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Progress times Vol. 47 - #36
Friday, May 3, 2019
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‘The least we can do’
Valley veteran receives mortgage-free home By Jose De Leon III He thought he was going into a preliminary interview through a national nonprofit and a local construction company to receive a home. Instead, U.S. Marine Corps Corporal Miguel Simental and his family were surprised with a groundbreaking ceremony for their custom built, mortgage free house. That was the scene last week when Simental and his family arrived to the Las Villas del Rio at the Groves and were met with a large crowd welcoming them to the site of their future home Thursday, April 25. “This is an unbelievable feeling,” Simental told the crowd. “When I first told my daughters, about the possibilities of moving back to McAllen they were absolutely thrilled at the idea and I
See VALLEY VETERAN Pg. 13
By Jamie Treviño
Progress Times photo by Jose De Leon III.
U.S. Marine Corps Corporal Miguel Simental and his family during the groundbreaking ceremony for their new home.
Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office deputy fired for shoplifting By Dave Hendricks The Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office fired a deputy last month for stealing baby food from Walmart. A security guard caught Deputy Ivan Tapia, 26, of McAllen shoplifting at Walmart on April 14, according to an affidavit filed with the Edinburg Police Department. Tapia wasn’t on duty or wearing his uniform when the incident occurred. The Edinburg Police Department cited Tapia for theft, a Class C misdemeanor, and the Sheriff’s Office fired him on April 23. “He was a good deputy,” said Sheriff J.E. “Eddie” Guerra. “Unfortunately, he made a bad choice.” Tapia didn’t respond to a request for comment. “When I took office — back five years ago — I brought with me a set of standards,” Guerra said, adding later: “I got zero tolerance for this.” Tapia joined the Sheriff’s Office as a jailer in Feb-
LJISD names lone finalist for Superintendent
Ivan Tapia (Courtesy of the Edinburg Police Department)
ruary 2012, according to Texas Commission on Law Enforcement records. After four years at the jail, Tapia became a deputy. He earned about $45,900 annually, according to Hidalgo County salary records. What prompted Tapia to steal $61.37 worth of items from Walmart remains unclear. Tapia and his wife visited the Walmart near the inter-
section of Trenton Road and McColl Road on the morning of Sunday, April 14. A security guard watched them shop for baby food. They placed the baby food in a diaper bag and walked out without paying. “I identified myself as Asset Protection and attempted to escort both subjects to the AP office,” according to the affidavit signed by the security guard. “Both subjects refused and walked to their vehicle and exited the facility.” Tapia left Walmart without paying for 19 items, including Old Spice body wash, Dove body wash, three containers of Gerber baby food, eight containers of plum-flavored baby food, Desitin diaper rash cream, a candle and a BIC lighter, according to the police report. The security guard called police. Edinburg dispatched an officer, who stopped Tapia’s truck near the intersection of
See DEPUTY FIRED Pg. 13
Mission Audit
A special meeting was held at the city this week for the presentation of the comprehensive annual financial report. More information about that meeting and what was discussed can be found in this week’s issue.
See Pg. 4
The La Joya Independent School District announced that Dr. Gisela Saenz has been named the lone finalist in their search for a new superintendent. Saenz previously served as Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction for 13 years, and according to a press release from the district, “it was evident that her history and experience with La Joya ISD” made her “uniquely qualified to lead the district into the future.” She said she is excited for several things in her new position. “I’m looking forward to getting the opportunity to work with the board of trustees, all our principals and district members,” Saenz said. “We need to talk about
Dr. Gisela Saenz what are some things that we need to change in the district so we can continue to have the very best programs for our students.” Saenz added that it would not just be her alone, it would take a group effort with her and the board to continue with La Joya’s trajectory.
See SUPERINTENDENT Pg. 13
Mission Arts Festival showcases local talent and business By Jamie Treviño Kicking off the start of the summer season, a plethora of artisanal crafting opportunities, treats from local vendors and displays representing all mediums were
promoted at several businesses throughout the city during the Mission Arts Festival last Saturday, April 27. Residents in the area had a busy weekend with various events going on throughout the Rio Grande Valley,
including the Mission Arts Festival. With 17 businesses participating, visitors had plenty of options to choose from.
See ARTS FESTIVAL Pg. 11
Progress Times photo by Jamie Treviño.
Participants in the Mermaid Costume Contest at The Historical William Jennings Bryan House during the Mission Arts Festival last weekend.
Peñitas Campaigns Dave Hendricks has the campaign finance report for the city of Peñitas elections, happening tomorrow. See the story for more information about the candidates, inside.
See Pg. 4
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INDEX Entertainment....pg. 2 Lifestyle...................pg. 3 Sports.......................pg. 7 Death Notices...pg. 11 Classifieds.............pg.13
ELECTION DAY SATURDAY, MAY 4