The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Pharr District will continue to overlay US 83 in the Peñitas area.

Where: US 83 (continue westbound between FM 492 to BUS 83 West in Penitas)

Read more: TxDOT Highway Construction Advisory for US Hwy 83 in Peñitas

SISD bond election set

MISSION — Sharyland could soon be the largest high school in the Rio Grande Valley and one of the largest in the state, in terms of student enrollment.

“That is not a goal we want to obtain,” said Sharyland Independent School District Superintendent Scott Owings.

Sharyland has built a reputation as being one of the best, if not the best, school districts in the Valley. This district does not want to lose that level of excellence we have established in the past, said Owings. All studies show that when schools get too large, education quality goes down.

With this in mind, SISD trustees voted this week to move forward with plans to build a second high school and called for a $55 million bond election to fund the project. The bond election will be held Nov. 8.

Read more: BUSTING AT THE SEAMS

Business owners taught to be mindful of illegal activity

EDINBURG — Local police and the Rio Grande Valley sector of the U.S. Border Patrol are using a Texas law to educate business owners about turning a blind eye to criminal activity.

Last week, authorities unveiled their “Taking Care of Business” initiative that they say will help keep crime out of local communities.

“It’s impacting all of us, especially in our neighborhoods,” said Border Patrol’s Chief Patrol Agent Rosendo Hinojosa. “We’re going to educate, work with the community, real property owners to inform them of the Texas Nuisance Abatement law that’s on the books that we will be enforced upon them if we don’t get the resolution that we’re seeking.”

Read more: Authorities target criminal assembly at businesses

Jim Brunson, publisher of the Progress Times, has announced that nominations are now open and will be accepted until 5 p.m., Sept. 21 for the annual citizen awards for Mr. Mission, First Lady of Mission, Man of the Year and Woman of the Year.

The annual awards will be presented at the Mission Chamber of Commerce banquet on Oct. 11 at Mario’s Banquet & Conference Center in Mission. This is the seventh year the citizen awards presentations are to be made at the chamber banquet. Previously, the Progress Times coordinated the annual Mission Awards Showcase banquet where the awards were presented annually.

"We are pleased to partner with the chamber on this event to honor Mission’s finest citizens who have done much to serve our community. The citizen awards give the community an opportunity to recognize the hard work and dedication of our leading citizens who have helped make Mission a stronger, more vibrant community," said Brunson.

Read more: Citizen awards nominations now open

MISSION — With increasing enrollment, a committee for the Sharyland Independent School District has recommended that a bond election be held to construct a second high school.

The 25-person committee researched enrollment growth, past bond construction, current facilities and possible financing methods before coming to their decision.

Eddie Montalvo, the chairperson for the committee, presented the findings of the committee at a recent board meeting, explaining their decision to petition the board for a bond election was unanimous.

Read more: SISD committee recommends second high school

EDINBURG — T.C. Betancourt, a businessman with roots in Edinburg and McAllen announced his intent to run as a Democratic candidate for office for state representative District 41 this week.

“We all want a good paying job, an education, affordable health care and live in a safe community,” Betancourt said Tuesday surrounded by family and friends at his Elite Rehab Services office in Edinburg. “I am a businessman that believes in people and families first…I believe that my years in community service, and my experience as a healthcare and agriculture professional are positive qualifications to serve the people of District 41.”

Read more: Edinburg businessman sets eyes on District 41

A large gathering of community leaders welcomed Mission Economic Development Corporation’s new CEO, Alex Meade, during a reception at La Fogata restaurant Tuesday evening.  Meade was hired as CEO last month, putting the city’s economic development efforts on solid footing as the city transitions the spearheading of economic development from MEDA (Mission Economic Development Authority) to MEDC.

MEDC Chairwoman Cathy Garcia introduced Meade to the crowd, which included State Representatives Sergio Munoz Jr. and Aaron Pena, Mayor Norberto “Beto” Salinas, Mission Chamber Chairman of the Board Fred Kurth and Hidalgo County RMA Chair Dennis Burleson. Also present were City Council members Ruben Plata, Leo Olivarez and Maria Elena Ramirez; Julio Cerda, Mission city manager; Oscar Martinez, Mission school board member; Dr. Noel Garza, Sharyland school board member and many other community leaders.

Read more: City welcomes new MEDC CEO

MISSION — Administrators with the Mission Consolidated Independent School District (MCISD) recently looked at possible options in budget adjustments should voters approve the tax ratification election, or TRE, in September.

At a recent board meeting, Assistant Superintendent for Finance & Operations Lucio Mendoza presented board trustees with preliminary estimates and a proposed budget.

With the voter approval of an increased maintenance and operations tax from $1.04 to $1.17 per $100 valuation, MCISD could expect total revenues to be $130,592,694 and expenditures to be $128,132,760.

Read more: MCISD mulls possibilities with TRE funds