started in high school and became the first assistant manager.

“I’m not ashamed,” Arriaga said, adding that he worked hard to become police chief and also serves the public as a member of the Agua Special Utility District board. “I used to work in the fields too.”

Hernandez concluded the Facebook post by copying the definition of slander

See FACEBOOK POSTS Pg. 10

A corrupt informant may complicate the federal drug trafficking case against former La Joya police Chief Geovani Hernandez.

During a sting conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, federal agents provided the informant with cash to pay Hernandez. The informant, though, kept part of the money — and claimed that Her-

Young Hearts Matter

The 4th annual Young Hearts Matter event took place this past weekend at Lamar Academy in McAllen. Jamie Treviño has the details about the county-wide initiative.

See Pg. 5

Sullivan City Updates

See LJISD EXPO Pg. 10

Corrupt informant could complicate case against former La Joya police chief

By Dave Hendricks

INSIDE

nandez accepted all the cash.

Federal agents caught the informant, Hector Obed Saucedo-Rodriguez, pocketing money in July 2017. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Rees summarized what happened on Dec. 10, 2018, when Saucedo-Rodriguez pleaded guilty to stealing from the government.

See INFORMANT Pg. 9

The city recently appointed two new municipal judges, and during this week’s council meeting entered into their first sister city agreement. Check out our updates on what’s going on in Sullivan City, inside.

See Pg. 8

SPORTS Big 7 Teams Going Strong THE

BIG7 SCHOOLS

The sports section this week has stories covering this past week’s basketball playoffs, as well as some highlights of last week’s Boys and Girls District 165A Wrestling Championships.

See Pg. 6 & 7

INDEX

Entertainment....pg. 2

Lifestyle...................pg. 3

Sports.......................pg. 6 Photo via Facebook.

Former La Joya police Chief Geovani Hernandez poses for a photo at the federal courthouse in McAllen.

Obituaries..............pg. 9

Classifieds............pg.11

page 2

February 15, 2019

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Coming Attractions

February 15-17 & March 10 • The UTRGV Ballet Folklórico performances of Ballet Folklorico – Alegria 2019 will present 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 Feb. 8 and 9 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 10 at 2 p.m., then on Feb. 15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 17 at 2 p.m.

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

February 16-17 • La Joya Mariachi Los Coyotes and Grupo Folklórico Tabasco perform at 1 and 5 p.m. on Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday at the Alejandro “Alex” H. Saenz Performing Arts Center, 604 N. Coyote Drive. To purchase tickets online, go to lajoyatreventbrite.com. The $8 tickets will also be sold at the school, 604 Coyote Drive; daily, from Feb. 4 to 15, between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. For more information or assistance with purchasing tickets, call 956-323-2898.

February 18 • International recording artist Julio Iglesias performs at 7:30 p.m. at the McAllen Performing Arts Center. Tickets are available at the McAllen Performing Arts Center box office.

February 19 • The McAllen Society for the Performing Arts (MSPA) program Broadway in McAllen presents Chicago: The Musical at the McAllen Performing Arts Center. For general information, pricing and special membership features, go to LiveinMcAllenClub.com. For questions, contact the ticket hotline at 888-200-4035, Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Italian trombonist Peter Steiner performs at 7 p.m. at the UTRGV Performing Arts Complex, 1201 W. University Dr. in Edinburg. General admission is $10 and $5 for seniors and students. Go to patron.utrgv.edu for tickets.

February 21-24 • South Texas College (STC) Theatre presents their musical production of the season, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” It plays at 8 p.m. on Thursday through Saturday and at 2 p.m. on Sunday at STC’s Main Stage Theatre, 3201 W. Pecan Blvd. in McAllen. General admission is $10. Student, faculty, military and senior citizens are $5. The musical contains mature subject matter. Ticket cash purchases can be purchased one hour before the performance at the box office. For information or group rates, call 956-872-2301 or email drodri72@southtexascollege.edu or jrodriguez@ southtexascollege.edu.

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Pioneer & Ranching Crafts Day highlights tortilla’s origins EDINBURG – Celebrate the culture of South Texas and northeastern Mexico at the Museum of South Texas History’s 29th Pioneer & Ranching Crafts Day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 16. The annual festival showcases regional pioneer, ranching and indigenous heritage through a variety of demonstrations, cuisine and musical entertainment.

The tortilla, a staple of regional cuisine, is featured

All-State choir honor

Veterans Memorial High School student, Cheyenne Garza (alto), received 5A All-State honors from the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA).

She will be performing with other All-State Choir members from throughout the state in a concert on Feb. 16 at 4 p.m. at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio. She is the daughter of Bianca Garza and Simon Garza.

this year. Check out activities like the “Corn or Flour?”

Tortilla Voting Wall, free taco felt craft and “Try on Tortillas” to wrap up into one big taco. Historic tortilla presses, a corn grinder and metate will be on display, and a MOSTHistory Collection Series video will expand visitors’ knowledge about tortilla history. There will also be a Tortilla Scavenger Hunt, found at the main admissions counter, for a special prize. Free samples of fresh made tortillas and churned butter will be served by museum staff, and the Garcia Trail Riders will be on hand to serve free trail drive chili.

Demonstrations of beeswax candle making, knitting, leather crafts, wood carving, wood burning, basket weaving, cro-hooking, holistic healing methods, soap making, drop spindle spinning, treadle spinning, cotton carding, shearing and weaving will spark the imaginations of children and provide visitors with appreciation for the work of people of the past.

The performance tent will house the beats of live bands and performances by folklórico dancers and mariachis.

Edinburg North High School Mariachi Oro will kick off the festivities followed by South Padre Island favorite, the Good Times Band, along with Texas Sweethearts from Weslaco, and Edinburg hometown country band Matt and the Herdsmen.

Local folklórico groups will take over with dance routines by Conceptos Entidad Dancística, Grupo

Folklórico Juveníl de Palmview, RGV Folklórico Dance Company, PSJA North Grupo Folklórico Ichtequi and Edinburg North High School Ritmo Dorado.

An large line-up of food vendors will be selling brisket and pulled pork sliders, specialty hot dogs, guisados en olla de barro tacos, nieve Mexicana, beverages and more.

Free activities this year include an animal track matching game, rótulo painting sheet, living history re-enactors, cowboy roping by T.J. Tijerina, knot tying by Boy Scouts, horse rides by Garcia Trail Riders, sewing by the RGV Sewing Guild, rock petroglyph painting, Try On History bonnets and pockets, and ceramic pot throwing by the South Texas College Ink

and Clay Club.

Kids and adults alike can explore even more free educational activities by the UTRGV CHAPS program, the East Foundation and Texas Wildlife Association, Texan Native Americans, Los Liberadores, Bee Strong Honey, native animals from the Gladys Porter Zoo, survivalist skills, native plants from the Texas Master Naturalist program and children’s book reading by author Patty York Raymond and UTRGV Book Buzz.

Admission is $8 for adults; $6 for seniors with ID, active military and students with ID; and $5 for children and free for children under age 3. MOSTHistory is located at 200 N. Closner Blvd. For more information, call 956-383-6911.

UTRGV presents ‘Sense and Sensibility’

EDINBURG – University Productions presents Sense and Sensibility, Kate Hamill’s stage adaptation of Jane Austin’s first major published novel.

Directed by Kent Smither, this production will be presented in the Albert L Jeffers Theatre, 1201 W. University Drive on the Edinburg campus. The shows will start at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday through Saturday, Feb. 20 to 23 and closes on Sunday, Feb. 24, with a 2 p.m. matinee, which will be followed by a free panel discussion.

Austin lived to the age of 41 and wrote from her experience and perception of love, relationships and family. The

major turning point in Austin’s story, an uncle’s disinheritance of the central characters, also occurred in Austin’s life not long after she completed this work. In the converse, life imitates art as the Dashwood sisters and their mother struggle to find a secure and loving experience in Barton College in 19th Century Devonshire.

All seats for all performances are $15 and $5 for students, faculty and staff.

University Theatre subscribers will be admitted free with their subscriber cards on any night.

For reservations, subscriptions, information or special accomodations, call the box office at 956-665-3581 or visit UTRGV.edu/theatre-tickets.

saturday, february 16, 2019 | 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

&

ranching crafts day

Crushing corn for tortillas, 1910-1917. Taken by photographer Wheelus of San Benito.

200 N. Closner Blvd. | Edinburg, Texas 78541 | 956.383.6911 | www.mosthistory.org

February 15, 2019

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BETWEEN THE BOOKENDS

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

By William Renner The public is invited to Speer Memorial Library in Mission on Tuesday, March 5, for a discussion of “Crazy Rich Asians” to take place in the library’s Community Room at 5:30 p.m. in Spanish, and at 6:30 p.m. in English. The novel was written

by Kevin Kwan and first published in 2013, Rachel Chu, originally from California, is an economics professor at New York University where her boyfriend, Nick Young, is also a professor. A native of Singapore, Nick was raised in London, growing up to be a humble and unpretentious man.

But, unbeknownst to Ra-

chel, Nick is also from one of the wealthiest families in Asia—making him one of the most eligible bachelors in Asia. When Nick takes Rachel on a summer vacation to Singapore to meet his family, her expectations, and those of the family, couldn’t be more different.

Copies of the book are available at the library to check out for those who sign up for the book discussion.

Stop by the library to obtain a copy. The title is also available as an eBook and eAudiobook at hidalgocotx. oneclickdigital.com.

For more information, call William Renner at 5808754 or 580-8750. Speer Memorial is located at 12th and Kika De La Garza in Mission.

MCISD Pre-K 2019-20 pre-registration begins

All Mission Consolidated Independent School District (MCISD) elementary schools are recruiting students for this fall’s Pre-K and kindergarten programs.

A round up, pre-registration drive for the 2019-2020 school year will be held on Feb. 20 and 21 from 8 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. The kindergarten pre-registration will only be for students who are new to the district Students to be registered must turn four years of age prior to Sept. 1, 2019. On the round up days, parents need to bring a valid form of identification (for the parent), the child’s birth certificate, child’s social security card (if available), child’s immunization records, and proof

of residence within MCISD. While parents will be able to complete registration online, they will need to bring in the required documentation to the campus. For online registration, go to the district website, mcisd.net.

Parents in neighboring areas can also bring their children to a MCISD school.

The district does require an out-of-district transfer application for any children out of district boundaries. The applications for the 2019-20 school year are available at the MCISD Central Office, 1201 Bryce Drive. Parents with questions about outof-district transfers may call 956-323-5578.

The Mission High School (MHS) DECA Chapter is advancing 22 students to state competitions after their performance at the recent Dis-

trict 1 Career Development Conference. The state competition will be held later this month in Dallas.

Students competing in

MHS sending 22 DECA students to state

page 3

EVENTS

CALENDAR February 16 – Kids can sign up for the Gladys Porter Zoo’s next Saturday Safari, “Incredible Hawk,” and meet some of the zoo’s birds of prey up close and personal at 1 p.m. A tour, arts and crafts, animal encounter and snacks are included in each class. Cost is $15 per child or adult. Pre-registration is required. Space is limited and is for ages 4 years and up. For more information or to register, call 956-548-9453 or e-mail educ@gpz.org.

February 16 – The Third Annual Resaca City Bike Tour was re-scheduled due to last week’s inclement weather. It 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.

February 17 – Head to Gladys Porter Zoo, 500 Ringgold St. in Brownsville, for a “We Love Charro Days” themed Animal Play Day as animals interact with special treats and enrichment items provided by zookeepers. Play Day will begin at 11 a.m. at Gorilla Island and continue at surrounding exhibits throughout the day. The event is free with the general admission. For additional information, call 956-546-7187.

February 18 – Bill Grant, Ph. D., is guest speaker for the Texas Master Naturalist South Texas Border Chapter meeting. The meeting is at 6:30 p.m. at St. George Orthodox Church Hall, 704 W. Sam Houston, in Pharr. Grant will present “Passiflora of the RGV and how to propagate them in support of the Heliconia Butterflies.” His presentation includes a talk, pictures and hands on demonstration of rooting techniques of passion vines found in the Rio Grande Valley. The public is invited to the 6 p.m. social and general meeting after the presentation.

February 23 – The next Saturday Safari, “River Giants,” at Gladys Porter Zoo, 500 Ringgold St. in Brownsville, begins at 1 p.m. Learn about the river giants lurking in the Rio Grande Valley’s fresh waters. A zoo tour, arts and crafts, animal encounter and snacks are included. Cost is $15 per child or adult.

Pre-registration is required. Space is limited and is for ages 4 years and up. For more information or to register, call 956548-9453 or e-mail educ@gpz.org.

VMHS mariachi moving to state The Veterans Memorial High School (VMHS) varsity Mariachi Toros de Plata competed at the Regional UIL Mariachi Contest. The ensemble received a Division 1 superior rating from the judges, advancing them to their fourth state UIL competition appearance in a row. The state competition will be held Feb. 22 at The University of Texas-RGV. Members of the Mariachi Toros de Plata shown at the regional contest, are, top row, from left, Jaime Peres, Ramiro Flores, Brandon Salinas, Angel Rios and Alberto Aguilar; middle row, same order, Crystal Cabrera, Alexcis Pina, Olivia Flores, Selina Barrientos, Melanie Pena, Audrey Vela, Araaly Aguilar and Seihda Valverde; and, in front, Julian Alcaraz.

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ness Plan – Joana Juarez, Emily Barragan and Emily Gonzalez; Independent Business Plan – Mikayla Trevino; Start Up Business Plan – Demetrio Gonzalez, Carlos Ibarra and Javier Flores; and Community Service Project competition – Miajolie Resendez and Yarah Garcia.

In addition to these areas of competition, Emily Barragan will also interview at state as a scholarship finalist.

Emily Gonzalez will serve as the district officer representing the district.

Earn All-State band honors Veterans Memorial High School has two band students, Rodrigo Barrera, horn, and Laura Barba, flute, who received 5A All-State honors from the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA). They will be performing with the All-State Band made up of qualifiers from across the state. They will perform at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center on Feb. 16 at 12:30 p.m. Rodrigo is the son of Graciela Barrera and Juan Barrera. Laura is the daughter of Sandra Ballardo and Jesus Barba. Three other students placed as alternates in their sections at the Area G competition: Brandon Salinas, trumpet; Damian Gonzalez, euphonium; and Juan Mercado, bassoon.

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February 15, 2019

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Rep. Longoria joint authors legislation to protect first responders from illegal denials of workers’ compensation insurance claims AUSTIN, Texas, - Rep. Oscar Longoria (D-La Joya) along with 4 other authors, filed House Bill 1521, which would penalize insurers that illegally deny Texas first responders access to medical treatment for line-ofduty injuries covered under state workers’ compensation laws.

This proposed legislation would amend Section 415.021 of the Labor Code to add sanctions, administrative penalties, and other remedies, including attorney’s fees, for administrative violations by self-or collectively insured municipalities obligated to cover eligible workers’ compensation claims. The amount of the administrative penalty shall not be less than two times the total amount of benefits payable in connection with the first responder employee’s claim.

HB 1521 would clarify that cities do not have sovereign immunity when they act as a workers compensation provider. This would ensure that the Division of Workers Compensation and the Texas Department of Insurance are able to properly regulate governmental entities that provide workers compensation coverage.

Rep. Longoria said, “The workers’ compensation system has failed too many Texas first responders, including my constituent, Homer Salinas, a Mission firefighter and cancer survivor. Mr. Salinas won four rounds of

workers’ comp proceedings to get his cancer treatment covered, yet he was sued by the City of Mission to reverse prior decisions in Homer’s favor. House Bill 1521 is an important step toward ensuring that our hero first responders are not denied the medical treatment they have earned through their service under Texas law. Mr. Salinas should be focused on his health and protecting his community – not fighting for benefits he’s earned.”

The proposed legislation is supported by the Texas State Association of Fire Fighters (TSAFF), which includes more than 18,000 professional firefighter members in 182 Texas communities.

Studies show firefighters are at increased risk for cancers and other illnesses caused by on-the-job exposure to hazardous materials.

For example, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has cited the higher risks of kidney cancer that firefighters face. Chapter 607 of the Texas Government Code, Texas’ “presumptive” law, covers related medical care, according to the Texas Department of Insurance. The statute provides that Texas firefighters are entitled to receive the medical treatment they have earned as they risked their own lives protecting others.

Representatives from Congressman Cuellar’s Office Provide Library of Congress Books to Bryan Elementary School in Mission MISSION, TX- Recently, representatives from the Office of Congressman Henry Cuellar, Alexis Gallegos and Nichole Hernandez, attended this year’s Community Health Fair at Bryan Elementary School, where they also presented the community with a collection of books from the Library of Congress. In the top photo, Outreach Coordinator Nichole Hernandez meets with Shary Ann Treviño,

Family and Community Engagement Liaison at Bryan Elementary School, while presenting the books from the Library of Congress.

In the bottom photo, Outreach Coordinator Nichole Hernandez interacts with parents and students at Bryan Elementary School and talks to them about the books from the Library of Congress.

Mission city council votes to rezone Meadow Creek

By Jamie Treviño Following discussion and legal consultation, the city of Mission has decided to rezone part of Meadow Creek.

During this week’s city council meeting residents of the golf course and the owners (Olaguer and Laurice Mission Firefighter Homer Salinas with Rep. Oscar Longoria. Courtesy image. Bauza) gathered at Mission’s city hall, with both sides hoping for very different results.

The ongoing disagreeYour Hometown Newspaper, Bringing Communities Together. ment between the Bauzas and Meadow Creek residents has caused the council chambers to be completely filled for the last two meetings - standing room only. Four items have been brought before the council, each pertaining to different tracts of would not exist without a thriving business community land on the Meadow Creek and their advertising support. If you desire a totally golf course.

The Bauzas have been local, independent newspaper to continue to serve trying to rezone since 2016.

They were aiming to change the community, please study carefully the advertisers three of the tracts to residential and one to commercial in who support our paper and, when possible, thank and order to sell their property to support them. other investors.

According to the Bauzas, the people interested in purchasing Meadow Creek would only be interested in rezoned land. They also have stated they are trying to save part of the golf course for A Family-Owned so the back nine Business Sinceresidents, 1954 holes and first hole would still remain in tact following In Our 66th Year of Service the rezoning.

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE The residents of Meadow MISSION Sporting Goods Beauty Shop have been very vocal Certified OnanCreek R/V Generator Service Mission Regional Medical Center against these changes, saying Announces New Physician that the drainage in the area Specialist is latest addition to team of doctors (956) 581-7433 is already sufficient, the golf course, lounge and grounds have not been properly mainARK Fiesta Lube Express tained and they bought their PlainsCapital Bank Welcomes Full Service Oil Change STORAGE HEATING & COOLING homes with the intention to golf regularly.

ChurCh DireCtory playFormer Mission mayor Norberto “Beto” Salinas Jerry Saenz - Agent made an appearance during the meeting, and stepped forward during the public hearing in order to give his opinion on why the Meadow Creek golf course should not TERRY be rezoned.

“It is very important that you listen to the people that Rio Script live there,” Salinas said.

“People who have bought Pharmacy there expect to keep the same Sandra Zamora

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Mission Regional Medical Center is pleased to welcome Gloria Ortiz, MD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE to the hospital medical staff. Dr. Ortiz specializes in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism.

Dr. Gloria Ortiz was born in the Dominican Republic and received her medical degree from Universidad Católica Madre Y Maestra. Afterwards she obtained a post-doctoral fellowship involving microbiology and biostatistics.

She completed her Internal Medicine residency at Albert Einstein College of Medicine - Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center in New York City and was appointed Dr. Gloria Ortiz, MD is the latest Chief Resident. She subsequently physician to join the Mission obtained a fellowship in patient safety and Regional Medical Center Staff. satisfaction. Dr. Ortiz led the hospital’s “My approach to medicine is successful effort to increase HCAHPS to provide the best care possible, educate my patients, and survey scores throughout the organization. prevent future illness and disThis experience helped develop her ease,” said Dr. Ortiz. compassionate, yet analytical approach to healthcare. This led to Dr. Ortiz pursuing her Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine & MD Anderson Cancer where she was CO. appointed as their first Chief Endocrinology Fellow. & Center, MEDICAL EQUIPMENT Dr. Ortiz has been a physician for over 15 years, and now focuses on the treatment of endocrine related diseases such as diabetes, obesity and thyroid dysfunction, including nodules and thyroid cancer.

She is a member of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism as well as Internal Medicine. She is also a member of the following organizations; American Diabetes Association, Physical Therapy American Thyroid Association and the Endocrine Society.

“We are pleased that Dr. Ortiz decided to develop her practice in our community,” said Kane, Dawson, Chief Executive Officer, Mission Regional Medical Center. “Her clinical expertise will enhance patient care and our ability to serve and treat our patients.”

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BREAD OF LIFE CHURCH 2820 N. Conway Ave. • 581-1411

CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS 5609 S 29th St. - McAllen 682-4881

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FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 1101 Doherty • 585-1665

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FREEDOM LIFE CHURCH 2214 W. Griffin Pkwy. • 519-7000 Mission GRACIA DIVINA MINISTRY 11809 N. Shary Rd. • 584-3112

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HERITAGE BAPTIST MCALLEN 2549 Lindbergh Ave. McAllen • 451-6358

ONLY THRU JESUS 1511 E. Mile 2 Rd. Mission • 918-760-1625

IGLESIA ADVENTISTA DEL SEPTIMO DIA 1725 W. Griffin Parkway 581-9008

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CHURCH 911 N. Main - McAllen 686-4241

NEW HOPE AT THE BORDER 905 N. Conway • 369-3603 NORTH MISSION CHURCH OF CHRIST 1410 E. Mile 3 Rd. • 585-0146 Palmhurst

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OUR LADY QUEEN OF ANGELS One-half mile South Leo Avenue La Joya • 585-5223

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IGLESIA BAUTISTA CRISTO EL REY 1600 E. Bus. 83 - Mission

OUR LADY OF FATIMA CHURCH 6634 El Camino Real • Granjeno

OUR LADY OF LOURDES CHURCH EL FARO BIBLE CHURCH 2.5 miles S. Conway (FM 1016) 15 miles W. of Mission on Exp. LA 83 RESPUESTA CHURCH IGLESIA BAUTISTA PROMISE LANDMission Sullivan City, TX • 585-5617 FIRST UNITED 405 W. 12th Street • 585-0787 CHURCH COLONIAL METHODIST CHURCH OUR LADY(Corner OF GUADALUPE 2300 E. Palm Circle of 495) 3713 N. La Homa Rd. • 585-5332 EL MESIAS UNITED CATHOLIC CHURCH 1101 Doherty • 585-1665 Mission, TX 78572 • 624-9307 METHODIST 620 Dunlap • 585-2623 MISSION CHURCH OFBAUTISTA THE IGLESIA 209 E. 6th • 585-2334 NAZARENE RIVER OUR OF LIFE COF HURCH LADY THE HOLY DEL VALLE FREEDOM LIFE CHURCH • 585-6683 901 S.ROSARY Shary Rd. CHURCH 217 W. Mile 3 Rd. • 424-1602 FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH1 mi. E. 495 923inMatamoros St. Inn • 581-2193 (Located the Holiday 2214 W. Griffin Pkwy.

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3805 Plantation Grove Blvd., Ste. 5

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SAN MARTIN DE PORRES 5 mi. N. Conway, 1/2 Mile West Alton • 585-8001 & 585-8002 SPIRIT OF PEACE EV. LUTHERAN CHUCH 3104 Los Milagros Mission • 581-1822

ST. JOHN OF THE FIELDS CATHOLIC CHURCH 1052 Washington Ave. • 585-2325 ST. PAUL'S CATHOLIC CHURCH 1119 Francisco • 585-2701 ST. PETER & ST. PAUL EPISCOPAL CHURCH 2310 N. Stewart Rd. 585-5005

SHINING LIGHT BAPTIST CHURCH 6 1/8 N. Doffing Rd. (FM 492) 580-4078 TEMPLO BIBLICO 5 Mile/Conway 581-4981or 585-3831

Express Conference Room) NEW HOPE AT THE BORDER TEMPLO EVANGELICO, M.B. PALM VALLEY CHURCH 451-4838 IGLESIA DEL PUEBLO FAITH FELLOWSHIP905 N. Conway • 369-3603 CHURCH 1720 E. Griffin Pkwy.

7500 West Expressway 83 BIBLE CHURCH La Joya GRACIA DIVINA MINISTRY 585-3203 SAN CRISTOBAL 581-1900 1 mile Exp. 83 on Tom Gill Rd. 11809 N. Shary Rd. •N.584-3112 MAGALLANES & CHURCH TRINITY LUTHERAN 519-6311 PEÑITAS BAPTIST NORTH MISSION COMPANIONS CHURCH 1/3 Mile S. of PARISH Exp.83 on FM 1427 IGLESIA DEL DIVINO GREAT OAKS CHURCH OF CHRIST 3905 W. 3 Mile Line • 585-3261 3805 Plantation Grove Blvd., Ste. 5 583-6236 REDENTOR FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH COMMUNITY CHURCH CHURCH OF 1410 E. Mile 3 Rd. • 585-0146 Mission • 580-4551 1020 North Los Ebanos Rd 1302 Doherty • 585-1442 VALLEY FELLOWSHIP PRIMERA BAPTIST CHURCH 2722 N. Conway • 451-5500 JESUS CHRIST OF Palmhurst 585-5898 1708 E. Griffin Parkway Corner ofPORRES 6th & Oblate SAN MARTIN DE Mission LATTER-DAY SAINTS FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH Mission • 424-7200 585-4711 mi. Street N. Conway, 1/2 Mile West PALMVIEW PENTECOSTES 500 E.59th 2Mile & Bryan Rd Mission.

12th and Miller - Mission NORTH IGLESIA Alton • 585-8001 & 585-8002 APOSTOLIC NUEVA CHURCH VIDA A/G HERITAGE BAPTIST Mission, Texas 585-7281 PRIMERA IGLESIA 7612 W. 6 Mile Ln. 211 W. Mile 3 Road MCALLEN CHURCH OF SPIRIT OF PEACE Palmhurst • 956-342-9711 DEL VALLE 584-0262 & 584-5555 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN 2549 Lindbergh Ave. JESUS CHRIST OF EV. LUTHERAN CHUCH ONLY THRU Rev.JESUS Candelario Banda APOSTOLIC ASSEMBLY CHURCH McAllen • 451-6358 LATTER-DAY SAINTS by Uncle Frank 3104 Los Milagros 1511 E. Mile 2 Rd. 1102 Ash St. • 585-4829 210 N. St. Marie. • 585-8651 Missonaries • 580-2570 Mission • 581-1822 for worship schedule. Mission • 918-760-1625 IGLESIA ADVENTISTA ™ ST. JOHN OF THE FIELDS OUR LADY QUEEN DEL SEPTIMO DIA CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CATHOLIC CHURCH PlainsCapital Bank is pleased to welcome George Myers to our1725 business OF ANGELS W. Griffin Parkway CHURCH KING, DAVIS & GARCIA Pharmacy & Medical Equipment 1052 Washington Ave. GUERRA, • 585-2325 One-half mile South Leo Avenue 581-9008 911 N. Main - McAllen ATTORNEYS AT LAW La Joya • 585-5223 An Exciting for Folks Who Are “50 Years Young” 686-4241 development team.

Prior Club to joining PlainsCapital, he served as president and ST. PAUL'S CATHOLIC IGLESIA BAUTISTA BETANIA CHURCH OUR LADY OF FATIMA DAVID H. GUERRA DARRELL DAVIS CONWAY AVENUE 851 S. Breyfogle Rd. • 585-5688 1119 Francisco • 585-2701 Visit any one of our Lone Star National Bank locations throughout South Texas and CHURCH CEO of the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce.

George holds an MBA in BAPTIST open your Lone Star Legacy Club™ checking account todayCHURCH to start enjoying the 6634 El Camino Real • Granjeno E.PAUL Tom Landry • Mission • 585-1622 ST. PETER301 & ST. IGLESIA BAUTISTA 2215 N. Conway • 585-2413 benefits of being a member.

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OUR LADY OF LOURDES CRISTO EL REY Marketing and has several yearsEL of FARO experience in the real estate industry. Help 2310 N. Stewart Rd. CHURCH MISSION AUTO ELECTRIC, INC. DBA 1600 E. Bus. 83 - Mission BIBLE CHURCH Club Features: 585-5005 2.5 miles S. Conway (FM 1016) 15 miles Mission on As a Lone Star Legacy Club™ member you will W. enjoyof many features such as: Exp. 83 Family HealtH Mission us welcome George at an after-hours mixer and meet-and-greet at our IGLESIA BAUTISTA Sullivan • 585-5617 • Legacy Express e-newsletter designed especiallyCity, for LoneTX Star Legacy Club™ SHINING LIGHT BAPTIST COLONIAL members.

CHURCH CENTER OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE 3713 N. La Homa Rd. • 585-5332 ELof MESIAS UNITED 6 1/8 N. Doffing Rd. (FM 492) meetings special topics interest.

CHURCH PlainsCapital Bank• Membership branch inwithMission.

OCATHOLIC F mDunlap issiOn• 585-2623 580-4078 METHODIST Commercial Lawn Equipment “Since 1954” 620 • Adventurous and exciting trips, tours and cruises are accessible to all Lone Star IGLESIA BAUTISTA 209 E. 6th • 585-2334 915 West Bus. 83 • Mission, tX 78572 • (956) 581-7433 Legacy Club™ members. To start planning your next getaway call TEMPLO BIBLICO OUR LADY OF THE HOLY DEL VALLE 5 Mile/Conway Mission Chamber1-800-568-9890.

After-Hours FAITH MixerBAPTIST at PlainsCapital Bank in Mission ROSARY CHURCH 217 W. Mile 3 Rd. • 424-1602 CHURCH 581-4981or 585-3831 923 Matamoros St. • 581-2193 Palmhurst 3 miles N. Shary Rd. • 581-1465 CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS 5609 S 29th St. - McAllen 682-4881

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plat they had back in 1982.”

“The people who bought the Meadow Creek golf course have to maintain it,” Salinas added. “If they cannot maintain it, you all [the city] have to clean it, and every time you send somebody to clean the golf course, you charge the person that owns the golf course.”

Salinas said he “insisted” the council listen to the people that live in Meadow Creek.

“Feel sorry for them [the residents], because they’re going to have some bad neighbors there,” Salinas said. “They didn’t expect to have those homes there. They bought with the intention of having a nice golf course and nice neighborhood.”

The Bauzas also spoke on why the rezoning would be beneficial to the city and surrounding area.

“We know that the city council is concerned about the future of this subdivision,” Laurice Bauza said.

“We want to tell you that if this zoning is not approved, the value of the subdivision will be severely affected, and it [the golf course] could be closed until it is solved.”

Several residents spoke on the issue during public hearing. A group of investors among the residents have also made two offers to buy the property from the owners, but at a rate the Bauzas were not interested in.

For the Meadow Creek residents present, keeping the community the way it was when they purchased their homes is crucial to them. Many stated that if the city rezoned, they would go to other cities in the Valley.

“We’re talking about business here, and they [the Bauzas] made a bad business decision,” Robert Degarimore, a resident of Meadow Creek, said. “They couldn’t fund it. It’s time for them to go, they’ve got an offer on the table to leave, they need to go away. You guys are going to reward [them] for bad business.”

Jon Garner, a golf course

architect and land planner who lives in McAllen, also spoke during the public hearing. He stated that in his experience, and in recent years, golfing activity has decreased in the United States.

“Beginning in about 2003, statistics started showing that fewer people were playing golf,” Garner said.

“We didn’t quit building golf courses. With the economic crash in 2008, new golf course design came to a screeching halt.”

Garner said that many courses under construction at that time were not completed, and since then the market is “slowly crawling back, but for different types of facilites.”

“Today I get calls to reduce golf [courses],” Garner said. “The new courses I’m working on are small courses. The National Golf Foundation in the year 2017 said the total supply of golf declined by 1.5 percent. Only 15 and a half new courses were opened, and 205 and a half were closed.”

While he was speaking, a resident from Meadow Creek called out, asking who was paying Garner to be there.

“I am free, sir,” Garner said.

The residents who came forward after Garner said that regardless of what the stats are, they golf quite often and know plenty of people who also like to participate. One man noted that young people have begun to take more of an interest as well, citing the popularity of Topgolf, a corporate driving range that has recently opened a location in Pharr.

Council changed two of the requests, rezoning all four tracts to residential-1.

The four council members voted to approve the altered items, and Mayor Armando O’caña voted against it.

After the vote the residents got up to leave the chambers, and a man called out “Shame on you!,” while a woman added “Bye bye, Mission!”

February 15, 2019

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OFELIA PEÑA-PEREZ

Congratulations to 2019 RGV Walk of Fame City of Palmhurst Inductees

4417 North Shary Rd. Palmhurst, TX (956) 583-8697 www.cityofpalmhursttx.com

Ramiro J. Rodriguez, Jr. Mayor

Robert A Salinas Mayor Pro-Tem

Ruben De Leon Councilman

Jaime Aranda Councilman

PETE AYALA

Israel Silva Councilman

Ofelia Peña-Perez Councilwoman

4th annual Young Hearts Matter event fills cafeteria

By Jamie Treviño Despite the cold and rainy weather this past weekend, concerned students, parents and law enforcement officers gathered to speak on the issue of teen dating violence.

The 4th annual Young Hearts Matter event drew students and administrators from across the Rio Grande Valley last Saturday afternoon to Lamar Academy in McAllen. Although it originally included a 2K walk at McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium, that portion of the event was cancelled because of the forecast.

The other parts of the event continued as scheduled, and students and administrators wearing orange in solidarity gathered, rain coats and all, in the Lamar Academy cafeteria in order to hear what the speakers had to say.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the 2017 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey found that 8 percent of high school students reported physical violence and 7 percent reported that they experienced sexual violence from a dating partner in the 12 months before the survey.

A CDC Report titled “The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey” found that among victims of contact sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner, “about 26% of females and nearly 15% of males first experienced some form of violence by that partner before age 18.”

Young Hearts Matter was created in order to bring awareness on teen dating violence to young people across the Rio Grande Valley.

Speakers during the event included District Attorney Ricardo Rodriguez, Jr. (who has led the event for the past four years), Hidalgo County Precinct 2 Commissioner Eduardo Cantu, 449th District Court Judge Renee Rodriguez-Betancourt, McAllen ISD board member Sam Saldivar, Jr., Mission CISD board mem-

ber Patty O’caña-Olivarez, McAllen City Commissioner District 2 Joaquin Zamora, Texas Council on Family Violence Youth Board Member Miguel Angel Martinez Jr., Young Hearts Matter Teen Ambassador Karina Garcia, and HCDA Victims Unit Director Rosie Martinez.

Each speaker had unique perspectives, and some even gave their testimonies about similar dating experiences they found themselves in.

Karina Garcia, a student at Lamar Academy, told her story about a bad relationship she was in and what it took for her to get out of it.

“It’s not just me,” Garcia said. “In fact, 94 percent of those age 16 to 19 are victimized by a current or former boyfriend or girlfriend.

It isn’t normal for someone to disrespect you.”

Garcia asked her peers to look out for warning signs in their own relationships, and said that if they found themselves in her situation, it’s okay and necessary to tell someone they trust like a parent, teacher or counselor.

Several speakers after Garcia commended her for her courage to step forward.

Patty O’caña-Olivarez said she was encouraged by Garcia’s testimony and felt able to speak about her own bad relationship when she was 18 years old.

DA Rodriguez spoke about the importance of being aware of teen dating violence in the community.

“We’re here for a reason: we’re here to start a conversation,” Rodriguez said. “We started this campaign four years ago, and it has grown.”

Rodriguez said his office was getting several calls about this issue, and they decided to do something about it.

“We’re here because we care about you,” Rodriguez said. “We want you to know that we are going to stand with you and be beside you throughout your education.”

Following the presentations, an informational fair was held at the Lamar Academy gym, where more detailed information and resources could be found.

Progress Times photo by Jamie Treviño.

District Attorney Ricardo Rodriguez, Jr. speaking to kids and parents at Lamar Academy on Saturday about the issue of teen dating violence.

Various agencies, non-profit organizations and law enforcement representatives such as the Hidalgo County Crime Victims Unit, Mission Police Department, Be Smart, Moms Demand Action, Edinburg Boys and Girls Club, BCFS Health and Human Services, Hidalgo County Family Violence Task Force, Sigma Global Nursing Excellence, McAllen Boys and Girls Club, South Texas Health System, Weslaco Police Department, UNIDAD Coalition, Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council, Children’s Advocacy Center and Ready RGV participated in the free event.

“It’s difficult,” Rodriguez said. “Every day we work with victims who are afraid to talk about what’s going on with them.”

“We’re here to make sure that we have this conversation here, in your homes, in school, with your friends, about teen dating violence and other issues that go on in your school,” Rodriguez added. “You should not be afraid. Because we are here to help. We’re here to support you.”

Classic Country Concert 21 #1 Hit Songs Including: “Last Cheaters Waltz” “Only One You” “Party Time”

Saturday, Feb. 23rd

Tickets $45 p/p (cash only) Reserve Seating (Table of 8) Now on Sale at Riverside Club Only

T.G. Sheppard

Concert Starts 7pm • Doors Open 5pm 214 E. Chimney Rd. - Mission, TX

Call Jennifer at

956-581-1033

page 6

February 15, 2019

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Diamondbacks, Eagles and Patriots playoff bound

By Luciano Guerra Last year the Juarez-Lincoln Huskies were the only Big 7 boys’ basketball team to qualify for the playoffs.

Perennial powerhouses such as the Mission Veterans Patriots and the Sharyland Rattlers failed to extend their seasons into post-season play. And with the Huskies bi-district round loss to the South San Antonio Bobcats, the Big 7 failed to have a representative in the second round of the UIL state playoffs for the second year in a row.

The last Big 7 team to advance into the second round of the playoffs was the 2016 Sharyland Pioneer Diamondbacks’ team. While it is too early to tell if history will repeat itself this year, there is that possibility since the Diamondbacks are back in the playoffs for the first time since that 2016 season. As a matter of fact, not only are they in the playoffs, but they just clinched their first district title in school history by posting a 13-1 record against their District 31-5A opponents this season, equaling the Lady Diamondbacks’ same feat which they accomplished last week.

While the Diamondbacks are sharing their title with the Rio Grande City Rattlers, they will be the district’s top seed in the playoffs thanks to a coin flip going their way.

Next up for Coach Rene Gonzalez’s squad will be the Brownsville Pace Vikings who are entering the playoffs as District 32-5A’s fourth seed.

The two other Big 7 teams that have qualified for the playoffs this season are the Mission Veterans Patriots and the Mission Eagles.

While this will be the Patriots’ first playoff appearance since the 2015 season, it’s 1-1 for Jose Ramos who is in

his first year as the Patriots’ head coach.

The Patriots will be playing Brownsville Veterans Memorial next Tuesday at 7 pm at Mission Veterans Memorial High School in the bi-district round of the state playoffs.

As for the Mission Eagles, their 9-5 District 30-6A record not only earned them a third place tie with the McAllen High Bulldogs, but it also made it possible for the Eagles to bring an end to their 10 year playoff drought.

In his second year as the Eagles’ head coach, Rico Martinez has seen his team go from their 2-12 record last year to 9-5 this year.

While he credits his team’s hard work for such a quick and dramatic turn-around, he also acknowledges that having so many players returning from last year has played a part as well.

“The kids have put in the work this year,” Martinez said. “Especially the seven guys that returned from last year’s team. They made up their minds since the end of last year that they had the talent to do something special this year. They put in the work during the offseason and kept it up all season long and here we are in the playoffs.”

“Coming out of last year, we had three players in particular who were not football players and that allowed them to focus on basketball year round,” Martinez added.

“They are Martin Vazquez, Eddie Rivero and the one senior that has been on this team for three or four years is Andy Martinez. Louie Garcia decided to play football this year so that benefitted him when it comes to his strength. These four guys really put in the work but they had help from Jahel Salinas and Deandre Sifontes who came into the program from

the junior varsity last year.”

Depending on whether they end up as the third seed or the fourth seed, which will be determined after they play the McAllen Bulldogs in a tie-breaker game, the Eagles will either play Laredo Alexander, Laredo United or Laredo Nixon in the bi-district round of the playoffs next Monday or Tuesday.

When Eagles’ senior shooting guard Martin Vazquez was asked what made the difference this year compared to last year, he said, “We started playing as a team and we came together with great chemistry the whole season. But mostly we had fun and we did what we had to do.”

As for what it means to him to be part of the first Mission Eagles basketball team to make the playoffs in 10 years, Vazquez said, “It feels great because I hadn’t experienced it before. So it means a lot to me and I’m sure that it means a lot to the City of Mission as well.”

At 6-foot-5, senior power forward Louie Garcia is the tallest member of the Mission Eagles’ basketball team.

He for one is quick to credit Coach Martinez for the team’s quick turn-around.

“He’s a defensive coach first and defense is how he rolls,” Garcia said. “I give him a lot of credit for turning our basketball program around. But mostly, the guys wanted to work and he really made us work. We have a lot of talent on this team and if we all play together and we play our style of ball, we could surprise a few people from here on out.”

The Eagles will be playing the McAllen High Bulldogs in a tie-breaking game tonight at 7:30 at Neuhaus Gym. The winner will enter the playoffs as the district’s third seed while the loser will enter as the fourth seed.

NOTHING BUT NET!

Progress Times photo by: Luciano Gueerra

Mission Eagles, #4 Deandre Sinfontes, avoids a block from Sharyland Pioneer, #32 Lavar Lindo.

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February 15, 2019

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Sharyland Pioneer, Mission Veterans suffer first round playoff exits

Lady Diamondbacks drop thriller, Lady Patriots fall big

By Bryan Ramos The road came to an end for Big 7 Girls Basketball on Monday night as the Sharyland Pioneer Lady Diamondbacks and Mission Veterans Lady Patriots suffered first round losses and were bounced from this year’s postseason.

Sharyland Pioneer Lady Diamondbacks The District 31-5A Champion Lady Diamondbacks’ first trip to the playoffs ended in heartbreaking fashion Monday night as a last minute push and layup from Brownsville Pace put them over the top for a 47-46 win over Sharyland Pioneer at Sharyland Pioneer High School.

After falling behind 18-9 in the first quarter and with sophomore guard Audry Hornaday on the bench in foul trouble, the Lady Diamondbacks managed to fight back into the game with a pair of three-pointers from Danielle Rangel to force a 21-21 tie heading into the locker room.

The Sharyland Pioneer Lady Diamondbacks began to gain momentum in the second half as Hornaday bounced back to score all 10 of her points in the third and fourth quarters, while senior Alicia Martinez poured in eight of her 11 with tough inside play after the break. The Lady Diamondbacks managed to pull ahead 44-40 in the final minutes but shooting 2 of 10 from the free throw

line in the fourth quarter came back to bite Sharyland Pioneer as Pace’s Lexy Arce hit a layup with 8.6 seconds left to seal the 47-46 victory.

Although their season may be over, the Sharyland Pioneer Lady Diamondbacks took significant steps forward this year. Head Coach Nicole Villarreal and her girls missed out on the playoffs a season ago by one game and said they wouldn’t let it happen again. The Lady Diamondbacks then proceeded to win a program record 24 games, capture their first district championship and make the school’s first playoff appearance ever in 2018-2019.

Sharyland Pioneer will return 10 players next season, all who now have playoff

experience under their belt as the Lady Diamondbacks continue the hunt for their first postseason victory in program history.

Mission Veterans Lady Patriots The Mission Lady Patriots basketball team got off to a slow start in their Bi-district playoff matchup against Donna at McAllen High Monday night, and even though they never gave up, they were never able to catch up. A 16-2 deficit at the end of the first quarter became a 30-14 halftime deficit, then became a 45-27 deficit at the end of the third quarter and finally a 60-38 final score in favor of Donna High.

Senior Jackie Howell and junior Kaylee Flores led the

way for the Lady Patriots with 13 and 12 points, respectively. Only three other Lady Patriots scored against Donna, junior Ronnie Cantu with seven points, senior Lily Gonzalez with four points and junior Kelly Garcia with two points.

The first round playoff loss was a disappointing finish to an otherwise extremely successful season for the Lady Patriots, who posted a 12-2 District 31-5A record and went into the playoffs as the district’s second seed.

When asked what accounted for their slow start in Monday night’s game, Lady Patriots’ head coach Rafael Cantu Jr. said, “We couldn’t make a shot, we got into foul trouble, and we simply did not play

up to the level we’ve played all season. And they capitalized on it.”

With this being the final game as a Lady Patriot for senior Jackie Howell, she shared what this season has meant to her when she said, “It’s been great. I’ve loved playing every second of the four years I’ve been here. Every team has been different and every year we didn’t know how each season was going to go for us. But it came out well every year and we’ve ended up towards the top of our district. This is one of the closest teams I’ve ever been on and I couldn’t be happier to end it with this kind of team.”

CONGRATULATIONS ON A GREAT SEASON!

DISTRICT 31-5A CHAMPIONS

SHARYLAND PIONEER

MISSION VETERANS

Lady Diamondbacks

SHARYLAND ISD Way To Go Diamondbacks!

Thank you Sharyland ISD School Board for Supporting our Athletes!

Lady Patriots

Congratulations Mission Eagles

Good Luck In The Playoffs!

Congratulations to all of our

PLAYOFF BOUND

Basketball Teams SHARYLAND

DISTRICT 31-5A CHAMPIONS

PIONEER

Diamondbacks #0 EDDIE LEE MARBURGER, #1 ETHAN LEE #2 TAGGART CHANDLER, #3 DARIK BRISENO #5 MIGUELANGEL GONZALEZ, #10 DIEGO PEREZ #12 AARON CUEVAS, #13 JARED SUAREZ #21 LUKE PADILLA, #24 MARCO TREVINO #30 MIGUEL RAMOS, #32 LAVAR LINDO

MISSION Eagles #0 ALEK GOMEZ, #1 EDDIE RIVERO, #2 ANDREW MALDONADO, #3 TITO MORONTA #4 DEANDRE SIFONTES, #5 JEREMY DURAN, #11 HECTOR BECHO, #12 ANDY MARTINEZ #13 REY GARCIA, #20 MARTIN VAZQUEZ, #21 JAHEL SALINAS, #23 DAMIAN GOMEZ #34 LOUIE GARCIA

MISSION VETERANS Patriots #1 NOE CANTU, #23 HOMERO GARZA, #44 JESSE LERMA, #34 ADRIAN VILLAREAL #42 ANATOLIO GALVAN, #11 MAURICIO GONZALEZ GALAN, #22 JACOB MARQUEZ, #33 JOSUE MUNIZ, #20 AARON MUNOZ, #12 CARLOS RAMIREZ FLORES #15 MIKEY AYALA, #21 RICARDO LOYA

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February 15, 2019

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Sullivan City entering in first sister city agreement

By Jose De Leon III For the first time in its 18 years since it was incorporated, Sullivan City will be entering in a sister city agreement with a neighboring city across the border.

Sullivan City administrators announced this new relationship with the Tamaulipas municipality Gustavo Diaz Ordaz during their Wednesday city council meeting.

“It’s a way to show that we’re neighbors and we have a lot to offer each other,” Sullivan City Mayor Leo Garcia said.

Jose Manuel Lopez Hernandez, Mayor of Gustavo Diaz Ordaz, spoke to those in attendance in Spanish on the incoming sister city agreement. “We’re neighbors, the idea is to have ties with Sullivan City and start to recognize that the people of Sullivan City have friendly neighbors in a quiet town filled with generous, noble people who want to share with them,” Hernandez said.

As a sign of this friendship, Sullivan City will host their first International Cook Off and Festival next month.

The cook-off, which will be held Saturday, March 30, will include cash prizes, folklorico and mariachi performances from Gustavo Diaz Ordaz and more.

“They’ll be bringing something from their culture here,” Garcia said. He and consultant Ramon Segovia both received a bottle of tequila and a planner from Hernandez as a token of appreciation.

According to Garcia, this is the first time in the histo-

ry of Sullivan City, which was first incorporated in 2001, that they had a sister city. The neighboring cities of Mission and Palmview have sister cities, which are agreements between cities in geographically and politically distinct areas to promote cultural and commercial ties.

“People in Sullivan City have family in Gustavo Diaz Ordaz and people in Gustavo Diaz Ordaz have family from Sullivan City,” Hernandez said. “This is the start of communication between both cities.”

At that same meeting, city officials held a public hearing on the cities proposed municipal building which would be located on Paloma and 4th Streets.

The project consists of a 13,000 square-foot public safety building that will be the city’s new city hall and police station. The property would sit on the eastern portion of the land that formerly belonged to the La Joya school district before they donated it to Sullivan City for the purpose of building a park, library, learning center, city hall or fire department.

Designs released by the engineering firm Brighton Group LLC show that the city is also planning a soccer field, a new fire station, a community center and a library in those 10 acres. The city will fund the projects through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development program, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant program and Hidalgo County Urban County Pro-

Progress Times photo by Jose De Leon III

Mayor Jose Manuel Lopez Hernandez of Gustavo Diaz Ordaz presenting Sullivan City Mayor Leo Garcia with tokens of appreciation during Wednesday’s city council meeting in Sullivan City. gram.

The new city hall would replace the tiny building currently used, which stands

in the city park on Cenizo Street. Wednesday’s meeting drew in a crowd so large that most of the people were

outside the building as the conference room where the meetings are held was standing room only.

“As you can tell from the crowd, a new city hall is very much needed,” Garcia said of the planned developments.

Progress Times photo by Jose De Leon III

Attorney Marco De Luna (left) and La Joya ISD Trustee Oscar “Coach” Salinas (right) being sworn in as Sullivan City municipal judges Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2019.

Sullivan City appoints 2 new municipal judges

By Dave Hendricks

We would like the community to have the opportunity to submit their theme suggestions for our Parade of Oranges next year.

One theme will be selected.

The winning/selected theme will receive a $100 prize.

1 entry per person. Entries can be mailed or dropped off at the office between the hours of 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.

by March 1, 2019.

Citrus office address is 220 E. 9thSt.

The Sullivan City Commission created municipal judge positions Wednesday for a school board trustee and a political candidate.

Mayor Leo Garcia nominated La Joya school board Trustee Oscar “Coach” Salinas and attorney Marco A. De Luna to serve as associate

municipal judges.

As a Sullivan City resident, Salinas said he’ll be available nights and weekends for last-minute arraignments. De Luna brings a decade of legal experience to the bench.

“At the end of the day, it’s a win-win for everyone,” Garcia said, adding that he wants to reduce the amount

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of time inmates spend in the city jail.

The City Commission unanimously approved the nominations, increasing the number of municipal judges from three to five.

Well-wishers, family members and Hidalgo County leaders packed Sullivan City Hall for the swearing-in ceremony.

County Judge Richard Cortez, District Attorney Ricardo Rodriguez, Sheriff J.E. “Eddie” Guerra, Precinct 3 Commissioner Joe Flores, Peñitas Mayor Rigo Lopez and former state Rep. Kino Flores, among others, congratulated them.

“I want to thank the city of Sullivan for considering me,” said Salinas, 49, of Sullivan City, who served on the City Commission before joining the school board. “It’s a great honor.”

The existing judges — Municipal Judge Roberto Garza, Associate Judge Jesse Lerma, who works for the city of Mission; and Associate Judge Alex Cantu, who serves on the La Joya school board — don’t live in Sullivan City and aren’t always available.

Salinas said he’ll handle last-minute arraignments at night and on weekends, which will reduce the time

inmates spend in the city jail.

“I think that’s going to be my primary responsibility,” Salinas said.

Sullivan City agreed to pay him $250 per month, but Salinas asked the city to donate the money to charity.

Along with serving Sullivan City residents, Salinas said the position would provide him an opportunity to try out the courtroom.

“I’ve always wanted to run for JP,” Salinas said, referring to justice of the peace.

“That’s one of the reasons.

Get the experience and see if I really like it, first of all.”

Sullivan City may also serve as a launchpad for De Luna, who is running for Hidalgo County Precinct 3 Place 1 justice of the peace.

He volunteered to work without pay.

For parents already struggling to make ends meet, Class C misdemeanor citations create financial pressure, De Luna said, adding that he wants to work with Sullivan City residents to avoid unnecessary fines.

“I’ve been an attorney for over 10 years,” said De Luna, 43 of Mission. “But also I know what it’s like when a ticket or something like that could truly affect your livelihood.”

February 15, 2019

obituaries Noe Cantu MISSION – Noe M. Cantu, 67, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019, at his home in Mission.

Mr. Cantu was born on March 4, 1951, in McAllen to Virgilio and Lydia Cantu.

He was owner of A-Cantu Bail Bonds in McAllen for more than 20 years and retired in 2018. He served in the United States Army.

Survivors include his children, Claudia Cantu-Flores, Dr. Amanda Cantu and Ricardo Canales Jr.; siblings, Virgilio Cantu,Jr., Maria Imelda Sanchez, Juan Eliberto Cantu, Belinda Mendoza, Cynthia Garcia and Roel Cantu; and three grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Alma Nellie Cantu, and his parents.

A funeral mass was held on Feb. 9 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission.

Alejandro Espinoza ALTON – Alejandro Espinoza, 76, passed away on Feb. 4, 2019 at Mission Regional Medical Center in Mission.

Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Teresa Espinoza; children Gilbert Espinoza, Rolando Espinoza, Norma Gorena; siblings, Alicia Vargas, Yolanda Palacios, Ela Espinoza and Ana Galvan; and seven grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Andres and Domitila Espinoza, and siblings, Andres Jaime Espinoza, Irma Martinez and Ruben Espinoza.

A funeral mass was held Feb. 9 at San Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Alton.

Burial followed at Garden of Angels Cemetery in Abram.

Serving as pallbearers were Jaime Javier Espinoza, Adrian Espinoza, Matthew Espinoza, Erik Espinoza, Ernesto Cuevas, Joel Murillo, Fernando Mercado and Andy Martinez. Honorary pallbearers were Mayra Espinoza, Kayla Espinoza, Erika Espinoza and Nikkolai

Gorena.

Orfelinda Garcia MISSION – Orfelinda M. Garcia, 89, passed away on Monday, Feb. 11, 2019, at the Bridges at Mission.

Mrs. Garcia was born on July 6, 1929, to Arnulfo and Romula Madrigal. She was a self-trained florist for over 30 years in Mission where she operated her business.

She was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.

Survivors include her children, Adalberto Garcia Jr., Ricardo Garcia and Carmen Gonzalez; and seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Adalberto Garcia; son, Carlos Garcia; and siblings, Rene Madrigal, Minerva Madrigal and Tochita Madrigal.

A funeral mass was held on Feb. 14 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery in McAllen.

Virginia Kopecki MISSION – Virginia Kopecki, 92, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019 in McAllen.

Mr. Kopecki was a longtime member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Mission.

Survivors include her children, JoAnn Newton, John Kopecki, Jr., Betty Melhart and James Kopecki, and nine grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, John F. Kopecki Sr. A funeral mass was held on Feb.11 at St. Paul’s Catholic. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery in McAllen.

Serving as pallbearers were Justin Newton, John Newton, Andres Garza, Chase Kotzur, Chad Kotzur and J.R. Kopecki.

Maria Reyes MISSION – Maria de Jesus Serna Reyes, 96, passed away on Wednesday, Feb.6,

Veliz (Geronimo) of Alton, Tex.; and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Jean, in 2004.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Feb. 15, 2019, from 12 noon to 6 p.m. at Kreidler Funeral Home in McAllen.

A graveside service, with military honors, will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019, at the George West Cemetery in George West, Tex., with the VFW Honor Guard. Brother Bruce Irving from First Baptist Church will be officiating. Kreidler Funeral Home, Inc. of McAllen is in charge of arrangements.

Notices

Billy Joe Skidmore, Sr. ALTON – Billy Joe Skidmore, Sr., 91, passed away on Friday, February 8, 2019 at Mission Valley Nursing Home.

Billy was born in Manchester, Tex., and lived in Bogota and Three Rivers.

He was a veteran and served in the U.S. Army during the occupation of WWII and was honorably discharged. He married Betty Jean Shaw and they moved to the Valley, making it their home. Billy retired from Valero Energy Corp.

He is survived by his children, Billie Lynn Watson (John) of Tennessee., Barbara Jean Campbell (Leon Batenhorst) of Clarendon, Tex., Billy Joe Jr. (Corina) of Mission, Tex., and Melissa

Raquel Castro MISSION – Raquel Guzman Castro, 57, passed away on Monday, Feb. 11, 2019, at her home.

Agustina Cortez MISSION – Agustina Cortez, 76, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 10, 2019, at McAllen Medical Center.

Angel Esquivel LA JOYA – Angel Luz Esquivel, 81, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 10, 2019, at Amara Hospice in Edinburg.

Diana Garcia MISSION – Diana (Ruiz) Garcia, 56, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019, at her home in Mission.

Harold Garner MISSION – Harold Garner, 86, passed away on Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, at Waterford Gardens in Mission.

Carmela Guerrero ALTON – Carmela Juarez Guerrero, 60, passed away on Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, at McAllen Medical Center .

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.

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2019, at her home in Mission.

Survivors include her children, Rosa Limas, Guadalupe Reyes, Monce Reyes, Mary Cano, Diana Reyes, Jose Reyes, Ana Rosales, Delia Vecchio and Rene Reyes; and 33 grandchildren, 52 great-grandchildren and 13 great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Domingo Reyes; parents, Andres Serna and Maria Atilana Martinez; son, Eulalio Reyes; granddaughter, Maria Nieto; three brothers and three sisters.

A funeral mass was held on Feb.9 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.

Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens in Mission.

Serving as pallbearers were Leonard Limas Jr., Guadalupe Reyes Jr., Francisco Reyes, Andres Cano, Ruben Cano III, Domingo Reyes, Heriberto Nieto Jr., Enrique Vecchio Jr. and Andres Vecchio.

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

Maria Longoria ALTON – Maria B. Longoria, 76, di passed away on Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019, at her home in Alton Juan Martinez MISSION – Juan Martinez, 61, passed away on Friday, Feb. 8, 2019, at McAllen Medical Center.

Efren Perez MISSION – Efren Hernandez Perez, 50, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2019, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Antonio Ramirez MISSION – Antonio Ramirez, 39, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Rebecca Ramirez PEÑITAS – Rebecca G. Ramirez, 92, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2019, at her

home in Peñitas.

Lino Rodriguez MISSION – Lino Guzman Rodriguez, 80, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 10, 2019, at his home in Mission.

Petra Rodriguez MISSION – Petra Rodriguez, 65, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019, at Amara Hospice in Edinburg.

Maria Sanchez MISSION – Maria Inosencia Sanchez, 91, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 10, 2019, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Maria Vela LA JOYA – Maria De Los Angeles Vela, 78, passed away on Monday, Feb. 11, 2019, at McAllen Heart Hospital in McAllen.

“Between June 2, 2017, and July 31, 2017, defendant worked with agents from Homeland Security Investigations during a covert operation involving drug trafficking,” Rees said. “As part of this operation, agents provided the defendant with several sums of money to pay the target of the operation for the target’s illegal activity. Of the money the defendant was entrusted with, the defendant took approximately $5,000 and did not pay the target.”

Attorney David L. Flores of Edinburg, who represents Saucedo-Rodriguez, didn’t respond to requests for comment.

Why the government started working with Saucedo-Rodriguez remains unclear.

Court records don’t reveal any prior encounters between Saucedo-Rodriguez and law enforcement, other than a drunken driving arrest in July 2014. Records from that arrest describe him as a self-employed Mexican citizen from Pharr.

At some point, Saucedo-Rodriguez became an informant for Homeland Security Investigations, a division of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Federal agents sent Sauce-

do-Rodriguez to meet with Hernandez in May 2017.

Hernandez, who worked for the Progreso Police Department at the time, bragged about knowing Gulf Cartel boss Juan Manuel “El Toro” Loza-Salinas and claimed he needed money to campaign for Hidalgo County constable, according to court records.

Federal agents provided Saucedo-Rodriguez with cash and instructed him to pay Hernandez as part of the sting operation.

Saucedo-Rodriguez confessed to pocketing the money on three occasions, according to court records and discussion during the plea hearing.

On June 2, 2017, federal agents asked Saucedo-Rodriguez to show Hernandez a license plate number and ask him to conduct a records check, which would reveal who owned the corresponding vehicle.

The agents provided Saucedo-Rodriguez with $1,000 to pay Hernandez. He confessed to keeping $500 for himself, Rees said.

Saucedo-Rodriguez pocketed money again on June 26.

from pg. 1

INFORMANT

See INFORMANT Pg. 10

page 10 from pg. 9

INFORMANT

Federal agents handed $2,000 to Saucedo-Rodriguez, which would pay for Hernandez to conduct a background check on someone suspected of working for the government.

Saucedo-Rodriguez, however, didn't pay Hernandez and kept all the money for himself, Rees said.

Federal agents didn’t catch Saucedo-Rodriguez until July 31, when they provided him with $5,000 to pay

Hernandez for protecting a cocaine shipment. When he returned from the meeting, agents discovered that Saucedo-Rodriguez still had $2,500.

“The defendant was supposed to turn all $5,000 over, as part of the covert operation, to the target,” Rees said during the plea hearing.

“And he was not authorized to keep any of it. But he kept $2,500.”

A grand jury indicted

from Thesaurus.com.

Concerned about the post, which could be interpreted as an attempt to intimidate witnesses or influence the potential jury pool, U.S. District Judge Randy Crane sent Hernandez to jail Tuesday afternoon.

“He’s on pretrial release,” Crane said. “He can’t say that.”

Hernandez also posted comments about a federal prosecutor, a federal agent and a government witness or informant.

After he posted about the government witness or informant, someone posted a photo of the person in question.

“He then applauds the

photo,” Crane said, reviewing copies of the Facebook posts provided to him by prosecutors. “Like ‘You got it right.’”

Hernandez deactivated his Facebook accounts. The Progress Times obtained copies of the posts from a source who monitors him on Facebook.

Crane warned Hernandez to stop posting about the case on social media. To punish him for the posts, Crane sent Hernandez to jail until Friday.

Jury selection for Hernandez, who faces two federal drug trafficking charges, is scheduled for Feb. 19. The trial will start March 4.

from pg. 1

February 15, 2019

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

FACEBOOK POSTS

Saucedo-Rodriguez for theft of government money on Aug. 29, 2017, roughly two weeks after federal agents arrested Hernandez.

Saucedo-Rodriguez pleaded guilty in December 2018.

“It is true that $5,000 I did not give to the target,” Saucedo-Rodriguez said at the plea hearing, speaking through a translator.

Hernandez referenced the situation in several Facebook posts.

“It is public that District Attorney Reese admitted that Criminal informant committed felonious criminal acts throughout the case and was subsequently arrested,” Hernandez posted on Facebook, misspelling the federal pros-

ecutor’s name and misstating her position. “It is public that the informant also lied to federal agents throughout the case in multiple occasions.”

Attorney David Acosta, who represents Hernandez, didn’t respond to requests for comment.

The missing money may complicate the drug trafficking case against Hernandez, who is scheduled for trial on March 4.

James Sturgis, the assistant U.S. attorney in charge for the McAllen Division of the Southern District of Texas, said it’s improper for prosecutors to discuss the facts of a case or what they expect witnesses to testify before trial.

“Our job is to present the

facts to the jury,” Sturgis said. “And argue based on those facts.”

Prosecutors routinely handle informants with credibility problems.

“Typically, the person has some involvement in criminal activity,” said attorney Carlos A. Garcia of Mission.

Garcia, who spoke generally about the problems posed by informants, didn’t comment on the Hernandez case.

“They’re not doing it out of some sort of civic or civil duty,” Garcia said. “They’re doing it to get a reduction in their own sentence. Or to keep them from being prosecuted. Or for money.”

Many informants start working for the government

after they’re arrested for criminal activity, said attorney Al Alvarez of McAllen.

On occasion, informants double-cross federal agents and keep committing crimes while working for the government.

“That is more common than you think,” Alvarez said. “The government recruits them, they give them money and they continue their criminal activities, thinking — wrongly, I think — that they have some kind of protection from the government because they’re working as a CI.” Jury selection is scheduled for Tuesday.

trict in the Valley has a designation of any kind at the middle school level.”

Salgado explained that with the designations, each campus would focus on a different area which also includes leadership skills and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). With the designations, Salgado explained, the district is creating a pathway to a career for students outside of school.

These opportunities from designated schools are among the programs offered for students in the district, which includes stand-alone academies for health science and STEM, a partnership with South Texas College for students to receive an associate’s degree and get a head start in

college, and more.

“Parents have choices and can take their kids eanywhere, we want them to see what we have to offer,” Salgado said of the event. “It’s a place for people to shop for their schools.”

District Superintendent Alda T. Benavides defended praised the event and the upcoming middle school designations. She said that with the designations, students will be able to get a head start on their career path.

“It’s important to give [students] an opportunity while they’re in school to find out what they really like instead of waiting until college for that,” Benavides said. “Even if kids end up changing their minds about it, at least they’ll

get a good experience out of it and find their niche by the time they’re in college.”

Among the parents at the event was Rosa Garza, who had her three kids with her.

Her children range from elementary, middle and high school students in the district and moved to La Joya from the Edinburg school district.

“I prefer the programs here, the kids used to go to Edinburg but it feels like there’s more opportunities for my kids to take advantage of in La Joya,” Garza said. “My kids have different talents and are in different clubs and organizations available in the district that helps them hone in their talents. This event is good because it helps students and parents recognize

that.”

Another parent in attendance was Gloria Ochoa, who has four kids in the district. She spoke highly of the district's dual enrollment program, which her oldest child was taking and her middle child will start taking next year once she attends high school.

“I’ve checked neighboring school district and I think there’s more college opportunities for students here,” Ochoa said. “My kids and their fellow students are getting a jumpstart in life with these programs and will be ahead of most kids once they graduate. As a parent, I want that for my kids.”

inees are “sent an invitation to complete an application online and asked about their professional experiences, educational philosophies and achievements both in and out of the classroom.”

After that, judges review the applications, narrowing the field to semi-finalists.

Then, five regional judging panels comprised of former winners, administrators, and university and community leaders not affiliated with H-E-B select 40 teacher and principal finalists.

Perez said she was shocked when they knocked on her door Wednesday morning to let her know she had become a finalist.

“They opened the door and I saw the administration, and all these people, and I was like ‘Oh my God!,’” Perez said. “So I started to cry a little, and then I stopped myself.”

Perez says she has found that the best way to engage

children in the classroom involves bringing examples to their particular level and making it part of their experience.

“I try to let them know that everything is possible, they can succeed,” Perez said. “When my husband says it’s time to retire, I say ‘If I cannot get up one day and be happy, then I will [retire]. Because I’ll have no need in the class.’ But if I can still enjoy my children, I’m still here.”

In May, Perez will travel to Austin to compete at the state level for more cash prizes. Winners of the Lifetime Achievement Award receive $25,000 for themselves and a $25,000 grant for their school.

MCISD has past H-E-B Excellence in Education award winners still at the district, who will be reaching out to Perez in order to let her know what to prepare for in May.

Previous MCISD winners and nominees include Rhonda Peña from Bryan Elementary School (winner of the 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award), Rosbel Peña at Alton Memorial Jr. High School (winner of the 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award), Yvette Nevarez from Alton Memorial Jr. High School (finalist for the 2016 Rising Star Award), Jesus Razo at Mission Jr. High School (finalist for the 2015 Rising Star Award) and Alton Memorial Jr. High School principal, Sylvia Garcia was a semi-finalist for a principal award in 2015.

Superintendent Carol Perez was also present at Pearson Elementary School Wednesday morning, and expressed her excitement for the third grade teacher’s accomplishment.

“We know that it is very well-deserved,” Dr. Perez said. “She’s a top-notch teacher, and she deserves the

recognition.”

Pearson Elementary School Principal Melissa Davis said that if anyone had earned this nomination, it was Rita Perez.

“This is a first for Pearson Elementary, and we wish her the best,” Davis said. “She has a very positive impact on everybody, she’s always willing to help.”

Davis noted that Rita Perez has come a long way since her career began, and has become a great example for all educators at the school.

“She knows what it’s like to be a paraprofessional, struggle to go to college and become a teacher,” Davis said. “We have a few [here] that are doing that right now, so she’s a role model on campus. She motivates, she’s enthusiastic, and more than anything, she’s positive.”

from pg 1

from pg 1

LJISD EXPO

FINALIST

February 15, 2019

page 11

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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. 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. 01-25-19 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALMHURST ADOPTING AND ENACTING REVISED RATES FOR GARBAGE COLLECTION, WHEREAS THE CITY ADOPTS THE FOLLOWING: $25.79 FOR ONE CART; $33.62 FOR TWO CARTS; $47.08 FOR THREE CARTS. READ, CONSIDERED, AND PASSED THIS THE 25TH DAY OF JANUARY 2019 Ramiro J. Rodriguez, Jr., Mayor Attest: Richard Garcia, City Secretary

Sharyland Independent School District: Public Hearing Notice Sharyland Independent School District will hold a public hearing at 5:30 p.m., February 25, 2019 at the Sharyland Pioneer High School Auditorium, 10001 N. Shary Rd. Mission, Texas.

The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the school district’s Academic Performance Report for the 2017-2018 school year. In accordance with Texas Education Code Chapter 39, each district’s board of trustees is required to publish an annual report that includes the TAPR, campus performance objectives, a report of violent or criminal incidents, and information received under Texas Education Code §51.403(e) from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

The board of trustees is required to hold a hearing for public discussion of the report.

ORDINANCE NO. 4765 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS RESCINDING AFFIDAVIT EVIDENCED BY DOCUMENT NO. 942755 FILED OF REAL PROPERTY RECORDS IN HIDALGO COUNTY, TEXAS READ, CONSIDERED, AND PASSED THIS THE 11th DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2019.

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

ORDINANCE NO. 4766 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS, IMPLEMENTING THE MISSION POLICE DEPARTMENT RECORDS BUREAU OFFICIAL POLICE RECORDS FEE. READ, CONSIDERED, AND PASSED THIS THE 11th DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2019.

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

PUBLIC NOTICE The Mission City Council will hold a Regular Meeting on February 25, 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 tract of land containing 21.632 acres being part of portion of Lot 204, John H. Shary Subdivision, from (AO-I) Agricultural Open Interim and (C-4) Heavy Commercial to (R-1) Single Family Residential; Rezoning: The North Five (5) acres of Lot Forty-Two (42) out of Bell Woods Company’s Subdivision “C,” from (AOI) Agricultural Open Interim to (R-3) Multi-Family Residential If a zoning is amended during the public hearing, it shall be pursuant to the City of Mission’s Amendatory Zone Policy Statement. Anyone interested is invited to attend.

Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

For Sale

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Help Wanted

SERVERS AND KITCHEN help needed, part & full time, open 11am8pm, Riverside Club, 214 East Chimney Road in Mission, call 956581-1033, ask for Jennifer.

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

Progress Times is made possible by our advertisers.

Please frequent their businesses and tell them you saw their ad in the Progress Times.

JOB OPENING The City of La Joya Is soliciting applications for the Position of Certified Technician Minimum Requirements: USA Citizen, 18 yrs of age, HS Diploma or GED, should be certified, and experience necessary. No felony convictions charges. Good moral character, stable employment history and no history of any conduct, which may affect suitability for positiion.

Contact Administration Department @ 956-581-7002 To Solicit Application DEADLINE TO SUBMIT APPLICATION: February 22, 2019 The City of La Joya is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of MARIA ELENA REQUENEZ, Deceased, were issued on January 29, 2019, in Probate Court under Cause No. P-39016, Hidalgo County, Texas, to MARGARITO REQUENEZ. The residence of the Independent Executor is 903 N. Moorefield Rd., Mission, Texas 78572.

All claims should be mailed to: MARGARITO REQUENEZ c/o: Louis C. Brown Attorney at Law 1207 N. Conway Mission, TX 78572 All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them within the time and in the manner prescribed by law.

Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of FRED S. HUNTER, JR., Deceased, were issued on January 29, 2019, in Probate Court under Cause No. P-39017, Hidalgo County, Texas, to DAVID L. HUNTER. The residence of the Independent Executor is 300 S. Bryan Rd., Unit F-6, Mission, Texas 78572.

All claims should be mailed to: DAVID L. HUNTER c/o: Louis C. Brown Attorney at Law 1207 N. Conway Mission, TX 78572 All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them within the time and in the manner prescribed by law.

DATED the 12th day of February, 2019.

DATED the 12th day of February, 2019.

ORDINANCE NO. 4761

ORDINANCE NO. 4762

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A 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 READ, CONSIDERED, AND PASSED THIS THE 11th DAY OF FEBRUARY, 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 REZONING BEING A 7.060 ACRE 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 READ, CONSIDERED, AND PASSED THIS THE 11th DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2019.

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

ORDINANCE NO. 4763

ORDINANCE NO. 4764

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A 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, 151, 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 READ, CONSIDERED, AND PASSED THIS THE 11th DAY OF FEBRUARY, 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 REZONING OF A 1.682 ACRE TRCT 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, 151, 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 READ, CONSIDERED, AND PASSED THIS THE 11th DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2019.

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

Attention

Auction of Vehicles

According to the provision in the Transportation Code 683, Sub-section B, 683.012, Texas Department of Transportation informs you that the below mentioned cars have been taken into custody by the Penitas Police Department and will be sold at auction. For information on vehicles you can communicate with the Penitas Police Department at (956) 999- 8310. The auction will be held at 2001 E. 3 Mile Rd. Penitas, Texas, 78576 (Penitas Police Substation) on March 02, 2019. Starting auction will be at 1:00 PM, and will be held according to the law. Payment will be in cash (US currency) or Credit/ Debit Cards with a processing fee. The vehicles are auctioned under their conditions which there are no guarantees and/or refunds.

Color Make Model VIN 1. Maroon Pontiac Grand Am 1G2NE52F55M137378 2. Black Honda Accord 1HGCG3253YA001167 3. Silver Mitsubishi Eclipse 4A3AC44G44E051582 4. Gold Chevrolet Malibu 1G1ZT63896F174702 5. Maroon Ford Excursion 1FMNU40L91ED30280 6. Gold Chevrolet Malibu 1G1ZT628X5F123855 7. Black Ford Explorer 1FMZU74W22ZA86912 8. Black Ford Mustang 1ZVBP8AM9C5286861 9. Black Pontiac Grand Am 1G2NF52F43C318374 10. Black Cadillac CTS 1G6DP577360119699 11. Maroon Ford Focus 1FAFP34N86W210385 12.Blue Ford Expedition 1FMRU15W42LA61511 13. Gray Chevrolet Malibu 1G1ZS58F97F131208 14.Tan GMC Sierra 1GTEC19T4YZ159806

Notice to Lender Notice to: Luis Guerrero, address unknown. The records of the Mission Historical Museum reflect that you have property on loan to it. The property was received by the museum on April 2, 2003. The museum wishes to terminate the loan. You must contact the museum, provide proof of your ownership, and make arrangements to collect the property. Please contact Vernon Weckbacher, Archivist/ Curator, at the Mission Historical Museum, 900 Doherty Ave., Mission, Texas, 78572 (telephone 956-5808646). If you fail to do so within 65 days after the date of this notice, you will be deemed to have donated the property to the museum. See Chapter 80, Texas Property Code.

Notice to Lender Notice to: Jack Nickel, address unknown. The records of the Mission Historical Museum reflect that you have property on loan to it. The property was received by the museum on March 3, 2003. The museum wishes to terminate the loan. You must contact the museum, provide proof of your ownership, and make arrangements to collect the property.

Please contact Vernon Weckbacher, Archivist/Curator, at the Mission Historical Museum, 900 Doherty Ave., Mission, Texas, 78572 (telephone 956580-8646). If you fail to do so within 65 days after the date of this notice, you will be deemed to have donated the property to the museum. See Chapter 80, Texas Property Code.

CITY OF ALTON ORDINANCE 2019-05-0212 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ALTON, TEXAS, AUTHORIZING A GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON MAY 4, 2019, FOR THE PURPOSE OF ELECTING A MAYOR AND COMMISSIONER PLACE 1; PROVIDING FOR THE PUBLICATION AND POSTING OF NOTICE; PROVIDING FOR EARLY VOTING; PROVIDING FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF ELECTION ADMINISTRATOR AND JUDGES; ESTABLISHING REGULAR BUSINESS HOURS OF THE CITY SECRETARY’S OFFICE ON THE DAYS OF EARLY VOTING BY PERSONAL APPEARANCE; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; WAIVING SECOND AND THIRD READING READ, APPROVED, AND PASSED on this the 12th day of February, 2019.

Salvador Vela, Mayor, City of Alton, Texas ATTEST: Baudelia Rojas CPM,TRMC CMC, City Secretary

CITY OF ALTON ORDENANZA 2019-05-0212

UNA ORDENANZA DE LA CIUDAD DE ALTON, TEXAS AUTORIZANDO LA ELECCIÓN MUNICIPAL GENERAL QUE SE REALIZARÁ EL 4 DE MAYO DE 2019, CON EL FIN DE ELEGIR UN ALCALDE Y COMISIONADO LUGAR 1; PROPORCIONAR LA PUBLICACIÓN Y PUBLICACIÓN DE AVISO; PREVISIÓN DE VOTACIÓNES TEMPRANAS; DISPOSICIÓN DEL NOMBRAMIENTO DEL ADMINISTRADOR ELECTORAL Y DE LOS JUECES; ESTABLECER HORARIOS DE OFICINA DE LA CIUDAD EN LOS DÍAS DE VOTACIÓNES TEMPRANAS POR APARIENCIA PERSONAL; REVOCAR TODAS LAS ORDENANCIAS EN CONFLICTO; DECLARAR UNA EMERGENCIA; Y PROPORCIONAR UNA FECHA EFECTIVA; RENUNCIAR SEGUNDA Y TERCERA LECTURA. LEIDO, APROBADO Y PASADO, en este el 12 de Febrero, 2019.

Salvador Vela, Alcalde Ciudad de Alton, Texas DA FE: Baudelia Rojas, CPM,TRMCCMC,Secretaria Municipal

page 12

February 15, 2019

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

Frustrated with Palmview sewer project, city councilman confronts contractor

By Dave Hendricks Frustration with the Palmview sewer project sparked an argument between City Councilman Joel Garcia and a contractor Wednesday.

Garcia confronted the contractor Wednesday during a public meeting that brought together the Palmview City Council, the Agua Special Utility District board and construction contractors.

“I have a question,” Garcia said after reviewing several lists, which showed progress on sewer work and street paving. “I see all this.

I guess the people want to know: Why is it taking so long? And when is it going to get done? Bottom line.”

Reddy Kajuluri, an engineer with S&B Infrastructure, said several factors, including heavy rain, which increased the water table in

western Hidalgo County, contributed to delays.

The utility district hired L&G Construction and OG Construction to handle separate parts of the Palmview sewer project.

L&G Construction started work on March 13, 2017, according to records reviewed by the utility board.

The original, 330-day contract period ended on Feb. 5, 2018. However, the utility district approved change orders that added another 390 days.

With the change orders, the deadline for L&G Construction to complete the project became March 4, 2019.

Kajuluri said Wednesday that L&G Construction had completed work on about 80 percent of city streets in the company’s project area and transferred them to Palm-

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view for paving.

OG Construction, which is responsible for a separate part of the city, started work on Sept. 27, 2017, according to records reviewed by the utility board.

It also had a 330-day contract period, which ended on Aug. 22, 2018. However, the utility district approved change orders that added another 174 days.

With the change orders, the deadline for OG Construction to complete the project changed to Feb. 15, 2019.

Kajuluri said Wednesday that OG Construction had completed work on just 22 percent of city streets in the company’s project area and transferred them to Palmview for paving.

That information didn’t answer Garcia’s question about when, exactly, contractors would complete the job.

He started quizzing Steve Garza of Edinburg-based OG Construction, asking why the company had fallen behind schedule.

Garza blamed rain, which raised the water table, for the construction delays.

“The water table has risen 20 feet in some places,” Garza said.

Workers started pumping out water from some areas three months ago, Garza said, but they still haven’t been able to reduce the water level.

Garcia said he didn’t understand why OG Construction couldn’t handle the water.

“Were you not prepared with the equipment?” Garcia said. “Because, I mean, I’m sure this is not the first time you run into something like this.”

OG Construction made decisions based on data pro-

La Joya ISD Spring 2019

vided by the utility district, which included information about the water table, Garza said. Heavy rain changed the water table, which had a significant impact on the project.

“As the contractor, we’re eating a lot of this extra time.

And the extra equipment,” Garza said. “And every day we’re using 20, 30 gallons of gasoline just to run generators to pump water out that we weren’t planning on.”

Garcia wasn’t impressed.

He suggested OG Construction work longer days, nights and weekends to catch up.

“I don’t think our residents want to be educated on how you do your job or what you do,” Garcia said. “They want to know: When is it going to get done?”

The remaining members of the City Council and the utility board, along with con-

tractors, engineers and more than a dozen people who attended the public meeting, watched the argument escalate.

“I remember when all this bidding was going on.

Is it fair to say that you under-bid?” Garcia said, adding later: “That you shot yourself in the foot, in other words?”

The selection of OG Construction remains a point of contention.

OG Construction submitted a nearly $11.3 million bid for what the utility district calls “Phase 1 Group A&G” of the Palmview sewer project.

Saenz Brothers Construction and L&G Construction both submitted bids above $12.3 million — more than $1 million more than OG Construction.

After reviewing the bids and contractor qualifications,

MCISD on the road to become District of Innovation

By Jamie Treviño The Mission Consolidated Independent School District is considering two delegations as a District of Innovation.

Lorena Garcia, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Student Services, presented an item to the board of trustees during this week’s regular meeting that the council approved a resolution for. The discussion was about why the district would decide to start the steps to becoming a District of Innovation in Texas.

According to the Texas Education Agency website, Districts of Innovation were created following the passing of House Bill 1842, which in part amended Chapter 12 of the Texas Education Code (TEC). Districts of Innovation “are eligible for designation if certain performance requirements are met and the

district follows certain procedures for adoption as outlined in Statute.”

With this designation, the district will be exempt from certain sections of the TEC that “inhibit the goals of the district as outlined in the locally adopted Innovation Plan.” A district of innovation designation will not exceed five years.

TEA does not approve of the district’s innovation plan, but the organization will investigate if a district is not in compliance with the legal requirements.

“Currently there’s over 800 Districts of Innovation,” Garcia said. “That represents two out of every three school districts in the state of Texas that have already taken advantage of this legislation.”

MCISD would be seeking designations as a District of Innovation for flexibility with the school calendar and Career and Technical Educa-

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La Joya HS Mariachi Los Coyotes and Grupo Folklórico Tabasco

FEBRUARY 16TH 1:00 & 5:00 PM

FEBRUARY 17TH 2:00 PM

Pre-Show Entertainment and Feria Artesanal at 12pm Both Days

To purchase tickets online go to

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$8 Admission

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

(956) 323-2898

604 N. Coyote Drive La Joya, Texas 78560

the utility board awarded the contract to Saenz Brothers Construction. The Texas Water Development Board, though, overruled the decision and directed the utility district to select OG Construction.

“And we supported you,” Garcia said, adding that people now blame Palmview for the abysmal state of city streets.

Garza rejected any suggestion that OG Construction hadn’t properly calculated how much the project would cost.

“The main thing is, sir, we are going to complete the job,” Garza said. “No matter what.”

Both OG Construction and L&G Construction anticipate the project will take until June to complete. That will require more change orders.

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tion (CTE) certifications.

Superintendent Carol Perez spoke about the benefits of the current CTE programs in the district, and stated that hiring the right professionals with experience to teach the courses is paramount.

“The health professions have a very high-interest with our students,” Perez said.

“But our hands are tied if we need to offer more classes for them. So we should not only look at student interest, but also job markets.”

Following the approval of the resolution, the board appointed the district’s Educational Improvement Council to develop a Local Innovation Plan for MCISD. The La Joya Independent School District and Sharyland Independent School District are both already Districts of Innovation.

During the board meeting, a report was also presented regarding an employee staffing review conducted recently by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB).

The report included, based on enrollment, student demographics, proximity to cities and budget, that certain areas of the MCISD employment could potentially be reduced in order to amend the budget to the standards the district is aiming for in the next fiscal year.

The recommendations on reducing positions were met with some feedback from those in attendance. The board said to audience members (most of which were MCISD employees at that point in the meeting) that their jobs were safe.

The board accepted the recommendation for changes within the next three to five years.