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

The workout team charged with carrying out the directive of Mission City Council to dissolve MEDA (Mission Economic Development Authority) as soon as possible has come up with a plan calling for the mass resignation of the entire MEDA board of directors. This plan was discussed by the MEDA board in a meeting held Wednesday, March 9.

Read more: MEDA board considers mass resignation

EDINBURG — They’re the group elected officials love to hate. Unavoidable in bold red shirts, the Objective Watchers of the Legal System, or OWLS, have their eyes and ears on nearly everything government-related in Hidalgo County.

No matter the sentiment, the OWLS, for over 30 years, have been to be the non-partisan political watchers of the county. Representing those who don’t have a voice or suffering injustices in courtrooms, the organization also keeps an eye on how taxpayer money is being spent. Their continued presence reminds officials of their accountability to citizens.

Read more: THE OWLS ARE WATCHING

MISSION — Earlier estimates that the Mission Consolidated Independent School District was going to lose about five percent, or $5 million, in state funding have now increased and school administrators are looking at every avenue to avoid taking money from the district’s fund balance.

At their Wednesday meeting, Assistant Superintendent for Finance & Operations Lucio Mendoza said the latest estimates showed that MCISD could lose nine and a half percent, or $10.4 million, in the next school year. In 2012-2013 school year, that cost is estimated to be around $10.7 million.

Read more: MCISD looks at more cost-cutting recommendations

MISSION — Two groups of students at Sharyland High School got an intense look at the consequences of drunk driving this week before their weeklong vacation.

Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Johnny Hernandez met with students from the school’s in-school suspension program as well as students in elective classes like criminal justice and speech. With Spring Break approaching, Hernandez was invited to share the dangers of drinking and driving with the teenagers.

Read more: Trooper discusses drunk driving dangers at SHS

LA JOYA — La Joya Independent School District’s (LJISD) Isidro Casanova is making the rounds with businesses within the school district to gain support for the Student Safe Return Program.

Casanova, who serves as the LJISD attendance/truancy supervisor, and LJISD Chief of Police Raul Gonzalez, met last week with police departments from Sullivan City, La Joya, Peñitas and the Hidalgo County Sherriff’s Office to discuss how all entities can work together to keep school-age children in the classroom.

Read more: LJISD, area police crack down on truancy