On Thursday, Jan. 3, Aaron Juan Garcia, 17 years old, was reported missing by his mother.

The mother told Mission Police the last time Aaron was seen was Dec. 6, 2012, behind their house located on the 2000 block of Washington. Police and family have spoken to friends and no one has seen him since. 

According to authorities, the family said Garcia was intoxicated and after an argument with his parents he left the residence, walking toward an irrigation canal. Police have been searching 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 missing

EDINBURG—Hidalgo County health officials say this year’s flu season is off to an early and active start. Each year, approximately 30,000 people die due to influenza illness. The Hidalgo County Health and Human Services Chief Administrative Officer Eddie Olivarez says Hidalgo County has not had a fatality due to influenza in the last year, however, county officials are encouraging all residents to be proactive against the virus and recommend influenza vaccination.

Read more: County officials urge protection against flu

MISSION—Five Mission High School band students participated this past weekend in the Area G Round of auditions for positions in the Texas Music Educators Association All-State Band.

Tenth grade contra bass clarinet player, Jesus Olivares not only edged out his competition but also recorded his audition, which was sent to the state headquarters for final selection as one of three contras to make the All-State 4A Band. These musicians are commonly referred to in the state as the top two percent of the state’s best of the best.

Olivares will join the other All-State musicians in the TMEA All-State Band clinics and concerts to be held in San Antonio in mid-February.

Two other MHS students made the list of alternates for the All-State Band. They are Noe Jaramillo, tuba; and Nancy Colunga, bass clarinet. These two students may get to step up if the 4A Area G person in their respective instruments cannot make the commitment to the All-State Band.

Read more: MHS band student named All-State Musician

MISSION – City of Mission’s Community Development Department is seeking community input regarding city facilities and services needed. A key method the city is using to gather information about these needs is through an online survey available on the city Website, www.missiontexas.us. The online survey was launched earlier this month.

According to the city’s Website, the information gathered through the survey will be used to establish priorities for the use of federal funding, specifically for the Community Development Block Grant.

Read more: Community Development asks for community input

With the new state legislative session just getting underway, the Progress Times interviewed State Representative Sergio Muñoz Jr., District 36, who discussed some of the big issues facing the Texas Legislature this session.

Muñoz said the main focus of local legislators is to create more opportunity for those living in the Valley, going to school and working in the Valley.

Muñoz, and others, are working on several education related items this legislative session. At the top of their list is restoring education funding that was cut from the last state budget two years ago.

Read more: Rep. Sergio Muñoz Jr. discusses local, state issues

MISSION—From the very first celebration held in 1932, the Texas Citrus Fiesta has been a grand event with King Citrus and Queen Citrianna reigning over the various Fiesta activities. Over the years, Fiesta traditions have become mainstays for the community – especially for those who have shared a role in the festivities.

Read more: A Royal Duty: Fiesta holds training camp for 6 year olds

ALTON—The City of Alton has a new fire chief – a man with considerable experience and an impressive list of fire fighting credentials.

Originally from Rio Grande City, Alton Fire Chief and Fire Marshal Javier Garcia has spent 16 years of his 30-year fire career in McAllen. There Garcia worked his way from fire fighter to lieutenant.Since then he has also served as Rio Grande City’s fire chief and as deputy fire marshal for Hidalgo County.

Read more: Alton welcomes new fire chief to growing department

MISSION—The Annual Texas Citrus Fiesta Product Costume Show has been around for decades, a competition that isn’t like any other, Girl Scout Troop 162 leader Rosie Olivarez said. Scouts, from her troop and neighboring troops, between the ages of eight and 17 have participated, though it is no easy task.

Read more: Learning the art of Citrus Fiesta