3 WINTER TEXAN TIMES www.wintertexantimes.com NOVEMBER 26, 2025 1217 N. Conway, Mission, Texas 78572 (956) 580-7800 • www.wintertexantimes.com © Copyright 2025-2026 by Nexus Publishing LLC, all rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without express written permission of the publisher. The Winter Texan Times is not responsible for errors or omissions in advertising. In the event of an error in an ad or omission of an ad, the newspaper’s financial liability is limited to the cost of the ad in questions. The newspaper is not responsible for any other damages, tangible or intangible. Typically a make-good ad or re-rescheduled ad is considered to sufficiently meet the newspaper’s responsibility. Dan Brunson Publisher dan@wintertexantimes.com Carina Brunson Editor carina@wintertexantimes.com Anastasia Brunson Office Manager anastasia@wintertexantimes.com Published by Nexus Publishing LLC Parks Calendar: Items must be open to the public activities in the parks only and must be submitted by park owners, managers, or activity directors. We do not accept listings for reviews, workshops, lessons, or dance classes. Please include all pertinent information, a contact person, and contact phone number. Submission deadline is Thursday 5 p.m., the week prior to the publication date. Send to Winter Texan Times, 1217 N. Conway Ave., Mission, Texas 78572 or email to parkscal@wintertexantimes.com. News: We are always looking for news about events, organizations, exhibits, fundraising, and more, from parks, chambers, cities, museums, and other venues. You are welcome submit your news items, photos of recent park activities, or news story ideas about your park or park residents. Please include all pertinent information, a contact person, and contact phone number. Submission deadline is Thursday 5 p.m., the week prior to the publication date. Send to Winter Texan Times, 1217 N. Conway Ave., Mission, Texas 78572 or email to news@wintertexantimes.com. Events Calendar: Items must be open to the public. Please include all pertinent information, a contact person, and contact phone number. Submission deadline is Thursday 5 p.m., the week prior to the publication date. Send to Winter Texan Times, 1217 N. Conway Ave., Mission, Texas 78572 or email to news@wintertexantimes.com. Reunions: We feature reunions and meetings that are happening throughout the Valley. We hope that if you are having such a meeting, you will send the information to us so we can help you spread the word. Please include all pertinent information, a contact person, and contact phone number. Submission deadline is Thursday 5 p.m., the week prior to the publication date. Send to Winter Texan Times, 1217 N. Conway Ave., Mission, Texas 78572 or email to reunions@ wintertexantimes.com. SOUTH POLE From pg. 1 with spectacular lights, festive entertainment, and exciting new attractions for 2025. The festival’s signature Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday will once again mark the start of the holiday season in McAllen, officially transforming the city into the South Pole of Texas. Towering over Oval Park, McAllen’s digital Christmas tree shines brighter than ever – over 100 feet of music, motion, and mesmerizing color. Gather with family and friends as the lights pulse in perfect harmony, creating a one-of-a-kind holiday show that defines the spirit of the South Pole Illuminated Festival. During a recent press event, Mayor Javier Villalobos expressed his excitement for the festival’s return. “This is one of the largest and most anticipated events we host all year, and it just keeps getting bigger and better,” said Mayor Villalobos. “The weather in South Texas is perfect for enjoying the holidays outdoors, clear nights and bright lights set the best backdrop to bring Santa from the North Pole to our very own South Pole!” City Manager Isaac “Ike” J. Tawil recognized the teamwork behind the event and the sense of community it brings. “The South Pole Illuminated Festival and McAllen Holiday Parade have become some of McAllen’s brightest symbols of unity and imagination,” said Tawil. “This event transforms our Convention Center District into a winter wonderland that rivals any in the nation, with millions of lights, world-class attractions, and experiences that give people a true sense of place and belonging.” This year’s festival highlights include the New “Christmas Across nearby. The jail’s walls were made of solid brick, its floors were concrete, and the roof was made of clay tiles on wooden structures. Inside, the jailer’s office and living quarters were located on the ground floor. The prisoner’s cell rooms were located on the second floor, along with the hanging room in the tower. The second floor probably had one or more steel block units. During the cold winters, wood-burning stoves were used to heat the jail and keep the prisoners warm. Their water source was usually a windmill and wooden water tank that stood behind the jail. According to records, the hanging apparatus was used only once. The condemned Abram Ortiz was convicted of rape and murder and executed in 1913. No other hangings are on record. Local folklore rumors Ortiz’ ghost haunts the jail by clanking his shackles. Years later, other reports by volunteer firemen bunking on the second-floor claim “hearing things” throughout the night. The jail was replaced in 1922 and the 1910 jail served as a community center. In the 30’s it was turned into the fire station (with a brick garage added) and city hall. A new city hall and fire station were built in the mid-1960’s, leaving the old jail vacant and deteriorating. This is when it was chosen as the home for the Hidalgo County Historical Museum, later becoming the Museum of South Texas History (MOSTH). The jail was refurbished, the window bars were reconstructed, the roofs repaired, and air conditioning installed. The Jail was added to See MOSTH pg. 20 MOSTH From pg. 1 See SOUTH POLE pg. 4 h n ) - s e n 0 w - -
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTczOTk5Mg==