Area News

In two weeks, the Mission CISD will hold a public meeting to discuss and approve the 2020-2021 budget and proposed tax rate. This week, Assistant Superintendent for Finance Rumalda Ruiz presented a draft of the budget to the Mission Consolidated Independent School District Board of Trustees, along with the proposed tax rate. The proposed maintenance…

The total number of known COVID-19 cases in Hidalgo County rose to 967 after the county reported 55 new cases Friday. The new cases come from the cities of Alamo, Donna, Edinburg, Hidalgo, McAllen, Edinburg, Mission, Palmview, Pharr, San Juan, Weslaco and two from undisclosed cities. Their ages range from 0 to their 70s, according…

Covered from head to toe in personal protective equipment, Anwar Contreras and Anny Celestine with TLC Pharmacy have been sweating in the South Texas heat daily, doling out tests for COVID-19. TLC Pharmacy, located at 1242 E. Business Highway 83 in Mission, has been testing residents of the Rio Grande Valley for the coronavirus since…

In his 36 years working as an educator, Sharyland Pioneer High School Principal James Heath never imagined his last year as principal would occur during a global pandemic. “Nobody could predict this, it’s a crazy way to finish my career and I’ll always remember it because of that,” Heath, 58, said. “It’s crazy but it…

With the nation in turmoil following several protests in the wake of the murder of an unarmed black man in Minneapolis, a local organization invited the community to come together and listen. Craft Cultura, a Chicanx community organization, invited members of the community to participate in Black Lives Matter on the Border: A Community Discussion…

The city of Alton is preparing to present their budget of COVID-19 related expenses to be reimbursed by the county. During their Tuesday city council meeting, commissioners approved a proposed budget of $4,648,998, which covers COVID-19 related expenses such as payroll. The budget came a week after Hidalgo County commissioners approved splitting $151 million in…

Hidalgo County Emergency Management Coordinator Ricardo Saldaña is working to ensure the safety of residents during hurricane season in a pandemic. The 2020 hurricane season has begun, and is predicted to be heavier than usual. Residents of Hidalgo County are worried about navigating the potential issues during the coronavirus pandemic. During a “normal” hurricane season,…

Senior graduations at LJISD have looked a bit different this year. Last Thursday, June 4, The Palmview High School Class of 2020 celebrated their commencement at the La Joya Independent School District Stadium. The outdoor graduation was allowed in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic, as per guidelines from the Office of Governor Greg Abbott. The…

The total number of known COVID-19 cases in Hidalgo County has jumped to 912 after the county reported 70 new cases Thursday. The jump in cases is one seen all over the state and the rest of the Rio grande Valley as the state reported its highest amount of new cases Wednesday, leading the county…

As the valedictorian for Sharyland Advanced Academic Academy’s 2020 graduating class, Dylan DuCharme is prepared for life outside of high school thanks to his family. “They’ve always encouraged my curiosity even if it led me to unusual places, and that’s a huge part of what makes me an avid learner today,” DuCharme said. “I’m also…