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Homicide investigation
Budget cuts possible
Authorities seek suspect for questioning By CÉSAR G. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES
The Zapata County Sheriff ’s Department continued its investigations on the county’s second homicide of the year. Authorities identified the victim as Miguel Angel Serrato Garza, 28, from Sabinas Hidalgo, Mexico.
Sheriff Sigifredo Gonzalez Jr. said Friday investigators have already identified a man wanted for questioning, but his name could not be released because of the ongoing investigation. “We have the fingerprints of the person of interest and his photo,” Gonzalez said. Officials believe the man is in
Mexico. Gonzalez said investigators are working with Mexican authorities, such as the Procuradoría General de la República, to pinpoint his location. Officials also learned the man may be from Chiapas. On June 11, deputies responded to an emergency call at 11:45 a.m. to a ranch residence on Los Potreritos Road, about 5 miles north of
See HOMICIDE PAGE 11A
Administrators, trustees look to cope with expected decrease in revenues
RECREATION
By LORRAINE L. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES
Zapata County ISD could lose a third of its bus routes and drivers and leave numerous other positions unfilled as it struggles to meet what’s expected to be a significantly reduced budget. School trustees met Tuesday to discuss nearly $1 million in budget cuts, but approval of specific reductions is pending approval by the board at its next regular meeting. “We’re at a point where
reality is setting in, and we’re going to have to make cuts,” board member Ricardo Ramirez said. Interim Superintendent Norma Garcia, Ph. D., and Chief Executive Officer Laura McCoy sat with representatives of several departments that may be affected by possible budget cuts. “This is the time of the year when we are all working on budgets, and because of our finance forecast of state cuts and local property
See BUDGET PAGE 11A
COMMISSIONERS Photo by Cuate Santos | The Zapata Times
County to OPERATION DRY WATER TO sue man for PROMOTE SAFETY wall on land Lawmen seek
Texas Game Warden Steven Ramos patrols Falcon Lake near Zapata in this Nov. 20, 2008, file photo.
drinkers
By LORRAINE L. RODRIGUEZ
By STEPHANIE M. IBARRA
After meeting with Attorney Juan Cruz, the Zapata County Commissioners Court decided Monday to proceed with litigation against San Ygnacio resident Joel Ruiz for encroaching on county property intended for future access to the lake. “We’ve already informed our attorneys we decided to proceed with litigation,” Commissioner Jose E. Vela said. Cruz said correspondence and dialogue took place between the county and Ruiz, and because nothing could be resolved, litigation has been authorized. “To prosecute this matter we’re going to move forward as instructed,” Cruz said. “We will proceed to file declaratory judgment action in district court so that the court can determine the rights to the land in question of both parties.” At Monday’s Commis-
THE ZAPATA TIMES
THE ZAPATA TIMES
W
aters may be warm but come June 25, weekend boaters caught drinking will received a cold welcome – Falcon Lake boaters included. “We’ve sent out notices to all local agencies to participate and return statistics. We’re going to be out there making sure the state waters remain safe,” said Cody Jones, of the Law Enforcement Division of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Local law enforcement officers will be joining a nationwide crackdown on Boating Under the Influence (BUI) of alcohol or drugs for the second annual Operation Dry Water 2010. “Basically our objectives are the same as last year’s. They are to heighten awareness and educate of risks associated with boating under the influence. The biggest mistake is you can make is believing you can safely operate a boat somewhat impaired,” said John Fetter-
Photo by Cuate Santos | The Zapata Times
Texas Game Wardens Dennis Gazaway Jr., left and Roy Martinez patrol Falcon Lake near Zapata in this Nov. 20, 2008, file photo. man, spokesperson for Operation Dry Water and law enforcement director for the National Association for State Boating Law Administrators. In 2009, preliminary numbers by U.S. Coast Guard Recreational Boating Statistics show there were close to 800 boating fatalities across the nation. “A lot of people equate boating with drinking and having a great time but the real risk of operating a water vehicle while intoxicated puts the rest of the public at risk. The unsuspecting boater, a family,
will have a life-altering experience if they interact with a boater that’s acting irresponsibility – is involved in a boating accident or worse, a fatality,” Fetterman said. While penalties vary from state to state, the penalties are gradually becoming more severe with victims speaking up. In 2006, Texas native Tim Lindt lost his teenage daughter to a reckless boater. Since then he has worked tirelessly to raise awareness for lake safety and responsible
See SAFETY PAGE 11A
RELATED STORY, PAGE 3A sioners Court meeting, professional surveyor Enrique Mejia of Mejia and Ruiz Land Surveyors spoke on Ruiz’s behalf, saying the survey the county provided was not a survey but an exhibit. Mejia said neither Ruiz nor the county had proof of a survey. “They did not have a survey,” Mejia said. “The county just got their survey on Monday afternoon.” Vela said the county had Premier Engineering survey the property, but it had not been certified by a professional surveyor so it was called an exhibit. The exhibit was signed Monday afternoon by a professional surveyor from Premier Engineering. “The judge will be ruling on this,” Vela said. “He’ll get to know who’s right.” Ruiz said the Commis-
See COUNTY PAGE 11A