The Zapata Times 1/23/2010

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THE ECONOMY

WBCA

Firms may bring more jobs

IT’S TIME TO PARTY FOR GEORGE!

Biotech company, prison could provide work for hundreds of local residents

By JULIE DAFFERN THE ZAPATA TIMES

More jobs could be on the way for Zapata as one company has signed a letter of intent to set up shop in the county and another company has expressed interest in constructing a correctional facility.

Global Cellulose Inc., a biotech company based in Texas, is planning to construct an 18,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Zapata that would employ 20 people to start with, according to Peggy Umphres Moffett, of the Zapata Economic Development Center.

“It is very exciting,” she said.

Umphres said the company was founded for tissue engineering technology that is used for wound and burn care.

She said the facility is scheduled to be up and running this year.

“Because of what they do, the potential for other companies that might be able to either maybe use their products or are affiliated could set up here as

well,” Umphres said.

Also, Umphres wouldn’t give details, but she said she’d been meeting with a private correctional company looking to build a facility that would house nonviolent immigration detainees.

Umphres added the prison would not be competing with local or regional facilities in the area because of the type of inmate it would accept.

The prison would provide a minimum of 300 jobs and a maximum of 500, Umphres said, emphasizing that the positions would offer higher wages with benefits.

“Our mission is quality job creation and assisting in developing and growing the tax base, which all results in a better quality of life,” Umphres said.

The economic development center works with the Governor’s Division on Economic Development and Tourism to get leads on companies that are looking for a place to set up shop.

See JOBS PAGE 6A

ZAPATA MARINE CORPS LEAGUE

Children had plenty of toys at Christmas

By STEPHANIE M. IBARRA THE ZAPATA TIMES

The 2009 Christmas season was a celebratory one for many Zapata residents.

Due to efforts made by Zapata Marine Corps League and its sponsors, more than 17,000 toys were distributed in last year’s Toys for Tots project.

Although this nationwide initiative has been ongoing since the late 1940s, Manuel Garcia, the Marine Corps League Detachment 601 local community organizer, explained this was the first year the corps had organized Toys for Tots locally.

In order to get a number of how many toys they would need, the group approached schools and made population estimates.

“We received a lot of help. We had volunteers from AmeriCorps, Texas A&M International University and lots of community involvement. ‘Outstanding’ does not do justice for what they did for us,” Garcia said, going into detail about how cold, rain and wind did not deter volunteers from extending a helping hand during various drives.

“

“We received a lot of help, …

‘Outstanding’ does not do justice for what they did for us.”

MANUEL GARCIA, MARINE CORPS COMMUNITY ORGANIZER

“In one drive we collected 985 toys,” the veteran said, referring to a December drive conducted in partnership with the 4-H Club.

Toys-R-Us, one of many benefactors, donated more than $2,000 to buy toys.

The largest donation, however, was made by a good friend of Garcia’s, Jack Slater of Scholastic Books in Manhattan, who sent 16,000 books and toys.

That was well over the local group’s goal of collecting 8,000 to 9,000 toys for distribution. In the end, 5,737 children received toys

See TOYS PAGE 6A

Photo by Ulysses S. Romero | Laredo Morning Times

Ana Galo portrays Martha Washington as masked UETA Jamboozie representatives hoist their colors.

T

he 113th annual Washington’s Birthday Celebration gets a rousing start with the UETA Jamboozie tonight in downtown Laredo. The colorful street festival brings

great music and delicious food plus lots of friendly revelers from 4 p.m. to midnight. There’s free admission before 6 p.m. After 6 p.m., tickets are $10 per person at the gate; kids 12 and younger get in free.

ZAPATA ISD

Board to evaluate school chief

By NICK GEORGIOU THE ZAPATA TIMES

ZCISD Superintendent Romeo Rodriguez will undergo his annual evaluation Wednesday at the Board of Trustees’ regular monthly meeting.

The evaluation will be discussed in closed session along with the possible extension of his contract and additional salary compensation.

Zapata County Independent School District trustees unanimously voted to raise his salary in January 2009. They increased it by $2,500, from $121,900 to $124,400 a year. The bump was the same amount that teachers, principals and other professional staffers received.

Rodriguez’s contract runs through June 30, 2011, which would mark his 10th year leading ZCISD. At the January 2009 board meeting, Rodriguez gave a letter to the board requesting non-extension of his contract unless he moved the district to a Recognized status by the state.

That didn’t happen in 2009; instead, the state rated the district

Rodriguez’s contract runs through June 30, 2011, which would mark his 10th year leading ZCISD. Academically Acceptable based on students’ scores on the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills.

Rodriguez said Friday the letter was more toward meeting standards with the district’s subpopulations, primarily the Limited English Proficiency (LEP) students. It’s a subgroup that, along with the special education population, has consistently struggled on the TAKS, causing Zapata High and Middle to undergo federal sanctions for not making Adequate Yearly Progress.

According to district data, of the 3,600-plus students enrolled at ZCISD, 1,125, or 30.7 percent, were in the bilingual/ESL program in the

2008-2009 school year.

That year, ZCISD elementary school students in the early-exit transitional bilingual program had subpar TAKS scores. The scores ranged from a 41 percent passing rate on the science test to a 66 percent passing rate on the mathematics exam.

Meanwhile, sixth through 12th grade students in the English as Second Language program also struggled on the TAKS. Their scores ranged from an 11 percent passing rate on the science test to a 58 percent passing rate on the writing exam.

“We have a lot of energy and focus to see the outcome of the (LEP) population,” Rodriguez said. “We’ve had a lot of embedded tutorials, a lot of double dosing, where the kids are doubling up on the content areas, and a lot of data-driven instruction.”

Despite the struggles with the LEP population, Rodriguez said there have been areas of growth within the district.

He cited several recently complet-

See ZCISD PAGE 6A

PAGE 2A

Zin brief CALENDAR

SATURDAY, JANUARY 23, 2010

AROUND TEXAS

TODAY IN HISTORY

Saturday, Jan. 23

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Those looking to compete in the Boys and Girls Club cook-off need to register before 5 p.m. today. The registration fee is $200 per team. For more information call the Zapata County Chamber of Commerce at 765-4871.

Margo Veterinary Clinic will be offering their services at the Zapata County Fair Pavilion from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Services include rabies vaccination for puppies older than 3 months, de-worming, and microchipping. For more information, call Zapata Animal Control at 765-6201.

Ladies Auxiliary are hosting a Spaghetti Dinner at the BFW Hall from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Donations are $6 a plate. For more information, call 7658546.

Abiding Savior Lutheran Church will be hosting their annual Bazaar & Bake Sale today from 8:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. at 14th & Mire Streets off of Highway 16.

Photo by Pat Sullivan | AP

Tuesday, Jan. 26

U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), left, gets an endorsement for her gubernatorial run from former President George H. W. Bush and his wife Barbara outside their home Friday, in Houston.

FLW Eastern Series fishing tournament begins today and continues through Saturday, Jan 30, at Falcon Lake. For more information call the Zapata County Chamber of Commerce at 765-4871.

Bush endorses senator

Thursday, Jan. 28 Join the American Auxiliary for a mariachi performance and a dinner.

Tickets are $6 and proceeds will go towards scholarships for students. Call Elaine Brune at 765-5042 for tickets or more information.

Saturday, Jan. 30 Boys and Girls Club will be hosting their annual Shootout and Cook-off today. For more information call the Zapata County Chamber of Commerce at 765-4871.

Sunday, Jan. 31 Pull out your red wear and head out to see a traditional bull fight today.

Bull fighters are students from the Santa Maria Bullfighting School located at the Renk’s La Querencia Ranch in La Gloria, Texas. Zapata Fun Tours will leave for La Gloria at 2:30 p.m. and expect to return by 8 p.m. A friendly reminder, this is a bloodless bullfight.

For more information, call 765-9056.

Saturday, Feb. 6 Noche de Cabaret, presented by LULAC Council No. 7, will take place tonight from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Laredo Civic Center Ballroom. State Rep. Richard Raymond will be honored with the annual Higher Education Award.

The 15th annual gala dance will feature the music of Henry “Mr. Ritmo” Brun and the Latin Playerz. Tickets are $17.50 per person. For tickets or more information, call 717-1727, 693-7853 or 753-6656.

King’s Way Church is offering First Aid and CPR certification today.

Classes start at 9 a.m. for first aid and at 12:30 for CPR. Prices for the classes vary. RSVP is requested by Feb. 1. Contact Mary Pulido at 693-0124 for more information.

Monday, Feb. 8 AARP is hosting a Safety Drivers class for drivers 50 years of age and up at the Masonic Hall from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. The four hour class is $14 for non members and $12 for AARP members. For information, call 765-8546.

Thursday, Feb. 11 Join the American Auxiliary for their general meeting day at 1:30 p.m. in the American Legion Building.

Saturday, Feb. 20 Bass Champs Tournament Trail, South Texas Division, is scheduled for today at Falcon Lake. For more information call the Zapata County Chamber of Commerce at 765-4871, or visit www.basschamps.com.

Friday, Feb. 26 Winter Texan and Senior Appreciation Day. For more information call the Zapata County Chamber of Commerce at 765-4871.

Tuesday, March 2 Primary elections are today.

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

To submit an item for the daily calendar, send the name of the event, the date, time, location and a contact phone number to editorial@lmtonline.com

By JUAN A. LOZANO ASSOCIATED PRESS

HOUSTON — U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison secured a high-profile endorsement Friday from former President George H.W. Bush in the increasingly contentious battle for the Texas GOP gubernatorial nomination.

Bush said he and his wife, Barbara, are supporting Hutchinson over Gov. Rick Perry in the March 2 Republican primary because she is an effective leader who has the right vision and values to lead the state.

"A vote for Kay Bailey Hutchison is a vote for a conservative leader who can and will

deliver positive action on so many issues facing Texas," said Bush as he stood in the driveway of his Houston home next to Hutchison and his wife.

Hutchison said she was humbled.

"I could not be more excited and thrilled that (Bush) is here, as the quintessential Texan endorsing me today to lead Texas," she said.

Bush said he has nothing against Perry, whom he has campaigned for previously.

Perry was lieutenant governor when Bush’s son, then-Gov. George W. Bush, was elected president in 2000 and resigned, making Perry governor.

FLDS member pleads no contest to assault

Consultant had roles with state, vendor

SAN ANGELO — A West Texas polygamist sect member was sentenced to seven years after pleading no contest to sexual assault of a 16-year-old girl.

Michael Emack, 59, of Eldorado, entered the plea in district court to sexual assault of a child.

AUSTIN — A company that helped Texas write bidding rules for its upcoming lottery operator contract was also getting paid by GTECH Corp. — the current lottery vendor that intends to compete again for the state’s business.

The dual roles of consultant Gartner Inc. is raising questions about whether GTECH has an advantage in bidding.

Perry: I’m not for more Capitol security AUSTIN — Gov. Rick Perry says he’s not for increased security at the Texas Capitol after a shooting incident this week.

Perry said Friday “the last thing I want is the Texas Capitol to turn into DFW airport,” referring to security checkpoints.

Fausto Cardenas remains in Travis County’s jail, charged with felony deadly conduct.

UT library acquires Jackie O letters AUSTIN — A University of Texas library and museum has acquired 50 letters written by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis to a colleague in the book publishing business.

The acquisition from Ray Roberts was announced Friday by

UT’s Harry Ransom Center.

Soldier from San Marcos killed in Afghanistan WASHINGTON — An Army officer from Texas has been killed in a bombing in Afghanistan.

Capt. Paul Peña, 27, of San Marcos, died Tuesday in the Arghandab River Valley of wounds suffered in the bombing.

9-year-old boy hanged at Dallas-area school THE COLONY — Grief counselors are on hand today at The Colony after a 9-year-old boy was found hanged in the bathroom in an apparent suicide.

Police say say the fourth-grader was found by school staff at Stewart’s Creek Elementary School yesterday afternoon.

-- Compiled from AP reports

AROUND THE NATION Child porn suspect sentenced to 3 years BURLINGTON, Vt. — A child pornography suspect who initially refused to give up his computer password so police could search his laptop was sentenced Friday to three years in prison and deported.

Sebastien D. Boucher, 33, was also ordered to submit to five years of supervised release.

Boucher was stopped Dec. 17, 2006, at the Derby Line, Vt., checkpoint and asked to show his laptop to an agent.

He told agents he downloads pornography from news groups and that he sometimes unknowingly acquires images that contain child pornography.

Marine gets 15 years to life in DUI killing SANTA ANA, Calif. — A former Marine has been sentenced to 15 years to life in prison for a deadly drunken driving crash in California that occurred hours after he attended a driving safety briefing.

Former Lance Cpl. Elijah Ferguson was sentenced Friday for the crash that killed an Orange County doctor and injured the victim’s wife in February 2008.

The 22-year-old was convicted in December of second-degree

Today is Saturday, Jan. 23, the 23rd day of 2010. There are 342 days left in the year.

Today’s Highlight in History: On Jan. 23, 1960, the SwissItalian-made bathyscaphe (BATH’-ih-skahf) Trieste, owned and operated by the U.S. Navy, carried two men to the deepest known point in the Pacific Ocean, reaching a depth of more than 35,000 feet inside the Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench.

On this date: In 1789, Georgetown University was established in presentday Washington, D.C. In 1845, Congress decided all national elections would be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November.

In 1849, English-born Elizabeth Blackwell became the first woman in America to receive a Doctor of Medicine degree, from the Medical Institution of Geneva, N.Y. In 1932, New York Gov. Franklin D. Roosevelt announced his candidacy for the Democratic presidential nomination.

In 1943, critic Alexander Woollcott suffered a fatal heart attack during a live broadcast of the CBS radio program “People’s Platform.”

In 1950, the Israeli Knesset approved a resolution affirming Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

In 1964, the 24th amendment to the Constitution, eliminating the poll tax in federal elections, was ratified.

In 1968, North Korea seized the Navy intelligence ship USS Pueblo, charging its crew with being on a spying mission.

(The crew was released 11 months later.)

In 1973, President Richard M. Nixon announced an accord had been reached to end the Vietnam War. In 2002, Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl was abducted in Karachi, Pakistan, by a group demanding the return of prisoners from the Afghan campaign; he was later slain.

Ten years ago: The dark satire “American Beauty” won the Golden Globe for best film drama, while “The Sopranos” won best television drama. The Tennessee Titans advanced to the Super Bowl by beating the Jacksonville Jaguars 33-14 in the AFC Championship game.

Today’s Birthdays: Sen. Frank R. Lautenberg (D-N.J.) is 86. Actress Jeanne Moreau is 82. Actress Chita Rivera is 77. Actordirector Lou Antonio is 76. Actor Gil Gerard is 67. Actor Rutger Hauer is 66. Rhythmand-blues singer Jerry Lawson (The Persuasions) is 66. Sen. Thomas R. Carper (D-Del.) is 63. Singer Anita Pointer is 62.

Actor Richard Dean Anderson is 60. Rock musician Bill Cunningham is 60. Rock singer Robin Zander is 57. Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa (vee-yah-ry-GOH’-sah) is 57. Princess Caroline of Monaco is 53. Singer Anita Baker is 52. Reggae musician Earl Falconer is 51. Actress Gail O’Grady is 47. Actress Mariska Hargitay is 46. Rhythm-and-blues singer Marc Nelson is 39.

Thought for Today: “Never continue in a job you don’t enjoy. If you’re happy in what you’re doing, you’ll like yourself, you’ll have inner peace.

And if you have that, along with physical health, you will have had more success than you could possibly have imagined.” — Johnny Carson, American talk show host (19252005).

CONTACT US James Woodcock/ Billings Gazette | AP

Jim Middleton, a prosthetics company owner, watches as Bill Three Irons, left, begins learning to walk again on his custom prosthetics in Billings, Mont. Three Irons’ prosthetic legs are adorned with a basketball and a naval theme. murder and driving under the influence causing injury.

The crash occurred after Ferguson attended a safety briefing at Camp Pendleton that addressed the dangers of drunken driving.

LA’s flood-control system holding up LA CANADA FLINTRIDGE, Calif. — Despite a week of heavy rain on mountains stripped dangerously bare by wildfires, thou-

sands of homes have so far been spared from deluges of mud and rocks by a network of sprawling basins that act as huge bathtubs to safely catch debris.

Los Angeles County’s vast flood-control system has become a crucial line of defense in a region with a long history of devastating mudslides and flash floods.

With a dry weekend expected before the next storm, authorities lifted evacuation orders for about 2,000 homes along foothills and in canyons below the firescarred San Gabriel Mountains.

-- Compiled from AP reports

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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

SATURDAY, JANUARY 23, 2010

Zlocal

Romeo Salinas eyes reelection as treasurer SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

As Zapata County treasurer for the past seven years, Romeo Salinas said he has always strived to perform his duties to the best of his abilities.

“Your support for my reelection will provide a fulltime Zapata County Treasurer and will continue to provide fiscal responsibility with the highest integrity and honesty for a better government,” Salinas stated in his announcement for reelection.

He said the treasurer’s office “provides much needed internal controls preventing an excessive concentration of power by any government official duly appointed or elected.”

Salinas is certified as an investment officer for the county and has 16 years of banking experience.

“Our investment portfolio stands at $33 million in FY 2010. During my tenure as County Treasurer for the last seven years, I have earned the county over $2.4 million as interest income by making sound and profitable investments,” he stated.

“As Zapata County Treasurer, I have maintained my annual certification and have always attended additional seminars to enrich my knowledge in county government. I am familiar with changes passed by our state Legislature and I always keep my staff informed when new laws apply to my department.”

The system of maintaining a county treasury provides for the necessary checks-and-balances to keep the record of money flowing in and out of our county government, Salinas stated.

As county investment officer, the County Treasurer presents a detailed investment report to Commissioners Court at every regular monthly meeting of the court. The report must be readily available and prepared for the court by the Thursday prior to the meeting.

“I am proud to mention I

Romeo Salinas announces his bid for reelection as county treasurer. have always complied with submitting all reports required by the State Comptroller’s Office and the federal Internal Revenue Service,” Salinas said. “This practice of filing reports on time avoids our county (paying) penalties or fines due to late submissions.”

During his tenure as treasurer, Salinas was elected director for Region 8 by the County Treasurers Association of Texas, participated in the Texas Association of Counties Leadership Foundation Program and served as Treasurer of the board of County Treasurers Association of Texas. He is also involved in several other organizations. As county treasurer, Salinas said he has reduced the county’s electricity expenses by obtaining a kilowatt rate of 6 cents, down from 12.5 cents — a savings of $190,000. He’s also secured lower rates for telephone and cellular phone bills, saving the county further, Salinas stated.

Salinas also refinanced 2000 funding for the Zapata County Regional Jail Series, which matured in 20 years at a rate of 10 percent. The maturity time was reduced to 15 years at a percentage rate of 4.5 percent for $2 million in savings, according to Salinas. He added that he has improved the office itself, bringing the latest technology into his department, such as scanners to allow for expedited recordkeeping and security cameras.

“Good management practices and saving our county millions of your tax dollars has been my major concern,” Salinas said. “As chief custodian of our county finances, I want to express my gratitude to the people of Zapata County. My commitment to you includes improving and protecting the county by recommending the best financial decisions to the Commissioners Court.”

PAGE 3A

Soil and water district is holding annual contest

By CÉSAR G. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES

The Zapata Soil and Water Conservation District No. 335 is inviting students in the Zapata County Independent School District to participate in its annual poster and essay competition, featuring cash prizes.

The deadline to submit entries is Friday. Winners will be announced Feb. 12.

The theme for this year’s poster competition is “Conservation Habits = Healthy Habits.”

District conservationist Blas Saenz Jr. said students may choose to design a poster with a water conservation message.

“We love to see what the kids send,” Saenz said.

The essay part of the competition writing on the theme, “What Soil and Water Conservation Means to

“

They can discover and learn more about natural resources, soil, water and plants.”

BLAS SAENZ JR., DISTRICT CONSERVATIONIST

Me.” The essay should be no more than 300 words for children 13 and younger, and 500 words for children 14 and older.

Belinda Chapa, district clerk for Zapata SWCD, said the competition motivates students to learn more

about the environment.

“They can become aware of how they can help with water conservation,” Chapa said Friday.

Saenz said it is important for children to participate in the event for their own self-enrichment.

“They can discover and learn more about natural resources, soil, water and plants,” Saenz said.

Chapa said about 70 entries were submitted last year. Organizers expect more participation in this year’s competition.

“We encourage all the kids to participate in something they can work on,” Chapa said.

The first three places from each division —elementary, middle and high school— will receive $50, $30 and $20.

(César G. Rodriguez may be reached at 728-2568 or cesar@lmtonline.com)

THE BLOTTER ASSAULT Jose Manuel Treviño Jr. was arrested on charges of assault causes bodily injury and resisting arrest at 2 a.m. Jan. 17 in the 1700 block of Brazos Street. He was booked and transported to Zapata Regional Jail.

Deputies responded to an assault call at 12:15 p.m.

Jan. 17 in the 100 block of Howard Drive. According to reports, a male juvenile struck his mother on the arm with a shovel. The juvenile was booked and transported to juvenile probation center.

Deputies responded to a fight in progress call at 2:45 p.m. Jan. 17 in the 1700 block of Ramireño Avenue. According to reports, a male struck his brother with a cooking pan.

Deputies responded to a domestic disturbance call at 7:45 a.m. Jan. 18 on U.S. 83, about 3 miles south of Zapata.

According to reports, a man struck a known woman in the head multiple times after she picked him up from work.

Deputies responded to an assault call at 4:15 p.m.

Jan. 19 in the 600 block of Fresno Street. According to reports, a known man assaulted

a woman with a plastic spoon.

DWI Michael Lee Delgado was arrested on charges of driving while intoxicated at 1 a.m. Jan. 15 in the intersection of Seventh Street and Villa Avenue. According to reports, the driver failed to use a turn signal. Deputies also noticed the front license plate of the vehicle was missing. Deputies say upon making contact with the driver, they noticed the man was “highly intoxicated.” The man was booked and transported to Zapata Regional Jail.

Jesus Olivarez was arrested on charges of driving while intoxicated at 8 p.m. Jan. 16 on U.S. 83. According to reports, deputies initiated a traffic stop and later

found the driver was intoxicated.

The man was booked and transported to Zapata Regional Jail.

POSSESSION Jaime Sanchez Jr. was arrested on charges of possession of a controlled substance (cocaine) at 2:30 a.m. Jan. 21 on Roma Street. The man was booked and transported to Zapata Regional Jail.

THEFT A male juvenile was detained on charges of theft at 3 p.m. Jan. 15 in the 100 block of Trinity Lane. The juvenile was transported to the Webb County Youth Village.

Deputies responded to a

theft call at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 18 in the 1900 block of North Siesta Lane. According to reports, a man said his BBQ pit was missing from the back porch of his residence.

Zopinion

PAGE 4A

SATURDAY, JANUARY 23, 2010

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR SEND YOUR SIGNED LETTER TO EDITORIAL@LMTONLINE.COM

EDITORIAL

OTHER VIEWS

Go slow on changing annuities SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE

W

all Street’s wild gyrations are a kitchen-table worry for millions of pensioners, whose savings ride the stock-market seesaw. To answer these jitters, President Obama is weighing a plan that could add a dose of security — and possibly extra burdens for retirees.

The Treasury and Labor Departments are asking for public comment on the idea of encouraging annuities, plain-vanilla investments that pay out a steady stream of pension checks. Unlike 401(k) or IRA accounts loaded with more volatile stocks and mutual funds, the homely annuity is designed to provide sleepat-night security.

But they aren’t perfect.

Annuities often come with high sales fees and expenses, according to administrators of mutual funds, which see annuitypeddling insurance companies ready to steal their business. Also, if the annuity plan gets rolling, one of the big winners could be AIG, the bailed-out insurer that’s received $182 billion in aid. Why should the firm get any more help? There are also blogosphere fears that the White House plan could

lead to a requirement that retirees taking this option buy Treasury bills to ease deficit bills. So far, at least, that is not the table.

The Obama team is right to examine ways to protect pension pots. Easing the rules for safe-andtame annuities is worth a look.

But the repair work is long overdue for a system that isn’t working as intended. The 401(k) and IRA contribution plans were originally conceived as supplements to conventional company pensions and Social Security.

Workers could sock away their tax-sheltered money until retirement and draw on all these sources.

Businesses pounced on the contribution options as a money saver. Firms could dump a system of lifelong guaranteed benefits in favor of pension pots that greatly limited their financial obligations when workers retired. As long as the stock market ticked up, this system flourished.

But in a down market, retirees saw their nest eggs shrivel.

The annuity plan could be the dose of stability this system needs. But the White House must be sure that greater reliance on annuities won’t create new problems.

COLUMN

Pickup helps pick up votes

By JOHN KELSO COX NEWSPAPERS

A

USTIN — Some news stories about U.S. Sen.-elect Scott Brown, R-Mass., called his 2005 GMC Canyon pickup – the one he bragged about repeatedly during in his campaign – an “old truck.”

Huh? A 5-year-old truck isn’t old unless it’s parked in Massachusetts — or in front of Qua in the Warehouse District in Austin.

Still, you’ve got to hand it to a candidate for showing off his pickup at all in a major political race. Texas is getting out-trucked by Massachusetts. We haven’t seen a pickup truck used to sway an election since schoolteacher Victor Morales drove across the state in his old truck to try to win a U.S. Senate seat from Phil Gramm.

Are any of the Texas gubernatorial candidates truckin’? The last time we heard about a vehicle connected to Texas Gov. Rick Perry, the vehicle wasn’t a truck. And it was getting pulled over for speeding.

Then there’s U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison. I’m not sure she’d even ride in a truck, unless it had red velvet floor mats.

And how about the hair products guy Farouk Shami, a Democrat running for Texas governor, who is a Quaker/Muslim, or a Quaker/not Muslim, or was it a Unitarian with Methodist leanings? Didn’t Shami bring 1,200 trucks here from China? No, wait, that was 1,200 jobs. And they came from South Korea. Or was it Oklahoma?

I can’t keep up with this guy’s story.

Anyway, Brown pulled a

stunner when he beat the big favorite, Democrat Martha Coakley. Or at least she was the big favorite until Coakley went poultry on the campaign trail.

That is, she laid a big egg.

The real reason Brown won? It had nothing to do with health insurance or other lofty issues. Brown won because Coakley insulted the Boston Red Sox by saying that retired Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling was a Yankee fan.

Big mistake to say that in Massachusetts. She didn’t so much shoot herself in the foot as she did blow her leg off. That would be like running for office here and saying Colt McCoy is a communist.

Still, Brown could be the next Sarah Palin. There are so many similarities that it’s like they’ve got the same DNA. They’ve both been mentioned as presidential candidates. Palin rode into town on the back of a pit bull. Brown rode in on a truck fit for a pit bull. OK, so it’s fit for a standard poodle.

Both have fascinating families. One of Brown’s daughters, Ayla, made it to the final 16 on “American Idol” four years ago. And both Palin and Brown have nice legs. Palin is a former Miss Wasilla. Brown was picked Cosmopolitan’s Sexiest Man of 1982.

Like a guy with a pickup hangs out at Cosmopolitan. The only old truck that shows up at Cosmo headquarters has three guys who jump out of the back to plant geraniums.

(Reach John Kelso, who writes for the Austin American-Statesman, at jkelso@statesman.com)

EDITORIAL

High court slams democracy NEW YORK TIMES

W

ith a single, disastrous 5-4 ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court has thrust politics back to the robber-baron era of the 19th century. Disingenuously waving the flag of the First Amendment, the court’s conservative majority has paved the way for corporations to use their vast treasuries to overwhelm elections and intimidate elected officials into doing their bidding.

Congress must act immediately to limit the damage of this radical decision, which strikes at the heart of democracy.

Riches unleashed As a result of Thursday’s ruling, corporations have been unleashed from the longstanding ban against their spending directly on political campaigns and will be free to spend as much money as they want to elect and defeat candidates. If a member of Congress tries to stand up to a wealthy special interest, its lobbyists can credibly threaten: We’ll spend whatever it takes to defeat you.

The ruling in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission radically reverses well-established law and erodes a wall that has stood for a century between corporations and electoral politics. (The ruling also frees up labor unions to spend, though they have far less money at their disposal.)

The founders of the United States warned about the dangers of corpo-

rate influence. The Constitution they wrote mentions many things and assigns them rights and protections — the people, militias, the press, religion. But it does not mention corporations.

In 1907, as corporations reached new heights of wealth and power, Congress made its views of the relationship between corporations and campaigning clear: It banned them from contributing to candidates.

At mid-century, it enacted the broader ban on spending that was repeatedly reaffirmed over the decades until it was struck down Thursday.

This issue should never have been before the court.

The justices overreached and seized on a case involving a narrower, technical question involving the broadcast of a movie that attacked Hillary Rodham Clinton during the 2008 presidential campaign.

Not enough time The court elevated that case to a forum for striking down the entire ban on corporate spending and then rushed the process of hearing the case at breakneck speed. It gave lawyers a month to prepare briefs on an issue of enormous complexity, and it scheduled arguments during its vacation.

Chief Justice John Roberts, no doubt aware of how sharply these actions clash with his confirmation-time vow to be judicially modest and simply “call balls and strikes,” wrote a separate opinion

trying to excuse the shameless judicial overreaching.

The majority is deeply wrong on the law. Most wrongheaded of all is its insistence that corporations are just like people and entitled to the same First Amendment rights.

Misreading It is an odd claim, since companies are creations of the state that exist to make money. They are given special privileges, including different tax rates, to do just that. It was a fundamental misreading of the Constitution to say that these artificial legal constructs have the same right to spend money on politics as ordinary Americans have to speak out in support of a candidate.

The majority also makes the nonsensical claim that, unlike campaign contributions, which are still prohibited, independent expenditures by corporations “do not give rise to corruption or the appearance of corruption.” If Wall Street bankers told members of Congress that they would spend millions of dollars to defeat anyone who opposed their bailout, and then did so, it would certainly look corrupt.

After the court heard the case, Sen. John McCain told reporters that he was troubled by the “extreme naivete” some of the justices showed about the role of special-interest money in congressional lawmaking.

In dissent, Justice John Paul Stevens warned that the ruling not only threatens democracy but “will, I

fear, do damage to this institution.”

History is indeed likely to look harshly not only on the decision but the court that delivered it. The Citizens United ruling is likely to be viewed as a shameful bookend to Bush v. Gore.

With one 5-4 decision, the court’s conservative majority stopped valid votes from being counted to ensure the election of a conservative president. Now a similar conservative majority has distorted the political system to ensure that Republican candidates will be at an enormous advantage in future elections.

Repair system Congress and members of the public who care about fair elections and clean government need to mobilize right away, a cause that President Barack Obama has said he would join.

Congress should repair the presidential public finance system and create another one for congressional elections to help ordinary Americans contribute to campaigns. It should also enact a law requiring publicly traded corporations to get the approval of their shareholders before spending on political campaigns.

These would be important steps, but they will not be enough. The real solution lies in getting the court’s ruling overturned.

The four dissenters made an eloquent case for why the decision was wrong on the law and dangerous.

With one more vote, they can rescue democracy.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY Laredo Morning 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.

Letters are edited for style, grammar, length and civility. No name-calling or gratuitous abuse is allowed.

DOONESBURY | GARRY TRUDEAU

Via e-mail, send letters to editorial@lmtonline.com or mail them to Letters to the Editor, 111 Esperanza Drive, Laredo, TX 78041.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 23, 2010

Zentertainment

PAGE 5A

That jazz will be here

By KIRSTEN CROW THE ZAPATA TIMES

Photo by Vincent Tseng | Special to the Times

Grupo Fantasma, founded by four Laredoans, headlines the 2010 UETA Jamboozie.

UETA Jamboozie brings Mardi Gras to downtown Laredo

By KIRSTEN CROW THE ZAPATA TIMES

Put on your party pants — and while you’re at it, a mask, some beads and feathers. UETA Jamboozie, Laredo’s Mardi Gras-styled street party, is back today with a myriad of street performers, a massive lineup of bands and enough food and drink to satiate the biggest hedonist on the onset of Lent.

In its 12th year, organizers held tight to the festival’s popular mainstays — food, parades and music — while taking steps to improve parking and space-related issues.

Of course, the crown jewel of the festival has long been its musical entertainment, and this year, Jamboozie boasts six stages hosting a total of 40 bands.

“We’re very excited about the lineup we have this year, and we really appreciate that we got such great local talent. We’re also excited about Grupo Fantasma, because they’re one of our own that’s gone out and

made it at a national level,” said Frank Rotnofsky, Laredo Main Street board member. “Where else can you see 40 bands in one night?”

a house in Austin, said Lopez.

Music

In addition to the six stages of bands, Jamboozie is also known for its ingestibles and its big night parade: The highlight of the evening, the UETA’s Mayor’s March, begins at 9 p.m. at the City of Laredo parking lot on Iturbide Street.

Street performers, too, will be scattered throughout the festival during the evening, including appearances

by Samba Vida, a steel drum and dance troupe; Los Tequileros Mariachis; The Chain Gang, a Dixieland swing band; Kaj, a juggler; belly dancers and a stiltwalker.

Free parking will be available at the metro lot near the Greyhound station and below Riverdrive Mall.

A shuttle for the Riverdrive Mall parking will be available through 1 a.m. to bring revelers up the hill to one of the gates, and back to their cars, Taylor said.

Amid the motley acts, which range from rock and jazz to cumbia and rap, is the Grammy-nominated Grupo Fantasma, founded by four Laredoans — Adrian M. Quesada and Beto Martinez, guitarists; Greg Gonzalez, bassist; and Johnny Lopez III, drummer — as the Jamboozie headliner.

The band, which makes regular appearances in the Gateway City, has performed with Prince, including a live set at the 2006 ALMA Awards, and served as the artist’s house band in his Las Vegas hot spot, Club 3121. Although they lost out their Grammy bid for “Sonidos Gold” to Jaguares in the Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album field, the band is undeterred, working incessantly on a fifth album in a makeshift studio out of

On the streets

The musical stylings of jazz are regarded by many as the only “true American art form.”

It’s only appropriate, then, that Dimensions in Blue, the United States Air Force Band of the West’s jazz ensemble, takes center stage for the annual concert as part of the Washington’s Birthday Celebration, Laredo’s own homage to the founders of the United States.

Sponsored by Laredo Morning Times and Texas A&M International University, the concert begins at 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 29, at the Texas A&M International University Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Recital Hall.

This year heralds the first that the ensemble, which promotes a mix of cool jazz and big band classics, will play the concert.

In previous years, the United States Air Force Band of the West Concert Band, which focuses on marches, popular tunes and patriotic pieces, has played the venue.

“It’s a smaller group, but it’s a group that really emphasizes… their main style, jazz,” said Lt. Joseph Hansen, a conductor of the Band of the West. “We’re excited to get the jazz band down there. (It will give the audience) a sense of the diversity of the groups we have here.”

Like all the ensembles that are a part of the multiple award-winning USAF Band of the West, Dimensions in Blue has traveled all over the world with their talented, professionally trained musicians, playing audiences that include civilians and citizens, as well as dignitaries and

Courtesy photo

The Dimensions in Blue Jazz Band performs in the “pinks and greens” uniform under a wide-open sky. heads of state.

The band The United States Air Force Band of the West, headquartered at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, was originally formed in 1941.

Composed of several ensembles — the Concert Band, its largest; Warhawk and Top Flight, rock and popular music bands; and Dimensions in Blue, as well as the satellite bands Gateway Brass, Southwest Winds and the Lone Star Ramblers — the Band of the West was most recently awarded its fourth Col. George S. Howard Citation of Musical Excellence for Military Concert Bands, as well as its sixth Air Force Outstanding Unit Award.

The music Dimensions in Blue plays a wide variety of jazz and big-band style of music, from the classics to the more contemporary. For the Laredo concert, though, the selections include “In a Mellow Tone,”

by Duke Ellington; “Emily”

by Johnny Mandel; “Moonlight Serenade,” by Glenn Miller; “Miss Otis Regrets,” by Cole Porter; and “Love’s in Need of Love Today,” by Stevie Winder.

“Basically, we’re catering our performance to a variety of musical tastes,” wrote Lt. Hansen in an email. “We have four pieces that will feature our vocal soloist, Staff Sergeant Mary Beth McFann. Master Sergeant Don Marchand will woo the hearts of the young and old with the ballad, ‘Emily.’ He is also the arranger of our very own big band version of ‘America.’”

Free tickets Admission to the concert is free, but tickets are required.

To receive up to four free tickets, fill out the form printed in Laredo Morning Times and bring it to the office, 111 Esperanza Drive. The promotion will be valid through noon Friday, or while supplies last. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The form is also available to print on the Web site, www.lmtonline.com/.

6A LAREDO MORNING TIMES

SATURDAY, JANUARY 23, 2010

HECTOR MANUEL MEDINA Hector Manuel Medina, beloved husband and father, joined our Heavenly Father on Monday, Jan. 18, 2010, at the age of 63.

He is preceded in death by a granddaughter, Alisha Lynn Solano.

He leaves behind the love of his life, Gloria A. Medina; sons, Hector M. Jr. (Patricia) Medina, Jorge F. (Leila) Medina and David J. Medina; daughters, Monica (Rick) Solano, JoAnn (Jorge) Garcia, Debra (Chito) Garcia and Ana M. Medina; grandchildren, Arissa, Ashley, Abigail, Amber, Audrey, Georgie, Kaylee, Bryan Medina, R.J., Janssa, Isaac, Jacob Solano, Dante, Noah, Nadia, Peter, Victor Garcia and Natalie Lozano; parents, Manuel and Martha Lee Medina; brothers, Jose D. (Sylvia) Medina, Juan (Dolores) Medina, Manuel (Priscilla)

Medina and Gerardo (Viola) Medina; sister, Vita Mesquiti; numerous other relatives and many friends.

Upon graduation from Zapata High School, Hector was drafted into the U.S. Army 1st Ranger Bn 16th US Infantry and served two years in the Vietnam War. During his tour of duty, Hector received various heroic medals including the Purple Heart for wounds received in action

TOYS Continued from Page 1A — about three toys per child, infants to 15-yearolds.

Garcia, who said he was in awe of the results, remained positive the next Toys for Tots collection will be just as successful.

“I hope that I have the same top community involvement. We’re going to start earlier, have more drives, hopefully some dances,” Garcia said. “You

should have seen the eyes of some of the kids. That’s the best reward. We try to provide hope. :I know there are a lot of other organizations, which is great, but a child has to be a child. We want to show children that there are people in this world that do care.”

(Stephanie M. Ibarra may be reached at 728-2567 or sibarra@lmtonline.com)

and the Bronze Star with V device for heroism in ground combat, completing with an honorable discharge with valor.

As a civilian, Hector joined Southwest Bell Telephone Co., which he ended retiring after 35 years of service. Through his life he always helped everyone around him grow and prosper. Hector was a devoted husband and wonderful father, loved to play with his grandchildren and loved having early morning breakfast with his closest friends. He will long be missed and never forgotten, for his strong character, as a devoted Catholic, his faith, kind spirit and unconditional love. We miss you Dad. Visitation hours were on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2010, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a rosary at 7 p.m. at Rose

ANGEL BUSTAMANTE Garden Funeral Home.

The funeral procession departed on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2010, at 9:30 a.m. for a 10 a.m. funeral Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Committal services followed at Zapata County Cemetery, including full Military Honors by the American Legion Post 486 Color Guard.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.rosegardenfuneralhome.com Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Rose Garden Funeral Home, Daniel A. Gonzalez, Funeral Director, 2102 U.S. 83 Zapata, Texas.

ZCISD Continued from Page 1A ed construction projects, the ongoing renovation of Zapata Middle, and Benavides Elementary, which, in 2009, was the first ZCISD campus the state rated Exemplary.

Trustees will evaluate Rodriguez’s performance based on an appraisal instrument they previously approved. The instrument covers a wide range of district operations, from academics

and finance to community partnerships and Rodriguez’s relationship with the board.

“I’ve been very blessed in that respect,” Rodriguez said of his relationship with trustees.

Board President Jose “Pepe” M. Ramirez III could not be reached for comment Friday.

(Nick Georgiou may be reached at 728-2582 or nickg@lmtonline.com)

Baby Angel Bustamante passed away on Thursday, Jan. 14, 2010, at Laredo Medical Center.

Baby Bustamante is preceded in death by his grandparents, Eduardo and Maria Bustamante and Joaquin Martinez and Maria Guadalupe Rosales.

Baby Bustamante is survived by his parents, Eduardo E. Bustamante and Reyna M. Chavez; brother, Eduardo E. Bustamante Jr.; grandmother, Maria Chavez; aunts, Erika Charo (Felipe Benavides), Sandra Martinez (Daniel Arambula) and Mari Carmen Martinez (Rogelio Arroyo); uncle, Vicente (Susana) Chavez; and by other relatives.

Visitation hours were on Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2010, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Rose Garden Funeral Home.

The funeral procession departed on Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2010, at 11 a.m. Committal services followed at Za-

pata County Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.rosegardenfuneralhome.com Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Rose Garden Funeral Home, Daniel A. Gonzalez, Funeral Director, 2102 U.S. 83 Zapata, Texas.

JOBS Continued from Page 1A “There are tremendous opportunities out there, but we can only follow-up with those companies that we think we can support,” Umphres said.

She added the economic development center is focusing on its business expansion and retention program because “if we’re successful and helping and keeping our existing busi-

nesses, that’s really the best marketing tool you can have.

The center looks forward to housing a full-time business adviser, who was recently hired by the Small Business Development Center at Texas A&M International University.

(Julie Daffern may be reached at 728-2565 or jdaffern@lmtonline.com)

SÁBADO 23 DE ENERO DE 2010

Zfrontera

PÁGINA 7A

Agenda en Breve

Habrá más carreteras

SÁBADO 23 DE ENERO LAREDO — Hoy es el UETA Jamboozie Street Festival de 5 p.m. a la medianoche en el centro de Laredo.

El Jamboozie presenta al Grupo Fantasma y más de 40 entretenimientos más en 6 escenarios distintos. El costo en pre-venta es de 7 dólares. En la puerta es de 10 dólares y los niños menores de 12 años entran grantis. Adquiera sus boletos en La Paletera, UETA y algunos IBC. Más información en jamboozie.com.

LAREDO — Pase la tarde en el Planteraio Lamar Bruni Vergara de TAMIU y disfrute el estreno del nuevo espectáculo en el planetario “Violent Universe: Catastrophes of the Cosmos” a las 5 p.m. y 6 p.m. Otras presentaciones serán de “The Wall” de Pink Floyd a las 7 p.m.

La entrada general es de 5 dólares y 4 dólares para menores así como estudiantes, maestros, personal y exalumnos de TAMIU. LAREDO — Aprenda acerca del arte de observar aves en el Taller de Identificación de Aves programado para hoy de 9:30 a.m. al mediodía y de 1:30 p.m. a 4 p.m. en el Centro de Ciencias Ambientales Lamar Bruni Vergara, ubicado en el lado norte del Campus Fort McIntosh del Laredo Community Collage. El costo es de 10 dólares por adulto y 5 dólares por estudiantes. Se servirá la comida. Reserve su espacio al 764-5701.

ZAPATA — Quienes busquen participar en la competencia de cocina del Boys and Girls Club necesitan inscribirse hoy antes d elas 5 p.m. La cuota de inscripción es de 200 dólares por equipo. Más información llamando a la Cámara de Comercio del Condado de Zapata al (956) 765-4871.

ESPECIAL PARA TIEMPO DE ZAPATA

Foto de cortesía | Gobierno de Tamaulipas

La Coordinadora de Amber Alert en la Oficina del programa del Departamento de Justicia de EU Cecilia Duquela-Fuentes ofrece una plática sobre el programa que desea instalarse en Tamaulipas..

Detallan Alerta Amber en plática ESPECIAL PARA TIEMPO DE ZAPATA

CD. VICTORIA — Continúan los esfuerzos para implementar en Tamaulipas el programa Alerta-Amber cuyo propósito es el de movilizar inmediatamente a todos los sectores de la sociedad para que ayude a la búsqueda y recobro de niños sustraídos o secuestrados en México-Estados Unidos.

En un primer encuentro llevado a cabo esta semana, la Coordinadora de Amber Alert en la Oficina del programa del Departamento de Justicia de EU Cecilia Duquela-Fuentes dijo el programa permite que la gente se convierta en los ojos y oídos de la policía y de las corporaciones de seguridad pública.

En Tamaulipas AlertaAmber sería implementado en la Procuraduría General de Justicia.

“De concretarse esta iniciativa para recobrar a sal-

vo y en el menor tiempo posible a los menores en ambos países, Tamaulipas se convertirá en puntal en atención de esta problemática en la región noreste y sureste del país”, dijo el Agente del Ministerio Público Auxiliar e Inspector en Justicia en Adolescentes Villa Zúñiga Castillo. “(Tamaulipas cuenta con) equipo sofisticado de comunicaciones y cuerpos antisecuestros, pero sobre todo la cultura de la solidaridad de la población”.

Alerta Amber nació tras el rapto de una niña de nueve años llamada Amber Hagerman, en Texas, el cual fue visto por un testigo que inmediatamente proveyó a la policía la información descriptiva sobre el sujeto y el vehículo utilizado en el rapto. A pesar de esto no se pudo recobrar a Amber con vida.

A raíz de esta situación la familia de Amber sugirió la instalación de un sis-

tema de alerta de emergencia para avisar al público y solicitar su ayuda en estos casos, situación en la que los medios de comunicación juegan un rol importante.

El programa contempla un proyecto de capacitación orientado particularmente entre la franja fronteriza México-Estados Unidos y se pondrá a disposición entre otros medios el teléfono de emergencia 066 para responder eficazmente en casos de niños desaparecidos o raptados.

Pero sobre todo la recuperación con vida y sin daño alguno en el menor tiempo.

En México el estado de Baja California implementó dicho programa con éxito. Y Chihuahua cuenta con un programa de coordinación similar llamado Protocolo Alba con el cual se apoya particularmente a mujeres desparecidas o raptadas sin distinción de edad.

CD. VICTORIA — El paquete Noreste, conjunto de obras estratégicas en materia de comunicaciones y transportes contenidas en el Programa Estatal de Infraestructura significará en este año para Tamaulipas una inversión superior a los 5 mil 713 millones de pesos.

Dentro de ese esquema, que cuenta con recursos federales contenidos en el Fondo Nacional de Infraestructura, destaca la carretera Mante-OcampoTula.

Esta carretera fue licitada y otorgado el proyecto por más de 3 mil 274 millones de pesos a Pavimentos de la Laguna S.A. de C.V, Grupo Profrezac, S.A. de C.V. y Operadora de Autopistas del Altiplano S.A. de C.V., previéndose que la construcción se inicie en febrero.

En este mismo paquete mencionado las propuestas se recibirán en el mes de febrero, para que en abril se esté dando a conocer el fallo y posteriormente en el mes de junio inicien los trabajos.

El Paquete Noreste incluye la modernización de cinco activos en operación de más 182.6 kilómetros, como son la carretera Cadereyta-Reynosa, la Reynosa-Matamoros, el Puente Internacional ReynosaPharr, el Puente Internacional Matamoros III y el Puente Internacional Brownsville-Matamoros, los cuales suman 2 mil 903 millones.

Junto a estos proyectos también sobresalen las siguientes inversiones, conforme aparecen en el Fondo Nacional de Infraestructura: Libramiento Reynosa , 370 millones; tramo en carretera Reyno-

EUGENIO HERNÁNDEZ FLORES Detalló planes de infraestructura sa Matamoros, libramiento Sur de Reynosa, Puente Internacional ProgresoNuevo Progreso (concesión 44 km) 105 millones; Puente Internacional Río Bravo-Donna 360 millones.

Pemex Petróleos Mexicanos informó que aplicará en Tamaulipas una inversión global de más de 6 mil millones de pesos a través de sus Subsidiarias Pemex Exploración y Producción y Pemex Gas y Petroquímica Básica.

Las mayores inversiones se ubicarán en el proyecto de Reingeniería del Sistema de Recuperación Secundaria del Campo Tamaulipas Constituciones, que recibirá este año 2 mil millones de pesos y el Proyecto Arenque que captará la mayor inversión en Pemex Exploración con 3 mil millones de pesos.

En licitación se encuentra lo siguiente: Dos autopistas en operación (176 km).

- Autopista Reynosa Matamoros - Cadereyta - Reynosa Tres puentes internacionales (4.1 km): - Puente Brownsville Matamoros - Puente Reynosa Pharr - Puente “Los Tomates” Un tramo nuevo por construir (31 km), construido parcialmente (6 km): - Libramiento Sur de Reynosa - Libramiento Ferroviario de Matamoros(10 km)

DOMINGO 24 DE ENERO LAREDO — Disfrute una presentación de la Orquesta Filarmónica de Laredo mientras realiza una donación al Laredo Haitian Relief Effort. Cualquiera que haga una donación mínima de 5 dólares recibe un boleto gratis al concierto. “Anticipated Return” es hoy a las 3 p.m. en el Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Recital Hall de TAMIU. La entrada general es de 25 dólares y 17 dólares para seniors. Estudiantes con ID entran gratis. Se presentará la solista Ilya Itin interpretando el Concierto de Piano No. 1 en A menor de Edgard Grieg.

JUEVES 28 DE ENERO LAREDO — Hoy es la ceremonia de recepción de la nueva exhibición de primavera “Color and Place—Five Explorations” presentando obras de Laurie Cox, Marilu Flores Gruben, Susan Johnson, Mary Elizabeth Schleier y Sally Schupp. La ceremonia es de 5 p.m. a 7:30 p.m. en la Galería de Arte del Center for the Fine and Performing Arts. El evento es gratis y abierto al Público en general.

NUEVO LAREDO — Hoy es el Taller Literario semanal de la Red en Movimiento "Mujeres de Tinta" de 6 p.m. a 8 p.m. en la Casa de la Cultura (Lincoln y Chimalpopoca). Para más información llame al (867) 715 36 18, escriba a mujeresdetinta@hotmail.com ó visite el blog http://www.mujeresdetinta.blogspot.com.

VIERNES 29 DE ENERO ZAPATA – El Torneo de Pesca FLW Eastern Series es a partir de hoy y hasta el sábado 30 de enero en el Lago Falcón. Más información en el (956) 765-4871.

Proyectan siete planas tratadoras TIEMPO DE ZAPATA

El Municipio de Miguel Alemán será beneficiado este año con dos proyectos que ha esperado durante años: una planta tratadora y un centro Tamul.

El Gobernador de Tamaulipas Eugenio Hernández Flores dijo que en general se concluirán siete plantas de saneamiento de aguas residuales, cubriéndose así el 85% de las descargas.

“Esto significa que ese porcentaje de las descargas residuales podrán ser reutilizadas o será posible reintroducirlas en los cuerpos de agua, pero ya libres de contaminación”, dijo Hernández.

Durante el 2009 se concluyeron cinco plantas tratadoras en Nuevo Laredo, Reynosa, Matamoros, El Mante y Victoria. Para el 2010 se tiene la meta de terminar tres en la zona conurbada de Tampico, Madero y Altamira, así como en Río Bravo, Ciudad Mier, Miguel Alemán y una segunda planta en Reynosa.

La inversión del total ha sido de mil 900 millones de pesos.

Por otra parte, dentro del marco del Programa de Rehabilitación de Infraestructura Educativa se tiene considerado construir 10 nuevos centros Tamul “Lugar de Encuentro” uno de los cuales se ubicará en Miguel Alemán. Los otros nueve se ubicará en los municipios de Aldama, Burgos, González (Estación Manuel), Gustavo Díaz Ordaz, Hidalgo, Jiménez, Soto la Marina (La Pesca), Tula y Xicoténcatl.

En tanto, con el respaldo

“

Se cubrirán 85% de las descargas.

GOBERNADOR EUGENIO HERNÁNDEZ

del Programa “Unidos Avanzamos Más”, el Gobierno del Estado reforzará las acciones y esfuerzos para alcanzar la cobertura de energía eléctrica en el ciento por ciento de sus comunidades.

Para el 2010 este programa considera 947 y la electrificación de cuatro poblados rurales integrados en el Programa Localidades Mayores de 100 habitantes: El Ejido Los San Pedros del municipio de Güemez, los ejidos La Florida Norte y La Media Luna en San Fernando y el ejido San Felipe del municipio de Soto la Marina.

Dentro del Programa de Suministros se beneficiará a familias con la entrega de 18 mil tinacos, 89 mil 117 paquetes de focos ahorradores, 65 paquetes de juegos infantiles, dos mil latas de pintura, 4 mil 014 lámparas, 2 mil 500 letrinas y 259 celdas solares.

Finalmente, y como complemento de desarrollo tamaulipeca, se informó la conclusión de la primera fase del relleno sanitario regional en la zona de La Ribereña en la frontera y se inició la primera etapa de la construcción de una celda y estaciones de transferencia en Mier y Ordaz.

Salud pide vacunarse POR MIGUEL TIMOSHENKOV TIEMPO DE ZAPATA

NUEVO LAREDO — La amenaza de la Influenza A-H1N1 sigue latente, razón por la cual la Secretaría de Salud está haciendo un llamado a la población para que se inmunicen.

Los grupos prioritarios son menores de dos años y embarazadas a partir del 4º mes de gestación.

También se exhorta al personal de guarderías, cuidadores de niños menores de 6 meses de edad y personas que registran algún tipo de padecimiento como asma, diabetes, obesidad mórbida, problemas renales, sida, cáncer, entre otros.

El Director de la Juris-

dicción Sanitaria No. V Jaime Gutiérrez dijo que se tiene un limitado número de puestos de vacunación “a fin de mantener un estricto control de la vacuna y evitar su desperdicio”.

“El frasco contiene 10 dosis de vacuna, por lo que es indispensable que se reúna la cantidad de personas para suministrar el contenido y de esta manera no desechar el resto del frasco”, explicó Gutiérrez.

Según comunicado de prensa de la Secretaría de Salud en Tamaulipas, en la primera remesa de vacunas, se inmunizó a las mujeres embarazadas y al personal médico que cubría las áreas de riesgo de las unidades hospitala-

rias, posteriormente se vacunó al resto del personal de salud y a la fecha se han destinado más de 33 mil vacunas al territorio tamaulipeco.

“La prioridad para cubrir a los menores de dos años y mujeres embarazadas se debe a que se detectó que la mayoría de los pacientes que registraron la enfermedad, correspondían a estos grupos”, explica el comunicado.

“Una vez más exhorto a la ciudadanía a que acudan a las jurisdicciones sanitarias y a las unidades hospitalarias y aprovechen la aplicación de este biológico”, dijo Gutiérrez. “Es seguro y las reacciones adversas que pudieran presentarse son mínimas”.

CAMPANARIO DE CIUDAD MIER

Foto de cortesía/La de Miernes | Mauricio Mancías

El campanario y cruz de la capilla en Ciudad Mier son un atractivo especial del denominado Pueblo Mágico.

8A THE ZAPATA TIMES

SATURDAY, JANUARY 23, 2010

SATURDAY, JANUARY 23, 2010

ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM

Sports&Outdoors NFL CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS

COLTS RECEIVERS READY TO FACE DARRELLE REVIS

Girls end first half on a high note Lady Hawks sweep a season series to stay in District 32-3A playoff race

By CLARA SANDOVAL SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

Photo by Darron Cummings | AP

In this Dec. 27, 2009, file photo, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne (87) is tackled by New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis (24) during their game in Indianapolis. Revis has earned his reputation as the league’s best shutdown corner. He’s negated everybody from Terrell Owens to Chad Ochocinco. But what makes life so tough on Revis Island? Just ask Wayne, who will face the Jets for the second time in a month on Sunday in the AFC Championship game.

Jets cornerback highlights AFC matchup

By MICHAEL MAROT ASSOCIATED PRESS

I

NDIANAPOLIS — Reggie Wayne is ready to take another trip to Revis Island.

The Indianapolis receiver is preparing man-to-man coverage, strong-armed tactics and tur-

bulent conditions with the hope of earning an all-expenses paid trip to Miami.

No, this is not just another job for the Colts star and the New York Jets cornerback. It’s an adventure.

“One thing about (Darrelle) Revis is he’s going to challenge you,”

Wayne said. “He’s going to make you play your best. I accept that challenge. I feel like he’s one of the best. He’s going to make me play at my best, so it’s going to be exciting.”

Wayne, a four-time Pro Bowler,

See AFC PAGE 2B

Caldwell, Ryan on different paths Rookie coaches made it to Sunday’s meeting by using their own methods

By DENNIS WASZAK JR. ASSOCIATED PRESS

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Jim Caldwell is as comfortable being a softspoken offensive wizard as Rex Ryan is as a brash defensive guru.

Like their styles or

not, the contrasting rookie coaches have their teams in the AFC championship game with a Super Bowl berth on the line Sunday.

“You might try to draw parallels between Rex and I, or our two teams, in how they handle dif-

REX RYAN: Outspoken coach thriving in New York spotlight. ferent situations,” said Caldwell, the Indianapolis Colts’ coach. “The great thing about this game is that it requires an immense amount of authenticity, so you have to be who you are.”

That’s what Ryan has been saying since the day

JIM CALDWELL: Smooth transition from coordinator to head coach. he was hired as the New York Jets’ head coach a year ago. Yes, he’ll say what’s on his mind and make some cringe with his confident and sometimes-outlandish statements. Ryan is also quick

See COACHES PAGE 2B

Saints, Vikings inexperienced NFC winner will enter unfamiliar territory

By BARRY WILNER ASSOCIATED PRESS

NEW ORLEANS — The last time the Minnesota Vikings made the Super Bowl, Brett Favre was in elementary school. The next trip the New Orleans Saints make to the big game will be their first.

Are you experienced? Well, yes and no.

Granted, reaching the NFL’s title game has been elusive for the Vikings since 1977 and unattainable for the Saints forever. But appearing in the playoffs has been something of a ritual for some of their stars, from Favre to Steve Hutchinson to Ryan Longwell for Minnesota. And from Drew Brees to Darren Sharper to Jeremy Shockey for New Orleans.

Photo by Bill Haber | AP

The George S. Halas Trophy is displayed between a New Orleans Saints and Minnesota Vikings helmet during a news conference at the Saints’ training facility in Metairie, La., on Wednesday. The Saints host the Vikings in the NFC Championship Game on Sunday.

So successfully taking that last step Sunday in the NFC championship game shouldn’t be an intimidating chore for either side.

The Vikings certainly are drawing from Favre’s past: two Super

Bowls and one win, and the most victories for any quarterback in NFL history.

“When you have a quarterback

See NFC PAGE 2B

The first round of District 32-3A play has come to an end, and Zapata is holding on to a playoff spot.

The Lady Hawks beat Rio Hondo 57-45 on Tuesday night to sweep the season series and move into a tie with Raymondville for third place.

Hidalgo, which is ranked second in the state, leads the district at 8-0, with La Feria following closely in second place with a 7-1 record.

“This is a great way to finish the first half of district,” Zapata coach Clyde Guerra Jr. said.

“We still have a lot of basketball and we should not become complacent.”

The Lady Hawks had 18 points from senior Adriana Peña, while Shelby Biggler chipped in with 11 to help lead the offensive attack.

Zapata (5-3, 13-12) came out firing on all cylinders as the Lady

The Lady Hawks had 18 points from senior Adriana Peña.

Hawks got on the board early and often.

Peña was getting warmed up on two baskets when the injury bug hit one of Zapata’s biggest offensive threats.

Peña sprained her ankle early in the first quarter, and things looked grim for her return to the court.

“Adriana had a great game despite suffering that sprain ankle,” Guerra said.

Picking up the slack on offense was senior Clary Solis, who came alive in the second quarter.

With the Lady Hawks down 25-20, Solis canned two field goals and a free throw to finish the half

See LADY HAWKS PAGE 2B

Zapata soccer team plays its first contest

By CLARA SANDOVAL SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

History was made on Monday night at Hawk Stadium as the first Zapata High School soccer game was played.

The Hawks played host to the La Joya Coyotes in a non-district contest to write their names into the history books.

“It was a very exciting moment when the game got under way,” Zapata coach Blake Garza said.

The Hawks soccer team will play a junior varsity schedule this year before moving up to the varsity division next year.

Zapata’s first venture into the soccer world resulted in a well-played 2-0 loss to the Coyotes.

The Hawks also hosted parents’ night on Monday, adding to the already-heightened anticipation of the game.

“The bleachers were full with parents and people who just wanted to be here to witness history,” Garza said.

La Joya, a veteran club, came into the contest with plenty of offensive firepower that averaged seven goals in its past six outings.

Zapata only allowed two goals to keep the Coyotes from getting anywhere near their average.

“La Joya came in thinking that they were going to get 10 goals,” Garza said. “Holding them to two goals was a

“

“It was a very exciting moment when the game got under way.”

BLAKE GARZA, ZAPATA COACH

victory in itself. We held our own with a very good ball club.”

Garza noted the play of goalie Mario Gonzalez, who had close to 15 saves on the night.

“Mario did a great job in the net,” Garza said.

“He kept us in the game.”

Nerves got the best of the Hawks in the first half.

The Coyotes took this opportunity to put a goal on the board as they score in the first few minutes of the game.

After the goal, Zapata settled down and went back to its game plan of aggressive offense and stingy defense.

The Hawks had a few opportunities to score, and they did their best to tie the game, but the La Joya goalie deflected any shots at the goal.

Zapata tightened up its defense and kept the Coyotes from scoring another goal in the first

See SOCCER PAGE 2B

PAGE 2B

Zscores

TRANSACTIONS BASEBALL American League LOS ANGELES ANGELS: Agreed to terms with RHP Joel Pineiro on a two-year contract.

TEXAS RANGERS: Agreed to terms with C Toby Hall on a minor league contract.

TORONTO BLUE JAYS: Agreed to terms with RHP Shawn Hill on a minor league contract.

National League CINCINNATI REDS: Agreed to terms with RHP Jose Arredondo on a minor league contract.

HOUSTON ASTROS: Agreed to terms with C Ke-

vin Cash on a minor league contract.

MILWAUKEE BREWERS: Agreed to terms with LHP Doug Davis on a one-year contract.

NEW YORK METS: Acquired OF Gary Matthews, Jr. and cash considerations from the L.A. Angels for RHP Brian Stokes.

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES: Agreed to terms with CF Shane Victorino on a three-year contract.

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS: Agreed to terms with C Bengie Molina on a one-year contract.

Can-Am League SUSSEX SKYHAWKS: Signed RHP Tim Stringer.

BROCKTON ROX: Signed C Dan Coury.

Northern League GARY SOUTHSHORE RAILCATS: Traded LHP Tristan Facer to Edmonton (GBL) for OF Adam

Klein. Agreed to terms with INF Chris Carrara.

BASKETBALL NBA LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS: Signed G JamesOn Curry to a 10-day contract. Waived F Kareem Rush.

FOOTBALL NFL DETROIT LIONS: Named Danny Crossman special teams coordinator.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS: Signed G Brian De La Puente to a future contract.

WASHINGTON REDSKINS: Named Sean McVay offensive assistant coach. Announced Steve Jackson will remain with the team as safeties

SATURDAY, JANUARY 23, 2010

coach.

CFL WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS: Named Joe Mack general manager and vice president of football operations.

HOCKEY NHL ATLANTA THRASHERS: Assigned G Kari Lehtonen to Chicago (AHL).

NEW JERSEY DEVILS: Recalled C Ben Walter from Lowell (AHL). Placed C Rod Pelley on injured reserve retroactive to Jan. 18.

PITTSBURGH PENGUINS: Assigned F Nick Johnson and F Dustin Jeffrey to Wilkes-Barre/ Scranton (AHL).

OTTAWA SENATORS: Assigned F Zack Smith to

Binghamton (AHL).

VANCOUVER CANUCKS: Recalled D Nolan Boumgartner from Manitoba (AHL).

WASHINGTON CAPITALS: Assigned D John Carlson to Hershey (AHL).

ECHL ELMIRA JACKALS: Announced Ottawa (NHL) assigned G Andy Chiodo to Binghamton (AHL).

Waived F Mike Sgroi.

READING ROYALS: Announced D Scott Fletcher has been assigned to the team from Providence (AHL). Released F Travis Whitehead.

SOCCER MLS D.C. UNITED: Signed M-D Floribert N’Galula.

COLLEGE

BUFFALO: Named Mike Dietzel defensive backs coach and co-special teams coordinator.

LAKE ERIE: Named Nicole M. Rose swimming and diving coach.

MINNESOTA: Suspended basketball guard Al Nolen from Saturday’s game against Michigan State because of academic issues.

RUTGERS: Named Dan Donigan men’s soccer coach.

SAN JOSE STATE: Named Bryant Young, Hugh Freeze, Tim Landis and Gary Bernardi assistant football coaches.

WISCONSIN: Extended the contract of football coach Bret Bielema through Jan. 31, 2015.

YOUNGSTOWN STATE: Named Rick Kravitz defensive coordinator.

AFC Continued from Page 1B has plenty to prove Sunday in the marquee matchup at the AFC championship game.

Revis, runner-up for NFL defensive player of the year, has not only survived matchups against some of the league’s top receivers this season, he’s thrived.

His personal check list looks like this: — Houston’s Andre Johnson, four catches, 35 yards.

— New England’s Randy Moss, eight catches, 48 yards in two games.

— Buffalo’s Terrell Owens, six catches, 26 yards in two games.

— Carolina’s Steve Smith, one catch, 5 yards.

— Cincinnati’s Chad Ochocinco, two catches, 28 yards in two games.

— And in an abbreviated first round against Wayne, three receptions, 33 yards.

Revis has allowed only one touchdown all season, yet Wayne may have come the closest to breaking out against him, barely missing a long catch in December’s game when Peyton Manning overthrew him by a

“

It’s nothing out of the ordinary.

It’s just he’s a student of the game and understands what’s going on and what’s coming at him.”

REGGIE WAYNE, COLTS RECEIVER

step on a deep slant-and-go route.

Wayne also played less time than the others, departing with the other Colts starters with about six minutes to go in the third quarter of Indy’s 29-15 loss.

Round 2 could be different.

Indy receiver Pierre Garcon is expected to play after missing the first game with a bruised hand, and last week Indy (15-2) figured out a way to keep tight end Dallas Clark more involved in the offense against Baltimore’s similar 3-4 defense. The Jets (11-7) can’t simply ignore the threat of Indy’s ground

game, either, after Joseph Addai burned them for an early 21yard TD run in the first meeting.

As usual, though, the confident third-year cornerback promises his game live up to the hype.

“All this Revis Island stuff is fun,” he said. “You enjoy it, but the bigger goal is just being consistent and playing and going out there and trying to cover these guys the best way I can.”

What makes Revis so difficult for receivers?

Colts coach Jim Caldwell believes it’s Revis’ uncanny ability

to locate the ball before receivers do. That gives Revis, who doesn’t give up many steps, a chance to play the ball first without drawing penalties or yielding big plays.

Wayne contends Revis spends more time than others studying.

“He understands the game, he understands routes, he understands combinations,” Wayne said. “It’s nothing out of the ordinary. It’s just he’s a student of the game and understands what’s going on and what’s coming at him.”

The other possibility: He’s just a natural cornerback.

Long before New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg renamed Manhattan in Revis’ honor and Jets coach Rex Ryan dubbed him “the best cornerback I’ve ever been around,” Colts linebacker Clint Session saw Revis emerge as a star at the University of Pittsburgh. It didn’t take Session long to realize his college teammate was going to be a special player.

“I’ve admired the guy since I first laid eyes on him,” Session said. “He’s confident. He’s always quick to tell you who’s

good and who’s not, and that’s why I think he just kind of jumped out at you right away.”

But Revis’ challenge this week has more to do with Peyton Manning than Wayne, Garcon or Austin Collie.

The Colts’ franchise quarterback has a knack for finding defensive weaknesses and exploiting defensive backs who are matched one-on-one with his receivers, as Revis usually is.

It’s never easy, not even for a player as talented as Revis.

“Reggie Wayne is a good wide receiver, but it starts with Peyton Manning,” Revis said. “He throws the ball where defenders can’t reach or find it. I think what makes his guys better is him putting the ball in places that defenders can’t find it.”

Wayne sees it a different way.

It’s his job to catch passes and make plays and issue the challenges on Revis Island.

“It was an adventure on, I guess. It was fun,” Wayne said of his most recent matchup with Revis in December. “Now, we’ve got a whole game to play each other. May the best man win.”

COACHES Continued from Page 1B to point out that this is who he’s always been, and he’s not changing now.

“I think you better believe in yourself, you better believe in your football team,” Ryan said.

“That’s all it is. There’s never a disrespectful thing. I don’t try to say anything disrespectful to the opponents that we’re playing.”

Ryan’s daily news conferences are guaranteed to get at least one chuckle. With the AFC championship game two days away, Ryan was still as loose as ever Friday, poking fun at himself — as always.

“I always go into men’s stores and I’m like, ’Where’s your men’s section at?”’ the rotund Ryan said. “It’s like, ’What do you mean? We have double-X.’ And, I’m like, ’Yeah, who is that supposed to fit?’ It’s tough.”

Meanwhile, Caldwell takes a less-colorful, more humble approach, staying away from controversy. Instead, he’s looked upon by his players as a nice guy who communicates well, but in his own low-key way.

“These seasons are too long to pretend,” Caldwell said. “The emotion involved in this game will strip away all that veneer, and you are who you are. That’s who we are. That’s how we’ve always handled things. Maybe someone chooses to do things differently, but that’s because it serves them, and that’s what they feel comfortable with.”

Don’t mistake Caldwell’s laidback personality for not being competitive, though.

“One of the things he has preached to us this year is that we are going to be the hunters,” Colts linebacker Gary Brackett

said. “No matter what someone else has to play for, no matter what attitude, bravado, whatever it is they bring in here, we are going to be the hunters.”

That certainly was the case earlier this season, when Caldwell led the Colts to a 14-0 start.

His only bout with controversy came when he pulled Peyton Manning and his other stars against the Jets with a perfect season still in their sights.

“Everybody is entitled to their opinion,” Caldwell said.

“Our objective was to put us in the best position to win the first game of the playoffs. That was key.”

Brackett describes Caldwell as a funny guy, someone who uses one-liners in team meetings. Tight end Dallas Clark thinks Caldwell’s demeanor was perfect for the Colts after years

with a similar guy in Tony Dungy.

“We love it,” Clark said.

“That’s kind of what we’ve been used to with Coach Dungy. It’s kind of been the norm around here, the coach that’s on the quieter side. I think guys respond well. The transition from Coach Dungy to Coach Caldwell was pretty easy for us.”

Jets tight end Ben Hartsock played parts of three seasons with the Colts, back when Caldwell was the assistant head coach and quarterbacks coach under Dungy.

“Coach Caldwell comes from the Dungy lineage, so there’s much more of a level, no ups, no downs, even-keel throughout the whole time,” Hartsock said.

“Rex is obviously a little more boisterous.”

The contrasts don’t end there.

Ryan paid his dues working at low-level colleges before becoming an assistant under his father, Buddy, with the Arizona Cardinals. His stock rose when he helped turn Baltimore into a defensive force, but struck out on interviews for head coaching jobs until the Jets hired him.

Caldwell took a different path, working as an assistant at bigtime colleges under guys like Joe Paterno at Penn State, Howard Schnellenberger at Louisville and Bill McCartney at Colorado. He also was a head coach for eight seasons at Wake Forest before joining Dungy in Tampa Bay and following him to Indianapolis in 2002.

“Both teams have earned this opportunity and it’s just going to be a great game,” Ryan said.

“It’s going to be a great matchup.”

NFC Continued from Page 1B that steps in the huddle and has that look on his face and the body language and the demeanor like, ’Hey this is old hat, we can do this, this is nothing more than anything we practiced all week,’ regardless of the situation, it kind of builds confidence in the rest of the guys in the huddle and has the soothing effect,” said All-Pro guard Hutchinson, who played in six postseason games with Seattle and lost one Super Bowl.

That sure can settle the nerves.

It’s something Sharper, who spent eight seasons with Favre in Green Bay (one Super Bowl defeat) and four years in Minnesota before landing in New Orleans this season has tried to do

for the Saints.

“They don’t come to me,” Sharper said. “I give them the information that I have, any extra tidbits, tendencies, anything that I know. I always want to help any of our guys out on defense, offense and special teams.

“I think that is the main thing, a guy they have watched play for a long time, the younger guys.

Having the experience factor, I think I’m a person they can look up to, can learn from, try to pick my brain, watch how I go about my day-in and dayout activities, how I prepare myself and just being a leader in that area. I think that’s the main thing that you see of guys that have been in the league for a long time.”

“

“I hope the little experience I have in these games, which is more than most, will help some.”

BRETT FAVRE, VIKINGS QUARTERBACK

So while fans in New Orleans complain they can’t sleep in anticipation of Sunday, and Minnesotans hopefully look into flights from the frigid Midwest to balmy South Florida in early February, the players try to chill. It’s not easy.

There’ll be an edge to their emotions at kickoff time. Yes, it’s the biggest game of most of their careers, and it’s uncharted

territory for dozens of them.

That makes the expertise of former Super Bowl participants more critical.

“I hope the little experience I have in these games, which is more than most, will help some,” said Favre, who could be missing Offensive Rookie of the Year Percy Harvin, plagued by migraines on Friday. “But that’s not to say I don’t get nervous and

stressed and all those things. But I try to keep not only myself but the other guys calm and relaxed.

“It’s OK to be excited ... but we have to focus. Every play has to count, you have to focus extra. That’s really, in a nutshell, what I’ll address with the guys.”

Neither coach has been the head man in a Super Bowl. Minnesota’s Brad Childress was Eagles offensive coordinator in 2004, when Philadelphia lost to New England. Sean Payton went to the 2000 Super Bowl with the Giants, who got routed by Baltimore.

Typical of coaches, Childress and Payton are ignoring talk of a visit to the Miami area.

“No it’s business. We get

into routines. We’re here at dark and get home at dark,” Payton said. “We’re a little sheltered at this moment to the game-planning. Our players are probably the same way, are into a routine. So these weeks all run together.”

But they want the routine to run for another two weeks, of course.

“I think Jared Allen made a good point,” Childress said of his All-Pro defensive end. “When you prepare like you usually prepare — I mean, are we overprepared? You have to caution against that, that there’s not too much volume; you’re not trying to stuff things in there. But our preparation is just about the same. We’ve got it down to a pretty good science right now.”

LADY HAWKS Continued from Page 1B on a 6-0 run and give Zapata a 26-25 lead heading into halftime.

“Clary gave us that spark that we needed to get things started,” Guerra said. “She was just all over the place on offense.”

Solis hit a three with less than five seconds left

on the clock to give her team the momentum at the end of the first half.

“That shifted the momentum in our favor with a 6-0 run to finish the first half,” Guerra said.

The Lady Hawks came out on a man-to-man defense but had to revert to a

1-3-1-zone defense to jumpstart their defense.

Zapata even mixed in a 1-2-1-1-zone defense to start the Lady Hawks’ comeback.

“We came out in a man defense but had to go back to our traditional zone defense,” Guerra said. “That

got us back into the game with the turnover that we created to ignite our offense.”

Rio Hondo continued to stay close to Zapata and utilized its home court to their full advantage.

“Rio Hondo is a very tough place to play. We

earned that win Tuesday night,” Guerra said.

Last year it was Rio Hondo that enjoyed the two-game sweep, and that left a bad taste in the Lady Hawks’ mouths.

Zapata vowed to come back stronger this year and avenge last year’s loss-

es.

“The girls really wanted to come out here and proved that they could win both district games against Rio Hondo because they beat us twice,” Guerra said. “Last year we lost both games by three points.”

SOCCER Continued from Page 1B half.

Garza lauded the play of Issac Angeles and Edgar Martinez on defense.

On the other spectrum, forward Jose Luis Gonzalez was the

Hawks’ offensive spark as he valiantly attempted to put his team on the board with three great shots at goal.

La Joya held a 1-0 lead at halftime.

The Coyotes were not done scoring, as they added a second goal in the second half to take 2-0 lead late in the game and hold on for the victory.

Zapata will play Progreso next

Monday in the second game on its schedule.

The future looks bright for Zapata, as 14 of 18 players on the team are freshmen.

“We started with 28 players,

and 18 have stuck it out,” Garza said. “Having 14 freshmen is great for us.”

(Clara Sandoval can be reached at csandovalzapatatimes@gmail.com)

SATURDAY, JANUARY 23, 2010

THE ZAPATA TIMES | 3B

HINTS BY HELOISE Dear Heloise: I’m a big fan!

We have two mini schnauzers, Millie and Maggie, who sleep at my feet all day in my home office. Here are my TWO DOG HINTS: We don’t like the tinkling of dog tags because we are both light sleepers. I use fishing line to sew their tags to their harnesses in a conspicuous place. I put both home-phone and cellphone numbers on the tags because we travel a lot.

Their favorite toys are socks!

Because they were originally bred to hunt rodents, I think the socks resemble, uh, expired prey. I collect socks with holes, and when I have a few, I take one of the pairs without holes and stuff it full of the holey ones. Next, I split the elastic top of the stuffed sock lengthwise into four strips. I tie the strips together with several knots to close the “sock rat.” You might want to keep an eye on the toy to make sure they don’t shred or swallow the sock. When the toys wear out, no great loss, because they are essentially free!

-- Diana from Leesburg, Ind. How lucky you are to have two mini schnauzers in your

REAL ESTATE

“

HELOISE

life! Our Cabbie also rests wherever we are -- office, kitchen, den or bed! She even has several pillows throughout the house to snuggle up on. Thankfully, she has not brought me a dead rat, like our departed Black Jack (a Lab/greyhound mix) used to do! -- Heloise BIRD-WATCHING Dear Readers: Do you enjoy bird-watching? This is an inexpensive and fascinating hobby; all you really need is some binoculars and a book to help you identify the birds. A journal also is helpful to log the birds you’ve seen. (I have my list of birds I’ve seen written on the front inside cover of one bird book.)

My favorite spot is the South Texas coast near Rockport, where there is a whooping crane refuge. I’ve been honored to see these large, magnificent birds several times. It’s always a thrill! -- Heloise

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Basset Hound Puppies,6Wks, 1st shots & dwrmd,parents on site.$175.Call after 3pm 956-645-5467 Beautiful & Tiny Pure breed Toy & Minitoy French Poodles $250/$300 795-0261, 857-1123

100

Can you afford $500 month (includes taxes,insurance) for a home of your own?TRUE “0”interest/30 years.

Habitat for Humanity. 724-3227.

Equal Housing Leander

TinyT-cup chihuahua,M/F,350 & up,must see! Call 956-319-5029

Chihuahua Puppies 1M & 1F, 6 wks. old, $150 call:774-7003 French Bulldog male 2mo old, $600 Call 774-5270 Last Beautiful Male Cockapoo 6mth. old, & 4mth. old Bullboxer, $150 & $250 respectively. 795-0261; 857-1123

130

1996 AQHA,reg.,sorrel gelding,16.1 HH,mature and gentle,use for barrel racing,very fast,(SI87),$1,800 OBO, Grandson of dash for cash & sired by victory dash Call 956-693-9313

MISCELLANEOUS

ARTICLES FOR SALE

Boston Terrier Puppies for sale Reg. Ckc. 7wks old, $350 Call 236-5330

UNFURNISHED HOUSES

Mini Shitzu-Poodle must see, adorable, 1st shot, dewormed, h.trained. $200 OBO call:285-2221 Pitbulls pups for sale $350 female, $300 male, pics upon request, 6wks 956-286-6880

LIVESTOCK & SUPPLIES

ARTICLES FOR SALE

136

Kenmore stove, like new, $75 obo Call 220-3794

Reg.,horses $1,500ea,healthy, young & gentle, price neg., Call 284-1074

HUNTERS SPECIAL 25-50 ACTracts on IH-35,Mile 60,Many Ammenities,Owner Finance,Starting at $3,250 P/AC ,Call 956-645-5776 BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

128

Husky white female puppies w/blue eyes, 5 wks old, no shots. $100ea. Parents on site. Call 285-7750

70

4741 Sunrise Cts Lote 46x120 con casa mobil $46,000 OBO,o se vende lote solamente por $23,000. llamar al 251-8894 o 401-9274

ACREAGE FOR SALE

HELP WANTED

136

*White Mac power PC, G4, 1.0GHz, OSX 10.3 $275 Call 220-9654

10 pantalones Polo Y Nautica 46x34 y 48x34,10 camisas Polo 3xl,$135,Llamar al 725-5472 29 gallons Bowfront w/light, filter & stand. $250 Call: 857-2237

Baby Diamond earrings 1ct, SVC,Emerald cut,$3,000 W/warranty & Certified Call 220-7742 Formal Dress used only once. Sizes 3, 5 & 7 $20ea.

Call 771-7971 weekends only!

Free removal of junk or unwanted cars or trucks, no title needed, Call 771-2503 Gazelle Supra-Pro Elliptical $50.00 call: 956-723-0645 Juego de sala y comedor $800 obo, buenas condiciones, Call 956-242-3103

Se vende Cuna Completa buenas condiciones $125 Call 956-728-8825 Twin, Full, Queen, & King Mattress set. Starting $45 Call 645-2006

USED: Rectangular Tables, 6ft., $25; 8ft $35; folding chairs $10 Call 645-0342

Vendo escritorio de computadora, $100 Call 251-9592 Vendo recamara con accesorios empesando desde $25 call 723-1179 Vendo Sala, semi-nueva, bonita, 3 pc, $650 call: 319-4387

Vendo un comedor de 6 sillas,bueno $450,Call 251-9592 Weedeater Lawmore, $50, OBO Call 220-3794 SPORTING GOODS

142

Una caminadora semi nueva $200 call 724-6935

TRANSPORTATION

AUTOMOTIVE PARTS

194

Set of 4 17x8, 8 lug factory allo rims off 07’ Ram 2500 $399 call 740-0959 Set of 4 rims & tires off 09’ Ram 1500 20x8.275/60/20 like new, only 2k miles $999 Call 740-0959 MOTORCYCLES

198

1996 GMC 24 Flatbead w/forklift. $60,000 OBO call: 235-7272 ‘05 Ford Explorer, Blue title, Leather seats, $6,350 O.B.O call 712-0249; 220-8841

Chevy 00’, 6cyl, A/C, Single cab, Good cond, new tires, $4,000 OBO. Call 334-4904 or 337-3670

Durango ‘04, 8cyl, 62K mi., Blue title, leather, DVD/GPS, sound system, $11,500 Call 956-286-8966 GMC Yukon ‘97,4x4,a/c,Exce. condition, clear title, new tires, $4,700 OBO Call 337-0882

Jeep CJ5 ‘1975, Good Cond. Needs minor repairs. $1500 Call 763-2070 CARS FOR SALE

200

Audi A4 2.0T ‘06, Excellent conditon, Blue title, 41k mi., $16,000 Call 220-7742 Mercury Milan ‘06, Black leather int., 6cd changer W/MP3, $6,300 Call 62*13*34198 or 956-237-5065

196

1998 Harley Davidson Custome 1200, new tires, very good shape, under 9,100 mil., recently tune, $5,500 Call 324-2062 ‘08 Hyosung GT250R Sport bike $3500 OBO call:319-0188

MOTORCYCLES

TRUCKS FOR SALE

196

For Sale 1600 KawasakiVulcan classic,fully loaded,3250 mi., mint,$5,000 OBO call:206-0165

Mustang 99’ GT a/c, cobra rims $3,900 obo call 774-3892 or 52x11x5838 Nissan Maxima 04’ 6cil., a/c, $7,500 obo call 774-3892 or 52*11*5838

PT Cruiser 2007, 29k miles, $5,950 OBO Call 210-404-8286

Sports

4B THE ZAPATA TIMES

Clijsters ousted at Open

By JOHN PYE ASSOCIATED PRESS

MELBOURNE, Australia — Kim Clijsters came to the Australian Open as an inspiration to her countrywomen and mothers everywhere.

After her unexpected win at the U.S. Open, hype about back-to-back major titles followed her to Melbourne Park for the season-

KIM CLIJSTERS: Comeback halted by straight-set loss on Friday. opening Grand Slam.

All that ended in 52 minutes Friday in her most humiliating loss: a 6-0, 6-1 third-round defeat to No. 19-ranked Nadia Petrova.

Also lost was the chance of a quarterfinal against fellow Belgian Justine Henin, a former No. 1 playing her first major in two years.

“I was completely off,” Clijsters said. “I think tenniswise, I didn’t feel the ball at all.”

Defending champion Rafael Nadal also was displeased with his game, although he had a victory to show for it — a 6-4, 6-2, 2-6, 7-5 decision over Germany’s Philipp Kohlscreiber at night.

“In the third I started terrible, no?” the Spaniard said. “Everybody has not very good days.”

U.S. Open champion Juan Martin del Potro advanced, and No. 5 Andy Murray moved into a fourth-round match against American John Isner, who beat No. 12 Gael Monfils.

Andy Roddick and Fernando Gonzalez won to set up a fourth-round pairing.

No. 2 Dinara Safina and No. 3 Svetlana Kuznetsova went through and will be part of two all-Russian women’s matches in the last 16. Belgians Henin and Yanina Wickmayer will vie for a place in the quarterfinals.

Kuznetsova, the French Open champion who no doubt expected to play Clijsters in the next round, is just happy to get a chance at fellow Russian Petrova after holding off Germany’s Angelique Kerber 3-6, 7-5, 6-4 in a match ending at 1:43 a.m. She said she’d kept herself motivated by watching Rafa’s match after speaking in the locker room to Clijsters.

Petrova said she’d prepared for a long match and was stunned by how she dominated. Kuznetsova was equally impressed with Petrova.

Henin was sitting out of a major for the seventh time when Clijsters won in New York last September.

Watching the jubilant scenes of Clijsters and her toddler daughter, Jada, celebrating the championship at Flushing Meadows inspired Henin to come out of retirement herself.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 23, 2010

Mets trade for Gary Matthews Jr. ASSOCIATED PRESS

NEW YORK — Unable to find regular playing time for Gary Matthews Jr., the Los Angeles Angels traded the outfielder to the New York Mets on Friday and agreed to pay $21.5 million as part of the deal.

Los Angeles received right-handed reliever Brian Stokes, a native Californian, in exchange for Matthews, who had slumped for three straight seasons since signing a $50 million, five-year contract.

“He voiced his frustration to us because of his desire to play every day,” Angels manager Mike Scioscia said.

New York wanted another outfielder after Carlos Beltran had knee surgery last week. Beltran, sidelined for much of last season, is not expected back until May, and Matthews will compete with Angel Pagan to play center field while Beltran is on the disabled list.

“I think it’s going to be open competition,” Mets general manager Omar Minaya said. “Nobody’s going to be given the job.”

Matthews is owed salaries of $11 million this year and $12 million in 2011, plus a $500,000 bonus for getting traded. The Mets will pay just $1 million per season, and the Angels will give New York money to cover the remainder of the salary plus the bonus, a person familiar with the details told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the financial details were not announced.

Matthews hit .313 with 19 homers and 79 RBIs for Texas in 2006, when he made the AL All-Star team, then signed the big deal with the Angels that turned out to be the worst contract in the team’s history. He slumped to a .252 average with 18 homers and 72 RBIs during his first season in Anaheim,

Photo by Charlie Riedel | AP

In this July 21, 2009, file photo, Los Angeles Angels outfielder Gary Matthews Jr. bats during the seventh inning of a game against the Kansas City Royals in Kansas City, Mo. The New York Mets have acquired Matthews Jr. from the Angels. The Mets are sending pitcher Brian Stokes to the Angels as part of the trade. then lost his center field job when the Angels signed Torii Hunter.

“It obviously wasn’t the role that Gary was looking for,” Scioscia said, adding that Matthews’ disappointment was understandable.

“To say that Gary was a disruptive influence or was not happy in our clubhouse is 180 degrees from the situation.”

Noticeable dropoff Matthews had 46 RBIs in 2008 and 50 last year, when he started 80 games.

Now 35, he is the son of Gary Matthews, the 1973 NL Rookie of the Year.

Minaya called him a “change-of-scenery guy” and said that once Beltran returns, he could back up the center fielder, in addition to left fielder Jason Bay and right fielder Jeff Francoeur.

“It’s an opportunity for him to come into New York and be able to hopefully get more playing time,” Minaya said.

Matthews was briefly with the Mets but got only one at-bat for New York — he fouled out against Pittsburgh’s Mike Lincoln as a pinch hitter. The Mets purchased him from the Pirates in December 2001, then traded him to Baltimore for left-hander John Bale.

SI.com reported in February 2007 that Matthews was sent human growth hormone by Applied Pharmacy in August 2004, an accusation he denied. Major League Baseball concluded there was insufficient evidence to discipline him.

New York added Matthews after failing to land two of its free-agent targets: catcher Bengie Molina, who decided to stay with San Francisco, and pitcher Joel Pineiro, who agreed to a $16 million, two-year contract with the Angels.

“You always wish that when you put (out) these offers, you’re able to get the players,” Minaya said.

The 30-year-old Stokes,

born in Pomona, was 2-4 with a 3.97 ERA out of the bullpen last season, setting career highs for games (69) and innings (70 1-3). He spent the last two seasons with the Mets after making his big league debut for Tampa Bay. “Being from Southern California growing up, I think this is going to be awesome for me,” he said.

While the Angels haven’t confirmed Pineiro’s agreement, Scioscia already was referring to him as a member of the team.

“I think that depth moving forward is something that we need to re-establish,” he said. “I think Brian is going to go a long way to help us in that department.”

Phillies finalize deal with Victorino PHILADELPHIA — AllStar center fielder Shane Victorino and the Phillies have finalized a $22 million, three-year contract, a

day after pitcher Joe Blanton and Philadelphia completed a $24 million, threeyear deal.

Victorino hit .292 with 39 doubles, 13 triples, 10 home runs, 62 RBIs and 25 stolen bases for the NL champions last season. He won his second consecutive Gold Glove.

He gets $5 million this year, $7.5 million in 2011 and $9.5 million in 2012 under Friday’s agreement.

Catcher Carlos Ruiz is the only remaining Phillies player in arbitration.

Blanton, a 29-year-old right-hander, was 12-8 with a 4.05 ERA last year.

“They came to me with the prospect of going long term, and I couldn’t have been more thrilled,” Blanton said at a news conference Thursday. “I couldn’t be happier to have this opportunity to stay in the Phillies’ organization. I’ve enjoyed my time here and I feel like the organization just keeps getting better and better every year.”

After making $5,475,000 last year, Blanton asked for $10.25 million in arbitration and was offered $7.5 million. He already had agreed to a new deal before those numbers were submitted.

Victorino had sought $5.8 million in arbitration.

The Phillies offered $4.75 million.

“Joe has been absolutely outstanding since he’s been with us,” general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said. “He’s probably been one of the most consistent pitchers in baseball. His consistency and what he brings to the table for us as a person, we’re very pleased to basically buy out two years of free agency and have Joe for the foreseeable future.”

Blanton has pitched more than 1,000 innings over the last five years. He joined the Phillies in a midseason trade in 2008 and helped them win the second World Series title in franchise history.