Economic Summit participants stress importance of education
By Edwina P. Garza
MISSION — The metropolitan region of Hidalgo County, which includes Mission, McAllen and Edinburg, can only continue to grow when the needs of its young population are met through education, economic leaders said last week.
At the Mission Chamber of Commerce’s Economic Summit 2010, local officials highlighted the city’s growth from the past decade and began looking forward at the needs of the community to continue on a profitable path.
“As far as I can tell, we’re going to continue doing extremely well,” said Mario Reyna, the chamber’s vice-president of business development, who also serves as the dean of business and technology at South Texas College.
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IBWC officials: ‘No problems’ with flood release operations
By Edwina P. Garza
MERCEDES—An area operations manager with the U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission said the flood release operations following the heavy rainfalls from Hurricane Alex and Tropical Depression No. 2 went smoothly on its structures from Peñitas all the way to the Gulf of Mexico...........continued on Page 3.
Mission increases solid waste rates
Deputy Fire Marshall saves infant
These Stories and more in August 27 issue of the Progress Times
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Mission citizen award nominations now open
Nominations are now open for Mission’s Man of the Year, Woman of the Year, Mr. Mission and First Lady of Mission. The Progress Times, sponsor of the awards, will present the honorees at the annual banquet for the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce, to be held in October.
This is the sixth year the citizen awards presentations are to be made at the chamber banquet. Previously, the Progress Times coordinated the annual Mission Awards Showcase banquet where the awards were presented annually.
“These awards are a longstanding tradition recognizing the hard work and dedication of Mission’s leading citizens who have contributed greatly to the growth and quality of life of the city,” said Jim Brunson, publisher of the Progress Times. “The Chamber of Commerce has been most gracious in helping the community honor Mission’s finest citizens,” he said.
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Student influx from Mexico strains SISD
By Carina A. Brunson
MISSION — The Sharyland Independent School District has seen an increase of almost seven percent in enrollment compared to last year’s enrollment numbers, district officials said.
At the start of last year, enrollment was at 8,946 students. This year the enrollment is currently at 9,571.
Superintendent Scott Owings said the growth could be attributed to the large influx of people moving here from Mexico.
Board members said they were concerned whether the district has enough resources and time to bring the new students, mostly students who will speak English as a second language, to the same level as current students in the district.
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Alton council changes proposed tax rate
By Kathy Olivarez
ALTON — City council members approved a revision and increase of the proposed tax rate for the 2010-2011 fiscal year. Previously, the tax rate had been proposed at $0.4437 per $100 valuation. The new proposed tax rate is $0.4850.
City Manager Jorge Arcaute at this week’s council meeting said he previously recommended a tax rate that would cover the existing debt the city had. However, he said he failed to figure in the debt on a loan the city was taking to purchase equipment, which led to the proposed increase.
Eva Mireles, a taxing agent with the Hidalgo County Tax Office told the council that they would have to have the new tax rate published in a newspaper twice and hold two public hearings prior to adopting the new rate.
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La Joya group donates cash to flood victims
By Edwina P. Garza
LA JOYA—Following the flood, some people needed a laugh, Frances De Leon said.
With that idea, De Leon and members of the Citizens Working Together arranged for a few comedians from the San Antonio area to visit families to help them escape their troubles with a few jokes. The comedy show, held Aug. 13, was also a fund raising event to help these same families get back into their homes.
Along with the comedy show event, where tickets sold for $10, the group of about 40 also hit the streets selling plates of food and collecting donations on La Joya streets. In total, they raised $6,000 in one week, De Leon said.
On Wednesday night, the group distributed checks to the 32 families whose homes were damaged by the floodwaters following Hurricane Alex and Tropical Depression No. 2.
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Commissioners discuss budget options
By Edwina P. Garza
EDINBURG — Working with a nearly $5 million shortfall, county commissioners and staff appear optimistic about next year’s budget.
At a budget workshop meeting, the county’s budget officer said reductions from county departments managed to reduce operating costs, bringing the county’s projected budget shortfall for Fiscal Year 2011 down to $4.8 million from $10.4 million. Additionally, the county’s fund balance is expected to reach an all-time high at year’s end, a remarkable achievement considering the widespread economic woes that plague the nation. Because the Commissioners’ Court operated from the most conservative revenue estimates from County Auditor Ray Eufracio this year, the fund balance is projected to be $24.9 million. A healthy fund balance is imperative to obtaining low-interest on capital improvement bonds, and a fund balance can be used to cover unexpected costs, such as those associated with natural disasters.
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Officials tour proposed Trade Corridor Connector sites
MISSION — State and local leaders met this week to tour facilities and project sites for the proposed Trade Corridor Connector with Texas Transportation Commissioner Ted Houghton.
Meeting with Houghton were Hidalgo County Judge Rene Ramirez, Regional Mobility Authority Chair Dennis Burleson, Mission City Manager Julio Cerda, Texas Department of Transportation Engineer Mario Jorge and Hunt Development Owner Paul Curtin.
“We were able to tour the ports, industrial parks and other community assets,” Ramirez said. “I believe he was impressed with the phenomenal growth that is taking place here.”
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Cathy Garcia’s community service is gratitude to country
By Mary Nichols
MISSION — Cathy Garcia has great faith in God, believing He had a plan for her from the moment she was born.
When she was just two days old living in an orphanage in Cd. Juárez, Mexico, she was adopted by an American family.
As an adult, inching on a decade of participating in public efforts to better the city she calls home, Garcia serves as chairwoman for the Mission Chamber of Commerce, and takes part on the Mission Economic Development Corporation and the Mission Economic Development Authority Board. She has volunteered her services to various community projects and is an assistant pastor at the World Center Church in Mission.
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Flood-damaged Anzalduas Park cannot re-open for weeks
By Edwina P. Garza
MISSION — The quiet hum of flood waters making their way through Anzalduas Park may sound calming, but they’re also a reminder of the long road ahead for the county park.
On Wednesday, Hidalgo County Precinct 3 Park Director Sergio H. Saenz said officials were waiting for the water to recede before the clean up of the park could start. Precinct 3 Coordinator Mingo Villarreal Jr. said it could take almost three weeks before workers could re-enter the park, and at least another week for clean up efforts before the park could re-open.
“Hopefully, if it doesn’t rain again, we could open in three to four weeks,” Villarreal said. “People keep calling to ask when they can come into the park. People use it a lot; it’s a beautiful park.”
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Mission rallies against crime at National Night Out
By Edwina P. Garza
MISSION — Residents from surrounding communities met on Tuesday to vow to fight against crime in their neighborhoods at the 15th annual National Night Out.
The event, held at La Plazita Park and sponsored by the Mission Crime Stoppers, was a rally against Mission area crime, Police Chief Leo Longoria said.
“We want to make sure everyone is together,” he said. “We can’t do it without the community and the local merchants and the schools.”
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