Mission Mayor Beto Salinas and the city council voted to shut down the bar at Smokin’ Aces last Monday. As reason for denying renewal of their permit to serve alcohol, the mayor cited two calls to police during a three-month test period imposed by the city. The bar owners argued that the mayor was being unfair because, in most cases, they called police to keep things from getting out of control.

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MISSION — Smokin’ Aces, a bar located on the city’s east side known for bringing musical acts to the Rio Grande Valley since 2007, is no longer allowed to sell alcohol after city leaders say the owners didn’t do enough to provide adequate security.

The decision to not renew the bar’s conditional use permit, comes after a 90-day period given to the owners to address safety concerns from police and nearby residents.

The bar is located west of Taylor Road on the south side of Business 83. Last year, when the conditional use permit came up for renewal, the council was presented with a list of incidences where police were called. According to authorities, police visited the bar 40 times in 2011, but found that only 19 complaints were alcohol related.

Read more: Council shuts down bar at Smokin’ Aces

MISSION — After the resignation of Superintendent Scott Owings last week, the Sharyland Independent School District is moving forward in the search for an interim and new chief of the district.

SISD board members appointed Jesse Muñiz, the current assistant superintendent for business and finance, as acting interim superintendent during a special meeting last week while announcing the search for a more permanent solution.

The board approved the posting of an interim superintendent position with an application deadline of Feb. 24 for anyone interested in applying.

Read more: SISD searches for interim, new superintendent

HAVANA — Over the past 75 years Havana, a small town outside of La Joya, has enjoyed a steady and consistent growth. It’s gone from a community with only four dwellings, two schools and a church to a town of 125 homes with an estimated population of 500 residents. Havana’s continued growth and prosperity, however, could be hindered without a sewage system.

“Businesses such as Walmart and H-E-B will not want to open locations in any town that does not have a sewage system,” said La Joya City Manager Mike Alaniz.

On Wednesday, the City of La Joya held its second public hearing where Havana residents were given an opportunity to learn more about La Joya’s proposed plans to bring a sewage system to the community. It was also an opportunity for the residents to ask questions they may have over the proposed improvements to their community’s infrastructure.

Read more: La Joya discusses wastewater project in Havana

McALLEN — South Texas College’s board is currently accepting nominations to fill the unexpired term of the late Mike Allen for the District 3 seat.

The term for the seat expires in May 2016 and encompasses South McAllen, Southwest Pharr, Hidalgo, Southeast Mission and Granjeno.

“From finance to facilities and workforce issues, the decisions made by our STC board members have a profound impact on the lives of thousands of Rio Grande Valley students,” explained STC Board Chair Gary Gurwitz. “I have served on the college’s board since its founding in 1993 and it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I have served with some tremendous leaders, including the late, great Mike Allen.

Read more: STC accepting nominations for District 3 trustees seat

On Monday, Feb. 13, the Mission City Council approved elections for Places Two and Four, occupied by Ruben Plata and Leo Olivarez, on the Council for Saturday, May 12.  Early voting will start April 30 at Mission City Hall. Hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, April 30 and Tuesday, May 8.  The hours will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 1-5 and May 7.

Additional Election Day polling locations include Mission High School, Castro, Pearson and Bryan Elementaries and the Bannworth Gym. City Secretary Anna Carrillo said due to increased numbers of voters the Sharyland Fire Department had become too crowded.

MISSION — One week after the Sharyland Independent School District board extended Superintendent Scott Owings’ contract, trustees accepted his resignation.

Local media has reported the resignation comes at the heels of allegations of sexual harassment from SISD administrators at a recent convention.

Owings’ letter of resignation states that he is resigning due to state budget cuts and not receiving a raise in the past two years.

“Over the last seven years as Superintendent, we have made tremendous strides in improving the district,” the letter states. “… However, due to the State budget cuts and lack of a raise the last two years, my retirement annuity is not increasing significantly. It makes more sense financially to retire and pursue other opportunities available to me.”

Read more: SISD superintendent resigns

MISSION — Hidalgo County residents will get a chance to meet with planners next week to discuss the Hidalgo County Courthouse master plan that a 28-member committee has worked on over the past few months.

Each precinct will get its own meeting where consultants will discuss the history of the courthouse, the project and the work done thus far, organizers said this week.

Precinct 3’s forum will be held Wednesday, Feb. 16 at 6 p.m. at the precinct’s offices located at 725 N. Breyfogle St. The hour-long meeting will also allow taxpayers a chance to ask questions about the effort.

Read more: Forums set for courthouse master plan