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

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

Read more: Mission trio convicted of health care fraud

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

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

Read more: Tom Landry Stadium to get new parking lot

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

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

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

Read more: Edinburg Scenic Wetlands staff visits Agape Christian School

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

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

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

Read more: Mission Historical Museum begins site improvements project

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

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

Read more: City of Peñitas is planning more annexations

South Texas College will hold the 2nd Annual Spring Break Stampede 5K/10K walk/run on Saturday, March 2 at Bentsen Palm Community Park, located at 1801 S. Inspiration Blvd. in Mission.

“Last year’s event was a success and we’re excited to continue this year,” said STC Student Activities and Intramurals Coordinator and race event co-organizer Armando Ponce. “The race is for everyone and for all ages. It’s an event that the whole family can enjoy and participate in. You can walk or run. The main thing is to have fun doing it.”

The race is sponsored by STC’s Health & Wellness Center, and includes 15 men’s and women’s divisions from age 10-and-under to 75-and-over. The pre-registration entry fee is $15 for the general public and $10 for STC affiliates, or $20 the day of the event.

Read more: STC’s 2nd Annual Spring Break Stampede 5K/10K walk/run set for March 2

MISSION – Sharyland Independent School District School Board members approved the extension of School Superintendent Dr. Virginia Richter’s contract during a special meeting this week.

A Sharyland native, Dr. Virginia Richter was hired with a three-year contract in July of 2012 after serving as an administrator with Pharr-San Juan-Alamo school district for 24 years.

Although no specifics of her contract were discussed, board members did approve extending her contract for an extra year.

Read more: SISD super’s contract extended

The much-anticipated 10th Annual Mission Classic Car Show will be held Saturday, Feb. 23, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Mission Sports Park, located in The Grove at Sharyland Plantation. Over $5000 in cash and prizes will be given away to the winners in five different categories.

While pre-registration is closed, car buffs can still register their cars the day of the show. “Just come over to the registration tent and sign up,” said Mindy Schroeder, show chairman. Registration is free, as is show admission and parking.

This show has grown rapidly to become one of the largest car shows in South Texas. An estimated 10,000 to 15,000 people attend this car show each year. And the show typically draws over 250 classic car entries from several states.

Read more: Mission Classic Car Show rolls into town Saturday