Economy, crime, med school among top stories of year [Valley Morning Star, Harlingen, Texas]
By Staff Reporters, Valley Morning Star, Harlingen, Texas | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
"That has got to be one of the greatest milestones ever for our region and our city," Mayor
The new university would include the
Ending the fiscal year with a nearly 10 percent increase in retail sales followed by a month with a 20 percent increase also is among the highlights for the city in 2012.
"It means
A spokesman for
Furthermore, "we've continued to rid our city of unsightly structures and to beautify other areas like our canal embankments,
The demolition of the
"It's been a great year for our city and 2013 is poised to be even better," the mayor said.
In other events this year, the
The year hasn't been without challenges, however.
The year also brought controversy concerning hefty pay increases to select city employees, how to approach game establishments, the change of city elections from May to November, and a shake-up within the
With former
The economy hit some more than others also, none more noticeably, however, than the 75-year-old firm
CRIME
On
Within days, police had arrested
Police said a motel key found on Mireles led them to Cadriel. He and Mireles had been seen together at the
An arrest warrant affidavit contained more details from police officers, who said they went to interview Cadriel. "(As we were) preparing to leave Cadriel's residence," the affidavit stated, "we are stopped by
"
In an unrelated case, Cadriel was later charged with aggravated sexual assault of a 7-year-old
The cases are pending.
On
Police said
Inside the duplex, police also found a 20-gauge shotgun and a .380-caliber semiautomatic pistol.
During
Friends of
Following arraignment, Montemayor was cleared medically for incarceration. He was released from the hospital and taken to the
The case is pending.
Turmoil rattled the
At
Then this month, the mayor chose to enter a one-year probationary period as part of a deal in which the
Special Prosecutor
The charges stemmed from a complaint filed in January by resident
The mayor was accused of discussing his proposal in a
Pena said he agreed to dismiss the tampering with evidence charge because questions as to who moved the raspa stand made the charge difficult to prosecute.
Hernandez has accused Cassidy of filing the complaint to retaliate against him for pushing to remove her as city attorney.
Cassidy has denied the accusation.
Controversy rocked the city's school board after board President
Rodriguez rescinded her announcement two days later before the
Superintendent
Limon's action led the school board to vote 4-3 in October to recommend that he reinstate Gonzalez, who said Rodriguez told her to write the memo. But Limon refused the board's recommendation.
Then in November, Limon reinstated Gonzalez after she asked for a second chance.
The board's discord erupted
Board member
Rodriguez did not return telephone calls requesting comment.
School district Police Chief S.R. Garcia said Rodriguez did not intend to file a charge against Cruz.
The French doors of the
All first floor entrances and accesses to the fire escapes were boarded up with plywood.
Owner
Building manager
Cuevas pleaded not guilty to two code citations on
Then in November, Cuevas agreed to pay
"He just wants to get this behind him," Romo said following the hearing. "(He's) not going to keep the building, so cut your losses."
His attorney said Cuevas was going to offer the landmark for sale, saying Cuevas could not afford a legal battle to "fight
The hotel, which opened for business in 1927 and became the city's social hub before falling on hard times, still sits empty.
Completion of two massive wind turbine projects in
In September, E.ON Climate & Renewables "threw the switch" to put 112 of the giant wind-powered generators into operation in
A second company will do the same this week.
The project includes 26 wind turbine generators in
Willacy County Commissioners
Guerra also said the purchase of 100 acres of land by the county for construction of a domed storm "shelter of last resort" and a sports complex stands out as a milestone for
"Also, all of the grants we got for drainage, paving and public housing were important," he said of county projects that will improve living standards in small towns such as
County Judge
"2012 was pivotal for the future of
"Our reputation in the
"With this initiative, we can take advantage of
___
(c)2012 Valley Morning Star (Harlingen, Texas)
Visit Valley Morning Star (Harlingen, Texas) at www.valleymorningstar.com
Distributed by MCT Information Services
Wordcount: | 2011 |
Products For A Safe Trip Through Turbulent 2013
Advisor News
Annuity News
Health/Employee Benefits News
Life Insurance News