ALMOST READY
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 6, 2010
COLTS, SAINTS PREPARE FOR SUPER BOWL XLIV, 1B
DELIVERED EVERY SATURDAY
TO 4,000 HOMES
A HEARST PUBLICATION
ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM
COMMISSIONERS
WOMAN VS. BEAST
Court to draft fees By LORRAINE L. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES
Newly empowered with the authority to enforce building regulations, the Zapata County Commissioners Court could approve a draft of building permit fees at Monday’s meeting. According to Commissioner Jose Emilio Vela, the county pushed to get the authority to make regulations, which now include requisite inspections of new buildings and requiring building permits. Previously, the county had no such regulations. Vela has also requested the approval to obtain a licensed architect to inspect the Zapata County Museum building and certify its completion, in accord-
FREE
ance with approved plans and specifications. “My recommendation is to hire an independent architect to inspect the museum so we can take action and repair any discrepancies found by the historical committee,” Vela said. An approval to change order No. 2 for the Zapata County Waterworks Water Treatment Plan Project and the legal services contract with the law firm of Escamilla & Poneck, Inc. for legal services is also on the agenda. Also at Monday’s meeting: The installation of a security light at west end of Juarez Avenue in San Ygnacio and at the corner
See COURT PAGE 10A
EDUCATION
Students shadow experts By LORRAINE L. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES
In support of the National Groundhog Day celebration, students across the nation took part in a Groundhog Job Shadowing event on Tuesday, as Zapata High School students shadowed professionals as they performed their dayto-day routines. Laredo Community College and South Texas Tech Prep organized Groundhog Job Shadow Day 2010 at the LCC South Campus, where LCC administrators, faculty and staff were paired with the students, who observed them and asked questions about their career choices. “I think this is a good recruitment tool for students to learn about their college options,” said Rosaura Medellin, program project coordinator. Several Zapata High School students were given a brief tour of the Regional Police Academy by Peter Medellin, department
chair of protective services, and then were introduced to Donald R. Hale, director of the Regional Police Academy. Hale spoke with students about the indoor shooting range and the criminal justice courses available at the Regional Police Academy. “We are here to motivate students and promote the criminal justice department,” Medellin said. “We informed students about our humble beginnings and struggles to reach our goals, and (that) we enjoy what we do.” Zapata High School senior Samantha Raquel Martinez chose to learn more about Child Development Education, and toured the Camilo Prada Child Development Center, where Assistant Director Cynthia Perez talked to her about the Child Development Education curriculum and atmosphere. “This is what I’ve al-
See SHADOW PAGE 10A
Photos by Ulysses S. Romero | Laredo Morning Times
Bloodless bullfighter Lupita Lopez faces down a bull at the Santa Maria Bullring in La Gloria, Texas, on Sunday afternoon.
Bloodless bullfight draws big crowds By CÉSAR G. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES
L
A GLORIA – Thunderous echoes of “olés” could be heard far from the limits of La Gloria when bullfighter Lupita Lopez entered the Santa Maria Bullring, located about 30 miles east of Rio Grande City, on FM 755. Despite the cold weather, about 200 people from the Rio Grande Valley gathered to see the woman bullfighter on Sunday. Lupita Lopez is one of only three in the world, according to Frank Renk, owner of the Santa Maria Bullring. A certified nutritionist, Lopez is a native of Merida, Yucatan, in Mexico. She started bullfighting at 11, and has been around the bulls for 20 years. “It’s something I have in my blood. Everybody in my family are bullfighters,” Lopez said. “It’s a passion. All people that have a passion for something, they’ll have dedication for it.” The show Sunday was her second appearance at Santa Maria. Those who caught a glimpse of Lopez last year appreciated her skills and praised her when she earned four symbolic ears and two tails.
Lopez concentrates as she eyes her large opponent — a bull. The bullring itself, which is celebrating its 10th year, is the only one in North America, with exception of another in a Portuguese community in northern California, Renk said. In honor of the occasion, organizers hosted a bloodless bullfight, in which matadores venture to take a Velcro-attached rose from a bull’s back. Lopez posed bravely in front of the bull, trying to grab the rose without using a sword to kill the beast. But the animal was not going down without a fight. Though the bull knocked her down out twice, she dusted off her attire and reached for the rose again. “When the bull knocked her
(down), it took the chill out of the crowd,” said Armando Molina of Brownsville, who fell in love with bullfighting in Ciudad Acuña, Coahuila, in Mexico in 1986. “It’s a thrill when you see people alone with the bull.” Karen Mason drove from Mission to catch the show. She does not enjoy watching “real bullfighting,” where the animal gets killed, she said. Rather, she prefers watchers the bullfighters remove the rose attached to the bull’s back. “This is just a lot of fun,” Mason said. Despite the entertainment aspect, Lopez acknowledges the
See BATTLE PAGE 10A
PAGE 2A
Zin brief CALENDAR
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2010
AROUND TEXAS
TODAY IN HISTORY
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. AARP is hosting a Safety Drivers class for drivers 50 years of age and up at the Masonic Hall from 8 a.m. to noon. The four hour class is $14 for non members and $12 for AARP members. For information, call 765-8546. Noche de Cabaret, presented by LULAC Council No. 7, will take place today from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Laredo Civic Center Ballroom. 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. A book sale, featuring books and magazines, takes place today from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Widener Room, First United Methodist Church, 1220 McClelland Ave. Admission is free, and the public is invited. The church welcomes donated books and magazines. The AAPR/Walgreens Wellness Tour, at the Walgreens at 7610 McPherson Road today from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., offers all adults 18 and over six free health screenings. The free screenings are conducted inside the vehicle and are valued at more than $140. Free one-year AARP memberships will be given to all adults who receive screenings. The Texas A&M International University Lamar Bruni Vergara Planetarium will show “Kaluoka’hina: The Enchanted Reef” at 5 p.m., “Violent Universe” at 6 p.m. and “Entranced: Classics” at 7 p.m. General admission is $5, $4 for children and TAMIU students, faculty, staff and alumni. Premium shows are $1 more. For additional show times, call 326-DOME or visit tamiu.edu/planetarium.
Sunday, Feb. 7 The AAPR/Walgreens Wellness Tour, at the Walgreens at 1119 Guadalupe St. today from noon to 6 p.m., offers all adults 18 and over six free health screenings. They are valued at more than $140. Free one-year AARP memberships will be given to all adults who receive screenings.
Monday, Feb. 8 The new spring exhibit at Texas A&M International University is “Color and Place—Five Explorations,” featuring Laredo and Dallas artists Laurie Cox, Marilu Flores Gruben, Susan Johnson, Mary Elizabeth Schleier and Sally Schupp. Admission is free and open to the public. The exhibit will be on display through Feb. 25. Gallery hours are Monday – Thursday, noon – 5 p.m. or by appointment. The AAPR/Walgreens Wellness Tour, at the Walgreens at 2219 E. Saunders St. today from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., offers all adults 18 and over six free health screenings. They are valued at more than $140. Free one-year AARP memberships will be given to all adults who receive screenings.
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 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
Photo by Mike Fuentes | AP
Pastor David Mahfood stands in front his gutted Tyland Baptist Church in Tyler, on Jan. 21, which was set on fire Jan. 16 by an arsonist. Authorities aren’t saying if they’re close to finding suspects in the six church fires they have declared arson -three in the Tyler area and three earlier fires about 40 miles to the southwest in Athens.
Arsons worry churches By SCHUYLER DIXON ASSOCIATED PRESS
TYLER, Texas — Eight Texas churches barely 150 miles apart have caught fire since New Year’s Day, putting pastors and congregations on edge and on guard wondering whether theirs is next. Authorities determined seven of those fires were intentionally set and they are investigating one that broke out Thursday as a possible arson. There have been no reported injuries or arrests, and federal officials aren’t saying whether there’s a connection. Most people in these parts can’t help but think they are. “I think everybody is expecting more of these, to tell you the truth,” said pastor David
Mahfood, whose Baptist church in Tyler was destroyed in a Jan. 16 fire. “I think the worst is probably behind Tyler.” Six of the seven arsons were just nine days apart, sending many congregations in east Texas scurrying to install security systems and prompting volunteers to keep close eyes on church properties from dusk to dawn. Federal and local authorities have released scant details and say they need more information. “These things are painstakingly slow because a lot of evidence is lost in fire scenes,” said Tom Crowley, a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives spokesman. The fires have struck a region where Christian stations fill the radio dial and an area newspaper runs a Bible verse on the front page every day.
Sheen lingers 2 weeks after oil spill
El Nino drowning Texas wildfire threat
Light earth tremor strikes Panhandle
PORT ARTHUR — A sheen lingered on a Port Arthur waterway Friday from a tanker collision nearly two weeks ago that spilled 462,000 gallons of oil. The Jan. 23 crash involving an 800-foot tanker and a towboat pushing two barges at the Sabine-Neches Waterway closed the passage for several days. The spill left more than a dozen animals dead or coated in oil.
LUBBOCK — Central Texas rancher Debbie Davis can hardly believe the turnaround in rainfall. While her pastures were parched and withered last summer after nearly two years without appreciable rain, the area where Davis raises beef cattle and Texas Longhorns experienced its wettest September through January on record.
Acid cargo spills, closing freeway
Police shoot, kill armed man at gas station
AMARILLO — A small earthquake rattled the remote Panhandle prairie west of Amarillo. The U.S. Geological Survey reports the 3.3-magnitude quake happened at 3.41 a.m. Thursday and was centered in a remote area about 70 miles west-northwest of Amarillo. The quake’s center was estimated to be a little more than three miles underground about 12 miles north of Vega in Oldham County.
DALLAS — Barrels of acid spilled inside an 18-wheeler on a Dallas freeway that is among the state’s busiest, creating a traffic nightmare just ahead of the afternoon rush hour Friday. The spill of liquid hydrofluoric acid around 3 p.m. prompted the Texas Department of Transportation to close the interstate. The accident occurred on Interstate 635 westbound at the Montford Road exit, near the Dallas North Tollway.
DALLAS — Dallas police shot and killed an armed man to end a standoff at a gas station. Police says the gunman was acting in a threatening manner Friday before being fatally shot. Authorities are investigating whether the gunman was a disgruntled employee of the station. No officers were injured in the standoff that ended early Friday afternoon. Police did not release the man’s name.
Mom held after girl, 8, starved to death HOUSTON — A Houston woman is accused of starving her 8-year-old daughter, who weighed just 15 pounds when she died in January 2009. Almita Nicole Lockhart, 34, is accused of neglecting Halle Smith. The girl, who was born prematurely, suffered a stroke and had other health issues that required her to be fed through a tube. -- Compiled from AP reports
AROUND THE NATION Boy, 14, shot in head at middle school MADISON, Ala. — A school official says a 14-year-old boy was shot in the head by another student inside an Alabama middle school and is in critical condition. The victim, ninth grader Todd Brown, was being treated at a local hospital. No one else at Discovery Middle School was hurt. It’s unclear what prompted the gunfire Friday afternoon. The accused shooter was arrested in the school, where police regularly are stationed.
Judge orders Calif water pumping limits lifted SAN FRANCISCO — A federal judge temporarily lifted pumping limits Friday designed to protect native, wild salmon in order to speed more irrigation supplies to California’s drought-addled fields. Some of the country’s largest farms had pressed for the protections to be suspended to nurture their fields and orchards. West Coast fishermen argued the limits were necessary to save their dwindling catch.
Today is Saturday, Feb. 6, the 37th day of 2010. There are 328 days left in the year. Highlights in history on this date: 1643 - Dutch mariner Abel Tasman discovers Fiji Islands in the Pacific. 1701 - War of Spanish Succession begins. 1715 - Peace of Utrecht ends war between Spain and Portugal. 1778 - Britain declares war on France. 1819 - British East India Company, represented by Stamford Raffles, establishes settlement at Singapore. 1840 - Treaty of Waitangi is signed, guaranteeing Maori tribal chiefs their lands and certain other rights in return for British sovereignty over New Zealand. 1869 - Greece agrees to leave Crete following Turkish ultimatum. 1897 - Crete proclaims union with Greece. 1899 - Treaty of Paris is ratified, whereby Spain cedes Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam and the Philippines to the United States for $20 million. 1902 - French agreement with Ethiopia to finance railway construction provokes protests from Britain and Italy. 1952 - Britain’s King George VI dies and is succeeded by his daughter, Elizabeth II. 1959 - The United States successfully test-fires a Titan intercontinental ballistic missile. 1964 - England and France agree on constructing English Channel rail tunnel. 1971 - U.S. Apollo 14 astronauts prepare to head back to earth after spending 33 hours on the moon. 1975 - Three paintings — one by Raphael and two by Piero della Francesca — are stolen from National Gallery in Urbino, Italy. 1983 - U.S. Chief Justice Warren Burger asks Congress to ease the Supreme Court’s load by creating a court of federal judges. 1990 - West German Chancellor Helmut Kohl says he favors immediate talks with East Germany on introducing the Deutsche mark there. 1991 - Colombian President Cesar Gaviria pleads for peace after a two-day rebel offensive that leaves at least 47 people dead. 1992 - Three days of clashes between Islamist protesters and security forces kill 12 and injure dozens in Batna, Algeria. 1993 - Armenian forces capture 12 settlements in a major offensive in the Nagorno-Karabakh enclave in Azerbaijan. 1994 - Martti Ahtisaari wins Finland’s first direct presidential election. 1995 - Two 100-ton spaceships — the biggest ever to converge in space — fly in formation in the first U.S.-Russian rendezvous in 20 years. 1997 - Marking his first year as president of Haiti, Rene Preval distributes land to peasants. Today’s Birthdays: Christopher Marlowe, English poetdramatist (1564-1593); Queen Anne of England (1665-1714); Anton Hermann Fokker, Dutch aviation pioneer (1890-1939); Babe Ruth, U.S. baseball star (1895-1948); Ronald Reagan, U.S. president (1911-2004); Zsa Zsa Gabor, Hungarian actress (1917--); Thought For Today: If you can talk brilliantly about a problem, it can create the consoling illusion that it has been mastered — Stanley Kubrick, American movie director.
CONTACT US
Photo by Steve Ruark | AP
Twins Tyler and Taylor Bethel, 11, shovel snow outside their Baltimore home Friday. Northern states were crippled by a severe winter storm Friday. In normal years, the valley grows most of the country’s fruits and vegetables, but a drought and restrictions on pumping from the state’s freshwater estuary have hammered the region.
Obama: Congress may decide on health care WASHINGTON — No, maybe he can’t. President Barack Obama, who insisted he would suc-
ceed where other presidents had failed to fix the nation’s health care system, now concedes the effort may die in Congress. The president’s newly conflicting signals could frustrate Democratic lawmakers who are hungry for guidance from the White House. Obama’s comments Thursday night came hours after Republican Scott Brown was sworn in to replace the late Edward M. Kennedy. -- Compiled from AP reports
Publisher, William B. Green........................728-2501 Business Manager, Dora Martinez ...... (956) 324-1226 Chief Accountant, Thelma Aguero .............. 728-2553 General Manager, Adriana Devally ...............728-2510 Retail Adv. Manager, Alice Arce .................. 728-2511 Classified Manager, Sandra Valderrama....... 728-2525 Adv. Billing Inquiries ................................. 728-2531 Circulation Director ................................. 728-2559 Creative/Production Director, Raul Cruz ...... 728-2528 MIS Director, Michael Castillo.................... 728-2505 Editor, Diana Fuentes ................................728-2581 City Editor, Julie Daffern .......................... 728-2565 Sports Editor, Dennis Silva II......................728-2579 Business Journal Editor, Joe Rutland .......... 728-2529 A&E Editor, Kirsten Crow .......................... 728-2543
SUBSCRIPTIONS/DELIVERY (956) 728-2555 The Zapata Times is distributed on Saturdays to 4,000 households in Zapata County. For subscribers of the Laredo Morning Times and for those who buy the Laredo Morning Times at newsstands, the Zapata Times is inserted. The Zapata Times is free. The Zapata Times is published by the Laredo Morning Times, a division of The Hearst Corporation, P.O. Box 2129, Laredo, Texas 78044. Phone (956) 728-2500. The Zapata office is at 1309 N. U.S. Hwy. 83 at 14th Avenue, Suite 2, Zapata, TX 78076. Call (956) 765-5113 or e-mail thezapatatimes.net
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2010
Zlocal
PAGE 3A
Medical examiner rules Arrests made in pot bust on Zapatan’s death By CÉSAR G. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES
By CÉSAR G. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES
The July 2009 death of Juan Antonio Martinez III, a Zapata High School graduate described by family and friends as a person with great charisma, has been ruled a suicide. The Dallas County Medical Examiner determined the cause of death was due to the effects of oxycodone, Lt. Charlie Perkins of the Walker County Sheriff ’s Department said last week. According to the Drug Information Online Web site, oxycodone is a narcotic pain reliever, similar to morphine, and is used to treat moderate to severe pain. On July 22, 2009, Martinez was found barely alive at the Huntsville State Park in Walker County. Martinez’s friend, Joshua Steven Abbott, 26, called 911 for help. Abbott, who was with Martinez when paramedics arrived, was arrested that night on charges of public intoxication and in-
terfering with public duties. He was released on bond, and his case is still pending presentation to a grand jury. Perkins could not say whether Abbott might be connected to Martinez’s death or why he was at the scene. According to a Texas Department of Public Safety report, DPS Trooper Floyd Garner responded to a request for assistance at the park from other officers. When he arrived at the campsite, he saw a park ranger assisting the Walker County EMS while they administered CPR to an unknown man, later identified as Martinez, who had possibly overdosed on drugs, according to the offense report. Garner said he helped paramedics and the park ranger carry the young man about 50 yards to the ambulance. The youth was taken to a Dallas hospital, where he later died. According to the offense report, Garner observed an-
other man digging through a brown paper bag in the trunk of a 2003 Nissan Altima nearby. “I saw that the bag contained numerous prescription bottles filled with pills,” Garner stated in the report. Garner then instructed the man, later identified as Abbott, to get out of the bag and stop digging through it. “The male refused and tried to get into the trunk of vehicle,” the report states. Garner said he pulled the man away from the vehicle. “The male then doubled his fist and began to pull away and struggle with me,” Garner states in the offense report. Abbott was arrested and taken to the Walker County Jail. According to a jail representative, Abbot posted bond on July 23, 2009. Perkins could not say when the case will be presented to the grand jury. (César G. Rodriguez may be reached at 728-2568 or cesar@lmtonline.com)
THE BLOTTER ASSAULT Deputies responded to a possible incident at about 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 30, in the 1900 block of Del Mar Street. According to reports, an individual was threatening to harm family members.
BURGLARY Deputies responded to a burglary of a vehicle call at about noon on Saturday, Jan. 30, in the 2400 block of Elm Street. According to reports, unknown people used an object to open a vehicle parked in the driveway. Deputies say the individuals stole an Avon hand bag, which contained clothing and a 14karat white gold diamond ring. The alleged offenders also stole a Nikon Cool Pix S630 camera. A woman reported around 10 p.m. Monday, Feb. 1, that a known person stole several items from her vehicle in the intersection of Mier Street and First Avenue. Deputies responded to a burglary of vehicle call at about 9 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3, at the Sunbridge Inn on U.S. 83. According to reports, a complainant stated that someone broke the cylinder lock to his tool box and stole a variety of tools.
INCIDENT Deputies responded to an incident call at about 3:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 29, in the 2100 block of Yucca Drive. According to reports, the 77-year-old unidentified man handed over a plastic baggie of marijuana to the deputy. The man stated that a woman had given him
the marijuana. He did not want it and turned it over to deputies. Deputies seized the marijuana, which had a street value of $40. The elderly man was not arrested.
THEFT Deputies responded to a theft call around 10:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 2, in the 100 block of Illinois Street. According to reports, an unknown woman stole a purse.
Two men used gym bags to carry more than their workout attire, using them instead to conceal more than 460 pounds of marijuana, according to an incident report. Zapata County Sheriff ’s deputies made the discovery, along with two arrests, after attempting a traffic stop on a 2000 Ford F250 pickup truck at about 12:15 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 31, on mile marker 756 on the northbound lane of U.S. 83. According to the incident report, the driver sped off as deputies approached the vehicle, leading them on a fivemile chase. Eventually, the pickup truck veered off of U.S. 83, driving into a ranch property, said Sgt. Mario Elizondo. That’s when two men abandoned the vehicle and ran into the brush area. Deputies, however, captured the men, identified as Guillermo Balleza, Jr., 19, and Reyes Be-
Courtesy photo/
Pictured here are about 460 pounds of marijuana, recovered by Zapata County Sheriff’s deputies following a brief chase.
BALLEZA BENAVIDES navides-Hinojosa, 18. They also recovered 24 bundles of marijuana, with an approximate weight of 466.3 pounds and a street value of $205,506, stashed away in some gym bags in the truck. Balleza was arrested on charges of possession
of marijuana, a seconddegree felony, and failure to identify, a Class B misdemeanor. His bond was set at $40,000. Benavides-Hinojosa was charged with possession of marijuana, a second-degree felony. He was held on a $35,000 bond. Both men were booked and transported to Zapata Regional Jail. (César G. Rodriguez may be reached at 7282568 or cesar@lmtonline.com)
TxDOT begins road projects An all-terrain 2006 Kawasaki was reported stolen around 2:45 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2, in the 600 block of Fresno Street. A man reported around 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 2, that his generator was stolen from his garage in the 600 block of Del Mar Street. Deputies responded to a theft call at about 6:45 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 3, on Beacon Lodge Circle. According to reports, unknown people stole a spare tire from a boat trailer.
SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Pharr District has begun a construction project on U.S. 83 in Zapata and on FM 3169 in San Ygnacio. The projects, begun on Monday, Feb. 1, will cost nearly $7 million combined. The U.S. 83 includes plans to upgrade 3.172 miles from south of Tepozan County Road to south of Monterrey Lane to a four-lane rural roadway with a continuous left turn lane. Foremost Paving, Inc. was awarded the
$6,720,528.17 construction project. It is expected to take 11 months to complete. The San Ygnacio project consists of widening the existing roadway for two miles from the intersection of U.S. 83 to 2 miles north of U.S. 83 on FM 3169 in San Ygnacio. The contract was awarded to Anderson Columbia Co., Inc. at a cost of $257,619.42. The contractor has approximately three months to complete the project. Motorists are advised to observe all posted warning, construction, detour and speed limit signs.
PAGE 4A
Zopinion
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2010
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR SEND YOUR SIGNED LETTER TO EDITORIAL@LMTONLINE.COM
COLUMN
OTHER VIEWS
President needs the Republicans By GARY ANDRES HEARST NEWSPAPERS
W
hat went wrong? Simply put, President Obama’s wounds were self-inflicted. For starters, he decided to use his party’s large congressional majorities — rather than building bipartisan coalitions — to achieve legislative success. “Having the votes” trumped compromising with Republicans on issue after issue. But he’s keeping hope alive. He tried to in both the State of the Union address and his more recent appearance at last week’s House Republican retreat in Baltimore (a cross section of conservative and liberal blogers and activists launched a “Demand Question Time” campaign to ensure these bipartisan sessions to occur regularly http://www.politico.com/ news/stories/0210/ 32449.html.) Yet despite his rhetorical efforts, the president’s bipartisan stew is missing some critical ingredients. For starters, he has to call out his own party in Congress for its unwillingness to compromise. Focusing all the attention on the GOP’s reluctance to bargain makes Obama look either naive or cynical. Moreover, the president needs to recalibrate both his bipartisan tactics and expectations. All policies are not created equal. Discriminating between realistic bipartisan possibilities and unlikely pipedreams is another area where the president needs improvement. His rhetoric and responses to the GOP in Baltimore last Friday reveal a president on a steep learning curve when it comes to cutting polarization’s Gordian Knot. For example, he couldn’t come up with a convincing retort when Rep. Peter Roskam, R-Ill., asserted at the GOP retreat that the House and Senate Democratic leadership doesn’t share Obama’s desire for bipartisanship — because they don’t. The exchange underscored how the president’s lack of legislative experience undercuts his ability to make good on his post-partisan promise. Up until now, he and the Democrats in Congress virtually ignored Republicans. While the president pays lip service to bipartisanship, his party’s leaders in Congress don’t even try. And as his party’s national leader, the president bears a lot of responsibility for how his congressional leaders engage with the opposition. After all, he’s the one that promised to change the tone. Unfortunately for congressional Democrats, bipartisan success means using the dreaded “Tword” (triangulate) — something he’s been un-
willing to do during his first year in office. The president will have to tell Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Majority Leader Harry Reid, “There are several ways to win when you have the majority. But in order to fulfill my bipartisan commitment, we have get some Republican votes. I insist on that. And if that means giving up some of what the Democrats want, so be it.” So far the president has been unwilling to send that message and probably never will. But if he’s serious about reducing polarization, that’s what it’s going to take. If he doesn’t, he’s not naive, only cynical. But there’s a bigger problem. The president literally cannot find bipartisan solutions in every policy debate. If he thinks he can, then he really is naive. He should identify and capture the low-hanging fruit. National security policy is one example. When it comes to funding for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan or new resources to fight terrorism, Obama should highlight his support from Republicans (and Republicans should underscore their support of the White House) — which he’ll need and likely get in the months ahead. For most Americans, these are important questions and areas where they would welcome lowering the polarization levels. When it comes to domestic policies, finding common ground on hot button political issues, like health care, cap and trade or raising taxes, will not work. Neither party has much to gain from compromising core philosophical beliefs. Former House GOP leadership staffer John Feehry got it right this week when he observed, “Complaining that Republicans aren’t helping to pass an agenda that they fundamentally disagree with is intellectually dishonest.” But in less politically charged areas, like transportation infrastructure, telecommunications policy, or maybe even energy — where the give-andtake is based more on regional interests than political philosophy — the president may have some additional opportunities for success. Remember, while bipartisanship may be on the menu, lawmakers and the presidents don’t need to eat it for every meal. He could claim progress just by breaking the polarization monopoly in a few domestic and foreign policy areas. President Obama’s unsuccessful approach to solving the polarization quagmire is a direct result of his inexperience in Washington — not just an obstinate opposition. We’re all watching his excellent bipartisan adventure and wondering if, after a year on the job, he’ll begin to figure it out.
COLUMN
Cafe is part of Austin’s scene By JOHN KELSO COX NEWSPAPERS
A
USTIN — In a costcutting move, the University of Texas is closing the much-beloved Cactus Cafe in the Texas Union in part because the little live music spot attracts people who aren’t students. I can think of another place the university could close that attracts even more people who aren’t students. It is called Royal-Memorial Stadium. But the university is going after the Cactus Cafe instead because it only holds 150 music lovers. And you get longer lines than that during Longhorn football games buying beer at the alumni center across the street from Royal-Memorial Stadium.
Which is ironic, because a university official said one reason to get rid of the Cactus was that it was a bar. I’m a little suspicious of closing the Cactus Cafe as a cost-cutting device. This comes on the heels of a directive telling universities around the state to cut back their budgets by 5 percent. UT’s overall budget for the fiscal year that began Sept. 1 is $2.1 billion.
Tiny drops Closing down the Cactus Cafe and ending UT’s informal classes program, another item that is getting the ax because it caters to nonstudents, will save the university a whopping $122,000 a year. Wow. A whole $122,000 — that’s three English
professors and a couple of blocking dummies for the football team. The Cactus Cafe really should be preserved. By Thursday, a Facebook organization called Save the Cactus Cafe had 18,863 members, or almost a fifth of a UT home game sellout crowd. There’s been talk of moving the club over to the alumni center. Why not leave it where it is and let Mack Brown fund it? The guy’s got a salary of $5.1 million, for gosh sakes. What’s $122,000 a year to the dude? He could cover that easily enough with a shoe contract — for one shoe. It wouldn’t even have to be a contract for the whole pair, and he could fund the Cactus Cafe. Besides, the guy is obviously a music freak. You probably saw him strum-
ming a guitar in that TV ad for ESPN’s “GameDay”. He could perform and sing “Texas Fight,” and we could call the place Mack’s Shack. He could get Darrell Royal to show up as a guest with his old buddy Willie Nelson. Now that Brown’s saved the UT football program, he could move onto even bigger things — like saving Austin’s music scene. The Austin Chronicle might even give him a wristband to South by Southwest. And, he would also save the university from giving itself another black eye. What will the school do next to tick everybody off ? Save money by cutting back on Bevo’s feed allowance? Think of all the money UT could save on the electric bill by not lighting the Tower orange.
EDITORIAL
Get on with Iraq’s election THE NEW YORK TIMES
I
raq’s fragile democracy stepped back from the brink this week only to have Prime Minister Nouri Kamal al-Maliki push it toward the edge once again. We were relieved when an Iraqi appeals court overturned a disgraceful government decision to ban hundreds of candidates, many of them prominent Sunni Muslims, from participating in next month’s parliamentary elections. We were dismayed when al-Maliki, playing shamelessly to the Shiite majority, denounced the ruling as illegal and called an urgent meeting of Parliament for this Sunday to “study” the decision. On Thursday, Iraqi election officials — who are part of al-Maliki’s government — asked the Su-
preme Court to review the decision.
Saddam connection Iraq’s Accountability and Justice Commission said last month that the candidates could not run because of alleged ties to Saddam Hussein’s outlawed Baath Party. There is no doubt that the real goal of the commission — its chief is a candidate on the slate led by former President George W. Bush’s old pal, Ahmed Chalabi — was to disenfranchise Sunnis. After years of sectarian violence, Iraq cannot afford to play such dangerous games. The ruling was not as legally pure as one might like. The judges were unquestionably acting under tremendous political pres-
sure. Vice President Joe Biden visited Baghdad last month to press the government to let as many Sunnis as possible run. Chalabi and his friends in Tehran have been looking for ways to exclude competitors, as Chalabi presses his drive to become the prime minister. But at a time when the politicians were tied in knots, it is also a relief to see the court make a decision that is clearly in Iraq’s interest. It is unfortunate that the court never explained the legal rationale for overturning the ban. The accountability commission was similarly secretive about its decision. To have any chance at credibility — with all of Iraq’s competing faction — Iraq’s government institutions are going to have to
DOONESBURY | GARRY TRUDEAU
be much more transparent. The crisis isn’t over. The appeals court said candidates could run in the March election and have their ties to the Baath Party examined afterward. That virtually guarantees more postelection turmoil, especially if elected members of Parliament are denied their seats. Right now, al-Maliki and the Parliament should get on with the campaign. Instead of trying to keep competitors off the ballot, Iraq’s leaders should be debating their country’s many serious problems and telling voters how they will fix them. For Iraq to be stable and thrive — and for U.S. troops to go safely home — the candidate list, and the next Iraqi government, must represent all of Iraq’s people.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2010
Zentertainment
PAGE 5A
Feels like the first time By KIRSTEN CROW THE ZAPATA TIMES
More than three decades since a young, unknown band burst onto the arena rock scene with the catchy, timeless hits, “Feels Like the First Time,” “Long, Long Way From Home” and “Cold as Ice,” Foreigner is back on the road, revamped and better than ever, said Kelly Hansen, lead singer. “I think there are music acts who play well, sound great live… and those who perform well (on stage),” he said. “But there are very few in between (that play and perform well on stage.) I try to do both. There is a reason that the band has had 16 top-30 hits. In some plane, it connected with the consciousness of the people.” About a dozen shows into an international tour, the group has reinvented itself, he said, paying homage to the band’s roots and the songs that made its name famous, while releasing new material to feed to its diehard fans in the form of its newest album, “Can’t Slow Down.” Composed of three discs and released in October, it’s been embraced by fans, Hansen said. “We’ve been doing really well in the five years since (revamping) the band around the world,” he said. “It was past time to put out some new music.”
History Likened to Journey, Styx and REO Speedwagon, Foreigner sought to combine “rock, progressive, R&B and pop” with its self-titled debut album, released in 1977.
Photo by Cuate Santos | Laredo Morning Times
Middle and high school students enjoy the rides at the WBCA carnival on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2009. Courtesy photo
Foreigner includes Kelly Hansen, Tom Gimbel, Jeff Pilson, Michael Bluestein and Mick Jones.
THE 411 What: Foreigner When: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10 Where: Laredo Entertainment Center Cost: Tickets are available for $18, $28, $38 and $48, plus facility fee, at the LEC box office, various H-E-B locations, by phone at 1-800-745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com. It eventually reached a fivetime platinum status, setting the stage for a string of other well-known hits, including “Hot Blooded” and “Double Vision,” off the band’s sophomore album, also titled “Double Vision”; and “Urgent,” “Jukebox Hero” and “Waiting on a Girl Like You,” from the album “4.” Then, of course, the group released the power ballad “I Want to Know What Love Is.” Hansen noted that many of Foreigner’s songs were met with harsh criticism by
music journalists, but shrugged it off. “Early on, it was panned,” he said. “But the proof is in the pudding. …Art is communication, trying to express an idea or feeling, and critics didn’t get that. (Maybe) it was spoken too plainly, not clever enough. …But it connects with people, and that’s what real artistry is.” The original lineup included guitarist Mick Jones, saxophone player Ian McDonald, drummer Dennis Elliot, keyboardist Al Greenwood, bassist Ed Gagliardi and vocalist Lou Gramm. The only remaining founding member of the band is Jones.
What’s new Hansen, the former lead singer for ’80s band Hurricane, is among the more notable additions to Foreigner, which include fellow new members saxophone player Tom Gimbel, bassist Jeff Pil-
son and keyboardist Michael Bluestein. “I think it was just kind of serendipity that we came together,” he said. “We have a magical combination of people here and an energetic show.” The best watermark, though, for the band’s reappearance on the music scene, Hansen said, is the new album. “I think that’s because of the fact that we revamped the band in 2005,” he said. “I think that’s the reason all of this is happening.” But never fear: the set will include the old, wellloved hits as well as the new. “It took 30 years for these songs to percolate and weave themselves into the consciousness of the world,” Hansen said. “They’re wellwritten songs, great melodies and a great performance.” (Kirsten Crow may be reached at 728-2543, kirsten@lmtonline.com and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ kirstencrow)
2010 WBCA calendar of events SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
The Washington’s Birthday Celebration, which kicked off Jan. 21 and will continue through Feb. 21, has many fun and exciting events in store, offering up a patriotic way to kick off 2010 — Laredo-style. Below is a list of the calendar of events:
Saturday, Feb. 6 Witness talented young ladies dance and shake their pompoms in the grand showcase of the arts featured at the WBCA Youth Dance Festival. Admission is free. Indulge in the flavors and aromas of outstanding wine and cuisine featured at the Boys and
Girls Club of Laredo Wine Tasting Gala. This black tie affair features live entertainment, auctions, dancing and the finest imported wine from all over the world. Ticket information is available at wbcalaredo.org. Don’t miss the League of United Latin American Citizens No. 7’s Noche de Cabaret. This year, it will feature music from the everpopular Henry Brun & the Latin Playerz. Their music appeared in the film, “Selena.” Tickets are $17.50 per person.
Wednesday, Feb. 10 The American Historical Theatre presents an afternoon of See WBCA PAGE 6A
PAGE 6A
Zlifestyle
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2010
A PLEDGE TO THE BOARD
The strength of a union ‘The Love Letters of George and Martha Washington’ to dramatize first couple’s historic marriage By KIRSTEN CROW LAREDO MORNING TIMES
George and Martha Washington made a pact, according to historians: whoever survived the other would not preserve their correspondence for posterity, but instead destroy it to conserve their privacy. But based on three letters that were mistakenly shoved and forgotten in a drawer — and references made in other letters, written to statesmen and friends — playwright William Sommerfield, of the American Historical Theatre, pieced together a narrative of the couple’s courtship and nuptial relationship, portraying the couple’s hopes, fears, struggles and affection. That story, “A Most Agreeable Consort: The Love Letters of George and Martha Washington,” comes to the Texas A&M International University Center for Fine and Performing Arts Theatre stage at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10, bringing to life the first couple. It also serves to welcome back premier historical interpretive actor Dean Malissa as Gen. George Washington, while co-star Pat Jordan makes her Laredo debut as Martha Dandridge Washington.
Mr. Washington Malissa, the official “George Washington” interpretive actor of the Philadelphia-based American Historical Theatre, has been a regular fixture at the Washington’s Birthday Celebration, bringing his likeness and historical knowledge of the nation’s founding father to the dramatic stage for the community and schoolchildren. This will be the first year, though, that this particular play will be staged in Laredo. A short, one-act piece, the story is based off what historians gleaned from the three existing letters between George and Martha Washington, as well as the couple’s correspondence with others, Malissa said. “It’s important to note that the play has a historic imprint, but in reality, we have little access to their letters,” he said. “We have three letters, and it’s an interesting contrast between the Washingtons and (John and Abigail Adams.) We surmise that they felt their letters were, in essence, a private conversation between two people, and they did not necessarily want that read throughout history and throughout the ages. …But John Adams wrote to Abigail to save everything. Back
Courtesy photo
Zapata North Early Childhood Center students attended the Zapata County Independent School District board meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 27, to recite the Zapata North Pledge and present each school board member with a bookmark bearing the Zapata North Pledge. Pictured, left to right, are kindergarten students Lobo Samuel Garcia and Katherine Ann Ramirez, and pre-K4 students Daniel Rodriguez and Madison Medina.
WBCA Continued from Page 5A
Courtesy photo
Dean Malissa, left, and Pat Jordan portray Gen. George and Martha Dandridge Washington as members of the American Historical Theatre. then, people sensed that what they were doing had historic proportions.”
Consorts Basing the piece on thin source material requires a “significant amount of interpretation,” Malissa noted, as the play covers pivotal moments in the Washingtons’ lives from 1779 to 1793. To cover and dramatize that significant expository ground, the actors are shown in their respective rooms, going through their desks and discovering and reading aloud past letters, written while they were apart, he said. “The (biggest) pivotal moment as the play progresses is the point where Gen. Washington conveys to Mrs. Washington that he is going to stand for a second term of presidency. (We think) he had kind of made a promise to her not to do that,” Malissa said. “But if you follow the history of source texts, from that time toward the end of the first term, the union of the states was at great risk of falling apart. We do know, for example, that Thomas Jefferson wrote to Washington that the ‘North and South will hang together if they have you to hang onto.’” Cobbling together these sentiments, he said, leads to many contextual holes — but based on his own research and reading, Malissa believes the Washingtons had a great affinity for one another.
“I think it indicates fairly clearly that they were absolutely best friends,” he said. “I think they may each have had their particular reasons for getting married. …The Washingtons agreement to marry was probably mutually beneficial; there is no way we can ever really know. There are some writers who say they were in love, and there are some writers who felt it was a marriage of convenience. “I think the truth is somewhere in between. I think they grew to love each other absolutely and dearly.”
Free tickets “A Most Agreeable Consort: The Love Letters of George and Martha Washington” is free of admission and open to the public, but tickets are required. To receive up to four free tickets, fill out the coupon published in Laredo Morning Times — or print out a copy of one available on the Web site, www.lmtonline.com — and bring it to the newspaper offices, 111 Esperanza Drive, between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday. The promotion is valid while supplies last. Audience members are asked to be seated by 6:45 p.m. Open seats after that time will be given to the general public. (Kirsten Crow may be reached at 728-2543 or by email at kirsten@lmtonline.com)
inspiration and free entertainment via a live historical portrayal of our nation’s first president. The evening performance, “A Most Agreeable Consort: The Love Letters of George & Martha Washington,” brings alive the Washingtons’ struggles and triumphs, their hopes and expectations for the new nation and the rising generations expressed in a very personal exchange of love and hope. The Feb. 10 event is open to the public and free of charge, but tickets are required. For tickets, fill out the form published in Laredo Morning Times — it is also available for print at the Web site, www.lmtonline.com — and bring it to the newspaper offices, 111 Esperanza Drive, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. The promotion is valid for as long as tickets last.
Thursday, Feb. 11 Exotic culinary demonstrations and fine meals showcasing a rich palette of diverse flavors from Mexico and abroad abound at the Taste of Laredo at the Laredo Entertainment Center, beginning at 6 p.m. Tickets are $22 per adult; children 12 and younger get in for $12. Feed your adventurous side at the WBCA Carnival, which will be held in the LEC parking lot through Feb. 21. Admission is $2; individual tickets are $1.Visit wbcalaredo.org for special offers.
Friday, Feb. 12 Indulge in the kind of laugh-out-loud comedy you can only find at the Laredo Little Theatre Comedy Jam for George. Two shows are scheduled for Feb. 12. Admission is $25 per person.
Saturday, Feb. 13 Lace up your tennis shoes and start the New Year on the right foot with the Founding Father’s 5K Fun Run & Health Fair. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. It is $5 to pre-register; the fee is $10 on the day of the event. All health check-ups are free. Treat the children to a pony ride and enjoy a day of outdoor fun for the entire family with the LCC Family Fun Fest and Musicale from noon to 5 p.m. Admission is free. Unique to Laredo, the Princess Pocahontas Pageant and Ball offers a night of culture and fun. Tickets start at $25. Visit wbcalaredo.org for more details.
Sunday, Feb. 14 Set your sights skyward on Valentine’s Day,
Feb. 14. Many fun surprises await lovebirds who attend the WBCA Stars and Stripes Air Show Spectacular, sponsored by CPL Retail Energy, A Direct Energy Co. The fun begins at 11 a.m. at the Laredo International Airport. Admission is $5 for adults; children 12 and younger get in free.
Thursday, Feb. 18 Always a family favorite, the IBC Youth Parade Under the Stars will take place this year beginning at 6 p.m. on San Bernardo Avenue. General seating is free.
Friday, Feb. 19 The WBCA Jalapeño Festival heats up with Jack Ingram and Cory Morrow from 6 p.m. to midnight tonight at the El Metro Park and Ride, located on the corner of Thomas and Hillside. Presale tickets are available for $10 at the WBCA kiosk in Mall Del Norte.
Saturday, Feb. 20 The WBCA Jalapeño Festival continues today from 3 p.m. to 1 a.m. with a jalapeño-eating contest, a Miss Jalapeño Pageant, tug-of-war contests, jalapeño games and a cooking contest. At night, Duelo and La Mafia take the stage. Marvel at the costumes worn by Society of Martha Washington debutantes as they float across the stage in a grand showcase of glitz and glamour inspired by 18th century Colonial America at 8 p.m. at the Laredo Civic Center Ballroom. Tickets start at $30. Visit wbcalaredo.org for more details. The Anheuser-Busch Washington’s Birthday Parade features all the stars of the celebration. The parade begins at 9 a.m. on San Bernardo Avenue. General seating is free. Attend a festival with a refreshing, good ol’ fashioned Mexican flair. The LULAC Council No. 12 Matinee: Festival del Mariachi begins at 6 p.m. at the Laredo Civic Center Auditorium. Admission is $5 and up. Visit wbcalaredo.org for more details.
Sunday, Feb. 21 Camp outdoors, cook up some fajitas, snuggle up with your honey and enjoy an amazing fireworks display from the comfort of your own lawn chair during the H-E-B Fireworks Extravaganza, which begins at 8 p.m. at the Laredo International Fair and Exposition grounds. The event is open to the public and free of charge.
SÁBADO 6 DE FEBRERO DE 2010
Zfrontera
Es época para preinscribir
Agenda en Breve SÁBADO 6 DE FEBRERO LAREDO — Pase la tarde en el Planetario Lamar Bruni Vergada de TAMIU y disfrute “Kaluoka’hina: The Enchanted Reef” a las 5 p.m., “Violent Universe” a las 6 p.m., y “Entranced: Classics” a las 7 p.m. La entrada general es de 5 dólares y 4 para menores de edad. LAREDO — Hoy es el Concierto del Festival anual del Ballet Folklórico a las 7 p.m. en el Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Theatre de TAMIU. La entrada general de 10 dólares. Los grupos participando mostrarán lo aprendido y las ganancias del concierto ayudarán a disminuir los costos de traer maestros a cursos. Más información llamando a Sandra Leal al 326-2654. LAREDO — Hoy es el Bazar de San Agustin en la Plaza San Agustin. Puede presentar o adquirir arte, cerámica, manualidades y joyería. Si gusta participar llame al 337-8255 ó al 237-0627. LAREDO — Noche de Cabaret, presentado por el Concilio No. 7 de los LULAC, se realizará esta noche de 7 p.m. a 1 a.m. en el Salón de Baile del Laredo Civic Center. Los boletos tienen costo de 17.50 dólares por persona. Adquiera su boleto llamando al 717-1727, 693-7853 ó 753-6656. LAREDO — Una venta de libros (libros y revistas) se realizará hoy de 8:30 a.m. a 1 p.m. en el Widener Room, First United Methodist Church, 1220 McClelland Ave. La entrada es gratuita y abierta al público en general. La iglesia acepta libros y revistas en donación. LAREDO — Hoy es el WBCA Youth Dance Festival en el Auditorio del Laredo Civic Center (2400 San Bernardo Ave.) de 2 p.m. a 5 p.m.
DOMINGO 7 DE FEBRERO LAREDO — El equipo de bésibol de TAMIU recibe a Oklahoma Panhandle State University a las 12 p.m. y 3 p.m. La entrada general es de 5 dólares, 3 dólares para estudiantes y gratis para quienes presentes identificación de TAMIU.
MARTES 9 DE FEBRERO NUEVO LAREDO —Ciclo Internacional de Cine presenta hoy en el teatro Lucio Blanco de la Casa de la Cultura (Lincoln y Chimalpopoca, Colonia Viveros) la película “Narciso Negro” de Inglaterra a las 7 p.m. Entrada gratuita.
MIÉRCOLES 10 DE FEBRERO LAREDO — Hoy es el concierto de Foreigner a las 7 p.m. en el Laredo Entertainment Center. El costo de los boletos varian de 48, 38, 28 y 18 dólares, más la cuota de instalaciones. Pueden adquirir sus boletos en la taquilla de LEC y en Ticketmaster. NUEVO LAREDO — Ciclo Internacional de Cine presenta hoy en Estación Palabra (César López de Lara y Arteaga, Sector Aduana) la película “El Día de la Bestia” de España, a las 7 p.m. Entrada gratuita.
JUEVES 11 DE FEBRERO LAREDO — Hoy es el 2010 WBCA Taste of Laredo en el Laredo Entertainment Center. Como atractivo musical estarán Little Joe y Roberto Pulido.
VIERNES 12 DE FEBRERO LAREDO — Hoy es la presentación del cómico Paul Rodríguez a las 8 p.m. en el Laredo Entertainment Center. La entrada general es de 31 dólares, más la cuota de instalaciones. Adquiera su boleto en la taquilla de LEC.
PÁGINA 7A
ESPECIAL PARA TIEMPO DE ZAPATA
Foto de cortesía | Gobierno de Tamaulipas
En el Ejido Rancherías de Camargo fue inaugurado el Relleno Sanitario Regional ‘Frontera Ribereña Tamaulipeca’ en beneficio de Camargo, Miguel Alemán, Mier, Guerrero y Díaz Ordaz.
Inauguran relleno sanitario regional Beneficia a Camargo, Miguel Alemán, Mier, Guerrero y Díaz Ordaz TIEMPO DE ZAPATA
CAMARGO — Fue inaugurado el relleno sanitario regional “Frontera Ribereña Tamaulipeca” que permitirá el manejo eficiente de los residuos sólidos generados en los municipios de Camargo, Miguel Alemán, Mier, Guerrero y Díaz Ordaz. El relleno sanitario tiene como objetivo reducir los costos al ser una iniciativa regional, donde los 5 municipios participan y se compensan los diversos gastos. La obra se logró con una inversión conjunta del Gobierno del Estado así como SEDESOL Federal y el Banco de Desarrollo de América del Norte de alrededor de los 28 millones de pesos. Al inaugurar la obra en el Ejido Rancherías, el Gobernador de Tamaulipas
Eugenio Hernández Flores dijo que de esta manera se avanza en la protección del medio ambeinte. “Con la operación del relleno se coadyuvará a proteger el medio ambiente en esta región fronteriza, lo cual garantizará un desarrollo sustentable”, dijo Hernández. “De esta manera damos respuesta a una demanda prioritaria en esta región y coadyuvamos a la protección del medio ambiente en Tamaulipas, en beneficio de las nuevas generaciones”. El Presidente Municipal José Correa Guerrero dijo que gracias al respaldo de Hernández, el relleno sanitario regional dejó de ser un sueño. “El relleno sanitario regional que durante muchos años fue solamente un sueño, hoy ya es una realidad
en beneficio de las familias de esta región fronteriza”, dijo Correa. En el evento también estuvieron presentes los Presidenes Municipales Servando López Moreno, de Miguel Alemán; José Iván Mancias Hinojosa, de Ciudad Mier; Olga Juliana Elizondo, de Guerrero y José Guadalupe González Vázquez, de Díaz Ordaz. El titular de la Agencia Ambiental para el Desarrollo Sustentable del Estado, Salvador Treviño Garza, dijo que la realización del relleno es una respuesta inmediata a una de las demandas más prioritarias de los habitantes de las comunidades que integran esta región. Treviño dijo que otros rellenos como este se están realizando en diferentes etapas destacando los ubicados en Rio Bravo, San Fernando, Ciudad Victoria, Mante y uno regional para los municipios de González y Aldama.
Tiene Miguel Alemán nueva planta tratadora Solucionará añejo problema de contaminación del Río Bravo en región fronteriza ESPECIAL PARA TIEMPO DE ZAPATA
MIGUEL ALEMÁN — Con el nombre de “Centenario de la Revolución Mexicana” fue inaugurada la planta de tratamiento de aguas residuales en esta ciudad, cuya inversión fue de 90 millones de pesos por los tres niveles de gobierno, federal, estatal y municipal. El Gobernador del Estado Eugenio Hernández Flores y el Jefe de Gobierno Servando López Moreno aseguraron que la planta solucionará el añejo problema de la contaminación. “Con esta nueva planta trataremos el 100 por ciento de este tipo de aguas y con ello evitamos la contaminación del Río Bravo y damos un gran paso hacia una Ciudad de Calidad”, dijo Hernández. Agregó que en la planta se pone de manifiesto la buena voluntad y unidad de propósitos de México y EU. Hernández agradeció al gobierno federal, al Banco de Desarrollo para América del Norte y otras instituciones cuyo “respaldo solidario fue fundamental para cristalizar múltiples proyectos de infraestructura ambiental que están presentes a todo lo largo de nuestra franja fronteriza”. Además de mejorar el sistema municipal de agua potable, la planta intensificará los esfuerzos de saneamiento de la cuenca del Río Bravo y optimizará el
Continúan hasta el 15 de febrero del año en curso, la Secretaría de Educación en Tamaulipas, llevará a cabo el periodo de Preinscripciones correspondientes al Ciclo Escolar 2010-2011, para los alumnos que inician los niveles de Preescolar, Primaria y Secundaria en Tamaulipas. El Director de Educación Básica Mario Vargas Molina dijo que la proyección del incremento en la matricula en Tamaulipas, se estima aproximadamente en un 2 % de aumento sobre el padrón existente. Advirtió que podrían existir casos en que estos datos estadísticos se modifiquen porque hay migración de otras entidades a Tamaulipas. “De igual manera éste período de preinscripciones permitirá saber las necesidades en cuanto a espacios educativos que se construirán en el año”, dijo Vargas. Se está invitando a los padres de familia, para que seleccionen con tiempo la escuela adecuada y más cercana a su domicilio, lo que sin
PROGRAMAN CONGRESO LÁNZATE
Foto de cortesía | Gobierno de Tamaulipas
La Presidenta Estatal del Sistema para el Desarrollo Integral de la Familia Adriana González de Hernández saluda a jóvenes reunidos en el Congreso Lánzate 2009. González anunció la tercera edición del evento donde especialistas ofrecerán conferencias, paneles, mesas de debate, testimoniales y módulos de información promoviendo un estilo de vida sano, libre de adicciones. El Congreso Lánzate se realizará el 23 de febrero en Ciudad Victoria. Más información en www.lanzate.tv ó llamando al (834) 312-7711 y 318-1458.
Se reunirán de 40 Universidades POR MIGUEL TIMOSHENKOV TIEMPO DE LAREDO
Foto de cortesía | Gobierno de Tamaulipas
El Gobernador de Tamaulipas Eugenio Hernández Flores felicita al Presidente Municipal de MIguel Alemán Servando López Moreno, tras la inauguración de la planta tratadora de aguas residuales. agua en todos sus usos, así como mejorará la calidad de vida de las familias de Miguel Alemán. El director general de la Comisión Estatal de Agua en Tamaulipas, Sabás Campos Almodóvar, explicó que esta planta es la culminación de un proyecto integral de saneamiento que se inició hace cinco años. “Esta obra ha sido diseñada para un gasto total de 115 litros por segundo equivalentes al saneamiento total del municipio de Miguel Alemán para los
próximos 20 años”, dijo Campos. En su financiamiento participaron la Agencia de Protección Ambiental de los Estados Unidos, el Banco de Desarrollo de América del Norte y recursos de los tres órdenes de gobierno en beneficio de más de 21 mil habitantes de este municipio. López agradeció la obra y entregó al Gobernador las escrituras de los terrenos en donde se contempla construir la Universidad Politécnica de la Región Ribereña.
lugar a dudas les traerá apoyo en su economía, seguridad y la confianza de atender de manera más expedita la educación de sus hijos, sostuvo. En el estado, dijo Vargas, existe un compromiso de educación integral y de calidad, basada en valores, acorde a las necesidades de nuestros tiempos. “Es por eso que a través de la secretaria de educación, se garantizan los espacios necesarios para todos los alumnos tamaulipecos”, dijo. Se podrán inscribir a segundo grado de educación preescolar, los alumnos quienes cuenten con 4 años cumplidos al 31 de diciembre del año en curso, en tanto que se inscribirán al tercer grado de educación preescolar, los alumnos con 5 años cumplidos al 31 de diciembre del año en curso. Asimismo, podrán ser preinscritos a primer año de Educación Primaria, los niños con 6 años cumplidos al 31 de diciembre, siempre y cuando presenten la constancia donde estén cursando el tercer año de preescolar.
NUEVO LAREDO — El tema de la doble titulación para la carrera de Contaduría y Administración y la preparación para juicios orales en la Carrera de Derecho, serán analizados a finales de este mes. Representantes de 40 Universidades de la Asociación Nacional de Escuelas de Contaduría y Administración (ANECA) se reunirán el 26 de febrero para evaluar el tema de la doble titulación. Esto es resultado de la alianza concertada el 2009 entre Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) y la Facultad de Comercio, Administración y Ciencias Sociales (FCAyCS). Sesionando con un orden del día en TAMIU, los asistentes realizarán visitas a los principales centros académicos de la universidad e interactuarán con los catedráticos tejanos. El Director de la FCAyCS José Gerardo Rodríguez Herrera aseguró que esta reunión podrá iniciar la orientación a las otras escuelas sobre los mecanismos de la doble titulación, tal como existe actualmente entre la facultad y TAMIU. “Se trata de un abanico de oportunidades alcanzar la doble titulación
entre las universidades de Estados Unidos y de México, en la zona norte”, dijo Rodríguez.
Derecho En cuanto a la carrera de Derecho, afiliada al ANFADE (Asociación Nacional de Facultades de Derecho), el sábado 27 de febrero presentará la conferencia “Facultades de Derecho de Universidades de Tamaulipas y Nuevo León” en Nuevo Laredo. El tema central de la conferencia será seguir las estrategias para ingresar al juicio oral, el cual será el sustento judicial a partir del 2016. El proyecto se denomina “Casa de la Oralidad”. Rodríguez informó que el Gobierno Federal construirá un recinto similar a las cortes de EU para simular juicios en casos menores como parte inicial a orientar a los futuros profesionales del derecho en este esquema. “De acuerdo a la reforma judicial a partir del 2016 todos los juicios habrán de celebrarse orales”, dijo Rodríguez. “El futuro abogado habrá de acostumbrarse a enfrentar la defensa de sus clientes en una corte, donde el fiscal y jurado presidirán con el juez el caso”. (Localice a Miguel Timoshenkov enl 728-2583)
8A THE ZAPATA TIMES
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2010
VILLARREAL ELEMENTARY BRINGS HOME UIL TROPHY
Courtesy photo
Villarreal Elementary School students traveled to Hidalgo, Texas, on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2010, to compete in the UIL District Meet. The students participated in various academic events, where they were able to showcase their many talents. The school brought back a third-place trophy in the Overall Sweepstakes Competition. Pictured, left to right, in the front row are Joel Hernandez, Elsa Anglica Alvarez, Ileana Garcia, Emilae Hill, David Chapa, Elain Lopez, Kristyn Ramirez, Austin Hernandez and Selene Garza. In the second row are Jocelyn Garcia, Andrea Nuñez, Gerardo Gonzalez, Alinna Garcia, Marc A. Garcia, Rene Garcia, Adela Prezas, Larissa Salinas, Enriqueta Espinoza, Vanessa Barrientos, Danny Villarreal, Julissa Alaniz and Amanda Gutierrez. In the third row, left to right, are Assistant Principal Elsa Martinez, Stacy Salinas, Carlos Hurtado, Abigail Zuiga, Karla Ramos, Aaliayah Villarreal, Daniel Peña, Luis Martinez, Carlo Garcia, Laura Villarreal, Cesar Benavides, Rene Garcia, Heather Hernandez and Andrea Gutierrez. In the fourth row are Christina Rodriguez, Jose Gonzalez, Daniella Santos, Laura Garza, Juni Loera, Fanny Ledezma, Mateo Mendoza, David R. Gonzalez, Daniella Guzman, Angel Barrientos and Bethany Ruiz, while in the fifth row are Principal Carmen Zavala, Lydia Garza, Araceli Hurtado, Anita Campos, Erica Morales, Vicky Garza, Rebecca Garcia, Yvette Benavidez, Hildeliza Villarreal, Annabel Alvarez and Claudia Garza, UIL coordinator. Not pictured are Priscilla Elizondo, Delisa Rodriguez, Dominique Packard and Annabel Alvarez.
IN MEMORY OF MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.
Courtesy photo
Students from Frances Garcia’s second grade class listen as Annabel Gonzalez-Alvarez, librarian, reads aloud “Martin’s Big Words” as part of Villarreal Elementary’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day activities. Students pictured in the first row, left to right, are Aileen Sanchez, Yesenia Montalvo, Claudine Galunza, Laura Camarillo, Cindy Zuñiga and Jose Ramos. In the second row, left to right, are Daniela Galvan, Jose Cruz, Clarissa Nino and Janey Barrera.
Courtesy photo
Maria O. Martinez, assistant librarian, reads aloud to first-grade students from Mario Juarez’s class, including Gaby Alvarez, Mariana Perez, Angela Flores, Allen Lamogilia, Sam Mendoza, Isabela Garza, Kenya Niño, Cynthia Guerra, Sabrina Resendez and Jesus Peña as part of Villarreal Elementary’s Martin Luther King Jr. activities. After the reading, students had an opportunity to discuss King’s accomplishments.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2010
THE ZAPATA TIMES 9A
FRANCISCO E. ‘WALO’ PAREDES SAN YGNACIO — Francisco E. “Walo” Paredes passed away Monday, Feb. 1, 2010, at Laredo Medical Center. Mr. Paredes is preceded in death by his sons, Jaime Javier Paredes and Hector Homero Paredes; parents, Juan L. (Graciela G.) Paredes and his fatherin-law, Teofilo J. Vela. Mr. Paredes is survived by his wife, Leticia V. Paredes; sons, Francisco E. “Wally” (Lourdes) Paredes and Daniel O. Paredes; daughter, Jamie Ann Paredes; granddaughter, Angelika J. Paredes; brothers and sisters, Armando (Rebecca) Paredes, Graciela (Javier) Espinoza, Patricia Paredes, Juan L. (Rosa) Paredes Jr., Gerardo (Rosa Ana) Paredes and David (Araceli) Paredes; motherin-law, Antonia S. Vela; brothers-in-law and sisterin-law, Teofilo J. (Antonia) Vela Jr., Guadalupe (Sylvestre) Bustamante Jr. and Armando E. Vela; and by numerous aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces and many friends Visitation hours were held Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010, from 6 to 9 p.m., with a rosary at 7 p.m. at Rose Garden Funeral Home.
The funeral procession departed Friday, Feb. 5, 2010, at 9:30 for a 10 a.m. funeral Mass at Our Lady of Refugio Catholic Church in San Ygnacio. Committal services followed at Panteon Del Pueblo. 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 Hwy. 83, Zapata.
Susan Marie Woodrow Larsen, of Columbia, S.C., and the daughter of the late Jarrett and Olivia Woodrow of Zapata, and the stepdaughter of Yolanda M. Woodrow of Zapata, made the dean’s list at Columbia College for the Fall 2009 semester. Students who have a grade point average of 3.5 on the college’s 4.00 grading scale are placed on the list. Columbia College, located in Chicago, Ill., is a private liberal arts women’s college with a legacy of developing women leaders with the courage, commitment, confidence and competence to build a better world. In addition to the women’s college, co-educational evening and graduate school programs are also offered. Enrollment includes 1,500 students from 23 states and 20 countries. The college is also Carmen Ramirez - Rathmell, D.D.S.
“Let your smile be a sign of happiness & good health” 1520 Corpus Christi Street Telephone (956) 726-0160
Delfino Lozano III, age 70, passed away Friday, Jan. 29, 2010, at Laredo Medical Center Hospital in Laredo. He was born on Aug. 13, 1939, in Laredo, to Delfino Lozano, Jr. and Consuelo Flores Lozano. He graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy in Laredo in 1958 and attended St. Mary’s University in San Antonio. He joined the Air Force Reserves and was called to active duty during the Pueblo crisis and was active for more than one year. In 1984, he co-founded Med-Loz Lease Service Inc., based in Zapata, and was actively involved in its operations until his demise. Prior to this he was employed at the Texas Employment Commission. Aside from his business in Zapata, he was also an avid rancher. Some of his volunteer community work and service included being one of the founders of the Zapata County Fair Association, where he served as past
president and director. In 1989, the Lozano family members were honored as grand marshals of the Zapata County Fair Parade. Other community involvements were with the Zapata County Little League Organization, where he served as president. He was preceded in death by his parents, Delfino Jr. and Consuelo; father-in-law, Emilio Dilley; brother in-law, Emilio Javier Dilley and sister-inlaw, Olivia Hinojosa Dilley. He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Minerva Dilley Lozano; his
beloved children, Sergio A. (Belinda), and Delfino IV (Debbie), who reside in Zapata; and by Rene (Stephanie) and Monica, who reside in San Antonio. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Estela L. Dilley. Also, he is survived by the joys of his life, his precious grandchildren, Matthew, Krysta and Madison Lozano; Jacob, Emily and Brandon Lozano; and Delfino V. and Joseph Lozano. In addition, he is survived by brother Luis Alfonso (Amada) Lozano; sisters Diana (Jeffrey) Czar, Patricia (Renato) Ramirez, Ana Biediger, Dolores (Juan) Medina and Norina Lozano, and by numerous nephews and nieces. The family wishes to extend its deepest gratitude to his doctors and health care professionals in Zapata and Laredo, and especially to his home care provider, Efrain Flores. Special thanks also go to Paula Ramirez and Esperanza Gonzales, who also provided special care dur-
ing his illness. Visitation hours were held Sunday, Jan. 31, 2010, from 6 to 9 p.m., with a rosary at 7 p.m. at Rose Garden Funeral Home. The funeral procession departed on Monday, Feb. 1, 2010, at 9:30 for a 10 a.m. funeral Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Committal services followed at Zapata County Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Kidney Foundation of Laredo (956) 791-7298. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.rosegardenfuneralhome.com Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Rose Garden Funeral Home Daniel A. Gonzalez, funeral director, 2102 Hwy. 83, Zapata.
LIZANDRO RAMIREZ
Zapatan named to dean’s list SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
DELFINO LOZANO III
home to the Leadership Institute and the Alliance for Women, a network of colleges, universities, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, corporations and individuals working together to bring about positive changes that will improve the lives of the public.
ZAPATA, TEXAS — Lizandro Ramirez passed away on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2010, in Waco, Texas. Visitation hours were held on Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2010, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., with a rosary at 7 p.m. at Rose Garden Fu-
neral Home. The funeral procession departed on Thursday, Feb. 4, 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 Cemete-
ry. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.rosegardenfuneralhome.com Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Rose Garden Funeral Home Daniel A. Gonza-
Noche de Cabaret is tonight SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
Henry Brun — better known by his fans as “Mr. Ritmo” — has played his Latin jazz rhythms all over the world, and to-
night, he headlines LULAC No. 7’s Noche de Cabaret, set for 7 p.m. tonight at the Laredo Civic Center Ballroom. In addition to the entertainment, the event will
also include complimentary beverages and botanas. Tickets are $17.50 per person, or $175 for a table of 10. To purchase, call 717-1727 or 693-7853.
lez, Funeral Director, 2102 HWY 83 Zapata, Texas.
10A THE ZAPATA TIMES
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2010
WBCA carnival brings thrills, chills SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
The Washington’s Birthday Celebration Association is in full swing, and soon celebrants will be able to enjoy the 11-day WBCA Carnival, scheduled to arrive at the Laredo Entertainment Center parking lot on Thursday, Feb. 11, and remain open through the Sunday, Feb. 21. Presale tickets for the carnival are currently on sale at the WBCA Ticket Kiosk at Mall Del Norte Center Court. One of the most highly attended events of the celebration,
Popular rides such as the Zipper, the Spin-Out, the Kami-Kazi and more are sure to challenge thrillseekers of all ages. the WBCA Carnival caters to children and adults of all ages with more rides, more games and more fun year after year. From the soaring Ferris wheel to hair-raising rollercoasters, rides promise to deliver a heart-pounding adrenaline rush so enticing that it’s no wonder this WBCA event has attracted
millions of loyal followers to its doors since 1973. For those seeking entertainment of a different sort, plenty more action also abounds on the carnival floor. Popular rides such as the Zipper, the Spin-Out, the Kami-Kazi and more are sure to challenge thrillseekers of all ages; mean-
while, the little ones can enjoy rides on the bumper cars, the Tilt-A-Whirl, Giant Wheel, a World Class Kiddie Land and more. Gates will be open at 1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays and at 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Admission is $2; individual tickets are $1 each. Presale tickets for $7 are available at most schools and at the WBCA ticket kiosk, located at Macy’s Center Court in Mall Del Norte. The Washington’s Birthday Celebration, founded in 1898, is the largest celebration of its
kind in the United States. The nearly month-long celebration includes parades, a carnival, an air show, fireworks, live concerts and many other fun and exciting events for every member of the family. Combined, WBCA events attract nearly 500,000 residents and visitors; and yearly contributes an estimated $14 million to the local economy. For additional information, visit www.wbcalaredo.org, email wbca@wbcalaredo.org, contact the WBCA office at 7220589 or visit the office located at 1819 E. Hillside Road.
Taste of Laredo to have Tejano flavor SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
The Laredo Entertainment Center is again hosting one of the tastiest events of the Washington’s Birthday Celebration — the Taste of Laredo. The popular food sampling extravaganza will take place Thursday, Feb. 11. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. “We are thrilled to once again welcome our finest restaurants and food aficionados to the largest and most popular food sampling on both sides of the border,” said Roy Medina, General Manager for the SMG-managed Laredo Entertainment Center. “We are planning a wonderful evening of tasty food, music and fun for the entire family.” Among the restaurants scheduled to participate are Taco Villa, Chick-Fil-A at Mall Del Norte, Sam’s, Savor Laredo, Doctors Hospital, Stingray Alley, Chocolateka, L&F Distributors, Southern Distribution, Rudy’s, Carino’s, Red Lobster, Cups & Cones, Krispy Kreme, Buffalo Wild Wings and Hungry Howie’s. Every year, LEC sees approximately 2,500 people come out to sample delicious fare prepared by the best chefs and cooks in the city, getting an opportunity to vote for the “People’s Choice” award for the best food in Laredo. Restaurants will also be judged in the categories of “Best Decorated Booth” and “Best Overall Taste,” according to the votes of celebrity judges. The event attracts people of all ages, and children are always welcome.
BATTLE Continued from Page 1A dangers she faces. But being in front of the animal gives her courage to continue, she said. “This is something you enjoy, despite the problems you could face with the bull,” Lopez said. “One wants to get up and keep doing it because you overcome fear by winning.” The excitement in the crowd was palpable as she executed her “veronicas” and back passes. “She was really good,” Mason said. The excitement reaches into the bullring, as well. “It’s the adrenaline that makes us enjoy this,” Lopez said. “You need to feel (the adrenaline), so you can transmit it to the audience.”
Courtesy photo/
From left to right, three-year-old Sophia Salazar and Brianna Azul Infante play a puzzle board game with Zapata High School senior Elva Dalimy Ramirez on Tuesday at the Camilo Prada Child Development Center at Laredo Community College’s South Campus. Ramirez and 80 other students from Zapata and J.W. Nixon high schools took part in the nationwide Groundhog Job Shadow 2010 event.
SHADOW Continued from Page 1A
Photo by Kevork Djansezian | AP
Little Joe, accepts the award for best Mexican/Mexican-American album for Before The Next Teardrop Falls at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 10, 2008, in Los Angeles. This year’s live music will be provided by Tejano legends Roberto Pulido, Ruben Ramos and Little Joe. “Where else can you taste so many wonderful dishes and enjoy a night of good ol’ Tejano music for one low price?” Medina said. “Our event gets better every year, and this year promises to be one of the best.” This year, the Taste of Laredo will again feature a chef competition, a bartender showdown, and a pizza-eating and blazing wing-eating contest that will be open to all who dare to compete.
Tickets for the Taste of Laredo are $22 for adults and $12 for children 12 and younger. They are available through all Ticketmaster locations, including the LEC box office, select H-EBs, online at ticketmaster.com and by phone at 1-800745-3000. Tickets purchased outside the LEC box office will incur an additional convenience charge. Taste of Laredo has been part of the WBCA since 1985. Restaurants interested in participating in this event may contact Javier Solis Jr. at 523-6598.
COURT Continued from Page 1A of the Zapata County Airport Road and Highway 16. The installation of a speed bump at 2201 Glenn St. in Zapata. To approve street lights at Eleventh Avenue between Glenn and Fres-
no Street (Townsite) and 700 block of Glenn Street (Townsite). Commissioners meet at 9 a.m. at the courthouse, 200 E. 7th Ave. (Lorraine L. Rodriguez may be reached at (956) 728-2557.)
ways wanted to do,” Martinez said. “I would like to teach little kids because I have a lot of patience for them.” According to the National Job Shadow Coalition, job shadowing “immerses students in the world of responsibility
and employment, where they can get first-hand knowledge, experience and familiarity about job skills and career choices.” The LCC Fort McIntosh Campus hosted the Groundhog Job Shadow event, where Laredo’s
Nixon High School students observed the Health Science Division, Lopez Nursing Center and Lamar Bruni Vergara Environmental Science Center. (Lorraine L. Rodriguez may be reached at (956) 728-2557.)
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2010
ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM
Sports&Outdoors UIL realignment hits Zapata Teams react to new district members, like their chances against Valley teams By CLARA SANDOVAL SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
The University Interscholastic League, the governing body of all high school sports in the state of Texas, released its 2010-2012 biennial football and basketball reclassification and realignment early Monday morning. District 32-3A was not immune to UIL’s district shake up as Zapata will say goodbye to three old friends: Hidalgo, which was moved to a 4A district, and Ray-
mondville and Lyford, which were moved to the Costal Bend 31-3A district with Corpus Christi West Oso, Orange Grove and Robstown.
32-3A now For the next two years, District 32-3A will consist of Donna IDEA College Prep (basketball only), La Feria, Port Isabel, Progreso, Rio Grande City (second high school to be named), Rio Hondo and Za-
pata. “I thought that they were going to put us in the Costal Bend,” Zapata athletic director/head football coach Mario Arce said. “They wanted to balance the districts out, so that is why they kept us in this district.” The school enrollment cutoff for Class 3A is 430 to 989.
RGV district Zapata will compete in the Rio
Grande Valley district that in many ways mirrors Zapata’s playing style. “The Valley is always more competitive because you have Rio Hondo and Port Isabel who are always ranked in football,” Arce said. “In the Costal Bend we were able to compete with them. It could have gone either way” Arce also felt that the Valley district was a better fit for Zapata. “We fit better with the (Rio Grande) Valley. The way that the
SUPER BOWL XLIV
district is set up will be to our advantage,” he said. “We are going to be one of the top teams in all sports.”
Staying competitive Zapata head volleyball coach Rosie Villarreal also feels that her team will be very competitive in the Valley district. “It could have gone either way,
See REALIGNMENT PAGE 2B
Manley gets back his ring
COACH STANDS BY DECISION WITH BIGGEST GAME AHEAD
Victory now symbolized By MARY FLOOD HOUSTON CHRONICLE
HOUSTON — Troubled football great Dexter Manley once pawned his 1983 Super Bowl ring to buy cocaine. This week, while in Miami for Sunday’s Super Bowl, the man nicknamed the “Secretary of Defense” was both ecstatic and wistful when his wife, Lydia, called from his hometown of Houston to say she’d retrieved MANLEY the iconic ring from the estate of the late lawyer John O’Quinn, Manley’s longtime friend and sometime employer with whom he’d entrusted the redeemed ring.
Much to lose
Photo by Eric Gay | AP
Indianapolis Colts coach Jim Caldwell stands behind the Vince Lombardi Trophy after a news conference on Friday in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The Colts will face the New Orleans Saints in Super Bowl XLIV on Sunday at Sun Life Stadium in Miami.
Caldwell still believes resting starters was best By TIM REYNOLDS ASSOCIATED PRESS
NOTEBOOK
ORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Indianapolis coach Jim Caldwell has been asked plenty of times about his decision to rest some Colts down the stretch of the regular season and not focus on chasing a potentially perfect record. He stands by the choice, and points to Marty Schottenheimer as a reason why. “You’re hired to win Super
Bowls,” Caldwell said Friday in his final news conference before Indianapolis faces New Orleans in Sunday’s Super Bowl. “You’re not hired to have outstanding seasons. “There’s been a number of guys, you can probably check back three or four years ago, and there was a coach in this league, a great coach who got fired because he was 14-2 and lost in the first round of the
F
playoffs.” That would be Schottenheimer. He was fired by the San Diego Chargers after going a league-best 14-2 in the 2006 regular season. The Chargers lost their first playoff game to New England 24-21, and Schottenheimer was dismissed about a month later. “What does that tell you? It’s pretty simple for me to understand that the most important thing is to get where we are today and have an op-
portunity to win it all,” said Caldwell, whose Colts started 14-0 this season before dropping their last two games entering the playoffs. “So that’s what our focus entailed.”
“I didn’t want to give up my Super Bowl ring to drug addiction,” said Dexter Manley, whose life has been a roller coaster of gridiron highs and jailhouse lows. It’s been more than a decade since he’s held that diamond-encrusted ring celebrating his Washington Redskins’ defeat of the Miami Dolphins in January 1983. The Yates High School grad played defensive end for Oklahoma State University before spending 11 flamboyant and fabled years in the NFL, most with the Redskins. In 1991 he was banned from the league after failing drug tests. He was repeatedly arrested for crack cocaine possession and was imprisoned more than once.
Still unsure
If the New Orleans Saints win the Super Bowl, it’ll be considered an upset. That’s fine with the Saints.
In 1999 O’Quinn and the Manleys flew in the lawyer’s jet to see Manley’s cousin Eric Dickerson inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. On the plane O’Quinn surprised Manley with the ring the ballplayer had hocked and that O’Quinn found and redeemed. Manley, unsure of himself, gave the ring back to O’Quinn to keep until he felt
See SUPER BOWL PAGE 2B
See MANLEY PAGE 2B
Not upsetting
Soccer team suffers its second loss to Mission Hawks fall to Eagles to drop to 1-2 in program’s inaugural season, are set to host Patriots today By CLARA SANDOVAL SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
After a historical win against Progreso last week that had the Zapata community elated with the thrill of victory, the boys’ soccer team could not find that magic for a second week. The Hawks suffered their second loss of the season to the visiting Mission Eagles, 3-1, at Hawk Stadium. “It was a hard-fought game,” Zapata coach Blake Garza said.
“The kids battled and played hard, but things did not roll our way.”
First blood The Hawks came out aggressive on offense and drew first blood as they scored 10 minutes into the game on a goal by Jason Garcia. “The kids came out very energetic and scored right away,” Garza said. “After that, we got six
or seven shots at goal and looked like we were on way to a victory.” Mission responded with a goal of its own to knot up the game right before halftime.
Staying aggressive Zapata continued to play aggressively on both ends of the field and valiantly attempted to score a go-ahead goal but the stingy Eagle defense kept the team away from scoring positions. Then the wheels started to come off from the Hawks, as one play had a snowball effect on the
outcome of the game. Zapata fell behind in the second after being whistled for a penalty when a team member touched the ball with his hand. Mission took a penalty kick fifteen yards from the goal and scored to take a 2-0 lead over the Hawks. Zapata continued to play hard on defense and stay within striking distance.
Disappointing end The Eagles were not done, as they scored on a corner kick for their third goal of the game. “We are disappointed,” Garza
said. “We felt that we were the better team and played hard through out the game. They are upset at themselves and they know that they let one slip away.” Garza lauded the play of Issac Angeles on defense and Marco Gonzalez on offense. “As a program, I see the improvement with every game,” Garza said. “We have played some of these veteran teams and kept up with them. We are heading in the right direction with the team.” The Hawks will face Mission Veterans at home today and then will become road warriors, as their next six games will played be out of town.
PAGE 2B
Zscores
NFL Injury report The report as provided by the league. SUNDAY’S GAMES NEW ORLEANS @INDIANAPOLIS: SAINTS: QUESTIONABLE: CB Randall Gay (foot), RB Lynell Hamilton (ankle), CB Malcolm Jenkins (hamstring), WR Courtney Roby (knee), S Darren Sharper (knee), TE Jeremy Shockey (knee), DE Will Smith (groin), T Zach Strief (shoulder), LB Jonathan Vilma (knee). PROBABLE: T Jermon Bushrod (thumb), LB Jonathan Casillas (ankle), TE Darnell Dinkins (foot), DT Sedrick Ellis (knee), G Jahri Evans (toe), LB Scott Fujita (knee), C Jonathan Goodwin (knee), CB Jabari Greer (hip, groin),
S Roman Harper (shoulder), DE Bobby McCray (back), WR Robert Meachem (ankle), WR Lance Moore (ankle), S Pierson Prioleau (quadricep), RB Pierre Thomas (ribs), S Usama Young (hip). COLTS: QUESTIONABLE: RB Donald Brown (foot), S Melvin Bullitt (knee), DE Dwight Freeney (ankle), CB Jerraud Powers (foot). PROBABLE: RB Joseph Addai (shoulder), S Antoine Bethea (back), LB Gary Brackett (knee), WR Austin Collie (foot), T Ryan Diem (elbow), S Aaron Francisco (hand), RB Mike Hart (ankle), LB Ramon Humber (knee), DT Antonio Johnson (shoulder), T Charlie Johnson (foot), DE Robert Mathis (shoulder), G Jamey Richard (shoulder), S Jamie Silva (hand), TE Jacob Tamme (ankle), T Tony Ugoh (knee), K Adam Vinatieri (right hip), WR Reggie Wayne (knee).
TRANSACTIONS BASEBALL American League MINNESOTA TWINS: Agreed to terms with 2B Orlando Hudson on a one-year contract. TORONTO BLUE JAYS: Signed RHP Kevin Gregg to a one-year contract. National League COLORADO ROCKIES: Agreed to terms with INF-OF Melvin Mora on a one-year contract. MILWAUKEE BREWERS: Announced RHP Tim Dillard cleared waivers and was sent outright to Nashville (PCL). American Association ST. PAUL SAINTS: Sold the contract of OF Anthony Norman to Pittsburgh (NL).
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2010
WICHITA WINGNUTS: Sold the contract of RHP Will Savage to Los Angeles (NL). BASKETBALL NBA CHICAGO BULLS: Signed F Chris Richard to a 10-day contract NEW ORLEANS HORNETS: Signed G Jason Hart to a 10-day contract. FOOTBALL NFL SEATTLE SEAHAWKS: Promoted Will Lewis to vice president of football operations and Tag Ribary to director of pro personnel. Named Trent Kirchner assistant director of pro personnel. CFL WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS: Named Paul La-
Police coach. HOCKEY NHL CAROLINA HURRICANES: Placed F Chad LaRose on injured reserve. Called up G Justin Peters and F Zach Boychuk from Albany (AHL). NEW JERSEY DEVILS: Sent RW Patrick Davis to Lowell (AHL). TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING: Reassigned C Paul Szczechura to Norfolk (AHL). WASHINGTON CAPITALS: Recalled G Micahl Neuvirth from Hershey (AHL). AHL AHL: Suspended Houston LW Colton Gillies for two games as a result of his actions in a Feb. 3 game vs. Peoria.
HAMILTON BULLDOGS: Recalled F Maxime Lacroix from Cincinnati (ECHL). NORFOLK ADMIRALS: Signed D Jamie Fritsch. ECHL ELMIRA JACKALS: Announced G Chris Holt and LW Tim Spencer have been loaned to the team by Binghamton (AHL). Announced G Tyler Sims has been loaned to Albany (AHL). READING ROYALS: Announced F Ryan Cruthers has been returned to the team by Norfolk (AHL). SOCCER MLS CHIVAS USA: Announced the retirement of MF Jesse Marsch to become assistant coach of the U.S. soccer team.
MANLEY Continued from Page 1B Humble beginnings
worthy again. “O’Quinn had all the toys in the world. I had a lot of faith in him,” Manley said through the speaker of his wife’s iPhone Wednesday. “He was a stand up guy.”
But Lydia Manley said she thinks the friendship between her husband and the nationally famous and infamous trial lawyer had more to do with humble beginnings, hard work and outstanding achievement in their fields. The men sometimes attended church together. “This day is bittersweet,” said Lydia Manley, happy her husband deserves the ring back after being sober since 2006 but sad O’Quinn isn’t around to see that day. Dexter Manley spoke lovingly of O’Quinn over the phone and thanked Treece too.
Back in jail Manley did wind up back in jail on a cocaine charge a few years after relinquishing the ring to O’Quinn. O’Quinn himself had actually entrusted the precious red box and its contents to his friend, South Texas College of Law professor Gerald Treece. Since O’Quinn’s October death in a car crash, Treece has also been the executor of O’Quinn’s estate. It was in his cluttered office at the law school that Treece returned the ring Wednesday. Lydia Manley said she liked that it was a little tarnished, but still just as valuable. “It’s not all shiny right now, it’s just as it should be. It’s got a little wear on it,” said a very poised and peaceful Lydia Manley.
Seeing the good Lydia Manley said she and O’Quinn both always saw the good in Dexter even through all his troubles, which included a tearful confession to Con-
Trusted to be safe
AP photo
In this Feb. 1, 1988, file photo, Washington Redskins defensive end Dexter Manley takes down Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway during the Redkins’ 42-10 victory in Super Bowl XXII at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego. Manley, who once sold his Super Bowl ring to buy drugs, has gotten it back and plans to cherish it forever. gress that despite graduating from college, he had dyslexia and couldn’t read. But, she said, O’Quinn knew her husband well. They met at a River
Oaks Houston breakfast joint and the lawyer had hired the athlete as a researcher and to work on his car collection at various times over the years.
At one point in the last decade, when the man known for sacking quarterbacks asked for the ring back, O’Quinn pretended he didn’t have it.
“He thought Dexter was still in his addiction,” Lydia Manley said. O’Quinn, a reformed alcoholic, knew something about addiction too.
The football player phoned Treece weeks ago to ask about the ring. Treece said his instructions from O’Quinn were to give it to the wife because she’d know when the symbolic piece should be returned. The couple lives in Bethesda, Md., where Dexter Manley does public relations for a facilities management company, his wife said. Her husband has his 1988 Super Bowl ring, but this one has a far deeper meaning. “I can be trusted now, I’m safe,” said Dexter Manley. But he said it may be best in his wife’s capable hands.
SUPER BOWL Continued from Page 1B Listed by oddsmakers as five-point underdogs for Sunday’s showdown with the Indianapolis Colts, the Saints — who seem to be the sentimental pick, given what their city has gone through in recent years following Hurricane Katrina — say they don’t necessarily mind being the underdog. “Not at all,” Saints guard Carl Nicks said. “At the end of the day, I’ll have the ring, and if that happens, anyone can say what they like.”
general manager of Family RV Rentals in New Whiteland, Ind., said he has rented seven RVs so far to people willing to make 18-hour drive from the Indianapolis area.
Legacy gift The NFL is donating $1 million to South Florida Youth Education Towns, part of its Super Bowl legacy program. It’s the 17th year of the NFL building YETs — state-of-the-art facilities that provide tutoring, mentoring, training and other services — to children. There are two of the YETs in South Florida, one in Miami, the other in Fort Lauderdale, both opened after previous Super Bowls. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said the program is “one of the game’s greatest achievements.”
Super weather Indications are that Sunday’s Super Bowl will be dry, and played in cool air by South Florida standards. Forecasters say a cold front is expected to bring the chance of rain Saturday, especially in the morning. Saturday night should have a low around 50 degrees and the projected temperature for kickoff is 66 degrees, a few degrees below normal for this time of year in the Miami area. By game’s end, the temperature could fall into the upper 50s, which might seem downright balmy by Indianapolis’ February standards.
Man of the Year NFL commissioner Roger Goodell will announce the winner of the Walter Payton Man of the Year award on the field moments before kickoff of Sunday’s Super Bowl. The finalists are London
Wayne leaves practice Photo by Morry Gash | AP
Guard Peter Marrah stands outside Sun Life Stadium, the site of Super Bowl XLIV, in Miami on Monday. After being forced to hold media day inside, the NFL is hoping for better weather for Sunday’s game. Fletcher of the Washington Redskins, Mike Furrey of the Cleveland Browns and Brian Waters of the Kansas City Chiefs. Each spoke about the award Friday, as did Payton’s daughter Brittney, who was flanked by her mother Connie Payton and brother Jarrett Payton, who played at the University of Miami. “My dad cherished this award because it recognized him not just for his skill and ability on the foot-
ball field, but for his commitment to giving back through community service as well,” Brittney Payton said. “We are honored to be in the company of these three outstanding athletes and humble community servants.”
On the road Some Saints fans are making the almost 900-mile trek to the Super Bowl in
RVs. Alvin Boseman, 65, of New Orleans, will be making his way to South Florida in an RV packed with relatives and friends. “The reason was to be together,” said Boseman, who says he’s been a Saints fan since the franchise was born. On game day, Boseman and his entourage will be tailgating with ribs, chicken, gumbo, hot dogs and homemade chili, just to
name a few entrees. The entire trip is costing almost $5,000, but breaks down to about $500 a person. And there are other pluses. “We don’t have to rush. We can take our time,” Boseman said. Recreation Vehicle Industry Association spokesman Jon Tancredi said his data shows plenty of Colts and Saints fans were renting RVs for the Super Bowl. And it’s not just Saints fans, either: Gene Weitzel,
The Colts suddenly have another injury concern after star receiver Reggie Wayne left practice 20 minutes early. Wayne cut short Friday’s workout after aggravating a problem with his right knee. He walked on his own to the training room, and is probable for the Super Bowl. All-Pro defensive end Dwight Freeney is listed as questionable. He hasn’t taken part in a full practice since tearing a ligament in his right ankle nearly two weeks ago.
REALIGNMENT Continued from Page 1B but the Valley is a better fit for us,” she said. ”They had talked about moving us to Corpus, but we are happy where they placed us.”
Soccer waiting The soccer team will have to wait two weeks in order to find out which district
they belong to. Since there is no 3A soccer in the state of Texas, 3A soccer programs are put in 4A districts.
Currently the Hawks are in District 60-4A, along with Hidalgo Early College, La Joya Juarez-Lincoln, Mission, Mission Veterans, Pharr Valley View and Roma.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2010
THE ZAPATA TIMES | 3B
HINTS BY HELOISE A SHRED OF CONCERN Dear Heloise: My cat, Royal, sleeps in the sunroom, which also doubles as my OFFICE, because he likes to start yowling at me to get up and feed him before dawn. One morning, I heard him meowing somewhat frantically and “knocking” on the door of the room, but thought he was just particularly hungry. Later, at the usual time, I got up and started down the hall to let him out for breakfast, and as I got closer to the sunroom, I heard a loud noise. I realized it was the paper shredder running, and Roy was frantic. He had jumped up onto my office chair to sleep, and it had rolled against the shredder and turned it on. It may have been going for hours, because the motor was very hot. It was full of shredded paper and easily could have started a fire. I now save up the things I am going to shred,
HOMES FOR SALE
61
“
HELOISE
plug in the shredder, use it and unplug it immediately after use. -- Laurie, via e-mail When pets act differently, they usually are trying to tell us something! Listen to them! Unplugging the shredder, when not in use, also is a good energy-saving tip. -- Heloise PET PAL Dear Readers: Arline Benes Nenni sent in a photo of a Dalmatian, white with black spots, and the dog’s owner with an outfit that was black with white spots. Arline says, “I was seeing spots as I looked into the lens of my camera. This girl’s Dalmatian compliments her outfit very well, don’t you think?” To see spots, visit www.Heloise.com. -- Heloise
LOTS FOR SALE
HELP WANTED
70
“1/5 Ac.lot San Ygnacio,boat ramp use,Falcon Lake/River. All utl. $32K 956-763-1320”
2 story,3bd/2ba,with loft area, fully fenced,located in Indence hills,$109,990 Call 956-220-2275
COMMERCIAL INVESTMENT
Beautiful house in Down town! 2010 Houston, 5bd, 2ba,2cg 3500 Sqft., LA, $139,000 OBO Call 237-8482
PETS & SUPPLIES
Labradors 2 black/block head male & female, 8wks, AKC, $200 call 763-0862 Pitbull puppies for sale 5 wks, parents on site. $175 OBO. Call 285-3003
79
Opportunity! 5apts. Duplex for sale. All occupied. Brick Construction. 1406 Garden $129,000
HELP WANTED
122
Call 237-8482
82 For all positions. Pick up applicaCuatroVientes North Subd.-3704 BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY tions with Nora Gomez at Sereno Dr., (3bd,2ba) built in Sign & Graphics business opportu- 11201 Uniroyal DriveTuesday2007, 3 blks.from United South nity,includes 24”Roland sign plotFriday 9 am - 4 pm ter,cut/print,CPU,monitor & High,just painted inside,outside, printer,design program, new a/c & heating unit,new tiles PETS & SUPPLIES & light fixtures,big back yard,etc. vinyl roles for lettering,suppliers Peaceful & well kept neighbohood list & more. reduced $7,900. Call:(956) 771-6758 asking $89,900 call: 956-251-4112
RENTALS
Must See! Very nice home for sale by owner, in North Laredo, 3bd/2ba/2cg, Large lot, many extras, $160,000 OBO, contact Irma at 285-3617 CONDOS FOR SALE
Beautiful & Tiny Pure breed Toy & Minitoy French Poodles $300/$350 795-0261, 857-1123
64
Boxer Puppies for sale! $200ea 5F/4M tail clipped, Call 722-4716
New condos For sale! Owner financing available, 3/2.Starting at $950mo,Gated Community, Swimming Pool,1,275 SqFt.Call 724-6989
LEGALS
128
UNFURNISHED HOUSES
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
250
LEGALS
Chihuahua Puppies for sale 5wks,dewormed, 3M/1F $100ea. SOLD Last Beautiful Male Cockapoo 6mth. old, & 4mth. old Bullboxer, $150 & $250 respectively. 795-0261; 857-1123
250
MUST SEE! Blue Pitbull for Sale! 1F 10mo /1M 1 yr, Ears cut & all shots! $300ea or $500 both Call 645-1416 or 645-1981
Frigidarie electric stove, good condition, $125 Call 956-324-0223 Full Size wood bed, W/mattres, $250 call 401-8223 or 791-1286 homemade 2 axle hitch trailer, $2,000, call 489-9449 John Deer riding mower, 48” cut, $1,000 neg., Call 489-9449 Mesquit Wood, $45 P/U load, U-P/U, close to city, Hm: 956-791-6277 Cell 210-849-4645 Real wood child’s twin bed W/mattress Exc. cond. $150 Call 722-2765 Refrigerator, Washer, & computer desk for sale! Satarting price $100 and Up! Call 956-251-9592
MISCELLANEOUS
136
Admiral washer need repair, Dryer Excellent cond. both $200 call 722-2765
Axora 1 gal.,Sage 1 gal.,Ind Hawtahorne 1 gal.,Asiatic Jas.1 gal.,Conf.Jas.1 gal.,Waxleaf Lig 1 gal.,Oleander 1 gal.,Pet Mexicana 1 gal.,$3.95 Call:712-1141; 7405238 Bedroom set, living room set, dinning glass table W/ 6 chairs, & much more! Starting $25 & up! Call 723-8325 or 337-8680
Coca Cola,2 glass doors,$300 needs repairs. Call 723-2116; 763-8226
Tuesday February 16, 2010
PLACE:
MED-LOZ LEASE SERVICE, INC (Not the Debtor) One Mile North Highway 83 Zapata, TX 78076 11:00 AM
Financial Federal Credit Inc. will sell at public sale to the highest bidder AS-IS, WHERE-IS, WITHOUT ANY REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR ANY WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, all of its right, title and interest to: Make
Model
Description
2005
GapVax
HV-44
Industrial Vacuum Loader, Mounted on One (1) Sterling LT7500 Chassis, SN: 2FZHATDCX5AN72004
Escafels estension up to 15ft w/ wheels $300. 723-2116 or 763-8226
YorkieChi puppy (1f) 1st shot, Yorkie/Long hair Chihuahua Mix, 7wks $350 Call 956-489-0116
DATE:
Year
136
Commercial Coffee maker $75 Call 723-2116 or 763-8226
Free removal of junk or unwanted cars or trucks, no title needed, Call 771-2503
PUBLIC AUCTION
TIME:
ARTICLES FOR SALE
Tiny femaleT-cup chihuahua, 4.5mths,trained Special $400 Call 319-5029
ARTICLES FOR SALE PETS & SUPPLIES
128
Serial Number HV44-0412-05
Super bowl T-Shirts $10 & up! Call 740-2274
Used Almond gas stove,electric dryer,& refrigerator $250 call 251-2821 Valentine’s Arrangements starting at $30, fresh roses, balloons & stuffed animals. Free Delivery. Call 724-1800 Vendo X-Box con Chip, Refrigerador, Y Television 32”, empesando $150 Llamar 764-0411 SPORTING GOODS
142
Parker compound bow W/case, $250 OBO Call 220-6881 LAWN, GARDEN & FLORISTS
180
Sears GT5000 GardenTractor 24HP very good condition $1,450 C:210-849-4645; H: 956-791-6277
TRANSPORTATION
TERMS: (In cash, certified check or bank check) 25% down at close of bidding, balance due within 24 hours. Financial Federal Credit Inc. reserves the right to bid at the sale. Morton at (713) 439-1177 to make inspection arrangements. FINANCIAL FEDERAL CREDIT INC. 1300 Post Oak Blvd., Suite 1300 Houston, TX 77056 L-26
Please contact Andrew REPAIRS & SERVICE
193
VAZQUEZ WELDING.DOORS, WINDOWS,GATES,BURGLAR BARS,FENCES,STAIRCASES (956)286-3593.
AUTOMOTIVE PARTS
194
Brand new black front replacement bumper,diamond cut,fits F-250,93’-06’ $325 OBO & Chevy brush guard ‘00-’06 $200 OBO Call 324-4521 Rines 20” Negros, $900 OBO Call 727-3445 MOTORCYCLES 196
2005 Kawasaki KLR650, dual purpose $3,500 OBO, Call 956-758-8439 1981’ Yamaha Virago 750 only 19K mil., $1,500 Call 722-4124; 401-2679 TRUCKS FOR SALE
198
‘02 Pontiac Aztek $3,550 OBO call 774-9561 or 723-3519 ‘03 Pontiac AztecV6,78K mil., BlueTitle,2 WD,Sunroof,Nice & Clean.$4995 OBO Call 237-1305 or 145*2*5664 ‘72 Chevy Cheyenne 10 Classic P.U. V8 Engine, Auto-Trans. $5500 OBO Call 771-2675 Bedliner 2008 Toyota Tundra Medium bed $175.00 Call: 206-8995 Chevrolet Blazer ‘98, all power, good cond., $2,700 OBO call 693-9289 Chevrolet silverado ‘00, Extd cab, all power, 1 owner, 4dr, excellent cond., $5,250 OBO, Call 693-9289
Dodge ‘06 Pick up,4dr,6cyl, 45K mil.,automatic Transmission,$8,000 obo Call 220-0982 Nissan X-terra SE ‘02 All Elect., Good Cond., Seek cd changer. $5,600 OBO Call 693-9289 CARS FOR SALE
200
‘05 Chevrolet Impala A/c,CD,Very good condition,54k miles,$4,200 o.b.o call 285-4132 2008 Hyundai Accent GLS, A/c, Automatic, great condition. $9,000 OBO. Call 956-489-6783
Chrysler PT crusier ‘09, 4dr, grey, ready to travel, $6400 information call: 956-237-5624 or 135*131098*12 Mustang 00’ V6, Convertible, automatic, A/c, $5,000 neg. Call 489-9449
NFL
4B THE ZAPATA TIMES
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2010
Goodell is against any stoppages By STEVEN WINE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Photo by David J. Phillip | AP
NFL Players Association Executive Director DeMaurice Smith speaks during a news conference on Thursday in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Smith painted a bleak picture for the league’s future.
Union leader sees bleak future By TIM REYNOLDS ASSOCIATED PRESS
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — The question to DeMaurice Smith was simple, coming from Cincinnati receiver Chad Ochocinco, asking how serious he viewed the possibility of football not being played in 2011. Smith did not hesitate. “On a scale of 1 to 10,” Smith said Thursday, “it’s a 14.” With that, the executive director of the NFL Players Association painted perhaps the bleakest picture yet regarding prospects of labor strife in the league, which could be looking at a 2010 season with no salary cap and, if the collective bargaining agreement expires as scheduled in March 2011, a lockout that year. “I keep coming back to an economic model in America that is unparalleled,” said Smith, who often repeated phrases for emphasis. “And that makes it incredibly difficult to then come to players and say, on average, each of you needs to take a $340,000 pay cut to save the National Football League. Tough sell. Tough sell.”
Owners’ income Smith said the NFL would receive $5 billion from its network television deals even if no games are played in 2011. He regarded that as proof owners are preparing for a lockout. “Has any one of the prior deals included $5 billion to not play football?” Smith asked, referring to previous contracts that were extended or redone. “The answer’s no.”
Some of Smith’s nearly hour-long question-and-answer session during Super Bowl week was spent reiterating past claims, such as team values increasing “almost 500 percent” over the last 15 years. There was also a call to have all 32 NFL teams open their books to show who was losing money and how much. Smith also said he wanted teams to contribute what, ultimately, would be millions into what he called “a legacy fund” that would better support retired players.
A new CBA Most of his focus, however, was on getting a new CBA. “I really and truly in my heart believe we’ll get a deal done,” NFLPA president Kevin Mawae said. “But there’s going to have to be some give and some take and not just taking from one side all the way.” The league’s response, in part, said that teams like the Green Bay Packers — whose audited financial statements are the only ones the union said it has seen — have had a 40 percent decline in profits. “In most businesses, that would be a serious cause for concern,” said Jeff Pash, the NFL’s executive vice president and chief counsel. “It would indicate a serious issue that has to be dealt with. You look at your single largest expense, which is player costs.”
Player concerns Indianapolis quarterback Peyton Manning, whom the Colts are plan-
ning to soon give a new contract that would make him the league’s highestpaid player, acknowledged that he has concerns. “I think as a player, I feel we have a pretty good thing going right now in the NFL,” Manning said Thursday. “It would a shame for something to have to change along those lines. I understand kind of like when a player is holding out or a player contract, there is a business side of this that can be tough. It is not always pretty.” Smith said the latest NFL offer to the players would reduce their share to 41 percent of applied revenues from about 59 percent. He emphasized that the teams take $1 billion off the top of the estimated $8 billion the league generates. Pash argued that the $1 billion reflects actual costs incurred, money “invested in things like NFL Network, NFL.com, putting games on overseas, all of which is intended to and has in fact had the effect of generating substantial additional revenues, 50 percent of which go to NFL players. And the union knows that’s true, because the union has absolute rights to audit those expenses.”
Being misrepresented Echoing NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, Pash said Smith’s assertion that players are being asked to accept an 18 percent pay cut — the $340,000 per-player-average figure — was among the “misrepresentations of what our proposal is.” “We have never said it
would result in players having to take a reduction,” Pash said. “The entire point here is to generate a pool of resources to have continued investment and continued growth, which would lead to higher salaries and benefits for players.” For now, some players say they’re bracing for issues. Mawae said he even has recommended players save 25 percent of their salary next season “in the event of a lockout,” though he noted “we can’t make all 1,900 players save their money.” “We’ve told them, ‘Don’t go out and buy a new boat. Don’t go out and buy a new car. Pay off whatever debts you have,’ “ said Jeff Saturday of the Indianapolis Colts. “These are things we’ve been learning from history.”
Difficult task Smith and Mawae said that if next season goes forward with no salary cap, it would be highly unlikely to have a new CBA with a cap reinstated. “Virtually impossible,” Smith said. “A very difficult task,” Mawae said. Asked about the owners’ assertion that the 18 percent pay cut request was false, Mawae said did not hold back: “That is not true,” he said. “That is absolutely true they’ve asked for 18 percent.” Meantime, the union is increasing dues for now with the idea of returning the money as income to players, if needed, during a lockout. “Our guys get it,” Mawae said. “Our guys understand.”
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — The way Roger Goodell sees it, more is better when it comes to NFL games. The commissioner likes overtime, and doesn’t favor changing the rules. He’s pushing to add a game or two to the schedule. He wants more games overseas and in Mexico. And the notion of less football? Goodell doesn’t like that at all. He said he hopes the pessimism from the players’ union regarding a lockout in 2011 doesn’t become a self-fulfilling prophecy. “I don’t think anybody wants to see a work stoppage,” Goodell said Friday at his annual Super Bowl-week news conference. “There are no benefits to that. If it comes to anything like that, we would all have failed.” For 51 minutes, Goodell fielded questions with the nonchalance of a veteran returner fielding kicks. Topics included the overtime system, the possible expansion of the regular season to 17 or 18 games, and the league’s future in Jacksonville, St. Louis and Los Angeles. But on the subject of the stalemate in labor talks, Goodell’s bearing stiffened. The current contract expires in March 2011, and Goodell disputed an assessment Thursday by NFL Players Association executive director DeMaurice Smith that the chance of a lockout next year is a “14” on a scale of 1 to 10. “I couldn’t make that prediction, and I sure hope he’s wrong,” Goodell said. “Right now we don’t need a lot of focus on that. We need to take advantage of the opportunity we have right now to structure an agreement and sit down and negotiate. That’s how this is going to get done, and we will have an agreement. It’s just a matter of when, but talking about options like work stoppages is not going to get us there.” Goodell rejected the idea ownership wants any stoppage, and he said there is no contingency plan regarding the 2012 Super Bowl in the event of a lockout. “We still have a lot of
Photo by David J. Phillip | AP
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell answers a question during a news conference on Friday in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Goodell spoke about the possibility of a lockout and a variety of other topics, including Super Bowl XLIV. time and a lot of important opportunities here to structure something that makes sense for everybody,” Goodell said. On other issues, the commissioner said: —There’s more work to do on the issue of concussions, but the league has made progress in player awareness and changing the culture. “We want to make sure people understand that they are serious injuries, and make sure that we deal with them in a conservative and medical fashion,” Goodell said. —Extending the season will be part of the discussion when talks with the union resume. Goodell favors adding one or two games to replace exhibition games. “I consistently hear from players and fans that the quality of our preseason is not up to NFL standards and that we need to fix that,” he said. “This is one way of doing that, and what I believe is an effective way.” —The NFL is still eyeing a return to Mexico; the Cardinals and 49ers held the league’s first regular-season game outside the United States in Mexico in 2005. —Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte’ Stallworth will be reinstated after the Super Bowl from his suspension for killing a pedestrian while driving drunk last March in the Miami area.
Lawsuit filed against Cowboys legend Michael Irvin Anonymous woman claims she was sexually assaulted by Hall of Famer By CURT ANDERSON ASSOCIATED PRESS
MIAMI — A woman claims in a lawsuit filed only days before the Super Bowl that former Dallas Cowboys star Michael Irvin sexually assaulted her at a South Florida hotel, an allegation labeled a false attempt at “civil extortion” Friday by Irvin’s attorney. The woman filed the lawsuit Thursday in Broward County Circuit Court seeking unspecified damages for the assault that allegedly occurred July 4 or 5, 2007, at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood. The incident was reported to Seminole tribal police on July 20, 2007, but the woman later signed a waiver of prosecution, Seminole tribe spokesman Gary Bitner said. “I think she just wanted to put this behind her,” Bitner said. The case was referred to state prosecutors. Ron Ishoy, a spokesman for the Broward State Attorney’s office, said the matter remains under investigation
but no charges have been filed. Because the woman waited more than two weeks to report the incident, there was no physical evidence or hotel surveillance video, Bitner said. Irvin, 43, is a member of the pro football Hall of Fame who starred at wide receiver for the Cowboys from 1988 to 1999. The Fort Lauderdale native was also a star in college for the University of Miami, playing on the Hurricanes’ 1987 national championship team. Irvin is now an analyst for the NFL Network and will be on the air this weekend as part of Super Bowl coverage, NFL Network spokesman Dennis Johnson said in an e-mail. He said the NFL security department is looking into the allegations. Until Friday, Irvin also hosted a radio show in the Dallas-Fort Worth market on ESPN. That contract was terminated Friday, although the network said the decision was made before the lawsuit surfaced. “His contract was up and the show has not perform-
Photo by Tony Dejak | AP
In this Aug. 4, 2007, file photo, Michael Irvin speaks during his induction to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. A woman claims in a lawsuit filed only days before the Super Bowl that Irvin sexually assaulted her at a South Florida hotel, an allegation labeled a false attempt at “civil extortion” by Irvin’s attorney on Friday. ed,” ESPN said in a statement on its Web site. “We had previously decided to cancel the show and decided this morning to make it effective today.” Irvin’s attorney, Larry Friedman of Dallas, said he was approached by the woman’s lawyer shortly before Irvin was to appear on
last season’s “Dancing With The Stars” competition. The offer, according to Friedman: Irvin must pay the woman $1 million or a lawsuit would be filed to coincide with the Super Bowl, which is being played Sunday in Miami. “I call it civil extortion: pay us or we’ll ruin your
life,” Friedman said. “Nothing happened. There was no encounter between this Jane Doe and Michael Irvin. The entire story is false, it’s bogus, it’s made up.” Later in the day Friday, Friedman filed a countersuit against the woman claiming, among other
things, civil extortion and defamation. The Associated Press typically does not name alleged sexual assault victims. The woman’s Florida attorney did not immediately respond Friday to a phone call and e-mail seeking comment. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, speaking at a Super Bowl news conference Friday, said he was not initially aware of the assault allegation. “We’ll obviously take it seriously, make sure we understand the facts and then take the appropriate steps,” Goodell said. According to the lawsuit, the woman claims Irvin got her drunk and took her to his hotel room where he and another, unidentified man insisted on sexual favors. The woman claims Irvin raped her and the other man forced her to perform oral sex. Irvin has had previous brushes with the law, including a no-contest plea to a cocaine possession charge in 1996. Later that year, Irvin and another Cowboys player were accused of sexual assault by a woman, but an investigation found the story was false and the woman recanted.