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A LAKE VIEW

150th anniversary planning starts

S. Texans find home in Indiana ince the days of World War II, East Chicago, Ind., a stone’s throw from the Illinois border, has been home to thousands of transplanted South Texas families.

The city, sitting on land off the shore of Lake Michigan, is also home to second- and third-generaIndiana naARAMBULA tion tive families with roots in South Texas. Thousands traveled from Laredo and other border sectors, found jobs and stayed.

Interestingly, some of these families trace their roots to early settlers of the lead villa of a province tagged as Nuevo Santander — Villa del Señor San Ignacio de Loyola de Revilla, later becoming Guerrero (Viejo).

For instance, there’s the Joe Espitia family, whose ancestors go back to Pedro Vela, one of the first group of land grantees to settle in Revilla on the Mexican side area from modern-day Zapata, on Oct. 15, 1750. Over at Revilla, the Pedro Vela family was among the first 40 families to settle the village.

Espitia reached this writer by telephone from East Chicago, inquiring about Spanish land grants on the Rio Grande frontier.

Specifically, Espitia had interest in a land grantee named Pedro Vela and land attached to a ranch named El Sordo (The Deaf) in the Revilla townsite of the Santander Province.

Espitia said he was contacted by a historian from Premont and was told that he (Espitia) was connected to “a bunch of early families” on both sides of the South Texas frontier on his mother’s side. Espitia’s mother is a descendant of the Vela (Pedro) family.

“I have been getting calls for several years,” Espitia told this writer. “An uncle called me from California and told me I had a connection with Pancho Villa, claiming that Villa’s wife (one of them) was a Vela. Another caller connected me to Freddie Fender.”

Espitia, 53, said his mother, originally from Laredo, has relatives in towns all over South Texas.

Espitia, a self-employed building maintenance contractor, got interested in his family genealogy after hearing stories about the early land grantees when modern-day Texas was part of Spain and later under Mexico jurisdiction. He has done extensive research on the subject, reading books and other published material (archives), and his genealogical findings suggest his descendancy dates to the Revilla settlement on Oct. 15, 1750.

He’s convinced the overriding link is his mother’s maiden name, Vela.

“I began to read books and other historical material that brought to the name of Pedro Vela,” Espitia said. “Someone sent me a clipping of an article published in The Times that had a lot of information on land grants and the settlement of Revilla the river,” Espitia said. “I found out that Pedro Vela was my fifth great-grandfather on my mother’s side.”

The East Chicago resident said he learned that the town was one of the first of 23 villages authorized by explorer Jose de Escandon in the Nuevo Santander Province. Santander was the landmark of a Gulf of Mexico region entered into the national archives (Archivo de la Nacion) as the Seno Mexicano . Santander’s map of the region has been published in numerous books.

S

See LAKE VIEW | PAGE 10A

By DEANNA MENDOZA THE ZAPATA TIMES

Commissioners Court approved renovation plans Aug. 11 for three parks in Zapata County that are just one component of what will be a three-day Sesquicentennial Celebration in November.

Plans for New Falcón Plaza were approved, while Puig Engineering was designated to design sewer and water plans for Falcon Lake Park and a resolution was adopted to designate the proposed site for the Zapata Sesquicentennial Trail Park.

The sesquicentennial events are planned to be a celebration of the 150year history of the county, as well as an investment for the future, said Roberto

Montes, chairman of the Sesquicentennial Committee.

“It gives us an opportunity to look at the past and see how far we’ve gone and have a vision of where we want to be, what we want to leave for our prosperity (and) what we want our children to have when they take over,” Montes said.

The way Montes sees it, his committee is not just planning a party, it’s planning for the future of the county.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for us to learn about the county to get facts that we didn’t know,” Montes said. “It’s a good time for us to start planning for the future, for us to get goals for where we want our county to be 10 years from now.”

Established in March by the Zapata County Commissioners Court, the com-

mittee is made up of about 35 people who broke off into subcommittees for the communities of Zapata, Lopeño, Falcón and San Ygnacio.

Pride in their communities and preserving history are the motivation behind most of the sesquicentennial committee members, Montes said.

At the centerpiece of New Falcón Plaza is an antique steel bridge older than New Falcón itself, which was established in 1953 after the flooding of Old Falcón.

Built in 1938, the bridge was used to get from ranches to Old Falcón, said Commissioner Emilo Vela. The bridge, no longer used as a juncture, was moved to Falcón Community Park after the state declared it unsafe.

“Part of the plan was to renovate the

bridge, renew it and make it into a historical attraction,” Vela said. “They (the community) plan to go to the state historical commission and get a historical marker.”

The community pulled together and collected $10,000 in contributions to start preliminary planning and hire an architect, Vela said.

In the 2009 county budget, Vela said he has allocated $75,000 for this project and expects it to be done in four years with a total cost of $200,000 to $250,00.

Fifty-five memorial benches at $500 each also were sold to raise funds, said Omelia Zapata, the chairwoman for the Zapata Sesquicentennial Trail Park.

See CELEBRATION | PAGE 11A

An Eye on Medicine School to help ease physician shortage

By TRICIA CORTEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES

UERRERO, Tamaulipas, Mexico — By 2020, the United States is expected to face a shortage of 80,000 to 200,000 physicians, unless drastic action is taken now.

Border communities have long felt the squeeze of trying to attract more physicians. To combat this troubling trend, two Zapata residents have launched a new medical school in Mexico to boost the number of available doctors practicing in underserved or rural areas in South Texas.

The Jose Bernardo Gutierrez de Lara Escuela de Medicina opened its doors in September 2007, and offers an intense yearround curriculum. Its eight students and four professors are about to complete the school’s fourth semester this Friday.

The Gutierrez de Lara medical school is based in the small Mexican border town of Guerrero, located across Falcon Dam 80 miles south of Laredo and 30 miles south of Zapata.

Dr. Larry Sands, a practicing

G

Photo by Ulysses S. Romero | Laredo Morning Times

Brian Gregory, third semester student, and Terri Kraus, fourth semester student, listen during a lecture at The Jose Bernardo Gutierrez de Lara Escuela de Medicina medical school in Guerrero, Mexico. physician in Zapata, and Anselmo Treviño, a director of Zapata National Bank, founded the school.

Treviño was unavailable for comment, and Sands has declined to comment further until the school is approved to be listed with the International Medical Education Directory.

U.S. curriculum, Mexican prices Gutierrez de Lara is an officially sanctioned Mexican medical school that teaches a U.S. curriculum at “Mexican prices,” students and professors joked in recent interviews.

It has received all necessary

approvals from federal and state government authorities in Mexico City and Tamaulipas, respectively, according to school officials.

But the IMED listing is crucial since international medical graduates must be certified with the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates. This

requires an IMED listing, according to the commission’s Web site.

If the school receives the IMED and ECFMG approvals, its students will be able to apply for U.S.-accredited residency or fellowship programs starting in summer 2010.

See MEDICAL | PAGE 10A

Incoming, current District United Way to start attorneys eye satellite office with Gen. Sanchez

By JULIAN AGUILAR THE ZAPATA TIMES

In an attempt to establish a stronger presence in Zapata and address the needs associated with a growing community, the current and future District attorneys of Webb and Zapata counties intend to set up a satellite office at the Zapata County Courthouse next fiscal year.

District Attorney-elect Isidro “Chilo” Alaniz said creating an intake office in Zapata would help assist victims and answer questions residents might have about the office and its duties.

“What we’re trying to do, my major intent now, is to have a person (there) to be able to receive whatever it is,” said Alaniz.

Alaniz will replace Joe Rubio as the District Attorney on Jan. 1 following his April 8 runoff victory. Alaniz stated during his campaign that setting up a Zapata office would be one of his priorities.

Alaniz said he and Rubio met with the Zapata County

ALANIZ

RUBIO

Commissioners Court on Tuesday during a budget workshop to discuss the satellite office.

He conceded that at present the idea was just that, an idea, but said the court seemed receptive to it.

“We’re optimistic and we’re hoping to deliver on some of the ideas that we had talked about during the campaign,” he said.

Alaniz said he hoped a final response from the court would be forthcoming within a month’s time.

Zapata County Commissioner Emilio Vela agreed the idea was met with interest by the court, and said the need for direct representation from somebody within the office is necessary in Zapata.

“In the past maybe eight to

10 years, there wasn’t really that much of a need,” he said.

“But Zapata is growing, and there is much more going on, more crime.

“It (the office) is something we feel that we need to have.

For many years Zapata has never had a satellite office.”

Vela added currently in Zapata the duties associated with a district attorney, including those associated with grand jury selection, fall in the hands of the county attorney. A satellite office would help remedy that situation, he said.

Deotoro Garza, the Zapata County auditor, said Rubio and Alaniz’s request included a clerk with an approximate salary of $22,000 and monthly supplies, including a desk and a computer.

Garza said the budget would be “tight” this next fiscal year, which begins in October, but said the county would be pleased if it were able to accommodate the request.

(Julian Aguilar may be reached at 728-2557 or by email at jaguilar@lmtonline.com)

By DEANNA MENDOZA THE ZAPATA TIMES

United Way, the organization that helps fund agencies that assist the community every day, is kicking off its yearly campaign at 8 a.m. Aug. 20 at Zapata High School.

The kickoff event will be combined with Zapata County Independent School District’s general session, a yearly event that welcomes back the districts students, teachers and staff for the coming school year, where Lt. Gen. Ricardo Sanchez will be the keynote speaker.

Sanchez, originally from Rio Grande City, served as the commander of coalition forces in Iraq from June 2003 to June 2004.

“We feel that his message will be one of inspiration. He’ll be talking about how important it is to have wisdom and to care enough to change,” said Romeo Rodriguez, Zapata County Independent School District superintendent. “We need to have the courage and the wisdom to accept change and be able to take on the challenges as they

present themselves on a daily basis.”

During the kickoff event for United Way, ZCISD schools will be honored SANCHEZ for their contributions over the last year.

Though United Way is based out of Laredo, all of the funds raised in Zapata will stay in the community, said Jerry Leal, president of the United Way for Laredo.

“The general purpose of United Way is to raise money for 25 agencies that provide services to the community,” Leal said. “It ranges from the very young to the very old, and this is a yearly campaign that we have.

We’re raising money every year because every year the need is always there. The money goes right back into the community.

Those moneys go back to the agencies that provide services in Zapata.”

Zapata’s United Way is made

See SANCHEZ | PAGE 11A

Zin brief

SATURDAY,AUGUST16,2008

AROUND THE NATION | IN BRIEF

WHAT’S GOING ON SATURDAY,AUG.16

MONDAY,AUG.18 Today is the first day of classes at the International Language Institute of TAMIU. For more information or to register, visit http://www.tamiu.edu/dip/ili.

WEDNESDAY,AUG.20

THURSDAY,AUG.21 The public is invited to a public workshop at 2 p.m. today at the Zapata Community Center to discuss the design of Falcon Lake Park. For more information, call 765-9920.

The public is invited to the opening reception from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. today for “El Vaquero Real — The Original American Cowboy,” an exhibit of photographs byJohn Dyer and paintings by Lionel Sosa,which is on display from August until October at the Villa Antigua Border Heritage Museum, 810 Zaragoza St. in downtown Laredo. For more information, call 727-0977.

MONDAY,AUG.25 Classes start at the Zapata County Independent School District.

WEDNESDAY,SEPT.8 The Laredo Texas Exes will host the Longhorn Legacy Dinner tonight at 7 p.m. at the Country Club.The Exes are honoring Congressman Henry Cuellar and state District Judge Elma Salinas-Ender.

SATURDAY,SEPT.6 A book sale will be held at First United Methodist Church, 1220 McClelland Ave., from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Widener Room.The public is invited, and there is no admission fee.

SATURDAY,SEPT.8 Zapata County Commissioners meet at 9 a.m. today at the Zapata County Courthouse. For more information, call 7659920.

SUNDAY,SEPT.24 First United Methodist Church,1220 McClelland Ave.,will host an all-you-can-eat spaghetti lunch today from noon to 1:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. The public is invited, and free-will donations are accepted.

OCTOBER 27-30 It’s the Texas-Oklahoma Shootout at Falcon Lake.For more information,call 7654871.

NOV.7 Zapata celebrates its sesquicentennial with a series of events. For more informaiton, call 765-9920.

Photo by Marcio Jose Sanchez | AP

Charity DeLuca,VP of Research Relations at LiveFuels in San Carlos,Calif.,works with different algae samples.Behind the scenes, the airline industry is aggressively pushing for homegrown alternatives to petroleum-based jet fuel. A coalition that includes the Federal Aviation Administration, airline, manufacturing and airport associations wants standards for a 50 percent synthetic jet fuel approved by the end of the year.

Airlines challenged as they push for homegrown jet fuel

By CHRIS KAHN ASSOCIATED PRESS

PHOENIX — With the price of oil still above $100 a barrel, everything from wood chips to chicken fat is being scrutinized as an alternative to traditional fuel.

But when it comes to airplanes, finding the right mix poses a special challenge.

“When you’re in an airplane, you don’t want your fuel to start solidifying,” said Robert Dunn, a Department of Agriculture chemical engineer who is studying biodiesel jet fuel.

The airline industry is aggressively pushing for homegrown alternatives to petroleum-based jet fuel, while leaning on customers with a variety of new travel charges to help control a projected $61 billion industrywide fuel expense this year. A number of alternatives to standard jet fuel have been studied for years,

though aircraft manufacturers say the challenge is to find ideas that will work now.

Jet engines can be retrofitted to run on hydrogen, for example. But hydrogen does not pack the same punch as traditional jet fuel — kerosene — and would require airlines to buy planes designed with massive tanks. That is a tough choice for cash-strapped carriers, said Billy Glover, managing director of environmental strategy at Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

The best bet right now for non-conventional fuel comes from South Africa, experts said. The country has powered its airline industry for a decade using a coalbased jet fuel blend developed by petrochemicals group Sasol. It’s technically a “synthetic” fuel, which means it can be used without altering engines or other aircraft equipment.

ND base in missile mistake deemed safe

Two claim hairy, frozen beast is Bigfoot

FBI: Prints prove ‘Rockefeller’is German

BISMARCK, N.D. — A North Dakota bomber wing that came under scrutiny for mistakenly shipping nuclear missiles across the country is now operating safely.

The Minot Air Force base’s 5th Bomb Wing “can execute its nuclear mission in a safe, secure and reliable manner,” the Air Force said.

The wing was re-inspected after coming up short in an inspection in May. The Air Force Times said inspectors discovered an airman playing video games on his cell phone while standing guard at a restricted area.

PALO ALTO, Calif. — Bigfoot or big fat lie?

Whenever someone reports sighting the hairy beast of yore or capturing the hirsute humanoid on film, it scares up a dubious debate of international proportions. Friday was just the latest episode in the Sasquatch show.

Two men who claim to have stumbled across a Bigfoot corpse in the woods of northern Georgia indignantly stood by their story at a news conference in Palo Alto during which they offered an e-mail from a scientist as evidence.

BOSTON — The FBI said Friday that it matched fingerprints from a German man’s decadesold immigration papers to a kidnapping suspect who calls himself Clark Rockefeller — the first forensic link to a conclusion California authorities had already made.

The FBI said it matched fingerprints from Christian Gerhartsreiter’s immigration papers from the early 1980s to those taken from a wine glass Rockefeller touched in late July and those taken by Baltimore police after his Aug. 2 arrest.

— Compiled from AP reports

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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.

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The Zapata Times

Suspect nabbed in Okla. indicted in Texas

Panel to probe findings that led to execution

SHERMAN — A Dallas man arrested last month in Oklahoma has been indicted in Texas on a bank robbery charge.

Federal prosecutors on Friday announced the indictment of 29-year-old Ryan Christopher Hitchins.

Hitchins was indicted over the June 30 holdup of Texans Credit Union in Plano.

Oklahoma City police on July 8 arrested Hitchins during a traffic stop. A police officer had noticed a vehicle with a damaged windshield and an expired license plate.

HOUSTON — A state panel voted Friday to investigate whether a man executed in 2004 for setting a fire that killed his three daughters actually started the blaze.

The Texas Forensic Science Commission agreed to review the original findings that Cameron Todd Willingham set a fire at his family’s Corsicana home two days before Christmas in 1991. Its decision came after the Innocence Project, a legal group that specializes in overturning wrongful convictions, requested the case be reviewed.

GOP leaders remember Anne Armstrong

State ends cases of 34 sect kids

COLLEGE STATION — Vice President Dick Cheney joined other powerful Republicans on Friday to pay tribute to Anne Armstrong, the longtime party stalwart called “the most gracious hostess in Texas.”

Cheney told an audience of about 500 mourners that Armstrong, who was a Cabinet-level adviser to Presidents Nixon and Ford and a U.S. ambassador to Britain, was on Ford’s vice presidential “short list” in 1976.

Armstrong, who had battled cancer, died July 30. She was 80.

Armstrong was the first woman to serve as U.S. ambassador to Great Britain, taking the post in 1976.

SAN ANTONIO — Custody cases involving 34 children taken from a polygamist sect’s West Texas ranch have been dropped because child welfare authorities no longer believe court oversight is needed.

Child Protective Services filed paperwork in San Angelo on Thursday asking that the cases involving 10 families be dropped, and Texas District Judge Barbara Walther agreed.

The action does not necessarily end the agency’s involvement with the families but means officials believe the children can be kept safe without court intervention, she said.

— Compiled from AP reports

AROUND THE WORLD | IN BRIEF

Photo by Mukhtar Khan | AP

Locals carry a man after he was shot by Central Reserve Police Force soldiers during a protest in Srinagar, India, on Friday. Thousands of Muslims took to the streets in India’s part of Kashmir, ignoring a plea by the prime minister for an end to weeks of violence that has left 34 dead.

Bomb strikes Shiite pilgrims in Iraq

Georgia leader signs truce with Russia

BAGHDAD — A passenger van packed with explosives blew up Friday at a bus station north of Baghdad where Shiite pilgrims had stopped for the night, killing four people and wounding dozens.

The attack raised concern that extremists were seeking to re-ignite the firestorm of sectarian massacres that plunged Iraq to the brink of civil war two years ago.

Hundreds of thousands of Shiites from throughout Iraq have been traveling by foot or by vehicle to Karbala, 50 miles south of Baghdad, for the religious festival.

TBILISI, Georgia — Georgia’s president grudgingly signed a truce with Russia Friday, even as he denounced the Russians as invading barbarians and accused the West of all but encouraging them to overrun his country. A stone-faced Condoleezza Rice, standing alongside, said Russian troops must withdraw immediately from their smaller neighbor.

President Bush talked tough, too, accusing the Russians of “bullying and intimidation,” but neither he nor Rice said what the U.S. might do if Russia ignored them.

— Compiled from AP reports

TODAY IN HISTORY ASSOCIATED PRESS

CONTACT US

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AROUND TEXAS | IN BRIEF

The Pediatric Practice Association Health Fair is from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. today at the Zapata Community Center. There will be a dance competition, moon jump, refreshments, door prizes and various health checks. More than 20 exhibitors from Zapata and neighboring counties will be at the event. For more information, call 765-4871.

Mindfest, a family event sponsored by the Imaginarium of South Texas will be held today at Mall del Norte next to Dillard’s,5300 San Dario Ave.,Suite 505, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and it is free with admission. For more information, call 728-0404.

The United Way kickoff event and Zapata County Independent School District general session is from 8 a.m. to noon today at the Zapata High School auditorium.

Lt. Gen. Ricardo Sanchez is the keynote speaker. For more information, call 7656546.

ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM

Today is Saturday, Aug. 16, the 229th day of 2008. There are 137 days left in the year.

Today’s Highlight in History: On Aug. 16, 1977, Elvis Presley died at his Graceland estate in Memphis, Tenn., at age 42.

On this date: In 1777, American forces won the Revolutionary War Battle of Bennington.

In 1812, Detroit fell to British and Indian forces in the War of 1812.

In 1948, baseball legend Babe Ruth died in New York at age 53.

In 1954, Sports Illustrated was first published by Time Inc. In 1956, Adlai E. Stevenson was nominated for president at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

In 1960, Britain ceded control of the crown colony of Cyprus.

In 2000, delegates to the Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles nominated Al Gore for president.

Ten years ago: Protestants and Catholics in Northern Ireland united in uncomprehending grief over the car bomb slaughter of 29 people in Omagh

a day earlier. A day before President Clinton was to face a criminal grand jury concerning his relationship with Monica Lewinsky, his lawyer said, “The truth is the truth, and that’s how the president will testify.”

Five years ago: The Midwest and Northeast were almost fully recovered from the worst power outage in U.S. history. A car driven by U.S. Rep. Bill Janklow ran a stop sign on a rural road in South Dakota and collided with motorcyclist Randy Scott, who died in the accident. Idi Amin, the former dictator of Uganda, died in Jiddah, Saudi Arabia; he was believed to have been about 80.

One year ago: Jose Padilla, a U.S. citizen held for 3 ½ years as an enemy combatant, was convicted in Miami of helping Islamic extremists and plotting overseas attacks. (Padilla, once accused of plotting with al-Qaida to detonate a radioactive “dirty bomb,” was later sentenced to 17 years and four months in prison on the unrelated terror support charges.) A cave-in killed three rescuers in the Crandall Canyon Mine in Utah; the search for six trapped miners was later abandoned.

Today’s Birthdays: Actor Fess Parker is 84. Actress Ann Blyth is 80. Actor Robert Culp is 78.

Sportscaster Frank Gifford is 78.

Singer Eydie Gorme is 77. Actress Julie Newmar is 75. Actor John Standing is 74. Actor Gary Clarke is 72. Actress Anita Gillette is 72. Actress Carole Shelley is 69. Country singer Billy Joe Shaver is 69. Movie director Bruce Beresford is 68.

Rhythm-and-blues singer Robert “Squirrel” Lester (The Chi-Lites) is 66. Actor Bob Balaban is 63.

Ballerina Suzanne Farrell is 63.

Actress Lesley Ann Warren is 62.

Rock singer-musician Joey Spampinato (NRBQ) is 58. Actor Reginald VelJohnson is 56. Actor Timothy Hutton is 48. Actor Steve Carell is 45. Actor Donovan Leitch is 40. Actor Andy Milder (TV: “Weeds”) is 40. Country singer Emily Robison (The Dixie Chicks) is 36. Actor George Stults is 33. Singer Vanessa Carlton is 28. Actress Agnes Bruckner is 23. Actor Shawn Pyfrom is 22. Country singer Ashton Shepherd is 22.

Thought for Today: “If a man wants his dreams to come true, he must wake up.” — Anonymous.

Photo by San Francisco History Center,San Francisco Public Library | AP

This July 21, 2008 copy of the now-defunct San Francisco News shows a headline from July 5, 1950, stating U.S.Army Col.John E. Baird denied that Kim Soo-im, executed as a communist spy,was his mistress.Anow-declassified Army investigative report from 1950 says they were lovers, but indicates the allegations against her were unfounded.

Zlocal

SATURDAY,AUGUST16,2008

ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM

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First phase of U.S. 83 Expansion Project unveiled

By DEANNA MENDOZA LAREDO MORNING TIMES

ZAPATA ⎯ The first completed portion of the U.S. 83 Expansion Project in Zapata was unveiled Wednesday during a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by Congressman Henry Cuellar and Texas Department of Transportation officials.

The officials disclosed how they plan to work together through the current state highway funding crisis.

The project includes expanding U.S. 83 from a two-lane roadway with shoulders to a divided four-lane roadway with wider shoulders. The completed section starts at the entrance to Zapata and ends past Texas 16. Construction is ongoing from U.S. 83 to Texas 16 down to Zapata High School.

All together, those projects have totaled $22 to 23 million, said Mario Jorge, the TxDOT Pharr district area engineer.

“The plan now is to continue the expansion over the next several years so that we can finish out the corridor all the way from the Webb County line into Starr County,” Jorge said.

Recent statewide budget reductions have caused the project to slow down, but Cuellar and Jorge are both working to remedy that.

“Back in 2005, we passed a highway bill that brought in literally billions of dollars to the state of Texas. This area got over $58 million from federal dollars,” Cuellar said.

“As you know, there’s been a little shortfall,” he added, referring to the reductions of statewide mobility projects. “Hopefully … in September, we want to have a second economic stimulus package. … There will

Photo by Cuate Santos | Laredo Morning Times

Mario Jorge, of the Pharr TxDOT office talks about the plans for expanding U.S. Highway 83 through Zapata County on Wednesday morning within the city limits as Zapata County Judge Rosalva Guerra and U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar smile. Seated in the back row are Zapata County Auditor Teo Garza, left, and County Commissioner Pct. 3 Joe Rathmell. be billions of dollars that we want to put for highway construction, which will be good for Zapata and good for the state of Texas.”

Transportation funding comes from the gasoline tax, a tax that is in crisis, Jorge said.

“That method of funding is really creating a problem for us. It’s a regressive

form of funding, and it doesn’t really keep up with inflation,” he said. “Over the last three to five years, we’ve been hit with really high inflation on materials, with the fuel cost … (and) our construction inflation has really hurt us in the last few years.”

Once the current six-year transportation bill expires in 2009, Congress will

Laredo Morning Times unveils new weekly, Web site for Zapata, area THE ZAPATA TIMES

As Laredo Morning Times launches its new weekly, The Zapata Times, it’s also unveiling a Web site specifically for this area.

“The growth and importance of Zapata have encouraged us to enhance this commitment twofold,” said Publisher Bill Green.

“First, effective today and every subsequent Saturday, The Zapata Times will report on Zapata news, socials, sports and entertainment.

“A local office will open soon, and native Zapatan Dora Martinez will serve as The Zapata Times business manager,” Green continued. “Secondly, a new Web site dedicated to Zapata begins today: www.thezapatatimes.com will be updated as needed between weekly editions of The Zapata Times, which will be delivered to 4,000 homes.”

There is no charge for the printed newspaper or for accessing the Web site.

“Readers in Zapata can count on our staff to provide accurate, fair and balanced reporting on the issues important to this area,” said Editor Diana R. Fuentes.

“We’re committed to journalistic integrity, giving a voice to the voiceless and serving as a watchdog over government spending

“A local office will open soon, and native Zapatan Dora Martinez will serve as The Zapata Times business manager.”

PUBLISHER BILL GREEN of public funds.

“We don’t shy away from controversy, but we strive to ensure that all sides have their views presented.”

To that end, developments in ongoing stories will be published online as they occur to help keep Zapatans informed. In addition, updates and breaking news — not just about local events but also state, national and international events — will be published as they happen.

For example, the Zapata County Commissioners Court generally meets on Mondays. By Monday afternoon, expect to see a summary online of what happened at the meeting. If Sheriff Sigifredo Gonzalez Jr.’s deputies make a major bust during the week, you’re likely to read about it first online. When the Hawks play a game Saturday night, check the Web site for the score.

Visitors to www.thezapatatimes.com also will be able to ac-

cess the e-Edition version of the weekly newspaper in a userfriendly format that allows for increasing the size of the page for each reader’s individual comfort.

It’s a great way of keeping up with what’s happening back home when you’re out of town.

The site also will archive the e-Editions, so the digital versions of past issues of The Zapata Times will be as close as your nearest Internet-connected computer.

Visitors to the Web site will be able to e-mail story ideas, calendar items, news releases, wedding and engagement announcements, photos and letters to the editor.

Soon, there will be blogs on Zapata sports and the Zapata community available online.

And, in the future, the site will feature a forum, where visitors can comment on stories and local issues and debate hot issues of the day.

play a vital role in determining the future of the expansion project, as many subprojects are hinging on what comes from the bill, Jorge said.

“When they (Congress) look at the transportation funding bill, it’s going to be critical how they fund that and whether they change the formulas, (or) whether

they change the method of financing (to) get away from the gasoline tax,” Jorge said.

“We don’t have those answers yet, but we hope to get some.”

To get things moving, Jorge and Zapata County officials have already started planning the additional projects so they will be ready once funding comes in. Jorge said taking this aggressive approach will ensure the U.S. 83 expansion is the first to get funded.

In addition, the expansion has been broken up into subprojects, as it is easier to get funding for five smaller projects than for one larger, single project.

Two projects that total $16 million will run from San Ygnacio into Zapata. The expansion continues with three more projects that total $30 million from South Zapata up to the Starr County line.

Cuellar said the added safety benefits that come from the expansion would be invaluable to those who frequently travel U.S. 83. Reconstructing the existing highway would also address wearing pavement conditions, as the road has taken a beating from the heavy volume of truck traffic, Jorge said.

Jorge said he expects to have all five projects ready to go to contract in about a year and a half.

“I think what we can expect over the next 10 to 20 years is that we will have a four-lane divided highway through Zapata County that will feed a lot of the commerce that happens right now between Laredo and the valley,” Jorge said.

“That’s our goal; it’s always been our goal. It’s going to be a major corridor for the future.”

THE BLOTTER POSSESSION OFA CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE Sheriff’s deputies arrested a person at about 10 p.m.Aug. 5 at Siesta Shores for alleged possession of marijuana.According to a report, it was less than 2 ounces.

Deputies arrested a person at about 7 p.m. Aug. 7 at Lincoln Street on the charge of possession of a controlled substance.

A person was arrested at about 11:30 a.m. Aug. 8 at Monterrey Lane on the charge of possession of a controlled substance.

Deputies arrested a person at about 11 a.m. Aug. 9 near Fourth Street and Costa Rica Avenue on the charge of possession of marijuana.

Deputies arrested a person at about 4 a.m. Aug. 10 at Mi-

raflores Avenue on the charge of possession of marijuana.

ASSAULT An assault causing bodily injury was reported at about 12:30 p.m. Aug. 4 in the 5400 block of South Pharr Lane. n An assault was reported at about 3:30 a.m.in the 1700 block of Brazos Street.

PUBLIC INTOXICATION Aperson was arrested Sunday near Second Street and Bravo Avenue on the charge of public intoxication.

CAR ACCIDENT Authorities responded to a two-car accident at about 1:30 p.m. Aug. 4 near Highway 16 and Glenn Street.

Zopinion

SATURDAY,AUGUST16,2008

ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM

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OTHER VIEWS

EDITORIAL

The Zapata Times makes its debut THE ZAPATA TIMES

ou hold in your hands the first edition of The Zapata Times, a new product of Laredo Morning Times distributed to about 4,000 households.

It’s a natural connection.

Laredo and Zapata have been linked since the late 1750s, when José de Escandón was exploring and colonizing vast areas along the Rio Grande. Laredo secured land grants and became a city in 1755, but it was just a few years later that land grants were issued in the Zapata area and settlers moved in.

Laredo Morning Times has covered Zapata, at times more closely than others, pretty much since the newspaper started more than 125 years ago.

In fact, Laredo Morning Times has been delivered to homes in Zapata for more than 50 years, according to several community elders, who believe it likely is much longer than that.

At one point, Laredo Times was the only newspaper available in the community. The Corpus Christi Caller Times and the San Antonio Express News came in later, but no longer serve the area.

Laredo Morning Times, however, has remained — it’s a constant, providing quality writing and ensuring the people of Zapata stay informed about the latest news and businesses.

LMT has been a member of the Zapata Chamber of Commerce for years and we’re looking

Y

forward to becoming more involved in the community. Zapata native Dora Martinez is business manager of The Zapata Times, and she’s been working on the project for several weeks already, offering local advertisers unique opportunities to get their message out to thousands of potential buyers.

During these times, when many metro papers are undergoing cataclysmic changes — staff cuts, content reduction, paradigm shifts that would have been unheard of just five years ago — it may seem odd that we’re starting a brand-new newspaper.

But we’re bullish on Zapata.

The area has been growing steadily for several decades, and there is plenty of news to cover in the Home of Falcon Lake.

Readers of The Zapata Times can count on our staff to provide accurate, fair and balanced reporting on issues that are important and interesting to Zapatans, and we’re counting on you to help us identify those stories.

Call Editor Diana R. Fuentes directly at (956) 728-2581 or send her an e-mail at dfuentes@lmtonline.com with your ideas. Send a news tip, story suggestion, question you’d like answered, photo you’d like to see in print, calendar item or just drop us a line to let us know how we’re doing.

This is a work in progress, and we’re looking forward to making a significant contribution to the community.

We’re glad to be here!

COLUMN

Gold medal for guts goes to ‘Vee’

By DERRICK Z. JACKSON THE BOSTON GLOBE

s middle-agers at the Beijing Olympics exalt the iron abs of 41-year-old swimmer and mother Dara Torres, the gold medal for guts goes to 81-year-old Vahram “Vee” Sookikian.

Three days before the games began, Sookikian jubilantly bore his backpack on spindly legs back into base camp at the Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, N.M., the oldest national high adventure camp of the Boy Scouts.

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Three generations He finished a 10-night, 60-mile trek in the mountain wilderness with one of the four 12-person crews from our Boston Minuteman Council.

Sookikian’s crew included his 50-year-old son Steve and 15year-old grandson Julian. There are families where three generations can chat on a porch. There are three generations capable of a gentle stroll or a genteel round of golf.

Few are the families in our sedentary nation where three generations share a trail, undulating between 7,000 and 10,000 feet under a withering sun.

Few families have an octogenarian who can claim to carry his bed on his back for a week and a half to sleep on the ground under the stars. Vee was sturdy enough to fall off a log bridge into a stream, right himself, wipe himself off and keep hiking, only complaining that he drowned his digital camera.

Few families have a grandson who thinks this was another walk in the park.

“He’s always been out there with me,” said Julian, a sophomore at Waltham High School. “I remember him in my earliest memories, camping out, sleeping in an old station wagon, fishing, hiking around in Vermont. It’s a big deal to other people around me. To me it’s just normal.”

Sookikian, a retired electronics engineer, never stopped walking from the time he joined a troop in Brooklyn, in time to be part of the 90th birthday celebration in 1940 of Dan Beard, a founder of American scouting.

By age 16, as World War II sapped the adults from the troop, Sookikian played scoutmaster,

leading younger Scouts onto subways and buses in full backpacks to woodland camps out of New York City.

“My dad walked everyday in his life and lived to 86. I never knew him to be sick until just before he died,” said Vee, whose Armenian parents escaped genocide in Turkey. “When I started, I never thought I’d make a good Scout or hiker. I never made Eagle (Scouting’s highest rank) because I could not do a standing broad jump ...

“My family being Depressionpoor, we had no equipment, no mess kits, not much food, slept in blankets pinned together, and wore city shoes with leather soles with no grip.”

He stayed in shape over the decades by starting a troop in Watertown and completing a Philmont trek at age 45 with Steve. Vee section-hiked the 2,175mile Appalachian Trail until he finished it at age 64. At age 74, he hiked Philmont again with two other grandsons. He vowed to do it with Julian as well. On the last day, even Julian was amazed.

“We gave him a big head start but we’d always thought we’d catch him,” Julian said. “But we were huffing and puffing and when we got to where he was, he was sunning himself with our sister crew from Texas. On his good days, he was a speed demon.”

Sookikian said the one time he was scared was also on the last day, when a storm of lightning, hail and 40-mile-an-hour gusts hit the crew atop an exposed, 9,000-foot peak.

A jubilant victory “I was slipping and falling several times,” Sookikian said. “My knees were starting to fail. I was mad at myself because I thought I might create an emergency.”

The storm subsided, allowing the jubilant victory steps down to base camp. Philmont has no record of the oldest person to finish a trek. Sookikian needs no record or gold medal to know how rare he is.

“I knew so many people who, when they turned 65, all they could talk about was sitting in a lounge chair and smoking a pipe,” a glowing Sookikian said. “To me, that was like preparing to die. I hope to do this until the day I die.”

(Derrick Z. Jackson can be reached at jackson@globe.com)

COLUMN

Gasoline prices need to stay high f you are still undecided about which presidential candidate to vote for, a helpful decisionmaking moment is at hand.

Oil prices and gasoline pump prices are now falling almost as rapidly as they were rising just weeks ago. With the per-barrel oil price recently more than $140 and projected by some analysts to top $200, the sudden descent to the low $120s is enough to make the sourest of us hopeful that help may be on the way.

Be prepared, then, to jump to the presidential candidate who tells you that any seeming help can only be temporary and that taxes should be levied to keep gasoline prices near $4 a gallon.

That candidate will be the rarest of men — an honest one.

Of course, neither John McCain nor Barack Obama is likely to volunteer for such an act of political suicide.

Folks are truly hurting from the high prices, and the broader economic turbulence is rocking the automotive and airline in-

I

TOM TEEPEN dustries, shipping, tourism, agriculture. Really, just about everything.

It would be unnatural for politicians in such a time to adopt a take-your-medicine agenda.

McCain is thus pounding the lectern and demanding, Cheneylike, “Drill, drill, drill!” — a deadend policy that moons for the long gone days of wildcatting.

Better, Obama would accept some additional off-shore drilling but only as part of a package that emphasized the development alternative energy sources.

But not even Obama is likely to start touting the virtues of pump pain and thumping to keep

the prices high now that they’ve turned (relatively) soft.

(Obama’s expedient palliative - creaming 10 percent off the nation’s strategic oil reserve - is a matching frivolity for the McCain’s pitch to forego federal gasoline taxes.)

We’ve been through this cycle before.

Gasoline prices jump, with supplies cut by storms, politics, crimped refining capacity. We drive a little less for a while, eye autos with more appealing mileage, maybe even buy a few.

Then supplies rebound, prices fall and it is giddy-to-go time again.

The whelp of the last upswing in the boom-and-bust cycle was the absurd Hummer. Trying to sell a used one these days is like trying to sell cholera. GM is, by some reports, dickering to unload the line on a potential buyer in India. It’ll throw in shares on the Brooklyn Bridge.

We need $4 gasoline.

Only its ongoing shock will

save us from Hummer relapse.

Drill like crazy in Alaska and the continental shelf and we still won’t make enough of a dent in the international market to lower prices significantly in the long run.

We are off-loading our treasure to the big oil producing states, which to a disturbing extent are led by dangerous, neardictatorial thugs.

We are monstrously overloading the biosphere with killer pollutants and we are hedging our maneuverability in international affairs. In thoughtless tandem, we are chintzing on support for new energy technologies, which promise to become a major new industry for the nations pioneering them.

But if either candidate were so rash as to say so? We would punish him mercilessly in November.

(Reach Tom Teepen, an Atlanta-based columnist for Cox Newspapers, at teepencolumn@earthlink.net)

YOUR OPINION Time to fight against Democratic rule and go Republican; vote Louis Bruni for the Texas Senate To the editor: Since I was eligible to vote, I have done so in Webb County — a Democratic stronghold that resembles 71 years of the PRI dictatorship that ruled Mexico during the 20th Century.

I voted in the Republican primary for the first time because I did not want to be accountable for a system that tolerates a Justice of the Peace being arrested for DUI and keeping his position, instills fears in county employees by coercing them to campaign for a specific candidate and does not challenge parents to get involved in their children’s education.

This political state or “patron system” will continue for decades if informed Laredoans do not begin to recruit candidates for the fall election — making the Republican brand the de-facto opposition party in the mold of Mexico’s PAN party.

This fall, Laredoans have an

opportunity to build the opposition party with the candidacy of Louis H. Bruni for Texas State Senate, District 21.

For the last 22 years, Judith Zaffirini has represented Laredo and South Central Texas. I admit that she has been diligent at securing millions of dollars for the establishment and construction of Texas A&M International University, but it came at the expense of neglecting the basic educational needs of public school children who graduate with below-average SAT scores.

Rather than recognizing the “Head of the Class” on a monthly basis for 20 years, that time and resource should have been spent creating and building a public relations/field campaign to engage families to instill positive goals on their offspring from the time they are eligible for schooling. You cannot expect a person to suddenly aspire for

ambition during their senior year and think that the local university has the answer to their future. The desire to live up to the American Dream starts at a very young age.

Perhaps Sen. Zaffirini’s educational rhetoric works well for those civically minded, but the execution of her intentions is not meshing with the average Juan or Maria of Laredo. These people would be better served by someone willing to challenge and change one’s own culture — something Louis H. Bruni has consistently done during his tenure as a public servant.

As Louis H. Bruni battles a public perception of being privileged, many Laredoans forget that he built his own energy company through hard work; therefore, his fortunes do not come from inheritance but sweat, midnight-oil burn and personal sacrifice. What many Laredoans don’t know is that

Louis H. Bruni kept a promise to his father of not entering public service until his passing — knowing that being a public servant entails enduring petty scrutiny.

Laredoans should be thankful for Louis H. Bruni’s public service as he modernized the city’s infrastructure, secured jet services and instilled an environmental awareness in the community by pushing for a secondary source of water.

I firmly believe Louis H. Bruni is qualified to represent Laredo and South Central Texas in Austin because of his proven commitment to improve the quality of life in Laredo.

Democracy calls for rotation of leadership, not a springboard for a higher elective office — which is currently occurring with Laredo’s legislative representation.

Signed, Patricio Salinas

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.

Laredo Morning Times does not allow the use of pseudonyms.

Letters are edited for style, grammar, length and civility. No

name-calling or gratuitous abuse is allowed.

This space encourages 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

DOONESBURY | GARRY TRUDEAU

10 names in such letters. Letters with more than 10 names will not be published.

Mail letters to Letters to the Editor; 111 Esperanza Drive; Laredo, TX 78041. Or e-mail to editorial@lmtonline.com

Zlife

SATURDAY,AUGUST16,2008

ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM

WEDDING

ANNIVERSARY

Gonzalez-Oliveros

Montes 55th

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ERICA D. GONZALEZ AND ALBERTO R. OLIVEROS Sheriff Sigifredo Gonzalez Jr. and Carmen Gonzalez are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Erica D. Gonzalez, to Alberto R. Oliveros, son of Victor M. Oliveros and Rosa Maria U. Oliveros.

The bride is a full-time student at Texas A&M International University, where she studies music.

The groom is a staff accountant and sales representative for the Laredo Bucks hockey team.

The couple were wed on Saturday, Aug. 9, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.

A dinner-dance reception followed the wedding ceremony at the Zapata County Community Center.

It’s easy to submit info of your activities THE ZAPATA TIMES

The Zapata Times accepts photos and information about weddings, engagements, anniversaries, baptisms, quinceañeras, bridal showers, parties and other social events.

There is no cost for this service.

Deadline for Saturday publication is the previous Monday.

Submit your photo and information via e-mail to editorial@lmtonline.com or mail it to: Zlife; 111 Esperanza Drive;

Laredo, Texas 78041. You can also drop it off at the offices of Laredo Morning Times at 111 Esperanza Drive, just north of Mall del Norte.

For party photos, there should be no more than six people in the picture. Be sure to include the correct spelling of each person’s name; the date, time and place of the party; and the reason for the party (50th birthday, graduation, new job, art opening).

For all submittals, include a phone number in case we have questions.

MR. AND MRS. JORGE MONTES JR. Edna and Jorge Montes Jr. will celebrate their 55th wedding anniversary Saturday, Aug. 30, with a Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes, followed by a dinner at ZC Pavilion.

Edna Montes is a retired Zapata County Independent School District nurse. Jorge Montes is a retired bridge construction superintendent.

The couple were married June 10, 1953. Their children are Amparo (Joel) Gutierrez, Jorge III (Rosa) Montes, Arnoldo (Gloria) Montes, Baldemar (Nora) Montes, Ricardo (Vilma)

Montes and Ileana (Roberto) Thatcher. The couple have 29 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren and one great-greatgrandson.

The family will also celebrate the baptisms of Jorge Montes V and Roberto Eduardo Paredes III, the first of the fifth generation, and great-grandchildren Bailegh Jean Montes and Estevan Javier Gutierrez.

Jorge Montes Jr. and Edna Montes will also be celebrating their birthdays on this occasion, his 77th on Aug. 28 and her 72nd on Sept. 3.

Subscribe to The Zapata Times at (956) 728-2527

Zentertainment ENTERTAINMENT BRIEFS SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

‘One City’ The first One City, One Book group discussion about the book “All But My Life,” by Gerda Weissmann Klein, will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. today at the Laredo Public Library H-E-B Multi-Purpose Room.

The group discussion will be held in an informal setting.

For more information, call Pam Burrell at the Laredo Public Library, 795-2400, ext. 2268.

Mindfest The Imaginarium of South Texas will hold its family event MindFest at Mall del Norte from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today in a festival that will integrate science, art and engineering in playful experiences. It is free with admission.

Whether it’s making music on a fruit xylophone or taking apart mom’s toaster, MindFest will dare children to harness the creative potential of technology and problem-solving.

Among the engaging activities slated for MindFest are light painting, programmable “cricket” motor creations, making art with doodle bots and Rube Goldberg inventions.

Today will also serve as the grand opening of our newest exhibit, “Visual Vibrations,” from the world-renowned Exploratorium of San Francisco.

Illuminating insights into the complex process of interpreting our world though the eyes, brain and subjectivity are presented in “Visual Vibrations” — an exhibition that provides insight to how the eye and brain function together and determines what we see — or think we see.

For more information, call the Imaginarium of South Texas at 728-0404.

Community art classes Tap into the right side of your brain and find your inner artist with a beginner adult painting class in acrylics at Texas A&M In-

ternational University this fall.

Register for the class Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the TAMIU Center for the Fine and Performing Arts, Room 219.

Admission to the university is not required.

Classes will meet Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m. from Thursday, Sept. 4, through Thursday, Dec. 4.

Tuition is $110 per month or $300 for the three-month session if paid in full. The fee does not include art supplies. A supply list will be available at registration.

For more information, call the TAMIU College of Arts and Sciences’ department of fine and performing arts at 326-2654.

Call for performers Actors, singers and dancers are sought by the Opera Workshops of Laredo Community College and Texas A&M International University for their joint production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s popular musical “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” during open auditions Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Guadalupe and Lilia Martinez Fine Arts Center, Room 102, at the LCC Fort McIntosh Campus.

“Those who audition should prepare one song from memory and bring a copy of their sheet music for the accompanist,” said Dana Crabtree, TAMIU instructor of music and voice.

Rehearsals will be held weeknights from 7:30 to 9:30. The performance will run from Thursday, Oct. 16, through Sunday, Oct. 19.

For more information, call Joseph Crabtree at LCC at 7215869 or Dana Crabtree at TAMIU at 326-3040.

‘The Best Man’ Gore Vidal’s “The Best Man,” the first offering in a new cooperative theater venture between the Laredo Theater Guild and Texas A&M International University, will bow at TAMIU’s Center for the Fine and Performing Arts’ Sam Johnson Experimental Theatre on Thursday, Aug. 21, at 8 p.m.

SATURDAY,AUGUST16,2008

ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM

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‘Peter Pan’ features all-children cast

By KIRSTEN CROW THE ZAPATA TIMES

For anyone who has Peter Pan syndrome or knows someone who does — and you likely do, regardless of your age — this is the weekend to embrace and appreciate that simultaneously aggravating and appealing quality by watching the source of the term play out on the stage in a charming production featuring an all-children cast.

In its final show of the summer, the young thespians of Laredo Little Theatre are continuing their performances of the beloved characters of J.M. Barrie’s “Peter Pan,” in a production underwritten by the Women’s City Club and directed by Adalberto Chavarria.

For the kids, this is a fantasy tale, complete with all the ingredients to widen their eyes — wild children with no parents to force them to clean their rooms, pirates, Indians and fairies — and for the adults, it’s a time to watch the children shine, as well as indulge in some clever social commentary about the behavior of men that spawned the term “Peter Pan syndrome.”

The play The production opens with the children — Wendy, John and Michael Darling — preparing for bed in their comfortable nursery as Nana, the dog, keeping watchful eye over their movements while Mr. and Mrs. Darling prepare for an evening out.

Wendy is reliably the most sensible and sweet-tempered voice of the bunch, while John shows glimmers of an intrepid spirit, and Michael is the youngest and adorably precocious.

Shortly after the children’s parents leave, a boy with a fairy in tow appears. He is searching for his shadow, which escaped from him while visiting the nursery a previous evening.

The initial meeting is a sweet

one, as Wendy helps sew Peter Pan’s shadow back to his feet, including the famous exchange of a thimble as a “kiss.”

Wooed by the idea of flying, the children follow Peter Pan to Neverland, where they are shown a world where the scrappy Lost Boys live unhindered by parental guidance or being forced to school “to learn solemn names,” mermaids are treacherous, Captain Hook is fearsome and “The Wendy,” as the lone female, “is better than 20 boys.”

There are sword fights, laughter and tricks, and the biggest villain of them all is, in fact, an adult — but, of course, it all has a happy ending.

It’s certainly a children’s world, where every time someone says they don’t believe in fairies, one “drops dead,” “forever” can mean a week and “Mother” is the healer of all ills.

Some of the parts, such as Nana, are virtually silent, but the actors render them effective.

As for the jealous Tink, she only responds occasionally with the angry jingling of bells.

Behind the scenes Chavarria, a coordinator at the Laredo Entertainment Center and director of “Peter Pan,” said while last weekend’s run was certainly successful, he fully expected this weekend would draw bigger crowds.

For five weeks, the children — about 35 in total — have toiled away learning their lines and blocking, he said. A few of the principle roles, such as Wendy, Captain Hook and Peter Pan, were double cast to give several of the children an opportunity to share the limelight, Chavarria added.

The costumes were created in Laredo by cast members’ parent and the crew “based on what we had seen in the cartoon and in the movie collaboration,” he added.

The set was where it got tricky.

“With children, you’ll find

Photo by Ricardo Segovia | Laredo Morning Times

Matthew Violeta, playing Michael, battles Polo Garcia, playing a pirate, during a rehearsal of “Peter Pan” at the Laredo Little Theatre. talent to different degrees, but with the set, that’s the challenging one,” Chavarria said, noting that backstage storage space at the LLT is scarce for a play with six scenes. “The initial concept was to give it representation, the idea … (i.e.) the beds (in the first scene in the Darling nursery) turn into other things. They were part of the Neverland scene, part of the ship and also the rock.”

Follow the morning “Peter Pan” will have performances at 8 p.m. tonight and 3 p.m. Sunday at the Laredo Little Theatre, 4602 Thomas Ave. The Laredo Little Theatre is a nonprofit organization. Admission is $5. For more information, call 723-1342.

(Kirsten Crow may be reached at 728-2543 or by e-mail at kirsten@lmtonline.com)

SATURDAY, AUGUST 16, 2008

THE ZAPATA TIMES | 7A

ZFrontera

SÁBADO 16 de AGOSTO de 2008

Por MIGUEL TIMOSHENKOV TIEMPO DE LAREDO

NUEVO LAREDO — La Feria y Exposición Fronteriza de Nuevo Laredo (Expomex) será del 5 al 21 de septiembre.

El Presidente de la Expomex, Carlos Fernando Garza González, dijo que este año se podrá disfrutar cada noche de la feria, a las 7 p.m. de un show ecuestre internacional y a las 9 p.m. un rodeo tipo americano.

“Estamos muy motivados a darle a la familia show que agrade y distraiga a sus hijos. Se

Foto de cortesía | Gobierno Nueva Ciudad Guerrero

La presidenta municipal de Nueva Ciudad Guerrero,Tamaulipas, Olga Juliana Elizondo Guerra, recibe el saludo de Héctor Barberena Aguirre, un reconocido ganadera de Nuevo Laredo, e integrante de los Generales de Nuevo Laredo, A.C., tras concluir la Cabalgata que se realiza cada 24 de junio por el Día de San Juan. Este paseo a caballo reúne a jinetes de toda la región y se realiza desde hace 200 años, según información del Gobierno de Nueva Ciudad Guerrero.

Concluye primera parte de expansión carretera Por DEANNA MENDOZA ZAPATA ⎯ El Congresista Henry Cuellar y el Departamento de Transportación de Texas develaron la primer parte concluida de la U.S. 83 Expansion Project en Zapata y revelaron cómo ellos tienen considerado trabajar unidos durante la actual crisis de fondos en una ceremonia de corte de listón, el miércoles.

El proyecto incluye expansión de la U.S. 83 de un camino de dos carriles con acotamiento a un camino dividido de cuatro-carriles con acotamientos amplios. La sección terminada empieza en la entrada a Zapata y termina después de la Carretera 16, la construcción sigue de la U.S. 83 a la Carretera 16 hasta Zapata High School.

Juntos estos proyectos han totalizado de 22 a 23 millones de dólares, dijo Mario Jorge, el ingeniero de área del distrito Pharr para TxDOT. “El plan ahora es continuar la expansión durante los varios años siguientes para que podamos finalizar el corredor desde el Condado de Webb hasta el Condado Starr”, dijo Jorge.

Recientes reducciones presupuestales a nivel estado han causado que el proyecto baje en ritmo, pero Cuellar y Jorge están trabajando unidos para remediar esto.

“Como ustedes saben ha habido un poco de déficit”, dijo

refiriéndose a las reducciones de proyectos de mobilidad a nivel estatal. “Esperamos que este próximo mes de septiembre, podamos tener un segundo paquete de estímulo económico … habrá billones de dólares que deseamos poner para construcción de caminos los que serán positivos para Zapata y positivos para el estado de Texas”.

Una vez que la actual propuesta de transportación expire en el 2009, el Congreso tendrá un rol primordial en determinar el futuro del proyecto de expansión, así como muchos sub-proyectos que penden de los resultados del proyecto de ley, dijo Jorge.

“Cuando (el Congreso) ob-

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serve el proyecto de ley de fondos de transportación será crítico sobre cómo ellos fundaron eso y si ellos cambiaron las fórmulas (ó) si ellos cambiaron el método de financiamiento (para) salirse del impuesto de gasolina”, dijo Jorge.

“No tenemos esas respuestas aún, pero esperamos obtener algunas”.

En un esfuerzo para hacer que las cosas se muevan, Jorge y oficiales del Condado de Zapata ya han empezado a planear los proyectos adicionales para que ellos estén preparados una vez que haya fondos. Jorge dijo que al tomar este acercamiento agresivo asegurará que la expansión de la U.S. 83 sea el primer en obtener los fondos.

Continúa muestra de arte ESPECIAL PARA TIEMPO DE LAREDO

NUEVO LAREDO — Desde el pasado 12 de junio el Centro Cultural Nuevo Laredo es sede de la exposición de arte “Reyes Meza: El Alquimista del Color”.

El Museo José Reyes Meza, dedicado al pintor y muralista tamaulipeco nacido en Tampico en 1924 se presentan sus paisajes y retratos a lápiz.

Priscila Tapia de Sandoval, coordinadora de exposiciones y servicios educativos, existe un despertar por incursionar en las diferentes manifestaciones es exitoso.

“Después de recorrer las instalaciones, admirar cada una de las exhibiciones, los visitantes quedan encantados y dicen que nos recomendarán con familiares y amigos”, dijo Tapia.

Puede visitar el Centro Cultural ubicado en el Boulevar Colosio, en horario de 10 a.m. a 7 p.m.

trata de espectáculos que no son comunes y que tampoco podrán presentarse con frecuencia”, dijo Garza.

Para el GARZA Teatro del Pueblo adelantó la presencia de Jesse y Joy, Kika Edgar, Eduardo Capetillo y Mariana Seoane, mismos que ya están confirmados.

Como cada año, desde su creación en 1958, Expomex tendrá módulos de exposición en

ramas de la ganadería y agricultura, así como los juegos mecánicos, fuegos pirotécnicos, exposición de artesanías mexicanas y variedad de antojitos mexicanos.

Finalmente, Garza dijo que la coronación de la soberana de Expomex 2008-2009, Cindy Anahi Peña García, será el viernes 5 de septiembre en el Teatro del Pueblo, ceremonia en la que se espera la presencia del Gobernador Eugenio Hernández y del Alcalde Ramón Garza Barrios.

(Localiza a Miguel Timoshenkov llamando al (956) 7282583 ó en timo1@lmtonline.com)

SATURDAY, AUGUST 16, 2008

THE ZAPATA TIMES | 9A

Oil at 3-month low on stronger dollar

By STEVENSON JACOBS ASSOCIATED PRESS

NEW YORK — Oil fell to its lowest price in three months Friday, briefly touching the $111 level after the dollar muscled higher and OPEC predicted the world’s thirst for fuel next year will fall to its lowest point since 2002.

Light, sweet crude for September delivery fell $1.24 to settle at $113.77 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange after falling to $111.34, its lowest price since May 2 and more than $35 — or 24 percent — below its July 11 trading record above $147.

As high energy costs force countries around the globe to cut back on consumption, crude prices have plummeted and are now within striking distance of $100 a barrel, a level first reached Feb. 19.

At the pump, retail gas prices also continued falling, with a gallon of regular shedding about half a penny overnight to a new national average of $3.771, according to auto club AAA, the Oil Price Information Service and Wright Express. Gas peaked at $4.114 on July 17.

Crude fell after the dollar gained strength against the euro on U.S. data showing that industrial output rose more than expected in July. The 15-nation euro has lost some of its luster compared to its American rival amid growing evidence that European economies are slowing. The euro bought $1.4675 in trading Friday, down from $1.4811 late Thursday.

A rising dollar typically pushes oil prices lower as investors who buy crude and other commodities as hedges against inflation start dumping their positions to cut their losses. A stronger greenback also makes dollar-denominated commodities more expensive to overseas buyers, further eroding demand.

“The dollar is on fire again so that’s causing people to re-evaluate everything,” said Phil Flynn, oil analyst at Alaron Trading Corp. in Chicago. “It means oil prices could fall dramatically. We could see prices get to double dig-

“It means oil prices could fall dramatically.

We could see prices get to double digits if this continues.”

OIL ANALYST PHIL FLYNN

its if this continues.”

An OPEC forecast of lower demand also put downward pressure on prices.

In its monthly oil report, the organization forecast world appetite for oil this year overall will fall by 30,000 barrels a day. While forecasting demand growing by a daily 1 million barrels a day this year, and another 900,000 barrels in 2009, the report noted that world demand growth next year will also be “the lowest since 2002,” with demand growth from the major industrialized countries

actually declining.

“They’re basically saying we could have an oil glut because demand is slowing,” Flynn said. “It’s obvious that high prices do slow down demand and the market works.”

The OPEC report came two days after the U.S. Department of Energy highlighted the ongoing drop in U.S. demand for energy as Americans struggle with high costs for gasoline, food and other goods.

Oil’s steady decline has continued despite the simmering

weeklong conflict between Russia and Georgia over two breakaway provinces. Western leaders worked Friday to persuade Russia to pull troops out of Georgia, but regional tensions soared after a top Russian general warned that Poland could face attack over its missile defense deal with the United States.

British oil company BP PLC said Thursday it has resumed pumping gas into the Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum pipeline that runs through Georgia, but two oil pipelines remained closed. BP’s Baku-Supsa oil pipeline was shut as a precaution, and the larger Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan line, a key supplier to Western countries, remains shut after a fire earlier this month on the Turkish section of the line.

10A | LAREDO MORNING TIMES

SATURDAY, AUGUST 16, 2008

MEDICAL | Continued from Page 1A The school compresses four years of medical school classes and clinical rotations into a shorter, more intense year-round teaching schedule.

To apply for admission, students must complete their premed requirements at the undergraduate level and take the national MCAT exam, like their counterparts who apply to U.S. medical schools.

They must also complete a residency program, and take and pass all board exams, which are staggered throughout their years of medical training.

To be licensed in Texas, the student must be able to demonstrate the education they received at their medical school is substantially equivalent to a medical school in Texas, said Texas Medical Board Spokesman Patrick Shaughnessy said.

The students The students are older and non-traditional.

With the exception of one Canadian, all are American, but the school is working to recruit a large number of students from Mexico, according to school officials.

In a recent visit to the campus that is temporarily housed in a secundaria — plans are underway to move into a new facility next year — some of the current students told compelling and moving stories about the sacrifices they have made to come to this school.

Most aren’t in it for the big bucks.

Some such as Saul Enriquez

and Terri Kraus want to do missionary work. Others want to practice in poor, underserved areas, while others are eager to go into the grinding practice of emergency care.

Brian Gregory, who is a Freemason, said he would like to work in burn units at Shriner hospitals, which provide free medical care to those under 18 who suffer from burns, cleft lips and palates, and complex orthopedic and spinal problems.

Outside the classroom, most study 10 hours a day, seven days a week.

“You have to. There is no other way,” student Maria Teresa Uribe said.

Uribe, like her colleagues, left an established and well-paying career to pursue a childhood dream of becoming a doctor.

“It was always a dream,” she said.

Uribe, who lives in Zapata, was a dance teacher at La Joya High School when she decided to quit and go to medical school.

“It’s a major migraine headache,” she said with a laugh.

“It was an adrenaline rush the first semester because there was so much we needed to learn. There was hardly time to take a breath.

It’s extremely intense.”

Because the school is so young, all are paying out of pocket to cover their costs. Some commute while others have set up trailers just on the other side of the bridge in the United States.

The students all credited their main professor Dr. Scott Cunningham for guiding and pushing them through their classes.

The Las Vegas-based Cunningham commutes every week to teach in Guerrero. He also spends 10 hours preparing every one hour of lecture.

“It’s very time-consuming,” Cunningham said.

He has taught nearly one dozen of the courses offered, including immunology, epidemiology, biochemistry, and microbiology, among others.

“There is a huge need for schools like this,” said Cunningham, who has worked and taught in naval hospitals and the National Institutes of Health just outside Washington, D.C. He is a specialist in reproductive endocrinology.

“It (is for) students who, no matter what they did, could not get into a school in the United States,” he said. “This school gives them an option to fulfill their dream. I want to do everything I know how to do to make sure their quality of education is high.”

Joining Cunningham on the faculty are three Laredo Community College science instructors: Dr. G. Alfonso Martinez, Armando Garza and Guadalupe Garza.

“This school gets people interested in rural medicine and the school is geared to giving people a second chance at medical school,” Martinez said.

“The requirements for being accepted into a U.S. medical school are almost close to impossible to achieve,” he said. “This gives a person who could be a good physician a chance to get in and do it.”

(Tricia Cortez may be reached at 728-2568 or tricia@lmtonline.com.)

Economic development topic of conference this week

By PAUL S. MARTINEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES

Presenting a strategic and united front to legislators and the business community is the goal of the Future of the Region Inc. Economic Development Conference this week.

FORI is a grassroots organization representing 47 South Texas counties from Val Verde to Jackson counties.

“All of these counties experience many of same issues — from health care issues like diabetes to infrastructure needs,” FORI President Blas Castañeda said. “With FORI, we can take an issue, make a strategic plan for the whole region and present it to the Legislature or the business community. That way, we don’t have to continue reinventing the wheel every time the same issue comes up.”

The FORI conference will be held Wednesday through Friday at La Posada Hotel.

Zapata County Economic Development Center President Peggy Umphries-Moffett is one of the three chairs for this year’s conference.

She said Zapata shares many issues common throughout South Texas: specifically, diabetes, the need to diversify the economy, and high school education and job training.

Zapata could become an important supply chain in supporting manufacturing between Laredo and the Rio Grande Valley as the entire region looks to diversify its economy. “(Zapata leaders) are really working to address some funding issues to develop infrastructure,” said Umphries-Moffett, who also is the president of the Zapata Chamber of Commerce.

Zapata leaders also are working on the Zapata County Higher Education Advanced Technology Center, the first higher education institution in the community.

“Job training is critical,” she said. “If we don’t improve job training, we run the risk losing some of the companies we have because their cost of business is just too high and they look elsewhere for opportunities.”

The conference will include five keynote speakers: Texas Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, U.S. Census Bureau Executive Director Steve Murdock, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas San Antonio Branch Vice President Blake Hastings, University of Texas Pan American President Blandina Cardenas and economist M. Ray Perryman.

(Paul S. Martinez may be reached at (956) 728-2529 or paul@lmtonline.com)

LAKE VIEW | Continued from Page 1A With approval of the Spanish viceroy, Santander determined that the land grants would be fixed in a series of ejido (communal tracts) and porciones of 5,300 to 7,700 acres. In the Jose M. Peña book Inhert the Dust from the Four Winds of Revilla, the author listed 11 grantees that he identified as Peña ancestors.

He listed the Pedro Vela porcion as No. 36, located in Revilla and Zapata, 6,022.60 acres, 1767.

The writer pointed out that Revilla became Guerrero (Viejo) to honor the memory of Father Hidalgo’s trusted colleague in the war for independence from Spain. Residents evacuated Guerrero Viejo for Guerreo Nuevo for the construction of the Falcon Dam. In pursuit of preservation of the Pedro Vela lineage out of Revilla, Joe Espitia is trying to deter-

mine what became of the Pedro Vela land grant. He has questions about a ranch given the name of El Sordo (The Deaf).

There’s another twist in connection with the Vela name. Archived material tells that one Petra Vela de Vidal, widow of a Mexican Army captain, Luis Vidal, was the daughter of one Gregorio Vela, a provincial governor of the Nueces-Rio Grande territory.

Petra Vela (de Vial) married one Miffin Kenedy, a Confederate captain who shipped Texas cotton down the Rio Grande to the port of MatamorosBrownsville during the Civil War. The Kenedy name is also rooted in cattle ranching (King Ranch) and railroad investments (Texas-Mexican Railway).

(Odie Arambula can be reached at oarambula@stx.rr.com)

Subscribe to the Laredo Morning Times at (956) 728-2555

SATURDAY, AUGUST 16, 2008

THE ZAPATA TIMES | 11A

CELEBRATION | Continued from Page 1A ZAPATA COUNTY SESQUICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION Friday, Nov. 7 Sesquicentennial Park Dedication 9 a.m. Musical selections Flag ceremony Birth of a County — a brief history of Zapata County The Price of Freedom — a tribute to American veterans Red, White & Blue performance — performance tributes Park dedication Evening — carnival, music, food booths and team roping

breakfast Historical reminiscing

Saturday, Nov. 8 Zapata 9 a.m. 5k walk/run 10 a.m. Parade Noon Carnival, music, food booths, team roping and cookoff at County Fair Grounds Evening — Intocable concert Fireworks display Sunday, Nov. 9 Lopeño, Falcón and San Ygnacio 8 a.m. Lopeño Festival — Lopeño, Texas Almuerzo regional — Regional

1 p.m. San Ygnacio Festival – San Ygnacio, Texas Mass — Nuestra Señora del Refugio Mission 2 p.m. Flag and Country Ceremony A cradle of Culture — a historical view of San Ygnacio Honoring Special Guests Pillars of The Community — citizens making a difference Sons and daughters of San Ygnacio — a tribute to local veterans A Salute to Veterans — a tribute to all veterans

With a playground set for children, a basketball court, picnic tables and a botanical garden, the plaza is hoped to become a main attraction for Falcón, Vela said.

“I thought of this project as being a very important project because it will give the community a little bit of pride as far as what they have to offer,” Vela

said.

The Zapata Sesquicentennial Trail Park will be a walk through history, as markers and 500 memorial benches will be placed throughout the path, Zapata said.

“As you walk along the trail, you’re going to be reading all the public officials (from) 1858 to 2008,” Zapata said. “There will be

9 a.m. Falcón festival – Falcón, Texas Visual historical presentation Exhibits Continental breakfast Dedication of the Falcón community park (showcasing antique bridge) Mass — Santa Ana Mission Lunch — Musical Entertainment

Settlers got grants

By DORA MARTINEZ THE ZAPATATIMES

COLUMN

his is dedicated to settlers of the Royal Spanish and Mexican land grants in South Texas and mainly Zapata County, where my own family stems from.

There is a concise history of the colonization of the lower Rio Grande area. The first source is the English translation of the proceedings of the “general visitation” by representatives of the Viceroy of New Spain in the Guerrero Jurisdiction of Nuevo Santander in 1767 for the purpose of issuing land grant titles to the land grant settlers of the jurisdiction.

The second source consists of the Texas general land office entitled “index to Spanish and Mexican land grant.” But this has become a collector’s item and is no longer in print. It is difficult to find.

In the Zapata County area, 39 porciones and 15 other tracts of land were granted to individuals and/or families by the King of Spain and after 1823 by the Mexican government.

The history of who these grantees were is fairly well preserved. Whatever happened to the grantees and their families, to their land, and to their descendants after the title to the lands passed to the grantees is in many instances obscured in the history of the period from 1767 to the mid 1800’s.

From time to time many of the grantees and their descendants were forced to leave their lands

for varied periods of time due to Indian attacks, bandits, sickness and wars. To boards of inquiry, and to the courts, the details of these verification efforts after the mid-1800s are mostly preserved and available in Texas court and land records.

Individuals desiring to trace the passage of the land can start their own search in the Zapata County archives located in the Zapata County Library. The records are open to the public and are available to all interested persons, or also the clerk’s office.

Another place to conduct research is the Texas General Land Office in Austin. Last but not least are the Texas State Archives. The archives are next to the state capital building in Austin.

Shortly after Texas gained its independence from Mexico, on Dec. 22, 1836, the Congress of Texas passed an act that empresarios, commissioners, political chiefs, alcaldes and others were to deliver to that office all titles books, surveys, papers, and documents belonging to the public and pertaining to the land of Texas.

Prior to 1850, the State of Texas established a commission, known as the Bourland Miller Commission, to investigate the land titles in Rio Grande Valley.

The titles recommended in these “lists” were confirmed by an act to confirm certain land titles herein named.

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SANCHEZ up of a board of 50 people and an additional 100 volunteers, Leal said. Three hundred contributors helped raise more than $30,000 for Zapata. Major contributors to that effort included the county, the school district, IBC, ConocoPhillips and small businesses, Leal said.

Though more than $30,000 was raised, the Laredo United Way gave close to $50,000 to Zapata, as the community usually ends up getting more from United Way than it actually raises, said Rodriguez, also the vice president of the campaign in Zapata.

This year’s fundraising goal for Zapata will be $50,000.

Two agencies that benefit from United Way’s fundraising efforts in Zapata are the Boys and Girls Club and the South Texas Food Bank.

Rodriguez said the Boys and Girls Club is an integral part of the community, as it provides much-needed recreational activities and after-school tutoring for children.

“It allows for kids to stay onsite and therefore get tutoring services. Parents are given that peace of mind that they can come in and their kids are engaged in positive activities,” he said. “A lot of things can happen to kids between the time that they get out of school and mom and dad come home. We want to be able to raise and support money for the Boys and Girls Club so they can have those activities.”

Rodriguez added that as the

| Continued from Page 1A nation’s economy gets tougher, more citizens will be going to the South Texas Food Bank for help.

“A lot of our citizens rely heavily on our food bank,” Rodriguez said. “We don’t lose sight of the fact that there is a lot of need, and more and more of our citizens will be turning for help from that agency.”

Plans for New Falcón Plaza were approved by Commissioners Court on Aug. 11. The main attraction for the plaza will be an antique steel bridge older than New Falcón itself. Plans are to restore and renovate the bridge, as well as turn it into a historical attraction. The plaza will also include a playground set, basketball court, picnic area and botanical area. a marker, and you can read about the public officials that (have been) here since the county was made.”

In addition, the county has allotted about $43,000 from the hotel-motel tax to be used for the celebration, as it will also bring in tourism.

A framework of the celebratory events has been established, but the committee is still adding events and accepting ideas from the community, Montes said.

Festivities include heirloom exhibits put together from con-

tributions Zapata County residents. Contributions are still being accepted for these exhibits, and the committee will work with anyone regarding artifacts that require special care, Montes said.

To contribute ideas or family heirlooms for the Sesquicentennial Celebration, which runs from Nov. 7 to Nov. 9, call (956) 765-9920 to leave a message for a committee member.

(Deanna Mendoza may be reached at 728-2562 or deanna@lmtonline.com)

12A | THE ZAPATA TIMES

SATURDAY, AUGUST 16, 2008

The Zapata Times SATURDAY,AUGUST16,2008

ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM

Sports&Outdoors New challenges facing Hawk gridders

By KEITH MARTIN THE ZAPATA TIMES

After a disappointing loss to Raymondville in a key district game last year, Coach Mario Arce and his staff are back to the drawing boards as they get ready for the 2008 football season.

With the Hawks in a much tougher and bigger District 32-3A this year, it’s going to be an uphill climb for the Hawks as they face Rio Hondo (Sept. 26), Lyford (Oct. 3), La Feria (Oct. 10), Raymondville (Oct. 17), Port Isabel

(Oct. 24), Progresso (Oct. 30) and Hidalgo (Nov. 7).

The Hawks finished 5-6 last year, 3-1 in district play. They were bi-district finalists, and they return 13 starters this year, nine on defense.

“Through the many years, we have never had the biggest or fastest team, but our guys work hard, and they have a lot of heart,” Arce said. “What I enjoy the most about these kids is that they never give up. Even when we’re down in the fourth quarter, our guys never quit.”

“Through the many years, we have never had the biggest or fastest team, but our guys work hard, and they have a lot of heart.”

HEAD COACH MARIO ARCE The season got under way for the Hawks on Aug. 4 with the start of two-a-day practices. Leading the Hawks this year are seniors linebacker George Gutierrez and quarterback Meliton Trejo.

Also looking to make a little noise for the Hawks are Carlos Gonzalez and Lacho Saenz, junior linebackers.

“Because of some key players that we lost to graduation last

A SHOCKING START

year, we have several kids that will be playing both on offense and defense,” Arce said. “But with the talent that we do have, I feel very confident.”

Arce joined the Zapata County I.S.D. athletic department in 1996.

Coach Pepe Saenz, athletic director and head coach, hired him as offensive coordinator as well as a physical education teacher.

Arce worked well under Saenz, who led the Hawks to a successful year in 2001, their first undefeated (10-0) season. In 2002, Arce was appointed head coach, and in

Runners eye region, state meets this year

By KEITH MARTIN THE ZAPATA TIMES

Power outage zaps Lady Hawks’opener

The Zapata Hawks crosscountry program is off and running as Coach Michael Villarreal works his teams into shape for the upcoming season.

“I’m very excited that we have so many kids that have been running all summer long,” Villarreal said. “Our summer workouts started back in June, at 7:30 a.m. every day, and we have been going strong ever since then.

“The one thing that I have noticed about some of my veteran runners is that they know what’s ahead of them. They take their summer workout serious, and success breeds success.”

After losing their No. 1 runner, Jessica Martinez, to graduation last year, the Lady Hawks look to a group of juniors for leadership this year. Those girls who will be leading the pack are Michelle Garcia, Maritza Gar-

By KEITH MARTIN THE ZAPATA TIMES

he Zapata Lady Hawks got their season off to an electrifying start Tuesday when the electricity went off during their first home game against LBJ. Although the game had to be suspended, it was an inauspicious way for the season to start.

This year’s team is led by senior captains Lynda Leyva and Tessa Moss.

Both girls look to help get the Lady Hawks back into the playoffs again this year, but with the new district alignment, it’s going to be quite a challenge.

Both Zapata and Raymondville, from District 31-3A, now join Port Isabel, Hidalgo, La Feria, Rio Hondo, Progresso and Lyford to form the new district, 32-3A.

T

2004 he was appointed athletic director. Since then, the Hawks have been to the playoffs every year.

His overall record is 43-22, with five district championships and two bi-district championships.

The Hawks also won 22 district games in a row before their loss to Raymondville last year.

This year’s Hawks varsity staff includes offensive coordinator Blake Garza, defensive coordinator Damien Moreno, and assistant coaches Clyde Guerra, Robert Alvarez, Gabriel Perez, Fred Lujan and Lupe Hernandez.

cia and Melissa Martinez.

“This year’s team is a young team, but we’re looking to surprise some people,” Villarreal said. “We’re running smart (and) staying together, and I always stress team unity.”

As they also look to defend back-to-back district titles, the varsity boys’ and girls’ teams also have their sights set on advancing to the regional and state cross-country meets this year.

“We missed out on qualifying for state by a few points last year at regionals, so I’m hoping we can go the distance this year,” Villarreal said.

So will this be the year that we see the Hawks at the state cross country meet? Only time will tell, but as Villarreal noted, “Success starts during the summer.”

The 2008 cross-country season starts Aug. 23 in Zapata at the fifth annual South Texas Stampede.

See VOLLEYBALL | PAGE 2B

Cyclist stunned at water bill

ZAPATA LADY HAWKS

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Head Coach: Rosie Villarreal, fifth year Assistant Coaches: Rebeka Longoria, Melissa Herrera, and Mario Benavides Last Year’s Standings: third place, bi-district champions, area finalist Last Years Record: overall (13-13) district (4-4), bi-district finalists Returning Starters: 1: Tessa Moss Returning Lettermen: 5: Moss, Lynda Leyva, Clarissa Solis, Celina Benavides and Lizette Mendoza Season Opener: Aug. 12 LBJ/St. Aug Opening District Game: Sept. 13 at Progresso Coach Villarreal’s top 3 picks: Hidalgo, La Feria and Zapata/ Port Isabel

Photo by Cuate Santos | Laredo Morning Times

Brandi King, 9, of the Zapata Lady Hawks’volleyball team, hits the ball over a player from Roma during a scrimmage at United High last week.

AUSTIN — Lance Armstrong always had a bottle of water within reach when he powered up the mountains in the Tour de France.

He’d need a bigger bike or one whopper of a water jug to carry the hundreds of thousands of gallons pumping to and through his Mediterranean-style villa in Austin.

A review of June water records — the most recent available — by the Austin AmericanStatesman found the retired cy-

cling great’s 1.1-acre residence pumped 222,900 gallons as the summer was really starting to heat up.

That makes him Austin’s No. 1 water user — by a long shot.

His total for June was about the same as 26 city households.

Armstrong said the electric bills seemed high when he moved in several years ago but the water usage had not been brought to his attention. His finances and bills are handled by a management company.

His water bill for June was $1,630.

Texas, Aggies facing uphill climb, tough schedule Coach says defense could decide UT’s fate

McGee unshaken by QB competition

By CHRIS DUNCAN ASSOCIATED PRESS

COLLEGE STATION — Texas A&M quarterback Stephen McGee says he’s a perfect fit for new coach Mike Sherman’s prostyle offense and he’s proved it in preseason practices.

The senior was the undisputed starter for the last two seasons under Dennis Franchione. But Sherman, who took over after Franchione resigned last November, said McGee would have to win his job back in fall practice in an open competition with strong-armed sophomore Jerrod Johnson.

McGee convinced Sherman with near-flawless execution in the first two weeks of workouts and was named the starter on Aug. 14.

“If you have a player who’s talented and better, you’ve got to play with him,” Sherman said. “I just feel like Stephen demonstrated he should be the starting quarterback based on what he

showed me.”

McGee is 16-11 as the Aggies’ starter and certainly didn’t want to give up the job.

“Everybody wants to play,” McGee said. “I want to play football for as long as I possibly can.

I’m excited to be in the huddle again.”

Johnson was unfazed by the decision, acknowledging that he still has many things to improve.

“I think I am ready to play and lead the team when I’m called upon,” he said. “But that doesn’t change my mindset at all. I’m just trying to be the best quarterback I can be every day.”

With that decision settled, Sherman can turn his attention to other areas of concern.

Only one starter returns on both the offensive and defensive lines and the linebacking and receiving corps are also thin on experience — not to mention that everyone is learning new schemes on both sides of the ball.

See AGGIES | PAGE 2B

By JIM VERTUNO ASSOCIATED PRESS

Photo by Eric Gay/file | AP

In this Dec. 27, 2007, photo, Texas A&M quarterback Stephen McGee throws during football practice in San Antonio. McGee says he’s a good fit for new coach Mike Sherman’s pro-style offense. All McGee has to do now is prove it to Sherman.

AUSTIN — Mack Brown hears that some folks don’t expect much from his Texas Longhorns this season.

Exactly how does talk like that start? Texas is loaded with topflight recruits, returns half the starters from a 10-3 season and has a hot-shot new defensive coordinator.

So why would anyone take this team lightly?

Oh, right: that defense, and that schedule, and all those untested players at key positions ....

The fact that Brown had to snag Will Muschamp away from Auburn to be his defensive coordinator is one of the key reasons that some doubt Texas will challenge Oklahoma in the Big 12 South.

Texas had one of the worst pass defenses in school history last season, forcing Brown to hire a fourth new defensive coordinator in five years. Texas made Muschamp one of the highest-paid assistants in the country with a $425,000 salary.

And with that salary, the 37-

year-old fireball brings a high-energy attitude to a unit that could use some spicing up. Before he even set foot on campus, most players had seen YouTube highlights of their new coach cussing and whooping it up on the sidelines at Auburn.

“You can’t be soft,” defensive tackle Roy Miller said. “If one day you wake up and you’re tired or you don’t feel like doing it, then you’re just a soft person. It’s that type of mentality that I really see rubbing off on guys.”

Playing tough is one thing, but lining up in the right position is another. At times last season, Texas looked completely out of sync as opponents riddled the secondary for big yards and touchdowns.

With Muschamp’s arrival, last season’s coordinator Duane Akina can move back to doing what he does best: coaching the secondary and special teams. Akina has tutored two Thorpe Award winning DBs at Texas in Michael Huff and Aaron Ross.

See UT | PAGE 2B

Zscores Olympics Medals Table Through 17 of 18 medal events Friday Through 102 of 103 total medal events Country United States China Australia Russia South Korea France Germany Italy Japan Britain Cuba Ukraine Netherlands North Korea Hungary Kazakhstan Armenia Slovakia Czech Republic Azerbaijan Romania Switzerland Belarus Brazil Georgia Zimbabwe Sweden Austria Mongolia Poland Finland Spain Algeria Kyrgyzstan Norway Slovenia Turkey Uzbekistan Indonesia Taiwan India Thailand Colombia Vietnam Argentina Bulgaria Croatia Denmark Egypt Lithuania Mexico Tajikistan Togo

G 14 26 5 3 6 3 8 6 6 3 1 3 1 1 0 0 0 3 2 1 1 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

S B 13 18 9 6 7 8 8 8 9 3 9 6 2 4 4 4 4 3 2 3 3 4 0 4 2 4 1 3 4 1 3 2 0 5 1 0 2 0 2 1 1 2 0 3 1 3 0 4 0 1 3 0 2 1 1 2 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1

Tot 45 41 20 19 18 18 14 14 13 8 8 7 7 5 5 5 5 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Friday’s Results ARCHERY Men’s Individual (70-meter) Round of 16 Juan Rene Serrano, Mexico, def.

Maksim Kunda, Belarus, 110-106.

Victor Wunderle, Mason City, Ill., def. Im Dong-Hyun, South Korea, 113111.

Juan Carlos Stevens, Cuba, def.

Alan Wills, Britain, 108-104.

Park Kyung-Mo, South Korea, def.

Rafal Dobrowolski, Poland, 113-105.

Viktor Ruban, Ukraine, def. Jacek Proc, Poland, 114-108.

Ryuichi Moriya, Japan, def. Baljinima Tsyrempilov, Russia, 113-110.

Chu Sian Cheng, Malaysia, def. Lee Chang-Hwan, South Korea, 105-105 (99, 10-9).

Bair Badenov, Russia, def. Jay Lyon, Canada, 115-110.

Quarterfinals Juan Rene Serrano, Mexico, def.

Victor Wunderle, Mason City, Ill., 113106.

Park Kyung-Mo, South Korea, def.

Juan Carlos Stevens, Cuba, 108-108 (99, 10-8).

Bair Badenov, Russia, def. Chu Sian Cheng, Malaysia, 109-104.

Viktor Ruban, Ukraine, def.

Ryuichi Moriya, Japan, 115-106.

Semifinals Park Kyung-Mo, South Korea, def.

Juan Rene Serrano, Mexico, 115-112.

Viktor Ruban, Ukraine, def. Bair Badenov, Russia, 112-112 (10-10, 10-8).

Bronze Medal Bair Badenov, Russia, def. Juan Rene Serrano, Mexico, 115-110.

Gold Medal Viktor Ruban, Ukraine, def. Park Kyung-Mo, South Korea, 113-112.

BADMINTON Men Singles Semifinals Chong Wei Lee, Malaysia, def. Lee Hyunil, South Korea, 21-18, 13-21, 21-13.

Lin Dan, China, def. Chen Jin, China, 21-12, 21-18.

Doubles Semifinals Markis Kido and Hendra Setiawan, Indonesia, def. Lars Paaske and Jonas Rasmussen, Denmark, 21-19, 21-17.

Cai Yun and Fu Haifeng, China, def. Lee Jaejin and Hwang Jiman, South Korea, 22-20, 21-8.

Women Singles Semifinals Zhang Ning, China, def. Maria Kristin Yulianti, Indonesia, 21-15, 2115.

Xie Xingfang, China, def. Lu Lan, China, 7-21, 21-10, 21-12.

Doubles Bronze Medal Wei Yili and Zhang Yawen, China, def. Miyuki Maeda and Satoko Suetsuna, Japan, 21-17, 21-10.

Gold Medal Du Jing and Yu Yang, China, def.

Lee Hyojung and Lee Kyungwon, South Korea, 21-15, 21-13.

CANOE-KAYAK Men’s C-2 Final Ranking 1. Slovakia (Pavol Hochschorner; Peter Hochschorner), 190.82.

2. Czech Republic (Jaroslav Volf; Ondrej Stepanek), 192.89, +2.07.

3. Russia (Mikhail Kuznetsov; Dmitry Larionov), 197.37, +6.55.

4. France (Cedric Forgit; Martin Braud), 198.19, +7.37.

5. Italy (Andrea Benetti; Erik Masoero), 204.12, +13.30.

6. Germany (Felix Michel; Sebastian Piersig), 204.43, +13.61.

Women’s K-1 Final Ranking 1. Elena Kaliska, Slovakia, 192.64.

2. Jacqueline Lawrence, Australia, 206.94, +14.30.

3. Violetta Oblinger Peters, Austria, 214.77, +22.13.

4. Yuriko Takeshita, Japan, 219.30, +26.66.

5. Agnieszka Stanuch, Poland, 221.08, +28.44.

6. Ariane Herde, Netherlands, 231.99, +39.35.

7. Emilie Fer, France, 251.96, +59.32.

8. Heather Corrie, Charlotte, N.C., 270.88, +78.24.

CYCLING Men’s Team Sprint Bronze Medal Race Germany (Rene Enders; Maximilian Levy; Stefan Nimke), 44.014, def.

Australia (Ryan Bayley; Daniel Ellis; Mark French), 44.022.

Gold Medal Race Britain (Chris Hoy; Jason Kenny; Jamie Staff), 43.128, def. France (Gregory Bauge; Kevin Sireau; Arnaud Tournant), 43.651.

FENCING Men Team Epee Semifinals France (Ulrich Robeiri 1-1; Fabrice Jeannet 1-2; Jerome Jeannet 3-0), def. Italy (Alfredo Rota 1-2; Diego Confalonieri 1-1; Matteo Tagliariol 12), 45-39.

Poland (Adam Wiercioch 2-1; Tomasz Motyka 1-1; Radoslaw Zawrotniak 2-0), def. China (Yin Lianchi 2-1; Li Guojie 0-3; Wang Lei 0-1), 45-44.

Bronze Medal Italy (Alfredo Rota 2-1; Matteo Tagliariol 2-0; Diego Confalonieri 1-2), def. China (Li Guojie 0-3; Yin Lianchi 1-2; Dong Guotao 2-1), 45-35.

Gold Medal France (Ulrich Robeiri 2-1; Fabrice Jeannet 3-0; Jerome Jeannet 2-1), def. Poland (Robert Andrzejuk 1-2; Radoslaw Zawrotniak 1-2; Tomasz Motyka 0-3), 45-29.

GYMNASTICS Women’s Individual All-Round Final Ranking 1. Nastia Liukin, Parker, Texas, 63.325.

2. Shawn Johnson, West Des Moines, Iowa, 62.725.

3. Yang Yilin, China, 62.650.

4. Ksenia Semenova, Russia, 61.925.

5. Steliana Nistor, Romania, 61.050.

6. Jiang Yuyuan, China, 60.900.

7. Anna Pavlova, Russia, 60.825.

8. Sandra Izbasa, Romania, 60.750.

JUDO Men Over 100kg Repechage Semifinals Mohammad Reza Rodaki, Iran, def. Tamerlan Tmenov, Russia, Ippon, Kuchiki-taoshi, 03:16.

Teddy Riner, France, def. Joao Schlittler, Brazil, Ippon, Haraimakikomi, 01:02.

Semifinals Satoshi Ishii, Japan, def. Lasha Gujejiani, Georgia, Ippon, Kami-shihogatame, 04:59.

Abdullo Tangriev, Uzbekistan, def.

Oscar Brayson, Cuba, Ippon, Yokoshiho-gatame, 05:00.

Bronze Medal Final 1 Oscar Brayson, Cuba, def. Mohammad Reza Rodaki, Iran, Waza-ari awasete Ippon, 01:39.

Bronze Medal Final 2 Teddy Riner, France, def. Lasha Gujejiani, Georgia, Ippon, Kesagatame, 03:59.

Gold Medal Final Satoshi Ishii, Japan, def. Abdullo Tangriev, Uzbekistan, Time expired.

Women’s Over 78kg Repechage Semifinals Kim Nayoung, South Korea, def.

Samah Ramadan, Egypt, Waza-ari awasete Ippon, 03:30.

Tserenkhand Dorjgotov, Mongolia,

SATURDAY,AUGUST16,2008

def. Anne-Sophie Mondiere, France, Ippon, Tsuri-goshi, 01:04.

Semifinals Tong Wen, China, def. Idalys Ortiz, Cuba, Yuko.

Maki Tsukada, Japan, def. Lucija Polavder, Slovenia, Ippon, Yoko-shiho-gatame, 03:04.

Bronze Medal Final 1 Lucija Polavder, Slovenia, def.

Kim Nayoung, South Korea, Time expired.

Bronze Medal Final 2 Idalys Ortiz, Cuba, def. Tserenkhand Dorjgotov, Mongolia, Ippon, Ogoshi, 01:18.

Gold Medal Final Tong Wen, China, def. Maki Tsukada, Japan, Ippon, Ippon-seoi-nage, 04:52.

SHOOTING Men’s 50-meter free rifle prone Final 1. Artur Ayvazian, Ukraine (599, 103.7), 702.7.

2. Matt Emmons, Browns Mills, N.J. (597, 104.7), 701.7.

3. Warren Potent, Australia (595, 105.5), 700.5.

4. Vebjoern Berg, Norway (596, 103.1), 699.1.

5. Konstantin Prikhodtchenko, Russia (595, 104.0), 699.0.

6. Valerian Sauveplane, France (594, 104.8), 698.8.

7. Juha Hirvi, Finland (595, 103.5), 698.5.

8. Sergei Martynov, Belarus (595, 103.3), 698.3.

9. Mike Anti, Winterville, N.C. (594), 594.0.

SWIMMING Men 200 Backstroke Final 1. Ryan Lochte, Daytona Beach, Fla., 1:53.94.

2. Aaron Piersol, Irvine, Calif., 1:54.33.

3. Arkady Vyatchanin, Russia, 1:54.93.

4. Markus Rogan, Austria, 1:55.49.

5. Ryosuke Irie, Japan, 1:55.72.

6. Hayden Stoeckel, Australia, 1:56.39.

7. Razvan Ionut Florea, Romania, 1:56.52.

8. Gregor Tait, Britain, 1:57.00.

200 Individual Medley Final 1. Michael Phelps, Baltimore, 1:54.23.

2. Laszlo Cseh, Hungary, 1:56.52.

3. Ryan Lochte, Daytona Beach, Fla., 1:56.53.

4. Thiago Pereira, Brazil, 1:58.14.

5. Ken Takakuwa, Japan, 1:58.22.

6. James Goddard, Britain, 1:59.24.

7. Keith Beavers, Canada, 1:59.43.

8. Liam Tancock, Britain, 2:00.76.

Women 100 Freestyle Final 1. Britta Steffen, Germany, 53.12.

2. Lisbeth Trickett, Australia, 53.16.

3. Natalie Coughlin, Lafayette, Calif., 53.39.

4. Hanna-Maria Seppala, Finland, 53.97.

5. Jeanette Ottesen, Denmark, 54.06.

6. Zhu Yingwen, China, 54.21.

6. Marleen Veldhuis, Netherlands, 54.21.

8. Francesca Halsall, Britain, 54.29.

200 Breaststroke Final 1. Rebecca Soni, Plainsboro, N.J., 2:20.22.

2. Leisel Jones, Australia, 2:22.05.

3. Sara Nordenstam, Norway, 2:23.02.

4. Mirna Jukic, Austria, 2:23.24.

5. Yuliya Efimova, Russia, 2:23.76.

6. Annamay Pierse, Canada, 2:23.77.

7. Rie Kaneto, Japan, 2:25.14.

8. Megumi Taneda, Japan, 2:25.23.

TRACK Men Shot Put Final 1. Tomasz Majewski, Poland, (21.51), 70-6 3/4.

2. Christian Cantwell, Columbia, Mo., (21.09), 69-2 1/4.

3. Andrei Mikhnevich, Belarus, (21.05), 69-0 3/4.

4. Dylan Armstrong, Canada, (21.04), 69-0 1/4.

5. Pavel Lyzhyn, Belarus, (20.98), 68-10.

6. Yuriy Bilonog, Ukraine, (20.63), 67-8 1/4.

7. Reese Hoffa, Athens, Ga., (20.53), 67-4 1/4.

8. Pavel Sof’in, Russia, (20.42), 670.

9. Rutger Smith, Netherlands, (20.41), 66-11 1/2.

10. Yury Bialou, Belarus, (20.06), 65-9 3/4.

11. Ivan Yushkov, Russia, (19.67), 64-6 1/2.

NR. Adam Nelson, Charlottesville, Va., NM. Women 10,000 Final 1. Tirunesh Dibaba, Ethiopia, 29:54.66.

2. Elvan Abeylegesse, Turkey, 29:56.34.

3. Shalane Flanagan, Pittsboro, N.C., 30:22.22.

4. Linet Chepkwemoi Masai, Kenya, 30:26.50.

5. Maria Konovalova, Russia, 30:35.84.

6. Inga Abitova, Russia, 30:37.33.

7. Lucy Kabuu Wangui, Kenya, 30:39.96.

8. Lornah Kiplagat, Netherlands, 30:40.27.

Other U.S. Finishers 10. Kara Goucher, Portland, Ore., 30:55.16.

26. Amy Yoder Begley, Beaverton, Ore., 32:38.28.

WEIGHTLIFTING Men’s 85kg Final Ranking 1. Lu Yong, China (2, 180-396; 1, 214-470.8), 394 kg.-866.8 pounds.

2. Andrei Rybakou, Belarus (1, 185407; 2, 209-459.8), 394-866.8.

3. Tigran Varban Martirosyan, Armenia (4, 177-389.4; 4, 203-446.6), 380836.

4. Vladimir Sedov, Kazakhstan (3, 180-396; 9, 200-440), 380-836.

5. Jadier Valladares, Cuba (7, 169371.8; 5, 203-446.6), 372-818.4.

6. Benjamin Hennequin, France (10, 162-356.4; 3, 205-451), 367-807.4.

7. Mansurbek Chashemov, Uzbekistan (9, 165-363; 7, 202-444.4), 367-807.4.

8. Kenny Farris, Shreveport, La. (11, 160-352; 6, 202-444.4), 362-796.4.

Women’s 75kg Final Ranking 1. Cao Lei, China (1, 128-281.6; 1, 154-338.8), 282 kg.-620.4 pounds.

2. Alla Vazhenina, Kazakhstan (2, 119-261.8; 3, 147-323.4), 266-585.2.

3. Nadezda Evstyukhina, Russia (4, 117-257.4; 2, 147-323.4), 264-580.8.

4. Iryna Kulesha, Belarus (3, 118259.6; 4, 137-301.4), 255-561.

5. Lidia Valentin, Spain (5, 115-253; 6, 135-297), 250-550.

6. Damaris Aguirre, Mexico (8, 109239.8; 5, 136-299.2), 245-539.

7. Ubaldina Valoyes, Colombia (6, 110-242; 8, 134-294.8), 244-536.8.

8. Jeane Lassen, Canada (10, 105231; 7, 135-297), 240-528.

MLB AMERICAN LEAGUE

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

73 71 64 62 58

47 51 57 60 62

.608 — .582 3 .529 9½ .508 12 .483 15

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

68 67 59 55 54

52 53 62 66 67

.567 — .558 1 .488 9½ .455 13½ .446 14½

West Division W L Pct GB Los Angeles Texas Oakland Seattle

75 61 55 46

45 61 65 74

.625 .500 .458 .383

— 15 20 29

Thursday’s Games Detroit 5, Toronto 1 Chicago White Sox 9, Kansas City 2 Tampa Bay 7, Oakland 6, 12 innings Boston 10, Texas 0 Baltimore 11, Cleveland 6 Friday’s Games Toronto at Boston, ppd., rain Cleveland 3, L.A. Angels 2 Baltimore at Detroit, 7:05 p.m.

Kansas City at N.Y. Yankees, 7:05 p.m.

Tampa Bay at Texas, 8:05 p.m.

Seattle at Minnesota, 8:10 p.m.

Chicago White Sox at Oakland, 10:05 p.m.

Saturday’s Games Kansas City (Greinke 9-8) at N.Y. Yankees (Ponson 7-3), 1:05 p.m.

Chicago White Sox (Danks 9-5) at Oakland (Smith 5-11), 3:55 p.m.

L.A. Angels (Lackey 9-2) at Cleveland (Carmona 5-4), 3:55 p.m.

Seattle (Rowland-Smith 2-1) at Minnesota (Baker 7-3), 3:55 p.m.

Toronto (Halladay 13-9) at Boston (Byrd 7-10), 7:05 p.m.

Baltimore (Sarfate 4-2) at Detroit (Verlander 8-13), 7:05 p.m.

Tampa Bay (Jackson 9-7) at Texas (Harrison 4-2), 8:05 p.m.

Sunday’s Games Baltimore at Detroit, 1:05 p.m.

Kansas City at N.Y. Yankees, 1:05 p.m.

L.A. Angels at Cleveland, 1:05 p.m.

Toronto at Boston, 1:35 p.m.

Seattle at Minnesota, 2:10 p.m.

Chicago White Sox at Oakland, 4:05 p.m.

Tampa Bay at Texas, 8:05 p.m.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

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

66 64 63 55 44

56 57 60 66 78

.541 — .529 1½ .512 3½ .455 10½ .361 22

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

75 70 69 62 55 54

47 52 56 59 67 69

.615 — .574 5 .552 7½ .512 12½ .451 20 .439 21½

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

62 62 54 50 47

59 59 69 70 74

.512 — .512 — .439 9 .417 11½ .388 15

Friday’s Games N.Y. Mets 2, Pittsburgh 1 Chicago Cubs 6, Florida 5 St. Louis 5, Cincinnati 3 San Francisco at Atlanta, 7:35 p.m.

Colorado at Washington, 7:35 p.m.

Arizona at Houston, 8:05 p.m.

Philadelphia at San Diego, 10:05 p.m.

Milwaukee at L.A. Dodgers, 10:40 p.m.

Saturday’s Games N.Y. Mets (Martinez 3-3) at Pittsburgh (Duke 4-10), 7:05 p.m.

Arizona (Petit 1-3) at Houston (Backe 7-11), 7:05 p.m.

Chicago Cubs (Marshall 2-2) at Florida (A.Sanchez 1-2), 7:10 p.m.

San Francisco (J.Sanchez 8-9) at Atlanta (Hampton 1-1), 7:10 p.m.

Colorado (Hernandez 10-9) at Washington (Lannan 6-11), 7:10 p.m.

St. Louis (Pineiro 5-5) at Cincinnati (Harang 3-12), 7:10 p.m.

Philadelphia (Kendrick 10-6) at San Diego (CReineke 0-0), 10:05 p.m.

Milwaukee (Bush 7-9) at L.A. Dodgers (Lowe 9-10), 10:10 p.m.

Sunday’s Games Chicago Cubs at Florida, 1:10 p.m.

St. Louis at Cincinnati, 1:15 p.m.

N.Y. Mets at Pittsburgh, 1:35 p.m.

San Francisco at Atlanta, 1:35 p.m.

Colorado at Washington, 1:35 p.m.

Arizona at Houston, 2:05 p.m.

Milwaukee at L.A. Dodgers, 4:10 p.m.

Philadelphia at San Diego, 8:05 p.m.

NFL Preseason Glance All Times EDT AMERICAN CONFERENCE East W L T Pct PF PA N.Y. Jets 1 0 01.000 24 20 Buffalo 1 1 0 .500 38 38 Miami 0 1 0 .000 6 17 New England 0 1 0 .000 15 16 South W L T Pct PF PA Houston 1 0 01.000 19 16 Jacksonville 1 0 01.000 20 17 Tennessee 1 0 01.000 34 13 Indianapolis 0 2 0 .000 36 53 North W L T Pct PF PA Baltimore 1 0 01.000 16 15 Cincinnati 1 0 01.000 20 17 Pittsburgh 1 1 0 .500 37 34 Cleveland 0 1 0 .000 20 24 West W L T Pct PF PA Kansas City 1 0 01.000 24 20 Oakland 1 0 01.000 18 6 San Diego 1 0 0 .000 31 17 Denver 0 1 0 .000 16 19 NATIONAL CONFERENCE East W L T Pct PF PA Washington 2 0 01.000 47 30 Philadelphia 1 1 0 .500 34 29 Dallas 0 1 0 .000 17 31 N.Y. Giants 0 1 0 .000 10 13 South W L T Pct PF PA New Orleans 1 0 01.000 24 10 Tampa Bay 1 0 01.000 17 6 Carolina 1 1 0 .500 36 44 Atlanta 0 1 0 .000 17 20 North W L T Pct PF PA Detroit 1 0 01.000 13 10 Chicago 0 1 0 .000 20 24 Green Bay 0 1 0 .000 17 20 Minnesota 0 1 0 .000 17 34 West W L T Pct PF PA Seattle 1 0 01.000 34 17

Arizona 0 1 0 .000 10 24 St. Louis 0 1 0 .000 13 34 San Francisco0 1 0 .000 6 18 Saturday’s Games Washington at New York Jets, 7 p.m.

Miami at Jacksonville, 7:30 p.m.

Indianapolis at Atlanta, 7:30 p.m.

Minnesota at Baltimore, 7:30 p.m.

San Diego at St. Louis, 8 p.m.

Houston at New Orleans, 8 p.m.

Arizona at Kansas City, 8 p.m.

Chicago at Seattle, 9 p.m.

Dallas at Denver, 9 p.m.

Green Bay at San Francisco, 9 p.m.

Sunday’s Games Detroit at Cincinnati, 7:35 p.m.

New England at Tampa Bay, 8 p.m.

Monday’s Game Cleveland at New York Giants, 8 p.m.

Transactions BASEBALL American League BALTIMORE ORIOLES—Agreed to terms with LHP Brian Matusz.

KANSAS CITY ROYALS—Agreed to terms with RHP Tim Melville.

TAMPA BAY RAYS—Placed RHP Troy Percival on the 15-day DL. Recalled RHP Juan Salas from Durham (IL).

National League ATLANTA BRAVES—Placed LHP Tom Glavine on the 15-day DL. Purchased the contract of RHP Matt DeSalvo from Richmond (IL).

PITTSBURGH PIRATES—Agree to terms with RHP Robert Miller.

ST. LOUIS CARDINALS—Placed RHP Chris Carpenter on the 15-day DL, retroactive to Aug. 11. Activated OF Brian Barton from the 15-day DL. American Association GRAND PRAIRIE AIRHOGS—Released RHP Matt Righter.

SIOUX CITY EXPLORERS—Released OF Charlton Jimerson.

Can-Am League NEW JERSEY JACKALS—Released RHP Aaron Tressler and OF Marcos Rodriguez.

BASKETBALL Women’s National Basketball Associ ation ATLANTA DREAM—Signed G Nikki Teasley for the remainder of the season.

FOOTBALL National Football League NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS— Placed OL Barry Stokes on injured reserve. Signed S John Lynch.

NEW YORK GIANTS—Signed PK Josh Huston.

HOCKEY National Hockey League MONTREAL CANADIENS— Signed D Yannick Weber to a threeyear contract.

PHOENIX COYOTES—Re-signed C Joel Perrault to a two-year contract.

American Hockey League WILKES-BARRE/SCRANTON PENGUINS—Agreed to terms with F Adam Berkhoel and G Curtis Darling.

ECHL READING ROYALS—Agreed to terms with F Mark O’Leary.

COLLEGE BENTLEY—Named Kevin Bettencourt men’s assistant basketball coach.

GUILFORD—Named Heidi Pinkerton men’s and women’s cross country coach and Eddie Luck women’s tennis coach.

MONTANA—Named Brian Schweyen interim director of track and field and Courtney Babcock interim cross country and distance running coach.

MONTANA TECH—Named Nate Harris men’s assistant basketball coach NOTRE DAME—Announced WR Richard Jackson will transfer to a school closer to his home in Florida.

PLATTSBURGH—Named Ryan Cavanagh men’s assistant lacrosse coach.

STEPHEN F. AUSTIN—Named Sandy Miller assistant athletics director for sports medicine.

UNC-PEMBROKE—Named Geoff Buffum quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator.

WAKE FOREST—Named Ryan Reynolds men’s assistant coordinator of basketball operations.

WASHINGTON—Named Jimmy Gabriel men’s volunteer assistant soccer coach.

VOLLEYBALL | Continued from Page 1B “The team is actually gelling together,” Zapata Coach Rosie Villarreal said of this year’s team.

“There is a lot of communication and a lot of respect for each other.

The chemistry is there, and each player understands their role on the team.”

Villarreal noted junior Kathryn Garcia as a key up-and-comer.

“Kat has come up from the junior varsity squad with determination and will,” Villarreal said. “She has drastically improved from the hard work she put in during summer camp, and from the summer ball

she played in Laredo, and we expect nothing but good things from her this year.”

After a tough loss in the area round of the playoffs last season, the Lady Hawks are taking this season one game at a time, looking to improve on a 13-13 season last year.

District play for the Lady Hawks starts Sept. 13.

Other members of the varsity team are Lizette Mendoza, Ashley Navarro, Celina Benavides, Adriana Pena, Amanda Sanchez, Loraly Rivera, Alexis Garza, Brandi King and Clarissa Solis.

UT | Continued from Page 1B

Photo by Harry Cabluck/file | AP

In this Oct. 27, 2007, photo,Texas quarterback Colt McCoy turns to hand off during the first quarter in a college football game against Nebraska in Austin.McCoy passed for 3,303 yards last season and ran for another 472, but also threw 18 interceptions.

The defense isn’t the only area with plenty of questions.

Vondrell McGee, Chris Ogbannaya and Fozzy Whittaker are in a threeway battle to start at running back.

The offense took a serious blow when Jamaal Charles, a 1,600-yard rusher last season, jumped to the NFL after his junior season.

And quarterback Colt McCoy, now a third-year starter, must find a way to cut back on last season’s 18 interceptions.

McCoy looks ready to shed that baby-faced shine and seize the role of team leader once and for all. He started to take the reins of the team last year, but some of his own miscues got in the way.

“I feel confident,” McCoy said.

“Everything that I’ve been through has helped grow into what I am now.”

Texas’ wild card could be McCoy’s backup, John Chiles. Brown says Chiles is too good of an athlete not get on the field somehow and promise to develop a scheme that could use him running or catching the ball.

“John’s good at anything he does,” McCoy said. “He’s explosive with the ball in his hands.”

A little trickery might help in a schedule that is not friendly.

The Longhorns don’t have to play Kansas State — which beat them two years in a row — but the season could hinge on a brutal three-week stretch early at improving Colorado, against Oklahoma in Dallas and home against Missouri.

Sprinkle in a trip to Lubbock to play what may be the best Texas Tech team coach Mike Leach has ever had and a Thanksgiving game at home against rival Texas A&M, and you can see why Texas could stumble this year.

But this is still Texas, where the Longhorns haven’t finished lower than second in the division since 1997. The Longhorns have won 10 games every year since 2001. And they still have a roster full of big, fast and strong athletes, and a coach who has won a national championship.

The Longhorns open the season at home Aug. 30 against Florida Atlantic.

They get to show of their updated stadium, now one of the largest in the country seating about 98,000.

“This is the first time we’ve been considered an underdog for a while. It seems to be motivating our guys to work really, really hard,” Brown said.

“There’s a lot we’ve got to get answered, a lot of work we’ve got to do and really very little time to do it.”

ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM

2B

SPORT SHORTS Under-15 girls’team tryouts The Laredo Heat Youth Soccer and Academy will continue tryouts for young women who want to play soccer in a competitive environment starting this fall.

The club is currently forming an Under–15 girls traveling soccer club to compete in the South Texas Youth Soccer Association’s Western District Tournament.

Interested players must be born on or after Aug. 1, 1993, and on or before July 31, 1995. Younger players, depending on skill level showcased, will be accepted; however, due to the nature of the sport and maturity of the older players, playing time will be limited and practice time will be dedicated to the development of skills.

Tryout sessions will be held today at the TAMIU Heat practice field starting at 5 p.m., with a tryout fee of $5. All players must bring a copy of their birth certificate, and a parent or guardian over the age of 18 must sign an insurance release/waiver to participate.

For more information and requirements, call the Laredo Heat Youth Soccer Club and Academy at 7234700.

Laredo Heat coach clinic The Laredo Heat Youth Soccer Association will be having a Coaches Certification Clinic (U10/U12 module) Saturday Aug. 16, at the TAMIU Physical Plant Building Conference Room.

The purpose of the modules and coaching licensing courses is to educate youth coaches, stimulate their interest in coaching, and promote youth soccer.

Coaching courses are intended to provide information that will improve general knowledge of the game as well as coaching and teaching methodologies that will enhance the development of youth soccer players.

The clinic will be six hours of instruction (three hours classroom and three hours field) and will cost $45.00.

For registration or more information call 7234700 or visit ww.laredoyouthsoccer.org.

Zapata Fifth Annual Cross Country Meet Zapata High School. Restrooms, showers, and water at finish line will be available.

Dirt and grass course with long straights and moderate hills that circle the entire ZHS campus. Being that this is the first meet of the season, we don’t want to lose any prospective young runners, so adjustments have been made to the distances normally run.

Divisions: Varsity Boys —5K (3.1 miles); Varsity Girls — 3200m (2 miles); JV Boys — 3200m (2 miles); JV Girls—2400m (1.5 miles); Freshmen boys—2400m Freshman girls – 1600m (1 mile).

Fee is $5 per individual runner, $50 per team or $150 max per school; Make checks payable to Zapata High School. Team champion trophies and team runner-up trophies in each division. Top 15 receive trophies in each division. Top two teams in the varsity divisions will receive seven individual trophies.

Winning coach plaque for varsity divisions.

Contact Mike Villarreal 956-765-6542, 765-8930 or 956-500-4451.

Or email at michaelrvillarreal@msn.com

Texas Law Enforcement Flag Football Tournament The Texas Law Enforcement Flag Football Tournament, sponsored by Laredoforums.com, will be held Saturday, Aug. 23–Sunday, Aug. 24.

Entry fee is $200.

For more information, contact Oscar Vela at 6933943.

AGGIES | Continued from Page 1B Sherman has been an offensive coach his entire career, including two stints as A&M’s offensive line coach under R.C. Slocum. He’s turned most of the defensive responsibilities over to Joe Kines, Alabama’s defensive coordinator from 2003-06.

“We’re a work in progress,” Kines said. “Some days, it’s hard to measure improvement. It doesn’t happen in big, giant steps. You’ve got to just inch forward. It’s like sawing logs — the more you saw, the better you get.”

No starters return in the linebacking corps, though junior Matt Featherston played in 13 games last season. The secondary should be a strength, with cornerbacks Arkeith Brown and Jordan Pugh and safety Devin Gregg.

Sherman said the defensive front was gelling faster than the offensive line, which lost four All-Big 12 performers, two to the NFL. The good news is teaching offensive linemen is Sherman’s specialty.

The offensive line will get some blocking help from 285-pound senior Jorvorskie Lane, whom Sherman has moved from halfback to fullback. Lane averaged 4.6 yards per carry last season and has 44 career touchdowns, one shy of a new A&M record.

Sherman said Lane will get his chances to run and catch the ball, but he’ll also be more responsible this season for opening holes for speedy running back Mike Goodson, who had 1,072 yards of total offense last season.

“Obviously his blocking, he’s not had to do that very often,” Sherman said. “But because of his size, he should be able to engulf people as well just mass on mass. He’s had some pretty devastating blocks in the springtime and I want him to have even more so as we continue on.”

Sherman said sophomore Roger Holland will sit out this season after sustaining a concussion in practice, further depleting a receiving corps thin on experience but full of dropped passes in training camp.

“Everybody criticized us for not throwing the ball last year,” Sherman said. “Maybe that was because we couldn’t catch the football. If we can’t catch the football, we’re not going to throw it, either. We can catch the ball. We’ve just got to do it consistently.”

A&M had winning records in three of Franchione’s last four seasons, but hasn’t won a bowl game since 2001. The Aggies face their toughest opponents at Kyle Field this season leading up to the finale at Texas on Thanksgiving Day.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 16, 2008

THE ZAPATA TIMES | 3B

HINTS BY HELOISE Dear Readers: Thinking of adding a BIRD to your household?

Know its needs and life span beforehand! A parakeet can live from seven to 15 years with good care, while a parrot or macaw can become a lifelong buddy, living 50, 75 or even up to 100 HELOISE years.

The more you study up beforehand, the better fit your feathered friend will be! Here are a few hints to help you find the right bird for your family: Buy a bird only from a respected dealer or pet store.

When you get a bird, have it checked out by a vet who specializes in caring for birds.

Purchase a cage big enough for the bird to fly from one perch to another. Put it far away from heating ducts, direct sunshine, air conditioning and drafts. Since many fumes can be fatal to birds, the kitchen may not be the best place.

Birds do need to see an avian vet if they don’t appear to be well, so it’s important to know your bird’s behavior; if it changes, don’t hesitate — take it to the vet ASAP. Birds need regular feeding times.

HOROSCOPES | BY FRANCIS DRAKE ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Power struggles and tension due to today’s Full Moon exist; yet good news about your job or your health pleases you.

It’s a mix.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) You might overdo things having a great time today. This could lead to domestic arguments or power struggles about shared property or shared partners! (Oops.)

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) This is an accident-prone day. However, it’s a great day for real estate and family gatherings, even though there could be tension with partners and family members.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Financial concerns might come to a head today. They could even result in arguments with siblings and relatives. Nevertheless, social times plus close relationships are fun. (Go figure.)

LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22) Be extra patient with partners and loved ones, because today the Full Moon opposes you! Financial matters go well, except you might have power struggles about money or possession.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22) It’s the Full Moon today, and this can put you on edge. Go slowly. Avoid ego battles with family members that cause people to line up and take sides.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22) You might feel competitive with a friend today, because the Full Moon could trigger this. In one way, you’re eager to cooperate, but in another way, you’re not sure.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21) Domestic tension or tension with bosses and parents could erupt because of today’s Full Moon. Others might get involved as well. You’ll welcome an escape with friends.

S A G I T T A R I U S (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21) This is an accident-prone day because of the Full Moon. However, it’s a good day to make money, and it’s an excellent day for business and commerce.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19) It’s hard to know whose interests to put first today — your own or those of somebody else. You feel adventurous and happy; nevertheless, watch your step.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18) Today is the only Full Moon in your sign all year. This means you have to be patient with partners and close friends. However, someone might really treat you to something today.

P I S C E S (Feb. 19 to March 20) Relations with those who are close to you are excellent today, and that’s good, because tension at work could get you. You have the support you need.

Y O U B O R N T O D A Y You’re sometimes driven, you’re so goaloriented. Privately, you delight in being outrageous or flamboyant.

(It’s your dramatic nature.)

You’re very sexual and sensual.

You like to be busy; in fact, many of you have a nervous, electrical energy. People are attracted to you. Carve out some solitude for yourself this year in order to learn something important and valuable.

Birthdate of: Steve Carell, actor; Madonna, singer; James Cameron, film director.

Zclassified

BY PHONE: (956) 728-2527

ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM

4B | THE ZAPATA TIMES

SATURDAY, AUGUST 16, 2008