Area News

The city of La Joya may increase water rates in October to pay for two major infrastructure projects. During a meeting on Wednesday afternoon, the City Council discussed water rates with Jeff Snowden, the owner of Frisco-based Capex Consulting Group. Snowden told the City Council that La Joya couldn’t afford to build a new wastewater…

Former Peñitas Mayor Rodrigo “Rigo” Lopez paid nearly $35,000 in restitution last week after he confessed to defrauding the La Joya Independent School District. Rigo Lopez pleaded guilty on Aug. 11. His attorney, Tony Torres of Edinburg, delivered a check for $34,923.70 to O’Hanlon, Demerath & Castillo — a law firm that represents La Joya…

Peñitas abruptly terminated Fire Chief Leroy Salinas in June after the city manager concluded they couldn’t work together, according to documents released last week. City Manager Humberto “Beto” Garza III fired Leroy Salinas on June 22. “The City of Peñitas would like to thank you for your service to our community,” according to a letter…

‘I’m not guilty’ says Former Edinburg Mayor during Voter Fraud Trial The voter fraud trial for former Edinburg Mayor Richard Molina began with prosecutors and defense attorneys’ opening statements presented to the jury Tuesday afternoon before having 9 of 20 plus witnesses testifying on Wednesday. “Judge, I’m not guilty,” Molina pleaded to the court to…

A jury on Tuesday determined state Rep. Sergio Muñoz Jr. must pay $1.2 million in damages after losing a legal malpractice lawsuit. After a two-day trial at the federal courthouse in McAllen, the jury took less than an hour to reach a verdict. “I’m just happy it’s over,” said George Prussin, 77, of Florida, who…

After losing a legal malpractice lawsuit, state Rep. Sergio Muñoz Jr. took the witness stand Monday to defend himself against claims he cost a client $1.2 million. Muñoz lost the lawsuit in 2017, when U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez signed a nearly $3 million judgment against him. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, however,…

With the first day of school around the corner, Mission CISD and local law enforcement agencies have partnered up to enhance safety and security for students and staff.  Since the May shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde — the deadliest school shooting in Texas history — districts have been working even more to heighten safety…

The Agua Special Utility District approved a redistricting plan Monday that didn’t make any major changes to the existing districts. During a meeting on Monday afternoon, the Agua SUD board approved a redistricting plan drafted by attorney Rolando L. Rios of San Antonio. “Once every 10 years, pursuant to the latest census, every governmental entity…

This article appeared in the Aug. 12 issue of the Progress Times.   A man accused of kidnapping a 13-year-old McAllen girl pleaded guilty last week. Brandon Galvez, 23, of Chalmette, Louisiana, met the girl on Snapchat in June 2020, according to McAllen Municipal Court records. Less than two weeks after they started talking, Galvez…