Decade 2000 to 2009

Development

2000 Harlingen population, according to the U.S. Census, is 57,876 as adjusted in April.

Initially it is put at 57,564 but the city insists this is an undercount of 1,511 and should be

put at 59,075. By July 2002 it has grown 2.6% to 59,384. The U.S. Census Bureau

provides the following demographics for Harlingen at the beginning of the 21st Century:

White 78.7%

Black or African American 0.9%

Hispanic or Latino (persons of any race who identify themselves as such) 72.8%

High school graduate or higher 66.2%

Bachelor's degree or higher 16.8%

Speak a language other than English at home (5 years and older) 65.4%

Median household income $30,296

Median value of single-family owner-occupied home $59,400

Heart of Harlingen program initiated to revitalize parts of Harlingen's original townsite,

east of the downtown area. City works with the Harlingen Community Development

Corp., a non-profit agency. By June 2002 one million dollars in state funds has allowed

the renovation of eight homes, the construction of two new ones on vacant lots and the

purchase of 23 decaying homes and two vacant lots.

Harlingen municipal water use for the year is 10,759 acre-feet. By the year 2050 this is

forecast to rise to 15,777.

7/1/00 By the end of mid-year sales tax revenues are $7,722,036 or up 6.38% over the

same period last year. Airline boardings valued at $246,371 for the six months are down

.81%. Commercial building permits at $19,692,400 are down 20.06% while new

residences permits at $9,990,384 are down 33.78%. There were 206 home sales to date,

up 15.08%. The average home sale price at $105,313 was up a considerable 40.42%.

Free Trade Bridge revenues crept up slowly to $511,937 or 2.38%.

2002 The state deregulates electricity thereby bringing about generation companies

which are wholesalers and retailers who sell and distribute electricity in a competitive

market. In South Texas customers now have the choice of companies rather than only

CPL and minor electric cooperatives.

10/18/02 After 15 months of construction, Su Clinica Familia opens its 61,000 sq. ft. $6

million facility at 1706 Treasure Hills Blvd. It has 54 examining rooms. Dr. Elena

Marin is executive director of the facility which will have a drive-through window for an

outside pharmacy. This non-profit organization provided service to more than 24,000,

primarily low-income, patients in 2000 and generated about 119,468 medical visits and

10,314 dental visits through 15 physicians.

2/21/03 The Children's Center at the Valley Baptist Medical Center is dedicated. This

unit is the first of its kind in the Valley. The 42,000 sq. ft. facility offers comprehensive

pediatric service with its 62-bed unit designed specifically with children in mind. The

facility cost $8 million with the community raising $1 million of this. It is located on the

fourth floor of the East Tower. Its state-of-the-art facility is designed to accommodate

children and parents.

3/18/03 City puts up $342,000 in economic development funds in order to obtain a

Federal grant of $765,000. These will be used to improve the infrastructure at the

industrial park at the Free Trade Bridge at Los Indios. San Benito and the County will

repay Harlingen their portions. The park owner will put up $114,000. Funds will go for

road construction, utilities, etc.

5/3/03 The Treasure Hills Country Club is gifted to the Valley Baptist Medical Center.

In an exchange for an annuity Gene and Bettye Estillette donate 273 acres of land which

includes 55.87 acres of undeveloped land, 22 developed lots, and the golf course. Part of

the land will be used for the development of a wellness center and the construction of a

conference and meeting center. The property was purchased at an auction for $1.85

million in July 1999 by Banco Nacional de Mexico and then from it by the Estillettes that

same month. The VBMS will likely lease the golf course.

12/03 Employment in Harlingen has grown from 23,604 jobs in 1998 to 28,015 in 2003.

In the same period new building permits have averaged $79 million annually. The top ten

employers at the end of the year were:

Employer No. of People Business

Harlingen CISD 2,538 School District

Valley Baptist Medical Center 1,810 Hospital

EchoStar Communications 860 Call Center

Texas State Technical College 540 Technical College

City of Harlingen 525 City Government

Advanced Call Center Technologies 403 Call Center

Harlingen Medical Center 393 Hospital

H-E-B 373 Retail Grocery -3

Rio Grande State Center 364 Mental Health

West Corporation 350 Call Center

1/15/04 Valley Baptist Health System announces that it has acquired a 23-acre site at the

Sharyland Plantation, south of Mission. It plans to develop another hospital there in

Hidalgo County. In Harlingen it has purchased a building to provide additional services,

including an out patient diagnostic center and a new pharmacy. The Valley Baptist

Hospital currently is a 611-bed facility. It employs about 2,200 people and generates

about $680 million in revenues annually.

2/29/04 The unoccupied Fruit of the Loom building with 678,000 sq. ft. on a 100 acre

site is being prepared for sale as equipment comes out, an environmental study is made,

and photographs are taken of it. Allex and Associates have been given the exclusive

listing by its owners, Berkshire Hathaway. It should be put on the market by April 1.

5/18/04 It is announced that the Valley Baptist Health System will purchase the

Brownsville Medical Center from the California-based Tenet Healthcare Corp. Founded

by the Sisters of Mercy, BMC has been serving Brownsville since 1923 and currently has

a 243-bed facility and 900 employees. The sale is expected to be completed by June 30.

8/15/04 Global Entertainment and the City reveal that they are exploring the possibilities

of an arena convention/conference center for Harlingen. Costs of a 5,800 seat facility

which might be constructed would be backed by city bonds repaid from a two percentage

point increase in the city's 7 % hotel-motel tax and a new 5% tax on car rentals. Global

owns the Central Hockey League which might place a team in Harlingen as an anchor for

the arena.

10/04 Harlingen's healthcare industry continues to expand as 60,000 square foot strip

mall-type building is being erected on Victoria Lane to house medical offices. Alonzo

Cantu, a McAllen architect, is building the facility.

11/18/04 Las Colinas, a mid- to high-end development is commenced. It will consist of

212 lots on 77 acres. Treasure Hills Blvd. will be extended 1 ½ mile to FM 509,

according to Roger Kubala, president of Alliance Consolidated Corp., the developer. Lot

costs will range from $45,000 to $85,000 for sizes ranging from 9,000 to 16,000 square

feet.

12/31/04 Harlingen has issued $113.2 million in construction permits for 2004, up 49.3%

from 2003's $75.8 million. New houses and apartments accounted for 48 permits valued

at 40.8 million and commercial activities 38 permits valued at 33.6.

8/2/05 President George W. Bush signs the Central American Free Trade Agreement

(CAFTA). In doing so, the treaty when implemented may negatively impact the area's

sugarcane growers and their cooperative, the Rio Grande Valley Sugar Growers, Inc.

12/05 For over a decade the residential buildings on E. Tyler and E. Harrison between

Commerce and 77 Sunshine Streets have been inexorably transformed into

business/commercial entities, moved off their lots, or demolished to make place for new

structures. At the start of the 2000 decade on these same streets construction activity

between 77 and Loop 499 accelerated greatly. For the most part the ubiquitous strip malls

arose to parallel the streets, but some single-use buildings also were built. Quite a few

offered the Spanish-Mexican Mediterranean style stucco exterior and designs. By mid-

2006 the following recent (or relatively so) projects were to be found:

On Tyler (and working east) a new Cantu Construction and Development Co. strip mall

with 24 parking slots; the Star Professional Plaza; The Work Station; Cantera

(professional offices) at 1713; at 1902 Rosemont of Highland Gardens built in 2003 and

managed by Southwest Housing Management Co. This large high-density enterprise

consists of 70 one story rental units and 104 two-story townhouse rental units; at 1906 the

Plaza Colonial Professional condos; Western Southern Life (insurance) building; new

Express Rent to Own; Valley Physician Services at 2026 in a unique glass greenhouse-

looking structure; 2025 has Rio Grande Valley Abstract Co.; the large Harlingen

Pediatrics sits between the two street; Linda Burke, dentist, and Bryan F. Burke, CPA, at

2102; a Dollar General store; Alamo Bank of Texas; Drake Family Dentistry; Circle K

Citgo convenience store; the new six unit Gaslight Center strip mall at 2422 with

American Self-Storage to its rear.

On E. Harrison working east the more recent entities are: Endodontic Dentists at 1610;

Vela's Café L'gant at 1621; Rudy Garza Funeral Home; The Children's Dentist at 1717;

Tussig Chiropractic Clinic at 1717; Epiphany Photo and Imaging at 1820; Sierra Title,

1902; Harrison Health Institute, 1916; Bryant and Stingley Inc., court reporters, at 2010

in a modernistic building built over ten years ago by Dr. Rashid and his wife as an art

gallery; in a duplex at 2009 are lawyer Eddie Medrano and the Rio Grande Valley Real

Estate Services; Valley Orthodontic and Oral Surgery Center at 2022; at 2323 is the

sizeable Brisas Restaurant occupying the premise of the former Antonio's; and at 2405

the United Blood Services occupies all three units of the complex.

1/10/06 The Valley Baptist Health System announces two major developments. The first

is the groundbreaking of the Valley Baptist Wellness Center on a 273 parcel owned at

Treasure Hills. The facility will have an indoor exercise pool, workout areas, exercise

studios, multi-purpose gym, baby sitting, etc. The second announcement is a $20 million

strategy investment on 12/28/05 by the VBHS in the Harlingen Medical Center, which

had an initial investment of $60 million. The owners of the latter, MedCath, indicated the

loan would be used to pay down debt.

1/11/06 VBHS in partnership with Solara Healthcare, a Dallas-Ft. Worth long-term

healthcare facility, breaks ground for a $9 million 41-bed hospital just north of the

Harlingen Medical Center. It is said to employ 120 and have a $6.3 million annual impact

on the community.

1/20/06 Mayor Rick Rodriguez in his state of the city address highlighted the following

information: Harlingen's unemployment rate at 6.2 % was higher than the state average of

5.2 but lower than the Valley one of 9.5%; in 2005 the city issued 414 building permits

for new home construction having a value of more than $41 million or an average of

about $99,000 per unit; 64 permits for commercial structures for a total value of more

than $20 million ( average about $312,500); the chambers of commerce and the

Economic Development Corp. created 260 new jobs resulting in $8.61 million in capital

investments; the Census Bureau estimated the city's 2005 population at 66,411, an

increase of 8,847 or 15.4% over the 2000 census; the total cost for the city's railroad

relocation project is about $35 million; the city will annex 181 acres on the east side of

town including the former Fruit of the Loom complex, and within the next three years

3,146 acres or 4.91 square miles towards the west side of the city.

2/4/06 Dixieland Road will be extended southeast across the Arroyo Colorado to connect

with Rangerville Road. Upon completion of an environmental study the $3.5 million

project of which the state DOT has already earmarked $2 million will proceed. The new

road should stimulate more economic development on the west side.

3/18/06 After the 2002 kickoff of a $500,000 grant to TSTC by the state's

Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund, internet cable connections were made to the

college, school district , public library, the city's communication center , and Su Clinica

and two towers for wireless were erected. Now, $350,000 is needed to allow TSTC to

obtain equipment to serve as the wireless service provider for the network.

9/15/06 Water and sewer lines are about to go into the Arroyo Heights Industrial Park, a

light industry park being developed by retired physician Antonio L. Santos. Starting price

for a 1 ½ acre lot is $38,000. An adjacent 42-acre tract has also been put on the market

by others. The 106 acre site is to the east of the Harlingen Industrial Park, a three phase

complex developed more than 20 years ago and now having 150 acres remaining to be

developed.

9/16/06 A $60 million shopping center to feature about 35 retail stores is revealed to be

opened in 2007. Mayor Rick Rodriguez announced that the 50-acre site between Business

83 and Lincoln Avenue is to be developed by St. Ives Developers of Dallas. The first

increment of the 400,000 sq, ft. center will cost $35 million and is scheduled for start

next spring when 25 stores will be built. Late in 2007 the second $25 million increment

with 10-12 stores will be added. City tax incentives are still being negotiated. In 2002 St.

Ives developed the Lincoln Corners shopping center.

11/06 With the city growing at half the rate of McAllen and Brownsville, City

Commissioners approve the establishment of three Tax Increment Financing

Reinvestment zones. In this system developers put up money up front and agree to be

reimbursed from the tax increments as 80% of taxes that new businesses in the zones pay

go into the TIF account. The three zones are No. 1, a 2,170 acre area on the north end of

Loop 499 continuing east to the area south of the airport and expected to cost about $30

million to develop; No. 2 along FM 509 near Ed Carey and expected to cost $15 million;

and No. 3 Spur 454 with 670 acres on the north and south areas of Express 77/83

interchange and expected to cost $18 million.

11/13 The Stoneleigh Harlingen Luxury Apartment Community on Loop 499 will open

before January. It has 180 units, swimming pool, and 24-hour fitness center. The city at

this juncture appears to have an overabundance of apartments. From 2003 through

September 2006, 95 new apartments complexes with 533 dwelling units have been

constructed. In addition 20 new apartment complexes are being considered.

1/1/07 Utilizing data from the Texas State Data Center, UT, San Antonio, the city

Director of Planning and Development estimates Harlingen's current population to be

67,300. The mayor in his Annual Progress Report noted that the city had budgeted $1.6

million to repave streets in 2007, that 855 building permits having a total value of $91

million had been issued in 2006 and that this surpassed by $11 million those of 2005,

property crimes were down 12.3 percent, that 34 new subdivisions had been started, and

that property taxes would not be increased from the current 59 cents per $100 of

valuation. The Chamber of Commerce reported that it had about 850 member businesses.

2/17/07 Final figures for Harlingen 2006 building permits revealed a total for the year of

$91.1 million in contrast to $80.1 million for 2005. Permit revenues were $712,000

compared with $638,000 for 2005. Both figures likely surpassed all previous records.

11/28/07 One of the fastest growing areas in the city and immediately adjacent to it is the

north side. Here ten new townhouses are being built on an 18 acre lot on Stone Creek

Drive. Sixty-eight more units are planned. Nearby will be Adam's Landing, a garden

home community. Still further north, this on Briggs Coleman Road, will be the Briggs

Estates North.

1/8/08 In his progress report Mayor Boswell notes that the current total of taxable

assessed value is just over $2.3 billion, a 100.2% increase over the last decade; that the

city has an AAA credit rating; that 721 commercial and residential building permits were

issued in 2007; that TSTC enrollment reached more than 5,000 full-time students; that the

city had capital improvements including $6.7 million for drainage projects, 24 miles of

street repaving, and extensive sidewalk construction; all while the city's crime rate

dropped 3.8%.

4/28/08 The Texas Department of Agriculture designates Harlingen as a Certified

Retirement Community, the 12th

in the state and the first south of San Antonio.

6/8/08 Construction has begun on the 23,000 sq. ft. Rio Grande Valley Cancer Treatment

Center on 2.57 acres at Benwood and Treasure Hills. Seven private investors are making

possible the facility which will be serviced by four physicians and 50 medical

technicians.

11/23/08 The Economic Development Corporation (Harlingen) "Fact File" wins a merit

award. Salient facts in it are that the city's largest employer is the HCISD with 2,779

employees followed by the Valley Baptist Medical Center at 1,962. For 2007 the average

household income was $48,120 with the population being 78% Hispanic. In 2007 the

average apartment rental rate ranged from $434 to $629 per month .For 2006 the median

house price was $98,800.

1/23/09 The city's population gained nearly 6,000 people this past year. The jump to

74,950 has been due in part to annexation that has been adding 1,600 to 1,800 a year.

Additional planned annexations this year include the Juarez and Las Palmas colonias on

the City's west side.

In reporting on the City's health Mayor Boswell noted that for the fiscal year ending

9/30/08 retail sales tax growth was 4.28% compared to McAllen's 3.36.The fund balance

was $11.1 million on that date despite expenses incurred from Hurricane Dolly. Several

weeks ago a contract was awarded for construction of a 140,000 sq. ft. $40 million plus

addition to the Regional Academic Health Center here for an Ambulatory Surgical

Center. VA staffing will then rise to as many as 400. The Rio Grande State Center has

broken ground for a $10 million expansion project. In the last year the City's 15 major

employers added 835 new jobs. ITD Precision will build a $2.2 million facility and bring

in 60 new jobs while Harmony Green aloe vera manufacturing plant is embarking on a $

1 million expansion. The old Heritage Manor has been purchased and will be renovated

into condominiums, offices, and a restaurant. Some new, prospective, and renovated

restaurants include Cracker Barrel, Denny's, McAllister's Deli, and Chick-Fil-A.

2/4/09 Developers Jo Wagner and her sons Steve and Todd Aune propose to invest $4

million to refurbish Heritage Manor into a fine dining restaurant, 22 or 23 condominiums,

a coffee shop, and 12,000 sq. ft. of office space. The City Commissioners agreed to

improve existing parking areas near the project and purchase nearby lots for additional

parking. This may run up to $400,000.

2/27/09 The City Commission approved four measures to spend more than $6 million to

bring the United Healthcare Services, Inc. service center to Harlingen. The Development

Corporation of Harlingen will purchase the former Albertson's supermarket building on

2222 S. 77 Sunshine Strip for $2.5 million and $258,849 for two future employee parking

lots. Three City grants totaling $3.3 million will go to the company to reimburse it for

space and equipment for TSTC to conduct its training programs. A planned opening with

100 to 150 employees is projected for September 1. Eventually employment is expected

to reach 732 workers by the end of the fifth year. Ranked No. 25 on the Fortune 500 the

company moved in on June 7 and 100 were soon employed.

5/7/09 City commences steps necessary to annex 1,074 acres. This parcel is bounded by

Business 83 to the south, Wilson Road to the north, Brazil Road east and Palm Valley

west. Individuals of the Country Club Estates and the Juarez and Los Palmas colonias

within the proposed area were fighting any annexation.

5/12/09 The Port of Harlingen dedicates the 60,000 sq. ft. Sam Sparks Warehouse

capable of storing 36,000 tons of raw sugar. This all-weather facility will expedite

shipments of sugar by intra-coastal barges to the refinery south of New Orleans.

6/25/09 Governor Rick Perry signs bill authorizing the establishment of a medical school

to be associated with RAHC, but no funds for it are allocated.

8/28/09 The Valley Race Park requests of the Texas Racing Commission that it be

allowed to forego its December 2009 live greyhound racing schedule and schedule no

racing until 2011. It faces serious competition from other gambling entities. The city

could lose 80-100 seasonal jobs. Slot machine approval in 2011 for the facility could ease

the situation.

12/31/09 As the country's economic recession continues Harlingen see a 8.6 percent drop

in state sales tax revenue collected in December 2009 compared to that of December

2008.In the former month and year Harlingen received nearly $1.3 million compared to

$1.5 million in 2008.

Agriculture/Ranching

9/01 A major fire at the Valley Compress Company on North Commerce at Fair Park

Blvd. claims 10,000 bales of cotton worth an estimated $1.5 million. The fire's heat

reached as high as 1000 degrees, officials claimed.

2002 River reservoir level drop to record lows since the dams were constructed as the

year proves to be the driest ever noted.

8/25/04 A lawsuit against the government of Mexico is brought by 17 irrigation districts,

29 water rights owners, and the North Alamo Water Supply Corp. They claim $500

million in economic damages since 1992 when Mexico failed to live up to its part of the

water treaty. In 1992 the two river reservoirs were 100% full, but a drought ensued and

in the years 1994 through 2003 the levels ranged from 31.425 to 66% and averaged

42.17%. On October 9, 2004 the levels had risen to 81.26% of capacity but the law suit

was going forth as Mexico still owed the U.S. 800,000 acre-feet. The year would prove to

be the third wettest on record. Eventually the two dams reach over 94 % of capacity.

11/04 The four hurricanes which hit Florida this season reduce its crop by one half. As a

result Valley citrus prices rise. Pittman & Davis, who send out up to 800,000 gift boxes

in the holiday season, have sent out their sales flyers months earlier and therefore find

themselves in a cost squeeze.

3/11/05 With its northern reservoirs overflowing, Mexico now agrees to pay back its

water debts to the U.S. The 13 year wait is about over. On 9/27/05 Mexico completes the

transfer of the remaining balance by 9/30. The U.S. totals behind the two reservoirs will

now stand at 97.1% of capacity.

1/1/06 The area, after experiencing a moderately wet late winter that allowed good

dryland cotton and grain sorghum yields, then entered a drought which continued to

extend into the new year. Harlingen's total 2005 rainfall was 16.79" versus its historical

average of 28.03".

3/31/06 Area dryland farmers were planting cotton and grain sorghum into parched soil

knowing full well that germination failure would ensue. Crop insurance regulations

dictated this action. The year 2005 was a drought one in the lower Valley and 2006 to-

date has continued that trend. Pastures and hay are in short supply. Climatologists

attribute the drought here to "La Nina", a phenomenon where the Pacific Ocean waters

cool.

9/12/06 Final Valley cotton harvest figures revealed how devastating the spring drought

was. Of 252,000 acres planted, only 125,000 were harvested yielding a total of 112,063

bales or an average of .9 bale/acre. This compares with the last four years of 2005

154,369, 2004 328,571, 2003 230,310, and 2002 90,764.

3/17/08 Ground was broken on a 5–acre site at Port Harlingen for the construction of a

30,000 ton, 60,000 sq. ft. sugar warehouse. The Rio Grande Valley Sugar Growers, Inc.,

a co-op in Santa Rosa will pick up 7.7% of the $4 million project plus rent to the Port

Authority.

7/23/08 Hurricane Dolly, the first major hurricane to hit South Texas in 41 years, comes

ashore just north of the last north-most hotel on South Padre Island. Initially it is barely a

Category 2 storm but quickly weakens to Category 1 and as it progresses inland to a

tropical storm and later depression. Its winds do considerable damage to the citrus

orchards in the lower Valley by knocking off much good-sized fruit. The slow-moving

storm dumps rainfall totals from 10 to 20" over two days in some Valley areas. The about

90,000 acres of cotton are badly damaged since numerous field have been defoliated.

70% of the crop is estimated to have been lost. About 24-40% of grain sorghum field

acreage delayed in harvest several weeks ago by rains are now lost for good. Sugarcane

uprooting, breakage, and leaf-shredding is estimated to have occurred in about 20% of

the 42,000 acres.

March 2009 A severe and persistent drought in the Lower RGV coupled with cotton

prices below 50 cents per pound is forecast to drop cotton planted acreage to a very low

60,000. The previous acreage planted was 260,000 in 2006, 100,000 in 2007, and 92,000

in 2008. About $6 per hundredweight for grain sorghum make this crop a good

alternative to cotton.

6/30/09 The Rodriguez Brothers, led by George Rodriguez, delivered the first bale of

cotton to the Harlingen Police Department this date. The 450 lb. bale will be awarded

$3,000. This is the third time that the Rodriguez family has won the Harlingen Area

Chamber of Commerce's Harlingen Cotton Committee's annual contest.

Government/Politics—City, County, State, National

4/11/00 The state completes the construction of a new concrete beam bridge over the

Arroyo Colorado near Port Harlingen. It has two lanes and is 46' wide and 320' long. It

replaces the rickety one lane wooden low-water bridge which has served Cemetery Road

for many years. A reliable, fast alternative route between Harlingen and Rio Hondo now

exists.

7/14/00 Natalie Prim, city manager resigns with a $64,440 severance package. She

made $91,200 a year and departs with all concerned unhappy.

8/00 After a nine month search Gregory Michael Blake is hired as police chief to

commence the job 9/18/00. He gave up an $86,000 job as assistant police chief in

Garland, TX to take the $73,200 one in Harlingen. Blake has an MS degree from Abilene

Christian College. After a term of only 18 months he resigns 5/24/02 "to balance critical

family obligations."

2001 The city raises its tax rate for 2002 four cents from 54¢ to 58¢/$100 valuation. New

construction accounts for a $7 million increase in taxable property.

2001-02 The direct connection of Expressways 77 and 83 by an overhead interchange is

under construction as is the widening of 83/77 through Harlingen. The Expressway

83/77 construction schedules and costs for the Harlingen area are: Lincoln Ave. south to

FM 509, start 4/2001 and conclude 5/2005 at a cost of $61 million; FM 509 to FM 732,

start 5/03 and conclude 11/2006 at a cost of $68 million.

2002 With sales tax revenues having dropped and city employee insurance gone up the

city once again has to raise taxes. The history of increases is as follows: 1995 46.8¢, 1996

49.5¢, 1997 52.5¢, 1998 54.0¢, and 2002 57.9¢.

5/02 $1.2 million renovation of 50 year-old Harlingen Field, current home of the

professional baseball team, the Rio Grande Valley White Wings, occurs. The baseball

team offices and souvenir stands are replaced by attractive permanent structures. New

locker rooms are built and the old ones under the stands remodeled to more concession

areas and other uses.

6/28/02 The University of Texas Academic Regional Health Center opens at the 2000

block of Treasure Hills Blvd. It is a 94,000 sq. ft. building costing $25 million and sits

on 18.5 acres donated by the Valley Baptist Medical Center. In its initial year it will be a

teaching school/hospital for 24 third and fourth year residents. Dr. Leonel Vela of the

Valley is the first dean of the facility. The project was initiated in the 75th legislative

session by Sen. Eddie Lucio, who was helped by Valley legislators such as Jim Solis,

Robert Gutierrez, Juan Hinojosa, Eddie de la Garza, and Renato Cuellar.

The center is projected to provide 75 direct jobs and 136 indirect ones having

salaries/stipends of $20 million per annum. The economic output will be $25.7 million

per year benefiting the city and HCISD $184, 275 and $51,738 in taxes annually.

7/02 A Federal judgment is rendered against the city for $35 million. The city was held

negligent for the deaths of two Border Patrol agents. In May 2003 a higher judge rules

that the city cannot be held liable.

7/24/02 The taxable value of Harlingen property rises to $1.745 billion from the $1.625

billion of 2001. Part of this is due to new construction and part to reassessments. Since

1990 the taxable value of property in the city has jumped 7.3%. The average Harlingen

home value rose from $43,340 in 2001 to $46,676 in 2002.

9/11/02 Danny Castillo, assistant police chief and who over the years has served as

interim police chief, is elevated to permanent police chief and sworn in 9/13/02. He is to

leave 2/15/11.

9/02 On the east side of Valley International Airport a 40,000 square foot facility is

planned to attract two additional air cargo companies in addition to United Parcel

Service, Federal Express, and Airborne Express currently operating out of the west side.

On 2/28/03 ground breaking takes place at the Valley International Airport for the

construction of the NAFTA CargoPort facility. Located next to Gulf Aviation on the east

side of the airport, it will service Federal Express, United Parcel Service, and Airborne

Express according to Aviation Director Michael Browning. Companies pay 68¢ for

every 100,000 lbs. of cargo. Completion is projected in six months.

VIA operates on a $5.1 million budget. In 2002 it handled 391,325 passengers compared

to 278,697 for Miller International Airport, McAllen. This was a 10.7% decline from the

438,453 in 2001 and is attributed to the departure to McAllen of American Eagle in 10/01

plus a general decline following the terrorist act of 9/11/01.

On 6/27/03 it is announced that BAX global, a subsidiary of the LYXNS Holdings of

Austin, will become a tenant of the NAFTA CargoPort. It operates in 123 countries and

has over 10,000 employees. The $1.8 billion company is headquartered in Irvine, CA. It

specializes in moving heavyweight packages and cargo of all types. In July Metzger

Construction of Houston will begin the $1.5 million facility for BAX.

10/17/02 City will pay Encanto Chips, Inc. of Monterey $330,000 over a five year period

to build a facility in Harlingen. This manufacturer of potato and tortilla chips will

construct a $1.7 million plant to be expanded to 100,000 sq. feet by five years.

City approves appropriation of $45,000 for the Harlingen Community Development

Corp. to continue the downtown neighborhood revitalization project known as the "Heart

of Harlingen." An additional $465,000 funding will go toward the construction of 19

homes and 48 duplexes in other city areas. These will serve 67 low income families.

10/18/02 Private citizens donate $25,000 for an engineering study for possible

construction of a series of weirs along the Arroyo Colorado. Small ponds and waterfalls

would be created. The system would improve oxygenation and fish life and be

aesthetically pleasing.

10/21/02 Last month the city commissioners raised the tax rate from 54.1¢ to 57.9¢/$100

valuation. The average home value here is $46,676. Added to the city tax are: HCISD

$1.545, Cameron County $.340536, South Texas ISD $.0392, and Cameron County

Drainage District No. 5 $.15. This brings the total to $2.65468.

10/23/02 City reveals plans for its birding center. To be constructed at the Hugh Ramsey

Nature Park it will stand near a series of man-made ponds. As part of the city's $1.6

million project, the building will feature a V-shaped roofline to simulate birds in flight.

Meg Jorn, architect, has a $145,000 contract for design, landscape and engineering work.

In 2001 the city sold $1.1 million in certificates to match a $500,000 state grant.

The1,400 sq.ft. building will be two-storied and will connect with a 40' observation

tower. Eventually it was to link with the 40 acre Harlingen Thicket bird sanctuary by a

new trail along the Arroyo Colorado from Ramsey to McKelvey Park. On 3/4/03 the

state approves grant money to extend the Arroyo Hike and Bike Trail 1.5 miles east from

McKelvey Park to High Ramsey Park. $677,000 of state funds would be supplemented

by $170,000 of city funds. Adjacent landowners contend that some of the prospective

area to be developed is private property. With lawsuits threatened the city puts the trail

extension project on hold.

11/3/02 Free Trade Bridge revenues, at $1,536,757, reach a new high for the 01/02 year.

Its private industrial park includes companies such as Delphi, Penske, Panasonic, and

Universal Lighting. More than 300 jobs have been created. In 1999 the bridge turned its

first profit with revenue totals generating $1.37 million. Harlingen and San Benito share

$55,000 each and Cameron County $110,000. Despite its 719,858 customers, this bridge

had the least traffic of any bridge in the Valley.

12/11/02 The $32 million 77/83 elevated interchange opens after more than three years

of construction. Congressman Solomon Ortiz is at the dedication. At 71.5', it is the

highest interchange in the Valley.

2/7/03 An agreement is proposed between Harlingen, San Benito, and Cameron County

to help fund a multi-million dollar project to re-route the railroad tracks out of urban

areas. Harlingen and the County would pay 40% each and San Benito 20%. A Federal

grant would pay 80% of the $50 million project.

2/9/03 City to work towards re-instituting its own landfill to save $850,000 annually paid

to Donna. By 1998 the city had spent $1.4 million to shut down the old city dump. A

new site may cost $3-4 million to prepare. Official budget earmarks $25,000 to study the

situation. Later Browning Ferris Industries agrees to drop its hauling costs from

Harlingen to its dedicated Donna dump site, but a study will still go forward to determine

the feasibility of opening a local dump site within seven years.

4/14/03 Hino Electric Power Company receives Texas Public Utility Commission

license to sell electricity. This retail electricity provider with Alex Hinojosa as its

president has about a half dozen competing companies.

5/1/03 Cameron County Health Department administrative offices move into 1122

Morgan Blvd. location from previous San Benito one.

6/18/03 It is revealed that the city's $3.6 million sludge project is a technological bust. A

new system installed by Craig Sheffield and Austin, Inc. of Houston was supposed to

heat sludge water to 705 degrees F. and turn it into a powder. Supposedly $2-500,000

more would be needed to make it workable. The sub-contractor was Hydroprocessing of

Austin and blame was laid on it. Trucking disposal costs $120,000/yr. and the Water

Works says the new system would cut costs $3-500,000 a year. In December the city

gave attorneys the go-ahead to pursue obtaining the patent rights to the process in an

effort to recoup losses. General Manager Ron Thomas said, "There's too much money

invested in it to ignore."

On this date the Border Environment Cooperation Commission approved various projects

to use the monies granted 5/3/03 by the North American Development Bank for U.S. and

Mexico water projects along the border. Among these was $3.56 million to the Harlingen

Irrigation District to line canals, install flow-measurement devices, and install pipes.

6/19/03 The City Commission sets 9/12/03 as date for $43.9 bond issue election.

8/03 Boggus Stadium gets a new giant scoreboard, concession stands, and rest rooms.

9/03 Roughly ¼ or 15,081 of Cameron County homeowners are senior citizens getting a

$12,000 home exemption on County taxes. Harlingen and Primera offer exemptions

from $4 to 5,000 to property owners that are older than 65 or are disabled. Combes offers

an exemption of $10,000. The city of Harlingen has 3,450 elderly homeowners who

brought $1 million to the city coffers in 2002.

9/13/03 The city conducts a $42.7 million bond issue with six separate propositions.

Prop.1, costing $21.8 million and concerning the relocation of the railroad through

Harlingen and street work, passes. Prop.4 regarding drainage at the cost of $15.67 million

also passes. Fire department additions in equipment and buildings worth $2.48 million

get approval in Prop.5. Failing were Prop.2 with $7.26 million for parks; Prop.3 for a

new Public Safety Building at the cost of $12.89 million; and Prop.6, a $735,000 item to

repair current public buildings.

10/12/03 The Texas Legislature passes a new mid-decade congressional district map

based upon the 2000 census but more in tune to the new Republican majority. As a result

Harlingen is thrown into a gerrymandered district running from the river all the way to

Bastrop just south of Austin. The traditional Democrat power base in the Valley is

thereby diluted.

10/28/03 Above-average summer and fall rains cut city water sales and put it into the red

to the tune of about $500,000. The financially strapped utility is already hurt by the loss

of Fruit of the Loom sales of $900,000 annually with the closure of this company's

factory here. The utility had been loaned $1 million by the Harlingen Development Corp.

to build and later expand a reverse osmosis plant for use in Fruit of the Loom's fabric dye

operation. This company owes the city $2.5 million and the $1 million may be tacked on.

12/16/03 $7.4 million is appropriated for use in the Texas portion of I-69, the interstate

highway which will run from Canada to Mexico and serve the Valley too. This is just the

beginning of appropriations which will be required over the passage of time for this

project.

1/4/04 Loop 499 widening is to begin. A 4-lane boulevard with a median strip will be

constructed by Ballenger Construction. The $6.3 million project will run from

Expressway 77 to FM 507.

1/21/04 The extension of Sam Houston Street west of Business 77 to New Hampshire

Street is opened. This new crossing of the railroad tracks will relieve some traffic

congestion at the corner of Ed Carey and 77. Funds from the 2003 bond issue were used

to complete it.

2/18/04 Cameron County International Bridge System Director Pete Sepulveda, Jr. is

named head of the new county Department of Transportation. The new department will

include the old International Bridge System as well as the Engineering, Public Works,

Vehicle Maintenance, Geographic Information Systems, Construction Management, and

Airport departments. Mr. Sepulveda's salary will rise from $88,000 to $100,000.

2/25/04 The Economic Development Corp. approves $110,000 in grant money for the

Valley International Airport. It guarantees the employment of 56 people by the end of

the three year contract. In addition the Airport secured a five year lease from Bax Global

and a three year one from Menlow Forwarding. Some of the grant money will defray

costs of the two for moving from Brownsville into the NAFTA Air CargoPort scheduled

for opening on March 15, according to Michael Browning, director of aviation.

Cameron County Commissioners approved a contract with a Corpus Christi architectural

firm to design a new county annex building on the northwest corner of Hand and Wilson

Roads on the outskirts of Harlingen. It will take two years to complete the structure.

3/22/04 Three days after City Manager Roy Rodriguez leaves after 3 ½ years on the job

to take the position of utility manager for McAllen, a new city manager is hired. He is

Tomas Gonzalez, a former interim and assistant city manager for Lubbock. He is to start

4/12 with a salary of $132,500 and a $600 a month car allowance. The previous manager

was paid $112,000. The city has an annual budget of around $60 million at present.

4/04 After a seesaw three year period of faltering economy, the city sees sales tax

revenues grow 8.38% over the 2003 figures. Harlingen has seen six months of positive

growth according to Finance Director Ken Mitchell. The city depends on sales tax

revenues for between 40 and 45% of its budget.

4/21 City adds to animal ordinance. Restrictions are placed on the number of animals

possible in non-commercial setting; wild animals are prohibited; nuisance animals such

as those making excess noise, causing a health or hazard danger, defecating /urinating on

public or property other than owners'; humane treatment of animals is spelled out; and the

commerce of live animals is restricted to certain entities.

5/15/04 In a seemingly stunning upset, incumbent Mayor Connie de la Garza is unseated

by Rick Rodriguez, a lawyer and City Commissioner. The vote tally is 2,652 to 1,619.

The major issues revolved around Harlingen's business climate. Voters by nearly the

same margin approved a proposition to guarantee firefighters their retirement plan should

it fall short.

5/22/04 The governor announces federal grants to upgrade homeland security.

Harlingen is to receive $194,708.

6/04 The District Office of the Homeland Security Department, Citizenship and

Immigration Service, moves from its Teege Street offices to a new spacious two-story

facility at 1717 Zoy Street.

6/6/04 Appraised values, based on market values, have risen 8.10% from 2003 to 2004

for Harlingen. The 2003 figure was $1,907,331,080 and for 2004 it was $2,061,891,128.

Harlingen's change was low compared to 8.77 for San Benito, 11.32 for La Feria, 16.45

for Brownsville and 26.58% for South Padre Island. The City tax rate remained at

$.579944 for 2003 and 2004. In the former year the average appraisal was $46,676 and

the average tax paid $270.69 while for 2004 it was $53,176 and $308.39. HCISD taxes

rose from $1.545 in 2003 to $1.550 in 2004. Its average appraised value and average tax

paid was $55,361 and $623.57 in 2003 and $58,909 and $680.59 in 2004.

6/18/04 The Utility Board approves $470,000 funding from cash reserves to overhaul

Dixieland waterworks facility.

9/1/04 The Rio Grande State Center and South Texas Health Care System hospitals close

to one another on Rangerville Road are merged by the state. Dr. David Moran, the

center's clinical director, said the medical center offers general medical services for men

and women on an outpatient basis, in-patient mental health care, and residential care for

patients with mental retardation. A 12-county area is served with an annual budget of

$18-20 million. Its 452 employees put it seventh in the top ten employers in Harlingen.

By mid-November protests about the closure arise.

9/23/04 Groundbreaking occurs for the construction of a 15,000 square foot public

skatepark. The location is part of the parking lot next to the Harlingen Boys and Girls

Club at Fair Park. Later the remainder of the 77,000 square foot parking lot will be

transformed into a sports complex. Recently the club received $300,000 in financial

commitments from the Valley Baptist Health System and private donors according to

Club Executive Director Gerald Gathright. The city committed $50,000 toward the

project. Area skateboarders were thrilled by the development that will be the most

complete in the Valley. On 1/3/05 $30,000 worth of materials arrived from American

Ramp, a Joplin, MO company that specializes in that equipment.

11/11/04 On this Veterans Day the City dedicates a fountain and flagpole at Pendleton

Park. Girl Scout Troop 201 and Cub Pack 23 participate with Mayor Rick Rodriguez.

The red, white, and blue-lighted fountain has a nearby flag donated by the Harlingen

Area Builders Association. The flag of the 980th Engineering Battalion flew in Iraq on

Sept. 11, 2004. In time additional structures will be added to the memorial.

12/10/04 After almost 35 years serving as housing for the city's poor, residents receive

notice from Heritage Manor manager Joe Hernandez that the facility may close. The

culprit is the building's badly corroded cast iron plumbing system. It is unclear what

action the Harlingen Housing Authority Board will take on the matter. HHA Executive

Director Blas Cantu indicated that residents would be assisted in moving.

1/17/05 Thomas (Tom) Michael Wilson, 52, dies of a heart attack. This Fort Worth

native first worked in the Valley for the city of Mission where he helped to restore the

historical La Lomita Mission Chapel. In Harlingen he became Director of Public

Services (Parks and Recreation), a task he truly relished. One of his major

accomplishments here was the creation of the Arroyo Trail. Recently he had been

assigned the additional job as head of the Rio Grande Valley Museum. He was moving

quickly to revitalize this somewhat stagnant institution when he succumbed. This

Catholic leaves his wife, Maria Guadalupe (MG) Moreno, and sons Thomas Marion

Wilson, Timothy Michael Wilson, and Todd Matthew Wilson, all of Harlingen, in

addition to his mother, brothers, and sisters. Family wishes were that memorial

contributions be made to the museum in lieu of flowers. On May 4 the city commission

voted to name the southwest playing fields at the Harlingen Sports Complex on Wilson

Road the "Tom Wilson Youth Sports Complex."

3/05 The federal Community Block Grant Program administered in part by the city has

been curtailed. Harlingen grant money for fiscal year 2005-2006 will total $1,089,929.

Loaves and Fishes will receive $10,000 or half what it received the previous year. The

Boys and Girls Club will have to operate with $50,000 less. It serves 3,500 children at its

Lon C. Hill Park headquarters and satellite facilities at La Moyne Gardens, Los Vecinos

(near the Lamar School on M Street), and at the Ben Milam Elementary School.

4/6/05 The City Commission votes to create a new improvement district --Harlingen's

Downtown, the combination of the La Placita District and the Downtown Improvement

District. The purpose of the move is to attract new businesses. A special annual

assessment of up to 50 cents per $100 valuation for businesses participating was voted.

5/05 The Harlingen Thicket is a mostly undeveloped xerophytic vegetated area along the

west bank of the Arroyo Colorado near and west of McKelvey Park and along Taft

Street. It offers semi-arid fern and fauna for nature lovers and bird watchers. The

establishment of this area was made possible in 1997 by The Valley Land Fund, the Rio

Grande Valley Birding Festival, and other conservation partners which purchased the

forty acres of native brush within Harlingen. Part of the area's use was possible through a

Conservation Easement of the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. In May 2005 twenty one

parking spaces for the Thicket were constructed along Taft Street. In the first quarter of

2006 a sheltered cover for two picnic tables was erected along with restroom facilities.

Wheelchair accessible trails were laid. One is the 7/16 mile Arroyo Delta Trail; the

second is the ¼ mile Comal Trail. The 5/6 mile Olmos Trail is unimproved. Former

motorcross bike trails crisscross the whole area for the more adventurous. Several bird

blinds were fabricated within the area. An attractive welcome sign reads "Harlingen

Thicket Birding Center—World Birding Center."

9/05 The city appoints Tomas Arispe to be coordinator of the Rio Grande Valley

Museum. His mother was originally from Port Isabel but moved to Los Angeles 37 years

ago. After residing and being educated there, Arispe and his mother have returned to

Port Isabel. On 11/2/05 he announces that the museum's name will shortly be changed to

the Harlingen Arts & Heritage Museum to better reflect the community's involvement

with it. The new name dedication occurs on 2/17/06.

10/26/05 The improvements to 18 greens of the Tony Butler Municipal Golf Course are

dedicated. Golf pro K.C. Lauber highlighted the change from 328 Bermuda grass to

Champions grass which now makes the greens faster and smoother.

10/27/05 After a two year lapse due to the departure of Postmaster Mary Martinez, Tyler

native Jeff T. Jenkins, a 20 year department veteran, fills the position. He plans to

strengthen customer service, play an active role in the community, and make the main

office more attractive.

12/27/05 A 13-member committee charges with revising the city's 1927 charter

completes its work and submits the changes to the city commission for its approval. The

proposal has 926 grammatical changes and nearly a dozen substantive changes. If

approved by the commission it will be placed on a May 2006 ballot for voter approval.

2006 The name Centennial Park is selected for the acquired parcel running on the east

side of West Street up to the railroad right-of-way between Jackson and Harrison

Avenues.

After a six month study, TIP Strategies, Inc. of Austin presents "Harlingen First! a

blueprint for economic vitality." Hired by the Development Corporation of Harlingen,

Inc. (EDC), TIP's booklet outlines the goals and strategies for Harlingen's plan to achieve

economic vitality and become the economic center of the Rio Grande Valley.

3/2/06 By a 3-2 vote of the City Commission, Craig Lonon is selected for the job of city

manager at a salary of $120,000 and $2,500 for moving expenses. He accepts two days

later. With a Masters of Public Administration degree from the University of North

Texas, Lonon has been involved in Texas city administrations since 1977. He started in

Desoto, and has been city manager in Levelland, Corsicana, Conroe, and Cedar Park.

3/15/06 The US Department of Transportation awards the Valley International Airport a

$3.24 million grant. It is to reconstruct 50 year old taxiways on the east side of the

airport, that servicing two major cargo handlers.

4/06 The city commences to erect 19 large-letter lighted signs to designate street names

at major intersections.

For the fiscal year of the Harlingen Port Authority which began October 1, barge traffic is

down 47% as Valero Energy Corp. switched its distribution to a pipeline this past

October though it still stores fuel at the port. With income projected at $736,000 and

expenses at $600,000 the port does not expect to institute any taxes which were last

levied over 10 years ago. The port has about one dozen tenants. One of its largest

customers is the Rio Grande Valley Sugar Growers, Inc which ships all of its raw sugar

through the port to the American Sugar Refinery Co. in Chalmette, LA. This season

barges will transport close to 170,000 tons sugar along the inter-coastal waterway.

5/31/06 Michelle Leftwich, City Planning Director for over a decade, leaves to accept a

post in Mercedes as Assistant City Manager.

9/5/06 The City Commission reveals plans to borrow through sale of certificates of

obligation about $12 million in order to build a new police station and soccer fields

complex. This would be allowed as older debts are repaid and the city could borrow up to

$17.2 million in 2007. The location for each project has yet to be determined. The

following day Wilson Estes Police Architects of Mission, KS is selected for the first

project. The proposed 50,000 sq. ft. police station, jail, and city court complex is

estimated to cost between $7-7.5 million. The 13 field soccer complex is estimated at $4-

4.5 million. On 4/11/07 The Commissioners approved issuing $22 million in certificates

of obligation for capital improvements, including $9 million for a new police station and

$4.5 million for a soccer complex. Also to be funded are a $1.5 million fire station, $1.25

million for Pendleton Park, $500,000 for a comprehensive drainage study, $325,000 in

street improvements, $150,000 for traffic control, and $150,000 for the municipal

auditorium's stage curtains.

9/7/06 Cameron County authorizes the purchase of right-of-way to extend Dixieland

Road to Rangerville Road. The 1.85 mile extension will end at Garrett Road on FM 1472.

The $3.9 million cost will include a 345 foot, four lane bridge across the Arroyo

Colorado. While the city will pay for design work and part of the construction cost,

TxDOT will pay the remainder of the cost. Construction is set to begin the summer of

2007.

9/30/06 TxDot reports $9.1 million eight month project to widen the EXP 77 overpass

over Harrison and Tyler Street from the present four lanes to six.

10/13/06 Plans for major changes at Pendleton Park are revealed. The city will match a

state grant of $300,000 and will earmark $98,500 for the purchase of 9.8 acres of adjacent

land to expand the park. Other construction and renovation projects include an $80,000

playground renovation, $120,00 for pavilion work, a $120,000 softball field overhaul,

$16,000 for soccer/football fields, $4,500 for a picnic station, $35,000 for a multi-use

court, $20,000 for a pier in the pond, and $18,000 for a half-mile nature trail. In addition

the Harlingen Tennis Foundation intends to raise $750,000 towards the renovation of 18

tennis courts in the park. The city will, through sale of certificates of obligation, match up

to $750,000 while H-E-B for a right to put its name on the complex pledged $200,000,

Lighting will be improved throughout and the central championship court will feature

stadium seating.

12/21/06 City Commissioners seek ways to reduce an unfounded $15 million deficit

owed to the Texas Municipal Retirement System. Starting in 1999 the deficit grew from

$7 million to its current level of 15.

1/5/07 The City Commission awards a contract to Halff Associates, McAllen, to design a

$5 million soccer complex on 80 acres near a trash transfer site on East Harrison. This

site is large enough to hold 12-14 official-sized soccer fields.

3/7/07 The City Commission adopts a resolution to publish notices of its intent to issue

up to $30 million in certificates of obligation. This is to take advantage of current low

interest rates that are just above 4%. Capital improvements from the funds might pay for

such projects as a $9 million police facility, $4.5 million soccer complex, $2.4 million in

drainage improvements, a $1.5 million fire station, $1.25 million for Pendleton Park, a

$500,000 comprehensive drainage study, $325,000 in street improvements, $150,000 for

traffic control, and $125,000 for a fly (sound) station. By 4/18/07 the cost of a 14-field

soccer complex had risen to $7.5 million.

2/07 Sigfredo Cantu, fire chief since 12/2/91, retired at which time Michael J. Rinaldi

was appointed interim fire chief. On May 16, 2007 he was named fire chief.

3/17/07 This week City Commissioners approve a contract for nearly $800,000 to

purchase about 20 acres of land located on Palm Court Drive near its intersection with W.

Lincoln Avenue. This could be the site of the $9 million police station.

5/16/07 Lawyer and former City Commissioner Chris Boswell is sworn in as Mayor of

the city.

5/07 Patricia Morales is named Coordinator of the Harlingen Arts and Heritage Museum.

She received her bachelor of arts degree in art history from the University of North Texas

in Denton.

8/20/07 Although City Commissioners voted to keep the same $.59 per $100 of property

value for property tax the next year, home owners will see an increase in their taxes. This

is because, on average, appraised values for a home in Harlingen rose from an average of

$78,944 to $82,106. The average increase in taxes from $466 to $484 will increase city

revenues 2.48% or $340,173. New homes will add an additional $459,907 to the city

coffers. Last year's total tax revenue was $13,721,600. For 2007-2008 the estimate is

$14,522,220.

9/12/07 The groundbreaking ceremony is held for the $7.5 million 14 field soccer

complex at 4515 E. Harrison. Initially the complex will cost $4.5 million for ten fields

and night lighting. The Marshall Company is expected to complete the work within 180

days.

9/17/07 The City Commission approves the largest budget in the city's history, with

$56,107,569 proposed revenues and $56,307,922 in expenditures for the fiscal year

beginning October 1. It does not include funding for five other city governmental entities

such as the airport and WaterWorks. This is up about $700,000 from 2006-2007. New

employees will go into a different retirement plan than old.

9/19/07 The new $2.4 million Cameron County annex building opens at 3304 Wilson

Road, and the old one on Harrison Avenue closes.

The Harlingen WaterWorks budget calls for projected revenues of $18,571,420 and

projected expenditures of $17,241,079. Water rates for consumers are to rise to continue

the system's operations and replace and improve old, deteriorating equipment.

10/07 City Commissioners approve a public transportation system to commence February

2008. The capital startup will be $274,000 of which Federal funds will cover 80%. This

will cover three buses capable of carry 19 passengers each and a wheelchair individual,

10 bus shelters, and 20 bus signs. Operating expenses will be about $200,000 annually,

but revenues will offset some city costs. Fairs will be $3 per adult, $1.50 per senior

citizen for the system on two routes, six days per week.

10/10 Sidewalk construction of 18,454 sq. ft. begins by Knish Corp. on contract awarded

for $1.77 million. Streets affected are Ed Carey, Commerce, Business 77, Dixieland Road

and Lincoln Avenue.

10/14 WaterWorks announces plans to shut down its frequently odoriferous Wastewater

Plant I by the end of the year. Located on Taft near Commerce Street, the plant's three to

four million gallons per day operation will be shifted to the Wastewater Plant II at 4736

E. Harrison with its 12 million gallon/day capacity presently only half of which is used.

10/17 The City Commissioners resolve to commence by October 31 a collective

bargaining plan for Harlingen police and firefighters. They also approved the funding of

$488,836 from the hotel/motel taxes to the Harlingen Area Chamber of Commerce to

help promote the city and operate the Convention and Visitors Bureau.

11/19 The South Texas Veterans Health Care System center opens along Treasure Hills

Blvd. The 34,000 sq. ft. facility offers numerous specialty services to veterans, has 132

examination rooms, and a staff of 65 full or part-time professionals to handle an expected

500 patients per day. It is in the same $25 million building that is dedicated 11/229/07.

This is the 80,000 sq. ft. Regional Academic Health Center's Academic and Research

Building. It contains exam rooms, a laboratory, and offices for clinical researchers and

statisticians.

On this date the Commissioners adopt a resolution endorsing the Harlingen 100 Plan

Objectives and Strategies. It also establishes an Implementation Team and appoints

seven Task Force chairs. This sets into motion a broad-based community-driven strategic

plan.

1/08 Wastewater Plant 1 on East Taft Street is shut down. Operations in this smelly plant

were commenced in the 1940s. It only treated 2-3 million gallons per day of its five

million/day capacity. Now the sole treatment operation, Wastewater Plant 2 on E.

Harrison, is averaging 6 million of its permitted 9 million/day capacity.

1/2/08 The City Commission in an effort to combat graffiti, vandalism, and juvenile

crime approves a curfew for youths under 17. They must be off the streets between 10:30

pm and 6 am Sundays thru Thursdays and midnight to 6 am Friday and Saturday. The

VMS editorializes that this is anti-right of assembly as provided by the first amendment

to the Constitution.

1/10/08 Construction of the new police station and municipal building on a 20-acre

parcel near Lincoln and Palm Court Drive will begin in about a month as soon as the

$8,411,812 contract with Terry Ray Construction is signed. Reduced in size from the

original concept in order to fit the budget, the structure will be 47,794 sq. ft. compared to

20,000 for the current facility. This will include a 2,000 sq. ft. evidence room, eight jail

cells, and the municipal court. The landscaping allowance is $60,000.

2/12/08 The city is to spend about $2.5 million to build two fire stations this year. In

2003 voters approved more than $1 million to replace Fire Station No. 4 at 1656 Sam

Houston Drive. Additionally $1.5 million will come from the 2007 certificates of

obligation. This small, outdated facility will be replaced by one on a three-acre site

purchased for $240,000 on Glasscock Avenue off Ed Carey. Completion is expected in

seven months for this state-of-the art, $700,000 to $1 million building. Fire Station No. 7

at 1102 Dixieland Road will either be moved or an additional station constructed

somewhere in west Harlingen. There is no Fire Station No. 2. No. 6 is at 912 Rangerville

Road.

2/29/08 City Commissioners decide to build the new $8.5 million police station on a 10-

acre site at the city-owned lot, corner of Wichita and Fair Park Blvd. The Parks &

Recreation offices on the site in an old cotton oil weigh station building will rent space

temporarily into the WaterWorks Building on Van Buren. The 20-acre parcel at Palm

Court Drive and Lincoln Avenue purchased last year for $775,000 will be sold.

3/10/08 The City commences Rio Metro Harlingen with a medical route and a retail

route having transfer between the two available. The air-conditioned buses carry up to 19

and two wheel chair passengers. Startup costs for three buses, 20 bus stop signs and 10

bus stop shelters include $274,000 of federal funds and $54,800 of City funds. The buses

will run Monday thru Friday 6:30 am to 6:20 pm with fares of $3 one way and $1.50 for

seniors, veterans, students, and the disabled.

3/27/08 In conjunction with the Harlingen 100 Plan the city will expedite enforcement of

city codes dealing with signs, trash, and weeds.

3/28/08 During the year Pendleton Park will receive a $1 million renovation. This

involves tennis court improvements, the construction of a new ½ mile gravel nature trail,

a 15 x10 ft. wildlife observation platform, a multi-purpose court, a multi-purpose field,

four horseshoe pits, and three picnic stations. Also finalized was the $400,000 purchase

from the Sharbineau family of 9.85 acres to become the park's southwest corner. With the

Harlingen Tennis Foundation seeking more courts at the park, the city also agreed to

match funds raised by the foundation up to the $750,000 level.

5/1/08 Museum Coordinator Patricia Morales resigns to take another position. Ramiro

"Rod" Rodriguez is named new coordinator. A Harlingen native, he is an honors graduate

of UT Pan American in 2005.

5/21/08 An ordinance passes empowering police to tow vehicles of uninsured drivers.

When conducted the owner will also have to pay towing charges and storage if

applicable.

7/2/08 Mayor Boswell appoints a Juvenile Crime, Graffiti and Gang Violence Task

Force as Harlingen incidents increase. The following day Police Chief Daniel Castillo

announces the formation of a Gang Detail to enhance efforts to address street-level gang

activities.

9/08 The landscaped median strip on Loop 499 is completed from TSTC to Harrison

Avenue.

9/26/08 City Commissioners approve the 2008-09 budget. Revenues are forecast at

$61,455,221 while expenditures will be $62,063,006. Both figures are up from the

$56,000,000+ figures for the last fiscal year. Big ticket items include $12,074,500 for

capital improvements at the airport; about $4,000,00 to offset expense overrun and

capitalized interest at the WaterWorks System; $3,000,000 offset for the Economic

Development Board; $1,000,000 offset for the Harlingen Improvement Development

Board, and a $35.2 million general budget that targets $1.9 million for street repairs and

$1,898,982 for municipal golf course renovation. While the property tax will remain the

same at 59 cents/$100 valuation debt service will go up 5 cents.

10/22/08 City sales tax income rose 4.28 % for the 2007-2008 fiscal year. Revenues were

over $19 million.

11/4/08 City voters overwhelmingly approve a proposition to create five single member

districts in the city with the mayor to be elected at-large. A Commissioner must live in a

particular district and will be elected only by that district's voters.

3/09 Sixty-acre Arroyo Park commences a $330,000 facelift. It begins with 275' of

fencing and eight light posts being installed around a third field. The girl's PONY League

has been using two unlit fields over the last five seasons. Overt his period the league has

grown to over 300 girls. A new parking lot to accommodate 100 vehicles is being

constructed along with additional sidewalks.

6/09 Reconstruction continues on the Rio Grande State Center/South Texas Health Care

System Outpatient Clinic on Rangerville Road. The existing facility is being totally

rehabilitated and should be completed by November 2009.

7/9/09 The new $10 million police station becomes operational. Another $1.4 million in

drug seizure money has been spent on 27 squad cars to install in them computer and

digital recording systems as well as giving them new logos. The official opening is

August 13.

8/09 Construction started on the $40 million Ambulatory and Specialty Outpatient

Center for the Veterans Administration. More than 400 health care professionals will be

employed in the 120,000 sq. ft. facility.

10/09 City Fire Station No. 4 is being constructed at 4410 Glasscock Street. It will have

its Grand Opening on February 4, 2010.

10/7/09 Stefani Camarillo commences work as new coordinator of the Harlingen Arts &

Heritage Museum.

11/21/09 The newly renovated Harlingen Municipal Auditorium holds its ribbon cutting

and open house ceremony. With a new roof, new seating with wider seats and legroom

(at the expense of seating capacity), new fire screen, color scheme, stage flooring, and

more, the 1927 auditorium is resurrected once more.

12/2/09 City Manager Craig Lonon is fired upon a 3 to 2 vote of City Commissioners. No

clear-cut reasons are ever offered His severance package will cost the city $85,000. Later

interim city manager Gabriel Gonzales, who was assistant city manager, has his salary

raised from $100,103 to $120,000.

12/19/09 It is revealed that Harlingen Public Works Director Jeffrey Lyssy was demoted

last month and assigned to the position of Parks Superintendent/Contract Compliance

Manager at a salary of $50,772. his previous position paid $62,107. The change meant

that current Parks Superintendent Donald Perez was laid off.

Business/Commercial/Industrial

4/00 Travis and Linda Bodenhamer open Champions Skate Center, a nearly $1 million

roller skating facility, at 1220 North 28th Street. On 12/13/02 they set up a seasonal ice

skating rink next to the roller skating one.

5/00 Advanced Call Center Technologies (ACT), a telemarketing company, opens a

center in Harlingen employing 100. It will locate in Redelco's renovated building which

once held two ABC Cinemas at 800 Morgan Blvd.

2001 The William Carter Company, a children's clothes manufacturer here, near

Expressway 77 and Loop 499 closes. It leaves vacant an 88,000 sq. ft. factory.

After about 46 years in business the Palmetto Inn on far West Jackson closes. Two other

Mexican restaurants try to make a go at the site but soon fail. Chapita's, which opens in

July 2001, does very well at its North 77 Sunshine Strip location.

2/25/01 The city experiences a small building boom. On Ed Carey Drive a second

Wendy's opens. A Jack in the Box and an IHOP are being constructed. The Regional

Academic Health Center on S. 77 near the San Benito line will be built. The $3.5 million

Boggus Ford dealership along the Arroyo Colorado bridge at 83/77 is coming up as is a

$1.7 million medical office on Camelot Drive. Fox Valley Molding and Industrial Fab

Inc. is well underway in the industrial park on Grimes.

12/01 Harlingen lodging revenues are $12.4million compared to $12.3 in 2000. Over a

five year period there has been a $2.49 million increase in lodging revenues.

1/02 Harlingen's retail trade growth for the year 2001 at 5.25 is above the state-wide

average of 2.3% but below McAllen's 47.8, Brownsville's 12.7, and Edinburg's 10.5.

6/02 SMI Valley Steel opens a Harlingen branch after acquiring the steel division of

Varmicon Industries, Inc. SMI, for Structural Metals Inc., is based in Seguin and is a

division of Commercial Metals Co. of Dallas. The Harlingen plant processes an average

of 400 tons steel a month and plans to increase that by a third in 2003. The parent

company has scrap yards, steel mills, and 25 re-bar fabrication plants generating more

than $2 billion in sales in more than 10 states. Fifteen are employed in Harlingen.

Varmicon, its name now an abbreviation of the former firm, started in business as Valley

Ready Mix Company.

6/12/02 The Hispanic Broadcasting Co., with parts of its origin in Harlingen, merges

with Univision Communications, Inc. in a $3.5 billion stock deal making it the nation's

largest Spanish language television, radio, and music conglomerate.

8/4/02 The Harlingen Area C of C lists 22 major private and public employers in the

Harlingen area. The largest are the Valley Baptist Medical Center, HCISD, Fruit of the

Loom, the City, Walmart Store, H-E-B Supermarkets, and Su Clinica Familia. After the

list was published three telemarketing companies employing over 1,600 came into town.

These are RMH employing 1,142 on Grimes in the building previously occupied by Aloe

Vera, ACT employing 400 at 800 Morgan, and West employing 370 at the Treasure Hills

Plaza.

9/9/02 The Treasure Hills Country Club clubhouse-restaurant burns down when an air

conditioning unit short circuits in the early a.m. The 6,000 sq. ft. building was appraised

at $720,137. An October 2000 projection set its revenue generation at more than $10.5 in

net revenues over a 10-year period. Gene and Bettye Estillette, who employed 64 people,

believe the property was underinsured.

10/02 The Harlingen Medical Center at 5501 S. Expressway 77 opens. It is a full-service

hospital developed by community physicians in partnership with the Med-Cath Corp. of

North Carolina. The general acute hospital is a $64 million state-of-the-art facility with

112 private patient rooms and additionally six labor and delivery suites, 16 day patient

rooms, and a nine bed emergency center. It starts with 100 employees and will eventually

have a staff of 500. Its payroll is expected to be about $17 million in FY 2003.

Mid-Valley Truss and Door Co., with Frank Klinger its president, opens a new facility at

5820 Millenium Drive, Harlingen Industrial Park. It has been enticed here from Los

Fresnos where it has been for twenty years. A year and a half later it will be employing

110 people in its 63,000 sq. ft. building.

10/2/02 The Valley Morning Star has a paid circulation of 27,183.

10/10/02 Marble Slab Creamery holds ribbon cutting at 1334 Ed Carey Vbhuit and Arun

Bhata are co-owners.

11/12/02 The First National Bank of San Benito with branches in San Benito, Los

Fresnos, and Harlingen changes its name to First Community Bank.

12/02 Lockheed Martin added 36 employees to its Harlingen payroll during the year.

The current total stands at 225. The plant at the Valley International Airport puts

together components for the Atlas launch program, F-16 jetfighters, and Theater High

Altitude Aerial Defense (THAAD). The latter is an interceptor missile.

The labor situation in Harlingen is little changed year to year. In December 2001 the

labor force stood at 27,448 with 25,673 employed and 1,775 looking for jobs. In

December 2002 the figures are a labor force of 27,941 with 27,884 employed and 2,057

looking for work.

2002 Country Inn and Suites by Carlson-Harlingen, 3825 S. Expressway 83; Ramada

Limited, 4401 S. Expressway 83; and Motel 6, 205 N. Expressway 83 are new to the

Harlingen lodging industry.

The city has more than $83.2 million in construction activity for the year. The Lincoln

Corners Strip Mall on the street of that name and near Dixieland Road gets underway.

Before the end of the year five businesses have opened there. They are Cato, Dollar Tree

(one of 2,300 in the chain), Ross Dress for Less, Hobby Lobby and Spanky's, an ice

cream parlor. By 6/03 the mall developed by Jim Gessler of St. Ives Partnership

announces a second phase which will add 50,000 more sq. ft. The Valle Vista Mall

meanwhile adds three more retailers including Charlotte Russe and Villa Pizza.

2003 By this year a host of newer banks have become established here in addition to the

old line ones. These include: Coastal Banc SSB in the old post office at 221 E. Van

Buren; Frost Bank, 1514 W. Tyler; Alamo Bank of Texas, 601 S. Stuart Place Road and

2318 E. Harrison; and the First Community Bank, 806 S. 77 Sunshine Strip.

3/18/03 Dayhoff LLC, a division of Mexico's Grupo Bimbo, announces plans to open a

warehouse facility in Harlingen to distribute its line of candy and snack products in the

U.S. and Puerto Rico. It has purchased a 50,000 sq. ft. building on Strauss Lane and is

forecast to create 30 jobs. Dayhoff brands include Juicee Gummies, Cream Swirls, Fruity

Bears, and Frogees.

3-5/03 The city sees its culinary landscape change. A national chain—Buffalo Wings

Grill and Bar opens its 1500 W. Harrison restaurant in the old Holsum Bakery Building.

A short distance west and across the street King Buffet, a Chinese restaurant, commences

its second restaurant in the Valley according to Joseph Jen, its business manager. In

recent years the city has seen an explosion of Chinese restaurants established, and most

lately converted to buffets. At his time the total is seven.

El Pollo Loco, a McAllen based company and north Mexico franchise, is in the midst of

constructing its $150,000 outlet at 1521 Ed Carey. It is owned by Efrain Villareal, a 30-

year veteran of the food business. It languishes and by September 2004 closes its doors.

The site will later house a Starbucks Coffee house. A chain deli sandwich shop called

Quiznos is also scheduled to open just south and across the street from El Pollo Loco.

Meanwhile Cici's Pizza will relocate from its 77 Sunshine Strip site to the new Lincoln

Center Mall.

5/19/03 Pharr-based Lone Star National Bank opens a branch at the Harlingen Medical

Center. It is the bank's 8th location and the 9th is planned for Weslaco. Started in 1983

with 10 employees the bank currently employs 200 people and has assets of

approximately $608 million.

6/1/03 The steel framework is up for a three-story structure adjacent to the Harlingen

Medical Center . The new building developed by McAllen architect Alonzo Cantu is the

first of its class. Called Medical Office Building or MOB it will additionally house

condominiums in its 66,000 sq. ft. The offices and condos will range in size from 1,500

to 6,000 sq. ft. Medical doctors have already purchased 60-70% of the units. Completion

was set for August 2003 but goes to November for the $1.5 million building.

6/03 Echo Star Communications Corp. begins employee recruitment at its 53,000 sq. ft.

2809 E. Grimes facility. This company owns DISH Network, a digital satellite television

service that has more than 8.5 million subscribers in the U. S. It will start training 6/30

and go live 7/31 for its Harlingen sales and customer service center Plans call for it to

start with 200 employees and increase to 650 by the end of 2003. It received an

economic incentive package that is based on performance. It could receive a one-time

payment of more than $1.6 million if it lists 650 employees on its payroll each year after

2004. An additional $750,000 could go to this Fortune 500 Company if it creates another

300 full-time jobs and as much as $620,000 for adding as many as 500 part-time

positions. The facility was vacated this year by RHM Teleservices, Inc., a Pennsylvania

based marketing company. On 7/22/03 SBC Communications, the nation's second largest

local phone company, announces a partnership with Echo Star to offer a co-branded SBC

DISH Network. This represents an effort to compete with cable companies that now

provide phone service to 3 million U.S. households. SBC and Echo Star will integrate

operations. SBC now serves 56 million access lines while Echo Star has about 8.5

million satellite customers. SBC stock was down $1.12 to $23.06 on the NYSE and Echo

Star up 10¢ to $35.43 on the NASDAQ. By December 2003 Echo Star had exceeded its

goal and was about to reach 1,000 employees on its payroll here.

7/03 Sauza's Restaurant and Bar, 302 Ed Carey Drive, opens under general manager

Juan Ramirez. This same day two other facilities also open. Smith Family Clinic opens a

new facility at 707 W. Sesame Drive. Its staff includes Dr. Ray Smith and Dr. Ricardo

Alaniz. The Canterbury Court Assisted Living, 900 Camelot Drive, opens Hibiscus

Gardens, a dementia and Alzheimer's community.

The Fruit of the Loom Company announces it will shutter its Harlingen plant on or before

December 31. This will be a major financial blow to the city.

8/03 Several new firms opened this month. Discovery Playground in the El Mercado

Shopping Center, 712 N. 77 Sunshine Strip, is owned by Velma DeLeon. It is a

children's entertainment facility with murals by Rudy Vallee Hyde, Jr. Nextel, at 2201

W. Lincoln, specializes in cell phones and networking. Store manger is Eloisa

Castellanos. Unishippers at 3302 Heritage Way is associated with Airborne Express

Stations. Manager is Hugo Moya. Harlingen Dance and Cheer, owned by partners Jaime

Villareal and Eddie Pena, opened at 320 Eye Street. Temp-Net Digital Imaging and

Printing relocated to 312 E. Harrison according to owners Shein and Andy Joines.

Harlingen's unemployment rate is 7.6% versus Brownsville's 12.3, McAllen's 9.7, Texas'

6.6 and the nation's 6.1.

10/03 Encanto Snack Products, a company owned by the Aguirre family of Monterey,

Mexico, opens a processing plant at North FM 509 that manufactures snack foods,

including potato and corn chip. It employs about 40 people. John R. Phillips is its first

executive vice president. The $9 million plant of 43,000 square feet processes snacks for

both the U. S. and northern Mexico, which does not have a year-round supply of

potatoes.

11/03 Since 2001 there has been a 15% drop in winter visitors to the Valley. A typical

winter resident is a mid-westerner with annual income of $46,500, who spends $4,100

during his stay here on an average of 3 ½ months. In the last two winters this dropped to

$3,500 for this duration. Some RV parks were only half full in 2001 and 2002.

11/12/03 The 70 room $4 million Hampton Inn at 1202 Ed Carey Drive opens. The

studio suites are equipped with 32" television sets and internet connections. It has a two

story lobby, 550 gallon aquarium, a business and fitness center, outdoor pool and a

meeting room with a capacity of 50 people. Andy Bhakta is owner/general manager.

2003 The total of Harlingen hotel and motel industry rooms is about 1,300.

Two chambers of commerce continue to serve the city. John Crutchfield is CEO and

president of the Harlingen Area Chamber of Commerce and Nat Lopez CEO and

president of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. A comparison of the two is:

HACC HHCC

President and CEO $83,295 $57,502

Director of International Trade 59,137 --

Director of Economic Development 55,000 --

Mgr. New Industry Recruitment 45,000 --

Mgr. Local Area (business) Development 45,000 36,000

Business Development Coordinator -- 20,000

Community Affairs Specialist -- 24,000

Budget $2.4 million $390,000

Employees 20 5

Employee Salaries/fringes 2002-03 $890,000 $189,000

From ½% Sales Tax Economic

Development Corp.Allocation $945,600 $390,000

12/3/03 Central Baseball League officials threaten to drop Harlingen's RGV White

Wings baseball team due to its poor attendance unless local people purchase the team

from the league. The team's debt is put at $140,000. The league is committed to pay the

city $26,000 /yr. for five years. Debuting in 1994 the Wings won the 2000 Texas-

Louisiana League championship. The 2001 entry of the Edinburg Roadrunners in its $6.5

million stadium may have drawn fans from Harlingen.

12/18/03 Terry's Que Pasta Restaurant, 501 S. 77 Sunshine Strip, closes its doors.

Located in an old transformed house it has been one of Harlingen's few upscale intimate

restaurants. Tom Kane, Jr's restaurant building is soon demolished by the new owners in

order to make way for construction of a fancy bar.

12/30/03 Valley International Airport (Harlingen) controls 53% of the domestic

boardings of the three Valley airports. The Texas Dept. of Transportation attributes

$52.9 million as VIA's direct contribution to the local economy. The 245,000 annual

visitors it handles are estimated to contribute $97.2 million directly to the economic

output. The VIA's total economic activities stand at $259.5 million. Besides Continental

and Southwest Airlines (and Sun seasonally), other major tenants are Lockheed Martin,

FedEx, UPS, Airborne Express, Gulf Aviation, Gulf Avionics, and Amigos Aviation.

Roy Rodriguez is chairman of the aviation board, and Ernie D. Arredondo, director of

marketing.

12/31/03 Valley Race Park, Harlingen with its greyhound track on FM 801 contributes

$183,000 in pari-mutual betting taxes to the state for the year and $110,000 in other

taxes. Its on-track handle is $20 million, down 10.2% from 2002. Its attendance at

122,000 is down 6.9%.

2003 Acacia Construction LTD becomes a member of the Harlingen Area Builders'

Association. By 2004 the firm will have built approximately 60% of the multifamily

buildings in the City of Harlingen. To accommodate its growing business the company

builds a new office complex at 314 E. Tyler and opens it March 2006. It also manages

apartment complexes and by the end of 2006 will have completed the Ailani's Court

garden-homes complex in the Dixieland area.

1/1/04 1,532 new jobs were created in 2003 in Harlingen, but 791 old jobs were lost.

1,200 of the new jobs were for EchoStar, followed by Encanto, and Dayhoff. Fruit of the

Loom, which employed 1,700 at its peak, shut its doors at the end of 2003 with 791

employees.

2/22/04 By this point in history, bank consolidations and mergers had left Harlingen with

not one bank owned by city interests, although a few banks doing business here were still

Valley-owned. The situation was as follows for banks serving the Harlingen area:

Name Headquarters Assets Location Employees

Alamo Bank of Texas Alamo $200 million 9 120

Bank of America Charlotte, NC $737 billion 4,200 100,000

Coastal Banc Houston $2.5 billion 44 600

First National Bank Edinburg $2.1 billion 34 525

First Community Bank San Benito $100 million 5 50

Lone Star National Bank Pharr $600 million 6 200

Texas State Bank McAllen $4.2 billion 35 1,250

Wells Fargo Bank San Francisco $391 billion 3,035 139,000

IBC Laredo $6.7 billion 100 N/A

Frost Bank San Antonio $10 billion 80 N/A

3/14/04 The NAFTA CargoPort has opened in the 60,000 square foot facility built by

LYXNS Holdings. In addition to Bax Global and Menlow Worldwide, Swissport, a

company which works closely with air cargo carriers, will be a tenant. The setup will

facilitate the movement of parts into northern Mexico for manufacturing operations there.

4/14/04 FedEx ,which handles air freight to the Valley using Harlingen as a terminal,

replaces its standard cargo airplane with a larger and more fuel efficient aircraft. This is

the French-manufactured Airbus A310 which may carry up to 40 tons of cargo. Increased

business to the Valley and northern Mexico necessitated the change. The twin-engine

plane has 25% greater holding capacity than presently use craft.

5/2/04 El Nuevo Heraldo, the Rio Grande Valley's only Spanish language daily

newspaper is to expand from its Brownsville base into the Harlingen-San Benito area as

well as increasing its content and coverage.

5/11/04 Freedom Communications Inc., parent company of the Valley Morning Star,

moved the corporation partly out of sole Hoiles family hands thereby resolving a twenty

year feud. In a two billion dollar deal 58% of the stock was sold to the Blackwell Group

of New York and Rhode Island-based Providence Equity Partners. Family members who

wanted out sold the outstanding shares, however the buyout group can only own a

maximum of 49.9% of the voting stock, so the family will remain in control. Tim Hoiles,

grandson of the founder, Raymond C. Hoiles, sold his shares, estimated at more than

$100 million.

5/12/04 As its aerospace business slows, the local plant of Lockheed Martin Space

Systems Co. lays off 19 employees. The Denver–based company will retain 211 people

in Harlingen.

5/16/04 The Harlingen Medical Center unveils its chronic wound treatment center in

which $300,000 has been invested. Four employees have been hired to run it. Four days

later the VBHS announces an agreement with the Driscoll Children's Hospital of Corpus

Christi. The latter will bring specialize children's treatments here.

5/18/04 Along with five others throughout the Valley, Advance Auto Parts is to open a

store here on West Tyler. The 7,000 square foot store will employ about 10 people. The

company has about 2,500 outlets in 39 states and employs 35,000.

5/22/04 While SBC ( the giant communications company which was the outgrowth of

Southwestern Bell telephone) employees are on strike, it is noted that 40 Harlingen

employees at its 401 E. Van Buren business office will be displaced come 12/4 after the

facility is declared surplus. A similar number will face a similar circumstance in

McAllen. Their job guarantee applies to the state but not necessarily the area.

6/29/04 The Valley Baptist Health System becomes owner of the Brownsville Medical

Center. While the acquisition price was not announced, Cameron County shows it with a

market value for land and buildings of $15,825,679. The Center has 243 beds and was

founded in 1923 by the Sisters of Mercy and is Brownsville's largest hospital.

7/04 Hibernia Bank, a national entity, acquires the Coastal Banc system in the Valley.

This includes 10 offices from Mission to Brownsville in addition to the Harlingen ones at

221 East Van Buren, 1410 Ed Carey Drive, and 502 South Dixieland Road.

7/11/04 In the early morning hours a major fire is to engulf the Santos Lozano Building,

also called the Pioneer's Building. This structure at 112-119 East Jackson Street and

designated a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1980 is totally destroyed and beyond

salvage. The two-story brick building constructed in 1915 carries in it a tremendous

amount of Harlingen history. Lost in it and adjacent buildings are seven businesses

including the owner for eight years, Kattan Western Wear Store, which carries no

insurance. Arson is suspected.

7/29/04 The national and international coffee shop chain, Starbucks, opens its first outlet

in the Valley. This is in Harlingen's Valley International Airport terminal. It is run by

HMS Hosts, a company that has exclusive rights to run Starbucks shops inside many of

the nation's airports.

9/15/04 Shane Spees is named CEO of Valley Baptist Medical Center-Harlingen. He

comes from Memorial Southwest Hospital in Houston. He served there as Assistant VP

of Operations and has had 10 years experience in healthcare administration as well as

legal background. This Mississippi native earned his under-graduate and law degrees at

the University of Mississippi and his Masters in Healthcare Administration at the

University of Houston-Clear Lake. James Eastham moves to the position of Executive

Vice President and CEO of Valley Baptist Health System under its President and CEO

James G. Springfield. On October 4 Randy McLelland is to become chief financial

officer. He previously served as chief operating officer for Lone Star National Bank,

following many years of executive leadership at JP Morgan/Chase and its predecessor

bank, Texas Commerce Bank. Meanwhile Greg Harb, formerly of Houston, takes the

position of CEO for Valley Baptist Health Center-Brownsville, previously the Harlingen

Medical Center while Jim Salyer is senior vice president for corporate services.

11/4/04 The city enters into an industrial agreement with Penn Aluminum expected to

create 40 jobs eventually. Located in the industrial park it will pay no city taxes as the

area has yet to be annexed but will purchase city services. The company guarantees 20

employees the first year, 32 in its second year and 40 in the 3rd thru 7th years.

2004 By year end new businesses in town include Edna Posada's Spa La Posada; Valley

Physician Services owned by Anne Flory (it does medical billing and employs 42 at its

new facilities on Harrison Street west of Loop 499); and Delights Bakery and Main Street

Grill on Jackson Street. Rose Snell's Fast Signs franchise moved into a new larger

location on 77 Sunshine Strip. Time Warner Cable expanded its customer service call

center with a new $1.3 million building.

11/15/04 VBMC opens the Harlingen Heritage Program which offers senior citizens help

with mental and emotional problems. The facility is at 2121 Pease Street.

11/30/04 For the 11 month period permits in residential and commercial projects were up

significantly for Harlingen. The total was $104,313,117 compared to $61,635,025 for the

same period in 2003.

12/4/04 West Corp., a Nebraska based telemarketer, plans to beef up its Harlingen

workforce by adding 175 positions to its already 350. The 1514 S. 77 Sunshine Strip

center opened here June 2001.

3/05 Cheryl LaBerge, after seven years as head of the Convention and Visitor's Bureau,

becomes manager of Harlingen's Downtown. This is a business district of 40 blocks

bound approximately by Monroe Street on the north, Harrison the south, 4th Street to the

east, and F Street to the west. Guided by 12 directors, it is committed to showcasing

downtown businesses and the district's architectural history.

4/1/05 The Treasure Hills Imaging Center opens at 1717 Treasure Hills Blvd. It is a joint

venture between the VBMC and Valley Radiological Associates. Under Executive

Director Ethel Morton, the facility will have 15 staff members including nine technicians

and a radiologist.

4/8/05 The VBMC through its Valley Baptist Health System acquires the Athletix Gym,

a six year old business owned by Wendy Brons. A new center to open in the spring next

year will have about 30,000 square feet.

4/21/05 Laredo National Bank-Brownsville opens a branch to be known as LNB-

Harlingen at 2005 West Lincoln Street.

5/2/05 Marie McDermott assumes position as president/CEO of the Harlingen Area

Chamber of Commerce. She has a BA in business from UT (Austin) and also was

graduated from the Economic Development Institute, Norman, OK. She has been

president of the Brownsville Economic Development Council and worked with the Bay

Area Houston Economic Partnership as vice president.

8/27/05 KGBT-TV, the Valley's CBS affiliate, to have new parent company. Its current

owner, Liberty Corp. headquartered in Greenville, SC, will merge with the Alabama-

based Raycon Media Inc. Liberty's 15 television stations and cable sales operations will

go into an employee-owned company that operates 37 television stations and employs

more than 2,500 people. The sales agreement calls for a cash purchase of $47.35 per

share of the company valued at about $987 million. In early October Raycom Media

announces its intention to sell 12 network affiliated stations, including the Harlingen CBS

affiliate. It desires to focus on its core TV stations in the Southeast and Midwest.

9/05 La Michoacana Meat Markets, a Houston-based food chain serving primarily the

Latin marketplace, opens its large newly constructed facility at the northwest corner of H

and Harrison Streets. This is south half of the city block formerly occupied by Boggus

Lincoln Mercury whose structures on the site have been demolished. The company now

has 70 stores in Texas and one in Oklahoma. It has its own meat market, bakery, taqueria,

and highlights foods from Latin America as well as the U. S.

On the north half of the block, 918 W. Harrison Ave., Lone Star National Bank is

constructing a large drive in bank operation to open 12/15/05. This Pharr-based bank that

was started in 1983 will soon have nine branches across the Valley and will have in this

motor bank outlet an ATM machine, the first of its type in the Valley, capable of

handling bills and checks. This block and the block to the west which formerly contained

Boggus Ford facilities were cleared of existing structures in February 2005.

10/10/05 After being at 220 E. Harrison since 1945, MacPherson's Pharmacy and

Medical Equipment opens in its newly –constructed 5,700 square foot building at 124 E.

Harrison. It has a drive-in widow. Its owner-operator, Michael Murphy, also has a

branch at 1733 S 77 Sunshine Strip near the medical complexes, but it moves to 2300 S

77 in January 2006. Architect Meg Join has designed the attractive new structure's

exterior and roof facade to resemble that of the 1920s St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico

Railway (later Missouri Pacific) train depot which once stood not far away and also that

of the nearby Missouri Pacific freight depot of 1927.

11/05 Capital One merges with the Hibernia Bank of New Orleans. The latter has

branches in Harlingen and throughout the Valley. These will take on the name Capital

One in April 2006.

1/26/06 The city's business community is cheered when Loew's, a home improvement

center, reveals it will construct a 171,000 square–foot store along the east side of

Exp77/83 near Ed Carey Drive. Target will add 8,000 square–feet to its existing store,

making it total 122,610. The addition will also house a new Starbucks coffee shop. A

new hotel called Value Place is planned for South New Hampshire Road and the

Expressway. Along Loop 499 a 180-unit apartment complex is being started while First

Community Bank is constructing another branch on Stuart Place Road.

3/4/06 PetSmart, a national chain based in Arizona, has a grand opening in its Lincoln

Corners store thereby making it the third pet shop in Harlingen. While it does not sell

pets, it does do grooming and has a wide range of pet products.

5/06 Union Pacific crews have been working in the Combes–Harlingen sector replacing

railroad ties and improving crossings as part of a $11.5 million project in the RGV to

replace 100,000 ties and 160 crossings in the 50-mile Raymondville to Brownsville

stretch. The Omaha-based company has a huge task force of its employees and those of

sub-contractors in the area.

5/10/06 Valley International Airport becomes "international" again when FedEx

commences a five times a week flight schedule to transport freight between Harlingen

and Monterrey, Mexico.

6/9/06 The Freedom Communication Inc. acquires the free-distribution weekly The

Coastal Current. The latter, conceived 14 years ago and owned by Jim and Melissa

Goller, concentrates on entertainment and South Padre Island. It will be consolidated with

Island Breeze, a Freedom publication.

6/10/06 Car dealers Jeff Kellogg, a Houstonian now living in San Benito, and Butch

Cooley a Lyford native, announce the merger of Kellogg Chevrolet Inc. and Knapp

Chevrolet into Kellogg-Knapp Chevrolet as of June 1. A total of 180 employees is

current combined manning.

6/14/06 Spain's second largest bank, Banco Bilboa Vizcaya Argentaria (BBVA) to buy

Texas State Bank's parent company for $2.16 billion in order to bolster the Madrid bank's

U.S. Hispanic market. There are five Texas State branches in Harlingen. Last year

BBVA acquired Laredo National Bank's holding company. Texas State Bank was opened

in 1982. In 1983 it was part of newly formed Texas Regional Bancshares, a holding

company which also included Harlingen State Bank that was soon to change its name to

Texas State Bank. On 6/27/06 another major banking development was revealed. The

thirteen Alamo Bank of Texas branches in the Valley, including two in Harlingen,

changed to Frost Bank in an $87 million deal commenced in February. Frost is part of

Cullen/Frost Bankers, a financial holding company.

8/15/06 Paul Binz, 51, veteran newspaperman, becomes managing editor of the Valley

Morning Star. He has been managing editor at The Monitor in McAllen since 1993 and

worked there and at the Brownsville Herald since 1989. He replaces George Cox who is

now general manager for the Coastal Current and Island Breeze, recently acquired by

Freedom Communications. Binz is a Little Rock native who was raised in Houston.

9/1/06 Loew's, a major national home improvement firm based in North Carolina, opens

its doors for business. In doing so, it will provide 140 full and part-time jobs in Harlingen

according to general manager Ryan Richardson.

9/22/06 The Harlingen Medical Office Building II on Victoria Lane opens for business.

The 80,000 sq.ft. complex with 22 units was built by Alonso Cantu, owner of Cantu

Construction Company. One unit is the new Harlingen Medical Imaging Center with a

MRI room and a 64-slice CT scanner.

9/30/06 Privately–owned Cardone Industries, Inc., a Philadelphia-based automotive

parts re-manufacturer with a Matamoros plant, announces it has purchased the former

680,000 sq. ft. Fruit of the Loom plant. Initially employing 100 it may eventually employ

500.

10/17/06 Solara Hospital, a long-term acute care facility with 41 beds and owned by

Solara Healthcare of Dallas, opens on Victoria Lane near the Harlingen Medical Center.

It has 40 employees but this is expected to rise to 120.

12/9/06 Lockheed Martin partners with the Boeing Co. to form joint venture—United

Launch Alliance. The Harlingen facility of the former will now take on this new name.

With 160 current employees the move should solidify the future of the company here.

1/6/07 Billionaire Billy Joe "Red" McCombs of San Antonio enters into a partnership

with Cardenas Autoplex. This 40-year old company, with branches in Brownsville and

San Benito, opened its Harlingen business in 1992. McCombs is expanding in the Valley

because of its business potential. The dealership handles Toyota, Cadillac, Mazda,

Mercedes-Benz, and BMW.

5/27/07 The Valley Morning Star complements its online internet paper with V247. This

is an entertainment and database website with interactive features.

6/30/07 The Valley Baptist Health & Fitness Center in Treasure Hills has its Grand

Opening. The state-of-the-art 38,000 sq.ft. health club has numerous amenities.

9/1/07 Tyler Patton, 42, becomes the publisher of the VMS. This Midland native earned

a degree in financial management from Hardin-Simmons University and in 1990 began

employment with the Abilene Reporter News. He joined Freedom Communications, the

parent of the VMS, when, in 1994, he took employment with the Odessa American. In

2004 he became general manager of the Valley Morning Star. On 10/1/07 the circulation

of the paper reaches on average 23,919 copies for the last 12 months.

12/13/07 VTX Broadband, high-speed internet provider, opens headquarters at 401 E.

Jackson. It installs a 190' tower at 413 E. Jackson near the Matz Building and SES

Communications.

1/9/08 At the site of the former Seville Motel and its many reincarnations at the west end

of town between Harrison and Tyler Avenues is arising the Woodmont Shopping Center.

It will feature a 15,000 sq, ft. Walgeens, a separate Starbucks structure, and two

additional building, one with four suites and one of 6,000 sq. ft. with three suites. West

near the Business 83 frontage where Pletcher's Nursery on 50 acres used to be located,

the Kohl's Department Store with about 68,000 sq. ft. is nearing completion as the anchor

for this new shopping center. Coming up on the site, nearby and directly on the frontage,

is a Logan's Roadhouse of 7,200 sq. ft. that will feature a casual dining steakhouse and

generate about 120 jobs.

Over time this St. Ives Properties site called Harlingen Corners will welcome a new

30,000 sq. ft. Marshall's. A second phase of 150,00 sq. ft. is expected to have as tenants

Bed, Bath, and Beyond; Famous Footwear; Lane Bryant; and Maurice's, a clothing store.

A third phase with similar footage is planned.

1/10/08 Harlingen loses a business landmark when Broadway Hardware, in business

here for nine years, closes its doors at 302 W, Jackson.. This site has been continuously

occupied by a hardware business since 1915.

1/28/08 Edelstein's Better Furniture, in the Valley since 1906 and Harlingen around

1915, is sold to Famsa, Inc., the US subsidiary of the Monterrey-based Grupo Famsa.

Twelve of the Edelstein family Valley stores are part of the transaction. Besides stores in

Mexico Famsa operates 47 stores in the US.

2/20/08 The City agrees to help the Simon Property Group financially in improving its

Valley Vista Mall. The City will reimburse up to 15% of any sales tax revenue generated

by new tenants above the currently generated mall revenues up to a maximum of $1.275

million from the 2% sales tax that is returned from the state. Improvements will include a

new tile floor, overlaying a majority of the parking lot, renovating two mall entrances,

replacing skylights, adding a family restroom, and removing unnecessary columns. These

capital improvements are expected to total about $5.5 million with new tenants expected

to spend another $3 million.

6/27/08 The national chain of Circuit City featuring electronic technology opens its

20,000 sq. ft. store in the Valley Vista Mall. It expects to employ 30-60 people. In mid-

January 2009 the 567-store chain files for bankruptcy and will close here in a few

months.

8/18/08 The national chain Texas Roadhouse, employing 165 people here, opens its

restaurant on frontage 77/83 adjacent to Loews.

8/22/08 Banco Bilboa Vizcaya Argenta(BBVA), a Spanish banking giant has taken over

more than 62 branches of the Texas State Bank and Laredo National Bank in the Valley

and other banks in East Texas. The former with assets last year totaling $8.4 billion will

lay off local employees due to the consolidation. The local banks will be known as

BBVA Compass or simply Compass.

9/24/08 The VMS average paid circulation for the last twelve months is 21,857.

10/14/08 This is the last day for Jim Springfield as CEO of the Valley Baptist Health

System. He is succeeded by James Eastham, formerly COO and executive vp of the

VBHS.

11/08 Mervyn's commences its final sales prior to closing its Harlingen store together

with its other Valley sites.

12/08 National chain electronic store REX in the Valley Vista Mall shutters its doors

here.

1/09 Aloe Laboratories announces plans to expand its operations here. The firm is to add

20,000 sq. ft. and bring in new equipment. Plans are to add 35 employees over the next

five years.

1/3/09 The VMS prints its last newspaper on its Harlingen facility press. Future editions

will be printed at the McAllen Monitor's plant. Quality will be improved and savings

accrue to the Freedom Press by not having to replace the existing 35 year-old presses.

1/20/09 Bed Bath and Beyond opens its 21,000 sq. ft. store in the Harlingen Corners

shopping center. Other retailers soon to establish in this center are Old Navy, Maurices, a

subsidiary of Dress Barn, Lane Bryant, Rue 21, and the cosmetic store Ulta. Marshalls

will also open here soon after leaving the Valley Vista Mall. By 2/10/09 the downturn in

the economy revealed that Old Navy, Ulta, Famous Footwear, and Lane Bryant had

dropped plans to open here, however a Shoe Carnival store would.

2/10/09 Pocket Communications has ribbon cutting ceremony for its 6902 W Expressway

83 facility. The call care center dedicated to customer services is now employing 120

people but may eventually expand to 250.

2/16/09 Valley Baptist Medical Center's CEO Dan McLean resigns after a one-year

tenure. The hospital system is struggling after $25 million in damages from Hurricane

Dolly and another $11 million in lost business.

7/17/09 The Valley Morning Star offers its readers expanded coverage via electronic

online access. Seven-day subscribers receive the service free of additional charges.

8/09 CVS, a national pharmacy chain, commences site preparation for two outlets.

Between Harrison and Tyler and 1st and 2

nd Streets, it demolishes the sizeable former

Knapp Chevrolet complex last occupied by CAHS, Inc. (Central Air). Despite pleas from

many community members CVS goes ahead and destroys the historic "Glass House" , the

art deco modern building put up in the 1930s and that once housed Feldman's Liquor

Store. Later to be replaced at the site is the relatively new MacPherson's Pharmacy

building. The second outlet will be on the SE corner of the intersection of Ed Carey and

S. 77 Sunshine Strip. Traffic access to this particular location is very problematical.

9/30/09 The West Corp. announces that it will close its Harlingen call center by

November 30. A work staff of 341 individuals will be out of work. At the beginning of

2009 the workforce employed was 520.

10/12/09 After being in operation for 55 years the Valley Diagnostic Clinic announces

that it will dissolve. The individual doctors involved will go into private practices.

People

2000 Lillian Lamon, an officer of the Texas State Bank dies, of an automobile accident

at age 50. This banker was also a volunteer and a community leader. In 2001 her family

coordinating with the Cameron/Willacy Division American Heart Association

commences awarding the annual Lillian Lamon Crystal Heart Award to a deserving

community volunteer. She was the former Lillian McInnis, a HHS and Texas A&I

graduate, former teacher, and in 1981 in charge of marketing for the Plaza National Bank.

2001 James (Jim) Springfield, 37, joins the Valley Baptist Hospital System as executive

vice president and chief operating officer. Prior to coming to the Valley he held a variety

of positions with the Houston-based Memorial Hermann Healthcare System from 1988 to

2000. He is named president and chief operating officer in 2003. In early 2004 it is

revealed that Springfield has been named the nation's "Young Healthcare Executive of

the Year" by the American College of Healthcare Executives. This former financial

analyst is board certified in health care management. He and his wife Teri have four

children.

11/12/02 Aubrey Dale Grayson born in Harlingen 8/20/32 to Luther and Liddie Grayson

will die here at age 70. For 28 years he was the owner/operator of Stacy Mitchell

cleaners. Harriet Adams, whom he married in 1952, survived him as did his sons,

Steven, Douglas, Burt and 11 grandchildren.

5/4/04 Ford automobile dealer, Frank Boggus receives the Salvation Army's most

prestigious award. This is the William Booth Award named for the Salvation Army

founder. The 75 year old Boggus has helped the Army for nearly 40 years, 30 of which

he served as a director in Harlingen along side Lloyd Pratt. In an overwhelmingly

Democratic Party county, Boggus has been a strong Republican. He was in 1988 a

delegate to the Republican National Convention. He served as chairman of the Texas

State Bank in which he is a major investor.

7/25/04 Gary Souffrant, M.D., a native of Haiti, becomes director of Su Clinica Familiar.

This board certified physician is an internist and specialist in pulmonary diseases. He

arrives in Harlingen with his wife and two sons.

2/23/06 Edwin Martin Winkler, 91 and a lifelong resident of Harlingen passes. He was

one of the founders of St. Anthony's Catholic Church. Owner of Harlingen Bottling

Works, he also worked for and retired from the US Postal Service. He was a WWII

veteran, member of the Knights of Columbus, American Legion, and an Elk. Preceded in

death by his wife Mary, he left no direct descendants.

9/7/06 Last week construction began on the 121 room Value Place Hotel to open in mid-

February 2007 at the corner of New Hampshire Street and EXP 77/83. It will be an

extended stay lodge with a kitchenette.

1/25/07 Regular Army Specialist Private First Class Darrell Wayne Shipp, 25, becomes

the first Harlingenite to give his life in Operation Iraqi Freedom and the War Against

Terrorism. He was killed in Iraq by an "improvised explosive device. " Born 10/30/1981,

he was a graduate of Harlingen High School. His parents, four sisters and their spouses

together with two grandparents and numerous relatives survive him. Upon the casket's

arrival in Harlingen Mayor Rodriguez reflected, "It was a quiet moment. It puts

everything in perspective because he paid the ultimate price. I just stood in awe and

thought, "This is a true hero.'" A Memorial Funeral Service was held at the MMA

Auditorium on 2/3. On 7/25/07 a memorial plaque to Shipp is dedicated at the Harlingen

Library.

5/07 After 23 years of covering Valley sports, VMS Buddy Green retires. A native of

Mount Vernon, NY he came to Texas in the early 1980s to attend Texas A&I University.

He joined the VMS in 1984 and in 1999 was named its sports editor. His coverage was

well received over the years.

6/30/07 Dr. Marion R. Lawler, Jr., surgeon and cardiovascular specialist, retires after 36

years practicing medicine in the Valley.

9/12/07 At age 96, Harlingen pioneer Dorothy Burchard Washmon dies. In 1933 in San

Antonio she married Charles Adolph Washmon, mayor of Harlingen 1952-1956 and who

preceded her in death in 1979. Mrs. Washmon, a Presbyterian, was very active in civic,

cultural, and social affairs. She was involved in history organizations, the library, music,

P.E.O., DAR, and Algadon. She is survived by her two sons, Charles Hoyte and John

Richard Washmon, nine grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren.

2/3/09 E. Clinton (Bud) Breedlove dies at age 86. Having served in WWII in the Army

Air Corps he went on to become president and chairman of the board of the First National

Bank of Harlingen, board member of VBMC, and a founder of the MMA. In 1970 he was

chairman of the board of the Chamber of Commerce. This First Baptist Church member

leaves behind a wife and numerous descendents.

Education

5/12/00 Cesar Morales, a Zapata native, retires after being Lamar Elementary School

principal for 30 years. He attended Texas A & I College and began his teaching career in

1962 at Gay Junior High School.

5/20/00 Verna Young retires after 46 years of service in the HCISD. She began teaching

math in 1953 at Gay, served as principal at Bonham Elementary 1975-1984 when she

became Harlingen High School principal until this date. She was later elected to the

school board.

7/00 The University of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences under Mr. James Wiggin joins

the Chamber of Commerce. It is located in the Sun Valley Mall at 913 N 13th Street.

2/25/01 Jefferson Elementary School and Memorial Middle School are having extensive

work done. The jobs are worth $1.8 million and $4.5 million respectively.

4/18/01 Travis Elementary School soon will undergo a $1.8 million upgrade for its 535

students. Treasure Hill Elementary School will get $3.25 million for renovations for its

658 students. Other expenditures are $11.5million for Harlingen High School South and

$9.95 million for Harlingen High School.

5/25/01 After a 40 year career in education Velma Nunez retires. This San Benito native

has been principal at the Bowie Elementary School for 36 years. Another Bowie School

teacher, Elaine Regelski, also retires this date. This Warren, Ohio native has taught for

34 years, 25 which have been at Bowie.

9/02 TSTC enrollment continues to climb year to year. On 9/00 it was 3,228, 3,841 in

9/01 and 4,217 this date.

2002 (summer) Memorial Middle School is extensively updated.

10/3/02 As the Texas State Technical College-Harlingen celebrates Pres. J. Gilbert Leal's

24 years in office, it has grown on its current 124.5 acre campus to 69 buildings, more

than 500 employees, and more than 4,000 credit students. Since 1978 projects added have

included 14 instructional buildings, the Student Center, the Fieldhouse, a child-care

center, a service support center, and a work force center. These have been valued at more

than $30 million. The property inventory has grown to almost $35 million and the annual

budget exceeds $38 million. Earlier this year TSTC Chancellor, Dr. Bill Segura, named

Leal Vice-Chancellor for Border Opportunity Development. The fall 2001 enrollment

was 3,842 and in 2002 was 4,618.

5/03 The Valley Baptist Academy closes permanently at the end of the school year. It is

then utilized as the Valley Baptist Mission Education Center.

5/25/03 Construction begins at TSTC for a new Learning Resource Center. Scheduled

for completion in October, the two story facility with 35,000 sq. ft. will house the library

media center, a library instructional classroom, a spacious lobby, circulation area, study

rooms, as well as reference and general collection areas. It is dedicated on 1/22/04.

7/12/03 St. Anthony's Catholic Church opens a middle school for 7th and 8th graders

after having closed one in the 1960s when the HAFB ceased operating. The physical

plant is at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church on C Street.

2004 A partnership involving the auto industry and others contributes to the school

sports infrastructure. Knapp Chevrolet and Valley Baptist Medical Center donate

$250,000 each for the project while Hino Gas and Electric adds $200,000. High tech

scoreboards are constructed at the Boggus Stadium and also some middle school fields.

At Boggus new restrooms, concession stands, and additional bleachers among other items

cost the district $625,000.

1/24/04 TSTC's Learning Resource Center building is dedicated.

5/12/04 Diana Walker, a third grade teacher at Calvary Christian School for eleven

years, is selected as teacher of the year '04 from 18 school districts. The honor comes

from Freedom Communication Newspapers in Education.

4/05/04 Clearing begins at the site of the new elementary school on FM 2994 (Wilson

Road) on its north side about ¾ mile west of its intersection with Stuart Place Road. It

had been a sugarcane field farmed by Frank Burns. Construction of the school designed

by FRO International, architectural engineers, and erected by the Sam Corp, general

contractor, and both of McAllen is two-thirds along by early August. The school will

have 85,324 sq. ft. When completed the construction costs were $7 million. The

Rodriguez Elementary School, named after the Harlingen doctor, will not be ready for a

September school year opening, so the 500 students who will occupy the school are

diverted to temporary quarters behind the Wilson Elementary School according to school

principal, Traci Gonzalez. The greatly growing school population has put the district

under a strain. Construction projects under way include: Austin and Bowie Elementary

Schools, classroom renovations by 1/05; Stuart Place and Wilson Elementary schools,

classroom renovations by 5/05; a new middle school, total construction by 7/05; and

Harlingen High School, campus renovations and extra-curricular facilities by 11/05.

8/04 The HCISD has a teaching staff of 1,250.

9/7/04 While construction continues on some parts of the school, 27 rooms of the

Rodriguez Elementary School welcome new students.

11/04 Edwin and Corinne Swaney publish their 364-page book, "Marching in Cadence:

The History of MMA." Sale proceeds will go to the Marine Military Academy. Mr.

Swaney volunteers at the MMA Iwo Jima Museum which he helped establish.

12/15/04 After the 15-member nomination committee recommends it, the school board

votes for the name Moises V. Vela Middle School, in honor of the city judge and former

county commissioner. The school, costing $13.5 million, is located off Palm Blvd., .3

mile south of Business 83. When opened in August 2005 it will serve about 684 students.

TSTC see a 19.3 % enrollment increase from its spring 2004 numbers. 4,461 are

currently enrolled with 845 as new students. The percentage over 35 years in age is

increasing steadily. Currently 50% are in the 18 to 24 age group; 20% between 25 to 35;

and 30% 36 years or older.

1/28/05 TSTC enrollment is 4,461 compared to spring 2004 of 3,739.

3/11/05 The Dr. Hesiquio Rodriguez Elementary School is officially dedicated. This

gentleman graduated as valedictorian of the Harlingen High School class of 1935, when

he was 15.By the time he was 22 he was a practicing doctor, having received his medical

degree from the University of Texas Medical Center in 1942. While serving in the U.S.

Army 1942-45 he interned in St. Louis where he met and married psychiatric nurse

Annabel Alberts. He served on the Rio Hondo School Board 1948-51 before moving

back to Harlingen in 1954. He died in 1977 at age 58. Among 60 Rodriguez relatives

present at the ribbon cutting ceremony were the doctor's widow Ann Rodriguez Guerrero,

daughter Suzanne Rodriguez Jones, and his son Charles Rodriguez.

4/8/05 The school district is considering the expenditure of $1.068 million to renovate

and upgrade a deteriorating Boggus Stadium.

5/1/05 Calvary Baptist School announces that it will commence high school classes for

grades 9 and 10 for the school year 2005-06. Two portable buildings have been set up to

accommodate the new classes. The next phase in the school's plans is the construction of

a library, expansion of the early childhood center, and making all handicapped accessible.

Later a permanent high school structure will be erected and 11th and 12th grade classes

added. A fundraising goal is $778,000, of which $260,000 is earmarked for the high

school.

6/11/05 Nora "Coach Z" Zamarripa is inducted into the RGV Sports Hall of Fame. At this

time the high school girl's basketball coach has a record of 528 wins and 223 losses in a

career at Edinburg and Harlingen High Schools. This Lyford native has come a long way

since hoeing cotton field on her parent's farm. She played basketball herself at Lyford

going on to play at Texas A & I University in Kingsville where she changed her major

from business to physical education. She then started her ongoing 25 year coaching

career characterized by "an intensity that can be fierce."

2006 The Moises Vela Middle School is constructed on Palm Blvd, just south of

Business 83. It required $13 million. HICSD opens the Early College High School on the

campus of TSTC.

2/2/06 A survey reveals that the HCISD salaries are in line with the state average.

Serving 17,660 students Harlingen teachers start at $34,000 with the average salary for

all teachers being $41,790. The latter is $76 less than the state average of $41,866. The

district also pays additional supplemental stipends for attendance, and programs such as

band, sports, theater.

2/4/06 TSTC Regents OK transfer of up to 48 hours credit from the school's curricular to

a student moving on to a four-year university. The board also approved a $1.275 million

purchase of a 42 acre tract south of Rio Hondo Road and between Loop 499 and 25th

Street. This will allow for future expansion.

12/8/06 It is announced that over the next seven months the last of the $80 million 1999

school bond issue money will go toward renovations of school district-owned Boggus

Stadium. The 9,000-seat facility will get enclosures under the bleachers, more restrooms,

and slimmed-down light towers for an estimated $2 million.

8/07 As the school year begins the HCISD estimates a student population of 18,000

compared to a 2006-2007 one of 17,700. In 2002 there were 16,049 students. A new

elementary school is currently being constructed to relieve overcrowding at the Long and

Bonham Elementary Schools.

11/28/07 Sitting on a 15.65 acre site on Loop 499 near 13th

Street are the foundations for

a new 800 pupil elementary school. To cost about $10 million, it is expected to be

completed by the start of the 2008-2009 school year. In early January 2008 the School

Board selects Lee H. Means as the school's name. Mrs. Means is the longtime Harlingen

school educator.

12/30/07 Due for completion in the spring of 2008 is the TSTC Cultural Art Center at

the corner of Raintree and Loop 499. This $2.1 million structure with 15,563 sq. ft. will

be able to seat 600. Having moveable partitions and a separate conference room capable

of holding 20-30 people plus a kitchen for catering, it will offer multiple uses to students

and community alike. Ample parking will also be provided.

1/22/08 Linda Wade, Superintendent of Schools since 2001, announces her retirement

come June. She has completed 35 years in the field of education starting with 14 years as

a teacher in Missouri. Next came 21 years in various capacities in the HCISD including

the last seven as superintendent. She leaves with an ending salary of $160,000 a year.

3/29/08 At age 59, Cheryl Card Gray, daughter of former Mayor Bill Card and Garrison

Card dies after a long battle with cancer. Thirty-five years of her life were with the

HCISD. She was the first director of the HOSTS Program and for 18 years principal of

the Stuart Place Elementary School. Her last year here was 2004. She leaves behind her

husband Harold Gray, her parents, and siblings. Her successor as principal is Vivian

Bauer.

7/1/08 Steve Flores, 43, commences job as HCISD school superintendent. This San

Angelo native has been involved with education for 25 years including high school and

junior high school principal in that city, assistant superintendent Pflugerville ISD and

Round Rock ISD, Area VI superintendent for Dallas, and acting general superintendent

for the Round Rock ISD. He holds a masters of education degree in school administration

from San Angelo State University and a doctorate degree from the University of Texas at

Austin in 2001. His starting salary will be $189,500 plus $200/ month phone and

$700/month car allowances. The previous superintendent ended her career at a $170,000

salary.

8/13/08 The Learning Resource Center (library) of TSTC is rename the Dr. J. Gilbert

Leal Learning Resource Center.

8/31/08 J. Gilbert Leal, president of Texas State Technical College, retires after 39 years

with this institution. His first nine years were spent as teacher, migrant counseling

supervisor, director of admissions, dean of students, and general manager before

becoming president. When he started the institute had 67 students and 30 employees.

Today TSTC boasts an enrollment of 6,000 and more than 500 employees.

11/20/08 Harlingen High School South Hawks football coach Alan Cherry is reassigned

after team ends season with a 2-8 record. In 2007 under his tutelage the team went 10-0

and advanced three rounds into the finals.

10/10/08 Dr. Cesar Maldonaldo is named new president of TSTC Harlingen. He is an

engineer and busunessman, also a HICSD trustee who has a M.S. Degree in chemical

engineering and a PhD. in systems and engineering management

1/5/09 About 240 pupils from Long Elementary and 200 from Bonham are relocated to

the newly completed $10 million Lee Means Elementary School on Loop 499. Principal

Elizabeth Maldonaldo leads the staff of 43 teachers and professionals. The school adopts

the name Wolverines as a symbol and hunter green as its color.

1/30/09 Texas State Technical College exceeded the 5,000 enrollment mark for the first

time last year and this fall registered more than 6,000 students.

2/19/09 TSTC to receive certification to open its May program of Vocational Nursing.

5/4/09 After a student at Long Elementary School is preliminarily diagnosed as probably

having a case of swine influenza, the schools of the HCISD are announced closed until

May 11. In its closure, the district joins numerous other Valley school systems facing a

possible pandemic from the disease originating about two weeks ago in Mexico.

8/24/09 more than 18,000 students begin the school year under the direction of

Superintendent Dr. Steve Flores.

8/28/09 The school board approves a $147 million budget for 2009-2010. It is projected

to cover costs for 18,350 students at two high schools, one alternative high school, five

middle schools, 17 elementary schools, and nine Head Start Centers. This is a 5.5%

increase over the previous budget of $139,822,228.A $1,500 raise for teachers is

foreseen. As a full-day kindergarten program is instituted 31 additional teachers will be

employed. Because of a 1.7% increase in taxable properties the district is able to keep the

same tax rate of $1.12 ½ for each $100 assessed property valuation.

9/8/09 TSTC installs 861-sq. ft. array of photovoltaic panels to help power the Autobody

Collision Technology Building.

10/25/09 Associate of Science degrees in seven categories gets approval for TSTC.

Religious

2002 The Harlingen Center for Howard Payne University takes over the campus and

facilities of the former RGV Baptist Academy on East Harrison. It operates to serve

mostly non-traditional students involved in church and missionary work as well as house

traveling missionaries. Frank Dudley, who served 11 years as a missionary in Togo, is

the center's director.

7/12/03 St. Anthony Catholic Church's new sanctuary opens. In an evening service,

Bishop Raymundo Pena was presented with the blueprints and keys to the edifice with

seating for nearly 1,100 people. The former sanctuary, which seated 450, will be used as

a parish hall. The new one of 20,380 sq. ft. includes a balcony, children's area, and two

confessionals. The over $2 million structure was designed by architect and parishioner

Michael Allex.

6/18/04 1,700 members of the Unified Pentecostal Local Churches International, Inc.

meet for three days in Harlingen. The initial conference was organized in Weslaco when

21 churches came together in Weslaco in 1935.

11/04 The Harlingen Art Forum leases a new location for itself at 115 E. Jackson. Years

before this site housed The Diana Shop. Called the D'arte Center, the attractive and

spacious gallery will feature works of member artists and also serve for instructional

classes.

12/06 As the year ended Harlingen seemed to have a church located at every other block.

Perhaps not totally definitive, the city lists one Apostolic church; fifteen Baptist including

one for the deaf, one primarily with black parishioners, and five Spanish language

worship; five Catholic; three Christian with one having Spanish worship; five Church of

Christ, two Church of God; one Episcopal; three independent Baptist including one for

the deaf; three Lutheran, one being ELCA, one Missouri Synod, and one Spanish

worship; three Methodist including one Spanish worship; one Church of Jesus Christ of

the Latter Day Saints; one Nazarene; two Pentecostal; four Presbyterian, one of which

was Spanish worship; one Seventh Day Adventist; twenty-four non-denominational,

about half of which provided Spanish worship; others including the Church of

Scientology; a Jewish temple, the Baha'i faith; and Jehovah's Witnesses.

1/3/07 Former St. Alban's Episcopal Church rector from 1989 to 1994, The Rev. Robert

G. Certain, plays a major role in the funeral services of President Gerald R. Ford.

Certain, presently rector of St. Margaret's Episcopal Church of Palm Desert, CA, where

the Fords were parishioners, conducted services in this town, Washington D. C., and

Grand Rapids, MI where Ford was buried.

Organizations--Social, Civic, Service

5/31/01 Having drawn up and adopted its purpose and by-laws on this date the Harlingen

Historical Preservation Society holds its first annual public meeting at the Harlingen

Public Library on 9/29/01. Fourteen individuals led by Mary Lou Rumbo have organized

this society.

2004 With WW II collection donations now exceeding its ability to display all of them,

the Iwo Jima Museum, under director Susan Reininger, embarks on a drive to collect $3

million for the erection of a new facility. This ambitious plan is soon put on hold.

10/04 As the Chamber of Commerce's fiscal year closed it reported a total of 1,331

members worked 20,559 volunteer hours on various projects. In the year it gained 110

new members bringing the total to 900.

11/1/04 The first ever Day of the Dead ceremonies are held at the Harlingen Cemetery.

Sponsors are the Harlingen Historical Preservation Society, the RGV Museum, Harlingen

Proud, and the Parks and Recreation Dept.

6/05 Mike Mares becomes District Executive of the Rio Grande Council of the Boy

Scouts of America. This Brownsville resident has been involved with scouting for five

years. In his first year in the position he will help raise a record $110,000 for the council.

9/10/05 The charity organization Loaves and Fishes will move its feeding operation from

507 N. First Street to the 300 block Harrison site of the homeless shelter opened in 1992

by Rev. Ralph Morales as the End of the Road Ministries. This cost-cutting move will

make both operations more efficient. It will be a $500,000 project. The Harlingen Rotary

Club earmarks $100,000 for renovation of the 60-bed men's dormitory. In 1998 the

project used a $100,000 grant from the United Parcel Service to renovate the 48-bed

women's dorm. By January 2006 the Loaves and Fishes organization will have been

ready for a $680,000 façade renovation project for the four contiguous buildings on five

lots. This will allow its feeding center, job training shop and administrative offices to be

at one site.

12/05 The Harlingen Jaycees host their 59th Annual Christmas Parade.

4/27/06 Having moved from Brownsville, Harlingen has a U.S. Olympic Committee

program for boxing and judo. Going under the name Harlingen Foundation for Valley

Sports, it has relocated from its Valley International Airport venue to one which was the

old Discount Furniture Building at 516 W. Van Buren. Frank Perkins is chairman of the

foundation and Martha Garza, spokesperson.

10/10/06 The Harlingen Area Chamber of Commerce in its Harlingen Area Business

Journal presents its important 2005-2006 Year in Review with four pages of impressive

accomplishments in the community.

9/07 Loaves and Fishes moves to its new, greatly expanded facility on E Street between

Polk and Taylor. An estimated 23 services will be offered in the renovated building.

5/23/08 The shaky financial condition of Rio Fest is revealed. It lost $29,000 in its three-

day April event and had lost money the previous two years. Attendance has declined

from 30,095 in 2003 to 17,995 this year even with a budget of $189,000, $50,000 of

which was spent on entertainment.

11/8/09 The Harlingen Arts and Heritage Museum hosts a book signing reception. The

occasion is the publication of Eileen Mattei's At The Crossroads Harlingen's First 100

Years. Spearheaded by the Rio Grande Valley Museum Association, Inc., the handsome

152 page book covers the city's history in depth with narrative and photos. Profiles on 46

sponsors complement the publication.

Miscellaneous

5/01 The first Blues on the Hill program takes place. It will continue over the years

primarily at McKelvey Park but also at other venues. It is co-sponsored by the Harlingen

Parks and Recreation Department, Harlingen Volunteer Involvement Council, and the

Valley Morning Star.

12/02 Harlingen Proud commences the first "Annual Holly Jolly Harlingen" residential

holiday decorating contest. The city is divided into four quadrants for judging. In 2003

the Valley Morning Star, KGBT-TV, Advantage Rent-a-Car, Bence Nursery, Fast Signs,

Glory B's, Sierra Title, and the Harlingen Area Chamber of Commerce become co-

sponsors and contribute the modest prizes.

3/15-16/03 The Rio Grande Valley Museum hosts the first Annual Craft Bazaar, where

various Valley crafters sell their handmade wares.

11/03 Because of its structuring and due to increased interest the Rotary here has three

clubs—the Harlingen Rotary, North Harlingen Rotary, and Harlingen Sunburst Rotary.

2003 Texas Historical Commission markers in the Harlingen area recognize: James

Henry Dishman at the Dishman Elementary School, Combes; the Harlingen City Hall at

Commerce and Tyler; the Harlingen Cemetery on F Street; the Planters State Bank,

Jackson at Commerce; the original Sam Houston School, now the Matz Building at 6th

and Van Buren; the old Harlingen Hospital and the Lon C. Hill House, both in the Rio

Grande Valley Museum complex on Boxwood at Raintree; the L.E. Snavely house .7

mile north of Expressway 77 on Wilson Road. In 11/03 the Commission gave approval

for a marker commemorating the Harlingen Army Air Field and Harlingen Air Force

Base. This marker will be erected in front of the RGV Museum. Issued in 2000, it is only

in 1/04 that a state marker goes up at 718 E. Taylor to recognize the former Howard and

Mary Butt residence.

10/6/03 KMBH-TV 60, the Valley's PBS affiliate, converts to digital, high definition

output as mandated by the federal government. This costs several million dollars. The

TV station currently reaches 1,200,000 viewers and its radio 350,000 listeners. Its plans

are to move into four channels having specific goals. One will continue the PBS

programing, a second will be for providing health information, the third for instructional

purposes, and the last for community values and spiritual matters.

2/04 Rio Fest, Inc. is now co-sponsored by the City of Harlingen, the Harlingen Area

Chamber of Commerce, the Junior League of Harlingen, and the Valley Baptist Health

System. Its partners are the Texas Commission on the Arts and through it, the National

Endowment of the Arts. In 2002 it had been awarded "Best Volunteer Program" by the

Texas Festival and Events Association.

This month water resources for the lower Valley reach their best levels since 1995. The

combined capacity behind the two dams stands at 66.2 % by 4/24/04. Amistad Reservoir

has a U.S. share of 1,565,000 acre-ft. and Falcon 637,000 acre-ft. Rains over the Valley

itself have also curtailed spring usage and allowed all water districts to fill their reservoirs

with free river water.

3/04 The cost of living index for Harlingen compares favorably with those of other

cities. With an average of 100, this is how the city rates:

Composite Index Grocery Items Transportation Health Care Misc. Goods/Services

88.6 86.8 97.8 98.8 93.4

4/30/04 Harlingen crime statistics for 2003 are released. Many categories show a rise

from 2002 numbers:

Year 2002 2003

Violent Crimes

Murder 5 2

Rape 27 13

Aggravated Assault 203 256

Robbery 54 53

Property Crimes

Burglary 795 911

Larceny/Theft 2,730 3,171

Motor Vehicle Theft 227 178

Total 4,041 4,584

2004 This year it is the Chamber of Commerce that sponsors a series of concerts at

McKelvey Park under the name "Blues on the Hill."

11/1/04 The Harlingen Cemetery sees its first annual Día de los Muertos or Day of the

Dead Celebration.

12/25/04 Harlingen and the Valley woke up to a “White Christmas.” Several inches of

snow had blanketed the area the night before. This unusual event had last occurred over

100 years before. Children and adults alike delighted in the circumstance.

1/05 From an idea conceived by City Commissioner Frank Puente the city holds its first

annual Winter Texan Appreciation Festival. More than 2,700 attend the event at the

Valley Race Park. The following year attendance jumps to more than 4,000.

3/05 The Harlingen Public Library computerizes all available names and additional

information on individuals buried in the Harlingen Cemetery.

7/27/05 John Bryant, a former U.S. Representative from Dallas and his partner Bryon

Pierce, of the United Sports Equities of Dallas sign a contract for $26,000 with the city to

lease Harlingen Stadium for one year for a minor league professional baseball team.

Harlingen is the first of eight cities signed to participate in the new independent league

which will have teams from Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Missouri. In 2002 the city

unveiled a $1.5 million renovation of the field, a debt to be paid off by August 2015.

Unfortunately the Central Baseball League pulled its team from Harlingen in 2003. On

9/15/05 the United League Baseball strengthened its position in the Valley by leasing the

Edinburg Baseball Stadium from that city thereby allowing it to place a franchise team

there to displace the Central Baseball League and its Roadrunners. The rejuvenated Rio

Grande Valley WhiteWings later opened its 2006 Harlingen season on May 16, 2006.

With the exception of the 2008 season when it is called the Harlingen WhiteWings, the

team is the RGV WhiteWings.

8/9/05 A panoramic mural featuring Southwest Airlines and the Valley is unveiled and

dedicated. It is on the rear wall of the former Goodyear Building along Commerce

Street.

11/05 The Valley Morning Star publishes "Images of Harlingen & San Benito Area—

The Early Years Through 1939", a hard cover book having over 250 photographs.

9/14/06 Jackson Street hosts the first Art Walk in which local artists displayed their

works in front of various businesses. The street has five art galleries at present.

9/15/06 In its first ever ceremony the city celebrates Mexico Independence Day on its

196th anniversary. A standing-room audience fills the Harlingen Performing Arts

Theater. Singled out for special honors was Gloria G. Canales, who came to Harlingen

from Nuevo Leon at age 16. This long-time Mexico folklorico dance instructor received

the Ohtli award "for individuals who have shown dedication in their communities."

3/17/07 The city has its first Black candidate for mayor when Harlingen native Kenneth

Benton announces he will run in the May 12 election. Benton is a consultant at Border

Econometrics Consulting Group, LLC in Donna.

6/9/07 The Harlingen High School South Hawks baseball team playing for the Division

5 state championship in the Dell Diamond Stadium in Round Rock lose by a score of 6-1

to Houston Cypress Fairbanks. The Hawk's season record was 38-6.

12/07 The construction work for a new loading-unloading zone on the east side of 13th

Street is completed. It extends in front of Memorial and Vernon Middle Schools as well

as Boggus Stadium with its new facelift.

1/08 This month saw the demolishment of an historic World War II Army Air Field

building. This was Hanger 38 with its distinguishable orange and white stripes. Its

longtime lessee, EMAIR, ceased operations in 2002. Also to see the dust this month were

the Field's four railroad-accessible warehouses just across the road from the museum. The

tracks, which once connected to the Southern Pacific Brownsville route, paralleled Loop

499 and were torn out many years ago.

8/23/08 Hurricane Dolly with initial winds of up to 85 mph (Category 2) strikes directly

across the area just north of Harlingen. By this time its force has diminished to a

maximum of 75 mph gusts. With its slow movement west it brings with it torrential rains

and inundation of low-lying areas and streets. Structural damage is light to moderate to

serious depending on the freakish nature of the winds. Power is knocked out in some city

areas for up to six days. It is the trees that sustain the brunt of the storm's ferociousness.

Upturned large trees, huge broken limbs, and massive amounts of branches make the

streets look like a war zone. The Municipal Auditorium roof collapses causing major

damages. Two 1920s building on Jackson Street collapse interiorly from the weight of

storm water on their roofs. Cleanup by the city's workforce and contractors is very slow

as the amount of debris is monumental. Fortunately there are no deaths as a result of the

storm.

Seven months later City of Harlingen public damages were set at $1.68 million. FEMA

would grant the city just under $293,000 with about $93,000 still pending while

insurance-approved coverage was just over $1.37 million. City costs ranged up to

$241,236.

3/19/09 The North Harlingen Rotary Club and the Rio Grande State Center host a

glowing tribute to 92 year old Betty N. Murray who has served the community well for

many years. Proceeds go to the State Center to aid patients.

3/27/09 The VMS reports that United League Baseball is scheduled to return to

Harlingen on June 11 due to proceeding of a Dallas bankruptcy court. The City will

recover $100,000 it was owed by the previous departed franchise. In 2008 the

independent class team played under the name Harlingen WhiteWings.

4/09 The Harlingen Community Band organizes. Professional musicians, school band

directors and instructors, and simply those interested unite to form a non-profit

organization.

4/2/09 Butch & Gretchen Cooley host the monthly Downtown Harlingen meeting in the

fabulous new Cooley's Classic Cars showroom that is, in effect an automobile museum.

Its location is the marvelously renovated former Broadway Hardware Store corner

Commerce and Jackson.

6/1/09 The Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings professional baseball team returns this date

to Harlingen Field. It has new owners and is participating in a new league. Eddie Dennis,

who managed teams here in 1998-2000 and 2006, returns to take the helm of the team.