SATURDAY
MOUNTAIN OF CASH $17B OF STIMULUS IS HEADED TO TEXAS
FEBRUARY 28,2009
FREE
2A
The Zapata Times DELIVERED EVERY SATURDAY
TO 4,000 HOMES
A HEARST PUBLICATION
ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM
$2.4 million for schools Fed funding By NICK GEORGIOU LAREDO MORNING TIMES
Investing in early childhood education could be one of several uses of the federal economic stimulus funds coming to local schools, said Zapata ISD Superintendent Romeo Rodriguez Jr. Considering Zapata County Independent School District will lose a substantial portion of funds because of an estimated 30 percent drop in mineral well values, Rodriguez said he is “very appreciative” of the stimulus package funds. “Our wealth is not with residents, it’s with mineral production, which is a very different kind of wealth and we have to be ready for implications as we plan for the next two years,” he said.
Meanwhile, United Independent School District in Laredo could use the money to hire more teachers to reduce class RODRIGUEZ sizes, among other items, said Eddie Zuñiga, UISD’s associate superintendent for student support services. For LISD, the funds would probably go toward payroll, said Alvaro Perez, Laredo Independent School District chief financial officer. Though details on the funds are still scant, UISD will receive about $15.2 million for Title 1 and IDEA B funding. LISD will get about $19.2 million and ZISD will receive about $2.4 million.
Title 1 and IDEA B monies are considered automatic, meaning the money will be funneled to the school districts through formula funding. The Title 1 funds are used to assist disadvantaged and at-risk students. IDEA B funds are used for students with disabilities. “(The funds) are a nice shot in the arm for us. As far as we’re concerned, we can always use additional funds,” Zuñiga said. “(United Independent School District) has a population of 40,000 and growing. We’re stretched to the limits right now with funds we receive under Title 1.” The funds will be distributed during a two-year period. When that two-year period begins, school district officials are still unsure.
“Hopefully they move on it quickly,” Perez said. “We need to develop budgets.” In addition to the unknowns with the Title 1 and IDEA B funding, local school district administrators are even less clear on what’s available in the state stabilization fund. “This is all still very brand new,” Zuñiga said. The $3.1 billion state stabilization fund can be used for public and higher education. About 60 percent is available for public and higher education, and 40 percent is available for public safety and related services. However, Gov. Rick Perry can change that distribution. “A lot of it will depend on what
See ZCISD | PAGE 10A
for 16, 83 By ZACH LINDSEY THE ZAPATA TIMES
The Texas Transportation Commission approved $1.4 million in maintenance for Zapata County as part of a greater $500 million provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act on Feb. 26. The money will be used to resurface Texas 16 from the Zapata/Jim Hogg county line to nine miles west of that county line. In addition to the maintenance money, Thursday TxDOT approved $28 million in Proposition 14 bond money for two
segments of U.S. 83. Both will widen U.S. 83 into a four-lane highway, one at a spot south of Monterrey Lane in Zapata, and another a mile south of FM 3169 to 3.7 miles south of FM 3169 in San Ygnacio. The projects will go out for bids in August. Also under the stimulus program, TxDOT received $600 million in safety bonds, and Zapata has a project with that money as well. That project will provide additional paved surface on FM
See TXDOT | PAGE 10A
HITTING THE SENIOR JACKPOT Fun galore at Chamber festivity By TARYN WHITE THE ZAPATA TIMES
very year Zapata receives an influx of people escaping cold weather for the sunny warm climate of South Texas. Affectionately called Winter Texans, according to Paco Mendoza, executive director for Zapata’s
E
See related story/Page 5 Chamber of Commerce, Zapata’s seasonal visitors are greatly appreciated for what they contribute to Zapata’s economy. “They visit our restaurants and shops,” Mendoza said. “They bring in a lot of revenue.” Thursday, Zapata hosted an all-day event filled with games, dancing and socializing during The Winter Texan and Senior Citizen Appreciation Day.
Joining in According to Mendoza, this is something Zapata has been doing for the past 60 years, but this year, there has been a slight modification. “We invited senior citizens to join in,” Mendoza said. The event started around 1:30 p.m. and was free of charge for everyone who came. According to Mendoza around 150 people came out, which is more than previous years. “We added more activities and games for people to do and I think people are really enjoying themselves.” Mendoza said. “We changed things based on what people told us last year.”
Playing bingo People played bingo, participated in dance contests, were treated to refreshments and a king and queen of the day were crowned. “It’s wonderful, it’s been a nice day,” said Millie Garrison who is from Missouri. “(I am most looking forward to) the dance contest, I am in a
Photo by Ulysses S. Romero | Laredo Morning Times
Jene Erickson reacts as she wins a Bingo game at the Winter Texan and Senior Citizen Appreciation Day at the Zapata County Community Center on Thursday. Bingo markers rotate as anxious Winter Texans and senior citizens await the winning number.
line dancing group and we are going to enter.” Garrison added this year has been more fun than last year because the new activities. “We’ve been coming to Zapata for seven years. This year is a lot of fun,” Garrison said.
The social scene Bud and Evelyn Widick have been coming to Zapata from Kansas for the past nine years, and other than the great weather, they say they come for the social scene. “All of our friends are here and there are fun things to do,” Bud Widick said. “We are having a good time today.” (Taryn White may be reached at 728-2568 or at twhite@lmtonline.com)
Ride, ribbon cutting kicks-off
Left to right, Adriana L. Vela, Velma Saenz and Velma Saenz are all smiles at the Zapata County Fair Kickoff Party.
LAREDO MORNING TIMES
The biggest little fair in Texas officially gets underway today with a ribbon cutting at the Zapata County Fair pavilion after the traditional trail ride comes through the gates. “Our county fair is always a lot of fun,” said Anna Holcomb, president of the Zapata County Fair Association. “But this year it’s even more of a special treat because ZaPhotos by Ulysses S. Romero | The Zapata Times
pata County is celebrating the 150th anniversary of our founding.” Like most of the association members, Holcomb has been involved with the fair since she was a child, and looks forward to each yearly event with anticipation. The trail ride and breakfast begins at 8 a.m., with opening ceremonies at the pavilion scheduled to start at 1:30 p.m. Tonight, there’s the grand kickoff dance, featuring Sonny Sauce-
da and the Stampede. Sunday, it’s the Zapata County Fair Queen Contest at the Zapata High School auditorium. The winner will reign over this year’s events. The fair gets really going in two weeks, on Thursday, March 12, when livestock projects are moved onto the grounds. There will be judging of poultry and hogs, as well as of arts and crafts and photography. And there will be the first of several nightly dances.
Friday, there will be more judging, more music and the tight jeans contest. Saturday is the final and biggest day, with the much-anticipated parade set for 10 a.m. And, of course, the livestock auction. There will be plenty of music, exhibits and contests throughout the day and night, including the popular Grito and jalapeño eating contests. For more information and a detailed schedule of events, visit www.zapatacountyfaironline.com.