The Zapata Times 8/7/2010

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COUNTY BUDGET

CAPITAL MURDER CASE

$6M short

Man pleads not guilty

By DENISE BLAZ THE ZAPATA TIMES

At a scheduled arraignment Tuesday, a Zapata man pleaded not guilty to killing his 6-month-old cousin.

Gabriel Alvarez Briones was indicted for capital murder in June, accused of striking his infant second cousin, Carlos

Eduardo Gonzalez, in the head, causing his death.

“We want the state to announce if they’re going to seek the death penalty,” said Eduardo J. Peña, attorney for Alvarez Briones. “We reserve the right to know.”

After being transported to Laredo Medical Center on March 28, the baby was airlifted to Methodist

Appraiser’s error means more cuts

By LORRAINE L. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES

Zapata County is facing an even deeper hole in next year’s budget after Chief Appraiser Amada Gonzalez discovered an error in her calculations, Commissioner Jose E. Vela and County Treasurer Romeo Salinas said Friday.

“We’ve been having a lot of bad news,” Vela said.

The result of the error is that instead of being $3 million short, the county is actually about $6 million short compared to last year, the two officials said.

Gonzalez was not available for comment Friday; she is expected to return to her office Tuesday.

On Friday, July 30, County Judge Rosalva Guerra submitted her proposed budget based on property valuation information given to her by Gonzalez. In the budget, Guerra had to deal with an expected shortfall of $3 million in the general fund.

Gonzalez notified Guerra on Monday, Aug. 2, of an error in her calculations, Vela said, which resulted in the shortfall becoming $6 million for the next fiscal year. The specifics of the error were unclear Friday.

Last year, the county’s budget was about $29 million.

Guerra’s budget presented in late July cut that to $26 million. The county will now have to make do with $23 million under the revised appraisal figures.

Children’s Hospital in San Antonio in serious condition, where he was later pronounced dead.

An autopsy performed

by Webb County Medical Examiner Dr. Corinne Stern ruled the death a homicide.

After becoming frustrated with the infant’s crying, Alvarez Briones admitted to hitting the ba-

by, according to Zapata Sheriff Sigifredo Gonzalez.

Alvarez Briones is being held at the Zapata County Jail under a $1 million cash bond.

An evidence exchange is scheduled in court for Sept. 9.

(Denise Blaz may be reached at 728-2547 or dblaz@lmtonline.com)

HEALTH CARE

HELPING HANDS

See BUDGET PAGE 9A Photos by Cuate Santos | The Zapata Times

EDUCATION

ZCISD, three schools get recognition

By LORRAINE L. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES

Zapata County ISD is officially a recognized district and three of the district’s five schools also received recognized status when the Texas Education Agency released its final 2010 school accountability ratings late last month.

“The other two acceptable schools missed the recognized status barely,” said Interim Superintendent Norma Garcia, Ph.D. “All schools showed much improvement, and the ZCISD recognized rating was the result of the synergy present in all schools.”

The district and the three recognized schools met that status either with the help of the controversial Texas Projection Measure, which allows districts to gain higher ratings if its students are expected to improve in the future, and/or Required Improvement standards.

“Our expectation has always been to be recognized through meeting absolute standards and will continue to do so,” Garcia added.

Zapata High School, Fidel and Andrea R. Villarreal Elementary and A.L. Benavides were among the hundreds of schools in Texas with a recognized status. The high school and Villarreal earned recognized status for the first time

See SCHOOLS PAGE 8A

ABOVE: Belinda Garza, left, a nurse with the Texas Department of Health, assist as Sgt. Nick Perkins, with the Texas State Guard, prepares to administer an oral immunization to 3-moth-old Moses Cuellar as his mother Amarili holds him Friday afternoon at the Zapata Community Center. Zapata residents took advantage of free medical services provided as part of Operation Lone Star.

BELOW: Sgt. Elvia Mendoza, left, of Zapata and a member of the Texas State Guard, looks on as Tony Mendoza undergoes a hearing loss exam by Judy Kurz, a representative of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Center of Corpus Christi, on Friday afternoon at the Zapata Community Center.

Operation Lone Star aids 600 area residents

By STEPHANIE M. IBARRA THE ZAPATA TIMES

Each summer with the combined efforts of Texas military forces, a multitude of agencies and civilian personal, Operation Lone Star brings free medical care to the under- and uninsured for South Texas, Zapata County included.

More than 600 Zapata residents were served at this year’s week-long event at the Zapata Community Center.

“We provided all the medical services to the extent possible,” said Dr. Robert McBroom, deputy incident commander. “Obviously for field missions like these there are limited things we can do, but basic health maintenance, diagnosis and treatment is provided.”

The most common services sought after by attendees are dental health and immunizations, Operation Lone Star officials said.

“We service areas that do not have local health departments. (People) from less than a year old to people bordering 90 – and everything in between, we saw them. It was an awesome turnout,” said Mary Lou Cortines, immunization staff mem-

ber and Department of State Health Service employee.

“We see everybody for every reason, and we do what we can. I think probably one of the best things we can do is try to find additional resources for them. Indefinite medication without adequate follow up is not a good thing,” McBroom said.

Short staffed and lack of general volunteers made aiding the community a somewhat daunting task, McBroom said.

“We try to make do with the resources we have,” McBroom said.

Meanwhile, Sylvia Garza, Zapata

Lone Star assignments coordinator, attributed the turnout to lack of advertisement.

“When we got in I literally went around town to different businesses passing out flyers. Nobody had heard of it,” said Garza, noting that word of mouth made all the difference.

Hearing of the event from a family member, Zapata resident Tony Mendoza was present Friday to take advantage of the hearing loss booth, set up by the Deaf and Hard of Hear-

See HELP PAGE 9A

PAGE 2A

Zin brief CALENDAR

SATURDAY, AUGUST 7, 2010

AROUND TEXAS

TODAY IN HISTORY

SUNDAY, AUGUST 8

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Today is the last day to experience “Side Man”, a theatrical production by L.I.T.E., at the Laredo Center for the Arts, located on 500 San Agustin. General admission is $10. The curtains rise at 3 p.m. For more information, call (956) 725-1715.

MONDAY, AUGUST 9 Helping Hands Food Pantry invites the public to make monetary donations or bring in excess grocery stacks all this week. Open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., they are also accepting applications for their Federal Program. For more information, contact Norma Mendoza.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 12 American Legion meets at 6 p.m. for a pot luck supper at the American Legion Building, located at 2213 North U.S. Highway 83. Only coffee and tea will be provided; all attendees need to bring a dish to share.

The Zapata County Soil and Water conservation District and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service invite the public and any organizations with an interest in agriculture or conservation to attend a local work group meeting to be held today at the USDA Service Center Conference Room in Zapata, Hwy 16 and 8th Street, at 9 a.m.

For more information, call the USDA office in Zapata at (956) 765-4344.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 13 Garza Promotions present Pedro Fernandez and special guest Pilar Montenegro live at the Laredo Energy Arena tonight at 8 p.m. Ticket prices vary from $42 to $97 and are available at the Laredo Energy Arena Box Office, various HEB locations and through Ticketmaster.com. For more information, call (956) 791-9192.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 14 Marine Corp League hosts a plate sale today, starting at 12 p.m. at the corner of 22nd and Hidalgo St. Donations are $6 per plate. All proceeds go to community projects.

4-H will host a volunteer workshop today from 1 to 4 p.m. in the lobby area of the County Extension Office, in the Community Center. There will be a $10 charge for screening. For more information, contact Caleb Eaton at (956) 765-9967.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 17 Zapata Chapter #1106 Order of the Eastern Star joins tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Masonic Lodge, located at 14th St. and Hwy 16.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 21 A hunter’s education course will be offered at Zapata County Public Library from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday, August 22 from noon to 5 p.m.

Every Hunter, including out-of-state hunters, born on or after September 2, 1981, must complete a Hunters Education Training course to hunt any animal in the State of Texas. The minimum age to receive certification is 9 years old. For more information, contact Marshall Davidson at (956) 337-5917.

Friday, August 27 Gold and platinum artist Mark Chesnutt performs at the Casa Blanca Ballroom tonight at 8 p.m. Tickets for admission begin at $15. For more information, visit markchesnutt.com

Photo by Danielle Villasana/The Daily Texan | AP

Bill White speaks on July 30, in Austin. The former Houston mayor is making a play for moderate voters in both parties and doesn’t plan to appear with the president.

Obama eyes Texas cash

By BY KELLEY SHANNON AP POLITICAL WRITER

AUSTIN — President Barack Obama’s trip to Texas on Monday aims to do something Democrats are still good at in this conservative state — raising money. But it’s not designed to bolster the chances of Democrat Bill White in the governor’s race.

The former Houston mayor is making a play for moderate voters in both parties and doesn’t plan to appear with the president.

And the political team for Obama and the Democratic National Committee doesn’t appear too concerned with whether White wants Obama in the state.

The DNC’s efforts are “not about one candidate,” said Hector Nieto, spokesman for Organizing For America.

Despite Republican Gov. Rick Perry’s attempts to paint White and Obama as liber-

als, White isn’t exactly running cheek to cheek with the president. White has criticized Obama’s administration on federal spending and says Perry is trying to link him with Obama because “he knows that he can’t beat me.” Besides, White said, he doesn’t need a “seal of approval” from the president.

“Under the First Amendment, I can’t prevent anybody from campaigning for me,” he said.

Neither the White House nor Democratic Party officials in Texas would discuss whether they tried to coordinate White’s and Obama’s schedules. A Perry spokesman said White can’t disassociate himself from Obama.

“Bill White can run but he can’t hide from the fact that he shares the same policy views,” Miner said.

FLDS leader to pay $148K in back child support

Court orders new sentencing trial for killer

3 bodies identified after house fire in Vidor

LUBBOCK — A polygamist leader in West Texas has agreed to pay child support dating to 2003, when his then-wife left the sect with their eight children.

Frederick Merril Jessop, the bishop of the Yearning for Zion Ranch, signed the order in court Thursday. He will pay his former wife $148,000 for seven years of back child support.

HOUSTON — A federal appeals court has upheld a lower court’s ruling ordering a new sentencing trial for a Houston man on death row for raping and killing an 11-year-old boy in 1987.

The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans ruled late Thursday jurors weren’t given sufficient instructions on how or whether to consider mitigating circumstances.

VIDOR — The Orange County Sheriff ’s Office has identified the bodies of a man and two children discovered after a house fire here.

Shorty Strother, 59, 6-year-old Kain Dorn and 19-month-old Brook Dorn were killed in the Friday morning apartment fire.

2 children, 1 man killed apartment fire VIDOR — Two children and their grandfather were killed in a fire Friday morning in south Texas despite efforts by their mother to rescue them from the burning apartment.

The Orange County Sheriff ’s Office said Amanda “Nikki” Dorn escaped the fire in Vidor with minor injuries and had tried to go back into the garage apartment, which was engulfed in flames, with no success.

Diboll cop resigns after videotaped stop LUFKIN — A Diboll police officer resigned following a videotaped traffic stop in which he is heard and seen berating a driver who was rushing his 73-year-old passenger to a hospital.

Videotape from a patrol car dashboard camera, obtained in an open records request by KTRE, shows Jones with his gun drawn, breaking the driver’s side window and hauling out Lott.

IRS to stay at new Austin site after plane crash AUSTIN — An office building where a tax protester killed himself by crashing his plane into the structure is expected to reopen but without the Internal Revenue Service as a tenant.

Cleanup and demolition of the closed building are nearly done.

Repairs on the 64,000-squarefoot building should be completed within six months.

Andrew Joseph Stack III on Feb. 18 flew his single-engine plane into the structure.

— Compiled from AP reports

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 Texas A&M International University hosts Autmus Fest 2010. Gate opens at 4:30 p.m. $10 pre-sale tickets are available at all Pocket locations. Tickets are $15 at the gate. For more information, visit www.autmusfest.com.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 Texas A&M International University reveals two art collections for September, Fields and Monuments: Paintings by Joey Fauerso and sculptures by Riley Robinson at the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Gallery. For more information, call (956) 326-2654.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 2 Funny man Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias returns to Laredo Energy Area tonight. Tickets are on sale now at all Ticketmaster locations, including the LEA Box Office, H.E.B. or charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000. For more information, call (956) 791-9192.

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 OKC bomber says he was force fed

CONTACT US

DENVER — Oklahoma City bombing conspirator Terry Nichols says state Colorado prison officials inserted IVs into his veins and force fed him following hunger strikes this year.

Nichols recently filed a handwritten document in a lawsuit against federal Supermax prison officials in Florence, Colo., over the lack of whole grains, unpeeled fruit and fewer refined foods in his diet.

Cops mum on probe of shooter’s racism claim HARTFORD, Conn. — The man who fatally shot eight coworkers at a Connecticut beer distributor told a 911 operator he was avenging racism.

Omar Thornton’s employer, his union and the state say there has never been a formal racism complaint against the company.

Today is Saturday, Aug. 7, the 219th day of 2010. There are 146 days left in the year.

Today’s Highlight in History: On Aug. 7, 1782, Gen. George Washington created the Order of the Purple Heart, a decoration to recognize merit in enlisted men and noncommissioned officers.

On this date: In 1789, the U.S. War Department was established by Congress.

In 1882, the famous feud between the Hatfields of West Virginia and the McCoys of Kentucky erupted into fullscale violence.

In 1942, U.S. and allied forces landed at Guadalcanal, marking the start of the first major allied offensive in the Pacific during World War II. In 1947, the balsa wood raft Kon-Tiki, which had carried a six-man crew 4,300 miles across the Pacific Ocean, crashed into a reef in a Polynesian archipelago; all six crew members reached land safely.

In 1959, the United States launched the Explorer 6 satellite, which sent back images of the Earth.

In 1960, the West African nation of Ivory Coast became independent of France.

In 1964, Congress passed the Gulf of Tonkin resolution, giving President Lyndon B. Johnson broad powers in dealing with reported North Vietnamese attacks on U.S. forces.

In 1970, an attempt by San Quentin inmate James David McClain, accused of stabbing a guard, to escape his trial in Marin County, Calif. ended in a shootout with police that claimed the lives of McClain, two of three cohorts, and Judge Harold J. Haley, one of several hostages.

In 1990, President George H.W. Bush ordered U.S. troops and warplanes to Saudi Arabia to guard the oil-rich desert kingdom against a possible invasion by Iraq.

In 1998, terrorist bombs at U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania killed 224 people, including 12 Americans.

Ten years ago: Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Al Gore selected Connecticut Sen. Joseph Lieberman as his running mate.

Today’s Birthdays: Writer-producer Stan Freberg is 84.

Rhythm-and-blues singer Herb Reed (The Platters) is 82. Magician, author and lecturer James Randi is 82. Former baseball pitcher Don Larsen is 81. Bluesman Magic Slim is 73.

Actress Verna Bloom is 71.

Humorist Garrison Keillor is 68. Singer B.J. Thomas is 68.

Singer Lana Cantrell is 67. Actor John Glover is 66. Actor David Rasche is 66. Rhythmand-blues singer Harold Hudson is 61. Former diplomat, talk show host and activist Alan Keyes is 60. Country singer Rodney Crowell is 60.

Actress Caroline Aaron is 58.

Comedian Alexei Sayle is 58.

Actor Wayne Knight is 55.

Rock singer Bruce Dickinson is 52.

Thought for Today: “You must learn day by day, year by year, to broaden your horizon.

The more things you love, the more you are interested in, the more you enjoy, the more you are indignant about — the more you have left when anything happens.” — Ethel Barrymore, American actress (1879-1959).

Publisher, William B. Green........................728-2501 Business Manager, Dora Martinez ...... (956) 324-1226 Chief Accountant, Thelma Aguero .............. 728-2553 General Manager, Adriana Devally ...............728-2510 Retail Adv. Manager, Raul Cruz................... 728-2511 Classified Manager, Sandra Valderrama....... 728-2525 Adv. Billing Inquiries ................................. 728-2531 Circulation Director ................................. 728-2559 MIS Director, Michael Castillo.................... 728-2505 Editor, Diana Fuentes ................................728-2581 City Editor, Kirsten Crow .......................... 728-2543 Sports Editor, Dennis Silva II......................728-2579 Business Journal Editor, Joe Rutland .......... 728-2529 Entertainment Editor, Emilio Rábago III ....... 728-2564 Online Editor, Julie Daffern ....................... 728-2565 Photo by Steve Helber | AP

Kim Strickland, whose son Aaron Cooper was slain in a southwestern Virginia prison, wipes a tear at her home in Norfolk, Va. Cooper was allegedly killed by an inmate who had warned he would kill again if not given the death penalty.

Weekend pump prices up Motorists on back-to-school shopping trips or a late-summer vacation will pay more for a gallon of gas this weekend.

Pump prices rose this week

because of a rally in oil, yet they aren’t expected to spike in the weeks ahead because of typical light trading in the oil market in August, still-ample supplies and fairly weak demand.

— 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 7, 2010

Zlocal

PAGE 3A

Hats help with head safety

By STEPHANIE M. IBARRA THE ZAPATA TIMES

Courtesy photo

Zapata County Sheriff’s Department discovered this bundle of marijuana weighing about 24 pounds on July 31 near the riverbanks at a ranch, south of Zapata.

Suspicious package turns out to be pot

By CÉSAR G. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES

A suspicious bundle inside a private property prompted owners to call authorities July 31, only to discover it contained 24 pounds of marijuana.

Zapata County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a call of a suspicious package at about 3 p.m. at a ranch near the riverbanks south of Zapata.

Sgt. Mario Elizondo noticed the area had recent flooding. Deputies on arrival noticed and identified the bundle as being marijuana, weighing about 24 pounds. Its street value was about $3,384.

“We don’t know if it was washed up or if it was just left there,” he said.

Deputies searched the area but did not find other types of illegal contraband, Elizondo said.

In situations dealing with unidentified packages, the sheriff’s department suggests to contact proper authorities to handle the situation.

“Any suspicious items should not be approached,” Elizondo said.

To report any suspicious activity, call the sheriff’s office at 7659960.

(César G. Rodriguez may be reached at 728-2568 or cesar@lmtonline.com)

The Zapata County Fire Department, along with members from Seven Flags Regional Advisory Council, distributed 200 helmets this past week.

Launched by the Texas Medical Association, Hard Hats for Little Heads aims to educate children and their families on the prevention of head injuries, one of the leading injures involving children.

“We had a very good turnout – a lot of kids with happy faces,” said Gabriella Gonzalez, firefighter with the Zapata County Fire Department.

Although anticipating a high influx of residents, officials didn’t initially think all helmets would be distributed.

“We didn’t have as many in small sizes, but we did get rid of all of them. It was amazing. We even had adults take helmets,” Gonzalez said.

Before receiving the free helmets parents and children would view a DVD focused on educating viewers on the “importance of a correct fit,” said Julie Tijerina, a volunteer with SFAC, Seven Flags Regional Advisory Council on Trauma.

By Wednesday, volunteers had depleted all extra small and medium helmets in-stock.

“Friday, by noon, all were

Photo by Cuate Santos | The Zapata Times

Linda Meza, left, a volunteer for Operation Lone Star, stands in the background as Gaby Gonzalez, a paramedic for the Zapata County Fire Department, tries on a bicycle helmet on Justin Gaumer, on Friday afternoon at the Zapata Community Center. Two hundred helmets provided by the Seven Flags Regional Advisory Council on Trauma and Dr. Luis Pellicia, a member of the Texas Medical Association, were distributed during Operation Lone Star gone,” Gonzalez said, adding, “The word just got out.”

Long after running out of helmets, safety remained at the forefront, with the fire department distributing a variety of safety goods, from flashlights to reflective, attachable bike lights.

Meanwhile, officials await next year’s Hard Hats for Little Heads event.

“Next year we can do something like this again. We’ll be

ready − have a lot more people come,” Gonzalez said.

According to the Texas Medical Association website, about 300,000 children are treated in emergency rooms for severe head injuries each year, many as a result of common childhood activities including bicycle riding, roller-skating and skateboarding.

(Stephanie M. Ibarra may be reached at (956) 728-2567 or sibarra@lmtonline.com)

THE BLOTTER ASSAULT Deputies responded to an aggravated assault with a motor vehicle call at 3:30 a.m. July 30 near the intersection of Seventh Street and Bravo Avenue in the Medina Addition. No injuries were reported. The Zapata County Sheriff’s Office has an open investigation on the incident.

POSSESSION Deputies arrested Gilberto Sanchez, 32, after a traffic stop at

about 1:30 a.m. Monday at the intersection of Seventh Street and Zapata Avenue. Officials charged him with possession of a controlled substance, unauthorized use of motor vehicle and tampering with physical evidence. He was booked and transported to Zapata Regional Jail, and held in lieu of a combined bond of $25,000.

Kevin Lee Alfaro, 20, was arrested on charges of possession of marijuana and possession of controlled substance penalty group one at 11 p.m. Tuesday at the in-

tersection of 10th Street and Texas 16. He was booked and transported to Zapata Regional Jail, and held in lieu of a combined bond of $10,000.

Gonzalez was seen walking along the highway. He was booked and transported to Zapata Regional Jail.

THEFT RECKLESS DRIVING

PUBLIC INTOXICATION Sergio Alonso Gonzalez, 50, was arrested and charged with public intoxication at 12:30 a.m.

Aug. 1 on Texas 16 near the Zapata High School stadium. An incident report states someone reported a drunk male identified as

booked and taken to the Zapata Regional Jail, and held in lieu of $3,000 bond.

Deputies arrested Carlos Daniel Salazar, 22, and charged him with reckless driving at about 1:30 a.m. July 31 in the 1800 block of Roma Street. An incident report states a deputy observed a vehicle traveling east on Texas 16 at a high rated speed. Salazar was

Deputies responded to a theft call at 1:30 p.m. July 29 at the Pump N Shop, 19th Avenue and U.S. 83. The complainant stated a person driving a white four-door vehicle drove off without paying for gas. An incident report states the amount stolen was $16.01.

Deputies responded to a theft call at about 9:15 a.m. Tuesday in lot 14 of San Ygnacio Viejo Road in San Ygnacio. A 42-yearold woman stated someone stole her $50 trash can.

Deputies responded to a theft call at about 9:10 a.m.

Wednesday at Zapata County Food Pantry, intersection of Seventh Street and Del Mar Avenue. The 55-year-old female complainant stated someone unknown attempted to steal the radio and speakers from her Chevrolet Tahoe.

PAGE 4A

Zopinion

SATURDAY, AUGUST 7, 2010

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR SEND YOUR SIGNED LETTER TO EDITORIAL@LMTONLINE.COM

EDITORIAL

OTHER VIEWS

Ethics woes plague Dems NEW YORK TIMES

H

ouse Republicans are chortling over the Democratic majority’s troubles with ethics allegations, but they also are ominously signaling their distaste for the Office of Congressional Ethics — the one new player on Capitol Hill with a clear determination to do something about the morass.

The Republican minority leader, John Boehner, said he wants to “take a look” at the office if his party regains majority power — a reminder that his members fiercely opposed the quasi-independent office when it was created two years ago by Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Boehner wondered how effective the office really is, ignoring its considerable record for discreetly investigating alleged misbehavior on both sides of the aisle and letting the chips fall where they may. It was the ethics office that did the

initial investigatory work prompting (forcing might be the more apt description) the House Ethics Committee to order a public hearing into whether Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., committed a conflict of interest by intervening on behalf of a bailout for a bank in which her husband owned stock.

The ethics case against Rep. Charles Rangel, DN.Y., predates the creation of the ethics office, but he ran afoul of its investigators more recently in being admonished by the House committee for leading a group on a Caribbean junket paid by corporate favor-seekers in violation of House rules.

Grumblers on both sides want to gut the ethics office. That is because it has been fulfilling its mission to put life into the lawmakers’ own stultified ethics process, to penetrate the murk of misbehavior and keep the public better informed.

COLUMN

Dems try ducking tax hike

By GARY ANDRES HEARST NEWSPAPERS

COLUMN

Genocide decision bad

By JONATHAN GURWITZ SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

H

ow much is a life worth? It’s a question that often crosses your mind when you hear about a jury deliberating the fate of a convicted murderer.

Five years? Ten years? Life? A life for a life?

In cases involving a single homicide, the human mind can at least comprehend the issue. A sensible debate can be had over what constitutes an appropriate punishment.

But when the deliberation involves a mass murderer or a genocidal murderer, human faculties frequently fail. The larger the scale of the atrocity, the less fathomable the crimes become. In a peculiar way, Stalin’s observation is disturbingly accurate: One death is a tragedy, while a million deaths is merely a statistic.

Last month, a United Nations-backed tribunal in Cambodia rendered a verdict in the case of Kaing Guek Eav, known as Comrade Duch. Duch was a cog in the wheel of Pol Pot’s fanatical regime.

Over a four-year period in the 1970s, his Khmer Rouge government presided over the murder of as many as 2 million of Cambodia’s 8 million residents in pursuit of a socialist agrarian paradise.

As commandant of the notorious S-21 prison in Phnom Penh, Duch was more than the Khmer Rouge’s chief jailer. He was also the regime’s ideological Torquemada.

Prosecutors said he was responsible for the deaths — frequently by torture — of more than 16,000 people.

He is the first Khmer Rouge official ever to face accountability for the Cambodian genocide.

Duch acknowledged his guilt. At times during the proceedings, he even expressed remorse. Yes, he authorized the transports that took prisoners to the killing fields. Yes, he ordered torture to extract false confessions from those deemed enemies of the state. Yes, he observed the rapes, the pulling out of toenails, the electrical

shocks. “I wanted to be a good communist,” he once told Irish journalist Nic Dunlop.

But — there’s always a but — he said he had no choice. If he hadn’t done Pol Pot’s genocidal bidding, he would have been executed himself. He was only following orders. He was a small part in a big machine. And, anyway, he’s become a born-again Christian.

The tribunal found Duch guilty of war crimes, crimes against humanity and grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions. It could have sentenced him to life in prison. Prosecutors had sought a 40-year sentence, which for Duch at age 67 would effectively have been a life sentence.

The tribunal, however, noted his cooperation — when he was finally apprehended after two decades in hiding — his sense of remorse and his potential for rehabilitation. The judges sentenced him to 35 years, then shaved off 16 years for time already served and for a period of illegal detention.

If Duch serves out his full term, that amounts to a little more than 11 hours for each life he extinguished. Then as an old man in 19 years, he can go free.

One of the tribunal’s international judges explained the sentence this way. “If left to the victims to decide how to punish a person,” the Associated Press quoted jurist Silvia Cartwright of New Zealand, “then it would be, possibly, mob rule.”

Actually, that’s not accurate. Only about a dozen of the 16,000 men, women and children who entered S-21 are believed to have survived. No mob of victims exists to exact any kind of retribution.

For the crimes for which Duch was convicted, there is no penance, there is no rehabilitation.

A verdict that makes it possible for Duch to go free is an injustice to all his victims, especially the silent mob whose voices the tribunal wasn’t able to hear.

(E-mail: jgurwitz@express-news.net)

W

ASHINGTON — It sounded very easy in theory.

With the biggest tax increase in history set to go into effect on Jan. 1, 2011, Democrats were poised to win the middle-class rock heroes award.

The song had all the subtlety of a Pete Townshend guitar riff.Pass a bill before the end of the year extending current tax law for everyone except those nasty “rich” folks (individuals earning more than $200,000 per year and families with incomes above $250,000) and bang!

Then, just hitch a ride on the shoulders of grateful fans in the mosh pit to electoral victory.

Avoidance Simple, right? Not really. House Democrats adjourned for their summer recess last week, leaving town with a bad case of confusion about how to address future tax policy. But one thing is clear: Based on comments by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, DCalif., her party will stop at nothing to protect their caucus from politically tough votes this fall, even if it means kicking the can past the election and abusing the spirit of the Constitution.

Pelosi shared some revealing comments last week, signaling for the first time that something was askew.In an article by Politico’s David Rodgers, Pelosi admitted that the

House would forgo its Constitutional prerogative to initiate tax bills. On the question of whether to let a host of taxes snap back to pre-2001 levels, Pelosi said:“The Senate is supposed to go first on this, and the president will be taking the lead. When we come back, we’ll see....Right now, the ball is in their court.”

Playing politics Actually the Senate is not supposed “to go first.”

Article 1 Section 7 Clause 1 of the U.S. Constitution reads: “All bills for raising revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives.”But the Speaker knows that.

Her comments were more a reflection of political realities than constitutional ignorance.

Yet Pelosi’s acknowledgement that the House would wait for the Senate to diffuse the ticking tax time bomb revealed something else: The House Democrats are committed to avoid casting a tough political vote before the election, only to see the Senate then drop it like a hot frying pan.

‘BTU’ affair Washington veterans remember the phrase, “getting BTU’d.” In May of 1993, House Democrats cast a politically dicey vote to raise energy prices called the BTU tax. The Senate never took up the measure and vulnerable House Democrats feltlike

screaming a la Roger Daltrey.

Many lawmakers believe they face a similar fate due to their climate change cap-and-trade vote last summer, another issue on which the Senate decided to punt after facing fourth and long political odds earlier this year.

Shielding fellow House Democrats from inordinate political risk is one of a Democratic congressional leader’s principal tasks.

Over the past 18 months the Speaker’s followers have shouldered some heavy political baggage — including tough votes on spending, health care, and cap-and-trade.

“They’re done,” a Democratic lobbyist told me referring to the congressional schedule. “Between now and the election, no more tough votes, especially on things that don’t go anywhere in the Senate.”

May be blocked And with at least four Democratic or independent senators — Evan Bayh of Indiana, Kent Conrad of North Dakota, Joe Lieberman of Connecticut, and Ben Nelson of Nebraska — indicating they don’t believe now is the time to raise taxes on anyone, a House-passed middle-class protection plan might never make it through the upper body.

So House members, singing the Who classic, “Won’t Get Fooled Again,” will just wait and see what the Senate and President Obama cook up.

From a raw political

standpoint, raising taxes on high wage earners seems pretty effortless.

But here’s where the president and congressional Democrats get into trouble: Their arguments are intellectually dishonest.

Raises hit many True, individuals making $200,000 or more will pay higher taxes, but so will a lot of small businesses that file, for example, as sole proprietors. A Republican House Ways and Means Committee aide told me that raising the top two tax rates would hit 50 percent of small business income.

Many of these entrepreneurs are the ones Obama and the Democrats hope will provide new jobs and expanded economic growth.

Increasing their costs of doing business as GDP decelerated over the past three quarters strikes many as inking a suicide pact with economic growth.

House Democrats and their leaders see great peril in raising taxes, particularly if the Senate ultimately demurs. Speaker Pelosi and her colleague may still try to win the rock hero award, but only after taking a peak inside the envelope that includes the verdict rendered by the upper body. And the Senate may withhold that information until after the November elections.

Won’t get fooled again, indeed. It’s enough to make Keith Moon turn over in his grave.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY The Zapata Times does not publish anonymous letters.

To be published, letters must include the writer’s first and last names as well as a phone number to verify identity. The

phone number IS NOT published; it is used solely to verify identity and to clarify content, if necessary. Identity of the letter writer must be verified before publication.

We want to assure our

readers that a letter is written by the person who signs the letter. The Zapata Times does not allow the use of pseudonyms.

Letters are edited for style, grammar, length and civility. No name-call-

DOONESBURY | GARRY TRUDEAU

ing or gratuitous abuse is allowed.

Via e-mail, send letters to editorial@lmtonline.com or mail them to Letters to the Editor, 111 Esperanza Drive, Laredo, TX 78041.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 7, 2010

THE ZAPATA TIMES 5A

PAGE 6A

Zentertainment

Lucha action at Veterans

By EMILIO RÁBAGO III THE ZAPATA TIMES

When a bunch of masked men invade Veterans Field in Laredo on Saturday, they won’t be looking for trouble.

Professional wrestlers from our neighbor to the south will bring their highflying stunts — emblematic of the world-renowned Mexican wrestling style.

Entertaining fans of all ages has been the format in Mexico for decades, a formula that involves less-polished acting than, say, characters from World Wrestling Entertainment.

They also seem to draw more blood, interact heavily with the rowdy crowds and adapt minimal storylines. What WWE is to soap operas, Mexican wrestling is to the X-Games, or sports entertainment.

The masks are as traditional as baseball caps in Mexico. They’re part of their uniform, if you will.

When a wrestler is unmasked, it’s usually at a highly anticipated match.

Common bouts are “mask vs. hair,” in which the loser is unmasked or loses his hair, if a mask is not part of his persona.

The card Saturday’s action begins at 7:30 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Promoters expect a full house at Veterans Field, which has a capacity for about 6,000 spectators.

“Presales are going very well,” said Carlos Solis, a promoter of the event. Solis is working with Promociones Gutierrez, which has done several other Mexican wrestling events in Laredo.

“Thank God, we’ve had good turnouts (in the

AutMus lineup is Tejano laden THE ZAPATA TIMES

Organizers for the annual AutMus Fest announced a Tejano/norteño-heavy lineup Wednesday during a kickoff party at Hal’s Landing.

Scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 4, the AutMus Fest will feature popular norteño group El Poder del Norte as the headliner.

Los Palominos will coheadline, playing on stage right before El Poder.

Also in the lineup are Grupo Siggno and Grupo Inalcansable.

Tapping into local talent, organizers have also booked local bands Juvee, The Shazz!! and Bacchana-

Courtesy photo

La Sombra is one of the featured wrestlers in Saturday’s event. past).”

The card, which features some of the world’s most famous showmen, five tagteam matches.

The most notable wrestlers who will make the trip to the Gateway City are Mistico, Volador and La Sombra, the three who will be featured in the main event against Atlantis, Hector Garza and Averno in a 3-on-3 match.

The semifinal will pin Mexico versus Japan, as Shocker, La Mascara and Mascara Dorada take on Japan’s Lyger, Yoshinasashi and Okumura.

Mr. Aguila, Angel Blanco and Histeria will face Intocable, Alebrije and Hijo de Wagner.

Opening matches will feature Corazon del Barrio tag teaming with Rey Lanzer to fight against Hombre Sin Miedo and his partner Rossu. Female wrestlers,

who always add to the spectacle with hair pulling and such, also will fight. Rossy Moreno and Tiffany will take on Diabolica and La Medussa.

Mistico the ‘principe’ The most popular wrestler of the bunch is Mistico, known as the “Principe de Plata y Oro,” the colors on his mask. Mistico has held numerous championships, been featured on many TV shows and has performed in large arenas all over Mexico and the world. He’s known as a gutsy performer who is always flying high with his attacking jumps.

“This is the first time he comes to Laredo, Texas,” said Solis, mentioning that Mistico has previously wrestled in Nuevo Laredo.

“He’s one of the best in the

world and pertains to the Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre.”

The event will also feature many stands selling trade magazines, action figures, mini rings and masks of all sizes.

Solis said that spectators will have an opportunity to take photos with the wrestlers as well, making affair very family oriented.

Tickets to the 7:30 p.m. event, scheduled to last almost four hours, have different price levels. Presales are $10 in the stands, $15 general admission and $5 for kids. Walk-up prices are $15 in stands, $20 general admission and $5 for kids.

Special ringside tickets are $30. They are available at all Danny’s restaurants and at the Veterans Field box office.

(Emilio Rábago III may be reached at 728-2564 or erabago@lmtonline.com)

SATURDAY, AUGUST 7, 2010

lian Bliss, the first band to play, beginning at 4:30 p.m.

AutMus Fest, an outdoor festival held each year at Texas A&M International University in Laredo, attracts thousands of music lovers.

Tickets are $10 presale (available online or at Pocket stores) and $15 at the gate. Children under 12 are admitted free and parking is free.

Now in its sixth year, the AutMus Fest is a fundraiser for TAMIU students and is coordinated by volunteers, including staff, alumni and and students.

It’s presented in conjuction with Laredo firefighters.

Ayala headlines Firefest 2010 THE ZAPATA TIMES

The Laredo Fire Fighters Association recently annouced the musical lineup for the 2010 edition of Firefest, an outdoor fundraising festival.

Headlining the festival, which will take place at the Laredo Energy Arena, will be popular regional acts Ramon Ayala, Solido and Duelo, from nearby Roma.

Firefest is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. Saturday Oct. 9.

The Firefest will also

RAMON AYALA: Grammy Awardwinner will play at Firefest 2010. feature a costilla (rib) cook-off, kiddy rides and, of course, lots of food.

Presale ticket prices are $15 and cover is $25 at the door.

Tickets will be available at at the LEA box office, Danny’s restaurants, Tortamex Restaurant, La Roca restaurants, the Central Fire Station and Casa Raul South.

SÁBADO 7 DE AGOSTO DE 2010

Agenda en Breve SÁBADO 7 DE AGOSTO LAREDO — Se realizará una venta de libros en la Widener Room de la First United Methodist Church, 1220 McClelland Ave., de 8:30 a.m. a 1 p.m. Se invita al público en general de manera gratuita. Se aceptan libros y revistas en donación.

LAREDO — Hoy es el evento de Sledge TV Awards a partir de las 8 p.m. en Woody’s Last Resort (6516 McPherson Rd). El evento entregará reconocimientos a lo mejor de la música local.

La entrada es de 5 dólares y se contará con la participación musical de Automatic Weekend, Shazz!!, Fallen on September, The Closest Thing, La Mata y Somewhere in Between.

LAREDO — Hoy se presenta Lucha Libre mexicana en terrenos del Veteran’s Field a las 7:30 p.m.

Como estelares se presentarán Místico, Volador y La Sombra contra Atlantis, Hector Garza y Averno. Los boletos son de 5 dólares para los niños y de adultos varían en preventa a 15 dólares, en el lugar a 20 dólares y de 30 dólares al lado del ring.

LAREDO — LITE Productions & The Laredo Center for the Arts presentan “Side Man” la obra de Warren Leights ganadora del Tony 1999. “Side Man” es dirigida por Danny Villarreal y se presenta hoy en el Teatro Mezanine del LCA 500 San Agustin a las 8 p.m.

Zfrontera Pocos acuden a Misa en la Ribereña POR MIGUEL TIMOSHENKOV TIEMPO DE ZAPATA

NUEVO LAREDO — Las misas dominicales que se ofician en templos católicos de la frontera chica han perdido hasta el 70% de sus feligreses.

Datos de la Diócesis de Nuevo Laredo revelan que al menos la semana pasada en Ciudad Mier asistieron 30 feligreses a una Misa, cuando el promedio es de 250 a 300 personas.

El Obispo Gustavo Rodríguez Vega dijo que la violencia criminal ha obligado a los ciudadanos a huir de ciudades como Mier, Guerrero y Miguel Alemán.

Algunos, expuso Rodríguez, han huido a otras ciudades del sur de México ó han cruzado a los EU. “La violencia que se vive es intensa (pero nosotros) llamamos a las comunidades de la diócesis para no caer en psicosis, que busque su vida normal”. dijo Rodríguez. “Estamos preocupados”.

A la vez, el Obispo lamentó que las autoridades no estén en el nivel de sofocar todo acto de violencia.

Celebraciones Al hacer un llamado para orar por que la seguridad y tranquilidad re-

“

Espero que saquemos lo positivo de esta amarga experiencia negativa que estamos viviendo”.

PÁRROCO ROGELIO LOZANO ALCORTA

tornen a las ciudades, Rodríguez sostuvo que los sacerdotes continuarán con las iglesias abiertas “para la oración, celebraciones eucarísticas y servicios que los habitantes busquen”.

Consideró que los habitantes que no se han marchado es porque no pueden salirse debido a falta de dinero.

Los clérigos de la Diócesis están motivando a los feligreses asistir a las eucaristías, pero tomando medidas de seguridad como son desplazarse con prudencia y evitar caer en pánico.

“Advertimos que hay recogimiento y buscan en la oración la tranquilidad y la paz por la ola de violencia que se experimenta”, dijo Rodríguez.

El Párroco Rogelio Lozano Alcorta estuvo de acuerdo y dijo que en las iglesias de Nuevo Laredo la asistencia a las diferentes celebraciones eucarísticas ha sido concurrida.

“Espero que saquemos lo positivo de esta amarga experiencia negativa que estamos viviendo”, dijo Lozano. “Ahora lo positivo es el acercamiento a Dios, donde la convivencia familiar se solidarice y buscar nuevas alternativas de vida, donde se aproveche los tiempos y espacios para ser mejores.’

Visitas Rodríguez expuso que él continúa su peregrinar por la geografía de su Diócesis, que comprende desde Miguel Alemán, Tamaulipas, hasta Rodríguez, Nuevo León, pasando por Nuevo Laredo, porque “debe cumplir su encomienda”.

Aclaró que solamente no ha podido ingresar al poblado de Arcabuz, cerca de Miguel Alemán, debido “al clima de inseguridad”.

(Localice a Miguel Timoshenkov en el 728-2583 ó en mramirez@lmtonline.com)

PÁGINA 7A

EHF pide avances a caso Torre ESPECIAL PARA TIEMPO DE ZAPATA

CD. VICTORIA, México — El gobernador Eugenio Hernández Flores pidió el total esclarecimiento del brutal asesinato del doctor Rodolfo Torre Cantú y sus acompañantes y afirmó que los tamaulipecos no descansarán hasta conocer la verdad y se haga justicia para castigar a los responsables del artero crimen que cimbró al país y vulneró la democracia.

Lo anterior, durante el reconocimiento público que el mandatario estatal expresó al ex Secretario de Salud en la entidad por el gran mérito de lograr satisfactorios y alentadores avances en el sector, que permitieron escalar en estos últimos cinco años 21 posiciones, pasando del 24 al tercer lugar a nivel nacional en la valoración que hace la Secretaria de Salud Federal en su programa Caminando a la Excelencia.

Torre Cantú, antes de ser electo candidato del PRI a la gubernatura de Tamaulipas, habría renunciado al cargo de Secretario de Salud.

“Reconocer este mérito, es reconocer un gesto que mucho nos honra, porque

Grupo atiende quejas

DOMINGO 8 DE AGOSTO LAREDO — LITE Productions & The Laredo Center for the Arts presentan “Side Man” la obra de Warren Leights ganadora del Tony 1999. “Side Man” es dirigida por Danny Villarreal y se presenta hoy en el Teatro Mezanine del LCA 500 San Agustin a las 3 p.m.

LAREDO — Casa Tibet Laredo invita a la Lectura de Libro Infantil por Mingyur Rinpoche a las 11 a.m. en el segundo piso del Felipe V Room del Hotel La Posada.

El evento es gratuito y abierto al público en general.

TIEMPO DE ZAPATA

JUEVES 12 DE AGOSTO LAREDO — Hoy a las 5 p.m. es el evento de rock pesado y rock metalero en Woody’s Radio Star Entertainment en Woody’s Last Resort (6516 McPherson Rd). El boleto es de 16 dólares en preventa y 20 dólares en la puerta.

LAREDO — Hoy de 6 p.m. a 8 p.m. es la Primera Celebrity Chef Gala Anual “Conoce y Saluda” en el 1319 Rae’s Creek. Los anfitriones son Nancy de Anda y Javier Santos. La donación es de 50 dólares. Si gusta boletos favor de llamar a De Anda al 763-9960.

VIERNES 13 DE AGOSTO LAREDO — Hoy es el concierto de Pedro Fernández y Pilar Montenegro en la Laredo Energy Arena a las 8 p.m. Adquiera boletos en la taquilla del LEA.

SÁBADO 14 DE AGOSTO LAREDO — El Centro y Museo Muro de la Tolerancia de la Biblioteca Pública de Laredo tendrá hoy su quinta lección a partir de la 1 p.m. en la Sala de Usos Múltiples HEB (1120 E. Calton Rd). En la charla se explorará la exterminación metódica Nazi de seis millones de Judíos conforme promulgaron la “Solución Final a las Preguntas de los Judíos”.

La lección es gratuita y abierta a todas las edades.

LAREDO — Hoy es el evento de IBF World Title Fights en la Laredo Energy Arena a las 8 p.m.

— Compilado por Tiempo de Zapata

el doctor Rodolfo tuvo la visión, el empuje y la más firme determinación de hacHERNÁNDEZ er de la salud un pilar fundamental del desarrollo de los tamaulipecos”, dijo Hernández.

TORRE A 40 días del homicidio de Torre Cantú, aún se desconoce quiénes son los autores materiales y los responsables intelectuales de este atroz homicidio, indica un comunicado de prensa del Gobierno del Estado.

“Desde aquel aciago día la familia del doctor Torre, la sociedad y el gobierno de Tamaulipas, hemos mantenido nuestra exigencia de conocer la verdad y que se haga justicia”, dijo Hernández.

El mandatario también reiteró el llamado para que las autoridades competentes aclaren los hechos.

“Consideramos que de los resultados y la celeridad con que se presenten, fortalecerán la confianza en las instituciones”, dijo Hernández.

Foto de cortesía | Gobierno de Nuevo Laredo

Jugadores y entrenadores de la Liga de Béisbol Oriente se dan el abrazo de la buena suerte y la victoria, en el Parque de Béisbol de la liga en Nuevo Laredo, el 30 de julio tras llegar del viaje con el triunfo nacional.

Niños representarán a México Equipo de Liga Oriente de NL irá a Mundial TIEMPO DE ZAPATA

NUEVO LAREDO — Esta ciudad fronteriza tiene mucho que celebrar.

Algo reciente es el Campeonato Nacional del equipo en la categoría 11-12 años de la Liga Oriente, lo que permitirá que los niños acudan representando a México en la serie mundial Williamsport a llevarse a cabo en Pennsylvania del 20 al 29 de agosto.

El fin de semana autoridades municipales, entrenadores, jugadores y familias neolaredenses se dieron cita en las instalaciones del Parque de Béisbol Liga Oriente para dar la bienvenida a los campeones.

Joel Turrubiates, presidente de la Liga Oriente, se mostró muy emocionado a la hora de recibir y repartir abrazos a los deportistas triunfadores, el fin de semana.

“Comenzamos representando a Nuevo Laredo, después trabajamos y representamos a Tamaulipas, y hoy, gracias al trabajo que hicieron los niños en el campo, y al trabajo de los managers, logramos el campeonato nacional para nuestra liga Oriente de Nuevo Laredo”, dijo Turrubiates.

El equipo obtuvo el triunfo tras derrotar a la Liga Satélite de Cd. Juárez en Monterrey, la semana pasada. Los jugadores son: Aldo Buendía Martínez, Ricardo Puga Toscazo, Daniel Rodríguez Navarro, Aaron Juárez Valenzuela,

El equipo en la categoría 11-12 años de la Liga Oriente (ganó) el Campeonato Nacional lo que permitirá representar a México en la serie mundial Williamsport a llevarse a cabo en Pennsylvania del 20 al 29 de agosto.

Eduardo Mata Campero, Enrique Peñaloza Gomina, Christian Iván Flores Alvarado, Hugo Mendiola Navarro, Zain Ríos Ezequiel, Alan Alarcón Jaime, Jorge Mares Alcaraz, Norberto Cervantes Gutiérrez y Andrés Salinas Hernández.

“Estoy muy feliz, y yo sé que podemos quedar campeones”, dijo Peñaloza. “Fue muy duro en las prácticas pero al final se vio en el resultado”.

Juárez estuvo de acuerdo y dijo que “el juego estuvo un poco difícil pero con el equipo que nosotros traemos me sentí confiado”.

Salinas concluyó expresando que esperan ganar el mundial.

El Gobierno Municipal calificó al equipo como un orgullo para Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas y México.

Federico Schaffler González, secretario municipal de Desarrollo Humano y de la Sociedad, resaltó el trabajo en equipo mostrado por la niñez, que ha sabido escalar con gran esfuerzo, dedicación y constancia, siempre dejando el corazón en cada juego.

El Gobierno Municipal apoyará al equipo en lo necesario, aclaró Schaffler.

Juan José Zárate Quesada, ase-

sor de ligas menores en México, expresó su orgullo por los jóvenes deportistas que se adjudican este título que honra a Nuevo Laredo.

“Es histórico, la mera verdad.

Yo, por muchos años fui director de esta liga. Es el primer año que la Liga Pequeña Oriente asiste a representar a México en la categoría reina de ligas pequeñas”, dijo Zarate. “El sistema Williamsport tiene muchos años en México”.

Zarate agregó que Nuevo Laredo es una de las ciudades que tiene más años de afiliada y que ya han asistido a otros campeonatos mundiales, como el de Big League, categoría 13.

“Pero nunca habíamos ido en la categoría reina, que es ésta”, dijo Zárate.

Presente en el evento también estuvo el presidente municipal electo Benjamín Galván Gómez; el manaer Armando Rodríguez, y los couches, César Mata, Norberto Cervantes y Enrique Peñaloza.

Cabe mencionar que en la lucha por el Campeonato Mundial en Pennsylvania, los beisbolistas neolaredenses tendrán que competir contra equipos como Puerto Rico, Japón y el que resulte campeón de la liga europea.

CD. VICTORIA, México — Usuarios de la red de carreteras de Tamaulipas han denunciado haber sido afectados en su patrimonio, según confirmaron autoridades.

Debido a esto, el Gobernador del Estado Eugenio Hernández Flores se reunió con el Grupo de Coordinación Interinstitucional en materia de Seguridad para reforzar los operativos de vigilancia en las principales carreteras que comunican al estado.

Atendiendo las denuncias ciudadanas se acordó llevar a cabo barridos radiales en las zonas de mayor incidencia delictiva y redoblar las inspecciones en los retenes militares de paso vehicular ubicados en puntos estratégicos de la red carretera, en tanto la policía federal agilizará los patrullajes para atender cualquier llamado de urgencia.

Hernández dijo que es importante garantizar el libre tránsito de los ciudadanos por la red carretera tamaulipeca, con el propósito de mantener la dinámica económica de nuestra entidad.

Sostuvo que se requiere de una red de vigilancia permanente que garantice a los automovilistas y transportistas llegar a sus destinos sin contratiempo alguno.

“Tamaulipas por su acelerado crecimiento industrial y el incremento continúo de mercancías, materias primas y productos terminados requiere de una red de vigilancia permanente”, dijo Hernández.

A la vez, reiteró su voluntad política de continuar las depuraciones de los cuerpos policiacos para fortalecer la confianza de la ciudadanía en las corporaciones de seguridad y convocó a seguir denunciado cualquier atropello que afecte su integridad física y patrimonio ante el ministerio público.

8A THE ZAPATA TIMES

SATURDAY, AUGUST 7, 2010

Grand opening today for transportation unit

By LORRAINE L. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES

Zapata County will celebrate the grand opening of the College Transportation Department today, officially recognizing a new program that provides transportation for Zapata students to attend higher education in Laredo.

“The need is there,” County Treasurer Romeo Salinas said. “The community is happy the county is doing this.”

The ribbon-cutting will take place today at 10 a.m. at the College Transportation office, 7th Street and Delmar. The program began March 30, but its start wasn’t celebrated until today.

Back in 2005, Congressman Henry Cuellar secured $250,000 in funding for this project, county officials said. That funding was designed to pay for the buses, but the county had to pay for the drivers. No money was allocated for the driv-

ers until this year, officials said. It’s the last year before the grant expires. If the county hadn’t taken action, it would have lost the funding.

“The funding was provided for in the Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users, which was overwhelmingly approved by the House of Representatives,” Cuellar said.

Laredo bound This program takes Zapata students to Laredo colleges and jobs to alleviate the cost of commuting.

Commissioner Gabriel Villarreal was the major local financial supporter to get the project going, allocating more than $40,000 for drivers from his precinct’s funds, but all the Commissioners were in favor of this project, said Laura Guerra, College Transportation Director.

Villarreal allocated funds from his budget to hire two

bus drivers at a salary of $21,000 each, Salinas said.

Three 14-passenger shuttles were purchased for the program and a third driver is still needed, he added.

County Judge Rosalva Guerra allocated funds for two drivers from the main county budget for the coming year, but not for a third driver. The College of Transportation Department hopes that will change during the County Commissioners’ budget discussions, set for their next meeting on Friday.

This summer session, 42 students have been transported to Texas A&M International University, Laredo Community College main campus and LCC South, Laredo Beauty College and Kaplan College, Salinas said.

“There have been 73 students that have signed up for the fall and are still signing up,” he said.

(Lorraine L. Rodriguez may be reached at (956)7282557.)

SCHOOLS Continued from Page 1A this year, while Benavides dropped to recognized after earning the coveted exemplary ranking – the highest available – two years in a row.

Zapata Middle School and Zapata South Elementary were rated academically acceptable.

Zapata North Early Childhood Center was not rated this year, but the new school configuration will make that campus a fully functioning elementary school this school year. Its name has been changed to Zapata North Elementary school. It will now be required to meet the government accountability standards, which are based on TAKS scores, school completion and dropout rates.

“Overall, all the schools did an excellent job,” Garcia said. “There was growth in

all schools.”

The reconfiguration of the elementary schools is intended to mirror as close as possible to a "neighborhood schools" model, such as A.L. Benavides Elementary has, Garcia said.

“They have consistently been successful,” Garcia added. “The family/school relationships that are built through the years are a very positive factor that contributes to the success of children.”

For the 2011 state accountability measures, Commissioner of Education Robert Scott is considering several options for changes in the use of TPM to ensure that student performance is acknowledged and to ensure that the state accountability system remains transparent, he said in a TEA release.

According to Garcia, the district is working on how it’s organized in order to prepare for the new accountability standards.

“Our decisions are datadriven,” she said. “We are paying closer attention to all student groups and by doing that the numbers show a much higher success rate.”

Regardless of any changes that are made in next year’s accountability process, ZCISD hopes to maintain its new recognized status.

“We have studied the data and are looking at all programs, budgets, staffing, resources, etc. to ensure that we meet or exceed the recognized status next year,” Garcia added. “There is an air of excitement and we intend to celebrate.”

(Lorraine L. Rodriguez may be reached at (956) 7282557.)

Park reopens, but with restrictions

By LORRAINE L. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES

Falcon State Park is once again open for business, although there are still some day use restrictions, officials said Friday.

“It is open now, but some day use areas are closed,” Game Warden Fernando Cervantes said.

The lake was opened to boating last week, but the park remained closed be-

cause roads were still flooded.

Cervantes said most of the roads are now open and people can access the boat ramp safely.

The day use picnic areas and tent camping sites, however, have not been reopened due to water still on roads leading to those areas, said Emmy Pilon, Falcon State Park office manager.

“The tent camping area

is drying out but still remains closed,” Pilon said.

Pilon said the roads were not damaged during the flood.

Park officials were taking precautions and waited for the roads to dry out completely before letting anyone drive on them to prevent cracking, Pilon added.

(Lorraine L. Rodriguez may be reached at (956)7282557.)

SATURDAY, AUGUST 7, 2010

THE ZAPATA TIMES 9A

BUDGET Continued from Page 1A In looking at the proposed budget and cuts still needed to be made, Vela said Guerra had allocated an additional $50,000 to the appraisal district on top of the $150,000 budget already allocated, Vela said.

“When I saw that I said, ‘I’m not going to approve that,’” he said. “You made a big mistake and you’re being awarded for it. That is not right.”

Guerra has now asked the commissioners to come up with more budget cuts, Vela said.

“I don’t like that idea,” he said, but there are few alternatives. “It can be very easily fixed if we raise taxes, but we don’t want to do that.”

Vela said the commissioners have discussed possible cuts in some departments to prevent raising taxes by eight cents.

FRANCISCA M. BUSTAMANTE ZAPATA — Francisca M. Bustamante 91, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2010, at her residence in Zapata.

Ms. Bustamante is preceded in death by her husband, Genovevo Bustamante; son, Ricardo M. Bustamante and a son-inlaw, Genaro Guerrero.

Ms. Bustamante is survived by her sons, Hector (Mary) Bustamante, Amaro (Soledad) Bustamante; daughters, Rosanelia Boykin, Socorro Gonzalez, San Juanita Guerrero, Alma Alicia (Silverio) Hernandez, Leticia (Eugenio) Sanchez, Maria Elena (Homer) Carrizales; 20 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren and by numerous nephews, nieces and many friends.

Visitation hours were held Thursday, Aug. 5, 2010, from 6 to 9 p.m. with a rosary at 7 p.m. at Rose Garden Funeral Home.

The funeral procession departed Friday, Aug. 6, 2010, at 8:30 for a 9 a.m. funeral Mass at Our Lady of

“No one wants that burden,” he said. “Let’s find out where we can make those cuts because we don’t want to raise the taxes.”

The Commissioners Court will be meeting for a budget hearing Friday, Aug. 13, at 10 a.m. in the courthouse, 200 E. 7th Ave., Suite 108.

(Lorraine L. Rodriguez may be reached at (956)7282557.)

HELP Continued from Page 1A

Lourdes Catholic Church.

Committal services followed at Zapata County Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Hector Bustamante, Amaro Bustamante, Amaro Bustamante Jr., Orlando Bustamante, Silverio E. Hernandez Jr. and Jacob Sanchez.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.rosegardenfuneralhome.com Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Rose Garden Funeral Home, Daniel A. Gonzalez, funeral director, 2102 Hwy. 83, Zapata.

ing Center.

“I brought my wife.

(I’m) trying to bring my parents. It’s a free resource,” said Mendoza.

“Going to the doctor’s is going to cost you. If the state is offering to pay, why not take advantage?”

Overall, Lone Star volunteers are hailing it as a general success.

“We achieved all of the objectives – numerically we didn’t come anywhere close to the other locations. On the other hand, this wasn’t expected to be a high-ball location, and traditionally it’s never proven to be, but I was gratified to know each day the numbers escalated,” McBroom said.

(Stephanie M. Ibarra may be reached at (956) 728-2567 or at sibarra@lmtonline.com)

Falcon burials on tap

By LORRAINE L. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES

At its regular meeting this week, County Commissioners will be discussing Falcon Community Cemetery, including considering a new policy after several Zapata residents have buried family members in land designated for Falcon residents only. A committee may be named to oversee the cemetery.

“For the past two years people have been buried there that are not from there,” Commissioner Jose E. Vela said.

Vela said the Zapata County cemetery charges $150 for plots, but Falcon does not have a policy or a charge so people have been taking advantage of that community and burying their family members there.

“Those committee members can decide they need to have some restrictions because the space is limited,” Vela added.

Also on the agenda, Vela has requested the approval of the Falcon Community Park user agreement for special functions.

“We need to establish an agreement to come up with a deposit for liability purposes,” he said. In other business, the court will be discussing in executive session the con-

Carmen Ramirez - Rathmell, D.D.S.

“Let your smile be a sign of happiness & good health”

1520 Corpus Christi Street Telephone (956) 726-0160

troversial land dispute and a possible land trade with San Ygnacio resident Joel Ruiz after months of research and thousands of dollars spent.

According to Vela, the dispute was settled after Ruiz found out he was encroaching on county property and Commissioner Gabriel Villarreal has decided to trade a piece of land in exchange for Ruiz’s.

Also to be considered in executive session, County Judge Rosalva Guerra has requested deliberation and possible action to appoint the county auditor, personnel director and herself as the sole responsible parties in charge of the telephone system, retirement system, insurance and electric utility for the county effective immediately.

All those entities fall under County Treasurer Ro-

meo Salinas’ duties, Vela said. “I don’t know if it’s a political vendetta,” Vela added. “I have no complaints because he’s saved us a lot of money.”

According to Vela, there is no need to remove Salinas from those responsibilities as he has been very reliable with notifying the court about any issues and the people Guerra wants to take over those duties lack his experience in those areas.

“He handles most contracts and he’s always on top of everything,” Vela said. “She wants herself, the auditor and personnel director. I wouldn’t like to have a problem later for lack of experience.”

(Lorraine L. Rodriguez may be reached at (956)7282557.)

10A THE ZAPATA TIMES

SATURDAY, AUGUST 7, 2010

SATURDAY, AUGUST 7, 2010

ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM

Sports&Outdoors MLB

MIDDLE SCHOOL

TEXAS RANGERS ESCAPE BANKRUPTCY

Tryouts near Volleyball and Football

By CLARA SANDOVAL THE ZAPATA TIMES

Any middle school, 7th or 8th grade student interested in playing volleyball or football for the 2010 school year must have a physical PRIOR to the first day of practice.

Students without physicals will not be able to try out for the sport.

Girls will have tryouts on the first day of school from 4-6 pm at the middle school gym.

Boys will have a meeting on the first day of school and tryouts will be on August 21st.

If you have any questions please fee free to call 765-6542.

NFL

Photo by Cody Duty | AP

Sports attorney Chuck Greenberg, left, walks with Texas Rangers president Nolan Ryan, right, as they leave the federal courthouse for a lunch break during the auction in bankruptcy court of the Texas Rangers baseball team Wednesday in Fort Worth, Texas.

New owner Ryan begins to pay franchise debts

By ANGELA K. BROWN ASSOCIATED PRESS

FORT WORTH, Texas — The Texas Rangers got approval to exit federal bankruptcy protection, an anticlimactic end to one of the most contentious sales of a professional sports team.

The hearing on the team’s reorganization started just

eight hours after a courtroom, in the wee hours of Thursday morning, erupted in raucous cheers when Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan’s group won the bidding war for the Rangers in a marathon auction with Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban.

The sale was included in the team’s plan, approved lat-

er Thursday by U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Stacey Jernigan. That clears the way for Major League Baseball to formally approve Ryan, also the Rangers president, and sports attorney Chuck Greenberg as the team’s owners next week.

The team’s assets will then be sold to the Greenberg-Ryan group, and the

Rangers will officially emerge from Chapter 11 protection.

The Rangers’ plan and sale to the Greenberg-Ryan group had been in jeopardy since shortly after the bankruptcy filing in May. Angry creditors successfully argued to re-open the bidding al-

Dallas Cowboys’ Martellus Bennett (80) works with rookie Dez Bryant, left, during the team’s NFL football training camp, Friday in San Antonio.

See BANKRUPTCY PAGE 2B

NFL

Second chance to shine

By CHRIS DUNCAN ASSOCIATED PRESS

HOUSTON — Bernard Pollard is determined to make the most of his fresh start in Houston.

Cut by Kansas City before last season, Pollard signed with the Texans a month later and helped transform their defense into one of the league’s best over the last 13 games of the season.

Before he arrived in Houston, though, the fifth-year safety had to reconcile his bitterness toward the Chiefs and tone down his loudmouth demeanor. He started all 16 games and led Kansas City with 98 tackles in 2008, then never got a clear explanation why he was released.

Pollard accused the Chiefs of bad-mouthing him as he sought another team. But he also took responsibility for some of his words and actions during his three seasons in Kansas City and worked hard to change his personality.

“I definitely had to re-evaluate myself, I re-evaluated things that I did, I re-evaluated things I said,” Pollard said.

“I had to look in the mirror, and it was the best thing for me.”

The Texans were injury-depleted in the secondary at the time, and general manager Rick Smith was intrigued by

Photo by Eric Gay | AP

Cowboys break camp, continue to prepare

By STEPHEN HAWKINS ASSOCIATED PRESS

clash. I think that’s what the situation was (in Kansas City).

“You’ve got to take the good with the bad with this

SAN ANTONIO — After 21 practices in 14 days at the Alamodome, the Dallas Cowboys broke camp Friday.

They are still far from done.

The two-week stint inside that climate-controlled environment was only the first segment of the NFL’s longest full-squad training camp this summer. Their preseason opener is Sunday night in Canton, Ohio, the first of two games in five days. Then there is another two-week camp, that one outside in California.

“It breaks up the monotony of camp,” linebacker Bradie James said. “It’s better to break it up, go to a different camp, go to a different site than to be here for four weeks. I’m looking forward to that.”

The Cowboys left San Antonio after a 75-minute walkthrough. They got one night at home before traveling for their preseason opener against Terrell Owens and the Cincinnati Bengals that will be part of the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction weekend that includes Emmitt Smith.

“I’m going to enjoy going to Canton,” quarterback Tony Romo said. “Obviously the game is going to be super enjoyable to get out there and play, but just going and looking at the history of the game, checking it out and seeing the Hall of Fame.”

Romo, James, tight end Jason Witten and cornerback Terence Newman are among numerous Cowboys who will be visiting the Hall of Fame for the first time.

The Cowboys then get a few days at home

See POLLARD PAGE 2B

See COWBOYS PAGE 2B

Photo by David J. Phillip | AP

Houston Texans safety Bernard Pollard (31) tackles tight end James Casey (86) during a NFL football training camp practice Wednesday in Houston.

Pollard, a fellow Purdue graduate. Smith heard stories about Pollard’s brash attitude, but said Pollard reassured him during about two weeks worth of phone conversations.

“Bernard wears his emotions on his sleeve, and there’s nothing wrong with that,” Smith said. “It’s just that you have to be aware of how you come off to people and sometimes, personalities

PAGE 2B

Zscores

SATURDAY, AUGUST 7, 2010

Longhorns lose depth at QB ASSOCIATED PRESS

AUSTIN, Texas — Backup Texas quarterback Sherrod Harris won’t return for his final season so he can focus on getting his degree.

Harris said Friday he had “a couple of tough semesters” and wanted to stay on track to graduate in December. He is majoring in corporate communications.

The 6-foot-3, 215-pounder from the Dallas area

Shaq goes Celtic, seeks new nickname

Photo by Gerry Broome | AP

In this Nov. 9, 2009, file photo, Florida International coach Isiah Thomas directs his team during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against North Carolina in Chapel Hill, N.C. Thomas is back in the New York Knicks organization as a consultant, two years after he was fired as coach and team president. The Knicks announced Thomas’ role on Friday saying he would "assist the team’s senior management in various capacities, including player recruitment."

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Thomas returns to Knicks

By BRIAN MAHONEY ASSOCIATED PRESS

NEW YORK — Even after losing all those games and an embarrassing sexual harassment lawsuit, Isiah Thomas has a place with the New York Knicks.

Thomas was rehired Friday by the team as a consultant, two years after he was fired as its coach and president.

“Isiah Thomas brings unique experience as a Hall of Fame player, coach, executive and owner, and we believe having him as part of our organization will be extremely beneficial to the team’s success,” Madison Square Garden chairman James Dolan and team president Donnie Walsh announced jointly in a statement.

Thomas, a Hall of Famer with the Detroit Pistons, had a dismal run as team president from December 2003-April 2008, with the Knicks never winning a postseason game despite often having the NBA’s highest payroll. He was also the coach the final two seasons, getting dismissed after a 23-59 season in 200708.

Despite all that, plus that lawsuit brought by former team employee Anucha Browne Sanders that cost MSG $11.6 million, Thomas has remained close to Dolan and Walsh, even while coaching Florida International University, a job he will keep.

In fact, even when he was fired, he didn’t even fully leave. Walsh kept him

on in an unspecified role until Thomas took the FIU job.

“I’m excited to once again be a part of the New York Knicks organization,” Thomas said. “I was honored to have been asked to help during the recent free agent recruiting process, and believe that this new role takes full advantage of my skill set as an evaluator of basketball talent.”

However, the hire could violate league rules that forbid college coaches from having jobs with NBA teams, which aren’t allowed to have contact with players who aren’t yet eligible for the draft.

“We are reviewing the agreement, in consultation with the Knicks, for compliance with league rules,” NBA spokesman Tim

BOSTON — Now that he’s signed with the Boston Celtics, Shaquille O’Neal is looking for a nickname that will fit in with his new city.

The Celtics’ website trumpeted the signing of “The Big Shamrock” this week, when O’Neal signed a deal that will reportedly pay him the veterans’ minimum over the next two seasons.

O’Neal wrote on Twitter: “hello green town. ok what u got 4 nicknames?

Frank said.

The Knicks said Thomas would “assist the team’s senior management in various capacities, including player recruitment.”

He helped the team in that area during free agency, when the Knicks landed Amare Stoudemire. He also was sent to Ohio to talk to representatives from LeBron James, who eventually signed with the Miami Heat.

Walsh thanked Thomas during the news conference for Stoudemire, sparking reports that Thomas would return to the organization, perhaps even as general manager.

“He will provide valuable insight and analysis of young prospects from around the world,” the statement said.

“

He played really well, probably the best football of his young career.”

DAVID GIBBS, DEFENSIVE BACKS COACH

er, he was ornery. But defensive guys sometimes have that personality and he’s matured as a man and matured as a player.”

Pollard is one of the most vocal Texans at training camp, constantly offering advice to projected starting cornerbacks Kareem Jackson and Glover Quin, who have less than a year of NFL experience between them. He’ll trash-talk and mix it up with offensive players, too, and he instigated a shoving match on a steamy morning practice this week.

Pollard was trying to strip the ball from rookie

running back Ben Tate, and center Chris Myers pushed Pollard away. Right tackle Eric Winston, almost 100 pounds heavier, intervened and Pollard shoved back.

The two were joking about the melee later, and Pollard vowed to be a model teammate with the Texans.

“These guys are now my family,” he said. “We’re going to get into it, we’re going to have our battles. I mean, it’s hot out here.

Tempers flare. But at the end of the day, we keep everything on the field. Once we get out of here, if anything ever happened to them, I’d want to be the first

make um good.”

In a variety of online polls, “The Big Shamrock” and “The Big Leprechaun” are leading the way along with “The Green Monster.”

Also receiving votes: “The Jolly Green Giant,” “The Shamroq,” “Red Auershaq,” “Shaqachusetts” and “Tip-in O’Neal.”

No word yet from O’Neal on whether he has a preference.

O’Neal has been known as “Shaq-Daddy,” “The Big Shaqtus” in Phoenix and “The Big Witness” in Cleveland.

COWBOYS Continued from Page 1B with a light workload before going to camp in Oxnard, Calif. — where the Friday afternoon temperature in the mid-60s was about 40 degrees cooler than at the Cowboys’ Valley Ranch practice facility.

Players will get a day off Monday before an open-to-the-public workout at Cowboys Stadium on Tuesday night and a light practice Wednesday.

They play a preseason game against Oakland at home Thursday night before heading West.

“The break is unbelievable,” owner Jerry Jones said. “You will have a lot of your starters that have a four- or five-day break.

They don’t get much time off in camp. They’re basically going to be resting until we get to the Thursday game.”

In Oxnard, the Cowboys are scheduled to practice 17 times in 12 days. There is a weekend with a preseason game at San Diego and then a day off in the middle of their West Coast stay.

“Going out to California and going outdoors from being indoors, the weather and stuff should be really good,” Phillips said.

“I think it will work out fine.”

Eight trucks were loaded Friday with equipment

POLLARD Continued from Page 1B guy, in terms of his volatility and his aggressiveness,” Smith said. “He’s done a good job of channeling that in a positive way since he’s been here.”

Pollard started the final 13 games for the Texans in 2009 and finished third on the team with 102 tackles.

He intercepted four passes and returned one 70 yards for his first career touchdown.

Houston ranked fourth in total defense (299 yards per game) and second in rushing defense (84.3 yards per game) over that stretch.

Defensive backs coach David Gibbs held the same position in Kansas City from 2006-08, Pollard’s first three NFL seasons. Gibbs saw a more polished and refined Pollard last season in Houston.

“He played really well, probably the best football of his young career,” Gibbs said. “When he was young-

played in five games during three seasons as a backup to Colt McCoy. Harris was the No. 3 quarterback last year behind McCoy and thenfreshman Garrett Gilbert, the new starter who played most of the BCS championship game loss to Alabama after McCoy got hurt.

The backup battle will be between a pair of freshmen — Connor Wood and Case McCoy, Colt’s brother.

person they’d call. I’d be right there.”

Pollard said he’s motivated every day by his release from the Chiefs, and the faith that coach Gary Kubiak and the Texans have put in him. Instead of one chip on his shoulder, Pollard jokes that he has a full bag.

“In life, a lot of people don’t get second chances.

You screw up, or something’s taken away from you and sometimes it never comes back around,” he said. “My second chance came around, and I played and God was watching.

“That door was closed in Kansas City,” he said. “This is a new beginning for me, and for my family. I’m humbled and grateful for what’s been done and I’m going to be here to show coach Kubiak and Rick and all of them that you guys made a good decision. I will not let them down.”

such as weights, blocking dummies and practice gear that had been used at the Alamodome and has to moved to California. It will all be set up and ready when the players arrive on the West Coast.

“It’s hard on (support personnel),” Phillips said.

“But it works out that they have almost a week to move from here to California because we don’t really have to have anything in Dallas.”

In all, the Cowboys will travel more than 6,500 miles over a five-week stretch before getting home to stay after the fourth of their five preseason games, Aug. 28 at Houston.

Jones hopes all the travel is a good omen for the defending NFC East champions, who go into this season with Super Bowl expectations and knowing the championship game will be played in their stadium.

“Any time we had inordinate travel, like Tokyo or London, we’ve won the Super Bowl,” Jones said, recalling the 1992 and 1993 championship seasons which began with preseason games overseas. “We get the same miles in coming back and forth between Canton and California.”

BANKRUPTCY Continued from Page 1B though the GreenbergRyan group was chosen as the team’s owner in January after the original sale process. The court-appointed restructuring officer had said he would veto the reorganization plan because the team had not maximized its assets.

If the plan had been rejected, the team would have remained in bankruptcy court for awhile and the Greenberg-Ryan group — endorsed by Major League Baseball — would have lost its chance to purchase the team, since its funding guarantee expires Aug. 12.

But after nearly three months of arguing attorneys, surprise lawsuits and even two-last minute attempts by Greenberg-Ryan to stop the auction, the group ended up with a winning bid valued at $590 million — about $100 million

more than its starting bid.

The final bid from Cuban and Houston businessman Jim Crane, before the group dropped out because it reached a predetermined limit, was valued at $581 million — discounted some $17 million because of deductions and a breakup fee of $10 million to $13 million that would have gone to Greenberg-Ryan had they lost.

Later Thursday morning, the restructuring officer and creditors said they supported the team’s revised plan, in part because the auction resulted in a higher price for the AL West-leading Rangers.

“I was wrong,” Andrew Leblanc, an attorney for some of the top creditors, told the judge. “I’ve never been happier to say I was wrong.”

Rangers attorneys later told the judge that all dis-

If the plan had been rejected, the team would have remained in bankruptcy court for awhile and the Greenberg-Ryan group — endorsed

by Major League Baseball — would have lost its chance to purchase the team, since its funding guarantee expires Aug. 12. putes with lenders and others had been resolved, including an objection filed

by Alex Rodriguez over concerns that he and other former players may not get the millions that the Rangers owe them. The Greenberg-Ryan group’s winning bid includes paying more than $200 million to unsecured creditors — including A-Rod, who is owed $24.9 million in deferred compensation six years after his trade to the New York Yankees.

Mitchell Seider, an attorney for lender JPMorgan Chase, said the company would dismiss its lawsuit

that sought to sever the Rangers stadium lease from the sale.

When the judge approved the plan Thursday afternoon, after team attorneys made some revisions, a few people in the nearly empty courtroom clapped. The creditors, restructuring officer, league officials and even Greenberg — and all of their attorneys — were long gone, leaving after the morning session.

Also absent was the hoopla seen at previous hearings, but the significance of the judge’s ruling was not lost on Kellie Fischer, the team’s chief financial offi-

cer.

“This is an unbelievable relief. I can’t describe it,” Fischer said. “I’m thrilled to be done with this process.”

Creditors will receive $75 million from the team in the bankruptcy plan, but the judge has said they can sue other entities of Hicks Sports Group, which defaulted on about $525 million in loans last year.

Rangers’ owner Tom Hicks is co-owner of the Liverpool soccer club, which is for sale, but the London team is not part of Hicks Sports Group and is safe from creditors in the Rang-

ers’ bankruptcy case.

The Greenberg-Ryan group’s bid had removed a provision that would have covered legal fees if Hicks was sued, and Hicks will not be part of the new organization, Greenberg said.

Hicks said in a statement Thursday that he was “relieved and energized” that the sale was almost complete. He said Ryan, Greenberg and their investors will be “superb stewards of the Texas Rangers. You have to admire their endurance, dedication and commitment over the last 15 months to get this transaction complete.”

SATURDAY, AUGUST 7, 2010

THE ZAPATA TIMES 3B

HINTS BY | HELOISE TAKING CARE OF A RABBIT Dear Readers: Cute as they are, RABBITS require a lot of specialized care and handling. Intelligent, trainable and affectionate, they also can be anxious and destructive if not cared for properly.

The best place to get a rabbit, in the opinion of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, is at a shelter or from a rescue group.

What’s needed? A largeenough cage. It’s best to keep the cage INDOORS and cover the bottom with wood or cardboard; a rabbit’s feet can’t handle the grating of a cage. Straw or hay should be put down for nesting material. A litter box lined with newspaper can be placed in a corner. DO NOT use pine or cedar shavings or clay cat litter. These can damage a rabbit’s respiratory system.

Clean the cage daily, and brush your rabbit every day to keep the coat unmatted

“

HELOISE

and shiny.

What’s on the menu?

Grass hay for digestion, and good-quality rabbit pellets.

Dark lettuce, turnip greens and carrot tops round out the healthy rabbit’s diet. Of course, clean, fresh water must always be available.

Yearly vet visits are a must, too, after initially spaying or neutering.

Rabbits must be handled carefully; their bones are very delicate. Because of this, rabbits may not be ideal for small children, who may want to play roughly with their pets.

These are very general hints from our friends at the ASPCA and the House Rabbit Society (www.rabbit.org).

Do your homework before bringing a rabbit into your home. -- Heloise

DAILY CRYPTOQUOTES — Here’s how to work it:

REAL ESTATE

LOTS FOR SALE

FAMILY CIRCUS

70

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HOMES FOR SALE

61

Beautiful,like new 4yr.2 story 3bd-2.5 ba 2cg $122,000ng appt. tel. 333-8290 CONDOS FOR SALE

64

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MOBILE HOMES FOR SALE

67

16ftTrailer dual axel $950.00 OBO call 956-251-0460

North Laredo, Lauren Ln., Tiara sbdvn,approx 7,050sqft.,near schools, shopping center,near hospitals, great location. $55,000 OBO Call:337-7738 ACREAGE FOR SALE

76

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2 mo old, Pitbull 2M/1F, pure breed, $250, & up!

Call 956-401-9377

COMMERCIAL INVESTMENT

79

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134

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136

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MINI TOY & TOY CHIHUAHUA puppies $120 - $180, call: 956-319-5029 Sun Conures, 5mo, Hand Raised $200ea Call 206-8841

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128

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130

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Commercial- Residential B-1 corner, 48x138, 1st floor office,2nd floor 2 bedroom, warehouse in the back, $135,000, 502 Corpus Christi St Ph 956-693-3779

Trained Roping paint horse, very gentle, $2,000 call 754-2878

PETS & SUPPLIES

MISCELLANEOUS

CABRITOS, Live/Vivos, Chivos/Chivas $50 & up 948-5218

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136

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4x7 utility trailer, 2100lbs capacity $545 OBO Call: 722-6441

Bed extender for F-150 $ 150OBO (956)763-8862 Bedroom set, King & Queen & full,with mattres $1200 OBO Call 763-2594 Billiard Tables, parts, service $25 & up 744-1575, bimbo1951@yahoo.com

Bingo Cards- like new 300 cards available @ 2.50ea Call 717-8696 Caminadora electrica,$150 OBO, Buenas condiciones, Call 754-5249 RCA Home Theater,1000 watts AM/FM, surround sound $100 401-7410

AUTOMOTIVE PARTS

Parting out 1995 CG5 Jeep $50 & up!

Call 722-6441 MOTORCYCLES

192

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194

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713-918-5811.

196

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HEAVY EQUIPMENT

194

198

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CARS FOR SALE

200

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Sports

4B THE ZAPATA TIMES

SATURDAY, AUGUST 7, 2010

Doping claims mount against Armstrong

By JIM VERTUNO ASSOCIATED PRESS

AUSTIN — Lance Armstrong’s attorney has lashed out at a report that a former teammate of the seven-time Tour de France champion told investigators Armstrong knew of widespread performanceenhancing drug use on the U.S. Postal Service team.

Attorney Bryan D. Daly said there are hundreds of former Armstrong teammates who would deny he broke the rules to win.

The New York Times reported Thursday that a cyclist identified only as a former Armstrong teammate backed up claims by Floyd Landis that the Postal Service team engaged in systematic doping with Armstrong’s knowledge and approval.

The unidentified cyclist told the newspaper he had spoken with federal investigators looking into cheating in pro cycling.

Prosecutors and special agent Jeff Novitzky of the Food and Drug Administration are running the probe, which is focused on a sport that Armstrong once dominated with consecutive Tour victories from 1999-2005.

Armstrong has strongly denied any allegations that he doped.

The unidentified cyclist detailed some of his own drug use to investigators, even though he has never tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs or methods, the newspaper reported. He said he has

Photo by Christophe Ena | AP

Photo by Jeff Wheeler | AP

This July 6, 2010, file photo shows Lance Armstrong grimacing prior to the start of the third stage of the Tour de France cycling race in Wanze, Belgium. Armstrong’s attorneys say the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency is offering cyclists a "sweetheart deal" if they testify or provide evidence that the seven-time Tour de France winner cheated by doping.

This Aug. 15, 1996, file photo shows Minnesota Vikings’ John Randle celebrating after disrupting a key fourth quarter pass by Chicago Bears’ quarterback Erik Kramer, during an NFL football game in Chicago. John Randle was a trash-talking, twitch-quick defensive tackle who intimidated and distracted opponents on his way to the sixth-most sacks in NFL history, fueled by a competitive drive that pushed an undrafted, undersized player for the Minnesota Vikings all the way to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

not been called to testify before the grand jury in Los Angeles that has been convened for the case.

Daly released a statement Thursday afternoon saying the report contains “inappropriate leaks designed to create a circuslike atmosphere.”

“To the extent that any riders are suggesting that Lance Armstrong violated cycling rules or doped, they are either mistaken or not telling the truth.

Lance has ridden with hundreds of riders over the years who will support his position, and over all that time he has never failed even a single test,” Daly said.

Thom Mrozek, a spokesman for the U.S. attorney’s office in Los Angeles, declined comment about the report and Daly’s reaction

to it.

Landis, who was stripped of his 2006 Tour title after failing a doping test, recently dropped longtime denials and said he used drugs during the height of his career. He implicated several cyclists, Armstrong among them.

Armstrong’s attorneys have said the U.S. AntiDoping Agency has been trying to broker deals with cyclists who testify or produce evidence against Armstrong.

If those riders have used performance-enhancing drugs, they could receive reduced punishment, Armstrong’s attorneys have said.

More riders are expected to meet with the grand jury as early as next week, people close to the investigation told The Times.

Woods struggles at Invitational

By RUSTY MILLER

Tiger Woods tips his hat after finishing the second round of the Bridgestone Invitational golf tournament at Firestone Country Club, Friday in Akron, Ohio.

Woods finished at 6over-par after two rounds.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

AKRON, Ohio — Things got so bad for Tiger Woods off the tee in Friday’s second round of the Bridgestone Invitational that he had to supply his own soundtrack.

“Get in the hole!” he sneered under his breath at an errant iron shot into the par-3 seventh hole, repeating the cliched phrase so often yelled by the loudest of his fans.

Woods followed up his worst round ever at Firestone Country Club, a 4over 74 on Thursday, by matching his secondworst round, a 72. When he left the course, the seven-time winner of the Bridgestone stood 13 shots off the lead — but just two shots out of last place in the 81-player field.

In his 261 PGA Tour starts, he has played the first 36 holes worse in only four tournaments.

It wasn’t just bad scores, however. The biggest problem is that Woods has almost no idea where his ball is going off the tee.

He hit only three of 14 fairways in the second round. A closer look shows he hit seven tee shots into the right rough — sometimes far, far to the right — and three other times he pounded the ball into the high grass on the left.

In other words, he was all over the course, visiting spots that the game’s best seldom see.

He bolted after his round, walking away from reporters after signing his scorecard and then hustling to his waiting luxury SUV. But on Wednesday, he was asked about his driving.

“Of late I’ve been driving the ball so much better,” he said.

He did not back that up on the course. His play speaks volumes about where he is just a week before the final major of the year, the PGA Championship at Whistling Straits.

Woods is not showing that his game is in shape with just 10 days remaining until those eight automatic qualifiers for the U.S. side are finalized.

Photo by Tony Dejak | AP

Hall of Fame inducts 7

By BARRY WILNER ASSOCIATED PRESS

CANTON, Ohio — Dick LeBeau hasn’t suited up as a player since the Nixon Administration. Floyd Little last played in the NFL in 1975.

Russ Grimm and Rickey Jackson haven’t been retired as long, but they haven’t put on pads in nearly two decades.

On Saturday, they join two of the easiest choices for the Pro Football Hall of Fame — Jerry Rice and Emmitt Smith, who were slam-dunk selections in their first year of eligibility — and John Randle, who had to wait only one extra year before being voted into the shrine.

LeBeau and Little are joining their sport’s most prestigious fraternity through the senior committee route. And the long wait might make it a bit more special.

“I still get up in the morning and pinch myself and count my blessings and say I guess I’m not dreaming,” LeBeau said. “I’ve always had a

strong sense of history, and that’s the largest impact that it’s had on me, that I’m going to be a piece of National Football League history forever.

That just kind of makes me shake my head a little bit. ... It’s 10,000 dreams come true.”

Ditto for Little, who admits he was bothered by all the rejections through the years from hall voters.

“It’s hard to let it go when people keep introducing you — like a Frank Gifford or a Pete Rozelle — as a ’future Hall of Famer,’ and you’ve always been called a ’future Hall of Famer,”’ Little said. “Well, how far in the future are they talking about?”

Finally, they are talking about this weekend. The former star running back of the Denver Broncos and the ex-Detroit Lions defensive back will stand on the same stage in Fawcett Stadium along with the game’s most prolific receiver (Rice) and career rushing leader (Smith).

They will join Randle, an outstanding pass-rushing

defensive tackle for the Vikings, and Grimm, one of “The Hogs” on the Redskins’ great offensive line of the 1980s. Plus Jackson, a playmaking linebacker for the Saints.

LeBeau ostensibly was voted into the hall because of his playing credentials, which included 171 consecutive starts at cornerback, a league mark, and his 62 interceptions. But he began coaching soon after he retired as a player in 1972, and is the mastermind of several defensive schemes, including the zone blitz used nowadays by every team.

“Dick LeBeau,” Steelers safety Troy Polamalu said, “is the greatest coach of all time.”

Jackson had 128 sacks officially — in his rookie year of 1981 sacks were not yet kept by the NFL — and was a four-time All-Pro. He was a key to the Saints’ turnaround from laughingstock to playoff team.

Randle did even better with 1371/2 sacks, the most for a defensive tackle in league history.