Mission Historical Museum Improvements Groundbreaking

There was a groundbreaking for the Mission Historical Museum this morning at 10 am. The groundbreaking was for improvements to beautify the area around the museum and make it a center of community interest.

Pictures from Mission's Annual Winter Fiesta 2013

The Mission community hosts an annual Winter Fiesta to thank Winter Texans for spending their winters in our community. The Fiesta is a collaboration of the City of Mission and the +The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce, supported by local sponsors.

The event provides a free lunch, entertainment, and a chance to meet local vendors.

Mission City Leaders Recognize City Manager Julio Cerda

Yesterday evening, leaders of the Mission, Texas community gathered at the Norberto Salinas Conference Center, located in the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce, to honor City Manager, Julio Cerda. The crowded event was to thank Mr. Cerda for his eight years of service to the City of Mission.

Mr. Cerda will be leaving the employ of the City of Mission to return to his career as an Engineer. He first began working for the city after meeting Mayor Salinas at an event at a time when the city was having engineering problems. Mayor Salinas hired Mr. Cerda as City Engineer, where he distinguished himself with the ability to get to the grain of a problem and resolve it.

Circumstances eventually led to Mayor Salinas asking Mr. Cerda to fill in as interim City Manager. He has had that post since then.

This was Julio Cerda's last week as City Manager before going into private practice. The city council has chosen Police Chief Martin Garza to assume the City Manager post. Both men are good friends; therefore a smooth transition is expected.

Video Slideshow of the 2013 Texas Citrus Fiesta Parade of Oranges

Trying out Youtube's photo slideshow creator with images from the Texas Citrus Fiesta Parade of Oranges.

Photo Slideshow of Mission Day in Austin

Leaders from the Mission, Texas community headed to Austin very early on Tuesday morning to participate in Mission Day in Austin, which occurs every two years when the Texas Legislature is in session.

The day began with having resolutions passed in the House of Representatives and the Senate recognizing the day as Mission Day at the capitol. The delegation also met with Governor Rick Perry and Lt. Governor David Dewhurst. After a quick lunch, the group set out to meet with key legislators to discuss the legislative agenda for our city. The evening ended with a reception to give officials, staffers, and the delegation more time to discuss issues.

The Agenda

The three major issues of note in this legislative session are infrastructure, elections, and the UTPA/UTB merger.

The delegation saught support for improving and modernizing our road infrastructure to better enable our community to deal with increased trade and population growth. The Anzalduas International Bridge currently only allows passenger traffic; however, if truck traffic is opened up, our roads need to be able to deal with the heavy loads and find a way to move that traffic efficiently.

Addressing an election quirk that requires home rule cities to hold full-blown elections for City Council when a seat is left vacant. The City of Mission would prefer to leave the position vacant or have the ability to appoint somebody to that place, thus saving tax payers the cost of running a full election.

The University of Texas - Pan American and University of Texas - Brownsville merger is a topic of much discussion locally and at the Capitol. Governor Perry's State of the State speech at the inauguration (see +Office of the Governor of Texas) brought the issue to the forefront. Merging the two universities would make the new entity eligible to receive money from the Permanent University Fund, which makes expansion of the new entity much easier. Of particular interest is the possibility of attaching a medical school to the new UT school. 

There was no consensus among members as to whether a medical school would happen this legislative session. Creating a new University is almost certain; however, anything beyond that may consist of laying groundwork for the medical school without creating it outright. The delegation would prefer that if a medical school is added to the new University, that it should be based out of Hidalgo County. 

A Successful Effort

One particular success of this Mission Day in Austin was the draw of several elected officials and their staff to the reception. Given the variety of concurrent events, late committee hearings, and a host of other scheduling challenges, it is rare to have as much as a handful of Representatives and Senators attending. This year, the function was attended by Mission's own State Representative Sergio Muñoz, Jr and State Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa. The event was also honored to have State Senator Eddie Lucio and State Representatives Rene Oliveira, Eddie Lucio, III, Terry Canales, Bobby Guerra, and Oscar Longoria. This is in addition to our Mayor Norberto Salinas and City Council members Ruben Plata and Armando O'Caña.

Overall, the Mission delegation had excellent access to the people who will make the decisions that affect our community. 

Below is a slideshow of Mission Day in Austin.

Mission Day in Austin - 83rd Legislative Session

Leaders from the Mission, Texas community have formed a delegation to go to the Texas Capitol to advocate for our community on Tuesday, February 19, 2013. The delegation expects a full day of work this Tuesday.

There will be some ceremonial activities, such as having a Mission Day Proclamation in the Texas House of Representatives, and group photos with key state leaders.

The most important component of Mission Day will consist of visits to more than 50 offices of state representatives to advocate for issues that affect our city and region.

A successful visit will result in the Texas House of Representatives passing legislation that is beneficial to local businesses and government so that we can continue to prosper. Or, alternatively, would help our community avoid legislation that would hurt our community.

The Mission Day in Austin Legislative Outreach Delegation will spend a full day advocating for our community on Tuesday and getting some rest before coming home the next morning.

10th Annual Mission Classic Car Show

Next weekend there will be the 10th Annual Classic Car Show held at the Mission Sports Park at Sharyland Plantation. The event begins Saturday, February 23 at 9 am and continues to 5 pm.

The show invites classic cars from 1976 and older to compete for $5000 in cash and prizes.

This is a great family event for classic car enthusiasts.

The event will have awards for best overall, Mayor's choice, Exhibitors Choice, Ladies Choice, Kids Choice, Best Paint, Best Flames, Best Engine Compartment, and many more categories.

Be sure to visit http://www.rgvoldcars.com for information on other similar events.

Veterans Memorial HS choir students qualify for state UIL competition

The Veterans Memorial High School (VMHS) choir has a school-record number of students who have qualified to compete at the UIL Texas State Solo and Ensemble contest to be held in May at UT-Austin. A total of 12 students are advancing.

The students who earned a superior (division one)rating for their Class 1 Solos are: Vanessa Cano, Demetrius Davis, Stephanie De La Garza, Gabriela Lopez, Juan Lara, Natasha Maldonado, Katarina Padilla, Raul Rivera, Perla Ruiz, Cherish Varlack, Paula Vasquez, Myhra Zarate.

While they did not qualify for state, quite a few other students also earned division one ratings for their performances. They are: Alyssa Davidson, Elizabeth Garcia, Victoria Fajardo, Rachel Walzer, Ashley Alaniz, Stephanie McCoy, Tamika Munguia, Hannah Steele, Mark Stuart.

Student receiving a division two (excellent) rating are: Alexis Barrientos, Janessa Farias, Angie Roura, Christopher Vargas, Lizbeth Vasquez.

Pictured are the VMHS choir students who are advancing to state competitions. On the front row are: Paula Vasquez, Stephanie De La Garza. On the middle row are: Vanessa Cano, Katarina Padilla, Cherish Varlack. On the back row are: Juan Lara, Myhra Zarate, Natasha Maldonado, Gabriela Lopez. Not pictured are: Demetrius Davis, Raul Rivera, Perla Ruiz.
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Craig Verley

Director of Public Relations and Marketing

Mission CISD

1201 Bryce Drive

Mission, TX 78572

956-323-5530

www.mcisd.net

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Mission, Texas 2013 Annual Winter Fiesta

On Saturday, February 23, 2013, +The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce  will host the Annual Winter Fiesta in appreciation for the city's Winter visitors.

Among the attractions are free food, door prizes, vendor booths, and live entertainment. The event will take place between 1 pm and 4 pm at the Leo Peña Placita Park, which is at the corner of Conway and Business 83.

Upper Valley Art League 4th Annual Photo Exhibit

The Upper Valley Art League will be hosting their 4th Annual Photography Exhibit starting February 9 and ending March 2, 2013. The UVAL is calling for photographer of all subject matters and skill levels. This is an opportunity for local talent to put their best work on display.

There is no specification on work format. Photographers may submit up to 5 items in black and white or color, digital or film, pure or manipulated images, large or small prints. The items must be already framed and use wire for hanging the frame.

Anybody wishing to exhibit must be or become a member of UVAL. Annual membership is $30. There is no fee for submitting photos for the exhibit.

This post is rather last minute. Work must be received by tomorrow, February 2nd at 7 pm to be included in the exhibit.

For more information, contact Robert Codina, the Photography Committee Chairman, at 821-5662.

Limited Offer for Free Easter Photo Session With February Appointment

Veterans Memorial HS band students advance to state

The Veterans Memorial High School (VMHS) Patriot Band had 70 members compete at the UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest held this past weekend. A total of 61 medals were earned by the students with 37 of them qualifying to compete at the UIL Texas State Solo and Ensemble contest to be held in May at UT-Austin.

The students who earned a superior (division one) rating and are advancing to state are: Veronica Almendarez, Noel Barsenas, Christian Contreras, Melody Cruz, Demetrius Davis, Michael De La Garza, Janessa Farias, Guillermo Flores, Caroline Galvez, Jessica Galvez, Benjamin Garcia, Tomas Garcia, Isaac Garza, Abigail Gomez, Abel (Eddie) Gonzalez, David Guerrero, Jamey Lara, Juan Trinidad Lara, Monica Leal, Michael Mata, Thalia Mirelez, Samantha McCoy, Brian Mueller, Sarai Muniz, Juan Moreno, Ixtaccihautl Obregon, Joel O’Canas, Stephanie Perez, Miguel Rodriguez, Ruben Rodriguez, Diego Torres, Alondra Trevino, Daniel Trevino, Lorenah Vasquez, Monica Velasquez, Daniel Vallejo, Andres Vecchio.

While they did not qualify for state, quite a few other students also earned division one ratings for their performances. They are: Noah Flores, Adrian Fraide (Mission Collegiate High School), Michelle Guajardo, Jaime Hernandez, Valerie Moreno, Benjamin Rodriguez, Jason Salinas, Melissa Torres, Isabel Vasquez.

Pictured are the students from VMHS who are advancing to state competitions.

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Contact: Craig Verley, Director of Public Relations and Marketing 
Office: 956-323-5530 • Mobile: 537-5565 • Fax: 956-323-8103 • cverley@mcisd.org

Mission HS FBLA students qualify for state competitions

A total of 13 Mission High School (MHS) Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) students have qualified for the Texas FBLA State Leadership Conference to be held in early March in Dallas, Texas. Two additional students will serve as alternates.

The students who are advancing to state are: Anna Cazares, database design and applications; Yvette Cazares, word processing I; Emma Contreras, business communications; Joseph C. Esquivel, business calculations; Josiah D. Esquivel, business calculations; Jorge Andres Garcia, accounting I; Eri Longoria, business math; Jocelyn Lopez, accounting I; Edward Markowsky, health care administration; Edgar Navejar, business law; Julio Perez, business law; Mario Salinas, business math; Jacobo Solis Jr., business law.

The two alternates are: Carlos Nava, cyber security; Crystal Pinon, business communications.
Pictured on the front is: Josiah Esquivel. On the middle row are: Yvette Cazares, Mario Salinas, Anna Cazares, Crystal Pinon. On the back row are: Joseph Esquivel, Julio Perez, Carlos Nava, Eri Longoria, Jocelyn Lopez. Not pictured are: Jorge Andres Garcia, Edgar Navejar, Jacobo Solis, Edward Markowsky, Emma Contreras.

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Contact: Craig Verley, Director of Public Relations and Marketing 
Office: 956-323-5530 • Mobile: 537-5565 • Fax: 956-323-8103 • cverley@mcisd.org

Scenes From Mission Staycation Day - February 2013

VMHS DECA students qualify for state competition

The Veterans Memorial High School (VMHS) DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) chapter will have 14 students representing them at the DECA State Career Development Conference to be held in Corpus Christi in late February. The students qualified based upon their performance at the District 1 Career Development Conference held recently in Weslaco.

The students who are advancing to state competition are: Maryah Lopez, Alejandra Martinez, learn and earn project; Ernesto Torres, Chris Perez, business law and ethics; Savanah Balderas, Gabriel Lopez, entrepreneurship-written; Kevin Toscano, Vanessa Osorio, public relations project; Hali Medina, Matthew Gonzalez, advertising campaign; Gonzalo Arrevalo, Alexandria Gonzalez, Gali Zorola, financial literacy project; Haley Milam, professional selling.

Vanessa Osorio was elected as DECA district president. Matthew Gonzalez was elected as DECA district secretary.

Pictured from left to right are: Gali Zorola, Vanessa Osorio, Haley Milam, Gabriel Lopez, Hali Medina, Matthew Gonzalez, Alejandra Martinez, Gonzalo Arrevalo, Ernesto Torres, Chris Perez. Not pictured are: Maryah Lopez, Savanah Balderas, Alexandria Gonzalez, Kevin Toscano.

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Mission FFA judging teams win championships at Citrus Fiesta

The two Mission FFA citrus judging teams earned the Rio Grande Valley FFA District Championship in their division at this year’s Texas Citrus Fiesta Youth Show. The junior team consists of students in grades nine and ten. The senior team is made up of students in grades eleven and twelve.

To compete in this event, team members learn how to properly judge and identify 50 different varieties of citrus grown in the Rio Grande Valley. This annual event allows agricultural science students to get hands on experience in the citrus industry and other agri-businesses in the area and state.

In addition to their competitions, Mission FFA members helped set up this year’s event. Thirty Mission FFA students exhibited fruit, while others informed visiting members of the general public about the different varieties of fruit.

Mission FFA team members pictured are, from front to back: Itzel Lopez, Vanessa Calderon, Jose Calderon, April Cerda, Victoria Magallan, Alyssa Flores, Israel Davilla, Rolando Hinojosa, Johanna Jimenez, Jesus Ramos.

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Contact: Craig Verley, Director of Public Relations and Marketing 
Office: 956-323-5530 • Mobile: 537-5565 • Fax: 956-323-8103 • cverley@mcisd.org

Mission CISD high school students to provide free tax assistance

Through a partnership with The United Way of South Texas, over 30 students from the two Mission CISD (Consolidated Independent School District) high schools will be providing free income tax assistance to area residents through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.  The students have gone through the necessary training and will also be guided by adult supervision at the Mission CISD VITA location.

The VITA services will be available to the public on Tuesdays and Thursday through April 11, 2013, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The VITA location is the Mission CISD Central Office located at 1201 Bryce Drive, Mission.

According to the Internal Revenue Service, the VITA program offers free tax help to people who make $51,000 or less and need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. IRS-certified volunteers, in this case, students from Mission High School (MHS) and Veterans Memorial High School (VMHS) provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals. They can inform taxpayers about special tax credits for which they may qualify such as Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled.

The Mission CISD VITA student volunteers are from Accounting and Banking & Finance classes. Students participating from VMHS are: Vanessa Arrezola, Jose Cardenas, Ruby Cardona, Maleny Deldadillo, Hector Garza, Vanessa Osorio, Jorge Reyes, Jamilex Reyna, Steven Rios, Priscilla Rivera, Rafael Tovar, Abigail Trevino, Jesse Zamora Juarez, Vivian Bonilla, Abigail Garza. Students participating from MHS are: Glenda Salinas, Javier Garza, Edward Makowsky, Juan Daniel Garcia, Robert Gonzales Jr., Kendra Garcia, Gabriel Trujillo, Flor Benavidez, Anayansi Cuellar, Briana Alonzo, Leticia Garcia, Emily Perez, Griselda Carrillo, Daisy Galindo, Olga Garza, Sofia Guerra, Ana Pruneda, Luis Reyes. Some students will serve as greeters for the VITA center, while others will serve as tax preparers.

More information about the VITA program is available through the United Way VITA Program project coordinator, Diana Maldonado at 607-9030; or through email at unitedwayvita9030@gmail.com.

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Contact: Craig Verley, Director of Public Relations and Marketing 
Office: 956-323-5530 • Mobile: 537-5565 • Fax: 956-323-8103 • cverley@mcisd.org

Armed Robbery at a Mission restaurant