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FEMA disaster crews begin door-to-door visits

By
Cristina M. Garcia
-

PHARR — Federal Emergency Management Agency representatives this week began distributing information about federal assistance available for residents impacted by floodwater.

The disaster declaration issued by President Donald Trump last week triggered the availability of federal funding, such as grants and loans, for residents impacted by storms last month, which the National Weather Service estimates caused flooding and rainfall amounting to about 18 inches between Weslaco and Mercedes.

“Drainage was unable to handle the deluge, and widespread flooding with photo and video evidence of at least 3 to 5 feet of water depth in many streets of each town ensued,” according to information provided by the NWS.

The floods left more than 2,000 homes damaged in Weslaco alone, and the NWS estimates that total damages could surpass $100 million and up to $500 million in the region, which also includes Zapata, Jim Hogg, Brooks and Kenedy counties.

FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance crews went door-to-door in the Las Milpas area on Friday, handing out flyers and signing up residents who had not yet filled out the necessary forms required to be eligible for aid.

“We’re going to be around, doing the canvassing, going door-to-door” said Ramon Colon, who works for the disaster survivor assistance division of FEMA.

Though homes near East Mavi Drive in the Las Milpas area sustained “regular damage,” other homes, like in the Mercedes and Weslaco area, were damaged severely, Colon said. Crews will also be canvassing those areas.

“The thing about water is that immediately, you don’t see the damage,” said FEMA representative Luis Burgos. “(If) something gets wet beneath your house, wood gets weak, you (can) get mold.”

The FEMA crews work from Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

“FEMA encourages everyone to register, if they have damage,” Colon said, adding that homeowners and renters should consider applying if water entered their property.

The disaster survivor assistance teams also encourage residents to contact their flood insurance, but insurance coverage is not necessary to be considered for federal assistance.

Residents requesting disaster assistance will be given an identification number used to lookup their application status. Inspectors will then conduct damage assessments of property within 10 business days of receiving the application, Colon said.

FEMA, a division of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, requires that at least one resident in the household be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national or qualified immigrant to qualify for assistance, according to information provided by the agency. Crews, though, do not check citizenship status of members in the households.

FEMA representatives identify themselves when approaching homeowners and wear government-issued badges. Flyers with information about disaster assistance may also be left at temporarily unoccupied homes.

Residents in the declared disaster area may also apply for assistance by calling FEMA at (800) 621-3362 or online at www.disasterassistance.gov.

“We’re going to continue working the area until they need us,” Colon said.

Bankers visit Weslaco to preview major Senate bill

By
Mitchell Ferman
-

WESLACO — Two days before a major banking bill appears before the Senate, a group of independent bankers visited here to inform local colleagues of what’s looming.

The Independent Bankers Association of Texas sees Senate Bill 2155, which would implement the largest changes to American financial regulatory law since 2010, as critical to smaller, regional banks.

“A lot of these guys are hampered by it,” said Christopher L. Williston, CEO of IBAT, referring to the Dodd-Frank legislation that was passed in 2010 which he says harms regional bankers. Dodd-Frank was passed in response to the financial crisis of 2008, seeking to stabilize financial systems by improving accountability and transparency.

Williston and IBAT are on a barnstorming tour across the state, visiting 18 cities in nine days to educate and answer questions from regional bankers.

SB 2155 was part of the focus during Tuesday night’s event here at Arturo’s Bar and Grill, where the group also enjoyed botanas.

Dodd-Frank, Williston said, implemented too many new rules and significant paperwork hurdles that tied the hands of many regional banks in Texas. But that could change with this legislation.

The bill is scheduled to go to a vote on the Senate floor Thursday after senators Tuesday passed a motion to proceed by a 67 to 32 vote. Texas Republican Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz both voted in favor of the motion.

A Sunday report from the Brookings Institute, the Washington-based public policy think tank, was titled “Bipartisan in banking is back.”

Brookings was encouraged by the process in which the bill was crafted, where hearings were held and public calls were made for proposals to improve financial regulations. There were also 25 co-sponsors from both parties on the bill, which was authored by Sen. Mike Crapo, D-Idaho. Cornyn and Cruz were not co-sponsors.

While Brookings was mostly bullish on the bill, the report noted some drawbacks, such as a concern about the direction of the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau, which Brookings says the bill does not address enough.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., is an active consumer protection advocate who helped establish the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which has strong ties to this bill. Warren said Tuesday that while SB 2155 is aimed at helping smaller banks, the bill would put “consumers at greater risk” because it also weakens rules on larger financial institutions.

Despite Warren’s efforts opposing the bill, Williston is confident after years of work that it will pass the Senate on Thursday.

“Ten years we’ve been working on this,” Williston said. “I expect it to be on the president’s desk by May.”

COMMENTARY: Remembering the price of freedom this Memorial Day

By
Guest Contributor
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BY GEORGE P. BUSH

As we gather with family and friends on Memorial Day, we are mindful of the words of scripture: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for others.”

This Memorial Day, let us be mindful of the service and sacrifice of so many heroes who have done so much for all of us.

Because of their courage, we are safe. Because of their conviction, we are free. It is fitting and appropriate that we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for us, for who they are and what they have done for all of us. They gave their lives to pay the price of our freedom.

That’s why we gather on Memorial Day — to remember our heroes, to remember their acts of courage, to remember our debt to each of them. To remember they are the ones who make America the home of the brave.

In Texas, we have always honored the fallen and our living veterans, from the first days of the Republic to now. Remembering and honoring them is a commitment and a tradition as old as Texas itself.

But how should we remember them?

One way you can is to attend Memorial Day ceremonies or place flags at the headstones in our state veteran’s cemeteries. Texas State Veterans Cemeteries are hallowed grounds that express our respect for those who served, and provide solace and serenity for the family members and friends who are still living. I and our team at the Texas Veterans Land Board encourage you to volunteer and place flags on each grave at all veteran’s cemeteries this Memorial Day. The Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission will host Memorial Day commemorations through the weekend.

We do this to remember our heroes. Brave young Americans have fought and died in every American conflict from the Revolution to the War on Terror. We thank God that such heroes lived and that such heroes were willing to die for all of us.

As Texas Land Commissioner, I have made it a hallmark of my time in office to honor the fallen and raise awareness about the challenges facing our living veterans. From those facing injuries to those transitioning back into civilian life to those struggling with PTSD, the challenges facing our veterans are many, and so are the opportunities for the rest of us to serve them.

We have this opportunity each Memorial Day, and to make honoring them a way of life every day.

So we remember our heroes, their sacrifices and our debt to them. We honor those left behind. And we remember that behind every hero is a family. We honor every widow, every child and every parent who ever lost a loved one in uniform.

This Memorial Day, let us pledge ourselves to the work of honoring all those who have paid a price. And let us stand in the Texas tradition of honoring veterans and recognizing their service.

Greater love has no one than this — to lay down one’s life for others. To each and every veteran today, and to those who fell defending our freedom, we say thank you. Freedom is not, has never been, and will never be free. It will always come with a price. To those who paid that ultimate price, and to those who put your life on the line for us: Thank you for a life well-lived, and thank you for a job well-done.

On Saturday, a flag laying ceremony was held at the Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery, in Mission in preparation for Monday’s Memorial Day ceremony, which begins at 8:30 a.m. The cemetery is located at 2520 Inspiration Road in Mission. Please plan to attend, or find a way to serve a veteran who needs you now.

They served us. It’s our time to serve them.

 

‘Clear the Shelter:’ Animal centers across Valley participate in no-cost adoptions

By
Daniel A. Flores
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When Thea — now a plump 5-year-old silver and white domestic short-haired cat — arrived at the Palm Valley Animal Center in Edinburg over a year ago, she suffered from intestinal issues. And after an upper respiratory infection, she was at risk of losing her eyesight.

“Everybody here is impacted by her and her story,” said PVAC Director of Development Rebecca Villanueva. She held the cat, commenting on her soft fur.

After receiving care from the organization, the feline is healthy and available for adoption. Today’s “Clear the Shelters” event will be Thea’s best shot at finding a home, Villanueva said.

Palm Valley Animal Center, and the Laurie P. Andrews PAWS Center, will join two other Rio Grande Valley facilities — Sullivan City’s no-kill nonprofit Yaqui Animal Rescue and Port Isabel’s Isabel Y. Garcia Animal Shelter — participating in the national campaign, where adoption fees are waived. PVAC and PAWS open their doors at 9 a.m.

Last year, while only utilizing the PAWS Center, the organization secured more than 320 adoptions. They’ll open both Edinburg facilities this year, and Villanueva said the goal is to find at least 400 animals homes.

The staffs at the centers worked this week — coordinating with volunteers, organizing paperwork and microchipping animals — to help the adoption process on Saturday run smoother. Large tents are pitched to accommodate the visitors expected Saturday. Potential adopters are given wristbands and wait in either dog or cat lines. Then, in groups, visitors are taken to see animals.

Staff suggests those interested in adoption should arrive early with water, and maybe a chair.

“It’s the same adoption process, it’s just at a larger scale,” Villanueva said. “We talk a lot about these free adoption events, and I always emphasize to people that free is not a real thing. Somebody always covers those costs.”

Local and national sponsors make the event possible, she said.

And while pets won’t cost anything that day, good pet ownership is a big investment and a lot of work, she said. Counseling during the event makes sure people know what they’re getting into.

Most of the animals up for adoption are spayed or neutered, but the center will try to find unaltered animals a home. These come with a $50 deposit, and PVAC covers the cost for the procedure.

On Friday, staff put together packets with info like house training, illustrations interpreting the body language of animals and a rundown of symptoms to common ailments new owners should look out for. Staff will just need to add the newly-adopted animal’s medical records to the materials on Saturday.

“We try to give them as much information as we possibly can,” said Renee Ramirez, PVAC adoption specialist.

Some people came in on Friday to start paperwork and see which animals they might want, she said. Interaction will be limited on Saturday because of the number of people expected.

Admitting side is closed to the public tomorrow, but they’ll still taking from animal control during the event.

PVAC took in 40,637 animals in 2017. Of those, lost animals accounted for 1,653, PVAC adopted out 2,785, and 6,031 were sent to rescues.

The organization posted a nearly 35 percent live release rate in 2017, and was just over 50 percent as of May.

The group underwent changes after a controversial video of the facility surfaced in February sparking criticism on social media.

In May, PVAC announced their pursuit of no-kill status, requiring a more than 90 percent live release rate. The organization has previously said the backlash wasn’t a determining factor to pursuing that goal.

“What feels great is that we’ll have space for those animals — those healthy and adaptable animals,” Villanueva said, “because right now we don’t.”

COMMENTARY: Abolishing ICE is not the answer

By
Guest Contributor
-

BY RUBEN NAVARRETTE JR.

Abolish ICE? As political catchphrases go, it’ll do just fine. It’s pithy and punchy. It fits on a bumper sticker. Whether it infuriates or inspires you, it fires you up.

The one thing the slogan doesn’t do is make you think, because that is not the point of it.

Think on this: Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is a baby bureaucracy. It was created from anger and fear in 2003, in response to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

Things got off to an illogical start. ICE is charged with removing illegal immigrants; the 9/11 hijackers came to the United States legally. The hijackers were terrorists; ICE arrests housekeepers and gardeners. The terrorists were Muslim extremists who came to do us harm; the vast majority of those removed by ICE are Latinos who come to do our chores.

What about the fact that ICE has not yet reached puberty?

We don’t trust a 15-year-old human being to have the judgment to vote, drive, buy liquor, gamble, join the military or do a bunch of other things that require the wisdom and restraint that come with experience.

But we trust a 15-year-old law-enforcement agency — with an annual budget of more than $7 billion and a staff of about 20,000, and entrusted with enormous power rooted in both civil and criminal law — to have the judgment to act as a deportation force that decides who stays in this country and who has to leave, in ways that separate and destroy families. Oh, and — according to wrongheaded folks on the right-wing — no American taxpayer or elected official should dare question how this agency operates, much less call for its elimination. Yet that is exactly what is happening on the left. Liberals are always looking for ways to show they’re the most enlightened people on the planet. Demanding an end to ICE gives them a shorthand way of doing that.

>> On CNN’s “Cuomo Prime Time,” Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf called ICE a “failed experiment.” When host Chris Cuomo suggested that abolishing ICE was too “radical” an idea, Schaaf said: “We have to do something radical to stop the vilification of immigrants that is happening in our country and the wrongful persecution of good families.”

>> Rising star Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who recently won the Democratic primary in New York’s heavily immigrant 14th Congressional District, called for ICE to be abolished after visiting those ghastly children internment camps on the U.S.-Mexico border. She insisted that getting rid of ICE is “not a fringe position.”

>> Actress Cynthia Nixon, a Democrat running an insurgency campaign for governor of New York, has called ICE a “terrorist organization” that preys upon “people who are coming to this country.”

>> New York Mayor Bill de Blasio tweeted: “Every country needs reasonable law enforcement on their borders.

ICE is not reasonable law enforcement. ICE is broken.

It’s divisive and it should be abolished.”

>> Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York told CNN that ICE has become a “deportation force” and that Americans “should get rid of it, start over, reimagine it and build something that actually works.”

And legislation is on the way. Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Wis., introduced a bill to abolish ICE.

ICE has become a toxic brand. The top consulting firm McKinsey & Co. — which has done more the $20 million worth of consulting for ICE over the years — has stopped working for the agency, according to The New York Times. Still, abolishing ICE is not the answer. It is not practical, workable or logical.

And, besides, it’ll never happen.

But the abolitionists are doing a good job of rallying the troops on the left. That might be the real goal. Not that conservatives have conducted themselves any more honorably. They’re all about law and order now, but they too bash the badge when convenient.

In 1993, after the siege at the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas, the National Rifle Association attacked Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms agents as “jackbooted thugs.” And now the Trump administration recklessly goes after the FBI for how it handled investigations into the leading presidential candidates during the 2016 elections.

Besides, it’s worth noting that those on the right also practice shorthand when they scream: “Build the Wall!” or “Abolish the IRS!” Those things won’t happen either. That is the hard reality.

Unfortunately, hard reality is no match for a good slogan.

Ruben Navarrette Jr. is a columnist for the Washington Post Writers Group. His email is [email protected]. His daily podcast, “Navarrette Nation,” is available on apps.

Festiva Events — Friday, June 8 – Sunday, June 10

By
Tami Cupples-Hernandez
-

Submit your event to [email protected] by 5 p.m. Monday to be considered for the following Friday.

FRIDAY

OLDIES SHOWS

Al and Brenda Ragunsin host performances featuring the music of 1950s, ’60s, ’70s, ’80s and ’90s. The club will also hold shows Wednesday through Sunday.

WHEN 7 p.m. Friday

WHERE Rag A Zeen & Company, 5524 N. 10th St., McAllen

COST $5 per person; free before 7 p.m.

FIREWORKS OVER THE BAY

WHEN 9 p.m. Friday

WHERE Louie’s Backyard, 2306 Laguna Blvd., South Padre Island

SUMMER DANCES

Dances are held weekly. Cheeseburgers, grilled chicken, hot dogs and Polish sausages will be available after 5 p.m.

WHEN 7 p.m. Friday

WHERE Texas Trails RV Resort, 501 W. Owassa Road, Pharr

MOVIE WITH A COP

Bring lawn chairs, blankets and picnics and enjoy family night with “Zootopia.”

WHEN 8 p.m. Friday

WHERE Edinburg Municipal Auditorium, 415 W. University Drive, Edinburg

COST Free

END OF SCHOOL GLOW AND PLAY NIGHT

The event will include, for purchase, food, drinks, snacks, Glow face painting and Glow toys.

WHEN 5:30 p.m. Friday

WHERE Glow Party & Event Center, 6601 N. 10th St., McAllen

COST Free

BOWLING 2.0 ADULT CLASS

The four-week class offers insight and expertise into the game for beginners of any adult age.

WHEN 5:30 p.m. Friday

WHERE Flamingo Bowl, 3301 N. 23rd St., McAllen

COST Call (956) 686-1286 for price

DANNY’S LIVE REPTILE ADVENTURE

LIVE Reptile Adventures is the best combination of education and entertainment for crowds of all ages. Danny Conner presents one of the most impressive reptile exhibits and shows featuring more than 75 different species of reptiles, including giant snakes, massive lizards, huge turtles and a myriad of crocodilians.

WHEN 7 p.m. Friday

WHERE Quinta Mazatlán World Birding Center, 600 Sunset Drive, McAllen

FILIPINO FESTIVAL

The third annual event will include cultural dances, Filipino songs, food, presentations, karaoke and more.

WHEN 5 p.m. Friday

WHERE Edinburg Municipal Auditorium, 415 W. University Drive, Edinburg

LIVE MUSIC

Set to perform are Two Lit, Stellar Noize, Basshead Cartel, DJ Impact, Vivid Vibes and B@B Ozzy Key.

WHEN 8 p.m. Friday

WHERE Tri Bar, 100 S. 17th St., McAllen

COST $5

HAPPY HOUR YOGA

The class focuses on the modification of sequence three of Rocket yoga. This style is rooted in the traditional Ashtanga Yoga but adds a progressive way to it, a non-traditional method, a western-style system breaking the hierarchy. It’s a fast paced, high-energy class that incorporates a full experience of the method. Enjoy wine after class.

WHEN 6:30 p.m. Friday

WHERE The Shala on Main Yoga, 402 N. Main St., McAllen

COST $15; free for members

SUNSET YOGA IN THE PARK

The yoga program aims to provide every person with the tools to become healthier physically, mentally, and emotionally. Yoga has immense benefits that you can utilize beyond the mat- intentional breathing relieves stress within the body and mind while the physical movement increases circulation and range of motion in a gentle and gradual way.

WHEN 7:15 p.m. Friday

WHERE McAllen Nature Center, 4101 U.S. Business 83, McAllen

COST $1 suggested donation

RHYTHM ROOM SIXTH ANNIVERSARY

The anniversary event will feature a special menu. For information and tickets, visit www.rhythmroomstudio.com.

WHEN 8 p.m. Friday

WHERE The Old Church Winery, 700 N. Main St., McAllen

TIMBIRICHE

The group is considered one of the most iconic Latin Pop acts of the 1980s and the early 1990s.

WHEN 8:30 p.m. Friday

WHERE State Farm Arena, 2600 N. 10th St., Hidalgo

COST Tickets start at $55

COMEDY NIGHT

Jon Stringer headlines.

WHEN 9 p.m. Friday

WHERE Ice House Sports Bar and Grill, 4311 FM 511, Brownsville

BOAT AND FISH TOWN LAKE

Bring the family and pedal boat, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard on Town Lake. Bring your own canoe or kayak or rent one.

WHEN 4 p.m. Friday

WHERE Town Lake at Fireman’s Park, 201 N. 1st St., McAllen

SATURDAY

WORLD BIRDING CENTER NATURE WALK

Walk through the park looking at birds in one of the Valley’s nine world birding centers.

WHEN 8:30 a.m. Saturday

WHERE Estero Llano Grande State Park, 3301 S. International Blvd., Weslaco

COST $5 per adult, 12 and under free

NATURE TOTS

A special of ‘nature play’ designed for the tots. Children will explore the various interactive stations and associate with other tots their age.

WHEN 9:30 a.m. Saturday

WHERE Quinta Mazatlán World Birding Center, 600 Sunset Drive, McAllen

COLLECTOR MANIA 7

The event will feature Paul Soter and Erik Stolhanske of “Super Troopers” and “Beerfest,” and Walter Emanuel Jones, the Black Ranger on “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” as well as others.

WHEN 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

WHERE Pharr Events Center, 3000 N. Cage Blvd., Pharr

COST www.ticketmaster.com

NAMASTE AT THE PARK

The second annual Namaste at H-E-B Park with Casa Om Yoga will be held.

WHEN 8 a.m. Saturday

WHERE H-E-B Park, 1616 S. Raul Longoria Road, Edinburg

COST $45

McHI SUMMER SPECTACULAR

The mariachi event will feature McAllen High School students.

WHEN 7:30 p.m. Saturday

WHERE McAllen High School, 2021 La Vista Ave., McAllen

COST $10

MARIO AGUILAR

The sketch comedian will perform live.

WHEN 8 p.m. Saturday

WHERE McAllen Performing Arts Center, 801

Convention Center Blvd., McAllen

COST Tickets start at $46 at ticketmaster.com

MORNING YOGA IN THE PARK

Bring a mat, towel and water.

WHEN 9 a.m. Saturday

WHERE McAllen Nature Center, 4101 U.S. Business 83, McAllen

COST $1 suggested donation

LIVE MUSIC

Classic and modern rock band Revelation will perform.

WHEN 9:30 p.m. Saturday

WHERE Half Moon Saloon, 1101 E. Adams St., Brownsville

LIVE MUSIC

Houston-based dream pop band Tears on Tape will headline. Additional performers include GLARE, Quiet Kids and Jet Wad.

WHEN 8 p.m. Saturday

WHERE Yerberia Cultura, 613 S. 17th St., McAllen

COST $6

CHORALE CONCERT

The Dolce Armonia Vocal Ensemble Concert will feature works by Whitacre, Dowland, Gjielo, Gawthrop and more.

WHEN 7 p.m. Saturday

WHERE First Presbyterian Church, 104 S. 12th St., McAllen

COST Free

ARCHERY 101

The class, free with admission, provides bows and arrows. Meet on the deck outside the Visitor Center Park Store.

WHEN 9 a.m. Saturday

WHERE Estero Llano Grande State Park, 3301 S. International Blvd., Weslaco

COST $6 admission per adult; 12 and under free

TAI CHI IN THE PARK

Tai Chi has positive effects on balance control, fitness and flexibility.

WHEN 8 a.m. Saturday

WHERE McAllen Nature Center, 4101 U.S. Business 83, McAllen

COST $1 suggested donation

SUNDAY

STAND UP PADDLEBOARD WORKOUT

Join a Town Lake staff member for a 30 minute workout on a paddleboard. No experience is necessary.

WHEN 7 p.m. Sunday

WHERE Town Lake at Fireman’s Park, 201 N. 1st St., McAllen

WORLD BIRDING CENTER BIRD WALK

All ages and skill-levels are welcome on this two-hour tour of the park, finding as many species of birds as possible, especially the 30 that are termed Valley specialties.

WHEN 8:30 a.m. Sunday

WHERE Estero Llano Grande State Park, 3301 S. International Blvd., Weslaco

SUNSET MEDITATION

Explore simple techniques to reduce stress and increase well-being.

WHEN 7:15 p.m. Sunday

WHERE McAllen Nature Center, 4101 U.S. Business 83, McAllen

COST $1 suggested donation

BOAT & FISH TOWN LAKE

Pedal boat, kayak or stand-up paddleboard on Town Lake. Bring your own or rent.

WHEN 4 p.m. Sunday

WHERE Town Lake at Fireman’s Park, 201 N. 1st St., McAllen

COST Rentals start at $10

Report finds few issues with Agua SUD election

By
Berenice Garcia
-

A report by the secretary of state’s office on the Agua SUD elections earlier this month found few issues in how the polling places were run.

The report, completed by a state inspector, Teresa Muehlberger-McMillian, checked off whether the polling places met requirements regarding accessibility, loitering and electioneering, paperwork, procedures, electronic voting systems and voter assistance, among others.

The inspector was appointed after state Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa sent a letter to the elections division of the secretary of state’s office requesting the monitor be appointed to observe the May 5 elections.

“Having an elections inspector will allow for greater voter confidence by increasing the accountability of the process and provide protections to our voters from any inappropriate or unlawful activities,” Hinojosa wrote at the time.

Of the released report, Hinojosa said it was “pretty much unremarkable.”

“There was no in-depth investigation or supervision,” he said. “They were just observing.”

The report provided a checklist for each of the voting sites which the inspector checked off with typically a “yes,” “no,” or “not applicable” notation, depending on whether the polling site — or the workers at that site — met the requirements.

The four sites — which included the La Joya Municipal Library, the Sullivan City fire station, the Penitas Public Library, and Mission High School — were, for the most part, found to have followed proper procedures.

However, the inspector noted some issues with accessibility at the Sullivan City location, reporting separation in the ramps that were added for disabled access and excessive loose rocks in the pavement that may be difficult to navigate.

The noted problems with two voting machines at that location were due to loss of connection. While one machine was replaced, the inspector did not detail how or when the issue with the other machine was resolved. She did note, however, that while the machines were down, at least one voter decided not to wait and left.

In all locations, though, the inspector found that the Statements of Residence were not placed in an envelope designated for the county registrar. She observed that at the La Joya and Sullivan locations, the SORs were “gathered on top of the table” while at Mission she saw one SOR on the table before being placed in an envelope.

Despite feeling the report was not very in-depth, Hinojosa said he was not disappointed and pointed out that the secretary of state’s role is more preventive.

“I believe it’s a deterrent against possibly not following the rules,” he said. “They’re supposed to make sure they’re following the rules and following the proper voting procedures.”

UTRGV baseball drops extra-inning affair to Seattle U

By
Staff Report
-

BELLEVUE, Wash. — The UTRGV baseball team fell to Seattle U 4-3 in 10 innings on Sunday at Bannerwood Park. 

With the score tied at 3 in the 10th, Seattle U (25-11, 8-4 WAC) put two on with two out to set up a walk-off single by Sean Sutton against junior and McAllen Rowe alum Ryan Jackson (3-1).

That made a winner of Nathan Bonck (2-1), who pitched a hitless inning of relief, walking one.

Jackson pitched a season-high 3 2/3 innings of relief, striking out a season-high tying five while allowing two hits and two walks.

Senior Austin Siener led UTRGV (19-21, 5-7 WAC) offensively, going 3 for 5 with an RBI. Sophomore Elijah Alexander went 2 for 5 with two doubles and a walk. Sophomore Coleman Grubbs went 2 for 4 with a run scored. 

UTRGV scored right away, going up 2-0 in the first on a Siener RBI single and a bases-loaded walk by junior Ryan Fish.

Then, in the fourth, junior Anthony Gomez hit into a double play to force in a run and put UTRGV up 3-0.

Junior Chase Adams started for UTRGV and didn’t allow a hit through the first four innings. In the fifth, however, Justin Mazzone hit a leadoff single and Chase Wells hit a home run to make the score 3-2.

Seattle U tied the game in the sixth on a solo home run by Dalton Hurd.

Adams went six innings, striking out seven while allowing three runs on four hits and two walks.

UTRGV visits Washington at 8 p.m. today.

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