McAllen businessman placed on probation after pleading guilty to transporting illegal alien
A federal judge placed a McAllen businessman on probation last week after he pleaded guilty to transporting an illegal alien. U.S. District Judge Randy Crane placed Jose Luis Trejo, 51, of McAllen on probation for three years. “I’d like you to know how sincerely sorry I am,” Trejo said on Sept. 9, when he appeared…
Read MoreSullivan City plans to increase property tax rate
The Sullivan City Council plans to increase the property tax rate by about 3% in late September. Mayor Alma Salinas and the City Council discussed the proposed tax hike on Tuesday afternoon. “I think our community members will understand,” Salinas said. “And they can see that we’ve invested in our community.” Salinas, City Councilman Rene…
Read MoreLa Joya ISD welcomes new school board trustee
A former union organizer joined the La Joya school board on Wednesday. State Rep. Sergio Muñoz Jr. administered the oath of office to former American Federation of Teachers representative Juan Jose “J.J.” Luna, 66, of La Joya during a meeting on Wednesday afternoon. “For 18 years, I sat out there,” Luna said, gesturing toward the…
Read MorePharr EMS projected to lose nearly $6.9 million during first 12 months of operations
After hemorrhaging cash for the past 12 months, Pharr EMS may finish the fiscal year with a nearly $6.9 million deficit. The city of Pharr projects that Pharr EMS will cost taxpayers nearly $12.9 million during the 2021-2022 fiscal year, which ends on Sept. 30, according to information reviewed by the City Commission on Tuesday.…
Read MoreAgua SUD cancels uncontested elections
The Agua Special Utility District canceled two uncontested elections last week. Agua SUD canceled the elections for District 5 and District 6 during a utility board meeting on Sept. 2. Two other races — District 4 and District 7 — remain on the November ballot. “Pursuant to Sections 144.005 and 146.054 of the Texas Election…
Read MoreFor the first time in a decade, Republican mounts campaign for Texas House District 35
For the first time since 2010, a Republican is running to represent Texas House District 35. The race will pit local pharmacist Oscar Rosa, 55, of rural Mission against state Rep. Oscar Longoria, D-La Joya. “Don’t vote for us because we’re Republicans. I don’t want your vote just because you’re a Republican,” Rosa said Tuesday,…
Read MorePharr plans to shut down RGV Angel Flight in mid-September
The city of Pharr plans to shut down RGV Angel Flight — a helicopter that responds to emergency medical calls in Hidalgo County — on Sept. 15. Pharr announced the decision Thursday in a memo distributed to local governments by the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council. “The operation of a rotor-wing service is truly…
Read MoreAgua SUD says La Joya businesswoman filed for the wrong seat on utility board
The Agua Special Utility District rejected a ballot application filed by a local businesswoman last week. Sylvia C. Oxford, 66, of La Joya — a businesswoman who owns the Cerda Ranch in La Joya and the Oxford on 12th Avenue Business Center in Edinburg — submitted a ballot application for Agua SUD District 6. Agua…
Read MoreAgua SUD served with federal grand jury subpoena for records on former general manager
The FBI wants to know more about former Agua Special Utility District General Manager Jose E. “Eddie” Saenz. Agua SUD received a federal grand jury subpoena for records on Saenz and his company, CSJ Group, in mid-July. “Right now, since Agua SUD is involved in civil litigation related to some of those issues, I am…
Read MoreLa Joya ISD asks former union organizer to join school board
The La Joya Independent School District invited a former union organizer to join the school board on Wednesday. Trustees voted 6-0 to appoint Juan Jose “J.J.” Luna, 66, of La Joya to school board Place 6 during a meeting on Wednesday night. “It’s an honor to be considered,” Luna said. “And to be appointed.” Place…
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