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A DEED DEBATE Photo by Ulysses S. Romero | The Zapata Times
Sylvia Martinez, a Census Bureau partnership specialist, urges participation in the 2010 Census during a press conference.
Census reps: 10 minutes can make it count By LORRAINE L. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES
Community leaders take pride in one what they consider to be the easiest and shortest Census forms in history. As part of the 2010 Census informational and awareness meeting, representatives highlighted the nearly effortless act of each resident doing his or her
part to bring funding and representation to Zapata. “(It’s) 10 questions, 10 minutes, for 10 years (of) money and representation,” said Sylvia Martinez, partnership specialist. According to Martinez, the goal is to raise the participation rate in Zapata and target the people hardest to count.
See CENSUS PAGE 12A
NATIONAL
Retired couples may need $250k for health care By MARK JEWELL ASSOCIATED PRESS
BOSTON — Relief to seniors facing high prescription drug costs is one of the first changes to come under the new health care overhaul. But ultimately that won’t offset the relentless increase in retirees’ medical expenses. A couple retiring this year will need a quarter of a million dollars, on average, to cover medical expenses in retirement, according to a study to be released Thursday by Fidelity Investments. The estimate is up 4.2 percent from Fidelity’s projection last year. The Boston-based financial services company has updated its estimate annually since 2002 as part of its business helping employers design work-
place benefits programs. The study is based on projections for a couple of 65-year-olds retiring this year with Medicare coverage. The estimate factors in the federal program’s premiums, co-payments and deductibles, as well as out-ofpocket prescription costs. The study assumes no employer provided insurance in retirement, and a life expectancy of 85 for women and 82 for men. The estimate has risen 56 percent from Fidelity’s initial $160,000 projection in 2002. The average annual increase has been 5.7 percent, so this year’s 4.2 percent rise — from $240,000 last year to $250,000 — is modest. But with broader inflation now near zero amid a
See HEALTH PAGE 12A
Photo by Ulysses S. Romero | The Zapata Times
Several vehicles are seen in the parking lot of an 8-liner establishment in Falcon on Saturday afternoon.
Slot machine owner refutes ‘rumors’ about 8-liners By LORRAINE L. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES
A
lthough there have been several vocal opponents to eight-liner establishments operating in the Falcon area, slot machines owner Fito Villarreal said the business actually serves as a benefit, not a detriment, to the community. And he is prepared to speak for himself at the next Zapata County Commissioners Court meeting about the recent controversy, to answer some of the complaints that have been made by area residents. While residents in the area have complained about noise and traffic, and made allegations that the businesses are operating illegally, Villarreal refuted those claims, dismissing them as “rumors.” One of those claims has been the property on which the business operates has a clause in its property deed that states than any “immoral” businesses, in-
According to Villarreal, people have been spreading rumors about the “maquinitas” and what happens inside. cluding liquor stores or establishments that encourage crime or violence, will not operate on that property. “If there was a property deed, I would not be stupid enough to put my business in that property if it was not allowed,” Villarreal said. According to Villarreal, people have been spreading rumors about the “maquinitas” and what happens inside. “People are just here to have
fun and relax. They come from other counties because they do not have anything else,” he said in Spanish. “People should see that people coming to play benefits Falcon and its surrounding businesses because it brings money to the community.” Villarreal added that he employs 15 people at the establishment. Outside the business on a Saturday afternoon, a woman from Rio Grande said she travels to Falcon three days a week after work to play and relax. She was taking home a box of cookies she had won after playing for a couple of hours, she said, adding that she does not play more than $20 a day. Other customers were seen leaving with bottles of detergent. Commissioner Jose A. Vela, who has been investigating the legality of the businesses, met with attorneys on the issue Tuesday. A copy of the property deed in question has been given
See DEBATE PAGE 12A
LOCAL
Wreck caused by heart attack By CÉSAR G. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES
A driver suffering a heart attack veered off U.S. 83 near the intersection of 12th Avenue on Tuesday, crashing into several parked cars. The man, identified as Jesus Javier “Sonny” Hernandez, later died at Laredo Medical Center. He was 66. The Zapata County
Sheriff ’s Office received a call at about 5 p.m., reporting an accident near the intersection of U.S. 83 and 12th Avenue. The first deputy on the scene broke a window to attempt to take Hernandez out of the vehicle, said Zapata County Fire Lt. Jorge Oyervide, before paramedics took over and extricated the man. Hernandez was unconscious and had no pulse,
Oyervide. Paramedics administered CPR and used an automated external defibrillator and other types of aid, he said. Hernandez was transported to Laredo Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead. The Department of Public Safety took over the investigation. According to Trooper Jose Chavarria, DPS spokesman, Hernandez
was traveling northbound on U.S. 83 when he suffered a heart attack and his pickup truck veered off the road to crash into a few parked vehicles. Troopers determined the man wore a seatbelt. Aside from the vehicles, no other property damage or injuries were reported in the accident. (César G. Rodriguez may be reached at 728-2568 or cesar@lmtonline.com)