Area News
Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez appoints and administers oath of office to two new members of South Texas ISD Board of Directors
MERCEDES – South Texas Independent School District (STISD) welcomed two new members to its Board of Directors Tuesday evening as Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez administered the oath of office to his two recent appointments. Cortez appointed Dr. Sandra Garza Ochoa of Weslaco to the unexpired term of Hidalgo County Commissioners’ Precinct 1, filling…
Read MoreLa Joya ISD agreed to pay attorney $750 per hour to fight Texas Education Agency takeover
A lawyer hired to represent the La Joya Independent School District in a high-stakes case against the Texas Education Agency plans to charge $750 per hour. La Joya ISD hired attorney John Scott of Austin-based law firm Scott & Scott to handle an administrative case against the agency, which wants to replace the local school…
Read MoreWoman who collected drug money for her husband’s family sentenced to 2 years in prison
After the FBI arrested her father-in-law on federal drug charges, Alondra De Leon stepped up. De Leon sent a text message to someone who had purchased drugs from her husband’s family — and still owed them money. They set up a meeting. Less than a month later, the FBI caught De Leon red-handed with nearly…
Read MoreMission attempts to remedy preservation ordinance issues
In the wake of the demolition of the historic Roosevelt Auditorium, the City of Mission is working to protect its other significant sites before it’s too late. But some community members feel those in charge have already failed the city. Earlier this month, Mission CISD demolished the 1929 auditorium that was on the National Register…
Read MoreMission CISD bids farewell to longtime PR director
Cynthia Ybarra Leal broke into a giggle when asked to describe her now-former boss Craig Verley. “He’s funny. There’s always a joke with Craig,” the Mission CISD public relations specialist said with a smile. “But you know, it has made for a very relaxed atmosphere. We’re all professionals, we all know what it is that…
Read MoreFormer Sullivan City police officer charged with driving while intoxicated
A state trooper charged a former Sullivan City police officer with driving while intoxicated last week. The Texas Department of Public Safety arrested Miguel Chester Cervantes, 46, of Roma on June 14. Cervantes, who joined the Sullivan City Police Department in February, declined to comment. He previously worked for the Starr County Sheriff’s Office,…
Read MoreTexas National Bank expands, invests in communities alongside Mission Chamber of Commerce
This article appeared in the June 2 issue of the Progress Times. Texas National Bank is expanding its branch locations across the Rio Grande Valley. A financial staple for small business owners in the Mission area, this bank is accelerating at a rate like none other when putting its community first. “Our entire ownership is…
Read MoreLa Joya ISD set for July 31 hearing on Texas Education Agency takeover
A judge will hear the La Joya Independent School District’s case against the Texas Education Agency on July 31. Attorneys for La Joya ISD and the agency filed a joint motion with the State Office of Administrative Hearings last week, setting the case for July 31. After the hearing, an administrative law judge will decide…
Read MoreMission man charged with obstruction of justice after staring, spitting at federal agent
A man accused of attempting to intimidate a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agent outside the federal courthouse in McAllen was charged with obstruction of justice last week. Hector Reyes Jr., 19, of Mission stared and spat at Special Agent Patrick Zaruba on May 9, according to a criminal complaint filed by the government. Zaruba worked…
Read MoreIDEA Public Schools may sell boutique hotel in Los Fresnos
IDEA Public Schools may sell the Inn at Chachalaca Bend, a boutique hotel in Los Fresnos that former executives allegedly purchased without board approval. During a meeting on Wednesday morning, the IDEA Real Estate Committee unanimously approved a motion to “recommend the next steps related to sale of property in Los Fresnos.” The Inn at…
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