Area News
Hidalgo County’s ‘new face of justice’: Inside the court construction
“This article appeared in the May 28 issue of the Progress Times.” Last week the new Hidalgo County courthouse opened its doors to media partners to share its ongoing construction progress, showcasing the first three floors with a completed courtroom. The building is 7-stories high and has a total of 31 courtrooms. It is also…
Read MoreSchool board approves contract extension for La Joya ISD superintendent
The La Joya school board approved a one-year contract extension for Superintendent Gisela Saenz on Wednesday. Trustees approved the contract extension Wednesday night after more than two hours in executive session. “I just look forward to continuing to work with our students and our district,” Saenz said. “And continue to accomplish the vision and the…
Read MoreMission suspends police officer for sexual harassment
The city of Mission suspended a police officer last month after a coworker accused him of sexual harassment. Officer Juan R. Villarreal harassed a coworker at the Anzalduas International Bridge, where he made inappropriate comments about her body and mused about “whether or not she was a virgin,” according to documents released under the Texas…
Read MoreLa Joya ISD approves plan to reopen Sports and Learning Complex
The La Joya school board on Wednesday approved a plan to reopen the Sports and Learning Complex. Athletic Director Victor Garza provided trustees with a detailed plan during a board meeting on Wednesday afternoon. Concerned about the coronavirus pandemic, the La Joya Independent School District kept the Sports and Learning Complex closed during 2020. Under…
Read MoreAlton fire chief abruptly resigns
“This article appeared in the May 28 issue of the Progress Times.” Alton Fire Chief Javier Garcia abruptly resigned on Tuesday. Garcia and his assistant chief, Tommy Ureste, both resigned within the past two weeks. “He just felt it best that he not be working with us anymore,” said City Manager Jeff Underwood. Garcia couldn’t…
Read MoreAgua SUD board approves ‘clean’ audit for 2020
The Agua Special Utility District board approved a “clean” audit on Monday. Oscar R. Gonzalez & Associates of Pharr, which audited the utility district, issued an unmodified opinion — a “clean” audit — after reviewing financial records for the 2020 fiscal year. While he was pleased with the unmodified opinion, board President Homer Tijerina said…
Read MoreCruz Control
Longtime softball coach reassigned Winning over 400 games is an achievement that only a select few high school coaches ever attain. It is a milestone that can only be reached by coaches that put their heart and soul into their jobs; coaches that have a passion for their sport, a devotion to their team and…
Read MoreMCISD awards contract for stadium repairs
Mission CISD approved a $1,024,580 contract with G&G Construction to complete the Tom Landry Stadium Repairs Project. The district has already spent $8 million on the project but has now hired G&G to correct the problems that occurred during original renovations done by Holchemot LTD in the 2016-2017 school year. Although the stadium has been…
Read MoreIt’s official: Pharr buys Hidalgo County EMS ambulances and equipment for $1 million
The city of Pharr closed a $1 million deal to buy Hidalgo County EMS ambulances and equipment on Monday. After a two-week transition period, Hidalgo County EMS is scheduled to shut down on May 29. Areas covered by Hidalgo County EMS ambulances — Sullivan City, Peñitas, Hidalgo County Precinct #3 and Hidalgo County Emergency Services…
Read MoreAfter arrest, Peñitas chief of staff returns to work
Peñitas Chief of Staff Andy Morales returned to work Monday — six days after the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives arrested him. Local governments usually suspend employees or place them on administrative leave after they’re arrested. The city of Peñitas, though, welcomed Morales back to City Hall. “Mr. Morales is not being…
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