LA JOYA—The La Joya Board of Aldermen Tuesday discussed speed limit changes along Highway 83 within the city limits as well as a special election in May to change the city form of government to a home rule charter.

The city approved a special election scheduled for May 13, seeking voter approval to change the city government from general law to home rule, which gives the city greater powers, such as annexation authority without consent of the property owners affected.

Read more: La Joya calls home rule charter election

MISSION – Sharyland Independent School District will be holding a tax ratification election, although the date has not been set. The tax ratification would not raise taxes, but change how tax dollars are allocated.

At the school district’s board meeting held Monday, Feb. 11, Jesse Muniz, assistant superintendent of business and finance, suggested two proposed calendars to get the information out to the public, setting the proposed tax rate adoption, and having the election for the proposed tax rate.

Read more: SISD looks at tax ratification election

MISSION—The Mission Consolidated Independent School District Finance Committee discussed new security options for its campuses on Feb. 6. MCISD Assistant Superintendant for Finance & Operations Lucio Mendoza explained they have worked with the Mission Fire Department and Mission Police Department to develop the proposed changes.

Mendoza showed a video to the committee that depicted gunmen entering a campus and attacking staff and students. He explained they used the video to see what measures can be taken to prevent every move the gunmen make.

Read more: MCISD discusses school security improvements

MISSION – Mission Police Chief Martin Garza was named interim city manager for the City of Mission Monday, Feb. 11. He will begin his new duties on March 1 when Julio Cerda officially leaves the post.

About being appointed to the position, Garza said he will remain a public servant and is humbled and honored to serve the citizens of Mission in this capacity.

Cerda said Garza would serve in the position the next several months until the city council decides it is time to go forward and make their decision on a permanent city manager.

Read more: Martin Garza named interim city manager

MISSION—Starting with a field of 36 competitors, it took about an hour to whittle that number down to one at this year’s Mission CISD Spelling Bee, held last Friday at Salinas Elementary School. This year’s top speller in the Mission School District is the same as last year – and the year before that.

Kimberly Garza, an eighth grader from Mission Jr. High School won this year’s annual district spelling bee for the third year in a row.

Read more: Mission CISD crowns top spellers

ALTON—The Alton City Commission adopted an ordinance on Feb. 5 to prepare for the General Election to be held on May 11.

The election in May is for positions of City Commissioner Place 2, City Commissioner Place 3 and City Commissioner Place 4.

Read more: Alton City Commission approves May election

MISSION—Mathew Adams, social studies teacher at K. White Jr. High School, toured his classroom at the end of the day last Friday with a hat, wool coat, pocket watch, a canteen and satchel added to his everyday wardrobe.

Unusual accessories for a person living in 2013. Adams, a re-enactor of historical events, believes in teaching visually – among other educational strategies. He has spent 13 years participating in re-enactments of wars, and now, he combines his hobby with his passion for history.

Read more: Innovative Mission teacher makes lasting impressions

MISSION – According to Mission Police Department’s 2012 Uniform Crime Report, a report the department files annually with the state, crime has declined by 13 percent in the City of Mission in the past 12 months. The biggest decrease in crime has been property crimes.

Property crimes like burglary, larceny and auto theft have gone down each year since 2010. Police Chief Martin Garza said this could be attributed to continued efforts to get more officer presence in residential areas.

Since 2010, auto theft has decreased nearly 50 percent, with 307 auto thefts in 2010 and 162 reported in 2012.

Read more: Mission property crimes continue decline