The Zapata Times 9/26/2009

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SEPTEMBER 26,2009

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NATURAL GAS

HEALTH CARE

County near top in state

Saving $600,000

By DIANA R. FUENTES LAREDO MORNING TIMES

With production of 21.67 million Mcf in July, the latest month for which complete figures are available, Zapata County maintained its position at No. 5 on the list of the state’s Top 10 gas-producing counties, according to the Texas Railroad Commission.

In June, Zapata was No. 5 with 20.61 million Mcf. The previous month, May, Zapata was a little lower, ranked No. 6, with 18.97 million Mcf (thousand cubic feet) of production.

But prices remain low, without much relief in sight.

“We’re still active in Zapata and have plans to continue to be,” said Randy Black, West Area operations manager for ConocoPhillips, based out of Laredo. “But prices are very, very low. They’ve been below $3 an Mcf. We’ve seen it over $7 just last year.”

The low prices adversely affect much of Zapata, from individuals who receive royalty checks to the county government, which depends on income from mineral rights.

“Ninety percent of our property taxes

Savings possible with change of insurance carrier

By JULIE DAFFERN THE ZAPATA TIMES

Zapata County could save up to $600,000 by changing up its insurance provider.

The county’s insurance committee went over the bids Friday, and County Treasurer Romeo Salinas said he would have good news at a special meeting Wednesday, when Commissioners Court is expected to award the bids.

“I believe that we’re going to see a significant savings this year from what was budgeted,” Salinas said.

He explained the county currently gives its employees a choice between two providers: BlueCross BlueShield and Mercy Health Plans. However, because Mercy Health Plans is pulling its services from Laredo, the county needed to find a replacement provider.

“Nobody today will insure half the employees,” Salinas said, so the county bid out for all the county employees.

“The thing is that we had two different providers, which, there’s no way you could look at any kind of savings,” Salinas said.

“For the longest time we’ve been trying to get just one provider.”

Zapata County employs just over 380 people.

The county received three bids for the contract: BlueCross BlueShield through the Texas Association of Counties, Aetna Insurance and Humana Insurance.

The insurance committee, which includes the county auditor, county clerk and human resources director, as well as representatives of the Sheriff ’s Office and Fire Department, will make a recommendation to the Commissioners Court at Wednesday’s meeting.

See INSURANCE | PAGE 10A

See COUNTY | PAGE 9A

CONGRESS

Health bill is ROPING TAKES CENTER STAGE coming Cowboys Photos by Ulysses S. Romero | Laredo Morning Times

Joe Ramirez, left, throws his lasso as Benito Paredes catches the bull by a horn during the inaugural Falcon Roping Festival at the Zapata Fair Grounds.

By JOE RUTLAND

vie for $15K in prizes

LAREDO MORNING TIMES

Rural communities like Zapata, where there are a myriad of health care issues, are closely watching how Congress handles its current health care overhaul debate.

U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, knows it, too.

“We need to keep in mind reform is not only for people who have no coverage but also for those who have insurance now,” Cuellar said Friday from his Washington office.

Cuellar also said he thinks a vote will be taken pretty soon on whether a public option will be added to the Senate’s version of health care legislation.

By CÉSAR G. RODRIGUEZ LAREDO MORNING TIMES

A

roping event became a big draw for Zapata residents and competitors from all over, last Saturday evening.

The competition was so big it ran two days.

Residents enjoyed the inaugural Falcon Lake Team Roping Competition in Zapata in the Nick Gutierrez 4H Arena on 23rd Avenue and Glenn Street.

About 200 ropers came to compete from as far as South San Antonio and Jourdanton to the north, Laredo to the west, Houston to the east and San Benito. All told, ropers came from 30 American cities and one in Mexico — Sabinas Hidalgo.

John Rivera, a roper from Laredo, said he wanted to take his chance at the $15,000 in prizes at the event. He felt confident after recently winning a saddle competition.

Rivera said he was surprised with the number of competitors who registered.

“It’s been a good turnout,” Rivera said. “The best I’ve seen in a long time.”

Anna Holcomb, treasurer of the Zapata County Convention & Visitors Bureau, said Zapata has had dog shows and bowling tournaments, but it had not targeted the cowboy community.

“Let’s have a roping tournament and see what we can do,” she said. “We wanted to have one final event before closing the year.”

The event, combined with the weather, worked for Zapata residents.

Holcomb said the light rain helped wet the ground to settle down the dust.

See related story Page 7A “There will be an attempt

by Democratic Sens. (Jay) Rockefeller and (Charles) Schumer to add a public option,” Cuellar said. “If it is added to that bill, then you will see an immersion of the House and Senate on that.

CUELLAR There are still variations on the public option.

“Right now, Sen. Max Baucus (Senate Finance Committee chairman, D-Mont.) is going through the committee work,” Cuellar said. “He introduced a bill filled with 510 amendments.”

Cuellar said on the House side, “There was H.R. 3200 plus a couple of other bills being put together to have one big bill, then other amendments will be added for consideration from House members.”

According to an Associated Press report, House Democrats are considering a tax on high-cost insurance plans to help pay for health care overhaul.

As far as a timeline on when everything will be finalized, Cuellar said he didn’t know.

“We’re waiting to see what happens from the Senate and how the bill comes out of committee,” he said. “I don’t know when a House vote will take place.”

A self-proclaimed Blue Dog Democrat, which reflects a more conservative side of the Democratic Party, Cuellar said “the general feeling is Blue Dogs still want to do something, but how you get there is going to be a point of discussion.”

See HEALTH | PAGE 10A

Benito Paredes catches the bull by his horns during the inaugural Falcon Roping Festival at the Zapata Fair Grounds.

See ROPING | PAGE 10A

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2009

10A | THE ZAPATA TIMES

HEALTH | Continued from Page 1A Cuellar did point out the debate isn’t just within Democratic, Republican or Blue Dog caucuses, but also among House and Senate caucuses, too.

“I think people still want to do health care reform,” he said. “The general concerns we heard from constituents were what about the costs, what are we exactly going to have in health care reform and how do we get to certain end points.

“Over the weekend, we’ll have a general idea of how things could work out after Baucus goes through these amendments,” Cuellar said, adding everyone on Capitol Hill believes health care reform is needed.

“We’re still meeting with health care

31ST ROYAL REGATTA OF CANNES

“

We’re still meeting with health care providers and doctors.”

CONGRESSMAN HENRY CUELLAR

providers and doctors,” he said.

(Joe Rutland can be reached at 728-2529 or jrutland@lmtonline.com)

ROPING | Continued from Page 1A Teresa Guzman Rocha, secretary with the bureau, said the goal was to promote Zapata and continue the roping tradition with children.

Ricky Montes, a roper from Zapata, is an example of that tradition: He grew up in roping. The 28-year-old said he’d been a roper since he was 5 years old. He defined it as his way of life.

“Many people grew up with motorcycles and cars,” Montes said. “We grew up with horses.”

People inside the Oswaldo & Juanita Ramirez Exhibit

Hall were eager for the bingo to start. Prizes included necklaces, fashion jewelry and bracelets, all at $45 or more.

“It’s cowgirls’ jewelry,” Holcomb said, noting people could buy cards for $5 per packet with 10 games.

Youngsters also had their chance to have fun by participating in Kid Fish. They would catch live catfish from a portable fish pond. Unfortunately for them, they had to throw the fish back into the water.

Some residents preferred to grab a bite, enjoying the

fajitas, sausages, mollejas, menudo and raspas, and the usual nachos and Frito pies.

But some roping competitors had their target wellmarked. Aucencio Lopez Jr., a roper from Laredo, laid his eyes on the trailer to haul two horses reading “inaugural Falcon Lake Team Roping Classic Champion Team Roper.”

“There’s a lot of competition,” Lopez said. “I’ll try my best and see how it goes.”

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

INSURANCE | Continued from Page 1A Salinas said he would give more detailed information at the meeting.

Commissioner Norberto Garza said he had not heard details about the proposals, but $600,000 in savings is good for Zapata.

“I hope Romeo can save the county that kind of money because it’s a good chunk of money,” Garza said.

Commissioner Jose Emilio Vela said Salinas has been very instrumental in the process, helping the county save money.

“I know he was telling me the other day that if we can get a bid from the state pool (the Texas Association of Counties), that’s going to save us a lot of money,” Vela said.

He added the county already goes through the pool to save money on electricity

and liability insurance.

“They deal in volume,” he said.

Salinas said the county is trying to get as close as possible to the current BlueCross BlueShield rate, and he anticipates a 90/10 county-to-employee payment ratio with a slightly higher copay. Salinas said the county was able to get a lower out-of-pocket ex-

pense from $2,000 to $1,500.

“I think we’re going to be getting a better deal and a big savings for the county,” he said.

Mercy Health Plans will provide coverage until Nov. 1. At that time the new company should take over.

(Julie Daffern may be reached at 728-2565 or jdaffern@lmtonline.com)

Photo by Lionel Cironneau | AP

A fisherman looks at the Classic yachts sailing in the bay of Cannes, southeastern France, during the 31st Royal Regatta of Cannes, Friday.The Royal Regatta brings in the bay of Cannes more than 150 yachts among the finest in the world, 10 to 50 meters.

PAGE 2A

Zin brief

CALENDAR

SATURDAY,SEPTEMBER 26,2009

TODAY IN HISTORY

AROUND THE NATION

SATURDAY,SEPT.26

ASSOCIATED PRESS

The Webb County Heritage Foundation and TAMIU at Casa Ortiz will present a Photo Preservation workshop todayfrom 10 a.m.to noon at Casa Ortiz, 915 Zaragoza St. Participants will learn to identify types of historic photos and techniques on proper storage and display. Fee of $25 includes information packet.

Limited seating. Call the foundation at 727-0977 to register.

The Texas A&M International University Lamar Bruni Vergara Planetarium will show “The Zula Patrol: Under the Weather” at 3 p.m.,“New Horizons” at 4 p.m., “Two Small Pieces of Glass: The Amazing Telescope”at 5 p.m.and 7 p.m.and “Seven Wonders” at 6 p.m. Admission is $3. For additional show times, call 326-DOME or visit tamiu.edu/planetarium.

SUNDAY,SEPT.27 The Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra will have the first in its series of popular orchestral gems today from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Laredo Community College’s Guadalupe and Lilia Martinez Fine Arts Center, at the Fort McIntosh campus.The performance will feature music from commercials, television shows and soundtracks that audience members will be sure to recognize.Among the works to be performed are Glen Miller’s “String of Pearls,” Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, a portion of Verdi’s “Aida,” Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus” from “Messiah” and Prokofiev’s “Romeo and Juliette Suite.”

MONDAY,SEPT.28 The Texas A&M International University College of Arts and Sciences Center for the Fine and Performing Arts presents the new fall exhibit featuring detailed ink drawings and sculptures by Brian Row. Admission is free and open to the public, but some of the art is for mature audiences only. The exhibit will be on display in the CFPA Gallery through Oct. 8. Gallery hours are Monday – Thursday,noon – 5 p.m.or by appointment. For more information, call Alma Haertlein, TAMIU assistant professor of studio art, at 326-3041.

WEDNESDAY,SEPT.30 High school piano students from the Vidal M. Treviño School of Communications and Fine Arts Students will celebrate “September is National Piano Month”with a recital in the Urbahn Recital Hall today from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Under the direction of Mary Grace Carroll, students will perform classical favorites and popular tunes.Admission is free,and the event is open to the public.

The Texas A&M International UniversityA.R. SanchezJr. School of Business and the Center for the Study of Western Hemispheric Trade present the IBC Keynote Speaker Series featuring Daniel P. Erikson, Senior Associate for U.S. Policy at the Inter-American Dialogue in Washington, D.C. The lecture will take place at the Western Hemispheric Trade Center, Fernando A. Salinas Lecture Room,WHTC 111, from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 326-2820 or visit http://freetrade.tamiu.edu/whtc_se rvices/whtc_speaker_series.asp.

Photo by Jim Cole | AP

World War II pilot Bernerd Harding gets ready to fly in a B-24 at the airport in Laconia, N.H., on Friday. The last time Harding flew a B-24 was as a 25-year-old first lieutenant piloting a bombing run to Bernburgh, Germany on July 7, 1944. On the way back, fighters crippled his plane, forcing him and his crew to bail out. Harding spent the rest of the war as a prisoner.

WWII pilot gets wish for final B-24 flight

By NORMA LOVE ASSOCIATED PRESS

MANCHESTER, N.H. — World War II pilot Bernerd Harding feels he finally has completed his mission — 65 years after his B-24 airplane was shot down over Germany.

Harding, now 90 and being treated for prostate cancer, was a passenger Friday in the Witchcraft — the last B-24 still flying. He sat in the cockpit behind the pilots. The skies were clear during the 30-minute flight from Laconia to Manchester that ended with a safe, smooth landing.

“It was fun. It was worth it. It’s history,” he said after the flight.

As the four engines rumbled to life, Harding was taken back to another time — back when he was a 25-year-old first lieutenant piloting a bombing run to Bernburgh, Germany.

On the way back to his base in England, fighters crippled his plane, forcing him and his crew to bail out with their parachutes.

Harding waited for the others to jump, then turned and saluted a German fighter pilot for not blowing up the plane with the men inside.

“He flew alongside to make sure I jumped out,” Harding said.

Harding said he felt that mission — his 14th — was incomplete without one more landing. Friday’s was “close enough,” he said.

Harding’s B-24, nicknamed Georgette, was shot down a month after the D-Day invasion of Normandy, on July 7, 1944. One member of Harding’s crew was killed. The others — including Harding — were taken prisoner.

Harding landed in a freshly cut wheat field, barely missing a barbed wire fence.

Three farmers, two with pitchforks and one with a gun, captured him and herded him into a cellar in Klein Quenstedt (klyn KWEN’ -shted), a village southwest of Berlin. Fearing reprisals from villagers for being a bomber pilot, Harding buried his pilot’s wings in the cellar floor.

$10 surcharge on 3 busy days

No charges in rape hoax at university’

Ex-mayor pleads in Katrina case

MINNEAPOLIS — Several big airlines this week have added $10 surcharges for most of their tickets for travel on three busy days around Thanksgiving and New Year’s holidays.

American and United airlines added the charge for travel on Nov. 29, the Sunday after Thanksgiving, as well as Jan. 2 and 3.

GARDEN CITY, N.Y. — A suburban New York City prosecutor has decided not to file criminal charges against a university student who falsely claimed she was gang-raped.

Hofstra University freshman Danmel Ndonye must undergo mental health treatment and perform community service in exchange for not being prosecuted.

GULFPORT, Miss. — A former Gulfport mayor was sentenced to probation Friday in a plea deal on charges he defrauded a program to help Hurricane Katrina victims rebuild their homes.

Brent Warr pleaded guilty to one felony count for receiving disaster money the government said he wasn’t entitled to.

— Compiled from AP reports

AROUND TEXAS

SATURDAY,OCT.3 The Zapata Youth Football League Season Kick-off Parade begins at 9:30 a.m. this morning at the County Courthouse parking lot and continues through the streets to Hawk Stadium. For more information, call Sada at 285-7856.

The 2009 Region VII Girls Championship in chess will be held today starting with check-in at 8:15 a.m. The tournament is sponsored by the Laredo Chess Players Association and Trautmann Middle School and is to be held at the school, 8501 Curly Lane.All girls in grades kindergarten through 12 are eligible. Early registration, which runs through Sept. 26, is $16, and on-site registration is $20. USCF membership is required.Ascholarship,trophies and medals will be awarded to the top finishers. There will be a separate open tournament section for boys.

Entry is $12. For more information, contact Vish at vis@consultant.com or 717-8384 or Lucy K. Gutierrez at 473-7444.

Comedian Gabriel Iglesias will perform at the Laredo Entertainment Center, 6415 Sinatra Drive, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. today.Tickets are $36.50 Call: (956) 791-9192 or visit www.laredoarena.com for more information.

Today is Saturday, Sept. 26, the 269th day of 2009. There are 96 days left in the year.

Today’s Highlight in History: On Sept. 26, 1789, during the administration of President George Washington, Thomas Jefferson was confirmed by the Senate to be the first U.S. secretary of state; John Jay, the first chief justice of the United States; Edmund Randolph, the first U.S. attorney general; and Samuel Osgood, the first U.S. postmaster general.

On this date: In 1777, British troops occupied Philadelphia during the American Revolution.

In 1914, the Federal Trade Commission was established.

In 1955, following word that President Dwight D. Eisenhower had suffered a heart attack, the New York Stock Exchange saw its worst price decline since 1929.

In 1960, the first debate between presidential candidates took place as John F. Kennedy and Richard M. Nixon faced off in Chicago before a national TV audience.

In 1991, four men and four women began a two-year stay inside a sealedoff structure in Oracle, Ariz., called Biosphere 2. (They emerged from Biosphere on this date in 1993.)

In 1997, a Garuda Indonesia Airbus A-300 crashed while approaching Medan Airport in north Sumatra, killing all 234 people aboard.

Ten years ago: Police responding to a 911 call from an apartment in Rogers, Ark., found a dying 13-yearold boy, Jesse Dirkhising, who’d been bound to a bed and repeatedly raped. (Two men, Davis Don Carpenter and Joshua Macabe Brown, were later sentenced to life in prison without parole.) America won its first Ryder Cup since 1993 after trailing the European team going into the final round. (To the anger of the Europeans, U.S. players, along with caddies, officials and wives, stormed the green to congratulate Justin Leonard for a 45-foot putt that all but won the tournament for the Americans.)

Five years ago: Hurricane Jeanne struck near Stuart, Fla., with 120 mph winds, resulting in five U.S. deaths. Pakistani forces killed Amjad Hussain Farooqi, a suspected top al-Qaida operative wanted for his alleged role in the 2002 kidnapping and beheading of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl. Israel assassinated Izz Eldine Subhi Sheik Khalil, a Palestinian militant from Hamas, with a car bomb in Damascus, Syria.

One year ago: Hollywood screen legend and philanthropist Paul Newman died in Westport, Conn., at age 83. In their first debate of the presidential campaign, held at the University of Mississippi, Republican John McCain portrayed himself as a battle-tested elder running against a naive rookie, while Democrat Barack Obama suggested McCain was a hothead who’d made the wrong choices on the Iraq war, corporate taxes and more.

Today’s Birthdays: Fitness expert Jack LaLanne is 95. Actor Philip Bosco is 79. Actress Donna Douglas is 77. South African nationalist Winnie Mandela is 73. Singer Bryan Ferry is 64. Singer Lynn Anderson is 62. Singer Olivia NewtonJohn is 61. Actress Linda Hamilton is 53. Actress Melissa Sue Anderson is 47. Actor Patrick Bristow is 47.

Rock musician Al Pitrelli is 47. Actor Jim Caviezel is 41. Actor Mark Famiglietti is 30. Singer-actress Christina Milian is 28. Tennis player Serena Williams is 28.

Thought for Today: “Whatever you think, be sure it is what you think; whatever you want, be sure that is what you want; whatever you feel, be sure that is what you feel.” — T.S. Eliot, American-Anglo poet (born on this date in 1888, died 1965).

CONTACT US Publisher, William B. Green . . . . . . . . . . . .728-2501

Photo by Donna McWilliam | AP

Shown is the dome-style home where 19-year-old Hosam Maher Husein Smadi lived in Italy, Texas on Friday. Federal prosecutors say they’ve arrested Smadi, a 19-year-old Jordanian national and charged him with trying to bomb a downtown Dallas skyscraper.

Dad says son not part of bomb plot AMMAN, Jordan — The father of a 19-year-old Jordanian held in United States on charges of plotting to bomb a Dallas skyscraper claims his son wasn’t involved.

Maher Hussein Smadi said the case against his son has been “completely fabricated.”

Nov.30 deadline for tuition refund AUSTIN — The deadline has been extended by one month for those who invested in the state prepaid college tuition program seeking full refunds.

The previous deadline was Oct.

30 for people who paid into the Texas Guaranteed Tuition Plan to request full refunds. The new deadline is Nov. 30.

Edcouch man accused of assault on kids EDCOUCH — A South Texas man is accused of assault in a fight with his wife in which he allegedly anointed his children’s heads with blood crosses.

Ramiro Ruiz Jr. of Edcouch was in jail Friday on aggravated assault charges.

Possible WWII-era ship found off coast PORT ARTHUR — A sunken

ship, possibly a more than 400-foot long World War II-era cargo vessel, is leaking fuel oil in the Gulf of Mexico off Texas.

The shipwreck site is about 6 miles off the coast, near Sabine Pass.

The vessel is about the size and shape of a 417-foot long, 56-foot wide Liberty ship.

Exoneree’s family wants answers DALLAS — The family of an innocent Texas man who died in prison has filed a lawsuit seeking answers from the Lubbock officials who wrongly imprisoned him.

Tim Cole’s elderly mother filed suit Friday in a state district court in Lubbock.

— Compiled from AP reports

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SUBSCRIPTIONS/DELIVERY (956) 728-2555 The Zapata Times is distributed on Saturdays to 4,000 households in Zapata County. For subscribers of Laredo Morning Times and those who buy LMT at newstands.The Zapata Times is inserted inside.

The Zapata Times is free.

The Zapata Times is published by 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. Highway 83 at 14th Avenue, Suite 2; Zapata, TX, 78076. Call (956) 765-5113 or e-mail thezapatatimes@att.net

The Zapata Times

PAGE 3A

Zlocal

SATURDAY,SEPTEMBER 26,2009

Villarreal Elementary has two new teachers

ONLINE SAFETY

By DIANA R. FUENTES LAREDO MORNING TIMES

Fidel and Andrea R. Villarreal Elementary recently welcomed two new second-grade teachers to the EQUALCanales HOUSING campus: Claudia OPPORTUNITIES and Stephanie Cardenas.

“Both of them are graduates from Zapata and they were excellent students in our school system,” said Gracie Zavala, Villarreal Elementary principal.

“We’re really excited about their enthusiasm and their willingness to learn. We’re excited about what they can offer our second-grade students.”

Villarreal Elementary has a student population of 618 in first to fifth grades.

Many of the children, especially in the early grades, have Spanish as a first language, which provides an additional challenge.

Second grade is particularly key to a child’s development because that’s when the kids are becoming more independent, Zavala said, and are getting prepared for third grade, which brings the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS).

“We’re also introducing Sharon Wells, which focuses a lot on problem solving and taking mathematics from the concrete to the abstract,” Zavala said.

Reading important In addition, teachers are working on the children’s reading skills.

CLAUDIA CANALES

STEPHANIE CARDENAS

“They need to be at 90 words per minute at grade level,” she explained. “We also work with the six pillars of character. The first is trustworthiness.”

Zavala said second graders also are given a great deal of encouragement.

“We have a pledge we recite every day, reminding students to do their best and to do everything they can to take advantage of the school day and the opportunity they have here,” she said.

The two new teachers said they are pleased to be at their new campuses.

Canales graduated from Zapata High School in 2005 and recently received her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Texas A&M International University.

The daughter of Noe and Claudia Villarreal, she is married to Armando Canales Jr. “I look forward to serving my community as a second-

grade teacher by developing the hearts and minds of our future leaders,” Canales said.

Cardenas, the other new teacher, is the daughter of Esteban and Adela Molina.

Cardenas is married to Leopoldo Cardenas Jr. and has two daughters, Adela Nadine and Samantha Michelle.

Several goals Zavala said the school has several goals, including becoming a recognized school, decreasing retention rates and improving services to English learners.

“As a whole, we’re here to educate all children,” Zavala said. “That means we need to work together as staff and build partnerships with parents and the community and do individualized instruction to meet the needs of all the different learners.”

(To reach Diana R. Fuentes, call 728-2581 or e-mail dfuentes@lmtonline.com)

Falcon Lake Deputies find pot near San Ygnacio

By CÉSAR G. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES

Zapata Sheriff ’s Office Task Force investigators seized 45 pounds of marijuana Thursday night at Arroyo Dolores on U.S. 83, north of San Ygnacio.

Andres Servin, 35, who deputies say was driving a white 2007 Ford truck, was arrested on charges of possession of marijuana.

Servin was heading north on U.S. 83 when he was stopped around 9 p.m., according to the Sheriff ’s Office.

According to Sgt. Mario Elizondo, the driver, later identified as Servin, was

Nursing Servin Homewas

heading to Laredo.

Deputies located three bundles of marijuana inside the vehicle during a vehicle search.

The marijuana had a street value of $7,800 dollars.

Courtesy photo | Special to the Times

Zapata South Elementary School students received an online safety class at the library this week. The lesson consisted of movie clips, discussions and a quiz.This is a requirement the school district has set for all.

Pictured here are fourth graders from Tammy Sims’ class, Nicholas Westerman, Jose Gonzalez, Amy Flores, Jorge Mejia, Kiana Peña and Karina Guzman. Class instructor was ZSES Librarian Rosie Bigler and her assistant, Edith Morales.

Gilberto Fuentes now a Border Patrol agent

BY DORA MARTINEZ

COLUMN

Following in his family’s footsteps, Gilberto Fuentes works in law enforcement.

He’s a Border Patrol agent in U.S. Customs and Border Protection, assigned to the Zapata station. He lives in Zapata with his wife and children.

Before working for Border Patrol, Gilberto was a jailer with the Webb County Sheriff ’s Department from 2005-2007. He also has worked for Valero Energy

and as a pharmacy technician in Laredo.

Gilberto graduated from high school in Laredo in 2002. He attended Laredo Community College and Texas A&M International University and later went to Southern Careers Institute.

The son of Tomas and Maria del Carmen Sanchez Fuentes, Gilberto is married to the former Christina Palacios. They have two children, Brandon J. and Roselyn N.

booked, processed and transported to Zapata Regional Jail pending magistration.

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

PUBLIC NOTICE Water Rate Increase from

Zapata County Waterworks 605 North Highway 83 - Suite D - Box 2824 Stop 28B Zapata, Texas 78076-2837 Telephone: (956) 765-9975

Fax: (956) 765-9974

The utilities has held rates steady for many years, despite a steady increase in the costs of electricity, chemicals and all other variable costs.

As a result, current rates are among the lowest in the state.

In order to address service improvements and state/federal water quality standards, Zapata County Waterworks is in the process of borrowing approximately $20 million in zero-interest funds. These funds will be used to expand and improve the current level of water and sewer service.

In order to pay this debt and comply with the loan agreements, a series of rate increases is required, the first of which will begin in April 2007 and subsequently in October 2008, October 2009 and October 2010.

Even after all forecast rate increases are in place, Zapata County will still have low rates compared to other border cities.

However, Zapata will have an infrastructure in place that can accommodate growth and economic development over the next 20 to 30 years.

Thank You For Your Cooperation

SUBSCRIBE TO THE ZAPATATIMES AT728-2555

Gilberto said his hero will always be his late grandfather, Raul H. Sanchez, who owned Sanchez Bail Bonds in Laredo.

He loves to go fishing and enjoys listening to Tejano, country and alternative rock.

Good luck with your job, Gilberto, and God bless you.

(Dora Martinez is a native of Zapata who was publisher of Hispanic News in San Antonio for 21 years. She can be reached at thezapatatimes@att.net)

PAGE 4A

Zopinion

ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM

SATURDAY,SEPTEMBER 26,2009

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

OTHER VIEWS

Obama faces fishy dilemma SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE

T

he Obama environmental team is playing it safe in its first encounter with plight of endangered salmon in the Northwest. In a high-pressure legal fight over the fish’s survival, the White House is asking for more time, money and judicial patience.

At issue are the low numbers of salmon and steelhead on the Snake River, dotted with four power dams in Washington state. The Obama answer: a request to a federal judge to spend nearly $1 billion on watershed improvements, controls on predators and invasive species, and a close watch on fish populations. If the problem worsens, there would be triggers for additional steps, the White House team promised.

The result is clearly the most expedient available in the court battle that dates back to the Clinton era. The Obama pledge builds on a

Bush administration opinion that was judged too tame by the federal court in boosting salmon numbers.

But it stops short of much bolder options to order more water flows, which would anger wheat farmers in western Washington, and take down the dams, a position favored by environmentalists.

Also, this fall’s salmon counts are way up, making drastic steps a hard sell.

In this case, California is more than a near-neighbor on the map. The ocean salmon season here has ended because of puny fish stocks. Earlier this year, this downward trend led to major breakthrough: an agreement to dismantle four dams on the Klamath River along the Oregon border.

This plan will need assistance from the White House.

If it remains guided by science, not politics, then salmon may flourish again in the Klamath and Snake waters. President Obama shouldn’t dodge the hard choices that may lie ahead.

COLUMN

‘Tea Party’ folk ignore the past

By JOHN YOUNG COX NEWSPAPERS

S

canning the ranks of the noble Tea Party protesters — exiles of conscience, taxed into penury without representation — it’s hard to ignore one impression: For oppressed people, they haven’t missed many meals.

Also: Apparently they had their attentions turned to the buffet table throughout the Bush administration.

They certainly weren’t protesting when a Republican administration and Republican Congress drove up the deficit without a care in the world.

Granted, that regime had a care: “global war on terrorism,” it was. (Was it four words or one?) But the deficit? No. Now, by George, the Tea Partiers are right. Regardless of ideology, anybody should be concerned — OK, alarmed to the point of hair loss — by the deficits facing this nation.

And so we ponder the number $900 billion.

The numbers That’s the rough cost of the principal health-coverage bills in the two chambers of Congress. President Obama and Democrats have said they will find a way to make the initiative deficit-neutral, largely through cuts in Medicare and new fees on insurance companies that offer so-called Cadillac health plans.

Whether an income tax hike for wealthiest Americans is in the mix seems clearly in doubt after Obama’s speech to Congress.

That’s unfortunate.

It should be in the mix — just as the tinkerers press on with the very cuts and economies the system needs.

Tax hikes should be pressed for one simple reason: The biggest reason we are in our current hole is tax cuts without any means of mitigating the fiscal crevice created for pure political expediency.

Citizens for Tax Justice points out that the cost of the Bush tax cuts was more than two-and-a-half times the cost of the health reforms Obama proposes. The loss of $2.1 trillion over 10 years from the Bush tax cuts includes $379 billion in interest on the national debt.

And while Obama seeks to help working Americans

without insurance, the Bush tax cuts saw 52.5 percent of the benefits go to the top 5 percent of taxpayers.

For this price tag, we got ... ? A killer recession.

We didn’t use the money to improve our infrastructure. We didn’t use it to match federalized “accountability” hyperbole for K-12 education. We didn’t treat a college education like the investment of a nation on the move. Instead we found more ways to stick college students with crippling debt.

It’s time to address the cost dimensions necessary for health care reform and to raise the money needed to pay for what we need.

Missed opportunity This nation has missed many opportunities to raise revenue to pay off its debts.

The biggest missed opportunity was when, under Ronald Reagan’s urging, Congress streamlined the income tax.

It resulted in a better system with fewer loopholes. So, what did we do with the money that a better system could raise to wipe out burgeoning Reagan-era deficits? Nothing. The Gipper demanded a “revenue-neutral” plan.

Since then, except for a brief moment during the Clinton years, we have refrained from raising income taxes, trying to find arcane means of paying for what we need — like user fees, stealing from trust funds, and, of course, borrowing from the Chinese. We built a sleek, progressive revenue superhighway, then placed orange cones at its ramps to keep traffic off it.

Invest in what it takes so that Americans aren’t taking hangnails and migraines to emergency rooms? “Outrageous,” say the Tea Partiers.

Hypocrisy What were they saying when we were spending billions on the hospitals and general infrastructures of Iraq and Afghanistan without any means of paying for it?

By the way, the cost of those wars combined has reached an oddly familiar figure — $900 billion. That sum, advises costofwar.com, would pay the salaries of nearly 15 million elementary school teachers for one year.

Or, based on what Congress is saying, it could make sure that no American goes without health insurance.

YOUR OPINION Women should be proactive in checking for ovarian cancer; early detection is key To the editor: Unbeknownst to many women is the fact that President Barack Obama declared September as Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. While the local media makes laudable and necessary awareness about other forms of cancer such as breast and prostate, ovarian is hidden.

The irony is not lost here, since ovarian cancer is a silent killer. Most women who suffer from this deadly form of cancer do not even know they have it until it is too late. According to the American Cancer Society Web site, “about 20 percent of ovarian cancers are found at an early state.” It is the hardest form of cancer to detect because the warning signs mimic signals for other ailments: rapid weight loss/gain; abdominal pain,

along with swelling or bloating; and urinary problems.

Sadly, by the time every other possible ailment is ruled out, ovarian cancer manages to spread throughout the body like wildfire.

And how do I know this?

About 16 years ago, I saw first-hand what ovarian cancer did to my beloved mother.

She had several of the symptoms. When nothing else was determined to be the cause, the sole thing left was the one piece of news we did not want to hear: ovarian cancer. Despite chemotherapy, she lived only 11 months after the diagnosis. Having found out in February 1993, she died during the first week of January 1994.

In the 15 years since my mother’s death, I am afraid to say that we have not

made much progress. True, scientists are trying to isolate the genes that may trigger ovarian cancer, but, even the survival rate has not changed. According to the American Cancer Society’s Web site, “When ovarian cancer is found early at a localized stage, about 94 percent of patients live longer than five years after diagnosis.” But, that is for the lucky ones. Women in my mother’s stage of advancement are given the one-tofive years prognosis. As I noted, in my mother’s case, she did not even live to see the complete year.

If you are a woman reading this article, and, especially if you have a history of ovarian cancer in your family, please see your doctor as soon as possible. For those of us in this kind of situation, there is one test,

the CA-125 (blood work) that can help your doctor. While another test, an ultrasound one called transvaginal sonography, can, as the ACS notes, detect a mass in the ovaries, it can’t actually tell what masses are cancer and which are not.

I challenge Laredo Medical Center, Doctors Hospital of Laredo and Mercy Ministries to begin fostering ovarian cancer awareness. I find little to no mention about the seriousness of ovarian cancer. Even the American Cancer Society, at the local level, says very little about this illness.

I challenge the local media to be just as eager to promote awareness of ovarian cancer as they are in fostering awareness of the other forms of cancer.

Signed, Michelle Marie Romani

COLUMN

Mom faces real health debate

BY KEVIN CULLEN THE BOSTON GLOBE

H

aylee Davis’s grandfather, Tom Mazzeo, picks her up at Johnson Early Childhood Center in Weymouth on Mondays and Wednesdays. She calls him Nano, to distinguish him from Nana.

“I’m Nana,” Janet Mazzeo, Tom’s wife, was saying, waiting for Tom to drive Haylee home. “I pick her up on Fridays.”

The door to the apartment swung open and Haylee burst in, making a beeline for her mom, Carolyn Davis, who was home from work early.

They hugged.

Two months ago, Carolyn Davis held her breath as 4year-old Haylee went under for an operation at Children’s Hospital. She was already out of breath, having spent months haggling with Blue Cross-Blue Shield, trying to get all of the surgery covered.

Dental trouble Haylee has Velocardiofacial syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that causes developmental delays.

It also prevents her from producing enamel, something Carolyn Davis found

out when she brought Haylee to the dentist in November and was shocked to learn that half of her teeth had cavities.

“The doctors were afraid that four of them might abscess,” Carolyn Davis said.

Insurance balks Blue Cross balked at paying for the whole operation.

Carolyn Davis got two of her doctors to write letters to Blue Cross. Dr. Amy Roberts and Dr. Youngsun Alice Kim said, unequivocally, that Haylee’s surgery was needed because of her medical condition. Blue Cross doctors deemed some of it dental work. Even with a Blue Cross dental plan, Carolyn Davis was on the hook for $2,200.

Carolyn Davis, who is divorced from Haylee’s father, works full time as a project administrator for a construction company. “My employers are terrific,” she said. “They understand my situation and have been very supportive.”

And the medical care Haylee has received at Children’s is top-notch.

“Haylee has a built-in GPS for Children’s,” Carolyn Davis said. “She’s been there so many times, she

knows where the car should turn.”

The problem was getting coverage.

“I can’t tell you how many hours I spent on the phone.

I’d be telling the people at Blue Cross that a child who doesn’t eat sugar or junk food or soda should not have her teeth rotting in her head,” Carolyn Davis said.

“But they wouldn’t budge.

And we just couldn’t wait anymore.”

So her father took out a loan. She is paying him back, $45 a month. Twentytwo hundred bucks might not be much to an insurance company, but it’s a lot to Carolyn Davis.

Family support “The really frustrating thing is, I’m a single mom, living on my own,” she said.

“I’d be better off if I didn’t work. That’s crazy. In this country, you have to be really rich or really poor to get medical care without fighting the insurance companies. If I didn’t have all the support from my family, my mom, my dad, my aunt, I could never do this.”

Jay McQuaide, a spokesman for Blue Cross, insists this isn’t a case of a big bad insurance company stiffing

DOONESBURY/FLASHBACK | GARRY TRUDEAU

a hard-working single mom.

He said that Blue Cross paid out $10,127 to cover Haylee’s medical costs, but that Davis had to pick up $2,200 because it was for work Blue Cross doctors considered purely dental.

The teachers at the Johnson are terrific, and Haylee’s progress over the last year has been noticeable.

Fights to come “What worries me is I could go through this again,” Carolyn Davis said.

“The doctors said there’s just no way to tell whether Haylee will need more operations down the road. I don’t want to spend my life fighting with an insurance company.”

So while some wail about socialism, and the doctors blame the insurance companies and the insurance companies blame the doctors, Carolyn Davis sits in a small apartment in North Weymouth, dreaming dreams for her little girl, feeling sick every time she gets an invoice from the hospital.

Carolyn Davis hasn’t followed the health care debate.

“To be honest,” she said, looking down at Haylee, “I’ve just been too busy.”

PAGE 5A

Zlifestyle

SATURDAY,SEPTEMBER 26,2009

CONCERT SCHEDULE ‘Popular Orchestral Gems’ 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27 — Laredo Community College This concert is a collection of popular pieces the general public will be familiar with through their use in movies, commercials and television shows.

‘Energy Unleashed’ 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25 — Texas A&M International University “Energy Unleashed” is a dramatic program filled with the raw energies of emotion and bravura.

It brings to the stage three dramatic works that will uplift the soul and ignite the senses.

‘Anticipated Return’ 3 p.m. Sunday,Jan. 24 — TAMIU File photo | Laredo Morning Times

Tenor Eric Schmidt performs a piece by George Fredrich Handel during the Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra’s 29th season.

LPO opens its ‘pearl’ season at LCC on Sunday SPECIALTO THE TIMES

T

he Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra begins its 30th season, titled “Musical Pearls,” at 3 p.m. Sunday at Laredo Community College’s Martinez Fine Arts Center with its first concert, “Popular Orchestral Gems.”

Season tickets are still available, either for the entire season of five concerts, or by choosing only three of the concerts for a prorated price.

“The 30th season of Laredo Philharmonic events will include five subscription concerts from September 2009 through May 2010, as well as special events, including a collaboration with the Laredo Philharmonic Chorale and the sixth annual Rising Stars concert.

“This new season will certainly have something for everyone,” said maestro Brendan Townsend.

In his remarks on the concert programming, Townsend outlined the

“

This new season will certainly have something for everyone.”

MAESTRO BRENDAN TOWNSEND

process of choosing music.

“It is a bit like putting a jigsaw puzzle together,” he said.

“You have to include something that people either recognize immediately or can in some way relate to, and match it with something complementary.”

In the programs announced, Townsend has included such well-known works as Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, Dvorak’s Seventh Symphony and the Grieg Piano Concerto in A minor.

This last work will be performed by Ilya Itin, whose performance with the LPO this year is considered by many to have been a high-

light of the year.

Also included in the programming are pieces that will be new to the audience.

“I think people trust me enough to know that my musical taste is ‘melody first’oriented, so no matter what new music I choose, I am always looking for a great tune,” Townsend said.

Among the new works getting performances in Laredo for the first time are the Cello Concerto, by Ranjbaran, and the “Remembrance” Symphony, by Albert Hurwit.

Also included in the programming for this season are works by Mexican composer Jose Elizondo and Spanish composer Rodolfo Hallfter,

who emigrated to Mexico during the Spanish Civil War and was director of the Mexican National Conservatory.

Opera finds its place in the season again with the Triumphal March from Aida on the opening program, and the presentation of Donizetti’s comic opera “Rita” in March 2010.

“Once again, we will collaborate with the Laredo Philharmonic Chorale to bring the spectacular work ‘Armed Man Mass for Peace’ to the stage in May 2010,” Townsend said.

For more information and ticket purchase, contact the LPO office at 326-3042 or lpo@laredophilharmonic.org.

Ilya Itin — the consummate pianist whose performance with the Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra in January 2009 was such an inspiration to many — returns to Laredo to perform Edvard Grieg’s magnificent Piano Concerto in A minor.

‘Rita Meets Her Match’ 3 p.m. Sunday, March 7 — LCC In this fun program two dramatic works highlight the compositional styles of a Spanish/Mexican composer and an operatic genius to contrast how they approach the interaction of solo instrument/voice with the orchestra.

‘Laredo’s Own Gems’ 3 p.m. Sunday, May 2 — TAMIU This concert is a celebration of the talent that lives among us.

The concert brings together a world premiere of a work by maestro Brendan Townsend, the winner of the first Laredo Concerto Competition and the Laredo Philharmonic Chorale.

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2009

THE ZAPATA TIMES | 6A

Entertainment

Bobby Pulido joins AutMus music cast THE ZAPATA TIMES

Bobby Pulido, consummate Tejano performer and one of People en Español’s “most beautiful,” has joined the Texas A&M International University AutMus Fest lineup.

Already included in the daylong festival are Vince Neil of Motley Crue, Crooked X, Nico Vega and the Fort Worth-based Toadies.

Scheduled for 3 p.m. to midnight on Saturday, Oct. 3, at the TAMIU grounds, the fourth annual event is a fundraiser organized by the TAMIU Alumni Association to raise funds for student scholarships. Although the music takes the spotlight, the afternoon includes plenty of games and rides for the kids, as well as the famous Brontosaurus ribs cooking contest.

Presale tickets for $20 are currently available at all Pocket locations in Laredo. Admission at the door will be $30.

Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures | AP

Alex O’Loughlin as Russell Haden and Kate Beckinsale as Carrie Stetko in Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Dark Castle Entertainment’s action thriller,“Whiteout,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release.

‘Whiteout’ essentially ‘Beckinsale on Ice’

By JAKE COYLE Photo by Matt Sayles | AP

Bobby Pulido, left, and Raul Bryndis are seen on stage at the 9th annual Latin Grammy Awards on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2008, in Houston.

Photo by Kimberley French/Universal Pictures | AP

In this film publicity image released by Universal Pictures, Aaron Eckhart, left, and Jennifer Aniston are shown in a scene from “Love Happens.”

‘Love Happens,’ as do soggy, trite cliches

By CHRISTY LEMIRE ASSOCIATED PRESS

REVIEW

OS ANGELES — Love supposedly happens in “Love Happens.” We’ll have to take their word for it.

Aaron Eckhart and Jennifer Aniston are so utterly lacking in chemistry with each other (and they’re both pretty bland individually) that it’s hard to discern any genuine emotion. What first-time director Brandon Camp gives us instead is a cliche-addled romantic drama that’s short on both romance and drama, one that’s filled with soggy platitudes and contrived catharsis.

Camp also wrote the script with Mike Thompson, which contains such unimaginative, heavy-handed metaphors as walking across hot coals, shopping at Home Depot as a means of rebuilding a life and setting a caged bird free in the woods. It’s a painfully earnest slog reminiscent of such gooey fare as “Pay It Forward,” one that belongs on cable, if anywhere, and probably wouldn’t have seen

the light of day theatrically if not for the involvement of its two main stars.

Eckhart plays self-help guru Burke Ryan, a widower who wrote a book about coping with loss after his wife’s death in a car accident three years ago. Now he’s a nationwide sensation, playing to sold-out crowds at cult-like seminars and helping others work through their own grief.

Aniston co-stars as a florist named Eloise, who creates the flower arrangements at the hotel where Burke’s Seattle workshops are taking place. Both are apprehensive about falling in love again, which means that naturally they’re meant to do so with each other. But first, they must meet in an obligatory cute way (by physically bumping into each other in a hotel hallway), then bicker ever-so briefly (the movie’s awkward attempt at creating sexual tension) before settling into a boring relationship over the

L

few days he’s in town.

Rather obviously, since Burke is supposed to have the answers for everyone else, he has none for himself. “Love Happens” hits the hypocrite angle hard at first by having him knock back Grey Goose early and often, even though he professes to be a teetotaler.

The script even requires him to preach, “Alcohol is no more of a cure-all than a Band-Aid on a bullet wound.”

But then it abandons this secret, leaving us to wonder for the majority of the picture who Burke really is and whether he’s tormented by his lies. He passes around the “candle of truth” at his seminars, requiring his followers to dig deep and work through their pain, when — you guessed it — he’s the one who needs to be holding that candle the most. “Love Happens” in no way takes advantage of the dark or dangerous attributes that have made Eckhart compelling in the past.

“Love Happens,” a Universal Pictures release, is playing at Cinemark Mall Del Norte and Hollywood Theaters.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

REVIEW

t’s Kate Beckinsale on Ice. In the new coldblooded suspense flick “Whiteout,” the actress plays Carrie Stetko, a U.S. Marshall posted at a remote base in Antarctica.

Yes, the movies have returned to our southernmost continent: “Whiteout” follows in the webbed footsteps of “March of the Penguins” and Werner Herzog, who traveled there for last year’s “Encounters at the End of the World.”

This time, there’s nary a penguin in sight (though even amid all that cold, the movie still finds a way to squeeze in a steamy, gratuitous shower scene).

Laughably, a subtitle informs the audience early on with that Antarctica is “the coldest, most isolated land mass.” Never mind that the film was actually shot in Canada.

Soon enough, Antarctica has — as one character proclaims — its first murder, which is followed by another, setting off some jurisdictional confusion. Somehow, the United Nations gets involved, immediately dispatching an investigator (Gabriel Macht).

Stetko and her friend, Doc (Tom Skerritt), are eager to end their stay in Antarctica, but the explosion of violence comes just

as winter is about to set in, meaning the last planes are about to leave.

The murders — one victim is found in the middle of nowhere, frozen to the ice — also set off flashbacks for Setko. As a drug investigator in Miami, she was betrayed by her partner and nearly killed. This has, understandably enough, given her some trust issues.

The root of the murders has to do with loot from a newly discovered Soviet plane that crashed in 1957 in the middle of the Cold War. (Presumably, the plane’s pilots had taken that term literally.)

There’s much that’s unbelievable about “Whiteout,” but nothing more so than the idea that someone can fight in minus-65 degree cold without anything to cover the face. Also, Stetko’s parka looks more fashionable than functional.

But despite such flaws, “Whiteout” succeeds as a half-brained but intriguing whodunit. It’s not a fraction of “Fargo,” but its solidenough performances and cool mood give it a noirish pulse.

The story’s thin cliches come from a graphic novel

by Greg Rucka and Steve Lieber. Director Dominic Sena (“Swordfish”) keeps the style from being too flashy and cinematograph-

I

er Chris Soos has fun with the dark, wintery landscapes and flashlight beams.

The film benefits from the novelty of its setting — the eery emptiness and isolated science labs that can be reached only by plane.

Basic movement is difficult — especially so when an ice pick-wielding lunatic is chasing you.

Beckinsale has shown flashes in films like “The Last Days of Disco,” “Laurel Canyon” and “Snow Angels,” but her blockbuster efforts such as “Underworld” and “Whiteout” feel like desperate grabs for above-the-line stardom.

Surely by now, she’s earned the right to avoid unnecessary shower scenes.

But, baby, it’s cold outside.

“Whiteout,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release, is rated R for violence, grisly images, brief strong language and some nudity. It is playing at Cinemark Mall Del Norte and Hollywood Theaters.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2009

THE ZAPATA TIMES | 7A

Congressman votes against Medicare hike SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

Congressman Henry Cuellar, who represents Zapata County, voted this week in favor of the Medicare Premium Fairness Act, which aims to spare 11 million seniors from unexpected increases in their 2010 Medicare Part B premiums.

Without congressional action, these seniors could see increases between $15 and $30 a month.

“We have an obligation to protect our seniors and their health care,” Cuellar said.

“This act aims to save over 10 million seniors from a harsh increase in their Medicare premiums. This is good news for seniors on fixed incomes.”

With this action (and if passed into law), 2010 Part B Premiums would remain at $96.40 per month. Among those seniors who would benefit from this bill are low-income dual eligibles, new Medicare enrollees and enrollees whose Medicare premiums are not deducted from their Social Security checks.

Due to the recession, the cost of living adjustment for

GRANDPARENTS DAY ATVILLARREAL ELEMENTARY

“

We have an obligation to protect our seniors and their health care.”

CONGRESSMAN HENRY CUELLAR

Social Security will likely be zero in 2010, Cuellar said.

Nearly three quarters of Medicare enrollees are protected from increases because their Medicare Part B premiums cannot rise above the Social Security cost of living adjustment (COLA).

But 11 million other Part B enrollees don’t fall under the same protections and would be required to pay the increase for those who do.

“It is unfair to ask one group of seniors to carry the burden for another,” Cuellar said. “This act makes it fair for all seniors in the Medicare Part B program.”

About 42 million seniors and people with disabilities are enrolled in Medicare Part B, which covers physician services and outpatient care.

Low-income seniors who

receive benefits from both Medicare and Medicaid, new Medicare enrollees, and seniors with incomes above $85,000 (if they are single) and $170,000 (for couples) are now protected under this act passed by the House by a vote of 406 to 18.

If passed by the Senate, H.R. 3631 would move to the president for his signature and pending his approval the Medicare Premium Fairness Act would become law.

Tthe bill is endorsed by the AARP, the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, the Center for Medicare Advocacy and the Alliance for Retired Americans.

For more information on H.R. 3631, visit http://waysandmeans.house. gov

Courtesy photo

Villarreal Elementary celebrated Grandparents Day on Friday, Sept, 18. More than 250 grandparents visited the campus. Grandparents shared many activities with their grandchildren such as playing bingo, coloring and singing.Villarreal Elementary also had a Grandparents Day coloring and essay contest.Winners are, left to right, Emilae Hill, Karla Ramos, Marly Solis, Cristina Rodriguez and Leslie Ubaldo.

Possible WWII-era ship found ASSOCIATED PRESS

PORT ARTHUR — Crews on Friday stopped a slow fuel-oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico that had led them to a sunken ship, possibly a World War II-era cargo vessel, the Coast Guard said.

Crews were working to siphon off an estimated 16,000 gallons of recoverable

THE BLOTTER ASSAULT n A 30-year-old woman reported a known male subject assaulted her at 10:30 p.m. Sept. 18 in the 1900 block of Diaz Street. n A 34-year-old had a verbal argument with a known man around 11 p.m. Sept. 18 in the 5400 block of Pety Lane. n Heber Barboza, 23, was arrested on charges of assault (family violence) at 7 p.m. Sept. 19 in the 1000 block of Carla Street. He was booked, processed and transported to Zapata Regional Jail.

BURGLARY n An employee of Zapata Urgent Care Clinic at 800 U.S. 83 reported at 3:45 p.m. Sept. 20 unknown subjects took a black binder with patient data and two remote controls.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF n Socorro Angeles-Lozano was arrested on charges of criminal mischief at 2:30 a.m. Sept. 20

in the intersection of 21st Avenue and Delmar Street. Angeles-Lozano was booked and transported to Zapata CountyJail under a $5,000 bond. n A44-year-old man reported at 7 p.m.Sept.20 a known female is denting his car in the 2300 block of Lago Vista. n An employee of Zapata Water Control and Independent District on 504 Texas 16 reported at 9 a.m.

Monday unknown subjects broke two light fixtures.

woman and a 23-year-old man in the 500 block of Bravo street.

POSSESSION

By JUAN A. LOZANO ASSOCIATED PRESS

DUI

THEFT n A 57-year-old man reported a Jazzy Select 6 power scooter was stolen at 9:30 a.m. Sept. 18 in the 1800 block of Medina Avenue. n A41-year-old man reported at 2:30 p.m.Sept.

18 unknown subjects broke into his 2003 GMC pickup and stole $200 in the 1700 block of Second Street. n A 41-year-old man reported at noon Sept. 19 someone stole the license plate from his 2005 Ford Explorer in the 5400 block of Kenneth Lane.

DISORDERLY CONDUCT INCIDENT

team traced the source of the leak over the past couple of weeks. Kaiser said she didn’t know exactly when the shipwreck was discovered.

The vessel is consistent with the size and shape of a 417-foot long, 56-foot wide Liberty ship, according to a Coast Guard statement.

Solons told FEMA an ‘army of bureaucrats’

n Atraffic stop around 11:30 p.m.Tuesday in the intersection of 10th Street and Zapata Avenue led to the seizure of 1 pound of marijuana.The case is under investigation by the narcotics division.No arrests have been made.

n Alice J, Medina, 21, was arrested at 3 a.m.

Sept.19 in the intersection of 16th Street and Medina Avenue. She was charged with speeding in a construction zone and driving under the influence.

Medina was booked, processed and transported to Zapata County Jail pending magistration.

n Afemale neighbor reported a fight in progress at 9:20 p.m. Sept. 18 between an 18-year-old

fuel oil believed to be on board and clean up the spill, which Coast Guard Lt. j.g.

Kimberly Kaiser described as nothing more than a sheen on the surface of the Gulf.

The shipwreck was found about 6 miles off Texas Point, near Sabine Pass, as the Coast Guard and other members of the response

GALVESTON — The mayor of a Texas town slammed by Hurricane Ike told federal lawmakers Friday that although residents were grateful for the government’s help to rebuild homes and businesses, it was like working with an “army of bureaucrats.”

Federal lawmakers heard testimony from residents during a meeting in Galveston about long delays in getting help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency or seeing their claims reject-

ed. A local FEMA officials said he also was sometimes frustrated by the process.

Galveston Mayor Lyda Ann Thomas said the agency was friendly and helpful but described it as “the nay-saying, penny pinching FEMA that stands in the way of all the help FEMA is supposedly there to provide.” Thomas said it was similar to an “army of bureaucrats.”

State Rep. Craig Eiland, D-Galveston, had similar sentiments: “It’s always important for FEMA to remember that the ‘E’ in their name stands for emergency and not eventually.”

PÁG.8A

Zfrontera

Agenda en Breve SÁBADO 26 DE SEPTIEMBRE Combata el calor de la tarde y acuda al Planetario Lamar Bruni Vergara de TAMIU para disfrutar la matineé de hoy.

A las 3 p.m. se transmite “The Zula Patrol: Under the Weather” y a las 4 p.m.“New Horizons”. La entrada general es de 3 dólares.

Pase la tarde en el Planetario Lamar Bruni Vergara de TAMIU y explore “Two Small Pieces of Glass: The Amazing Telescope” a las 5 p.m., “Seven Wonders” a las 6 p.m., y “Two Small Pieces of Glass: The Amazing Telescope” a las 7 p.m.

La Asociación de Parques y Vida Salvaje de Texas invita a las familias al Lago Casa Blanca por un día de pesca, diversión y actividades. Habrá estaciones para enseñar a los niños como preparar todo al momento de ir a pescar.

Las inscripciones son hoy mismo de 8:30 a.m. Las actividades serán de 9 a.m.a 1 p.m.Se le conmina traer sus botanas,ylo necesario para pescar ya que solamente hayun número limitado de cañas de pescar que se podrán prestar pagando un depósito.Más información llamando a Jose Diaz de Leon al 725-3826 ó 489-9095.

SÁBADO 26 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 2009

Buscan más casos de influenza Por MIGUELTIMOSHENKOV TIEMPO DE ZAPATA

La Jurisdicción Sanitaria Número Cinco no descarta la presencia de influencia AH1N1 en la región que va desde Nuevo Laredo hasta Miguel Alemán, por lo que realiza una búsqueda intencionada de casos y asume estrategias higiénicas.

Para el jefe de la jurisdicción Dr. Jaime Emilio Gutiérrez Serrano el riesgo mayor se sigue centrando en las escuelas hasta en un 70%.

“Padres y maestros tienen una gran responsabilidad en la vigilancia constante de sus hijos”, dijo Gutiérrez. “Todos podremos trabajar para anular los efectos en los niños”.

Hizo énfasis en que los padres de familia van a jugar un papel importante en este sentido al no enviar a sus hijos a la escuela si presenta al menos tres de los síntomas más importantes como son dolor de cabeza, tos y fiebre repentina.

También los maestros tendrán que apoyar no admitiendo a los niños que muestren determinado flujo nasal.

“

Padres y maestros tienen una gran responsabilidad en la vigilancia constante de sus hijos”.

JEFE JURISDICCIÓN DR. JAIME EMILIO GUTIÉRREZ SERRANO

Al momento se mantienen 500 casos sospechosos de influenza a-H1N1; así como 80 casos confirmados en Nuevo Laredo y 4 en Miguel Alemán.

Programa En un comunicado del gobierno de Nuevo Laredo se anunció una campaña del Sistema para el Desarrollo Integral de la Familia y sector salud para prevenir la Influenza A-H1N1.

Personal del DIF participó en un taller de capacitación para saber cómo prevenirlo, detectarlo y actuar en consecuencia, por si se presenta algún caso sospechoso en esas instalaciones.

“Nosotros queremos que este virus no se expanda aún

más, queremos tomar medidas previsoras”, dijo la Presidenta del DIF Rebeca Canales de Garza.

En cierta manera, esta región ha tenido suerte gracias a su clima extremoso de verano. El virus vive menos de ocho horas en temperaturas calientes, sin embargo, el riesgo está en el invierno que ya se aproxima.

“Estamos a un buen tiempo, nos quedan tres meses para trabajar en capacitación e información a la población y yo estoy muy convencido de que vamos a impactar, la gente ya sabe cómo disminuirla y eso nos va a ayudar a que tengamos el menor número de casos”, dijo Gutiérrez.

Empleados del DIF como Ana María Campos Bustos y

Luis Miguel Alvarado Beltrán sostuvieron que el curso recibido fue positivo.

Campos, responsable del programa Lánzate dijo que al tener un contacto diario con personas el curso les ayudará a poder canalizar a los enfermos cuando sean detectados los síntomas.

Alvarado Beltrán, del programa de Atención Integral a la Familia, dijo que la información que recibieron fue muy completa porque pudieron conocer la forma en que se está desarrollando el panorama de este padecimiento.

Laboratorio estatal En tanto, el Gobierno del Estado anunció que a partir del lunes 28 de septiembre el laboratorio estatal de salud pública contará con los instrumentos y características necesarias para detectar, en un lapso no mayor a 6 días, los casos de influenza A-H1N1.

El laboratorio tendrá capacidad para realizar hasta 80 pruebas diarias, dijo el Secretario de Salud en Tamaulipas Juan Guillermo Mansur Arzola.

El equipo femenil de fútbol soccer de Texas A&M International University recibe a Newman University en el campo universitario a la 1 p.m. ¡Venga y apoye al equipo! La entrada general es de 5 dólares; 3 dólares para estudiantes; y, gratis para cualquiera con identificación de TAMIU. La Orquesta Filarmónica de Laredo presenta “Popular Orchestral Gems” hoy en el MartinezFine Arts Center de LCC a las 3 p.m.El evento incluirá al Laredo Philharmonic Chorale.Más información llamando al 326-2654.

Estudiantes de preparatoria de la Escuela de Comuniaciones y Bellas Artes Vidal M.Treviño celebrará “Septiembre es el Mes Nacional de Piano” con un recital en el Urbahn Recital Hall el día de hoy de 6 p.m. a 8:30 p.m., bajo la dirección de Mary Grace Carroll. La entrada es gratuita y abierta al público en general.

La A.R.SanchezJr.School of Business and the Center for the Study of Western Hemispheric Trade de TAMIU presenta las Series de Conferencistas Principales de IBC presentando a Daniel P. Erikson, Senior Associate para U.S. Policy at the Inter-American Dialogue en Washington, D.C. La conferencia se realizará en el Western Hemispheric Trade Center, Fernando A. Salinas Lecture Room,WHTC 111,de 7:30 p.m.a 9 p.m.El evento es gratuito y abierto al público en general.

JUEVES 1 DE OCTUBRE El UniversityCollege of Arts and Sciences Center for the Fine and Performing Arts de Texas A&M International Universitypresenta un recital de pianista invitado presentando a TerryLynn Hudson el día de hoy a las 7:30 p.m.

SÁBADO 3 DE OCTUBRE Texas A&M International University presenta “Cellopalloza”hoy de 7 p.m. a 9 p.m. en el Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Recital Hall.

El Firefest de la Laredo Firefighters Association se llevará a cabo el día de hoy en los terrenos de Laredo International Fair and Exposition. El festival dará inicio a las 3 p.m. y presentará a las bandas Magneto, Pesado, Solido, Siggno, y muchas más.

El comediante Gabriel “Picachu” Iglesias se presenta hoy a las 7:30 p.m. en el Laredo Entertainment Center.Adquiera su boleto de 35.50 dólares (no incluye costo de instalaciones) en la taquilla de LEC o en Ticketmaster.

- Compilado por Tiempo de Zapata

Fuente: SecretarÍa de Salud

ESPECIAL PARA TIEMPO DE ZAPATA

LUNES 28 DE SEPTIEMBRE

MIÉRCOLES 30 DE SEPTIEMBRE

El virus de la influenza se transmite a través de las gotitas de saliva que expulsan personas enfermas al hablar, toser, estornudar, compartir utensilios ó alimentos y al saludar de beso.

El virus sobrevive entre 48 y 72 horas en superficies lisas y porosas como manos,manijas,barandales, pañuelos desechables y telas, de ahí la necesidad de lavarse las manos con frecuencia o desinfectarlas.

Algunos síntomas comunes de las personas que enferman a causa del virus de la influenza son temperatura mayor a 38 grados, ardor y dolor de garganta, tos, dolor de cabeza con inicio brusco yde gran intensidad,dolor intenso articular y muscular, escurrimiento nasal y en algunos casos diarrea.

Multan por ‘dejar fumar’

DOMINGO 27 DE SEPTIEMBRE

El Imaginarium of South Texas invita al público a experimentar el carnaval como nunca antes con su exhibición “Body Carnival”,una exhibición que pone la atención sobre la ciencia física del cuerpo humano. El museo se ubica dentro del Mall del Norte,a un costado de Dillard’s. Abre de miércoles a domingo.

RECORDATORIO

Foto por Miguel Timoshenkov | The Zapata Times

El Gobernador de Tamaulipas Eugenio Hernández Flores durante la ceremonia de entrega de escrituración a colonos, el 21 de septiembre en Nuevo Laredo.

Familias reciben escrituras Por MIGUEL TIMOSHENKOV TIEMPO DE ZAPATA

NUEVO LAREDO — Al hacer entrega de escrituras y regularización a familias de esta ciudad, el Gobernador de Tamaulipas Eugenio Hernández Flores advirtió que irán a prisión quienes intenten estafar a familias pobres con la venta ilegal de terrenos.

El mensaje fue claro ya que Hernández recordó que ya hay leyes en Tamaulipas que “fueron creadas para terminar con los actos criminales de fraccionadores que fundan colonias sin los servicios básicos”, dijo.

Durante la ceremonia del 21 de septiembre, había habitantes de 21 colonias. Hernández entregó alrededor de más de 3,000 acciones de escrituración y regularización de terrenos.

La mayoría de esas colonias se fundaron sin autorización del gobierno y sin que los fraccionadores cumplieran con las leyes. Posteriormente las famil-

ias exigían agua, drenaje, electricidad, servicios básicos, pero no podían otorgárselos sin regularizar la tenencia de la tierra.

Después de varios años inició la regularización de la tierra y trámite de servicios que representaron costos al gobierno.

“Enfrentar los retos de la urbanización y el ordenamiento de las ciudades, sobre todo en la región fronteriza en la que vive la mitad de nuestra población, es prioridad y compromiso del Gobierno de Tamaulipas”, declaró Hernández. “No vamos a permitir que continúen enriqueciéndose aquellos que medran con las necesidades de miles de neolaredenses de la colonia Voluntad y Trabajo II”.

El Director General de la CORETT Juan Manuel Carrera López calificó de “exhaustivo” el esfuerzo de la administración estatal para beneficiar a todas las familias que carecen del titulo de su propiedad.

Las escrituras y documentos acreditan a los beneficiados como propietarios o poseedores legales del predio en el que viven, dijo Carrera.

“Por eso, al hacer entrega de estos documentos entregamos también una respuesta humana y sensible a sus anhelos de prosperar y vivir con tranquilidad, optimismo y armonía”, señaló Carrera.

Hernández precisó que con la entrega de estas cartas de liberación, finiquito y convenios de regularización, se están construyendo mejores cimientos de dignidad y respeto para todas las familias.

En total, en la ceremonia, se entregaron 514 escrituras, 1408 cartas de liberación, 1341 cartas de finiquito y 69 convenios de regularización, con el apoyo de las dependencias federales y estatales, ITAVU y CORETT. (Localice a Miguel Timoshenkov en el 728-2583 ó escriba a timo1@lmtonline.com)

Invitan a pescar por buena causa ESPECIAL PARA TIEMPO DE ZAPATA

ATHENS — El Departamento de Parques y Vida Salvaje de Texas empezará a aceptar inscripciones al programa Toyota ShareLunker a partir del 1 de octubre.

Cualquiera pescando legalmente una lubina/perca hocico grande de 13libras ó más grande de aguas de Texas, públicas ó privadas, entre el 1 de octubre y el 30 de abril, pueden someter el pez al programa Toyota ShareLunker llamando al gerente del programa David Campbell en el (903) 681-0550 ó enviando un mensaje a (888) 784-0600 (deje un teléfono con código de área).

El pez será recogido por personal de TPWD en un lapso de 12 horas.

Toyota se convirtió en el nuevo patrocinador del programa a partir del 1 de septiembre. La actual temporada marca el 24vo año del programa.

A la fecha 471 peces han sido registrado en el programa y provienen de 57 diferentes reservas públicas y más de una docena de lagos privados.

Las entradas a ShareLunker son utilizadas en un programa selectivo de reproducción en el Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (TFFC) en Athens.

Algunas de las crías de estos peces son regresados al agua principal de donde fueron atrapados. Otras crías de ShareLunker se mantienen en aguas públi-

Foto de cortesía | TPWD

Ricky Bearden de Conroe atrapó el más grande ShareLunker de la temporada del año pasado, una lubina/perca de 15.93 libras del Lake Conroe. El lago será anfitrión del Toyota Texas Bass Classic del 16 al 18 de octubre. cas alrededor del estado en un intento por incrementar el tamaño en general y tasa de crecimiento de lubina/perca hocico grande en Texas.

Pescadores participando en el programa Toyota ShareLunker recibirán una réplica gratuita de su pez, un certificado y ropa de ShareLunker y serán

reconocidos en un banquete en el Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center en Athens el 5 de junio del 2010. Además, si un pescador de Texas atrapa el pez más grande del año, la persona recibirá una licencia de pesca de por vida.

Para mayor información y reglas visite www.tpwd.state.tx.us/sharelunker.

A más de tres meses que entró en vigor el reglamento de protección a los No Fumadores en Tamaulipas, unos 10 establecimientos han sido multados por no cumplir con la Ley de Protección.

Autoridades encontraron que esos espacios no contaban con espacios libres de humo de tabaco y no presentaban letreros alusivos a “prohibido fumar”.

La mayoría de éstos negocios se encuentran en la zona de Tampico, Madero y Altamira.

El Comisionado Estatal de Protección contra Riesgos Sanitarios (COEPRIS) doctor Roberto Hernández Báez dijo que las multas aplicadas oscilan entre los 15 y 25 mil pesos y en la zona de Matamoros se aplicaron varios apercibimientos.

En un periodo de 30 días las empresas deberán cambiar para no hacerse acreedores a una multa o un cierre temporal o definitivo de su negocio.

“El único objetivo (del reglamento) es proteger la salud de la población y de los no fumadores, por tal motivo se intensifican las verificaciones en los giros sanitarios correspondientes”, dijo Hernández.

Algunos establecimientos han hecho caso omiso a lo que establece la ley; y aun y cuando ya se han disminuido las denuncias y quejas, durante las visitas de verificación todavía se detecta la presencia de personas que se rehúsan a aplicar la ley en donde también están involucrados los consumidores.

“Todavía hay propietarios que no tiene muy claro lo que es la ley y el reglamento, pero se ha visto mucho apoyo con los medios de transporte público, además se han reforzado las visitas de verificación en hospitales y servicios funerarios”, dijo Hernández.

Refirió que se ha dado énfasis en los establecimientos como restaurantes, cantinas y centros de espectáculos, en los que los propietarios o representantes legales han manifestado su compromiso para la aplicación de este reglamento.

Por último en lo referente a los edificios públicos federales, estatales y municipales, se han realizado visitas para aplicar las actas de verificación sanitaria para que sean certificados como edificio libre de humo de tabaco, siendo el centro cultural, el gobierno del estado, la torre gubernamental, el edificio de seguridad publica, entre otros, los que ya han sido certificados, concluyó diciendo.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2009

9A | THE ZAPATA TIMES

Author: What’s the true cost of a latte?

By KATHY MATHESON ASSOCIATED PRESS

PHILADELPHIA — If Bryant Simon owned a coffee shop, it would not have conversation-killing Wi-Fi. It probably wouldn’t offer to-go cups. But it would have a big, round table strewn with newspapers to stimulate discussion.

That sense of community is what’s missing from Starbucks, a conclusion Simon reached after visiting about 425 of its coffee shops in nine countries. And yet millions of people patronize the outlets each day.

Simon, a history professor at Temple University in Philadelphia, has spent the past few years figuring out why. His new book, “Everything but the Coffee: Learning about America from Starbucks,� is meant “to be part of a public debate about what our purchases mean ... (and) how consumption shapes our lives even when we don’t intend it to,� Simon said.

Seattle-based Starbucks had nearly $10.4 billion in revenue in 2008. Simon, however, argues the true cost of macchiatos and frappuccinos is much greater — that Starbucks, a private corporation,

has enriched itself in part by taking advantage of Americans’ impoverished civic life.

Simon writes that while people once were able to find meaningful conversation and debate at libraries, recreation centers and parks, those public spaces have become less available — and less desirable — since municipal resources are focused elsewhere.

Starbucks has filled that void, according to Simon. Or has it? After spending up to 15 hours a week in various Starbucks over the past few years, Simon said he witnessed very few spontaneous

discussions or interactions.

The couches, plush chairs and tables all seemed to be used for planned meetings or solo work on laptops. “Rarely ... do these different people doing different things actually talk and exchange ideas, but talk and ideas are crucial to the making of community,� he writes.

Simon’s observations are already being debated in college classrooms. David Grazian, a sociology professor at the University of Pennsylvania, is using the book in a class on media and popular culture.

COUNTY | Continued from Page 1A come from mineral rights,� said County Commissioner Jose Emilio Vela, referring to the county’s budget. “We’re going to be getting about $3 million or $4 million less in revenues. It’s the same thing for the people getting royalty checks. They’ll be seeing less revenue, too.�

Overall, Texas wells produced 554.4 million Mcf (thousand cubic feet) of gas based upon June 2009 preliminary figures, an increase of more than 10 percent from the June 2008 preliminary gas production total of 500.4 million Mcf. The state’s production in June 2009 came from 141,223 oil and 91,192 gas wells, according to the Railroad Commission.

Texas natural gas production is about 29 percent of the nation’s total demand for natural gas, commission figures show.

While home consumers use natural gas, of course, the largest users are indus-

try. And with the current state of the economy, that customer isn’t buying as much as he was before. “Industrial use is way, way down and supply is up because people are continuing to produce,� Black said. “With demand down and supply up, the price goes down.�

In the meantime, companies take steps to deal with the situation. “As in any business, you evaluate where you are,�

Black said. “We try to manage costs and look at the whole picture ‌ to see what returns the best investment to our shareholders. We have to engage the supplier community to control costs — we have great suppliers who are working with us — and we have to challenge our employees to optimize production.â€?

Oil and gas companies take numerous measures to ensure efficiency and to maintain return on invest-

ment, he explained. Once the gas is produced and shipped to a delivery point, then it’s up to a company’s marketing team to find the best place to sell the resource.

Neighboring Webb County also is a major gas producer for the state; for July, Webb also kept its previous ranking, coming in at No. 10 on the Top 10 list with 15.1 million Mcf. In June, Webb also was at No. 10 with 14.9 million Mcf. In May, Webb reported 14.6 million Mcf. Both Black and Vela expect the situation will improve, but the question is when. “It’ll come back,� Vela said. “Natural gas is one of

those alternative fuels that the president and his administration is focusing on. As more (usage) converts to natural gas, the demand will go higher and the price will go along with that. But that’s still a long way away. “In the 80s it got this way.

It was really good, then all of a sudden it started dropping,� the commissioner said, noting that the price eventually picked up again. “Zapata has always been one of the top producers in the nation and that’s helped a lot.

We’ve been very fortunate.�

(To reach Diana R. Fuentes, call 728-2581 or e-mail dfuentes@lmtonline.com)

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The Zapata Times SATURDAY,SEPTEMBER 26,2009

ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM

Sports&Outdoors Lady Hawks win big

By CLARA SANDOVAL SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

The Lady Hawks volleyball team continued to make a name for Zapata in District 32-3A on Friday, beating Rio Hondo 25-11, 25-9, 25-11, to stay in the playoff picture.

La Feria (4-0) and Lyford (4-0) were the only two unbeaten teams in the district heading into Friday’s district matchups.

The Lady Hawks were trailing Hidalgo (3-1) by one game and Friday night’s victory put them in the mix for a playoff spot.

“It was a total team effort, and everyone did their job,” Zapata coach Rosie Villarreal said. “We took control of the match and never looked back. The girls had a great team effort overall.”

Opening victory Hawks defeat defending District 32-3A champion Bobcats THE ZAPATA TIMES

The Zapata Hawks opened their second District 32-3A campaign at home on Friday against the defending champion Rio Hondo Bobcats.

Zapata got the season started on the right foot, defeating Rio Hondo for the second straight season, 20-13.

The Hawks are now 1-0 in dis-

20 ZAPATA 13 RIO HONDO trict play and 1-3 overall.

The Bobcats fell to 0-1 in district and 0-4 overall.

Junior wide receiver Andrew

McGee scored two touchdowns for Zapata, and junior running back Carlos Gonzalez scored the other on a one-yard run.

McGee’s touchdown catches of 59 and 13 yards were thrown by sophomore quarterback Manuel Salinas and junior quarterback Luis Gonzalez, respectively.

McGee had a total of four recep-

tions for 112 yards in the game.

Gonzalez was 5-of-7 passing for 74 yards and one touchdown.

Salinas was 2-of-3 for 62 yards and his TD. Senior running back Sergio Quintanilla had 13 carries for 104 yards for the Hawks.

Zapata will face the Lyford Bulldogs in its second district game next Friday in Lyford.

LOOKING FOR BETTER RESULTS

Offensive strength The Lady Hawks (3-2 32-3A, 12-10 overall) continue to ride the arm of junior Brandi King, who put on a 12-kill performance on Friday.

Complementing King at the net was Adriana Peña, who helped out with six kills for the night.

Also lending a hand on offense were Kat Garcia (four kills), Lexi Garza (two kills, Selina Mata (two kills), and Loraly Rivera (two kills).

As a team, Zapata had 28 kills.

“Everyone was helping out on offense,” Villarreal said.

Fast start The Lady Hawks got off to a fast start and did not allow Rio Hondo to get any offensive momentum on their way to an early lead.

Zapata quickly found the Lady Bobcats’ weakness on their service receive and exploited it all night long as Rio Hondo had a hard time picking up the serve.

At one point, King served nine straight points to give the Lady Hawks the advantage and even recorded three aces. Zapata took the first game with ease.

Finishing strong Game 2 became identical to Game 1 as the Lady Hawks continued to give the Lady Bobcats headaches in the back row.

Garcia took over where King left off and served 10 straight points to have the Rio Hondo coach call a timeout to stop Zapata’s serving dominance.

Game 3 was a repeat performance of the previous two games and again King had a field day serving the ball as she came close to mimicking the first game’s heroics with eight straight points.

Not to be outdone, Mata served seven points in a row to close out the game and come away with a victory.

Sub-varsity results In the sub-varsity matches, the freshmen and junior varsity got

See VOLLEYBALL | PAGE 2B

Courtesy photo

Zapata cross country runner Erica Hernandez checks her time as she rounds a curve at the Falfurrias Invitational earlier this month.The Lady Hawks are taking this weekend off after running at tough meets for two straight weeks.

Lady Hawks preparing for their next meet

By CLARA SANDOVAL

be participating at a meet in Carrizo Springs this morning.

SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

T

he Zapata Lady Hawks cross country teams are tapering off their training as they take a week off from the grinds of racing.

“We are taking a break from the competition,” Zapata coach Mike Villarreal said. “We ran two weeks in a row and now its time to take some time off.”

While their high school counterparts rest, the middle school girls cross country team will

Last week’s race The Lady Hawks are coming off the Ricardo Romo/Six Flags Fiesta Texas Classic, hosted by UTSA on the grounds of Brooks-City Base in south San Antonio last Saturday.

Zapata ran in the gold division, which includes some of the best teams from across the state in all classifications.

Last year, the Lady Hawks captured third

place in the gold division, an early indication of the success they would experience at the end of the season.

This year, Zapata finished in 16th place as the Lady Hawks became victims of a poor start and did not run a clean race.

Staying positive Villarreal had a positive outlook after the race, pointing out the great times his team ran.

See GIRLS | PAGE 2B

Boys’ XC team impressive at UTSA

By CLARA SANDOVAL SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

The Zapata boys’ cross country team finally put all the pieces of the puzzle together, putting on a dominant performance at the Ricardo Romo/Six Flags Fiesta Texas Classic hosted by UTSA last Saturday.

The Hawks finished in second place in the 3A division despite running at 1 p.m. with the sun out

in full force.

Zapata was edged out of first place by defending regional champion La Vernia, which finished 21 points ahead.

The Hawks beat district foes Port Isabel and La Feria.

Top individuals Keith Cobb, who has been making a strong run for the individual

district title, recorded the best Zapata finish when he came in second place with a time of 16:49.

He was followed by teammates Juan Alvarado, in 12th place, and Rafer Benavidez in 20th.

“They are coming around at the right time,” Hawks coach Luis Escamilla said. “We are beginning to look good out there on the course.”

Escamilla was especially pleased with the performance of

Benavidez, who has slowly been making his way to the top of the team with his work on the course.

Benavidez usually finished in the fifth spot for Zapata, but last weekend he came in third for the team.

“Rafer has stepped it up for us, especially this weekend at UTSA,” Escamilla said.

See BOYS | PAGE 2B

Barber’s status uncertain ASSOCIATED PRESS

IRVING — Cowboys running back Marion Barber again was limited in practice Friday because of a left thigh injury.

NOTEBOOK The Cowboys listed Barber as having limited participation in practice for the second consecutive day. His status for Monday night against Carolina remains uncertain, though the running back has said he expects to play.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones says Barber has been “doing more every day.” But when asked Friday what he expected in the next game, Jones said he didn’t know.

Jones added the Cowboys have two good options in Felix Jones and Tashard Choice if Barber, who was

hurt on a 35-yard run Sunday night, isn’t “completely ready.”

Texas Stadium to be demolished The decades-long home of the Dallas Cowboys will be turned to rubble.

The Irving City Council on Thursday night approved spending $5.9 million to implode hole-in-theroof Texas Stadium.

The team this year began play in the new $1.15 billion Cowboys Stadium in Arlington.

The Cowboys were 213-99 in regular-season and postseason games at Texas Stadium since 1971.

The destruction could be a tourism draw for the Dallas area.

Irving city leaders want to work with travel companies to attract fans to watch the demolition, at a date to be determined, possibly from cities with ardent rivals of the

Cowboys.

Maura Gast with the Irving Visitors and Convention Bureau and says money raised by a possible “implosion auction” could go to charity.

Bullriding coming to Cowboys Stadium Now there’s going to be a bunch of bull at the new Cowboys Stadium.

Professional Bull Riders (PBR) is bringing a unique tournament event created exclusively for the stadium, the first true head-to-head competition for its riders and the largest oneday payout in the PBR’s history — at least $260,000 for the winner.

Organizers said Friday that there will be 24 riders in the Iron Cowboy Invitational, a bracketstyle competition determined by the world standings at the end of

Photo by L.M. Otero | AP

Dallas Cowboys running back Marion Barber, top, is tackled by New York Giants cornerback Terrell Thomas, bottom, and another Giant during the first half of their game last Sunday in Arlington. Barber was limited in practice again on Friday after suffering an injury in Sunday’s loss and is questionable for Monday night’s game. this season. Riders will be paired, both riding the same bull and the one with the highest score advanc-

ing to the next round. If both riders are bucked off, the one who stays on the longest will advance.

PAGE 2B

Zscores

MLB AMERICAN LEAGUE All Times EDT East Division W L Pct GB x-New York 97 56 .634 — Boston 91 61 .599 5½ Tampa Bay 78 74 .513 18½ Toronto 69 84 .451 28 Baltimore 60 92 .395 36½ Central Division W L Pct GB Detroit 82 70 .539 — Minnesota 79 73 .520 3 Chicago 73 80 .477 9½ Kansas City 63 90 .412 19½ Cleveland 61 91 .401 21 West Division W L Pct GB Los Angeles 90 62 .592 — Texas 83 69 .546 7 Seattle 80 73 .523 10½ Oakland 73 80 .477 17½ x-clinched playoff berth Thursday’s Games Oakland 12, Texas 3 Detroit 6, Cleveland 5 Seattle 5, Toronto 4 Boston 10, Kansas City 3 Friday’s Games Baltimore at Cleveland, 7:05 p.m.

Boston at N.Y. Yankees, 7:05 p.m.

Seattle at Toronto, 7:07 p.m.

Tampa Bay at Texas, 8:05 p.m.

Minnesota at Kansas City, 8:10 p.m.

Detroit at Chicago White Sox, 8:11 p.m.

Oakland at L.A. Angels, 10:05 p.m.

Saturday’s Games Seattle (Snell 5-2) at Toronto (Purcey 1-2), 1:07 p.m.

Boston (Matsuzaka 3-5) at N.Y. Yankees (Sabathia 18-7), 4:10 p.m.

Baltimore (Berken 5-12) at Cleveland (Sowers 6-10), 7:05 p.m.

Detroit (N.Robertson 2-2) at Chicago White Sox (Garcia 2-3), 7:05 p.m.

Minnesota (S.Baker 13-9) at Kansas City (DiNardo 0-1), 7:10 p.m.

Tampa Bay (Garza 8-10) at Texas (Millwood 11-10), 8:05 p.m.

Oakland (Eveland 2-3) at L.A. Angels (Lackey 11-8), 9:05 p.m.

Sunday’s Games Baltimore at Cleveland, 1:05 p.m.

Boston at N.Y. Yankees, 1:05 p.m.

Seattle at Toronto, 1:07 p.m.

Detroit at Chicago White Sox, 2:05 p.m.

Minnesota at Kansas City, 2:10 p.m.

Tampa Bay at Texas, 3:05 p.m.

Oakland at L.A. Angels, 3:35 p.m.

Monday’s Games Chicago White Sox at Cleveland, 7:05 p.m.

Kansas City at N.Y. Yankees, 7:05 p.m.

Minnesota at Detroit, 7:05 p.m.

Baltimore at Tampa Bay, 7:08 p.m.

Toronto at Boston, 7:10 p.m.

Texas at L.A. Angels, 10:05 p.m.

NATIONAL LEAGUE All Times EDT East Division W L Pct GB Philadelphia 89 63 .586 — Atlanta 82 70 .539 7 Florida 82 71 .536 7½ New York 65 88 .425 24½ Washington 52 100 .342 37 Central Division W L Pct GB St. Louis 89 64 .582 — Chicago 79 73 .520 9½ Milwaukee 75 78 .490 14 Cincinnati 72 81 .471 17 Houston 71 81 .467 17½ Pittsburgh 56 95 .371 32 West Division W L Pct GB Los Angeles 92 61 .601 — Colorado 86 67 .562 6 San Francisco 82 71 .536 10 San Diego 71 83 .461 21½ Arizona 66 87 .431 26 Thursday’s Games Cincinnati 4, Pittsburgh 1 L.A. Dodgers 7, Washington 6 Philadelphia 9, Milwaukee 4 San Diego 5, Colorado 4 Chicago Cubs 3, San Francisco 2 Friday’s Games Atlanta at Washington, 7:05 p.m.

L.A. Dodgers at Pittsburgh, 7:05 p.m.

N.Y. Mets at Florida, 7:10 p.m.

Cincinnati at Houston, 8:05 p.m.

Philadelphia at Milwaukee, 8:05 p.m.

St. Louis at Colorado, 8:10 p.m.

San Diego at Arizona, 9:40 p.m.

Chicago Cubs at San Francisco, 10:15 p.m.

Saturday’s Games Atlanta (Hanson 10-4) at Washington (Mock 3-9), 1:05 p.m.

Chicago Cubs (Gorzelanny 6-2) at San Francisco (Zito 10-12), 4:10 p.m.

Cincinnati (Lehr 4-2) at Houston (F.Paulino 2-10), 7:05 p.m.

L.A. Dodgers (Wolf 11-6) at Pittsburgh (Maholm 8-9), 7:05 p.m.

Philadelphia (P.Martinez 5-1) at Milwaukee (Looper 13-7), 7:05 p.m.

N.Y. Mets (Maine 6-5) at Florida (West 7-6), 7:10 p.m.

San Diego (LeBlanc 2-1) at Arizona (Haren 14-9), 8:10 p.m.

St. Louis (Wainwright 18-8) at Colorado (Jimenez 14-11), 8:10 p.m.

Sunday’s Games N.Y. Mets at Florida, 1:10 p.m.

Atlanta at Washington, 1:35 p.m.

L.A. Dodgers at Pittsburgh, 1:35 p.m.

Cincinnati at Houston, 2:05 p.m.

Philadelphia at Milwaukee, 2:05 p.m.

St. Louis at Colorado, 3:10 p.m.

Chicago Cubs at San Francisco, 4:05 p.m.

San Diego at Arizona, 4:10 p.m.

Monday’s Games L.A. Dodgers at Pittsburgh, 12:35 p.m.

Houston at Philadelphia, 7:05 p.m.

N.Y. Mets at Washington, 7:05 p.m.

Florida at Atlanta, 7:10 p.m.

Team-by-Team Disabled List (Provided by Major League Baseball) (x-60-day all others are 15-day) Through Sept. 24 AMERICAN LEAGUE Baltimore RHP Brad Bergesen-x, July 31 LHP Rich Hill-x, July 29 OF Adam Jones, Sept. 2 RHP Kam Mickolio, Sept. 7 OF Nolan Reimold, Sept. 18 RHP Alfredo Simon-x, April 15 RHP Koji Uehara, June 24 Boston RHP Miguel Gonzalez-x, March 27 RHP Junichi Tazawa-x, Sept. 21 Chicago None.

Cleveland RHP Anthony Reyes-x, May 23 OF Grady Sizemore, Sept. 4 RHP Joe Smith, Sept. 1 RHP Jake Westbrook-x, March 26 Detroit

INF Michael Hollimon, Sept. 1 1B Jeff Larish-x, Sept. 5 C Matt Treanor-x, April 24 LHP Dontrelle Willis, June 15 RHP Joel Zumaya-x, July 18 Kansas City SS Mike Aviles-x, May 24 LHP Bruce Chen-s, Sept. 23 OF Coco Crisp-x, June 13 OF Jose Guillen, Sept. 18 RHP Doug Waechter-x, Aug. 12 Los Angeles RHP Kelvim Escobar-x, June 7 RHP Dustin Moseley-x, April 18 C Scott Shields-x, May 27 Minnesota RHP Boof Bonser-x, March 27 RHP Pat Neshek-x, Feb. 21 RHP Kevin Slowey-x, July 4 New York OF Xavier Nady-x, April 15 RHP Chien-Ming Wang-x, July 5 Oakland LHP Dallas Braden, Aug. 1 3B Eric Chavez-x, April 25 RHP Joey Devine-x, April 4 RHP Justin Duchscherer-x, March 27 RHP Dan Giese-x, May 16 RHP Vin Mazzaro-x, Sept. 8 LHP Josh Outman-x, June 20 Seattle LHP Erik Bedard-x, July 26 1B Russell Branyan, Aug. 29 OF Endy Chavez-x, June 20 LHP Ryan Feierabend-x, March 15 LHP Cesar Jimenez-x, March 29 RHP Sean White-x, Sept. 15 Tampa Bay RHP Jason Isringhausen-x, June 14 1B Carlos Pena-x, Sept. 8 RHP Troy Percival-x, May 22 Texas RHP Joaquin Benoit-x, April 5 OF Brandon Boggs-x, Sept. 1 LHP Matt Harrison-x, June 24 RHP Eric Hurley-x, April 5 Toronto C Michael Barrett, April 18 RHP Jesse Litsch, April 14 RHP Shaun Marcum, March 27 RHP Dustin McGowan, March 27 NATIONAL LEAGUE Arizona 1B Conor Jackson-x, May 12 RHP Chad Qualls-x, Aug. 31 C Chris Snyder, Aug. 27 RHP Brandon Webb-x, April 7 Atlanta RHP Jorge Campillo-x, May 29 OF Jordan Schafer, Sept. 4 Chicago RHP Chad Fox, May 10 OF Alfonso Soriano, Sept. 4 Cincinnati C Wilkin Castillo-x, June 21 OF Chris Dickerson, Aug. 24 RHP Aaron Harang, Aug. 21 RHP Mike Lincoln-x, June 13 INF Danny Richar-x, July 2 RHP Edinson Volquez-x, June 2 Colorado RHP Taylor Buchholz-x, March 27 RHP Aaron Cook, Aug. 22 RHP Manuel Corpas-x, July 21 LHP Alan Embree-x, July 11 LHP Jeffrey Francis-x, March 27 INF Chris Nelson-x, Sept. 8 RHP Greg Reynolds, Sept. 1 LHP Greg Smith, Sept. 1 Florida SS Alfredo Amezaga-x, May 17 LHP David Davidson-x, May 23 RHP Scott Proctor-x March 27 Houston RHP Alberto Arias, Aug. 28 LHP Mike Hampton-x, Aug. 14 RHP Roy Oswalt, Sept. 16 RHP Billy Sadler-x, Sept. 18 Los Angeles LHP Eric Milton-x, June 28 LHP Will Ohman-x, May 28 OF Xavier Paul-x, May 21 RHP Travis Schlichting, Aug. 31 RHP Jason Schmidt-x, Aug. 6 Milwaukee RHP Mark DiFelice-x, Sept. 15 RHP David Riske-x, April 10 2B Rickie Weeks-x, May 18 New York INF Alex Cora-x, Aug. 13 1B Carlos Delgado-x, May 11 OF Fernando Martinez, July 9 INF Ramon Martinez-x, June 3 LHP Jonathon Niese-x, Aug. 6 RHP Fernando Nieve-x, July 20 LHP Oliver Perez, Aug. 24 RHP J.J. Putz-x, June 5 SS Jose Reyes, May 21 LHP Johan Santana, Aug. 25 Philadelphia RHP John Ennis, Aug. 31 LHP J.C. Romero, July 20 Pittsburgh RHP Jose Ascanio-x, Aug. 12 RHP Craig Hansen-x, April 20 RHP Evan Meek-x, Aug. 12 RHP Tyler Yates-x, May 16 St. Louis None San Diego RHP Cha Seung Baek-x, March 30 OF Kyle Blanks, Aug. 29 OF Cliff Floyd-x, June 19 OF Brian Giles-x, June 19 RHP Shawn Hill-x, April 26 RHP Mark Worrell-x, April 1 RHP Chris Young-x, June 15 San Francisco 2B Emmanuel Burriss-x, Sept. 1 LHP Noah Lowry-x, March 26 RHP Justin Miller-x, Sept. 13 RHP Kelvin Pichardo-x, June 28 RHP Henry Sosa-x, Aug. 5 Washington CF Roger Bernadina-x, April 19 OF Austin Kearns, Aug. 4 CF Nyjer Morgan, Aug. 28 LHP Scott Olsen-x, July 11 1B Dmitri Young-x, April 1 RHP Terrell Young-x, March 27 RHP Jordan Zimmermann-x, July 19

NFL At A Glance All Times EDT AMERICAN CONFERENCE East W L T Pct PF PA N.Y. Jets 2 0 0 1.000 40 16 New England 1 1 0 .500 34 40 Buffalo 1 1 0 .500 57 45 Miami 0 2 0 .000 30 46 South W L T Pct PF PA Indianapolis 2 0 0 1.000 41 35 Houston 1 1 0 .500 41 55 Jacksonville 0 2 0 .000 29 45 Tennessee 0 2 0 .000 41 47 North W L T Pct PF PA Baltimore 2 0 0 1.000 69 50 Pittsburgh 1 1 0 .500 27 27 Cincinnati 1 1 0 .500 38 36 Cleveland 0 2 0 .000 26 61 West W L T Pct PF PA Denver 2 0 0 1.000 39 13 San Diego 1 1 0 .500 50 51 Oakland 1 1 0 .500 33 34 Kansas City 0 2 0 .000 34 51 NATIONAL CONFERENCE

East W L T Pct PF PA 2 0 0 1.000 56 48 1 1 0 .500 65 54 1 1 0 .500 60 58 1 1 0 .500 26 30 South W L T Pct PF PA Atlanta 2 0 0 1.000 47 27 New Orleans 2 0 0 1.000 93 49 Carolina 0 2 0 .000 30 66 Tampa Bay 0 2 0 .000 41 67 North W L T Pct PF PA Minnesota 2 0 0 1.000 61 33 Green Bay 1 1 0 .500 45 46 Chicago 1 1 0 .500 32 35 Detroit 0 2 0 .000 40 72 West W L T Pct PF PA San Francisco2 0 0 1.000 43 26 Seattle 1 1 0 .500 38 23 Arizona 1 1 0 .500 47 37 St. Louis 0 2 0 .000 7 37 Sunday’s Games Washington at Detroit, 1 p.m.

Tennessee at N.Y. Jets, 1 p.m.

Green Bay at St. Louis, 1 p.m.

Cleveland at Baltimore, 1 p.m.

San Francisco at Minnesota, 1 p.m.

Jacksonville at Houston, 1 p.m.

Atlanta at New England, 1 p.m.

N.Y. Giants at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m.

Kansas City at Philadelphia, 1 p.m.

Chicago at Seattle, 4:05 p.m.

New Orleans at Buffalo, 4:05 p.m.

Miami at San Diego, 4:15 p.m.

Denver at Oakland, 4:15 p.m.

Pittsburgh at Cincinnati, 4:15 p.m.

Indianapolis at Arizona, 8:20 p.m.

Monday’s Game Carolina at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 4 Detroit at Chicago, 1 p.m.

Oakland at Houston, 1 p.m.

Tampa Bay at Washington, 1 p.m.

Seattle at Indianapolis, 1 p.m.

N.Y. Giants at Kansas City, 1 p.m.

Baltimore at New England, 1 p.m.

Cincinnati at Cleveland, 1 p.m.

Tennessee at Jacksonville, 1 p.m.

Buffalo at Miami, 4:05 p.m.

N.Y. Jets at New Orleans, 4:05 p.m.

Dallas at Denver, 4:15 p.m.

St. Louis at San Francisco, 4:15 p.m.

San Diego at Pittsburgh, 8:20 p.m.

Open: Arizona, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Carolina Monday, Oct. 5 Green Bay at Minnesota, 8:30 p.m.

N.Y. Giants Dallas Philadelphia Washington

Injury Report NEW YORK — The updated National Football League injury report, as provided by the league. (OUT-Definitely will not play; DNP-Did not practice; LIMITED-Limited participation in practice; FULL-Full participation in practice): SUNDAY CLEVELAND BROWNS at BALTIMORE RAVENS — BROWNS: DOUBTFUL: G Rex Hadnot (knee), RB Jamal Lewis (hamstring), G Floyd Womack (ankle). QUESTIONABLE: LB David Bowens (knee), K Phil Dawson (right calf), DT Shaun Rogers (foot). PROBABLE: RB James Davis (shoulder), C Alex Mack (knee), WR Mohamed Massaquoi (shoulder), RB Cedric Peerman (thigh), DT Ahtyba Rubin (toe), P Dave Zastudil (right knee). RAVENS: QUESTIONABLE: LB Jarret Johnson (shoulder), S Ed Reed (neck), TE L.J. Smith (hamstring). PROBABLE: DT Justin Bannan (knee), T Jared Gaither (illness), CB Fabian Washington (illness), S Tom Zbikowski (head).

PITTSBURGH STEELERS at CINCINNATI BENGALS — STEELERS: OUT: S Troy Polamalu (knee).

PROBABLE: S Tyrone Carter (thigh), LB James Harrison (illness), WR Limas Sweed (foot), LB Lawrence Timmons (ankle). BENGALS: OUT: CB David Jones (foot), T Andre Smith (foot). QUESTIONABLE: DT Jonathan Fanene (illness), DE Michael Johnson (illness), G Nate Livings (knee). PROBABLE: RB Cedric Benson (ankle), WR Chris Henry (quadricep), CB Johnathan Joseph (ankle), DE Antwan Odom (not injury related).

WASHINGTON REDSKINS at DETROIT LIONS — REDSKINS: QUESTIONABLE: RB Clinton Portis (ankle).

PROBABLE: QB Jason Campbell (foot), DT Anthony Montgomery (knee), T Mike Williams (illness). LIONS: DOUBTFUL: DE Cliff Avril (hamstring), CB Eric King (shoulder), LB Ernie Sims (shoulder). QUESTIONABLE: CB Phillip Buchanon (neck), DT Andre Fluellen (knee), QB Drew Stanton (knee). PROBABLE: RB Jerome Felton (ankle), DT Sammie Hill (neck), DT Grady Jackson (knee), T Daniel Loper (knee), S Marquand Manuel (knee).

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS at HOUSTON TEXANS — JAGUARS: OUT: LB Adam Seward (groin), CB Brian Witherspoon (hamstring).

PROBABLE: RB Maurice Jones-Drew (knee), C Brad Meester (knee). TEXANS: OUT: CB Antwaun Molden (quadricep). DOUBTFUL: S Kevin Curtis (knee), WR Andre’ Davis (concussion), CB Jacques Reeves (fibula).

QUESTIONABLE: DT Shaun Cody (knee), WR Kevin Walter (hamstring).

PROBABLE: G Mike Brisiel (shoulder), RB Vonta Leach (knee), S Eugene Wilson (knee).

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS at MINNESOTA VIKINGS — 49ERS: QUESTIONABLE: LB Marques Harris (toe).

PROBABLE: G David Baas (ankle), LB Ahmad Brooks (knee), RB Glen Coffee (hip), RB Frank Gore (ankle).

VIKINGS: OUT: LB Erin Henderson (calf). QUESTIONABLE: WR Percy Harvin (illness), LB E.J. Henderson (shoulder). PROBABLE: TE Jim Kleinsasser (hand), RB Adrian Peterson (back), S Madieu Williams (shoulder).

ATLANTA FALCONS at NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS — FALCONS: QUESTIONABLE: RB Jerious Norwood (head). PROBABLE: K Jason Elam (left hamstring), S William Moore (hamstring), TE Justin Peelle (back). PATRIOTS: OUT: LB Jerod Mayo (knee). QUESTIONABLE: TE Chris Baker (ankle), CB Darius Butler (thigh), C Dan Connolly (back), WR Julian Edelman (ankle), S Brandon Meriweather (ankle), WR Randy Moss (back), WR Matthew Slater (elbow), CB Shawn Springs (knee), WR Wes Welker (knee), CB Terrence Wheatley (knee). PROBABLE: QB Tom Brady (right shoulder).

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS at PHILADELPHIA EAGLES — CHIEFS: QUESTIONABLE: WR Dwayne Bowe (hamstring), LB Derrick Johnson (groin), TE Jake O’Connell (ankle), G Brian Waters (ankle).

PROBABLE: QB Matt Cassel (knee), CB Brandon Flowers (shoulder). EA-

GLES: OUT: G Todd Herremans (foot), CB Dimitri Patterson (hand).

DOUBTFUL: S Quintin Demps (hamstring), QB Donovan McNabb (rib).

QUESTIONABLE: WR DeSean Jackson (groin), RB Brian Westbrook (ankle). PROBABLE: DE Victor Abiamiri (groin), LB Omar Gaither (neck), G Max Jean-Gilles (knee), T Winston Justice (hamstring), LB Joe Mays (shoulder), CB Asante Samuel (neck).

GREEN BAY PACKERS at ST. LOUIS RAMS — PACKERS: OUT: S Atari Bigby (knee), T Chad Clifton (ankle), RB Brandon Jackson (ankle).

QUESTIONABLE: RB Korey Hall (shoulder/concussion), DT B.J. Raji (ankle), LB Jeremy Thompson (knee).

PROBABLE: CB Jarrett Bush (ankle), S Nick Collins (chest), K Mason Crosby (abdomen), LB Aaron Kampman (hand). RAMS: DOUBTFUL: T Jason Smith (knee). PROBABLE: C Jason Brown (knee).

NEW YORK GIANTS at TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS — GIANTS: OUT: DT Chris Canty (calf), T Adam Koets (ankle), WR Hakeem Nicks (foot), CB Aaron Ross (hamstring), LB Clint Sintim (groin), RB Danny Ware (elbow). QUESTIONABLE: CB Kevin Dockery (hamstring), WR Domenik Hixon (knee), DE Justin Tuck (shoulder). PROBABLE: WR Mario Manningham (shoulder). BUCCANEERS: OUT: C Jeff Faine (triceps), DE Kyle Moore (knee). DOUBTFUL: WR Maurice Stovall (knee). QUESTIONABLE: WR Antonio Bryant (knee), RB Earnest Graham (hamstring), LB Matt McCoy (back), RB Carnell Williams (knee).

PROBABLE: TE John Gilmore (ankle), CB Elbert Mack (shoulder), DT Roy Miller (ankle), RB Clifton Smith (quadricep).

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS at BUFFALO BILLS — SAINTS: OUT: RB Mike Bell (knee), T Jammal Brown (hip), DT Kendrick Clancy (knee), TE Darnell Dinkins (foot), WR Lance Moore (hamstring). QUESTIONABLE: LB Jo-Lonn Dunbar (hamstring).

PROBABLE: QB Drew Brees (left shoulder), T Jermon Bushrod (knee), DE Charles Grant (hamstring), S Roman Harper (hamstring), DE Bobby McCray (back), TE Jeremy Shockey (ankle), RB Pierre Thomas (knee).

BILLS: OUT: LB Paul Posluszny (forearm). DOUBTFUL: DT John McCargo (calf), TE Shawn Nelson (shoulder).

QUESTIONABLE: CB Terrence McGee (ankle), WR Josh Reed (ankle).

PROBABLE: C Geoff Hangartner (back), CB Leodis McKelvin (fibula), WR Roscoe Parrish (quadricep).

CHICAGO BEARS at SEATTLE SEAHAWKS — BEARS: OUT: LB Pisa Tinoisamoa (knee). DOUBTFUL: TE Desmond Clark (rib). QUESTIONABLE: DE Alex Brown (ankle). PROBABLE: DT Tommie Harris (knee), DT Israel Idonije (knee), G Frank Omiyale (ankle). SEAHAWKS: OUT: LB Leroy Hill (groin), T Sean Locklear (ankle), CB Josh Wilson (ankle). DOUBTFUL: RB Justin Griffith (knee), QB Matt Hasselbeck (rib), LB Lofa Tatupu (hamstring). QUESTIONABLE: T Walter Jones (knee), CB Ken Lucas (groin), DT Brandon Mebane (calf). PROBABLE: WR Deion Branch (hamstring), CB Travis Fisher (hamstring), WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh (back), C Chris Spencer (quadricep).

TENNESSEE TITANS at NEW YORK JETS — TITANS: OUT: P Craig Hentrich (calf). DOUBTFUL: LB Stanford Keglar (hamstring). QUESTIONABLE: G Eugene Amano (illness), K Rob Bironas (right ankle), TE Bo Scaife (knee), QB Vince Young (illness). JETS: OUT: CB Lito Sheppard (quadricep), CB Donald Strickland (ankle). QUESTIONABLE: G Matt Slauson (ankle). PROBABLE: QB Kellen Clemens (right elbow), DT Kris Jenkins (back), S Jim Leonhard (knee), CB Dwight Lowery (ankle), C Nick Mangold (toes), DT Sione Pouha (ankle), QB Mark Sanchez (knee), LB Bryan Thomas (ankle), LB Jamaal Westerman (quadricep), T Damien Woody (shoulder), WR Wallace Wright (hamstring).

DENVER BRONCOS at OAKLAND RAIDERS — BRONCOS: OUT: LB Spencer Larsen (shoulder). QUESTIONABLE: RB Knowshon Moreno (groin), DT Le Kevin Smith (knee), WR Brandon Stokley (thigh). PROBABLE: S Josh Barrett (shoulder), WR Jabar Gaffney (finger), LB Mario Haggan (knee), G Ben Hamilton (hamstring), G Chris Kuper (ankle), QB Kyle Orton (right finger). RAIDERS: OUT: G Robert Gallery (fibula), WR Nick Miller (shin), WR Chaz Schilens (foot).

DOUBTFUL: S Hiram Eugene (calf).

PROBABLE: CB Nnamdi Asomugha (wrist), WR Johnnie Lee Higgins (shoulder), LB Kirk Morrison (elbow), DE Richard Seymour (knee).

MIAMI DOLPHINS at SAN DIEGO CHARGERS — DOLPHINS: QUESTIONABLE: LB Joey Porter (hamstring), G Justin Smiley (shoulder).

PROBABLE: T Vernon Carey (knee).

CHARGERS: OUT: C Nick Hardwick (ankle), NT Travis Johnson (groin), RB LaDainian Tomlinson (ankle). DOUBTFUL: LB Antwan Applewhite (hamstring), G Louis Vasquez (knee). QUESTIONABLE: LB Kevin Burnett (knee), LB Shawne Merriman (groin). PROBABLE: LB Stephen Cooper (ankle), G Kris Dielman (illness), S Kevin Ellison (illness), T Marcus McNeill (illness), P Mike Scifres (groin), LB Brandon Siler (illness), S Eric Weddle (illness).

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS at ARIZONA CARDINALS — COLTS: OUT: WR Anthony Gonzalez (knee), S Bob Sanders (knee). QUESTIONABLE: LB Gary Brackett (knee), DE Dwight Freeney (back), CB Kelvin Hayden (hamstring), LB Clint Session (ankle).

CARDINALS: OUT: DE Kenny Iwebema (ankle). QUESTIONABLE: WR Steve Breaston (knee), T Levi Brown (ankle), LB Ali Highsmith (hamstring), S Rashad Johnson (ankle), LB Chike Okeafor (shoulder), S Matt Ware (shoulder). PROBABLE: WR Anquan Boldin (hamstring), LB Will Davis (knee), WR Early Doucet (ribs), CB Bryant McFadden (groin), WR Sean Morey (ribs), S Antrel Rolle (quadricep), QB Brian St. Pierre (back), QB Kurt Warner (right shoulder), G Reggie Wells (thumb).

MONDAY CAROLINA PANTHERS at DALLAS COWBOYS — PANTHERS: DNP: DE Everette Brown (ankle), LB Na’il Diggs (rib), S Chris Harris (knee), RB Brad Hoover (back). LIMITED: T Jordan Gross (knee), DE Charles Johnson (cramps), CB Captain Munnerlyn (cramps), T Jeff Otah (shoulder), RB Jonathan Stewart (heel). FULL: LB Dan Connor (shoulder), RB Mike Goodson (illness), DT Nick Hayden (toe),

SATURDAY,SEPTEMBER 26,2009 WR Muhsin Muhammad (ankle), WR Steve Smith (ankle). COWBOYS: DNP: S Michael Hamlin (wrist), LB Jason Williams (ankle). LIMITED: RB Marion Barber (thigh). FULL: QB Stephen McGee (knee).

NHL Preseason Glance EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division W L OT Pts GF GA N.Y. Rangers 3 2 1 7 18 15 New Jersey 2 0 1 5 8 6 Philadelphia 2 2 1 5 12 15 N.Y. Islanders2 4 1 5 18 21 Pittsburgh 1 3 1 3 15 20 Northeast Division W L OT Pts GF GA Boston 4 1 1 9 16 16 Toronto 4 2 0 8 20 15 Buffalo 3 0 1 7 11 8 Montreal 3 2 1 7 12 16 Ottawa 2 3 0 4 12 9 Southeast Division W L OT Pts GF GA Florida 4 3 0 8 16 16 Tampa Bay 3 1 2 7 15 16 Washington 3 2 0 6 16 12 Atlanta 2 1 1 5 10 13 Carolina 0 2 0 0 4 8 Western Conference Central Division W L OT Pts GF GA St. Louis 3 1 1 7 16 10 Columbus 3 2 1 7 22 18 Nashville 3 1 0 6 16 9 Detroit 2 3 0 4 12 16 Chicago 0 2 1 1 4 12 Northwest Division W L OT Pts GF GA Vancouver 6 0 1 13 25 14 Calgary 3 2 1 7 22 22 Colorado 3 2 0 6 12 13 Edmonton 3 3 1 6 19 18 Minnesota 2 3 0 4 8 12 Pacific Division W L OT Pts GF GA Anaheim 4 2 0 8 14 16 Los Angeles 3 2 1 7 17 15 Phoenix 2 2 3 7 21 23 Dallas 3 3 0 6 14 17 San Jose 2 2 1 5 14 18 Two points for a win, one point for overtime loss or shootout loss.

Wednesday’s Games Buffalo 3, Toronto 2 New Jersey 4, N.Y. Islanders 2 Washington 6, Chicago 2 Atlanta 5, Nashville 4 Florida 4, Dallas 1 Phoenix 4, Tampa Bay 3, SO Calgary 5, Edmonton 3 Colorado 3, Los Angeles 2 Vancouver 4, San Jose 3, SO Thursday’s Games N.Y. Rangers 3, Washington 2 Philadelphia 2, New Jersey 1, OT Columbus 5, Pittsburgh 2 Boston 2, Montreal 1, SO St. Louis 4, Minnesota 1 Dallas 3, Colorado 2 Tampa Bay 4, Edmonton 3, OT Anaheim 3, Vancouver 2, OT Friday’s Games Boston at Ottawa, 7 p.m.

Atlanta at Carolina, 7 p.m.

Toronto at Detroit, 7:30 p.m.

Minnesota at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.

Anaheim at San Jose, 10:30 p.m.

Saturday’s Games Detroit at Toronto, 7 p.m.

Buffalo at Montreal, 7 p.m.

Philadelphia at New Jersey, 7 p.m.

Columbus at Boston, 7 p.m.

St. Louis at Dallas, 8 p.m.

Carolina at Nashville, 8 p.m.

Vancouver at Calgary, 9 p.m.

Colorado vs. Los Angeles at Las Vegas, 9 p.m.

San Jose at Phoenix, 9 p.m.

Sunday’s Games N.Y. Rangers at Washington, Noon Pittsburgh at Detroit, 5 p.m.

Tampa Bay at Atlanta, 5 p.m.

Nashville at Columbus, 5 p.m.

Buffalo at Toronto, 7 p.m.

Vancouver at Edmonton, 8 p.m.

Los Angeles at Anaheim, 8 p.m.

MLS All Times EDT EASTERN CONFERENCE W L T Pts GF GA Columbus 11 410 43 38 28 Chicago 10 610 40 36 31 D.C. 8 612 36 39 38 New England 9 8 7 34 29 33 Toronto FC 910 7 34 33 38 Kansas City 811 6 30 28 34 New York 417 5 17 21 43 WESTERN CONFERENCE W L T Pts GF GA Houston 12 8 7 43 35 26 Los Angeles 10 511 41 33 29 Colorado 10 8 8 38 40 32 Seattle 9 611 38 31 24 Chivas USA 11 9 4 37 25 24 Real Salt Lake 910 7 34 38 31 FC Dallas 712 6 27 41 43 San Jose 512 7 22 29 42 NOTE: Three points for victory, one point for tie.

Wednesday’s Games Colorado 1, San Jose 1, tie Saturday’s Games Seattle FC at New England, 7:30 p.m.

Los Angeles at Columbus, 7:30 p.m.

Colorado at Kansas City, 8:30 p.m.

Toronto FC at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.

Real Salt Lake at FC Dallas, 8:30 p.m.

New York at Chivas USA, 10:30 p.m.

Sunday’s Games San Jose at D.C. United, 3 p.m.

Wednesday, September 30 New England at FC Dallas, 7 p.m.

Friday, October 2 Chicago at Los Angeles, 11 p.m.

Saturday, October 3 Chivas USA at D.C. United, 7:30 p.m.

Seattle FC at Columbus, 7:30 p.m.

New England at Colorado, 9 p.m.

New York at San Jose, 11 p.m.

Sunday, October 4 Kansas City at Houston, 3 p.m.

World Cup 2010 Qualifying Glance All Times EDT NORTH AND CENTRAL AMERICA AND CARIBBEAN FINALS Top three qualify Fourth-place team advances to play off vs. South America fifth-place team GP W D L GF GA Pts United States 8 5 1 2 14 9 16 Mexico 8 5 0 3 12 9 15 Honduras 8 4 1 3 14 8 13 Costa Rica 8 4 0 4 9 13 12 El Salvador 8 2 2 4 8 10 8 Trinidad 8 1 2 5 8 16 5 Saturday, Oct. 10 At Mexico City Mexico vs. El Salvador, 6 p.m.

At San Jose, Costa Rica Costa Rica vs. Trinidad and Toba-

go, 10 p.m.

At San Pedro Sula, Honduras Honduras vs. United States, 10 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 14 At San Salvador, El Salvador El Salvador vs. Honduras, 8:05 p.m.

At Macoya, Trinidad Trinidad and Tobago vs. Mexico, 8:05 p.m.

At Washington United States vs. Costa Rica, 8:05 p.m.

EUROPE Winners qualify Top eight second-place teams advance to European playoffs GROUP ONE GP W D L GF GA Pts Denmark 8 5 3 0 15 4 18 Sweden 8 4 3 1 9 3 15 Portugal 8 3 4 1 10 5 13 Hungary 8 4 1 3 9 5 13 Albania 9 1 4 4 5 9 7 Malta 9 0 1 8 0 22 1 Saturday, Oct. 10 At Copenhagen Denmark vs. Sweden, 2 p.m.

At Lisbon, Portugal Portugal vs. Hungary, 3:45 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 14 At Copenhagen Denmark vs. Hungary At Guimaraes, Portugal Portugal vs. Malta At Stockholm Sweden vs. Albania GROUP TWO GP W D L GF GA Pts Switzerland 8 5 2 1 15 8 17 Greece 8 4 2 2 13 7 14 Latvia 8 4 2 2 13 8 14 Israel 8 3 3 2 17 9 12 Luxembourg 8 1 2 5 3 20 5 Moldova 8 0 3 5 3 12 3 Saturday, Oct. 10 At Luxembourg Luxembourg vs. Switzerland, 12:45 p.m.

At Ramat Gan, Israel Israel vs. Moldova, 2 p.m.

At Athens, Greece Greece vs. Latvia, 2:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 14 At Athens, Greece Greece vs. Luxembourg At Riga, Latvia Latvia vs. Moldova At Basel, Switzerland Switzerland vs. Israel GROUP THREE GP W D L GF GA Pts Slovakia 8 6 1 1 21 8 19 Slovenia 8 4 2 2 13 4 14 N. Ireland 9 4 2 3 13 10 14 Czech Rep. 8 3 3 2 15 6 12 Poland 8 3 2 3 19 11 11 San Marino 9 0 0 9 1 44 0 Saturday, Oct. 10 At Bratislava, Slovakia Slovakia vs. Slovenia, 2:15 p.m.

At Prague, Czech Republic Czech Republic vs. Poland, 2:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 14 At Prague, Czech Republic Czech Republic vs. Northern Ireland At Chorzow, Poland Poland vs. Slovakia At Serravalle, San Marino San Marino vs. Slovenia GROUP FOUR GP W D L GF GA Pts Germany 8 7 1 0 24 4 22 Russia 8 7 0 1 18 4 21 Finland 8 4 2 2 11 12 14 Wales 8 3 0 5 6 10 9 Liechtenstein 8 0 2 6 2 19 2 Azerbaijan 8 0 1 7 1 13 1 Saturday, Oct. 10 At Helsinki Finland vs. Wales, 10 a.m.

At Moscow Russia vs. Germany, noon At Vaduz, Liechtenstein Liechtenstein vs. Azerbaijan, 2 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 14 At Baku, Azerbaijan Azerbaijan vs. Russia At Hamburg, Germany Germany vs. Finland At Vaduz, Liechtenstein Liechtenstein vs. Wales GROUP FIVE GP W D L GF GA Pts q-Spain 8 8 0 0 21 2 24 Bosnia-Herz. 8 5 1 2 21 8 16 Turkey 8 3 3 2 11 8 12 Belgium 8 2 1 5 11 18 7 Estonia 8 1 2 5 7 22 5 Armenia 8 1 1 6 5 18 4 q-qualified Saturday, Oct. 10 At Yerevan, Armenia Armenia vs. Spain, noon At Tallin, Estonia Estonia vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina, noon At Brussels Belgium vs. Turkey, 2:45 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 14 At Zenica, Bosnia-Herzegovina Bosnia-Herzegovina vs. Spain At Tallin, Estonia Estonia vs. Belgium At Bursa, Turkey Turkey vs. Armenia GROUP SIX GP W D L GF GA Pts q-England 8 8 0 0 31 5 24 Croatia 9 5 2 2 17 12 17 Ukraine 8 4 3 1 14 6 15 Belarus 8 3 1 4 15 11 10 Kazakhstan 8 2 0 6 10 23 6 Andorra 9 0 0 9 3 33 0 q-qualified Saturday, Oct. 10 At Brest, Belarus Belarus vs. Kazakhstan, 11 a.m.

At Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine Ukraine vs. England, 11:15 a.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 14 At Andorra La Vella, Andorra Andorra vs. Ukraine At Wembley, England England vs. Belarus At Astana, Kazakhstan Kazakhstan vs. Croatia GROUP SEVEN GP W D L GF GA Pts Serbia 8 6 1 1 16 6 19 France 8 4 3 1 10 8 15 Austria 8 3 2 3 11 11 11 Lithuania 8 3 0 5 7 8 9 Romania 8 2 3 3 9 12 9 Faeroe 8 1 1 6 4 12 4 Saturday, Oct. 10 At Innsbruck, Austria Austria vs. Lithuania, 2:30 p.m.

At Belgrade, Serbia Serbia vs. Romania, 2:30 p.m.

At Guingamp, France France vs. Faeroe Islands, 3 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 14 At Saint-Denis, France France vs. Austria At Marijampole, Lithuania Lithuania vs. Serbia At Bucharest, Romania Romania vs. Faeroe Islands

GROUP EIGHT GP W D L GF GA Pts Italy 8 6 2 0 13 3 20 Ireland 8 4 4 0 10 6 16 Bulgaria 8 2 5 1 10 7 11 Cyprus 8 1 3 4 8 12 6 Montenegro 8 0 5 3 7 13 5 Georgia 8 0 3 5 4 11 3 Saturday, Oct. 10 At Larnaca, Cyprus Cyprus vs. Bulgaria, 1 p.m.

At Podgorica, Montenegro Montenegro vs. Georgia, 1 p.m.

At Dublin Ireland vs. Italy, 3 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 14 At Sofia, Bulgaria Bulgaria vs Georgia At Dublin Ireland vs. Montenegro At Parma, Italy Italy vs. Cyprus GROUP NINE GP W D L GF GA Pts q-Netherlands8 8 0 0 17 2 24 Norway 8 2 4 2 9 7 10 Scotland 8 3 1 4 6 11 10 Macedonia 8 2 1 5 5 11 7 Iceland 8 1 2 5 7 13 5 q-qualified No games scheduled SOUTH AMERICA Top four teams qualify Fifth-place team advances to playoff against CONCACAF fourth place GP W D L GF GA Pts q-Brazil 16 9 6 1 32 9 33 q-Paraguay 16 9 3 4 22 13 30 Chile 16 8 3 5 27 20 27 Ecuador 16 6 5 5 21 23 23 Argentina 16 6 4 6 20 19 22 Uruguay 16 5 6 5 26 18 21 Venezuela 16 6 3 7 22 27 21 Colombia 16 5 5 6 10 14 20 Bolivia 16 3 310 20 34 12 Peru 16 2 410 9 32 10 q-qualified Saturday, Oct. 10 At Buenos Aires, Argentina Argentina vs. Peru, 6 p.m.

At Medellin, Colombia Colombia vs. Chile, 6 p.m.

At Quito, Ecuador Ecuador vs. Uruguay, 6 p.m.

At Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela Venezuela vs. Paraguay, 6 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 11 At La Paz, Bolivia Bolivia vs. Brazil, 4 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 14 At Campo Grande, Brazil Brazil vs. Venezuela, 4 p.m.

At Lima, Peru Peru vs. Bolivia, 4 p.m.

At Asuncion, Paraguay Paraguay vs. Colombia, 6 p.m.

At Santiago, Chile Chile vs. Ecuador, 7 p.m.

At Montevideo, Uruguay Uruguay vs. Argentina, 7 p.m.

AFRICA FINAL ROUND Winners qualify GROUP A GP W D L GF GA Pts Cameroon 4 2 1 1 4 2 7 Gabon 4 2 0 2 6 5 6 Togo 4 1 2 1 2 4 5 Morocco 4 0 3 1 2 3 3 Saturday, Oct. 10 At Yaounde, Cameroon Cameroon vs. Togo, 10:30 a.m.

At Libreville, Gabon Gabon vs. Morocco, 10:30 a.m.

Saturday, Nov. 14 Morocco vs. Cameroon Togo vs. Gabon GROUP B GP W D L GF GA Pts Tunisia 4 2 2 0 6 3 8 Nigeria 4 1 3 0 5 2 6 Mozambique 4 1 1 2 2 4 4 Kenya 4 1 0 3 3 7 3 Saturday, Oct. 10 At Rades, Tunisia Tunisia vs. Kenya, 2:10 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 11 At Abuja, Nigeria Nigeria vs. Mozambique, noon Saturday, Nov. 14 Kenya vs. Nigeria Mozambique vs. Tunisia GROUP C GP W D L GF GA Pts Algeria 4 3 1 0 6 1 10 Egypt 4 2 1 1 6 4 7 Zambia 4 1 1 2 2 4 4 Rwanda 4 0 1 3 0 5 1 Saturday, Oct. 10 At Chililabombwe, Zambia Zambia vs. Egypt, 8 a.m.

Sunday, Oct. 11 At Blida, Algeria Algeria vs. Rwanda, 2:15 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 14 Egypt vs. Algeria Rwanda vs. Zambia GROUP D GP W D L GF GA Pts q-Ghana 4 4 0 0 7 0 12 Mali 4 1 2 1 5 5 5 Benin 4 1 1 2 3 5 4 Sudan 4 0 1 3 1 6 1 q-qualified Sunday, Oct. 11 At Contonou, Benin Benin vs. Ghana, 11 a.m.

At Bamako, Mali Mali vs. Sudan, 2 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 14 Ghana vs. Mali Sudan vs. Benin GROUP E GP W D L GF GA Pts Ivory Coast 4 4 0 0 15 3 12 Burkina Faso 4 2 0 2 7 10 6 Guinea 4 1 0 3 6 9 3 Malawi 4 1 0 3 3 9 3 Saturday, Oct. 10 At Blantyre, Malawi Malawi vs. Ivory Coast, 8:30 a.m.

Sunday, Oct. 11 At Conakry, Guinea Guinea vs. Burkina Faso, 1 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 14 Burkina Faso vs. Malawi Ivory Coast vs. Guinea ASIA-OCEANIA PLAYOFF Saturday, Oct. 10 Bahrain vs. New Zealand Saturday, Nov. 14 At Wellington, New Zealand New Zealand vs. Bahrain

Golf PGA-Tour Championship Par Scores Friday At East Lake Golf Club Atlanta Purse: $7.5 million Yardage: 7,304- Par: 70 Second Round Tiger Woods 67-68-135 -5 Padraig Harrington 67-69-136 -4 Sean O’Hair 66-70-136 -4 Ernie Els 71-66-137 -3 Kenny Perry 72-66-138 -2

Jerry Kelly Angel Cabrera Jason Dufner Nick Watney Lucas Glover Stewart Cink David Toms Phil Mickelson Jim Furyk John Senden Steve Marino Heath Slocum Scott Verplank Luke Donald Retief Goosen Steve Stricker Zach Johnson Kevin Na Dustin Johnson Brian Gay Mike Weir Hunter Mahan Marc Leishman Y.E. Yang Geoff Ogilvy

71-67-138 -2 72-67-139 -1 71-68-139 -1 70-69-139 -1 68-71-139 -1 67-72-139 -1 74-66-140 E 73-67-140 E 72-68-140 E 70-70-140 E 69-71-140 E 73-68-141 +1 70-71-141 +1 70-71-141 +1 69-72-141 +1 70-72-142 +2 70-72-142 +2 73-70-143 +3 69-74-143 +3 72-72-144 +4 72-72-144 +4 71-73-144 +4 70-74-144 +4 71-75-146 +6 75-73-148 +8

NCAA Football Schedule All Times EDT (Subject to change) Saturday, Sept. 26 EAST Rhode Island (1-1) at Connecticut (2-1), Noon Dartmouth (0-1) at New Hampshire (2-0), Noon Bryant (1-1) at Robert Morris (0-3), Noon Buffalo (1-2) at Temple (0-2), Noon Cornell (1-0) at Yale (1-0), Noon Cent. Connecticut St. (1-1) at Columbia (1-0), 12:30 p.m.

Princeton (0-1) at Lehigh (0-2), 12:30 p.m.

Marist (1-2) at Bucknell (1-2), 1 p.m.

St. Francis, Pa. (1-2) at Wagner (12), 1 p.m.

Wake Forest (2-1) at Boston College (2-1), 2 p.m.

Howard (0-2) at Georgetown, D.C. (0-3), 2 p.m.

W. Kentucky (0-3) at Navy (1-2), 3:30 p.m.

Northeastern (0-3) at Villanova (30), 3:30 p.m.

Sacred Heart (0-2) at Albany, N.Y. (1-2), 4 p.m.

Fordham (0-2) at Colgate (3-0), 6 p.m.

Penn (0-1) at Lafayette (1-1), 6 p.m.

Stony Brook (1-2) at Massachusetts (2-1), 6 p.m.

Maine (2-1) at Syracuse (1-2), 7 p.m.

Iowa (3-0) at Penn St. (3-0), 8 p.m.

Transactions BASEBALL American League DETROIT TIGERS—Announced LHP Clay Rapada has been added to the roster.

KANSAS CITY ROYALS—Announced the retirement of Nick Swartz athletic trainer.

National League HOUSTON ASTROS—Signed INF Chan Jong Moon to a minor league contract.

BASKETBALL National Basketball Association INDIANA PACERS—Signed coach Jim O’Brien to a contract extension through the 2010-11 season.

NEW YORK KNICKS—Re-signed F David Lee and G Nate Robinson.

WASHINGTON WIZARDS—Signed C Paul Davis and G-F Vincent Grier.

FOOTBALL National Football League NFL—Fined Houston WR Andre Johnson $7,500 for unnecessary roughness against Tennessee CB Cortland Finnegan and Houston WR Jacoby Jones $5,000 for entering a fight unnecessarily during a Sept. 20 game.

United Football League CALIFORNIA REDWOODS—Released LB Felder Anthony and WR Rice Brandon. Added CB Mims Anthony to the roster.

LAS VEGAS LOCOMOTIVES— Added TE Nordin Jake to the roster.

HOCKEY National Hockey League ANAHEIM DUCKS—Assigned D Mark Mitera to San Antonio (AHL).

CALGARY FLAMES—Released F Theo Fleury.

CAROLINA HURRICANES—Assigned F Zach Boychuk and F Patrick Dwyer to Albany (AHL).

CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS— Claimed LW Radek Smolenak off waivers from Tampa Bay. COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS—Released D Doug Lynch.

DETROIT RED WINGS—Assigned G Jordan Pearce to Grand Rapids (AHL) and D Justin DaCosta to Muskegon (IHL). Signed D Paul Crosty and F Dan Charleston. Released D Johann Kroll, D Nick Rolls, F Trent Daavettila, F Eric Giosa, F Mike Hedden, F Brandon Naurato, F Mark Nebus, F Dominic Osman and F Jonathan Trottier.

NASHVILLE PREDATORS—Reassigned G Mark Dekanich, D Jonathon Blum, F Ben Eaves and F Andreas Thuresson to Milwaukee (AHL).

ST. LOUIS BLUES—Assigned D Jonas Junland to Peoria (AHL).

VANCOUVER CANUCKS—Released F Mark Parrish.

WASHINGTON CAPITALS—Assigned C Jay Beagle and C Mathieu Perreault to Hershey (AHL) American Hockey League ADIRONDACK PHANTOMS—Announced G Johan Backlund has been assigned to the team by Philadelphia (NHL). Released D Devin Featherstone, D Cliff Loya, D Jeremy Swanson and D Nathan Schwartzbauer.

ECHL VICTORIA SALMON KINGS—Acquired and signed D Brandon Roach from Elmira for considerations.

LACROSSE National Lacrosse League MINNESOTA SWARM—Acquired F Sean Thomson from Philadelphia for F Kevin Colleluori and a 2010 thirdround draft pick.

COLLEGE BENTLEY—Named Ben Murphy men’s assistant ice hockey coach.

PRINCETON—Named Stephen Brundage men’s assistant lacrosse coach.

TENNESSEE TECH—Named Dee Bell and Bett Shelby women’s assistant basketball coaches.

VOLLEYBALL | Continued from Page 1B the night started off on the right foot as the Lady Hawks won their respective contests.

T he freshmen, also on a

roll, took care of the Rio Hondo freshmen 25-9 and 25-11, while the JV won 25-17, 15-25, 25-7.

The JV team was lead by Shelby Bigler (19 points) and Suzy Dominguez (six points).

ZAPATA STATS: King (12 kills,

three aces, one assist, two digs, six blocks), Peña (six kills, two serve aces, two assists, four digs), Garcia (four kills, one ace, one

dig), Garza (two kills, 20 assists, five digs), Mata (two kills, one ace) and Rivera (two kills, one dig).

GIRLS | Continued from Page 1B “Things did not go as well at UTSA, but we ran faster this year and got 16th place,” Villarreal said.

“We are ahead from last year’s time, and that is something positive that we can take away from this meet.”

Marlena Garcia improved from last year’s 13:09 to run the course in 12:18, while Kristina Garcia ran a personal-best 13:04.

Maritza Garcia ran a 13:08, and Gloria Jauregui hit a 13:14 compared to last year’s 13:59.

Rounding out the team was Mela Martinez, who ran a 13:20, the fastest time on the course in

her career.

Lady Merlins successful Continuing to make their mark early in their careers are the Lady Merlins who opted to run in the junior varsity division instead of the middle school division at UTSA meet.

The Lady Merlins were led by Jazmine Garcia’s second-place individual finish with a time of 12:47 and Joyce Garcia’s 13th-place finish.

They helped the Lady Merlins captured second place in the final

team standings behind 5A school McAllen Nikki Rowe.

“The future looks really bright for the Zapata Lady Hawks,” Villarreal said. “The middle school girls got second place behind Nikki Rowe. They lost by only 10 points.”

Underclassmen flourish The freshmen and JV teams combined and ran in the 3A division at the meet.

Freshman sensation Erica Hernandez ran a 13:40 to lead the team.

Zapata has been fluctuating in

the state rankings and has been as high as eighth.

This past week, they were ranked 10th in the state by the Cross Country Association of Texas.

“I know that they have ranked us in 10th place, but if they ranked us in our times we would be in the top three,” Villarreal said.

Looking to improve This week, the Lady Hawks will return to the strategic part of running, as they will attempt to iron

out their racing mistakes.

“One big mistake at UTSA was the start at the end of the pack. We weaved through too much traffic and lost 20 seconds,” Villarreal said. “We also did a horrible job of looping around the other runners instead of running through them.”

Zapata’s runners will participate in a variety of simulated workouts to get ready for their next meet at Round Rock on Oct. 3.

“I expect to be one of the top three teams at the meet,” Villarreal said. “I expect the team to race better and correct our mistakes.”

BOYS | Continued from Page 1B Surprising freshman Escamilla was surprised by the performance of sixth man Jose Garcia, a freshman who finished right behind big brother Daniel Garcia, the fifth runner for the Hawks.

“It is going to be good to see if the older brother is going to step it up,” Escamilla said.

Escamilla feels that the team is in mid-season form and recovering well from workouts and race-day buildup.

“I feel that they are starting to come around where I want then to be at this point of the season,” he said. “I want everything to be ready for district.”

Zapata is ranked in the top 12 in the state and is looking to make a return trip to state

with Cobb and company leading the surge in the latter part of the season.

Today’s challenge The Hawks will take the next step when they hit the

road today for the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islander Splash.

“It is the biggest meet in South Texas,” Escamilla said. “You have teams from San Antonio, Houston, the Rio Grande Valley and Lare-

do… we will see a lot of the schools in our region.”

“It will be a good test for the boys.

The meet will take place at the West Gulth Park, where three big hills await the team throughout the race.

THE ZAPATA TIMES | 3B

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2009

ADVICE | HELOISE Dear Heloise: I feel you must expand on your comments on getting a PARROT if you want a longterm pet. A parrot, indeed, is a long-term pet, but the flip side is parrots are a long-term commitment, as well. I urge you to let people know that a parrot is not a pet to pick up on a whim. Parrots can’t just be put in a cage and tucked into a corner to look pretty.

They need lots and lots of interaction with you, as they are part of a flock in the wild. Once you take one as a pet, you become its flock. And that entails a lifetime of attention.

You also must think about what will happen to your parrot after you’re gone ... because it might outlive you! I’ve seen too many sad and neglected birds stuck in garage/spare rooms or even a basement because people didn’t realize how much work and time it takes to have a parrot as a family member. And that’s what a parrot needs to be — part of your family! Not part of your decor.

My yellow nape, David Lee, and I have been together for 25 years now, and I hope it’s 25 more! Please follow up with your readers so having a parrot won’t be the next big thing. — Ilene Casebeer, via e-mail How right you are! Parrots can live a lifetime or two! Some species of parrots can live 50, 75 and more than 100 years. Folks, do take this into consideration if you are considering bringing a parrot into your family! — Heloise

“

HELOISE

PET PAL Dear Readers: Gwen Gephart of Fort Wayne, Ind., send a photo of her granddog, Allie, a 6-year-old Dalmatian/ pointer mix who is smiling like crazy. Gwen says: “Allie is full of smiles for all of us, although when she first did it, we thought she was cross. However, her tail was wagging like crazy, and she is the happiest, most loving dog I’ve ever seen!”

To see smiling Allie, visit www.Heloise.com. — Heloise HOMEMADE PADS Dear Heloise: In a recent hint, contributions to an animal shelter was the subject. A friend and I take old bedspreads, comforters, blankets and the like, cut them down and make pillowcaselike sleeping pads. With wrong side out, we stitch three sides, partially at the top, turn them right side out and then stitch the opening. Then we sew a large “x” or intersecting lines through the pad, and we make them of varying sizes.

I’ve even gone to garage sales and purchased bedspreads that can be cut down this way. I know the dogs and cats like them. I did one for my own pets, and it’s a tossup as to who is on it first — the cat or the dog. — LaRheta in South Dakota

DAILY CRYPTOQUOTES — Here’s how to work it:

Zclassified

FAMILY CIRCUS

BY PHONE: (956) 728-2527

DENNIS THE MENACE

ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM

4B | THE ZAPATA TIMES

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2009

Football

Cowboys owner says first loss ‘behind us’

By STEPHEN HAWKINS ASSOCIATED PRESS

ARLINGTON —Owner Jerry Jones says it would be a mistake to put too much emphasis on the Dallas Cowboys losing the first game in their new stadium.

As for Tony Romo, whose three interceptions led to three touchdowns for the New York Giants and helped spoil the grand opening of Cowboys Stadium, Jones still has full confidence the quarterback will one day do what Troy Aikman and Roger Staubach have done for the Cowboys: win a Super Bowl.

“I couldn’t feel better about who I’m lining up with, Romo at quarterback. We’re going to be good there and all right,” Jones said Friday. “If you’re going to ask Tony,

which we are, to make plays, then you will have interceptions. There’s no doubt in my mind he will be improved and his arrow is still going up in that improvement area.”

Inconsistent QB A week after a career-best 353 yards passing and no turnovers in the season opener, Romo had one of his worst games Sunday in one of the most visible settings of his career: 13 of 29 for 127 yards. He did throw a 1yard TD and ran for a 3-yard score.

“He has had some great days.

Someday he will have the greatest day of all,” said Jones, who was then asked to clarify if he meant winning a Super Bowl. “I do. I do.

To the extent I feel like that will happen, it is in no small part due to

JERRY JONES: Owner is confident that loss in home opener will not affect rest of season..

his skill level because of his ability to come back from adversity because of his hard work. “ Jones didn’t predict when. But remember the Super Bowl at the end of the next season is at Cowboys Stadium.

Moving on While Jones was certainly disappointed about losing 33-31 to the Giants, who kicked a field goal on the final play of the game, he said Friday the loss is “all behind us now.”

He says the emphasis put on the

hoopla and pageantry that surrounded the grand opening of the nearly $1.2 billion stadium was justified. As for the loss for the Cowboys (1-1), he says he has put that into perspective — it was only the second game of the season.

“The opening of this grand stadium, it’s appropriate to place the interest,” Jones said. “It would be a mistake to put too much emphasis relative to the team on the loss of that game. That wouldn’t be right, that wouldn’t be constructive and it really wouldn’t be fair to this team.”

No added pressure Jones insisted that the loss to the Giants puts no extra pressure on Monday’s matchup against Caroli-

na (0-2), another nationally televised game to highlight the new stadium, or the rest of the season.

The owner also said he’s not concerned about the defense, even though the same unit that led the NFL with 59 sacks last season is the only team heading into Week 3 without a sack or a forced turnover.

Coach Wade Phillips took on the additional role of defensive coordinator during the offseason, but the Cowboys rank 30th in the NFL, having allowed 877 yards.

“I’m not concerned. It has everything to do with Wade. It has everything to do with our front seven,” Jones said. “I know what we are trying to do and the quality of our players and coaches in the secondary. I am not concerned. We will get this right.”

Houston ready for a challenge

By KRISTIE RIEKEN ASSOCIATED PRESS

HOUSTON — The stadium is sold out with a record crowd expected and Houston players are getting standing ovations for simply walking into class.

Today’s game against Texas Tech is such a hot ticket that Houston coach Kevin Sumlin implored people to stop calling and texting him about tickets.

Yep, things are different at the University of Houston these days.

Impressive support

Photo by Aaron Onitveroz/Wyoming Tribune Eagle | AP

In this Sept. 12 file photo,Texas wide receiver James Kirkendoll runs through the Wyoming defense during the Longhorns’41-10 victory in Laramie, Wyo. No. 2 Texas will look for a similar score but a faster start when it faces UT-El Paso today.

UT looking for fast start

By JIM VERTUNO ASSOCIATED PRESS

AUSTIN — Sputtering, stuttering and staggering, Colt McCoy and the No. 2 Texas Longhorns have had trouble getting started this season.

The first half of the last two games have been especially rough on the Heisman Trophy hopeful quarterback. The Longhorns kicked three field goals and scored only one offensive touchdown in wins over Wyoming and Texas Tech.

Texas coach Mack Brown would love to crank things up early today against Texas El-Paso (1-2), a game the Longhorns are favored to win by 36 points.

“Colt needs to start better,” Brown said, noting he spreads the blame across the offense. “The quarterback gets blamed for it, but it’s all over the map.”

Slow starts McCoy’s first-half numbers mirror the team’s standing-still starts.

In the first half, McCoy has completed 60 percent of his passes with two touchdowns and three interceptions.

In the second, his completion rate jumps to a McCoy-like 77 percent with four touchdowns and just one interception on a tipped pass.

“Pretty poor,” is how McCoy described Texas’ first-half offense the last two weeks. “(But) we’re coming

back and finishing strong.”

The season didn’t begin this way.

Texas (3-0) roared to 38 points in the first half of a 59-20 win over LouisianaMonroe in the first game. But even then, McCoy was slightly off target with several throws.

The miscues were enough to cause Brown to talk with McCoy about settling down and finding the fun in his game again. Then McCoy got sick with the flu and missed some practice last week before the game against Texas Tech.

Flu effect McCoy said he was still feeling the effects of the flu early against the Red Raiders. It wasn’t until he munched on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and quaffed a children’s hydration drink at halftime that he got the boost of energy he needed.

He was 15 of 18 passing in the second half and Texas scored touchdowns on the first two drives in the third quarter.

McCoy wasn’t sick a week earlier against Wyoming when Texas trailed 10-6 late in the second half before ripping off 35 unanswered points.

The slow starts haven’t hurt yet because the Longhorns have dominated early on defense.

Texas has given up just one first-half touchdown this season and held the

Red Raiders, one of the most prolific passing offenses in the country, to a single field goal.

Rewarding the ‘D’ “When we came in at halftime we said, “Hey, look, we need to give the defense something to play for,” McCoy said. “They held Tech to three points in the first half. That’s unbelievable.”

Texas El-Paso gave Texas fits on the road to start the game last season. A whipped-up home crowd inspired the Miners to a 6-0 lead before Texas answered with four touchdowns by halftime.

“I thought they played better than us,” Brown said. “They played more physical than us.”

Texas-El Paso coach Mike Price will try to tap into that quick start again with hopes of keeping it going. The Miners are making their first trip to Austin since 1933 when UTEP was still known as the College of the Mines.

“We have TVs all around our locker room. So we’ll cut out the good stuff from last year’s game and show it to them,” Price said. “When they’re sitting there getting ready for practice, they’ll be able to look at the screen and see the TV copy of themselves playing well against Texas, just to remind them that we can play well against this team.”

The 17th-ranked Cougars, ranked for the first time in 18 years, get a chance to keep the good feelings going when they host Tech in their first game since a win over Oklahoma State almost two weeks ago.

The Red Raiders are looking to get back on track after a loss to No. 2 Texas. They’ve won five straight in the series, but the teams haven’t met since 1995 when they were Southwest Conference foes.

Sumlin, who is in his second year at Houston, said the support has been impressive.

“A couple of years ago if you would have told people this would be one of the hardest tickets to get in the city of Houston, they would have told you you’re nuts,” he said. “For the university it’s great, but for our team we can’t get too high or too low.

“What we’d like to do is have this be the norm rather than a once-in-a-while thing and if we continue to do our part and if we put the right product on the field then we’ll be capable of a lot of things,” he said.

Red Raider respect Texas Tech coach Mike Leach said his team can’t be concerned about whether the Cougars are coming in with momentum from the Oklahoma State win, their first against a top 5 opponent since 1984.

“The biggest thing is their level of play, that they’re just a really good team and opponent,” Leach said. “We really respect how they play and what they’ve done. We have to go out and play well. We

HOUSTON COUGARS: Ranked for the first time in 18 years, team faces Texas Tech today.

have to get better this week.”

This one could be a shootout.

Texas Tech quarterback Taylor Potts is first in the nation with 427 yards passing a game and Houston’s Case Keenum is third with more than 362 a game.

Red Raiders defensive back Brent Nickerson said dealing with an offense similar to their own makes preparation easier.

“We get to go out every day and compete against those guys on our offense,” he said. “So we already have a great idea of what our offense does, what their checks are, what they like to do.”

Potts impresses Sumlin was impressed with Potts’ 420-yard, three touchdown performance in the 34-24 loss to the Longhorns.

“What I saw in Austin last week, I was hoping I didn’t see,” he said. “I saw a quarterback who is (big) ... and that could stand in there and take a hit. He can throw the ball on the field with a little bit stronger arm than Graham (Harrell, the former Tech quarterback). He can throw the ball to the wide field and for some good throws inside. He can move a team in a very hostile environment.”

Potts took numerous hits from the Longhorns, Sumlin said, but didn’t let them get to him.

“I haven’t had a guy that can do it like he can,” Leach said. “He can get up the next play without being tentative or being rattled in any way, and I think he’s more solid that way than anybody I’ve dealt with.”

Both Potts and Keenum are from Abilene, Texas, but attended different high schools and didn’t know each other well.

“It’s really good for Abilene that both quarterbacks are from there,” Keenum said. “A lot of my high school goes to Texas Tech and I’m looking forward to playing against some people I know.”

Aggies’ no-huddle offense leads the nation

By CHRIS DUNCAN ASSOCIATED PRESS

COLLEGE STATION — Texas A&M’s offense has quickly evolved from one of the worst in the country to the very best.

The Aggies (2-0) lead the nation with 589.5 yards per game heading into today’s contest against UAB (1-2).

A&M has used a fast-paced, no-huddle attack in its first two games and run a total of 175 plays — 90 in an opening 41-6 win over New Mexico and 85 in last week’s 38-30 victory over Utah State.

Coach Mike Sherman, in his second season, has also simplified the terminology in his complicated playbook and streamlined the process of calling plays.

Room for more Sherman thinks the Ag-

gies’ numbers should be even better — they’ve been whistled for 30 penalties already, most of them false starts on the offensive line.

“I think we should be more productive,” he said.

“Productivity is really a measurement of wins and losses at the end of the season, and we’ll see at that time.”

Sherman said a goal is to wear out the opposing defense, and it’s worked well so far. The Aggies have averaged 248 yard rushing in their first two games to rank 11th nationally and have 14 offensive plays that gained 20 yards or more.

Last season, A&M ranked 78th in total offense (341 yards per game), 114th in rushing (88.5 yards) and had 49 offensive plays go for 20 yards or more.

“I think it’s pretty cool,” junior quarterback Jerrod

TEXAS A&M AGGIES: Team’s 589.5 offensive yards per game are the best in the country.

Johnson, who ranks second in the Big 12 in total offense behind Texas Tech’s Taylor Potts. “That’s definitely one thing we strive for, total yards, passing and running the ball, just to be an effective offense.

“But I think we’re worlds away from where we need to be.”

Avoiding turnovers While the penalties have been frustrating, the Aggies are the only Big 12 team that has yet to commit a turnover, a key reason why the offense has been clicking. Last year, A&M had 27 turnovers and were minus-10 in turnover margin.

“The biggest stat we have is the turnover ratio,” Sherman said. “That’s really the only stat I pay a whole lot of attention to. That is the most important one.”

Johnson has thrown to 10 different receivers already, but favorite target Jeff Fuller is out at least 4-6 weeks after breaking his right leg against Utah State last week.

His absence should create more opportunities for freshman Uzoma Nwachukwu, who caught three touchdown passes and ran for a fourth score last week.

“That guy had a game didn’t he?” said sophomore receiver and backup quarterback Ryan Tannehill. “He went out there and surprised us all. We see him in practice every day and we know he is a huge athlete and can make big plays for us. But for the first time, we got to see him in a game step up and make

big plays for us.”

Weak opponent The Aggies could pad their numbers again against the Blazers, who rank as one of the nation’s worst defenses so far this season — 110th in yards allowed (460 per game), 118th against the pass (334 yards per game) and 90th in points allowed (29 per game).

“We have to eliminate mistakes, execute our assignments and play hard for the entire game,” UAB linebacker Lamanski Ware said.

“We’ve done a pretty good job of not allowing as many big plays this season. If we keep working hard at trying to become a better defense, I know we will be successful.”

UAB coach Neil Callaway said he’s more concerned about the Blazers’ offense, which mustered only 285 yards in a 27-14 loss to Troy

last week.

“We weren’t in sync,” Callaway said. “When we have people open, we don’t hit them, and when we hit them, they don’t catch it. Our offense has to execute better.”

Possible problems UAB quarterback Joe Webb is Conference USA’s leading rusher, averaging 122 yards per game, and his running ability worries the Aggies as much as his passing.

A&M struggled at times last week controlling Utah State’s dual-threat quarterback Diondre Borel, who threw for 334 yards and rushed for 94, though he was sacked five times.

“The quarterback we just played was a pretty dang good quarterback,” Sherman said.

“This young man (Webb) is a bigger, stronger player and is probably faster.”