CHRIS BOSWELL

Newly-elected Mayor Norma Sepulveda is holding a fundraiser at noon Wednesday at her friend’s Edinburg law firm.

HARLINGEN — Newly-elected Mayor Norma Sepulveda is holding a fundraiser at noon Wednesday at her friend’s Edinburg law firm. On May 26, she held her first fundraiser following the campaign at The 83 Winery in Harlingen. The fundraiser’s set contribution levels at $500, $1,000 and $2,500, according to the event’s invitation, which added checks can be made to the Norma Sepulveda Campaign. “Despite any differences with past mayors, we all agree that Harlingen’s success requires a regional approach,” Sepulveda stated. “My public schedule remains public and transparent, as do my timely financial reports,” Sepulveda stated.

After a year of sweeping change at City Hall, they believe newly elected Mayor Norma Sepulveda’s stunning victory is crowning the drive. We have evolved as a city and with that comes new people with a desire — a craving for change.”Sepulveda’s victory caps the new city commission’s drive for change, Commissioner Rene Perez said. “Norma’s election is the culimination of the recent change,” Perez, whom commissioners appointed mayor pro tem Wednesday, said. “Now we have this government inclusive of the people.”Commission push for change led up to Sepulveda victoryThe new commission drove changes that helped lead to Sepuleveda’s victory, Perez said. “Things are fundamentally changing in Harlingen.”The election’s high voter turnout shows residents are calling for change, Perez said.

It looks like voters wanted change, and that was Sepulveda’s primary campaign message. Not necessarily change in political ideology, but in the contentious atmosphere that has sullied Harlingen governance in recent years, and arguably slowed the city’s progress. The change Sepulveda promises is in the tone of city governance. Of course, it takes two to fight, and such battles aren’t unique to Boswell or to Harlingen. We hope officials in Harlingen, and all across the Valley, heed Sepulveda’s call for civility and cooperation.

Vowing to serve as mayor for “all of Harlingen,” Mayor Norma Sepulveda took the oath of office Wednesday, becoming the first woman to win the city’s highest elected position in a historic election in which she pulled 60 percent of the vote amid one of the biggest turnouts here.

HARLINGEN — For 24 years, Mayor Chris Boswell has worked to help transform the city. During his tenure, Boswell helped lay the foundation for the new Harlingen, known for its growing medical complex, which has opened hundreds of higher paying jobs. Years of accomplishmentsDuring his first years as mayor, the city opened its new police station and municipal courthouse complex while developing its sprawling soccer complex. In 2011, the city lured Bass Pro Shops, anchoring the new Harlingen Heights business district, drawing Sam’s Club. Since then, Boswell battled the commission’s new majority through a grueling year that rocked City Hall.

Things are changing.”Sepulveda called it a historic victory in a city where voter apathy has marred elections. “When you’re running against a candidate that has been in municipal government for 24 years, it’s no easy feat,” she stated. “But I believe there is a movement all across the country to elect people with real-life experience to public office.”Breaking the glass ceilingIn October, six months before the election, Sepulveda boldly announced her candidacy near the steps of City Hall. “I am so proud to be a Latina today and every day and I’m incredibly honored to be the first Latina mayor of Harlingen. As mayor, Sepulveda vowed to “listen” to the people as she leads the City Commission.

HARLINGEN — A skater sweeps up a half pipe, hovers in mid-air for just a second of sweet glory, then lands with a skillful thud.

A major new housing development broke ground Wednesday, which eventually will bring 212 new homes to the Harlingen real estate market.

In a historic election drawing heavy voter turnout, attorney Norma Sepulveda pulled 60 percent of the vote to defeat five-term Mayor Chris Boswell, becoming the first woman to win the city’s top elected position.

Sepulveda efeats Boswell for mayor in historic electionHARLINGEN —In a historic election drawing heavy voter turnout, attorney Norma Sepulveda pulled 60 percent of the vote to defeat five-term Mayor Chris Boswell, becoming the first woman to win the city’s top elected position. Meanwhile, City Commissioner Richard Uribe and challenger Ford Kinsley are headed for a runoff in the commission’s District 1 race. I’m a mayor for all of Harlingen. “I want to congratulate my opponent Norma Sepulveda in her election as mayor of Harlingen,” he said. PropositionsIn a special election, voters passed three amendments to the City Charter.

In a historic election drawing heavy voter turnout, attorney Norma Sepulveda pulled 60 percent of the vote to defeat five-term Mayor Chris Boswell, becoming the first woman to win the city’s top elected position.

That funding was put before voters in Saturday’s election as Cameron County Proposition A. Shortly after polls closed at 7 p.m., early voting totals were released, showing nearly a 50-50 split, with the proposition failing by 18 votes. In Harlingen, where some of the night’s most contentious elections included the mayoral race, early voting totals showed strong support for challenger Norma Sepulveda (2,621 early votes), who was ahead of incumbent mayor Chris Boswell (1,744 early votes) by a margin of 877 votes. For Commissioner, district 1, in Harlingen: Early voting resulted in 326 votes for Richard Uribe, 313 votes for Ford Kinsley, and 278 votes for J.J. Gonzalez. In Port Isabel, early voting granted a lead in the mayoral race to Martin Cantu Jr. (494 votes) who is opposed by J.J. Zamora (272 votes).

Here in Harlingen, students of the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District’s Firefighters Academy will soon begin training at a fire simulator. Harlingen Mayor Chris Boswell, Harlingen Fire Chief Rafael Balderas and Superintendent Alicia Noyola attended the event along with city firefighters and students of the Firefighters Academy. Noyola spoke at length about the partnership in which city firefighters have taught cadets at the Firefighters Academy. Balderas said the new training structure will be great for both the school district and the fire department. Along with ladder training.”The structure will be used not only for training new firefighters but also for continuous education of veteran firefighters.

HARLINGEN — Voters are going to the polls today to decide a bitterly contested election that could change the city’s leadership while shifting the commission’s balance of power. Across town, politicos are calling the election the city’s most pivotal contest in more than 20 years, sharply dividing voters. “It’s very important for the future of Harlingen,” Dr. Mitchell Hughston said at City Hall before casting his ballot during early voting. The record early voting turnout shows the election’s drawing new voters to the polls. While 886 residents cast early votes in District 1, District 2 turned out 643 votes, county records show.

The popular festival will be making a comeback Nov. 11-12 at the Harlingen Baseball Park and nearby Lon C. Hill Park. “This is Harlingen’s signature event that has not happened in a little bit of time, actually since 2008,” said Cassandra Consiglio, director of Visit Harlingen. “The event will be a two-day, paid entrance event with a carnival and more exciting things that we’re going to reveal later on. Riofest was just one of a half-dozen major city events announced at a press conference Thursday at the Hilton Garden Inn next to the Harlingen Convention Center. It’s because this Harlingen Convention Center serves thousands and thousands of people that have been coming in through our doors since we opened this convention center,” he said.

Days before an election, city commissioners clashed in a heated finale to a tumultuous year that’s rocked the city.

Days before an election, city commissioners clashed in a heated finale to a tumultuous year that’s rocked the city.

Days before an election, city commissioners clashed in a heated finale to a tumultuous year that’s rocked the city.

HARLINGEN — A landmark early voting span closed Tuesday, likely setting a May record in a historic election that’s driving new voters to the polls.

Big money’s bank-rolling campaign war chests in a historic election that’s tearing political rifts across town.

Across much of Cameron County, the election was drawing higher turnout than most match-ups in other cities, Remi Garza, the county’s elections administrator, said Monday. Voters speak outAt four voting places here, residents were casting ballots in the hotly contested election that’s tearing rifts across much of the city. PropositionsAs part of a special election, the ballot includes three proposed amendments to the City Charter expected to boost voter turnout. The charter’s amendment would move May’s elections to the first Tuesday following the first Monday in November beginning in 2024. Early voting runs through May 3.

HARLINGEN — Six months after some politicos launched their campaigns, early voting opens Monday in the May 7 election, the city’s biggest in more than 20 years, with nine candidates battling for seats on the City Commission and three propositions on the ballot. This year, city commissioners contracted with Cameron County to conduct the election for $47,630, expanding poll hours to help draw more voters. “I think this is going to be a very active election,” Remi Garza, Cameron County’s elections administrator, said. Boswell, an attorney, served on the city commission from 1998 to 2007, when he won the city’s highest elected office. PropositionsAs part of a special election, the ballot includes three proposed amendments to the City Charter expected to boost voter turnout.

HARLINGEN – The young musicians exploded with a powerful rendition of “Popurri de Sones”, their energetic mariachi rhythms welcoming the visitors. Those visitors were members of “Mariachi Los Camperos”, a three-time Grammy-awarding winning ensemble that had just arrived at Valley International Airport. The Los Angeles-based Mariachi Los Camperos had arrived for a two-day festival in Brownsville consisting of workshops, competitions and concerts. “Whoever is doing the violins will teach the violin workshop.”Harlingen Mayor Chris Boswell welcomed “Mariachi Los Camperos” to the Valley. “I think it’s a fabulous opportunity for these young students of mariachi to be exposed to these great mariachi musicians,” Boswell said.

After decades, the mayor’s annual State of the City address is going into the city’s code of ordinances, where the event is moving from noon to after 5:45 p.m.

HARLINGEN — After decades, the mayor’s annual State of the City address is going into the city’s code of ordinances, where the event is moving from noon to after 5:45 p.m. Earlier this week, the city commission’s majority called for the change in the event’s schedule to give more working residents a chance to attend the address featuring the mayor’s annual report on the city. Since 2019, the club has hosted the noon event at the Harlingen Convention Center to raise money for charities. During Wednesday’s meeting, Commissioners Rene Perez and Frank Puente said holding the event after the work day would help draw more residents. I don’t have the ability to take off in the middle of the day to attend the event.

In response to Commissioner Michael Mezmar’s question regarding whether the firm had found any “criminal activity,” Cisneros confirmed the review had found no criminal activity. Uribe claimed the report shows the firm found “inappropriate activity.”“There’s a difference between criminal activity and inappropriate activity,” Uribe told Mezmar. In February, Uribe, Puente and Commissioner Frank Morales voted to hire Safe Track for $80,000 to conduct the financial review. Meanwhile, Frost National Bank offered a rate of 0.0001, TexPool offered 0.147, BBVA Compass offered 0.20, Lone Star National Bank offered 0.3 percent and the U.S. Treasury offered 0.12 percent, he said. During the meeting, Boswell and Mezmar argued Safe Track didn’t have the experience or staff of certified public accountants and attorneys to conduct a financial review.

HARLINGEN — The city’s law book may be getting ready to regulate the mayor’s annual State of the City address. Revising traditionFor decades, the Rotary Club of Harlingen, which has sponsored the event, held the address at noon at Casa de Amistad. Now, Perez and Puente are calling on commissioners to push the event to 5:45 or later on a weekday to give more residents a chance to hear the mayor’s annual report. Mulling other changesWhile the proposed amendment would change the time of the event, commissioners have been mulling other revisions. This year, the city spent $14,395 to help put on the event, City Manager Gabriel Gonzalez said.

Harlingen's law book may be getting ready to regulate the mayor’s annual State of the City address.

Firm’s findings hushedAt City Hall, City Manager Gabriel Gonzalez said the firm had not disclosed its findings. On Monday morning, City Commissioner Frank Puente, who agreed to hire the firm, said the company had not disclosed its findings to him. “It depends on what’s in the report and if the report sticks to the subject matter or goes beyond it,” he said. Meanwhile, Frost National Bank offered a rate of 0.0001, TexPool offered 0.147, BBVA Compass offered 0.20, Lone Star National Bank offered 0.3 percent and the U.S. Treasury offered 0.12 percent, he said. Amid discussions, Morales said he wanted to review any connection between the city and Texas Regional Bank, which employs two airport board members.

HARLINGEN —The annual State of the City address might be changing. This year, the city spent $14,395 to help put on the event, City Manager Gabriel Gonzalez said. On Monday, Boswell denied he’s used the State of the City address to promote his record as mayor. Noting the election’s a month away, he said he believed politics was behind the commissioners’ call to regulate the city’s annual event. “It’s also an opportunity to distribute the city’s annual report that the city management produces.”Like the president of the United State’s annual State of the Union Address, many cities hold State of the City events.

HARLINGEN – Gov. Greg Abbott was in town Wednesday night to support military and local law enforcement. Abbott was an invited guest to the Gen. H.M. Smith Commemorative Ceremony at the Harlingen Convention Center, a sit-down dinner coordinated by the Marine Military Academy. Harlingen city commissioners, members of the health care community and other local dignitaries were in attendance. “It’s always great to have the governor here in the City of Harlingen,” Boswell said.

Fitch “reports that Harlingen has solid revenue growth prospect, superior financial resilience,exceptionally strong gap-closing capacity and moderate fixed costs. Fitch predicts Harlingen will continue to have strong reserve levels with a strong operating performance.”Sales tax climbingA strong retail sales tax revenue stream is helping to fuel the economy, he said. “Another strong indicator of Harlingen’s rapid growth is our retail sales tax revenues,” he said. “That growth means that the economy in our city is strong,” he said. “There are approximately 1,232 health care facilities in Harlingen employing over 12,038 employees.

Developers are facing tougher new drainage standards aimed at curbing flooding in their new subdivisions.

Mayor Chris Boswell is set to deliver the annual State of City address Friday, pointing to the year’s triumphs while focusing on the city’s future.

Two firms have interviewed city officials while requesting documents in their reviews of the public works department and the city’s investment policy after the new city commission raised concerns during weeks of heated debate.

On Friday, candidates’ month-long filing period closed, with nine politicos on the May 7 ballot in the city’s first election under newly redrawn single-member district boundaries that could help shift the city commission’s balance of power.

While Puente and Commissioners Richard Uribe and Frank Morales voted to hire the firm, Commissioners Michael Mezmar and Rene Perez voted against the proposal. During the meeting, Mezmar and Mayor Chris Boswell stood behind Finance Director Robert Rodriguez, who said his investments complied with the city’s investment policy along with state and federal laws. While Texas Regional Bank offered its rate of 0.46, Frost National Bank offered 0.0001, TexPool offered 0.147, BBVA offered 0.20, Lone Star National Bank offered 0.3 percent and the U.S. Treasury offered 0.12 percent. Amid discussions, Morales said he wanted to review any connection between the city and Texas Regional Bank employees who sit on city boards. Meanwhile, Mezmar questioned whether the review was aimed at investigating a “political connection” between the city and Texas Regional Bank, which employs two airport board members.

HARLINGEN — A private investigations firm is being hired to conduct a “compliance review” of the city’s investment policy and its investments. After two weeks of debate, city commissioners last week voted 3-2 to hire Safe Track, a McAllen firm, for $80,000 to determine whether the city’s investment policy and its investments comply with state law. We couldn’t possibly be able to get every single bank.”“There’s not a minimum or a maximum in the investment policy. After the presentation, Boswell questioned the company’s experience in conducting investment policy compliance reviews. “I agree this needs to be done,” he said, referring to the compliance review.

The city commission’s new majority is questioning the city’s investment policy that allowed more than $15 million to be moved into certificates of deposit offering low returns on investment.

HARLINGEN — City commissioners are set to call what’s shaping up as a hotly contested match — the first under newly drawn district voting lines. On Wednesday, commissioners are expected to order the election in which the mayor’s seat and the commission’s District 1 and 2 positions are up for grabs. District 1 raceThe election marks the city’s first under new single-member district boundary lines which the commission’s new majority redrew based on districts’ demographics such as income level. In the race for the commission’s District 1 seat, Commissioner Richard Uribe, a restaurant owner who serves as the city’s mayor pro tem, is expected to file for a third term in office. In November, commissioners argued November elections would draw more voters to the polls when they would run alongside national and state elections.

Questions have arisen over City Commissioner Richard Uribe’s food sales to the Harlingen city jail. Since October, Uribe has been selling food to the jail, the lowest bidder for delivery service.

After more than a month of heated debate, the new single-member district map is in the city’s books to help residents find their voting precinct for the May election.

HARLINGEN — The city’s new voting district boundaries might be going into the law books. On Wednesday, commissioners are planning on putting the new district boundaries into the city’s book of ordinances. Boswell requests commissioners rescind mapBefore commissioners consider voting on the ordinance, Boswell plans to request they reconsider adopting the new district lines. Commissioners plan to set boundaries into booksMeanwhile, Puente said commissioners plan to go ahead with setting the new boundaries into the ordinance book. Meanwhile, critics accused Perez, Puente and Uribe of redrawing the districts’ boundaries to give them political advantages.

The last time the Kansas City Chiefs played the Pittsburgh Steelers in the playoffs, Tyreek Hill was a wide-eyed rookie wide receiver, Chris Jones was learning the ropes at defensive tackle and Travis Kelce was just becoming one of the NFL's best tight ends.

HARLINGEN — City leaders are questioning whether the redrawing of Harlingen’s five single-member districts’ lines could change the balance of power on the City Commission. However, Mayor Chris Boswell downplayed the role the new district boundaries will play on the commission’s makeup. “There’s a notion that all the people moved from District 3 to District 2 are affluent, upscale voters,” he said. Since a previous commission drew up the city’s original single-member district map in 2008, District 2’s upscale area spawned candidates who dominated some elections, Puente said. In his proposal, Rios described each district’s “ideal” population as totaling 14,366 based on the new Census that set the city’s population at 71,829.

The AFC playoffs will be running through Music City with the Tennessee Titans likely having Derrick Henry back for their first game this postseason.

Ben Roethlisberger delayed his retirement for a few hours and probably longer, guiding Pittsburgh to a 16-13 overtime win over the Baltimore Ravens that left the Steelers on the verge of an improbable playoff berth.

Earlier this week, Commissioners Richard Uribe, Frank Puente and Rene Perez voted to redraw the district map while shifting much of District 2’s upscale bloc into District 3, which includes the Treasure Hills area. On Thursday, Puente said shifting the affluent bloc out of District 2’s working-class area makes District 3’s demographics more uniform. “It’s more fair representation,” he said, referring to the new district map during an interview. Original map proposalThe law calls on commissioners to realign boundaries to try to balance the five districts’ population numbers. During the last 10 years, growth also swept across District 3, which numbered 14,757 residents, and District 1, with 14,135 residents.

Ben Roethlisberger threw for 123 yards and a touchdown in likely his final start at Heinz Field as the Pittsburgh Steelers beat Cleveland 26-14.

Fast trackDuring the last decade, Harlingen’s growth soared by nearly 11 percent, with the city’s total population climbing from 65,074 to 71,829. “The population growth is contributing to the need for additional housing.”The area’s growth is driving a record housing market. Record housing marketFrom 2019 to 2020, housing starts jumped from 198 to 262, with their total construction value climbing from $24.9 million to $34.4 million, the city’s construction reports show. Then from October 2020 through September, developers broke ground on 256 new homes with a total construction value of $38.8 million. I’ve been in the business for 30 years and that’s the first time I’ve seen it in our market.

Ben Roethlisberger ran for his first touchdown in three years, Chris Boswell kicked four field goals and the Pittsburgh Steelers kept their playoff hopes alive with a 19-13 win over Tennessee.

Questions are popping up around a plan to redraw the city’s five district boundaries after new Census figures drove an 11-percent boost in Harlingen’s population.

HARLINGEN — The City Commission’s district boundaries are up for their biggest shift since they were mapped out more than 13 years ago. On Wednesday, commissioners are set to consider redrawing the city’s district boundary lines based on new Census figures boosting the city’s population from 65,074 to 71,829 from 2010 to 2020. “I think it’s more significant,” Mayor Chris Boswell said Tuesday, referring to the biggest population shifts since voters adopted single member district representation in 2008. “Roughly, they have to have the same population,” Boswell said. Growth also swept across District 3, with 14,757 residents, and District 1, with 14,135 residents.

Tennis players now have a brand new center where they can buy water and snacks while enjoying their favorite sport.

The Minnesota Vikings held on to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 36-28 by forcing an incomplete pass in the end zone on the final play.

Justin Herbert threw a 53-yard touchdown pass to Mike Williams with 2:17 remaining and the Los Angeles Chargers held off the Pittsburgh Steelers 41-37 on Sunday night.

Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Justin Fields nearly had his moment in the spotlight on “Monday Night Football,” as he almost led his team to a comeback victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Chris Boswell's 40-yard field goal with 26 seconds left lifted the Pittsburgh Steelers past the Chicago Bears 29-27.

Jameis Winston and Sam Darnold got hurt running the ball and kicker Chris Boswell was injured throwing it.

The Seattle Seahawks made their victory look easy.

Pittsburgh Steelers past the Seattle Seahawks 23-20.

Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers’ new-look offense overcame a slow start, Ulysees Gilbert returned a blocked punt 9 yards for a touchdown and Pittsburgh rallied to a season-opening 23-16 win over the Buffalo Bills.

Seattle coach Pete Carroll said Friday that Shell had a close contact with someone who tested positive but that Shell had tested negative. Carroll said on Friday the team was still trying to determine if Shell would need to go on the COVID list. ___A second Cleveland Browns coach has tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of the team's big game with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Wide receivers coach Chad O’Shea previously tested positive and will be replaced by team chief of staff Callie Brownson. Goodson and Malcolm Smith, safety Andrew Sendejo and tight end Harrison Bryant will miss the Steelers game after testing positive.

(AP Photo/Wade Payne, File)The Cleveland Browns are short-handed as they try to clinch the franchise’s first playoff berth since 2002, the longest active drought in the NFL. They learned Sunday morning they will be without starting rookie left tackle Jedrick Wills against the New York Jets because of an illness. Wills had been placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list on Thursday and activated Saturday, but was then downgraded Sunday. The Browns will be missing receivers Rashard Higgins, Donovan Peoples-Jones and KhaDarel Hodge and linebacker Jacob Phillips. The Indianapolis Colts will be without both starting offensive tackles when they face the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver James Washington (13) celebrates with JuJu Smith-Schuster after scoring on a 50-yard pass play during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team in Pittsburgh, Monday, Dec. 7, 2020. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Steelers spent three months shaking off whatever 2020 threw at them. pointing out time and again the only thing perfect about them was their record. Washington won the Super Bowl that season. The Bills beat the Steelers — minus Roethlisberger — 17-10 at Heinz Field last December to lock up a playoff berth.

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Benny Snell (24) runs away from Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker L.J. So while the Steelers stayed perfect with a disjointed 19-14 win over the undermanned Ravens in the first NFL game on a Wednesday in eight years, their play was anything but. “To be bluntly honest, I’m really disappointed in our performance tonight,” he said after Pittsburgh improved to 11-0. But the Steelers were able to drain the clock behind a third-down grab by James Washington, eliminating the Ravens from repeating as AFC North champions. “The way the game went, obviously we wanted to win,” Griffin said.

The limp was gone as the 38-year-old engineered a fourth-quarter comeback that kept Pittsburgh as the NFL's only unbeaten team. Those are the four games Dallas has been without star Dak Prescott, out for the season with a broken ankle. Roethlisberger's first touchdown came after he injured his left knee after a throw on a hit from defensive tackle Neville Gallimore. “Someone hit me right on the side of the knee, kind of bent my knee a little bit,” Roethlisberger said. “Just had some discomfort.”Gilbert's first touchdown pass was a 20-yarder to Lamb for a 10-0 lead in the second quarter.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) comes down with a touchdown pass against New York Giants cornerback James Bradberry (24) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Roethlisberger, who missed the final 14 games last season after elbow surgery, threw for three scores in a 26-16 win over the New York Giants at an empty and eerie MetLife Stadium on Monday night. The defense, while not quite on the level of the famed Steel Curtain, was plenty stingy and physical. It not only held Saquon Barkley to 6 yards on 15 carries, it also swarmed him in the backfield nearly all night. Even though the Pittsburgh defense broke down as the Giants marched 87 yards on 19 plays in just under nine minutes in the third quarter, it still came up with a major stop. Roethlisberger then took Pittsburgh 62 yards for the field goal and a 19-10 lead.