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COMMISSIONERS COURT
Zapata docs lose contract By TARYN WHITE THE ZAPATA TIMES
Zapata County Commissioners Court voted Friday to terminate the contract with Zapata Medical Group, which manages the county’s 24-hour, seven-day-a-week clinic. The notice of termination was given 90 days prior to the end of the contract, Sept. 30. “It’s not that (Zapata Medical Group) has had any shortfall; they have always had the best interest for the county in mind,” said Coun-
ty Judge Rosalva Guerra. “This will give the county a chance to explore all its alternatives and make sure that this is working out on both sides.” GUERRA Before the court voted unanimously to terminate the contract, County Attorney Said Alfonso Figueroa pointed out the termination does not necessarily mean the county won’t begin a new contract with the
medical group. According to Figueroa, for the county or the medical group to make any changes to their agreement they must first terminate the existing contract and write out a new one. “Termination sounds harsh, but to make any changes we need to start a new contract,” Figueroa said. Guerra said there have been talks of changing things such as salary in the current contract. Zapata Medical Group began
running the county clinic in 2004 after the acquisition of Mercy Medical Center, which was running the clinic, by Community Health Systems. RATHMELL According to Pct. 1 Commissioner Joe Rathmell the county was told by Mercy’s new owners that it was not economically feasible for them to run the clinic. Since then, Zapata Medical
Group has had continuous yearlong contracts with the county. Dr. Larry Sands, who runs the Zapata Medical Clinic, had no comment about the county’s actions. He did, however, say he was not told about the county’s consideration until Tuesday. “By then it was too late for me to put anything on the agenda, and I was just told that I could make a (public) comment so I rushed over here,” Sands said.
See COUNTY | PAGE 8A
SUMMER FUN
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Sheriff to get $900K BY ERIKA LAMBRETON AND TARYN WHITE THE ZAPATA TIMES
Zapata County has received more than $900,000 from the Department of Homeland Security’s Operation Stonegarden grant, geared toward enhancing localized law enforcement border security operations. Specifically, the money will help improve communication technology, including the purchase of radios and laptop computer equipment for the Zapata County Sheriff ’s Department, Sheriff CUELLAR Sigifredo “Sigi” Gonzalez Jr. said. “I feel relieved because we have had some communications problems,” Gonzalez said. The grant focuses on enhancing law enforcement preparedness and operational readiness along the borders of the United States, states a news release from Congressman GONZALEZ Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo. “As both a congressman representing a border district and a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, I am proud to see Operation Stonegarden dollars delivered to Zapata County,” Cuellar said. His extensive district includes Zapata County. This marked the second time money has been allocated to Zapata County from Operation Stonegarden. The first was received earlier this year, and was used to purchase vehicles. Zapata received a little less than it did last year but the county is getting exactly what officials asked for, Cuellar said, adding the grant will be used entirely for equipment or overtime. With the new communication systems, Zapata deputies will be able to communicate more efficiently. The exchange of information between deputies will be handled electronically with the use of the new laptops, said Gonzalez. “Officer safety is very important,” he said. (Erika Lambreton can be reached at 728-2567 or e-mail erika@lmtonline.com)
Photos by Ulysses S. Romero | The Zapata Times
TOP: Mauro Agnel Jr. sits on a skate board pushed by his friend Thomas David at the Lamar Bruni Vergara Boys and Girls Club on Friday. ABOVE: Riko Griffen and Hollie Reynolds play a game of tetherball at the Lamar Bruni Vergara Boys and Girls Club during summer camp.
U.I.L.COMPETITION
One-Act Play performs at meet SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
The Zapata High School One-Act Play was a state finalist this year in Class 3A competition. This was the third time student actors have reached state competition. This year’s play was a version of “Macbeth,” by Shakespeare. It was adapted by Director Nelly E. Cuellar-Garcia, an accomplishment very few ever attain.
The cast Photo by Wanda Garcia | Special to the Times
Lady Macbeth, portrayed by Adriana Vela, can’t get the blood off her hands. She’s surrounded by Shakespeare’s immortal characters, including the diabolical witches, in the Zapata High School version of “Macbeth,” its award-winning UIL One-Act Play. The performance reached the state finals.
This year’s cast included: Ross, Eduardo Flores; Macbeth, Marco Regalado; Banquo, Marlowe Bigler; Malcolm/Hecate, Adam Escamilla; witches, Alyssa Torres, Jessica Martin and Rebecca Gonzalez; King Duncan, Jossue Velasquez; Macduff, Roberto Garcia; Lady Macbeth, Adriana Vela; Fleance, Keith Martin and gentlewoman, Alexandra Harsacky.
The crew included Celisa Martinez, Vanessa Jasso, Benjamin Morales and Shelby Bigler. In addition to Cuellar-Garcia, directors were Belinda Vela and Dinorah Regalado.
A strong work ethic The dedication and strong work ethic of the directors and students are the reason for their success, drama sponsors said. The Zapata students’ accomplishments include Zone B Contest winners, District Contest winners, Area Contest winners and Regional Contest winners, culminating as District 31-3A State Finalists. The school also has received numerous Best Actor and Best Actress, Honorable Mention, All-Star Cast and Techie awards.
See PLAY | PAGE 8A