Area News

For Captain Richard Cruz, donating blood is a good way to give back and help save lives when off-duty. Last Fri. Dec. 6, the city of Mission held the Battle of the Badges Blood Drive at the Parks and Recreation Building. The blood drive, run by Vitalant (formerly United Blood Services), is unique in that…

Instead of celebrating her birthday in the evening, Nereyda Aguayo spent it at the La Joya police station so her children could get a Christmas gift. On Monday, Dec. 9, officers with the La Joya Police Department distributed 150 toys to children waiting outside the station during the department’s third annual toy giveaway. Aguayo, who…

Dominique Brown, Ruby Hernandez, Eliza Garcia and Daniella Galvan spent last Saturday helping to ensure families in need stay warm this season. Last weekend, the La Joya Independent School District’s Public Information Office held a Winter Coat Drive, where they accepted donations of coats, jackets, scarves, gloves and beanies. The donated clothing will be distributed…

Last week, big development news was announced in Mission. Killam Development, a private family-owned business, announced the purchase of over 3,400 acres in the Mission and McAllen areas. The property will be developed to include residences, entertainment and education. “We are so thankful to all of you for welcoming us, for your professionalism, your support,…

The Texas Supreme Court on Friday rejected a petition to review the 2018 Mission mayoral election. Armando “Doc” O’caña, a school district administrator, defeated Norberto “Beto” Salinas, a land developer who served as mayor of Mission for two decades, in June 2018. After the election, Beto Salinas claimed the O’caña campaign bribed voters and manipulated…

In December 2015, police Officer Juan Pablo “J.P.” Galindo struck a handcuffed man in the groin. The man screamed. His knees buckled. Officers pushed the man into a police SUV and slammed the door. After conducting an internal investigation, San Juan police Chief Juan Gonzalez fired Galindo for using excessive force. An arbitrator reversed the…

Five former Hidalgo County employees who filed a lawsuit against Justice of the Peace Homer Jasso Sr. received a $165,000 settlement last month. Jasso believed the employees would support former Justice of the Peace Mary Alice Palacios, who planned to run against him in the Democratic Party primary. “During the week of August 28, 2016,…

A tradition that has been passed down generations was celebrated in Mission Thursday. At Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, located in the city’s downtown area, parishioners from across the area arrived before sunrise to celebrate the mother of Christ-La Virgen de Guadalupe. “It’s a celebration of faith, hope and love and hearts of the…

Veteran firefighters to open indoor axe throwing facility in McAllen Three veteran firefighters are working to ensure their new endeavor is right on target. Kickin Axes RGV, set to open their doors tomorrow (Sat. Dec. 14), is an indoor axe throwing facility located at 1017 Shasta Ave. in McAllen. Owners Mark Koite, Aaron Vera and…

The federal government on Thursday said Fisher Industries, a construction company that wants to build a privately owned border wall near Mission, had irreparably damaged the riverbank — despite a court order designed to prevent any permanent damage. U.S. District Judge Randy Crane signed a temporary restraining order against Fisher Industries on Dec. 5, prohibiting…