Pharr 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…
Read MoreSullivan City Council backs local educator for school board
The Sullivan City Council backed a candidate for La Joya school board on Tuesday. Mayor Alma Salinas signed a resolution Tuesday afternoon that advocated for the La Joya Independent School District to appoint Guadalupe “Lupe” Chavez, 51, of Mission to school board Place 6. “I’ve always been engaged with the students from that area, so…
Read More7 candidates vying for seats on Agua SUD board
The Agua Special Utility District is headed for a major shakeup in November. Term limits prevent several members of the Agua SUD board from running for re-election — leaving three seats on the seven-member board wide open. Monday marked the deadline for candidates to submit ballot applications. Seven candidates registered to run for four…
Read MorePeñitas Planning and Zoning Commission rejects proposal for apartments on Main Street
The Peñitas Planning and Zoning Commission rejected a proposal to build apartments on Main Street during a contentious meeting last week. More than 20 people who oppose the project showed up for a Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on Aug. 18. After a lengthy discussion, the commissioners voted 3-2 to reject the preliminary plat for…
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