Area News
First U.S. monkeypox death, Hidalgo County cases increase
This article has been updated to reflect the most recent number of cases. It’s been just over a month since the Hidalgo County health officials reported the first monkeypox case in the area. Since then, that number has increased to seven, according to the Hidalgo County Health and Human Services Department. Each Monday, Hidalgo County…
Read MoreMission CISD still tracking COVID cases, taking precautions
As school districts navigate through the second full school year in a pandemic, Mission CISD is trying to remain as vigilant as possible while still following state and CDC guidelines. And though the district has a daily report of active COVID cases on a public online database, that information might not always be accurate. At…
Read MoreUncertainty for Hall of Fame logo at Tom Landry stadium
By spring, the plan is to have new turf on the fields at Tom Landry Hall of Fame Stadium and Veterans Memorial High School Patriot Stadium. Although Mission CISD is in the design stage, there is a legal issue causing a hiccup in the process. The Mission High School football stadium, named after Dallas Cowboys…
Read MoreCity Council Highlights — tax rate, food pantry, school security
For the third year in a row, the city of Mission’s tax rate will remain at $0.5299 per $100 valuation. Mission City Council unanimously voted to approve the tax rate at the Sept. 12 meeting. Along with the tax rate, the council also approved a $157,677,134 budget for the 2022-2023 fiscal year. Last year’s budget…
Read MoreLa Joya ISD teacher who left child in hot car charged with state jail felony
After weeks of investigation, a La Joya ISD teacher who left a 5-year-old child inside a hot car at Dr. Americo Paredes Elementary has been taken into custody. “We have concluded our investigation,” said La Joya ISD Police Chief Raul Gonzalez. 37-year-old Diana Treviño Montelongo has been charged with criminally negligent homicide for the death…
Read MoreMcAllen 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…
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