Friday, December 20, 2019_PT ISSUE

The besT gifTs come from Above.

from our family to yours

The De Luna Family Political ad paid by candidate.

Your Hometown Newspaper, Bringing Communities Together.

Vol. 48 - #18

Progress times Friday, December 20, 2019

50¢ cents

MERRY CHRISTMAS

We will close December 20-27, 2019.

We will resume regular business hours on Monday, December 30.

We will not have an issue December 27, 2019.

‘Tis the Season

Progress times

Mission News

Progress Times photo by Jose De Leon III.

Christmas celebrations during Palmhursts’ 3rd annual Christmas in the Park.

Christmas celebrated in western Hidalgo County

By Jose De Leon III Christmas was celebrated last weekend in a trio of events by three cities in western Hidalgo County.

Palmhurst, La Joya and Alton held their annual Christmas celebrations that high-

lighted, among other things, the spirit of the season in the community.

PALMHURST Palmhursts’ 3rd annual Christmas in the Park highlighted the city’s sole attraction.

See CHRISTMAS CELEBRATED Pg. 8

By Jamie Treviño $70,000 was raised for scholarships and teacher grants in La Joya before the district went on break for the holidays.

Vendors for the La Joya

Progress Times photo by Jose De Leon III.

Newly elected La Joya Mayor Isidro Casanova (left) being sworn in at a special meeting Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2019.

By Jose De Leon III

LJISD Educational Excellence Foundation holds 3rd annual gala ISD gathered at Arelis Celebration Hall on Fri. Dec. 13 in order to celebrate giving back to the students and faculty that make up the district.

Organized by the Educational Excellence Foundation, the Black and White Gala

included live entertainment and a silent auction.

“Teachers write grants to do a special project in their classroom, and the board of

See 3RD ANNUAL Pg. 4

See Pg. 11

INDEX Entertainment....pg. 2 Lifestyle...................pg. 3 Obituaries...........pg. 13 Classifieds...........pg. 15

See HOLIDAY BONUS Pg. 15

La Joya swears in new mayor, commissioners

• LA JOYA

We have stories covering both the city of Mission and the Mission CISD - read on for the latest on the city council and school board.

and support staff, they’re the ones that make a little less than your administration and your professionals,” said school board Trustee Oscar “Coach” Salinas. “So we want to make sure that we provide as much as we can to make their Christmas and their family’s Christmas a merry Christmas.”

The La Joya Independent School District employs about 4,400 people, according to salary data released by

• LA JOYA

Redistricting

See Pg. 4

La Joya school board approves $250 holiday bonus for employees The La Joya school board approved a $250 holiday bonus for teachers, administrators and staff on Monday.

Trustees discussed the holiday bonus during a special meeting on Monday afternoon.

“We want to make sure that our employees know that we want to take care of them and their families. Because we know that a lot of our employees, especially our auxiliary and classified

We will close Dec. 31- Jan. 3, 2020.

We will resume regular business hours on Monday, January 6, 2020.

Agua SUD is switching to a singlemember district. Dave Hendricks has the details on the approval and what it means, inside.

• LA JOYA

By Dave Hendricks

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

www.ptrgv.com

Photo courtesy of LJISD Facebook.

Board members for the La Joya ISD Educational Excellence Foundation pose at the 3rd annual Black and White Gala.

Following 11 months of campaigning and a runoff election, La Joya Mayor Jose A. “Fito” Salinas stepped down from his seat on the city commission Tuesday as commissioners swore in a new mayor.

Former city police Chief Isidro Casanova was sworn into office during a special meeting alongside his running mates-former Agua SUD Director Roger Hernandez and real estate agent Laura Mendiola Macias-forming a new majority on the city commission. “It was a very interesting election, luckily things went well,” Casanova said. “The people of La Joya spoke and the numbers showed that. With that in mind, we do have a lot of work to do.

We promised change and a better community and that’s exactly what we will do.”

Hernandez and Mendiola Macias bested Daniel Flores and Dalia Arriaga, who ran

on Salinas’s slate.

Salinas was elected in 2011, beating longtime mayor Billy Leo and was elected again in 2015 after beating former police chief Isidro Casanova who defeated him earlier this month.

A who’s who of major political players in western Hidalgo County attended the swearing in event that overcrowded the city hall.

Attendees included Hidalgo County Commissioner Joe Flores, state Rep. Sergio Munoz Jr., Mayor Rigo Lopez of Penitas, Justice of the Peace candidate Marco De Luna along with commissioners from neighboring cities.

Salinas congratulated Casanova and his running mates before exiting the meeting.

“You will be undertaking a great challenge in leading the great city of La Joya,” Salinas said. “You’re also

See SWEARING IN Pg. 16

The City of La Joya would like to invite the public to participate in its Angel Christmas Tree.

All Donations will benefit

You can make a difference by making a donation today.

No amount is too big or too small.

• 50¢ minimum per Angel • Your donation will go a long way and the City of La Joya will match every donation.

• Angel Christmas Tree is located at: La Joya Public Utility Dept.

701 E. Expressway 83, La Joya, Texas 78560

page 2

December 20, 2019

www.ptrgv.com

EVENTS

Coming Attractions

CALENDAR

January 4 – Persons of all ages can join with University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine students for the monthly Walk with a Future Doc (WWAFD). It begins at 9 a.m. at the Bronc Trail, 1214 W. Schunior St., Edinburg, near the parking lot on the west side of the medical school. The event is free, and preregistration is not required. For more information, go to walkwithadoc.org.

January 7 – In the Super Stacker Young Adventurers class, children ages 2 to 5 will build structures using KEVA planks and count aloud as they read “Stack the Cats” at the International Museum of Art & Science, 1900 Nolana Ave., McAllen. Children must be accompanied by an adult for the class from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. Cost is $3 for IMAS members and $10 for nonmembers (includes child and adult). Call 956681-2800 for information or to register.

January 19 – Mission’s Council #2698 of the Knights of Columbus will host a Texas Bar-B-Q for $9 a plate. The top sirloin butt, cole slaw, ranch beans and trimmings will be take-out only from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pick up plates at St. Paul’s Catholic Church parish hall, 1119 Francisco St., Mission. For tickets, contact any Knights member or Tim Nensel at 319-321-0236. Plates can also be purchased at the door. One hundred percent of funds are donated back to serve the community.

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

MHS choir students advance

Several Mission High School (MHS) students returned with honors from the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) Regional choir competitions. Ivan Reynaga advanced to the Pre-Area Choir competition in early January in Corpus Christi to compete for a place in the TMEA All State Choir. Nathan Cavazos placed as a second alternate for that competition. In all, five earned spots in the regional choir. They are (back row, left to right), Jacob Rogel, Nathan Cavazos and Ivan Reynaga, and front row, Perla Gonzalez (alternate) and Angel Almaraz.

Area residents inducted to honor society

BATON ROUGE, La. – Three area residents were recently initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines.

All Texas A&M University-Kingsville students, they are Miriam Martinez and Nereyda Cantu of Mission and Erika Covarrubia-Gonzalez

of Alton.

Membership is by invitation only. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.

Mr. and Mrs. Jesus Martinez (Kaitlin Perez)

Vows unite Kaitlin Perez, Jesus Martinez

Rev. Isaac Erondu officiated over a nuptial mass uniting Kaitlin Perez and Jesus Martinez. The couple exchanged their vows Saturday, Nov. 23, at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Mission.

The bride’s parents are Oscar and Linda Perez of Mission, and the groom is the son of Rodolfo and Veronica Martinez, also of Mission.

Attending the bride as maid of honor was Krista Perez of Mission. Bridesmaids included Rebecca Alaniz of San Antonio and Sara Castañeda of Sterling, Va. Rosalie Gonzalez served as the flower girl, and Liliana Gonzalez served as the ring bearer. They are both the daughters of Uvaldo IV and Katrina Gonzalez of Mission Standing with the groom as best man was John Paul Martinez of Mission, and

groomsmen were Emmanuel Garcia and Oscar Perez Jr., both of Mission.

Padrinos to the couple included Uvaldo and Katrina Gonzalez IV and Manny and Sally Garcia, all of Mission, Maria Elena Martinez and Cindy Barriero of McAllen, and Eddie and Viviane Castañeda of Sterling.

The bride graduated from South Texas College in July of this year when she earned her licensed vocational nursing degree.

The groom received his associate’s degree in tool and die technology from Texas State Technical College in 2016. He is employed by joyson Safety Systems in San Antonio.

Following a wedding trip to New Orleans, La., the couple is making their home in San Antonio.

McALLEN – The McAllen Wind Ensemble’s concert season continues with the Friday, Dec. 20, Christmas concert of “Tinsel and Tutus,” and featuring a performance by the Debra Case Dance Academy with selections from the Nutcracker along with other holiday favorites.

The program will be a family event with the appearance of Santa and Mrs.

Claus opportunity for family photos. The concert wraps up with a Christmas carol sing-a-long.

The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. and will be held at the McAllen Performing Arts Center (MPAC). Tickets are on sale at the MPAC box office or through ticketmaster.com. Seats start at $10.

For information, call 682227-2101 or go to mcallenwindensemble.org.

Wind Ensemble presents “Tinsel and Tutus’

December 20-21 • The iTheater production of “Playing Doctor” and will be staged at Weslaco’s historic Tower Theater, 120 S. Kansas.

Performances will be held Dec. 6 to 8, 13 to 15, and 20 to 21. Show times are 7 p.m. on Fridays, 3 and 7 p.m. on Saturdays, and 3 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are only available online at iloveit.live. Reserved seating is $15.50 and $10.50 for general admission. VIP tickets are $20.50.

January 11-February 8 • The Mission Historical Museum (MHM) 14th Annual Quilt Show will be on display at the museum, 900 Doherty in downtown Mission. An awards reception, with Turning of the Quilts program, will take place at 2 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 17. Admission is free. For information, call 956-5808646.

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

A Stearman PT-17 sits on the ramp at the Port Isabel Cameron County Airport and is one of several vintage planes the public can reserve for rides as Christmas gifts or a little self-indulgence to experience the thrill of riding in an open cockpit plane. (Tom Santos photo)

Public invited to book flights in vintage planes PORT ISABEL – Just in time for Christmas, the Rio Grande Valley Wing of the Commemorative Air Force has several World War II era military trainers and is offering rides as Christmas gifts for friends and family, or for a little self-indulgence.

It offers an opportunity to fly in an open cockpit vintage plane and feel the thrill of flight like no other flying experience. The planes are housed at the Port Isabel Cameron County Airport on Veterans Drive, two miles north of FM 510, off of Buena Vista Blvd.

A tax deductible $250 donation to the RGV Wing is recommended to defray the cost of operation and main-

tenance. Call David Christopher at 970-397-4604 or Tom Santos 956-579-2611 to schedule an unforgettable Christmas gift that will not be soon forgotten. The RGV Wing is a 501c3 nonprofit.

Tentative hours of operation for the museum and hangar is on Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Guided tours for groups of five or more are welcome by appointment anytime by calling Christopher. Weather permitting, and crew availability, one of the museum’s planes will be flown during the tour.

For more information about the CAF, call Santos at the number above or email him at tes2ces@yahoo.com.

December 20, 2019

page 3

www.ptrgv.com

MHS Librarian signs book deal

Mission High School librarian, Margarita “Margie” Longoria, has much to celebrate after receiving a publishing deal from Philomel, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

It all started with an idea to edit an anthology celebrating the lives of Mexican Americans. Living Beyond Borders: Stories about Growing Up Mexican in America will feature popular Mexican American writers and their works will depict a common theme of the word “border” in all its literal and metaphorical meanings.

“I want people who read it, to get a true depiction of what it means to be Mexican American. We are unique and humble people who have been negatively stereotyped for far too long.” states Longoria. “I want this book to be a light for our young adults, and I want them to know that our culture makes us beautiful and we should not be ashamed of where we come from.”

Margie Longoria This book has been in the works for a full year and Longoria couldn’t divulge any of the details until she officially signed with a publisher which her agent negotiated with Philomel.

Longoria said she looks forward to receiving the final published copy but, for now, looks forward to selecting and editing the content that will be included in the book.

Publication is set for summer, 2021.

EWBC plans December family friendly activities

EDINBURG – Celebrate the holiday season at the Edinburg World Birding Center (EWBC), 714 S. Raul Longoria Rd., with family friendly programs.

A school lets out and holiday prep goes into full swing, parents are encouraged to take their kids out to the EWBC for afternoon nature play. On Monday, Dec. 23, from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., EWBC staff will provide children with lunch, activities, games, and more while parents tackle their last-minute holiday preparations. This program is for children ages 5 to 10 years, and the fee is $15 per child.

Registration is required by Dec. 18.

On the last Saturday of each month, the entry fee is waived for all visitors from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. to participate in indoor crafts or activities and explore the grounds. Saturday, Dec. 28, is Spectacular Saturday this month. Monthly themes include puppet play from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in December; outdoor games from 2 to 4 p.m., January; and Alien Animals from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., February.

For more information, call 956-381-9922 or visit EdinburgWBC.org.

Students from the Mission Consolidated Independent School District (MCISD) recently competed and brought home an impressive medal count from the Area 1 Special Olympics bowling competition.

MCISD partnered with Area 1 to host one of five bowling tournaments in the Rio Grande Valley. The tournament was held at Incredibowl Entertainment Center in November and hosted more than 500 athletes from

MHS FFA Parliamentary team advances to state

The Mission High School (MHS) FFA Parliamentary Procedure Team, also known as Senior Conducting Team, advanced to the Texas State FFA Leadership Development Events competition. They placed sixth at the State FFA semi-finals where they competed against over 200 teams in this year’s leadership development events. The team members are Jorge Calderon, president; Dominick Barrientoz, vice president; Julian Arellano, secretary; Jaime Calderon, treasurer; Francisco Ruiz, reporter; Kevin Calderon, sentinel; and Selene Casas, advisor.

Written in stone, MHM brick pavers on sale

The Mission Historical Museum invites the public to be part of a commemorative opportunity to purchase a personalized engraved brick paver in honor or in memory of another. Pavers can be purchased to honor a donor name, a family name, birthdays, weddings, graduations, anniversaries, and businesses or organizations.

There are two brick sizes available: 4x8-inch priced at $75 for nonmembers and $70 for museum members or an 8x8-inch paver at $150 for nonmembers and $140 for members. The paver campaign goal is to reach 50 pavers by Dec. 31. The museum is making it affordable for everyone with a payment plan and a discounted price to members and regular price to nonmembers.

The brick pavers will be installed in the Museum Gar-

dens which are the pathways that connect the John H. Shary building and the Museum Annex building (Mission’s old post office). The installation will take place in the spring of 2020.

A celebration and tour of the pavers will be hosted by Lucille Cavazos, administrator and owner of Waterford Gardens Assisted Living.

Cavazos has purchased a paver for each guest from Mission who has been in the care of Waterford Gardens.

Refreshments will be available and door prizes will be given away at the event.

For complete details, and order forms, stop the museum during regular hours or call Linda Castañeda at the museum office at 956-5808646 before the Dec. 31 deadline. MHM is located at 900 Doherty Ave.

MCISD Special Olympians bring home the medals Mission, La Joya, Sharyland, and Progreso school districts and Mission IDEA during the three-day event.

The following are the results of the tournament for first through third place finishers from MCISD.

Elementary Schools Alton: First place – Juan Flores; Second – Anabel Ruiz and John Castellon; Third – Olivia Perez, Daniel

See SPECIAL OLYMPIANS Pg. 13

UTRGV Mariachi Aztlán performed with the internationally renowned Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán at the Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza, held Dec. 6-7 in San Antonio. (UTRGV Photo by Dr. Dahlia Guerra)

UTRGV Mariachi Juvenil Aztlán takes top honor

By Letty Fernandez SAN ANTONIO – UTRGV’s Mariachi Juvenil Aztlán took top honors at the Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza, the largest and longest-running mariachi music festival in Texas.

UTRGV’s student mariachi ensemble won first place in the university and college division, and Alex Vasquez, a voice major at UTRGV, took third place in the vocal competition.

“The competition was challenging, because everyone was super talented,” Vasquez said. “It is a great experience to be able to showcase my background as a voice major and opera singer from UTRGV, and to share the stage with my mariachi peers.”

UTRGV has two mariachi ensembles, Mariachi Juvenil Aztlán and Mariachi Aztlán, and both performed at the Extravaganza.

Mariachi Aztlán was invited to perform on the main concert stage with the internationally renowned Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán. Musicians in Mariachi Aztlán are mostly upper-division students who travel throughout Mexico, Canada, and the United States and often are invited as guest clinicians to teach at the major mariachi conferences throughout the United States.

Mariachi Juvenil Aztlán is made up of first- and second-year students.

“Mariachi Juvenil worked very hard to prepare for the

competition, and proudly brought the trophy home to UTRGV. And Mariachi Aztlán was a huge hit at the grand concert,” said Dr. Dahlia Guerra, associate vice president of Public Art for UTRGV. “This was also a great way to introduce the mariachi world to the new mariachi degree at UTRGV.” More than 1,200 mariachi students from Texas, Nevada and across the country participated in the prestigious conference. The festival also included mariachi instrumental and vocal workshops and concerts by world-renowned musicians and competitions.

Mariachi degree The new degree program, a Bachelor of Music in Mariachi Education, was implemented this fall.

“Our legacy institutions have been the centers of mariachi education for many years, and now as UTRGV,” said Dr. Kurt Martinez, director of the UTRGV School of Music. “This degree program is unique in the nation and already has attracted students from throughout the United States to our School of Music.”

The mariachi ensembles are co-directed by Guerra and Francisco Loera, senior lecturer in the School of Music.

To learn more about the new degree program, contact Dr. Guerra at dahlia.guerra@ utrgv.edu or Francisco Loera at francisco.loera@utrgv.edu or 956-665-2353.

page 4

December 20, 2019

www.ptrgv.com

Agua SUD approves map of single-member districts

By Dave Hendricks The Agua Special Utility District board will switch from city- and county-based seats to single-member dis-

tricts on Dec. 31.

Members of the utility board, who spent months planning for the switch, approved the new single-member districts on Monday

You Are Invited To Worship at

TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH

Worship Service SUNDAY English 9:30 am Español 11:00 am

night.

“I think it’s something good,” said utility board President Lloyd Loya.

“Something positive.”

The utility district hired attorney Rolando L. Rios of San Antonio, an expert on redistricting, to draw the single-member districts.

The utility board created a subcommittee, which included Loya, board Vice President Cesar Rodriguez Jr. and board Secretary Adolfo Arriaga, to handle the switch to single-member districts.

They worked closely with Rios, General Manager Jose E. “Eddie” Saenz and utility board attorney Frank Garza throughout the process.

“We reviewed it and brought it to the board,” Loya said. “And we spoke about it in executive session.

And everyone liked the way the map came out.”

Under the current system, which state lawmakers created in 2005, the board consists of seven members.

Five represent city residents. The remaining two represent rural Hidalgo County residents.

The system allows a minority of utility district customers — residents of Mission, Palmview, Peñitas, La Joya and Sullivan City — to control a majority of the board.

In 2017, when the Texas Legislature passed a bill that replaced a rural Hidalgo County seat with a seat reserved for a resident of La Joya, the utility district provided lawmakers with data about the imbalance.

At the time, the utility district had about 15,250 water and sewer connections in Hidalgo County. Residents of Mission, Palmview, Peñitas and Sullivan City accounted for just 5,900 connections, but they controlled four of seven seats on the board.

In 2019, state lawmakers passed Senate Bill 2552, which replaced the city- and county-based seats with sin-

gle-member districts. Gov. Greg Abbott signed the bill in June.

It required each member of the board to represent “a unique subdistrict containing, as near as practicable, one-seventh of the total number of residents in the district.”

Members of the utility board discussed the switch in July, when they held a budget workshop on South Padre Island.

After discussing the draft maps, the board voted 6-0 to adopt the final map on Monday night. Director Esequiel “Zeke” Ortiz Jr. didn’t attend the meeting.

The final map included a district for every incumbent director except Roger Hernandez, who joined the La Joya City Commission on Tuesday and will not run for re-election.

Mission largely falls in District 5, which represents nearly 7,600 residents. Palmview largely falls in District

1, which represents about 7,900 residents, and District 2, which represents nearly 8,700 residents.

Peñitas anchors District 4, which represents about 8,600 residents. La Joya anchors District 6, which represents nearly 8,400 residents.

Sullivan City anchors District 7, a sprawling district that stretches from Starr County to south Mission along Military Road. It’s the smallest district, with nearly 7,300 residents.

District 3, a stretch of unincorporated suburban sprawl north of Palmview, represents about 8,100 people.

The single-member districts take effect on Dec. 31. District 1, District 2 and District 3 will appear on the May 2020 ballot.

To see a copy of the Agua SUD map that reflects the changes, see the article online at www.progresstimes. net.

directors for the foundation read the grants and issue them out four times a year,” said Rita Garza Uresti, the director of the Educational Excellence Foundation. “The rest is for scholarships.”

Uresti added that there is a need for foundations like

these to keep school districts across the state running.

“Funding is cut back every year in the state,” Garza said.

“This is a nice little relief.”

Once the board decides which teachers will receive grant funding, the foundation presents them with a large check, like one a person would see at a Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes.

“We go with balloons and a huge check and show up at the teacher’s classroom, and they start crying,” Uresti said.

“If you go and see that experience, its fabulous.”

Uresti added that employees of LJISD often contribute to the foundation as well, and every event makes a differ-

ence for students and teachers in the classroom and beyond.

For the Black and White Gala, those in attendance made even more charitable contributions as they played games throughout the evening where they could win various prizes.

Victor Garza, the president of the foundation’s board, spoke highly of the mission of the organization not only for teachers in need, but students.

“Our role as educators is to promote [education],” Garza said. “With the cost of living and the cost of education today, every cent and every dollar matters.”

He added that the district was grateful to the contributions made.

“We appreciate all our sponsors, contributors and staff who have found a way to be part of the gala in some form of fashion,” Garza said.

“It’s a night to still solicit sponsorship and thank the people who have been helping us all along.”

Garza noted that the district works to ensure that those who are pursuing a higher education can count on LJISD even after their primary and secondary education has been completed.

“We want to promote that,” Garza said. “We want to make sure that even if it’s a small part of their education that we can be a part of, we’re proud of that.”

from pg. 1

3 Mile Line & Bentsen Palm Drive Mission, TX 78574

(956) 585-3261

3RD ANNUAL

La Joya ISD Aquatic Center RedCross Lifeguards Certification Classes Lifeguard Certification EVENING/WEEKEND Courses Avail able: Course 1 January 16th – 19th Course 2 February 6th – February 9th Thursday & Friday class starts at 5:30pm Saturday & Sunday class starts at 8:30am Cost $100 Must be present on time every day of the course dates.

Must take a Pre-requisite swim test.

(Contact Virginia Rodriguez to schedule your test the week before class starts.)

Must be at least 16 years of age and know how to swim.

LIMITED SPACES AVAILABLE… DON’T MISS OUT!!!

Progress www.ptrgv.com

LA JOYA ISD WILL BE HIRING SOON!!

Your Hometown Newspaper, Bringing Communities Together.

times

MEMBER 2018

The Progress Times (USPS 971-420; ISSN 0890-2666) is published each Friday by Savy Publishing, LLC, 1217 N. Conway, Mission, Texas 78572, (956) 585-4893. Subscriptions $20 annual in Hidalgo County; $30 outside of Hidalgo County. Second class postage paid in Mission, Texas 78572. ©2018 Savy Publishing, LLC. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the PROGRESS TIMES, P.O. Box 399, Mission Texas 78573.

Copyright ©2018 Savy Publishing LLC.

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written consent of the publisher. All rights reserved.

LETTER GUIDELINES

Letters to the Editor are welcome but must conform to certain guidelines. All letters must be original, dated,signed and bear the complete name, address and phone number of the writer/signer. No photo copied letterswill be printed. No letters addressed to others will be printed. Letter content must be relevant to concernsand interests of Mission and the surrounding area. Relevance is determined by the editor. Anonymous cards or letters are neither read nor printed. Letters may be submitted by e-mail to letters@progresstimes.net, but must include the author’s name and daytime phone number.

Contact info VIRGINIA RODRIGUEZ • ph: (956) 323-2162 email: v.rodriguez3@lajoyaisd.net NELIA GARCIA • ph: (956) 323-2148 email: n.garcia10@lajoyaisd.net

Medical Services Directory The Upper Valley Has Excellent Health Care Facilities And Dedicated Doctors And Health Care Specialists.

956.271.4719

CRISTA WESTON LICENSED AGENT C: (956) 929-1520 F: (956) 322-4477 E: westoninsurance1976@yahoo.com

2103 B E. Griffin Pkwy. • Mission Located in the Lone Star Plaza

www.rgvretinamd.com

HEALTH INSURANCE DENTAL VISION HEARING MEDICARE ADVANTAGE MEDICARE SUPPLEMENTS PRESCRIPTION DRUG PLANS FINAL EXPENSE LIFE INSURANCE

Dr. Yu Tang “James” Su, M.D.

702 E GRIFFIN PKWY MISSION, STE 4, TX. 78572

2407 E. Griffin Pkwy.

Mission 956-581-2773 Dr. Yu Tang “James” Su, M.D.

Next To Mission Hospital • 581-8833

• FULL PRESCRIPTION SERVICE • DIABETIC SUPPLIES

Est. 1996

We carry a variety of HME Equipment & Delivery City Wide!

NOW CARRYING DIABETIC SHOES

• Durable Medical Equipment • Most Insurance Accepted • Workmen’s Comp.

• Medicare Provider • Medicaid

SHARYLAND FAMILY DENTISTRY, P.C. Richard M. M. Lee, D.D.S. Rubi E. Perez D.D.S.

Timothy W. Brann Richard A. Young D.D.S. D.D.S.

Daniel Contreras MD

Matthew Johnson MD

Mandie Navarro MD

Linda Ruiz MD

Justin Felkner D.D.S.

Family HealtH CENTER OF missiOn

584-3353 1920 E. Griffin Pkwy.

7:30am to 7pm Mon. to Thurs. • 7:30am to 5pm Friday • 9am Acute only Saturday

General and Cosmetic Dentistry

Springfield Business Center 2132 E. Griffin Parkway Mission, Tx 78572 sharylandfamilydentistry.com P: (956)580-1900 F: (956) 580-4991

956.271.4719

2103 B E. Griffin Pkwy. • Mission Located in the Lone Star Plaza

www.rgvretinamd.com

Merry Christmas Sylvia Bustamante MPAS, PA-C

Roel Contreras PA-C

Nallely Lozano FNP-C

Erica Robles FNP-BC

Ashley Rutledge FNP-BC

Orion Victory MPAS, PA-C

December 20, 2019

Bringing pets home for the holidays

By Jose De Leon III As a child, Michael Bricker always wished for the same thing as a gift.

“As a kid I remember whenever I got a present I’d always open it up hoping there was a puppy in there because that’s all you see in movies and TV, a puppy in a box and I would’ve loved that as a gift,” Bricker said.

“Who doesn’t want to get that?”

Now, as executive director of the newly named Palm Valley Animal Society, Bricker works to ensure that pets across the Rio Grande Valley go home with the perfect family.

With 500 dogs and 300 cats between its two locations in Edinburg that are ready to be adopted, Bricker is ensuring that prospective adoptees are ready to adopt a pet-and even gift one to someone special for Christmas.

“I do recommend pets as a gift, especially for the holidays,” Bricker said.

“It’s one of the things people may think is a bad idea since the person who gets the gift didn’t pick the pet or may not want it so there may not be a connection or bond between the two, but there have been studies from the Humane Society of the United States showing that there is no evidence that supports any negative effects from gifting a pet.”

Palm Valley Animal Society, which until last week was known as the Palm Valley Animal Center, has two locations and sees between 10 and 40 animals being adopted in each location per day, Bricker said.

The center event opened a third location last weekend in downtown McAllen that will be open on weekends during the society’s new hours of 11 a.m. through 7 p.m.

These changes, Bricker explained, help make it easier for families to visit any shelter location and adopt an animal.

“It’s not an application

process as much as it is a counseling session,” Bricker explained about the adoption process. “We get to know the family and ask them a series of questions such as, what type of dog they want?

Do they want something high or low energy? What is the dynamic back at home?

It’s to get to know them and match them with a pet that suits what their describing.”

During these sessions, counselors will go over a pet’s medical and behavioral history and the adoption contract. While adoption counselors have questions for people coming in, Bricker said prospective counselors also have their own questions to ask to find out more information on the animals at the shelter.

“Common questions include ‘is this puppy potty trained?’ or ‘is this animal purebred?’ and we try to answer as best as we can,” Bricker said. “In all our answers we want to make sure these people understand that adopting an animal is a lifelong commitment. This isn’t a stuffed animal or something they can easily dispose of after the first time it pees on the carpet or messes up the house. They need patience and care to be a pet owner and we let them know what they need to do to set them up for success.”

Misconception Bricker says he sees are people expecting to be denied an adoption if they don’t have a backyard for the dog to run around in or if they’ve never owned a pet before.

“We always provide them with the resources they need to become great owners such as how to dog proof the house, how to crate and potty train an animal and how to walk them,” Bricker said.

“We’ve only turned them away if they’ve lied in their application or appear in the society’s don’t adopt to list which is composed by reports and phone calls made by concerned citizens and animal control officers.”

See PETS FOR THE HOLIDAYS Pg. 16

Need a little affection in your life? We have the perfect solution! Meet Chris. He is a super friendly Labrador and has a sweet disposition. Chris is about 2 years old. If you want to give Chris a holiday gift and give him a forever home, contact the Mission Pawsible Program at 956-580-8741, M-F, 8AM-5PM. The City of Mission Animal Shelter is located at 227 Abelino Farias, and is open throughout the week and on Saturdays - 9AM to 4PM. The cost to adopt is $50, which includes: Spay/ Neuter, Rabies Shot, First Vaccine, Microchip and Deworming. To view more animals in the Mission Pawsible Program, visit missiontexas.us.

Sponsored by Jerry Saenz, Agent

1211 Conway Ave • Mission TX 956-585-2715

page 5

www.ptrgv.com

ENROLLMENT CENTER FREE CONSULTATION NO CALL (956)929-1520 OBLIGATION CRISTA WESTON LICENSED AGENT C: (956) 929-1520

se habla español F: (956) 322-4477 E: westoninsurance1976@yahoo.com

702 E GRIFFIN PKWY MISSION, STE 4, TX. 78572

Isidro Casanova

Mary Salinas

Reynaldo Acosta

Laura Mendiola Macias

MAYOR

COMISSIONER

Roger Hernandez COMISSIONER

COMISSIONER

COMISSIONER

Jacqueline Bazan

CITY ADMINISTRATOR

Julianita Sabala CITY SECRETARY

From City of La Joya Administration and City Commissioners

December 20, 2019 from pg. 6 COYOTES for the Coyotes to close out the quarter. Defensively they kept the Rattlers at bay. A Bernie Vera basket gave La Joya an 8-7 lead and baskets from Juan Trujillo and Zeke Garcia extended it to eight.

The run was punctuated by a half court buzzer beater from Cesar Villarreal to end the quarter.

“I work on those every day,” joked Villarreal. “It was a good momentum booster for the first half and gave us good energy for the second.”

The second quarter saw the lead extended by as much as 18 points on four points from Vera, another Villarreal three pointer and a basket from Mikey Saenz, another Coyote reserve. By halftime the Coyotes bench had contributed 23 points to send La Joya into the locker room with a 29-15 lead.

Defense was a big part of the victory too. Throughout the night the Coyotes switched from pressing to zone to man-to-man to force the Rattlers into tough shots and then rebound then when they missed.

“We knew it was going to be tough,” said Montalvo.

“We wanted to really focus

page 7

www.ptrgv.com on #3 (Sharyland guard Naz Moore). Last year he went to our place and really beat us down. That was our main focus coming in; make him take tough shots as much as possible. They did a good job tonight.”

Moore was held to seven points on the night.

Montalvo also talked about the rebounding effort.

“We emphasize it; we kind of over emphasize it. We are always trying to crash the boards on offense and defense, pursue every basketball as much as possible.”

Vera was a presence at both ends of the floor, leading all scorers with 13 points on the night and hauling in eight rebounds. He spoke about his role coming off the bench.

“Just get every rebound, every loose ball, everything I can do for the team,” said Vera.

Villarreal had a similar mindset. “My role is just to get in there, give good energy, defense, and score whenever I can.” Villarreal finished the night with 11 points.

The formula worked for Vera and Villarreal as well as the rest of the reserves. On the night the Coyotes bench

outscored the starters 37 to 18.

Sharyland came out for the second half with a much better effort and better results, outscoring the Coyotes 1816 in the third behind seven points from Josh Ramirez. It seemed, however, that every time the Rattlers made a push the Coyotes had an answer.

Starter Santiago Rodriguez contributed six points in the quarter and Villarreal added five to prevent Sharyland from closing the gap. Caleb Combs led the Rattlers with eight points on the night.

Sharyland coach Danny Moran talked about his teams overall game. “In the first half we were just getting beat up on the boards but in the second half we battled,” he said. “We just couldn’t cut that 14 to 12 point lead.” The loss dropped the Rattlers to 3-9 on the season.

Both teams have several games left before beginning district play on January 3.

La Joya is participating in a tournament in McAllen that began yesterday while the Rattlers are scheduled to host McAllen Memorial tonight at 7:30 pm.

Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra.

Sharyland’s Caleb Combs and La Joya’s Mikey Saenz battle for a rebound during the second quarter of the Coyotes’ 55-39 non-district game win over the Rattlers Tuesday night.

Pt Progress times For the latest news and updates www.ptrgv.com

Your Hometown Newspaper, Bringing Communities Together.

NEW PATIENT

65

SPECIAL

$

Patients With No Insurance Includes Exam & X-Ray

Come visit our office with 50 years of combined experience SERVICES PROVIDED: • Cleanings • Nitrous Oxide • Fillings • Endodontics • Implants • Wisdom Extractions

Restrictions apply

Since 2001

RIVER OAKS DENTAL 1916 E. Griffin Parkway, Mission, TX 78572

(956) 580-4700 www.noelgarzadds.com

At this rate you can afford to start renovations Make the season bright with joy, peace, love and hope. May your 2020 be bright and beautiful!

today!

HOME EQUITY LOANS

Available

*

Don’t let money get in the way of home improvements To find out how you can apply for a home equity loan today, call to speak with one of our friendly financial associates.

Constable Larry Gallardo and Family

POLITICAL AD PAID FOR BY THE CANDIDATE.

LOCATIONS IN: LA JOYA • PALMVIEW

CALL OR CLICK TODAY!

(956) 585-6207 www.lajoyafcu.com

*Some conditions may apply. Subject to underwriting criteria. Insured by NCUA. Equal housing lender.

page 8 from pg. 1

December 20, 2019

www.ptrgv.com

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATED

Held Friday, Dec. 13, the event invited the public to attend the lighting of the city’s 30-foot tall Christmas tree housed in the city’s Shary Municipal Park at 4900 N. Shary Road. Attendees enjoyed attractions, food, and a screening of the movie “Jingle all the Way.” The park, which is only used for city events, was promoted at the event as the city has been slowly expanding and renovating it since 2017

with the hope of making it a must-see attraction in the Valley.

“This is our first park and we’re trying to show the community that we’re giving back to them-this is their park.” Palmhurst Mayor Pro Tem Robert A. Salinas said.

“Since we don’t have property taxes we’re trying to put as much money into the park as we can.”

“Everything in the park should cost a total of

$300,000 and will be completed within five years,” the mayor said. “This park offers an intimacy that the citizens can enjoy and events like this are why we want the part to be renovated, so it can be open to the public and they can enjoy this. Celebrating Christmas here creates a feeling of togetherness we want residents to continuously enjoy.”

Salinas added that the Christmas celebration is

meant to honor residents in the community.

“Christmas is a family affair and these people have been here in Palmhurst for many years,” Salinas said.

“We’ve seen how tree lightings are popular in other cities so we decided to do this here for the community.”

Among those in attendance of the event was Maritza R. Luebbers, a McAllen resident who positively compared the event to McAllen’s

Progress times

Annual Holiday Parade.

“It’s beautiful and it’s my first time visiting this park which I didn’t even know was for the public,” Luebbers said. “It’s a nice community and an event like this feels much more intimate and special than you’d expect.”

LA JOYA The city of La Joya held its 14th annual Winter Wonderland Christmas Parade on the morning of Saturday, Dec. 14.

The parade had more than 70 entries driving down south Leo Avenue, spreading Christmas cheer to citizens watching the parade.

“It’s historical here in La Joya, something the public looks forward to every year and this year, it was splendid and it was very beautiful, “city Administrator Jacqueline Bazan said. “We had some unique floats which was very nice and we had excellent attendance.”

would like to wish you a very

Happy Holidays from your friends at

Here Comes Santa Claus… and he’s delivering our best wishes for a fun-filled Christmas!

Beauty Shop

Mission

1901 W. Mile 3 Rd. 585-8411

Mission

1800 W. Griffin Pkwy.

584-3441

McAllen

4524 S. Ware Rd. 994-0060

216 N. Mayberry • Mission Mission

2201 W. Exp. 83 583-9898

956-585-1287

Palmview

304 N. La Homa Rd. 585-0323

The Reason of the Season!

As we celebrate the birth of our beloved Savior, may the miraculous spirit of the season fill you with rapture.

As we deck the halls with all the trimmings and traditions of Christmas, we hope the joys of the season bring a smile to your face and contentment to your heart!

Thanks for brightening our year with your support and friendship. It means the world to us!

Alton Mission Edinburg Donna 584-7772 581-4200 289-1880 464-4131

MISSION NURSING & REHABILITATION CENTER

All Locations Open Mon.-Fri. 9am-6pm, Sat. 9am-1pm

www.Richardsrx.com

1013 S. Bryan Rd. • MIssion, TX

(956) 580-2100

R

Mission

EXP. 83 MISSION HOSPITAL

BRYAN RD.

From our family to yours, best wishes for a blessed and joyous Christmas.

McAllen

MISSION NURSING HOME

INSURANCE AGENCY

I

220 E. Tom Landr

956-581

Alberto Vela, R. Ph. 583-2700 1242 E. Bus. 83, #7 Mission, TX Fred Moron, R. Ph. 581-5499 2120 E. Griffin Pkwy. Mission, TX

2025 N. Conway

(North Pointe Business Center)

Mission, Texas

581-1034

Auto • Home • Life Commercial • Mobile Home

& MEDICAL EQUIPMENT CO.

From

Fiesta Lube Express Full Service Oil Change

585-0115

1418 E. Bus. 83 • Mission, TX (Between Bryan Rd. & Stewart Rd.)

HOSPITAL BEDS COMPUTERIZED PRESCRIPTIONS I.V. NUTRITION • WHEELCHAIRS OXYGEN & RESPIRATORY THERAPY EQUIPMENT DIABETIC SHOES

Would like to wish you and your family

Merry Christmas Open 7 am to 12 am 7 Days a Week *(South Store Only)

686-3716 *1901 S. 1st • McAllen

7 a.m. - Midnight • 7 days a week

630-5500

5120 N. 10th St. • McAllen 7 a.m. - 11 p.m. • Mon. - Sat

December 20, 2019 Bazan was part of the parade as Mrs. Claus in the final float of the procession.

“This parade has become a tradition for us, we want to keep up traditions the community loves and we want them to know that we are providing them with Christmas spirit and celebration through the parade,” Bazan said.

Among those in attendance of the parade were Jessica and George Ortiz. The husband and wife attended

the parade to watch their daughter perform as part of the Palmview High School rubies dance group.

“It’s our first time watching this parade and watching our daughter be in it is why we like it,” George said. “We feel proud of her for belonging to a community that she is involved in and lets her participate in this way. It feels like we have each other’s backs and are there for each other. Having an event like this here in the city is

fun and I like seeing how it involves students this way.”

ALTON On that same day, the city of Alton held its annual Christmas Parade and Festival.

The parade started on the morning of Saturday, Dec. 14 and continued with the festival that evening. The festival included a toy giveaway, food and live music.

“The parade and festival used to run at the same time but three years ago we split

them up,” city Parks and Recreation Director Samm Mercado said. “In the past we’ve had as many as 800 waiting at the Parks and Recreation Center where the parade was at so they can participate in the toy giveaway, and no one was attending the parade.”

With the break between both events, Alton Mayor Salvador Vela said residents can attend both events with a break in between.

“We’re having people

parade, hundreds of residents participated in the toy giveaway that lasted throughout the festival.

“Our police department coordinated an extensive toy drive with nearly 1,000 toys being donated from people and local businesses,” Mercado said. “Even the musical acts participating are volunteering for us at no cost. It’s truly an event where we can all come together and just enjoy.”

Merry Christmas 1954-2019

1910 Hole-In-One Dr. Mission, TX 78582 7am - 6pm 956-585-6330

915 West Business 83 • Mission (956) 581-7433 Mon-Fri • 8am-5:30pm – Sat • 8am-1pm

Vehicle loans as low as

3.65

New • Used • Refinanced

Jerry Saenz Agent

1211 N. Conway Ave. • Mission, TX 78572 Bus. 956-585-2715 jerry.saenz.b4sa@statefarm.com LIKE A GOOD NEIGHBOR STATE FARM IS THERE.® PROVIDING INSURANCE & FINANCIAL SERVICES

%

apr*

Membership Available to anyone who lives, works or has an immediate family member in Hidalgo County.

Call Us For Details.

CALL OR CLICK TODAY!

Insured by NCUA. Equal housing lender.

LOCATIONS IN: LA JOYA • PALMVIEW

(956) 585-6207 www.lajoyafcu.com

*Some conditions may apply. APR: Annual Percentage Rate.

Insured by NCUA. Equal housing lender.

Rio Script Pharmacy

Apple Pharmacy #1

YOUR HOMETOWN INDEPENDENT AGENT

1-2183

from other cities coming to celebrate Christmas with us with these both events and it’s for a simple reason: It’s a hometown parade,” Vela said. “It’s not a big parade with floats from sponsors or big corporations where no one knows each other. It’s an event for the community by the community.”

Approximately 34 entries participated in the parade with the Mission Lions Club named as the best float in the float competition. After the

The holiday spirit is in the air, and we hope the joy and goodwill of the season fill your heart and soul with gladness.

“Serving The Rio Grande Valley Since 1911”

ry • Mission, TX

page 9

www.ptrgv.com

2501 N 23rd St B, McAllen 956-627-6652

GENERAL DENTISTRY EXCEPTIONAL CARE

2407 E. Griffin Pkwy.

(FM 495 & Shary Rd.) • Mission

956-581-2773

Apple Pharmacy #3

RioScript Pharmacy

909 Buss. Park Dr, Mission 956-424-6268

Mon.-Fri. 8am-8pm • Sat. 9am-1pm

(formerly Paloma’s Pharmacy)

Justin Felkner D.D.S.

Timothy W. Brann D.D.S.

Richard A. Young D.D.S.

Apple Pharmacy #2

810 E Veterans Dr. Palmview 956-352-6485 2308 Expressway 83, Penitas • 956-271-1064

Let the spirit of love gently fill our hearts and homes In this loveliest of seasons may you find many reasons for happiness

Happy Holidays! from Norberto “Beto” Salinas

December 20, 2019

page 11

www.ptrgv.com

MCISD to spend up to $1.6 million on scoreboard for Tom Landry Stadium

By Jamie Treviño Mission may be looking at a new scoreboard at Tom Landry Stadium.

During this week’s regular called trustees meeting at the Mission Consolidated Independent School District, the board discussed the beginnings of the Tom Landry Hall of Fame Stadium Scoreboard Project. At this stage, they are budgeting the new board at $1.6 million.

Ricardo Rivera, the Assistant Superintendent for Operations, presented the proposed budget and approval of the project. According to the district, the scoreboard currently occupying the stadium is in need of major repairs.

The current board was completed in Dec. 2010, and electronic scoreboards of that kind are typically functional for ten years. In supporting documents for the budget item, it is noted that operators have “continued to experience system failures such as speaker/audible issues and outages concerning the timekeeping and the other needed functions for game information.”

Tom Landry Stadium rests going east to west, as opposed to other stadiums built going north to south.

Because of this, the scoreboard faces direct sunlight at the hottest point in the day, incurring further damage according to electronic scoreboard vendors.

The new scoreboard is planned to include a new LED video panel, sponsor panels and an improved sound system. MCISD is open to possibly utilizing existing structures and equipment.

Rumalda Ruiz, the MCISD Assistant Superintendent for Finance, presented potential funding endeavors the district may undertake that would cover the proposed budget maxing out at $1.6 million.

“A mechanism we were proposing for the purchase was maintenance tax notes,” Ruiz said. “With maintenance tax notes we could finance the whole project not necessarily the purchase of the scoreboard, therefore that’s why we were bringing that specific financing source for the board’s consider-

ation.”

The tax note would be at four percent interest rate.

The market is attractive for low interest rates at the moment according to financial advisors for the district, and Ruiz noted that the four percent rate matched district rates in 1982.

“The market is attractive for lending purposes,” Ruiz said, adding that vendors may also offer zero percent financing for scoreboard purposes. “We did have a walkthrough with a potential vendor last Thursday after the committee meetings, and we told them more or less what we were envisioning on the scoreboard project.”

The potential vendor provided a cost estimate and financing options they offered.

The finance department began working with a financing company to get more information and check on the taxable status of leasing in order to clarify information.

“If we were to finance the purchase, we were looking at more or less $1.2 million,” Ruiz said. “It would be a bank-qualified transaction.

Bank-qualified transactions will only be available for tax-exempt purchases or leasing or financing.”

The scoreboard will not be able to be tax exempt, the district intends to use the revenue for sponsorship.

The other option for funding would stem from the fund balance, which some board members and the superintendent were on the fence about.

“We do have a strong fund balance that can support the expenditure with minimal impact,” Ruiz said. “I do want to re-emphasize that this project will be paying itself off, we anticipate in ten years or sooner, depending on the level of sponsorship we have on the scoreboard.”

Board member Petra Ramirez expressed hesitation to use the fund balance for the purchase unless they specified that all sponsorship funds collected from the scoreboard go directly back to the fund balance. The board is able to change its mind on the funding options later according to administration, so once the details are ironed out they plan to decide on an option.

Supporting documents about the project items spec-

ified that a scoreboard facilitates the game functions of athletic events hosted by MCISD, and also allows the district to obtain advertisement revenue from business sponsors during events. It can also be utilized in pro-

moting educational programs, district awareness and showcasing student and staff accomplishments.

Following the budget approval, the board also voted to start the procurement method (design-build, where

the facilitator acts as a onestop-shop and does both), ranking committee and wage rate of the project. The board approved for administration to advertise a request for qualifications for architects and a structural engineering

assessment.

When the board meets again on Jan. 22, Ruiz said they should have more concrete figures on the financial side of the project.

Mission tables interlocal agreement with Hidalgo County RMA for the Madero Bridge project

By Jamie Treviño The Madero-Reynosa International Bridge is still a ways from happening.

Mon. Dec. 16, the Mission city council met to discuss several items, including a potential interlocal agreement with Hidalgo County Regional Mobility Authority (HCRMA) for the Mission/ Madero-Reynosa International Bridge. City Attorney Gus Martinez said he reached out to the HCRMA to see if they wanted to partner with the city on the project.

Last year, the city approved an interlocal cooperation agreement with the cities of McAllen and Hidalgo which reallocated the percentage of each party, the allotment of the Madero Bridge Board and the responsibilities of the parties. Following the changes, Mission had a 37 percent stake of the project, while McAllen had 33 percent and Hidalgo 30 percent - but Mission would be responsible for covering the construction (McAllen and Hidalgo would repay Mission through tolls once the bridge is completed).

In June of this year, the city budgeted $5 million toward a potential environmental assessment and focused feasibility study that would cover both the Mission side and the Mexican side of the bridge. Several roadblocks have slowed down the process, including an expiring presidential permit (originally granted in 1978, set to end in 2021), a lack of consistent feedback from international partners and pushback from council members concerned about the city’s responsibili-

ty for the initial construction costs.

Several workshops on the Madero Bridge project have been requested by council to get a larger scope on Mission’s role and potentially change the cooperation agreement with McAllen and Hidalgo again to reflect a more even standing in responsibility.

During the regular meeting on Monday, Martinez said the agreement was submitted from the HCRMA for the consideration of the bridge and its environmental study.

“I know in fact that the RMA intends to work out of this area,” Martinez said.

“And there might be a time if in fact the bridge is built or construction begins - when we might interact with whatever work the RMA is doing.”

Martinez added that there may be an issue that would have taken the item into executive session.

“The interlocal hasn’t been reviewed by the RMA attorneys, so it’s kind of out there in limbo,” Martinez said. “But there is that proposal in case to consider whether or not any partnership with the RMA should be considered.”

Mayor Armando O’caña added that he and council member Alberto Vela have worked with the HCRMA and requested an estimate for the Madero Bridge.

“Right now our next step, if we’re going to construct it by 2027, we need to clear it for an environmental study,” O’caña said. “The RMA is willing to do the clearance of the administrative of the en-

vironmental, plus also manage the construction part for us.”

O’caña said that the HCRMA was willing to cover 20 percent of the project management at their expense, and Mission would be responsible for 80 percent.

“The interlocal agreement we have has a ceiling in terms of the years - not to exceed two years, and not to exceed over $2 million,” O’caña said. “That’s where we’re at.”

“If we do not enter into an environmental study, our presidential permit will expire in 2021,” O’caña added.

“The United States Secretary of State’s office told us they would automatically extend it if we are already in construction.”

O’caña said the delays since 2011 have made Mission fall behind on the project, and noted the city has submitted three proposals to organizations on the Mexican side of the border to fund 50 percent of the construction.

“Without the permit, everything is going to go down,” O’caña said. “In 2021, if the permit is not renewed, then we would start from scratch and that would send us back a good seven years, or back where we were in 2011.”

Council member Jessica Ortega-Ochoa asked Martinez how long the attorneys from the HCRMA said they would take to review the agreement and answer questions. He responded that they did not say.

“That’s the concern that we have,” Martinez said.

“We really can’t enter into

an MOU [memorandum of understanding] or an interlocal since the legal part is not fully formed at all. We haven’t had any discussions with their attorneys, and I don’t know what their time frame would be.”

Martinez said the only motion council could make would be to consider possibly entering into a discussion with the HCRMA because nothing has been formed on the Mexican side or the HCRMA. O’caña thought that because they wrote the interlocal agreement, their lawyers would have reviewed it, so he asked who wrote it.

“It was sent here by some of their staff members, I was told,” Martinez said. “The interlocal for the RMA was not written here, and in fact Mr. Perez [City Manager Randy Perez] has made some changes and sent it to them with some revisions, but it has not come back signed or approved by their [legal].”

Council member Ruben Plata made a motion to table the item, saying there are still aspects that need to be worked out by the legal department.

“It’s a lot of money,” Plata said. “I’ve been asking for a workshop - is McAllen once again going to be supportive on this project? Are they on board or not? I really would like for us to make a decision, I understand it’s a sense of urgency.”

Ultimately, the council voted to table the item for further review and discussion.

83rd Texas Citrus Fiesta “Space Odyssey Adventure” Royal Reception

Saturday, January 11, 2020 Balli’s Terrance Event Center - 1509 Industrial Blvd. Mission $50 p/p

Coronation of King Citrus & Queen Citrianna Thursday, January 23, 2020 - 1pm Mission High School - Neuhaus Gym $5 General Seating - $10 Reserved Seating

Parade of Oranges

Saturday, January 25, 2020 - 3pm Parade run south on Conway Ave. from FM 495 to 1st St. - Mission, TX

Fun Fair

10am - 10pm, Saturday, January 25, 2020 Live Music, Food, Vendors, Craft Vendors & Much More Leo Peña Placita Park - 9th St. & Conway Ave. - Mission, TX

Heart of America Carnival January 6 thru January 26, 2020

TCF Annual Fahion Show

(April 2020) Date and Time TBA - $20 Fashion Show and Luncheon

TCF 2nd Annual Sanctioned Vaquero Cook-Off (May 2020) Date, Time, Entry Fees TBA

For more information call or stop by Texas Citrus Fiesta Office 2220 E. 9th St. - Mission, Tx • (956) 585-9724

page 12

December 20, 2019

www.ptrgv.com

Local mayors reflect on Christmas traditions

By Jose De Leon III With Christmas approaching, city leaders from across western Hidalgo County shared how they spend the holiday.

For all of them, faith, family and building new memories were the cornerstone of the holiday. Sullivan City Mayor Leonel “Leo” Garcia did not respond as of press time.

ALTON For Mayor Salvador Vela, Christmas dinner is as important as church.

“It’s the essence of church

Salvador Vela Alton Mayor

because we’re getting together with the family like we do every Sunday,” Vela explained. “All my three kids and 13 grandchildren

are there and the way I see it, God is in the mix even at home. We just don’t see it.”

Traditions include having the family gathered around the Christmas tree that has been in the family for 30 years as Vela’s wife, Sylvia, dresses up as Santa Clause to deliver the presents.

“And we’re videotaping the kids reacting to the presents, capturing those moments we’ll look back on fondly,” Vela said. “It’s a season of giving that’s part of the church and sometimes, people can forget that because they’re caught

Holiday Safety for your home • Don’t leave your holiday presents or valuables out in the open.

• Keep your windows and doors locked.

• Don’t advertise your holiday travel plans - especially on social media.

• Keep your garage door closed and locked.

• Trim your shrubbery around your home to reduce cover for burglars.

• Light up your residence, lock your doors at all times and call the Police when you see something suspicious.

Emergency Calls: Dial 911 Non-emergency: (956)584-5000

up in the holiday rush. We shouldn’t forget the true meaning of it.”

LA JOYA For newly elected Mayor Isidro Casanova, spending time with family is the reason for the season.

“I’m a firm believer in family coming first and Christmas is the one holiday that exemplifies that.”

Casanova said. “Every year we get together at my house for a BBQ, cook turkey, exchange presents, anything to spend time together. It’s a holiday that brings families together as a unit. As long as people make the time to spend the holidays together, then they’re making it special.”

for nearly 30 years.

“When my wife worked at JC Penny around the holidays, she’d be back home at around 4 a.m. at Christmas Eve,” O’caña explained. “To pass the time, my kids and I would clean out the freezer, thaw out all the meat and poultry we had there and cook it up on Christmas Eve and make it into tacos. We’d have so much that we began sharing it with our neighbors. Now when people see we have the BBQ pit on, they know they are welcome to grab a taco before they take off for their Christmas Eve traditions.”

This act of sharing-which O’caña and his family call “Tacos for Christ”-is one that has grown to where as many as 60 people show up to his home on north Schuerbach Road.

“It prepares us for the rest of the day where we go to mass at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church and do regular stuff with the family,” O’caña said. “I have 9 grandchildren and I want them to continue this tradition for generations to come.

It’s a nice way to teach them to be neighborly.”

Dr. Armando O’caña

Ramiro J. Rodriguez

Isidro Casanova La Joya Mayor

Ricardo Villarrreal Palmview Mayor

the guitar and performing carols with his family.

“It’s a celebration of the greatest gift we’ve ever received and every year, I grow to understand that more and more.” Villarreal said. “It’s a time of reflection, learning from the good and bad, sharing good moments and looking forward to making the next year better.”

Villarreal and his family get together with an assortment of food that includes barbacoa, soup and pan dulce and enjoy each other’s company, he said.

“It’s a time for taking into consideration all the good things we are blessed with in our life and make good memories,” Villarreal said.

“It’s all we’ll have in the end and we try to hold on to that good cheer for as long as we can.”

Have a Safe & Secure Holiday from

Mission Police Department “Committed to Our Community”

Mission Mayor

Go to www.missionpolice.org for additional holiday safety tips.

1200 E. 8th St. Mission TX, 78572

MISSION Christmas means continuing a tradition that Mission Mayor Armando O’caña has been doing with his family

Sharyland Family Dentistry, P.C. General and Cosmetic Dentistry

SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS CENTER 2132 E. Griffin Pkwy. • Mission, TX 78572

SERVICES: • General Dentistry • Cosmetic & Whitening Dentistry • Restorative Dentistry Implants & Crowns/Bridges

Business Hours: Mon. & Tues. • 8:30am - 7:00pm (Evening Hours) Wed. & Thurs. • 8:30am - 5:00pm (Closed for Lunch 1-2pm • Mon.-Thurs.)

Friday 8:30am - 1:00pm • Sat. & Sun. Closed

NEW PATIENT SPECIAL

65

$

Est. 1996

$130 VALUE

• NO INSURANCE PAYMENT PLAN AVAILABLE FOR TREATMENT • EXAM & X-RAYS • FREE POWER TOOTHBRUSH

956.580.1900 INSURANCE ACCEPTED Utilize Insurance Benefits Before End of 2019 Year

Richard M. M. Lee, DDS

Sharyland Family Dentistry P.C.

Se Habla Español

www.sharylandfamilydentistry.com

Rubi E. Perez, DDS

INSURANCE ACCEPTED IN NETWORK: • Ameritas • Assurant • BCBS • Cigna • Cigna Healthspring • Dearborn National • Dentaquest • Liberty Dental (Molina) • MCNA • Principal Life Insurance • TMHP • TML • United Concordia • United Health Care (Medicare)

Palmhurst Mayor

PALMHURST Christmas this year will be different for Palmhurst Mayor Ramiro J. Rodriguez Jr. as he is going to spend the holidays here at home for the first time in years.

“My son is a doctor in Austin and we usually go up there to spend the holidays with him,” Rodriguez Jr. said. “This year, he’s coming down to us because he’s spending New Year’s in Philadelphia to meet his girlfriend’s parents.”

This holiday season, Rodriguez Jr. will celebrate Christmas at a relative’s house and enjoy a dinner of tamales and a game of loteria as relatives watch the children unwrap their presents.

“It’s a time for us to get together, enjoy the meals and make memories,” Rodriguez Jr. said. “We get to catch up on those we haven’t seen in the past. A lot of us are at that age where we don’t care about the gift, only about spending time together. Our time here together is limited so we just want more memories as a gift.”

PALMVIEW For Palmview Mayor Ricardo “Ricky” Villarreal, Christmas means getting out

Rodrigo Lopez Peñitas Mayor

PENITAS As a city leader, Peñitas Mayor Rodrigo “Rigo” Lopez believes that Christmas is a time to spread joy to everyone.

“It’s a time to celebrate Jesus and to do what God wants us to do: spend time with family, reminisce on our good time together and love each other,” Lopez said.

“As city leaders, that extends to the community. We have to share that spirit of giving we dedicate to our family to our citizens as well. We owe it to our community to serve them.”

Lopez said this Wednesday during the city’s annual toy drive, which he said was an example of the city giving back to the community.

“We do this with acts such as giving time to meet with the community to hear their needs, ” Lopez said. “It’s also about setting new goals for the New Year and building on what you have. It’s a day of getting together with our loved ones and spending all day with them and build on the traditions and memories we have.”

Holiday Shopping Spree

page 14

December 20, 2019

www.ptrgv.com

Register to win at any or all of the businesses on these pages.

You can also register to win by signing up for the GoMission Discount Card, or for current cardholders show us your card, at Progress Times. Remember, you increase your chances of winning by visiting more of these businesses and registering at each location.

Happy Holidays

In House Financing with

Beto Salinas

(Owner/Operator)

BUY HERE

Office: 956-800-9911 Cell.: 956-360-3757

Raul Cruz -General Manager

Register For $200 Find this sleigh througout the paper

Fred Moron, R.Ph. 2120 E. Griffin Pkwy.

Mission • 581-5499

Alberto Vela, R.Ph. 1242 E. Bus 83, Ste. #7 Mission • 583-2700

Hours of Operation: Mon.-Fri. 9am-7pm • Sat. 9am-1pm

Fiesta Lube Express Full Service Oil Change

Happy Holidays! $

Sleigh location:________________________ Store Where Registering:___________________ Name: _________________________________ Address: _______________________________ Phone:_________________________________ Email: _________________________________ Pharmacy & Medical Equipment

PAY HERE

520 E. 9th St. Mission, TX 78572

3599 $10 OFF $5 OFF

Oil Change with FREE 15 point Inspection

Expires: December 31, 2019

A/C or Brake Service

Expires: December 31, 2019

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

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

585-0115

1418 E. Bus. 83 • Mission, TX (Between Bryan Rd. & Stewart Rd.)

q Yes, I would like to receive newsletter and pro-

motional emails from Progress Times.

No Purchase Necessary. Must be age 18 or older Limit one entry per person per business location. Employees and immediate family members of the participating businesses, or Progress Times are ineligible.

Entry deadline: 12 p.m. Dec. 28. No purchase necessary.

Transforming Lives...

La Joya ISD

Transforming Communities!

Holiday Specials

For The Month of December

• 10% OFF MEMBERSHIPS FOR ALL NEW MEMBERS

• $5 OFF WEEKDAY GREEN FEES • $20 GREEN FEES FOR LARGE GROUPS HAVING 20 OR MORE PAYING PLAYERS • 15% OFF PRO SHOP MERCHANDISE Hours of Operation: Mon.-Sun. 7am - 6:30pm

7400 W. Expressway 83 • Mission, TX • 956-585-6330

from

CALL TODAY!

(956) 585-6207 www.lajoyafcu.com

Insured by NCUA. Equal housing lender.

LOCATIONS IN: LA JOYA • PALMVIEW

page 16

December 20, 2019

www.ptrgv.com

Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas filled with love, laughter and merriment.

We feel so blessed to be a part of this caring community. Thank you for your friendship.

We look forward to seeing you again in the New Year!

from J.J. Peña and Family

Political Ad Paid for by the candidate.

from pg. 5

PETS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Bricker said that most adoptees pay only a $25 deposit to spay or neuter an animal and other fees are usually waived.

“No matter how nice our shelter is, it’s nothing compared to a home,” Bricker said. “So our goal is to get them out of a shelter and into a home. We make it as easy

from pg. 1

as possible while making the right decision for an animal.”

To adopt an animal, visit any of Palm Valley Animal Society’s three locations at 2501 W. Trenton Rd., 2451 N Expwy 281, both in Edinburg, and at its McAllen location open exclusively on weekends through January at 302 S. Broadway. PVAS’

Edinburg locations will be open every day year-round, Bricker said.

“We’re here every day taking care of the animals and animal control department still gives us animals on Christmas so we should still be here to ensure they go home,” Bricker explained.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

We will close December 20-27, 2019.

We will resume regular business hours on Monday, December 30.

We will not have an issue December 27, 2019.

SWEARING IN

inheriting a very healthy general fund balance. The people of La Joya and myself will support you 100 percent.”

The campaign started in March and corruption became a major issue in the last few months. Last August, FBI agents raided city hall and arrested a former public relations consultant and charged her with bribery. Months later, former city

Administrator Mike Alaniz was arrested and charged with theft.

“All that stuff may have helped us,” Casanova said Tuesday. “Citizens saw what was going on at city hall and realized, ‘enough is enough.

It’s time for change.’”

Among the projects Casanova said he is prioritizing is a completion of an audit of the city’s budget and maintenance of the city’s water

treatment plant which was recently fined by the Texas Commission on Environmental Equality.

“We were fined for irregularities at the plant that we need to look into and address as soon as possible,” Casanova said, adding that he looks forward to his first term as mayor. “I am looking forward to the challenge, and a challenge it will be.”

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

We will close Dec. 31- Jan. 3, 2020.

We will resume regular business hours on Monday, January 6, 2020.

Progress times

Wishing you a

Magical &

Blissful holiday!

& a Prosperous New Year! from the Agua Special Utility District Board of Directors & Staff

Lloyd A. Loya President City of Peñitas

Cesar Rodriguez, Jr. Vice-President City of Mission

Adolfo Arriaga Secretary City of La Joya

Esequiel Ortiz, Jr. Director City of Palmview

Homero Tijerina Director County Place 1

J. E. “Eddie” Saenz, P.E. General Manager & Agua SUD Employees

Ivan Sandoval Treasurer City of Sullivan City

Our office will be closed December 24, 25 , and January 1.

Roger Hernandez Director County Place 3