United States of America
Journalism alumnus from The University of Texas-Pan American in Edinburg, TX. Formerly of The Pan American, The Monitor and RG Vision, now with Progress Times.
Handles social media, entertainment blogs, news and feature stories.
For Marc Perea, the band instructors he interacted with as a student were the people responsible for pushing him to explore his talents as a musician. "I had band directors that were encouraging and even took me to college auditions," Perea, 38, ...
The Progress Times is the hometown newspaper for the local communities of Mission, Sharyland, Alton, Palmview, La Joya and surrounding areas in Western Hidalgo County. We have a staff of veteran reporters who work diligently every week to bring our readers the latest news as it affects their hometown area and people.
After 105 years of serving families with their loved ones, a local funeral home found another way to help families in need last weekend. On Saturday, Aug. 25, Mission's Flores Funeral Home held a free back to school event where they, along ...
For the 20 children participating, there was no better way to end the summer than with a talent show. These kids participated in the Hollywood Talent Show Thursday, Aug, 23 that was part of the Mission Boys and Girls Club of America. ...
With parents from Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Raul Castillo recalled always feeling like he was part of two worlds whenever he and his family crossed the border as a child. "Being from the Valley, I always thought about where we as border residents belo...
The $1.1 million cattle pavilion at Sharyland's Pioneer High School is expected to be completed within the next few days, more than four months after its projected completion date. Last December, the Sharyland School Board of Trustees approved a ...
The Progress Times is the hometown newspaper for the local communities of Mission, Sharyland, Alton, Palmview, La Joya and surrounding areas in Western Hidalgo County. We have a staff of veteran reporters who work diligently every week to bring our readers the latest news as it affects their hometown area and people.
After increasing the tax rate in the city last year by 2.5 cents, Palmview's interim city manager recommended to the city council that tax rate remained unchanged. Last September, the city approved the new tax rate that increased the rate t...
The Sharyland community had a chance to meet the new district superintendent at a meet and greet last week. Held at the Mission Event Center Friday, Aug. 17, district officials and members of the public were given the opportunity to interact with...
At a workshop for the Sharyland School Board of Trustees, board members discussed the possibility of airing television commercials to promote the school district. Carolyn Mendiola, an official with the district's public information department, led a presentation to the school board on Sharyland's advertising campaign for the 2018-2019 school year at the Monday workshop.
When he first expressed his intentions to create a winery in the Rio Grande Valley, Jorge Jaber said everyone thought he was crazy. "When I first came here in 1986, I bought this land with the idea of making a winery," Jaber, 86, said...
The Progress Times is the hometown newspaper for the local communities of Mission, Sharyland, Alton, Palmview, La Joya and surrounding areas in Western Hidalgo County. We have a staff of veteran reporters who work diligently every week to bring our readers the latest news as it affects their hometown area and people.
As an avid hiker, Alton resident Isaac Casas can be seen hiking along the Mission Hike and Bike Trails or the Bentsen State Park. For Casas, the wildlife along the Rio Grande River makes the area unique. "It's welcoming, this is a pla...
In the wake of several deadly school shootings this year, two of which killed a total of 27 people in high schools in Florida and Texas, the Sharyland Independent School District is being proactive in keeping its students and staff safe from the u...
When Agape Christian School begins its next school year later this month, two familiar faces will be leading the school. Sandy Ehlinger, who has worked at the school in several different capacities over the years, was recently named as the school...
When Agape Christian School begins its next school year later this month, two familiar faces will be leading the school. Sandy Ehlinger, who has worked at the school in several different capacities over the years, was recently named as the school...
This article was originally published in the Friday, Aug. 10, 2017 edition of the Progress Times The Agua Special Utility District is still waiting to hear back from the Texas Water Development Board on whether or not they can move forward with a...
The Progress Times is the hometown newspaper for the local communities of Mission, Sharyland, Alton, Palmview, La Joya and surrounding areas in Western Hidalgo County. We have a staff of veteran reporters who work diligently every week to bring our readers the latest news as it affects their hometown area and people.
With an estimated 38 million citizens in 16,000 communities participating in National Night Out, one small city in the area celebrated this event for the first time. Tuesday marked the 35th annual National Night Out, a nationwide event that promo...
For Daryella Gutierrez, having Criminal Justice Professor Reynaldo "Rey" Molina III as her instructor was one of the things she was looking forward to the most in her upcoming senior year at Sharyland High School. Unfortunately, that won't come t...
More than 1,000 cats and dogs in the cities of Mission and Alton have found a forever home thanks to a non-profit program in the city. That's according to Homer Garza, chairman on the advisory board for Mission Pawsible, the program that wa...
After having a groundbreaking ceremony for it nearly two years ago, the city of La Joya is entering the final stages of constructing its new city hall and police station. Last week city commissioners had a walk in tour of the 15,200 square feet b...
Two local businesses will compete against 23 other businesses next month to have their items placed on H-E-B shelves all over the state. Cappadona Ranch, based out of Linn-San Manuel, and the McAllen-based Nuts and Cows businesses are competing i...
In an effort to be more visible to the community, the Alton Police Department has rolled out a bike patrol unit for five of its officers. This new unit, which has five officers patrolling the city's parks and nearby neighborhoods, is a way ...
When Mercedes Rivas' body began rejecting the dialysis she had been receiving for years, she and her doctors knew she needed a new kidney as soon as possible. In late 2011, Rivas was diagnosed with Wegener's Granulomatosis, a rare dis...
Two months after a one percent pay increase for all their employees, the Sharyland school district is looking into another pay increase for their bus drivers. Members of the district school board of trustees met Monday at a workshop and discussed...
A 37-year-old mother, her 5-year-old-son and a family friend were killed early Sunday morning after a fire broke out in her home, injuring four others. Maria Izabel Maldonado was identified as the 37-year-old mother who was killed in the fire at ...
Despite assurance from a representative working on the Palmview wastewater project that the project is moving smoothly, the city of Palmview is looking at an early 2020 year of completion for the project that will bring sewer services to the city....
Later this year, the city of La Joya may have a new company to handle its waste management services. City commissioners voted last week to give a 90-day notice of termination to Waste Connections of Texas for waste management services in the city...
An SUV rear-ended a Chevrolet Malibu in downtown Mission Wednesday, causing traffic to slow down and sending a family of four to the hospital. Mayra Hernandez, driver of the Chevy Malibu, was heading northbound on Conway Avenue and attempted to t...
The Progress Times is the hometown newspaper for the local communities of Mission, Sharyland, Alton, Palmview, La Joya and surrounding areas in Western Hidalgo County. We have a staff of veteran reporters who work diligently every week to bring our readers the latest news as it affects their hometown area and people.
A local business will remain closed until further notice as it recovers from last month's flood. The Mission branch of the Security First Credit Union-located at 1409 E Griffin Pkwy-has been closed since the June 20 and June 21 rains in the...
The Progress Times is the hometown newspaper for the local communities of Mission, Sharyland, Alton, Palmview, La Joya and surrounding areas in Western Hidalgo County. We have a staff of veteran reporters who work diligently every week to bring our readers the latest news as it affects their hometown area and people.
This story first appeared in the Friday. July 6, 2018 issue of the Progress Times. When all was said and done, the San Benito-based Cross Church distributed 2,600 bags of packaged goods in Mission to 500 families hoping to recover from last month...
Kids (and their parents) seeking relief from the summer doldrums can seek that out at the National Butterfly Center next week. The Center, located at 3333 Butterfly Park in Mission, will be holding their 5th annual outdoor summer camp starting Mo...
Teachers are the people who, beside parents, mold children into the people they will grow up to be. The La Joya High School class of 1986 understands this and got together to commemorate their teachers at an event Wednesday where they unveiled tw...
If you were to ask Aurora Cavazos the secret to a long life, she'd give you a one-word reply: happiness. "Happiness is having all my family around me every day and seeing them continue to surprise me with their love," Ca...
Despite coming from a long line of Aggies, Sharyland Pioneer High School graduate Anne La Grange is breaking tradition and attending The University of Texas at Austin this fall. "I knew in college, I wanted to study business and that UT has such ...
When the Sharyland Advanced Academic Academy graduated its first four-year class last month, the school's salutatorian also made history. Later this summer, Isaac Rosa will attend Yale University in New Haven, CT. This makes Rosa, the eldest of three children, the first graduate in his school's history to attend an Ivy League school.
When the city of Palmview approved two rounds of annexation last fall, the city agreed to make the annexation ordinance go into effect June 30, to give the city time to provide services to its new residents. "The advantage of waiting to ena...
The Progress Times is the hometown newspaper for the local communities of Mission, Sharyland, Alton, Palmview, La Joya and surrounding areas in Western Hidalgo County. We have a staff of veteran reporters who work diligently every week to bring our readers the latest news as it affects their hometown area and people.
Despite signing a letter of intent to run track at the Missouri-based Central Methodist University, a Mission High School graduate will still represent the Eagles thousands of miles away. Alex Cordova signed the LOI Tuesday at a signing ceremony ...
At their Monday meeting, the Sharyland Board of Trustees approved a $116,520,107 budget. The budget reflects an increase of $2.7 million from their previous budget which only covered a fiscal year of 10 months instead of the traditional September 1 through August 31 timeline.
With 35 years in existence. Lone Star National Bank celebrated this milestone by opening its 33rd location Tuesday in the city on the grow. After breaking ground last December for an opening in the city of Alton, Lone Star National Bank opened it...
As a graduate of Sharyland High School's class of 2005, Eric A. Holguin said his experience living in the Rio Grande Valley shaped many of his views on several issues. "I always say, the Valley has blown up within the last 10 years and San Antoni...
This story originally appeared in the Friday, June 8, 2018 issue In preparation for growth in the city of Palmview, the city council is taking steps to ensure there is an expansion in the services the city provides to residents. After the city a...
With a severe lack of representation of Hispanic women in the workforce, a career readiness program in the City of Mission hopes to change that by empowering high school girls in the city. That's according to Cristina Garza, the programs di...
The Progress Times is the hometown newspaper for the local communities of Mission, Sharyland, Alton, Palmview, La Joya and surrounding areas in Western Hidalgo County. We have a staff of veteran reporters who work diligently every week to bring our readers the latest news as it affects their hometown area and people.
With a combined total of nearly $2 million in scholarships and grants and their diplomas, the Sharyland Pioneer High School class of 2018 took their first steps as Pioneer graduates Sunday. These graduates, 369 in total, attended their own commen...
A little after two months since breaking ground, progress is being seen at the Leo Peña Placita Park to make the park ADA compliant and move the amphitheater to the west side of the park. Located at the corner of Business 83 and Conway Ave...
For the next three years, the Sharyland Independent School District will receive $120,000 per year from 12 local businesses to help the district pay for the new, $800,000 scoreboard at Sharyland High School's Richard Thompson Stadium.
Both mayoral candidates in the city of Mission are touting the possibility of a higher voter turnout for the City of Mission runoff election set for tomorrow, and they have the numbers to back it up. According to unofficial results from the Hidal...
This article originally appeared in the Friday, June 1, 2018 edition of the Progress Times Known as the "City on the Grow," Alton has been investing in several developments over the last few months to prepare for a growth in the city,...
This article originally appeared in the Friday, June 1 2018 issue of the Progress Times At a special ceremony Tuesday, two new trustees for South Texas College were sworn in-one of whom will now represent citizens living in western Hidalgo County...
Despite having a "tight" budget that forced the Sharyland school board of trustees to only give a one percent pay increase to teachers-half of what they've received in the last three years-Sharyland trustees approved the purchase of an $800,000 LE...
Wearing their cap and gowns, Sharyland Pioneer High School seniors returned to their elementary and middle schools Wednesday to inspire the next generation of high school students. These students participated in Sharyland's Legacy Walk, a district-wide event where graduating seniors from both district high schools returned to the schools where their journey first began.
This article originally appeared in the Friday. May 25 edition of the Progress Times* In the last year, Palmview residents have seen lots of road construction work around the city as the crews lay down sewer lines for the Palmview Wastewater Pro...
More than a year after the city of Palmview was cited for having a "weak" policy and procedure manual, officials are getting ready to finalize an update on the manual, which has not been updated since in nearly 20 years. At the May 15...
After opening four years ago, Sharyland's Pioneer High School and Advanced Academic Academy will graduate its first set of seniors next month. These students are the first full four-year graduating class, meaning they've spent all their four years at their respective schools. In total, both schools will graduate around 460 students.
The Progress Times is the hometown newspaper for the local communities of Mission, Sharyland, Alton, Palmview, La Joya and surrounding areas in Western Hidalgo County. We have a staff of veteran reporters who work diligently every week to bring our readers the latest news as it affects their hometown area and people.
The Sharyland School Board of Trustees has a new president after the board reorganized their officers following the May 5 school board election. At a special called meeting Wednesday, school board trustees Melissa Smith and Jose "Pepe" Garcia were promoted as board president and vice president, respectively.
When it first opened in 1968, the Sharyland Water Supply Corporation served 700 customers in northwestern Hidalgo County. Now, 50 years later, the water company has three water plants with the ability to produce a total of 22 million gallons of w...
Next month, the La Joya school board of trustees may vote on giving migrant students an early start to the district's migrant program. At their latest school board meeting held Wednesday, May 9, school trustees heard a presentation from Ric...
The Progress Times is the hometown newspaper for the local communities of Mission, Sharyland, Alton, Palmview, La Joya and surrounding areas in Western Hidalgo County. We have a staff of veteran reporters who work diligently every week to bring our readers the latest news as it affects their hometown area and people.
Note: The following story has been amended to correct the name of Frank Perez. We apologize for the error* After years of working with the district, a total of 23 staff members from the Sharyland school district-ranging from custodians, teache...
With nearly 66 percent of the votes, Sharyland School Board Trustee Jose "Pepe" Garcia secured a second term on the school board Saturday. Garcia, a principal at the La Joya Independent School District, received 975 votes, handily beating his opp...
Two incumbents and a former member of the Mission CISD school board will continue to serve on the Mission school board of trustees after winning in their respective races during election day Saturday, May 5. Petra B. Ramirez and Herminia "M...
Nearly eight years since she left the district, Maria "Mimi" Vidaurri is officially coming back to Sharyland as its new superintendent. Last month, the Premont native was selected by the Sharyland Board of Trustees as the lone finalist for the di...
The Progress Times is the hometown newspaper for the local communities of Mission, Sharyland, Alton, Palmview, La Joya and surrounding areas in Western Hidalgo County. We have a staff of veteran reporters who work diligently every week to bring our readers the latest news as it affects their hometown area and people.
On Tuesday, Anapaula Martinez took her first steps toward the start of her high school career. She, as well as other 8th grade students from B.L. Gray Jr. High School, attended Sharyland High School's freshman orientation to be familiarized with ...
This story was updated Friday, May 4 to include a statement from CBP spokesman Carlos A. Diaz.* Officials with the City of Mission, the Diocese of Brownsville and U.S. Customs and Border Protection met last week to discuss a geographical survey ...
With a predicted annual savings of up to $900,000 per year, the Agua Special Utility District have entered in a 15 year long agreement with an Illinois-based engineering company to replace every one of their water meters with smart meters. The Ag...
The Palmview city council approved a six-month extension for their interim city manager Tuesday, nearly one year after he was initially appointed into office. "I think we've done a lot of positive things in the community and I want to...
The Progress Times is the hometown newspaper for the local communities of Mission, Sharyland, Alton, Palmview, La Joya and surrounding areas in Western Hidalgo County. We have a staff of veteran reporters who work diligently every week to bring our readers the latest news as it affects their hometown area and people.
Students at the Sharyland Independent School District may pay an additional 50 cents for their meal at the next school year. The Sharyland School Board of Trustees met Wednesday at a board workshop to discuss the meal price increase, which woul...
The Progress Times is the hometown newspaper for the local communities of Mission, Sharyland, Alton, Palmview, La Joya and surrounding areas in Western Hidalgo County. We have a staff of veteran reporters who work diligently every week to bring our readers the latest news as it affects their hometown area and people.
With a total of 14 students across the district who are parents, the La Joya Independent School district is looking into ways to ensure those teen moms stay in school as they care for their children. During Wednesday's school board meeting,...
After a year and a half since its groundbreaking ceremony, progress is being seen at La Joya's new city hall. City Administrator Mike Alaniz announced this Monday after a city council meeting where council members approved the payment of ne...
For the second time in the history of the school, Pioneer High School will advance to the regional level in this year's One-Act Play UIL competition. Previously, the Alpha Theatre Troupe advanced to regionals back in 2016. Pioneer's Alpha Theatre...
The Alton City Commissioners are expected to approve a grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission that will help the city expand their most popular park. Late last month, the TPWC approved a $500,000 grant to the city of Alton that will g...
At a special called meeting Wednesday, the board unanimously approved naming Maria Vidaurri, superintendent at Robstown Independent School District, as the lone finalist to replace current district Superintendent Robert O'Connor. "It's a great decision by the school board, they really went through all the applicants in search for someone who would be a great fit for the district and move it forward," O'Connor said Wednesday.
Two local raspa stands lost around $2,000 late last month after the city of Mission forced them to close down on two separate occasions. That's according to Elgin Xavier, the owner of the Snowball Express raspa stand that has two locations ...
To combat a projected decrease in enrollment at one of their elementary campuses, the Sharyland Independent School District will rezone the area between two elementary schools. During their Monday meeting, the Sharyland School Board of Trustees unanimously approved a rezoning between Jessie L. Jensen Elementary School and John H.
After four months since the former police chief was fired, the city of Alton has welcomed a new police chief.Jonathan Flores, who has worked for the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office-as well as the police departments for the cities of McAllen,...
When he was 14 years old, a Sharyland Pioneer High School student was shocked to hear of the Orlando Pulse shooting, where a gunman opened fire at a gay nightclub and killed nearly 50 people and injured 58 others two year ago. For the stu...
Over one month after a gunman killed 17 people at a high school in Florida, millions of people around the world took to the streets Saturday in honor of those victims, and residents here in the Valley participated. Organized by students from Marj...
The Progress Times is the hometown newspaper for the local communities of Mission, Sharyland, Alton, Palmview, La Joya and surrounding areas in Western Hidalgo County. We have a staff of veteran reporters who work diligently every week to bring our readers the latest news as it affects their hometown area and people.
The Progress Times is the hometown newspaper for the local communities of Mission, Sharyland, Alton, Palmview, La Joya and surrounding areas in Western Hidalgo County. We have a staff of veteran reporters who work diligently every week to bring our readers the latest news as it affects their hometown area and people.
More than three decades after graduating from Sharyland High School, a former student returns to the district - as its new Human Resource Director. Deborah Garza, a Mission resident and student from the SHS class of 1983, started her new job with...
The Progress Times is the hometown newspaper for the local communities of Mission, Sharyland, Alton, Palmview, La Joya and surrounding areas in Western Hidalgo County. We have a staff of veteran reporters who work diligently every week to bring our readers the latest news as it affects their hometown area and people.
Over a month since the opening of its first ever public library, the city of Alton is continuing with its push into the digital age with a city-wide project that will bring free Wi-Fi to Alton residents. Dubbed the Alton Smart City Wi-Fi ...
Citing an expected growth in the kindergarten population, the Sharyland School Board of Trustees unanimously approved extending pre-kindergarten classes to all of their campuses during their Monday board meeting.
The Progress Times is the hometown newspaper for the local communities of Mission, Sharyland, Alton, Palmview, La Joya and surrounding areas in Western Hidalgo County. We have a staff of veteran reporters who work diligently every week to bring our readers the latest news as it affects their hometown area and people.
The Progress Times is the hometown newspaper for the local communities of Mission, Sharyland, Alton, Palmview, La Joya and surrounding areas in Western Hidalgo County. We have a staff of veteran reporters who work diligently every week to bring our readers the latest news as it affects their hometown area and people.
The Progress Times is the hometown newspaper for the local communities of Mission, Sharyland, Alton, Palmview, La Joya and surrounding areas in Western Hidalgo County. We have a staff of veteran reporters who work diligently every week to bring our readers the latest news as it affects their hometown area and people.
The Palmview Wastewater System calls for the construction of four lift stations with a capacity to hold 2 million gallons of water each. However, at their latest meeting the Agua board of directors addressed rumors that the city of Palmview is mov...
The Progress Times is the hometown newspaper for the local communities of Mission, Sharyland, Alton, Palmview, La Joya and surrounding areas in Western Hidalgo County. We have a staff of veteran reporters who work diligently every week to bring our readers the latest news as it affects their hometown area and people.
The Progress Times is the hometown newspaper for the local communities of Mission, Sharyland, Alton, Palmview, La Joya and surrounding areas in Western Hidalgo County. We have a staff of veteran reporters who work diligently every week to bring our readers the latest news as it affects their hometown area and people.
The Progress Times is the hometown newspaper for the local communities of Mission, Sharyland, Alton, Palmview, La Joya and surrounding areas in Western Hidalgo County. We have a staff of veteran reporters who work diligently every week to bring our readers the latest news as it affects their hometown area and people.
When she was selected as Queen Citrianna 82 last month, Alexandria Canchola had one person on her mind. "A few weeks ago, I told my mom 'I wish I could talk to my grandmother," Canchola, a McAllen resident, recalled as s...
The Progress Times is the hometown newspaper for the local communities of Mission, Sharyland, Alton, Palmview, La Joya and surrounding areas in Western Hidalgo County. We have a staff of veteran reporters who work diligently every week to bring our readers the latest news as it affects their hometown area and people.
The Progress Times is the hometown newspaper for the local communities of Mission, Sharyland, Alton, Palmview, La Joya and surrounding areas in Western Hidalgo County. We have a staff of veteran reporters who work diligently every week to bring our readers the latest news as it affects their hometown area and people.
This coming June, the Sharyland Advanced Academy will mark a major milestone as it graduates its first ever senior cohort class. The academy, which opened in 2013, will be graduating all 93 of its seniors, according to the schools' principal Ivan...
The Progress Times is the hometown newspaper for the local communities of Mission, Sharyland, Alton, Palmview, La Joya and surrounding areas in Western Hidalgo County. We have a staff of veteran reporters who work diligently every week to bring our readers the latest news as it affects their hometown area and people.
Thanks to a partnership between the city of Alton and the Mission Consolidated School District, Alton finally has their own public library Located in the library of MCISD's Mission Collegiate High School at 605 S. Los Ebanos Blvd, Alton hel...
The Progress Times is the hometown newspaper for the local communities of Mission, Sharyland, Alton, Palmview, La Joya and surrounding areas in Western Hidalgo County. We have a staff of veteran reporters who work diligently every week to bring our readers the latest news as it affects their hometown area and people.
The Progress Times is the hometown newspaper for the local communities of Mission, Sharyland, Alton, Palmview, La Joya and surrounding areas in Western Hidalgo County. We have a staff of veteran reporters who work diligently every week to bring our readers the latest news as it affects their hometown area and people.
The Progress Times is the hometown newspaper for the local communities of Mission, Sharyland, Alton, Palmview, La Joya and surrounding areas in Western Hidalgo County. We have a staff of veteran reporters who work diligently every week to bring our readers the latest news as it affects their hometown area and people.
With plans of opening in 2020, the Sharyland Independent School District is already recruiting the students they expect will be their first cohort of the district's Health Science Institute - 8th graders. "The HSI comes is an expansion of our current medical program and we're very excited that this was approved by our school board earlier this year," Cynthia Aldape, the district's health science coordinator said.
During last November's Princess Anna Pageant, 16-year-old Alyssa Navarro and her mom came across an article of the Progress Times that would impact her family history. The article, Navarro said, detailed how the citrus industry was inspired by the Laguna Seca Ranch, a citrus growing region north of Edinburg created in 1867 by Macedonio Vela, so he and his family could settle after he was exiled from Mexico.
When Ben Cavazos opened MAE Power Equipment in 1954, he had no idea his business would be standing today. Cavzaos opened the business when he was 24 years old. He got started with a $4,000 loan and rented a 900-square foot building, he sa...
This coming fall, Sharyland students will be able to enjoy the benefits of a fully operational Boys and Girls Club at the Sharyland Bannworth Gym. The gym at Bannworth Park, located at 1822 N. Shary Rd., is currently open on a part time b...
At their school board meeting last month, the Sharyland Independent School District announced the district has enrolled seven students from outside their district as part of their open enrollment program. "It's not a large number but I think we like it that way," District Superintendent Robert O'Connor said at the board meeting.
With more than 2 and a half million jobs available in the technology market, a new technical academy is preparing to train local residents in those fields to ensure they receive the best job possible. Valley Technical Academy, housed insi...
The Progress Times is the hometown newspaper for the local communities of Mission, Sharyland, Alton, Palmview, La Joya and surrounding areas in Western Hidalgo County. We have a staff of veteran reporters who work diligently every week to bring our readers the latest news as it affects their hometown area and people.
With the start of a new year comes a lot of reflecting on what the previous year has brought to us. For us at the Sharyland Times, 2017 saw a variety of news to bring to you which brings us to this post. Below is a list of the 10...
With the start of a new year comes a lot of reflecting on what the previous year has brought to us. For us at the Progress Times, 2017 saw a variety of news to bring to you which brings us to this post. Below is a list of the 20 ...
Known as the "City on the Grow," Alton lived up to its motto holding a groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday for the Alton branch of Lone Star National Bank, the first standalone bank for the city. And city officials detailed other commercia...
After annexing nearly 400 acres and 1,680 residents into the city last month, the Palmview city council approved an ordinance at their Tuesday meeting annexing an additional 480 acres into the city along with the more than 2,000 residents. ...
The Christmas spirit was alive and well in Palmhurst as the city held its first ever Christmas tree lighting ceremony Wednesday evening. Located at the Shary Municipal Park at 4915 N. Shary Rd., the community was invited to marvel at the ...
The Progress Times is the hometown newspaper for the local communities of Mission, Sharyland, Alton, Palmview, La Joya and surrounding areas in Western Hidalgo County. We have a staff of veteran reporters who work diligently every week to bring our readers the latest news as it affects their hometown area and people.
To avoid further repairs on the press box at Sharyland High School's Richard Thompson Stadium, the Sharyland school board of trustees has awarded a bid to a Florida-based company to construct a new press box. During its Monday meeting tru...
Noting the need for more access to college for students in western Hidalgo County, officials with the La Joya Independent School District and South Texas College held a ribbon cutting ceremony last week to celebrate the expansion of the college&rs...
The Progress Times is the hometown newspaper for the local communities of Mission, Sharyland, Alton, Palmview, La Joya and surrounding areas in Western Hidalgo County. We have a staff of veteran reporters who work diligently every week to bring our readers the latest news as it affects their hometown area and people.
In its fourth year competing Pioneer High School's media club was awarded the top prize at a local film festival last month. The competition, in which filmmakers had 36 hours to write, film and edit a five to 10 minute long film, wa...
When he was a senior at Sharyland High School, Alberto Altamirano's father was deported. "It was during my final semester of school and I found out his visa was being revoked and he could no longer spend time in the country," Al...
The Progress Times is the hometown newspaper for the local communities of Mission, Sharyland, Alton, Palmview, La Joya and surrounding areas in Western Hidalgo County. We have a staff of veteran reporters who work diligently every week to bring our readers the latest news as it affects their hometown area and people.
Next August the Sharyland Independent School District will begin the school year without its current superintendent or human resources director. At the Nov. 27 SISD Board of Trustees meeting, citing health reasons Superintendent Robert O'Connor announced he is resigning from his position before the start of the next school year.
The Progress Times is the hometown newspaper for the local communities of Mission, Sharyland, Alton, Palmview, La Joya and surrounding areas in Western Hidalgo County. We have a staff of veteran reporters who work diligently every week to bring our readers the latest news as it affects their hometown area and people.
For the second time in the history of both schools, the marching bands for Sharyland and Pioneer High School competed at the state level in the University Interscholastic League Marching Band Competition. Held Nov. 6 through 8, both bands placed in the top 25 out of of all the 250 schools who competed for a spot in the top 10.
The Palmview city council approved an ordinance at their Tuesday meeting annexing around 400 acres into the city. However, the city council voted to make the ordinance take effect next summer instead of the standard 15 days it normally takes for a...
Facing a lack of space in the Sylvia Vela Park, the city of Alton has applied for a grant to help them expand their Josefa Garcia Memorial Park. Located on the corner of Bryan and Mile 5 Roads, the park could receive $1.5 million to impro...
When her grandmother was diagnosed with diabetes, Sharyland High School senior Giselle Valadez feared the worst. "It was a big scare finding that out because the diabetes diagnosis came after she survived a heart attack," the 18-year-old student said. "She essentially had to change her lifestyle and give up drinking Coke and do daily walks to combat it."
Nearly a year after filing a lawsuit against them, the former director of the La Joya Housing Authority dropped his suit Monday - but said he has plans to refile it in a few months. Juan "J.J." Garza, who served as the housing...
The Progress Times is the hometown newspaper for the local communities of Mission, Sharyland, Alton, Palmview, La Joya and surrounding areas in Western Hidalgo County. We have a staff of veteran reporters who work diligently every week to bring our readers the latest news as it affects their hometown area and people.
The Progress Times is the hometown newspaper for the local communities of Mission, Sharyland, Alton, Palmview, La Joya and surrounding areas in Western Hidalgo County. We have a staff of veteran reporters who work diligently every week to bring our readers the latest news as it affects their hometown area and people.
The Progress Times is the hometown newspaper for the local communities of Mission, Sharyland, Alton, Palmview, La Joya and surrounding areas in Western Hidalgo County. We have a staff of veteran reporters who work diligently every week to bring our readers the latest news as it affects their hometown area and people.
When he was a teenager and expressed an interest in being a lawyer, state Sen. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, D-McAllen, remembered how everyone would laugh at him. "'Chuy, you want to become a lawyer? You can't even speak English,' they'd tell me...
The Progress Times is the hometown newspaper for the local communities of Mission, Sharyland, Alton, Palmview, La Joya and surrounding areas in Western Hidalgo County. We have a staff of veteran reporters who work diligently every week to bring our readers the latest news as it affects their hometown area and people.
The Progress Times is the hometown newspaper for the local communities of Mission, Sharyland, Alton, Palmview, La Joya and surrounding areas in Western Hidalgo County. We have a staff of veteran reporters who work diligently every week to bring our readers the latest news as it affects their hometown area and people.
Sullivan City no longer has representation on the Agua Special Utility District Board of Directors after board members voted to remove one of their own during an Oct. 23 meeting. At that same meeting, directors were told the Texas Water D...
A $1,000 prize from HEB will help the Sharyland High School library promote literacy among its students. That's according to Librarian Nicole Cruz, who made the announcement during a Monday check presentation attended by students, staff and HEB officials.
The Progress Times is the hometown newspaper for the local communities of Mission, Sharyland, Alton, Palmview, La Joya and surrounding areas in Western Hidalgo County. We have a staff of veteran reporters who work diligently every week to bring our readers the latest news as it affects their hometown area and people.
Two years ago the city of Palmview hired an accountant to create a list of its fixed assets. The city is still waiting for it and is seeking a refund. So says Finance Director Rachel Chapa, who announced to city council members Tuesday she is draf...
The Progress Times is the hometown newspaper for the local communities of Mission, Sharyland, Alton, Palmview, La Joya and surrounding areas in Western Hidalgo County. We have a staff of veteran reporters who work diligently every week to bring our readers the latest news as it affects their hometown area and people.
In their latest push to promote education in the field of Information Technology, the Mission Economic Development Center is offering IT classes to women. The MEDC announced a new program - Web of Women - that will offer free ...
An initiative meant to connect Mission residents to experts in the fields of science, technology, engineering, art, and math will feature a Sharyland High School graduate as its leader. The Mission Economic Development Corporation announced Oct. 6 their latest Expert-in-Residence will be the San Antonio-based company Cityflag.
The Progress Times is the hometown newspaper for the local communities of Mission, Sharyland, Alton, Palmview, La Joya and surrounding areas in Western Hidalgo County. We have a staff of veteran reporters who work diligently every week to bring our readers the latest news as it affects their hometown area and people.
With this year's general election set for Nov. 7 and early voting commencing Monday, Oct. 23, the Progress Times reached out to the four candidates vying for two seats on the La Joya City Council. Mary Salinas (Place 3) is the only ...
The Progress Times is the hometown newspaper for the local communities of Mission, Sharyland, Alton, Palmview, La Joya and surrounding areas in Western Hidalgo County. We have a staff of veteran reporters who work diligently every week to bring our readers the latest news as it affects their hometown area and people.
The Progress Times is the hometown newspaper for the local communities of Mission, Sharyland, Alton, Palmview, La Joya and surrounding areas in Western Hidalgo County. We have a staff of veteran reporters who work diligently every week to bring our readers the latest news as it affects their hometown area and people.
For the 10th year in a row, the city of Alton has decreased their property tax rate, bringing the tax rate down by 10 percent since 2007. City commissioners unanimously approved an overall $5 million budget Tuesday that included the reduc...
For the first time in two years, the Agua Special Utility District has a general manager, signaling new leadership for the utility district. Richard LeFevre was appointed by the Agua SUD board of directors to serve as its interim general ...
Facing nearly $2 million in loans, the Palmview City Council unanimously approved a 2.5 cent property tax rate increase Sept. 15. The loans, many of which have been taken out since 2008, also played a role in the council's decision ...
Despite concerns of cronyism expressed by a member of the public, the La Joya School Board of Trustees has approved a nearly $400,000 plan to hire a Mission company to replace air filters in district schools and buildings. And the employment of a ...
Employees will receive a raise while the Sharyland Independent School District keeps its tax rate steady in its 2017-2018 fiscal year budget. The district has also approved three new academic academies. Next year's official budget, approved by the Sharyland Board of Trustees Monday, is $113,747,950.
The Progress Times is the hometown newspaper for the local communities of Mission, Sharyland, Alton, Palmview, La Joya and surrounding areas in Western Hidalgo County. We have a staff of veteran reporters who work diligently every week to bring our readers the latest news as it affects their hometown area and people.
The Progress Times is the hometown newspaper for the local communities of Mission, Sharyland, Alton, Palmview, La Joya and surrounding areas in Western Hidalgo County. We have a staff of veteran reporters who work diligently every week to bring our readers the latest news as it affects their hometown area and people.
This story has been updated to include the name of the victim. The Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office has identified the victim of a Tuesday morning shooting in Alton. Sheriff's deputies responded to a call about shots fired and a m...
The Progress Times is the hometown newspaper for the local communities of Mission, Sharyland, Alton, Palmview, La Joya and surrounding areas in Western Hidalgo County. We have a staff of veteran reporters who work diligently every week to bring our readers the latest news as it affects their hometown area and people.
When it was first built in 1865, La Lomita Chapel became an important site for the Calvary of Christ, the Catholic Oblate missionaries who rode up and down the Rio Grande Valley visiting widely separated ranches, ministering to the people, baptizi...
Rather than giving up their leadership positions on the La Joya ISD School Board of Trustees, two high-profile employees with the utility that provides water to much of western Hidalgo County have quit their jobs. But the state senator who sponsor...
Citing an imminent loss of substantial revenues, Alton is now the third city in the Rio Grande Valley to sue the state of Texas over a senate bill that prohibits cities from charging telecommunications companies for putting transmitters in public ...
When it was first built in 1865, La Lomita Chapel became an important site for the Calvary of Christ, the Catholic Oblate missionaries who rode up and down the Rio Grande Valley visiting widely separated ranches, ministering to the people, baptizi...
The Progress Times is the hometown newspaper for the local communities of Mission, Sharyland, Alton, Palmview, La Joya and surrounding areas in Western Hidalgo County. We have a staff of veteran reporters who work diligently every week to bring our readers the latest news as it affects their hometown area and people.
The Progress Times is the hometown newspaper for the local communities of Mission, Sharyland, Alton, Palmview, La Joya and surrounding areas in Western Hidalgo County. We have a staff of veteran reporters who work diligently every week to bring our readers the latest news as it affects their hometown area and people.
UPDATE #1: After press time, the house passed the $788B bill combining Pentagon budget, veterans programs, and $1.6B down payment on U.S.-Mexico wall.UPDATE #2: A July 28 article from the Texas Tribune reports that construction of the border wall ...
The Progress Times is the hometown newspaper for the local communities of Mission, Sharyland, Alton, Palmview, La Joya and surrounding areas in Western Hidalgo County. We have a staff of veteran reporters who work diligently every week to bring our readers the latest news as it affects their hometown area and people.
The executive director of the National Butterfly Center is seeking answers after she found work crews on her property clearing trees and brush that she said is endangering protected wildlife in the area. The Army Corp of Engineers has admitted res...
On her last day as a senior tax accountant in McAllen, Rachel Chapa was selected to serve as the first ever finance director for the city of Palmview. Chapa, 51, was appointed during the Tuesday, July 18 city council meeting where she was...
Concerns raised over spread of hydrilla in La Joya lake Officials in the city of La Joya are growing concerned with an invasive plant that is spreading in the city's 115-acre Walker Lake Reservoir. About one third of the lake, wh...
For Josh Hovick, camping is a way to remind him of his childhood in South Dakota. The 25-year-old Pharr resident spent most of his childhood camping every other weekend with his parents and siblings, he said. Those memories are ones he ho...
The city of La Joya became the first in the Rio Grande Valley to join other cities around the state in a lawsuit against a senate bill that would ban so-called sanctuary cities. Set to go into effect Sept. 1, Senate Bill 4 aims to outlaw ...
Despite holding a groundbreaking last October, construction has yet to begin on the new La Joya City Hall as the city waits to secure additional funding to cover $400,000 in cost over runs. City commissioners are expected to hold a public he...
With the growing demand for more people literate in computer science, Mission Economic Development Corporation held a news conference June 15 to celebrate the passage of a computer science bill and grant that will prepare Valley residents for a ca...
Sharyland Independent School District employees will see a pay increase in their July paychecks. The Sharyland School Board on Monday approved a two percent pay raise for all district employees.
Granjeno Mayor Yvette Cabrera still remembers that fateful Tuesday night when her city was hit by straight line winds with speeds between 85 and 95 miles per hour, damaging at least 40 homes and the city's community center building May 31, 2016 . ...
Despite temperatures in the low 90s early Tuesday morning, the day was cool under the oak trees near the entrance of the McAllen Nature Center. There a group of 24 adults were participating in a yoga class, one of the programs offered by the cente...
The Progress Times is the hometown newspaper for the local communities of Mission, Sharyland, Alton, Palmview, La Joya and surrounding areas in Western Hidalgo County. We have a staff of veteran reporters who work diligently every week to bring our readers the latest news as it affects their hometown area and people.
The Progress Times is the hometown newspaper for the local communities of Mission, Sharyland, Alton, Palmview, La Joya and surrounding areas in Western Hidalgo County. We have a staff of veteran reporters who work diligently every week to bring our readers the latest news as it affects their hometown area and people.
It was a sea of black Saturday at the State Farm Arena as Palmview High School graduated more than 500 of its seniors during their graduation ceremony. For many of the students, the graduation marked a reflection on the time they've spent...
When she became principal of Sharyland High School four years ago, Carolyn Mendiola's daughter was among the graduating senior class. This year, Mendiola presented her son, Omar, with a diploma. Omar was one of the 406 seniors in Sharyland High School's class of 2017 to graduate at a May 27 ceremony at the State Farm Arena in Hidalgo.
When he left his position as the director for the Palmview Boys and Girls Youth Club, Juan Arevalo saw it thriving. Since serving as its director for the last four years, Arevalo saw membership increase from 200 to 5,000 participating in ...
After nearly four years as its assistant principal, Julie Carranza was appointed the new principal for B.L. Gray Junior High School by the Sharyland ISD board of Trustees Monday. Carranza's promotion comes one month after the district selected current B.L. Gray Principal Lori Ann Garza as the new principal for Sharyland High School.
The Sharyland Independent School District Board of Trustees has a new president. And after a swearing-in ceremony for their two returning members the board reorganized with new officers at a special meeting Wednesday. Julio Cerda, who ran uncontested for the Place 2 seat during the May 6 election, was elected from among board members as the new president of the board.
The Progress Times is the hometown newspaper for the local communities of Mission, Sharyland, Alton, Palmview, La Joya and surrounding areas in Western Hidalgo County. We have a staff of veteran reporters who work diligently every week to bring our readers the latest news as it affects their hometown area and people.
The only incumbent challenged for a seat at the Sharyland Independent School District Board of Trustees will remain with the board for another three years. Incumbent Ricky Longoria will remain in his Place 1 seat after receiving 625 votes while his opponent, second-time challenger Kevin Sparks, received 369 votes according to the Hidalgo County Elections Office.
More than seven months after his arrest, a former La Joya School Board trustee has pleaded guilty to a federal wire fraud charge. On Wednesday, Juan "J.J." Garza pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. He faces a ...
Franchise entrepreneurship can be difficult, but rewarding Owning and running a business is a dream for many people, but starting from the ground up is not the only path available to entrepreneurs. Some seize opportunities provided by large established companies, and enter the business world by opening a franchise.
One month after the district announced Sharyland High School Principal Carolyn Mendiola was promoted to a position in administration, the Sharyland ISD board of trustees named her replacement. Lori Ann Garza, principal at the district's B.L. Gray Junior High School, will take over Mendiola's position in the next school year.
For the last seven years whenever the Zuniga family drove by the Sharyland Towne Crossing in Mission their autistic son, Hector, would look up from his seat, point to the Blockbuster store at the center and repeatedly say one word: Barney. ...
A longtime Sharyland School Board member will face off against a returning opponent for the May 6 school board elections. Ricky Longoria, a certified public accountant for Burton, McCumber & Cortez who has served on the school board for nine years, is seeking a fourth term on the school board Place 1 position.
The Progress Times is the hometown newspaper for the local communities of Mission, Sharyland, Alton, Palmview, La Joya and surrounding areas in Western Hidalgo County. We have a staff of veteran reporters who work diligently every week to bring our readers the latest news as it affects their hometown area and people.
The Progress Times is the hometown newspaper for the local communities of Mission, Sharyland, Alton, Palmview, La Joya and surrounding areas in Western Hidalgo County. We have a staff of veteran reporters who work diligently every week to bring our readers the latest news as it affects their hometown area and people.
Amid a federal indictment for his involvement in an alleged bid-rigging scheme, a La Joya school board trustee has resigned from his position with the district. Juan J. "J.J." Garza turned in his letter of resignation March 30 to hi...
After leading the school for nearly three years, Sharyland High School Principal Carolyn Mendiola has announced she is stepping down from that role. Mendiola, who has been in the district for 13 years, made the announcement Monday following the latest Sharyland ISD school board meeting where she accepted a new administrative office position with the district.
A few days before his pre-trial hearing, the former La Joya Housing Authority executive director has resigned from his position as a school board member with the La Joya Independent School District. Juan J. "J.J." Garza turned in his lett...
The Progress Times is the hometown newspaper for the local communities of Mission, Sharyland, Alton, Palmview, La Joya and surrounding areas in Western Hidalgo County. We have a staff of veteran reporters who work diligently every week to bring our readers the latest news as it affects their hometown area and people.
After a few moments in the waiting area, Jason Mangold was instructed to enter a gold painted, shipping container-like device. The business developer had traveled from Chicago to Mission but decided to make a visit to a new attraction at Mission's...
A heated race for a seat on the school board for the Sharyland Independent School district will pit one incumbent against a returning challenger. School board member Ricky Longoria will face off against chiropractor Kevin Sparks. Below are links to their announcements along with brief bios.
The Progress Times is the hometown newspaper for the local communities of Mission, Sharyland, Alton, Palmview, La Joya and surrounding areas in Western Hidalgo County. We have a staff of veteran reporters who work diligently every week to bring our readers the latest news as it affects their hometown area and people.
Imagine a small Texas island town of less than 3,000 people. It has white beaches, calm weather and water, idyllic seascapes completed by sunsets painted across the sky; the sounds of gulls and taste of salt in the air are the backdrop to the sandcastle capital of the world.
What does your insurance agency do for you? Considering the high cost of health care in the United States, it's no question these days whether an individual should be insured. In the workplace, health insurance is an enticing bene t; in Texas, 48 percent of the population is insured through their employer, according to a ...
The Progress Times is the hometown newspaper for the local communities of Mission, Sharyland, Alton, Palmview, La Joya and surrounding areas in Western Hidalgo County. We have a staff of veteran reporters who work diligently every week to bring our readers the latest news as it affects their hometown area and people.
McAllen-The city's declining sales tax revenues and the proposed border wall were among the most heavily discussed items during the first McAllen mayoral forum last week. Current McAllen Mayor Jim Darling faced challengers Othal E. Brand Jr., son of former McAllen mayor Othal Brand, and army veteran Jonathan Carranza during the Feb.
The Progress Times is the hometown newspaper for the local communities of Mission, Sharyland, Alton, Palmview, La Joya and surrounding areas in Western Hidalgo County. We have a staff of veteran reporters who work diligently every week to bring our readers the latest news as it affects their hometown area and people.
Less than a month after negotiations for the purchase of Mission Regional Medical Center by an Edinburg-based hospital were dropped, the board of directors for Mission Regional signed a letter of intent Monday to sell the hospital to a Californi...
As he danced his way to the podium of the McAllen Convention Center dressed in a city public works uniform and surrounded by city staff, Mayor Jim Darling made it clear his latest State of the City Address would be a celebratory one for McAllen re...
When she was awarded the title of Duchess of Star Ruby last fall, Linsey M. Garza recalled that her mother had cried that night. "My mom also cried when I told her I wanted to follow in her footsteps and compete in the Texas Citrus Fiesta...
Gold Financial Services Offers Personal Touch to Lending in South Texas When you think about applying for a mortgage or getting a loan approved, you probably imagine months of waiting to get an answer from distant employees of some large bank. Gold Financial Services offers a different experience.
Four local businesses were highlighted by the Mission Economic Development Corporation and awarded a total of $40,000 through the EDC's Ruby Red Ventures Program. The program, which started in 2012, promotes entrepreneurship in the city by giving small businesses the opportunity to win up to $25,000 in a competition held twice a year, according to ...
The Progress Times is the hometown newspaper for the local communities of Mission, Sharyland, Alton, Palmview, La Joya and surrounding areas in Western Hidalgo County. We have a staff of veteran reporters who work diligently every week to bring our readers the latest news as it affects their hometown area and people.
LA JOYA - Following his indictment for wire fraud La Joya's Housing Authority has voted to fire its executive director. The action came nearly a month after the board of directors suspended Juan J. "J.J." Garza without pay. Garza at...
During the final 2016 school board meeting for the Sharyland Independent School District Tuesday, Superintendent Robert O'Connor spoke out against a new school rating system that will go into effect throughout the state in 2018.
Whenever Karen Meadors needed a pick-me-up at work, she spent time with the children at her school. The 58-year-old principal at Donna Wernecke Elementary School described herself as a "hands-on" principal who enjoyed eating lunch with her students in the school cafeteria or just hanging out with students in their classrooms during a lecture.
The Progress Times is the hometown newspaper for the local communities of Mission, Sharyland, Alton, Palmview, La Joya and surrounding areas in Western Hidalgo County. We have a staff of veteran reporters who work diligently every week to bring our readers the latest news as it affects their hometown area and people.
LA JOYA - Strong winds and temperatures in the low 40s did not prevent a group of 20 people from attending the Dec. 8 groundbreaking for La Joya's first medical emergency room. The South Texas ER is being built behind the new La Joya City Hall, 7...
The son of a former city of McAllen mayor announced he will attempt to follow in his father's footsteps and campaign for the position during the upcoming May 2017 election.Othal E. Brand Jr. announced his candidacy Nov. 23 during a 10 minute press...
The La Joya Housing Authority voted Saturday to suspend its Executive Director Juan Jose "J.J." Garza without pay two months after he was indicted for allegedly using false companies to engage in a bid-rigging scheme. The special board meeting wa...
Ten-year-old Gabriel Sandoval found himself shocked that he was playing the popular videogame "Minecraft" on a desktop connected to a computer the size of a credit card. Sandoval was one of the attendees of Sharyland's 7th Annual Technology Fair Thursday, Nov. 10, where the district was showcasing technology available to students.
Since April of this year, more than 15,800 items from the Mission Food Pantry have been given out to 1,551 different families in the city. That's according to a report by Mission Food Pantry Manager Adela Ortega. Ortega, who helped found the pant...
Voters made it clear at the polls they wanted to bring progress to the city of Palmview and elected three new city council members who campaigned on the promise to do just that. The "Progress for Palmview" slate of candidates all won sea...
During an Oct. 25 board meeting, the Sharyland Independent School District Board of Trustees approved the 2016-2017 Campus and District Improvement Plans for all 11 schools in the district. Pam Montalvo, the district's assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, presented the improvement plan to the board.
The "Jewel of the Valley" will soon shine brighter. The city of La Joya held a groundbreaking for a new city hall and police station Wednesday, Oct. 26. Public officials, including La Joya Mayor Fito Salinas and City Administrator Mike Alaniz, we...
New Mission Building to Nurture Local Businesses After two years of planning and construction, the Mission Economic Development Corporation is unveiling the city's first ever technological hub. Opened to the public Oct. 12, Mission's Center for Education and Economic Development - CEED - building serves as a coworking space for business professionals.
With a surge in early voters compared to four years ago, the Progress Times reached out to the 10 candidates in the three slates vying for four seats in the La Joya School Board. Newcomers Anselmo Barrera (Place 4) and Oscar "Rito" Martinez (Plac...
With this year's general election set for Nov. 8 and early voting commencing Monday, Oct. 24, the Progress Times reached out to the six candidates vying for three seats on the Palmview City Council. Arlando Nacianceno (Place 1) is the only incumb...
Customers who stop by to see the newly remodeled Mission Bert Ogden KIA dealership will not be able to recognize it from before the remodeling. The building has been completely reconstructed from the foundation up, nearly doubling the size o...
After a one year delay, construction on La Joya ISD's $16.4 million Natatorium Complex has resumed construction and is making good progress, according to a district official. La Joya ISD Facilities Manager Daniel Garza said 20 percent of the tota...
The Progress Times is the hometown newspaper for the local communities of Mission, Sharyland, Alton, Palmview, La Joya and surrounding areas in Western Hidalgo County. We have a staff of veteran reporters who work diligently every week to bring our readers the latest news as it affects their hometown area and people.
The Progress Times is the hometown newspaper for the local communities of Mission, Sharyland, Alton, Palmview, La Joya and surrounding areas in Western Hidalgo County. We have a staff of veteran reporters who work diligently every week to bring our readers the latest news as it affects their hometown area and people.
A 16-year-old Mission High School student died after he was struck by a drunk driver Monday night, according to McAllen police. Hermann Alejandro Hernandez died at a local hospital after he and a female friend were struck by an auto near the foun...
During a recent board meeting of the Mission Economic Development Corporation, MEDC CEO Alex Meade mentioned the Mission Industrial Park has only 10 to 15 acres of land left to sell. That prompted the question: What's next? This article gi...
The Sharyland Independent School District Board voted to name Sharyland High School's agricultural farm after one of the school's most well-known teachers during their Sept. 27 meeting. In a 6-0 vote, the board approved naming the agriculture farm after Horacio "Lacho" Garza, a retired agriculture teacher with more than 30 years of experience teaching at the high school.
La Joya Housing Authority Director Juan Jose "J.J." Garza appeared before a federal judge Sept. 22, nearly one week since federal agents arrested him. Garza, dressed in the same faded green shirt he wore when he was arrested Sept. 16, pleaded not...
The Progress Times is the hometown newspaper for the local communities of Mission, Sharyland, Alton, Palmview, La Joya and surrounding areas in Western Hidalgo County. We have a staff of veteran reporters who work diligently every week to bring our readers the latest news as it affects their hometown area and people.
Don't miss the black tie event of the year! McAllen's International Museum of Arts & Science (IMAS) will again host its annual fundraiser to benefit the museum Saturday, Sept. 24. Now in its 38th year, Collage is one of the longest running fundraisers in the Valley, according to IMAS Chairman Laura Warren.
The Mission Redevelopment Authority (MRA) is helping fund ten major projects for the City of Mission, including new sewer lift stations, a rail line extension for the steel plant, a new water tower, road and waterline construction projects and the proposed Mission Event Center. The Progress Times interviewed Daniel Silva, MRA executive director, for updates on each of these projects.
The Mission Redevelopment Authority (MRA) is helping fund ten major projects for the City of Mission, including new sewer lift stations, a rail line extension for the steel plant, a new water tower, road and waterline construction projects and the proposed Mission Event Center. The Progress Times interviewed Daniel Silva, MRA executive director, for updates on each of these projects.
Texas grocery chain H-E-B partnered with the Houston-based MD Anderson Cancer Center to benefit the cancer center. To celebrate this campaign, six H-E-B stores across Texas, including Mission’s, held events where the public was invited to strike through the word “Cancer” that was painted onto an H-E-B delivery truck.
The La Joya Independent School District held its second ever Back to School Bash where elementary school students received free school supplies. Due to the size of the district, the bash was held at all three high schools in the district.
The La Joya Independent School District held its second ever Back to School Bash where elementary school students received free school supplies. Due to the size of the district, the bash was held at all three high schools in the district.
The Mission CISD held its third annual Back to School Bash where all district students attending received free school supplies and haircuts. Nearly 2,300 backpacks filled with school supplies were given out at the event.
The Mission CISD held its third annual Back to School Bash where all district students attending received free school supplies and haircuts. Nearly 2,300 backpacks filled with school supplies were given out at the event.
The Mission Chamber of Commerce held an inaugural cook-off and car show to raise money for a local scholarship and introduce local eateries to downtown Mission to promote more business in the area.
The Mission Chamber of Commerce held an inaugural cook-off and car show to raise money for a local scholarship and introduce local eateries to downtown Mission to promote more business in the area.
Local boutique Renee's of Sharyland hosted a police appreciation day event where local leaders spoke about the need to thank the men and women in blue. Mission police officers were also in attendance so customers could do a meet and greet with them.
Local boutique Renee's of Sharyland hosted a police appreciation day event where local leaders spoke about the need to thank the men and women in blue. Mission police officers were also in attendance so customers could do a meet and greet with them.
Teenagers from high schools in Mission CISD take part in the Mission Police Explorers Program, a two-week long orientation program where cadets receive hands-on police officer experience.
After nearly seven decades since it first opened, Mission historical Border Theater in downtown Mission still draws in crowds as a second run theater
After more than seven decades since it first opened, Mission historical Border Theater in downtown Mission still draws in crowds as a second run theater.
The fire department for the city of Peñitas will hold a skeet shooting competition to raise money for a training held at College Station.
Sugar, according to nutritional therapist Melissa Gauna can be just as addicting as drugs. Despite being consumed on a daily basis, Gauna says most people aren't aware of how damaging sugar consumption can be. "Sugar is a stimulant; it makes people feel good. It gives them a high, then they crash so they want that ...
After being appointed interim city manager in September 2015, the city of Peñitas extended a one-year contract for City Manager Omar Romero
"I cannot wait to finally try the wine," Stephanie Leal exclaimed as soon as we stepped out from the gusty fields of Jaber Estates into the bar where the tasting is held. Leal and her group had spent the last hour touring the only combination winery/vineyard in the Rio Grande Valley.
An 11-year-old Salvadoran immigrant died in a local hospital Thursday after U.S. Border Patrol agents found him in the brush near the Anzalduas International Bridge, federal officials confirmed Friday. The boy, whose identity was not released, was found unresponsive near a brush with a group of immigrants about 5 p.m.
More than a month following a June 5 carjacking in Mission that led to the discovery of 265 pounds of marijuana in the stolen vehicle, police arrested a suspect in connection to the case.
A look at how the HIV-preventative medication Truvada. or PrEP, is spreading in the Rio Grande valley.
The season two premiere "A Rickle in Time," picks up immediately where season one ended, in which Rick froze time in order to clean up the mess from an epic intergalactic party he hosted last season while babysitting his grandkids, Morty and Summer.
Police released more details in a fatal chase between Texas Department of Public Safety troopers and a suspected human smuggler that ended in the death of one when the truck driven by the suspected smuggler crashed into a lake.
Miranda Garcia, 25, and Luis Salinas, 37, were arrested at their home in the 6000 block of Doffing Road around 7:30 a.m. by agents with the Hidalgo County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area task force, said Cmdr. Joe Delgado.
Garcia-De La Rosa spent four days hospitalized in critical condition before succumbing to her injuries Thursday, he said. The wreck occurred as Saucedo was traveling southbound on the outside lane of 10th Street in a black Chevy Tahoe when he suddenly switched to the turning lane, hitting a black Ford Mustang that Garcia-De La Rosa was in and a red Mercedes SLK that were stationary at a red light, according to a police crash report.
Officers responded to a report of a robbery March 30 at the store in the 700 block of North Bicentennial Road where the store manager showed them security footage of a woman stealing several items from the store the day before while an employee looked on, police say.
Caesar Roy Martinez, of Edinburg, faces two counts of intoxication manslaughter after police said his vehicle rear-ended a car at the intersection of Monte Cristo Road and 25th Avenue at about 4 a.m. on April 14. Juan and Adela Serrato, both of Edinburg, died in the collision.
Erasmo Mata Jr., 25, is accused of having sexual intercourse with a 17-year-old girl during work hours on five separate incidents from July to October 2013, court records show. He was originally indicted last August on one count of sexually assaulting a child but a second count was added the morning his trial was scheduled to start.
Thanks to the CineSol Independent Film Festival, a showcase that screens films from Rio Grande Valley filmmakers annually across the RGV, local residents had a chance to see Robert Duvall's A Night in Old Mexico, which was filmed in Brownsville. In the movie, Academy Award-winning actor Duvall (Tender Mercies, 1984) plays a cantankerous rancher whose land...
"Whenever people go into the grocery store to pick up fruits and vegetables, a lot of them probably aren't aware of the conditions of the people who picked them," the former Donna school board member said. "The stories of the pickers don't appear on grocery aisles - the results of their struggles do."
After a brief hesitation, UTPA student Samantha Herrera takes a quick breath to compose herself, then begins telling the audience at the patio of McAllen's Cordoba Cafe of her coming out experience. This was the scene at the LGBT Pride Speak-Out event, which took place at 1303 N. 10th St.
Former UTPA theater professor dies Friday's performance of Richard III from the University Theatre Productions was dedicated to former UTPA Theater Professor James Hawley, who died of lung cancer Oct. 7 at the age of 71. A memorial service for the Iowa native was held Saturday at 2 p.m. at St.
We've officially reached the pinnacle of cinema, ladies and gentlemen. That's all. Go home. No need to see any other movie ever, for nothing else you see will surpass the quality The Lego™ Movie provides. As the film's theme song says, everything is awesome! Am I overselling it? Yes.
Adorned in frames made of bamboo and cane sugar sticks are artworks from visiting artist Ava Tomlinson, whose exhibition, "From Jamaica West Indies to New York City," is part of UTPA's Black History Month Celebration. Black History Month is a national event founded by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History...
After seeing the first season of this series pop up on several top 10 lists last year I decided to check out the pilot and ended up binge-watching the rest of the available episodes in one sitting.
"It's always bad when one of our own gets arrested," he said. Roma native Hector Salinas-Hinojosa, 21, was also charged with conspiring with Peña, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Sony's Dec. 17 initial axing of The Interview 's wide release on Christmas Day was due to an unprecedented hack (perpetrated by North Korea, according to the FBI) and theaters' responses to violent threats. Today's theatrical premiere is limited to a few hundred screens across the nation's independent and arthouse theaters, as well as theaters that are willing to take the risk.
Austin has South by Southwest (SXSW), South Padre Island has the Ultimate Music Experience, and McAllen has Galax Z Fair. The music festival was held for the third year, on non-consecutive days in McAllen March 10 and 13. The first day, which ran from 5:30 p.m.
10 late period Simpsons episodes to restore your faith in the series Against all odds the 26th season of The Simpsons, the longest-running American primetime show ever,premieres Sept. 28. The latest season promises, among other things, a crossover with Futurama and a death in the premiere. I'm not including the Family Guy crossover since...
Kevin Galaviz, a senior writing tutor at the UTPA Writing Center, tries not to worry about his appearance, but finds it hard. "I'm always paranoid about what people think of me. I'm always thinking that someone I'm walking by is judging me, so I just avoid eye contact most of the time when I'm in...
Ramiro Martinez still remembers the day he attended a theatrical screening of the 50th anniversary special of the sci-fi series Doctor Who, Day of the Doctor in McAllen's Cinemark Hollywood USA on Nolana Avenue. On Nov. 25, the local theater played the episode at six sold-out screens, stunning the San Juan native.
Police obtained a warrant for Marlen Olivarez's arrest Friday after Ronald Johnson, her ex-boyfriend who she lives with, came forward to file charges last month. Olivarez became upset with Johnson, 69, because he refused to give her money, according to a criminal complaint.
UTPA students discuss rise in Hispanic moviegoers Hannah Jones, an accounting major at UTPA, loves attending the movie theater. The Harlingen native religiously watches a new movie at least twice a week, a habit she picked up from her family which is Hispanic on her mother's side.
This "Jane the Virgin" stars Golden-Globe winner Gina Rodriguez as our titular hero who accidentally gets artificially inseminated during a routine checkup. The subversive series sees Jane's unexpected pregnancy turn her life upside down with several storylines involving long-lost fathers, love triangles, scheming wives and a Czech crime lord.
A lament for limited releases in the Rio Grande Valley If you've read my Holiday Movie Preview, then you might remember how I listed the surreal black comedy Birdman and the drama Whiplash as "TBA" releases. Essentially, these two independent movies from small studios were supposed to arrive in our Valley theaters in November but...
Ever since high school, Christina Hickey has liked a challenge. Now the career of this UTPA alumna has her dealing with them every day. As a civil engineer Hickey takes part in managing and designing the construction of McAllen's roadways, drainage systems and buildings. Hickey, who graduated from UTPA with a master's in computer science...
With the spring semester in full swing, the UTPA Theatre Department is set to premiere three productions for this semester: Les Liaisons Dangereuses, Real Women Have Curves and Twelve Dancing Princesses. Tom Grabowski, the UTPA theatre director, called the lineup an interesting one and explained how the range of genres this semester is intended to...
MERCEDES - Authorities are conducting a criminal investigation in the death of an 11-month-old infant after his death was ruled a homicide Thursday. Jeremy Villa Jr., was taken to Knapp Medical Center in Weslaco on Sunday after officers responded to a baby in distress call at the mother's home in Mercedes - the infant died later that day.
This message was directed to about 700 students with 300 of their mothers from 20 different Rio Grande Valley high schools who took part in HESTEC's Latina Day, which celebrated and encouraged women to enter the fields of science, technology, engineering and technology (STEM).
A search through his phone by Customs and Border Protection officers found pornography with several young men who appeared young enough to be minors, according to a criminal complaint filed Wednesday. Rosales walked to the port of entry about 1 a.m. Tuesday.
Dear readers, we are less than a month away from the end of the fall semester and are heading toward finals and graduation. My mind's too busy to think about all that since I'm too preoccupied about all the movies coming out in the midst of the holiday movie season.
For a spin-off to truly work, it needs to step out of the shadow of the TV show it preceded to be able to stand on its own while sharing a universe with it. In that regard, AMC's new series Better Call Saul shows a lot of potential in succeeding.
The 28-year-old guide at the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands and World Birding Center led the students in a demonstration Saturday on the proper way to fill in the flower beds - located directly across from the center. The beds were to be filled in with native plants such as red sage, pigeon berries and wild petunias.
"Just by being here today, each of you have been given an opportunity to do important work not just for the community, but for yourself," Garcia said. "If you think you can do some good, or feel responsible for others, then you have the capacity to lead."
The technical aspects of theater production range from scenery, visual effects and costumes. The visualization of these elements are collectively known as design. Viewers watching a play are drawn to the action of the actors onstage, so they may not immediately notice the effort by designers working behind the scenes of what they're watching.
Albeza Maria Melendez Peña, 34, was formally charged with one count of improper relationship with a student after investigators concluded she was having a sexual relationship with an 18-year-old male student off-campus, La Joya school district Police Chief Raul Gonzalez said.
What is scarier? A horde of zombies seemingly destroying your town and wanting to eat you or being the victim of bullying in which your classmates and townsfolks are the abusers? Laika's Paranorman, the 2012 stop motion horror comedy film, argues that there really isn't much of a difference.
In 2010 they saved the cheerleader, and now they have to save the network. Or something. During the Olympics this past Saturday, a commercial aired that probably made you gasp with excitement, or horror. That's right. Heroes, NBC's 2006-2010 superhero series about a group of individuals with superpowers, is coming back next year.
The Counseling and Psychological Services at UTPA and Student Health Services at UTB will be hosting several events to mark the occasion at the UTPA Ballroom at the southwest corner of campus, according to a news release. Aside from a candlelight vigil for AIDS victims and free HIV testing for the general public from 10 a.m.
The San Juan Police Department has confirmed that Jesus Murillo was found at the Hidalgo Port of Entry Friday morning. Murillo, 73, was reported missing by his family after he was last seen at his residence Nov. 11 in the 800 block of South Standard in San Juan, according to a news release.
"When I think of my wife, I always think of her head...And what's inside it. I picture opening her skull and unspooling her brain and sifting through it, trying to pin down her thoughts. What are you thinking, Amy? How are you feeling? Who are you? What have we done to each other?
FRONTON - An abandoned vehicle led U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers to 29 bricks of marijuana worth nearly $523,000 Sunday, according to a news release. Agents stationed in Rio Grande City were responding to a suspicious vehicle on the nearby city of Fronton.
Thursday's competition had students from 60 Rio Grande Valley middle and high schools battle each other at the University of Texas-Pan American fieldhouse with handheld robots they built. Christopher Gonzalez, coach for the Rio Hondo Robotics Club, explained the differences in competing these last two years.
The University Theatre Productions is getting ready for its fall season that begins next month. Theater Director Thomas Grabowski discussed how the start of the 2014 fall semester marks the beginning of the end for the University's Theatre Program. This is due to the upcoming merger with the University of Texas at Brownsville that will...
I'm using the word "favorite" instead of "best" on this list. "Favorite" sounds a lot more fun, and that's the best way to describe this list of the the 10 TV shows I loved in 2013. These were the shows that, for every week they aired, were the shows I anticipated the most and kept...
Lack of a vehicle won't stop UTPA students The usual amount of heavy traffic seen at UTPA suggests that most college students drive. However, according to a 2012 study by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute the percentage of teenage drivers has dropped in recent years.
Admittedly, I wasn't planning on writing something on the How I Met Your Mother finale. Due to an increase in schoolwork and personal stuff, I only managed to watch half of its final season. Heck, I was actually thinking of NOT watching the final episode. Ultimately, the reason why I decided to watch the...