The Zapata Times 5/16/2009

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MAY 16,2009

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COMMISSIONERS COURT

County bails out chamber

A healthy deal

By TARYN WHITE

By TARYN WHITE

THE ZAPATA TIMES

THE ZAPATA TIMES

The Zapata Commissioners Court has voted to settle an outstanding debt totaling $9,362.82 acquired by the Chamber of Commerce from 2005 to 2007, prior to the chamber’s re-organization.

According to Paco Mendoza, Chamber of Commerce director, the chamber did not realize that it owed the Texas Outdoor Journal and the Internal Revenue Service money.

“We didn’t know these debts were in existence so we didn’t include them in our budget,” Mendoza said.

The court will use funds from the 7 percent hotelmotel tax to pay this debt.

See DEBT | PAGE 10A

Zapata County and Laredo Medical Center entered into an affiliation agreement this week that will increase LMC’s presence in the county.

Through the agreement, LMC will work closely with elected officials, physicians and community members to address the county’s unmet medical needs.

“This is just the first step, from here we will meet and discuss what can be done to improve health care in the county,” said Ed Romero, LMC’s chief financial officer.

Romero added that this agreement may lead to federal money, which LMC would be able to apply for to increase

health care in the county.

“Any thing they want to do to expand the medical services in the county is a good thing,” said Zapata County Commissioner Joseph Rathmell. “Since they are seeking public RATHMELL funds they need to go through the county.”

This will be the first time LMC and Zapata County work together. According to Rathmell prior to the acquisition of Mercy Medical Center by Community Health Systems, Mercy ran the county’s 24-hour, seven-day-a-week clinic, Zapata Medical Clinic.

Community Health Systems, owners of

LMC, “didn’t think it was economically feasible (to run the clinic) after Mercy left,” Rathmell said.

In 2004, however, LMC opened its own clinic, Zapata Medical Center.

According to Romero, LMC declined to run the county’s clinic because it was unsure of the county’s medical needs.

“That decision was reversed soon after it was made but the county had already hired another group to run the clinic,” Romero said.

Zapata Medical Group now runs the county’s clinic.

Romero added that through the affiliation agreement, LMC will be working

See COUNTY | PAGE 10A

EDUCATION

THE GOOD LIFE

ZCISD may get $800K

By GARY MARTIN SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

WASHINGTON — The House of Representatives approved a $6.4 billion bill this week to modernize schools and make them more energy efficient, including roughly $606 million in grants for Texas districts.

The money would be doled out to nearly all of CUELLAR Texas’ 1,000-plus school districts. More than $80 million would go to South Texas, with more than $800,000 going to Zapata schools.

“It is impossible to overstate the importance of (this funding) to our local schools and our area economy,” said U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo.

Creating jobs Photos by Ulysses S. Romero | Laredo Morning Times

ABOVE: LEFT: Larisa Gutierrez enjoys a hotdog at the annual Cinco De Mayo celebration. ABOVE RIGHT: Residents of San Ygnacio enjoy the celebrations at the Blas Uribe Plaza.

Tasty treats part of San Ygnacio tradition

By TARYN WHITE LAREDO MORNING TIMES

F

or 19 years, the San Ygnacio Ladies Club Cinco de Mayo Celebration has been a tradition, bringing the community together to enjoy colorful displays of traditional Mexican fare: parades, dancing, games and music fill the historic town’s streets.

The celebration But longtime patrons of the popular celebration also know to look forward to the Gutierrez/Cruz family’s famous brisket burger.

Served every year, the brisket burger recipe has been passed down through the Gutierrez/Cruz family from parents to children.

“Nothing beats their (brisket) burgers,” said Dora Martinez, chair of the event. “They are here each year and we know the community looks forward to eating them.”

Martinez added that there is something particular in the sauce that makes these brisket burgers different from others.

Brisket burgers When the Cinco de Mayo celebration began 19 years ago, Fernando and Anna Gutierrez decided to sell their homemade brisket burgers as a favor to the ladies club.

“I don’t think they thought this would be something we would keep doing 19 year later,” Becky Cruz said of her parents, who were the first to sell the burgers.

“Each year we always consider not doing it, but once it gets close we end up scrambling around to get ready.”

Becky Cruz and her sister Anna Cruz took over making and selling the brisket burgers a couple of years ago.

According to Becky, the recipe was passed down through the generations, and this year her son is helping.

‘Delicious’ “I make sure to get one (burger) every time I come,” said Isabele Melo, who has been coming to the Cinco de Mayo celebration for years. “The taste and flavor of the burger are delicious.”

Becky Cruz said this year, for the first time, the family has expanded their operation to include Mexican hotdogs.

But brisket fans, don’t worry.

Becky Cruz pointed out that the Mexican hotdogs are only being added — they will never replace the brisket burgers that have become one of San Ygnacio’s many traditions.

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

Cuellar noted that the measure, if approved, would create jobs quickly, while providing future benefits as “children grow into better-educated, more productive adults” through the improvements.

The bill, which passed on a 275155 vote, now goes to the U.S. Senate. Similar legislation has not yet been filed in that chamber.

Rep. Ruben Hinojosa, D-Texas, a member of the House Education Committee, said the funds would provide “safe, healthy, clean schools that will prepare our students for the 21st century.”

‘Billions of dollars short’

ABOVE: The Mexican-style hot dog topped with jalepeño slices has become a favorite for patrons. BELOW: Brisket is slowly cooked until perfection as the Gutierrez family prepares to serve the famous brisket burger during the Cinco De Mayo celebrations.

“Schools in South Texas are hundreds of billions of dollars short of the funding needed to bring them up to good condition,” said Hinojosa.

Under the House-approved plan, Zapata CISD would get $859,000; Jim Hogg ISD in Hebbronville would get $170,000; and Cotulla ISD would get $255,000.

Three school districts in Webb County would get a total of about $13 million, while San Antonio area school districts would receive grants totaling about $42 million to improve classrooms and upgrade buildings. Rio Grande Valley schools would get more than $26 million.

The money would have to be used by 2015 on environmentally friendly projects. Cuellar tucked an amendment into the bill that would allow school districts to use the funds to rebuild and repair schools after a natural disaster.

See BILL | PAGE 10A

PAGE 2A

Zin brief

CALENDAR

SATURDAY,MAY 16,2009

TODAY IN HISTORY

AROUND THE NATION

ASSOCIATED PRESS

SATURDAY,MAY 16 The Zapata CountyWorkforce Center will be accepting applications for their Summer Youth Program today from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.All applications must be complete to be eligible.For more information,please call 765-1804.

SUNDAY,MAY 17  Veteran theaterman Sam Johnson is producing “Josue Perez and Friends in Concert” at Laredo Little Theater at 3 p.m. today. The event is a fundraiser for Perez, who was recently cast as King Menelas, the comic lead role in “La Belle Helene,” an opera byJacques Offenbach to be performed at the Franco-American Vocal Academy at St. Yrieix, France, this summer. Donations will be accepted at the door.  The Laredo Entertainment Center and Big Buck Country 98.1 proudly present Jason Aldean today at 7:30 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at the LEC box office or by calling 791-9192.  The Lare2’s International MX Club Motocross Race will be held at 9 a.m. today. The public is invited to watch the festivities. Tickets are $5 each. The event will be held at the Good Times MXTrack, located off Interstate 35 and Mines Road.For more information, call 726-1229, 2351626, 740-4649 or 237-5255.

TUESDAY,MAY 19  The Zapata County Community mobile dental van program will be offering their services everyTuesday and Wednesday this summer at the Zapata ISD located between Zapata Middle School and A.L. Benavides Elementary School’s parking area. The program will provide primary dental care and Texas health step up check-ups, which include dental exams and X-rays,among other services.It is offered to all children of Zapata who are Medicaid enrolled or without insurance (limited appointments available). For more information, please call Sonia Perez at 523-7517 or 229-9830.

THURSDAY,MAY 21  The Laredo Public Library Teeen Advisory Board will be screening “Bolt” today in the H-E-B MultiPurpose Room starting at 6 p.m.The event is free and open to the public.

Drinks and popcorn will be served.

For more information, call the library at 795-2400.

Photo by NASA | AP

This photo provided by NASA shows astronaut John Grunsfeld performing a spacewalk to work on the Hubble Space Telescope.

Astronauts keep repairing Hubble CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — Spacewalking astronauts had to put a refurbished pair of gyroscopes into the Hubble Space Telescope after a brand new set refused to go in Friday, but scientists were satisfied nonetheless and confident the observatory would point precisely to ever more distant objects in the cosmos.

Replacing the gyroscopes was the top priority of the repair mission, and the struggle had NASA on edge for two hours.

Thanks to the spacewalkers’ effort, Hubble ended up with four brand new gyroscopes and two refurbished ones that were

original 19-year-old telescope parts, said to be almost as good as the new ones. The telescope also got fresh batteries.

It was the second spacewalk in as many days for the Atlantis astronauts, who once again were bedeviled by problems. On Thursday, another two-man team installed a powerful new camera and a computer data unit, after struggling with a stubborn bolt.

NASA had hoped for an easier, less stressful spacewalk, but instead had to endure more drama.

Friday’s spacewalk was one of the longest ever, lasting nearly 8 hours, and Mission Control told the weary crew members that they could sleep in and start today’s spacewalk a little late.

GM will eliminate 1,100 US dealers

Obama revives terror tribunals

NEW YORK — General Motors on Friday told about 1,100 of its dealers — one in five — that they would be dropped by late next year, adding to the economic pain radiating from the beleaguered Detroit automakers to cities and towns across the country.

Including Chrysler’s decision a day earlier to eliminate a quarter of its own, about 1,900 dealerships — many pillars of their communities and heavy advertisers for local media — learned in a matter of 48 hours that they would be forced either to sell fewer brands or close altogether.

The GM dealerships will be eliminated when their contracts end late next year.

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama said Friday he would reform and restart the military tribunals he once reviled for Guantanamo Bay detainees, jeopardizing his timetable for closing the prison by January and dismaying many supporters who suggested he was going back on campaign promises.

Now, after the detainees are given stronger legal protections — a ban on evidence obtained under cruel duress, for example — the trials of 13 defendants in nine cases will be restarted no sooner than September. Five of the 13 are charged with helping orchestrate the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

— Compiled from AP reports

By MARCIA DUNN ASSOCIATED PRESS

FRIDAY,MAY 22  The Ruthe B. Cowl Rehabilitation Center will be hosting a Pediatric Orthopedic Clinic for patients needing to consult with a specialist today from 8 a.m.-1 p.m.If you are interested in a consultation from Dr. John Edeen, call (956) 722-2431.  The Laredo Civic Center will host the 16th annual Memorial Day Pow Wow starting at 5 p.m. today.

The Pow Wow is a Native American Festival celebration with authentic Native American dance exhibitions and assorted Native American items for sale. The celebration will also feature storytellers. For more information, call (210) 461-4798.

WEDNESDAY,MAY 27  A Pesticide Applicator Recertification Course will be held from 8:30 a.m.- 3 p.m. today. The course will be held at the Webb CountyAgricultural Building, located at 7209 E. Saunders Ave., Suite 4.This recertification course is being sponsored by the Texas AgriLife Extension Service and is an aprroved Texas Department of Agriculture course worth five credits toward a private, non-commercial pesticide applicator license. For more information, please call the Webb CountyAgriLife Extension Service at 721-2626.

WEDNESDAY,AUG.5  The AgriLIFE Extension, in cooperation with the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, presents,“How the New Law Affects Ranch Estate Planning,” a seminar which will be held today at the College Station Conference Center in College Station.The seminar will last from 15 p.m. and participants will discuss basic estate planning devices with Dr.Wayne A.Hayenga serving as special guest speaker. This seminar is offered to provide participants enough information on tax and estate planning matters to help them make difficult estate planning decisions. A $125 registration fee is required to attend the seminar.To register, please contact Connie at (979) 845-2226 or csmotek@tamiu.edu.

To submit an item for the daily calendar, send the name of the event, the date, time, location and a contact phone number to editorial@lmtonline.com

AROUND THE WORLD Pakistan readies assault on Taliban in Swat town MINGORA, Pakistan — The Pakistan army readied a major assault to rid the main town in the Swat Valley of entrenched Taliban militants, who the military said Friday were shaving their beards in order to mingle undetected with fleeing civilians.

The dusty streets of Mingora were mostly empty — one resident said some unidentified bodies lay unburied there. The government relaxed a curfew to allow thousands of refugees to leave with whatever possessions they could carry ahead of what is expected to be bloody fighting.

Pope ends Holy Land trip with call for peace JERUSALEM — Pope Benedict XVI ended his pilgrimage to the Holy Land Friday with a stirring call for peace at the site of Jesus’ crucifixion and then made an emotional appeal to Israel and the Palestinians: “No more bloodshed. No more fighting. No more terrorism. No more war.”

After a weeklong struggle to get his message across through a din of Israeli criticism and Palestinian protest against Israel, Benedict delivered his strongest words yet on the Jewish state’s right to exist and the Palestini-

Photo by Greg Baker | AP

A man sits outside a tent at the Jalala refugee camp near Mardan, in northwest Pakistan, on Friday. Pakistan’s army lifted its curfew in the battle-scarred Swat Valley, allowing thousands to flee as troops prepared for street-by-street battles with Taliban militants entrenched in the valley’s biggest town. ans’ right to a country of their own.

“Let it be universally recognized that the state of Israel has the right to exist, and to enjoy peace and security within internationally agreed borders,” Benedict said on the airport tarmac before boarding a plane to Rome.

Photographer who took famous Saigon photo dies HONG KONG — Hugh Van Es, a Dutch photojournalist who cov-

ered the Vietnam War and recorded the most famous image of the fall of Saigon in 1975 — a group of people scaling a ladder to a CIA helicopter on a rooftop — died Friday morning in Hong Kong, his wife said. He was 67 years old.

Van Es died in Queen Mary Hospital in Hong Kong, where he had lived for more than 35 years. He suffered a brain hemorrhage this past week and never regained consciousness, his wife Annie said.

Hospital officials declined to comment.

— Compiled from AP reports

AROUND TEXAS Officials report swine flu death

Senate sends booster bill to Perry’s desk

HOUSTON — A South Texas man with various health problems became the fifth person in the U.S. to die from swine flu, Texas health officials said Friday.

The 33-year-old Corpus Christi man died May 6 after getting sick earlier in the month, said Dr. William Burgin Jr., the medical authority for the Corpus Christi-Nueces County Health District. The man had other medical conditions, including heart problems, Burgin said.

The Nueces County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the man as Carlos Garnica and said the cause of death was viral pneumonia due to swine flu.

AUSTIN — Children under age 8 would have to be secured in a booster seat when riding in a passenger vehicle under a bill given final approval by the Texas Senate and sent to Gov. Rick Perry.

Current law requires booster seats for children under 5 and shorter than 3 feet tall. If allowed by Perry to become law, it would apply to children under 8 or 4-feet-9 or shorter. Supporters say seat belts do not fit children properly and can injure or kill them in an accident. Starting in June 2010, people who don’t follow the law would face a $25 fine.

— Compiled from AP reports

Today is Saturday, May 16, the 136th day of 2009. There are 229 days left in the year.

Today’s Highlight in History: On May 16, 1929, the first Academy Awards were presented during a banquet at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. The movie “Wings” won “best production,” while Emil Jannings and Janet Gaynor were named best actor and best actress.

On this date: In 1770, Marie Antoinette, age 14, married the future King Louis XVI of France, who was 15.

In 1866, Congress authorized minting of the first 5-cent piece, also known as the “Shield nickel.”

In 1868, the Senate failed by one vote to convict President Andrew Johnson as it took its first ballot on the 11 articles of impeachment against him.

In 1960, a Big Four summit conference in Paris collapsed on its opening day as the Soviet Union leveled spy charges against the U.S. in the wake of the U-2 incident.

In 1975, Japanese climber Junko Tabei became the first woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest.

In 1984, comedian Andy Kaufman died in Los Angeles at age 35.

In 1989, during his visit to Beijing, Soviet President Mikhail S. Gorbachev met with Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping, formally ending a 30year rift between the two Communist powers.

Ten years ago: The Justice Department said preliminary figures from the FBI indicated a decline in serious crime in 1998 for the seventh consecutive year.

Five years ago: The United States announced a new initiative to speed up the approval process for new combination AIDS drugs that was designed to bring cheap, easy-to-use treatment to millions of people in Africa and the Caribbean. Pope John Paul II named six new saints, including Gianna Beretta Molla, revered by abortion foes because she’d refused to end her pregnancy despite warnings it could kill her. (Beretta Molla, an Italian pediatrician, died in 1962 at age 39, a week after giving birth to her fourth child.)

One year ago: President George W. Bush visited Saudi Arabia, where he failed to win help from Saudi leaders to relieve skyrocketing American gas prices. Osama bin Laden said in an audio statement that al-Qaida would continue its holy war against Israel and its allies until the liberation of Palestine. U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Tyrone L. Hadnott, accused of raping a 14-year-old Japanese girl in Okinawa, Japan, was found guilty of abusive sexual conduct by a U.S. military court and sentenced to four years in prison. Robert Mondavi, the patriarch of California wine country, died in Yountville at age 94.

Today’s Birthdays: Actor George Gaynes is 92. Actor Harry Carey Jr. is 88. Jazz musician Billy Cobham is 65.

Actor Bill Smitrovich is 62. Actor Pierce Brosnan is 56. Actress Debra Winger is 54. Soviet-born gymnast Olga Korbut is 54. Actress Mare Winningham is 50. Rock musician Boyd Tinsley (The Dave Matthews Band) is 45. Rock musician Krist Novoselic is 44. Singer Janet Jackson is 43. Country singer Scott Reeves (Blue County) is 43. Actor Brian F. O’Byrne is 42.

R&B singer Ralph Tresvant (New Edition) is 41. Actor David Boreanaz is 40. Political correspondent Tucker Carlson is 40. Actress Tracey Gold is 40. Retired tennis star Gabriela Sabatini is 39. Country singer Rick Treviño is 38. Musician Simon Katz is 38.

Actress Tori Spelling is 36. Actress Melanie Lynskey is 32. Actress Megan Fox is 23. Actor Marc John Jefferies is 19. Actor Miles Heizer is 15.

Thought for Today: “The best actors do not let the wheels show.” — Henry Fonda, American actor (born this day 1905, died 1982).

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, Alice Arce . . . . . . . . . .728-2511 Classified Manager, Sandra Valderrama . .728-2525 Adv. Billing Inquires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .728-2531 Circulation Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .728-2550 Creative/Production Director, Raul Cruz .728-2528 MIS Director, Michael Castillo . . . . . . . . . . .728-2505 Editor, Diana Fuentes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .728-2581 City Editor, Julie Daffern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .728-2565 Sports Editor, Dennis Silva II . . . . . . . . . . .728-2579 Business Journal Editor, Joe Rutland . . . .728-2529 A&E Editor, Kirsten Crow . . . . . . . . . . . . . .728-2543

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

The Zapata Times is free.

The Zapata Times is published by 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. Highway 83 at 14th Avenue, Suite 2; Zapata, TX, 78076. Call (956) 765-5113 or e-mail thezapatatimes@att.net

The Zapata Times

PAGE 3A

Zlocal

SATURDAY,MAY 16,2009

BP seizes drugs

by Falcon Lake

A CHEERFUL MOMENT

SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents seized seven loads of marijuana and stopped two human smuggling attempts in several cases that occurred throughout the sector Thursday and Friday.

One of the drug cases was in Zapata, where 57 pounds of marijuana were seized Thursday by Zapata station agents.

Responding to reports of suspicious activity along the banks of Falcon Lake, agents encountered some subjects carrying bundles.

When the CBP Border Patrol agents identified themselves, the subjects dropped

a bundle and absconded to Mexico.

The bundle contained marijuana with an estimated value of $45,600.

Agents assigned to the Hebbronville station made the largest of the seven seizures on Friday at the immigration checkpoint located on Texas 16.

As the agents performed an inspection of the driver of a pickup truck towing a cargo trailer, a Border Patrol canine alerted toward the trailer.

Agents searched the trailer and found 36 bundles hidden in a false compartment located near the front of the trailer. The bundles contained marijuana with a total weight of 1,055 pounds and an estimated street value of $844,000.

Courtesy photo

Anita Medina, Ph.D., retired teacher and administrator for ZCISD, enjoys a cheerful moment with first graders Christopher Noe Flores and Patsy Banda from Zapata South Elementary School. Both students are happy to be among 15 other students chosen to receive books from the Zapata County Retired Teachers Association.

THE BLOTTER THEFT

Trapp enjoys research

BY DORA MARTINEZ

COLUMN

Helen Yvonne Trapp is the daughter of Elena Flores, who also likes to work on land grants research.

Yvonne, as we all have called her since childhood, is a talented and a workaholic woman, who strives and does her work to the maximum.

She has two wonderful children, Consuelo Muùoz Flores and Arturo Muùoz, along with eight grandchildren, two step grandchildren and three great grand children — who would have thought!

Her research work has been magnificent and it all started after she graduated from Zapata ISD during the 1960s.

Yvonne is presently the president of HYTAC Mortgage Inc. located in Zapata,

originator of commercial and residential mortgages ranging in the hundreds of millions approved by Veterans Administration since 1987. She also has been president of Trent LLC since 2007. During this time she has been in charge of construction projects such as the Medicine Shoppe in Zapata and in Laredo.

Yvonne received her real estate license in 2007. She is a member of the National Association of Mortgage Brokers since 1989, and has been active in CASA, Children’s Advocacy Center, the Zapata Chamber of Commerce, Laredo Chamber of Commerce and Laredo Builders Association.

Her previous employments include ICA Mortgage Corporation in San Antonio; vice president at the American Bank of Commerce in Del Rio; and vice president at the First Federal Savings and Loan in Laredo.

Yvonne believes in the importance of education. She has attended Laredo Community College, the University of Oklahoma, and has completed her compliance officer certification through the University of Phoenix.

Her goal is to get her bachelor’s degree in business/management.

Good Luck!

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

ď Ž On May 11 around 9 p.m. an air compressor and other items were stolen from the 5100 block of PeĂąa Lane by an unknown person who broke into a shed. ď Ž On May 12, $104 was stolen from a residence in the 600 block of Eagle Road. The victim told police an unknown person broke into his residence in the middle of the night and tookthe moneyfrom his pants pocket. ď Ž On May 14 around 7:52 a.m.a vehicle was stolen while it was parked at the Best Western Inn By the Lake at 1896 U.S. 83.The ď Ž On May 15 around 11:48 a.m. both mirrors and lettering were stolen from a vehicle while it was parked at the county boat ramp.

Villapando was cited in a hit-andrun on May 8 after he allegedly passed another 18-wheeler in a nopassing zoning on U.S. 83 about four miles north of Las Palmas forcing the other 18-wheeler off the road.

DAMAGE ď Ž On May 9, Abel PeĂąa reported that T-posts were removed from the alley behind a property in the 1200 block of Fresno Street. ď Žn On May 15 around 1:54 a.m. the tires of a vehicle parked in the 700 block of Mier Street were

punctured. The victim told police an unknown person wearing a yellow shirt and shorts entered his property and damaged his vehicle’s tires.

ARRESTS ď Žn Victor Javier Garcia was arrested on May 9 on the charge of intoxicated assault with a vehicle.The victim told police Garcia struck him and his vehicle while he was standing at the rear of his vehicle at 2509 Hidalgo Blvd. ď Ž On May 8 Alberto Jesus Chapa was arrested for public intoxication.

HITAND RUN ď ŽTruck driver Roberto Lopez Carmen Ramirez - Rathmell, D.D.S.

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

1520 Corpus Christi Street Telephone (956) 726-0160

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PAGE 4A

Zopinion

SATURDAY, MAY 16,2009

ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM

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

OTHER VIEWS

When combat stress kills THE BOSTON GLOBE

A

mericans received a grim reminder this week that, as the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan drag on, death doesn’t always come at the hands of an enemy.

On Monday, Sergeant John M. Russell shot and killed five fellow servicemen at a mental health clinic at Camp Liberty in Iraq after his commanding officer recommended that he receive psychological counseling and confiscated his weapon.

Russell directed violence at others, but more and more often service members aim weapons at themselves. In 2008, over 140 service members committed suicide, far more than in any year since the statistic has been tracked. This internal wave of violence is a signal that the emotional and mental costs of war are taking a severe toll on American soldiers.

Reducing effects To reduce effects of combat stress, Admiral Michael Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said he would consider increasing time between deployments. This must be tied with an effort to decrease the number of deployments, particularly since the Army’s mental health assessment found that soldiers on a third deployment were at much higher risk of mental health issues.

But the stigma of mental health problems prevents too many soldiers from getting help. According to his father, Russell was concerned that by sending him to the clinic, his commanding officer was “setting him up” for discharge.

Accessing mental health services must not be seen as a reason for demotion. Already, some leaders are taking initiative to change this. General Carter Ham, the commanding general for the Army in Europe, admitted that he sought counseling after his return from Iraq and told soldiers that he believed he was “a better general because I got some help.”

These messages from leaders signal that vulnerability to combat stress is part of the job.

Combating stigma Combating stigma must also involve better access to resources. All soldiers get a health assessment after their deployment, but most soldiers only fill out questionnaires. An experimental model at Fort Lewis in Washington called the Soldier Wellness Assessment Pilot Program gives returning soldiers a minimum of a 15-minute face-to-face mental health interview. Doctoral-level medical providers and other services are immediately available for those with symptoms of stress. However, this program is funded not by the Department of Defense, but by a grant from the surgeon general’s office. The Pentagon ought to adopt the model more widely.

Until regular care becomes part of the regimen, the burden of identifying service members in mental distress falls on their colleagues and loved ones. This just isn’t enough. The profound psychic wounds of those we send to war must be identified and treated in a systematic way.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 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.

The identity of the letter writer must be verified before publication.

The Zapata Times doesn’t publish letters with just an initial and a last name.

People who want to air their opinions publicly must do so openly. 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-calling or gratuitous abuse is allowed.

This space allows for public debate of the issues of the day. We do publish “thank you” letters, but due to limited space, we ask writers to list no more than 10 names in such letters. Letters with more than 10 names will not be published.

Via e-mail, letters may be sent directly to editorial@lmtonline.com or mail them to Letters to the Editor; 111 Esperanza Drive; Laredo, TX 78041.

Letters also may be dropped off at the office during regular business hours, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Letters that are provided in hard copy must be hand-signed.

COLUMN

Storms create arborist nightmare

By JOHN YOUNG COX NEWSPAPERS

W

ACO — Galveston’s scars are graphic: A wrought-iron historic marker on the seawall has a Cookie Monster-sized bite missing. The once-majestic Flagship Hotel, drapes flapping from exposed rooms, appears cut adrift from the island, its driveway washed away.

But the most striking thing about Galveston in May is this: It looks like January.

Towering oak trees, most conspicuously along Broadway, stand mostly leafless. Lifeless?

Though most else about the hurricane-ravaged city is springing back to life, Galveston is fearing the worst for its trees.

Salt water from Hurricane Ike, which covered 75 percent of the island, severely compromised

trees’ root systems. Nine months later, other rebuilding tasks aside, Galveston is looking at millions of dollars to remove and replace dead trees.

Once the waters subsided, city arborists engaged in some frantic triage. The Forest Service urged people to administer gypsum and heavy watering to flush salt water away.

Nature gives and takes, and not always in manageable doses.

Outside of Waco, Mother Neff State Park is still recovering from such an unmanageable wallop.

Flooding of the Leon River in 2007 left the park closed for over a year.

It has opened to day use, with limited overnight camping (electricity and restrooms are disabled; portable outhouses are deployed).

Infrastructure can be fixed. As with Galveston, the central drama for Ma Neff was with her trees.

Having endured three months under water, mature pecans and elms were at grave risk. At least 20 of them didn’t make it, with 49 trees of varying ages having to be removed.

Fortunately, action by park officials and tree lovers helped.

Once the waters subsided, the park called for volunteers to come dig away the silt and sand from the bases of trees.

Park superintendent Leah Huth credited those actions not only for saving many trees but also for making it possible, with suffocating sediment gone, for new-growth pecans to take hold.

In Austin, a controversy has arisen about trees at Barton Springs Park that the city wants to remove because they’re in poor health.

The city says it’s because of various factors including pollution and foot traffic, the latter of

which compacts soil and depletes it of nutrients. Citizen activists say the city is acting rashly, and if the trees are in jeopardy it is because of improper care.

Whatever the circumstance, you don’t fully appreciate a tree until it’s gone. That’s why we fight to save them, or should.

The irony about the arborists’ nightmare in Galveston is that many of the trees have been in place since after the 1900 hurricane that killed more than 8,000 people and almost wiped away all vegetation on the island.

At the time, the Women’s Health Protective Association planted 10,000 trees and 2,500 oleanders.

So, a tree isn’t necessarily just nature’s statement.

It’s mankind’s statement about livable environs. It’s one which, if nature participates, will speak for us long after we’re gone.

COLUMN

Obama must control health care costs B

arack Obama came to office with a theory. He believed that the country was in desperate need of new investments in education, energy and many other areas. He also saw that the nation faced a long term-fiscal crisis caused by rising health care and entitlement costs. His theory was that he could spend now and save later. He could fund his agenda with debt now and then solve the long-term fiscal crisis by controlling health care and entitlement costs later on.

In essence, health care became the bank out of which he could fund the bulk of his agenda. By squeezing inefficiencies out of the health care system, he could have his New New Deal and also restore the nation to long-term fiscal balance.

This theory justified the tremendous ramp-up of spending we’ve seen over the last several months. Obama inherited a $1.2 trillion deficit and has quickly pushed it up to $1.8 trillion, a whopping 13 percent of GDP. The new debt will continue to mount after the economy recovers. The national debt will nearly double over the next decade. Annual

“

DAVID BROOKS

deficits will still hover around 5 percent or 6 percent of GDP in 2019. By that year, interest payments alone on the debt are projected to be $806 billion annually, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

Obama believes these deficit levels are tolerable if he can fix the long-term fiscal situation, but he hasn’t been happy about them.

He’s been prowling around the White House prodding his staff to find budget cuts. Some of the ideas they have produced have been significant (Medicare reforms), some have been purely political (asking Cabinet secretaries to cut $100 million in waste, fraud and abuse), and many have been gutted on Capitol Hill (cap and trade, proposed changes in charitable deductions, proposed changes to the estate tax).

In any case, these stabs at fiscal discipline haven’t come close to keeping up with the explosion

in spending. The government now borrows $1 for every $2 it spends. A Treasury bond auction earlier this month went poorly, suggesting the world’s hunger for U.S. debt is not limitless.

Obama has been thrown back on his original theory. If he is going to sustain his agenda, if he is going to prevent national insolvency, he has to control health care costs. Health care costs are now the crucial issue of his whole presidency.

Obama and his aides seem to understand this. They have gone out of their way to emphasize the importance of restraining costs.

The president has held headlinegrabbing summits with business and union leaders. Unlike just about every other Democrat on the planet, he emphasizes cost control as much as expanding health coverage.

So what exactly is the president proposing to help him realize hundreds of billions of dollars a year in savings?

Obama aides talk about “game-changers.” These include improving health information technology, expanding wellness programs, expanding preventive

DOONESBURY | GARRY TRUDEAU

medicine, changing reimbursement policies so hospitals are penalized for poor outcomes, and instituting comparative effectiveness measures.

Nearly everybody believes these are good ideas. The first problem is that nobody believes they will produce much in the way of cost savings over the next 10 years. They are expensive to set up and even if they work, it would take a long time for cumulative efficiencies to have much effect. That means that from today until the time Obama is, say, 60, the U.S. will get no fiscal relief.

The second problem is that nobody is sure that they will ever produce significant savings. The Congressional Budget Office can’t really project savings because there’s no hard evidence they will produce any and no way to measure how much. Some experts believe they will work, but John Sheils of the Lewin Group, a health care policy research company, speaks for many others.

He likes the ideas but adds, “There’s nothing that does much to control costs.”

(David Brooks is a columnist for the New York Times.)

PAGE 5A

Zlifestyle

SATURDAY,MAY 16,2009

ADVICE

Fiance, partner, boyfriend or that guy in the kitchen?

Photo by Ulysses S. Romero | Laredo Morning Times

Julie Garza speeds through the Alexander Estate subdivision on her bicycle.

Riding high: Cycling gains fans

By TARYN WHITE LAREDO MORNING TIMES

H

ard pavement, 100-degree heat and few bike paths do not make Laredo ideal for cyclists. But wander down to the end of Del Mar Boulevard at Loop 20 on any weekday evening after 5:30, and no one would guess this isn’t a bicycle-friendly city.

Cyclists from all walks of life, ranging from racers to leisure riders, come together with no verbal agreement and just ride. This four-mile, limited traffic, open road offers a long stretch of gravel where cyclists can get lost in their sport.

Driving around Laredo, it becomes clear why cycling hasn’t caught on.

According to Mike Doyle, owner of ProBike Shop, Laredo is what he likes to call a “trucker’s town.” People love their trucks, and most of the roads have high speed limits and little room for cyclists.

But cycling has gained popularity since Doyle opened his shop in 1986. It’s a popularity, he says, that has ebbed and flowed through the years, but is showing promise.

Today, Laredo has a handful of bicycle shops that cater to the mountain biker, the road biker, the professional and the amateur.

There is even a bike club, Laredo Cycling Club, which is composed of people who think of cycling as more than merely a hobby.

And although there are few races in the

city, in surrounding areas like Nuevo Laredo, Monterrey, San Antonio and Austin, large races are regular features, making Laredo a perfect jumping-off point.

A place to ride According to Doyle, there is one main reason Laredo does not have a strong bike culture, and it’s the obvious: The city has few places to ride.

John Avigael is a long-time cyclist who has competed in races across the country. He is one of the founding members of the Laredo Cycling Club, and according to Doyle, is one of the best cyclists in the state. Avigael said finding a place to ride in Laredo is a challenge. Riding in the city is dangerous because of traffic congestion; while riding along the highway has different dangers, as motorists travel at high speeds and may not be on the lookout for cyclists.

Doyle said he would like to see bike paths built in all newly developed subdivisions.

“I know they can’t add bike paths on already existing roads, but bike paths should be put in all the new subdivisions,” he explained, adding that both experienced riders and families going for a relaxing bike ride would use these.

“Most of the bikes purchased in Laredo

See CYCLING | PAGE 6A

DEAR MISS MANNERS — Am I the only one who finds this phenomenon confusing?

“Miss Lucy Bainbridge and her fiance of 5 years, Mr. Michael Bagley, wish to announce the arrival of a baby boy, Sweetums Bainbridge-Bagley.”

Are women these days, living with a partner without the benefit of marriage, playing fast and loose with the term “fiance”? Are they just cockeyed optimists, waiting each Valentine’s Day for a ring? Has there been a lot of talk about marriage and no action? I always thought having a fiance went right along with having a ring and a date.

Can one be called a fiance year after year?

GENTLE READER — Long ago, when pseudo-marriages first became openly admitted and widespread, Miss Manners asked her Gentle Readers for help in devising a presentable term by which each person in such an arrangement could

“

JUDITH MARTIN Miss Manners refer to the relationship with the other.

She is sorry to say that although she was flooded with suggestions, many of them were not presentable. Those that were not lewd or downright nasty were hopelessly complicated or pure treacle.

And the presentable ones used words that meant something else. One of them was “partner.” She didn’t choose that one (the truth is that she got discouraged and didn’t choose anything) but society did. It spread, and Miss Manners soon got caught in the very confusion she had predicted. She was about to invite an interesting acquaintance to dinner when he mentioned how happy he was with his new partner. As she was amending the invitation in

her mind to include the partner — the hard part was avoiding a gender-specific pronoun — the gentleman happened to mention his wife.

Now, Miss Manners is not given to snooping into people’s living arrangements, but she does need to know how many people are coming to dinner. It took her a great deal of conversational maneuvering before she discovered that the gentleman’s domestic life was not as hectic as she supposed. He had one wife and one business partner.

Perhaps similar confusion has inspired the widespread use of “fiance” and “fiancee” when there are no wedding plans.

In any case, it is now widely used, as you have observed, for arrangements that do not seem to be moving along to marriage. Confusing, yes. But minimally so, Miss Manners would say, as neither long engagements nor broken engagements are new..

Some trends are fresh off (last year’s) runways

By SAMANTHA CRITCHELL ASSOCIATED PRESS

NEW YORK — Some trendy shoppers don’t have the patience to hold out for a bargain, snapping up the hottest looks early in the season at full price. Some smart trendy shoppers, however, know that you don’t always have to wait to get au courant styles on sale.

In fact, you could have had them yesterday.

“You can probably find any silhouette or trend from any season if you look, even if it was touted as a ‘trend’ at that time,” says Stephanie Phair, director of theOutnet.com, the new sister outlet site of online boutique Net-a-Porter. “And certain ‘trends’ carry throughout several seasons, so something can absolutely be on trend even if it’s from the season before.’”

She adds: “Great fashion doesn’t go away.”

SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2009

6A | THE ZAPATA TIMES

Eduardo Buentello returns from Iraq

CYCLING | Continued from Page 5A are from places like WalMart; there is a growing number of people who just ride for leisure,” Doyle said.

Unfortunately for road cyclists, even if they are ready to ride on the streets, Laredo has what he refers to as “hard pavement.”

“The roads are not smooth and easy to ride on,” he said.

“The pavement used here probably lasts longer, but it is hard and not easy for road bikes.”

SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

Laredo’s bike culture But even with these obstacles, a small bike culture has emerged.

Avigael said when the Laredo Cycling Club first started, it only had eight members; today it has 40. He added that with Laredo’s warm weather, this is one of the only places a cyclist can train year-round.

“It’s an advantage to be able to continue to ride through the winter months,” Avigael said.

Although road cyclists may have a hard time, rough terrain and a lot of dirt makes Laredo a perfect place for mountain bikers.

Enrique Garcia, a local ear, throat and nose doctor, began cycling 12 years ago as a mountain biker.

“I used to tell people that if I didn’t bleed, it wasn’t a good ride,” Garcia said.

According to Garcia, all the open land around Laredo makes it is easy to find places to ride.

This 49-year-old doctor turned to road cycling after getting his fill of bumps and scrapes, and now he says he enjoys doing long-distance rides rather than racing.

“Cycling is a sport where you are by yourself; it gives

Photos by Ulysses S. Romero | Laredo Morning Times

Laredo cyclists ride for hours along Del Mar Boulevard and Loop 20.

Army Reserve Sgt. Eduardo J. Botello is returning to the U.S. after a deployment to the Iraqi Theater of Operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Operation Iraqi Freedom is the official name given to military operations involving members of the U.S. armed forces and coalition forces participating in efforts to free and secure Iraq. Mission objectives focus on force protection, peacekeeping, stabilization, security and counter-insurgency operations as the Iraqi transitional governing bodies assume full sovereign powers to govern the peoples of Iraq.

Members from all

branches of the U.S. military and multinational forces are also assisting in rebuilding Iraq’s economic and governmental infrastructure, and training and preparing Iraqi military and security forces to assume full authority and responsibility in defending and preserving Iraq’s sovereignty and independence as a democracy.

Botello, an infantryman with 15 years of military service, is normally assigned to the 164th Quartermaster Company, Broken Arrow, Okla.

He is the son of Eduardo and Maricela G. Botello, of San Ygnacio.

The sergeant graduated in 1993 from Zapata High School, and received an associate degree in 1998 from ITT Technical Institute.

you personal time,” Garcia said. “I like how meditative it can be.”

A starting race For bicycle enthusiasts looking for an opportunity to ride, there will be a fun race May 31 from Zapata to Laredo.

Doyle said many beginning cyclists are attracted to this race because of the dead tailwind that runs from Zapata to Laredo.

“It means that the wind is literally helping you ride by pushing on your back,” Doyle said. “Every cyclist gets to feel like they are professional riders because they are going so much faster.”

Registration is $25. To fill out an application or for

The sun beats against the backs of Mario Rodriguez, Jaime Esparza and Robert Morelos as they train on a recent afternoon. more information, visit www.laredoprobike.com or call Pro Bike Shop at 7263469.

The ride is for mountain bikers and road bikers of all

levels. All proceeds benefit Casa La Esperanza Crisis Pregnancy Center.

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

Subscribe to The Zapata Times by calling 728-2550 or at lmtonline.com

PAGE 7A

Zentertainment

SATURDAY,MAY 16,2009

‘Rudi y Cursi’ scores big He’s country: Aldean heads to LEC

By KIRSTEN CROW

LAREDO MORNING TIMES

By KIRSTEN CROW LAREDO MORNING TIMES

J

ason Aldean may be a rising country star who continues to see his name and image catapult into any number of high-profile magazines and newspapers — even being saddled with such descriptors as “country cutie” — but he still sees the time on stage as his central focus while on tour.

“Our whole day revolves around that highlight — when we get to be on stage,” said the 32-year-old Macon, Ga. native. “We entertain

THE 411 WHAT: Jason Aldean’s “Wide Open” tour WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Sunday WHERE: Laredo Entertainment Center, 6700 Arena Blvd.

TICKETS: Available at the LEC boxoffice and ticketmaster.com.

PRICES: $46,$32,$22 and $12,plus facilityfee

people. That’s why we got in the business.”

And what a business it is. Aldean’s soaring with his stomping rock single, “She’s Country,” where it’s stayed as the No. 1 country single this week, according to Billboard. The album, “Wide Open,” peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 chart, selling 108,960 units in the first week.

“In an age where record sales are down, that’s amazing,” he said. “Who knows why songs are hits. If there was a formula for it, every song we put out would be a big hit. This is one of those.”

From the ground up Aldean’s no stranger to success. Although “Wide Open” and “She’s Country” stand out as his most recent achievements, he’s a multiplatinum artist who has seen five of his singles land in the country music top 10 in the last two years, including “Amarillo Sky,” “Johnny Cash,” “Why,” “Hicktown” and “Laughed Until We Cried.”

It’s a far cry from Aldean’s roots singing to the radio and learning to play the guitar to keep up with his musician father’s band.

“I think about it every night, sitting there laughing to myself that something I started as a hobby as a teenager is what I’m doing for a living — and making a good living out of it,” he said. “Who would of thought … it would lead to this? You just never know.”

The new country — and the old In the short five years Aldean’s been on the national scene, he’s heard plenty of labels.

And as the debate continues between the hardcore traditional country enthusiasts and the ever-swelling population of rock- and pop-infused country fans, he’s ready to call a truce.

“It’s something I really hate — that people

Courtesy photo

Jason Aldean, quickly rising to be country music’s golden boy, may debut some new material in Laredo during his concert Sunday. always want to label music,” he said. “The kind of country I play is a little more aggressive, and has a little bit more of a rock edge to it than a lot of stuff that’s out, but I’m not the first guy to do that.

“We may be blurring the lines a little bit … but Garth Brooks blurred them up long ago.

It’s just one of those things.”

He was quick to point out that while he has “She’s Country,” a guitar-driven party-anthem homage to Southern women with jacked-up trucks “and a sexy swingin’ walk” who know how to party, he also plays more traditional country tracks similar to those he was raised on.

Regardless, there’s no denying that the single has some drive behind it.

“It’s a song that allows people to have fun.

It’s a song that you don’t have to overthink,” he said. “It’s a song where you roll down the windows and turn the radio up … it’s a singalong.”

On the stage Although he’s riding on “Wide Open” material, Aldean said there was a chance the Laredo audience may catch a glimpse of his newest material.

“We may have some brand-new stuff for you guys.”

It’s a classic story: The humble beginnings, the discovery of the diamond in the rough, the enormous, unanticipated success and the sordid, inevitable trappings of fame.

“Rudo y Cursi,” starring Diego Luna and Gael Garcia Bernal, could have easily fallen into kitsch as many of these stories do. But the film is saved not only by its lead actors — who never disappoint — but also by the charm of the story told by director and writer Carlos Cuarón.

The film opens with our heroes, brothers Beto “Rudo” Verdusco (Luna) and Tato Verdusco (Garcia) working at a banana plantation before they return to their impoverished home and the troubles that lay there — for Rudo, in particular, whose wife is not overly accepting of his habit of gambling away her kitchen appliances.

Shortly, though, the boys are off for their weekly soccer game, where a stranded stranger, Batuta (Guillermo Francella), and his comely pin-up companion happen

Photo by Ivonne Venegas/Sony Pictures Classics | AP

In this film publicity image released by Sony Pictures Classics, Diego Luna, left, and Gael Garcia Bernal are shown in a scene from “Rudo y Cursi.” to catch the game. As it turns out — lo and behold — he’s a talent scout for various soccer teams in Mexico City — and he sees major potential in the brothers. The only problem? Batuta can only take one.

Based only on a penalty kick, Batuta selects the successful Tato to accompany him to Mexico City, where he is met with a hazing reception by his fellow teammates, a tiny apartment and the wonders of Ramen soup.

Eventually, Rudo too gets his shot and moves to Mexico City, leaving his family to play with an opposing team.

But the rise to fame, naturally, has a price tag: Tato finds his weakness in delusions of grandeur and a failed singing career, as well as a beautiful woman (Jessica Mas, who is beyond droolinducing), while cocaine and compulsive gambling drag Rudo by the nose.

“Rudo y Cursi,” rated R, is playing at Cinemark Mall Del Norte.

PÁG.8A

Zfrontera

Agenda en Breve SÁBADO 16 DE MAYO

 LAREDO — Los Rancho San Nicolas Trail Riders serán anfitriones de una cabalgata benéfica para el March of Dimes hoy. Consiste de una cabalgata de 18-millas sobre la Carretera 59, de Las Lomas a los terrenos de LIFE Downs.Las inscripciones inician a las 8 a.m. con una cuota de 20 dólares por cabalgante.

Un baile se realizará de 3 p.m. a 7 p.m. Los boletos para el baile tienen costo de 5 dólares y pueden ser adquiridos en Mike’s Western Wear ó Kelly’s Western Wear. El evento es gratuito para niños menores de 12 años.Todos son bienvenidos para participar.

Si viene en carro el costo es de 10 dólares por persona ó carro.  LAREDO — Hoy se se realizará la comida del Founder’s Day (Día de los Fundadores) organizada por el Webb County Heritage Center (Centro de la Herencia del Condado de Webb). El evento será al mediodía en el Student Center Ballroom en Texas A&M International University. Aunque es un evento abierto al público, tiene costo de 40 dóalres, y la Heritage Foundation recomienda reservar su lugar.  LAREDO — Pase la tarde en el Planetario Lamar Bruni Vergara de Texas A&M International Universityy explore “Stars of the Pharaohs” a las 6 p.m., seguido de “One World, One Sky Big Bird’s Adventure” a las 7 p.m. y “enTRANCEd”a las 8 p.m.La entrada general es de 5 dólares; en tanto que niños, estudiantes, personal y ex alumnos de TAMIU pagan 4 dólares. En sábado obtenga un 50% de descuento cuando compre un boleto para un segundo espectáculo.  LAREDO — Texas A&M International University presenta su primer Festival Internacional de Cine Annette Olsen-Fazi en el Student Center Theater, aula SC 236, de forma gratuita y abiertos al público en general. La serie continúa hoy con Le scaphandre et le papillon (Bélgica) a las 7 p.m.

DOMINGO 17 DE MAYO

 LAREDO — El Laredo2’s International MX Club Motocross Race se realizará hoy a partir de las 9 a.m. El público está invitado para observar las festividades, sin embargo hay una cuota de 5 dólares la entrada. El evento será en el Good Times MX Track, ubicado en IH35 y Mines Road. Más información llamando a los teléfonos 726-1229, 235-1626, 740-4649, or 237-5255.  LAREDO — El Laredo Entertainment Center y Big Buck Country 98.1 presentan a Jason Aldean hoy a las 7:30 p.m.

Como telonero estará la banda Mike Cruz & Diamond Back.

Adquiera boletos en la taquilla de LEC y en ticketmaster. Los boletos tienen costo de 46, 32, 22 y 12 dólares, más la cuota de las instalaciones. SAN ANTONIO — Hoy es el evento “Recordando a Ricardo Montalban” que organiza el Instituto Cultural de México. Se presentarán las cintas Mustery Street (un drama de John Sturges a las 3 p.m.) y Two Weeks of Love (un musical de William Wellman) a las 5 p.m. La entrada es gratuita al auditorio del ICM en el 600 Hemisfair Park de esta ciudad.

JUEVES 21 DE MAYO

LAREDO — La Cámara de Comercio de Laredo, en colaboración con Texas A&M International University y la Ciudad de Laredo presentan hoy “Vision 2009 Economic Outlook Conference” a las 7:30 a.m. en el Student Center de TAMIU.

VIERNES 22 DE MAYO

 LAREDO — Hoy es el 16to Memorial Day PowWow anual en el Laredo Civic Center a partir de las 5 p.m. El Pow Wow es un Festival Nativo Americano para celebrar con auténticas exhibiciones de danza nativo americanas, y variedad de artículos nativo americanos para venta.

La celebración también presentará cuenta cuentos.  LAREDO — El Torneo Abierto de Tenis Primaveral Longhorn será desde hoy y hasta el 24 de mayo en la canchas de tenis de United High School.

Los junior individuales empizan hoy a las 4:30 p.m., los individuales avanzados y los individuales varonil y femenil juegan el sábado 23 de mayo a partir de las 8 a.m., con todos los dobles empezando a las 3 p.m.

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

SÁBADO 16 DE MAYO DE 2009

Tamaulipas sigue en fase amarilla ESPECIAL PARA TIEMPO DE ZAPATA

TAMPICO, México — Tamaulipas continúa en fase amarilla en la contingencia provocada por la influenza AH1N1.

Esto significa que la entidad pudiera en breve normalizar al 100% sus actividades si se continúa reforzan las medidas preventivas y sanitarias para evitar nuevos brotes del padecimiento, así como lograr un control y atención favorable de casos positivos.

Durante la Sesión Extraordinaria del Consejo General de Salud se informó que

hasta la fecha en Tamaulipas se tiene un total de 283 casos sospechosos acumulados, de los cuales 277 resultaron negativos y solamente seis pacientes se encuentran hospitalizados en unidades hospitalarias.

“Seguimos avanzando pero se continúan intensificando las medidas preventivas y sanitarias para evitar que surjan nuevos brotes en el Estado, que puedan afectar a la población”, dijo el Secretario de Salud Juan Guillermo Mansur.

De las muestras enviadas a la Ciudad de México, el Instituto Nacional de referen-

cia Epidemiológica confirmó nueve casos positivos del padecimiento en pacientes atendidos en los las Jurisdicciones Sanitarias de Tampico, Madero, Victoria, Nuevo Laredo y Reynosa, los cuales están actualmente bajo control y recibiendo el tratamiento adecuado.

“Ya pasaron 11 días desde el último paciente que se atendió con este padecimiento y podemos decir que ya no significan ningún problema”, dijo Mansur.

En torno a los casos positivos que se han detectado en la entidad, se tienen en marcha acciones y medidas para

Salud vigila a expendedores de agua embotellada y hielo ESPECIAL PARA TIEMPO DE ZAPATA

CD. VICTORIA, México — Con las altas temperaturas el consumo de agua se incrementa, y la Secretaría de Salud, a través de la Comisión de Protección contra Riesgos Sanitarios refuerza la vigilancia sanitaria para monitorear los abastecimientos de agua, las purificadoras y fabricas de hielo, en donde se llegan ha aplicar multas de más de 15 mil pesos, sino cumplen con los estándares de calidad y las normas de sanidad que establece la Ley General de Salud.

Lo anterior lo expreso el doctor Roberto Hernández Báez, Comisionado Estatal de Protección contra Riesgos Sanitarios, al referir que estas multas o la suspensión definitiva de las actividades, se llegan a aplicar a los propietarios de las plantas purificadoras de agua y de fábricas de hielo cuando cometen alguna anomalía en el establecimiento o al momento de realizar el proceso de purificación o fabricación y al momento se han realizado un promedio de más de 250 vistas de verificación.

“Estas acciones se intensifican durante la temporada de calor con el único fin de evitar problemas serios de salud y en el proceso de las vistas de verificación se han notificado 4 apercibimientos a plantas purificadoras de agua principalmente”, dijo Hernández Báez.

Con la presencia de las altas temperaturas, el consumo de este líquido aumenta considerablemente y la COEPRIS intensifica las verificaciones a este tipo de establecimientos de los cuales se tiene un padrón de más de 250 purificadoras, 45 fabricas de hielo y cerca de 500 maquinas automáticas de agua.

Con el objetivo de evitar anomalías al momento de que el producto es embotella-

evitar más contagios, como barridos casa por casa, atención a familias y contactos del paciente.

“Hay que mantener el alerta, hay que mantener el cuidado y las medidas higiénicas, pero también es importante volver a la normalidad”, dijo Mansur.

“Volver a las escuelas es un paso muy importante que estamos dando y valoramos el apoyo del magisterio y de los padres de familia para lograr estos avances”.

En Tamaulipas se continúa emprendiendo medidas preventivas con un total de 56 puestos centinelas en la

NL es sede de competencia charra estatal Por MIGUEL TIMOSHENKOV TIEMPO DE ZAPATA

Foto de cortesía

Una botella de agua es disfrutada por una persona.Autoridades de salud están dando recomendaciones para el consumo del líquido y vigilan de cerca a los expendedores del producto. do, se trabaja de manera coordinada con las asociaciones y propietarios de estos negocios, realizando platicas de fomento sanitario, debido a que esta comprobado que la contaminación que llega a presentar un garrafón de agua, se debe a errores humanos y nada tiene que ver con el proceso de purificación, señaló.

Hernández Báez recomendó que al momento de realizar la compra de éstos, tomen las medidas necesarias, como el verificar que se encuentre en buenas condiciones y no obtenga algún cuerpo extraño para que realice las reclamaciones en su momento.

También exhortó a la

población para que no consuma el agua cuando ha sido expuesta mucho tiempo al sol, debido a que esto puede provocar enfermedad gastrointestinal y se puede creer que se debe al proceso de purificación.

Por último dijo que se han realizado las acciones correspondientes para llevar a cabo la vigilancia sanitaria, en la plantas purificadoras de agua y fabricas de hielo, en donde se han brindado pláticas de fomento sanitario, así como capacitaciones con el fin de que ofrezcan productos de calidad y evitar que se apliquen las sanciones administrativas o suspensión definitiva de su negocio.

frontera, puertos y aeropuertos internacionales, así como en las carreteras.

En lo que se refiere al operativo para el regreso a clases, el Secretario de Educación José Manuel Assad Montelongo destacó que hasta el 13 de mayo se habían canalizado a la Secretaría de Salud mil 176 casa de los cuales todos resultaron negativos.

Para el jueves el 100 por ciento de las escuelas del Estado se encuentran laborando normalmente, con un porcentaje de alumnos del 97 por ciento y con filtros funcionando.

NUEVO LAREDO – Más de 1,000 visitantes participarán en la Competencia Estatal Charra a celebrarse en esta frontera del 20 al 24 de mayo.

Rogelio Armenta, director de Turismo, se coordinó con junto con los organizadores del evento para darle lucidez a la competencia.

Dentro de la competencia charra 27 equipos se disputarán el título charro del estado, así como 10 equipos de amazonas.

El gobierno federal, estatal y municipal están motivando a las empresas turísticas a generar los apoyos necesarios para conservar empleos en las ramas de hotelería y restaurantes.

“Nos encontramos en proceso de trabajo conjunto para continuar creciendo”, dijo Armenta. “Estamos unidos en el interés de reposicionar la imagen de seguridad en esta frontera”.

Los promotores del Congreso Charro observaron que autoridades municipales y de salud trabajaron para liberar la frontera de riesgos de salud.

El sector hotelero registró problemas después de enfrentar una serie de cancelaciones por la contingencia sanitaria. Sin embargo, en la ciudad se encuentran disponibles alrededor 800 habitaciones en hoteles de 4 y 5 estrellas.

La Secretaría de Turismo a nivel nacional en un

comunicado de prensa destaca que el gobierno federal busca ampliar los apoyos necesarios para conservar los empleos.

Se les ha encomendado a los consulados en el extranjero asumir una campaña de publicidad.

El gobierno federal dice que han venido realizando en los últimos días un balance muy puntual sobre la situación en la que se encuentra México en términos de ocupación, derrama económica, empleos, entre otros, para estar en posibilidad de interactuar de manera responsable, por un lado con líderes empresariales y por otro con dependencias del gobierno federal que tienen impacto en la actividad turística.

La Secretaría de Turismo destaca en el comunicado que están organizándose para el trabajo de promoción turística que se llevará a cabo en el corto plazo tiene como objetivo incentivar, en una primera etapa, al mercado nacional y en una segunda fase al internacional, sobre todo en los principales destinos emisores como son Estados Unidos y Canadá.

La Organización Panamericana de la Salud (OPS) confirmó que los viajes a destinos turísticos a México son seguros en la medida que se adopten las disposiciones sanitarias recomendadas por la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) y por la Secretaría de Salud del Gobierno Federal (SALUD) como mantener hábitos higiénicos.

Maestros reciben aumento en sueldo y prestaciones ESPECIAL PARA TIEMPO DE ZAPATA

CD. VICTORIA, México — Tamaulipas resolviór el pliego petitorio del Sindicato Nacional de Trabajadores de la Educación, en el que se establece un aumento del 5.4 por ciento al sueldo tabular y del 1.5 a sus prestaciones.

“La negociación significa un gran esfuerzo de esta administración para mejorar las percepciones económicas de los mentores y del personal de apoyo y asistencia a la educación, debido a las condiciones financieras difíciles por las que atraviesa el país y por consecuencia, nuestra Entidad”, indica un comunicado de prensa del Gobierno del Estado.

A decir del Gobernador del Estado Eugenio Hernández Flores este acuerdo comprueba la convicción de que la educación es el pilar del desarrollo y su decisión de continuar elevando la calidad de la enseñanza pública para que Tamaulipas sea, con la valiosa aportación de sus maestros, más competitivo y eficiente.

En este marco, la Sección 30 del SNTE, a través de su Secretario General, Arnulfo Rodríguez Treviño, destacó que con el acuerdo se constata la decisión para fortalecer al maestro como eje troncal del sistema educativo, así como de apoyar a los profesores jubilados, con pleno respeto a los derechos laborales de los trabajadores de la educación.

El pliego de demandas magisteriales se resolvió en forma satisfactoria, destacando las siguientes condiciones:  Presupuesto de 5 millones de pesos para regularizar claves directivas y de supervisión.

“

Este acuerdo comprueba la convicción de que la educación es el pilar del desarrollo.

GOBERNADOR EUGENIO HERNÁNDEZ FLORES

Foto de cortesía

La candidata del Partido Revolucionario Institucional a Diputada Federal por el Primer Distrito Cristabell Zamora Cabrera saluda a comerciantes de la región de Miguel Alemán.

Zamora regresa a Miguel Alemán ESPECIAL PARA TIEMPO DE ZAPATA

 Incremento del 5.4 por ciento al sueldo tabular y de 1.5 a prestaciones.  Alza de 150 por ciento al Bono del Día del Maestro.  Incremento de 3 millones de pesos al Programa Becario para llegar a un presupuesto de 23 millones.  Incremento a todos los bonos y estímulos que otorgue el Gobierno del Estado a maestros y personal de apoyo en las dos zonas económicas.  Creación de un estímulo económico por 56 mil pesos a los maestros que van a entronizar en la Galería de Honor del magisterio y un galardón a partir de este 15 de mayo.  Se ratifica el pago de 50 mil pesos a seguro de retiro a los trabajadores de origen estatal y prima de antigüedad a maestros que se jubilen.  Presupuesto por segunda ocasión a Carrera Magisterial por 3 millones de pesos para incoporación al programa. Tamaulipas es el único Estado que concurre a Carrera Magisterial.

MIGUEL ALEMÁN — La candidata del Partido Revolucionario Institucional a Diputada Federal por el Primer Distrito Cristabell Zamora Cabrera mantuvo 14 reuniones en esta ciudad con mil 400 delegados de la estructura.

Igualmente iniciaron los trabajos para la integración del Consejo Ciudadano Legislativo donde Zamora estuvo acompañada del candidato suplente Víctor “Vicko” García Jiménez.

En su visita a esta ciudad los candidatos recorrieron desde Guardados de Arriba hasta Los Guerra, donde pese al calor saludaron a los comerciantes.

“Quiero agradecer su

disposición para estar aquí, de su disposición para ver cómo sí podemos cambiar nuestra región, legislando juntos, de cómo sí podemos hacer que las cosas ocurran para tener un primer distrito ejemplar”, dijo Zamora.

Reiteró su postura para gestionar ante las autoridades federales, estatales y municipales, la creación de un centro de especialidades médicas para los residentes del Primer Distrito.

“Me comprometo con Miguel Alemán regresar las veces que sea necesario, una vez con su voto, me comprometo a ir al Congreso a pelear si es necesario, por las causas justas que requiere Miguel Alemán y todo el Primer Distrito”, dijo Zamora.

SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2009

THE ZAPATA TIMES | 9A

OBITUARIES MARGARITA SOTO

Margarita Soto, 68, passed away on Friday, May 8, 2009, at Laredo Medical Center.

Mrs. Soto is preceded in death by her son Martin Soto; parents, Agapito (Jacovita) Garza; sisters, Sylvia Guzman and Maria Gonzalez.

Mrs. Soto is survived by her husband, Vicente Soto; sons, Rene Soto, Raul (Delmira) Soto, Gilberto (Nelda Gonzalez) Soto; daughters, Maria Luisa (Cole) Winterrowd; grandchildren, Sam (Anita) Pesqueda, Jonathan Soto, Carlos Soto, Amanda Soto, Miranda Rene Soto, Jordan Soto, Jeramiah Soto, Summer Mari Soto, Savannah May Soto; great-grandchildren, Zabery A. Pesqueda, Samantha Pesqueda; brother, Jorge L. (Leeana) Nieto; sister, Azucena Gonzalez; and by numerous nephews, nieces and many friends.

Visitation hours were held on Sunday, May 10, 2009, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Rose Garden Funeral Home.

A chapel service was held

ANTONIO JAIME GUZMAN on Monday, May 11, 2009, at 10:30 a.m. at Rose Garden Funeral Home. The funeral procession departed at 11 a.m. to Martinez Cemetery in San Ygnacio, Texas.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.rosegardenfuneralhome.com Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Rose Garden Funeral Home Daniel A. Gonzalez, Funeral Director, 2102 Hwy 83 Zapata, Texas.

Antonio Jaime Guzman 78, passed away on Saturday, May 9, 2009, at Zapata

Regional Urgent Care Center.

Mr. Guzman is survived by his sons, Antonio (Anabeli) Guzman, Roel (Mayela) Guzman, Roberto (Gabriela) Guzman; daughters, San Juana (Guillermo) Peña, Juana Estela (Juan Felipe) Hinojosa, Maria (Concepcion) Guzman; and by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brothers, sisters and many friends.

Visitation hours were held on Sunday, May 10, 2009, in Ciudad Guerrero,

Tamaulipas.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.rosegardenfuneralhome.com Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Rose Garden Funeral Home Daniel A. Gonzalez, Funeral Director, 2102 Hwy 83 Zapata, Texas.

For the best in local news, read The Zapata Times

Laredo’s first choice for comprehensive heart care. And Juan’s.

“I am grateful for the professionalism of Laredo Medical Center for giving –Juan Riojas me one more opportunity to enjoy my life to the fullest.”

When he first started having chest pain, Juan Riojas didn’t think it could be a heart problem. Then, shortly after a visit with his doctor, he was admitted to Laredo Medical Center for a heart catheterization.

That was in 1988, and it was the first of five catheterizations Juan would undergo. His last one, performed at an out-oftown hospital, resulted in complications and, not wanting to take another chance, Juan came back to Laredo Medical Center where our staff got him back to his old self, and back to his family.

Juan can rest easy knowing that, should he need us again, we’ll always be here with a warm welcome. And the area’s most comprehensive heart program. To learn more about the region’s most comprehensive cardiac program, visit laredomedical.com today.

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zapata051609 10-01

5/15/2009

10:19 PM

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SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2009

10A | THE ZAPATA TIMES

Mobile dental van will offer summer services SPECIAL TO THE TIMES The Zapata County Community Mobile Dental Van Program will be providing their services to the Zapata youth every Tuesday and Wednesday this summer, starting May 19.

The Mobile Dental Van Program offers primary dental care service and a Texas Health Step Check-up. The check-up includes dental ex-

ams and x-rays, teeth cleaning and fluoride treatment, sealant, fillings, pulpotomies, and stainless steel crowns, extractions, and oral hygiene instructions.

Catering to children The program will cater to the children in Zapata who are Medicaid enrolled or have no insurance, however there are limited appoint-

ments, so call a head. There will be no cost, however a Medicaid letter is required if the child qualifies, or Medicaid assistance will be available if needed.

The program will be stationed at the Zapata ISD, between Zapata middle school, and A.L. Benavides Elementary school parking area.

For more information, call Sonia Perez at 523-7515 or 229-9830.

BILL | Continued from Page 1A “As the chairman of the Emergency Preparedness Subcommittee, I’ve seen firsthand how challenging it can be for local governments to rebuild and repair schools after a natural disaster,” Cuellar said in a statement.

“No bill can erase the pain and suffering caused by a natural disaster, but this provision will at least ensure that students in disaster areas always have a decent place to learn.”

Over six years The bill already includes $600 million over six years in separate funds to be used by public schools that were damaged by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Rep. George Miller, D-Calif., chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee,

DEBT Continued from Page 1A Also at its regular meeting Tuesday, the court voted to fund a $20,000 solid waste feasibility study. According to Pct 1 Commissioner Joseph Vela, although the court is already underway in expanding the current landfill on US 83 two miles south of San Ygnacio, this study will look into building a completely new landfill at a different location.

“It took us five years to get the permit from TCEQ (Texas Commission on Environmental Quality) to expand the landfill,” Vela said.

“In case the county needs to build another one in the future we want to get a head start.”

The feasibility study will research the necessary qualities needed to build another landfill, such as types of soil and different areas, Vela said.

It will be paid for through the county’s landfill fund.

The Commissions Court also voted to:  Install a “No Parking” sign on the southwest corner of the intersection of U.S. 83 and FM 496.  Make available $977,088 for the Zapata County Boat Ramp Construction Project.  Approve 4-way stops at the following street intersections: the intersection of Glenn Street and 4th Avenue and the intersection of Senisa Drive and Retama Street.  Approval of a speed hump at 2nd Street in Flores Addition and installation of a caution handicap sign in the same vicinity.  Approval of security lights at 505 West 20th Avenue and 1605 Bravo St in the town of Zapata.  To install a security light at 2403 Elm Street in Zapata and a speed hump at 1204 Falcon Street in the town of Zapata.  To approve streetlights at the following locations: between 13th and 16th Streets, 1407 Villa St. and 1007 Pine Avenue.  To install a speed hump on 7th Street and Texas 16.

COUNTY Continued from Page 1A closely with Zapata County, Zapata Medical Group and Gateway Community Center, which recently began running the former Family Health Center, 210 N. Rathmell.

“We will reach out to anyone who supplies medical care to the county so we can best asses what exactly the county needs,” Romero said Some topics up for discussion will be a possible dialysis center and whether there is a need for an increase in specialty care by physicians in Zapata.

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

filed the bill to improve school infrastructure and create jobs in a slumping economy.

Opposing the measure Most Republicans opposed the measure. Rep. Howard McKeon, R-Calif., said it would “nationalize and regulate school construction, usurping local control of education.”

Rep. John Culberson, R-Texas, predicted the funding would create a “giant sucking sound” from the U.S. Treasury.

But teachers unions and education groups, as well as school districts, applauded the federal funding.

(San Antonio Express-News Staff Writer Michelle De La Rosa contributed to this report)

Subscribe to The Zapata Times by calling 728-2550 or online at lmtonline.com

The Zapata Times SATURDAY,MAY 16,2009

ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM

Sports&Outdoors HIGHSCHOOL

Baseball ready for playoffs

By NINO CARDENAS THE ZAPATA TIMES

The Zapata Hawks baseball team wasn’t one to let down itself, much less its city.

All season long, the team provided some exciting and dominating play as it finally managed to get back to the top.

The Hawks also learned a thing or two along the way to their district championship.

“Winning the 32-3A district

championship has given this team a sense of accomplishment and understanding that, through hard work, team unity, playing through adversity, and blessings from above, all things are possible,” Zapata head coach Rene Alvarez said.

Becoming possible The way all those things became possible began in their practices and carried over to the games.

While for some teams practice is

just a series of mindless repetitions, the Hawks made sure that all their players were going home with a sense of accomplishment.

“The team’s main goal is to continue to learn the game of baseball and get better everyday,” Alvarez said.

“Do not leave the practice field until you know that you learned something and made every effort to improve.”

The team is a mix of upper and underclassmen with five seniors, three juniors, nine sophomores and one freshman.

So while the seniors and juniors provided the leadership, the sophomores and freshman were level headed enough to heed the advice.

‘Key elements’ “Leadership and youthful enthusiasum have been two key elements for our success this season. Knowledge and acceptance of their individual roles has been a major contribution to this team’s success,” Alvarez said.

The unity between the players re-

WAITING FOR SUMMER

sulted in a 13-1 district record, and 19-6 overall.

There isn’t one specific player in which the team relied on. It was lucky enough to have different kids step up in different situations all season long.

If it wasn’t with the bat, it was on the mound or with a great defensive play.

“The entire team is what has gotten us where we are,” Alvarez said.

See BASEBALL | PAGE 4B

BASKETBALL

Guerra to coach all-stars

By CLARA SANDOVAL SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

The Laredo Bosom Buddies, in conjunction with Mercy Ministries, have selected Zapata head girls basketball coach Clyde Guerra Jr. to head the East All-Stars at the 8th Annual Laredo Bosom BuddiesMercy Ministries All-Star girl’s basketball game next week.

Guerra will be assisted by his coaching staff, which includes Luis Alaniz, Rebekka Longoria and Ana Villarreal.

The game The game will be held at St. Augustine High School on Tuesday at 6 p.m.

The girls basketball game will be followed by the boys basketball all-star game at 7:30 p.m.

Admission to both games is only $5.

Members of the all-star teams were selected because of their athletic excellence and commitment to community involvement.

The Laredo Bosom Buddies-Mercy Ministries program is committed in educating women about the importance of early detection in the fight

See GUERRA | PAGE 4B

Courtesy Photo

Ivan Elizondo, left, and Luis Arturo Flores started their baseball careers by learning the fundamentals and rules of the game in t-ball. They now are vital contributors to the Zapata Hawks’ varsity baseball program.

Little League sets strong foundation

By CLARA SANDOVAL SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

A

good little league baseball program is the foundation for any successful high school baseball program.

Fundamentals, sportsmanship and long lasting friendships are formed during those long, hot summers playing little league.

“At the little league level, you learn the fundamentals of playing the game of baseball, learn the rules of game, to play as team , respect for

the coaches and players,” Zapata County little league president Olga Elizondo said.

Locally, the Zapata County Little League has continued to turn out great payers for the Hawks baseball team.

This past year, the fruits of their labor were evident as the Hawks were crowned district champions.

The last district championship came in 1994.

Juniors Ivan Elizondo and senior Arturo Flores started out at the local t-ball league at the age of five

and were coached by their fathers, Sergio Elizondo and Arturo Flores Sr. Elizondo plays first base when he is not on the mound for the Hawks, while Flores pulls double duty as he plays shortstop and pitches.

Both Elizondo and Flores took every advantage of playing all year around to prepare for the baseball season.

The Hawks will play Pearsall in the first round of the state baseball playoffs on Monday at 7 p.m. at the Zapata Hawks baseball field.

get the job done.”

The day after learning Yao was out for the rest of the postseason, the Rockets routed the Lakers 99-87 in Game 4. Los Angeles won Game 5 by 40 points, a loss that had many believing Houston’s spunk had finally run out.

Then came Game 6 on Thursday night. The Rockets raced to another big lead, staved off a Lakers’ rally and won by 15 points.

See ROCKETS | PAGE 4B

See ALL-STAR | PAGE 4B

Rockets push Lakers to 7

By CHRIS DUNCAN HOUSTON — The Houston Rockets have played their best this season when everything seems ready to fall apart.

They were virtually dismissed as a playoff threat in late February, when Tracy McGrady had season-ending knee surgery and Rafer Alston was traded to Orlando.

They fumbled away homecourt advantage in the first round with a 95-84 loss to Dal-

las in the regular-season finale.

They lost backup center Dikembe Mutombo during the Portland seHAYES ries and leading scorer Yao Ming a week ago against the Lakers.

Yet the Rockets are still playing, pushing Los Angeles to Sunday’s Game 7 in their Western Conference semifinal series with the resiliency that

has become their defining trait.

“We’re surprising a lot of people,” said 6-foot-6 forward Chuck Hayes, who became Houston’s starting center when Yao, who is a foot taller, broke his foot in Game 3. “I’m sure a lot of people had us written off. But if you did that, then you really haven’t been watching basketball for the past month, because we’re underdogs and we surprise people.

“People least expect it,” Hayes said, “but somehow we

By CLARA SANDOVAL SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

Basketball season has been long gone but the Zapata High senior girls will have one more chance to lace up their shoes as they will be participating at the 8th annual Laredo Bosom Buddies-Mercy Ministries All-Star games.

Seniors Lynda Leyva, Tessa Moss, Myra Alaniz, and Ashley Navarro will be on hand for the game.

The girls basketball game will be on Tuesday at St. Augustine high school at 6:00 p.m.

The volleyball all-star game will be the following night on Wednesday at Lyndon B. Johnson High LEYVA School at 6:30 p.m.

Leyva will pull double duty for Zapata as she was selected to participate in both games She was an outstanding athlete on the volleyball and basketball court for the Lady Hawks despite coming up short this year.

As a junior she led both teams to the playoffs.

MOSS Leyva will represent the West all-stars in both volleyball and basketball.

Moss will participate in the volleyball all-star

NBA

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Leyva, Moss to play for all-stars

PAGE 2B

Zscores

NBA Playoff Glance All Times EDT FIRST ROUND (Best-of-7) EASTERN CONFERENCE Cleveland 4, Detroit 0 Saturday, April 18: Cleveland 102, Detroit 84 Tuesday, April 21: Cleveland 94, Detroit 82 Friday, April 24: Cleveland 79, Detroit 68 Sunday, April 26: Cleveland 99, Detroit 78 Boston 4, Chicago 3 Saturday, April 18: Chicago 105, Boston 103, OT Monday, April 20: Boston 118, Chicago 115 Thursday, April 23: Boston 107, Chicago 86 Sunday, April 26: Chicago 121, Boston 118, 2OT Tuesday, April 28: Boston 106, Chicago 104, OT Thursday, April 30: Chicago 128, Boston 127, 3OT Saturday, May 2: Boston 109, Chicago 99 Orlando 4, Philadelphia 2 Sunday, April 19: Philadelphia 100, Orlando 98 Wednesday, April 22: Orlando 96, Philadelphia 87 Friday, April 24: Philadelphia 96, Orlando 94 Sunday, April 26: Orlando 84, Philadelphia 81 Tuesday, April 28: Orlando 91, Philadelphia 78 Thursday, April 30: Orlando 114, Philadelphia 89 Atlanta 4, Miami 3 Sunday, April 19: Atlanta 90, Miami 64 Wednesday, April 22: Miami 108, Atlanta 93 Saturday, April 25: Miami 107, Atlanta 78 Monday, April 27: Atlanta 81, Miami 71 Wednesday, April 29: Atlanta 106, Miami 91 Friday, May 1: Miami 98, Atlanta 72 Sunday, May 3: Atlanta 91, Miami 78 WESTERN CONFERENCE L.A. Lakers 4, Utah 1 Sunday, April 19: L.A. Lakers 113, Utah 100 Tuesday, April 21: L.A. Lakers 119, Utah 109 Thursday, April 23: Utah 88, L.A. Lakers 86 Saturday, April 25: L.A. Lakers 108, Utah 94 Monday, April 27: L.A. Lakers 107, Utah 96 Denver 4, New Orleans 1 Sunday, April 19: Denver 113, New Orleans 84 Wednesday, April 22: Denver 108, New Orleans 93 Saturday, April 25: New Orleans 95, Denver 93 Monday, April 27: Denver 121, New Orleans 63 Wednesday, April 29: Denver 107, New Orleans 86 Dallas 4, San Antonio 1 Saturday, April 18: Dallas 105, San Antonio 97 Monday, April 20: San Antonio 105, Dallas 84 Thursday, April 23: Dallas 88, San Antonio 67 Saturday, April 25: Dallas 99, San Antonio 90 Tuesday, April 28: Dallas 106, San Antonio 93 Houston 4, Portland 2 Saturday, April 18: Houston 108, Portland 81 Tuesday, April 21: Portland 107, Houston 103 Friday, April 24: Houston 86, Portland 83 Sunday, April 26: Houston 89, Portland 88 Tuesday, April 28: Portland 88, Houston 77 Thursday, April 30: Houston 92, Portland 76 CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS (Best-of-7) EASTERN CONFERENCE Cleveland 4, Atlanta 0 Tuesday, May 5: Cleveland 99, Atlanta 72 Thursday, May 7: Cleveland 105, Atlanta 85 Saturday, May 9: Cleveland 97, Atlanta 82 Monday, May 11: Cleveland 84, Atlanta 74 Boston vs. Orlando Monday, May 4: Orlando 95, Boston 90 Wednesday, May 6: Boston 112, Orlando 94 Friday, May 8: Orlando 117, Boston 96 Sunday, May 10: Boston 95, Orlando 94 Tuesday, May 12: Boston 92, Orlando 88 Thursday, May 14: Orlando 83, Boston 75, series tied 3-3 Sunday, May 17: Orlando at Boston, 8 p.m.

WESTERN CONFERENCE L.A. Lakers vs. Houston Monday, May 4: Houston 100, L.A. Lakers 92 Wednesday, May 6: L.A. Lakers 111, Houston 98 Friday, May 8: L.A. Lakers 108, Houston 94 Sunday, May 10: Houston 99, L.A. Lakers 87 Tuesday, May 12: L.A. Lakers 118, Houston 78 Thursday, May 14: Houston 95, L.A. Lakers 80, series tied 3-3 Sunday, May 17: Houston at L.A. Lakers, 3:30 p.m.

Denver vs. Dallas Sunday, May 3: Denver 109, Dallas 95 Tuesday, May 5: Denver 117, Dallas 105 Saturday, May 9: Denver 106, Dallas 105 Monday, May 11: Dallas 119, Denver 117 Wednesday, May 13: Denver 124, Dallas 110, Denver wins series 4-1 CONFERENCE FINALS (Best-of-7) TBD NBA FINALS (Best-of-7) TBD

NHL Playoff Glance All Times EDT FIRST ROUND (Best-of-7) EASTERN CONFERENCE Boston 4, Montreal 0 Thursday, April 16: Boston 4, Montreal 2 Saturday, April 18: Boston 5, Montreal 1 Monday, April 20: Boston 4, Montreal 2 Wednesday, April 22: Boston 4, Montreal 1 Washington 4, N.Y. Rangers 3 Wednesday, April 15: N.Y. Rangers 4, Washington 3 Saturday, April 18: N.Y. Rangers 1, Washington 0 Monday, April 20: Washington 4, N.Y. Rangers 0 Wednesday, April 22: N.Y. Rangers 2, Washington 1 Friday, April 24: Washington 4, N.Y. Rangers 0 Sunday, April 26: Washington 5, N.Y. Rangers 3 Tuesday, April 28: Washington 2, N.Y. Rangers 1 Carolina 4, New Jersey 3 Wednesday, April 15: New Jersey 4, Carolina 1 Friday, April 17: Carolina 2, New Jersey 1, OT Sunday, April 19: New Jersey 3, Carolina 2, OT Tuesday, April 21: Carolina 4, New Jersey 3 Thursday, April 23: New Jersey 1, Carolina 0 Sunday, April 26: Carolina 4, New Jersey 0 Tuesday, April 28: Carolina 4, New Jersey 3 Pittsburgh 4, Philadelphia 2 Wednesday, April 15: Pittsburgh 4, Philadelphia 1 Friday, April 17: Pittsburgh 3, Philadelphia 2, OT Sunday, April 19: Philadelphia 6, Pittsburgh 3 Tuesday, April 21: Pittsburgh 3, Philadelphia 1 Thursday, April 23: Philadelphia 3, Pittsburgh 0 Saturday, April 25: Pittsburgh 5, Philadelphia 3 WESTERN CONFERENCE Anaheim 4, San Jose 2 Thursday, April 16: Anaheim 2, San Jose 0 Sunday, April 19: Anaheim 3, San Jose 2 Tuesday, April 21: San Jose 4, Anaheim 3 Thursday, April 23: Anaheim 4, San Jose 0 Saturday, April 25: San Jose 3, Anaheim 2, OT Monday, April 27: Anaheim 4, San Jose 1 Detroit 4, Columbus 0 Thursday, April 16: Detroit 4, Columbus 1 Saturday, April 18: Detroit 4, Columbus 0 Tuesday, April 21: Detroit 4, Columbus 1 Thursday, April 23: Detroit 6, Columbus 5 Vancouver 4, St. Louis 0 Wednesday, April 15: Vancouver 2, St. Louis 1 Friday, April 17: Vancouver 3, St. Louis 0 Sunday, April 19: Vancouver 3, St. Louis 2 Tuesday, April 21: Vancouver 3, St. Louis 2, OT Chicago 4, Calgary 2 Thursday, April 16: Chicago 3, Calgary 2, OT Saturday, April 18: Chicago 3, Calgary 2 Monday, April 20: Calgary 4, Chicago 2 Wednesday, April 22: Calgary 6, Chicago 4 Saturday, April 25: Chicago 5, Calgary 1 Monday, April 27: Chicago 4, Calgary 1 CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS (Best-of-7) EASTERN CONFERENCE Boston vs. Carolina Friday, May 1: Boston 4, Carolina 1 Sunday, May 3: Carolina 3, Boston, 0 Wednesday, May 6: Carolina 3, Boston 2, OT Friday, May 8: Carolina 4, Boston 1 Sunday, May 10: Boston 4, Carolina 0 Tuesday, May 12: Boston 4, Carolina 2 Thursday, May 14: Carolina 3, Boston 2, OT, Carolina wins series 4-3 Pittsburgh 4, Washington 3 Saturday, May 2: Washington 3, Pittsburgh 2 Monday, May 4: Washington 4, Pittsburgh 3 Wednesday, May 6: Pittsburgh 3, Washington 2, OT Friday, May 8: Pittsburgh 5, Washington 3 Saturday, May 9: Pittsburgh 4, Washington 3, OT Monday, May 11: Washington 5, Pittsburgh 4, OT Wednesday, May 13: Pittsburgh 6, Washington 2 WESTERN CONFERENCE Detroit vs. Anaheim Friday, May 1: Detroit 3, Anaheim 2 Sunday, May 3: Anaheim 4, Detroit 3, 3OT Tuesday, May 5: Anaheim 2, Detroit 1 Thursday, May 7: Detroit 6, Anaheim 3 Sunday, May 10: Detroit 4, Anaheim 1 Tuesday, May 12: Anaheim 2, Detroit 1 Thursday, May 14: Detroit 4, Anaheim 3, Detroit wins series 4-3 Chicago 4, Vancouver 2 Thursday, April 30: Vancouver 5, Chicago 3 Saturday, May 2: Chicago 6, Vancouver 3 Tuesday, May 5: Vancouver 3, Chicago 1 Thursday, May 7: Chicago 2, Vancouver 1 Saturday, May 9: Chicago 4, Vancouver 2 Monday, May 11: Chicago 7, Vancouver 5 CONFERENCE FINALS (Best-of-7) EASTERN CONFERENCE Carolina vs. Pittsburgh Monday, May 18, Carolina at Pittsburgh, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, May 21, Carolina at Pittsburgh, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 23, Pittsburgh at Carolina, 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 26, Pittsburgh at Carolina, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, May 29, Carolina at Pittsburgh, 7:30 p.m., if necessary Sunday, May 31, Pittsburgh at Carolina, 7:30 p.m., if necessary Tuesday, June 2, Carolina at Pittsburgh, 7:30 p.m., if necessary WESTERN CONFERENCE Chicago vs. Detroit Sunday, May 17, Chicago at Detroit, 3 p.m.

Tuesday, May 19, Chicago at Detroit, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, May 22, Detroit at Chicago, 8 p.m.

Sunday, May 24, Detroit at Chicago, 3 p.m.

Wednesday, May 27, Chicago at Detroit, 7:30 p.m., if necessary Saturday, May 30, Detroit at Chicago, 8 p.m., if necessary Monday, June 1, Chicago at Detroit, 7:30 p.m., if necessary STANLEY CUP FINALS TBD

MLB

Toronto Boston New York Tampa Bay Baltimore

Detroit Kansas City Minnesota Chicago Cleveland

AMERICAN LEAGUE All Times EDT East Division W L Pct GB 23 14 .622 — 21 14 .600 1 17 17 .500 4½ 16 20 .444 6½ 15 20 .429 7 Central Division W L Pct GB 17 16 .515 — 18 17 .514 — 18 17 .514 — 15 18 .455 2 14 22 .389 4½ West Division W L Pct GB

20 14 .588 — 18 15 .545 1½ 16 19 .457 4½ 13 18 .419 5½ Thursday’s Games Minnesota 6, Detroit 5 Texas 3, Seattle 2 L.A. Angels 5, Boston 4, 12 innings N.Y. Yankees 3, Toronto 2 Cleveland 11, Tampa Bay 7 Baltimore 9, Kansas City 5 Friday’s Games Oakland at Detroit, 7:05 p.m.

Minnesota at N.Y. Yankees, 7:05 p.m.

Chicago White Sox at Toronto, 7:07 p.m.

Cleveland at Tampa Bay, 7:38 p.m.

L.A. Angels at Texas, 8:05 p.m.

Baltimore at Kansas City, 8:10 p.m.

Boston at Seattle, 10:10 p.m.

Saturday’s Games Minnesota (Blackburn 2-2) at N.Y. Yankees (Chamberlain 2-1), 1:05 p.m.

Chicago White Sox (Colon 2-3) at Toronto (R.Ray 0-1), 1:07 p.m.

Cleveland (Pavano 3-3) at Tampa Bay (Garza 3-2), 4:10 p.m.

L.A. Angels (Lackey 0-0) at Texas (Padilla 2-2), 4:10 p.m.

Oakland (Braden 3-4) at Detroit (Porcello 3-3), 7:05 p.m.

Baltimore (R.Hill 0-0) at Kansas City (Davies 2-1), 7:10 p.m.

Boston (Beckett 3-2) at Seattle (Olson 0-0), 10:10 p.m.

Sunday’s Games Minnesota at N.Y. Yankees, 1:05 p.m.

Oakland at Detroit, 1:05 p.m.

Chicago White Sox at Toronto, 1:07 p.m.

Cleveland at Tampa Bay, 1:38 p.m.

L.A. Angels at Texas, 2:05 p.m.

Baltimore at Kansas City, 2:10 p.m.

Boston at Seattle, 4:10 p.m.

Monday’s Games Chicago White Sox at Toronto, 1:07 p.m.

Minnesota at N.Y. Yankees, 7:05 p.m.

Oakland at Tampa Bay, 7:08 p.m.

L.A. Angels at Seattle, 10:10 p.m.

NATIONAL LEAGUE All Times EDT East Division W L Pct GB 19 15 .559 — New York Atlanta 17 17 .500 2 Philadelphia 16 16 .500 2 Florida 17 18 .486 2½ Washington 11 21 .344 7 Central Division W L Pct GB Milwaukee 21 14 .600 — St. Louis 21 14 .600 — Chicago 20 14 .588 ½ Cincinnati 20 14 .588 ½ Houston 16 18 .471 4½ Pittsburgh 14 20 .412 6½ West Division W L Pct GB Los Angeles 24 12 .667 — San Francisco 18 16 .529 5 Colorado 13 20 .394 9½ Arizona 13 22 .371 10½ San Diego 13 22 .371 10½ Thursday’s Games L.A. Dodgers 5, Philadelphia 3, 10 innings Milwaukee 5, Florida 3 Chicago Cubs 11, San Diego 3 Houston 5, Colorado 3 St. Louis 5, Pittsburgh 1 N.Y. Mets 7, San Francisco 4 Friday’s Games Houston at Chicago, ppd., rain Philadelphia at Washington, 7:05 p.m.

Colorado at Pittsburgh, 7:05 p.m.

L.A. Dodgers at Florida, 7:10 p.m.

Arizona at Atlanta, 7:35 p.m.

Milwaukee at St. Louis, 8:15 p.m.

Cincinnati at San Diego, 10:05 p.m.

N.Y. Mets at San Francisco, 10:15 p.m.

Saturday’s Games Philadelphia (Myers 2-2) at Washington (Olsen 1-3), 1:05 p.m., 1st game Houston (Oswalt 1-2) at Chicago Cubs (R.Wells 0-0), 1:05 p.m.

Milwaukee (Suppan 2-3) at St. Louis (Wainwright 3-1), 1:10 p.m.

N.Y. Mets (J.Santana 4-2) at San Francisco (Ra.Johnson 3-3), 4:10 p.m.

L.A. Dodgers (Milton 0-0) at Florida (A.Miller 0-1), 6:10 p.m.

Colorado (Cook 2-1) at Pittsburgh (Snell 1-5), 7:05 p.m.

Philadelphia (Happ 1-0) at Washington (D.Cabrera 04), 7:05 p.m., 2nd game Arizona (Scherzer 0-3) at Atlanta (Kawakami 2-4), 7:10 p.m.

Cincinnati (Volquez 4-2) at San Diego (Geer 0-1), 10:05 p.m.

Sunday’s Games L.A. Dodgers at Florida, 1:10 p.m.

Colorado at Pittsburgh, 1:35 p.m.

Philadelphia at Washington, 1:35 p.m.

Arizona at Atlanta, 1:35 p.m.

Milwaukee at St. Louis, 2:15 p.m.

Houston at Chicago Cubs, 2:20 p.m.

Cincinnati at San Diego, 4:05 p.m.

N.Y. Mets at San Francisco, 8:05 p.m.

Monday’s Games Pittsburgh at Washington, 7:05 p.m.

Colorado at Atlanta, 7:10 p.m.

Arizona at Florida, 7:10 p.m.

N.Y. Mets at L.A. Dodgers, 10:10 p.m.

Leaders AMERICAN LEAGUE BATTING—VMartinez, Cleveland, .400; AdJones, Baltimore, .370; MiCabrera, Detroit, .366; Bartlett, Tampa Bay, .363; MYoung, Texas, .348; Markakis, Baltimore, .346; Longoria, Tampa Bay, .343.

RUNS—AdJones, Baltimore, 35; Markakis, Baltimore, 34; Scutaro, Toronto, 32; Bay, Boston, 30; Pedroia, Boston, 30; BRoberts, Baltimore, 30; VMartinez, Cleveland, 29.

RBI—Longoria, Tampa Bay, 45; Bay, Boston, 38; Markakis, Baltimore, 33; Huff, Baltimore, 32; CPena, Tampa Bay, 32; Lind, Toronto, 31; AHill, Toronto, 30.

HITS—VMartinez, Cleveland, 56; AHill, Toronto, 55; Crawford, Tampa Bay, 47; AdJones, Baltimore, 47; Longoria, Tampa Bay, 47; Markakis, Baltimore, 47; MYoung, Texas, 47.

DOUBLES—Longoria, Tampa Bay, 16; Callaspo, Kansas City, 14; Byrd, Texas, 13; Markakis, Baltimore, 13; Polanco, Detroit, 13; MYoung, Texas, 13; 6 tied at 12.

TRIPLES—Crisp, Kansas City, 5; Andrus, Texas, 3; 9 tied at 2.

HOME RUNS—CPena, Tampa Bay, 13; Longoria, Tampa Bay, 11; Bay, Boston, 10; Blalock, Texas, 10; CDavis, Texas, 10; 7 tied at 9.

STOLEN BASES—Crawford, Tampa Bay, 22; Ellsbury, Boston, 16; Abreu, Los Angeles, 13; Figgins, Los Angeles, 13; Bartlett, Tampa Bay, 9; Crisp, Kansas City, 9; BUpton, Tampa Bay, 9.

PITCHING (4 Decisions)—RRamirez, Boston, 4-0, 1.000; Frasor, Toronto, 4-0, 1.000; Palmer, Los Angeles, 4-0, 1.000; Halladay, Toronto, 7-1, .875; Greinke, Kansas City, 6-1, .857; Saunders, Los Angeles, 5-1, .833.

STRIKEOUTS—Verlander, Detroit, 69; Greinke, Kansas City, 59; FHernandez, Seattle, 53; Halladay, Toronto, 49; Lester, Boston, 49; Bedard, Seattle, 43; 2 tied at 42.

SAVES—FFrancisco, Texas, 9; Fuentes, Los Angeles, 9; Papelbon, Boston, 9; Jenks, Chicago, 8; Soria, Kansas City, 7; MaRivera, New York, 7; 4 tied at 6.

NATIONAL LEAGUE BATTING—Votto, Cincinnati, .374; Beltran, New York, .371; HaRamirez, Florida, .358; Zimmerman, Washington, .357; Hawpe, Colorado, .357; Helton, Colorado, .351; MRamirez, Los Angeles, .348.

RUNS—Pujols, St. Louis, 33; ASoriano, Chicago, 30; Hudson, Los Angeles, 29; Weeks, Milwaukee, 28; Zimmerman, Washington, 28; Hart, Milwaukee, 27; Werth, Philadelphia, 27.

RBI—Pujols, St. Louis, 37; Cantu, Florida, 33; Fielder, Milwaukee, 32; BMolina, San Francisco, 29; 5 tied at 28.

HITS—Zimmerman, Washington, 51; Hudson, Los Angeles, 50; Beltran, New York, 49; HaRamirez, Florida, 44; FSanchez, Pittsburgh, 44; Tejada, Houston, 44; 3 tied at 43.

DOUBLES—Hudson, Los Angeles, 14; FSanchez, Pittsburgh, 14; Kotchman, Atlanta, 13; HaRamirez, Florida, 13; Zimmerman, Washington, 12; 5 tied at 11.

TRIPLES—Kemp, Los Angeles, 4; Bourn, Houston, 3; Morgan, Pittsburgh, 3; Victorino, Philadelphia, 3; DWright, New York, 3; 17 tied at 2.

HOME RUNS—AdGonzalez, San Diego, 14; Pujols, St. Louis, 13; Dunn, Washington, 11; ASoriano, Chicago, 11; Bruce, Cincinnati, 10; Ibanez, Philadelphia, 10; Utley, Philadelphia, 10.

STOLEN BASES—Bourn, Houston, 13; JosReyes, New York, 11; Burriss, San Francisco, 10; Fowler, Colorado, 10; Taveras, Cincinnati, 10; Morgan, Pittsburgh, 9; DWright, New York, 9.

PITCHING (4 Decisions)—Martis, Washington, 5-0, 1.000; Broxton, Los Angeles, 4-0, 1.000; Pelfrey, New York, 4-0, 1.000; Meredith, San Diego, 4-0, 1.000; Billingsley, Los Angeles, 5-1, .833; DLowe, Atlanta, 51, .833.

STRIKEOUTS—Peavy, San Diego, 61; Santana, New York, 60; Lincecum, San Francisco, 58; JVazquez, Atlanta, 57; Billingsley, Los Angeles, 56; Haren, Arizona, 56; WRodriguez, Houston, 48.

SAVES—Cordero, Cincinnati, 10; FrRodriguez, New York, 10; Franklin, St. Louis, 9; 5 tied at 8.

Team-by-Team Disabled List (Provided by Major League Baseball) (x-60-day all others are 15-day) Through May 14 AMERICAN LEAGUE Baltimore LHP Richard Hill, March 29 RHP Dennis Sarfate, May 2 RHP Alfredo Simon, April 15 Boston RHP Miguel Gonzalez-x, March 27 OF Mark Kotsay, March 27 SS Jed Lowrie, April 12 RHP Daisuke Matsuzaka, April 15 RHP John Smoltz, March 27 1B Kevin Youkilis, May 5 Chicago CF Brian Anderson, April 30 OF DeWayne Wise, April 14 Cleveland 1B Travis Hafner, April 29 LHP Scott Lewis, April 11 RHP Joe Smith, April 29 RHP Jake Westbrook-x, March 26 Detroit RHP Jeremy Bonderman, March 30 SS Carlos Guillen, May 5 LHP Nathan Robertson, May 6 OF Marcus Thames, April 19 C Matt Treanor-x, April 24 Kansas City LHP John Bale, March 27 3B Alex Gordon, April 16 SS Tony Pena, May 3 RHP Joakim Soria, May 8 RHP Doug Waechter, April 18 Los Angeles RHP Kelvim Escobar-x, April 4 OF Vladimir Guerrero, April 16 RHP John Lackey, March 27 RHP Dustin Moseley, April 18 Minnesota RHP Boof Bonser, March 27 RHP Pat Neshek-x, Feb. 21 New York Texas Los Angeles Seattle Oakland

RHP Brian Bruney, April 22 LHP Damaso Marte, April 26 C Jose Molina, May 8 OF Xavier Nady, April 15 C Jorge Posada, May 5 SS Bryan Ransom-x, April 25 RHP Chien-Ming Wang, April 19 Oakland RHP Santiago Casilla, April 29 3B Eric Chavez, April 25 RHP Joey Devine-x, April 4 RHP Justin Duchscherer-x, March 27 2B Mark Ellis, April 29 SS Nomar Garciaparra, April 29 Seattle RHP Roy Corcoran, April 29 LHP Ryan Feierabend-x, March 15 LHP Cesar Jimenez, March 29 RHP Shawn Kelly, May 6 LHP Ryan Rowland-Smith, April 11 RHP Carlos Silva, May 7 Tampa Bay RHP Chad Bradford, March 27 RHP Jason Isringhausen, March 31 CF Fernando Perez, March 27 C Shawn Riggans, April 10 Texas RHP Joaquin Benoit-x, April 5 RHP William Eyre, April 23 RHP Eric Hurley-x, April 5 RHP Dustin Nippert-x, March 27 Toronto C Michael Barrett, April 18 RHP Jesse Litsch, April 14 RHP Shaun Marcum, March 27 RHP Dustin McGowan, March 27 NATIONAL LEAGUE Arizona 1B Tony Clark, May 5 RHP Tom Gordon, May 4 1B Conor Jackson, May 12 RHP Yusmeiro Petit, May 9 RHP Brandon Webb, April 7 Atlanta RHP Jorge Campillo, April 17 LHP Tom Glavine, April 2 RHP Tim Hudson-x, Feb. 24 Chicago RHP Chad Fox, May 10 3B Aramis Ramirez, May 9 RHP Carlos Zambrano, May 4 Cincinnati 3B Edwin Encarnacion, April 28 Colorado INF Jeff Baker, April 27 RHP Taylor Buchholz-x, March 27 LHP Jeffrey Francis-x, March 27 LHP Franklin Morales, April 22 RHP Ryan Speier, April 19 Florida LHP Andrew Miller, April 21 RHP Scott Proctor-x March 27 RHP Anibal Sanchez, May 8 RHP Henricus Vandenhurk, March 29 Houston RHP Brandon Backe, March 27 3B Aaron Boone-x March 27 RHP Doug Brocail, May 4 RHP Jose Valverde, April 27 Los Angeles LHP Hong-Chih Kuo, April 30 RHP Hiroki Kuroda, April 7 1B Doug Mienkiewicz-x, April 17 RHP Jason Schmidt, March 30 RHP Claudio Vargas-x, April 6 Milwaukee RHP David Riske, April 10 New York CF Angel Pagan, March 27 LHP Oliver Perez, May 3 RHP Tim Redding, March 27 C Brian Schneider, April 16 LHP Billy Wagner, March 27 Philadelphia None Pittsburgh C Ryan Doumit, April 20 LHP Phil Dumatrait, March 27 RHP Craig Hansen, April 20 St. Louis OF Rick Ankiel, May 5 RHP Chris Carpenter, April 15 LHP Jaime Garcia, March 27 3B Troy Glaus, March 27 OF Ryan Ludwick, May 13 SS Brendan Ryan, April 30 San Diego RHP Mike Adams-x, April 1 RHP Cha Seung Baek-x, March 30 SS Everth Cabrera-x, April 20 OF Cliff Floyd, April 5 RHP Shawn Hill, April 26 RHP Walter Silva, April 14 RHP Mark Worrell-x, April 1 San Francisco LHP Noah Lowry, March 26 RHP Joseph Martinez, April 10 RHPSergio Romo, March 26 OF Andres Torres, April 28 Washington CF Roger Bernadina-x, April 19 LHP Matt Chico-x, March 27 1B Dmitri Young, April 1

NFL Free Agent Signings ARIZONA CARDINALS—Signed Dominque Byrd, TE; Oliver Ross, OT; Anthony Becht, TE; Mike Leach, LS; Rodney Leisle, DT; Keith Lewis, S; Bryant McFadden, CB; and Donovan Raiola, C. Resigned Ben Graham, P; Clark Haggans, LB; Brian St. Pierre, QB; Kurt Warner, QB; and Dan Kreider, FB. Agreed to terms with Bertrand Berry, DE; Elton Brown, OL; Ralph Brown, CB; and Jason Wright, RB. ATLANTA FALCONS—Signed Mike Peterson, LB; and C Brett Romberg. Re-signed Chauncey Davis, DE; Jamal Fudge, S; Tony Gilbert, LB; Jason Jefferson, DT; Justin Peele, TE; Ben Wilkerson, OL; and Coy Wire, LB. BALTIMORE RAVENS—Signed John Beck, QB; Chris Carr, CB/KR; Domonique Foxworth, CB; and L.J. Smith, TE. Agreed to terms with Matt Birk, C; and Ray Lewis, LB. Re-signed Samari Rolle, CB. BUFFALO BILLS—Signed Dominic Rhodes, RB; Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB; Drayton Florence, CB; Geoff Hangartner, OL; and Terrell Owens, WR. Re-signed Kirk Chambers, OL; and Corey McIntyre, FB. Agreed to terms with Pat Thomas, LB. CAROLINA PANTHERS—Re-signed Jordan Gross, OT; Nate Salley, S; James Anderson, LB. CHICAGO BEARS—Signed Josh Bullocks, S; Glenn Earl, S; Marcus Hamilton, DB; and Frank Omiyale, OL. Agreed to terms with Kevin Jones, RB; Kevin Shaffer, OT; and Orlando Pace, OT. CINCINNATI BENGALS—Signed Roy Williams, S; Laveranues Coles, WR; J.T. O’Sullivan, QB; and Jeremi Johnson, FB. Re-signed Cedric Benson, RB; Darryl Blackstock, LB; Chris Crocker, S; DeDe Dorsey, RB; and Jamar Fletcher, CB. Agreed to terms with Tank Johnson, DT, and Brandon Johnson, LB. CLEVELAND BROWNS—Signed Mike Furrey, WR; Eric Barton, LB; David Bowens, LB; Noah Herron, RB; Corey Ivy, CB; C.J. Mosley, DT; David Patten, WR; Hank Poteat, CB; Robert Royal, TE; John St. Clair, OL; and Floyd Womack, T. Re-signed Mike Adams, S. DALLAS COWBOYS—Signed Keith Brooking, LB; Igor Olshansky, DE; Gerald Sensabaugh, S; and Matt Stewart, LB. Re-signed Miles Austin, WR; Alonzo Coleman, RB; Rodney Hannah, TE; Cory Procter, G; and Stephen Bowen, DE. DENVER BRONCOS—Signed Darius Walker, RB; Nick Greisen, LB; Brandon Gorin, OL; J.J. Arrington, RB; Correll Buckhalter, RB; Andra Davis, LB; Brian Dawkins, S; Ronald Fields, DT; Jabar Gaffney, WR; Andre’ Goodman, CB; Renaldo Hill, S; LaMont Jordan, RB; J’Vonne Parker, DT; Lonie Paxton, FS; Kenny Peterson, DL; Darrell Reid, DT; and Scott Young, OL. Re-signed Jeb Putzier, TE. Agreed to terms with Chris Simms, QB. DETROIT LIONS—Signed Larry Foote, LB; Terrelle Smith, FB; Ronald Curry, WR; Phillip Buchanon, CB; Grady Jackson, DT; Bryant Johnson, WR; Eric King, CB; Maurice Morris, RB; Will Heller, TE; and Cody Spencer, LB. Agreed to terms with Daniel Loper, OL. Re-signed Aveion Cason, RB; Damion Cook, OL; Jason Hanson, K; and Stephen Peterman, G. GREEN BAY PACKERS—Signed Duke Preston, OL; and Anthony Smith, S. Agreed to terms with Mike Montgomery, DE. Re-signed Tory Humphrey, TE. HOUSTON TEXANS—Signed LB Buster Davis; LB Cato June; Shaun Cody, DT; Darrell McClover, LB; Dan Orlovsky, QB; and Antonio Smith, DE. Re-signed Joel Dreessen, TE; Nick Ferguson, S; Chris White, C; Eugene Wilson, S; and Rashad Butler, T. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS—Signed Adam Seward, LB. Re-signed Ed Johnson, DL; Freddie Keiaho, LB; Matt Giordano, S; Lance Ball, RB; Kelvin Hayden, CB; Jeff Saturday, C; Tyjuan Hagler, LB, Dan Federkeil, OL. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS—Signed Sean Considine, S; Tra Thomas, T; Torry Holt, WR. Re-signed Brad Meester, C; Scott Starks, CB; and Joe Zelenka, LS. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS— Signed Monte Beisel, LB; Terrance Copper, WR; Tony Curtis, TE; Bobby Engram, WR; Eric Ghiaciuc, C; Mike Goff, G; LS Tanner Purdum; Sean Ryan, TE; Zach Thomas, LB; and Rodney Wright, WR. Agreed to terms with Travis Daniels, CB; C.J. Jones, WR; Corey Mays, LB; Jon McGraw, S; and Darrell Robertson, LB. MIAMI DOLPHINS—Signed Jason Taylor, LB; Joe Berger, G; Eric Green, CB; and Jake Grove, C. Resigned Yeremiah Bell, S; Vernon Carey, OT; and Channing Crowder, LB. MINNESOTA VIKINGS—Re-signed Heath Farwell, LB; Jimmy Kennedy, DT; Jim Kleinsasser, TE; Benny Sapp, CB-OTis Grigsby, DL; and Fred Evans, DT. Signed Cedric Griffin, CB; Glenn Holt, WR; and Karl Paymah, CB. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS—Signed Brandon McGowan, S; Vinnie Ciurciu, LB; Chris Baker, TE; Leigh Bodden, CB; Joey Galloway, WR; Nathan Hodel, LS; Al Johnson, C; Shawn Springs, CB; and Fred Taylor, RB. Re-signed Matt Cassel, QB (f), and traded him to Kansas City; re-signed Eric Alexander, LB; Wesley Britt, OL; Chris Hanson, P; Russ Hochstein, OL; James Sanders, S; Ray Ventrone, S; Mike Wright, DL; and Tank Williams, S. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS—Signed Darnell Dinkins, TE; Heath Evans, FB; Jabari Greer, CB; Nick Leckey, C; Pierson Prioleau, S; Paul Spicer, DL; Rod Coleman, DT; Darren Sharper, S; and Dan Campbell, TE. Re-signed Joey Harrington, QB; Devery Henderson, WR; Courtney Roby, WR-KR; Jon Stinchcomb, T; Jonathan Vilma, LB; and Troy Evans, LB. NEW YORK GIANTS—Signed Rocky Bernard, DT; Michael Boley, LB; C.C. Brown, S; Chris Canty, DE; and Lee Vickers, TE. Re-signed David Carr, QB; and Brandon Jacobs, RB (f). Agreed to terms with Kevin Dockery, CB. NEW YORK JETS—Signed Marques Douglas, DE; Howard Green, DT; Larry Izzo, LB; Jim Leonhard, S; Bart Scott, LB; and Donald Strickland, CB. Re-signed Ahmad Carroll, DB; Jay Feely, K; Brandon Moore, G; and Tony Richardson, FB. OAKLAND RAIDERS—Signed Lorenzo Neal, FB; Gary Russell, RB; Jeff Garcia, QB; Khalif Barnes, T; Marcus Johnson, T; Ryan Boschetti, DT; Jason Horton, DB; Erik Pears, T. Re-signed Nnamdi Asomugha, DB; Cooper Carlisle, G; Isaiah Ekejiuba, LB; Shane Lechler, P; Justin Miller, CB; Sam Williams, LB; William Joseph, DT; and Chris Johnson, CB. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES—Signed Stacy Andrews, OT; Rashad Baker, S; Sean Jones, S; and Leonard

SATURDAY,MAY 16,2009 Weaver, FB. Re-signed Tank Daniels, LB; Joselio Hanson, CB; Nick Cole, OL; and Hank Baskett, WR. PITTSBURGH STEELERS—Signed Piotr Czech, K; Jayson Foster, WR; Dirk Johnson, P; Shaun McDonald, WR; Keiwan Ratliff, CB; Re-signed Charlie Batch, QB; Keyaron Fox, LB; Willie Colon, T; Chris Kemoeatu, G; Max Starks, T (f); Andre Frazier, LB; Trai Essex, T; Fernando Bryant, CB; and Arnold Harrison, LB. ST. LOUIS RAMS—Signed Billy Bajema, TE; Kyle Boller, QB; Jason Brown, OL; James Butler, S; and Mike Karney, FB. Re-signed Oshiomoghe Atogwe, S (f); Ron Bartell, CB; Adam Goldberg, G; and Mark Setterstrom, G. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS—Agreed to terms with Kevin Burnett, LB. Re-signed Kynan Forney, G. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS—Signed Marques Harris, LB; Demetric Evans, DE; Damon Huard, QB; and Brandon Jones, WR; and ; Marvel Smith, T. Resigned Moran Norris, FB; Allen Rossum, CB-KR; and Takeo Spikes, LB. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS—Signed Colin Cole, DT; T.J. Houshmandzadeh, WR; Mike Hass, WR; Ryan Senser, LS; John Tereshinski, TE; and John Owens, TE. Re-signed Leroy Hill, LB (f); and Ray Willis, OL. Agreed to terms with D.D. Lewis, LB; Justin Griffith, FB; and Ken Lucas, CB. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS—Signed Byron Leftwich, QB; Angelo Crowell, LB; Mike Nugent, K; and Derrick Ward, RB. Re-signed Michael Clayton, WR; Cortez Hankton, WR; Luke McCown, QB; Jermaine Phillips, S; and Jerramy Stevens, TE. TENNESSEE TITANS—Signed Jovan Haye, DT; Mark Jones, WR/KR; Patrick Ramsey, QB; and Nate Washington, WR. Re-signed Rob Bironas, K; Kerry Collins, QB; Vincent Fuller, DB; Justin McCareins, WR. Agreed to terms with Craig Hentrich, P. WASHINGTON REDSKINS—Signed Mike Williams, G; Roydell Williams, WR; Derrick Dockery, G; Dominique Dorsey, KR; Albert Haynesworth, DT; Dirk Johnson, P; Dave Rayner, K; and Renaldo Wynn, DE. Re-signed Ethan Albright, LS; Phillip Daniels, DE; Reed Doughty, S; Alfred Fincher, LB; DeAngelo Hall, CB; and Shaun Suisham, K. f-franchise player

MLS All Times EDT EASTERN CONFERENCE W L T Pts GF GA D.C. 3 1 5 14 15 13 Toronto FC 3 2 4 13 13 13 Chicago 2 0 6 12 14 11 Kansas City 3 4 2 11 12 12 New England 2 2 3 9 6 12 New York 2 5 2 8 9 11 Columbus 1 2 5 8 11 14 WESTERN CONFERENCE W L T Pts GF GA Chivas USA 7 1 1 22 12 3 Seattle 4 2 2 14 11 5 Colorado 3 2 2 11 10 8 Houston 3 2 2 11 7 5 Real Salt Lake3 4 1 10 14 11 Los Angeles 1 1 6 9 10 10 San Jose 1 5 2 5 8 16 FC Dallas 1 6 1 4 7 15 NOTE: Three points for victory, one point for tie.

Wednesday’s Games Kansas City 1, D.C. United 1, tie Real Salt Lake 2, Los Angeles 2, tie Friday’s Game New York 4, San Jose 1 Saturday’s Games Columbus 3, Kansas City 2 D.C. United 3, Toronto FC 3, tie Chicago 1, New England 1, tie Houston 1, FC Dallas 0 Chivas USA 1, Real Salt Lake 0 Sunday’s Game Seattle 1, Los Angeles 1, tie Saturday, May 16 Chicago at Toronto FC, 4 p.m.

Colorado at New England, 7:30 p.m.

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

Seattle FC at Seattle FC, 8:30 p.m.

Kansas City at Real Salt Lake, 9 p.m.

D.C. United at Chivas USA, 9 p.m.

Sunday, May 17 Columbus at Los Angeles, 3 p.m.

Golf Champions-Regions Charity Classic Scores Friday At Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Ross Bridge Hoover, Ala. Purse: $1.7 million Yardage: 7,503- Par: 72 (36-36) First Round Dan Forsman 33-32-65 Larry Mize 33-33-66 Hal Sutton 35-31-66 Keith Fergus 32-34-66 Eduardo Romero 33-34-67 Jim Thorpe 33-34-67 Gil Morgan 34-33-67 Tom McKnight 35-32-67 Chris Starkjohann 32-35-67 Chip Beck 34-34-68 Mike Reid 34-34-68 Lonnie Nielsen 33-35-68 Tom Jenkins 36-32-68 Mark Wiebe 34-34-68 Loren Roberts 35-33-68 Fred Funk 34-34-68 David Edwards 36-32-68 Fuzzy Zoeller 34-34-68 Bruce Fleisher 34-34-68 Sandy Lyle 34-34-68 Robert L. Thompson 34-34-68 Phil Blackmar 35-34-69 Gene Jones 32-37-69 Gary Hallberg 33-36-69 Scott Hoch 37-32-69 Denis Watson 35-34-69 Mike Goodes 36-33-69 Tom Purtzer 33-36-69 Joey Sindelar 33-36-69 Joe Ozaki 33-36-69 Jay Don Blake 35-35-70 Walter Hall 37-33-70 Larry Nelson 35-35-70 Bruce Vaughan 35-35-70 Andy Bean 36-34-70 Bob Gilder 35-35-70 Morris Hatalsky 35-35-70 Russ Cochran 33-37-70 Jay Sigel 36-34-70 Tim Simpson 35-35-70 James Mason 36-34-70 Kirk Hanefeld 36-34-70 Lanny Wadkins 37-34-71 David Eger 35-36-71 R.W. Eaks 37-34-71 Bernhard Langer 35-36-71 Jay Haas 35-36-71 Jeff Sluman 36-35-71 Tom Kite 36-35-71 Mark James 38-33-71 Don Pooley 35-36-71 Mike Hulbert 35-36-71 Leonard Thompson 36-36-72 Vicente Fernandez 33-39-72 Mark W. Johnson 35-37-72 Ronnie Black 35-37-72 Allen Doyle 36-36-72 Brad Bryant 34-38-72 Nick Price 37-35-72 Ian Woosnam 35-37-72 Gary Koch 38-34-72 Jim Dent 35-38-73 John Harris 37-36-73 Ken Green 37-36-73 John Morse 35-38-73 Steve Thomas 37-36-73 Tom Wargo 36-38-74 Frank Shikle 39-35-74 Jim Albus 38-37-75 Hale Irwin 38-37-75 Mark Balen 37-38-75 Mike San Filippo 36-39-75 Mike McCullough 37-39-76 Lee Trevino 36-40-76 Bob Tway 37-39-76 Blaine McCallister 39-38-77 Jim Colbert 37-40-77 Fulton Allem 36-42-78 Nationwide-BMW Charity Pro-Am Scores Friday At Thornblade Club COURSE Greer, S.C. Purse: $700,000 t-Thronblade: Yardage: 6,707Par: 71 (35-36) b-Bright’s Creek: Yardage: 7,435Par: 72 (36-36) c-The Carolina CC: Yardage: 6,877Par: 72 (36-36) Second Round 65t-65c-130 Jeff Gove Fabian Gomez 63t-68c-131 Jon Mills 65t-66c-131 Scott Dunlap 65t-67c-132 D.J. Brigman 66c-67b-133 Michael Sim 68c-65b-133 Bubba Dickerson 68b-64t-132 Daniel Summerhays 65b-67t-132 Chris Smith 66t-67c-133 Jason Caron 66c-68b-134 Scott Parel 71t-62c-133 Kyle Reifers 68c-67b-135 Jhonattan Vegas 70b-64t-134 Camilo Benedetti 66t-68c-134 Brent Delahoussaye 65c-70b-135 Geoffrey Sisk 66c-69b-135 Chris Anderson 63c-72b-135 Roger Tambellini 66t-68c-134 Scott Fawcett 68t-66c-134 Blake Adams 66t-68c-134 Vance Veazey 68t-67c-135 Ian Leggatt 67b-68t-135 Tom Johnson 65b-70t-135 Andrew Magee 69c-67b-136 Craig Bowden 65t-70c-135 Jason Knutzon 70b-65t-135 Steve Wheatcroft 68b-67t-135 Scott Gardiner 69t-66c-135 B.J. Staten 69c-67b-136 Tom Gillis 67b-69t-136 Tjaart van der Walt 66t-70c-136 Kevin Johnson 67t-69c-136 Esteban Toledo 65c-72b-137 Hunter Haas 68c-69b-137 Jeff Gallagher 69b-67t-136 David McKenzie 70t-66c-136 Doug LaBelle II 69b-67t-136 Garrett Osborn 67c-70b-137 Kyle Thompson 68b-68t-136 Brenden Pappas 66c-71b-137 Alex Aragon 66t-70c-136 Tom Carter 69t-68c-137 Craig Kanada 68c-70b-138 Lee M. Williamson 72b-65t-137 Michael Clark II 62t-75c-137 Tom Scherrer 69c-69b-138 Chris Tidland 71c-67b-138 Danny Briggs 75b-63t-138 Justin Hicks 71t-67c-138 J.J. Killeen 71t-67c-138 Andrew Buckle 70c-69b-139 Len Mattiace 70b-68t-138 Jim Rutledge 70t-68c-138 Troy Merritt 71b-67t-138 Scott Brown 68b-70t-138 Justin Bolli 69t-69c-138

Todd Demsey 71t-67c-138 Chris Nallen 71t-67c-138 Steve Friesen 72t-66c-138 Jeff Brehaut 68t-70c-138 Joey Lamielle 69t-69c-138 Brad Fritsch 69b-69t-138 Stuart Deane 69t-70c-139 Major Manning 66t-73c-139 Alex Prugh 71c-69b-140 Rodney Butcher 71t-68c-139 Chip Sullivan 68t-71c-139 David Robinson 71c-69b-140 David Branshaw 69t-70c-139 Garth Mulroy 72b-67t-139 Keith Nolan 74b-65t-139 Brad Golden 70c-70b-140 Jason Enloe 68t-71c-139 Dustin Bray 64c-76b-140 William McGirt 67c-73b-140 Matt Hendrix 69c-71b-140 Michael Putnam 66b-73t-139 John Riegger 69t-70c-139 David Morland IV 65t-74c-139 Dustin Risdon 68c-72b-140 Derek Lamely 69t-70c-139 Gavin Coles 72c-68b-140 Bryan DeCorso 68b-72t-140 David Hearn 69b-71t-140 Josh Broadaway 72t-68c-140 Brennan Webb 71t-69c-140 Bob May 73c-68b-141 Ryan Armour 69c-72b-141 Brandon Brown 69b-71t-140 Ben Bates 70t-70c-140 Chad Collins 77c-64b-141 Steven Taylor 70c-71b-141 Sebastian Fernandez 78b-62t-140 Brendan Steele 69t-71c-140 Simon McGreal 68t-72c-140 Craig Barlow 70b-70t-140 Jonas Blixt 67b-73t-140 Rich Barcelo 72b-68t-140 Drew Laning 72b-68t-140 Andrew Johnson 72b-68t-140 Michael Sims 69c-72b-141 Nick Flanagan 73b-68t-141 Steve LeBrun 72b-69t-141 Tommy Tolles 71b-70t-141 Jason Schultz 70b-71t-141 Dave Schultz 72t-69c-141 Bret Guetz 71b-70t-141 Sal Spallone 71t-70c-141 Tyler Leon 69t-72c-141 Richard Johnson 69c-73b-142 Joe Daley 69t-72c-141 Kris Cox 73c-69b-142 Paul Claxton 68t-73c-141 Ron Whittaker 73c-69b-142 Dustin White 73c-69b-142 Erick Justesen 74b-67t-141 Tee McCabe 71c-71b-142 Jin Park 72b-69t-141 Gary Christian 69c-73b-142 Jim Herman 70b-72t-142 Brian Smock 72b-70t-142 Cameron Percy 69c-74b-143 Joseph Sykora 73b-69t-142 Richard T. Lee 70t-72c-142 Oskar Bergman 71c-72b-143 Stephen Poole 71b-71t-142 Charles Frost 71t-71c-142 John Kimbell 71b-71t-142 Matt Every 70c-73b-143 Alistair Presnell 76c-68b-144 Ryan Cobb 74b-69t-143 Steven Bowditch 72t-71c-143 Tripp Isenhour 72t-71c-143 Dong Yi 71c-73b-144 Jay Haas, Jr. 71c-73b-144 Brad Elder 72c-72b-144 Sonny Skinner 73c-71b-144 Adam Bland 72b-71t-143 Casey DeVoll 68t-75c-143 Fran Quinn 74c-71b-145 Andre Stolz 68c-77b-145 Jeff Hart 74t-70c-144 Chris Kirk 75c-70b-145 Josh Teater 72b-72t-144 Bradley Iles 72c-73b-145 Martin Flores 72c-73b-145 Henrik Bjornstad 75c-70b-145 Jonathan Fricke 73b-71t-144 Matt Hansen 70b-74t-144 Miguel Angel Carballo 72b-72t-144 Brian Stuard 71c-75b-146 Robert Damron 69b-76t-145 Jeff Curl 76c-70b-146 Won Joon Lee 76b-69t-145 Steven Alker 73b-72t-145 Chad Ginn 71b-75t-146 Skip Kendall 75b-71t-146 P.H. Horgan III 69t-77c-146 Patton Kizzire 75t-71c-146 Kevin Kisner 77b-69t-146 Burke Cromer 71t-75c-146 Andrew Bonhomme 74c-74b-148 Bob Sowards 75c-73b-148 Brian Duncan 71c-78b-149 Kyle Dobbs 74b-74t-148 Matthew Richardson 77b-75t-152 Keoke Cotner 74b-WD PGA European-The 3 Irish Open Scores Friday At County Louth Golf Club Baltray, Ireland Purse: $4.09 million Yardage: 7,063- Par: 72 Second Round, Leading Scores (a-amateur) 67-62-129 a-Shane Lowry, Ireland Robert Rock, England 66-65-131 Jamie Donaldson, Wales 66-65-131 Paul Lawrie, Scotland 66-66-132 Nick Dougherty, England 66-67-133 Thomas Levet, France 67-66-133 Roope Kakko, Finland 66-67-133 Johan Edfors, Sweden 64-70-134 Soren Kjeldsen, Denmark 67-67-134 Oliver Wilson, England 66-68-134 Lee Westwood, England 68-66-134 Gary Orr, Scotland 68-67-135 Alastair Forsyth, Scotland 67-68-135 Andrew McLardy, S. Africa 69-66-135 Pablo Martin, Spain 70-65-135 Colin Montgomerie, Scotland 70-65-135 Jose Manuel Lara, Spain 67-68-135 Wil Besseling, Netherlands 69-66-135 Rafael Cabrera-Bello, Spain 67-69-136 Marc Warren, Scotland 67-69-136 Anders Hansen, Denmark 68-68-136 Chris Wood, England 69-67-136 Also Rory McIlroy, N. Ireland 69-68-137 Shiv Kapur, India 66-71-137 Thomas Bjorn, Denmark 71-67-138 Graeme McDowell, N. Ireland77-61-138 Thongchai Jaidee, Thailand 69-70-139 Paul McGinley, Ireland 71-68-139 Darren Clarke, N. Ireland 71-68-139 S.S.P. Chowrasia, India 74-66-140 Failed to Qualify Padraig Harrington, Ireland 73-68-141 Anthony Kang, USA 69-72-141 Richard Finch, England 73-68-141 John Daly, USA 68-75-143 Chapchai Nirat, Thailand 72-72-144 Miguel Angel Jimenez, Spain 73-72-145 Michael Campbell, N. Zealand76-72-148

NASCAR Camping World Truck-North Carolina Education Lottery 200 Lineup At Lowe’s Motor Speedway Concord, N.C. Lap length: 1.5 miles (Car number in parentheses) 1. (51) Kyle Busch, Toyota, 2009 Owner Points.

2. (5) Mike Skinner, Toyota, 2009 Owner Points.

3. (33) Ron Hornaday Jr., Chevrolet, 2009 Owner Points.

4. (30) Todd Bodine, Toyota, 2009 Owner Points.

5. (88) Matt Crafton, Chevrolet, 2009 Owner Points.

6. (1) Johnny Benson, Toyota, 2009 Owner Points.

7. (16) Brian Scott, Toyota, 2009 Owner Points.

8. (07) Chad McCumbee, Chevrolet, 2009 Owner Points.

9. (25) Terry Cook, Toyota, 2009 Owner Points.

10. (60) Stacy Compton, Toyota, 2009 Owner Points.

11. (14) Rick Crawford, Ford, 2009 Owner Points.

12. (81) Tayler Malsam, Toyota, 2009 Owner Points.

13. (17) Timothy Peters, Toyota, 2009 Owner Points.

14. (10) James Buescher, Ford, 2009 Owner Points.

15. (24) David Starr, Toyota, 2009 Owner Points.

16. (11) T J Bell Jr., Toyota, 2009 Owner Points.

17. (6) Colin Braun, Ford, 2009 Owner Points.

18. (13) Johnny Sauter, Chevrolet, 2009 Owner Points.

19. (7) David Gilliland, Chevrolet, 2009 Owner Points.

20. (4) Ryan Newman, Chevrolet, 2009 Owner Points.

21. (15) Brian Ickler, Toyota, 2009 Owner Points.

22. (23) Jason White, Dodge, 2009 Owner Points.

23. (48) Brandon Knupp, Chevrolet, 2009 Owner Points.

24. (40) Mike Bliss, Chevrolet, 2009 Owner Points.

25. (21) Donnie Neuenberger, Dodge, 2009 Owner Points.

26. (47) Marc Mitchell, Chevrolet, 2009 Owner Points.

27. (57) Norm Benning, Chevrolet, 2009 Owner Points.

28. (8) Dennis Setzer, Chevrolet, 2009 Owner Points.

29. (08) Johnny Chapman, Chevrolet, 2009 Owner Points.

30. (85) Brent Raymer, Ford, 2009 Owner Points.

31. (22) Chris Fontaine, Dodge, 3 Owner Attempts.

32. (12) Mario Gosselin, Chevrolet, 2 Owner Attempts.

33. (63) Ben Stancill, Ford, 1 Owner Attempt.

34. (76) Ryan Hackett, Ford, 1 Owner Attempt.

35. (87) Chris Jones, Chevrolet, 1 Owner Attempt.

36. (72) John Jackson, Chevrolet, 1 Owner Attempt.

Failed to Qualify 37. (28) Wayne Edwards, Chevrolet.

38. (09) John Wes Townley, Toyota.

39. (02) Andy Ponstein, Chevrolet.

Sprint Cup-Sprint Showdown Lineup Friday’s qualifying, Saturday’s race At Lowe’s Motor Speedway Concord, N.C. Lap length: 1.5 miles (Car number in parentheses) 1. (27) Kirk Shelmerdine, Toyota.

2. (46) Carl Long, Dodge.

3. (12) David Stremme, Dodge.

4. (66) Dave Blaney, Toyota.

5. (36) Scott Riggs, Toyota.

6. (1) Martin Truex Jr., Chevrolet.

7. (6) David Ragan, Ford.

8. (77) Sam Hornish Jr., Dodge.

9. (13) Max Papis, Toyota.

10. (44) AJ Allmendinger, Dodge.

11. (42) Juan Pablo Montoya, Chevrolet.

12. (37) Mike Wallace, Chevrolet.

13. (00) David Reutimann, Toyota.

14. (47) Marcos Ambrose, Toyota.

15. (51) Dexter Bean, Dodge.

16. (21) Bill Elliott, Ford.

17. (75) Derrike Cope, Dodge.

18. (57) Norm Benning, Chevrolet.

19. (20) Joey Logano, Toyota.

20. (82) Scott Speed, Toyota.

21. (87) Joe Nemechek, Toyota.

22. (71) David Gilliland, Chevrolet.

23. (07) Casey Mears, Chevrolet.

24. (98) Paul Menard, Ford.

25. (73) Mike Garvey, Dodge.

26. (64) Todd Bodine, Toyota.

27. (19) Elliott Sadler, Dodge.

28. (55) Michael Waltrip, Toyota.

29. (06) David Starr, Dodge.

30. (26) Jamie McMurray, Ford.

31. (83) Brian Vickers, Toyota.

32. (7) Robby Gordon, Toyota.

33. (41) J.J. Yeley, Toyota.

34. (43) Reed Sorenson, Dodge.

35. (34) Tony Raines, Chevrolet.

NTRA Preakness Odds The field for Saturday’s 134th Preakness Stakes, with post position, horse’s name, jockey’s name and odds: 1. Big Drama Velazquez 10-1 2. Mine That Bird Smith 6-1 3. Musket Man Coa 8-1 4. Luv Gov Theriot 50-1 5. Friesan Fire Saez 6-1 6. Terrain Rose 30-1 7. Papa Clem Bejarano 12-1 8. General QuartersLeparoux 20-1 9. Pioneerof the Nile Gomez 5-1 10. Flying Private Garcia 50-1 11. Take the Points Prado 30-1 12. Tone It DownDesormeaux 50-1 13. Rachel Alexandra Borel 8-5 Trainers (by post position): 1, David Fawkes. 2, Chip Woolley, Jr. 3, Derek Ryan. 4, D. Wayne Lukas. 5, Larry Jones. 6, Al Stall, Jr. 7, Gary Stute. 8, Tom McCarthy. 9, Bob Baffert. 10, D. Wayne Lukas. 11, Todd Pletcher. 12, Bill Komlo. 13, Steve Asmussen.

Owners (by post position): 1, Harold L. Queen. 2, Double Eagle Ranch & Bueno Suerte Equine. 3, Eric Fein & Vic Carlson. 4, Marylou Whitney Stables. 5, Fox Hill Farms and Vinery Stables. 6, Adele B. Dilschneider. 7, Bo Hirsch. 8, Thomas R. McCarthy.

9, Zayat Stables, LLC. 10, Grand Slam Farm. 11, Starlight Partners. 12, M and D Stable. 13, L and M Partners LLC. Weights: Rachel Alexandra 121 pounds, others 126.

Distance: 1 3-16 miles. Purse: $1.1 million. First place: $710,000. Second place: $220,000. Third place: $110,000. Fourth place: $55,000. Post time: 6 p.m.

EDT.

Fight Schedule National TV in parentheses May 16 At Rome, Giacobbe Fragomeni, Italy, vs. Krzysztof Wlodarczyk, Poland, 12, Fragomeni’s WBC cruiserweight title.

At Planet Hollywood, Las Vegas, Ron Johnson, Las Vegas, vs. John Johnson, Memphis, 12, for the vacant WBF light heavyweight title.

At Oracle Arena, Oakland, Calif. (SHO), Andre Ward, Oakland, Calif., vs. Edison Miranda, Colombia, 12, for Ward’s NABO-NABF super middleweight titles.

May 22 At Fontainebleau Hotel, Miami Beach, Fla. (ESPN2), Richard Gutierrez, Miami, vs. Antwone Smith, Miami, 10, welterweights.

May 23 At Monterrey, Mexico, Toshiaki Nishioka, Japan, vs.

Jhonny Gonzalez, Mexico, 12, for Nishioka’s WBC junior featherweight title; Rafael Marquez, Mexico, vs.

Jose Mendoza, Colombia, 10, featherweights.

At Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, Jorge Linares, Japan, vs.

Josafat Perez, Mexico, 12, for Linares’ WBA junior lightweight title; Jose Guadalupe Martinez, Mexico, vs. Oscar Saturnino, Mexico, 12, from Martinez’s Mexican light flyweight title; Filomeno Jaramillo, Mexico, vs. Victor Terrazas, Mexico, 12, for the interim Mexican super bantamweight title.

May 26 At Shanghai, Daisuko Naito, Japan, vs. Xiong Zhao Zhong, China, 12, for Naito’s WBC flyweight title.

At TBA, Thailand, Denkaosen Kaowichit, Thailand, vs. Hiroyuki Hisataka, Japan, 12, for Kaowichit’s WBA flyweight title.

May 30 At Hartwall Arena, Helsinki, Finland, Ruslan Chagaev, Germany, vs. Nikolai Valuev, Russia, 12, for Chagaev’s WBA heavyweight title.

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Hollywood, Fla. (HBO), Andre Berto, Winter Haven, Fla., vs.

Juan Urango, Miami, 12, welterweights; Alfredo Angulo, Coachella, Calif., vs. Kermit Cintron, Reading, Pa., 12, light middleweights.

June 5 At Chicago (ESPN2), Carlos Quintana, Puerto Rico, vs. Danny Perez, San Diego, 12, junior middleweights; Joey Hernandez, Miami, vs. Damian Frias, Miami, 10, welterweights June 13 At Madison Square Garden, New York (HBO), Miguel Cotto, Puerto Rico, vs. Joshua Clottey, Bronx, N.Y., 12, for Cotto’s WBO welterweight title.

June 19 at Montreal, Adrian Diaconu, Canada, vs. Jean Pascal, Canada, 12, for Diaconu’s WBC light heavyweight title.

At Laredo (Texas) Entertainment Center (ESPN2), Fernando Beltran Jr. vs. Monty Meza-Clay, Rankin, Pa., 12, for Beltran’s Latino featherweight title.

June 20 At London, Wladimir Klitschko (HBO), Ukraine, vs.

David Haye, Britain, 12, for Klitschko’s IBF-WBOIBO heavyweight titles.

June 27 At London, Andreas Kotelnik, Germany, vs. Amir Khan, Britain, 12, for Kotelnik’s WBA light welterweight title; Matthew Hall, Britain, vs. Anthony Small, Britain, 12, for Hall’s Commonwealth junior middleweight title.

At Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, N.J., Kelly Pavlik, Youngstown, Ohio, vs. Sergio Mora, Los Angeles, 12, for Pavlik’s WBC-WBO middleweight titles; Fernando Montiel, Mexico, vs. Eric Morel, Madison, Wis., 12, for Montiel’s WBO bantamweight title.

At Staples Center, Los Angeles (HBO), Chris John, Indonesia, vs. Rocky Juarez, Houston, 12, for John’s WBA featherweight title; Victor Ortiz, Oxnard, Calif., vs. Marcos Maidana, Argentina, 12, for the interim WBA light welterweight title.

July 4 At Vienne, France, Anselmo Moreno, Panama, vs.

Mahyar Monshipour, France, 12, for Moreno’s WBA bantamweight title.

July 11 At Nuerberg, Germany, Felix Sturm, Germany, vs.

Khoren Gevor, Germany, 12, for Sturm’s WBA middleweight title.

At Kempton Park, South Africa, Philip Ndou, South Africa, vs. Lovermore Ndou, Australia, 12, IBO welterweight elimination bout; Simpiwe Vetkeya, South Africa, vs. Eric Barcelona, Philippines, 12, for the vacant IBO bantamweight title.

At BankAtlantic Center, Sunrise, Fla. (SHO), Joseph Agbeko, Bronx, N.Y., vs. Vic Darchinyan, Australia, 12, for Agbeko’s IBF bantamweight title; Yuri Romanov, Belarus, vs. Fernando Angulo, Venezuela, 12, for the vacant IBF lightweight title.

July 18 At MGM Grand, Las Vegas (PPV), Floyd Mayweather Jr., Las Vegas, vs. Juan Manuel Marquez, Anaheim, Calif., 12, welterweights.

July 25 At TBA, Mexico, Edwin Valero, Venezuela, vs. Breidis Prescott, Colombia, 12, for Valero’s WBC lightweight title.

Transactions BASEBALL Major League Baseball MLB—Suspended White Sox OF Jermaine Dye for two games and fined him an undisclosed amount for his actions after being called out on strikes in a game on May 13. Suspended minor league RHP Ken Maiques (St. Louis) and minor league INF Agustin Murillo (Arizona) for 50 games each for testing positive for performance-enhancing substances.

American League BOSTON RED SOX—Assigned LHP Javier Lopez outright to Pawtucket (IL).

MINNESOTA TWINS—Placed OF Delmon Young on the family medical emergency list. Recalled C Jose Morales from Rochester (IL).

OAKLAND ATHLETICS—Activated RHP Santiago Casilla from the 15-day DL. Recalled OF Aaron Cunningham from Sacramento (PCL). Optioned LHP Jerry Blevins and RHP Jeff Fray to Sacramento. Returned OF Ben Copeland to San Francisco.

National League COLORADO ROCKIES—Purchased the contract of LHP Randy FLores from Colorado Springs (PCL).

Designated LHP Glendon Rusch for assignment.

HOUSTON ASTROS—Named Alyson Footer senior director, digital media.

MILWAUKEE BREWERS—Announced OF Brad Nelson declined his outright assignment and elected free agency. Agreed to terms with INF-OF Frank Catalanotto on a minor league contract.

ST. LOUIS CARDINALS—Activated INF Brendan Ryan from the 15-day DL. Optioned RHP Mitchell Boggs to Memphis (PCL).

SAN DIEGO PADRES—Claimed INF Josh Wilson off waivers from Arizona. Recalled LHP Joe Thatcher from Portland (PCL). Optioned RHP Edwin Moreno to Portland. Purchased the contract of RHP Greg Burke from Portland. Waived RHP Duaner Sanchez. Placed INF Luis Rodriquez on the 15-day DL, retroactive to May 14.

WASHINGTON NATIONALS—Purchased the contract of RHP Jesus Colome from Syracuse (IL). Recalled C Josh Bard from Syracuse. Placed C Jesus Flores on the 15-day DL, retroactive to May 10. Designated RHP Logan Kensing for assignment.

Eastern League Midwest League QUAD CITIES RIVER BANDITS—Announced OF Chris Swauger has been assigned to Palm Beach (FSL) and OF Travis Mitchell has been assigned to the team from extended spring training.

American Association FORT WORTH CATS—Released C Adam Miller.

Can-Am League BROCKTON ROX—Signed LHP Brad Hertzler and OF Brett Bigler.

WORCESTER TORNADOES—Signed LHP Zach Zuercher. Released RHP John Birtwell.

United League BASKETBALL NBA Development League FOOTBALL National Football League Canadian Football League WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS—Traded DB Kelly Malveaux to Edmonton for DL Fred Perry. Acquired DB Lenny Walls and LB Neil Ternovatsky from Calgary for future considerations.

HOCKEY National Hockey League ST. LOUIS BLUES—Extended the contracts of Ray Bennett, Brad Shaw and Rick Wamsley, assistant coaches.

American Hockey League MOTOR SPORTS RICHARD PETTY MOTORSPORTS—Announced the resignation of CEO Tom Reddin.

COLLEGE CABRINI—Announced the resignation of Bernadette Laukaitis, women’s basketball coach.

GEORGIA—Named Stacey Palmore men’s assistant basketball coach.

LINDENWOOD—Named Brad Soderberg men’s basketball coach.

OREGON—Announced sophomore F Ellie Manou and freshman G Darriel Gaynor have left the women’s basketball team.

WESTERN CAROLINA—Named Karen Middleton women’s basketball coach.

SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2009

THE ZAPATA TIMES | 3B

Sports

ADVICE | HELOISE Dear Heloise: My daughter’s dog, Sidney, didn’t play with some of his toys, so she DONATED them to our Humane Society shelter for dogs waiting for adoption. The workers like to put a toy in with these animals to keep them company. We also take all of our newspapers to the Humane Society. The papers are shredded to use in cages. I hope everyone will remember to donate to his or her Humane Society. — Jeri Herbert, Terre Haute, Ind. Jeri, thank you and your daughter for being so kind. There are many animal groups, large and small, that will welcome donations! Give them a call to see what they might want or need. — Heloise CAT BATHING WIPES Dear Heloise: Can you suggest a recipe for a solution or spray to use to make cat bathing wipes? We appreciate any help! — The Kitty Cats, San Angelo, Texas There are products like you mention on the market, and they may work well. Since cats groom themselves, you should use caution when putting anything on their coat.

An alternative hint is using a microfiber cloth dampened with warm water. These towels are wonderful and will work very well to remove pollen, dirt and anything else your cat or dog might have on its coat. This is both ecoand pet-friendly. — Heloise PET PAL Dear Readers: Karen Blaney of Eatontown, N.J., sent in a photo of her precious guinea pig, PJ, posing in a basket. Karen says: “PJ is 2 years old and loves fruits and veg-

“

HELOISE

gies, and squeaks really loud when I say the word ‘treat’! He is as happy as can be.”

To see posing PJ, visit www.Heloise.com. — Heloise DIGGER DOG Dear Heloise: Every day when I would come home from work, my big dog had a surprise for me. He had dug yet another hole for me to fill. It turned into a game. He dug, and I filled. That is, until I got smart. One of my buddies told me to try putting some red pepper around the dirt after I finished refilling the hole. It worked. No more holes. — Rudy, Morgantown, W.Va. FEEDER FILLER Dear Heloise: I love my bird feeder outside. My little feathered friends make me smile as they stop by for a snack. Refilling the feeder tubes is always a problem for me. I got a large funnel from the automotive section in a store that sells things for a dollar. It is perfect for refilling my feeder, since it has a large lip, making it easy to pour with little waste. — Roberta, Springfield, Ohio ON THE CLOCK Dear Heloise: Morning, noon and night, I have to let my dog outside. If I’m busy when he lets me know it’s time to go out, I use a timer. When it rings, I’m reminded to let him back inside. He has me really well trained! — Diane R., Spokane, Wash.

DAILY CRYPTOQUOTES — Here’s how to work it:

Zclassified REAL ESTATE

MOBILE HOMES FOR SALE 67 Remodled, 1983, 2bd/1ba, w/lot in Zapata,Tx. $28,000 obo. Call:(956)763-1616

LOTS FOR SALE HOMES FOR SALE 61 Negotiable, 2922 Hemingway (Alexander) 4/2/2, w/ heated pool. Granite, new S.S. appliances, his/hers walk-in closets. $229,000 .Serious inq. only! Call:(956) 220-3450

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

For sale by owner.

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

70

4730 Madera (Los Obispos), 45 x 103, $22,000 Call 286-7486

ACREAGE FOR SALE76 11 + acres, mile 18 hwy 35, in Bonanza Hills sbdvn. Next to Los Botines, $8,500 per acre.

(956)231-9404

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY 82 National Retailer looking for ambitious owner/operator No Franchise Fees, No Royalty Fees No Inventory Cost Low Initial Investment Call Fred Carter 318-792-2648 www.searsdealerstores.com

PETS & SUPPLIES 128 Adorable Pomeranian puppies, $400ea.

956-231-9404

Beautiful Chihuahuas 6wks, 2M, $150 229-3900 after 5pm.

PETS & SUPPLIES 128 Boxer puppies, 2 white & 2 fawn females. $250.00 (956)795-0261; 857-1123 Yorky w/chip, med. size, 2 yrs. old w/papers. $700.00 dlrs. bought at $2,300 dlrs. Call:(956)523-9528

LIVESTOCK & SUPPLIES 130 4yr old Palomino mare w/filly by side, reg. AQHA $3,200 obo.

Call:(956) 568-1961; 771-0934 Young bulls, perfect for Heifers, Angus & Brangus, starting at $725.

Call:(956)740-1981

DENNIS THE MENACE

FAMILY CIRCUS

ARTICLES FOR SALE 136 21 in. T.V. Samsung $60.00. 722-7711 38 gal. rectangle diesel tank w/elec. pump $275 obo.

956-229-0306 50 peso gold centenario w/ bezel, $1,550, uncirculated conditions Call:712-8067

Crib, white,wood, excellent condition, $180 obo. Call:(956) 206-8088 Dog stroller/jogger, lrg., blue, super lite, pd $200 asking $75Call:712-8067 Gorgeous antique wooden doors, 8 1/2 ft. tall, all hand engraved, must see! $650. Call: 712-8067 Jacuzzi hot tub spa, 8 person, with glass/wood enclosure house. $599 obo.

206-6876 / 727-0444 MAXX whole body gym set $189 obo. 206-6876 / 727-0444

BY PHONE: (956) 728-2527 ARTICLES FOR SALE 136 Moving sale, furniture & household items, $35 & up living room set, bedroom set & more. 712-3110 Orange cap & gown, $60 Call:(956)333-1799 128 Catalina Dr. Pro Form exercise bike, almost new,pd $399 asking $100Call:712-8067 RCA 5 CD player, w/ remote, $40712-8067 Sharp microwave, excellent cond., black, asking $60Call:712-8067 Weslo treadmill, excellent cond. pd.$450 asking $100 Call:712-8067

MUSICAL MENTS

INSTRU138

For sale 2 Pioneer CDJ 800 MK2s. Like new, bought brand new @ $680 ea. Asking $800 for both.

Contact Mario @251-8612

SPORTING GOODS 142 4 exercise machines + free weights & bars, $400.

Call:(956)724-5965

TRANSPORTATION

ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM

AUTOMOTIVE PARTS 194 Set of 4 Bridgestone tires, brand new, 245/75/r16, $300. Call:(956)285-2855

MOTORCYCLES

196

Honda CRF450X ‘06, trail bike, lots of accessories. Very low hours, $4,350.

Call:(956)237-8923

TRUCKS FOR SALE198 CAMPERS & RV’S 191 2006 40’Vortex toyhauler, 5th wheel, trvl trlr, 2 roof, A/Cs, oNLY 78hrs on gen - $27,500 Call:645-2071

AUTOMOTIVE PARTS 194 285/70/16 tires w/rims for Chevy six lug. $350.

Call:(956)727-0001

Chevrolet Suburban LT ‘03, leather captain seats, DVD, black, $15,300 obo.

Call:(956)206-8088 Chevy S-10 pick up ‘99, 4cyl., std., 73k mi., almost every item replaced, new or rebuilt. $2,600 Call(956)774-7379 Chevy Silverado ‘03, clean title, auto, a/c, 6cyl.,68k mi., $6,500. Call:(956)635-0336 GMC Sierra 2001, 20in rims, a/c, good condition, $6,750 obo. Call:(956)251-4581

TRUCKS FOR SALE198

CARS FOR SALE

Jeep Wrangler ‘97, soft top, good condition, $5,000 obo.

Call:(956)251-4166 Mazda B-3000 ‘03, excellent condition, 58k mi., $5,000 obo.

Call:(956)333-2227

Daewoo Lanos Sport 2001, 4 cyl., 5 spd.standard, leather int., ex. cond $2,200 firm 791-6881.

CARS FOR SALE

200

‘05 Chevrolet Impala A/c, CD, Very good condition, 51k miles, $5,300 o.b.o call 324-6783 BMW M3 Roadster ‘99, 36k mi, 5spd., convertible, red w/blk. top, $15,900 Call:(956)722-0501, 645-7434 Cadillac Bograham ‘90, 5.7 engine, good condition, $2,350.

Call:(956) 728-7244; 285-5654 Chevrolet Impala ‘06, beige, 4dr., very good condition. $14,000 obo.

Call:(956)220-2730 Chevy Belair 1964, 2dr, body only, good condition, $1,500.

Call956-722-1530

200

Honda Civic ‘02 A/C, All power, Sunroof, Well maintained $5,200 Negotiable Call 220-8603 Lincoln LS ‘00, v6, de lujo, sunroof, electrico, ofresca $4,500.

Inf:956-220-5146 Pontiac GC 2006, v6, 45,000 millas, flamante $7,500. Inf:717-0990 Pontiac GTO 1966, 389 engine, 4 spd., posi traction,all original. $1,500. Call956-722-1530

zapsports051609 4b

5/15/2009

10:26 PM

Page 1

4B | THE ZAPATA TIMES

SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2009

Sports BASEBALL | Continued from Page 1B

ALL-STAR | Continued from Page 1B game, along with Navarro.

Moss was the Lady Hawks’ all-around player who never came off the court for Zapata. She was just as dangerous in the front row as in the back row.

Moss will be pitted against her teammate, Leyva, as she will represent the East allstars.

A familiar face Navarro is an outside hitter who will see a familiar face in Leyva on the West allstar volleyball team.

Alaniz will represent the East all-star basketball squad, opposite of her teammate Leyva.

The East all-star basketball roster includes Zapata’s Alaniz, Alexander’s Dana Davila, Jenny Zipprian, Gabby Martinez and Kendra Falk; Cigarroa’s Margie Barron; United’s Lizzy Silva, and St. Augustine’s Kathy Sanchez.

West roster The East all-star coach is Clyde Guerra Jr. and assisted

by Luis Alaniz Rebekka Longoria and Ana Villarreal.

The West all-star basketball roster includes, Zapata’s Leyva, Alexander’s Angie Villanueva, Kassy Santos and Cindy Quiroz, United’s

Mely Villastrigo and Anissa Aguilar, Martin’s Cindy Delgado, and United South’s Amy Cirlos.

The West all-star coach is Martin’s Julio Cantu and assisted by Kike Pena, Imelda Mendiola and Idalia Mendiola The East all-star volleyball roster includes Zapata’s Moss, Cigarroa’s Adel Sanchez, Selina Sanchez and Alex Mull; Alexander’s Kassy Santos and Alexa Higgins; St. Augustine’s Teresa Martinez; United South’s Shelby Liendo, Ashley Tovar and Amy Cirlos; United’s Melinda Trevino; and Eagle Pass’ Kayla Thompson and Larissa Gonzalez.

“One day we have good pitching, the other day good defense, and still other days good hitting, all from different players at different times of the season.

“Our district record,is proof that all three (pitching, defense, hitting) have come together more than once.”

Opposing teams had no idea where the damage would come from, keeping them off balanced when preparing to play Zapata.

“Our defense, offense, and our pitching staff have continued to improve every day,” Alvarez said. “We have several players at different positions that are ready to start any game at any time for us, and have confidence in each other that the job will get done.”

That challenge ahead of them is their home bi-district playoff contest against against Pearsall on Monday at 7:30 p.m. at Zapata

“

We are expecting to have great home support ...”

COACH RENE ALVAREZ

“We are expecting to have great home support, enthusiasm and Hawk Pride,” Alvarez said. “We had thought that last Friday’s district championship game would be the last game played at Hawk baseball field, being that a new field is being built, but as the luck of the draw would have it, the Hawks will get one more chance to play

at home.”

The Hawks are hoping to keep their memorable run alive against Pearsall by relying on all the things that got them here.

At this stage, the surprises are a thing of the past, as each team knows what to expect from its opponent.

“We are ready for the challenge that is ahead of us. We know the district championship is only the first step in what possibly could continue to be a memorable season,” Alvarez said.

The same motto that the coaches preached to the kids in the preseason is still ringing true in the postseason.

“One game at a time, one inning at a time, one out at a time, one at bat at a time,” Alvarez said. “We understand that the games are only going to get tougher and tougher, yet we acknowledge and accept the challenge.”

The East The East will be coached

by Cigarroa’s Irma De La Cruz and assisted by Ale Arreguin, Linda Sanchez and Marbella Waldo.

The West all-star volleyball roster includes Zapata’s Leyva and Navarro, Alexander’s Dana Davila Caro Sanchez and Amanda Espinosa; Nixon’s Jennifer Rodriguez, Martin’s Margie Munoz and Daniella Herrera; Cigarroa’s Belinda Martinez and Rachel Villalon; United South’s Cordy Martinez; and Eagle Pass’ Lizella Flores.

GUERRA | Continued from Page 1B against breast cancer.

All the money raised in this event will go directly to the Mercy Cancer Assistance Program. In the past seven years, the all-star games have raised over $60,000 for the Mercy Cancer Assistance Program.

“It’s a great honor to be selected to coach in the all-star game,” Guerra said. “I look forward to coaching a great group of athletes.”

Guerra, who has guided the Lady Hawks for seven years, broke a 40-year

Zapata playoff drought in 2006-07 when the Lady Hawks were crowned trichampions.

The ensuing year In the ensuing year, Guerra led the Lady Hawks into the third round of the playoffs as they won their first bi-district championship title in the school’s history by beating Port Isabel, 53-51.

Guerra will have one last opportunity to coach his athlete Myra Alaniz,

who is on the East roster.

Lynda Leyva will be on the opposing team as she heads the West all-stars.

Joining Alaniz on the East all-star roster is Alexander’s Dana Davila, Jenny Zipprian, Gabby Martinez and Kendra Falk; Cigarroa’s Margie Barron; United’s Lizzy Silva and St. Augustine’s Kathy Sanchez.

“We encourage all of Zapata to go out there (Laredo) and support the Zapata athletes at the all-star games,” Guerra said.

ROCKETS | Continued from Page 1B “We’ve been through so much, that’s been the story of this season,” forward Ron Artest said.

“We’re down, but we never fall and we’re never counted out.”

The Rockets found out on Feb. 18 that McGrady, the face of the franchise since he arrived right out of high school, would miss the rest of the season. The two-time scoring champion was bothered by knee problems from the start of training camp and caused a stir when he announced that he was going to have risky microfracture surgery.

Coach Rick Adelman lashed out at McGrady for not properly informing the team and general manager Daryl Morey said he wanted to talk to McGrady about his apparent

decision.

In the midst of that, Houston traded Alston to Orlando on Feb. 19, a deal that brought Kyle Lowry to the Rockets. The move turned Aaron Brooks into Houston’s starting point guard, and many questioned if the second-year pro could handle the job.

The upheaval could have easily become a distraction, but the Rockets won 11 of 13 games between Feb. 11 and March 9, including victories over Portland, Cleveland and Denver.

A week later, reserve forward Carl Landry was wounded in the left calf in an early morning shooting in Houston. He missed eight games, and the Rockets won five of them while keeping in constant

contact with their injured teammate.

No matter what’s happened on the court or off, the Rockets have kept an even keel, a reflection of both Adelman and strong team chemistry.

“We win by two, or win by 10, the locker room is still joking,” Artest said. “That helps us stay mentally stable, with this long season of grueling playoffs. It’s hard enough playing the game. When the game’s over, you’ve got to go back to being family, no matter what happens, win or lose.”

Morey has built a roster of a good mix of veterans willing to mentor and share experience and young players who have accepted

their roles without argument.

Artest has found a niche after signing with the Rockets last summer. He admitted his intensity didn’t mesh with the team early, but he’s settled down and tried to make Houston’s more impressionable players see the possibilities he didn’t early in his career.

“I took my legacy for granted, so I’m trying to continue to build a legacy,” Artest said. “I told the guys, they’re young, ‘You’ve got a chance to build a legacy. And when your career is over, you can look back at everything you’ve accomplished and don’t take anything for granted.”’

The reward could come Sunday, if the Rockets can stamp them-

selves not only the feel-good story of the playoffs, but a legitimate championship contender.

Few are expecting them to beat the Lakers at the Staples Center, where Los Angeles went 36-5 during the regular season.

But the way this season has gone and the team has come together, the Rockets wouldn’t have it any other way.

“We’ve been through a lot this year. A lot,” said forward Shane Battier, who missed 16 of the first 18 games with inflammation in his left foot. “It has galvanized the group to the point where, when you have something as small as no one believing in you, it’s really a minor thing. It doesn’t even faze us.”

Preparing Today’s Youth for Tomorrow’s Workforce

> Where can I get a summer job? www.southtexasworkforce.org

Summer Youth Work Experience Program Jobs start on June 1st, 2009 Ages 14-24 Visit your school counselor for more information

Give us a call now (956) 794-6500 Apply @ 2389 E. Saunders from April 27th through May 22nd

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LAREDO MORNING TIMES | 1B

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REAL ESTATE

MOBILE HOMES FOR SALE 67 Remodled, 1983, 2bd/1ba, w/lot in Zapata,Tx. $28,000 obo. Call:(956)763-1616

LOTS FOR SALE HOMES FOR SALE 61 Negotiable, 2922 Hemingway (Alexander) 4/2/2, w/ heated pool. Granite, new S.S. appliances, his/hers walk-in closets. $229,000 .Serious inq. only! Call:(956) 220-3450

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

For sale by owner.

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

70

4730 Madera (Los Obispos), 45 x 103, $22,000 Call 286-7486

ACREAGE FOR SALE 76 11 + acres, mile 18 hwy 35, in Bonanza Hills sbdvn. Next to Los Botines, $8,500 per acre.

(956)231-9404

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY 82 National Retailer looking for ambitious owner/operator No Franchise Fees, No Royalty Fees No Inventory Cost Low Initial Investment Call Fred Carter 318-792-2648 www.searsdealerstores.com

PETS & SUPPLIES 128 Adorable Pomeranian puppies, $400ea.

956-231-9404

Beautiful Chihuahuas 6wks, 2M, $150 229-3900 after 5pm.

PETS & SUPPLIES 128 Boxer puppies, 2 white & 2 fawn females. $250.00 (956)795-0261; 857-1123 Yorky w/chip, med. size, 2 yrs. old w/papers. $700.00 dlrs. bought at $2,300 dlrs. Call:(956)523-9528

LIVESTOCK & SUP PLIES 130 4yr old Palomino mare w/filly by side, reg. AQHA $3,200 obo.

Call:(956) 568-1961; 771-0934 Young bulls, perfect for Heifers, Angus & Brangus, starting at $725.

Call:(956)740-1981

ARTICLES FOR SALE 136 21 in. T.V. Samsung $60.00. 722-7711 38 gal. rectangle diesel tank w/elec. pump $275 obo.

956-229-0306 50 peso gold centenario w/ bezel, $1,550, uncirculated conditions Call:712-8067

Crib, white,wood, excellent condition, $180 obo. Call:(956) 206-8088 Dog stroller/jogger, lrg., blue, super lite, pd $200 asking $75Call:712-8067 Gorgeous antique wooden doors, 8 1/2 ft. tall, all hand engraved, must see! $650. Call: 712-8067 Jacuzzi hot tub spa, 8 person, with glass/wood enclosure house. $599 obo.

206-6876 / 727-0444 MAXX whole body gym set $189 obo. 206-6876 / 727-0444

ARTICLES FOR SALE 136 Moving sale, furniture & household items, $35 & up living room set, bedroom set & more. 712-3110 Orange cap & gown, $60 Call:(956)333-1799 128 Catalina Dr. Pro Form exercise bike, almost new,pd $399 asking $100Call:712-8067 RCA 5 CD player, w/ remote, $40712-8067 Sharp microwave, excellent cond., black, asking $60Call:712-8067 Weslo treadmill, excellent cond. pd.$450 asking $100 Call:712-8067

MUSICAL MENTS

INSTRU 138

For sale 2 Pioneer CDJ 800 MK2s. Like new, bought brand new @ $680 ea. Asking $800 for both.

Contact Mario @251-8612

SPORTING GOODS 142 4 exercise machines + free weights & bars, $400.

Call:(956)724-5965

TRANSPORTATION

AUTOMOTIVE PARTS 194 Set of 4 Bridgestone tires, brand new, 245/75/r16, $300. Call:(956)285-2855

MOTORCYCLES

196

Honda CRF450X ‘06, trail bike, lots of accessories. Very low hours, $4,350.

Call:(956)237-8923

TRUCKS FOR SALE 198 CAMPERS & RV’S 191 2006 40’Vortex toyhauler, 5th wheel, trvl trlr, 2 roof, A/Cs, oNLY 78hrs on gen - $27,500 Call:645-2071

AUTOMOTIVE PARTS 194 285/70/16 tires w/rims for Chevy six lug. $350.

Call:(956)727-0001

Chevrolet Suburban LT ‘03, leather captain seats, DVD, black, $15,300 obo.

Call:(956)206-8088 Chevy S-10 pick up ‘99, 4cyl., std., 73k mi., almost every item replaced, new or rebuilt. $2,600 Call(956)774-7379 Chevy Silverado ‘03, clean title, auto, a/c, 6cyl.,68k mi., $6,500. Call:(956)635-0336 GMC Sierra 2001, 20in rims, a/c, good condition, $6,750 obo. Call:(956)251-4581

TRUCKS FOR SALE 198

CARS FOR SALE

Jeep Wrangler ‘97, soft top, good condition, $5,000 obo.

Call:(956)251-4166 Mazda B-3000 ‘03, excellent condition, 58k mi., $5,000 obo.

Call:(956)333-2227

Daewoo Lanos Sport 2001, 4 cyl., 5 spd.standard, leather int., ex. cond $2,200 firm 791-6881.

CARS FOR SALE

200

‘05 Chevrolet Impala A/c, CD, Very good condition, 51k miles, $5,300 o.b.o call 324-6783 BMW M3 Roadster ‘99, 36k mi, 5spd., convertible, red w/blk. top, $15,900 Call:(956)722-0501, 645-7434 Cadillac Bograham ‘90, 5.7 engine, good condition, $2,350.

Call:(956) 728-7244; 285-5654 Chevrolet Impala ‘06, beige, 4dr., very good condition. $14,000 obo.

Call:(956)220-2730 Chevy Belair 1964, 2dr, body only, good condition, $1,500.

Call956-722-1530

200

Honda Civic ‘02 A/C, All power, Sunroof, Well maintained $5,200 Negotiable Call 220-8603 Lincoln LS ‘00, v6, de lujo, sunroof, electrico, ofresca $4,500.

Inf:956-220-5146 Pontiac GC 2006, v6, 45,000 millas, flamante $7,500. Inf:717-0990 Pontiac GTO 1966, 389 engine, 4 spd., posi traction,all original. $1,500. Call956-722-1530