The Zapata Times - 09/20/2008

SATURDAY

ON THE HORIZON

SEPTEMBER 20,2008

Hawks gear up for 31-3A season SPORTS 1B

FREE

The Zapata Times DELIVERED EVERY SATURDAY

TO 4,000 HOMES

A HEARST PUBLICATION

ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM

Higher ed center funds in doubt

By PAUL S. MARTINEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES

A meeting will be scheduled for the near future to clarify some confusion regarding the funding for the new Zapata County Advanced Technology Center, which houses higher education opportunities for local residents.

Officials had reported a total of $3.1 million secured for the project, but about $1 million might now be in question.

Zapata County Judge Rosalva Guerra said she believes the county will have to re-apply for the $1 million Economic Development Administration grant.

But Peggy Umphres Moffett, director of the Zapata County Economic Development Center and the person who applied for the original Economic Development Administration grant, said the money is in place.

Umphres Moffett said there may need to be some amend-

ments, but there doesn’t have to be a completely new application.

The initial fiscal agent for the project was the Zapata County Independent School District, but when enough money was gathered to fund construction of a new building, district officials decided they could no longer serve as the agent and returned $200,000 to the county.

Guerra said the county is now the fiscal administrator of the fund to build the facility.

ZCISD Superintendent Romeo Rodriguez confirmed the change in financial leadership.

“Because of the fact that right now, our systems are overextended, our personnel is overextended because we’re in a construction mode, it was the board’s decision, it was our decision at the district, that we ask for support from the county … so they could be the fiscal agents,” Rodriguez said.

The school district has housed the early version of the center for the

last two years, but it is now closed.

Rodriguez said the district plans to honor its commitment to pay for the administration of the center once the new building goes up.

“Once the center is built, we already allocated some funds to hire an administrator,” he said. “We want to be active partners.”

The project, which started in 2006 to offer classes from Laredo Community College as well as other educational programs, has strong support throughout the

county and has attracted the attention and dollars of local philanthropists.

Philanthropists Jose M. Ramirez Jr. and Maria Eva Uribe Ramirez, for example, donated $100,000 for the project and the Guadalupe and Lilia Martinez Foundation has donated more than $300,000.

Zapata County has pledged $400,000, and a $1.5 million grant was recently secured from the

See CENTER | PAGE 11A

Marin victim in crash THE ZAPATA TIMES

Photo by Ulysses S. Romero | The Zapata Times

PUTTING IN A

PERMANENT PUMP Intake project just about ready

By PAUL S. MARTINEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES

or the past 10 years, Zapata County Water Works workers have spent countless hours following the level of the Rio Grande.

When the river level goes up, the workers move up the temporary pump that supplies Zapata County with the more than 2 million gallons of water needed daily.

But the labor-intensive work is on the verge of ending — a new water intake system goes online sometime within the next month or two, officials said.

“We’re 95 percent done with (the Falcon Lake Raw Water Intake project),” said engineer Manuel Gonzalez, with Premier Engineering, who has been working on the pump.

The Falcon Lake Raw Water Intake

F

Photo by Cuate Santos | The Zapata Times

TOP: Engineer Manuel Gonzalez explains to Zapata Commisioners Jose Emilio, and Joe Rathmell the details of how the pump works and the final touches needed to get it online. ABOVE: June 24, 2008 file photo of drilling rig working on construction of pier to extend water intake pump in Zapata.

project is a permanent structure with a metal bridge that extends about 170 feet into the river.

The platform sits about 310 feet above the bottom of the lake, which is at about 282 feet. Three turbine pumps plunge into the river, each drawing 2,500 to 2,800 gallons of water per minute, Gonzalez said.

The new intake system can pump up to 7 million gallons a day, more than twice what Zapata County normally uses.

The water is then transferred via a 24-inch waterline about three miles to the Zapata Water Plant, Gonzalez said.

“Right now, we’re running at about 90 percent capacity,” Precinct 1 Zapata County Commissioner Jose Emilio Vela said. “This system will relieve that.”

The U.S. and Mexican heads of the International Boundary and Water Commission were killed this week while they were taking a survey by air of flooding along the Rio Grande near the Big Bend area.

In addition to U.S. Commissioner Carlos Marin and Mexican Commissioner Arturo Herrera of Ciudad Juarez, two others also died in the plane crash: Jake Brisbin Jr., executive director of the Rio Grande Council of Government; and Matthew Peter Juneau, the pilot the chartered Cessna 421.

Marin, 54, lived in Laredo for several years and was well known in Zapata.

“He exhibited a profound deMARIN votion and love to our Rio Grande and the dams that controlled its waters — both Falcon and Amistad,” said Zapata County Judge Rosalva Guerra. “Carlos was always willing to listen to the needs of Zapata County when we called on him.

“Our prayers and thoughts go to his family during this sad time.”

Peggy Umphres Moffett, president of the Zapata Economic Development Center, was equally saddened at the loss.

“From the get-go, Commissioner Marin proved to be a reliable and dependable supporter of the Falcon Lake Water Management Plan,” Umphres Moffett said. “He took action in support of Zapata

See MARIN | PAGE 11A

See PUMP | PAGE 12A

NOTE TO READERS The column ‘A Lake View’ will return next week.

University graduate school gets $3 million gift

By JULIAN AGUILAR THE ZAPATA TIMES

Graduate studies at Texas A&M International University received a boost earlier this week to the tune of $3 million from the Lamar Bruni Vergara Trust.

The money will go toward scholarships, fellowships and assistantships for students in enrolled in graduate studies at the university.

The gift follows a $10 million endowment the trust awarded the university three years ago and is something TAMIU president Ray Keck said will create

benefits that reach far past the school’s campus.

“While our students are the primary beneficiaries, the true gain is to our city and region which every year receives a remarkable infusion of TAMIU graduates ready to give, ready to lead and ready to serve as catalysts of change,” Keck said in a statement Thursday.

School officials hope the donation will translate into a larger graduate-student body and brighter opportunities for students already enrolled at the university.

“Ideally it will increase our en-

“Ideally it will increase our enrollment and get more students in and also make it a little easier financially for individual students .”

DEAN OF GRADUATE STUDIES JEFFREY BROWN rollment and get more students in and also make it a little easier financially for individual students to shoulder the burden of tuition and books,” said Jeffrey Brown, dean of the Office of Graduate Studies.

Awards will be issued to qual-

ified students in three ways, through scholarships, fellowships and assistantships.

“The scholarships will be a $1,000 per semester including summer, for $3,000 (total) and that’s pretty much free money for just taking classes and doing

well,” Brown said.

The fellowship option, Brown said, requires students work at least 10 hours per week with a professor and contribute by grading, tutoring students and helping others identify their own research interests.

“The fellowship option is $2,000 per term, a total of $6,000 (per year),” he said.

The assistantship, Brown said, could provide as much as $12,000 annually and also requires students assist professors on a weekly basis.

“Toward the latter part of their (assistantship recipients’) gradu-

ate career, students can theoretically teach their own class,” he said. “Which is a really great opportunity.”

The school also hopes to utilize the funds to enhance current programs and allow students the opportunity to showcase their accomplishments.

“Hopefully if we can make it all work we want to have a campus wide student research conference next semester so all the students who are doing research can get a chance to display their posters or have a talk and give that out to a

See TAMIU | PAGE 11A

Zin brief

SATURDAY,SEPTEMBER 20,2008

AROUND THE NATION | IN BRIEF

WHAT’S GOING ON

Galveston lays out plan for residents to return

The 51st Expomex, the annual fair and livestock exposition in Nuevo Laredo, offers a variety of shows every night during its two-week run, including charreadas, American-style rodeos and musical performances. There are also carnival rides, exhibits, demonstrations and a nightly fireworks show. For a complete schedule of events and other information,visit www.expomex.com.mx

SATURDAY,SEPT.20

Photo by Pablo Martinez Monsivais | AP

President Bush, second from left, accompanied by, left to right, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke,Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, and Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Christopher Cox, delivers a statement about the economy and government efforts to remedy the crisis on Friday in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington.

Bush says government role essential to easing crisis ASSOCIATED PRESS

SUNDAY,SEPT.21 There will be a pet wellness fair today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Petco parking lot, 5410 San Bernardo Ave. All-day events include free pet health checks, health seminars, free samples of pet food and free refreshments. Beginning at 1 p.m., rabies, deworming and parvo vaccines will be offered at low cost.For more information,call (956) 796-0510.

THURSDAY,SEPT.25 Everyone is invited to join the Laredo Philharmonic Chorale at their Thursday practices at 7 p.m. at the TAMIU Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Band Hall. For more information, call Brendan Townsend, LPC director, at 326-3039 or Gloria Flores, president, at 722-3269.

TUESDAY,OCT.7 The Zapata Soil and Water Conservation District is having a free Range and Wildlife Management Field Day today at the Holiday Inn Express, 167 U.S. 83, in Zapata starting at 9 a.m.Lunch will be served.To reserve a place, call (956) 765-4344 ext. 3 by Sept. 30.

THURSDAY,OCT.9 The South Texans’ Property Rights Association is having a Stakeholders Meeting from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Zapata County Community Center, 607 U.S. 83. For more information, call (361) 537-4573.

OCT.27-30 It’s the Texas-Oklahoma Shootout fishing tournament at Falcon Lake.For more information, call 765-4871.

NOV.6-9 Zapata celebrates its sesquicentennial with a series of events. For more information, call 765-9920.

NOV.20-22 The 2008 Walmart FLW Series FishOff is set for Falcon Lake. The lake will play host to top-ranked National Guard Western Division and BP Eastern Division pros from the 2008 season. For more information, visit www.FLWOutdoors.com

To submit an item for the daily calendar, send the name of the event, the date, time, location and a contact phone number to editorial@lmtonline.com

CONTACT US Publisher, William B. Green . . . . . . . . . . . .728-2501 Business Manager Dora Martinez. . . . . . . . 220-1660 Chief Accountant, Thelma Aguero . . . . . . .728-2553 Controller,Joe Vied . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .728-2502 General Manager,Adriana Devally . . . . . . .728-2510 Retail Adv. Manager,Agustin Magallanes .728-2511 Classified Manager, Sandra Valderrama . .728-2525 Adv. Billing Inquires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .728-2531 Circulation Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .728-2550 Creative Services Director, Raul Cruz . . . .728-2596 MIS Director, Michael Castillo . . . . . . . . . . .728-2505 Editor, Diana Fuentes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .728-2581 City Editor,Julie Daffern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .728-2565 Sports Editor, Dennis Silva II . . . . . . . . . . .728-2579 Business Editor desk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .728-2529 A&E Editor, Kirsten Crow . . . . . . . . . . . . . .728-2543

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

The Zapata Times is free.

The Zapata Times is published by Laredo Morning Times, a division of The Hearst Corporation, PO Box 2129, Laredo,Texas 78044. Phone (956)728-2500

The Zapata Times

WASHINGTON — President Bush on Friday asked Congress to approve extensive federal intervention in financial markets that he said is both warranted and essential to halt the worst financial crisis in decades. “We must act now,” he said.

“America’s economy is facing unprecedented challenges. We’re responding with unprecedented measures,” Bush declared, standing in the White House Rose Garden with Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke and Christopher Cox, chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Shortly after his remarks, Bush called congressional leaders with whom the administration would be negotiating through the weekend to devise a rescue package. He spoke to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell. He planned to reach House Republican

leader John Boehner later in the day.

The administration wants to see a package emerge from the weekend, to lend calm to Monday morning’s market openings, said Keith Hennessey, the director of the president’s economic council.

The goal is to have something passed by Congress by the end of next week, when lawmakers recess for the elections.

“This is a pivotal moment for America’s economy,” Bush said in his most extensive remarks this week on the crisis. He said that a financial contagion that began with low-quality home mortgages had “spread throughout our financial system” and frozen many financial transactions.

The president said the federal government should interfere in the marketplace “only when necessary,” and that this is one of those times. “Given the precarious state of today’s financial markets, and their vital importance to the daily lives of the American people, government intervention is not only warranted, it is essential,” he said.

Cover with female pastors pulled from shelves

Ike helps uncover mystery vessel on Ala.coast

Fla.authorities say they can’t prove Foley case

ATLANTA — The five women on the cover are dressed in black and smiling — not an uncommon strategy for selling magazines.

But these cover girls are women of the cloth, featured in Gospel Today magazine’s latest issue, which the Southern Baptist Convention has pulled from the shelves at its bookstores, though the magazine is available for sale upon request.

The group says female pastors go against its beliefs, according to its interpretation of the New Testament. The magazine was taken off stands in more than 100 Lifeway Christian Bookstores across the country.

FORT MORGAN, Ala. — When the waves from Hurricane Ike receded, they left behind a mystery — a ragged shipwreck that archeologists say could be a two-masted Civil War schooner that ran aground in 1862 or another ship from some 70 years later.

The wreck, about six miles from Fort Morgan, had already been partially uncovered when Hurricane Camille cleared away sand in 1969.

Researchers at the time identified it as the Monticello, a battleship that partially burned when it crashed trying to get past the U.S. Navy and into Mobile Bay during the Civil War.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Former U.S. Rep. Mark Foley won’t face state or federal criminal charges for allegedly sending salacious computer messages to underage male pages, in part because authorities couldn’t prove the authenticity of the chats, officials said Friday.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement also noted in an investigative report that too much time had passed since the February 2003 messages to bring any charges.

“There did not appear to be probable cause that a crime was committed,” the report said.

—Compiled from AP reports

TODAY IN HISTORY ASSOCIATED PRESS

Today is Saturday, Sept. 20, the 264th day of 2008. There are 102 days left in the year.

Today’s Highlight in History: On Sept. 20, 1519, Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan and his crew set out from Spain on five ships on a voyage to find a western passage to the Spice Islands in Indonesia.

On this date: In 1870, Italian troops took control of the Papal States, leading to the unification of Italy.

In 1873, panic swept the floor of the New York Stock Exchange in the wake of railroad bond defaults and bank failures.

In 1947, former New York City Mayor Fiorello La Guardia died.

In 1958, civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. was seriously wounded during a book signing at a New York City department store when a black woman, Izola Curry, stabbed him in the chest. (Curry was later found mentally incompetent.)

In 1962, black student James Meredith was blocked from enrolling at the University of Mississippi by Gov. Ross R. Barnett.

(Meredith was later admitted.)

In 1973, in their so-called “battle of the sexes,” tennis star Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3, 63, at the Houston Astrodome.

In 1978, John Vorster, prime minister of white-ruled South Africa since 1966, announced his resignation.

In 1984, a suicide car bomber attacked the U.S. Embassy annex in north Beirut, killing a dozen people.

Ten years ago: After 2,632 consecutive games, Cal Ripken of the Baltimore Orioles sat out a game against the New York Yankees, ending a 16-year run.

Muriel Humphrey Brown, widow of Vice President Hubert Humphrey and his brief successor in the U.S. Senate, died in Minneapolis at age 86.

F i v e y e a r s a g o : Aquila alHashimi, a member of Iraq’s Governing Council, was shot in Baghdad; she died five days later.

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi easily won re-election as head of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party. A sightseeing helicopter crashed in the Grand Canyon, killing all seven on board.

2A

AROUND TEXAS | IN BRIEF

TODAY – SEPT.21

Family Readiness Group of the Texas Army National Guard 436th Chemical Company is having a fundraising car wash from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the National Guard Armory, 5119 Bob Bullock Loop. Donations will be accepted. For more information, call 206-8079 or 744-1772.

There will be a pet wellness fair today from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Petco parking lot, 5410 San Bernardo Ave. All-day events include free pet health checks, health seminars, free samples of pet food and free refreshments. For more information, call (956) 796-0510.

Sames Motor Co., 6001 San Dario Ave., is having the DNA LifePrint Child Safety Event from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. today. For a child’s fingerprints to be submitted into the FBI database if they are reported missing, they must be in the FBI-certified format.The event is free.For more information, call Evelyn Cain at (956) 721-4700.

ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM

GALVESTON — Authorities laid out a plan Friday — a week after Hurricane Ike began lashing the Texas coast with 110mph winds and relentless storm surge — to let about 45,000 anxious evacuees back onto Galveston Island for good.

It will be another week before that happens, however, as crews were only beginning to get basic services restored on the crippled barrier island.

A lone pump was back on at a gas station about two blocks behind the Galveston seawall Friday. Cell phone service was mostly restored and power was gradually coming back on.

Residents will be allowed to return in phases, starting from the least damaged areas, primarily behind the seawall on the east side of the island, then gradually out to the heavily damaged west end, city manager Steve LeBlanc said.

Texas jobless rate rises to 5 percent in August AUSTIN — Texas unemployment jumped to 5 percent in August as job growth slowed to a

crawl and the number of job seekers grew sharply.

The jobless rate rose from 4.7 percent in July, mirroring an increase nationwide, the Texas Workforce Commission reported Friday.

However, the Texas unemployment rate remained below the national figure of 6.1 percent.

Employers in Texas added just 6,700 nonfarm jobs in August, the second-smallest gain this year after the revised increase of 5,200 jobs in May.

Luminant asks to build new nuke reactors AUSTIN — Dallas-based Luminant said Friday it is applying to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to build two new reactors at its Comanche Peak nuclear power plant near Glen Rose.

It’s an early step in a multiyear permitting process. It would take nine to 10 years until the reactors are up and running if they are approved, counting permitting and construction time, said David Campbell, chief executive officer for Luminant.

Luminant would not provide a construction cost estimate.

—Compiled from AP reports

AROUND THE WORLD | IN BRIEF

Photo by Salvatore Laporta | AP

Immigrants are seen during a protest following the slain of six Africans in Castel Volturno, near Naples, Italy, on Friday. Hundreds of African immigrants took their anger over the slaying in an alleged hit by the Neopolitan mafia to the streets, hurling rocks and smashing car and store windows.

Chinese parents seek North Korea hardens answers on bad baby milk stance on nuclear complex SHIJIAZHUANG, China — Hundreds of Chinese parents, some cradling infants, converged on the company at the heart of the tainted baby formula scandal Thursday, demanding refunds and asking what they can safely feed their children.

Thousands of others filled hospitals, many hovering over sons and daughters hooked to IVs after drinking milk powder tainted with melamine, a toxic industrial chemical that can cause kidney stones and lead to kidney failure.

The scandal highlights the changing family dynamics and economic growth in China.

SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea said Friday that it no longer wishes to be removed from the United States’ terrorism blacklist, signaling that it is hardening its stance. The North Korean Foreign Ministry also confirmed what the United States and South Korea have said already: it has begun to reassemble a nuclear complex that can produce weapons-grade plutonium.

“We neither wish nor expect to be delisted as a ‘state sponsor of terrorism,”’ the state-run news agency, KCNA, quoted a ministry spokesman as saying.

—Compiled from wire reports

HISTORIC GAME One year ago: President Bush declined to criticize Blackwater USA, a security company in Iraq accused in a shooting that resulted in civilian deaths, saying investigators needed to determine if the guards violated rules governing their operations.

Thousands of chanting demonstrators filled the streets of Jena, La., in support of six black teenagers initially charged with attempted murder in the beating of a white classmate.

T o d a y ’ s B i r t h d a y s : Singer Gogi Grant is 84. Actress-comedian Anne Meara is 79. Actress Sophia Loren is 74. Rock musician Chuck Panozzo is 61. Hockey player Guy LaFleur is 57. Jazz musician Peter White is 54. Actress Betsy Brantley is 53. Actor Gary Cole is 52. TV news correspondent Deborah Roberts is 48.

Rock musician Randy Bradbury (Pennywise) is 44. Actress Kristen Johnston is 41. Rock singers Gunnar Nelson and Matthew Nelson are 41. Rock musician Ben Shepherd is 40.

Thought for Today: “I believe that man will not merely endure: he will prevail.” — William Faulkner, American author (1897-1962).

AP photo/file

In this Oct. 8, 1956 photo, catcher Yogi Berra (8) jumps into the arms of pitcher Don Larsen after Larsen pitched the first perfect game in World Series history, defeating the Dodgers 2-0 at Yankee Stadium. So much of baseball’s history has occurred here: Of the 601 World Series games, 100 have been played here. Eleven nohitters have been pitched here, including three perfect games.

Zlocal

SATURDAY,SEPTEMBER 20,2008

ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM

3A

Fire department snuffs fire near old restaurant

TOP KIDS

By ZACH LINDSEY THE ZAPATA TIMES

Zapata Fire Department managed to control a fire that could’ve grown into a structure fire on Wednesday around 1 p.m. at the former Godkin’s Restaurant on US 83.

“We had a report come in as a structure fire,” said Fire Chief J.J. Meza.

When Lieutenant Jorge Oyervides and his fellow fire fighters got to the site, however, it wasn’t a structure fire — yet.

Someone had been burning trash in an old shed on the property.

An aerosol can, left in the burning trash, exploded, and the fire got out of hand.

The shed went up quickly, and was burned by the time the fire department got there.

But a nearby palm tree caught as well, and it threatened the house and old former barbecue restaurant on the property.

Fire fighters managed to put out the flaming tree before it could spread to the house.

“We got there in time to save the house,” Meza said.

(Zach Lindsey can be reached at 956-728-2538 or zach@lmtonline.com)

Wildlife field day on Oct. 7 SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

Courtesy photo

Villarreal Elementary School recently announced the 2nd and 3rd Grade Students of the Week. Shown left to right in the bottom row are Rosaisela Salinas,Ashley Aguilar,Amber Bello, Brianna Del Bosque, Edmundo Garcia and Danny Rodriguez. In the top row, left to right, are Laura Villarreal, Celinda Solis, Mariana Martinez, Fanny Ledesma, Briseda Carmona and Claudio Garcia.

STELLAR STUDENTS

The Zapata Soil and Water Conservation District will be having a free Range and Wildlife Management Field Day on Tuesday, Oct. 7, at the Holiday Inn Express, 167 Highway 83, in Zapata starting at 9 a.m.

Other sponsors include the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative.

Presentations will include “Flexible Stocking Systems in Deep South Texas” and “Hands-Off Deer Management: Alternatives to Intensive Deer Management.”

An update on the Zapata County Soil Survey will also be given. Following lunch, an optional brush management tour will be held at the Veleño Ranch. Lunch will be provided.

To reserve your place, call 765-4344, extension 3, by Sept. 30.

THE BLOTTER DEADLY CONDUCT Deputies said three unknown suspects fired about 10 shots Sunday near the intersection of 19th Street and Medina Avenue.

Authorities arrived on scene at about 10 p.m. and recovered eight rifle casings.

Deputies said it’s an open and active investigation.

BURGLARY OFA HABITATION

Courtesy photo

Villarreal Elementary recently celebrated its Fourth and Fifth Grade Students of the Week. Shown left to right in the bottom row are Adriana Sanchez, Julissa Chapa, Juan Diaz, Alicia Ramirez and Monique Buruato. In the top row, left to right, are Kevin Feijoo, Tatiana Lopez, Alexa Alvarez, Theresa Villarreal, Mayra Salazar and Yehynny Ledesma.

Deputies responded to a possible sexual assault Sunday in the 600 block of Laredo Avenue.

According to deputies, a suspect entered the residence without the owner’s consent at about 10 p.m. He then put his hand over a female’s mouth, but after falling to the ground, he fled from the home.

The offender was identified as Ruben Osbaldo Carmona of the 700

block of 12th Avenue.

Deputies said the case is an open and active investigation.

ASSAULT Deputies said a juvenile assaulted a woman at about 4:30 a.m.Monday in the 300 block of Gonzalez Street.

According to the deputy’s report, the suspect is wanted for assault causing bodily injury.Also, the sheriff’s office said the case is open and active.

BURGLARY OFA BUILDING Sheriff’s deputies responded to a theft call Sept. 13 and arrived on scene to find a building had been burglarized in the 2100 block of Retama Street.

According to authorities, unidentified subject(s) entered the building and took several items. n Deputies arrested a man Sunday in the 1500 block of Siesta Lane on the

charge of burglary of a building.

The suspect was identified as Stephen Anthony Griffin of the 800 block of Laredo Street.

According to authorities, they found Griffin inside a tool shed adjacent to the burglarized building.

HITAND RUN A hit and run was reported at about 7:30 a.m. Sept. 13 in the 900 block of Miraflores Street.

According to authorities, an offender, identified as Omar Chapa of Bravo Avenue, collided with the complainant’s vehicle and fled the scene.

STOLEN VEHICLE Avehicle was reported stolen Monday from outside a residence in the 5400 block of Vicky Lane.

According to deputies, the case is open and active.

Zopinion

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20,2008

ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM

4A

OTHER VIEWS

COLUMN

Small town news travels quickly

By JOHN KELSO COX NEWS SERVICE

USTIN — Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin’s touting of the wonders of small-town values in her acceptance speech reminded me of my ride in a red convertible a few weeks ago while serving as the grand marshal of the Bastrop Homecoming Parade.

I was chatting with my driver, a Bastrop businessperson who shall remain anonymous, about how reporters at this newspaper hadn’t been able to get in contact with defrocked Bastrop County Sheriff Richard Hernandez .

Hernandez had lost his sheriff’s job and done 90 days in jail for using county inmates and county resources to build and sell high-dollar barbecue pits to line his own pockets. But he was out of the joint, and he was about to open a barbecue joint in Elgin.

That sounded to me like an ironic story worth chasing. But Hernandez wasn’t coming to the phone.

“I have his cellphone number,” my driver said.

When I called the sheriff, he sounded surprised that I had his number, which is surprising in itself. A small-town sheriff should know that small towns have no secrets. If you have a wart in a small town, people know where you picked up the frog. If you eat breakfast at the Chat ‘N Chew at 8 a.m., when you walk into the bank at 9, the teller’s going to ask you, “How’d you like them eggs?”

One of the small-town values

A

Palin didn’t mention is that everybody knows your business. I know, because I grew up in a small town. Here are some other small-town values Palin didn’t specify.

In small towns, you don’t have to use your turn signals because everybody in town already knows where you’re going.

If two people are having a fling, folks in town know about it three days before anyone’s even swapped spit.

Everybody in town can list eight or nine good reasons why all the candidates running for city council shouldn’t be elected. And several of the reasons have to do with your nutty in-laws.

The town mail carrier can tell you who gets child support checks in the mail, when they’re supposed to arrive and how long it’ll be before the old lady goes looking for the deadbeat dad with her rolling pin.

The locals can tell you who is at the saloon by checking the trucks that are parked out front and what time a fistfight is going to break out later that night based on whose trucks are sitting out there.

If there’s a drug bust, everyone in town can tell you which house got hit, what kind of dope the cops found and how long it’ll be before the dealer gets a new shipment.

Now, there are some real small-town values for you. Makes you want to move to the country, huh?

(Reach John Kelso writes for the Austin American-Statesman at jkelso@statesman.com)

COLUMN

Irony can make life worth living I swore I’d never use the word irony in a song. Of course, the irony is I never meant to live this long.

— “Robot Moving,” by Jon Dee Graham

By GARY BORDERS COX NEWS SERVICE

ONGVIEW — Lately, the world seems ironic to me.

Guess that beats several other scenarios, such as civilization is spinning madly out of control, our economic system is on the verge of collapse, or an asteroid will soon strike our planet.

One of my favorite bumper stickers reads: “If you aren’t completely appalled, then you haven’t been paying attention.”

However, being optimistic most days, I look for the quirks to cheer me up, or at least give me pause. For example: A buddy was ambling behind a car here in Longview the other day. On the right side, above where car dealers usually put their logo, was a raised-metal version of the Christian fish symbol — ichthys. (There are several variations of the spelling.) Just below on the right bumper was a sticker that read in neon colors: Follow Me to Hooters.

Now that’s irony, folks. Big time.

I often walk with a friend down a quiet road that eventually meanders outside the city limits, though barely. It’s not really out in the country but there aren’t many houses, mainly woods. One site especially drew my interest.

Two “No Dumping” signs were tacked on trees just off the road.

Below the signs were all manner of trash — a rusted washing machine, a men’s-bathroom-green recliner, beetle-brown beer bottles and faded plastic jugs. A few days passed between our walks, during which someone chunked a windshield-washer blue mattress to the collection.

I shot a photograph of this ironic mess, though I don’t know what to do with it. Maybe I’ll make a large print of it and use if for target practice, since plinking literal litter bugs is illegal.

I mean, really. If you have to haul off a washing machine, why would you go up and down the road looking for a “No Dumping” sign?

Wouldn’t it be simpler to find

L

a landfill or a metal salvage company?

I have been collecting interesting names of hair salons for years.

That’s a genre given to idiosyncratic signage. My current favorite is “Kutt Me Klean,” a modest establishment in the country outside Pittsburg.

I’ve been dreaming up country-music song titles, a field filled with irony. Someone once told me all country songs are about loving or leaving, or some combination of both. That’s exactly right. I can’t dream up lyrics, understand, since that would require more effort than I’m willing to expend in a field in which I’m utterly inept.

Music, that is. But if I could find a gifted lyricist and accompanying person to draft the tunes, I think we could have a bright future. So here are a few of my titles.

If You Won The Lottery, I Bet You’d Be Gone.

Take the Trash Out When You Leave.

Buying That Hummer Has Turned Into A Bummer.

I Was Looking For A Job When I Found This One. I know. I should try to hold on to my day job.

Austin is the capital of a lot of things weird, including bumper stickers. I believe there are more stickers per capita in River City than anywhere else in Texas — and possibly the country. I have seen cars whose color really couldn’t be discerned from behind, because of the stickers festooned all over the rear bumper, trunk and back window.

Some of my favorite ironic and iconic bumper stickers from Austin, the blue dot in a largely red state: Worst. President. Ever. I like the periods. It’s reminiscent of our city’s first version of its current slogan: Real. East Texas. Living.

We Are Making Enemies Faster Than We Can Kill Them.

At Least the War on the Middle Class is Going Well Hey? How Did All These Conservatives Get Into My Bedroom?

Irony may keep me sane. It’s iffy. Everyone says put one foot in front of the other. Of course, the irony is that’s the only way feet work. What luck. Jon Dee Graham, again.

(Reach Gary Borders, publisher of the Longview NewsJournal, at gborders@coxlnj.com)

YOUR OPINION Zapata shouldn’t worry about proposed weir dam in Laredo; it’ll never get built To the editor: I don’t think Xavier Villarreal has anything to worry about concerning the proposed weir dam (letter published in Laredo Morning Times on Sept 13). He is reading too much of the political propaganda regarding the project.

It is nothing but a weird idea of our politicos to grab head-

lines. First of all there is no money; there is only enough to make a study.

The study will show that the project is not feasible.

There is not enough of an area to retain water without flooding valuable and protected real estate.

For many years Nuevo Laredo was generating electricity

with a similar facility, but it became cheaper to buy the electricity elsewhere, and the project was abandoned.

The study will also reveal that such a project will not be allowed by the EPA. As we all know, in times of drought (which seems to be always), the river barely reaches the Gulf. For the same reason

Comisión de Limites y Aguas (Mexican regulatory agency) will not allow it; neither will the U.S. Coast Guard.

I think Falcon Lake is doing OK as a recreational facility.

What about all those fishing tournaments?

Signed, Paul Cavazos Laredo

Zapata County should rally forces south of Laredo to fight proposed new lake in Laredo To the editor: Recently Laredo’s governmental leaders announced the proposal of making a lake north of Laredo on the Rio Grande River. This lake project will have serious effects from Zapata to Brownsville.

A reservoir for electric powers and recreation as Laredo’s leaders are seeking will hold the normal water flow south to Zapata County.

This project will cause a permanent environmental damage because Falcon Lake will get millions of gallons of higher

undiluted raw sewage daily, and other harmful chemicals dumped by Mexico below the proposed Laredo Lake on to the Rio Grande River.

This raw sewage and harmful chemicals will cause dangerous health conditions and a lower quality of life to the people south of Laredo.

In 1996, Zapata County faced the same situation, however, County Judge Norma Villarreal Ramirez and the County Commissioners were able to obtain the support of the county judges, commissioners and

mayors in Starr, Hidalgo, Cameron and Willacy counties to halt the construction of the lake north of Laredo, thus avoiding the hazardous health conditions to the people south of Laredo.

Today we are sure and hopeful that County Judge Rosalva Guerra and the Commissioners will again seek the support of the Valley’s county judges, commissioners and mayors to prevent the north of Laredo lake project.

Furthermore, the community of Zapata — Zapata County

Independent School District, Chamber of Commerce, Zapata Visitors and Convention Center, Economic Development Center, oil and gas interests, corporate leaders and business leaders — have to come together and ask state Senator Judith Zaffirini, U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar and state Representative Ryan Guillen to help us save Falcon Lake as we know it today.

Signed, Angel Garza Retired Commissioner San Ygnacio

Proposed low-level weir on Rio Grande in Laredo wouldn’t hurt Zapata or Falcon Lake To the editor: In response to the Sept. 14, 2008, letter to the editor submitted by Xavier “Tavy” Villarreal regarding Rio Grande River dams, I write to clarify the facts for your readers.

As Congressman for the 28th Congressional District of Texas, it is my responsibility to represent the best interest of my entire 12-county constituency, which extends from Guadalupe County (Seguin) in the north to Hidalgo County (Pharr) in the south, and includes Zapata County.

In doing so, my first concern is providing the best representation possible to all our com-

munities. A native south Texan, I am deeply committed to helping Zapata County and will do everything within my reach to foster its growth and economic development.

Falcon Lake, a treasure to Zapata County, South Texas and the nation, will not be jeopardized by the construction of the low-level weir as Mr. Villarreal states. Similarly, Rio Bravo and El Cenizo will not be affected by this low-level weir as asserted

by Mr. Villarreal.

The “1944 Water Treaty: Utilization of Waters of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande between the United States and Mexico” out-

lines how much water belongs to the United States and Mexico, and requires for the flow of water to continue downstream.

Construction of this weir will not impede the flow of water downstream.

Before his untimely death, Carlos Marin, U.S. Commissioner of the International Boundary and Water Commission, and I had been working closely on the project. He said more water is lost due to evaporation compared to the amount that the weir will hold.

Mr. Villarreal also stated that following the construction of Lake Casa Blanca, the flow of water to the south, which be-

longed to the Valley, was stopped. Lake Casa Blanca was built as a reservoir for rainfall and it is not connected to the Rio Grande River. Construction of this lake did not reduce the amount of water that flows downstream.

I invite anyone with questions relating to this issue to please contact me in my Washington, D.C., office at (202) 225-1640.

As always, I welcome the input of the people I represent in Washington.

Signed, Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. Congressman 28th Congressional District of Texas

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY Laredo Morning Times does not publish anonymous letters.

To be published, letters must include the writer’s first and last names as well as a phone number to verify identity. The phone number IS NOT published; it is used solely to verify identity and

to clarify content, if necessary.

The identity of the letter writer must be verified before publication.

Letters are edited for style, grammar, length and civility. No name-calling or gratuitous abuse is allowed.

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

We do publish “thank you” letters, but due to limited space, we ask writers to list no more than 10 names in such letters. Letters with more than 10 names will not be published.

DOONESBURY | GARRY TRUDEAU

Via e-mail, send letters to editorial@lmtonline.com or send to: Letters to the Editor; 111 Esperanza Drive; Laredo, TX 78041.

Letters also may be dropped off at the office during regular business hours, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Zlife HONOR

Karla J. Gutierrez Ortiz

Karla Judith Gutiérrez Ortiz,representing Club de Leones Fundadores,was elected as Miss Independence 2008, during the festivities in Ciudad Mier on Sept. 15, 2008. Ciudad Mier Mayor José Iván Mancias Hinojosa congratulated her and presented Gutiérrez with her title and sash before the El Grito ceremony.

Yaritza Garcia

Mrs. Yaritza Garcia was elected as Miss Independence 2008-2009 in Nueva Ciudad Guerrero on Sept. 15, 2008. Mayor Olga Juliana Elizondo Guerra and her husband, Rogelio Olivares, congratulated the winner and gave her a Mexican sombrero instead of the common crown.

MISS MANNERS BYJUDITH MARTIN

Ease up on affection DEAR MISS MANNERS — I recently moved from California to Louisiana to take a distinguished university professor position. Here, it is very common for strange young ladies in service positions, such as waitresses, restaurant hostesses, bartenders and grocery clerks to adMARTIN dress me as “hun,” “sweetie,” “dahlin’,” etc.

At institutions that I frequent, often this can also be accompanied by hugs from female staff who see me on a regular basis. I realize this is all innocent and well-accepted here in the South, and so I embrace it with good humor, but the custom can sometimes lead to confusion.

For example, a visiting professor from another country cornered me after one such friendly after-dinner discourse and demanded to know if, as it seemed, I was indeed having an affair with the overly affectionate waitress. I tried to convince him this was all just local custom but he did not seem all that convinced.

How should I proceed under such circumstances?

GENTLE READER — Rapidly in the opposite direction. Apparently, you have not yet heard of the local custom that takes place when the waitress’ gentleman friend strolls in with his buddies and discovers her in one of those innocent, good-humored embraces.

SATURDAY,SEPTEMBER 20,2008

ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM

5A

Cuisine a la cause

By JASON BUCH LAREDO MORNING TIMES

racie Carrillo, La Posada Hotel’s food and beverage director, says she has a personal reason for wanting to take part in this year’s March of Dimes Signature Chefs event at the hotel.

“My son was born premature,” Carrillo said. “It’s something personal for me. He was born less than 2 pounds. He was a 24-weeker, and he did suffer complications. To be honest, that’s basically one of the main reasons I decided to take part in (the event) — due to the fact that they helped me out, my son survived, and he’s a thriving 4-yearold now.”

The Signature Chefs gala event will take place Thursday at La Posada. It will feature local chefs showcasing their talents and also include fundraiser auctions.

Each chef featured in the food samplings at the gala will be auctioning off packages to raise money for March of Dimes.

March of Dimes raises money to provide prenatal care and testing to those who can’t afford it, as well as information about and treatment for prematurely born babies.

G

Diego’s case When her son, Diego, was born, he was underdeveloped,

Carrillo said. March of Dimes helped educate her about the treatment he would need.

“They gave me all the literature, and I was informed on all the possibilities in what could go wrong with my child,” she said.

That information included what sort of tests he would need, the side effects of the drugs Diego would be treated with and what could happen as he got older, Carrillo said.

“There was always somebody there that was able to talk to us, that was able to tell us what would happen — if and in case something did, I was informed,” she said.

In light of what March of Dimes did to help her son, Carrillo said she’s passionate about helping the organization.

The goods Whoever wins the auction for Carrillo’s package at the gala — valued at $1,200 — will get to have her cook for them a gourmet cake that serves 20 to 25 people for every month for one year.

“My forte is desserts, I have a passion for desserts. I love to do things with fruits and sugar,” Carrillo said laughing. “I can make a skinny person fat, trust me.”

Carrillo says she can make any kind of dessert or cake the bidder wants.

“I’m open to anything and everything people want,” she

said. “Someone asked me for wasabi ice cream, I made them wasabi ice cream. If someone asked me for the strangest thing, I would make it, and it would probably satiate their palate.”

Also featured at the event will be Alberto Gutierrez, La Posada’s executive chef.

For the gala event’s sampling, Carrillo says she’ll be making gourmet cupcakes, including white chocolate cupcakes infused with liqueur and topped with vanilla butter cream and white chocolate shavings; molasses carrot cake cupcake with cinnamon cream cheese icing; and raspberry double chocolate fudge cupcakes topped with a fudge butter cream icing and chocolate sprinkles and shavings.

Carrillo said people come to her for flan and cheesecake, but her favorite ingredient to work with is chocolate.

A symphony of the senses Gutierrez’s chef ’s package, valued at $1,200 as well, is a sixcourse tasting for eight people, accompanied by wine.

Gutierrez said six-course tastings are often done ala minute. In other words, he’ll likely be improvising.

The key, he said, is to make the flavors of each course play off each other.

“With flavors, when you’re doing a tasting, you don’t want to

Photo by Cuate Santos | Laredo Morning Times

Gracie Carrillo, of La Posada prepares some batter at the hotel's kitchen. start off heavy and go light,” Gutierrez said. “You want to escalate in bolder flavors with a climax, like a book would be.

There’s an introduction, a body, then it goes off to climax and concludes with dessert. It’s going be sort of symphony of flavors mingling with each other. You don’t want one dish (to) outdo the other. It should set you up for next one.”

Gutierrez will be coming to the table to describe each dish and explain why the wine for that course complements it, he said.

Gutierrez said his favorite foods to work with are seafood and beef.

The Signature Chefs event is an opportunity for local chefs to show off, but the main reason they’ll be there is to support March of Dimes, he said.

Zentertainment ENTERTAINMENT BRIEFS SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

Piña to play Papagallos Celso Piña, a musician considered a revolutionary within the business for helping to popularize regional vallenato, is scheduled to play a concert at Papagallos USA, 5924 San Bernardo Ave., at 10 p.m. tonight with his group, Su Ronda Bogota.

Tickets are $20 presale at Danny’s Restaurants, La Roca and Torta-Mex locations. Tickets will also be on sale beginning at 8 p.m. at the door.

For more information, call 7264347.

‘Barrio’on the big screen Family. Tradition. These are the cornerstones of the Hispanic culture, and San Antonio’s own Chicano independent filmmaker, Efrain Gutierrez, captures that with heartfelt sincerity in his latest film, “Barrio Tales: Tops, Kites and Marbles,” which will be screened free to the public at the Laredo Public Library H-E-B Multi-Purpose Room on Sunday at 2 p.m. as part of Hispanic Heritage Month.

Along with the filmmaker, the movie’s star, Domingo Chavez, will appear at the library Sunday for photos and autographs.

pendently conceived artistic messages will be the focus of an art installation, which opens Monday at 10:30 a.m. in the Yeary Library on the Laredo Community College Fort McIntosh Campus.

Art lovers are invited to attend the reception for “Building Meaning: Installation in the Library.”

Admission is free.

Mariachi madness Aficionados of mariachi music are in for a special treat, thanks to Laredo Community College’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month at both campuses.

The festivities begin with a special concert featuring LCC’s Mariachi Palomino on Monday at about 1 p.m. in the Kazen College Center.

Admission is free and open to students and the community.

Bellydancing on the banks Bel’s Shimmy by the Rio Festival Internacional de Danza Arabe will offer a daylong workshop at La Posada. It is $140 to register.

There is no experience required, and participants must be at least 15 years old. For the general public, there will be performance at 7 p.m. Admission will be $12. For more information or to register, call 285-4136 or visit www.belsdancestudio.com.

Organs aloud

Moto mojo

One of America’s most highly acclaimed concert organists and choral directors will play at the first performance of the 2008-2009 Texas A&M International University Sharkey-Corrigan Organ Recital Series. Gerre Hancock, professor of organ and sacred music at the University of Texas at Austin, will perform at TAMIU at 4 p.m. in the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Recital Hall.

This event is free and open to the public.

Freestyle Motocross will compete two nights — Friday, Jan. 23, and Saturday, Jan. 24, 2009 — at the Laredo Entertainment Center at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are available at the LEC box office, all Ticketmaster outlets, online at ticketmaster.com and by phone at 712-1566.

Ticket prices are $20 for goldcircle seating for adults and children, $16 for midlevel adult seats and $5 for kids’ seats.

Freestyle Motocross events play to sold-out stadiums and arenas nationwide.

For more information, visit www.freestylemotocrossonline.com.

Installing meaning Three artists with three inde-

SATURDAY,SEPTEMBER 20,2008

ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM

6A

Ghosts nag dentist in comedy

By CHRISTY LEMIRE ASSOCIATED PRESS

‘Ghost Town’ A great idea that doesn’t have very far to go: A guy dies for seven minutes while under anesthesia, then when he comes back to life, he sees ‘GHOSTTOWN’ dead people.

Comedy, Sci-Fi And they see him, and talk to PG13 him, and follow 1 hr. 43 min. him around Manhattan all day nagging him to help them with their unfinished business so they can go off to the great beyond in peace. Naturally, the man the ghosts flock to hates people, dead or alive, and so he dreads the company.

This is a perfect fit for Ricky Gervais, whose brand of humor mines laughs from the moments in life that make you cringe: the awkward pauses, the uncomfortable asides. His character, Bertram Pincus, became a dentist specifically because it would mean he’d never have to talk to people, but rather shove cotton and sharp tools in their mouths to shut them up.

But you can only wander down this comic road for so long; once you’ve run through a few sight gags, you have to go somewhere else with this high-concept premise. Unfortunately, director and co-writer David Koepp heads toward sticky sentimentality — and that’s not nearly as good a fit for Gervais. The way in which the ghosts find closure, and the visual effect that accompanies that moment, is too feel-good and looks especially cheesy. It’s as if Koepp and cowriter John Kamps have created two separate movies and jammed them together.

Greg Kinnear co-stars as a cad of a businessman who was having an affair when he died, with Tea Leoni as his widow who is about to remarry.

Photo by Sarah Shatz/Dreamworks LLC | AP

In this image released by Dreamworks, LLC., Ricky Gervais, left, portrays a dentist who, after a near death experience, can see ghosts, in a scene from,“Ghost Town.”

“Ghost Town” is playing at Hollywood Theaters.

‘LakeviewTerrace’ You could argue that all Neil LaBute movies are horror movies. Whether it’s “In the Company of Men,” “Nurse Betty” or “The Shape of Things,” someone always ends up being tormented and terrorized in some way. And in true horror-flick fashion, the victim is usually a woman.

But here, the director takes his first real stab at the genre, if you will (“The Wicker Man” doesn’t count because it was a remake, and because it was just so awful).

And with this story of a psycho-cop who tries to run off his new next-

door neighbors, you wish he’d have just given into the B-movie instincts of the material, and not tried to make “Lakeview Terrace” about Something Important.

As an overzealous Los Angeles police officer, Samuel L. Jackson clearly seems ready to head down such a cliched, schlocky road. He is, after all, the one who triumphed over all those (expletive) snakes on that (expletive) plane.

But LaBute, working from a script by David Loughery and Howard Korder, is trying to probe the dangers that lurk within a seemingly safe suburbia with making a statement about race relations. It’s “Unlawful Entry” meets “Crash” — you can almost hear the pitch meeting going on in your head.

Jackson’s

‘LAKEVIEWTERRACE’ Abel Turner is Action, Drama PG13 1 hr. 46 min.

a strict, single father of two who patrols his hillside cul de sac as thoroughly as he works his beat.

When racially mixed newlyweds Chris (Patrick Wilson) and Lisa (Kerry Washington) move in next door, he turns even more prickly. Some of the initial tension is intriguing, but any early good will gets obliterated by the over-the-top ending.

“Lakeview Terrace” is rated PG-13 for intense thematic material, violence, sexuality, language and some drug references. It is playing at United Artists North Creek 10.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2008

THE ZAPATA TIMES | 7A

ZFrontera AGENDAEN BREVE Educación

LAREDO — La caminata de Hope Knocking at your Door de LISD es el sábado a las 9 a.m. en instalaciones de Nixon High School (2000 E.Plum).Más información en el (956) 795-3296.

Servicio Social

LAREDO — El Departamento de Salud de la Ciudad de Laredo anuncia que habrá vacunas contra la influenza y neumonía en una clínica especial el sábado de 8 a.m. a 12 p.m. en sus intalaciones del 2600 Cedar. El costo de la vacuna es de 18.00 dólares para niños y adultos. Gratis para receptores del Medicare Part B. La vacuna nuemocóccica tiene costo de 28 dólares. Más información llamando al (956) 795-4906.

LAREDO — La Feria de Salud es el sábado en el Laredo Civic Center Ballroom y Meeting Rooms, de las 9 a.m. a las 2 p.m. Es gratuita y abierta al público.Más información llamando a la Presidenta de la American Diabetes Association Feria de Salud, Brissa Vela en el (956) 693-3873.

LAREDO — Sames Motor Co., 6001 San Dario Ave., será anfitrión el sábado del evento DNA LifePrint Child Safety Event de las 9:30 a.m. a las 2 p.m. Las huellas digitales de los niños serán enviadas al FBI, en caso de que se reporten extraviados estarán en la base de datos. El evento es gratuito.

Para más información llame a Evelyn Cain en el (956) 721-4700.

LAREDO — BMP Radio y Mall del Norte invitan a una Campaña de Donación de Sangre, el sábado de 10 a.m. a 6 p.m. en el estacionamiento al Mall (por la entrada de Calle del Norte).

Todos los donadores entrarán a una rifa de un reclinable y de un año de cortes de cabello. Los donadores deben ser mayores de 17 años, pesar al menos 110 libras y estar en buena salud general. Se recomienda comer y beber líquidos antes y después de la donación. Se requiere identificación.

SÁBADO 20 de SEPTIEMBRE de 2008

EN INTERNET: THEZAPATATIMES.COM

Laredo tendrá nuevo Wal-Mart Por JOE RUTLAND LAREDO MORNING TIMES

Desde Wall Street a Main Street, los problemas económicos golpean a toda la nación, pero en Laredo, la economía no se encuentra en tan temible situación.

De hecho, un nuevo WalMart Supercenter abrirá en el norte de Laredo a finales de 2010, de acuerdo a una portavoz de la compañía.

“Siempre estamos buscando maneras para atender a nuestros clientes en Laredo mejor”, dijo a principios de semana Sally Aiello, gerente de relaciones públicas y relaciones gubernamentales para Wal-Mart.

“Por ése motivo, estamos buscando abrir un nuevo supercentro

CONCHAS

SALINAS

en la esquina de Loop 20 e International a finales de 2010 para ser parte del gran crecimiento en ésa parte de la ciudad”.

Muchos estadounidenses ven difícil una luz en época sombría.

En sí, los laredenses pueden generalmente depender del sector de ventas y los clientes mexicanos que llenan las tiendas locales.

“El comprador mexicano es atraído por tiendas grandes como

Wal-Mart”, dijo Miguel Conchas, presidente y CEO de la Cámara de Comercio de Laredo. “Ciertamente lo recibimos de buena manera (al cuarto Wal-Mart)”.

El Alcalde Raul Salinas estuvo igualmente complacido con las noticias.

“Cada vez que podamos contribuir de manera favorable al sector económico, éso son buenas noticas”, dijo. “Dice mucho acerca de nuestra ciudad y su capacidad para permanecer económicamente estable”. “¿Ha terminado la crisis de la vivienda? No lo sé”, expresó el martes Jake Spruiell, consultor financiero con Wells Fargo Investments en Laredo. “Avanzando, la esperanza es que no hemos tocado fondo”.

Spruiell dijo que muchas gente no estaba calificada para comprar casas que realmente no podían pagar en primer lugar.

“Nos encontramos en medio de una desaceleración económica”, declaró. “Más allá de los problemas de la Unión Europea, todavía se encuentra el Reino Unido lidiando con sus problemas de vivienda. Por allá, la palabra clave es inflación. En los EU, es estanflación ó deflación”.

Laredo no ha sido inmune a las preocupaciones por vivienda, mas el efecto en la economía local todavía no ha sido malo.

Los negocios continúan abiertos en la ciudad, y mientras que el ingreso de impuestos sobre las ventas no es tan sólido como los funcionarios de la ciu-

Deportes

LAREDO — El equipo de fútbol soccer femenil de Texas A&M International University recibe el sábado a Texas A&M – Commerce, a las 11 a.m. La entrada general es de 5 dólares; 3 dólares para estudiantes,y gratis para cualquiera con identificación de TAMIU. Llame al 3262891, para más información.

Entretenimiento

NUEVO LAREDO — En el Teatro del Pueblo de la Feria y Exposición Fronteriza de Nuevo Laredo se presenta el sábado el grupo Los Traileros del Norte y el domingo,como cierre,Ninel Conde.

LAREDO — El Laredo Community College presenta el domingo al Mariachi Palomino dentro de las festividades del Mes de la Herencia Hispana.

El concierto es a la 1 p.m. en el Kazen College Center. La entrada es gratuita y abierta a estudiantes y la comunidad.

LAREDO — El sábado 27 de septiembre salen a la venta los boletos para el evento WWE Smackdown & ECW que se ofrecerá en el Laredo Entertainment Center el martes 21 de octubre a las 6:30 p.m. Puede adquirir su boleto a partir de las 10 a.m. en la taquilla de LEC y en los expendios de Ticketmaster. Los precios varían de 20, 25, 30 y 40 dólares.

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

dad habían esperado, aumentó durante el año pasado.

“La industria de ventas es una de las más sólidas que ayudan a nuestra economía”, dijo Conchas. “Ésta tienda (el cuarto Wal-Mart) atenderáa a compradores locales además de los mexicanos. Ciertamente es una gran atracción para ésta comunidad”.

Walgreen’s estará abriendo dos tiendas en las próximas semanas, hay un nuevo Chick-filA y un nuevo Rudy’s Country Store and Bar-B-Q también estará viniendo (a Laredo).

El alcalde dijo que los laredenses pueden sentirse orgullosos del clima comercial de la ciudad.

“Somos bendecidos con nuestro crecimiento económico”, dijo.

GRITAN ¡VIVA MÉXICO! esde Nuevo Laredo hasta Miguel Alemán, los Ayuntamientos celebraron las ceremonias del Grito de Independencia la noche del 15 de septiembre.

En las fiestas, se enalteció a los héroes que en 1810 iniciaron el movimiento independiente. Igualmente hubo juegos pirotécnicos.

Los presidentes municipales encabezaron el desfile conmemorativo al 198 Aniversario de la Independencia de México, el 16 de septiembre, con la participación de las escuelas locales, donde los niños vistieron de los héroes nacionales.

D

Cultura

LAREDO — El Planetario Lamar Bruni Vergara de Texas A&M International University presenta el sábado “Extreme Planets”, a las 6 p.m.,“Seven Wonders”, a las 7 p.m., y“U2 Full Dome Experience”a las 8 p.m.La entrada general es de 5 dólares; en tanto para niños, alumnos, personal y ex-alumnos de TAMIU es de 4 dólares.Más información llamando al 326-2444.

NUEVO LAREDO — La escritora Mónica Lavín presentará el libro “Hotel Limbo”el sábado a las 8 p.m. El evento serán en el Auditorio de Estación Palabra Gabriel García Márquez (César López de Lara 1020). Entrada libre.

LAREDO — La primera presentación del 2008/2009 Sharkey-Corrigan Organ Recital Series, con la actuación de Dr. Gerre Hancock es el domingo a las 4 p.m. en el Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Recital Hall. El evento es gratuito y abierto al público en general. Más información llamando al 326-2649.

LAREDO — El College of Arts and Sciences Center for the Fine and Performing Arts de Texas A&M International University presenta el lunes “Migration”, pinturas e impresiones del artista Billy Hassell. La exhibición estará abierta hasta el 9 de octubre, en horario de lunes a jueves de 12 p.m. a 5 p.m. El evento es gratuito y abierto al público. Llame al 326—3041, para más información.

8A

Fotos de cortesía

Con una luz centrada en el balcón del Palacio Federal, el jefe de gobierno de Nuevo Laredo, Ramón Garza Barrios saluda a las más de 45 mil personas reunidas la noche del Grito de Independencia, acompañado de su esposa Rebeca, de sus hijos, del Alcalde de Laredo Raúl Salinas y su esposa Yolanda, así como autoridades civiles y militares. El último Grito en este lugar fue en 1966, hace 42 años.

La alcaldesa de Nueva Ciudad Guerrero, Olga Juliana Elizondo Guerra, ondea el Lábaro Patrio, en el balcón de Presidencia Municipal, ante familias que se reunieron par dar el Grito.

Dentro de los festejos por la Independencia, el presidente municipal de Ciudad Mier, José Iván Mancias Hinojosa, a la derecha, declaró como Señorita Independencia a Karla Judith Gutiérrez Ortiz, representante del Club de Leones Fundadores de Ciudad Mier. A la izquierda, la primera dama, Isabel Cristina Treviño de Mancias.

Expomex concluye el domingo

FIT celebrará décimo aniversario Por MIGUELTIMOSHENKOV TIEMPO DE LAREDO

Por MELVA LAVÍN-CASTILLO ESPECIAL PARA TIEMPO DE ZAPATA

NUEVO LAREDO — El domingo 21 de septiembre concluye la Feria y Exposición Fronteriza de Nuevo Laredo.

En la página de internet oficial se indica que “EXPOMEX”, fue organizada por primera vez del 14 al 20 de septiembre de 1958.

“A partir de ese año se ha realizado este evento septembrino año con año de forma ininterrumpida durante ese CONDE mes, participando en la celebración de la Fiestas Patrias”, indica la página.

En 70,000 metros cuadrados, la Feria cada año y durante dos semanas se llena de color, luces, música y ante todo, “buscamos que la gente sienta el ambiente familiar”, dijo el presidente de Expomex, Carlos Fernando Garza González.

Este año, según datos de Expomex, participaron 250 expositores nacionales donde se pro-

En el balcón de Presidencia Municipal,el jefe de gobierno de Miguel Alemán, Servando López Moreno, dio el tradicional Grito de Independencia para posteriormenter ondear la Bandera Mexicana.

Foto de cortesía/archivo | Expomex

El Grupo Los Traileros del Norte se presentan esta noche en el Teatro del Pueblo de la Feria y Exposición Fronteriza de Nuevo Laredo. La Expomex termina el domingo 21 de septiembre. movió la la artesanía, la gastronomía y otros productos nacionales; además del área de juegos mecánicos.

En el Teatro del Pueblo, noche a noche, se presentan gratuitamente artistas de primer nivel, por lo que Garza González invita a toda la frontera chica a asistir a estos dos últimos días de feria.

El sábado se presentan los Traileros del Norte y para el cierre estará Ninel Conde.

También gratis en el Palenque se presenta el show ecuestre internacional, con ballet, exhibición de caballos de alta escuela, acrobacias, imitadores, comediantes, animadores y otras sorpresas. Además el rodeo tipo americano con

jinetes montando toros, así como los payasos de rodeo “que le ponen la pimienta al espectáculo”.

Estos dos últimos días de feria, el show ecuestre es a las 7 p.m. y el rodeo a las 9 p.m.

“La entrada (al Palenque) es gratuita, se acredita con el ingreso a los terrenos de la Expomex”, dijo Garza González.

La reina de Expomex 20008 es Cindy Anahi Peña García, quien fue coronada el primer día de Feria el viernes 5 de septiembre en el Teatro del Pueblo.

No se pierda estos dos últimos día de la Feria en Nuevo Laredo.

(Con información del reporte de Tiempo de Zapata, Miguel Timoshenkov).

El Festival Internacional Tamaulipas este año se celebrará del 11 al 26 de octubre.

Reconocido por CONACULTA como uno de los dos principales eventos culturales del país, el Gobernador de Tamaulipas Eugenio Hernández y su esposa Adriana González de Hernández han encabezado presentaciones invitando a todos al festival.

Este año el FIT celebra su primera década, y, por ejemplo, en Nuevo Laredo, el Director de Cultura Municipal, Héctor Romero Lecanda, anunció la presencia de Emmanuel, Joan Manuel Serrat, Alex Sintek, Alejandro Filio, Víctor Manuel y Ana Belén.

“Son espectáculos de primer nivel como la Orquesta de Rótterdam y el Ballet Tropicana de Cuba”, dijo Lecanda. “Abrirá el festival con el homenaje a la neolaredense Fela Fábregas, impulsora del teatro y de grandes talentos en el país”.

Todos los municipios del estado han realizado un esfuerzo importante para que el 80 por ciento de las presentaciones sean gratuitas.

Foto de cortesía

Gobernador Eugenio Hernández Flores y la Primera Dama Adriana González.

En el caso de Ciudad Mier, se es pionero en este festival, gracias al apoyo de la Fundacion Cultural del Cántaro y de cada una de la autoridades en turno.

Los eventos que se presentarán en Cd. Mier serán de talla internacional y nacional completamente gratuitos.

En los diez años del festival se ha contado con la participación de artistas de al menos 70 países.

El Festival Internacional Tamaulipas celebra su décima aniversario y espera nuevamente tener récord nacional de asistencia, como en las pasadas tres emisiones.

Zbusiness

SATURDAY,SEPTEMBER 20,2008

ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM

9A

Oil passes $100 a barrel on bank bailout plan

By STEVENSON JACOBS ASSOCIATED PRESS

NEW YORK — Oil prices rose past $100 a barrel Friday, gaining for a third day as a government plan to absorb billions of dollars of banks’ toxic debt emboldened investors to put money back into the markets.

Light, sweet crude for October delivery rose $2.64 to $100.52 a barrel in early trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange after earlier rising as high as $103.64.

Crude has climbed about $10 in past three days as a historic government in-

tervention into the financial system at least temporarily halts a steep fall below the $100 level.

But analysts say PAIN AT THE prices could resume their downward trend, noting that demand for energy will likely remain weak as a slumping economy leads Americans to drive less and businesses to scale back operations.

Speaking Friday, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson said the latest rescue plan was aimed at removing troubled assets

PUMP

from the books of banking institutions and restoring calm to panicky financial markets after a week of intense volatility.

The move soothed skittish investors and sent stocks surging on Wall Street, giving a boost to energy and other commodities. Crude jumped nearly $5 earlier in the day but later gave back some of those gains as investors returned to the theme of falling energy demand that has depressed the market in recent weeks.

“Oil followed equities higher in a knee-jerk fashion, and now everyone is sitting back and thinking twice about it,” said Stephen Schork, an analyst and oil

Stocks soar on bank rescue

By TIM PARADIS ASSOCIATED PRESS

NEW YORK — Wall Street extended a huge rally Friday as investors stormed back into the market, relieved that the government plans to rescue banks from billions of dollars in bad debt. The Dow Jones industrials rose more than 375 points, giving them a massive gain of more than 785 points over two days, and Treasurys fell as money flowed into equities.

A new ban on short selling, or placing bets that a stock will fall, was likely adding to the market’s gains.

“A big chunk of this is scaring all the shorts to cover their bets,” said Joe Battipaglia, market strategist at Stifel, Nicolaus & Co. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, speaking about the rescue plan said a bold approach is needed to remove troubled assets from the books of financial firms. He offered few details, but said he would work on it through the weekend with congressional leaders.

A plan to help the banking industry could help alleviate the un-

certainty that has been sending the markets into tumult over the past week. Lending has ground to a virtual standstill in the wake of this week’s bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. and the bailout of teetering insurer American International Group Inc. The government took other steps Friday to restore stability to the financial system. The Federal Reserve said it will expand its emergency lending and let commercial banks finance purchases of asset-backed paper from money market funds. The Fed injected another $20 billion in temporary reserves into the U.S. financial system. The central bank also will buy short-term debt obligations issued

by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Home Loan Banks.

And to help calm investors’ anxieties, the Treasury Department has decided to use a Depression-era fund to provide guarantees for U.S. money market mutual funds. Money market mutual funds are typically considered safe, but many investors have been fleeing them due to worries

about the funds’ exposure to souring corporate debt.

To help limit the freefall in financial stocks, the Securities and Exchange Commission on Friday enacted a temporary ban on the short-selling of nearly 800 financial stocks. Short-selling is the common practice of betting against a stock by borrowing shares and then selling them in the open market. A short-seller’s hope is the stock will fall; if it does, the stock can be bought back at the lower price. Those cheaper shares can be returned to the lender, allowing the investor to pocket the profits. Traders can lose, however, if the stock rises.

Wall Street observers have disagreed over the extent to which pressure from all those bets that a stock will fall shaped investor sentiment and strangled some financial stocks, like those of Lehman Brothers last week. Some say the fundamental problems with the financial stocks warranted the pessimism while others say the short selling was a death knell for some financial names.

trader in Villanova, Pa. “The euphoria is starting to fade because people realize we still have a weak economy and $100 oil in these conditions is still very expensive.”

Oil prices have fallen about $50 since reaching a record $147.27 a barrel on July 11 on concern that slowing economic growth in developed countries will undermine crude demand.

Those fears deepened this week as turmoil in the U.S. financial system led to the bankruptcy of investment bank Lehman Brothers Holding Inc. and an $85 billion government rescue of insurer American International Group Inc.

“Oil demand is coming off in the U.S. regardless of what Paulson does, but we may not see the sharp falloff that the market was increasingly worried about,” said Mark Pervan, senior commodity strategist with ANZ Bank in Melbourne.

Meanwhile at the pump, gas prices eased slightly as more Gulf Coast refineries came back on line following the passage of Hurricane Ike last weekend.

A gallon of regular fell less than half a penny to a new national average of $3.807, according to auto club AAA, the Oil Price Information Service and Wright Express.

10A | THE ZAPATA TIMES

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2008

Families get 300K pounds of food

9/11 TRIBUTE Students in Rosalinda Treviño’s Motivational Learning Center at Villarreal Elementary paid tribute to Sept. 11 by engaging in various patriotic activities.

Activities are featured behind the students.

Sitting, left to right, are Naian Garza, Panchito Guzman, Karim Alvarado and a smiling Pepe Bravo.

SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

Courtesy photo

Residents hope bags keep river at bay

By ALICIA A. CALDWELL ASSOCIATED PRESS

PRESIDIO, Texas — Airlifts of massive sandbags for a makeshift dam to protect this West Texas border town from the swollen Rio Grande started Friday afternoon.

The deafening sound of helicopter rotors filled the air as military choppers flew from a patch of desert west of Presidio, down the levee and to a railroad trestle. The helicopter crews were depositing the rotund sandbags as tall as tractor tires at the base of the trestle in hopes of stopping flood waters from reaching the city.

Presidio, a town of about 5,000 nearly 250 miles downriver from El Paso, has been under flood warnings for nearly two weeks as the Rio Grande steadily rose. The river first breached its banks and then filled a channel several hundred feet wide marked a pair of levees on each side of the border.

The flooding broke a levee just east of Presidio earlier this week. The water had covered an 18-hole golf course before overtaking acres of farmland and inching its was toward town.

River levels had held steady overnight and residents reported that flood waters moving toward populated areas had receded, Presidio

“The good news on the river is that levels seem to have stabilized.”

PRESIDIO COUNTY ATTORNEY ROD PONTON

County Attorney Rod Ponton said Friday morning.

“The good news on the river is that levels seem to have stabilized,” Ponton said. “We don’t know why that happened, but we’re happy.”

But the town is far from in the clear after two weeks of watching the river that divides it from Ojinaga, Mexico. The Rio Grande has been on the rise because of heavy rains and the forced release of water from the flood-stricken Luis Leon Reservoir in Mexico.

The situation prompted Gov. Rick Perry to issue a disaster declaration Thursday night. He also asked for a presidential disaster declaration for Presidio County.

“This situation poses an immediate danger to the residents of Presidio,” the governor said

in a statement.

Inmate crews spent much of the Friday filling the large sandbags and using thousands of small sandbags to fortify the base of a 1,300-foot stretch of railroad tracks. The trestle closest to the levee breach was getting the large sandbags, and two other trestles were getting dirt and sandbags to help stem the flow of water.

In Ojinaga, hundreds of homes were flooded after the Rio Conches jumped its banks and the “El Granero” dam overflowed, said Isaac Olivas, director of the Chihuahua state Civil Protection. Floodwaters reached 13 feet in some parts of the town.

About 300 families had been evacuated over the weekend, and no one was hurt. There had been no breaches in any of the dams on Mexico’s side of the border, Olivas said.

Water from the Rio Grande rushed across another levee break Friday morning east of Ojinaga, just across the river from where helicopter crews were dropping the larger sandbags.

The crews — two from Fort Hood and three that were in the state from Georgia to help with Hurricane Ike recovery — were being guided Friday by a pair of workers on the ground. County officials have said that the work would continue until the trestle dam was completed.

Give thanks Ike didn’t hit here

By DORA MARTINEZ SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

In the wake of the devastation caused by Hurricane Ike, let’s take a moment to reflect on what could have happened here in South Texas but did not occur — we are thankful for that.

Imagine for a moment if one of us were without electricity, water, food, work and transportation.

Just the thought of small children, the elderly and stray animals begging for help, and not being able to lend a hand is sobering.

In this day and age, we all take things for granted and forgot about catastrophe and Mother Nature. We need to start preparing for our own personal situation, especially our savings, for when disaster strikes.

It’s during moments such as these that we should all come together and start planning ahead by starting to save.

A family making $20,000 a

COLUMN year may save $100 per month, working on building a small nest egg of $1,200 for emergencies to help themselves or others. This suggestion is made in good faith, for all of us.

But money isn’t everything.

There’s so much else we can do for each other. People can donate clothing, food and even blood to help the victims of this terrible storm. Contact the Red Cross in

Laredo to do your part. Doing so is much appreciated.

And consider attending the church of your choice this week to thank our Lord for being kind to us.

What would you do if you were caught in a hurricane on an island? Let me know. E-mail me at MRTNDO@aol.com.

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

JUNIORS 2 X 4.00

zapata

SIERRA TIRE & WHEELS SIERRA TIRE & WHEELS 145761403 3 X 10.75

Nearly 300,000 pounds of food were distributed to Zapata families by the South Texas Food Bank in July, according to numbers presented by Alfredo Castillo, STFB executive director at the food bank’s monthly meeting at the Lamar Bruni Vergara Food Bank office.

The South Texas Food Bank serves a seven-county area with clients numbering 18,000 families and 36,000 individuals.

This month’s totals include: August distribution in pounds: 497,911; total for year, 4,435,413 (4.4 million) Clients served through August: 123,018 families, 103,391 children, 174,368 adults, 586,930 meals By county during July: Dimmit: 1,187 families, 389 children, 1,815 adults, 17,508 pounds; Jim Hogg: 814 families, 363 children, 1,092 adults, 28,660 pounds; Maverick: 489 families, 185 children, 604 adults, 34,126 pounds; Kinney: 125 families, 27 children, 148 adults, 4,685 pounds; Val Verde: 2,247 families, 1,655 children, 3,853

DELHOME 2 X 4.00

adults, 35,328 pounds; Webb: 10,392 families, 9,166 children, 10,123 adults, 298,757 pounds; Zapata, 1,072 families, 1,385 chil dren, 1,705 adults, 33,899 pounds Disaster relief (through other food banks): 44,948 Adopt-a-Family: 569 families are on file and 592 families on waiting list Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP): 6,269 elderly individuals with 849 on waiting list Food Stamp Outreach Program: July applications were 267 families and 1,983 applications for the year 10 Kids Cafés: 9,928 meals were served in July and 64,179 meals served for the year In other board action: OK’d two new agencies for food distribution. They are Laredo Life Center on Calton Road and Zion Camindo de Sanidad on Victoria Street.

Acknowledged September as Hunger Awareness Month Discussed America’s Second Harvest, which has changed its name to Feeding America, and its visit to the food bank on Oct. 1.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2008

THE ZAPATA TIMES | 11A

CENTER | Continued from Page 1A Texas Office of Rural Community Affairs through the help of state Rep. Ryan Guillen, D-Rio Grande City, and state Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo.

The planned new center will be an eight-building campus built across the street from the Zapata County Courthouse on county land.

Umphres Moffett said she is working on organizing a meeting with all the stakeholders within the next week or two to discuss where the project stands and how best to proceed.

(Paul S. Martinez may be reached at (956) 7282566 or paul@lmtonline.com)

MARIN | Continued from Page 1A County’s effort to bring about significant changes needed in developing a water management plan for the preservation and conservation of Falcon Lake.

“He made it a point to personally visit with me and our working groups when we needed assistance,” she added. “His efforts have brought us closer to realizing a plan that will have a significant role in the present and future economy of Zapata County.

“We extend our thoughts and prayers to the Marin family for their loss. He will be highly missed by all.”

Umphres Moffett said she was introduced to Marin by U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, who also expressed his sorrow over the loss of

the U.S. Commissioner.

“Carlos was a friend to all who knew him and was a person who truly cared about the well-being of residents along the U.S.-Mexico border,” Cuellar said. “He was a true public servant.”

The Associated Press reported that Border Patrol said the wreckage of the plane was found about 12:30 p.m. MDT Wednesday in a rugged section of the Sierra Madre in Mexico.

The plane was reported missing after it did not land on time Monday in Presidio, a border town about 250 miles southeast of El Paso, the AP reported. The crash site was about 13 miles from the Rio Grande. The plane was identified by its tail number.

The commission is a bination-

al agency responsible for maintaining the U.S.-Mexico border and the Rio Grande levees where the river becomes the border.

Marin was appointed commissioner by President Bush in 2006.

Commissioner officials said Marin’s survivors include his wife, Rosa, and two adult children. Marin and his family had been living in El Paso in recent years.

Herrera, a native of Mexico City, has run the IBWC’s Mexican section since 1989.

His survivors include his wife, April, and two children.

Before taking over the El Pasobased Rio Grande Council of Governments, Brisbin served as Presidio County judge and mayor of Marfa, according to AP.

TAMIU | Continued from Page 1A broader community,” Brown said.

“There will also be an opportunity for travelling so graduate students can travel to national and international conferences and present their papers.

“What I am hoping is they kind of cut their teeth here at TAMIU at a local conference and maybe some of the winners can go off to state, national and international conferences to present to a broader audience.”

Trustees Solomon Casseb Jr. and Jose C. Martin III said the donation is consistent with the trust’s mission to enhance education locally.

To be eligible for the awards, students must be fully admitted graduate students working towards a master’s or doctoral degree, enroll in six graduate hours each semester and maintain a grade point average in 3.5 or higher.

TAMIU currently has 5.967 students, 1080 of who are graduate students.

Courtesy photo

Shown are trustees of the Lamar Bruni Vergara Trust, Jose C. Martin III, left, and Solomon Casseb Jr. at the recent $3 million presentation for graduate studies at Texas A&M International University in Laredo.

12A | THE ZAPATA TIMES

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2008

Photo by Ulysses S. Romero | Laredo Morning Times

Engineer Manuel Gonzalez, left, disucsses the final phases of the Falcon Lake Raw Water Intake project with, from left,Zapata County Treasurer Romeo Salinas, commissioners Joe Rathmell and Jose Emilio Vela and Kewil Construction Company supervisor Adam Luna.

PUMP | Continued from Page 1A The current pump is situated on the riverbank. It needs to be moved often as the level increases or decreases.

While the county has two back-up pumps with the current system, the back-up pumps are not kept on site and would cause problems if one broke, Gonzalez said.

With the new system, all three pumps are permanent fixtures and only two would work at any one time to ensure there is always a back up.

There also are two 400-kilowatt generators, with 700-gallon fuel tanks, to ensure to pumps continue to work should there be a power outage.

At this point, all that is pending is for the power company set up the infrastructure for the pump.

It was designed to be used with Zapata County’s new water treatment facility.

Zapata County is ready to go out for bids for the new $14 million facility, which is being financed by an interest-free loan from the USDA Rural Water Development program, said Precinct 3 Commissioner Joe Rathmell.

The project cost about $2.7 million.

An intake pipe now in place in Lake Falcon will be replaced by the new intake system when it comes on line in a month or two.

The county is paying about $2.2 million while rest is coming from a USDA Rural Development grant.

This is one of Zapata County’s much-anticipated projects and should improve the quality of life for residents, Gonzalez said.

Zapata County Judge Rosalva Guerra and the four commissioners have always stressed the county’s infrastructure is a vital part of the community’s growth.

“Zapata County has been

growing in population, subdivisions and businesses. That can be seen in the amount of homes added to our tax base these past few years,” Guerra said. “It’s crucial that the county be able to keep up with the amount of demand as the county continues to grow.

The Falcon Lake Raw Water Intake project will provide infrastructure needed for the near future.”

The county will have a ribbon cutting ceremony when it formally opens.

The Zapata Times SATURDAY,SEPTEMBER 20,2008

ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM

Sports&Outdoors 2-0s face off Sunday

By CHRIS JENKINS ASSOCIATED PRESS

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Three years is forever in football.

But that’s how long Tony Romo and Aaron Rodgers had to wait before getting their shot at starting in the NFL. Now both young quarterbacks will lead 2-0 teams into Lambeau Field on Sunday for a prime-time showcase that represents another big step for Rodgers and a homecoming for Romo.

The Cowboys beat the Packers at Texas Stadium last year. But Rodgers nearly led the Packers to a comeback victory after Brett Favre struggled and

was injured, showing that he just might be a viable successor to the wily ol’ riverboat gambler.

“I think last year, he was going to be a good quarterback,” Cowboys coach Wade Phillips said of Rodgers. “And this year, he is.”

The Packers’ decision to end the prolonged distraction caused by Favre’s unretirement saga by trading him to the New York Jets was a painful way to start training camp.

The ordeal left fans stamping their feet and scratching their heads — but not for long. Rodgers’ play in the first two games has given second-guessers very

Soph has eye on winning

By KEITH MARTIN THE ZAPATA TIMES

With all eyes on football during the fall, sometimes the cross country gets very little recognition.

But to one person, that doesn’t matter.

Sophomore Danny Garcia, who has been running on the Zapata boys’ varsity cross country team for two years, has a passion for running. It started when he was in middle school and has continued to this day.

“I just love to run, period,” he said. “One of the many goals that I set for myself at the beginning of the season is to help get my team

GARCIA

little to criticize.

Rodgers is gradually playing his way out of Favre’s shadow in a style more akin to sound financial planning than high-stakes poker. Rodgers strives for efficiency and consistency, showing an ability to make big plays when possible but taking care of the ball above all.

His record so far: four touchdowns, zero interceptions, two wins. Rodgers even threw in a few scrambles for first downs along the way, adding a new dimension to the Packers’ offense.

And he’s not dwelling on his big mo-

ment in Dallas last year.

“That was last year,” Rodgers said.

“We’ve moved on.”

Romo, meanwhile, grew up in Wisconsin looking up to Favre. And it shows.

Romo’s freewheeling ways — on and off the field — and aw-shucks persona make him far more Favre-like than the man who actually replaced the threetime MVP. The numbers are there, too. Romo is coming off a 312-yard performance in a victory over Philadelphia on Monday night, with three touchdowns, an interception and a fumble.

See COWBOYS | PAGE 2B

File photo by Tony Dejak | AP

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) and Aaron Rodgers had to wait before getting their shot at starting in the NFL. Now both young quarterbacks will lead 2-0 teams into Lambeau Field on Sunday.

WAITING FOR THE BALL

past district and on to regionals and state. It would be great if I could also advance as an individual, but my top priority is helping my

team win.”

In cross country, the top five runners on a team accumulate the points necessary to win.

Garcia, second runner on the varsity, knows how the system works.

See SOPH | PAGE 2B

Courtesy Photo

Zapata’s Clarissa Solis,in white,and Alexis Garza,in maroon,await the opponent’s attack during the team’s match against La Feria earlier this week.

Lady Hawks start even in district play

By KEITH MARTIN THE ZAPATA TIMES

s most of South Texas picks up where it left off before Hurricane Ike, the Zapata Lady Hawks are back on the court as they get their district schedule under way.

With their first district game against Progreso having been postponed, the Lady Hawks (6-11, 1-1 323A) were forced to play back-to-back games Monday and Tuesday.

A

Courtesy Photo

Zapata senior Isaac Patterson, left, and junior Lacho Saenz are leading the way for the undefeated Hawks this season.

They played Progreso on Monday and won 3-0 (25-14, 25-17, 25-16), then hosted La Feria at home Tuesday and lost 3-2 (25-13, 14-25, 21-25, 25-15, 815).

Against Progreso, Tessa Moss led the way with 15 kills, two service aces and 10 digs.

Brandi King added five kills and eight service aces, and Lexi Garza had 20 assists.

Against La Feria, King had 13 kills, eight blocks and three digs. Moss

added 10 kills and 10 digs, and Adriana Pena added seven kills and four service aces.

Lynda Leyva had 12 digs, and Garza had 25 assists.

“The girls have done a tremendous job since the start of the season,” coach Rosie Villarreal said. “But the one thing that I feel is hurting us is the lack of experience.

“Our predistrict schedule was very

See PLAY | PAGE 2B

District play around the corner Titans ready to extend Texans’ misery

By KEITH MARTIN

THE ZAPATA TIMES

Before this season, many sports pundits predicated the Zapata Hawks to finish sixth in District 31-3A. But after an undefeated start, with their latest win coming over the Roma Gladiators, it seems the Hawks are well on their way to proving the naysayers wrong.

With the Hawks (3-0) ready to open district play next week against Rio Hondo, the question is

CORNERSTON 6 X 3.00

whether they can maintain their high level of play.

Among those who have stepped up their play this season is senior halfback-defensive back Isaac Patterson.

With over 250 all-purpose yards last Friday against Roma, Patterson continues to be one of the favorite targets for quarterback Meliton Trejo. “(One) of the goals that I set for myself, and as a teammate, at the

See DISTRICT | PAGE 2B

By TERESA M. WALKER ASSOCIATED PRESS

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Texans can fix a lot of problems with their visit to Tennessee.

Winning gives a big emotional lift to fans dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Ike, evens their record and ends a six-game skid against the team they replaced in Houston.

Pardon the Titans if their sympathy ends Sunday at kickoff.

“I just feel for them guys right now because they’re going through that situation, and I’m sure it’s very, very, very distracting,” Titans linebacker Keith Bulluck said. “But football’s football. They’re trying to get to 1-1, we’re trying to get to 3-0. Once they get here, we’ll just assume everything’s all right with their families and they’re coming here

to play a game.”

The Titans have had their own drama thanks to Houston native Vince Young.

The quarterback who is a Texas legend will be watching veteran Kerry Collins, who has been given the reins while Young heals both his sprained knee and his attitude. Not that Young’s status is a big issue with this team.

Tennessee is sitting atop the

AFC South and trying to win its first three games for only the third time in franchise history and the first since 1999, when the Titans reached their lone Super Bowl.

“We just want to keep that momentum,” Bulluck said.

For the Texans, football offers a change from a difficult stretch.

They opened with a 38-17 loss at Pittsburgh, then had their home

See TEXANS | PAGE 2B

Zscores NFL All Times EDT AMERICAN CONFERENCE East W L T Pct PF PA New England Buffalo N.Y. Jets Miami

2 2 1 0

0 0 1 2

01.000 01.000 0 .500 0 .000

36 54 30 24

20 26 33 51

South W L T Pct PF PA Tennessee Indianapolis Houston Jacksonville

2 1 0 0

0 1 1 2

01.000 0 .500 0 .000 0 .000

41 31 17 26

17 44 38 37

North W L T Pct PF PA Pittsburgh Baltimore Cincinnati Cleveland

2 1 0 0

0 0 2 2

01.000 01.000 0 .000 0 .000

48 17 17 16

23 10 41 38

West W L T Pct PF PA Denver 2 0 01.000 80 52 Oakland 1 1 0 .500 37 49 Kansas City 0 2 0 .000 18 40 San Diego 0 2 0 .000 62 65 NATIONAL CONFERENCE East W L T Pct PF PA Dallas N.Y. Giants Philadelphia Washington

2 2 1 1

0 0 1 1

01.000 01.000 0 .500 0 .500

69 57 75 36

47 20 44 40

South W L T Pct PF PA Carolina New Orleans Tampa Bay Atlanta

2 1 1 1

0 1 1 1

01.000 0 .500 0 .500 0 .500

46 48 44 43

41 49 33 45

North W L T Pct PF PA Green Bay Chicago Detroit Minnesota

2 1 0 0

0 1 2 2

01.000 0 .500 0 .000 0 .000

72 46 46 34

44 33 82 42

West W L T Pct PF PA Arizona San Francisco Seattle St. Louis

2 1 0 0

0 1 2 2

01.000 0 .500 0 .000 0 .000

54 46 40 16

23 53 67 79

Sunday’s Games Houston at Tennessee, 1 p.m.

Oakland at Buffalo, 1 p.m.

Carolina at Minnesota, 1 p.m.

Kansas City at Atlanta, 1 p.m.

Tampa Bay at Chicago, 1 p.m.

Arizona at Washington, 1 p.m.

Miami at New England, 1 p.m.

Cincinnati at N.Y. Giants, 1 p.m.

St. Louis at Seattle, 4:05 p.m.

Detroit at San Francisco, 4:05 p.m.

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

Cleveland at Baltimore, 4:15 p.m.

Jacksonville at Indianapolis, 4:15 p.m.

Pittsburgh at Philadelphia, 4:15 p.m.

Dallas at Green Bay, 8:15 p.m.

Monday’s Game N.Y. Jets at San Diego, 8:30 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 28 Arizona at N.Y. Jets, 1 p.m.

Minnesota at Tennessee, 1 p.m.

Denver at Kansas City, 1 p.m.

San Francisco at New Orleans, 1 p.m.

Atlanta at Carolina, 1 p.m.

Cleveland at Cincinnati, 1 p.m.

Green Bay at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m.

Houston at Jacksonville, 1 p.m.

Buffalo at St. Louis, 4:05 p.m.

San Diego at Oakland, 4:05 p.m.

Washington at Dallas, 4:15 p.m.

Philadelphia at Chicago, 8:15 p.m.

Open: Indianapolis, Miami, New England, Seattle, N.Y. Giants, Detroit

NCAA Football Schedule All Times EDT Subject to change Saturday, Sept. 20 EAST Albany, N.Y. (1-1) at New Hampshire (2-0), Noon Temple (1-2) at Penn St. (3-0), Noon

Iowa (3-0) at Pittsburgh (1-1), Noon Stony Brook (1-2) at Brown (0-0), 12:30 p.m.

Fordham (1-1) at Columbia (0-0), 12:30 p.m.

Georgetown, D.C. (1-1) at Yale (00), 12:30 p.m.

Akron (1-2) at Army (0-2), 1 p.m.

UCF (1-1) at Boston College (1-1), 1 p.m.

Monmouth, N.J. (0-3) at Bryant (21), 1 p.m.

N.C. Central (0-3) at Cent. Connecticut St. (1-1), 1 p.m.

Dartmouth (0-0) at Colgate (1-2), 1 p.m.

Rhode Island (1-2) at Hofstra (0-2), 1 p.m.

Sacred Heart (2-0) at Iona (1-1), 1 p.m.

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

Villanova (1-1) at Penn (0-0), 3:30 p.m.

Northeastern (0-2) at Syracuse (03), 3:30 p.m.

Cornell (0-0) at Bucknell (2-0), 6 p.m.

St. Francis, Pa. (0-2) at Duquesne (0-1), 7 p.m.

SOUTH Mississippi St. (1-2) at Georgia Tech (2-1), Noon San Diego (2-0) at Campbell (0-3), Noon East Carolina (3-0) at N.C. State (12), Noon S. Carolina St. (2-1) at Clemson (21), 1 p.m.

Florida A&M (1-1) at Howard (0-2), 1 p.m.

E. Michigan (1-2) at Maryland (2-1), 1 p.m.

Jacksonville (2-1) at NC Pembroke (1-0), 1 p.m.

Princeton (0-0) at The Citadel (1-1), 1 p.m.

W. Carolina (1-2) at Presbyterian (1-2), 1:30 p.m.

Chowan (1-2) at VMI (1-1), 1:30 p.m.

Delaware (1-1) at Furman (2-1), 2 p.m.

Maine (2-1) at Richmond (2-1), 3 p.m.

Louisiana-Monroe (1-2) at Tulane (0-2), 3 p.m.

Virginia Tech (2-1) at North Carolina (2-0), 3:30 p.m.

Marshall (2-1) at Southern Miss. (21), 3:30 p.m.

Florida (2-0) at Tennessee (1-1), 3:30 p.m.

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

Alabama St. (0-2) at UAB (0-3), 4 p.m.

South Florida (3-0) at Fla. International (0-2), 5 p.m.

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

N. Carolina A&T (2-1) at Hampton (2-1), 6 p.m.

Prairie View (2-0) at MVSU (1-1), 6 p.m.

E. Kentucky (1-2) at Tennessee St. (3-0), 6 p.m.

Morgan St. (1-1) at Winston-Salem (0-2), 6 p.m.

Central St., Ohio (0-3) at Alabama A&M (0-3), 7 p.m.

Tenn.-Martin (2-1) at Austin Peay (0-3), 7 p.m.

Towson (1-2) at Coastal Carolina (1-2), 7 p.m.

Wake Forest (2-0) at Florida St. (20), 7 p.m.

Elon (2-1) at Georgia Southern (2-1), 7 p.m.

Jackson St. (1-2) at Grambling St. (1-1), 7 p.m.

Appalachian St. (1-1) at James Madison (2-1), 7 p.m.

SE Louisiana (2-1) at Louisiana Tech (1-1), 7 p.m.

Kent St. (1-2) at Louisiana-

ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM

SATURDAY,SEPTEMBER 20,2008

Lafayette (0-2), 7 p.m.

Vanderbilt (3-0) at Mississippi (2-1), 7 p.m.

Cal Poly (1-1) at Northwestern St. (1-1), 7 p.m.

Wofford (2-0) at South Carolina (12), 7 p.m.

Murray St. (1-2) at W. Kentucky (12), 7 p.m.

Norfolk St. (2-1) at William & Mary (1-1), 7 p.m.

LSU (2-0) at Auburn (3-0), 7:45 p.m.

Nicholls St. (0-0) at Memphis (0-3), 8 p.m.

MIDWEST Florida Atlantic (1-2) at Minnesota (3-0), Noon Ohio (0-3) at Northwestern (3-0), Noon Troy (2-0) at Ohio St. (2-1), Noon Cent. Michigan (2-1) at Purdue (11), Noon Hanover (0-2) at Butler (1-1), 1 p.m.

Robert Morris (1-1) at Dayton (2-0), 1 p.m.

Buffalo (2-1) at Missouri (3-0), 2 p.m.

Marian (2-1) at Valparaiso (1-1), 2 p.m.

Indiana St. (0-2) at N. Illinois (0-2), 3 p.m.

Culver-Stockton (0-2) at South Dakota (1-2), 3 p.m.

Notre Dame (2-0) at Michigan St. (2-1), 3:30 p.m.

S. Dakota St. (2-1) at N. Iowa (1-1), 5:05 p.m.

N. Dakota St. (2-1) at Youngstown St. (1-2), 6 p.m.

Ball St. (3-0) at Indiana (2-0), 7 p.m.

Sam Houston St. (1-0) at Kansas (21), 7 p.m.

Missouri St. (0-2) at SE Missouri (12), 7 p.m.

Tennessee Tech (2-1) at W. Michigan (2-1), 7 p.m.

Stephen F.Austin (1-1) at W. Illinois (1-2), 7:04 p.m.

Miami (Ohio) (1-2) at Cincinnati (11), 7:30 p.m.

E. Illinois (1-2) at Illinois St. (1-1), 7:30 p.m.

Fresno St. (1-1) at Toledo (1-1), 8:15 p.m.

SOUTHWEST Alabama (3-0) at Arkansas (2-0), 12:30 p.m.

Miami (1-1) at Texas A&M (1-1), 3:30 p.m.

Texas Southern (0-2) at Texas College (0-3), 6 p.m.

Middle Tennessee (1-2) at Arkansas St. (2-1), 7 p.m.

Quincy (0-2) at Cent. Arkansas (30), 7 p.m.

Rice (2-1) at Texas (2-0), 7 p.m.

Massachusetts (2-1) at Texas Tech (3-0), 7 p.m.

New Mexico (1-2) at Tulsa (2-0), 7 p.m.

TCU (3-0) at SMU (1-2), 8 p.m.

New Mexico St. (0-1) at UTEP (0-2), 9:05 p.m.

FAR WEST Wyoming (2-1) at BYU (3-0), 3 p.m.

Arizona (2-1) at UCLA (1-1), 3 p.m.

UC Davis (1-2) at Montana (2-0), 3:05 p.m.

Houston (1-2) at Colorado St. (1-1), 3:30 p.m.

Boise St. (2-0) at Oregon (3-0), 3:30 p.m.

Texas St. (1-1) at N. Colorado (0-1), 3:35 p.m.

Utah (3-0) at Air Force (3-0), 4 p.m.

Idaho (1-2) at Utah St. (0-3), 4 p.m.

Weber St. (2-1) at Sacramento St. (2-1), 5:05 p.m.

Portland St. (1-1) at Washington St. (0-3), 7 p.m.

N. Arizona (1-1) at S. Utah (1-2), 8 p.m.

Georgia (3-0) at Arizona St. (2-1), 8:15 p.m.

San Jose St. (2-1) at Stanford (1-2),

9 p.m.

Iowa St. (2-1) at UNLV (2-1), 9 p.m.

W. Washington (1-1) at E. Washington (0-2), 9:05 p.m.

MLB AMERICAN LEAGUE

All Times EDT East Division W L Pct GB Tampa Bay Boston New York Toronto Baltimore

90 89 82 82 67

61 63 71 71 84

.596 — .586 1½ .536 9 .536 9 .444 23

Central Division W L Pct GB Chicago Minnesota Cleveland Detroit Kansas City

84 83 75 71 69

68 70 77 80 84

.553 — .542 1½ .493 9 .470 12½ .451 15½

West Division W L Pct GB x-Los Angeles Texas Oakland Seattle

93 75 71 57

59 78 81 95

.612 — .490 18½ .467 22 .375 36

x-clinched division Thursday’s Games Kansas City 12, Seattle 0 L.A. Angels 6, Oakland 4 N.Y. Yankees 9, Chicago White Sox 2 Toronto 3, Baltimore 2 Minnesota 11, Tampa Bay 8 Friday’s Games Baltimore (Liz 6-5) at N.Y. Yankees (Pavano 3-1), 7:05 p.m.

Detroit (Galarraga 12-6) at Cleveland (Carmona 8-7), 7:05 p.m.

Boston (Byrd 11-12) at Toronto (Burnett 18-10), 7:07 p.m.

Minnesota (Blackburn 10-9) at Tampa Bay (Jackson 11-11), 7:10 p.m.

L.A. Angels (Garland 14-8) at Texas (Harrison 8-3), 8:05 p.m.

Chicago White Sox (Buehrle 13-11) at Kansas City (Bannister 8-15), 8:10 p.m.

Seattle (F.Hernandez 9-10) at Oakland (Eveland 8-8), 10:05 p.m.

Saturday’s Games Baltimore at N.Y. Yankees, 1:05 p.m.

Boston at Toronto, 1:07 p.m.

Minnesota at Tampa Bay, 3:55 p.m.

Seattle at Oakland, 4:05 p.m.

Detroit at Cleveland, 7:05 p.m.

Chicago White Sox at Kansas City, 7:10 p.m.

L.A. Angels at Texas, 8:05 p.m.

da (Jo.Johnson 5-1), 7:10 p.m.

Milwaukee (Suppan 5-6) at Cincinnati (R.Ramirez 0-0), 7:10 p.m.

N.Y. Mets (Ol.Perez 10-7) at Atlanta (J.Reyes 3-11), 7:35 p.m.

San Diego (Peavy 9-11) at Washington (Balester 3-6), 7:35 p.m.

Arizona (Scherzer 0-2) at Colorado (De La Rosa 8-8), 8:05 p.m.

San Francisco (Zito 9-16) at L.A. Dodgers (Maddux 7-12), 10:40 p.m.

Saturday’s Games St. Louis at Chicago Cubs, 3:55 p.m.

Milwaukee at Cincinnati, 3:55 p.m.

Houston at Pittsburgh, 7:05 p.m.

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

San Diego at Washington, 7:10 p.m.

Philadelphia at Florida, 7:10 p.m.

Arizona at Colorado, 8:05 p.m.

San Francisco at L.A. Dodgers, 10:10 p.m.

Fight Schedule National TV in parentheses Sept. 22 At Prefectural Gym, Osaka, Japan, Nobuhiro Ishida, Japan, vs. Marco Avendano, Venezuela, 12, WBA junior middleweights.

Sept. 23 At Hammerstein Ballroom, New York, Eromosele Albert, Nigeria, vs.

Ossie Duran, Ghana, 12, for the vacant IBF African light middleweight title.

Sept. 26 At National Guard Armory, Philadelphia, Yusaf Mack, New York, vs. Omar Pittman, Philadelphia, 10, light heavyweights; Derrick Ennis, Philadelphia, vs. Troy Browning, Willingsboro, N.J., 10, junior middleweights.

Sept. 27 At Color Line Arena, Hamburg, Germany, Firat Arslan, Germany, vs.

Guillermo Jones, Panama, 12, for Arslan’s WBA cruiserweight title; Karoly Balzsay, Hungary, vs. Denis Inkin, Russia, 12, super middleweights; Vladimir Virchis, Ukraine, vs. Juan Carlos Gomez, Cuba, 12, heavyweights.

At Home Depot Center, Carson, Calif., Shane Mosley, Lynwood, Calif., vs. Ricardo Mayorga, Nicaragua, 12, light middleweights.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

All Times EDT East Division W L Pct GB Philadelphia New York Florida Atlanta Washington

86 85 80 67 58

67 67 72 86 95

.562 — .559 ½ .526 5½ .438 19 .379 28

Central Division W L Pct GB Chicago Milwaukee Houston St. Louis Cincinnati Pittsburgh

92 84 80 79 70 64

59 69 72 73 82 89

.609 — .549 9 .526 12½ .520 13½ .461 22½ .418 29

West Division W L Pct GB Los Angeles Arizona Colorado San Francisco San Diego

80 76 70 68 58

73 76 83 85 95

.523 — .500 3½ .458 10 .444 12 .379 22

Thursday’s Games L.A. Dodgers 4, Pittsburgh 3, 12 innings Chicago Cubs 7, Milwaukee 6, 12 innings Florida 8, Houston 1 Philadelphia 4, Atlanta 3 N.Y. Mets 7, Washington 2 St. Louis 5, Cincinnati 4 Arizona 3, San Francisco 2 Friday’s Games St. Louis (Wainwright 9-3) at Chicago Cubs (Zambrano 14-5), 2:20 p.m.

Houston (Wolf 10-12) at Pittsburgh (Snell 6-11), 7:05 p.m.

Philadelphia (Myers 10-11) at Flori-

Ryder Cup Results Friday At Valhalla Golf Club Louisville, Ky. Yardage: 7,496 Par: 71 UNITED STATES 3, EUROPE 1 FOURSOMES United States 3, Europe 1 Phil Mickelson and Anthony Kim, United States, halved with Padraig Harrington and Robert Karlsson, Europe.

Justin Leonard and Hunter Mahan, United States, def. Henrik Stenson and Paul Casey, Europe, 3 and 2.

Stewart Cink and Chad Campbell, United States, def. Justin Rose and Ian Poulter, Europe, 1 up.

Kenny Perry and Jim Furyk, United States, halved with Lee Westwood and Sergio Garcia, Europe.

MLS All Times EDT EASTERN CONFERENCE W L T Pts GF GA Columbus New England Chicago New York D.C. United Kansas City Toronto FC

14 6 12 7 11 8 9 8 10 11 7 9 7 11

5 5 5 8 3 8 6

47 41 38 35 33 29 27

44 35 30 31 39 26 25

31 33 20 33 38 33 33

WESTERN CONFERENCE W L T Pts GF GA Houston 10 Real Salt Lake 8

5 9

9 7

39 31

34 30

28 31

Colorado CD Chivas USA San Jose FC Dallas Los Angeles

9 12 8 10 7 9 6 9 6 10

3 6 8 9 8

30 30 29 27 26

32 31 24 32 44

32 36 28 32 49

NOTE: Three points for victory, one point for tie.

Saturday’s Games Toronto FC at Kansas City, 8 p.m.

CD Chivas USA at Real Salt Lake, 9 p.m.

New England at Colorado, 9 p.m.

D.C. United at Los Angeles, 11 p.m.

San Jose at Houston, ppd., hurricane damage Sunday’s Game FC Dallas at Chicago, 3 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 25 Los Angeles at Chicago, 9 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 27 Houston at Toronto FC, 3:30 p.m.

Columbus at New England, 7:30 p.m.

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

Real Salt Lake at San Jose, 10 p.m.

Kansas City at CD Chivas USA, 10:30 p.m.

Transactions BASEBALL American League BALTIMORE ORIOLES—Placed RHP Daniel Cabrera on the 15-day DL, retroactive to Sept. 14.

Carolina League SALEM AVALANCHE—Signed a two-year affiliation agreement with Boston (AL).

Can-Am League QUEBEC CAPITALES—Sent RHP David Wasylak to Laredo (United) to complete an earlier trade.

BASKETBALL National Basketball Association NBA—Suspended Boston F Darius Miles without pay for 10 games for violating the terms of the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program at the end of the 2007-08 season.

FOOTBALL National Football League NEW ORLEANS SAINTS—Signed QB Joey Harrington. Waived DT Alvin McKinley.

HOCKEY National Hockey League ANAHEIM DUCKS—Signed F Teemu Selanne to a tryout agreement.

OTTAWA SENATORS—Assigned G Kevin Desfosses, G Mitch O’Keefe, D Mitch Ganzak, D Tomas Kudelka, D Guillaume Lepine, D Brandon Roach, D Derek Smith, D Chris St. Croix, D Geoff Waugh, D Ben Wright, LW Kaspars Daugavins, LW Denis Hamel, RW Chaz Johnson, RW Mick Lawrence, LW Shawn Weller and RW Jeremy Yablonski to Binghamton (AHL). Assigned D Ben Wright to Lethbridge (WHL).

ST. LOUIS BLUES—Assigned RW James Livingston, C Anthony Nigro, RW Ian Schultz and C-LW Brett Sonne to their junior teams. Released RW Tony Dehart, D Matt McCue and LW Brennan Sonne. Added F Anthony Peluso and D Mark Cundari to the training camp roster.

American Hockey League WILKES-BARRE/SCRANTON PENGUINS—Announced F Luca Caputi, F Joe Haddad, F Dustin Jeffrey, F Nick Johnson, F Mark Letestu and D Jonathan D’Aversa have been assigned to the team by Pittsburgh (NHL). Announced Pittsburgh reassigned D Alex Grant to St. John’s (QMJHL), LW Keven Veilleux to Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL) and LW Casey Pierro-Zabotel to Vancouver (WHL).

COLLEGE PURCHASE—Named Nat Harris men’s assistant basketball coach, Brandon Garinger women’s assistant soccer coach and Rich Clark men’s and women’s assistant cross country coach.

SOPH | Continued from Page 1B His times this year have shown vast improvement compared to last year’s, but they still aren’t where he would like them to be. But according to Zapata cross country coach Mike Escamilla, Garcia has been getting better and better each and every week.

“My times last year were in the 19s, but I’ve been running in the mid-17s this year,” Garcia said. “I’m hoping that throughout the course of the season I can get those times down.

“It’s definitely going to be a challenge, but I’ve got

“So we’re working hard in practice to be more aggressive on defense, and we’re also working on our tackling. Tackling is the one area that we are concentrating on most.”

Senior Anthony Grove, another hard-hitting linebacker, adds: “We have built a trust amongst ourselves, from the many hours and long days that we have put in during the offseason up until now. We’re a very united group, and we all have that same goal, which is to win another district championship and to go as far as we can into the playoffs.”

The Hawks are averaging 427.7 yards of total offense, holding opponents to 248.7.

They average 334.3 on the ground, led by Patterson (16 carries for 247 yards and two touchdowns),

a great coach again this year and some awesome teammates to help me out.”

Hurricane Ike canceled Zapata’s scheduled meet last week, but the Hawks will continue their schedule with a meet today.

George Gutierrez (40-244-6), Trejo (37-224-3) and Sergio Quintinilla (35-221-2).

Jerry Buentello leads in receiving, with seven receptions for 161 yards and two touchdowns.

Defensively, Carlos Gonzalez leads in tackles with 20.5, followed by Patterson (12.5) and Ramiro Reyes (10).

Trejo, Patterson and Cris Buentello have tallied an interception apiece.

Against Roma, the Hawks’ Players of the Week were Trejo and Patterson on offense and defense, Jerry Cantu at lineman and Nate Vasquez on special teams.

Carlos Gonzalez and Saenz also were noted standouts at linebacker.

C OW B OYS “He doesn’t get rattled,” Packers coach Mike McCarthy said.

“That’s obviously very important.

Just in the game Monday night, he had a couple bumps in the road and responded very positively. He gives them a chance every time he’s under center, and that’s what you’re looking for in your quarterback.”

Romo was hailed as a downhome hero for stopping to help a couple fix a flat tire last week. Can a blue jeans commercial be far off?

“I take my job and take what I do in football very serious, but I don’t take myself that serious,” Romo said. “I don’t think I’m that important of an individual. I think

I’m blessed with the ability to play a game and I think that I’m doing some good things in that. But I also think outside of that, it’s not as if I’m someone who is changing the landscape of anything that’s of a relevance that’s really super-important in this world.”

This is Romo’s third visit to Lambeau Field, a place the Cowboys have never won.

Romo was at Lambeau as a player for the Cowboys’ loss in 2004 — he didn’t become a starter until midway through the 2006 season — and remembers attending a preseason game as a teenager. But Romo doesn’t seem particularly giddy about returning to his home state as a

starter.

“It was fun to go against the Packers, a team you watched growing up, and fun to go against Favre,” Romo said of last year’s game. “But I’m getting a little older now, so you’ve been around certain different situations again.

And it will still be fun, but I’m not in my second or first year anymore. So I think I’m obviously a wily veteran now.”

And even as a (wink, wink) veteran player who has seen it all, Romo can’t imagine what it’s like to be in Rodgers’ shoes.

“I don’t think it was ever quite like that in a sense,” Romo said. “I can relate to waiting, being behind, trying to get better as a play-

SPORT SHORTS TAMIU men’s soccer to sponsor Ike relief food drive Texas A&M International University is sponsoring a Hurricane Ike relief food drive in conjunction with Sunday’s men’s game against Incarnate Word. All fans donating three canned food items will be granted free admission to the contest, which will kick off at 7 p.m. at Dustdevil Field.

TAMIU played two thrilling contests against Incarnate Word last season. The teams fought to a 0-0 tie in San Antonio in the first game before the Dustdevils defeated the Cardinals 1-0 in the season finale in Laredo. That result marked TAMIU’s first-ever win over UIW in six tries.

American LL meeting American Little League will have a meeting Monday at 6 p.m. at Garcia Vela Field to elect the president and board members.

All managers and former board members must attend.

Northwest L.L. Coach Pitch Tournament Northwest Little League and Dragonz Youth Baseball Club will be hosting a future 7- and 8-year-olds’ coach pitch tournament, to be held Sept. 27-28.

There will be trophies for first, second and third place.

For more information, call David Mitchell at 7402011.

TAMIU to kick off elementary soccer league The TAMIU men’s soccer team will be starting an elementary soccer league for boys and girls in grades kindergarten through sixth.

For all interested participants, coaches and volunteers, the league will kick off Monday, Oct. 6. All players must be from the same school.

Entry fee is $150 per team.

Check with your school for the entry forms. All players must have a waiver form signed.

Deadline to register is Oct. 1. Make all checks payable to TAMIU Athletic Department Men’s Soccer Team.

All paperwork and information for the league is also posted on the TAMIU Web site at tamiu.edu. It is under Men’s Soccer.

For more information, contact league directors Claudio Arias or Mario Gonzalez at (956) 206-0634 or mmgonzalez@unitedisd.org.

Northwest LL meeting Oct.7

DISTRICT | Continued from Page 1B beginning of the season is to do all I can to help this team win,” Patterson said. “On defense, my goal is to get at least seven interceptions, and on offense, I want to get as close to 1,000 yards rushing as I can.”

Patterson continue to be a big threat on offense for the Hawks, and junior linebacker Lacho Saenz also has helped the Hawks defense be just as dominating.

With the Hawks offense averaging 34 points a game, the defense has allowed under 20.

“Rio Hondo runs the same offense as Roma,” Saenz said. “But the one thing that separates the two is the fact that Rio Hondo is a little bit bigger and a little bit faster than Roma.

2B

Northwest Little League will have its annual meeting to select the regular membership and elect the board of directors.

Following the election, the board of directors will meet to elect its officers from within the newly elected board.

The officers required are: president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, player agent and safety officer.

The meeting will take place Oct. 7 at 7:30 p.m. at Father McNaboe Little League Field.

P LAY

| Continued from Page 1B

challenging, mainly because it was against nothing but 4A and 5A schools, but I truly feel that experience will help us as we get further and deeper into our district schedule.”

As it stands now, District 3A standings are as follows: 1) La Feria (2-0), 2) Port Isabel (2-0), 3. Zapata (1-1), 4. Hidalgo (1-1), 5. Lyford (1-1), 6. Progreso (11), 7) Raymondville (0-2), 8) Rio Hondo (0-2).

The Hawks’ next game will be in Zapata next Saturday against Hidalgo at 5 p.m.

| Continued from Page 1B

er and (being) ready when your opportunity came about. But that was a little more than I went through, I think.”

Romo has the tabloids and paparazzi; which superstar is he dating these days? And do you think she’s ruining the team? Rodgers, meanwhile, was ruthlessly heckled by little kids during the Favre saga. But he still says Romo has it worse.

“His life has been scrutinized, I think, as much as anybody’s, and I think he does a great job balancing his personal life and his professional life,” Rodgers said.

“And he’s a hell of a football player.”

Dealing with scrutiny is some-

thing the two discussed at a golf tournament in the offseason.

“Tony’s a very good guy,” Rodgers said. “It was a lot of fun being with him, to dialog with him about being a first-year player and the opportunities. We had similar situations: He waited for years before his opportunity, and I waited three for mine. So he’s done a great job, and I hope to be able to be mentioned in the same sentence more frequently.”

Rodgers and Romo agree that sitting on the bench for a while is beneficial to a young quarterback’s development, even if both had the itch to play earlier.

“I was more raw,” said Romo, who signed with the Cowboys as

an undrafted free agent out of Eastern Illinois in 2003. “I think Aaron probably came in the league probably at a higher level than I did. I wouldn’t have been very good my first year. He might have been good, I don’t know.”

Rodgers, a first-round pick in 2005, wanted to play right away. But in hindsight, he’s glad he didn’t.

“Would I have played well in the first year? Probably not, to be honest,” Rodgers said. “I really felt like the second year, I started to get it, but the third year, I had it down.”

Now Rodgers’ hard work in the obscurity of practices and offseason workouts is paying off.

The Titans will counter with an offense averaging 229 yards behind rookie running back Chris Johnson and backfield mate LenDale White. They stayed patient in a windy 24-7 win at Cincinnati last week, running for 177 yards and throwing only once in the fourth quarter.

Collins knows the Texans will be looking to attack him more than they would Young, and the man who needs 90 yards passing to join Brett Favre and Peyton Manning as the third active quarterback with 35,000 yards passing in his career will be ready. In his limited play this season, he’s

thrown for 193 yards and only one touchdown. But he has a 109.5 passer rating.

“I’m not a huge threat, obviously, running the ball,” he said.

“But on the flip side, that opens up some holes at times and you get more man-to-man coverage.”

This is the first of two straight home games for Tennessee, and the Titans will not take the Texans lightly.

“This is going to be kind of a bonding experience for them, so they’re going to be very focused as far as this game’s concerned,” coach Jeff Fisher said. “They’re a very, very dangerous team.”

TEXANS | Continued from Page 1B opener moved back one day, then rescheduled to midseason as they spent what will count as their bye week riding out the hurricane.

They returned to practice Tuesday in a city that has resembled a ghost town, with power outages and gas shortages.

“We plan on not only playing for ourselves, but for everyone around the city, everyone around the state of Texas that’s looking to sort of get back to a normal life,” Texans linebacker DeMeco Ryan said.

Now the Texans must play their first three games on the road — a first for any NFL team since the

1991 Cardinals — and the team that finished last in the AFC South will be playing at Jacksonville next.

Coach Gary Kubiak said his Texans understand the chore they face.

“It’s about challenges and trying to work through adversity, and that’s what we’re committed to doing,” he said.

The Texans have won only twice in their six-year history in this series, while Tennessee has won six straight, including last year where it knocked out Houston quarterback Matt Schaub in the first quarter of both games.

Titans defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth landed on Schaub

in the first game, sending him to the locker room.

“I can’t keep too much eye on him,” Schaub said. “They have a bunch of good players on their defensive front, so we just have to be aware of how they’re lining up and just be stout up front.”

The Texans managed only 234 yards in their opener, and likely will start rookie running back Steve Slaton, hoping to provide a boost. Andre Johnson also had 112 yards receiving.

But the Titans pride themselves on playing even better defense than they did last year, and so far they are holding teams to

60.5 yards rushing and 202 yards overall through two games. They are tied with Seattle for the most sacks in the NFL since the start of the 2007 season, and they had seven in the opener.

They may take it a bit easier on Schaub because Haynesworth said they don’t want to see backup Sage Rosenfels, who put up 29 fourth-quarter points last Oct. 21 in a 38-36 win over Houston.

“Honestly a team as physical as we are and knowing we go after the quarterback, yeah he’ll have to think about it,’ Haynesworth said.

“I guess every quarterback will have to think about it, not just him.”

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2008

THE ZAPATA TIMES | 3B

HINTS BY HELOISE Dear Readers: Here are some more of our FAVORITE PET HINTS from Heloise Central.

Hope you find some helpful!

A Put old newspapers under cat litter for easy litter dumping.

A If your cat likes to kick soiled litter all over the place, protect the wall HELOISE by attaching plastic wrap or a brown paper bag to the wall. You can do this also in pet feeding corners, especially if you have a dog or cat that gobbles up food enthusiastically.

Cut used paper plates in half or use them whole as scoopers when your puppy has an accident, or for cat litter.

Use the comics or other decorative sections of the newspaper for pet-feeding place mats.

— Heloise

HOROSCOPES | BY FRANCIS DRAKE ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Be patient with co-workers today. You want to introduce reforms and improvements where you work, but you’re facing opposition. Give people time to get used to your suggestions.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Romantic partners are struggling with power issues today. It’s all about who is in control. But why does someone actually have to be in control? Think about it.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Power struggles with parents and family members are likely today. You have definite ideas about doing something, and others don’t agree. Be patient.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) In your eagerness to convince others and persuade them to agree with you about something, you’re probably coming on too strong!

Remember: You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.

LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22) You have strong views about financial matters today. Perhaps you’re determined to buy something. Perhaps this is related to your earnings.

Either way, don’t arouse opposition.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22) Arguments with others will not go well today; therefore, try to keep the peace. There’s no point in entering a situation you’re not going to win.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22) You might be your own worst enemy today. Don’t beat yourself up about something. We all have a private side we never reveal to others. (You’re not the only one.)

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21) Disagreements with others will be unpleasant today, so avoid these if you can. People are determined to make others agree with them. Sidestep any unpleasantness. Just coast.

S A G I T T A R I U S (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21) This is a poor day for important discussions with authority figures.

You can’t win! If you have some good ideas, especially for improvements, wait for another day.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19) Avoid religious, political and racial arguments today. People are pushy, intense and rather narrowminded. You will not be heard.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18) Disagreements about shared property, inheritances, insurance matters, taxes and death are likely today. This is a poor day to try to settle these matters. People are entrenched in their own point of view.

PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20) Relationships and partnerships will suffer from power struggles today. Therefore, avoid these!

Keep your head down and your powder dry. (Just have light conversations about the weather.)

Zclassified

BY PHONE: (956) 728-2527

ON THE WEB: THEZAATATMES.COM

4B | THE ZAPATA TIMES

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2008

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2008

THE ZAPATA TIMES | 1B

CLASSIFIED REAL ESTATE

HOMES FOR SALE

HOMES FOR SALE

61

61

HOMES FOR SALE

61

HOMES FOR SALE

61

Great opportunity, south Laredo. Lease to own or owner finance. Irma 285-6358

2 NEW SUBDIVISION IN NORTH LAREDO FROM THE $150’S & UP. RESERVE YOUR HOMESITE TODAY WITH ONLY $500.00 IN HOUSE FINANCING AVAILABLE. FOR MORE INFO. CALL ANTHONY CARABALLO @ 333-3844 HOMES FOR SALE

New home Located in Laredo.

Lots of details, Bad Credit, no Credit or Foreclosure! No problem. 740-0597

HOMES FOR SALE

61

HOMES FOR SALE

61 HELP WANTED

Carol G. Berler

324-5758 A HOME-A GETAWAYOR BOTH.

Falcon Lake Paradise Impressive classic design. Large 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath, Bass fishing. 3 living areas. Palapa with hot tub, waterfalled pond.

TV/game room with full width double granite bars. Detached 3 carport Many fine features. Ask for Carol G Berler 324-5758

61 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY IN CONJUNCTION WITH ICE

SEIZED REAL ESTATE AUCTION

SINGLE FAMILY HOME

517 Redford Drive, Laredo, Texas 78045 2,737 ± SF one level home with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, kitchen with breakfast nook, living room, dining room with bay window, family room, laundry, and attached 2-car garage. Amenities include ceramic tile flooring and counters in the kitchen and baths, celing fans, covered porch, patio, sprinkler system, and fence. It is located in the Dominion Del Mar subdivision in north Laredo.

On-Site Auction September 25, 2008 at 12 noon (registration at 11am) Deposit: $10k cashier’s check payable to EG&G Tech Srvcs Open House Dates: Sept 14 and 21, 12 noon -4:00 pm

www.treas.gov/auctions/treasury/rp

703-273-7373

Sale # 08-66-944 / CWS #13627 /Peter Ellis #0289514

HOMES FOR SALE

61

MOBILE HOMES FOR SALE 67

4 bedroom 2 bath approx.

1,500 sq.ft. home on a 10,000 sq.ft. lot for only $117,990 I will also help you with your closing costs let me worry about your credit.

Call Luis Calderon @956-725-1965 or @ my cell 956-645-8977

HOMES FOR SALE

61

Homes new Schools In Laredo.

3/2 low D.P. & low mthly. $$ 285-6358

61

Norte, Central y Sur de Laredo Casas Disponibles de 3 a 5 recamaras para mudarse el dia de HOY. Facil de Calificar. Financiamiento Disponible.

Llame HOY, al 956-237-2041 O a 956-717-0958 Con Adriana Moya Tijeriana

Great Location-New Spacious Homes 3 Bedroom 2 bath 2 car garage approx. 1400 sq.ft. paying closing cost. Monthly payment $1100.00 Call Jesus @ cell 956-740-2542 office 956-724-9756

HOMES FOR SALE

122

Mobile home for sale. Near Mall del Norte @ Carmona’s Park on Hillside Rd. One owner like new fully landscaped w/trees. Must see to appreciate. $22,900. Call 333-7793

LOTS FOR SALE CANSADO DE RENTAR Le han negado al credito?

Dejeme ayudarle a hacer Su sueno realidad, cases Al Norte, Sur y centralmente Localizada, hableme para Mas informacion, fondos Limitados, 236-5136 & 717-1668

HELP WANTED

122

HELP WANTED

122

Mystery shoppers earn up to 100 dollars per day, undercover shoppers needed, to judge retail & dining establishments. Experience not required, please call 1-877-736-7410

RENTALS

COMMERCIAL RENTALS 120 Fully equip. restaurant/ catering LEC Arena area Appx. 3,500 SF/(956)235-2999

HELP WANTED

70

Res. lots near school-Walmart on Zapata Hwy. Easy & Owner fin . $1,000 dwn, Low monthly pymts , 333-7793 Manuel

COMMERCIAL INVESTMENT 79 2 lots, side by side, 1 acre each, Loop 20 @ Hwy 359.

Zoned B-4 in Laredo. Separate or together. 740-0597

RN's/LVN'S needed for facility in Hebbronville, Tx., all shifts available, apply by calling ph# (210-286-9222).

PT/PTA OT/COTA for facility in Hebbronville, Tx., apply by calling ph# (210-286-9222).

CNA's needed for facility in Hebbronville,Tx., all shifts available, apply by calling ph# (210-286-9222).

HELP WANTED

122

ATC Transport is seeking OTR Drivers, starting pay at 35 cents p/mile, and Owner Operators starting 1.40 p/mile. Dedicated runs, Home on weekends.

All you need is Class CDL, clean record, 2yrs OTR min. exp.

956-722-3147

MISCELLANEOUS

ARTICLES FOR SALE 136 Antique vanity, mirror, bench, dbl headboard-solid wood. Goo condition $400. Nice. 723-9667 Lifetime portable basketball system. Adjust. Solid. Excellent condition $150. 956-723-9667 Twin Bassets mattress set.

New & super comfortable. $175 includes frame. Call 723-9667

TRANSPORTATION

CARS FOR SALE

200

1988 Mustang GT for Sale 5.0 Auto. Runs Strong $2500 OBO Call 956-220-6987

8 | LAREDO MORNING TIMES/THE ZAPATA TIMES

SEPTEMBER 20-21, 2008

SEPTEMBER 20-21, 2008

Heart Attack Warning Signs

L M T

Some heart attacks are sudden and intense — the “movie heart attack,” where no one doubts what’s happening. But most heart attacks start slowly,with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren’t sure what’s wrong and wait too long before getting help.Warning signs include chest discomfort, discomfort in other upper body areas, shortness of breath, cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

— The American Heart Association

Laredo Medical Center

ACCENT ON HEALTH

Stressing out isn’t good for your heart

By JOE RUTLAND LAREDO MORNING TIMES

We cover everything from top to…you know. merchant discounts, a car seat to take your baby home safely

Start off on the right foot. Sign up for Tiny Toes™ at Laredo

and more! Best of all, it’s free.

Medical Center and we’ll have your pregnancy covered, from

Laredo Medical Center believes that you and your newborn

the first trimester until your baby is born. As an expectant mom, you will receive dinner for two, a diaper bag filled

deserve the very best. Let us be a part of your special delivery by

with special items, a commemorative footprint, exclusive

signing up for Tiny Toes today. Call (956) 796-4505 to register.

Working one or two jobs, taking care of family members, making sure the bills are paid, world famine, economic worries … you name it and one or more of these situations causes stress in a person’s life.

Over the past few years, physicians have identified stress as a major factor leading to heart attacks.

“While people know stress plays a role in how they feel physically, they’re often unaware that it is a risk factor for heart disease,” says Suzanne Steinbaum, M.D., a cardiologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, in an article for the Web site Health.com.

Being aware of stress and its effects on living is one thing; taking actions to not “stress out” all the time is another.

A recent study revealed that stress triggers an increase of cortisol, a “stress hormone,” which can raise blood-sugar levels and blood pressure.

Ever hear of “road rage?” Driving in traffic, backed up for minutes that turn into half-hours and even hours, can definitely turn a calm soul into a finger-waving, horn-honking maniac.

Stress is a subject that has gained awareness within medical circles, especially with cardiologists and heart specialists. What used to be not that important has now become an incredible resource for study, intervention and personal care.

What to do?

A

w w w . l a r e d o m e d i c a l . c o m

/

O P T I P- T

( 9 5 6 )

O B

C LU B

7 9 6 - 5 0 0 0 Quality Care. Right Here.

Tiny Toes is offered exclusively at Laredo Medical Center.

It’s helpful, fun, and membership is free! Call us to learn more. ™

In many situations, learning to “de-stress” provides health-friendly activities for a person. Here are some suggestions: Deep breaths. Overly stressed people tend to take shallow breaths, which come from the chest area. Taking deep breaths that go down to your stomach flexes your entire body, pumps blood throughout different circulatory areas and brings on a relaxed feeling.

Exercise. While this is considered a no-brainer by many, studies and many articles repeat a similar mantra: take 15-20 minutes per day and exercise. Go for a walk in the neighborhood or local park. Do yoga. If you feel so inclined, hit the gym. Get your body moving; that will nurture a healthier heart.

Diet. Take an inventory of what you eat. Is it

See STRESSING | PAGE 2

Courtsy photos

2 | LAREDO MORNING TIMES/THE ZAPATA TIMES

SEPTEMBER 20-21, 2008

Local oncologist will be featured speaker at Healthy Woman

SEPTEMBER 20-21, 2008

LAREDO MORNING TIMES/THE ZAPATA TIMES | 7

Men find doctor’s visit tough to make

FOCUS ON CANCER

LMC SEPTEMBER EMPLOYEES OF THE MONTH

SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

Dr. Sylvia Gutierrez, radiation oncologist at the A.R. Sanchez Cancer Center at Laredo Medical Center, will speak at this month’s Healthy Woman dinner, scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 25.

Gutierrez will speak on lung cancer. The dinner will be held at Laredo Medical C e n t e r ’ s Community GUTIERREZ Center, Tower B. A meet-and-greet will begin at 5:30 p.m., with the program beginning at 6 p.m. The dinner is free to members of Healthy Women, but reservations must be made to save a seat.

Four years ago, LMC launched Healthy Woman in an effort to help women take care of their health. Women are primarily responsible for taking care of health matters in the home — whether it’s for their children or spouse — but most times ignore their own health because they’re usually too busy caring for everyone else. At LMC, women’s health is valued and a priority.

Women who join the Healthy Woman Program say they find comfort in numbers. Enrollment has grown over the last three years to more than 1,000 members.

Membership is open to women ages 21 to 54.

Healthy Woman offers monthly events featuring presenters who discuss health, financial and spiritual topics.

Membership in the program is free, and all presentations are held at LMC’s Community Center Room.

To join Healthy Woman, or to reserve your space at the dinner, call (956) 796-3222 or visit www.laredomedical.com.

ON THE COVER Maintaining a healthy heart takes work, both on an individual basis and through medical advancements. Laredo Medical Center and Doctors Hospital offer services that can help a person seek support around avoiding heart disease.

SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

Courtesy photo | Doctors Hospital

Doctors Hospital hosted the 11th annual Cancer Conference on Wednesday, Sept. 10, at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, Laredo Branch. More than 100 physicians and nurses attended the event. Left to right are Elmo Lopez Jr., CEO; Gregory Guzley, M.D., from San Antonio; Gary Unzeitig, M.D.; Manuel Jovel, M.D.; Sandra Hernandez, RN; Debra Kay Gillett, RN, from McAllen; Francis J. Giles, M.D, from San Antonio; and Eduardo Miranda, M.D. Courtesy photo | Laredo Medical Center

Each month, four outstanding Laredo Medical Center employees are given the distinguished title of Employee of the Month. Honorees are individuals who provide compassionate care for patients, and exemplify outstanding customer service. LMC employs 1,800 employees, and each month dozens are nominated in four different categories to receive the award. Honorees for September include, left to right, Sharlyne Alvarado, technical category; Agripina Olivo, professional category; Abe Martinez, CEO; Frances Lerma, CNO; Ed Romero, CFO; Issa Gonzalez, administrative category; Marlene Howlett, CQO; and Hilda Gomez, service category.

Wound Care Center aids diabetics in need SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

New technology helps fight against osteoporosis SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

Osteoporosis results in more than 1 million hip, spine, and wrist fractures annually. This disorder affects nearly half of all post menopausal women, the largest group at high risk for osteoporosis.

Now a technologically advanced bone densitometer — recently installed at Laredo Medical Center North — allows health care professionals to perform bone density exams on women to detect the disease for early treatment.

The GE Healthcare Lunar bone densitometer measures the density of the spine, hip and other bones which are the most frequent sites of fracture, explained radiologist Dr. Guillermo Salinas.

“In just 30 seconds, this highly precise densitometer helps us identify risk at a much earlier stage,” Salinas said. “It can also evaluate response to treatment so that we know whether our therapy is effective or if we need to modify our approach.”

Using the results from the exam, physicians can measure patient bone density and follow it over time. If the patient’s bone density is low, or if it decreases abnormally quickly, the patient may be at risk for osteoporosis. Through changes in diet, exercise habits and/or medication, further deterioration of bone can be prevented.

Research in osteoporosis, the disorder in which

progressive bone loss results in increased risk of fracture, is making important new advances. A key factor in this success has been the availability of new and improved equipment to measure bone density.

“Recent research findings clarify the nature of the disease and demonstrate the effectiveness of new treatments. New diagnostic devices, such as the Lunar bone densitometer, improve the early detection and treatment of osteoporosis,” Salinas said.

Salinas encourages individuals to visit LMC North and be evaluated for a bone density examination.

For more information, call 796-3223 or visit the hospital Web site, www.laredomedical.com.

STRESSING | Continued from Page 1 healthy? Does it contain needed nutrients for your body? Plenty of suggestions and support materials are available. Consult a nutritionist.

Cut back on caffeine. Coffee and Cokes are OK in moderation, yet are stress-inducing substances if used too much.

Mix in some water and juices

for a heart healthy liquid pattern.

Prayer and meditation.

Whatever your personal practice of spirituality, it has been proven that taking “quiet time” for your body, mind and spirit bring on healthier attitudes and less stress.

Get a checkup. See your physician and make sure you are

doing all you can to have a stress-free life. It could end up saving you a trip to the emergency room.

Laugh. Think I’m kidding?

Watching a situation comedy on TV, sharing a joke or two with friends or even moving your body energy with laughter causes chemical reactions within yourself.

All that “funny energy” flows into your body and heart, giving yourself a light-hearted feeling.

When all is said and done, stress is manageable and should be taken seriously.

Your own heart is worth it.

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

According to the American Diabetes Association, 20.8 million children and adults in the United States, or 7 percent of the population, have diabetes.

But with our Hispanic population and diet rich in saturated fats, Laredo’s population exceeds the national rate in diabetes — unfortunately leaving many adults needing amputations.

Thanks to a multidisciplinary team of local physicians, 400 to 500 patients are now being treated monthly at Laredo’s newest advanced treatment center: The Premier Wound Care Center at Laredo Medical Center.

Diabetics tend to lose feeling in their feet, and when they injure themselves — event in the slightest way — they cannot feel the infection setting in until it’s too late and amputation is necessary.

Now, at the center, a team of physicians, including podiatrists, general surgeons, family practitioners, internists and cardio thoracic surgeons, works toward treating diabetic patients who have not been compliant with their lifestyle in treating their diabetes.

Working under co-medical

directors Drs. Adonis ZunigaGoldwater, internist, and Arturo Garza-Gongora, family practitioner, patients who were close to losing limbs to diabetes are now being treated successfully at the center.

The Premier Wound Care Center at LMC treats all in-house patients, as well as patients on an outpatient basis. The center is equipped with three exam rooms and four hyperbaric oxygen chambers. The center is equipped with the most modern equipment — the same that can be found in larger metropolitan areas — with health professionals trained with the same skills and knowledge of experts found in larger cities.

“There’s no need to travel out of town,” said Vicki Vasquez, RN/CWS/CHRN, center director.

“At the Premier Wound Care, we offer the same — if not more — in scientific methods and procedures to treat all wounds to save any type of amputations. At Premier, we do everything we can to provide comfort and piece of mind for our patients.”

One of the methods used at the wound care center is hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

It’s a proven therapy that provides additional oxygen to a

“At the Premier Wound Care, we offer the same — if not more — in scientific methods and procedures to treat all wounds to save any type of amputations. At Premier, we do everything we can to provide comfort and piece of mind for our patients.”

VICKI VASQUEZ, RN/CWS/CHRN, CENTER DIRECTOR

patient’s body tissue. This is done by placing the patient in a chamber pressurized with compressed air and by having the patient breathe 100 percent oxygen during the treatment. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, or HBO2 therapy, can be used as the primary treatment or as a supplement to other forms of treatment, such as surgery or antibiotics.

The strength of hyperbaric medicine stems from the power of 100 percent oxygen (normal air is 21 percent oxygen) delivered in a pressurized chamber to supersaturate the blood’s plasma.

Injury, poisoning and disease can

disrupt oxygen delivery, depriving tissues and cells of some of all or their required oxygen.

Today, HBO2 therapy is widely recognized by the medical community as a highly effective rehabilitative therapy.

Nurses at the Premier Wound Care at Laredo Medical Center are all certified in advanced cardiac life support, with all 15 health care providers eligible for board certification in wound care and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

For more information about the Premier Wound Care Center at Laredo Medical Center, call 7963157.

It’s easy to get most men to a ball game or a hardware store. But for a lot of guys, a trip to the doctor is about as high a priority as a day of shoe-shopping.

One reason is pride. In a culture that equates masculinity with being healthy and strong, a hint of vulnerability to illness might be seen as a sign of weakness.

This is dangerous thinking.

Waiting until you are ill before you DIAZ see your healthcare provider can put your health in jeopardy.

If you let shortness of breath or chest discomfort go unchecked, then you might face a heart attack. A change in bowel habits could warn of diseases like colon cancer.

Headaches or dizziness might stem from high blood pressure, which can lead to kidney damage and stroke.

Blood in the urine can mean a kidney stone or prostate cancer, and it’s always cause to visit a doctor.

But seeing the doctor can also aid your peace of mind. Symptoms that could signal a serious illness can also point to simple, easily treatable problems. That blood in the urine, for instance, could come from an infection.

“I think men are getting better at seeing the doctor, but there’s still hesitancy and denial,” said Horacio Diaz, M.D. “Many men still have to be pushed to the doctor by their wives or children.”

It’s not just better for a man’s health if he visits a doctor. It’s better for his son’s health, too. Boys often model their father’s behavior.

If dad sees the doctor, there’s a better chance his son will grow up to do the same.

“There’s a rather good and simple reason for men to see their doctor,” Diaz said. “It gives the doctor and the patient the opportunity to catch a problem early, leading to a better quality of life — and a longer life, too.”

6 | LAREDO MORNING TIMES/THE ZAPATA TIMES

SEPTEMBER 20-21, 2008

BORDER HEALTH LEADERS

“It’s a public safety crisis when four of every 10 children and teens under 17 in Texas aren’t protected with child safety seats or safety belts.”

TXDOT TRAFFIC SAFETY DIRECTOR TERRY PENCE

TxDOT promotes child passenger safety in state SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

Courtesy photo

Border hospital administrators met at Embassy Suites on Sept. 2 and 3 for the Texas Hospital Association, or THA, Border Health Committee meeting. Participants included, left to right, Susan Jones, Regional Marketing Central Texas Region Healthshare; Elmo Lopez Jr., CEO of Doctors Hospital; Ann Ward, THA vice president of communications and public relations; John Checkley, THA senior vice president, member relations; and Dinah Gonzalez, CFO of Doctors Hospital.

It’s OK to tell eateries about food allergy

By CAROLYN O’NEIL COX NEWS SERVICE

ATLANTA — With one in 25 Americans — that’s 12 million people — making special menu requests because of a food allergy, there’s an increased need for up-to-date and practical guidelines for restaurants to follow.

“Take Action to Prevent an Allergic Reaction” is the theme for National Food Safety Education Month this September. Taking the “action” part seriously, the National Restaurant Association, in partnership with the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network, has updated and revised its 60-page food service training guide, “Welcoming Guests with Food Allergies.”

Available free for download from www.foodallergy.org/wel comingguests.html, the guide is intended to educate restaurant employees.

But Sheila Weiss, R.D., director of nutrition policy for the National Restaurant Association, says customers coping with food allergies

can benefit from the guide’s behindthe-scenes look at restaurant operations.

“Often, looking at the menu descriptions is not enough,” Weiss says. “We strongly encourage communicating a food allergy to the restaurant staff so it can be addressed right up front. All ingredients should be disclosed. There are no secret sauces or secret thickeners.”

Take action and ask While some food allergies are more serious than others, all food allergies and food intolerances demand serious attention when choosing what to eat or what NOT to eat when dining out.

Your first line of defense is the server, who should be able to describe menu items and their ingredients in detail. However, this is no time to guess what’s in a dish.

So if the server doesn’t know for sure, ask to talk to the manager or the chef. And if there’s a question

about a product, such as a sauce or stock or type of frying oil used to make the dish, you can ask to see the container’s ingredient label.

Kitchen staff should be trained to avoid cross-contaminating foods with potential allergenic foods. But ask about specifics.

For example, are mixers thoroughly cleaned in between preparation of recipes with and without nuts?

Chefs should be trained to prepare allergen-free versions of items upon request.

But you should also know what’s possible and what’s not. If the gumbo is made with oysters, chefs can’t just “whip up” one without oysters.

Restaurant staff should be aware that even a minuscule amount of food can set off a severe allergic reaction. For example, some people are allergic to mollusks but not to fin fish.

So make sure to ask what kind of seafood was used to make the “seafood sauce” served with the fish.

AUSTIN — The Texas Department of Transportation has a message for parents and caregivers: buckle up your children.

State officials say there is cause for alarm: researchers at the Texas Transportation Institute estimate that as many as 42 percent of children under the age off 17 ride in vehicles without the benefit of child passenger safety seats and safety belts. This means as many as 1.6 million children in Texas ride in vehicles without proper protection.

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death of children, ages 2 to 14.

Safety experts say many of these deaths could be prevented if more infants, toddlers, elementary age children and teens were buckled up. Of the 200 children under 15 killed in Texas in 2006, nearly half were not properly secured.

“It’s a public safety crisis when four of every 10 children and teens under 17 in Texas aren’t protected with child safety seats or safety belts,” said Terry Pence, TxDOT’s traffic safety director.

“It’s the responsibility of every parent and caregiver to make sure their children are safely restrained — every trip, every time.”

The reminder comes as part of National Child Passenger Safety Week, Sept. 21–27.

Free safety seat checkups are being held throughout Texas as part of the annual focus on protecting young passengers.

Parents and caregivers can call Safe Riders toll-free at the Texas Department of State Health Services at 1-800-252-8255 for details.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says child safety seats can reduce fatal injury by 71 percent for infants and by 54 percent for toddlers, ages 1 to 4.

State law requires children younger than 17 years old to be buckled up in the front and back seat, and those younger than 5 years old and less than 36 inches tall must be secured in child safety seats.Violations can result in a fine of up to $200.

For more information, call Mark Cross at the TxDOT Public Information Office at (512) 4638588.

SEPTEMBER 20-21, 2008

LAREDO MORNING TIMES/THE ZAPATA TIMES | 3

Local surgeon offers lumbar spinal procedure SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

Neurosurgeon Dr. Ricardo Estrada is the first surgeon in the Laredo area to perform a new minimally invasive surgery for the treatment of symptoms due to Lumbar Spinal Stenosis, or LSS. LSS is a common spinal problem suffered mainly by people over 50 and is often associated with leg, buttock, groin and sometimes back pain.

The new approach involves implanting an X-STOP® device during a minimally invasive procedure that takes between 45 to 90 minutes

and can be done under local anesthesia. The procedure has a low complication rate. It has been clinically proven to relieve LSS symptoms.

Because standing upright provokes LSS, the X-STOP implant is designed to limit extension of the lumbar spine and keep the canal open.

“A good candidate for the XSTOP procedure is someone aged 50 or older whose physical function is moderately impaired and who experiences relief from pain when bending forward,” said Estrada, who performs surgical procedures at Laredo Medical Center.

The X-STOP device underwent extensive clinical study and is the first device approved in the United States to treat LSS. ESTRADA “This new procedure fills the gap in the continuum of care that, until now, required my patients to make the leap from conservative therapies, such as pain management medications and physical therapy, straight to invasive surgery, such as

a laminectomy,” Estrada said.

A laminectomy involves removing parts of the bone and tissue that are narrowing the spinal canal. It is an open and invasive surgical procedure that requires general anesthesia.

Often this is not an appropriate option for patients who cannot tolerate general anesthesia due to age or other co-morbidities.

Patient benefits of the X-STOP include: Minimally invasive surgical procedure Does not require general anesthesia; can be done under local anes-

thesia as an outpatient procedure Typically no bone or soft tissue removal The implant is removable and does not prevent a patient from undergoing surgery at a later time Quick recovery time LSS is on the rise due to the aging American population.

Between 1997 and 2004, the number of hospital in-patient diagnosis of LSS has increased 46 percent. In fact, LSS is the most common cause of back surgery in people over the age of 50. For more information about LSS and the X-STOP device, visit www.xstop.com.

Tai Chi classes available for area senior citizens

CATH LAB TEAM AT WORK

SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

Laredo Medical Center offers Tai Chi classes to members of its Senior Circle group.

Studies have shown that those who practice Tai Chi every day have longer, more active lives than those who do not. Furthermore, Tai Chi has proved to be an effective remedy for arthritis. Frequent arthritis sufferers report that the exercise’s gentle movements help ease sore joints and muscles.

Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese practice designed to exercise body, mind and spirit. It is more than 600 years old. As practicers move through the Tai Chi postures, they are gently working muscles, focusing concentration and calming the mind.

Furthermore, a recent study presented at the American Heart Association found that just 12 weeks of Tai Chi resulted in a small but significant drop in blood pressure in older people.

LMC offers comprehensive

cardiac services for public SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

As the exclusive provider of comprehensive cardiac care for over a decade, Laredo Medical Center takes its commitment to heart.

LMC’s cardiac services feature the latest in medical technology providing quality treatment for patients, eliminating crucial wait time and costly out-of-town trips.

LMC is devoted to caring for all your heart needs through all its cardiac services, including: Heart catheterization Open heart surgery Cardiac rehabilitation Intensive care unit Heli-Pad services For more information on our cardiac services, call 956-7963223 or visit the hospital’s Web site, www.laredomedical.com.

Courtesy photo | Doctors Hospital

A Doctors Hospital Cath Lab team showcases the high-tech patient exam table and ceiling-mounted flat panel detector, or “C arm,” which glides around a patient’s body and takes X-rays. This advanced technology processes images at higher speeds while providing a detailed and more accurate analysis of the heart.

Senior Circle making plans for trip to Beijing SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

Looking to get away to an exotic location — home of the recent 2008 Olympic Summer Games? If so, head on over to Laredo Medical Center, where you can be part of a growing number of indi-

viduals signing up for membership into LMC’s Senior Circle group and take part in the upcoming trip to Beijing, China.

The next planned trip will take Senior Circle members to Beijing on March 22, 2009.

If you are interested, you must

enroll in Senior Circle and place a deposit to reserve your space. The deadline for deposit is Oct. 10, 2008.

For membership information, call 796-2007 or stop by the Senior Circle Office, in the LMC, Tower B.

Subscribe to LMT at 728-2550

SEPTEMBER 20-21, 2008

4 | LAREDO MORNING TIMES/THE ZAPATA TIMES

Knee replacement made to fit woman’s anatomy

SESAME STREET VISIT

SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

Courtesy photo | Doctors Hospital

Gloria Gonzalez and her grandchildren, Adam and Megan Rendon, are greeted at Doctors Hospital by popular “Sesame Street” characters Rosita and Elmo. Sesame Street friends visited with pediatric patients and guests during a visit to Laredo.

Free prostate screenings available for local men SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

It’s no secret men aren’t the first ones picking up the phone making health care appointments for themselves.

But we know that men — like women — require regular screenings and checkups for early detection on a number of diseases.

One of these diseases is prostate cancer, which can be screened

through a simple blood test called a PSA. If detected early, prostate cancer can be treated and cured.

To help with early detection, Laredo Medical Center will provide free prostate screenings for men over 50 years old Wednesday, Sept. 24.

Screenings will take place at the A.R. Sanchez at LMC beginning at 9 a.m. and continue through 11 a.m.

Discount mammograms offered SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

One in eight women will develop breast cancer during her lifetime — but almost 90 percent of women with the disease survive when it’s detected and treated early.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and in recogni-

tion of this, registrations are now being accepted for women wanting to sign up for a discounted mammogram.

If you do not have a regular physician, call Laredo Medical Center for assistance in obtaining a referral. For questions or an appointment, call 796-3729.

Research shows women and men are different from their brain cells to their bones, joints included, which is why women with painful knees now have a total knee replacement specifically shaped to fit them.

The Zimmer® Gender Solutions™ Knee is the first and only knee replacement shaped to fit a woman’s anatomy.

Nearly two-thirds of the more than 400,000 annual knee replacement patients are women, according to the National Center for Health Statistics, and the numbers increase each year.

Yet research shows that while both women and men vastly underused knee replacement, women are three times less likely than men to undergo the procedure, although they suffer from more knee pain and resulting disability. The National Institutes of Health, or NIH, reports that knee replacement can substantially improve pain, function and quality of life.

“The new Gender Knee, the only knee shaped and sized to optimally fit the female knee,

should make women more amenable to having a knee replacement,” said Dr. Ramon Soriano, orthopedic surgeon at LMC. “All other implants being used for total knee replacement are based upon an average between women’s and men’s knees.”

The Gender Knee is designed based on three distinct and scientifically documented shape differences between women’s and men’s knees and a sophisticated and highly detailed map of the joint created using threedimensional imaging.

The goals of the Gender Knee include alleviating knee pain and restoring mobility, while offering fit and function optimized for the characteristics more commonly seen in female patients.

Further, it can be implanted using less-invasive techniques, which typically offer smaller scars, shorter hospitalization and quicker recovery; and it safely accommodates high flexion, which is necessary for many activities involving deep bending.

For more information about the Zimmer Gender Solutions Knee, call Soriano at 795-8366.

LAREDO MORNING TIMES/THE ZAPATA TIMES | 5

Local medical options abound for healthy hearts

SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

A huge, red heart hangs above the entrance leading into Laredo Medical Center’s Emergency Room.

The heart — a simple reminder that when you’re feeling the slightest pain in your chest, you’ll want to head over to the only medical facility in town that has been fully accredited by the Society of Chest Pain Centers, or SCPC, to treat patients with high-risk acute coronary syndromes.

Time is critical when you’re feeling symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, so officials at LMC say receiving the right treatment at the right time by health professionals trained to respond quickly is critical.

“With the only full service car-

By JOE RUTLAND LAREDO MORNING TIMES

One heartbeat is worth a lifetime. Therefore, keeping a healthy heart is not just a passing fancy – it’s serious business.

Statistics show Hispanics have a high rate of heart disease, eventually causing hypertension, diabetes and cholesterol problems.

Worldwide, heart disease has become such a major problem that World Heart Day has been established for Sunday, Sept. 28, by the World Heart Federation.

What can Laredoans and others in this area do to keep their hearts beating? There are answers at local medical facilities.

“What I do first is take a patient through an assessment, identifying certain risk factors for heart disease … including family history, diet and lifestyle,” said Dr. Edwin Martinez, a cardiologist with Doctors Hospital.

“A major red flag is diabetes. It’s the No. 1 cause when connected with heart disease.”

After diagnosing the patient, Martinez follows up with a series of tests.

“If I need to do so, I’ll have a patient undergo an EKG and stress test,” he said.

“What I offer are guidelines and recommendations to patients that are dealing with either one of those three major conditions.

After doing all of that, should more diagnostic work need to be done, including catheterization, I’ll refer a patient to our cardiac care unit.”

Dr. Francisco Rodriguez, a cardiovascular thoracic surgeon at Laredo Medical Center, points out numerous surgical procedures that can be done post-diagnosis.

They include coronary artery bypass grafting surgery, valve replacements and repairs.

“There are more specialty procedures, such as heart transplants, that we don’t do here,” Rodriguez said.

He said heart bypass surgery was the most common surgical procedure performed. “It helps clear away blockage of arteries,” Rodriguez said, “and the risk of having a heart attack (goes) way down.”

Yet Rodriguez was quick to add that surgery alone does not fix heart disease. “Bypasses close off

LMC earns chest pain center accreditation diology team in town, and the only hospital equipped to perform open heart surgery, Laredo Medical Center is prepared to diagnose and treat all your cardiac distress syndromes,” said Abraham Martinez, CEO, Laredo Medical Center.

After an initial diagnosis is made, other hospital departments, including ER, Cath Lab, Intensive Care Unit, Recovery, and Operating Room staff, will be engaged to complete the patient’s treatment plan.

There are only 320 accredited Chest Pain Centers nationally.

LMC is the 45th health care facility in Texas to attain this accreditation, and the only one in Laredo.

For more information on cardiac care at Laredo Medical Center, call 796-3223 or visit laredomedicalcenter.com.

Courtesy photo | Laredo Medical Center

Laredo Medical Center is the only medical facility in Laredo equipped to perform openheart surgery. With a full service cardiology team in town and two open-heart surgical suites, Laredo Medical Center is prepared to diagnose and treat all your cardiac distress syndromes. a lot faster depending upon how people take care of themselves,” he said.

Alan Gonzalez, assistant administrator at Doctors Hospital, offers suggestions directly toward the Hispanic community.

“One, see your doctor and make sure there is no indication of heart disease,” he said. “Second, make changes within your behaviors and diet. Make sure to check your cholesterol level.

“Finally, keep in touch with your physicians and plan specific checkups.”

Rodriguez emphasized diet and exercise as two of the biggest things that can prevent a recurrence of heart troubles.

Sound advice for keeping any person’s heart beating for another day.

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

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