Area News
Judge dismisses federal drug trafficking case against Reynosa city councilwoman
A federal judge dismissed the drug trafficking case against Reynosa City Councilwoman Denisse Ahumada-Martinez on Thursday after concluding prosecutors lacked probable cause to charge her with a crime. Border Patrol arrested Ahumada-Martinez on Saturday, when agents found about 42 kilograms of cocaine in her car. During a hearing on Thursday, however, prosecutors could not prove…
Read MoreHistoric auditorium demolition begins, Missionites attempt to save it
This article ran in the June 9 issue of the Progress Times. Irma Flores Lopez remembers the excitement she felt walking to Roosevelt School as a little girl because she knew she was on her way to learn. The 61-year-old vaguely recalls the Roosevelt School Song that mimicked the tune of “Oh Christmas Tree.” She…
Read MoreMission Fire chief preps for future growth
The Mission Fire Department underwent a major overhaul throughout the last two years, and the changes will continue into the foreseeable future, according to Fire Chief Adrian Garcia. In 2021, the department shifted to a fire-based EMS system. Since then, it acquired three ambulance units, increased staff certification levels, restructured leadership, hired a new chief…
Read MoreLawmakers pass bill that would allow Agua SUD to be placed in receivership
The Texas Legislature passed a bill last week that would allow the troubled Agua Special Utility District to be placed in receivership. State Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa authored Senate Bill 1188 after becoming concerned about corruption at Agua SUD, which serves more than 17,000 customers in western Hidalgo County. “I think the present board is…
Read MoreAfter public intoxication arrest, Mission police sergeant retires
A sergeant retired from the Mission Police Department in May — seven weeks after officers found him behind the wheel of a stolen car and charged him with public intoxication. Sgt. Adan Beltran retired on May 16. “I would like to commend the men and women of the Mission Police Department for their professionalism and…
Read MoreMan charged in ‘Operation Ice River’ pleads not guilty
A man accused of sacrificing animals to protect drug shipments pleaded not guilty Wednesday. Hector Reyes, a man in his mid-30s from Rio Grande City, pleaded not guilty Wednesday to smuggling drugs and violating the federal Endangered Species Act. Attorney Jose Maria “Chema” Garza Jr. of Rio Grande City, who represents Reyes, declined to comment.…
Read MoreDemolition of historic Mission auditorium moves forward
This article originally ran in the Aug. 27, 2021 issue of the Progress Times. The historic Roosevelt Auditorium does not have a demolition date yet, but the project is still headed in that direction. At the Aug. 11 board meeting, the Mission CISD board of trustees approved the $175,000 budget and professional services from Chanin…
Read MoreHistorical building a hazard, faces demolition
This article originally ran in the April 16, 2021 issue of the Progress Times. Adela Ortega remembers being in a Thanksgiving program in the historic Roosevelt Auditorium when she was at the then elementary school. “I was, I think, a pilgrim at one time when I was in second grade or first grade,” the Mission…
Read MoreAttendance decline affecting Sharyland ISD budget, employee raises
Sharyland ISD is among the many school districts across the country experiencing a decline in student enrollment. But more vital to district revenue is SISD’s additional decline in student attendance. Chief Financial Officer Jaime Ortega explained the issue at the May 23 budget workshop. Average Daily Attendance (ADA) determines how much funding the state gives…
Read MoreMission CISD students want more cultural inclusivity
Mission CISD’s school year came to a close, and with that, so did the year-long cultural inclusivity program known as the Illumination Project. But Deputy Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction Dr. Sharon Roberts assures there is more to come. The district partnered with local nonprofit Village in the Valley (ViVa) to launch a modified version…
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