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THE BORDER
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Fighting perceptions
Hearing to discuss taxes
Some say war zone; others say there’s little threat By CÉSAR G. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES
Perceptions are hard to fight. Tell that to communities along the border such as Zapata County. Recent reports of border areas considered war zones are a stigma that’s hard to get rid of. But a recent threat analysis of the Rio Grande requested by Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, from
the U.S. Coast Guard shows the opposite. The report, dubbed Rio Grande Mission Requirements Analysis – 2011 Report to Congress, shows there are low-tomoderate threat levels along the Rio Grande border. Cuellar said the report contains information for official use only, but the Coast Guard summarized it in a letter to release it to the public.
According to the letter, the Rio Grande has historically had a low search-and-rescue load. Coast Guard officials have assisted state and local authorities in five search-and-rescues on Lake Amistad and four on Falcon Lake in the last four years. Regarding narcotics, drug-trafficking organizations are a challenge for Mexican and U.S. authorities along the entire border.
More from the letter “In certain areas of the Rio Grande border area, DTOs (drugtrafficking organizations) present a moderate threat of violence to U.S. persons on the U.S. side of the border and a high threat on the Mexican side,” the letter states. A mix of task forces,
See BORDER PAGE 9A
Law change prompts explanation By MIKE HERRERA IV THE ZAPATA TIMES
CHRISTMAS PARADE
CELEBRATING CHRISTMASTIME
Photo by Ulysses S. Romero | The Zapata Times
Children watch as a Zapata ISD school bus decorated with Christmas lights drives by during the Zapata County Christmas Parade on Friday night.
The Zapata County Commissioners Court has announced a public hearing for Monday at 8: 30 a.m. to discuss a possible new tax on goods stored in Zapata facilities. The tax comes about as a result of recent changes to House Bill 621, which concerns how the state tax code treats goods-in-transit. “The public hearing comes in because every time you’re creating a new tax, it’s prudent to get the input of the community,” said Gustavo Martinez, a tax attorney who will address the court at the public hearing. Martinez’s purpose, he said, is to explain what the amendments to HB 621 mean so that commissioners can decide how to proceed. In 2007, HB 621 implemented a tax exemption for goods-in-transit, which are goods that have departed from their point of shipping or dispatch but have not yet arrived at their delivery point. “It’s stuff that’s moveable, personal — usually business property, anything fabricated,” said Martinez. After HB 621 took effect in January 2008, property held in Texas for purposes of storing, manufacturing or assembling could not be taxed by the municipal governments and school districts in which they remained. Some goods did not qualify for the exemption, and those could be taxed if the taxing entity passed a resolution. The amendment to HB 621, ef-
See COUNTY PAGE 9A
GRIMMER FAMILY
Group opens account for burial expenses By CÉSAR G. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES
Laredo wants to heal from the tragedy that left Rachelle Grimmer, 38, and her two children, Timothy, 10, and Ramie, 12, dead as result of a shooting early this week inside the Texas Health and Human Services Commission office. Dr. Henry Carranza announced Friday afternoon that the Laredo Organized Volunteers for the Elderly and Disadvantage organization, a group
known as LOVED, has opened account No. 2112695487 at International Bank of Commerce to cover funeral and medical expenses for the family. Contributions will be given to Donald Harrop, Rachelle’s brother, Carranza said. Carranza imagined the family had travel and funeral expenses to pay for, leading the organization to open the account for its benefit. “This is a very grieving family. This is the time we should show the community does care. We do feel sorry for the family,”
Neighbors created a small shrine next to the RV where Rachelle Grimmer lived with her two children. It showed signs of damage, including cracks that exposed the family to the elements.
said Carranza, who chairs the LOVED group. “Laredo responds right away if there’s a tragedy … I foresee the community will respond, hopefully, really well.” For more information, call 796-9335. Meanwhile, Investigator Joe E. Baeza, Laredo Police Department spokesman, said detectives are piecing together the case. It was on Monday right before 5 p.m. when Rachelle walked into the THHSC office with her two
See FAMILY PAGE 9A
Photo by Jason Buch | San Antonio Express-News
PAGE 2A
Zin brief CALENDAR
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2011
AROUND TEXAS
TODAY IN HISTORY
SATURDAY, DEC. 10
ASSOCIATED PRESS
The Texas A&M International University Teachers’ Club will host “Saturday Story Hour” from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. today at the Laredo Public Library main branch, 1120 E. Calton Road. Today’s story is “Sports.” “Saturday Story Hour” is for children ages 3 to 8. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Texas A&M International University’s Center for the Fine and Performing Arts presents the Young Pianists and Singers Program Recital from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. today in the CFPA Recital Hall. The recital is free and open to the public. For more information, call the department for the fine and performing arts at 326-2654. The Texas A&M International University Lamar Bruni Vergara Planetarium will show “The Little Star That Could” at 4 p.m., “One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure” at 5 p.m., “Season of Light” at 6 p.m. and “Holiday Music Magic” at 7 p.m. General admission is $5, $4 for children and TAMIU students, faculty, staff and alumni. Premium shows are $1 more. For additional show times, call 326DOME or visit tamiu.edu/planetarium.
Today is Saturday, Dec. 10, the 344th day of 2011. There are 21 days left in the year. Today’s Highlight in History: On Dec. 10, 1931, Jane Addams became the first American woman to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize; the co-recipient was Nicholas Murray Butler. On this date: In 1520, Martin Luther publicly burned the papal edict demanding that he recant, or face excommunication. In 1817, Mississippi was admitted as the 20th state of the Union. In 1861, the Confederacy admitted Kentucky as it recognized a pro-Southern shadow state government that was acting without the authority of the pro-Union government in Frankfort. In 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt became the first American to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, for helping mediate an end to the RussoJapanese War. In 1911, TV newscaster Chet Huntley was born in Cardwell, Mont. In 1948, the U.N. General Assembly adopted its Universal Declaration on Human Rights. In 1950, Ralph J. Bunche was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, the first black American to receive the award. In 1964, Martin Luther King Jr. received his Nobel Peace Prize. In 1967, singer Otis Redding, 26, and six others were killed when their plane crashed into Wisconsin’s Lake Monona. In 1984, South African Bishop Desmond Tutu received the Nobel Peace Prize. In 1986, human rights advocate and Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel accepted the Nobel Peace Prize. Ten years ago: President George W. Bush told reporters a videotape of Osama bin Laden in which the al-Qaida leader talked happily about the September 11 attacks “just reminded me of what a murderer he is.” Secretary-General Kofi Annan accepted the Nobel Peace Prize on behalf of himself and the United Nations. Today’s Birthdays: Actor Tommy Kirk is 70. Pop singer Chad Stuart (Chad and Jeremy) is 70. Actress-singer Gloria Loring is 65. Pop-funk musician Walter “Clyde” Orange (The Commodores) is 65. Actress Susan Dey is 59. Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is 55. Actor Michael Clarke Duncan is 54. Jazz musician Paul Hardcastle is 54. Actor-director Kenneth Branagh is 51. Actress Nia Peeples is 50. TV chef Bobby Flay is 47. Rock singer-musician J Mascis is 46. Country singer Kevin Sharp is 41. Rock musician Scot (cq) Alexander (Dishwalla) is 40. Actress-comedian Arden Myrin is 38. Rock musician Meg White (The White Stripes) is 37. Rapper Kuniva (D12) is 36. Violinist Sarah Chang is 31. Rock musician Noah Harmon (Airborne Toxic Event) is 30. Actress RavenSymone is 26. Thought for Today: “Journalists were never intended to be the cheerleaders of a society, the conductors of applause, the sycophants. Tragically, that is their assigned role in authoritarian societies, but not here — not yet.” — Chet Huntley (1911-1974).
SUNDAY, DEC. 11 The Gateway Gatos of Laredo, a nonprofit organization, and St. Peter the Apostle Church invite everyone to their second annual Christmas Animal Posada at St. Peter’s Plaza, Matamoros Street and Main Avenue, at 3 p.m. Pets should be on a leash or in a harness or cage. Participants are encouraged to go dressed as animals or wearing animal masks. For more information, call Birdie at 286-7866.
MONDAY, DEC. 12 The Zapata County Commissioners Court will hold its monthly meeting at 9 a.m. at the county courthouse.
TUESDAY, DEC. 13 The Zapata County Independent School District trustees will hold a public hearing at 6 p.m. at the Professional Development Center on the Academic Excleeence Indicator System Report. The regular trustees meeting will follow at 6:15 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 14 The Zapata Community Coalition will host bingo from 6-8 p.m. at the Zapata County Pavilion. An ELA/Math parents workshop is set at the Zapata Middle School library.
THURSDAY, DEC. 15 Sausage tortilla wraps will be sold and Santa will be available for pictures during Noche de Fiesta at The Zapata County Pavillion. The tortilla wraps, priced at $2 apiece, will be available beginning aat 6 p.m. Santa will be available from 6-9 p.m. Pictures will be $2 apiece.
FRIDAY, DEC. 16 The U.S. Border Patrol’s Green Santa visit will take place at Fidel and Andrea R. Villarreal Elementary School. The Laredo Ballet Theatre, sponsored by Dance Expressions, will have two performances of “The Nutcracker” today from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Laredo Civic Center Auditorium, 2400 San Bernardo Ave. The TAMIU Lamar Bruni Vergara Planetarium will show “Season of Light” at 6:30 p.m. and “Holiday Music Magic” at 7:30 p.m. General admission is $5, $4 for children and TAMIU students, faculty, staff and alumni. Premium shows are $1 more. For additional show times, call 326-DOME.
SATURDAY, DEC. 17 The South Texas Food Bank will hold a bucket brigade fundraiser at several Laredo intersections from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. today.
SUNDAY, DEC. 18 There will be a performance of “Cinderella” at the Zapata High School auditorium at 3 p.m. Admission is $2. Performances for elementary school students are scheduled for Monday at 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
TUESDAY, DEC. 20 The Zapata Middle School PTO will meet at 6 p.m. in the school gym. To submit an item for the calendar, send the name of the event, the date, time, location and contact phone number to editorial@lmtonline.com.
Photo by Charles Dharapak | AP
In this Aug. 15 photo, Republican presidential candidate Gov. Rick Perry campaigns at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines, Iowa. Perry has gone from presidential front-runner to underdog in a flash, yet he acts as though he has nothing to lose. Perhaps he’s used to being counted out, though he hasn’t lost an election in his 26 years in public office.
Perry flubs on court ASSOCIATED PRESS
DES MOINES, Iowa — Texas Gov. Rick Perry said Friday there are eight Supreme Court justices, not nine, and couldn’t remember Justice Sonia Sotomayor’s name in an editorial board meeting with The Des Moines Register newspaper. On Friday, Perry criticized Obama for his two Supreme Court nominees. “When you see his appointment of two, from my perspective, inarguably activist judges, whether it was … “ he said, trailing off. He paused for six seconds. “Not Montemayor,” he said. “Sotomayor,” a member of the editorial board said. “Sotomayor, Sotomayor,” Perry said. He went on to denounce “eight unelected and, frankly, unaccountable judges” in a dis-
Arsonist sentenced for Houston blaze HOUSTON — A judge has sentenced a Houston man who had been suspected of setting a series of fires to 40 years in state prison for one of the blazes. John Leonard Morin was convicted and sentenced on a felony arson charge after a brief trial on Friday. The 48-year-old was identified as a suspect in a series of fires that happened in southwest Houston from 2007 until 2009. Ultimately, investigators were able to link Morin to a fire that occurred in October 2007.
West Texas earthquake second in state in 3 days LUBBOCK — Texas had its second minor earthquake Friday. The U.S. Geological Survey website shows that the 3.4 magnitude quake happened at 12:47 p.m. Friday and was centered 15 miles north of Snyder in West Texas.
cussion of prayer in schools. But nine justices sit on the Supreme Court; they are nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate. “For Washington to tell a local school district that you cannot have a prayer and a time of prayer in that school is, I think, offensive to most Americans,” Perry told the editorial board. “I trust the people of the states to make those decisions. I trust those independent school districts to make those decisions better than eight unelected and, frankly, unaccountable judges.” Similar gaffes have plagued Perry. Perhaps the most memorable was during a debate last month, when he couldn’t remember one of three federal agencies he has pledged to abolish. As recently as Thursday, Perry had to correct himself after saying the U.S. is at war in Iran instead of Iraq.
2 women sentenced in Teen gets 20 years for brutal West Texas slaying Wylie fatal beating in yard ODESSA — Two women pleaded guilty and received prison terms for their roles in a 2008 slaying. Heather Mitchell received a 50year prison term Friday after reaching a plea deal on a murder charge. Kathleen Newbury was given 30 years on a charge of engaging in organized criminal activity for murder. Derek Elms and Willie Hurst were previously sentenced to life without parole in the killing of Robert Thornhill Jr.
Alleged members of Texas Syndicate indicted SAN ANTONIO — Federal prosecutors say 17 people accused of being members of the prison-based Texas Syndicate gang have been indicted on racketeering-related charges. Investigators say the last of the six suspects still on the loose were arrested Thursday.
McKINNEY — A North Texas teen has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the fatal beating of a man during an argument about reckless driving. A judge in McKinney on Thursday sentenced 18-year-old Seth Dorris of Wylie, a day after convicting the teen of manslaughter. Prosecutors say Dorris threw the first punch in the 2009 attack that killed Jonathan Bird of Wylie.
3 children die in East Texas mobile home fire BROADDUS — Authorities say three children have died after a fire destroyed their mobile home in East Texas. Austin McGee, 8, Brandon Riter, 5, and Shina Riter, 4, died of smoke inhalation in the fire Wednesday night in the small town of Broaddus. — Compiled from AP reports
AROUND THE NATION NASA OKs Feb. launch of private space station trip CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — A private California company will attempt the first-ever commercial cargo run to the International Space Station in February. NASA announced the news Friday. Space Exploration Technologies Corp., or SpaceX, became the first private business to launch a capsule into orbit and return it safely to Earth. On Feb. 7, a SpaceX capsule will attempt another orbital flight from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station to the space station and dock with a load of supplies.
Stocks close higher as Europe nears budget pact A deal to forge stronger ties between most of Europe’s economies sent stocks sharply higher Friday as hopes grew that the region is close to resolving its debt crisis. The Dow Jones industrial
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The New York City Ballet will transmit its “Nutcracker” live next week to some 560 movie theaters in 50 states, giving children across the nation a chance to see what many consider the gold standard in “Nutcrackers.” average rose 186 points.
Panel backs birth control patch despite risks ADELPHI, Md. — A panel of federal health advisers said Fri-
day that a birth control patch from Johnson & Johnson probably carries a higher risk of blood clots than older drugs, but should remain available as an option for women. — Compiled from AP reports
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Local
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2011
THE ZAPATA TIMES 3A
HOUSE DISTRICT 31
PRECINCT 1
Garza launches bid for seat in Legislature
Vela seeks reelection to commissioner’s post
JERRY GARZA: Commissioner to challenge for District 31 seat.
By ANDREW KREIGHBAUM THE ZAPATA TIMES
Webb County Commissioner Jerry Garza filed Tuesday as a candidate for state representative for House District 31, setting up a primary battle with incumbent Rep. Ryan Guillen. Garza said in a written statement he believes South Texas has not received the representation it deserves at the state capitol. “I have seen firsthand how many of our children and seniors have been shortchanged with many opportunities because of the decisions that are made in Austin, and we cannot allow for this to continue happening,” Garza said. He has served seven years on Commissioners Court, becoming one of its most vocal members.
Garza recently helped oversee the groundbreaking of the Fernando A. Salinas Community Center in central Laredo. Before Commissioners Court, Garza was an anchor for KGNS News and an educator. He also works as an insurance salesman and real estate agent. In October, Garza said he would not seek re-election as commissioner and indicated he was considering a run for higher office. Redistricting maps passed by the Texas Legislature in the spring drew Guillen out of Webb County and added rural parts of the county to District 80, represented by Eagle Pass Democrat Tracy King. That map would have set up a
primary contest with a representative who had not served Webb County in the last decade. But legal challenges to the maps have led to new, temporary maps for next year’s elections. After a federal court in Washington, D.C., refused to pre-clear the redistricting maps for the Texas House, Senate and Texas congressional delegation, a court in San Antonio drew interim maps last month. The interim map kept District 31 in Webb County, only cutting Duval County out of its current makeup. Garza could face a challenge fundraising in the race. In his July semiannual report, Guillen reported a contribution balance of $557,304.67. The Committee to Elect Jerry Garza reported a contribution balance of $1,137.88 for that period.
By MIKE HERRERA IV THE ZAPATA TIMES
Precinct 1 Commissioner Jose Emilio Vela has announced his reelection bid for the Zapata County Commissioners Court. “The major accomplishments brought during my tenure as Zapata County commissioner has been the realization and completion of the many new infrastructure projects currently in operation,” said Vela. Vela listed the projects he says he helped bring to fruition during his six years as a county commissioner. They include construction of a modern solid waste facility, pavement of county streets and a $14 million water treatment plant. As a retired teacher of 14 years’ experience in the Zapata County Independent School District, Vela
JOSE EMILIO VELA: To run for reelection to commissioners court. prioritizes educational ventures. “Of anything I’ve done as commissioner, I am most proud of contributing to the education of Zapata’s students,” Vela told The Zapata Times last month. As commissioner, he supported a tax on the maquinitas (game-of-chance amusement centers) in order to fund the technological infrastructure for the Zapata County Technical and Advanced Education Center. He considers the project one of the most important in recent memory and in investment in Zapata’s future. “We must continue to expand on our higher education center,” he said. “I
am extremely proud of this new facility. Over the next few years, we will see the great accomplishments this new educational center will provide. An educated population will provide many economic opportunities for everyone.” From 1984 to 2004, Vela ran V&S Feed Store and Storage Rental. He said he would use this small business experience to push for job creation through the attraction of new businesses. “To enable this to occur, we must continue building our infrastructure and maintain a clean and healthy environment,” he said, adding that he’d support keeping the county’s property taxes low for the benefit of new business and current residents. (Mike Herrera IV can be reached at 728-2567 or mherrera@lmtonline.com)
Coalition starts examining substance abuse By MIKE HERRERA IV THE ZAPATA TIMES
The Zapata County Community Coalition met Tuesday at the Zapata Community Center to begin the process of identifying the most prevalent substance abuse problems in the county. “We invited members of the community and people from 13 different sectors to share their input and work closely to find solutions to these issues,” said Sonia Sanchez, program director in Zapata for SCAN, Inc. “These sectors included schools, youth, business, religion and parents.” Formed in Laredo in 1982, SCAN, or Serving Children and
Adolescents in Need, is a community-based, nonprofit social services organization that provides drug prevention, intervention and treatment services. It’s operated in Zapata under the auspices of the county commissioners court. In September of 2004, SCAN initiated the Zapata County Community Coalition of SCAN to spearhead programs that would raise awareness of and fight substance abuse issues in Zapata and Jim Hogg counties. At Tuesday’s meeting the 50 or so in attendance were asked to fill out ballots that would rank the top four substance abuse issues in Zapata County.
While the results were still being tabulated as of Friday, Sanchez noted some of the trends. “We still don’t have an official count but it looks like it will be alcohol, marijuana, cocaine and tobacco,” she said, ranking them in descending order. She added that coalition members who did not attend were still voting by email late in the week. Also of concern regarding Zapata’s youth, according to Sanchez, is the abuse of prescription drugs, an issue SCAN addressed in October on National Take Back Day. In partnership with the Drug Enforcement Agency, SCAN set up take-back sites in Laredo and Zapata to collect ex-
pired or unneeded prescription medicine. Too often these medicines are easily accessible to teenagers, and this abuse of medically useful drugs by people they’re not intended for is now the second biggest illicit drug problem in the Untied States, as DEA representatives told The Zapata Times in October. “Every year, we conduct a youth survey in the high school (in Zapata),” said Sanchez, “and that’s how we’ve identified prescription drugs and alcohol as big issues for young people in Zapata.” Once SCAN identifies what the coalition considers the four most problematic drugs, the coalition
will address prevention and intervention. Also at the meeting, the coalition recognized President Barack Obama’s proclamation of December 2011 as National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. SCAN disseminated literature about alcohol and impaired driving during the meeting, said Sanchez. Those in attendance also heard a special presentation by Border Patrol, and the coalition announced its next fundraiser: a bingo Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Zapata County Pavilion. (Mike Herrera IV can be reached at 728-2567 or mherrera@lmtonline.com)
PAGE 4A
Zopinion
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2011
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR SEND YOUR SIGNED LETTER TO EDITORIAL@LMTONLINE.COM
COLUMN
OTHER VIEWS
It’s time to prepare for Christmas Advent is time for reflection
T
wo weeks ago, as the season of Advent began, I reflected about its importance in our lives. Tomorrow is the third Sunday of Advent and brings us nearer to the end of the season in which we prepare for the coming of the Christ child. And what should we do? First, we should listen and reflect on the Sunday Gospels as they help our heart, mind and soul prepare for Christmas day. Secondly, Catholics should seek purification through the sacrament of reconciliation.
Blessings Then, in contrast to the commercial madness, slow down and appreciate the many blessings in our life. I definitely know a thing, or two, about leading a busy life. Specifically, I ask you to become more aware and more appreciative of the small blessings that each of us receives on a daily basis. Perhaps it’s spending time volunteering to help others this season of Advent. Maybe it’s visiting a loved one for the holidays. Perhaps it’s good health.
God’s signs All these blessings are a sign of God’s love for us. Making a note to self of blessings in your life would be a beautiful and healthy task. Taking the time to recognize these signs of our Creator’s love reminds us that God is present in our lives. God has not withdrawn from the world. God has not left us alone. Instead, and in addition to our daily blessings, He has provided this season of hope, anticipation and preparation.
Appreciation For example, this coming week offers a wonderful opportunity for us to pause, reflect and appreciate all God has given us. Monday is the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe — the patroness of the Americas. This event is significant during the Advent season because the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe is depicted as a woman waiting to give birth. It is a blessed reminder for the respect of life and motherhood. Let us give thanks to God for the life we have lovingly received from our heavenly Father and through our earthly parents.
Family time Monday provides an opportunity for the family to pause, reflect and give thanks to God with the numerous liturgical services and festivities honoring the feast day of
“
JAMES TAMAYO
Our Lady of Guadalupe. Throughout the Diocese of Laredo, the celebrations will include the performances of the Matachines adorned in colorful costumes and headwear inspired by the indigenous tribes of Mexico.
Our Lady Dancing to the steady drumbeat and shaking their instruments, the Matachines weave an intricate choreography designed to pay homage to Our Lady of Guadalupe and to her role in bringing all of us to her son, Jesus Christ. This commemoration of our Blessed Mother’s apparition before the indigenous St. Juan Diego is reason for hope as Our Lady of Guadalupe assures us of the Father’s love for His children and of God’s desire that we be united with Him through the Church’s sacraments, the source of spiritual nourishment for eternal life.
Tradition Las Posadas is another rich tradition in the season of Advent that re-enacts Joseph and Mary’s attempts to seek shelter in Bethlehem as the birth of Jesus approaches. Beginning the following week and continuing through Christmas Eve, all of these special and holy traditions serve as reminders and as preparation for the true meaning of Christmas. Amid all the festivities, carols and decorations, I ask you to experience the season of Advent as your time to properly prepare to welcome Jesus.
Real meaning Take time to light the candles on the Advent wreath and explain the true meaning of Christmas to loved ones, especially to children. Participate in a Posada or a Pastorela and walk in the shoes of Joseph and Mary in order to grow in your understanding of the events that took place more than 2,000 years ago. Even though Joseph and Mary did not fully comprehend where God was leading them, they remained steadfast in their faith. We, too, must listen and be guided by God’s grace.
COLUMN
Begging is new way to riches By KEN HERMAN COX NEWSPAPERS
AUSTIN — I hope you were paying attention Tuesday when a major Texas agency crossed into a new world of state agencying. As far back as anyone can remember (or at least as far back as I can remember, and I’m just this side of geezerdom), government has had limited options for gathering the money needed to do the important things (and the other things) government does. Here’s the list of what government folks call “revenue streams”: taxes, fines, fees, civil penalties, change found in sofa cushions at the Capitol. That’s pretty much it, I think. We hate taxes and fees, don’t like to pay fines and civil penalties and can’t figure out how the change wound up in the sofas. But the system has worked. On Tuesday, in 11 news conferences in state parks, we added a new way for government to raise money. It’s not new to humankind, just new to governmentkind. You see the method in action on street corners among folks down on their
luck. (Best sign I’ve seen recently: “I’d say some change would do me good.”) It’s begging. A major state agency, facing a budget crisis, now is begging. Please add this to your expanding list of signs that we are, as leading economists term it, screwgified (pronounced screw-ji-fied). “We need to raise $4.6 million to keep state parks operating, and we can’t do it without you,” it says on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website. Remember the January 1973 National Lampoon magazine cover that said, “If you don’t buy this magazine, we’ll kill this dog?” Parks are the puppies of state government. Even commies love parks and puppies. “I’m here for one simple reason,” the department’s Executive Director Carter Smith says on a video backing up the begging. “Your state parks need our help now more than ever. Record drought, devastating wildfires, associated declines in park visitation and revenue have created a real sense of urgency in a time of critical need for your state parks.” The department calls it
the “triple whammy.” “If we’re going to keep these special treasures open for all Texans to use and enjoy, we need to raise $4.6 million,” Smith said. Our state parks long have depended on tax allocations, park entrance fees and contributions to a Parks and Wildlife-related foundation. That’s not cutting it any more. At a news conference at McKinney Falls State Park in Austin, Smith detailed the problem at our 94 state parks and historical sites. It costs about $69 million a year to run them. For a long time, about half that money has come from feepaying visitors. It seems like a good model, but, thanks to the triple whammy of drought, heat and wildfires, the model is broken. And that means the department is en route to additional job cuts. Park services and hours also could face trimming. This summer, Parks and Wildlife whacked 230 jobs and enacted some cuts in hours and services. That was caused by a 21 percent spending cut ordered by lawmakers. There’s also the Legisla-
There is no safe, only safer By ALEXANDRA PETRI THE WASHINGTON POST
Again is a terrifying word. Thursday afternoon, alerts went out at Virginia Tech that shots had been fired and the individual
was still on the loose. The campus went on lockdown. The updates continued streaming out. Everyone flocked to Twitter and their television sets to find out what was happening. “Virginia Tech” zoomed up the list of trending topics. A po-
lice officer had been shot. Another victim had been found. Reports emerged that the gunman may have been his own second victim, and people began breathing sighs of relief. But what happened in Blacksburg
serves as an uncomfortable reminder that, do what you will, there is no safe, only safer. We live in a world where you can’t say “Never again.” Once the unthinkable happens, it ceases to be unthinkable.
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phone number IS NOT published; it is used solely to verify identity and to clarify content, if necessary. Identity of the letter writer must be verified before publication. We want to assure our
readers that a letter is written by the person who signs the letter. The Zapata Times does not allow the use of pseudonyms. Letters are edited for style, grammar, length and civility. No name-call-
Christ’s birth nears During this season of Advent, a paradoxical mix of tranquility and excitement fills our homes at the coming of Christ. The tranquility hails from His grace that fills our soul. And His impending birth generates the excitement. Join me this season for Christ-centered family traditions and create a sanctuary of peace in your life, in your home and in our world — Todo Con Amor.
ture’s history of not giving the department the full share of the sales tax on sporting goods, which is supposed to go to parks. Legislative Budget Board figures show that tax was projected to generate $236 million in the current twoyear budget cycle. But the budget sent only $82 million of it to Parks and Wildlife. The state’s general fund got the rest as lawmakers struggled to write a twoyear budget without raising taxes. They succeeded. And now the department, which always has sought donations to its foundation, is into unprecedented begging. Amazing. And let’s see if this new revenue stream catches on with other cashstrapped state agencies. “Please act now to help keep our state parks open for all Texans to enjoy, because our state parks won’t be the same without you,” Smith said on the video. Here’s a thought: If begging fails, maybe Parks and Wildlife will have to make a tough decision between parks and wildlife. Maybe we can’t afford both. (Email: kherman@statesman.com.)
DOONESBURY | GARRY TRUDEAU
ing or gratuitous abuse is allowed. Via e-mail, send letters to editorial@lmtonline.com or mail them to Letters to the Editor, 111 Esperanza Drive, Laredo, TX 78041.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2011
THE ZAPATA TIMES 5A
THE BLOTTER ASSAULT An assault by threat was reported at 5:30 a.m. Dec. 4 in the 1900 block of Glenn Street. A sexual assault was reported in San Ygnacio Viejo at 2:15 p.m. Wednesday. An assault incident was reported at 2:59 a.m. Friday in the 900 block of Laredo Avenue.
BURGLARY A burglary of a habitation was reported at 6:55 a.m. Dec. 1 in the 1800 block of Second Street. Deputies went out to a burglary call at 8:25 a.m. Dec. 4 in the 1700 block of North Siesta Avenue, where a home had been burglarized. A burglary of a building was
reported at 8:33 a.m. Dec. 4 in the 1700 block of North Siesta Lane. Deputies responded to a burglary call at 7:51 p.m. Dec. 4 in the 5200 block of Grande Lane. A report was filed regarding a home that had been burglarized. A burglary of habitation was reported at 10:54 p.m. Monday in the 600 block of Laredo Avenue.
was reported at 4:30 a.m. Dec. 2 at Fourth Street and Ramireño Avenue. A public intoxication incident was reported at 3:20 a.m. Dec. 4 in the 1600 block of Guerrero Avenue.
CRIMINAL MISCHIEF
A terroristic threat incident was reported at 6:59 p.m. Thursday in the 5300 block of Peña Lane.
A criminal mischief was reported at 11:23 a.m. Wednesday in the 3000 block of South U.S. 83.
PUBLIC INTOXICATION A public intoxication incident was reported at 6:48 p.m. Dec. 2 in the 1000 block of Elm Street. A public intoxication incident
TERRORISTIC THREAT
THEFT A theft was reported at 4:01 p.m. Dec. 2 in the Medina Addition. A theft was reported at 7:58 a.m. Dec. 4 in the 5200 block of Pascual Lane.
VILLARREAL ELEMENTARY STARS FOR NOVEMBER
Courtesy photo
Bottom row from left, Javier Sarmiento, Kayla Alvarado, Oscar Zuniga, Dafney Valadez, Arturo Martinez, Raul Martinez, Ashley Loyde; second row from left, Sarai Angeles, Kaylee Moreno, Gavin Martinez, Steven Gonzalez, Dago Soliz, Yahir Munoz, Carlos Flores, Reymundo Salinas; third row from left, Clarissa Salazar, Ricardo Pena, Litzy Valadez, Alejandro Sanchez, Meztli Marquez, Emanuel Arambula, Sam Mendoza; top row from left, Juan Zapata, Alexander Aguilar, Ismael Arambula, Brian Martinez, Annette Gutierrez, Jamely Pichardo, Jessica Barrera.
Zapata man pleads guilty in fed court THE ZAPATA TIMES
The leader of a drug trafficking and money laundering organization operating out of the Zapata from approximately June 2006 through June 2011 has pleaded guilty, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today. Pedro Navarro Jr., 36, of Zapata, pleaded guilty Thursday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Guillermo Garcia to his roles in moving marijuana and methamphetamine and laundering proceeds from drug sales. At his plea hearing, Navarro admitted that between February 2008 and June 2011 he was responsible for transporting numerous loads of controlled substances from the Zapata area to other parts of Texas and beyond. Some of these drug loads were seized by law enforcement, including numerous loads of marijuana totaling thousands of kilograms and approximately five kilograms of methamphetamine which was seized in Beasley on or about April 5. On Thursday, Navarro also admitted he was a member and leader of the drug trafficking conspiracy responsible for these marijuana and methamphetamine loads, according to the U.S. Attorney’s office. In addition to being responsible for transporting drugs, he also admitted he used a residence on Falcon Lake to store the marijuana after it had been smuggled from Mexico into the United States. This marijuana would normally be ferried across the lake from Mexico at night in small boats, which would pull up to his resi-
dence on the lake where individuals would then unload the marijuana. Later, Navarro would ensure the marijuana was loaded into passenger vehicles at the residence which would be driven to wherever the drugs were headed. Navarro also admitted that he conspired with others to launder money, which represented the proceeds of his drug trafficking. He agreed to transport large amounts of United States currency from the Zapata area to Mexico, and that he did so with the intention of promoting the continued operation of his drug trafficking business. Navarro specifically agreed to help transport this money to Mexico, where it would be given to other members of the drug trafficking and money laundering conspiracies. One of the specific loads of money for which Navarro was responsible included approximately $23,425 seized at or near Hebbronville on March 9, 2010. Navarro also used some of the proceeds he made from drug trafficking to build a residence in Zapata. During the course of the drug trafficking conspiracy, the members of the conspiracy were responsible for generating proceeds from that activity in the amount of at least $18 million. In addition to the guilty plea, 15 additional co-conspirators have also pleaded guilty to various drug trafficking and money laundering charges in the case over the last several weeks. These individuals include: Alex Navarro, 21; Servando Guerrero Jr. aka “Mariachi, 36; Sandalio Ramos aka “Lalo,” 41; Rene Davila, 29; Leonel Rodri-
guez aka “La Dona”, 41; Juan Luis Rivera, 29; Jorge Grajeda Jr., 28; Juan Antonio Valadez Sr., 53; Jose Luis Gonzalez-Chapa, 23; Judith Zamora, 26; Clauida Medrano, 27; Leonides Navarro, 21; and Maria Micaela Berrones, 23, all of Zapata; Andres Quintero-Ortiz aka “Chango”, 46, of Lopeno; and Hermes Ramsden Leal, 19, of Roma. Sentencing for these 15 and Navarro has not yet been scheduled before United States District Judge Diana Saldaña. At sentencing, each faces a minimum of five years and up to life in prison, without parole, depending on their respective roles in the offenses and their criminal histories. In addition, as a result of their convictions, each defendant is facing a fine ranging from $4-$20 million. In addition to the convictions, the investigation has resulted in the seizure of more than 10,000 kilograms of marijuana, approximately five kilograms of methamphetamine and more than 30 grams of crack cocaine, as well as significant amounts of United States currency. This case is the result of a three-year-plus investigation led by agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, with assistance from Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, FBI, Border Patrol, Customs and Border Protection, United States Marshals Service, Texas Department of Public Safety, and sheriff’s offices in Zapata, Webb, Fort Bend and Jim Hogg counties, as well as police departments in La Joya and El Campo.
Entertainment
6A THE ZAPATA TIMES
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2011
Wrestlers promise thrills ‘Billy’ has Hispanic link By MIKE HERRERA IV
By RUSSELL CONTRERAS
THE ZAPATA TIMES
ASSOCIATED PRESS
It’s not a complicated thing, the hip toss. But it hurts. In one of the last training sessions before its debut show at Resurgence tonight, the talent of 5 Star Wrestling, Laredo’s newest indie wrestling promotion, worked a brief match in an outdoor ring. After whipping Spartan into the ropes, Nikon scooped him up for the hip toss. Spartan’s back thudded on the canvas, and it wasn’t certain which of the two got the worst of the exchange, but the kids watching on the other side of the chainlink fence enjoyed it just the same. Later when the masked Nikon knocked Spartan down on his back, he hooked him in a variation of the Regal stretch, one that pulled Spartan’s legs and arms in manners unnatural while allowing Nikon to pose for the crowd. “The stretches are real. They do hurt,” said Nikon, known to the outside world as Benjamin Nuñez. After 10 years wrestling professionally throughout South Texas and in Mexico, Nuñez trained talent of the popular Laredo Wrestling Alliance. Citing creative differences, Nuñez broke away from the LWA and started 5 Star with some of his students. “I got a lot of training in the lucha libre wrestling and the American style,” Nuñez said. “Those are really hard to come by here.” He explained the purpose of teaching young men and women in Laredo was to add a little of the theatrics of American wrestling to the Gateway City, which has long supported the acrobatics of the Mexican lucha libre. “Lucha libre has always been huge here, but you didn’t see American wresting until WWE comes to the arena.” To add that dimension of showmanship, Nuñez encourages his 11 wrestlers to loosen up and have fun during their training. He wants them confident and excited because “the way you train is how you’re going to perform,” he said.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — His mythical exploits and jail escapes made this son of Irish immigrants one of the nation’s most famous Old West outlaws. Yet fewer know that the man widely known as Billy the Kid was a central figure in a violent, IrishEnglish land war in New Mexico, and was beloved by Mexican-American ranchers who felt discriminated against by racist white bankers and land thieves. And the Kid’s end came only after he refused to abandon his MexicanAmerican teen girlfriend. Despite hundreds of stories and books, movies, songs and even poems covering the notorious Billy the Kid, the PBS series American Experience is joining in exploring his life and myth with a new documentary set to air in January. Filmmaker John
Danny Zaragoza | The Zapata Times
5 Star Wrestling’s Nikon (Benjamin Nuñez and Spartan (Luis Ramirez) practice their moves for tonight’s “Resurgence.” There is one caveat: “I tell my guys that when you’re in the ring performing for an audience, do not use foul language,” he said, adding that tomorrow night’s show will have plenty of promos. Promos are those moments in a wrestling show when the characters take the ring announcer’s microphone and address one another, advancing storylines and ongoing rivalries in the process. He wants promos energetic and intelligent. Performing Saturday night are several members of the 5 Star Wrestling roster, including another LWA defector, Luis Ramirez, known to fans as Spartan. Wrestling in black tights and bare chest and with his short hair, he resembles Lance Storm. He kicks like him, too. After belting Nikon’s midsection with stiff shins, Spartan delivered a menacing side kick to the chin that sent his masked foe to the mat for count of three. He said his students at United High School didn’t know their English teacher kicked people silly in his spare time until Nikon visited during career day. “They think it’s pretty cool,” he said. For Ramirez, joining the local indy wrestling scene fulfills his lifelong dream of becoming a professional wrestler. Idolizing WWE legend Shawn Michaels as a youngster, Ramirez said he was “hooked” after just one match. “To have the opportunity to do this unique kind of thing, it’s great. It’s that rush of performing in front
of people,” he said. In one of Resurgence’s featured bouts, Ramirez, as Spartan, is in a three-way match against Ponchis and Vampiro Rojo, alter ego of medical assistant Bob Flores. “They’re really challenging, but they can also move storylines,” he said, adding that two wrestlers can double-team the third only to break their alliance and fend for themselves later. “You get to see the different characters.” Also on the card, two San Antonio grapplers go at it as Tito Sanchez takes on Gabe the Babe, and Nikon battles Mars. At least 11 other wrestlers are expected to compete, said Nuñez, who is still finalizing the card. He’s the promoter and the booker, but on a 30-degree night, there’s training to be done. Shivering but undaunted, his talent got in the ring. Last in was Flores, who needed to put on his mask and become Vampiro Rojo. It’s an open question which is the person and which the persona. This goes for all of the wrestlers. They’ve got jobs and families, responsibilities and last names. But when they put on their gear and fly between the ropes, they can be who they want to be. Resurgence gets underway at the National Guard Amory at 6001 Bob Bullock Loop, and bell time is 7 p.m. Admission is free, and all money raised from concession sales benefits the Family Readiness Group. (Mike Herrera IV can be reached at 728-2567 or mherrera@lmtonline.com)
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Zapata County Independent School District Board of Trustees
Public Hearing Tuesday, December 13, 2011 6:00 p.m. Professional Development Center 702 E. 17th Avenue Zapata, TX 78076 In accordance with Texas Education Code Chapter 39 the Zapata County Independent School District will hold a public hearing for public discussion of the Academic Excellence Indicator System (AEIS) report on the above date, time, and location to inform the public about the educational performance of the District and of each campus in relation to the District, the State, and a comparable group of schools. (The attached notice was published according to state law requirements.)
Maggio said this documentary will focus less on Billy the Kid the legend and more on Billy the Kid the human being. “His whole life he was searching for a home,” said Maggio. “There was more to him than the fact that he killed and was an outlaw.” Born Henry McCarty, likely in New York City, he came to New Mexico with his mother while searching for a better economic future. It was in Silver City, N.M., that a young Billy the Kid learned Spanish and Mexican dances as he mingled easily among the territory’s large Mexican-American population when others from the East Coast didn’t even bother, according to Paul Hutton, a University of New Mexico American West historian, who appears in the new film. When his mother died of tuberculosis when he was 15, Billy the Kid was left an orphan and raised
largely by Mexican-American ranchers. This helped the Kid later when he was on the run from the law and was given shelter by poor Mexican-American ranchers he befriended. To emphasize this, Maggio included in the film Latina novelist Denise Chavez and Native American writer N. Scott Momaday, who discuss their beliefs that Billy the Kid was viewed as a hero by those facing discrimination in the old territory. The PBS documentary also focuses on the dueling interests of cattle ranchers from Ireland and Britain who brought old hostilities from Europe to the plains of New Mexico. The Kid was swept up in what was known as the “Lincoln County War” after his British mentor was gunned down by a corrupt Sheriff William Brady. Billy the Kid organized the assassination of Brady in revenge.
SÁBADO 10 DE DICIEMBRE DE 2011
Agenda en Breve NUEVA CIUDAD GUERRERO 12/11 — El Presidente Municipal de esta ciudad, Luis Gerardo Ramos Gómez, rendirá su Primer Informe de Gobierno a las 2:45 p.m. en el Centro Cívico Municipal.
NUEVO LAREDO 12/10 — Estación Palabra “Gabriel García Márquez” invita a: Bazar de Arte a las 12 p.m.; Festival Infantil dedicado a Cri-Cri a las 2 p.m.; charla sobre “La muerte de Maclovio Herrera” a las 2:20 p.m.; “Sesión de escucha” a las 2:40 p.m. 12/10 — Integración de Colectivos Culturales Comunitarios con el evento “La participación de los jóvenes en el desarrollo cultural comunitario” de 5 p.m. a 7 p.m. en Estación Palabra. Incluye charla gratuita impartida por el Mtro. Jose Antonio Mac Gregor. 12/13 — El Presidente Municipal de esta ciudad, Benjamín Galván Gómez, rendirá su Primer Informe de Gobierno a las 10 a.m. en el Centro Cultural Nuevo Laredo. 12/16 — ITCA y Laberintus Teatro invitan a la presentación de la trilogía dramática “A la Margen del Río” de Luis Eduardo Torres a las 7 p.m. en el Teatro Lucio Blanco de la Casa de la Cultura, Lincoln y Chimalpopoca.
LAREDO 12/10 — Consulado de México en Laredo invita a la Jornada Sabatina de 9 a.m. a 1 p.m. Servicios: expedición de documentación consular, orientación en ámbito de protección, trámite del pasaporte o matrícula consular. Hacer llamando a MEXITEL 1-877-639-4835 (desde Estados Unidos) ó 01800-900-0773 (desde México). 12/10 — El 7mo Holiday Bowl Anual inicia a las 11 a.m. en el Campo de Fútbol Americano Shirley Field de LISD. Entrada: un juguete nuevo sin envolver, o 5 dólares, lo cual será donado a Blue Santa, para entregar juguetes a niños necesitados. 12/10 — Concierto gratuito de Samuel Hernández a las 7 p.m. en “Hope Christian Church Laredo”, 1407 Calle del Norte. 12/10 — Hockey: Laredo Bucks recibe a Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees a las 7:30 p.m. en Laredo Energy Arena. 12/10 — Hoy es el baile “De los Años Dorados” en el Salón de Recepciones “La Hacienda”, 11092 Mined Road, con música de la década de los 50, 60, 70 y 80.. Costo: 20 dólares en preventa y 25 dólares en la puerta. Informes al 775-8761. 12/10 — Concierto romántico con “Amanda Miguel y Diego Verdaguer” en Laredo Civic Center. Costos: 51 y 41 dólares, en San Ramón Music Shop, 512 Guadalupe. Informes al (956) 222-2687. 12/11 — Para celebrar la Fiesta de la Virgen de Guadalupe, la Iglesia Our Lady of Guadalupe invita a una mini-jamaica, de 10 a.m. a 7 p.m. en el 1700 de avenida San Francisco. Habrá comida, juegos y un zoológico. 12/14 — Hockey: Laredo Bucks recibe a Rapid City Rush a las 7 p.m. en Laredo Energy Arena. 12/16 — El Laredo Ballet Theatre, patrocinado por Dance Expressions, presenta “El Cascanueces” a las 7:30 p.m. en el Auditorio del Laredo Civic Center, 2400 avenida San Bernardo. Reserve su lugar al 724-5330. 12/16 — Hockey: Laredo Bucks recibe a Rapid City Rush a las 7:30 p.m. en Laredo Energy Arena. — — Tiempo de Zapata
Zfrontera
PÁGINA 7A
PONEN A PRUEBA POLÍTICA DE SEGURIDAD EN MÉXICO
CAMPO
RESCATE PARCIAL
Mueren 400 mil animales por sequía
Alcalde: Mier se está recuperando POR CHRISTOPHER SHERMAN ASSOCIATED PRESS
ESPECIAL PARA TIEMPO DE ZAPATA
CIUDAD MIER, México — Los estudiantes volvieron a recrearse en la plaza del pueblo donde el año pasado miembros de grupos narcotraficantes incendió una estación policial y descuartizaron a un hombre. Al anochecer, la gente del pueblo juega voleibol en la plaza situada frente al edificio policial, cuya fachada de piedra había sido quemada pero que ahora está restaurada. Las plantas se ven acicaladas y las calles que otrora retumbaban por las balaceras ahora están tranquilas y limpias. Ciudad Mier ha comenzado a verse como el “pueblo mágico” del que hablan los folletos turísticos. Pero la mayoría de los negocios han cerrado y no se ven muchos vehículos por las calles, que a menudo son patrulladas por camiones del Ejército. El alcalde calcula que un tercio de la población de Mier de 8.000 habitantes no ha regresado. La mayoría sigue aterrorizada por los nueve meses que les tocó vivir, con tiroteos en las calles, matanzas y desapariciones, que les hicieron abandonar el pueblo hace un año. “Cuando vives una experiencia en carne propia, la gente se queda con esa imagen”, expresó el alcalde Alberto González Peña. “A veces es difícil borrarla”. La confianza en Mier, o la falta de ésta, se ha convertido en un verdadero examen para la política de seguridad del presidente Felipe Calderón en su esfuerzo por pacificar el territorio que ha sido invadido por grupos de narcotraficantes en un conflicto que ha dejado unos 40.000 muertos a nivel nacional. Un batallón de 653 soldados llegó en octubre y recorrió las calles precedido por una banda militar cuando el ejército de México despachó su primer “cuartel móvil”, una iniciativa que apela a los militares para restablecer el control de áreas violentas. Muchos residentes saludaron a los soldados y portaban carteles expresando su agradecimiento. La Secretaría de Defensa dijo en aquel entonces que las nuevas fuerzas “sin lugar a dudas generarían confianza y calma” y restablecerían la normalidad. Se proyectan establecer unidades similares en otros puntos del norte.
Positivo Cuando González Piña trata de alentar a los habitantes de su pueblo a que regresen de ciudades de Texas situadas en la margen opuesta al Río Bravo y de otras ciudades mexicanas, les dice que Mier era un paciente en terapia intensiva cuando ellos partieron, pero ahora ya está caminando por sí solo. Poco a poco --la frase que se usa con mucha frecuencia en Mier--, el pueblo se está recuperando, agregó. Por ahora los que se quedaron se reúnen en el parque o en la plaza en las noches y se sienten seguros en grupo, bajo la mirada protectora de los soldados. Pero no se aventuran a caminar por las calles aledañas. Las áreas periféricas del pueblo siguen desiertas. La gente se siente muy expuesta. Prefieren no identificarse cuando se les pregunta algo y una persona alertó a un visitante que los narcos estaban vigilando. Mier es una localidad agrícola fundada por 19 familias en 1753, conocida por un episodio de diciembre de 1842 en que fue to-
Foto por Christopher Sherman | Associated Press
En esta foto del 18 de noviembre, una niña saluda a soldados en el centro de Ciudad Mier, México. Un pueblo que en el 2010 fuera casi fantasma, hoy ofrece calles pavimentadas, oficinas restauradas, pero autoridades aseguran faltan muchos por regresar.
Ahora puede salir con amigos hasta la medianoche sin preocuparse. mada por unos 250 hombres de una milicia de Texas. El ejército los capturó y ejecutó a 17, tras hacer sacar a los reos frijoles negros de una cacerola, en una lotería que determinaba quien moriría.
Antes y después A comienzos de este siglo Mier era una ciudad pintoresca con edificios de la era colonial bien preservados. Está rodeada de haciendas en las que se caza palomas y venados, lo que atrae visitantes de ambas márgenes del río. Esas haciendas están en una popular ruta para el transporte de drogas de contrabando a Estados Unidos. En febrero del 2010 un grupo de hombres atacó una unidad policial y se llevó a varios agentes. La violencia alcanzó su punto culminante en noviembre del año pasado, en que combates constantes hicieron que centenares de residentes buscasen albergue en el primer refugio para desplazados por la violencia del narcotráfico que hay en el país, en la vecina ciudad de Miguel Alemán. Dos semanas después, el gobierno de Calderón anunció el envío de más soldados a los estados de Tamaulipas. Algunas de esas fuerzas se encuentran ahora en las unidades desplazables. Están situadas en terrenos baldíos cerca del cementerio al sur del pueblo y rodeadas por altas vallas y un amplio perímetro despejado. Unos cuantos edificios bajos rodean un mástil donde flamea una bandera mexicana de gran tamaño. En el extremo norte de Mier, el último vecindario en las afueras del pueblo está cubierto por vidrios rotos de ventanas y pilas de escombros. Aquí se produjo un violento enfrentamiento armado entre los residentes de 65 pequeñas viviendas precarias en un complejo de bajo costo. Bloques de cemento colocados detrás de las ventanas de las casas reflejan los esfuerzos vanos que hicieron algunos residentes para defenderse. Aunque el complejo fue construido en el 2003, actualmente ninguna de las viviendas está ocupada. Algunos habitantes huyeron a casas de parientes o alquilaron viviendas en el centro de la ciudad, mientras que otros abandonaron Mier por completo.
Las viviendas han sido tan saqueadas y dañadas, que las familias van a necesitar mucho para volver a ponerlas habitables. “Necesitamos que la gente que tiene dinero, a la gente que construye cosas en Mier, la gente que genera empleos, regrese a nuestra ciudad”, comentó el alcalde González Peña. Actualmente hay rumores en Mier de que es inminente la reapertura del restaurante del Hotel Asya, en la recién pavimentada Avenida Obregón. A una cuadra, la actividad de una pequeña compañía de agua embotellada que abastece a viviendas y negocios de la zona repuntó un 20% en el último año, según su propietario Jesús Gómez. De todos modos, es la mitad de lo que era en el 2009, antes de que estallara la violencia. “Antes no salíamos de casa”, dijo Gómez. “Quieres tomar, convivir y tiene que ser en tu casa nomás”. Ahora puede salir con amigos hasta la medianoche sin preocuparse. Pasando un cuartel policial en el que los rifles apuntan hacia una intersección detrás de la municipalidad, la avenida Obregón desemboca en la plaza principal, donde niños escolares se reúnen en torno a bancos durante la hora del almuerzo y un vendedor ambulante ofrece tacos. Al atardecer, se instalan redes y la gente juega al voleibol en la plaza, frente a la municipalidad. Los jueves por la noche se muestran películas allí.
Diversión Debajo de un toldo frente a la plaza, un puesto ofrece arreglos florales en blanco y amarillo que llenan el espacio con crisantemos, girasoles y margaritas. La primera florería de Mier reabrió justo antes del Día de los Muertos. Arturo Hernández recientemente se mudó de otra ciudad fronteriza, Piedras Negras, y abrió el local. No estuvo aquí durante el brote de violencia el año pasado, pero lo siente. Mientras limpia las espinas de un rosal, Hernández dice que pronto se dio cuenta de que casi no había negocios en Mier. “Desde que estoy aquí hubo ventas, pero solo cuando hay un difunto, un funeral. Pero para regalar, no”, comentó.
CD. DE MEXICO — La Conferencia Nacional de Gobernadores planteó la situación de extrema urgencia que vive el campo mexicano y solicitaron al Gobierno Federal 12 mil millones de pesos para crear un fondo especial porque ya la sequía ha provocado la muerte de 400 mil animales por falta de insumos alimenticios y agua. Durante el encuentro al que asistió el Gobernador de Tamaulipas Egidio Torre Cantú, los mandatarios estatales coincidieron en que la problemática que afecta a este sector en el país se acentúa no solamente por la inseguridad, sino por la sequía que afecta a 20 estados. En este contexto el gobernador de Sinaloa, Mario López Valdez ofreció trasladar parte del hato ganadero del norte a su entidad, donde hay alimento y agua buscando mitigar los efectos la sequía que afecta ya a dos y medio millones de personas que enfrentan condiciones críticas de alimentación. En la conferencia que presidió el jefe de gobierno, Marcelo Ebrard en las instalaciones del C4, de la Delegación Venustiano Carranza, donde asistió el
Secretario de Gobernación Alejandro Poiré se abordaron los temas de diseño de políticas públicas, empleo, educación, seguridad, además de la prevención de adicciones. En la sesión de trabajo se dio el cambio de estafeta, dado que el jefe de gobierno capitalino cumplió su gestión y partir de esta fecha la CONAGO estará encabezada por el gobernador de Querétaro, José Calzada Rovirosa. Al asumir sus funciones, Calzada Rovirosa dijo que se trabajará en favor de los proyectos productivos, la relación con las zonas fronterizas del país, pero sobre todo se buscará sumar esfuerzos para resolver el grande problema del cambio climático. Rodrigo Medina Mora de Nuevo León dijo que el programa “México sí estudia, sí trabaja”, ha sido reconocido por la federación y eso permite la búsqueda de mejores empleos y la gestión de la CONAGO permitió que este año se contrataran más 15 mil personas y se otorgaran más de 80 mil becas. Se probó en forma unánime el fondo de vivienda para policías y se destacó que las reuniones son factor de cohesión y de suma de esfuerzos de un país en transición como es México.
NUEVA CIUDAD GUERRERO
Foto de cortesía | Gobierno de Ciudad Guerrero
Alrededor de 50 embarcaciones participaron en el Torneo de Pesca de Lobina "Copa Gobernador 2011" en el Lago Falcón de Ciudad Guerrero, México, el 4 de diciembre.
Celebran torneo de pesca de lobina TIEMPO DE ZAPATA
Cientos de familias tamaulipecas visitaron la Presa Falcón en Nueva Ciudad Guerrero, México, durante el torneo de pesca “Copa Gobernador 2011” el fin de semana pasado. El Gobernador de Tamaulipas Egidio Torre Cantú convivió con pescadores deportivos. “Les agradezco el esfuerzo que desde sus actividades desarrollan cotidianamente; en Tamaulipas trabajamos en equipo todos los días, haciendo cada quien lo que nos corresponde y haciéndolo cada vez mejor”, dijo Torre. El torneo de pesca de lobina se desarrolló previo a la temporada vacacional decembrina y contó con la participación de familias de municipios como Mier, Miguel Alemán, Camargo, Díaz Ordaz y la misma Nueva Cd. Guerrero, que integran la llamada Frontera Ribereña. Igualmente de los estados de Nuevo León, San Luis Potosí y Texas, a bordo de 50 embarcaciones. Nueva Ciudad Guerrero es considerada cuna de la pesca deportiva “Es muy agradable para mí estar en este evento, con este clima agradable, pero sobre todo con gente
muy entusiasta de este fabuloso deporte que, además, viene a convivir con sus amigos de Guerrero, con sus familias”, dijo Torre. Carlos Olivares, uno de los pescadores ganadores en el torneo, comentó que lo más importante del evento fue convivir y divertirse con la familia. Ricardo Treviño, procedente de Reynosa, reconoció la seguridad y organización del torneo. Adrián González, también de Reynosa, encomió la excelente organización del torneo de pesca y refirió que lo positivo del mismo es que fomenta el turismo deportivo y recomposición del tejido social. “Además se genera una importante derrama económica ”, afirmó González. Luis Alonso Gómez, otro competidor, habló de la dinámica y tránsito de cientos de personas, quienes retoman estos eventos regionales que ayudan mucho a la economía familiar. Subrayó que su viaje por carretera desde Reynosa hasta este municipio fue seguro y sin contratiempos. “Eso es bueno, para venir a pescar y salir con la familia”, concluyó Gómez.
State
8A THE ZAPATA TIMES
Wealthy districts sue over funding By APRIL CASTRO ASSOCIATED PRESS
AUSTIN — A coalition of about 120 property-wealthy Texas school districts sued the state Friday, alleging that its system of paying for public education is inadequate and unconstitutional. Six school districts, ranging from Lewisville and Richardson in North Texas to Aransas County on the coast, are named as plaintiffs in the lawsuit. The lawsuit is being handled by the Texas School Coalition, which is made up of school districts that give property tax money back to the state under the socalled Robin Hood school funding plan. Sixty school districts have joined the suit, which proclaims “the Texas school finance system has reached a crisis stage again.” The schools contend that because so many districts are taxing at the maximum allowable rate, the school property tax has effectively become a statewide property tax, which is unconstitutional in Texas. The state is “co-opting the school districts’ taxing authority, so it’s become a de facto state property tax,” said Mark Trachtenberg, one of the attorneys representing the school districts. He said about 20 percent of about 1,030 school districts in Texas are taxing at the maximum rate of $1.17 per $100 of property value. Many districts in the coalition can’t tax above a rate of $1.04, which requires voter approval. Trachtenberg said voters aren’t likely to approve higher taxes when the revenue would go back to the state rather than being spent locally. The schools also argue that the Legislature hasn’t been putting enough money into the system to meet the constitutional mandate for an “adequate” education. “They’re failing to provide the resources to provide an adequate education under the state’s own standards,” attor-
ney John Turner said. Lawmakers did not pay for about $4 billion in enrollment growth during the most recent legislative session, despite an estimated growth of about 80,000 students a year. The Legislature also cut about $1.4 billion in grant programs such as full-day prekindergarten, after-school tutoring and dropout prevention programs. The lawsuit claims the massive cuts have resulted in the loss of thousands of teachers and support staff and led many districts to seek waivers allowing for bigger classes at a time when state testing requirements are getting tougher. Debbie Ratcliffe, a spokeswoman at the Texas Education Authority, said the agency will discuss the lawsuit with Attorney General Greg Abbott, whose office represents the state in litigation. “Ultimately, school funding is an issue that will be resolved by the courts and the Legislature,” she said. The TEA and Education Commissioner Robert Scott are named as defendants in the lawsuit. Another coalition of schools filed a similar lawsuit in October, contending the system is unfair and unconstitutional. That one accuses lawmakers of turning a blind eye on the state’s troubled school financing system for years and exacerbating the flaws by slashing public school spending. The school funding system in Texas has been a grievance since the battle of the Alamo, when one of the Texans’ complaints was Mexico’s failure to establish a public education system. Since then, the Legislature has only undertaken major reform efforts when ordered to do so by the courts. Most recently, lawmakers implemented a new tax structure, reducing reliance on property taxes and creating a new business tax. Lawmakers adopted the overhaul during a 2006 special legislative session.
RACING FOR A MERRY CHRISTMAS
Photo by Torin Halsey/Wichita Falls Times Record News | AP
Michael Graddy of the Wichita Falls Fire Department and Anthony Sanchez with the city’s Parks Department race on Friday, in Wichita Falls. Teams designed and built their custom tricycles and the event raises funds, food and gifts for the city’s Christmas Family Program.
Atheists eye own display ASSOCIATED PRESS
ATHENS — A national atheist foundation plans to seek permission to hoist its own banner to join secular and religious Christmas displays on an East Texas courthouse square. The display surrounding the Henderson County Courthouse in Athens includes a traditional Nativity scene, as well as multiple Santa Clauses, elves, wreathes, garlands, trumpeters, dwarfs, snowmen, reindeer and Christmas trees, the Athens Daily Review reported. “We’ve got an array of decorations and feel that we are in compliance with federal law,” County Judge Richard Sanders told the newspaper. “We’re not pushing any religious down anybody’s throat. These are holiday decorations we enjoy.” However, county officials received a letter Monday from the Madison, Wis.based Freedom From Religion Foundation, which argued the seasonal display on courthouse grounds amounts to an unconstitutional endorsement of the Christian faith. Foundation attorney Stephanie Schmitt says that since the county allows the nonprofit group Keep Athens Beautiful to erect the displays on the town
square, they amount to a “public forum.” Schmitt told the newspaper the group would ask to put up its own display. Schmitt said the foundation had received 20 to 25 complaints this holiday season of religious displays it regards as illegal. In Elmwood City, Pa., the foundation has proposed hoisting a banner that reads: “At this season of the Winter Solstice, LET REASON PREVAIL. There are no gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell. There is only our natural
world. Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds.” Meanwhile, Henderson County Sheriff Ray Nutt said his office received a report Thursday that someone had defaced some of the figures in the display, but the markings were later removed.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2011
LEAPING OVER THE COMPETITION
Photo by Torin Halsey/Wichita Falls Times Record News | AP
Spirit, a Golden Retriever, leaps over a jump while running in the Excellent Class of the Jumps with Weaves course on Friday in Wichita Falls. The three-day event runs through Sunday. More than 220 dogs are competing.
Vietnamese settlers open giant church By ROBERT CADWALLADER FORT WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM
ARLINGTON — Grandeur counts when building a Vietnamese church, especially when the current place of worship is a converted Food Lion grocery store. “A church’s size and quality is basically the best of everything the people can offer to God,” said Khiet Nguyen, whose architectural firm designed the 2,000-seat Vietnamese Martyrs Catholic Church in east Arlington. “A Food Lion church is not good enough. We hope this is good enough.” One thing the church leadership is sure of: When the granite structure is dedicated and consecrated Saturday morning, it will be the largestcapacity Vietnamese Roman Catholic church in the U.S. And according to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth, it will be the largest of the 90 Catholic churches in the diocese’s 28-county North Texas region. The congregation, which in three years has raised all but $1.5 million of the church’s $6.5 million price — the rest is on loan from the diocese — spared little expense in providing a taste of the homeland for those who came to the U.S. as refugees. The architecture of the 29,000-square-foot church features a 75-foot bell tower visible from Interstate 20, and the floor, walls, statues and altars were cut and carved in Vietnam from 750,000 pounds of granite and marble. The smooth, glossy pews were crafted in Vietnam from American oak. High and low on the interior walls are rows of stained-glass portraits of patron saints along with scenes depicting capture or execution of the 117 Catholic martyrs who
“
A church’s size and quality is basically the best of everything the people can offer to God.” ARCHITECT KHIET NGUYEN
died in Vietnam in the 19th century and were canonized as saints by Pope John Paul II. Marble statues lining the church exterior and parking lot re-create those images. “Since we are away from our country, we wanted to bring the materials and pictures to tell the story,” said the Rev. Polycarp Duc Thuan, pastor of the parish the past four years. Most of the 6,000-member congregation emigrated from Vietnam. And many, like Thuan, fled the brutal communist regime during the fall of Saigon in April 1975, when waves of desperate refugees hurriedly piled into rickety boats and set themselves adrift. Thuan found himself crowded into a 60-foot boat with 100 refugees and almost no supplies. “It happened so quickly. We just had some water and some instant noodles,” Thuan said. “When we left, we didn’t know exactly where we were going.” They were rescued by a U.S. ship and taken to the Philippines. Soon they were ferried to America, where they struggled with language and job barriers as they tried to adapt to a new culture. Early on, the Vietnamese Catholic community in Arlington consisted of about a dozen families that attended St. Matthew Catholic Church in south-
east Arlington, Thuan said. The community grew to more than 500 families by 1997, prompting thenBishop Joseph Delaney to establish the Vietnamese Martyrs Catholic parish in 2000. About 3,500 members attend the four weekend Masses in the converted grocery store sanctuary, which seats 980 people and shares a parking lot with the new church on the 12-acre property. “This is impressive because these folks came to this country several decades ago with nothing on their backs,” Pat Svacina, spokesman for the Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth, said as he marveled at the towering sanctuary. “Now they’re honoring God for what he’s given them by building this church in thanksgiving for him.” Parish leaders said they weren’t concerned that the church’s size and opulence would price it beyond the community’s means. Those features provided powerful motivation for contributors. The average family donated $3,000, many taking advantage of a five-year payment plan. “There are many old people who would rather sacrifice their meal and give money to build this church,” Nguyen said. “To build a church is hard to explain. It’s bigger than life.”
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2011
THE ZAPATA TIMES 9A
Police identify Va. Tech gunman By BOB LEWIS AND ZINIE CHEN SAMPSON ASSOCIATED PRESS
BLACKSBURG, Va. — A dean’s list student who killed a Virginia Tech police officer had no ties to the university and did not know the patrolman, authorities said Friday without offering a motive for a crime spree that ended in suicide.
Ross Truett Ashley, 22, first drew authorities’ attention when he robbed his landlord’s office at gunpoint Wednesday. He took the keys to a Mercedes-Benz sport utility vehicle later found in Blacksburg, home to Virginia Tech, about 10 miles away. Ashley, a part-time business student at Radford University, was described by
those who knew him as a typical college student, though he could be quiet and standoffish. He liked to run down the hallways and recently shaved his head, a neighbor said. Police said he walked up to officer Deriek W. Crouse on Thursday and shot him to death as the patrolman sat in his unmarked cruiser in the midst of a traffic stop.
Ashley was not involved in the stop and did not know the driver. Ashley then took off for the campus greenhouses, ditching his pullover, wool cap and backpack as police sent out a campus-wide alert that a gunman was on the loose, terrorizing students still coping with the nation’s worst mass slaying in recent memory.
FAMILY Continued from Page 1A children. According to police, she took two state workers hostages. Later, a supervisor took their place. He too was released unharmed shortly before 8 p.m. But police have stated the man hesitated leaving the Grimmers behind. “Even after she pulled out a gun, an office supervisor promised to help her. Police tell me that supervisor was hesitant to leave Ms. Grimmer and her children even after hostage negotiators secured his release. Why? Because he wanted to help,” states Texas Health and Human Services Executive Commissioner Thomas M. Suehs in an email sent to The Zapata Times. Shortly before midnight, Rachelle shot Ramie and Timothy in the head, critically wounding them, before pointing the gun at
herself, police say. Rachelle was dead on the scene, while paramedics aided Ramie and Timothy. They would die later during the week. Baeza said investigators are yet to determine how Rachelle acquired the gun and ammunition. Some progress has been made but he cited the open investigation. Since then, people have wondered if there was another way out of the hostage situation. They asked why the agency didn’t assist the family. “The staff in our Laredo office followed state policy in the Grimmer case and attempted to provide the family with service the day after receiving their application,” Suehs writes in the letter. “When Ms. Grimmer arrived at a state office Monday, staff could have closed the door on her. They could have called
police. Instead they tried desperately to help her.” THHSC spokeswoman Stephanie Goodman said Laredo staff is in a “fragile state.” The office is expected to open Monday but under a different modus operandi. For those returning back to work, counselors will be at hand if needed. Most of the work could be done through the phone, Goodman added. There are plans in place to beef up security. It’s not clear yet what steps will be taken. Goodman said before the shooting on Monday that the facility had one unarmed security guard. Investigations show Grimmer first applied for food stamps in July but was denied the assistance in August. “Ms. Grimmer didn’t meet the criteria for expedited service because of
the amount of child support she told us she received, but the Laredo office told her they would call her the next day to process her application. They set an appointment time for that call,” Suehs writes in the letter. “The next day, a state worker called Ms. Grimmer as promised and again a few minutes later. Help was so close, but there was no answer.” On Wednesday, Suehs visited with employees of the Laredo staff. In his letter, he writes employees “are deeply saddened and shaken by the senseless tragedy that unfolded before their very eyes.” People needing in-person interviews at THSSC will be re-routed to the McPherson office. (César G. Rodriguez may be reached at 728-2568 or cesar@lmtonline.com)
BORDER Continued from Page 1A along with local and state assets, provides a “balanced and effective counter to the narcotics and violent threat in the area.” Another problem identified in the report is migrants. Illegal immigration is labeled an ongoing challenge throughout the border for U.S. law enforcement. “In the Rio Grande border area, the level of migrant activity has been relatively low as compared to other segments of the land and maritime border. Migrant threat is considered to be a low threat in this specific region,” Coast Guard officials state in the letter. The document goes on to say that the presence of Department of Homeland Security and state and local assets are able to provide a “balanced and effective level of security” against illegal crossings into the States. Jose F. “Paco” Mendoza Jr., president/CEO of the Zapata County Chamber of Commerce, said it was good to have this study done on the border. He added that it was necessary to have good information to use to tell people the Rio Grande is not as dangerous as it is portrayed as being. “I definitely commend
Congressman Cuellar for having this analysis done,” Mendoza said. “It’s a great tool to use to let people know that Falcon Lake is safe.”
The Hartley case Cuellar said Falcon Lake was hurt by the Hartley case, yet the analysis shows a low to moderate threat, a result obtained by Coast Guard officials, assisted by area law enforcement. More than a year ago, David and Tiffany Hartley ventured into Mexican waters on jet skis to go sightseeing at Guerrero Viejo. Suspected cartel members allegedly shot and killed David and chased his wife Tiffany to the lake’s Zapata County banks. David Hartley’s body was never recovered. Mendoza emphasized that the U.S. side of Falcon Lake was and continues to be safe. “Zapata is safe and is a safe place to raise a family,” Mendoza said. Peggy Umphres Moffett, Zapata Economic Development Corporation president, said she does not perceive a major threat of spillover violence along the border. She echoed Mendoza’s comments and believes
the negative media coverage during the Hartley incident decimated the tourism industry. Inaccurate reports of the location of his alleged killing affected the area. That impact is yet to be determined with a market assessment and feasibility study for development projects in Zapata County. “During that process, we’ll be able to identify other impacts,” Moffett said. Moffett runs into negative commentary while monitoring information online. She feels something has to be done to counter those remarks, noting that the lake is an international body of water, with part in the U.S. and the rest in Mexico. “If you do venture onto the Mexican side, the U.S. law enforcement officials can’t assist you,” she said.
Lesson learned During the Hartley incident, Moffett said she was concerned “that as a community, we didn’t respond.” Now, she says it’s a lesson learned. Moffett added that the Hartley case did not pose a threat to the county. For now, assessments are under way in Zapata County for future development.
“We need to do a better job of marketing and getting a positive and a correct message out to our market,” Moffett said, noting an effective collaboration among local, state and federal officials is needed to get rid of the stigma. She said people need to know that it’s safe to visit Zapata and to fish on the lake.
Border security Cuellar, a strong advocate of border security, supported the 2010 Emergency Border Security Supplemental Appropriation, which gave $600 million to add more technology, manpower and infrastructure to border communities, including 1,000 Border Patrol agents, 250 Customs and Border Protection officers at ports of entry and 250 Immigration and Customs Enforcement special agents to investigate transnational crimes. “It’s not that we don’t want more border security,” Cuellar said. “In Zapata, like any other areas, there are challenges. It’s certainly not the wild, wild west.” (César G. Rodriguez may be reached at 728-2568 or cesar@lmtonline.com)
MARINA R. RAMIREZ Marina R. Ramirez, 94, passed away Sunday, Dec. 4, 2011, in Premont, Texas. Ms. Ramirez is preceded in death by her parents: Lazaro Ramirez and Gabriela Ramos Ramirez; husband, Herminio Ramirez; brothers: Gustavo (Victoria) Ramirez and Leon Ramirez; sisters: Eva R. (Adan) Vela and Nievitas (Diego) Gonzalez; and by a niece, Gabriela (Juan Elmo) Meza. Ms. Ramirez is survived by her sister-in-law, Inez R. Ramirez; nieces and nephews: Irene (†Hector) Flores, †Omar (Estela) Ramirez, Vilma (Jorge) Torres, Rebecca (†Rene) Guerra, Celina (Ovidio) Zepeda, Maria Inez (Jose) Camarena, Romeo (Paz) Vela, Elma (Abelardo) Flores, Josefa (Concepcion) Bustamante, Pilar (Roberto) Guerra and †Sigifredo (Elma)
Gonzalez; and many friends. Visitation hours were held Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2011, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a rosary at 7 p.m. at Rose Garden Funeral Home. Visitation also was held Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011, from 8 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. The funeral procession departed at 9:30 a.m. for a 10 a.m. funeral Mass at Santa Ana Mission in Falcon, Texas. Committal services followed at Falcon Cemetery. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Rose Garden Funeral Home, Daniel A. Gonzalez, funeral director, 2102 U.S. 83 Zapata.
COUNTY Continued from Page 1A fective as of October and applicable beginning tax year 2012, means the exemption now only applies to goods that are stored in a public warehouse owned by someone other than the owner of the goods. Anything else is fair game for the taxing entities. “If it’s housed in Zapata County for more than 175 days, it can be taxed,” said Martinez. The amendment also narrows the definition of goods-in-transit to exclude manufacturing, processing or fabricating. In effect, taxable goods-in-transit now primarily include warehoused inventory. Martinez’s visit to commissioners court on Monday is one of several stops he’s made on behalf of the firm of Linebarger, Goggan, Blair and Sampson. He’s also spoken with taxing entities such as Rio Grande City, Roma Independent School District and Starr and Hidalgo counties. He said his goal is simply to educate officials so they can decide whether or not they want to implement the tax via ordinance before the Dec. 31 deadline. “It has to be done by the end of the month,” he said. “I’m not going to be there to say whether they should or should not do this. I’ll be there to explain, and then stand back and answer questions the court or the public might have.” Martinez provided The Zapata Times with a draft of the proposed order exercising the local option to tax “goods-in-transit personal property” as allowed under the amendments. County Judge Joseph Rathmell said he didn’t want to gauge how the court might move, and that commissioners were waiting to hear all the facts. Conceivable objections, said Martinez, could be a fear of losing commerce.
However, other taxing entities he’s addressed, though they may not have all acted yet, have responded favorably to taxing goods-intransit. “These things fluctuate from year to year, so there’s no guarantee of revenue. But there is revenue to be lost,” he said. The hearing is scheduled 30 minutes before the monthly commissioners court meeting, during which the court will consider subsidizing the Zapata County Chamber of Commerce’s 2012 Bass Champs South Texas Region Fishing Tournament. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jose F. “Paco” Mendoza, who requested that agenda item, said he didn’t know yet how much he’d be asking for but would have the figure ready Monday. “This tournament brings in a lot of revenue to Zapata,” Mendoza said. “We’re putting our part, and we’re just asking the county to help out.” Mendoza said the annual tournament is a boon to Zapata’s hospitality industry because anglers typically come in well in advance of the tournament to prefish Falcon Lake and to look for the prime bass areas. Other items scheduled for discussion at the meeting include discussion of possible authorization of “judicial court proceedings” against M1 Solutions, Inc., the technology company that the Zapata County Sheriff’s Office claims never completed work already paid for on the sheriff’s administrative offices. The public hearing begins at 8:30 a.m. and the commissioners court meeting begins at 9 a.m. Both will be held in the Zapata County Courthouse. (Mike Herrera IV can be reached at 728-2567 or mherrera@lmtonline.com)
10A THE ZAPATA TIMES
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2011
High court halts new Texas electoral maps By MARK SHERMAN ASSOCIATED PRESS
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court has blocked the use of Texas state legislative and congressional district maps that were drawn by federal judges to boost minorities’ voting power. The court issued a brief order Friday that applies to electoral maps drawn by federal judges in San Antonio for the Texas Legislature and Congress. The
justices said they will hear arguments in the case on Jan. 9. Texas says the federal judges overstepped their authority and should have taken into account the electoral maps that were drawn by the Republicandominated Texas Legislature. The order brings to a halt filing for legislative and congressional primary elections that began Nov. 28. The primaries had been
scheduled to take place in March but with the Supreme Court’s intervention, those elections almost certainly will be delayed. The maps issued by the judges appeared to give Democrats a greater chance of winning seats in the state House and Senate than did the plans approved by those bodies and signed into law by Gov. Rick Perry. In addition, the courtdrawn congressional map
ensured minorities made up the majority in three additional Texas congressional districts, an outcome the judges said better reflected the growth in the state’s Hispanic population. Texas is adding four U.S. House seats based on population gains in the 2010 census. The fight over redistricting in Texas is playing out in two separate court cases. Like other states with a
history of racial discrimination, Texas can’t implement new maps or other changes to voting practices without federal approval under the 1965 Voting Rights Act. The state asked a court in Washington to sign off on the maps, but those judges refused. That case is continuing. Separately, an array of rights groups filed the Texas lawsuit claiming that the state’s maps decreased minorities’ voting power.
The federal judges in Texas reasoned that the state would be unable to hold elections without temporary maps that take account of census results. The legal issue at the high court is whether the temporary maps should have used the state-approved plans as a starting point. The case so far does not appear to raise the broader issue of whether Texas and other states should still be subject to the voting rights law.
Review: Mistreated but not inhumanely By SCOTT SONNER ASSOCIATED PRESS
RENO, Nev. — The U.S. Bureau of Land Management’s internal review of a wild horse roundup in Nevada found some mustangs were whipped in the face, kicked in the head, dragged by a rope around the neck and repeatedly shocked with electrical prods, but the agency concluded none of the mistreatment rose to the level of being inhumane. BLM Director Bob Abbey did, however, determine additional training is needed for the workers and contractors involved. Abbey, the former BLM state director for Nevada, said the roundup this summer near the Utah line was done correctly for the most part. But he said the review cited some incidents of inappropriate practices, including helicopters jeopardizing the health and safety of horses by following too closely or chasing small bands or individual animals for too long. “Aggressive and rough handling of wild horses is not acceptable, and we are actively taking steps to ensure that such behavior is not repeated,” Abbey said in a statement announcing a number of procedures intended to improve and further review the BLM’s standard operating procedures for roundups. In addition to prohibiting helicopters from making contact
Photo by Lisa J. Tolda, file. Reno Gazette-Journal | AP
The Bureau of Land Management uses a helicopter for gathering wild horses in Nevada, in 2004. The bureau’s internal review of a similar wild horse roundup in Nevada in September found Mustangs were not treated inhumanely. with horses, Abbey said he would order more training for both the agency workers and contractors involved. The review team also recommended the agency develop a system for tracking a variety of incidents, “from the use of electrical prods, to roping, to injuries or reports of animal welfare concerns.” “The review team believes this will demonstrate that issues like the specific incidents at the Triple B gather are the exception, not the rule,” the report said.
Officials for Sun J Livestock in Vernal, Utah, the contractor for the Triple B Roundup between Elko and Ely, did not immediately return telephone messages seeking comment. About 33,000 wild horses live in 10 Western states, of which about half are in Nevada. Another 40,000 are kept in governmentfunded facilities. The government’s wild horse program, created by Congress in 1971, is intended to protect wild horse herds and the rangelands
that support them. Under the program, thousands of horses are forced into holding pens, where many are vaccinated or neutered before being placed for adoption or sent to long-term corrals in the Midwest. Animal rights advocates complain that the roundups are inhumane because some animals are traumatized, injured or killed. But ranchers and other groups say the roundups are needed to protect fragile grazing lands that are used by cattle, Bighorn sheep
and other wildlife. Advocates said they were encouraged by a series of steps Abbey outlined this week to rein in the airborne cowboys and wranglers on the ground who they say don’t always act in the horses’ best interests. “This review is a first step in addressing the cruelty that is pervasive in the BLM’s wild horse and burro program, and we commend the BLM review team for its honesty,” said Suzanne Roy, director of the Americas Wild Horse Preservation Campaign, a coalition of more than 40 groups that includes the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. But the groups also expressed concern that the BLM didn’t find some of the more egregious incidents to be “inhumane.” “What is their definition of inhumane?” asked Anne Novak, founder of the California-based advocacy group Protect Mustangs. “They are stepping up to the transgressions and treatments that occurred — finally fessing up to some major problems,” added Roy. “But now, what are they going to do about it? How it translates to an agency-wide policy is the big open question.” The review was prompted by videotapes that animal protection activists shot of alleged inhumane treatment at the Triple B roundup in July and August.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2011
ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM
Sports&Outdoors A case of NBA heartbreak
HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL
Hawks grounded
T
he world was back to normal, according to some people, when it was announced that the NBA is back after a few months of delay. The selfish NBA players and owners finally “agreed” to a deal and games are back on with a 66-game schedule beginning Christmas Day. The NBA might be back, but that does not mean I am rooting for them or any team. The only thing they did during those long months of ne-
gotiations was leave a bad taste in my mouth. The NBA is going to really have to earn my loyalty again; I mean, they are really going to have work hard for me to buy a ticket or even go cover it for the newspaper. The NBA is like a bad boyfriend who broke up
See NBA PAGE 2B
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Photo by David J. Phillip | AP
Houston coach Kevin Sumlin, center, leads his team onto the field for an NCAA college football game against SMU in Houston. Houston celebrates its upcoming move from Conference USA to the Big East amid continued speculation that coach Kevin Sumlin could be leaving for another job.
Cougars Big East-bound Houston celebrates move from C-USA By KRISTIE RIEKEN ASSOCIATED PRESS Photo by Clara Sandoval | The Zapata Times
Zapata’s Epi Martinez will be one of the team’s offensive go-to threats this season.
Zapata off to slow preseason start By CLARA SANDOVAL THE ZAPATA TIMES
L
AREDO – The Zapata Hawks are diligently trying to get ready for the long district season and have gone through a rough preseason where they have only
picked up one win in 12 games. Wednesday night, Zapata faced a quick Martin team that pushed the ball up and down the court. Zapata could not handle Martin’s swarming defense and dropped a 66-22 decision to the Tigers at Martin High. The Hawks were pressured and
had a hard time bringing the ball up the court as the Tigers trapped and forced 37 turnovers. Danny Chapa led the Hawks with seven points. Epi Martinez chipped in with five. Zapata’s best quarter came in
See BASKETBALL PAGE 2B
HOUSTON — Houston celebrating its upcoming move from Conference USA to the Big East on Friday despite speculation that coach Kevin Sumlin could be leaving for another job. Hundreds of people attended an on-campus event Friday to applaud the move. Sumlin said he’s excited about the conference move, but wouldn’t address the possibility he could leave to coach somewhere else.
“I’m not talking about it anymore,” he said. “It doesn’t really matter what I say ... people are going to write what they’re going to write.” Sumlin wouldn’t say he wasn’t considering leaving, but when pressed about whether he could see himself taking the field with the Cougars next season, he offered a response that seems encouraging for Houston. “I’ve always seen myself that way,” he said. “I don’t think that anything I’ve said or anything I’ve talked about has been any different.” Athletic director Mack Rhoades said the Cougars are working to keep Sum-
See HOUSTON PAGE 2B
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Baylor’s Griffin up for Heisman By STEPHEN HAWKINS ASSOCIATED PRESS
WACO — Robert Griffin III has been too caught up in the moment to really consider how much he’s done to change the perception of Baylor. When Griffin finally slows down and thinks about it, he might realize just how unimaginable it all seemed when he first arrived on the private school campus nearly four years ago as a 17-year-old kid who graduated high school early. “I know we’ve been creating a lot of history,” Griffin said. “But it’s tough to be within it and look back on what’s happened. ... The way the program is going now, you expect good things to happen.” The next good thing could be the dualthreat playmaking quarterback and as-
piring lawyer known as “RG3” becoming Baylor’s first Heisman Trophy winner. That is quite a thought considering that the Bears used to be a constant fixture at or near the bottom of the Big 12 standings and never had a winning record in the league before Griffin arrived. There also were concerns each of the last two summers during realignment talks that Baylor could be left out of a major conference before the Big 12 twice revived itself. Now the 15th-ranked Bears (9-3) have their most wins in 25 years and are going to their second consecutive bowl game after a 16-year postseason drought. With a win over Washington in the Alamo Bowl, they would match the school record of 10 wins set in 1980 during Mike Singletary’s senior season.
“It’s great whenever you can build something up from the ground up, because here at Baylor, things hadn’t been good for a while,” Griffin said. “The foundation had eroded away and we were able to get the grass back green.” Griffin, the nation’s most efficient passer and one of the most exciting players, is one of five Heisman Trophy finalists who will be in New York for Saturday night’s ceremony. He is the only one from the Big 12, whose last two winners have been Oklahoma quarterbacks, Sam Bradford in 2008 and Jason White in 2003. “The Heisman to me has always been about excitement,” Griffin said. “Anybody who wins it is deserving. But if you
See HEISMAN PAGE 2B
Photo by Phelan M. Ebenhack | AP
Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III, a candidate for the Heisman Trophy, poses with the Davey O’Brien Award for the nation’s top college quarterback in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., Thursday.
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Zscores
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2011
AP Photo
Texans linebacker Connor Barwin gets to Falcon’s quarterback Matt Ryan in last week’s 17-10 win over Atlanta in Houston.
Resilient Texans thrive amidst adversity By CHRIS DUNCAN ASSOCIATED PRESS
HOUSTON — The Houston Texans have always been a delicate bunch. All it ever took was one injury, one mistake, one coaching gaffe and everything would crumble in a game — and, subsequently, a season. Not anymore. Even as they seem to lose a key player every week, the Texans (9-3) have stayed on point, winning six straight games and surging to the doorstep of that elusive first postseason berth. Houston plays at Cincinnati (7-5) on Sunday and can clinch the AFC South with a victory and a Tennessee loss to New Orleans, but no one in the locker room is talking about the potential milestone nor the magnitude of the moment when the young franchise finally makes its breakthrough.
Maybe that says it all about how much this team has grown up, and where it seems to be heading. “You don’t hear much about it, you don’t hear a lot of talk about it,” said right tackle Eric Winston, a third-round pick in 2006. “It’s just, ‘Hey, we need to take care of our business, and do our deal.’ “If we keep racking up wins, no matter if it happens this week, or in two weeks, it’s going to happen.” For most of the team’s history, it seemed as though it never would. The Texans beat Dallas 19-10 in their inaugural game in 2002 — still one of the franchise’s greatest victories — then languished through five losing seasons. Houston went 8-8 in 2007 and expectations began to swell, but just when the Texans seemed poised to take flight, something bizarre always seemed to knock them down.
HOUSTON Continued from Page 1B lin, but that if he leaves “we’ll move on and hire the next great coach.” “When you have success people are going to come after your coaches,” Rhoades said. “We’ll continue to monitor it. We’ll continue to make sure that coach Sumlin understands that we want him to stay.” Nelda Blair, chair of the school’s board of regents, announced that Houston plans to build a new football stadium and officials hope to break ground within 10 months. Rhoades said they have about $60 million pledged for the stadium and that they’ll need between $80 million and $85 million to build it. The Cougars currently play in Robertson Stadium, a 32,000 seat stadium which opened in 1942. They’ll demolish that stadium and build the new one on the same site, which could leave the team without a home stadium for as long as a season. Where they would play during construction hasn’t been determined, but Rhoades said they’ve had discussions with officials of Reliant Stadium, home of the NFL’s Houston Texans.
They expect the new stadium to be ready for the start of the 2014 season. Rhoades is looking forward to the increase in revenue that will come from their conference switch. He said the Cougars currently garner about $3 million a year and expect that number to jump to at least $10 million in the Big East. While Sumlin was reticent to discuss his job status, he had plenty to say about Houston’s new conference and plans for the stadium. He’s looking forward to joining an automatic qualifying BCS conference, which C-USA is not. “Anytime as a coach you have the ability to move from a non-AQ conference to an AQ conference that’s a big deal,” he said. “And any coach in America they say new stadium to, he’s going to get excited. All those things add up.” The Cougars had a chance to qualify for a BCS bowl this season after starting 12-0, but a loss to Southern Mississippi in the C-USA title game left them in the TicketCity bowl against Penn State.
ception return in overtime (against Baltimore). Fans began calling for Kubiak and general manager Rick Smith to be fired, while inside the locker room the team bonded together. “It would’ve been pretty easy at a lot of junctures last year, for this team to split apart,” right tackle Eric Winston said. “We never did, and I think that says a lot about the character of the guys. Everyone believed we were on the right course. We just hit a bad detour.” “The thing about this year, with our younger guys, is our depth is a lot better, we have a lot better talent around our guys,” Ryans said. “When guys go down, the next man steps up and you’ve got to just go in and do your job. Don’t try to do too much. “Everybody rallies around whoever goes down, and does their job a little bit better. And we’ve been fine.”
HEISMAN Continued from Page 1B want to talk about excitement and what college football is really about, I think we’re doing it here at Baylor.” All with the 6-foot-2, 220pound Griffin at the helm. Griffin, who won the Davey O’Brien Award as the nation’s top quarterback on Thursday, has completed 267 of 369 passes (72 percent) for 3,998 yards with a Big 12-leading 36 touchdowns and only six interceptions, and run for 644 yards with nine more scores. He has averaged 387 total yards a game and his touchdown passes have averaged more than 36 yards each. This season began with Griffin throwing for 359 yards and five TDs in a nationally televised Friday night game, when he even had a 15-yard catch on a third-and-10 drive that led to the game-winning field goal in a wild 50-48 victory over No. 16 TCU, the nation’s best defense the previous three seasons. There was the Saturday night special three weeks ago against then-No. 5 Oklahoma, a team the Bears had never beaten. Griffin set school records with 479 yards passing and 551 total yards in a 45-38 victory.
BASKETBALL Continued from Page 1B the third when it scored nine points. “Intimidation played some part in it, since we saw them play at the Border Olympics ” Zapata head coach Juan Villarreal said. “These guys are very, very young and we are carrying eight juniors that were on the junior varsity last year, one senior and three sophomores that played on the freshman team last year.” Despite the score, Villarreal liked what he saw in his team, such as the fight and hustle the Hawks displayed even when the game was out of reach. “I like that we hustled back on defense and actually blocked a dunk and a few layups,” he said. “The guys were willing to get back on defense and hustle up and down the road.”
In 2008, Hurricane Ike damaged Reliant Stadium, postponing Houston’s home opener and forcing the Texans to begin the season with three straight road games. The eventual home opener then turned disastrous, with backup quarterback Sage Rosenfels’ fumbles and interceptions helping Peyton Manning and Indianapolis rally from 17 points down in the fourth quarter for a 31-27 victory. In 2009, Arizona stuffed Houston on three plays from the 1-yard line in the final minute of a 28-21 Texans loss. Later that year, Kris Brown missed last-second field-goal tries in consecutive weeks, and coach Gary Kubiak signed off on a halfback pass that Jacksonville intercepted, sealing a 23-18 defeat. Last year, the Texans lost middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans, then lost games on a last-second pass from midfield (at Jacksonville), a last-minute, 72-yard drive (against the New York Jets) and an inter-
Villarreal was also able to give the majority of the reserves quality minutes throughout the game. “I tried to get all the guys in,” he said. “I am still trying to get the team to gel and see where they are at. We are 12 games into the season and some of these guys still shy away from pressure. “I want to see who stands up to the pressure, especially man-toman and the trapping because that is what we are going to see in district.” The Hawks face St. Augustine on Tuesday in a rematch that went to the Knights by 20 points at the Border Olympics early in the season. “We already saw them play and know what to expect and I am hoping that we give them a better game at home,” Villarreal said.
On the final drive, Griffin had runs of 22 and 8 yards before his scrambling 34yard TD throw across the field with 8 seconds left. “The last play of the game, threw back of the end zone, which kind of defines to me him, and how he’s matured into a great player,” Missouri coach Gary Pinkel said. “He not only has great athleticism, his accuracy at throwing, his arm strength, also his playmaking ability. ... He’s a special one.” After a 4-0 November sweep by the Bears — who had won a combined four Big 12 games in November the previous 15 seasons — Griffin made his final statement for Heisman voters by throwing for 320 yards with two long touchdowns and ran for two more scores in a 48-24 victory over Texas. “He epitomizes everything you have to be to become a complete player on and off the field and that’s why he’s a finalist,” Baylor coach Art Briles said. Griffin, a fourth-year junior, holds or shares 46 school records. By time Griffin played his first game for the Bears in 2008, when at 18 he was the nation’s young-
est FBS starting quarterback and weighed only about 190 pounds, he was already a Big 12 champion and NCAA All-American in the 400-meter hurdles. He graduated from high school near the top of his class before enrolling at Baylor for the spring semester. “Coach Briles told me he’s not a prophet, but he did say that in two or three years, I’d be a Heisman Trophy finalist,” Griffin said. “And it’s coming true.” Griffin set an FBS record by throwing 209 passes to start his career before his first interception. Only three games into the 2009 season, Griffin tore the ACL in his right knee. He got a medical hardship redshirt and then in his comeback last year led the Bears to their first Top 25 ranking since 1993 and a bowl game. Now he is going to be in New York with the chance of winning college football’s most prestigious individual award. “Robert has become for many football fans the face of Baylor University,” athletic director Ian McCaw said. “He’s a model student-athlete. ... He basically was a 17-year-old
when he came here, and he’s a man now.” Griffin completed his undergraduate degree in political science last December and is working on a master’s degree in communication. He still has aspirations of going to law school, and could start that next year. That depends on if he decides to return for his senior season or declare for early entry into the NFL draft. He has given no real indication on what he plans to do. “I’m not trying to make a decision anytime soon. I’ll push it off as long as I can,” he said. “I didn’t think I would be in this situation after starting as a freshman. This would be my last year (without the injury) and there would be no huge decision whether to come back or leave.” Griffin doesn’t want his decision to be about money, possible draft status or whether he wins the Heisman Trophy. “You don’t want to leave primarily because of money and you also don’t want to come back primarily because of an award,” he said. “It won’t be about whether I win the Heisman or not this year.”
NBA Continued from Page 1B with you and after a few months wants to come back into your life. I have moved on and I don’t do seconds, because once you leave there is no coming back. Well, maybe…. Now the NBA has called and I have declined to answer. I am now into watching college basketball games and have even ordered the college package deal from my local cable provider to fill my soul with as much college hoops as I want. I have even made plans to attend a few of the Longhorns and Aggie basketball games because that is where my heart is right now. College basketball. The NBA and I had been in a steady relationship since the days of Larry Bird and Erving
“Magic” Johnson and those memorable NBA finals that pitted the Lakers and the Celtics. Those were the days, until Michael Jordan came along and made those great runs with the Chicago Bulls to etch his place in history. I followed the NBA religiously then and was plotted down on my couch during the NBA Finals ever since I was seven years old. But when the owners and players could not come to terms, throwing the NBA into a lockout, I decided to walk and find my basketball fix in other avenues. High school and college basketball have made me say, “The NB what?” Heck, even football has kept
me occupied the last few months. I am now watching a lot of NFL games and cannot wait until the College Football Bowl season where there are 35 games in four weeks. I am really looking forward to the day the first game is on television. I know there are a lot of Spurs, Mavericks and Rockets fans in Texas and are ready to see their favorite team on the court, but I am not. The wound is too fresh for me and watching a game right now might throw me into a tailspin, so no NBA for me at the moment. When the NBA starts preseason on Dec. 16, I’ll be at a local theater catching the latest flick or if a college game is on, I’ll be watching with my friends.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2011
THE ZAPATA TIMES 3B
HINTS | BY HELOISE Dear Heloise: I once called my PHONE COMPANY regarding an important issue. Not ever getting to speak to a real person, I hung up in total frustration. I left home to run some errands, and I saw a phone-company service truck parked in front of a residence. Still feeling frustrated, I pulled over and walked up to the repairman, and I politely told him my situation and asked him if he had a phone number I could call without going through all of this. He told me it’s the biggest complaint he gets from customers. He pulled out a card from his pocket and wrote the name and number of a person in the corporate office. I thanked him profusely. I called the number, and sure enough, the person he wrote down was the person who answered. I told him the issue, and after 15 minutes, the problem was resolved! — Sandra in California This is in response to a column about automated phone systems! Sometimes going straight to the top, if you can, is the best solution. — Heloise PET PAL Dear Readers: Irma in Augusta, Maine, sent a picture of five black kittens that she is fostering. They are arranged around the food dish in a pinwheel formation! To see the kittens and our other Pet Pals, visit www.Heloise.com, and click on the “Pets” link. — Heloise BLANKET HINT Dear Heloise: Years ago, I read instructions you had for removing the wires from an old electric blanket. Please help! — Mary A., via email
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HELOISE
Mary, this is so easy and eco-friendly, and it changes your electric blanket to a lightweight blanket in a flash! You need to take the top and bottom of the blanket, feel where the wires end and make a small cut in the blanket fabric. Then grab the wires and very carefully pull them out, along with the thermostat. If you need to make the cut a little bigger to get the thermostat out, it’s no big deal, because you are going to finish by sewing some stitches to close up the cuts. Now you have a recycled blanket to use all year long! — Heloise PERMANENT PARSLEY Dear Heloise: To have green parsley all winter, remove the leaves from stems of fresh parsley, then put in a blender with a glass of water. After mixing it in for about 30 seconds, put it through a strainer. After it is drained, put it in a plastic container and freeze. When you want parsley, use a fork to scrape out as much as you need. — Fred in Pennsylvania TISSUE ISSUE Dear Heloise: I love your column in the newspaper. A good hint: When I pack for a trip or a cruise, I wash my clothes, and when they come out of the dryer, I put a folded facial tissue in every pocket. So, when I travel and put on my clothes, the tissue will be there for me. — Dorothy P., Lakeland, Fla.
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Basketball
4B THE ZAPATA TIMES
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2011
Jefferson still with Spurs By PAUL WEBER ASSOCIATED PRESS
SAN ANTONIO — Richard Jefferson is still with the San Antonio Spurs, but maybe for not much longer. Jefferson reported for training camp Friday but did little to quiet speculation that the Spurs are actively trying to get rid of their starting small forward, who arrived in San Antonio to great fanfare in 2009 but has disappointed in two underachieving seasons. “Things happen, things change, but right now I’m a San Antonio Spur,” Jefferson said. If the Spurs can find a replacement for Jefferson, who will make $9.2 million this season, they might waive him under the league’s amnesty provision. Free agent Josh Howard is among the free agents who’ve spoken with the Spurs already. Asked about Jefferson’s future, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich simply said the 31year-old is on the roster right now like anyone else. Last season, Popovich benched Jefferson the second half of their final playoff game, a Game 6 loss to eighth-seeded Memphis in the first
round. The Spurs gave Jefferson a restructured four-year deal last summer. He’s owed $30.4 million over the next three years. “We didn’t amnesty anybody,” Popovich said Friday. Spurs guard Manu Ginobili was more candid. Although Jefferson didn’t shirk from questions about whether his days in San Antonio were numbered, he was rescued when Manu Ginobili sneaked up behind him and wrapped him in a bear hug. Someone joked it was Ginobili’s first assist this season. “It’s very difficult. Luckily I’ve never been in that situation,” Ginobili said. “I empathize with him. But it is what it is. We got to make him feel comfortable if he’s going to be with us. We had a great run last season and we want to do another one. It’s sad, but it happens.” Another question mark for the Spurs if forward Antonio McDyess, who appeared set to retire after 15 seasons but may still be back. He wasn’t at training camp Friday but Popovich wouldn’t rule it out. Among the few new faces was guard T.J.
Ford, who will be Tony Parker’s new backup after the Spurs traded George Hill to Indiana. The Spurs traded for Jefferson in 2009 to add some scoring punch. Jefferson had averaged 19.6 points the previous season in Milwaukee, and 22.6 points in New Jersey the year before. So assured were the Spurs of Jefferson that they took on his $29.2 million contract over two years. Popovich said at the time that Jefferson was as good a player as the Spurs might have picked up during the free agent bonanza of 2010, and that waiting might have been a gamble. But it was a rocky fit from the start. Jefferson bumbled through his debut season struggling to learn a new system, and Popovich spent last summer working with him one-on-one. There was progress as Jefferson became a corner 3-point specialist, but he still underperformed. He averaged 11 points, the lowest since his rookie year. Jefferson declined to speculate whether he would remain for a third season. “We’re not children. We’re not little kids that we want to feel wanted and stuff,” Jefferson said. “You want to work.
Mavs look to defend title ASSOCIATED PRESS
DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks are thinking about a repeat — even after losing some key players from their championship run. “We’re world champions,” Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle said. “We’re excited about that.” Beginning with Tyson Chandler, the team’s defensive and leader, the Mavericks have significant holes to fill before the season starts Dec. 25. Chandler agreed to the deal Friday with the New York Knicks as training camps opened. Jose Barea, a part-time starter and postseason star, is resigned to the fact he’s not coming back to Dallas. Caron Butler, injured much of last season but a key contributor before going down, has already signed with the Los Angeles Clippers. The Mavs also don’t appear to have much interest in bringing back DeShawn Stevenson. “The makeup of the team is probably going to be a little different, but that’s just the business of basketball,” Jason Kidd said. “That happens, but we still believe we can
win. We’re going to work extremely hard and take pride in being a champion and trying to protect our championship.” The Mavericks still have Dirk Nowitzki, the reigning Finals MVP who remains one of the league’s elite players despite being 33. Kidd, Jason Terry and Shawn Marion round out Carlisle’s veteran nucleus. “A championship is the goal,” Terry said. “In every training camp you want to set your goals high. Ours are very high, obviously for the reasons of myself, Dirk, J-Kidd, Marion. We’ve been around a long time. We know what it takes to win.” The Mavs had only 10 players for the first workout, including Brandan Wright who was signed Friday. Rudy Fernandez is expected to clear up visa issues and be in camp Monday. League rules stipulate that teams carry at least 13 players. “Our roster isn’t complete,” Carlisle said. “There are still possibilities that exist outside of who is here.” The decision not to sign any of the team’s key free agents is a result of the new collective bargaining
agreement, owner Mark Cuban has said in various interviews. The CBA, ratified Thursday by the owners and players, has made cap room a more valuable than ever before, Cuban added. Since buying the franchise, Cuban was simply able to outspend competitors to build a contender. The Mavericks have been over the luxury tax threshold for virtually his entire 11-year tenure. By not signing Chandler and Barea, in particular, the team is projected to be under the salary cap next season. Kidd and Terry are also entering the last year of their contracts, which would take millions more off the books. Cuban said that cap room will not only aid in signing players — Dwight Howard, Chris Paul and Deron Williams are among the possible big-name free agents available next summer — but make trades easier to execute in the coming years. Cuban’s goal is to restock talent while the Mavericks are at or near the top. “I’m anxious to see what our roster will look like,” Carlisle said.
Photo by Kin Man Hui | San Antonio Express-News
Manu Ginobili (left) and Richard Jefferson are seen at practice as players for the Spurs attend their first team practice on Friday, Dec. 9. You want to enjoy your environment, not necessarily feel wanted. Because you could feel wanted in a situation where you don’t want to be in.”
Rockets mixed at nixed deal By CHRIS DUNCAN ASSOCIATED PRESS
HOUSTON — Kevin Martin and Luis Scola joined the Houston Rockets for their first full practice Friday, hours after the NBA nixed a three-way trade that would have sent them to New Orleans and brought Pau Gasol to town. Hornets star Chris Paul was headed to the Los Angeles Lakers, and Rockets backup point guard Goran Dragic and L.A. forward Lamar Odom would’ve moved to New Orleans in the deal. The NBA rejected the proposed trade for what it termed “basketball reasons,” leaving Martin, Scola and Dragic to report to training camp with a team that was apparently ready
to send them away. The easygoing Scola took it all in stride, saying he had “no hard feelings” toward Houston or general manager Daryl Morey. “They had a trade that they believed was good for the team, and they tried to do it,” Scola said. “That’s nothing to blame them for. And I’m happy to stay here.” Martin, the Rockets’ leading scorer in 2010-11, seemed a bit more upset. “Daryl (Morey) showed his cards, and you’ve just got to put your teammates first and nothing else after that,” he said. In the wake of the big deal falling apart, the Rockets missed out on re-signing sturdy forward Chuck Hayes, their only unrestricted free agent.