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EDUCATION GRANTS
Tech upgrades
Golf to help raise funds
New fiberoptic cables to help town’s communications By MIGUEL HERRERA THE ZAPATA TIMES
Items of interest on the advanced agenda for the Zapata County Commissioners Court deal with growth in economic and technological areas as well as changes in county personnel.
In business tabled from the July 11 meeting due to lack of pertinent information, the court will consider approval of a request by Border to Border Communications, Inc. to bury fiberoptic cables under the intersection of 20th Street and Highway 16 near Zapata High School. The cables, which will run under Miraflores, Alamo and Evergreen
streets, will bolster Zapata’s communications abilities, according to Border to Border general manager Steven Andrews. “We’re trying to give Zapata a big pipe to the outside world,” he said. The cables will yield data usage capabili-
See COUNTY PAGE 10A
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS SHARES ITS BOOKS
Multi-county program to get tourney money By NICK GEORGIOU THE ZAPATA TIMES
On top of the $4 billion slash to public education funding during the next two school years, Texas lawmakers also cut more than $1 billion in education-related grants. Among them was the $32 million distributed to Texas’ 27 Communities in Schools, a program that aims to prevent students from dropping out. Because of reduced funding to the grant, Communities in Schools – Laredo will receive 30 percent less money, or $240,000, from $742,000 to $502,000, said Joe Gutierrez, executive director of the nonprofit. Nonetheless, the organization will operate at the same capacity thanks to support from area school districts, he said. The local program, established in 1991, works with about 2,700 students throughout 17 public schools in Laredo, Zapata, Hebbronville and Carrizo Springs. One full-time counselor is at each
See SCHOOLS PAGE 10A
BUDGET
Photo by Cuate Santos | The Zapata Times
Cassandra Flores, 9, looks over some of the books that were donated to the Imaginarium of South Texas in Laredo on Friday morning by Rep. Henry Cuellar and his staff. Cuellar collected the books from the Library of Congress.
Debt deal to cut spending By DAVID ESPO ASSOCIATED PRESS
RECREATION
an art contest inspired by the lake and the love of fishing. “They were so great,” Balderas said of the art. “The kids let their imaginations go wild.” Among the winners was fourth-grader Jorge Ramirez-Benavides, who drew a detailed
WASHINGTON — With scant time to spare, President Barack Obama signed legislation Tuesday to avoid an unprecedented national default that he said would have devastated the U.S. economy. But the truce with Republicans that defused the crisis seemed to be fading already. The compromise deal to persuade GOP lawmakers to raise the federal debt limit — U.S. borrowing was to collide with it at midnight Tuesday — will cut
See FISHING PAGE 10A
See BUDGET PAGE 10A
Chamber to hold fishing tournament By MIGUEL HERRERA THE ZAPATA TIMES
The Zapata Chamber of Commerce will host the Back to School Kids Fishing Tournament on Saturday, Aug. 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Event coordinator Celia Balderas says events like this are im-
portant for the reputation of Falcon Lake. “We have a wonderful lake,” Balderas said. “Our kids and families go fishing here.” Though such events have been held in the past, Balderas says they’ve taken on new importance in light of negative publicity brought upon the lake by reports
of Mexican drug gang “pirates.” “We try to promote tourism,” she said. Falcon Lake, unusable for the tournament due to construction of a public boat ramp, serves as not only the cause for the tournament, but the inspiration for youth art. Over 268 Zapata Elementary School students entered
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Zin brief CALENDAR
SATURDAY, AUGUST 6, 2011
AROUND TEXAS
TODAY IN HISTORY
SATURDAY, AUG. 6
ASSOCIATED PRESS
A book sale will be held in the Widener Room of the First United Methodist Church, 1220 McClelland Ave., from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Donated books and magazines are accepted. The Diocese of Laredo will hold a Mass of Thanksgiving today at 9 a.m. at the Laredo Energy Arena. The Mass begins at 10:30 a.m. The event will have live music and entertainment beginning at 9:30 a.m. The mass is free and open to the public. For more information, please call 727-2140.
TUESDAY, AUG. 9 The local chapter of AARP meets every second Tuesday of the month at 2 p.m. at the Laredo Public Library, 1120 E. Calton Road, 956-795-2400. The meeting is open to AARP members. Discussions are held regarding health, Social Security, Medicare and keeping safe. For more information, call Jorge Castillo, local president, at 956-722-5307. The American Cancer Society monthly Look Good … Feel Better session is scheduled for 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. today at the American Cancer Society office, 9114 McPherson Road, Ste. 2520. Cancer can rob a woman of her energy, appetite and strength, but it doesn’t have to take away her self-confidence. The program is a complimentary makeup session that teaches beauty techniques to women in active chemotherapy treatment to help them combat the appearance-related side-effects of cancer. Ladies receive a free makeup bag. For more information or to reserve a seat, call 956-723-7933.
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 10 New student registration for United Independent School District for 2011-2012 is today and Monday from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. for elementary school students, 8:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. for middle school students, and 8:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. for high school students. The American Cancer Society is sponsoring classes for people with cancer and their family and friends. The I Can Cope program gives participants an opportunity to share their concerns with others and to design ways to cope with the challenges of a cancer diagnosis. Guest speakers include cancer management professionals. A physician will be present at all meeting to answer cancer questions. This month’s tope is “Communicating Concerns and Feelings.” The class is at Doctors Hospital of Laredo, in the Women’s Center Conference Room, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The class is free and open to the public. To RSVP or for more information, call Diana Juarez at 956-7239682.
THURSDAY, AUG. 11 The South Texas Food Bank’s Empty Bowls V fundraiser for the hungry will take place today at the Laredo Energy Arena (LEA) from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. The event features five-time Grammy, Oscar and Golden Globe winner Christopher Cross. A table of 10 tickets starts at $1,000 per table, including dinner and access to a silent auction of artwork. Concert tickets can be purchased at the LEA box office and Ticketmaster for $25, $15 and $10. For information call the South Texas Food Bank at 568-3673, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Photo by Tony Gutierrez | AP
Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott responds to a reporter’s question after making a statement regarding the two guilty findings against polygamist religious leader Warren Jeffs outside of the Tom Green County Courthouse on Thursday in San Angelo.
Jeffs walks out of court By WILL WEISSERT ASSOCIATED PRESS
SAN ANGELO — A polygamist sect leader convicted of child sexual assault walked out of his sentencing hearing in protest Friday, after reading a statement he claimed was from God. The statement promised a “whirlwind of judgment” on the world if God’s “humble servant” wasn’t set free. Warren Jeffs, 55, represented himself during a trial that ended with his conviction on two counts of sexual assault. The same jury must now decide his punishment But before the punishment phase began and jurors had been brought back into court Friday, Jeffs said, “I request the full removal of myself as an objection to all that has been presented.” He asked to keep serving as his own attorney, but state District Judge Barbara Walther
said he couldn’t leave and continue to represent himself at the same time. Instead, she ordered two lawyers who had been Jeffs’ standby counsel to represent him. “Mr. Jeffs, I know this is difficult for you to understand, but you do not have control over these proceedings,” Walther said. Jeffs is the ecclesiastical head of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, which believes polygamy brings exaltation in heaven. Jeffs asked to be taken back to jail, but Walther said that would make it difficult for his lawyers to communicate with him. Instead, he was placed in a room near the court and will be allowed to return to the hearing whenever he chooses. The judge said Jeffs won’t be able to dismiss his attorneys again and go back to defending himself..
AG: Ex-agent has history of sexual misconduct
Derailment in East Texas, heat could be factor
Gonzales Ramos sworn in as federal judge
BASTROP — A former liquor control agent accused of sexually assaulting a teenager recruited for an underage drinking sting had a history of sexual misconduct with teens, and he was hired to enforce Texas liquor laws despite being fired from a police department for drunkenness, prosecutors allege in a new court filing. Joe Chavez, 42, is scheduled to go on trial Monday in Bastrop on two counts of sexual assault of a child stemming from a 2009 incident with a 16-year-old girl.
MINEOLA — Union Pacific officials are trying to determine whether heat was a factor in an 18-car derailment in rural East Texas. UP spokeswoman Raquel Espinoza says crews are working to clear the tracks, several miles east of Mineola, but it would likely be Saturday before the line reopens. She says nobody was hurt Thursday afternoon in the derailment.
CORPUS CHRISTI— State District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos of Corpus Christi has been sworn in as a federal judge. Gonzales Ramos took the oath office Thursday afternoon. The U.S. Senate late Tuesday approved her nomination. President Barack Obama approved the confirmation Thursday.
BancorpSouth sells 2 Texas offices
SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio police say a man driving the wrong way on a busy highway has died after a struggle in which he was subdued with a Taser. Three officers were hurt Thursday trying to arrest 30year-old Pierre Abernathy. Abernathy was handcuffed and in a patrol car when he stopped breathing. An autopsy has been ordered. — Compiled from AP reports
2 face fed charges over fake cash in Austin area AUSTIN — Police in Central Texas have arrested two men on counterfeiting charges. Austin police announced the arrests Friday. They say the men used fake cash to buy iPhones and iPads from people who advertised the items online.
TUPELO, Miss. — Regional banker BancorpSouth Inc. has agreed to sell two of its Texas branches. Under the deal revealed Friday, BancorpSouth branches in Maud and Redwater, Texas, will go to the First National Bank of Hughes Springs, Texas. A price was not disclosed.
San Antonio man chased, subdued with Taser, dies
MONDAY, SEPT. 5 This Labor Day weekend, the Laredo Chamber of Commerce will be hosting “one of South Texas best golf tournaments” today from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Laredo Country Club! Call the Laredo Chamber of Commerce at 722-9895 for information.
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 21 The 18th Annual Logistics and Manufacturing Association’s Symposium will be taking place today, tomorrow and Friday at Texas A&M International University. The theme, entitled “Mexico’s Top Manufacturing and Consuming Regions Utilizing Port Laredo,” will focus on the ability for transportation and communications infrastructure, port and border administration, market access, and the overall business environment to govern a port’s ability to become a leader in facilitating global supply chains. For more information, contact Joseph Mendiola at info@ldfonline.org. 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
AROUND THE NATION Transgender inmates win appeal over treatments MADISON, Wis. — A federal appeals court on Friday upheld a ruling striking down a Wisconsin law banning publicly-funded hormone therapy for transgender inmates, saying denying the treatment amounted to torture. The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decision came in a case brought by a group of male inmates who identify as female. They argued they needed hormones to treat gender identity disorder and not having them would lead to health problems. On Friday, a three-judge panel of the appeals court upheld the ruling, saying the law violates a constitutional ban on cruel and unusual punishment because it denies medical treatment.
Peace Corps condemns alleged abuse NEW HAVEN, Conn. — The
Today is Saturday, Aug. 6, the 218th day of 2011. There are 147 days left in the year. Today’s Highlight in History: On Aug. 6, 1961, Soviet cosmonaut Gherman Titov became the second man to orbit Earth as he flew aboard Vostok 2, call sign “Eagle” (hence Titov’s repeated exclamation over the radio, “I am Eagle!”). On this date: In 1806, the Holy Roman Empire went out of existence as Emperor Francis II abdicated. In 1825, Upper Peru became the autonomous republic of Bolivia. In 1890, convicted murderer William Kemmler became the first person to be executed in the electric chair as he was put to death at Auburn State Prison in New York. In 1911, actress-comedian Lucille Ball was born in Jamestown, N.Y. In 1926, Gertrude Ederle became the first woman to swim the English Channel, arriving in Kingsdown, England, from France in 141/2 hours. In 1945, during World War II, the United States dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan, resulting in an estimated 140,000 deaths. In 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act. In 1978, Pope Paul VI died at Castel Gandolfo at age 80. In 1986, William J. Schroeder (SHRAY’-dur) died after living 620 days with the Jarvik 7 artificial heart. In 1991, the World Wide Web made its public debut as a means of accessing webpages over the Internet. TV newsman Harry Reasoner died in Norwalk, Conn., at age 68. Ten years ago: Ending months of speculation, former President Bill Clinton said he would write his much soughtafter memoirs for publisher Alfred A. Knopf. General Duong Van “Big” Minh, who was the president of South Vietnam for just a few days before the country fell to Communist invaders in 1975, died in Pasadena, Calif., at age 85. Brazilian author Jorge Amado died at age 88. Today’s Birthdays: Jazz musician Charlie Haden is 74. Actor-director Peter Bonerz is 73. Actress Louise Sorel is 71. AcActress Catherine Hicks is 60. Rock singer Pat MacDonald (Timbuk 3) is 59. Country musician Mark DuFresne (Confederate Railroad) is 58. Actress Stepfanie Kramer is 55. Actress Faith Prince is 54. Rhythm-and-blues singer Randy DeBarge is 53. Actor Leland Orser is 51. Country singers Peggy and Patsy Lynn are 47. Basketball Hall of Famer David Robinson is 46. Actor Jeremy Ratchford is 46. Country singer Lisa Stewart is 43. Movie writer-director M. Night Shyamalan (SHAH’mah-lahn) is 41. Actress Merrin Dungey is 40. Singer Geri Halliwell is 39. Actor Jason O’Mara is 39. Singer-actor David Campbell is 38. Actress Vera Farmiga is 38. Actress Ever (cq) Carradine is 37. Actress Soleil (soh-LAY’) Moon Frye is 35. Actress Melissa George is 35. Rock singer Travis McCoy (Gym Class Heroes) is 30. Rock musician Eric Roberts (Gym Class Heroes) is 27. Thought for Today: “The more things you do, the more you can do.” — Lucille Ball (1911-1989).
CONTACT US Publisher, William B. Green........................728-2501 Business Manager, Dora Martinez ...... (956) 324-1226 General Manager, Adriana Devally ...............728-2510 Retail Adv. Manager, Raul Cruz................... 728-2511 Classified Manager, Jesse Vicharreli ........... 728-2525 Adv. Billing Inquiries ................................. 728-2531 Circulation Director ................................. 728-2559 MIS Director, Michael Castillo.................... 728-2505 Managing Editor, Julie Silva ...................... 728-2565 City Editor, Mary Nell Sanchez .................. 728-2543 Sports Editor, Dennis Silva II......................728-2579 Entertainment Editor, Emilio Rábago III ....... 728-2564 Spanish Editor, Melva Lavín-Castillo............ 728-2569 Photo by Dean J. Koepfler/The News Tribune | AP
A 3-month-old red fox rests in a parking lot near Mount Rainier National Park, Wash., on July 11. Foxes are building dens next to roads and parking lots near Paradise to get easy access to visitors’ food scraps, but it puts the animals at risk. Peace Corps said Friday that a former volunteer’s alleged sexual abuse of young girls in South Africa is “reprehensible” and the agency supports the vigorous prosecution of the case. Jesse Osmun, 31, of Milford was arrested Thursday in Con-
necticut on federal charges of sexually abusing children at a center in Greytown, which helps AIDS victims. Authorities say Osmun molested five children under the age of 6, some multiple times. — 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, AUGUST 6, 2011
Zlocal
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BOWLING FOR JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT
Local duo open tutoring service 5 locations, from Roma to S.A. By DENISE BLAZ THE ZAPATA TIMES
Photo by Cuate Santos | The Zapata Times
Douglas Gonzalez, right, of Zapata, district manager for HEB, is one of the team members who will participate in the HEB Super Hero Bowl-A Thon to benefit Junior Achievement of Laredo. The event is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct 19, at the Jett Bowl North in Laredo. Pictured with Gonzalez are from left, Denisse Moreno and Danny Lozano of HEB, and Bill Green and Oralia Bernal representing Junior Achievement of Laredo. The event will kick-off the 2011-2012 campaign for Junior Achievement of Laredo.
Diocese Mass is this morning in Laredo THE ZAPATA TIMES
A Mass in honor of the 10th anniversary of the Diocese of Laredo is scheduled for today at 10:30 a.m. at the Laredo Energy Arena. The doors open at 9 a.m. and music is set to begin at 9:30 a.m. Free tickets have been available at all of the parishes, but those who
can’t make the event will be able to watch a live broadcast online. A link will be published at www.dioceseoflaredo.org today at 9 a.m. Bishop James Tamayo is expected to reveal the pastoral vision for the diocese for the next 10 years. The slogan for the event is “10 for 10.” “I am using that as a
good catchphrase because we are concluding the 10th anniversary year and as followers of Jesus, he told us to go out to all the world and share the good news and tell them of God’s love,” the bishop told Laredo Morning Times in June. “I am saying to people as disciples, invite 10 of your friends, family members, co-
workers to celebrate our anniversary so they recognize the joy, the faith, the love that I celebrate is not just for me but all of God’s people.”
Three months ago, Zapata residents Andrew Miller and his friend Lili Cisneros had high hopes when they ventured into uncharted territory and they opened up Progress to Success. The plan was to start up a tutoring business, but since then they say the demand for their business has grown and a few months into starting their venture they’re already expanding. Their services have since spread out to include San Antonio, Hebbronville, Roma, Kingsville and Laredo. “My family has always been in education,” said Miller. “I worked with a tutoring company and they wouldn’t open up their businesses in a rural community.” That’s when the idea for the business sparked up, he said, adding that Zapata had never had a
tutoring business before. Modeling their business with the customers needs in mind, Progress to Success uses benchmark tests to evaluate a student’s level and identify their problem areas. Math, reading and English are the core areas they concentrate on; however, they provide specialized test preparation, too. One-on-one, group sessions and in-home instruction is offered to better students at any level. Cheap prices for the two-hour, twice a week sessions also make the business an attractive alternative for customers, said Miller. “We understand that they need help, so let’s make it as cheap as possible,” said Miller. “People don’t have to drive to Laredo anymore.” Payment plan options are also available. For more information, visit the Progress to Success website at www.progresstosuccess.org. (Denise Blaz may be reached at 728-2547 or dblaz@lmtonline.com)
Zopinion
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SATURDAY, AUGUST 6, 2011
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR SEND YOUR SIGNED LETTER TO EDITORIAL@LMTONLINE.COM
COLUMN
OTHER VIEWS
Politics earns low score, high scorn By BOB FRANKEN HEARST NEWSPAPERS
W
ASHINGTON —Members of Congress, past and present, are among the many that etiquette assigns a designation of “Honorable” in front of their names. The proper address on a letter, for instance, is “Honorable (Name).” Maybe the time has come to undo that tradition. If you decide to attend some meeting with your congressperson if he or she is masochistic enough to confront constituents during the August vacation, consider offering this question: “Are you ashamed,” ask sweetly, “that you are in Congress?” If the answer is “no,” be concerned. Be very concerned. He or she has just come slinking back from Washington, taking part in a process that barely avoided doing serious and lasting harm to the credit of the United States. In the process, the participants brought serious discredit on themselves, as well as their institution and the country itself. Russia’s spookstrongman Vladimir Putin jumped at the chance to say that the U.S. is “living like parasites off the global economy.” Harsh? Possibly so. But listen to the words volunteered by respondents in a Washington Post-Pew Research Center poll that asked: “If you had to use one single word to describe your impression of the budget negotiations in Washington, what would that word be?” The survey concluded on July 31, as the debt deal was consummated. “Ridiculous” topped the list, but “Stupid,” “Childish,” “Idiotic” and “Pathetic” were well represented. A New York Times/ CBS News poll showed Friday that public disapproval of Congress is at an all-time high. A record 82 percent of Americans now disapprove of the way Congress is handling its job. More than four out of five people surveyed said that the recent debt ceiling debate was more about gaining political advantage than about doing what is best for the country. Nearly three-quarters said that the debate had harmed the image of the U.S. in the world. However, our nation has survived, for the moment, another “Do Something Even If It’s Wrong” plan as the alternative economic catastrophe. And this definitely is wrong. It is absurd that the wealthy get away
with paying so little in taxes for their opportunities to get rich. Given the unregulated wheeling and dealing by far too many of them, maybe we should levy a teeny fee for what sometimes seems like their license to steal. But their Republican enablers put up a barrier, while the Democrats scurry around wailing “Woe is me, woe is me” or calling the result of their most recent defeat a “Satan Sandwich.” Whatever that is, it’s tough to swallow and we are left with an upset stomach about a system that cannot survive if people are sick of the way it works. Part of this devil’s bargain is the appointment of a congressional committee to come up with some sort of financial rescue plan that will assure the credit rating services that they don’t have to ultimately lower the USA’s triple-A rating and push all citizens further along those dire economic straits that so many navigate already. Another committee. Whoopee. We’ve had a bunch of those already and they all come to the same conclusion about the financial mess: A solution can only be found in tough austerity AND added revenue. The fat cats have to be a little less gluttonous. Each time one more blue ribbon panel issues its report saying just that, the members are thanked for their service. Then ignored by the officeholders, who don’t want to make tough decisions. They even had trouble with the easy ones. Consider how Congress just skipped town, leaving that squabble over the Federal Aviation Administration unresolved. Until a huge public outcry forced congressional leaders to come to their senses, about 75,000 had been laid off nationwide, with various construction projects temporarily halted. Planes kept flying, thanks in great part to conscientious airport inspectors staying on without pay, handling their job-related expenses with their own money and credit cards. How grotesque was that? Republicans and Democrats accused each other of “petty politics.” Both were correct, although both were guilty of obvious redundancy. If not ashamed, we can only hope that some of them, in some off-camera moment, feel a twinge of embarrassment. Embarrassed, like their entire country is. (Email Bob Franken at bob@hearstdc.com); on the Web: www.bobfranken.tv)
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 namecalling 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.
COLUMN
Who really are the terrorists? By JONATHAN GURWITZ SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS
T
he highlight of the debt-ceiling debate, such as it was, occurred when Rep. Gabrielle Giffords entered the House chamber Monday night. Her remarkable return to Washington to cast a vote was a story of triumph over tragedy, of national interest over partisan interest, of civility over rancor. It was only eight months ago, in the wake of her attempted assassination and the murder of six others, that the nation’s leaders and talking heads agreed that it was time to tone down the rhetorical vitriol. Political opponents are not enemies, they sermonized, and certainly not enemies of the state. “At a time when our discourse has become so sharply polarized,” President Obama said at a memorial service, “at a time when we are far too eager to lay the blame for all that ails the world at the feet of those who think differently than we do, it’s important for us to pause for a moment and make sure that we are talking with each
other in a way that heals, not a way that wounds.” An irony of Giffords’ inspiring return is that many of those who piled onto the civility bandwagon in January jumped off hurling rhetorical dynamite in the debtceiling debate. They labeled opponents who insisted on addressing the perils of our nation’s deepening debt as “the Republican Taliban wing,” the GOP’s “Hezbollah faction” and “political suicide bombers.” At a caucus of House Democrats on Monday, several members referred to their Republican colleagues as terrorists. Politico reported that Vice President Joe Biden, who attended the caucus, joined in the tea party terror bashing. Biden denied the report. At the very least he is guilty of acquiescing in the face of political discourse that wounds, not heals. Nearing the tenth anniversary of the 9-11 attacks, these champions of faux civility, these hypocrites of hate speech have transformed opponents with whom they have a political disagreement into our nation’s most savage enemies. In deference to comedian
Jeff Foxworthy, it’s worth examining who the real extremists are in this debate. You might be a terrorist if you believe that difficult decisions about the debt crisis can no longer be postponed, that “America’s longterm fiscal gap is unsustainable and, if left unchecked, will see our children and grandchildren living in a poorer, weaker nation.” But that was the bipartisan National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform appointed by Obama. You might be a terrorist if you say “federal debt held by the public would double under the president’s budget, growing from $10.4 trillion (69 percent of GDP) at the end of 2011 to $20.8 trillion (87 percent of GDP) at the end of 2021.” But that was the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office evaluating the president’s proposed 2012 budget. You might be a terrorist if you’re a member of a group that unanimously rejects a White House proposal. But that was the U.S. Senate, including every member of its Democratic majority, who voted 97-0 against the budget Obama sent to Capitol Hill in Janu-
ary. You might be a terrorist if you created a debt-ceiling plan that cut billions of dollars from federal programs without raising a single cent in taxes on millionaires or billionaires. But that was Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid. You might be a terrorist if you refer to enhancements in federal revenues as “massive, job-killing tax increases.” But that was Obama, explaining why he didn’t favor raising taxes now while the economy is weak. You might be a terrorist if you voted against the compromise debt-ceiling bill and threatened to push the nation over the cliff of default. One hundred and one Democrats in the House and Senate voted against the measure, both a higher number and a higher proportion of the Democratic caucus than the 85 Republicans who did so. Remind me again: Which supposedly is the party of civility and which is the one that poses a threat to the Republic? (Email Jonathan Gurwitz at jgurwitz@expressnews.net)
EDITORIAL
Medical devices need control NEW YORK TIMES
A
prestigious medical group is concerned that most medical devices are cleared for sale without evidence that they are safe and effective. That should give everyone pause. A panel of experts assembled by the Institute of Medicine found the current regulatory approach so flawed that it called for it to be scrapped and re-
placed with a system better designed to protect the public’s health. The committee found no reason to believe that any devices on the market are unsafe or ineffective; it said their use in clinical practice provides at least some level of confidence. Only the highest-risk devices, such as implantable defibrillators and replacement heart valves, undergo clinical trials in pa-
tients to show that they are safe and effective. Devices deemed a “moderate risk” are cleared if the manufacturer can show that they are “substantially equivalent” to devices previously cleared. The FDA promptly rejected the notion of junking the system but said it would hold hearings on the report. Industry leaders, who had been making scurrilous attacks on the
DOONESBURY | GARRY TRUDEAU
panel’s objectivity even before the report was issued, voiced opposition. The hearings will provide an opportunity to identify proposals — such as more rigorous surveillance of devices after they are on the market — that can be adopted comparatively quickly. The more radical notion of building a wholly new system needs more thorough airing but may be the way to go.
Crime & More
SATURDAY, AUGUST 6, 2011
Pot find yields 250 pounds, one arrest By CÉSAR G. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES
A chase between Mexican military personnel and suspected gangsters yielded one arrest and more than 250 pounds of marijuana, Mexican federal officials announced Wednesday. A Procuraduría General de la República or PGR, Mexico’s attorney general’s office, report states the incident developed in a small town called “L Ángeles,” a municipality within Miguel Alemán, which is across the river from Roma. According to a PGR report, soldiers patrolling the Ribereña highway in “Los Ángeles” initiated a chase of two trucks that sped away when their drivers noted the military presence. Soldiers caught up to a white General Motors vehicle, bearing Tamaulipas license plates. Troops detained the driver, Mario Casimiro García Niño. An inspection of his vehicle resulted in the seizure of 76 bundles of marijuana. The contraband weighed 253.53 pounds. García Niño, the vehicle and the marijuana were turned over to federal authorities for an investigation. (César G. Rodriguez may be reached at 728-2568 or cesar@lmtonline.com)
THE BLOTTER ASSAULT An assault was reported at 2:16 a.m. July 31 in the 1600 block of Laredo Avenue.
CRIMINAL MISCHIEF A juvenile was detained at about 2:15 a.m. Wednesday in the 400 block of Papaya Drive. An incident report states he broke his mother’s cell phone and resisted detention. The alleged offender was turned over to juvenile authorities.
DAMAGES TO VEHICLE A man reported at 4:35 p.m. Wednesday from the parking lot of the Zapata Regional Jail, 2300 Kennedy St., that he noticed his vehicle had damages to the rear bumper.
DEER ACCIDENT A minor accident with a deer was reported at 3:11 a.m. July 29 on Texas 16, just before Jennings Road.
DWI Deputies spotted a vehicle driving toward oncoming traffic at about 9:45 p.m. July 31 in the intersection of Seventh Street and Roma Avenue. A person identified as “Angeles” was charged with driving while intoxicated. A passenger identified as “Hernandez” was charged with public intoxication. Both people were taken to jail.
HIT AND RUN A hit-and-run incident was reported at 6:03 a.m. Wednesday at 23rd Avenue and Alamo Street. An incident report states a vehicle struck a fence and fled the scene.
PUBLIC INTOXICATION A public intoxication incident was reported at 12:20 p.m. July 31 in the 100 block of U.S. 83. After a traffic stop, deputies arrested the driver of a vehicle. His or her name was blacked out from the reports.
THEFT Deputies responded to a theft call at 7:44 p.m. July 29 in the 500 block of Villarreal in the Nicholson Addition. An incident report states someone stole a fence from the property.
3 die after gunfight with troops By CÉSAR G. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES
Last weekend, a gun battle between Mexican soldiers and suspected drug gangsters killed three people, and resulted in weapons and ammo seizures in Matamoros, next to Brownsville. An inspection of the vehicle driven by the alleged offenders yielded two bodies. A report by Mexico’s defense ministry or SEDENA states while Eighth Military Zone soldiers patrolled kilometer marker 29 of the Matamoros-Reynosa highway, a group of people in a vehicle opened fire on them. The SEDENA report states troops fought back, killing three armed civilians. After the firefight settled down, military personnel seized three assault rifles, 15 ammo clips, 430 rounds of various calibers and one vehicle. Soldiers found the bodies of two men inside the vehicle’s cargo compartment. A SEDENA report states the men found were blindfolded and their hands and feet tied up. Their names were not immediately available. Federal authorities took custody of the bodies, weapons and ammo for an investigation. This macabre finding came a day after SEDENA officials announced a statewide sweep countering narcotrafficking and organized crime. Between July 27 and 28, soldiers working Operation Northeast tackled border cities such as
A SEDENA report states the men found were blindfolded and their hands and feet tied up. Their names were not immediately available. Matamoros, Nuevo Laredo and Reynosa. Other Tamaulipas state cities included in the sweep were Abasolo, Ciudad Victoria, Hidalgo, Nueva Ciudad Guerrero, Nuevo Morelos, Ocampo, Padilla, Tula and Valle Hermoso. Officials say the operation yielded 87 assault rifles, 28 handguns, 496 ammo clips, seven grenades and 11,523 rounds of ammo. In addition, soldiers confiscated small amounts of narcotics, such as 4.74 pounds of marijuana, 82 marijuana doses and 171 cocaine doses. Nine vehicles and $20,000 were also seized. (César G. Rodriguez may be reached at 7282568 or cesar@lmtonline.com)
THE ZAPATA TIMES 5A
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Zentertainment
Cross returns with ‘Faith’
Miss Laredo pageant is Sun. By EMILIO RÁBAGO III THE ZAPATA TIMES
Grammy Award-winning singer plays at LEA on Thursday for ‘Empty Bowls V’ By JIM BEAL JR. SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS
Christopher Cross has turned 60. The singer, songwriter and guitarist was known as Chris Geppert when he attended Alamo Heights High School in San Antonio and made music with the band Flash in the ‘60s, won five Grammy Awards and an Academy Award in the ‘80s. He’s feeling his age. “I’m getting older and hopefully a little bit wiser,” he said with a slight chuckle in a recent phone interview from his Los Angeles home. His new CD is “Doctor Faith” on Eagle Records, and opens with the songs “Hey Kid” and “I’m Too Old for This.” “I don’t think we’ve dealt our kids a very good hand of cards,” Cross said. “If I’ve learned anything in my 60 years, it’s that no matter what side of the aisle you’re on (politically), they’re not doing a good job. ‘I’m Too Old for This’ is my Bill Maher rant. “Rob (Cross’ longtime lyric-writing partner Rob Meurer, a veteran of the band the Zilches) and I are upset that it’s raining morons. We don’t pull any punches as we get older.” Cross’ words are tough-
CROSS IN CONCERT Christopher Cross will perform at the Laredo Energy Arena on Thursday, Aug. 11, for the South Texas Food Bank fundraiser “Empty Bowls V.” Concert tickets on sale at LEA and Ticketmaster at $25, $15 and $10. Proceeds to South Texas Food Bank mission of feeding the hungry. Sponsorship tables are available by calling 956-568-3673. The food bank, a 501c3 nonprofit, distributes supplemental food to 24,000 families, 7,000 elderly, 6,000 children, 250 veterans and their widows per month. Visit its website at www.southtexasfoodbank.org. er, but the music remains the fusion of rock and pop with jazz touches here and there, the fusion that made songs such as “Ride Like the Wind,” “Sailing,” “Never Be the Same,” “Say You’ll Be Mine” and Arthur’s Theme (“Best That You Can Do”) big hits. “Rob and I have known each other since high school. We’ve been writing together since 1988,” Cross said. “We get a seed of something and go from there. We used to hammer out songs on a legal pad, now it’s email. On ‘Doctor Faith,’ the music was more me, and Rob did the lyrics. We’ve found our corners,
SATURDAY, AUGUST 6, 2011
Photo by Alex Solca | Special to the Times
Christopher Cross poses at the Bandidos Studios in Culver City, Calif. The Grammy Award-winning musician will be in Laredo on Thursday for a South Texas Food Bank fundraiser. our individual strengths.”
Winning, with a price Racking up five Grammy Awards, including best new artist and song of the year, not to mention an Oscar, is something that’s awfully tough to try to duplicate. “I’m never going to outdo that,” Cross said bluntly and quickly. “It did plague me. That best new artist Grammy has plagued other
people. When Rob and I recorded the first record with Andy (Andy Salmon of the Laughing Kind) and the other guys, we did so with no expectations. Now we’re back to the same thing. It’s a lot like it was with the first record. We sort of got over ourselves. We’re as proud of ‘Walking in Avalon’ and ‘Doctor Faith’ as we are of any album.” Cross grew up playing live, working teen clubs, parties and bars.
Laredo has already produced a Miss Texas USA and a Miss Teen Texas USA in the past couple of years. On Sunday, 13 locals will compete for the Miss Laredo 2011 title, which earns them a shot at the statewide Miss Texas USA pageant in Houston next month. For the Miss Teen Laredo 2011 competition, 22 girls have signed up. Miss Laredo Productions is hosting the events, which also include three categories for young girls. There’s the Junior division for girls 9 to 11 years old, the Preteen division for those 12 to 14, and the Little division for girls ages 6 to 8 years. The pageants take place Saturday for the younger group and Sunday for the Teen and Miss divisions at the Laredo Civic Center Auditorium at 6 p.m. Reigning Miss Texas USA Ana Rodriguez, who competed in the Miss USA Pageant in Las Vegas in June, will host the pageants, along with another Miss Texas USA, Stephanie Guerrero Wanic, who won the state crown in 2005. It’s not the first time Rodriguez has hosted a pageant; she’s emceed a
Miss Laredo pageant before. Just last week, she was in Fort Worth, for that city’s pageant. Last month, she attended the Miss Teen USA in the Bahamas, where Harlingen’s Danielle Doty was crowned. The Miss Laredo contestant field has experienced a big jump since the time Rodriguez first competed. That’s partly because of Rodriguez’ and Chelsea Morgensen’s (Miss Teen Texas USA 2010) success. It’s given local and area girls hope, motivation and encouragement, according to Roel Gonzalez, the Miss Laredo Productions executive director. “Knowing that it can be done motivates girls,” Gonzalez said. “We have a lot of beauty and potential here in Laredo and, gladly, girls are finally coming out to compete.” Shyness may have been a factor, but now Laredo girls have role models to look up to, he said. “We have built a name for ourselves, not just in Texas, but at the Miss USA level, too,” he said. Gonzalez also attributes the professionalism of the pageants, which also include a two-week workshop for potential competitors. The workshops include interview skills.
Zapata County Independent School District 17th & Carla Streets - Zapata, Texas 78076 (956) 765-6546 - www.zcisd.org
Public Notification of Nondiscrimination in Career and Technology Education Programs 1. Zapata County Independent School District offers career and technology education programs in: Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources; Business Management & Administration; Finance, Health Science; Hospitality & Tourism, Human Services; Information Technology; Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security; Manufacturing and Transportation, Distribution & Logistics. Admission to these programs is based on student interest, grade level, age, stated prerequisites and qualifications as stated in federal and state guidelines. 2. It is the policy of Zapata County Independent School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex and handicap in its vocational programs, services, or activities as required by the Title VI of the civil rights act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. 3. It is the policy of Zapata County Independent School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, handicap, or age in its employment practices as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Acts of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, a amended. 4. Zapata County Independent School District will take steps to ensure that lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in all educational and vocational programs. 5. For more information about your rights or grievance procedures or for employee concerns, contact the Title IX Coordinator, Jose Luis Morales at the Human Resources Office located at 17th & Carla Streets, (956) 765-6546, or for student concers, Derly Villarreal, Jr., 504/Dyslexia Administrator at the Office of Special Instructional Services, (956) 765-6546 extension 2401.
Distrito Escolar del Condado de Zapata 17th & Carla Streets - Zapata, Texas 78076 (956) 765-6546 - www.zcisd.org
Notificación Pública de No Discriminación en Programas Vocacionales 1. El Distrito Escolar Independient del Condado de Zapata ofrece programas vocacionales para la planeación profesional y la technología en: Agricultura, y Recursos Alimenticios y Naturales; Technología y Comunicaciones; Comercio, Supervisión, y Administración; Finanzas; Ciencias de la Salud; Hospitalidad y Turismo; Leyes, Seguridad Pública, Correciones y Seguridad; Transportación, Distribución, y Logística; y Mercadotecnia Industrial, Ventas y Servicio. La admisión a estos programas se basa en el interés del estudiante, nivel del grado académico, la edad del estudiante, los pre-requisitos y cualificaciones indicadas en las directrices federales y estatales. 2. Es norma del Distrito Escolar Independiente del Condado de Zapata no discriminar por motivos de raza, color, origen nacional, sexo o impedimento, en sus programas, servicios o actividades vocacionales, tal como lo requieren el Título VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964, según enmienda; el Título IX de las Enmiendas en la Educación, de 1972, y la Sección 504 de la Ley de Rehabilitación dde 1973, según enmienda. 3. Es norma del Distrito Escolar Independiente del Condado de Zapata no discriminar por motivos de raza, color, origen nacional, sexo, impedimento o edad, en sus procedimientos de empleo, tal como lo requieren el Título VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964, según enmienda; el Título IX de las Enmiendas en la Educación, de 1972, la ley de Discriminación por Edad, de 1975, según enmienda, y la Sección 504 de la Ley de Rehabilitación de 1973, según enmienda, y la Sección 504 de la Ley de Rehabilitación de 1973, según enmienda. 4. El Distrito Escolar Independiente del Condado de Zapata tomara las medidas necesarias para asegurarse de que la falta de habilidad en el uso del inglés no sea un obstáculo para la admisión y participación en todos los programas educativos y vocacionales. 5. Para mas información sobre sus derechos o procedimientos para quejas, comuníquese con el Coordinador del Programa Título IX, José Luis Morales, en la Oficina de Recursos Humanos ubicada en las calles 17th & Carla, (956) 765-6546 o para servicios al estudiante, con Derly Villarreal, Jr., Coordinador de la Sección de 504 en la Oficina de Special Instructional Services, 765-6446 extension 2401.
SÁBADO 06 DE AGOSTO DE 2011
Agenda en Breve SÁBADO 6 DE AGOSTO LAREDO — Una Misa de Acción de gracias está programa para hoy por la Diócesis de Laredo en Laredo Energy Arena, 6700 Arena Blvd. Las puertas abren a las 9 a.m., un concierto está programado a las 9:30 a.m. y la Misa dará inicio a las 10:30 a.m. La Misa es gratuita y abierta al público en general. Informes en el (956) 727-2140. LAREDO — El Musical de Broadway “RENT” se presenta por actores del Laredo Institute for Theatrical Education (LITE) en el segundo piso del Laredo Center for the Arts, 500 avenida San Agustin, hoy a las 8 p.m. La mesa para seis tiene costo de 200 dólares y la entrada general es de 15 dólares. Evento para audiencia madura. Otra función el 7 de agosto a las 3 p.m.; el 12 de agosto a las 8 p.m. NUEVO LAREDO, México — Convención Cultural Nipona de 10 a.m. a 7 p.m. en Estación Palabra. Informes en Resistencia.Otaku.5@gmail.com y a en el (867) 712-7844. Entrada gratuita. NUEVO LAREDO, México — Estación Palabra invita al Bazar de Arte de 12 p.m. a 5 p.m.; Festival Infantil “El Circo” en el área infantil a las 2 p.m.; Lecturas in Memoriam en la Sala Gabriel García Márquez a las 2 p.m. y Taller de Creación Literaria con Jacobo Mina en la Sala Gabriel García Márquez de 3 p.m. a 5 p.m.
DOMINGO 7 DE AGOSTO LAREDO — NUEVO LAREDO, México — Domingos de Teatro Universitario presenta “Jóvenes para un único suicidio” con el Grupo de Teatro Teatropolis en el Teatro Lucio Blanco de Casa de la Cultura a las 7 p.m. Entrada Libre.
JUEVES 11 DE AGOSTO LAREDO — El evento benéfico del Banco de Alimentos del Sur de Texas, Empty Bowls V, se llevará a cabo en el Laredo Energy Arena, 6700 Arena Blvd., de 5:30 p.m. a 11 p.m. El evento presenta un concierto por parte de Christopher Cross. Costo de mesas para 10 personas empiezan en 1,000 dólares e incluyen cena y acceso a la subasta silenciosa de obras de arte. Boletos para solamente el concierto a la venta en la taquilla del LEA y a través del sistema Ticketmaster, precios: 25, 15 y 10 dólares. Informes en el 956-568-3673. EL CENIZO — El Alcalde Raul Reyes presentará el presupuesto balanceado del Año Fiscal 2011-2012 hoy a las 6 p.m. durante la junta regular del Cabildo de la Ciudad de El Cenizo.
VIERNES 12 DE AGOSTO LAREDO — Hoy es la noche de apoyo a El Nopal Mexican Food en Galley 201, de 5:30 p.m. a 7:30 p.m. Costo: 20 dólares, donación que se destinará a hacer realidad el proyecto de Ninfa Carrizales de iniciar una compañía para elaborar tortillas de nopal. LAREDO — “Fashion Entourage” se llevará a cabo el viernes 12 de agosto a partir de las 9 p.m. en Las Cananas Revolution Bar, 2331 Endeavor. Las ganancias serán destinadas a la Casa Hogar Monseñor Enrique Tomás Lozano,
SÁBADO 13 DE AGOSTO LAREDO — El Festival del Libro de Laredo: The Best of Texas and Beyond es hoy de 9:30 a.m. a 4 p.m. en la Biblioteca Pública de Laredo, 1120 E. Calton Road. Habrá paneles de discusión, y talleres de escritores.
Zfrontera
PÁGINA 7A
SEDENA ASEGURA DIO MUERTE A LÍDER ZETA DE ALTO PERFIL
RÁPIDO Y FURIOSO
México detalla operativo Lince
Armerías demandan a agencia de EU
POR JASON BUCH SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS
Luego de varios días de enfrentamientos a lo largo del Río Grande, el ejército mexicano anunció que dio muerte a un miembro de alto perfil de la organización narcotraficante de Los Zetas que era buscado en EU por intento de homicidio. La Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional (SeDeNa), anunció que le dio muerte a Jorge Luis “Pompín” de la Peña Brizuela, el capo de Los Zetas en la plaza de Nuevo Laredo, México, el martes. La policía de Laredo dice que él era sospechoso en la balacera contra tres hombres y un adolescente en el 2005. El anuncio se emitió mientras el ejército concluía una operación denomina “Lince Norte”, teniendo como su objetivo a Los Zetas al noreste de México. La operación incluyó 4,000 militares y resultó en la muerte de 30 y la detención de casi 200 sospechosos. Un soldado muerto, según la SeDeNa. La operación “contaba con el objetivo de afectar la administra-
ción, operación financiera y estructuras logísticas de grupos criminales en los estados de San Luis Potosí, Coahuila, Nuevo León y Tamaulipas”, según un comunicado de prensa por parte del ejército mexicano. El Laredo Morning Times reportó que por lo menos seis personas murieron a causa de los enfrentamientos del martes que cobraron la vida de Peña Brizuela. El ejército también dijo que capturó en Coahuila a un financiero a “nivel nacional” de Los Zetas, Valdemar “Adal” Quintanilla Soriano. Las ciudades de Matamoros y Reynosa reportaron enfrentamientos y la Procuraduría General de la República (PGR) anunció la detención en Matamoros de cuatro supuestos Zetas, incluyendo a un ex militar de las fuerzas especiales mexicanas. El Alguacil del Condado de Webb, Martín Cuellar, dijo que su oficina recibió noticias que de la Peña Brizuela había estado a cargo de la plaza de Nuevo Laredo, México, sólo seis meses. ‘Plaza’ es el término utilizado para descri-
bir un área de control por parte de narcotraficantes. “Él iba a ser, créalo o no, transferido a otro sitio justo antes de que fuera muerto”, dijo Cuellar. La policía de Laredo dijo que de la Peña Brizuela es un sospechoso en una balacera del 2005 que hirió a cuatro personas mientras partían de un juego de fútbol soccer. Los hombres fueron emboscados por varias personas viajando en dos vehículos, según reportes noticieros. Los supuestos atacantes luego se fugaron hacia México. Las cuatro víctimas sobrevivieron al ataque, pero dos de los objetivos pretendidos fueron asesinados posteriormente. La balacera se presentó en un tiempo cuando miembros de Los Zetas, en ese entonces trabajando para el Cartel del Golfo, y el Cartel de Sinaloa estaban luchando por el control de los corredores contrabandistas en Laredo y Nuevo Laredo, México. En el 2005, Laredo documentó 22 homicidios. El año pasado, esa cifra fue de nueve. (Dudley Althaus contribuyó a este reporte)
RECORRIDO DE OBRAS Construyen, y amplían unidades de salud
PHOENIX — Las armerías de los estados fronterizos con México demandaron al director interino de la agencia de control de armas por la nueva norma que requiere alertar a las autoridades en caso de compras múltiples de fusiles de alto poder. El nuevo requisito sólo es aplicable a las armerías en los cuatro estados fronterizos con México: California, Arizona, Nuevo México y Texas. Entrará en vigencia el 14 de agosto y se deriva de la operación policial denominada “Rápido y furioso” de Arizona, la cual resultó en el envío ilegal a México de armas de gran calibre. Los propietarios de las armerías sostienen que el requisito que pide la Oficina para el Control de Alcohol, Tabaco, Armas de Fuego y Explosivos es ilegal, les perjudicará económicamente e invade el derecho de sus clientes a la privacidad. Las demandas fueron interpuestas en la capital federal de Washington, en Texas y en Nuevo México el miércoles y el jueves. Están financiadas por la Asociación Nacional de Portadores de Armas.
DEPORTES
Foto de cortesía | Gobierno de Tamaulipas
El capitán del equipo campeón del “Torneo Nacional ‘Copa Premier’”, Antonio Hernández, entrega el trofeo a el Director General del ITD, Enrique de la Garza Ferrer, en Ciudad Victoria.
TIEMPO DE ZAPATA
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fin de responder al crecimiento de la demanda y las necesidades de las unidades de salud en Tamaulipas, el Gobierno del Estado informó acerca de las acciones para construir, sustituir o mejorar hospitales y centros de salud, a través del Programa de Mantenimiento Preventivo, Fortalecimiento y Sustitución de Unidades Médicas y Equipo. El programa contempla la sustitución para el 2012 del Hospital General “Dr. Carlos Canseco” y del Hospital Psiquiátrico, ambos en Tampico, al sur del estado; la ampliación y equipamiento del Hospital General de Nuevo Laredo; el Hospital General de San Fernando; el Hospital General de Río Bravo; el Hospital Civil de Ciudad Victoria y el Hospital General de Reynosa, que en conjunto representan una inversión superior a los 60 millones 744 mil pesos. El Secretario de Salud en el Estado, Norberto Treviño GarcíaManzo, dijo que la cobertura universal en salud es una prioridad, así como “la prevención de la enfermedad, la infraestructura de primer nivel, hospitalaria y la investigación para que la salud integral sea atendida con calidad”. Igualmente se efectúan los trabajos de remodelación de los centros de salud de Granjas Económicas en Reynosa; del ejido Higuerillas en Matamoros; y la sede de la jurisdicción sanitaria de Nuevo Laredo; la ampliación del Hospital Infantil de Tamaulipas y del Hospital General de Camargo. Durante la semana, el Presidente Municipal en Nuevo Lare-
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Campeones presumen título nacional ESPECIAL PARA TIEMPO DE ZAPATA
Foto de cortesía | Gobierno de Nuevo Laredo
El Presidente Municipal de Nuevo Laredo, México, Benjamín Galván Gómez, en un recorrido para supervisar el avance del 80 por ciento en las obras de la Jurisdicción Sanitaria No. V y del Centro de Salud, al nor-poniente de la ciudad. En la foto, Jaime Emilio Gutiérrez Serrano, titular de la Jurisdicción Sanitaria. do, México, Benjamín Galván Gómez encabezó un recorrido para constatar el avance del 80 por ciento de la obra de la Jurisdicción Sanitaria número 5, y del Centro Salud, en la colonia La Fe, al nor-poniente. Se estima que los trabajos concluyan para finales de año, en su primera etapa. “El costo es de 44 millones de pesos, una inversión bipartita municipio-estado”, dijo Galván. La construcción de la Jurisdic-
ción Sanitaria número 5 está en un terreno de 1,083.15 metros cuadrados, y el Centro de Salud, en un espacio de 1,017.68 metros cuadrados. El estacionamiento tiene un área de 7,240 metros cuadrados, con capacidad para 64 vehículos y su construcción será de base hidráulica. La segunda etapa de las obras de la jurisdicción y centro de salud contempla el equipamiento en ambos edificios.
CONVENIO TAMAULIPAS-ESPAÑA El Secretario de Educación de Tamaulipas (SET), Diódoro Guerra Rodríguez y el Rector de la Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Javier Uceda Antolín, firmaron tres convenios de colaboración para fortalecer a las 15 instituciones de educación superior tecnológica. Foto de cortesía | Gobierno de Tamaulipas
CIUDAD VICTORIA, México — El equipo de fútbol integrado por jugadores de la categoría 94-96, que obtuvo el campeonato del “Torneo Nacional ‘Copa Premier’”, avalado por la Federación Mexicana, visitó las oficinas del Instituto Tamaulipeco del Deporte (ITD). Los jóvenes disputaron el torneo en Boca del Río, Veracruz, del 17 al 24 de julio, donde se impusieron a los equipos de Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Veracruz, Tabasco, Chiapas y Necaxa; derrotando en la final al representativo chiapaneco 3 goles por 0. El entrenador Rafael Zárate de la Rosa informó que con el campeonato, la escuadra obtuvo el derecho de participar en la Copa Premier que se celebrará en Acapulco, Guerrero, en diciembre. “Antes viajarán este fin de semana a Pachuca, Hidalgo, para participar en el Torneo Internacional de Centros de Formación del Club Pachuca”, dijo Zárate. El Director General del Instituto Tamaulipeco del Deporte (ITD), Enrique de la Garza Ferrer, por su parte anunció que al conquistar este logro, el estado considera que algunos jóvenes pudieran empezar a integrarse al fútbol profesional. De la Garza se comprometió a solicitar al Director de las Fuerzas Básicas del Club Correcaminos, Jorge Vantolrá que detecte a aquellos jugadores que pudieran integrase a ese equipo, si así lo desean. “Queremos que nuestros deportistas tengan la oportunidad de mostrarse, primero que nada, en nuestro estado”, dijo De la Garza Ferrer. “Si es el caso, y ustedes deciden dedicarse al fútbol profesional, vean en el Club Correcaminos una opción más en su carrera deportiva”. Finalmente, el capitán del equipo, Antonio Hernández, hizo entrega del trofeo que los acredita como campeones nacionales a De la Garza.
8A THE ZAPATA TIMES
SATURDAY, AUGUST 6, 2011
Some say another year for drought By PAUL J. WEBER ASSOCIATED PRESS
SAN ANTONIO — The drought that has turned Texas and parts of the Plains into a parched moonscape of cracked earth could persist into next year, prolonging the misery of farmers and ranchers who have endured a dry spell that is now expected to be the state’s worst since the 1950s. The U.S. Climate Prediction Center said Thursday the La Niña weather phenomenon blamed for the crippling lack of rain might be back soon, just two months after the last La Niña ended. If that happens, the drought would almost certainly extend into 2012. The extreme dry conditions have been made worse by week after week of triple-digit temperatures, which have caused reservoirs to evaporate, crops to wither and animals and fish to die off. “The suffering and desperate need for relief grows with the rising temperatures and record-breaking heat that continue to scorch Texas with each passing day,” state Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples said. Even the state’s feral hogs are hiding from the heat, postponing a new reality TV show about Texans gunning them down from helicopters. Texas saw less than an
inch of rain statewide in July, and more than 90 percent of the state is already in the two most extreme stages of drought. “Anything below 2 to 3 inches of rainfall would be a fly-on-the-windshield type thing as far as improvement,” said Victor Murphy, a climate expert with the National Weather Service. “It wouldn’t reverse this continued death spiral we’re on.” Also Thursday, the state climatologist declared this the most severe one-year drought on record in Texas. Officials expected to declare soon that it has become the worst drought since the 1950s. A newly updated weather map showed the drought holding firm — if not intensifying — through at least October. In Dallas, county officials say at least 13 people have died from the heat this summer. The high temperature Thursday was expected to hit 109 degrees, which would be a record for the date. Statewide demand for power was expected to approach the maximum Thursday for a fourth straight day. Some large industrial plants were forced off the overburdened electric grid, requiring them to shut down or rely on their own power reserves. And for the first time this summer, utilities warned residential customers of the potential for roll-
Photo by Tony Gutierrez | AP
The remains of a dead alligator gar is seen on the dried-out bed of O.C. Fisher Lake at San Angelo State Park on Wednesday, in San Angelo. According to state park officials, long periods of 100-degree plus days and lack of rain in the drought-stricken region over the past few years has nearly dried out the man-made reservoir that once spanned over 5,400 acres. ing outages. Beleaguered farms and dead pastures have been hurt the most. The agriculture industry, which accounts for nearly 9 percent of the Texas economy, may be headed for the biggest single-year losses ever — potentially as high as $8 billion, according to the Texas AgriLife Extension Service. The La Niña watch issued by the Climate Prediction Center warned that the phenomenon marked by a cooling of the tropical Pacific Ocean could soon redevelop. La Niña typically results in less rain for southern states, and it’s
Gun shop owners sue over new requirement By AMANDA LEE MYERS ASSOCIATED PRESS
PHOENIX — Gun store owners in states along the U.S.-Mexico border sued the acting director of the federal agency that oversees firearms to halt a new requirement that they alert authorities if someone buys multiple high-powered rifles in a five-day span. The requirement, which goes into effect Aug. 14, follows a controversial 2009 law enforcement operation in Arizona known as “Fast and Furious” that resulted in more than 2,000 highpowered weapons making their way to Mexico as authorities went after people directing gun buys on behalf of cartels. The operation has been the subject of recent congressional hearings in which the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives acknowledged making mistakes. The ATF’s new requirement for high-powered rifle buys applies to California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. It stipulates that gun shop owners must start providing the agency with detailed information, including birth dates, addresses, race and gender, about people who buy two or more semi-automatic rifles greater than .22 caliber in a fiveday period. In the three lawsuits filed Wednesday and Thursday against ATF Acting Director Kenneth Melson, store owners in Arizona, New Mexico and Texas argued the ATF does not have the right to make the requirement because it would hurt the businesses economically and invade the privacy of customers. ATF spokesman Drew Wade said Friday that his agency will vigorously defend its authority to collect information from gun store owners. He cited the Gun Control
Act, saying it provides ATF with that authority. He also said courts have consistently upheld the law. “The point of this request is to provide a targeted approach to address the problem of illegal gun trafficking through sales to ‘straw purchasers,’ people who claim to be the true buyers of firearms but in reality are purchasing firearms on behalf of others,” he read from a prepared statement. The lawsuits were filed in Washington, Texas and New Mexico and are being funded by the National Rifle Association. The suits do not seek money, only a stop to ATF enforcement of the new requirement. “We think the whole premise is ludicrous,” NRA spokesman Andrew Arulanandam said about the regulation. “What they’re trying to tell the American public is that $40 billion-dollar transnational criminal enterprises will somehow miraculously follow their paperwork rules and that’s going to solve some problems.” Arulanandam sees the new requirement as a smoke screen to take away attention from the “Fast and Furious” program. Of the 2,000 guns that got into Mexico, only about onefourth have been recovered, meaning the rest could still in the hands of drug smugglers. Two of the recovered guns were found at the scene where Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry was shot to death in southern Arizona on Dec. 14, although it’s still unclear whether the fatal bullet came from one of those weapons or another gun. Terry and three other agents exchanged gunfire with a crew of border outlaws. Officials have said one person has been charged with Terry’s killing; the rest escaped to Mexico. The case was later sealed.
Ben Suissa, owner of Foothills Firearms in Yuma, is one of the two Arizona gun store owners suing Melson over the new requirement involving high-powered rifles. The other store is J & G Sales in Prescott. “This is a constitutional battle against a government that seems to have no bounds,” Suissa said. “I feel for the plight they’re having down there (in Mexico), but blaming it on law-abiding gun shops is preposterous.” He said Congress needs to pass a law with the new requirement rather than the ATF issuing an order. “It’s blatantly illegal,” he said. “They basically enacted their own policy and think they’re not beholden to the Constitution or the laws of this nation. They’re just enforcing stuff that they’re making up on their own.” He said multiple purchases of high-powered rifles are a rarity for his store. “And the average gun shop owner is going to spot something fishy and turn it down, anyway,” he said.
blamed for drought conditions in Oklahoma and New Mexico, too. A La Niña watch means
conditions are favorable for La Niña to return within the next six months. But Texas will probably know
as early as October or November, said Mike Halpert, a deputy director of the Climate Prediction Center. By that time, the driest places could be out of water. In the town of Robert Lee, a rural farming community of about 1,000 in the middle of West Texas, people are worried that Lake E.V. Spence could dry up by winter and leave the town without any water. Some residents wonder if the National Guard can haul in water. Making matters worse, a pipe that was probably busted by the dry, shifting ground began gushing water Thursday. Closer to Austin, the Llano River trickled at a rate about 95 percent slower than normal. The city of Llano already has contacted bottled water distributors about supplying residents with bottles for cooking and drinking if the river flow stops entirely.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 6, 2011
THE ZAPATA TIMES 9A
HERIBERTO D. TORRES Master Sgt. Heriberto D. Torres, USAF (Retired), 75, passed away Sunday, July 31, 2011, at Doctor’s Hospital in Laredo. MSgt. Torres was born June 12, 1936, to Adrian and Avelina Torres. He actively and proudly served in the United States Air Force as an airplane technician from 1954 until his retirement in 1983. On Aug. 19, 1961, he married the love of his life, Dora Ella Gutierrez. They were married for 43 years until her death in 2005. Mr. Torres is preceded in death by his wife, Dora G. Torres; parents: Adrian O. Torres and Avelina D. Torres; grandson Little Eddie; brother, Adrian “Jr.” Torres; and a sister Jesus-
ita (Jose) Aceves. Mr. Torres is survived by his children: Adela T. (Jose Luis) Cristerna, Heriberto G. (Isela) Torres and Lynna T. (Calixto III) Rodriguez; grandchildren Jose Luis Cristerna III, Sotero G. Cristerna, Sabrina C. Cristerna, Daniel P. Cristerna,
Brandon Torres, Raymond Torres, Jennifer M. Rodriguez, Alberto J. Rodriguez and Carlos J. Rodriguez; great-grandson, Matthew I. Cristerna; sisters Alicia (Ignacio) Luevanos, Avelina (Richard) Inez, Lydia Estrada and Martha (Frankie) Inez; sister-in-law, Maria Torres; and by numerous nephews, nieces and many friends. Visitation hours were Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2011, from 6 to 9 p.m. with a rosary at 7 p.m. at Rose Garden Funeral Home. The funeral procession departed Thursday, August 4, 2011, at 9:45 for a 10 a.m. funeral Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Committal services fol-
ADRIAN RAMIREZ III lowed at Zapata County Cemetery, including full military honors by the American Legion Post 486 Color Guard. The family would like to thank Amistad Home Health and Dr. J.R. Garcia and staff for their many years of care and service, as well as Ike Gutierrez and Derly Rodriguez Jr. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Rose Garden Funeral Home, Daniel A. Gonzalez, funeral director, 2102 Highway 83, Zapata.
PORFIRIA B. ‘NENA’ MEDRANO Porfiria B. “Nena” Medrano, 80, passed away July 29, 2011, in Laredo, at Laredo Medical Center. Mrs. Medrano is preceded in death by her husband, Benito Medrano; parents: Fidel and Rufina Barrera; brothers: Baldomero Barrera and Fidel Barrera Jr.; sisters Noemi Barrera, Frances B. Lerma, Irma B. Lerma and Noemi (Oscar) Rivas. Mrs. Medrano is survived by a daughter, Carmen (Sheriff Sigifredo Jr.) Gonzalez; sons: Manuel Albino Medrano, Jose Eugenio (Graciela G.) Medrano and Jaime (Celia M. A.) Medrano; grandchildren: Erica D. (Alberto) Oliveros, Sigifredo III (Viola Camacho) Gonzalez, Manuel A.
Medrano Jr., Jorge L. Medrano, Gina M. Medrano, Jessica Medrano, Benito L. Medrano and Jose E. Medrano Jr.; great-grandchildren: Benjamin Perez IV and Alberto R. Oliveros Jr.; sisters Noelia (Reynaldo) Fabela and Dora (Gustavo) Garza; sister-in-law, Flavia
Barrera; and brother-in-law, Apolinar Lerma. Visitation will be Sunday, July 31, 2011, from 6 to 9 p.m. with a rosary at 7 p.m. at Rose Garden Funeral Home. The funeral procession will depart Aug. 1, 2011, at 9:30 for a 10 a.m. funeral
Mass at Santa Ana Mission in Falcon. Committal services will follow at the Medrano Cemetery in Falcon. The Medrano family would like to thank their aunt, Aurora Garcia, for helping them in their time of need. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.rosegardenfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Rose Garden Funeral Home, Daniel A. Gonzalez, funeral director, 2102 Highway 83, Zapata.
OVIDIO MOLINA Ovidio Molina, 82, passed away Friday, July 29, 2011, at Retama Manor West in Laredo. Mr. Molina is preceded in death by his parents: Lucio Molina and Raymunda P. Molina; son, Juan Molina; and brothers and sisters. Mr. Molina is survived by his wife, Maria E. Molina; daughter, Leticia (Rene) Mercado; daughter-in-law, Araceli Molina; grandchildren: Juan Gabriel Molina, Venancio (Thelma) Molina,
Jessica Molina, Pedro (Amanda) Aleman, Gerardo (Gyzell) Aleman, Frank (Iliana) Aleman, Jesus (Jackeline) Rodriguez and Arturo Mercado; greatgrandchildren; brothers Raul Molina and Baldemar Molina; and by a sister Piedad Molina; and by numerous nephews, nieces and many friends. Visitation hours were Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2011, from 1:30 to 3:45 p.m. with a 4 p.m. funeral Mass at Our Lady of
Lourdes Catholic Church. Committal services followed at Zapata County Cemetery. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Rose Garden Funeral Home, Daniel A. Gonzalez, funeral director, 2102 Highway 83, Zapata.
BREAKING THE RAMADAN FAST IN INDIA An Indian Muslim prays after breaking the Ramadan fast at the Jama Masjid in New Delhi, India, on Friday. Muslims around the world are marking the holy fasting month of Ramadan, where the devout fast from dawn until dusk.
Photo by Kevin Frayer | A P
Adrian Ramirez III passed away Sunday, July 31, 2011, at Laredo Medical Center. Mr. Ramirez is preceded in death by his parents: Adrian Ramirez Jr. and Dora Gonzalez; and by his father, Eustolio Ramirez; and mother, Celestina Ramirez; sister, Aida Sanchez; and a brother, Jaime Luis Ramirez. Mr. Ramirez is survived by his wife, Maria Elena T. Ramirez; children: Dora (Roberto) Valdez, Adrian (Norma) Ramirez IV and Debra (Jorge) Garcia; grandchildren: Fernando M. (Jennifer) Rivera, Bianca Valdez, Christian Valdez, Sinai Ramirez, Adrian Ramirez V, Jessica Lee Garcia, Rebecca Lee Garcia and Jorge Garcia Jr.; brothers and sisters: Esther R. Williams, Rosa (Modesto) Buentello, Buddy Ramirez, Celia (Abel) Elizondo and Sylvia (Abelardo) Mendoza; brotherin-law, Domingo Sanchez; and by numerous nephews, nieces and many friends. Visitation hours were Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2011, from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at Rose Garden Funeral
Home. The funeral procession departed at 9:30 a.m. for a 10 a.m. funeral Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Committal services followed at Zapata County Cemetery, including full military honors by the American Legion Post 486 Color Guard. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Rose Garden Funeral Home, Daniel A. Gonzalez, funeral director, 2102 Highway 83, Zapata.
DARWIN MERRITT HARRISON-BISHOP Darwin Merritt Harrison-Bishop, 68, passed away peacefully Wednesday, June 29, 2011, at the Laredo Specialty Hospital surrounded by his loved ones. Mr. Bishop was born Nov. 6, 1942, in Davenport, Iowa, and is preceded in death by his parents: Aubyn (Lynn) Lamb and George Flack Bishop. Mr. Bishop is survived by his wife, Arabela G. Bishop; daughter, Egna (Derly Jr.) Villarreal; grandchildren: Javier Jr., Angela D. and Norma M. Ramirez; sister-in-law, Maria Socorro Gonzalez; grandniece, Jennifer M. Rodriguez; sister, Joan Santogrossi; nieces: Ginger and Ashley; and nephew, Dr. John Santogrossi. Mr. Bishop was an educator for over 30 years; he held several master’s degrees in various fields. After retirement he was a substitute teacher who enjoyed telling both jokes and stories to his students. He was an instructor for the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, as well as a scoutmaster. He had a passion for animals, history and antiques and was an avid gunsmith who practiced the trade as a hobby. He served as a deputy for Cameron County for many years and was a special deputy for Zapata County. The family wishes to
express its gratitude to his personal physician and dear friend Dr. Ernest and Mrs. Hilda Cabrera, as well as the Cabrera children, for their vigilant care and especially their granddaughter, Elisa (Baby) Cabrera, Falcon Lake Nursing Home, Laredo Specialty Hospital and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Visitation hours were Friday, July 8, 2011, from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. with a chapel service at 10 a.m. at Rose Garden Funeral Home. Cremation arrangements were under the direction of Rose Garden Funeral Home, Daniel A. Gonzalez, funeral director, 2102 Highway 83, Zapata.
10A THE ZAPATA TIMES
SATURDAY, AUGUST 6, 2011
BUDGET Continued from Page 1A federal spending by $2.1 trillion or more over the next decade. But Obama immediately challenged Republicans to accept higher taxes on the wealthy in a second round of deficit cuts this fall. They adamantly refused to accept that idea during the past months’ dispute. A stern-faced Obama said at the White House that action to raise the debt limit had been essential but more — and different — steps were badly needed. “We’ve got to do everything in our power to grow this economy and put America back to work,” the president said, arguing forcefully for including revenue increases as well as spending cuts in the next round of efforts to trim huge government deficits. “The American people agreed with us on the nature of the problem. They know the government didn’t accumulate $14.3 trillion in debt because it didn’t tax enough,” said the party’s leader in the Senate, Mitch McConnell of
Kentucky. Obama placed his signature on the bill in the privacy of the Oval Office less than two hours after a bipartisan 74-26 vote in the Senate. The House approved the measure Monday night on a 269-161 roll call that also reached across party lines and was sealed by a rap of the gavel by Speaker John Boehner. The bill allows a quick $900 billion increase in borrowing authority as well as a first installment on spending cuts amounting to $917 billion over a decade. Without legislation in place by day’s end, the Treasury would have been unable to pay all the nation’s bills, leading to a potential default for the first time in history. Administration officials warned of disastrous consequences for an economy that shows fresh signs of weakness on a near-daily basis as it struggles to recover from the worst recession in decades. The White House and
congressional leaders said legislation was important to reassure investors at home as well as overseas, and also to preserving the nation’s Aaa credit rating. Talk of that rating’s precariousness continued nonetheless. This week’s peace pact between the two parties is unlikely to be long-lived. The bill sets up a powerful 12-member committee of lawmakers with authority to recommend fresh deficit savings from every corner of the federal budget. Politically sensitive benefit programs such as Social Security and Medicare will be on the table as the panel of six Republicans and six Democrats works against a Thanksgiving deadline. So, too, an overhaul of the tax code. Congress will have until Christmas to vote on the recommendations. As an incentive for Congress to act, failure to do so would trigger $1.2 trillion in automatic spending cuts, affecting the Pentagon as well as domestic programs.
SCHOOLS Continued from Page 1A Even before the president signed the legislation, he and Republicans were maneuvering for political position on the next stage. “We can’t balance the budget on the backs of people who have borne the biggest brunt of this recession,” the president said, renewing his call for higher taxes on the wealthy. “Everyone is going to have to chip in. It’s only fair.” Senate Republicans say it will not happen. “I’m comfortable we aren’t going to raise taxes coming out of this joint committee,” McConnell said Monday. In a speech shortly before the vote, he predicted instead a renewal of the most recent struggle over spending cuts. The debt limit will have to be raised shortly after the 2012 election, he said, predicting that no president of either party will be “allowed to raise the debt ceiling without ... having to engage in the kind of debate we’ve just been through.”
COUNTY Continued from Page 1A ties of 100 megabytes per second, substantial because, as Andrews explained, “most homes run from one to two megabytes per second.” He’s also confident this move will entice businesses to give Zapata a closer look. “An engineering firm won’t have to set up in Dallas or somewhere like that,” said Andrews, who also sees opportunities in telemedicine and distance learning. Additional business-related items include the payment of nearly $4,000 worth of membership dues to the Laredo-based South Texas Development Foundation, an item requested by County Judge Joe Rathmell, who also sits on the foundation’s board of directors. The
foundation oversees the Border Area Nutrition Council, the Area Agency on Aging, and HIV services. Another economic body slated to receive money from Zapata County is the Zapata County Economic Development Center (ZEDC), a private nonprofit corporation. The court, according to the advanced agenda, will decide whether to commit in the amount of $41,250 to the corporation for unspecified programs, projects, and activities to create and retain jobs. ZEDC President Peggy Umphres Moffet could not be reached for comment about the specific projects to which the money would go. The official website of ZEDC touts ecotourism, energy extraction and health-
care as some of its concerns. It also lists Rathmell as chairman of its board of directors. Changes in county personnel are also slated for discussion. One position within county firefighting services may see a pay decrease from $10.85 to $9.06 per hour, but the change is unlikely to be permanent, as Zapata County Fire Chief J.J. Meza explained he requested the change more for the individual currently occupying the slot. “The person in [slot 29] had his duties decreased,” said Meza. “We are also changing the slot from firefighter to dispatcher.” Meza also said the change was agreed to by the employee partly due to
the individual wanting less responsibility due to healthrelated issues. Meza is open to returning the slot to its current job title and rate of pay should future circumstances require it. The court will also be asked to accept the resignations of two fire department employees — a paramedic and an emergency medical technician. Meza says both are taking jobs in Laredo. In other action, the court will be asked to approve a request for qualification for the operation of the Zapata County Medical Clinic, as well as a redistricting of the county precinct boundaries. The meeting will be held at the Zapata County Courthouse, 200 E. 7th Ave. Suite 108. The meeting starts at 9 a.m.
school, helping the districts’ already overwhelmed guidance and counseling departments. According to the group, 98 percent of the case-managed students stayed in school in 2009-10. Gutierrez said the group will be able to offset the budget cut without affecting services or personnel. He said he and the group’s 24-member board will offset the cut through fundraisers, acquiring more affordable contracted services, seeking other grants and dipping into savings. “We’ve been fortunate enough to do that,” he said. On Aug. 20, Communities in Schools – Laredo will hold its 15th annual golf tournament, the
group’s biggest fundraiser of the year. Unlike in previous years, the event will be held at Casa Blanca Golf Course instead of the Laredo Country Club. Funds generated from the fundraiser will benefit program operations. The group is still looking for event sponsors and participants. Sponsorship levels range from $500 to $5,000, and the entrance fee for participants is $100. That $100 will also get them breakfast, lunch and eligibility for door prizes. To sign up or for more information, call Communities in School – Laredo at 791-2199. (Nick Georgiou may be reached at 728-2582 or ngeorgiou@lmtonline.com)
FISHING Continued from Page 1A bass with “Gone Fishing, Falcon Lake” and a red, white, and blue map of Texas. Others went underwater: first-grader Jadir Gonzalez came up with something out of “Finding Nemo,” a conversation among fish. The art contest was sponsored by Dairy Queen, and the winners will be on display at the Zapata Chamber of Commerce office. Winners were chosen by Zapata County Judge Joe Rathmell, Laredo artist Pancho Farias, and Farmers Insurance agent Esther Hinojosa. In lieu of the lake, a giant fish tank (approximate-
ly 20x30 feet) loaded with fish will be set up at the Zapata Boys and Girls’ Club. “It’s like a huge swimming pool,” said Balderas. While it misses some of the natural beauty of the lake, the fish tank decreases the potential for accidents, says Balderas. “There is little chance of anything happening, and the kids will have a safe, fun time,” she said. The chamber seeks sponsors for the tourney. Those interested can visit the Zapata Chamber of Commerce at www.zapatausa.com or call Balderas at 956-765-4871, ext. 12.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 6, 2011
ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM
Sports&Outdoors HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL
Walking down memory lane Zapata reminds of home This week I was fortunate to travel to Zapata to visit with coach Rosie Villarreal and talk a little bit about the upcoming volleyball season. On my drive to Zapata, I started thinking about my hometown and the feeling that I get when I have the opportunity to visit. I am from Raymondville, a small town in the Rio Grande Valley, and it mirrors Zapata in many ways. I love the small-town feeling, especially on a Friday night during football season where traffic is minimal because everyone is at the stadium. The team can be undefeated or winless and the stadium is still standing room only. Last year I was able to make it to a Hawks football game and I loved the whole atmosphere that it created, from the band getting ready on the side to carne asada being cooked just outside the stadium. Those sounds and smells brought back memories from my days at Raymondville High, when we could not wait until Friday for the football game. Everyone was at the game, from administration, to former players and students to the school board president. It was just a time to get away from whatever problems we had.
Small town life In a small town high school, everyone knows each other, so a new student coming in does not have a chance of not being noticed. You grow up with everyone and attend elementary, middle school and eventually head off to high school together. On graduation day from high school, you know every one of the names that are being blared out by the announcer. I have been to high school graduations in Laredo and it takes hours just to call out the names. Try sitting through 600; it can be very exhausting. I almost missed my nephew’s name being called out because my mind wandered off. Sometimes we think when we live in a small town that somehow we are missing out on the world and that might be true to a certain extent. We cannot wait to get out of here and start living our lives, so leaving to college was a welcomed sight. What many fail to understand is that small towns have an advantage opposed to living in a large city. When I get to visit my parents for an extended period of time, I love it because I get to slow down from my fast-paced world. In Laredo, I am always on the go and don’t slow down for too many things or people. I go from assignment to assignment, from game to game, and don’t get me wrong, I love what I do, but sometimes I need to slow down and I have not found any place better that lets me catch my breath than my hometown. I enjoy the laid back attitude and heading to the local grocery store to shop with no time constraints because I have another event to go to. A small town is the core of American values. Everyone in Zapata is very fortunate to be in a place that contributes to our future. Small towns are crucial to the fabric of everyday life. Never take them for granted.
Photo by Clara Sandoval | The Zapata Times
Zapata volleyball coach Rosie Villarreal talks to her team in a timeout during Friday’s scrimmage in Laredo at United High School.
LADY HAWKS IMPRESS EARLY Practices look promising for Zapata volleyballers By CLARA SANDOVAL THE ZAPATA TIMES
LAREDO — With four practices under their belt, the Lady Hawks headed to Laredo on Friday to test the waters of their new team. Zapata participated at the United High scrimmage and played against Eagle Pass, Freer, Roma and host United in 25
increments. The scrimmages provided an opportunity for coaches to juggle lineups and schemes and for players to continue to make a solid impression for more playing time. Scrimmages are utilized to see if the team is clicking on offense and what they need to work on before the first game of the season.
“Some are coming from the JV team, so I have to make sure that they are able to handle the pressures of varsity ball,” Zapata coach Rosie Villarreal said. “I saw a lot of good things.” On the same token, Villarreal saw a few things that they need to fix before they open the season with Nixon on Mon-
See ZAPATA PAGE 2B
NFL TRAINING CAMP
Romo set to stay upright By STEPHEN HAWKINS
Dallas Cowboys’ Tony Romo runs drills during training camp on Monday in San Antonio.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Photo by Darren Abate | AP
SAN ANTONIO — Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo finally had two of his primary protectors in front of him again Thursday night. Re-signed offensive linemen Doug Free and Kyle Kosier took part in the team’s rescheduled practice only hours after NFL players ratified the collective bargaining agreement. All players with new contracts since July 26 were able to practice for the first time. In anticipation of the ratification, coach Jason Garrett had pushed back the start of Thursday’s second session from the usual mid-afternoon start. He got what he hoped for, a full squad for the first time
since the team started practice at the Alamodome a week earlier. “We wanted to practice at night down here at least once, so it kind of fit together,” Garrett said. Keeping left tackle Free was the top priority for the Cowboys once most of the deal to end the NFL’s 41/2-month lockout was agreed to last week and free agency began. Free got a $32 million, four-year contract with $17 million guaranteed. “It’s always fun to play football,” Free said, walking off the field without stopping after the nearly three-hour session. “Yeah, doing good.” Free, going into his fifth
See COWBOYS PAGE 2B
ZAPATA MIDDLE SCHOOL 2011-2012 CHEERLEADERS
Courtesy photo
The cheerleaders attended their yearly camp instructed by Lauren Contreras Choreography. The girls are under the direction of Vianey C. Martin and are led by Captain Katy Ramirez, Co-Captains Monique Hurtado and Rebecca Villarreal. The girls are excited and ready to cheer on the Merlins.
PAGE 2B
Zscores
SATURDAY, AUGUST 6, 2011
NFL CBA set for next 10 years By WILL GRAVES ASSOCIATED PRESS
Photo by Mark Duncan | AP
Tiger Woods reacts after missing a birdie putt on the 8th hole during the second round of the Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio, on Friday.
Tiger on the major prowl Woods returns for the PGA By DOUG FERGUSON ASSOCIATED PRESS
Given the circumstances of a most peculiar year, the slogan of the final major — “Glory’s Last Shot” — might not apply to Tiger Woods. In some respects, the PGA Championship is more like a fresh start. This is the seventh time in his 15 years on tour that Woods has come to the last major of the year without having made any progress toward the record that matters the most to him — the 18 professional majors won by Jack Nicklaus. In three of those seasons, he was changing his swing. Last year, he was going through a divorce. This year, he simply hasn’t played. Since closing with a 67 at the Masters, briefly sharing the lead on Sunday until his game stalled and he tied for fourth, Woods went four months without playing a full round because of recurring pain in his left knee and Achilles tendon. He only missed four tournaments he ordinarily would have played, but two of them were the U.S. Open and British Open. “We get four chances to peak per year, and unfortunately, I was only able to try and peak for one,” Woods said. “Obviously, my timetable isn’t very long to try and peak for the last one here.” Yes, it’s his last shot of the year to try to win a major. Could this also be his last shot at restoring belief that he still can reach or even break the Nicklaus benchmark? That he could get back to No. 1 in the world? That his red shirt on Sunday could still mean something? Some of these could get answered when the 93rd
Woods is only 35. Nicklaus, when he was this age, went on to win five more majors in his career, and the Golden Bear might have won more if he had not already broken the record once held by Bobby Jones. PGA Championship gets under way Thursday at Atlanta Athletic Club. Woods is only 35. Nicklaus, when he was this age, went on to win five more majors in his career, and the Golden Bear might have won more if he had not already broken the record once held by Bobby Jones. But the trauma in Woods’ life — physical and emotional — makes him an old 35. It’s more than the four surgeries on his left knee dating to his freshman year at Stanford. Woods used to walk into the locker room or onto the practice range fully aware that the other players were looking him as golf ’s best player, and the guy they would have to beat. Now they look at him the way everyone else does, wondering what’s going on inside his head, curious what kind of scores he might post. The swagger is gone because Woods hasn’t won a tournament in 20 months. The aura is gone because golf looks deeper than ever. Three of the last five major champions are in the top 10 in the world and still in their 20s — U.S. Open champion Rory McIlroy, Masters champion Charl Schwartzel and defending PGA champion Martin Kaymer. Like so many other young players, they have no reason to be afraid of Woods because they have not competed again him at his best. And there are no guarantees they ever will. “It would be a little intimidating if you knew for sure that he was going to come back and play the way he did in 2000 or 2001,”
McIlroy said. “But who knows for sure what way the game is going to go?” It’s a question that has been asked — and not answered — since Woods first returned at the Masters last year after his image was shredded over extramarital affairs. His “comeback” lasted one tournament — a tie for fourth in the 2010 Masters — until he missed the cut in his next tournament with his highest 36-hole score ever, then withdrew a week later from another tournament with a neck injury. He picked up a new swing coach in Sean Foley late last summer and showed signs of immediate improvement, only to start this year with ordinary results. He came back at The Players Championship on May 12 from what was described as “minor injuries,” only to quit after nine holes. Woods pledged not to return until he was 100 percent healthy, even to the point of missing two majors. Another setback now and the skepticism will be as great as ever. Still, he doesn’t see the PGA Championship any differently from other years, whether he was trying to win his first major of the year or his third in a row. “It’s a major championship,” he said. “We get four a year and try to peak four times a year. It’s as simple as that.” Not even after 13 majors have come and gone without his name on the trophy? Not even after not being certain for most of the summer that he could play the PGA Championship this year?
Woods shook his head. “Feels the same,” he said, then raising his eyebrow with a slight grin and adding, “Looking forward to it.” So many others feel the same way. The PGA Championship doesn’t get the same respect from the public as the other majors, some of that because it’s at the end of the schedule and football starts to occupy American minds. But there is no denying how tough it is to win. It features by far the strongest field of any major, with 99 of the top 100 in the world ranking scheduled to be at Atlanta Athletic Club when it gets under way on Thursday. If no one withdraws, that will be the most top-100 players at any major since the world ranking began in 1986. For some, there could be a sense of urgency. That particularly holds true for Lee Westwood, the first golfer to replace Woods at No. 1 in the world late last year and the best active player to have never won a major. And there had to be a feeling of “When is it my turn” for the 38-year-old Englishman when he watched one of his best friends, 42-year-old Darren Clarke who was No. 110 in the world, cradle the silver claret jug at the British Open last month. Westwood is represented by Chubby Chandler at International Sports Management, who is going for an agent’s Grand Slam. His clients have won all three majors this year — and four of the last five including Louis Oosthuizen at St. Andrews last year. Not many could have imagined Westwood would not be among them.
CANTON, Ohio — NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and NFLPA head DeMaurice Smith each grabbed a side of the massive 300-page collective bargaining agreement between the players and league owners and exchanged a relieved handshake while posing for the cameras. And just like that, 4 1/2 months of acrimony, anger and posturing from both sides during the protracted NFL lockout was over. Smith and Goodell signed the new CBA on a makeshift stage on the steps of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Friday morning, a largely ceremonial gesture after the players agreed to ratify the 10-year agreement Thursday night. Still, there was a sense of relief from both Smith and Goodell, who shook hands three times during the brief signing and even hugged after spending nearly half a year in tense negotiations haggling over a new way to distribute the NFL’s massive revenue stream. “We’re all relieved because football is back,” Goodell said. “That’s what our fans want, and that’s what we all want and we’re thrilled that we got it done.” One fan shouted “thank you” to Smith as he took his seat, with Smith answering “more than welcome.” Following the signing both men glad-handed their way to the NFL Network’s set inside the Hall of Fame Gallery. With the busts of Hall inductees serving as a backdrop, Smith and Goodell detailed the sometimes difficult journey to the new deal. Neither pointed to a breakthrough moment in the lengthy talks, instead crediting leadership on both sides for being able to find common ground so the 2011 season could be saved. Goodell said a small group of player representatives and owners did the leg work of putting aside the considerable
differences between the two groups and focusing on the future. “There was a tremendous amount of respect and an attempt to find solutions,” Goodell said. “Once we understood each other and we understood that that was what we were there for, we got it done.” Both Goodell and Smith were vague on the possibility of HGH-testing. Smith called it “something to be strived for,” with Goodell adding ““we’re going to get it done but we want to get it done right.” Testing could begin by the start of the regular season, though the specifics are still being worked on, as are several other details. It didn’t stop Smith from celebrating a “joyous” day. The process has turned him into a celebrity of sorts, and he spent several minutes posing for pictures with fans before being whisked away in a van. Though the players were eager to get back to work, not every team walked in lockstep to ratify the CBA. The Pittsburgh Steelers voted no, citing the rushed nature of the deal — the Steelers didn’t receive a copy until 3 p.m. — and the agreement’s inability to address Goodell’s role as judge and jury for on-the-field discipline. “We felt it was shoved down our throats,” Pittsburgh defensive tackle Willie Colon said Thursday. Smith declined to discuss Pittsburgh’s vote. NFLPA spokesman George Atallah said simply “we’re happy to be back playing football.” Asked if the NFLPA viewed the defending AFC champion’s decision to vote against the deal as a protest, Atallah said, “ask (Steelers player representative) Ryan Clark.” Clark said he wouldn’t discuss the outcome of the vote, though both he and Pittsburgh quarterback Charlie Batch acknowledged there were some players on the 90man roster who were not in favor of the deal.
ZAPATA Continued from Page 1B day at home. “Of course you have your good points but at times it was, ‘Oh my josh, I know I taught them that!’” Villarreal said with a laugh. “Overall, we did well.” In its opening scrimmage, Zapata worked the ball against the United defense and put together a few rallies that had the Lady Longhorns searching for answers. Kristina De Leon and Shelby Bigler looked sharp at the net, constantly putting pressure on the
United defense. Defensively, the Lady Hawks had moments of greatness but at times were out of alignment and United took advantage. Villarreal was impressed with sophomores Gabby Gutierrez and Valerie Gutierrez. Gabby, in particular, made a name with her coach. “I was very impressed with her,” Villarreal said. “She had not been doing very well at practice this week and (Friday) she did really well.”
COWBOYS Continued from Page 1B season, became the starter on the left side protecting Romo’s blind side last season. Kosier got a $9 million, threeyear contract. He is going into his 10th season, the sixth in Dallas. “It was a little strange. I felt like I was missing something, missing being sore or something,” Kosier said. “I’m just knocking the rust off a little bit. ... You can’t be at home hitting your head against the wall all year long. It’s going to take a little while to get used to.” The Cowboys last week released both right-side starters from last season, guard Leonard Davis and tackle Marc Colombo. Unrestricted free agent Abram Elam, who has agreed to one-year deal to reunite with new Cowboys defensive coordinator Rob
Ryan, didn’t make it in time for Thursday night’s practice and wasn’t officially put on the roster. Elam began his career in Dallas in 2006 and has started 31 of 32 games in Cleveland the past two seasons playing for Ryan’s defense. Other Cowboys who practiced for the first time were defensive ends Marcus Spears, Jason Hatcher and Kenyon Coleman, safety Gerald Sensabaugh, receiver Jesse Holley and cornerbacks Alan Ball and Bryan McCann. Spears missed the final eight games last season after being put on injured reserve because of a calf injury. He got hurt in a loss at Green Bay, the day before former coach Wade Phillips got fired, so he had never been part of a practice under coach Jason Garrett.
“It’s sort of like a game situation. You’re moving from period to period and you’re moving pretty fast,” Spears said. “To get into the swing of things is tough when you’re coming off of eight months of no football. ... I hadn’t missed that much football ever. It was tough to be injured and having to sit out at the beginning of training camp. So to be back is phenomenal.” Sensabaugh signed a $2.5 million, one-year contract Wednesday to remain in Dallas for the third consecutive season. Like Spears and other defenders, he is having to learn the new scheme being installed by Ryan. “(My head) is spinning quite a bit. It’s the first day learning the system,” Sensabaugh said. “They’ve been around the system for eight, nine days and I’ve had
just 24 hours to look over it. I’m just in there trying to make plays.” Also back on the field Thursday was receivers coach Jimmy Robinson, who was knocked unconscious and sustained a concussion after being run over during a punt return drill Saturday when the team was in pads for the first time. “He’s about as tough as they come. He took quite a shot the other day,” Garrett said. “He’s still not 100 percent, but he’s tried to work his way back into meetings and he’s been back on the field a little bit now.” The 58-year-old Robinson, also the team’s assistant head coach, is in his first season with the Cowboys after coming from the Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers.
“It’s a little frustrating when you can’t be out here doing your job, but getting a little better each day,” Robinson said. “Still some headaches, a little bit of double vision. It kind of comes and goes. ... I’m just trying to move slowly. I’m not trying to move too fast. I won’t be throwing any drills just yet. But, hopefully, we will get to that kind of stuff pretty soon.” Robinson said he remembers receiver Teddy Williams coming his way during the drill. “He was pretty close at the point, because I think somebody standing close to me had just maybe jumped out of the way and I was the next in line, so to speak,” he said. “It’s scary when you think about what could have been. It could have been a lot worse in terms of permanent damage.”
SATURDAY, AUGUST 6, 2011
THE ZAPATA TIMES 3B
HINTS BY | HELOISE Dear Readers: People often think that DOGS LICKING AND CHEWING THEIR PAWS is a normal activity. If they lick once in a while, or after a meal, that’s not unusual. However, it can signal allergies and/or an infection if it is constant or causes redness or hair loss. Pollen, mold, mildew, dust, wool, insects and a host of other things can trigger an allergy. Also, your dog may be allergic to soaps and shampoos, and even fleas! Take your dog to see a vet if the chewing is constant and causes health problems. — Heloise P.S.: Cabbie, our minischnauzer, sometimes does this when she comes in the doggie door. We then look for ants on her paws! RABBIT FIX Dear Readers: If you are thinking about getting a rabbit as a pet, be aware that it probably should be spayed or neutered. You should find a veterinarian who specializes in exotic animals. Spaying or neutering is beneficial. Of course, this will keep your rabbit from multiplying like ... rabbits! There are other benefits. Litter-box training will be easier, and your rabbit will be calmer, less destructive (chewing and such) and less aggressive.
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HELOISE
— Heloise P.S.: The House Rabbit Society, www.rabbit.org, has more information. RAINBOW FISH Dear Heloise: If you want a fish that’s easy to care for, consider a rainbow fish! Rainbow fish are very colorful — silver, with blue and red stripes. They are sometimes called rainbow sharks, but they are not sharks! Ours are part of the family, and they all have names. They like to “school” or swim in groups, so we have several. They don’t cost much, and the fish eat flaked food, shrimp and bloodworms. — K.B., via email EASY SQUIRREL FEEDING Dear Heloise: I love to watch squirrels in my backyard, but feeding them and the birds was getting complicated. I found in my discount store a feeder that holds one cob of corn. I place the cob vertically on a long nail, and it can be attached to a tree or pole. I keep this feeder away from the birds, and I can watch both groups eating! — Theresa in Texas
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4B THE ZAPATA TIMES
SATURDAY, AUGUST 6, 2011
Running wild with the Texans By KRISTIE RIEKEN ASSOCIATED PRESS
Photo by Eric Gay | AP
This file photo shows Dallas Cowboys’ Deion Sanders dancing in the endzone following his touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles. His talent was as undeniable, although often overshadowed by his flamboyance. His induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday night will seal his greatness.
Primetime for NFL Hall By BARRY WILNER ASSOCIATED PRESS
CANTON, Ohio — Deion, Marshall and Shannon. Three players who could get by with only their first names, and soon to be known as Hall of Famers. Deion Sanders, Marshall Faulk and Shannon Sharpe (of course) will be inducted into the Pro Football shrine Saturday night. Sanders and Faulk were slam dunks in their first year of eligibility. Joining that trio will be Richard Dent, Chris Hanburger, Les Richter and Ed Sabol. Sanders was one of football’s most versatile and entertaining players, earning the nickname “Prime Time.” According to Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, he also was a phony.
“Deion was a fraud — a fraud, OK?” Jones said. “He wanted it to look easy, but he was a hard worker. He would give just enough at practice to be a team player in strength and conditioning, but when he went home he worked like a dog on his strength. He wanted everyone to think he was a natural. He was, but it wasn’t only because he was born like that. He worked.” The teams Sanders played for generally worked their way into the playoffs. In 1994, he joined the 49ers and helped them win the Super Bowl. The next year, he was headed to Dallas, helping the Cowboys win their third title in four seasons. “Deion was ‘Prime Time,’ ‘Neon Deion,’ always that flashy player that everybody
wanted to be,” said Mike Jenkins, the Cowboys cornerback who now wears 21. “He always stood out and he let it be known that he was one of the best. He definitely made it exotic to play cornerback.” Faulk wasn’t quite so exotic. He was just as formidable, though, retiring with 12,279 yards and 100 touchdowns rushing, another 6,875 yards and 36 TDs as a receiver. His dominance in an 12season career, the first five with Indianapolis, the last seven in St. Louis, earned him election to the hall over two other running backs who became eligible for the first time in 2011. Both Curtis Martin and Jerome Bettis rushed for more yards than Faulk, yet fell short of enshrinement.
“People make a big thing about going in on the first ballot, but it’s really more about getting in,” Faulk said. “They don’t give you a target to shoot at. In baseball, you know what you have to do to make the Hall of Fame. In football, you start off, you don’t really know what you have to do to make it. There’s no ’If you break these records as a tight end, you’re going to get in’ or Shannon Sharpe would have got in his first year. That’s hard to do.” Sharpe retired in 2003 and missed out on making the hall in his first two years of eligibility. He compiled 10,060 yards receiving and 62 touchdowns, monstrous numbers for a tight end, and won three Super Bowls — two with Denver, one with Baltimore.
HOUSTON — Arian Foster led the NFL in rushing last season, and Houston Texans teammate Steve Slaton was the top rookie rusher in 2008. Throw in Ben Tate, Derrick Ward and Chris Ogbonnaya, and a team that once struggled to find a dependable running back is now overstocked. Foster was on Houston’s practice squad for much of 2009 before last year’s breakout season, when he rushed for 1,616 yards and 16 touchdowns. He knows he can’t rely on what he did last year to be successful in 2011. “The crazy thing about this league is that — coach (Gary Kubiak) says it all the time — that you have to prove yourself every single day,” Foster said. “You could lead the league in rushing one day and the next day they’ll forget you fast. You have to keep on making your mark.” Foster sat out much of Friday’s practice after experiencing tightness in his hamstring, but should be OK. It was a setback that Kubiak said highlighted the need to have a deep group at the position, as players get banged up throughout the season. “We’re going to end up with four dang good ones and we may be in a situation where we can keep five,” Kubiak said. “So we’re strong at that position right now, but y’all know how this works. You come out one day or play one preseason game and you go from having a bunch of them to something happening. So let’s just keep our fingers crossed that they’re all going to be there at the end and we’re going to have a good group.”
Photo by David J. Phillip | AP
Houston Texans running back Arian Foster (23) during a training camp practice Friday in Houston. Slaton had 1,282 yards rushing with nine touchdowns as a rookie in 2008, but hasn’t done a lot since then while dealing with injuries and the emergence of Foster. He’s healthy now, and the Texans believe he could add to the running game. Tate was selected in the second round of the 2010 draft after rushing for 1,362 yards and 10 touchdowns as a senior at Auburn. He was expected to see limited playing time last season, but missed his entire rookie year after breaking his ankle in Houston’s first preseason game. “I’m very anxious to get back to a preseason game and get to show everyone, the fans, the organization, teammates, what I can do,” he said. Houston has so many options at the position that the team may not be able to keep all of them. “He’s in a battle,” Kubiak said of Tate. “He’s working as a fourth guy right now and that’s a humbling experience. You come out here after you miss all last year (and) it’s a very competitive situation, and we’ve got a nice problem back there. So we’ll see how it works out.”