Area News
Road work ahead — Inspiration-Military Parkway Loop
This article originally ran in the March 10 issue of the Progress Times. One of Mission’s ongoing roadway expansion projects is at Inspiration Road and Military Parkway Loop. Although the city has had the project in the pipeline for several years, the site is nowhere near the construction phase. But the Mission planning department has been…
Read MoreState Rep. Sergio Muñoz Jr. threatens to sue La Joya ISD
State Rep. Sergio Muñoz Jr. threatened to sue the La Joya Independent School District last week over a $39,000 bill for “legal services.” La Joya ISD fired Sergio Muñoz Jr., a local attorney, in December. Sergio Muñoz Jr., though, said La Joya ISD didn’t send him a termination letter until Jan. 31. According to Sergio…
Read MoreBill would allow Hidalgo County to provide garbage service outside city limits
Hidalgo County is taking another shot at garbage service. Senate Bill 1430, which state Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen, and state Sen. Morgan LaMantia, D-South Padre Island, filed on March 2, would allow Hidalgo County to provide garbage collection service for people who live outside city limits — and make the service mandatory. “The county…
Read MoreBorder Patrol arrests Starr County man wanted in major drug smuggling case
A man who pleaded guilty in a major Starr County drug case but failed to show up for sentencing was arrested by Border Patrol in March after more than two years on the run. Border Patrol arrested Ricardo Hinojosa, 51, of Rio Grande City on March 2, according to information released by the U.S. Attorney’s…
Read MoreIn reversal, Agua SUD limits water bill adjustments for customers with leaks
This article appeared in the March 10 issue of the Progress Times. The Agua Special Utility District plans to take a hard line on leaks. During a meeting on Monday afternoon, the Agua SUD board of directors told General Manager Roberto J. Salinas to stop adjusting water bills for customers with leaks. “We’re not…
Read MoreMan accused of coordinating drug shipments for the Jalisco New Generation Cartel pleads not guilty
This article appeared in the March 10 issue of the Progress Times. A man accused of coordinating drug shipments for the Jalisco New Generation Cartel pleaded not guilty on Tuesday. Ivan Ornelas-Pio of Campbell, California, is accused of heading a drug trafficking organization that smuggled cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and fentanyl through the Rio Grande…
Read MorePerformance Services Inc. wins $500,000 judgment against consulting firm implicated in western Hidalgo County corruption case
This article appeared in the March 10 issue of the Progress Times. Performance Services Inc. won a $500,000 judgment Monday against a company owned by a consultant who pleaded guilty in the western Hidalgo County corruption case. Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane signed a $500,000 judgment against Harmony Business Consulting on Monday. Performance…
Read MoreTransparency at the Texas Capitol: A bipartisan effort
By Kelley Shannon Executive Director Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas To witness bipartisanship at the Texas Capitol, look to the lawmakers who are working to improve open government laws. Legislators from both political parties are igniting interest in transparency and creating the opportunity for all lawmakers to protect the people’s right to know.…
Read MoreLa Joya ISD suggests the Texas Education Agency end ‘special investigation,’ appoint conservator
The La Joya Independent School District sent a letter to the Texas Education Agency in January, suggesting the state appoint a conservator to supervise the school board. La Joya ISD sent the letter to Deputy Commissioner of Governance Steve Lecholop on Jan. 6. “The Board of Trustees propose the placement of a Conservator for Governance…
Read MoreSharyland hopefuls enter trustee election
Sharyland voters have two items to look out for in the upcoming school board race. Place 1 and Place 2 are up for election, and two candidates have entered the bid for each position, some of which are familiar faces in the community. Place 1 Longtime Sharyland ISD board member Ricky Longoria did not throw…
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