General Interest

The question of whether land located in flood zones should be developed for residential use was a topic of prime discussion in the Tuesday, Oct. 30, meeting of the Hidalgo County Commissioners Court.

County Planning Director Raul Sesin asked for preliminary approval of Vista Ridge Acres Phase IV in Precinct 1. Developer Jack McClelland is trying to develop one- or two-acre home sites where the front part of the land is not in the flood zone, while the rear portion of the land is in the flood zone. Sesin said construction of buildings would only be allowed on the land not designated by FEMA as a flood zone. The rest of the lots could be used to raise goats or horses or other animals since the land is located in a rural area.

Read more: County questions subdivision in flood zone

Maxilou Link, 12-time president of the Upper Valley Art League, has helped transform the artists’ organization and create the largest gallery in the Rio Grande Valley to host the works of local artists. Progress Times photo by Doug YoungWith paintings hanging from nearly every available space, it would be easy to believe the Kika de la Garza Building has always been a home for local artists.

Read more: Labor of Love: Art League president isn’t done yet

Friday, Nov. 2 day is the last day of early voting for the 2012 General Election in Texas. Election day is Tuesday, Nov. 6.

To help voters cast an informed vote, the Progress Times has posted online the Voters Guide, published by the non-partisan League of Women Voters of Texas. Readers can view or print this guide here.

Included in the Voters Guide are candidates for US President, statewide offices, regional Courts of Appeal and State Board of Education.

Read more: Voters Guide available

Mission Regional Medical Center CEO Javier Iruegas walks down a third floor corridor in the hospital Tuesday afternoon as he visits various departments. Progress Times photo by Doug YoungEveryone starts somewhere.

Before Javier Iruegas, CEO of Mission Regional Medical Center, began his career in health care administration, he was a college student putting himself through school with a part-time job at a pizza joint.

Read more: The first steps to success: Mission hospital CEO discusses beginnings

EDINBURG—The University of Texas-Pan American will be holding its 46th annual Carnival of the Great Pumpkin from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 27 at the UTPA Fieldhouse. Thousands of people are expected to attend the yearly event, which is free and open to the public.

Read more: UTPA Carnival of the Great Pumpkin will be a ghostly good time

The Upper Valley Art League has opened up new classes to be offered at the UVAL facility at 921 E. 12thStreet in Mission.

Read more: UVAL offers new classes

The City of Peñitas, the Peñitas Whitewing Festival, Peñitas Library and the Peñitas Police Department are joining together to put on the 2012 Halloween Bash. It runs from 5 to 10 p.m. at the Peñitas Veterans Memorial Park.

Read more: Peñitas plans Halloween Bash

The youngest court of the upcoming 2013 Texas Citrus Fiesta was announced at the Princess Anna contest held on Oct. 13 at the Mission Community Center. Thirteen young ladies from throughout the Rio Grande Valley competed. Members of the incoming court, from left to right, are Gabriela C. Ramirez, second alternate, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Rene Ramirez from Linn; Jewelisa D. Gonzalez, Princess of Red Grapefruit Blossom, Jorge Gonzalez and Vianey Zarate, Mission; Jaelynn A. Mendez, Princess Anna 63rd, Mr. and Mrs. Andres Mendez, Mission; Riza R. Hernandez, Princess of Lime Blossom, Mr. and Mrs. Mark Hernandez, McAllen; Angelika K. Ochoa, Princess of Tangerine Blossom, Mr. and Mrs. Jesus Ochoa, Palmview; Leslie R. Bishop, first alternate, Mr. and Mrs. Brent Bishop, McAllen; and Sofia C. Pecina, Princess of Lemon Blossom, Mr. and Mrs. Fernando Pena, McAllen.