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JUDICIARY
Taxes get a boost
Lawyer now federal judge
Shortfall, mineral valuations prompt cuts, tax hike By MIKE HERRERA IV LAREDO MORNING TIMES
Zapata County Commissioners approved a budget for 2011-2012 during their Sept. 12 meeting calling for revenues and expenditures of $17,571,432. The commissioners also raised the tax rate two cents to $0.7987 per $100 valuation. Prior to the Sept. 12 meeting, the court held a town hall to discuss cuts to various depart-
ments and theincrease in the net effective tax rate. On Thursday, representatives from County Judge Joseph Rathmell’s office said the judge would be unavailable for comment until next week. Last month, Rathmell told The Zapata Times that a $4 million revenue shortfall and lower-than-expected mineral valuation necessitated the various departmental cuts and the tax increase. “I asked all the department heads to sacri-
fice,” Rathmell said. Among the department cuts listed in the approved budget on the Commissioners’ Court website is the fire department. The difference between the department’s 2011 and 2012 budget expenditures is $86,993. According to the department web site, it received 60 firerelated emergency calls as of June. Budgeted expenditures for supplies and services desig-
THE ZAPATA TIMES
See COUNTY PAGE 7A
BLESSING THE JUDICIARY
Photo by Daniel Zaragoza | The Zapata Times
The Most Reverend James A. Tamayo, center, stands next to the altar servers as Tamayo conducts the 11th annual Red Mass on Tuesday evening at San Agustin Cathedral.
WAR ON DRUGS
Three cartel members sent to prison By CÉSAR G. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES
Three Gulf Cartel members who operated primarily in Tamaulipas, including Nuevo Laredo, were sentenced to several years in prison for their involvement in organized crime, states a report released Thursday by the Procuraduría General de la República or PGR, Mexico’s attorney general’s office. Earlier in the week, a Mexi-
can federal judge issued an arrest warrant for 14 suspected Gulf Cartel associates who were detained in Nuevo Laredo over the summer, according to a PGR report. Regarding the sentencing, the PGR’s special investigation division against organized crime, Subprocuraduría de Investigación Especializada en Delincuencia Organizada or SIEDO, obtained through a federal district judge in Jalisco 30
years in prison for Gastón Morquecho Morales, known as “Melvin.” The PGR report states the man was found guilty of involvement in organized crime in fomenting crimes against the health code. Furthermore, Pedro Morquecho Morales or José Mota, known as “Chore,” and Hugo Enrique García Avilés were sentenced to 20 years for their participation in organized crime. Mexican federal police
By STEPHANIE IBARRA
officers arrested all three men Oct. 1, 2008, after authorities received an anonymous call reporting the three men would meet with other associates of the criminal organization. Throughout the investigation, authorities found out Gastón, Pedro and García Avilés belonged to a “Cártel del Golfo (Gulf Cartel)” cell which operated in Tamaulipas, according
See CARTEL PAGE 8A
Lawyer and Laredo native Marina Garcia Marmolejo was sworn in by Senior U.S. District Judge George Kazen as the newest federal judge for the Southern Judicial District of Texas on Wednesday afternoon. Marmolejo followed lawyer Diana Saldaña as the second Laredo federal court judge for the Southern Judicial District of Texas sworn in this year. Marmolejo was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate this week. Marmolejo, like Saldaña, received notable support from Sens. Kay Bailey Hutchison and John Cornyn, both R-Texas, and Rep. Henry Cuellar, DLaredo. Marmolejo was initially recommended by the Texas Democratic delegation on May 13, 2009, and nominated by President Barack Obama on July 28, 2010. As for the extended confirmation process, Marmolejo maintained that she is blessed to have been part of it. “I have a lot of respect concerning the process,” Marmolejo said. With South Texas home to some of the heaviest caseloads, Marmolejo’s presence comes at a time of judicial distress. With a wealth of knowledge of the federal judicial system, Marmolejo said she’s equipped and ready. “I grew up in the federal system,” she said. Straight out of law school and before entering private practice, Marmolejo began her legal career as an assistant federal public defender, a job she held from 1996 to 1999. For eight years after that, Marmolejo worked as an assistant U.S. attorney in the Southern District of Texas. Laredo’s newest federal judge handled narcotics cases and public corruption investigations as assistant U.S. attorney. She also has served as counsel for the firm Thompson & Knight LLP and, more recently, as a partner in the law firm Reid Collins & Tsai LLP. With experience spanning a variety of federal and state criminal defense matters, Marmolejo said she’s worked all sides of the bar. “I have an understanding of how all sides work,” Marmolejo said, attributing her success to hard work and dedication. Texas has six federal judicial vacancies.
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Zin brief CALENDAR
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2011
AROUND TEXAS
TODAY IN HISTORY
Saturday, Oct. 8
ASSOCIATED PRESS
The first day of the three-day Bass Champs tournament takes place today. For more information or to register, call 817-439-3274 or check the website at www.basschamps.com.
Today is Saturday, Oct. 8, the 281st day of 2011. There are 84 days left in the year. Today’s Highlight in History: On Oct. 8, 1871, the Great Chicago Fire erupted; fires also broke out in Peshtigo, Wis., and in several communities in Michigan. On this date: In 1869, the 14th president of the United States, Franklin Pierce (puhrs), died in Concord, N.H. In 1918, U.S. Army Cpl. Alvin C. York led an attack that killed 25 German soldiers and captured 132 others in the Argonne Forest in France. In 1934, Bruno Hauptmann was indicted by a grand jury in New Jersey for murder in the death of the son of Charles A. Lindbergh. In 1945, President Harry S. Truman announced that the secret of the atomic bomb would be shared only with Britain and Canada. In 1956, Don Larsen pitched the only perfect game in a World Series to date as the New York Yankees beat the Brooklyn Dodgers in Game 5, 2-0. In 1957, the Brooklyn Baseball Club announced it was accepting an offer to move the Dodgers from New York to Los Angeles. In 1967, former British Prime Minister Clement Attlee died in London at age 84. In 1970, Soviet author Alexander Solzhenitsyn was named winner of the Nobel Prize for literature. In 1981, at the White House, President Ronald Reagan greeted former Presidents Jimmy Carter, Gerald Ford and Richard Nixon, who were preparing to travel to Egypt for the funeral of Anwar Sadat. In 1982, all labor organizations in Poland, including Solidarity, were banned. Ten years ago: The United States pounded terrorist targets in Afghanistan from the air for a second night. An SAS airliner taking off from Milan, Italy, hit a private jet, careened into an airport building and exploded, killing 118 people. Seventeen Virginians were killed when a dive boat capsized during a hurricane in Belize. American Leland H. Hartwell and Britons R. Timothy Hunt and Paul M. Nurse won the Nobel Prize in medicine. Radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh told listeners he had become virtually deaf (Limbaugh later had an electronic device implanted in his skull that restored much of his hearing). Today’s Birthdays: Entertainment reporter Rona Barrett is 75. Actor Paul Hogan is 72. Rhythm-and-blues singer Fred Cash (The Impressions) is 71. Civil rights activist Rev. Jesse Jackson is 70. Comedian Chevy Chase is 68. Author R.L. Stine is 68. Actress Sigourney Weaver is 62. Actress Stephanie Zimbalist is 55. Actress Kim Wayans is 50. Gospel/rhythm-and-blues singer CeCe Winans is 47. Rock musician C.J. Ramone (The Ramones) is 46. Actor-screenwriter Matt Damon is 41. Angus T. Jones is 18. Actress Molly Quinn is 18. Thought for Today: “Don’t let yesterday use up too much of today.” — Will Rogers, American humorist (18791935).
Sunday, Oct. 9 The first day of the three-day Bass Champs tournament takes place today. For more information or to register, call 817-439-3274 or check the website at www.basschamps.com. The Gateway Gatos of Laredo and St. Peter’s Church invite everyone to bring their pets on a leash or harness or in a cage to be blessed from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. today at St. Peter’s Plaza. All animals will be blessed. The Gateway Gatos will have cats available for adoption. The Texas A&M International University 2010-2011 Organ Recital Series continues with organist Cherry Rhodes at 4 p.m. today in the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Recital Hall. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call the department for the fine and performing arts at 326-2654.
Tuesday, Oct. 11 “Managing Cash — The Small Business Owner’s Guide to Financial Control Workshop in Zapata, Texas” is set for 9:30 a.m. through noon at the Zapata County Courthouse, Suite 248. Fee for the seminar is $20. For more informationm, contact the TAMIU Small Business Development Center. The Greens of Guadalupe will have its monthly meeting at 7 p.m. today in Room No. 1, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 1700 San Francisco Ave. The agenda will include forming a committee and recruiting volunteers for the Environmental Education Project; the pre-jamaica and jamaica day rummage sales; the Dia Del Rio event; and other items. The Texas A&M International University Office of Career Services presents the 2011 Government and Social Services Job Fair from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. today in the Student Center Downstairs Rotunda. This event is free. Please dress business casual and bring copies of your resume. As part of the fair, the TAMIU College of Arts and Sciences will present “Protecting our Agricultural Assets” from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Panelists include members from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Plant & Animal Health Inspection Services. For more information, contact Laura Martinez at 326-4473, email laura.martinez@tamiu.edu or visit http://www.tamiu.edu/career/.
Wednesday, Oct. 12 The Texas A&M International University A.R. Sanchez Jr. School of Business and the Center for the Study of Western Hemispheric Trade present the IBC Keynote Speaker Series featuring the Jorge Fernando Quiroga, former president of Bolivia. Quiroga will present “Latin America in the Global Economy” from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the TAMIU Student Center Ballroom, SC 203. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 326-2820.
Wednesday, Oct. 26 The “Customer Service: A Key to Business Success in Zapata, Texas” workshop will be held from 9:30 a.m,. through noon at the Zapata County Courthouse, Suite 248. Fee for the seminar is $20. Contact the TAMIU Small Business Development Center for more information.
Friday, Oct. 28 The first day of the three-day 2011 Pro/Am Event sponsored by the Couples Association of Sport Tournaments fishing tournament takes place today. For more information or to register, call 281-796-7486 or check the website at www.fishcast.com.
Saturday, Oct. 29 The second day of the three-day 2011 Pro/Am Event sponsored by the Couples Association of Sport Tournaments fishing tournament takes place today. For more information or to register, call 281-796-7486 or check the website at www.fishcast.com.
Sunday, Oct. 30 The third day of the three-day 2011 Pro/Am Event sponsored by the Couples Association of Sport Tournaments fishing tournament takes place today. For more information or to register, call 281-796-7486 or check the website at www.fishcast.com.
Photo by Eric Gay | AP
A protester takes part in an “Occupy Austin” protest on Thursday. Protests took place in Austin, Houston Dallas and San Antonio.
Protests come to Texas By WILL WEISSERT ASSOCIATED PRESS
AUSTIN — Hundreds of protesters took to the streets in Dallas, Houston, Austin and San Antonio on Thursday as cities across Texas joined the Occupy Wall Street demonstrations demanding an end to corruption in politics and business. Upwards of 300 marchers worked their way to the Federal Reserve Building in Dallas, which police fortified with metal barriers. Houston police estimated that 200 people marched from the J.P. Morgan Chase building to City Hall. In Austin, a crowd gathered outside City Hall and swelled to over 700, many waving signs things like, “End the Fed” and “Greed is evil. I am the 99 percent.” Nearly 100 protesters gathered in San Antonio’s Travis Park and later marched past
the Alamo and toward the Federal Reserve Building. Organizers are using social media to coordinate activities, and say they plan to occupy those locations for as long as possible. There were no reports of arrests or major disturbances, though Houston police stepped in after a crowd surrounded one counter-protester. Justin Conry, owner of a carpet cleaning business, was waving a sign that read, “Blame yourself not the bank. Hard work pays off.” In Austin, police presence was heightened but the scene stayed calm “I’m mad at the blame game going on right now,” cried Dave King, who told the Austin crowd he had been a public employee for 23 years. “Blame public employees, blame the poor. I blame the wealthy people. If you’re jobs creators, where are the jobs?”
Outdoor watering banned Americans slain in Mexico in some Texas cities had visited prison there GEORGETOWN — Severe water restrictions have been issued for several Central Texas cities. Round Rock and Georgetown banned all outdoor watering. That’s because of a problem with a pipeline that allows the Brazos River Authority to operate two reservoirs as one system. Lake Georgetown and Stillhouse Hollow Lake were already low because of the drought. Officials say Lake Georgetown levels will dropp if usage isn’t reduced, because the pipeline will be out of service for two weeks.
2 indicted in man’s fatal Houston-area shooting ANGLETON — A Brazoria County grand jury has indicted two men Thursday accused of fatally shooting their mother’s boyfriend in his Houston-area home. Jared Levi Coleman and Travis Wade Coleman were indicted on murder charges.
EL PASO — Mexican authorities say two U.S. citizens fatally shot in Ciudad Juarez last week had just picked up a released inmate at a prison when assailants opened fire on their SUV. Paulo Noe Williams and his mother, Rosa Williams, were among four who died Sept. 30. The two were picking up 24year-old Alberto Nieto Nieto. Nieto’s companion, 21-year-old Alma Yesenia Flores, also died.
Woman facing new drunk driving charges HOUSTON — A Houston-area woman is facing a drunken driving charge two years after she was convicted of intoxication manslaughter for an accident that killed her 4-year-old daughter. Elena Kay Fuentes of Spring was arrested Wednesday after allegedly backing her car into another vehicle.
Pregnancy centers sue Austin over ordinance AUSTIN — Four faith-based centers that counsel women with unplanned pregnancies filed lawsuits Thursday claiming Austin’s sign ordinance violates freedom of speech and religion. The ordinance requires centers to post signs at their entrance stating they neither offer nor refer clients to abortion or birth control services. The centers filed two federal lawsuits to try to prevent the city from enforcing the ordinance. Anti-abortion groups are supporting their efforts.
Southwest Airlines traffic rises in September DALLAS — Southwest Airlines Co. said Friday its number of paying passengers increased faster than it expanded its capacity in September, making planes more full in a traditionally weak month for air travel. — Compiled from AP reports
AROUND THE NATION Stocks turn down on jobs, Europe downgrades
CONTACT US
A three-day rally on the stock market faded Friday after a mixed jobs report and credit-rating cuts for Italy and Spain. The Dow Jones industrial average rose in the morning, turned lower at midday and staged a brief rally in the last hour. The latest day of choppy trading ended with a loss of 20 points in the Dow, following a 468-point surge over the previous three days.
AG Holder answers critics on gun-smuggling issue WASHINGTON — Attorney General Eric Holder said Friday his testimony to Congress about a gun-smuggling probe was truthful and accurate and that Republicans are posturing when they say otherwise. In his most forceful criticism of Republicans during his time as attorney general, Holder said
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This year’s Nobel Peace Prize winner Leymah Gbowee speaks at the Interchurch Center on Friday in New York. Gbowee confronted armed forces in Liberia to demand that they stop using rape as a weapon. he had said little so far about the probe because the Justice Department is investigating it but that he could not sit by while a Republican congressman suggested government employees be considered accessories to murder.
Key Republicans say the attorney general knew many months earlier than he has admitted that the gun-smuggling probe involved agents letting guns pass from small-time straw purchasers to arms traffickers. — Compiled from AP reports
SUBSCRIPTIONS/DELIVERY (956) 728-2555 The Zapata Times is distributed on Saturdays to 4,000 households in Zapata County. For subscribers of the Laredo Morning Times and for those who buy the Laredo Morning Times at newsstands, the Zapata Times is inserted. The Zapata Times is free. The Zapata Times is published by the Laredo Morning Times, a division of The Hearst Corporation, P.O. Box 2129, Laredo, Texas 78044. Phone (956) 728-2500. The Zapata office is at 1309 N. U.S. Hwy. 83 at 14th Avenue, Suite 2, Zapata, TX 78076. Call (956) 765-5113 or e-mail thezapatatimes.net
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2011
Zlocal THE BLOTTER
ASSAULT An assault family violence incident was reported at 10:32 a.m. Oct. 2 near West 23rd Avenue and Elm Street. Jose Guadalupe Moreno was arrested and charged with assault at about 3 a.m. Monday in the 1100 block of Carla Street. A Zapata sheriff’s incident report states Moreno assaulted his spouse and then followed her to her aunt’s house and stole her purse, which contained personal documents. The man was taken to the Zapata Regional Jail. Deputies responded to an assault call at 6:09 p.m. Tuesday at Zapata High School. The complainant stated that a student assaulted her.
BURGLARY A burglary of a residence was reported at 1:15 p.m. Monday in the 5200 block of Siesta Lane. A burglary was reported at 2:26 p.m. Monday at Riojas Tire Center, off U.S. 83.
DISORDERLY CONDUCT A disorderly conduct incident was reported at 3:45 p.m. Thursday at Zapata Middle School. A woman reported that an individual had a graphic photo of her genitalia and was showing it to her peers.
DUI Iris Irasema Alaniz was arrested and charged with driving under the influence just before
midnight on Sept. 30 near Seventh Street and Ramireño Avenue. The woman was taken to the Zapata County Jail.
PAGE 3A
CELEBRATING HISPANIC HERITAGE and public intoxication at about 1 a.m. Monday near the intersection of Carla Street and West 12th Avenue. The man was taken to the Zapata Regional Jail.
HIT AND RUN A woman told deputies at 5:15 p.m. Oct. 1 that an orange GMC struck her vehicle along Gonzalez Street in the Nicholson Addition and sped away. A hit-and-run incident was reported at 4:43 p.m. Monday near Seventh Street and Ramireño Avenue.
PUBLIC INTOXICATION Romeo Sanchez was arrested and charged with public intoxication at about 5 a.m. Oct. 1 near Seventh Street and Ramireño Avenue in the Medina Addition. An incident report states the man was arrested “because he was a danger to himself and/or others.” He was taken to the Zapata Regional Jail.
NO PASSING ZONE After a traffic stop, Gonzalo Tadeo Garza was arrested and charged with passing in a no pass zone (school bus) at about 8 a.m. Tuesday near Seventh Street and U.S. 83. The man was taken to the Zapata Regional Jail.
RECKLESS DRIVING Homero Resendez was arrested and charged with reckless driving at about 8:45 p.m. Oct. 1 near the intersection of Seventh Street and Zapata Boulevard. The man was taken to the Zapata Regional Jail.
POSSESSION Michael Alexis Gonzalez was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance at about 2:30 a.m. Oct. 2 near 11th Avenue and Glenn Street. The man was taken to the Zapata Regional Jail. Juan Domingo Gutierrez III was arrested and charged with possession of drug paraphernalia
THEFT A woman called deputies at 8:22 a.m. Tuesday from the 5100 block of Laredo Lane to report that someone stole her vehicle. Deputies responded to a theft call at 2:38 p.m. Tuesday at the Zapata County public boat ramp. The complainant stated that someone stole a fish finder.
Courtesy photo
At Fidel & Andrea R. Villarreal Elementary the students celebrated Hispanic heritage with various activities. The students in Mario Juarez’s pre-kinder class constructed piñatas and discussed how and when piñatas are used in different celebrations.
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Zopinion
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2011
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR SEND YOUR SIGNED LETTER TO EDITORIAL@LMTONLINE.COM
COLUMN
OTHER VIEWS
Jobs’s death prompts strong outcry Apple’s founder transformed society with the power of computers MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE
F
or many Americans, the years 2001-2010 were the roughest decade in memory. Our nation endured terrorism and war, temporary boom and lasting bust. Too many have been left feeling powerless in the recession’s dismal aftermath. By one measure, though, Americans have become much more powerful. One of the nation’s corporate chief executives — a group suffering from a serious image problem these days — did more than anyone to transform our lives with the power of computers.
Gadgets galore With iPods in 2001, iPhones in 2007 and iPads in 2010, he made the hard years of the recent past easier, more productive, more beautiful to behold. Thanks, Steve. We needed that. History will remember Steve Jobs as an innovator, fortune builder and technology genius. His legacy holds an important lesson for dealing with economic adversity today. Jobs was, in his words, “a very public failure.” In 1985, he got kicked out of the company he co-founded, Apple Inc. The focus of his adult life disappeared. He awkwardly apologized to people he thought he had let down. He felt rejected. He didn’t know what to do next.
Starting again Those same hopeless feelings probably sound familiar to the millions targeted in brutal layoffs over the last four years. Like so many others today, Jobs started over. In the 10 years that followed, he kept innovating, making something from nothing, and not always succeeding. He unveiled the $6,500 NeXT personal computer, which didn’t sell. Through his Pixar animation studios, he also gave us Woody and Buzz from the beloved film “Toy Story,” which sold tickets by the millions. Everybody fails. It’s what comes next that counts.
Big comeback Jobs wormed his way back into Apple, first as an adviser, then as interim chief executive, then by dropping the “interim.” What followed must be among the greatest comebacks in business. He proved himself to be the Thomas Edison of our age: prickly, yes, but adept at combining technology and business to change peoples’ lives. Edison has the more impressive portfolio — you can get by without your iPod more easily than you can without lightbulbs. No, really,
you can. But Jobs has the more impressive following.
Emotions For many people who heard the news of Jobs’ death, there was an immediate lurch of sadness. On the sidewalk beside the Apple Store along Chicago’s North Michigan Avenue, Jobs’ fans on Thursday created a shrine to his memory. They left flowers, lit candles and placed fresh apples on the concrete. The same spontaneous tributes occurred at Apple Stores in London, Paris, Tokyo and elsewhere around the world.
Fans react “I promise to always take the next big step,” said one message left for Jobs in Chicago. “Let’s go invent tomorrow,” said another, invoking a Jobs quote. One scribbled post-it asked if the iPhone’s GPS could be used to locate its originator in heaven. Definitely a question for the store’s Genius Bar. Facebook and Twitter lit up with people reminiscing about their first iPod or Macintosh.
Using a Mac “Before I could walk, I was playing and learning on an Apple computer,” one fan began. “It’s strange, realizing how much someone you never knew changed your life,” another wrote. “Of course I’m typing this on my beloved MacBook Pro.” Author Martin Lindstrom wrote in a recent New York Times op-ed that brain scans of people reacting to a vibrating iPhone showed they “responded to the sound of their phones as they would respond to the presence or proximity of a girlfriend, boyfriend or family member. In short, the subject didn’t demonstrate the classic brainbased signs of addiction. Instead, they loved their iPhones.”
Reaching out In 2005, Jobs gave the commencement speech at Stanford University that makes his most fitting eulogy. Even though he told the graduating students that his cancer had been cured, he shared his thoughts about facing death since his diagnosis about a year earlier. Thinking about death every day helped him overcome the natural fear of failure, he told them.
COLUMN
Are protests real or for show By KEN HERMAN COX NEWSPAPERS
A
USTIN — Did our Founding Fathers, while doing their fatherly founding, look as silly as some of the Occupy Austin folks who sort of occupied Austin on Thursday as the anti-corporate greed movement came to town? Most movements like this wind up foundering instead of founding. But let’s nod to the slim chance that this really is the start of a Whole New Way.
‘Sparkle fingers’ With that in mind, I participated in the Wednesday night “general assembly” that preceded Thursday’s Occupy Austin rally. Actually, as a human being who showed up, I was eligible to participate in the general assembly, but didn’t because I’m far too dignified to do “sparkle fingers” in public. We’ll get back to that. There were about 150 of us on hand outside City Hall. That number would be less than the number of tattoos on hand, and other parts. (Surefire career advice: Only job with a guaranteed future is tattoo removal, which will boom in conjunction with tattoo remorse.) The general assembly, according to Occupy, is
“where people who already have ideas that are fully formed” can seek consensus among whoever shows up willing to do sparkle fingers. There’s no leader, but there’s a “vibe checker” (“someone who makes sure everyone is cool,” we were told) and facilitators.
Hand signs As we began, in the name of diversity, a facilitator said this: “Any females in the audience that would like to be co-facilitators?” Add that to your Big Book of Pickup Lines. The whole thing runs on hand signals. To signal approval, hold your hands up and wiggle your fingers. In the lexicon of the revolution, it’s called sparkle fingers. There also are signals for ”clarifying questions” and other actions. (This is explained on another video at statesman.com.) With that out of the way, we moved to announcements. Virginia of the holistic health committee promised a map of public restrooms.
Football referee? Big-time sparkle fingers for that one, though I think I saw one guy signaling encroachment and stepping off the five-yard penalty. He may have been
at the wrong meeting. Courtney, handling child care, told folks to fill out the form telling her “who can we give your children to” if you’re arrested. Moments later, crisis, as Stuart said that facilitators, in the harsh glare of lights, couldn’t see the hand signals. But folks sparkle-fingered support for the lights and we moved to discussion of what should be discussed. Then we discussed how many things should be discussed. Then we discussed how we should vote after the discussion about what should be discussed. This looked almost as ridiculous as a routine day in the Texas House.
Talking and talking “Why don’t we just talk about everything?” somebody yelled. So we did, though Isaac noted, “Most people are not responding.” Hey, just like in the real world. Suggested discussion topics included “Can we do a singalong, maybe like some folksy songs?” I know it sounds like I’m chiding the participants. I am, but not in a bad way. This was mostly young people, save for Les, an older guy who parlayed a fondness for talking into influence. I’m encouraged whenever I see young people doing anything other
Is it nonsense? Meshugas, in general, means madness, nonsense. But, history tells us, today’s meshugas can be tomorrow’s norm. It was meshugas when the Wright boys said they were building a flying machine. It ceased being meshugas at Kitty Hawk. Is the Occupy movement meshugas? Statistically, stuff like this generally is. Howard Dean’s presidential campaign never transcended meshugas. We await a ruling on Rick Perry’s. But we must also remember that until it really got rolling, the Founding Fathers’ deal probably seemed like meshugas. Good luck, folks. Occupy in good health. (Ken Herman is an editorial writer for the Austin American-Statesman. Email: kherman@statesman.com.)
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY The Zapata Times does not publish anonymous letters. To be published, letters must include the writer’s first and last names as well as a phone number to verify identity. The
phone number IS NOT published; it is used solely to verify identity and to clarify content, if necessary. Identity of the letter writer must be verified before publication. We want to assure our
readers that a letter is written by the person who signs the letter. The Zapata Times does not allow the use of pseudonyms. Letters are edited for style, grammar, length and civility. No name-call-
‘70s ideals Drawing on his 1970s California hippie roots, Jobs invoked The Whole Earth Catalog, a hodgepodge of photos, articles and neat ideas — “one of the bibles of my generation,” as Jobs put it. He remembered its slogan: “Stay hungry. Stay foolish.” As Jobs said, “I have always wished that for myself. And now, as you graduate to begin anew, I wish that for you.” Stay hungry. Stay foolish.
than skateboarding (though some of these folks had their boards with them). But I also thought the whole thing might be meshugas. If you learn just one Yiddish word today, please let it be meshugas (pronounced by my late grandmother, in her scathing 1964 one-word review of the Beatles, as mish-i-GOSS, kind of like Michigan but with goss, instead of gan, at the end).
DOONESBURY | GARRY TRUDEAU
ing or gratuitous abuse is allowed. Via e-mail, send letters to editorial@lmtonline.com or mail them to Letters to the Editor, 111 Esperanza Drive, Laredo, TX 78041.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2011
Zentertainment
Top-40 radio favorite Fuel is headlining today’s Autmus Fest at Texas A&M International University.
Fire Fest stars at LEA By MIKE HERRERA IV THE ZAPATA TIMES
Courtesy pohto
Autmus Fest hits 7th year By MIKE HERRERA IV THE ZAPATA TIMES
It started as a fundraiser. Now, kicking off its seventh installment Saturday, TAMIU’s Autmus Fest has fixed itself as a fall community tradition. For Candy Hein, it began long before the Maroon Mob started rocking out in 2005. Back then Hein, who is TAMIU’s vice president for institutional advancement, approached the university alumni association with a new venture. Seeing the association put on a series of smaller fundraisers and hearing them ask for something big, Hein thought back to 1981. “I was at LSU (Laredo State University) then, and Dr. Billy Cowart was president. He was also president of the Laredo Arts Commission. He and his staff began Border Fest,” says Hein. Part salute to border heritage, part outdoor concert, Border Fest evolved into the famous Jalapeño Festival. It was a very different vibe than what Autmus attempts now, says Hein, but the impetus, the desire to bring the community together for common cause and fun, remains the same. “We decided to bring back the past to an extent,” says Hein about those first meetings between her office and the alumni association. “And it just took off.” From that point, the event grew and garnered more attention beyond TAMIU’s deer-filled grounds. In 2009 the participation of musical acts such as The Toadies and Motley Crue’s Vince Neil lured VH1 Clas-
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sics to record parts of the event. Last year presented a challenge in the form of a very public dispute between the association and Serving Children and Adolescents in Need, Inc., over the issue of alcohol at Autmus, but association Treasurer and Event Chair Elsy Borgstedte says it’s all in the past. “I think highly of SCAN,” she says. “That’s all in the past. There is alcohol this year, but of course all precautions and securities are taken.” Most exciting for Borgstedte is the fact that top-40 radio favorite Fuel is headlining. “We’re one of the first places in the country they’re starting their tour,” she says. “They are a very well-known act and will perform some of their bestknown songs at Autmus.” Borgstedte thinks attendees will be impressed by Austin’s Alpha Rev, a band she’s personally seen in concert. “They bring something new to the table. They combine classical with rock,” she says, adding that local musicians, as is an Autmus tradition, will open the show. While the bands promise to bring the music, the wrestlers will bring the pain. Having already earned a reputation for its knockdown-drag-out performances in Laredo and Zapata, the Laredo Wrestling Alliance will hit the squared circle, an Autmus first. These local grapplers will not just put on a few matches, but an entire 11-match card, according to the promotion’s
founder, Rey Chavarria. ESPN radio’s Bryan Benway will wrestle as well. As exciting as the acts are, for Borgstedte, the lasting impact of Autmus is in its original mission: raising scholarships for TAMIU students. “It can be the difference between taking classes or not,” she says. “Being a scholarship recipient myself when I was at TAMIU, I understand how much of a life-changing opportunity it can be.” With student-directed educational funding bearing the brunt of austere budget cuts, scholarships have become more important than ever, says Hein. “Now that the state and federal governments have cut funding, outside sources of scholarships are more important,” she says. Hein says the university nearly dropped 268 students who had trouble paying tuition on time. They were able to help the students find alternatives such as emergency loans, most of which came from money raised by the alumni association. “Last year, they (alumni) gave away $5,000 in scholarships. Much of that was raised by Autmus,” she says. “We hope people come out this year to support their university.” Autmus starts at 5 p.m. at the TAMIU grounds. Presale tickets are $10 and available a TAMIU’s bookstore and Starbuck’s as well as Danny’s Restaurants. Tickets at the gate will be $18 and VIP tickets are $100. For more information, visit www.autmusfest.com.
The fourth annual Fire Fest looks to set the Laredo Energy Arena grounds ablaze Saturday from 4 p.m. to midnight and event organizer David Gonzalez expects it to get white hot. “We’re bringing in surprises to the visual aspect of it,” said Gonzalez, president of the Laredo Firefighters’ Association. “We want to throw something like an American rock concert atmosphere, but a little more interactive. We want an atmosphere where people know they are going to enjoy themselves.” Gonzalez watched the event grow from its inception at Laredo Park and Ride. Then, it moved to a slightly larger venue: the dusty grounds of Laredo International Fair and Exposition. More people showed up. This led Gonzalez and his fellow organizers to seek the LEA grounds. All the while, Gonzalez felt the event fulfilled its original mission. “We wanted to contribute something to Laredo. We thought Laredo could use more events like this,” he said, adding that the initiative involves active and retired firefighters. “Now that more people know about it, we even get people not connected to the fire department at all coming to volunteer,” he said. The concert features an array of Mexican regional artists, including Duelo. Founded by singer-songwriter Oscar Ivan Treviño when he began playing with Dimas Lopez, an accordionist, Duelo’s album “El Amor No Acaba” earned praise for its lyrical poetry. This is Duelo’s
second appearance at Fire Fest and music enthusiasts will likely note Lopez’s skilled handling of his accordion, an instrument endemic to the Mexican norteño sound. Other performers include Sonora Dinamita, La Firma, La Leyenda, and, opening the show, Laredo’s own Inalcansable. “We’ve been the only local band for three years,” said Joel Johnson, bajo sexton player and vocalist for Inalcansable. “It’s been great. As always, we’re going to bring energy, joy. We have a slogan. We want fans con la mano arriba (with hand in the air).” “What you don’t see enough of,” Gonzalez said, “is an event of Mexican regional music like this one where the families can hang out for the rest of the day.” In fact, fans of norteño can expect a music festival atmosphere. “Bring lawn chairs. Bring canopies,” he said. Aside from music, Fire Fest offers food, games and a test of cooking skill. Selfproclaimed barbeque experts get to test their mettle in a rib cook-off that allows visitors to sample the different teams’ ribs and vote for the best. Children can jump
around a moonwalk, as well as enjoy an assortment of rides Gonzalez said are free. Money raised with Fire Fest not only helps the Fire Fighters’ Association fulfill its union functions, but some of it goes to a general fund to help fire victims. When 15 families were left without a place to sleep by the Laredo Motor Inn fire last month, the association helped get them temporary shelter. This kind of service makes it possible fills retired firefighter Felipe Tovar with pride. “This is what we taught the young ones,” said Tovar, retired after 24 years as a firefighter. “We taught them to go above and beyond to help those in need.” Now a private citizen, Tovar feels he can count on the youth of the fire service if he ever needs them. “Now, I’m on the other side; I could be in need. I trust them,” he said. That harsh reality of a firefighter’s life, meeting the community in times of trouble, also forms the impetus for Fire Fest, according to Gonzalez. “We meet people at critical moments,” he said. “Now we want to see people smile.”
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Zfrontera
Agenda en Breve SÁBADO 8 DE OCTUBRE LAREDO — Laredo FireFest presenta al grupo Duelo, El Poder Del Norte, La Sonora Dinamita, La Firma, La Leyenda, e Inalcansable en Laredo Energy Arena, a las 4 p.m. Costo: 20 dólares. LAREDO — La Banda de Rock “Fuel” se presenta en AutMus Fest de TAMIU. Se presenta también: Alpha Reva de Austin, y las bandas locales Erebus, La Mata, Somewhere in Between, Broken Vision, y Umano Aché. Espectáculo a las 5 p.m. Habrá refrigerios, juegos y actividades infantiles. Donación: 10 dólares en pre-venta o a 18 dólares el día del evento. Niños de 12 años y menores entran gratis. Más información en http://www.autmusfest.com/ LAREDO — Knights of Columbus invita al Baila Anual para Becas, con música del Grupo Premier de los Dos Laredos, a partir de las 9 p.m. en el Laredo Civic Center Ballroom. Costo: 15 dólares por persona. Reserve en el 206-1098, 728-1040 y 635-9650. NUEVO LAREDO, México — FIT 2011 presenta: “Rock en Movimiento” con Rojo Vil, Nemulov, Arritmiaa las 7 p.m. en la Explanada Esteban Baca Calderón. Evento gratuito. SAN ANTONIO — Cinema presenta: “El Bolero de Raquel” (1957) dirigida por Miguel Delgado, a las 5 p.m. en el Autorio del Instituto Cultural de México, 600 Hemisfair Park. Evento gratuito pero se sugiere reservar al (210) 227 0123.
SÁBADO 8 DE OCTUBRE DE 2011
SEGOB REVISA NEGOCIOS DE ESTE RAMO EN TAMAULIPAS
Clausuran once casinos POR MIGUEL TIMOSHENKOV TIEMPO DE ZAPATA
Con el objetivo de revisar licencias y normas de funcionamiento, 11 casinos ubicados en siete municipios de Tamaulipas fueron clausurados el miércoles por la Secretaría de Gobernación (Segob), Ejército Mexicano y Secretaría de Marina. Su reapertura será en base de la verificación del cumplimiento de la ley. En Nuevo Laredo, México, vehículos del Ejército se ubicaron en el Casino “Amazonas” ubicado por Avenida Reforma, casi esquina con Pedro Pérez Ibarra. El jueves el “Amazonas” ya no estaba operando, pero otro conocido casino llamado “El Juega-Juega” sí estaba operando. Una empleada de “El Juega-Juega” dijo vía telefónica que estaban abiertos al público.
“
Se debe revisar uno a uno (y) solamente si existen condiciones legales se les permita abrir”. LIZBETH GARCÍA CORONADO, PRESIDENTA DEL GRUPO DE TRABAJO ESPECIALIZADO EN LA VIGILANCIA Y CUMPLIMIENTO DEL REGLAMENTO DE LA LEY FEDERAL DE JUEGOS Y SORTEOS
“Sí pueden venir a divertirse”, dijo la mujer. El reporte federal indicaba el cierre de casinos en Nuevo Laredo, Reynosa, Matamoros, Miguel Alemán, Tampico, Ciudad Victoria y Ciudad Mante. Una trabajadora en el Hotel Camino Real, casi en contra esquina de el “Amazonas” dijo que en algún momento sintieron temor de que hubiera una nueva explosión. En septiembre, una granada explotó en el Casino “Amazonas” dejando como saldo dos personas muertas.
Acerca del cierre de casinos, ni el Gobierno de Tamaulipas o la Procuraduría General de la República emitieron comunicado oficial. En las últimas semanas, la Segob ha sido cuestionada por el Congreso Legislativo acerca del funcionamiento de 501 casinos, esto tras el ataque ocurrido al Casino Royale, en Monterrey, México, donde murieron más de 50 personas. “A nombre de los parlamentarios se ha solicitado a la Secretaría de Gobernación cerrar negocios que operen como casinos”, dijo
la Presidenta del Grupo de Trabajo Especializado en la Vigilancia y Cumplimiento del Reglamento de la Ley Federal de Juegos y Sorteos, Lizbeth García Coronado. “Se debe revisar uno a uno (y) solamente si existen condiciones legales se les permita abrir”. Hasta el cierre de esta edición, la Secretaría de Gobernación no había dado a conocer el resultado del cierre de casinos en Tamaulipas. Con este movimiento, los Legisladores esperan conocer quienes están y no autor-
FRONTERA
DESARROLLO
Apoyarán nueve obras de agua y saneamiento TIEMPO DE ZAPATA
DOMINGO 9 DE OCTUBRE LAREDO — Webb County Heritage Foundation invita a disfrutar la exhibición “Haunted Heritage – Myths and Legends of Laredo” en Villa Antigua Border Heritage Museum, 810 Zaragoza St. El horario es de martes a sábado de 1 p.m. a 9 p.m. Costo: 5 dólares. LAREDO — Gateway Gatos de Laredo y St. Peter’s Church invitan a la bendición de mascotas, de 3 p.m. a 4 p.m. en St. Peter’s Plaza. Favor de llevar a su mascota con arnés o en jaula. LAREDO — La Serie de Recitales de Órgano de TAMIU presenta a Cherry Rhodes a las 4 p.m. Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Recital Hall. El evento es gratuito. NUEVO LAREDO, México — Grupo de Teatro Expresión invita a la bra “Mi Viuda Ya no me Llora” a las 7 p.m. en el Teatro Lucio Blanco de la Casa de la Cultura. Evento gratuito.
LUNES 10 DE OCTUBRE LAREDO — Hoy inicia la exhibición “Texas Tech University Graduate Student Show” en la Galería del Center for the Fine and Performing Arts de TAMIU, de lunes a jueves, de 12 p.m. a 5 p.m. Evento gratuito.
MIÉRCOLES 12 DE OCTUBRE LAREDO — “Miscelánea” de Olivia Cotton se presenta hoy en Caffe Dolce, 1708 Victoria. Habrá venta de camisetas, dibujos, tarjetas, ilustraciones. Música a cargo de Robek.
SÁBADO 15 DE OCTUBRE LAREDO — El primer evento “Shoot for the Cure” de Healthy Woman será a partir de las 8 a.m. en el South Texas Shooting Complex, ubicada a 9 millas del crucero de Hwy 359 y Loop 20. Costo por persona es de 150 dólares. Las ganancias se destinarán a agencias sin fines de lucro en la lucha contra el cáncer. Más información en 796-2222.
izados para operar como casinos, además de identificar a los propietarios, conocer los nombres de los funcionarios que otorgaron los permisos, así como reconocer el nivel de responsabilidad de los municipios para autorizar su instalación. La ley que regula la industria de los juegos y sorteos en México data de 1947, según la Segob, pero la misma se encuentra en proceso de depuración y regularización. Segob ha detectado casinos que operan sin permiso, siendo que en lo que va de este sexenio no se ha expedido ningún permiso oficial de apertura. Aunque los dueños de tales lugares buscan defenderse ante tribunales, Segob aplica inspecciones, suspensiones y clausuras. (Localice a Miguel Timoshenkov en el (956) 728-2583 o en mramirez@lmtonline.com)
Foto de cortesía | Sedena
En operativo de la Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional, soldados ubicaron una fosa subterránea debajo de una estufa en un domicilio del poblado Rancherías de Miguel Alemán. Confiscaron 3 toneladas de marihuana.
OPERATIVO MILITAR EN MIGUEL ALEMÁN Ubican más de 4 toneladas de marihuana en dos acciones TIEMPO DE ZAPATA
E
lementos del Ejército Mexicano confiscaron cuatro toneladas de marihuana en el poblado Rancherías, del municipio de Miguel Alemán, en dos incursiones por separado. En el primer incidente, la droga fue localizada oculta en fosas “disfrazadas”, indica el reporte. Cuando soldados realizaban un operativo de reconocimiento, percibieron el olor a marihuana originándose en una casa aparentemente abandonada pero con puertas y ventanas abiertas. Tras una inspección, se localizó oculta debajo de una estufa, una fosa subterránea
donde se encontraron 560 paquetes que contenían tres toneladas de marihuana. Ningún sospechoso fue arrestado. El reporte de las autoridades indica que de haberse utilizado la droga, se hubieran confeccionado un millón 483 mil 500 dosis, que al venderse al consumidor al menudeo habrían redituado ganancias por 148 millones 350 mil pesos.
Mismo sitio En un segundo caso, se informó que el 27 de septiembre personal del Ejército localizó en una fosa subterránea 123 paquetes con un peso de 1 tonelada 163 kilos de marihuana. La droga también se ocultaba en una vivienda abandonada.
A fin de hacer realidad proyectos de agua y saneamiento en algunas ciudades de la frontera norte de Tamaulipas, el Gobierno del Estado reafirmó la coordinación con la Comisión de Cooperación Ecológica Fronteriza (COCEF). Los proyectos, que ascienden a una inversión de 99.54 millones de dólares, serán apoyados con recursos del Fondo de Infraestructura Ambiental de la Frontera de la Agencia de Protección Ambiental de Estados Unidos (EPA por sus siglas en inglés) y administrados por el Banco de Desarrollo de América del Norte (NADBANK), durante los siguientes años. Los 9 proyectos de agua y saneamiento que se contemplan son: Reynosa: Ampliación de la planta de tratamiento de aguas residuales dos y la construcción de una estación de bombeo de aguas residuales. Nuevo Laredo: Separación de colector pluvial de red de drenaje sanitario. Camargo: Ampliación de la red de alcantarillado. Matamoros: Planta de tratamiento de aguas residuales en la zona oeste, construcción del sistema de conducción de aguas residuales, introducción de drenaje en zonas sin servicio. Río Bravo: Agua potable y alcantarillado. El Gobernador de Tamaulipas, Egidio Torre Cantú, se reunió con la titular de la COCEF, María Elena Giner y con los Secretarios de Obras Públicas, Manuel Rodríguez y de Desarrollo Urbano y Medio Ambiente, Homero de la Garza Tamez. “Esta es la primera vez que un Estado mexicano fronterizo, de los cuatro cubiertos por la Región 6 de la EPA (Chihuahua, Coahuila, Tamaulipas y Nuevo León), es beneficiado con este programa en su totalidad”, indica un comunicado de prensa del Gobierno del Estado. Por otra parte, Giner informó que Tamaulipas recibirá apoyo para desarrollar el Programa Estatal de Acción Climática con fondos de este organismo, el BIDy Tamaulipas. Actualmente la COCEF tiene en cartera 14 proyectos con un costo estimado de 154 millones de dólares, que incluyen proyectos de agua y saneamiento en Miguel Alemán, Matamoros, Reynosa y Río Bravo, así como un proyecto de parque eólico de 54 megavatios en “El Porvenir”.
CIUDAD MIER
Habrá torneo de pesca 22 y 23 de octubre POR MELVA LAVÍN-CASTILLO TIEMPO DE ZAPATA
Ciudad Mier, Tamaulipas, se encuentra lista para celebrar el 22 y 23 de octubre el Primer Torneo de Pesca “Copa Gobernador Egidio Torre Cantú: Hacia la reconstrucción del tejido social”, con premios en efectivo que totalizarán 76.000 pesos. El evento se realizará en
la presa “Las Blancas” del municipio de Mier, con la intención de capturar lobina negra o róbalo, con una medica mínima de 35 cm. del hocico hasta la cola. El horario del evento será el sábado 22 de 8 a.m. a 4 p.m. y el domingo 23 de 8 a.m. a 1 p.m. “La participación será individual y ganará aquel participante que presente la lobina de mayor peso”,
aclara la convocatoria. “Cada participante podrá registrara varias lobinas pero solo se le considerará la más pesada y tendrá derecho solo a un premio”. Otros detalles que los interesados deben considerar son: uso de chaleco salvavidas, contar con el permiso de pesca deportiva, se podrá utilizar solamente caña y carrete. Para inscribirse previo
al evento, puede comunicarse al Sistema DIF en Ciudad Mier al (897) 973-0070 o (897) 973-0071, extensión 6, donde se informará el costo para participar en el torneo y la cuenta de banco donde depositar su inscripción. Los premios serán: primer lugar, 1.800 pesos; segundo lugar, 1.500 pesos; tercer lugar, 1.200 pesos; cuarto lugar, 1.000 pesos; y,
quinto lugar, 500 pesos. Habrá un premio a golón de 5.000 pesos (solamente para categoría a pie y embarcación). El viernes 21 de octubre habrá rompehielos a partir de las 7 p.m. en el Casino Argüelles, y se continuará con la inscripción. Para mayor información pueden enviar correo electrónico a torneopescadifmier@hotmail.com.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2011
THE ZAPATA TIMES 7A
SEAL guilty of smuggling Jury: Scheme was to sell weapons
Feds to attack Calif. pot sales By DON THOMPSON
By KEN RITTER
ASSOCIATED PRESS
ASSOCIATED PRESS
LAS VEGAS — An active-duty Navy SEAL was found guilty Friday in Nevada on 13 federal charges alleging he headed a scheme to sell machine guns, explosives and military hardware from Iraq and Afghanistan in the United States. Petty Officer Nicholas Bickle stood straight in uniform while the verdict was read in U.S. District Court in Las Vegas, then huddled quietly afterward in the courtroom with his parents and sister. Bickle’s lawyer, James Pokorny, characterized Bickle and his family as “chagrined” at the verdict, which the lawyer acknowledged could lead to a dishonorable discharge from the Navy and the loss of benefits. Seventy-two weapons were involved in the case, including more than 30 machine guns, said Thomas L. Chittum III, head of the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives office in Las Vegas. While the firearms were found to be stolen, testimony and evidence didn’t establish how they got into the U.S. Chittum called the case revolving around allegations of war materiel being marketed in the U.S. by a decorated special forces member “an aberration.” “It’s unthinkable that someone with his experience would sell guns like this on the streets of the United States,” the ATF agent said. The case hinged on an investigation last year by undercover ATF agents who enlisted a man who later pleaded guilty to conspiring in the scheme for the purchase of high-powered and hard-to-trace machine guns. Authorities seized handguns and a component for an AK-47 in raids in November at Bickle’s apartment in San Diego, and a storage unit he leased in nearby El Cajon. Raids also were conducted in Las Vegas and at Durango, Colo., where agents were surprised to find five pounds of military C-4 explosive at the home of a close Bickle friend, Richard Paul. Paul, 35, pleaded guilty in January to conspiracy and explosives transport charges and faces 15 years in prison and up to a $500,000 fine at sentencing Oct. 28. The prosecutors in the case, Timothy S. Vasquez and Phillip N. Smith Jr., alleged that profit was the motive for the weapons sales. Prosecutors accused Bickle of controlling the
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Federal prosecutors announced an aggressive crackdown on California pot dispensaries Friday, vowing to shut down dozens of growing and sales operations and saying that the worst offenders are using the cover of medical marijuana to act as storefront drug dealers. Officials described it as the first coordinated statewide offensive against marijuana dealers and suppliers who use California’s 15-year-old medical marijuana law as legal cover for running sophisticated drug trafficking ventures in plain sight. “California’s marijuana industry supplies the nation,” said U.S. Attorney Benjamin Wagner, citing a 2009 federal study that 72 percent of marijuana plants eradicated nationwide were grown in California. “Huge amounts of marijuana grown here in this state is flowing east to other states, and huge amounts of money are flowing back in the opposite direction.” The actions were geared toward stopping a proliferation that has led to thousands of pot shops
opening their doors across the state. The spread was fueled partly by the Obama administration’s assurance two years ago that it did not plan to devote federal resources to countering marijuana outlets operating in compliance with state laws. One example cited by the prosecutors Friday: In one Orange County strip mall, eight of the 11 second-floor suites are occupied by dispensaries and doctors’ offices for doctors where healthy individuals obtain “sham” recommendations to use medical marijuana. It is “a Costco, Walmart-type model that we see across California,” said Andre Birotte Jr., U.S. attorney in the Los Angeles area. Some people making money from medical marijuana openly revel in what some have called “the new California gold rush,” he said. Landlords leasing property to dozens of warehouses and agricultural parcels where marijuana is being grown and retail spaces where pot is sold over the counter are receiving written warnings to evict their tenants or face criminal charges or seizure of their assets, the state’s four U.S. attorneys said.
COUNTY Continued from Page 1A Photo by Julie Jacobson | AP
Petty Officer Nicholas Bickle, right, walks out of the Lloyd George Federal Courthouse with his attorney, James Pokorny, left, and family members on Friday, in Las Vegas. A federal jury Friday found Bickle guilty on 13 of 15 charges in a scheme to sell machine guns and explosives from Iraq and Afghanistan in the United States. sale of military hardware ranging from ammunition to night-vision goggles and high-tech rifle targeting scopes. They made closing arguments to the jury amid an array of AK-47 and M92 machine guns, a sniper rifle, a wheeled footlocker with a false bottom and handguns including Ruger 9mm weapons of the type used by the U.S. military. Smith cited bank records, text messages, phone calls and emails between Bickle and others in the case. He told jurors that like a target sighted through the rifle scopes, the evidence pointed to Bickle. Pokorny maintained the government case was circumstantial and never proved a link between Bickle and the weapons. He asked the jury to consider whether a decorated and accomplished special forces member who had a role in the 2011 movie “Transformers: Dark of the Moon” would risk everything in a
scheme to sell arms in the U.S. Bickle, 34, was acquitted of two of six charges of possession and transfer of a machine gun. He was found guilty of a total of 13 counts, including conspiracy to deal in stolen firearms; dealing in firearms without a license; possession and transfer of machine guns; possession, concealment, sale and disposition of stolen firearms; receiving, concealing and retaining property of the United States; and transportation and distribution of explosives. He could face 125 years in prison and $3.25 million in fines. However, federal sentencing guidelines are expected to provide for a prison sentence of less than 20 years. Judge Roger Hunt let him remain free with an electronic monitor to return to his Navy base and home in San Diego pending sentencing Jan. 20. Pokorny promised to appeal the verdict and seek
probation. “There was no fingerprint evidence, no DNA evidence,” he said. “The bulk of the prosecution case was based on testimony and facts founded upon statements of drug users, convicted felons, drug addicts and arms smugglers.” Pokorny derided the testimony of Paul and two other former co-defendants who pleaded guilty and cooperated with the government in hopes of leniency at their own sentencings. Andrew Kaufman, 37, of Las Vegas, pleaded guilty in December to conspiracy and illegal transfer of a machine gun charges. He faces five years in prison and up to a $500,000 fine at sentencing Oct. 28. Omar Aguirre, 36, of Las Vegas, the man who authorities say facilitated the weapon sales, pleaded guilty in December to conspiracy. He faces five years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine at sentencing Oct. 14.
nated for the Lopeño and San Ygnacio fire departments are now listed as zero for 2012. The 2011 expenditures for thetwo subdepartments were listed at $2,000 and $3,000 respectively. The supplies and services total budgeted expenditures for the Figueroa Public Library dropped by about $2,500; although the book fund remained unchanged at $17,000. Residents dependent on the Nutrition Care Home Delivery department will still be taken care of. Raw food expenses, though they dipped from $18,125 in 2010 to $17,000 in 2011, remain unchanged for 2012. Non-food consumables, however, dropped slightly from $1,100 to $968. The county’s contribution to the Nutrition Center fell $308,846 to $300,573. The across-the-board cuts also hit the road and bridge funds of each precinct commissioner to the tune of $200,000. These cuts mean more emphasis on road maintenance rather than road repair, Precinct 1 Commissioner Jose Vela said on Sept. 3. In a move intended to
offset shortfalls, county employees will now automatically contribute 5 percent of their health insurance costs previously covered by the county. “They’re now participating in covering their own insurance,” said Vela on Friday. “This, we think, is a fair contribution.” Vela reiterated what he and other commissioners told The Zapata Times last month: that the overriding concern was avoiding cuts to personnel. “We didn’t lay off anyone. That was our main concern,” he said. County Tax Assessor/ Collector Luis Lauro Gonzalez anticipated that the county would continue researching new revenue streams, including the proposed bridge to Mexico. “Some were against it,” said Gonzalez, referring to an economic development survey conducted last month that included the bridge idea. “I think we’ll continue looking into that and other ideas to bring in new money for the county.” (Mike Herrera IV can be reached at 728-2567 or mherrera@lmtonline.com)
Local
8A THE ZAPATA TIMES
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2011
COMMAND CENTER AT THE LAKE
Courtesy photo
Shown are 250 pounds of marijuana with a street value of $110,250, seized during a bust Monday afternoon.
Woman charged with possession By CÉSAR G. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES
An elderly woman from McAllen was arrested after trying to move approximately 250 pounds of marijuana across Zapata County on Monday afternoon. Maricela Idalia Canales, 64, is being charged with possession of marijuana. She was taken to the Zapata County Jail, where Justice of the Peace Fernando Muñoz set an $85,000 bond. At about 2:44 p.m. Monday, a deputy initiated a traffic stop about one mile south of Zapata on U.S. 83. The driver of the red 2010 Chevrolet passenger vehicle was identified as Canales.
MARICELA IDALIA CANALES: Facing $85,000 bond in possession case. A sheriff ’s office news release states the deputy noticed a cellophane bundle on the back driver’s side floorboard. A subsequent search of the car yielded 11 bundles of marijuana. The pot weighed approximately 250 pounds and had an estimated street value of $110,250. Sheriff ’s office Sgt. Mario Elizondo said the vehicle was heading toward Laredo. (César G. Rodriguez may be reached at 728-2568 or cesar@lmtonline.com)
Courtesy photo
The Zapata County Sheriff’s Office Mobile Command Center was stationed at the public boat ramp last weekend to provide security at a fishing tournament. The center will be located at the county boat ramp again this weekend for another tournament. Shown last weekend are Texas Ranger Nathan R. Mutz and sheriff’s investigator Gregory Gutierrez planning security.
CARTEL Continued from Page 1A to a PGR report. The men acted as “halcones” (lookouts) for the organization. All three men received money from “tienditas” (drug-selling points), “fayuqueros” (people who smuggle merchandise into Mexico without paying taxes) and “pateros” (human smugglers). The PGR report goes on to say the three men charged a “tax” to people who would arrive with drugs at Nuevo Laredo. Also this week, the PGR announced Wednesday an arrest warrant issued against 14 alleged Gulf Cartel associates arrested in Nuevo Laredo during a July shootout.
Authorities identified them as Luis Enrique Cervantes Ortiz, known as “El Flaco”; José Hugo Delgado Galindo, known as “El Cejas”; Mario Ángel Díaz López, known as “Spun”; David Hernández Hernández, known as “Huerco”; Rubén Gámez, known as “El Homie”; Juan Manuel Garza Cortes, known as “Flaco”; and Juan Francisco López Cordero, known as “El Ratón.” The list goes on with Julio César May Rodríguez, known as “Guacho”; José Montoya Benítez, known as “Ocho”; Mario Enedilson Raffles Campos or Mario Enedilson Refes Campos, known as “Bar-
bas”; David Ramos Ibarra, known as “El único”; José Alberto Robles Martínez, known as “El Java”; Antonio Rodríguez Aguilar known as “Calaca”; and Octavio Rodríguez Camacho, known as “El Talibán.” All men are facing charges of organized crime and possession of firearms and ammo clips used exclusively by military personnel. A PGR report states the Mexican army detained the men July 25 in Nuevo Laredo after shots were fired between organized crime rivals. The 14 defendants were transported to the prison Centro Federal de Readaptación Social número 5, “Oriente,” in Veracruz.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2011
ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM
Sports&Outdoors CROSS COUNTRY
Home stretch By CLARA SANDOVAL THE ZAPATA TIMES
Courtesy photo
Zapata Lady Hawks race to the finish line in hopes of winning a district, regional and eventual state championship at Round Rock.
The time to show off all the season’s hard work is just three weeks away, coming in the form of the District 32-3A cross country meet. Zapata has run without an elite state ranking all year, but that’s only served to motivate them more. The district cross country meet on Saturday, Oct. 22, in Zapata will be the team’s chance to make a serious statement. Last week, the Lady Hawks swept the varsity and junior varsity division at the Carrizo Springs Invitational, despite fielding a young and
Zapata runners race toward one ultimate goal: a state championship inexperienced team. The Lady Hawks turned in a remarkable performance scoring 19 points, four points shy of a perfect score in cross country. Zapata grabbed the top three spots and all seven runners finished in the top 10, even after having a few teammates sit out to nurse injuries. State qualifier Jazime Garcia has turned in a stellar season while guiding the young Lady Hawks to a top performance level. Garcia captured the individual girls’ title, her second victory this season, and continued chas-
ing her goal of making a return trip to the state meet. Behind Garcia, Cassie Peña and Agela Darnell came in second and third place, respectively. Brianna Gonzalez (sixth place), Janette Chapa (seventh), Alex Garcia (eighth) and Maria Rodriguez (10th) rounded out the top ten finishers. Similar to the varsity’s impressive feat, the junior varsity turned in 17 points with four runners finishing in the top five. Norma Cepeda and Bian-
See CROSS COUNTRY PAGE 2B
Running in the right direction
Courtesy photo
Zapata Middle School’s Merlins are coming off their first championship of the season at the 8th Annual Cross Country Invitational last Saturday.
Merlins rake in medals, championship By CLARA SANDOVAL THE ZAPATA TIMES
Zapata Middle School continues to be the high school cross country program’s premier talent pipeline. The Merlins hosted the 8th Annual Cross Country Invitational last Saturday. The 7th grade boys’ team turned in a stellar performance by taking home eight out of the top
15 medals and grabbing their first championship of the season. Once again leading the way for the Merlins, Joan Zuniga finished runner up followed by Jose Avila in third. Jorge Garcia (sixth), Kris Hinkel (eighth), Connor Moreno (ninth), Mito Landa (13th), Albert Hinojosa (14th), and Javy Flores (15th) rounded out the team. Teammates Jorge
Perez, Jose Guzman, Juan Diaz, and Gabriel Peña contributed to the team’s win as well. Valo Villarreal’s second place finish led the Merlins, followed by Jacob Villarreal (seventh), Simon Nino (ninth), Leandro Hinojosa (10th), Austin Brandon, and Adrian Bugg. The boys and girls head to Roma Middle School this week, where they’ll strive to bring back four team
championships. On the girls side, both the 7th and 8th grade girls’ teams finished in second place. The 7th grade girls finished behind rival La Grulla, once again led by Abby Zuniga’s first place finish. Mariela Hernandez took second, with Gaby Gonzalez (eighth), Daniela Santos (ninth) in the top 10. Vanessa Guerra, Samantha Peña, and Daniela
Guzman contributed as well. The 8th grade girls were led by Norma Ramirez with a strong third place finish, while the rest of the team consisted of Alexa Alvarez (fifth), Raquel Almaguer (sixth), Andrea Garza (seventh), Alondra Lara (12th), and Tatiana Lopez (16th) and Andrea Reyes (17th) just missed medals.
In a few weeks Zapata will host the 32-3A District cross country meet with every team attempting to put their best foot forward. All of Zapata County is highly encouraged to come out and support your Hawks and Lady Hawks runners as they once again aim for a district title, a regional berth and a trip to the state meet. I’m not sure if Zapata understands how hard it is to accomplish this feat year in and year out. To win a district title is great and a regional title is even better, but a trip to state is the ultimate goal that every single team dreams about but few ever accomplish. The cross country teams in Zapata have accomplished that feat over the past few years. That has become the ex-
See SANDOVAL PAGE 2B
Zapata preys on District 32-3A By CLARA SANDOVAL LAREDO MORNING TIMES
The Lady Hawks have worked hard to stay perfect throughout the district season, yet still have some goals to accomplish. A district title is at the top of their list and they’re on track to successfully defend their title, with the halfway point in the second round approaching. Zapata picked up two wins against Progreso and PSJA Southwest last week to push their record at 9-0 (15-7 overall), staying atop the district standings. Zapata soundly beat firstyear varsity program PSJA Southwest 25-12, 2514 and 25-12. “The team played well,” Zapata coach Rosie Villarreal said. “Everyone
played to their potential and it showed in the last two games.” Zapata continues displaying a balanced offense led by the best 1-2 combination in recent memory. Shelby Bigler and Kristina De Leon carry the offensive load for the Lady Hawks, complimenting each other on the court. They had 13 kills apiece while Jackie Salinas chipped in with six of her own to lead all offensive players.
Zapata vs. Progreso Zapata started out sluggish against Progreso on Saturday, digging deep down to pull out a 25-22, 25-8 and 25-8 victory. The Lady Hawks took a
while to warm up their engines, nearly letting the opening set slip away in the process. “I don’t know if it was because of homecoming the night before,” Villarreal said. “But we didn’t come out ready to play. We came out sluggish and struggled in the first set. We couldn’t get the ball to the setter and we had her running all over the place.” Zapata pulled out the first set and began playing more like themselves in the second and third sets, holding the Lady Red Ants to eight points in each of the final sets. Bigler had a field day with the defense recording 20 kills while De Leon became a terror at the net with 18 kills.
Zapata faces a lengthy layoff, not returning until Oct. 18th against rival La Feria. The Lady Hawks were scheduled to play today, but the game was moved to Friday, Oct. 21st. ZAPATA STATS VS PSJA: Abby Aguilar (16 digs, four aces), Salinas (three aces, five digs), Biger (two aces, one block), Kristina De Leon (two aces, five digs), Estella Molina (30 assists, two aces). ZAPATA STATS VS PROGRESO: Bigler (20 kills, four aces, two blocks), De Leon (18 kills, one ace), Aguilar (one ace, 14 digs), Molina (35 assists), Jackie Salinas (seven digs), Liana Flores (four digs) (Clara Sandoval can be reached at sandoval.clara@gmail.com)
Photo by Clara Sandoval | The Zapata Times
Zapata Lady Hawks head coach Rosie Villarreal speaks with her team, leading them to a perfect District 32-3A campaign thus far.
PAGE 2B
Zscores
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2011
NBA lockout creates economic ripple for all By TOM WITHERS ASSOCIATED PRESS
CLEVELAND — Across the street from Quicken Loans Arena, a building that rocks and rolls from November until April as home to the Cavaliers, reality is posted on a wall. Harry Buffalo is one of the downtown restaurants in Cleveland that counts heavily on the beer-drinking, burger-devouring NBA crowd to keep its doors open. Operations manager John Adams has taped an internet report outside the kitchen for his waitresses, bartenders and cooks to read. With yellow highlighter, he’s shaded the grim news of the NBA labor impasse for his employees, some of whom may soon lose their jobs if there’s no deal. This is where the lockout hits home, and hits hardest. “It’s rough,” Adams said, glancing toward The Q. “I’ve got three single moms on my wait staff and two single dads in the kitchen. I’ve got their 11 children to think about. It’s painful when it’s out of my control, when I have to put the business first and say I can’t have 15 servers on staff because we don’t have the business.” This week, the NBA canceled its preseason. On Monday, Commissioner David Stern may wipe out the first two weeks of the regular season if his millionaire players and even wealthier owners can’t agree on how to split revenue and cap salaries. Sure, players are temporarily out of work and will have to find ways to maintain their skills. But Kobe Bryant has the luxury of potentially signing with an Italian team to do that, earning a big salary until the labor unrest settles. Others aren’t as fortunate. The loss of one game, let alone 10 or maybe all 82, will have a devastating impact on workers with jobs dependent on pro basketball’s six-month-plus season. A few teams have already trimmed their staffs and more layoffs could be forthcoming if the discussions drag on. Then there are those who don’t work
Photo by Tony Dejak | AP
Caitlin Cassidy, manager of Harry Buffalo, sits at a table with the Quicken Loans Arena, where the Cleveland Cavaliers play, in the background, in Cleveland. The league’s cancellation of the preseason and the likelihood that regular-season games will soon be wiped out is causing collateral economic damage in cities around the league. The loss of games will mean the loss of jobs for waitresses, bartenders, hotel workers and others who count on pro basketball’s six-month season for employment. directly for an NBA team but who still depend on the excitement the league brings to town. Ushers, security personnel, parking lot attendants, concession workers, restaurant employees and others all stand to have their hours cut or join the country’s 14 million unemployed. “Yeah, financially, I’m worried,” said waitress Jeannette Lauersdorf, a single mother of two, who on a quiet Wednesday afternoon is serving six guests at three tables inside Harry Buffalo. On a night the Cavs are playing, the place has a 30-minute wait for a table. “We’ve got bills to pay.” Nerves, already frayed in a depressed economy, are unraveling. As it was during the NFL’s labor dispute, certain cities around the league will bear more of a burden than others until the NBA gets bouncing again. Markets like Orlando, Memphis, Salt Lake
City and Portland, with no other income being generated by a major professional sports franchise, could be facing a long winter. At this point, there’s no telling how long the lockout will last, but NBA deputy commissioner Adam Silver projected losses if the season’s opening two weeks are canceled in “the millions of dollars.” “We’ve spent a lot of time with our teams walking through those scenarios of lost games,” Silver said. “The damage is enormous, will be enormous.” While Cleveland may be undergoing a minor renaissance with new construction, including a downtown casino being built by a group headed by Cavs owner Dan Gilbert, unemployment remains high. There’s a thriving one-block strip of East Fourth Street, where upscale eateries lure guests no matter the time of year. But closer to the Q, some bars and restaurants are still recovering from
CROSS COUNTRY Continued from Page 1B ca Ponce were neck-andneck the entire way rallying a dead sprint for the finished line. Cepeda took first with Ponce steps behind in second. “We had great bounce back performances from (Cepeda) and (Ponce),” coach Mike Villarreal said. “They battled the entire way, until (Cepeda) out kicked (Ponce) for the
win.” Daniela Vela, recovering from an injury, turned in a third place performance, while Maria Angeles came in fourth place. Corina Martinez broke her personal record for the second time this season, the first coming at the UTSA meet. Martinez finished in seventh. The Lady Hawks will be
competing at the 4th Annual Meet of Champions in Donna this morning. On Saturday, Oct. 15, Zapata will host a special mile run at the stadium at 9 a.m. The public is invited to attend and watch the Lady Hawks show their stuff before district. (Clara Sandoval can be reached at sandoval.clara@gmail.com)
SANDOVAL Continued from Page 1B pectation each year with both the boys’ and girls’ teams in Zapata; they are heralded as among the best in the state. Zapata is fortunate to have coaches like Mike Villarreal and Luis Escamilla who are dedicated to their craft year round, and giving each athlete the tools needed to succeed. The pair of coaches are thinking about cross country every waking moment of every day. They’re like two mad scientists obsessed with perfecting a formula for success, and their results speak for themselves. Villarreal and Escamilla know what it takes to get their team to the next level, having done it so often that people in Zapata might take for granted what it means to take a team to state. Taking a team to state once is hard, back-to-back trips is harder, but making three straight trips really
tests every coach. Round Rock and Old Settlers Park has become the final race for both teams for the past few years and they wouldn’t have it any other way. Villarreal, just like Escamilla, don’t take summers off to lounge around, but instead they are with their teams building them for success at the necessary rate to peak at the right time. Escamilla doesn’t even race his team every weekend, instead he opts to save his runners’ legs every other Saturday because he is looking at the bigger picture: state. I was fortunate to head to Zapata and visit with coach Escamilla a few weeks ago. As I made my way to the high school I found him and the team by the softball field getting ready to run a few miles. The runners were very polite and answered the questions that I had to their best of their ability,
and after asking them about being ranked in state, they told me that it was nice but they have only one goal in mind. They told me, with no hesitation, that they were certainly going to accomplish that goal. I can’t wait to finally see both teams in action this Saturday when they travel to Laredo for the UISD Invitational Cross Country meet. That is when I finally get to meet the most successful runners in the area. Many of them wearing their letterman’s jackets full of district, regional and state patches setting up as the envy of the meet. Laredo will finally get to see a true team effort on the boys’ and the girls’ side. I just hope they slow down long enough to give me a few minutes of their time. (Clara Sandoval can be reached at sandoval.clara@gmail.com)
the financial aftershock caused by superstar LeBron James leaving. When James was with the Cavs, the Gateway District crawled with fans, some of whom bought season tickets in 2009 for last season — under the assumption their favorite player would stay in Cleveland. But now that he’s in Miami, and the Cavs are no longer a title contender, fans aren’t flocking downtown. “Even if there is a season, I think we’re going to take a hit,” said Caitlin Cassidy, manager at Harry Buffalo. “People love the Cavs, but they love the Cavs more when they’re winning. Even last year, people who had season tickets didn’t come all the time. Cleveland fans are a special breed. They come down and watch the Cavs and drink beer and hang out, but it’s definitely not been the same without LeBron.” Memphis could experience a similar dropoff if
the lockout deepens. A young team on the upswing, the Grizzlies captivated the city last spring with its playoff run. Fans poured out of sold-out FedEx Forum and into the Beale Street entertainment area to toast each postseason win, and there’s hope similar celebrations will take place this April, May — and maybe into June. The team reports season-ticket sales are up. But tickets have no value without a season. “We have a franchise we feel is locked and loaded to be very competitive for the next four, five, six years barring injuries,” said Kevin Kane, president and CEO of the Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We’ve got a product the city’s really excited about, the city’s engaged with.” Orlando’s situation is different. In February, the Magic are slated to host NBA AllStar Weekend, an international event projected to
bring $100 million to the city. But the lockout’s uncertain endgame is delaying plans from being finalized, and already local businesses are scrambling to help offset losses if more games are canceled at year-old Amway Arena. Owners of upscale Draft Global Beer Lounge and Grill, which opened across from Amway in March, fear it could be a tough season ahead. “The economic impact would be detrimental,” coowner Willie Fisher said. “This location is one of the main reasons we chose this location.” During the winter, Utah fans eat up the Jazz and Crown Burgers. From the parking lot of his restaurant, Mike Katsanevas can see the edge of EnergySolutions Arena, home of the Jazz. Katsanevas, whose family has been selling burgers, including one crowned with pastrami, for three decades, estimates a lost NBA season would offset his business by 25 to 30 percent — and not just this season. Katsanevas predicts fans won’t renew their season tickets. “People were upset and had a right to be. Everybody needs to be paid for their jobs,” he said. “But how much money do you need to make? Let’s be honest here. Everybody else is suffering (in this economy). I don’t want to bad-mouth players or the owners, but how much money do these guys really need to keep making?” Cassidy said while the vibe around Harry Buffalo’s staff is upbeat and hopeful that the lockout will be lifted, several employees are making plans just in case. A few of her waitresses have picked up shifts elsewhere, and she’s being honest with any new applicants who come through the door. In days and weeks ahead, the staff may shrink. “It’s scary for us, too,” she said. “Because who is going to want to work here if there’s no customers? I always tell applicants that the good times always make up for the bad times.”
No. 24 Aggies take on Texas Tech today By BETSY BLANEY ASSOCIATED PRESS
LUBBOCK — But for two second-half meltdowns, No. 24 Texas A&M might be undefeated and still in the national championship hunt heading into Saturday night’s game at Texas Tech. Instead, it’s the Red Raiders bringing an unblemished record into the final Big 12 matchup between the two old rivals, the last hurrah before the Aggies leave for the Southeastern Conference next season. The game will be a homecoming of sorts for Aggies senior quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who grew up about 100 south of Lubbock in Big Spring. He said his team is in “dire need” of a win. “It’s nice to be able to go back but this game could be anywhere in the country,” said Tannehill, who started and won his first game at quarterback last year against Texas Tech. But “we are coming off two tough losses and we need to win this game.” Texas A&M had a 17point lead at home against Oklahoma State after two quarters and lost 30-29. They squan-
dered an 18-point halftime lead to Arkansas last week and lost 42-38. Texas Tech coach Tommy Tuberville doesn’t think the losses will hamper the Aggies (2-2, 0-1 Big 12). “I don’t think it will be a big effect for them,” he said. “Sometimes the best teams don’t win. The ball bounced the other way, you don’t get a break.” The Aggies need look back no further than last year to see that their season can be repaired. After an early three-game losing streak — to Oklahoma State, Arkansas and Missouri — they came back to compete for the Big 12 title. “We’re so close,” Tannehill said. “It’s no time to get crazy or freak out. We just need to make good plays.” Tannehill, who threw for a school-record 449 yards and four touchdowns in last year’s 45-27 win over the Red Raiders in College Station, said his team understands the challenge. He is averaging 285 passing yards this season but has thrown five interceptions. “You can’t play one half and expect to win,” he said. “You have to play the full game on both sides of the ball.” The game pits two of the worst defenses in the coun-
try: Texas A&M is dead last (120th) in pass defense and the Red Raiders are nearly at the bottom (117th) against the rush — not a great situation since the Aggies are No. 15 nationally rushing behind Cyrus Gray and Christine Michael. The two average a combined 192 yards rushing per game, and they could have banner days against a Texas Tech defense that allows 229. Last year, the Aggies got 174 rushing yards on 43 carries. “It’s going to be pretty tough,” Red Raiders defensive back Tre’ Porter said. “Last year they put up pretty big numbers.” On the other side, Texas Tech quarterback Seth Doege is ninth nationally in passing yards per game (328.7) with 14 touchdowns and just one interception. Aggies coach Mike Sherman said it will be difficult to slow Doege. “It’s hard because of the way they take their pass sets and the way the quarterback drop,” he said. “It’s hard to get to him.” Texas A&M has won two straight over the Red Raiders (4-0, 1-0), but before the Aggies’ 2009 win in Lubbock, they had lost seven straight there. Taking on an unbeaten Texas A&M team would have been fine with Doege.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2011
THE ZAPATA TIMES 3B
HINTS BY | HELOISE Dear Readers: A letter from a reader about not finding a HANDICAP VAN SPACE available when shopping sparked a lot of comments. I mentioned that not all handicapped people “look” handicapped. This topic, as always, struck a nerve. Here are what JUST A FEW readers had to say: Linda, via e-mail, says: “I am one of those seemingly ‘able-bodied’ people who have a handicap tag. I suffer from conditions where I am unable to walk more than a dozen feet without getting out of breath. I get dirty looks from people because my handicap is not apparent. I wish people would not be so quick to judge, because not all handicaps are visibly apparent.” Christine, via email, says: “Thank you for pointing out that all disabilities are not always visible. I was accosted in a parking lot by a woman who apparently has amazing powers of medical deduction. One look and she ‘knew’ I was either perfectly healthy or miraculously healed. The state determines eligibility for who gets the placards or plates. I make a point of parking in smaller spaces than those used by vans with a ramp because I know that there are those who need the extra space.” Judy in Ohio says: “I beg to differ with the reader who objects to vehicles other than vans parking in the van-accessible spots. The signs, at least in my state, don’t say ‘Van only.’ When a person is disabled, as in my case, I say, ‘First come, first served.’” Thanks to all who wrote. — Heloise
PET PAL Dear Readers: Angie from Michigan sent in a photo of Mr. Squirrel eating a piece of bread. Angie says: “I feed the birds, chipmunks and squirrels each day. I put out only what they will eat right
“
HELOISE
away; I don’t leave large amounts sitting out.” To see Mr. Squirrel, go to www.Heloise.com and click on “Pets.” — Heloise
REFRIGERATOR MAGNETS Dear Heloise: After reading a hint about refrigerator magnets, I had to let you know how we solved the problem. My husband hated the clutter on the refrigerator. We have a small cabinet off to the side in the kitchen. We bought brand-new cookie sheets that would fit on the cabinet. He installed them on the front of the cabinet, and that is where my decorative and favorite magnets are kept. They are still in the kitchen and fun to look at. — Jo Ellen Keller, Vincennes, Ind.
EASY HINT Dear Readers: When you have boxes of dry milk, instant potatoes or other food, sometimes you get down to the bottom only to find that the food will no longer come out of the spout. I cut the box in half and then pour out what’s left. No waste! — Heloise
GIFT-CARD BALANCE Dear Heloise: I keep track of a gift-card balance by writing it on the card with a fine-tip permanent pen. — Laura in California Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to 1-210-HELOISE or email it to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.
DAILY CRYPTOQUOTES — Here’s how to work it:
FAMILY CIRCUS
DENNIS THE MENACE
Sports
4B THE ZAPATA TIMES
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2011
Red River serves as ’Horns’ measuring stick By JAIME ARON ASSOCIATED PRESS
DALLAS — Unlike the folks throwing softballs at weighteddown milk bottles or those shooting basketballs at narrow rims, Mack Brown and his No. 11 Longhorns are guaranteed to have something meaningful to take home from their trip to the State Fair of Texas this weekend. Should Texas beat No. 3 Oklahoma in the 106th Red River rivalry, it would be the ultimate sign of progress for Brown’s rebuilding from a 5-7 season. Yet, even if the Longhorns lose Saturday at the Cotton Bowl, Brown and his staff will find out a lot more about their squad by seeing them play the best team in their conference, and one of the best in the country. Brown will learn whether his 4-0 club is really as good as the scoreboard indicated after the last two games — lopsided road victories over UCLA and Iowa State — or whether they’re closer to the team that opened the season with a slow start against Rice and needed a late rally to beat BYU by a point at home. “I want to see us respond,” Brown said. Coming off a year that began with big hopes and wound up being his first losing season at Texas, Brown saw turnover at both coordinator positions, then changed quarterback early this season. That much change could leave a guy queasy, but it’s quite the opposite. The stomach-churning came during the collapse, leaving Brown pretty relaxed now that things are starting to fall in place. His calm approach to this game is especially noteworthy considering its importance. Here’s how season-defining it can be: Back when the Big 12 was big enough to have divisions (1996-2010), Oklahoma or Texas won the South all but twice, including the last 11 years. “There’s no doubt the pressure’s also on them more than us,” Brown said. “I mean, they’re supposed to win and we’re getting better. That’s fact, whether you like it or not.” Given those options, Sooners coach Bob Stoops likes it. Besides, Stoops knows an impressive win might be exactly
Photo by Vernon Bryant | AP
Texas Longhorn D.J. Monreo (26) is tackled by Oklahoma Sooner Travis Lewis (28) during the first half of play at the 2010 Red River Rivalry at the Cotton Bowl at Fair Park in Dallas. what Oklahoma needs to regain the No. 1 spot it held in the preseason poll. The Sooners have been passed by SEC heavyweights LSU and Alabama. Held at the Cotton Bowl — about 190 miles from each campus — the Texas-OU/OU-Texas game remains one of college football’s greatest pageants. Ask anyone who’s played or coached in the game and they talk about charging out of the tunnel and into a scene that Brown described as “a bowl game in midseason.” The stadium is split 50-50, burnt orange on one side, crimson and cream on the other. There’s the carnival atmosphere for everyone to enjoy on the way in and out, mostly out this year as kick-
off is at 11 a.m. And there are the smells. Depending on which way the wind is blowing, fans will inhale the aroma of corny dogs and delicacies such as fried praline sweet potato poppers, or the stench of a livestock arena that’s a short punt away. This spectacle is so unique and has meant so much to so many generations (it’s been this way since 1932) that officials from both schools resisted movements to drag the games back to their campuses or to Cowboys Stadium in Arlington. Each of those settings might be more profitable, but, in this case, tradition trumped dollars. It could even be argued that this game helped keep the Big 12
together. The bond between these schools turned out to be stronger than that between Texas and its other big rival, Texas A&M, as the Aggies fled to the SEC, likely ending their historic series. Their departure set off a realignment frenzy nationwide and threatened to dissolve this conference. But after looking around, UT and OU decided to stay put, helping keep the league intact. This is the kind of series commentators like to hype by saying “you can throw the records out when those teams meet.” Except, lately, the rankings have been a good indicator of which team is going to win. The higher-ranked team is 9-2 since 2000, with the upper hand
swinging back and forth. The Sooners won every meeting from ’00-04, and by a combined score of 189-54. Back then, the pressure was mounting on Brown, and Vince Young changed everything by beating Oklahoma on the way to a national championship in ’05, starting a run of four Texas victories in five years. The Sooners won again last year, 28-20, with Landry Jones at quarterback. He got into the game as a freshman the previous year, when Sam Bradford got hurt. Now, he’s returning for his third appearance in this series carrying the title of leading passer in school history. He’s also fourth in the nation with 361.8 yards per game passing and fresh off throwing five touchdowns, albeit against Ball State. Favorite target Ryan Broyles comes in 13 catches shy of the NCAA career record, but the Longhorns can’t blanket him because they still have to deal with Kenny Stills. In the fourth quarter against Florida State, he kept the winning drive alive with a thirdand-long catch, then made a terrific catch for a touchdown. Dominique Whaley has emerged at running back, chugging behind an offensive line that’s allowed only two sacks, while linebacker Travis Lewis leads an Oklahoma defense that’s racked up 11 sacks and seven interceptions. The Longhorns are led by a quarterback tandem of sophomore Case McCoy and freshman David Ash, and a freshman running back, Malcolm Brown. Coach Brown famously held Cedric Benson out of the lineup when he was a freshman, letting him play only a single play against Oklahoma and even that only because someone had lost a shoe and needed a replacement. Texas is amazingly balanced on offense and the defense is keeping foes to 289 yards per game. Of course, they haven’t faced an offense like this. Even if the Longhorns don’t match last year’s win total in this game, and maybe not next weekend, when they face Oklahoma State, they seem poised for a quick return. Already being ranked No. 11 indicates they already have bounced back, even if they’ve yet to face a stiff test.