The ZapataTimes 10/18/2008

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Wastewater rules begin

By JASON BUCH

The court also agreed to ... a $1 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration to help fund the higher education technical center.

THE ZAPATA TIMES

The Zapata County Commissioners Court on Tuesday gave Water and Sewer Director Carlos Treviño permission to start writing a wastewater ordinance.

The communities in the county are growing, Treviño told the court, and a set of rules needs to be in place to determine how water and sewer lines are going to be run.

Commissioner Jose Emilio Vela, Pct. 1, pointed out a recent example of the hodgepodge nature of the system without an ordinance, when the county put in sewer lines to a home after the

owner’s septic tank had been full for weeks.

The court also agreed to enter into an agreement with the Zapata Independent VELA School District and the Zapata County Economic Development Committee to seek a $1 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration to help fund the higher education technical center planned for construction in the county.

The funds will go toward a similar grant already approved

for constructing the center as well as money from the county, the school district and private donors.

The center, to be built on 17th Street and to be managed by the Economic Development Committee, will have college credit and business training courses.

Also at the court’s Tuesday meeting, commissioners agreed to provide $15,000 funding to the Chamber of Commerce for new computer equipment, a welcome flag display and an electronic sign; and $75,000 to the Zapata County Exhibit Hall.

(Jason Buch may be reached at 728-2547 or jbuch@lmtonline.com)

Naturalist finds new species of moth

TIGER

BY THE

WINGS

SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

ALCON HEIGHTS — A species of tiger moth never before recorded in the United States was discovered Friday, Oct. 3, at Falcon State Park.

Volunteer Park Naturalist Frances Bartle discovered the bluemarked moth during a routine check at the park’s recreation hall.

Because the recreation hall has a light mounted outside, moths often accumulate there overnight, Bartle said. She was taking routine pictures of the moths when she noticed a species she did not recognize and decided to send her photo to experts for identification.

“It was something unlike any-

F

thing I had ever seen before,” Bartle said.

Mike Quinn, an invertebrate biologist at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, received the e-mail with Bartle’s moth photo. He then sent it to lepidopterists around the world and soon heard back from moth experts in California, North Dakota, Canada and Great Britain.

On Sunday morning, Martin R. Honey, from the British Museum in London, identified the moth as a form of the Phoenicoprocta lydia species, normally more common in Veracruz, Mexico, and never before been seen in the United States.

See MOTH | PAGE 9A

SEE INSIDE

SEE INSIDE

Schools eye bond for renovations

By TARYN WHITE THE ZAPATA TIMES

The Zapata school district will be applying for a QZAB, or qualified zone academy bond, to pay for the renovation of Zapata Middle School and North Early Childhood Center.

The QZAB allows the district to reallocate funds from monies they are already receiving from the state.

In this case the district wants to take $8 million from its maintenance and operation budget at $500,000 a year over a period of 15 years to pay for the renovation.

According to Romeo Rodriguez, superintendent of Zapata County Independent School District, QZABs allow the district to pay for something without putting an extra bur-

den on taxpayers.

“Our main reason for deciding to apply for a QZAB … is that it is an easier way of getting the money we need without having to ask taxpayers,” Board President Jose Ramirez said.

Ramirez said because of the how old the middle school is, basic renovations are needed.

“We need to repair bathrooms and clean up floors and walls and fix the bleachers, fix the basic wear and tear that has taken place over 20 years of use,” Ramirez said.

During the school board meeting Tuesday night, the Zapata school board also talked about ways to raise the percentage of school funding spent on instruction.

See BOND | PAGE 9A

Judge brings stability to area

By JASON BUCH THE ZAPATA TIMES

Photo by Cuate Santos | The Zapata Times

Falcon State Park naturalist Frances Bartle holds a photograph of a Lydia Tiger Moth she found and photographed at the park on Oct. 3. Bartle’s find was the first recorded in the United States.

Judge Joe Lopez has, in his first two years as 49th District judge, increased the number of trial settings for the court in Zapata and significantly cut the number of settings heard by visiting judges, changes he said are moving cases through the court more quickly.

Lopez, who is from Zapata, heard about 90 percent of the Zapata cases his first year in office. The year before he took office, more than half the cases were heard by visiting judges.

“When we handle our own docket, we’re able to put fire under people’s feet,” Lopez said.

Having a local judge on the bench who is familiar with the

cases and the parties involved makes the case move more smoothly through the court, said First Assistant District LOPEZ Attorney Pete Garza, who prosecutes criminal cases in Zapata.

“At least from a criminal standpoint … people are coming through the court quicker,” Garza said. “Victims are getting justice quicker, and guys who need help get it, like in drug cases, because (Lopez) knows the people and he knows the cases.”

Defendants are more likely

See LOPEZ | PAGE 9A

A LAKE VIEW

Land grant case stirs interest in downriver area state court ruling in Webb County that refocused on the interests of some 200 heirs to a large Spanish land grant is rekindling hope among other potential heirs along the Rio Grande frontier.

Some of these heirs are believed to be on both sides of the border in the county areas of Zapata and Starr and more than likely in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. The basis of the 341st District Court ruling in Laredo centered on claims of the heirs of Joaquin (Cayetano) Galan, a native of little Candela, Nuevo Leon.

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Galan, hailing from a ranching family that lived on land in Nuevo Leon and Coahuila, married the eldest ARAMBULA daughter of Tomas Sanchez in Candela in 1747. Archived material in Monterrey and Lampazos indicate that like the founder of Laredo (Tomas Sanchez), Galan, his wife and his children came from a Candela rancheria to Villa de San Agustin de Laredo, which

explains the Galan land grant from the Spanish Crown around 1804.

Based on documented evidence submitted to the court, the Laredo court ruled that the petitioners were legitimate heirs of Joaquin Cayetano Galan. Among other things, archived documents preserved at Obispado and Lampazos, the land grant in question involves more than 300,000 acres in two tracts, Palafox and Balconcitos, upriver from Laredo in the vicinity of El Indio and Eagle Pass.

In contrast to the natives (In-

dians) and early settlers of the 18th-century region, the modernday El Indio is a short distance from Eagle Pass on the upriver banks of the Rio Grande. The upriver scene today resembles the underdeveloped environs of rural colonias in the rural counties of Maverick, Val Verde, Dimmit and Kinney. The El Indio environs of 2008 is best known as Kickapoo country and site of a popular gambling casino and bingo halls within sight of the Rio Grande.

For decades, downriver residents in downriver sectors closer to Laredo and Webb County

would travel a partially paved Mines Road (FM 1472) and a dirt road that used to dead-end at El Indio. In later years, however, the stretch of caliche-surface road was paved to border city Eagle Pass (Piedras Negras) and neighboring Del Rio (Ciudad Acuña).

A longtime reader of this newspaper in the Bustamante area of Nuevo Leon state got curious about the Galan land grant from a November 2007 article about a legal dispute in Laredo (341st District Court). The reader’s interest led to online comments from residents in the Nue-

vo Leon and Coahuila residents with some connections to the Galan (Joaquin Cayetano) land grant.

Among other things, the Bustamante reader directed attention to archived material in little Lampazos, once a prosperous ranching and mining community in the state of Nuevo Leon. The town’s archives include baptism certificates for two children: Juan Joseph Galan and Petronila Gertrudis Galan.

Juan Joseph was baptized in

See LAKE VIEW | PAGE 10A

Zin brief

SATURDAY,OCTOBER 18,2008

AROUND THE NATION | IN BRIEF

WHAT’S GOING ON

Mammoth fossil found after Ike returned to owner

8 p.m.: Queen coronation, Mariachi Real de Mexico, Mimus Theater (Xl-Fit), and Nueva Revila ballet folklorico.

DALLAS — An elephant expert whose beach house on the Texas Gulf Coast was destroyed

by Hurricane Ike is putting his collection back together — one tooth at a time.

Roy Davis evacuated his Bolivar Peninsula home on Sept.

11, two days before Ike slammed the Texas coast.

Davis, 57, said Thursday that among the items scattered from his one-bedroom house were prized animal keepsakes from years of working at zoos.

“I probably had 30 pieces of modern-day elephants. They shed their teeth, they wear them down,” he said.

SUNDAY,OCT.19 6 p.m.: Mass, Nuestra Senora del Refugio Church 8 p.m. Cruz Valdez singers; local groups

MONDAY,OCT.20 8 p.m.: Trickroping showbyChavinda

TUESDAY,OCT.21 8 p.m.: Local school performances; Mexican lotto

WEDNESDAY,OCT.22 8 p.m.: City of Anahuac Ballet Folklorico

THURSDAY,OCT.23 8 p.m.: Nuevo Laredo Ballet Company

FRIDAY,OCT.24 8 p.m.: Espectaculo de Monterrey

SATURDAY,OCT.25

SUNDAY,OCT.26 10 a.m.: Parade 1 p.m.: Fishing tournament awards presentation 8 p.m.: Monterrey Ballet Folklorico; Mariachi Alegria End of anniversary celebration.

WEDNESDAY,OCT.22 The daylong COP United Way auction begins with breakfast at 8 am.today at the Zapata Community Center. A wide variety of items will be up for auction to raise funds for the 2008-09 United Way campaign,now underway in Zapata and Laredo.

THURSDAY,OCT.23 The Zapata Chamber of Commerce will have its annual meeting today at 11:30 a.m. at the Zapata Community Center, 607 U.S. 83. For more information, call the chamber office at 765-4871.

FRIDAY,OCT.24 Webb County Retired Teachers Association is having a Fall Conference today starting at 9:30 a.m. at San Martin de Porres, 1704 Sandman St. Retired educators from various places will be attending, including Brownsville, Harlingen, Magic Valley, Edinburg, Palm Valley, Starr, and Zapata.

MONDAY,OCT.27 The four-day Texas-Oklahoma Shootout fishing tournament begins at Falcon Lake. For more information, call 7654871.

TUESDAY,OCT.28 Texas-Oklahoma Shootout fishing tournament continues at Falcon Lake. For more information, call 765-4871.

WEDNESDAY,OCT.29 Texas-Oklahoma Shootout fishing tournament continues at Falcon Lake. For more information, call 765-4871.

THURSDAY,OCT.30 It’s the last day of the Texas-Oklahoma Shootout fishing tournament at Falcon Lake. For more information, call 7654871.

THURSDAY,NOV.6 A Drug Free Pep Rally will be held today at 6 p.m. at the Zapata County Courthouse. County Judge Rosalva Guerra will give the welcome; County Attorney Said A. Figueroa and Eddie Torres will be speakers.

CONTACT US Publisher, William B. Green . . . . . . . . . . . .728-2501 Business Manager Dora Martinez. . . . . . . . 220-1660 Chief Accountant,Thelma Aguero . . . . . . .728-2553 Controller,Joe Vied . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .728-2502 General Manager,Adriana Devally . . . . . . .728-2510 Retail Adv. Manager,Agustin Magallanes .728-2511 Classified Manager, Sandra Valderrama . .728-2525 Adv. Billing Inquires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .728-2531 Circulation Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .728-2550 Creative Services Director, Raul Cruz . . . .728-2596 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 Laredo Morning Times and those who buy LMT at newstands.The Zapata Times is inserted inside.

The Zapata Times is free.

The Zapata Times is published by Laredo Morning Times, a division of The Hearst Corporation, PO Box 2129, Laredo,Texas 78044. Phone (956)728-2500 The Zapata office is at 1309 N. US Highway 83 at 14th Avenue,Suite 2; Zapata,TX,78076.Call (956) 765-5113 or e-mail thezapatatimes@att.com

The Zapata Times

Photo by David Karp | AP

Specialists George F. Moerler, right, accompanied by a broker, left, watch the monitor as they work on the trading floor at the New York Stock Exchange on Friday. Wall Street turned sharply higher Friday as strains in the credit markets showed signs of easing and investors snapped up bargains among stocks pounded lower in selloffs earlier in the week.

Stocks gain as credit markets show some signs of easing

By TIM PARADIS ASSOCIATED PRESS

NEW YORK — Wall Street turned sharply higher Friday as strains in the credit markets showed signs of easing and investors snapped up bargains in among stocks that were pounded lower in selloffs earlier in the week. The Dow Jones industrials rose more than 200 points.

The market spent the first half of the session vacillating, moving between gains and losses after the government said new home construction dropped by more than expected last month to the lowest pace since early 1991. But investors’ mood seemed to pick up as lending rates for bank-to-bank loans eased, indicating some bank fears about not being repaid by borrowers is easing. Demand for safe-haven investments like Treasury bills also decreased.

The London interbank offered rate, or

Libor, for three-month dollar loans fell to 4.41 percent from 4.50 percent on Thursday, the fifth consecutive day of declines.

“I think we’re beginning to get a slightly better feeling in the credit market,” said Peter Cardillo, chief market economist at Avalon Partners Inc., a New York brokerage house, pointing to the move in Libor. “I’m sure we’ll still have a strong bear grip to the market but I do believe the market was way oversold. I do believe we’ve made a bottom.”

But by early afternoon, stocks turned higher as energy, materials and health care stocks looking increasingly attractive after have been battered during the week’s waves of heavy selling.

It’s been an erratic week on Wall Street, with the Dow soaring 936 points on Monday, slipping moderately Tuesday, sinking 733 points Wednesday, and then rallying 401 Thursday.

Scientists have new clue to mystery of sunken sub

NASA to launch probe to map solar system’s edge

Santa Monica library offers books that talk back

CHARLESTON, S.C. — It’s long been a mystery why the H.L. Hunley never returned after becoming the first submarine in history to sink an enemy warship in 1864, but new research announced Friday may lend credence to one of a few theories.

Scientists found the eightman crew of the hand-cranked Confederate submarine had not set the pump to remove water from the crew compartment, which might indicate it was not being flooded.

That could mean crew members suffocated as they used up air, perhaps while waiting for the tide to turn and the current to help take them back to land.

LOS ANGELES — A small NASA spacecraft embarks on a two-year mission this weekend to give scientists their first view of the happenings at the edge of the solar system.

The Ibex probe, short for Interstellar Boundary Explorer, will study a chaotic region in space where the solar wind from the sun clashes with cold gases from interstellar space.

The solar wind, a stream of charged particles spewing from the sun at 1 million miles per hour, carves out a protective bubble around the solar system. This bubble known as the heliosphere shields against most dangerous cosmic radiation that would otherwise interfere with human spaceflight.

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — You know those people you can read just like a book?

Well, on Saturday you will be able to borrow one of them when this city turns its main library into a “Living Library.”

Fourteen “living books” will be on hand in this trendy, liberal city, representing an encyclopedia of knowledge on such subjects as nudism, Buddhism and foodism. That’s because one of them is a real, live nudist, two are Buddhists and another is a vegan.

Library visitors will be allowed to check out any of the 14 people for up to 30 minutes.

—Compiled from AP reports

TODAY IN HISTORY ASSOCIATED PRESS

Today is Saturday, Oct. 18, the 292nd day of 2008. There are 74 days left in the year.

Today’s Highlight in History: On Oct. 18, 1962, Dr. James D. Watson of the U.S. and Drs. Francis Crick and Maurice Wilkins of Britain were named winners of the Nobel Prize for Medicine and Physiology for their work in determining the double-helix molecular structure of DNA. On this date: In 1858, the play “Our American Cousin” by Tom Taylor premiered at Laura Keene’s theater in New York.

In 1867, the United States took formal possession of Alaska from Russia.

In 1892, the first long-distance telephone line between New York and Chicago was officially opened. (It could handle only one call at a time).

In 1898, the American flag was raised in Puerto Rico shortly before Spain formally relinquished control of the island to the U.S. In 1931, inventor Thomas Alva Edison died in West Orange, N.J.,

at age 84.

In 1944, Soviet troops invaded Czechoslovakia during World War II. In 1982, former first lady Bess Truman died at her home in Independence, Mo., at age 97.

T e n y e a r s a g o : Pope John Paul II celebrated a Mass at the Vatican marking the 20th anniversary of his election to the papacy. The New York Yankees defeated the San Diego Padres 9-3 to take a 2-0 lead in the World Series.

Five years ago: In a new audiotape, a voice purported to be that of Osama bin Laden vowed suicide attacks “inside and outside” the United States and threatened nations that were helping the American occupation of Iraq. During a visit to the Philippines, President Bush pledged to help the beleaguered nation battle rising terrorism. The Florida Marlins won the first game of the World Series, defeating the New York Yankees 3-2.

One year ago: Former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto returned to Pakistan, ending eight years of self-imposed exile; a suicide bombing in a crowd welcoming her killed more

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AROUND TEXAS | IN BRIEF

55TH ANNIVERSARY OF GUERRERO CELEBRATION SATURDAY,OCT.18

7 a.m.: Pesca de Lobina International Fishing Tournament, Parque Nuevo Amanecer 9 a.m.: Trailride, El Jaujal Ranch, km. 131 8 p.m.: La Bala Super Sshow

ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM

Mexico: 6 people lined up, gunned down near border CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico — Police say six people were lined up and gunned down outside a business in this violent city across the border from El Paso, Texas.

City police spokesman Alejandro Pariente says a written statement “for all rats” was found among the bodies and declared that the killings “will continue.”

Pariente says investigators

found more than 100 bullet shells at the scene. He says no arrests have been made and officials were investigating whether the Thursday-night attack was linked to drugs.

Dallas civic leader to head Super Bowl committee ARLINGTON — A Dallas civic leader and former SMU administrator on Friday was named the president and chief executive of the host committee for the 2011 Super Bowl.

Roy Lively has served as a volunteer in those roles for a year while the committee organized and recruited corporate sponsors for the game, which will be played in the new Dallas Cowboys stadium under construction in suburban Arlington.

The stadium opens next season.

U.S.authorities warns they’ll confront violence EDINBURG — Authorities in South Texas said Friday that they won’t be intimidated by increasingly violent drug smugglers, announcing a larger Border Patrol presence and that more heavily armed deputies will be authorized to return fire across the Mexican border.

—Compiled from AP reports

AROUND THE WORLD | IN BRIEF

Photo by B.K. Bangash | AP

Shafi Mohammad, who earns $4 per day, walks out of his makeshift house made of empty wooden boxes used to transport fruit and vegetables, in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Thursday.A majority of people in Pakistan live below the poverty line. Pakistan will observe the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on Oct. 17.

Official: Afghans probing 17 civilian deaths

Iraqi prime minister criticizes top U.S.commander

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan — Afghan authorities are investigating the deaths of at least 17 civilians during a clash between NATO forces and militants in southern Afghanistan, an official said Friday.

Villagers and a senior police official claimed Thursday that a NATO airstrike killed the civilians, including women and children, in Nad Ali district of the Helmand province.

The NATO-led force in Afghanistan confirmed that it carried out an airstrike in the area Thursday — but not that it resulted in any civilian casualties.

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s prime minister said in remarks aired Friday that the top U.S. commander in Iraq “risked his position” by alleging Iran was trying to bribe lawmakers to vote against the proposed security agreement with the United States.

Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki briefed top political leaders Friday about the draft agreement, which includes a timeline for U.S. withdrawal from Iraq by the end of 2011 and a compromise giving Iraq authority to try U.S. contractors and soldiers for major crimes committed offduty and off-base.

—Compiled from AP reports

HISTORIC BALLS than 140 people, but Bhutto escaped unhurt. Former Joint Chiefs chairman William Crowe died in Bethesda, Md., at age 82.

Today’s Birthdays: Rock-androll performer Chuck Berry is 82. Sportscaster Keith Jackson is 80. Actress Dawn Wells is 70.

Football Hall of Famer Mike Ditka is 69. Actor Joe Morton is 61.

Actress Pam Dawber is 57. Author Terry McMillan is 57.

Gospel singer Vickie Winans is 55. Tennis player Martina Navratilova is 52. Boxer Thomas Hearns is 50. Actor Jean-Claude Van Damme is 48. Actress Erin Moran is 48. Jazz musician Wynton Marsalis is 47. Actor Vincent Spano is 46. Rock musician Tim Cross (Sponge) is 42. Tennis player Michael Stich is 40. Singer Nonchalant is 35. Rock musician Peter Svenson (The Cardigans) is 34. Actor Wesley Jonathan is 30.

Rhythm-and-blues singer-actor Ne-Yo is 29. Country singer Josh Gracin is 28. Country musician Jesse Littleton (Marshall Dyllon) is 27.

Thought for Today: “Matrimony is not a word, it’s a sentence.” — Eddie Cantor, American comedian-singer (1892-1964).

Photo by Julie Jacobson | AP

Two baseballs, both pitched by Don Larsen in his perfect game in the 1956 World Series against the Brooklyn Dodgers, are displayed during a preview for a memorabilia auction Friday at Madison Square Garden, in New York.The auction is presented by Guernsey’s Auction House and celebrates the history of Yankee Stadium and the teams that played there. The ball on the right was also Mickey Mantle’s home run ball to win the game.

Zlocal

SATURDAY,OCTOBER 18,2008

That seemingly great buy may have hurricane damage SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

By the time the new owner of a nine-year old, $35,000, 24-foot fishing boat approached the U.S. Consumer Affairs Department for help, it was too late.

Shortly after purchasing the vessel, the new owner discovered that the boat had been subjected to “excessive trauma” from a hurricane that caused serious structural damage. Unfortunately, the new owner was now left with only one expensive option: litigation.

While buying a used boat is never easy, recent hurricanes could lead to an increase in the number of hurricane-damaged vessels for sale on the used boat market.

While many boats are properly repaired and sold, sellers don’t always tell the whole truth, and sometimes, just finding out whether a boat has been hurricane damaged can be difficult — especially if cosmetic repairs have been made.

Here are some tips that could help protect you from inadvertently buying a hurricane-damaged vessel.

Vote independent: Having a survey done by an independent surveyor is key. In the case of the 24-foot fishing vessel, the new owner hired a surveyor — who was recommended by the dealer — for the prepurchase inspection.

The true extent of the hurricane damage was not fully revealed until after the boat’s new owner, who lived in another state many miles away, received delivery, became suspicious and then hired his own surveyor.

State line shuffle: Anyone wishing to obscure a boat’s history need only cross state lines to avoid detection. That’s because unlike automobiles, there are few states that have laws requiring that the titles of junked or salvaged boats be “branded” as such.

And only 36 states even have a requirement that powerboats be titled.

In the case of the 24-footer, the boat was damaged in Texas when a hurricane struck. The absence of salvage title allowed the unscrupulous seller to simply trailer the boat to Ohio to list it for sale with a dealer. A seller who is not willing to document where a boat has been berthed or registered for the past few years should be a red flag that extra vigilance should be taken during the inspection and pre-purchase survey.

Fuzzy background checks: Although a few Web sites purport to provide comprehensive background information about used boats, consumers should be skeptical, since there is no one national clearinghouse for boat information, short of checking the

records of each boat by calling the boat registration agencies in every state. And be aware that even if you do that, state boat registration records do not include information about accidents or insurance claims.

“As Is” could mean “expensive”: Protections afforded consumers by federal warranty laws and state implied warranty provisions are limited when products are sold “as is.” Without a thorough inspection and prepurchase survey, you may not find any storm-related damages until something major happens and new repair efforts reveal their true extent. And your insurance policy won’t cover the repairs because most don’t cover pre-existing conditions. If you do buy “as is,” consider adding a statement in the sales contract that says the seller has revealed everything they know about the boat’s existing or repaired damages.

Eyes Wide Open: For certain buyers, purchasing a hurricane-damaged vessel may be appealing, provided they have the time, budget and sweat equity needed to facilitate repairs. However, knowing it’s a “hurricane boat” is a must.

For more information on buying a boat or to get a free copy of the BoatU.S. Guide to Buying and Selling a Boat, go to http://my.BoatUS.com/consumer.

THE BLOTTER AGGRAVATED ASSAULT WITH A DEADLYWEAPON A man told police at about 2 a.m.

Sunday he was assaulted with a motor vehicle in the 1200 block of Falcon Lane.

The offender was identified as Amado Ricardo Martinez. Authorities charged him with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, motor vehicle, a second-degree felony, and possession of a prohibited weapon, a class-A misdemeanor.

Sheriff’s deputies arrested a man Sunday on the charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, motor vehicle.

According to police, they initially responded to a verbal disturbance call at about 3 a.m. near Monterrey Avenue and Juan Street. But when they arrived, they said they discovered a man identified as Roel AlanizJr. had tried to assault someone

with a motor vehicle.

ASSAULT Sheriff’s deputies responded to a fight in progress at about 1:30 a.m. Sunday at El Tigre Exxon gas station, 1302 U.S. 83.

When they arrived, the male complainant told them Juan Carlos Salinas had punched him in the mouth at the gas station, the offense report stated. Deputies arrested Salinas and charged him with assault causing bodily injury, a class-A misdemeanor.

A woman told sheriff’s deputies at about 10:30 a.m. Tuesday her boyfriend, Roel Alaniz Jr., assaulted her in the 5400 block of Juan Lane.

However,deputies said the complainant refused to cooperate.

of crack cocaine Oct. 11 after being pulled over at about 10 p.m.near Fourth Street and Roma Avenue.

Authorities identified the man as Hector Ramon Alaniz II. Sheriff’s deputies arrested a man Sunday following a two-vehicle accident at the Stripes off U.S. 83.

According to the offense report, one of the drivers involved in the accident, which happened at about 12:30 a.m.,was found to be in possession of marijuana. The driver was identified as Jose Joel Guzman Jr. Aman was arrested at about 2 a.m.Sundaynear Falcon Avenue and Fourth Street on the charge of possession of a controlled substance.

The man was identified as Edgar Alaniz.

PUBLIC INTOXICATION POSSESSION OFA CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE A man was charged with possession

Police arrested a man at the De Los Santos Meat Market parking lot Tuesday on the charge of public intoxication. The man was identified as Mario Orlando Garcia.

Who couldn’t use a little more love.

Gifts and new services for moms and new babies New! Lactation Counselor, at bedside while you’re here or by phone after you leave, to assist with breastfeeding.

New! New Mommies Sharing support group gives moms and babies (from birth to three months) a place to exchange experiences and information.

For details, New Mommies Sharing schedule, hospital preregistration and Special Deliveries list of discounts, log onto IchooseDoctorsHospital.com. Or phone 956.523.2530 and we’ll send you a package of info.

10700 McPherson Rd. Laredo, TX 78045 956-523-2000 www.IchooseDoctorsHospital.com Physicians are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Doctors Hospital of Laredo. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians.

ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM

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TOY CAR CREATIONS

Courtesy photo

Villarreal Elementary third-grade students are excited at presenting their Simple System “toy car”creation. Shown, left to right, are Gabriela Alvarez, Santiago Carreon, Raul Cruz, Sandra Hernandez, Luis Cisneros, Roel Villarreal and Andrea Martinez.

Vados key to early explorations

BY DORA MARTINEZ

COLUMN

There were several vados, or fords, across the Rio Grande that early explorers in South Texas used in search of Fort St. Louis, supposedly a French colony on the Gulf Coast.

Old Spanish maps, such as Mapa de la Sierra Gorda, 1792, show three vados at Starr County ranches — Los Arrieros, El Salineno and El Alamo — and Paso Jacinto, near Laredo.

Indians, explorers, settlers, revolutionaries, politicals refugees, armies, Texas Rangers, river riders, smugglers and renegades made these vados their favorite crossover points.

There is no doubt the crossing used by Alonso De Leon was El Alamo ford, four miles across Mier, Mexico, north of the Alamo River and known as El Paso Del

Cantaro. Some authorities fix it at Los Arrieros, about five miles up river, but definite instuctions given to De Leon indicate El Alamo ford as the crossover point.

The translation for arrieros is “Muleteers, who drove mules, or other beasts of burden, carrying goods from one place to another.”

These vados played an important part in the economic development of Nuevo Santander.

Salines, or salt lakes, along the coast were considered of great commercial value. In 1686, De Leon, serving as commandant of the presidio, or fort, at Cerralvo, had the task of finding the French colony along the Gulf Coast.

De Leon led four land expeditions between 1686 and 1689.

On his first expedition, De Leon started out from Cadereyta, a small town near Monterrey, and, following the San Juan River northward, reached its juncture with the Rio Grande in three days but could not find a suitable vado to cross the larger river.

The original Spanish name for the Rio Grande was Rio Bravo, or wild, fierce. It was swift, wide and deep, and at the crossover points, there were no dams at the time to deprive the river of its magnificent beauty and its natural, powerful course.

Texas was also officially created as a frontier province in 1691; it would take almost 30 more years to settle the region.

(Dora Martinez is a native of Zapata who was publisher of Hispanic News in San Antonio for 21 years.)

Zopinion

SATURDAY,OCTOBER 18,2008

ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM

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OTHER VIEWS

EDITORIAL

Reinvestment act has helped NEW YORK TIMES

n recent weeks, Republicans in Congress have been blaming a lot of things, besides themselves, for the subprime mortgage debacle.

And many of these same Republicans have long wanted to abolish the Community Reinvestment Act, a landmark law that helped rebuild some of the nation’s most desolate communities by requiring banks to lend, invest and open branches in low-income areas that had historically been written off.

These two goals have converged in a new attempt to blame the law for the financial crisis.

The act, passed in 1977, is one of the most successful community revitalization programs in the country’s history. According to a recent report by the National Community Reinvestment Coalition, an advocacy group in Washington, the act has encouraged lenders to invest more than $4.5 trillion in minority and lowincome areas.

This money helped remake devastated neighborhoods such as the South Bronx, helping to finance new housing and businesses.

It has helped provide essential services in such neighborhoods, including medical centers and housing for the elderly and disabled — projects that the private sector too often refused to back.

But you can hardly pick up a newspaper or turn on the televi-

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sion these days without hearing critics argue that the act created the current mess we’re in by forcing banks to lend to people in poor areas who were bad credit risks. Rep. Steve King of Iowa has introduced legislation that would repeal the act.

The charges do not hold up.

First, how could a 30-plusyear-old law be responsible for a crisis that has occurred only in recent years? Then there’s the fact that the regulatory guidance issued under the reinvestment act and other banking laws actually impose restraints on the riskiest kinds of subprime lending.

In addition, subprime lending was not driven by banks, which are covered by the act. Rather, most subprime lending was driven by independent mortgage lending companies, which the act does not cover, and, to a lesser extent, by bank affiliates and subsidiaries that are not fully covered by the act.

By some estimates, nonbank lenders and bank affiliates and subsidiaries may have originated 75 percent or more of the riskiest subprime loans.

A study released this week by the Center for Community Capital at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill shows that people of similar financial profiles were three to five times more likely to default when they received high-priced subprime mortgages than when they got bank loans made under the Community Reinvestment Act.

COLUMN

Our American redneck cousin

By JOHN KELSO COX NEWS SERVICE

USTIN, Texas — This week, I took a Brit visiting here in Austin to see rednecks. Just doin’ my job.

Now, generally when people come to this town, they ask to tour the Capitol, the LBJ Library and maybe the Bullock Texas State History Museum — the standard stuff.

But Brinley Johnson, 46, a computer techie from Bristol, England, had a different item on his dance card. He wanted to see that uniquely American species that dances backward.

So on Tuesday afternoon, I took him way down on Manchaca Road to Giddy Ups, my favorite beer joint. Why Giddy Ups? In part because a couple of weeks ago I heard a joke in there from a skinny carpenter’s helper-lookin’ guy who probably weighed about 148 pounds, and had on a cowboy hat that weighed about 149. The joke he told at the bar combined sex and NASCAR. You wouldn’t hear this joke at Sandra Bullock’s restaurant.

“Well, I don’t really know what a redneck is,” admitted Brinley, as we drove toward Giddy Ups . “Coming from abroad, you just hear the term. Is it a badge of honor?” He also wanted to know if “all rednecks are Republicans.” I should have explained to him that rednecks don’t play in the comparatively childlike political sandbox. They have more important matters to take care of — like drinking, dogs and dynamiting fish.

This project began after Brinley had told an Austin friend of his that while he was in town, he wanted to see a real, live redneck. So guess who got the call to find some?

See, rednecks are an endangered species in Austin. They’re victims of global gentrification.

Pouring latte down a redneck is like throwing a gator into salt water. The Californians moving to town have become our grackles. And the rednecks? They’re our golden-cheeked warblers.

But I know where to find

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these people. I can spot prime redneck habitat — a beer joint with pickups out front.

Brinley admitted he was “a bit apprehensive to say I’ve come to meet rednecks.” So I called ahead first to make sure we wouldn’t get throwed out.

“If he’s lookin’ for rednecks, he’s comin’ to the right bar,” said Don Orton, the bartender.

Oh, I forgot to mention that Brinley brought along his very proper British mother, Dorothy Jeffries. “Brin, is it suitable for me, or should I wait outside?” she asked when we pulled up out front.

It didn’t take long to realize we’d come to the right place to observe redus neckerooni.

“You’re not from here, are you?” Tom McCain, who was sitting at the bar, asked Brinley.

Tom, an Aggie, is known at Giddy Ups as The Speaker of the House. “I’m from England,” Brinley told him.

“What? Rumor is it’s across an ocean. Did you get on a boat and get lost?” Tom asked.

It was as if I had paid Tom McCain $50 to show up and add color. “Is this Tuesday?” he asked for no apparent reason. “(Shoot), I was supposed to change underwear this morning. Change it two times a week whether I need to or not.”

I thought the highlight was when Tom walked over, put his arm around Brinley’s neck and told him a sheep joke.

Then there was the longhaired guy who sat down next to Tom at the bar. “Oh, England fella,” Tom said. “In South Austin, this is what we call a geriatric hippie.”

Brinley and his mother seemed to enjoy their visit, however.

“They’re really cheerful people,” Dorothy observed as we were leaving.

Still, Brinley was surprised that so many people were in the bar drinking beer at 3 in the afternoon. “It’s quite busy early, if you know what I mean,” he said.

Heck, 30 years ago it would have been busy at 8 in the morning.

EDITORIAL

Alaskan land dispute sees focus THE BOSTON GLOBE

LASKA Gov. Sarah Palin’s vice presidential candidacy has drawn increased national attention to a highstakes conflict in her state: the battle between mining and petroleum interests on one side and the fishing and tourism industries on the other. This attention is all to the good because in many cases, the land in question belongs not to Alaska but to the nation as a whole.

One such clash could come to a head in the next few weeks. The federal Bureau of Land Management is weighing whether to open up more than 1 million acres of its land to oil, gas and mining companies, even though

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the land holds the headwaters of Bristol Bay, the world’s most valuable wild salmon fishery. At a time when the world is learning all too quickly the environmental drawbacks of fish farming, the bureau should do nothing to imperil Bristol Bay — a prime example of a well-managed wild fishery. In 2006, Bristol Bay produced salmon worth $216 million, 30 percent of the state’s wild salmon catch.

In line with the governor’s pro-development stance, the state of Alaska has stood aside as the bureau considers a green light for petroleum and mining projects near the bay. Meanwhile, Alaska Natives, commercial and sports fishermen, and conservationists are seeking to protect the

watersheds of the Nushagak and Kvichak rivers.

The bay is also under threat from proposals for offshore oil and gas drilling and a planned mining project inland on state land. Congress recently let expire the moratorium on offshore drilling that protected the bay and other fish breeding grounds on both coasts.

The proposed Pebble mine would be the largest open-pit gold and copper mine in North America. Although the site is near a seismic fault, planners are envisioning a pond of toxic mining waste, held back by a 4.3mile-long dam that would be just slightly shorter than Boston’s Hancock Tower.

Lindsey Bloom, a Bristol Bay

fishing boat captain, worries that the BLM will open its land to mineral development even though the “overwhelming majority” of comments the bureau received during the public comment period on the proposal were against development. She said in an interview that even if actual mines or drilling derricks are still far in the future, just the building of roads, staking of claims and establishing of camps could affect the quality of the water. “Let’s put fish first,” she said.

Whatever minerals exist onshore or offshore of Bristol Bay can be found elsewhere. Its salmon fishery is one of a kind and deserves a higher priority than either the state or the federal government is giving it.

YOUR OPINION Student pursuing culinary dream provides inspiration; everyone has the ability to succeed To the editor: “To succeed you need to find something to hold on to, something to motivate you, something to inspire you.”

Ms. Lourdes Arce-Sanchez, LISD diagnostician, recently visited her daughter at the Texas Culinary Academy in Austin, which is considered to be one of the best culinary schools in the nation. She had the pleasure and was enlightened on seeing a former graduate from Cigarroa High School, Jesus Salinas.

Not only is he attending the Texas Culinary Academy, but he is also a student with a disability; he is hearing-impaired. Mr. Salinas moved to Austin, where he began his dream of becoming a chef and in December, he will be completing his coursework and moving on to externship and graduating.

The American Heritage Dictionary defines to succeed as,

“to happen or terminate according to desire; turn out successfully; have the desired result: ‘Our efforts succeeded.’ ” Mr. Rene De La Viña, special education teacher and advocate at Cigarroa, expressed his belief that we should always view special population students, “on their ability — not their disability.”

Even though Jesus has a disability, he was inspired. Who wouldn’t want to be inspired and experience heightened emotions and the joyful sense of satisfaction from achieving?

Without inspiration, innovative ideas have no chance of taking flight; in fact, they fail to exist. I was inspired when I was told of his achievement, and as the pressures of everyday existence consume most of our time, we might let some earlier dreams or goals go by; but as parents, teachers and friends we must continue to motivate

all students. Jesus Salinas had a dream, was inspired, and desired to succeed and did not let his disability hold him back.

A wise man once told me “Sueña lo que tu quieras. Eso es lo bonito de la mente del ser humano, y hacer lo que tu deseas.

Eso es la fuerza de el ser humano, en creer en el mismo y provar nuestros limites. Eso es tener fuerza en cumplir.”

(Dream what you want. That’s the beauty of being human, doing what you desire. That is the strength of being human, of believing in oneself and testing our limits. Doing that gives you the strength to accomplish your goals.) Mr. Jose Adame meant that you can dream, and do anything you want if put your mind to it. People become really quite remarkable when they start thinking that they can do things. When they believe in themselves they have the first secret of success.

If Jesus Salinas, like many others — Leonardo Da Vinci, Galileo Galilei, Vincent Van Gogh, Isaac Newton, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Abraham Lincoln, Claude Monet, Alexander Graham Bell, Teddy Roosevelt, Albert Einstein, Helen Keller, John F. Kennedy, General G. Patton, Walt Disney, Cher, Henry Winkler, Terry Bradshaw, John Mellencamp, Stephen Hawking, to name just a few — found “The Will to Succeed,” then we all have the “The Will to Succeed.”

We all have the ability to succeed, but like cactus, some of us take longer to blossom.

Two years ago in my Study Skills classroom I asked my students to close their eyes, and asked them, “What do you see?”

They responded, “Darkness.”

My response to them was, “Even blind people have a vision.”

Signed, Jose Navarro

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY The Zapata Times does not publish anonymous letters. To be published, letters must include the writer’s first and last names as well as a phone number to verify identity.

The phone number isn’t published; it is used solely to verify

identity and to clarify content, if necessary.

People who want to air their opinions publicly must do so openly. We want to assure our readers that a letter is written by the person who signs the letter; pseudonyms are not accepted.

Letters are edited for style, grammar, length and civility.

No name-calling or gratuitous abuse is allowed.

This space allows for public debate of the issues of the day.

We do publish “thank you” letters, but due to limited space, we

DOONESBURY | GARRY TRUDEAU

ask writers to list no more than 10 names in such letters. Letters with more than 10 names will not be published.

Send letters to Letters to the Editor; 111 Esperanza Drive; Laredo, TX 78041. Or send via email to editorial@lmtonline.com

Zlife

SATURDAY,OCTOBER 18,2008

Cooler season inspires cool looks

By STEFANIE CHARLES LAREDO MORNING TIMES

Spring’s soft and feminine trends have long subsided, conquered by a more playful and edgy look for fall.

This season is driven by individuality and staple pieces, like a pair of J Brand Jeans that can be transformed by a classic shawl or a cool leather motorcycle jacket.

The little black dress, or “LBD,” is fundamental to any woman’s wardrobe, whether it’s paired with opaque tights and a sweet pair of boots or styled up with the right accessories. Fall is about owning your look and defining your personal style.

“Invest on statement pieces, save on the rest and you’ll build a brilliant wardrobe,” said Lolita Mounetou, a buyer for Polly Adams.

Drowning in one designer from head to toe is not the antidote to getting through the season.

Mixing high-end and low-end pieces is an effortless way to keeping warm this fall.

Faux fur is another handy and animal-friendly way to keep warm.

“Faux fur is a big fall trend and is a playful way to dress up an LBD by adding a touch of your own style,” Mounetou said.

Adding personality A shawl is another staple that adds personality to an ensemble, and more importantly, every woman should own one anyway; whether it’s pashmina, suede and macramé or 100 percent wool, a shawl can be thrown over the shoulder and ooze sophistication.

“Shawls can be worn over a pair jeans or a pair of trousers — either way, they are ageless and perfect for fall,” said Adriana Talamas, owner of Crisda Collections.

Taking a step away from classic sophistication, the fall season

Photos by Cuate Santos | Laredo Morning Times

Various models don the latest in fall fashions, including shawls from Crisda Collections, 5601 San Dario Ave., Suite 2B, and Lauren Conrad cocktail dresses, jeans and outerwear from Polly Adams, 2301 E. Del Mar Blvd. is thriving on a more rock ‘n’ roll silhouette. Although not suitable for all, the edgier look can be worn in a more subtle fashion.

“Wearing a motorcycle jacket over an evening gown is rock ‘n’ roll, but wearing a pair of boots over jeans and a motorcycle jacket still conveys an edgier style,” Mounetou said.

Accessorizing Even accessories can be an outlet for inspiring a rock-star ensemble. Big and bold jewelry adds a hint of glam that can pull together any look. Think chunky cocktail rings, large hardware or embellished cuffs.

Also, animal prints are everywhere this fall. Predominantly seen on handbags, whether faux or real, they are being airbrushed and dyed for that on-the-go glam.

“I’ve been seeing a lot more animal prints lately, and most are

metallic snakeskin handbags that are essential for fall,” Talamas said.

Other preferred colors for fall are of the berry family: Blackberry, strawberry and raspberry, deep rich hues of purple seize the fall season. If sporting purple makes you feel downright royal, handbags are a chic way to take on the trend.

Oversized, patent handbags in these luxurious hues are a perfect way to add a little spunk to your style.

Another outlet for adding some individuality to your wardrobe for fall is by donning the so-called art piece.

“An art piece is a piece of clothing that has a print on it, like a winter floral or paisley,” Mounetou said.

Staple piece Art pieces are a new, fun way to add a vintage feel to your

wardrobe without spending a lot.

The most classic and fundamental piece in any woman’s wardrobe for fall is the perfect pair of blue jeans. Considered a staple piece, finding the perfect pair is key.

“Every season, you should get a new pair of jeans. Finding the right pair is critical, and having them altered to fit your body is important,” Mounetou said.

Luckily, jeans come in a variety of colors, shapes and styles.

“Dark denim is the thing for fall, skinny jeans are still fashionable and wide leg jeans are in too,” Mounetou said.

Building a fall wardrobe requires a few staple pieces, and the fun starts when you add playful and edgier items. Reflecting your personal style and individuality is the statement every woman should make this fall.

ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM

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MISS MANNERS | BYJUDITH MARTIN

Need for gratitude still remains DEAR MISS MANNERS — My wife and I attended the wedding of a close friend’s son and dutifully selected a gift from their registration list. While wrapping it, I suggested that we include a note saying “We know you like the gift, so there is no need to write MARTIN us a thank you note. Please enjoy.”

This sentiment appealed to me because I hate writing thank you notes. We knew they would like the gift — they picked it out.

Why not save them a little time as a sort of second gift? My wife was not, however, at all supportive of this plan and it ended there. Later, the bride wrote us a very gracious thank you note.

Although I admit the idea doesn’t feel quite right, if one applies the Golden Rule, it works. I would’ve appreciated receiving similar notes with our wedding gifts. And, as more and more couples virtually select their own wedding gifts, maybe this is an idea who’s time has come?

I’m wrong, I suppose, but technically, why?

GENTLE READER — Because you are hoping to subvert an important and time-honored ritual, even though Miss Manners admits that it has already been nearly drained of meaning.

That presents have come to be thought of as payment for hospitality is a repulsive notion that means that we are selling one another our social company.

But if couples frankly started offering tickets for sale to watch them being married, Miss Manners doubts that they would have many takers. Once the sen-

timent is removed, people would realize that better entertainment, and probably better meals, are available elsewhere.

The sentiment comes from the thoughtfulness and generosity of the giver. As you have noted, gift registries kill the thoughtfulness part. You propose to kill the acknowledgement that there is still generosity involved.

Miss Manners cannot really blame you for thinking that there isn’t much left to kill. But while even a part of it is still alive, she hopes that people will want to restore the meaning to this ancient ritual instead of just doing one another’s shopping.

Either that or dispose of present-giving entirely. When that happens, you will be thankful to hear that you will no longer have to express thankfulness.

DEAR MISS MANNERS — Do you think it is rude and disrespectful to start a response with “I don’t mean any disrespect...”?

My friend wrote that to me before she wrote about how her husband being on deployment was not comparable to my husband being away for business. I was offended just because she wrote that. Am I wrong to feel she intended to put me down?

GENTLE READER — Ordinarily, Miss Manners would agree that “I don’t mean any disrespect” — like “Let me be honest with you” and “I have to say how I feel” — heralds an insult.

But there does have to be a way that friends can call attention to an unintentional hurt.

This seems to be such a case.

When you compared the absences of your respective husbands, you were presumably referring to the loneliness and inconvenience that you and your friend are both likely to feel.

Zentertainment

SATURDAY,OCTOBER 18,2008

ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM

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ENTERTAINMENT BRIEFS SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

WWE,ECW to slam LEC The Laredo Entertainment Center, an SMG-managed facility, and WWE have partnered to put on an action-packed show with the WWE Smackdown and ECW, to take place Tuesday at 6 p.m.

WWE has promised an exciting lineup with all the favorite Smackdown and ECW stars, including the main event, a nodisqualification match between The Undertaker and The Big Show.

Also making an appearance is Diva Maria, a 5-foot-7-inch heavy hitter in and out of the ring. According to an online bio, she was discovered during a 2004 Diva Search and continues to be “the object of desire for many men.”

“WWE is one of the most popular shows here at the LEC,” said Roy Medina, interim general manager of the LEC. The stars of the ring were in town last year, also, for a titlechanging match, boasting the ap-

pearances of Edge, Batista, Kane and the Great Khali.

Tickets are still available at the LEC box office and all Ticketmaster outlets. Ticket prices are $20, $25, $30 and $40. WWE shows at the LEC generally sell out, so fans are urged to buy in advance.

playing the piano won the hearts of fans during her run to the finals on the hit TV show.

The next game will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, at the LEC. For more information, visit www.laredobucks.com.

Hellacious hauntings

The Bucks are back in town The Laredo Bucks of the Central Hockey League will open the 2008-09 season this weekend at the Laredo Entertainment Center, playing games against Northers Conference powers.

Today, Laredo will host the defending CHL Governor’s Cup Champion Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start as low as $10. Call 718-BUCK to charge them.

During the game, Bucks fans will be treated to a special guest performance live at the LEC. “America’s Got Talent” finalist Butterscotch will be on hand entertaining the crowd during the intermissions.

Butterscotch’s combined talents of beat-boxing, singing, and

Kal Ismail and Kyle Kippenbrock are once again opening the doors to La Hacienda’s Haunted Mansion.

The haunted house, located within the hotel, 4914 San Bernardo Ave., is unique in that it requires its “victims” to be pushed through it while strapped to a wheelchair.

The Haunted Mansion will be open from Thursday, Oct. 23, through Saturday, Oct. 25, from 7 p.m. to midnight.

VIP bracelets, which permit their wearers to go straight to the front of the line, are $12 at La Hacienda. Admission is $15 at the door.

No visitors younger than 12 will be admitted. For more information, call 722-2441.

Photo by Ricardo Segovia | Laredo Morning Times

Left to right, Henry Flores, Daniel Cantu and Ana Uribe rehearse a scene from “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” at the Laredo Community College Martinez Fine Arts Center on Tuesday.

‘Joseph’ a colorful retelling

By KIRSTEN CROW LAREDO MORNING TIMES

‘Endnotes’ in sight at Sound SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

Sound Art Space, 206 W. Ryan St., will open “Across the Sky:/Endnotes,” a solo exhibition of new paintings by San Marcos-based artist J. Derrick Durham, with a reception from 8 to 11 p.m. today. The exhibition runs through Nov. 16.

Durham’s most recent paintings are full of impossible aerodynamic propositions that serve as vague metaphors for spiritual investigations in light of reason. Pairs of aerodynamically challenged airfoils glide, fall and coalesce into amalgamated formations, like dense flocks of migrating birds navigating tempestuous clouds — or explosions, depending on one’s point of view.

These movements constitute a series of events that can be characterized as “aerodynamic eschatologies,” or endpoints, to a particular state of being. What follows is an investigation of what is transformed in the aftermath, what is missing and what is gained through these seemingly alchemical processes.

Courtesy photo

This piece by J. Derrick Durham, called “Orange Aero,” is an example of the San Marcos-based artist’s work.His collection will be the subject of a new exhibit at Sound Art Space opening today.

Common Sense Leadership

Endorsed Endorsed by: Texas Farm Bureau AGFUND US Chamber of Commerce National Rifle Association VFW of the United States PAC American Federation of Teachers Texas Medical Association

www.HenryCuellar.com 956.724.1212

Laredo Community College and Texas A&M International University have taken a colorful production to entirely different highs in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” which continues its run through the weekend.

In an unprecedented move, the colleges’ Opera Workshops teamed up to bring the classic biblical tale of Joseph and the Coat of Many Colors to the stage in the Broadway-musical version of the story, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” written by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Under the direction of a husband-wife team — Joseph Crabtree, chair of the performing arts department and opera workshop instructor at LCC, and Dana Crabtree, TAMIU instructor of music and voice — “Joseph and

the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” takes its audiences on a journey of jealousy, revenge and redemption to a soundtrack that keeps its cast moving and its audience engaged with an eclectic mix of country, rock, pop, rap and disco numbers.

“It’s a delightful retelling of the story,” said Joseph Crabtree.

“It has its own unique spin on things. It’s not irreverent, but it’s not exactly a strict (retelling).”

The cast In a massive cast that employs about 25 to 30 junior high and elementary school-age children and 25 adults and college students, the joint production was a big undertaking, said Joseph Crabtree.

“This is the first time we’ve done (a production) together,” he said. “We each have our own groups, and we decided we had to do something really huge and

we needed combined efforts.”

There are plenty of familiar faces of Laredo stages in this ensemble cast, including veterans Henry Flores, Stephanie SolisSchnyder, John Maxstadt, John Wallace, Stephen Miller, Josúe Perez and Joseph Santos, among many others.

Standouts include the star of the show, Joseph, played by Danny Cantu with some impressive vocals, and the narrators, who are double-cast as Ana Uribe and Rosalinda Reyes and Jan Mora and Jackie Macaulley, along with the Pharoah, who has some seriously charismatic, smooth moves as “The King.”

Among the more impressive numbers is “Close Every Door,” the melancholic lament of Joseph following his sale into slavery and subsequent jailing.

The child chorus, which flanks the stage, hold candles for this piece, adding an unforgettably heartrending ambiance.

ZFrontera AGENDAEN BREVE CULTURA LAREDO — Los talleres de ópera de TAMIU y LCC presentan “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”de Andrew Lloyd Webber a las 7:30 p.m. en el Martínez Fine Arts Center, el campus Fort McIntosh de LCC.La entrada es de 5 dólares,con las ganancias destinandose a próximas producciones teatrales.

NUEVO LAREDO — Festival Internacional Tamaulipas presenta el sábado Grupo Pesado de Rodrigo Najera en el Silverado Rodeo a las 9 p.m.; el domingoThe Ten Tenors,en el Teatro del Centro Cultural Nuevo Laredo a las 8:30 p.m; el lunes a la Orquesta de Cámara de Rótterdam a las 8:30 p.m. en el Teatro del Centro Cultural Nuevo Laredo; el martes a Víctor Manuel y Ana Belén a las 7 p.m. en la Explanada Esteban Baca Calderón; Pascal Rioult Dance Theater a las 8:30 p.m.en el Teatro del Centro Cultural Nuevo Laredo; el miércoles Tango & Fire a las 8:30 p.m.en el Teatro del Centro Cultural Nuevo Laredo; el jueves a Joan Manuel Serrat en concierto a las 8:30 p.m.en el Teatro del Centro Cultural Nuevo Laredo; el viernes la Conferencia de Javier Rábago a las 6 p.m. en Estación Palabra; Mayín y Chilindrín a las 7 p.m. en la Explanada Esteban Baca Calderón; y Zapping Zinema a las 8:30 p.m en el Teatro del Centro Cultural Nuevo Laredo.

DEPORTES LAREDO — El 5to evento anual de Bucky Houdmann Memorial Skeet Shoot será el sábado en el Laredo Shooting Complex,a partir de las 9 a.m.Falcon International Bank estará otorgando 1.000 dólares en efectivo al equipo ganador y premios individuales que van de los 100 dólares a los 500 dólares.La cuota de entrada es de 125 dólares,qyue incluye comida,bebidas y premios.Habrá módulos de negocios del área participando.Llame para más información al 722-5553; 7221007 ó 237-8075.

LAREDO — El equipo de vóleibol de TAMIU jugará el sábado contra Dallas Baptist University en el campus a las 2 p.m.La entrada general es de 5 dólares; estudiantes pagan 3 dólares; gratis para cualquiera con identificación de TAMIU. Más información llamando al 326-2891.

LAREDO — El equipo de fútbol soccer de TAMIU recibe el domingo a St. Mary’s University en el campus a las 7 p.m.La entrada general es de 5 dólares; estudiantes pagan 3 dólares; gratis para cualquiera con identificación de TAMIU. Más información llamando al 326-2891.

LAREDO — Noche de hockey.Los Laredo Bucks reciben el sábado a las 7:30 p.m.a los Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs en el Laredo Entertainment Center.

LAREDO — El martes se presenta en el Laredo Entertainment Center el evento WWE Smackdown & ECW a las 6:30 p.m. Puede comprar su boleto en la taquilla de LEC y en los expendios de Ticketmaster. Los precios varían de 20, 25, 30 y 40 dólares.

LAREDO — El Departamento de Atletismo de Texas A&M International University será anfitrión de su séptimo evento anual Casino Night Sports Memorabilia Auction, el miércoles en el Student Center Ballroom del campus. Las puertas abren a las 6 p.m.La tarde consistirá del Torneo de Texas Hold’em,juegos de casino, comida y bebida, así como música en vivo y una subasta silenciosa de artículos deportivos y de entretenimiento únicos.La cuota de entrada al Texas Hold’em es de 125 dólares con un premio de viaje para dos a Las Vegas. El torneo está limitado a 30 asientos. La cuota de entrada para la noche de casino y subasta es de 120 dólares por persona. Los participantes pueden cambiar sus chips por un premio de rifa al final de la tarde. Más información en el 326-3000, en horario de oficina.

SERVICIO SOCIAL LAREDO — El sábado es el Día del Río,una atención binacional que se realiza a lo largo del Río Grande/Río Bravo para mejorar la calidad del río ysu medio ambiente. Varios organismos patrocinarán la limpieza del Paso del Indio. Las inscripciones inician a las 7:30 a.m.,el día de trabajo inicia a las 8 a.m.La comida y una camiseta conmemorativa se dará a los voluntarios (cantidad limitada). Más información llamando al 764-5701.

LAREDO — El viernes es la la gala Like a Diamond a Cure is Forever de la Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation la cual presentará música del legendario cantautor Neil Diamon,en el Laredo Country Club. La velada incluirá una subasta silenciosa,una subasta en vivo, la rifa de fabulosos premios y música.

Para más información, comunicarse con Lety Garcia al 712-2900.

ENTRETENIMIENTO LAREDO — El sábado es la primera de una serie de eventos denominados Bazar de San Agustin, de 10 a.m.a 9 p.m.Se presentarán artistas locales y sus creaciones.

Para informar acerca de eventos y actividades envíe el nombre, fecha, hora y dirección, y un número de contacto a tiempo@lmtonline.com

SÁBADO 18 DE OCTUBRE DE 2008

EN INTERNET: THEZAPATATIMES.COM

7A

Sin proyectos en ramo de construcción Por MIGUEL TIMOSHENKOV TIEMPO DE ZAPATA

NUEVO LAREDO — La industria de la construcción de vivienda sufre un colapso al cancelarse créditos bancarios y quedar a la deriva más de dos mil trabajadores, entre albañiles, carpinteros, fierreros y plomeros.

Por esta razón, dirigentes de sindicatos filiales a la Confederación de Trabajadores de México (CTM, por sus siglas), buscaron alianza de trabajo con constructores en proyectos menores. “(Nuestros) sindicalistas piden no los abandonemos (ya que) están necesitados”, dijo Ramiro Delgado, presidente de la Cámara de Industria de la Construcción.

“No sabemos la permanencia de la contracción ni sus repercusiones (estamos) en posición desventajosa”.

El jefe de gobierno Ramón Garza Barrios dijo el lunes que buscará fondos en la

capital mexicana para alentar inversiones en la rama de la construcción, mejorar proyectos de infraestructura y dar empleo al sector.

Un reporte sobre el universo de trabajadores registrados en el Instituto DELGADO Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS, por sus siglas), hasta mayo, era de 72 mil 626 plazas. Para finales de septiembre la fuerza laboral registrada fue de 70 mil 586 plazas, representando una pérdida de 2 mil 040 empleos, en cuatro meses, desde que empezaron a restringirse los créditos.

De acuerdo al Subdelegado del IMSS, Fernando Falindo Sommerz, la pérdida de empleos ocurrió después que los negocios han venido enfrentando contracción en sus ventas.

Delgado, por su parte, dijo que es un he-

cho que el desempleo en la industria de la construcción se agudizará, pero confía que el gobierno federal autorice al gobierno municipal los fondos para darle seguimiento a proyectos de infraestructura en diferentes órdenes de la ciudad.

Agregó Delgado que el gobierno local es el único detonador de empleo en la ciudad, otros importantes proyectos están varados. “(En Tamaulipas) la construcción de vivienda quedó congelada hasta que se genere una estabilización financiera, dijo Delgado.

“Sabemos que los meses próximos serán difíciles (pero) esperamos que el nuevo año, pueda ser mejor para todos”.

La esperanza, para muchos sin empleo actualmente, radica en el anuncio hecho la semana pasada por el Gobernador del Estado, Eugenio Hernández Flores, de invertir 48 mil millones de pesos para infraestructrura.

También la semana pasada, el Presidente de México, Felipe Calderón, anunció que habrá inversiones en diferentes rubros de la industria de la construcción.

“Esperamos proyectos detonantes que trae el presidente Garza Barrios”, dijo Delgado. “En estas circunstancias, podría paliar los efectos de la predicable baja de empleo en la rama de la construcción.

Delgado aseguró que la espera es difícil, más aún reconociendo que mientras no haya créditos para el comercio o la industria, el sector de la construcción enfrentará serios problemas financieros.

En años anteriores, la industria de la construcción levantaba un promedio de siete mil viviendas, pero ahora “con la inestabilidad del peso no será posible continuar”, concluyó diciendo Delgado.

(Puede localizar a Miguel Timoshenkov llamando al (956) 728-2583 o escribiendo a timo1@lmtonline.com)

Ciudad Mier celebra con eventos gratuitos ESPECIAL PARA TIEMPO DE LAREDO

CIUDAD MIER — El pasado fin de semana se inauguró la X Edición del Festival Internacional Tamaulipas.

“La cultura es esencial para el crecimiento de los pueblos y para la transformación de la sociedad”, dijo el presidente municipal de esta ciudad, José Iván Mancías Hinojosa.

Como número inaugural de las dos semanas culturales, se presentó “La Guelaguetza”, del estado de Oaxaca, en la Explanada de la Plaza Principal. La Guelaguetza representa raíces prehispánicas.

Ciudad Mier es una de las diez sedes del FIT en todo el Estado, que ofrecen eventos internacionales, nacionales y locales.

Ciudad Mier se ha distinguido en ofrecer al público eventos de calidad y gratuitos.

Mancías Hinojosa y Raül Oscar Molina Salinas, de la Fundacion Cultural del Cántaro, dijeron que

queda una semana de actividades.

“Toda la ciudadanía de la Frontera Ribereña, nuestros vecinos del Valle de Texas (…) pueden aprovechar estos espectaculos que son para público en general, ademas de tener eventos para niños, jóvenes, mismos que se presentan en diferentes lugares propios del Pueblo Magico de Tamaulipas”, dijo Mancías.

Eventos Festival Internacional Tamaulipas presenta el sábado al Mariachi Los Potrillos y Sonora Dinamita en la Plaza Juárez a las 8 p.m.; el domingo al Ballet Folcklórico ISORA SON en la Plaza Juárez a las 8 p.m.; el martes la Convocatoria Teatro Infantil en el Casino Argüelles a las 5 p.m.; el miércoles Mayín y Chilindrín a las 5 p.m. en la Plaza Juárez; el viernes Una Historia de Gigantes Escenario Azul a las 5 p.m. en la Plaza Juárez.

Foto de cortesía | Ciudad Guerrero

La alcaldesa de Nueva Ciudad Guerrero, Olga Juliana Elizondo observa una falda típica que se convierte en obra de arte. Esta ciudad está celebrando el 55 aniversario de fundación.

Guerrero está de fiesta Por MIGUELTIMOSHENKOV TIEMPO DE ZAPATA

NUEVA CIUDAD GUERRERO, México — Se vive la algarabía de gobierno y sociedad civil dentro de la celebración del 55 aniversario de inauguración de la presa Falcón y la cuarta reubicación como ciudad, desde el 17 de octubre y hasta el 26 de octubre.

“Alcanzáremos 258 años desde aquella fecha de la fundación y los descendientes aun habitan esta región”, dijo la alcaldesa Olga Juliana Elizondo.

El 19 de octubre de 1953 fue inaugurada oficialmente la Presa Internacional Falcón, por los Presidentes de México, D. Adolfo Ruiz Cortines y de Estados Unidos, Gral. Dwith D. Eisenhower, quienes sostuvieron una histórica entrevista en el Salón del Palacio Municipal, por ese motivo llamado de los “Presidentes”.

Las ruinas de la Antigua Ciudad inundada se conocen ahora como “Guerrero Viejo” y son motivo de admiración de sus numerosos visitantes. Para esta razón fueron atendidos con pintura algunos edificios de la Antigua ciudad Guerrero, que se están exhibiendo en las festejos del 55 aniversario en el Salon de usos multiples del DIF. “Nuestro puente internacional permanecerá abierto hasta las 2 a.m. (en los días de fiesta)”, dijo la alcaldesa. Oficialmente el cierre

del puente es a las 8:45 p,m. pero existe una coordinación con autoridades estadounidenses para la extensión de tiempo durante el Aniversario.

Eventos El programa cultural del 55 Aniversario se basa en elegir a la soberana de la celebración cuya coronación se realiza frente al palacio de gobierno, el sábado a partir de las 8 p.m.

El domingo habrá una Misa de Acción de gracias a las 6 p.m. y número musicales a las 8 p.m.

Una de las grandes tradiciones de la región se basa en la cabalgata, que representa la herencia de los antepasados, ésta se realizará el sábado 25 de octubre a las 9 a.m. partiendo del Rancho “El Jaujal” en el Kilómetro 131.

También el 25 de octubre habrá un circuito internacional de pesca de lobina en el Parque Nuevo Amanecer a partir de las 7 a.m.

Para el domingo 26 de octubre habrá un desfile de carros alegóricosa las 10 a.m.; a la 1 p.m. se premiará a los ganadores del circuito de pesca y a las 8 p.m. se clausurarán las fiestas con la presencia del Ballet Folcklórico de Monterrey y el Mariachi Alegría.

(Puede localizar a Miguel Timoshenkov llamando al (956) 728-2583 o escribiendo a timo1@lmtonline.com)

Foto de cortesía | Ciudad Mier

En el marco del Festival Internacional Tamaulipas, el domingo se presentó La Guelaguetza en la Plaza Juárez de Ciudad Mier.

Varios eventos se están llevando al cabo de forma gratuita para la comunidad.

Zbusiness

SATURDAY,OCTOBER 18,2008

ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM

8A

Oil rises above $71 on Texas sees first nonfarm expectations of OPEC cut job loss since April ’07

By STEVENSON JACOBS ASSOCIATED PRESS

NEW YORK — Oil prices bounced back above $71 a barrel Friday as OPEC weighed an emergency production cut to stem crude’s stunning collapse, while U.S. pump prices were poised to fall below $3 a gallon for the first time in eight months.

The downward momentum on oil has grown more feverish in recent days, lopping more than $11 off prices in the previous three trading sessions alone. A barrel of crude hasn’t been this cheap in 14 months.

The pullback comes as a widening economic slowdown forces a wholesale contraction in U.S. energy demand: Americans are driving less, airlines

are keeping more planes on the ground and businesses are ramping down operations.

Worried about the financial fallout of the price drop, the Organization of the Petroleum Producing Countries, which controls 40 percent of the world’s oil supply, called a special meeting for next Friday in Vienna, Austria to address the slide. Underscoring the cartel’s anxiety, it moved up the date of the meeting by nearly a month.

An Iraqi lawmaker said Friday the government expects to cut its budget next year by $15 billion because of falling oil prices. Abbas al-Bayati, a senior lawmaker of the United Iraqi Alliance, the largest Shiite bloc in parliament, said the recent plunge would cut into earlier budget estimates, which were made when crude was hovering around $120 a barrel.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

AUSTIN — Texas lost 4,000 nonfarm jobs in September, the first monthly drop in more than a year, and unemployment jumped slightly to 5.1 percent, the Texas Workforce Commission said Friday.

Initial unemployment claims almost doubled compared to August, rising to 128,456 from 68,139, and were nearly three times higher than a year ago, the commission said.

Commission Chairman Tom

Pauken said the effects of Hurricane Ike played a role in the rapid increase in unemployment claims but that the full statistical impact of the hurricane wouldn’t show up until next month.

The net job loss was the first since April 2007, and the unemployment figure was up from 5.0 percent in August and 4.3 percent a year ago. The national unemployment rate is 6.1 percent.

“September job losses in Texas reflect continued turbulence in the national economy,” Pauken said in a statement.

Trade, transportation and utilities (2,700 jobs) and manufacturing (2,600) had the biggest losses, according to commission estimates.

Financial activities lost 2,200 jobs.

The biggest gainers were education and health services (2,300) and natural resources and mining (2,200).

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2008

THE ZAPATA TIMES | 9A

BOND | Continued from Page 1A The governor has mandated 65 percent of a district’s expenses be used for instructional use only.

“This is hard to accomplish, especially now,” said Rodriguez.

“The challenge arises because of high energy cost and transportation costs that take away from

money for instruction.”

The district uses 54 percent on instruction, and the rest goes to things like transportation, energy, administration and other nonteacher student costs.

According to Rodriguez, to improve this cost, the school district

is going to try to spend more on instructional recourse and make expenditures more aligned with what is needed in the classroom.

“This is the goal the school board always has, to put more money into the instruction of our students,” Rodriguez said.

MOTH | Continued from Page 1A Quinn is calling the species a “Lydia Tiger Moth” because there is no official common name for this particular species.

“The taxonomy of this group of moths is in need of revision, so there is a little wiggle room in regards to identification,” Quinn said.

Not much is known about this moth besides the fact that it ranges from Mexico to Central America and is a day-flying moth (as opposed to nocturnal), he said.

The extraordinary amount of rainfall in Starr County this year — 40 inches so far, as compared to a typical annual average of 18

inches — is probably one factor contributing to the rare presence of this type of moth, Quinn said.

“This moth is a beautiful addition to the United States insect fauna, and it gives us the opportunity to study the species and try to identify all the different forms this species takes,” he said.

Quinn said Falcon State Park has an active butterfly and moth habitat program, including a butterfly garden. October and November are prime months to see abundant butterflies and moths in the Lower Rio Grande Valley.

Many butterfly tours and events

comb the area, including the Texas Butterfly Festival in Mission from Oct. 16-19.

Falcon State Park is also known for its birding. The park has recorded 129 species of birds, with more than 500 total bird species recorded in the surrounding South Texas-Tamaulipas ecoregion.

Falcon Lake is also considered by many anglers to be one of the state’s best-kept secrets for bass fishing. The current lake record bass is 15.12 pounds.

(Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.)

LAKE VIEW | Continued from Page 1A 1745, and Petronila Gertrudes in 1748. They were the daughter and son of Joaquin Cayetano Galan and Maria Josepha Sanchez de Galan. Maria Josepha was the eldest daughter of Tomas Sanchez, who brought the first families that settled Villa de San Agustin de Laredo in 1755. Data in the national archives (Archivo de la Nacion in Mexico City) tells that Tomas Sanchez and his wife (Catharina), along with six children, left their native Cienega de Flores (Valle Del Carrizal) and settled in a rancheria in the vicinity of modern-day Lampazos.

Historical material in Lampazos and the files of the Bishop’s Palace (El Obispo) in Monterrey hold narratives of ranching life in the region, including accounts of how livestock was moved from these areas to low water crossings on the Rio Grande. One of these crossings was spotted near the San Juan Bautista Presidio (Eagle Pass) and another that became known in history as Paso de Jacinto and Paso del Indio near Villa de San Agustin de Laredo.

Paso de Jacinto got its name from a ranching contemporary of Tomas Sanchez, Jacinto de Leon.

(EDITOR’S NOTE: A state historical marker was placed recently at a site of the river ford upriver near the grounds of the former Fort McIntosh, which now houses Laredo Community College. The wording on the marker was the editorial work of Joe Moreno, chairman of the Webb County Historical Commission and director of the Luciano Guajardo historical section of the Laredo Public Library.)

The attorney representing the Galan heirs in the 341st District Court dispute in Laredo presented evidence to support the Palafox and Balconcitos land grants from Spain to Galan in the early 1800s. Investigations of the land transactions took the interested parties to records in the state General Land Office, as well as the archives in Mexico City and Spain (Madrid). Archived entries in several logs place the year of the land grant around 1804.

History suggests that Maria Josef was several years older than Joaquin because genealogist found entries in Nuevo Rein de Leon archives (Monterrey) posting the woman’s birth date as 1732 in Cinema de Flores. Disposition of the Palafox and Balconcitos tracts assigned to Galan became unclear in the early decades of the 19th century resulting from several events on the Rio Grande frontier.

Historical data in Monterrey (Obispado) and Saltillo point to developments in the province of Coahuila after Father Hidalgo’s inspired revolt for Mexican independence from Spain in 1810.

In the eastern sections of modern-day Texas, Anglo-Americans began to settle under authority granted to the Austin family (Moses Austin, Stephen F. Austin)

by Spanish Army General Joaquin Arredondo.

The Royalists in New Spain and Madrid felt the newcomer families from the north would discourage the French from moving into the open territories on the west side of the Mississippi. At the time of the Louisiana Purchase, the territory of Texas was

part of the province of Coahuila.

Closer to home in Laredo and Webb County, the November 2007 court proceedings on the Galan heirs, documents tied to the Galan-Sanchez marriage through one of the couple’s seven daughters (Maria Petra Galan).

Research on behalf of the plaintiff heirs included birth, death and marriage certificates pulled from the archives at San Agustin Church (Cathedral). Relative documentation was also found in church and government archives in Monterrey.

(Odie Arambula is at 728-2561 and e-mail, oarambula@stx.rr.com)

LOPEZ | Continued from Page 1A to comply with court orders because they know if they violate the judge’s orders, they’ll be hauled before the same judge, instead of seeing a different judge every time they go to court, Garza said.

Having to appear before the same judge also cuts down on parties’ being able to delay their cases, he said.

As a result of the changes, attorneys picked three juries in criminal court cases last year, something Garza said hasn’t happ ened sin ce he

started prosecuting cases in Zapata.

Before Lopez took office, the court woul d have two weeks set aside for trial in March and two weeks set aside for trial in August. Now, the court has eight trial weeks set each year.

A looming jury trial means criminal cases are more likely to end in pleas and civil cases are more likely to settle, rather than languishing in the courts, Lopez said.

“The more the parties know

the jury’s ready to go, the more apt they are to resolve their cases,” he said.

Lopez said he’s also begun giving automatic trial settings for civil suits to push those cases toward a resolution.

“Ultimately, I think this is what people want. People want a final disposition; that’s why they file a grievance,” he said. “And victims in criminal cases want a resolution.”

(Jason Buch may be reached at 728-2547 or jbuch@lmtonline.com)

10A | THE ZAPATA TIMES

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2008

The Zapata Times SATURDAY,OCTOBER 18,2008

ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM

Sports&Outdoors Last meets Bearcats edge Hawks loom before district THE ZAPATA TIMES

By KEITH MARTIN THE ZAPATA TIMES

The Zapata boys’ and girls’ cross country teams are on the last stretch before their much-anticipated district meet, on Oct. 27 in Harlingen.

Both varsity teams traveled to Sharyland for the 2008 Rio Grande Valley Meet of Champions last Saturday and returned with many medals and trophies.

The boys’ team, led by senior Raul Serna, placed fourth, while the girls finished sixth.

Leading the Lady Hawks was Marlyna Garcia, who placed 17th overall, with a time of 13:05.08.

With the district meet just over a week away, the Zapata Hawk and Lady Hawk coaches feel good about how their teams have performed.

Boys’ coach Juan Escamilla has said the postseason is what he is most excited about. He said things look good for the Zapata Hawks.

Junior Keith Cobb, who transferred to Zapata from Houston four years ago, has been a solid runner for Escamilla’s varsity team.

“My goal at the beginning of the season was to be a competitive runner for my team. I come to practice every day deterSERNA mined to put my team before myself, and I want to do all that I can to help my team win and to be successful,” Cobb said.

“Our goal as a team at the start of the season was to make history in Zapata. We wanted to get our team to a point where we would be ranked in the state, and that’s what we have accomplished going into the weekend before our district meet. Currently we are ranked eighth in state, but we still have several goals that we haven’t reached yet as a team, and that’s getting past district and qualifying for regionals and state,” he added.

And for the girls’ team and coach Michael Villarreal, the junior leadership from twin sisters Michelle and Maritza Garcia has

ASSOCIATED PRESS

IRVING — Tony Romo was basically a spectator in the middle of the field when the Dallas Cowboys started practice Friday. Nothing changed after that.

The Cowboys listed their two-time Pro Bowl quarterback as questionable for Sunday’s game after he didn’t participate in practice, the last one before playing at St. Louis. Romo has a broken pinkie on his throwing hand.

During the early portion of practice open to reporters, Romo mimicked throwing motions and

GETTING SET FOR A RETURN

See MEETS | PAGE 2B

Cowboys not saying if Romo will play

By STEPHEN HAWKINS

The Zapata Hawks came up a tad short against Raymondville Friday night, losing 21-20.

Point after touchdowns and a failed twopoint conversion came back to haunt the Hawks as they evened their District 32-3A record to 22 and 5-2 overall.

Raymondville (3-1, 5-2) came up big in the final drive, intercepting the ball, as the Hawks were at the Raymondville five-yard line with five seconds to go in the contest.

Senior George Gutierrez led Zapata with 173 yards on 22 carries and two scores. Sergio Quintanilla followed with 13 carries for 67 yards.

Junior Meliton Trejo was 2-of-6 for 20 yards and an interception.

Raymondville had a huge night from receiver Skyler James who hauled in eight passes for 232 yards and two scores.

Finding him was quarterback Raul Salinas, who was 14-of-23 for 232 yards with two scores and one interception.

lobbed only a couple of balls, but mostly stood and watched with his injured right hand hanging to his side or clasped behind his back.

Other than confirming Romo’s status, coach Wade Phillips wouldn’t elaborate when he made a brief appearance in the locker room after practice.

Tight end Jason Witten didn’t answer questions, and usually talkative receiver Patrick Crayton responded, “You’re not getting anything out of me.”

See ROMO | PAGE 2B

Photo by Keith Martin | The Zapata Times

The Lady Hawks’Alexis Garza prepares to set the ball for teammate Lynda Leyva during a District 32-3A playoff game this week.

Now in 32-3A, Lady Hawks hoping for another playoff run

By KEITH MARTIN THE ZAPATA TIMES

s the 2008 volleyball season nears its end, the Zapata Lady Hawks are still hoping to make another playoff run.

With a tough loss to the Hidalgo Lady Pirates 0-3 (20-25, 22-25, 14-25) Tuesday night, the Lady Hawks fell to 10-15, 5-5 in district, but still remain in the hunt for

A

the way I felt it would go since the start of the year,” said coach Rosie Villarreal.

“Hidalgo is in first place, with both La Feria and Port Isabel tied for second. Right now, we are … in fourth place, but if we can win our last four games, there is still a possibility that we can tie for third with Port Isabel.”

“I’m hoping that for these last few

See RETURN | PAGE 2B

Texans won’t underestimate Lions

By KRISTIE RIEKEN ASSOCIATED PRESS

AP photo

the top three spots in District 32-3A. At Hidalgo, co-captain Lynda Leyva led her team with 9 kills, 11 digs and one block, while co-captain Tessa Moss had four kills and one ace.

Sophomore Brandi King had six kills, one ace, 10 digs and one block. Adriana Pena and Kat Garcia also had one kill, Clarissa Solis added 10 digs, and Alexis Garza finished with 19 assists.

“So far, the season has gone exactly

HOUSTON — The Houston Texans know they can’t underestimate the winless Detroit Lions on Sunday.

They were in a very similar situation last week sitting at 0-4, but convinced they’d get that elusive first win after losing a game they probably should have won.

The Texans followed an em-

barrassing fourth-quarter collapse in a 31-27 loss to the Colts by beating Miami 2928 on a last-second touchdown by Matt Schaub. The Lions remain without a win after a questionable pass interference call led to a winning field goal in a 12-10 loss to Minnesota.

“We’ve been in their position. We understand how they’re

going to come out and fight to get that first win,” said Texans linebacker DeMeco Ryans. “We’re not going to take them lightly at all.”

The Lions insist they’re still focused on trying to turn things around this year, despite this week’s trade of star receiver Roy Williams for first-, third- and sixth-round draft picks in 2009.

“Oh, we’re playing for now,” Lions coach Rod Marinelli said.

“There’s no doubt about it — and we helped ourselves in the future. I’m really excited about the focus of this team right now and as we prepare to go play this team.”

Detroit will also be without quarterback Jon Kitna for the rest of the year after he was

See TEXANS | PAGE 2B

Zscores CHL NORTHERN CONFERENCE

Northeast Division W L OTL Pts GF GA B.Shreveport 0 0 0 0 0 0 Mississippi 0 0 0 0 0 0 OK City 0 0 0 0 0 0 Tulsa 0 0 0 0 0 0 Northwest Division W L OTL PtsGF GA Colorado 0 0 0 0 0 0 Rapid City 0 0 0 0 0 0 Rocky Mtn 0 0 0 0 0 0 Wichita 0 0 0 0 0 0 SOUTHERN CONFERENCE

Southeast Division W L OTL PtsGF GA Corpus Christi0 0 0 0 0 0 Laredo 0 0 0 0 0 0 R.G. Valley 0 0 0 0 0 0 Texas 0 0 0 0 0 0 Southwest Division W L OTL PtsGF GA Amarillo 0 0 0 0 0 0 Arizona 0 0 0 0 0 0 New Mexico 0 0 0 0 0 0 Odessa 0 0 0 0 0 0 NOTE: Two points are awarded for a win, one point for loss in overtime or shootout. Overtime or shootout losses are only denoted in the OTL column, not the loss column.

Friday’s Games Texas at Bossier-Shreveport Wichita at Mississippi Tulsa at Oklahoma City Rocky Mountain at Laredo Rapid City at Colorado Amarillo at New Mexico Odessa at Arizona Saturday’s Games New Mexico at Amarillo Tulsa at Corpus Christi Mississippi at Texas Oklahoma City at Wichita Bossier-Shreveport at Laredo Rocky Mountain at Rio Grande Valley Rapid City at Colorado Odessa at Arizona Tuesday, Oct. 21 Bossier-Shreveport at Mississippi Wichita at Oklahoma City

MLB Postseason Glance All Times EDT DIVISION SERIES (Best-of-5) AMERICAN LEAGUE

Boston 3, Los Angeles 1 Wednesday, Oct. 1: Boston 4, Los Angeles 1

Friday, Oct. 3: Boston 7, Los Angeles 5 Sunday, Oct. 5: Los Angeles 5, Boston 4, 12 innings Monday, Oct. 6: Boston 3, Los Angeles 2, Boston wins series 3-1 Tampa Bay 3, Chicago 1 Thursday, Oct. 2: Tampa Bay 6, Chicago 4

Friday, Oct. 3: Tampa Bay 6, Chicago 2 Sunday, Oct. 5: Chicago 5, Tampa Bay 3 Monday, Oct. 6: Tampa Bay 6, Chicago 2, Tampa Bay wins series 3-1 National League

Los Angeles 3, Chicago 0 Wednesday, Oct. 1: Los Angeles 7, Chicago 2 Thursday, Oct. 2: Los Angeles 10, Chicago 3

Saturday, Oct. 4: Los Angeles 3, Chicago 1, Los Angeles wins series 30 Philadelphia 3, Milwaukee 1 Wednesday, Oct. 1: Philadelphia 3, Milwaukee 1 Thursday, Oct. 2: Philadelphia 5, Milwaukee 2 Saturday, Oct. 4: Milwaukee 4, Philadelphia 1 Sunday, Oct. 5: Philadelphia 6, Milwaukee 2, Philadelphia wins series 31 LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES (Best-of-7) AMERICAN LEAGUE

Friday, Oct. 10 Boston 2, Tampa Bay 0 Saturday, Oct. 11 Tampa Bay 9, Boston 8, 11 innings Monday, Oct. 13 Tampa Bay 9, Boston 1 Tuesday, Oct. 14 Tampa Bay 13, Boston 4 Thursday, Oct. 16 Boston 8, Tampa Bay 7, Tampa Bay leads series 3-2 Saturday, Oct. 18 Boston (Beckett 12-10) at Tampa Bay (Shields 14-8), 8:07 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 19 Boston at Tampa Bay, 8:07 p.m., if necessary NATIONAL LEAGUE

Thursday, Oct. 9 Philadelphia 3, Los Angeles 2 Friday, Oct. 10 Philadelphia 8, Los Angeles 5 Sunday, Oct. 12 Los Angeles 7, Philadelphia 2 Monday, Oct. 13 Philadelphia 7, Los Angeles 5 Wednesday, Oct. 15 Philadelphia 5, Los Angeles 1, Philadelphia wins series 4-1 WORLD SERIES Wednesday, Oct. 22 Philadelphia at Boston-Tampa Bay winner, (n) Thursday, Oct. 23 Philadelphia at Boston-Tampa Bay winner, (n) Saturday, Oct. 25 Boston-Tampa Bay winner at Philadelphia, (n) Sunday, Oct. 26 Boston-Tampa Bay winner at Philadelphia, (n) Monday, Oct. 27 Boston-Tampa Bay winner at Philadelphia, if necessary, (n) Wednesday, Oct. 29 Philadelphia at Boston-Tampa Bay winner, if necessary, (n) Thursday, Oct. 30 Philadelphia at Boston-Tampa Bay winner, if necessary, (n)

NFL All Times EDT American Conference

East L T Pct PF PA 1 0 .800 126 104 2 0 .600 89 109 2 0 .600 141 130 3 0 .400 107 103 South W L T Pct PF PA Tennessee 5 0 01.000 115 56 Indianapolis 3 2 0 .600 114 97 Jacksonville 3 3 0 .500 124 128 Houston 1 4 0 .200 112 158 North W L T Pct PF PA Pittsburgh 4 1 0 .800 103 79 Baltimore 2 3 0 .400 78 87 Cleveland 2 3 0 .400 81 92 Cincinnati 0 6 0 .000 88 144 West W Buffalo 4 New England 3 N.Y. Jets 3 Miami 2

Denver San Diego Oakland Kansas City

W 4 3 1 1

L 2 3 4 4

T Pct 0 .667 0 .500 0 .200 0 .200

PF PA 166 154 178 139 81 135 65 131

NATIONAL CONFERENCE

East W L T Pct PF PA N.Y. Giants 4 1 0 .800 141 84 Washington 4 2 0 .667 126 117 Dallas 4 2 0 .667 175 141 Philadelphia 3 3 0 .500 167 123 South W L T Pct PF PA Tampa Bay 4 2 0 .667 141 97 Carolina 4 2 0 .667 117 97 Atlanta 4 2 0 .667 139 127 New Orleans 3 3 0 .500 172 133 North W L T Pct PF PA Green Bay 3 3 0 .500 160 145 Chicago 3 3 0 .500 148 109 Minnesota 3 3 0 .500 113 119 Detroit 0 5 0 .000 76 159 West W L T Pct PF PA Arizona 4 2 0 .667 177 144 San Francisco2 4 0 .333 141 167 Seattle 1 4 0 .200 100 151 St. Louis 1 4 0 .200 62 164 Sunday’s Games Baltimore at Miami, 1 p.m.

Dallas at St. Louis, 1 p.m.

Minnesota at Chicago, 1 p.m.

San Diego at Buffalo, 1 p.m.

Tennessee at Kansas City, 1 p.m.

San Francisco at N.Y. Giants, 1 p.m.

Pittsburgh at Cincinnati, 1 p.m.

New Orleans at Carolina, 1 p.m.

Detroit at Houston, 4:05 p.m.

N.Y. Jets at Oakland, 4:15 p.m.

Cleveland at Washington, 4:15 p.m.

Indianapolis at Green Bay, 4:15 p.m.

Seattle at Tampa Bay, 8:15 p.m.

Open: Arizona, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Jacksonville Monday’s Game Denver at New England, 8:30 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 26 Buffalo at Miami, 1 p.m.

Washington at Detroit, 1 p.m.

Tampa Bay at Dallas, 1 p.m.

Oakland at Baltimore, 1 p.m.

Cincinnati at Houston, 1 p.m.

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

St. Louis at New England, 1 p.m.

San Diego at New Orleans, 1 p.m.

Arizona at Carolina, 1 p.m.

Atlanta at Philadelphia, 1 p.m.

Cincinnati at Houston, 4:05 p.m.

Cleveland at Jacksonville, 4:05 p.m.

N.Y. Giants at Pittsburgh, 4:15 p.m.

Seattle at San Francisco, 4:15 p.m.

Open: Cincinnati, Denver, Chicago, Green Bay, Minnesota, Houston Monday, Oct. 27 Indianapolis at Tennessee, 8:30 p.m.

Injury Report

NEW YORK — The updated National Football League injury report, as provided by the league: SUNDAY BALTIMORE RAVENS at MIAMI DOLPHINS — RAVENS: OUT: WR Yamon Figurs (knee), S Dawan Landry (neck), CB Samari Rolle (shoulder, neck), T Adam Terry (knee). QUESTIONABLE: S Ed Reed (hamstring), WR Demetrius Williams (ankle). PROBABLE: DT Lamar Divens (illness), T Jared Gaither (neck), CB Fabian Washington (shoulder), S Tom Zbikowski (shoulder). DOLPHINS: OUT: RB Casey Cramer (ankle). PROBABLE: CB Will Allen (knee).

DALLAS COWBOYS at ST. LOUIS RAMS — COWBOYS: OUT: WR Sam Hurd (ankle), RB Felix Jones (hamstring), G Kyle Kosier (foot), CB Terence Newman (abdomen), LB Anthony Spencer (hamstring), S Pat Watkins (neck). QUESTIONABLE: LB Kevin Burnett (calf), QB Tony Romo (right finger). PROBABLE: S Keith Davis (thumb), DT Tank Johnson (ankle), S Roy Williams (forearm).

RAMS: OUT: WR Drew Bennett (foot), CB Tye Hill (knee), RB Antonio Pittman (lower leg). QUESTIONABLE: T Orlando Pace (thigh).

PROBABLE: QB Marc Bulger (right finger), WR Keenan Burton (knee).

MINNESOTA VIKINGS at CHICAGO BEARS — VIKINGS: OUT: LB David Herron (hip). QUESTIONABLE: WR Bernard Berrian (knee), LB Erin Henderson (knee), WR Sidney Rice (knee), S Madieu Williams (neck). PROBABLE: TE Jim Kleinsasser (foot), CB Benny Sapp (hamstring). BEARS: OUT: WR Brandon Lloyd (knee), S Danieal Manning (hamstring). QUESTIONABLE: CB Trumaine McBride (shoulder), LB Nick Roach (shoulder), CB Charles Tillman (shoulder), CB Nathan Vasher (wrist). PROBABLE: WR Marty Booker (back), WR Rashied Davis (knee), DT Tommie Harris (knee), DT Marcus Harrison (ankle), DT Israel Idonije (ankle), P Brad Maynard (left hamstring).

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS at CAROLINA PANTHERS — SAINTS: OUT: DT Sedrick Ellis (knee). QUESTIONABLE: CB Aaron Glenn (ankle), DT Antwan Lake (groin), DT Brian Young (knee). PROBABLE: RB Reggie Bush (knee), WR Marques Colston (thumb), G Jahri Evans (ankle), S Kevin Kaesviharn (back), CB Mike McKenzie (knee), G Carl Nicks (illness), TE Jeremy Shockey (hernia).

PANTHERS: OUT: WR D.J. Hackett (knee). DOUBTFUL: C Ryan Kalil (ankle), T Jeff Otah (ankle). QUESTIONABLE: LB Adam Seward (thigh), RB Jonathan Stewart (illness).

PROBABLE: LB Thomas Davis (ankle), WR Muhsin Muhammad (knee).

PITTSBURGH STEELERS at CINCINNATI BENGALS — STEELERS: OUT: WR Dallas Baker (shoulder), RB Carey Davis (ankle), LB Keyaron Fox (hamstring). DOUBTFUL: RB Willie Parker (knee), T Marvel Smith (back). QUESTIONABLE: DT Casey Hampton (groin). BENGALS: OUT: C Kyle Cook (toe), CB Jamar Fletcher (hamstring), S Herana-Daze Jones (hamstring), LB Corey Mays (ankle), QB Carson Palmer (right elbow). DOUBTFUL: TE Ben Utecht (chest). QUESTIONABLE: K Shayne Graham (right groin), WR Glenn Holt (ankle), WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh (ankle). PROBABLE: LB Dhani Jones (foot), T Levi Jones (back), CB Johnathan Joseph (ankle), RB Chris Perry (shoulder), DT John Thornton (achilles).

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS at BUFFALO BILLS — CHARGERS: DOUBTFUL: WR Chris Chambers

SATURDAY,OCTOBER 18,2008

(ankle), WR Craig Davis (groin), LB Jyles Tucker (hamstring). PROBABLE: LB Marques Harris (hamstring), RB Darren Sproles (ankle), RB Mike Tolbert (ankle), RB LaDainian Tomlinson (toe), S Eric Weddle (shoulder). BILLS: OUT: CB Terrence McGee (knee). DOUBTFUL: TE Derek Fine (hand). QUESTIONABLE: C Melvin Fowler (elbow), DE Aaron Schobel (foot), CB Ashton Youboty (foot). PROBABLE: QB Trent Edwards (head), WR Roscoe Parrish (hand), S Ko Simpson (hamstring).

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS at NEW YORK GIANTS — 49ERS: OUT: T Jonas Jennings (shoulder). PROBABLE: LB Manny Lawson (hamstring), S Mark Roman (knee), CB Donald Strickland (hip). GIANTS: OUT: LB Gerris Wilkinson (knee). QUESTIONABLE: LB Antonio Pierce (quadricep). PROBABLE: C Shaun O’Hara (toe), DE Dave Tollefson (knee).

TENNESSEE TITANS at KANSAS CITY CHIEFS — TITANS: QUESTIONABLE: DT Tony Brown (ankle), WR Justin Gage (knee), WR Justin McCareins (hamstring), DE Kyle Vanden Bosch (groin). PROBABLE: TE Craig Stevens (foot). CHIEFS: QUESTIONABLE: LB Donnie Edwards (ankle), TE John Paul Foschi (foot).

PROBABLE: T Branden Albert (elbow), QB Brodie Croyle (right shoulder), CB Patrick Surtain (shoulder).

NEW YORK JETS at OAKLAND RAIDERS — JETS: OUT: K Mike Nugent (right thigh). QUESTIONABLE: WR David Clowney (shoulder), WR Laveranues Coles (thigh), DT Kris Jenkins (back), LB Calvin Pace (foot), LB Bryan Thomas (calf). PROBABLE: CB Justin Miller (foot).

RAIDERS: DOUBTFUL: DE Derrick Burgess (tricep), TE Ben Troupe (foot). PROBABLE: CB Nnamdi Asomugha (elbow), LB Isaiah Ekejiuba (shoulder).

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS at GREEN BAY PACKERS — COLTS: OUT: WR Roy Hall (knee), CB Kelvin Hayden (knee), S Bob Sanders (knee).

DOUBTFUL: RB Joseph Addai (hamstring), TE Gijon Robinson (ankle).

QUESTIONABLE: LB Freddy Keiaho (groin). PACKERS: OUT: CB Al Harris (spleen). DOUBTFUL: S Atari Bigby (hamstring), DE Jason Hunter (hamstring), WR James Jones (knee), DE Mike Montgomery (ankle). QUESTIONABLE: DT Ryan Pickett (tricep), C Scott Wells (shoulder, chest).

PROBABLE: T Chad Clifton (hamstring), LB A.J. Hawk (groin), CB Patrick Lee (back), QB Aaron Rodgers (right shoulder), CB Charles Woodson (toe).

DETROIT LIONS at HOUSTON TEXANS — LIONS: QUESTIONABLE: CB Leigh Bodden (knee), DT Chuck Darby (calf), CB Travis Fisher (knee), G Stephen Peterman (hand), DE Corey Smith (hamstring). PROBABLE: RB Kevin Smith (shoulder).

TEXANS: OUT: S Dominique Barber (hamstring), RB Chris Taylor (quadricep). PROBABLE: T Duane Brown (ankle), TE Mark Bruener (hamstring), RB Ahman Green (foot).

CLEVELAND BROWNS at WASHINGTON REDSKINS — BROWNS: OUT: DT Shaun Smith (hand). QUESTIONABLE: S Mike Adams (hamstring), T Ryan Tucker (knee), TE Kellen Winslow (illness). PROBABLE: T Kevin Shaffer (concussion).

REDSKINS: OUT: RB Ladell Betts (knee). DOUBTFUL: CB Shawn Springs (calf). QUESTIONABLE: S Chris Horton (ankle), RB Clinton Portis (hip), CB Fred Smoot (groin), DE Jason Taylor (calf). PROBABLE: LB Khary Campbell (calf), G Pete Kendall (knee), CB Carlos Rogers (calf), T Chris Samuels (ankle).

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS at TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS — SEAHAWKS: OUT: QB Matt Hasselbeck (back), TE Will Heller (knee), WR Billy McMullen (finger). QUESTIONABLE: WR Deion Branch (heel). PROBABLE: S Deon Grant (knee), DE Patrick Kerney (neck), WR Koren Robinson (knee).

BUCCANEERS: OUT: RB B.J. Askew (hamstring), WR Maurice Stovall (hamstring). QUESTIONABLE: WR Joey Galloway (foot), QB Brian Griese (right elbow), G Arron Sears (knee).

PROBABLE: LB Derrick Brooks (hamstring), WR Antonio Bryant (foot), K Matt Bryant (right hamstring), LB Barrett Ruud (knee).

MONDAY DENVER BRONCOS at NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS — BRONCOS: OUT: DT Josh Shaw (groin). QUESTIONABLE: TE Tony Scheffler (groin), WR Brandon Stokley (concussion), RB Ryan Torain (elbow), RB Selvin Young (groin). PROBABLE: LB Boss Bailey (ankle), T Ryan Clady (groin), DE Elvis Dumervil (finger), DE Ebenezer Ekuban (groin), DE John Engelberger (knee), TE Daniel Graham (finger), WR Darrell Jackson (calf), RB Spencer Larsen (groin), S Marquand Manuel (thumb), WR Brandon Marshall (groin), DT Dewayne Robertson (knee), WR Eddie Royal (ankle). PATRIOTS: DOUBTFUL: LB Eric Alexander (hamstring), DE Jarvis Green (ankle), RB LaMont Jordan (calf), T Nick Kaczur (ankle), RB Laurence Maroney (shoulder), WR Kelley Washington (ankle), CB Jonathan Wilhite (flu).

NHL

NBA All Times EDT EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division W L Pct GB Boston 4 1 .800 — Philadelphia 3 1 .750 ½ New Jersey 2 1 .667 1 Toronto 2 2 .500 1½ New York 1 2 .333 2 Southeast Division W L Pct GB Orlando 2 1 .667 — Atlanta 3 2 .600 — Washington 1 3 .250 1½ Miami 0 3 .000 2 Charlotte 0 4 .000 2½ Central Division W L Pct GB 5 1 .833 — Detroit Indiana 2 2 .500 2 Milwaukee 1 4 .200 3½ Chicago 0 3 .000 3½ Cleveland 0 4 .000 4 WESTERN CONFERENCE Southwest Division W L Pct GB New Orleans 4 01.000 — Dallas 3 2 .600 1½ Houston 3 2 .600 1½ San Antonio 2 2 .500 2 Memphis 2 3 .400 2½ Northwest Division W L Pct GB Denver 3 01.000 — Minnesota 4 1 .800 — Portland 2 2 .500 1½ Utah 2 2 .500 1½ Oklahoma City 1 4 .200 3 Pacific Division W L Pct GB 3 01.000 — L.A. Clippers Golden State 2 2 .500 1½ Phoenix 2 2 .500 1½ L.A. Lakers 1 2 .333 2 Sacramento 1 3 .250 2½ Wednesday’s Games Milwaukee 98, Golden State 94 Phoenix 102, Atlanta 100 Indiana 100, Dallas 93 Houston 101, Memphis 97 Denver 120, Utah 119, OT L.A. Clippers 116, Sacramento 112 Thursday’s Games Orlando 94, Charlotte 84 Minnesota 90, Toronto 86 San Antonio 91, Cleveland 70 Detroit 85, Dallas 81 Boston 111, New Jersey 108 Friday’s Games New Orleans vs. Washington at Barcelona, Spain, 3:30 p.m.

Memphis at Indiana, 7 p.m.

Phoenix vs. Denver at Syracuse, N.Y., 7:30 p.m.

New York at Boston, 7:30 p.m.

Utah vs. Chicago at Champaign, Ill., 8:30 p.m.

Sacramento at Houston, 8:30 p.m.

Saturday’s Games Atlanta at Charlotte, 7 p.m.

Orlando vs. Miami at Jacksonville, Fla., 7:30 p.m.

Toronto at L.A. Clippers, 7:30 p.m.

Philadelphia at Cleveland, 7:30 p.m.

Utah at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.

Indiana at San Antonio, 8:30 p.m.

Sacramento at Dallas, 9 p.m.

FC Barcelona at L.A. Lakers, 10:30 p.m.

Milwaukee vs. Golden State at Beijing, 11:30 p.m.

Sunday’s Games New Jersey at Boston, 3:30 p.m.

Denver vs. Minnesota at Bismarck, N.D., 6:30 p.m.

NCAA Football

All Times EDT EASTERN CONFERENCE

Atlantic Division W L OT Pts GF GA N.Y. Rangers 5 1 0 10 17 11 New Jersey 3 1 0 6 6 6 Pittsburgh 2 2 1 5 12 14 N.Y. Islanders2 2 0 4 11 14 Philadelphia 0 3 1 1 10 17 Northeast Division W L OT Pts GF GA Montreal 3 0 1 7 16 9 Buffalo 3 0 0 6 12 3 Boston 1 1 1 3 11 12 Ottawa 1 1 1 3 8 8 Toronto 1 1 1 3 8 13 Southeast Division W L OT Pts GF GA Washington 3 1 0 6 17 13 Carolina 2 1 0 4 11 10 Atlanta 1 2 1 3 11 12 Florida 1 2 0 2 9 14 Tampa Bay 0 2 2 2 8 12 WESTERN CONFERENCE

Central Division W L OT Pts St. Louis 3 1 0 6 Detroit 2 1 1 5 Nashville 2 2 0 4 Chicago 1 2 1 3

Columbus 1 2 0 2 8 12 Northwest Division W L OT Pts GF GA Minnesota 3 0 0 6 14 7 Vancouver 3 1 0 6 16 12 Edmonton 2 0 0 4 6 4 Calgary 1 1 1 3 9 15 Colorado 1 3 0 2 15 15 Pacific Division W L OT Pts GF GA San Jose 4 0 0 8 13 4 Phoenix 2 1 0 4 8 7 Dallas 1 2 1 3 12 18 Los Angeles 1 2 0 2 7 7 Anaheim 0 4 0 0 8 17 NOTE: Two points for a win, one point for overtime loss or shootout loss.

Thursday’s Games New Jersey 1, Atlanta 0 Vancouver 4, Detroit 3, OT Minnesota 6, Florida 2 Washington 4, Pittsburgh 3 N.Y. Islanders 4, Tampa Bay 3, OT St. Louis 6, Dallas 1 Colorado 5, Philadelphia 2 Friday’s Games Phoenix at Ottawa, 7 p.m.

Nashville at Columbus, 7 p.m.

Toronto at N.Y. Rangers, 7 p.m.

Vancouver at Buffalo, 7:30 p.m.

Edmonton at Calgary, 9 p.m.

San Jose at Anaheim, 10 p.m.

Carolina at Los Angeles, 10:30 p.m.

Saturday’s Games Colorado at Dallas, 2 p.m.

Boston at Ottawa, 7 p.m.

Phoenix at Montreal, 7 p.m.

Buffalo at Atlanta, 7 p.m.

N.Y. Rangers at Detroit, 7 p.m.

Toronto at Pittsburgh, 7 p.m.

New Jersey at Washington, 7 p.m.

N.Y. Islanders at Florida, 7 p.m.

Minnesota at Tampa Bay, 7:30 p.m.

Columbus at Nashville, 8 p.m.

Chicago at St. Louis, 8:30 p.m.

Calgary at Edmonton, 10 p.m.

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

Sunday’s Games Vancouver at Chicago, 7 p.m.

Carolina at Anaheim, 8 p.m.

GF GA 18 12 11 10 12 14 10 12

Thursday’s Scores SOUTH Florida St. 26, N.C. State 17

Tenn.-Martin 35, Tenn. Tech 7 SOUTHWEST TCU 32, BYU 7 Schedule (Subject to change) Friday, Oct. 17 FAR WEST Hawaii (3-3) at Boise St. (5-0), 8 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 18 EAST William & Mary (3-2) at Delaware (2-4), Noon

N.H. (4-1) at Northeastern (2-4), Noon Villanova (4-1) at Rhode Island (2-5), Noon

Connecticut (5-1) at Rutgers (1-5), Noon Holy Cross (2-3) at Dartmouth (0-4), 12:30 p.m.

Lehigh (2-3) at Harvard (3-1), 12:30 p.m.

Robert Morris (2-4) at Bryant (3-3), 1 p.m.

Duquesne (2-3) at Cent. Conn. St. (4-2), 1 p.m.

Colgate (4-2) at Cornell (3-1), 1 p.m.

Yale (3-1) at Fordham (2-3), 1 p.m.

Bucknell (3-2) at Georgetown (1-4), 1 p.m.

Columbia (0-4) at Penn (2-2), 1 p.m.

Brown (2-2) at Princeton (2-2), 1 p.m.

Albany (3-3) at Sacred Heart (6-0), 1 p.m.

Wagner (2-4) at St. Francis, Pa. (0-6), 1 p.m.

Hofstra (3-3) at Maine (3-3), 3 p.m.

Charleston Southern (3-3) at Stony Brook (1-5), 3 p.m.

Army (2-4) at Buffalo (2-4), 3:30 p.m.

Richmond (4-3) at Mass. (4-2), 3:30 p.m.

Pittsburgh (4-1) at Navy (4-2), 3:30 p.m.

Michigan (2-4) at Penn St. (7-0), 4:30 p.m.

Virginia Tech (5-1) at Boston College (4-1), 8 p.m.

SOUTH Georgia Tech (5-1) at Clemson (3-3), Noon Memphis (3-4) at East Carolina (3-3), Noon

Wake Forest (4-1) at Maryland (42), Noon Syracuse (1-5) at South Florida (51), Noon Vanderbilt (5-1) at Georgia (5-1), 12:30 p.m.

Dayton (5-1) at Davidson (2-3), 1 p.m.

N. Car. A&T (2-5) at Del. St. (2-3), 1 p.m.

Norfolk St. (2-4) at Hampton (4-1), 1 p.m.

Morgan St. (3-3) at Howard (0-4), 1 p.m.

Jacksonville (2-3) at Morehead St. (2-3), 1 p.m.

W. Carolina (2-5) at Wofford (4-1), 1:30 p.m.

Elon (6-1) at Chattanooga (1-6), 2 p.m.

The Citadel (3-3) at Furman (5-2), 2 p.m.

Savannah St. (3-3) at MVSU (1-4), 2 p.m.

App. St. (4-2) at Georgia Southern (3-3), 3 p.m.

Ala. St. (1-4) at Grambling St. (5-2), 3 p.m.

Stephen F.Austin (3-3) at Nicholls St. (0-3), 3 p.m.

Mississippi (3-3) at Alabama (6-0), 3:30 p.m.

points-21st.

22. (19) Elliott Sadler, Dodge, 2008 owner points-22nd.

23. (5) Casey Mears, Chevrolet, 2008 owner points-23rd.

24. (42) Juan Pablo Montoya, Dodge, 2008 owner points-24th.

25. (28) Travis Kvapil, Ford, 2008 owner points-25th.

26. (44) David Reutimann, Toyota, 2008 owner points-26th.

27. (15) Paul Menard, Chevrolet, 2008 owner points-27th.

28. (38) David Gilliland, Ford, 2008 owner points-28th.

29. (41) Reed Sorenson, Dodge, 2008 owner points-29th.

30. (01) Regan Smith, Chevrolet, 2008 owner points-30th.

31. (55) Michael Waltrip, Toyota, 2008 owner points-31st.

32. (66) Scott Riggs, Chevrolet, 2008 owner points-32nd.

33. (22) Dave Blaney, Toyota, 2008 owner points-33rd.

34. (7) Robby Gordon, Dodge, 2008 owner points-34th.

35. (84) Scott Speed, Toyota, 2008 owner points35th.

36. (77) Sam Hornish Jr., Dodge, owner winner-2007.

37. (21) Bill Elliott, Ford, past champion-1988.

38. (00) Mike Bliss, Toyota, 31 owner attempts36th.

39. (10) AJ Allmendinger, Dodge, 31 owner attempts-38th.

40. (96) Ken Schrader, Toyota, 31 owner attempts-39th.

41. (45) Chad McCumbee, Dodge, 31 owner attempts-40th.

42. (78) Joe Nemechek, Chevrolet, 31 owner attempts-41st.

43. (70) Tony Raines, Chevrolet, 31 owner attempts-43rd.

Failed to Qualify 44. (75) Derrike Cope, Dodge, 1 owner attempt-48th.

45. (09) Sterling Marlin, Chevrolet, post entry.

Fight Schedule

Prairie View (5-1) at Ark.-Pine Bluff (0-6), 5 p.m.

National TV in parentheses Oct. 18 At Sachsen, Germany, Hugo Hernan Garay, Argentina, vs. Juergen Braehmer, Germany, for Garay’s WBA light heavyweight title.

At Atlantic City Convention Hall, Atlantic City, N.J. (PPV), Kelly Pavlik, Youngstown, Ohio, vs.

Bernard Hopkins, Philadelphia, 12, light heavyweights.

Oct. 23 At Northern Quest Casino, Airway Heights, Wash. (VERSUS), Orlando Salido, Mexico, vs. Cristobal Cruz, Mexico, 12, for the vacant IBF featherweight title.

Oct. 24 At Tokyo, Chris John, Indonesia, vs. Hiroyuki Enoki, Japan, 12, for John’s WBA featherweight title.

At Lombardia, Italy, Giacobbe Fragomeni, Italy, vs. Rudolf Kraj, Germany, 12, for the vacant WBC cruiserweight title.

At Bell Centre, Montreal (SHO), Lucian Bute, Montreal, vs. Librado Andrade, La Habra, Calif., 12, for Bute’s IBF super middleweight title; Ronald Hearns, Southfield, Mich., vs.

Paul Clavette, Canada, 10, middleweights.

Oct. 25 At Dusseldorf, Germany, Mikkel Kessler, Monaco, vs. Danilo Haussler, Germany, 12, for Kessler’s WBA super middleweight title.

Oct. 30 At Panama City, Panama, Anselmo Moreno, Panama, vs. Rolly Matsushita, Philippines, 12, for Moreno’s WBA bantamweight title.

Nov. 1 At Oberhausen, Germany, Feliix Sturm, Germany, vs. Sebastien Sylvester, Germany, 12, for Sturm’s WBA middleweight title.

At Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, Nonito Donaire, Philippines, vs. Moruti Mthalane, South Africa, 12, for Donaire’s IBF-IBO flyweight title.

At The Home Depot Center, Carson, Calif. (SHO), Cristian Mijares, vs. Vic Darchinyan, 12, for the WBAWBC-IBF flyweight titles; Andre Dirrell, Flint, Mich., vs. Victor Oganov, Russia, 10, super middleweights.

Houston (3-3) at SMU (1-6), 8 p.m.

Missouri (5-1) at Texas (6-0), 8 p.m.

Transactions

Miami (3-3) at Duke (3-2), 3:30 p.m.

Lafayette (4-1) at Liberty (6-0), 3:30 p.m.

Middle Tenn. (2-4) at Louisville (3-2), 3:30 p.m.

North Car. (5-1) at Virginia (3-3), 3:30 p.m.

Marshall (3-3) at UAB (1-6), 4 p.m.

Murray St. (3-4) at Jacksonville St. (4-2), 5 p.m.

Presbyterian (3-4) at Gardner-Webb (2-4), 6 p.m.

Austin Peay (0-6) at Tenn. St. (5-1), 6 p.m.

Alcorn St. (2-5) at Alabama A&M (2-5), 7 p.m.

N.C. Central (1-5) at Coastal Car. (3-4), 7 p.m.

Arkansas (3-3) at Kentucky (4-2), 7 p.m.

Idaho (1-6) at Louisiana Tech (2-3), 7 p.m.

Ark. St. (4-2) at La.-Lafayette (3-3), 7 p.m.

N. Texas (0-6) at La.-Monroe (1-5), 7 p.m.

Northwestern St. (4-2) at SE La. (3-3), 7 p.m.

Florida A&M (4-2) at Southern U. (4-2), 7 p.m.

Mississippi St. (2-4) at Tennessee (2-4), 7 p.m.

Fla. International (3-3) at Troy (3-2), 7 p.m.

Fla. Atlantic (1-5) at W. Kent. (2-5), 7 p.m.

LSU (4-1) at South Carolina (5-2), 8 p.m.

MIDWEST Miami (Ohio) (1-5) at Bowling Green (3-3), Noon W. Michigan (6-1) at Cent. Mich. (4-2), Noon

Wisconsin (3-3) at Iowa (4-3), Noon Purdue (2-4) at Northwestern (5-1), Noon Nebraska (3-3) at Iowa St. (2-4), 12:30 p.m.

Akron (3-4) at E. Michigan (2-5), 1 p.m.

Campbell (1-6) at Drake (2-4), 2 p.m.

W. Wash. (3-3) at North Dakota (4-1), 2 p.m.

Butler (4-1) at Valparaiso (2-3), 2 p.m.

SE Missouri (2-4) at E. Illinois (2-4), 2:30 p.m.

Missouri St. (2-3) at Illinois St. (2-3), 3 p.m.

Ohio St. (6-1) at Michigan St. (6-1), 3:30 p.m.

Toledo (2-4) at N. Illinois (3-3), 4 p.m.

S. Illinois (3-2) at Youngstown St. (2-5), 4 p.m.

Indiana St. (0-6) at W. Illinois (4-2), 4:05 p.m.

N. Dakota St. (3-3) at N. Iowa (4-2), 5:05 p.m.

Cal Poly (3-1) at S. Dakota St. (3-3), 7 p.m.

Indiana (2-4) at Illinois (3-3), 8 p.m.

SOUTHWEST Texas Tech (6-0) at Texas A&M (2-4), Noon

Baylor (3-3) at Oklahoma St. (6-0), 3 p.m.

Southern Miss. (2-4) at Rice (3-3), 3 p.m.

McNeese St. (3-2) at Sam Houston St. (2-2), 3 p.m.

Kansas (5-1) at Oklahoma (5-1), 3:30 p.m.

Cent. Arkansas (5-1) at Texas St. (3-2), 4 p.m.

Jackson St. (2-4) at Tex. Southern (1-4), 8 p.m.

UTEP (3-3) at Tulsa (6-0), 8 p.m.

FAR WEST Colorado St. (3-3) at Utah (7-0), 2 p.m.

Sacramento St. (3-3) at Mont. (5-1), 3:05 p.m.

E. Wash. (2-4) at Montana St. (3-3), 3:05 p.m.

N. Colorado (1-4) at Weber St. (5-2), 3:05 p.m.

Southern Cal (4-1) at Wash. St. (1-6), 3:30 p.m.

Stanford (4-3) at UCLA (2-4), 4 p.m.

Utah St. (1-5) at Nevada (3-3), 4:05 p.m.

San Diego St. (1-5) at N.M. (3-4), 6 p.m.

Kansas St. (4-2) at Colorado (3-3), 7 p.m.

Oregon St. (3-3) at Washington (0-5), 7 p.m.

San Jose St. (4-2) at N.M. St. (3-2), 8 p.m.

N. Arizona (5-1) at Idaho St. (0-6), 8:35 p.m.

Iona (3-3) at UC Davis (3-4), 9 p.m.

California (4-1) at Arizona (4-2), 10 p.m.

Air Force (4-2) at UNLV (3-3), 10 p.m.

Sprint Cup-TUMS QuikPak 500 Friday race Sunday At Martinsville Speedway Martinsville, Va. Lap length: 0.526 miles (Car number in parentheses) Note: Qualifying canceled because of rain lineup was set in accordance with the NASCAR Sprint Cup rule book.

1. (48) Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet, 2008 owner points-1st.

2. (31) Jeff Burton, Chevrolet, 2008 owner points-2nd.

3. (16) Greg Biffle, Ford, 2008 owner points3rd.

4. (99) Carl Edwards, Ford, 2008 owner points4th.

5. (07) Clint Bowyer, Chevrolet, 2008 owner points-5th.

6. (29) Kevin Harvick, Chevrolet, 2008 owner points-6th.

7. (20) Tony Stewart, Toyota, 2008 owner points-7th.

8. (24) Jeff Gordon, Chevrolet, 2008 owner points-8th.

9. (18) Kyle Busch, Toyota, 2008 owner points9th.

10. (88) Dale Earnhardt Jr., Chevrolet, 2008 owner points-10th.

11. (17) Matt Kenseth, Ford, 2008 owner points11th.

12. (11) Denny Hamlin, Toyota, 2008 owner points-12th.

13. (6) David Ragan, Ford, 2008 owner points13th.

14. (9) Kasey Kahne, Dodge, 2008 owner points-14th.

15. (8) Aric Almirola, Chevrolet, 2008 owner points-15th.

16. (12) Ryan Newman, Dodge, 2008 owner points-16th.

17. (83) Brian Vickers, Toyota, 2008 owner points-17th.

18. (1) Martin Truex Jr., Chevrolet, 2008 owner points-18th.

19. (2) Kurt Busch, Dodge, 2008 owner points19th.

20. (26) Jamie McMurray, Ford, 2008 owner points-20th.

21. (43) Bobby Labonte, Dodge, 2008 owner

BASEBALL American League

BOSTON RED SOX—Received RHP Dewon Day on a waiver claim from the Chicago White Sox. Designated RHP Chris Smith for assignment.

DETROIT TIGERS—Named Rick Knapp pitching coach.

FOOTBALL National Football League

NFL—Fined Miami LB Joey Porter $20,000 for comments critical of referee Ed Hochuli and his crew after an Oct. 12 game at Houston.

CINCINNATI BENGALS—Signed TE Nate Lawrie and CB Geoffrey Pope from the practice squad. Placed S Herana-Daze Jones and C Kyle Cook on reserve/injured list. Signed QB Jeff Rowe to the practice squad.

HOUSTON TEXANS—Activated CB Dunta Robinson. Placed RB Chris Taylor on injured reserve.

HOCKEY NHL

NHL—Suspended Phoenix LW Daniel Carcillo for two games as a result of an altercation during an Oct. 15 game at Chicago.

CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS— Named Marc Bergevin assistant coach.

LOS ANGELES KINGS—Signed D Matt Greene to a five-year extension through the 2013-14 season. Agreed to terms with D Andrew Campbell.

SAN JOSE SHARKS—Recalled LW Brad Staubitz from Worcester (AHL).

team has been considering “a lot of different scenarios” since Romo started throwing Wednesday, three days after the injury that was initially expected to keep Romo out up to three games.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said in a radio interview earlier Friday that there was no chance that Romo could reinjure the pinkie because of the castlike protection on his hand.

When Phillips was asked if he had been told Romo couldn’t do further damage to the finger, the coach responded, “Dr. Jerry. Whatever Jerry says, I’m going with.”

Jones also said the decision if Romo will play will depend on how the quar-

terback feels Sunday.

“It will be up to him. If he is feeling good and the pain is good, then it’s likely he’ll play,” Jones said. “It’s down to can he handle the pain?”

Phillips said it was possible Romo could be active for the game without starting. The coach also said Romo didn’t have to go through a full practice to play.

Romo was expected to miss up to a month (three games with an open date) after he broke his right pinkie when he was sacked on the first play of overtime in last weekend’s 30-24 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. But Romo told coaches earlier this week he want-

2B

SPORT SHORTS Fernie’s Ranch Run The third annual Fernie’s Ranch Run will be held today with a rain date of Saturday, Nov. 1.

The race begins at the Rancho Catalina Grounds at 8:30 a.m. for runners and 8:45 p.m. for walkers.

To reach Rancho Catalina, take I-35N to Exit 22 (Webb Interchange), then travel west on County Road one mile to white pipe gate.

Entry fee for the 5-mile run or 2-mile walk is $25 per person if postmarked before Oct. 18. On that date, the fee increases to $30. The first 100 to register will receive free commemorative items.

Race day registration will be held from 7-8:15 a.m. Race packet pick-up is noon-5:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 17, at 5810 San Bernardo.

For more information, contact Patricia Laurel at 763-1243, Mary Santos at 337-0552 or Lorraine M. Laurel at 523-4932.

29th Annual Guajolote 10K Race Registration is underway for the 29th Annual Guajolote 10K Race, sponsored by Hamilton Trophies and Jewelry, scheduled for Thanksgiving Day at 9 a.m.

Applications are available at Hamilton Trophies, 1320 Garden Street, and at Hamilton Jewelry, 607 Flores St. For more information contact the trophy shop at 724-9990, and the jewlery store at 722-9015.

TAMIU Hoops Madness Festival The TAMIU Hoops Madness Festival will be held today. The 2008-09 men’s and women’s basketball teams will be featured, and there will be a community-wide 3-on-3 tournament (registration begins at 4:30 p.m.).

The other highlights are a 3-point shootout and a dunk contest. There will be dance and special talent entertainment, as well as pizza, drinks, free t-shirts and the introduction of the university’s new mascot.

There will also be a chance to win $10,000 by making a lay-up, free throw, 3-pointer and a halfcourt shot in 30 seconds.

The program begins at 6 p.m. and lasts until midnight.

American L.L.minor tournament American Little League will sponsor a minor tournament Oct. 24-26.

Fee is $200 per team. All leagues are invited.

For more information, contact league president Rudy Valdez at 251-5668, vice president Ricky Esqueda at 645-5134 or Cesar Saucedo at 286-9050.

MEETS | Continued from Page 1B the squad ranked fifth in the state and also looking to dominate in its new district. The Garcia twins have been the force behind a good girls’ team this season.

Both Zapata cross country teams will travel to Laredo today for their last meet before district.

RETURN | Continued from Page 1B games, that my seniors, as well as the whole team, will step up and fight for the last spot in the district race,” Villarreal said.

The Lady Hawks will host Rio Hondo on Tuesday in Zapata, with their last home game against Port Isabel on Friday.

Villarreal wants to encourage all Lady Hawks fans to come out and support the team during their last two home games this week.

Game times for the Rio Hondo match Tuesday are 4 p.m. for freshmen, 5 p.m. for junior varsity and 6 p.m. for varsity.

For the last home game, against Port Isabel on Oct. 24, game times are 4 p.m. for junior varsity and 5 p.m. for varsity.

AHL

QUAD CITY FLAMES—Signed D Craig Switzer.

WILKES-BARRE/SCRANTON PENGUINS—Annnounced G David Brown and RW Nick Johnson have been re-assigned to Wheeling (ECHL).

ECHL CHARLOTTE CHECKERS—Announced F Mike Taylor has been assigned to the team by Hartford (AHL).

DAYTON BOMBERS—Acquired F Justin Bowers from Florida to complete an earlier trade.

STOCKTON THUNDER—Signed C Craig Valette.

UTAH GRIZZLIES—Announced the retirement of F Travis Rycroft.

SOCCER Xtreme Soccer League

DETROIT IGNITION—Named Matt Johnson coach and Droo Callahan player/assistant coach.

COLLEGE CLEMSON—Named Jeff Davis assistant athletic director for player relations for the football staff.

COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON— Named Kate Tiller academic advisor for student-athletes.

IMMACULATA—Named Patrick Swift baseball coach.

ROMO | Continued from Page 1B Romo, who hasn’t commented all week, didn’t appear in the locker room when it was open to reporters. Neither did Brad Johnson, the 40-year-old backup who is in line to get his first start since 2006 for Minnesota.

While on the field, Romo’s hand was wrapped with a fabric covering whatever protective device being used to apparently stabilize the pinkie. Only the tips of three fingers were exposed, with the index finger and thumb free.

Johnson and third-teamer Brooks Bollinger threw passes during early drills, with Romo standing nearby watching.

Before practice, Phillips said the

ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM

ed to try to play.

After throwing on the side Wednesday, Romo was limited in practice Thursday. Phillips said the quarterback felt fine after those workouts.

Before even taking a question Friday, Phillips made it clear the Cowboys were confident in Johnson, who has thrown only 11 passes — all in the 2007 regular-season finale — since arriving as Romo’s backup last year.

“If Brad plays at quarterback, our team is ready to play with Brad. We have confidence in him, we feel like we can win with him,” Phillips said.

“Tony’s really the bonus guy in this situation.”

TEXANS | Continued from Page 1B placed on injured reserve with back problems. Dan Orlovsky will likely get his second NFL start against Houston after throwing for 150 yards and one touchdown against the Vikings.

“He’s a good, young player,” Marinelli said. “He had a solid outing. He didn’t turn it over, but we’ve got to clean some things up with him. He really likes football, and he’s around it and he’s been preparing now for quite a while, for four years to get this opportunity.”

They still have at least one offensive weapon left in Calvin Johnson, who has 377 yards receiving with three touchdowns. Texans cornerback Dunta Robinson, likely to play Sunday after sitting out almost a year with injuries, figures they’ll have their hands full dealing with him.

“I’m so glad to see Roy in a different jersey,” Robinson said. “I was like, ‘Man, if I play this week, I’ve got two great receivers to face.’ This isn’t the type of atmosphere that you want to face coming off of a knee injury. But, we’ve still got one (great) receiver to deal with. It’s going to make our job tough.”

Another Johnson, Houston’s Andre, is likely to be the one making Detroit’s job tough on Sunday. The sixth-year player is coming off a career-high 178yard game, his third straight 100-yard performance.

His work helped the Texans gain a franchise-best 485 total yards last week against the Dolphins.

The Texans’ offense has been potent and Houston’s 362.6 yards a game are fifth most in the NFL. Moving the ball hasn’t been a problem for Schaub and the Texans; holding on to it is another story.

Houston is tied with three other teams for most interceptions in the league with eight and they’ve fumbled 10 times this season. Schaub said limiting their turnovers is a focus this week, saying it’s of the “utmost importance.”

“When we give it over and give them extra possessions it increases their opportunity to score,” he said. “We just have to be very aware of what we’re doing in our game plan and not try to force things.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2008

THE ZAPATA TIMES | 3B

HINTS BY HELOISE Dear Heloise: Your obvious love of animals shows in your columns. I have rescued many different animals. Today, I was saddened when I tried to rescue a small TROPICAL BIRD. It arrived on my porch. I tried to catch it, but it was wary enough that it would not let HELOISE me get too close.

I found it the following morning, and it was dead! This brightly colored little bird was definitely someone’s pet that had escaped. This small tragedy could have been prevented if the owners had clipped the flight feathers. I’m sure they were sad that the bird flew away.

Please remind people once again that every pet dog, cat, bird, fish, etc., comes with a set of responsibilities for the care and maintenance of that pet. Spaying, neutering and seeing that they stay where they belong are all part of that responsibility. — B. in San Antonio Our animal friends are our responsibility when we welcome them into our homes and hearts.

They give so much and don’t ask for much in return. — Heloise

DILBERT

HOROSCOPES | BY FRANCIS DRAKE ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Because your appreciation of beauty is heightened in the next three to four weeks, try to enjoy beautiful buildings, museums, galleries, parks and whatever turns your fancy. You won’t regret it.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) In the near future, you'll benefit from the wealth of others. Expect gifts, goodies and favors to come your way.

The next few weeks are a good time to ask for a loan.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Your closest relationships will improve in the next few weeks. You’ll feel very affectionate and loving, and you won't be afraid to express it.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) In the month ahead, you'll enjoy better relationships with people at work.

It will be a good time to resolve any difficulties that exist. You might even get a raise!

LEO (July 23 to Aug. 2 2 ) Love, romance, fun and entertainment are on the menu for you in the next six weeks. Creative activities and time with children will be re-

warding.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22) Now is the time to tackle redecorating projects. You want your home to be elegant and beautiful. Family relations will improve in the next few weeks.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22) Your everyday activities will be more pleasant in the next five weeks. Your social life might pick up as you realize how much love there is in your daily world.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21) Business and finance are favored in the next month. Your earnings could increase. When shopping, you'll buy beautiful things for yourself and loved ones.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 2 2 t o D e c . 2 1 ) In the months ahead, you'll have an opportunity to make peace with others. It's an excellent time to enjoy friends or even take a vacation.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19) Expect to feel generous and willing to put the interests of others before your own in the next few weeks.

You're very genuine about want-

ing to help someone.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18) A planetary transit — the last for the next few weeks — is one of the best times for group activities and enjoyment with friends. Call up your pals. Enjoy group settings and gettogethers.

PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20) Your business and professional life can blossom in the next few weeks. Important people are impressed with you! You might be asked for input on artistic matters.

YOU BORN TODAY You approach life with daring and zest.

You have imagination and a vision of what you want to achieve.

You are a leader, but not a typical one. Many of you play an influential role in your society or your world. You love to have fun. Relationships have been a major focus this year; next year, you have an important choice to make.

Birthdate of: Martina Navratilova, tennis player; Pierre Elliott Trudeau, former Canadian prime minister; Thomas Hearns, boxer.

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Fax resume to (209)239-9655 Attn: Mrs. Hazaga

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4B | THE ZAPATA TIMES

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2008

8 | LAREDO MORNING TIMES/THE ZAPATA TIMES

Flu shot tough sell to health care workers

By MELANIE S. WELTE ASSOCIATED PRESS

DES MOINES, Iowa — Operating room nurse Pauline Taylor knows her refusal to get a flu shot is based on faulty logic.

But ever since she got sick after getting a shot a few years ago, she’s sworn off the vaccine.

“I rarely get sick. The only thing I could narrow it down to is that I had gotten this shot,” said Taylor, who works at University Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City. “I know that it’s not a live virus. It just seemed pretty coincidental.”

Such stories frustrate Dr. William Schaffner.

As chairman of the Department of Preventive Medicine at Vanderbilt University, he hears that kind of talk frequently and knows it’s in part to blame for a surprising statistic — nearly 60 percent of health care workers fail to get a flu shot.

That’s despite recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that all health care workers get vaccinated, from hospital volunteers to doctors.

“It is a professional obligation on the part of health care workers to make sure that they are as protected against influenza as possible,” Schaffner said.

Schaffner argues that getting vaccinated for the flu should be standard for doctors and nurses, just like washing their hands.

That’s because the flu virus can be spread so easily.

“Being in close proximity to patients, having conversations with them, bending over their bed, seeing them in the clinic while you’re doing procedures, you would be breathing out viruses and spreading influenza into your patients,” said Schaffner, who is also president-elect of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.

The nonprofit group educates the public and health care industry about the causes, treatment and prevention of infectious diseases. It gets about 75 percent of its budget from major vaccine makers, but executive director Len Novick said the money comes with no strings attached.

Despite the attention given to the problem, there are few well documented cases of flu outbreaks caused by health care workers.

OCTOBER 18-19, 2008

OCTOBER 18-19, 2008

LIMIT SCARY SIGHTS FOR KIDS

L M T

A number of children have developed deeply rooted fears from watching movies that were too adult and scary. It can also be upsetting for children to see adults wearing terrifying masks or costumes. So enjoy the whimsy of the Halloween holiday but protect kids from the scary sights and sounds that could upset them.

— Keep Kids Healthy/www.keepkidshealthy.com

New York Times

ACCENT ON HEALTH

Keep treats slim to curb child obesity

By ROSA CAVAZOS-LOPEZ SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

AP Photo

University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics operating room nurse Pauline Taylor doesn’t get flu shots these days. Taylor became sick after getting a flu shot a few years ago and chooses to not get them anymore.

“Being in close proximity to patients, having conversations with them, bending over their bed, seeing them in the clinic while you’re doing procedures, you would be breathing out viruses ... ” DR. WILLIAM SCHAFFNER, DEPARTMENT OF PREVENTATIVE MEDICINE, VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY Schaffner said that’s because it’s tough to prove sick health care workers are to blame for hospital outbreak.

According to the foundation, likely cases of flu outbreaks between health care workers and patients include: 19 babies in a neonatal intensive care unit in Ontario, Canada, infected in 2000; one died. Health care workers, only 15 percent of whom were immunized, were the likely source.

65 residents of a nursing home in New York got the flu during the 1991-1992 flu season, and two died. Only 10 percent of health care workers had been vaccinated before the outbreak, according to a report by the CDC. Schaffner said health care work-

ers opt not to get vaccinated for the same reasons others are hesitant.

Some also don’t realize how easily they can spread the disease, sometimes before they know they’re infected or even if they have only a mild case.

And, he said, there’s the “myth” that you can get flu from the vaccine.

The CDC recommends that health care facilities offer free flu vaccines to employees annually at work, and that hospitals obtain signed statements from workers who refuse.

The CDC also recommends a flu shot for people age 50 and over, the chronically ill, and women who will be pregnant during the flu season.

This year, virtually all children from 6 months to 18 years were

added to the list.

Several states have laws requiring hospitals to make the vaccines available.

In Iowa, University Hospitals requires documentation that all health care workers were offered the vaccine, but workers are free to decline, as Taylor, the ER nurse, did.

Dr. Patrick Hartley, who heads the hospital’s employee health clinic, said in the last flu season, 84 percent of employees got their flu shots.

At Allen Hospital in Waterloo, Iowa, the flu shot is mandatory for those with direct patient contact and recommended for everyone else. Those with allergies to the vaccine or other conditions can take a pass, but they must supply a note from their doctor. The hospital says

For the latest in entertainment news, read Friday’s ¿Qué Pasa?

the vaccination rate is 93 percent.

Some hospitals take a tougher stand on vaccinations.

In Seattle, at Virginia Mason Medical Center, even sales reps, vendors and volunteers must be vaccinated unless they seek exceptions for religious or medical reasons. Even then, those who don’t get a shot must wear a mask whenever they are in the hospital during the flu season.

About 99 percent of the hospital’s more than 5,000 employees were vaccinated.

Dr. Joyce Lammert, the hospital’s chief of medicine, said they lost around seven employees when the policy took effect four years ago.

“A lot of reasons we heard about people not wanting flu shots was all about them — it’s my freedom, I don’t want to get it, I get sick when I get it,” Lammert said. “Now, the culture has really changed to thinking about patients. This is what we do to protect our patients.”

Lammert said patients should ask their doctors if they’ve gotten their flu shot.

“I wouldn’t go to anybody who didn’t,” she said.

As your children get ready to “trick or treat” looking for the ultimate sugary candy, keep in mind the need for action in curbing the rising rates of obesity among children. Over the past three decades, the number of children who are overweight or obese has doubled from 15 percent in the 1970s to nearly 30 percent today. Nationally, there are 25 million children and adolescents who are categorized as overweight or obese.

Obesity in children and adolescents is a serious issue with many health and social consequences that often continue into adulthood.

Implementing prevention programs and having a better understanding of treatment for children is important to controlling the obesity epidemic.

A measurement called the Body Mass Index (BMI), which is based on a combination of height and CAVAZOS- weight, is used to determine if a LOPEZ person is overweight or obese.

According to national averages from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), if a child is ranked between the 85th and 95th percentile they are considered overweight. Children in the 96th percentile and higher are considered obese.

Although there are some genetic and hormonal causes of childhood obesity, most excess weight is the result of poor dietary habits and inactivity. If children consume more calories than they expand through exercise and normal physical activity, they gain weight. Many factors could increase a child’s risk of becoming overweight: Diet. Regular consumption of high-calorie foods, such as fast foods and vending machine snacks contribute to weight gain. Soft drinks, candy and desserts are also high in calories.

Inactivity. Children with little or no physical activity are more likely to gain weight because they are not burning calories. Activities such as watching television or playing video games should be balanced with physical activities.

Genetics. If obesity runs in the family, a child may be genetically predisposed to put on excess weight, especially in an environment

See TREATS | PAGE 2

Photo by Joe Rutland | Laredo Morning Times

2 | LAREDO MORNING TIMES/THE ZAPATA TIMES

LMC names Morales new Senior Circle program head SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

Laredo Medical Center is pleased to announce Mari Morales as the new director of the Senior Circle Program at LMC. Morales comes to LMC after a 22-year career in the retail industry.

Morales says the challenge of recruiting new members, and planning creative monthly activities, is what led her to MORALES take the helm of the successful Senior Circle Program — a program that includes almost 1,000 members.

“My goal for Senior Circle is to keep our members healthy and active,” Morales said. “It is a privilege for me to step into this leadership position where I can make a difference in the lives of many individuals.”

This year, LMC’s Senior Circle Program celebrates its fourth year of success. The program represents a commitment by Laredo Medical Center to meet the needs of seniors by providing them with opportunities to continue to live the healthiest, most fulfilling lives possible.

It is LMC’s goal to offer adults who are 50 or better in the community an outlet where they can participate in activities and share common interests with others of the same age, while at the same time promoting health and wellness.

For membership information, call the Senior Circle office at 796-2007, or stop by the office between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Monday through Thursday at LMC, Tower B.

OCTOBER 18-19, 2008

LAREDO MORNING TIMES/THE ZAPATA TIMES | 7

Take cautions prior to making ER visit

City wants pets vaccinated for rabies SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

The City of Laredo Health Department will hold its next regularly scheduled rabies clinic from 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Old Santo Niño WIC Clinic, located

at 2200 Zacatecas.

In Laredo, health department officials said vaccination must be done each year to protect your pet and family against rabies. Rabies can spread quickly and easily among dogs and cats. Officials said

their concern is for potential human exposure, which can be deadly.

Officials urge the public to vaccinate your pets either through their private veterinarian or through the Health Department at its two

monthly vaccine clinics.

Cost for the vaccine is $12 per pet.

Please bring your dogs on a leash, cats in a pillowcase, and it is recommended to leave your children at home.

By ARTURO A. GARZA, M.D. SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

Courtesy photo | Doctors Hospital

Honoring the 2008 Doctors Hospital Junior Volunteer are, from left to right, Gilda Villarreal, RN; Eladio Montalvo, COO; Elmo Lopez Jr., CEO; Belia Becerra, Junior Volunteer of the Year; Dinah Gonzalez, CFO; and Rachel Rodriguez, Junior Volunteer Program coordinator.

Junior Volunteer of Year honored SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

Courtesy photo

Some of the White Mass Committee members include in the front row, left to right, Ethel Ike, Susan Jones, Connie Madrigal, and Rachel Rodriguez. In back, left to right, are Jaime Arispe, Jesse Olivares, Dr. Jose G. Garcia, Chaplain Sergio Rodriguez, and Eduardo Duarte.

White Mass scheduled for Nov. 5 at San Agustin SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

A White Mass is the customary description for a liturgy for health care workers.

Traditionally, health care workers wore white attire.

In the Church, white symbolizes hope and comfort to the ill and hospitalized.

The Diocese of Laredo invites

ON THE COVER Halloween can be a health challenge with kids collecting lots of candy. But it doesn’t have to be a strain. Some may enjoy visiting “The Pumpkin Patch” at First United Methodist Church of Laredo, pictured on our cover. Be careful, though, and consider your options.

OCTOBER 18-19, 2008

the public and all health care professionals, in Laredo and surrounding counties, to participate in the 7th annual White Mass to be held on Wednesday, Nov. 5, at 7:30 p.m. at San Agustin Cathedral.

The White Mass is sponsored by the Diocese of Laredo.

This event is being held in conjunction with the Feast of Saint Luke, Patron Saint of health care

workers, which is celebrated on Oct. 18.

Saint Luke wrote the Gospel of Luke, which emphasized ministering to the poor, opening God’s kingdom to all, respecting life, and conveying God’s mercy to everyone.

All medical personnel and health care workers in the diocese are welcome to attend, as well as priests and men and women reli-

gious in health care ministry. All health care professionals of different religious denominations are invited to attend.

A reception will follow immediately after the Mass. Parking is available in the Church parking lot.

For more information about the White Mass, please call Chaplain Sergio Rodriguez at (956) 7953657.

TREATS | Continued from Page 1 where high-calorie food is available and physical activity isn’t encouraged.

Psychological factors. Some children overeat to cope with problems or to deal with emotions, such as stress or boredom.

Certain hard-to-control factors can also contribute to a child’s risk of becoming obese. For example,

children from minority to lowincome backgrounds are at greater risk of obesity. Research shows poverty and obesity often go hand in hand because low-income parents may lack the time and resources to make healthy eating and exercise a family priority.

Obese children can develop serious health problems, such as Type

II diabetes and heart disease.

Overweight children are also at higher risk of developing: High blood pressure Asthma and other respiratory problems Sleep disorders Liver disease Eating disorders.

Children, unlike adults, need

extra nutrients and calories to fuel their growth and development.

Please talk to your physician about the best weight loss plan for your child. Laredo Medical Center offers several resources and outreach programs to help with weight loss goals.

For more information, contact (956) 796-3223 or visit our Web site at www.laredomedical.com.

The Junior Volunteer Program was developed at Doctors Hospital over 15 years ago.

The program’s main purpose is to offer those students interested in going into the medical field the opportunity to volunteer in a medical setting.

Students must be 14 and older and show an interest in going

Bladder, bowel seminar set for Oct. 25 SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

Laredo Specialty Hospital has scheduled a free “Bowel and Bladder Management” seminar for Oct. 25.

It is a nursing continuing education opportunity, offering 3 continuing education unit hours. The event is free for registered nurses and LVNs. Registration is scheduled for 9:30 a.m.-10 a.m.

The seminar will be held at Laredo Specialty Hospital, 2005 Bustamante St. For registration information, contact Marisabel Maya at (956) 764-8300 or by e-mail at marisabelmaya@ernesthealth.com.

into the medical profession.

Many former junior volunteers have come back to Laredo as doctors and nurses.

This past summer, Doctors Hospital had approximately 25 high students participating in the summer program.

They volunteered their time in most areas of the hospital. At the end of the summer, departments were asked to nominate an out-

standing junior volunteer from their area.

A committee reviewed the recommendations and a Junior Volunteer of the Year was selected.

This year’s junior volunteer of the year is Belia Becerra, a student at United High School. She volunteered in the nursery.

For more information regarding the JV program, please contact Rachel Rodriguez at 523-2004.

In times of crisis, a visit to the emergency room can be the difference between life and death. In hospitals around the country and here in our own community, qualified caregivers are on hand 24 hours a day, seven days a week to address the urgent medical needs of you and your family.

In events such as serious injuries or allerGARZA gic reactions, the ER is the most appropriate place to go for care.

Emergency rooms are in direct contact with ambulance providers and emergency services, and are a vital link in a community’s first response network.

The ER uses a triage system to care for patients with the most urgent conditions first, rather than treating patients on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Patients with potentially lifethreatening conditions such as a chest pain, shortness of breath or sudden or unexplained loss of consciousness are treated immediately while someone with a minor cut or sore throat may have to wait longer.

It is sometimes difficult to determine whether a visit to the

ER is necessary or not.

Some of the conditions generally regarded as medical emergencies include: Severe injury Signs of a heart attack, such as pressure or pain in the chest Signs of a stroke, such as severe numbness and loss of vision Bleeding or vomiting that will not stop Medical condition in a child less than six months of age.

If you believe your health or the health of a loved one is in jeopardy, it is always best to seek immediate treatment.

Because emergency room visits are nearly always unexpected, it is wise to keep insurance policy information and personal identification nearby at all times. Make a list of your allergies as well as any current or previous medications you are taking and include contact information for your personal physician(s).

Experiencing a medical emergency can be frightening, and one way to help minimize concern is to seek preventative care.

Making regular visits to the doctor and having an in-depth knowledge of you and your family’s medical history can help to avoid medical emergencies or identify a medical issue before it become serious.

6 | LAREDO MORNING TIMES/THE ZAPATA TIMES

OCTOBER 18-19, 2008

OCTOBER 18-19, 2008

LAREDO MORNING TIMES/THE ZAPATA TIMES | 3

HRSA grant supports Physician Assistant program gram, students are encouraged to help with health fairs, preschool and sports physical exams, and other community health efforts.

During their second year in the PA program, students attend classes in San Antonio with first-year medical students. It is during this second year that students conduct their capstone project, a community service medicine project that they research, design and implement.

An example of the high caliber of these is a health fair conducted last spring in Beeville by four PA students — Callie Bowman, Melissa Shearer, Jennifer Emmel and Brandie Crabtree. It was the first health fair conducted in Bee County in more than 30 years.

“We began planning the health fair in August for our event in May,” said Bowman, who grew up in Beeville and proposed the idea.

“We assessed the community by handing out surveys asking what health issues people would be most interested in learning about.

Diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol were the top three.”

They worked with community partners, such as CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital, whose lab technicians drew blood samples and processed the blood work.

SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

SAN ANTONIO — The Physician Assistant (PA) Studies program at the UT Health Science Center San Antonio just received a three-year, $346,915 grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration, part of the Department of Health and Human Services.

The grant will provide reimbursement to faculty members who travel between San Antonio and the Laredo Campus Extension (LCE), travel funds for students receiving clinical training throughout South Texas, financial assistance to help with costs associated with student community health and medicine projects, and faculty development.

PAs help fill a critical need for health care providers in South Texas. Most of the 38 counties the Health Science Center serves have been designated collectively by the federal government as a medically underserved area, meaning there are not enough health professionals to treat those who need care.

PAs work with the supervision of physicians to diagnose and treat patients.

They also teach their patients about good health practices.

“This grant is going to help several aspects of our program,” said Dennis Blessing, Ph.D., PA-C, distinguished teaching professor and chair of the Department of Physician Assistant Studies.

Blessing also serves as associate dean for South Texas programs in the School of Health Professions.

The Health Science Center offers a three-year master’s degree program in PA Studies.

Supporting the needs of South Texas students Offering a cohort of students the opportunity to attend their first year of classes at the LCE helps

Clinical training offered throughout South Texas Courtesy photo | University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio

From left to right, Laredoans Audrey Ortega Rodriguez and Selina Santos learn about diabetes from Brent Shriver, associate professor of dietetics and nutrition. Both students entered the Health Science Center’s Physician Assistant Studies program through the Laredo Campus extension in the fall of 2007 and are studying this year in San Antonio. recruit South Texans into the highly competitive program.

“There are very strong family ties in South Texas and grandparents or other relatives often provide child care while the children’s parents work or go to school,” Blessing said.

“Due to lower income levels in rural areas, this is often the only

way some students can enter our program.”

Students in Laredo learn along with classmates in San Antonio via videoconference and on-site lectures by faculty members who live in Laredo and those who drive there from San Antonio.

The grant will help support this

effort by reimbursing travel funds for faculty.

Promoting community service, health education A core part of the PA program is community service.

Upon acceptance into the pro-

During the third year of the program, students receive clinical training in such specialties as family practice, pediatrics, surgery, obstetrics/gynecology, emergency medicine and research.

They travel to physician offices and clinics throughout South Texas including Laredo, the Lower Rio Grande Valley and as far north as Austin for six-week rotations.

The grant will provide funding to assist students with some of their travel expenses.

October offers tai chi, other activities for Senior Circle members SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

Laredo Medical Center is happy to offer the therapeutic form of exercise called tai chi to members of its Senior Circle group.

Studies have shown those who practice tai chi every day have a longer, more active life than those who do not. Furthermore, tai chi has been proven to be an effective

remedy for arthritis. Frequent arthritis sufferers report the gentle movements from the exercise help ease sore joints and muscles.

Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese practice designed to exercise body, mind and spirit. Its history is more than 600 years old and still going strong. As one moves through the tai chi postures, they are gently working muscles, focusing concen-

tration, and calming the mind.

During the month of October, Senior Circle offers tai chi to its members each Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9-10 a.m. in the private dining room.

Also this month, members can work on creating beautiful pieces of work through crochet. From sweaters to blankets, to one-of-akind pieces, crochet is a way to

express your individuality. Classes take place each Monday from 10 a.m. to noon at LMC’s cafeteria.

On Thursday, Oct. 23, Senior Circle members will travel to the Kickapoo casino in Eagle Pass for a day of fun. The cost is $15 and members will leave at 7:45 a.m.

The following Thursday, Oct. 30, members will enjoy a spooky Halloween Dance, food and fun

from 3-6 p.m. in Conference Room 1, Tower B. On Friday, Oct. 31, members can take advantage of free prostate cancer screenings, beginning at 9 a.m. at the A.R. Sanchez Cancer Center.

For more information, call the Senior Circle office at 796-2007, or stop by the office between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday at LMC, Tower B.

Courtesy photo | Doctors Hospital

From left, orthopedic surgeons Dr. Philip Holzknecht and Dr. Joaquin Oronoz demonstrate new knee technology called the “Stryker Navigation System” available at Doctors Hospital.

Seminar highlights knee replacement SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

You want to live an active life, but severe knee pain holds you back. A total knee replacement may help. Doctors Hospital’s new technology makes it safer and more effective than ever.

Doctors Hospital is proud to offer the Stryker Knee Navigation System, a surgical knee replacement system associated with these potential benefits: Shorter hospital stays Fewer post-operative complications

Improved knee joint stability Improved strength and range of motion Longer-lasting than traditional knee replacements If you are interested in learning more about the new advanced knee replacement procedure, then register for a free seminar this week.

The seminar is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22, at Doctors Hospital Community Center.

Orthopedic surgeons will talk to seminar participants about the new surgical technology and patient benefits.

To register, please call 523-2020.

You want to live an active life, but severe knee pain holds you back.

A total knee replacement may help.

Doctors Hospital’s new technology makes it safer and more effective than ever.

We’re proud to offer the Stryker® Knee Navigation System, a surgical knee-replacement system associated with these potential benefits: s 3HORTER HOSPITAL STAYS s &EWER POSTOPERATIVE COMPLICATIONS s )MPROVED KNEE JOINT STABILITY s )MPROVED STRENGTH AND RANGE of motion s ,ONGER LASTING THAN TRADITIONAL knee replacements

Sophisticated computer software helps surgeons fine-tune the size and position of the implant so THEY CAN RECREATE THE KNEE JOINT more accurately.

To reserve your seat for the seminar, please call 1-877-992-1711 (toll free)

Free bariatric surgery forum set SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

If you are struggling to shed pounds or you yo-yo back and forth from one fad diet to the other, you may be a candidate for surgical weight loss at Doctors Hospital of Laredo.

The new Wellness and Weight Loss Center — the only program of

its kind in Laredo — is helping obese and overweight patients shed unwanted pounds.

To learn more about these procedures, Doctors Hospital will be hosting a Bariatric Surgery Forum at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Women’s Center Community Center.

To register for the free public forum, call 523-2290.

www.IchooseDoctorsHospital.com Physicians are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Doctors Hospital of Laredo.

The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians.

OCTOBER 18-19, 2008

4 | LAREDO MORNING TIMES/THE ZAPATA TIMES

MAMMOGRAM SPECIALS

Preventing lead poisoning takes multiple precautions

By FRANCISCO J. GUTIERREZ-GARCIA, M.D. SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

Unlike the urban legend, you can’t get lead poisoning from a pencil, but lead is a hazard that can cause serious health complications.

Lead, which is toxic to many of the body’s tissues and enzymes, can be found in the soil, in some household paints and even in children’s toys, as well as some foreign candies. The number of cases of lead poisoning has decreased since a federal regulation required fuel and paint to be lead-free. However there is still a high level of lead concentrated in the soil around major highways and in some urban settings.

High levels of lead can also be found in older houses with lead pipes and lead-based paint, on old ceramics, china, porcelain and even in household dust. When the body is exposed to high levels of lead in the environment, the result can be lead poisoning.

While it is children who are generally more susceptible to lead

Courtesy photo | Doctors Hospital

Early detection can save lives. In recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Doctors Hospital is offering specially priced mammogram at $80. This offer expires on Oct. 31 and is subject to availability. You must be 35 years of age or older and provide the name of the physician to whom reports will be sent. To make an appointment, please call 523-2050.

N.J. flu-shot mandate for preschoolers draws outcry ASSOCIATED PRESS

As flu season approaches, many New Jersey parents are furious over a first-in-the-nation requirement that children get a flu shot in order to attend preschools and day-care centers. The decision should be the parents’, not the state’s, they contend.

Hundreds of parents and other activists rallied outside the New Jersey Statehouse on Thursday, decrying the policy and voicing support for a bill that would allow parents to opt out of mandatory vaccinations for their children.

“This is not an anti-vaccine rally — it’s a freedom of choice rally,” said

one of the organizers, Louise Habakus. “This one-size-fits-all approach is really very antiAmerican.”

New Jersey’s policy was approved last December by the state’s Public Health Council and is taking effect this fall. Children from 6 months to 5 years old who attend a child-care center or preschool have until Dec. 31 to receive the flu vaccine, along with a pneumococcal vaccine.

The Health Council was acting on the recommendations of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which has depicted children under 5 as a group particularly in need of flu shots.

poisoning, adults can be affected too. Children are more vulnerable because lead can begin to accumulate in their undeveloped tisGUTIERREZ- sue and nervous system. This may GARCIA result in serious health problems including kidney damage, learning disabilities, speech and language behavior issues, poor muscle coordination and hearing loss.

Adults who have high levels of lead poisoning may also experience some health issues including high blood pressure, digestive problems, cataracts, memory loss, muscle and joint pain reproductive issues or pregnancy complications.

For both children and adults, high levels of lead poisoning may cause seizures, unconsciousness and possibly even death.

To avoid serious health problems there are symptoms that serve as a warning to seek early treatment. Children may show

signs of irritability, weight loss, decreased appetite, sluggishness, abdominal pain, vomiting, unusual paleness and difficulty learning.

Similarly, adults may show signs of pain, numbness or tingling in the arms and legs, muscular weakness, headaches, abdominal pain or changes in mood.

There are a few simple measures that can be taken to prevent lead poisoning, such as: Have a home lead inspection and risk assessment by a professional Wash children’s hands after playing outside, before eating or before going to bed Clean floors, windowsills and other dusty surfaces with a damp cloth Restrict children’s play around roadways or bridges Provide meals that are high in iron and calcium Run cold water in old lead pipes for at least a minute before using.

For information on how Laredo Medical Center can assist you, contact (956) 796-3223 or visit www.laredomedical.com.

LAREDO MORNING TIMES/THE ZAPATA TIMES | 5

Celebrate Halloween by staying safe

By JOE RUTLAND LAREDO MORNING TIMES

Once again, it’s time for those little ghosts and goblins to hit the Greater Laredo area for Halloween. Lots of candy and treats will be handed out, so being cautious and aware of what might end up in children’s trick-or-treat bags is worth it.

“The biggest thing for everyone – adults, children and homeowners – to remember is the safety issue,” Cristina Elizondo, RN, DSN, trauma coordinator for Doctors Hospital, said. “We don’t want kids getting hurt.

“Make sure a child’s costume fits well on him or her,” Elizondo said.

“Check to be sure they have a flashlight that they can carry while visiting houses.

“Don’t have children go with strangers or go to strangers’ homes. Parents need to inspect their child’s candy with a bright light. It’s better to trick-or-treat at friends’ homes. It’s even better to take kids to controlled settings.”

Other suggestions for children include: Walk, don’t run, from house to house Use sidewalks and crosswalks when outside.

Elizondo said she gathered this information partly from the Centers for Disease Control and the American Association of Pediatrics.

She also offered tips for parents,

SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

Photo by Joe Rutland | Laredo Morning Times

Enjoying “The Pumpkin Patch” at First United Methodist Church is fun for all those trick-or-treaters. such as: Make sure a child eats dinner first before going out Children should always go house-to-house with a parent Don’t let children eat candy until they get home Check the candy for safety purposes, making sure there aren’t any sharp objects inside the wrappers or candies themselves Control how much candy a child can get.

As for homeowners, Elizondo

Brain reaction to tasty food offers weight guess ASSOCIATED PRESS

WASHINGTON – Drink a milkshake and the pleasure center in your brain gets a hit of happy — unless you’re overweight. It sounds counterintuitive. But scientists who watched young women savor milkshakes inside a brain scanner concluded that when the brain doesn’t sense enough gratification from food, people may overeat to compensate.

The small but first-of-a-kind study even could predict who would pile on pounds during the next year: Those who harbored a gene that made their brain’s yum factor even more sluggish.

Flu shots, other tests available at health fair

“The more blunted your response to the milkshake taste, the more likely you are to gain weight,” said Dr. Eric Stice, a senior scientist at the Oregon Research Institute who led the work, published in Friday’s edition of the journal Science.

A healthy diet and plenty of exercise are the main factors in whether someone is overweight.

But scientists have long known that genetics also play a major role in obesity — and one big culprit is thought to be dopamine, the brain chemical that’s key to sensing pleasure.

Eating can temporarily boost dopamine levels.

said they could offer healthy food alternatives such as crackers, single-size box of cereal, a package of fruit rolls, mini-boxes of raisins and low-fat popcorn.

Elizondo added that small toys instead of candy are an option, too.

All in all, it’s about safety – when trick-or-treating and eating those sweet goodies – for Halloween. So be careful out there.

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

Dr. Francisco J. GutierrezGarcia will host a health fair at his office Monday, Oct. 27.

The health fair will take place at 2344 Laguna Del Mar Ct., Suite 204, next to the post office off Del Mar Boulevard.

At the fair, a variety of health screenings, including blood pressure, glucose, vision, height and weight will be offered free of charge.

For some tests, fasting is necessary, and refreshments will be available.

With the cold and flu season around the corner, now is the time to get your flu shot! Shots will be available for a minimum cost at the fair.

Also available for $6 is a urinalysis exam that screens a variety of potential infections.

Gutierrez will also be on hand at the Fair to answer health questions that need to be addressed.

For more information, contact 753-7489.

8 | LAREDO MORNING TIMES/THE ZAPATA TIMES

OCTOBER 17-18, 2008

2 | LAREDO MORNING TIMES/THE ZAPATA TIMES

OCTOBER 17-18, 2008

LAREDO BUCKS

OCTOBER 17-18, 2008

THE ZAPATA TIMES/LAREDO MORNING TIMES | 7

Jersey Auction Nights

2008-09 REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE Friday, Oct. 17, 2008 vs. Rocky Mountain Rage 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 22, 2008 vs. Amarillo Gorillas 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 26, 2008 at Colorado Eagles 8:05 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 29, 2009 at Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees 7:35 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 27, 2009 at Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees 7:35 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 18, 2008 vs. Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2008 vs. Mississippi RiverKings 7 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 27, 2008 at Rocky Mountain Rage 8:05 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 30, 2009 vs. Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009 vs. Arizona Sundogs 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 24, 2008 at Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees 7:35 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 28, 2008 at Arizona Sundogs 9:05 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 28, 2008 at Rocky Mountain Rage 4:05 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 31, 2009 vs. Corpus Christi IceRays 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Mar. 4, 2009 vs. Corpus Christi IceRays 7 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 25, 2008 at Corpus Christi IceRays 7:05 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 29, 2008 at Arizona Sundogs 9:05 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2008 vs. Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees 7 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 5, 2009 vs. Corpus Christi IceRays 7 p.m.

Friday, Mar. 6, 2009 at Odessa Jackalopes 7:05 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008 vs. Rapid City Rush 4 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 4, 2008 vs. Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees 7 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 3, 2009 vs. Texas Brahmas 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 6, 2009 at Corpus Christi IceRays 7:05 p.m.

Saturday, Mar. 7, 2009 vs. Corpus Christi IceRays 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 30, 2008 vs. Corpus Christi IceRays 7 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 5, 2008 vs. Arizona Sundogs 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2009 at Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees 7:35 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009 vs. Tulsa Oilers 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Mar. 10, 2009 at Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees 10:30 a.m.

Friday, Oct. 31, 2008 at Corpus Christi IceRays 7:05 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008 at Texas Brahmas 7:05 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 9, 2009 vs. Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2009 vs. Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees 11 a.m.

Friday, Mar. 13, 2009 at Amarillo Gorillas 7:05 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 1, 2008 at Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees 7:35 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2008 vs. New Mexico Scorpions 7 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 10, 2009 vs. Corpus Christi IceRays 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 13, 2009 at New Mexico Scorpions 8:15 p.m.

Saturday, Mar. 14, 2009 at Texas Brahmas 7:05 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 6, 2008 vs. Odessa Jackalopes 7 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008 at Corpus Christi IceRays 7:05 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 16, 2009 at Corpus Christi IceRays 7:05 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 14, 2009 at New Mexico Scorpions 8:15 p.m.

Tuesday, Mar. 17, 2009 at Corpus Christi IceRays 7:05 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 8, 2008 vs. Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 13, 2008 at Odessa Jackalopes 7:05 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 17, 2009 at Texas Brahmas 7:05 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 20, 2009 at Texas Brahmas 7:05 p.m.

Wednesday, Mar. 18, 2009 vs. Texas Brahmas 7 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 14, 2008 vs. Wichita Thunder 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 19, 2008 vs. Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2009 vs. Texas Brahmas 7 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 21, 2009 at Amarillo Gorillas 7:05 p.m.

Friday, Mar. 20, 2009 vs. Texas Brahmas 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 15, 2008 vs. Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 20, 2008 vs. Corpus Christi IceRays 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 23, 2009 at Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs 7:05 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 22, 2009 at Amarillo Gorillas 4:05 p.m.

Saturday, Mar. 21, 2009 at Odessa Jackalopes 7:05 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008 vs. Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees 7 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 22, 2008 at Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees 7:35 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 24, 2009 at Mississippi RiverKings 7:05 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 26, 2009 vs. Arizona Sundogs 7 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 30 vs. Corpus Christi Halloween Jersey Thursday, Nov. 8 vs. Rio Grande Valley Dia de la Revolución Jersey Saturday, Dec. 30 vs. Corpus Christi Holiday Jersey Wednesday, Dec. 31 vs. Rio Grande Valley

New Year’s Eve Jersey Saturday, Jan. 9 vs. Bossier-Shreveport Pink in the Rink Jersey Saturday, Jan. 31 vs. Corpus Christi Washington’s Birthday Jersey Saturday, Mar. 7 vs. Corpus Christi St. Patrick’s Day Jersey

‘Just one more year to try to bring back the championship.’

By JOY LINDSAY LAREDO MORNING TIMES

hen the Laredo Bucks the Southern Conference Finals in April, they thought they had lost something more.

Team captain Serge Dube, an All-Star defenseman who had been with the team since its inception in 2002, unofficially announced his retirement at the year-end season ticket holder party, leaving the team without the player Bucks majority owner Glenn Hart calls “the single most important factor in our success.”

But late in August, something changed. Whether head coach/general manager Terry Ruskowski’s continuous pleas for Dube’s return finally got to him, the desire for redemption was stronger

W

than that for retirement or the idea of leaving hockey at the age of 29 was just too much to bear, Bucks fans may never know.

What they do know is simple: The Bucks got their captain back.

“There wasn’t just the one thing that made me say, ‘You know what, I’m going to play,’ or, ‘You know what, I’m going to retire,’” Dube said. “There were pros and cons to both decisions, and I just felt there were more pros to me playing than sitting out.

“But it wasn’t just that there were more pros; deep down inside, I just felt that I had one year left – one more really good year.”

Regardless of the inspiration for Dube’s decision,

the Bucks were thrilled to get him back, none more than Ruskowski, who was grinning ear-to-ear at the press conference to announce his captain’s return in August.

“To get Serge back is huge,” Ruskowski said. “He’s been with me from the get-go, and he’s a guy that I rely on in power plays, penalty killing and zone shifts, so he’s a true warrior in what he does in his playing time.”

Added player/assistant coach Jeff Bes, “Having Serge come back solidifies our defense. He’s the captain of our team, the leader of the club. Having him come back was one of the key things that we needed, and him deciding to play really, really helped our club.

He’s committed to playing one more year and winning a championship.”

Though Dube admits that he could probably play a few more seasons if he wanted to, it is likely that this will be his last, an idea he says will become fact

if the team wins a championship.

“Most definitely,” he said when asked if retirement would follow another President’s Cup run. “It’ll be my third championship, it’ll be seven years and next year, Terry will have a lot more veterans, so I kind of did my time, and it will open up some spots for other guys to come in.

“If we win, it will be for sure my last year.”

Though that decision could leave the Bucks in a bittersweet position in May, Dube is content with what he has already accomplished during his time in Laredo.

“I originally came down here just to play one year and try it out,” he said. “Next thing you know, seven years later, I’m still playing, I have two championships and I’m going for a third. I never even imagined living in Laredo. I went from not knowing where it was to making it my home.”

Part of that transition was meeting his wife Aileen, who he married this summer in Puerto Vallerto,

Mexico. Dube acknowledges that the decision to come back was one that he came to only after talking it over with his new bride, but jokingly states that winning another Cup is the only thing that would allow him to “retire in peace.”

“Championships are great,” he said. “Some people go their whole lives without going to a Finals; fortunately for me, I’ve been there four times and won two championships.

“People ask if the second was as good as the first one or the first one as good as the second.

You can’t compare them; they feel the same way. You’ve accomplished what you’ve wanted to do from the start of the year, actually, from the end of the previous year to all summer working out and getting in shape for the upcoming year to working hard all year and practicing.

“Finally, that end result, to hoist the Cup…it’s unexplainable.

I’ll just play one more year to try to bring back the championship.”

2008-09 CHL All-Star Game Wednesday, January 14, 2009 Budweiser Events Center Loveland, Colo.

Colorado Eagles vs. Central Hockey League All-Stars

File photos | Laredo Morning Times

ABOVE: Laredo Bucks defenseman Serge Dube (29), then the team’s assistant captain, poses with teammates Mike Vellinga (10) and Brent Cullaton (22) and the President’s Cup following the team’s first CHL Championship win on April 28, 2004, at the LEC. LEFT: Dube controls the puck as he skates up the ice during the Bucks’ 9-2 win Game 6 of the Southern Conference Finals on April 25 at the LEC. The Bucks lost that series in Game 7, and Dube, now the team’s captain, has returned for one more season and what he hopes will be one more run for the Cup.

6 | LAREDO MORNING TIMES/THE ZAPATA TIMES

OCTOBER 17-18, 2008

OCTOBER 17-18, 2008

THE ZAPATA TIMES/LAREDO MORNING TIMES | 3

2009-09 TEAM-BY-TEAM PREVIEWS

2008-09 LAREDO BUCKS ROSTER

SOUTHEAST DIVISION RIO GRANDE VALLEY KILLER BEES Home Rink: Dodge Arena (5,500) Head Coach: Chris Brooks 2007-08 Record: 16-41-7 (39 points) 2008-09 Top Storyline: Big offseason signing of Robin Bouchard should help offense be one of the best in the CHL. Top Returning Players: F Rob Voltera (27-30-57), F Travis Banga (23-38-61) Top Newcomers: F Robin Bouchard (six seasons of 90+ points), G Mike Gorman (161 career CHL wins), F Jesse Bennefield (15 points in 22 ECHL games last season), D Kurtis Dulle (former Bee back with RGV after a season in YNG, 31 points), Trevor Weisgerber (69 points with RMR last season)

CORPUS CHRISTI ICERAYS Home Rink: American Bank Center (7,495) Head Coach: Sylvain Cloutier 2007-08 Record: 22-34-8 (52 points) 2008-09 Top Storyline: The IceRays changed back to their franchise’s original name and have a new owner, coach and a majority of new players.

Top Returning Players: F Justin Quenneville (26-3056), Adam Powell (14 goals and 226 PIM’s), Chris Shaffer (1110-21) Top Newcomers: Chris Richards (278 points in last three seasons with YNG), John McNabb (21-2546 in 2006-07 with AUS), G Dustin Traylen (went 25-8-2 with LAR last season, started for South in All-Star game)

LAREDO BUCKS Home Rink: Laredo Entertainment Center (8,002) Head Coach: Terry Ruskowski 2007-08 Record: 42-19-3 (87 points) 2008-09 Top Storyline: A game seven loss for the Bucks in the conference finals have them hungry to return to the President’s Cup Finals, they have won five straight Southeast Division titles.

Top Returning Players: F Jeff Bes (reigning MVP, scored 46 goals and 106 points last season), D Serge Dube (9-37-46), F Alex Goupil (18 points in 16 games with Laredo) Top Newcomers: F Bobby Russell (veteran of 158 AHL/IHL games), D Erick Lizon (67 PIM’s in 23 games with OKC), G Sebastien Centomo (went 18-9-3 with MIS last season)

AMARILLO GORILLAS Home Rink: Amarillo Civic Center (4,986) Head Coach: Tom Coolen 2007-08 Record: 22-32-10 (54 points) 2008-09 Top Storyline: The Gorillas return just two players from last year’s team and only time will tell if the major overhaul will land Amarillo back in the playoffs.

Top Returning Players: F Austin Sutter (24-41-65), F Brett McConnachie (3-58) Top Newcomers: G Simon Nielsen (15-11-0 with three shutouts in the Danish Elite League), D Matt Frick (had a goal and 11 assists with RMR), F Sam Ftorek (32 points in 28 games with Bloomington, IHL), F Gordon Bell (10-26-36 with OKC)

ARIZONA SUNDOGS Home Rink: Tim’s Toyota Center (5,100) Head Coach: Marco Pietroniro 2007-08 Record: 39-19-6 (84 points) 2008-09 Top Storyline: Only two teams have ever repeated as CHL Champions (Memphis and Wichita); will the Sundogs be the third?

Top Returning Players: D Chris Bartolone (18-42-60), F Jason Visser (19-38-57), F Karl Sellan (21-21-42) T o p N e w c o m e r s : F Joel Irving (26-37-63 with YNG), F Cory Stillman (32-43-75 with ARZ in 06-07), F Martin Gascon (29 goals and 80 points in 25 games in France)

BOSSIER-SHREVEPORT MUDBUGS Home Rink: CenturyTel Center (7,353) Head Coach: Scott Muscutt 2007-08 Record: 44-14-6 (94 points) 2008-09 Top Storyline: After winning back-to-back Governors’ Cup Championships, will the ’Bugs shake their recent post-season jinx?

Top Returning Players: F Chris Brassard (29-36-65, +21), G Ken Carroll (17-8-3, 2.04 GAA, 5 SO’s), F Brett Smith (2238-60, +22), D Dale Lupul (5-22-27, +35) Top Newcomers: F Travis Clayton (834 career points, 3rd all-time in CHL), F Joe Blaznek (24-32-56 with CRP), D Simon Mangos (12-31-43 with Manchester, EIHL)

MISSISSIPPI RIVERKINGS

OKLAHOMA CITY BLAZERS

Home Rink: DeSoto Civic Center (8,400) Head Coach: Kevin Kaminski 2007-08 Record: 39-21-4 (82 points) 2008-09 Top Storyline: The RiverKings are loaded with new players and should have one of the best defensive units in the league with Derek Landmesser, Stephen Margeson, Jeff Alcombrack, Joe Markusen, David Simoes and Andrew Lackner. They may need that veteran defensive presence with relatively unproven goaltenders Kevin Beech and Ross Cherry.

Home Rink: Ford Center (10,400) Head Coach: Doug Sauter 2007-08 Record: 28-30-6 (62 points) 2008-09 Top Storyline: The Blazers have made several changes with their top-end players saying goodbye to Peter Robertson, Ryan Watson, Garrett Prosofsky, Graham Dearle, Dallas Flaman and Sean Connors and will look to some new blood to get back into the postseason in what could be Doug Sauter’s final year coaching.

Top Returning Players: F D.J. Jelitto (25-1641, 11 PPG’s), F Marty Standish (12-26-38), D Tyler Fleck (1-1415, +7, 103 PIM’s) Top Newcomers: F Ted Vandermeer (17-2441, 100 PIM’s with AUS), FBill Vandermeer (34-5084 with AMA), F Simon Lambert (21-3051 with RIT, NCAA), G Andy Franck (26 wins with YNG and 7-1-1 with Providence, AHL)

TEXAS BRAHMAS Home Rink: NYTEX Sports Centre (2,300) Head Coach: Dan Wildfong 2007-08 Record: 40-22-2 (82 points) 2008-09 Top Storyline: The Cinderella Brahmas will not fly under the radar this season after dominating the second half last year and a switch in division will be a big challenge for Texas.

Top Returning Players: F Grant Jacobsen (15-38-53), F Tylor Skworchinski (24 goals as a rookie), G David Cacciola (26-15-1) Top Newcomers: F Lance Galbraith (67 points in 66 games with Idaho, ECHL, last season), F Aaron Davis (45 points in 48 games with MIS)

RAPID CITY RUSH Home Rink: Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Arena (5,037) Head Coach: Joe Ferras 2007-08 Record: None – Expansion Team 2008-09 Top Storyline: The expansion Rush turned to Joe Ferras, who had much success in Amarillo for a handful of seasons and most recently was an assistant in the AHL with Bridgeport, to build the on-ice unit. The Rush have already built quite a following and have signed numerous CHL All-Stars to set their first season up as a potential playoff one.

Top Players: D Mark DeSantis (the veteran is good for 40+ points and 150+ PIM’s), Rich Hansen (had 68 points with Amarillo in 200607 season), G Miguel Beaudry (went 22-18-1 with .920 save percentage last season with AUS)

ROCKY MOUNTAIN RAGE Home Rink: Broomfield Event Center (6,000) Head Coach: Tracy Egeland 2007-08 Record: 36-22-6 2008-09 Top Storyline: The Rage improved 37 points from their first season and now look to advance deep into the postseason.

Top Returning Players: F Brent Cullaton (21-71-92, First Team All-CHL), D Tyler Butler (16-36-52), F Daymen Rycroft (led league with 48 goals), G Scott Reid (25-14-4) Top Newcomers: F John Snowden (had 66 points in 68 games last season combined in Europe and with Idaho, ECHL), D Chris Brannen (2-79 with ODE)

WICHITA THUNDER Home Rink: Kansas Coliseum (9,560) Head Coach: Brent Bilodeau 2007-08 Record: 20-42-2 2008-09 Top Storyline: The Thunder are coming off one of their worst seasons ever and with new head coach Brent Bilodeau, they’ll look to emerge once again as a top threat.

Top Returning Players: F Jason Duda (121931), F Mike Batovanja (10 points, 143 PIM’s), F Brad Thompson (11-16-27), F Chris Greene (29 points combined between ARZ & WIC) Top Newcomers: F Scott Rozendal (had 20 goals and 132 PIM’s with WIC in 2006-07 season), F Chris Tarkir (four years at U of Alaska-Anchorage)

No. 7

No. 9

IGOR AGARUNOV (F) Fifth Year Pro/Fifth Year Buck

JAYE JUDD (D) First Year Pro/First Year Buck

ERICK LIZON (F) Second Year Pro/First Year Buck

ALEX GOUPIL (F) Fifth Year Pro/Second Year Buck

RYAN FULLER (F) First Year Pro/First Year Buck

No. 11 JEFF BES (F)** 17th Year Pro/Sixth Year Buck

BES

DIXON

TULSA OILERS Home Rink: BOK Center (17,096) Head Coach: Dan Hodge 2007-08 Record: 25-35-4 (54 points) 2008-09 Top Storyline: The Oilers break-in a new building and look to use a high-power offense to compete in a very difficult division.

Top Returning Players: F Jeff Christian (24-5983, 6 GWG’s), G Guy St. Vincent (10-6-0, .911 save %), F Kai Magnussen (20-1434) Top Newcomers: F Michel Beausoleil (36-46-82 with Flint, IHL), D Kevin Hansen (1-1112 with Fort Wayne, IHL), D Jason Lawmaster (6-20-26 with MIS)

LIZON

JUDD

JASON DIXON (F) First Year Pro/First Year Buck

GOUPIL

FULLER

No. 17

No. 18

No. 19

DEVIN

DARRYL SMITH (F) First Year Pro/First Year Buck

MATT SUMMERS (F) Second Year Pro /Second Year Buck

FEATHERSTONE

(D) First Year Pro/First Year Buck

*PLAYER/ ASSISTANT COACH

FEATHERSTONE

SMITH

SUMMERS

No. 21

No. 22

No. 24

No. 27

No. 28

BOBBY RUSSELL (F)* 10th Year Pro/First Year Buck

JOEY MOGGACH (F) First Year Pro/First Year Buck

STEVE WEIDLICH (D) Seventh Year Pro /Seventh Year Buck

MIKE GOOCH (D) First Year Pro/First Year Buck

ADAM RIVET (D)** Fourth Year Pro/Fourth Year Buck

*ASSISTANT CAPTAIN

RUSSEL

NORTHWEST DIVISION COLORADO EAGLES Home Rink: Budweiser Events Center (5,289) Head Coach: Kevin McClelland 2007-08 Record: 37-20-7 (81 points) 2008-09 Top Storyline: The Chris Stewart era behind the bench ends with a 213-77-26 record and two championships…Now the torch is passed to McClelland.

Top Returning Players: F Riley Nelson (3754-91, +31), D Aaron Schneekloth (21-39-60, 10 PPG’s), F Greg Pankewicz (24-52-76, 9 GWG’s), F Ed McGrane (35-54-89) Top Newcomers: F Jon Jankus (11-3950 with CRP), F Kevin Ulanski (former Denver U star had 30 points combined between ECHL and AHL last season), G Andrew Penner (46-31-3 record in games played in the AHL over the past handful of seasons)

No. 6

No. 10

ODESSA JACKALOPES Home Rink: Ector County Coliseum (5,131) Head Coach: Paul Gillis 2007-08 Record: 32-25-7 (71 points) 2008-09 Top Storyline: The Jacks were the biggest movers in the offseason signing many top-tier veterans to go with their already potent attack.

Top Returning Players: F Sebastien Thinel (34-49-83), F Dominic Leveille (32-4981), D Mario Joly (42 points and 217 PIM’s) Top Newcomers: F Kory Karlander (has hit 80+ points in each of the last three seasons and was the IHL MVP last season), D Philippe Plante (7-42-49 with Muskegon, IHL), G Derek Dolson (30-25-8 in three seasons with ODE)

NORTHEAST DIVISION

Top Returning Players: D Derek Landmesser (8-41-49, +22), Louis Dumont (16-35-51), F Darrell Stoddard (6-1420, 165 PIM’s) Top Newcomers: D Stephen Margeson (3-36 in 19 games with Lake Erie, AHL), F Bobby Chaumont (5-8-13 in 26 games with Dayton, ECHL), D Jeff Alcombrack (8-23-31 in 37 games with YNG)

No. 5

AGARUNOV

SOUTHWEST DIVISION NEW MEXICO SCORPIONS Home Rink: Santa Ana Star Center (6,200) Head Coach: Randy Murphy 2007-08 Record: 34-24-6 (74 points) 2008-09 Top Storyline: The Scorps will be without D Vlad Hartinger and F Konrad Reeder and will need to look to others to take control and make their third straight playoff appearance.

Top Returning Players: F Chris Robertson (34-4478, +22), F Mitch Stephens (17-2441), F Craig Macdonald (29-3463), D Aaron MacInnis (10-3242) Top Newcomers: G Jason Wolfe (14-17-3 with 2.91 GAA with OKC), F Jamie Herrington (25 points in 43 games with NMX in 2006-07 season), D Adam Blanchette (9 assists and 114 PIM’s in 63 games)

No. 3

MOGGACH

WEIDLICH

*ASSISTANT CAPTAIN

GOOCH

RIVET

No. 29

No. 39

No. 40

No. 44

No. 72

SERGE DUBE (D)** YearPro /Seventh Year Buck

SEBASTIEN CENTOMO (G) Eighth Year Pro/First Year Buck

RYAN GIBB (G) First Year Pro/First Year Buck

VINCENT ZAOREVANIE (D) Second Year Pro/First Year Buck

RYAN JAMES HAND (D)** First Year Pro/First Year Buck

*CAPTAIN

DUBE

CENTOMO

GIBB

ZAORE-VANIE

HAND

*INJURED RESERVE LIST

Bucks begin 7th campaign with eyes on the prize

By JOY LINDSAY LAREDO MORNING TIMES hey were devastated. Shocked.

Disgusted by their own performance.

For Laredo Bucks head coach/general manager Terry Ruskowski and his players, losing in the Southern Conference Finals was not an option.

But it happened.

With a 6-1 loss to the Arizona Sundogs in Game 7 on April 26, the Bucks saw their season end earlier than they had planned, and they immediately started preparing for what would come next.

The 2008-09 campaign is not just any season for the Bucks; it’s a year of rebuilding, a chance for redemption and a third try for that elusive third President’s Cup. “Losing last year to Arizona in Game 7, especially at home, left a bad taste in

T

SEASON PREVIEW our mouths,” said forward/defenseman Igor Agarunov. “We just have to learn from it, and if we’re in that position again, come through.”

Agarunov, a lifetime Buck who is beginning his fifth season with the team, is one of seven returning players looking to learn from that experience and rid themselves of the feeling that comes with falling short of a title.

The other returners are player/assistant coach Jeff Bes, team captain Serge Dube, defensemen Adam Rivet and Steve Weidlich and forwards Alex Goupil and Matt Summers.

Though Ruskowski’s core has remained mostly intact, it has been joined by a large group of rookie and second-year players, and a lack of experience on the Bucks’ roster is one obstacles the team will have to overcome

quickly to stay in the running for a title.

On top of that, Laredo will have to deal with the addition of the Texas Brahmas, who topped the Bucks in both of the teams’ meetings last season, to the Southeast Division and major improvements to their other divisional rivals, the Corpus Christi IceRays and Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees “Every team’s stocking up pretty well, and I think we’re going to have the most inexperienced team we’ve had here since day one,” Dube said in August.

“The inexperience of the team is going to play a big part in this year’s success. It’s up to Terry and his older guys to lead the way.

“I think that’s going to be the biggest challenge, to get everybody on the same page quickly because points are wellneeded early in the season.”

During training camp, the Bucks seemed to accomplish that mission, as one rookie remarked early in the first

week that it was “crazy how well everyone (was) jelling together.”

Ruskowski had similar thoughts and appreciated the willingness to learn displayed by his young players and the enthusiasm for teaching he saw from his returning group and newly signed veterans, forward Bobby Russell and twotime All-Star goaltender Sebastien Centomo.

According to the coach, everyone involved will have to be on top of their game to win the division, which the Bucks have done for five years straight.

“We’re going to have to be a consistent hockey team from one end to the other,” Ruskowski said. “Our goalies are going to have to be good, our defense will have to be mobile in moving the puck and make sure they don’t get beaten one-on-one and our forwards will have to do a really good defensive job but also participate more in the offensive zone.”

But, division title or not, the bigger

picture always includes the Cup. “My goal, and every other hockey player’s goal every year is to win a championship,” Russell said. “Guys aren’t playing just to lace up the skates and go play, and it’s not usually for the money, either, at this stage of the game.

“Everyone’s playing here for one goal, and that’s to win a championship.

Hopefully we’ll have some success this year.”

That goal extends beyond the players to Ruskowski, the team’s front office and even majority owner Glenn Hart, whose expectations for the season were summed up in that one word: championship.

After the longest offseason the Bucks have had in years, winning is more appealing than ever, and the past two weeks have been spent making sure that another league title is an attainable goal.

Now, it’s time to get that bitter taste out of their mouths.

4 | LAREDO MORNING TIMES/THE ZAPATA TIMES

OCTOBER 17-18, 2008

OCTOBER 17-18, 2008

THE ZAPATA TIMES/LAREDO MORNING TIMES | 5

Veteran scorer follows career to Gateway City

By JOY LINDSAY LAREDO MORNING TIMES

“I did my research on Laredo, and they’re winners. They’ve been to the finals almost every year, and that was a huge factor. I want to win.”

S

kating in a sea of rookies at Laredo Bucks training camp, 30year-old forward Bobby Russell fits in perfectly – at least until he starts to stand out.

You would never guess it from the speed and energy with which he skates, but just over a decade ago, when most of the Bucks’ other new players were in elementary school, Russell was a 19-year old scoring the game-winning goal in the Memorial Cup. While some of his teammates from that championship Portland Ice Hawks team, including Marian Hossa and Brenden Morrow, went on to the NHL, Russell has enjoyed success as a minor league journeyman, taking his game, and his family, across North America and into Europe.

Now, with 10 prolific professional seasons under his belt, Russell has made his way to Laredo, and the Bucks know just how lucky they are to have him.

“We’re so happy to have him here,” said player/assistant coach Jeff Bes. “He’s got great skills, he’s a very fast skater; he’s everything that we’re looking for, and he fits in perfectly with our program here. He’s something (head coach/general manager) Terry (Ruskowski) was looking for all summer, and it just happened that he came up.”

Russell became available when he decided not to return to Italy, where he had played the past two seasons, due to salary reductions throughout the league that made him worry about his ability to support his wife and two children.

Former Bucks defenseman Paul Elliott, who Russell knew from growing up together in Surrey, British Columbia, put him in touch with Bes, and both sides were eager to make a deal.

“Once I decided not to go back to Europe, this was really my first choice,” Russell said. “I did my research on Laredo, and they’re winners. They’ve been to the finals almost every year, and that was a huge factor. I want to win.”

Though Russell may not have been the Bucks’ top choice at the start of the offseason, once his availability became known, he quickly moved to the top of the team’s list of priorities.

“He’s got good speed, he shoots the puck very hard, and Paul Elliott told me he’ll block the puck with his face to save a goal if the game’s on the line,” Ruskowski said. “When you have a guy with as much as experience as he has with that kind of character and desire to

FORWARD BOBBY RUSSELL

Courtesy photos

ABOVE: Veteran forward Bobby Russell waves to fans as he skates around the ice with his son Mason following a win with Cortina S.G.in Italy,where he played last season.LLEFT: Russell in action with several of the teams he played on in Europe during the past fewseasons before returning to North America to join the Laredo Bucks for their 2008-09 campaign. win, those are the guys I go after hard.

“We lost some of our older guys, and if we have too many young guys, it puts too much stress and pressure on them.

Sometimes, the kids can’t handle the stress and pressure, especially coming in as rookies, so we needed another guy to come in here to say, ‘Here, if the game’s on the line, give it to Bobby and Besser,’ and they’ll take care of it.’

“It’s nice to know that we have that guy that can do that.”

But, as Ruskowski mentioned, character is another big factor when he is putting a team together, and Russell’s impressed everyone instantly.

“Bobby’s a great person,” Bes said.

“That’s what Terry looks for – character people. He’s a very positive person; he gives the other players confidence. That’s something that we need and is going to help the young kids and help the older guys, as well.”

Added Ruskowski, “He’s a class gentleman, off the ice and on it. He works hard, he pays attention, he does the system and he helps the kids.”

Russell says his only personal goals for the season are to “help out in any way that (he) can” to make sure the team is

successful and to always play well enough to stay on the top scoring line.

Bes and Russell, who played together with the Jackson Bandits of the East Coast Hockey League during the 2000-01 season, will be two of the forwards on that line, and things have already started clicking for the two veteran scorers.

“I think our chemistry’s been good,” Russell said. “I consider myself an older player, but he’s even older than me, and he just knows where to be and seems to know where I am on the ice…he’s so smart with the puck that I can try to play the young man’s game again and fly all over the ice and he’s going to find me.

“I’m excited to get going.”

Ruskowsk is also excited and can’t wait to see his new veteran star begin what he hopes will be a successful season after keeping him off the ice during the team’s three preseason contests.

“I know he’ll fit in well,” Ruskowski said.

“I think he’s getting the confidence of playing with his linemates, so I’m hoping that he’ll do well, and I think he’ll do very well.”

Russell knows he has the tools to help the Bucks get where they want to be, and though he was technically a part of the St. John’s Flames squad that won the American Hockey League’s Calder Cup in 2001, he would love to win a title with a professional team he’s been with from the start.

“I was there, and I got to experience from a distance, what the championship was all about,” Russell said. “I wouldn’t necessarily say I was a part of it, because I only played one game, but I was there. It would be huge (to be an integral part of a championship team).”

That goal was a big factor in his decision to join the Bucks, and if all goes according to plan, Russell’s journey around the hockey world could end here.

“Nobody knows what the future holds,” Russell said. “But so far, from what I’ve seen, there’s no reason to go anywhere else.”