MISSION—Fifteen-year-old Cherish Varlack went through four audition rounds that began in September 2012 to find her place on the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) All-State Choir. The Veterans Memorial High School (VMHS) sophomore said she received her love for music from her family.

“I come from a musical background, I get it from both sides of my parents,” Varlack said. “On my dad’s side everyone sings. I was actually trying to take piano lessons from my grandma.”

Read more: VMHS sophomore achieves position in All-State Mixed Choir

MISSION – A Palmview councilman is facing possession of drug paraphernalia charges after being arrested by Mission Police in December.

Mission Police arrested Joel Garcia Jr. on Dec. 15 near the intersection of Bentsen Palm Drive and Business 83. According to evidence gathered during the arrest, Garcia was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, said Mission Police Chief Martin Garza. It is a Class C misdemeanor.

Read more: Palmview councilman awaiting court hearing

According to Mission police, Aaron Juan Garcia, age 17, was reported missing by his mother Jan. 3.

The mother told Mission police the last time Aaron was seen was Dec. 6, behind their house located on the 2000 block of Washington.

According to authorities, the family said after an argument with his parents he left the residence, walking toward an irrigation canal. Police have searched the area for any signs that Garcia may have fallen into the canal. Family told police that Garcia did not know how to swim.

Read more: Mission teen reported missing

Dreams can come true, just ask one of the newest professional soccer players in Major League Soccer, Mikey López.

The Mission native and former University of North Carolina standout, who signed a three-year contract with Generation Adidas, was selected by MLS’ Sporting Kansas City as the 14th pick overall in the first round of the league’s SuperDraft on Jan. 17 at Indianapolis.

The MLS is the first division of U.S. soccer and the professional sports equivalent of the NFL or NBA.

Read more: Sporting Kansas City selects Mission native Mikey López in MLS SuperDraft

MISSION—As the 76th Texas Citrus Fiesta concludes its two weeks of activities, the highlight of the Fiesta – and the one that draws the biggest crowds – is always the Parade of Oranges. Although the parade is beautiful, colorful and fun, it’s competitive as well.

Read more: Returning float builders prepare for Parade of Oranges

The Hidalgo County Commissioner’s Court heard a report from members of the I-69 Texas Department of Transportation Advisory Committee in their Tuesday, Jan. 15, meeting of the court.

Read more: I-69 becoming a reality

LA JOYA – La Joya Independent School Board members voted to terminate two separate contracts for professional services during a special called meeting last week.

Read more: La Joya ISD terminates current contracts

“It’s a kangaroo court in there,” stated Jaime Mata. The council is going to do what they want to do. It makes no difference what we want.”

Read more: Mission council approves revised annexation plan