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ZAPATA COUNTY
RECREATION
$3M in cuts
BACK TO BUSINESS FOR LAKE FALCON
Proposed budget reflects less revenue By LORRAINE L. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES
Zapata County Judge Rosalva Guerra filed a proposed budget for the next fiscal year Monday afternoon with more than $3 million in cuts from last year as a result of an expected sharp decrease in property values and a drop in oil and gas revenue. Last year’s budget was more than $29 million, and this year Zapata will have to work with about $26 million. “There was a considerable amount of reduction that we’ve done,” Guerra said. Guerra said all department heads were asked to propose a budget with decreases for their respective departments. Other items such as travel expenses and supplies were automatically reduced. “Based on the number of months that have already transpired and the months that are left, I took an average of how much they were spending and if I still saw a substantial amount being spent I reduced it,” Guerra said. All projects have also been frozen, she added. “Even the commissioners’ budget has been reduced, as far as no new equipment is being purchased,” Guerra said. “Hopefully what they have will last them until the value comes back.” According to Guerra, Zapata County has kept the same tax rate for the last five years and would like to leave it at that rate until it is absolutely necessary to change it.
Photo by Ulysses S. Romero | The Zapata Times
People fish from a pier at Falcon Lake on Wednesday afternoon. The lake reopened earlier in the week after rising to record-setting levels.
Coast Guard OKs reopening after level drops By LORRAINE L. RODRIGUEZ
See BUDGET PAGE 10A
THE ZAPATA TIMES
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS
Falcon Lake, reopened to the public earlier this week, is once again thriving. “The Coast Guard was waiting for the water level to be safe for boaters and away from houses,” said Capt.
University recognizes educator M.D. Anderson Cancer Center awards Zapata native for her work By LORRAINE L. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES
Zapata native Elsa R. Flores, Ph.D., has been named Faculty Educator of the Month at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center for her significant contributions in education, research and mentoring. “M.D. Anderson has thousands of faculty, so it is quite an honor to be recognized in FLORES this way,” said Flores, who is an associate professor of molecular and cellular oncology at the famed Houston center. Flores, the daughter of Hildegardo and Olga Flores, has received several recognitions for her educational and research activities. Her father, Hildegardo Flores, also has a Ph.D. According to an M.D. Anderson news release, Flores has gained international recognition for her research through presentations at conferences and seminars throughout the world. Additionally, she has been a principal investigator or co-investigator for 11 funded research projects, served on three grant study sections, and been a reviewer for two other agencies. Also, Flores has been a reviewer for several journals and she has authored 14 articles published in peer-reviewed journals, three invited articles, and two book chapters. After graduating from MIT with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, Flores went on to complete additional education, including a Ph.D. in cancer biology at the University of Wisconsin-McAr-
See FLORES PAGE 10A
Fernando Cervantes, Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Warden. The record-breaking water levels flooded boat ramps and several properties near the banks and prompted evacuations but no serious injuries were reported. Zapata County Fire Chief Juan J. Meza said 33 homes were flooded.
“We had a lot of erosion near the water plant,” Meza added. “The pumps are OK.” Heavy rain upriver caused major flooding downriver, raising Falcon Lake water levels to more than 309 feet above sea level, breaking the re-
See LAKE PAGE 10A
PUBLIC EDUCATION
Program aids school needs By SEAN BOWLIN THE ZAPATA TIMES
ZAPATA – This week, Zapata County Independent School District officials used a “one stop shop” approach to fill students’ back-to-school needs – and in doing so, relieved some economic pressures on their parents. The brainchild of Suzette Barrera, ZCISD compensatory education director, the “Caring for Families” program evolved after four planning meetings with Felipe Jimenez, ZCISD accountant Felipe Jimenez; Lesvia Cuellar, ZCISD child nutrition program head; and Norma Garcia, the district’s interim superintendent. The result of the meetings was
See ASSISTANCE PAGE 9A
Photo by Ulysses S. Romero | The Zapata Times
Elsa Torres helps a family applying for assistance at Zapata Middle School under the “Caring for Families” program earlier this week.
NATURAL RESOURCES
Dodier re-elected state chairman SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
José Dodier Jr. of Zapata was reelected chairman of the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board at the agency’s regular scheduled meeting in July. Dodier represents the board’s State District Three, which consists of 50 counties in the South Texas Plains region. District Three encompasses 46 soil and water conservation districts. Prior to his service on the state
JOSÉ DODIER JR.: Represents State District Three, which covers 50 counties in South Texas board, Dodier served three years as president of the Association of Texas Soil and Water Conservation Districts and as an immediate past president for three years. He is chairman of the Zapata SWCD, and has been a member of the Zapata SWCD for 15 years.
“The TSSWCB is a relatively small state agency with a big mission,” Dodier said. “The board and staff must operate at peak efficiency to implement, maintain and improve our Texas conservation programs. The State of Texas has been a national leader in protecting our soil and water while delivering agricultural products.” The chairman is also a former
See DODIER PAGE 9A
PAGE 2A
Zin brief CALENDAR
SATURDAY, JULY 31, 2010
AROUND TEXAS
TODAY IN HISTORY
SATURDAY, JULY 31 Knights of Columbus and Colubian Squires host a 5k Run and 2 mile walk today. Registration begins at 7 a.m., with the start of the race at 8 a.m. Trophies will be awarded to the top three finishers in each age division, two overall trophies for both male and female winners, first six overall walkers will also win an award. The first 100 to register will receive a free t-shirt. Registration forms are available at the Zapata County Chamber of Commerce. Call Homer Carrizales at (956) 2850220 for more information. Zapata High School graduates from Class of 1980 will celebrate their 30th Year Class Reunion tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Mi Ranchito party place, located on South Hwy 83 approximately five miles south of Zapata. For more information, call (956) 7632947 or (956) 489-4250 for more information. PETCO, the Gateway Gatos and the Laredo Animal Shelter are having Cat Appreciation Day at the PETCO at 5410 San Bernardo Ave. from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. today. Cats will be up for adoption for $45, rabies vaccine included. There will be a photo contest for pictures of people’s cats. For more information, call Richard Barraza, event coordinator, at (956) 206-0572.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Photo by Guillermo Arias | AP
A U.S. National Guard vehicle, under camouflage fabric, sits atop a mountain next to the border fence near Sonoyta, Mexico, on Thursday. Opponents of Arizona’s immigration crackdown have been protesting despite a judge’s ruling that delayed enforcement of most the law.
Troops head to border By ALICIA A. CALDWELL
SUNDAY, AUGUST 1
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Today is the last day to experience "Willy Wonka Jr.". The matinee starts at 3 p.m. at the Lamar Middle School Auditorium, 1818 Arkansas Ave. Tickets are $5 and available at the door.
EL PASO — The first National Guard troops headed to the Mexican border are expected to be in place in Texas and New Mexico by mid-August, and more than 1,000 troops are on track to be along the border in those two states plus California and Arizona by the end of September, military officials said Thursday. The troops deployed to the border will spend about a year helping federal agents look for illegal border crossers and smugglers and help in criminal investigations. But soldiers will not make arrests. “We’re just there in a support role,” California National Guard 1st Lt. Patrick Bagley said. President Barack Obama announced the deployment in May amid outcry for better
MONDAY, AUGUST 2 Two hundred helmets will be given away to children this week, beginning today during Operation Lone Star, held at the Zapata County Community Center. The Zapata County Fire/EMS Department will be on hand to distribute helmets. Families will learn, not only the importance of wearing a helmet, but also on the importance of "correct fit." For more information, call Julie Tijerina (956) 206-4946. Imaginarium of South Texas hosts Dirty Science Chemistry Camp, Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. this week. Kids will study the different states of matter and get messy in the kitchen chemistry. Breakfast and Lunch is provided by the LISD Summer Food Program. Visit www.imaginariumstx.org for more information.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 4 AgriLIFE Extension of the Texas A&M System in cooperation with the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association presents Ranch Estate Planning at College Station Conference Center, 1300 George Bush Drive today from 1 to 5 p.m.. Dr. Hayenga will give a thorough analysis of income and estate tax rules as they affect families and agricultural business. Also, join the Animal Science Department at the Beef Cattle Short Course. For more information on the Beef Course contact Jason Cleere at (979) 845-6931 and for more information on the Ranch Estate Seminar, call (979) 845-2226. Today is the last day to register for the Aztec District of the Boy Scouts’ South Texas Council will have a Trainers Edge Course set for August 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Camp Huisache training center. The course will teach effective instructional skills for all adult leaders. Registration is $15, and reservations must be made by 5 p.m. today. For more information, contact Rick Castillon at (956) 7444699.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 5 Bethany House will have a fundraiser to help end hunger and homelessness today at Hal’s Landing, 6510 Arena Road, at 7:30 p.m. Laredo’s country/western group Belts & Buckles will be playing live music. There will be door prizes, a raffle and plenty of fun. Entry is $10 per person. For more information, contact Jerri Ortiz at (956) 722-4152.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 6 Chesapeake Energy will host a flood relief drive at the intersection of Highway 83 and Hwy 16 today from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. If you know of anyone that sustained damages or is in need of the aforementioned products, please contact Linda at (956) 765-5473 Ext. 83400 To submit an item for the calendar, send the name of the event, the date, time, location and contact phone number to editorial@lmtonline.com
border security and worries that Mexico’s volatile drug war would spill across the border into the United States. Federal officials announced earlier this month that deployments of about 1,200 National Guard troops would begin Aug. 1, with soldiers initially training and fully in place in September. Officials in New Mexico, Texas and California say they are on track to meet the federal government’s timeline. In Texas, Col. William Meehan said training is expected to begin next month and soldiers will start being deployed by the middle of the month. The full contingent of 250 to 280 troops will be in place by the end of September. More than 24,000 people have been killed across Mexico since President Felipe Calderon launched an offensive against cartels in December 2006.
Woman charged in death of baby sitter
Man exonerated for rape freed on bond
Woman, 83, recovering from dog attack
TYLER — An east Texas mother accused of killing her baby sitter to keep the woman from testifying in a child welfare hearing has been charged with capital murder. Kimberly Cargill of Whitehouse was already jailed on a charge of injury to a child when the murder charge was added. Prosecutors allege in court records that Cargill killed Cherry Walker.
HOUSTON — A Houston man who has spent the last 27 years imprisoned for a rape he didn’t commit is a free man. Michael Anthony Green walked out of the Harris County Jail Friday after a judge in a court hearing earlier in the day ordered he be freed on a $500 bond. New DNA tests it commissioned showed he did not commit a 1983 rape of a woman who had been abducted.
TYLER — An 83-year-old east Texas woman is recovering after being attacked by a pit bull mix authorities say may have been used in illegal dog fighting. Glynda Hulsey and her two dogs were attacked as she walked to her mailbox in Smith County last week. Hulsey had more than 50 stitches and is still using a wheelchair.
Number of highest rated schools jumps
Mother in starvation case changes to guilty plea
AUSTIN — Almost threefourths of Texas school districts got the highest ratings possible from the state largely due to a measure that allows students to be credited for improvement even if they didn’t pass. The number of school districts rated as exemplary, the state’s top category, more than doubled from last year.
DALLAS — The mother whose three children were found starving after being shut away in a hotel bathroom has changed her plea to guilty, bringing her trial to a sudden end. Abneris Santiago announced her plea Friday in a Dallas courtroom. The plea comes one day after she apologized to her 12-yearold daughter.
State sees hike in gasoline prices IRVING — A brief bump in crude oil prices are cited as a factor in a retail gasoline price hike in Texas and across the nation this week. The weekly AAA Texas gasoline price survey released Thursday shows the average price of unleaded regular-grade gasoline rose 3 cents to $2.59 per gallon. The average price rose 2 cents nationally to $2.74 per gallon. -- Compiled from AP reports
AROUND THE NATION Kentucky Democrat calls for Rangel resignation
CONTACT US
WASHINGTON — A Democrat from Kentucky says it’s time for Rep. Charlie Rangel to resign. Rep. John Yarmuth says he has no reason to doubt the accuracy of the House ethics committee’s 13 charges of tax and disclosure violations against Rangel. Yarmuth says the allegations made public show a consistent disregard for House rules and that the 20-term New York Democrat should step down.
South bakes, humidity feels like 100 degrees CHARLESTON, S.C. — Heat advisories were posted from the Carolinas to the Great Plains as the South continued to roast Friday under temperatures and humidity that made beaches feel more like bakeries. The heat index, which combines humidity and temperature,
Today is Saturday, July 31, the 212th day of 2010. There are 153 days left in the year. Today’s Highlight in History: On July 31, 1910, Dr. Hawley Harvey Crippen, whose wife, Cora, had disappeared from their London home, was arrested along with his mistress, Ethel Le Neve (posing as Crippen’s son), aboard the steamship SS Montrose upon its arrival in Quebec, Canada. (Crippen was later convicted by a British court of murdering his wife and executed; Le Neve was acquitted of any involvement.) On this date: In 1777, the Marquis de Lafayette, a 19-year-old French nobleman, was made a majorgeneral in the American Continental Army. In 1875, the 17th president of the United States, Andrew Johnson, died in Carter County, Tenn., at age 66. In 1919, Germany’s Weimar (VY’-mahr) Constitution was adopted by the republic’s National Assembly. In 1948, President Harry S. Truman helped dedicate New York International Airport (later John F. Kennedy International Airport) at Idlewild Field. In 1964, the American space probe Ranger 7 reached the moon, transmitting pictures back to Earth before crashing onto the lunar surface. In 1969, the American space probe Mariner 6 flew by Mars, sending back images of the Red Planet. In 1970, “The Huntley-Brinkley Report” came to an end after nearly 14 years as co-anchor Chet Huntley signed off for the last time; the broadcast was renamed “NBC Nightly News.” In 1972, Democratic vicepresidential candidate Thomas Eagleton withdrew from the ticket with George McGovern following disclosures that Eagleton had once undergone psychiatric treatment. In 1991, President George H.W. Bush and Soviet President Mikhail S. Gorbachev signed the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty in Moscow. Today’s Birthdays: Actor Don Murray is 81. Jazz composer-musician Kenny Burrell is 79. Actor Geoffrey Lewis is 75. Actress France Nuyen is 71. Actress Susan Flannery is 67. Singer Lobo is 67. Actress Geraldine Chaplin is 66. Former movie studio executive Sherry Lansing is 66. Singer Gary Lewis is 65. Rock singer Bob Welch is 64. Actor Richard Griffiths is 63. International Tennis Hall of Famer Evonne Goolagong Cawley is 59. Actor Barry Van Dyke is 59. Actor Alan Autry is 58. Jazz composer-musician Michael Wolff is 58. Actor James Read is 57. Actor Michael Biehn is 54. Masssachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick is 54. Rock singer-musician Daniel Ash (Love and Rockets) is 53. Entrepreneur Mark Cuban is 52. Rock musician Bill Berry is 52. Actor Wesley Snipes is 48. Country singer Chad Brock is 47. Musician Fatboy Slim is 47. Thought for Today: “The art of life is to show your hand. There is no diplomacy like candor. You may lose by it now and then, but it will be a loss well gained if you do. Nothing is so boring as having to keep up a deception.” — E.V. Lucas, English author and critic (1868-1938).
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North Carolina Gov. Beverly Perdue accepts a toy Caterpillar truck from Michael Murphy of Caterpillar on Friday, in Winston-Salem, N.C. North Carolina will host a new plant planned by heavy-equipment manufacturer Caterpillar Inc. was well over 100 degrees from South Carolina to Oklahoma.
Chrysler to add 900 jobs to midsize-car plant DETROIT — Chrysler Group
LLC said Friday that it will add nearly 900 jobs at a factory in suburban Detroit and spare it from a planned closure. The jobs will staff a second shift at Chrysler’s assembly plant in Sterling Heights, Mich. — Compiled from AP reports
SUBSCRIPTIONS/DELIVERY (956) 728-2555 The Zapata Times is distributed on Saturdays to 4,000 households in Zapata County. For subscribers of the Laredo Morning Times and for those who buy the Laredo Morning Times at newsstands, the Zapata Times is inserted. The Zapata Times is free. The Zapata Times is published by the Laredo Morning Times, a division of The Hearst Corporation, P.O. Box 2129, Laredo, Texas 78044. Phone (956) 728-2500. The Zapata office is at 1309 N. U.S. Hwy. 83 at 14th Avenue, Suite 2, Zapata, TX 78076. Call (956) 765-5113 or e-mail thezapatatimes.net
SATURDAY, JULY 31, 2010
Zlocal
PAGE 3A
Group to give out bike helmets this week By STEPHANIE IBARRA THE ZAPATA TIMES
Courtesy photo
Zapata County deputies stopped a sports utility vehicle occupied by two woman Wednesday, containing 24 bundles of marijuana, weighing 435 pounds, and with an estimated street value of $191,835.
Deputies nab $330K worth of pot in two busts
Hard Hats for Little Heads will be in Zapata County beginning Monday and running through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Zapata County Community Center. It’s the first time the program comes to Zapata since its statewide inception in 1994. Launched by the Texas Medical Association, the program aims to educate children and their families on the prevention of head injuries, one of the leading injuries involving children. “We asked different EMS providers in Zapata County and emergency room physicians in Laredo what they are seeing most so we can target those areas. One thing was the lack of use of bi-
cycle helmets,” said Julie Tijerina, a volunteer with SFRAC, Seven Flags Regional Advisory Council on Trauma. An average of 250 children younger than 14 die each year in the United States as a result of bicycle crashes, according to the Texas Medical Association website. It states that about 300,000 children are treated in emergency rooms for severe head injuries, many as a result of common childhood activities including bicycle riding, roller-skating and skateboarding. “The Hard Hats for Little Heads campaign aids in protecting our children from traumatic head and spinal cord injury,” said Carlos Tello, SFRAC chair, in a news release. The Zapata County Fire and EMS Department, along with a mem-
ber of SFRAC, will distribute more than 200 helmets at the event this week. “It’s first come, first served,” said Tijerina of the free helmets. “We really want to educate the community. We’ll be teaching by way of a video. It’s about 10 to 15 minutes long, and we will not distribute a helmet unless a parent has seen the video.” The DVD will focus on educating viewers on the “importance of a correct fit,” Tijerina said. Safety presentations will occur every half hour. The Seven Flags Regional Advisory Council encompasses three counties: Webb, Zapata and Jim Hogg. (Stephanie M. Ibarra may be reached at (956) 728-2567 or at sibarra@lmtonline.com)
By CÉSAR G. RODRIGUEZ LAREDO MORNING TIMES
Zapata County Sheriff ’s Office deputies working two unrelated cases of Operation Stonegarden seized nearly 748 pounds of marijuana worth $329,868. The bigger of the busts occurred at about 7:30 a.m. Wednesday on U.S. 83, south of San Ygnacio. Deputies stopped a maroon sport utility vehicle with Texas license plates. Sgt. Mario Elizondo said deputies noticed several bundles in plain view in the back seat and cargo area of the SUV. Deputies took into custody two women and took them to the sheriff ’s office. Later, they were turned over to Immigration Custom Enforcement agents. Elizondo said the women’s names could not be released pending an investigation into the case. Deputies counted 24 bundles of marijuana, weighing 435 pounds. Elizondo said the marijuana had an estimated street value of $191,835. The second seizure occurred at 10:10 p.m. July 23, when deputies patroll-
Dr. Ike’s now helping flood victims with free gift cards LAREDO MORNING TIMES
Courtesy photo
This Jeep had four bundles of marijuana weighing 312.95 pounds, with an estimated street value of $138,033. ing in northern Zapata County on U.S. 83 stopped a green Jeep with Texas license plates. Elizondo said the vehicle veered off onto the westbound shoulder. Then, an unidentified man jumped out of the passenger side and fled into the brush. Meanwhile, the unoccupied Jeep continued traveling slowly back on the highway and rolled through the center of the highway for about a one-
forth of a mile. It stopped after colliding with a fence on the west side of the roadway, about 1 mile north of Arroyo Dolores, Elizondo said. Deputies noticed the Jeep contained four large bundles of marijuana, weighing 312.95 pounds, with an estimated street value of $138,033. Officials did not locate the driver. (César G. Rodriguez may be reached at 728-2568 or cesar@lmtonline.com)
THE BLOTTER ASSAULT Deputies responded to an aggressive person call reported at 5:45 p.m. July 24 in the 1600 block of Villa Avenue. According to an incident report, the known person was aggressive against family members, and broke several items inside the residence. Jesus Villarreal and Roel Villarreal Jr. were arrested and charged with assault on a public servant and terroristic threat after responding to a fight in progress
call at about 11:45 p.m. July 24 in the 100 block of Madison Avenue. Both were booked and transported to Zapata Regional Jail. Deputies responded to a domestic disturbance call at 3:30 a.m. July 25 in the 900 block of Villa Avenue. An incident report states a man punched a known woman in the arm and also slapped her. A man reported at 3:30 a.m. July 25 his 15-year-old son was stabbed. An incident report stated the patient was being transported to Laredo Medical Center for fur-
ther treatment. The Zapata County Sheriff’s Office has an open investigation on the incident.
THEFT A woman reported at 1 p.m. July 23 in the 300 block of Papaya Drive someone stole her dog. Deputies responded to a theft call at 3:09 p.m. July 24 in the 2100 block of Park Drive in the Falcon Lake States subdivision. An incident report states a known person stole a bicycle.
Zapata residents suffering from the effects of the recent flooding can turn to Dr. Ike’s Home store for much-needed assistance. Each Zapata family that presents – in person – a valid ID with a street address in the affected area on it at the Zapata store will get a gift card from Dr. Ike’s. “Together, we can help our neighbors in Zapata
rebuild little by little,” said Elizabeth Murphy, Dr. Ike’s marketing director. “If you have been affected by the recent floods, please contact Darlena Goldsbury at Dr. Ike’s Zapata Highway 16 location. “Present a valid ID with the affected area address and receive a gift card from your friends at Dr. Ike’s,” Murphy said. Dr. Ike’s Home Center, a staunch supporter of the community it serves,
is offering the gift cards as a way to reach out to Zapata area flood victims. There is a limit of one card per family, and the person must apply in person. The Zapata store is open seven days a week: Monday to Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
PAGE 4A
Zopinion
SATURDAY, JULY 31, 2010
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EDITORIAL
OTHER VIEWS
Lege must fix shaky system BEAUMONT ENTERPRISE
S
tate Rep. Scott Hochberg and two journalists with the Houston Chronicle have done something disturbing – and all Texans should be grateful. They have exposed glaring flaws in the state’s system for rating public schools. Many Texans have suspected this for a long time, of course. But these individuals and a few others have decoded the state’s confusing rating system as never before. They proved that it exaggerates real learning and rewards future progress by students that may not occur. Chronicle reporter Ericka Mellon and columnist Rick Casey showed how the state’s standardized exam, the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills, has been exploited to produce an astonishing increase in the total of “recognized” and “exemplary” ratings.
Hochberg has been hauling bureaucrats with the Texas Education Agency before his Subcommittee on Education to expose the shaky logic behind the rating system. Well, some bureaucrats, that is. The agency top official, Commissioner Robert Scott, simply ducked his appearance before the panel. Does anyone wonder why? The main culprit is something called the Texas Projection Measure. It allows educators to “project” how well a struggling student might do in the future and therefore boost TAKS results. Incredibly, this sleight-of-hand could permit a student who got every question wrong on one part of the test to be scored as passing it! The next session of the Legislature starting in January has to produce real change. At long last, the tricks and gimmicks must be replaced by honesty and transparency.
YOUR OPINION Zapata County Museum of History’s role differs from CofC; each needs its own director To the editor: At first glance to the uninformed or the misinformed, it may seem that merging the functions of the Zapata County Museum of History and the Zapata County Chamber of Commerce makes sense. However, each of these two entities serves very different purposes and have extremely different functions. I happen to have firsthand knowledge of the chamber and the museum. In April 2008, the Zapata County Chamber of Commerce had to close its doors due to cashflow problems brought about by mismanagement, neglect and the misguided decision to merge its function with the Economic Development Center. I along with other brave souls was pressed into service to try to revive the chamber. Through a lot of hard work and great support from the Commissioners Court, we were able to put the chamber back on its feet and functioning efficiently within a few months. By October 2008, we held the best attended members’ meeting in the Chamber’s 60-year history. In a short time, we were able to rebuild the trust and confidence upon which chambers of commerce thrive and increased member participation from a dismal 20 percent to a respectable 60 percent level. Our Chamber of Commerce must continue to build on that trust and confidence of its membership that will safeguard its efficient operation through complete transparency, fiscal discipline and delivery of service. To accomplish this, its Board of Directors and staff must work dedicatedly 24/7 to fulfill its main mission without ever taking their collective eyes off the ball and be distracted by other added-on responsibilities. That is, they must continue to present our beloved Zapata in its best possible light to the outside world to continue to attract visitors, and most especially, bring in businesses that will provide good-paying jobs with fringe benefits for our citizens and thereby diversify the economy
now so heavily dependent on the depressed energy sector. The Zapata County Museum of History will be a first-class institution with exhibits never before seen anywhere in South Texas. The Board of Directors envisions the museum to become a regional powerhouse that will provide vital educational opportunities for local and regional students as well as visitors of all ages. The Hispanic culture will be presented in a manner that will celebrate its great and fundamental contributions to our great country in the fields of government, culture, architecture, language, religion, customs, agriculture, ranching, veterans’ service, and local luminaries through the ages in various fields of endeavor. Additionally, in cooperation with other entities, the museum will endeavor to identify other existent historical sites such as the living historical gem that is San Ygnacio, some of the relocated homes and buildings from Old Zapata, Mission Dolores, ranching communities of old such as Bustamante, El Camarón, Las Escobas, Chihuahua, and La Alejandreña, ranch houses, historical roads such as Camino del Salomoneño, and many others. The Zapata County Chamber of Commerce must continue to dedicate itself exclusively to promote the many visiting and business opportunities that Zapata County can offer. The Zapata County Museum of History will present Zapata in its best light possible and celebrate its contributions to our nation’s cultural fabric in many fields of endeavor. The Museum needs a well-trained curator who is exclusively dedicated to all of these specific tasks. These two vital entities, the chamber and the museum, must remain separate and apart yet both must continue working together for the betterment of all our people. Signed, Hildegardo E. Flores President, Board of Directors Zapata County Museum of History
COLUMN
Partisanship turns off voters By GARY ANDRES HEARST NEWSPAPERS
W
ASHINGTON —Last November, as members of the House of Representatives considered the health care reform bill, President Obama made a dramatic trip to Capitol Hill. After closing down 16 blocks of Pennsylvania Avenue, a half-mile long White House motorcade whisked the presidential entourage past cheering tourists to meet with the House Democratic Caucus. Despite the drama, these trips rarely occur if the outcome is unknown. No sense aggravating a bunch of taxi drivers if you’re not going to win.
Making history? When he arrived before the roaring group of lawmakers, the president oozed transformational hyperbole. Even lowly House members could “make history” by passing the measure, the president apparently told his audience, according to news accounts. But not everyone bought the narrative. “He can make history,” one conservative Democrat reportedly said after the meeting. “But I’ll be history if I vote for that thing.” Notwithstanding those concerns, we all know how the story ended. Democratic partisans hoped enacting health care would boost the president’s and Congress’s
sagging popularity, particularly with fickle independent voters who supported Democrats in 2006 and 2008, but have moved decidedly in the GOP’s direction this year. The same calculus motivated the Democratic leadership’s sales pitch for stimulus legislation, cap-and-trade, and the Wall Street reform bill. Legislative success produces political popularity, Democrats argue. Bill Clinton and his party, after all, lost the majority in Congress in 1994 because they failed to pass health care, right?
Dems lagging Yet despite all the legislative notches carved in their belts, Democratic prospects for 2010 still look bleak. It turns out congressional productivity isn’t political alchemy after all. Some believe it’s content, not volume, hurting the Democrats. But that argument explains only part of the problem. Other clouds contribute to Obama and his party’s dreary political state. Indeed, nagging fears about the economy also deepen voter angst.
More frustration The party in power catches the brunt of the political fallout from a bad economy, and this year, independents appear ready to take out their frustrations surrounding stubbornly high unem-
ployment out on the Democrats. But beyond policy disagreements and a languid economy, I believe a third explanation deserves consideration, particularly when it comes to that often pivotal 10 to 15 percent of the electorate: Independents do not identify or lean toward one party or the other.
with these independents when they watch what has happened over the past year or so. They wonder how it can be that nearly everyone from one party is for something and everyone from the other party is against it. Something fishy must be going on!”
Polls favor GOP
A Democratic lobbyist I talked to agreed. “George Bush and Barack Obama have one thing in common. Neither one wanted to pick big fights with their own party. Both had a figurative chat with their congressional leaders who told them, ‘Mr. President you can do this the hard way or the easy way.’ Both Bush and Obama chose ‘the easy way,’ which meant a no-confrontation approach with your party and walking in lockstep against the other side. That turns off independents.”
These voters, by and large, value balance. By more than a 2-1 margin, an April 2010 Resurgent Republic poll found independents favored a Republican Congress to serve as a check-and-balance on President Obama compared to a Democratic Congress to help the White House pass its agenda. So what have these voters witnessed from Washington in the past 18 months? First, a president who promised to rise above partisanship. Second, a Democratic majority in Congress with the means to accomplish its goals without any Republican support on major issues like stimulus, capand-trade, health care, and Wall Street reform. Together, these two factors sowed seeds of doubt among independents.
Red flags A Republican political consultant I talked to elaborated. “What I’ve seen in polling and focus groups is that a red flag goes up
Eary road
Fewer supporters Strong partisan behavior always aggravates voters with weak or nonexistent partisan ties. Collective decisions by the president and his party leaders in Congress to bypass Republicans over the past 18 months have contributed to a sharp decline in Democrats’ standing with independent voters. And as a result, there won’t be nearly as many cheerleaders in the majority party when Obama comes to call on the Hill this winter.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY The Zapata Times does not publish anonymous letters. To be published, letters must include the writer’s first and last names as well as a phone number to verify identity. The
phone number IS NOT published; it is used solely to verify identity and to clarify content, if necessary. Identity of the letter writer must be verified before publication. We want to assure our
readers that a letter is written by the person who signs the letter. The Zapata Times does not allow the use of pseudonyms. Letters are edited for style, grammar, length and civility. No name-call-
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ing or gratuitous abuse is allowed. Via e-mail, send letters to editorial@lmtonline.com or mail them to Letters to the Editor, 111 Esperanza Drive, Laredo, TX 78041.
SATURDAY, JULY 31, 2010
THE ZAPATA TIMES 5A
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Zentertainment
‘La Cindy del Barrio’ at LLT SHOW TIMES
By EMILIO RÁBAGO III THE ZAPATA TIMES
The Laredo Little Theatre’s latest musical is an adaptation of a timeless love story, “Cinderella.” Written by Laredo theater arts veteran Maria Eugenia “Jeannie” Lopez, “La Cindy del Barrio,” which will be presented this weekend, has a unique Chicano twist. “It all started very innocently,” said Lopez, a speech and theater teacher at St. Augustine High School. “They asked me, ‘Why don’t you take one of the kids’ plays? “ ‘Why don’t you take one of those and bilingualize it?’” That was all it took for this creative mastermind to come up with an interesting, Laredo-centric version of one of the world’s most famous stories. Lopez wrote the script, lyrics and music in June. The plot is the same: A girl living in oppression with a stepmother and stepsisters (who aren’t nice) falls in love with a guy, quickly reversing her misfortunes. Lopez, part of the local Chicano Writers’ Group, wrote the 105-minute play with Laredo in mind, mixing in English and Spanish — the way most Laredoans talk. Cindy lives with her cruel
What: “La Cindy del Barrio” musical Where: Laredo Little Theatre When: Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Admission: $5
Photos by Cuate Santos | Laredo Morning Times
Adriana Sanchez, as Cindy and Hector Rios, as Paco, dance during the production of "La Cindy del Barrio" on Tuesday at the Laredo Little Theatre. stepmother and stepsisters (played by Elle King and Julieta Price); her father, a bullfighter, has died. The Madrina is played by Fernanda Price. The story is based in the fictitious city of Lago Hermoso, and instead of royalty, Lopez opted for an affluent family for the prince. Played by Hector Rios, a sophomore at Alexander High School, Paco (the prince) is from awealthy Mexican family that’s about to open a large factory in Lago Hermoso. Upon hearing that Paco is planning to hire 1,000 workers for the factory, the city’s mayor is thrilled — so much so that he
plans a big party. That’s when Cindy has to get ready for the ball, where she would like to impress Paco, who is interested in her. With the Madrina’s help, Cindy gets dolled up and goes, despite several setbacks. Cindy is played by two high schoolers, Amanda Sarabia, a junior at Nixon and the Vidal M. Treviño School of Communications and Fine Arts, and Adriana Sanchez, a rising senior at St. Augustine. Instead of the mice that help Cindy out, Lopez added some rappers to sing. They are all young kids, with the youngest being 4 years old.
Cindy takes her barrio friends to the ball and then a challenge ensues. She has to take them home by midnight, since they have a curfew. Not knowing what a curfew is, one of the rappers spills the beans and explains that they have previously been in trouble with the law. They had a record, they tell her, so they had to be home by 12. It’s an angle Lopez made sure she got in because children must stay active, she said. “If kids are doing something positive, it’s going to diminish the time to get in trouble,” she said. “Theater is so important. It’s very important that they find out they are worth something (in the play).” Assistant directors for the play are Albert Guajardo and Guillermo Lopez. “La Cindy del Barrio” will be performed several times at the Laredo Little Theatre, 4802 Thomas Ave. For information, call at 723-1342. The play is sponsored by the Women’s City Club.
‘American Idol’ auditions in Austin By EMILIO RÁBAGO III THE ZAPATA TIMES
Do you have a singing talent? What it takes to be on national television? Producers for the 10th season of American Idol are looking for show contestants and will have auditions in Austin in August. This is the third time auditions are held in Austin, often referred to as the “Live Music Capital of the World.”
If you are talented enough to give it a shot, here are the details. The open-call auditions will be held at the Frank Erwin Center, 1701 Red River Street and right off I-35, on Wednesday, Aug. 11. Hopefuls must pre-register on Monday, Aug. 9 or Tuesday, Aug. 10. Wristbands will be distributed during registration (tables open at 7 a.m. and will be open until Wednesday at 8 a.m.).
Once auditioners obtain wristbands, they will be asked to return to the Frank Erwin Center by 5 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 11, to line up for auditions. American Idol personnel say auditioners can sing for the camera at this time if they would like to, and that times are subject to change. They may be pretty strict, as far as making public appearances during auditions. “Contestants who do make it
through to the next round of auditions cannot sing for the cameras after their audition,” a press release states. “Those contestants who do not make it through can sing for the cameras after their audition (outside the stadium) if they would like to.” For more information, visit www.americanidol.com/auditions/season_10/austin/ (Emilio Rábago III may be reached at 728-2564 or erabago@lmtonline.com)
SATURDAY, JULY 31, 2010
Daddy Yankee tix go on sale By EMILIO RÁBAGO III THE ZAPATA TIMES
Tickets for another anticipated concert at the Laredo Energy Arena go on sale Saturday. Considered one of Laredo’s favorite artists, Daddy Yankee is scheduled to return to Laredo in September, after a three-year absence. Tickets go on sale Saturday, with a special promotion where ticket buyers can get a 2-for-1 deal. It applies to tickets priced $42 and $62, meaning they will be available at a reduced price of $21 and $31, plus facility fees. The LEA box office will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Promoters are wary of the current economic climate and want to make the event accessible to most Laredoans. “I always take the economy into account and want to make sure that the people of Laredo can afford to see their favorite artists,” said Paul Magee, of Global Groove London. The event is presented by Global Groove along with The Sixth House and VAG Promotions. Magee expects long lines on Saturday, so he recommends early arrival. Daddy Yankee last performed at the arena in September 2007, where he performed to a packed house. He has visited Laredo several times after that, most recently for an autograph session at Best Buy in June. He is currently touring behind his latest album, “Mundial,” which instantly went atop on the Billboard’ Top Latin Album Chart, claiming the No. 1 spot for five consecutive weeks. Laredo will be the first place he visits during his “Mundial” tour, which stops in Corpus Christi and McAllen as well. Regular ticket prices are $22-$82, plus fees, and will available at all Ticketmaster locations. (Emilio Rábago III may be reached at 728-2564 or erabago@lmtonline.com)
SÁBADO 31 DE JULIO DE 2010
Agenda en Breve
Zfrontera DISFRUTANDO LA PESCA
Cierra consulado de EU en Cd. Juárez
SÁBADO 31 DE JULIO El juego de exhibición “Border Battle II” es hoy y las ganancias se destinarán a WINGS Laredo. Se enfrentan oficiales fuera de servicio de Aduanas y Protección Fronteriza, tanto de operaciones como de patrullaje. LITE Productions & The Laredo Center for the Arts presentan “Side Man” la obra de Warren Leights ganadora del Tony 1999. “Side Man” es dirigida por Danny Villarreal y se presenta hoy en el Teatro Mezanine del LCA 500 San Agustin a las 8 p.m.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
DOMINGO 1 DE AGOSTO LITE Productions & The Laredo Center for the Arts presentan “Side Man” la obra de Warren Leights ganadora del Tony 1999. “Side Man” es dirigida por Danny Villarreal y se presenta hoy en el Teatro Mezanine del LCA 500 San Agustin a las 3 p.m.
LUNES 2 DE AGOSTO Hoy es el primer día de Operation Lone Star donde se ofrecen servicios gratuitos de vacunas, chequeos médicos, exámenes de la presión, vista, dentales, diabetes, entre otros. El programa será de 8 a.m. a 4 p.m. en John B. Alexander High School (3600 E. Del Mar Blvd.) ZAPATA — Hoy es el primer día de Operation Lone Star donde se ofrecen servicios gratuitos de vacunas, chequeos médicos, exámenes de la presión, vista, dentales, diabetes, entre otros. El programa será de 8 a.m. a 4 p.m. en el Zapata Community Center *607 North US 83)
MARTES 3 DE AGOSTO Hoy es el segundo día de Operation Lone Star donde se ofrecen servicios gratuitos de vacunas, chequeos médicos, exámenes de la presión, vista, dentales, diabetes, entre otros. El programa será de 8 a.m. a 4 p.m. en John B. Alexander High School (3600 E. Del Mar Blvd.) ZAPATA — Hoy es el segundo día de Operation Lone Star donde se ofrecen servicios gratuitos de vacunas, chequeos médicos, exámenes de la presión, vista, dentales, diabetes, entre otros. El programa será de 8 a.m. a 4 p.m. en el Zapata Community Center *607 North US 83)
MIÉRCOLES 4 DE AGOSTO Hoy es la Clínica de Vacunación en el Departamento de Salud de la Ciudad de Laredo de 8 a.m. a 12 p.m. Las vacunas tienen costo de 4 dólares por niños, con un máximo de 12 dólares por familia. Más información en el 795-4906. Hoy es el tercer día de Operation Lone Star donde se ofrecen servicios gratuitos de vacunas, chequeos médicos, examenes de la presión, vista, dentales, diabetes, entre otros. El programa será de 8 a.m. a 4 p.m. en John B. Alexander High School (3600 E. Del Mar Blvd.) ZAPATA — Hoy es el tercer día de Operation Lone Star donde se ofrecen servicios gratuitos de vacunas, chequeos médicos, exámenes de la presión, vista, dentales, diabetes, entre otros.
JUEVES 5 DE AGOSTO Hoy es el cuarto día de Operation Lone Star donde se ofrecen servicios gratuitos de vacunas, chequeos médicos, examenes de la presión, vista, dentales, diabetes, entre otros. —Tiempo de Zapata
PÁGINA 7A
Foto por Ulysses S. Romero | Laredo Morning Times
Después de la reapertura de la Presa Falcón, la gente de Zapata disfruta de la pesca en las aguas altas dejadas como resultado de la inundación el miércoles por la tarde.
DIF lanza programa
WASHINGTON — El Departamento de Estado informó el viernes que el consulado en Ciudad Juárez seguirá cerrado mientras se evalúan algunas amenazas. "Hay algunas amenazas que hemos recibido y que estamos evaluando. Es difícil saber si las amenazas están relacionadas con el área en general donde está el consulado, o si son más específicas hacia el consulado", dijo el portavoz del Departamento de Estado Philip J. Crowley en su conferencia de prensa diaria. "Eso es parte de la evaluación". La embajada estadounidense anunció la víspera el cierre del consulado "hasta que se complete la revisión de seguridad" y añadió que reprogramaría las citas para la solicitud de visas, pero no describió las amenazas ni tampoco lo hizo Crowley. Una empleada estadounidense del consulado, su esposo y un mexicano vinculado al consulado fueron asesinados el 13 de marzo cuando varios narcotraficantes dispararon a sus vehículos en Ciudad Juárez, según autoridades. El Departamento de Estado ha adoptado en los últimos meses varias medidas para proteger a empleados consulares y sus familias de la recrudecida violencia en la frontera mexicana. El cierre del consulado en Ciudad Juárez es la medida de seguridad más drástica hasta ahora. El consulado es el único lugar al que pueden acudir los mexicanos para solicitar la residencia en Estados Unidos. Ciudad Juárez se encuentra en el estado de Chihuahua.
Impulsan el turismo TIEMPO DE ZAPATA
TIEMPO DE ZAPATA
CD. VICTORIA, Tamaulipas — La titular del Sistema DIF Tamaulipas, señora Adriana González de Hernández arrancará en el municipio de Matamoros la ruta "Sin Barreras", cumpliendo así el compromiso de llevar a los municipios más grandes de la entidad, los beneficios de este programa. El programa impulsado por el Sistema DIF Tamaulipas, permite trasladar de manera gratuita a las personas con discapacidad motora a Centros de Rehabilitación Integral, instituciones hospitalarias del IMSS e ISSSTE. Así como a Centros de Atención Múltiples (CAM) y a centros comerciales, entre otros lugares. En el municipio de Matamoros se contará con la disponibilidad de tres unidades, cuyas ruta de recorridos se trazará de acuerdo a las necesidades expuestas por los usuarios, las cuales se habrán de ir modificando en lo futuro, con la finalidad de dar respuesta a las necesidades de un mayor número de personas que requieran de este servicio. En la ruta "Sin Barreras" se utilizan vehículos especiales con rampa eléctrica, los cuales son aportados por el Sistema DIF Tamaulipas y entregados en comodato a los municipios beneficiados, con el objetivo de brindar un mejor servicio a la ciudadanía que así lo requiera. El programa ya se encuentra en operación en la zona conurbana de Tampico-madero-Altamira, así como en los municipios de Nuevo Laredo, Reynosa, Victoria y próximamente Matamoros, para de esta forma, cubrir las necesidades en todo el estado.
CD. VICTORIA, Tamaulipas — El Secretario de Turismo del Estado Javier Villarreal Terán aseguró que Tamaulipas recibirá un nuevo impulso y fortalecerá su competitividad al formar parte de la ruta turística "Las Bellezas Huastecas" en la que los viajeros de todo el mundo podrán conocer la riqueza natural, arquitectónica, histórica y cultural que caracteriza a esta región del país. El recorrido en el que se incluye el sur de Tamaulipas, forma parte de la plataforma promocional de SECTUR federal "Las Rutas de México" que plantea experiencias diversas de gastronomía, ecoturismo, aventura, deportes extremos, arte popular, sol y playa, entre otras, informó el funcionario. Para el gobierno de Eugenio Hernández Flores la actividad turística es una de sus prioridades, por ser una fuente excelente de ingresos para las familias, de divisas y de generación de empleos, sobre todo ante las circunstancias actuales. "Las Bellezas Huastecas" está integrada por los destinos de la zona conurbana de Tampico, Madero y Altamira, el puerto de Veracruz, Papantla, Poza Rica, Real del Monte, Tajìn, Ciudad Valles, la Huasteca Potosina, Pachuca y la región Totonaca, considerados todos ellos como centros que ofrecen una am-
plia variedad de productos y servicios con estándares de calidad mundial. Villarreal Terán destacó que mediante este programa se pretende atraer un mayor número de turistas, elevar su estancia y mejorar su gasto en nuestro país ya que el viajero podrá contar con productos y servicios diferenciados de acuerdo a sus gustos, tiempo y recursos. Agregó que de forma coordinada los 31 secretarios de Turismo de las entidades del país y del Distrito Federal con la titular de SECTUR Gloria Guevara Manzo, realizan acciones de promoción para brindar a los paseantes nacionales y extranjeros una nueva forma de conocer México. Finalmente el funcionario detalló que las 10 Rutas de México son: La cultura del vino y el acuario del mundo Los tarahumara milenarios La magia de las tradiciones y la naturaleza La cuna de la historia y el romanticismo El arte del tequila y la música bajo el sol Las bellezas huastecas Los mil sabores del mole El misterio y el origen de los mayas Una experiencia virreinal El encuentro entre la Historia y la Modernidad
Entidades no lucrativas en riesgo con IRS TIEMPO DE ZAPATA
Las pequeñas organizaciones sin fines de lucro están en riesgo de perder su condición de exentas de impuestos porque no presentaron las declaraciones requeridas para el 2007, 2008 y 2009. Aun les queda una oportunidad de mantener su condición presentando declaraciones para el 15 de octubre del 2010, anunció hoy el Servicio de Impuestos Internos (IRS). La agencia federal, en una página especial de IRS.gov, listo los nombres y direcciones conocidas más recientes de estas organizaciones en riesgo, junto con directrices acerca de cómo allanar su problema. Las organizaciones en la lista tienen fechas límites para declarar entre el 17 de mayo y el 15 de octubre de 2010, pero el IRS no tiene constancia de que presentaron las declaraciones requeridas para ninguno de los últimos tres años. "Estamos haciendo todo lo que podemos para ayudar a las organizaciones a cumplir con la ley y mantener su valioso estatus de exentas de impuestos", dijo el Comisionado del IRS Doug Shulman. "Así que si usted no tiene sus declaraciones al día, ahora es el momento de actuar y retomar el camino correcto". Están disponibles dos tipos de alivio para las pequeñas organizaciones exentas de impuestos
– una prórroga para las organizaciones más pequeñas requeridas a presentar el Formulario 990-N, Notificación Electrónica (e-Postcard), y un programa de cumplimiento voluntario (VCP, por sus siglas en inglés) para las organizaciones pequeñas que son elegibles para presentar el Formulario 990-EZ (en inglés), Short Form Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax. Las organizaciones pequeñas requeridas a presentar el Formulario 990-N simplemente deben ir al sitio Web del IRS, ingresar los ocho datos de información que se solicita en el formulario, y presentarla electrónicamente el 15 de octubre. Esto los devolverá al cumplimiento. Dentro del programa VCP, las organizaciones exentas de impuestos elegibles para presentar el Formulario 990-EZ deben presentar sus declaraciones anuales atrasadas para el 15 de octubre y pagar una cuota de cumplimiento. Los detalles acerca del VCP se encuentran en el sitio Web del IRS, junto con las preguntas más frecuentes (en inglés). La ayuda anunciada hoy no está disponible para organizaciones más grandes con el requisito de presentar el Formulario 990 o para fundaciones privadas que presentan el Formulario 990-PF. El IRS mantendrá la lista de hoy de las organizaciones en riesgo en IRS.gov hasta el 15 de octubre de 2010. Las organizaciones que no han presentado la información requerida para
esa fecha tendrán revocada su condición de exentas de impuestos, y el IRS publicará una lista de estas organizaciones revocadas a principios del 2011. Los donantes que contribuyen a las organizaciones en riesgo están protegidos hasta que la lista final de revocación sea publicada. La Ley de Protección de Pensiones de 2006 (en inglés) hizo dos cambios importantes que afectan a las organizaciones exentas de impuestos, tomando efecto a principios del 2007. En primer lugar, ordenó que todas las organizaciones exentas de impuestos, excepto iglesias y organizaciones relacionadas a iglesias, deban presentar una declaración anual con el IRS. El Formulario 990-N fue creado para las organizaciones pequeñas exentas de impuestos que antes no habían tenido el requisito de declarar. En segundo lugar, la ley también requirió que cualquier organización exenta de impuestos que falte en declarar durante tres años consecutivos perderá automáticamente su condición de exenta de impuestos federales. El IRS realizó una amplia campaña de divulgación acerca de este nuevo requisito legal, pero, aun así, muchas organizaciones no han presentado sus declaraciones a tiempo. Si una organización pierde su condición de exenta, tendrá que solicitarla de nuevo al IRS para recuperar su estatus de exenta de impuestos. Cualquier ingreso recibidos entre la fecha de revocación y la renovación de exención pudieran ser tributables.
8A THE ZAPATA TIMES
SATURDAY, JULY 31, 2010
US checks threats against consulate By OLIVIA TORRES ASSOCIATED PRESS
CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico — The U.S. State Department said Friday it is evaluating threats surrounding the consulate in the Mexican border city of Ciudad Juarez as hundreds with appointments for visa applications and other services stood outside the shuttered office wondering what to do.
Photo by Ross D. Franklin/AP
Maricopa County Sheriff’s Deputy Robert Dalton points to a cracked windshield as he holds the driver’s license of a driver in Phoenix on Thursday, during the latest crime suppression sweep by Sheriff Joe Arpaio. The latest sweep was delayed by several hours due to protesters of Arizona’s immigration crackdown going ahead with protests Thursday despite a judge’s ruling that delayed enforcement of most the state’s controversial SB1070 immigration law.
Arizona sheriff not relenting after ruling By JACQUES BILLEAUD AND AMANDA LEE MYERS ASSOCIATED PRESS
PHOENIX — Lost in the hoopla over Arizona’s immigration law is the fact that state and local authorities for years have been doing their own aggressive crackdowns in the busiest illegal gateway into the country. Nowhere in the U.S. is local enforcement more present than in metropolitan Phoenix, where Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio routinely carries out sweeps, some in Hispanic neighborhoods, to arrest illegal immigrants. The tactics have made him the undisputed poster boy for local immigration enforcement and the anger that so many authorities feel about the issue. “It’s my job,” said Arpaio, standing beside a sheriff ’s truck that has a number for an immigration hot line written on its side. “I have two state (immigration) laws that I am enforcing. It’s not federal, it’s state.” A ruling Wednesday by a federal judge put on hold parts of the new law that
would have required officers to dig deeper into the fight against illegal immigration. Arizona says it was forced to act because the federal government isn’t doing its job to fight immigration. The issue led to demonstrations across the country Thursday, including one directed at Arpaio in Phoenix in which protesters beat on the metal door of a jail and chanted, “Sheriff Joe, we are here. We will not live in fear.” And in another sign of the divisive atmosphere surrounding the issue, authorities said the judge had received menacing threats and police were investigating whether a bullet hole found in the office of an Arizona congressman was related to the immigration debate. In total, 71 people were arrested during the Thursday protests, officials said Friday. Meanwhile, Gov. Jan Brewer’s lawyers went to court to overturn the judge’s ruling so they can fight back against what the Republican calls an “invasion” of illegal immigrants. The state of Arizona has received more than $1.6 mil-
lion in a fund to help defend the new law, including $75,000 on Wednesday, the day parts of the law were blocked. Ever since the main flow of illegal immigrants into the country shifted to Arizona a decade ago, state politicians and local police have been feeling pressure to confront the state’s border woes. In addition to Arpaio’s crackdowns, other efforts include a steady stream of busts by the state and local police of stash houses where smugglers hide illegal immigrants. The state attorney general has taken a money-wiring company to civil court on allegations that smugglers used their service to move money to Mexico. And a county south of Phoenix has its sheriff ’s deputies patrol smuggling corridors. The Arizona Legislature has enacted a series of tough-on-immigration measures in recent years that culminated with the law signed by Brewer in April, pushing the Republican to the national political stage. But the king of local immigration enforcement is still Arpaio.
Troops kill senior ‘capo’ of Sinaola drug cartel By OLGA R. RODRIGUEZ ASSOCIATED PRESS
MEXICO CITY — Soldiers killed a top leader of the Sinaloa cartel in a raid on his posh hideout, dealing the biggest blow yet to Mexico’s most powerful drug gang since President Felipe Calderon launched a military offensive against organized crime in 2006. Ignacio “Nacho” Coronel, a reputed founder of Mexico’s methamphetamine trade, was gunned down Thursday trying to escape soldiers in Guadalajara. Mexican authorities says he fired on soldiers as helicopters hovered overhead and troops closed in. Coronel was a close associate of Mexico’s most wanted man, Sinaloa cartel leader Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, and was No. 3 in the organization after Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada. “Nacho Coronel tried to escape, and fired on military personnel, killing one soldier and wounding another,” Gen. Edgar Luis Villegas said at a news conference in Mexico City. “Responding to the attack, this ’capo’ died.” The raid “significantly affects the operational capacity and drug distribution of the organization run by Guzman,” he added. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration described Coronel as a major trafficker who was “directly responsible for the deaths of hundreds of people,” and called his death “a crippling blow.” “We congratulate the Government of Mexico on this victory in their efforts to dismantle the drug cartels by targeting the highest levels of cartel leadership,” the DEA said. Coronel’s downfall came
Photo by FBI | Associated Press
Ignacio Coronel Villareal, according to local media, was killed Thursday during an army raid in Zapopan, near Guadalajara, Mexico. Coronel is considered number three in the organization of fugitive Mexican drug lord Joaquin Chapo Guzman. amid persistent allegations that Calderon’s administration appeared to be favoring the Sinaloa cartel. Those allegations have drawn denials from the president and top law enforcement officials, who point to the 2009 arrest of Vicente “El Vicentillo” Zambada as proof they targeted the gang. Coronel’s death was also the biggest strike against Mexican cartels since drug lord Arturo Beltran Leyva and six of his bodyguards were killed in a Dec. 16 raid by Mexican marines in the central city of Cuernavaca. Beltran Leyva, whose gang was once allied with the Sinaloa cartel, had become an enemy of Guzman’s organization by the time of his death. The mysterious Coronel was believed to be “the forerunner in producing massive amounts of methamphetamine in clandestine laboratories in Mexico, then smuggling it into the U.S.”, according to the FBI, which offered a $5 million
reward for the 56 year old. Coronel allegedly controlled trafficking through the Mexican states of Jalisco, Colima and parts of Michoacan — the “Pacific route” for smuggling. “The scope of its influence and operations penetrate throughout the United States, Mexico, and several other European, Central American, and South American countries,” according to an FBI statement.
U.S. officials gave no details on the threats that prompted an indefinite closure Thursday. The consulate is the only place that processes immigrant visas in Mexico. “It is a very significant facility for us,” said State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley. “There is some threat information that we received that we are evaluating. It is hard to know or judge whether
the threat is related to the broad area where the consulate is or to the consulate itself.” Even as the State Department increases protection for employees and their families from the intensifying violence on the Mexican border, closing the Juarez consulate is the most drastic step to date — coming four months after drug gangs killed three people tied to the office.
SATURDAY, JULY 31, 2010
THE ZAPATA TIMES 9A
S
ADAN J. OLIVARES SAN YGNACIO − Adan J. Olivares 73, passed away Wednesday, July 28, 2010, at Laredo Medical Center. Mr. Olivares is preceded in death by his parents, Federico (Maria Del Refugio) Olivares; brothers, Brigido Olivares, Rosendo Olivares; sisters, Reyes O. Dominguez and Dora Arambula. Mr. Olivares is survived by his wife, Simona Olivares; children, Adam J. Jr. (Erica) Olivares, Elsa O. (Roel) Villarreal, Freddie (Aurora) Olivares, Elisa (Fernando Jr.) Villarreal, Anita (Michael) Britt; 14 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren and by numerous nephews, nieces and many friends. Visitation hours were held Thursday, July 29, 2010, from 6 to 9 p.m. with a rosary at 7 p.m. at Rose
LAREDO MORNING TIMES
Garden Funeral Home. The funeral procession departed Friday, July 30, 2010, at 9:30 for a 10 a.m. funeral Mass at Our Lady of Refuge Catholic Church in San Ygnacio. Committal services followed at Martinez Cemetery. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Rose Garden Funeral Home, Daniel A. Gonzalez, funeral director, 2102 Hwy. 83, Zapata.
DODIER Continued from Page 1A member of the board of directors of the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) where he served for eight years. He has also formerly served on the NACD Executive Board. Additionally, he has served as the Zapata County Fair President.
Ranching family Dodier and his wife Janeann, live on Don José Ranch and have one daughter, Danielle, a 2009 graduate of Texas A&M. The Dodier family has been ranching for 75 years in Zapata County. Don José Land & Cattle Company is a cow-calf and wildlife management operation near Zapata. The newly reelected chairman is also a private
Clinic shows how to use caulk
natural gas measurement specialist. As the lead agency for the state of Texas in addressing agricultural and silvicultural forms of nonpoint source pollution, the TSSWCB offers a technical assistance program for the state’s 216 soil and water conservation districts for the planning, management and abatement of agricultural and silvicultural nonpoint source pollution.
Regional offices The TSSWCB maintains regional offices in strategic locations in the state to help carry out the agency’s water quality responsibilities. The TSSWCB board of directors is comprised of five elected members and two governor appointees.
As a service to Zapata residents, Dr. Ike’s Home Stores held a clinic earlier this week to demonstrate the use of DAP caulking products. With the help of Celia Barrientos from the Zapata Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Ike’s hosted in-store clinics at its Texas 16 location from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday and then again from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. DAP representatives Bert Delgado and David Sunderman were on hand to demonstrate and explain the many DAP products available for home improvement needs, including new products from the 2010 line. The clinic gave customers the chance to try out the products themselves as well as get expert advice on using the popular items for specific projects. DAP produces reliable, long-lasting goods. It’s the
leading manufacturer of caulks, sealants, adhesives, insulating forms, spackling, glazing and other general patch and repair products. Those who missed Dr. Ike’s clinics in Zapata will have another opportunity today when the DAP representatives conduct clinics at Dr. Ike’s main location off Interstate 35 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and then again from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. That gives early risers a chance to get first-hand experience in the morning with another opportunity for those who are out later in the day. The DAP clinics are just some of the educational and interactive events presented by Dr. Ike’s Home Stores for its customers. Keep an eye out for additional events in the future. For more information about Dr. Ike’s, visit the store’s website at www.drikes.com
Courtesy photo
Bert Deldgado of DAP products, right, demonstrates the use of DAP caulking for a customer at Dr. Ike’s in Zapata.
ASSISTANCE Continued from Page 1A this week’s fair-like, multistation venue where parents were able to registere their school-aged children for free or reduced lunches. Students also received back-to-school immunizations and their parents took surveys if they were migrant workers, homeless or living in substandard housing. Most notably, for the first three days of this week, parents signed their children up for free school supplies – which the district had temporarily run out of Wednesday afternoon – provided by Conoco-Phillips. They could also obtain tennis shoes from the Buckner Foundation, polo shirts from local funds
and $100 vouchers for socks, underwear, pants and shoes for their children if their economic circumstances qualified them to. Barrera said due to economic woes, a lot of school district families were there getting the help. “At least 2,000 students out of the district’s 3,700 students have signed up for assistance,” she confirmed. Six-year Zapata resident Laura Zavala, who is also the school district’s volunteer parental advisory committee president, has two high school-age children and a first-grader in the ZCISD schools.
Zavala praised Caring for Families as an efficient way to meet the needs of families who may require a helping hand to get their children ready to come back to class healthy, fed, clothed and – armed with free pens, pencils, binders, crayons and glue – ready to learn. “It’s easy and it’s onestop,” Zavala said. “Parents even get to talk about Medicaid if they need to, over in the Compensatory Education building. This is a good thing, because of the
economy. Every bit helps.” Also agreeing that the program helped was Alicia Rodriguez, a 12-year Zapata resident with three sons in the school district. “A lot of people need this, especially with the floods and the economy, said Rodriguez, an unemployed waitress. I’ve been out of work since December – I’ve been applying for work here, there and everywhere.” (To reach Sean Bowlin, call 728-2529 or e-mail sbowlin@lmtonline.com)
10A THE ZAPATA TIMES
SATURDAY, JULY 31, 2010
BUDGET Continued from Page 1A “We could increase the tax rate but I don’t think right now is a good time,” she said. “It’s OK if I see a lot of production going on and jobs, but as it is everything is bad so how can we increase taxes if people are barely making it?” Zapata County has completed several large projects in the last four years including a technology center, new museum, paving of several roads and a water plant double the size of the old one. Romeo Flores Park also has been improved and a boat ramp project is in progress. “We try doing a lot of things when we can. Of course, when there are bad times you have to cut back,” Guerra said. “I seized the opportunity in previous years where we had more valuation.” Despite the reductions, several employment positions have opened for the new museum and bus transportation for students. Some positions were also eliminated. “About nine positions were eliminated, but I tried to accommodate them where positions were needed,”
LAKE Continued from Page 1A
Last year’s budget was more than $29 million, and this year Zapata will have to work with about $26 million. Guerra said. “I know they’re going to jump and scream but it has to be done.” The museum has opened three positions plus a curator, which already has been advertised, and the sheriff ’s department needed another two, she said. The general fund, the largest portion of the budget is left at nearly $20 million with a decrease of more than $1 million compared to last year. Other revenue is coming from delinquent taxes down the line and the jail, which had been expected to bring in $2 million, is bringing in less than half of that, Guerra said. “We have to pay the difference,” she said. In previous years, federal inmates were brought in from Laredo and Zapata County would receive a daily rate amount for each inmate.
That revenue is no longer there, but jail expenses continue, she said. Zapata County Sheriff Sigifredo Gonzalez is in the process of signing a contract with Cameron County to house their prisoners to help bring in more revenue, she added. Since revenues have been low, especially from the oil and gas industry, decreasing the burden will eventually shift to local tax payers, Guerra said. In the end, total revenues are expected to be more than $18 million and Guerra, whose term as county judge ends Dec. 31, will leave the county with a cash balance of more than $13 million. “That’s the proposed budget if the commissioners approve,” she said. “That is more than when I came in.” (Lorraine L. Rodriguez may be reached at 728-2557.)
cord of 308.1 feet set in 1958, according to the International Boundary and Water Commission. According to a July 21 commission report, water was being released from Falcon Dam at an average rate of 60,000 cubic feet per second to decrease water levels in the reservoir. By Thursday, the rate was down to about 49,000 cubic feet per second, according to the commission. It was expected to drop to 46,000 cubic feet per second on Friday and to about 42,000 cubic feet per second by Aug. 3. The water level has decreased to close to 303 feet above sea level, Meza said Friday. Residents and visitors are still advised to take precautions while on the lake, as it contains potential hazards, officials said. “We want people to watch out and stay clear (of) the Veleño power lines and debris,” Cervantes said. “We don’t know what came down with the flood.” The power lines are above the water, and there are bright red balls indicating their location to help boaters avoid potential problems. Debris has now settled on the banks, but some trees and branches are still floating in the water, he added. Although Falcon Lake has been reopened, Falcon State Park remains
closed due to road damage, Cervantes said. He added that the road leading to the park is still underwater, and officials are concerned about visitors’ safety. “The roads are soft and people can get stuck,” Meza said. A March of Dimes fishing tournament had to be postponed to a later date for the safety of participants, officials said. The flooding also affected fish and tackle shops in the area, said Jose F. “Paco” Mendoza, Zapata County Chamber of Commerce president and chief executive officer. D & D Marine & Tackle has now closed for good, Mendoza added, but it is not known if the lack of business in the area contributed to the closing. The news of the lake’s reopening is sure to spread like wildfire, Mendoza said. “It’s going to help us because it’s going to bring everyone back,” he said. Nearby businesses such as Falcon Lake Tackle have heard the good news and expect business to return to normal or even improve. “Business is a little better now that the lake is open,” said James Bendele, co-owner of Falcon Lake Tackle. “Bass clubs are scheduled to come in the next couple of weeks. Things are looking up.” (Lorraine L. Rodriguez may be reached at 728-2557.)
FLORES Continued from Page 1A dle Lab for Cancer Research and a postdoctoral fellowship at the MIT Cancer Center. “I saw first-hand that researchers were working to unravel the complexity of cancer, and I wanted to participate in solving the problem of cancer and finding cures,” Flores said. “I was also largely motivated by the fact that I had watched my grandmother die of this disease.” A passion for science, life lessons and most of all her training as an undergraduate in MIT led her to
start her own research lab at M.D. Anderson in 2004, she said. “I plan to continue my research at M.D. Anderson and hope that my legacy will be that I contributed to the design of better treatment for cancer patients and that I helped to train the next generation of research scientists,” Flores added. “This is a full-time job; however, I believe that educating the next generation of scientists is critically important to our mission of making cancer history.” As an instructor for the
Cancer Cell Signaling course at the University of Texas-M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Flores works with students working toward completing their doctorate degrees, but most of her time goes to teaching and supervising the doctorate-level students in her laboratory, she said. “We discuss the critical mechanisms that regulate the formation of a tumor,” she added. “It is like learning how a car works except we discuss the components that make the cells in our body function. If the components that keep
our cells healthy break down, then cancer forms.” Flores’ lab has been working with genes that suppress cancer formation. “Importantly, we have begun to unravel and understand the complexity of cancer, which will lead to better treatment and cures for cancer patients,” she added. Flores said she looks up to her parents who set a great example through their hard work and dedication to the teaching profession and taught her many life lessons that she
still carries with her. These lessons have helped her get through difficult times and helped her succeed, she said. “The most important lesson was to never let anyone tell you that you are not good enough,” she said. “This is a lesson that has helped me deal with failure and rejection.” “Sometimes I hear their voices in the back of my head, ‘when one door closes, another one opens, or a window, or a drawer,’ she added. According to Flores, it wasn’t always easy to
work in a profession heavily dominated by men but as times have changed there are more women in leadership roles in science and academic medicine. “This will make it easier for our daughters to achieve their potential without having to hurdle the obstacles that have been unfairly placed by ignorance,” she said. “I can tell you first-hand that women are just as capable in the subjects of math and science as men.” (Lorraine L. Rodriguez may be reached at (956)7282557.)
SATURDAY, JULY 31, 2010
ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM
Sports&Outdoors NFL TEXAS
SHRINKING COWBOYS
Photo by David J. Phillip | AP
Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson catches a pass during the team’s first NFL training camp practice of the season Friday, July in Houston.
Photo by Tony Gutierrez | AP
Dallas Cowboys coach Wade Phillips blocks during drills at NFL football training camp back on Tuesday in San Antonio. Phillips, the head coach and defensive coordinator, will be more nimble moving around on the field after losing more weight than any of his players this offseason. The coach has shed about 40 pounds since last season.
Leaner, meaner Dallas club feeling good By STEPHEN HAWKINS ASSOCIATED PRESS
SAN ANTONIO — Pro Bowl linebacker DeMarcus Ware says he’s nearly 10 pounds lighter, which is making him feel stronger and faster during the Dallas Cowboys’ training camp. Anthony Spencer feels the same after shedding a few pounds during the offseason. “A lot of guys are a lot lighter this year, because
it’s all predicated now, our defense, we have those big guys in the middle and we’re running a lot more than the bigger guys,” said Ware, now in the 255pound range. “We need to bring a little bit more speed to the table, a little bit more sort of versatility. We sort of shrunk down a little bit.” Cornerback Mike Jenkins also is a few pounds lighter, but the thinning trend isn’t confined to the
guys playing the 3-4 defense, or only the players for the NFC East champion Cowboys who have still have rising expectations. Bruising running back Marion Barber thinned down so much that at 218 pounds he actually weighs about two pounds less than speedy tailback Felix Jones. Even quarterback Tony Romo came to camp about five pounds lighter than expected, at around 223 pounds. Coach Wade
Phillips, who himself lost about 40 pounds since last season, believes even those minor shifts in body weight will help the players maximize their talents. “I always tell them I want them to run as fast as they can. That’s really what you want to be able to do,” Phillips said. “(Weight loss) usually helps your quickness, but again you have to be a cer-
See COWBOYS PAGE 2B
Open season Texans ready to build on 2009 success By CHRIS DUNCAN ASSOCIATED PRESS
HOUSTON — The Houston Texans missed the playoffs by one victory in 2009, settling for the franchise’s first winning record as the season’s defin-
ing accomplishment. That won’t be good enough this year. The Texans opened their ninth training camp on Friday with higherthan-ever expectations,
See TEXANS PAGE 2B
HAWK SPORTS
MLB TEXAS
2010 Athletics set to take off
Rangers acquire Guzman
By CLARA SANDOVAL THE ZAPATA TIMES
The first day of football is around the corner as the season starts Monday with the first official day of practice. Some teams across the state of Texas are dusting off their pads and getting ready for two-a-days in order to prepare for the grueling season. The rest of the teams will start on Aug. 9. The Zapata Hawks will start bright and early Monday morning to kick off the 2010 season. All Hawk football players, ninth through 12th grade, are scheduled to report at 7 a.m. at Zapata High School ready to start practice. Players must be in practice gear that includes tshirts, shorts and cleats. The second practice of the day will start at 4:30 p.m. Players are reminded
See HAWKS PAGE 2B
By ANGELA K. BROWN ASSOCIATED PRESS
WASHINGTON — Cristian Guzman’s agent says the infielder has given his OK to be traded to the Texas Rangers by the Washington Nationals. Agent Stanley King says in a telephone interview Friday that Guzman has “been made aware” of — and given approval for — the deal sending him to the AL West leaders. Players with at least 10 years of major league service, including five consecutive years with their current club, cannot be traded without their consent. Guzman made his debut in the majors with Minnesota in 1999 and joined the Nationals in 2005. Nationals manager Jim Riggleman says the team will not make an announcement about Guzman until Saturday.
Rangers bid rejected FORT WORTH — A bankruptcy judge Friday rejected a last-minute higher bid on the Texas Rangers from Major League Baseball’s preferred buyer, a deal that would have canceled next week’s auction. Since U.S. Bankruptcy
Judge D. Michael Lynn said Wednesday’s auction will proceed as planned, the higher bid from a group led by Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan and Pittsburgh attorney Chuck Greenberg is now off the table. That means the starting bid at the auction will still be $306.7 million, which is the cash portion of Greenberg-Ryan’s $575 million bid. The court-appointed restructuring officer, William Snyder, had asked the judge to forgo an auction. He said the GreenbergRyan group had substantially increased its offer and removed “stinky” side deals that creditors said benefitted team owner Tom Hicks. The new bid was filed under seal, but an attorney for the team, Ronit Berkovich, indicated in court that it was $40 million higher. Lynn said Friday that he did not believe creditors’ claims that Snyder was trying to make “an end run” to sell the team to Greenberg-Ryan’s group, which was chosen as the buyer after the team’s original bidding process last year. Creditors who have blocked that deal, saying
See RANGERS PAGE 2B
Photo by Al Behrman | AP
Washington Nationals’ Cristian Guzman, left, celebrates with relief pitcher Matt Capps (55) after they defeated the Cincinnati Reds 8-5 in a baseball game, Wednesday, in Cincinnati. Guzman hit a two-run home run and Capps earned his 24th save.
PAGE 2B
Zscores
SATURDAY, JULY 31, 2010
RANGERS Continued from Page 1B the group’s bid was not the highest, urged the judge Friday to proceed with the auction. Lynn made his decision after lawyers for Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban and Houston businessman Jim Crane said their clients were preparing to bid at the auction. Cuban is reviewing documents, but the auction date and bidding procedures are not a problem for him, said his lawyer, Clifton Jessup. Now, the initial Greenberg-Ryan bid — which includes legal costs and damages if Hicks is sued
AP
Chicago White Sox infielders Alexei Ramirez (10), Omar Vizquel and Gordon Beckham (15) smile as they leave the field after the team beat the Seattle Mariners in a baseball game Monday, July 19, 2010, in Seattle. The White Sox won 6-1. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
White Sox continue to roll By CHARLES ODUM ASSOCIATED PRESS
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Falcons coach Mike Smith was smiling cautiously as training camp opened on Friday. Smith was happy because all the players lost to injuries in 2009 were back and his top 2010 draft pick, linebacker Sean Weatherspoon, signed just in time for the first practice. Smith was cautious because he knows it will be difficult to avoid injuries through two-a-day practices in intense heat. “The biggest thing for us is to stay healthy, especially in the first 10 days of training camp,” Smith said. “I think throughout the league as you watch, there’s going to be a lot of guys missing time. We want to have our guys on the field.”
Weatherspoon, the firstround pick from Missouri, signed a five-year, $17.5 million contract, including $10.5 million guaranteed. The deal was completed late Thursday. “My main goal was just to make sure I was out here for practice,” Weatherspoon said after Friday’s first practice. “You don’t want to miss any time out there on the field. It was a big deal to me, getting here.” Weatherspoon is learning both outside linebacker positions in the Falcons’ 4-3 scheme. “It was fun to get out there and run around and just try to make some plays and knock the rust off a little bit and get back in the swing of things,” he said. Weatherspoon is projected to eventually replace 34year-old Mike Peterson, who is serving as the roo-
kie’s mentor. “He knows everything that’s going on out there,” Weatherspoon said. “He’s played this system for so long. He knows exactly what’s going on so I kind of lean on him.” Weatherspoon was the Falcons’ last draft pick to sign. Smith also celebrated the return of three key players who had seasonending knee injuries in 2009: defensive tackle Peria Jerry, cornerback Brian Williams and receiver Harry Douglas. Jerry and Williams are possible starters. Douglas was projected as the team’s No. 3 receiver and punt return specialist before he suffered a torn left anterior cruciate ligament in last year’s training camp. “Having (Douglas) coming back, having Brian Wil-
liams coming back and Peria, it’s only going to help us become a better football team,” tight end Tony Gonzalez said. “That’s why I’m so excited. That’s why this 100-degree weather is just a side note as far as I’m concerned.” Jerry, a 2009 first-round pick, had a light brace on his left knee in his return from the injury that forced him to miss most of his rookie season. “I thought Peria looked very good this morning,” Smith said. Jerry was held out of team drills in the morning practice. Each of the three were limited to walkthrough drills in the afternoon session. Smith said that pattern could continue for the first two weeks. “We’re going to manage all three of those guys and bring them along,” Smith said.
after the sale, an office building lease and $9 million in adviser fees — will be submitted at the auction. The Greenberg-Ryan group has been under fire from creditors because those items were transferred to the Rangers from Hicks’ other companies that are not part of the bankruptcy case. The bid also includes the Rangers Ballpark lease, which JP Morgan Chase, a creditor, is trying to sever from the team’s sale. The judge will not decide that issue until next year.
HAWKS Continued from Page 1B that they must attend both practice sessions and they must have all the necessary paperwork turned in prior to the start of practice. “Parents are more than welcome to attend all the practice sessions,” Zapata coach Mario Arce said. Volleyball also starts practice Monday. All high school girls interested in trying out for the volleyball team need to report to the high school gym at 8 a.m. The practice will be divided into two sessions that must be attended by the athletes. First practice is from 8 a.m-11:30 a.m. and then all must return in the afternoon starting at 1:30 p.m. for the second session. All girls need to come prepared to work out in the morning and all athletes need to remember to have all paperwork and physicals before they can work out. Coming back from last year’s team is Brandi King, Selina Mata, and Cassy Quintanilla.
All girls need to come prepared to work out in the morning and all athletes need to remember to have all paperwork and physicals before they can work out. Coming up from the junior varsity are Shelby Bigler, Kristina De Leon, Suzy Dominguez, Cristina Mendoza, Estella Molina, Jackie Salinas and Karen Villa. Two athletes that are catching the coaching staff ’s attention are Evelyn Mendoza and Abby Aguilar.
TEXANS Continued from Page 1B and for good reason. Most of the key players return, anchoring the deepest, most talented roster in the expansion team’s history. Houston boasted the league’s top passing offense last season (291 yards per game), and the defense ranked among the top five over the final 13 games, allowing only 299 yards per game under first-year defensive coordinator Frank Bush. The steady improvements under coach Gary Kubiak have the players believing they can achieve more than just the team’s first postseason berth in 2010. “Guys don’t just look towards just getting to the playoffs,” star receiver Andre Johnson said, “they look forward to getting to the Super Bowl.” Johnson led the NFL with 1,569 receiving yards in 2009 and topped 100
catches for the third time in four years. He caused a stir when he skipped three voluntary workouts in the summer, drawing unwanted attention to his desire for a new contract. Johnson has five years left on his current $60 million deal. He said Friday that he doesn’t want to become a team distraction, and he’s content in feeling that the two sides will reach an agreement soon. “When it works out, it’ll work out,” Johnson said. “I’m just out here getting ready for the season.” Texans owner Bob McNair is confident Johnson will sign a new deal before training camp ends. “I would hope that we could get it done in a couple weeks,” McNair said. “We told him we would get it done, and that is what we will do.” The Texans signed their top two draft picks — cor-
nerback Kareem Jackson and running back Ben Tate — just before training camp began. Jackson missed the morning workout to finish signing paperwork, but joined the team in the afternoon. The 5-foot-10 Jackson will compete for the starting cornerback job vacated when veteran Dunta Robinson signed with Atlanta in the offseason. Glover Quin, who started 12 games as a rookie in 2009, is the front-runner to start on the other side. Veterans Jacques Reeves and Fred Bennett will also be in the mix during camp. Kubiak also has to settle on an early-season replacement for Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year Brian Cushing, who’s suspended for the first four games for violating the NFL’s drug policy.
Cushing is allowed to participate in training camp, and said after Friday’s practice that he’s put the controversy out of his mind for now. “I’ve got to have a good camp, I’ve got to have a great preseason,” Cushing said. “I’ve got to prepare myself for when I’m back and I’m going to train harder than ever and I’ve got to top last year. That’s my biggest concern, helping these guys win as best as I possibly can.” Veteran Danny Clark, who signed in the offseason, and Xavier Adibi will vie for the starting strongside linebacker position until Cushing returns. The Texans ranked 30th in rushing last season (92.2 yards per game), and used their second-round pick on the 5-11 Tate, who ran for 1,362 yards for Auburn last season. Tate and Arian Foster
will push Steve Slaton, who ran for 437 yards and coughed up seven fumbles in 2009. Slaton is coming off cervical fusion surgery to fix a neck injury that landed him on injured reserve last December. The Texans lost five games by seven points or fewer last season, partly because they couldn’t rely on their running attack to extend possessions in the fourth quarter. “I think it’s very important to know that we can line up late in games and close games out and control the ball better in some situations where we weren’t able to control or finish some games last year,” Kubiak said. “Obviously, we’ve been poor in that area and it’s a big point of emphasis in this camp.” Houston signed Neil Rackers in the offseason to duel Kris Brown for the
starting role at kicker. Brown, the only player to appear in every Texans’ game, missed 11 of 32 attempts last season, including two in the closing seconds in 3-point losses to Indianapolis and Tennessee. Kubiak said he’s in no hurry to make any depthchart decisions. He’s already looking forward to preseason games against New Orleans (Aug. 21) and Dallas (Aug. 28) to size up positions. “I think they’ll be settled over the long haul, and it will be very, very competitive from that standpoint,” Kubiak said. “We’ve got an excellent preseason ahead of us. We play three playoff teams and Super Bowl teams so you know, what more could you ask for from a competition standpoint and checking everyone out?”
Since the procedure in April, Newton has lost 133 pounds — from 396 to 263 — and his waist size has decreased from 56 to 40 inches. “Nobody recognizes me. Nobody knows me if I don’t open my mouth,” Newton said with a smile. “I didn’t want to die because of fatrelated (symptoms), because I got diabetes, because I got high blood pressure. I don’t want a heart attack because I’m 400 and something pounds.”
Bryant became entangled with a defender while trying to catch a pass near the end of Friday’s practice. When he got up and tried to walk, he grimaced in obvious pain, then sat down on the turf and reached for his right ankle. Trainers checked on him and helped him off the field. The extent of the injury and the exact nature of it were not immediately known. NOTES: TE Martellus Bennett made his camp debut Friday after missing the first six days because of a sprained ankle sustained in a personal workout before getting to San Antonio. ... There were plenty of boos heard in the Alamodome. They were directed at a fan wearing a Washington Redskins T-shirt and cap who sat only a few rows from the field.
COWBOYS Continued from Page 1B tain size. You can’t be a 250pound defensive lineman. But I like them quick and fast.” The 63-year-old coach, who is also the defensive coordinator and added the title of grandfather the week before camp, proved to be quite an example with his weight loss. He is clearly moving much more nimbly on the field. “It’s good to see Wade moving around and not breathing hard out here,” linebacker Bradie James said. “It’s good to see that he’s a little bit more healthier and we know he’ll be around. He’ll definitely be giving us his all.” During some defensive drills Friday, Phillips was actively moving with the players while teaching at the same time. He even played the role of an end, dropping back and taking
the initial steps with a receiver in a pass-coverage drill for defensive backs. After the horn blew ending a drill earlier this week, when the offense and defense were on the opposite ends of the field, Sam Hurd caught a pass and was running toward midfield. Phillips was coming from the other end and broke down in a defensive stance in front of Hurd, who responded with a playful move to get around the coach. Ware, the team’s sacks leader with more than 10 in each of the last four seasons, said the heaviest he was in college as a defensive end at Troy was 242 his senior year. He had to gain weight to play linebacker in the NFL, and had bulked up to the 262-265 range last season. “I feel a lot quicker,” Ware said. “That extra add-
ed poundage tears you down at the end of the season, but now I feel really fresh.” Still, the thing that Phillips finds hard to believe is that “Felix Jones is heavier than Marion Barber.” Barber wanted to lose a few pounds for quickness, and the coach believes that will benefit the hard-charging runner. At the same time, Jones said it was his choice to add some muscle. “I’m kind of filling into my body,” the 23-year-old Jones said. “Working hard this offseason, I put on a little bit of muscle. Not anything else, straight muscle.” Asked if he feels fat, Jones quickly responded, “Not at all, not at all.” Phillips chuckles when asked how many pounds he has lost and why he did it. He wouldn’t get into specifics on how much he
weighed then and now. “When you’re younger, it’s ’boy you look like you’re in good shape and you’re really doing good.’ When you’re older, they say are you sick,” Phillips said. “It’s just something personally I wanted to do.” Asked how he did it, Phillips mentioned Nutrisystem and joked that maybe he could be doing commercials for the weight-loss system endorsed by Hall of Fame coach Don Shula. Former Cowboys offensive lineman Nate Newton, who once weighed as much as 411 pounds, went a little more extreme to slim down. He had a surgical procedure for a gastric sleeve that dramatically decreased the size of his stomach. Newton, now working for ESPN Radio in Dallas, is almost unrecognizable on the sideline at training camp.
Bryant injured during practice SAN ANTONIO — Cowboys rookie receiver Dez Bryant has been helped off the field by trainers after apparently injuring his right ankle at the end of practice.
SATURDAY, JULY 31, 2010
THE ZAPATA TIMES 3B
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HINTS BY | HELOISE LOST-AND-FOUND DOG Dear Readers: What should you do if you FIND A LOST DOG? Nothing? Take it in? Call the pound? If you do encounter a “lost” dog, carefully approach the animal; a scared dog is more apt to bite. If the dog is friendly, you’ll want to keep it out of harm. First, call the veterinarians and shelters in your area. They almost always have a lost-and-found bulletin board. The vet’s office can scan the animal for a microchip, which should contain the owner’s contact information. Make up posters with a good description of the animal and your contact information. If you can, include a picture of the dog. Place the posters around the neighborhood and near where you found the dog. Local businesses may allow you to put up your poster; just ask the manager. Most newspapers will run a “Found” ad for the dog in the paper and online at no charge. Glance over the “Lost” ads also, to see if any dogs match the dog you found. Kindhearted agencies (listed in the paper) also will try to match up dogs and owners. Lastly, if you are not able to care for the animal, try to find it a home by telling your friends, family and co-workers. You would be amazed at the large number of dogs and cats
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HELOISE
that find warm, loving homes through word-of-mouth “advertising.” A friend, or a friend of a friend, just may be looking for a pet! -- Heloise NO FRONT-SEAT SITTING! Dear Heloise: Front-seat sitting in vehicles isn’t for animals! Please let your readers know that air bags that can harm children can harm pets, too. Loose pets can become projectiles in an accident. With the advent of air bags, our old puppy couldn’t understand why he could not ride up front anymore. That was his great thrill ride with me, and he was constantly being petted! We have a minivan and use dog crates for the dogs. I attach the seat belt, using selfgripping fasteners, to the crate. -- Pat Martinez, via e-mail SNAKES ALIVE! Dear Heloise: For those of us who have beautiful flowers that the birds envy, I found that using rubber snakes keeps them out. I put the snakes down in the middle so they aren’t seen by the casual observer, but they frighten the birds away. -- Karen in Woodstock, Va.
DAILY CRYPTOQUOTES — Here’s how to work it:
REAL ESTATE
LOTS FOR SALE
70
RENTALS
LOTS FOR SALE
70
2 corner lots38 miles North Laredo,one all utilities $20,000 & down, 722-4708; 724-2988
ACREAGE FOR SALE 76 5 acre Commercial tract, frontage on CasaVerde Rd.$215,000 per acre. Contact (956)725-6641 5 acres 16 miels East Laredo $36,000 OBO cash 722-4708; 724-2988
UNFURNISHED HOUSES 100 For sale by owner ower finances $15,000D 3b/2bath walking distances to school in central laredo for more info. call 645-1138 House For Sale by Owner 9638 Pratridge Loop 4bd/2bth (956)251-3186
PETS & SUPPLIES
Beautiful Daushund/ Weiner Puppies all shots, plz Call : 324-1386
DENNIS THE MENACE
LIVESTOCK & SUP PLIES 130 Trained Roping paint horse, $2,000 call 401-3070
MISCELLANEOUS
Chihuahua puppies 1m/1f shots & dwmd. $150. Call 744-2342; 145*131079*10 English Bull terrier male, 2.5mo, 1st shoots & dewormed, $300 Call 744-2342 For sale chinese pugs black and fawn first shots and deworm 5wks old $250 call: 763-5840 or 286-6027
LIVESTOCK & SUP PLIES 130
COMMERCIAL INVESTMENT 79 Commercial- Residential B-1 corner, 48x138, 1st floor office, 2nd floor 2 bedroom, warehouse in the back, $135,000, 502 Corpus Christi St Ph 956-693-3779
PETS & SUPPLIES 128 Adorable long hair chihuahuas, 8wks, 1st shot, $250, 285-0270
5112 Angel Falls,blk 6,8,498sqft Lakeside Subd.,$64,000 Negotiable Call 744-5247 or 726-0573 North Laredo, Lauren Ln., Tiara sbdvn,approx 7,050sqft., near schools, shopping center,near hospitals, great location. $55,000 OBO Call:337-7738
FAMILY CIRCUS
PETS & SUPPLIES 128
CABRITOS, Live/Vivos, Chivos/Chivas $50 & up 948-5218
04’chevy silverado 2500LS crewcab $17,500 or OBO 723-7076
Longhorn Cattle for Sale. $300 & up Call 956-285-2222
GARAGE SALES
134
Fri & Sat! 10a-1p, 3303 Cortez, Revendores, bolsas de Ropa Y Zapatos
ARTICLES FOR SALE 136 7pc.Bedroom set in Oak $500 OBO Call 744-7077
Aire acondicionado de ventana 210 $75 724-2988; 722-4708 BilliardTables,parts,service $25 & up 744-1575, bimbo1951@yahoo.com
ARTICLES FOR SALE 136
ARTICLES FOR SALE 136
Cerucho de mesa $150 en muy buenas condiciones 724-2988; 722-4708 Electric Wheel Chair (Jazzy) perfect condition $650 OBO call: 740-3381 King size Mattress sets, Starting $165 Call 645-2006
Men’s Rolex,05’GMT master2, Excellent condition $3,500 Call 326-5187 NEW ATTELL speakers for computer, 3 w/subwoofer, MP3 $19 call: 401-7410 RCA HomeTheater,1000 watts AM/FM, surround sound $100 401-7410 Sofa, love seat, 60’ T.V & set of 3 tables $300 OBO 568-5112 Washer and Dryer $250 723-6633 3412 N. Buenavista
King Size Mattress, semi-new, $125 OBO Call: 645-0471 King size Sealy,mattress pillow top firm good condition $100 (956)319-3979
Mini computer ANDROID tablet, Wi-Fi internet, $250 New 333-3663 MOTOR CARBURADOR 318 Dodge,motor nuevecito, solomente 4,500 millas originales 724-8693; 334-3476
TRANSPORTATION
AUTOMOTIVE PARTS 194 5 Goodyear Wrangler Tires, 265x65x17 $30ea. OBO 401-7410
TRUCKS FOR SALE 198 93’ Chev Pick up Galant 2002 color black call (956)771-2937 Ford F150, 1991, 6cyl, 129k miles, $1,200 call 956-744-3777
2 New BFgoodridge tires, 37x12.50x18, $450, Call 326-5187
200
2001 Mazda Protege 4 cyl.,A/C, 1 owner,blue title,very good cond., $3,850 Call: 645-0471 2007 Mercedes Benz in excellent cond., low mileage, $25,000 OBO Call: 722-0117
‘06 Toyota Scion XA, 4dr., low miles, $6,300 call: 645-9891 ‘07 Chevy Cobalt, 2dr., low miles, $4,700 call:645-9891
Ford F-450 ‘01, Diesel $11,500 Call 237-2425 CARS FOR SALE
HEAVY EQUIPMENT 192
CARS FOR SALE
200
2001 Chevy Malibu,140K miles, 4dr., good paint, $1,900 OBO call: 729-0896
Ford Escort 2001 as is $1600 OBO Call: 956-775-7187 Ford Focus 2002, excellent cond., asking $3,500 OBO Call: 333-9421; 771-6219 Mercedes Benz 06’E350, Excelelnt cond., 1 owner, $25,000, call 286-0670 Mercury Grand Marquis 07’ 14200M $13,900 call 728-1609or 92*1045269*2 or 286-4646
Sports
4B THE ZAPATA TIMES
France tops Spain in U-19 soccer ASSOCIATED PRESS
CAEN, France — Chelsea winger Gael Kakuta set up Alexandre Lacazette for a late winning goal Friday as France rallied to beat Spain 2-1 to win the under-19 European Championship for the second time. With five minutes remaining, Kakuta took the ball and spun around in midfield, dribbling past the two central defenders with sudden changes of direction. Kakuta’s shot was saved by goalkeeper Alex, but he followed up and chipped the ball perfectly for Lacazette to head in at the far post. Spain, which has won the tournament four times, took the lead in the 18th minute through striker Rodrigo before Gilles Sunu equalized for the French in the 49th after being expertly set up by forward Yannis Tafer. France coach Francis Smerecki said his players were desperate to make up for losing to Spain in the Euro under-17 final two years ago. “I have known some of these players for four years, and they really deserve to be champions of Europe,” Smerecki said. “They were really disappointed to lose the under-17 final two years ago. They really wanted to win tonight.” Lacazette and Tafer play for Lyon and both came off the bench in the second half as Smerecki changed to a more attacking lineup. “Once again we saw the importance of the substitute’s bench, because both players who came on did really well. It’s the victory of a whole squad,” Smerecki said. “To stop this Spanish team, you have to stop them getting the ball to their feet. That’s what we managed to do after the break by being more aggressive.” Spain looked totally in control in the first half with France unable to create a good scoring chance. “At the start of the second half we told each other that we had nothing to lose,” France striker Cedric Bakambu said. “The fans got behind us, and that is pleasing.” Spain’s coach Luis Milla said his players deserved more, but praised France for its resilience. “We were controlling the match ... but matches last 90 minutes and we weren’t able to stay with France in the second half,” he said. “At this level, you lose a match on small details. Once France equalized they had the upper hand.” Having kept out Sergio Canales’ earlier attempt, France goalkeeper Abdoulaye Diallo was beaten by Rodrigo’s low strike from the left of the penalty area after he collected a pass from Daniel Pacheco.
SATURDAY, JULY 31, 2010
Cautious Falcons open training camp By CHARLES ODUM ASSOCIATED PRESS
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Falcons coach Mike Smith was smiling cautiously as training camp opened on Friday. Smith was happy because all the players lost to injuries in 2009 were back and his top 2010 draft pick, linebacker Sean Weatherspoon, signed just in time for the first practice. Smith was cautious because he knows it will be difficult to avoid injuries through two-a-day practices in intense heat. “The biggest thing for us is to stay healthy, especially in the first 10 days of training camp,” Smith said. “I think throughout the league as you watch, there’s going to be a lot of guys missing time. We want to have our guys on the field.” Weatherspoon, the firstround pick from Missouri, signed a five-year, $17.5 million contract, including $10.5 million guaranteed. The deal was completed late Thursday.
AP
Atlanta Falcons rookie linebacker Sean Weatherspoon (53) stretches with teammates Curtis Lofton (5) and Weston Johnson, rear during the morning practice on the first day of NFL football training camp in Flowery Branch, Ga., Friday, July 30, 2010. (AP Photo/John “My main goal was just to make sure I was out here for practice,” Weatherspoon said after Friday’s first practice. “You don’t want to miss any time out there on the field. It was a big deal to me, getting here.” Weatherspoon is learning both outside lineback-
er positions in the Falcons’ 4-3 scheme. “It was fun to get out there and run around and just try to make some plays and knock the rust off a little bit and get back in the swing of things,” he said. Weatherspoon is projected to eventually replace 34-
year-old Mike Peterson, who is serving as the rookie’s mentor. “He knows everything that’s going on out there,” Weatherspoon said. “He’s played this system for so long. He knows exactly what’s going on so I kind of lean on him.” Weatherspoon was the Falcons’ last draft pick to sign. Smith also celebrated the return of three key players who had seasonending knee injuries in 2009: defensive tackle Peria Jerry, cornerback Brian Williams and receiver Harry Douglas. Jerry and Williams are possible starters. Douglas was projected as the team’s No. 3 receiver and punt return specialist before he suffered a torn left anterior cruciate ligament in last year’s training camp. “Having (Douglas) coming back, having Brian Williams coming back and Peria, it’s only going to help us become a better football team,” tight end Tony Gonzalez said. “That’s why I’m so excited.
That’s why this 100-degree weather is just a side note as far as I’m concerned.” Jerry, a 2009 first-round pick, had a light brace on his left knee in his return from the injury that forced him to miss most of his rookie season. “I thought Peria looked very good this morning,” Smith said. Jerry was held out of team drills in the morning practice. Each of the three were limited to walkthrough drills in the afternoon session. Smith said that pattern could continue for the first two weeks of camp. “We’re going to manage all three of those guys and bring them along,” Smith said. “Our philosophy is to make sure they meet certain milestones that are set by our doctor first, our (trainers) and then us as coaches.” Williams is competing with Brent Grimes and Christopher Owens for a starting job. Dunta Robinson, who signed with Atlanta as a free agent after six years in Houston, is the other starting corner.
Panthers’ Stewart back behind sidelines By MIKE CRANSTON ASSOCIATED PRESS
SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Jonathan Stewart has put together a gaudy resume in his two years in the NFL. He set Carolina’s rookie rushing record, led the Panthers in rushing last season and has played in all 33 regular-season and playoff games. Yet this may be the most remarkable part of it all: He’s hardly practiced in nearly three years. “Stew’s got it down to a science,” tight end Jeff King said, smiling. “He’s outsmarting us all.” The ribbing Stewart gets is expected, yet behind it is respect and amazement by his teammates for how he’s been able to play through a painful Achilles’ tendon and heel injury. After undergoing surgery in January, Stewart still hasn’t been cleared to return, and is watching the start of training camp while on the physically unable to perform list. “There’s a lot of jokes being made here or there about that whole situation, but me being an athlete and me being a competitor, practice is something that’s very important to excel,” Stewart said Friday. “You’ve got guys that are
About halfway through his rookie season he started being held out of at least one practice a week with what the secretive Panthers called just a “sore left heel.” Despite the pain, the strong and stocky Stewart rushed for 836 yards and 10 touchdowns, both franchise rookie records. Stewart and DeAngelo Williams combined for the most yards by NFL teammates since 1984. Stewart then sat out every offseason workout last Photo by Chuck Burton | AP season, and had participatCarolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart works on a con- ed in eight of 48 practices ditioning drill during practice at the NFL football team’s training before playing in Week 1 against Philadelphia. His camp in Spartanburg, S.C back on Thursday. Achilles’ tendon and heel throbbing, Stewart wasn’t practicing around you pressure on his left foot is sure he’d make it through and getting better and what caused the new injury. the season. you’re not being able to get the opportunity. “Once I get healthy, it’s going to be one of the best days of my life.” Stewart indicated the last time he was pain-free was in his final year at Oregon, just before he injured his right big toe against Arizona on Nov. 15, 2007. It required surgery, and Stewart was held out of all offseason practices after going to Carolina with the 13th overall pick. Overcompensating for his toe by putting more
“At the beginning, no,” Stewart said. “But I had my teammates around me.” Despite practicing once or twice a week at the most, Stewart recovered from a slow start and had big games after Williams went out with an ankle injury. Stewart rushed for a franchise-record 206 yards in a win at the New York Giants, and finished with 1,133 yards despite being in constant pain. “There was one play I remember, he broke like 40 yards, guys were still trying to tackle him, and he was moaning and yelling at the bottom of the huddle,” center Ryan Kalil said. “And he got back in and we ran another play. That’s a tough guy.”