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INVESTIGATION
ZAPATACOUNTY MEDICAL CLINIC
Authorities investigate man’s death
Cutting back
By JULIETA CHIQUILLO
Employees angry after pay, benefits slashed
LAREDO MORNING TIMES
Circumstances surrounding the death of an 18year-old Zapata man in North Texas remain unclear as law enforcement agents wait on toxicology results. “The manner and cause of death have not been determined at this time,” said Lt. Charlie Perkins of the Walker County Sheriff ’s Department, noting that his office awaits autopsy results from the Dallas County Medical MARTINEZ Examiner’s Office. Law enforcement agents on July 22 found Juan Antonio Martinez III barely alive at the Huntsville State Park in Walker County, about 150 miles east of Austin. He was taken by medical helicopter to Dallas where he died at a local hospital on July 23. Perkins said 26-year-old Joshua Abbott, who made the 911 call, was arrested at the park on charges of public intoxication and interference with public duties. Perkins described Abbott as Martinez’s acquaintance and referred questions about the arrest to the Department of Public Safety because a Highway Patrol trooper made the arrest. Trooper Floyd Garner, who reportedly responded to the scene, could not be reached for comment Friday.
By DIANA R. FUENTES THE ZAPATA TIMES Skyrocketing health care costs forced the Zapata County Medical Clinic to drastically reduce the salaries of most of its employees and suspend health insurance for all of them this week, clinic officials said, prompting a temporary walkout. “This was a reaction to bad news, which is understand-
able,” said attorney Manuel Pelaez, who is working with Dr. Larry Sands of the Zapata Medical Group. “We had people walk out in frustration, but the clinic stayed open,” Pelaez said. “Some said they quit, but they came back.” The Zapata Medical Group runs the nonprofit clinic under an estimated $1.8 million annual contract with Zapata County to provide indigent
health care. It sees about 1,120 patients per month and employs 20 people. While it primarily sees patients who are indigent, the clinic, which is open 24/7, also accepts patients who have insurance and those who want to pay cash. But there’s just not enough money to go around right now. Several employees saw their salaries slashed by more than half, dropping to the new
minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. A few highly skilled personnel, such as physician assistants and radiologic technologists, did not see a salary decrease but did lose insurance coverage. “We’re trying to make sure the clinic stays open, to make sure that when you come inside with a sick kid, that your kid gets taken care of,” Pelaez
See HEALTH CARE | PAGE 8A
See DEATH | PAGE 8A
LAW ENFORCMENT
Photo by Ricardo Segovia | Laredo Morning Times
Players Palace, located between Falcon and Zapata, has 8liner machines, or maquinitas, with which to entertain customers.
Maquinitas feel sheriff’s heat, close By JULIETA CHIQUILLO LAREDO MORNING TIMES
Several maquinita establishments have halted operations since Zapata County Sheriff Sigifredo “Sigi” Gonzalez announced his intentions to crack down on players and owners alike involved in illegal gambling. Six of seven maquinita establishments in Falcon have closed since Gonzalez met with about 25 establishment owners, employees and Falcon residents on July 1 to explain to them what those businesses are legally allowed to do, the sheriff said. The sheriff held a similar meeting in Zapata on July 16.
‘Getting caught’ “Maybe they don’t want to risk getting caught or an arrest,” Gonzalez said. The gambling machines known as 8-liners or maquinitas are not allowed to pay cash, and prizes awarded to customers may not exceed $5 in value, according to state law. Some of the 11 maquinita establishments in Zapata also have closed, Gonzalez said. On a recent trip to Falcon, two maquinita establishments along the U.S. 83 — Lucky Frog and Far Far Away — were closed. At least 40 vehicles were parked Friday night outside a warehouse establishment tucked away
See MAQUINITAS | PAGE 8A
Photos by Cuate Santos | Laredo Morning Times
KIDS TO FISH TODAY T
he second annual Whiskers & Tails Kids Fishing Tournament is today from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Zapata County boat ramp. Boys and girls ages 5 to 13 are welcome to participate. Admission is free. “Every kid is going to go home with some type of prize,” said Carolina Calderas, a member of the “Whiskers & Tails” board of directors. TOP: A fisherman passes under a sign Friday promoting the “Whiskers & Tails” fishing tournament hanging over the road towards the Zapata County public boat ramp. LEFT: Zapata County shop employee Rene Garcia uses plastic ties as he hangs the sign promoting today’s tournament.