Progress Times

With small businesses accounting for around 40% of the nation’s GDP according to the Office of Advocacy, regions like the Rio Grande Valley concentrate on initiatives to support local startups and ensure their continued success. The City of Alton Development Corporation works to foster economic growth through its programs for local businesses.

Maria “Mary” G. Del Paz has worked for South Texas College almost as long as there’s been a South Texas College to work for. The college’s vice president for finance and administrative services, Del Paz has been employed by STC for almost 32 years — almost since its foundation — and serves in a crucial role.

The La Joya City Council meets in La Joya City hall during a scheduled monthly meeting on July 14, 2026. Ali Halloum/PROGRESS TIMES In a July 14 La Joya City Council meeting, the city gave approval for the city manager to negotiate a commercial lease agreement with the PossAble Dream Foundation. The item, which the city discussed in executive session and later revealed in open session, concerns a commercial lease negotiation with the non-profit organization.

The long‑anticipated federal trial of Mission businesswoman Veronica Inez O’Caña ended with a guilty verdict on charges of money laundering, bribery and witness tampering. After hearing three days of testimony, jurors deliberated for about three hours before convicting the 50‑year‑old on all counts. O’Caña’s case stems from a November 2022 indictment tied to a broad public‑corruption probe in western Hidalgo County.

PROBATE NO. P-44067 CITATION BY PUBLICATION ************* THE STATE OF TEXAS THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF ESTATE OF RANDALL JOHNSON, DECEASED: On the 2nd day of July, 2026, STEELY REMINGTON JOHNSON filed an application to Declare Heirship in a proceeding styled the ESTATE OF RANDALL JOHNSON, DECEASED, and bearing Probate Case Number P-44067 in the Probate Court of Hidalgo County, Texas.

July 17 – Hidalgo County Precinct 3 Commissioner Everardo Villarreal, in partnership with Driscoll Health Plan, invites families to the 2026 Back-to-School Fair from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Pavilion, 300 S. Inspiration Rd., Mission.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Notice is hereby given that on the 16th day of June 2026, Anita Trejo was appointed Independent Administrator for the Estate of Emeel Michael Hodge in Cause No. P-43589, pending in Probate Court No. 1, Hidalgo County, Texas. The above named subsequently qualified as Independent Administrator, as the law requires, on the 26th day Of June 2026 and original Letter of Independent Administration were issued to Anita Trejo.

Albesa Aguilar SULLIVAN CITY – Albesa Aguilar, 77, passed away on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, in McAllen. Marco Ayala MISSION – Marco Antonio Ayala, 59, passed away on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at South Texas Health System in McAllen. Guadalupe Casarez McALLEN – Guadalupe R. Casarez, 80, passed away on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at McAllen Heart Hospital. Alfredo Castañeda EDINBURG – Alfredo “Fred” Castañeda Jr., 66, passed away on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at South Texas Health System in McAllen.

Attention Bidders McAllen Independent School District is accepting submittals on the following items: No.:Description: 2027-1011Request for Proposals (“RFP”) – Mariachi Uniforms for Varsity and Junior Varsity Programs Deadline:07/24/2026 10:00 AM (CT) Location:Purchasing Services, 2000 N. 23rd St., McAllen, Texas 78501 Interested respondent may obtain specifications and information at https://mcallenisd.ionwave.net/Login.aspx.

PUBLIC NOTICE The Mission City Council will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. at the Mission Council Chambers, 1201 E. 8th Street, Mission, Texas in order to consider the following: Rezoning: Being Lot 5, Miler Bros.