Area News

The former owner of Danny’s Pawn and Sporting Goods pleaded guilty to unlawfully selling ammunition last month. Daniel Gallegos, 67, of McAllen sold more than 5,800 rounds of ammunition to an informant during a sting operation. “Danny’s my friend,” said attorney Crispin “CJ” Quintanilla of McAllen, who represents Gallegos. “And it’s a sad situation.” Gallegos…

Peñitas Mayor Rodrigo “Rigo” Lopez quietly resigned on Thursday, when he pleaded guilty to a federal theft charge. The city of Peñitas didn’t announce the mayor’s resignation. Asked on Thursday if Lopez had resigned, City Manager Humberto “Beto” Garza III declined to comment. Lopez’s attorney, however, provided state Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa with a copy…

In keeping with a promise to address campus security, Sharyland ISD renewed an agreement for on-site police officers and awarded a contract for security guard services.  In June, Sharyland ISD held a town hall meeting to discuss the security and safety of the district. They heard feedback from community members, and at the June school…

The Sharyland ISD board of trustees approved a singular dress code for students of all genders at the July school board meeting. The Student Code of Conduct changes are effective for the 2022-2023 school year.  The gender-neutral dress code affects student clothing, accessories and hair requirements. For example, Sharyland ISD previously restricted the hair length…

Businessman Fred del Barrio won the four-way race for mayor of Palmhurst on Wednesday. del Barrio won 52% of 642 ballots cast during the special election, according to preliminary results published by the Hidalgo County Elections Department on Wednesday afternoon. He defeated former City Councilman Israel Silva, who received nearly 33%; attorney Ricka Tijerina, who…

Six months of construction will soon begin on three high-priority drainage projects within the city of Mission.  In 2020, the city conducted a drainage assessment that identified 72 problem areas. Of those 72 problem areas, they deemed seven as high priority based on the amount of time it takes water to drain after rainfall. Of…

This article originally ran in the Jan. 28 issue of Progress Times. The work on Mission’s seven major drainage projects has been underway since summer 2021, and things are running smoothly so far, according to B2Z Engineering Project Manager Jesse Ozuna. The city employed B2Z to oversee all seven projects, ensuring quality work from the…

This article originally ran in the Aug. 6, 2021 issue of Progress Times. Mission City Council rescinded its previous recommendation and approval to award B2Z Engineering with Project Gabriel — the drainage project located in the El Valle Subdivision. At a special meeting on Tuesday, the council approved Mission-based M2 Engineering as the new firm…