STAR RUNNERS
SATURDAY OCTOBER 17, 2009
FREE
GIRLS’ XC TEAM COMING OFF BIG MEET, 1B
DELIVERED EVERY SATURDAY
TO 4,000 HOMES
A HEARST PUBLICATION
ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM
ZAPATA COUNTY
NATIONAL
Retirees hear ‘no’
Hot air boy a hoax?
Commissioners won’t pay 100 percent of their insurance costs By JULIE DAFFERN THE ZAPATA TIMES
The Zapata Commissioners Court opted not to cover 100 percent of the insurance premium for its retired employees at its Monday meeting. Commissioner Jose
Emilio Vela said the court was approached by some retirees after the county agreed to pay the entire insurance premium for those currently employed. The retirees, who currently have 85 percent of the premium paid by the county, asked
the whole sum be paid. Vela said the Commissioners Court did not have money set aside for that. “We just can’t afford it right now,” he said. There are about 15 retired employees on the county’s insurance. Vela
said he feared more would sign up if they heard the county was paying the full premium. “If we change that, it’s going to be a big liability,” he said. Commissioner Gabriel Villarreal agreed with Vela, saying that the 85
percent being paid for by the county was fair for the retired employees. Also at Monday’s meeting, the court approved a resolution clarifying that the only people who can access a
See COUNTY PAGE 10A
A GRATEFUL NATION
Photo by Cuate Santos | Laredo Morning Times
Jeff Milligan, left, director of the VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System, gets a handshake from Manuel Uribe, Post Commander for the American Legion Post 486 on Monday afternoon during a ceremony for a mobile medical unit.
Cuellar, others unveil medical unit for veterans THE ZAPATA TIMES
A new mobile medical unit that will provide health care services for the area’s veterans was unveiled earlier this week to the applause of local veterans who were delighted with the increased local access to medical care. “It’s very convenient for all of us,” said Alberto J. Arambula, finance officer for American Legion Post 486. “We can get primary care – blood work, X-rays – and do paperwork right here. They can even do teleconferences with specialists in San Antonio and elsewhere. It’s the latest technology. “It saves us a trip to Laredo or farther,” the Vietnam veteran added. Not only will Zapata County veterans be able to receive primary care at the unit, they also will have access to preventative
care and some mental health services. A doctor and nurse travel with the unit when it visits Zapata, currently scheduled every first and third Thursday of the month. “There is no need for our veterans to have to travel out of town to receive health services that they so desperately need,” said Congressman Henry Cuellar, who was in Zapata for the unveiling ceremony Monday. “These veterans were there for us when our nation needed them most, and now we have to be there for them when they need us most.” A strong advocate of services for veterans, Cuellar worked closely the last couple of years with the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure that these medical services came to Zapata County. Arambula said veterans are
See VETERANS PAGE 9A
Photo by Cuate Santos | Laredo Morning Times
At the ribbon cutting for the mobile medical unit were, left to right, Teo Garza, Zapata County Auditor; Congressman Henry Cuellar; Post Commander Manuel Uribe; VA chief Jeff Milligan; and Zapata County Judge Rosalva Guerra.
By P. SOLOMON BANDA AND IVAN MORENO ASSOCIATED PRESS
FORT COLLINS, Colo. — By all accounts, Richard Heene is an unapologetic self-promoter who would pursue all sorts of off-the-wall stunts to get media attention. Flying saucers, mountaintop helicopter stunts, storm chasing, reality TV shows — no gag was beyond his limits. But would he go so far as to hide his 6-year-old son in the rafters of his garage for five hours and make it seem like the boy floated away in a helium balloon? It was a question being asked everywhere Friday, one day after the balloon drama unfolded live on television during a frenzied search before little Falcon Heene was found. The sheriff ’s office said it does not believe at this point that the balloon episode was a stunt, but investigators planned to question the family again Saturday. Richard Heene denies that the events were a hoax, dismissing such allegations as “extremely pathetic.” Doubts surfaced after a series of bizarre TV interviews, including one on CNN in which Falcon Heene told his parents “you said we did this for a show” when asked why he did not come down from the garage rafters during the search.
Talk shows The family made the rounds on the morning talk shows Friday, and little Falcon threw up during two separate interviews when asked why he hid. Larimer County Sheriff Jim Alderden acknowledged that Falcon’s comments on CNN had clearly “raised everybody’s level of skepticism.” But, he said, investigators had no reason to believe the whole thing was a hoax. Alderden said the family seemed genuine during the panic, and he believed events could have unfolded just as they described: Falcon got frightened when his father scolded him for playing inside the balloon, and hid in the garage out of fear. If the balloon ordeal was a hoax, the parents could be charged with making a false report to authorities, a low-level misdemeanor, Alderden said. He said authorities would need to bring a criminal case before attempting to recoup restitution costs for the thousands of dollars spent to search for the boy, an effort that involved military helicopters, a ground rescue and even a mounted posse.
SPIRITUAL
Winter Texans serve others By ERIKA LAMBRETON THE ZAPATA TIMES
When temperatures begin to drop, Winter Texans begin to migrate down to sunny Zapata. With the inevitable rush of people seeking warmer temperatures, there are those who stand ready to serve their needs. Including some of their own. The Abiding Savior Lutheran Church, whose congregation is almost entirely made up of Winter Texans,
is welcoming Pastor Paul Helmer and his wife, Charlene, back to Zapata again for their annual six-month stay. “The people that come to Zapata from the northern parts of the United States during this time of the year, their spiritual needs need to be attended as well as teachings of the Gospel and the sacrament of the Lord, it is very important and I am glad I am able to do it,” Pastor Helmer said. “This is their church
home in Zapata and they need spiritual care while they’re here.” Their first service is Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Helmer, originally born in Brazil while his father was on missionary work, retired several years ago from being a pastor in Fort Dodge, Iowa. “I retired when I was 62 and began looking for something to do in a more limited service and when the chairman of the (Zapata) congregation approached
me in 2005, I was very pleased,” Helmer said. For almost five years, Helmer and his wife, Charlene, an organist with the church, have made the trek from their home in Kansas to Zapata. It’s a new and interesting experience for the couple. “It’s a different kind of a culture, and we’re becoming familiar with the area,” the pastor said. “We just enjoy coming to Zapata.”
See SERVE PAGE 10A
Courtesy photo
Pastor Paul Helmer and his wife, Charlene, spend their winters in Zapata, where he ministers to Abiding Savior Lutheran Church six months out of the year. She’s the church organist.
PAGE 2A
Zin brief CALENDAR
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2009
AROUND TEXAS
TODAY IN HISTORY
Saturday, Oct. 17 Margo Veterinary Clinic is having a rabies vaccination drive from 9 a.m. to noon at the Zapata County Fair Pavilion. Services include vaccinations for dogs and cats as well as the Coggins Test. Prices vary, depending on the service. Microchipping will be available for $45. For more information, call the clinic at 487- 3623 or Zapata County Animal Control at 765-6201. The 2009 Laredos RioFest begins its day-long, non-race activities at 8 a.m. today at Los Dos Laredos Park near International Bridge I. The Binational Kayak and Canoe River Race begins at 9 a.m. from the ColombiaSolidarity International Bridge. Racers will make a 33-mile trek down the river to the park. For a complete schedule of events, visit www.laredosriofest.com Laredo Under Seven Flags Rotary Club is seeking to draw the largest bubble-blowing crowd on the Rio Grande. The club has scheduled its first “Purple Pinkie Bubble ReDouble” between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. today as part of the 2009 Laredo RioFest at the Los Dos Laredos Park. The public is invited to bring their wands and bubble mix and join in on the camaraderie and excitement by blowing bubble along the river. “Man of La Mancha” will be presented at Texas A&M International University’s new Center for the Fine and Performing Arts theater by the Laredo Theater Guild International in cooperation with TAMIU as part of the university’s 40th anniversary celebration. The show starts at 8 p.m. It continues through Sunday, Oct. 18. For ticket information, call 319-8610.
Sunday, Oct. 18 Today is the final performance of “Man of La Mancha,” presented at Texas A&M International University’s new Center for the Fine and Performing Arts theater by the Laredo Theater Guild International in cooperation with TAMIU as part of the university’s 40th anniversary celebration. The show begins at 3 p.m. For ticket information, call 319-8610.
Photo by Gerald Herbert | AP
President Barack Obama is introduced by former President George H.W. Bush at the start of the Points of Light Institute forum at Texas A&M University in College Station, on Friday.
A&M trip gets protests By JUAN A. LOZANO ASSOCIATED PRESS
COLLEGE STATION — Several hundred protesters, some carrying signs reading “Nobama” and “We Don’t Want Your Change,” gathered at Texas A&M University on Friday to protest President Barack Obama’s visit to the traditionally conservative school. The protesters assembled hours before Obama spoke during a forum on community service at the invitation of former President George H.W. Bush. In a letter to the “Texas A&M Family” this week, Bush — whose presidential library is on campus — said Obama’s visit was about community service not politics. Nevertheless, protesters made speeches criticizing Obama’s efforts to reform health care and accused him of promoting a socialist agenda, unfairly taxing the middle class
and promoting big government. Many of the protesters were from anti-tax Tea Party groups that bused in members from around the state to College Station, located about 100 miles northwest of Houston. The protesters were allowed to gather at a park near the auditorium where Obama was to speak, but the president would not be able to see them because a parking garage blocked the view. James Martinez, a 61-year-old retired truck driver, said even though Obama would not see the protesters, their presence would be known. “The way the government and America is going, we’re losing all our freedoms and headed toward socialism and communism,” said Martinez, who attended the protest with others from Giddings, about 60 miles southwest of the campus.
Monday, Oct. 19 The Zapata County Fair Association will be having its semi-annual meeting at 6:30 p.m. today at Holiday Inn Restaurant. New members are welcome.
Tuesday, Oct. 20 The Heartfelt Smiles Cleft/Lip Palate Support Group will be having a gathering today from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Ruthe B. Cowl Rehabilitation Center, located at 1220 Malinche Avenue. The support group meeting is intended for families, friends and patients with cleft/lip palate conditions. For additional information contact (512) 968- 4732 or (956) 722-2431.
Thursday, Oct. 22 It’s Lights on After School at the Boys and Girls Club of Zapata from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, call Ileana Montes-Thatcher, program coordinator, at 765-3892. Monte Mucho Audubon Society of Laredo will have a meeting at the Lamar Bruni Vergara Environmental Science Center at 7 p.m. Bird-watching walks will be scheduled in Laredo and other popular south Texas birding hot spots. The change of cooler weather is impressive and welcome, but witnessing the magic of migrating birds can be a free ticket to the theater of nature. For additional information, call Susan Foster at 337-4011 or Raul Delgado at 763-7624. Si hablamos español.
Friday, Oct. 30 There will be a rummage sale at Fellowship Hall, First United Methodist Church, 1200 McClelland Ave., from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The public is invited, and admission is free.
Saturday, Oct. 31 There will be a rummage sale at Fellowship Hall, First United Methodist Church, 1200 McClelland Ave., from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The public is invited, and admission is free. To submit an item for the daily calendar, send the name of the event, the date, time, location and a contact phone number to editorial@lmtonline.com
Fire marshal accused of solicitation STEPHENVILLE — A west Texas fire marshal is accused of using his computer to solicit sex from someone he thought was underage. Stephenville Fire Marshal Gary Nabors was arrested Thursday afternoon at his office and charged with online solicitation of a minor.
Man pleads guilty to Iraq assault HOUSTON — A former civilian defense contractor accused of sexually assaulting a female coworker at an Iraqi air base pleaded guilty Friday to abusive sexual contact. David Charles Breda Jr., 34, of Pearland, was ordered to remain in federal custody pending sen-
tencing Jan. 15. The guilty plea could mean up to two years in prison and lifetime status as a registered sexual offender for Breda.
3 killed in car struck by pickup CONROE — Three people are dead after a pickup truck apparently ran a red light and slammed into a car at a Conroe intersection. Conroe police Sgt. Bob Berry says witnesses reported seeing the truck moving quickly in and out of traffic before slamming into the car, killing all three people in it.
No discipline in Taser incident FORT WORTH — The Fort Worth police officer who shocked
a mentally ill man with a Taser earlier this year, leading to his death, will not be disciplined and remains on patrol. Police Chief Jeff Halstead declined to comment on his department’s internal investigation into the April death of Michael Patrick Jacobs Jr.
Woman gets 9 years in murder plot HOUSTON — A 53-year-old South Texas woman who helped convict her husband in a murder-for-hire plot against a federal judge has received a nine-year prison term for her role in the plot. Federal prosecutors say Aracely Lopez-Gonzalez of Roma will be ineligible for parole and must spend three years under supervised release after completing her sentence. -- Compiled from AP reports
AROUND THE NATION
Today is Saturday, Oct. 17, the 290th day of 2009. There are 75 days left in the year. --On this date: In 1662, England’s King Charles II sells Dunkirk to the French. In 1777, rebels capture 5,000 British soldiers at the Second Battle of Saratoga, turning the fortunes of the American War of Independence. In 1912, Turkey declares war on Bulgaria and Serbia. In 1913, Serbs invade Albania. In 1918, Republic of Yugoslavia is formally established. In 1933, Albert Einstein arrives in the United States as a refugee from Nazi Germany. In 1945, Col. Juan Peron stages coup in Buenos Aires and becomes absolute dictator of Argentina. In 1953, France agrees to withdraw all its occupation forces from Austria. In 1957, French author Albert Camus is awarded the Nobel Prize in literature. In 1961, Authorities crack down on Algerians demonstrating for independence in Paris. Historians estimate at least 200 were killed. In 1966, Central Peru is shaken by an earthquake, which kills 92 people. In 1973, Arab oil-producing nations announce they would begin cutting back on oil exports to Western nations and Japan; the result is a total embargo lasting until March 1974. In 1977, West German commandos storm a hijacked Lufthansa jetliner in Mogadishu, Somalia, freeing all 86 hostages. In 1979, Mother Teresa wins Nobel Peace Prize for her work with the destitute in Calcutta, India, over three decades. In 1987, Tamil snipers attack Indian soldiers as they advance on the separatist rebel stronghold in Sri Lanka’s north. In 1989, Earthquake strikes northern California, killing more than 60 people. In 2006, a British-educated civil servant, Lateefa al-Geood, becomes the first-ever female to serve as an elected member of Bahrain’s parliament. In 2007, Myanmar’s military junta acknowledges that it detained nearly 3,000 people during a crackdown on recent pro-democracy protests, with hundreds still remaining in custody. In 2008, the U.S. government declares that the beluga whales of Alaska’s Cook Inlet are endangered and require additional protection to survive. --Today’s Birthdays: Mikhail Naimy, Lebanese poetphilosopher (1889-1988); Arthur Miller, U.S. playwright (1915-2005); Rita Hayworth, U.S. actress (1918-1987); Eminem, U.S. rapper (1972--). --Thought For Today: “The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, but wiser people so full of doubts.” – Bertrand Russell, British author (1872-1970).
District still says no to tux photo JACKSON, Miss. — A Mississippi school superintendent said Friday that previous federal court rulings back up a principal’s decision to keep a teenage lesbian’s picture out of a high school yearbook. The Copiah County School District has been threatened with legal action over the school’s refusal to include the picture of 17-year-old Ceara Sturgis wearing a tuxedo. Female students at Wesson Attendance Center dress have traditionally worn drapes in yearbook photos.
Jefferson’s law license suspended NEW ORLEANS — A former Louisiana congressman convicted of taking bribes and racketeering has had his law license suspended. An order issued Wednesday by the Louisiana Supreme Court says William Jefferson is suspended from practicing law
CONTACT US
Photo by Sue Ogrocki | AP
Zoe, a chimpanzee at the Oklahoma City Zoo, pulls on the ribbon of a treat during her one year birthday celebration at the zoo in Oklahoma City, on Friday. Her mother Abby is at left. pending order by the court.
College: Students can’t play lottery LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — A Christian college that had exempted Arkansas’ lottery from a student gambling ban said Friday students can’t buy the tickets
after all. Harding University’s president said now the school will include the lottery in its rule prohibiting students from gambling on or off campus. Administrators at Harding, a liberal arts Christian school in Searcy affiliated with the Church of Christ, had decided in August to make an exception for the lottery. -- Compiled from AP reports
Publisher, William B. Green........................728-2501 Business Manager, Dora Martinez ...... (956) 324-1226 Chief Accountant, Thelma Aguero .............. 728-2553 General Manager, Adriana Devally ...............728-2510 Retail Adv. Manager, Alice Arce .................. 728-2511 Classified Manager, Sandra Valderrama....... 728-2525 Adv. Billing Inquiries ................................. 728-2531 Circulation Director ................................. 728-2559 Creative/Production Director, Raul Cruz ...... 728-2528 MIS Director, Michael Castillo.................... 728-2505 Editor, Diana Fuentes ................................728-2581 City Editor, Julie Daffern .......................... 728-2565 Sports Editor, Dennis Silva II......................728-2579 Business Journal Editor, Joe Rutland .......... 728-2529 A&E Editor, Kirsten Crow .......................... 728-2543
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 17, 2009
Zlocal
PAGE 3A
THE BLOTTER ASSAULT Mario Alberto Martinez, 45, was arrested on an assault charge around 8:30 p.m. Oct. 9 in the 2400 block of Fresno Street. Martinez was booked and transported to Zapata Regional Jail. He was fined $300. Micheal Rene Rodriguez, 17, was arrested on a charge of assault causing bodily injury / family violence at about 1:30 p.m. Oct. 10 in the intersection of Monterrey Street and Davis Lane. Rodriguez was booked and taken to Zapata Regional Jail where he was held under a $15,000 bond.
Photo by Ulysses S. Romero | Laredo Morning Times
Judge Joe Lopez, left, of the 49th District Court is presented the Patriot Award by Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Carlos Davila during a ceremony in Lopez’s Courtroom Thursday afternoon.
Judge receives Patriot Award SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
State District Judge Joe Lopez of the 49th District Court received a Patriot Award from the ESGR Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Department of Defense agency, in a ceremony in his courtroom Thursday. This award is presented to employers who support a service member’s deployment. Gabriel Lopez, South Texas Regional Lead for the Texas Veterans Leadership Program, made the presentation. The judge was nominated by Petty Officer 2nd Class Master-At-Arms Carlos Angel Davila, USNR, who is ly employed as a bailiff in Lopez’s court.
“I am a proud supporter of our men and women in uniform and feel that service in the Guard and Reserve makes our employees not only stronger, but better workers,” Lopez said. “As a continued show of support I will be signing an official Statement of Support for the ESGR and challenge all other Webb County Officials to do the same,” he said during the recognition ceremony. The ESGR seeks to develop and promote a culture in which American employers support and value the military service of their employees. It does so by recognizing support, increasing awareness of the law, and resolving conflicts through mediation.
BURGLARY A 48-year-old man reported that his windshield window was broken around 4 p.m. Oct. 9 in the 100 block of County Road. A 25-year-old woman reported that unknown people burglarized her house around 2 p.m. Oct. 11. The victim reported that she sustained $200 in damages and lost $200 in gold earrings. A 43-year-old woman reported around 1:30 p.m. Oct. 12 in the 1000 block of Vicky Lane that her neighbor saw a known man and a known female inside
complainant’s residence in the brushy area. When approached, both took off running.
DWI Alfredo Hernandez, 59, was arrested on charges of driving while intoxicated around midnight Oct. 13 in the intersection of Elm Street and Texas 16. Hernandez was booked and transported to Zapata Regional Jail where he was held under a $5,000 bond.
POSSESSION Deputies initiated a traffic stop around 11 p.m. Oct. 14. near the intersection of Santa Maria Avenue and Madison Street on a gold 2007 Chevy. The driver was identified as Omar Zavala de la Cruz, 25. When deputies told Zavala he had warrants, he evaded detention in the vehicle, deputies said. Deputies arrested him after a brief chase. He was booked and taken to Zapata Regional Jail on charges of evading arrest with motor vehicle with $15,000 bond and possession of marijuana with a $10,000 bond. Zavala was served with a warrant with two counts of aggravated assault with
a deadly weapon, each under a $40,000 bond. Corando Vela, 42, was arrested on charges of possession of a controlled substance around 1 a.m. Oct. 14 in the intersection of Seventh Street and Zapata Street. Vela was booked and transported to Zapata Regional Jail where he was held with $30,000 bond.
THEFT A 42-year-old man reported that his 2009 Chevy Suburban was stolen around 5:30 p.m. Oct. 9 in the 1500 block of Second Street. Juan Jose Guadalupe Herrera, 56, was arrested on charges of theft around 8:45 p.m. Oct. 12 in the 100 block of South U.S. 83. Herrera was booked and taken to Zapata Regional Jail.
Incident is under scrutiny By CÉSAR G. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES
Zapata County Sheriff ’s Department deputies are investigating a deadly conduct, discharge of a firearm that occurred at 2 a.m. on Oct. 11. According to reports, several individuals attempted to begin a fight outside in the parking lot of Zapata Billiards, near the intersection of 25th Avenue and Iturbide Street. “No fights were reported. We would have gotten a call from the manager,” Sgt. Mario Elizondo said. No arrests have been made, but deputies have strong leads on the case.
PAGE 4A
Zopinion
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2009
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR SEND YOUR SIGNED LETTER TO EDITORIAL@LMTONLINE.COM
EDITORIAL
OTHER VIEWS
Get ready to vote ‘yes’ on amendments HOUSTON CHRONICLE
Respect for private property rights runs deep and wide across Texas. When a growing number of Texans came to believe those rights were threatened by a 2005 U.S. Supreme Court decision based on a Connecticut case, the response was decisive: Create a state constitutional amendment to block the threat. The result, four years later, is Proposition 11 on the Nov. 3 ballot, which would prohibit “the taking, damaging, or destroying of private property” for purposes of economic development. The Houston Chronicle urges a vote for Proposition 11.
Eminent domain It was for good reason that the high court ruling in Kelo v. City of New London alarmed many property rights advocates here and elsewhere. It upheld the taking by right of eminent domain of private residences by the Connecticut city for purposes of economic development and expanding the tax base. Proposition 11 would prevent takings of property for either of those reasons. Preventing takings for economic motives is consistent with Texans’ historically strong support for property rights. At the same time, it would not impede eminent domain takings for necessary purposes. In situations where economic development is the objective it is simple fairness to give property owners the benefits of choice, and of a marketplace sale. To force a sale upon them under such inflexible circumstances is inimical to constitutional principles enumerated in the takings clause. Opponents contend a constitutional amendment is unnecessary and that the state courts should be allowed to clear up any potential problems in Texas. Maybe so, but that is no match for the carved-in-stone finality of an amendment. Three other amendments on the Nov. 3 ballot relate to the collection of ad valorem taxes on real property, the mainstay for Texas’ spending on public education, as well as a cornerstone of local government funding. The three — Propositions 2, 3 and 5 — grew out of a single joint resolution approved by the Texas Legislature this past session and are intended as a package to streamline and give much-needed uniformity to the property-tax system across the state. The Chronicle believes that each proposed amendment would improve the system in a useful way and recommends passage of all three. Proposition 2 would authorize the Legislature
“to provide for the ad valorem taxation of a residence homestead solely on the basis of the property’s value as a residence homestead.” This amendment is intended to protect less affluent homeowners from situations in which rapid commercialization in their area threatens to drive up property taxes unreasonably year after year. This protection is particularly important in no-zoning cities such as Houston, where such development can occur quickly and with potentially difficult consequences for homeowners. The measure would be strictly limited to residences qualifying for the home-owners exemption, thus eliminating the potential for use by speculators. Proposition 3 would provide for uniform standards and procedures for the appraisal of property for ad valorem tax purposes. This, too, is a straightforward response to differences in appraising methodology observed by state officials monitoring the appraisal process statewide. Unfortunately, the proposition has been plagued by Internet rumors that it is a back-door method to introduce a statewide property tax. It is no such thing, assures state Sen. Tommy Williams, a Republican from The Woodlands, an author of the amendment. Williams says it is simply a means to achieve uniformity of appraising methods in the interests of more equitable appraisals in all areas.
Rural help Proposition 5 would “authorize the Legislature to authorize a single board of equalization for two or more adjoining appraisal entities that elect to provide for consolidated equalizations.” This amendment is designed primarily to assist less populated areas around the state where finding qualified people to handle the appraisal process is sometimes a problem. It is written to be “permissive,” which means a larger entity cannot force a smaller one to participate without its consent. We encourage passage of Propositions 2, 3 and 5. There are a total of the 11 amendments on the Nov. 3 ballot, covering everything from protecting property rights (Prop. 1) to allowing the state to help pay for veterans’ hospitals (Prop. 8). Objective information on all 11 amendments can be found at www.tlc.state.tx.us/pubsconamend/analyses09/ analyses09.pdf, the Web site of the Texas Legislative Council. (Editor’s note: Early voting begins Oct. 19 and continues through Oct. 30)
YOUR OPINION Get the facts on health care reform, then discuss proposals openly To the editor: I was happy to see that Congressman Henry Cuellar is attending town hall meetings in his district to discuss health care reform. People should be able to give their views on this important topic. I felt the need to give my views so that the readers can make up their own minds.
Everyone knows there are problems with our health care system — the number of uninsured is approaching 50 million and premiums are expected to nearly double over the next seven years. Opponents of health reform claim it is too expensive. Well, we can’t afford not to fix our broken
health care system. If we do nothing, health care costs will continue to rise at least 60 percent over the next ten years, according to some estimates. The longer we wait, the more expensive it will be. Opponents claim the current proposal will result in socialized medicine. This couldn’t be fur-
ther from the truth. Health reform wouldn’t force Americans to join a national plan. Don’t believe the lies about health care reform. Get the facts about health reform. Visit www.healthactionnow.org. Signed, Catalina Reyna President Laredo AARP
COLUMN
YOUR OPINION
Can’t beat good service
Prop. 11 protects property; vote yes
By BEVERLY BECKHAM THE BOSTON GLOBE
You were right,” my daughter, Lauren, said calling from her cellphone. ”It’s the best place ever! It’s like Disneyworld. Everyone’s so happy. And helpful. And nice. I can’t wait to go back.” Three little words: You were right. A mother can’t help but strut a little in their echo. I had told her. For weeks and weeks, I’d been saying the same things. ”They’re amazing. It’s the best place.” But you know how kids are — even when they’re grown-up adult kids. They still roll their eyes and ignore you. My daughter maintains that I ignored her, too, that she begged me for more than a year to scrap my you-can-hear-it-grinding-inthe-next-room struggling PC and get a shiny brand new Apple computer. But my PC was still working, never mind that it froze as often as old pipes in January, that it took 22 minutes to reboot, that the CD door had to be pried open with a paper clip, and that half the time the CD drive didn’t work anyway. The fact is, I’d still be putting up with it if weren’t for some about-to-expire frequent flier miles. This is how I bought my Apple. With points. And it came in the mail.
The first time I brought it into the Apple store at South Shore Plaza, I was certain they’d say, ”Hey, lady. You didn’t buy this here. Sorry, we can’t help you.” But instead, it was like wandering into a Unitarian church and having a group of smiling strangers welcome you and then invite you to stay for coffee hour. ”Let me take this for you,” a young man said. ”And next time, just call us from the parking lot and we’ll carry it in.” They set up my Mac. They transferred all the files from my PC. They programmed and configured. And they explained.But they had me at, ”Next time, we’ll carry it in.” I signed up for ”One to One,” a year’s worth of private lessons for $99. And after my first lesson, I was like St. Paul speaking to the Ephesians, the Corinthians, and anyone else who happened to say hello. An old friend, Fred Shea, called right after my conversion and suggested I write a column about the lack of good service in retail these days. But before he could tell me about his bad experiences, I was regaling him about my excellent experiences at the Apple store. ”You sound just like Mona,” he said of a friend. ”All she talks about is her Apple and the people at that store.” Back in the day, there
were so many stores you could walk into and get good service that we took it for granted. Remick’s in Quincy. Conrad and Chandler in Boston. Filenes. Jordan Marsh. The Acorn Shop in Canton center. Even Randolph’s Five and Ten. I remember picking out my first lipstick at the Five and Ten. A young woman with black hair pinned in a bun wearing pale pink ultra frosted lipstick came over to help me. Salespeople did that then. Even for a tube of lipstick. They didn’t just ring up a purchase. They suggested. They assisted. They were attentive and friendly and professional. Not so much anymore. In most department stores today there are no salespeople, just clerks ringing up purchases with annoying indifference. Where there are salespeople, they’re all too often standing around talking to each other. Shopping these days almost always puts me in mind of the song from ”Chicago” where the guy sings about being invisible. Mister cellophane Should have been my name!!!! Mister cellophane ’cause you can look right through me Walk right by me And never know I’m there! Except when I’m at the Mac store, where they always know I’m there.
DOONESBURY | GARRY TRUDEAU
To the editor: The right to own and use private property is one of the most sacred rights of Texans. The ability of government to abuse this right is one of the most frightening. Texas voters have the opportunity to protect their homes, property and land by voting for Proposition 11 in the upcoming state constitutional amendment election on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009. Prop 11 will give homeowners and other private property owners peace of mind knowing government will be restricted from using the power of eminent domain except for truly public purposes. It’s your land. Protect it with your vote. Please join with me and the Texas Association of Realtors, Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, Texas Wildlife Association and Texas Farm Bureau, along with a broad and bi-partisan coalition of statewide organizations and officeholders who are seeking to protect homeowners and private property owner rights by voting for Proposition 11. Signed, Todd Staples Texas Commissioner of Agriculture
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2009
Zentertainment
PAGE 5A
LTGI debuts ‘Man of La Mancha’ By KIRSTEN CROW LAREDO MORNING TIMES
“Man of La Mancha,” according to the disciples of Miguel de Cervantes, is much more than a novel or a play, iconography or depiction of culture. It’s an ideal of continuing to pursue a beautiful unattainable, not necessarily because it can be captured, but for the sake of the pursuit itself and its integrity. It could have been a daunting production — and as the cast and crew of “Man of La Mancha” would say, it had its challenges. But in the capable hands of the Laredo Theatre Guild International, it is presented in true form with solid acting and vocals from its players, a beautiful score performed by the orchestra and some amazing, wellcrafted costumes. Written by Dale Wasserman, the play is based on the novel “Don Quixote,” by Cervantes, and features music by Mitch Leigh and Joe Darion.
In synopsis As metatheatre — that is, a play within a play — nearly all the actors in the cast double up on roles. Set in 17th century Spain amid the terrors of The Inquisition, Miguel de Cervantes, played by Joe Arciniega, and his faithful man-servant, played by Raul Staggs, arrive in the bowels of a prison where they await trial for foreclosing on a church — an issue of fairness and equity, they explain. The duo are set upon by the “murderers and thieves” that inhabit the dark, filthy dwelling until The Governor — played by Vernon Carroll — intervenes in his own wicked ways.
Photo by Paramount | AP
In this film publicity image released by Paramount Pictures, a scene from the film “Paranormal Activity” is shown.
Suggestion powers ‘Paranormal’ phenom By GLENN WHIPP ASSOCIATED PRESS Photo by Cuate Santos | Laredo Morning Times
Joe Arciniega, as Don Quixote, performs at Tuesday’s rehearsal for “Man of la Mancha” at the Texas A&M International University Center for Fine and Performing Arts theater. Following some negotiation, he agrees to allow Cervantes and his man-servant to have a different kind of trial — this time they are being charged with being an idealist. Cervantes’ defense, as a poet, is a play. In a matter of seconds, Arciniega transforms on stage from a respectable, somewhat reserved and romantic idealist and novelist to a white-haired, haggardfaced, wild-eyed “madman” known as Don Quixote. His man-servant becomes Quixote’s loyal sidekick, Sancho Panza. In fact, “Don Quixote” was once Alonso Quijana, a modest, aging man who, after years of seeing the ultimate cruelty man is capable of inflicting on his fellow man, including the gruesome horrors and meaninglessness deaths of the battlefield, makes a conscious departure of the mind. Now he’s a knight, a breed that has been extinct in Spain for hundreds of years, who is out to “fight
the unbeatable foe,” right the wrongs and assume the best of all people. It’s his quest. In his journey, he famously battles windmills he deems monsters and finds himself taken in kindly by the Innkeeper — Carroll playing a “henpecked husband” — who pronounces: “Madmen are the children of God.” It is there that Quixote discovers Aldonza, a bitter, razor-tongued prostitute who services the men at the inn for a price. In his eyes, though, she is “Dulcinea,” a beautiful princess, “fair virgin” and any other number of other flowery sweet nothings. Much to Aldonza’s chagrin, he proclaims his impressions in front of her clients, who raucously laugh at such notions. She is insulted, believing him to be mocking her state of affairs in the world, and spurns his chaste advances. Simultaneously, Quijana’s family, hearing of his antics, is desperate to bring
him home and away from the humiliation he, as well as they, are suffering due to his insanity. His niece’s fiancé, Dr. Sanson Carrasco, played by Adolfo Ramos — a “man who carriers his self-importance as though afraid of breaking it” — and Padre Perez, played by Joel Bazán-Gomez, set out to find him. Upon discovery that Quijana now believes himself Quixote, the two debate their next course of action. Carrasco wants to “cure him,” essentially breaking Quijana back to reality, while the priest questions, rightly, if “the cure is worse than the disease.” The rest, however, will be left to those in the audience. “Man of La Mancha” is showing at 8 p.m. tonight and 3 p.m. Sunday at Texas A&M International University’s Center for Fine and Performing Arts theater. Tickets are $15 for general admission and $10 for students and senior citizens.
LOS ANGELES — The no-budget ghost story “Paranormal Activity” arrives 10 years after “The Blair Witch Project,” and the two horror movies share more than a clever construct and shaky, handheld camerawork. “Paranormal Activity” opens with a title card, thanking the families of Micah Sloat and Katie Featherstone as well as the San Diego Police Department, an immediate signal that the “found footage” we’re about to see won’t have a happy outcome. Micah (Micah Sloat) has bought a video camera to document the “weird (stuff)” that has been happening in the two-story San Diego home he shares with his girlfriend of three years, Katie (Katie Featherstone). It turns out that freaky things have been happening to Katie since her family’s house burned down when she was eight. Since then, Katie has suffered through nightmares and felt the presence of a “shadowy figure” at the foot of her
bed. The young couple consult a psychic (Michael Bayouth), who senses the bad mojo and refers them to a demonologist. His other piece of advice: DO NOT buy a Ouija board. Micah’s solution is to set up his new camera on a tripod at the foot of the couple’s bed and document what happens while they sleep. The movie’s genius comes from its slow-building tension as it returns night after night to this fixed location, a time code running in the lower right corner of the screen. The bedroom door leading to the upstairs hallway is ajar ... and then it’s not. The entire film takes place at the couple’s cookie-cutter dwelling, its layout and furnishings indistinguishable from just about any other readymade home. Its ordinariness makes the eerie, nocturnal activities all the more terrifying, as does the anonymity of the actors adequately playing the leads. “Paranormal Activity,” a Paramount Pictures release, is rated R for language. It is playing at Cinemark Mall Del Norte.
6A LAREDO MORNING TIMES
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2009
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2009
LAREDO MORNING TIMES 7A
PÁGINA 8A
Zfrontera
Agenda en Breve SÁBADO 17 DE OCTUBRE LAREDO - Hoy es el segundo día, de dos, de la Carrera Binacional en río de Canotaje y Canoa sobre el Río Grande, organizado por el Laredos RioFest 2009. LAREDO - Pase la tarde en el Planetario Lamar Bruni Vergara y explore “The Secret of the Cardboard Rocket” a las 3 p.m., “Destination Saturn” a las 4 p.m., “Extreme Planets” a las 5 p.m., “Two Small Pieces of Glass” a las 6 p.m. y “Stars of Pharaohs” a las 7 p.m. La entrada de matinée antes de las 5 p.m. cuesta 3 dólares. NUEVO LAREDO - Festival Internacional Tamaulipas “¿Quién dijo miedo?” con Lucrecia Cuevas a las 6 p.m. en el Espacio Cultural Antigua Aduana. NUEVO LAREDO - Festival Internacional Tamaulipas presenta al cantante ranchero Rodrigo Nájera a las 6 p.m. en el Lienzo Charro Santander. NUEVO LAREDO - Festival Internacional Tamaulipas presenta Ensamble Danza Basiloko de Guinea a las 7 p.m. en el Gran Foro de la Antigua Aduana. NUEVO LAREDO - Festival Internacional Tamaulipas presenta a la Orquesta Filarmónica de Cámara de Polonia que dirige el Maestro Sergio Cárdenas a las 8:30 p.m. en el Centro Cultural Nuevo Laredo. CIUDAD MIER- Festival Internacional Tamaulipas presenta el espectáculo infantil “Canta Canta con Cri-Cri” a las 11 a.m. en el Casino Argüelles. CIUDAD MIER- Festival Internacional Tamaulipas presenta al tenor Pepe Treviño a las 8 p.m. en la Plaza Juárez.
DE 2009
Ofrecen ayuda a hospital psiquiátrico ESPECIAL PARA TIEMPO DE ZAPATA
NUEVO LAREDO – El Hospital Psiquiátrico cuenta con 27 pacientes, 17 varones y 10 mujeres. De esta cantidad, 70% son indigentes y el resto provienen de familias de bajos recursos económicos. Ante una situación económica difícil, las instalaciones del hospital fueron recorridas el Secretario de Salud en Tamaulipas Juan Guillermo Manzur Arzola y por el presidente municipal Ramón Garza Barrios. “De alguna manera vamos a tratar de cubrir ahí algunos huecos que tienen, vamos a apoyar con medicamentos, vamos a apoyar con todas las necesidades de internamiento que tengan los pacientes que aquí están internados y que necesiten hospitalización, y veremos cada día en qué más (se puede apoyar)”, dijo Manzur. El objetivo de la visita fue supervisar los programas en beneficio de los pacientes para garantizar una mejor atención durante el tiempo que dure su tratamiento. “Aquí saben perfectamente que la atención médica y de todo tipo no sólo lo hacen el gobierno estatal o municipal, sino también las
TIEMPO DE ZAPATA
Foto de cortesÃa/Gob NL
El Secretario de Salud José Manzur Arzola y el Jefe de Gobierno de Nuevo Laredo, Ramón Garza Barrios, escuchan la explicación del Vice-Presidente del Patronato Pro-Indigentes Psiquiátricos Reynaldo Flores, en un recorrido por el Hospital Psiquiátrico en Nuevo Laredo, México, el 14 de octubre. organizaciones no gubernamentales y es una labor altruista que realmente se aplaude y se reconoce”, señaló Manzur. Los funcionarios estuvieron en el área de terapia ocupacional, las oficinas y en los dormitorios, donde se cuenta con sistema de circuito cerrado para vigilar que no se hagan daño. Manzur Arzola reconoció la atención profesional y oportuna que se les brinda a los pacientes.
La enfermera Edith Mendoza Sandoval mencionó que el hospital tiene tres años de estar funcionando en Comonfort 1609, y durante los últimos dos años el gobierno los ha apoyado con medicamento y recursos en forma ininterrumpida. El Vice-Presidente del Patronato Pro-Indigentes Psiquiátricos Reynaldo Flores estuvo guiando durante el recorrido por las instalaciones.
DOMINGO 18 DE OCTUBRE NUEVO LAREDO - Festival Internacional Tamaulipas presenta Omniblues de México a las 7 p.m. en el Gran Foro de la Antigua Aduana. NUEVO LAREDO - Festival Internacional Tamaulipas presenta danza de Georgia con “Georgian Legend” a las 8:30 p.m. en el Centro Cultural Nuevo Laredo. CIUDAD MIER- Festival Internacional Tamaulipas presenta Clausura del FIT con el Ensamble Danza Basiloko (de Guinea) a las 8 p.m. en la Plaza Juárez.
MIÉRCOLES 21 DE OCTUBRE LAREDO - La autora, periodista, feminista y abogada de los derechos humanos Lydia Cacho compartirá sus experiencias con “Censorship adn the Mexican Press” (Censura y la Prensa Mexicana) en la primera conferencia de la A.R. Sanchez, Sr. Distinguished Lecture Series de TAMIU, hoy a las 7 p.m. en el Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Recital Hall de TAMIU. La entrada es gratuita y abierta al público en general.
Foto de cortesÃa/Gob CM
El Ballet Folklórico de Antioquía durante su participación durante el XX Festival del Cántaro dentro del Festival Internacional Tamaulipas, en Ciudad Mier, México.
Mier celebra su Festival TIEMPO DE ZAPATA
CIUDAD MIER – El fin de semana pasado se llevó a cabo el inicio del XX Festival Cultural del Cántaro. El Jefe de Gobierno José Iván Mancías tuvo a su cargo la ceremonia de inauguración, junto con su esposa la Presidenta del DIF Isabel Cristina Treviño Ruiz. La fiesta dio inicio con la participación del Ballet Folklórico de Antioquía quienes bailaron y cantaron al ritmo de la música colombiana. Durante la semana también se llevó a cabo la presentación de una obra de teatro en varias escuelas de
la ciudad. En la “México 70”, ante más de 200 niños, se presentó la obra de teatro “Camilo y Canela” bajo la dirección de Oscar Ruiz López de Matamoros. La obra también se presentó en la Escuela Primaria Club de Leones. En la ceremonia de inauguración también participó el Rector de la Universidad Tecnológica de Nuevo Laredo Juan Leonardo Sánchez Cuéllar con la representación del Gobernador del Estado. Otros presentes fueron el Presidente de la Fundación del Cántaro Raúl Molina Salinas, la Directora del Festival Eglantina Molina
Salinas y la Secretaria y Tesorera de la Fundación Elsa Ramos. Molina Salinas, en su calidad de Presidente del Patronato Municipal del Festival Internacional Tamaulipas en Ciudad Mier, hizo entrega al final de la obra en la escuela “México 70” de un reconocimiento a sus actores. Finalmente, el gobierno municipal dio a conocer que el sábado 17 de octubre se presentará el evento infantil “Canta Canta con Cri-Cri” a las 11 a.m. en el Casino Argüelles. El Festival del Cántaro y el Festival Internacional Tamaulipas concluyen el domingo 18 de octubre.
JUEVES 22 DE OCTUBRE LAREDO - Dunamis Ministries presenta ‘Mujeres de Fe’ en el Laredo Entertainment Center el día de hoy. La donación es de 10 dólares. LAREDO - La zarzuela “El Duo de la Africana” se presenta hoy en el Martinez Fine Arts Center de LCC a las 7:30 p.m. Es dirigida por Joseph Crabtree y actuada por alumnos del Taller de Ópera de LCC. El viernes hay otra presentación, misma hora y mismo lugar. LAREDO - El Consulado General de México invita a la presentación de la película “Propiedad Ajena”, hoy a las 6:30 p.m. en el Teatro del Centro para las Artes de la Universidad Internacional de Texas A&M (TAMIU).
Anuncian Rally Fronterizo ESPECIAL PARA TIEMPO DE ZAPATA
CD. REYNOSA – Del 13 al 15 de noviembre se llevará a cabo la segunda edición del Moto Rally Fronterizo Tamaulipas 2009. El Gobierno de Tamaulipas informó que el objetivo es fortalecer las relaciones económicas entre México y Estados Unidos, consolidar la actividad turística como una industria competitiva y dar continuidad a las acciones comprendidas dentro del Plan estatal de Desarrollo 2008 – 2010. Se espera la participación de numerosos contingentes de ambas naciones. Los directores generales de Promoción Hugo Garza
Invitan a celebrar al río
Gómez y de Servicios Turísticos José Herbey Ramos Ramos, con la representación del Secretario de Turismo Javier Villarreal Terán, señalaron que el evento seguirá un formato similar al del 2008, es decir, iniciará en Nuevo Laredo pasando por los diferentes municipios de la franja fronteriza para concluir en la Heroica Matamoros. “El gobernador Eugenio Hernández Flores nos ha instruido para promover el Moto Rally Fronterizo en los ámbitos nacional e internacional a fin de atraer el mayor numero de participantes que generan derrama económica y beneficios para nuestro estado”,
dijo Garza. Garza y ramos iniciaron la gira de promoción por los municipios de Matamoros y Reynosa, después visitarán el resto de las ciudades tamaulipecas y posteriormente a nivel nacional y en los Estados Unidos. Durante el recorrido, el contingente visitará los municipios que integran la frontera de Tamaulipas con el estado de Texas y constatarán la vocación turística de la entidad, su moderna red carretera, la infraestructura hotelera y de servicios y todas las condiciones que hacen de nuestro estado una plataforma logística de clase mundial.
Como parte de la celebración del Día del Río que se celebra el 17 de octubre, Nuevo Laredo y Laredo tienen programas una serie de actividades ecológicas y de diversión, orientadas principalmente a la celebración del río que forma la línea divisoria entre Estados Unidos y México. “CILA año con año nos invita para que participemos… en el saneamiento y limpieza de las márgenes del rio bravo”, dijo Gustavo Pantoja Villarreal, subdirector de Medio Ambiente y Cambio Climático de Nuevo Laredo. Cerca de 18 organismos educativos, públicos y privados participarán en esta intensa campaña, la cual iniciará a partir de las 8 a.m. a las 12 p.m., recolectando basura por la margen derecha del rio desde el arroyo Las Alanzas hasta el Bulevar Luis Donaldo Colosio incluyendo el arroyo El Coyote. “El objetivo es concientizar nuestra juventud de los institutos tecnológicos, universitarios, preparatoria hasta de secundaria, sobre el cuidado del Río Bravo, debido a que es una fuente de vida de esta frontera”, dijo el Presidente de CILA David Negrete Arroto. “Si no existiera el Río Bravo, los Dos Laredos no existirían porque no hay otra fuente alterna del vital líquido”. La Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, Universidad Valle de México, CBTIS 234, CBTIS 137, Facultad de Enfermería, Instituto Tecnológico de Nuevo Laredo y COBAT Número Uno, son los planteles que participan en las actividades del Día del Rio. En Laredo, aquellos quienes deseen hacer algo bueno por la Madre Tierra y el Rio Grande, lleve sus herramientas de jardinería para el Día del Río anual el sábado a partir de las 7:30 a.m. con inscripciones en el Centro de Ciencias Ambientales Lamar Bruni Vergara. Estudiantes, comunidad y amigos del ambiente están invitados a participar. El día de trabajo empieza a las 8 a.m., incluyendo un número de actividades de mantillo, recortes y levantamiento de
basura, así como la apertura de una nueva sección al paso natural y mejoras al invernadero. La comida se servirá a los voluntarios a partir de las 11:30 a.m. Los voluntarios también recibirán una bolsa por su apoyo. El centro de ciencias tendrá una cantidad limitada de herramientas de jardín para el día de trabajo. Se conmina a los voluntarios a traer sus propias carretillas, talaches, rastrillos y guantes. También se recomienda traer su bloqueador solar y repelente de mosquitos. El Director del LBVESC Tom Miller agregó que estarán a la venta plantas nativas de la región.
LareDos Rio Fest Una presentación especial este año en la celebración del Día del Río es el primer LareDos Rio Fest, una carrera internacional de canotaje y canoas, viernes y sábado. El sábado habrá inscripciones de 6 a.m. a 8:30 a.m. en el Puente Colombia. La ceremonia oficial de inicio será a partir de las 8 a.m. en el Puente Colombia y la carrera arrancará a las 9 a.m. La carreta de canotaje y canoa concluirá en las inmediaciones del Puente I y Puente II. Será a las 7:30 p.m. del sábado que se lleve a cabo una ceremonia de premiación en la Plaza Hidalgo de Nuevo Laredo. Si Usted no es competidor pero quiere pasar un sábado lleno de actividades, acuda a la Feria gratuita de la Salud en Los Dos Laredos Park (Puente I). Habrá diversos módulos informativos de salud y de las agencias policiacas, de cocina, ejercicio y deportes. La Feria de la Salud se realizará a partir de las 8 a.m. El Día del Río fue establecido hace 15 años como una celebración del ambiente y culturas de la línea divisoria del Río Grande, la cual recorre desde Brownsville hasta New Mexico y hacia el norte al Colorado, e incluye porciones de cinco estados mexicanos (Tamaulipas, Nuevo León, Coahuila, Durango y Chihuahua).
PRI: reciben apoyo con credencial ESPECIAL PARA TIEMPO DE ZAPATA
A partir del primero de noviembre, todos los priístas que cuenten con su credencial de militantes recibirán un 10 por ciento en dinero electrónico del total de sus compras en todas las tiendas Soriana y City Club de Tamaulipas. “Siempre estamos pensando en la gente, en llevarles beneficios, como estos descuentos que con la credencial del partido pueden tener en más de 800 negocios de Tamaulipas”, expresó el presidente del Comité Municipal del PRI en Nuevo Laredo Ramiro Ramos Salinas El anuncio oficial se dio el 12 de octubre en Ciudad Victoria donde Ricardo Gamundi Rosas informó que el plan piloto realizado en Nuevo Laredo dio resultados excelentes con estos descuentos. “Ahora vemos como todo Tamaulipas se va a beneficiar”, dijo Ramos.
Foto de cortesía | PRI
El Presidente del Comité Municipal del PRI Ramiro Ramos Salinas en conferencia de prensa. Los descuentos van desde el 10 por ciento hasta el 40, como el caso del Hollyday Inn Express, que ofrece 40% a los priístas, en Nuevo Laredo.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2009
THE ZAPATA TIMES 9A
VETERANS Continued from Page 1A grateful for Cuellar’s work on their behalf. “We do appreciate what he’s done for us very much,” Arambula said. “He’s really working very hard for us.” For Cuellar, supporting veterans is simply the right thing to do. “Some of these veterans nearly gave their lives for this country,” the congressman said. “We have to treat them with the dignity and respect that they deserve. I also want to thank Tim Shea for the excellent work
he is doing in taking care of our veterans in rural South Texas.” Shea, director of the VA Heart of Texas Health Care Network, also was in Zapata for the ceremony. “On behalf of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Honorable Eric K. Shinseki, I thank Congressman Cuellar for his diligent support of this important initiative and tell the veterans of rural South Texas that we are here to serve you and hope you take advantage of the services provid-
ed by the mobile medical unit,” Shea said. The mobile medical unit, which is equipped with two exam rooms, an intake and vitals area, a restroom and a storage room, will make stops in Zapata twice a month. To schedule an appointment, call the VA Outpatient Clinic in McAllen toll free at (866) 622-5536. Cuellar’s office said there are 1,365 Zapata County residents enrolled in the VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System.
HAROLD LLOYD LITTLE JR. Harold Lloyd Little Jr. passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2009, at his residence in Zapata, Texas. Mr. Little is preceded in death by a brother, Guy A. Little. Mr. Little is survived by his wife, Karen Little; sons, Michael R. Little and Chris A. (Timi) Little; grandchildren, Saen Little, Justin Little, Vanessa Abila, Malyssa Little, Kaylee Little and Michael R. Little Jr.; great-grandchildren Keenly Nicole Little; parents, Harold L. and Katy J. Little; and by numerous nephews, nieces and many
friends. Visitation hours were on Friday, Oct. 16, 2009, with a chapel service at 7 p.m. at Rose Garden Funeral Home, 2102 U.S. 83 in Zapata. On Saturday, Rose Garden will open at 9 a.m. with a chapel service at 10 a.m. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.rosegardenfuneralhome.com Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Rose Garden Funeral Home, Daniel A. Gonzalez, funeral director.
10A THE ZAPATA TIMES
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2009
A FUN WAY TO RAISE FUNDS
Arellano graduates SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
Air Force Airman Braulio T. Arellano Jr. recently graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical
Photo by Rosa Bigler/Villarreal Elementary | Special to the Times
The Book Fair recently made its first appearance at Villarreal Elementary School. Students and staff had the opportunity to purchase all genres of reading material and help a good cause. Here, teacher Liliana Martinez’s ELA 3rd Grade Class enjoys the fair. Pictured are Maria Oralia Martinez, Rodolfo Guerra, Adalberto Osornia, Alexa Garcia, Emily Torres, Evelyn Leyva, Sanjuanita Martinez, Alinna Garcia, Jose Esquivel, Maria Susana Chavez, Jose F. Nino, Juan Medellin, Daniel Hernandez, librarian Annabel Gonzalez Alvarez and teacher Martinez. Proceeds from the fair help pay for prizes awarded to students at the school’s Accelerated Reader Festival at the end of the year.
COUNTY Continued from Page 1A special account set aside for the Zapata Medical Clinic are the county auditor and treasurer. Dr. Edmundo Garcia, who recently took over management of the clinic at the beginning of October, also gave the court an update on how things are going. Vela said the clinic saw more than 350 patients in an 11-day period. “One day he (Garcia) had seen about 48 patients in one day,” Vela said. The court also approved Monday an agreement between Zapata County, on behalf of the Board of Directors of the Zapata County Museum of History, and Southwest Mu-
SERVE Continued from Page 1A Helmer knew from a very young age that it was his calling to preach the word of the Lord. His father’s extended missionary work was an inspiration, he said. “It was a spiritual decision to become a pastor,” Helmer explained. “My father was pastor, and so I was familiar with the work of a Lutheran pastor. “I wanted to do something important and teaching the gospel of Christ is the most important thing a young person can do.” The Abiding Savior Lutheran Church is located at 1314 14th Street, Box 5746. For more information about church services, call 7656113. (Erika Lambreton may be reached at 728-2567 or e-mail erika@lmtonline.com) Carmen Ramirez - Rathmell, D.D.S.
“Let your smile be a sign of happiness & good health” 1520 Corpus Christi Street Telephone (956) 726-0160
“
“One day he (Garcia) had seen about 48 patients in one day.” COMMISSIONER JOSE EMILIO VELA
seum Services for the design, fabrication and installation of the exhibits for the museum. Villarreal said the commissioners heard a presentation from Southwest Museum Services, and things are running smoothly for the museum. The $2 million museum,
now under construction on U.S. 83, is scheduled to open in early April 2010. The new structure is replacing the previous museum, which was housed in an old fire station. (Julie Daffern may be reached at 728-2565 or jdaffern@lmtonline.com)
fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force. He is the son of Virginia Trejo and brother of Nancy Guerrero, both of Zapata, Texas. Arellano is a 2009 graduate of Zapata High School.
Courtesy photo
Airman Braulio T. Arellano Jr.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2009
ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM
Sports&Outdoors Building blocks for success Sub-varsity teams continue to support Lady Hawks By CLARA SANDOVAL SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
As the season continues to move forward, the Zapata High School Lady Hawks sub-varsity volleyball teams continue to dominate their seasona as they weave their way through district play. The junior varsity and freshmen teams have identical district record of 8-2 to lead the district in their respective divisions. The JV team keeps getting stronger with every game, and captains Estella Molina and Jackie Salinas are at the helm to lead the Lady Hawks. Molina and Salinas are joined by Shelby Bigler, Suzy Dominguez, Karen
Villa, Evelyn Mendoza, Gaby Chapa, Christina Mendoza, Clarissa Bayarena, Kristabelle Salazar and freshman Kristina De Leon to round out the Mighty Lady Hawks JV team. “Their hard work and dedication has helped these girls play very well as the season rolls on,” Zapata coach Rosie Villarreal said.
Thrilling wins The Lady Hawks had thrilling victories over Port Isabel, Lyford, Progresso and La Feria these past few weeks and now
Courtesy photo
The Zapata Lady Hawks freshman volleyball team is just one of the strong sub-varsity programs building the foundation for Zapata’s varsity success.
See SUB-VARSITY PAGE 2B
RUNNERS STEADILY IMPROVING Big win against Hidalgo By CLARA SANDOVAL SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
The Zapata Lady Hawks grabbed a monumental win over the Hidalgo Lady Pirates on Tuesday night. Junior Brandi King, who has been carrying the offensive load for the team, led Zapata over Hidalgo in five games 23-25, 25-18, 1425, 25-23 and 15-7 to help the Lady Hawks inch their way closer to a playoff spot. “It was a tremendous victory,” Zapata coach Rosie Villarreal said. “The girls fought hard the whole match and everyone on the team played hard. It was a big team effort.”
Staying put
Courtesy photo
The Zapata Lady Hawks cross country team had a very successful meet last weekend, with several runners hitting personal best times.
Lady Hawks coming off strong showing at RGV meet By CLARA SANDOVAL SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
The Zapata Lady Hawks cross country team is coming off a very successful meet last Saturday. They competed at the second annual Rio Grande Valley Cross Country Coaches Association
Meet in Sharyland and Edinburg North. A total of 20 teams from every classification and a wide range of schools that stretched from Brownsville to Zapata ran on the cool Saturday morning. “The girls raced well on Saturday and placed third in the
elite division,” Zapata coach Mike Villarreal said.
Setting new marks Personal records started to fall as the Lady Hawks continue to improve in the latter part of
the season. Consistent runner Marlena Garcia earned a 12th place finish as she hit a 12:10 paced the Lady Hawks. Michelle Garcia is back and has been steadily running her-
See GIRLS XC PAGE 2B
Oklahoma, Texas back in spotlight By JIM VERTUNO ASSOCIATED PRESS
DALLAS — First came the flyovers. Then the Big 12 tiebreaker that helped Oklahoma win the league title. A few months later in Austin there was — briefly — an asterisk. The annual Texas-Oklahoma rivalry at the Cotton Bowl is always a grudge match. Today’s game between the No. 3 Longhorns and No. 20 Sooners also carries national title implications and promises to be extra spicy after what happened last season. Forgot? Here’s a rundown. Texas beat Oklahoma to
PREVIEW vault to No. 1. A few weeks later, the Sooners, Longhorns and Texas Tech were in a three-way tie in the Big 12 South. The border battle then became the banner war. A plane circled the stadium at Oklahoma’s regular-season finale with a banner: “Texas 45 OU 35 — Settled on a Neutral Field.” A few days later, a flying message over Austin teased Texas with “Hey Mack, quit whining. U knew the rules.” The Big 12 tiebreaker went to
See SPOTLIGHT PAGE 2B
With the win, the Lady Hawks (6-4) kept their fourth-place standing, but they are now only one game behind Hidalgo (7-3). “The win still keeps us in fourth place for right now,” Villarreal said. “However, Hidalgo and us still need to play Lyford.” Leading the district is La Feria (10-0), with Lyford close behind at 8-2.
Dominant King King put on one of her most memorable performances of the season as she dominated every aspect of the net on Tuesday. On the offensive end, she had 22 kills in the game to go along with her two service aces and two assists. Adriana Peña helped out the offense with 12 kills of her own. Also making a dent was Kat Garcia with six kills. Defensively, King dove to pick up any loose balls and contributed with 10 crucial digs. She was also strong on the net collecting four blocks.
Early struggles
Photo by Tom Reel | San Antonio Express-News
In this Oct. 11, 2008, file photo, Texas running back Chris Ogbonnaya breaks for a long run during a game against Oklahoma at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas.
In the first game, Hidalgo came out and set the tone early to grab a 20-14 lead. King came in to serve and added six straight points to tie the game at 20. Both teams battled to a 23 tie before Hidalgo took the game, 25-23. “The girls kept fighting hard for every point,” Villarreal said. “They started out slow but gain momentum toward the end.”
See V-BALL PAGE 2B
Zscores
PAGE 2B
South ................... W
FOOTBALL
Saints .................. Falcons ................ Panthers .............. Buccaneers .........
National Football League AMERICAN CONFERENCE East W L T Pct Jets .................. 3 2 0 .600 Patriots ........... 3 2 0 .600 Dolphins .......... 2 3 0 .400 Bills .................. 1 4 0 .200 South ............... W Colts ................ Jaguars ........... TEXANS ........... Titans ..............
5 2 2 0
North ............... W Bengals ........... Ravens ............. Steelers ........... Browns ............
4 3 3 1
Pct
PF PA 101 88 104 91 112 106 77 116 PF
PA
L 0 3 3 5
T 0 0 0 0
1.000 137 71 .400 97 127 .400 115 120 .000 84 139
L 1 2 2 4
T 0 0 0 0
.800 101 90 .600 138 97 .600 113 98 .200 55 121
Pct
West ................ W Pct L T Broncos ........... 5 0 0 1.000 Chargers ......... 2 2 0 .500 Raiders ............ 1 4 0 .200 Chiefs .............. 0 5 0 .000 NATIONAL CONFERENCE East W L T Pct Giants .................. 5 0 0 1.000 Eagles .................. 3 1 0 .750 COWBOYS ........... 3 2 0 .600 Redskins .............. 2 3 0 .400
PF
PF
PA
PA
99 43 101 102 49 130 84 138 PF 151 127 122 73
PA 71 86 98 82
4 3 1 0
North ................... W Vikings ................ Bears ................... Packers ............... Lions ....................
5 3 2 1
Pct
PF
PA
L T 0 0 1 0 3 0 5 0
1.000 144 66 .750 102 63 .250 57 104 .000 68 140
L T 0 0 1 0 2 0 4 0
1.000 .750 .500 .200
Pct
PF
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2009
PA
156 90 105 78 104 93 103 162
West ..................... W Pct PF PA L T 49ers .................... 3 2 0 .600 112 98 Cardinals ............. 2 2 0 .500 85 89 Seahawks ............ 2 3 0 .400 115 82 Rams .................... 0 5 0 .000 34 146 Sunday’s Games Lions at Packers, noon Giants at Saints, noon Browns at Steelers, noon TEXANS at Bengals, noon Chiefs at Redskins, noon Panthers at Buccaneers, noon Rams at Jaguars, noon Ravens at Vikings, noon Cardinals at Seahawks, 3:05 p.m. Eagles at Raiders, 3:05 p.m. Bills at Jets, 3:15 p.m. Titans at Patriots, 3:15 p.m. Bears at Falcons, 7:20 p.m. Open: Colts, Dolphins, COWBOYS, 49ers Monday’s Game Broncos at Chargers, 7:30 p.m.
PRO HOCKEY NHL Glance EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic W L OT Pts GF N.Y. Rangers 7 .............. 6 1 0 12 28 Pittsburgh 7 ................. 6 1 0 12 24 Philadelphia 5 .............. 3 1 1 7 19 New Jersey 5 ................ 3 2 0 6 14 N.Y. Islanders 4 ............ 0 1 3 3 9 Northeast W L OT Pts GF Ottawa 6 ................. 4 2 0 8 19 Buffalo 4 ................. 3 0 1 7 10 Boston 5 ................. 2 3 0 4 16 Montreal 6 ............. 2 4 0 4 14 Toronto 6 ................ 0 5 1 1 13 Southeast W L OT Pts GF Washington 7 ............. 3 2 2 8 26 Tampa Bay 6 .............. 2 2 2 6 16 Carolina 6 ................... 2 3 1 5 15 Atlanta 3 ..................... 2 1 0 4 12 Florida 5 ..................... 1 4 0 2 10 WESTERN CONFERENCE Central W L OT Pts GF Chicago 7 ................. 5 1 1 11 26 Columbus 5 ............. 4 1 0 8 14 Detroit 6 ................... 3 3 0 6 19 St. Louis 5 ................ 2 2 1 5 14 Nashville 6 ............... 2 4 0 4 8 Northwest W L OT Pts GF Colorado 7 ................ 5 1 1 11 24 Calgary 7 .................. 4 2 1 9 25 Edmonton 6 .............. 3 2 1 7 23
GA 14 17 15 15 13 GA 15 5 19 21 28 GA 22 23 20 9 20 GA 19 11 21 15 20 GA 15 25 19
Vancouver 5 ............. 2 3 0 4 17 17 Minnesota 5 ............. 1 4 0 2 12 18 Pacific W L OT Pts GF GA Phoenix 6 .................... 4 2 0 8 14 9 Los Angeles 7 ............. 4 3 0 8 23 24 Anaheim 6 .................. 3 2 1 7 16 16 San Jose 7 .................. 3 3 1 7 21 22 Dallas 5 ....................... 2 0 3 7 20 14 Two points for a win, one point for overtime loss. Friday’s games Atlanta at New Jersey, 6 p.m. N.Y. Islanders at Buffalo, 6:30 p.m. Philadelphia at Florida, 6:30 p.m. Boston at Dallas, 7:30 p.m. Minnesota at Edmonton, 8 p.m. Vancouver at Calgary, 8 p.m. Saturday’s games Atlanta at Buffalo, 6 p.m. Ottawa at Montreal, 6 p.m. Colorado at Detroit, 6 p.m. San Jose at N.Y. Islanders, 6 p.m. Nashville at Washington, 6 p.m. Los Angeles at Columbus, 6 p.m. N.Y. Rangers at Toronto, 6 p.m. Carolina at New Jersey, 6 p.m. Tampa Bay at Pittsburgh, 6:30 p.m. Dallas at Chicago, 7:30 p.m. Boston at Phoenix, 8 p.m. St. Louis at Anaheim, 9 p.m. Minnesota at Vancouver, 9 p.m.
PRO GOLF
TRANSACTIONS
Champions ADMINISTAFF SMALL BUSINESS CLASSIC At The Woodlands Country Club The Woodlands, Texas First round Dan Forsman..........................................32-32—64 John Cook ...............................................33-32—65 Jay Don Blake ........................................33-34—67 Mark Wiebe............................................33-34—67 Nick Price ...............................................34-33—67 Bob Tway ................................................35-32—67 Keith Fergus ...........................................34-34—68 Bernhard Langer...................................33-35—68 John Harris .............................................34-34—68 Bruce Lietzke.........................................35-33—68 Russ Cochran.........................................35-33—68 Gene Jones .............................................36-33—69 Denis Watson.........................................35-34—69 Tom Watson ...........................................36-33—69 Mike Reid................................................34-35—69 Tom Lehman ..........................................35-34—69 Jim Thorpe .............................................34-35—69 David Eger ..............................................35-34—69 Joey Sindelar .........................................36-33—69 Olin Browne ...........................................36-33—69 James Mason.........................................35-35—70 Robin Freeman ......................................38-32—70 Lanny Wadkins......................................35-35—70 Jay Haas..................................................37-33—70 Loren Roberts ........................................35-35—70 Fuzzy Zoeller..........................................36-34—70 Bruce Fleisher .......................................35-36—71
BASEBALL American Association LINCOLN SALTDOGS: Released OF Pichi Balet. FOOTBALL NFL NFL: Fined Baltimore LB Ray Lewis an undisclosed amount for a helmet-to-helmet hit he delivered to Cincinnati WR Chad Ochocinco in a game on Oct. 11. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS: Placed WR Rod Harper on injured reserve. Re-signed QB Chase Daniel. HOCKEY NHL CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS: Reassigned LW Jack Skille to Rockford (AHL). DALLAS STARS: Placed C Steve Ott on injured reserve, retroactive to Oct. 11. Recalled C Aaron Gagnon from Texas (AHL). NASHVILLE PREDATORS: Recalled D Cody Franson from Milwaukee (AHL). WASHINGTON CAPITALS: Recalled G Braden Holtby from South Carolina (ECHL). AHL AHL: Suspended Albany LW Nicolas Blanchard for one game as a result of his actions in an Oct. 14 game vs. Norfolk. COLLEGE SOUTH CAROLINA: Suspended freshman RB Jarvis Giles for violating team and univeristy policy.
SPOTLIGHT Continued from Page 1B Oklahoma. The Sooners went to the BCS title game in Florida and Texas got bumped to the Fiesta Bowl. Still seething months later, the Texas staff claimed the 2008 Big 12 title on the champions wall in the team complex, putting an asterisk next to the year before coach Mack Brown ordered it taken down.
The Longhorns opened this season at No. 2 eyeing three goals: the Big 12 and national titles and a Heisman Trophy for quarterback Colt McCoy. The first two are still in reach if they keep winning. McCoy’s trophy campaign needs a boost.
Strange revenge
McCoy, runner-up to Bradford for the Heisman last season, has 1,410 yards passing with 10 touchdowns but also has six interceptions. Some early missteps led to slow starts and the Longhorns managed just two offensive touchdowns in the first half of three games this season. McCoy has played some of his best games against the Sooners the last three years and knows another big game could vault into the favorite’s role again. “These four games I’ve played in have been some of the most fun. They’re the ones that you remember because of the tradition, the rivalry and what it means to your conference and your season,” McCoy said. Oklahoma (3-2, 1-0) and Bradford were in the mix
So now Texas tries to tries to get revenge against a team it beat last season. “I’m sure they’re a little bitter,” Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford said. “We’re a little bitter that they beat us last year. I’m sure both sides are going to be pretty amped up come Saturday.” The Longhorns (5-0, 2-0 Big 12) insist they’ve put the past in the past and that Saturday is about trying to win league and national titles in 2009, not replaying 2008. “OU had nothing to do with keeping us out,” Brown said. “We lost at Tech. It was on us. We should have been mad at ourselves for letting it get out of the control of our own destiny.”
“I thought it would be great for college football if it was Sam and Colt again,” Brown said.
Historic rivalry
Another competition
Photo by David J. Phillip | AP
In this Nov. 8, 2008, file photo, Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford (14) looks to pass against Texas A&M during a game in College Station. for the same goals when the season started. Then Bradford hurt his throwing shoulder in the first game and missed the next three.
Bradford’s season Bradford returned last week in a win over Baylor and looked good. The loss-
es may have ended their national title hopes, but with Bradford back, the Sooners are very much in the hunt for a seventh Big 12 title in 10 years. “How can he not make a difference? Last year he was the best player in college football,” Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said. “In the end, we’re not talking about just any old guy.
He’s been pretty special over and over.” For McCoy and Bradford, it will be the last time the friends face each other on the field in college. McCoy is a senior and Bradford, a junior, will likely leave for the NFL after this season. Brown said he’s glad Bradford made it back in time to play Texas.
Saturday will be the 104th meeting between the schools in a rivalry that dates to 1900. Since 1912, they have met in Dallas, about halfway between each campus. The Cotton Bowl sits amid the rides, food and livestock shows at the State Fair of Texas, giving the game a carnival atmosphere unrivaled in college football. The game kicks off at 11 a.m. local time but fans still come early to taunt each other while chewing on turkey legs, corny dogs and trying to stomach the latest fried concoction. This year, it’s fried butter, a scoop of pure butter frozen and covered with dough. “It was crazy,” said Texas safety Earl Thomas, who was a freshman last season and got his first taste of the rivalry. “You would think it’s like 5 p.m., but it’s 11 in the morning,” Thomas said. “Everybody’s out there being rowdy.”
SUB-VARSITY Continued from Page 1B stand with an 8-2 record in district play, which puts them in first place in the 32-3A junior varsity standings. “We continue to work hard because we want to be district champs.” Salinas said. The JV Lady Hawks continue to work hard and show no signs of slowing down. “Great leadership has helped to put these girls on their path to success,” junior varsity coach Mario Benavidez said. “The girls continue to come in every day and work very hard to get better. Not only do these girls work hard, they also have a strong attitude about
keeping alive their winning streaks.”
Looking forward The success that the JV is currently experiencing and the majority return for next year are building blocks that make the Zapata High School volleyball program look very strong. “I’m looking forward to seeing these girls get better and compete next year,” Benavidez said. “It feels good to be here and help build the future of this volleyball program.” The JV Lady Hawks continued to make significant strides over the past
“
“It feels good to be here and help build the future of this volleyball program. JUNIOR VARSITY COACH MARIO BENAVIDES
few weeks, and parents and fans should be excited about the team. “All girls on this team posse the necessary qualities to be a successful team,” Villarreal said. “The girls have done a tremendous job over the past few weeks in shaping the Lady Hawks JV team and positioning themselves for
success.”
Freshman success Not to be outdone by the JV team, the Lady Hawks’ freshmen squad, has been on a romp in district play. These players are no strangers to success, as
they were crowned co-district champions in eighth grade. Led by team captains Abigail Aguilar and Liana Flores, the Lady Hawks have set their sights on Raymondville in today’s match up The freshmen team is one of the most athletic team in recent memory, as the players can easily interchange positions and play on any spot on the court. “Their desire to excel makes then their own critics,” freshmen coach Melissa Herrera said. “When they play under par they take the initiative to correct their mistakes.”
Strong chemistry Herrera points out the fact that team chemistry, which was a major concern at the inception of the season. “Now the girls play and work together, thus leading to their recent victories and current success,” Herrera said. The team consists of 14 outstanding players, but Aguilar, Flores, Aly Gutierrez, Aly Mejia and Rebecca Quintanilla have stood out above the rest of the team. “The girls can only build off their years and be contenders in district play in years to come,” Herrera said.
GIRLS XC Continued from Page 1B self into to her old form as she hit a 12:31 to come in second in the team. “Michelle ran extremely well on her comeback trail running,” Villarreal said. Not far behind Michelle was Maritza Garcia, who ran a personal best 12:36 to go along with Mela Martinez’s 12:39. Also hitting a personal best were Gloria Jauregui (12:45) and Alba Jasso (12:50).
Villarreal also implemented a first with his cross country team as the watches came off. “The girls raced without watches for the first time all season and were totally running with the competition,” he said. This moved proved to be beneficial to the team as they scurried around the course “They ran the fastest first mile they have run all season long, and that attributed to them running faster times,” Villarreal said.
Closing gaps Villarreal is ecstatic that the gap between his No 1. and No. 5 runners has decreased. “The gap has improved to an awesome 35 seconds,” he said
ing too much with district looming around the corner. “We will be off this weekend to continue with training that is left to be done,” Villarreal said. “I would say that we are ahead of schedule based on the times and being that we ran on a flat and very fast course.” The Lady Hawks also have depth in their program as they boast a core of underclassmen who are ready if they are called upon to compete at the varsity level.
Time to regroup
Promising times
To the untrained eye, taking a day off from the Saturday competition might look like the Zapata girls cross country team is relax-
Freshmen Erica Hernandez has been nipping at the varsity heals all season long and has even ran a
personal best of 13:20 in the 3A division finishing 6th this past weekend. Wendy Medina, another freshman, has improved every week and dropped to a 14:01. “Everyone is training but still nursing minor injuries that need constant tending to,” Villarreal said. “Our seniors have really begun to take control of this team and showing the leadership we have been looking for all season long.” “This was the first time we had every runner break 13 minutes at the same meet, so this was a great accomplishment. That being said, the girls are fully aware that their season is not over and the postseason awaits them as does the opportunity to accomplish their
goal of a state medal.”
Future Lady Hawks The future Lady Hawks, the Lady Merlins, have been on a tear for the past month, capturing five first-place team trophies and a runner-up finish at the UTSA meet. “I am proud to announce that our middle school runners captured team titles once again in the seventh- and eighth-grade divisions,” Villarreal said. “So a bright future lies ahead. Special thank you to their parents for following their athletes from meet to meet, and to their coach Laura Villarreal for training these young ladies and future Lady Hawks.”
V-BALL Continued from Page 1B In the second set it looked like it was going to be a repeat performance of the first set. Hidalgo was up until Zapata tied the game at 15 apiece “The girls took control of the game and
won, 25-18,” Villarreal said.
Dramatic finish The next two games were split between
the teams to force a deciding fifth game. In the fifth game the Lady Hawks came out fired up and took control of the game. “We had them down 7-2 when Hidalgo called a time out,” Villarreal said. King came up to serve and scored four
points to give Zapata the biggest lead of the fifth game. The Lady Hawks never looked back and took the game for the victory. Zapata played Raymondville on Friday and will travel to Rio Hondo on Tuesday.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2009
THE ZAPATA TIMES | 3B
HINTS BY HELOISE Dear Readers: A new movie was recently released featuring animated GUINEA PIGS. This probably will result in families looking to add a guinea pig to their household. You should do your research before you bring one home! Guinea pigs can live five to seven years and require regular veterinary care, just like other house pets. Here are some things you should keep in mind before you buy one: They are nocturnal creatures (noisy at night, chewing and chirping, which may keep you or your kids awake). They don’t have flexible backs (so they should never be put in those "hamster balls" seen in the movies). They cannot jump, so they must be protected from falling off beds and couches. They are susceptible to mites and lice. They need to be spayed or neutered, like dogs and cats. They must be housed in a large cage that should be cleaned often. They prefer to be kept in pairs (but unneutered males will fight). They need to be fed raw fruits and veggies to supplement
“
HELOISE
their dry food. They need bedding that they can burrow in, such as newspaper or pine chips. Rescue groups get hundreds of piggies turned in each year from people who weren’t aware of the commitment required to care for a large rodent. -- Heloise HANDY CAT BOX Dear Heloise: I have yet another litter-box idea, which my neighbor introduced to me. Take a hard-plastic storage box (like the ones used to store holiday decorations) and cut a "U"shaped opening in the side. The sides are high enough to keep the litter in, and my cat loves the extra space. I use a translucent box; another neighbor got one to match her room. The "inventor" neighbor -- with multiple cats -- cut openings in each end to allow one cat to exit while another enters. In all cases, the cats love it, and the mess is greatly reduced. -- Jane V., Jacksonville, Fla.
DAILY CRYPTOQUOTES — Here’s how to work it:
FAMILY CIRCUS
DENNIS THE MENACE
Classified REAL ESTATE
ACREAGE FOR SALE76
PETS & SUPPLIES 128
Mangana 316 acres. High fenced, $950,000. We Finance! 722-4447
Anatolian Shepherd 3mo. w/shots,1 female $100 Call 237-1333 Beautiful AKC Golden Retriever puppies, 9wks., $200.00 dlls. ea., Call:(956)489-8244 Blue Healer puppies, with shots, 2mths.1 Female, $100ea. call 237-1333 Mini Maltese 2mths old, 1M $400 OBO Bichon Call 956-857-1556 PUGS (Black) for sale. 6wks,dewmd, 1st shot $325 Call 645-1597 Tiny Tea Cup Chihuahua Dewormed & 1st Shot $250 729-1054 Weimer (F) vacunas, 8 meses, $125 OBO cell 286-7144
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY 82 HOMES FOR SALE 61 FOR SALE 3bd/2ba $3,500/down $750/monthly FHA Centrally located call: 237-1461
ACREAGE FOR SALE76
Sign & Graphics business opportunity, includes 24” Roland sign plotter, cut/print, CPU & monitor with Windows XP, design program, vinyl roles for lettering, suppliers list and training. $9,500. Call:(956) 771-6758
PETS & SUPPLIES
1 Acre En Pueblo Nuevo bien ubicado, agua y drenaje. Proximamente $30,000 negociable. Tel: 724-7561 4.0ac $25,000 Los Colorados HWY 59 call 334-2774
5 acre Commercial tract, frontage on Casa Verde Rd. $200,000 per acre. Contact (956)725-6641
PETS & SUPPLIES 128 Adorable Pitbull puppies for sale. 6wks old, 3males very playful & cute! $100 call: 206-1942 AKC reg. West Highland white terriers 1M/1F, 16wks $250 call 206-9456
LIVESTOCK & SUPPLIES 130 Alfalfa For sale $9 per Square bale, Call 401-3070 FREE DELIVERY!
Becerritos for Sale, $250 & up. Call: 645-7419 or 286-2760
LIVESTOCK & SUPPLIES 130
ARTICLES FOR SALE 136
HEAVY EQUIPMENT 192
Fertilized coastal hay, Starting $6.00 square bale. Call:(956)401-3070 FREE DELIVERY!
Massage by Licensed Therapists. MT101421 $45, Call 285-4286 or 286-2760
International, 2001, 160,000 miles, 24ft. box, $ 1 0 , 0 0 0 . Call:(972)489-9021 Like new ‘09 Denam trailer 6x12 current plates $995 OBO call 206-6881 or 4414 E. Saunders Lazo Imports
Mare For Sale, gentle, $350, Call: 645-7419 or 286-2760 Red top-sorgo square bales $5.50ea Call 401-3070
MISCELLANEOUS
Sectional living room, brown w/pillows $650 Call 319-3979 Used XP Computers & Laptops, Excel, Word, Powerpoint, CD/DVD Burner, 19” LCD starting at $300 956-286-8966
SPORTING GOODS 142 ‘07 Kawasaki ATV 4x4 w/trailer, Brute-Force 650, Camaflouge. $8000 OBO Call 236-6748
GARAGE SALES
134
TRANSPORTATION
* Sat & Sun, 8am-2pm. 1620 Denmark Ln. Tv’s, toys & misc.
ARTICLES FOR SALE 136 For Sale Membership for Country Club $3499 Call 235-5082
BOATS
190
14 ft. fiberglass boat w/trailer & outboard motor. $800 235-5908
AUTOMOTIVE PARTS 194 15” thru 20” Original Tires & Rims, Different Styles Available. Starting @ $10. 2201 San Bernardo Call 242-8944 or 135*830*7572
AUTOMOTIVE PARTS 194 Diesel engines Chevy 6.6 Ford 7.3 & Cummins 5.9 Remanufactured w/warranty will deliver, $2,950. 713-918-5811. Set of 20” 5 hole Universal Rims & tires 255/35ZR20 $500 OBO. Fit Honda CRV &similar mid size SUV. 763-9527
AUTOMOTIVE PARTS 194 Silverado SS rims, original 20”, Very good condition, good tires. $1000 OBO Also have 22”s rims for GM trucks ‘99+ Call 265-2115
MOTORCYCLES
TRUCKS FOR SALE198
Ford Expedition ‘03, a/c, 100k mi., Good condition, $7,600 obo, Call 775-2519
196
‘07 Ninja Kawasaki, 600cc, 2 bothers exhaust, 180 rear tire, 1900miles $6000 OBO Call 337-4449
Honda Odyssey EX ‘05, 38,177 mi., grey, good condition, $22,800. Call:(956)722-7307
Kawasaki 360 ATV, 4x4, 100hrs, $4,000 OBO, Good cond. Call 956-206-1234
Jeep Grand Cherokee ‘00,good condition, very clean, $4,100 obo. Call:(956)236-6748.
TRUCKS FOR SALE198 *Ford Classic ‘74 Econoline 300 Super Van heavy duty w/New Engine, 6 cyl., $2,000. 725-1614 ‘03 Ford F-150 single Cab, Blue Title, Excelent Cond. $5800 OBO Call 251-8206 ‘04 Jeep Liberty, Blue Title, Excelent Cond. $6900 OBO Call 251-8206
CARS FOR SALE
CARS FOR SALE
200
‘02 Mitsubishi Lancer 4dr, auto, new stickers, $2200 OBO call 775-8637 ‘04 Lincoln LS,V8, A/C, Good Condition. $5200 Call 771-9676 ‘07 BMW Z4 36200K miles call Jorge at 693-0034
Chrysler Sebring ‘04, 4dr., A/C, CD, 90Kmil., $3,500 OBO Call 857-1053
200
‘01 Chevrolet Cavalier 4 dr., Auto. 4 cylinder, Cold A/C, 149K, $2,399 Neg. 744-6403
Jaguar S-type ‘06, 6cyl, leather int., sunroof, excellent cond., 17K mi., blue title $12,800 Call 774-8006
4B THE ZAPATA TIMES
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2009
Tech crossing the line By ERIC OLSON ASSOCIATED PRESS
Photo by David J. Phillip | AP
Oklahoma State defensive end Richetti Jones (99) grabs the helmet of Texas A&M quarterback Jerrod Johnson (1) as he tackles him during the second quarter of their game last Saturday in College Station. The Aggies are looking to recover from two straight losses as they face Kansas State today.
Aggies set to face ’Cats ASSOCIATED PRESS
MANHATTAN, Kan. — A week after surrendering 66 points and more than 700 yards to Texas Tech, another high-scoring team from Texas is just about the last thing Kansas State wants to see. There is, however, no getting around it. Texas A&M will be in Manhattan tonight, averaging 513 yards and 37 points. The fact the Aggies (3-2, 0-1 Big 12) are fresh off a disappointing 36-31 loss to a nationally ranked Oklahoma State is no comfort to the Wildcats (3-3, 1-1). For one thing, the similarities between Texas A&M and Texas Tech are obvious.
“Both defenses get to the ball and on offense they have a quarterback who can run and throw,” said running back Keithen Valentine. “If we can do everything that we can do, then we will be all right.”
Overwhelmed ’Cats The shellshocked Kansas State defense was overwhelmed by Texas Tech’s prodigious offense. In 17plus seasons, no Bill Snyder-coach Kansas State team had ever surrendered more than 64 points. But Texas Tech’s firsttime starter at quarterback, Steven Sheffield, threw for 490 yards and
seven TDs, completing passes to 10 different receivers. Now comes Aggies quarterback Jerrod Johnson, who leads the Big 12 in total offense at 356 yards a game. Johnson has thrown for 1,579 yards and 14 touchdowns. The Aggies have lost two in a row, bowing to Arkansas 47-19 two weeks ago. “We made progress even though it didn’t show up on the scoreboard,” coach Mike Sherman said.
LINCOLN, Neb. — How No. 15 Nebraska fares in crossover games against the Big 12 South won’t necessarily decide where the Cornhuskers end up. But games like the one today against Texas Tech can give them an idea of where they stack up in the league’s power structure. “If you want to be a dominant force in the Big 12 like Nebraska was early on in the conference’s history,” Nebraska center Jacob Hickman said, “you’ve got to beat the South teams.”
North vs. South Only one of the past five North Division champs — Missouri in 2007 — won more than one of its three games against its southern brethren. Colorado, in
fact, won the North in 2004 despite going winless against the South. Nebraska (4-1, 1-0 Big 12), this year’s North favorite, enters the Texas Tech game with losses in 14 of its past 21 regularseason meetings with South opponents. Six of the seven wins over that span came against Baylor or Texas A&M the other one was against Texas Tech. When the Big 12 began in 1996, Nebraska was at the height of its national prominence, and it won 14 of its first 18 crossover games. The Huskers’ resurgence under second-year coach Bo Pelini has been fueled mostly by lightweight nonconference competition and five straight wins over North opponents, including a 2712 come-from-behind victory at Missouri last week that vaulted the Huskers
to their highest AP ranking since September 2007.
Winning ways Texas Tech (4-2, 1-1) has won three straight against the Huskers, the last two decided in the final minute or overtime, and is 14-7 against the North since 2002. But the Red Raiders have lost three straight true road games since winning at Kansas last October. “The Big 12 is a tough road conference,” Tech coach Mike Leach said. “Any time you get stadiums loud enough, that impede communication as much as these stadiums, that’s one of the biggies.” Leach said he would decide shortly before game time whether to give junior quarterback Steven Sheffield his second start, and first on the road.
<DATE>
LAREDO MORNING TIMES | 1B
9x5 Classifieds Zapata
Classified
REAL ESTATE
ACREAGE FOR SALE 76
PETS & SUPPLIES 128
Mangana 316 acres. High fenced, $950,000. We Finance! 722-4447
Anatolian Shepherd 3mo. w/shots,1 female $100 Call 237-1333 Beautiful AKC Golden Retriever puppies, 9wks., $200.00 dlls. ea., Call:(956)489-8244 Blue Healer puppies, with shots, 2mths.1 Female, $100ea. call 237-1333 Mini Maltese 2mths old, 1M $400 OBO Bichon Call 956-857-1556 PUGS (Black) for sale. 6wks,dewmd, 1st shot $325 Call 645-1597 Tiny Tea Cup Chihuahua Dewormed & 1st Shot $250 729-1054 Weimer (F) vacunas, 8 meses, $125 OBO cell 286-7144
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY 82 HOMES FOR SALE 61 FOR SALE 3bd/2ba $3,500/down $750/monthly FHA Centrally located call: 237-1461
ACREAGE FOR SALE 76
Sign & Graphics business opportunity, includes 24” Roland sign plotter, cut/print, CPU & monitor with Windows XP, design program, vinyl roles for lettering, suppliers list and training. $9,500. Call:(956) 771-6758
PETS & SUPPLIES
1 Acre En Pueblo Nuevo bien ubicado, agua y drenaje. Proximamente $30,000 negociable. Tel: 724-7561 4.0ac $25,000 Los Colorados HWY 59 call 334-2774
5 acre Commercial tract, frontage on Casa Verde Rd. $200,000 per acre. Contact (956)725-6641
PETS & SUPPLIES 128 Adorable Pitbull puppies for sale. 6wks old, 3males very playful & cute! $100 call: 206-1942 AKC reg. West Highland white terriers 1M/1F, 16wks $250 call 206-9456
LIVESTOCK & SUP PLIES 130 Alfalfa For sale $9 per Square bale, Call 401-3070 FREE DELIVERY!
Becerritos for Sale, $250 & up. Call: 645-7419 or 286-2760
LIVESTOCK & SUP PLIES 130
ARTICLES FOR SALE 136
HEAVY EQUIPMENT 192
Fertilized coastal hay, Starting $6.00 square bale. Call:(956)401-3070 FREE DELIVERY!
Massage by Licensed Therapists. MT101421 $45, Call 285-4286 or 286-2760
International, 2001, 160,000 miles, 24ft. box, $ 1 0 , 0 0 0 . Call:(972)489-9021 Like new ‘09 Denam trailer 6x12 current plates $995 OBO call 206-6881 or 4414 E. Saunders Lazo Imports
Mare For Sale, gentle, $350, Call: 645-7419 or 286-2760 Red top-sorgo square bales $5.50ea Call 401-3070
MISCELLANEOUS
Sectional living room, brown w/pillows $650 Call 319-3979 Used XP Computers & Laptops, Excel, Word, Powerpoint, CD/DVD Burner, 19” LCD starting at $300 956-286-8966
SPORTING GOODS 142 ‘07 Kawasaki ATV 4x4 w/trailer, Brute-Force 650, Camaflouge. $8000 OBO Call 236-6748
GARAGE SALES
134
TRANSPORTATION
* Sat & Sun, 8am-2pm. 1620 Denmark Ln. Tv’s, toys & misc.
ARTICLES FOR SALE 136 For Sale Membership for Country Club $3499 Call 235-5082
BOATS
190
14 ft. fiberglass boat w/trailer & outboard motor. $800 235-5908
AUTOMOTIVE PARTS 194 15” thru 20” Original Tires & Rims, Different Styles Available. Starting @ $10. 2201 San Bernardo Call 242-8944 or 135*830*7572
AUTOMOTIVE PARTS 194 Diesel engines Chevy 6.6 Ford 7.3 & Cummins 5.9 Remanufactured w/warranty will deliver, $2,950. 713-918-5811. Set of 20” 5 hole Universal Rims & tires 255/35ZR20 $500 OBO. Fit Honda CRV &similar mid size SUV. 763-9527
AUTOMOTIVE PARTS 194 Silverado SS rims, original 20”, Very good condition, good tires. $1000 OBO Also have 22”s rims for GM trucks ‘99+ Call 265-2115
MOTORCYCLES
TRUCKS FOR SALE 198
Ford Expedition ‘03, a/c, 100k mi., Good condition, $7,600 obo, Call 775-2519
196
‘07 Ninja Kawasaki, 600cc, 2 bothers exhaust, 180 rear tire, 1900miles $6000 OBO Call 337-4449
Honda Odyssey EX ‘05, 38,177 mi., grey, good condition, $22,800. Call:(956)722-7307
Kawasaki 360 ATV, 4x4, 100hrs, $4,000 OBO, Good cond. Call 956-206-1234
Jeep Grand Cherokee ‘00,good condition, very clean, $4,100 obo. Call:(956)236-6748.
TRUCKS FOR SALE 198 *Ford Classic ‘74 Econoline 300 Super Van heavy duty w/New Engine, 6 cyl., $2,000. 725-1614 ‘03 Ford F-150 single Cab, Blue Title, Excelent Cond. $5800 OBO Call 251-8206 ‘04 Jeep Liberty, Blue Title, Excelent Cond. $6900 OBO Call 251-8206
CARS FOR SALE
CARS FOR SALE
200
‘02 Mitsubishi Lancer 4dr, auto, new stickers, $2200 OBO call 775-8637
‘04 Lincoln LS,V8, A/C, Good Condition. $5200 Call 771-9676
‘07 BMW Z4 36200K miles call Jorge at 693-0034
Chrysler Sebring ‘04, 4dr., A/C, CD, 90Kmil., $3,500 OBO Call 857-1053
200
‘01 Chevrolet Cavalier 4 dr., Auto. 4 cylinder, Cold A/C, 149K, $2,399 Neg. 744-6403
Jaguar S-type ‘06, 6cyl, leather int., sunroof, excellent cond., 17K mi., blue title $12,800 Call 774-8006