Area News

The Mission City Council approved a $3.3 million plan to move forward with the Madero bridge project on Monday. Mission will pay Houston-based engineering firm S&B Infrastructure to conduct a feasibility study, environmental assessment and traffic study for the Madero bridge. “Economically, it’s the future of Mission,” said Mayor Armando “Doc” O’caña. “I may not…

The La Joya Economic Development Corp. on Tuesday accused former City Administrator Mike Alaniz and former La Joya Housing Authority board Chairman John Pena of participating in a conspiracy to steal money from a small business loan program. The La Joya EDC made the allegations in a lawsuit against former Mayor Jose A. “Fito” Salinas…

The La Joya Independent School District may pay a consultant $15,000 per month for lobbying and communications work. Austin-based Public Blueprint — which bills itself as a “public affairs firm specializing in government relations, communications, digital and grassroots advocacy” — submitted a proposal to La Joya ISD last month. The proposal was placed on the…

The city of Palmview appears unlikely to acquire Hidalgo County EMS contracts in western Hidalgo County, throwing cold water on plans for a regional, government-run ambulance provider. Hidalgo County EMS — a privately owned ambulance company that filed for bankruptcy in October 2019 — responds to emergency calls throughout western Hidalgo County. The company may…

The blend of working remotely and on campus throughout a pandemic has presented some challenges, according to Nicole Cruz. But the Sharyland High School lead librarian has been steadfast at adapting programs to fit the evolving student needs. One such program is the Alumni Snapshot Campaign — an initiative highlighting Sharyland ISD graduates, which allows…

Mayor Richard Molina opened Tuesday’s City Council meeting with an update on the number of citizens who have gotten the chance to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. “2,000 people have received their shot this week alone,” said Mayor Molina, mentioning that the total of citizens vaccinated is now over 12,000. The city of Edinburg continues to…

Cities in western Hidalgo County, concerned they would be left without local ambulances when Hidalgo County EMS is sold, may acquire part of the company. Hidalgo County EMS — a privately owned ambulance company that responds to 911 calls in Peñitas, Sullivan City and rural parts of Hidalgo County — filed for bankruptcy in October…

The City of Mission will acquire $24.3 million in recovery funds through the American Rescue Plan that President Joe Biden signed into law March 11. The $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package is designed to support local governments, address public health and aid the communities that have faced economic crisis due to the pandemic. Texas will…

The Peñitas Police Department arrested a former political candidate last week after he was accused of harassing two women. Officers arrested Noe Garza Jr., 32, of Peñitas — who mounted a short-lived campaign for Peñitas City Council in 2017 and ran for the Agua Special Utility District board in 2018 — on March 9. Garza…