The Zapata Times 3/7/2009

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Districts appeal to state Federal grant

By TARYN WHITE and ZACH LINDSEY THE ZAPATA TIMES

Conflicting appraisals of Zapata County mineral valuations by the state comptroller’s office and the Zapata Appraisal District have moved both the Zapata CISD and the Zapata County Appraisal District to file a formal appeal with the state.

According to Amada Gonzalez, chief appraiser for the appraisal district, the state’s prop-

erty appraisal was higher than the district’s values. Gonzalez could not give exact figures.

The appeal will not change RODRIGUEZ the outcome of the appraisal but it will formally tell the state the Appraisal District does not agree with their numbers, according to Laura Mc-

Coy, chief financial officer for the Zapata County Independent School District.

“If they don’t file a formal appeal, it could set them up for an audit in the future,” McCoy said.

During a special call meeting on Thursday the Zapata CISD Board of Trustees voted to show their support by joining in on the appeal.

“They asked us and we did it to show our support,” said Romeo Rodriguez, Zapata CISD superintendent.

In actuality because of the Zapata’s standing as a chapter 41 district, which classifies it as a mineral rich district, the outcome of the appraisal has limited effect on how much money they receive.

Because of how much Zapata CISD collects in taxes, it pays the state a recapture fee of about $16 million a year. The recapture fee is based off of a formula which takes into account how much school

See COUNTY | PAGE 8A

for Sheriff

By ERIKA LAMBRETON THE ZAPATA TIMES

The Zapata County Sheriff’s Department will receive more than $15,000 in federal funds, thanks to the recovery bill that was recently signed into law.

The money will be used for law enforcement operations, said Zapata Sheriff, Sigirfredo “Sigi” Gonzalez.

Funding is provided under the Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program, which is administered by the federal Bureau of Justice Assistance.

JAG grants allow state and local governments to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime and improve the criminal justice system. JAG funds can be used for state and local initiatives, technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, and information systems for criminal justice, said Congressman Henry Cuellar’s office in a news release.

“Anything helps,” said Gonzalez, “We will use it as best we can.”

See GRANT | PAGE 8A

Photos by Cuate Santos | The Zapata Times

The Zapata County Fair received a boost of $7,900 from the ConocoPhillips South Texas Philanthropic Committee on Wednesday at the ConocoPhillips offices in Aguilares. From left,Zapata County Commissioner Pct. 1 Jose Emilio Vela, Randy Black, Zapata County Treasurer Romeo Salinas and Sergio Ramirez.

KEEPING WARM

By TARYN WHITE very year thousands of people attracted to the warm weather and a thriving social scene migrate from states all over the country to sunny Zapata.

Making up a large part of the Zapata economy, Winter Texans eat at the town’s restaurants, shop at local stores and take part in a variety of events.

“They are the nicest people and they contribute a lot to our economy,” said Avon Hatfield, a director at the Zapata Chamber of Commerce. “They come here to live in a quiet place with warm weather.”

Avon estimates close to 8,000 people from various states come to Zapata every year. Most of them stay at one of the many trailer parks or campgrounds around the city.

E

Photos by Cuate Santos | The Zapata Times

TOP: A group of Winter Texans participate in an exercise class at the recreation center of the Four Seasons RV Park in Zapata on Friday. From left, Jean Worley, 78,Thelma Gage, 78, Pat Wacker, 73, Irene Sipher, 92, and Ramona Bjork, 68. ABOVE: Winter Texans Gene Rowe, 75, left, and Ken Gruenhagen, 79, participate in an exercise class at the recreation center at the Four Seasons RV Park in Zapata on Friday.

Big opening weekend for fair

By ERIKA LAMBRETON THE ZAPATA TIMES

The “Best Little Fair in Texas” is off to a great start, with a successful turnout for last weekend’s opening ceremonies.

Organizers are expecting a record number of attendees.

“We’re really excited everything has turned out well,” said Anna Holcomb, this year’s president of the Zapata County Fair Association.

With almost 100 riders participating in the Trail Ride and an exciting, competitive queen contest, which Holcomb said was a great success last weekend, this year’s fair is turning out better then anticipated.

With a predicted attendance of 10,000 people, Jose “Paco” Mendoza Jr., executive director of the Zapata County Chamber of Commerce, hopes everyone

will join the celebration.

“We want to invite everybody to attend,” Mendoza said. “It’s a great event to bring the whole family.

(We) invite everyone to come out and have a good time.”

Mendoza said the fair should draw a large crowd with its reasonable prices and wholesome family entertainment. “(Fair prices) are not out of this world. Our prices are very affordable,” said Mendoza. “We keep them that way so everyone can afford to come and have a good time.”

The county fair is in its 36th year, and has had community support since its inception.

“I’ve been attending the fair for as long as I can remember,” said Mendoza, adding this an event the whole town can participate in.

See FAIR | PAGE 8A

By JOE RUTLAND THE ZAPATA TIMES

IN ZAPATA THE ZAPATA TIMES

5 agencies get oil firm’s aid

“They started coming 15 or maybe 20 years ago,” Hatfield said. “Since then, the numbers have grown just by word of mouth.”

JoAnn Drummond came to Zapata seven years ago from Nebraska, where she spends six months out of the year. She manages the Four Seasons Trailer Park.

“I love the people in the town, the good food, how inexpensive it is and, of course, the weather,” Drummond said.

When Drummond first arrived in Zapata she became a substitute teacher at Villarreal Elementary School.

“I wanted something do to with my time,” Drummond said.

Now, other than managing Four Seasons, Drummond helps organize a Christmas party and toy drive at the trailer

See WARM | PAGE 8A

Five Zapata County entities received a total of more than $25,000 in donations from ConocoPhillips this week as the civic-minded company continues to show its support for South Texas organizations.

Those Zapata organizations include:  Zapata County Fair, which

received a $7,900 donation  Zapata County Independent School District, which received a $7,500 donation  Helping Hands Food Pantry of Zapata, which received a $5,100 donation  Zapata County Fire Department, which received a $5,100 donation  Boys & Girls Club of

See AID | PAGE 8A

The Helping was awarded $5,100 from the ConocoPhillips South Texas Philanthropic Committee on Wednesday at the ConocoPhillips offices in Aguilares. From left, Zapata County Commissioner Pct. 1 Jose Emilio Vela, Randy Black, Zapata County Treasurer Romeo Salinas and Sergio Ramirez.

IBC Bank-Zapata gets Bee Co. Chamber honor SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

ZAPATA — The Bee County Chamber of Commerce has announced IBC Bank–Zapata as the initial recipient of its Corporate Citizen of the Year Award.

The award recognizes chamber members who are dedicated to bettering Bee County through their philanthropic work.

“Renato Ramirez, president of IBC-Brush Country, has been extremely supportive of the chamber by donating time and resources to support our projects,” said Pam Priour Stuart, president of the Bee County Chamber of Commerce.

“IBC-Brush Country” is the unofficial term

used for the International Bank of Commerce facility in Beeville, which is part of IBC-Zapata.

“In addition to IBC’s support of the chamber, the bank has worked tirelessly to support education throughout the county through their work with the Beeville Independent School District and Coastal Bend College,” Priour Stuart said.

“The bank’s work and dedication make it the ideal recipient of this honor, and we look forward to IBC’s continued efforts in making our city a better place for all residents.”

Across the state, IBC has been recognized by several organizations for its work and the work of its employees within the community.

Zin brief

SATURDAY, MARCH 7,2009

AROUND THE NATION | IN BRIEF

WHAT’S GOING ON THURSDAY MARCH 12

FRIDAY,MARCH 13

SATURDAY,MARCH 14  Today is the last day of the Zapata County Fair. The annual parade begins at 10 a.m. There are a variety of entertainments throughout the day at the fairgrounds. The grito contest is at 7 p.m., and the street dance with numerous bands starts at 7:30 p.m. For more information, call 765-9920 or visit www.zpatacountyfaironline.com  The Laredo Under Seven Flags Rotary Club presents “A Valentine’s Night To Remember,” a dinner and dance,today from 7 p.m. to 11:45 p.m. at Paseo Real Reception Hall, 2335 Endeavor Drive. The event costs $75 per person or $125 per couple.

Live music will be provided by Showband International. For more information, call Diana Juarez at 319-3100 or Diana Garza at 645-0644.

MONDAY,MARCH 23  Classes resume after the Spring Break holiday for the Zapata Independent School District.

FRIDAY,MARCH 27  The Zapata County Waterworks department will be having a Relay for Life Pizza plate fundraiser today at their offices located at 605 North Hwy 83. The plate consists of two slices of pizza, a soda and chips for $5. Plates will be avaliable for pick up starting at noon.All proceeds will go to the Zapata County Relay for Life Team.

For more information or to place an order please call 765-9975.

FRIDAY,APRIL 10  Staff development day at Zapata Independent School district; no class for students.Pre-registration will be held today for the Falcon Lake Big Bass Tournamanet, which kicks off tomorrow, at the Holiday Restaurant. Or you can register online at www.zapatausa.com For more information please call the Zapata Chamber of Commerce at 765-4871

SATURDAY,APRIL 11  Falcon Lake Big Bass Tournament is set to start today. Planning is underway for live entertainment and food sponsors.

More details to come.For more information please call the Zapata Chamber of Commerce at 765-4871

SUNDAY,APRIL 12 Today is the start of National Library Week. The San Ygnacio Public Library and the County Public Library will celebrate with what is called Amnesty Week. This means no late fees will be charged on any book. The event runs though April 18. For more information, call 765-5351

Photo by Chuck Burton | AP

Lisa Pagan is shown with her husband,Travis, right, and her children Elizabeth, 4, and Eric, 3, at their home in Davidson, N.C., on Feb. 27.After spending more than a year fighting her recall to active duty, the military has discharged her, according to the woman’s lawyer.

Attorney: Mother with 2 children recalled to Army duty discharged

By MITCH WEISS ASSOCIATED PRESS

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A North Carolina mother who reported for Army duty with her two young children said Friday she is happy and relieved that the military granted her an honorable discharge.

Lisa Pagan was back home in Davidson on Friday after spending a week at Fort Benning, waiting to learn if she would be put on active duty, possibly facing a tour in Iraq or Afghanistan.

In her first interview since leaving Fort Benning, Pagan said it was “nice to be home.”

“After I was told I could leave, my first thought was: God finally answered my prayers. I’ve been going to church every weekend and saying my prayers. I’m just going to let this set in. I know what I did was controversial, but it was something I had to do,” she said.

Pagan had been fighting the Army since she was recalled to active duty in November 2007, saying she had no one to care for her children.

A former truck driver in the Army, Pa-

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The Zapata Times

gan was recalled four years after being released from active duty, which is allowed under the military’s “individual ready reserve” program.

Attorney Mark Waple said Pagan was discharged due to family hardship. An Army spokesman at Fort Benning confirmed Pagan was discharged Friday, but declined to say what kind of discharge she received or comment on why the Army let her go.

Soldiers can appeal, and nearly a third have won permission to remain in civilian life. Pagan filed several appeals, arguing that because her husband travels for business, no one else can take care of her kids. Her appeals were rejected.

So she reported for duty Monday at Fort Benning, Ga., with her children, 4year-old Elizabeth and 3-year-old Eric.

Her children spent the week in an Army day care center, while she was processed for active duty — filling out paperwork and undergoing medical tests. But from the time she arrived, she said she believed she would be discharged.

1st female ship captain dies at 93

Ruling could mean unions for all in Calif.

Calif.oil spill captain pleads guilty

BANGOR, Maine — Molly K. Carney, who as Molly Kool was the first woman in North America to become a licensed ship captain, has died at her home at the age of 93.

Known in Canada by her maiden name, Molly Kool won her captain’s papers in 1939 and sailed the Atlantic Ocean between Alma, New Brunswick, and Boston for five years.

Kool grew up in the village of Alma, where she learned a love of the sea and sailing from her father, a Dutch ship captain.

SAN FRANCISCO — The California Supreme Court could decide that there are two kinds of same-sex couples: those who can’t get married, and those who already did.

A ruling that upholds both voters’ November decision to ban gay marriage and the 18,000 same-sex marriages conducted earlier in California could come off as a safe compromise.

Such a decision would give same-sex marriage advocates an avenue to pursue a federal appeal.

SAN FRANCISCO — The pilot at the helm of the cargo ship that caused a massive oil spill in the San Francisco Bay pleaded guilty Friday to two misdemeanor environmental crimes in exchange for prosecutors dropping felony counts.

Capt. John Cota entered guilty pleas to illegally discharging oil and killing birds as part of an agreement with federal prosecutors to drop two felony charges that Cota lied on annual medical forms required by the U.S. Coast Guard.

— Compiled from AP reports

Morocco severs relations with Iran

CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico — The mayor of the Mexican border city of Ciudad Juarez told residents Friday to prepare for a monthslong presence of army troops, but said the arrival of thousands of soldiers had already reduced killings by almost 90 percent.

The city government is issuing advice for citizens on how to get along with more than 5,000 soldiers who will be in Ciudad Juarez for months. Thousands of those troops arrived over the weekend, part of a promised government surge.

RABAT, Morocco — Morocco cut off diplomatic relations with Iran on Friday, accusing Tehran in a rare public spat of trying to spread Shia Islam in this Sunni Arab kingdom.

The tensions were compounded by recent Iranian comments toward Sunni-led Bahrain that have raised hackles in the Arab world.

The ministry accused largely Shiite Iran’s Embassy in Rabat of trying to “alter the religious fundamentals of the kingdom” and threaten Morocco’s religious unity.

— Compiled from AP re-

A&M rescinds alert about reported gunman COLLEGE STATION — A phone call to Texas A&M University police reporting a gunman on the third floor of a campus building was a hoax, authorities said Friday.

The message was issued via e-mail and text message to A&M students and staff around 5:30 p.m. Friday.

The text said, quote: “A report of man with gun in HR Bright Building near Chem (chemistry building), police searching. Seek shelter, avoid area.”

A subsequent advisory, just before 6:15 p.m. Friday, said the two buildings had been “checked and cleared, no man with gun. Sheltering can end.”

“We came to the conclusion that it was a hoax, a bogus call,” university spokesman Lane Stephenson said.

5 people killed in traffic accident

road in a nearby field.

Perry seeks aid for all 254 counties AUSTIN — Gov. Rick Perry is seeking a federal disaster declaration for all 254 counties dealing with the the devastating Texas drought.

Perry’s office released a copy of Friday’s emergency request to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

If approved, qualified farm operators would be eligible for low-interest USDA loans.

Perry says Texas farms and ranches have suffered economic and physical losses due to severe drought conditions. He also cited an “extremely high number” of wildfires across Texas.

The governor also asked President Barack Obama to approve an emergency declaration for 199 Texas counties due to the threat of wildfires.

Tejano singer Emilio charged with DWI

LUBBOCK — Five people died Friday in a collision northwest of Lubbock.

Two others were injured in the wreck, which involved a sedan containing six people and a sport utility vehicle occupied by one person. Both drivers were taken to local hospitals, Department of Public Safety Cpl. John Gonzales said.

Authorities say one vehicle was traveling eastbound on Farm-to-Market Road 2641 and the SUV was northbound on County Road 1700 when the crash occurred around 4 p.m.

They collided in the middle of an intersection and went off the

HOUSTON — A misdemeanor charge of driving while intoxicated was filed Friday against Tejano music star Emilio Navaira over his 2008 tour bus wreck in suburban Houston.

The entertainer, who performs as Emilio, is suspected of being legally drunk when he crashed the vehicle.

Houston television station KTRK reported the Harris County District Attorney’s Office on Friday filed the charge against Navaira. His bond was set at $5,000.

— Compiled from AP reports

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Ciudad Juarez braces for troop patrols

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AROUND THE WORLD | IN BRIEF

 The Zapata County Fair kicks off today at county fair grounds today at 8 a.m.

Events include a livestock show, musical performances, a carnival and a street dance. Livestock judging will begin today starting at 9:30 a.m. with Rabbits and steers. The fair will run through Saturday.

Don’t miss out on this year’s fun. For more information call 765-9920  The Zapata County Fair continues livestock judging today starting at 8 a.m. followed later by a Street Dance with Grupo Nemesis playing from 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m., Los Cinco de Zapata from 7 p.m.- 8:30 p.m., a Tight Jean Contest from 8:30- 9 p.m., Jaime de Anda y Los Chamacos will pay from 9 p.m.-10:30, and Los Palominos will close today’s festivities from 10:30 to midnight.  Today is the first day of Spring Break. No classes will be held at Zapata CISD through March 20.  The Zapata County Fair resumes today at 8 a.m. For more information, call 765-9920

ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM

Today is Saturday, March 7, the 66th day of 2009. There are 299 days left in the year. A reminder: Daylight-saving time begins at 2 a.m. Sunday. Clocks move forward one hour.

Today’s Highlight in History: On March 7, 1965, a march by civil rights demonstrators was broken up in Selma, Ala., by state troopers and a sheriff’s posse.

On this date: In 1793, during the French Revolutionary Wars, France declared war on Spain.

In 1850, in a three-hour speech to the U.S. Senate, Daniel Webster endorsed the Compromise of 1850 as a means of preserving the Union.

In 1875, composer Maurice Ravel was born in Ciboure, France.

In 1876, Alexander Graham Bell received a patent for his telephone.

In 1926, the first successful trans-Atlantic radio-telephone conversations took place, between New York and London.

In 1945, during World War II, U.S. forces crossed the Rhine River at Remagen, Germany, us-

ing the damaged but still usable Ludendorff Bridge.

In 1975, the U.S. Senate revised its filibuster rule, allowing 60 senators to limit debate in most cases, instead of the previously required two-thirds of senators present.

In 1981, anti-government guerrillas in Colombia executed kidnapped American Bible translator Chester Allen Bitterman, whom they accused of being a CIA agent.

Ten years ago: Movie director Stanley Kubrick, whose films included “Dr. Strangelove,” “A Clockwork Orange” and “2001: A Space Odyssey,” died in Hertfordshire, England, at age 70.

F i v e y e a r s a g o : Fourteen Palestinians were killed in the deadliest Israeli raid in Gaza in 17 months. An investiture ceremony was held in Concord, N.H., for V. Gene Robinson, the Episcopal Church’s first openly gay bishop.

One year ago: On the heels of a gloomy report that 63,000 jobs were lost in February 2008, President George W. Bush said “it’s clear our economy has slowed” as he tried to reassure an anxious public that the long-term

outlook was good. Pulitzer Prizewinning author Samantha Power, who was acting as an adviser to Barack Obama, resigned after calling rival Hillary Rodham Clinton “a monster.”

Today’s Birthdays: Comedian Alan Sues is 83. Photographer Lord Snowdon is 79. TV personality Willard Scott is 75. Auto racer Janet Guthrie is 71. Actor Daniel J. Travanti is 69. Former Walt Disney Co. chief executive officer Michael Eisner is 67. Rock musician Chris White (The Zombies) is 66. Actor John Heard is 63. Rock singer Peter Wolf is 63.

Golfer Tom Lehman is 50. Tennis Hall-of-Famer Ivan Lendl is 49.

Actress Mary Beth Evans is 48.

Actor Bill Brochtrup is 46. Opera singer Denyce Graves is 45. Comedian Wanda Sykes is 45.

Singer-actress Taylor Dayne is 44. Rock musician Randy Guss (Toad the Wet Sprocket) is 42.

Actor Peter Sarsgaard is 38. Actress Rachel Weisz is 38. Actress Jenna Fischer is 35. Actress Audrey Marie Anderson is 34.

Thought for Today: “The most dangerous creation of any society is that man who has nothing to lose.” — James Baldwin, American author (1924-1987).

Photo by Lisa Krantz/The San Antonio Express-News | AP

Chris Daigle, right, a fifth generation descendant of the Crockett family, adjusts the Crockett Family wreath after the Dawn at the Alamo ceremony in San Antonio, on Friday. The annual ceremony honors the 200 fallen Alamo defenders and nearly 600 Mexican troops killed or wounded in the battle of the Alamo.This year marks the 173rd anniversary of the world-famous battle.

Zlocal

SATURDAY,MARCH 7,2009

BY DORA MARTINEZ

Courtesy photo

Zapata North Early Childhood Center celebrated Read Across America Day on Friday, with a “We Love Books” parade, guest readers, classroom performances and even a special appearance by Dr. Seuss’ own Cat in the Hat. Dressed for the occasion, ZNECC Librarian Belia Vela and her library assistant Maria Morales, center background, talk to their young charges lined up along the hall floor before the parade starts.

THE BLOTTER  Arron Antonio Landa was arrested Friday, Feb. 27 at the intersection of 10th street and Falcon Avenue and charged with driving while intoxicated. According to a sheriff’s department report, Landa had been driving around after officers had warned him against it earlier in the day.  Jose Manuel Garcilazo was arrested Wednesday,March 4,and charged with driving while intoxicated on 7th Street around 9 p.m.According to a sheriff’s deputy,Garcilazo was driving failed to stop at a stop sign.  Adrian Rodriguez was arrested on Lincoln Street on Friday and charged with driving while intoxicated.

POSSESSION  Jose Luis Saenz was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana in the 800 block of Vista Hermosa around 8 a.m. Thursday, March 5. According to reports, Saenz was caught with marijuana on the school campus.

BURGALRY  A burglary of a vehicle was reported in the 1800 block of Medina Avenue on Friday, Feb. 27 around 8 p.m.  The sheriff’s department responded Carmen Ramirez - Rathmell, D.D.S.

“Let your smile be a sign of happiness & good health”

1520 Corpus Christi Street Telephone (956) 726-0160

to reports of a burglary of a vehicle in the 300 block of Kennedy Street on Monday, March 2 around 10 p.m.According to the report, an unknown person entered the vehicle and stole a Dell laptop, computer briefcase, portable printer, a buck knife, a GPS navigation system, Cobra radar, safety glasses and Ray Ban sunglasses.  A burglary of a vehicle was reported in the 1900 block of Alamo Street around 10 a.m. Thursday, March 5. According to the complainant, an unknown person had burglarized the vehicle.  Police responded to reports of a burglary of a building on 24th Avenue on Friday Feb. 27 around 3 p.m.According to reports, an unknown person had vandalized the Pavilion with a hard plastic pipe, damaging two doors and gaining entry. Aburglaryof a habitation was reported in the 5400 block of Pascual Lane around 9 p.m.Friday,Feb.27.According to the report,a female complainant advised officers several items had been stolen from Siesta Shores. A burglary of a building was reported in the 3000 block of U.S. 83 Monday, March 2 around 5 p.m.According to the report, an unknown person had broken into the 83 South Drive Inn.

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Civic leader Holcomb takes reins of Zapata County Fair group

CAT IN THE HAT

DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED

ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM

ASSAULT  Police responded to reports of an assault in the 3200 block of South Zapata Hwy. An assault causing serious bodily injury was reported in the 400 block of Villa Avenue on Wednesday, March 3 around 5 p.m. A man hit his father in the back of the head, causing a welt the size of a golf ball, officers said.  A teacher at the Zapata Middle School reported two male juveniles had approached her with a baseball bat Wednesday, March 4, around 3 p.m.An aggravated assault with a deadly weapon report was taken, and no other information was available at the time.

HITAND RUN  Police responded to reports of a hit and run in the 1700 block of Ramireño Avenue around 7 p.m. Saturday Feb. 28. According to police,a juvenile was driving a gocart with his father in the passenger seat when a man hit them to avoid hitting another vehicle  A hit and run was reported in the 100 block of Ken’s Way on Thursday, March 5 around 11 p.m. According to officers, a man reported his truck had been hit while parked at his grandfather’s home.

Anna Holcomb is a graduate of Zapata High School who later attended Laredo Junior College, where she studied accounting.

Her husband is Robert Holcomb. They are the owners of Hawk Enterprises. Anna has a son, Lucas Lerma, who is 20 years old. He’s attending Texas A&M International University, going for his business degree.

Anna Holcomb has been involved with the fair since 1994.

This year, she’s the Zapata County Fair Association president.

She’s also involved with the Trail Ride Committee, the Vendor Committee, Queen’s Committee and the Treasurer’s Committee.

An active civic leader, she also has served as president of the Booster Club and vice president

CBP gives daylight hours SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Port Director Gene Garza has announced CBP’s daylight saving time hours of operation, which will become effective Sunday.

Bridge officials in Nuevo Laredo and Colombia, Nuevo Leon, have agreed to adopt the U.S. daylight savings time schedule until Mexico converts to daylight saving time on April 5.

Gateway to the Americas and Lincoln-Juarez Bridges  Passenger processing: Open 24 hours a day  SENTRI lane at LincolnJuarez Bridge: Open 24 hours a day

COLUMN of the little league basketball and T-ball.

Holcomb is inviting everyone to come celebrate the best little fair in Texas. She said it’s not just one celebration, but two, since it is also the 150th anniversary of the founding of Zapata County.

“What a fair, what a year,” she said. She noted that the Zapata County Fair showcases our community at its best. Whether it’s the exciting championship steer competition, the traditional rodeo and charreada, the

food and rides along the midway or the glittering royalty of the Fair Queen and her court, we offer something for everyone.

Holcomb suggests that after you’ve made your way through the midway, you explore the treasures that Zapata County has to offer. Take a tour of historical San Ygnacio. visit our renowned Falcon Lake — don’t let the big catch get away! — and enjoy the beauty of nature.

(Dora Martinez is a native of Zapata who was publisher of Hispanic News in San Antonio for 21 years. She can be reached at thezapatatimes@att.net)

Zopinion

ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM

SATURDAY,MARCH 7,2009

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OTHER VIEWS

EDITORIAL

Charges key step in terror fight NEW YORK TIMES NEWS SERVICE

y announcing criminal charges last week against Ali al-Marri, the Obama administration took an important step toward bringing the government’s terrorism-fighting efforts within the rule of law.

Marri, a legal resident of the United States, has been held at the Navy brig in Charleston, S.C., for more than five years, having been declared an enemy combatant.

The move puts the government’s claims against Marri where they belonged: in a civilian court where the government will be required to present its evidence and he can answer.

In their conference on Friday, the Supreme Court will consider the Obama administration’s request that the court dismiss as moot Marri’s pending challenge to the government’s power to hold him without charges or trial. The justices should decline.

Welcome though it is, the new administration’s move stops short of actually repudiating the frightening legal claim to justify holding Marri — that the president has the power to order the military to seize legal residents or U.S. citizens and detain them indefinitely.

Legal filings leave open the possibility the Obama adminis-

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tration may decide to re-designate Marri as an enemy combatant and resume his military detention, should it fail to win a criminal conviction.

A Supreme Court showdown over the enemy combatant policy is overdue. Three years ago, the court avoided ruling on the matter. It declined the case of another enemy combatant, Jose Padilla, when the government made a sudden turnaround and charged him in civilian court to dodge Supreme Court review.

We do not expect Obama will fashion an ultra-imperial presidency. Nevertheless, the court should not feel comfortable about dismissing Marri’s case at this late date, especially when the government has not renounced its claimed power to engage in this unconstitutional conduct. To do so would undermine the remedy of habeas corpus, as well as trust in the judicial process.

At the very least, the court must vacate the deeply flawed 2008 decision by the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Virginia that upheld the dangerous exercise of authority. To dismiss the Marri appeal as moot and leave the dreadful lower court ruling standing as precedent would be an affront to Americans and the Constitution.

COLUMN

Rectifying a ‘mistake’ in sentencing

By DERRICK Z. JACKSON THE BOSTON GLOBE

riminal justice will never supplant the economy, war, or healthcare as a top priority, but when Attorney General Eric Holder called waterboarding torture, it ought to have signaled more than a reversal of a singular policy in the treatment of a few suspected terrorists. He said, “Too often over the past decade, the fight against terrorism has been viewed as a zero-sum battle with our civil liberties. Not only is that thought misguided, I fear that in actuality it does more harm than good.”

The big question is whether the Obama administration can rebalance the scales at home, where the corrosive underbelly of injustice is quiet terrorism. Consider the prison boom that accompanied Draconian federal and state laws, laws that became racist in their application.

This week, the Pew Center on the States released a report that found that states spent $47 billion on prisons last year, with spending rising faster than that for education. The spending continues to rise, even as crime rates have fallen by 25 percent over the last 20 years. States spend an average of $29,000 annually on each prisoner, 10 times what they spend on parolees and 23 times what they spend on those on probation.

The great irony, of course, is that $29,000 is not only much more than in-state college tuition, it is more likethe annual cost of tuition at a private university.

The waste has reached a point where in California, for instance, federal judges have ordered the release of one-third of the state’s 150,000 inmates because the health services available in the grossly overcrowded system violate the constitution. At the beginning of the Reagan administration, one in 77 Americans was in prison, on parole, or on probation. Today the ratio is one in 31, led by one in 13 adults in Georgia and one in 18 in Idaho.

Massachusetts ranks fifth at one in 24.

Huge percentages of the 1.5 million people in prison, particularly African-Americans (one in 11 African-Americans are under some form of correction), are

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there for nonviolent drug offenses that call out not for barbed wire, but for treatment, education, and job opportunities. The Pew study found that nine of every 10 corrections dollars went to prisons, not for rehabilitation programs.

So it is no surprise that another report released this week by Human Rights Watch found that in every year since 1980, AfricanAmericans have been arrested on drug charges between 2.8 to 5.5 times more, relative to the population, than white Americans.

This is despite the long, conveniently ignored fact that Americans consume illegal drugs at roughly their racial percentage of the national population. Drug possession made up 64 percent of drug arrests, with annual percentages reaching 80 percent in the just-concluded Bush years.

Part of the reason this spun out of control is nearly three decades of blind eyes and cowardice in the White House. What the conservative administrations of Reagan and the first President Bush started, President Clinton continued by capitulating to the conservative chorus in Congress in the 1990s to lock in laws that punished crack cocaine possession far more harshly than possession of powdered cocaine.

There was no hope for change under the second President Bush.

In a meeting with columnists in 2007, Obama said the disparate crack-to-powder laws were a “mistake.” He needs to tell Holder to work with Congress to rectify the mistake. The warehousing of those arrested for drug possession has been worse than a misguided zero-sum game with our liberties. For the cost of private college tuition per prisoner, we do more harm than good, removing tens of thousands of people from the path to productivity in their communities.

Ironically, Holder created a mild stir by saying America has been a nation of cowards on race.

While the statement was largely needless, given that the nation now has a black president, he suddenly has a huge say in eliminating the most powerful symbol of the cowardice that remains. The issue of American prisoners will tell us how brave Holder and Obama will be.

EDITORIAL

Revising U.S. peace efforts is urgent NEW YORK TIMES NEWS SERVIVCE

illary Rodham Clinton put down the right markers on her first Middle East trip as secretary of state.

Whatever the eventual composition of a new, and presumably more hawkish, government after Israel’s last election, Clinton made clear that America’s compelling interest lies in a two-state solution anchored by a broad regional peace.

She advanced that interest by announcing diplomatic re-engagement with Syria and strong American support for the Palestinian Authority president, Mahmoud Abbas.

Coaxing Syria away from

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Tehran would benefit Washington, deepening Iran’s isolation on the nuclear issue and encouraging Syrian cooperation in stabilizing Iraq.

It would benefit Israel, giving Syria greater incentives to cut off arms flows to Hezbollah in Lebanon. And it would benefit Syria, by providing the wider diplomatic and economic opening Damascus has been seeking.

Israel’s likely next prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, is believed to be more open to peace talks with Syria than with the Palestinians, but peacemaking with Syria is a supplement, not a substitute, for peacemaking with the Palestinians.

Abbas remains the key on that front, despite the weakness of his Fatah party. Fatah’s rival, Hamas, disqualifies itself so long as it permits rocket fire and terrorism and against Israel and rejects past agreements between Israel and the Palestinians.

Yet the widespread civilian suffering in January caused by Israel’s counteroffensive against Hamas in Gaza damaged Abbas’ credibility as an effective defender of Palestinian interests. Washington must convince Israeli leaders to help rebuild it.

In the West Bank, that means freezing further settlement construction and expansion. It means lifting roadblocks between Palestinian cities and

towns that are not needed for security. In East Jerusalem, it means stopping the humiliating eviction of Palestinians. And in Gaza, it means expanding exceptions to the blockade to allow the import of cement and reconstruction materials. These moves will benefit Abbas more than Hamas, which feeds on Palestinian suffering.

Clinton said she raised these points with Israeli leaders. She will need to keep raising them, and so will President Barack Obama’s Middle East envoy, George Mitchell, who will return to the region after a new Israeli government is in place.

Reviving American peace efforts is urgent.

COLUMN

More positive action is required on finances n his big speech to Congress last month, President Barack Obama argued for bold steps to fix America’s dysfunctional banks.

“While the cost of action will be great,” he declared, “I can assure you that the cost of inaction will be far greater, for it could result in an economy that sputters along for not months or years, but perhaps a decade.”

Many analysts agree. But among people I talk to there’s a growing sense of frustration, even panic, over Obama’s failure to match his words with deeds.

The reality is that when it comes to dealing with the banks, the Obama administration is dithering. Policy is stuck in a holding pattern.

Here’s how the pattern works: First, administration officials, usually speaking off the record, float a plan for rescuing the banks in the press. This trial balloon is quickly shot down by informed commentators.

Then, a few weeks later, the administration floats a new plan.

This plan is, however, just a thinly disguised version of the previous plan, a fact quickly realized by all concerned. And the cycle starts again.

Why do officials keep offering plans that nobody else finds credible? Because somehow, top officials in the Obama administration and at the Federal Reserve have convinced themselves that troubled assets, often re-

I

PAUL KRUGMAN ferred to these days as “toxic waste,” are really worth much more than anyone is actually willing to pay for them — and that if these assets were properly priced, all our troubles would go away.

Thus, in a recent interview Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner tried to make a distinction between the “basic inherent economic value” of troubled assets and the “artificially depressed value” that those assets command right now.

In recent transactions, even AAA-rated mortgage-backed securities have sold for less than 40 cents on the dollar, but Geithner seems to think they’re worth much, much more.

And the government’s job, he declared, is to “provide the financing to help get those markets working,” pushing the price of toxic waste up to where it ought to be.

What’s more, officials seem to believe that getting toxic waste properly priced would cure the ills of all our major financial institutions.

Earlier this week, Ben Bernanke, the Federal Reserve chairman, was asked about the problem of “zombies” — financial institutions that are effectively bankrupt but are being kept alive by government aid.

“I don’t know of any large zombie institutions in the U.S. financial system,” he declared, and went on to specifically deny that AIG — AIG! — is a zombie.

This is the same AIG that, unable to honor its promises to pay off other financial institutions when bonds default, has already received $150 billion in aid and just got a commitment for $30 billion more.

The truth is that the Bernanke-Geithner plan — the plan the administration keeps floating, in slightly different versions — isn’t going to fly.

Take the plan’s latest incarnation: a proposal to make lowinterest loans to private investors willing to buy up troubled assets.

This would certainly drive up the price of toxic waste because it would offer a heads-you-win, tails-we-lose proposition. As described, the plan would let investors profit if asset prices went up but just walk away if prices fell substantially.

But would it be enough to make the banking system healthy? No. Think of it this way: By using taxpayer funds to subsidize the prices of toxic waste, the administration would shower benefits

DOONESBURY | GARRY TRUDEAU

on everyone who made the mistake of buying the stuff.

Some of those benefits would trickle down to where they’re needed, shoring up the balance sheets of key financial institutions. But most of the benefit would go to people who don’t need or deserve to be rescued.

And this means that the government would have to lay out trillions of dollars to bring the financial system back to health, which would, in turn, both ensure a fierce public outcry and add to already serious concerns about the deficit.

(Yes, even strong advocates of fiscal stimulus like yours truly worry about red ink.)

Realistically, it’s just not going to happen.

So why has this zombie idea — it keeps being killed, but it keeps coming back — taken such a powerful grip? The answer, I fear, is that officials still aren’t willing to face the facts.

They don’t want to face up to the dire state of major financial institutions because it’s very hard to rescue an essentially insolvent bank without, at least temporarily, taking it over. And temporary nationalization is still, apparently, considered unthinkable.

But this refusal to face the facts means, in practice, an absence of action. And I share the president’s fears: Inaction could result in an economy that sputters along, not for months or years, but for a decade or more.

Zlife

SATURDAY,MARCH 7,2009

ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM

5A

Angel Food Boxes: Dinner on a dime

By TARYN WHITE THE ZAPATA TIMES

Cardboard boxes heaped with gastronomical delights including fresh fruit, pre-planned meals and a little something sweet lined the tables at First United Methodist Church on Saturday morning during the church’s monthly food pick-up of the “Angel Food Boxes.”

As the country sinks deeper into recession and families of all economic backgrounds tighten their belts and become more wary of opening their wallets, the boxes of food, part of FUMC’s Angel Food Ministry, may very well feel as though they were heaven-sent.

In the middle of every month, about 150 parishioners and community members sign up to get a month’s worth of groceries for only $30. The food fits conveniently in a cardboard box and contains all the necessary food groups.

“This is restaurant-quality food; it’s not stuff no one else wanted,” said Peter Aguilar, pastor at First United Methodist Church.

“It’s a well balanced meal.”

“This is restaurant-quality food; it’s not stuff no one else wanted.”

PASTOR PETER AGUILAR

The Angel Food Ministry, founded in 1994 in Georgia, is a national organization. Since its inception, the ministry’s popularity has spread throughout churches around the country.

“The box will feed a single person for a full month and a family of four for one week,” Aguilar said. “And it has everything you need — it really is a smart box.”

Each box contains a different menu depending on the month, but with the same basic foods like eggs, milk, bread and prepared meals are included. A recent menu boasted Salisbury steak, stuffed manicotti, corn muffin mix, country-fried beefsteak and much more. The boxes usually contain around 20 items.

As well as purchasing the basic food box, customers are also wel-

Photo by Rich Pedroncelli | AP

Merle Haggard poses at his ranch at Palo Cedro, Calif. Haggard says he’s on the mend after successful surgery to remove a cancerous tumor from his lung.

Music legend Haggard to play LEC on Tuesday SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

If the question were asked: “Who forged the genre that is known today as ‘modern country music?’ ” only a tiny group of country immortals could step forward to share the spotlight. One, out of that select handful, would be Merle Haggard. Haggard may not have been in the delivery room on the morning country music was born; it simply seems like he was. And you won’t hear anybody refer to him as the fa-

ther of country music. But many will swear he’s at least its godfather.

Presented by Big Buck Country 98.1 and the Laredo Entertainment Center, that legend will perform at the Laredo Entertainment Center on Tuesday, March 10, at 7:30 p.m. at the arena. Tickets are still available for $45, $35, $25 and $15, and may be purchased at the LEC Box office, all Ticketmaster outlets, ticketmaster.com, or charge by phone at 712-1566.

Pitbull to bring Miami heat to LEC on April 2

By KIRSTEN CROW LAREDO MORNING TIMES

Laredo Entertainment Center officials announced Wednesday that the arena will be bringing reggaeton/Latin rap star Pitbull — known for hits like “Shake,” “Toma,” “Go Girl” and “The Anthem” — to its stage Thursday, April 2, at 7:30 p.m.

Joining Pitbull will be Houston-based rapper Slim Thug, who is enjoying renewed popularity with his single, “I Run,” and the tongue-in-cheek, self-proclaimed “Tamale Kingpin,” Chingo Bling.

The arena will be offering a buy-one, get-one free ticket deal at the LEC box office from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today.

In the past, the first 10 rows were exempt from the deal, but the arena is offering the buy-one, get-one free promotion for all rows of this concert.

LEC General Manager Roy

Medina said it was a strategic move to ensure anyone from the community could afford the concert, especially in light of the current economic conditions.

“We are opening it up to everybody,” he said. “It’s the most affordable show we’ve ever done.”

Ticket prices for the Pitbull concert are $46, $36, $26 and $6, plus facility fees. Tickets are also available — without the promotion — via Ticketmaster and by phone at 712-1566.

As for the spat of hip-hop shows recently announced, Medina said the T.I. concert supported the idea that there was “a need there nobody has ever tapped into before,” explaining that Laredo is now a “proven market.”

“It opens the minds of the music industry that we can definitely support hip-hop,” he said.

(Kirsten Crow may be reached at 728-2543 or by e-mail at kirsten@lmtonline.com)

come to purchase “specialty boxes,” which are smaller boxes containing specific foods.

The cut-off day to place an order for an Angel Food Box is the second Monday of every month, and the boxes arrive the last Saturday of the month. The program is open to everyone. First United Methodist accepts cash, Lonestar card and money orders.

For more information about upcoming menus and how to order an Angel Food Box, call First United Methodist Church at 7221674 or visit angelfoodministries.com.

(Taryn White may be reached at 728-2568 or at twhite@lmtonline.com)

Photo by Cuate Santos | Laredo Morning Times

St.Augustine High School student council members,from left,Lilian Martinez,Triana Gonzalez,Sara Renee Lara,Gerardo De La Garza and Manuel Ortegon deliver boxes of food for participants of the Angel Food Ministries at the First United Methodist Church.

ZFrontera AGENDAEN BREVE Actividades

 LAREDO — En celebración del Año Internacional de la Astronomía, el Planetario Lamar Bruni Vergara de Texas A&M International University presentará un orador diariamente.“The Scale and Contents of the Universe: Old Stars Shed New Light on Dark Matter”, es el sábado 7 de marzo a las 7 p.m. presentando al astrónomo del Observatorio McDonald, Don Winget. Una fiesta en vivo de astrología seguirá a la charla.

Ambos eventos son gratuitos y abiertos al público.Más información llamando al 326.2606. Igualmente, puede disfrutar en el planteraio “Stars of the Pharaohs” a las 5 p.m.; el estreno del nuevo espectáculo “Planet Quest”, a las 6 p.m.

“Star Signs” a las 7 p.m. La entrada es de 5 dólares por adulto; los niños, estudiantes de TAMIU, así como su personal y exalumnos pagan 4 dólares.

Entretenimiento

 LAREDO — El martes 10 de marzo se presenta Merle Haggard en el Laredo Entertainment Center a las 7:30 p.m.

Puede adquirir sus boletos en la taquilla de LEC, Ticketmaster, en ticketmaster.com ó llamando al (956) 712-1566.

Deportes

 LAREDO — El domingo 8 de marzo es el TAMIU Day en el Laredo Entertainment Center, cuando los Laredo Bucks recibirán a los Corpus Christi Rayz a las 4 p.m. Los boletos tienen costo de 5 dólares para ex alumnos,estudiantes, maestros y personal de TAMIU, al presentar una identificación de TAMIU en la taquilla del LEC.El precio regular se aplica al público en general.  LAREDO — El sábado 7 de marzo, el equipo de béisbol de Texas A&M International University recibirá a Newman University a las 11 a.m. y 1 p.m.; el sábado 7 de marzo, el equipo de softból de Texas A&M International University recibirá a Lincoln University a las 1 p.m. y 3 p.m.; el domingo 8 de marzo, el equipo de softból de Texas A&M International University recibirá a Lincoln University a las 12 p.m. y 2 p.m. Todos los encuentros son en el campus universitario. Los costos son de 5 dólares para el público en general; 3 dólares para estudiantes y gratis para cualquiera con identificación de TAMIU.

Cultura

 LAREDO — La actuación del 2009 Encanto Español – All Flamenco Show Student Scholarship Fundraiser es el sábado 7 de marzo y el domingo 8 de marzo a las 7 p.m.en el Laredo Little Theatre (4802 Thomas Ave.).La entrada por persona es de 15 dólares. Participarán también el TAMIU Classical Spanish Ballet, Guitar Ensemble y Spanish Poetry.  LAREDO — Las Series de Recital de Órgano de Texas A&M International University continúa el domingo 8 de marzo con la presentación del organista Younjung Yang, hoy a las 4 p.m. en el Center for the Fine and Performing Art Recital Hall. El evento es gratuito y abierto al público en general.

Servicio Social

 LAREDO — El sábado 7 de marzo es la ceremonia de Freedom Salute que es la bienvenida oficial de la 436th Chemical Company de Laredo que estuvo en Afganistán. La ceremonia de bienvenida está prevista para las 10 a.m. en el Laredo Entertainment Center. Se solicita a quienes asistan al evento vestir en colores rojo, blanco y azul.  LAREDO — “Under The Umbrella Camp” será los sábado 7, 14 y 28 de marzo,en dos sesiones para niños de 812 años (de 10 a.m. a 12 p.m.) para adolescentes de 13 a 18 años (de 1 p.m. a 4 p.m.).El campamento es una recreación para personas con necesidades especiales (Diagnosticadso con ASD-Totalmente Independientes). El campamento será en el NE Hillside Recreation Center (320 Wyoming). La cuota de recuperación es de 30 dólares. El espacio es limitado y puede reservarlo e el 7953045 de 3 p.m. a 9 p.m.  LAREDO — Una venta de libros se llevará a cabo en el Widener Room de la First United Methodist Church, 1220 McClelland Ave.,de 8:30 a.m.a 1 p.m.el sábado 7 de marzo. El público está invitado, y la entrada es gratuita. Se aceptan libros y revistas donadas.  LAREDO — El Laredo Community College invita a las audiciones para becas de música a desarrollarse el sábado 7 de marzo. Favor de llamar al 7215330 para más información; ó reserve su lugar escribiendo a jdc@laredo.edu.  LAREDO — El viernes 13 de marzo se celebra Careers on Wheels Day de las 9 a.m. a 11 a.m. en la C.L. Milton Elementary (2500 E. Ash / Estacionamiento por Montgomery).

El objetivo es crear atención sobre las muchas oportunidades de profesión disponibles al graduarse.

Para informar acerca de eventos y actividades envíe el nombre, fecha, hora y dirección, y un número de contacto a tiempo@lmtonline.com

SÁBADO 7 DE MARZO DE 2009

EN INTERNET: THEZAPATATIMES.COM

6A

Aumenta blindaje de automóviles Por MICHELLE ROBERTS ASSOCIATED PRESS

SAN ANTONIO — La violencia del narcotráfico en México se ha intensificado de tal forma que un número creciente de personas a ambos lados de la frontera con Estados Unidos están protegiendo sus automóviles con blindaje, cristales a prueba de balas y dispositivos que parecen sacados de una película de James Bond, como manijas electrificadas para las puertas y un artefacto que lanza una cortina de humo al presionar un botón.

Hasta fechas recientes, eran más bien las estrellas cinematográficas, los magnates empresariales y los políticos quienes tomaban semejantes precauciones. Pero ahora, según los dirigentes de la industria, los consumidores incluyen a los dueños de fábricas, médicos, editores de diarios y otras personas que tienen negocios en ambos lados de la frontera y temen por la ola de asesinatos, secuestros y asaltos a los automóviles sumamente frecuentes en el norte de México.

“No hay que ser muy rico” para necesitar esto, consideró Mark Burton, director general de International Armoring Corp, con sede en Ogden, Utah. “Esto es casi una necesidad”.

Una compañía de San Antonio espera un crecimiento de 50% en sus negocios este año.

Las modificaciones típicamente cuestan entre 80.000 y 100.000 dólares, y no sólo se realizan en limusinas, sino en autos Toyota o Honda, en furgone-

Las modificaciones típicamente cuestan entre 80.000 y 100.000 dólares. tas o en camionetas de pasajeros.

“Creo que necesitamos meternos en un capullo impenetrable”, dijo un empresario que tiene fábricas en Texas y en Ciudad Juárez, México. El empresario tiene dos Chevrolet Suburban blindadas desde octubre del 2007.

La fuente solicitó permanecer anónima pues teme por la seguridad de su familia después de que uno de sus hijos fue víctima de un intento de secuestro.

La guerra entre las autoridades mexicanas y los carteles traficantes de cocaína, marihuana y metanfetaminas en el país latinoamericano ha dejado 1.000 muertos tan sólo en lo que va del año. En el 2008, tan sólo en Ciudad Juárez, hubo más de 1.100 asesinatos.

Las bandas criminales han matado a policías, militares y civiles desde Cancún, en el Caribe, hasta Tijuana, en la frontera con California, mientras luchan por el control de las rutas para el tráfico de estupefacientes.

Los clientes del blindaje no sólo lo solicitan para la carrocería, sino que pueden adquirir también neumáticos capaces de seguir rodando pese a encontrarse reventados, y cristales a prueba de balas, que se estrellan pero no se rompen en pedazos, ni siquiera con el disparo de un fusil de asalto AR-15, una de las armas predilectas de los narcotraficantes.

Ejército localiza más de 9 toneladas de marihuana Por MIGUEL TIMOSHENKOV TIEMPO DE ZAPATA

Personal militar localizó 9 ½ toneladas de marihuana dentro de una cisterna y desenterró 193 mil 950 dólares en el poblado de Guardados de Arriba, Municipio de Miguel Alemán, a unos 100 kilómetros al suroeste de Nuevo Laredo.

La Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional informó que efectivos militares del 16/o. Regimiento de Caballería Motorizado encontraron la droga en una finca abandonada.

Según comunicado de prensa, los soldados ejercían un reconocimiento terrestre al sur del poblado Guardados de Arriba y observaron que al pie de un árbol se encontraba tierra removida.

Oficiales procedieron a cavar

en ese lugar, localizándoce un tambo de 200 litros enterrado y en su interior una maleta que contenía 193.950 dólares en billetes de diferentes denominaciones.

El personal militar estableció un perímetro de seguridad, a inmediaciones del lugar del hallazgo, para continuar reconocimientos radiales en el área.

El objetivo era localizar a sospechosos que estuvieran próximos ó vigilando el contenido del tambo, según el comunicado de prensa de SeDeNa. A unos 200 metros del lugar identificaron una construcción abandonada de la cual expedía un fuerte olor a marihuana y procedieron a revisar una cisterna que estaba desproporcionada porque el tamaño no coincidía con la loza externa.

Otros consumidores compran un paquete que puede transformar una furgoneta o vehículo deportivo-utilitario Ford F-150 en algo más propio de una película de Batman. Un botón emite una cortina de humo blanco, que facilitaría el escapar en una persecución.

Si ello no resulta, el conductor puede esparcir clavos para reventar los neumáticos del perseguidor. Y si el atacante llega al vehículo, las manijas electrificadas pueden darle una descarga que no es letal.

Jorge Valencia, quien ha trabajado en el negocio de la seguridad en México durante buena parte de las últimas dos décadas, dijo que su compañía adquirió su primer auto blindado a mediados de la década de 1990 pero era principalmente para los políticos y representaba sobre todo una medida de precaución.

Actualmente, el peligro es mucho mayor, consideró, y destacó que muchos secuestros ocurren incluso en lugares públicos.

“Las calles principales en Ciudad Juárez tienen asesinos a mediodía”, dijo Valencia, quien no quiere que el nombre de su empresa se mencione por temor a poner en riesgo a sus clientes.

Las empresas que instalan partes a prueba de balas han visto florecer también su nego-

Foto por Eric Gay | AP

Un soldador prepara una parte de un vehículo para blindaje en la Texas Armoring en San Antonio, el jueves. Debido al incremento de la violencia relacionada a los carteles de droga en México, compañías americanas dicen que están viendo un incremento en el número de carros que están siendo blindados. cio en México. Pero algunos empresarios, como el dueño de la fábrica en Ciudad Juárez, quien vive en Estados Unidos, consideran que es mejor el blindaje en Estados Unidos.

Bajo los términos de una regulación del 2004, las empresas estadounidenses necesitan una licencia de exportación del Departamento de Comercio para enviar al exterior un automóvil blindado. La regla busca impedir que los narcotraficantes y otros criminales adquieran esos vehículos.

Antes de la regla, Trent Kimball, director general de Texas

Armoring Corp, con sede en San Antonio, ponía placas blindadas en vehículos para un consumidor que aseguraba ser hacendado. Después, Kimball debió testificar durante el juicio de ese cliente por tráfico de drogas.

Texas Armoring, que comenzó en la década de 1970, blindando limusinas y otros vehículos para los líderes mundiales, produjo unos 100 automóviles con esas características el año pasado y espera completar 150 este año, dijo Kimball.

(La periodista de la AP, Alicia A. Caldwell, contribuyó con este despacho desde El Paso).

SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 2009

THE ZAPATA TIMES | 7A

Ford union vote to finish Monday

By KIMBERLY S. JOHNSON ASSOCIATED PRESS

DETROIT — The United Auto Workers union said it expects to finish voting Monday on concessions that would help Ford Motor Co. stay competitive with its Detroit-area counterparts receiving federal aid.

At least two UAW unions rejected the contract this week, but it is likely to be approved. Results are due Monday.

Workers at Local 892 in Saline, Mich., said “no” by 76 percent to 24 percent. Members in Lima, Ohio, also rejected the modifications.

But earlier this week, workers at one of Ford’s largest locals — Local 900 — approved the contract. The union in Wayne, Mich. represents 3,900 workers.

The contract freezes wages and eliminates the “jobs bank” that pays workers most of their wages while they’re laid off. The

agreement would also allow payments to a union-run trust for retiree health care to be paid in stock.

Some workers support the changes because they will help Ford survive, but others are angry that it results in a loss of pay and job protections. A group of Ford hourly workers and retirees has circulated a flyer urging members to vote against the contract, saying it results in a loss of pay and job protections.

Ford, which is not seeking government loans, reached an agreement with the UAW last month to amend its current contract.

General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC are seeking similar changes with their union workers, a requirement of the $17.4 billion the companies have received in federal aid so far. The companies are still negotiating with the UAW, and no formal agreement has been reached.

Chrysler and GM are required to bring their labor costs in line

with those of foreign auto companies’ plants in the U.S. Under terms of their loan agreements, progress must be made by March 31.

GM and Chrysler are seeking an additional $21.6 billion in government aid.

Shares of Ford fell 6.1 percent, or 11 cents, to close at $1.70 Friday.

8A | THE ZAPATA TIMES

SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 2009

GRANT | Continued from Page 1A

OBITUARIES WANDA I. VARGAS

Wanda I. Vargas 45, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2009, at Retama Manor West Nursing Center in Laredo.

Mrs. Vargas is preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Silvestre (Maria Luisa) Bustamante; maternal grandfather, Teofilo Vela; and father-in-law, Trinidad Vargas.

Mrs. Vargas is survived by her husband, Almicar Vargas; son, Almicar Vargas Jr.; daughter, Arlina Vargas; pet chihuahua, Rosie; parents, Silvestre Jr. (Guadalupe Socorro) Bustamante; brothers, Silvestre Bustamante, III, Eduardo (Dora) Bustamante; sisters, Myrna (Santiago Jr.) Hernandez, Ana Maria (Rudy Jr.) Bravo; grandmother, Antonia S. Vela; mother-inlaw, Manuela M. Vargas; and by numerous uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces and many friends.

Visitation hours were held Sunday, March 1, 2009, from 6 to 9

p.m. with a rosary at 7 p.m. at Rose Garden Funeral Home.

The funeral procession departed Monday, March 2, 2009, at 9:45 for a 10 a.m. funeral Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.

Committal services followed at Bustamante Cemetery.

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.

PATRICIA ANNETTE BANKHEAD HANSON

Patricia Annette Bankhead Hanson born in Yoakum, age 65, passed away Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009, at Doctor’s Hospital in Laredo.

Mrs. Hanson is preceded in death by her father O.W. Bankhead, mother Elsie Buckwal-

ter and brother, Kenneth Floyd Bankhead.

Mrs. Hanson is survived by her husband, Duane Allen Hanson from Zapata, sister, Leota Lynn Benbow from Katy; son, Joe D. Cliffe II from Goliad; daughter, Connie D. Brown from Victoria; stepchildren, Marjorie Alison Gunter from Bandera, Lorna Larraine Haynes from Corpus Christi, Duane Allen Hanson Jr. from Corpus Christi; niece, Christina Benbow from Katy; nephew, Troy Benbow from Katy; grandchildren, Marilyn Cliffe Guajardo and Pamela Cliffe from Victoria, Nicholas Brown, Dylan Brown, and Trinity Brown from Victoria, Bradley Gunter Cody Gunter from Bandera, Shane Desha, Brandon Hayes, Brittany Haynes, Hailey Hanson, Heather Hanson from Corpus Christi and great-grandchild, Audrianna Guajardo.

Pallbearers were Shane Desha,

Troy Benbow, Leonard Walker, Brad Gunter, Nicholas Brown, Dylan Brown and Cody Gunter.

Visitation hours were held Monday, March 2, 2009, from 5 to 6 p.m. with a service at 5:30 p.m. at Rose Garden Funeral Home.

Burial followed at Yoakum.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The American Cancer Society.

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.

COUNTY | Continued from Page 1A district taxable land is appraised at, the number of children who attend the district and the size of Zapata CISD’s special population or children who are limited English speakers.

“The appraisal numbers will really only change how much we pay to the state,” Rodriguez said. “We will still get the same amount.”

At this time, the Zapata appraisal district does not know how the outcome of the comptroller’s ap-

praisal numbers will affect the county, according to Amada Gonzalez, Zapata County chief appraiser.

The deadline to file an appeal is March 11. After that, formal hearings will begin in Austin, and the appraisal district will receive a letter stating approval or denial of the appeal.

“If the comptroller’s appraiser doesn’t agree with our values, then we have to take it to the state court,” Gonzalez said. “Hopefully it won’t get that far.”

Gonzalez was undecided as to how the money would be spent, but was positive that the grant would help Zapata in its fight against border violence and drug smuggling.

“We would certainly appreciate (the money), said Gonzalez, “In all probability it will be used for equipment … trying to prevent drug use, drug apprehensions … (and) border security …. (or) All crimes with a nexus towards border security, mas bein,” added Gonzalez.

Cuellar was excited for the grant to be put in to action as soon as possible, and was sure that the money would have two positive outcomes.

“In today’s challenging economic times, these funds will help strengthen the economy and protect the residents of Zapata County,” Cuellar said. “This money provides law enforcement officers the support they need to do their jobs as effectively and safely as possible.”

(Erika Lambreton can be reached at 728-2567 or email erika@lmtonline.com)

AID | Continued from Page 1A Z ap at a C o u n t y, wh i c h re ceived a $5,100 donation Overall, ConocoPhillips handed out more than $313,000 in donations to various organizations, including a $106,527 check to the United Way of Laredo.

“We will be using these donated funds for school uniforms for our kids,” said Laura McCoy, Zapata County Independent School District chief financial officer.

“Just as an employee, knowing that we have businesses that are partnering in support of the education system in this community means a lot. We all want to support our kids and knowing ConocoPhillips does, too, means a lot as well.”

Anna Holcomb, president of

the Zapata County Fair Association, said the funds would be used at the organization’s auction for children and their projects.

“All the kids that participate in the stock show place their names into a drawing for prizes donated by ConocoPhillips,” Holcomb said.

“It means a lot to us right now, especially since everybody seems to be going through these hard, economic times and everyone is worried about their child’s projects and how they’ll be done,” she added. “By ConocoPhillips giving these funds before the Fair, they are sending a big message saying the oil field is still here and we’re going to be supporting the community.”

FAIR | Continued from Page 1A The fair is not only for entertainment purposes. Students craft all kinds of items that will help teach them lessons in consumerism, and they will be able to enjoy the fruits of their labor.

The fair plays an “important role in the lives of these kids (and is) an opportunity for them to learn responsibility and make money for their college careers,” said Mendoza.

Mendoza said he hoped that with the help of the ad campaign and attractive Web site created by Laredo ad agency Grapititks, people from other counties would attend.

“Graphitiks is putting the word out,” Mendoza said.

“We’re looking forward to (the rest of the fair).”

Inquiring minds have already been calling the Zapata Chamber of Commerce, requesting information regarding the events and how to become

involved.

“We’ve get at least 30-35 calls a day of people to get information on the fair,” Mendoza said.

Callers are often referred to the Web site — www.zapatacountyfaironline.com — which contains a list of events and other information.

So far, Mendoza said planning for the rest of the fair’s events has been smooth sailing, and the participation level for the events has continued to increase.

“Everything has been falling into place,” said Mendoza.

“Everybody is very excited. We are hoping for a tremendous outcome this year.”

With events already bringing in the crowds, the fair continues to gain a great reputation and truly lives up to its title of “The Best Little Fair in Texas.”

“I think the fair seems to be getting better and better every year,” said Mendoza.

The $106,527 donation from ConocoPhillips to United Way of Laredo is part of an ongoing relationship between both organizations.

This donation covers part of ConocoPhillips’ pledge for 2008 toward United Way of Laredo.

The total amount raised for 2008 was $424,000, and that includes support from employees, the corporation, contractors and others.

“It felt great, especially in these times, to give back,” said Randy Black, ConocoPhillips’ South Texas operations manager.

“We’re able to continue a longstanding tradition of providing support to communities where we have employees that live and work covering four counties in the South Texas area.

WARM Continued from Page 1A park every Christmas for 50 needy children from Zapata schools.

“It started as me trying to help out a couple of students and everyone just got behind it and wanted to help,” Drummond said. “People probably spend at least $50 each on gifts for the kids.”

Winter Texans end up contributing a lot of their time working and volunteering around the city.

“They are all over town.

It is easy to noti ce how many more p eople are around at churches and the post office when they come,” Hatfield said. “Through the years the numb ers have grown. It has probably doubled from when (Winter Texans) first started coming here.”

The Zapata Times SATURDAY,MARCH 7,2009

ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM

Sports&Outdoors Big 12 starting spring practice ASSOCIATED PRESS

What to watch for during spring practice around the Big 12: Baylor (4-8) Practice started: March 2.

Spring game: April 2 (controlled scrimmage at new practice complex).

All eyes on: Who will protect QB Robert Griffin? As a freshman last season, Griffin had 2,934 total yards and 28 touchdowns (2,091 yards and 15 TDs passing, with 843 yards and 13 TDs rushing) but the key starters gone are OTs Jason Smith and Dan Gay, both of whom started at least 34 games. Smith is a projected top-five NFL pick. Baylor lost four games by a touchdown or less with Griffin, who just turned 19 last month, and leading receiver Kendall Wright, also a freshman.

Colorado (5-7) Practice starts: March 31.

Spring game: April 25.

All eyes on: Cody Hawkins and Tyler Hansen alternated lining up at quarterback midway through last season, giving the Buffaloes a running and throwing threat. The problem was, opponents were tipped off to what the Buffaloes were scheming.

Hawkins was the passer, throwing for 1,892 yards and 17 touchdowns. Hansen gave the Buffs a burst of speed, scampering for 261 yards. The Buffs may look to hone the platoon system in 2009,

or could opt for a different plan.

Coach Dan Hawkins recruited Josh Moten and Clark Evans to campus, with a chance at the quarterback job.

Iowa State (2-10) Practice starts: March 24.

Spring game: April 18.

All eyes on: Iowa State enters spring practice with its third coach in four seasons. Paul Rhoads, hired to replace Gene Chizik in December, will use spring ball to establish his philosophy and expectations of the Cyclones, many of whom were reeling following Chizik’s abrupt departure. New offensive coordinator Tom Herman will begin implementing a pass-oriented spread offense with quarterback Austen Arnaud.

Kansas (8-5) Practice starts: March 9.

Spring game: April 11.

All eyes on: The offense is set: QB Todd Reesing is back and so are nearly all of his receivers.

What the Jayhawks need is to find defensive help after ranking near the bottom of the Big 12 in pass defense. Coach Mark Mangino pulled together one of the best recruiting classes in school history, including 14 defensive players. Defensive backs Bradley McDougald — who’ll also likely play some receiver — and Prinz Kande could have an impact right away.

Girls run at B. Olympics

By CLARA SANDOVAL SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

The Zapata girl’s track team is ready for the Border Olympics in Laredo that started Friday.

Coach Luis Alaniz takes over the girls track program after the departure of coach Juan Villarreal, who moved over to become the boy’s basketball coach.

Alaniz has been an assistant girls track coach for the Lady Hawks since 1996.

His coaching staff consists of Mike Villarreal and Rosie Villarreal, who predominately focus on the long distance and field events.

Alaniz coaches the sprinters and the short distances.

He welcomes back 14 regional qualifiers from last year’s district championship team that edge out Raymondville for the title.

The race for the title came down to the last event of the evening, the mile relay. The Lady Hawks came in second in front of Raymondville and clinched the district title.

The Lady Hawks will be led by sophomores Brandi King and Lauren Mendoza, who qualified to the regional meet in Kingsville in four events as freshmen.

In the field events, Alaniz will return Tessa Moss (pole vault), King (high jump) Lauren Mendoza (pole vault), Adriana Peña (shot putt) and Katherine Garcia (discus).

The 4x100-meter relay team consist King, Clarissa Solis, Alexis Garcia.

The 800-meter relay team welcomes back all four relay members, King, Alexis Garza, Marisol Garcia and Amber Guzman, The Lady Hawks also return all four members of the runnerup 1600-meter relay team with Martinez, Mendoza, A. Garcia

and Kristy Garcia.

In the middle distance Martinez and Mendoza will led the pack in the 800 meter run while A. Garza runs the 400 meter run.

Solis will lead all sprinters with the 100 and 200 meter run.

King will also lend a hand at the 100-meter run.

Michelle Garcia, who this past cross-country season took the Lady Hawks all the way to the state meet, will lead the long distance events. Garcia qualified in the 1600-meter run and the 3200-meter run. She will get a

See RUN | PAGE 2B

CAPTAINS FLYING HIGH

See BIG 12 | PAGE 2B

Photo by Ricardo Segovia | The Zapata Times

This year’s Zapata Lady Hawks softball captains are, from left to right, Mayra Alaniz, Linda Leyva and Tessa Moss.

Softball team rolls to six wins during non-district play

By CLARA SANDOVAL SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

Owen’s agent sees new team quickly

By JAIME ARON ASSOCIATED PRESS

IRVING — Terrell Owens’ agent predicts the well-traveled receiver will find a new team by the end of next week.

Owens is back on the market after being released by the Dallas Cowboys.

“There are several teams that are interested in signing Terrell,” agent Drew Rosenhaus wrote in a text message Friday to The Associated Press.

“I have been in negotiations with these teams. I will not identify these teams at this time. Terrell and I expect to have a deal in place by the end of next week if not sooner.”

Owens is among the NFL’s career leaders in catches, yards and touchdowns. But the Cowboys are the third team to get rid of him because of his divisiveness. He left after eight seasons with the 49ers and two with the Eagles. There’s speculation the Raiders or Redskins, among other teams, might be interested in him.

The Cowboys cut him Thursday after three seasons. While his on-field performances were quite good, his behavior off the field —

and sometimes on the sideline and in the huddle — made Owens too much of a distraction for team owner Jerry Jones.

“In the aftermath of the season, we talked about change,” Jones said in a statement. “Some of what is changing involves the process and some of it involves people. This is a decision that was made based upon consideration for an entire team.

“We will move on now with a new team — a new attitude — and into a new stadium.

The evaluation process and the prospect for change will continue at every level of the organization.”

So Owens won’t get a chance to thrill crowds in the Cowboys’ new home this year. Nor will he get a chance to turn off his teammates with his histrionics.

Owens released a statement on his Web site thanking Jones, coach Wade Phillips and the organization for “the opportunity to be a member of the team for the past three years.”

“A big thanks to the fans — you’ve been awesome! I look forward to the upcoming season and

See TO | PAGE 2B

Coach Jaime Garcia knew a tough predistrict schedule was going to be the key to the Lady Hawks success down the road.

At the week’s end he has his Lady Hawks flying high with a 6-4 pre-district record.

The Lady Hawks traveled to a tough tournament and had their best outing in recent memory.

They faced two formidable opponents in Roma and United and came away with a win and a loss.

First on Garcia’s list for the Lady Hawks pre-district schedule was the Mission Tournament. The Lady Hawks traveled to Mission on Feb. 19 to compete in the 15th Annual Mission Fast Pitch Festival.

Thirty-two teams competed in the threeday softball tournament that included nine of the top 10 valley teams.

The Lady Hawks walked away with a 12 record and were in the mix of things during every game.

Coach Jaime Garcia was pleased with

“It is just a matter of putting everything together. In softball it is a matter of getting hot at the right time. I am very proud of the girls .”

COACH JAIME GARCIA

his team’s overall performance and saw the Lady Hawks improve dramatically on their defense and pitching.

“Overall we did well but we just need to polish up on our hitting,” Garcia said. “It is just a matter of putting everything together. In softball it is a matter of getting hot at the right time. I am very proud of the girls and hopefully we can continue.”

In their opening game Thursday the Lady Hawks faced the number eight team in the Rio Grande Valley, PSJA North.

The Lady Raiders jumped to a 4-0 lead heading to the final inning. They scored four more runs for an 8-0 victory.

Zapata’s Amanda Sanchez recorded the only hit for the Lady Hawks.

The Lady Hawks rebounded to beat Edinburg Economedes 2-1.

Zapata was led at the plate by Tessa Moss, Crystal Del Bosque and Ashley Martinez, who each had a hit.

Martinez was credited with one RBI. Moss and Cassandra Quintanilla scored a run apiece and that is all that they would need to seal the victory.

In the second game of the day the Lady Hawks faced Corpus Christi Ray. Zapata was ahead the majority of the game but the Lady Texans scored two late runs to come away with a 2-1 victory.

Mayra Alaniz led the Lady Hawks with two hits. Tessa Moss and Angela Ramirez had one each.

Ashley Martinez had one RBI. Leyva was the workhorse for the Lady Hawks on the mound as she pitched all three games. She had 10 strikeouts.

See SOFTBALL | PAGE 2B

Yang leads Honda Classic at midpoint

By TIM REYNOLDS ASSOCIATED PRESS

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — To say Y.E. Yang has had an erratic career would be putting it mildly.

He beat Tiger Woods to win the HSBC Champions in 2006.

Three weeks later, he finished well out of contention at QSchool. And he got disqualified

when trying to defend his title at Shanghai, because someone following play on the Internet noticed his scorecard was incorrect.

And now, the latest upswing for Yang: He’s the leader midway through the Honda Classic.

Yang shot a bogey-free round of 5-under 65, moving to 7 under through two rounds at PGA National. The South Korean was one shot ahead of Will MacKenzie

(67), Jeff Overton (67) and Robert Allenby (68).

“Prior to my win at the HSBC Champions in 2006, people in Korea knew me ... but outside of Korea, people really didn’t know me at all,” Yang said through an interpreter. “But after beating Tiger at the HSBC, people starting recognizing me, not only in Korea but outside as well. To be mentioned in the same context as

Tiger, it’s very honorable.”

Of the top 21 players on the leaderboard, only MacKenzie and Stewart Cink have PGA Tour wins since 2006.

A who’s-who leaderboard?

More people were probably saying “Who’s he?”

“It just goes to show how much better, more competitive

See CLASSIC | PAGE 2B

Zscores CHL NORTHERN CONFERENCE Northeast Division W L OTL Pts GF GA x-Mississippi 38 14 3 79 208 139 x-Bossier-Shreveport35 16

4

74

173 144

x-Oklahoma City 33 16 7 73 176 142 Tulsa 16 31 8 40 151 230 Northwest Division W L OTL Pts GF GA y-Colorado 39 13 4 82 235 171 x-Rocky Mountain 30 23 4 64 190 184 Rapid City 19 29 8 46 158 198 Wichita 19 34 3 41 146 195 SOUTHERN CONFERENCE Southeast Division W L OTL Pts GF GA x-Texas 37 13 5 79 197 153 x-Laredo 31 19 5 67 192 166 Rio Grande Valley28 22 5 61 192 176 Corpus Christi 24 27 5 53 164 187 Southwest Division W L OTL Pts GF GA y-Odessa 33 16 6 72 223 174 Arizona 24 29 4 52 201 234 New Mexico 23 31 2 48 192 222 Amarillo 16 36 3 35 165 248 x-clinched playoff spot y-clinched division NOTE: Two points are awarded for a win, one point for loss in overtime or shootout. Overtime or shootout losses are only denoted in the OTL column, not the loss column.

Thursday’s Games Oklahoma City 3, Wichita 1 Rocky Mountain 4, Colorado 3 Friday’s Games Oklahoma City at Amarillo Wichita at Bossier-Shreveport Laredo at Odessa Corpus Christi at Texas Mississippi at Tulsa Rio Grande Valley at Arizona Rocky Mountain at Colorado Rapid City at New Mexico Saturday’s Games Rocky Mountain at Amarillo Mississippi at Bossier-Shreveport Odessa at Texas New Mexico at Oklahoma City Wichita at Tulsa Rio Grande Valley at Arizona Rapid City at Colorado Sunday’s Games Corpus Christi at Laredo Mississippi at Odessa

NBA EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic W L Pct GB x-Boston 48 14 .774 — Philadelphia 29 30 .492 17½ New Jersey 27 34 .443 20½ New York 25 35 .417 22 Toronto 23 39 .371 25 Southeast W L Pct GB Orlando 44 16 .733 — Atlanta 34 27 .557 10½ Miami 32 28 .533 12 Charlotte 26 35 .426 18½ Washington 14 47 .230 30½ Central W L Pct GB x-Cleveland 48 12 .800 — Detroit 30 29 .508 17½ Milwaukee 29 35 .453 21 Chicago 28 34 .452 21 Indiana 27 37 .422 23 WESTERN CONFERENCE Southwest W L Pct GB San Antonio 40 20 .667 — New Orleans 38 22 .633 2 Houston 39 23 .629 2 Dallas 37 25 .597 4 Memphis 16 44 .267 24 Northwest W L Pct GB Denver 40 22 .645 — Portland 38 23 .623 1½ Utah 38 23 .623 1½ Minnesota 18 42 .300 21 Oklahoma City 16 45 .262 23½ Pacific W L Pct GB L.A. Lakers 49 12 .803 — Phoenix 34 27 .557 15 Golden State 21 40 .344 28 L.A. Clippers 15 47 .242 34½ Sacramento 13 49 .210 36½ x-clinched playoff spot Thursday’s Games New Orleans 104, Dallas 88 Denver 106, Portland 90 Friday’s Games Miami at Toronto, 7 p.m.

New Jersey at Orlando, 7 p.m.

Atlanta at Charlotte, 7 p.m.

Cleveland at Boston, 8 p.m.

Golden State at Detroit, 8 p.m.

Phoenix at Houston, 8:30 p.m.

Milwaukee at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.

Washington at San Antonio, 8:30 p.m.

Denver at Utah, 10:30 p.m.

Minnesota at L.A. Lakers, 10:30 p.m.

Saturday’s Games Detroit at Atlanta, 7 p.m.

Miami at Cleveland, 7:30 p.m.

Charlotte at New York, 7:30 p.m.

Philadelphia at Memphis, 8 p.m.

Oklahoma City at New Orleans, 8 p.m.

Golden State at Milwaukee, 8:30 p.m.

Washington at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.

Minnesota at Portland, 10 p.m.

Indiana at L.A. Clippers, 10:30 p.m.

Sunday’s Games Utah at Toronto, 12:30 p.m.

Orlando at Boston, 1 p.m.

Phoenix at San Antonio, 3:30 p.m.

New York at New Jersey, 6 p.m.

Memphis at Houston, 7 p.m.

Philadelphia at Oklahoma City, 7 p.m.

Denver at Sacramento, 9 p.m.

NHL All Times Eastern EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division W L OT Pts GF GA New Jersey 42 19 3 87 199 155 Philadelphia 34 19 10 78 203 185

N.Y. Rangers Pittsburgh N.Y. Islanders

33 24 8 74 163 177 34 26 6 74 202 198 20 37 7 47 156 210 Northeast Division W L OT Pts GF GA Boston 42 14 9 93 218 148 Montreal 34 23 7 75 195 194 Buffalo 32 25 7 71 187 176 Toronto 26 26 13 65 195 231 Ottawa 24 29 10 58 159 184 Southeast Division W L OT Pts GF GA Washington 40 21 5 85 216 195 Florida 33 24 8 74 182 182 Carolina 33 27 5 71 174 188 Tampa Bay 21 31 12 54 165 207 Atlanta 23 35 6 52 191 225 WESTERN CONFERENCE Central Division W L OT Pts GF GA Detroit 43 14 8 94 242 189 Chicago 36 17 9 81 208 157 Nashville 33 28 4 70 169 179 Columbus 32 27 6 70 175 184 St. Louis 28 27 8 64 173 186 Northwest Division W L OT Pts GF GA Calgary 39 19 6 84 212 187 Vancouver 33 22 8 74 190 177 Edmonton 31 27 6 68 180 198 Minnesota 31 27 5 67 161 151 Colorado 28 36 1 57 173 207 Pacific Division W L OT Pts GF GA San Jose 42 11 10 94 209 156 Anaheim 31 28 6 68 182 191 Dallas 30 26 8 68 187 197 Los Angeles 27 28 9 63 169 188 Phoenix 28 31 5 61 161 194 Two points for a win, one point for overtime loss or shootout loss.

Thursday’s Games Phoenix 2, Boston 1 Calgary 5, Philadelphia 1 Toronto 2, Washington 1 N.Y. Rangers 4, N.Y. Islanders 2 Ottawa 4, Edmonton 2 Pittsburgh 4, Florida 1 Nashville 4, Columbus 2 Minnesota 4, San Jose 3, OT Los Angeles 5, Dallas 4, OT Friday’s Games Calgary at Carolina, 7 p.m.

Phoenix at Buffalo, 7:30 p.m.

Montreal at Atlanta, 7:30 p.m.

St. Louis at Tampa Bay, 7:30 p.m.

Dallas at Anaheim, 10 p.m.

Saturday’s Games Chicago at Boston, 1 p.m.

New Jersey at N.Y. Islanders, 2 p.m.

Minnesota at Los Angeles, 4 p.m.

Buffalo at Ottawa, 7 p.m.

St. Louis at Florida, 7 p.m.

Columbus at Detroit, 7 p.m.

Edmonton at Toronto, 7 p.m.

Nashville at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.

Carolina at Tampa Bay, 7:30 p.m.

San Jose at Vancouver, 10 p.m.

Sunday’s Games Boston at N.Y. Rangers, 12:30 p.m.

Calgary at Atlanta, 3 p.m.

Colorado at Chicago, 3 p.m.

Phoenix at N.Y. Islanders, 3 p.m.

Pittsburgh at Washington, 3 p.m.

Montreal at Dallas, 6 p.m.

Minnesota at Anaheim, 8 p.m.

MLB Spring Training Glance All Times EST AMERICAN LEAGUE W L Pct Los Angeles 7 1 .875 Baltimore 7 2 .778 Minnesota 7 2 .778 Seattle 4 2 .667 Texas 5 3 .625 Detroit 5 4 .556 Chicago 5 5 .500 Oakland 4 4 .500 Toronto 4 4 .500 Kansas City 3 3 .500 Tampa Bay 4 5 .444 Cleveland 3 4 .429 Boston 3 6 .333 New York 2 6 .250 NATIONAL LEAGUE W L Pct Atlanta 6 2 .750 Pittsburgh 7 3 .700 St. Louis 5 3 .625 Cincinnati 6 4 .600 Milwaukee 4 3 .571 New York 5 4 .556 Chicago 5 5 .500 Arizona 4 4 .500 Los Angeles 4 4 .500 Philadelphia 4 4 .500 San Francisco 4 5 .444 Washington 4 5 .444 San Diego 2 3 .400 Houston 2 5 .286 Florida 1 7 .125 Colorado 0 8 .000 NOTE: Split-squad games count in the standings; games against non-major league teams do not.

Thursday’s Games Puerto Rico 9, Boston 5 USA 9, Philadelphia 6 Houston 7, Panama 5 Detroit 10, Washington 2 Baltimore 5, Florida 2 Cincinnati 10, Pittsburgh 6, 10 innings Canada 6, N.Y. Yankees 0 Atlanta 8, Venezuela 4 Minnesota 4, Netherlands 2 St. Louis 4, Dominican Republic 1 N.Y. Mets 3, Italy 2 Texas 4, San Diego 3 Milwaukee 10, Australia 5 L.A. Angels 4, Seattle 2 Oakland (ss) 6, South Africa 1 Oakland (ss) 4, San Francisco 2 L.A. Dodgers 5, Chicago White Sox (ss) 4 Mexico 7, Colorado 3 Chicago White Sox (ss) 4, Chicago Cubs 3 Friday’s Games Boston 5, Florida 3 N.Y. Mets 5, St. Louis 4 Tampa Bay 8, Pittsburgh 5 Minnesota 3, Cincinnati 0 Baltimore 6, Washington 2 Mexico vs. Arizona at Tucson, Ariz., 3:05 p.m.

Seattle vs. Oakland at Phoenix, 3:05 p.m.

SATURDAY, MARCH 7,2009 Colorado vs. San Diego at Peoria, Ariz., 3:05 p.m.

Texas vs. Kansas City at Surprise, Ariz., 3:05 p.m.

Australia vs. Chicago White Sox at Phoenix, 3:05 p.m.

L.A. Dodgers vs. Chicago Cubs at Mesa, Ariz., 3:05 p.m.

Milwaukee vs. Cleveland at Goodyear, Ariz., 3:05 p.m.

San Francisco vs. L.A. Angels at Tempe, Ariz., 3:05 p.m.

Houston vs. Atlanta at Kissimmee, Fla., 7:05 p.m.

Philadelphia vs. Toronto at Dunedin, Fla., 7:05 p.m.

Detroit vs. N.Y. Yankees at Tampa, Fla., 7:15 p.m.

Saturday’s Games Baltimore vs. Florida at Jupiter, Fla., 1:05 p.m.

Boston vs. Tampa Bay at Port Charlotte, Fla., 1:05 p.m.

Cincinnati vs. Toronto at Dunedin, Fla., 1:05 p.m.

St. Louis vs. Houston at Kissimmee, Fla., 1:05 p.m.

Detroit vs. Philadelphia at Clearwater, Fla., 1:05 p.m.

Pittsburgh vs. Minnesota at Fort Myers, Fla., 1:05 p.m.

Washington vs. N.Y. Mets at Port St. Lucie, Fla., 1:10 p.m.

Atlanta vs. N.Y. Yankees at Tampa, Fla., 1:15 p.m.

Seattle vs. L.A. Dodgers at Phoenix, 3:05 p.m.

Oakland vs. San Diego at Peoria, Ariz., 3:05 p.m.

Chicago Cubs vs. Milwaukee at Phoenix, 3:05 p.m.

L.A. Angels vs. Arizona at Tucson, Ariz., 3:05 p.m.

Chicago White Sox vs. Texas at Surprise, Ariz., 3:05 p.m.

Colorado vs. San Francisco at Scottsdale, Ariz., 3:05 p.m.

Kansas City vs. Cleveland at Goodyear, Ariz., 3:05 p.m.

Sunday’s Games Tampa Bay vs. Boston at Fort Myers, Fla., 1:05 p.m.

N.Y. Mets vs. Washington at Viera, Fla., 1:05 p.m.

Toronto vs. Cincinnati at Sarasota, Fla., 1:05 p.m.

Florida vs. St. Louis at Jupiter, Fla., 1:05 p.m.

N.Y. Yankees vs. Detroit at Lakeland, Fla., 1:05 p.m.

Philadelphia vs. Atlanta at Kissimmee, Fla., 1:05 p.m.

Houston vs. Pittsburgh at Bradenton, Fla., 1:05 p.m.

Minnesota vs. Baltimore at Fort Lauderdale, Fla., 1:05 p.m.

Texas vs. Chicago Cubs at Mesa, Ariz., 4:05 p.m.

Cleveland vs. Oakland at Phoenix, 4:05 p.m.

Arizona vs. Seattle at Peoria, Ariz., 4:05 p.m.

Oakland vs. San Francisco at Scottsdale, Ariz., 4:05 p.m.

San Francisco vs. L.A. Angels at Tempe, Ariz., 4:05 p.m.

L.A. Dodgers vs. Chicago White Sox at Phoenix, 4:05 p.m.

Milwaukee vs. Kansas City at Surprise, Ariz., 4:05 p.m.

San Diego vs. Colorado at Tucson, Ariz., 4:10 p.m.

NFL Free Agent Signings ARIZONA CARDINALS— Signed Keith Lewis, S. Re-signed Kurt Warner, QB; Ben Graham, P, and Brian St. Pierre, QB. ATLANTA FALCONS—Re-signed Chauncey Davis, DE; and Michael Koenen p/k (f).

BALTIMORE RAVENS—Signed Domonique Foxworth, CB. Agreed to terms with Ray Lewis. LB; and Matt Birk, C. BUFFALO BILLS—Signed Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB; Geoff Hangartner, OL. Agreed to terms with Drayton Florence, CB. CAROLINA PANTHERS—Re-signed Jordan Gross, OT. CHICAGO BEARS—Signed Frank Omiyale, OL. CINCINNATI BENGALS—Re-signed Cedric Benson, RB; Darryl Blackstock, LB; Chris Crocker, S, and DeDe Dorsey, WR. Agreed to terms with Laveranues Coles, WR. CLEVELAND BROWNS—Signed Robert Royal, TE. DALLAS COWBOYS —Signed Keith Brooking, LB, and Matt Stewart, LB. DENVER BRONCOS—Signed LaMont Jordan, RB; J.J. Arrington, RB; Correll Buckhalter, RB; Andra Davis, LB; Brian Dawkins, S; Ronald Fields, DT; Jabar Gaffney, WR; Andre’ Goodman, CB; Renaldo Hill, S; Lonie Paxton, FS; and Darrell Reid, DT. Agreed to terms with Chris Simms, QB. DETROIT LIONS—Signed Grady Jackson, DT, and Phillip Buchanon, CB; Bryant Johnson, WR; Eric King, CB; and Maurice Morris, RB. Re-signed Jason Hanson, K; and Stephen Peterman, G. HOUSTON TEXANS—Signed Antonio Smith, DE; and Dan Orlovsky, QB. Re-signed Chris White, C; and Eugene Wilson, S. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS—Re-signed Kelvin Hayden, CB; and Jeff Saturday, C. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS—Signed Sean Considine, S. Re-signed Brad Meester, C; and Scott Starks, CB. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS—Agreed to terms with C.J. Jones, WR. MIAMI DOLPHINS—Signed Joe Berger, G; and Jake Grove, C. Re-signed Vernon Carey, OT; Yeremiah Bell, S; and Channing Crowder, LB. MINNESOTA VIKINGS—Re-signed Jim Kleinsasser, TE. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS—Signed Chris Baker, TE; and Fred Taylor, RB. Re-signed Matt Cassel, QB (f), and traded him to Kansas City; re-signed Russ Hochstein, OL; James Sanders, S; Chris Hanson, P; and LB Eric Alexander.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS—Signed Jabari Greer, CB, and Heath Evans, FB. Re-signed Devery Henderson, WR; Jon Stinchcomb, T; and Jonathan Vilma, LB. NEW YORK GIANTS—Signed C.C. Brown, S; Lee Vickers, TE; Rocky Bernard, DT; Michael Boley, LB; and Chris Canty, DE. Re-signed Brandon Jacobs, RB (f); and David Carr, QB. NEW YORK JETS—Signed Bart Scott, LB; and Jim Leonhard, S. Re-signed Brandon Moore, G; Tony Richardson, FB; and Jay Feely, K. OAKLAND RAIDERS—Re-signed Nnamdi Asomugha, DB; and Shane Lechler, P. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES—Signed Stacy Andrews, OT. Re-signed Joselio Hanson, CB. PITTSBURGH STEELERS—Re-signed Max

Starks, T (f); and Chris Kemoeatu, G. ST. LOUIS RAMS—Signed Jason Brown, OL. Resigned Ron Bartell, CB. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS—Re-signed Kynan Forney, G. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS—Signed Damon Huard, QB; and Brandon Jones, WR. Re-signed Takeo Spikes, LB; Moran Norris, FB; and Allen Rossum, CB-KR. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS—Signed T.J. Houshmandzadeh, WR; and Colin Cole, DT. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS—Signed Mike Nugent, K; and Derrick Ward, RB. Re-signed Luke McCown, QB; WR Michael Clayton; Jermaine Phillips, S; Jerramy Stevens, TE; Cortez Hankton, WR. TENNESSEE TITANS—Signed Nate Washington, WR; and Jovan Haye, DT. Re-signed Rob Bironas, K; Justin McCareins, WR; Kerry Collins, QB; and Vincent Fuller, DB. WASHINGTON REDSKINS—Signed Derrick Dockery, G; Albert Haynesworth, DT; and Dirk Johnson, P. Re-signed Ethan Albright, LS; and DeAngelo Hall, CB. f-franchise player Remaining Unrestricted Free Agents Unsigned free agents with more than four years of NFL experience: ARIZONA — Monty Beisel, LB; Bertrand Berry, DE; Elton Brown, OL; Ralph Brown, CB; Karlos Dansby (f); Eric Green, CB; Clark Haggans, LB; Scott Peters, OL; Terrelle Smith, FB; Jerame Tuman, TE. ATLANTA — Wayne Gandy, OT; Tony Gilbert, LB; Jason Jefferson, DT; Lawyer Milloy, S; Marcus Pollard, TE; Coy Wire, LB. BALTIMORE — Kyle Boller, QB; Todd Bouman, QB; Terrance Copper; Corey Ivy; CB; Lorenzo Neal, FB; Chad Slaughter, OL; Matt Stover, K; Terrell Suggs, DE/LB (f); Daniel Wilcox, TE. BUFFALO — Kirk Chambers, OL; Angelo Crowell, LB; Melvin Fowler, OL; Teddy Lehman, LB; J.P. Losman, QB; Corey McIntyre, RB; Duke Preston, OL; Jason Whittle, OL. CAROLINA — Donte’ Curry, LB; Mark Jones, WR/KR; Jason Kyle, LB; Julius Peppers, DE (f); Adam Seward, LB; Darwin Walker, DT. CHICAGO — Mike Brown, S; Rex Grossman, QB; Kevin Jones, RB; Brandon Lloyd, WR; Darrell McClover, LB; Brandon McGowan, S; Fred Miller, OL; John St. Clair, OL; Cameron Worrell, S. CINCINNATI — Jamar Fletcher, CB; Eric Ghiaciuc, OL; Shayne Graham (f); John Thornton, DT. CLEVELAND — Mike Adams, S; Travis Daniels, CB; Darnell Dinkins, TE; Lennie Friedman, G/C; Kris Griffin, LB; Daven Holly; CB; Sean Jones, S; Willie McGinest, LB; Seth McKinney, G; Shantee Orr, LB; Jason Wright, RB; Scott Young, OL. DALLAS — Brooks Bollinger, QB; Kevin Burnett, LB; Keith Davis, S; Tank Johnson, DT; Carlos Polk, LB; Zach Thomas, LB. DENVER — Tatum Bell, RB; Ebenezer Ekuban, DE; Darrell Jackson, WR; Marlon McCree, S; Tom Nalen, C; Karl Paymah, CB; Kenny Peterson, DE; Michael Pittman, RB; Jeb Putzier, TE; Patrick Ramsey, QB; Edell Shepherd, DB; Nate Webster, LB. DETROIT — Aveion Cason, RB; Shaun Cody, DT; Keary Colbert, WR; Damion Cook, OL; George Foster, OT; Rudi Johnson, RB; Paris Lenon; LB; Andy McCollum, G/C; Shaun McDonald, WR; Langston Moore, DT; Ryan Nece, LB; John Owens, TE; Stanley Wilson, CB. GREEN BAY — Mike Montgomery, DE; Mark Tauscher, T. HOUSTON — Mark Bruener, TE; DeMarcus Faggins, CB; Nick Ferguson, S; Scott Jackson, OL; Bryan Pittman, OL; Dunta Robinson; CB (f); Cecil Sapp, RB; Jimmy Williams CB; Jeff Zgonina, DT. INDIANAPOLIS — Matt Giordano, S; Tyjuan Hagler, LB; Keiwan Ratliff, CB; Dominic Rhodes, RB; Hunter Smith, P; Josh Thomas, DE. JACKSONVILLE — Khalif Barnes, T; Chris Naeole, G; Mike Peterson, LB; Pierson Prioleau, S; Gerald Sensabaugh, S; Reggie Williams, WR. KANSAS CITY — Jason Babin, LB; Rocky Boiman, LB; Oliver Celestin, S; Adrian Jones, G; Jon McGraw, S; Patrick Thomas, LB. MIAMI — Al Johnson, C; Tab Perry, WR; Derek Smith, LB. MINNESOTA — Kenderick Allen, DT; Michael Boulware, S; Heath Farwell, LB; Napoleon Harris, LB; Marcus Johnson, T; Jimmy Kennedy, DT; Benny Sapp, CB; Darren Sharper, S; Dontarrious Thomas, LB; Ellis Wyms, DT. NEW ENGLAND — Rosevelt Colvin, LB; Rodney Harrison, S; Larry Izzo, LB; Deltha O’Neal, CB; Lewis Sanders, CB; Junior Seau, LB; Kenny Smith, DT; Barry Stokes, OL; Tank Williams, S; Mike Wright, DT. NEW ORLEANS — Josh Bullocks, S; Mark Campbell, TE; Aaron Glenn, CB; Martin Gramatica, K; Joey Harrington, QB; Terrence Holt, S; Antwan Lake, DT; Mike Lehan, CB; Matt Lehr, G; James Reed, DT; Aaron Stecker, RB. N.Y. GIANTS — James Butler, S; John Carney, K; Jerome McDougle, DE; R.W. McQuarters, CB/KR; Grey Ruegamer, G/C; Rich Scanlon, LB; Amani Toomer, WR; Anthony Wright, QB; Renaldo Wynn, DL. N.Y. JETS — Eric Barton, LB; Ahmad Carroll, CB; Jesse Chatman, RB; Bubba Franks, TE; Ty Law, CB; C.J. Mosley, DT; Hank Poteat, CB; J.R. Reed, S; Cody Spencer, LB. OAKLAND — Rashad Baker, S; Cooper Carlisle, G; Drew Carter, WR; Isaiah Ekejiuba, LB; William Joseph, DT; Ashley Lelie, WR; Justin Miller, CB; Marques Tuiasosopo, QB; Sam Williams, LB. PHILADELPHIA — Jon Runyan, T; L.J. Smith, TE; Tra Thomas, T. PITTSBURGH — Charlie Batch, QB; Mitch Berger, P; Fernando Bryant, CB; Trai Essex, OL; Keyaron Fox, LB; Andre Frazier, LB; Byron Leftwich, QB; Bryant McFadden, CB; Orpheus Roye, DE; Marvel Smith, T. ST. LOUIS — Oshiomogho Atogwe, S (f); Fakhir Brown, CB; Jason Craft, CB; Anthony Davis, OL; La’ Roi Glover, DT; Adam Goldberg, G; Brandon Gorin, OL; Dante’ Hall, WR/KR; Nick Leckey, OL; Dane Looker, WR; Ricky Manning Jr., CB; Travis Minor, RB; Eric Moore, DE; Rob Pettiti, OL; Brett Romberg, OL; Gary Stills, LB; Cory Withrow, OL. SAN DIEGO — Mike Goff, G; Marques Harris, LB; Jeremy Newberry, C; Igor Olshansky, DE; Darren Sproles, RB/KR (f).

SAN FRANCISCO — Billy Bajema, TE; Damane Duckett, DT; DeShaun Foster, RB; Roderick Green, DE; Jamie Martin, QB; J.T. O’Sullivan, QB; Sean Ryan, TE; Donald Strickland, CB. SEATTLE — Bobby Engram, WR; Charlie Frye, QB; Chris Gray, G; Howard Green, DT; Will Heller, TE; Leroy Hill, LB (f); D.D. Lewis, LB; Wesly Mallard, LB; Steve McKinney, G; Jeff Robinson, TE; Koren Robinson, WR; Leonard Weaver, FB; Ray Willis, T; Floyd Womack, T.

TAMPA BAY — Will Allen, S; Antonio Bryant, WR (f); Kevin Carter, DE; Patrick Chukwurah, LB; Jeff Garcia, QB. TENNESSEE — Chris Carr, CB/KR; Craig Hentrich, P; Reynaldo Hill, CB; Daniel Loper, OL; Justin McCareins, WR; Tyrone Poole, CB; Bo Scaife, TE (f).

WASHINGTON — Ryan Boschetti, DT; Khary Campbell, LB; Phillip Daniels, DE; Demetric Evans, DE; Jason Fabini, OL; Alfred Fincher, LB; Mike Green, S; Pete Kendall, G.

Transactions BASEBALL American League KANSAS CITY ROYALS—Named David Laverentz vice president-finance and administration.

OAKLAND ATHLETICS—Agreed to terms with INF Orlando Cabrera and INF Nomar Garciaparra on one-year contracts. Sent INF Yung-Chi Chen outright to Sacramento (PCL).

National League LOS ANGELES DODGERS—Assigned LHP Greg Miller, RHP Justin Orenduff, LHP Jacobo Meque, RHP Ronald Belisario, and RHP Yhency Brazoban to their minor league camp.

American Association SIOUX CITY EXPLORERS—Signed C Andrew Franco.

GRAND PRAIRIE AIRHOGS—Traded OF Drew Holder to Wichita for RHP Gustavo Mata.

WICHITA WINGNUTS—Signed RHP Tyler Rhoden and LHP Nathan Parker. Acquired RHP Derek Blacksher from Gateway (Frontier) for a player to be named.

Can-Am League BROCKTON ROX—Signed C Jeff R. Stevens.

BASKETBALL National Basketball Association DENVER NUGGETS—Assigned F Sonny Weems to Colorado (NBADL).

NEW YORK KNICKS—Signed G-F Demetris Nichols to a 10-day contract.

TORONTO RAPTORS—Signed C Pops MensahBonsu for the remainder of the season.

FOOTBALL National Football League CINCINNATI BENGALS—Signed QB J.T. O’Sullivan.

CLEVELAND BROWNS—Signed S Mike Adams.

Canadian Football League WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS—Re-signed LB Isaiah Charlton.

HOCKEY NHL PITTSBURGH PENGUINS—Reassigned G David Brown to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (AHL) from Wheeling (ECHL).

AHL WILKES-BARRE/SCRANTON PENGUINS—Reassigned F Jordan Morrison and F Bryan Ewing to Wheeling (ECHL).

ECHL LAS VEGAS WRANGLERS—Announced Milwaukee (AHL) returned C Adam Miller to the team.

LACROSSE Major League Lacrosse TORONTO NATIONALS—Claimed D Ryan Cousins and A Shawn Williams from the player pool.

NCAA Men’s Basketball Schedule Saturday, March 7 EAST Georgia Tech at Boston College, Noon Connecticut at Pittsburgh, Noon Saint Joseph’s at Fordham, 1 p.m.

Massachusetts at Rhode Island, 2 p.m.

South Florida at Rutgers, 2 p.m.

Charlotte at St. Bonaventure, 4 p.m.

DePaul at Georgetown, 5 p.m.

Dartmouth at Brown, 7 p.m.

Penn at Columbia, 7 p.m.

Princeton at Cornell, 7 p.m.

Harvard at Yale, 7 p.m.

Temple at George Washington, 7:30 p.m.

Louisville at West Virginia, 9 p.m.

SOUTH N.C. State at Miami, Noon Tulane at Memphis, 1 p.m.

Kentucky at Florida, 2 p.m.

SE Louisiana at Northwestern St., 3 p.m.

Marshall at UAB, 3 p.m.

Maryland at Virginia, 3:30 p.m.

LSU at Auburn, 4 p.m.

South Carolina at Georgia, 4 p.m.

Mississippi St. at Mississippi, 5 p.m.

Alabama A&M at Jackson St., 6:30 p.m.

Xavier at Richmond, 7 p.m.

East Carolina at UCF, 7 p.m.

UTEP at Southern Miss., 8 p.m.

Alabama St. at Grambling St., 8:30 p.m.

MIDWEST Seton Hall at Cincinnati, Noon Michigan at Minnesota, Noon Colorado at Kansas St., 1:30 p.m.

Texas Tech at Iowa St., 1:45 p.m.

Syracuse at Marquette, 2 p.m.

Penn St. at Iowa, 2:05 p.m.

Texas at Kansas, 4 p.m.

Duquesne at Dayton, 8 p.m.

La Salle at Saint Louis, 8 p.m.

SOUTHWEST Missouri at Texas A&M, 2 p.m.

Texas St. at Sam Houston St., 3 p.m.

Oklahoma St. at Oklahoma, 3:30 p.m.

Nebraska at Baylor, 4 p.m.

Tulsa at Rice, 4 p.m.

McNeese St. at Cent. Arkansas, 5 p.m.

Texas A&M-Corpus Christi at Texas-Arlington, 5 p.m.

SMU at Houston, 8 p.m.

Stephen F.Austin at Texas-San Antonio, 8 p.m.

Nicholls St. at Lamar, 8:05 p.m.

Southern U. at Prairie View, 8:30 p.m.

Alcorn St. at Texas Southern, 8:30 p.m.

FAR WEST California at Arizona St., 2 p.m.

Oregon at UCLA, 3:30 p.m.

New Mexico at Wyoming, 3:30 p.m.

Washington St. at Washington, 5:30 p.m.

TCU at Utah, 6 p.m.

Stanford at Arizona, 7:30 p.m.

Oregon St. at Southern Cal, 8 p.m.

UC Irvine at Cal St.-Fullerton, 8:05 p.m.

Air Force at BYU, 9 p.m.

San Jose St. at Utah St., 9:05 p.m.

UC Riverside at Cal Poly, 10 p.m.

CS Northridge at Pacific, 10 p.m.

UNLV at San Diego St., 10 p.m.

Long Beach St. at UC Santa Barbara, 10 p.m.

Fresno St. at Idaho, 10:05 p.m.

Nevada at Boise St., 10:15 p.m.

New Mexico St. at Hawaii, 12:05 a.m.

SOFTBALL | Continued from Page 1B “We were in every single game. The girls are doing well. We went to the Mission tournament and competed well,” the coach said.

The Lady Hawks continued playing tough opponents.

Next on the list was the Roma Lady Gladiators.

The Lady Hawks came alive with their bats as they soundly beat the Lady Gladiators 11-0.

Alaniz was perfect at the plate with four hits on four trips to the plate to lead the Lady Hawks.

At the La Joya tournament the Lady Hawks captured first place in their division’s bracket.

The Lady Hawks dropped their first game to Harlingen 3-0 then rebounded to shut out La Joya Lincoln Juarez and La Joya Palmview.

They faced McAllen Memorial for the white

championship.

The Lady Hawks beat the Lady Mustangs 7-4 for a 3-1 tournament record.

“Our defense was very solid, and whenever we have our game nothing gets by our defense,” Moss said.

The Lady Hawks then traveled to Laredo to face the United Lady Longhorns on Tuesday.

United, a play-off team, lost some key players to graduation this past May and fielded a very young team.

The Lady Longhorns’ bats came alive as the Lady Hawks’ were silent.

Zapata struggled at the plate as they managed one hit by Moss (1-3) who made her way to third base.

“We had been doing well at the plate but today

we had an off night,” said Alaniz.

Lyeva did all she could on the mound as she fanned five Lady Longhorns and issued one walk.

“Lynda had a pretty good outing but the defense struggled a little bit,” Garcia said.

The Lady Hawks hope to utilize their pre-district to see positive results during their district season.

“I know that in our district we have three pitchers that throw like United’s pitcher. That is why I wanted to play United so it can prepare us for our district’s games,” Garcia said.

The Lady Hawks will be hosting their own tournament this weekend in a final tune up before the district season.

Twelve teams are participating.

ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM

2B

RUN | Continued from Page 1B helping hand from Marlena Garcia, who also qualified in the 1600 meter run.

The Lady Hawks also return a pair of hurdlers in Mendoza and Angelina Gonzalez, who hope to hurdle their way into the regionals.

Alaniz hopes the experience that returns for the Lady Hawks will led into a promising season and a district title at the end.

“Hopefully all of them have a great season,” Alaniz said.

“I am expecting them to come back and ready to go.”

The Lady Hawks will have to face some new competition for the district title with new district foes La Feria, Hidalgo and Raymondville, who are expected to make a strong run at the title.

“We should be up there competing with everybody. La Feria, Hidalgo and Raymondville are going to be some tough teams but we should be okay,” Alaniz. “I expect a lot of good things from this team and hopefully we can repeat as district champions. It is going to take a lot of hard work on my part and the part of the girls.”

The Lady Hawks will continue the season at the Border Olympics (March 6 and 7) then the following week will host their own meet, the Zapata Relays, on March 19.

They will travel to Ben Bolt (March 28), Santa Rosa (April 3) their final tune up for the district meet at Raymondville, Hidalgo on April 16 and 17.

TO | Continued from Page 1B continuing to play in the NFL,” Owens added.

Where that will be is anyone’s guess. Because many of the headlines T.O. creates are about ego and attitude. Jones wants the focus on winning, something the Cowboys haven’t done in the playoffs since 1996.

Owens caught more touchdown passes than any NFL receiver over the last three years and was a big part of Tony Romo’s emergence from an unknown backup to a starletdating Pro Bowl quarterback with a $67 million contract.

Yet the Cowboys went 0-for-2 in the playoffs with Owens, and didn’t even make it this past season. Dallas’ late-season collapse — capped by a lackluster effort in a win-and-you’rein finale in Philadelphia — emphasized that a new approach was needed.

Jones was slow to go along. Just a few weeks ago, he indicated Owens wasn’t going anywhere and firmly said the idea of locker-room problems were “a figment of the result.

You didn’t hear about those things when we were winning.”

Dallas also released safety Roy Williams on Thursday.

Cutting Owens and Williams will cost the Cowboys about $14 million against the salary cap. There’s no telling how much more Dallas will lose in jersey sales and other publicity Owens generated. Then again, the $1.1 billion stadium that’s opening next season should generate plenty of interest and souvenir sales.

Owens learned he was being cut Wednesday night and sent text messages to his friends. Cowboys receiver Sam Hurd said Owens’ reaction was “more shock than anger.”

“He didn’t give me an explanation. He just said, ‘Wow,”’ Hurd said Thursday. “I really didn’t believe that he seen that coming. ... He said it’s tough, but it’s a business.”

CLASSIC | Continued from Page 1B it’s become the last few years,” Overton said. “Tiger raised the bar and it’s unbelievable how good these guys are. It really is. It’s unbelievable how many players have not won yet, but only one guy wins each week. You only have 35 or 40 weeks, you get Tiger winning half of them, so there’s not a lot of room for other players.”

Seems like there will be this weekend.

Ben Crane, winless since 2005, shot a 5-under 65 on his 33rd birthday to get to 5 under, two shots off Yang’s pace.

David Mathis (68) was alone at 4 under, and six others were at 3 under, including Greg Chalmers (who shot 64, Friday’s best round) and Harrison Frazar (65).

“It’s easy to fade on this golf course,” said MacKenzie, who won the Viking Classic last fall, but came into the Honda with a string of four consecutive missed cuts. “You’ve got to somehow have confidence and take your medicine when you have to ... swallow your pride and make bogey sometimes.”

Yang — who needed only 25 putts Friday, one-putting 11 times — hasn’t been in that position much so far.

He’s made one bogey in the first two rounds — the 12th hole on Thursday, and immediately followed that with a birdie. Yang started on the back side Friday, put together one birdie and eight pars before making the turn, and got rolling from there with three straight birdies that vaulted him up the leaderboard. A 12-footer on the par-3 7th was his fifth birdie of the day, giving him the outright lead.

From there, he hustled to finish before darkness fell.

“I didn’t want to have to wake up early,” Yang said.

No chance of that now — he’ll be going off in the final group Saturday.

Erik Compton’s stirring run continued with his second straight round of 69, getting him to 2 under in his second PGA Tour event since undergoing heart-transplant surgery for the second time last year.

BIG 12 | Continued from Page 1B Kansas State (5-7) Practice starts: April 6.

Spring game: May 2.

All eyes on: After two years of watching Josh Freeman run the offense, junior QB Carson Coffman get his turn — maybe. While Coffman is the likely frontrunner for the job, he’ll get pushed hard by junior college transfer Daniel Thomas.

Coach Bill Snyder, in his second go-round at Kansas State, has likened Daniels’ running ability to former Wildcats’ standout Michael Bishop.

Missouri (10-4) Practice starts: March 10.

Spring game: April 18.

All eyes on: The Tigers must replace virtually all their offensive stars from consecutive 10-win teams. WR-KR Jeremy Maclin is a likely high first-round NFL draft pick, QB Chase Daniel was a Heisman finalist as a junior and TE Chase Coffman was the most prolific pass catcher at his position in NCAA history. Sophomore Blaine Gabbert has

inside track at QB but could be pushed by newly signed freshman Blaine Dalton, who enrolled at mid-semester.

Coach Gary Pinkel had to replace both coordinators after Dave Christensen (offense) left to be head coach at Wyoming and Matt Eberflus (defense) left to be assistant with Cleveland Browns.

Nebraska (9-4) Practice starts: March 25.

Spring game: April 18.

All eyes on: The offseason departure of Patrick Witt has narrowed the competition to replace QB Joe Ganz. Zac Lee, son of ex-NFL QB Bob Lee, goes in as the favorite. Kody Spano will get a good look, as will incoming freshman Cody Green, who enrolled for the spring semester.

Cornhuskers will be looking for WR Menelik Holt to prove he can be a consistent weapon.

Oklahoma (12-2) Practice started: March 3.

Spring game: April 11.

All eyes on: The Sooners lost four of the five starting offensive linemen who kept Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford largely untouched during Oklahoma’s run to the BCS championship game last season. LSU transfer Jarvis Jones and Stephen Good, a former Army All-American in high school, will be among those trying to break into the new front line. The Sooners are also seeking replacements for WRs Juaquin Iglesias and Manuel Johnson, who combined for 1,864 yards and 19 touchdowns last season.

Oklahoma State (9-4) Practice starts: March 9.

Spring game: April 18.

All eyes on: With WR Dez Bryant out following knee surgery and three other receivers out of the mix for various reasons other than graduation, the Cowboys will be looking for new passcatching options for QB Zac Robinson.

Oklahoma State has no one other than

Bryant who had 100 yards receiving last season after receiver Bo Bowling was suspended, Damian Davis was dismissed and Artrell Woods decided to transfer. The Cowboys also must replace departed TE Brandon Pettigrew, who was second on the team in receiving.

Texas (12-1) Practice started: Feb. 27.

Spring game: April 5.

All eyes on: The Longhorns want OLB Sergio Kindle to develop into the dominant pass rusher that All-American DE Brian Orakpo was last season. He’ll spend the spring at end, but the coaches say he’ll play both positions in the fall. Texas is also still searching for a top-flight RB and lists five players on its spring depth chart. QB Colt McCoy was last season’s leading rusher with 561 yards.

Texas A&M (4-8) Practice starts: March 26.

Spring game: April 18.

All eyes on: QB Jerrod Johnson won’t have to compete for the starting job this spring after guiding the offense most of last season. Ryan Tannehill was A&M’s leading receiver last season, but may move to b ackup quarterb ack.

Cyrus Gray will become the top running back after Mike Goodson’s early exit. Gray rushed for 363 yards last season. The Aggies’ defense was among the worst in the Big 12, but should improve now that they’ve had one full season to learn first-year coordinator Joe Kines’ system.

Texas Tech (11-2) Practice starts: March 25.

Spring game: April 18.

All eyes on: The Red Raiders will try to replace the prolific duo of QB Graham Harrell and WR Michael Crabtree. Junior QB Taylor Potts has been waiting in the wings to lead Mike Leach’s pass-happy offense and there is a stable of able receivers to replace Crabtree, who left early for the NFL.

SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 2009

THE ZAPATA TIMES | 3B

HINTS BY HELOISE Dear Readers: A wonderful aroma can make a home feel so inviting, and it’s so easy to create a relaxing or uplifting mood with just a few drops of ESSENTIAL OIL. Essential oils are more than just fragrance; they are pure and come from plants, so they share some of HELOISE the same characteristics. For example:  A drop or two of eucalyptus oil can make your shower feel like a spa. Turn on the hot water, put a few drops directly into the spray of water coming out of the shower head, and the eucalyptus scent will mix with the steamy water to relax you. Just don’t get it in your eyes!  Put a few drops of lavender oil on a dryer sheet or old face cloth, and your laundry will have a fresh, flowery fragrance.  Place a drop or two of peppermint oil on a paper towel or tissue and tuck it in your running shoes or work boots to keep them fresh-smelling.  Keep a small bottle of lemon oil by the kitchen sink to add a drop on your sponge to wipe the sink after rinsing.

Look for essential oils in the pharmacy section of your favorite store or online. Remember, it takes only a drop or two. — Heloise SEND A GREAT HINT TO: Heloise P.O. Box 795000 San Antonio, TX 78279-5000 E-mail: Heloise@Heloise.com KEY CHIMES Dear Heloise: I am writing to suggest one more way to use old keys — make a “key chime.”

When I was teaching elementary music, I made one for my classroom. The children enjoyed playing it along with the other instruments. It takes a board about 18 inches long, 3 inches wide and about 1/2 inch thick.

Drill small holes along the length of the board about 1 1/2 inches apart. String a piece of fishing line in each hole (different lengths work fine), and tie as many keys down each string as desired, being sure to mix up the sizes. To play, hold the board and tip it from side to side so the keys hit each other, making a lovely musical sound. — Naomi Hembree of Spring, Texas DISCARD OLD CREDIT CARDS Dear Heloise: We’ve all heard about the importance of cutting up old credit cards to dispose of them, but I realized that sometimes when I cut them up, I still left the top magnetic strip mostly intact. To solve this problem, I use the edge of the scissors to scratch off the magnetic strip as well as the signature line on the back before cutting it into small pieces.

This way, the information is really destroyed. — C.Y. of Oregon ICY STEPS Dear Heloise: I live in Ohio, where we get our share of snow and ice. I keep a large, 30-ounce plastic coffee container filled with ice-melting salt under my sink or basement step. It doesn’t hold moisture or clump up. The can has an indented handle for easy pouring, and it’s great for the steps and porch. — J.B. from Ohio

ADVICE | DEAR ABBY DEAR ABBY: I am part of a group of people who read our local newspaper online and comment on the news of the day in the public forums provided. It’s great fun and offers an excellent place to interact with others.

Some of us have become close, exchanging e-mails and chat messages. One of the women has suggested we all get together at a local watering hole and meet each other, and the gang has agreed.

I would love to join in, but the problem is that the persona I built online is that of a hunky, handsome young man — including a pilfered photo I posted as “me” on my profile. Needless to say, he is NOT me. I am a 54year-old, chubby, graying man who wears glasses.

I would love to meet these people, but I’m embarrassed

about the lies I have told them.

Some of the women have flirted with me, thinking I am this sexy guy. How can I fix this so we can all be friends? I am afraid they’ll be angry at my ruse. — ABS OF SPONGE DEAR ABS OF SPONGE: Keep your sense of humor, wear a name tag that reads “Guess Who?” and when they ask who you are, remind them people shouldn’t believe everything they read. You are by far not the only person to “fudge” by a few years — or a few pounds — in describing oneself.

In fact, you may be surprised to discover that you weren’t the only creative writer in the group.

P.S. Your true identity may be the most interesting “news flash” at the gathering.

DEAR ABBY: My fiance and

FAMILY CIRCUS

Zclassified

BY PHONE: (956) 728-2527

ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM

4D | LAREDO MORNING TIMES

SATURDAY, MARHC 7, 2009

<DATE>

LAREDO MORNING TIMES | 1B

REAL ESTATE

HOMES FOR SALE

LOTS FOR SALE

61

House for Sale by owner, 1509 Sarazen (Plantation) 3bd/2.5ba. 2,477 SqFt per WCAD. $275,500 www.buymyhouselaredo.com Please Call for an appt.

956-723-9705

CONDOS FOR SALE 64 1 Condo $60,000 OBO Must Sell, Moving Out, negotiable, 2bd/1.5ba, 2803 Bayard.

Brand new, south Laredo. For sale by owner.

Call Dr. Rendon 011-52-867-714-1502 or 956-333-0122

70

North Laredo. 1.3 Acres on Loop 20 near TAMIU, next to Khaledi Heights on Blue Quail St. $12.50 Per SqFt Neg. Can be sold separately Call 956-333-0122 or 011-52-867-714-1502

ACREAGE FOR SALE 76 5 acre tract, frontage on Casa Verde Rd. $200,000 per acre. Contact (956)725-6641 10ac. Las Lomas Fenced HWY 59 $8000 p/ac 712-4205; 774-6976

RENTALS

PETS & SUPPLIES

Pure Breed Blood Hound Puppies 2F w/ shots & dewormed. $300ea. Call 568-2136 ; 774-2623

COMMERCIAL RENTALS 120

MISCELLANEOUS

Renta espacio BODEGA 8,500 sqft., 1 privado, luz/agua $2,975 p/mes.

Millenium Industrial Park.

725-9779 contacto Javier

PETS & SUPPLIES

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY 82 Restaurant equipment for sale, 2 stoves, fryers, lamps, tables, chairs, bar stools, lounge sofas. Can be sold separately. Prices Neg. (956)740-9323

128

Mini Schnauzers $250 4/F Tail Clipped, 1st Shots, dewormed. call 251-6163

ARTICLES FOR SALE 136 Sofa & love seat, leather, beige, coffee table, $350 Call:(956)857-5969

USEDDesktop Computers, with Excel, Word, Powerpoint starting at $300 Call 286-8966 PORTABLE BUILDINGS 150 Building for sale, 8x10, good condition, $1,400 Call:763-7342

ARTICLES FOR SALE 136

128

Chihuahua & pitbull puppies, 2mo. $125 ea. (956)857-5969

TRANSPORTATION

Country club membership for sale, $3,200 obo.

Call:(956)337-4031

Desks, chairs, tables, filling cabinets. Starting at $25.

Call:(956)237-1105 Dining set, 4 chairs, wood, $200 Call:(956)857-5969 Doors for sale, $25ea. wood or metal. Call:(956)220-9654 Estufa de gas, como nueva, buenas condiciones,costo $165 omo. 722-5400 or 724-8801

NEW! Holy Communion dresses, gift items, veils, albums, & acces. Starting at $15 and up. By appt. only 740-9323 Semi used queen mattress $270. Call:(956)857-5969

TRUCKS FOR SALE 198 2007 Grand Cherokee. 6 cyl, 20K miles, blue title, sporty tires, excellent condition. $14,800 OBO. Call 324-1875 Chevy Blazer ‘02, V6, 4.3 liter, Auto, A/C, blue title, New Tires $5,200 OBO call (956) 286-8966

Pitbull puppy, female, 6wks. $300 Call:(956)319-0738

CARS FOR SALE

2003 Kawasaki STX 1100 Jet ski, $4800, 33 hrs of use, Call 236-6909 Antique, all wood chest, 3 drawers, $150.489-9510

Diesel engines Chevy 6.6 Ford 7.3 & Cummins 5.9 Remanufactured w/warranty will deliver, $2,950. 713-918-5811.

Dodge Ram 250 ‘92, diesel, perfect condition. $2,600.

Call:(956)333-6565

*Dell Desktop, Windows XP Pro PC, internet ready $160 Call: 220-9654

PETS & SUPPLIES

AUTOMOTIVE PARTS 194

BOATS

190

Skeeter Bass Boat ‘84, 15ft., 40hp., trolly motor, $2,850 OBO Call:(956)220-7665.

CAMPERS & RV’S

191

‘06 Pioneer 22ft Excellent condition Sleeps 7, ref/stove, microwave, ect. everything works $ 9,000 obo call 740-9090

200

‘02 Infiniti G20, 4CYL., 83K MI., all power, sunroof, rims, leather, cassette/cd, heated seats, $6,525.

725-9376; 235-5216

‘97 Mustang Cobra, clean title $6800 Call 956-489-1457 Cadillac Deville ‘02, $3,500 obo.

Call:(956)723-2175

HEAVY EQUIPMENT 192

Dodge Stratus ‘04, a/c, cd player, only 43k mi., good condition, $4,000.

Call:(956)242-9123

‘2003 Detroit Serie 60 Freightliner Columbia $20,000 Call:726-4422

Ford Mustang 1966, 289 motor, working condition, $4,500 obo.

Call:(361)522-7001

International, 2001, 160,000 miles, 24ft. box, $13,000.

Call:(972)489-9021

Ford Mustang ‘67, $9,000 Call:(956)724-6092

Storage containers, delivered to your ranch, 20ft long. Excellent Cond. $2600 Call 744-5059

Volkswagen Passat 2.0 T ‘07, leather interior with wood trim, white, 23k mi., alloy rims, sunroof, $15,800 obo.

324-1875; 326-5236