City to discuss assistant chief By MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ Managing Editor sanbenitonews@sbcglobal.net City officials will meet next week to discuss matters involving Assistant Chief Arnold Garcia, who although tested negative for illegal drugs has yet to return to work, City Attorney Jan Cassidy said Friday. What has since transpired includes the release of a letter of no confidence drafted and signed by 17 San Benito police officers in Chief George Gomez and Garcia. The letter states that officers “in order to combat a hostile working environment, deterioration of moral, lack of leadership and the emotional instability no longer have the confidence in Chief George Gomez and Assistant Chief Arnold Garcia to lead the San Benito Police Department.” This occurred after Garcia was accused of failing to comply with a random drug test on June 11. Gomez reportedly levied a three-day suspension without pay on Garcia as result, a punishment their fellow officers called “a slap on the hand.” Officers who signed the no confidence letter, which was submitted on June 28, have since cried foul and cite past occurrences in which a former city employee (name not disclosed) was terminated for refusing to take a random drug test. Officers have also cited city policy, which states that employees who do not fully comply with random drug testing will be terminated. In the letter no confidence, officers go on to state that “Chief George Gomez cannot be impartial with everyone and our department is in great need of better leadership,” and “His (Gomez's) failure to take corrective action to maintain our integrity leads us to believe that he is not capable of carrying out the duties as a police chief.” Cassidy said she would not comment on the letter of no confidence and city officials have refused to make any statements. Meanwhile, the assistant chief has been on administrative leave with pay since complying with the second and third drug tests in which the results came back on Wednesday, July 14 as being negative. Cassidy said that a decision would not be made regarding Garcia's future with the department until the city's risk management committee meets next week, of which she did disclose the date. “We've had a delay in the risk management meeting, so we're supposed to meet next week and sort everything out. Depending upon the risk management meeting then we'll know where we are,” she said. “That's what the city set into motion a year ago, that before any action is taken or anything is decided that we'll take it to risk management. We just haven't gotten together, but next week we will.” The risk management committee is made up of City Manager Manuel Lara, Human Resources Director Arturo Rodriguez, the department head (in this case Chief George Gomez), and the city attorney.  Cafe proposed at public library By FRANCISCO E. JIMENEZ Special to the NEWS “It's a new trend that's going around in public libraries,” said San Benito Public Library Director Gerardo “Gerry” Salazar. “More and more libraries are adding cafes.” The idea to add a café to the library was designed around the idea of being able to bring more people into the library and keep them there. “Really what's going on is we're in competition with places like Barnes & Noble, Borders, and Starbucks that are now offering free wifi and books,” said Salazar.  “The library is keeping with all that; that's what it's all about.” The proposal approved by city officials after a presentation by Salazar at a recent commission meeting. City officials are especially happy to learn that the added café will not require any additional funds. “I think he (Salazar) did a very good presentation,” said City Manager Manuel Lara. “I think it would be very good for the library and for people who come over and utilize the library.” “There are savings that took place throughout the year and based on those savings that's where I'm getting the money,” added Salazar. “There is no additional request for funds from the city or anything like that; it's just part of my normal budget.” Salazar brought the idea with him when he arrived in San Benito four months ago following a two year gig as library director for the City of Brownsville. “The Brownsville library system has two libraries and each of them has a café,” said Salazar. “It's a new trend.” The library will begin setting up the new café within the next couple of weeks. Salazar hopes to have it operational by September 1. “That's my goal,” said Salazar. “It might change a little bit the closer we get, but that's my goal.” Salazar plans to set up something similar to a storefront accomplish “a little shop” environment. He also plans to add tables for patrons to sit and enjoy their beverages. “The only place that's off limits (to drink coffee) is an actual workstation when you're working on a computer,” said Salazar.  “Other than that people can take their beverages anywhere in the library.” “He's got some procedures and policies so everything has been very well thought out,” said Lara.  “I like the layout, the design he had made was very nice.” The café is going to sell gourmet beverages such as coffees, cappuccinos, teas, hot chocolate, and other beverages of the same sort. Salazar also plans on selling pastries including muffins and cookies. The café will mirror the library's hours of operation. The library is closed on Sundays and open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. “If we can get them in here and a cup of coffee is going to get them to stay longer with our kids, then that's why we're doing it,” said Salazar. “The whole point of it is to bring patrons in and keep them.”  Progress made at Stookey development By SCARLET O'ROURKE Special to the NEWS The San Benito Public Housing Authority (PHA) is continuing work on a development project on Stookey Road. In 2008, the PHA lost the Lake Kenneth housing unit to Hurricane Dolly. In January 2010 it came to their attention that an abandoned housing development off Stookey Road was for sale. The 65-unit area was in rough shape with broken windows, damaged interiors and signs of illegal activity within the homes. However, upon professional inspection they found the structures to be of sound build. What's more, Housing and Urban Development (HUD) allowed PHA to employ its own workers for the project. “This is an exciting thing for us,” said Housing Authority Executive Director Arnold Padilla. PHA is able to save more money and boost the local economy due to this decision, Padilla said. He also noted that although the budget was set at $4.5 million, they have thus far been able to operate at 85 percent of the allocated amount. When Kenneth Lake was demolished the PHA hired 15 previously unemployed carpenters of various skills from the community. They were trained and set to work. The new project has spurred on more job opportunities for these local workers who were able to start up on the new job as soon as the first was completed, he said. Aside from the mechanical, electrical and plumbing aspects, all other work is done directly through the PHA. Padilla said each contractor comes from the Rio Grande Valley and the materials used in the building of the units also come from local businesses. “This way we benefit the local economy and build better homes for the citizens,” he added. The development is located next to Stookey Park and was previously an eye-sore and considered by many as a safety hazard to the community. Now the units are being constructed in an energy efficient manner and are fenced in, Padilla said. The drainage alone has been upgraded significantly from two outlets to 15 for the entire development. The project of restoring the units began in May with minor delays due to rain and Hurricane Alex. However, Padilla said he is not ready to reveal the opening date of the units at this time.  Texas `Most Wanted' sex offender captured By MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ Managing Editor sanbenitonews@sbcglobal.net A Rio Hondo man recently added to the Texas Most Wanted Sex Offenders list has been captured, according to Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) officials. Reynaldo Torres Alvarado, 52, was reportedly wanted for failure to register as a sex offender, read a DPS press release issued to the News on Wednesday. It was reported that indecency with a child by contact and carrying a prohibited weapon made up his conviction history. Specifically, Alvarado was convicted of molesting two girls in 1994. On Friday, DPS Spokesman Tom Vinger confirmed that Alvarado was arrested on Thursday, July 15. “He was apprehended by the Cameron County Sheriff's Office after they received a tip from someone who had seen Alvarado in the local news media. They called 911 and he was arrested,” Vinger said. DPS officials previously stated that the agency along with its local and federal partners would actively pursue these sex offenders. The Criminal Justice Division of the Governor's Office had authorized a crime stoppers reward of $1,000 for tips leading to their arrest. Further information was not provided as of presstime as to Alvarado's capture, including his whereabouts at the time of his arrest. The Texas Most Wanted Sex Offenders list is a program that DPS officials described as the identification of violent sex offenders “who have either violated parole or failed to comply with sex offender registration.” “These offenders are now fugitives and are considered a threat to our communities. Some of the victims of these sex offenders were children,” DPS officials further stated.  Roadhouse manager spars with city officials By FRANCISCO E. JIMENEZ Special to the NEWS The general manager of a family event center in San Benito has expressed concern regarding the establishing of his business. After parting ways last year with his former business partner, Joe Garza of the South Texas Events Center, Armando Orta has since tried to reopen the Roadhouse - once located on Business 77 - at the old Moody's shopping center. But he has had little or no success thus far, he said. “I have to go before the board today to see if they'll give me an alcohol license when the owner of this property (Joseph Dowey) has an alcohol license already,” Orta said Thursday, before the meeting had taken place. The meeting in question was held by the Planning and Zoning Board of Adjustments at the City Hall Annex Building, where a request to allow the recreation hall with alcoholic beverages in a “commercial, restricted business” zone by Orta was discussed. At the meeting, city officials chalked up the issue to a misunderstanding pertaining to the permit required by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) in order to sell alcohol and the proper way to acquire one. The legal process to obtain a TABC license is to go to the city and apply for a permit. If the city approves the request, then it is taken to the county, state, and finally to TABC. Members of the Planning and Zoning Board of Adjustments said that they understood that Orta only applied for a “Bring Your Own Beer” permit. Orta disagreed. He alleged that the BYOB was only for the first event which was held recently. Orta also accused certain planning and zoning officials of conspiring against him. “I would like to say that I am fully for this project because it's going to create a lot of jobs in the neighborhood,” added Dowey, who attended the meeting. “We want to see you (Orta) be successful, but we just want to see you take the right steps,” said Planning and Zoning Board of Adjustments Board Member Michael Scaief.  “We just want to try to make everyone happy,” added fellow member Velma De Los Santos.  Resident irked by abandoned home, demolition set By FRANCISCO E. JIMENEZ Special to the NEWS An abandoned house in San Benito has a neighboring resident irked. Rosie Olivarez, 71, who lives next door to the home in question, located on the 600 Block of South Bonham Street, said she has lived in the neighborhood for 45 years.  But Olivarez said she's recently awaited someone to take action on a house she believes has become a safety hazard. “This house has been abandoned for a long time; I didn't say much because I knew the family,” said Olivarez. “But then I found out that housing had taken over.” She states that she went to the City of San Benito to complain about the overgrown grass on the property and a cactus which has been growing on the roof of the carport. Olivarez also said that she has warned the city that if nothing is done that she was going to call the media. “I went to the city and I called housing and asked them to do something about the house, because I'm already tired of it,” she added. “My problem is that the house has lots of tlacuaches and rats, they come and pass through my yard at night,” she said while showing frustration over the dilapidated home. “At night I can hear them either under my house or on the roof.” She worries about her grandkids playing in the yard between the abandoned house and her home. “I don't want them playing where the tlacuaches (defecate) in my yard, it's a mess,” she added. Olivarez alleges that the house has been abandoned for two or three years. She claims that it was around that time that she began calling the city for help with the house. “I think the neighbors have called about the house also,” she said. “This is ridiculous.” Among the problems she's already facing with the structure in question, Olivarez now contends with a tree that was dug out of a neighbor's yard and placed in the front the abandoned house. This, she cited, may also be a flooding concern should another tropical storm or hurricane make its way through San Benito as the debris may block drainage. “It's so big that they can't even pick it up. It has already been three weeks and I'm still waiting for someone to pick up the tree,” said Olivarez.  “This is another problem I'm having.” John Rodriguez, Code Enforcement Officer for the City of San Benito, confirmed on Thursday that the Housing Authority contacted the owners in anticipation of finalizing possible demolition. “It's going to be demolished as it has been under contract. We expect closure within the next 30 to 45 days,” said Arnold Padilla of the San Benito Public Housing Authority. Padilla was referring to the issue being a candidate for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program funded by the state of Texas. “If it's a dilapidated home, the housing authority will demolish it, build a new home, and provide it to the general community through our home ownership program,” Padilla added. According to Rodriguez, there are abandoned houses all over the city. The order in which the houses get torn down or renovated often relies on priority as well, he said. “We probably have well over a hundred houses that we are working on right now,” said Rodriguez. “The ones that are within a block of schools take priority. Those are the ones that we are really trying to tackle right now.” Rodriguez and Padilla further noted that there are federal laws that also limit their resources. “Sometimes getting a clear title will also delay these projects,” Padilla noted.  Clock is ticking on Dolly Vinsant's future By MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ Managing Editor sanbenitonews@sbcglobal.net The clock is ticking as the owners of Dolly Vinsant Memorial Hospital have until Aug. 3 to pay over $600,000 in delinquent taxes, or be auctioned. It was announced Monday, July 12, that San Benito Enterprises, LLC - owners of the more than half a century old Dolly Vinsant - failed to pay the said taxes, which include city, county and school district fees. Tax Resale Manager Cassandra Goodell of Linebarger, Goggan, Blair & Sampson in Brownsville said $628,354.73 is owed to the City of San Benito, San Benito CISD and Cameron County for 2003-2004 and 2007-2009. But Jaime Nieves of San Benito Enterprises, LLC said the owners do not consider this recent development a setback. “We've been aware of this. We were just waiting for the appropriate moment (to pay),” Nieves said, stressing further the owners' intentions to open an 80-bed hospital that could employ as many as 100 people. “The (economic) atmosphere out there is what it is, and obviously we haven't done this as quickly as one would hope, but the tortoise can win the race, and we still have a target date of Dec. 31.” Not everyone, however, is convinced. Mayor Jack Garcia said the city has assisted the owners in the past, particularly with resolving its water bill in which the amount has yet to be disclosed as well as setting a June 30 deadline for San Benito Enterprises, LLC to pay approximately $67,000 of the $151,349 owed to the city. “We've been waiting patiently on this. Since I've been involved in 2008, we have worked with them as far as the water bill. I know that they had a large amount of money that was owed back then. But the other thing is that it's been at least two years that they've had the building, and it's been issue after issue,” Garcia said. One such issue was the healthcare legislation, which prompted San Benito Enterprises, LLC to postpone the opening of Dolly Vinsant - to be a doctor-owned facility - from last fall to this summer. This since one of the provisions in the healthcare reform bill prohibited doctors to own hospitals. Once passed, the legislation allowed doctors to open hospitals and extended its previous deadline of Aug. 1 to Dec. 31, 2010. “But here it's been two years and they haven't even made an effort to pay this year's taxes,” the mayor said. “So we got around to May and had a meeting with (Nieves). We basically told him that he needs to show us some type of good faith, to pay the 2009 taxes by the end of June of 2010. He agreed to that. Now it's already past July and they haven't made a payment. There's nothing to say that they won't come up with the money to pay the taxes, but at this point there are no more extensions. We've gone beyond that.” Still, Nieves said the owners intend to pay the taxes within the next seven to nine days. Goodell said the owners of the property can also pay on the day of the auction, which is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Aug. 3 outside the county courthouse in Brownsville. “They can walk into the office at 10:15 a.m., notify me through cell that they have a cashier's check in hand, and we'll give them the opportunity to pay it,” she said. San Benito Enterprises, LLC purchased the hospital for $1.1 million in a U.S. Internal Revenue Service auction in 2008, hence incurring the said taxes.  Ex-choir teacher gets 19 years By MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ Managing Editor sanbenitonews@sbcglobal.net BROWNSVILLE - Ramiro C. Lozano, a former Berta Cabaza Middle School choir director in San Benito, received a prison sentence in excess of 19 years in federal court Tuesday after admitting last October to having persuaded young boys to pose nude in photographs. According to the US Attorney's Office, the photographs were taken by Lozano at Besteiro Middle School in Brownsville, his place of employment at the time of his arrest in 2008. Lozano has since been terminated from the Brownsville school district. “In addition to his sentence of 235 months (over 19 and a half years) in federal prison, he will also receive a 10-year term of supervised release, which means we can impose conditions during that time and he will be subject to yield another term of imprisonment if they are violated,” said Nancy Herrera, Executive Assistant US Attorney for the Southern District of Texas. She further noted that Lozano's prison sentence will run concurrently. Lozano, who pled guilty to two counts of sexual exploitation of a child, was initially charged with possession of child pornography, a third degree felony. This was discovered when officers with the Weslaco Police Department (WPD) arrested him for public intoxication on Dec. 21, 2008. At the time, Lozano was found asleep inside his car parked alongside of a road. “An inventory search of Lozano's car resulted in officers discovering several pornographic DVDs along with a laptop computer and a digital camera containing numerous images of child pornography,” a US Attorney's press release read. It went on to state that on October 14, 2009, “Lozano admitted the items were his and to having taken the photographs depicting three young boys exposing their genitals, including their penises and testicles.” “The three young boys depicted in the images were identified and interviewed by investigators,” the release further read. The victims were reportedly about 13 years of age at the time of the offense, which reportedly occurred June 3, 2008 and again on Nov. 20, 2008. Lozano was employed as a choir teacher at Besteiro Middle School on Aug. 10, 2007. It was from August 1998 until 2007 that San Benito school district officials said Lozano worked as a choir teacher and director in San Benito, a nine-year stint which included employment at Berta Cabaza and Dr. Raul Garza Elementary. As of presstime Tuesday, no known allegations have been made against Lozano of San Benito CISD students.  City halts mosquito spraying By FRANCISCO E. JIMENEZ Special to the NEWS The mosquitoes may have won the battle, but the war to rid San Benito of the pesky nuisances has just begun. Torrential rains brought on by Tropical Depression No. 2 has forced the City of San Benito to hold off all spraying for mosquitoes until further notice, this according to City of San Benito Code Enforcement Director John Rodriguez. “We started spraying Tuesday evening, the conditions were right for us to start spraying,” Rodriguez said Friday. “But wind levels and rain (from the tropical depression) stalled the spraying. We had to go back and hold off.” Rodriguez said crews sprayed about a quarter of the city Tuesday evening, but the wet conditions coupled with high winds renders the spray and mosquito dunks (briquettes) useless. He further stated that the city will have to hold further action until all signs point to the rain lessening. “I'm hoping we can start either Sunday or Monday (July 11 or 12), but it depends on the weather,” Rodriguez added. In order to determine how long after the rain stops before the city can spray, Rodriguez must first perform a mosquito landing count, he said.  A  Mosquito landing count identifies landing sites.  Rodriguez does this by standing for a few minutes in a designated area and counting how many mosquitoes land on him. As previously reported in the News, the city is “geared up” and ready to tackle the mosquito problem as soon as possible. City Manager Manuel Lara previously stated that the city will be incorporating a combination of methods to reduce the number of mosquitoes in town, such as normal spraying and dropping the mosquito dunks in standing water. The dunks, or briquettes, produce a repellent film that rises to the surface and then down again, lying dormant for some time.  But due to the running water, which causes the film from the dunks to wash away, the city must wait to utilize them until the grounds are dry. “It would be like pouring money down the drain,” said Rodriguez. In the meantime, the mosquito population, already swelled after floodwaters created perfect breeding conditions following the downpour Hurricane Alex brought with it on June 30, is expected to increase.  City officials react to donator's death Special to the NEWS City of San Benito leaders are unified in their expressions of sadness in the passing of local businessman David Heavin. Heavin died July 6 in Harlingen at Valley Baptist Medical Center. “We are saddened by his death,” said Mayor Jack Garcia. “The City has lost a great citizen. David Heavin has given so much to the community. He will not be forgotten for his contributions to this community,” he added. “This gentleman has had such an impact within this community. He gave us all a new sense of pride with the love he demonstrated for this city,” Garcia added. Commissioner Bill Elliott said, “David Heavin was the kind of person who lives on in our hearts and memories forever.” “He was supportive of his friends and mindful of needs of those whom he had never met,” Elliott said. “He loved San Benito and all who live here and readily gave back to a community he said had given so much to him and his family. When you would ask David how he was doing, his constant response was, `Great! But I'm getting better.' The most incredible thing is that every time he said it, he meant it with all his being. He taught all who knew him the real meaning of a positive attitude. Our friendship stretched out over two decades. David was a `Friend's Friend' and I will miss him.” “San Benito has lost a great humanitarian and friend of the community,” said Commissioner Celeste Z. Sanchez, who served on the advisory board that worked for the completion of the trail, park and amphitheater that the Heavin foundation funded. “This is a sad day for us,” she added.  “David was a wonderful person, generous beyond belief,” said Manuel Lara, city manager. “We credit him and his family's foundation with the development of Heavin Memorial Park, the W.H. Heavin Amphitheater and assistance in building Heavin Resaca Trail,” he added. “I remember him telling me that the Heavin Resaca Trail was his favorite of all of the projects his family's foundation had supported,” said Martha McClain, a spokesperson for the city. “He said that it always did his heart good to see so many people using the trail every day because it improved the quality of life here. He really loved his hometown,” she said.  TSTC names coordinator of emergency communications Special to the NEWS HARLINGEN - Texas State Technical College Harlingen has added duties as coordinator of emergency communications to the responsibilities of Associate Vice President of External Relations Angie Gonzalez effective immediately. A reorganization of TSTC's emergency response chain of command and campus procedures is under way, which includes training for administrators and employees campus-wide, to guarantee quick coordination with local, state and federal agencies. College President Dr. Cesar Maldonado said that Gonzalez's longtime, regular contacts with media outlets should streamline the administration's public information connections in circumstances so students, employees and the community will receive prompt notification of important developments. Her phone numbers and e-mail address are (956) 364-4500, (956) 244-0970, and angie.gonzalez@harlingen.tstc.edu. Gonzalez has held positions at TSTC as director of Continuing Education and Associate Vice President of Corporate and Community Education after a merger of the departments.  ResacaFest proved eventful despite low turnout By MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ Managing Editor sanbenitonews@sbcglobal.net It went from on schedule, to rescheduled, to back on schedule. But while San Benito's Third Annual ResacaFest played hopscotch between the said circumstances as a result of the threat of Hurricane Alex and the saturation of the festival grounds, this following the torrential rain brought on by the storm, the show went on this Saturday at the Heavin Resaca Trail and in familiar fashion to boot. Back were the 13 mile, 35 mile and 63 mile bicycle races and tours as well as the flag raising ceremony, performances from local students, and a slew of vendors selling everything from food and beverages to antiques and the event paraphernalia. Then there were the headliners that took the stage in the afternoon and evening, such as B-4, Latin Variety, Corpus Christi comedian “Happy,” classic rock outfit Southern Train and Rick Lugo y Los Gallos, not to mention the fireworks display (courtesy of Mr. G's Fireworks) that attracted hundreds of families to the trail to observe the spectacle. The turnout, however, did not match those of years past when upwards of 5,000 people attended the ResacaFest. Mayor Jack Garcia, who serves on the ResacaFest citizen committee, said although he did not have exact numbers he's certain attendance was low. “I think as an event, we pulled through in having ResacaFest. We got to thank all our sponsors that helped contribute to this successful event. I know our numbers were lower than last year, but we're very happy that now the city will have a special events board. We're excited about the possible events that could come to San Benito,” he said, further noting that the establishing of the city's special events board does not mean the end of the ResacaFest. “The ResacaFest will be a continued event yearly … that is not going to change. In fact, we're hoping that some of these committee members will serve on the special events board. We already have a good core within the community who want to serve. As a matter of fact it might advance it (event),” he said, adding, “We're also looking at the possibility of doing a fall event as well.” Garcia continued, “Happy brought something a little different to ResacaFest. But what continues to make it successful is an opportunity for families to come together and celebrate our Independence Day, so I think there's a little bit of everything for everyone, especially great food. We had some great vendors there.”  Overdose may be cause of girl's death By MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ Managing Editor sanbenitonews@sbcglobal.net San Benito police are investigating the death of a 17-year-old girl who detectives said may have overdosed. Lieutenant Martin Morales of the San Benito Police Department (SBPD) said Lexus Rosales, 17, of Raymondville reportedly died Monday, June 28, at the Stenger apartments, located on 1000 E. Stenger St. in San Benito. Morales said preliminary autopsy results reportedly indicated that Rosales may have perished from an overdose of undisclosed drugs. According to Morales, Rosales and two 20-year-old male acquaintances, one from Primera and the other lives at the aforesaid address, allegedly traveled to various homes in the Harlingen area before ending up in San Benito. “They were riding around and finally made their way here, and at that point she (Rosales) just passed out. Then a lady there (at the Stenger apartments) decided to call the ambulance for her, but no one called the police,” Morales said, expressing frustration that authorities were not called until approximately 7 p.m., hours after the incident. He said, “That's what's messed up about this is that the people at the apartment called for an ambulance, and Pro-Medic (EMS) went out there, removed the victim from the apartment and transported her to Harlingen Medical Center but did not call it in to us. It wasn't until the people at Harlingen Medical called that we learned about it.” The case, headed by lead investigator Michael Cortez, suffered a number of setbacks as a result, Morales said, adding, “We're just trying to piece together what happened. Right now we don't really have any indication as far as proving criminal intent, but it's still not over. The investigation is ongoing as we're currently sifting through the information. It's just kind of hard because we were delayed by preparations for the storm.”  Rio Hondo posts RFQs for city attorney By MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ Managing Editor sanbenitonews@sbcglobal.net RIO HONDO - City Attorney Jan Cassidy's services may no longer be required here if a request for qualifications (RFQ) for legal representation lands a new lawyer in this small municipality. In this edition of the San Benito News, the City of Rio Hondo advertised the soliciting of qualification proposals “for the purpose of contracting legal representation services on an as needed basis covering the entire scope of its municipal affairs.” The deadline to submit proposals is at 3 p.m. on July 13; they are to be turned in at city hall on 121 N. Arroyo Blvd. in Rio Hondo. Rio Hondo City Commissioner Gloria Barrientos said such action was taken to “make sure that the city has the best legal representation.” “Actually, with this RFQ she (Cassidy) can reapply, but we just want to see what experienced people are out there. In other words, we didn't say, `Hey, you're fired.' We just wanted to request qualifications,” Barrientos said. Under intent, the city's RFQ further reads, “It is the intent of the City of Rio Hondo to obtain qualified legal services and is seeking a law firm that specializes in municipal law. The law firm and primary attorney must have at least five years of municipal and labor law experience and meet the requirements and qualifications inherent to this position.” Cassidy could not be reached for comment as of presstime Friday.  FEMA: Texas continues to be supported in Alex aftermath Special to the NEWS AUSTIN - As Tropical Storm Alex moves further inland and begins to weaken, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and its federal, state and local partners remain continue to monitor for any related threats of flooding or tornadoes in Texas. On Tuesday, June 29, before Alex made landfall, President Obama took proactive action and declared an emergency disaster for the state of Texas, freeing up vital state and local resources and enabling FEMA to coordinate federal efforts to support state and local efforts to prepare for the storm. “We encourage Texans to remain alert,” said FEMA Region VI Regional Administrator Tony Russell. “Listen to your local officials and monitor local weather updates.” Wednesday night, Hurricane Alex made landfall in Mexico as a Category 2 hurricane, 100 miles south of Brownsville with maximum sustained winds of 100 mph. The FEMA Regional Response Coordination Center (RRCC) in Denton, Texas remains active and is coordinating the federal response to any state requests for support. “FEMA is only one part of the nation's emergency management team,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “Our first priority has always been supporting the state and local officials to make sure they have all the resources they need to keep families and communities safe, both before and after the storm made landfall. Whether you live in a region that was impacted by Alex or not, this storm was an important reminder to take steps now to get ready for hurricane season. The next disaster isn't a matter of if, but when.” Well before landfall, FEMA and its partners were taking steps to prepare, and throughout this disaster ensured that the state and local responders have the resources they need to accomplish their vital jobs. At the President's direction, FEMA deployed staff and commodities to the state in advance of the storm to support potential lifesaving and life sustaining activities. Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO) Brad Harris was designated to coordinate the federal response. He, along with members of one of FEMA's Incident Management Assistance Teams (IMAT) and additional FEMA personnel have been on the ground working with state officials on preparedness and response. FEMA has staged commodities at a facility outside San Antonio in readiness to provide support for the response. This includes more than 1.1 million meals, more than 400,000 liters of water, more than 41,000 tarps and more than 100 generators, as well as other commodities such as cots, blankets and personal kits. In addition, to prepare for the landfall: • U.S. Northern Command had activated a U.S. Army North Defense Coordinating Office (DCO) and Defense Coordinating Element (DCE) in support of operations, to provide assessment and coordination as required. DCOs and DCEs work very closely with federal, state, tribal and local officials to determine what unique Department of Defense capabilities can assist in mitigating the effects of a natural disaster. • The American Red Cross had deployed 17 Emergency Response Vehicles (feeding trucks) to south Texas, and had also sent additional volunteers to the area, along with 2000 cots, blankets and hygiene kits to support sheltering efforts in the area. The Red Cross was prepared to support 20 post landfall shelters in South Texas and kitchen equipment was also brought into the area. Experts are forecasting an active hurricane season, and Hurricane Alex should serve as a reminder to all those living in coastal states that now is the time to prepare in advance by having disaster kits ready to go, updating family emergency plans and becoming familiar with local storm guidance. For more information on hurricane preparedness visit www.ready.gov or www.hurricanes.gov.  Experts: Post-Alex rains may ignite mosquito population explosion Special to the NEWS COLLEGE STATION - Rains and flooding from Hurricane Alex likely will lead to significantly increased mosquito activity in many parts of the state, said Texas AgriLife Extension Service experts. “Excessive moisture and flooding help create optimal conditions in which mosquitoes can breed,” said Dr. Mark Johnsen, a medical entomologist with the AgriLife Extension agricultural and environmental safety unit in College Station. “And having good information on mosquito behavior and control can help reduce both their nuisance factor and the threat of disease transmission.” Two waves of mosquito activity typically follow a flooding event, he said. The first wave occurs five to seven days after the flooding event and consists of “floodwater” mosquitoes, which include salt marsh and pastureland mosquitoes, usually more of an annoyance than a disease threat. The second wave usually comes a few weeks later and consists mainly of “standing-water” mosquito species which breed in stagnating post-flood locations. “Post-flood mosquito species are those which are the primary vectors of disease,” Johnsen said. “And the southern house mosquito is the most significant of these since it has been identified as the main vector for spreading West Nile virus and St. Louis encephalitis.” Yolanda Morado, AgriLife Extension family and consumer sciences agent in Starr County, estimates her county recently received four to five inches of rain from Hurricane Alex. “We did get a lot of water that, fortunately, is draining quite well. But there is the potential and high likelihood that what will follow ... is a proliferation of mosquito populations,” Morado said. “One invariably follows the other, so we've already had lots of requests for information and assistance from local citizens for mosquito control.” Starr County is the most inland of the four counties comprising the lower Rio Grande Valley area and is among the poorest in the state, with limited sources for insect control, she said. The best way to combat mosquitoes after flooding is by applying the “four Ds” of personal protection - DEET, dusk/dawn, dress and drain, according to Johnsen. The first D refers to using a mosquito repellent with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535, he said. The second D means restricting activity at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. The third refers to dressing in loose-fitting, light-colored, long-sleeve shirts or blouses, and long pants. And the fourth D is in reference to draining standing water from bottles, cups, unused plant pots, tires and other receptacles that might provide a mosquito breeding site. Johnsen added that materials covering the four Ds and other information on mosquitoes and mosquito control are available in English and Spanish and can be downloaded free from two AgriLife Extension websites. The AgriLife Extension publication, “Potential Mosquito Problems after a Hurricane,” is available for free download at the Agricultural and Environmental Safety website, http://www-aes.tamu.edu/, as are the other free publications “Mosquito Life Cycle” and “The Best Way to Control Mosquitoes.” Further information can be found in the AgriLife Extension publication, “Mosquito Problems after a Storm,” available though the AgriLife Extension Bookstore at https://agrilifebookstore.org/. The publication number for the English-language version is ER-042, and the number for the Spanish-language version is ER-042S. Additionally, the Texas Department of State Health Services has health-related precautions, including precautions about mosquitoes, for people in areas where heavy rains may occur as a result of Hurricane Alex. These can be found at http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/news/releases/20100701.shtm/. Another resource, the “Mosquito Safari” website, http://mosquitosafari.tamu.edu/, sponsored by AgriLife Extension, the Dallas County Health Department and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Region 6 Pesticides Division, is a free interactive site containing scientifically based information on mosquitoes and their control. “Mosquito Safari was created as an alternative to other Internet sites on the pests that are bogged down by heavily text-oriented pages,” said Dr. Mike Merchant, an AgriLife Extension urban entomologist in Dallas who helped create the site. “It's a visually-appealing and interactive site that helps the user search out and eliminate places where disease-carrying mosquitoes might breed.” Container-breeding mosquitoes breed in anything that can catch and hold water, including soft drink cans, open grills, watering cans, clogged gutters, wheelbarrows and used tires, Merchant said. “The core of the Mosquito Safari site is a virtual backyard that you can explore with your computer mouse,” he said. “As you hit hot spots in the backyard, a window pops up and a narrator discusses what appears on the screen and how it relates to mosquito control.” In addition to showing the most common places for mosquitoes to breed, the site discusses mosquito biology and control methods, including repellents for people and sprays for foliage. It also describes characteristics of six common U.S. mosquito species, including behavior, physical characteristics and breeding sites. “While the site provides useful information and technical assistance to the public, it may still be necessary for people to contact a pest control professional or employ additional do-it-yourself methods,” he said.  CAUSEWAY REOPENS ON SPI Now that tropical winds have calmed, TXDot officials have reopened the Queen Isabella Memorial Causeway connecting South Padre Island to the Texas Main. The decision was reached this morning with the advice and cooperation of Island officials who are anxious to provide the opportunity for those stranded on the Island to leave and, more importantly perhaps, to allow delivery trucks to head back on to the Island to replenish supplies at gas stations, restaurants and Island retail stores. The Island is anxious to "put their house back in order" in time for the influx of what they hope will be healthy Fourth of July holiday weekend crowds.  REMANANTS OF ALEX PLAGUES MEXICO What's left of Hurricane Alex continues to dump rain across Mexico and parts of the Rio Grande Valley, promising to bring big trouble to Cities like Monterrey that must deal with heavy rain runoffs from the mountains. As for the Valley, many are saying we "dodged the bullet" when it comes to the lack of serious wind damage associated with the Category Two storm, though damages are still being assessed and so far no word on how bad Valley agriculture crops will do after heavy and widespread rains and flooding. By 10 p.m. Wednesday night Alex was still a powerfl Cat2 hurricane in spite of being over land, and forecasters are wondering if the storm isn't one for the record books. For one, the intense central pressure of Alex, at one point as low as 947 millibars, was as intense as many larger, major mid-season storm systems. Beginning Sunday, the storm began to baffle forecast models and forecasters who admitted Alex wasn't your ordinary storm. All in all, in spite of widespread flooding from torrential rains and at least one funnel cloud that touched down near Brownsville, Alex was kind to the Valley with few major wind events and much less damaged than caused by Hurricane Dolly.  ALEX MAKES LANDFALL Hurricane Alex and its 85-mile-per-hour winds is losing strength as it moves inland over northeastern Mexico at this hour. The National Hurricane Center in Miami, Florida says the Category One storm is located about 135 miles to the south-southwest of Brownsville, Texas. Alex is making its way westward near ten miles per hour. This, after Alex -- the first hurricane of this year's Atlantic hurricane season -- made landfall Wednesday in northeastern Mexico as a Category Two storm.  DEATH BLAMED ON ALEX Hurricane Alex has been blamed for at least one death in Mexico after making landfall on Wednesday. CNN cites Carlos Eduardo Aguilar of Nuevo Leon's Civil Protection agency in Mexico as saying a contractor working in Monterrey was killed when a wall fell on him as a result of heavy rain. In addition, officials say the outer bands of Alex appeared to impact Brownsville with as many as six tornadoes reported in the area. Alex has begun losing some of its strength as it moves inland over northeastern Mexico.  READY FOR THE FOURTH! If it were up to Island Convention and Visitor Executive Director Dan Quandt, Fourth of July on the Island would go on as if Alex had never existed. Quandt says the Island, and the Valley, are very lucky that they weren't in the direct path of Alex and says that in spite of some sporadic wind damage and power outages across the Island, the weekend should bring "business as usual" for the big summer holiday and says he hopes that those with travel plans to the Island for the weekend will keep to those plans. Quandt says work crews will be out today cleaning up beaches as possible and believes most damages done by the storm can be corrected before Friday afternoon when he says he hopes the crowds will begin filtering on to the Island. Traditionally, the Fourth holiday is the busiest weekend of the year for Island merchants and an important event for the Island's economy. Quandt says he needs to get the word out that the Island is ready for the multitudes and the damages have been repaired. It's time, he says, to celebrate.  ALEX CAT 2 STORM NOW The Hurricane Prediction Center in Miami has upgraded Hurricane Alex to a Category 2 storm. The notification was released about 6:00 p.m. Wednesday. As of this time, the eye of Alex has hit the Mexican coast near San Fernando, about 100 miles south of Matamoros. The storm is expected to continue to make its way onshore into the evening hours, bringing more rain bands and high winds to parts of coastal Texas. The storm is now located at 24.4N 97.2W, or about 55 MILES NE of La Pesca, Mexico and 105 MILES south of Brownsville. Maximum sustained winds at this hour are recorded at 105 MPH. Present movement is to the west at 12 MPH. Minimum central pressure is currently 950 MB, or 28.05 inches. Stay tuned to 710 KURV for the latest developments.  TORNADO NEAR SAN BENITO (WED, JUNE 30 3:00p.m.) National Weather Service Doppler radar detected a tornado funnel cloud associated with a heavy rainband moving onshore about 20 miles east of San Benito shortly after 2:30 Wednesday afternoon. The funnel cloud was moving west at 50 mph. Local residents are encouraged to seek immediate shelter and be aware of fast developing weather conditions in the hours ahead.  CAUSEWAY CLOSED AS ALEX APPROACHES (WED. JUNE 30 3p.m.) Strong rainbands associated with Hurricane Alex have been moving onshore since late Tuesday night. By 11 a.m. Wednesday, torando activity and warnings had been issued and heavy rains have fallen across the Laguna Madre and especially in Brownsville. Sustained winds of 52 mph have been reported on the Island and Doppler contunes tyo monitor small, fast moving and dangerous funnel clouds in heavier rain bands.A tornado warning remains in effect through 8"45 p.m. Wednesday for most all of Cameron County, especially coastal regions. The Queen Isabella Memorial Causeway is now closed. TxDOT officials stopped all traffic starting around 1:30 p.m. as high winds associated with another Alex rainband moved across the area. Unofficial wind speeds were clocked near 50 mph according to law enforcement officials. Heavy rain continues to fall in the Laguna Madre area Wednesday afternoon with heavier showers expected when Alex makes landfall in Mexico - about 80 miles south of the Rio Grande River -- sometime around midnight. Tornado activity has been reported by the National Weather Service near South Padre Island, Port Isabel and across the Laguna Madre region. One fast moving cloud quickly passed near Holly Beach and Los Fresnos and was last reported approaching Olmito near Brownsville. Tornado warnings and watches have been issued, some expired, and more are expected in the hours ahead. Hurricane Alex winds have now increased to 85 miles per hour and continue to stregthen over warm Gulf waters. Forecasters at the National Hurricane Prediction Center in Miami say Alex could become a Category 2 storm as it makes landfall Thursday morning.  ALEX BECOMES A HURRICANE (TUESDAY, JUNE 29 10 p.m.) By LOGAN HAWKES San Benito News Special Report It's official. Alex has become the first hurricane of the 2010 Atlantic Hurricane season. The National Hurricane Weather Prediction Center upgraded Alex from a strong tropical storm to hurricane status at about 9:30 p.m. Tuesday evening. The NWS is estimating maximum sustained wind speeds have reached 75 miles per hour and forecasters say the storm will grow in intensity in the hours ahead. Located approximately 255 miles SE of Brownsville moving northwestward at 9 miles per hour, the system is expected to create a major rain event for the Rio Grande Valley. A flood warning and hurricane warning is in effect for the entire Valley. Residents living in low lying areas should consider moving to higher ground immediately. Rain bands are expected to move over land overnight and the first tropical force winds could arrive on South Padre Island shortly after noon. South Padre Island and Port Isabel Mayors Bob Pinkerton and Joe Vega say they are not calling for a mandatory evacuation, but advise property owners in low lying areas and those with special needs or concerns to participate in a voluntary evacuation. All beaches on South Padre Island, both city and county, are officially closed until the storm event is over and clean up can take place. However, Convention and Visitor's Bureau executive director Dan Quandt reports hotels remain open and says he believes once the storm has passed the weekend will experience good weather and what he hopes are substantial crowds. Residents and visitors are reminded the State Department of Transportation will close the Queen Isabel Causeway when wind speeds reach 45 mph. All high-profile vehicles should be off the Island before mid morning Wednesday. Heavy rain has fallen across much of Laguna Madre on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning is expected to bring heavier and more sustained showers. Landfall is expected somewhere near the noon hour. Building security projects and last minute shopping supplies should be complete by now, if not as early in the morning as possible as winds will increase steadily throughout the day. The latest track takes the center of Hurricane Alex on shore about 80-90 miles south of the Rio Grande in Mexico, but forecasters are warning the dangerous northeast quadrant of the storm is likely to pack the highest winds and heaviest rain showers. There is also a chance for the fast development of funnel clouds associated with land falling tropical systems. All outdoor plants and lawn furniture should be secured as should any other material that could become projectiles in high wind conditions. Here is the latest tracking map from the Hurricane Prediction Center in Miami:  City leaders recommend hurricane preparedness SAN BENITO - With Tropical Storm Alex in the Gulf of Mexico, local officials are urging residents to make plans now to deal with heavy rains and high winds. “We want everyone to have a solid plan to follow,” said Henry Lopez, deputy emergency management coordinator for the City. “We encourage everyone to be self-sufficient. All households should prepare by having emergency supplies of food, water, medication, a radio, batteries… everything they will need to survive for three-to-five days,” he said.  “Do not depend on the City or School District to open a shelter in the event of a hurricane. With a Category 3 storm, a mandatory evacuation order will be issued throughout the City,” he said. Lopez recommends a variety of hurricane preparedness information that can be found online at www.nhc.noaa.gov or at www.redcross.org as well as other weather sites. Special-needs persons, or those with no means of transportation in the event of a hurricane evacuation, should preregister by calling 211. Officials urge residents who know someone without a means of evacuation to call 211 to assist that person. In the event of a Category 3 hurricane or stronger, San Benito High School Gymnasium will serve as the hub of evacuation procedures for Cameron County. As such, evacuees from throughout the county who are on busses fleeing hurricanes or other emergency situations will be directed to the local high school, located on Expressway 83 and Williams Road, Lopez said. County residents from South Padre Island, Brownsville or other rural or incorporated areas who choose to evacuate on a bus will be funneled to San Benito for identification and processing. “From here, the people will be sent to areas deemed safe from the predicted storm route, such as San Antonio or Laredo,” Lopez said. San Benito was the selected site, he noted, due to the easy access on to and off of the Expressway. However, San Benito and School District officials say the City's evacuation plan no longer includes opening public shelters here. This year, the City's hurricane preparedness plan follows a more conservative route in directing residents to safer heavens to the north.  “The shelters that we have operated in the past are not scheduled to open,” Lopez said. “We do not anticipate opening any safe heavens. If an approaching storm appears severe enough to warrant action, we strongly recommend residents evacuate in advance of severe weather, rather than wait and subject their loved ones to danger,” he said. Officials are now urging agency leaders and individuals to dust-off and update their hurricane preparedness plans. “We will no longer evacuate nursing homes. The state requires that they implement and follow their own emergency management plan,” said City Manager Manuel Lara. Some recommendations have changed, according to Charles Hoskins, State Emergency Management Coordinator. “We used to say to prepare your hurricane kit to take care of you and your family for three days. Now, we are saying for five to seven days…and medication should be adequate for two weeks,” he said.  San Benito now issuing sandbags for residents, businesses Residents and business owners in San Benito may now pick up sand bags for all home or retail outlets in preparation for Tropical Storm Alex, according to Mayor Jack Garcia. Two locations for easier traffic flow have been established: one at the City Shop, 225 W. Stenger, and one at the Newman Building at the South Texas Youth Stock Show grounds on FM 510. Proof of residency will be required or sandbag recipients, according to city officials. The proof may be in the form of a recent utility bill. A limit of five bags per person is being imposed to ensure adequate supply for all. Residents and business owners desiring more than five complementary bags may bring their additional bags to either of the sandbag distribution points. A limited number of prepared sandbags will be available for the elderly and disabled, with all others to be filled by the persons requesting the bags. “All able-bodied people are asked to fill the bags they need. We will have plenty of free sand and shovels available, officials said. Local leaders met Monday at 4 p.m. to review hurricane preparedness plans and outline final duties for city staff. Earlier, County officials met in Brownsville to make final preparedness plans. As of the latest weather advisory, Tropical Storm Alex is expected to come ashore late Wednesday or early Thursday morning about 75 to 100 miles south of Brownsville in Mexico. Residents are urged to monitor weather reports and follow the advice provided by their City and County leaders.  ResacaFest 2010 scheduled in San Benito Special to the NEWS A day of live music, food and family-styled fun will be capped with a fireworks exhibit over the Resaca this July 3. It's the 2010 ResacaFest. The public is invited to participate in this community event. A ceremonial flag-raising ceremony kicks-off the day's events at 7:20 a.m. at the W.H. Heavin Memorial Park, 705 North Bowie Street. Fun-filled activities include live music and children's events which will feature rides, face painting, puppet shows and obstacle races beginning at 8 a.m. at the Amphitheater Park. Live entertainment will include country, classic, pop and Tejano music in a continuous venue and a mini-market will feature unique collectibles and crafts. The entertainment stage will be located near the W.H. Heavin Amphitheater. Also scheduled is a classic/custom car show for free public viewing near the festival site. Great food will be available for purchase from vendors at the otherwise free event. Bicycle enthusiasts will have the opportunity to test their endurance and speed at the ResacaFest Race/Tour. This event features a challenging 62.5 mile race, as well as a 62.3 mile tour, 35.5 mile tour and a 13.5 mile tour. Male and female divisions are slated with cash prizes offered. The following features four separate distance events as scheduled: • A 62.3 mile race with start time for men at 7:45 a.m. and 7:50 for women • A 62.3 mile tour with start time at 7:55 a.m. • A 35.5 mile tour with start time at 7:55 a.m. • A 13.5 mile tour starting at 8:30 a.m. What's more, there will be a free bike rodeo for children before the start. The first 100 participants, ages 16 and under, will receive medals in this tour. Three bicyclists in the 62.3 and 35.5 mile tour, who are selected with the “Most Patriotic” attire, will receive gift certificates. Cash prizes totaling $1,060 will be awarded to the top six racers in both the male and female 62.5 mile race categories. Trophies and medals will go to seventh through 10 places in that division also. “As an additional incentive this year, the first 200 registered 62.3 and 35.5 riders will receive a $3 coupon that may be picked up after the race and tour,” according to Bike Race and Tour Organizer, Mayor Jack Garcia. “This voucher can be redeemed for tickets to purchase food and beverages from the Resaca Fest vendor booths. You must be present with your bib number to receive your coupon. These participants will also receive a free race and tour t-shirt,” he said. Participants are asked to assemble in front of Heavin Memorial Park, 705 N. Bowie Street. The race/tour concludes at Business 77 across from Heavin Park (First National Bank Property). All riders must obey state and local traffic laws. Helmets are required. For more information, call (956) 361-6450. For road map details and registration information, visit www.rgvresacafest.com. Business sponsorships for the third annual event are now being offered by event committee members. “We are currently seeking sponsorships designed to promote businesses,” according to ResacaFest Committee Chairman Julio Santana. Sponsors will have the opportunity to promote their business during the event that attracts thousands of people for a day of fun and entertainment. “This is an excellent advertising opportunity where business owners can promote their products to the people of San Benito and beyond,” he added. “With the theme, `Celebrating the Spirit of America,' the event will attract crowds of residents and visitors throughout the day to San Benito with entertainment and activities for the entire family,” Santana said. Venders, performers and sponsors may contact Hermelinda T. Santana at (956) 399-1072 or Joyce Aguirre at (956) 571-1678; for the Mini Market, call Anna Llanes at (956) 241-4624 or Victor Rosas at (956) 367-3448.  THE LATEST TS ALEX UPDATE (See More Current Updates Here) As of press time Monday, Alex continued to churn the warm waters of the Bay of Campeche in the southern Gulf, destined to make a second landfall in the hours or days ahead. By noon on Monday, it was still not certain where that eventual second landfall will occur. Alex had been downgraded to a tropical depression hours after assailing the Belize-Mexico shore on Saturday. But it didn't take long for Alex to become a Tropical Storm once again. Less than three hours after reaching the Gulf of Mexico, forecasters upgraded Alex from a tropical depression to official storm status again, leading some forecasters to fear the system could become a CAT 3 hurricane by the time it makes its second landfall, somewhere on the Mexico or Texas coast line. The latest NOAA tracking map indicates there is a chance the storm could assault the lower Texas coast line and residents around the Laguna Madre and the Valley are being advised to remain alert to the latest developments. There seems to be some disagreement over forecast models because of the changing characteristics of Alex. Most models still indicate an Eastern Mexican coast landfall event this week while at least three models indicate a weakening of the ridge that has kept the storm on a more westerly track. Under the conditions of these models, the storm could slow significantly and take a more north-northwestward track in the days ahead, thereby eventually threatening the Texas coast. The storm has already forced the closure of two major Mexican oil ports but is not an imminent threat to oil spill recovery efforts in the Gulf of Mexico. While BP is continuing the oil-siphoning effort, Shell Oil has closed subsea production on two Gulf platforms due to the storm threat. The Mexican government has closed the ports of Dos Bocas and Cayo Arcas, which handle 80-percent of that nation's Gulf export shipping due to poor weather and strong surf conditions. The first named storm of the 2010 Atlantic hurricane season was producing sustained winds of 50 miles an hour Monday and was centered roughly 85 miles south-southwest of Campeche, Mexico, Monday afternoon. Forecasters are expecting Alex to gain strength again Monday and Tuesday.As of press time Monday, Alex continued to churn the warm waters of the Bay of Campeche in the southern Gulf, destined to make a second landfall in the hours or days ahead. By noon on Monday, it was still not certain where that eventual second landfall will occur. Alex had been downgraded to a tropical depression hours after assailing the Belize-Mexico shore on Saturday. But it didn't take long for Alex to become a Tropical Storm once again. Less than three hours after reaching the Gulf of Mexico, forecasters upgraded Alex from a tropical depression to official storm status again, leading some forecasters to fear the system could become a CAT 3 hurricane by the time it makes its second landfall, somewhere on the Mexico or Texas coast line. The latest NOAA tracking map indicates there is a chance the storm could assault the lower Texas coast line and residents around the Laguna Madre and the Valley are being advised to remain alert to the latest developments. There seems to be some disagreement over forecast models because of the changing characteristics of Alex. Most models still indicate an Eastern Mexican coast landfall event this week while at least three models indicate a weakening of the ridge that has kept the storm on a more westerly track. Under the conditions of these models, the storm could slow significantly and take a more north-northwestward track in the days ahead, thereby eventually threatening the Texas coast. The storm has already forced the closure of two major Mexican oil ports but is not an imminent threat to oil spill recovery efforts in the Gulf of Mexico. While BP is continuing the oil-siphoning effort, Shell Oil has closed subsea production on two Gulf platforms due to the storm threat. The Mexican government has closed the ports of Dos Bocas and Cayo Arcas, which handle 80-percent of that nation's Gulf export shipping due to poor weather and strong surf conditions. The first named storm of the 2010 Atlantic hurricane season was producing sustained winds of 50 miles an hour Monday and was centered roughly 85 miles south-southwest of Campeche, Mexico, Monday afternoon. Forecasters are expecting Alex to gain strength again Monday and Tuesday.  (UPDATE: Sun., June 27, 12:00 p.m.) As of noon on Sunday, Tropical Storm Alex, churning across Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, has been downgraded to a tropical depression with sustained winds around 30-35 MPH. The storm made its first of two expected landfalls overnight. Alex is moving to the west-northwest at 12 miles an hour. The storm is expected to gain strength however once again after moving back over the warm Gulf of Mexico this evening. Alex is projected to drop between four and eight inches of rain on southern Mexico, Guatemala and Belize through Monday morning and is expected to gain considerable strength over the next 48 hours. Forecast models indicate Alex could still become a hurricane before making a second landfall on the eastern Mexican Gulf coast. Interests from as far north as Texas to as far south as Veracruz should remain on alert as new developments occur. Forecasters are uncertain whether a ridge that is in place across the U.S. will steer the storm westwardly into Mexico, or whether the storm will override a weakening ridge and venture further north.  SUNDAY, JUNE 27, NOON UPDATE: TS ALEX FORMS, SLAMS MEXICO, HEADS FOR GULF By LOGAN HAWKES San Benito News As of 10 p.m. Saturday evening, a strengthening Tropical Storm Alex assailed the Belizian coastline just north of Belize City, some 90 miles south of the Belize-Mexico border and the Yucatan seaport at Chetumal. Though the central pressure of the storm rose slightly just before landfall, intense thunderstorm blasts developed near the center of pressure, promising 50 MPH winds and as much as 15 inches of rain across parts of the Yucatan, Belize and northern Guatemala. Serious flooding is expected in the lowlands of Mexico and northern Belize. Now that the storm center has land fallen, weakening of the system is expected tonight and Sunday as the storm continues its north-northwest trek across the Yucatan, where it is expected to emerge in warm Gulf waters near Campeche. While forecasters at the National Hurricane Center say the forecast track was adjusted slightly to the right, or north, of the original track Saturday evening, they say they still believe a subtropical ridge persisting over the northern Gulf will steer the system more to the west in the days ahead. Advisories have been issued for all areas of the Yucatan's Eastern coastline and stretching across to communities on the opposing Gulf side of the peninsula. Coastal residents in South Texas are advised to stay up to date with tracking forecasts and take time now to review emergency plans in the event the storm should reach local waters. Evacuations of nonessential personnel from platforms and drilling rigs in the Gulf of Mexico are underway by Shell Oil ahead of the storm. The efforts to clean up the massive oil spill in the Gulf are currently not threatened by Alex. Coast Guard Admiral Thad Allen says officials "understand it's moving westerly at this time and does not threaten the site." Forecasters say Alex could well become a hurricane before making a second landfall in Eastern Mexico from Veracruz to as far north as the Rio Grande Valley.  Residents sound off on assistant chief's suspension By MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ Managing Editor sanbenitonews@sbcglobal.net Much has been said since San Benito Assistant Police Chief Arnold Garcia's three-day suspension was revealed for reportedly not completing a drug test. Concerns from citizens and, in some cases, fellow officers within the San Benito Police Department (SBPD) include allegations that Garcia is receiving preferential treatment. They cite the city's policy, which states that non-compliance with random drug testing for all employees - police included - is grounds for dismissal. “There have been two cops in the past that have lost their jobs for not completing drug tests, why does the assistant chief only get a suspension?” questioned one officer who spoke on a condition of anonymity. “If that's the way they're going to do things then I might as well not cooperate with drug testing either, and neither should anybody else in the department.” City and police officials have remained tight-lipped, referring to Garcia's suspension as a personnel matter and therefore cannot comment. City Attorney Jan Cassidy on Thursday, however, released the following statement: “Every day the City of San Benito, as an employer, handles personnel issues. The issue regarding Assistant Chief Garcia is a personnel matter and, as such, it must be kept confidential. Today I had the opportunity to meet with the police chief (George Gomez) and I am satisfied that he has handled this personnel issue in a manner consistent with other personnel actions he has taken. Despite rumors to the contrary, this employee was not given preferential or special treatment. Upon investigation it appears that Assistant Chief Garcia did not decline to participate in the drug testing and was unable to complete the process before the persons performing the testing left the premises. He will be required to undergo drug testing before he returns to work following a three-day suspension without pay.” But on Friday, citizens of San Benito sounded off with their two cents worth. Pedro Hernandez, 65, of San Benito said, “If everyone else has to do it (comply with random drug tests), he (Garcia) should do it, too. He's no different from us. He should be the example. If it's the law, he should be first to enforce it on himself.” Louise Alvarez, 59, also of San Benito, said, “What they get (officers who've lost their jobs for not completing drug tests) he should get, too. He is supposed to set the example … he is their boss.” “If he wasn't willing to complete the test, there's guilt there. If it's city policy to complete the test, he should show good faith to complete it,” said a 50-year-old San Benito resident who identified herself only as Grace. Thirty-four year-old Jolie Mireles of San Benito said, “If they're going to make rules and policies, they need to be adhered to by all personnel. He's not suffering the consequences. If he's been with the department for a while, he should be aware of the drug testing policy.” Garcia has been employed with the SBPD for over 20 years; it was just last year when he was appointed assistant police chief. Editor's Note: Francisco E. Jimenez contributed to this report.  Trustees spar over family's paid travel accommodations By SCARLET O'ROURKE Special to the NEWS Tensions between board members have risen on the San Benito CISD School Board. Board President Oscar Medrano voiced his concern Tuesday about fellow trustee Yliana G. Rodriguez allegedly taking more than the allotted time to pay for her family's travel accommodations on a school district trip. Rodriguez attended the National Association of School Board's (NASB) Conference in Chicago, IL from March 9-12 and was accompanied by her family. It was reported that Rodriguez owed $688 to the school district for such accommodations. Medrano said while trustees must pay for their guests' accommodations promptly, Rodriguez spent months to do as much. “That was my concern is the time elapsed was really long. It wasn't until I became president and the superintendent made me aware that I called her out of courtesy to pay as soon as possible. I could have called the media right away but I didn't. I was trying to protect her,” Medrano said. According to Medrano, payments were to be made prior to the trip and that all the other trustees had done so before said time. Medrano also said it was not until he approached Rodriguez about the money that she settled her debt on June 4. “I believe this is an ethical concern,” said Medrano. “It is not proper for board members to not pay their bill.” When asked why this issue was not addressed sooner, Medrano did not offer many details but did say the payment was based on an honor system. Though this item was not on the agenda for last night's school board meeting, Medrano said they have taken steps to ensure this type of incident does not happen again. They now require payments to be made before leaving on all trips. This matter also represents fundamental disagreements between Rodriguez and Medrano, both of whom represent divided political factions that have long been in conflict. Meanwhile, Jesus “Chuy” Aguilera attended Tuesday evening's regular board meeting in support of Rodriguez, alleging that she was being discriminated against and quipped that Medrano owed him money as well. “It's called gender discrimination … big time,” Aguilera said. But Medrano was insistent that Rodriguez was treated the same as any other board member under similar circumstances. Rodriguez disagreed. She had a meeting with San Benito CISD Superintendent of Schools Antonio Limón on June 4 to resolve the issue. Rodriguez said she did not pay until the said meeting due to discrepancies on the amount she was billed. Rodriguez insisted she made multiple attempts to meet with either Limón and/or Medrano to resolve the matter, but “they either had a previous engagement or did not want to meet with me,” she said. “I asked them to correct the billing discrepancy and no one got back to me about it.” Medrano fired back, stating that Rodriguez's three attempts to meet with the board president and superintendent included Memorial Day; “I did not want to meet then,” he said. Another attempt to meet was when Limón was home ill and the other was on graduation night, Medrano added. Still, Rodriguez further stressed that “money was not the issue, there were discrepancies in the amount and I did not feel comfortable paying more than I really owed.” “I want the public to know I did pay my bill,” Rodriguez further noted. Concerning the superintendent, Rodriguez said Limón approached Medrano initially and failed to offer her the same courtesy. Limón asserted, “The courtesy goes to the board president, because the board president is the one who deals directly with other board members in issues which he's assigned to deal with.” What's more, Rodriguez said that when the June 4 meeting was set Medrano chose not to attend because Aguilera was present at the meeting. She invited Aguilera to serve as a witness. “There was never a mention of a fourth party that was going to be at this meeting. I decided not to attend the meeting because I felt he (Aguilera) had nothing to do with this internal issue among board members, so I called her up and told her that I would not attend,” Medrano said. “I felt like she was trying to politicize it and make it into this big hostile environment, in which I will not be a part of.” Editor's Note: Francisco E. Jimenez and Michael Rodriguez contributed to this report.  Two district employees `dismissed' in probe By MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ Managing Editor sanbenitonews@sbcglobal.net Two San Benito CISD employees have been terminated as part of internal investigations into missing money from a Lady Greyhound playoff game and from the activities account of an elementary school. As previously reported by the News, approximately $2,000 in ticket sales from a May 14 softball game, which was played in San Benito, was reported “missing.” In a separate incident, approximately $5,200 was also reported missing from the activities account of Rangerville Elementary School on April 4. Antonio G. Limón, Superintendent of Schools for San Benito CISD, said polygraphs (lie detector tests) were administered to a number of persons regarding the missing monies. Limón said that, according to the examiner, “deception was indicated” in two subjects. Although the superintendent did not disclose the identity of the two district employees who failed the polygraph tests, he did confirm that it was a school district security guard whom “deception” was allegedly uncovered in the questioning of the missing money from the softball game. It was also confirmed that a district employee was allegedly being untruthful during his/her polygraph test concerning the missing money from Rangerville; however, Limón did not reveal what position that person held. “Both were dismissed,” Limón said when asked what action was taken following the failed polygraphs, noting that charges could not be filed on the accused since the results of lie detector tests are inadmissible in court.  Galvan to be principal at Frank Roberts By FRANCISCO E. JIMENEZ Special to the NEWS A change is coming to the San Benito Consolidated Independent School District (SBCISD). Manuel Cruz, who replaced Enrique Murillo as principal of Frank Roberts Elementary following news of Murillo's 1990 felony conviction for defrauding the government, will be returning to his previous assignment as Title 1 Strategist. Replacing Cruz as principal of Frank Roberts will be former San Benito Mayor Gilbert Galvan. SBCISD Superintendent of Schools Antonio G. Limón said Galvan has 34 years of experience in education and garnered five consecutive “Principal of the Year” honors with the Raymondville school district. Galvan was last employed as principal at L.C. Smith Elementary School in Raymondville. Moreover, Limón said that under Galvan, L.C. Smith was a “Recognized” campus. Galvan has also been active in previous school board races, narrowly losing to Joe G. Gonzalez and Bob Tumberlinson in recent years. In another development, Limón said the district will not be reassigning administrators for the 2010- 2011 school year - a first for San Benito CISD in several years. Point of fact, in the six years since Limón has been superintendent this is the first year the district has not implemented reassignments. Limón attributed as much to the district's “Recognized” status, calling it the “best year” since he's sat in the superintendent's chair. This comes after the district made 14 administrative reassignments last summer, a move which led to a “very successful year” and, according to preliminary results, the district's first “Recognized” status in eight years.  City special events board proposed in San Benito By FRANCISCO E. JIMENEZ Special to the NEWS A special events board is being created in San Benito for the purpose of developing new city-wide festivals or events to attract tourism to the city. The board was proposed by Mayor Jack Garcia in a previous city commission meeting. “The purpose of the board will be to bring exposure to the community,” Garcia said. He also hopes it will help special events and organizations get added recognition. Place 4 City Commissioner Celeste Z. Sanchez said the board will make recommendations to the commission for possible events to be held in San Benito.  Sanchez added that the board will take recommendations from citizens and present them to the commission. “(The board) will be an avenue for citizens …” Sanchez said. When asked if the board will oversee already-established events such as the ResacaFest, she said it would be open to adding new ideas to existing festivals. The board will consist of five to seven members with sub-committees. According to Garcia, there are plans to create a multi-use events center starting by renovating and expanding a building located at the old San Benito airport property. Thus far, the commission has not decided on a name for the board. City officials, however, plan on establishing the new board after the special election, which will be held June 19, or sometime after ResacaFest 2010. Garcia then emphasized the need to “get the commission on board.” He hopes to have at least two events per year, one in the fall and one around spring or summer. Sanchez encourages anyone with ideas for events to use the committee to help make those ideas becomes reality. Those interested in joining the special events board can call City Secretary Lupita Passement at (956) 361-3800.  Place 1 candidates candid on issues By MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ Managing Editor sanbenitonews@sbcglobal.net The candidates for Place 1 San Benito City Commissioner spoke candidly Tuesday about their campaigns. Specifically, Daniel Cortez, Tony Gonzales and Rene Farias touched on economic development and infrastructural concerns but also delved into the topic of the recent forfeitures of office that led to the June 19 special election in which they are now involved. Cortez, a 43-year-old Harlingen police officer, said he decided to run after being overwhelmed with the desire to serve. “I had this feeling that I had to do something. I basically just woke up one morning and said to myself that this is something I have to do. I wasn't sure if this was the right time, so I was discussing it with a few people and I almost decided not to run. But like I said, I already had the paperwork and just woke up, filled it out and turned it in that same day,” Cortez said about running for public office. The “feeling” came to Cortez following the San Benito City Commission's January 19 vote to recognize then Mayor Joe H. Hernandez's forfeiture for owing back taxes during his tenure in office. Farias forfeited shortly thereafter, also for owing back taxes during his term. “That's what got me started running for commissioner,” Cortez said in reference to Hernandez's forfeiture of office. “It was messy, it was ugly, it didn't portray our city in a positive light, and it's not any one person's fault. But it's just the way it happened that I guess left a bad taste in a lot of people's mouths. I don't think that's what our city is about, and I think we need to portray a more positive image for our city.” On his platform, Cortez said he's focused on repairing the streets as well as researching drainage issues - this in an effort to provide an environment attractive to businesses and nurturing to economic growth in the city. The arts were of concern to Cortez as well. “We don't have hardly anything for entertainment, so we just need to make San Benito move forward and be more proactive on these matters,” Cortez said. Accessibility is key to his role as a commissioner, he added, and stressed the willingness to offer an ear to the public's concerns as well as remaining open to new ideas. “I don't know everything, and that's part of why you would want to listen to people. So if someone has a better idea, we can sit down and talk about it and discuss it. If I don't do something, I'll always have a reason.” Gonzales, who like Cortez once served as a police officer, also plans to address business development in the city, citing in previous articles his belief that 30 years of work experience at the San Benito Post Office equipped him with the ambition to run for commissioner. Coupled with a plethora of time as a result of his retirement, Gonzales said now is as good a time as any to serve. At the age of 65, Gonzales filed for the Plc. 1 candidacy seeking to win the vote of the people. He has since stressed the importance of maintaining an industry base and researching the city charter to familiarize himself with the city's rules and regulations. Such circumstances have become of particular relevance following Hernandez's forfeiture, which the commission and City Attorney Jan Cassidy based their decision on a charter provision which states elected officials must forfeit their office if they owe city taxes during their term. Gonzales, however, disagreed with the manner in which Hernandez's forfeiture was conducted and the actions of the city commission. “In my opinion, I think it was handled wrong. It was too fast what they (commissioners) did. But if (Hernandez) was wrong to owe taxes while being mayor, and if it says so in the charter, then he was wrong,” Gonzales said. “Maybe they wanted to get rid of him real quick … I don't know. I thought they had an issue with him personally, but like I said ... if he did wrong then he did wrong. And the same thing goes for Mr. Farias.” Gonzales continued, “There are a number of issues that have been raised that I've been told about. Like I told you before, I don't know what I'm going to do yet, but I'm going to do my best for the people. I got to see what's going on and why. It's not going to take me long. I'm a fast learner.” While still serving as Plc. 1 City Commissioner, Farias, 35, voted to recognize Hernandez's forfeiture at the Jan. 19 meeting. Farias then voluntarily forfeited after his back taxes owed to the city came to light. But Farias said he paid his city taxes before filing for the June 19 special election, acknowledging further his uncertainty of whether his forfeiture will become an issue during his campaign. “I can't speak for my opponents or any of the other candidates, but if you want my opinion, we all make mistakes. But I fessed up to them and moved on. I wanted to make sure I was eligible to run again, and that's what I did. That's why my taxes are paid up,” Farias said. “I'm running a clean race, and I want to wish Mr. Gonzales and Mr. Cortez good luck in the election,” he added, noting further his intentions to continue what he's called progress in the community since he was elected in 2008. “What I want to accomplish if I'm elected is what I set out to do when I first ran. The town is still growing, streets are still being fixed, parks are being renovated, that's what I said I'd try to do when I first got elected, and that's what's happening,” Farias said. In closing, Gonzales said, “Let the best man win.” Cortez said, “I wish all the candidates best of luck in both races, and I will support whoever comes out on top. I hope they'd do the same for me.”  Chavez scores perfect attendance for 10 years By MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ Managing Editor sanbenitonews@sbcglobal.net “Just go … just do it.” These are the words that Rene Chavez, Jr. has told himself for 10 years. He repeats it like a mantra every time he wakes up in the morning and, for whatever reason, doesn't feel like going to school. Chavez did it since the first day of school in kindergarten when he was five years old, and he does it now at 15 as a ninth grader at Veterans Memorial Academy (VMA). And so for 10 years Chavez has lived by those five words to satisfactory effect. In fact, Thursday, Chavez's last day of school at VMA, will culminate his perfect attendance from K-9th. But the truth is that Chavez's record of never missing school is attributed to much more than just motivational words of encouragement; the teachings of his father, 35-year-old Rene Chavez, Sr., and a demanding football schedule have played key roles in the youngster's achievement. “I want to graduate with perfect attendance,” Chavez said. “My parents always tell me to go to school. I never want to miss a day either so it helps me to wake up in the morning.” It's also helped Chavez earn the A/B honor roll distinction for his 10th straight year, along with obtaining numerous recognitions and awards from Dr. Garza Elementary, Miller Jordan Middle School and now VMA. Still, Chavez admitted it's been difficult maintaining perfect attendance and good grades. He said there have been times when he's felt ill but made himself go to school anyway, and there are other times in which Chavez nearly convinced himself to stay home. “I remember watching the Super Bowl this year and the next day I woke up too late, and I didn't want to get up and go to school, but I had to … so I did,” Chavez said. Currently, Chavez plays running back and has plans on playing varsity football for the Greyhounds in the 2010 season. “Last year he made it to varsity football. As a sophomore he's going to start varsity,” said proud father Rene Chavez, Sr. “I think having perfect attendance gives me an advantage over other people who miss school. It'll help me continue to make the A/B honor roll as I try to graduate without missing a day from school,” Chavez said.  Alleged murderer gets 16 years By MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ Managing Editor sanbenitonews@sbcglobal.net The man believed responsible for the 2008 stabbing death of another man in San Benito was sentenced to 16 years in prison Tuesday morning. Sixty-five year-old Martin Reyes, who was initially charged with the murder of 42-year-old Jorge Alfredo Diaz-Garcia, agreed to a plea bargain and received a 16-year sentence inside Judge Migdalia Lopez's 197th Judicial District Court. It was midnight, June 5, 2008 when employees of a local eatery on the 1200 block of W. Business 77 notified authorities about a man who had stumbled out of a nearby establishment and fell to the ground. The man was Diaz-Garcia and he had been stabbed in the neck with a kitchen knife; he was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. The scene was gruesome as a pool of blood accumulated where the body was found. San Benito police then located Reyes initially as a person of interest in the case. Investigation later uncovered that Reyes was the alleged culprit in the crime. Investigators said then that the stabbing erupted from an argument between Reyes and Diaz-Garcia after the two had been drinking heavily. “Apparently Reyes had become frustrated with the victim, which may have possibly stemmed from their 21-year age difference. He thought the younger man picked on him a lot,” police said at the time. It was reported that Reyes grabbed a kitchen knife and allegedly stabbed Diaz-Garcia in the neck. That's when police said the victim stumbled out of the back room of an auto upholstery business, where the two were living, and onto a parking lot adjacent to the local eatery where employees were closing for the night.  Local man locked up following chase By MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ Managing Editor sanbenitonews@sbcglobal.net A 23-year-old San Benito man is behind bars after leading three law enforcement agencies on a chase through as many communities on Sunday. Juan Carlos Ramirez was arrested on May 30 for possession of marijuana, tampering with evidence and evading arrest. He was arraigned and his bond was set at a total of $25,000 for all charges. Ramirez is currently incarcerated inside the Carrizales-Rucker Detention Center in Olmito. Cameron County Sheriff Omar Lucio said it all started Sunday afternoon, when a sheriff's deputy attempted to pull over Ramirez for a traffic violation. “They were trying to pull him over on a traffic stop close to U.S. Highway 281 on FM 1595, but when they tried to pull him over he took off driving,” Lucio said, further reporting that Ramirez allegedly tossed small amounts of marijuana outside his vehicle, a white SUV. Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers joined the pursuit as the chase extended into the expressway in San Benito, prompting San Benito police to get involved. The chase then stretched into Los Fresnos and Rio Hondo until Ramirez was finally stopped at the Merryman exit south of San Benito, but not before a DPS trooper crashed his unit into a traffic sign just off the expressway north of State Highway 100. It was reported that the trooper did not suffer serious injuries as a result of the accident. The sheriff said a small amount of marijuana was allegedly found in Ramirez's vehicle. Ramirez was charged with misdemeanor possession; the tampering with evidence charge came due to the suspect throwing the drugs outside of his vehicle window during the chase.  Authorities investigate fatal wreck By MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ Managing Editor sanbenitonews@sbcglobal.net The scene was chaotic. As firefighters, police officers and emergency medical technicians responded to the scene of what many called a horrific accident, all that was visible were the plumes of smoke billowing from an adjacent fire, making it near impossible for the emergency responders to view the havoc that was ahead of them. “We couldn't even see our hands in front of our faces,” one firefighter said while on the scene. But once the smoke cleared, tragedy unfolded. At approximately 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 26, the San Benito Fire and Police Departments were dispatched to FM 732 near Pennsylvania Road, where at least seven vehicles, two of which were 18-wheel trailers, collided. The severity of the accident was evident in the loss of one man's life as well as the injury of several others, two of which hospitalized. According to San Benito Fire Marshal Henry Lopez, it all started when thick smoke from a nearby fire impaired the vision of motorists traveling on the said roadway. One driver, identified as 23-year-old Raul Perez Mejia of Sebastian, was killed. Lopez reported, “We think he might have stepped outside his vehicle after being in a collision, just like we always do when we're in an accident. It's just that in this case he got run over.” Lopez said the owners of the sugarcane field adjacent to FM 732 had been permitted by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to conduct a controlled burn of one quarter mile of land stretching from Pennsylvania and FM 732 to Pennsylvania and Thompson. However, the fire marshal said contacting local authorities first may have saved a life. “The only problem is that it was too windy today to do it. The southwest winds were reported being 15 to 20 mph. Only when it is 5-7 mph can you burn, but it wasn't up to me to give a permit,” Lopez said. “They didn't call us to let us know, yet we're the responding agency. We should have known they were burning, because if it were up to me I would not have let them do it with the wind conditions being the way they were.” The owner of the land in question, Joe McCain, could not be reached for comment. Meanwhile, San Benito police continue investigating Mejia's death as reports indicate that the victim may have been struck by two vehicles. In an effort to provide more information, police are now looking for a green Saturn and a black pick-up truck. The two victims hospitalized as a result of the accident have not been identified. It has been reported, though, that one has been released from the hospital while the other remains in critical condition.  Pigskin slated at Bobby Morrow By SCARLET O'ROURKE Special to the NEWS After years of work, the 2010 University Interscholastic League (UIL) Annual Pigskin Jubilee Marching Contest is coming to San Benito. School district officials and band directors alike have long hoped this day would come. In October, roughly 33 bands will meet in Bobby Morrow Stadium to compete for the chance to move on to the state level competition. The event attracts thousands annually to McAllen, where the contest is routinely held. San Benito CISD Superintendent of Schools Antonio G. Limón said he was “thrilled” to have the event slated in San Benito. School Board President Oscar Medrano added that it is “very exciting.” Both the city and school district are set to gain from the upcoming contest. “The event will bring economical gain to the city in general as well as recognition to both the city and school district,” said Limón. The superintendent also said that in addition to the competition, there will be a pre-Pigskin event the weekend before. This brings swells of people from all over the Valley to San Benito two consecutive weekends. “This is huge! It will give us a chance to show the rest of the Valley the quality facilities we have,” said Medrano. “It will also highlight our city, students and band.” “This event will show that our city and school district are capable of holding big events such as the Pigskin,” Medrano added. Officials hope to make San Benito home of the Pigskin for years to come. Concerning the significance of the contest, Limón said, “It is like making the playoffs for high school bands.” “I have spoken to several students and they tell me they are very excited about this event,” said Medrano. He further stressed that this will be a major highlight for the student body, and especially the band members being that it is a state year and the students have a chance to go from their home field to the next level in competition. “It is an event that everyone can be proud of,” Medrano noted. San Benito High School Band Director Willie Perez recently toured UIL officials of the campus' facilities, including the stadium. The school district was able to make the arrangements for the event and, as per agreement, must perform minimal maintenance around the stadium such as widening gates and adding more sidewalks. “But we have all summer to do that, so it will not be a problem,” said Limón. A big factor in the decision to hold the event in San Benito was installing turf at the stadium. According to Limon, the job should be completed by June 2. Limon and Medrano attribute the district's successful bid in courting Pigskin to a group effort of school district employees, band directors and city officials.  Missing funds reported at game By SCARLET O'ROURKE Special to the NEWS An investigation is underway concerning funds believed stolen during a San Benito Lady Greyhound varsity softball game. San Benito Consolidated Independent School District (SBCISD) Police Chief S.R. Garcia said Tuesday that a sum of approximately $2,000 was reported “missing” on Friday, May 14. The money was from the ticket sales of the Lady Greyhound softball playoff game against Edinburg. The game was held in San Benito. SBCISD Superintendent of Schools Antonio G. Limón confirmed the investigation but said he was unable to comment on the matter. Chief Garcia said this is an ongoing investigation and did not give further details as of presstime.  SBCISD to be `Recognized' By SCARLET O'ROURKE Special to the NEWS The San Benito Consolidated Independent School District (SBCISD) is expected to become a Recognized School District for the 2009-2010 school year, this according to preliminary Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) test scores. The results were released Saturday, May 22. In previous years, the school was unable to claim such status by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) due to low Math and Science scores, but not this year. “I am very proud of the hard work of our students, teachers, support staff, campus administrators, and central office administrators,” said San Benito CISD Superintendent of Schools Antonio G. Limón. Limón stated in a letter to the editor (printed in this issue) that there are approximately 1,032 school districts in the state and SBCISD was among the roughly 400 recognized campuses. Overall TAKS results for the 2009-2010 school year are as follows: Social Studies - 98 percent passing, Writing - 96 percent passing, Reading - 92 percent passing, Science - 88 percent passing, Math - 86 percent passing. Exemplary campuses include Ed Downs Elementary and Dr. Cash Elementary. Recognized schools are San Benito High School (SBHS), Veterans Memorial Academy, Berta Cabaza Middle School, Riverside Middle School, Fred Booth Elementary, Landrum Elementary, Frank Roberts Elementary, Sullivan Elementary, Raul Garza Elementary and Judge Oscar De La Fuente Elementary. The schools deemed acceptable were Miller Jordan Middle School, Rangerville Elementary, La Encantada Elementary and La Paloma Elementary. Limón also brought attention to the achievements of 142 scholarship recipients who were awarded a combined $3.5 million in scholarship offers. He added that the high school has two Gates Millennium scholars offered $90,000 each, the only campus in the Valley to achieve as much. Cristina Huerta, one of the Millennium scholars and this year's valedictorian earned a whopping $800,000 in combined scholarship offers. Salutatorian Ishmael Mendez earned over $50,000. Furthermore, Limón said Tuesday that, under the guidance of Assistant Superintendent Celeste Sanchez, the district's curriculum and instruction department has enabled the majority of the 2010 graduating class to attain college hours through a dual enrollment program. Fifty-nine of such students will graduate with over 30 college credit hours, he said. As previously reported by the News, the district's Gateway Academy to Graduation program has thus far assisted over 35 students to graduate who otherwise would not have done so this year.  Youth league president addresses resignation By MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ Managing Editor sanbenitonews@sbcglobal.net In an exclusive interview with the San Benito News, now-former San Benito Youth Baseball/Softball League President Peter Avila explained Friday why he stepped down amid allegations of financial mismanagement. On Tuesday, May 18, several youth league parents expressed a number of concerns to the News in relation to reported financial woes the league incurred, a situation which organizers and volunteers then feared may lead to the cancelation of the All-Stars season this summer. Concerned parents further reported that the league requested that they help fund the All-Stars season due to less than $200 remaining in the organization's operational budget. However, Avila said that by Tuesday evening the league had approximately $3,200 in its budget, this after a local retail store cut a check for $1,000 to the league and $800 was turned in at that time from a fundraiser. Still, several parents vented their concerns Tuesday evening at a league board meeting. Avila said, “There were about 12 or 13 people screaming at me, and they're people who don't roll up their sleeves and help.” Avila said such criticisms partially led to his decision to resign Tuesday. He said, “I've spent two years running the league, even missing my own children's games sometimes. And then for them to be screaming and accusing?” Before Avila resigned, he acknowledged in a previous interview that the league was indeed experiencing financial woes but attributed as much to the economy and a lack of participation by volunteers to help offset league costs that would have otherwise not been incurred. “… All this can't happen without help from volunteers,” Avila previously stated. Another meeting was scheduled Friday, in which parents hope to obtain the league's financial records including all expenditures made in 2010.  RH water plant is back in compliance By MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ Managing Editor sanbenitonews@sbcglobal.net RIO HONDO - The saying “better late than never” rings true in Rio Hondo after city officials received word on Monday that the water plant is now in compliance with state regulations, this after nearly 10 years of being in violation. Albert Cabrera, Public Works Director for the City of Rio Hondo, reported Monday that the state was satisfied with the city's response to a notice of compliance to bring the water plant up to state standards. According to Cabrera, it was in 2000 when the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) first notified the city that its water plant did not meet the 0.6 gallon per minute, per connection regulation. The plant has a capacity to pump 792,000 gallons of water a day, which is the equivalent of serving 901 connections. Cabrera said past administrators documented that Rio Hondo had 935 connections. “Between then and 2004 the city did not make the corrections,” said Cabrera, who was not employed with the city until 2006. By 2005, TCEQ placed the city under enforcement for not making the necessary corrections, Cabrera said. He added, “After 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008, TCEQ said you haven't listened to our enforcement, so now a letter of agreement will be put into effect stating that you must correct these deficiencies in so much time. The agreement signed by city officials gave them three years from 2009 to no longer be in violation. Since then, commissioners both past and present have discussed various solutions, such as building a new water plant and possibly contracting with the East Rio Hondo Water Supply Corporation (ERHWSC). However, concerned citizens have long criticized city leaders for potentially burdening the community with debt incurred if the city should pay for a multi-million dollar water plant with loans. Concerns also mounted regarding ERHWSC. It was initially proposed that the city contract with East Rio Hondo using monies allocated to the city's Economic Development Corporation (EDC). But those monies, according to the Texas Attorney General's Office, cannot be intended to fund the general infrastructural needs of a city. When hired in 2006, Cabrera said he began extensive research on the matter and, in time, uncovered that the plant was only pumping an average of 300,000 gallons per day. “So how can a plant with 935 connections pump that little amount of water? It should be up to almost 700,000 gallons. That's the reason I started counting the connections one by one and that's why I went out and did a survey.” Meanwhile, by 2008 plans for a new plant were submitted by an engineer. “I said, `Well, maybe I should leave it alone if the city wants to build a new plant, but I decided to continue obtaining more reports and more information and more data up until 2010.” It was in February of this year that Cabrera said he notified TCEQ that the city actually had a total of 891 connections, well within the water plant's capacity. And in March, he learned that the state was going to approve the water plant as being compliant. The discrepancy in the number of connections was discovered when Cabrera found that although it was previously documented that the water plant serviced 935 connections, there were only about 714 meters that the city billed. In some cases, there was one meter assigned to a mobile home park, a situation which required Cabrera to count the number of mobile homes in each park serviced by one meter to get an accurate count. The manual count coupled with a survey administered to the public helped Cabrera come to the conclusion that Rio Hondo was serving 891 connections as opposed to 935. “TCEQ looked at all those reports and reviewed it, and they agreed with the findings. It proved that we were in compliance and that TCEQ will dissolve the violation,” Cabrera said. When asked why it took several years for the city to address TCEQ's requests to comply, Cabrera said, “I've asked this question over and over again.” He continued, “Why didn't upper management really pay attention to this matter first instead of thinking, `Hey, we need to build a new water plant.' Why not look at the problem and find where the problem is first? As a result it made it harder for me, because when I came in they already had their plans for a new water treatment plant. They had already gone to USDA and had their grant money and loans they were going to pay for 40 years. You'd have to raise the water rates up, and it's already hard for people to pay their water bill. Imagine if they think they're going to pay water plant loans for years? They're going to stop watering their yards.” Still, although the plant is in compliance, Cabrera acknowledges there are other issues that may call for its upgrade or improvements. Commissioners-elect Gloria Barrientos and Gus Olivares stressed recently the need to research a number of options. Mayor Alonzo Garza said, “Albert Cabrera, Public Works Director, and I have worked so hard for this (compliance) to become a reality. It has taken a lot of dedication and hard work.”  Police continue search for missing teen By MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ Managing Editor sanbenitonews@sbcglobal.net San Benito police continue the search for a teenage girl who has been missing since Thursday, May 13. According to Lieutenant Martin Morales of the San Benito Police Department (SBPD), 15-year-old Natasha Gonzalez disappeared on the said date after she was dropped off at San Benito High School in the morning. She was not located after school, Morales reported. “This is the only information we have thus far on this missing child. She was last seen on May 13, 2010 in the a.m. and has not returned home or has been heard of since. There are no other details; further investigation is in progress …” Morales stated in an email to the News. Gonzalez was last seen wearing an LSW pink shirt, blue jeans and carrying a black and white backpack. She's described as being 5'5” and weighing 147 pounds; she has brown hair and brown eyes and a scar in the shape of a heart by her thumb. Those with information on Gonzalez's whereabouts are urged to call lead investigators Manny Cisneros and Art Flores of the SBPD at (956) 361-3880, ext. 131 or (956) 459-2348.  Mayor: New business to spur local economy By SCARLET O'ROURKE Special to the NEWS San Benito city officials are not letting the projected $180,000 budget deficit bring them down. Mayor Jack Garcia said “absolutely,” when asked if the city anticipates an influx of new business helping to relieve its financial burdens. He did not, however, elaborate concerning what businesses would be calling the Resaca City home. This, along with officials' conservative budgeting during a workshop on Wednesday, has officials feeling confident, said Garcia. He added, “I will tell you that they (new businesses) are just waiting for the inventory, like with the Family Dollar. The San Benito store was one of the biggest selling Family Dollars in the Valley, so it's good that it's reopening. And obviously we're excited about some of the new developments coming in.” In addition to anticipated business growth, Garcia also reported that the numbers for March were in and the sales tax revenues showed an increase for that month. “We're hoping that in the month of April we'll see that trend continue,” he said. During the workshop, officials were recommended to cut $250,000 from the budget in order to make up for the negative. The program previously instituted for street repairs will be one of the first to suffer these cutbacks as it is expected to lose approximately $41,715 from its budget, leaving it with just enough to make minor repairs. City Manager Manuel Lara said that contrary to recent reports, 60 percent of the $32.8 million water/wastewater project was actually funded by grant money. The city's debt partially derives from the remaining 40 percent. Also, a $1.1 million debt in utilities revenue is only expected if the city's water intake continues in a downward trend. However, with the summer months approaching, water usage is projected to increase, barring an extremely wet or stormy summer. In addition to cutbacks, city leaders are reportedly seeking out grants from various organizations to assist in alleviating its financial burden. The mayor feels confident that the Resaca City, though in financial strain at the moment, will pull through with minimal damage. Garcia added that he and other city leaders will continue to serve the community to the best of their ability in the meantime.  Lawsuit Not Reason For Budget Shortfall By SCARLET O'ROURKE Special to the NEWS City leaders on Tuesday continued to stress that legal fees paid in former Mayor Joe H. Hernandez's first suit did not directly contribute to the city's recent budget shortfalls. The city's projected shortfall was reportedly estimated being approximately $180,000; officials have since stated that nearly $350,000 may consequently be cut from the budget despite financial consultants suggesting a less dramatic cut. But Place 3 City Commissioner Bill Elliott said that the $15,000 the city paid to Brownsville attorney Ernesto Gamez, who represented the city in state district court against Hernandez, was within the city's budget for legal fees. The one expense not foreseen was the $10,000 special election called to fill two vacant commission seats. “That is missing the entire picture,” Elliott said when asked if the attorney fees in Hernandez's first suit contributed to the city's budget shortfall, further noting cities throughout the state are incurring similar financial woes due to declining sales tax revenues. According to City Manager Manuel Lara, there are separate funds to be looked at by the commission: the general funds consisting of revenues from sales taxes, the Free Trade International Bridge, and the utility fund which involves revenues generated by water and wastewater usage. Mayor Jack Garcia said that San Benito is fortunate to have budgeted conservatively based on the nationwide trend of lower spending; many credit Lara for a more precise system meant to keep track of all the money going in and out of each department. Garcia also stressed a lack of tolls from the international bridge as one of the contributing issues in the city's recent budget shortfall. “Those funds have been cut in half,” he said. Officials have blamed the cartel violence on the other side of the border as cause for a decrease in travel across the bridge. Specifically, where the city was making close to $350,000 in yearly revenue from its quarter-ownership of the bridge, Garcia said the city is now only making roughly $100,000. Such funds are allocated broadly, the mayor added. On utilities, Lara said the citizens are being more conservative in their water usage, much like in the market place, and revenues therefore plummet. Furthermore, Garcia noted debt the city has incurred to pay for the construction of its new $32 million water plant, which has experienced some operational difficulties in the past, namely a 2009 incident in which the plant was inoperable after being struck by lightning. Due to the new plant lacking a generator, the city had to resort to using the old water plant. Regardless of its operational problems, the city's next payment on the new water plant is in February 2011 for about $1.6 million. “It is frustrating in a sense that it is our financial burden,” Garcia said. “But dwelling on a past act will not make the responsibility vanish, so rather than focus on the negative aspects, things need to move on and wrap up the business at hand.” Still, Garcia and Elliott concur that “things could have been much worse.” The city's budget was touted by the commissioners as a conservative one which they said could have saved San Benito from further financial turmoil. In the meantime, the city will not implement cuts to emergency services such as the police and fire department, Elliott stressed. These issues and more will be addressed at a workshop conducted by city leaders and financial consultants. The workshop will be open to the public and is scheduled for Wednesday, May 12 at 6 p.m. inside the San Benito Municipal Building, located on 401 N. Sam Houston Blvd.  Baby succumbs to injuries By MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ Managing Editor sanbenitonews@sbcglobal.net She didn't make it. Four-month-old Kimberly Nicholas died Sunday at approximately 3:15 p.m.; she had been on life support at Harlingen Medical Center following an incident that occurred inside her San Benito home on May 6. Lieutenant Martin Morales of the San Benito Police Department (SBPD) initially reported that Kimberly was found unresponsive by her mother, 22-year-old Luz Esmeralda Nicholas, after the child was left with her teenage aunt. Authorities said the aunt, 17-year-old Ada Marlene Rodriguez of San Benito, claimed she was unaware that Luz left her daughter at their home, which is located on the 1500 block of North Sam Houston Boulevard. According to Morales, Luz said she left Kimberly lying face-up inside a baby carrier atop a bed before she left home to drop off another child and her sister Rosa's child at school. Luz believed Rodriguez was awake since the two carried on a conversation regarding Rosa's whereabouts, Morales said. However, when Luz came home over an hour and 45 minutes later, the mother discovered her four-month-old baby lying face-down in the carrier, unresponsive and blue from the lips. Panicked, Morales said Luz and Rodriguez visited clinics trying to get Kimberly seen by a doctor before taking the child to the emergency room at Harlingen Medical Center. Rodriguez was then arrested and charged with injury to a child, a crime punishable by two to 20 years in prison. Municipal Court Judge Adolfo Cordova set Rodriguez's bond at $100,000 during her arraignment on Friday. It remains uncertain whether Rodriguez's charges will be upgraded as a result of Kimberly's death; however, Morales stressed that the Cameron County District Attorney's Office would be making such determinations. In the meantime, police will continue to investigate the matter before submitting their findings to the DA's office. “If the DA's office sees it proper to upgrade her charges, they'll do so based on what we submit to them,” Morales said.  Ex-city employee arrested for theft faces more charges By MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ Managing Editor sanbenitonews@sbcglobal.net The former supervisor for the City of San Benito wastewater plant who was arrested in April for theft was arraigned Monday on additional charges. According to Lieutenant Martin Morales of the San Benito Police Department (SBPD), 38-year-old Rene Martin Cruz allegedly stole from the city an additional $28,426.29, money the suspect is accused of using in order to purchase parts for his racing car. Cruz was initially arrested on April 7 after allegedly confessing to the theft, which at that point it was believed that over $5,000 was stolen. Police said the thefts occurred while Cruz was employed with the city dating back to 2007 and possibly even 2003, alleging further that Cruz and a friend who worked at an auto parts store in Harlingen fabricated invoices to give the appearance that the suspect was purchasing equipment for the wastewater plant. Morales said Cruz was actually buying parts for his 1986 Chevrolet Camaro. It was a crime Morales said landed Cruz a felony theft charge. The friend, 28-year-old Ernesto Gomez of Harlingen, was arrested on April 8 and also charged with felony theft. On May 10, Cruz once again stood before a judge for felony theft, this time in the vicinity of $30,000. In total, $34,188.52 is the alleged amount the suspect is accused of stealing from the city. More cases of theft may be found as city officials continue to probe Cruz's invoices, authorities reported. Investigators initially reported that city officials were tipped off to the thefts and, coupled with follow-up investigation, were able to determine that Cruz was the alleged culprit.  Insurance to cover city in lawsuit By MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ Managing Editor sanbenitonews@sbcglobal.net City Attorney Jan Cassidy announced on Friday that the Texas Municipal League (TML) will cover whatever legal expenses the City of San Benito may incur as a result of former Mayor Joe H. Hernandez's federal lawsuit against the city. According to Cassidy, the city is insured in this its second legal battle with Hernandez since the former mayor sought damages. “I think it's a very good situation for the city,” Cassidy said. “An insurer will cover anything that comes within its coverage, and anytime someone asks for lost wages and mental anguish, then they automatically find an attorney to handle the whole case.” The city's representation in the federal lawsuit will be the law firm of Denton, Navarro, Rocha and Bernal, P.C. out of Harlingen. Rick Navarro will be the lead attorney. “He's familiar with what's going on around here. As a matter of fact, when I was out of town around April a gentleman from this firm was brought in based on my recommendation to provide legal assistance to the commission,” Cassidy said. Mayor Jack Garcia expressed satisfaction with TML's coverage, which will include any and all legal fees related to Hernandez's case. Although such fees were not disclosed on Friday, Cassidy said, “That matter will be decided between TML and the Navarro firm.” On Hernandez's suit, Garcia said, “That's why TML is able to represent us, because of the fact that Mr. Hernandez is seeking monetary damages from the city. We as a city pay for insurance coverage, so obviously we are happy that TML will be able to assist us in this matter.” Hernandez filed the lawsuit in question on May 5 in the United States District Court in McAllen. It alleges that Hernandez's constitutional rights to equal protection and due process were violated when the commission recognized his forfeiture of office as mayor during a Jan. 19 meeting, a decision the commissioners based on a city charter provision. The provision states that elected officials must forfeit their office if at any time during their term they lack any qualification prescribed in the charter or by law, which includes owing all taxes due to the city. Hernandez was delinquent on city property tax up until the Jan. 19 meeting. Despite as much, Hernandez argues in the lawsuit that the provision specifically violates the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Furthermore, Hernandez also seeks to be reinstated as mayor and to bar the commission from preventing him from performing the duties of mayor. Moreover, the lawsuit asks that a temporary restraining order be granted to prevent the city from holding a June 19 special election to fill two commission seats. As of presstime, city officials reported that a federal judge has yet to sign such a request.