MISSION—A select group of individuals from Mission joined together for Mission Day at the Capital in Austin on Feb. 19. The group’s mission was to share with legislators issues important to the area, including education, transportation and city elections.

This year, members from the city council, the chamber of commerce, business community, economic development corporation, Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone board and AGUA Special Utility District were in attendance in Austin.

Mission Chamber of Commerce CEO Matt Ruszczak said the trip was a great success.

Read more: Mission Day in Austin: Mission delegation lobbies legislators

Remember to “Spring Forward” and set your clocks ahead one hour this weekend so you don’t arrive at church an hour late.

Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday, March 10 – officially at 2 a.m. But you don’t have to wait until then to set your clocks; just set them ahead an hour before you go to bed Saturday night. You may lose an hour’s sleep, but at least you’ll make it to church on time.

Daylight Saving Time begins the second Sunday in March and ends the first Sunday in November – this year ending on Nov. 3.

In a highly competitive STAR (South Texas Agricultural Roundup) Show, Sharyland FFA and Sharyland 4-H again brought home more trophies for grand champion and reserve grand champion than any other FFA or 4-H group. But it was Edinburg Vela FFA that captured both Supreme Bull and Supreme Heifer.

Read more: STAR Livestock Show Winners

MCALLEN—United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson and Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott announced on Feb. 21 the owner of a now defunct McAllen area durable medical equipment (DME) business, his wife and another former employee have been convicted for their roles in a conspiracy and scheme to defraud Medicare and Medicaid through fraudulent billings.

As part of his plea, RGV DME Owner Marcello Herrera, 40, admitted he sent more than $11.1 million in false claims to Medicare and Medicaid. Herrera and his wife Carla Cantu Herrera, 32, along with their former employee Ramon De La Garza, 52, all of Mission, entered a plea of guilty to conspiring to defraud Medicare and Texas Medicaid.

Read more: Mission trio convicted of health care fraud

MISSION—The Mission School Board recently approved construction of new paved parking lots at the Mission High School Girls Softball Field, Tom Landry Stadium and Leo Najo Baseball Park.

In August, the district purchased property to the east of the MHS girl’s softball complex to be used for parking space. Executive Director of Maintenance/Facilities/Construction Rick Rivera said the proposed parking lots would include areas just south of the Tom Landry Stadium visitor’s stands, the Leo Najo Baseball Park parking lot, and would address the levee area on the far south side.

Read more: Tom Landry Stadium to get new parking lot

MISSION—Students from Agape Christian School received a visit from the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands and World Birding Center on Feb. 22. The program, provided by the center, detailed the lifespan of different animals that reside in the Rio Grande Valley.

First grade teacher Nancy Olmos said the students are currently learning the different stages of a butterfly.

“I can teach my students the cycle of the butterfly, but I’m more of a visual person,” Olmos said. “If they can see the animals outside and meet with people who take care of them, feed them …then they know they are important.”

Read more: Edinburg Scenic Wetlands staff visits Agape Christian School

MISSION—City leaders, community members and Mission Historical Museum staff gathered on Tuesday morning to break ground for the museum’s improvements project. Museum Director Luis D. Contreras II said the project is momentous, a once in a lifetime occasion.

The improvements planned for the museum include replacing the parking lots that now separate the Shary building from the Museum Annex (old post office) with landscaping and a walkway that will connect the buildings. This area will also include a Chapparal Rock Garden, a jacal, fountain, and butterfly garden.  

“We are very excited, and we are very humbled,” Contreras said. “The concept was designed to better provide our services to the community while enhancing the quality of life. Today, this idea is transpiring into a reality.”

Read more: Mission Historical Museum begins site improvements project

PEÑITAS—The City of Peñitas met at a special meeting on Feb. 19, approving a resolution to begin planning another round of annexations in 2013. In December 2012 Peñitas annexed 1,300 acres, including 457.9 acres of voluntary annexations.

Finance Director Oscar Cuellar said the city is allowed to annex just under 500 acres for the year 2013.

Read more: City of Peñitas is planning more annexations