The Zapata Times 3/12/2011

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ZAPATA COUNTY

ZAPATA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CENTER

Commissioners looking at lots on the agenda

Stopping work

Amusements law to get a review

By DIANA R. FUENTES LAREDO MORNING TIMES

In addition to the potentially thorny matter of getting the Zapata County Economic Development corporation back on track, the Zapata County Commissioners Court has a full agenda for its meeting Monday.

Commissioners will hear a status report on implementation of the county’s new Amusement Redemption Machine Ordinance, which governs the use of maquinitas. Approved in January, the ordinance took effect Feb. 1.

Juvenile assistance Juvenile Probation Officer Roger Miller requested two items on the agenda, one to approve submitting a Juvenile Justice Alternative Grant to the governor’s office and another to approve the Zapata County Criminal Justice Community Plan.

Also on the agenda are two items dealing with the Zapata County Little League fields.

One would solicit bids for services to maintain the fields and the other would solicit bids to maintain the concession stands.

In efforts to take full advantage of technological advances

to increase public access to county business, the court will consider authorizing Pixl Studios to convert Zapata County Commissioners Court meeting videos onto a streaming website and to have the company develop web pages for each of the commissioners.

Events

Four teenagers were arrested and accused of stealing more than $16,000 in electronics in the early hours of March 6.

Deputies identified the alleged offenders as Richard Dwaine Benavides, 17; Javier Alberto Buruato, 17; Roberto Camacho, 17, and Jose Victor Chavez, 17. All teenagers are facing charges for burglary of a habitation, engaging in organized criminal activity and two counts of burglary of a vehicle.

Zapata County sheriff’s deputies responded to a burglary call at 1:55 a.m. March 6 in the 1000 block of Fresno Street. Officials met with a 35-year-old man who alleged his house was burglarized.

According to Sgt. Mario Elizondo, a man told deputies he

THE ZAPATA TIMES

Operations at the Zapata Economic Development Center were suspended in one of the final actions the organization’s board took before the majority of its members resigned last week.

Peggy Umphres Moffett, presi-

dent and chief executive officer of EDC, said that the center’s offices are closed, but no employees have been terminated. The board suspended operations because there was not enough money to pay employees until the county makes its next payment, which is scheduled April 1. The county gives the organization $85,000 a year, doled

out in quarterly payments.

Umphres said she offered to work until April 1, when she could be reimbursed, but she speculated the board did not have faith that the county would make its quarterly payment. She added that if the county approves the

See BOARD PAGE 10A

ZAPATA COUNTY FAIR

Medicine collection And commissioners will consider approving use of the front area of the Zapata County Courthouse by the Drug Enforcement Administration as a drop-off point for unused prescription medication on April 30, from 10 a.m. to noon.

See ZAPATA PAGE 10A

Theft accusation sends 4 teens to jail THE ZAPATA TIMES

By JULIE DAFFERN

There are several community-oriented items on the agenda. One would allow Zapata County employees to participate in the annual “Show Your Pride” day to benefit the Jimmy Foundation for Cancer Research in conjunction with ESPN. Another would allow the use of the Oswald H. and Juanita G. Ramirez Exhibit Hall for the Texas Association of Bass Club Fishing Tournament on Sept. 23-24, and allow the San Antonio Metro Fishing Tournament to use the hall Sept. 30Oct.2.

PUBLIC SAFETY

By CÉSAR G. RODRIGUEZ

Employee pay, insurance concerns board

RICHARD DWAINE BENAVIDES: Jailed in lieu of $71,000 bond.

JAVIER ALBERTO BURUATO: Jailed in lieu of $71,000 bond.

ROBERTO CAMACHO: Jailed in lieu of $71,000 bond.

Photos by Cuate Santos | The Zapata Times

ABOVE: Charlie The Hatman, who hails from Montana and sells cowboy hats, has been participating at the Zapata County Fair for the last 25 years. BELOW: The Zapata County Fair carnival offers a variety of rides for visitors of all ages.

PARADE There’s TODAY still time to enjoy thrill rides, music and shopping opportunities

By ERICA MATOS THE ZAPATA TIMES

W

found the back door opened and the door knob loose. He also mentioned to authorities his 2006 Jeep and a 2001 Tahoe were

alking into the exhibit hall at the Zapata County Fair Grounds, one will probably be greeted by a man in traditional Texas garb: jeans, button-down shirt and a noticeably nice cowboy hat.

“Were y’all lookin’ for something?” he’ll say, like he runs the place.

In fact, Charlie the Hatman is neither Texan nor does he run the exhibit hall. But he has been traveling down from Montana to the Zapata County Fair to custom-make hats like the one sitting on his head for the last 25 years.

He has been in the business for 33.

Animatedly, Charlie the Hatman shows visitors

See TEENS PAGE 10A

See FAIR PAGE 6A

JOSE VICTOR CHAVEZ: Jailed in lieu of $71,000 bond.

PAGE 2A

Zin brief CALENDAR

SATURDAY, MARCH 12, 2011

AROUND TEXAS

TODAY IN HISTORY

FRIDAY, MARCH 11

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Tots on tricycles will cruise the Laredo Community College South Campus during the Trike-A-Thon from 9:3011 a.m. today at the Recreation Complex. Students from the Camilo Prada Child Development Center are seeking pledges from the community to benefit the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. For more information, call 7944561.

SATURDAY, MARCH 12 Buses headed to an education support rally from noon to 2 p.m. in Austin will leave from the H-E-B plus! parking lot on McPherson Road and Loop 20 at 7:30 a.m. Anyone who wants a seat on one of the buses should be at the parking lot by 6:30 a.m.

MONDAY, MARCH 14 Children and their families are invited to participate in free activities this week at the Laredo Public Library, 1120 E. Calton Road. Today’s activities are story and crafts from 10:30-11:30 a.m. and arts and crafts from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The City of Laredo Health Department will have four smoking cessation sessions this month. Meetings are in the department auditorium from 2-3 p.m. today, Wednesday, March 21 and March 23.

TUESDAY, MARCH 15 Children and their families are invited to participate in free activities this week at the Laredo Public Library, 1120 E. Calton Road. Today’s activities are story time from 10:30-11:30 a.m. and Creative Kidz from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16 The City of Laredo Health Department will hold a rabies clinic from 7-8 p.m. today at its headquarters, 2600 Cedar St. The rabies vaccine costs $12. Distemper/parvo shots are available upon request. For more information, call the animal control services division at 795-4902, 712-6011 or 7126010.

Children and their families are invited to participate in free activities this week at the Laredo Public Library, 1120 E. Calton Road. Today’s activities are stories and crafts from 10:30-11:30 a.m. and Hora del Cuento Spanish Story Time & Craft from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The City of Laredo Health Department will have four smoking cessation sessions this month. Meetings are in the department auditorium from 2-3 p.m. today, March 21 and March 23.

THURSDAY, MARCH 17 Children and their families are invited to participate in free activities this week at the Laredo Public Library, 1120 E. Calton Road. Today’s activities are preschool story time from 10:3011:30 a.m. and St. Patrick’s Day at the library from 4:30-5:30 p.m.

The Spring Break Kite Festival is from 2-7 p.m. today at North Central Park, 10202 International Blvd. No registration or entrance is requires; just show up with a kite and start flying.

Refreshments and kites will be given away while supplies last, or bring a picnic or buy snacks on site. Games and activities are free. For more information, call 791-7461.

Photo by David J. Phillip | AP

Dr. Gerard Francisco, left, listens as Dr. Dong Kim, right, speaks while giving a medical update on U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz., during a news conference on Friday, in Houston. Doctors say Giffords has been told by her husband that she was shot, but has no memory of the episode.

Giffords learns truth

By RAMIT PLUSHNICK-MASTI ASSOCIATED PRESS

HOUSTON — Rep. Gabrielle Giffords has been told that she was shot. Her ability to walk and talk is improving. And doctors say there’s a good chance she’ll be able to attend her husband’s space shuttle launch next month.

Doctors provided the new details about Giffords’ condition Friday, their first official updates she began intensive rehabilitation in Houston on Jan. 26.

Recovery milestones They described several milestones in her recovery. The developments include the removal of her breathing tube last week and her improving ability to walk with assistance and talk in complete sentences such as

“I’m tired. I want to go to bed.”

Dr. Imoigele Aisiku, her neurosurgeon, called the breathing tube removal a “fistpump” moment.

“I’m very happy to report that she’s making leaps and bounds in terms of neurological recovery,” added, Dr. Dong Kim, a neuroscientist. “She’s doing spectacularly well.”

Giffords’ memory Her memory is also improving, and doctors believe she will not have lasting memory loss in the future.

But she does not recall the tragic event in Tucson that wounded her and 12 others and killed six people.

“She has been told both by her husband and by us, and I think she understands,” Kim said.

Masked men order farmworkers to leave

friend of the girl told a teacher he had seen the video of one of the alleged attacks, a school official said.

LA JOYA — As Texas farmhands prepared this winter to burn stalks of sugarcane for harvest along the Rio Grande, four masked men on ATVs suddenly surrounded the crew members and ordered them to leave. Texas farmers and ranchers say confrontations like these are quietly adding up. This month the Texas Department of Agriculture launched a website publicizing what it calls a worsening situation “threatening the lives of our fellow citizens and jeopardizing our nation’s food supply.”

Budget crisis leads to fewer bill filings in Texas

Cell phone video leads to arrests of 18 CLEVELAND — A cell phone video circulated among students in a Texas town has led to the arrests of 18 people, including high school athletes and adults, accused of sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl last year. The investigation began Dec. 1 after a

AUSTIN — The state’s budget crisis has another side effect for the Texas Legislature: fewer bill filings.

Friday’s filing deadline is likely to pass with a substantially lower number of bills compared to 2009. Officials say it’s because state lawmakers are focused on a budget shortfall that could reach $27 billion.

Slightly more than 5,000 bills had been filed by midday Friday, the end of a 60-day filing period.

Last session, more than 7,400 bills were on the books. More were expected to show up before the 6 p.m. deadline.

Not only are lawmakers spending a lot of time talking about balancing the budget, but officials say their legislative priorities are scaled back because they know the state doesn’t have

much money to spare.

American Airlines gives up on latest fare hike DALLAS — Finally, score one for cheaper airfares.

American Airlines is giving up on its attempt to boost prices $10 on round-trips within the U.S. after other airlines declined to match the increase. American increased fares Wednesday night.

Airlines have raised prices several times this year, citing the need to cover the rising price of fuel, which can account for more than one-third of their spending.

American spokesman Tim Smith confirmed on Friday that American had rolled back the latest increase of $10 on flights within the lower 48 states and about $20 on round trips to Hawaii and Canada.

Airlines usually try to match the prices charged by rivals on most routes, so American was pressured to retreat when other airlines declined to increase their fares.

— Compiled from AP reports

FRIDAY, MARCH 18 Children and their families are invited to participate in free activities this week at the Laredo Public Library, 1120 E. Calton Road. Today’s activities are story time and crafts from 10:3011:30 a.m. and a movie from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

MONDAY, MARCH 21 The City of Laredo Health Department will have four smoking cessation sessions this month. Meetings are in the department auditorium from 2-3 p.m. today and Wednesday.

SATURDAY, MARCH 26 The South Texas Food Bank is having its first fishing tournament at Falcon Lake, featuring a $2,000 prize for the heaviest stringer. Entry to the Bass Challenge is $150 per boat. Register at the Zapata Chamber of Commerce or by calling Pancho Farias at the South Texas Food Bank at (956) 568-3673.

SUNDAY, MARCH 27 Children and adults are sure to enjoy the annual Easter Fair with games for the kids and a car show.

AROUND THE NATION Calif., Ore. sustained most tsunami damage CRESCENT CITY, Calif. (AP) — The warnings traveled quickly across the Pacific in the middle of the night: An 8.9-magnitude earthquake in Japan spawned a deadly tsunami, and it was racing east Friday as fast as a jetliner.

In the end, the damage was mainly to harbors and marinas in California and Oregon. Boats crashed into each other, some vessels were pulled out to sea and docks were ripped out. Rescue crews searched for a man who was swept out to sea while taking pictures.

Minn. man, 85, dies recycling cans ST. PAUL, Minn. — An 85year-old man is dead after he was struck by a skid loader while he recycled cans at a St. Paul metal recycling company.

Today is Saturday, March 12, the 71st day of 2011. There are 294 days left in the year.

Today’s Highlight in History: On March 12, 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered the first of his 30 radio “fireside chats,” telling Americans what was being done to deal with the nation’s economic crisis.

On this date: In 1664, England’s King Charles II granted an area of land in present-day North America known as New Netherland to his brother James, the Duke of York.

In 1864, Ulysses S. Grant was promoted to the rank of general-in-chief of the Union armies in the Civil War by President Abraham Lincoln.

In 1912, Juliette Gordon Low of Savannah, Ga., founded the Girl Guides, which later became the Girl Scouts of America.

In 1930, Indian political and spiritual leader Mohandas K. Gandhi began a 200-mile march to protest a British tax on salt.

In 1938, the Anschluss merging Austria with Nazi Germany took place as German forces crossed the border between the two countries.

In 1939, Pope Pius XII was formally crowned in ceremonies at the Vatican.

In 1947, President Harry S. Truman established what became known as the “Truman Doctrine” to help Greece and Turkey resist Communism.

In 1951, “Dennis the Menace,” created by cartoonist Hank Ketcham, made its syndicated debut in 16 newspapers.

In 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson won the New Hampshire Democratic primary, but Sen. Eugene McCarthy of Minnesota placed a strong second.

In 1971, Hafez Assad was confirmed as president of Syria in a referendum.

Ten years ago: A U.S. Navy jet mistakenly dropped a bomb on a group of military personnel at a bombing range in Kuwait, killing five Americans and one New Zealander.

Abrasive, chain-smoking talk show host Morton Downey Jr. died at age 68. Spy adventure novelist Robert Ludlum died in Naples, Fla., at age 73.

Today’s Birthdays: Playwright Edward Albee is 83.

Former Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young is 79. Actress Barbara Feldon is 78. Singer Al Jarreau is 71. Actress-singer Liza Minnelli is 65. Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney is 64. Singer-songwriter James Taylor is 63. Sen. Kent Conrad, D-N.D., is 63. Actor Jon Provost (“Lassie”) is 61.

Courtney B. Vance is 51. Actor Titus Welliver is 50. Former MLB All-Star Darryl Strawberry is 49. Actress Julia Campbell is 48. Actor Aaron Eckhart is 43. ABC News reporter Jake Tapper is 42. Rock musician Graham Coxon is 42.

Country musician Tommy Bales (Flynnville Train) is 38.

Country singer Holly Williams is 30. Actor Samm (cq) Levine is 29. Actor Tyler Patrick Jones is 17. Actress Kendall Applegate (TV: “Desperate Housewives”) is 12.

Thought for Today: “If power corrupts, being out of power corrupts absolutely.” — Douglass (cq) Cater, American author and educator (19231995).

CONTACT US Publisher, William B. Green........................728-2501 Business Manager, Dora Martinez ...... (956) 324-1226 Chief Accountant, Thelma Aguero .............. 728-2553 General Manager, Adriana Devally ...............728-2510 Retail Adv. Manager, Raul Cruz................... 728-2511 Classified Manager, Jesse Vicharreli ........... 728-2525 Adv. Billing Inquiries ................................. 728-2531 Circulation Director ................................. 728-2559 MIS Director, Michael Castillo.................... 728-2505 Editor, Diana Fuentes ................................728-2581 City Editor, Mary Nell Sanchez .................. 728-2543 Sports Editor, Dennis Silva II......................728-2579 Business Journal Editor, Sean Bowlin.......... 728-2529 Entertainment Editor, Emilio Rábago III ....... 728-2564 Online Editor, Julie Daffern ....................... 728-2565 Photo by Dan Coyro/Santa Cruz Sentinel | AP

A Santa Cruz Harbor Patrol boat attempts to tow a partially sunken boat in the Santa Cruz Harbor on Friday, in Santa Cruz, Calif. A tsunami triggered by the massive earthquake in Japan rushed onto California’s coast Friday.

Police say Jack Patrick McCoy of Hastings was unloading cans from the rear of his pickup Thursday when an employee driving the skid loader accidentally backed into him.

Police say neither drugs nor alcohol are believed to be a fac-

tor in the accident. Police did not arrest or cite the driver.

One of McCoy’s sons, Kent McCoy, tells the St. Paul Pioneer Press that his father spent part of his retirement collecting and recycling cans “as a hobby.”

— Compiled from AP reports

SUBSCRIPTIONS/DELIVERY (956) 728-2555 The Zapata Times is distributed on Saturdays to 4,000 households in Zapata County. For subscribers of the Laredo Morning Times and for those who buy the Laredo Morning Times at newsstands, the Zapata Times is inserted.

The Zapata Times is free.

The Zapata Times is published by the Laredo Morning Times, a division of The Hearst Corporation, P.O. Box 2129, Laredo, Texas 78044. Phone (956) 728-2500.

The Zapata office is at 1309 N. U.S. Hwy. 83 at 14th Avenue, Suite 2, Zapata, TX 78076. Call (956) 765-5113 or e-mail thezapatatimes.net

SATURDAY, MARCH 12, 2011

Zlocal

Pre-Easter bash planned for park

PAGE 3A

HONORING THE COUNSELOR

THE BLOTTER ASSAULT

SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

Families are invited to swing by Romeo Flores Park on Sunday, March 27, for some pre-Easter gaiety at the Easter Bash Fun Fest, where kids can romp searching for Easter eggs and parents can enjoy various car club exhibitions and musical performances.

The event begins at noon and lasts until 6 p.m.

“There’s going to be a massive Easter egg hunt for the kids,” said event organizer, Daniel “Loke G” Olavarrieta. “What I’m asking the car clubs to bring is one Easter basket per vehicle, and those will be given out to the kids.”

As children enter the park, they’ll be given raffle tickets with numbers on them, which will later determine their prizes. Other attractions for children include several moonbounces and the star of the show, the Easter bunny, who will be taking photos with the kids.

Thus far, three Laredo car clubs—Legacy Car Club, Ridiculous Car Club and Notorious Rides—have registered.

“In Zapata, we’ve already registered three clubs as well, Nuestro Orgullo, Southern Styles and Platinum Audio,” Olaviarrieta said.

The deadline for car clubs to register is March 26, the day before the fun fest. The myriad vehicles, which can be either cars or trucks, will be competing for Best Lowrider, Best Paint Job, Best Sound System, Best Big rims and, naturally, Best Overall Car. Judging will take place at 5:45 p.m. The winner of this last honor will be awarded a lowrider motorcycle, but there will be a variety of gift certificates for those who win in other categories In addition, the event will host 17 different musical artists, including Knights of the Brown Table, Olavarrieta’s own group, which is part of Pro Records in San Ignacio. He has been with them for the past 12 years.

“For all my artists, the deadline was March 1, (but I) still have two spots open,” he said.

The event is an excellent opportunity for local artists and rappers get into the entertainments business.

“In Zapata, this is the fourth charity event we’ve done.”

Car clubs must arrive at the park by 10 a.m. to help set up for the event. Concessions will be available, but those interested in setting up booths must contact Olaviarrieta at 210-4292628.

Courtesy photo

Claudia Garza, left, is school counselor at the Fidel and Annabel R. Villarreal Elementary School in Zapata. Colleagues as well as parents praise her dedication to the school’s students as a counselor and as a teacher of character education. She is shown here with three of her four daughters: Claudia, Helena Alexa and Selene. Not pictured is Andrea. Garza was honored with a luncheon during National School Counselors Week.

Fishing tourney hopes to catch lots of money for food bank

By CÉSAR G. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES

Fishermen now have a chance to “fish for hunger” during the first annual Bass International Challenge at Falcon Lake.

The one-day tournament is scheduled for March 26. Registration is $150 per team. Payment is due by 10 p.m. March 25. Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar, along with the Zapata County Chamber of Commerce, is sponsoring the event.

All money raised benefits the South Texas Food Bank.

“Every dollar is equivalent to seven meals,” said Pete Arredondo, assistant chief at the Webb County Sheriff’s Office. $2,000 in cash prizes are up for grabs for competitors. However, organizers believe competitors will fish to feed the hungry, instead of aiming for the prize.

“Our mission is to fight hunger and I hope the fishermen are going to join us in this event,” said Pancho Farias, STFB representative.

Farias and Arredondo expect a large turnout from fishermen living in the South Texas and the northern Mexico areas.

“It’s a one-day fishing tournament. You

can come and enjoy your favorite hobby and maybe make a little bit of money at the same time,” Arredondo added.

As of Friday evening, 30 fishermen had registered.

“So far it’s looking pretty good. We’re shooting for 100 people,” Arredondo said.

The event is also being used to promote tourism.

“It’s a good time we go to Falcon Lake and give the good publicity it deserves,” Farias said. “We’re fighting hunger and giving the lake the publicity it deserves.”

This bass challenge comes along with the early announcement from World Fishing Network to find the Ultimate Fishing Town USA. Jose F. “Paco” Mendoza Jr., chamber president and chief executive officer, believes Falcon Lake has what it takes to be nominated the ultimate fishing town.

As far as security, Arredondo said organizers encourage participants to fish on the U.S. side of the lake. March 25 is the last day to register. For more information on rules and regulations or on the event itself, contact Farias at 645-0840 or Arredondo at 489-2421.

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

Jose Luis Rodriguez was arrested and charged with assault at about 7:30 p.m. March 5 in the 5400 block of Gary Lane. An incident report alleges that Rodriguez head-butted a woman he knows. He was taken to Zapata Regional Jail.

Deputies responded to a fight in progress at 7:16 a.m. March 6 in the 300 block of Penguin Street.

An assault causing family violence report was filed.

Deputies responded to a fight in progress at 4:33 p.m. March 7 in the 1000 block of Falcon Avenue. Officials arrested Zaira Villarreal and charged her with assault. She was taken to Zapata County Jail.

A domestic incident was reported at 11:12 p.m.

March 7 in the 900 block of Falcon Avenue. Deputies arrested Jose Guadalupe Guzman Jr. and charged him with assault causing family violence. He was taken to Zapata Regional Jail.

BURGLARY Deputies responded to a burglary call at 10:22 p.m. March 5 in the 1000 block of Falcon Avenue. A woman told deputies that someone burglarized the premises.

POSSESSION Jose Felix Obregon III was arrested after a traffic stop at about 2:30 a.m. March 6 near the corner of Eighth State and Texas 16. He was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and taken to Zapata Regional Jail.

Deputies responded to an accident call at 10:13 p.m. March 6 at the corner of U.S. 83 and Ninth Avenue. Raul Rene Villarreal was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana after the man ran off the road and struck several park benches, according to deputies. Villarreal was taken to Zapata Regional Jail.

PUBLIC INTOXICATION Juan Carlos Gonzalez was arrested and charged with public intoxication at about 12:30 a.m. March 5 in the 1200 block of Medina Avenue. The man was taken to Zapata Regional Jail.

Deputies responded to a call reporting an unconscious driver at 7:02 a.m. March 5 outside a motel in the 2100 block of U.S. 83. Erika Elizabeth Charo was arrested and charged with public intoxication. She was taken to Zapata County Jail.

THEFT Deputies responded to a report of stolen trash cans at 9:45 a.m. March 5 in the 1800 block of Bravo Avenue in the Medina Addition. An incident report states several people entered through the front yard of the property and stole two green trash cans.

PAGE 4A

Zopinion

SATURDAY, MARCH 12, 2011

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

COLUMN

OTHER VIEWS

Worst Week?

NPR’s Schiller

By CHRIS CILLIZZA THE WASHINGTON POST

WASHINGTON — If not for bad luck, Vivian Schiller wouldn’t have any luck at all.

Until this past week, Schiller was the chief executive of National Public Radio. That was before Ron Schiller, the outgoing fundraising director for NPR (and no relation), was caught on video telling two conservative activists posing as representatives of a fake Muslim charity that the tea party is “seriously racist” and that conservatives are “anti-intellectual.” Um, not good.

Even worse for Schiller — Vivian, that is — it wasn’t the first public relations hit for NPR during her two-year tenure.

That came last October when Ellen Weiss, the top news editor, fired political analyst Juan Williams after he said that flying with people dressed in “Muslim garb” made him “nervous.”

Weiss eventually resigned in January after

an internal review of her termination of Williams, and the NPR board of directors stripped Schiller of her bonus.

Hoping to begin the image-rehabilitation process — not to mention answer the Republican critics aiming to zero out the $430 million in federal funds for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting — Schiller delivered a keynote address at the National Press Club on Monday.

“At a time when our industry is cutting back, when punditry is drowning real news and thoughtful analysis, NPR is moving continuously forward with quality reporting and storytelling,” Schiller declared.

Less than 48 hours later, she was gone, resigning before she was fired despite the fact that, by all accounts, she helped expand NPR’s online and offline business during her time in the top job.

Vivian Schiller, for all the things you didn’t consider, you had the Worst Week in Washington.

Congrats, or something.

COLUMN

COLUMN

Race matters little with cancer Editor’s note: David S. Broder, the dean of political reporters, died Wednesday at 81 of complications from diabetes. Broder was a columnist for the Washington Post.

Of the many hundreds of Broder’s columns that could be cited in tribute, this one from May 1992 stands out because it shows his fundamental honesty as he confronts his own — and the country’s — failings when it comes to healing the scars of slavery and racism.

Fight against W hunger is important Editor’s Note: In Zapata, those who want to help end hunger also can make a donation or volunteer their time to the South Texas Food Bank by calling (956) 726-3120 or visiting www.southtexasfoodbank.org.

By OLLIE BESTEIRO SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

F

or thousands of Texans, eating dinner tonight is not a foregone conclusion.

Texas has the fourth highest hunger rate among the elderly. As Texans fight tooth and nail for their legislative priorities this session, many of the most vulnerable among us are losing a much more difficult battle – the fight against hunger.

During the month of March – National Nutrition Month – it is important to remember the nearly one in five Texans at risk of going hungry.

And the problem goes well beyond our borders.

Of the 51 million Americans who struggle with hunger every day, more than 6 million are over the age of 60. This is a problem we can solve.

AARP is leading the Drive to End Hunger program to help alleviate hunger problems among senior citizens. The campaign includes volunteerled food drives, individual and corporate funding campaigns, and local SNAP (“food stamp”) enrollment assistance. We hope to make a real difference for those most susceptible to hunger.

NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion Jeff Gordon and team owner Rick Hendrick are among those partnering with AARP. Through its Foundation, AARP has organized donations that will provide more than 146,000 meals for hungry seniors during the opening weeks of the 2011 NASCAR season. As

the program grows in size and visibility, the likelihood of shrinking hunger risk will also grow with it.

As Texans watch the Legislature decide the direction of our state, it is important to remember that the priorities and changes occur outside of the capitol as much as within it. The fight against hunger does not occur within party lines or in legislative committees. It is something that everyone can be a part of, no matter your age or political beliefs.

Donations to the Drive to End Hunger program benefit the hunger programs of the AARP Foundation. AARP is making fighting hunger a top priority, but we need the help of all Texans to make it to the finish line.

Across the state of Texas, food banks provide emergency aid for nearly 3 million people each year.

Meals on Wheels programs give older and disabled Texans the opportunity to stay in their homes without the fear of hunger. Any gift or volunteer time to these organizations goes a long way in stopping hunger.

As long as Texans go to bed hungry, the fight will march on. The AARP, food banks and hunger programs across the state will be available to make sure that the hunger issue never takes a backseat.

This National Nutrition Month, take time to think of our most vulnerable neighbors who struggle to find their next meals. Texas seniors are one of the groups across the country most susceptible to hunger risk. It’s time to reach out a helping hand to the hungry.

To learn more and find out how you can help, visit: www.drivetoendhunger.org.

(Ollie Besteiro is president of AARP Texas)

ASHINGTON — When I watched, as you did, the sickening pictures of the beating of Rodney King and the burning of Los Angeles, my mind went back to the seemingly different world of Marburg 2 — the corridor at Johns Hopkins Hospital where I spent some time last month.

My first roommate — the day and night after surgery — was a young black man, angry, hostile, cursing the nurses who remonstrated with him about his noisy outbursts. I know nothing of his background — he was on Marburg 2 for only one night because of a shortage of beds. But he seemed the epitome of the young men who have grown up in fatherless homes, devoid of hope, totally centered on themselves and the moment, heedless of the consequences of the drugs they use and sell, the guns they are quick to fire — terrorizing their neighbors as they act out the frustrations of their unchanneled, undisciplined lives.

Same challenge When I saw the looting and burning in Los Angeles, I saw his face.

But Marburg 2 was far more than that. It was an

“

DAVID BRODER

artificially created society of some two dozen men, black and white, almost all of whom had been thrown together by the common experience of prostate surgery. It was a perfect democracy of equals, all striving for the single goal of recovery. Our role and status outside the hospital were irrelevant; and so, amazingly, was our race. Seniority prevailed.

Those who were five days past surgery were envied for their returning strength by those just two days on their feet. The elders offered encouragement, assuring the juniors that in a few days, they’d feel just as well.

No colors As we walked the corridors, in our white socks, blue bathrobes and slippers, pushing our IV stands before us, camaraderie developed. I realized it was the first time I’d had that feeling since Army infantry basic at Fort Jackson, S.C., during the Korean War, more than 40 years ago. There, too, we were thrown together by chance, black and white, in the 3rd Platoon, Company I, 8th Infantry. Our goal then, too, was simple survival, because it was clear that Sgt. Smith was going to kill us if we didn’t shape up.

At no time between Fort Jackson and Marburg 2, I realized, could I recall a situation where I was not acutely conscious of the race of the person I was dealing with, whether it was George Wallace or Harold Washington. One evening in the hospital, I told a new patient, facing surgery in the

morning, “You must be an actor, a preacher or a teacher; you have one of the most beautiful faces I have ever seen.” As it turned out, he was a retired school administrator from Westchester County, N.Y., and over the next week, we became friends.

But I realized with astonishment that it had been 40 years since I had expressed a feeling so spontaneously to a black person — so pervasive and encompassing and overwhelming is the race-consciousness of our society. Los Angeles and Simi Valley demonstrated how adept we have become, we whites, in shutting out our recognition of the essential humanity of all peoples, in consigning those of other races to their own worlds and living within our own.

There was another lesson on Marburg 2. Several mornings I awoke, uncomfortable, before dawn, and stood at the window watching the stream of headlights on the shuttle buses and cars bringing the day-shift workers to Hopkins. The work force, as in many hospitals, is largely black. And as I watched them heading for their jobs at 6 a.m., my mind inevitably turned to that ode to the working poor which Jesse Jackson delivered so often in his 1988 campaign:

People do work “Most poor folks are not on welfare,” he would say.

“They work every day. They catch the early bus. They work every day. … They clean the streets. They cut the grass. They rake the leaves. They work hard every day. They raise other people’s children. They work in hospitals. They mop the floors, and clean up the germs. They wipe the bod-

ies of those who are sick with fever, rub their bodies down and when they get sick, they clean out their commodes. They work every day.”

I would turn from the window and switch on National Public Radio’s “Morning Edition,” where the favorite topic seemed to be the “character question” of the presidential candidates.

No time left And I thought: These people I’ve been watching from my window prove their character every day, just by getting out of bed and driving through the dark to do the jobs for which this society offers damn little in return. Their character is evident in their daily labors.

You’ll hear no prattle from them about maintaining “a zone of privacy” for themselves, as you heard from Bill Clinton, and still less will you find them ducking the jobs that need to be done, as George Bush tends to do.

What has Bush done in this nation in three years as president that shows character? Sign on to a modest deficit-reduction deal and then denounce it? Ease regulations on business? Stigmatize and fight a modest civil rights bill before signing it?

There is no more important test of character for an American president than what he does to heal the scars that slavery and racism have left on this society.

That is the curse that is killing us, and everything else is secondary. The last president who acted on that conviction was Lyndon Johnson, who left office almost a quarter-century ago, when Los Angeles was last in flames. We cannot wait another 25 years for such a president. We just can’t.

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 12, 2011

THE ZAPATA TIMES 5A

6A THE ZAPATA TIMES

SATURDAY, MARCH 12, 2011

Soil districts to meet at Sinton park

A view of the lake at the inn

SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

New eatery offers unique menu THE ZAPATA TIMES

Zapata residents and visitors have a new place to dine and enjoy an evening out on the lake.

The Aqua Restaurant and Bar, which opened March 4 on 178 U.S. 83, has a breathtaking view of Falcon Lake.

Unlike any other eatery in Zapata, the Aqua has a unique and varied menu with special drinks. The bar is open until 2 a.m.

Try Certified Angus Steak at the Aqua, the only restaurant that serves the high-quality meat in Zapata County. The Aqua also has the best salads in town; get it fresh from their salad bar.

The menu also has some

Photo by Cuate Santos | The Zapata Times

The Aqua Restaurant and Bar, located at the Lakeview Inn and Suites, offers breathtaking views of Falcon Lake. wonderful seafood available.

Some guests at the new restaurant already are saying Aqua has some of the best burgers and steaks in town.

Lake View Inn and Suites also is under renovation.

The hotel sits directly in front of the restaurant, and

will have more than 60 rooms when finally completed. The hotel and restaurant has its own boat ramp for its guests. Jet-Ski and boat rentals will be coming soon, offering yet more enjoyable entertainment options for Zapata residents and visitors alike.

FAIR Continued from Page 1A around his station in the hall, displaying hats in pink and lavender hats for young girls, rhinestone-trimmed hats for women, traditional tan hats for the whole family and even some with Brazilian bull-hide brims.

If none of these fit precisely what fair-goers are looking for, Charlie the Hatman has a steamer and all his materials on hand to make a hat on the spot.

Furthermore, he will recondition and re-shape your favorite hat that has perhaps seen better days.

This is only a fraction of what the Zapata County Fair, now in its 39th year, has to offer.

Today, the last and biggest day of the fair, starts off with the annual Zapata County Fair parade at 10 a.m. Floats, trucks and plenty of lively dancers and musicians will fill the streets, wending their way through the city to the fairgrounds as countless residents and fans look on in delight.

At the fairgrounds, residents and visitors can visit with Charlie the Hatman or one of dozens of other artists and exhibitors. Intriguing booths display toys, purses, clothes and a bevy

Photos by Cuate Santos | The Zapata Times

Visitors to the Zapata County Fair have a variety of things to eat and enjoy. of crafts that include crosses and jewelry for sale.

Right next to the Exhibit Hall is the carnival with its thrill rides, vibrant music and all kinds of food stands offering such classic local carnival fare as funnel cakes, corn dogs and fajita tacos — enticing visitors as they stroll through. Carnival enthusiasts can get their fills of thrills with the purchase of an all-day pass for $22.

According to the Zapata County Fair website, other entertainment at the main event will include a roping competition, a buyers’ social, a livestock auction and various dance performances. For music lovers, the performances that began Thursday will continue on Saturday into the night.

“It is my understanding that … Selena came,” said Zapata County Fair President Lupe Canales, referring to the late Tejano star, as he talked about the major stars expected for this year’s fair.

A major attraction in past years, La Mafia returned to the county fair grounds Friday, closing the show after K-Libre, Nexxo, La Costumbre and Hometown Boys performed.

Thursday’s winning band from the fair contest will open the show Saturday, which features Grupo Retonio, Zamorales, David Lee Garza y Los Musicales and the legendary Ramon Ayala.

(To reach Erica Matos, call 728-2567 or e-mail ematos@lmtonline.com)

The South Texas Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts will have its semiannual meeting Wendesday at the Rob and Bessie Welder Park near Sinton.

Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m. in the Welder Park’s Lazy V Building.

“Following registration, soil and water conservation district directors representing 22 districts will tour the Papalote Creek Wind Farm located near Taft,” said Romualdo Herrera, president of the South Texas group.

The Papalote Creek wind farm is located 30 miles north of Corpus Christi in San Patricio County. Owned and operated by E.ON Climate & Renewables, the wind farm is the company’s first south Texas project. EC&R is responsible for the E.ON group’s renewable energy and environmental protection activities around the world. EC&R will be investing $5.45 billion worldwide in renewable energy and environmen-

tal protection projects through 2013.

“The Papalote Creek project provides enough clean wind power to supply about 54,000 homes while avoiding more than 324,0000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions and saving a quarter of a billion gallons of fresh water annually, compared with a conventional steam-driven fossil fuel plant,” said Spivey J. Paup, EC&R’s assistsant development manager.

“The wind farm consists of 109 turbines that provide 179.85 megawatts of power,” Paup added.

Paup will give a presentation about the wind farm to the conservation district directors touring the facility.

Following the tour, the directors will hear updates on national and state soil and water conservation issues from José Dodier, chairman of the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board; B.P. Bono, director of the Association of

Texas Soil and Water Conservation Districts; Assistant State Conservationist Tomas Dominguez of the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, and John Lloyd-Reilly, manager of the Kika de la Garza Plant Materials Center near Kingsville, according to Herrera.

SWCDS serves the counties of Webb, Zapata, Starr, Jim Hogg, Zavala, Frio, Atascosa, Dimmit, La Salle, McMullen, Live Oak, Bee, Refugio, San Patricio, Nueces, Jim Wells, Duval, Brooks, Kleberg, Kenedy, Willacy, Cameron and Hidalgo.

SÁBADO 12 DE MARZO DE 2011

Agenda en Breve SÁBADO 12 DE MARZO ZAPATA — Feria del Condado de Zapata. El desfile inicia a las 10 a.m. Por la tarde la subasta de ganado es a las 4 p.m.; y la música inicia con la presentación del ganador de la batalla de las bandas a las 5 p.m.; Grupo Retonio a las 6 p.m. y Los Zamorales a las 8 p.m; David Lee Garza y Los Musicales a las 10 p.m.; y Ramón Ayala a las 11:30 p.m.

LAREDO — Laredo Crime Stoppers (Alto al Crimen) invita a la Batalla de las Placas (Battle of the Badges) a las 9 a.m. en Laredo Energy Arena, en memoria del Agente del ICE Jaime J. Zapata. Habrá un concurso de costillitas, con costo de 60 dólares por equipo.

LAREDO — El equipo de softból de TAMIU recibe a Oklahoma Panhandle State University a las 11 a.m. y 1 p.m. Entrada general es de 5 dólares.

LAREDO — El equipo de béisbol Palominos de LCC recibe a Blinn College a las 12 p.m. en el diamante del colegio.

LAREDO — Hoy es el Día de Películas para la Familia en el Planetario Lamar Bruni Vergara de TAMIU. Se proyectará Finding Nemo de Diney’s Pixar a las 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m. y 8 p.m. La entrada es de 3 dólares, por presentación.

LAREDO — Juego de Hockey, los Laredo Bucks reciben a Arizona Sundogs a las 7:30 p.m. en Laredo Energy Arena, durante la Noche de Laredo Crime Stoppers (Alto al Crimen).

Zfrontera TELECOMM

Vuelve servicio a Mier POR ALBERTO GONZÁLEZ ESPECIAL PARA TIEMPO DE ZAPATA

CIUDAD MIER, México — Conocido durante años como Telégrafos de México, ahora Telecomm reabrió sus puertas al servicio de la comunidad el 9 de marzo.

El Presidente Municipal Alberto González Peña, en visita de cortesía, tuvo a su cargo el corte de listón de las nuevas oficinas que reanudaron sus actividades normales.

“El servicio de telégrafos estuvo nuevo un largo periodo de tiempo por ra-

El presidente municipal de Ciudad Mier, Alberto González lleva a cabo la apertura oficial de las nuevas y remodeladas oficinas de Telecomm, servicio nacional de telegramas, el 9 de marzo.

zones ya conocidas en la comunidad”, dijo González. “Fue aproximadamente un año”.

El titular de Telecomm, Alberto Molina, destacó el apoyo recibido de la actual administración para volver a tener oficinas funcionales.

“Contamos con un local que nos permite realizar nuestras labores cotidianas una vez más”, sostuvo Molina.

Junto con González a la ceremonia asistieron el Síndico Rafael Mendoza y el secretario particular Diego Sánchez.

Foto de cortesía | Gobierno de Ciudad Mier

GOBERNADOR RECIBE A TOROS

DOMINGO 13 DE MARZO LAREDO — Hoy es el Recital en Beneficio de la Orquesta Filarmónica de Laredo en el Center for the Fine and Performing Arts’ Recital Hall de TAMIU a las 3 p.m.

LAREDO — El equipo de béisbol Palominos recibe a Blinn College a las 11 p.m.

NUEVO LAREDO: Hoy se presentan las dos obras de teatro Lilith Vs Eva / Asmodeo Vs Adán a partir de las 7 p.m. en el Teatro Lucio Blanco de la Casa de la Cultura. Entrada gratuita.

MARTES 15 DE MARZO LAREDO — Pase la tarde en el Planetario Lamar Bruni Vergara y explore “The Future is Wild” a las 3 p.m. y “Violent Universe: Catastrophes of the Cosmos” a las 4 p.m. Entrada general es de 5 dólares.

MIÉRCOLES 16 DE MARZO LAREDO — Pase la tarde en el Planetario Lamar Bruni Vergara y explore “One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure” a las 3 p.m. y “Star Signs” a las 4 p.m.

Entrada general es de 5 dólares.

JUEVES 17 DE MARZO LAREDO — El tercer festival anual del Papalote por el Descanso de Primavera será hoy de 2 p.m. a 7 p.m. en North Central Park, 10202 International Boulevard. Habrá otros juegos y actividades. Todo será gratuito.

NUEVO LAREDO: Epidauro Teatro presenta hoy la obra “Papá Querido” en el Teatro Lucio Blanco de la Casa de la Cultura, a las 8 p.m.

Foto de cortesía | Gobierno de Nuevo Laredo

Los campeones de la Liga Nacional de Baloncesto Profesional, Toros de Nuevo Laredo fueron recibidos por el Gobernador de Tamaulipas, Egidio Torre Cantú en Ciudad Victoria, el 8 de marzo. Los jugadores asistieron acompañados del Presidente Municipal de Nuevo Laredo Benjamín Galván Gómez.

TEXAS

SEGURIDAD

Página de Internet crea controversia entre oficiales

Sedena informa saldo de operativos

ASSOCIATED PRESS

TEXAS — El Departamento de Agricultura de Texas lanzó el sitio ProtectYourTexasBorder.com ante las demandas de los ciudadanos para que haya una mayor respuesta federal contra los carteles de las drogas.

Los presuntos traficantes de drogas han obligado a algunas familias que viven en la frontera a salir de sus casas y ponen en peligro a la agricultura estatal.

Sin embargo, el sitio, presentado la semana pasada, se llenó rápidamente de comentarios contra inmigrantes y que motivaban a los residentes a tomar acción por ellos mismos.

En algunos casos se les sugería que colocaran minas terrestres, en otros que recurrieran a tác-

ticas de uso de armas de fuego contra los indocumentados.

Los comentarios que impulsan el vigilantismo publicados en el sitio que destaca la seguridad fronteriza en Texas no deberían restarle importancia a la demanda de más recursos por parte del gobierno federal, declaró el jueves el comisionado de Agricultura Todd Staples.

El sitio en línea fue creado para que los granjeros y agricultores de la frontera de Texas puedan documentar infiltraciones de presuntos traficantes de drogas mexicanos, declaró Staples durante una conferencia de prensa en el Capitolio estatal.

El funcionario agregó que el sitio debería ser utilizado para convencer al gobierno federal de aumentar los agentes y recursos en la zona.

“Los crímenes por drogas aterrorizan a nuestros agricultores y granjeros”, dijo Staples, quien agregó que “esta es una crisis que demanda una respuesta del gobierno federal mucho más amplia.”

El senador José Rodríguez, demócrata de El Paso, envió una carta a Staples el miércoles solicitándole quitar la página online.

“Permitir la distribución de mensajes violentos es simplemente inaceptable y realmente no acaba con los temas asociados con la seguridad fronteriza”, escribió el congresista en la carta.

Por su parte Staples condenó los comentarios colocados en internet, los cuales ya fueron retirados, pero opinó que la gente no puede dejar de ver el problema en conjunto.

TORNEO DE FÚTBOL

TIEMPO DE ZAPATA

La Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional, en la denominada estrategia contra del narcotráfico y la delincuencia organizada, dio a conocer resultados de enfrentamientos y operativos:

San Fernando Un civil armado resulto muerto tras que personal militar fuera agredido con disparos de arma. El reporte indica que fueron asegurados cuatro vehículos de los cuales uno cuenta con blindaje artesanal, un lanza cohetes, un cohete, ocho armas largas, un arma corta y tres granadas.

Villa González El 9 de marzo, al realizar un recorrido por el Kilómetro 64 de la carretera Tampico-Ciudad Victoria, civiles armados dispararon contra soldados del Ejército Mexicano. El saldo fue de cuatro personas muertas, y el aseguramiento de ocho vehículos, de los cuales dos eran blindados, 20 armas largas, tres armas cortas, un lanza cohetes, 10 granadas y diversos artículos. Igualmente una persona fue arrestada.

Reynosa

VIERNES 18 DE MARZO LAREDO — El equipo de béisbol de TAMIU recibe a St. Edward’s University a las 12 p.m. y 3 p.m. Entrada general es de 5 dólares.

LAREDO — Hoy se presenta Monster Jam en Laredo Energy Arena a las 7:30 p.m.

— Tiempo de Zapata

PÁGINA 7A

Foto de cortesía | Gobierno de Ciudad Mier

El Parque Nuevo Amanecer de Ciudad Mier fue el escenario para que estudiantes participaran en un torneo de Fútbol Soccer Infantil en el marco del 258 Aniversario del Pueblo Mágico. El Presidente Municipal Alberto González Peña, también jugó un rato con los alumnos. Campeón del torneo quedó la Primaria Francisco Ramírez Canales.

El 9 de marzo en la calle Sierra Gorda, de la Colonia Granjas Económicas, soldados fueron agredidos por un grupo de personas que viajaban en un vehículo color negro.

“Los agresores se dieron a la fuga al mismo tiempo que continuaron disparando sin importar la presencia de los ciudadanos y el tránsito de vehículos en la calle”, indica el comunicado de SeDeNa. Seis civiles resultaron lesionados y fueron atendidos en el hospital.

No se realizaron arrestos en este incidente.

PAGE 8A

Zentertainment

SATURDAY, MARCH 12, 2011

Spring Breakin’ all over Texas Fun options are just a short drive away

By EMILIO RÁBAGO III There’s going to be plenty to do during the 2011 edition of Spring Break, which kicks off today after school lets out.

In Laredo, several events can help keep you busy, if you don’t have the urge — or bucks — to go out of town for some fun. There will be entertainment for the entire family, ranging from the movies to ticketed shows, including a concert and a monster truck show.

But if you are in the mood to drive and have the budget to do so, you can always check out popular day-trip destinations.

Here’s a roundup of Spring Break options.

cert at the Casa Blanca Convention Center. The Josh Abbott Band is set to perform at the venue on Friday, March 18, at 9 p.m.

Tickets are $15 presale.

If you hadn’t noticed, this Spring Break will feature St. Patrick’s Day next Thursday. Clubs and bars around town will have St. Patty’s parties, green beer and all. Most notably, La Posada Hotel will host a St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, dubbing it “An Authentic Irish Party.” The party takes place at the hotel’s West Courtyard, from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. and will feature live music by local artists Juan y Javier and The Reen and the Renegades.

The best part: no cover!

COST: $

LAREDO

SAN ANTONIO

For kids and adults alike, the Laredo Energy Arena will host Monster Jam, an action-packed event featuring 10,000-pound trucks flying in the air and crushing dummy vehicles. Monster Jam has shows set up for Friday, March 18, and Saturday, March 19, at 7:30 p.m., with a final show on Sunday, March 20 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $18 for adults and $8 for children.

Also for all ages, Texican Lucha Libre Promotions will have a Mexican-style wrestling event on Saturday, March 19, at 8 p.m. at Veterans Field. The main event features a title match, threeon-three, with La Sombra, Mascara and Mascara Dorada vs. Mephisto, Averno and Volador Jr. Tickets are $10 to $30; children’s bleacher seats are $5.

Also during Spring Break, Bryan Promotions will present another con-

If you want to take in some sun, but want to be away from all the madness on the beaches, you could go relax at the famous River Walk in San Antonio.

Though it may have its lion’s share of tourists during Spring Break, the Riverwalk is an enjoyable place to go walk, have lunch or dinner or take a cruise on the actual San Antonio River. And there are plenty of galleries and shops. It’s relaxing enough for the nature lovers, and happening for the party people in downtown S.A. Then there’s always Fiesta Texas for the kids. . . COST: $$+

LAREDO MORNING TIMES

Photo by Edward A. Ornelas | San Antonio Express-News

EAGLE PASS Though Eagle Pass doesn’t have the allure some big cities boast, it does have the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino. It’s the

Spring breakers dance in this 2010 photo during “Texas Week” at the Coca-Cola Beach on South Padre Island. This year, South Padre will host a variety of concerts and events, including Snoop Dogg and DJ Tiesto. next (and closest) thing to Las Vegas for those who enjoy gambling, such as playing some Texas Hold ’Em. It’s an entertaining way to spend a day, or more. Of course, the cost depends on just how much you want to gamble… COST: $$-?

CORPUS CHRISTI If you feel like taking in some sun on the Gulf of Mexico shores, Corpus Christi is a close and enticing destination. Aside from the popular Texas State Aquarium and the USS Lexington Museum on the Bay, and the Selena monument on Ocean Drive, a few minutes away is Mustang Island, a tranquil beach for the most part. There will be plenty of partying going on, as it’s a Plan B for the beachaholics who don’t make it to South Padre Island.

Neighboring Port Aransas is just as fun. COST: $$

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND This is where the party’s at — if you are college age.

Tens of thousands of college students from across the United States and northern Mexico will make the trip to enjoy some of the baddest parties and concerts, including numerous outdoor shows. The concerts feature a variety of artists from different genres giving visitors plenty of options.

And if you’re slightly over the graduation age, it don’t matter, since everyone is

there to have a good time ’round the clock.

Here’s a mini-breakdown of a worthy Spring Break lineup in South Padre: Coca Cola Beach party: Through March 23, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

RedBull SoundClash — Snoop Dogg vs. Ghostland Observatory: Thursday, March 17, 10 p.m., Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark DJ Tiesto: Friday, March 18, 8 p.m., Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark 3 Six Mafia: Friday, March 18, 10 p.m., Mooncussers Lil Keke, Chingo Bling, T. Diamondz and Curly Stone: Monday, March 14, 10 p.m., Chaos Nightclub

Paul Wall: Wednesday, March 16, 10 p.m., Chaos Nightclub Cali Swag District: Saturday, March 19, 9 p.m., Mooncussers Yin Yang Twins: Tuesday, March 15, 10 p.m., Mooncussers DEV: Wednesday, March 16, 10 p.m., Mooncussers Chamillionaire: Sunday, March 13, 10 p.m., Mooncussers Lil Jon: Thursday, March 17, 9 p.m., Louie’s Backyard DJ Blitz: Monday, March 14, 9 p.m., Louie’s Backyard DJ Dirty Thirty: Friday, March 18, 9 p.m., Mooncussers DJ Skribble: Monday, March 14, 10 p.m., Mooncussers DJ Tina T: Wednesday, March 16, 9 p.m., Louies Backyard MTV’s Real World All Star Party: Saturday, March 12 and 19, 10 p.m., Padre Rocks COST: $$$$+

MCALLEN McAllen’s 17th Street district in downtown has been bustling for some time now, with new restaurants, bars and clubs popping up at a high rate. With small bars catering to the live music scene to large nightclubs, McAllen has it all for people of all tastes. Often compared to Austin’s 6th Street, though smaller, the district is full of eateries, boutiques, art galleries and fashion stores. It’s a bar hopper’s dream, according to fans.

COST: $$$ Each dollar sign ($) = $100

Notice of Public Meetings The RGRWPG has been established under the provisions of Texas Senate Bill 1 to develop a regional water plan for the RGRWPG area (TWDB Region M), which includes the following counties: Cameron, Hidalgo, Jim Hogg, Maverick, Starr, Webb, Willacy and Zapata.

Notice is hereby given that the Rio Grande Regional Water Planning Group (RGRWPG) (Region M) has scheduled two Public Meetings to seek input from the Public on the scope of planning activities to be considered during the Fourth Cycle of Regional Water Planning.

The Public Meetings have been scheduled as follows: Tuesday, May 10, 2011 Zapata County Courthouse (2nd floor) 200 7th Avenue Zapata, Texas 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon

Thursday, May 12, 2011 LRGVDC Transportation Center 510 S. Pleasantview Drive Weslaco, Texas 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon

Written and oral comments will be accepted at these meetings (oral comments not to exceed 5 minutes per speaker). Written comments must be submitted to the LRGVDC or TWDB by Friday, May 13, 2011.

Mr. Kevin Ward, Executive Administrator Texas Water Development Board 1700 N. Congress Austin, Texas 78711-3231

Mr. Kenneth N. Jones, Jr., Executive Director Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council 311 N. 15th Street McAllen, Texas 78501

For further questions or additional information please contact, Kenneth N. Jones, Jr., in McAllen, Texas at the LRGVDC office (956) 682-3481, fax (956) 631-4670.

Notice of Application for Grant Assistance from Texas Water Development Board The Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council (LRGVDC) as the designated political subdivision approved by the Rio Grande Regional Water Planning Group (RGRWPG) is providing notice that it will submit an application for funding for development of the Regional Water Plan to the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) for activities and tasks for the fourth cycle of Regional Water Planning (2011-2015). The RGRWPG has been established under the provisions of Texas Senate Bill 1 to develop a regional water plan for the RGRWPG area (TWDB Region M), which includes the following counties: Cameron, Hidalgo, Jim Hogg, Maverick, Starr, Webb, Willacy and Zapata. The regional water plan for this area will identify specific strategies to meet the water demands of all categories of water use for the next 50 years.

The RGRWPG has designated the LRGVDC to submit an application to the Texas Water Development Board for state financial assistance for funding for preparation of the 2011-2015 planning cycle. The application deadline is April 8th, 2011. Copies of the application may be obtained from the LRGVDC at the address below.

Mr. Kenneth N. Jones, Jr., Executive Director Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council 311 N. 15th Street McAllen, Texas 78501 For further questions or additional information please contact, Kenneth N. Jones, Jr., in McAllen, Texas at the LRGVDC office (956) 682-3481, fax (956) 631-4670.

SATURDAY, MARCH 12, 2011

THE ZAPATA TIMES 9A

PROCESO BARRERA JR. Proceso Barrera Jr. of Zapata passed away Tuesday, March 1, 2011, at Laredo Medical Center. He was 88.

Barrera is preceded in death by his wife, Juliana M. Barrera; daughter Petra Barrera; granddaughter, Yolanda Renee Elizalde; parents, Proceso Sr. and Juliana Barrera; brothers, Manuel (Amanda) Barrera, Raul (Olivia) Barrera, Isauro Barrera and Israel Barrera; and sisters, Maria Barrera and Ela B. (Emiliano) Vela.

He is survived by his sons, Proceso Barrera III and Omar Barrera; daughters, Hilda Barrera and Nora (Jesse) Garcia; 10 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and 17

great-great-grandchildren; and by other family members and friends.

Visitation hours were held Monday, March 7, 2011, from 6 to 9 p.m. with a rosary at 7 p.m. at Rose Garden Funeral Home.

The funeral procession departed Tuesday, March 8,

2011, at 9:45 for a 10 a.m. funeral Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.

Burial followed at Zapata County Cemetery, including full Military Honors by the American Legion Post 486 Color Guard.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.rosegardenfuneralhome.com.

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

FEDERICO M. GARZA Federico M. Garza, 68, passed away Tuesday, March 8, 2011, at Laredo Medical Center.

Mr. Garza is preceded in death by his son Fernando Garza; parents: Federico Garza-Garza and Maria Martha MartinezPerez; brother Manuel Gonzalez; and sisters Anita Gonzalez, Santos Garza and San Juana Garza.

Mr. Garza is survived by his wife, Adelina G. Garza; son, Federico (Monica) Garza Jr.; daughters: Adelina (Jose Luis) Rocha, Maria Elisa Garza (Guadalupe Villarreal), Maria Martha (Estanislao) Garcia and Leticia Garza (Florencio Barrientos); 17 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchil-

dren; brother, Domingo (Maria) Garza; and by numerous nephews, nieces, other family members and many friends.

Visitation hours were held Wednesday, March 9, 2011, from 6 to 9 p.m. with a rosary at 7 p.m. at Rose Garden Funeral

Home.

The funeral procession will depart Thursday, March 10, 2011, at 9:45 for a 10 a.m. funeral Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Committal services will follow at Zapata County Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Rose Garden Funeral Home, Daniel A. Gonzalez, funeral director, 2102 Highway 83, Zapata.

Japan quake, tsunami kill hundreds

By MALCOLM FOSTER ASSOCIATED PRESS

TOKYO — A ferocious tsunami unleashed by Japan’s biggest recorded earthquake slammed into its eastern coast Friday, killing hundreds of people as it carried away ships, cars and homes, and triggered widespread fires that burned out of control.

Hours later, the waves washed ashore on Hawaii and the U.S. West Coast, where evacuations were ordered from California to Washington but little damage was reported. The entire Pacific had been put on alert — including coastal areas of South America, Canada and Alaska — but waves were not as bad as expected.

In northeastern Japan, the area around a nuclear power plant was evacuated after the reactor’s cooling system failed and pressure began building inside.

Police said 200 to 300 bodies were found in the coastal city of Sendai, the city in Miyagi prefecture, or state, closest to the epicenter. But authorities said they weren’t able to reach the area because of damage to the roads.

A police official, who declined to be named, said it may be a while before rescuers could reach the area to get a more precise body count. So far, they have confirmed 178 killed, with 584 missing. Police also said 947 people were injured.

The magnitude-8.9 offshore quake triggered a 23foot tsunami and was followed for hours by more than 50 aftershocks, many of them more than magnitude 6.0. In the early hours of Saturday, a magnitude-6.7 earthquake struck the central, mountainous part of the country — far from the original quake’s

Photo by Mainichi Shimbun/Taichi Kaizuka | AP

Smoke billows from houses in Natori, northern Japan, after the area was hit by a powerful earthquake and a tsunami Friday. The ferocious tsunami spawned by one of the largest earthquakes ever recorded slammed Japan’s eastern coast, killing hundreds of people and injuring scores more as it swept away boats, cars and homes while widespread fires burned out of control. epicenter. It was not clear if this latest quake was related to the others.

Friday’s quake shook dozens of cities and villages along a 1,300-mile stretch of coast, including Tokyo, hundreds of miles from the epicenter. A section of Kesennuma, a town of 70,000 people in Miyagi, burned furiously into the night with no apparent hope of being extinguished, public broadcaster NHK said.

Koto Fujikawa, 28, was riding a monorail when the quake hit and had to pick her way along elevated tracks to the station.

“I thought I was going to die,” Fujikawa, who works for a marketing company, said. “It felt like the whole structure was collapsing.”

Scientists said the quake ranked as the fifth-largest earthquake in the world since 1900 and was nearly

8,000 times stronger than one that devastated New Zealand, last month.

“The energy radiated by this quake is nearly equal to one month’s worth of energy consumption” in the United States, U.S. Geological Survey Scientist Brian Atwater told The Associated Press.

President Barack Obama pledged U.S. assistance following what he called a potentially “catastrophic” disaster. He said one U.S. aircraft carrier is already in Japan, and a second is on its way. A U.S. ship was also heading to the Marianas Islands, he added.

An American man working at one of the nuclear plants near the coast when the quake hit said the whole building shook and debris fell from the ceiling.

Danny Eudy, 52, a technician employed by Pasede-

na, Texas-based Atlantic Plant Maintenance, and his colleagues escaped the building just as the tsunami hit, his wife told The Associated Press.

“He walked through so much glass that his feet were cut. It slowed him down,” said Pineville, Louisiana, resident Janie Eudy, who spoke to her husband by phone after the quake.

The group watched homes and vehicles carry away in the wave and found their hotel mostly swept away when they finally reached it.

The government later ordered about 3,000 residents near that plant — in the city of Onahama — to move back at least two miles from the plant. The reactor was not leaking radiation but its core remained hot even after a shutdown. The plant is 170

miles northeast of Tokyo.

Japan’s nuclear safety agency said pressure inside the reactor at the Fukushima No. 1 power plant has risen to 1.5 times the level considered normal, and slightly radioactive vapor may be released to reduce the pressure.

The Defense Ministry said it had sent troops trained to deal with chemical disasters to the plant in case of a radiation leak.

Trouble was reported at two other nuclear plants, but there was no radiation leak at either of them.

Prime Minister Naoto Kan planned to hold an emergency Cabinet meeting early Saturday morning and then take a helicopter to the quake-hit area and the troubled nuclear power plants.

Japan’s coast guard said it was searching for 80

dock workers on a ship that was swept away from a shipyard in Miyagi.

Even for a country used to earthquakes, this one was of horrific proportions because of the tsunami that crashed ashore, swallowing everything in its path as it surged several miles inland before retreating. The apocalyptic images on Japanese TV of powerful, debrisfilled waves, uncontrolled fires and a ship caught in a massive whirlpool resembled scenes from a Hollywood disaster movie.

Large fishing boats and other vessels rode high waves ashore, slamming against overpasses or scraping under them and snapping power lines along the way. Upturned and partially submerged cars bobbed in the water. Ships anchored in ports crashed against each other.

10A THE ZAPATA TIMES

SATURDAY, MARCH 12, 2011

BOARD Continued from Page 1A payment of an invoice from 2006 at its Monday meeting, she may be able to return to work sooner.

As for the majority of the board resigning, former board president Erasmo Villarreal said the group was concerned that its members didn’t have directors’ liability insurance, meaning they didn’t have a type of insurance that would protect them individually in the event of a lawsuit. The issue arose as the board prepared to sign a memorandum of understanding with Zapata County, which will require the insurance.

“Part of the new MOU that was executed would require the corporation to carry certain insurances that are being not carried right now,” Villarreal said.

“Some of us were not comfortable that there was enough money to get all of this done.”

The EDC faced an extra expenditure when it took on

two interns over the summer. The interns were to be paid $1,500 at the end of their internships, but the stipend wasn’t in the budget, according to former board member Amada Gonzalez. After a letter from one of the interns was sent to the county judge’s office stating that the interns had not been paid, the EDC requested an early disbursement of its quarterly payment from the county in December to make the payment, according to Gonzalez.

Commissioner Jose Emilio Vela said that the EDC seeking funds from the county early is becoming a pattern; he added that he plans to look into auditing the center.

An item on Monday’s agenda also calls for the Commissioners Court to appoint five of the board members.

“I think that we should first look into the matter of

TEENS Continued from Page 1A burglarized. Deputies say a tool shed also was broken into.

Footprints led deputies to the 1000 block of Elm Street.

Their investigative actions led them to recover the stolen items, Elizondo said.

According to reports, the teenagers allegedly stole a sound stream CD player screen, a 1000 watt Hybrid chrome amplifier, a TV screen projector and a Dell desktop computer with a flat screen monitor.

They also allegedly took

a PlayStation 3, a blue Samsung camera, and a 42-inch flat screen Samsung TV, assorted jewelry and $860, according to Elizondo.

The stolen merchandise had an estimated value of $16,745.

Benavides, Buruato, Camacho and Chavez were taken to Zapata Regional Jail, where they were held in lieu of a $71,000 bond each.

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

them exhausting their funds before we appoint new members to the board,” Vela said. “It looks like poor management.”

Umphres said the interns’ stipends were not in the budget because they were optional and she was seeking grant money to support the added expense before the letter to the county judge had been sent.

“We didn’t anticipate having to pay them out of our operating budget,” she said.

She added that the EDC has a CPA who audits the organization.

“I don’t think (Vela’s) familiar with our operation,” Umphres said. “We try to live within our budget, and we have every year.”

MOU Vela said the court decided it needed more oversight of the EDC when it learned of the interns, and that’s

when the court contracted attorneys to draft an MOU. The document allows for five members of the board to be appointed by the county.

“She got that memorandum and she started writing all over it,” Vela said.

“When that got back to the court, we didn’t approve negotiation.

“We didn’t call for you to make any changes, we asked you to comply with it.”

Umphres said the memorandum signed by the board last week had a few clarifications that had been approved by the county’s attorney.

“I did not, and the board did not, want to sign until we had some legal counsel review it,” she said, adding that it was approved with the exception that it complies with IRS laws. “This has nothing to do with trying to be opposition to what their wishes are.”

Changes The MOU was presented by the county to the EDC at a special meeting in December, and Umphres said she’s made a few revisions to it because it would “threaten the charitable status of the organization.”

Commissioner Eddie Martinez said he understood that there wasn’t enough language in the MOU for the EDC to maintain its classification as a 401c3 tax exempt organization. He added that he pushed for the MOU because “I thought there was very little accountability on behalf of us, the commissioners. “We had no, really, no leverage,” he added.

Umphres speculated that the board members, who are all volunteers, resigned because “we haven’t gotten the moral support and nurturing that we need to have.”

The only one who didn’t

resign is Joe Medrano, the one county appointee on the nine-member board.

“The existing board members felt like it’s an uphill battle and that they weren’t really appreciated, even though they’re volunteering their efforts and time,” Umphres said.

Villarreal said the situation was different.

“I said, ‘If we don’t have the director’s insurance, we’re all exposed to liability,’” Villarreal said.

He added that the board made a point of approving the MOU with the county prior to resigning.

“We wanted to make sure that the MOU was in place because the MOU then gave the Zapata County Commissioners Court permission to appoint the majority of the board, and then the corporation could continue into the future.”

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

ZAPATA Continued from Page 1A The court also is scheduled to name several members to the Zapata County Beautification Committee, including: Arturo Martinez, Diana Ruiz, Sergio Lozano and Darlene Butler Amanda Salinas, Falcon Park; Lourdes M. Lopez, Lopeño Park; Mario Álvarez, Romeo Flores Memorial

Park; Paco Mendoza, County Plaza – all as Precinct 1 appointees to the Zapata County Beautification Committee Johnny Rathmell, Eddie Martinez and Sam Padgett, Texas Parks & Wildlife – as Precinct 3 appointees Ana Holcomb – as a Precinct 4 appointee

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The last item on Monday’s agenda is an executive session to discuss personnel matters, requested by Charlie Avaritt, the Zapata County Airport manager, and County Treasurer Romero Salinas.

(To reach Diana R. Fuentes, call 728-2581 or e-mail dfuentes@lmtonline.com)

SATURDAY, MARCH 12, 2011

ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM

Sports&Outdoors TRACK

FISHING

Courtesy Photo by Robert Amaya

Gene Patrin of Zapata caught Toyota ShareLunker 516 from Falcon International Reservoir on March 6. The fish weighed 14.16 pounds and was 24.75 inches long and 22 inches in girth.

Strong season Courtesy Photo

Zapata’s Brandi King defended her title in the high jump at the Border Olympics track and field meet last week in Laredo.

HAWKS MAKE HISTORY Team boasts first ever trifecta of medalists

By CLARA SANDOVAL ZAPATA TIMES

LAREDO – The Zapata girls track team continued to make history as they embarked on to the 79th annual Border Olympics last weekend.

For the first time in school history, the Lady Hawks had three different medalists.

Last year, the Lady Hawks had only one member of the track team medal in the meet, but in the past four seasons Zapata has managed several top six finishers.

Zapata came in strong as Brandi King set the tone for the meet and successfully defended her Border Olympics title in the high jump.

King jumped a 5’2” to take the title and fend off a strong performance by

King jumped a 5’2” to take the title and fend off a strong performance by St. Augustine’s Shelby Melendez.

St. Augustine’s Shelby Melendez.

It was King’s third title in the high jump, all coming at the same height.

The Lady Hawks also showed why they are one of the best running programs in the area by placing third in the 3200-meter run and capturing the 1600-meter run.

Freshman Jazmine Garcia continued from where she left off after a very successful cross country season.

She placed third in the 3200-meter run to kick off Zapata’s medal run.

She had to fend off teammate Marlena Garcia for the bronze medal.

Jazmine Garcia was able to accomplish this feat with only one shoe after her right shoe came off when she was stepped on by another runner in only her third lap.

For the next five laps, Garcia ran with only one shoe, becoming the talk of the meet about her gritty performance.

See TRACK PAGE 2B

FISHING

Falcon Lake matches peak production SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

ATHENS — On March 6, Falcon International Reservoir produced its third Toyota ShareLunker of the season, its fourteenth overall and the twelfth entry into the ShareLunker program for the current season.

The fish was caught at 3:30 p.m. by Gene Patrin, of Zapata, in nine feet of 68degree water. He was using a watermelon red fluke.

The fish weighed 14.16 pounds and was 24.75 inches long and 22 inches in girth. It was held for pickup at Robert’s Fish ‘n Tackle, an official Toyota ShareLunker weigh and holding station.

Falcon has sputtered to life sporadically over the years, producing two Sha-

reLunkers last season and two in the 2007-2008 season.

The current season marks the first time the big reservoir on the Texas-Mexico border has matched its peak production of three ShareLunkers in 1995.

Despite its far southern location, Falcon tracks other Texas reservoirs in producing the bulk of its entries after Jan. 1. Historically it has produced only three ShareLunkers prior to Jan. 1. It has had three entries in December, three in January, one in February, four in March (counting No. 516) and three in April.

So far this season, the leader in entries is O.H. Ivie Reservoir with six.

Lake Austin has produced three. Other lakes have yet

See SHARELUNKER PAGE 2B

BASS CHALLENGE

Falcon a big-bass lake Zapata hosts international 25 inch long fish caught on March 9 in local lake SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

ATHENS — Falcon International Reservoir continued to solidify its status as one of the prime bigbass lakes in Texas on March 9 with a 13.56pound largemouth that became Toyota ShareLunker 517.

Jason Shropshire of Cleveland, Texas, caught

the fish about 8:30 a.m. in 22 feet of 70-degree water using a Senko. The fish was 25.125 inches long and 21 inches in girth. It was weighed and held for pickup at Robert’s Fish ‘n Tackle, an official Toyota ShareLunker weigh and holding station in Zapata.

The fish is being held at the A.E. Wood Fish Hatchery in San Marcos pending the results of genetic testing to determine if it is pure Florida largemouth or an intergrade having both Florida and northern largemouth

genes.

If it is 90 percent or more Florida, it will be moved to the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (TFFC) in Athens and spawned. If it has less than 90 percent Florida genes, it will be returned to Falcon as soon as possible.

All anglers who enter ShareLunkers into the program receive a fiberglass replica of their catch and ShareLunker clothing and are honored at the an-

See SHROPSHIRE PAGE 2B

fishing tournament

By SALO OTERO SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

Fishing competition will be the order of the day on March 26 at Falcon Lake in Zapata. It’s all for the South Texas Food Bank and its mission of feeding the hungry.

The first International Bass Challenge is planned to benefit the South Texas Food Bank, which is based in Laredo serving 23,000 families per month

in an eight-county border area. The fundraiser is sponsored by Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar and the Zapata Chamber of Commerce.

Entry fee is $150 per boat with a $2,000 cash prize on the line for the heaviest stringer.

There will also be a second and third prize. Headquarters and weighing for the Bass Challenge will be lakeside at the Zapata County public ramp.

The tournament starts 15 miunutes before sunrise and weigh-in is at 3 p.m.

The event will include a March 25 Friday night fish fry at the Zapata Civic Center or the Zapata County Fair Pavilion. The fish fry is open to the public at $10 per plate.

Contestants can register at the Zapata County Chamber of Commerce or

See TOURNAMENT PAGE 2B

PAGE 2B

Zscores

SATURDAY, MARCH 12, 2011

Leach’s lawsuit may get second chance

By CHRIS TOMLINSON ASSOCIATED PRESS

AUSTIN — Former Texas Tech University football coach Mike Leach could sue the school for breach of contract under legislation introduced Friday in

the Texas House.

State Rep. Craig Eiland filed the proposal on the last possible day that House rules allow for the introduction of new legislation. The resolution would allow Leach’s wrongful dismissal lawsuit against the

school to proceed.

Texas Tech fired Leach on Dec. 30, 2009, two days after suspending him amid allegations he mistreated a player with a concussion.

Leach has denied mistreating Adam James, the son of ESPN analyst Craig

Lawyer recieves death threats from OSU fans

James, and has said he suspects an $800,000 bonus he was due Dec. 31, 2009, was the reason he was fired.

His lawsuit against Texas Tech was thrown out when the university claimed immunity as a

state institution, a decision upheld in January by the state’s 7th Court of Appeals. The appeals court ruling allows Leach to try to show Texas Tech’s reasons for firing him were wrong, but the prospect of winning monetary relief.

Leach has appealed that decision to the Texas Supreme Court. Another way around it is to have the Legislature specifically authorize Leach to sue.

Eiland’s proposal is House Concurrent Resolution 101.

YANKEES AND BLUE JAYS HIGHLIGHT SPRING TRAINING

By RUSTY MILLER ASSOCIATED PRESS

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Columbus lawyer who tipped off Ohio State coach Jim Tressel that two of his players were involved in a federal drug trafficking case has received death threats and now says he regrets ever contacting the Buckeyes coach.

“I’m not the Judas in this situation. You know, I feel like Peter, but I’m not the Judas,” attorney Christopher Cicero said in an interview Friday with ESPN’s “Outside The Lines” and reported on ESPN.com.

Tressel has admitted he violated NCAA rules for not disclosing information Cicero e-mailed to him. He repeatedly refrained from telling Ohio State’s compliance department or his superiors about potential NCAA bylaw violations involving some of his players.

Tressel has been suspended for the first two games of the 2011 season and must pay a $250,000 fine. The NCAA could levy additional penalties on Tressel. The coach received a resounding vote of confidence from athletic director Gene Smith and Ohio State President E.

Cicero said he had received death threats in the past few days since his role in Tressel’s NCAA violation came to light.

Gordon Gee at a news conference on Tuesday night.

In the first e-mail from Cicero, at 2:32 p.m. on April 2, 2010, Cicero said that Ohio State players were giving autographed Buckeyes football shirts, jerseys and footballs to a Columbus tattoo-parlor owner who was under investigation by the U.S. Attorney in a drug-trafficking case.

“Just passing this on to you,” Cicero wrote.

Exactly four hours later, Tressel replied: “Thanks. I will get on it ASAP.” However, the coach did not tell Smith or anyone in his compliance department until officials presented him with the emails in January — more than nine months after star quarterback Terrelle Pryor and four teammates were suspended for the first five games of the 2011 season for selling signed jerseys and gloves along with championship rings and trophies for money in addition to getting dis-

counts on tattoos.

Cicero said he had received death threats in the past few days since his role in Tressel’s NCAA violation came to light. Yahoo! Sports first reported on Monday that Tressel had prior knowledge of the improper benefits involving his players.

“I wanted him to know that the kids had been hanging out with a person who was the subject of a federal investigation,” Cicero said when asked why he told Tressel about the players’ relationship with Eddie Rife, the owner of the tattoo parlor. “As a result of that, I also heard that they had been exchanging memorabilia with this particular person. And I outlined that in the e-mail. I threw it out there, quite frankly, it was just to tell him (Tressel) that that’s what it was.”

Cicero is a former walkon football player at Ohio State in the 1980s when Earle Bruce was the head coach.

SHARELUNKER Continued from Page 1B to be heard from.

Falcon is subject to wide swings in water level because of its role in supplying irrigation water to the lower Rio Grande Valley.

However, it is currently 95.56 percent full and has been at or above conservation capacity for months.

Remaining full during this spring’s spawning season will provide good habitat for young fish to hide and feed in, setting the stage for the production of bass that will reach the Toyota ShareLunker minimum size of 13 pounds starting about 2018.

Anyone legally catching a 13-pound or bigger largemouth bass from Texas waters, public or private, between Oct. 1 and April 30 may submit the fish to the Toyota ShareLunker pro-

gram by calling program manager David Campbell at (903) 681-0550 or paging him at (888) 784-0600 and leaving a phone number including area code.

Fish will be picked up by TPWD personnel within 12 hours.

ShareLunker entries are used in a selective breeding program at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (TFFC) in Athens. Some of the offspring from these fish are stocked back into the water body from which they were caught.

Other ShareLunker offspring are stocked in public waters around the state in an attempt to increase the overall size and growth rate of largemouth bass in Texas.

Anglers entering fish into the Toyota ShareLunker

program receive a free replica of their fish, a certificate and ShareLunker clothing and are recognized at a banquet at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens.

For complete information and rules of the ShareLunker program, tips on caring for big bass, a list of official Toyota ShareLunker weigh and holding stations and a recap of last year’s season, see www.tpwd.state.tx.us/ sharelunker.

The site also includes a searchable database of all fish entered into the program along with pictures where available.

Information on current catches, including short videos of interviews with anglers when available, is posted on www.facebook.com/ sharelunkerprogram.

TOURNAMENT Continued from Page 1B by calling event coordinators are Pancho Farias of the South Texas Food Bank staff and Pete Arredondo of the Webb County Sheriff Department.

Farias can be reached at (956) 645-0840 and Arredondo at (956) 489-2421. The Zapata Chamber number is (956) 765-4871. Information is also available from Ellie Reyes of the South Texas Food Bank at elliereyes3@gmail.com.

An enthusiastic Farias said, “Falcon Lake is the No. 1 Bass lake in the nation. Bass 10 pounds or over are common, in fact Ranger boats redesigned their live wells because of Falcon Lake.”

Farias, an avid outdoorsman, predicts, “There will be several 10 pounders because of the time of the year. It’s right at the peak of spawning.”

The fact is the South Texas Food Bank converts every dollar raised into

seven meals. Farias and Arredondo are optimistically eyeing 100 boats in the water.

Arredondo noted that “there were over 200 anglers at a recent Bass Champions pro tourney.”

Romeo Salinas, Zapata County treasurer, is a valued member of the South Texas Food Bank board.

He said, “A tournament like this is an economic boost to our community.

We have a beautiful lake.

The water levels are high.

Our lake is safe if you just stay on U.S. waters. Fishermen will be in for a good treat. They’ve been pulling 12 to 13 pounders.

“Non-fishermen can come in during the weighin and enjoy the big fish.

The fish are released right back into the lake. It’s a big plus for Zapata and for the food bank. The money is used to continue the food bank mission.”

The food bank distrib-

uted supplemental food to 17,502 Zapata County families in 2010. The South Texas Food Bank distributed an all-time record 12,424,080 (12.4 million) pounds in 2010, including 577,046 pounds in Zapata County.

The food bank depends on pantries and agencies for distribution. Zapata is served via five pantries.

Helping Hands is the largest and open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Norma Mendoza is in charge and the telephone number is (956) 765-9327.

The other four pantries , their contact person and phone numbers are: Shepherd’s Pantry, Mary Pulido (956) 765-0123.

Concilio El Buen Pastor, Gilberto Hernandez, (956) 765-1300.

Boys and Girls Club, Viola Torres, (956) 765-3892.

Iglesia Pentecostes Emmanuel, Enedina Morales, (956) 750-0182.

Photo by Kathy Willens | AP

Toronto Blue Jays’ Scott Podsednik slides in behind the throw to New York Yankees second baseman Ronnie Belliard for a stolen base during the second inning of a spring training baseball game in Dunedin, Fla., on Friday.

National champ dismisses four ASSOCIATED PRESS

AUBURN, Ala. — Auburn coach Gene Chizik has dismissed four players from the national champions after they were arrested on robbery and other charges early Friday morning.

Auburn police said Mike McNeil, Antonio Goodwin, Shaun Kitchens and Dakota Mosley were each charged with five counts of first-degree robbery, one count of first-degree burglary and one count of third-degree theft of property.

Police said in a statement that three black males entered a residence with five occupants at 12:25 a.m. Friday and one was armed with a handgun. Mosley is white.

Police said there were

no injuries reported. The four were in a vehicle stopped by police based on a description given by the victims, and officers recovered a pistol and property reported stolen from the residence.

All were taken to the Lee County Detention Center on $511,000 bond.

Chizik said he was “extremely disappointed and embarrassed” by the incident.

“The players arrested in connection with this deeply troubling incident have been permanently dismissed from our football team,” Chizik said in a statement. “While we realize the legal process will run its course and these young men have a right for their case to be heard, playing for Auburn University is an honor and a

privilege. It is not a right.

“We hold our studentathletes to a high standard of conduct on and off the field as representatives of Auburn University, and this kind of behavior is not tolerated.”

Auburn also kicked running back Eric Smith off the team following his Feb. 22 arrest on a thirddegree domestic violence charge.

McNeil, 22, was a starting safety who had 14 tackles, 12 of them solo stops, in the national title game against Oregon. He finished fifth on the team with 56 tackles.

Kitchens, 19, and Goodwin, 20, were reserve receivers who played mostly on special teams as freshmen while Dakota Mosley, 19, is a tight end who redshirted last season.

TRACK Continued from Page 1B Marlena just missed the medal stand with a fourth place finish in 12:10.

Marlena finished the Border Olympics with a strong 1600-meter run, where she fought off a talented field that included Edinburg’s Rebecca Rodriguez and Edinburg

North’s Ariana Lumbreras.

Marlena captured her first Border Olympics gold medal. After the race, she was approached by coaches from A&M Corpus Christi and Pan American University, both NCAA Division I colleges.

The team will be on a three-week hiatus and will not compete again until April 2 at the Hebbronville Invitational.

Five days later, the Hawks will head over to the district meet on April 7 and 9 that will be held in Rio Grande City.

SHROPSHIRE Continued from Page 1B nual ShareLunker banquet regardless of whether their fish is used for spawning or not.

After years of low water level during which brush and other vegetation grew up in the dry lake bottom, Falcon rose in 2004 and completely filled in 2008 and again in 2010.

“There was tremendous bass production in 2004 and 2005,” said Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) inland fisheries biologist Randy Myers, who manages the lake’s fishery.

Fish spawned during those years had ample food and places to hide due to all the submerged vegetation and are now reaching the age at which they have had time to grow to 13 pounds.

Shropshire’s fish is the 13th entry into the Toyota ShareLunker program this season and the 15th entry from Falcon.

Shropshire’s fish is the 13th entry into the Toyota ShareLunker program this season and the 15th entry from Falcon.

Falcon ranks sixth among Texas reservoirs in ShareLunker production, following Lake Fork (246), Alan Henry (25), Sam Rayburn (23), O.H. Ivie (22), and Conroe (16).

Anyone legally catching a 13-pound or bigger largemouth bass from Texas waters, public or private, between October 1 and April 30 may submit the fish to the Toyota ShareLunker program by calling program manager David Campbell at (903) 681-0550 or paging him at (888) 784-0600 and leaving a phone number including area code.

Fish will be picked up

by TPWD personnel with-

in 12 hours.

For complete information and rules of the ShareLunker program, tips on caring for big bass, a list of official Toyota ShareLunker weigh and holding stations and a recap of last year’s season, see www.tpwd.state.tx.us/sharelunker.

The site also includes a searchable database of all fish entered into the program along with pictures where available.

Information on current catches, including short videos of interviews with anglers when available, is posted on www.facebook.com/sharelunkerprogram.

SATURDAY, MARCH 12, 2011

THE ZAPATA TIMES 3B

HINTS BY | HELOISE Dear Readers: With winter here, it’s a perfect time to use your SLOW COOKER for some delicious comfort food and to save on your food budget! Here are some helpful hints: Can’t find the lid of your slow cooker? Check out resale shops for a match.

If the pot of your slow cooker is not removable, clean with water and some dish soap. If baked-on food remains, fill the pot with water and plug in for about 2030 minutes. Stuck food should loosen and be easier to clean.

Newer models of slow cookers have a "warm" setting to keep foods, dips and even beverages, well, warm!

No peeking! Every time you look in on your food cooking, it adds 20 to 30 minutes to your cook time, which means dinner is late and you use more energy.

Cut up veggies the night before, or use frozen ones.

Concerned about leaving the cooker on all day while not at home? Don’t be.

They can be safely used while no one is watching.

Once you use one, you’ll ask yourself, "Why didn’t I do this before?" -- Heloise KEEPING GRAVY WARM Dear Heloise: For big family dinners, I use my insulated, glass-lined coffee carafes for the gravy. It works great for a large family dinner, and everyone can be assured

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HELOISE

that the gravy will be hot, especially for those return trips. I also use my slow cookers for keeping mashed potatoes and dressing warm.

-- Susanne in La Habra Heights, Calif.

CEREAL HINT Dear Heloise: When I buy boxes of cereal, I immediately pour the contents into a clear, gallon-size zipper bag and throw away the big, bulky boxes. Now it’s easy to determine which cereal you want, and the sealed bag keeps it fresher. Takes up less space on the shelf, too! -Jean in Torrington, Conn.

Good point, and one I do sometimes. I cut off the label and the nutritional info and slip it in the bag for later reference. -- Heloise LIDS AS COOKIE CUTTERS Dear Heloise: I keep the tops of spray-oil cans. After washing them, I use them as biscuit and cookie cutters. -Treva Easterling in Florida SEND A GREAT HINT TO: Heloise P.O. Box 795000 San Antonio, TX 782795000 Fax: 210-HELOISE E-mail: Heloise@Heloise.com

DAILY CRYPTOQUOTES — Here’s how to work it:

PETS & SUPPLIES FAMILY CIRCUS

ARTICLES FOR SALE

136

Ashley twin bed $350 OBO. Call 242-8703

DENNIS THE MENACE

TRANSPORTATION

LIVESTOCK & SUPPLIES

130

Registered Appaloosa colts & Fillies yearling’s, athletic bloodline, outstanding confirmation, beautiful. Starting $500 & up. 763-3355

MISCELLANEOUS

AUTOMOTIVE PARTS

194

22” wheels with tires, fits Chrysler 300C, Charger, Magnum, $1,200 call:956-763-2258 MOTORCYCLES

196

2005 Kawasaki eliminator 125, low miles 516, $1,650, Call 956-236-4277 ARTICLES FOR SALE

136

All New Bar-B Q Pits Heavy Duty 1/4inch new casing. Top quality weld. Last a lifetime, all sizes available $200 & up Call Cesar 763-0143

CARS FOR SALE 05’ Chevy Cargo Van C2500 $4,500 OBO. 956-645-9891

07’ Ford Escape, 4cyl., $6,850, 956-645-9891

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Sports

4B THE ZAPATA TIMES

SATURDAY, MARCH 12, 2011

Rangers CEO Greenberg quits

By STEPHEN HAWKINS ASSOCIATED PRESS

Photo by Alex Brandon | AP

DeMaurice Smith executive director for the NFL Players Association, arrives for negotiations with the NFL involving a federal mediator on Friday in Washington.

Communication breakdown Union decertifies, players file antitrust lawsuit

By HOWARD FENDRICH ASSOCIATED PRESS

WASHINGTON — NFL labor talks broke down just hours before the latest contract extension expired Friday, putting America’s most popular sport on a path to its first work stoppage since 1987.

The NFL players’ union decertified — effectively ceasing to operate as a certified union — and players including Tom Brady and Peyton Manning sued the league.

Despite 16 days of negotiations with a federal mediator — and previous months of stop-and-start bargaining — the sides could not agree on a new deal. The league said it hadn’t decided whether to lock out the players, who, meanwhile, went to court to request an injunction to block such a move.

“The parties have not

achieved an overall agreement, nor have they been able to resolve the strongly held competing positions that separated them on core issues,” mediator George Cohen said. “No useful purpose would be served by requesting the parties to continue the mediation process at this time.”

By dissolving and announcing it no longer represents the players in collective bargaining, the NFL Players Association cleared the way for class-action lawsuits against the NFL, which opted out of the CBA in 2008.

The CBA originally was due to expire last week, then was extended twice, in hopes that the sides could find common ground on the key issues: how to divide more than $9 billion in annual revenues, and how much financial information the league would be willing to turn over.

It all set the stage for a lengthy court fight that eventually could threaten the 2011 season. The last work stoppage came when

the players struck 24 years ago, leading to games with replacement players.

The NFLPA also decertified in 1989. Antitrust lawsuits by players led to a new CBA in 1993 that included free agency, and the union formed again that year.

“We met with the owners until about 4 o’clock today,” union head DeMaurice Smith said outside the mediator’s office. “We discussed a proposal they had presented. At this time, significant differences continue to remain. We informed the owners that ... if there was going to be a request for an extension, that we asked for 10 years of audited financial information to accompany that extension.”

About 15 minutes later, the union decertified.

“No one is happy where we are now,” NFL lead negotiator Jeff Pash said. “I think we know where the commitment was. It was a commitment to litigate all along.”

A league statement added: “The union left a very good deal on the table.”

ARLINGTON — The Texas Rangers abruptly announced Friday that CEO and managing partner Chuck Greenberg is leaving the organization three weeks before the AL champions open the season and just seven months after leading the purchase of the team in a dramatic bankruptcy court showdown.

In a statement released by the Rangers, Greenberg indicated that he was leaving because of differences between he, team president Nolan Ryan and board co-chairmen Ray Davis and Bob Simpson.

“Unfortunately, Nolan Ryan, the co-chairmen and I have somewhat different styles. While I am disappointed we did not work through our differences, I remain wholeheartedly committed to doing what’s right for the franchise,” Greenberg said. “Together we concluded it is best for all concerned for me to sell my interest back to Rangers Baseball Express and move on. I do so with a heavy heart.”

Ryan will add the title of CEO and oversee all baseball and business operations for the organization, reporting directly to the team’s board of directors. The Hall of Fame pitcher, who finished his 27-season playing career with the Rangers, became their team president in February 2008.

Ryan was scheduled to join Davis and Simpson, the largest investors in the ownership group, in a news conference at Rangers Ballpark later Friday to discuss Greenberg’s departure.

In a joint statement, Davis and Simpson touted Greenberg’s hard work

Photo by LM Otero | AP

Texas Rangers co-owner and new CEO Nolan Ryan listens to a question during a news conference in Arlington on Friday. Ryan replaced Chuck Greenberg as baseball club’s CEO. and “unwavering commitment” to the team and what was accomplished in their short time owning the club.

“We thank Chuck for his many contributions to the organization, and wish him well in his future endeavors,” the statement read. “At the same time, we are very confident in the continued success and further development of the Texas Rangers under Nolan’s leadership.”

Greenberg, a Pittsburgh attorney who recently moved into a new home in North Texas, didn’t return messages left by The Associated Press.

Greenberg, who had only a small ownership stake in the team, and Ryan were the most visible figures during the prolonged process of purchasing the Rangers from Tom Hicks. After entering into exclusive negotiations with Hicks in December 2009, an initial agreement was reached the following month.

But the acquisition was delayed and then ended up in U.S. Bankruptcy Court.

The team’s May filing included a plan to sell to the 18-investor group led by Greenberg and Ryan, but angry creditors successfully argued to reopen the

bidding. The messy court fight dragged on for 11 weeks and included an auction showdown with Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban last August.

The Greenberg-Ryan group won with a bid valued at about $590 million.

“Chuck’s determination during an extremely long and complicated sales process was crucial in delivering a positive outcome for our ownership group last August,” Ryan said in the team’s release. “We owe him a great deal of thanks for those efforts and I wish him only the best.”

The day after Major League Baseball formally approved the sale, Greenberg and Ryan announced lower prices for concessions, parking and merchandise at Rangers Ballpark.

When Greenberg wasn’t sitting in the front row with Ryan through the end of the regular season and in the playoffs, he often was sitting in different areas of the ballpark with fans.

In the weeks after the World Series, which the Rangers lost in five games to San Francisco, the team added a new chief operating officer and three vice presidents.