The Zapata Times 3/10/2012

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49TH DISTRICT COURT

49TH DISTRICT COURT

Ready for trial

Rodriguez gets hearing in cattle case

Judge looking at late Sept., early Oct. to start

By STEPHANIE IBARRA

GABRIEL ALVAREZ BRIONES: On trial in death of 6month old child.

THE ZAPATA TIMES

A 2010 capital murder case in Zapata County could go to trial as soon as September.

The indictment alleges that in March 2010, Gabriel

Alvarez Briones, 36, struck 6-month-old Carlos Eduardo Gonzalez in the head,

Gonzalez was airlifted to Methodist Children’s Hospital in San Antonio, where he was later pronounced dead.

During a status hearing Wednesday afternoon in

which lead to the child’s death.

According to reports, Alvarez Briones was babysitting Gonzalez at the time of the incident.

Zapata County Fire Department paramedics responded to the 911 call, and

See TRIAL PAGE 8A

LOCAL TRADITIONS

BRING ON THE FUN!

THE ZAPATA TIMES

A man accused of livestock theft was in the 49th District Court Wednesday afternoon.

Francisco Rodriguez III is charged with stealing cattle valued at less than $100,000 from Jose Luis Gonzalez in June.

In court for a brief motions setting, defense attorney Oscar Peña stated he had spoken with the district attorney’s office about going over a list of more than 40 different discovery items prior to another motions hearing.

Although the defense is not ready to go to trial, there is room for negotiation, said Peña during open court.

A motions hearing was scheduled for April 2 at 9 a.m. by presiding Judge Joe Lopez.

COMMISSIONERS

Water billing to get a review

By JJ VELASQUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES

Photo by Danny Zaragoza | The Zapata Times

Zapata County Fair’s first runner-up Alyssa Jo Gutierrez, 2012 Zapata County Fair Queen Sofia Regalado and second runner-up Rebecca R. Quintanilla visited the Laredo Morning Times/The Zapata Times offices on Feb. 29 to promote the fair’s 40th anniversary.

Annual County Fair to feature music, more

By JJ VELASQUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES

Thursday kicked off the 40th edition of the Zapata County Fair. Today, organizers expect the

fair’s largest crowd ever.

Today’s lineup starts with the parade in the morning, then the livestock auction in the afternoon, and a jalapeño eating contest in the eve-

ning.

Finally, local Norteño heroes Grupo Intocable take the stage at 11:30 p.m.

Zapata County Fair President Carmen Paredes said it has been

more than 10 years since the homegrown group has performed at the county fair. She expects an attendance from 12,000

See COUNTY FAIR PAGE 7A

Commissioners Court will weigh options Monday as it looks to address delinquency issues in the waterworks department.

Among the options on the table is hiring an outside firm to collect from delinquent water users, which may include both residential and commercial users, County Judge Joe Rathmell said.

The commissioners could also decide to put delinquent water users on special payment plans.

“Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn’t,” Rathmell said, in reference to the payment plans. “The commissioners might want to take a different option.”

During Monday’s meeting at 9 a.m., county officials could take the next step in providing sewer service to residents in the Las Palmas subdivision.

The community is located two miles north of Zapata at the site of a former

Air Force base. Rathmell said 30 to 40 homes exist in the “isolated subdivision.”

The project has been in the works for several years, he said, and will involve a loan-grant combination in which the United States Department of Agriculture will provide the funds. The county will match those funds to make the project viable, he said.

The neighborhood currently uses septic systems for wastewater disposal.

Also on Monday’s agenda are the following items: Consider demolishing an abandoned water plant and repairs to a raw water generator.

Consider rescheduling the election primary employee holiday for May 29.

A resolution to submit a grant application for SKILS, a delinquency prevention program, to the Office of the Governor’s criminal justice division.

(JJ Velasquez may be reached at 728-2567 or jjvelasquez@lmtonline.com)

POLITICS

Cuellar defends role in creation of new voting maps

By GARY MARTIN SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

WASHINGTON — Rep. Henry Cuellar, DTexas, said Wednesday he feels vindicated that a compromise congressional redistricting map includes new Latino districts in San Antonio-Austin and Dallas.

“For the first time in the history of Texas politics, we created two Hispanic seats,” Cuellar said during an office interview following weeks of acrimony and grumbling from some Democrats who accused Cuellar of working too closely with Republicans.

Cuellar’s role in the redistricting process was criticized by the head of a Democratic

advocacy group, while members of the Congressional Black Caucus complained that their lawyers were left out of some negotiations with Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott.

But Cuellar notes that he worked on the map with Latino groups, Abbott and Republican lawmakers, notably Rep. Francisco

Canseco, of San Antonio.

Matt Angle with the Lone Star Project, a Democratic advocacy group, said in a statement that Cuellar “has a long history of betraying Latino voters and his constituents to appease high-level Republicans.”

See CUELLAR PAGE 7A

PAGE 2A

Zin brief CALENDAR

SATURDAY, MARCH 10, 2012

AROUND TEXAS

TODAY IN HISTORY

SATURDAY, MARCH 10

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Today is the last day of the Zapata County Fair. The parade lines up at 7 a.m. on Third Avenue. The parade starts at 9 a.m. The awards ceremony for parade contestatns will be at 1:30 p.m. Southern Scared will play at the street dance from 10-11:30 P.M. Grupo Intocable play from 11:30 p.m.-1 a.m.

Today is Saturday, March 10, the 70th day of 2012. There are 296 days left in the year.

Daylight-saving time begins Sunday at 2 a.m. local time.

Clocks go forward one hour.

Today’s Highlight in History: On March 10, 1876, the first successful voice transmission over Alexander Graham Bell’s telephone took place in Boston as his assistant heard Bell say, “Mr. Watson — come here — I want to see you.”

On this date: In 1496, Christopher Columbus concluded his second visit to the Western Hemisphere as he left Hispaniola for Spain.

In 1785, Thomas Jefferson was appointed America’s minister to France, succeeding Benjamin Franklin.

In 1848, the Senate ratified the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which ended the Mexican-American War. In 1880, the Salvation Army arrived in the United States from England.

In 1906, about 1,100 miners in northern France were killed by a coal-dust explosion.

In 1933, a magnitude 6.4 earthquake centered off Long Beach, Calif., resulted in 120 deaths.

In 1948, the body of the antiCommunist foreign minister of Czechoslovakia, Jan Masaryk, was found in the garden of Czernin Palace in Prague.

In 1949, Nazi wartime broadcaster Mildred E. Gillars, also known as “Axis Sally,” was convicted in Washington, D.C., of treason. (She served 12 years in prison.)

In 1969, James Earl Ray pleaded guilty in Memphis, Tenn., to assassinating civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. In 1972, the three-day National Black Political Convention convened in Gary, Ind. In 1980, “Scarsdale Diet” author Dr. Herman Tarnower was shot to death at his home in Purchase, N.Y. (Tarnower’s former lover, Jean Harris, was convicted of his murder; she served nearly 12 years in prison before being released in Jan. 1993.)

In 1985, Konstantin U. Chernenko, who was the Soviet Union’s leader for just 13 months, died at age 73.

Ten years ago: Israeli helicopters destroyed Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat’s office in Gaza City, hours after 11 Israelis were killed in a suicide bombing in a cafe across the street from Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s residence in Jerusalem. Russell Crowe won best actor honors at the Screen Actors Guild awards for “A Beautiful Mind” while Halle Berry won best actress for “Monster’s Ball.” Actress Irene (eye-REE’-nee) Worth died in New York at age 85.

Today’s Birthdays: Actor Chuck Norris is 72. Dean Torrence (Jan and Dean) is 72. Actress Shannon Tweed is 55.

Actress Sharon Stone is 54.

Actress Jasmine Guy is 50.

Rock musician Jeff Ament (Pearl Jam) is 49. Britain’s Prince Edward is 48. Olympic gold-medal gymnast Shannon Miller is 35. Country singer Carrie Underwood is 29. Actress Emily Osment is 20.

Thought for Today: “He who knows, does not speak.

He who speaks, does not know.” — Lao Tzu, Chinese philosopher.

MONDAY, MARCH 12 The Area Health Education Center will offer a Health Careers Camp for high school students from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. today and Tuesday at the UT Health Science Center Laredo Regional campus, 1937 E. Bustamante St. The goal of the camp is to expose students interested in health careers to career choices in the medical field and provide an opportunity for interaction with practicing health care professionals. For registration and additional information, call 712-0037 or email mrgbaheccoord@stx.rr.com.

The Laredo Public Library, 1120 E. Calton Road, presents Spring Break Family Fun, a weeklong series of free activities. Today’s events are Story & Crafts, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and Arts & Crafts, from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Parents must stay with their children. No drop-offs. For more information, call the Laredo Public Library at 795-2400, extension 2247.

TUESDAY, MARCH 13 AARP local chapter 965 meets every second Tuesday of the month at 2 p.m. at the Laredo Public Library.

The meeting is open to all people older than 50. Discussions center on health, Social Security issues and general well-being. For more information, call chapter President Jorge Castillo at 956-722-5307.

The Area Health Education Center’s Health Careers Camp ends today, with hours from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the UT Health Science Center Laredo Regional campus, 1937 E. Bustamante St. The goal of the camp is to expose students interested in health careers to career choices in the medical field and provide an opportunity for interaction with practicing health care professionals. For registration and additional information, call 712-0037 or email mrgbaheccoord@stx.rr.com.

The University of Notre Dame Glee Club has been singing for 95 years. More than 2,000 young men have sung with the club. The club will hold a free concert from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Bill Johnson Student Activity Complex Auditorium, 5208 Santa Claudia Lane, as part of its Spring Tour. For more information, contact Michael Gonzalez at 206-9060 or michael.e.gonzalez@me.com.

The Laredo Public Library, 1120 E. Calton Road, presents Spring Break Family Fun, a weeklong series of free activities. Today’s events are Story Time, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and Creative Kids, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Parents must stay with their children. No drop-offs. For more information, call the Laredo Public Library at 795-2400, extension 2247.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14 The American Cancer Society and Doctors Hospital will offer I Can Cope, a series of educational classes for people with cancer, along with their families and friends. I Can Cope helps patients meet the challenges of cancer by clarifying cancer facts and myths.

The classes are offered from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. the second Wednesday of every month at Doctors Hospital in the Women’s Center Conference Room. Classes are free and open to the public. To RSVP or for more information, call Diana Juarez at 723-9682. This month’s speaker, Dr. Gary W. Unzeitig, will present “Understanding Cancer Treatments.”

The Laredo Public Library, 1120 E. Calton Road, presents Spring Break Family Fun, a weeklong series of free activities. Today’s events are Story & Crafts, to be held from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Parents must stay with their children. No drop-offs. For more information, call the Laredo Public Library at 795-2400, extension 2247.

THURSDAY, MARCH 15 The fourth annual Spring Break Kite Festival is from noon to 7 p.m. today at North Central Park, 10202 International Blvd. Attendance and registration are free. Refreshments and kites will be given away while supplies last; attendees are welcome to bring a picnic or buy snacks on site. The event will include games. Homemade Kite Contest judging is at 4 p.m. For more information, call 791-7461.

Photo by Texas Legislative Council | AP

This illustration shows the court-ordered interim House redistricting plan for Texas. A federal court in San Antonio issued new Texas congressional and state House maps on Tuesday, Feb. 28, just in time for the state to finally hold its twicedelayed primary on May 29.

Primary is May 29

By CHRIS TOMLINSON ASSOCIATED PRESS

AUSTIN — The Texas primary elections took a big step toward finally happening Friday as politicians and their challengers filed candidacy paperwork to meet the evening deadline.

Legal challenges to the state’s new political maps delayed the elections from March 6 to May 29, and left some candidates unsure about what districts they could run in or who they might be running against. Now that court-ordered maps are in place, candidates have until 6 p.m. to file the proper paperwork with their respective parties.

The redistricting battle did not affect the biggest race in the state to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Kay Bailey Hutchison. The candidates for that seat include several Republicans, with Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, former

Mayor Tom Leppert, former Texas Solicitor General Ted Cruz and former football analyst Craig James leading the race. On the Democratic side, veteran lawmaker Paul Sadler faces newcomer Sean Hubbard.

Because of Texas’ fast-growing population over the last decade, the state has four additional congressional seats this election. Minorities make up the majority of voters in two of those new districts, and Democrats are expected to win both seats.

In the Dallas-Fort Worth area, the new 33rd District stretches across inner-city Dallas to Fort Worth, where the majority of the constituents live. Tarrant County State Rep. Marc Veasey, Fort Worth City Councilwoman Kathleen Hicks, Manuel Valdez and Ken Sanders have filed paperwork for the Democratic primary. Three Republicans have filed for that race.

Fort Worth museum hosts exhibit on impressionism

Vandals in San Antonio cause sewage spill

State has $2 billion more to spend on roads

FORT WORTH — An exhibit of French impressionist masterpieces including works by PierreAuguste Renoir, Claude Monet and Edgar Degas is making its only U.S. stop at a Fort Worth museum.

The 72 works in the exhibit opening Sunday at the Kimbell Art Museum come from the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute in Williamstown, Mass.

SAN ANTONIO — Vandals in San Antonio are believed to have caused a sewage spill that sent more than 84,000 gallons spilling into a part of the north side.

KSAT-TV reports that work crews were called to the scene late Thursday night. They found that someone had wedged a board into a manhole, leading to a blockage that pushed sewer water into a green belt.

Officials expect no lasting harm from the spill.

AUSTIN — The Texas Department of Transportation says it’s found it has $2 billion more to spend on road projects than previously thought.

TxDOT finance chief James Bass tells the Austin AmericanStatesman says he credits a more optimistic assessment of available federal funds, combined with extra borrowing and lower-thanexpected construction costs for ongoing projects.

Texas jobless rate down to 7.3 percent in January AUSTIN — Texas’ unemployment rate fell to 7.3 percent in January on the strength of a big jump in the number of nonfarm jobs, according to data released Friday by the state employment agency.

The jobless rate is down from 7.4 percent in December, below the national figure of 8.3 percent, and has fallen in four consecutive months.

President visits Houston for campaign fundraising HOUSTON — President Barack Obama jets to Houston on Friday for a pair of campaign fundraising events.

The president is scheduled to arrive at Minute Maid Park around the dinner hour for a fundraising banquet. About 600 people are expected to attend the $500-a-ticket event.

Man arrested after alcohol found in baby WACO — A man is in custody after an infant in his care was found to have swallowed a severe amount of alcohol.

The Waco Tribune-Herald reports that the mother of the infant returned from work to find her child not responding normally. William Webb told the mother the baby was just tired.

— Compiled from AP reports

AROUND THE NATION Facebook ‘friend’ offer exposes man’s other wife SEATTLE — Facebook’s efforts to connect users through “friends” they may know recently led two Washington women to find out they were married to the same man.

That led to corrections officer Alan L. O’Neill, being slapped with bigamy charges.

According to documents filed Thursday, O’Neill married a woman in 2001, moved out in 2009, changed his name and remarried without divorcing her.

The first wife first noticed O’Neill had moved on to another woman when Facebook suggested the friendship connection to wife No. 2 under the “People You May Know” feature.

“Wife No. 1 went to wife No. 2’s page and saw a picture of her and her husband with a wedding cake,” Pierce County Prosecutor Mark Lindquist told The Associated Press.

The Erie Zoo’s lowland gorilla Samantha, left, shares her space with Panda, a Dutch rabbit, at the zoo in Erie, Pa. on Thursday.

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Wife No. 1 then called the defendant’s mother.

Stocks rise modestly on February jobs report Stocks closed modestly higher

Friday after the government’s monthly report on employment bolstered hopes that the recovery is on track. The gains were tempered by news that a big debt write-down by Greece could cause big losses for some banks.

— Compiled from AP reports

The Zapata Times is distributed on Saturdays to 4,000 households in Zapata County. For subscribers of the Laredo Morning Times and for those who buy the Laredo Morning Times at newsstands, the Zapata Times is inserted.

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SATURDAY, MARCH 10, 2012

THE ZAPATA TIMES 3A

40 years possible after guilty verdict in pot case

By CÉSAR G. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES

A federal jury in Laredo found a 25-year-old Zapata man guilty for possession of 476 pounds of marijuana with intent to distribute after four and a half hours of deliberation. The trial took place this week.

Previously out on bond, Lenny Salinas was taken into custody after the return of the verdict. Sentencing is expected before Senior District Judge George P. Kazen at a date to be determined.

Salinas faces up to 40 years in prison and up to a $5 million fine. Furthermore, he’ll have a minimum of four years of supervised release following completion of his prison term.

According to a criminal complaint dated Sept. 21, Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations agents received information about a white Ford F150 loaded with narcotics parked at Alamo and Brazos. Agents were allowed access to the vehicle. They quickly detected the odor of marijuana emanating from the truck, court records state.

A U.S. Border Patrol drug-sniffing dog alerted agents to the possible presence of narcotics in the suspected truck and a horse trailer parked several feet away, a criminal complaint states.

According to a U.S. Attorney’s Office news release, testimony revealed that while agents were

awaiting the arrival of the search warrants that day, Salinas rode up on horseback and stated he was the owner of the truck and he had recently purchased it from the registered owner.

During the execution of the warrants, agents discovered 12 bundles of marijuana weighing 172 pounds.

Agents also discovered 67 bundles of marijuana weighing 304 pounds, the criminal complaint states. “(Salinas) claimed he owned both the truck and horse trailer and that there was marijuana in the truck.

He further stated that whatever was in the horse trailer was his as well,” the news release states.

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

PAGE 4A

Zopinion

SATURDAY, MARCH 10, 2012

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

OTHER VIEWS

A year later, Japanese look inward

By FRED HIATT THE WASHINGTON POST

After their triplewhammy disaster one year ago, many Japanese cycled through emotions familiar to Americans after Hurricane Katrina: disbelief at the failure to anticipate such a crisis, anger at official obfuscation as it unfolded, frustration at the slow pace of reconstruction ever since. The scale of the catastrophe provoked another sentiment Americans will recall: the sense that, after this, nothing will ever be the same.

Two disasters But there were also differences between the two countries’ reactions.

The stark class and racial disparities exposed

by Katrina had no echoes in Japan after it was hit by an earthquake, a tsunami and the collapse of a nuclear plant, with the loss of some 20,000 lives (10 times the death toll from Katrina), one year ago Sunday.

And the disaster of 3/ 11 triggered a profound questioning of the foundations of Japan’s prosperity of a kind Katrina did not evoke.

Questions At a forum sponsored this week by the German Marshall Fund, the celebrated poet Madoka Mayazumi said that the crisis has forced Japan to confront “some basic questions” such as what has been achieved through “the constant pursuit of more.”

“It seems to me that by pursuing this obsession with economic growth and efficiency, the whole world has driven itself into a corner,” she said.

“An aesthetic of reduction can be one way to reframe our lifestyle.”

Money, not the arts A Tokyo patron of the arts (and an old friend of mine), Kazuko Aso, expressed similar thoughts after organizing an exhibition of young artists’ works in response to the crisis. (The art is on display at the Edison Place Gallery in Washington through March 24.)

“This disaster put an end to the era of the postwar prosperity; the time for chasing economic success and materialistic prosperity is over,” Aso wrote in an introduction to the exhibition catalogue. “The disaster has reminded us . . . we can never conquer nature; we must live with it.”

One explanation for this difference in reactions is that Japan’s disaster implicated far more complex technology than the levees that failed in New Orleans: the atomic energy that helped power the phenomenal rise of resourcepoor Japan.

Another is that Japan was already in something of an identity crisis when the earthquake struck.

In a decline Just a quarter-century ago, Japanese believed they were about to over-

take America as the world’s leading economy.

That never came to pass, and last year Japan was knocked from its No. 2 perch by China, with a prospect of further relative decline.

In politics, too, the nation was adrift. An upstart left-of-center party had unseated the conservatives who had ruled Japan for more than half a century, but by the time of the disaster — one and a half years into its administration — the Democratic Party of Japan had yet to find its footing.

Fewer people Most of all, there was the dawning realization that, because of Japan’s pathologically low birth rate and its allergy to immigration, its population would both dramatically age and dramatically decrease in coming decades.

After the initial shock came hope that the disaster would jump-start Japan out of its malaise — that the country would rebound as it had after World War II or the 1973 oil crisis.

But jump which way?

For some, the disaster points toward accepting a reduced position for Japan in the world instead of resisting it.

“Our status as an economic power will come down, but look at France or Germany or Great Britain,” Hideki Kato, president of the Tokyo Foundation, said at the forum this week. “The economic scale in Japan is much bigger, but I don’t think the level of happiness is much bigger.”

More growth Others hope Japan’s growth will resume but in a new direction. Just as the Japan of the 1980s proved the possibility of economic power without military might, so in an era of climate change and diminishing resources Japan would blaze a more sustainable path.

And then there are those, like Japan’s savvy ambassador to the United States, Ichiro Fujisaki, who argue that with 127 million people living on narrow, rocky islands, “we have to depend on science and technology.”

“We will seek safe and sustainable technology,” he told me, “but I don’t think it will change our society or makes us less open to innovation.”

Split lege In the past year, a new prime minister has provided steadier leadership, but he, like leaders in Washington, has to cope with a divided legislature. Tax-free development zones have been created in the disaster area, but they must overcome exaggerated fears of radiation.

Maybe nothing will ever be the same, in other words, but neither is everything transformed.

Hard problems are still hard, and democratic politics are still slowmoving.

(Fred Hiatt is The Washington Post’s editorial page editor.)

COLUMN

Let’s help send Sara to space

By KEN HERMAN COX NEWSPAPERS

AUSTIN — Generally, I try to steer clear of telling other people how to raise their kids. Want to home school them? Knock yourself out (and call me if you’ve dabbled in home medical schooling). Want to let them get tattoos of U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett of Austin on their foreheads?

Ink up.

Want to let them blast off into space in a flying machine some guy made in his garage from old washing machine parts?

Start the countdown.

I bring up that last point because that’s sort of what Robert and Cheryl Cook, whom I know to be otherwise reasonable people, want to do. And they need your help to make it happen. Who are we to question this? In fact, it is our duty to help make it happen.

Contest The Cooks’ daughter Sara, a young lady of high accomplishment, is counting on you to help stuff the ballot box in Space Race 2012.

What we’re talking about here is a contest in conjunction with the upcoming 50th anniversary of Seattle’s Space Needle, a familiar landmark. Back in August, the Space Nee-

dle folks announced a contest to send somebody on a short space trip. It will be a half-hour voyage, with about six minutes of zero gravity, in a pilotless craft that can take two people 62 miles above Earth. (Sounds like the first time one of my kids drove me to the grocery store.)

High class And, despite what some wise guy wrote above, the vehicle to be used will not be something made in some guy’s garage from old washing machine parts. It will be a quality spacecraft made by the private space travel industry. It’s all part of Space Race 2012, and organizers say the grand prize is a ”space flight presented by Space Adventures and includes suborbital space flight training, medical consultations and screening.” Space Adventures is a Virginia-based company that, to my knowledge, does not even have old washing machine parts.

Video submissions About 50,000 people entered, and 1,000 were randomly picked to submit two-minute videos about why they want to go to space. Twenty entrants were chosen to be among

five in the finals. Sara Cook is among the 20. The top five, as selected by votes through Facebook, will go to Seattle for a competition that will include tests for mental and physical fitness. The winner blasts off.

Let me tell you a bit about our hometown contestant before I show you how to help stuff the ballot box in her favor. Cook, who turns 24 next week, already has an impressive resume and a cool job.

She’s a McCallum High School graduate and an accomplished synchronized swimmer, a talent she utilized in her video.

Versatile She majored in international affairs at George Washington University in Washington, interned for Doggett (last time I saw Cook she did not have a Doggett tattoo on her forehead) and has studied in Paris and Tokyo. She is fluent in French and Japanese (last time I saw Cook her English also was pretty good).

She now works in D.C., as a congressional liaison for the Japanese Embassy.

And what were you doing when you were 23? ”It has always been her dream to go into space,” her mom told me, ”and as terrified as I am, I want to help her achieve her

goal.”

What could be more fun than simultaneously helping a young lady achieve her dream and terrifying a mom?

OK, here’s how we do this.

Go to https:// apps.facebook.com/spaceracecompetition/entries to see Cook’s video and vote for her. Here’s my favorite part: This isn’t one of those one-person, one-vote deals. You can vote once a day, every day, through March 18. Let’s all do that.

(FYI, you can also see the contest rules at that website. It’s a breezy 11,728-word read. One of those words is ”death.”

Don’t worry, Mom. I’m sure that’s just something the lawyers made them put in.)

Last time I checked, Cook was in fifth place, the final place that would get her to Seattle for the finals. Let’s make sure she does not slip below that.

Vote now, vote often.

And do not be misled by the name of one of the folks ahead of Cook at this point. I am not related to John Herman of Newmarket, N.H. Do not vote for him. In fact, in general, never vote for anyone with that last name.

Vote for Cook today, tomorrow and every day until the deadline. Maybe she’ll bring us T-shirts from space.

(E-mail: kherman@statesman.com.)

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY The Zapata Times does not publish anonymous letters.

To be published, letters must include the writer’s first and last names as well as a phone number to verify identity. The

phone number IS NOT published; it is used solely to verify identity and to clarify content, if necessary. Identity of the letter writer must be verified before publication.

We want to assure our

readers that a letter is written by the person who signs the letter. The Zapata Times does not allow the use of pseudonyms.

Letters are edited for style, grammar, length and civility. No name-call-

DOONESBURY | GARRY TRUDEAU

ing or gratuitous abuse is allowed.

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

SATURDAY, MARCH 10, 2012

THE ZAPATA TIMES 5A

Deputies follow up on theft of $11K of jewelry THE ZAPATA TIMES

Zapata County sheriff ’s investigators are looking into a case in which the suspects allegedly stole with jewelry worth thousands of dollars.

On March 3, deputies went out to a burglary of a

habitation call at 9:40 p.m. in the 1000 block of Hidalgo Boulevard. The owners were out of town for several hours and noticed that their residence had been broken into when they returned.

Several pieces of jewelry valued at approximately

$11,000 were reported missing from their bedroom.

People with information on the case are asked to call the sheriff ’s office at 765-9960 or Crime Stoppers at 765-TIPS (8477). Callers may remain anonymous.

Information leading to an arrest may be rewarded.

THE BLOTTER ASSAULT Deputies arrested Alvaro Angeles-Lobaton, 26, and charged him with assault family violence after authorities received a call at 11:45 p.m.

March 1 from the Medina Addition. The man is out on bail from the Zapata Regional Jail.

DWI Jose Roberto Garza, 61, and Lucio Guzman, 50, were both arrested after a traffic stop at about 8 p.m. at Seventh Street and Ramireño Avenue in the Medina Addition. Guzman was charged with driving while intoxicated and taken to the Zapata Regional Jail. He is out on bail. Deputies charged Garza with public intoxication. He was released for time already served.

POSSESSION Blas Edgardo Turi, 22, was arrested and charged with possession of drug paraphernalia at about 3 p.m. March 3 at 10th Street and Villa Avenue. He was taken to the Zapata Regional Jail and later released for court appearance.

PUBLIC INTOXICATION

Deputies arrested Derly Torres Jr., 22, and charged him with public intoxication at about 1:45 a.m. March 1 in the 400 block of Zapata Avenue in the Medina Addition. An incident report states a deputy made contact with a man riding a bicycle and arrested him for being intoxicated. The man was transported to the Zapata Regional Jail, where he remained behind bars as of Friday afternoon.

Alfredo Hernandez Jr., 39, was arrested and charged with public intoxication at about 1:45 a.m.

March 3 near Nora Drive. The man was taken to the Zapata Regional Jail. He was later released for court appearance.

Deputies arrested Cecilia Veronica Dominguez, 52, and charged her with public intoxication at about 3 a.m. March 3 in the 100 block of Diaz Avenue in the Medina Addition. She was taken to the Zapata County Jail. She was later released for court appearance.

UNSAFE START Jose Alejandro Juarez, 19, was arrested and charged with unsafe start after deputies went to a reported drag racing incident at about 4 p.m. March 4 at Seventh Street and Laredo Avenue. He was taken to the Zapata Regional Jail, where he was later released for court appearance.

Cartel man faces charges ASSOCIATED PRESS

BROWNSVILLE — The nephew of the former boss of Mexico’s Gulf cartel is scheduled to return to court Monday on drug and immigration charges.

Court records show U.S. District Judge Andrew Ha-

nen scheduled Rafael Cardenas Vela’s re-arraignment on Friday.

He was arrested in October following a traffic stop in Port Isabel and charged with conspiracy to possess and distribute drugs, money laundering and using a fraudulent passport. De-

fendants typically plead guilty to some charges at re-arraignment. His attorney did not return a call from The Associated Press.

Cardenas Vela is the nephew of Osiel Cardenas Guillen, who was sentenced to 25 years in prison last year.

PÁGINA 6A

Zfrontera Cambio de horario

SÁBADO 10 DE MARZO DE 2012

Agenda en Breve ZAPATA

03/10 — Último día de la Feria del Condado de Zapata. A las 9:30 a.m. inicia el Desfile de la Asociación de la Feria del Condado de Zapata en 3rd Avenue; a partir de las 10:30 a.m. actividades como venta de manualidades y las ceremonias de premiación; a las 4 p.m. será la subasta de ganado; a las 7:30 p.m. el Concurso para comer jalapeño; y a las 11:30 p.m. será la presentación de Grupo Intocable.

NUEVO LAREDO 03/10 — Estación Palabra presenta: “Bazar de Arte” a las 12 p.m.; “Cuentos de niñas y para niñas” a las 2 p.m.; “Homenaje a Gabriel García Márquez” a las 3 p.m.; y “Taller de Creación Literaria con Jacobo Mina” a la 3 p.m. Eventos gratuitos.

03/10 — Museo para niños presenta “Colorimetría” a las 4 p.m. en la Sala de Servicios Educativos del Centro Cultural. Evento gratuito.

03/11 — Museo de Teatro presenta “El Dilema del Prisionero” con el Grupo de Teatro Expresión a las 7 p.m. en el Teatro Lucio Blanco de Casa de la Cultura. Entrada gratuita.

LAREDO 03/11 — Los Bucks de Laredo presentan “Noche de Harmony Science Academy” en partido a las 4 p.m. Los Bucks reciben a Arizona Sun Dogs. Costo: 10 dólares.

Contacte a D.J. Garry al (956) 523-6572 para más información.

03/12 — Semana de Educación Financiera, del 12 al 16 de marzo, de 10 a.m. a las 12 p.m. en la sala de espera del Consulado General de México, 1612 calle Farragut, en Laredo, donde funcionarios de los bancos Banamex USA, Laredo Federal Credit Union y Wells Fargo, dialogarán acerca de las ventajas del sistema financiero estadounidense. Más información al (956) 7230990.

03/12 — La Biblioteca Pública de Laredo invita al “Spring Break Family Fun”. El día de hoy: “Pintura con Acuarela” de 10:30 a.m. a 11:30 a.m.; y, Elaboración de Brazalete de 2:30 p.m. a 3:30 p.m.

03/13 — La Biblioteca Pública de Laredo invita al “Spring Break Family Fun”. El día de hoy: “Cuento: El Sombrero de San Patricio” de 10:30 a.m. a 11:30 a.m.; y, Día de Película de 4 p.m. a 5 p.m.

03/13 — Bajo la dirección de Daniel C. Stowe, el Club Glee de la Universidad de Notre Dame ofrecerá un concierto en el Auditorio del Bill Johnson Student Activity Center, a las 7 p.m. Evento gratuito.

03/14 — La Biblioteca Pública de Laredo invita al “Spring Break Family Fun”. El día de hoy: “Actividad con Pasta” de 10:30 a.m. a 11:30 a.m.; y, “Hora del Cuento y Elaboración de una campana de viento” de 4 p.m. a 5 p.m.

03/15 — La Biblioteca Pública de Laredo invita al “Spring Break Family Fun”. El día de hoy: “Hora del Cuento para Preescolares” de 10:30 a.m. a 11:30 a.m.; y, Día de San Patricio en la Biblioteca de 4:30 p.m. a 5:30 p.m.

03/15 — Cuarto Festival Anual del Papalote por el Descanso de Primavera en North Central Park, 10202 International Blvd. de 12 p.m. a 7 p.m. Evento gratuito.

03/16 — Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam es hoy a las 7:30 p.m. en Laredo Energy Arena.

— Tiempo de Zapata

TIEMPO DE ZAPATA

Conforme nuestro país regresa al Horario de Verano a partir del domingo, en el cual los relojes se adelantarán una hora, el Departamento de Bomberos de Laredo (LFD) y la Administración de Incendios de EU (USFA, por sus siglas en inglés) conmina a aprovechar la ocasión como una manera de probar sus sistema de alarmas contra incendios y reemplazando las baterías si es necesario.

El Horario de Verano iniciará este segundo domingo de marzo, y concluirá el primer domingo de noviembre, el día 4.

Así, se recomienda que esta noche, antes de dormir, adelante sus relojes una hora, ya que el cambio de hora ocurre a las 2 a.m. del 11 de marzo, para colocar la hora a las 3 a.m. del horario de verano.

Será hasta noviembre cuando los relojes de nueva cuenta se regresen una hora.

Muchas personas acostumbran la frase de “primavera hacia adelante, otoño hacia atrás”, para recordar qué es lo que se debe hacer con el llamado Horario de Verano.

Con el Horario de Verano las personas podrán disfrutar de más horas con sol durante las tardes.

Según artículo en la Associated Press, históricamente a Ben Franklin se le acredita por la idea, pero no fue sino hasta la Primera Guerra Mundial que la idea fue adoptada en Europa.

Verifique alarmas El cambio al Horario de Verano es también primordial para los departamentos de bomberos quienes sugieren a los residentes cambiar las baterías de sus detectores de humo y de monóxido de carbono, indica la AP. Así, el LFD y la USFA insisten en una campaña para evitar que sigan ocurriendo incendios innecesarios con resultados fatales.

“Alarmas contra incendios trabajando apropiadamente incrementa significativamente su oportunidad de sobrevivir a un incendio fatal”, explicó en un comunicado de prensa el vocero de LFD, Eloy Vega.

“Una alarma contra incendios instalada apropiadamente y con el mantenimiento

adecuado es la única cosa en su residencia que puede alertarle sobre un incendio, a cualquier hora del día”.

El comunicado agrega que sea que la persona esté dormida o despierta, una alarma anti incendios está escaneando constantemente el aire para detectar fuego y humo.

Además de cambiar sus baterías en el detector de humo este fin de semana, se recomiendan los siguientes pasos a manera de protección: Utilice una aspiradora o sacuda los detectores de humo cuando cambie las baterías.

Pruebe las alarmas una vez al mes utilizando el botón de prueba.

Reemplace toda la alarma si es mayor de 10 años o si no trabaja de forma apropiada cuando la pruebe.

Instale alarmas detectores de humo en cada piso de su residencial, incluyendo el ático, así como dentro y fuera de las áreas para dormir.

Para mayor protección, equipe su vivienda con una combinación de alarmas detectores de humo ionizados y fotoeléctricos o alarmas con doble sensor.

Interconecte todas las alarmas detectores de humo en su casa para que cuando una suene, todas empiecen a sonar. Interconectores para alarmas están disponibles en casi todas las tiendas donde se venden alarmas.

Asegúrese que todos en casa entiendan la advertencia de una alarma detector de humo y que sepan como responder.

También es bueno que prepare y practique un plan de escape para que Usted y sus seres amados salgan de casa de manera segura en caso de incendio. Programen reunirse en un lugar a una distancia segura del incendio y donde bomberos puedan encontrarlos fácilmente.

En cuanto al horario de verano, la AP indica que el primer cambio de hora oficial ocurrió en EU en 1966, cuando los relojes fueron adelantados el último domingo en abril y vueltos una hora el último domingo de octubre.

“En 1987, el inicio del Horario de Verano cambió al primer domingo en abril, y en 2007, se cambió al segundo domingo en marzo y concluirá el primer domingo de noviembre”, concluye el artículo.

Foto de cortesía | PRI

En la Jornada de Lectura “Primero Leo” organizada por el Comité Municipal del PRI en Nuevo Laredo, México, participó el niño Roberto Viviano Vázquez, el 2 de marzo.

Jornada de lectura acerca a ciudadanos POR JUAN JOSÉ RUVALCABA ESPECIAL PARA TIEMPO DE ZAPATA

La semana pasada el Partido Revolucionario Institucional (PRI) encabezó el inicio de las Jornadas de Lectura “Primero Leo” en Nuevo Laredo, México.

Las jornadas se realizaron de manera simultánea en los comités municipales de Ciudad Victoria, Tampico, Madero, Altamira, San Fernando, Matamoros, Soto la Marina, Reynosa, Tula y Nuevo Laredo.

“Primero Leo” es una actividad organizada por la Secretaría de Participación Ciudadana del PRI, a cargo de Viviano Vázquez

Macías.

“Se dará lectura a cuentos de escritor Jorge Ibargüengoitia y luego los asistentes participarán en una rifa de libros de varios escritores”, dijo Vázquez.

En la lectura de los escritos participaron el niño Roberto Viviano Vázquez y los adultos Francisco Martínez Citalán y Juan José Ruvalcaba.

Luego de la sesión de lecturas, se rifaron libros entre los asistentes, resultando ganadores José Luis Castillo, Abigail Rico, Griselda Hernández, Ruth Rico, Antonia Benavides, Juana Patlán, Julia Quintanilla, Isabel Castillo y Gumersindo Moreno.

¡DÍA DE FERIA EN ZAPATA! Invitan a desfile, actividades y concierto POR MIGUEL TIMOSHENKOV TIEMPO DE ZAPATA

Aunque solamente son tres días, la Feria del Condado de Zapata involucra a toda su comunidad y están listos para hoy celebrar el cierre de las actividades.

La Feria del Condado de Zapata celebra este año su 40 Aniversario, por lo que el día de hoy será la gran fiesta.

Es en Zapata donde se vive plenamente la cultura de la región y con tradiciones fortalecidas.

Desde el jueves, cuando arrancó la feria, y hasta hoy, cuando concluye, se programaron una serie de actividades que envuelven a residentes locales y de la región.

La Feria del Condado tiene su reina, Sofía Regalado, e invita a disfrutar el desfile a partir de las 9:30 a.m., la competencia de ganado, y juegos mecánicos para los niños, así como la cocina.

Una de las atracciones que hizo cambios emocionales fue el “mano a mano” de las bandas musicales.

En esta competencia se disfrutan los ritmos ejecutados por los expertos para hacer vibrar de re-

Foto de cortesía | Feria del Condado de Zapata

La Realeza de la Feria del Condado de Zapata son, de izquierda a derecha, la Princesa, Alyssa Jo Gutiérrez; la Reina, Sofía Regalado; y, la Duquesa, Rebecca R. Quintanilla. La Feria del Condado de Zapata concluye hoy con un concierto a cargo del Grupo Intocable. cuerdos y emociones.

Además el banquete musical ha motivado la presentación de Intocable esta noche a partir de las 11:30 p.m.

También se apartó un espacio para rendir tributo a las ricas tradiciones de Texas, como es la

cabalgata, al vaquero o vaquera sobresaliente del evento.

Otro atractivo es la Subasta de ganado en la Sala de Exposiciones Ramírez a las 4 p.m.; la presentación del ganador de las Batalla de las Bandas a las 7:30 p.m. y el Concurso de Jalapeños a las 7:30 p.m.

Gobierno informa de encuentros con hispanos ASSOCIATED PRESS

WASHINGTON — Miles de líderes latinos comunitarios y de negocios intercambiaron sus ideas con funcionarios del gobierno del presidente Barack Obama en el 2011, de acuerdo con un informe oficial.

Unos 3.000 líderes hispanos y 70 funcionarios na-

cionales dialogaron sobre temas relacionados con servicios y salvaguardas federales en el marco de un ciclo de cumbres de acción comunitarias realizadas por todo el país, dijo el jueves la Casa Blanca.

Los encuentros continuarán en 2012 y las próximas se realizarán en marzo en Texas, Carolina del Norte,

Wisconsin y California.

En los últimos 10 años se registró un aumento de más de 15 millones de hispanos en el país. De acuerdo con el censo del 2010, en Estados Unidos viven alrededor de 50 millones de latinos, y su aumento representa más de la mitad del incremento de la población total del país.

La Feria del Condado de Zapata tiene algo para todos porque se dan los tiempos para las reuniones familiares.Visite hoy Zapata y disfrute su feria anual.

(Localice a Miguel Timoshenkov en el (956) 728-2583 o en mramirez@lmtonline.com)

RÍO ÁLAMO EN CIUDAD MIER

Foto de cortesía/archivo | La del Miernes

El río de Ciudad Mier, el Río Álamo, en una toma desde el puente del Paso del Cántaro. Una foto tomada en octubre del 2008.

SATURDAY, MARCH 10, 2012

THE ZAPATA TIMES 7A

JUAN R. GONZALEZ Juan R. Gonzalez, 79, passed away Sunday, March 4, 2012, at his residence in Zapata, Texas.

Mr. Gonzalez is preceded in death by his wife, Maria Elena Gonzalez; daughter-in-law, Mari Gonzalez; and a sister Fela.

Mr. Gonzalez is survived by his sons: Juan Luis (Guadalupe) Gonzalez, Hector (Rosa) Gonzalez, Arnoldo Gonzalez, Rusbel (Sylvia) Gonzalez and Gerardo Gonzalez; daughters: Dora Alicia Gonzalez, Lupita (Roberto) Ramirez, Rosalva Gonzalez and Yolanda (Ramon) Cervantes; brothers: Horacio Gonzalez, Enrique Gonzalez, Ernesto Gonzalez, Israel Gonzalez, Jesus Gonzalez, Benito Gonzalez and Horacio Gonzalez Jr.; sisters Chela Alcala, Sara Arroyo, Raquel Guzman and Lila; and by numerous nieces, nephews and many friends.

Visitation hours were held Tuesday, March 6, 2012, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a rosary at 7 p.m. at Rose Garden Funeral Home.

The funeral procession departed Wednesday, March 7, 2012, at 9:45 a.m. for a 10 a.m. funeral Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.

Committal services followed at Zapata County Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Rose Garden Funeral Home, Daniel A. Gonzalez, funeral director, 2102 U.S. 83, Zapata, Texas.

OSCAR ‘EL TURIPANTO’ THATCHER Oscar “El Turipanto” Thatcher passed away Friday, March 2, 2012, at Doctor’s Hospital in Laredo, Texas.

Mr. Thatcher is preceded in death by his son John Anthony Thatcher; father, Juan Thatcher; and a sister Omedi Thatcher.

Mr. Thatcher is survived by his wife, Zulema Gutierrez; son Oscar James Thatcher; daughter, Consuelo T. (Johnny) Jasso; grandchildren: Briana Contreras, Rey Jasso and Rene Jasso; mother, Paula M. Thatcher; brothers: Juan Jr. (Petrita) Thatcher, Corando (Gloria) Thatcher, Derly (Arlina) Thatcher and Rudy (Elisa) Thatcher; sisters Maria Elena (†Adrian III) Ramirez; Viola (Sergio) Garcia and Yolanda (Joel Pacheco) Thatcher; and by numerous nieces, nephews and many friends.

Visitation hours were held Tuesday, March 6, 2012, from 1 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. at Rose Garden Funeral Home.

The funeral procession

By RAMIT PLUSHNICK-MASTI ASSOCIATED PRESS

departed Tuesday, March 6, 2012, at 2:15 p.m. for a 2:30 p.m. funeral Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.

Committal services followed at Zapata County Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Rose Garden Funeral Home, Daniel A. Gonzalez, funeral director, 2102 U.S. 83, Zapata, Texas.

COUNTY FAIR Continued from Page 1A to 15,000 for the event “people go all out for,” she said. “(The county fair) brings our community together,” she said.

“It’s a big thing for Zapata.”

County Judge Joe Rathmell hopes the storm systems approaching the area hold off until Sunday and make way for “the highlight of this year’s event,” Intocable.

Even though the musicians are from Zapata, their performances here have been few and far between here because of the international renown they have achieved, Rathmell said.

“It’s hard to get them down here because they’ve gotten so big,” he said.

In anticipation of possibly record-setting attendance numbers,

county fair organizers have prepared accordingly.

Extra traffic control will be employed, and the County Fair Committee made arrangements with an organization in Laredo offering security services.

Here is a breakdown of today’s events: A dignitaries’ breakfast will be held at 8 a.m. in the Court Plaza.

The Zapata County Fair Association Parade begins at 9:30 a.m. from 3rd Avenue.

Hometown band Intocable will host a roping contest starting at 10:30 a.m.

A sale of junior and senior division arts, crafts, baking and photography begins at noon.

The folklorico dance team performs at 1 p.m.

At 1:30 p.m., there will be an award ceremony for parade contestants.

The buyer’s social and dance team performance happens concurrently at 2 p.m.

The livestock auction begins at 4 p.m. in the Ramirez Exhibit Hall.

Competitors will face off in a jalapeño eating contest at 7:30 p.m.

The cry of the mariachi will be in full force during the grito contest that starts at 9:30 p.m.

Intocable performs from 11:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.

(JJ Velasquez may be reached at 728-2567 or jjvelasquez@lmtonline.com)

CUELLAR Continued from Page 1A Cuellar once served as Texas secretary of state under Republican Gov. Rick Perry and endorsed Republican Gov. George W. Bush over Vice President Al Gore, a Democrat, in the 2000 presidential election.

Angle said during the 2001 and 2003 Texas redistricting battles, Cuellar aligned himself with former House Speaker Tom DeLay, R-Sugar Land.

Cuellar, meanwhile, dismissed criticism by Angle, who had backed efforts in the Dallas area to create a minority coalition district over one for Latinos.

Cuellar said he fought for a Latino district in Dallas and said “1.3 million Hispanics in Dallas would

have been screwed if I (had) kept my mouth shut.”

Democrats, meanwhile, are not completely pleased with the congressional redistricting map because minorities accounted for 90 percent of the state’s population gain in the last decade, according to the 2010 Census.

The compromise map creates two new Republican districts and two Latino districts, one in Dallas and one in San AntonioAustin.

The map has been accepted by a San Antonio federal court.

Cuellar disputes charges that he benefited from the compromise.

The Laredo Democrat sought to rid his 28th congressional district of Guadalupe County, a growing Republican stronghold where local officials passed a resolution asking to be removed from Cuellar’s district.

Seguin and Guadalupe County are now in the Rio Grande Valley-based district represented by Rep. Ruben Hinojosa, D-Mercedes.

“I don’t know how that happened, but he got it,” Cuellar said.

Negotiations with Abbott and some Latino groups were initially met with disapproval by Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Dallas, and Rep. Sheila Jackson

Feds nix funds for women’s health program

Lee, D-Houston, who said lawyers with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People were left out of the talks.

Cuellar said some of the Democratic sniping was frustration that made him out as a scapegoat for those who didn’t get what they wanted in the compromise map.

He said his motivation in the redistricting case was to fight for Hispanics following decades of disadvantage under Republican and Democratic political leaders in Austin.

“I was the only one to stand up for Hispanics, and I got attacked for it,” Cuellar said.

HOUSTON — The federal government will stop funding a Texas health program that serves 130,000 low-income women because of a state law that bars abortion-affiliated clinics from getting public money, a top U.S. health official said Friday.

The federal money, which covers 90 percent of the state’s $40 million program, will be phased out between May and September because the law violates federal regulations requiring that women have a choice in care, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said during a trip to Houston. That means the Women’s Health Program will join a long list of programs nationwide on the chopping block because of their affiliations with Planned Parenthood or other groups that offer abortions.

The announcement came a day after Texas Gov. Rick Perry pledged to find state money to keep the program afloat, though details remain scarce about where the money would come from. Texas suffered massive spending cuts last year due to a $15 billion deficit, though a state health services official said Friday that Texas would prefer to increase its deficit than completely eliminate the program.

Perry blasted Sebelius’ announcement, insisting Medicaid rules give states the right to determine which clinics are qualified to provide women’s health care.

“The fact that the Obama administration would announce its decision to deny care for more than 100,000 low-income women during a press event before giving official notice to the state is a clear demonstration of the political motivation behind this decision,” he said in a statement, adding that Texas officials are still waiting for official word on the decision.

As is the case with other programs now in the national spotlight, the Women’s Health Program provides cancer screenings, family planning and other women’s health services.

About 44 percent of women in the Texas program go to Planned Parenthood clinics, although none that accept funding from the program may perform abortions, and no federal funds

are used to terminate pregnancies.

The problem in Texas is being caused by lawmakers’ desire to prevent state funds from going to Planned Parenthood. The state is implementing a law that bars public funds from going to any programs, organizations or groups that are affiliated with abortions, even if they don’t perform them.

After touring a hospital in Houston, Sebelius said the state law violates federal Medicaid regulations that require women be allowed to choose where they go for health care.

The money will be phased out so women have time to find alternative care, she said.

The state was warned that implementing the law would jeopardize federal funding, and Texas chose not to immediately enforce it when it was passed, Sebelius added.

“They knew ... they are not allowed to deny women the right to choose,” Sebelius said. “Women would be losing their doctor, their medical home, their choice.”

Stephanie Goodman, spokeswoman for the Texas Department of Health and Human Services, said money to pay for the program would be diverted from others that are under budget — though she didn’t offer specifics. If that doesn’t cover the costs, she said, the state would increase its deficit to pay for the services because officials believe that if low-income women don’t have access to birth control, the birth rate would rise and cost the state another $57 million in maternity bills.

Last year, Texas lawmakers slashed state funding for women’s health and family planning programs by $73.6 million — cutting services to 160,000 women.

They also took $10 million from a separate family planning budget line and shifted those responsibilities to organizations that administer Medicaid in Texas.

Now, with the expected cut in federal funds, “there’s a huge gap in family planning” in Texas, Sebelius said.

State Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee, D-Houston, said she and members of Congress are negotiating with Sebelius and federal officials to find a way to ensure that the funds don’t stop flowing.

8A THE ZAPATA TIMES

SATURDAY, MARCH 10, 2012

State’s jobless rate declines

THE WONDERS OF A SCALY SNAKE

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Photo by Albert Cesare/Odessa American | AP

Fifth-graders Megan Kirkland, left, and Laekin Rivera watch as Miranda Stutts touches a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake held by Mike Glass during the 54th Annual “World’s Largest Rattlesnake Roundup,” held by the Sweetwater Jaycees, on Friday at the Nolan County Coliseum in Sweetwater.

TRIAL Continued from Page 1A the 49th District Court at the Zapata County Courthouse, presiding Judge Joe Lopez advised attorneys to prepare to go to trial in late September or early October.

The trial is expected to last two weeks. It is still in the discovery phase, and the defense attorneys in the case, Eduardo Peña and Oscar Peña, have requested the victim’s medical records.

They said they had

learned the child had suffered from a congenital defect that may have contributed to his death.

The prosecutor, Pedro Garza Jr., did not object to the request.

The video The defense also discussed its motion to suppress a video recording pending its transcription.

The video allegedly contains one hour of the defendant denying being involved in the crime, followed by a time gap, and then approximately 20 minutes of a confession.

Lopez gave the defense 60

days to get the video transcribed and set a hearing on the motion to suppress for 2 p.m. May 3 at the Zapata County Courthouse.

(Stephanie Ibarra may be reached at 728-2547 or sibarra@lmtonline.com)

AUSTIN — Texas’ unemployment rate fell to 7.3 percent in January, reaching its lowest mark in three years on the strength of a big jump in the number of nonfarm jobs, according to data released Friday by the state employment agency.

The jobless rate is down from 7.4 percent in December, below the national figure of 8.3 percent, and has fallen in four consecutive months, according to the Texas Workforce Commission.

The state’s unemployment rate was 8.5 percent as recently as September.

“We’re seeing substantial economic growth here in Texas,” said commission Chairman Tom

Pauken.

Texas added 67,200 nonfarm jobs in January, and nine of the 11 major industries added jobs in January, led by professional and business services at 18,100 jobs, according to agency figures.

Leisure and hospitality was close behind at 17,100 jobs added, followed by trade, transportation and utilities at 15,700.

Private employers added 73,800 jobs over the month.

“When the majority of industries add jobs over the year, that’s a positive sign,” said commissioner Lonny Congleton.

Unemployment rates are adjusted for seasonal trends in hiring and firing.

SATURDAY, MARCH 10, 2012

ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM

Sports&Outdoors MIDDLE SCHOOL TENNIS

HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL

On the defensive Courtesy Photo

The Zapata Middle School seventh grade tennis team is coming of a powerful outing at the District 31-3A tennis tournament held at the Zapata High School last Saturday.

Zapata teams excel at tournament

By CLARA SANDOVAL THE ZAPATA TIMES

Photo by Clara Sandoval | The Zapata Times

Sophomore outfielder Clarissa Villarreal looks to lead the Lady Hawks in their defense of the District 31-3A title. Zapata begins district play on Tuesday at Port Isabel.

Zapata looks to defend district title

By CLARA SANDOVAL THE ZAPATA TIMES

T

he time has come to put all that softball education to use as the Lady Hawks are set to start the District 31-3A season

on Tuesday against a formidable opponent as Zapata begins a quest to defend their title.

Zapata travels to Port Isabel, who is expected to be one of the top three teams in the district.

Zapata, the defending Dis-

Manning release should benefit Colts in long run

T

he momentum for the Colts and Peyton Manning to part came to light on Wednesday. For months rumors swirled that the Colts were going to let go of Manning instead of paying the $28 million bonus he was due.

Mix in the fact Manning missed the entire year because of neck surgery and the Colts looked like the team before Manning arrived 14 years ago.

To say that the Colts were bad this year is an understatement as they finished 2-14.

With such a dismal record the Colts secured the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft this April.

Stanford’s Andrew Luck and Baylor’s Robert Griffin III are the most sought after quarterbacks in the draft and one will surely end up in Indianapolis.

Colt fans are upset and have even sent a few death threats to the front office, but they failed to realize the NFL is a business and this was a business move.

Yes, Peyton was loved and he brought the city a Super Bowl title and even four league MVP awards.

“

CLARA SANDOVAL OVAL

Peyton has done a lot for the city and I guess that the Colts have forgotten the days when Jeff George was the can’t miss quarterback, and all those years that they suffered under his guidance at quarterback.

Great players get traded all the time and when their run is over they get discarded. Just look at Joe Montana in San Francisco, the superstar quarterback who was traded away after bringing a few Super Bowls to the Bay Area.

The great Michael Jordan departed Chicago and he is considered one of, if not the greatest, basketball players in history.

The NFL is a business and it is all about the Benjamins, with Manning as the latest victim.

See SANDOVAL PAGE 2B

trict 31-3A champions, have their core players back from last year’s historic season, and will be vying to start the district season on the right foot when they meet the Lady Tar-

See SOFTBALL PAGE 2B

The Middle School District 31-3A tennis tournament was held at the Zapata High School Tennis Courts this past Saturday.

The district is comprised of schools from Roma (Roma Middle School and Ramiro Barrera Middle School), Rio Grande City (Veterans Middle School, Ringgold Middle School, La Grulla Middle School) and Zapata (Zapata Middle School).

A total of 108 middle school athletes hit the courts at the district tournament to try their luck in the singles, doubles and mixed doubles division.

To determine a team champion, points are awarded in each event with the first place finish earning 15 points, second place 10 points, third place five points and fourth place 2.5 points.

In the doubles division, points are awarded as follows: 20 points for first, 15 points for second, 10 points for third and five points for fouth.

The seventh and eighth grade girls captured the team titles and left the competition in the rear view mirror.

The seventh Grade girls racked up 50 points to easily win the district title while the eighth grade girls won the title by accumulating 35 points.

The seventh and eighth grade

boys both captured third place to bring some hardware to Zapata.

“I am very proud of our middle school tennis players,” Zapata middle school tennis coach Amanda Perez said. “We don’t get to go to as many tournaments as the other schools or practice as long, as they are almost yearround programs, but our kids hung in there and competed. Our girls teams’ winning the district titles was great. Our middle school program will really help us at the high school level. I am already seeing the results right now as our sophomores were the first middle school team and they are doing great.”

Tennis Team Results 8th Grade Girls In girls singles, Alexa Alvarez placed second while Kaitlyn Ramirez came in fourth.

The dynamic duo of Monique Hurtado and Alynna Benavides placed third and Tatiana Lopez and Abby Perez placed fourth in girls doubles.

The mixed doubles team of Aaron Fuentes and Sandra Morales came in second place. The points for mixed doubles are split between the boys and girls teams.

7th Grade Girls In the singles division, Clarissa

See TENNIS PAGE 2B

NFL

Miami targets Manning

By TIM REYNOLDS

Peyton Manning was realeased by the Indianapolis Colts on Wednesday, ending his 14year stint as the Colts’ leader. Manning led Indianapolis over the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XLI in 2006.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

AVENTURA, Fla. — If Peyton Manning wants to talk about playing quarterback for the Miami Dolphins, Dan Marino would be thrilled to take his call.

And just in case, Marino has his sales pitch ready.

“There’s great tradition there.

We’ve had a couple off years but believe me, they’ll be back,” said Marino, the Hall of Famer who threw for 420 touchdowns and more than 61,000 yards in his Dolphins career. “It’s a great franchise and they’ll get it turned around.”

Manning would almost certainly help in that quest, which largely started when Marino retired more than a decade ago.

From the moment the fourtime MVP parted with the Indianapolis Colts on Wednesday, buzz about Manning has been growing in Miami — much of it fueled by the quarterback’s arrival in South Florida shortly after becoming an NFL free agent for the first time. Manning insists he doesn’t know what his next move will be, and Marino believes him.

“I think he fits with anybody,” Marino said Thursday at a char-

Photo by Amy Sancetta | AP

ity golf tournament. “He’s one of the best to ever play the game at that position. So wherever he ends up playing, if he’s healthy, which is going to be important to Peyton, I’m sure he wants to

go out there and play at a high level. Wherever he plays, he’ll be a huge impact for that team.”

The Dolphins are believed to

See MANNING PAGE 2B

PAGE 2B

Zscores LeBron poised for accolades

Free agent class opens up

By BARRY WILNER ASSOCIATED PRESS

By TIM REYNOLDS ASSOCIATED PRESS

MIAMI — It happens fairly regularly at games in Miami, a moment when LeBron James gets serenaded by chants of “MV-P” from the Heat crowd.

Dwyane Wade thinks those fans are only getting it half right.

James is a leading candidate to be the league’s MVP this season, an award that would be his for the third time in four years. He’s on pace to become one of the top 50 scorers in NBA history by early April, and is the only player in the league ranked among the top 25 in points, steals, rebounds and assists per game this season.

But Wade thinks James shouldn’t just be in the MVP conversation — he’s advocating him for defensive player of the year as well.

“The guy guards any position and does it every night,” Wade said of James, who plays inside and on the perimeter at the offensive end. “I think he should be in the discussion for that.”

Even among friends, James doesn’t want to say much.

“He won’t talk about it,” Wade said. “I bring it up and he says, ‘I don’t really care.’ But I want him to get it. I’ve never played with someone who’s won MVP before. I want him to get it. I want to be at the press conference. I want to be there.”

His wish might come true.

James and the Heat are 30-9 this season, and he entered Thursday ranked

SATURDAY, MARCH 10, 2012

Photo by J Pat Carter | AP

Miami Heat’s LeBron James, left, reacts after rebounding a Miami ball in what is surely a MVP and Defensive Player of the Year-caliber season. third in the NBA in scoring (27.7), ninth in steals (1.8) and 14th in assists (6.7). Using the formula known as PAR — points, assists and rebounds — James is having the best statistical season of anyone in the league, his nightly average of 42.8 better than Kevin Love (41.2), Kobe Bryant (39.3) and Kevin Durant (39.3).

James has been doing things the league hasn’t seen in decades — or maybe ever.

There have been two games this season in which a player has posted at least 35 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and no turnovers. James has both — on consecutive nights earlier this month, no less.

According to STATS LLC, there have only been 11 other such games in the last 25 seasons. And when adding in his five steals to a 38-point, 11-rebound, sixassist, no-turnover night at Portland on March 1, that’s a game that hadn’t been duplicated since individual turnovers began being charted in 1977.

Still, James said he still finds it “humbling” to hear about where his stat lines rank in history.

Peyton Manning is a free man. Drew Brees is not.

A week after a record 21 players were given franchise tags — only Saints star quarterback Brees got an exclusive tag and can’t even talk to other teams — the NFL’s free agency freefor-all begins. And it will be crazy.

For teams willing to part with two first-round draft picks, such game-changers as Ray Rice, Wes Welker and Matt Forte are available. For those looking just to spend money to acquire new talent, Saints starters Marques Colston and AllPro guard Carl Nicks are on the market. So is highly touted quarterback Matt Flynn, who doesn’t seem to have much future in Green Bay behind Aaron Rodgers.

And for teams ready to gamble, there is four-time MVP Manning.

This could be the wildest free agency period in years. Coming off the 2010 season that had no salary cap and different free agent rules, then the lockout and a condensed bidding war, the marketplace is crowded. Many of those available figure to be backups: quarterbacks Chad Henne and Rex Grossman, running back Ronnie Brown, defensive back Pacman Jones, for example.

But there are quality players with starting potential, even Super Bowl credentials — such as Giants receiver Mario Manningham and Colts wideout Reggie Wayne — who could wind up wherever Manning goes.

“I want to be here,” Manningham said of remaining with the Giants after his star turn in the Super Bowl. But he would be the No. 3 receiver in the Meadowlands behind Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz. “I feel like we can do a lot of damage in these

Photo by David Duprey | AP

New York Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham (82) is a leader in the superstar heavy free agent class this offseason. next four, five years. That’s just how I feel, because we’re all young. ... It’s not up to me, I want to stay. It’s a business, too. You’ve got to look at it like that, too.

You got to look out for your family, that’s how it is.”

If your secondary is leaky, cornerbacks Brandon Carr of the Chiefs and Carlos Rogers of the Lions can help patch it.

Perhaps the most intriguing free agents, aside from Manning, also are coming off injuries. Mario Williams, the outstanding defensive end in Houston who was making a strong transition to linebacker in a 3-4 alignment, missed the final 11 games with a torn chest muscle. Center Dan Koppen, the glue for New England’s offensive line for

several years, was out for all but the opening game, but is better than more than half the incumbents around the league.

Looking for veteran leadership from likely Hall of Famers nearing the end of the NFL road? There’s LaDainian Tomlinson, Brian Dawkins and Hines Ward.

Looking for headaches from likely Hall of Famers nearing the end of the NFL road? There’s Randy Moss and Terrell Owens.

Plenty of offensive linemen become less anonymous during free agency as they are coveted to solidify blocking units. Centers Scott Wells of Green Bay and Chris Myers of Houston, guard Ben Grubbs of Baltimore and the Saints’ Nicks figure to

make out best.

And there are potential bargains, players who won’t command top dollar and will be dependable contributors: Jets nose tackle Sione Pouha, Titans cornerback Cortland Finnegan and linebacker Barrett Ruud, Colts receiver Pierre Garcon and tight end Jacob Tamme, Patriots running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Chiefs RB Jackie Battle, and Panthers linebacker Dan Connor.

Quite a few free agents simply need a chance of scenery, including running backs Cedric Benson of Cincinnati, Michael Bush of Oakland and Peyton Hillis of Cleveland.

As always, quarterbacks command most of the attention. San Francisco still is haggling over contract numbers for Alex Smith, whose superb 2011 season and rapport with NFL Coach of the Year Jim Harbaugh makes it logical he will re-sign with the 49ers.

Kyle Orton has been a decent, sometimes impressive stopgap in several places and is available again. Jason Campbell had the Raiders in contention before a broken collarbone sidelined him for two months.

Then there is Flynn, who has been superb in his infrequent stints when Aaron Rodgers was either hurt or rested. Several teams hungry for a new starter must figure out if Flynn has shown enough to command big bucks — and a starting role.

New Orleans used the exclusive franchise tag on the 2011 NFL Offensive Player of the Year, meaning he can only negotiate with the Saints. The sides are millions of dollars apart and Brees has the option to sit out offseason workouts if a deal isn’t reached.

Meanwhile, he can watch hundreds of contracts finalized.

Let the feeding frenzy begin.

SOFTBALL Continued from Page 1B

Courtesy Photo

Zapata Middle School’s eighth grade tennis team posted strong performances at the District 31-3A tennis tournament held at the Zapata High School last Saturday.

TENNIS Continued from Page 1B Gonzalez took second place while Jenicia Guevara placed fourth.

Zapata dominated in the doubles division with Stacy Salinas and Victoria Araiza taking gold, Taylor Moffet and Gabriella Gonzalez silver, Keyiris Baitista and Jazmyn Tejada bronze and Bethany Ruiz and Sara Gomes fourth place.

8th Grade Boys In singles, Jose Ramirez took third and Juan Ramirez fourth, while in doubles Lucio Melo and Raul Ortiz took third.

7th Grade Boys In singles, Gabriel Bautista came in third and Jerry Martinez fourth, and in the doubles division Jose Gonzalez and Chris Cruz took third.

pons.

Taking the mound for the first time this season is senior pitcher Estella Molina who is returning from minor surgery that kept her out all of the pre-season.

“I feel very positive my girls have been hitting the ball well and Estella is back after surgery,” Zapata coach Jaime Garcia said.

Molina has been steady for the Lady Hawks on the mound since her sophomore year and Zapata is expecting big things from her with two years under

her belt.

Last year Molina was sensational on the mound and Zapata was able to hoist their first league title in school history.

Now she is making her return to the mound against a Port Isabel team who wants to be the first one to knock the Lady Hawks off their pedestal.

Zapata boasts an offense that can turn a game into batting practice with a core of hitters that have an eye for the ball.

Senior catcher Michelle Arce, last year’s Offensive

Most Valuable Player, has not skipped a beat and continues to lead the Lady Hawks at the plate.

Arce also gets an abundance of help at the plate from Jackie Salinas, Gaby Chapa and Liana Flores “They have been hitting the ball extremely well and have been our offensive force,” Garcia said.

Salinas and Flores were All-Tournament at the Zapata Annual Softball Tournament this past weekend.

At the tournament, Flores had seven hits with four RBI’s, and Salinas had

six hits with 3 RBI’s.

San Diego won 4-3 over Rowe in the Gold Division championship and Harlingen South won the thirdplace game 11-3 over Zapata. Crystal City won the Silver Division over Falfurrias.

Now Zapata must put all that offensive firepower against Port Isabel.

“The most important thing is to start the season on the right note and we are very capable of hitting the ball,” Garcia said. “We need to do that against PI.”

SANDOVAL Continued from Page 1B The Colts were not sure if the 36-year-old Manning was going to hold up for a couple of more years. When they could get a hold of a younger Andrew Luck or Robert Griffen III, who ran an exceptionally fast 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, they are going to

jump at the opportunity.

Do you blame the Colts for going after a much younger and more dynamic quarterback? Maybe Manning could have given the Colts a few more years but would you trade three or four years for maybe ten years?

That is the predicament

that the Colts were in and they took it.

After getting over the initial shock of getting released, Manning is going to get angry and he is going to choose a team that is going to take him to the top to show the Colts that he was not washed up.

Manning will be back and the Colts will regret their decision, but in the long haul it will be the Colts who are going to come out smelling like roses because something like this can be erased by winning, and Luck and Griffin are proven winners.

MANNING Continued from Page 1B be one of the teams interested in adding Manning; Miami plays a game at Indianapolis next season.

Washington, Arizona, Seattle, Denver and Kansas City also are likely to talk to him, along with the Jets — the team that shares a stadium with the Giants and Manning’s two-time, Super Bowl-winning brother Eli. ESPN reported Thursday that Manning will make a decision within the next week and wants to stay in the AFC. “I know he likes the weather here in Miami, but I have no idea where he’s going to go,” said wide receiver Pierre Garcon, who caught 10 touchdown passes from Manning in 2009 and 2010. “I could not tell you anything.”

Added Reggie Wayne, who has

been working out with Manning: “I don’t know. Ask Peyton.”

Manning’s arrival in Miami doesn’t necessarily mean the Dolphins are front-runners to get him. He owns a condo in Miami Beach, where television crews were staked out Thursday.

“He does like his privacy — and he’s not going to have much of it until everyone finds out where he’s going to go,” Garcon said.

Why keep playing?

“He’s a competitor. He loves the game. He loves winning,” Garcon said. “You can never have enough Super Bowl rings. He wants to win and he wants to keep playing. ... When you walk in a stadium with Peyton, you have at least a fighting chance to win a game.”

After the Colts decided not to pick up Manning’s $28 million bonus, team owner Jim Irsay ended months of speculation by releasing the 14-year veteran and longtime face of the franchise. Indianapolis likely will find Manning’s replacement in April’s draft, presumably Stanford’s Andrew Luck. The Colts have the first overall pick.

Manning missed the entire 2011 season because of a damaged nerve that caused weakness in his right arm. He had the most recent of his multiple neck surgeries on Sept. 8.

Once the fusion has healed, the bone is as strong as any other in his neck, if not stronger, several doctors said.

“Did it heal? Is the rest of his neck in pretty good shape? If those two answers are yes, then it gets down to ‘OK, get out on the field and show me you can perform,’ because it will only get better from here with time,” said Dr. Robert S. Bray Jr., a spine specialist who has treated NHL star Sidney Crosby and Olympic hurdler Lolo Jones.

For the time being, the Manning watch is consuming Miami.

Dwyane Wade reached out to Manning on Twitter, and LeBron James took time in a postgame television interview after the Heat beat Atlanta on Wednesday night to briefly sell Manning on the merits of South Florida.

Will Marino call him?

“I probably wouldn’t do that unless he asks for some advice,” Marino said. “And he has plenty of people that he’s working with to help him make the right decisions.”

Dolphins kicker Dan Carpenter said if Manning says he’s healthy enough to play, then that’s good enough for him.

“He’s a great football player,” Carpenter said. “I definitely think having Peyton Manning won’t hurt your chances. ... Obviously, I don’t know how hard we’re pursuing him. It’s hard to say what Peyton Manning’s thinking. I’m sure he’s going to talk to his family, think about himself and think about where he wants to be and make that decision.”

SATURDAY, MARCH 10, 2012

THE ZAPATA TIMES 3B

HINTS | BY HELOISE Dear Readers: There are shelves full of commercial cleaning products with catchy names, added fragrances and attractive packaging that cost a lot!

Save a few dollars and use cheap, all-natural BAKING SODA! It’s great for cleaning and deodorizing problems around the house.

Here are a few hints: To remove stubborn stains from fixtures and countertops, make a paste with 3 parts baking soda and 1 part water. Apply to a stain, let stand, then scrub gently and rinse clean.

Sprinkle some baking soda in garbage cans and clothes hampers to prevent odors.

To remove grease stains from clothing, use a baking-soda paste as a pretreatment.

For baked- or burnedon food, sprinkle pots and pans with baking soda, then add hot water. Soak several hours or overnight, and the baked-on mess should lift off more easily.

Use a paste of baking soda as a foot scrub. For more money-saving hints, order my Baking Soda pamphlet by sending $5 and a long, self-addressed, stamped (65 cents) envelope to: Heloise/Baking Soda, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001.

Here are some hints you may not have known: You can substitute baking soda for baking powder by adding 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar to 1/4 teaspoon baking soda. Or make homemade toothpaste by sprinkling some baking soda on your toothbrush. You’ll also learn how to use baking soda as a fire extinguisher, drain freshener and stuffed-toy cleaner.

— Heloise PET PAL Dear Readers: Fran W.

“

HELOISE

in San Antonio sent a picture of her gray, shorthaired cat, Franklin, lying in the kids’ wrapping paper on Christmas Eve. He was such a helpful elf ! To see Franklin and our other Pet Pals, visit www.Heloise.com and click on “Pets.” — Heloise GIVE PAPER Dear Heloise: We give used newspapers to veterinary clinics. Our vet very thankfully accepted our already-read papers! — Sharolyn, via email GET A GRIP Dear Heloise: I was cleaning our bathrooms one day and stopped to get a drink of water from my bottled water. I didn’t remove my rubber gloves and noticed immediately that I had a grip on the bottle that normally I do not have. I kept my rubber gloves on for a while that day and found that I could grasp many things better!

— Judie in Martinsburg, W.Va. A STICKY SITUATION Dear Heloise: When the edge of my plastic wrap gets stuck onto the roll, I use a piece of tape to unstick it. You usually can see or feel where the edge is, so put a piece of tape on one side of the edge and lift. If that doesn’t do it, try the other side.

Works every time. — Kerri N., via email EASY HANG Dear Heloise: I have found a way to hang up blouses. I use pants hangers with the clips. Just use a clip at each shoulder — no bumps, no slips, and the blouse hangs neatly. — Charmaine, via email

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Sports

4B THE ZAPATA TIMES

Gloom dooms Olympics

By STEPHEN WILSON ASSOCIATED PRESS

LONDON — With less than five months until the games begin, England’s mood is about as gray and gloomy as a rainy day along the River Thames.

Instead of enthusiasm, euphoria and ebullience, the Olympic countdown is generating a drumbeat of skepticism, scare stories and doom.

There are persistent complaints about the ticketing, worries over cost overruns, predictions of traffic gridlock and transportation chaos, threats of blood shortages, disease and strikes — even talk of drought.

British oddsmakers are even taking bets on everything that could go wrong.

The Olympic flame will fail to arrive on time for the July 27 opening? That’s 66-1 at Ladbrokes.

An athlete will miss the start of competition and cite transport problems as the reason? That’s 2-1.

A power cut at the opening ceremony? That’s 25-1.

Britons have a reputation as natural-born grumblers who love nothing more than to complain, and the Olympics have proved to be a perfect outlet for naysayers and killjoys.

Many Londoners plan to leave town to avoid the whole thing, especially when they can cash in by renting out their homes or apartments for the Olympics.

Also feeling in a sour mood and planning to leave town during the Olympics is Andrew Doughty, 41, who lives with his wife and two young children in the north London borough of Islington — a short train ride from the Olympic Park. He applied for tickets for his family and came up emptyhanded.

Certainly, every host city goes through ups and downs during the sevenyear buildup to the Olym-

SATURDAY, MARCH 10, 2012

Danica races with heavy heart

By JOHN MARSHALL ASSOCIATED PRESS

Photo by Sang Tan | AP

Swimmers compete in the men’s 1500 meter freestyle during the selection trials and Olympic test event at the London 2012 Olympic Aquatics Centre at the Olympic Park in London, Friday. pics — the euphoria after winning the bid, the reality check of the massive task at hand, the doubts and worries in the final stretch and the burst of enthusiasm once the Olympic flame arrives for the torch relay. But with Britain, that doubtand-worry phase seems to be lasting and is more pronounced.

Once the games get under way, and assuming there are no serious problems, Britain is sure to get caught up in the party atmosphere.

London has its share of serious challenges, particularly over transportation and security. Can the city’s already-stretched Tube and rail network handle the Olympic crush? Will the games be safe from terrorism or other disruption?

Those have been the main concerns since London was awarded the Olympics in 2005. Lately, the flashpoint has been tickets, or the perceived lack of clarity and fairness in the sales process.

Demand for the 6.6 million tickets has been huge.

Early rounds of sales were marred by computer problems and confusion over why some people got tickets and others didn’t. The media and the public have been sharply critical of how it’s been handled.

At the heart of the malaise is a lingering concern

about the cost of the games during a time of economic austerity. The public sector budget stands at 9.3 billion pounds ($14.6 billion), much of which has gone to building the Olympic Park in east London.

Recent stories of foreboding during the Olympics have included: — Patients will be stranded in ambulances in traffic jams while dignitaries and sponsors flash by in limos in special lanes. Delivery of blood supplies will be impeded by traffic restrictions.

Supplies of anthrax and smallpox vaccines are running short and need to be stockpiled to guard against a biological attack.

London faces a potential public health emergency because of diseases brought in by thousands of visitors and athletes. (This took a new twist when Britain’s Olympic team doctor advised athletes not to shake hands to avoid picking up germs — a suggestion that officials later said would be disregarded.)

Water supplies could be at risk after southeast England was officially declared a drought zone — a contrast from the traditional worry that the games will be soaked by rain.

Some of London’s West End theaters could be shut down because of a lack of ticket bookings.

LAS VEGAS — Between preparing the car and turning practice laps for this weekend’s Nationwide race, Danica Patrick didn’t have a lot of time to think about the last time she was at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

But as she made her way from the garage to the media center, Patrick’s thoughts caught up with her.

Seeing the setup of the garage, her pit stall from last year, the neon sign above garage, it all took her back to the final race of her IndyCar career — the day Dan Wheldon died.

“When you have time to think about multiple things, that’s when it hits you,” a somber Patrick said Friday.

Major racing returns to Las Vegas Motor Speedway this weekend for the first time since Wheldon was killed in a fiery crash last fall.

Speedway officials don’t plan any memorials or tributes to the two-time Indy 500 champion and neither does NASCAR. Earnhardt Ganassi Racing drivers Jamie McMurray and Juan Pablo Montoya will have decals on their cars — Wheldon drove three years for Chip Ganassi Racing — and some fans are planning to tweet Wheldon’s No. 77 on the 77th lap of the Sprint Cup and Nationwide races, but that’s about it for tributes.

Still, Wheldon’s death likely will loom over everything that happens this weekend, from the time the drivers go through the tunnel just below where Wheldon died to the time the haulers take the cars to the next race.

On her way to NASCAR full-time, Patrick went into Las Vegas last fall hoping to do something special in her final race as a full-time IndyCar driver.

The series was hoping to make a splash, too, that a season finale in Las Vegas would be a showcase for the sport. The series put up its own money to promote the event, renting the track from owner Bruton Smith, and took over a section of The Strip so its cars could do a few hot laps under the neon lights.

There also was the added specter of Wheldon taking home a $5 million prize as part of a promotion if he could win the Oct. 16 race.

Instead, it ended in disaster.

Photo by Phelan M. Ebenhack | AP

Danica Patrick, left, will certainly race for more this weekend at Las Vegas, where IndyCar driver Dan Wheldon died last year.

Twelve laps into the race, Wheldon came roaring up to a 15-car pileup in progress and had nowhere to go. Wheldon’s car became entangled in the careening cars and went airborne, sailing into a catch fence around turn 2. The reigning Indy 500 champion died from head injuries after his car hit a post on the fence cockpit-first.

IndyCar halted the race and the remaining drivers did a five-lap tribute to Wheldon, many with tears streaming down their faces.

Patrick was among them, leaving IndyCar not in triumph, but devastation after watching a friend die in a crash that unfolded right in front of her.

Returning five months later, even in a different kind of car, has been a heart-wrenching experience. Patrick said she made it through Friday’s practice session without thinking too much about Wheldon, but it was hard to completely shake his memory, even at 175 mph.

“Obviously, the last time we were here, it was a big weekend, a sad weekend and thoughts are still with Susie (Dan’s wife) and the kids,” Patrick said.

“There won’t be a time when I come to Las Vegas and won’t think about Dan and think about the family.”