Editor’s note: For more news about the standoff between MEDA and the Mission City Council, see the web-only story about last Thursday’s MEDA meeting. Look for the headline “MEDA board tells council, ‘slow down’” at www.progresstimes.net.

After rebuffing the Mission City Council’s push to replace their entire board of directors with a council-appointed board, MEDA (Mission Economic Development Authority) accepted the resignations of seven board members Tuesday evening.

Read more: MEDA rebuffs city takeover of board

Last week, a group of youth from the San Antonio Covenant Presbyterian Church (SACPC) spent their spring break helping hurricane victims in the Rio Grande Valley.

The group arrived here through the Faith Community Disaster Relief (FCDR) that is affiliated with the First United Methodist Church in McAllen. FCDR assists families and organizations in need. This year, over 40 people were here to repair hurricane damage from Dolly and Alex, help non-profit organizations and assist other families.

Read more: Spring breakers help repair damage by Dolly, Alex

MERCEDES — Several students from local school districts participated in the 72nd annual Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show over the last two weeks, coming home with a number of awards.

Sharyland Independent School District Sharyland 4-H winners include: Daniel Hinojosa, grand champion medium wool market lamb; Evan Acevedo reserve grand champion Brahman heifer; Meaghan Welch reserve champion market goat division; John Kroeker reserve champion market goat in the medium to heavy weight division; Sarah Labus, second place market goat.

Read more: Local FFA students win big at RGVLS

The standoff between the Mission City Council and Mission Economic Development Authority (MEDA) has taken another unexpected turn.

On Thursday, MEDA board members rejected the council’s plan to restructure the board, adopting their own arrangement instead.

Read more: MEDA board members tell council, ‘Slow down’

Mission Mayor Norberto “Beto” Salinas and the city council unanimously voted in support of a proposal presented by City Attorney David Guerra calling for MEDA (Mission Economic Development Authority) to amend its bylaws to restructure its board of directors. The proposal, if approved by the MEDA board, would replace the current 15-member board with seven directors to be appointed by the council – a departure from the present self-elected directors of MEDA. The action took place following executive session at the Monday, March 14 city council meeting.

The plan calls for the resignation of the entire MEDA board. Eight members would resign immediately, and the remaining seven would resign effective upon approval of a new council-appointed board, according to Guerra.

Read more: Mission council supports MEDA board restructuring

MISSION — When posed with the authority to write a declaration of independence of her own, 13-year-old Regina Torres chose uncharted territory.

Unlike her classmates, who vowed that homework would be abolished, Regina took charge against an issue that affects her family, and millions of other families and young children. In her declaration, no one would be treated differently because of a disability.

Read more: Student calls for disability acceptance

MISSION — The Mission Fire Department received a donation last month from the Texas Forest Service (TFS). With the donation came an additional responsibility for Mission firefighters – being on call to help the organization fight massive wildfires.

Gov. Rick Perry activated the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS) in February because of the threat of wildfires throughout the state. MFD was one of four fire departments that received the first round of TIFMAS grants ­– a truck specially designed to battle wildfires. Pharr Fire Department will be receiving a truck by the end of March.

Read more: Mission FD battles Texas wildfires

MISSION — After having been temporarily relocated for several weeks due to damages from a water leak, Hidalgo County officials announced Thursday that the offices for Justices of the Peace Luis Garza and Ismael “Melo” Ochoa are scheduled to reopen on Monday, March, 21, 2011.

Last month, an overnight water leak flooded the Precinct 3 Justice Complex at 730 Breyfogle Rd., making both offices unsuitable for use.

Read more: Precinct 3 offices to re-open Monday, March 21