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ZAPATA COUNTY
VOLPES RANCH
Sudden flood
Agents charge three men
Women, kids rescued from home By CÉSAR G. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES
Authorities rescued a family Thursday from their flooded home in the Medina Addition, according to the Zapata County Sheriff ’s Office. The incident happened in the 800 block of Villa Street. Sheriff ’s Office
FREE
Chief Raymundo del Bosque said the family — two women and two children, aged 3 and 1 — had to be carried out from a window. Deputies did not want to open the doors to the home so as not to let more water from going inside, del Bosque said. Officials said the family remained at the Sheriff ’s Office until a rela-
tive went to pick them up. Deputies and investigators had to be activated to patrol around creeks and other flood areas to prevent the community from going through those hazardous zones, del Bosque said. Zapata recorded 3½
Courtesy photo | Zapata Sheriff’s Office
Zapata recorded 3½ inches of water in an hour and 60 mph winds Thursday, according to officials.
See FLOOD PAGE 12A
Men transported 10 immigrants By CÉSAR G. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES
MEMORIAL DAY
ESCAMILLA PRE-OWNED CENTER ZAPATA
GRAND OPENING CUELLAR
6 men to be honored THE ZAPATA TIMES
U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar, D-Zapata, will be in town for Memorial Day to honor the families of six locals. The event will celebrate the families of the late Treviño brothers: Teodoro, Antonio, Anselmo, Filiberto Jr., Leopoldo and Jose Manuel, who served in the United States Armed Forces in World
Photo by Cuate Santos | The Zapata Times
Juan and Andrea Escamilla, center, are surrounded by Zapata County officials, friends and family as they cut the ribbon for the Escamilla Pre-Owned Center in Zapata, on Friday.
Three men have been arrested for allegedly transporting immigrants who had crossed the border illegally, according to court documents obtained Friday. A criminal complaint filed May 18 identified the suspects as Jose Alejandro Garcia, Anthony Rene Perez and Daniel Eduardo Salinas. They were all charged with conspiracy to transport and transport illegal immigrants. Records show the trio remained in federal detention. Garcia and Salinas had a $75,000 bond while Perez did not have bond. On May 13, U.S. Border Patrol agents in Zapata were conducting surveillance in the Volpes Ranch area, when they observed a group of people in the brush walking toward a suspected stash house, states the complaint. Court records state the group left in a Ford Mustang and a GMC pickup hauling a horse trailer. Agents said they noticed both vehicles being driven recklessly. Agents said they eventually pulled over both vehicles for an immigration inspection. Suddenly, five people from the GMC ran toward the brush area but were captured soon after. Agents said a search of the horse trailer yielded
See CHARGE PAGE 12A
See MEMORIAL PAGE 12A
MEXICO
About 40 dead in shootout in cartel area By MARK STEVENSON ASSOCIATED PRESS
MEXICO CITY — About 40 people were killed Friday in what authorities described as a large-scale shootout between law enforcement and criminal suspects in western Mexico. Almost all the dead were suspected criminals, said a
Federal Police official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk with journalists. There were few details of the reported gunbattle, but video obtained by The Associated Press showed federal police coming under fire and bodies strewn throughout a ranch. A local police official in the neigh-
boring town Puerto de Vargas said the location is called Rancho del Sol. The official wouldn’t give his full name to the AP but said his department received a report of the confrontation from fellow police in the neighboring town Ecuandureo and was told to keep everyone calm. With dozens dead, it was the most violent confronta-
tion between authorities and alleged drug traffickers in recent memory. The confrontation started when federal police officers tried to pull over truck on the highway near the ranch, and as they got close people inside the truck opened fire, Michoacan Gov. Salvador Jara told Radio Formula. According to an account
of events circulated among federal police units, the first report of the confrontation came in at about 8 a.m. Friday. The government dispatched special forces and a Black Hawk helicopter as reinforcements. The confrontation occurred near the border of Michoacan and Jalisco states, an area known as
being dominated by the Jalisco New Generation cartel, which has mounted several large-scale attacks on federal and state forces in recent weeks. While there was no immediate confirmation on the identity of the suspects, Jara told Milenio television that “it was most likely”
See 40 DEAD PAGE 12A
PAGE 2A
Zin brief CALENDAR
SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2015
AROUND TEXAS
TODAY IN HISTORY
SATURDAY, MAY 23
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Founders’ Day Celebration at noon at Laredo Center for the Arts, 500 San Agustín Ave. The Webb County Heritage Foundation will host a luncheon honoring the descendants of its founder, Don Tomas Sanchez, and founding families of the community. The event is open to the public. Tickets are $60. For ticket information and table reservations, WCHF at 956-7270977 or visit www.webbheritage.org. Laredo Area Retired School Employees Association awards luncheon and installation of officers at 11:30 a.m. at Embassay Suites, 110 Calle del Norte. Marta Kinslow at 722-0214.
TUESDAY, MAY 26 Rock wall climbing from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at LBV Inner City Branch Library, 202 W. Plum St. People of all ages are invited. Climbers must bring an ID and sign the release form, weather permitting. John Hong at john@laredolibrary.org or 795-2400 x2520. The Color of Music, a Ballroom Gala-Dance at the Laredo Center for the Arts, 500 San Agustin, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets are $15 and are available at the Vidal M. Treviño School of Communications and Fine Arts office at 820 Main and at the Laredo Center for the Arts. Tickets sold at the door. Proceeds will benefit the student activity fund. Robert M. Lopez at 273-7811 or rmlopez004@laredoisd.org.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27 The Laredo A&M Mothers’ Club is hosting its annual scholarship night from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Los Patios, 4653 Casa Blanca Rd. Scholarship recipients from each Laredo high school will be recognized.
SATURDAY, MAY 30 LCC’s Rio Grande Arts Festival from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. at LCC Fort McIntosh Campus West End. This celebration includes contests in playwriting, play production, short film, song writing, battle of bands and dance. Admission is free. Martinez Fine Arts Center at martinezfineartscenter@laredo.edu or 721-5334. LCC presents “Girl in a Coma” as part of the Rio Grande Arts Festival, from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Admission is free. Laredo Northside Market Association is hosting the May “Fifth Saturday Market” at Slaughter Park. Many of the regular Laredo Northside Market vendors will be present, and there will also be activities with prizes for kids. For more information, visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/laredonorthsidemarket. Polly Heil-Mealey, naturopath and certified iridologist, will be at Lighthouse Assembly of God Church, 8731 Belize Dr at Puig at 7 p.m., speaking on whole body wellness. Admission is free. Call 281-312-2860.
SUNDAY, MAY 31 LCC’s Rio Grande Arts Festival from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at LCC Fort McIntosh Campus West End. Contests in playwriting, play production, short film, song writing, battle of bands and dance. Admission is free. Martinez Fine Arts Center at martinezfineartscenter@laredo.edu or 721-5334.
Photo by Mark Wilson | AP
In this photo taken Wednesday, roses rest on the seat of Jesus Delgado Rodriguez’s motorcycle in front of his home in New Braunfels, Texas. Rodriguez was killed last Sunday in a deadly shootout last Sunday, involving rival motorcycle gangs in Waco, Texas. Rodriguez’s family members say he was not part of an outlaw motorcycle gang, contradicting police claims.
Veteran among killed By NOMAAN MERCHANT, SETH ROBBINS AND EMILY SCHMALL ASSOCIATED PRESS
WACO — One of nine bikers killed at a shootout outside a Texas restaurant was a Vietnam veteran and Purple Heart recipient whose family members dispute police claims he was in a criminal group. An Associated Press review of Texas court records and a database maintained by the state Department of Public Safety turned up no criminal history in Texas for Jesus Delgado Rodriguez, 65, of New Braunfels. And his son Vincent Ramirez told the San Antonio Express-News that he was not violent. Rodriguez was one of nine bikers killed Sunday when gunfire erupted at Twin Peaks restaurant in Waco, where motorcyclists had gathered for a meeting. Authorities have said the shooting began during an apparent confrontation between two rival motorcycle
Dallas girl, 14, gets 40 years for drowning baby DALLAS — A 14-year-old Dallas girl has been sentenced to the maximum 40 years in custody for drowning an infant she was watching. Authorities believe the teen didn’t want her mother to adopt 2-month-old Justice. The family kept the baby because the infant’s mother was in jail. The teen’s mother was at work when her daughter drowned the baby in a bowl of water.
Deadly house fire blamed on unattended stove HOUSTON — The Houston Fire Department says a May 1 house fire that killed three people was caused by an unattended cooking stove. Firefighters managed to pull two victims from the burning residence. Both people were transported to a hospital, where they later died. A third person was dead at the scene.
gangs — the Bandidos and the Cossacks. Waco police spokesman Sgt. W. Patrick Swanton told the AP on Wednesday that all those killed were part of those two gangs. He was less specific on Thursday, saying all those killed or injured were part of five criminal motorcycle gangs. Military records show Rodriguez was a Marine on active duty from 1969 and 1973, and received the Purple Heart, given to those wounded or killed in action. He also received a Navy commendation medal and other awards. Family members said Rodriguez was a biker and had belonged to two now-defunct motorcycle clubs, one of which allowed couples. But he was not part of any club when he was killed at Twin Peaks restaurant in Waco, they said, though he had friends who were Bandidos.
Texas man set to die June 10 get federal prison over 3 loses federal appeal methamphetamine ring HOUSTON — A North Texas man facing execution in less than two weeks for the fatal shootings of four men more than 30 years ago has lost a federal court appeal. Lester Bower, 67, long has maintained he’s innocent of the October 1983 shootings. Parts of a missing aircraft stored at the hangar later were found at Bower’s Arlington home.
10 high school students in trouble after food fight SAN ANTONIO — Ten high school students in San Antonio could face prosecution after a cafeteria food fight left a cleanup worker seriously hurt. A spokeswoman for the Harlandale Independent School District says an employee who was cleaning up the mess slipped and fell. A statement says the worker, whose name wasn’t released, was hospitalized in serious condition.
EL PASO — Ten people have been sentenced to prison for their roles in a West Texas-based methamphetamine ring that sent drugs to California, Illinois and Georgia. Federal prosecutors in El Paso on Thursday announced the sentences ranging from nearly 21 years to 18 months behind bars. Investigators say the case involves crystal meth that was smuggled last year from Mexico.
1st report of West Nile virus in Texas this year DALLAS — A Harris County resident has contracted the first human case of the West Nile virus in Texas this year. Harris County Public Health & Environmental Services confirmed the case Thursday. Doctors for the unidentified man, who is hospitalized, expect him to recover. — Compiled from AP reports
MONDAY, JUNE 1 Monthly Laredo Soup Dinner from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Holding Institute Community Center, 1102 Santa Maria. For a $5 donation, attendees receive soup, salad, bread and a vote for one of four presentations ranging from art, urban agriculture, social justice, social entrepreneurs, education, technology and more. Ballots are counted and the winner goes home with all of the money raised to carry out their project. Vicky Garcia at laredosoup@gmail.com or 763-3667.
THURSDAY, JUNE 4 Elysian Social Club will be hosting its regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. Herlinda Nieto-Dubuisson at 956-2853126.
SATURDAY, JUNE 6 Villa San Agustin de Laredo Genealogical Society meeting with speaker Albino Salinas Arreola on the Founding of Nuevo Laredo at the Laredo Public Library-Calton, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Sanjuanita Martinez-Hunter at 722-3497. First United Methodist Church used book sale from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at 1220 McClelland.
AROUND THE NATION VA must find millions to finish troubled hospital DENVER — Construction crews are returning to work at the veterans hospital outside Denver after a last-minute deal with congressional leaders avoided a shutdown of the half-finished project. But the really heavy lifting will be done 1,500 miles away in Washington. The U.S. Senate agreed Friday to raise the project’s spending cap by $100 million, enough to continue work for three weeks. The House approved the measure Thursday. Congress and the Veterans Affairs Department still must find up to $830 million to finish the vastly over-budget hospital.
Unpublished Orson Welles draft memoir obtained ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The University of Michigan says a “very raw draft” of an unpublish-
Today is Saturday, May 23, the 143rd day of 2015. There are 222 days left in the year. Today’s Highlight in History: On May 23, 1945, Nazi official Heinrich Himmler committed suicide by biting into a cyanide capsule while in British custody in Luneburg, Germany. On this date: In 1430, Joan of Arc was captured by the Burgundians, who sold her to the English. In 1533, the marriage of England’s King Henry VIII to Catherine of Aragon was declared null and void. In 1788, South Carolina became the eighth state to ratify the United States Constitution. In 1814, a third version of Beethoven’s only opera, “Fidelio,” had its world premiere in Vienna. In 1915, Italy declared war on Austria-Hungary during World War I. In 1934, bank robbers Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker were shot to death in a police ambush in Bienville Parish, Louisiana. In 1939, the Navy submarine USS Squalus sank during a test dive off the New England coast. Thirty-two crew members and one civilian were rescued, but 26 others died; the sub was salvaged and recommissioned the USS Sailfish. In 1949, the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) was established. In 1984, Surgeon General C. Everett Koop issued a report saying there was “very solid” evidence linking cigarette smoke to lung disease in nonsmokers. “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom,” starring Harrison Ford, was released by Paramount Pictures. In 1995, the computer programming language Java was publicly released at the Sun World Conference in San Francisco. Ten years ago: Afghan President Hamid Karzai met at the White House with President George W. Bush, who declined to promise Karzai more control over thousands of American troops in Afghanistan. Five years ago: In a new al-Qaida video, U.S.-born cleric Anwar al-Awlaki (who would die in a U.S. drone attack in September 2011) advocated the killing of American civilians, accusing the U.S. of intentionally killing a million Muslim civilians in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere. One year ago: A 22-yearold armed with knives and a gun went on a rampage near the Univesity of California, Santa Barbara; Elliot Rodger killed six students and wounded 13 other people before taking his own life. Today’s Birthdays: Bluegrass singer Mac Wiseman is 90. Actress Barbara Barrie is 84. International Tennis Hall of Famer John Newcombe is 71. Country singer Misty Morgan is 70. Chess grandmaster Anatoly Karpov is 64. Actorcomedian-game show host Drew Carey is 57. Actressmodel Karen Duffy is 54. Actress Melissa McBride is 50. Singer Lorenzo is 43. Singer Jewel is 41. Game show contestant Ken Jennings is 41. Actor-comedian Tim Robinson is 34. Actor Adam Wylie is 31. Movie writer-director Ryan Coogler is 29. Thought for Today: “Life is like a game of poker: If you don’t put any in the pot, there won’t be any to take out.” — Jackie “Moms” Mabley (18941975).
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Members of a construction crew work at the site of the new Veterans Administration hospital complex, in Aurora, Colorado, on Thursday. Construction crews are returning to work at the veterans hospital outside Denver. ed Orson Welles memoir has joined its archives on the trailblazing filmmaker. The typewritten memoir was in eight boxes of materials from Croatian filmmaker Oja Kodar that the Ann Arbor school purchased. Kodar was Welles’ part-
ner and collaborator for 24 years. The university says the 80page typed memoir has handwritten notes and edits throughout. It includes passages about Welles’ second wife Rita Hayworth and Ernest Hemingway. — Compiled from AP reports
SUBSCRIPTIONS/DELIVERY (956) 728-2555 The Zapata Times is distributed on Saturdays to 4,000 households in Zapata County. For subscribers of the Laredo Morning Times and for those who buy the Laredo Morning Times at newsstands, the Zapata Times is inserted. The Zapata Times is free. The Zapata Times is published by the Laredo Morning Times, a division of The Hearst Corporation, P.O. Box 2129, Laredo, Texas 78044. Phone (956) 728-2500. The Zapata office is at 1309 N. U.S. Hwy. 83 at 14th Avenue, Suite 2, Zapata, TX 78076. Call (956) 765-5113 or e-mail thezapatatimes.net
State
SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2015
THE ZAPATA TIMES 3A
Tiny library brings literature to the trail By MELISSA CROWE THE VICTORIA ADVOCATE
VICTORIA — Walkers and cyclists on the Lone Tree Creek Hike and Bike Trail may notice a new addition on the 4-mile path. It’s not a birdhouse. It’s not a mailbox. It’s a little, free library. The cedar box is stuffed with books by Dean Koontz and Nicholas Sparks and titles such as “The Fault in our Stars,” “Gone Girl,” and “Legend,” all free for the taking. While the library is quaint in size and appearance, Randi Furman, the woman behind the miniature book collection, is part of a burgeoning global movement aimed at sharing literacy. The concept for Little Free Library started six years ago in the Midwest, and now includes thousands of registered libraries across the world. The library works on an honor system and people can take and leave books as they please, with no penalties or late fees and no strings attached. “I like books, and I like people to like books,” Furman told The Victoria Advocate. Her library is the first of its kind in Victoria, and she hopes it’s the start of a new movement to encourage reading. “I just want to put books in people’s hands,” Furman said. “I want to share the love of reading.” Furman, 33, has always been a bookworm. She grew up on Roald Dahl books and now makes a living spreading the joys of good stories as an elementary school and junior high librarian in Port Lavaca. When she first heard about the miniature libraries during an industry conference in Austin,
Photo by Frank Tilley/The Victoria Advocate | AP
This May 14 photo shows a pedestrian walking by a little cedar box hanging from the backyard fence of Randi and Austin Furman’s home displaying books with a sign that says, Little Free Library, a non profit movement that seeks to share the love of reading. Located on the Lone Tree Creek walking trail in Victoria. she knew it was a project Victoria could use. “I thought they were the coolest things ever,” she said. “Since my house is backed up to the trail, I thought it would be perfect.” She stocked the tiny library with several titles opened it to the public Monday. The goal is to have it become self-sustaining. “I want kids to be excited to see what’s there,” she said. “I just want it to bring a sense of community with people coming together and having a tangi-
ble book in their hands.” Jim McCulloch, a 29year-old respiratory therapist, isn’t a dedicated book reader like Furman, but that didn’t stop him from pitching in to build the tiny library. “I’d never heard of it, but I thought it was a cool idea,” McCulloch said. He envisions lining the entire fence at the Lone Tree Creek Hike and Bike Trail with little libraries and can imagine them at Riverside Park or Ethel Lee Tracy Park, places where there is a constant flow of adults and fam-
ilies. “I just hope people use it,” he said. Tod Bol of Hudson, Wis., started the Little Free Library project in 2009 Bol was inspired by Andrew Carnegie, who supported 2,509 free public libraries around the turn of the 19th to 20th century including those still standing in Franklin, Ballinger, Jefferson and Tyler The official motto is “Take a Book, Return a Book” To date there are more than 25,000 Little Free Li-
braries across the world, represented in 50 states and more than 70 countries. Little Free Library aims to grow to 50,000 libraries worldwide by 2017 Not everything is destined for a happy ending, though, and vandalism is a very real possibility. A Houston burglar ransacked and destroyed a little library last November at a woman’s home in the Heights District. In Seattle, preschool students rallied after their Little Free Library was torched a few weeks ago.
“We know it’s a possibility,” McCulloch said. “Hopefully it won’t come down to that. I don’t see a reason why somebody would intentionally go after it.” Furman isn’t as concerned. “There are so many high school kids who use the trail for walking to or from school,” Furman said. “I heard the other day, a kid on a skateboard took three. Maybe he’d never go to his school library, but if he saw something interesting here, maybe he’ll read it.”
PAGE 4A
Zopinion
SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2015
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR SEND YOUR SIGNED LETTER TO EDITORIAL@LMTONLINE.COM
COLUMN
OTHER VIEWS
Building spiritual capital Lisa Miller is a professor of psychology and education at Columbia University. One day she entered a subway car and saw that half of it was crowded but the other half was empty, except for a homeless man who had some fast food on his lap and who was screaming at anybody who came close. At one stop, a grandmother and granddaughter, about 8, entered the car. They were elegantly dressed, wearing pastel dresses and gloves with lace trim. The homeless man spotted them and screamed, "Hey! Do you want to sit with me?" They looked at each other, nodded and replied in unison, "Thank you," and, unlike everybody else, sat directly next to him. The man offered them some chicken from his bag. They looked at each other and nodded and said, "No, thank you." The homeless man offered several more times, and each time they nodded to each other and gave the same polite answer. Finally, the homeless man was calmed, and they all sat contentedly in their seats. Miller was struck by the power of that nod. "The nod was spirituality shared between child and beloved elder: spiritual direction, values, taught and received in the loving relationship," she writes in her book "The Spiritual Child." The grandmother was teaching the granddaughter the wisdom that we were once all strangers in a strange land and that we’re judged by how we treat those who have the least. Miller’s core argument is that spiritual awareness is innate and that it is an important component in human development. An implication of her work is that if you care about social mobility, graduation rates, resilience, achievement and family formation, you can’t ignore the spiritual resources of the people you are trying to help. Miller defines spirituality as "an inner sense of relationship to a higher power that is loving and guiding." Different people can conceive of this higher power as God, nature, spirit, the universe or just a general oneness of being. She distinguishes spirituality, which has a provable genetic component, from religious affiliation, which is entirely influenced by environment. I’d say Miller doesn’t pay sufficient attention to the many secular, thisworld ways people find to organize their lives. Still, it does seem true that most children are born with a natural sense of the spiritual. If they find a dead squirrel on the playground, they understand there is something sacred
“
DAVID BROOKS
there, and they will most likely give it a respectful burial. They have a natural sense of the oneness of creation, and a sense of a transcendent, nonmaterial realm. Miller cites twin studies that suggest that the strength of a child’s spiritual awareness is about 29 percent because of broad genetic heritability, 24 percent because of family environment and 47 percent because of a person’s unique individual environment. Spiritual awareness, she continues, surges in adolescence, at about the same time as depression and other threats to well-being. Some level of teenage depression, she says, should be seen as a normal part of the growth process, as young people ask fundamental questions of themselves. The spiritual surge in adolescence is nature’s way of responding to this normal crisis. Taken together," Miller writes, "research supports the idea of a common physiology underlying depression and spirituality." In other words, teenagers commonly suffer a loss of meaning, confidence and identity. Some of them try to fill the void with drugs, alcohol, gang activity and even pregnancy. But others are surrounded by people who have cultivated their spiritual instincts. According to Miller’s research, adolescents with a strong sense of connection to a transcendent realm are 70 percent to 80 percent less likely to engage in heavy substance abuse. Among teenage girls, having a strong spiritual sense was extremely protective against serious depression. Adults who consider themselves highly spiritual at age 26 are, according to her research, 75 percent protected against recurrence of depression. Innate spiritual capacities can wither unless cultivated — the way that innate math faculties can go undeveloped without instruction. Loving families nurture these capacities, especially when parents speak explicitly about spiritual quests. In an era in which so many people slip off the rails during adolescence, we don’t have the luxury of ignoring a resource that, if cultivated, could see them through. Ignoring spiritual development in the public square is like ignoring intellectual, physical or social development. It is to amputate people in a fundamental way, leading to more depression, alienation and misery. (David Brooks is a columnist for the New York Times.)
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY The Zapata Times does not publish anonymous letters. To be published, letters must include the writer’s first and last names as well as a phone number to verify identity. The phone number IS NOT published; it is used solely to verify identity and to clarify content, if necessary. Identity of the letter writer must be verified before publication. We want to assure our
readers that a letter is written by the person who signs the letter. The Zapata Times does not allow the use of pseudonyms. Letters are edited for style, grammar, length and civility. No name-calling or gratuitous abuse is allowed. Via e-mail, send letters to editorial@lmtonline.com or mail them to Letters to the Editor, 111 Esperanza Drive, Laredo, TX 78041.
COLUMN
Double standard on violence By EARL OFARI HUTCHINSON CHICAGO TRIBUNE
We’ve seen it so often that it has become laughable, pitiable and disgraceful. But more than anything, it strikes to the heart of a grotesque truth about American hypocrisy. The "it" this time is the almost matter of fact, infuriating double standard by law enforcement, the press and public officials when it comes to young black males committing mayhem versus young or not-so-young white males committing mayhem. It reared its ugly head again in the way that law enforcement handled and much of the media reported on the recent deadly shootout between rival Texas biker gangs. The carnage in Waco left nine dead, scores wounded and nearly 200 arrested, most of them white bikers. It was labeled a "feud," a "melee," "a turf battle," accompanied by a deluge of media interviews from self-identified biker gang members painting themselves as belonging to a harmless social club. Then we saw the now-infamous scene of scores of detained bikers allegedly
connected with the mayhem leisurely corralled near the murder scene on their cellphones and yukking it up with each other. And who did we see overseeing them? We saw police officers seemingly just as casual; nonchalant as if it was just another day at the office. Or, as if they had just detained these bikers for nothing more than a speeding violation. Suffice it to say, there have been few hysterical screeches branding them as thugs, gangsters, animals and vermin. There have been few indignant calls by the press, citizenry and elected officials for a swift, harsh, toss-the-book-at-them resolution — the kind of demands we hear when it’s young black males on the hot seat. Young whites tear up streets, overturn cars and battle police after a championship hockey or basketball victory or loss and it’s simply tagged as boys will be boys. Or, when a young white male shoots up a school or theater there are pronouncements about his troubled childhood, drug addiction or psychological traumas. Or, how about, when young whites are pop-
ped for drug use? The pipeline for them is not to courts and jails, but to counseling and treatment and therapy. This dual racial standard rests squarely on the pantheon of stereotypes and negative typecasting of young black males, which too often has deadly consequences. The hope was that Barack Obama’s 2008 election to the White House would bury once and for all negative racial typecasting and the perennial threat it poses to the safety and well-being of black males. It did no such thing. Immediately after his election, teams of researchers from several major universities found that many of the old stereotypes about poverty and crime and blacks remained frozen in time. The study found that much of the public still perceived those most likely to commit crimes as poor, jobless and black. The study did more than affirm that race and poverty and crime were firmly rammed together in the public mind. It showed that once the stereotype is planted, it’s virtually impossible to root it out. That’s hardly new.
In 2003, Penn State University researchers conducted a landmark study on the tie between crime and public perceptions of who is most likely to commit a crime. The study found that many whites are likely to associate pictures of blacks with violent crimes. This was no surprise given the relentless media depictions of young black males as dysfunctional, dope-peddling, gang bangers and drive-by shooters. The study found that even when blacks didn’t commit a specific crime, whites still identified the perpetrator as AfricanAmerican. Five years later, university researchers wanted to see if that stereotype still held sway. Researchers found that the attitudes on crime and race remained unchanged. The bulging numbers of blacks in America’s jails and prisons seem to reinforce the wrong-headed perception that crime and violence invariably comes with a young, black, male face. The brutal reality is that Waco won’t change that. (Earl Ofari Hutchinson is an author and political analyst.)
WORST WEEK IN WASHINGTON
NSA’s Rogers had worst week By CHRIS CILLIZZA THE WASHINGTON POST
WASHINGTON — The National Security Agency (NSA) has had a rough few years, starting with Edward Snowden and continuing through this past week, as lawmakers debated the future of the agency’s bulk phone-data program. What rapidly became clear is that a majority simply doesn’t exist any longer in Congress for extending the government’s ability to collect and retain scads of metadata derived from phone calls. The program is set to ex-
pire June 1 unless Congress acts to extend it. A measure that would sharply restrict it passed the House recently by a 338-to-88 vote, a resounding rejection that came hard on the heels of a federal appeals court ruling that the bulk surveillance program is illegal. The Senate, which has in the past rejected attempts to limit the program, seems entirely unwilling to play that role this time around. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., a longtime opponent of the NSA and now a presidential candidate, tied up the Senate floor for almost 11 hours Wednesday with a fil-
ibuster aimed at raising questions about not just the bulk data collection but also the broader Patriot Act, which is coming up for reauthorization as well. Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Richard Burr, R-N.C., who favors keeping the surveillance in place, acknowledged Thursday that such an outcome is extremely unlikely — and that, at the moment, there appears to be no way to get even the limited bill that passed the House to a Senate vote. That raises a nightmare scenario for the NSA and its head, Adm. Mike Rogers
— because if the deadline to renew or alter the surveillance authorization passes, the program will enter very murky legal waters, given the appeals court ruling. No matter what happens, it’s clear that Rogers and his organization are quickly running out of friends on Capitol Hill. Mike Rogers, for increasingly looking like a man on an island, you had the worst week in Washington. Congrats, or something. (Cillizza covers the White House for The Washington Post and writes The Fix, its politics blog.)
CLASSIC DOONESBURY | GARRY TRUDEAU
State
SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2015
THE ZAPATA TIMES 5A
Texas Online solicitation measure signed into law jobless rate steady By RYAN MCCRIMMON TEXAS TRIBUNE
ASSOCIATED PRESS
AUSTIN — The Texas unemployment rate for April held steady at 4.2 percent, the Texas Workforce Commission reported Friday. The state’s rate — the lowest level since July 2007 — compares to the national jobless rate is 5.4 percent. Texas had seven straight months of jobless rate declines through March. In April 2014, statewide unemployment was 5.2 percent. The McAllen-EdinburgMission area had the highest unemployment statewide last month at 7.3 percent, according to the agency. Texas added an estimated 287,000 seasonally adjusted jobs over the past year, according to the commission. The leisure and hospitality industry led job gains in Texas, adding 6,900 positions. Other job gains happened in the information and trade, transportation and utilities sector, the agency reported. Amarillo had the state’s lowest jobless rate for April at 2.7 percent. “The employers in Texas are strong and resilient and have a talented pool of workers to choose from,” TWC Commissioner Hope Andrade said.
Photo by Rodolfo Gonzalez/Austin American-Statesman | AP file
IGov. Greg Abbott, front center, discusses a fracking bill before signing it into law at the State Capitol, on Monday.
Gov. Greg Abbott on Friday signed into law a measure that makes online solicitation of a minor a punishable offense. “It is regrettable that this bill is necessary,” Abbott said. “This law will, however, provide law enforcement and prosecutors more tools to combat on-
line predators.” Senate Bill 344 by state Sen. Joan Huffman, RHouston, and state Rep. Tony Dale, R-Cedar Park, changes the definition of a minor protected by online solicitation law to anyone younger than 17, rather than anyone who "represents himself or herself to be" younger than that age. The measure also drops certain defenses that can
thwart prosecution. Abbott cited a 2013 ruling by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals that barred the state from prosecuting a public school teacher who sent sexually explicit text messages to a 15-year-old student. Abbott said the court “was wrong on the law, and its decision has dangerous consequences for Texas children.”
El Paso police shoot, kill man with gun ASSOCIATED PRESS
EL PASO — El Paso police say two officers fatally shot an armed 22-year-old man after he attempted to get inside a children’s day care center. Police spokesman Sgt. Chris Mears said officers on Thursday morning shot the man, who wasn’t iden-
tified, after he ignored commands and made a “threatening motion” with his gun toward them. The man died at the scene. It’s the third fatal shooting by El Paso police this year. Officers had responded after receiving a report of a man who appeared to be distraught and holding a
gun to his head while walking behind a business. Several schools nearby were placed on lockdown as a precaution after being alerted by police. “We do know that literally seconds before the officers’ arrival, the subject had been banging on the back door, trying to make entry into the day care,”
Mears said. “And so this situation, as tragic as it is that the man died here at the scene, could have been much more tragic.” Some residents near the Kids Campus and Daycare said they heard several gunshots. Edmundo Lopez said he and his wife were home when they heard “two or three shots.”
Police didn’t say what type of gun the man had or how many times he was shot. The officers, whose names weren’t released, have been placed on administrative duty. One officer has been with the department for six years and the other for around five months, Mears said.
Nation
6A THE ZAPATA TIMES
SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2015
Sensitive info received on private account By LISA LERER, MATTHEW LEE AND JACK GILLUM ASSOCIATED PRESS
WASHINGTON — Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton received information on her private email account about the deadly attack on U.S. diplomatic facilities in Benghazi that was later classified “secret” at the request of the FBI, according to documents released Friday, underscoring lingering questions about how responsibly she handled sensitive information on a home server. The nearly 900 pages of her correspondence released by the State Department also contained several messages that were deemed sensitive but unclassified, detailed her daily schedule and contained information — censored in the documents as released — about the CIA that the govern-
ment is barred from publicly disclosing. Taken together, the correspondence provides examples of material considered to be sensitive that Clinton, the front-runner for the 2016 Democratic presidential nomination, received on the account run out of her home. She has said the private server had “numerous safeguards.” Clinton’s decision while secretary of state to opt out of a State Department email account has become a political problem for her, as the Republican-led House committee investigating the Benghazi attacks has used the disclosures of her email usage to paint her as secretive and above standard scrutiny. Clinton, campaigning in New Hampshire, said Friday she was aware that the FBI now wanted some of the email to be classified, “but that doesn’t change the
Photo by Joshua Lott/New York Times | AP
Hillary Rodham Clinton attends a round table discussion at the Center for New Horizons in Chicago, May 20. fact all of the information in the emails was handled appropriately.” Asked if she was concerned it was on a private server, she replied, “No.” State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf said, “It was not classified at the time. The occurrence of subsequent upgrade does not mean anyone did anything wrong.”
It’s not clear if Clinton’s home computer system used encryption software to communicate securely with government email services. That would have protected her communications from the prying eyes of foreign spies, hackers, or anyone interested on the Internet. Last year, Clinton gave the State Department 55,000 pages of emails that she
said pertained to her work as secretary sent from her personal address. Only messages related to the 2012 attacks on the U.S. diplomatic post in Benghazi, Libya, that killed four Americans, including U.S. Ambassador Christopher Stevens, were released by the department on Friday. The 296 emails had already been turned over to the House Benghazi committee. A Nov. 18, 2012, message about arrests in Libya was not classified at the time, meaning no laws were violated, but was upgraded from “unclassified” to “secret” on Friday at the request of the FBI to redact information that could contain information damaging to national security or foreign relations. Twenty-three words were redacted from the message, which detailed reports of arrests in Libya of people who might have connections to
the attack, Harf said. The redacted portion appears to relate to people who provided information about the alleged suspects to the Libyans. That part of the email had been categorized by the State Department as “NOFORN,” meaning that foreign nationals weren’t allowed to read it, including close U.S. allies. The message, originally from Bill Roebuck, then director of the Office of Maghreb Affairs, was forwarded to Clinton by her deputy chief of staff, Jake Sullivan, with the comment: “fyi.” No other redactions were made to the collection of Benghazi-related emails for classification reasons, officials said. They added that the Justice Department had not raised classification concerns about the now-redacted 1 1/2 lines in the Nov. 18 email when the documents were turned over to the Benghazi committee.
TLC pulls series amid molestation reports By ALLEN REED ASSOCIATED PRESS
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — TLC pulled the reality series “19 Kids and Counting” from its schedule on Friday, a move that follows reports of sexual misconduct allegations against one of the stars, Josh Duggar, stemming from when he was a juvenile. In a statement, the channel said it was “deeply saddened and troubled by this heartbreaking situation, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family and victims at this difficult time.” The statement didn’t elaborate. Also Friday, Arkansas police said they had destroyed a record outlining a nearly decade-old investigation into Duggar, a day after the 27-year-old resigned his role
with a prominent conservative Christian group amid reports about the allegations. The Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, which obtained the offense report before its destruction, reports Duggar was accused of fondling five girls in 2002 and 2003. Duggar issued an apology Thursday on Facebook for unspecified bad behavior as a youth and resigned his role as executive director for FRC Action, the tax-exempt legislative action arm of the Washingtonbased Family Research Council. “I would do anything to go back to those teen years and take different actions,” Duggar wrote. “In my life today, I am so very thankful for God’s grace, mercy and redemption.” No charges were filed
Photo by Danny Johnston | AP file
In this Aug. 29, 2014, file photo, Josh Duggar speaks in favor of the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act in Little Rock, Ark. against Duggar, and the report says investigators concluded the statute of limitations had passed, according to the newspaper. Duggar appears on the TLC reality show “19 Kids and Counting,” which stars his family. He is the oldest of Jim Bob and Michelle
Duggar’s 19 children. TLC didn’t address whether its popular show would return. The program had been set to air in reruns after wrapping its most recent season. Springdale Police began investigating Duggar in 2006 when officers were alerted
to a letter containing the allegations that was found in a book lent by a family friend to someone else. The report, originally published by tabloid In Touch Weekly, states that a member of Harpo Studios, the producer of Oprah Winfrey’s then show, received an email containing the allegations before the family was set to appear in 2006. The tipster warned producers against allowing the Duggars on the show and studio staff members faxed a copy of the email to Arkansas State Police. Springdale Police spokesman Scott Lewis said Judge Stacey Zimmerman ordered the 2006 offense report destroyed Thursday. Zimmerman didn’t return a request for comment on Friday. “The judge ordered us yesterday to expunge that
record,” Lewis said, adding that similar records are typically kept indefinitely. “As far as the Springdale Police Department is concerned this report doesn’t exist.” Neither Duggar nor his father, a former state representative, returned calls seeking comment Friday. Several Arkansas Republicans have rallied behind the Duggar family, which is still engaged in state politics. Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar attended the kickoff event earlier this month for Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee. Arkansas Sen. Bart Hester said Josh Duggar, who he has known for about five years, has been open and honest about the incident with wife, family and friends. State Sen. Jon Woods said the family had put the issue behind them.
Nation
SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2015
THE ZAPATA TIMES 7A
California farmers make water use deal By FENIT NIRAPPIL AND SCOTT SMITH ASSOCIATED PRESS
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California regulators Friday accepted a historic offer from a group of farmers holding some of the state’s strongest water rights to voluntarily reduce their water use by one-quarter to stave off deeper, mandatory cutbacks amid one of the worst droughts on record. Officials hope the deal will serve as a model for more such agreements with growers in the nation’s top-producing farm state, where agriculture accounts for 80 percent of all water drawn from the state’s rivers, streams and groundwater sources. “We’re in a drought unprecedented in our time. That’s calling upon us to take unprecedented action,” Felicia Marcus, chairwoman of the state Water Resources Control Board, said in announcing the agreement. The rare concession from the farmers is the latest indication of the severity of the water shortage in California, which is suffering through its driest four years on record.
Photo by Rich Pedroncelli, file | AP
Gino Celli inspects wheat nearing harvest on his farm near Stockton, California, on Monday. California regulators Friday accepted a historic offer by farmers to make a 25 percent voluntary water cut to avoid deeper mandatory losses during the drought. California water law is built around preserving the rights of the so-called senior rights holders — farmers and others whose acreage abuts rivers and streams, or whose claims to water date back a century or more, as far back as Gold Rush days. The offer potentially could cover hundreds of
farmers in the delta of the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers, the heart of California’s water system. Some of the farmers made the offer after state officials warned they were days away from ordering the first cuts in more than 30 years to the senior water rights holders. The state already has or-
dered cities and towns to cut their water use by 25 percent, and it has curtailed water deliveries to many other farmers. But in recent weeks, many city dwellers and others have complained that agriculture should be made to share more of the sacrifice. By itself, the delta farmers’ offer would not go far
enough to save drying, warming waterways statewide. But if more farmers sign on across the state, California could save significant amounts of water, since senior water rights holders alone consume trillions of gallons a year. While California produces nearly half of the fruits, nuts and vegetables
grown in the U.S., agriculture experts say they would expect only modest immediate effects on food prices from any reduction in water for the senior water rights holders. Other regions would be able to make up the difference, economists say. Under the deal, delta farmers have until June 1 to lay out how they will use 25 percent less water during the dry summer. That could include irrigating their crops less or leaving some of their land fallow. The agreement “is an illustration of creative practical approaches that water managers in the state of California are taking to help get us all through this devastating drought,” said Michael George, state water master for the Delta. Senior water rights holders last saw their water cut back in 1977, but that move applied only to dozens of people along a stretch of the Sacramento River. Any accord with the Delta farmers would probably rely largely on the honor system. California currently does not require monitoring or meters for superior rights holders.
Las Vegas feels magnitude 5.4 rural quake By KIMBERLY PIERCEALL ASSOCIATED PRESS
LAS VEGAS — A magnitude-5.4 earthquake struck a rural area of southern Nevada on Friday, shaking buildings more than 100 miles away and damaging a busy Las Vegas interchange as roadtripping travelers were descending on Sin City for Memorial Day weekend. The temblor hit at 11:47 a.m. about 24 miles southwest of the small town of Caliente, and most of Southern Nevada felt it, along with parts of Utah including St. George and Cedar City, the U.S. Geological Survey reported.
People took to social media to report feeling the quake, but those already on the Las Vegas Strip appeared to take any shaking in stride, without any interruption to the gambling destination’s usual fun. Caesars Entertainment Corp.’s 550-foot-tall High Roller observation wheel was still taking riders on a slow spin after officials said inspections revealed everything had gone according to the ride’s earthquake plan. There were no immediate reports of damage or disruptions at any of the casino-hotels, but the Nevada Highway Patrol re-
ported damage to one of the state’s busiest highway ramps, near downtown Las Vegas. The ramp from southbound U.S. 95 to Interstate 15, part of the socalled Spaghetti Bowl interchange, was shut down indefinitely while crews examined a bridge joint that appeared to shift. About 250,000 vehicles a day use the interchange with the damaged ramp, and an estimated 330,000 people are expected to visit Las Vegas this weekend, with 60 percent of them driving. “Perfect timing. On a three-day weekend,” said Nevada Highway Patrol spokesman Loy Hixon.
Kara Rutkin, a publicist in southwest Las Vegas originally from California, said she was working in her second-story office when she felt the quake and five to 10 seconds of shaking. Some colleagues were new to the feeling. “It’s not typical to have these out here. That’s why it took everyone a minute to process it,” Rutkin said. “I think it was just more exciting thing to be part of it — as exciting as an earthquake can be.” Nevada is laced with faults and ranks third in
the nation behind California and Alaska for earthquake activity. Friday’s quake was the state’s biggest since a magnitude-6.0 quake struck in 2008 near the rural town of Wells in northeast Nevada, said Mickey Cassar, a seismic records technician at the Nevada Seismological Laboratory at the University of Nevada, Reno. The quake was shallower than most, about 2.4 miles below the surface, he said. “The shallower an earthquake occurs, the
more shaking there is and the farther away it is felt,” he said. Several aftershocks, from magnitude 1.0 to 3.8, followed the larger quake. Jacqueline Spute, administrative assistant at the Moapa Band of Paiutes reservation about 40 miles south of the quake’s epicenter, said the quake felt like “slow-motion rocking.” Band officials were checking dams and infrastructure, but there were no immediate reports of damage, she said.
International
8A THE ZAPATA TIMES
SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2015
IS claims Ireland mulls gay marriage mosque attck By SHAWN POGATCHNIK ASSOCIATED PRESS
By ABDULLAH AL-SHIHRI AND AYA BATRAWY ASSOCIATED PRESS
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — A suicide bomber unleashed a blast in a Shiite mosque in eastern Saudi Arabia as worshippers commemorated the birth of a revered saint, killing at least 21 people and wounding dozens more in the deadliest attack seen in the kingdom in more than a decade. Loyalists of the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the bombing. The claim of responsibility, made in a statement circulated on pro-IS Twitter feeds, could not be independently confirmed. It was issued by what purported to be a Saudi branch of the Islamic State group, which is based in Syria and Iraq, but it was not known if the perpetrators had a direct connection with the group’s leadership or were sympathizers acting independently in its name. Still, the bombing highlighted an increasing activeness of IS sympathizers in Saudi Arabia at a time when sectarian tensions have grown over the war in neighboring Yemen, where Saudi Arabia is leading an air campaign against Shiite rebels. Past months have seen a string of smaller attacks on security forces blamed by Saudi officials on the Islamic State group, and in late April, Saudi officials arrested 93 people they said were involved in an IS plot to attack the U.S. Embassy and other targets. Friday’s bombing took place in the village of al-Qudeeh in the eastern Qatif region, the heartland of Saudi Arabia’s Shiite Muslim minority, which has long complained of discrimination in the country, ruled by the ultraconservative Wahhabi interpretation of Sunni Islam. The bomber stood among
the worshippers in the Imam Ali mosque then detonated his explosives as people began to file out, Habib Mahmoud, managing editor for the state-linked Al-Sharq newspaper in Qatif, told The Associated Press. A local activist, Naseema al-Sada, told the AP by telephone from Qatif that the worshippers were commemorating the birth of Imam Hussain, a 7th century figure revered among Shiites. Al-Manar TV run by the Lebanese Shiite Hezbollah group, carried blurry pictures of pools of blood inside what appeared to be the mosque where the attack took place. It also showed still photos of at least three bodies stretched out on carpets, covered with sheets. One person dressed in a white robe was being carried away on a stretcher. At least 21 people were killed and more than 60 wounded, the spokesman for the provincial health services Asad Saoud said, according to the state news agency SPA. It appeared the number was likely to rise, with at least 40 critical cases. That would make it the deadliest militant attack in the kingdom at least since the 2004 attack on residential compounds of foreign workers in the eastern city of Khobar that killed 22, blamed on al-Qaida-linked militants. That earlier attack was part of a wave of al-Qaida-led violence that ended in 2006 as Saudi security forces moved to crush the terror network. The Islamic State group — formerly al-Qaida’s branch in Iraq which broke away and overran much of that country and neighboring Syria — has become notorious for its attacks on Shiites, including a deadly Shiite mosque bombing in the Yemeni capital Sanaa that killed more than 130 people.
DUBLIN — Voters determined to have their voice heard on gay marriage turned out in strength Friday for Ireland’s most hardfought referendum in decades, a contest that pitted the liberal forces of social change against the nation’s conservative Catholic foundation. Polls closed at 10 p.m. after 15 hours of voting that featured long-distance trips by Irish citizens, including thousands of emigrants who returned by aircraft or ferry to take part in the world’s first national vote on gay marriage. Backers of gay marriage had hoped for high turnout, reflecting strong participation by young and first-time voters. Electoral officials said this appeared to have happened, particularly in Ireland’s major urban centers of Dublin and Cork, where many arriving at polling stations declared it was their first time voting. Polling station officials said Ireland could top 60 percent turnout nationally for the first time since the country narrowly voted to legalize divorce in 1995, but was unlikely to reach the 68 percent achieved when the Irish voted to ease access to foreign abortions in 1992. Results will be announced Saturday. “This is really a turning point in our country, and I fully believe we’re going to have a ‘yes’ vote,” said Aodhan O’Riordain, the government’s equality minister, speaking after he cast his own ballot to amend the description of marriage in Ireland’s 1937 constitution to a contract between “two persons without distinction as to their sex.” O’Riordain, 38, called it the most important vote of his generation. Ireland has no system for mail-in voting, so Irish expatriates in London, New
Photo by Peter Morrison | AP
Partners Adrian, center left and Shane leave a polling station after casting their vote in Drogheda, Ireland, on Friday. Ireland voted Friday in a referendum on Gay marriage which will require an amendment to the Irish constitution. York, Bangkok and Nairobi planned weekend trips home. Many documented their journeys on Twitter, often under the hashtags #HomeToVote or, for some of those in neighboring Britain, #GetTheBoatToVote. One posted a picture on a London-to-Wales train with travelers decked out in rainbow colors and balloons of the gay rights movement. Voters questioned by The Associated Press as they left several Dublin polling stations demonstrated a clear generational gap. Those under 40 were solidly “yes,” with older voters much more likely to have voted “no.” “You can give the gays their rights without redefining the whole institution of marriage. What they’re asking for is too much,” said Bridget Ryan, 61, as she voted with her border collie in tow at a Catholic parish hall. A second proposed amendment to lower the minimum age of presidential candidates from 35 to 21 was not expected to pass. On the gay marriage question, leaders of the country’s predominant faith, Roman Catholicism, have led the opposition, arguing that legalization would undermine marriage as a pillar of society and trigger unintended legal
consequences in Irish courts, where adoption and surrogacy rights loom as legal battlegrounds. Yet even within the church, a vocal grass-roots minority voted in favor, arguing that their bishops had no right to stop the state from managing civil wedding rules. “A lot of practicing Catholics are voting yes, and it’s no different in the clergy,” said the Rev. Tim Hazelwood, a 56-year-old County Cork parish priest who told his flock from the pulpit at weekend Masses he was defying the bishops’ line on the vote. “We didn’t get much leadership from our leaders. I was hearing cold and clinical arguments against gay marriage, and what they said didn’t represent my view of Gospel values at all,” said Hazelwood, a psychotherapist who counsels gay parishioners on how to cope in an often-unfriendly world. Hazelwood said he knows of at least four fellow priests who also voted yes and estimates that one in 10 did nationwide. “They would share my view that Ireland and the church have caused gay people a lot of unnecessary hurt and pain, and it’s time for that to stop,” he said. A “yes” result would provide fresh evidence of wan-
ing church influence in a country that handed control of key state services to the church upon independence from Britain in the 1920s. In the 1930s Ireland wrote its constitution in close consultation with Catholic leaders and in the 1980s voted forcefully in referendums to strengthen Ireland’s abortion ban and to reject divorce. The Catholic Church in Ireland has suffered declining Mass attendance since the early 1990s, when its moral authority started to be battered by two decades of scandals over sexual abuse and its systemic cover-up in parishes and church-run institutions for children. Underscoring the changed national mood, Prime Minister Enda Kenny assailed the Vatican’s role in the cover-ups after he took power in 2011 and closed Ireland’s embassy to the Holy See. By the shores of Dublin Bay, roadside campaigners from the Yes Equality lobbying group waved rainbow flags and held up placards urging commuters to “Vote for us.” Cars honked back in approval. The Students Union of Ireland, determined to spur students back to their often faraway home districts to vote, produced an app offering custom-tailored advice on the best transport links to take. Cab booking companies Hailo and Uber offered free lifts to polling stations. And one of Ireland’s best known comedians, New York-raised Des Bishop, ran his own personalized taxi service for voters, taking free orders by tweet. Bishop said his last free fare, Ashley Kehoe, was a first-time voter who told him she was voting for gay marriage “for the Ireland we want to live in for the future. Great to see people so engaged.” Gay couples who hope to marry were keeping their fingers crossed.
SÁBADO 23 DE MAYO DE 2015
Ribereña en Breve CARRERA Carrera/Caminata 8K y 5K Memorial Day Mayhem, se realizará el sábado 23 de mayo, en Lions Club of Zapata County, ubicado en 2312 de Hidalgo Street. Puede inscribirse en líneao más información visite: http://tinyurl.com/mm2nc3q.
Zfrontera
PÁGINA 9A
CLIMA
Pronostican lluvias
DÍA DE LOS CAÍDOS Se llevará a cabo la Celebración por el Día de los Caídos (Memorial Day), el lunes 25 de mayo, a las 9 a.m. en la Rotonda del Palacio de Justicia del Condado de Zapata, 200 E. 7th Street. El orador principal será el Teniente retirado del Ejército de los Estados Unidos, Ricardo S. Sánchez. En un comunicado de prensa, el Congresista Henry Cuellar (D-TX28) dio a conocer que se rendirá homenaje a seis héroes de Zapata quienes sirvieron en las Fuerzas Armadas de los Estados Unidos. Se trata de los hermanos Teodoro, Antonio, Anselmo, Filiberto Jr., Leopoldo y José Manuel Treviño. Los seis hermanos sirvieron en la Segunda Guerra Mundial. En la ceremonia se contará con la presencia del Juez del Condado de Zapata Joe Rathmell, el Presidente del Consejo y CEO del International Bank of Commerce-Zapata Renato Ramírez, y representantes del Condado de Zapata y la Legión Americana. El Cabildo de la Ciudad de Roma, la Comisión Histórica de Roma y el Roma VFW Post 9175 invitan a honrar a quienes dieron su vida en servicio de los Estados Unidos. Se realizará ceremonia el lunes 25 de mayo a las 8 a.m. en el Cementerio de Roma, 248 E. Grant Street.
INSCRIPCIÓN A CAMPAMENTOS La Comisión de Parques y Recreación de la Ciudad de Roma invita los Campamentos de Baloncesto Verano 2015. El registro será del lunes 25 de mayo al miércoles 27 de mayo, en horario de 6 p.m. a 8 p.m. en el Roma Fire Department. La cuota de inscripción es de 40 dólares e incluye una camiseta. Informes con el Entrenador Principal Ríos en el 4372525.
RECAUDACIÓN DE FONDOS El Boys and Girls Club del Condado de Zapata se encuentra recaudando fondos para sus programas juveniles y eventos programados para el 2015. Interesados en apoyar la causa, la compañía Tupperware se encuentra ofreciendo que por cada producto Tupperware que se compre, un 40 por ciento de las ventas se destinará directamente al club de Zapata. Le meta es recaudar 3.000 dólares. Pida informes llamando al (956) 765-3892.
Foto por Al Key | Associated Press
Un rayo cae conforme nubes de tormentas pasan por Denton, a inicios de mayo. Partes de Texas continuarán recibiendo fuertes lluvias durante el fin de semana del Día de los Cados.
Servicio MN emite alerta sobre posibles inundaciones ASSOCIATED PRESS
NORMAN, Okla. — Existe una probabilidad de clima severo incluyendo fuertes lluvias durante el fin de semana del Día de los Caídos lo cual pudiera provocar alertas de inundaciones en partes de Texas, Arkansas y las áreas sur de Plains, dio a conocer el Servicio Meteorológico Nacional el viernes. El meteorólogo del Servicio Meteorológico Nacional (SMN), Matt Stalley en Fort Worth, dijo que las personas acampando en o los pasos de agua, deberán extremar las precauciones. “Hay algo de peligro con la situación actual. Hay muchos cierres de ríos y lagos, debido a todos los escombros que hay en el agua
que son recogidos por estas corrientes de agua. Hay amenazas adicionales en el alerta de inundación para las personas que salen a acampar”, dijo Stalley. Agregó que el área oeste del corredor en la Interestatal 35 espera recibir las cantidades más fuertes de lluvia. “Estamos observando tormentas que producirán fuertes lluvias, a partir de incrementar en cobertura el sábado por la tarde y noche. Y eso continuará durante una gran parte del domingo también”, dijo Stalley. El meteorólogo John Hart, ubicado en el Centro de Predicción de Tormentas del servicio meteorológico en Norman, dijo que el alerta de inundaciones durante el fin de
semana se dirige al Norte de Texas, Oklahoma y Arkansas, áreas que continúan húmedas por las recientes tormentas. Un meteorólogo en Norman dijo que alrededor de 0.6 pulgadas más de lluvia en mayo pudiera romper el récord del mes más húmedo jamás registrado en Oklahoma City. Tabitha Clarke con el servicio meteorológico en Little Rock dijo que la lluvia más fuerte en Arkansas se espera para el sábado por la tarde y noche. “Ésa es la parte preocupante – cuando las personas ya se encuentran acampanado o lo que sea que se encuentren haciendo”, dijo Clarke. “Las cantidades de lluvia pudieran no ser tan impresionantes como otros eventos que hemos te-
nido, pero debido a que ya está saturado, por esa razón ocurrirán inundaciones, y cuando llegue la lluvia, pudiera ser más intensa en una corta cantidad de tiempo”. El área que más preocupa es a lo largo del Río Colorado al suroeste de Arkansas, donde se esperan de 3 a 5 pulgadas de lluvia. Stalley, en Texas, conmina a cualquier con planes en el exterior durante el fin de semana a tener información sobre el clima a la mano, tales como un radio meteorológico. “Muchas personas ignoran las inundaciones como una amenaza del clima, pero en realidad es el principal causante de muertes debido al clima. Por tanto, no debe tomarse a la ligera”.
FRONTERA
TXDOT
Continúan casos por radio-antenas
Plan evitaría muertes
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Reynosa y Matamoros, México, continúan siendo las ciudades más afectadas por personas que utilizan antenas para interceptar comunicaciones entre oficiales, dio a conocer un reporte publicado por The Monitor. Aún así, en los pasados cinco meses, agentes del grupo Fuerza Tamaulipas han podido confiscar y desmantelar un total de 55 radio-antenas de comunicación. Las antenas fueron ubicadas tanto en áreas rurales como en suburbanas de Río Bravo,
Reynosa, Miguel Alemán y Matamoros, de acuerdo a un comunicado de prensa. Los sospechosos utilizan las antenas y logran comunicaciones utilizando señales digitales y análogas. “La desactivación de estas antenas digitales inmovilizaron la estructura y funcionalidad de estos grupos ilícitos que operan en el estado, impidiéndoles realizar actos criminales contra la comunidad”, destacó un oficial en el comunicado. (Con información de Kristian Hernández para El Monitor)
TIEMPO DE ZAPATA
Oficiales estatales pondrán especial atención en los conductores y pasajeros que no porten el cinturón de seguridad, e impartirán multas a los infractores, a través de la campaña “Click It or Ticket”, anunció el Departamento de Transportes de Texas (TxDOT, por sus siglas en inglés). Con la finalidad de recordar a los conductores los riesgos de viajar sin el aseguramiento adecuado, la campaña anual estará en función hasta el 31 de mayo. Durante la campaña se podrán emitir multas de hasta 250 dólares por persona. “Solamente toma algunos segundos asegurarse de que todos en el vehículo portan el cinturón”, dijo John Barton, director ejecutivo de TxDOT, en un comunicado. “Hágalo por
usted mismo y por sus seres queridos, o por correr el riesgo de ser multado o para evitar la pérdida de un ser querido”. La ley de Texas solicita a los conductores y pasajeros, incluyendo a quienes viajan en el asiento trasero, portar el cinturón de seguridad. En caso de que algún viajero no vista el cinturón, se emitirán multas de hasta 200 dólares. Los niños menores de 8 años de edad deben viajar en un asiento de seguridad a menos que midan más de 4 pies y 9 pulgadas. Las multas emitidas a los conductores por no asegurar a los menores en el vehículo pueden alcanzar los 250 dólares, más gastos de la corte, señala un comunicado de prensa. “Agradecemos ampliamente los esfuerzos de nuestros oficiales durante ‘Click It or Ticket’, porque
sabemos que los cinturones de seguridad salvan vidas”, dijo Barton. “No puedo imaginar por qué alguna persona correría el riesgo de que se le detenga y se le multe, a aún peor de resultar herido o morir”. De acuerdo con el reporte, estadísticas señalan que portar el cinturón de seguridad ayuda a mantener a los ocupantes a salvo en caso de un accidente y se incrementa la oportunidad de sobrevivir en un 45 por ciento. En camionetas con caja, el número aumenta a 60 por ciento, ya que estos vehículos registran el doble de volcaduras. Para aprender más sobre la campaña, puede visitar texasclickitorticket.com. Para más información, contacte a Raul Leal al Raul.Leal@txdot.gov o llamando al (956) 712-7416.
MERCADO AGRÍCOLA Y DE ARTESANOS El Mercado Agrícola y de Artesanos de Zapata se realizará el sábado 6 de junio, de 9 a.m. a 1 p.m. en el estacionamiento del Centro Comunitario, 605 N US Highway 83. Pida informes en el (956) 536-7171.
CAMPAMENTO DE VERANO Del 9 de junio al 2 de julio, tendrá lugar un Campamento de Verano, para los estudiantes de ZCISD desde preescolar a quinto año. Las sesiones serán de 8 a.m. a 12 p.m. y de 12 p.m. a 4 p.m. El desayuno y el almuerzo serán proporcionados. No habrá transporte. El campamento es gratuito, sin embargo, los estudiantes deberán cumplir con las normativas de fin de año para ser elegibles.
LCC
MEJORAS A PLANTA
Invitan a campamentos TIEMPO DE ZAPATA
Durante el verano el Centro de Desarrollo Infantil “Camino Prada” ubicado dentro del Laredo Community College del Sur, en Laredo, estará ofreciendo Campamentos para el Desarrollo a niños de 3 a 5 años de edad. Las actividades que ahí se realicen fomentarán la creatividad y habilidades de los menores, indica un comunicado de prensa. Dirigidos a residentes del Condado de Webb y Zapata, así como áreas circunvecinas, el verano será dividido en dos sesiones. La primera sesión se enfocará en Ciencias, Tecnolo-
gía, Ingeniería y Matemáticas (STEM, por sus siglas en inglés); mientras que la segunda sesión abarcará las áreas de Arte y Manualidades. El campamento de los campos STEM tendrá lugar del 8 al 26 de junio, con una tarifa de 150 dólares por campista. Mientras tanto, los interesados en el campamento de Arte y Manualidades, se desarrollará del 7 al 17 de julio, con un costo de 100 dólares por campista. El horario de sesión será de lunes a viernes de 8 a.m. a 12 p.m. y se proporcionará desayuno y comida. El Centro de Desarrollo
Infantil Camilo Prada es una instalación que cuenta con educadores de educación temprana acreditados por la Asociación Nacional de Niños y el Departamento de Servicios Familiares y de Protección de Texas. El centro ofrece cuidado y educación que promueve el desarrollo de habilidades físico, cognitivo, social y emocional de los niños. También es una clínica de observación de campo para futuros maestros y profesionales del cuidado de menores. Para más información, puede llamar al centro al (956) 794-4561.
Foto de cortesía
Representantes de la COCEF y del Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo se reunieron con la Presidenta Municipal de Nueva Ciudad Guerrero, México, Nathyelli Elena Contreras Villarreal, y su equipo de trabajo. Durante la junta, se informó acerca del inicio de elaboración del proyecto ejecutivo para una Planta de Tratamiento de Aguas Residuales. La obra será realizada en el 2016.
10A THE ZAPATA TIMES
SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2015
SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2015
THE ZAPATA TIMES 11A
GEORGE D. UMPHRES JR. May 23, 1927 – May 15, 2015 George D. Umphres Jr., 87, passed away on Friday, May 15, 2015 at his residence in Zapata, Texas. Mr. Umphres is preceded in death by his parents, George and Almarene Umphres; brother, William Lee Umphres; sister, Mattie Laura (Jim) Hester and a brother-in-law, Carl Castellaw. Mr. Umphres is survived by his wife, Edna Umphres; sons, Robert (Nancy) Umphres, George D, III (Elisa) Umphres, Tull (San Juanita) Umphres, Allen (Melissia) Umphres; daughter, Peggy Umphres Moffett; grandchildren, James (Amira) Umphres, Joe (Natasha) Umphres, George D. IV (Kelley) Umphres, Jackie Umphres, Alinna Umphres (Zak) Lopez, Bob Umphres, Collin Moffett, Macee Moffett, Taylor Moffett, Heather (Danny) Montalvo, Garret Umphres; great-grandchildren, Nora Umphres, Sadie Umphres, Mia Jo Umphres; sister, Hanna Castellaw; sister-in-law, Shirley Umphres and by numerous nephews, nieces, other family members and friends. Visitation hours will be
Tobacco firms get partial win By SAM HANANEL ASSOCIATED PRESS
held on Saturday, May 23, 2015, at 10 a.m. with a service starting at 10:30 a.m. at First Baptist Church, 1401 Glenn Street in Zapata, Texas. Committal services will follow at Zapata County Cemetery, including full Military Honors by the American Legion Post 486 Color Guard. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Rose Garden Funeral Home, Daniel A. Gonzalez, funeral director, 2102 N. U.S. Hwy 83 Zapata, Texas.
WASHINGTON — America’s largest tobacco companies must inform consumers that cigarettes were designed to increase addiction, but not that they lied to the public about the dangers of smoking, a federal appeals court ruled on Friday. The ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit is a partial win for cigarette makers in the long-running legal fight that began in the Clinton administration in 1999. In this latest round, the companies objected to running court-ordered advertisements that would have branded themselves as liars. The ads would have begun with a preamble statement that the companies "deliberately deceived the American public." The ads stem from a 2006 court ruling ordering the companies to admit they had lied for decades about the dangers of smoking.
The companies called that statement overbroad and misleading. But government lawyers argued that the language was meant to provide context for the public. The appeals court ruled that the language must focus on preventing future violations, not past misconduct. Writing for the three-judge panel, Judge David Tatel said the preamble language in the ads about past deception went beyond the remedies allowed under federal racketeering laws. But Tatel said other language in the ads that stated the companies intentionally designed cigarettes with enough nicotine "to create and sustain addiction" was within the bounds of the law. The appeals court also approved statements that said the companies "intentionally designed cigarettes to make them more addictive." The companies in the case include Richmond, Virginia-based Altria Group Inc., owner of the biggest U.S. tobacco company, Philip Morris USA;
No. 2 cigarette maker, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., owned by WinstonSalem, North Carolinabased Reynolds American Inc.; and No. 3 cigarette maker Lorillard Inc., based in Greensboro, North Carolina. In 1999, the Justice Department filed a lawsuit that alleged the tobacco companies violated racketeering laws by conspiring to deceive the public about the health consequences and addictiveness of smoking cigarettes. After hearing testimony from 162 witnesses over nine months, U.S. District Judge Gladys Kessler found in 2006 that the companies had engaged in a massive fraud campaign. The judge ordered the companies to take out ads addressing the negative health effects of smoking, nicotine manipulation, the health impact of secondhand smoke and the truth about "light" and "lowtar" brands. The ads would appear in newspapers, on TV, websites and
cigarette pack inserts. While the appeals court struck down the preamble to the ads, it left the remaining content largely intact. The case now goes back to the district court for further proceedings. Matthew Myers, president of the advocacy group Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, called the ruling "a resounding victory for public health," though he said he was disappointed the companies would not be required to admit they deceived the public. "This decision provides a path for forcing the companies to finally tell the truth about their product," said Myers, whose group was a party in the case. "It should not take long to translate this decision into a workable order, assuming the tobacco industry does not try to further delay." Altria spokesman Brian May said the company was pleased that the court struck down the preamble language, which he called "the critical part of the appeal."
Interest rate hike planned for this year By YLAN Q. MUI THE WASHINGTON POST
Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen on Friday reaffirmed the central bank’s plans to raise interest rates this year despite new concerns that the nation’s economic recovery may be slowing down. In a speech in Rhode Island, Yellen dismissed disappointing data from earlier this year. Government figures showed growth came to a halt during the first quarter, and many private economists believe that revised numbers will show the economy actually contracted. Data for the second quarter suggests any rebound will be modest. But Yellen expressed confidence that the recovery remains intact — even if it is not as robust as Fed officials themselves once thought. And that would be enough for the Fed to begin reversing nearly a decade of easy money. "Because of the substantial lags in the effects of monetary policy on the economy, we must make policy in a forward-looking manner," Yellen said in prepared remarks. "Delaying action to tighten monetary policy until employment and inflation are already back to our objectives would risk overheating the economy." Yellen explicitly stated Friday that she expects the Fed will raise its benchmark interest rate this year, assuming the recovery proceeds as forecast. Most investors believe that means the central bank will make its first move in
Photo by Stephan Savoia | AP
Janet L. Yellen, chair of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System delivers an address to the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce at their annual Economic Outlook Luncheon Friday, in Providence, R.I. December, according to prices of federal funds futures. Still, Yellen emphasized that the economy has yet to fully heal from the deep wounds of the Great Recession. She noted that many people have dropped out of the work force because they were discouraged by their job prospects, while others are working part-time when they would prefer full-time jobs. Wage growth has remained anemic, and inflation has persistently run below the Fed’s 2 percent goal. But Yellen pointed to other signs of progress: Fewer home-
owners are underwater, meaning that they owe more on their house than it is worth. Government spending cuts have abated, and efforts by Walmart and Target to increase workers’ pay could portend broader wage gains. "The headwinds facing our economy have not fully abated, and, as such, I expect that continued growth in employment and output will be moderate over the remainder of the year and beyond," she said. That’s why the pace of future interest rate increases would likely be "gradual," Yellen said. How-
ever, she cautioned that officials have "no intention" of raising rates on a preset course but would tailor their strategy to the progress of the economy. The Fed’s objectives "would best be achieved by proceeding cautiously, which I expect would mean that it will be several years before the federal funds rate would be back to its normal, longer-run level," Yellen said. Officials at the central bank have struggled to interpret the direction of the economy in recent months. By several measures, the recovery seems to be following
the Fed’s script. The Labor Department released data Friday showing core inflation, which excludes prices of food and energy, rose 0.3 percent in April — the strongest rate in nearly four years and a sign that prices may finally be moving toward the Fed’s goal. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate has dropped substantially over the past year and is nearing what many economists believe is its lowest sustainable level. Hiring is robust, and so-called underemployment is diminishing. Yet those factors have not translated into solid economic growth. At their last policy meeting in April, Fed officials cited a range of possible explanations: the West Coast port shutdown, bad winter weather and statistical noise. Yellen reiterated those on Friday, but sounded a humble note when it comes to forecasting. "I am describing the outlook that I see as most likely, but based on many years of making economic projections, I can assure you that any specific projection that I write down will turn out to be wrong, perhaps markedly so," she said. Two top Fed officials are pushing the central bank to wait until next year to begin raising rates. Earlier this week, Chicago Fed President Charles Evans argued for "exercising caution" as the central bank retreats from its easy-money stance. "I see no compelling reason for us to be in a hurry to tighten financial conditions," he said during a speech in Germany.
12A THE ZAPATA TIMES
SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2015
Dating site looks into data breach By BRANDON BAILEY
security issue.” Tech blogger Bev Robb ASSOCIATED PRESS reported earlier that it was PALO ALTO, Calif. — possible to identify some The operator of a popular users and glean potentially adult dating website said embarrassing information Friday it’s investigating a based on apparently stolen data security breach follow- data that was posted on a ing reports that hackers website frequented by other stole names, email address- hackers. es and information about Without confirming any the sexual orientation or details about the breach, habits of up to 4 million FriendFinder Networks members. said it had no information Britain’s Channel 4 news that users’ financial inforoutlet reported that hackers mation was leaked. But the posted some of the informa- statement added that, “until tion on an obscure website the investigation is completafter stealing account data ed, it will be difficult to confrom AdultFriendFinder- firm the full scope of the in.com. The online service cident.” claims 64 million members FriendFinder Networks worldwide use its service to operates a number of online “hook up, find sex or meet sites and dating services for someone hot now.” different audiences, includFriendFinder Networks, ing Amigos.com, Bigthe Silicon Valley company Church.com and Seniorthat operates the service, FriendFinder.com. There said in a statement that it has been no indication that hired a prominent cyber-se- information has leaked curity firm to investigate from its other sites. The and is telling members to company also says it licensupdate their user names es the Penthouse brand and and passwords. It said it is publishes magazines. also temporarily blocking “The security of our attempts to search for user members’ information reprofiles by “any users we mains our top priority,” the believe were affected by the company said.
CHARGE Continued from Page 1A more immigrants. Border Patrol identified a total of three suspects and 10 immigrants. On May 14, Homeland Security Investigations special agents responded to the incident to investigate. Special agents said
all three suspects confessed to their involvement in transporting immigrants during the alleged smuggling attempt. (César G. Rodriguez may be reached at 7282568 or cesar@lmtonline.com)
Sinkhole forms at golf course ASSOCIATED PRESS
BRANSON, Mo. — A big sinkhole discovered Friday near the driving range of a southwest Missouri golf course is attracting the attention of geological experts. The hole, which is 80 feet wide and 35 feet deep in some places, was created by two separate sinkholes that formed near the entrance to Top of the Rock golf course near the resort town of Branson, Martin MacDonald, conservation director for Bass Pro Shops, told The Associated Press in a telephone interview. The Jack Nicklaus-designed par-3 course is part
Photo by Nate Papes/Springfield News-Leader | AP
A sinkhole formed at the Top of the Rock Golf Course in Branson, Missouri. About 7,000 cubic feet of material has been displaced. of the Bass Pro Shops-owned Big Cedar Lodge complex and hosted a Champions Tour event last month. The sinkhole isn’t near the main course and won’t affect play, MacDo-
FLOOD Continued from Page 1A inches of water in an hour and 60 mph winds, officials said. Winds damaged several areas around the county, including buildings such as the county shop and a token booth used during the county fair. Sheriff ’s officials posted on their Facebook at 9:26 a.m. Thursday that zero visibility was reported in the Lopeño and Falcon areas, south Zapata County by deputies on patrol. Sheriff Alonso M. Lopez urged extreme precaution, the post reads. Currently, authorities are taking numerous reports of trash cans reported lost or stolen. Del Bosque said he does not believe the cans were stolen but simply swept away during the storm.
Courtesy photo | Zapata Sheriff’s Office
Deputies and investigators had to be activated to patrol around creeks and other flood areas to prevent the community from going through those hazardous zones Thursday. Authorities remind county residents to never go through flooded areas
40 DEAD Continued from Page 1A the Jalisco cartel was involved. The scene of the shootout is close to the community of La Barca, a Jalisco town where authorities in 2013 found more than five dozen bodies in mass graves linked to the Jalisco cartel. Ac-
cording to the federal police account, which was not immediately confirmed by top officials, units confiscated dozens of high-caliber weapons and a rocket launcher. In April, gunmen believed linked to the cartel
nald said. Geologists say such sinkholes are fairly common in the Ozarks because of its karst topography, a feature in which water is constantly circulating
through bedrock below the ground. That’s why the region has so many sinkholes and caves, including Lost Canyon Cave, an attraction at the Big Cedar complex, MacDonald said. The initial focus Friday was ensuring the safety of the public and facilities, none of which were in danger, geological engineer Gary Pendergrass said. Next week, engineers will conduct a more indepth investigation to determine the best way to replace the 7,000 cubic feet of material displaced by the hole, he said. But before the hole is filled, it will be explored if there’s anything to learn about karst topography.
ambushed a police convoy in Jalisco, killing 15 state police officers and wounding five. Earlier this month, the New Generation cartel shot down a military helicopter with a rocket launcher in Jalisco, killing eight aboard.
because the strong currents can be dangerous, the chief said.
(César G. Rodriguez may be reached at 728-2568 or cesar@lmtonline.com)
MEMORIAL Continued from Page 1A The area, about two hours from the Lake Chapala communities of Canadian and U.S. expatriates, has also been marked by killings of politicians. In 2014, gunmen killed the mayor of a nearby town, Tanhuato.
War II. Along with Cuellar, Zapata County Judge Joe Rathmell, International Bank of Commerce-Zapata Chairman of the Board and CEO Renato Ramirez, U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Ricardo S. Sanchez (retired)
and representatives from Zapata County and the American Legion will be in attendance. The ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. Monday at the Zapata County Courthouse Rotunda, 200 E. 7th Street.
SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2015
ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM
Sports&Outdoors NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE: DALLAS COWBOYS
NBA: HOUSTON ROCKETS
Scandrick extends Photo by Tony Avelar | AP
Houston guard James Harden had 38 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists Thursday in a 99-98 loss against the Warriors.
Harden’s unique style Houston star guard Harden’s unique game hard to stop and hard to like By KRISTIE RIEKEN Photo by Peter Morgan | AP
ASSOCIATED PRESS
The Dallas Cowboys signed cornerback Orlando Scandrick to an extension through the 2019 season.
Cowboys cornerback signed through 2019 By SCHUYLER DIXON ASSOCIATED PRESS
IRVING, Texas — Cornerback Orlando Scandrick has the raise he sought by skipping the first two weeks of volun-
tary offseason workouts with the Dallas Cowboys. The eighth-year veteran signed a one-year contract extension Friday, adding $9.5 million to what’s now a five-year deal worth $20 million through 2019.
It’s the second time in three years the Cowboys have reworked contract terms for Scandrick, who showed up last week to talk to team executives and has been working out with the team this week.
Dallas’ best cornerback last year, Scandrick was to make just $1.5 million this season, which was set to be fourth among the team’s cornerbacks once first-
See COWBOYS PAGE 2B
HOUSTON — Whether he’s stirring the pot after a big shot or flailing his arms to draw contact en route to the basket James Harden evokes strong reactions from fans and players alike. The internet abounds with people complaining that his game isn’t aesthetically pleasing, but
he’s even tougher to stop than his game is to like. The Warriors did shut him down on the final play to take a 2-0 lead in the Western Conference finals. There is a lot of ongoing chatter about his decision to pass the ball to teammate Dwight Howard at the 3-point line in the final seconds. The talk will likely con-
See HARDEN PAGE 2B
GOLF: BMW PGA CHAMPIONSHIP
Rory McIlroy fails to make cut By JACK BEZANTS ASSOCIATED PRESS
Photo by Adam Davy | AP
Rory McIlroy missed the cut Friday after shooting a 78 at the BMW PGA Championship.
VIRGINIA WATER, England — After winning two titles in three weeks, Rory McIlroy ran out of steam. Now he’ll have the whole weekend to get some rest. McIlroy missed the cut at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth on Friday after an erratic 6-over 78 at the European Tour’s flagship event. A week after winning the Wells Fargo Championship by seven shots, the top-ranked Northern
MLB: MILWAUKEE BREWERS
Irishman made six bogeys and a double bogey on the par-four 11th, leaving him at 5-over 149 and four strokes outside the cutline. He was 15 shots behind leader Francesco Molinari, who shot a 69. Playing his fourth straight event — he also won the Match Play Championship three weeks ago in San Francisco — McIlroy’s round was littered with wayward tee shots and feeble putting, which he put down to fatigue. “I was trying to muster some birdies on the back nine but could not get anything going,” McIlroy
said. “Coming off the back of three good weeks in the United States, I am in need of a rest. I’ll dust myself off for next week (at the Irish Open) and not read too much into it.” McIlroy stuttered on the front nine, going out in 36 with two bogeys and a birdie before his round unraveled at the turn. He bogeyed the 10th and on the 11th, hooked a wild shot off the tee into trees on the left for an unplayable lie, before sending his next at-
See MCILROY PAGE 2B
AUTO RACING: INDIANAPOLIS 500
Indy 500 faces safety concerns By JENNA FRYER ASSOCIATED PRESS
Photo by John Bazemore | AP
Milwaukee reliever Will Smith was suspended eight games after being ejected Thursday for having a foreign substance on his arm.
Smith gets suspended Brewers relief pitcher out eight games for foreign substance found on arm ASSOCIATED PRESS
ATLANTA — Milwaukee Brewers reliever Will Smith was suspended for eight games on Friday for having a foreign substance on his right arm during a game at Atlanta. Major League Baseball said Smith plans to appeal,
so the penalty is on hold. Smith will be available for Friday night’s game at the Braves. Smith, a left-hander, was ejected for having rosin and sunscreen on his right forearm in the seventh inning of Thursday night’s 10-1 loss
See BREWERS PAGE 2B
INDIANAPOLIS — They call the Indianapolis 500 “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” for its high speeds, rich history, enormous crowd and the takeyour-breath-away competition. This year, IndyCar is hoping the 99th running of the event won’t be a spectacle because of a serious on-track incident. Concern hangs over Indianapolis Motor Speedway after the cars of Helio Castroneves, Josef Newgarden and Ed Carpenter all went airborne during practice sessions in the 10 days leading up to Sunday’s race. All three drivers walked away unscathed, but IndyCar officials scrambled on qualifying day for a solution. All three drivers were driving Chevrolets, and the manufacturer worked with the series on adjustments to the bodywork of the cars, plus a reduction in horsepower before qualifying.
Photo by Jamie Gallagher | AP
Questions concerning safety surround the Indianapolis 500 after Ed Carpenter and two other drivers when airborne in crashes during practices. One day later, James Hinchcliffe suffered a lifethreatening injury when he slammed into the turn three wall at more than 220 mph and a broken piece of his suspension pierced his left thigh. Hinchcliffe’s accident was unrelated to the three cars that had gone airborne, but one of IndyCar’s most popular driv-
ers was rushed into surgery in critical condition and will miss Sunday’s race. The four wrecks have many wondering if Sunday will see a safe race. “This will never be a safe race — it’s an open wheel car going 230 mph over three and a half hours trying to win,” said Rahal Lanigan Letterman
Racing driver Oriol Servia. “Safe is not really what defines it. It will never be. But I think it could be safer than what we’ll do Sunday.” IndyCar officials aren’t certain what caused the three cars to lift off the track following mild crashes. Although some
See INDY PAGE 2B
PAGE 2B
Zscores
SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2015
Officials still get heat for Boca mayhem By LEONARDO HABERKORN ASSOCIATED PRESS
More than a week afterward, officials at Boca Juniors still believe the club was punished too harshly for the mayhem its fans caused in the Copa Libertadores round-of-16 match against bitter rival River Plate. But save for Boca fans, many say the punishment from South America’s governing body of football — CONMEBOL — was too lenient in the face of the chaos at Boca’s La Bombonera stadium. Boca was fined $200,000, forfeited the match and will have to play its next four international matches in an empty stadium after Boca hooligans sprayed River Plate players with a caustic substance as they entered the field for the second half. But Boca was not kicked out of the tournament for the violence, a never-ending feature of Argentine football, in particular, and the South American game in general. River Plate players, many temporarily blinded by the spray, huddled at the center of Boca’s pitch for more than an hour before the game was suspended — and another hour before they could leave the field, threatened by Boca fans throwing bottles, rocks and anything in reach. CONMEBOL President Juan
Photo by Victor R. Caivano | AP
Riot police hold up their shields to make a corridor for River Plate players to exit the stadium after their Copa Libertadores soccer match with Boca Juniors was suspended after the first half in Buenos Aires on Friday. Angel Napout has defended how the match was handled. “I recognize that at the beginning, when I still didn’t know the seriousness of what was going on, I wanted the game to continue,” Napout said. Many were waiting for CONMEBOL to throw the book at Boca for what has become known “Peppergate.”
Instead, the Buenos Aires club, and its notorious “barras bravas” — essentially hooligan gangs — received a slap on the wrist. “The referee, the match supervisor — nobody knew what to do,” said Edgar Welker, a top official at Uruguay club Penarol. “There was total disorganization. Sadly, it was a display appropriate for thirdworld football.”
CONMEBOL’s security rules were openly breached in a game that was covered widely around the world. But there was little action. “The punishment was benevolent,” Welker said. “It should have been much tougher to try to get rid of this type of horrible incident — the way European football has done.”
Welker said Boca’s monetary power and fan base kept CONMEBOL from acting. “I have the impression if it had been another team, another country, there would have been a different punishment,” he said. Match referee Dario Herrera of Argentina said it was up to Roger Bello of Bolivia, the match supervisor, to suspend the game instead of letting players and fans linger in suspense. But Bello said it was Herrera’s call. Sergio Berni, Argentina’s top national security official, said that after two hours he told CONMEBOL officials they had five minutes to make a decision. They did and suspended the game. Former Argentine judge Mariano Berges, who helped form the nonprofit group “Let’s Save Football” to battle football violence, blamed Argentine officials for lax security at the stadium. “It’s so clear that police and other officials should have suspended the game, faced with an unstable security situation like this,” said Berges, who has campaigned against rampant football violence in Argentina. “Total responsibility for this tragedy, this embarrassing mess, is with the Argentine state and the federal police who were absolutely inefficient.”
MCILROY Continued from Page 1B tempt into the crowd. He ran up a six that left him 4 over and slid further down the leaderboard with bogeys on 13, 16 and 18, where he ended his day with a three-putt from 20 feet.
“I can take a couple of days at the weekend to refresh mentally,” McIlroy said. “It was inevitable that a good run was going to come to an end but I would love to be here for the weekend.”
Molinari started with two bogeys on his first three holes but recovered with five birdies, including three on the back nine, to take a 1shot lead into the third day. “The start was very difficult, it was not as good as
Thursday,” Molinari said. “But I managed to steady the ship. I made a couple of birdies to get even par before the turn and with this wind on the back, you can get a few birdie chances and I took three of them.”
INDY Continued from Page 1B wanted to point to the new body kits Chevy and Honda are allowed to use this season, most drivers doubted the manufacturers were to blame. And some have even grumbled that the wrecks cast an unfair pall over the race and created an unnecessary hysteria. “I just think we need to be careful not to lose our heritage and the roots of what we do,” said KV Racing driver Sebastien Bourdais, who praised the safety efforts as long as it didn’t destroy “the purpose and the reason of why we do things we do and how we do it.” “People make mistakes, whether it is human mistakes, mechanical mistakes, it is part of what we do,” he said. “That needs to be respected because when you travel at the speeds we travel, things can go bad. When it goes bad, it shouldn’t be, ’Oh my God, what just
happened?’ What happened is what we do is dangerous.” That sentiment is shared by most in Sunday’s field. Race car drivers have always accepted that danger, death and disability are part of the profession, and most are able to overlook it when they pull on their helmet and climb into the car. Asked if he’s expecting a “safe race” on Sunday, pole-sitter Scott Dixon was candid. “I hope so, that’s all you can do,” said the driver from New Zealand. “We’ve always been at these speeds, or close to them, and accidents are going to happen. You just hope everyone will be safe.” The only thing Dixon was certain of for Sunday is that the race should be a thriller for drivers and fans. The last few faces have all featured gripping bat-
tles for the checkered flag. Even after the wrecks and Hinchcliffe’s hospitalization, the drivers staged a pair of intense practice sessions that featured slicing and dicing and multiple lead changes. “I think everybody will be on the edge of their seats,” Dixon said. “The race will be very good.” It could also be dominated by Chevrolet drivers, particularly those from Team Penske and Chip Ganassi Racing. Both organizations have been the class of the field all month and have nine cars entered in all — including the first five drivers on the starting grid. Roger Penske, with Will Power, Simon Pagenaud and former winners Helio Castroneves and Juan Pablo Montoya, will be seeking his 16th Indianapolis 500. Ganassi will be trying to win his fifth on his 57th birthday with Dixon,
Carr is going into the fourth year of a six-year, $50 million free agent contract he signed in 2012. While the Cowboys would like Carr to take a pay cut, releasing him to save salary cap space is risky because of uncertainty surrounding 2012 first-round pick Morris Claiborne. Dallas traded up eight spots to get Claiborne at No. 6, but he hasn’t met the expectations associated with the bold draft move. The Cowboys recently declined to add a fifth year to his rookie contract, and Claiborne isn’t expected to be ready for training camp as he continues the recovery from surgery for a torn patellar tendon in his left knee. Claiborne missed the last 12 games in 2014 and has been sidelined by injuries for 19 games over three seasons. He has three interceptions and 15 pass breakups in his career. The Cowboys let Sterling Moore go to Tampa Bay in free agency after a strong 2014 season. Tyler Patmon, an undrafted rookie last year, also figures into the plan for Dallas.
on the way in. “I hit it really solid today and didn’t have to putt over 30 feet,” Hun An said. “I still missed a couple out there. I haven’t been putting well all year but got going and made the most of it today.”
BREWERS Continued from Page 1B Tony Kanaan, Charlie Kimball, Sage Karam and Sebastian Saavedra. It’s got Honda doing some hand-wringing. “The Penskes look outstanding this month,” Honda driver Graham Rahal said. Art St. Cyr, president of Honda Performance Development, acknowledged the automaker is lagging behind Chevrolet. But he noted the rule changes after the three airborne cars affected Honda in qualifying more than anticipated. Still, St. Cyr believes the teams will be just fine on Sunday. “We think we have a very good race car. We think we can challenge for the win on Sunday,” he said. “I’m very confident with the way our car races. We have a lot of capability to adjust to the conditions and that gives us an advantage over our competitors.”
COWBOYS Continued from Page 1B round pick Byron Jones of Connecticut signed. Now the 28-year-old Scandrick will get $4 million, while Brandon Carr is in line to make $8 million after going without an interception for the first time in his career last season. Scandrick, a fifth-round pick in 2008, has seven interceptions and 52 pass breakups in 102 games. Of his 48 starts, 29 have come the past two seasons with the Cowboys dealing with injuries and performance issues with other cornerbacks. The former Boise State player had a four-game suspension reduced to two games at the start of last season after Scandrick tested positive for a banned stimulant in the offseason. The reduction came after the NFL revised its drug policy. “We stand strong about what a good player he is, how much we need him, how much he helps us and would like to get something satisfactorily worked out with him,” owner and general manager Jerry Jones said last week.
Byeong Hun An shot a flawless 64 to move into second. The South Korean made a blistering start with five birdies on the front nine, before moving a shot behind Molinari with three more
to the Braves. He said after the game he put the substance on his forearm before warming up in the bullpen on a brisk night. He expressed regret for not wiping it off before entering the game. Smith said he uses the substances to help him feel the ball better. “That’s it. It’s the grip,” he said. “It’s not going to spin more. You’re not going to throw harder. You’ve got what you got.” It’s widely acknowledged pitchers use similar practices to grip the ball better even though it’s against the rules. Batters, including Atlanta’s Freddie Freeman, even say they’d rather pitchers use substances that decrease odds of them being hit by pitches. “Every pitcher does it,” Freeman said after Thursday night’s game. “As a hitter, you want them to do it so they’ll have a better grip so we won’t get hit in the head.”
Brewers manager Craig Counsell said the tactic of using illegal substances is “very common.” “It goes on on the other side, I guarantee you,” Counsell said. “It’s the rule. I think pitchers are using it, but I guess you’ve got to be discreet about it.” Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said he could see the substances on Smith’s arm “glistening through the lights.” Gonzalez informed the umpires. Crew chief Jim Joyce walked to the mound, touched Smith’s arm and tossed the reliever from the game. Television cameras showed a shiny substance that was visible on Smith’s forearm. “He offered his arm,” Joyce told a pool reporter. “I touched it and immediately knew it was a foreign substance. Unfortunately for him, he has to be ejected.” Smith yelled at Gonzalez in the Braves’ dugout on his way off the field.
HARDEN Continued from Page 1B tinue until Game 3 tips off on Saturday. But the discussions won’t deter the Rockets’ bearded star as Houston looks to hold serve at home. And whatever success they have, it will start with Harden. Fear the Beard? Love the Beard? Hate the Beard? Opinions vary, but everyone who knows basketball seems to respect the game of arguably the best shooting guard in the NBA — especially the Warriors. “He gets a head of steam going towards the rim, and it’s tough to stop,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. Harden has one of the most complete offensive arsenals in the league. “Obviously he can shoot that pull-up shot, and he can get all the way to the rim, and he’s a great passer ... we try to do what we can to slow him down, make him take tough shots, and sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t,” Kerr said. Don’t forget this 3-point range and that he is
shooting 90 percent from the foul line. But Harden, the MVP runner-up to Golden State’s Stephen Curry, just doesn’t have a game as lovable as other stars. He doesn’t have Curry’s flair, doesn’t dominate like LeBron James or wow fans with Derrick Rose-like athleticism. Nonetheless, he gets it done — often by getting to the line. Harden led the league in the regular season in both free throw attempts (824) and free throws made (715) in a season where nobody else compared to his knack for getting to the line. Secondplace Russell Westbrook attempted 170 fewer free throws than Harden and made 169 less. He got to the line 10 times a game in the regular season and is averaging 10.1 trips in the postseason. “He does a great job of swinging his arms out and trying to seek out contact,” Golden State’s Andrew Bogut said. “It’s kind of an unorthodox basketball play, but he’s
very smart with it.” And he’s left-handed, which some would say is also an advantage. Harden handles the ball more like a point guard, and teams throw several different guys at him to try and slow him down. The Warriors have tried it. He scored 28 points in Game 1 against Golden State and poured in 38 in Game 2. Though the Rockets couldn’t steal a road win, they feel good. “We had plenty of opportunities to win both of the games, so we have all the confidence in the world,” said Harden, who is doing a bit of everything for the Rockets. He finished just one assist shy of a triple-double in each of the first two games in this series after collecting a triple-double in Game 5 against the Clippers. “We have to stop him from going downhill,” Golden State’s Andre Iguodala said. “When the guy gets downhill, he’s either going to get a basket or an assist or get the benefit of the doubt with the
whistle. It’s tough, but we’ve got to stop it.” Klay Thompson said the goal is to force Harden right so he’s using his non-dominant hand. “But he’s got incredible ball skills,” Thompson said. “He’s a great ballhandler, he’s a big, strong guy. He lulls you to sleep, and he’s a great finisher.” Then there’s that celebration once he gets “cooking.” Houston fans love Harden’s pot-stirring gesture and many have started wearing chef ’s hats to pay homage to it. Harden said it’s caught on with nonHouston fans, though not always in support of the bearded one. Clippers guard Austin Rivers mocked it when he got on a hot streak in their series against Houston. It didn’t faze Harden, who said he’s “just trying to be who I am and just go out there and make an impact on the game of basketball and for myself.” The Rockets hope he can stir it up enough for win in Game 3.
SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2015
Dear Heloise: My sisterin-law is trying to clear her home of clutter and has been saving USED POSTAGE STAMPS to donate to charity. We were wondering if you have any information about doing this. We will watch in the Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald for your response. Thank you. -- Sharon W., Omaha, Neb. Sharon, what a kind thing to do! There are a lot of my readers who do the very same. The American Philatelic Society would be happy to take your donation. Its mission, among other goals, is to promote stamp collecting and education. Some hints for your donation: The APS accepts both canceled and mint stamps. You may cut the stamps from the envelopes, but do not cut off the perforations. Mail your stamps to: American Philatelic Society Attn: Development Office 100 Match Factory Place
THE ZAPATA TIMES 3B
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HELOISE
Bellefonte, PA 16823 Check out the website (www.stamps.org) to learn more about what the APS does through meetings, seminars and learning opportunities for kids. The site is easy to navigate and just filled with fabulous-looking stamps! -- Heloise NICE ICE Dear Heloise: I took a job as a camp nurse years ago. There were lots of young girls coming to the infirmary for treatment of insect stings, bites, etc. I kept a cupcake pan filled with water in the freezer. It was so easy to put one "cube" in a plastic bag. I applied it to the affected area, and the girls went on their way. Just the right size, and great for pain and swelling. -Loretta J., R.N., Nanticoke, Pa.
4B THE ZAPATA TIMES
SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2015