The Mercedes Enterprise (Mercedes, Tex.), Vol. 91, No. 50, Ed. 1 Wednesday, December 10, 2003 Page: 1 of 21
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Christmas Parade will bring Santa to town on Saturday
Santa Claus will be making an
early visit to Mercedes in this
Saturday’s Annual Mercedes
Christmas Parade.
With the theme, “It’s a Child’s
Christmas,” the procession will run
through downtown Mercedes
starting at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday,
December 13.
• Floats will compete for five cash
prizes: $1000 for first place, $500 for
second, $250 for third, $150 for
fourth and $100 for fifth. There is a
$30 entry fee for competitive floats.
A “Mayor’s Trophy” will also
be awarded to recognize non-
competitive commercial parade
entries.
Units should begin forming up
at 5 p.m. on North Ohio Avenue, in
the vicinity of the Town Square
Business Complex. Judging will run
from 5:45 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.
The parade will move from there
to Texas Avenue and south through
town, ending at the bank parking
lot on the corner of Texas and
Fourth Street, where Santa Claus
will hand out goodies.
Church choirs and other singing
groups are invited to take part in a
holiday sing-a-long.
Entry forms are available from
Parade Committee members including
Coordinator Alonzo Calvillo, Rolando
Maldonado, Leo Villarreal and Donna
Jackson, in City Hall and at the
Mercedes Area Chamber of
Commerce office.
Phone number to call is 565-3114,
ext. 128.
Registration should be completed
by 4 p.m. Friday.
Sponsors for the prize money are
VanBurkleo Mid-Valley Ford, Texas
State Bank, H&H Foods and McAfee
Insurance Agency.
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Mercedes, Texas 78570 Wednesday. December 10. 2003
Volume 91
Number 50
Price 50c
Gandara’s resignation accepted
along with ‘plan for transition’
Jesus Gandara, Superintendent of
Mercedes, Public Schools, has
resigned his position, saying that he
intends to return to school to pursue
a doctorate in education.
Mr. Gandara’s letter of resignation
was accepted last Thursday after a
lengthy executive session of the
school board.
NEW FIRE TRUCK ENTERS SERVICE - Mercedes
Fire Department personnel now have in their
fire-fighting arsenal a new, state-of-the-art
American La France multi-purpose pumper
truck. The vehicle not only provide fire
protection with a pumper capability, 750 on-
board gallons, a water cannon and
chemical foam suppression ability, it will also
serve as a rescue vehicle, hauling the
department’s rescue equipment, says Chief
Fernando Garcia, at right in photo above.
Also on hand to welcome the vehicle to town
recently were, from left, Fire Marshall Rolando
Maldonado, City Manager Ricardo Garcia,
City Commissioners Armando Lopez and
Mike Garza, Mayor Joel Quintanilla, and
Commissioners Rodolfo Rodriguez and Henry
Hinojosa. (Enterprise Photo.)
Tigers ‘learning along the way
Mercedes High School Basketball
Tigers had a tough week, but learned
some good lessons, says their coach,
Jaime Vasquez.
I The team suffered a loss Tuesday
night at the hands of the Mission
Veterans Memorial squad, by a score
of 66-43. “We just came out flat,” the
coach says. Down by just nine at
halftime, the team foundered in the
Little League to
meet Monday
All interested in activities of the
Mercedes Little League are invited to
a meeting set for next Monday, reports
President Hector Garza, Jr.
Meeting location is the Little
League Park. Meeting time is 6:30 p.m.
Topping the agenda will be
election of officers for the coming
year, while fund-raising projects will
also be discussed.
third quarter.
Alex Gausin led Tiger scoring with
18 points, while Randy Ledesma
added 10.
Last weekend the team played in
the Port Isabel Tournament, opening
with a 74-56 victory over
Raymondville. Gausin hit for 25
points, Carlos Pimentel added 11 and
Ledesma posted 10.
In the next game, a “veteran”
Weslaco East beat the Tigers by a 55-
45 score, with Guasin leading scorers
with 17 and Marco Guzman adding
10. That game was followed by a loss
to Harlingen High, but by a narrow
65-60 margin against the 5-A school.
Ledesma led scoring with 15, while
Pimentel added 10.
“We’re playing with a young team,
and while the losses are
disappointing and we’re taking our
lumps, we’re learning good lessons,”
the coach says. “When we play well,
you can see things coming together.
But we’re learning along the way.”
The team will play in the
Sharyland Diamondback Tournament
this weekend, opening with a game
against Edinburg Economedes at 7
Approved along with his letter
was a “transition plan” submitted by
him that outlines the official’s
continued role in the district.
In his letter, Mr. Gandara says he
is submitting his “voluntary
resignation” in accordance with the
terms of the “Superintendent’s
Transition Plan, Agreement,” dated .
December 4. He adds that he
considers it “my privilege to have
served Mercedes, its trustees, faculty
and students.”
The “Superintendent’s Transition
Plan” states that Mr. Gandara is
resigning effective June 30, 2004, in
order to pursue his doctoral degree
at UT-Austin’s College of Education.
The document, as submitted by
Mr. Gandara, continues: “Whereas,
the Board of Trustees wishes to
ensure a smooth transition in the
District’s management with the least
disruptions to the District’s students,
faculty and staff,” the parties agree
to such stipulations as...
— The board will enter into an
agreement with the Texas Association
of School Boards to serve as
consultants to the board in selecting
a new superintendent.
— Mr. Gandara is authorized to
— After the end of the
superintendent’s employment, the
district agrees to provide Mr. Gandara
with “a legal defense, and costs and
expenses related to that defense, for
any and all demands, claims, suits,
actions and legal proceedings
brought against Mr. Gandara as a
result of his service to the district as
superintendent, providing that he was
acting in the course and scope of his
employment with the district, he was
acting in good faith, and he was
trustees emerged to vote on an item
that combined acceptance of Mr.
Gandara’s resignation and the
“transition plan” as submitted by the
superintendent.
acting in compliance with the Don Vogel.
The vote was unanimous to
accept the resignation. All seven
board members were present, and
they are President Joe Flores, Jr., Vice
President Pete Guajardo, Henry
Howell, Jr., Alfredo Hinojosa, Jr.,
Daniel Salinas, George Cardenas and
district’s policies, state law and federal
law as applicable.”
Mr. Gandara underwent surgery
on Monday, it is reported, and was
Following the executive session, therefore unavailable for comment.
LOCAL MAN IS PROMOTER
Tom Barrientes to fight
in South Texas Rumble
p.m. on Thursday. Next Monday, be “out of the district as necessary
Valley View visits, with freshmen to from time to time,” for a maximum of
play at 5 p.m., junior varsity at 6 p.m. 22 days, without charging such days
and varsity at 7:30 p.m.
Group still
seeks toys
Members of the Mercedes
Alliance for Progress are continuing
their efforts to collect gifts for a
Christmas “Toys for Tots” project,
and they’re giving you even more
reason to share.
Those who bring toys for giving
to a meeting of the group on December
17 will receive free food, reports
organizer Dalia de la 0 Carr.
“We were able to help dozens of
youngsters have a brighter Christmas
last year, and we want to do even
better this year,” the MAP spokesman
says. “But we need your help.”
Toys, new or used, preferably not
wrapped will be welcome at El Fenix
Restaurant through December 17, and
cash donations will be appreciated,
as well.
The Mercedes Alliance for
Progress meets each Wednesday at 6
p.m. at El Fenix. All interested in
bettering Mercedes and helping their
neighbors are invited to attend. The
group is also conducting a giveaway
to help fund its annual scholarship
program. Prizes include $100 in Texas
Lotto, $50 in lotto cards, and a DVD
player. More information is available
by calling 565-9074.
against accumulated leave.
— Should another superintendent
be hired before July 1, Mr. Gandara
will consent to be “re-assigned” to
the position of “Superintendent
Emeritus,” with all other provisions
of his contract to remain in full force
and effect through the last day of his
employment with the district.
— “...whatever his employment
status with the District, Mr. Gandara
will be present at the 2004 Mercedes
High School Graduation Ceremony
and will be entitled to the honor of
presenting a high school diploma to
his daughter.
Mercedes boxer Tomas Barrientes
will be featured on a fight card set for
next Thursday in Mission, reports
Promoter Eloy De Leon. *
The South Texas Rumble at La
Villarreal will begin at 7 p.m., December
18, featuring a special guest
appearance by Boxing Hall of Earner
Lou Duva. Duva has trained 15 ex-
World Champions, including Evander
Holyfield, Pernell Whitaker, Fernando
Vargas, Meldrick Taylor and Mike
McCallum.
The card will also feature Raul “El
Tigre” Cazarez and Pablo Pena, both
of Edinburg, Juan Garza ofMonterrey,
and two other “exciting” fights.
Ticket prices begin at $15, with
ringside seats also available. Tickets
are available locally at C&S Drive
Thru, at Business 83 and Texas
Avenue.
“We’re very excited about this
boxing card,” says Mr. De Leon,
owner of De Leon Entertainment. “All
four of our fighters have headlined in
the past, and to have them on one
card is really extraordinary.
“Casarez is undefeated, and looks
to be someone who will make a big
name for himself,” the promoter says,
adding that Duva recently signed ‘El
Tigre’ to hit stable.
“And of course, Tomas brings
many years of experience and
professionalism to the ring. Anyone
who has seen Tom fight - and he’s a
hometown favorite in Mercedes -
knows that they’re getting a
tremendous fight.”
The promoter adds that Pena is “a
kid worth watching. He’s got a lot of
movement and a lot of power.” Garza
he calls “absolutely awesome.” With
a record of 20-1 and 15 knockouts,
he’s headlined fight cards all across
Mexico.
The promoter says that over 200
tickets have already been reserved for
fight fans from Mexico, and that two
more fights will round out the “really
exciting” evening.
“We believe this is the best
boxing card of the year,” Mr. De Leon
says. “You won’t be disappointed.
VFD BBQ
Saturday
Mercedes Volunteer Firemen will
serve plates of barbecued beef at their
annual fundraising barbecue this
Saturday, December 13, reports
Department member Adrian Garcia.
Plates of barbecued sirloin butt,
beans, coleslaw and trimmings are
available for $7 each from any fireman,
or at the Fire or Police Departments.
Serving time is 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at
the Rio Grande Valley Livestock
Showgrounds. Service is “drive-thru”
only.
TO PLAY IN ALL-STAR GAME - Two members of this year’s playoff-
qualifying MHS Lady Tiger Volleyball squad will be featured in the
East-West Senior All-Star Showcase this Sunday, reports their coach,
Diana Alaniz. Sheila Shotwell, left above, and Ytszel Trinidad, right,
were selected for the honor based on their play this season.
Shotwell’s honors included being named to the All-District First
Team, the Monitor’s All Area First Team and AllValley Second Team,
and the Valley Morning Star’s All Valley and All Area First Teams,
while Trinidad was named to the All District Second Team. The
Showcase will be played at 3 p.m. Sunday in the Harlingen South
High School Gymnasium. (Enterprise Photos.)
Carne guisada meal set
Members of the Knights of
Columbus Infant of Prague Council
#12869 of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic
Church of Mercedes will serve plates
of carne guisada at a fundraiser on
Saturday, December 13.
Plates can be purchased from any
member or by calling David Ruelas at
565-4846 or Roberto Vela at 454-5296.
Plates will be delivered to
businesses upon request, or they can
be picked up from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at
the parish hall entrance on Indiana
Street.
Plates will include all the
trimmings.
POPPY PROJECT ORGANIZERS SAY THANKS - Officers and
members of the Mercedes American Legion Auxiliary Unit
express their thanks to all who made contributions to the
group’s annual Poppy Project. Conducted this year the Friday
before Veterans Day, the distribution of Poppies is meant to
raise funds to assist disabled veterans and their family.
Mercedes Mayor Joel Quintanilla was among the first to
receive his Poppy, which is pinned by ALA President Emma
Chacon. Serving as Poppy Chairman was Dora Garza.
(Enterprise Photo.)
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The Mercedes Enterprise (Mercedes, Tex.), Vol. 91, No. 50, Ed. 1 Wednesday, December 10, 2003, newspaper, December 10, 2003; (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1653099/m1/1/: accessed July 16, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu.; crediting Dr. Hector P. Garcia Memorial Library.