Area News

The city of Peñitas may soon have its own election polling location once again, although that prospective location is generating criticism. That controversy should come as a surprise for no one. Where to vote in Peñitas has long been a point of contention. The city hasn’t had a polling place for over a year. Last…

This article originally ran in the Dec. 22, 2023 issue of the Progress Times.  Electrical supply chain issues have been ongoing since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and Mission CISD is seeing the effects directly.  The Salinas Elementary HVAC project that contractors estimated would take 240 days to complete could potentially have another 577…

The City of Mission declared Marissa Ortega Gerlach the official winner of the Place 3 special election. She emerged victorious with 50.08% of the vote against her three opponents. And although Ortega Gerlach did not always envision occupying a seat on the Mission City Council, she said she always wanted to give back to the…

The city of Mission may divert funding or seek a loan to pay a debt of $2.87 million in sales tax monies it owes to the Mission Economic Development Corporation because the Progress Times reported on it. City Manager Randy Perez said during a “cash flow analysis” presentation at a city council meeting Monday that…

A former city of Hidalgo employee claimed in a civil lawsuit last week that the city constructively discharged her in 2022 because of her gender, alleging Mayor Sergio Coronado sexually harassed her prior to her exit. In her suit, Evelyn Soto — a former water billing clerk who made $27,000 a year — alleges that…

Friday morning, Mission Collegiate High School hosted a press conference on drunk driving for senior and junior classes. Students heard from the Alton police department and Hidalgo District Attorney Toribio ‘Terry’ Palacios on the dangers and consequences of impaired driving. The collaborative presentation began with Principal Ana Lisa Flores reaching out to the Alton PD…

The Texas Citrus King’s Association is considering unifying Texas Citrus Fiesta with the city of Mission following a meeting on Tuesday afternoon. As of the past week, the city proposed services and help to the TCF after the resignation of its Executive Director in November. “It’s our opportunity to illustrate and show the board that…

The Mission City Council will discuss at a special meeting Thursday the departure of City Manager Randy Perez and the appointment of an interim to replace him. The leadership change follows significant cash flow discussions prompted by the discovery of a few million dollars in sales tax money the city withheld from its economic development…

The city of Palmhurst’s annual Christmas at the Park provided surrounding residents with a night of joy and holiday cheer for the 7th consecutive year. Families gathered to enjoy a screening of How the Grinch Stole Christmas, listen to classic Christmas songs, take pictures with Santa, eat snacks, and marvel at light displays, which included…