Victoria advocate 011115

MORE THAN

127 JOBS

LISTED IN TODAY’S ADVOCATE, D4-6

MORE THAN

$162.85 IN COUPONS,

INSIDE

SUNDAY

FAMILY FINDS SUCCESS AT RANCH YOUR LIFE,

E1 From here. For here. Since 1846. VICTORIAADVOCATE.COM

January 11, 2015

$1.50

169TH YEAR NO. 249, 42 PAGES, ©2015, VICTORIA ADVOCATE PUBLISHING CO.

LAW ENFORCEMENT

Police officer to appeal firing over tasing Chief cites policy violations Robinson

BY BIANCA R. MONTES BMONTES@VICAD.COM

A former Victoria police officer is appealing his termination for use of force.

Greg Cagle, a Texas Municipal Police Association lawyer

hired to represent former Victoria police officer Nathanial Robinson, will present an appeal to the Victoria assistant city manager within the next two weeks.

“I thought it was important for

people to know he didn’t do anything that was a violation of policy or law,” Cagle said. “There may be some issues of law we need to talk about, and tactics that I don’t think were considered.”

Robinson was fired Monday after an internal investigation into his conduct found he violated three department policies – conduct and performance, use

SEE APPEAL, A3

PUBLIC SAFETY

ON MAY 28, 2014, A GAS EXPLOSION DESTROYED A HOUSE AND KILLED A 26-YEAR-OLD MOTHER

REPORT REVEALS CAUSE

BY JESSICA PRIEST JPRIEST@VICAD.COM

A propane leak caused a Victoria home to explode, killing a 26-year-old woman, injuring her infant daughter and damaging homes a quarter of a mile away, according to a state report.

The Texas Railroad Commission found that two manual valves to the pipes supplying propane to the fireplace were in the open position. A switch that controlled a third valve from inside the house also was on.

The May 28 explosion

killed Haley Singer, who was likely starting her morning with a microwaved bowl of oatmeal, according to the commission’s report.

Firefighters miraculously found her daughter, Parker, in the rubble. Parker was treated for small cuts. She

turned 1 year old Thursday.

Two key issues in the explosion remain unclear and may not be fully answered until after years of litigation:

SEE EXPLOSION, A4

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Pregnant woman killed in New Year’s wreck remembered

BY LAURA GARCIA LGARCIA@VICAD.COM

Monica Ramirez was the kind of person who was beautiful inside and out.

“She loved people very deeply,” Briana Church, 21, said the day after her sister’s funeral in Houston.

The investigation into the deadly crash in the early morn-

ACCIDENT

ing hours on New Year’s Day is ongoing and involved a man with whom Ramirez had a troubled relationship.

The 25-year-old will be remembered for her kind spirit by family and friends, including those in Victoria, where she lived most of her life before

ADVOCATE STAFF REPORT

One man was killed in a wreck on U.S. Highway 77 between Refugio and Woodsboro on Friday evening.

Ronald Brown, 42, of Little Rock, Ark., died after he lost control of his truck tractor semitrailer because of weather conditions, Corpus Christi Department of Public Safety spokesman Carlos Ramirez said.

At 7:15 p.m., Brown was traveling north on the highway when he hydroplaned, crossed the median and struck a Dodge truck. The trailer caught fire, and Brown died at the scene.

The driver of the Dodge, Alexander Puga, 29, of Lyford, was taken to a hospital, but the name of the hospital and his condition were not available, Ramirez said.

Monica Ramirez and son Tyler on his first day riding the school bus.

SEE REMEMBERED, A5

IN TODAY’S SPORTS

Man killed in wreck on U.S. Highway 77

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Cowboys, Packers renew playoff rivalry on Lambeau’s frozen tundra, C1

INSIDE Calendar........ A2 Classifieds. D4-6 Comics....... G1-4 Crossroads.....B1 Crosswords... E2 Home ............ F1 Horoscope .... E7 Lottery .......... B1 Movies .......... E3 Obituaries..B2,B4 Puzzles........... E2 Poll results.....A2 Sports ............C1

To subscribe

574-1200 Viewpoints . B5 Your Life ..... E1 Your School B3 Your Money D1 Weather ..... B6

CITY EDITOR: TONY BALANDRAN, TBALANDRAN@VICAD.COM; PRESENTATION EDITOR/PAGE DESIGNER: KIMIKO FIEG, KFIEG@VICAD.COM; DELIVERY DESK CHIEF/COPY EDITOR: J.R. ORTEGA, JRORTEGA@VICAD.COM

A2 — VICTORIA ADVOCATE, Sunday, January 11, 2015

VictoriaAdvocate.com

PAGE T WO

PAGE DESIGNER: KIMIKO FIEG, KFIEG@ VICAD.COM; COPY EDITOR: JOSE R. GONZALEZ, JGONZALEZ@VICAD.COM

ONLINE POLL RESULTS

SPOTLIGHT BLOGGER Foresight: It’s not a crystal ball

By Sara Sneath

In Enviro-Minded Instead of spending New Year’s in a bar drunkenly examining my life, I hiked to the back of a dark cave, turned off my headlamp and looked into the darkness.

For most people New Year’s is a time for reflection and new beginnings. And while foresight and reflection have their benefits, I tend to think humans over-glorify these qualities.

It’s great to understand touching something hot will burn me and also to realize if I’ve been burned by some-

thing – or someone – it will likely happen again if I put my extremities within reach.

But foresight is not the ability to see the future. And no matter how many times I travel down memory lane, I can’t change who I made the trip with the first go around.

Like most humans, I was tempted to spend Jan. 1 surveying the bad decisions I’ve made, the ways I’ve been slighted and how I would change all that in 2015. But instead I ran to nature, where my brain tends to focus only on what is immediately in front of me, and whether it is poisonous.

Kickapoo Cavern State Park is about four and a half hours northwest of Victoria.

Underneath the park’s beautiful rolling hills are 20 known caves. Inside the

My dog, Goose, joined me on a hike at Kickapoo Cavern State Park before the cavern tour. park’s largest cave – and the only one open to the public through guided tours – are the two largest limestone cave formations in the state.

My dog, Goose, joined me on a hike at Kickapoo Cavern State Park before the cavern tour.

It takes a little more than an hour to hike to the back of Kickapoo Cavern. There, our guide instructed me my

Poll was conducted Saturday.

fellow campers to take a seat and turn off our headlamps.

Without the tiniest bit of light, I put my hand in front of my face and strained my eyes trying to see this part of myself. I couldn’t. I was just a beating heart.

It was a reminder that goals are good, but ultimately the future is unknown. No matter how hard I focus on the future, it’s a mystery.

I’ll turn 29 next month and sometimes I wonder if I’m living up to the dreams of my 8-year-old self. I’m no princess. But I hike mountains, I climb into caves and I know the exact amount of time to microwave popcorn.

I didn’t predict this life, and I couldn’t imagine it would make me happy. But I am happy.

I have no idea what is in front of me and I’m happy.

Do you agree with Obama's plan for community colleges?

52% No ................................ 48% Yes ..............................

As of 4:19 p.m. Saturday. The polls are not scientific.

TODAY’S POLL How do you heat your home?

To vote on this question, go to VictoriaAdvocate.com.

CORRECTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS The Advocate wants to correct promptly any error in fact or clarify any misleading information we publish. To report any error or need for clarification, please call 361-574-1222.

NOMINATION

Becoming Prom Princess

ADVOCATE STAFF REPORT

Many girls dream of being crowned the queen of her high school prom – dressed in a beautiful gown with her hair and makeup done to make her feel like a

queen.

It is time again to nominate Crossroads high school girls to be the Advocate’s 2015 Prom Princess contest. The winner will receive an all-expenses-paid evening to

her high school prom.

Our readers are encouraged to submit essays of 300 words or less nominating deserving high school girls to be the Prom Princess.

Students are allowed to

nominate themselves.

All entries are due by 5 p.m. Jan. 21 and must be mailed to Victoria Advocate Prom Princess, P.O. Box 1518, Victoria, Texas 77902; emailed to newsroom@vi-

cad.com with the subject line, “Prom Princess”; faxed to 361-574-1220; or hand delivered to the newsroom at 311 E. Constitution St. in downtown Victoria.

CROSSROADS CALENDAR

COMPILED BY ROBBI PATTERSON, RPATTERSON@VICAD.COM

To post an event or article online: Go to VictoriaAdvocate.com/events. Click on the add an event button to populate the fields with your event information. Please make sure all fields are populated, including the submitter fields. If you have any questions or problems, contact the newsroom at 361-574-1222.

FRIDAY

361-582-2426.

LEGO PLAY

BEST BETS OF THE WEEK

WEIGHT WATCHERS OPEN HOUSE Memorial Medical Center Community Room I Port Lavaca I Noon I Free I You are invited to a Weight Watchers Open House to learn about the new program and to see if there will be enough participants to warrant a weekly meeting in Port Lavaca.

I

11 SUNDAY 12 MONDAY

I Junior

League of Victoria Spring Sweep Rummage Sale Drop-Off, Victoria I Lunch and Learn With the Masters, Victoria

13 TUESDAY 14 MONDAY

I Academy for Lifelong I Lego Play, Victoria

15 TUESDAY

I “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” I Story Time and Homework Help, Victoria

Learning Open House, Victoria

I Texas Comptroller Unclaimed I Hamburger Night, Victoria

Fund, Victoria Victoria

SUNDAY

JUNIOR LEAGUE OF VICTORIA SPRING SWEEP RUMMAGE SALE DROP-OFF Hwy 87 Storage 11665 U.S. 87, Victoria 2 p.m.

The first drop-off of the year. Clean out those closets, sort through those toy bins and help your community. Donate your gently-used items such as clothes, toys, furniture, home goods. All donated items will be tax-deductible.

I For more information, please visit our Facebook page.

I I I I

PILOT CLUB BRIDAL SHOWCASE I I I I I

Victoria Community Center 2905 E. North St. Noon $5 The largest bridal show in the community, featuring more than 75 vendors and

booths.

MONDAY

LUNCH AND LEARN WITH THE MASTERS Dr. Pattie Dodson Public Health Center I 2805 N. Navarro St. I Noon-1 p.m.

I Free I Victoria County Master Gardener Association will begin the 2015 lecture series with Victoria County Extension Agent Peter McGuill presenting a program titled "Selection and Care of Trees in Your Landscape." Those attending may bring a sack lunch and beverage.

I

MONDAY-SATURDAY

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY BOOK SALE I

Victoria Public Library,

©2015 Victoria Advocate Publishing Co. (USPS 658-920) Established May 8, 1846

Published every morning by Victoria Advocate Publishing Company, 311 E. Constitution St., Victoria, Texas 77901, P.O. Box 1518.

Periodicals postage paid at Victoria, Texas. Member of the Associated Press. The Associated Press is entitled exclusively to the use for republication of all the local news printed in this newspaper as well as all AP news dispatches.

DIRECTORY (Area Code 361)

Advocate operator ........... 575-1451 Subscriptions................. 574-1200 Carrier Application .......... 574-1221 Circulation toll-free . 1-800-365-5779 Classified ...................... 574-1234 Classified, LD toll-free ........................... 1-800-234-8108 Display ......................... 574-1241 Display, LD toll-free 1-800-234-8108 News ........................... 574-1222 News, LD toll-free .. 1-800-456-6696 Sports .......................... 574-1206 Sports, LD toll-free 1-800-456-6696

Home delivery subscription prices:

Outside Victoria City 12 weeks ...... $45 12 weeks ..... $48 26 weeks ..... $86 26 weeks ...... $92 52 weeks .... $160 52 weeks .... $172 EZ-Pay Automatic EZ-Pay Automatic Charge . $13/every Charge $14/every 4 4 weeks weeks Delivered by mail in the United States — 4 weeks, $29.30; 12 weeks, $87.92; 26 weeks, $175.84; 52 weeks, $351.68; EZ Pay Automatic Charge, every 4 weeks, $27.85 per month.

POSTMASTER: Change of Address notice should be sent to P.O. Box 2393, Victoria, Texas 77902.

Bronte Room 302 N. Main St. During regular operating hours I On Saturday, all the remaining books will be sold at half the regular rate. Also, ask about our $1 bag of books special on Saturday. The books included in the sale will be fiction, non-fiction, children, home schooling, art, medical, textbooks, religion and more genres. You can also find movies, music and other goodies.

I I

TUESDAY

ACADEMY FOR LIFELONG LEARNING OPEN HOUSE Victoria College Student Center, rooms A-D I 11 a.m.-6 p.m. (come and go) I Free I Stop by and see the new spring schedule and visit with member and instructors. Spring courses include: local history; FaceI

book 101; Mah Jongg; arts and crafts, clogging, understanding religions; and tours of local attractions.

I For more information, call

I I I I I

Victoria Public Library 302 N. Main St. 4 p.m.

Free Build with Legos, meet other Lego enthusiasts and win a prize for Lego de-

signs. This program is come and go so feel free to arrive whenever you can and leave early if you need to. Families of all ages are welcome.

I For more information, call 361-485-3302, or visit victoriapubliclibrary.org

VICTORIA ADVOCATE, Sunday, January 11, 2015 — A3

VictoriaAdvocate.com

COVER STORIES

PAGE DESIGNER: KIMIKO FIEG, KFIEG@ VICAD.COM; COPY EDITOR: J.R. ORTEGA, JRORTEGA@VICAD.COM

APPEAL: Police department does not offer due process before termination, director says CONTINUED FROM A1 of force and arrest without warrant – during a Dec. 11 traffic stop.

The Victoria District Attorney’s office is examining a criminal investigation into the matter led by the Texas Rangers.

District Attorney Stephen Tyler said he plans to review the material and conduct a legal inquiry with the Rangers’ help. Possible charges could be unlawful restraint, injury to the elderly and misconduct.

The officer’s attorney said he plans to break down the arrest further for the assistant city attorney to show how the arrest, detention and stop were all constitutionally lawful.

“There’s just not going to be anyone that has a problem from a constitutional perspective on this case,” he said. “It came at a bad time in the country – the timing of it was bad, but clearly the stop was legal, the detention was lawful, the request for the guy to stand there was a lawful, legal request, and then his resistance was a basis for him to be arrested.”

Dash camera video footage of the arrest and tasing of 76-year-old Pete Vasquez gained national attention and divided viewers’ perceptions about whether the stop was legal or if excessive, criminal force was used.

The footage showed Robinson, a 23-year-old officer with 18 months of on-the-job experience, pull Vasquez over for an expired inspection sticker in December. The conversation between the officer and Vasquez wasn’t audible, but the situation escalated quickly. The officer attempted to detain Vasquez, threw

him to the ground and then tased him twice.

The footage didn’t show what happened between the two on the ground.

Cagle said Vasquez kicked the officer, saying the level of resistance was a basis for the tasing and arrest.

“There’s nothing unreasonable at all about that level of force,” Cagle said.

Vasquez “wasn’t injured. He scratched his elbow and hurt his feelings, but those aren’t injuries in the constitutional sense.”

After the incident, Vasquez was taken in handcuffs in the back of a police cruiser to Citizens Medical Center, where he was later released from police custody.

Robinson was immediately put on administrative duty and then paid leave following the incident.

Kevin Lawrence, Texas Municipal Police Association executive director, said it has become more common for administrators and politicians to not stand behind police officers under attack.

“Why we’re not giving them more benefit of the doubt today, I don’t know,” he said. “I think it’s a very dangerous path we’re on.”

Lawrence, who was a Texas officer 22 years before taking his job with the Texas Municipal Police Association, said sometimes officers make mistakes and sometimes they get bad advice about what the right thing is.

“But, those (officers) need to be commended for at least making the effort, and when at all possible, we need to retrain them,” he said. “We need to support them, give them the benefit of the doubt, and when possible, give them a second chance.”

FRANCE

Suspect hunted, mass rally against terrorism prepared

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Attendees holds signs and chant the slogan “Je Suis Charlie” as several hundred people gather in solidarity with victims of two terrorist attacks in Paris on Saturday.

PARIS (AP) – France vowed to combat terrorism with “a cry for freedom” in a giant rally for unity Sunday after a three-day spree of violence horrified the world.

Police searched for a woman linked to the three al-Qaida-inspired attackers, but a Turkish official said she appears to have already slipped into Syria.

The rally Sunday is also a huge security challenge for a nation on alert for more violence, after 17 people and three gunmen were killed

over three days of attacks on a satirical newspaper, a kosher supermarket and on police.

Hundreds of thousands of people marched Saturday in cities from Toulouse in the south to Rennes in the west to honor the victims, and Paris expects hundreds of thousands more at Sunday’s unity rally. More than 2,000 police are being deployed, in addition to thousands already guarding synagogues, mosques, schools and other sites.

The Texas Municipal Police Association provides officers free, outsourced legal services to assist in all job-related administrative, criminal and civil suits an officer may face, as long as they were employed as an officer the date of the underlying event.

While a majority of Texas officers – about 60 percent – work for agencies that offer due process, Victoria Police Department doesn’t offer its employees that procedural process before they are terminated, Lawrence said.

“If you work for an agency that doesn’t have any due process, (where) they don’t have any meaningful job protection, the officer just simply becomes political baggage,” Lawrence said.

“It’s a whole lot easier for the chief of police, the city manager, to bow to the political pressures and just get rid of the problem.”

Due process protection requires that employees have a fair procedural process if the termination is related to a liberty or property interest.

Due process “basically says if you’re going to be disciplined, that you have the right to appeal that to one of two places: a panel of three citizens appointed by city manager and approved by city council, or to an independent third-party hearing investigator,” Lawrence

said. “That’s the heart and soul of (due process) right there. I think Victoria would do well to adopt that.”

City Attorney Thomas Gwosdz said the city’s due process policy is that employees who are terminated have five days to file a written request for an appeal with Assistant City Manager John Kaminski.

Kaminski then has 10 days to meet with the employee and 30 days to make a written recommendation to City Manager Charmelle Garrett.

Garrett makes the final decision, Gwosdz said.

“It is my professional opinion that we provide due process to employees who have been terminated,” Gwosdz said.

He would not disclose whether the city has received a request for an appeal in the past week.

Victoria Police Chief J.J. Craig cited policy violations in his decision to fire Robinson, which included the points that an officer must only use force when necessary to accomplish lawful objectives, to make arrests to overcome resistance and to have probable cause for arrest without warrant.

“The problem with police work is that officers usually have a second or two – sometimes three when they’re really lucky – to make decisions,” Cagle said. “Then, the people that sit in judgment of police officers have days, weeks, months in sterile environments to sit and make decisions, and say, ‘I could have done it different. I could have done it better, faster and smarter.’ ” The good news, he said, is the Supreme Court has recognized that.

“The questions is not if they did it in the best way, or the smartest way, or the fastest ways,” Cagle said.

“The question is was it reasonable; and I can tell you everything he (Robinson) did was reasonable.”

Cagle said he doesn’t claim to understand the reasoning behind the chief ’s level of discipline and said he counts on hearing that during the appeal process.

“He wants his job back,” Cagle said of Robinson.

“He’d only been there 18 months and had no complaints, no disciplinary history. ... If you think he could have done it different or better, then that’s a training issue. I think he deserves his job back, and that’s what we’re going to try to do.”

Melissa Crowe contributed to this report.

A4 — VICTORIA ADVOCATE, Sunday, January 11, 2015

VictoriaAdvocate.com

COVER STORIES

PAGE DESIGNER: KIMIKO FIEG, KFIEG@ VICAD.COM; COPY EDITOR: J.R. ORTEGA, JRORTEGA@VICAD.COM

EXPLOSION: State Fire Marshal’s office has listed cause of the explosion as undetermined CONTINUED FROM A1 First, was propane flowing into the home because all three valves were open, or was the valve controlled by the switch inside malfunctioning?

I Second, why did the Singers not smell the propane beforehand?

Travis Singer removed the gas log from the fireplace and had used it a few times to burn actual wood, according to the state report.

He told investigators that two days before the explosion, children were playing with the switch. He said he ensured that both the two manually controlled valves, as well as the switch, were off afterward. The couple smelled propane only briefly then.

The two-story wood-framed home at 801 Whispering Oaks Drive was built in 1996, but remodeled before the Singers moved in, according to the Bexar County Fire Marshal’s report.

A tag on the valve controlled by the switch stated it should be installed horizontally, but it was vertical when the commission inspected it after the blast.

The Singers’ 250-gallon propane tank, manufactured by Trinity Industries Inc., was not damaged. After the explosion, the commission conducted a sniff test and took a sample of the propane.

The investigators found they could smell it, and sent the sample to Bison Engineering.

Bison Engineering found the propane had more than the recommended amount of odorant, or 5.9 pounds of ethyl mercaptan per 10,000 gallons of propane. The National Fire and Protection Association recommends there be 1 pound of ethyl mercaptan per 10,000 gallons of propane.

When the Victoria Advocate asked two fire investigators not involved in this case to take a look at the commission’s findings, they were stumped on both questions, too.

Elizabeth Jensen, a physicist and engineer with ACS Engineering & Consulting, of Houston, suspected that the switch to the fireplace valve was too low to the ground if children could get their hands on it. Fire safety standards vary depending on the community, though.

The Singers lived in the county, which does not have a building inspector.

Jensen also questioned the quality of the report because it was missing data, such as the manufacturer and serial number for the valve controlled by the switch, as well as a diagram of the piping system.

If the propane was leaking outside, that might explain why the Singers did not smell it. Still, because it was raining that day, the propane would have dissipated. It would have needed I

ANGELI WRIGHT/AWRIGHT@VICAD.COM

A concrete slab is all that remains of a home in the 800 block of Whispering Oaks Drive that exploded in May 2014, killing a woman and injuring her infant daughter. A state report concludes the cause of the explosion was a propane leak.

ADVOCATE STAFF REPORT

A ranger from the department of public safety maps the scene of an explosion that destroyed a two-story home near the intersection of Oak Colony and Whispering Oaks drives in Victoria County early Wednesday morning. to pool underneath something like a porch, she said.

“The most likely probability is the gas pooled somewhere, but where it pooled, there’s not enough information in this report to argue for one location versus another,” Jensen said.

Jensen, who served as a firefighter about 20 years ago, also explained that if individuals are exposed to ethyl mercaptan – the odorant added to alert people to the dangerous gas – long enough they can become desensitized.

She said she didn’t think that was likely in this case as the Singers would have been confronted by its rotten egg-like smell when they walked downstairs that morning. Propane is heavy and lays closer to the ground.

Victoria County Fire Mar-

shal Ron Pray’s investigation into the explosion is ongoing. He’s using the National Fire and Protection Agency standards. With those standards, there are only four different causes he can choose from – incendiary, meaning the explosion was on purpose, natural, meaning it was caused by a lightning strike, accidental or undetermined.

Pray has ruled out incendiary and natural.

For the explosion to be considered accidental, Pray would have to explain what led to the explosion, which is tough to do, he said.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office already has listed the cause of the explosion as undetermined.

Although Pray is waiting on some data and scans from the scene compiled by the Texas Rangers, he did

offer additional theories about where the propane could have pooled and why the Singers couldn’t smell it.

A heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit could have sucked the propane up and dispelled it into the three rooms to the right of the living room and fireplace. The residents may not have visited those rooms as frequently, he said.

Pray said some newer homes have propane fireplaces controlled in part by a switch, too. In newer construction, the switches are protected with a locked covering or controlled by a key.

The commission found two violations in this case.

First, a nonmetallic gas hose was used to connect the outdoor gas piping to

the fireplace, Ramona Nye, a spokeswoman for the agency, wrote via email.

Tom Sing Jr., a fire investigator with Quest Fire Analysis in Boerne, said metal or copper are preferred.

“The nonmetallic is dangerous because it can corrode a lot easier,” he said.

The commission was unable to determine who installed the nonmetallic hose

that was used to connect the outdoor gas piping to the fireplace, spokeswoman Gaye McElwain wrote via email.

The second violation was that, when Kellogg Propane Inc. delivered 200 gallons of propane on Jan. 15, 2014, it didn’t test for a leakage.

McElwain pointed to a

SEE EXPLOSION, A5

VICTORIA ADVOCATE, Sunday, January 11, 2015 — A5

VictoriaAdvocate.com

COVER STORIES

PAGE DESIGNER: KIMIKO FIEG, KFIEG@ VICAD.COM; COPY EDITOR: J.R. ORTEGA, JRORTEGA@VICAD.COM

EXPLOSION: CONTINUED FROM A4 section of the Texas Administrative Code that says before filling a propane container, companies are required to conduct a visual inspection of the exposed, readily accessible areas of the container for any obvious defects. They must not introduce propane into a system that is unsafe or not installed according to the safety rules.

“Typically, vapor leaks in piping system are not visually identified, unless a liquid leak detection solution is applied to an area where a propane leak is suspected in a piping system,” McElwain wrote. “If a leak is present, visible bubbles will accumulate around the leak. ... There are also electronic devices available to detect the presence of gas.”

Kellogg Propane Inc. had been filling the Singers’ above-ground propane tank, located 30 feet from

the home, since at least 2003, according to sales receipts.

Keith Ethridge, owner of Kellogg Propane Inc., wrote to the commission on the day of the explosion that he couldn’t find that any leak tests had been conducted at the Singers’ home.

A driver with his company was last there March 10, filling the tank with 120 gallons of propane. In a statement to the commission, he wrote he visually inspected the tank and found that it had pressure on it before filling it Jan. 15, 2014.

The commission hasn’t fined any company yet.

McElwain wrote the maximum penalty allowed by statute is $10,000 per day per incident.

When levying a punishment, the commission considers the company’s previous violations, the violation’s seriousness, whether there was any hazard to the health or safety of the public and whether the company demonstrated good faith, according to the Texas Administrative Code.

REMEMBERED: Ellie Grace now breathing on her own

Tommy Fagg, a Kellogg Propane Inc. employee, said the company heard from the commission about two weeks ago.

“We were not held responsible for anything that caused the explosion in that house,” Fagg said.

Both Sing and Jensen said years of litigation lie ahead for the Singers and their neighbors also affected by the explosion.

Sing’s company is finalizing its investigation into the 2011 Bastrop wildfire. He couldn’t disclose what he thinks caused the wildfire because litigation is ongoing, for example.

Between 10 to 12 homes were significantly damaged in the Victoria explosion.

Windows were shattered and debris filled lawns. The home closest to the Singers’ received the brunt of it.

Who is responsible for which piping system will likely be worked out in court, Jensen said.

“There are lines that are drawn ... just like with an electric company, it gets the wiring that gets to your

Site of house explosion 59

To

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

CONTINUED FROM A1 moving to Houston.

The story of her death has gained international attention because doctors were able to save her 24-week-old baby after the mother suffered traumautic brain injury.

Doctors delivered 1.8-pound Ellie Grace by emergency C-section at 3:59 a.m. Jan. 1 and are hopeful for her recovery.

The doctors have given the family a good report on Ellie each day, Church said.

Family members take shifts to make sure the newborn is not alone at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston.

She is now breathing on her own but for several days was listed in critical condition in the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit.

“She’s doing well,” Church said. “We are choosing to take it day by day and continue to pray for Ellie Grace.”

Ramirez’s 6-year-old son, Tyler, was able to meet his sister for the first time this week.

It was something he and his mother had been preparing for, she said.

“Every time Ellie would move, she would let Tyler put his hands on her tummy and feel her movement,” she said.

The San Marcos resident said she remembers the last day she spent with her older half sister.

She drove to her sister’s home to help her get the room ready for her Ellie.

She said she’s thankful to God for that chance to laugh with her sister as they cleaned.

“We shared a lot that day that helped me understand my sister at a deeper level,” she said.

A nighttime memorial at the funeral home included a floating lantern release for Monica Ramirez – something she would have loved.

“It was a beautiful way to let go,” Church said. “I think that’s how she would want to be remembered.”

The arrival of Ellie has helped the family cope with the loss as they campaign online to raise funds for her hospital care.

As of Friday, the fund has reached more than $11,000 of its $25,000 goal.

She said family members appreciate all the support they’ve received.

Church said she plans on telling Ellie how much her mother loved her.

“I will tell her stories of how adorable and sweet her mother was,” she said.

The wreck that took Ramirez’s life is still under investigation by the Houston Police Department.

According to a news release, the crash happened at about 1:55 a.m. Jan. 1 in Houston.

Ramirez, who was six months pregnant, was driving a Dodge Ram pickup truck and Anton Aleksandrov was driving a black Cadillac CTS-V. Both were traveling south on the Sam Houston Parkway service road when both vehicles made contact.

The vehicles left the roadway and struck a building.

Ramirez was ejected, and Aleksandrov suffered minor injuries. Both were transported to Memorial Hermann Hospital.

Ramirez had an emergency surgery to deliver her baby and died of her injuries.

Aleksandrov, 24, of Houston, was arrested Tuesday night with violation of probation in a family violence case involving the victim, said Kese Smith, Houston police spokesman.

He was on probation because of an Aug. 9 arrest when Aleksandrov was charged with assaulting Ramirez. The Houston Chronicle reported that court records show he attacked her, dragging her on the ground, kicking her and stomping on her.

Prosecutors sought an emergency protective order against him, forbidding him to go within 200 feet of Ramirez.

On Dec. 10, Aleksandrov was sentenced to one-year probation for the assault charge.

Smith said police will need to consult with the district attorney before any additional charges will be filed against Aleksandrov.

Church said the family declined to comment on the investigation or arrest.

She urged women who are in a similar situation to get help and to walk away from an abusive relationship.

Creek leto Co KIMIKO FIEG/KFIEG@VICAD.COM

CONTRIBUTED BY MARY HELEN BARRIC

Haley Singer and her daughter Parker Singer. Singer was killed after her home exploded in May 2014. Parker survived. house. Then, once you get to the fuse box, that’s the homeowner’s responsibility,” she said.

Jensen suspected that whoever manufactured the valve controlled by the

switch inside would claim removing fake logs and replacing them with actual wood was dangerous.

“There’s going to be a lot of finger-pointing, and you need to know where the ac-

tual explosion happened in order to settle that,” she said.

“Hats off to those guys,” Jensen added of the investigators’ work. “They are doing what they can, but there’s not much to work with.”

Haley Singer’s family declined to talk at length about the commission’s findings.

“We are both very appreciative of the support that the community has shown.

Travis said it is still very difficult for him to discuss” the incident, Haley Singer’s mother, Mary Helen Barrick, said Friday. “I feel like I have a lot of unanswered questions.”

HOW TO HELP CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Tyler meets his little sister Ellie Grace for the first time. She was born by emergency C-section after their mother was killed in a wreck in Houston.

Ellie Grace was born by emergency C-section on Jan. 1 at 3:59 a.m. She was admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Memorial Hermann Hospital soon after.

77

ad

li Go

AREA DETAILED

The family has set up an online fundraiser to help pay for the newborn’s medical costs.

In three days, they had raised $11,000 of their $25,000 goal. To help, go to this story at Victoria Advocate.com and click on the link.

TO GET HELP

If you’re suffering from domestic violence, talk to someone about your situation. Mid-Coast Family Services has a hotline always available at 361-573-4357.

A6 — VICTORIA ADVOCATE, Sunday, January 11, 2015

VictoriaAdvocate.com

Obituaries, B2, B4 • Crossroads, B4, B6 Viewpoints, B5 • Your Schools, B3 Victoria Advocate, VictoriaAdvocate.com• Sunday, January 11, 2015

S E C T I O N

B

CROSSROADS

LIVESTOCK SHOW

SCOTT JULIAN/ SJULIAN@VICAD.COM

DRAWN TO ART 9 Victoria school district pieces advance in Houston art contest, could make auction

Nacho Trevino, center, points at artwork by Haley Grosenbacher, titled the “Chicken Dance,” with his family, from left, Mariah, 19, Mallory 16, and Morgan, 17, while at the Houston Rodeo and Livestock Show Art Contest at the Victoria Fine Arts Center on Saturday.

BY JOHNATHAN SILVER JSILVER@VICAD.COM

A proud Scott Henley whipped out his cellphone to take a photo of his daughter’s art piece on display at the Victoria Fine Arts Center on Saturday.

The doting dad then hugged and kissed Paxton, 10, on the forehead before telling her how proud she made him. Paxton’s art piece was one of more than 330 Victoria ISD student entries for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s School Art Program.

“I’m very proud,” said Henley, a Victoria resident. “She works hard on it. She’s a very dedicated kid. I can’t say enough about her. She get’s started. She gets it done.”

Paxton’s piece, “Christ Cowboys,” centers around a boot, adorned with a cross, in a field.

The Vickers Elementary School student said she had four weeks to complete it.

“I had way less time this year,” she laughed.

Sarah Graham, an art teacher at Victoria West High School, said art encourages self-motivation and discipline. Plus, she said, it’s a great opportunity to get scholarships.

“It’s almost become part of their school career,” she said. “They start the next year ready for their contest piece.”

Of all the entries, nine were taken by judges Saturday back to Houston where the chosen pieces could make it to auction and yield financial reward for students.

Most art pieces were marked with Awards of Excellence while others were marked as finalists, but the nine winners, once decided, were taken from the collection.

So, Michelle Graves, principal at Smith Elementary School, became excited when she couldn’t

SEE ART, B6

BEST OF OF SHOW SHOW BEST

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

“Daddy Mike” by Ashley Miska, Victoria East High School; Teacher: Candace Coyle

“My Horse and I” by Lauren Johnson, Howell Middle School; Teacher: Blanca Sanchez

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

“Wild West” by Minh-Tam Le, Smith Elementary School; Teacher: Sylvia Branecky

GOVERNMENT

Texas aide hired without competition, granted graduate school funds Agency’s acts violate state policy by not posting job online

competition and then was granted nearly $100,000 to pay for his graduate school tuition, according to state records.

Casey Haney, a former aide to Gov. Rick Perry who also previAUSTIN (AP) – A top deputy at ously worked for state Health Texas’ massive state health agen- Commissioner Kyle Janek, was cy received the job without any hired in 2012 as Janek’s deputy

P O L I CTEE&X CA OS U R T S

Sheriff’s office: Medical Center not under hostage situation

L O TTERY RESULT S

Stolen I VICTORIA

– A CD, lightbulbs, pens and lotion valued at $44.94 from Wal-Mart in the 9000 block of North Navarro Street on Thursday.

I VICTORIA – Clothing with a total value of $10,005 from a home in the 3500 block of Redwood Drive on Jan. 3.

Damaged I VICTORIA

– A vehicle at a home in the 7800 block of North Navarro Street on Jan. 3. Damage was estimated at $500.

I VICTORIA – A vehicle in the 100 block of Andover on Jan. 2. Damage was estimated at $200 to a driver’s side window.

SEE POLICE&COURTS, B2

POWERBALL 2-9-19-28-29, 2-9-19-28-29, PB: 19, PP: 5 PB:19, PP:5 --------------------

SATURDAY’S LOTTO TEXAS 4-7-12-22-42-50 4-7-12-22-42-50 ------------------CASH 5 2-9-13-27-28 2-9-13-27-28 -------------------

PICK 3 DAY DAILY 4 DAY 9-0-7-6 1-4-6 9-0-7-6 1-4-6 ----------------

PICK 3 NIGHT 2-1-4 2-1-4

----------------

DAILY 4 NIGHT 1-6-7-2 1-6-7-2

There was no formal application for Haney’s job because officials thought Haney was well qualified, agency spokeswoman Stephanie Goodman told the Houston Chronicle. The agency also pays tuition for three to five employees a year,

SEE HEALTH, B6

SCTRRI EMEET S ROAD CLOSURE Beginning Monday, the city will close Southwest Ben Jordan Street between South Laurent Street and Hand Road to install utility lines. The project is expected to last three days, weather permitting. dan Jor en B SW

Closed for installation

t ree t St ren Lau

clear whether the man was armed.

Authorities had earlier said the man was believed to be holding at least two hostages.

The sheriff ’s office said an evacuation was limited to areas adjacent to the room, not the entire hospital.

The hospital is on a 150-acre campus about 30 miles northwest of Houston.

Police in Tomball did not immediately respond to a message.

POLICE&COURTS

posted online and for tuition payments to be reimbursed after graduation.

Janek also approved $37,000 in up-front tuition payments for Deputy Commissioner Patricia Vojack, whose salary is $165,000 a year, to pursue an executive master’s degree, records show.

oad dR Han

TOMBALL (AP) – Authorities now say they do not consider an incident at a Texas hospital involving a distraught father to be a hostage situation.

The Harris County Sheriff ’s Office said Saturday night that a man was distraught about his son’s medical condition and was with him inside a hospital room in the critical care unit of the Tomball Regional Medical Center. The sheriff ’s office said it was still un-

chief of staff at $159,000 a year, without a formal application process. Janek later approved a $97,000 payment to Haney to pursue a master’s degree in business.

Both moves appear to violate agency policy that calls for jobs open to external candidates to be

JOSE D. ENRIQUEZ/JENRIQUEZ@VICAD.COM

CITY EDITOR: TONY BALANDRAN, TBALANDRAN@VICAD.COM; PRESENTATION EDITOR KIMIKO FIEG, KFIEG@VICAD.COM; PAGE DESIGNER: JOSE D. ENRIQUEZ III, JENRIQUEZ@VICAD.COM; COPY EDITOR: COURTNEY BOSIER, CBOSIER@VICAD.COM

B2 — VICTORIA ADVOCATE, Sunday, January 11, 2015 OBITUARIES COORDINATOR: TONY VASQUEZ, TVASQUEZ@VICAD.COM

DEATH NOTICES VICTORIA COUNTY ADAMS, ELSIE M., 88, of Victoria, passed away on Saturday, January 10, 2015.

Services are pending with Heritage Funeral Home, 361-578-3611.

WYATT, GEORGE J. SR., 69, of Victoria, passed away on Thursday, January 8, 2015. Services are pending with Heritage Funeral Home, 361-578-3611.

TODAY’S SERVICES BATTLES, THADDEUS M. SR., 90, of Cuero: Visitation 4 - 6 p.m. at Freund Funeral Home, 361-275-2343.

GAUTREAUX, MILLIE, 92, of Port Lavaca: Visitation 5 - 7 p.m. at RichardsonColonial Funeral Home, 361-552-2988.

GRAHMANN, EMIL A., 84, of Hallettsville: Visitation 4 p.m. with Rosary at 6 p.m. at Kubena Funeral Home, 361-798-3271.

LINKE, ADOLPH E., 98, of Bloomington: Visitation 3 - 5 p.m. at Colonial Funeral Home, 361-578-3535.

MACIEL, MAURICE A., SR., 49, of Yoakum: Rosary 6 p.m. at Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home, 361-293-5656.

MEYERS, JOSEPHINE ANGLINE, 77, of Fresno, TX: Visitation 11 a.m. at Kubena Funeral Home, followed by graveside service 2 p.m. at Willow Creek Cemetery, Kubena Funeral Home, 361-798-3271.

WEITZEL, FRED RAY, 69, of Victoria: Receiving 2 - 4 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home, 361-578-3611.

More on page B4 JOSEPHINE A. MEYERS

FRANCES MARIE LEACH

FRESNO - Josephine Angline Meyers, 77, of Fresno, TX, passed away Jan. 7, 2015.

She was born on June 14, 1937 to Joe & Della Judd Janak in Houston.

Josephine is survived by son Wayne Meyers; daughter Hannelore Truett; sister Dorothy Leaver; 8 grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren. Josephine was preceded in death by her parents, and 5 brothers.

Graveside Service: 2 pm, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2015, at Willow Creek Cemetery.

Visitation: 11 am, Sunday at Kubena Funeral Home, 361798-3271.

VICTORIA - Frances Marie (Bloomer) Leach, 81, of Victoria, passed away January 9, 2015. She was born in Sherman, Texas on November 12, 1933 to the late Leon Henry and Frances Olivia Armstrong Bloomer. Frances attended St. Joseph’s Academy elementary school and graduated from Sherman High School in May 1951. She was a member of the National Honor Society, active in the Homemaking Club having served as an officer; she also sang in the choir, was a flag bearer in the band, and served as a Drum Major her senior year. She was also voted Duchess of her Junior Class, and Princess of her senior class. During the summer, she worked as secretary for Knight’s Furniture Company before attending North Texas State College in Denton for one year. She then worked one and a half years as secretary to the Plant Superintendent of Texas Telephone Company in Sherman.

On January 9, l954 Frances married her husband of 61 years.

They lived in Monterey, California (Fort Ord Army Base) until her husband was sent overseas to Korea and then Hawaii. During that year, she worked in Sherman as secretary for Dunham Insurance Agency and Employers Finance Company. She also was secretary to the Mayor of Sherman after her boss was elected Mayor. Upon her husband’s release from the Army in the spring of 1955, they lived in Tyler and Harlingen. Her husband was with pro baseball teams during that time. In September 1955, they moved to Austin where she worked in the Registrar’s Office at the University of Texas while her husband attended UT. From 1956 through 1960, they lived in Austin during the fall semesters. Each spring and summer, they lived in Victoria, Des Moines, Iowa, Valentine, Nebraska and Ballinger, Texas while her husband played professional baseball. After her husband graduated UT-Austin in June 1960, they and their five and a half month old son, Mike, moved to Dallas, where they lived for five years while her husband taught and coached in the Dallas ISD. Their identical twin sons, Larry and Gary, were born while they lived in Dallas.

Bob and Frances moved to Kingsville in the fall of 1965, lived there three years. Their son, Steven, was born in Kingsville. In summer 1968, they moved to Irving for three years. Their next move was to Beeville from August 1971 until January 1987. After their four sons were in school, she was a substitute teacher for three years, then worked for eight years as secretary at A. C. Jones High School in the Counselor’s Office. They lived in San Antonio from January 1987 through July 1989, where she worked as secretary for two vice-principals at Madison High School in the North East ISD. They returned to Beeville in July 1989 to care for her mother "Bami". During that time, she returned to work at the high school as an aide in the English Department for 11 English teachers.

Frances and her husband both worked at The Victoria College and moved to Victoria in August 1994. She retired in January 1998 after eight and a half years as a secretary in the Fine Arts Department and Auditoriums Booking Agent. Her husband retired in May 2000. While working at VC, she resumed college classes and received her Associate of Applied Science Degree with Honors in May 1991.

She was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church, a member of the Altar Society and served as Eucharist Minister. She was a homemaker and enjoyed playing bridge and bunko with friends.

Among her greatest joys was rearing their four sons, attending their activities and those of her husband, the love of her life.

Family was foremost with her life and she enjoyed being with her sons, daughters-in-law and nine grandchildren who were a special joy in her life.

Frances is survived by her loving husband "Bob" Robert Guy Leach of Victoria; sons, Michael Thomas "Mike" Leach and wife Lauren of Round Rock, Larry Don Leach and wife Shirley of Tomball, Gary Leon Leach of Austin and Steven Robert Leach and wife Kelley of Cedar Park; grandchildren, Michael Brendon and Benjamin Thomas of Round Rock, Amanda Mae, Garrett Timothy, Christen Frances, Elissa Anne of Tomball and Dylan Guy, Faith Danielle and Luke Walker of Cedar Park; and great grandchild, Coleman Harris Davidson.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Thomas "Tommy" Leon Bloomer.

A rosary will be held Monday, January 12, 2015 at 7:00 pm at Holy Family Catholic Church. A Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, January 13, 2015 at 10:00 am at Holy Family Catholic Church. Mrs. Leach will be taken back home to Sherman, where additional services and burial will follow.

Pallbearers will be Harvey Kocian, John McQuillen, Monroe Rieger, Eddie Hughes, Scott Smejkal and Albert Janak. Honorary pallbearers will the Knights of Columbus Council 9088, Harry Hendricks, Robert Bloomer, James Blakey, Jerry Zavesky, all her grandchildren and great grandchild.

Memorial donations may be made to Holy Family Catholic Church Building Fund or donor’s choice.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.colonialfuneralhomevictoria.com

BETTY ANNE CLICK RICHWOODS, MO - Betty Anne Click 86, of Richwoods, MO, passed away on December 23, 2014.

She is survived by her children, Raymond (Janet) Click of Richwoods, Leonard (Patty) Click of St. Clair, Gilbert Click of Bourbon, Warren (Ann) Click, of Cape Girardeau, Mo, Irene (Chester) Martin, of St. Louis, Thomas (Mandy) Click, of Victoria, TX, Lydia (Steve) Bentley, of Port O’Connor, TX, David (Lucy) Click, of Warrenton, Janet (Chuck Davenport) Moore, of Bourbon; 1 brother; and several grand, great, and greatgreat grandchildren.

Preceded in death by her husband, Jesse Thomas Click.

DANIEL PARTIDA WHARTON - Daniel Partida of Wharton, Texas, went to be with the Lord, December 17, 2014 at the age of 82. Born in Yoakum to Juan and Victoria Partida of Cuero.

He is survived by daughters, Sandra and Janie Partida, step daughters, Rosa Linda Espinosa, Rachel Sanchez, Olga Gomez, Dolores Olguin, sons, Daniel and Frank Partida, Seven grand children and numerous nieces and nephews, sisters, Elena Lopez, Romona Garcia, Dominga Partida and brother Jimmy Partida. Preceded in death by his parents, and step son, Daniel Gomez, sisters, Rita P Orozco, Celestina P. Coronado, Theresa P. Munoz, brothers, Paul and Johnny Partida.

Memorial service is pending at La Hermosa Church, 408 West Shelby St. Seguin, Texas 78155 ( 830) 832 7211.

Condolences can be left at www.whartonfuneralhome.co m Funeral services were under the direction of the Wharton Funeral Home, 979-532-3410.

VAUGHNIA M. BECKER INEZ - Vaughnia M. Becker, 75, of Inez passed away Wednesday, January 7, 2015.

She was born January 11, 1939 in Pharr, Texas to the late Ralph Oscar and Mary Ricks Cherry. She was an art teacher for the Devereaux Foundation for 22 years.

Graveside services will be held at 10 am on Saturday, January 17, 2015, at Angels Rest Cemetery (Becker family cemetery) at Bankhead (Inez, Texas).

A memorial celebration of life will follow the interment at 11 am at Garcitas Creek Campground.

Words of comfort may be shared at www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.c om.

MELVIN J. KREJCI VICTORIA - Melvin J. Krejci, 63, of Victoria, passed away on January 6, 2015. He was born October 21, 1951 in Memphis, TN to the late Merwin Krejci and Lorene A. Pulkrabek Krejci.

He leaves to cherish his memory, a wife, Helen Krejci, a daughter, Bonnie Krejci, a son, Thomas Krejci, and 3 brothers, Douglas Krejci, Glenn Krejci, and Bruce Krejci.

Funeral services will be announced at a later date.

Final arrangements entrusted to Cook-Butler Funeral Home and Chapel, Edna, TX 361-7823821 or 361-655-0411.

VictoriaAdvocate.com

PAUL H. NEWTON MOULTON - Paul H. Newton was born May 4, 1920 in Kansas City, Missouri.

He passed away on December 21, 2014. Memorial services will be held January 17, 2014 at 1:30 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Moulton, Texas.

Pastor Herbert Beyer will officiate.

Paul moved to Kerrville, Texas as a small boy. He graduated high school and attended Schreiner Institute in Kerrville for one year prior to World War II. He served in the Army Air Corps for three years and four months discharging in 1946.

Paul received a degree in Animal Husbandry from Oklahoma A&M in 1949. From 1949-1955 he was a County Agent in Coleman, San Angelo, Ozona and Menard, Texas.

Paul was employed by the Texas Department of Corrections (TDC) as a livestock supervisor in 1955.

He attended night classes at the University of Houston obtaining a M.S. degree in Ag. Economics in 1962.

He working in various Agriculture jobs at TDC until his retirement as Director of Agriculture in 1977.

Paul worked with Drew Mortgage for two years making farm and ranch loans. From 1979-1995 he worked for Natural Gas Pipeline Co. as a land man.

Paul was a Life Member of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Farm Bureau member since 1949, National Rifle Assoc., Texas Rifle Assoc., American Legion, Real Estate Broker and Texas & Southwest Cattle Raiser’s Association.

Paul enjoyed his family and friends, especially the men he drank coffee with at the auto parts store.

He enjoyed hunting and raised cattle in Lavaca and Gonzales Co. for over 50 years. He loved riding his Harley motorcycle and did so until the age of 73.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Cordelia "Corky" Newton of Moulton, Son, Nelson Wayne Newton and wife Kathy of Frankston, Daughter, Paula Jan Odle and husband Jim of Pearland, Grandsons Cody B. Newton of Frankston, Kyle W. Newton and wife Jordan of Frankston, Granddaughter Jill A. Odle Holley and husband Aaron of Houston, and niece Claudia McNiff of Arizona.

Memorials to be made to the charity of your choice.

OBITUARIES

FRED RAY WEITZEL VICTORIA - Fred Ray Weitzel, 69, of Victoria, passed away January 9, 2015. He was born July 26, 1945, in Victoria to the late Eilert Weitzel and Doris Bell Weitzel.

Fred is a member of The Sons of the Republic of Texas, the Alamo Chapter 40, in San Antonio. Fred R. Weitzel joined the Army Reserve in 1973, during the Vietnam War, his service to his country qualified him for membership in the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), and in 2010 Fred joined the DeWitt County VVA Chapter 1029.

Mr. Weitzel worked for the Associates, a financial company, at the El Campo office, then the Finance and Insurance (F&I) man at the Buick dealership, in Victoria, owned by the Zeplins and then was the owner of a used car lot. He also sold life insurance and eventually started his home renovation company, American Roofing and Siding.

He is survived by his daughters, Lauren Weitzel and boyfriend Brice Morris of Inez and Denise Veselka and husband David of Austin; brother, Richard "Dick" Weitzel of San Antonio; sister Judy Weitzel Bryant of Inez; and granddaughters, Emme and Juliana Veselka.

The family will receive visitors Sunday, January 11th, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home.

Funeral Services will be held Monday, January 12th at 10:00 a.m. at Heritage Funeral Home with interment to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Fred loved being outdoors, and enjoyed traveling the countryside and back roads.

He couldn’t go into a new location without either knowing someone there, being related to them, or being a friend of a friend. Fred could talk to anyone on any subject. Will Rogers said "I never met a man I didn’t like". With Fred it was , "No one ever met Fred without liking him". Fred was devoted to his family, was loved and will be missed by his daughters and granddaughters.

Heritage Funeral Home of Memory Gardens in charge of arrangements, 361-578-3611.

To leave a comforting message or share a fond memory, please go to www.heritagefhvictoria.c

mated at $400.

– The glass windows of three vehicles at homes in the 100 block of Avant Garde Drive on Jan. 3. Damage was estimated at $500.

I VICTORIA – The rear window of a tan 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe at a home in the 300 block of Windcrest Drive on Jan. 4. Damage was estimated at $400.

I VICTORIA – The rear window of a tan 1999 Mercedes-Benz E-480 at a home in the 100 block of Bedivere Drive on Monday. Damage was estimated at $400.

I VICTORIA – The rear window of a silver 2008 GMC Acadia at a home in the 200 block of Westchester Drive on Jan. 3. Damage was estimated at $400.

I VICTORIA – Two yard decorations at a home in the 100 block of Plantation Road on Jan. 4.

Damage was estimated at $200.

I VICTORIA – The rear window of a gray 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe in the 4400 block of North Navarro Street on Jan. 4. Damage was valued at $350.

I VICTORIA – The driver’s side mirror of a tan 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe in the 1200 block of North Navarro Street on Jan. 3. Damage was estimated at $75.

I VICTORIA – The left tail lamp of a 2013 Toyota Tundra in 2000 block of I VICTORIA

POLICE& COURTS CONTINUED FROM B1 I VICTORIA

– A vehicle in the 500 block of Santa Fe Drive on Jan. 2. Damage was estimated at $150.

I VICTORIA – A vehicle in the 300 block of Laguna Drive on Jan. 2. Damage was estimated at $300.

I VICTORIA – A vehicle in the 300 block of Santa Fe Drive on Jan. 2. Damage was estimated at $300.

I VICTORIA – A vehicle in the 400 block of Pasadena Drive on Jan. 2. Damage was estimated at $300.

I VICTORIA – Four cedar fence boards ripped off a home in the 200 block of Sherwood Drive on Jan. 2. Damage was estimated at $100.

I VICTORIA – A vehicle in the 1200 block of Pennsylvania Avenue on Jan. 2. Damage was estimated at $300.

I VICTORIA – The rearview mirror and turn signal lever on a vehicle in the 100 block of Manassas Loop on Jan. 2. Damage was estimated at $425.

I VICTORIA – A vehicle in the 100 block of Chama Drive on Jan. 2. Damage was estimated at $300.

I VICTORIA – A vehicle in the 100 block of Somerset Place on Jan. 2.

Damage was estimated at $300.

I VICTORIA – A home in the 1600 block of Mesquite Lane on Jan. 4.

Eggs were thrown at the home.

I VICTORIA – A mailbox at a home in the 100 block of Larimore Street on Jan. 4.

I VICTORIA –Back glass windows were shattered on four vehicles in the 200 block of Longfellow Lane on Jan. 4. Damage was estimated at $500 for each window.

I VICTORIA – Left rear window pane of a white 2006 Dodge Ram in the 2400 block of Mockingbird Lane on Jan. 4.

Damage was estimated at $1,500.

I VICTORIA – Rear driver side windows of two vehicles in the 1200 block of Walnut Avenue on Jan. 4. Damage was estimated at $350 for each mirror.

I VICTORIA – Two broken window panes at Farmers Insurance Group, 1809 N. Navarro St., on Dec. 31. Damage was estimated at $1,000.

I VICTORIA – A garage door at a home in the 100 block of Lancaster Street on Jan. 4. Damage was estimated at $1,000.

I VICTORIA – The rear window of a white 2001 Ford Expedition at a home in the 6000 block of Country Club Drive on Jan. 3. Damage was esti-

MAURICE A. MACIEL, SR. YOAKUM - Maurice "Big Bubba" Andrew Maciel, Sr., age 49, passed away on Friday, January 9, 2015. He was born on July 7, 1965 in Yoakum.

Maurice was a carpenter and a devout Catholic.

He is proceeded in death by his parents, Macedonio and Maria Maciel.

He is survived by his daughters, Marissa Maciel (Ruben J. Flores), and Jessica Maciel (John Anzualda) both of Yoakum; son, Maurice Maciel, Jr. and wife Valerie of Yoakum.

His pride was his grandchildren, (Pretty Girl) Jayla Marie Rosales, Eric Lee Maciel, Jaelyn Anzualda and unborn grandson (Peanut). He is also survived by his best friend and mother of his children, Suzy Torres of Y o a k u m ; s p e c i a l nephews/caregivers, Conrad Maciel and Anthony Maciel; sisters, Adilmira "Mila" Nolte (Jim), Dobie Johnson (Rayford), Dorothy Sanchez (Carlos), Alice Nunez, Sally Mauric, Rose Mata, Paula Ramirez and Lisa Sanchez all of Yoakum, Mary Loa (Daniel), Helen Soto all of Victoria and Josie Garcia of Edna; brothers, Alex Maciel, Robert Maciel, Macedonio Maciel, Jr all of Yoakum, David Maciel (Rebecca) of Huntsville, Frank Maciel (Jill) of The Woodlands, Thomas Maciel of Chicago, Adolph Lopez of Arizona and many nephews and nieces.

Rosary will be at 6 p.m. on Sunday, January 11, 2015 at the funeral home.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, January 12, 2015 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Rev. Matthew Huehlefeld officiating.

Pallbearers: Walter Elizondo, Ronnie Gonzales, John Mata, Gilbert Rosales, Richard Zimmerman and John Dominguez.

Honorary pallbearers: Zane Garza, Joaquin Varela, Anthony Maciel, Conrad Maciel, John Anzualda and Ruben J. Flores.

Memorial contributions maybe given to Accolade Hospice.

On-line guest book may be signed at www.thielecooper.com Arrangements by ThieleCooper Funeral Home 361-2935656.

Oleander Drive on Jan. 2. Damage was estimated at $100.

I VICTORIA – The back windshield of a tan 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer at a home in the 4700 block of Camellia Lane on Jan. 4. Damage was estimated at $300.

I VICTORIA – A window of a vehicle in the 600 block of Fillmore Avenue on Thursday.

Damage was estimated at $300.

I VICTORIA – A closet wall at a home in the 5200 block of North John Stockbauer Drive on Thursday. Damage was estimated at $150.

I VICTORIA – A window of a vehicle at a home in the 3300 block of East Rio Grande Street on Thursday. Damage was estimated at $250.

Indicted Editor’s Note: An indictment is not an indication of guilt. It is a finding by a grand jury that enough evidence exists to warrant a trial.

PORT LAVACA – A Calhoun County grand jury returned indictments on the following people on Jan. 8: I Lupe Ann Arriaga, 45, of Edna, on a charge of forgery.

I Alonzo Abel Covarrubias, 47, of Edna, on a charge of forgery.

I Thomas Earl Cox, 34, of Port Lavaca, on a charge of criminal mischief between $1,500 and $20,000.

VICTORIA ADVOCATE, Sunday, January 11, 2015 — B3

VictoriaAdvocate.com

YOUR SCHOOLS Education reporter: Carolina Astrain, 361-580-6578, castrain@vicad.com

EDUCATION

CLASS + EXTRA STUDIES LEADS TO SUCCESS

PHOTOS BY ALISHA JUCEVIC/AJUCEVIC@VICAD.COM

Nola Harris, Communities in Schools site coordinator at Patti Welder Middle School, center, helps students with math problems during Power Hour. Power Hour is a new after-school program coordinated by Communities in Schools, the Boys and Girls Club of Victoria and the Food Bank of the Golden Crescent.

After-school program lends helping hands to struggling students

ALISHA JUCEVIC/AJUCEVIC@VICAD.COM

Power Hour volunteer Kariana Leija, 18, left, helps middle school students Adriana Torres, 12, and Katelynn Martinez, 11, with their math homework during the after-school program. Katelynn said she enjoys the program because she is able to catch up on homework and get help from the tutors.

FOR MORE

To learn more about Communities in Schools of the Golden Crescent, visit goldencrescent.communitiesinschools.org.

BY CAROLINA ASTRAIN CASTRAIN@VICAD.COM

Ryan Valdez tapped his mouth with his fingers as he watched Nola Harris, one of the two Communities in Schools side coordinators at Patti Welder Middle School, solve a multiplication problem on the marker board.

“I still don’t get how she did it,” Ryan, 12, said. “I don’t like math; it’s harder than all the other subjects.”

Although the school bell had already rung for the day, the Patti Welder Middle School seventh-grader was spending his afternoon working on his math skills as part of a newly expanded program called “Power Hour,” which began at Stroman Middle School last spring.

Daryl Ewers, one of the two Patti Welder CIS site coordinators, said he was happy to see the program, formed in partnership by the Boys and Girls Club of Victoria, Communities in Schools and the Food Bank of the Golden Crescent, expand to Patti Welder this school year.

Snacks and drinks are provided by the Food Bank of the Golden Crescent. The Boys and Girls Club of Victoria offers a free membership to all students participating.

The “Power Hour” gives students a place to study and work on homework until 5 p.m., and afterward, they have the option of continuing their studies until 7 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club of Victoria, which also provides transportation for students from the campus to the club.

“Right now, we’re focused on the basics of

ALISHA JUCEVIC/AJUCEVIC@VICAD.COM

During Power Hour at Patti Welder Middle School, Andres Reyes, 11, works on his science homework. He writes about how he can conserve energy, saying he thinks it would help if he played less video games and turned off the Christmas tree lights at night. math because that’s where we see the need,” Ewers said. “We really try to focus on need.”

The program is supported by a core of volunteers from the University of Houston-Victoria and Victoria College, Ewers said.

A UHV banner is posted on the wall closest to the exit.

Kariana Leija, 18, works with students at the Patti Welder Power Hour through a work-study position she obtained through

UHV where she is studying biology.

“They’ve actually been getting pretty good,” Leija, a San Antonio native, said. “At least, I know I’m doing something right.”

Brady Hill, a Victoria College student, said he enjoys working with middle school students.

“I’m studying business management, but I’m contemplating switching to education,” Hill, 20, said. “The biggest challenge has

been just them being able to grasp new concepts and moving on.”

Patti Welder was one of two middle schools in the Victoria school district that did not meet state standards for the 2013-14 school year.

“We provide the facilities,” said Richard Wright, Patti Welder principal. “Finding tutors and mentors is incredibly tough, and CIS is doing an outstanding job on outreach in the community. We appreciate them so much.”

Jacob Amezquita, 14, said Patti Welder had a similar program last year, but this one has been better than the one before because of the enhanced sense of structure in instruction.

“In this classroom, we get more work done than we did before,” Jacob, a Patti Welder eighth-grader, said. “We’re reviewing things that we’ve already learned, so that it becomes a stronger subject for us.”

His report-card grades have gone up as a result of the program, Jacob said.

“Last year, we were in the back room, and you would come in and put your bag down and you could just chill and relax and everything,” Jacob said. “It’s more structured now I don’t have any problem with it; I like being in school and everything and learning.”

He wants to be the first in his family to attend college, Jacob said.

“My mom got pregnant in high school, and she got her GED,” Jacob said. “So you know, I want to make my mom proud.”

Jacob’s mother died in a car accident when he was 6 years old.

“My grandmother is gone, too. Right now, I live with my aunt and uncle,” Jacob said. “I miss them a lot; I hope I’m making them proud with everything I’m doing.”

PRESENTATION EDITOR: KIMIKO FIEG, KFIEG@VICAD.COM; PAGE DESIGNER/COPY EDITOR: JOSE D. ENRIQUEZ III, JENRIQUEZ@VICAD.COM

B4 — VICTORIA ADVOCATE, Sunday, January 11, 2015

VictoriaAdvocate.com

CROSSROADS/OBITUARIES

PAGE DESIGNER: JOSE D. ENRIQUEZ III, JENRIQUEZ@VICAD.COM; COPY EDITOR: COURTNEY BOSIER, CBOSIER@VICAD.COM

More on page B2 ADOLPH E. LINKE

EMMA CAROLINE "EC" SCHAEFER FRISBIE CUERO - Emma Caroline "EC" Schaefer Frisbie passed on at her home January 6, 2015, in the company of family. She was born at Chanute Field, Illinois, on December 15, 1926. She married Ezra Clark Frisbie, a DeWitt County rancher and barber, in 1948.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents Grace Hofheinz and Christian J.H. Schaefer, Sr.; her brother Christian J.H. Schaefer, Jr., and wife Lola; sister Joan Cavanaugh; and nieces Carleen Bodden and JoCarol Schaefer Hall.

She is survived by nephews Lt. Col. (Ret) Michael Cavanaugh and wife Barbara, Cuero; Christian J.H. Schaefer, III and wife Kathleen, Wimauma, Fl.; and nephew-in-law Nix. O. Bodden and wife Beth Zimplemann, Wimberley, TX; nieces Elizabeth Holder and husband Darrell, Snellville, GA; Jean Marie Schaefer, Colorado Springs, CO.; Maureen Howell and husband John, Austin, TX. She is also survived by nephews of her husband, Clark Frisbie of Georgia and Parker Frisbie of Yorktown; and her cousin Lee Roy Menning and wife MaryAnn of Victoria.

Also, great niece Kelly Cavanaugh Nader and husband Denton Gingrich, and great-great nephews Austin and Nicholas Nader; great nieces Sarah Holder; AriElla Turiya Anaies and daughter Rachael Bradshaw and son Marius Schaefer; great nephew Stuart Bodden and wife Emily, daughter Isabel and son Samuel; Joshua Bodden and daughter Eliza; great niece Keya Schaefer Traylor and husband Aaron and son Zachary.

EC attended Texas State College for Women and began her career as a social worker with the Texas State Department of Public Welfare in Cuero, where she visited clients in a 4-county area chaperoned by her mother-in-law. She later graduated with a BSW degree from the University of Texas at Austin and received her Master of Social Work degree from Tulane University in 1970.

She then returned to the Texas State Department of Public Welfare in Austin as the Assistant to the agency’s Medical Director, where she developed protocols still in use and entered the digital age by coordinating the DPW’s first contract with Electronic Data Systems.

EC and her husband were long time residents of Dewitt County.

She loved ranching, raising Hanoverian horses, competing in dressage events, and she continued riding into her 70’s. She "could effortlessly hitch a horse trailer on the first try, every time." She greatly enjoyed the Victoria Orchid Club; in recent years cultivating orchids, antique roses, and Texas native plants was her passion. She believed in living in harmony with nature, not subduing it, and shared her home with many dogs and cats over the years. She enjoyed driving her white Corvette in her earlier years and her silver BMW Z3 in her later years. EC faithfully voted Republican, avidly read the Wall Street Journal and local newspapers, diligently worked crossword puzzles, and explored the Internet on her laptop until the week of her passing.

She enjoyed traveling the world with her dear friend Betty ("Moi") Cook of Dallas. She cherished her friendships with Gloria Canales and Billy Clyne, Cuero; Maria Alvarado, Hallettsville; horseman Thom Hardy, Florida; and the late Mike Zeplin, orchid grower extraordinaire, Victoria.

She also cherished Dr. Jennifer Gonzales and the nurses of Hospice of South Texas, including Jennifer Allen, Brynn Foulds, Terri Hicks, Janice Podolak, and others who gave her loving care for an extended time. The family are deeply grateful to all these friends.

A private memorial celebrating EC’s life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of South Texas or the Cuero Public Library.

You may send condolences or sign the guest book at www.freundfuneralhome.com.

Freund Funeral Home, 361-275-2343, Cuero.

SCHOOL MENUS Milk and bread are served with each meal.

HALLETTSVILLE SACRED HEART Monday – Sausage rolls, sweet potatoes, black-eyed peas, sauerkraut, fruit I Tuesday – Hamburger, Tater Tots, hamburger salad, fruit I Wednesday – Sweet and sour chicken, peas, carrot coins, rice, egg roll, fortune cookie, fruit I Thursday – Bean chalupa, garden salad, corn, fruit I Friday – Pepperoni pizza, garden salad, carrot sticks, fruit I

MEYERSVILLE ISD Monday – Corn dog, black-eyed peas, carrots, celery, fruit I Tuesday – Chalupas, refried beans, lettuce, tomatoes, Spanish rice, fruit I Wednesday – Hamburger with bun, salad, potato wedges, fruit I Thursday – Chili mac, corn, roll, fruit I Friday – Chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes, roll, green beans, fruit I

NAZARETH ACADEMY Monday – Chicken nuggets, mashed potatoes, green beans, fruit I Tuesday – Sausage kolache, cucumbers, carrot sticks, fruit I Wednesday – Frito pie, beans, lettuce and tomatoes, fruit I Thursday – Salisbury steak, rice, spinach, mixed vegetables, gravy, fruit I Friday – Chicken noodle soup, grilled cheese, peas, steamed carrots, fruit I

OUR LADY OF VICTORY I

Monday – Lasagna or ham

and cheese sandwich, green beans, tropical fruit, garlic toast I Tuesday – Pork chops or meat loaf, scalloped potatoes, roll, rosy pears I Wednesday – Tacos or peanut butter and jelly substitute sandwich, rice, charro beans, salad I Thursday – Grilled cheese sandwich or turkey and cheese sandwich, carrot sticks, peaches and strawberries, Teddy Grahams I Friday – Early dismissal

ST. JOSEPH HIGH SCHOOL Monday – Pizza, salad, green beans, cookie, fresh fruit I Tuesday – Chicken pot pie, mashed potatoes, salad, fruit, cinnamon apple bread I Wednesday – Cheeseburger, fries, salad, fruit, cookie I Thursday – Enchiladas, beans, salad, fruit, cookie I Friday – Chicken strips, macaroni and cheese, green beans, salad, fresh fruit I

VICTORIA ISD Monday – Cheeseburger, grilled chicken sandwich, green beans, Tater Tots, fruit, juice I Tuesday – Spaghetti with meat sauce, mozzarella sticks, tossed salad, corn, peaches, fruit, crackers I Wednesday – Sweet and sour chicken, hot dog, seasoned rice, green peas, carrots, pineapple tidbits, fruit I Thursday – Crispy tacos, bean and cheese burrito, Spanish rice, pinto beans, lettuce and tomato, pico, juice, fruit I Friday – Mini corn dogs, barbecue sandwich, sweet potato fries, broccoli, fruit, fruit cocktail I

JAMES JOHN LISKA

WILLIAM DAVID BUCH

SUGAR LAND - James John Liska, 76, of Sugar Land, passed away Jan. 9, 2015. He was born on Feb. 2, 1938 to John A. & Antonia Konvicka Liska in Runge, TX. He married Grace Ann Kallus on July 25, 1964 in Hallettsville.

James is survived by 2 sons, David James Liska & wife Ellen of Katy, and Michael Anthony Liska & wife Jennifer of Sugar Land; daughter Susanne Marie Minks & husband David of East Bernard; 4 grandchildren, Joseph & Elizabeth Liska, and Jacob & Luke Minks; brother Edwin Liska & wife Charlotte of League City; brother-in-law & sister-in-law Jerry & Margaret Kallus of Hallettsville; and numerous nieces & nephews.

James was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Grace; his parents John & Antonia Liska; and Grace’s parents Joe P. & Wilhemina Kallus.

Visitation will begin at 4 pm Monday at Kubena Funeral Home with Rosary at 7 pm.

Funeral Service will be at 11 am Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2015, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Hallettsville. Msgr. John Peters will officiate.

Pallbearers are Randy Liska, Larry Liska, Benny Stancik, Ernest Feik, Clarence Brandes, and Sylvester Washington.

Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Sacred Heart Church/School, Parkinson Foundation, or Donor’s Choice.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.kubenafuneralhome.com.

CUERO - William David Buch, 75, of Cuero passed away Friday, January 9, 2015. He was born March 26, 1939 in Edgar, Texas to the late William Henry and Lorene Elizabeth Buch. David married Bertha Lee Thompkins on March 3, 1963 in Baxley, Georgia. He was a veteran serving in both the National Guard of Texas and the United States Army. David was an avid coon hunter and a fur trader.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 52 years; daughters, Tammy Boehl of Port Lavaca, Anna Arnim of New Braunfels, Susan Ocker of Buda, and Georgia Cessor of Cuero; sisters, Martha Hudgeons, Anita Jean Causey, and Betsy Jo Buch; 19 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be held Monday, January 12, 2015 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Freund Funeral Home. Services will be Tuesday, January 13, 2015, 2:00 p.m., at Freund Funeral Home with Pastor Terry Brown officiating.

Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery in Cuero.

Pallbearers include Grover Cessor, Morris Arnim, Matthew Ocker, and Bill Boehl.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or to Hospice of South Texas.

You may send condolences or sign the guest book at www.freundfuneralhome.com.

BLOOMINGTON - Adolph E. Linke, age 98, passed away Friday, January 9, 2015. He was born March 20, 1916 in Frelsburg, Colorado County, Texas to the late Louis and Marie Schmidt Linke.

He served his country in the U S Army during WWII and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He was a Rifleman and Field Lineman with the 314th Infantry Regiment. He was also an Interpreter for the unit, helping interrogate German prisoners and civilians in combat zones.

His family was very proud of his service, and he loved to share his military war experiences with the grandchildren and great grandchildren.

After returning from WWII, he went to work as a Gauger for Sun Oil Company. He retired after working for over 45 years.

He was also a rancher and liked to work his cattle. He enjoyed gardening, and spending his time with his family. He was very special to them and will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his sons, Olin (Gola) Linke of Plano and Leonard (Carolyn) Linke of Victoria; daughters, Joys Linke Baird of Carmine and Sue (Joe) Coffey of Bloomington; and brother-inlaw, Otis Shiller of Bloomington. He is also survived by his eleven grandchildren and twenty-nine great grandchildren: Cecil and Sue Linke Jr. (Kristen and Cecil III), Suzette and John Villarreal (Alexis, Avery, Wyatt), Wesley and Marne Baird (Megan, Logan, Dylan), Darrell and Jenny Baird (Emma), Stephanie and Kevin Ward (Landen, Caden), Joe and Tammy Coffey (Katelynn, Kaleb), Shawn and Kevin Little (Haylie, Dawson, Sam, Kate, Dillon), Paul and Christie Linke (Lacey, Kimber, Laurel), Treacie and Travis Smart (Corrie, Savanna, Kyle, Ali, Maddie) and Rachel and Javier Ospina (Claudia, Nicolas).

He was preceded in death by parents; wives, Violet Shiller Linke and Regina Beck Linke; daughter, Debbie Corliss; grandson, Ricky Corliss; brothers, Eddie Linke, Charlie Linke, Albert Linke and Leo Linke; sisters, Alma Schultz, Tillie Schultz, Lizzie Lindermann and Lena Buxkemper; and special friend and companion, Bernice Pruitt.

Visitation will be held 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm Sunday, January 11, 2015 at Colonial Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held 10:00 am Monday, January 12, 2015 at Trinity Lutheran Church with the Rev. Barney Matocha and Mr. Donald Angerstein officiating. Burial with full military honors provided by the Victoria Veterans Council will follow at Crescent Valley Cemetery.

Service as pallbearers will be Cecil Linke, Clint Linke, John Villarreal, Wesley Baird, Darrell Baird, Joe Coffey, Kevin Ward, Kevin Little, Paul Linke, Travis Smart, and Javier Ospina.

The Family would like to extend a special thank you to his cargivers, Estella Fuentes, Elfie Stading, and Dottie Reynolds Nelms (deceased).Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of South Texas or Trinity Lutheran Church.

Words of comfort may be shared with the Family at www.colonialfuneralhomevictoria.com

HIGHER EDUCATION

VCofferswritingfantasynovelscourse FROM A NEWS RELEASE

EVENT

Have you ever finished reading a fantasy novel and wished for the know-how to write a page turner?

Victoria College, in partnership with ed2go, can help with the launch of the latest online course, “writing the fantasy novel.”

Participants in this course will gain the tools they need to become fantasy fiction writers. novel, how to create compelling characters and intriguing fantasy worlds and how to master the options for publishing.

This course is part of VC’s growing catalog of

more than 300 instructor-facilitated noncredit online courses.

For more information, call VC’s Workforce and Continuing Education Department at 361-582-2528 or visit ed2go.com/Victoria.

To read the full story, visit VictoriaAdvocate.com.

Lutheran church begins new Bible OUTREACH Church gives to Habitat for Humanity study FROM A NEWS RELEASE

Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church is beginning a new Bible study from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays Jan. 20 to through Feb. 24.

The Bible study “Jesus is Greater than Religion” is a six-session, video-driven study by Jefferson Bethke.

The cost is $15 for a member book. Fellowship and a freewill meal is offered from 5:30 to 6 p.m.

The group meets in Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church’s original sanctuary by the office.

To sign up, call Tammy Hartman, facilitator, at 361-550-6392.

PHILANTHROPY Ministry seeks volunteers to mentor FROM A NEWS RELEASE

The Gabriel Project, a ministry that advocates to consider alternatives to abortion and helps mothers in crisis pregnancies, meets the second Tuesday of the month.

The group needs volunteers to be mentors, work the hotline, wash clothes and help in other areas.

Call Barbara McCain at 361-649-1612, or email barbaramccain85@yahoo.com for more information.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO BY JOHN DELLIS

Gerald Griffith, congregational president; Cynthia Staley, executive director of the Golden Crescent Affiliate of Habitat for Humanity; John Dellis, minister and Alvin DeForest, Habitat volunteer, pose for a photo at the Dec. 14 presentation of a gift to St. Peter’s for the congregation’s many years of support for Habitat.

FROM NEWS RELEASE

St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Ander has made a $6,418 gift to the Golden Crescent Affiliate of Habitat for Humanity.

The gift represents 100 percent of the money raised at St. Peter’s Oktoberfest on Oct. 26.

“St. Peter’s congregation has supported the ministry of Habitat for Humanity in the Golden Crescent for about 20 years,” said Cynthia Staley, executive director of the Golden Crescent Affiliate of Habitat.

The donation helped complete the second Habitat home in Goliad and will also help begin construction of a third home.

“The faithfulness of this congregation is an encouragement to all of our staff and volunteers.”

Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit Christian ecumenical housing ministry that builds quality, low-cost homes in partnership with low-income families.

Volunteers build the houses that are funded by donations from founda-

tions, corporations, local businesses and individuals. Qualifying families purchase their homes at cost and pay the purchase price back over a 30-year period with no interest.

These monthly payments create a sustainable funding source and are recycled into building more homes for other families in need.

Partner families are required to work 300 hours of “sweat equity” per adult, 100 hours of which must be expended on their own house.

VICTORIA ADVOCATE, Sunday, January 11, 2015 — B5

VictoriaAdvocate.com

VIEWPOINTS

C

ongress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Editorial page coordinator: Kathleen Grones, 361-574-1222, kgrones@vicad.com

– First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

FROM US

Excessive force case can be over soon I Topic: Police transparency, accountability I Our View: City handles difficult incident well so far

T

he steady stream of stories nationwide involving cops and excessive force is getting, well, excessive.

When a Victoria officer joined the narrative in December, the police department administration came forward with cooperation and transparency. The chief and Texas Rangers immediately set off two investigations into the officer’s actions and released footage of the incident to the media.

The officer was fired Monday from the department, but the incident is still far from over.

Nathanial Robinson’s future now lies in the hands of District Attorney Stephen Tyler, who is considering whether to move forward with a criminal case against him.

Dash-camera video footage shows the 23-year-old officer knock Pete Vasquez, 76, to the ground and tase him twice af-

ter pulling him over Dec. 11.

With limited audio and obscured video, Tyler will have to find whether there is evidence to bring a case forward against the former officer.

Robinson’s attorney has said he will appeal the termination to the city manager, and Vasquez has given every indication he will sue the former officer and the city.

Despite these steps likely to draw out the case, the video shows insufficient grounds for criminal prosecution or civil litigation.

Robinson has suffered the consequences of his actions, likely caused by youth and hubris. He has received punishment enough.

Officers should be trained to know the law, and more importantly, to have the confidence to ask questions when they don’t.

Since the story broke, the officer was put on paid leave while

police department administrators worked quickly and transparently to handle an internal investigation.

At the end of the investigation, Police Chief J.J. Craig terminated Robinson for violating three policies: conduct and performance, arrest without a warrant and use of force.

Adding another layer to the department’s checks and balances, the Texas Rangers conducted their own investigation, which has been sent to the district attorney.

Robinson, who was employed about two years at the Victoria Police Department, has remained out of the public’s view during the past month. This single event, perhaps a moment of poor decision-making, should not forever shroud his future.

The city took the right action by dismissing this officer. A criminal case would be, well, excessive.

FROM OTHERS

Even if the district attorney decides to forgo a criminal case, Robinson may find himself in a courtroom anyway.

Vasquez and his attorney have not filed any documents for a civil lawsuit against the city, but Vasquez’s lawyers have laid the groundwork for one.

Is there any good that would come out of a civil lawsuit?

The chief displayed tremendous transparency by immediately releasing the dash camera footage of the incident in December, by immediately starting an internal investigation, and by calling in the Rangers.

Unfortunately, the city is now attempting to block information requests – not only for the arrest report Robinson swore to, but for documents that would show the department’s history of using force.

Instead, the public and the city should turn their focus from this single officer to the

department as a whole.

Officer Robinson went beyond what was necessary for this traffic stop, but the larger question is what training did he receive and how can the public be assured this won’t happen again? The saying goes one bad apple doesn’t spoil the whole bunch, and one officer does not reflect the work of an entire department.

The city can continue its efforts to regain the public’s confidence by releasing its policy and training material and its records on tasing and excessive force complaints.

City officials can’t control what Robinson or Vasquez’s lawyers do. But they can by their actions help shape the public’s confidence in their police.

This editorial reflects the views of the Victoria Advocate’s editorial board.

FROM YOU Action needs to be taken at Brentwood railroad crossing Editor, the Advocate: The Kansas City Southern railroad line, which runs from Rosenberg through Victoria and on further south, was reactivated about four years ago under the promise that the railroad would build a bypass somewhere in the Telferner area so that they wouldn’t block the entrance/exit to the Brentwood subdivision. But after three years went by, the railroad admitted they were never really planning on going through with such a bypass.

Today, Victoria is a busy town and growing. There is no place for a train that is more than a mile long going through town 16 to 18 times day and night.

The Brentwood subdivision, 300 feet from the Victoria city limits, has just one entrance/exit access. This is a danger to the 280-plus residences in this

subdivision, many of whom are elderly and require rather frequent trips for medical appointments, etc. Just recently, in December the outlet crossing was blocked for over four hours one evening.

And every day, one hour each morning, the train blocks the entrance/exit, causing kids to be late for school and doctor’s appointments missed. Most of all, what if someone has a health emergency? Last week, an ambulance was out here responding to an emergency situation. If there had been a train sitting across the entrance/exit, the ambulance would have been blocked.

But as of this week, city, county, state and federal government will be informed of this danger. Many of the residents in the Brentwood subdivision, who are tired of waiting for this serious issue to be resolved, have written letters to our elected leaders. Somebody will listen to our problem. Hopefully, action will be taken before there is a preventable tragedy.

Joseph Long, Victoria

A WORD FROM VISD

‘A Work of Heart’ true, accurate portrayal of service provided by board of trustees

I

toria Business and Education Coalition and our business community ROBERT partners for their unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of our students.

We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to Dr. Tom Butler and Victoria College for their generosity and for hosting this event in such an outstanding facility.

On Tuesday, we will have a special information session for high school students that are new to VISD at 6 p.m. at the VISD Conference Center. We will welcome all new students and parents into the district and provide a multitude of information on the following: graduation plans, advanced academics, course offerings, high school rank, dual-credit options, college support services, as well as a parent testimonial regarding the transition to high school. Parents and students will be able to ask

t has truly been a fantastic first week back from the holiday break and a terrific start to the 2015 school year. Jan. 6, the Victoria Independent School District education foundation grant patrol was out in full force presenting checks to this semester’s “Grants for Great Ideas” award winners. The total amount of grant money awarded was $24,692. We would like to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to our VISD Education Foundation for their commitment to our school district and congratulate this year’s grant recipients on a job well done.

Jan. 7-8, we held our third annual “Dream Big STEM Expo” at the Victoria College Health Science Center, in partnership with the Alcoa Foundation and the Victoria Business and Education Coalition. The goal of Victoria Business and Education Coalition is to assist with increasing the educational attainment level of students in this region. We would like to acknowledge and thank Vic-

JAKLICH

EDITORIAL BOARD Publisher

Chris Cobler,

President, Chairman of the Board

Editor, Vice-President of Content

Catherine R. McHaney,

Sponsorship Coordinator

Secretary-Treasurer

YOUR POEM Thank You

Dan Easton, John M. Roberts,

questions and schedule individual meetings with our high school counselors in order to create a personal educational plan for the upcoming school year.

We are extremely proud to state VISD students have the opportunity to graduate under all five of the endorsement options: science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), business and industry, Public Services, Arts and Humanities or Multidisciplinary Studies.

We also offer a wide range of Career and Technical Education courses to meet the needs and interests of our students. Our advanced academics program offers 23 advanced placement courses. These Advanced Placement courses are designed to provide students with a curriculum that is at the depth and complexity level of comparable college courses. VISD assumes the cost for the Advanced Placement exams, which allows students to earn college credit for their Advanced Placement courses by achieving a required score. The district also as-

Camille Easton,

Opinions published on this page under the heading “From Us” represent the consensus views of the editorial board of the Victoria Advocate, whose members are named above.

Thank you, Lord, For Christmas lights, Stars so bright, Manger sets, Football bets.

For all -- thank you, Lord.

Sr. Frances Cabrini Janvier, Victoria

sumes the cost for sophomores and juniors to take the PSAT/NMSQT, which is the qualifying exam for the National Merit Scholars Program. We also offer 45 dual-credit courses, allowing students to graduate from high school with numerous college hours while also receiving high school credit. Both East and West High Schools have a full-time college adviser on campus to provide support services including assistance with scholarships, financial aid, college applications, dual credit registration, university representative visits and college entrance exams.

Dual-credit scholarships are available through Victoria College and the VISD Education Foundation to allow all students the opportunity to reach their full potential.

January 2015 has been proclaimed as School Board Recognition month and the VISD is joining other school districts across the state in recognizing these local leaders for their dedication and willingness to serve as advocates for our children

WORDS Then said Jesus unto His disciples, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for My sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

Matthew 16:24-26 “I daresay one profits more by the mistakes one makes off one’s own bat than by doing the right thing on somebody’s else advice.”

William Somerset Maugham, English short-story writer, novelist and playwright (1874-1965)

and public schools. This year’s theme “A Work of Heart” is a true and accurate portrayal of the service provided by our very own Board of Trustees.

Please join me in thanking our Board of Trustees for their commitment to our students, staff, schools and community.

Of the 1,000-plus school districts across the state of Texas, there are no other school boards that deserve this recognition and celebration more than our very own VISD Board of Trustees. They are an amazing group of individuals who voluntarily take up the enormous responsibility of governing our schools, and we are extremely proud of them. We are particularly grateful for the leadership that is provided by our board of trustees. Each of our seven board members serves as a guiding force to an exemplary education, and together they provide extensive opportunities for student success. Their efforts and sound decisions continue to illuminate the path of excel-

lence for the entire VISD and provide a future of hope and endless possibilities to “Every Child, Every Classroom, Every Day.” Recognizing our Board of Trustees for their commitment and sacrifices takes a combined effort from us all. We invite everyone to join us at our regular scheduled board meeting Thursday as we acknowledge these education advocates for their remarkable service to our district.

Great leadership always begins with a willing heart, a positive attitude and a desire to make a difference.

We extend our sincere appreciation to our board of trustees for bringing these traits to the VISD and for providing each of us the opportunity to pursue our dreams.

Robert Jaklich is the superintendent for the Victoria Independent School District. Contact him at 361-788-9202 or through the VISD website, visd.com.

WE WANT YOUR LETTERS We want your letters because we value your opinion on issues in the community and region. We have few requirements and will help you meet these if needed.

We will need your name, home address and daytime telephone or cellphone number so we can contact you to verify you want your opinion published.

When sending letters by email, and if you do not hear from us within a couple of days, you should call us to see if we received your letter because, sometimes, our email filter will not let a letter through.

Our letter lengths are 150 words for thank-yous, 200 words for election-related letters and 350 words for all others. We ask that letter writers submit one letter per 30-day period.

Letters may be delivered at the Advocate, 311 E. Constitution St.; mailed to P.O. Box 1518, Victoria 77902; faxed to 361-574-1220; or emailed to letters@vicad.com.

B6 — VICTORIA ADVOCATE, Sunday, January 11, 2015 Tonight

Today

Mostly cloudy, showers around; warmer Winds NNW 6-12 mph.

High 54

Low 38

RealFeel: 52 Precip chance: 60%

RealFeel: 36 Precip chance: 25%

5-DAY FORECAST FOR VICTORIA

Monday

Mostly cloudy

Tuesday

41

52

RealFeel: 57/33 Precip chance: 5%

NATIONAL CITIES

Wednesday

Rather cloudy with a passing shower

Cloudy

60

VictoriaAdvocate.com

Thursday

Cold with on-and-off rain and drizzle

42

51

RealFeel: 46/34 Precip chance: 55%

Intervals of clouds and sun

36

55

RealFeel: 45/27 Precip chance: 55%

35

RealFeel: 51/29 Precip chance: 10%

The patented AccuWeather.com RealFeel Temperature® is an exclusive index of the effective temperature based on eight weather factors.

LOCAL ALMANAC

Statistics for Victoria through 6 p.m. yesterday.

Temperatures High/low ................................................... 40/37 Normal high/low ...................................... 64/43 Record high ....................................... 83 in 1963 Record low .......................................... 18 in 1962 Peak wind ................................... NNE at 18 mph

LOCAL WEATHER

Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather.com ©2015

WORLD CITIES Map shows today’s forecasts.

Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

La Grange

50/38

Precipitation Yesterday ending 6 p.m. ........................... 0.13" Month to date ........................................... 0.38" Normal month to date ............................ 0.82" Last year month to date ......................... 0.99" Year to date ............................................... 0.38" Normal year to date ................................ 0.82" Last year to date ...................................... 0.99"

Hallettsville

Gonzales

53/39

54/39

El Campo

55/41

Cuero

55/39 Edna

Relative Humidity

54/40

Yesterday at noon ...................................... 85%

SUN & MOON

57/39

Last

New

First

Full

Jan 13

Jan 20

Jan 26

Feb 3

UV INDEX TODAY

Port Lavaca

52/40 Refugio

Beeville

54/40

54/39

The higher the AccuWeather.com UV Index™, the greater the need for eye and skin protection.

VICTORIA RAIN LOG Mon.

2015

2014

Avg.

Rec.

Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sept.

Oct. Nov. Dec. Year

0.38 ---------------------------------0.38

1.14 0.52 1.62 0.38 7.62 4.11 2.37 1.13 2.72 1.84 4.53 2.21 30.19

2.52 2.08 2.77 2.82 5.19 4.46 4.18 2.85 4.16 4.64 3.24 2.31 41.22

11.87 (1934) 9.08 (1992) 11.61 (1997) 11.70 (1997) 14.66 (1993) 13.50 (2004) 20.34 (2007) 10.88 (1914) 19.05 (1978) 17.25 (1960) 16.14 (2004) 8.67 (1923) 73.70 (2004)

ALLERGEN COUNT

Victoria Allergy and Asthma Clinic Parts/ cubic meter

Mold......................................... Low ...................... 313 Algae........................................ Low ..........................4

Total ........................................................................317

YESTERDAY TODAY Hi Lo Prec Hi/Lo/W 88 69 88/73/pc 54 43 0.58 46/44/pc 63 36 63/52/pc 48 41 0.09 51/33/pc 53 25 42/17/s 55 41 0.20 40/37/r 66 45 70/45/pc 91 63 93/73/pc 55 40 0.02 63/49/pc 85 72 85/71/pc 46 32 0.02 62/33/s 50 39 0.57 41/37/r 55 36 0.25 46/43/c 61 45 0.11 46/29/r 79 66 0.06 83/67/pc 79 68 80/68/pc 57 25 56/27/pc 68 47 0.09 70/40/pc 79 71 86/69/pc 88 79 90/77/s 57 46 0.26 47/40/pc 90 59 91/59/s 93 76 0.12 89/71/t 99 80 95/78/s 77 63 0.02 79/60/pc 41 34 46/30/pc 52 41 54/38/pc

MONDAY Hi/Lo/W 86/73/pc 49/46/sh 58/44/r 54/35/s 39/22/s 45/41/sh 70/45/pc 91/65/t 66/51/pc 85/72/t 62/36/s 45/37/r 47/34/pc 48/33/s 84/65/pc 81/68/pc 54/30/s 72/42/pc 86/66/t 90/77/pc 49/46/pc 89/56/s 92/72/t 95/79/s 79/61/pc 48/34/s 47/36/s

YESTERDAY

MONDAY

TEXAS WEATHER FORECAST YESTERDAY

10 a.m. ................................ 1 ............................. Low Noon ................................... 2 ............................. Low 2 p.m. .................................. 1 ............................. Low

Rate

Goliad

Palacios

53/41

56/39

Sunrise today ....................................... 7:22 a.m.

Sunset today ....................................... 5:49 p.m.

Moonrise today .................................. 11:43 p.m.

Moonset today ................................... 11:08 a.m.

Sunrise Monday ................................... 7:22 a.m.

Sunset Monday ................................... 5:50 p.m.

Moonrise Monday ...................................... none Moonset Monday ............................... 11:42 a.m.

As of Friday, January 9

Victoria 54/38

Karnes City

City Acapulco Amsterdam Athens Baghdad Beijing Berlin Bogota Buenos Aires Cairo Caracas Chihuahua Copenhagen Dublin Geneva Havana Lima Madrid Mexico City Montevideo Panama Paris Santiago Sao Paulo Rio de Janeiro Tegucigalpa Tehran Tokyo

City

TODAY

MONDAY

Hi Lo Prec Hi/Lo/W Hi/Lo/W

Abilene 36 Alice 39 Amarillo 46 Austin 37 Beaumont 47 Brownsville 42 Bryan/C.S. 39 Corpus Christi 40 Dallas/FW 38 Dalhart 47

30 36 20 32 38 37 35 35 31 27

0.01 57/35/c 0.27 57/40/c 51/22/s 0.16 51/36/sh 0.31 59/51/r 2.70 55/48/c 0.05 46/39/r 0.51 55/38/c 0.01 45/38/r 54/22/s

40/26/c 63/43/c 31/18/c 51/35/c 60/46/c 62/52/c 52/38/c 60/43/c 45/31/c 32/18/c

YESTERDAY

TODAY

TODAY

Hi Lo Prec Hi/Lo/W Hi/Lo/W

City

Hi Lo Prec Hi/Lo/W Hi/Lo/W

Del Rio El Paso Galveston Houston Kerrville Kingsville Laredo Longview Lubbock Lufkin

38 50 44 41 33 40 37 40 38 45

Marfa McAllen Midland Orange Port Arthur Presidio San Angelo San Antonio Waco Wichita Falls

36 41 39 46 47 43 36 37 35 40

0.20 54/37/pc 60/37/pc 0.43 60/48/r 0.08 53/47/r 0.54 59/34/c 0.33 56/39/c 57/40/c 0.06 40/38/r 59/29/s 0.05 46/44/r

62/40/pc 59/34/pc 56/46/c 57/44/c 57/32/c 63/45/c 65/43/c 48/38/c 35/22/c 55/42/c

27 37 26 36 38 33 28 34 31 26

0.03 T 0.06 0.28 0.40 0.02 0.04 0.07 0.16

59/30/s 56/44/c 55/33/s 58/51/r 59/51/r 62/34/s 61/37/pc 58/39/c 46/38/r 51/33/c

53/28/pc 62/46/c 39/28/pc 59/45/c 60/45/c 60/37/pc 45/29/c 58/38/c 47/33/c 39/26/c

Lake Texana Wind from the north-northeast at 6-12 knots today. Waters mostly smooth. Visibility less than 3 miles in rain.

Lake Coleto Wind from the north-northwest at 6-12 knots today. Waters mostly smooth. Visibility less than 2 miles in showers.

Lake Levels (As of 7 a.m. yesterday)

Offshore (Port Arthur to Port O'Connor) Inner Waters Wind east 10-20 knots today. Seas 3-6 feet. Rain; warmer. Water temperature: 51.

Outer Waters Wind east-southeast at 10-20 knots today. Seas 4-7 feet. Visibility under 3 miles in rain. Water temperature: 61.

(Port Arthur to Port Brownsville) Inner Waters Wind northwest 7-14 knots today.

Seas 4-7 feet. A shower. Water temperature: 52.

Outer Waters Wind northwest 7-14 knots today.

Seas 4-7 feet. A shower. Water temperature: 66.

Actual Release Normal Level Level (cfs) Canyon ............. 909.0 ................ 896.61 ...................... 58 Texana ................ 44.0 ................. 40.28 ........................ 0 Coleto ................. 98.5 .................. 92.79 ........................ 0 Travis ................. 681.0 ................ 623.39 ........................ 0

Port O’Connor Tides

Water temperatures

High Today 10:30 p.m.

Ht.(ft) 0.0 ft.

Low 2:55 p.m.

Ht.(ft) -0.3 ft.

Port O'Connor water temperature ........................ 42° Port Aransas water temperature ............................ 51° Port Arthur water temperature ............................ 48°

Mon.

-0.1 ft.

0.0 ft.

5:38 a.m.

2:51 p.m.

-0.2 ft.

-0.2 ft.

8:59 a.m.

9:45 p.m.

MONDAY Hi/Lo/W 48/33/r 30/26/pc 51/42/r 39/28/i 66/46/sh 53/40/r 37/19/sn 66/54/r 20/12/sn 36/18/sn 31/11/sn 29/17/pc 10/-9/s 28/3/sf 10/4/s 80/63/s 31/6/sn 73/57/sh 23/6/pc 61/42/pc 42/31/c

City Los Angeles Miami Milwaukee Minneapolis Nashville New Orleans New York Oklahoma City Omaha Philadelphia Phoenix Pittsburgh Raleigh St. Louis Salt Lake City San Diego San Francisco Seattle Syracuse Tampa Wash., D.C.

YESTERDAY Hi Lo Prec 63 52 0.10 78 59 T 17 -3 19 -4 36 10 49 36 23 16 41 17 38 2 25 16 65 54 T 16 0 39 23 34 10 36 25 T 70 53 0.02 61 49 46 43 0.20 16 7 66 45 30 19

TODAY Hi/Lo/W 68/53/r 81/73/sh 28/12/c 14/-7/pc 45/38/sh 60/57/sh 34/31/pc 45/32/c 26/7/c 38/30/pc 74/56/pc 34/29/c 47/37/pc 34/30/i 45/34/c 67/56/r 57/48/c 50/39/c 29/23/c 78/66/c 42/33/pc

MONDAY Hi/Lo/W 67/51/pc 81/71/t 18/7/pc 4/-13/s 43/31/r 71/51/sh 38/26/i 33/23/c 14/-3/s 37/28/i 70/50/pc 34/16/sn 48/38/r 31/17/sn 41/31/sh 66/53/pc 59/47/pc 49/38/pc 32/1/sn 79/64/t 42/31/r

Weather (W): s-sunny, pc-partly cloudy, c-cloudy, r-rain, sh-showers, t-thunderstorms, sf-snow flurries, sn-snow, i-ice, prcp-precipitation, T-trace.

NATIONAL EXTREMES (FOR THE 48 CONTIGUOUS STATES) High 80° in Tamiami, Fla.

Low -25° in Hibbing, Minn.

NATIONAL WEATHER FORECAST

Cold Warm Stationary Precipitation Showers T-storms Rain Flurries Snow Ice

-10s

MARINE STATISTICS Lake Forecast

TODAY Hi/Lo/W 53/32/pc 31/24/s 42/37/sh 39/28/pc 56/54/r 48/42/sh 30/26/pc 60/51/c 27/14/sn 35/31/i 32/27/sn 41/18/c 25/6/c 26/23/sn 17/1/pc 80/62/s 31/28/sn 68/58/sh 38/15/c 59/44/sh 37/35/i

Fronts

MONDAY

City

34 35 39 37 30 36 34 34 26 37

YESTERDAY City Hi Lo Prec Albuquerque 44 32 Anchorage 35 29 Atlanta 47 21 Baltimore 25 14 Baton Rouge 51 30 Birmingham 47 15 Boston 24 18 Charleston, S.C. 51 33 Chicago 20 -2 Cincinnati 25 1 Cleveland 15 -1 Denver 56 22 Des Moines 33 0 Detroit 12 -1 Fairbanks 22 15 Honolulu 80 64 0.02 Indianapolis 22 -3 Jacksonville 56 38 Kansas City 38 6 Las Vegas 65 51 Little Rock 35 19

-0s

Sunday, January 11, 2015 0s

24-hr Yest. Change

Guadalupe Gonzales .............................. 31.0 ............ 11.32 ........ -0.26 Cuero .................................... 24.0 ............ 7.20 ....... +0.03 Victoria ................................ 21.0 ............. 5.10 ......... none Near Bloomington ............ 20.0 ............ 9.87 ......... +0.13 San Antonio Falls City .............................. 12.0 .............. 1.17 ........ -0.09 Goliad ................................... 25.0 ............ 3.80 ......... -0.23 Navidad Sublime ................................ 27.0 ............ 5.88 ........ -0.05 Speaks ................................. 24.0 ............. 3.24 ......... none Morales ............................... 29.0 ............. 7.46 ........ -0.04 Lavaca Edna ..................................... 21.0 ............. 4.91 ....... +0.03 Colorado Wharton .............................. 39.0 ............ 9.43 ........ -0.87 Bay City .............................. 44.0 ............. 3.47 ........ -0.88 La Grange ........................... 26.0 ............ 3.70 ......... -0.19

10s

20s

30s

40s

50s

60s

70s

80s

90s 100s

110s

AIR QUALITY CONDITIONS

River Stages (through 7 a.m. yesterday) Flood Stage

Shown are noon positions of weather systems and precipitation. Temperature bands are highs for the day.

Source: Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

Yesterday: Ozone

Today’s forecast: Particulates

Good

Good

Air quality is considered satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.

Air quality is considered satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.

WEATHER TRIVIATM

WEATHER HISTORY

Q: A:

What do snowflakes and dice have in common?

They each have six sides.

A siege of extreme cold began in the Dakotas on Jan. 11, 1936. Langdon, N.D., failed to reach zero all day. Readings remained below zero for the next 41 days. The extremes were associated with drought.

CROSSROADS

PAGE DESIGNER: JOSE D. ENRIQUEZ III, JENRIQUEZ@VICAD.COM; COPY EDITOR: COURTNEY BOSIER, CBOSIER@VICAD.COM

ART: Teacher says craft encourages discipline, self-motivation HEALTH: Aides agree to return half of tuition reimbursement CONTINUED FROM B1

find an art piece by one of her students. Minh-Tam Le, from Smith Elementary, won best of show in the elementary school division at the district show.

She visited the center Saturday to see if any of her students’ work was selected and to enjoy all the

pieces on display.

“I’m excited,” she said.

“There’s a lot of good art work.”

Students have strength in many areas, and all need to be explored, Graves said.

“Some have academic strengths,” she said. “Some have art. Some have music.

You need to have an avenue for all to shine.”

1

3

Morgan Trevino, a Victoria West High School junior, has had that avenue, like many students in the district, since being in elementary school. This year her art piece, “Unforeseen Friends,” depicts two horses keeping each other company. The subjects were based on a photograph of the two she chose in

class.

“When I saw it, it just clicked,” she said. “They were different, but they were friends.”

Morgan, whose Saturday showing was her fifth overall, said she worked on the piece for about two weeks while in class.

“It was definitely time-managing,” she said.

2

5

MORE WINNERS GOLD MEDAL

I 1, Rachel Johnson, Victoria East, “Look How Far

I’ve Come!”; 2, Eagan McElroy, Victoria East, “Texas Justice”; 3, Donivan Vecera, Howell Middle School, “You’ve Got a Wild One!”; 4, Armando Villarreal, Chandler Elementary, “Sunset Barn”

SPECIAL MERIT I 5,

Alize Rodriguez, Victoria East, “Wonderful Colors of Nature”; 6, Erica Sanchez-Medrano, Victoria West, “Little Thief”

4

6

CONTINUED FROM B1 she said.

Goodman also said the agency has changed its tuition payment policy to put applications before a review panel, and to only cover 50 percent of programs that cost more than $5,000.

Both Haney and Vojack have agreed to return half of the tuition reimbursements they received.

The state health commission already is facing a criminal investigation into a recently awarded no-bid contract.

Travis County prosecutors are looking into a now-canceled $110 million contract to an Austin technology company that was put through a no-bid program for much smaller purchases. Two agency officials, Inspector General Doug Wilson and his deputy Jack Stick, have resigned. Stick was a former lobbyist for the company that was granted the con-

tract.

Haney worked for both Janek and Stick when they were state legislators, then moved to Perry’s office. Vojak also previously worked for Janek, who was appointed by Perry as state health commissioner in 2012.

Jack Stick’s wife, Erica, served as Janek’s chief of staff, supervising Haney and signing off on his request for the prepaid tuition, according to state records. She has been placed on leave.

Jack Stick’s salary was $200,000. Erica Stick was paid about $160,000.

House Speaker Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, said Friday that the state budget will require agencies and universities to meet new reporting requirements before entering into contracts worth more than $10 million and purchases worth more than $1 million that were not competitively bid.

SPORTS

Today in Sports, C2 • 3rd & Short, C3 • NFL, C4-5 • Final Minute, C6 VictoriaAdvocate.com/sports• Sunday, January 11, 2015

S E C T I O N

C

NFC

RETURN

TO THE

TUNDRA

BY MIKE FORMAN MFORMAN@VICAD.COM

he forecast for Green Bay on Sunday calls for a high of 21 degrees.

If you’re a Dallas Cowboys fan, you know where I’m going with this: Visions of the “Ice Bowl” are flashing through your head.

Those are painful words for Cowboys fans, who want to hear about the frozen tundra at Lambeau

quarterback sneak by Bart Starr with 13 seconds left in the fourth quarter.

Some have called the “Ice Bowl” the greatest NFL game ever played, but it wasn’t the only time the Cowboys and Packers have met in the playoffs.

The teams will square off for the seventh time in the postseason when the Cowboys return to Lambeau Field for the first time in the playoffs since the “Ice Bowl” in Sunday’s NFC Divisional Game.

Field about as much as they want to be reminded of “The Catch.”

Just for a quick refresher – the Cowboys and Packers met in the 1967 NFL Championship Game.

The temperature was minus-13 degrees and the wind chill was a minus-46. The electric coils under the field didn’t work and the field was a virtual sheet of ice.

Cowboys fans had a bad case of the chills after the Packers’ 21-17 win. The winning score came on a

JAN. 1, 1967

DEC. 31, 1967

Packers 34, Cowboys 27

Packers 21, Cowboys 17

I hate to admit this, but I was at this NFL Championship Game. I had purchased an end-zone ticket early in the week and took a bus to Fair Park.

I must be a glutton for punishment. I don’t know how many times I have watched NFL Films programs about the “Ice Bowl.”

The result never changes.

I had no intention of actually sitting in the end zone.

Instead, I stood outside the Cotton Bowl until just before game time and bought a ticket on the 25-yard line for under face value. The fans who watched me take my seat must have wondered what a kid was doing there and asked to see my ticket, which I produced.

After hearing what the players said about the NFL Championship Game at Lambeau Field, I honestly don’t know how they functioned. The Packers took a 14-0 lead before the Cowboys stormed back to go up 17-14 on a 50-yard halfback pass from Dan Reeves to Lance Rentzel (all you longtime Cowboys fans can insert your Rentzel joke here).

My recollection of the game is sketchy. The Cowboys never led although they came back from a 14-0 deficit to tie the game, and trailed 21-20 heading into the fourth quarter. The Packers went back up 34-20 before the Cowboys led by quarterback Don Meredith rallied again.

Trailing 34-27, the Cowboys put together a late drive.

They reached the Packers’ 1-yard line on second down before an offsides penalty – which I remember vividly – on left tackle (Jim Boeke – I looked that up) pushed them back. The Cowboys’ hopes ended on fourth down when Meredith was nearly sacked before he threw a pass that was intercepted in the end zone.

I was watching on TV as the Packers drove for the winning score that concluded with quarterback Bart Starr’s touchdown run. I later learned Starr had suggested the play to coach Vince Lombardi because the field conditions made it so difficult for the running backs to gain any traction.

The Packers went on to win the first Super Bowl. I had a miserable bus ride home. It was not a good way to start the new year.

Packer QB Bart Starr on the frozen tundra during the infamous “Ice Bowl.”

The outcome was tremendously difficult for Cowboys fans to stomach.

I believe the term “next year’s champions” started to be used about the Cowboys.

The Packers went on to win their second Super Bowl title. Some NFL historians have suggested if the outcome of the first two meetings between the Packers and Cowboys had

been reversed the Super Bowl trophy might have been named for Cowboys coach Tom Landry instead of Lombardi.

In addition, Meredith – God rest his soul – might have earned induction into the NFL Hall of Fame. Instead, Meredith, who had the same birthday as me, is perhaps better known as a Monday Night Football commentator than a quarterback.

JAN. 16, 1983

JAN. 16, 1994

JAN. 8, 1995

JAN. 14, 1996

Cowboys 37, Packers 26

Cowboys 27, Packers 17

Cowboys 35, Packers 9

Cowboys 38, Packers 27

Danny White and Rafael Septien.

Names that will live in Cowboys infamy for very different reasons. But the pair did help to bring the Cowboys their first playoff win over the Packers in the NFC Second Round Game at Texas Stadium.

Septien, who later had legal problems of an unsavory kind, kicked three field goals, including a 50-yarder, and White, who never won a Super Bowl like the current Cowboys quarterback, passed for 225 yards and one touchdown.

Cowboys fans have much better memories of Tony Dorsett, who rushed for 99 yards. Packers quarterback Lynn Dickey passed for 332 yards, but he was intercepted three times by Dennis Thurman, who returned one of the picks 39 yards for a touchdown.

The Cowboys would lose to division rival Washington in the NFC championship game.

The Cowboys Triplets – Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith and Michael Irvin. They were all Hall of Famers.

They also produced three consecutive playoff wins over the Packers.

Aikman passed for 302 yards and three touchdowns in the NFC Divisional Round Game at Texas Stadium. Irvin caught one of those touchdown passes and the others went to Jay Novacek and Alvin Harper – remember him?

You might have heard of Green Bay’s quarterback – Brett Favre.

Yes, he’s the guy who does the Wrangler jeans ads.

If I told you running back Emmitt Smith was injured in the first quarter, you probably wouldn’t believe the outcome of the NFC Divisional Round Game at Texas Stadium. But reserve running back Blair Thomas (I remembered he was from Penn State) rushed for 70 yards and two touchdowns.

Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman had his secondconsecutive 300-plus yard passing game against the Packers, throwing for 337 yards and two touchdowns.

The Cowboys beat the 49ers in The Cowboys led 28-9 at Aikman, Smith and Irvin in 1996. the NFC Championship Game halftime and unlike with the before routing Buffalo Bills in the present team, Cowboys fans could rest Super Bowl. I seem to remember coach Jimmy assured this one was over.

Johnson saying, “How about those Cowboys?”

The good feeling ended a week later as the Ah, the good old days. Johnson left the Cowboys Cowboys lost to the San Francisco 49ers in after the season after a well-reported spat with the NFC Championship Game. My screams owner Jerry Jones. are still echoing through the neighborhood.

The Triplets did it again for the Cowboys in the NFC Championship Game at Texas Stadium. Quarterback Troy Aikman, running back Emmitt Smith and receiver Michael Irvin combined for all five touchdowns.

Aikman passed for 255 yards and two touchdowns to Irvin, and Smith rushed for 150 yards and three touchdowns.

Green Bay quarterback Brett Favre threw 307 yards and three touchdowns. But Favre was also intercepted twice, including one by Larry Brown. Cowboys fans might remember Brown returned an interception for a touchdown and was the MVP of the Cowboys’ Super Bowl win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Cowboys fans don’t need to be reminded that was the last time the team played in a Super Bowl.

AP FILE PHOTOS

Cowboys, Packers aim for spotless streaks in playoffs Matchup winner advances to Championship game GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) – An impressive streak will come to an end on Sunday at Lambeau Field.

The winner of the marquee playoff matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers advances to the NFC championship game. The loser is relegated to a footnote in a first-of-its-kind meeting in the postseason.

Dallas was perfect on the road this year, while Green Bay was perfect at home.

Never before has an 8-0 road team in the regular season visited an 8-0 home

team in the NFL playoffs.

“So you’ve got an immovable object going up against an unstoppable force,” Packers fullback John Kuhn said. “Which one is going to give, we’ll find out.”

It should be pretty entertaining in the process.

The offenses have the potential to match each other score for score. The skill positions are stocked with stars, especially at quarterback.

Dallas’ Tony Romo led the league in the regular season with a 113.2 passer rating, one point ahead of MVP candidate Aaron Rodgers.

But the game may not come down to Rodgers’ right arm.

Rodgers has been slowed

the last couple weeks in practice by a strained left calf. He has vowed to play, though mobility might be an issue.

All signs at the end of the week pointed to Rodgers being ready to go. Rodgers, who was listed as probable on the injury report, can do just as much damage standing the pocket as on the move.

Plus, Green Bay’s offensive line has played well all year.

“He looks like he’s moving fine to me right now. (We are) not going to change anything or our approach of how we want to attack Dallas’ defense,” coach Mike McCarthy said.

Most teams might be fretting at the prospect of fac-

ing Rodgers at Lambeau, where the Packers have had long stretches of dominance with the ball.

The Cowboys seem unfazed. In fact, they’re quite comfortable on the road.

“We just kind of put our head down and go to work,” Romo said. “I don’t know that we really get affected by where we’re playing or who we’re going against and that sort of thing.”

Here are some things to watch ahead of the teams’ first meeting since the Packers had a come-from-behind 37-36 win in 2013 in Dallas: CALF WATCH: The most closely-monitored leg muscle in Wisconsin belonged to Rodgers, who first hurt his left calf three weeks ago.

He hasn’t practiced much over the last week in order to focus on treatment, though most teammates think their veteran leader could play well without any practice at all.

“No, I’m going Sunday.

Just a matter of how,” Rodgers said at midweek.

McCarthy expects Dallas to stick with a typical scheme that doesn’t include much blitzing. The Packers could also line up Rodgers in more shotgun formations to limit his steps.

CLEARED COWBOYS:

SEE COWBOYS, C4

NFL ON T V

DALLAS AT GREEN BAY

I TIME: Noon I TV: FOX (Suddenlink

INDIANAPOLIS AT DENVER Ch. 3)

I TIME: 3:40 p.m.

I TV: CBS (Suddenlink

Ch. 9)

SPORTS EDITOR: TAYLOR MITCHELL, TMITCHELL@VICAD.COM; ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR: ALEXANDRIA ALEJANDRO, AALEJANDRO@VICAD.COM; PAGE DESIGNER: CLAUDIA GARCIA, CGARCIA@VICAD.COM; COPY EDITOR: JOSE GONZALEZ, JGONZALEZ@VICAD.COM

C2 — VICTORIA ADVOCATE, Sunday, January 11, 2015

VictoriaAdvocate.com

T O D AY I N S P O R T S

PAGE DESIGNER/COPY EDITOR: BRANDON CAIN, BCAIN@VICAD.COM

NBA

Spurs give Timberwolves 15th consecutive loss MINNEAPOLIS – Austin Daye scored a season-high 22 points and had 10 rebounds to help the San Antonio Spurs hand the Minnesota Timberwolves their 15th straight loss, 108-93 on Saturday night.

Patty Mills scored 19 points and Tim Duncan added 13 points and six rebounds in 20 minutes for the Spurs (23-15), who were missing Manu Ginobili and Marco Belinelli with injuries.

Gorgui Dieng had 18 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks for the Timberwolves (5-31). Minnesota hasn’t won since Dec. 10 and is tied with New York for the longest active losing streak in the NBA.

their third straight victory with a 97-82 win over the Utah Jazz on Saturday night.

Harden made four of Houston's 13 3-pointers, including two in the fourth quarter, to maintain a large lead built in a miserable third quarter for Utah.

Clippers 120, Mavericks 100

LOS ANGELES – Blake Griffin scored 22 points, Chris Paul had 17 points and 13 assists and the Los Angeles Clippers beat the Dallas Mavericks 120-100 on Saturday for their sixth win in eight games and second in a row.

Jamal Crawford added 19 points, Matt Barnes had 18 points, J.J. Redick 16, and DeAndre Jordan had 13 Rockets 97, Jazz 82 points and 15 rebounds.

Dirk Nowitzki scored 25 HOUSTON – James Harden scored 30 points and points and Monta Ellis had added five assists to lead 15 of his 23 in the first half the Houston Rockets to for Dallas.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

San Antonio Spurs guard Danny Green, right, guards Minnesota Timberwolves forward Andrew Wiggins during the first quarter of Saturday’s game in Minneapolis.

SPURS 108, T-WOLVES 93 SAN ANTONIO

Daye 8-13 2-2 22, Duncan 5-6 3-4 13, Diaw 5-15 0-0 11, Parker 5-11 2-2 12, Green 2-6 2-2 7, Bonner 2-7 0-0 5, Mills 7-11 3-4 19, Joseph 5-8 2-2 12, Splitter 2-7 3-4 7, Anderson 0-0 0-0 0, Baynes 0-0 0-0 0.

Totals 41-84 17-20 108.

MINNESOTA

Budinger 1-6 0-0 2, Young 2-8 0-0 4, Dieng 7-11 4-4 18, Williams 2-10 5-5 10, Wiggins 5-11 8-8 18, Bennett 2-7 2-2 6, LaVine 7-14 4-4 19, Hummel 4-8 1-1 9, Raduljica 1-2 2-2 4, Daniels 1-3 0-0 3, Robinson III 0-1 0-0 0. Totals 32-81 26-26 93.

San Antonio Minnesota

27 31 26 24 — 108 18 25 21 29 — 93

3-Point Goals:San Antonio 9-24 (Daye 4-8, Mills 2-4, Diaw 1-3, Green 1-4, Bonner 1-4, Parker 0-1), Minnesota 3-15 (Daniels 1-3, LaVine 1-3, Williams 1-4, Budinger 0-1, Young 0-1, Hummel 0-1, Bennett 0-2). Fouled Out:None. Rebounds:San Antonio 50 (Daye 10), Minnesota 45 (Dieng 12). Assists:San Antonio 21 (Joseph 5), Minnesota 17 (Williams 6). Total Fouls:San Antonio 19, Minnesota 18. A:17,871 (19,356).

ROCKETS 97, JAZZ 82 UTAH

Hayward 2-10 4-4 9, Favors 5-6 5-5 15, Gobert 2-2 0-0 4, Burke 6-14 3-3 16, Ingles 1-3 0-0 2, Kanter 6-10 4-5 16, Millsap 3-11 0-0 8, Booker 2-4 0-0 4, Exum 1-2

1-2 3, Williams 1-6 0-0 3, Clark 0-1 0-0 0, Evans 0-1 2-2 2. Totals 29-70 19-21 82.

HOUSTON

Ariza 3-9 2-2 10, Motiejunas 6-8 1-2 14, Howard 4-9 0-0 8, Beverley 3-13 2-2 10, Harden 8-14 10-11 30, Smith 4-10 2-2 10, Brewer 3-9 1-2 9, Terry 0-1 0-0 0, Papanikolaou 1-3 0-0 3, Canaan 0-0 0-0 0, Dorsey 0-0 0-0 0, Shved 1-1 0-0 3. Totals 33-77 18-21 97.

Utah Houston

23 14 20 25 — 82 23 23 32 19 — 97

3-Point Goals:Utah 5-17 (Millsap 2-5, Hayward 1-2, Williams 1-3, Burke 1-4, Exum 0-1, Clark 0-1, Booker 0-1), Houston 13-34 (Harden 4-8, Ariza 2-5, Brewer 2-6, Beverley 2-7, Shved 1-1, Motiejunas 1-2, Papanikolaou 1-3, Terry 0-1, Smith 0-1).

Fouled Out:None. Rebounds:Utah 48 (Favors 7), Houston 42 (Motiejunas 10).

Assists:Utah 20 (Hayward 5), Houston 24 (Beverley 7). Total Fouls:Utah 17, Houston 20. A:18,235 (18,023).

CLIPPERS 120, MAVS 100 DALLAS

Parsons 4-10 3-4 12, Nowitzki 10-19 3-4 25, Chandler 2-4 1-2 5, Rondo 1-11 0-0 2, Ellis 9-15 1-1 23, Jefferson 2-4 0-0 5, Harris 2-5 1-2 5, Smith 0-0 0-0 0, Aminu 0-0 0-0 0, Barea 2-5 0-0 4, Villanueva 3-8 1-2 9, Powell 2-2 2-2 8, Felton 1-3 0-0 2. Totals 38-86 12-17 100.

L.A. CLIPPERS

Barnes 7-13 2-2 18, Griffin 11-15 0-2 22, Jordan 6-10 1-4 13, Paul 5-11 5-5 17, Redick 5-13 2-2 16, Crawford 6-10 4-4 19, Hawes 2-6 1-2 6, Farmar 3-6 0-0 7, Bullock 1-3 0-0 2, Davis 0-1 0-0 0, Douglas-Roberts 0-0 0-0 0, Udoh 0-0 0-0 0.

Totals 46-88 15-21 120.

Dallas L.A. Clippers

24 24 24 28 — 100 30 26 32 32 — 120

3-Point Goals:Dallas 12-30 (Ellis 4-6, Powell 2-2, Nowitzki 2-5, Villanueva 2-6, Jefferson 1-1, Parsons 1-4, Barea 0-1, Harris 0-2, Rondo 0-3), L.A. Clippers 13-31 (Redick 4-8, Crawford 3-6, Paul 2-4, Barnes 2-5, Farmar 1-3, Hawes 1-3, Bullock 0-2). Fouled Out:Farmar. Rebounds:Dallas 47 (Chandler 10), L.A. Clippers 54 (Jordan 15). Assists:Dallas 29 (Rondo 8), L.A. Clippers 31 (Paul 13). Total Fouls:Dallas 18, L.A. Clippers 17. Technicals:Dallas Coach Carlisle 2, Rondo, Dallas defensive three second, Barnes.

Ejected:Dallas Coach Carlisle. A:19,060 (19,060).

COMPILED FROM ADVOCATE WIRE REPORTS

WOMEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL

MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Iowa State stuns No. 3 Texas

ASSOCIATED PRESS

TCU guard Kyan Anderson, right, looks for room against Baylor guard Lester Medford during overtime of Saturday’s game in Fort Worth.

No. 21 Baylor top TCU in overtime FORT WORTH – Rico Gathers had 17 points and 18 rebounds to lead No. 21 Baylor to its first Big 12 Conference win of the season, 66-59 over TCU in overtime Saturday.

The Bears (12-3, 1-2) won their sixth-straight over TCU – all since the Horned Frogs joined the Big 12 – but the previous five wins were by an average of 20.8 points. This time, there were 11 lead changes and 18 ties.

Taurean Prince scored 17 points, including Baylor’s only two field goals in overtime, but fouled out with 1:33 to go in the extra period. When Kenny Chery hit two free throws with 46.7 seconds left to make it 61-56, it gave the Bears their largest lead to that point. Chery finished with 13 points.

TCU (13-3, 0-3) only made one field goal in overtime.

Kyan Anderson led TCU with 16 points.

The game was tied at 63 when Ulis hit the shot with 1:26 left for his first points of the game.

Kentucky (15-0, 2-0 SEC) was coming off an overtime win against Mississippi on Tuesday.

Down 66-63, Kourtney Roberson made one of two free throws for A&M (9-5, 0-2 SEC) before a turnover

by Trey Lyles gave the Aggies the ball back with 26.9 seconds left.

Danuel House missed a 3-pointer with 16 seconds left and Dakari Johnson made two free throws for Kentucky.

Oklahoma State knocks off No. 10 Texas, 69-58

STILLWATER, Okla. – Le’Bryan Nash and Phil Forte each scored 20 points and Oklahoma State stopped No. 10 Texas 69-58 on Saturday.

Nash scored eight points during a two-minute span early in the second half.

Forte made back-to-back No. 1 Kentucky beats 3-pointers later in the same A&M 70-64 in double OT 12-3 run for Oklahoma COLLEGE STATION – State (12-3, 2-1 Big 12).

Myles Turner had 18 Tyler Ulis put No. 1 Kentucky ahead with a 3-point- points, six rebounds and er deep in double overtime five blocked shots for Texas and the Wildcats stayed un- (12-4, 1-2). The Longhorns beaten, holding off Texas have lost three of their last five games.

A&M 70-64 on Saturday.

Oklahoma State, in the midst of playing four straight ranked Big 12 teams, limited Texas to just 21-of-61 shooting (34.4 percent).

No. 12 Jayhawks cruise past Texas Tech 86-54 LAWRENCE, Kan. – Perry Ellis scored 15 points, Kelly Oubre Jr. added 14 and No. 12 Kansas remained perfect at home against Texas Tech with an 86-54 victory on Saturday.

Cliff Alexander added 12 points and Frank Mason III had 10 as the Jayhawks (13-2, 2-0 Big 12) improved to 15-0 against the Red Raiders (10-6, 0-3) at cozy Allen Fieldhouse. The average margin of victory in those contests has been close to 30 points per game.

Kansas has won 16 straight overall at the Phog.

Justin Jamison had a career-high 12 points off the bench for the Red Raiders, who have lost five of their last six after a 9-1 start. The last three of those games, which began league play, have been to teams ranked in the Top 25 in Texas, West Virginia and the Jayhawks.

COMPILED FROM ADVOCATE WIRE REPORTS

AMES, Iowa – Third-ranked Texas couldn’t miss.

Then the Longhorns couldn’t hit anything while Iowa State hit every shot.

The Cyclones went cold themselves, but Seanna Johnson hit a layup with 19 seconds left, and Texas’s unbeaten start is history after Iowa State rallied from an 18-point deficit to stun third-ranked Texas 59-57 on Saturday.

“They were better than we were at just a lot of the little things,” Texas coach Karen Aston said. “We came out really flat out of halftime. I’ll take responsibility for that. I probably didn’t keep them on edge.”

Nikki Moody had 17 points to lead Iowa State (11-3, 2-1 Big 12), which defeated a top-three team at home for the first time in 12 years.

The way the Cyclones did it sure was a head scratcher though.

Texas led by 37-19 late in the first half. But Iowa State answered with a 38-13 run and the Longhorns went cold in the second half, hitting just 8 of 38 shots.

Brady Sanders had 16 points for Texas (13-1, 2-1), which held Iowa State to just Johnson’s basket in the final 8:10 and still lost.

Texas let Iowa State erase its massive lead in less than 10 minutes – and Kidd Blaskowsky’s 3 gave the Cyclones a 50-47 lead with 10:57 left.

Instead of responding, the Longhorns folded.

Texas scored just six points in a stretch spanning nearly 10 minutes in the second half until Brooke McCarty’s 3 made it 57-56 Iowa State with 3:30 left.

But McCarty, Sanders and Nneka Enemkpali all missed shots just before the buzzer, completing a stunning turnaround for the Cyclones.

Nekia Jones had 15 points off the bench for the Longhorns, who lost despite outrebounding Iowa State 49-36.

“The magic of this program came out,” Iowa

State coach Bill Fennelly said. “It’s an amazing effort by our team.”

After a surprisingly narrow win over West Virginia in Austin, Texas looked primed to be upset.

Instead, the Longhorns had the Cyclones on their heels early.

Iowa State appeared to be finished late in the first half, especially considering that it blew a 24-point lead of its own in an 86-84 loss at TCU on Wednesday.

But the Cyclones responded with 14 unanswered points to make a game of it.

The Longhorns hit 7 of 11 3s in the first half despite ranking last in the Big 12 in 3-point field goal percentage. Their luck dried up in the second half, as did their best start since 1986.

“Our team has been playing a little bit in some peaks and valleys, where we lose our discipline and concentration sometimes,” Aston said.

No. 5 Baylor 66, West Virginia 62 MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Khadijiah Cave scored 20 points and No. 5 Baylor withstood an off day from Big 12 scoring leader Nina Davis to beat West Virginia 66-62 on Saturday.

Baylor (14-1, 3-0) let a double-digit lead slip away before Cave scored six of the Bears’ final 12 points.

Imani Wright added 11 points and Davis had 10, her lowest production of the season. Davis had scored at least 20 points in eight of her last nine games.

Bria Holmes scored 17 points for West Virginia (10-5, 0-3). Averee Fields added 14 and Lanay Montgomery had 12 points and a career-high 17 rebounds.

The lead changed six times in the second half.

Cave’s layup put Baylor ahead to stay, 56-55, with 4:03 left.

TCU 70, No. 16 Oklahoma St. 66 FORT WORTH – Zahna Medley scored 17 points and sparked the go-ahead run late in the second half to lift TCU to a 70-66 upset over No. 16 Oklahoma State on Saturday night.

Chelsea Prince and Veja Hamilton contributed 15 points apiece, while Donielle Breau added 12 for TCU, which shot 52.1 percent from the floor on 48 attempts.

Trailing by six late in the second, TCU (10-4, 2-1 Big 12) took its first lead of the game with a bucket from Hamilton that made it 65-64 with 5:16 left. The go-ahead score came during a 12-2 run that was sparked by Medley’s 3-pointer and stretched across the final 7:23 of the game.

COMPILED FROM ADVOCATE WIRE REPORTS

PREP SOCCER

Warriors go 0-2-1 at Rebel Cup Tournament ADVOCATE STAFF REPORT

The opening weekend of the prep soccer season didn’t start well for the Victoria West boys soccer team.

The Warriors went 0-2-1 at the Rebel Cup Tournament in Buda. They started the tournament Friday with a 3-0 loss to Corpus Christi King.

On Saturday, West tied Cedar Park 1-1 on a goal by Jacob Mariscal that was assisted by Francisco Rivas. However, the Warriors would fall to Manor 8-1 later in the day. Blayke Phillips had the lone goal for West.

The Warriors will return to action Tuesday night when they travel to El Campo at 7 p.m.

SCOREBOARD NBA STANDINGS

San Antonio New Orleans

Toronto Brooklyn Boston Philadelphia New York

W 25 16 12 7 5

L 11 21 23 29 35

Pct GB .694 — .432 91/2 .343 121/2 .194 18 .125 22

Southeast Division Atlanta Washington Miami Charlotte Orlando

W 28 25 15 15 13

L 8 11 21 24 26

Central Division Chicago Cleveland Milwaukee Indiana Detroit

W 26 19 20 15 13

L 12 18 19 24 24

Pct GB .778 — .694 3 .417 13 .385 141/2 .333 161/2 Pct .684 .514 .513 .385 .351

GB — 61/2 61/2 111/2 121/2

WESTERN CONFERENCE Southwest Division Houston Memphis Dallas

W 26 25 26

L 11 11 12

15 .605 31/2 18 .500 71/2

Northwest Division

EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division

23 18

Pct GB .703 — .694 1/2 .684 1/2

Portland Oklahoma City Denver Utah Minnesota

W 28 18 17 13 5

L 8 19 20 25 31

Pacific Division Golden State L.A. Clippers Phoenix Sacramento L.A. Lakers

W 29 25 22 15 12

L 5 12 17 21 25

Friday’s Games

Pct GB .778 — .486 101/2 .459 111/2 .342 16 .139 23 Pct .853 .676 .564 .417 .324

Indiana 107, Boston 103, OT Atlanta 106, Detroit 103 Philadelphia 90, Brooklyn 88 New Orleans 106, Memphis 95 Oklahoma City 99, Utah 94 Washington 102, Chicago 86 Milwaukee 98, Minnesota 84 San Antonio 100, Phoenix 95 Denver 118, Sacramento 108 Golden State 112, Cleveland 94 L.A. Lakers 101, Orlando 84

Saturday’s Games

Charlotte 110, New York 82 L.A. Clippers 120, Dallas 100 Philadelphia 93, Indiana 92

GB — 51/2 91/2 15 181/2

Toronto 109, Boston 96 Detroit 98, Brooklyn 93 Chicago 95, Milwaukee 87 Houston 97, Utah 82 San Antonio 108, Minnesota 93 Orlando at Portland, late

Sunday’s Games

Washington at Atlanta, 2 p.m.

Miami at L.A. Clippers, 2:30 p.m.

Phoenix at Memphis, 5 p.m.

Cleveland at Sacramento, 8 p.m.

Portland at L.A. Lakers, 8:30 p.m.

NHL STANDINGS EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division

GP W L OT Pts GF GA Tampa Bay 43 27 12 4 58 140 111 Montreal 41 26 12 3 55 111 95 Detroit 42 22 11 9 53 117 106 Boston 43 22 15 6 50 113 111 Florida 39 19 11 9 47 96 103 Toronto 42 22 17 3 47 137 130 Ottawa 41 17 16 8 42 110 113 Buffalo 43 14 26 3 31 81 147 Metropolitan Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA N.Y.I. 42 28 13 1 57 131 116 Pittsburgh 41 25 10 6 56 122 98 Wash.

41 22 11 8 52 123 105 N.Y.R. 38 23 11 4 50 121 94 Columbus 40 18 19 3 39 104 131 Phila.

42 16 19 7 39 112 126

New Jersey 44 15 21 Carolina 42 13 24

8 38 96 124 5 31 88 112

WESTERN CONFERENCE Central Division Nashville Chicago St. Louis Winnipeg Colorado Dallas Minnesota

GP 41 42 42 41 42 41 40

W 28 27 26 20 18 18 18

L OT Pts GF GA 9 4 60 125 93 13 2 56 130 94 13 3 55 136 105 14 7 47 104 100 16 8 44 112 122 16 7 43 126 135 17 5 41 110 117

Pacific Division Anaheim Vancouver San Jose L.A. Calgary Arizona Edmonton

GP 42 39 42 41 42 41 42

W 26 23 22 19 21 16 10

L OT Pts GF GA 10 6 58 116 114 13 3 49 113 103 15 5 49 115 115 13 9 47 115 107 18 3 45 122 114 21 4 36 97 136 23 9 29 95 141

NOTE: Two points for a win, one point for overtime loss.

Friday’s Games

N.Y. Islanders 3, New Jersey 2, OT Toronto 5, Columbus 2 Tampa Bay 2, Buffalo 1 Florida 6, Calgary 5 Edmonton 5, Chicago 2

Saturday’s Games

St. Louis 5, Carolina 4, SO

Boston 3, Philadelphia 1 Nashville 3, Minnesota 1 Colorado 4, Dallas 3 Pittsburgh 2, Montreal 1, OT Washington 3, Detroit 1 N.Y. Islanders 5, Columbus 2 Ottawa 5, Arizona 1 Calgary at Vancouver, late Winnipeg at Los Angeles, late N.Y. Rangers at San Jose, late

Sunday’s Games

Florida at Edmonton, 5 p.m.

Minnesota at Chicago, 6 p.m.

Winnipeg at Anaheim, 7 p.m.

MEN’S TOP 25 FARED 1. Kentucky (15-0) beat Texas A&M 70-64, 2OT. Next: vs. Missouri, Tuesday.

3. Virginia (14-0) beat No. 13 Notre Dame 62-56. Next: vs. Clemson, Tuesday.

5. Louisville (14-2) lost to No. 18 North Carolina 72-71. Next: vs. Virginia Tech, Tuesday.

6. Gonzaga (15-1) vs. Santa Clara, late.

Next: at Pepperdine, Thursday.

8. Villanova (15-1) beat DePaul 81-64.

Next: vs. Xavier, Wednesday.

10. Texas (12-4) lost to Oklahoma State 69-58. Next: vs. No. 14 West Virginia, Saturday.

11. Maryland (15-2) beat Purdue 69-60.

Next: vs. Rutgers, Wednesday.

12. Kansas (13-2) beat Texas Tech 86-54.

Next: vs. Oklahoma State, Tuesday.

14. West Virginia (14-1) lost No. 17 Iowa State 74-72. Next: vs. No. 16 Oklahoma, Tuesday.

16. Oklahoma (11-3) vs. Kansas State.

Next: at No. 14 West Virginia, Tuesday.

19. Seton Hall (13-3) beat Creighton 68-67. Next: vs. Butler, Tuesday.

20. VCU (13-3) beat Saint Joseph’s 89-74. Next: at Rhode Island, Tuesday.

21. Baylor (12-3) beat TCU 64-59, OT. Next: vs. No. 17 Iowa State, Wednesday.

22. Ohio State (13-4) lost to Indiana 69-66. Next: vs. Michigan, Tuesday.

23. Arkansas (13-2) beat Vanderbilt 82-70. Next: at Tennessee, Tuesday.

25. Old Dominion (13-1) lost to Western Kentucky 72-65. Next: vs. Rice, Thursday.

WOMEN’S TOP 25 FARED 3. Texas (13-1) lost to Iowa State 59-57.

Next: at Oklahoma, Wednesday.

5. Baylor (13-1) beat West Virginia 66-62.

Next: vs. Iowa State, Tuesday.

16. Oklahoma State (11-2) at TCU. Next: vs. Kansas State, Wednesday.

18. Arizona State (14-1) vs. Arizona. Next: at California, Friday.

22. Princeton (17-0) beat Pennsylvania 83-54. Next: at Harvard, Friday, Jan. 30.

24. Rutgers (12-4) beat Penn State 71-51.

Next: vs. No. 12 Maryland, Thursday.

25. Western Kentucky (14-2) beat Old Dominion 76-60. Next: vs. Florida Atlantic, Thursday.

VICTORIA ADVOCATE, Sunday, January 11, 2015 — C3

VictoriaAdvocate.com PAGE DESIGNER: BRANDON CAIN, BCAIN@VICAD.COM; COPY EDITOR: JOSE R. GONZALEZ, JGONZALEZ@VICAD.COM

3RD&SHORT BASEBALL

Hallinducteesshare memoriesoflongcareers NEW YORK (AP) – From the moment John Smoltz stood on a chair to place a cap atop 6-foot-10 Randy Johnson’s head, it was clear this gathering of baseball’s newest Hall of Famers was going to be different than those in past years.

“I just wanted to be funny,” Smoltz said Wednesday at the Waldorf Astoria hotel.

“He’s 6-10 and he was struggling with his jersey. I was trying to help him with his hat.”

The always canny Pedro Martinez greeted Craig Biggio with an apology of sorts.

“I’m extremely honored to be here with all of you.

Craig. I know I brushed you back a couple of times. It wasn’t intentional,” he said.

On this day, the fierce competitors were all teammates in jerseys with “Hall of Fame” in red script stitched across the chest.

PREP BASKETBALL BOYS FRIDAY SCORES Cuero 49, Canyon Lake 35

HALFTIME: Canyon Lake 17, Cuero 30 POINTS: Cuero, D'Anthony Hopkins 2, E.J. Johnson 2, Grant Diebel 8, Colby Ebrom 25, D'Mond LaFond 4, D'Andre Gallagher 4.

Flatonia 68, Somerville 37

HALFTIME: Somerville 18, Flatonia 37 POINTS: Flatonia, Jacob Barta 2, Kaddin Mikulik 15, Julio Castellano 6, Matthew Kozelsky 3, Omar Castillo 2, Samuel Netro 2, Matthew Rowell 3, Easton Migl 4, Andrew Dvorak 9, Casen Novak 9, Gus Venegas 13.

3-POINTERS: Flatonia, Kaddin Mikulik 3, Andrew Dvorak 1, Casen Novak 1, Gus Venegas 1.

Kenedy 61, Ganado 54

HALFTIME: Ganado 32, Kenedy 28 POINTS: Ganado, Austin Alford 2, Jorge Campazano 1, Kameron Smith 19, Cody Mirelez 2, Jonathan Martinez 8, Matt Bridges 9, Caleb Thedford 13.

3-POINTERS: Ganado, Jonathan Martinez 1, Matt Bridges 2, Caleb Thedford 2.

CALENDAR VICTORIA KNOCKOUTS TRYOUTS

DATE: Wednesday Victoria Knockouts 12U travel softball team is currently seeking experienced girls ages 11-12 who have advanced softball skills and a positive attitude. For more information, call Robert at 361-676-5448.

UHV BASEBALL GOLF TOURNAMENT

DATE: Jan. 30 TIME: 12:30 p.m.

LOCATION: The Club at Colony Creek The event benefits the UHV baseball program. The cost is $150 for individual and $400 per team. A buffet dinner follows the tournament with a Hot Stove Lounge Q&A session with coach Terry Puhl. A silent auction will be held featuring a Jose Altuva autographed baseball bat and other items. Call The Club at Colony Creek at 361-576-0020 or UHV athletic director Ashley Walyuchow at 361-485-4424.

MIKE TYSON: UNDISPUTED TRUTH

DATE: Jan. 30 TIME: 8:30 p.m.

LOCATION: Victoria Fine Arts Center Former boxing champion Mike Tyson is bringing his one-man show to Victoria.

The show – which shares its name with his tell-all memoir released a year ago – is under the direction of Emmy-Award winner and Academy-Award nominee Spike Lee. Tickets are $35-100. There is limited VIP seating available; VIP Platinum includes meet-and-greet professional photo with Tyson and autographed gloves; VIP Gold includes meet-and-greet professional photo with Tyson (call for pricing). Each ticket purchased will be entered to win a VIP meet-and-greet, and 20 winners will be drawn. Call Golden Gecko Events at 361-571-0868, or visit vtxtickets.com.

SUBMIT You can submit photos or upcoming events for publication in the Victoria Advocate throughout the week in one of two ways: I Go to AdvoSports.com, click on

Add Photo or Submit Event and add your item to the website.

I Email your photo and caption or event to sports@vicad.com.

All photos must include names of everyone in photo and information about the event or honor.

Events run space permitting throughout the week.

FEEDBACK If you have a question, suggestion, gripe or compliment, Advocate sports department employees can be reached at the following phone numbers and email addresses: Taylor Mitchell,Sports Editor 361-574-1236/tmitchell@vicad.com Alexandria Alejandro, Assistant Sports Editor 361-580-6514/aalejandro@vicad.com Mike Forman, Sports Writer 361-580-6588/mforman@vicad.com To report meetings, events and registrations, email the Advocate sports department at sports@vicad.com.

Follow @AdvoSports on Twitter

“I still love you,” Biggio said. “It’s OK.” There was a lot of love, laughter and admiration among the largest induction class elected by the writers since 1955. Some of the highlights of the nearly hour-long news conference:

WHAT’S A FEW INCHES AMONG FRIENDS? On his connection with former Braves teammates Gregg Maddux and Tom Glavine, who were known for pitching on the corners – sometimes getting a wider strike zone than usual: “Everyone kind of assumes the three of us together and links us together,” Smoltz said. “Everyone’s feeling is we got 6 inches off the plate. I didn’t, by the way. So don’t believe that. I didn’t. I didn’t.”

Biggio answered Smoltz several minutes later: “I agree with John. It wasn’t 6

inches off the plate. It was more like 6 to 10.”

OLD GOATS Martinez on being elected to the Hall, where he visited when he was a young player with the Montreal Expos and had an immediate appreciation of the game’s history: “I couldn’t imagine how the game was. I could only wonder, but I’m extremely honored to be going back now, being part of it, being looked at as an old goat.

That’s what we all became.

We became old goats now.

They’re going to be like, ‘Oh, look, that’s Pedro, that’s John. That was back then.’ So we all became old goats after yesterday.”

FAKING IT Smoltz got some good advice on how to put away batters: “I learned it from Tom Glavine who never really

ASSOCIATED PRESS

National Baseball Hall of Fame inductees Craig Biggio, second from right, and Pedro Martinez, right, react with laughter as John Smoltz, left, stands on his chair to place a cap on Randy Johnson’s head, after they received Hall of Fame uniforms during a press conference Wednesday in New York. The four will be inducted into the hall in Cooperstown, N.Y. in July. fake. You either saw 95 to 100 (mph) or you didn’t. ...

The one thing I had going for me is I could throw really hard. I was kind of like that Sports Illustrated story that came out a long time ago (‘The Curious Case of Sidd Finch’ from April 1, 1985), a kid wearing

showed any emotion, which is the reason why he won 300 games and was a Hall of Famer. I learned if you didn’t have what you needed that day, fake it; don’t let them know.”

Johnson had a different take on faking it: “For me it was hard to

overalls in a hay field, being able to throw a hundred miles an hour. That was me.

I was like Nuke LaLoosh in ‘Bull Durham’ that hit the mascot. I was a combination of all that until it finally came together for me.”

A’s get Zobrist, Escobar from Rays for Jaso, minor leaguers OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – The Oakland Athletics acquired infielders Ben Zobrist and Yunel Escobar from the Tampa Bay Rays for catcher John Jaso and two minor leaguers Saturday in a trade between teams that have been real busy this offseason.

The Rays also got infielder Daniel Robertson, outfielder Boog Powell and cash in this trade.

The 33-year-old Zobrist is a two-time All-Star and helped the Rays make the playoffs four of the past seven seasons, including an improbable run to the World Series in 2008. He hit .272 with 10 home runs and 52 RBIs last season and made starts at second base, shortstop, all three outfield spots and designated hitter.

Zobrist became expendable after the budget-mind-

ed Rays finalized a one-year, $7.5 million contract with former Cleveland infielder Astrubal Cabrera, who will either play shortstop or second base, with another recent arrival – Nick Franklin – getting an opportunity to earn the other spot.

The Rays obtained Franklin from Seattle last July in the multi-team trade that sent pitcher David

Price to Detroit.

He played parts of three seasons with the Rays in 2008, 2010 and 2011. Silverman envisions him contributing mostly as a designated hitter, while also adding depth as a catcher.

Jaso hit .264 with nine home runs and 40 RBIs. The 31-year-old went on the disabled list Aug. 25 because of a concussion and missed the rest of the season.

Hall of Famer Martinez arrives home in Dominican Republic, 10 orchestras await

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) – Thousands of people in the Dominican Republic greeted new baseball Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez after he landed Saturday in his homeland aboard a private plane bearing his country’s flag.

A caravan greeted the former Boston Red Sox pitcher at the airport and prepared to take him to a public park in Santo Domingo, where a crowd lined a 19-mile stretch of highway to catch a glimpse of him.

The 43-year-old Martinez was voted into the Hall of Fame on Tuesday, becoming only the second Dominican to receive that honor. Former San Francisco Giants pitcher Juan Marichal was elected in 1983.

“I want to dedicate this to the Dominican people,” Martinez said with a wide smile as he spoke at a

news conference shortly after arriving.

His mother was among the dozens of people who greeted him at the airport.

“I’m so grateful to God,” Leopoldina Martinez said.

She recalled a conversation they once had after her son injured his shoulder, with her telling him, “If you can’t handle the pain, bear it, but you need to end your career clean,” she said, referring to concerns she had about banned substances.

“Thank God my son recognized that money isn’t everything, and that he thought of himself and he thought of me,” she said.

The slightly built Martinez said he remained clean throughout his career despite several teammates being sanctioned for steroid use.

“I’m not going to deny that I maybe could have earned an extra $20 or $30

TV SPOTLIGHT SUNDAY BOWLING NOON

ESPN – PBA, World Championship, at Las Vegas

GOLF 1:30 P.M.

NBC – PGA Tour, Tournament of Champions, third round, at Kapalua, Hawaii

4 P.M.

TGC – PGA Tour, Tournament of Champions, third round, at Kapalua, Hawaii

MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL 12:30 P.M.

CBS – Duke at NC State ASSOCIATED PRESS

National Baseball Hall of Fame inductees Craig Biggio, left, and Pedro Martinez, right, listen during a press conference Wednesday in New York. million,” he said, adding, “No one in the major leagues can buy the name Martinez off my back.

That’s why I didn’t choose any shortcuts.”

Martinez is expected to move on late Saturday night to his hometown of Manoguayabo, west of the

4 P.M.

ESPNU – Wichita St. at Loyola of Chicago

6:30 P.M.

FS1 – California at UCLA

capital, where 10 orchestras will welcome him.

“This is the most generous Three Kings Day that our country has had,” wrote President Danilo Medina in a letter he sent to Martinez on Tuesday after calling to congratulate him.

7 P.M.

ESPNU – Florida St. at Syracuse

9 P.M.

ESPNU – Stanford at Southern Cal FS1 – Arizona at Oregon St.

NFL 12:05 P.M.

FOX – NFC Divisional Playoffs, Dallas at Green Bay

3:40 P.M.

GOLF

Johnson part of 4-way tie for lead at Kapalua KAPALUA, Hawaii (AP) – The first PGA Tour event of the year in Hawaii hardly resembles a working vacation.

Zach Johnson putted for birdie on every hole, the fifth time in his career that he didn’t miss a green in regulation. Jimmy Walker got in the mix with five birdies in eight holes.

Russell Henley and Bae Sang-Moon held their own on another gorgeous day at the Hyundai Tournament of Champions.

They were part of a four-way tie for the lead Saturday, the largest log jam at the 36-hole mark in the 17 years this winners-only event has been played at Kapalua.

Geoff Ogilvy wasn’t part of the mix, though he might have seen this coming when he spoke earlier in the week about the first PGA Tour event of the year.

“There’s a little bit of rust going on, less than there used to be,” Ogilvy said. “I think in the good

Escobar batted .258. The 32-year-old shortstop had seven homers and 39 RBIs. The A’s have been active since winning a wild-card slot last season. They’ve traded Josh Donaldson, Jeff Samardzija, Brandon Moss and Derek Norris, added DH Billy Butler in free agency and lost Jon Lester, Jason Hammel, Jed Lowrie and Luke Gregerson.

old days ... they hadn’t hit a shot in a few months, and they’d show up and shank their first three shots on the range. They would just cruise into the year, basically. I think that happens a lot less these days.”

There’s not much evidence of it now.

Along with that four-way tie for the lead, 10 players were within two shots of the lead going into the third round, and half of the 34-man field within five shots.

Johnson gets the most attention as the defending champion, hopeful of joining the Aussie duo of Ogilvy and Stuart Appleby as the only back-to-back winners at Kapalua (Appleby won three in a row). He made seven birdies in his round of 6-under 67 and was the first to reach 11-under 135.

Walker, a winner last year on Oahu, was the only player to reach 12 under until confusion over the wind and a little indecision cost him a three-putt bogey on the 17th. He wound up with

a 68. Henley recovered from a sluggish start for a 70, while Bae played bogey-free – and birdie-free over the last eight holes – for a 69.

Walker completed a two-putt birdie on the par-5 15th by making a 6-footer into the grain to take the lead. He hammered his tee shot on the downhill 17th and, adjusting for the drop in elevation over the gorge in front of the 17th green, he figured it was an 8-iron from 170 yards.

Hideki Matsuyama and Charley Hoffman each shot 66 for the low rounds Saturday, leaving them in the group a shot out of the lead.

Hoffman ran off seven birdies in an eight-hole stretch to share the lead, only to hit into the hazard on the 17th for a double bogey. He bounced backed with his seventh birdie of the back nine.

Hoffman was the last player to qualify for this winners-only event with a victory in Mexico in November.

PGA Tour-Tournament of Champions Par Scores Saturday At Kapalua Resort, The Plantation Course Kapalua, Hawaii

Second Round — 135 — 135 — 135 — 135 — 136 — 136 — 136 — 136 — 136 — 137 — 138 — 139 — 139 — 139 — 139 — 140 — 140 — 141 — 141 — 141 — 141 — 141 — 141 — 142 — 142 — 142 — 142 — 142 — 143 — 144 — 144 — 144 — 145 — 147

NBCSN – Minnesota at Chicago

SOCCER 7:25 A.M.

NBCSN – Premier League, Stoke City at Arsenal NBCSN – Premier League, Southampton at Manchester United

Yardage: 7.452; Par 73 68-67 67-68 65-70 66-69 70-66 70-66 69-67 67-69 67-69 67-70 68-70 70-69 70-69 68-71 67-72 70-70 69-71 74-67 72-69 71-70 71-70 71-70 69-72 72-70 71-71 69-73 69-73 69-73 70-73 73-71 71-73 68-76 70-75 74-73

NHL 7 P.M.

9:55 A.M.

Purse: $5.7 million

Zach Johnson Jimmy Walker Russell Henley Sang-Moon Bae Hideki Matsuyama Charley Hoffman Brendon Todd Patrick Reed Robert Streb Scott Stallings Matt Kuchar Jason Day Bubba Watson John Senden Ben Martin Brian Harman J.B. Holmes Ben Crane Geoff Ogilvy Ryan Moore Seung-Yul Noh Camilo Villegas Matt Jones Billy Horschel Hunter Mahan Kevin Streelman Steven Bowditch Nick Taylor Chesson Hadley Matt Every Angel Cabrera Chris Kirk Tim Clark Kevin Stadler

CBS – AFC Divisional Playoffs, Indianapolis at Denver

-11 -11 -11 -11 -10 -10 -10 -10 -10 -9 -8 -7 -7 -7 -7 -6 -6 -5 -5 -5 -5 -5 -5 -4 -4 -4 -4 -4 -3 -2 -2 -2 -1 +1

WOMEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL 11 A.M.

FSN – UAB at FIU

NOON

ESPN2 – Kentucky at South Carolina ESPNU – LSU at Texas A&M

1 P.M.

FSN – Kansas at Kansas St.

2 P.M.

ESPN2 – Maryland at Minnesota ESPNU – Tennessee at Arkansas

3 P.M.

NBCSN – Fordham at St. Bonaventure

4 P.M.

FS1 – Georgetown at Villanova

C4 — VICTORIA ADVOCATE, Sunday, January 11, 2015

VictoriaAdvocate.com

NFL

PAGE DESIGNER: CLAUDIA GARCIA, CGARCIA@VICAD.COM; COPY EDITOR: JUAN R. GOVEA, JGOVEA@VICAD.COM

PLAYOFF

Patriots headed to AFC title game after win New England overcame two 14-point deficits FOXBOROUGH, Mass.

(AP) – Tom Brady wasn’t going to lose a playoff game to the Baltimore Ravens in his home stadium.

Not again.

And, thanks to three touchdown passes by Brady and one by college quarterback turned receiver Julian Edelman, the resilient New England Patriots are headed to the AFC championship game for the fourth straight year.

The Patriots overcame two 14-point deficits and Brady led a masterful march to his decisive 23-yard touchdown pass to Brandon LaFell with just over five minutes left for a 35-31 win Saturday.

The top-seeded Patriots (13-4) will face the winner of Sunday’s game between the Denver Broncos and Indianapolis Colts in the conference title game next Sunday.

The sixth-seeded Ravens (11-7) had won two of three playoff games in Foxborough over the past five seasons.

“We had two separate 14-point leads. Those guys did a good job getting it back to seven as quickly as they could,” said Baltimore quarterback Joe Flacco, who threw four touchdown passes but also his first two interceptions in six playoff games. “They don’t panic.”

Flacco completed his first eight passes, two for touch-

downs of 19 yards to Kamar Aiken and 9 yards to Steve Smith, to give the Ravens a 14-0 lead. Then the Patriots tied it on a 4-yard run by Brady and his 15-yard pass to Danny Amendola late in the first half.

The Patriots were driving again – until Daryl Smith intercepted Brady’s pass.

Brady’s reaction: Grasp both sides of his helmet with his hands then bend over in frustration.

Flacco capitalized with an 11-yard scoring pass to Owen Daniels with 10 seconds left for a 21-14 halftime lead.

And when New England punted on the first series of the third quarter, Baltimore added to its lead on Flacco’s fourth scoring pass, a 16-yarder to Justin Forsett, who was wide open in the flat and scored easily.

Then fortunes turned again.

Brady threw a 5-yard touchdown pass to Rob Gronkowski, and the Patriots got the ball back after a punt. This time, another strong arm lifted the Patriots into a tie.

With the ball at the New England 49, Brady threw behind the line of scrimmage to Edelman on the left side.

PATRIOTS 35, RAVENS 31 Baltimore New England

14 7 7 3 — 31 7 7 14 7 — 35

ASSOCIATED PRESS

New England Patriots strong safety Duron Harmon celebrates with teammates his interception of a pass by Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco in the end zone Saturday, in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots won 35-31 to advance to the AFC Championship game.

NE: Amendola 15 pass from Brady (Gostkowski kick), 3:37.

Bal: Daniels 11 pass from Flacco (Tucker kick), :10.

First Quarter

Bal: Aiken 19 pass from Flacco (Tucker kick), 12:18.

Bal: Smith Sr. 9 pass from Flacco (Tucker kick), 4:44.

NE: Brady 4 run (Gostkowski kick), :48.

Second Quarter

Third Quarter

Bal: Forsett 16 pass from Flacco (Tucker kick), 10:22.

NE: Gronkowski 5 pass from Brady (Gostkowski kick), 6:48.

NE: Amendola 51 pass from Edelman (Gostkowski kick), 4:20.

Fourth Quarter

Bal: FG Tucker 25, 10:17.

NE: LaFell 23 pass from (Gostkowski kick), 5:13.

A: 68,756.

Bal First downs 28 Total Net Yards 428 Rushes-yards 28-136 Passing 292 Punt Returns 4-25 Kickoff Returns 6-148 Interceptions Ret. 1-0

Brady NE 29 422 13-14 408 3-45 5-125 2-0

Comp-Att-Int Sacked-Yards Lost Punts Fumbles-Lost Penalties-Yards Time of Possession

28-45-2 0-0 4-50.3 1-0 7-65 32:39

34-51-1 2-10 5-37.8 2-0 7-60 27:21

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

RUSHING: Baltimore, Forsett 24-129, Toussaint 2-5, Pierce 1-2, Campanaro 1-0. New England, Bolden 3-7, Vereen 1-6, Blount 3-1, Brady 6-0.

PASSING: Baltimore, Flacco 28-45-2-292. New England, Brady 33-50-1-367, Edelman 1-1-0-51.

RECEIVING: Baltimore, M.Brown 5-39, Daniels 4-41, Campanaro 4-39, Juszczyk 4-29, T.Smith 3-62, Smith Sr. 3-44, Forsett 2-17, Aiken 1-19, Gillmore 1-9, Toussaint 1-(minus 7). New England, Edelman 8-74, Gronkowski 7-108, Amendola 5-81, LaFell 5-62, Hoomanawanui 4-43, Vereen 4-39, Bolden 1-11.

MISSED FIELD GOALS: None.

AFC

NFC

Winner of Luck vs. Manning III gets trip to AFC championship game Colts defeated Broncos in previous meeting

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Seattle Seahawks tight end Luke Willson celebrates after catching a 25-yard touchdown pass against the Carolina Panthers Saturday.

Seahawks fly past Carolina with 17-point fourth quarter SEATTLE (AP) – Russell Wilson threw three touchdown passes, Kam Chancellor returned an interception 90 yards for a touchdown, and the Seattle Seahawks beat the Carolina Panthers 31-17 on Saturday night in the NFC divisional playoff game.

Wilson hit Doug Baldwin on a 16-yard touchdown in the first quarter, found Jermaine Kearse on a 63-yard score in the second quarter and capped the night with a 25-yard TD pass to Luke Willson early in the fourth quarter.

The Seahawks never trailed and became the first defending Super Bowl champion to win a playoff game the following season

since New England in January 2006.

Seattle will host either Green Bay or Dallas next Sunday for a trip to the Super Bowl.

COWBOYS

been a stabilizer as a late addition before training camp after Sean Lee was lost for the year to a knee injury.

Mincey, who joined Dallas as a free agent after going to the Super Bowl with Denver last season, has been a leader for the line and came on late to lead the team with seven sacks.

SLOWING DOWN?: NFL rushing leader DeMarco Murray ran for at least 100 yards in 10 of the first 11 games, but has been held under the century mark in four of the past six games, including 75 against the Lions. He’s up to 411 carries

CONTINUED FROM C1 Linebacker Rolando McClain and defensive end Jeremy Mincey cleared concussion tests and practiced Friday after missing the first two workouts of the week dealing with symptoms coming out of the win over Detroit. They are important pieces for the Cowboys, especially against the potent Packers.

McClain, though he’s had a hard time staying on the field late in the season, has

SEAHAWKS 31, PANTHERS 17 Carolina Seattle

0 10 0 7 — 17 7 7 0 17 — 31

First Quarter

Sea: Baldwin 16 pass from Wilson (Hauschka kick), :56.

Second Quarter

Car: Benjamin 7 pass from Newton (Gano kick), 7:44.

Sea: Kearse 63 pass from Wilson (Hauschka kick), 4:54.

Car: FG Gano 35, :00.

Fourth Quarter

Sea: FG Hauschka 37, 14:55.

Sea: Willson 25 pass from Wilson (Hauschka kick), 10:26.

Sea: Chancellor 90 interception return (Hauschka kick), 5:55.

Car: Benjamin 15 pass from Newton (Gano kick), 2:34.

A: 68,524.

First downs Total Net Yards Rushes-yards Passing Punt Returns Kickoff Returns Interceptions Ret. Comp-Att-Int Sacked-Yards Lost Punts Fumbles-Lost Penalties-Yards Time of Possession

Car 21 362 30-132 230 0-0 3-66 0-0 23-36-2 2-16

Sea 16 348 28-100 248 1-9 1-26 2-90 15-22-0 2-20

4-39.3 3-1 5-35 34:03

4-38.5 2-0 6-60 25:57

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

RUSHING: Carolina, Stewart 13-70, Newton 11-37, D.Williams 2-14, Tolbert 2-10, Whittaker 1-1, Cotchery 1-0. Seattle, Lynch 14-59, Wilson 7-22, Turbin 7-19.

PASSING: Carolina, Newton 23-36-2-246.

Seattle, Wilson 15-22-0-268.

RECEIVING: Carolina, Benjamin 7-75, Olsen 4-58, Cotchery 3-25, Dickson 2-33, Brown 2-24, D.Williams 2-2, Tolbert 1-14, Bersin 1-11, Stewart 1-4.

Seattle, Willson 4-68, Kearse 3-129, Baldwin 3-38, Lynch 3-6, Richardson 1-21, Lockette 1-6.

MISSED FIELD GOALS: None.

and is closing in on doubling his previous career high of 217.

“I feel fresh,” said Murray, who has 1,920 yards in 17 games. “I haven’t missed time. I’m feeling good.”

CLAMPING DOWN: Green Bay’s run defense improved in the second half of the season. Once the worst unit against the run in the league, the Packers started giving Clay Matthews more snaps at inside linebacker at midseason to help tighten up against the ground game.

But stopping Murray will by far be the toughest test

DENVER (AP) – When Colts owner Jim Irsay scans the field Sunday, he’ll see in the Denver Broncos the kind of team he admittedly couldn’t surround Peyton Manning with nearly enough during their 14 years together in Indianapolis.

Equilibrium on offense, dominance on defense – a team that doesn’t necessarily have to ride Superman’s cape in its Super Bowl quest.

Remember Irsay’s comments preceding Manning’s emotional homecoming in 2013 about giving up the old Indy offense’s “Star Wars” numbers in a quest for more Super Bowl rings? It raised a lot of eyebrows, but his point was this: he thinks the formula for winning more championships is better balance.

John Elway thinks so, too, and that’s precisely what the Broncos (12-4) have as they host the Colts (12-5), who again have a star QB covering up deficiencies elsewhere.

After the record-shattering Broncos were demolished in the Super Bowl, Elway bolstered his defense by signing Aqib Talib, DeMarcus Ware and T.J. Ward to a guaranteed $60 million. He also replaced Eric Decker with Emmanuel Sanders and drafted Bradley Roby.

Following the inexplicable loss at St. Louis at midseason, the Broncos pumped the brakes on their Lamborghini offense and for the improved run defense.

THIRD GO-ROUND: Romo and Jason Witten have their third chance to reach the NFC championship game. After losing a division-round game to the New York Giants as the No. 1 seed in the NFC during the 2007 season, they followed a wild-card win over Philadelphia with a blowout loss to Brett Favre and Minnesota two years later. “It’s just exciting to be in this position,” Witten said. “So much work and the challenges to get back here, you don’t take that for granted.”

ASSOCIATED PRESS

At left, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck passes under pressure from the Dallas Cowboys during the first half in Arlington. At right, Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning passes against the Oakland Raiders in Oakland, Calif. watched fourth-string running back C.J. Anderson blossom behind a restructured line.

Although that downshifting spawned the “What’s wrong with Peyton?” buzz, consider this: the Broncos were 3-4 when Manning threw for more than 300 yards this season, 9-0 when he didn’t.

“It takes a team,” is the new mantra in the locker room.

Almost all Manning’s key numbers are down from 2013, but these less-flashy Broncos may have a better chance of winning it all – providing they can keep Luck from winning his first road playoff game.

Interestingly, the Colts are relying more on Luck than they ever did on Manning.

In his time in Indy from 1998-2011, Manning was responsible for 73.3 percent of the Colts’ total net yards.

During his three seasons there, Luck has accounted for 78 percent, according to

STATS. Granted, some of that is due to Luck’s mobility – his 905 yards rushing in his three-year career are already more than Manning accumulated in Indianapolis (722).

“Even when they’re one-dimensional, they’re not one-dimensional because he’ll take off and run it,” Denver defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio said.

And throw it: Luck led the league with 40 TD throws.

That was one more than Manning, who threw just three TD passes in December to go along with six interceptions.

His coach scoffed at the notion anything’s wrong with Manning.

“I think a year ago, he broke probably every single-season record known to man. It was the style we played and what was best for our team at that point,” John Fox said. “This year I think we’re a little bit different team. We’re built different.”

MILESTONE

Brady passes Montana for postseason TD record FOXBOROUGH, Mass.

(AP) – Tom Brady’s third touchdown pass against the Baltimore Ravens gives him an NFL postseason record 46 in his career.

Joe Montana threw for 45 TDs in his career. Brady tied him with a 5-yard score to Rob Gronkowski in the third quarter. Then the New England Patriots QB broke

the mark with a 23-yard, go-ahead score to Brandon LaFell in the fourth.

Brady also connected with Danny Amendola for a 15-yard score in the first half.

Brady’s 46 TD passes have come in 27 postseason games. Montana hit the mark in 23 games for San Francisco and Kansas City.

VICTORIA ADVOCATE, Sunday, January 11, 2015 — C5

VictoriaAdvocate.com

NFL

PAGE DESIGNER: CLAUDIA GARCIA, CGARCIA@VICAD.COM; COPY EDITOR: JUAN R. GOVEA. JGOVEA@VICAD.COM

RAMS

NF F C DDI IVVI ISSIIO ON NA A L PPLLAAYYOOFFFF S S N

Losing Rams would be blow to St. Louis’ pride, not economy

Dallas Dallas Cowboys Cowboys at at Green Green Bay Bay Packers Packers

Sun. •

1:05

p.m.

EST • FOX (Regular-season (Regular-season statistics) statistics)

Team leaders COWBOYS

Tony

Romo

3,705 DeMarco DeMarco Murray Murray 1,845 1,845

Dez Bryant 1,320

New L.A. 80,000 seat Stadium for returning team?

ST. LOUIS (AP) – If St. Louis loses its NFL team, experts say it’d have a “small potatoes� economic impact. The blow to region’s psyche, they say, would be far greater.

The beleaguered fan base took another hit on Monday, when Rams owner Stan Kroenke joined in a development group that’s planning an 80,000-seat stadium in the Los Angeles suburbs.

Yes, the Rams appear to be going back west, perhaps in 2016, just two decades after St. Louis swiped the team from L.A. It’d make St. Louis a two-time loser in NFL circles – the Cardinals bolted for Arizona in 1987.

Though St. Louis and Missouri officials are fighting to keep a team – be it the Rams or another one – even going so far as to unveil a design for a new riverfront stadium, it appears at this point to be a longshot.

Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon knows there are precious few franchises in the nation’s favorite sport. “We’re one of 32 in the world,� Nixon said. “It’s very valuable to our state.�

But that value is more about civic pride, not economics, economists and city leaders say. “If you want to be a major-league city, you want to have an NFL team,� St. Louis Sports Commission President Frank Viverito said.

And losing the Rams

Team comparison

(Yards) PASSING RUSHING RECEIVING

PACKERS 4,381 4,381

Aaron Aaron Rodgers Rodgers Eddie Eddie Lacy Lacy Jordy Jordy Nelson Nelson

1,139 1,139 1,519 1,519

Average per per game game Average

OFFENSE OFFENSE

DEFENSE DEFENSE

29.2 29.2

30.4

22.0 221.8 1.8

POINTS

382.6 382.6 386.1 386.1

355.1 355.1 346.4 346.4 251.9 251.9 226.4 226.4

TOTAL YDS

236.5 236.5 266.3 266.3

PASSING

147.1 147.1 119.8 119.8

103.1 119.9 119.9

RUSHING

SOURCE: National National Football Football League League SOURCE:

AP AP

A AF F C DDI IVVI ISSIIO ON NA AL L PPLLAAYYOOFFFF S S

Indianapolis Indianapolis Colts at at Denver Denver Broncos Broncos

Sun. • 4:40 p.m.

EST • !

CBS (Regular-season (Regular-season statistics) statistics)

Team leaders COLTS Andrew 4,761 Andrew Luck Luck 4,761

Trent "#$ %& Richardson ' 519 T.Y.Hilton 1,345 * +"/

Team comparison

(Yards) PASSING RUSHING RECEIVING

Average per pergame game Average

OFFENSE OFFENSE

DEFENSE DEFENSE

28.6 28.6 30.1 30.1

406.6 406.6 402.9 402.9

POINTS

23.1 23.1 22.1 22.1 342.7 342.7 305.2 305.2

TOTAL YDS

305.9 305.9 291.3 291.3

ASSOCIATED PRESS

St. Louis Rams punter Johnny Hekker threw an 18-yard pass on a fake punt to help the Rams maintain possession late in the Oct. 19, 2014 game against the Seattle Seahawks at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis on

BRONCOS

Peyton 4,727 Peyton Manning Manning 4,727 C.J. Anderson 849 C.J.Anderson 849

" & Demaryius $ & Thomas 1,619

229.3 229.3 225.4 225.4

PASSING

100.8 1OO.8 111.6 111.6

RUSHING

113.4 113.4 79.8 79.8

SOURCE: National National Football Football League League SOURCE:

would pale in comparison financially to some of the other businesses that have left the region at a cost of thousands of high-paying jobs. In the 20 years since the team arrived, St. Louis lost a Ford plant and two Chrysler plants; Trans World Airlines folded into American Airlines; McDonnell Douglas was purchased by Boeing; and May Department Stores was bought by Macy’s.

Even Anheuser-Busch – synonymous with St. Louis – was sold.

The Rams, meanwhile, employ about 200 people full-time, less than 1 per-

cent of the 26,000-plus employed by BJC HealthCare, the region’s largest employer. The team’s annual revenue, about $225 million, ranks low among both NFL teams and public companies in the region.

As for the economic benefit of home games, the Rams again come up short when compared to the NHL’s Blues and the city’s dominant team, the St. Louis Cardinals – mostly because hockey and baseball seasons have so many more games, said Glenn MacDonald, economist at the Olin Business School at

Washington University.

Counting preseason and postseason games, the Blues typically play at home about 50 times a year, drawing fans from nearby rival teams Nashville Predators and Chicago Blackhawks.

And no team in the region comes close to the economic impact generated by the Cardinals, who draw more than 3 million fans a year to 81 regular-season home games. Their fan base is spread throughout the Midwest and South, and with mostly three- and four-game series, downtown hotels fill up.

AAP

Conference Championships

NFL PLAYOFFS Wildcard Playoffs

Jan. 18

Jan. 3

Dallas-Green Bay winner at Seattle, 2:05 p.m.

(FOX) Indianapolis-Denver winner at New England, 5:40 p.m. (CBS)

Jan. 4

Pro Bowl

Divisional Playoffs

At Glendale, Ariz.

Carolina 27, Arizona 16 Baltimore 30, Pittsburgh 17 Indianapolis 26, Cincinnati 10 Dallas 24, Detroit 20

Jan. 25 Team Irvin vs. Team Carter, 7 p.m. (ESPN)

Saturday

Super Bowl

New England 35, Baltimore 31 Seattle 31, Carolina 17

Feb. 1

Sunday

Dallas at Green Bay, 12:05 p.m. (FOX) Indianapolis at Denver, 3:40 p.m. (CBS)

At Glendale, Ariz.

AFC champion vs. NFC champion, 5:30 p.m.

(NBC)

Follow the Advocate sports team on Twitter at @AdvoSports

REDSKINS

STEELERS

NewWashingtonGMstressesdraft,patience LeBeau resigns as Pittsburgh ASHBURN, Va. (AP) – During a six-hour interview at the Washington Redskins owner’s house, Scot McCloughan saw Dan Snyder’s eyes light up “like a little kid,� which the prospective new general manager found “as cool as crud.� McCloughan also laid out a plan that essentially told Snyder it was time for a change.

The subject of Snyder’s renowned impatience had been broached by team President Bruce Allen, who was also present. McCloughan spoke of a different approach, once that runs counter to the quick-fix mode that has come to embody the franchise. “I laid my vision out. It’s the vision I know; it’s the vision I’ve been around for 20 years,� McCloughan said. “Again, there’s no right or wrong way, but they understand where I’m coming from. They understand how important the draft is to me.�

The Redskins’ new GM, who will have full authority over the roster, met with reporters Friday in what has become a seemingly annual rite of passage – the big offseason news conference that is supposed to signal a turnaround.

This one, which came exactly one year to the day after coach Jay Gruden’s introductory turn at the podium, didn’t come with a sense that all the wrongs will suddenly be rights.

It’s time for a team that has finished last in the NFC East in six of the last seven years to start doing things differently. “The draft’s the lifeline of your organization,� said McCloughan, who honed his philosophy in the 1990s as a scout with the Green Bay Packers and over the last decade in the front office of the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks. “You start dabbling in free agency sometimes, you get

defensive coordinator

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Washington Redskins president Bruce Allen, left, poses with new general manager Scot McCloughan, right, at an NFL football press conference where McCloughan was introduced as the Washington Redskins new general manager, Friday, in Ashburn, Va. older guys, you get the medical history,� McCloughan said. “The thing I liked about what we did in San Fran, what we did in Seattle:

We drafted our own, molded our own, and re-signed the ones we wanted to re-sign.

You train them how you want to train them.�

PITTSBURGH (AP) – Hall of Famer Dick LeBeau has resigned as the defensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The 77-year-old LeBeau had been with the organization for 16 seasons, including serving as defensive coordinator from 1995-96 and from 2004-14.

He was also the team’s secondary coach from 1992-94.

He was inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010.

In his 13 years as defensive coordinator, the Steelers have finished in the top five in total defense 11 times and five times the team had the top overall ranked defense. The team won seven division championships, four AFC championships and two Super Bowls, while making the playoffs nine times during that period.

Linebackers coach Keith

Butler is the most likely candidate to replace LeBeau. “We want to thank Dick for his many years of service with the team and all that he has done for this organization,� Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said in a statement. “His coaching helped lead us to many successful seasons and championships. We are very appreciative of his efforts, and we wish him well.�

As a player, LeBeau had 62 interceptions in 14 seasons as defensive back for the Detroit Lions from 1959-72. He played halfback and cornerback for Woody Hayes at Ohio State.

LeBeau was 12-33 as Cincinnati’s head coach from 2000-02. He began his coaching career as a special teams coach with Philadelphia in 1973.

He also was an assistant with Green Bay, Cincinnati and Buffalo.

sive back Adam “Pacman�

Jones has to pay more than $12.4 million in damages in a shooting that wounded two Las Vegas strip club doormen nearly eight years ago, including one who was paralyzed from the waist down.

Jones wasn’t the gunman.

But the unanimous state high court ruling, issued Thursday, upheld a jury’s finding that he instigated the violence and was responsible to pay some $11.2 million to Tommy Urbanski and his ex-wife, Kathy, and $1.3 million to Urbanski’s former co-worker Aaron Cudworth.

The justices upheld the trial judge’s decision to remove the NFL from liability in the case, and rejected Jones’ contention that damage awards for the Urbanskis and Cudworth didn’t legally correspond to findings of fault.

The civil trial jury in June 2012 found Jones liable for assault, battery, false imprisonment and intentional infliction of emotional dis-

tress against Cudworth.

IN BRIEF Bills-Jaguars game in London to kick off early NEW YORK – Fans of the Buffalo Bills and Jacksonville Jaguars will need to wake up early on Oct. 25 to watch their teams.

The Jaguars will host the Bills at London’s Wembley Stadium that Sunday, with a 1:30 p.m. local kickoff. That means 9:30 a.m. on the U.S. East Coast.

Last season, the NFL experimented with the afternoon kickoff in England when Atlanta hosted Detroit. It clearly was happy with the results, and opted for another this year.

No kickoff time has been announced for the Nov. 1 game at Wembley between Detroit and Kansas City.

Browns say offensive coordinator resigned

Shanahan’s resignation and that quarterbacks coach Dowell Loggains would also be departing. The release didn’t specifically characterize Loggains’ departure, but says that the Browns “had to make� a difficult decision.

Shanahan was the team’s fifth offensive coordinator since 2009.

Quarterback Johnny Manziel looked overwhelmed and unprepared in his first NFL start as the Browns were shut out Dec. 14 by Cincinnati, a loss that ended Cleveland’s playoff hopes. The team selected the former Heisman Trophy winner in the first round of last year’s draft.

The NFL is also investigating whether someone with the Browns improperly sent texts to sideline coaches during games.

BEREA, Ohio – The Browns texts Cleveland Browns say that departed offensive coordi- investigated by NFL nator Kyle Shanahan reCLEVELAND – NFL offisigned earlier this week. cials are investigating In a release Saturday, the whether someone in the team says it has accepted Cleveland Browns’ organi-

pressed confidence in a couple of familiar faces in the building who could become San Francisco’s new head coach.

Whether CEO Jed York and general manager Trent Baalke decide to promote from within is the big question: Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and defensive line coach Jim Tomsula are considered the best bets to be considered for promotions from the current coaching staff.

Fangio – who joined the 49ers with Harbaugh from Stanford in 2011 and led one of the NFL’s top defenses – interviewed last week. But there’s been no confirmation that Tomsula has had a formal sit down with team executives, who are through their second week 49ers players support of a coaching search they internal candidates initially said would likely SAN FRANCISCO – Sev- last seven to 10 days. eral of the San Francisco Bengals’ Jones loses 49ers have said they are hopeful their new head $12.4M judgment appeal coach is a lot like the old LAS VEGAS – The Nevaone, Jim Harbaugh. da Supreme Court says The players have ex- Cincinnati Bengals defen-

zation improperly sent text messages during games in violation of league rules.

NFL spokesman Michael Signora confirmed the investigation Friday and said the league was looking into whether the Browns violated rules governing coaching aids.

The rules prohibit smartphones and cellphones from being used in team areas, including sidelines and coaching booths from 90 minutes before kickoff and in locker rooms after kickoff. The restrictions on the devices end after games end.

Browns officials said in a statement that they are reviewing internally and will cooperate with the NFL in its investigation.

Jets running back Chris Johnson arrested ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando police say New York Jets running back Christopher Johnson has been arrested and faces a misdemeanor weapons charge.

Sgt. Wanda Ford said an officer pulled Johnson over after he ran a stop sign Friday night.

When the officer approached Johnson’s vehicle, he said he saw a firearm between Johnson’s feet. Openly carrying a gun is generally banned in Florida.

The Jets signed Johnson to a two-year, $8 million deal last April, but it was uncertain as to whether he would return to New York after having the least-productive year of his career.

He rushed for a career-low 663 yards and one touchdown.

COMPILED FROM ADVOCATE WIRE REPORTS

C6 — VICTORIA ADVOCATE, Sunday, January 11, 2015

VictoriaAdvocate.com

PAGE DESIGNER: CLAUDIA GARCIA, CGARCIA@VICAD.COM; COPY EDITOR: JOSE R. GONZALEZ, JGONZALEZ@VICAD.COM

FINAL MINUTE

FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF

Sharing secrets: How do Ohio State, Oregon trade tips?

Coaches maintain rivalry amidst friendliness

ASSOCIATED PRESS

North Dakota State quarterback Carson Wentz celebrates the go-ahead touchdown against Illinois State with teammates Saturday in Frisco. North Dakota State won the game 29-27 for their fourth straight national championship.

North Dakota St. wins 4th straight FCS championship Bison score in final minute over Illinois State FRISCO (AP) – Make that four straight in Texas for North Dakota State.

Quarterback Carson Wentz ran 5 yards for the winning touchdown about a minute after Tre Roberson’s 58-yard run put Illinois State ahead, and the Bison became the first team to win four straight FCS championships with a thrilling 29-27 victory Saturday.

North Dakota State (15-1) lost a nine-point lead in the fourth quarter, but answered quickly after falling behind. RJ Urzendowski

had catches of 32 and 33 yards to get the Bison in scoring range, and Wentz broke a tackle around the 5 and eased into the end zone for the lead with 37 seconds left.

Roberson threw three touchdown passes, but also an interception to Esley Thorton in the final seconds trying to get the Redbirds (13-2) in field goal range.

It looked as if the Bison would finally have a disappointing trip to the professional soccer stadium north of Dallas that has become their second home when Roberson faked a handoff to 2,000-yard rusher Marshaun Coprich, went to his left and cut upfield on the midfield logo. He ran untouched to the

end zone.

Wentz hit Urzendowski on a crossing route for 32 yards on the first play of the next drive, and later unloaded the ball deep with pressure coming when Urzendowski found the ball while safety DraShane Glass never looked back for the throw inside the 10. Wentz scored on the next play Adam Keller had three field goals for North Dakota State, breaking the FCS single-season record for kickers with 145 points before his final point-after attempt was blocked to give the Redbirds a chance to win with a field goal.

Roberson reached the 44 in the final seconds, but Thorton won a tussle for the ball.

HOUSTON

Herman juggling Ohio State coordinator job, Cougars’ coach gig DALLAS (AP) – While Tom Herman tries to come up with a master plan for Monday’s national championship game as Ohio State’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, he’s also trying to stay on top of hiring a staff, recruiting players, and helping make arrangements for his family’s life-changing move as the new head coach at Houston.

“You certainly don’t want to shortchange any of the guys here at Ohio State,” Herman said by telephone while the Buckeyes bused from the airport to their hotel for the title game against Oregon. “They deserve my best effort and then some.

Hopefully they’ve gotten that. But I’ve still got a job to do for the University of Houston, too. And trying to get that done obviously cuts into the hours that are in a day.”

It all comes down two ma-

jor considerations: “Time management and sleep deprivation,” Herman said.

Herman He believes he’s done a good job with both considerations. His current boss agrees, although he notes the deterioration in Herman’s appearance.

“He looks like someone hit him with a bat,” Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer cracked. “A good bat, though.”

His wife, Michelle, realizes the constraints he’s facing and makes things go as easily as possible at home.

“She hasn’t asked a whole lot of me around the house, other than if I get a chance to tuck the kids in or wake them up and give them a kiss,” he said. “She’s hold-

ing down the fort for us.”

Coaching in a national championship game is the epitome for almost anyone.

But this has been a particularly challenging season.

One of the people Meyer called on before hiring Herman three years ago was former Oregon and current Philadelphia Eagles coach Chip Kelly. Kelly raved about Herman. Now Herman could be the undoing of his old college team’s championship hopes.

A Cincinnati native who has coached at five schools in Texas – and has saved at least one article of apparel from each – Herman played college ball at California Lutheran, graduated in 1997 with a degree in business administration and added a master’s in education from the University of Texas. He’s also a card-carrying member of the Mensa Society, for those with high intellects.

OREGON

Carrington, Forde fail drug tests DALLAS (AP) – Oregon was forced to bench two players because of failed drug tests days before the team competes in the first College Football Playoff title game, coach Mark Helfrich said Saturday, detailing the latest hit to a roster already depleted by injuries.

Wide receiver Darren Carrington and running back Ayele Forde did not travel with Oregon for Monday’s national championship game against Ohio State after each failed NCAA-mandated drug tests. Carrington tested positive for marijuana; the results of Forde’s test weren’t disclosed.

Helfrich insisted the team remained focused.

“Unfortunately, we’ve been tested in the realm of guys not being available for

whatever reason all season long,” Helfrich said. “And our guys have stepped up.”

The loss of Carrington is particularly difficult for the Ducks, who are already short at receiver for Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Marcus Mariota.

The players were tested before the team’s Rose Bowl appearance, a person with direct knowledge of the tests told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because of student privacy rules.

The NCAA conducts random drug testing for championship events and bowl games. Those tests can be done before or after an event and the school is given no notice about how many players will be tested.

A failed test for recre-

ational drugs results in the NCAA requiring the school to declare the player ineligible. The penalty for a failed test is 50 percent of a season, which means Carrington could miss up to five games next year. The national championship would have been Forde’s last game.

Oregon can appeal the NCAA ruling. But on Saturday, Oregon coaches and players said they were moving forward without Carrington and Forde.

“I think anytime you put something in your body that doesn’t belong there it’s a bad decision,” Oregon offensive coordinator Scott Frost said.

Not having Carrington leaves the Ducks down two key wide receivers against Ohio State.

DALLAS (AP) – When Urban Meyer took a year off from coaching, he made a trip to Oregon to visit a friend – then-Ducks defensive coordinator Nick Aliotti – and to find out how Chip Kelly was running the show in Eugene.

Both Meyer and Kelly had an affinity for spread offenses, but Xs and Os were not necessarily Meyer’s most important takeaway. Oregon had become a program in synch from top to bottom, from ball boys to the quarterbacks.

Some of the former Oregon coach’s methods were nothing like what Meyer would have ever considered, but everyone on campus seemed to be buying in.

“You know, you go in (to Oregon’s practices), they are playing ‘Lion King’ music,” Meyer said. “They have like a DJ at practice, bizarre stuff now. I remember even I was like, ‘What is this?’”

It was nothing like what Meyer’s mentor, former Ohio State coach Earle Bruce had ever done, but now it is part of the Buckeyes’ routine. Leading into the Michigan game, LL Cool J’s “It’s Time for War” was blaring at practice to get the Buckeyes pumped.

After Ohio State beat Alabama to earn a spot opposite Oregon in the first College Football Playoff national championship game on Monday night, Meyer spoke so glowingly about how well the two programs know each other some might have thought the coaches were exchanging Christmas cards.

Not quite.

“I think that was the rela-

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Ohio State coach Urban Meyer, center, talks to his team at the Superdome in New Orleans prior to last week’s Sugar Bowl. tionship that Chip and Urban had, I’m not privy to that. But we’re very friendly,” Oregon coach Mark Helfrich said earlier this week with a smile. “It depends on how much we know the other party, but we try to gather more information than we send out.”

Sharing of ideas is fairly common in college football.

Out-of-work coaches, as Meyer was in 2011, often make campus tours to keep up on best practices and new strategies. Coaches bounce from team to team, making friends, and then share with those friends.

“That’s the great thing about what college coaches do that I don’t think they do at the next level,” Ohio State co-defensive coordinator Luke Fickell said Saturday during media day at the convention center in Dallas.

Oregon, however, is not big on sharing. Which means Meyer may be one of a precious few who’ve had a recent glance at the program.

“I don’t know that it really helps,” Fickell said about Meyer’s familiarity with Oregon. Fickell said it takes more than just a visit to

practice to know what makes a program tick, and how a team will react in the fourth quarter of a tight game.

Oregon offensive coordinator Scott Frost said the Ducks tend to keep to themselves because they didn’t seem to be getting as much as they were giving in the idea exchange. Oregon considers itself cutting edge and its up-tempo spread offense has inspired a legion of copy cats.

“I know we feel good about what we do,” Oregon receivers coach Matt Lubick said. “We don’t want other teams coming in, especially competitors, and knowing what we’re doing.”

Of course, there are only so many secrets you can keep when every game is recorded.

“Everyone gets film. People can study your film and get ideas from that,” Lubick said. “Matter of fact, I was on the other side of this.

When I was at Duke I used to study Oregon film. But you can only get so much from film. It’s the way you practice. It’s the way you implement. It’s all the different nuances. That’s hard to figure out.”

Gushers&Dusters, D2 • Livestock Markets, D2 • On the Docket, D3 Victoria Advocate•Sunday, January 11, 2015

SECTIO N

D

YOUR MONEY

Classifieds section starts on D4

HOUSING

HOME PRICES HEAD UPWARD

FRANK TILLEY/ FTILLEY@VICAD.COM

Seven truck loads of rock were shipped in for the exterior wall finish on this new home construction

by David Hurst in the Spring Ridge addition off Parsons Road on Aug. 28.

Slow rising of home values points to weak housing demand WASHINGTON (AP) – U.S. home values rose at a measured pace in November, a sign that demand remains weak as many buyers have been priced out of the market.

Prices increased 5.5 percent in November compared with 12 months earlier, real estate provider CoreLogic said Tuesday. That was up slightly from October’s year-over-year increase of 5.4 percent, which was revised downward from a previously reported 6.1 percent.

The housing market faces an affordability crunch.

Many potential buyers were sidelined by double-digit home price gains in 2013, which eclipsed average wage growth of roughly 2 percent. That affordability gap caused sales to slide in 2014, restraining price growth in recent months.

CoreLogic projects that price growth will remain mild as the U.S. real estate market continues to recover from the lows reached after the Great Recession. Nationwide, home prices remain 12.9 percent below their April 2006 peak.

SEE HOME, D3

BUILDING REPOR T This is a listing of building permits issued by the city of Victoria from Jan. 1 to Jan. 7 for new commercial, commercial remodeling, new residential construction and manufactured homes.

Commercial A&A Contractors, permit for County of Victoria, 9406 N.E. Zac Lentz Parkway, $693,200.

I Chaparral Portable Buildings, permit for The Landing, 1202 Mallette Drive, $8,505.

I

Residential I

There were no residential permits reported for this week.

Manufactured Homes I

There were no manufactured home placements reported for this week.

Building values listed in this graphic are based on averages used by the city to assess fees charged builders for construction permits. The estimated costs do not necessarily reflect actual sale values or values used to figure property taxes. The city requires permits to be issued when new or used mobile homes are moved to or within the city.

Victoria price tags see hike due to costs, economy JESSICA RODRIGO

year over year.

“It’s hard to produce something in this market at below $200,000,” Swearingen said.

By the time builders can develop a lot, build the home and pay their crews the profit margins shrink.

Platinum Home Investments owner Brian Ferguson, said the cost of labor and materials have steadily increased, but it’s an increase seen across the board. The cost of food, clothes, entertainment and living expenses have gone up,

JRODRIGO@VICAD.COM

Positive growth and a rise in building costs are a few of the reasons behind the spike in home prices, said one Victoria real estate broker.

Lee Swearingen, a president of Coldwell Banker and the Ron Brown Company, said a strong economy, job market and relationship with the Eagle Ford Shale activity are more reasons the housing market has seen prices grow

NEW DIGS

too, he said.

Remodeling homes requires labor and materials, which he said will eat up the potential profit margin for existing homes, too.

“I don’t think you’ll find a builder that can build new homes at that price,” Ferguson said.

Before the oil boom in Victoria, he said the economy was in good shape for buying or selling homes.

SEE VICTORIA, D2

MY FIRST JOB

DATE BOOK

Super Donuts serving kolaches, sweets since September Super Donuts opened for business Sept. 28 at 7905 N. Navarro St. Suite 212.

The new donut and coffee shop sells kolaches, croissants, breakfast tacos and sandwiches.

Hours are 5 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Monday through Saturday and 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call 361-574-7941.

MONDAY LUNCH AND LEARN WITH THE MASTERS - SELECTION AND CARE OF TREES IN YOUR LANDSCAPE Dr. Pattie Dodson Public Health Center I 2805 N. Navarro St., Victoria I Noon I For information, call the Victoria County Extension Office at 361-575-4581.

I

CLA ESTATE PLANNING WORKSHOP

Homewood Suites 6705 N.E. Zac Lentz Parkway, Victoria I 1 p.m.

I For information or to reserve a seat, call 1-866-252-8721 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Seating is limited.

I I

TUESDAY TECH BASICS: MICROSOFT WORD PART I

New Digs features new businesses in the Crossroads. If you know of a new business or recent relocation, send a photo, address and business information to jrodrigo@vicad.com.

I I

Victoria Public Library 302 N. Main St., Victoria

SEE DATE BOOK, D2

Name: Richard Rodriguez Age: 23 City of residence: Victoria Current title: Owner of Elite Fitness First job: Worked as a server at Golden Corral I What it taught me: That job taught me how to be a people person. I was paid in tips, so it was really hard work. I Rodriguez earned enough there to open up my gym.

I I I I I

My First Job is a feature that highlights a person’s first job and what they learned from the experience. Send details of your first job to jrodrigo@vicad.com, but please limit responses to 100 words or fewer. Responses may be edited for style, content or length. A photo of the jobholder accompanies the feature.

CITY EDITOR: TONY BALANDRAN, TBALANDRAN@VICAD.COM; PRESENTATION EDITOR: KIMIKO FIEG, KFIEG@VICAD.COM; COPY EDITOR: J.R. ORTEGA, JRORTEGA@VICAD.COM

D2 — VICTORIA ADVOCATE, Sunday, January 11, 2015

VictoriaAdvocate.com

YOUR MONEY

PAGE DESIGNER: KIMIKO FIEG, KFIEG@ VICAD.COM; COPY EDITOR: J.R. ORTEGA, JRORTEGA@VICAD.COM

GUSHERS&DUSTERS Editor's Note: Gushers and Dusters is compiled from reports filed by oil and gas operators with the Texas Railroad Commission in Austin. The Advocate does not independently verify the information reported.

LOCATIONREPORTS Recent Recent location location reports reports for for the the Advocate Advocate readership readership area. area.

DEWITT COUNTY

District: 2 API No.: 42-123-33928 Classification: Classification: Fld. Fid. Dev. Dev. and and Horizontal Horizontal Operator: Operator: BHP BHP Billiton Billiton Pet Pet (TXLA (TXLA Op) Op) Co. Co. Lease Lease Name: Name: Wagner Wagner B B Well Well No.: No.: 8H 8H Field Field Name: Name: Eagleville Eagleville (Eagle (Eagle FordFord2) 2) Total Total Depth: Depth: 14,000 14,000 feet feet Direction Direction and and Miles: Miles: 2.84 2.84 miles miles SE. SE. of of Westhoff Westhoff Survey Name: Name: J. J. Ross, Ross, A-413 A-413 Survey Acres: 607.35 607.35 Acres: API No.: 42-123-33926 Classification: Classification: Fld. Fid. Dev. Dev. and and Horizontal Horizontal Operator: Operator: BHP BHP Billiton Billiton Pet Pet (TXLA (TXLA Op) Op) Co. Co. Lease Lease Name: Name: Wagner Wagner B B Well Well No.: No.: 6H 6H Field Field Name: Name: Eagleville Eagleville (Eagle (Eagle FordFord2) 2) Total Total Depth: Depth: 14,000 14,000 feet feet Direction Direction and and Miles: Miles: 2.84 2.84 miles miles SE. SE. of of Westhoff Westhoff Survey Name: Name: J. J. Ross, Ross, A-413 A-413 Survey Acres: 607.35 607.35 Acres: API No.: 42-123-33927 Classification: Classification: Fld. Fid. Dev. Dev. and and Horizontal Horizontal Operator: Operator: BHP BHP Billiton Billiton Pet Pet (TXLA (TXLA Op) Op) Co. Co. Lease Lease Name: Name: Wagner Wagner B B Well Well No.: No.: 5H 5H Field Field Name: Name: Eagleville Eagleville (Eagle (Eagle FordFord2) 2) Total Total Depth: Depth: 14,000 14,000 feet feet Direction Direction and and Miles: Miles: 2.84 2.84 miles miles SE. SE. of of Westhoff Westhoff Survey Name: Name: J. J. Ross, Ross, A-413 A-413 Survey Acres: 607.35 607.35 Acres: API No.: 42-123-33918 Classification: Classification: Fld. Fid. Dev. Dev. and and Horizontal Horizontal Operator: Operator: BHP BHP Billiton Billiton Pet Pet (TXLA (TXLA Op) Op) Co. Co. Lease Lease Name: Name: Seifert Seifert A A Well Well No.: No.: 6H 6H Field Field Name: Name: Eagleville Eagleville (Eagle (Eagle FordFord2) 2) Total Total Depth: Depth: 14,000 14,000 feet feet Direction Direction and and Miles: Miles: 6.85 6.85 miles miles NW. NW. of of Nordheim Nordheim Survey Name: Name: F.N. F.N. Hackney, Hackney, A-650 A-650 Survey Acres: 298.47 298.47 Acres: API No.: 42-123-33917 Classification: Classification: Fld. Fid. Dev. Dev. and and Horizontal Horizontal Operator: Operator: BHP BHP Billiton Billiton Pet Pet (TXLA (TXLA Op) Op) Co. Co. Lease Lease Name: Name: Seifert Seifert B B Well Well No.: No.: 2H 2H Field Field Name: Name: Eagleville Eagleville (Eagle (Eagle FordFord2) 2) Total Total Depth: Depth: 14,000 14,000 feet feet Direction Direction and and Miles: Miles: 6.85 6.85 miles miles NW. NW. of of Nordheim Nordheim Survey Name: Name: F.N. FN. Hackney, Hackney, A-650 A-650 Survey Acres: 521.59 521.59 Acres: API No.: 42-123-33907 Classification: Classification: Fld. Fid. Dev. Dev. and and Horizontal Horizontal Operator: Operator: Pioneer Pioneer Natural Natural Res. Res. USA USA Inc. Inc. Lease Lease Name: Name: Metting Metting Neutzler Neutzler 01 01 Well Well No.: No.: 13H 13H Field Field Name: Name: DeWitt DeWitt (Eagle (Eagle Ford Ford Shale) Shale) Total Total Depth: Depth: 21,000 21,000 feet feet Direction Direction and and Miles: Miles: 3.51 3.51 miles miles W. W. of of Nordheim Nordheim Survey Survey Name: Name: W.G. W.G. Hill, Hill, A-223 A-223 Acres: Acres: 702 702 API No.: 42-123-33916 Classification: Classification: Fld. Fid. Dev. Dev. and and Horizontal Horizontal Operator: Operator: Pioneer Pioneer Natural Natural Res. Res. USA USA Inc. Inc. Lease Lease Name: Name: Metting Metting Neutzler Neutzler 01 01 Well Well No.: No.: 12H 12H Field Field Name: Name: DeWitt DeWitt (Eagle (Eagle Ford Ford Shale) Shale) Total Total Depth: Depth: 21,000 21,000 feet feet Direction Direction and and Miles: Miles: 3.5 3.5 miles miles W. W. of of Nordheim Nordheim Survey Survey Name: Name: W.G. W.G. Hill, Hill, A-223 A-223

Acres: Acres: 702 702

RIG COUNT

PRICE PER BARREL

Week ending Jan. Weekending Jan. 22

Weekending Jan. 22 Week ending Jan. ......................$53.27

GONZALES COUNTY

District: 1 API No.: 42-177-33578 Classification: Classification: Fld. Fid. Dev. Dev. and and Horizontal Horizontal Operator: Operator: Battlecat Battlecat Oil Oil and and Gas Gas Lease Lease Name: Name: Bobcat Bobcat Well Well No.: No.: 1H 1H Field Field Name: Name: Eagleville Eagleville (Eagle (Eagle FordFord1) 1) Total Total Depth: Depth: 14,000 14,000 feet feet Direction Direction and and Miles: Miles: 6.4 6.4 miles miles SW. SW. of of Gonzales Gonzales Survey Survey Name: Name: N. N. Osborne, Osborne, A-368 A-368 Acres: Acres: 700 700 Karnes Karnes County County District: District: 22 API API No.: No.: 42-255-34402 42-255-34402 Classification: Classification: Fld. Fid. Dev. Dev. and and Horizontal Horizontal Operator: Operator: EnCana EnCana Oil Oil and and Gas Gas (USA) (USA) Inc. Inc. Lease Name: Name: Sprencel Sprencel ‘B’ 'B' Unit Unit Lease Well No.: No.: 4H 4H Well Field Name: Name: Eagleville Eagleville (Eagle (Eagle FordFordField 2) 2) Total Total Depth: Depth: 13,050 13,050 feet feet Direction Direction and and Miles: Miles: 3.8 3.8 miles miles NE. NE. of Karnes City of Karnes City Survey Survey Name: Name: L. L. Marcy, Marcy, A-214 A-214 Acres: 176.35 176.35 Acres: API No.: 42-255-34383 Classification: Classification: Fld. Fid. Dev. Dev. and and Horizontal Horizontal Operator: Operator: EnCana EnCana Oil Oil and and Gas Gas (USA) (USA) Inc. Inc. Lease Lease Name: Name: Monson Monson Unit Unit Well Well No.: No.: 7H 7H Field Field Name: Name: Eagleville Eagleville (Eagle (Eagle FordFord2) 2) Total Total Depth: Depth: 13,100 13,100 feet feet Direction Direction and and Miles: Miles: 4.5 4.5 miles miles E. E. of of Karnes Karnes City City Survey Survey Name: Name: E.L. E.L. Steckney, Steckney, A-272 A-272 Acres: 231.67 231.67 Acres: API No.: 42-255-34377 Classification: Classification: Fld. Fid. Dev. Dev. and and Horizontal Horizontal Operator: Operator: EnCana EnCana Oil Oil and and Gas Gas (USA) (USA) Inc. Inc. Lease Lease Name: Name: Monson Monson Unit Unit Well Well No.: No.: 6H 6H Field Field Name: Name: Eagleville Eagleville (Eagle (Eagle FordFord2) 2) Total Total Depth: Depth: 13,100 13,100 feet feet Direction Direction and and Miles: Miles: 4.5 4.5 miles miles E. E. of of Karnes Karnes City City Survey Name: Name: E.L. E.L. Steckney, Steckney, A-272 A-272 Survey Acres: 231.67 231.67 Acres: API No.: 42-255-34389 Classification: Classification: Fld. Fid. Dev. Dev. and and Horizontal Horizontal Operator: Operator: EnCana EnCana Oil Oil and and Gas Gas (USA) (USA) Inc. Inc. Lease Lease Name: Name: Burda Burda Collins Collins Unit Unit Well Well No.: No.: 19H 19H Field Field Name: Name: Eagleville Eagleville (Eagle (Eagle FordFord2) 2) Total Total Depth: Depth: 11,950 11,950 feet feet Direction Direction and and Miles: Miles: 2.2 2.2 miles miles NE. NE. of of Ecleto Ecleto Survey Name: Name: D. D. Austin, Austin, A-17 A-17 Survey Acres: 692.70 692.70 Acres: API No.: 42-255-34390 Classification: Classification: Fld. Fid. Dev. Dev. and and Horizontal Horizontal Operator: Operator: EnCana EnCana Oil Oil and and Gas Gas (USA) (USA) Inc. Inc. Lease Lease Name: Name: Burda Burda Collins Collins Unit Unit Well Well No.: No.: 20H 20H Field Field Name: Name: Eagleville Eagleville (Eagle (Eagle FordFord2) 2) Total Total Depth: Depth: 11,950 11,950 feet feet Direction Direction and and Miles: Miles: 2.2 2.2 miles miles NE. NE. of of Ecleto Ecleto Survey Name: Name: D. D. Austin, Austin, A-17 A-17 Survey Acres: 692.70 692.70 Acres: API No.: 42-255-34373 Classification: Fld. Fid. Dev. Dev. and and Classification: Horizontal Horizontal Operator: Operator: EnCana EnCana Oil Oil and and Gas Gas (USA) (USA) Inc. Inc. Lease Lease Name: Name: Burda Burda Collins Collins Unit Unit Well Well No.: No.: 14H 14H Field Field Name: Name: Eagleville Eagleville (Eagle (Eagle FordFord2) 2) Total Total Depth: Depth: 11,950 11,950 feet feet Direction Direction and and Miles: Miles: 1.7 1.7 miles miles NE. NE. of of Ecleto Ecleto Survey Name: Name: D. D. Austin, Austin, A-17 A-17 Survey Acres: 692.70 692.70 Acres: API No.: 42-255-34387 Classification: Fld. Fid. Dev. Dev. and and Classification: Horizontal Horizontal Operator: Operator: EnCana EnCana Oil Oil and and Gas Gas (USA) (USA) Inc. Inc. Lease Lease Name: Name: Dromgoole Dromgoole ‘B’ 'B' Unit Unit Well Well No.: No.: 6H 6H Field Field Name: Name: Eagleville Eagleville (Eagle (Eagle FordFord2) 2) Total Total Depth: Depth: 12,535 12,535 feet feet Direction and Miles: Miles: 4.1 miles miles NE. NE. Direction

..........................

N/A

Week ending Jan. Weekending Jan. 99 ..........................

N/A

The The rig rig count countincludes includes the the number number of of active drilling drilling rigs rigs in in Victoria, Victoria, Goliad, Goliad, active Gonzales, Calhoun, Calhoun, Jackson, Jackson, Bee, Bee, RefuRefuGonzales, gio, DeWitt, DeWitt, Lavaca, Lavaca, Wharton, Wharton, Karnes Karnes gio, and Matagorda Matagorda counties. counties. and

of of Karnes Karnes City City Survey Survey Name: Name: E.L. E.L. Steckney, Steckney, A-272 A-272 Acres: Acres: 230.95 230.95 API No.: 42-255-34386 Classification: Classification: Fld. Fid. Dev. Dev. and and Horizontal Horizontal Operator: Operator: EnCana EnCana Oil Oil and and Gas Gas (USA) (USA) Inc. Inc. Lease Lease Name: Name: Dromgoole Dromgoole ‘B’ 'B' Unit Unit Well Well No.: No.: 5H 5H Field Field Name: Name: Eagleville Eagleville (Eagle (Eagle FordFord2) 2) Total Total Depth: Depth: 12,535 12,535 feet feet Direction Direction and and Miles: Miles: 4.1 4.1 miles miles NE. NE. of of Karnes Karnes City City Survey Survey Name: Name: A. A. Soto, Soto, A-260 A-260 Acres: Acres: 230.95 230.95 API No.: 42-255-34385 Classification: Classification: Fld. Fid. Dev. Dev. and and Horizontal Horizontal Operator: Operator: EnCana EnCana Oil Oil and and Gas Gas (USA) (USA) Inc. Inc. Lease Lease Name: Name: Dromgoole Dromgoole ‘A’ 'A Unit Unit Well Well No.: No.: 7H 7H Field Field Name: Name: Eagleville Eagleville (Eagle (Eagle FordFord2) 2) Total Total Depth: Depth: 14,435 14,435 feet feet Direction Direction and and Miles: Miles: 4.1 4.1 miles miles NE. NE. of of Karnes Karnes City City Survey Name: Name: A. A. Soto, Soto, A-260 A-260 Survey Acres: 226.60 226.60 Acres: API No.: 42-255-34381 Classification: Classification: Fld. Fid. Dev. Dev. and and Horizontal Horizontal Operator: Operator: EnCana EnCana Oil Oil and and Gas Gas (USA) (USA) Inc. Inc. Lease Lease Name: Name: Dromgoole Dromgoole ‘A’ 'A Unit Unit Well Well No.: No.: 5H 5H Field Field Name: Name: Eagleville Eagleville (Eagle (Eagle FordFord2) 2) Total Total Depth: Depth: 13,050 13,050 feet feet Direction Direction and and Miles: Miles: 3.8 3.8 miles miles NE. NE. of of Karnes Karnes City City Survey Name: Name: L. L. Marcy, Marcy, A-214 A-214 Survey Acres: 226.60 226.60 Acres: API No.: 42-255-34450 Classification: Classification: Fld. Fid. Dev. Dev. and and Horizontal Horizontal Operator: Operator: Marathon Marathon Oil Oil EF EF Lease Lease Name: Name: Medina-Jonas Medina-Jonas Unit Unit A A Well Well No.: No.: 501H 501H Field Field Name: Name: Eagleville Eagleville (Eagle (Eagle FordFord2) 2) Total Total Depth: Depth: 19,000 19,000 feet feet Direction Direction and and Miles: Miles: 44 miles miles SW. SW. of of Karnes Karnes City City Survey Survey Name: Name: D.E. D.E. Seguin, Seguin, A-10 A-10 Acres: 404.43 404.43 Acres: API No.: 42-255-34446 Classification: Classification: Fld. Fid. Dev. Dev. and and Horizontal Horizontal Operator: Operator: Marathon Marathon Oil Oil EF EF Lease Lease Name: Name: Medina-Jonas Medina-Jonas Unit Unit A A Well Well No.: No.: 3H 3H Field Field Name: Name: Eagleville Eagleville (Eagle (Eagle FordFord2) 2) Total Total Depth: Depth: 19,000 19,000 feet feet Direction Direction and and Miles: Miles: 44 miles miles SW. SW. of of Karnes City Karnes City Survey Survey Name: Name: T.G. T.G. Butler, Butler, A-429 A-429 Acres: 404.43 404.43 Acres: API No.: 42-255-34352 Classification: Classification: Fld. Fid. Dev. Dev. and and Horizontal Horizontal Operator: Operator: Pioneer Pioneer Natural Natural Res. Res. USA USA Inc. Inc. Lease Lease Name: Name: Schendel Schendel 02 02 Well Well No.: No.: 14H 14H Field Field Name: Name: Sugarkane Sugarkane (Eagle (Eagle Ford) Ford) Total Total Depth: Depth: 21,000 21,000 feet feet Direction Direction and and Miles: Miles: 2.4 2.4 miles miles W. W. of of Runge Runge Survey Survey Name: Name: R. R. Musquiz, Musquiz, A-7 A-7 Acres: Acres: 851.19 851.19 API No.: 42-255-34448 Classification: Classification: Fld. Fid. Dev. Dev. and and Horizontal Horizontal Operator: Operator: Statoil Statoil Texas Texas Onshore Onshore Prop Prop Lease Lease Name: Name: Buzzard Buzzard Vista Vista A A Well Well No.: No.: D6H D6H Field Field Name: Name: Sugarkane Sugarkane (Eagle (Eagle Ford) Ford) Total Total Depth: Depth: 13,500 13,500 feet feet Direction Direction and and Miles: Miles: 1.35 1.35 miles miles SE. SE.

Week ending Jan. Weekending Jan. 99 ......................$48.79 Price per per barrel barrel figures figures are are provided provided Price from New New York York by by the the Associated Associated Press Press from and reflect reflect the the cash cash F.O.B. F.O.B. price price of ofWest West and Texas Intermediate, Intermediate, the thebenchmark benchmark Texas grade of U.S. crude oil. grade of U.S. crude oil.

of of Kenedy Kenedy Survey Survey Name: Name: C. C. Martinez, Martinez, A-6 A-6 Acres: Acres: 610.80 610.80 API No.: 42-255-34447 Classification: Classification: Fld. Fid. Dev. Dev. and and Horizontal Horizontal Operator: Operator: Statoil Statoil Texas Texas Onshore Onshore Prop Prop Lease Lease Name: Name: Buzzard Buzzard Vista Vista A A Well Well No.: No.: D5H D5H Field Name: Name: Sugarkane Sugarkane (Eagle (Eagle Field Ford) Ford) Total Total Depth: Depth: 13,500 13,500 feet feet Direction and and Miles: Miles: 1.35 1.35 miles miles SE. SE. Direction of of Kenedy Kenedy Survey Survey Name: Name: C. C. Martinez, Martinez, A-6 A-6 Acres: 610.80 610.80 Acres:

LAVACA COUNTY

District: 2 API No.: 42-285-33953 Classification: Classification: Wildcat Wildcat Operator: Operator: Trio Trio Consulting Consulting and and Management Management Lease Lease Name: Name: Dworsky-Haas Dworsky-Haas Well Well No.: No.: 11 Field Field Name: Name: Wildcat Wildcat Total Total Depth: Depth: 11,600 11,600 feet feet Direction Direction and and Miles: Miles: 44 miles miles SW. SW. of of Hallettsville Hallettsville Survey Survey Name: Name: A. A. Sherrill, Sherrill, A-399 A-399 Acres: Acres: 40 40

REFUGIO COUNTY

District: 2 API No.: 42-391-33050 Classification: Classification: Fld. Fid. Dev. Dev. and and Recompletion Recompletion Operator: Operator: Hilcorp Hilcorp Energy Energy Company Company Lease Lease Name: Name: Thomas Thomas O’Connor O'Connor ‘B’ 'B' Well Well No.: No.: 58 58 Field Field Name: Name: Mary Mary Ellen Ellen O’Connor O'Connor (FQ-25) (FQ-25) Total Total Depth: Depth: 6,689 6,689 feet feet Direction Direction and and Miles: Miles: 99 miles miles NE. NE. of of Refugio Refugio Survey Survey Name: Name: T. T. O’Connor, O'Connor, A-240 A-240 Acres: Acres: 4,000 4,000

VICTORIA COUNTY

District: 2 API No.: 42-469-34331 Classification: Classification: Fld. Fid. Dev. Dev. Operator: Operator: Pintail Pintail Oil Oil and and Gas Gas LLC LLC Lease Lease Name: Name: Repka-Kilgore Repka-Kilgore Unit Unit 22 Well Well No.: No.: 44 Field Field Name: Name: Koontz Koontz Total Depth: Depth: 5,100 5,100 feet feet Total Direction Direction and and Miles: Miles: 8.6 8.6 miles miles NE. NE. of of Placedo Placedo Survey Survey Name: Name: A. De De Leon, Leon, A-63 A-63 Acres: Acres: 60 60 API No.: 42-469-34329 Classification: Classification: Fld. Fid. Dev. Dev. Operator: Operator: Pintail Pintail Oil Oil and and Gas Gas LLC LLC Lease Lease Name: Name: Repka-Kilgore Repka-Kilgore Unit Unit 22 Well Well No.: No.: 22 Field Field Name: Name: Koontz Koontz Total Total Depth: Depth: 7,100 7,100 feet feet Direction Direction and and Miles: Miles: 8.6 8.6 miles miles NE. NE. of of Placedo Placedo Survey Survey Name: Name: A. A. De De Leon, Leon, A-63 A-63 Acres: Acres: 60 60

WHARTON COUNTY

District: 3 API No.: 42-481-35367 Classification: Classification: Fld. Fid. Dev. Dev. Operator: Operator: Ricochet Ricochet Energy Energy Inc. Inc. Lease Lease Name: Name: Swisher Swisher Well Well No.: No.: 11 Field Field Name: Name: Pierce Pierce Ranch Ranch Total Total Depth: Depth: 12,500 12,500 feet feet Direction Direction and and Miles: Miles: 6.5 6.5 miles miles NE. NE. of of El El Campo Campo Survey Survey Name: Name: J.M. J.M. Swisher, Swisher, Section Section 1, 1, A-693 A-693 Acres: Acres: 286.34 286.34 Oil Oil and and Gas Gas Completion Completion Recent Recent oil oil and and gas gas completions completions for for the the Advocate Advocate readership readership area. area.

DEWITT COUNTY

District: 2 API No.: 42-123-33462 Classification: Classification: Fld. Fid. Dev. Dev. and and Horizontal Horizontal

Operator: Operator: Burlington Burlington Resources Resources O O and G Co. Co. and G Lease Lease Name: Name: Rucka Rucka Unit Unit A A Well Well No.: No.: 55 Field Field Name: Name: Eagleville Eagleville (Eagle (Eagle FordFord2) 2) Survey Survey Name: Name: I.W. I.W. Griffin, Griffin, A-630 A-630 Direction Direction and and Miles: Miles: 9.8 9.8 miles miles SW. SW. of of Westhoff Westhoff Oil: Oil: 597 597 MCF: MCF: 645 645 Choke Choke Size: Size: 10/64 10/64 of of an an inch inch Flowing: Flowing: Yes Yes Tubing Pressure: Pressure: 5,934 5,934 Tubing Total Depth: Depth: 17,770 17,770 feet feet Total Perforations: 12,788-17,551 12,788-17,551 feet feet Perforations: API No.: 42-123-33432 Classification: Classification: Fld. Fid. Dev. Dev. and and Horizontal Horizontal Operator: Operator: Burlington Burlington Resources Resources O O and G Co. Co. and G Lease Lease Name: Name: Rucka Rucka Unit Unit A A Well Well No.: No.: 44 Field Field Name: Name: Eagleville Eagleville (Eagle (Eagle FordFord2) 2) Survey Survey Name: Name: I.W. I.W. Griffin, Griffin, A-630 A-630 Direction Direction and and Miles: Miles: 9.8 9.8 miles miles SW. SW. of of Westhoff Westhoff Oil: Oil: 593 593 MCF: MCF: 586 586 Choke Choke Size: Size: 10/64 10/64 of of an an inch inch Flowing: Flowing: Yes Yes Tubing Tubing Pressure: Pressure: 6,076 6,076 Total Depth: Depth: 17,687 17,687 feet feet Total Perforations: 12,751-17,401 12,751-17,401 feet feet Perforations: API No.: 42-123-33431 Classification: Classification: Fld. Fid. Dev. Dev. and and Horizontal Horizontal Operator: Operator: Burlington Burlington Resources Resources O O and G Co. Co. and G Lease Lease Name: Name: Rucka Rucka Unit Unit A A Well Well No.: No.: 33 Field Field Name: Name: Eagleville Eagleville (Eagle (Eagle FordFord2) 2) Survey Survey Name: Name: I.W. I.W. Griffin, Griffin, A-630 A-630 Direction Direction and and Miles: Miles: 9.8 9.8 miles miles SW. SW. of of Westhoff Westhoff Oil: Oil: 492 492 MCF: MCF: 529 529 Choke Choke Size: Size: 10/64 10/64 of of an an inch inch Flowing: Flowing: Yes Yes Tubing Tubing Pressure: Pressure: 5,941 5,941 Total Depth: Depth: 17,768 17,768 feet feet Total Perforations: 12,767-17,569 12,767-17,569 feet feet Perforations: API No.: 42-123-33345 Classification: Classification: Fld. Fid. Dev. Dev. and and Horizontal Horizontal Operator: Operator: Devon Devon Energy Energy Production Production Co. Co. Lease Lease Name: Name: G. G. Baker Baker A A Well Well No.: No.: 8H 8H Field Field Name: Name: Eagleville Eagleville (Eagle (Eagle FordFord2) 2) Survey Survey Name: Name: T. T Mancha, Mancha, A-326 A-326 Direction Direction and and Miles: Miles: 9.93 9.93 miles miles NW. of Yorktown NW. of Yorktown Oil: Oil: 1,953 1,953 MCF: MCF: 2,296 2,296 Choke Choke Size: Size: 15/64 15/64 of of an an inch inch Flowing: Flowing: Yes Yes Tubing Pressure: Pressure: 5,900 5,900 Tubing Total Depth: Depth: 18,315 18,315 feet feet Total Plug Back Back Depth: Depth: 18,201 18,201 feet feet Plug Perforations: 12,967-18,192 12,967-18,192 feet feet Perforations: API No.: 42-123-33344 Classification: Fld. Fid. Dev. Dev. and and Classification: Horizontal Horizontal Operator: Operator: Devon Devon Energy Energy Production Production Co. Co. Lease Lease Name: Name: G. G. Baker Baker A A Well Well No.: No.: 7H 7H Field Field Name: Name: Eagleville Eagleville (Eagle (Eagle FordFord2) 2) Survey Survey Name: Name: T. T Mancha, Mancha, A-326 A-326 Direction Direction and and Miles: Miles: 9.93 9.93 miles miles NW. NW. of of Yorktown Yorktown Oil: Oil: 1,271 1,271 MCF: MCF: 2,287 2,287 Choke Choke Size: Size: 15/64 15/64 of of an an inch inch Flowing: Flowing: Yes Yes Tubing Pressure: Pressure: 5,700 5,700 Tubing Total Depth: Depth: 18,301 18,301 feet feet Total Plug Back Back Depth: Depth: 18,192 18,192 feet feet Plug Perforations: 12,843-18,187 12,843-18,187 feet feet Perforations: API No.: 42-123-33343 Classification: Classification: Fld. Fid. Dev. Dev. and and Horizontal Horizontal Operator: Operator: Devon Devon Energy Energy Production Production Co. Co. Lease Lease Name: Name: G. G. Baker Baker A A Well Well No.: No.: 6H 6H Field Field Name: Name: Eagleville Eagleville (Eagle (Eagle FordFord2) 2) Survey Survey Name: Name: T. T Mancha, Mancha, A-326 A-326 Direction Direction and and Miles: Miles: 9.93 9.93 miles miles NW. of Yorktown NW. of Yorktown Oil: Oil: 1,286 1,286 MCF: MCF: 2,288 2,288 Choke Choke Size: Size: 15/64 15/64 of of an an inch inch Flowing: Flowing: Yes Yes Tubing Pressure: Pressure: 5,600 5,600 Tubing Total Depth: Depth: 18,399 18,399 feet feet Total Plug Back Back Depth: Depth: 18,293 18,293 feet feet Plug Perforations: 12,824-17,983 12,824-17,983 feet feet Perforations:

KARNES COUNTY

District: 2 API No.: 42-255-33429 Classification: Fld. Fid. Dev. Dev. and and Classification: Horizontal Horizontal Operator: Operator: Burlington Burlington Resources Resources O O and G Co. Co. and G Lease Lease Name: Name: Nichols Nichols Unit Unit A A Well Well No.: No.: 22 Field Field Name: Name: Eagleville Eagleville (Eagle (Eagle FordFord2) 2) Survey Survey Name: Name: R. R. Musquiz, Musquiz, A-7 A-7 Direction Direction and and Miles: Miles: 1.8 1.8 miles miles SE. SE. of of Helena Helena Oil: Oil: 1,015 1,015 MCF: MCF: 1,532 1,532 Choke Choke Size: Size: 13/64 13/64 of of an an inch inch Flowing: Flowing: Yes Yes Tubing Pressure: Pressure: 5,795 5,795 Tubing Total Depth: Depth: 17,918 17,918 feet feet Total Perforations: 12,986-17,631 12,986-17,631 feet feet Perforations: API No.: 42-255-33375 Classification: Classification: Fld. Fid. Dev. Dev. and and Horizontal Horizontal Operator: Operator: Murphy Murphy Expl.

Expl. and and Prod.

Prod.

Co. Co. -- USA USA Lease Lease Name: Name: KC KC Unit Unit Well Well No.: No.: 6H 6H Field Field Name: Name: Eagleville Eagleville (Eagle (Eagle FordFord2) 2) Survey Survey Name: Name: R. R. Musquiz, Musquiz, A-7 A-7 Direction Direction and and Miles: Miles: 7.6 7.6 miles miles NE. NE. of Karnes City of Karnes City Oil: 510 Oil: 510 MCF: MCF: 425 425 Choke Choke Size: Size: 16/64 16/64 of of an an inch inch Flowing: Flowing: Yes Yes Tubing Tubing Pressure: Pressure: 1,157 1,157 Total Depth: Depth: 17,315 17,315 feet feet Total Perforations: 12,732-17,169 12,732-17,169 feet feet Perforations: API No.: 42-255-33374 Classification: Classification: Fld. Fid. Dev. Dev. and and Horizontal Horizontal Operator: Operator: Murphy Murphy Expl.

Expl. and and Prod.

Prod.

Co. Co. -- USA USA Lease Lease Name: Name: KC KC Unit Unit Well Well No.: No.: 5H 5H Field Field Name: Name: Eagleville Eagleville (Eagle (Eagle FordFord2) 2) Survey Survey Name: Name: R. R. Musquiz, Musquiz, A-7 A-7 Direction Direction and and Miles: Miles: 7.6 7.6 miles miles NE. NE. of of Karnes Karnes City City Oil: Oil: 442 442 MCF: MCF: 409 409 Choke Choke Size: Size: 9/64 9/64 of of an an inch inch Flowing: Flowing: Yes Yes Tubing Pressure: Pressure: 1,171 1,171 Tubing Total Depth: Depth: 16,991 16,991 feet feet Total Perforations: 12,310-16,888 12,310-16,888 feet feet Perforations: API No.: 42-255-32738 Classification: Fld. Fid. Dev. Dev. and and Classification: Horizontal Horizontal Operator: Operator: Murphy Murphy Expl. and and Prod.

Prod.

Co. Co. -- USA USA Lease Lease Name: Name: KC KC Unit Unit Well Well No.: No.: 1H 1H Field Field Name: Name: Eagleville Eagleville (Eagle (Eagle FordFord2) 2) Survey Survey Name: Name: R. R. Musquiz, Musquiz, A-7 A-7 Direction Direction and and Miles: Miles: 7.6 7.6 miles miles NE. NE. of of Karnes Karnes City City Oil: Oil: 468 468 MCF: MCF: 447 447 Choke Choke Size: Size: 15/64 15/64 of of an an inch inch Flowing: Flowing: Yes Yes Tubing Pressure: Pressure: 978 978 Tubing Total Depth: Depth: 17,200 17,200 feet feet Total Perforations: 12,283-17,046 12,283-17,046 feet feet Perforations:

REFUGIO COUNTY

District: 2 API No.: 42-391-33092 Classification: Fld. Fid. Dev. Dev. Classification: Operator: Great Great Bay Bay Operations Operations Operator: Lease Name: Name: Marberry Marberry B B Lease Well No.: No.: 88 Well Field Field Name: Name: McFaddin McFaddin (4,400) (4,400) Survey Survey Name: Name: J. J. Dunn, Dunn, A-24 A-24 Direction and and Miles: Miles: 8.42 8.42 miles miles W. W. Direction of of Tivoli Tivoli Oil: Oil: 75 75 MCF: 12 12 MCF: Choke Choke Size: Size: None None Pumping: Pumping: Yes Yes Total Depth: Depth: 5,900 5,900 feet feet Total Perforations: 4,468-4,474 4,468-4,474 feet feet Perforations:

VICTORIA COUNTY

API No.: 42-469-34326 Classification: Classification: Fld. Fid. Dev. Dev. Operator: Remora Remora Management Management Operator: Lease Name: Name: Keeran Keeran Ranch Ranch Lease Well No.: No.: 28 28 Well Field Field Name: Name: Keeran Keeran North North (4,700) (4,700) Survey Survey Name: Name: M. M. De De Leon, Leon, A-74 A-74 Direction and and Miles: Miles: 15.3 15.3 mils mils SE. SE. Direction of of Victoria Victoria Oil: Oil: 84 84 MCF: 32 32 MCF: Choke Size: Size: 12/64 12/64 of of an an inch inch Choke Flowing: Yes Yes Flowing: Tubing Pressure: Pressure: 320 320 Tubing Total Depth: Depth: 4,944 4,944 feet feet Total Plug Back Back Depth: Depth: 4,923 4,923 feet feet Plug Perforations: 4,802-4,804 4,802-4,804 feet feet Perforations:

LIVESTOCK MARKETS BEEVILLE

None reported

CUERO

Jan. 9 I Receipts: Receipts: 463 463 I Had Had 89 89 cows cows and and 14 14 bulls. bulls. The The packer packer market market was was much much higher higher to to start start off off the the new new year. year. Packer Packer cows cows and and bulls bulls were were up up as as much much as as $5 $5 to to $6. $6.

I The The calf calf market market started started off off the the new new year year with with aa good good showing showing as as prices prices were were stronger stronger by by $4 $4 to to $5 $5 in in almost almost every every class. class. Lighter Lighter classes classes continue continue to to sell sell really really well. well. Overall Overall market market was was exceptional exceptional on on aa short short run run of of cattle. cattle.

I Packer weights, Packer bulls: bulls: Heavy Heavyweights, $120-$141; $120-$141; lower lower grades, grades, $89$89$116. $116.

I Packer and Packer cows: cows: canners cannersand cutters, cutters, $89-$120; $89-$120; light light and and weak, weak, $78-$93. $78-$93.

I Palpated Palpated dry dry cows cows (10 (10 head head bred): bred): $125-$174; $125-$174; pairs pairs (1): (1): $2,550. $2,550.

I Steer Steer calves: calves: (under (under 200) 200) none; none; (200-250) (200-250) $380; $380; (250-300) (250-300)

$290-$360; $290-$360; (300-350) (300-350) $356$356$380;(350-400) $380;(350-400) $326-$370; $326-$370; (400(400450) 450) $307-$355; $307-$355; (450-500) (450-500) $314$314$328; $328; (500-550) (500-550) $247-$318; $247-$318; (550(550600) 600) $230-$274;(600-700) $230-$274;(600-700) $233$233$248; $248; (700-800) (700-800) $206-$218. $206-$218.

I Bull Bull Calves: Calves: (under (under 250) 250) $414-$430; $414-$430; (250-300) (250-300) $326-$400; $326-$400; (300-350) (300-350) $345-$370; $345-$370; (350-400) (350-400) $320-$352; $320-$352; (400-450) (400-450) $315-$355; $315-$355; (450-500) (450-500) $284-$342; $284-$342; (500-600) (500-600) $261-$316; $261-$316; (550-600) (550-600) $235$235$270;(600-700) $270;(600-700) $224-$244; $224-$244; (700(700800) 800) $188-$210. $188-$210.

I Heifer Heifer Calves: Calves: (under (under 200) 200) $414-$450; $414-$450; (200-250) (200-250) $379-$414; $379-$414; (250-300) $304-$394; $304-$394; (300-350) (300-350) (250-300) $303-$335; (350-400) (350-400) $287-$362; $287-$362; $303-$335; (400-450) $280-$397.50; $280-$397.50; (450(450(400-450) 500) $259-$284; $259-$284; (500-600) (500-600) $244$244500) $262; (550-600) (550-600) $235-$262;(600$235-$262;(600$262; 700) $235-$307.50; $235-$307.50; (700-800) (700-800) 700) $198-$208. $198-$208.

DATE BOOK: CONTINUED FROM D1 I 9:30 9:30 a.m. a.m.

For information, information, call call 361-485-3302 361-485-3302 I For

or or visit visit victoriapubliclibrary.org. victoriapubliclibrary.org.

WEDNESDAY

TEXAS COMPTROLLER UNCLAIMED FUND

I Dr. Dr. Pattie Pattie Dodson Dodson Public Public Health Health Cen-

ter ter I 2805 2805 N. N. Navarro Navarro St., St., Victoria Victoria I 10 10 a.m. a.m.

I For For information, information, call call the the Victoria Victoria

County County treasurers treasurers office, office, at at 361-575-8588.

361-575-8588.

EDNA

Jan. 5 I Receipts: Receipts: 264 264 I Steers: Steers: (200-300) (200-300) $275-$350; $275-$350; (300-400) (300-400) $318-$376; $318-$376; (400-500) (400-500) $288-$347; $288-$347; (500-600) (500-600) $261-$288; $261-$288;

(600-700) (600-700) $221-$250; $221-$250; and and (700 (700 and $179-$194. and up) up)$179-$194.

I Heifers: Heifers: (200-300) (200-300) $293-$330; $293-$330; (300-400) (300-400) $255-$310; $255-$310; (400-500) (400-500) $252-$340; $252-$340; (500-600) (500-600) $238-$302; $238-$302; (600-700) (600-700) $215-$268; $215-$268; (700 (700 and and up)$164-$183. up) $164-$183.

I Stockers Stackers pairs: pairs: $1,670-$1,950; $1,670-$1,950; Stocker Stacker cows: cows: $1,130-$1,850. $1,130-$1,850.

I Packer Packer cows: cows: (600-800) (600-800) $87$87$104; $104; and and (800 (800 and and up) up) $105$105$118. $118. Packer Packer bulls: bulls: (800 (800 and and up) up) $105-$128. $105-$128.

EL CAMPO

I None None reported reported

GONZALES

Jan. 3 I Receipts: Receipts: 254 254 cattle cattle Compared to to our our last last sale: sale: I Compared Calves and and yearlings yearlings sold sold steady. steady.

Calves Packer cows cows sold sold steady steady to to strong. strong.

Packer Stacker-feeder steers: Medium Medium I Stocker-feeder and large large frame frame No. 11 (150-300) (150-300) and $365-$420;(300-400) $320-$370; $320-$370; $365-$420;(300-400) (400-500) $275-$315; $275-$315; (500-600) (500-600) (400-500) $235-$265; (600-700) (600-700) $225-$230; $225-$230; $235-$265; (700-800) $215-$225. $215-$225.

(700-800) I Bull Bull yearlings: yearlings: (700-900) (700-900)

THURSDAY

TECH BASICS: MICROSOFT WORD PART II

I Victoria Victoria Public Public Library Library I 302 302 N. N. Main Main St., St., Victoria Victoria I Free Free I For For information, information, call call 361-485-3302 361-485-3302

or visit visit victoriapubliclibrary.org. victoriapubliclibrary.org. or

SATURDAY

VICTORIA COUNTY FARMERS MARKET

Dr. Pattie Pattie Dodson Dodson Public Public Health Health CenI Dr. ter ter I 2805 2805 N. N. Navarro Navarro St., St., Victoria Victoria I 99 a.m. a.m.

I Market Market may may be be canceled canceled due due to to inin-

clement clement weather. weather. For For information, information, call 361-550-8377.

361-550-8377. call

$145-$185. $145-$185.

Stacker-feeder heifers: heifers: I Stocker-feeder Medium and large large No. 11 (150-300) (150-300) Medium $275-$350; (300-400) (300-400) $260-$275; $260-$275; $275-$350; (400-500) $245-$255; $245-$255; (500-600) (500-600) (400-500) $230-$240; and and (600-700) (600-700) $200$200$230-$240; $215. $215.

I Packer Packer cows: cows: Good Good lean lean utility utility and and commercial, commercial, $94-112; $94-112; cutters, cutters, $110-$127; $110-$127; canners, canners, $75-$89; $75-$89; low low yielding yielding fat fat cows, cows, $98-$113. $98-$113.

I Packer Packer bulls: bulls: Yield Yield grade grade 1 1 and and 2, 2, good good heavy heavy bulls, bulls, $120-$128; $120-$128; light light weights weights and and medium medium quality quality bulls, bulls, $105-$115. $105-$115. Stocker Stacker cows, cows, $950-$2,600. $950-$2,600. Pairs, Pairs, $1,800$1,800$2,750. $2,750.

HALLETTSVILLE

Jan. 6 I Cattle Cattle on on Hand: Hand: 848 848 I Week Week ago: ago: No No sale; sale; Year Year ago: ago: 707 707 I Compared Compared to to last last week: week: Started Started the the new new year year on on aa very very strong strong market. market. Better Better quality quality classclasses es of of calves calves sold sold $6 $6 to to $10 $10 higher higher with with the the lighter lighter weights weights seeing seeing most most of of the the increase. increase.

I Packer Packer cows cows and and bulls bulls sold sold $1 $1

VICTORIA: CONTINUED FROM D1 There are a lot of buyers in the market for homes under $200,000 and he expects homes priced higher than that to be the first to taper off if the oil prices continue to drop.

“You’ll see the biggest change there,” Ferguson said.

“Every time you jump, you’re narrowing the market of buyers who can afford those home.”

He believes Victoria’s economy will remain strong, because

higher higher on on about about 180 180 head head total. total.

Packer cows: cows: Higher Higher dressing dressing I Packer utility and cutter cutter cows, cows, $106-$119; $106-$119; utility lower dressing dressing utility utility and cutter cutter lower cows, $87-$106; $87-$106; light light weight weight cancancows, ner cows, cows, $63-$87. $63-$87. ner I Packer Packer bulls: bulls: Heavyweight Heavyweight bulls, bulls, $126-$132; $126-$132; utility utility and and cutter cutter bulls, $112-$126; $112-$126; light light weight weight cancanbulls, ner bulls, bulls, $102-$112. $102-$112. ner Stacker and and feeder feeder calves calves and and I Stocker yearlings: No. No. 11 steer steer and and bull bull yearlings: calves, (under (under 200) 200) $375$375calves, $415;(200-300)$340-$400;(300$415;(200-300) $340-$400;(300400) $335-$405;(400-500) $335-$405;(400-500) $288$288400) $385; (500-600) (500-600) $234-$305;(600$234-$305;(600$385; 700) $226-$257.50;(700-800) $226-$257.50;(700-800) 700) $210-$247.50. $210-$247.50.

No. 11 Heifer Heifer calves: calves: (under (under I No. 200) $340-$400; $340-$400; (200-300) (200-300) $285$285200) $370;(300-400) $268-$322;(400$268-$322;(400$370;(300-400) 500) $238-$300;(500-600) $238-$300;(500-600) $218$218500) $268; (600-700) (600-700) $208-$238;(700$208-$238;(700$268; 800) $180-$215. $180-$215.

800)

KARNES CITY

None reported.

KARNES COUNTY

Jan. 8

there are a lot of other factors to consider outside of the oil and gas industry that will push the economy forward.

“Victoria is doing very well for everyone. Let’s just take advantage of it now and keep it going.”

Victoria’s proximity to the oil and gas activity in the Eagle Ford Shale saves the housing market from feeling a tight squeeze on the other end of the spectrum, Swearingen said. Prices won’t become an issue unless the price per barrel of oil stays at $50 for an extended period of time.

Swearingen expects the oil

I Cattle Cattle on on hand: hand: 278.

278. Market Market stronger stronger compared compared to to last last week. week.

I No. No. 11 steer steer and and bull bull calves: calves: (200-300) (200-300) $392-$420; $392-$420; (300-400) (300-400) $336-$410; $336-$410; (400-500) (400-500) $282-$325; $282-$325; (500-600) $246-$274; $246-$274; (600-700) (600-700) (500-600) $225-$240. $225-$240.

I No. No. 11 heifer heifer calves: calves: (200-300) (200-300) $281-$310; $281-$310; (300-400) (300-400) $287-$325; $287-$325; (400-500) (400-500) $247-$290; $247-$290; (500-600) (500-600) $233-$250; $233-$250; (600-700) (600-700) $207-$228. $207-$228.

I Stocker Stacker cows: cows: Good Good cows cows and and heifers, $1,600-$1,865; $1,600-$1,865; medium medium heifers, cows and and heifers, heifers, $1,350-$1,425; $1,350-$1,425; cows good cow/calf cow/calf pairs, $2,650; medimedigood um cow/calf cow/calf pairs, pairs, $1,700. $1,700. um Packer cows: cows: higher higher dressing dressing I Packer utility and cutter cutter cows, cows, $107-$114; $107-$114; utility lower dressing dressing utility utility and and cutter cutter lower cows, $94-$106; $94-$106; light light weight weight cancancows, ner cows, cows, $83-$92. $83-$92. ner Packer bulls: bulls: heavyweight heavyweight I Packer bulls, $122-$135; $122-$135; and and light light weight weight bulls, canner bulls, $101. $101. canner

NIXON

None reported

WHARTON

None reported

field activity to slow down a little bit, but not enough to hurt the housing market. Prices might roll back for existing homes, but not in new construction prices.

“If prices remain at this level for some time, it would affect the job and housing markets,” he said. “The oil and gas industry drives a lot of jobs around here.”

“If you’re saving a few bucks at the pump, you can probably go out and have another dinner out, but you can’t buy a house with the extra money in your pocket from that,” he said.

VICTORIA ADVOCATE, Sunday, January 11, 2015 — D3

VictoriaAdvocate.com PAGE DESIGNER: KIMIKO FIEG, KFIEG@ VICAD.COM; COPY EDITOR: J.R. ORTEGA, JRORTEGA@VICAD.COM

YOUR MONEY

IN GOOD COMPANY Oscar R. Flores, administrator at Retama Manor, was named the 2014 Outstanding Administrator of the Year for the state of Texas by the Texas Health Care Association. Flores has been at Retama Manor for 10 years and administrator for three years. He was speech-language pathologist and director of rehabilitation prior to becoming administrator.

Anita Rivas, with Retama Manor South, was awarded the Care Giver of the Year award in 2014 for the State of Texas. She has been working at Retama Manor South for six years.

Magen Besancon recent-

Flores

Rivas

ly was named the November Employee of the Month at the University of Houston-Victoria. She is the senior coordinator of student recruitment for the UHV School of Arts and Sciences and has worked at the university since 2007. She received a framed certificate and a $50 gift card.

Besancon

Kenney

Kristin Kenney has joined the University of Houston-Victoria as an admissions analyst. She reviews student application documents and advises applicants about what is needed for admission.

Ahmet Aksoy recently began work as a student life and services coordinator

Aksoy

Ward

for the University of Houston-Victoria. He oversees parent programs, student organizations and multicultural activities and assists with commencement proceedings. Aksoy previously worked as a public relations specialist for the Houston Community College Coleman College for Health Sci-

Bishop

Mendez

ences.

Mark Ward Sr., an assistant professor of communication at the University of Houston-Victoria, was competitively selected to present research papers on intercultural communication, organizational communication and leadership communication at the annual con-

vention of the Southern States Communication Association.

The convention will be April 8-12 in McCoy Tampa, Fla. Senior Helpers has announced the following caregivers achieved new levels of service with the company: Pamela Bishop, diamond, and Dalia Mendez, bronze.

Senior Helpers has also announced Alicia McCoy as the December 2014 caregiver of the month as well as the 2014 Caregiver of the Year.

ON THE DOCKET Editor’s Note: In an effort to keep readers better informed of civil court activity in the Crossroads, the Advocate will publish a monthly listing of all civil and criminal cases filed and disposed. Criminal cases for November are included this week.

CRIMINAL CASES DISPOSED IN NOVEMBER 2014 Barfield, Richard Edward” Barrientes, Daniel Beasley, Roderick Deshong Beasley, Roderick Deshong Briones, Martin Carbajal, Rodolfo Roland Carman, Sonia Margaret

3/6/1967 0:00 3/14/1966 5/29/1980 5/29/1980 10/14/1974 9/21/1966 9/28/1975

COMMON ABBREVIATIONS

Carmona, Silvia Castillo, Richard Angel Castillo, Richard Angel Cordil-Cortinas, Christopher Cuellar, Jose, Jr. Cuellar, Jose, Jr. Dailey, Jospeh Vern, II Decker, Daniel, Jr Farrior, Jodette Beth Ferrier, Rex Allen, Jr. Florida, John

12/11/1961 1/25/1990 1/25/1990 5/30/1990 5/16/1984 5/16/1984 5/23/1983 6/16/1985 3/7/1967 8/20/1977 8/26/1982

Fuller, Sharon Lynne Garza, Corina Crystal Garza, Ramon Jr Gomez, Arnold Lopez Gonzales, Mark Anthony Hamilton, Corey Wayne Hamilton, Corey Wayne HERNANDEZ, CARLOS

9/6/1969 12/8/1986 4/22/1978 11/7/1970 1/22/1987 7/14/1978 7/14/1978 9/26/1971

Herndon, Shaquil ONeal Jaquez, Angelica Maria Jaramillo, Lion Antonio Jenkins, Herbert Wayne Jimenez, Antonio Jovenal, Gregory Jovenal, Gregory Kitchens, Ernest Michael, Sr. Lamas, Daniel Lee, Deborah Ruth Madigan, Amy Gilliam Maples, Cameron Dakota Marin, Matthew Lee Martinez, Benny Perez, Jr. Martinez, Christopher Luke McBride, Ronald Arlen

10/3/1991 11/30/1988 4/16/1994 10/14/1964 8/15/1989 6/21/1986 6/21/1986 12/25/1978 2/24/1982 2/5/1961 2/4/1974 12/13/1994 8/13/1992 4/17/1983 7/17/1990 4/10/1952

McGraw, Richard Lee McMurtrey, Gene Mendoza, Oscar Rolando, Jr. Mosley, Edward Eugene Murillo, Jr Michael Andrew Pedraza, Matthew Noel Pena, Robert Benny Pena, Robert Benny Pereira, Adam Joseph

11/25/1947 11/14/1964 9/19/1975 8/28/1972 4/26/1990 12/14/1986 3/21/1978 3/21/1978 10/4/1984

Pereira, Adam Joseph Perry, Joshua William Piceynski, Christopher Dale Plata, Manuel Hernandez, III Quintero, Joaquin Daniel

10/4/1984 10/13/1989 10/23/1973 8/14/1989 7/14/1984

Quintero, Joaquin Daniel Renteria, Raymond Rhodes, Henry Lester, Jr. Rivera, Salome Rodriguez, Benjamin Ray Rodriguez, Roel Angel, Jr. Rodriquez, Zackary Mykle Rodriquez, Zackary Mykle Romero, Lorenzo Roel Rucker, Ernest Sanders, James Bradley Sanders, James Bradley Small, Matthew Joseph Suarez, Cruz Valdez, Eugenio Villarreal, Jovan Waite, Joshua Glenn Wallace-Dixon, Mary Ann Wilkins, Gavin Dennis Wilkins, Gavin Dennis Wilkins, Gavin Dennis Williams, Brittany Michel Windham, Timothy Paul Woods, Raymond Kyle Yendrey, Leslie Wayne

7/14/1984 9/13/1989 7/27/1961 11/17/1975 3/24/1985 10/16/1973 1/19/1994 1/19/1994 12/26/1994 3/31/1962 4/19/1990 4/19/1990 4/14/1996 6/13/1957 9/21/1952 8/3/1992 11/22/1990 12/7/1971 8/15/1978 8/15/1978 8/15/1978 7/29/1983 3/21/1979 10/1/1987 9/10/1961

I MAN

DEL CS - Manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance I POSS MARIJ - Possession of marijuana I ABANDON/ENDANGER CHILD CRIMINAL NEGLIGENCE - Abandoning/Endangering a child I THEFT STOLEN PRO- Theft I POSS CS - Possession of a controlled substance I AGG ASSAULT W/ DEADLY WEAPON - Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon I ASSAULT FAM/HOUSE MEM IMPEDE BREATH/CIRCULAT - Assault of a family/house member by impeding breath/circulation I TAMPER FABRICATE PHYSICAL EVID W/INTENT TO IMPAIR - Tampering with physical evidence with the intent to impair I UNL POSS FIREARM - Unlawful possession of a firearm I PREV CONV - Previous Conviction I VIOL OF BOD - Violation of bond I POSS TRANSPORT CHEMICAL W/INTENT TO IMPAIR - Possession/transport of a chemical with intent to impair I AGG - Aggravated I DOC - Document I FAM VIOL - Family violence I PROH - Prohibited I INJ-Injury

Defendants

Date of Birth

Offenses (Offense Date)

Case Number

POSS CS PG 1 <1G (06/24/2014) DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED 3RD OR MORE (01/01/2010) POSS CS PG 1 <1G (01/22/2014) THEFT STOLEN PROP>=$1,500<$20K (04/18/2014) INJURY CHILD/ELDERLY/DISABLE W/INT BODILY INJ (07/14/2014) BURGLARY OF BUILDING (04/12/2014) ABANDON ENDANGER CHILD CRIMINAL NEGLIGENCE (03/01/2014); ABANDON ENDANGER CHILD CRIMINAL NEGLIGENCE (03/01/2014); ABANDON ENDANGER CHILD CRIMINAL NEGLIGENCE (03/01/2014) THEFT STOLEN PROP<$1,500 2/MORE PREV CONVIC (11/21/2013) THEFT STOLEN PROP>=$1,500<$20K (10/25/2013); UNAUTH USE OF VEHICLE (10/25/2013) BURGLARY OF HABITATION (09/25/2013) MURDER (02/27/2014) CREDIT CARD OR DEBIT CARD ABUSE (05/30/2009) TAMPER FABRICATE PHYSICAL EVID W/INTENT TO IMPAIR (11/21/2008) POSS CS PG 1 <1G DRUG FREE ZONE (09/01/2006) BURGLARY OF HABITATION (07/26/2007); VP BURGLARY OF HABITATION (07/15/2009) UNAUTH USE OF VEHICLE (08/18/2014) POSS CS PG 1 <1G (03/14/2013) INTOXICATED MANSLAUGHTER W/VEHICLE (05/17/2013); MANSLAUGHTER (05/17/2013); AGG ASSAULT W/DEADLY WEAPON (05/17/2013) POSS CS PG 1 >=1G<4G (09/16/2013) AGG ASSAULT W/DEADLY WEAPON (12/18/2011) POSS MARIJ >50LBS<=2,000LBS (07/10/2014) POSS CS PG 1 <1G (05/14/2012) MAN DEL CS PG 1 >=4G<200G (09/17/2013) ABANDON ENDANGER CHILD IMMINENT DANGER BODILY INJ (01/31/2014) COMPELLING PROSTITUTION UNDER AGE 18 (01/31/2014) VP-UNAUTHORIZED ABSENCE FROM COUNTY CORRECTIONAL CENTER (01/01/2002); UNAUTH ABSENCE FROM COMMUNITY CORR (10/16/1998) BURGLARY OF HABITATION (03/04/2014) THEFT STOLEN PROP<$1,500 2/MORE PREV CONVIC (05/31/2014) PROH SUB CORR FACIL-ALCOHOL/DRUG/PHONE/TOBACCO (10/12/2012) UNAUTH USE OF VEHICLE (08/14/2014) EVADING ARREST DETENTION W/VEH (05/18/2014) BAIL JUMPING AND FAIL TO APPEAR FELONY (10/30/2013) ENGAGE IN ORGANIZED CRIMINAL ACTIVITY (03/30/2012); MAN DEL CS PG 1 >=4G<200G (03/30/2012) MAN DEL CS PG 1 >=4G<200G (03/19/2013); EVADING ARREST DETENTION W/VEH (03/19/2013) POSS MARIJ >5LBS<=50LBS (06/22/2014) DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED 3RD OR MORE (08/31/2013) AGG ASSAULT W/DEADLY WEAPON (02/08/2014); TAMPERING WITH A WITNESS FV CASE (04/23/2014) POSS MARIJ >2 OZ<=4OZ DRUG FREE ZONE (01/29/2013) POSS CS PG 2 < 1G (02/19/2014) BURGLARY OF HABITATION (08/10/2014) TAMPER FABRICATE PHYSICAL EVID W/INTENT TO IMPAIR (02/25/2014) POSS TRANSPORT CHEMICAL W/INT MAN CS PG 1/1A (10/10/2011); MAN DEL CS PG 1 >=4G<200G (10/10/2011); ENGAGE IN ORGANIZED CRIMINAL ACTIVITY (10/10/2011) SEX OFFENDERS DUTY TO REGISTER LIFE/ANNUALLY (02/28/2014) POSS CS PG 1 <1G (10/09/2011) DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED 3RD OR MORE (07/25/2014) TAMPER FABRICATE PHYSICAL EVID W/INTENT TO IMPAIR (03/02/2014) POSS CS PG 3 <28G DRUG FREE ZONE (10/26/2007); VP POSS CS PG 3 <28G DRUG FREE ZONE (09/01/2009) POSS CS PG 1 >=1G<4G (12/20/2013) SEX OFFENDERS DUTY TO REGISTER LIFE/ANNUALLY (05/01/2013) EVADING ARREST DETENTION W/VEH (12/17/2013) MAN DEL CS PG 2 >=4G<400G (04/03/2012); MAN DEL CS PG 1 >=4G<200G (04/03/2012); UNL POSS FIREARM BY FELON (04/03/2012); POSS MARIJ >5LBS<=50LBS (04/03/2012); ENGAGE IN ORGANIZED CRIMINAL ACTIVITY (04/03/2012) BAIL JUMPING AND FAIL TO APPEAR FELONY (05/20/2013) DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED 3RD OR MORE (09/05/2010) POSS CS PG 1 <1G DRUG FREE ZONE (08/13/2014) POSS MARIJ >4OZ<=5LBS (05/20/2013) AGG SEXUAL ASSAULT CHILD (05/01/2010); AGG SEXUAL ASSAULT CHILD (02/01/2013); AGG SEXUAL ASSAULT CHILD (01/01/2013) EVADING ARREST DET W/PREV CONVICTION (07/22/2013) THEFT STOLEN PROP>=$1,500<$20K (11/04/2013) THEFT STOLEN PROP>=$1,500<$20K (10/30/2009) POSS MARIJ >50LBS<=2,000LBS (07/22/2014) POSS MARIJ >4OZ<=5LBS (03/01/2011) DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED 3RD OR MORE (09/16/2014) DEADLY CONDUCT DISCHARGE FIREARM (06/16/2013) HARRASSMENT OF PUBLIC SERVANT (08/08/2013) PROH SUBSTANCE/ITEM IN CORRECTIONAL FACILITY (03/14/2014) TAMPER/FABRICATE PHYS EVID W/INTENT TO IMPAIR (05/29/2013) POSS CS PG 1 <1G DRUG FREE ZONE (04/16/2014); POSS CS PG 1A <20AU (04/16/2014) BAIL JUMPING AND FAIL TO APPEAR FELONY (08/05/2014) TAMPER FABRICATE PHYSICAL EVID W/INTENT TO IMPAIR (05/21/2014) DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED 3RD OR MORE (05/03/2006) AGG ASSAULT W/DEADLY WEAPON (01/18/2014) UNAUTH USE OF VEHICLE (01/02/2013) EVADING ARREST DETENTION W/VEH (04/27/2014) POSS CS PG 1 <1G (02/21/2014) THEFT STOLEN PROP>=$1,500<$20K (01/06/2014) POSS CS PG 1 <1G (11/06/2013) POSS CS PG 1 <1G (02/21/2014) MAN DEL CS PG 1 >=4G<200G (01/18/2014) THEFT STOLEN PROP<$1,500 2/MORE PREV CONVIC (08/16/2014) POSS CS PG 1 <1G (01/29/2014) DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED 3RD OR MORE (03/03/2013)

14-10-28271-A 10-5-25232-A 14-05-27941-A 14-09-28183-A 14-09-28208-A 14-08-28109-D

Closure Date Disposition

11/10/2014 11/10/2014 11/10/2014 11/10/2014 11/10/2014 11/12/2014

Guilty Plea Or Nolo Contredere - No Jury Continued On Probation Guilty Plea Or Nolo Contredere - No Jury Guilty Plea Or Nolo Contredere - No Jury Placed On Deferred Adjudication Guilty Plea Or Nolo Contredere - No Jury

14-09-28210-A 14-08-28108-D 14-02-27757-A 14-01-27708-D 14-05-27969-D 09-10-24787-A 09-7-24509-D 06-10-22,797-A 07-9-23,383-D 14-11-28330-D 13-6-27380-A

11/10/2014 11/12/2014 11/21/2014 11/21/2014 11/24/2014 11/12/2014 11/12/2014 11/12/2014 11/24/2014 11/12/2014 11/10/2014

Placed On Deferred Adjudication Guilty Plea Or Nolo Contredere - No Jury Motion to Revoke Denied Motion to Revoke Denied Guilty Plea Or Nolo Contredere - No Jury Motion to Adjudicate Granted Motion to Adjudicate Granted Motion to Adjudicate Granted Order Extending Terms Of Probation Guilty Plea Or Nolo Contredere - No Jury Placed On Deferred Adjudication

13-10-27607-A 14-02-27772-D 12-2-26395-D 14-08-28120-D 12-7-26761-A 14-04-27919-D 14-11-28358-A 14-04-27908-D

11/13/2014 11/12/2014 11/25/2014 11/12/2014 11/25/2014 11/10/2014 11/14/2014 11/14/2014

Conviction - By Jury Dismissed - All Dismissals Order Extending Terms Of Probation Guilty Plea Or Nolo Contredere - No Jury Motion to Revoke Granted Guilty Plea Or Nolo Contredere - No Jury Guilty Plea Or Nolo Contredere - No Jury Dismissed - All Dismissals

98-11-17,550-A 14-04-27906-D 14-08-28137-A 13-2-27172-D 14-10-28306-D 14-08-28121-D 14-06-28031-D 13-7-27407-D 14-08-28132-A 14-09-28151-D 14-08-28131-A 14-05-27955-A 14-02-27750-A 14-05-27975-D 14-10-28259-A 14-09-28194-A

11/12/2014 11/10/2014 11/10/2014 11/10/2014 11/25/2014 11/12/2014 11/10/2014 11/10/2014 11/12/2014 11/7/2014 11/10/2014 11/20/2014 11/25/2014 11/10/2014 11/10/2014 11/12/2014

Motion to Revoke Granted Guilty Plea Or Nolo Contredere - No Jury Guilty Plea Or Nolo Contredere - No Jury Motion to Revoke Granted Guilty Plea Or Nolo Contredere - No Jury Guilty Plea Or Nolo Contredere - No Jury Guilty Plea Or Nolo Contredere - No Jury Guilty Plea Or Nolo Contredere - No Jury Guilty Plea Or Nolo Contredere - No Jury Guilty Plea Or Nolo Contredere - No Jury Guilty Plea Or Nolo Contredere - No Jury Guilty Plea Or Nolo Contredere - No Jury Placed On Deferred Adjudication Dismissed - All Dismissals Placed On Deferred Adjudication Dismissed - All Dismissals

11-12-26295-D 14-05-27982-D 12-1-26341-D 14-10-28257-A 14-04-27921-D 08-5-23,777-D 14-03-27809-A 14-02-27737-A 14-03-27835-D

11/25/2014 11/7/2014 11/10/2014 11/10/2014 11/10/2014 11/12/2014 11/10/2014 11/12/2014 11/12/2014

Continued On Probation Dismissed - All Dismissals Order Extending Terms Of Probation Guilty Plea Or Nolo Contredere - No Jury Continued On Probation Order Extending Terms Of Probation Guilty Plea Or Nolo Contredere - No Jury Guilty Plea Or Nolo Contredere - No Jury Guilty Plea Or Nolo Contredere - No Jury

12-6-26749-D 13-6-27350-D 11-5-25800-D 14-10-28307-D 14-01-27689-A

11/10/2014 11/10/2014 11/25/2014 11/25/2014 11/25/2014

Guilty Plea Or Nolo Contredere - No Jury Guilty Plea Or Nolo Contredere - No Jury Motion to Revoke Denied Guilty Plea Or Nolo Contredere - No Jury Motion to Revoke Denied

14-07-28091-A 13-9-27520-D 14-06-28014-D 10-6-25273-D 14-10-28325-D 11-6-25840-A 14-10-28326-D 13-8-27427-A 13-10-27536-A 14-07-28063-D 13-8-27435-A 14-07-28084-D 14-09-28172-D 14-07-28095-A 06-6-22,538-A 14-04-27914-D 13-2-27180-A 14-09-28179-A 14-10-28278-A 14-07-28103-A 14-10-28255-A 14-10-28279-A 14-03-27813-A 14-10-28299-D 14-10-28280-A 13-6-27336-D

11/21/2014 11/24/2014 11/10/2014 11/25/2014 11/25/2014 11/12/2014 11/25/2014 11/25/2014 11/25/2014 11/12/2014 11/10/2014 11/14/2014 11/14/2014 11/25/2014 11/25/2014 11/5/2014 11/7/2014 11/19/2014 11/10/2014 11/10/2014 11/10/2014 11/10/2014 11/12/2014 11/25/2014 11/10/2014 10/15/2014

Conviction - By Jury Dismissed - All Dismissals Guilty Plea Or Nolo Contredere - No Jury Order Extending Terms Of Probation Guilty Plea Or Nolo Contredere - No Jury Continued On Probation Guilty Plea Or Nolo Contredere - No Jury Motion to Adjudicate Granted Motion to Revoke Granted Placed On Deferred Adjudication Guilty Plea Or Nolo Contredere - No Jury Guilty Plea Or Nolo Contredere - No Jury Dismissed - All Dismissals Dismissed - All Dismissals Continued On Probation Conviction - By Jury All Other Dispositions (Motions Only) Dismissed - All Dismissals Placed On Deferred Adjudication Placed On Deferred Adjudication Guilty Plea Or Nolo Contredere - No Jury Dismissed - All Dismissals Dismissed - All Dismissals Guilty Plea Or Nolo Contredere - No Jury Placed On Deferred Adjudication Guilty Plea Or Nolo Contredere - No Jury

CRIMINAL CASES FILED IN NOVEMER 2014 Defendants Aguilar, Oscar Francisco Bibian, Jose Lorenzo Busbee, Jessica Ann Cavazos, Teresa Perkins Cuevas, Belinda Cuevas, Belinda Dantzler, Andre Dontez Farrior, Jodette Beth Garcia, Charles David Hamilton, Corey Wayne Haynes, John Ryan Laguna, Carlos Antonio Lavery, Tracy Lee Martinez, Alfred Chayse

Date of Birth 9/15/1988 11/4/1977 9/9/1988 1/19/1967 1/1/1974 1/1/1974 12/5/1985 3/7/1967 8/27/1986 7/14/1978 1/10/1979 1/17/1997 11/26/1975 12/20/1989

Offenses (Offense Date) MAN DEL CS PG 1 >=200G <400G (09/10/2014) EVADING ARREST DETENTION W/VEH (05/18/2014) FORGERY FINANCIAL INSTRUMENT (06/17/2014) FORGERY FINANCIAL INSTRUMENT (06/17/2014) POSS CS PG 1 <1G DRUG FREE ZONE (07/14/2014) POSS CS PG 1 >=1G<4G (09/03/2014) THEFT STOLEN PROP>=$200K (09/30/2013) UNAUTH USE OF VEHICLE (08/18/2014) MAN DEL CS PG 1 <1G (03/20/2014); MAN DEL CS PG 1 <1G (03/20/2014) ABANDON ENDANGER CHILD IMMINENT DANGER BODILY INJ (01/31/2014) ROBBERY (09/29/2014) POSS CS PG 2 < 1G (02/13/2014) MAN DEL CS PG 1 >=4G<200G (06/20/2014) POSS CS PG 1 <1G (03/21/2014)

Case Number File Date 14-11-28335-A 11/13/2014 14-11-28350-A 11/13/2014 14-11-28340-A 11/13/2014 14-11-28341-A 11/13/2014 14-11-28343-A 11/13/2014 14-11-28344-A 11/13/2014 14-11-28356-A 11/13/2014 14-11-28330-D 11/12/2014 14-11-28345-A 11/13/2014 14-11-28358-A 11/14/2014 14-11-28332-A 11/13/2014 14-11-28346-A 11/13/2014 14-11-28336-A 11/13/2014 14-11-28348-A 11/13/2014

Defendants Date of Birth Offenses (Offense Date) Case Number File Date Martinez, Carmel 12/17/1975 THEFT STOLEN PROP>=$200K (09/30/2013) 14-11-28357-A 11/13/2014 Martinez, Juan Mata 2/10/1990 POSS CS PG 1 <1G DRUG FREE ZONE (04/26/2014) 14-11-28349-A 11/13/2014 Mathis, McArthur Deashy 12/28/1993 ROBBERY (12/03/2013) 14-11-28331-A 11/13/2014 McBride, Katherine Rose 12/23/1989 OBSTRUCT RETALIATION (08/15/2014) 14-11-28351-A 11/13/2014 Mendez, Jose Felix 8/20/1995 EVADING ARREST DETENTION W/VEH (08/31/2014) 14-11-28333-A 11/13/2014 Otto, Kolle Wayne 5/16/1992 AGG ASSAULT W/DEADLY WEAPON (12/16/2011); DEADLY CONDUCT DISCHARGE FIREARM (12/06/2011) 14-11-28352-A 11/13/2014 Palomares, Jose 12/25/1972 DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED 3RD OR MORE (06/30/2014) 14-11-28353-A 11/13/2014 Ramirez, Roberto 7/19/1959 DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED 3RD OR MORE (07/26/2014) 14-11-28334-A 11/13/2014 Rendon, Jason Scott 6/7/1972 DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED 3RD OR MORE (08/28/2014) 14-11-28354-A 11/13/2014 Salazar, Michael Angelo 6/9/1982 MAN DEL CS PG 1 >=4G<200G (08/14/2014); MAN DEL CS PG 1 >=4G<200G (07/15/2014) 14-11-28337-A 11/13/2014 Tenorio, Ricardo 12/18/1983 POSS MARIJ >5LBS<=50LBS (07/22/2014) 14-11-28355-A 11/13/2014 Vela, Crystal Jane 9/23/1983 MAN DEL CS PG 1 >=1G<4G (06/11/2014); MAN DEL CS PG 1 >=4G<200G (06/18/2014) 14-11-28338-A 11/13/2014 Williams, Deion Arshay 9/1/1995 THEFT STOLEN PROP>=$1,500<$20K (01/03/2014) 14-11-28339-A 11/13/2014 Williams, Dwight Davon 12/21/1992 POSS CS PG 1 <1G (04/22/2014) 14-11-28347-A 11/13/2014

HOME: Sales for 2015 could total 5.3 million CONTINUED FROM D1 Over the next 12 months, CoreLogic expects that home values will rise 4.6 percent. The firm estimates that roughly half the country’s homes will match or surpass their pre-recession prices by the middle of 2015.

But “pockets of weakness” are surfacing in some parts of the country, noted Sam Khater, deputy chief economist at CoreLogic.

In three of the states with

the highest annualized gains in November – Texas (8.5 percent), Colorado (8.8 percent) and North Dakota (7.9 percent) – home values have “been benefiting from the energy boom,” Khater said. But as oil prices have more than halved from $107 a barrel in June, home values in these states may see downward pressure, he said.

And falling oil prices correspond with cheaper gasoline, which could free up income for Americans to spend on homes.

Economists also expect that solid hiring over the past year should produce stronger wage growth in 2015, which would also help with affordability.

The National Association of Realtors estimates that 2015 sales will total 5.3 million. The trade group forecasts that 4.9 million existing homes were sold in 2014, down 3 percent from 5.1 million in 2013. Analysts say sales of roughly 5.5 million existing homes are common in a healthy real estate market.

FRANK TILLEY/FTILLEY@VICAD.COM

Carpenters with Sandro Rosas frame out a new home construction site in the Spring Ridge addition for local builder Brad Blanton on Aug. 28, 2014.

D4 — VICTORIA ADVOCATE, Sunday, January 11, 2015

THE AMERICAN LEGION POST 166 January 13, 2015 Pot Luck Meal 6:15pm Meeting 7:30pm Topic: Planning for 2015 Membership Dues $30.00 per year Open to all Honorably Discharged Veterans Contact Mike Pfeil @ 361-652-0969

NOTICE To all the citizens of Yoakum, you have no police department. Arm yourselves. Ralph Foss, (256) 405-8532.

Wish to contact elderly gentleman who attended the health screening @ Vic. Country Club & was concerned re doctors prediction.

Call Jim at 550-4277

VictoriaAdvocate.com

TrustTexas Bank is accepting applications for a dual role position included human resources and deposit operations support staff at the Cuero office. Applicant experience requires a minimum of 2 years in human resources with knowledge of federal and state human resources laws and banking operations experience. In addition, position requires a detail oriented professional with good office skills, analytical and organizational skills, verbal and written communication skills, strong interpersonal skills, strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Acrobat. Applicant must possess a high school diploma or GED. Credit and background check conducted prior to employment offer.

Applications may be obtained from any TrustTexas Bank location or by calling Human Resources at (361)275-2345.

Resumes may be sent to TrustTexas Bank, P. O. Box 808, Cuero, Texas 77954, Attention: Human Resources or e-mailed to HR@trusttexasbank.com.

TrustTexas Bank is a Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender and an Equal Opportunity Employer of women, minorities, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Applications will be accepted until position is filled.

BIZZY B Coushatta.

Jan. 25-26/Vic. * Feb. 8 & 9/Shiner * Feb. 22 & 23/Victoria. * Paragon Feb. 11-13/Victoria $95 PP Dbl 361-571-3256/361-594-4103 Coushatta Casino Resort. $30 PP. Jan. 31 & Feb. 28 Bus leaves at 5pm on Sat. Call Emma or Ray 361-575-0118

FOUND female RAT TERRIER Quail Creed Sub/Aloe Field area Call with description 361-655-4805

TEMPORARY TAX SEASON HELP WANTED. Receptionist experience helpful.

Professional Image and excellent people skills a must.

Spanish a plus.

Apply at Alexander and Marek CPA’s, 3205 E. Mockingbird Lane. No phone calls please.

PT CUSTOMER SERVICE 20 hrs/week, customer service exp. nec. / people skills a must. Neat appearance req’d. Drug screening.

High School Diploma or GED Req’d.

Serious inquires only.Apply at Habitat ReStore at 1101 N. William.

ABSOLUTELY No Phone Calls Busy medical office is looking for a part-time/full-time RECEPTIONIST . Medical experience a must. Please fax resume to: 361-582-5610

ASSISTANT OFFICE MANAGER Part Time 20 hours per week at TLC Staffing Office plus after hours call.

Outgoing personality and people/phone skills are must. Previous experience & some college are plus.

Will train.

Excellent Pay! No benefits.

Email resume to abe@tlcstaffingservices.com Victoria County Sheriff’s Office - Asst. Financial Officer: Serve as integral part of the financial operations of the Sheriff’s Office; carry out accounts payable duties; and assist in the budget process.

Assist the Financial Officer in preparing annual budget requests; reconcile bank statements and other records.

Variety of clerical duties to include data entry, cashiering, scheduling, track inventory and place orders. High School diploma or equivalent and must be 21 years of age. Other skills: Typing 40 wpm with test at Texas Workforce Solutions, communications skills, 10-key by touch. Two years book keeping and clerical experience and proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel. Apply to: Victoria County Sheriff’s Office, 101 N. Glass. EEOE. No phone calls please. Applications are required and may be downloaded at www.vctx.org.

FOUND: Small mixed bred dog found near the 200 Block of East Water.

Call to identify.

361-788-3131 or 361-649-4602 FOUND: 1/1 in Mission Valley: Black younger dog with white feet and chest. Please call to identify.

(361) 532-9615 Olivia, a micro mini piglet is missing from the breeders property on 1/6/15. As the runt, she is too little to be taken from her mother.

Chances of her survival are very slim. We just want her returned safely! No questions asked, REWARD offered! Please call or text 361.652.4044 or 361.652.9232 FOUND: GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG. Call to identify,

361-649-5496 FOUND: Male black LABRADOR on UMVR, FM 237 & Hester Rd.; sweet dog.

361-576-9534 or 361-212-2527.

LOST: At Pet Smart or HEB a Gold flat band engraved on one side.

On Fri. Jan.2nd. Call 361-578-2012 with any information.

FOUND: Adult male CHOW @ Chick-Fil-A/HEB parking lot.

Taken to animal shelter.

FOUND: Jan. 7th, medium size white dog, on Goliad Hwy. by Raisin Windmill Store. Call 361-655-0713 & identify.

LOST: In Myersville area a white female cat. Med. build, short hair, & clear blue eyes. Goes by "Cotton".

713-376-9221 or 713-213-9792

GOODWIN PERSONNEL Has A New Website. Interactive Applications are Available Online www.goodwinpersonnel.com

Victoria County 377th Judicial District Court Official Court Reporter.

Requires 2 years prime court reporting experience in other courts, freelance field or combination. Real time certification preferred, not required, but must be experienced in real time. Must be qualified for listing on registry of National Court Reporters Assoc or have passed an equivalent qualifying exam.

Must purchase real time court reporting equipment. Stringent deadline requirements for the 13th Court of Appeals, Tx Criminal Appeals and/or Tx Supreme Court for filing appeal transcripts. Willing to substitute with other staff court reporters. Salary up to $70,000 annually commensurate with experience/qualifications plus transcript fees. Working knowledge of Spanish language is preferred. Submit application, resume: Administrative Services, Victoria County Courthouse, 115 N. Bridge, Room 127.

EEOE. No phone calls please, see website for full job description. County applications are required and may be downloaded at www.vctx.org.

LEGAL ASSISTANT needed.

Good pay and benfits. Fax resume to 361-575-5299 or email breanna@krlawvictoria.com.

ESTHETICIAN OR COSMETOLOGIST needed for medical spa.

Call 361-550-8572 THE 2ND 25TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT is seeking to hire a COMMUNITY SUPERVISION OFFICER to supervise a special needs caseload in Lavaca, Gonzales, and Colorado counties. Probation officer and/or mental health experience is preferred. All Aplicants must meet Statutory requirements for this position and are required to submit a resume and transcript to the 2nd 25ht Judicial District P.O. Box 330 Hallettsville, TX 77964 For more information please call (361)798-3714

CURRENT JOB OPENINGS

*Tutors *Groundskeeper *AV Technician *Custodian *Machining Technology Instructor *Industrial Maint. Mech. Instructor *Petroleum Technology Instructor *Librarian *Pipefitting Instructor *Nurse Aid Course Instructor To complete the VC on line application visit VictoriaCollege.edu>Quick Links>Jobs at VC

VICTORIA ADVOCATE, Sunday, January 11, 2015 — D5

VictoriaAdvocate.com

Could EARN $100K+. NEED A DRIVEN SALES PERSON. A-1 Homes has an opening for a highly commissioned salesperson & Mgr.in training. Benefits & 401K. 9805 N Navarro St, 573-1200

TLC 1LC STAFFING Daily Pay- Flexible Hrs Urgent Needs-Paid OT LVN $25-$28 LVN$25-$28 RN RN$35-$38 $35-$38 CNA - $12.50-$13.50 CI\IA-$12.50-$13.50 Call 361-578-8588.

361-578-8588.

Twin Pines Nursing and Rehab Now Accepting Applications Come join our team and work in a clean, stable, and caring environment.

Announcing Announcingnew newshift shift differentials differentials for for LVN’S LVN'S2-10 2-10$1.50/hr. $1.50/hr. and andCNA’s CNA's2-10 2-10 $1/hr. $l/hr.

CERTIFIED MEDICATION AIDES 6am-2pm CNA’S 2pm-10pm & 10a-6 LVN’S -new 8 hr. shifts. 2-10 & 10-6 Apply in person 330 E Mockingbird Lane.

Twin Pines is an EOE Employer

GanadoNursing Nursing and and Ganado Rehabilitation Rehabilitation Center Center Locally owned beautiful hotel like 91 bed skilled nursing facility is looking for a DIRECTOR DIRECTOROF OFNURSING NURSING in small town Ganado, Texas.

Job includes great team members, excellent benefits, paid vacation and sick leave, and 401K opportunity. We are looking for someone with great management skills, well organized and supportive of staff. Applicant must have good caring attitude to promote excellent patient care while maintaining policies and procedures and state regulations through staff education and supervision.

Requirements - Valid RN license in State of Texas Experience administration and management in healthcare organization a plus - Experience in long-term care nursing preferred.

Also hiring: CNA CNA-- All Shifts LVN - Part Time All Shifts MEDICAL MEDICAL RECORDS/ RECORDS/ STAFFING STAFFING NURSE NURSE

ACTIVITY DIRECTOR DIRECTOR ACTIVITY Come to facility to fill out application at 107 East Rogers; Ganado, TX No Phone Calls Please. E.O.E Multi-physician Specialty office has immediate opening BILLING/INSURANCE for BILLING /INSURANCE ASSISTANT ASSISTANT w/ clinical experience. Medical office exp. preferred. Must possess strong communication & multi tasking skills, have a positive, team oriented attitude & have a dependable vehicle as traveling is req’d.

Bilingual preferred. Please submit resume & professional ref’s with a letter of interest to: Classified Key P 5022 P. O. Box 1518 Victoria, TX 77902 Home Instead Senior Care, we are a non medical co. with a need for a caring, compassionate and honest people top provide companionship/ home care to seniors. Apply online: www.homeinstead.com/781 www.homeinstead.com/781 click on become a caregiver or call 361-433-0330K 361-433-0330K

PTPTLVN LVN Thu.-Fri. 8am-4:30pm.

Call 361-578-9067 for appt .

Mon.-Fri. between 9 am-4 pm

CLINICAL CLINICAL ASSESSMENT ASSESSMENT COORDINATOR COORDINATOR One of the nation’s leading psychiatric contract managers seeks a Clinical Clinical Assessment Assessment Coordinator Coordinator for the 12-bed NURSES or LVN’s) NURSES (RN’s (RN'sorLVN's) Geriatric Psychiatric program Methadone clinic located in Victoria. located at Matagorda Matagorda Regional Regional Hours 5:30AM-10:30AM, Mon.-Fri. Medical Center Medical Center in Bay BayCity, City, Relief Nurse .Very competitive Texas. Responsibilities: coordinate Texas. salaries. Please fax resume to: referral development & preMs. Diaz 361-572-8607 admission patient assessment process & provide clinical Whispering Oaks assessments for potential clients.

Rehabilitation & Nursing Qualifications: RN, LMSW, LCSW, or $1,500.00 SIGN ON BONUS BONUS $1,500.00 SIGN LMFT with mental health or FOR FORCNA’S CNA'SALL ALL SHIFTS SHIFTS commensurate exp req’d with Apply in person at: experience in psychiatric 105 Hospital Dr. Cuero, TX assessment & inpatient psychiatric No Phone Calls Please! treatment preferred. Please email your resume to scott.harris(3horizonhealth.com. scott.harris@horizonhealth.com.

Whispering Oaks Rehabilitation & Nursing Full time INSURANCE INSURANCE AND AND TAKING TAKING APPLICATIONS APPLICATIONS BILLING BILLING POSITION POSITION . Must be FOR FREE FREECNA CNACLASSES! CLASSES! FOR knowledgeable in insurance claims, Apply in person at: appeals, ICD-9 and CPT coding.

105 Hospital Dr. Cuero, TX minimum 1 yr. experience in No Phone Calls Please! medical office. Non-smokers only.

Send resume Attn: Twila, Texas Heath Center, 4804 N. Navarro, Ophthalmologist office seeking Victoria, TX 77904 OPHTHALMIC ASSISTANT. ASSISTANT. OPHTHALMIC or fax 361-576-0556 Experience preferred, but not No phone calls please necessary. Willing to train FULL FULL TIME TIME LVN LVN right individual. Fax resume to: needed for Doctors office.

South Texas Eye Center Non-smokers only. Must have 361-578-1320 good organizational skills. No phone calls. Send resume to: Attn: Twila Texas Health Center, 4804 N. Navarro, Victoria , TX Mission Nursing & 77904 or fax 361-576-0556 Rehabilitation in Cuero

CNA’S CNA'S Every other weekend

LVN's LVN’s We love caring for people and come join our caring team.

We have available & immediate access to 401K plan, medical, dental & life insurance. Tuition reimbursement. Come join our fun and exciting atmosphere at Mission.

We are an EEOC company. Se Habla Espanol.

Ask for Charlien 361-277-6133 or apply in person at 1010 E McArthur in Cuero LVN needed for a busy Pediatric office. M-F, 9-6. Paid holidays vacation/sick, retirement and insurance benefits.

Fax Resume to 361-573-4327 Dr. Rick Heard seeking full-time DENTALASSISTANT/ ASSISTANT/ DENTAL SURGICALASSISTANT ASSISTANT SURGICAL with previous dental experience. Competitive pay and benefits. Send resumes to: 5606 N. Navarro Suite 304 Victoria, TX 77904 HEALTH HEALTH FORCE FORCE MEDICAL STAFFING STAFFING MEDICAL Calling all RN’S, RN'S, LVN’S, LVN'S, & CNA’S CNA'S who are interested in opportunities with daily pay, making your own schedule, and taxes withheld per your discretion.

For more information Contact Jacke at 361-582-4466 or come by 1501 N. DeLeon, Victoria, TX

Victoria Residence and Rehabilitation Center hiring: *CNA’s-( $10.50 per hr.)

LVN/RN ***Sign - ""Sign on on Bonus*** Bonus-" Depends Dependson on exp. exp. 6p-6a & 6a-6pm HOUSEKEEPER HOUSEKEEPER Must be able to pass a background check. Come by 114 Medical Dr. & fill out app.

THERAPIST THERAPIST One of the nation’s leading psychiatric contract managers seeks Whispering Oaks an Therapist for the 12-bed Rehabilitation & Nursing Geriatric Psychiatric program ACTIVITY DIRECTOR DIRECTOR ACTIVITY Matagorda Regional Regional located at Matagorda (FULL-TIME) (FULL-TIME) Medical Center Center in Bay City, Texas.

Medical Apply in person at: Responsibilities: assessment, 105 Hospital Dr. Cuero, TX treatment planning, group No Phone Calls Please! treatment, individual treatment, family treatment, and discharge planning. Qualifications: LMSW, Two handicap females seeking a LCSW, LMFT, LPC, or LPCi with LIVE-IN CAREGIVER for weekdays, psychiatric experience. Please email housekeeping included. your resume to Mission Valley area. scott.harris(3horizonhealth.com. scott.harris@horizonhealth.com.

For more information:361-575-6941

ACCOUNTING Ken Clark Accounting, Bookkeeping and Income Tax Service, 503 Mead Rd., Victoria, TX 77904.

361-575-0127

AUTO SERVICE Certified Auto & Truck Service.

AC Specials for cars and trucks.

Gas & diesel. Repairs on gas and diesel engines. 361-573-4141

COMPUTERS

CULLIGAN WATER WATER VICTORIA CULLIGAN Now hiring ALL POSITIONS. Pay dependent on experience.

Must pass MVR background check and drug test.

We offer medical, dental, vision, and 401K To apply send resume to: Culligan Water P.O. Box 9201 Corpus Christi, TX 78469 For more info call: (361) 548-1606 SHOP HELPER HELPER needed for SHOP aluminum fabrication shop.

Email resume to sawjf@hotmail.com

The City of Point Comfort is accepting applications for TWO TWOFULL FULLTIME TIME EMPLOYEES EMPLOYEES in the Water Department. Requirements; C waste water license, must have a clean driving record, valid Texas driver’s license, work flexible hours, able to operate light equipment, physically able to do various manual labor, have a High School Diploma or equivalent. Salary will depend on qualifications. The City of Point Comfort offers health insurance and a 401K. Fax or email resume to 361-987-2798, pcomfortutilities(3gmail. pcomfortutilities@gmail. com com , any questions call Rhonda Wilkins at 361-987-2661.

PRN RADIOLOGY TECHNOLOGIST to to perform perform basic X-Ray procedures. procedures. Current Current Texas Texas License Licenseand andARRT ARRTregistration registrationrequired. required. New New graduate graduate considered considered but but prefer prefer at least least one year experience inin aa hospital hospital ororclinical clinicalsetting. setting.

FULL TIME MEDICAL ASSISTANT At least least one year year experience experience ininaaclinic clinicenvironment environment At preferred, preferred, but but will will consider all levels levels ofof experience. experience.

BILLING SPECIALIST

IMMEDIATE OPENINGS OPENINGS IMMEDIATE FULLAND AND PART-TIME PART-TIME FULL CAR CARWASH WASH ATTENDANTS ATTENDANTS - $8.25 an hour - Paid Weekly Apply in Person Only. Bring valid drivers license and social security card to: Courtesy Car Wash, 7102 N. Navarro, Victoria, TX.

Print online online application application and and Print FORWARD FORWARD TO TO JOBS@TWINFOUNTAINSCLINICS.COM JOBS(?TWINFDUNTAINSCLINICS.COIV1

Preschool looking for dependable, caring TEACHER TEACHER ..

Call Stephanie 361-576-2223/645-9254

LA VILLA REHABILITATION & HEALTHCARE

LVN’s and CNA’s LVN'sandCNA's

Apply inin person person at: at: 3007 3007 N.l\l. Navarro Navarro Apply We offer Competitive Wages, Insurance, Vacation, Holiday Pay, 401K.

SPIRETEK INTERNATIONAL, INC. Is accepting applications for --PACKERS PACKERS --FORKLIFT FORKLIFT DRIVERS DRIVERS --OPERATORS OPERATORS LOADERS -- LOADERS

Immediate opening for full-time, permanent

FEED FEED STORE STOREMANAGER. MANAGER. Seeking individual interested in building business and earning share of ownership. The ideal candidate will be responsible, reliable, and possess a strong sense of entrepreneurship. Store located in rural community of 15,000 on Texas Gulf Coast 90 miles SW of Houston.

WE REQUIRE: • Love of animals and the people who raise and care for them.

• Previous experience in retail management preferred • Experience with inventory management, purchasing and scheduling • Good customer service skills WE OFFER: • Competitive salary and incentives for long term success • Paid vacation • Single owner who is "Hands off" but available when needed.

• Relocation assistance

Bearly Beginning Day Care CAREGIVERS && COOKS COOKS CAREGIVERS Apply at 2005 Lawndale CHILD CHILD CARE CARE WORKER WORKER Monday - Friday, 12-5 or 3-5pm No experience needed Call 361-573-3220

We are looking to fill this position quickly. All resumes and inquiries should be sent to feedstoremanagement@gmail.com

by Friday, 2015.

Friday,January January16,16,2015.

FT MAINTENANCE PERSON with benefits included Apply in person at 5001 N. Navarro, Victoria

EXP'DSENIOR SENIORGLAZIER GLAZIERUP UPTO TO$20 $20 HOURLY. EXP’D HOURLY. Must have strong curtain wall and storefront experience and be able to pass pre-employment physical & drug screen.

FT BOAT RIGGER with benefits included Apply in person at 5001 N. Navarro, Victoria

Apply at: Texas Glass & Tinting 103-B Mockingbird, Victoria, TX 77904 (361)572-0026

FARM FARM LABORERS LABORERS needed for Triangle Turf Co, 10917 SH 60 South, Bay City TX, Matagorda County. Duties include manual labor, planting, growing, irrigating, maintaining, harvesting, and installing sod. Able to lift up to 50 lbs. ,maybe requested but not required to work Saturdays and Sundays. Temporary employment from 3/1/2015 to 10/31/2015. $10.35/hr; 40hrs/wk, 7:30 am to 5pm, 14 positions available.

Employer guarantees employment for at least 3/4 of contract period.

Work tools, supplies, and equipment will be provided without cost to the worker, and free housing is provided to workers who cannot reasonably return to their permanent residence at the end of the work day. Expenses for subsistence and transportation to the worksite will be provided or paid by the employer, with payment to be made no later than completion of 50% of the work contract. Apply for this job at the nearest Texas Workforce Commission office using job listing number TX6344345.

Call 512-475-2571 for a list of local TWC offices.

MW RENTALS & SERVICES SERVICES MW CDL CDLTRUCK TRUCKDRIVER DRIVER Class A with fork lift/oil field exp. 2yrs CDL exp. a must Good driving record 24hr on call, deliver & pickup heavy equipment BENEFITS AVAILABLE: Competitive pay, medical, vision, dental, life insurance, vacation & 401K. Please apply in person at 4002 US HWY 59 N or fax resume to 361-570-3102 Must pass Drug Screen.

MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE MECHANIC MECHANIC LAVACA MEDICAL CENTER HALLETTSVILLE, TX Full Fulltime timeposition positionwith withfull full benefits. benefits.

Responsible for routine & preventative maintenance & repairs on the Hospital District’s buildings, mechanical equipment & utility systems.

Please call 361-798-3671 for application or further information.

ALL POSITIONS POSITIONS Now accepting applications for: ALL

Healthcare Professionals

We currently have the following openings:

• • • •

Full-Time & Part-Time positions available. Starting pay is up to $9.00, SUPERVISORS .

DOE. Always looking to hire SUPERVISORS Apply directly to: 5301 N. Navarro 2PM-5PM. •Flexible Schedules•Competitive Pay•Free Meals•401k• •Free Uniforms•Tuition Reimbursement•Quarterly Evaluations• •Advancement Opportunities•A fun & rewarding work environment•

Business Office Manager Registered Nurse 1 Wknd/Month Licensed Vocational Nurses (PRN) Certified Nurse Aides

We offer a competitive salary and benefits are available.

If you are a person dedicated to providing quality care please apply in person or email resume to:

La Bahia Nursing and Rehabilitation, L.P. 225 E. Ward Street • Goliad, TX 77963 Ph: 361-645-8902 • Fax: 361-645-8652 ADM.LaBahia@daybreakventure.com

CDL CDLDRIVERS DRIVERS Victoria, Victoria, TX TX •Must have class A or B CDL with airbrakes •21 years of age or older Call or apply online for immediate consideration!

1-877-220-5627 jobs.wm.com

For other job opportunities, visit our website www.daybreakventure.com Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

HOUSE LEVELING

HOUSE LEVELING

Media Code: 6EN EOE M/F/D/V

COMPUTER MAN Business Computer Services www.computermangroup.com 361-570-7240

Will help take care of your loved one; light housekeeping & run errands. Part or Full Time. Exp. Ref. Call 361-218-4289

COASTALFENCE FENCECOMPANY COMPANY COASTAL Specializing in Privacy, Chain Link, Orntimental Iron, PVC, & Ranch Fencing. Call 361-550-2070

Foundation Repair Service Concrete Slab, Manufactured.

30 years exp. Free Estimates.

Warranty. 575-5267 676-5267

Flower Bed Experts . Clean up flower beds or gutters for the fall. Can hang lights or decor. No job too big or small. Free Estimates. 652-1613

I CAN FIX YOUR PC T O D A Y. C O M 3 6 1-9 3 5-3 2 7 0

Lic. Personal Assistance Serv., in-home/hospital care. Care-givers screened w/ criminal history/drug test. Helping hearts sitter service.

361-798-9400

CUSTOM RANCH ENTRANCES HORSE & CATTLE PENS Kight Services 979-578-1820

Carpentry, House Leveling, House Moving, & Foundation Repair.

Senior Discounts. Free Estimates.

27 years of exp. 361-433-2222.

PROFESSIONAL, courteous lawncare, landscaping and tree trimming. Just call Austin @ 361-237-9502.

CONCRETE WORK

M&M Concrete . Sidewalks , parking lots, driveways,etc. All Types of concrete work. Reasonable Rates Free Estimates 361-649-4364

CARPET

E.R.P. Construction Company Foundations. Driveways. Sidewalks.

Concrete paving.Patios.

Demolition’s. 361-649-3392

MOMO’S LITTLE LEAPERS Lic. Daycare/Learning Center.

Mon. - Fri. 7a-5p. NB to School Age. Home Cooked Meals. 361-550-2796

Wanted HOME DELIVERY DELIVERY HOME CARRIERS CARRIERS in Shiner - Yoakum TX for the Victoria Victoria Advocate Advocate 361-574-1221

Rock Solid Construction Foundations, driveways, Rough & fine grading, painting, drywall, roofing. Free estimates. 489-1692

DEMOLITION K & J Hauling Service.

We tear down houses, barns & mobile homes. Licensed & insured.

655-2984/ 655-6556

DOZER SERVICE HENNEKE DOZER WORKS LLC .

Dozer works of all types.

Call Randy 361-772-3823 OR 361-798-5960

LOOKING for private sitting, for elderly. Full time. Victoria area only.

Excellent references.

Call Debbie, 361-243-2406.

Experienced Christian Aide would like to sit with elderly patients, day or night. 15 yrs. exp. References available. Call 361-573-2575.

We do House Leveling.

Pier & Beam, Concrete Slab.

Free Estimates!

Call 361-676-2727

FLOORING & TILE Ceramic tile, laminate, porcelain, travertine, marble, backsplashes, showers, walk-in tubs, Free estimates, licensed & insured. 648-6591

HOUSECLEANING Busy Bee’s Cleaning Pro Since 1984. Complete residential cleaning/detailing. Move ins/Move outs. Call Anytime 361-218-5511

GARAGE DOORS ELECTRIC Service Electric, Licensed, Bonded, Insured. Free estimates in city.

Call John 361-433-6039 www.service-electric.us

VICTORIA BUILDER SUPPLY Co. 572-8929. Complete line of residential/ commercial doors & electrical operators. We service all brands. Free estimates.

BASIC HOUSE CLEANING SERVICES Call Olivia 361-652-5916 or 361-894-7472 CHRISTIAN LADY has openings to clean your home. 25 yrs. exp.

TRUSTWORTHY & DEPENDABLE. References. Call 361-652-8519

HANDYMAN

FENCES Custom farm & ranch fence work.

Barbed wire, net wire, & stock pens.

Zachary Filip at (361) 404-0023.

isisseeking seelincHa

Twin Twin Fountains Fountains Urgent Urgent Care Care Center Center This This position position bills bills insurance insurance claims, claims, follows follows up with with the the insurance insurance companies companies ifif payment payment isis slow slow oror denied denied and andfield field telephone telephone calls calls form form patients. patients. Post Post payments, payments, charges charges out out office office visits visits and send accounts accounts toto collection collection agency. agency.

Six months months experience experienceininaabilling billingoffice officepreferred. preferred.

Six

361-552-2200 Apply @ 420 E. Railroad, Suite B Port Lavaca, TX 77979

HEALTH FORCE HOME HEALTH CARE Has immediate opening for the following position: PT. CARE CARE COORDINATOR COORDINATOR •PT. (MUST BE BEAN AN LVN) LVN) (MUST Full-Time 8am-5 pm Monday -Friday Home Health experience required.

To apply email resume to: bcaverly@healthforcevictoria.com or call Barbara Caverly at 361-582-0602.

TWIN FOUNTAINS MEDICAL CLINICS HFOUillSIM CLINICS

FENCES

Tub-to-shower conversions. Tile Showers and Fixture Replacement.

Free Estimates. Lic. & Ins. 361-935-1060/361-935-0514

CHILDCARE

ADMINISTRATIVE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT needed FULL-TIME. Compensation is commensurate with experience.

RESPONSIBILITIES: RESPONSIBILITIES: • Invoicing Employee Timesheets & Expense Reports • New Hire Paperwork • Daily Mail Bag • Answer & Screen Calls • Other duties as assigned QUALIFICATIONS: QUALIFICATIONS: • H.S. diploma or equivalent • Good written & verbal communication skills • Well-developed interpersonal skills Organizational & planning skills • Attention to detail & accuracy • Microsoft Office experience Please send resume to: Classified Key M 1029 P. O. Box 1518 Victoria, TX 77902

ELDERLY CARE

G&G Cement Contractors. foundations, patios, driveways, concrete slabs, leveling, free estimates, 578-5083,649-3637

CARPET Installer. Can lay carpet, tile, vinyl, vinyl planks, restretch, & repair. 35 years experience. Call 575-4897.

Full- Time LVN needed for busy internal medicaine office.

EHR experience a plus. Typing 40 WPM minimum. Send resumes: rosiebntz@yahoo.com

************ The City of Point Comfort is accepting applications for TWOFULL FULLTIME TIME TWO EMPLOYEES EMPLOYEES in the Water Department. Requirements; A or B surface water license, must have a clean driving record, valid Texas driver’s license, work flexible hours, able to operate light equipment, physically able to do various manual labor, have a High School Diploma or equivalent. Salary will depend on qualifications. The City of Point Comfort offers health insurance and a 401K. Fax or email resume to 361-987-2798, pcomfortutilities(3gmail. pcomfortutilities@gmail. com com . Any questions call Rhonda Wilkins at 361-987-2661.

HANDY LAD, I Do It All Mate! You Name It ! Don’t Settle For a Deal !

Negotiate a Deal with The Handy Lad @ 361-652-2909.

Grandmother Seeking Work.

Basic Cleaning. Reasonable Prices.

361-220-9016 Darlene

Home repairs, painting, plumbing, ceiling fans, fixtures, small carpentry jobs, tile. Call David for free estimates. 550-0572.

AUTO GATE TECHNICIAN Specializing in all gate operators.

Service & installation. 26 yrs. exp.

Excellent service! 361-648-6132

RED’S HANDYMAN SERVICE Decks & Porches, Remodeling Work, Indoor/Outdoor Painting, Metal Roof. Call for estimates 897-1069.

Double R Fencing & Supply Inc. Ranch, Commercial, Residential Installation & Materials For Quality 361-571-2052

Remodeling, home repairs, sheetrock, texture, painting, carpentry, doors, appliances installed & honeydews. 218-1291

LANDSCAPING HAULING K & J Hauling Service. We haul trash & junk. Clean properties. Contractor support.

655-2984/ 655-6556

CallAlbert Albertfor for Free FreeEstimates Estimates Call Mowing, Edging, Weedeating, Flower beds & Landscape Design. 361-570-1304 New load of white limestone rock.

Perfect for edging. Rains Brick Tile & Flooring, 2 1/2 mi. past Wal-Mart/Sam’s. 361-573-9450

LAWNCARE

MOBILE HOME INSTALLATION Marcis Svcs. Mobile Home Transport and set up. License & Bonded. 361-676-0184 MHDIN04575

ROOFING Roofing,re-decks, comp. & ridge vents. Clean gutters, carpentry work, flashing, yard work. Free Est. Victoria 573-6403/649-4618

SEPTIC & SEWER

Septic Systems Installed & Repaired.

Huffco Septic Tanks 361-571-7522

TREE SERVICE

MOBILE HOME REPAIR

JOES Tree Trimming Quality work & affordable prices.

Free estimates 550-6976

Anthony’s Mobile Home Service Free Estimates - 20 Yrs. Exp. Remodeling, leveling, skirting, decks, siding, roofing! 212-5439

TREE Trimming & Stump Grinding. Free estimates.

Call Carl 572-4914 or cell 550-2119.

PAINTING

ACME TREE SERVICE Trimming μ Removal μ Stumps Any Size Tree μ Insured Call Cy 575-1934 or 550-8745

PAINTING Residential & Commercial Sheetrock, Carpentry, etc.

25 Yrs exp. Free Estimates Martha 576-6916 / 571-6916

Tall & difficult tree trimming, stump grinding & insured.

Free Estimate Albert 570-1304 or 652-9677

CONSTRUCTION & PAINTING SHEETROCK, CARPENTRY RESID. & COMMERCIAL. TILE. ALL TYPES OF WORK 361-652-8467

ROBERT'STREE TREETRIMMING TRIMMING ROBERT’S Stump Grinding & Insured.

Free Estimates. The Best Price in Town! (361) 218-5610

REMODELING

VIDEO SERVICES

Hinojosa Construction Remodeling, Sheet Rock, Trim, Tile, Framing & Finish Carpentry, doors, windows, siding, painting. 218-9737

Videotapes, Memory Cards & Old Home Movie Film to DVD Video Data Services of Victoria 361-578-1851 or 800-574-1851

D6 — VICTORIA ADVOCATE, Sunday, January 11, 2015

VictoriaAdvocate.com

TRUCK DRIVERS 2 yrs verifiable over the road tractor/ trailer driving exp. tanker preferred. X endorsement CDL. Victoria area & long haul available. Commission & Benefits Package. Seadrift Area Terminal-call 361-785-2223

GROUNDS TECHNICIAN , (Groundskeeper) Facilities Services, University of Houston-Victoria. Maintains campus grounds and operates all lawn mowing equipment and other power equipment as needed. Minimum salary: $9.48 per hour and eligible for benefits. Apply online at http://uhv.simplehire.com EOE

J&R Contractor Inc. needs DUMP AND BELLY DUMP TRUCK DRIVERS. Must have Class A or B CDL w/ 2 yrs. exp. Local driving.

Call 361-220-0587 MIXER DRIVERS needed for Victoria with Class B CDL license.

Good benefits. Competitive pay with overtime. Experience preferred or will train. Apply in person at Ingram Readymix, 4905 Houston Hwy. 361-575-6358

12 Row Bars, new single & double bars w/ adjustable wings.Custom build. All sizes. 979-541-9164

Piano Tuning and Repair Hermann’s Music Studio 361-575-7239

FOR SALE - $22,000 2010 MAHINDRA 4035 - 4 Wheel Drive - 285 Hrs. Front end loader & 9 more attachments. 361-649-0035 Old Coins Wanted. US/Foreign, Currency, Silver Dollars, Gold Coins, Sterling. Collectors Prices Paid Cash. 361-485-0464

COASTAL, BLUESTEM , $45-$60 delivery available 979-559-6161 or 979-559-7269 NEED CASH? WILL PAY TOP DOLLAR for clean working household appliances & furniture. 572-3008

COASTAL HAY

Sq. $7 - Rd. $60/$85 WHEAT STRAW Sq. $3.50 - Rd. $45 Call Otto’s Coastal Hay 550-9169 or 550-9167.

WILL HAUL OFF YOUR OLD APPLIANCES & METAL ITEMS FOR FREE. DRYER FOR SALE. 361-578-5496, 361-894-9797

HYGEIA DAIRY ROUTESALES We have immediate openings for Class A or B CDL drivers to deliver our dairy products on established local (bobtail) routes. Work 5 days, Monday through Friday and be home every evening. Must be 21 or over, fluent in English, have a CDL license, appx 1 year verifiable driving experience, some routesales experience preferred, good driving record, and no DUI/DWI in last 7 years. Duties include: heavy physical labor, paperwork, and early hours to give good service to our customers. Competitive Compensation.

We offer excellent benefits: $2,000 SIGN ON BONUS paid during 1st year of employment, Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance - Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance, 401(k) Retirement program with Company Match.

Call JC at 361-854-4561 for more information.

Apply on line at www.deanfoods.com/careers Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer M/F/H/V

Wanted: GMC MECHANIC who fixes trucks/ automobiles at mechanic’s home.

Call 361-485-2056 DELIVERY DRIVER & GENERAL LUMBERYARD HELP Needed.

Apply at Marrs Lumber Co., 5303 Houston Hwy. FULL TIME HOUSEKEEPERS needed. Experience preferred.

Apply at Homewood Suites Hotel at 6705 NE Zac Lentz Pkwy.

Dependable FT MAINTENANCE person. Must have exp. in carpentry, plumbing, electrical, painting, etc. Hrs. must be flex. to work overnights, mornings, & eve.

Apply at Homewood Suites Hotel at 6705 NE Zac Lentz Pkwy.

FT FRONT DESK AGENT needed.

Hotel Exp. preferred. Hrs. must be flex. to work overnights, morning, & eve. Apply at Homewood Suites Hotel at 6705 NE Zac Lentz Pkwy.

ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING! Construction Clean-Up Interior/exterior Crew members must have great attitude and detailed oriented.

Call 361-920-0715.

Bosart Lock and Key Now Hiring For FT IN SHOP LOCKSMITH Please Apply Between 8a -12p at 801 E Rio Grande, No Phone Calls.

El Campo Sheet Metal has immediate full & part time openings for HELPERS, LEAD MEN, & WELDERS. Competitive pay & benefits. Apply in person at: 28385 US Hwy 59, El Campo.

GLASS INSTALLER HELPER needed, willing to train. Individuals would be assisting with the installation of glass and curtain wall/ storefront material. Must be able to pass criminal background check, drug screening and have a clear driver license. Fulltime/ $12 hourly. Apply at : Texas Glass & Tinting 103 E. Mockingbird Lane, Ste B Citizens HealthPlex is currently recruiting for a PART-TIME FRONT DESK ATTENDANT (varied shifts) and PART-TIME DELI AIDE (Monday-Thursday) 3-8 pm. To apply, please pick up application from Citizens Medical Center, Human Resources or print application from www.citizensmedicalcenter.org.

MAINTENANCE , HOUSEKEEPING, NIGHT AUDIT Apply in person at Best Western 8106 NE Zac Lentz Pkwy No Phone Calls or Faxes ALLOWED MOTEL 6 HOUSEKEEPERS & MAINTENANCE Exp. preferred. Flexible Hours.

Must be able to weekends.

POPEYES NOW HIRING motivated, reliable employees for high volume restaurant.

Competitive salary and discounted meals. Apply in person to: 8702 N. Navarro or 2912 Houston Hwy. WAITSTAFF, PREP COOK, FRY COOK, & DISHWASHER NEEDED. Apply in person 2-5 pm, The Corral, 3502 Houston Hwy NO PHONE CALLS, PLEASE. Accepting Applications For Exp., Dependable, WAITSTAFF, EVENING COOK, BREAKFAST COOK. Apply Mon. - Fri. 2:30pm - 5pm, Ramsey’s Restaurant, 1403 N Navarro

SUBWAY

EXPERIENCED TECHNICIAN needed for busy automotive shop. Must have own tools and valid drivers license. Guaranteed hours and pay.

Offer vacation pay, paid holidays, 401K and health insurance.

Precision Tune Auto Care 4703 N Navarro St. Victoria, TX 361-576-3447

TGS/Ameritrac is looking for experienced railroad construction and safety personnel. Candidates should have no criminal history and must be able to pass a drug screen.

Contact the TGS/Ameritrac office at 281-474-4555 or email Lindsay at llittle@ameritrac.cc.

Dome Technology is hiring dependable CONSTRUCTION WORKERS for a construction project in Victoria TX. Concrete experience required. The jobsites require a HIGH attention given to Safety Awareness. Apply at Dome Technology 800-252-4078 or email resumes to adam@dometech.com.

Silverstar Electric is hiring 5 yr minimum exp. JOURNEYMAN ELECTRICIAN & 2 yr APPRENTICE. Mostly residential and light commercial. RESIDENTIAL and EXPERIENCE a must. Pay based on exp. Call 652-4246 or 578-3151 Line Attendant - Victoria Regional Airport (Jet Center): Performs a variety of duties related to the general servicing of aircraft, aircraft crews/passengers and baggage/cargo. Provide outstanding customer service by working as a part of a customer service oriented team; responsible for performing duties related to the general servicing of aircraft (oil and gas); communicating, interacting with and assisting customers; assisting in general upkeep of line service area, lobby and refreshment bar area; must adhere to the company’s culture by following all company guidelines with regard to safety, security and compliance. Must be Team Player, have passion for outstanding customer service, exhibit good communication and interpersonal skills, has good problem solving abilities, is dependable, has ability to multi-task, is able to take instruction and work independently. Position requires working most weekends and some holidays.

Must have a high school diploma or GED. Valid Texas Driver’s License required.

Applications are required and can be picked up in Administrative Services, Victoria County Courthouse, 115 N. Bridge, Room 127 or online at www.vctx.org. EEOE. No phone calls.

PHONE TECHNICIAN needed.

Full time position experience with Nortel phone systems. Duties include move, add, change and maintenance of phone system.

Call 361-782-1108

Looking for a special item? Need a map to find it?

Come Check Out Our New

Alcoa announces a new ’ACCELERATED APPRENTICE’ PROGRAM .

In order to qualify for the Accelerated Apprentice Program a candidate must be able to demonstrate proficiency of skill in one of the three General Mechanic (GM) skills (Welding, Pipe Fitting, Mill Wright) Proficiency in one skill is equivalent to one year of work experience, a two year technical degree, or a combination of work experience and vocational education.

REQUIREMENTS ARE AS FOLLOWS: Accelerated GM Apprentice Position A candidate may be eligible for the GM Accelerated Apprenticeship program if the candidate can successfully pass the hands on demonstration in one of the three GM skills, (Welding, Pipe Fitting, or Mill Wright).

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Additional college credit/associate degree and industrial experience preferred.

Applicants must be registered with:WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS Please reference applicable WS job code 8335087 with submission of resume. Please-no phone calls or resumes should be directed to Alcoa, all applicant contact must be through the WS. Alcoa is an Equal Opportunity Employer

REFRIGERATORS. Washers/ Dryers.

Electric/Gas Ranges. Freezers.

Dearborn heaters A/C’s. Buy & Sell.

578-7232/361-550-4459

Coastal & Tifton Square Bales. $7 each.

Moulton 361-772-5652

$579 Sofa /Loveseat New from MFG 3 colors Avail 361-582-4648

Hay For Sale 5x5 Fertilized Net Wrapped Hay $50-$55 Delivery Available. 979-479-2925

Pillow Top Mattress Queen Set New Sacrifice $179 361-582-4648

Round Bales Of FERTILIZED MEDIO BLUESTEM (Weed free) $65 Call 361-571-1741

SALE! Reconditioned Refrigerators, Washers, Dryers, Freezers, Ranges, Etc. Also Appliance Services.

361-218-5298.

Old Appliances hauled off.

JIGGS & TIFTON 85. Tops.

Coastal Roots, Planting avail.

979-533-2554 www.stephendnaiser.com

2012- 40FT Travel Trailer, 2 BR., 2 Slides, W/D. Like New. Call 361-772-1157

$219 King PT Set New in Wrapper With Warranty 361-582-4648 New Latex or Gel Mattress your Choice $650 Must Sell 361-582-4648 New Latex or Gel Mattress your Choice $650 Must Sell 361-582-4648

WANTED USED GUNS. Check with us before you sell Best selection in town. Don’s Firearms 2302 N. Main 572-9866.

SHOOTING RANGES. Open 2pm till dark. $120/year.

CONCEALED GUN CLASSES 361-573-0113 ATZENHOFFER CLUB CAR New & Used Golf & Utility Cars.

Parts, Accessories, Sales, & Service for all makes & models.

361-582-2731

NORTHSIDE Boat and RV Storage.

Convenient & secure.

Protect your investment.

575-4041.

Chaparral Portable Buildings.

Many styles & colors.

On lot to browse thru or can design & custom build to suit your needs. 361-575-0419

WOOD PORTABLE BLDGS 10x16, $1850 12x24, $2600 Call 210-825-0083

Yearling ANGUS bulls for sale 361-798-6558 J Bar Angus

AKC YORKIES-MALES & FEMALES, shots & wormed, 8 weeks old, very cute, $350 & UP. Call 361-550-8827

CHIHUAHUA & POMCHI Puppies, w/ shots & worming, $150 each.

Linda 361-935-7037, Hallettsville Adrodable YORKIE Puppies, top quality, dep. accepted, $350 & UP. Call 361-575-6122 or 361-652-7605.

50 Bred (4 -7 months) & 30 Exposed BRANGUS Heifers.

1000 lbs bred to ANGUS Bulls.

BUTCH STRUNK 979-732-0534

Fresh pecans for sale! In the shell & shelled pecans. Many different varieties, come taste the difference.

Nelson Pecan Farm, 361-575-3146.

10 Weaned Purebred Brahman Heifers. Vacinated & Dehorned, Ready to go.

361-649-9494

A set of Michelin Tires 225/60 R16. Price to sell $165 OBO. Call 361-652-1613

BREEDING age Beefmaster Bulls Weaned Aged Heifers Call 361-550-5155 BULLS FOR SALE ANGUS, BRANGUS, & CHAROLAIS BULLS. FOR MORE INFO CALL: Tyler baumbach, (979) 733-7776.

I Buy old records!

45 & LPs. Rock, Blues, Soul, etc.

Call Jason 361-237-1533

BLACK SIMMENTAL BULLS NORTHSIDE Boat & RV Storage.

Protect your investment.

575-4041.

12-14 months old.

361-596-4828 or 361-772-0302 ANGUS & ANGUS+BRANGUS Bulls & Heifers. 8 mo. - 12 mo., Low birth weight, Great disposition & Growth.

3 BAR H RANCH. 361-772-1113

Blow Out Sale! 2014 GREY WOLF (21) Yearling Crossbred Heifers 29 DSSB, Quad Bunks, spacious back w/ ANGUS Bull, asking $1800 each bedroom, electric jack & two slides 979-479-2925 $23,900 + TTL. Call 361-573-6911

2012 COUGAR, 35 ft. bumper pull, 2 slides, 2BR, sleeps 8, clean, good condition. NADA price used $25,400; Asking: $16,400. 361-552-4030

(45) 2 yr old cross bred heifers, bred to Angus bull & calving, $2500 each.

979-479-2925

FREE: Wood Pallets Perfect for burning, deer camp, factory use, etc. Pick up at 304 E. Santa Rosa

2009 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 LTZ, 1 owner, Pearl exterior, Black interior, pw, pl, tilt, cruise. $19,995.

361-573-3325 rockmotorstx.com 2008 Chevrolet Silverado LT 2500HD,4 dr,ext. cab,clean, 1 owner, runs good! $12,000. 575-1009. www.hartmansautosales.com

2006 C-4500 CHEVROLET Crew Cab, great 1.5 ton work truck, 11 ft flatbed with gooseneck connection, diesel, bright red, clean interior, 69,000 miles, asking $26,900 or best offer. Call 361-798-6862.

2005 Z-71 4x4 Crew Cab CHEVROLET SILVERADO, clean local trade-in,1 owner, $12,000.575-1009 www.hartmansautosales.com 2002 CHEVROLET SILVERADO LT crew cab 4x4, 1500 HD, leather, nice bumpers, sharp! $8,995. 575-1009 www.hartmansautosales.com 1999 1/2 ton CHEVROLET SILVERADO LS, x-cab, rebuilt motor & trans., 60K mi., 4.8L, 8 cyl.; in Port Lavaca; clear title, $3,700 OBO.361-552-1197, 409-549-6752.

1994 CHEVROLET PICKUP. Super clean & fast. High performance cam, Poss. finance. $4250. 361-652-1613

1998 DODGE RAM 1500, ext. cab, 390 V8, A/C, auto., 185K miles, red, very good condition, $3,200. Call 979-332-1275.

1998 DODGE DURANGO SLT, 4x4, Cloth, V8. Was $5,332, Now: $3,437 We offer in house financing Call 361-652-4241 or 652-6682

2009 GMC SIERRA SLE 2500 HD Crew Cab Z-71, 4x4, 1 owner, good condition, $15,995. 361-575-1009 www.hartmansautosales.com

(2) KITTENS, 7 mo. old.

Very loving & playful.

FREE to a good home.

361-579-7815 FREE: Cute black female kitten, very fluffy.

Call 361-575-8807.

FREE: Puppies to a good home LABRADOR mix 8 wks. old, 2 black females, 1 black male, 1 tan male & one white male. Call 361-212-4042

2012 CHRYSLER 200, SUPER Low Mi., Navigation, Touch Screen, Cold A/C. We Finance, Fisher Auto Sales.

1302 Sam Houston 361-578-0043 2010 CHRYSLER SEBRING, Great MPG, Cold A/C, HOT Heater, pw, pl.

We Finance, Fisher Auto Sales 1302 Sam Houston 361-578-0043

2008 NISSAN FRONTIER SE, 4x4, Cloth, 67K mi., Crew Cab. $17,673.

We offer in house financing Call 361-652-6682 or 361-652-4241 2004 TOYOTA TUNDRA Limited, dbl. cab, 4x4, 1 owner, very good condition, clean, $12,995. 575-1009 www.hartmansautosales.com

2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT, 4 door, only 112,000 miles, clean, good condition, $4,995. 361-575-1009 www.hartmansautosales.com

2010 DODGE CHARGER SXT 3.6 Liter, 4 Door, Sporty, Extra clean! We Finance, Fisher Auto Sales 1302 Sam Houston. 578-0043 2000 DODGE INTREPID BASE 1 Owner, 51K miles, 4 Door, auto., pw, pl, cruise, $4,995. 361-573-3325 www.rockmotorstx.com

2006 HONDA CR-V EX, Sunroof, Alloys, 51K miles. NOW: $11,937 We offer in house financing Call 361-652-4241 or 361-652-6682 2006 NISSAN ARMADA, 3rd Row, Loaded, Leather, Sunroof, Extra Roomy. We Finance, Fisher Auto Sales 1302 Sam Houston, 578-0043

crossroadstreasures.com

FABRICS & MORE SALE Sat., January 17th. 8am-2pm.

Earn Up to $15 an hour!

Fabrics 50 cents a yard. Also quilt Papa John’s is Hiring Part/Full time scraps, threads, notions, patterns, DELIVERY DRIVERS. Mileage plus yarn, all types of needles, sewing & tips paid daily. Flexible hours. quilting books, sewing machines, Apply In Person at clothes, gas heater, stereo/8 3112 N. Navarro, Victoria, TX track/turn table in a cabinet, Or Apply online at PJapply.com scrapbooking items, dye cut & hand held machines, rubber stamps, Don Jose Now Hiring ALL acrylic stamps, stamp pads, card POSITIONS. Apply in Person stocking supplies, pens, gel pens, 2pm-4pm, Mon-Fri, 2902 E Airline, pencils, cutting tools, plastic Victoria. No Phone Calls. storage containers, plastic storage drawers with/without wheels, IMMEDIATE openings for WAIT silver plated tea set, paints & more STAFF & DANCERS. $600-$1,000 paints, acrylic & puff paints, pristine weekly for Wait Staff and Dancers. paintable wood crafts - already Other positions avail. Apply in assembled, and more!!!! You name person after 4pm @ Maximus, it, we have it.

1901 N. Ben Wilson.

Victoria County Senior Citizens Ctr. 603 E. Murray/S. Navarro right before Water Street.

2009 CHEVROLET SILVERADO LT, 1500, Crew Cab. Was: $21,618, Now: $17,479. We offer in house financing. 361-652-6682 or 361-652-4241

New Crop PECANS For Sale.

Shelled, In Shell, or Cracked.

Call 361-648-9293.

GARAGE SALE SITE!

Must be able to work all shifts. Apply in person at 3410 John Stockbauer or 3805 Navarro & Victoria Mall or apply online

TRUCKS...Buy-Sell-Trade...TRUCKS Since 1964. 361-575-1009 View Our Inventory @ www.hartmansautosales.com

1979 LINCOLN MARK 5.

Good Condition & Runs Good. $4,000.

Call 361-649-0035.

1972 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL $1,500.

894-2579 or 485-1326 for more information

2009 PONTIAC VIBE, Low miles, Great MPG, Eco-friendly, Clean Interior. We Finance, Fisher Auto Sales 1302 Sam Houston, 361-578-0043

2009 HONDA CIVIC DX. 4 door, 100K MI., black & new tires. $10,000. 361-212-1343 2007 TOYOTA CAMRY LE, pw, pl, CLEAN Interior, Engine Runs Very Smooth. $7,995. 361-573-3325 www.rockmotorstx.com

2007 BLACK FORD EXPLORER sport track, limited, 4 liter engine, 145,000 miles, rebuilt trans., new coil pack, timing chain, camshaft sprockets, arms and suede bars.

Asking $10,500. Call 361-572-3365 2008 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER SR5.

4.0 liter V6. 117,000 mi.

Drift wood pearl color. 2 WD. Excellent Condition! Clean Texas Title in hand. $15,000 OBO. 361-212-1343 or 361-935-0818 2011 DODGE NITRO, Low Miles, Extra Clean, Sport Package.

We Finance, Fisher Auto Sales 1302 Sam Houston 361-578-0043

2012 FORD ESCAPE XLT, Cloth, 5 Pass., 26K, Alloys. $19,837, Now: $16,969. We offer in house financing. Call 361-652-4241 or 652-6682.

- New & Used ELECTRIC & GAS GOLF CARS On-the-spot Financing Available 361-582-2731 2007 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5S, Very Clean, Won’t Last! Was: $9,954 Now: $7,973. Offer in house financing. Call 361-652-6682 or 652-4241 2006 TOYOTA SCION XA, 4 door, automatic, air, 94,000 mi., runs excellent, one owner, $4,900.

Call 361-655-3143.

2003 VOLKSWAGEN B EETLE, 5 speed turbo, fully loaded, leather seats, convertible, $7,500.

Call 361-648-7617.

We sell new & used auto & truck parts. We have access to 120 million cars. City Auto Parts & Repair 361-573-4141

Puzzles, E2 • Support Calendar, E3 • Celebrations, E8 Victoria Advocate, VictoriaAdvocate.com•Sunday, January 11, 2015

S E C T I O N

E

YOUR LIFE

Debbie Castillo sits outside the main house at Marshall Ranch on Oct. 13 as her children play in the yard, and Khloe Gonzales wraps her arms around her mother to give her a hug. “I try to be more involved with them now and spend more quality time with them,” said Castillo. “That means a lot.”

A FAMILY OF

PRAYER

Woman, children find success at Marshall Ranch PHOTOS AND STORY

BY ALISHA JUCEVIC AJUCEVIC@VICAD.COM

itting in a circle on a deep, blue carpet in between a single bed and double bed, Debbie Castillo and her four children recite bedtime prayers.

S

A children’s Bible rests on the carpet next to the family. The soft warmth of the evening light surrounds the family, including the baby sleeping soundly in a nearby crib. Buttoned in fuzzy, colorful pajamas, the children look up at their mother, waiting for a cue.

Following a nod from mother, Gabriel Gonzales, 8, and Michael Gonzales, 10, ask to pray for their driver’s licenses. Delilah Gonzales, 7, says she wants to pray for those injured in the Sept. 11 attacks, and Khloe Gonzales, 5, lets out a little giggle and asks if she can pray for her bubble gum. Castillo smiles, listening. Then they each bow their heads, and she begins with a prayer of giving thanks.

Debbie Castillo, center, helps her daughter Khloe pack up a game before they go to bed in their room at Marshall Ranch on Oct. 13. The family sleeps in one room, and they share their house with other mothers, depending on who is in the program. “The boys use to have their own room,” said Debbie. “But even then, they would always come in here and we would all sleep in the same beds together.”

“I know how God can erase no curses, and if they don’t stop here, then it will get passed on to my children. That’s not the way I want my children to live.”

– Debbie Castillo

SEE PRAYER, E4 PAGE DESIGNER: MANAGING EDITOR OF VISUALS: CHARLES APPLE, CAPPLE@VICAD.COM, COPY EDITOR: J.R. ORTEGA, JRORTEGA@VICAD.COM

E2 — VICTORIA ADVOCATE, Sunday, January 11, 2015

VictoriaAdvocate.com

PUZZLES&GAMES

PAGE DESIGNER/ COPY EDITOR: MEREDITH CASH, MCASH@VICAD.COM

RELEASE DATE - SUNDAY, JANUARY 11, 2015

TODAY’S SUNDAY CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ANSWERS

BECKER BRIDGE

SUDOKU

ANSWERS

TODAY’S

SUDOKU

PREMIER

Fill in the blank cells using numbers 1 to 9. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and 3x3 block. Use logic and process of elimination to solve the puzzle.

WORD SLEUTH RELEASE DATE - SUNDAY, JANUARY 11, 2015

PREMIER SUNDAY CROSSWORD PUZZLE “BODY OF LITERATURE” BY FRANK A. LONGO

VICTORIA ADVOCATE, Sunday, January 11, 2015 — E3

VictoriaAdvocate.com

YOUR LIFE

PAGE DESIGNER/ COPY EDITOR: MEREDITH CASH, MCASH@VICAD.COM

SMALL GROUPS AND SUPPORT MEETINGS SUNDAY

WONDERKIDS CLASSES

Parkway Church, Rooms 203 and 204 I 4802 John Stockbauer Drive I 11 a.m.

I Designed for children and youth with special needs (two groups, ages 2-10 and ages 11-18).

I Email kristi@parkwayvictoria.org.

I

CELEBRATE RECOVERY

Faith Family Church, choir room I 2002 E. Mockingbird Lane I 9-10 a.m.

I Contact 361-652-8137.

I

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS LITERATURE MEETING

2008 N. Navarro St., Suite B I 3-4 p.m.

I Overeaters Anonymous offers help for those with an eating disorder to overcome that problem through the 12-step program.

I Contact 361-572-0619 or 361-212-2349 or visit oavictoria.org.

I

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS “KEEP COMING BACK” WOMEN’S MEETING

2008 N. Navarro St., Suite B I Noon-1 p.m.

I Overeaters Anonymous offers help for those with an eating disorder to overcome that problem through the 12-step program.

I Contact 361-572-0619 or 361-212-2349 or visit oavictoria.org.

I

VICTORIA COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT MEETING I I I I I

JACK RINGEL DETACHMENT NO. 540 MARINE CORP LEAGUE MEETING I I I I

SONSHINE FELLOWSHIP

First Church of the Nazarene I 1105 Edinburgh St. I 5:30-7:30 p.m.

I New fellowship group will meet second Sunday each month. Especially for citizens with disabilities or special needs of all ages.

Families and friends are welcome. Activities include Bible stories, music, crafts, games and snacks.

I Contact Janie Thompson at 361-935-2378 or email jtom56@sbcglobal.net to register.

I

MONDAY

VICTORIA BOULEVARD LIONS CLUB MEETING I I I I

Grapevine Cafe 110 Medical Drive 6-7 p.m.

Contact Lynn Moore at 361-578-7449.

WEIGHT WATCHERS SUPPORT GROUP

I Homewood Suites Hilton I 6705 N.E. Zac Lentz

Parkway I 6 p.m.

I Registration begins at 5:30 p.m.

I Contact Pat Babb at 361-576-4705.

CELEBRATE RECOVERY

Parkway Church 4802 John Stockbauer Drive I 6:30-8:30 p.m.

I A place of healing for life’s hurts, hangups and habits.

I Contact Becky at 361-572-8340.

I I

YOUNG-AT-HEART I I I I

Baptist Temple Church 1804 N. Laurent St. 2-4:30 p.m.

Contact 361-573-9157.

KIWANIS CLUB OF VICTORIA MEETING

Sky Restaurant 236 Foster Field Drive Noon-1 p.m.

New members are welcome.

I Contact Terry Blevins, 361-573-6451 or terrylynn@suddenlink.net.

I I I I

PAINTING THE TOWN

Victoria Art League 905 Bridge St. 6:30-8:30 p.m. $35 for nonmembers $30 for members of Victoria Art League I A social painting class (party) with art at heart.

Paint along with the artist of the evening. Fun for all ages. Supplies are provided and participants leave with a 20-by-16-inch painting Snacks, water and tea are provided. BYOB of choice.

I Contact Eunice Collins at 361-576-4043.

I I I I I

Victoria County Courthouse 115 N. Bridge St. 10 a.m.

Free Victoria County Commissioners meet every Monday morning to discuss and vote on county business.

VFW Hall 2001 Lova/VFW Drive 7 p.m.

For more information, call Edward Salazar, 361-575-6591.

GREATER VICTORIA TOASTMASTERS

Prosperity Bank, mezzanine level I 101 S. Main St. I 6:30-7:30 p.m.

I For more informatin call, Gerry Wyant at 361-576-1863.

I

LUNCH AND LEARN WITH THE MASTERS

Dr. Pattie Dodson Public Health Center I 2805 N. Navarro St. I 12-1 p.m.

I Free I Victoria County Master Gardener Association will have a Lunch and Learn With the Masters. Victoria County Extension Agent Peter McGuill will present a program titled “Selection and Care of Trees in Your Landscape.” Those attending may bring a sack lunch and drink.

I

CLA ESTATE PLANNING WORKSHOP

Homewood Suites 6705 N.E. Zac Lentz Parkway I 1 p.m.

I Free I A workshop providing valuable information for seniors on securing one’s estate and retirement planning. You will receive a workbook and gain useful information you can act upon immediately regarding pros and cons of wills and trusts; how to avoid probate; long-term health care concerns; tax reduction planning.

I Seating is limited. Call 1-866-252-8721.

I I

TUESDAY

LAVACA COUNTY RETIRED TEACHERS MEETING

First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall I 206 S. Dowling St., Hallettsville I 9:30 a.m.

I Guest speaker Margaret Payne will talk about her extensive collection of assorted dishes, figurines, etc. She will also give tips on collecting in general.

I All retired school employees and the public are invited to attend.

I Contact Irene Cerny at 361-594-3185.

I

TECH BASICS: MICROSOFT WORD PART I

Victoria Public Library 302 N. Main St. 9:30 a.m.

Free Learn the basic elements in Microsoft Word 2010 word processing software.

Participants will edit an existing document in a variety of ways. Exercises include: adding a bulleted list, cutting and pasting text, copying and pasting text, editing the quick access toolbar, spell checking, and saving and printing the document.

I Contact 361-485-3302, or visit victoriapubliclibrary.org.

I I I I I

VICTORIA ROTARY CLUB MEETING I I I I I

Victoria Country Club 14 Spring Creek Road 11:30 a.m., lunch served Noon meeting There will be a guest speaker as well as a student speaker. Guests and prospective members are welcome.

I

Contact Linda Caldwell, club secretary, at 361-579-7137.

CHRISTIANS AGAINST SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Church of Christ 286 N. Rail St., Bloomington I 7-8 p.m.

I Twelve-step recovery program for any kind of addiction. Including but not limited to drugs and alcohol.

I Contact the church at 361-897-1313.

I I

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY

First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall I 301 N. Glass St. I Moody Street entrance I 8:30-10 a.m.

I Contact 361-572-0523 or 361-578-1205.

I

KNIT HAPPENS

Parkway Church 4802 John Stockbauer Drive I 5:30-7:30 p.m.

I Knitting and support group for any life challenge.

(Enter building through the side entrance.)

I Contact Cindy Tharp at 361-655-1418.

I I

TAPESTRY, THE PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY

First Presbyterian Church, 2408 N. Navarro St. 10 a.m.

Gathering of friends to knit and crochet prayer shawls to give comfort and support to those in need.

One need not know how to knit or crochet; lessons will be given.

I Contact Mary Ann Oakley at 361-578-4502 or the church office at 361-575-2441.

I I I I

DIVORCE CARE FOR ADULTS I I I I

Faith Family Church 2002 E. Mockingbird Lane 7 p.m.

Contact rachelhernandez06@yahoo.com.

DIVORCE CARE FOR KIDS I I I I

Faith Family Church 2002 E. Mockingbird Lane 7 p.m.

Email WilliamsA@uhv.edu.

DIVORCE CARE FOR WOMEN

Parkway Church 4802 John Stockbauer Drive I Church offices facing Salem I 6:30-7:30 p.m.

I Contact 361-572-8340, or becky@parkwayvictoria.org.

I I

DIVORCE CARE FOR MEN

Parkway Church 4802 John Stockbauer Drive I Church offices facing Salem I 6:30-7:30 p.m.

I Contact 361-572-8340 or becky@parkwayvictoria.org.

I I

LIVING COURAGE SUPPORT GROUP

Mid-Coast Family Services 120 S. Main, Suite 310 2-3 p.m.

For female survivors of family violence who have been affected by physical or emotional abuse – either past or present.

I To sign up, call the Family Violence Department at Mid-Coast Family Services at 361-575-7842.

I I I I

VICTORIA WOMEN’S ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS GROUP MEETING

Grace Presbyterian Church 3604 N. Ben Jordan St. 5:30 p.m.

Weekly meeting is designed for women and is a nonsmoking group. We follow the 12 steps/12 traditions.

I Contact Alcoholics Anonymous Hotline, available 24 hours a day, at 866-672-7029 or visit swtadist7aa.org.

I I I I

VICTORIA MEN’S ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS GROUP MEETING

Christ the Victor Church 202 Stanly St. 6 p.m.

This weekly meeting is designed for men and is a non-smoking group. We have open discussion.

I Contact Alcoholics Anonymous Hotline, available 24 hours a day, at 866-672-7029 or visit swtadist7aa.org.

I I I I

SEXAHOLICS ANONYMOUS I I I

Victoria area meeting Noon Troubled by your sexual thinking and behavior?

Sexaholics Anonymous can

help. We also have meetings Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.

I For locations and questions, call 210-541-1299 or 866-424-8777. You may also email to victoriatexassa@gmail.com.

COMPASSIONATE FRIENDS

First United Methodist Church I 407 N. Bridge St. I 7-8:30 p.m.

I A support group for anyone who has lost a child or children. All family members are welcome. We meet the second Tuesday of each month in the education building on Power Street behind the church.

I For more information, call Linda Goss at 361-489-2741 or Doris Perkins at 361-649-1691.

I

WOODMEN OF THE WORLD LODGE 3694 I I I I

Montana Mike’s 6409 N. Navarro St. 6:30 p.m.

Contact Bobby L. Clark at 361-578-5066.

THE GABRIEL PROJECT

101 W. Convent St., behind St. Mary’s Catholic Church I 6:30 p.m.

I Evening of prayer, learning and fellowship about The Gabriel Project. Light supper provided. Everyone welcome.

I Volunteers are needed.

I For more information, call Barbara McCain at 361-649-1612, or 1-866-627-9243, or email barbaramccain85@yahoo.com.

I

AMERICAN LEGION NO. 166 AND AUXILIARY MEETING American Legion Hall Covered dish meal, 6:15 p.m.; meeting, 7:30 p.m.

I For more information, call Winnie McCarrell at 361-574-8939.

I I

WEDNESDAY

CLOGGING DANCE LESSONS

Fellowship hall 2408 Navarro St. 5-7 p.m.

Free No special equipment necessary. A new class is beginning and will continue each Wednesday for 12 weeks. Presented by the Stars and Stripes Cloggers.

I Contact 361-571-1231.

I I I I I

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS BINGO FUNDRAISER

KC Hall 3610 N. Ben Wilson St. 6 p.m., doors open 7:30-10 p.m., bingo games $10 for pack of bingo sheets (10 games) I Food and drinks are available. Proceeds benefit various council projects.

I Call KC Hall at 361-575-9214 or Gary Moses at 361-550-5466.

I I I I I

CLOGGING CLASS

Englein Haus 115 N. Main St., Hallettsville I 5-7 p.m.

I Clogging class held every Wednesday.

I Contact Nancy Braus at 361-798-9295.

I I

PAINTING THE TOWN

Victoria Art League, 905 S. Bridge St. I 6:30-8:30 p.m.

I $35 for nonmembers I $30 for members of Victoria Art League I A social painting class with art at heart. Paint along with the artist of the evening. Fun for all ages.

Supplies are provided and participants leave with a 20-by-16-inch painting.

Snacks, water and tea are provided. BYOB of choice.

I Contact Eunice Collins at 361-576-4043.

I

LUNCHEON AND BINGO

First United Methodist Church fellowship hall I 601 S. Second St., Seadrift I 11:30 a.m.

I $3 suggested donation I All senior citizens, 60 years of age or older and their spouses, regardless of age, are invited to attend the luncheon. A hot meal will be served at 11:30 a.m.

Bingo will be played after lunch. A suggested donation of $3 will be accepted. The event is presented by the Calhoun County Senior Citizens Association Inc. I

FINANCIAL PEACE I I

Parkway Church 4802 John Stockbauer Drive

I I

6:30-8:30 p.m.

Contact: 361-572-8340.

PINE STREET ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS GROUP MEETING

Seventh Day Adventist Church I 803 E. Pine St. I Noon and 6:30 p.m.

I This weekly meeting is a non-smoking group and has open discussion.

I Contact Alcoholics Anonymous Hotline, available 24 hours a day, at 866-672-7029 or visit swtadist7aa.org.

I

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS SUPPORT GROUP MEETING 2008 N. Navarro St., Suite B I Noon-1 p.m.

I Overeaters Anonymous offers help for those with an eating disorder to overcome that problem through the 12-step program.

I Contact 361-572-0619 or 361-212-2349 or visit oavictoria.org.

I

PORT LAVACA AMERICAN LEGION POST 167

IBC Bank conference room on N. Virginia St. in Port Lavaca I 7 p.m.

I Contact 361-534-8217 or 361-484-0779.

I

BLIND COURAGE SUPPORT GROUP

Victoria Mall Community Room I 7802 N. Navarro St. I 9:30-11:30 a.m.

I Your care provider or family member is welcome to accompany you.

I For more information, call Debbie Ross at 361-573-2424 or Donna Munsch at 361-580-1998.

I

THURSDAY

TECH BASICS: MICROSOFT WORD PART II

Victoria Public Library 302 N. Main St. 9:30 a.m.

Free Continue learning the basic elements in Microsoft Word 2010 word processing software.

Participants will edit an existing document in a variety of ways: Exercises include adding a copying and pasting text between documents, inserting and editing an image, creating tables and more.

I Contact 361-485-3302 or visit victoriapubliclibrary.org.

I I I I I

WEIGHT WATCHERS SUPPORT GROUP

Homewood Suites Hilton 6705 N.E. Zac Lentz Parkway I 12:15 p.m., meeting starts I Registration begins 30 minutes before meeting.

I Contact Pat Babb at 361-576-4705 for more information.

I I

VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS BINGO FUNDRAISER

VFW Hall 2001 Lova Drive 6 p.m., doors open 7:30 p.m., games begin Concessions available, including homemade desserts. Monetary prizes awarded for the winners in bingo. Proceeds go toward local youth organizations, such as boys baseball and girls softball, and to assisting and caring for local veterans. Come enjoy an evening of good company, fun games and delicious food – and support your local veterans.

I Contact Butch Roell at 361-649-4087 or the VFW Post at 361-573-2261.

I I I I I

SEXAHOLICS ANONYMOUS

Victoria area meeting 6:30 p.m.

Troubled by your sexual thinking and behavior?

Sexaholics Anonymous can help. We also have meetings at noon Tuesdays.

I For locations and questions, call 210-541-1299 or 866-424-8777. You may also email to victoriatexassa@gmail.com.

I I I

CHRISTIANS AGAINST SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Central Church of Christ, annex I 801 E. Airline Road I 7-8 p.m.

I Twelve-step recovery program for any kind of addiction. Including but not limited to drugs and alcohol. Meets on Thursday and Saturdays.

I

I

Contact the church at 361-573-9133.

FAITH TOASTMASTERS I I I I

Faith Family Church 2002 E. Mockingbird Lane 7-8:30 p.m.

Contact: 361-576-1863.

LIFE IMPACT CHURCH LADIES MEETING I I I

1603 Port Lavaca Drive 7 p.m.

All ladies and young girls are welcome. Childcare is limited.

MORNING STUDY CLUB MEETING

Victoria Women’s Club House I 1408 N. Moody St. I 9:30 a.m.

I The Morning Study Club will meet the first and third Thursdays of each month from October through May. I Contact dfhrifr@suddenlink.net.

I

VICTORIA AMATEUR RADIO CLUB MEETING

Call for meeting location 7:30 p.m.

Anyone interested in amateur radio is welcome.

I For more information, call Pat Babb at 361-576-4705.

I I I

COFFEE WITH THE CAPTAIN Victoria Donuts 3805 N. Navarro St. 9-10:30 a.m.

Office of Congressman Blake Farenthold is hosting a new monthly Coffee with the Captain, conducted by U.S. Army (Retired) Capt.

Rene Coronado, veterans field representative for Congressman Blake Farenthold. This informal gathering of veterans will give local veterans an opportunity to ask questions, look for assistance with benefits and get help with appeals of Veterans Affairs benefits or health care. It is an open forum for all veterans. Everyone is welcome to attend and enjoy coffee and doughnuts.

I Contact 361-877-9022

I I I I

FRIDAY

THE VICTORIA WRIGHTPATTERSON MAHJONGG CLUB I I I

1 p.m.

Beginners are welcome.

Call 361-575-1344 for location.

SINGLE ADULT MINISTRY

Faith Family Church 2002 E. Mockingbird Lane 7 p.m.

A night of free worship and fellowship. Area single adults are encouraged to attend. Childcare is provided.

I Contact Adam Harris at 361-573-2484 or aharris@ffc.org.

I I I I

SATURDAY

JIGSAW PUZZLE EXCHANGE

Victoria Mall Food Court 7800 N. Navarro St. 9:30-10 a.m.

We meet the third Saturday of each month.

I For more information, call Laurie McVay at 361-579-7818 or Gary Moses at 361-573-2853.

I I I I

BOATING SAFETY CLASS

Coleto Creek Reservoir 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Boating safety class is the third Saturday of each month.

I To participate, you must call and reserve a seat at 361-575-8600.

I I I

JAN. 18

WONDERKIDS CLASSES

Parkway Church, Rooms 203 and 204.

I 4802 John Stockbauer Drive I 11 a.m.

I Designed for children and youth with special needs (two groups, ages 2-10 and ages 11-18).

I Email kristi@parkwayvictoria.org.

I

CELEBRATE RECOVERY

Faith Family Church, choir room I 2002 E. Mockingbird Lane I 9-10 a.m.

I Contact: 361-652-8137.

I

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS LITERATURE MEETING

2008 N. Navarro St., Suite B I 3-4 p.m.

I Overeaters Anonymous offers help for those with an eating disorder to overcome that problem through the 12-step program.

I Contact 361-572-0619 or 361-212-2349 or visit oavictoria.org.

I

E4 — VICTORIA ADVOCATE, Sunday, January 11, 2015

VICTORIA ADVOCATE, Sunday, January 11, 2015 — E5

VictoriaAdvocate.com

YOUR LIFE

PAGE DESIGNER: CHARLES APPLE, CAPPLE@VICAD.COM, COPY EDITOR: J.R. ORTEGA, JRORTEGA@VICAD.COM

PAGE DESIGNER: CHARLES APPLE, CAPPLE@VICAD.COM, COPY EDITOR: J.R. ORTEGA, JRORTEGA@VICAD.COM

YOUR LIFE

“My kids, they asked me one time about finishing school. They said, we don’t got no money for college.

I said ‘babies, your college is already paid in full in the name in Jesus, y’all are going to go to college.’”

Debbie Castillo and her children play outside on the Marshall Ranch campus with other families. She holds up Liyah Gonzales in the air, then kisses her cheeks. “It is so beautiful out here,” said Castillo.

“I never thought I would live out in the country, having alone time with God.” She says the peaceful atmosphere at Marshall Ranch helps her connect with God, and truly feels like her home.

– Debbie Castillo

PRAYER CONTINUED FROM E1 It’s a common evening for the family in their bedroom at Marshall Ranch, a faith-based recovery home founded by the South Texas Children’s Home Ministries for mothers and children in crisis.

Castillo, 29, is a single mother recovering from alcohol addiction who also dealt with physical violence in a previous relationship. At the ranch, she is determined to start a new life for her children, even if that means surrendering herself to the Lord and walking away from her past.

“I know how God can erase no curses, and if they don’t stop here, then it will get passed on to my children,” said Castillo, reflecting on her past, and the way she was raised. “That’s not the way I want my children to live.”

Castillo has been struggling to overcome past hurts for many years. She never had a strong role model growing up, she said. Her father was absent much of her life, and her mother, who died this past year, also struggled with drug and alcohol addiction.

Her grandmother secondarily raised her, but the negative environment only fueled addictive tendencies. Castillo was a dropout in seventh grade, and experimenting with drugs and alcohol by 16 years old. That’s when she met the father of her children, Bobby Gonzales.

Castillo lived with Gonzales and his mom for two years before moving into public housing.

She struggled with drinking, though she was able to stop each time she was pregnant. After Gonzales was violent toward Castillo, she filed a domestic abuse report, causing Child Protective Services to remove her children in 2012.

She would leave him, she said, but either she would go back, or he would find her.

Finally, a prison sentence for Gonzales separated the couple for good. Castillo, for the first time, was taking care of her children alone.

To watch Debbie In February, Theresa Castillo and her Klacman, founder of children build new Restoration House lives for themMinistries in Victoria, selves with the opened the faith-based women’s homeless help of Marshall shelter, House of Ranch, go to Dreams, four days early Victoria to take in Castillo and her Advocate.com children. Castillo had been reluctant to accept Klacman’s help in the past, but when CPS threatened to take the children away for a second time, she agreed to move into House of Dreams.

Klacman said she knew there was something special with Castillo. “As I got to know her and interact with her, I saw that she had a love and a heart for God. She loved her kids,” said Klacman. “I knew that she wanted more, even though she didn't know that yet.”

Castillo admits her time at the ranch has been a struggle, but throughout her time in the God-centered environments – she successfully stayed with House of Dreams until August and has lived at Marshall Ranch for more than six months – her faith has continued to grow and mature.

When her past creeps up, she says her kids always help her remember to stay on track.

“It’s OK that I am going to stumble,” said Castillo. “But I am going to get back up and see what lies ahead.”

Castillo now dreams of a successful future.

She plans to obtain her high school diploma during the next phase of the program at Marshall Ranch. She also dreams of becoming a teacher.

“She has an amazing ability to teach,” said Brandy Matthews, one of Castillo’s mentors during her time at House of Dreams. “She has diligence and patience. It makes her marvelous with the kids.”

Today, at the center of her life, she is a forming relationship with her Lord. She’s dedicated to studying the Bible and determined to build a stable life for herself and five children.

“A family that prays together stays together,” said Castillo, smiling and looking at her daughter playing next to her. “That’s what I want my family to be.”

Michael Gonzales, back left, and his mother, Debbie Castillo, read scriptures written on flashcards in their living room on Oct. 13. Liyah plays next to them, and Gabriel Gonzales lies on the floor in front of them, reading a scripture out loud.

ONLINE

Debbie Castillo stands at the front of the room at the Faith Family Church auditorium on Dec. 21, lifting her hands to praise God as a band starts the Sunday morning worship with live music. Castillo went to church before she lived in the House of Dreams, but she says she never took the time to get to know her Lord until Theresa Klacman, and her other mentors, started to show her God’s love. “I am finding myself getting more into the word,” said Debbie.

“I am not all the way whole, but I am working toward it.”

Above: Debbie Castillo completes volunteer hours at the RHM Gleanings in Victoria on Sept. 25. After driving without a license or insurance for five years Castillo stacked up a debt of tickets. Before she started the program at Marshall Ranch, she had to sit out her tickets in jail on multiple occasions, but since she has been in the program she has stopped driving and Theresa Klacman has allowed her to work at the second hand shop to pay off her tickets. She had more than 500 hours of service in ticket debt, and she has paid off over half during the past few months.

Debbie Castillo looks at a pair of new glasses in the mirror after her son’s eye appointment at Texas Optical in Victoria on Sept. 26. Her Medicaid plan covered only certain glasses, and her sons, Gabriel and Michael, wanted a pair of new ones that weren't on the list.

Michael Gonzales stands against the wall of the main house at Marshall Ranch on Oct. 13 as the family plays “Mother May I.” Castillo says her time at Marshall Ranch has helped her see the type of mother God wants her to be. “I see my family and how they are with their kids.

That made me look at different perspectives on how to raise your kids and how to talk to them,” said Debbie, reflecting on the negativity she saw in her parental figures. “That’s not how I wanted to raise mine. God blessed me with that.”

Debbie Castillo embraces Brandy Matthews at the 1,000 Women Strong Fall Expo on Oct. 25 in Victoria. Brandy Matthews was one of Castillo’s first mentors, along with Theresa Klacman, when she first entered the program. “I never even knew how much love God had until I met Miss Theresa and Miss Brandy,” said Castillo. “God showed love through them that I had never seen before. I am still amazed.”

E6 — VICTORIA ADVOCATE, Sunday, January 11, 2015

VictoriaAdvocate.com

YOUR LIFE

PAGE DESIGNER/ COPY EDITOR: MEREDITH CASH, MCASH@VICAD.COM

ANIMALS

Pup needs a second coat? Try making it yourself

BY JENNIFER FORKER THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

It’s that time of year when many dogs need a little extra protection – a coat or a sweater – when going out into the cold. Why not try making it yourself?

Small breeds such as Chihuahuas, pugs and Shih Tzus, several kinds of terriers; and some larger, short-haired breeds such as greyhounds and Doberman Pinschers are among those that need to be dressed for winter.

You can buy cold-weather doggy wear, of course. And websites such as Pinterest or Etsy abound with homemade examples – along with other items of clothing for dogs – including dresses, costumes, even blue jeans with suspenders.

There are do-it-yourself instructions online for repurposing sweaters, long-sleeve turtlenecks and T-shirts into warm dog coats and sweaters. Or start from scratch with a pattern and fabric.

Monica Mansfield, a veterinarian in Medway, Massachusetts, recommends using soft fabrics against a dog’s skin – fleece works great – and checking any garment bought or made for hard edges or hurtful places. Make sure clothes aren’t too snug.

“We can only guess what feels comfortable to dogs,” says Mansfield. But “if you run your hands against everything that’s touching the dog’s skin to make sure there’s nothing poking and no prickly thing on it, the vast majority of dogs will

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Toby, a 4-month-old standard poodle, who wears his knitted sweater when he accompanies his owner, Ruthie Kolb, to the Knit Knack shop in Arvada, Colo. When the weather is bitter cold, some of our pets – especially small dogs with short hair, such as Chihuahuas, pugs and several breeds of terrier – need to wear a sweater or coat. accept them and enjoy wearing them.”

Short-haired dogs, especially the little ones, probably need to wear their extra coats outside when temperatures dip below 35 or 40 degrees, says the vet.

“All the smaller dogs deserve a sweater,” she says.

The ideal garment has wool on the outside and

fleece on the inside, she says, for both warmth and comfort.

Karen Vesk, of Erie, Penn., makes dog coats for her two Dobermans – partly to provide warmth but also to allay others’ concerns about her two big dogs. “It’s fun to dress them up, but also people think of Dobermans as big, tough dogs,” says Vesk.

“You can’t take a dog seriously who’s wearing a cupcake sweater.”

Vesk makes her dogs’ coats because large-breed coats are difficult to find, she says, and are often costly. Her dogs have large chests and small waists, so she adapts out-of-print commercial patterns she finds on eBay (find them

FOR THE LOVE OF YOUR PET

new at fabric stores). She uses mostly remnant-table fleece and Velcro closures.

Vesk recommends using a simple poncho pattern with strap and Velcro closure.

She measures the dog’s chest around, and the length from the neck to the base of the tail.

Toby, a 4-month-old standard poodle, wears an elab-

orately knitted sweater while greeting customers at the Knit Knack yarn shop in Arvada, Colorado. Fashionable dog knits abound at free online pattern-sharing sites – try Knitty or Ravelry – and in books such as “Top Dog Knits” by Jil Eaton (Breckling Press, 2010).

A knit-store dog needs to wear the wares, says Toby’s owner, Ruthie Kolb, who works several days at the shop. “I thought he might need a classy, cabled sweater.”

The sweater also comes in handy after Toby’s fur is shaved, as it was recently.

“When the temperature is minus 1 walking to the shop, as it was this morning, the sweater helps keep him warmer,” says Kolb.

“He doesn’t seem to mind it.”

While Vesk’s two dogs love the attention they receive while walking in their coats, other dogs may need help becoming accustomed to outerwear.

“Use the old treat method,” advises Vesk, “and then they associate putting on their coats with a treat. Eventually, they’ll get used to it.”

Mansfield advised similarly. “Part of it is training. It’s getting them used to it and having a little food reward,” she says.

“Sometimes at-home love rewards are good.”

Do not clothe furry, winter-loving breeds, the vet warns. Dogs such as huskies, malamutes and golden retrievers with thick coats don’t need winter wear.

ADVICE

Distinguish emergencies from non-emergencies Mom hopes fiance It never fails that pets get sick after your veterinarian’s normal business hours. Have your veterinarian’s phone number readily available for these situations. It would also be useful to know your clinic’s emergency protocol.

The best thing you can do for your pet is stay calm. If you think your pet needs medical attention, you should call your veterinary office whether it is during or after office hours. Usually, if you call after hours, you will be directed to a different phone number or patched through to someone who can help you.

The city of Victoria and surrounding counties have an association for local veterinarians called the Golden Crescent Veterinary Medical Association. A large portion of those veterinarians take turns being on call for emergency cases on weekends. So even if your normal veterinarian is not available to treat your pet, another local vet-

erinarian is.

It is good to try and differentiate between a true emergency and just a problem. A true emergency does not necessarily have to be life threatening. An example of a nonlife threatening emergenSHANA cy is a scratch to the FOR THE LOVE eye. If an eye OF YOUR PET is left untreated for a couple of days, the eye can be lost or vision compromised.

Obviously severe bleeding, shock, ingestion of foreign object/chemical, difficulty giving birth, severe facial swelling that may impede breathing, hit by car and snake/animal bites, etc. are all considered emergencies.

If your pet has blue or very pale gums and rapid breathing your pet may be distressed and need medical attention. Difficulty

BOHAC

standing and apparent paralysis can indicate some sort of trauma or brain injury.

Loss of consciousness, seizures lasting longer than two minutes or consecutive seizures and excessive bleeding (large open wound or you cannot count the drops of blood) are all signs that your pet needs immediate medical attention.

Male cats unable to urinate can lead to a large, painful bladder that could cause severe illness if not treated.

Even though some of these might not be severe and can be quickly treated or treated from home, you should probably still contact your veterinarian for advice.

Some problems you run into are not true emergencies. Even though you might need some advice, some things are better to wait until normal business hours. If you are having problems with sneezing, runny nose, itching, head

shaking, mild limping, loose stool, frequent urination or a dog that doesn’t have a good appetite, those things can usually wait to be addressed on Monday. If you are not sure what leash/collar would be best for your dog, what shampoo to use, or which heartworm preventative is best for your dog, you can call your vet during the week to get good advice on that.

Just like in human medicine, taking a doctor’s time for a non-emergency might postpone the availability of that doctor for someone who has a true emergency.

If you are not sure if you need medical attention or not, it is always better to be safe than sorry.

Dr. Shana Bohac has a veterinary practice at Hillcrest Animal Hospital in Victoria. She works on both small animals and equine patients. Submit questions to drshanabohac@hotmail.com.

PETS OF THE WEEK DOROTHY H. O’CONNOR PET ADOPTION CENTER I 135

Progress Drive, Victoria I Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays; noon-5 p.m.

Saturdays I For more information, visit docpac.net or call 361-575-8573.

ADOPT-A-PET OF VICTORIA

I 8215 Houston Highway,

Victoria I Call 361-575-7387 or visit adoptapetvictoria.com for hours and more information.

VICTORIA CITY-COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

BY SARAH MARSHALL

Timothy is a 2-year-old male spaniel mix with a brindle and white medium coat who gets along great with other dogs his size. Timothy is a good companion dog. Find him as Dorothy O’Connor Pet Adoption.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY SARAH MARSHALL

Samuel is 3-year-old male Tonkinese mix with a flame lynx point coat and blue eyes. Find him at Dorothy O’Connor Pet Adoption.

I 122 Perimeter I Hours are 8 a.m.

to 5 p.m. Monday-Thursday; Friday 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

I For more information, call 361-578-3564 or visit victoriacountytx.org and click pet adoption.

CALHOUN COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY

I 201 Stringham Drive,

Port Lavaca more information, visit calhouncountyhumanesociety.org or call 361-553-8916.

I For

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY GLORIA SAYLOR

Ernie is a 1-year-old dachshund/terrier mix, fully grown at 13 pounds. He loves to play with other dogs, does great with cats and is a total lap lover. See him and all the other animals at the Port Lavaca Animal Shelter.

can be a buddy to her young son

Dear Abby: I am a 47-year-old woman with a 12-year-old son. I met a wonderful man I’ll call “Daryl,” and we have been dating for about three years. We recently became enDEAR gaged and are planning to be JEANNE married PHILLIPS this spring.

I have had one concern for a while, and I probably should have already addressed it with him.

Daryl is very good about including my son, “Kevin,” in almost all of our outings, but he never asks Kevin to do any guy things with him.

Daryl has grown sons, so it’s not like he doesn’t know how to do the guy thing. Kevin has never had a father in his life, so he longs for this kind of companionship.

I’m afraid if I bring it up, Daryl may feel compelled to start doing it, but I don’t want him to do it only because I said something. I was hoping it was something my fiance might have wanted to do earlier on in the relationship. Should I say something or let it take its course?

Mom In Alabama

ABBY

Dear Mom: Bring it up.

Daryl isn’t clairvoyant, and he may not realize how much your son longs for a role model. Explain it to him and see how he responds. Your fiance may not have been a hands-on dad with his own sons.

The teen years are an important time, and Daryl still has time to lay the groundwork for a mentoring relationship if he starts showing an interest now. If he waits too long, Kevin may conclude that Daryl doesn’t really care about him and thinks he doesn’t measure up in some way, which could affect his self-esteem for years to come.

Dear Abby: I am 40, married and busy. I work a full-time job and go to

school part time. My schedule is filled with just my normal activities. I have a busy social life and many family members, so every weekend my husband and I are invited to something.

I enjoy these gatherings, but sometimes, I just want a weekend to myself to do what I want to do – go to the beach, a park, take care of something that needs to be done around the house, or just sit and watch TV or go to a movie.

I find it hard to say no to the invitations. How can I politely decline some of them without offending or hurting friends or family members?

Social Enough In The South Dear Social Enough: So you’re a people pleaser. It is not rude or hurtful to refuse invitations by saying, “Thank you for wanting us, but we already have a commitment for that day.” It’s also not rude to tell the person your schedule has been so full that you have been buzzing around like a bee in a fit and need to just plain rest and catch up on chores. That’s what I recommend you start doing without feeling guilty about it, because everyone needs a certain amount of downtime so they don’t make themselves sick.

Dear Abby: I was talking to my daughter about what I would want for a birthday present since I have plenty of stuff, and I am trying to get rid of it. Could I suggest that instead of giving me something, she come and take something – or even two somethings? What do you think?

Ann In Upstate New York Dear Ann: I think it’s a novel idea for someone who is downsizing, and if you and your daughter have similar taste, she would appreciate it. Start by saying, “It’s better to give than to receive.”

Contact Dear Abby at DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

VICTORIA ADVOCATE, Sunday, January 11, 2015 — E7

VictoriaAdvocate.com

YOUR LIFE

PAGE DESIGNER/ COPY EDITOR: MEREDITH CASH, MCASH@VICAD.COM

BEAUTY

Give your hairstyle bling for 2015 Q:

Charles, I think I am going through the holiday blues. My hair did not do as well as I expected for Christmas. Is it possible to perk me up with some kind of bling to start the new year?

Most definitely. There is actually a process to add blings to your hairstyle. You can find many suggestions going online, but I do have some suggestions of my own.

Usually a bling to a hairstyle consists of adding sheen to the hair.

This can be accomplished with a spray called Pomade Moxie. Of course, it is best to use this as a finishing touch to your style.

Blings are also created by changing the color of your hair even though you may have recently colored it. Adding streaks, either golden or lighter, is a perfect way to perk up a style. Streaks work better in lighter shades of colors rather than extremely dark like dark coffee browns or especially black.

You are looking for streaks to blend rather than being obvious. Sometimes, beauty supplies have sample strands of various colors called a chain of strands. If so, try a few across the front of your hair and see which blends the best. Or better yet, let your professional stylist help you figure it out.

Remember, a few streaks are more attractive than quite a few. Like I have always suggested, keep it simple for true beauty, and don’t forget the Moxie spray for sheen to achieve your goal.

Mr. Colson, I am going to get married in the spring. Are there wedding suggestions you may have to add bling

A:

Q:

for my special day?

This is a perfect time to go for it all and bling as much as you feel. It’s best to do as you feel rather CHARLES than ask many people who will give ASK you many CHUCK suggestions you might not even like.

Definitely pick a striking new shade for your hair and then dress it up with a few complimentary streaks that blend well.

If you choose to add flowers to your style, add only a few and not a whole load of them. You don’t want your hairstyle to over shadow your true natural beauty of your face and happy smile of that day.

This is also true if you wear pearls. Some brides choose to wear them through their hairstyle and just a few around their necks. If you wear a bun effect, just place accessories wrapped only around the bun and not all over the complete style.

Your veil will dress up the rest with elegance.

After this is complete, and you are pleased, spray your style with a Pomade Moxie spray for that finishing touch. Be sure and hold the spray container at least 12 to 14 inches away from the style. Now, you are ready to say I do.

A:

COLSON

Charles Colson is a local hair stylist and registered massage therapist. You may email hair or massage questions to crcolsonrmt1@sbcglobal.net or call 361-575-5331.

HOROSCOPE HAPPY BIRTHDAY FOR SUNDAY, JAN. 11, 2015:

some shopping, go off and do just that. Don’t forget a This year, you have an opportunity special friend or to take your place within your comloved one who munity. You will be complimented on would be thrilled to your imagination and how well you have a gift for no organize things. If you are single, you will meet many people this year. JACQUELINE special reason.

Tonight: All You might find someone you would smiles. like to be with from late summer on.

Take your time deciding. If you are BIGAR’S STARS This Week: The pace becomes attached, the two of you enjoy relatbusy as Friday appears. ing directly to each other without distraction. Make it so. Libra knows LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22) how to pressure you and get results.

The Stars Show the Kind of «««««The Moon in your sign increases your energy and Day You’ll Have: 5-Dynamic; charisma. You might note how oth4-Positive; 3-Average; 2-So-so; ers desire to be closer to you. Act 1-Difficult on getting to know a very interestARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19) ing new person whom you might have your eye on. Tonight: So what ««««You generally are a strong force to deal with, yet today if tomorrow is Monday?

This Week: You roll into the week you might choose to be a little less responsive. Detaching will allow you smiling and knowing your direction. to better understand the interactions SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21) between others. Avoid isolating yourself. Tonight: Defer, defer, defer. ««««You could be deterThis Week: Others push to get mined to follow through on what what they want. must happen. Know that, although timing does count, you won’t be sucTAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20) cessful unless you are well-rested. A conversation you have with a loved «««Throw yourself into a fun one will be intended to be kept prifamily project. How you are feeling vate. Tonight: Not to be found. and what you are doing will reflect This Week: You will feel more like the mood of the day. Don’t get youryourself as the week goes on. self too busy that you can’t enjoy your Sunday luxuries. You could feel as if someone is being way too con- SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21) trolling. Tonight: Talk up a storm. ««««Indulge a loved one and This Week: You might want to do what he or she wants. You take a nap or two. might surprise yourself as to how much you enjoy the moment. Don’t GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20) be surprised if you find yourself surrounded by friends throughout the ««««Stay on top of your calls and plans. An adjustment to let day. Tonight: Where the gang is.

This Week: You may want to vanish. others join in will help make them feel cared for. You might be spendCAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19) ing a lot of energy on one specific person whom you adore and want ««««Someone you look up to be with. Be your authentic self. to will be reaching out to you, so Tonight: Togetherness is the theme. make sure you’re available. Others This Week: Your charm and wit might be quite impressed with how mix together. you present yourself. You could be exhausted by all the activity around CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22) you. Tonight: Till the wee hours.

This Week: Accept your role in ««««Listen to what a loved taking a project to its final stage. one has to share. A conversation could go on for several hours as you AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18) discuss a personal matter. Stay tuned in to a change of mood from this per««««You value friendship, son. You won’t need to acknowledge even in your romantic relationships. this transformation. Tonight: At home. You know the importance of a good This Week: A loved one wants to friendship, and your bonds with othbe the center of attention. ers are stronger as a result. A loved one at a distance might seek you LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22) out. Let go and have fun. Tonight: Friends lure you to a new spot. «««««You could end up in This Week: A close relationship a situation where another person defines the nature of the week. asks for your feedback. Honor a change, and remain flexible with a PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20) demand from someone in your daily life. You could be overwhelmed by «««««You can’t walk away everything you have to handle. from a loved one’s overtures, so Tonight: With your favorite person. don’t even try. You know this person This Week: Spend some time by well, and you enjoy the attention. yourself.

Make a point of scheduling more quality time together, which could inVIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22) volve a lengthy dinner enjoyed by ««««You might feel as if there all. Tonight: Catch up on news.

This Week: You open your eyes is little that could stop you. If you are to someone else’s style. in the mood to go to an art fair or do

BIGAR

100, 75, 50 AND 25 YEARS AGO 1915 January 13 – Domestic Science classes are being added in the Victoria High School, it has been announced.

Judge Ben W. Fly, one of Victoria’s most influential and progressive citizens, stated this morning he would favor a bond issue for the improvement of the fire department provided a bond issue for street improvement was coupled with it.

January 14 – Yesterday morning about 10 o’clock Tobias Henderson, the son of Mr. and Mrs. John W. Henderson, aged four years, fell out of a second-story window of the Henderson home to a cement pavement without being fatally injured or breaking a limb.

1940 January 15 – The Post Office Department has finally granted the petition in Oct. 1938, for the extension of Rural Mail Route No. 3 to the San Antonio River community, embracing approximately 20 miles. In order to secure the approval of this extension, it was necessary to have the Fleming Prairie Road connected with the Anaqua Road. Mrs. Etta Terrell donated most of the right-of-way for the connecting road and the remaining portion

was purchased and deeded to the county by James F. Welder Jr. January 16 – An elaborate floor show that will include eight outstanding features will be presented at the President’s Birthday Ball at Reaser’s Club on Tuesday night, Jan. 30, the committee in charge has announced. Vic Insirilo’s orchestra of Houston will furnish the music for dancing from 10 to 2. The general admission will be $1.50 per couple. Tickets and table reservations now are being made with August Muller.

1965 January 11 – The Junior Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Service Award was presented to Claude W. Matthews by J.C. President Lynn Roloff at the Chamber of Commerce banquet Monday night in the high school gym.

In presenting the award, Roloff, last year’s winner, said Matthews’ activities cover the full range of community services including youth, church, charitable, civic, business and professional endeavors.

January 17 – Police Lt. Marcus P. Wilden Jr. will attend the 75th session of the FBI National Academy in Washington,

D.C., beginning March 8, Police Chief John L. Guseman announced Friday. Wilden was selected by Guseman after an invitation for a local officer to attend the academy was given

by FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover.

1990 January 12 – The old minimal skills test high school students must pass to get a diploma will go out the door next year, and in its place will be a tougher, more thorough exam – TAAS. TAAS is short for Texas Assessment of Academic Skills.

Like TEAMS – the Texas Educational Assessment of Minimum Skills which it is replacing – TAAS will be administered next October to third, fifth, seventh, ninth and 11th grade students.

Three education consultants with Region III Education Service Center consultants admitted they don’t know how the TAAS test is going to be received by students, teachers, ethnic groups and parents, but they know there are going to be plenty of questions.

Teachers, who no longer will be able to “teach to the test,” are nervously waiting to see how the test is going to impact teaching and student success-

es.

January 14 – Victoria Community Theatre unveiled the second of its biennial “world premiere” productions of unpublished plays by Texas playwrights Friday evening, and it was a happy occasion.

“The Thrill of the Hunt,” written by Victoria College librarian Mitzie Stewart, not only proved to be a viable stage vehicle but may serve as an incentive to other Victorians – particularly young Victorians interested in theater – to try their hands in the future.

A comedy about love and marriage from several perspectives, “The Thrill of the Hunt” accomplished exactly what it was supposed to do, evoking frequent laughter and sincere applause from a capacity opening night audience.

The play had its second performance Saturday evening, and can be seen subsequently Friday, Saturday and Jan. 21 and Jan. 25-27 at 8:15 p.m. in the theater at 206 E. Constitution St. in Victoria.

A corporate hunting lodge might seem an unlikely setting for such a comedy, but the setting of a play is only a crossroads where people with divergent views, and problems, meet.

TRAVEL

Henry Ford Museum offering close-up look under hoods of cars DEARBORN, Mich.

(AP) – Henry Ford Museum is offering visitors a close-up look under the hoods of cars in its automotive collection.

“Engines Exposed” starts Saturday and runs through March 15 at the

museum in Dearborn.

For the first time in five years, more than 40 vehicles in the “Driving America” exhibit will have their hoods open, including the 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air, the 1948 Tucker 48 Sedan, the 1936 Lin-

coln Zephyr and the 1916 Woods Dual Hybrid Coupe.

The museum also is offering visitors the chance to hear more about the vehicles in the collection through special presentations in its Douglas

Drive-in Theater. And there are hands-on events for young auto enthusiasts.

The museum is part of The Henry Ford, a history attraction that includes Greenfield Village.

E8 — VICTORIA ADVOCATE, Sunday, January 11, 2015 PAGE DESIGNER/COPY EDITOR: MEREDITH CASH, MCASH@VICAD.COM

VictoriaAdvocate.com

C E L E B R AT I O N S

I Graduations I Weddings I Engagements I Anniversaries I Parties

SMELLY SOCKS

A mother can never be too careful

CORTEZ 45TH ANNIVERSARY ROBERT S. CORTEZ & CHRISTINE M. CORTEZ December 31, 1969, a day that seems just like yesterday that our union took place. On that day which we shared with loved ones and closest family still rings ever so clearly in my memory. Although the years have passed and times have changed but the one thing that will not change is our never ending love, caring, and respect for one another.

Our lives bonded together brought many blessings in a daughter, a loving family, and taken us to reach places far beyond what we might have reached alone.

With God’s continued light and guidance we shall see the best is yet to come.

MACHOSTSTRIEDEL Allen Machost of Yorktown and Brenda Machost of Victoria are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Kelsey Machost of Victoria, to Matthew Striedel of Victoria, son of William and Diana Striedel of Victoria.

The couple will marry at 2 p.m. on Saturday May 23, 2015 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Victoria.

Kelsey is a 2003 graduate of Memorial High School.

She is a 2008 graduate of The Victoria College with an Associate of Arts and an Associate of Science. She is also a 2009 graduate of The University of Houston in Victoria with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology.

Matthew is a 2001 graduate of Memorial High School. He is a 2005 graduate of Texas Culinary Academy in Austin with an Associates in Applied Sciences.

He is currently employed

by The Pumphouse Riverside Restaurant and Bar as a chef.

I grew up with wheels rather than feet. We seemed to always be on the go because we lived so far from everything out on the ranch.

This was made worse

by Popsy’s insatiable love for exotic cars (or honestly anything with a melodious engine sound to it.) To this day, anytime I get in a vehicle that I am not behind the wheel of, I am out like a light.

This has to be the residual effect of all of those rides I experienced growing up, bouncing down the road listening to see if “this carburetor was adjusted just right,” “is that wheel bearing making an unusual noise?” or “Shhh. Quiet. Listen to that engine. Hear it purr?”

My napping in the car has not always been kindly tolerated. But, as you typically say when something extra embarrassing or humiliating happens, “Oh, one day we’ll laugh about this.”

This particular mishap was, as usual, at my expense. As we were preparing and talking about our upcoming trip to Colorado, my boys were reminiscing about one particularly embarrassing road nap that had occurred along the way. Honestly, I can’t bring myself to laugh about it just yet.

As we were heading to our destination two years ago, my boys were younger and a bit more mischievous. In New Mexico, a particularly bad case of the car sleepies happened, which must have lasted longer than usual.

Naturally, the boys were tired of riding and being cooped up in the car. Austin and Jamison

them my best smile and politely said “hello” as we passed.

Once inside the store I got the same reaction from several shoppers and an even more pronounced look of disdain from a lady that was coming out of the ladies room. When I got inside the ladies room I went straight to the mirror as I had a sneaking suspicion that something wasn’t quite right.

I looked in the mirror.

What looked back was a cross between a late night “B” horror movie and a Cirque du Soleil performer. My lipstick was completely askew, I had infectious looking dots all over my face and a bright red lip gloss painted nose.

Another ladies room occupant, a little older and certainly wiser woman, witnessed my reaction and nearly fell over laughing. After a good three minutes of her heaving stomach and tears streaming down her face, she was able to gasp out a few words, “You fell asleep with boys in the car, didn’t you? That is the best job of “Get Mom” that I have ever seen.”

For a split second, my heart filled with pride because my boys received a compliment, but then I caught a look in the mirror again, and that second was over.

Several minutes of scrubbing in the ladies room, and I was finally presentable enough to walk back to the car.

The clerk and a few shoppers that were still in the store when I went in, all had smiles on their faces, and I heard my share of giggles.

I made my way out of the store with as much grace as I could possibly

had run through the gamut of movies, games, books and anything JOHANNA else that seems inSMELLY teresting to SOCKS young boys.

Finally, they must have decided that I was fair game. I am not completely convinced that John didn’t have something to do with suggesting this to them because he tends to get a little frustrated with my heavy eyelids.

We pulled into a convenience store for fuel and a few unhealthy refreshments. I should have known something was amiss as the boys were shaking me saying, “Wake up, Mom, this is the last bathroom break for a long time.” I thought they were being a little too considerate considering their boredom, but I thanked them while Austin quickly hurried Jamison away. They both had impish grins on their faces, and they seemed to hardly contain their laughter as they ran inside the store. I made the assumption that they were just enjoying the freedom of being out in some fresh, brisk air with an opportunity to stretch their legs. Where boys are concerned, I will never again make assumptions.

John was filling up the car, and even my sweet husband seemed a little too chipper considering the amount of driving he had been doing. About halfway into the convenience store I walked past an older couple who seemed to want to get as far away from me as possible. I even gave

BLOOM

TRAVEL

Johanna is a proud seventh generation Texan. She lives on her family's South Texas ranch with her husband and two lively boys. Email Johanna Bloom at smellysocks@vicad.com or visit her blog at morethansmellysocks.com.

BIRTHS

Canada’s Powder Highway: 1 circuit, 8 resorts ROSSLAND, British Columbia (AP) – For many in the skiing world, the resorts of Canada’s Powder Highway in British Columbia’s Kootenay region are secrets they’d rather not share with the public.

The circuit links eight mountain resorts and many times more Nordic, heli- and cat-ski operations across 420 miles.

“There’s very little out there that can rival the quality and terrain in the Kootenays,” says Ian Johnston, a Vancouver transplant to Rossland where he skis at Red Mountain.

“If you want powder, you go to the Kootenays,” he says. “If you go to party, you go to Whistler,” referring to the better-known and massive ski resort that hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics, a nine-hour drive from Rossland.

Like most locals, Johnston grudgingly agrees that those along the Powder Highway need to share their light, airy powder bonanza with the world.

The laid-back resorts offer miles of trails, massive quantities of vertical feet, heli-skiing and communities where skiing is a passion passed from generation to generation by friendly locals.

The gems along the highway through the pristine valleys of the western slope of the Rockies and the Purcell and Selkirk mountain ranges are, starting in the East Kootenay, Fernie Alpine Resort near the mining town of Fernie; Kicking Horse Mountain Resort west of the entrance to Yoho National Park; Kimberley Alpine Resort outside the picturesque city of Kimberley; Panorama Mountain Resort outside Invermere; and Revelstoke Mountain Resort west of Kicking Horse.

Moving into the West Kootenay region, Red Mountain Resort is minutes from the cities of Rossland and Trail, and Whitewater Ski sits above the trendy lakeside city of Nelson.

muster. John and the boys were beside themselves waiting for the other shoe to drop. John placed himself behind the steering wheel trying to maintain some composure and the boys were in the backseat muffling their laughter while patting each other on the back. I gave them all my best “the world is round” look as I suppressed my desire to wring certain male necks.

I have to admit, we all had more fun on the rest of the trip, as I learned the specifics of how they managed to get the makeup out of my purse and perform their dastardly deed without waking me up or disturbing my purse. I concluded that this must have been supported and perhaps even suggested

by John, who had one too many miles under his belt and felt the need to lighten up the mood.

I still have my “out like a light whenever the car starts running” sleeping problem. However, I have learned the hard way, that when we head out for a long ride with everyone in tow, I always keep one eye open.

When we stop, I never fail to pull down the visor mirror for a quick check. The boys laugh at my habit but completely understand it. A mother of boys can never be too careful.

Editor’s note: Announcements of births in Victoria County are published as a free public service based on information from local hospitals. For more information, call 361-580-6524.

Those outside Victoria County, or more detailed or specially worded, are available for a fee through the classified advertising department.

Call 361-574-1226. Paid birth announcements appear on this page in a box.

DeTar Hospital Maddison Garcia and Simon Lerma III, of Cuero, a son, 8 pounds, 12 ounces, at 8:53 a.m. Dec. 23, 2014 I Tynechia Turner and Talmus Johnson, of Edna, a daughter, 5 pounds, 4 ounces, at 12:50 a.m.

Dec. 24, 2014 I Angela and Joseph Delossantos, of Ganado, a daughter, 5 pounds, 10 ounces, at 7:58 a.m. Dec. 24, 2014 I Margarita Balderas and Aaron Trevino Sr., a daughter, 6 pounds, 7 ounces, at 12:02 a.m.

Dec. 25, 2014 I Paula Sanchez and Randy Kocurek, a daughter, 7 pounds, 5 ounces, at 12:40 p.m. Dec. 25, 2014 I Brooke Rangel and Jose Martinez, of Ganado, a son, 8 pounds, at 11:25 p.m. Dec. 26, 2014 I Mr. and Mrs. Rumaldo Gonzalez, of Edna, a daughter, 6 pounds, 3 ounces, at 7:10 a.m. Dec. 27, 2014 I Kate Bennett and Russell Goehring, of Cuero, a son, 6 pounds, 7 ounces, at 7:37 a.m. Dec. 27, 2014 I

ASSOCIATED PRESS

This undated photo shows skiers on a snowy landscape at Red Mountain in Rossland, British Columbia, Canada. Red Mountain is one of eight ski resorts along a circuit called the Powder Highway in the Kootenay region, located on the western slope of the Rockies and in the Purcell and Selkirk mountain ranges.

Fernie averages 37 feet of snow a year and boasts a season from December through April, as do most area mountains. With a vertical rise of 3,550 feet, it offers 142 runs including five Alpine bowls and tree skiing.

At 4,133 feet, Kicking Horse boasts the fourth-highest vertical drop in North America. It boasts 120 runs, 60 percent of which are rated at advanced or expert. Right at the edge of the Rockies, the resort offers some of the most stunning mountains views in North America.

For hardcore powder aficionados looking for rides through hefty powder fields, Kicking Horse – aka “The Champagne Powder Capital of Canada” – and Revelstoke are the destinations of choice. Located outside the charming Alpine-themed former mining town from which it takes its name, Kimberley offers 2,465 vertical feet of skiing served by five lifts.

Panorama offers 2,847 acres of terrain covering the spectrum from wide-open fall line cruisers to powder-filled tree lines.

The area’s Taynton Bowl, once a heli-skiing operation, is avalanche-controlled and no backcountry gear is needed. Get your ski legs warmed up first, though, as the bowl is all black runs, but a great place to find powder stashes days after a dump.

Revelstoke proclaims itself to be the only resort worldwide to offer lift, cat, heli- and backcountry skiing from one village base with a vertical drop of 5,620 feet.

(Cat-skiing uses snowcats or snowmobiles to access off-trail areas.)

Powder Magazine calls Whitewater “one of the best powder mountains on the continent” though some would say it’s a toss-up between Whitewater and nearby Red Mountain. Whitewater offers 2,044 vertical feet of riding serviced by four lifts serving 81 Alpine runs and 13 Nordic trails.

Nearby Nelson is a year-round tourist destination in itself. Its downtown streets are lined with art and Alpine equipment stores and fantastic little eateries.

Red Mountain offers 2,919

feet of vertical drop on 110 runs serviced by seven lifts. For the powder-seekers, look no farther than the aptly named Paradise section of Granite Mountain where locals or the mountain’s Snow Hosts can direct skiers to the runs rich with the deep stuff.

“No crowds, good snow.

Red Mountain has some of the best deep-tree skiing I have ever seen in my life,” Johnston said, who prefers the powder there to southwestern U.S. offerings at Snowbird, Alta and Sun Valley.

Also on the Powder Highway: Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, which offers, in addition to winter skiing, natural hot springs that make it a draw year-round.

And, for the truly powder-crazy looking to shred the deep, there’s heli-skiing or cat-skiing to be found throughout the province but mainly on the Rockies eastern slope around Revelstoke and Golden. Cat skiing is also run through a number of the mountains along the Powder Highway and is a great way to explore off-piste terrain.

I

Mr. and Mrs. Brian Kirkman, of Hallettsville, a son, 7 pounds, 5 ounces, at 9:06 a.m. Dec. 29, 2014

Citizens Medical Center Mr. and Mrs. Carl Brandes, a daughter, 6 pounds, 12 ounces, at 9:36 a.m. Dec. 18, 2014 I Armando Roque and Adriana Palomares, a daughter, 8 pounds, 6 ounces, at 12:04 p.m. Dec. 18, 2014 I Aaron Spencer and Rosemary Barrientez, a daughter, 7 pounds, 2 ounces, at 9:29 a.m. Dec. 19, 2014 I Jahnissi Pineda, a son, 5 pounds, 13 ounces, at 12:28 a.m. Dec. 20, 2014 I Mr. and Mrs. Clayton Fernandez, a son, 7 pounds, 10 ounces, at 6:10 p.m.

Dec. 20, 2014 I Jesuse Hernandez and Jessica Shoup, a son, 8 pounds, 10 ounces, at 12:15 a.m. Dec. 21, 2014 I Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Lohse, a son, 7 pounds, 9 ounces, at 12:39 p.m.

Dec. 22, 2014 I Carl and Brenda Hermes, a son, 9 pounds, 5 ounces, at 7:53 a.m. Dec. 23, 2014 I Mr. and Mrs. Casey Hoefling, a daughter, 6 pounds, 14 ounces, at 11:39 a.m. Dec. 23, 2014 I Adam and Brandy Stansbury, a son, 8 pounds, 2 ounces, at 2:28 p.m. Dec. 23, 2014 I Mr. and Mrs. Dale Stevon Poeling, a daughter, 7 pounds, 1 ounce, at 4:08 p.m. Dec. 23, 2014 I Erika Santillan, a daughter, 6 pounds, 4 ounces, at 7:13 p.m. Dec. 23, 2014 I Jose Garza and Marisol Bazaldua, a daughter, 7 pounds, 15 ounces, at 10:14 a.m. Dec. 24, 2014 I

MARRIAGE LICENSES Victoria County Jonathan Luis Quinonez-Mejia to Celestina Marie Rivera I Abelardo P. Barrientos to Yohana Elizabeth Pena-Landa I

James Tyler Bonorden to Aracely Hernadez Chavez I Ryan Robert Hale to Andrea Garcia Escojido I

Refugio County I

Romulo Perez Mascorro to Rachel Rodriguez Mascorro

Gardening With Laurie, F3 • Living Space, F3

HOME

Victoria Advocate, VictoriaAdvocate.com• Sunday, January 11, 2015

S E C T I O N

F

E M O H THE OF EEK W

LIVING IN HACIENDA STYLE

Westhoff couple decorates with Mexican flair

PHOTOS BY FRANK TILLEY/FTILLEY@VICAD.COM

The main door and living room area are framed in archways and high ceilings.

BY JESSICA PRIEST JPRIEST@VICAD.COM

WESTHOFF – When Judy and Walter Fisher bought their home in an area where oil wells dot an otherwise barren landscape, a tree was a major selling point.

The live oak became a major focal point in the backyard of the couple’s bone rock and stucco home, designed by Rick Burleson, an Austin architect.

An arborist estimates the live oak is more than 650 years old, and the second largest in DeWitt County, Fisher said.

“We moved into the house in 2006.

SEE HOME, F2

A single piece of wood carved into a turkey, a nod at the Cuero High School’s mascot, the Gobbler, took six months to complete. “I always tell people it’s hand painted and they always say, ‘No way. It has to be a machine,’” Fisher said of the turkey.

GARDEN

Learn with the masters

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY BRYNN LEE/VICTORIA COUNTY MASTER GARDENER

The daylily garden at Victoria Educational Gardens provides amazing color in blooming months.

Come June 8 and learn from Master Gardener and American Hemerocallis (daylily) Society members Doris Martinak and Virginia Ruschhaupt who help keep the daylily beds in full color during the blooming season.

BY HELEN BOATMAN

Victoria County Master Gardener Edited by Charla Borchers Leon

Have you been gardening for some time and reached the point when a new type of gardening setup, like raised beds, may be an option. Or the thought of going out to your garden and GARDENERS’ picking succulent berries is just about the best thought VICTORIA COUNTY you have had lately, MASTER but you just don’t GARDENER have enough inforASSOCIATION mation?

Well, the members of Victoria County Master Gardener Association and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension are happy to present for you another year of free horticulture programs where answers to those questions and many others will be given.

DIRT

First program Monday Our award-winning Lunch and Learn with the Masters schedule is filled with varied subjects that we feel will be of interest to you, the South Texas gardener. Our first program will be Monday.

SEE DIRT, F2

2015 LUNCH AND LEARN WITH THE MASTERS I Jan.

12 – Selection and Care of Trees in Your Landscape I Feb. 9 – Blackberries: The Other Black Gold for Gardeners I March 9 – Raised Beds: No Till Gardening I April 13 – Rainwater Harvesting: Capturing Nature’s Bounty I May 11 – Composting: Trash or Garden Treasure I June 8 – Color Your World with Daylilies I July 13 – Drought-Resistant Landscape and Native Plants I Aug. 10 – Year-Round Vegetable Gardening

(Jan. 12 presented by Extension Agent Peter McGuill; all other dates presented by Victoria County Master Gardeners)

F2 — VICTORIA ADVOCATE, Sunday, January 11, 2015 PAGE DESIGNER/COPY EDITOR: MEREDITH CASH, MCASH@VICAD.COM

VictoriaAdvocate.com

HOME

HOME OF TH WEEKE

HAVE AN INTERESTING HOME?

If you live in a historic home or a home that has a good story to tell and would like for it to be featured in this section, please send us your name, address, daytime phone number and a couple of sentences about your home to newsroom@vicad.com. Type “Home Feature” in the subject line, call us at 361-574-1222, mail us at the Victoria Advocate, P.O. Box 1518, Victoria, TX 77902 or come by our office at 311 E. Constitution St.

PHOTOS BY FRANK TILLEY/ FTILLEY@VICAD.COM

The best place to spot wildlife, such as deer and hogs, is sitting in Judy and Walter Fisher’s octagon-shaped shower in the master bathroom. It has three shower heads and binoculars nearby.

HOME CONTINUED FROM F1 My husband and I both love to hunt and fish,” she said of how they have properties in Austin and Rockport. “We kind of drew a line between fishing, family and where we could hunt and we ended up here.”

The couple is originally from Del Rio. She’s a retired medical review director for Worker’s Compensation; he’s the senior advisor to newly elected Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. They designed their house in what they call a hacienda style.

They’ve broken up the terra cotta walls with colorful artwork from Mexico. The more authentic the better, Fisher said of a living room rug from Oaxaca, Mexico.

They took a trip to the country to buy furnishings and watched as a man wove it, using an insect called “cochineal” to create the reddish color.

The rug took four months to finish while a single piece of wood carved into a turkey, a nod at the Cuero High School’s mascot, the Gobbler, took six months to complete.

“I always tell people it’s hand painted and they always say, ‘No way. It has to be a machine,’” Fisher said of the turkey. “It was fun. It was like Christmas when it finally arrived.”

Another notable piece is a painting of boots on a refurbished barn door. Jill Pankey is the artist.

In addition to the living room and kitchen areas, which boast knotty wood cabinetry, concrete flooring and a copper sink, the home has a guest room, a master bedroom, two-and-a-half bathrooms, a bar, two fire places and his and her offices.

The best place to spot wildlife, such as deer and hogs, is sitting in the octagon-shaped shower in the master bathroom. It has three shower heads and binoculars nearby.

Outside, about eight-acres of the couple’s land is fenced in, where their two dogs like to roam.

Fisher said it would be nice if the hogs didn’t destroy some of the landscaping.

“I wish I could train them how to weed eat and trim the edges, but so far, they haven’t listened to me,” she said, chuckling.

There’s a covered patio with a barbecue pit, a five-foot deep pool, a hot tub and a swim up bar.

“It comes in handy in the summer when friends visit,” Fisher said. “It’s great for doing water aerobics.”

There’s also a guest house, a green house used for growing tomatoes and peppers and a dog house.

The dog house is air conditioned. It has four indoor/outdoor runs, a refrigerator and a shower for their furry, four-legged children.

“We feel fortunate to be here,” Fisher said.

DIRT CONTINUED FROM F1 The location will be the same as in the past, the Pattie Dodson Public Health Center, 2805 N. Navarro St., in Victoria.

Our free presentations are from noon to 1 p.m. If you wish, you may bring your lunch and a drink. With the exception of Victoria County Extension Agent Peter McGuill, all of the presenters are master gardeners.

Jan. 12 I Selection and Care of Trees in Your Landscape We begin the new year with Peter McGuill presenting a topic about which evaluations have shown many of our attendees are interested in learning. McGuill will be able to share appropriate species of trees for our area, proper placement in the landscape and how to give proper care so that the homeowner will have a beautiful addition to the property. Did you know that great trees

ALL SESSIONS I PLACE:

Dr. Pattie Dodson Public Health Center, 2805 N. Navarro St. I TIME: Noon-1 p.m.

I PRICE: Free to the public may add financial value to your property?

Feb. 9 I Blackberries: The Other Black Gold for Gardeners Blackberries are a specialty of husband and wife Master Gardener team Pat Koenig and Emory Powitzky Jr. They will share their experiences and success in growing and harvesting blackberries with good information on best varieties for our area.

March 9 I Raised Beds: No Till Gardening Tired of tilling a large garden area? Debbie Hopper will share great information with her raised bed presentation where you will learn a lot about the ins and outs of this form of gardening setup.

April 13 I Rainwater Harvesting: Collecting Nature’s

The lines above the kitchen are broken up by window-like openings with accent uplights.

DETAILS ABOUT THE HOME I OWNERS:

Judy and Walter Fisher I ADDRESS: 760 Dubose Ranch Road, Westhoff I SQUARE FOOTAGE: About 3,400 square feet I BEDROOMS: Two in main house, two in guest house I BATHROOMS: Two and half in main house, one in guest house

They have broken up the terra cotta walls with colorful artwork from Mexico. The more authentic the better, Fisher said of a living room rug from Oaxaca, Mexico.

FRANK TILLEY/FTILLEY@VICAD.COM

Judy and Walter Fisher 3,400-square-foot home on Dubose Ranch Road in Westhoff. The archways form a design while looking upward at the ceiling. those throwaways so that they will become an added nutritional resource for your garden.

June 8 I Color Your World with Daylilies Besides being Master Gardeners, Doris Martinak and Virginia Ruschhaupt are members of the American Hemerocallis (daylily) Society. Their presentation will probably make you decide to add daylilies to your garden. Being the stewards of the daylily garden PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY PAT KOENIG/VICTORIA COUNTY MASTER GARDENER at the Victoria Educational Brazos variety blackberry plants are shown in bloom with berries Gardens, they will have a lot of good information to forming last year in the DeWitt County garden of Master share with you.

Gardeners Pat Koenig and Emory Powitzky Jr. Come learn more July 13 about growing your own blackberries Feb. 9 at the Lunch and I Drought-Resistant Learn with the Masters presentation offered free to the public by Landscape and Native the Victoria County Master Gardener Association.

Plants Because of our persistent ter will be available as Bounty lack of plentiful rainfall in This topic will be present- needed. recent years, growing flowMay 11 ed by rainwater harvesting ering plants has been chalspecialist Kathy Chilek and I Composting: Trash or lenging. Beth Ellis will give will be very informative. As Garden Treasure attendees ideas on some of everyone knows, rainwater Every household generthe proper plants for our is very beneficial. You will ates organic matter, area. learn how to collect and whether leaves from trees Aug. 10 store the precious gift we or scraps from the kitchen. I Year-Round Vegetable receive from nature so that Jolene Molder will inform Gardening when it does rain, the wayou on how to recycle Our final program for the

year will include information on growing vegetables year round with Dick Nolen as presenter. Since we are very fortunate to have a long growing season, Dick will share with you those special varieties that do well in our area.

We hope to see you at all our presentations. Come early, since the classroom space is limited, and we want you to find a good seat.

Mark the second Monday of each month from now through August on your calendar. Look for monthly reminders prior to the date of the program in this column.

The Gardeners’ Dirt is written by members of the Victoria County Master Gardener Association, an educational outreach of Texas AgriLife Extension – Victoria County. Mail your questions in care of the Advocate, P.O. Box 1518, Victoria, TX 77901; or vcmga@vicad.com, or comment on this column at VictoriaAdvocate.com.

VICTORIA ADVOCATE, Sunday, January 11, 2015 — F3

VictoriaAdvocate.com

HOME

PAGE DESIGNER/COPY EDITOR: MEREDITH CASH, MCASH@VICAD.COM

DECOR

ORGANIC GARDENING

Give your home a makeover for 2015 Superheroes of

If the thought of self-improvement at the new year makes you roll your eyes and sigh – stop suffering. Instead of resolutions based on denial and KATHRYN struggle, opt for luxury by LIVING SPACE simply giving your home a fresh new look. The exercise will be a whole lot easier than giving up chocolate and chardonnay.

WEBER

A fresh start If you thumb through decorating magazines and see stunning rooms, but don’t think you could pull off anything close, start with one feature – like accessories – and take a shot.

Experiment with those big glass vases so stylish now, filled with stalks of pussy willow, bare or painted branches or even a single philodendron leaf. They’re easy to assemble and match any decor.

Maybe you’ve had heavy drapes on your windows for ages. Let 2015 be the year

changes can have a big impact.

Whether in the kitchen or bathroom, find ways to clear off the tops of your counters and make them look more accessorized and stylish instead of simply cluttered. A large, rattan box can neatly corral bathroom bottles, jars, soaps, makeup and hair bands.

Look for items like tall, lidded urns to hold hairbrushes or stylish trays for perfume or aftershave bottles.

In the kitchen, hide the big PHOTO BY FOTOLIA.COM mixer in the pantry if you Experiment with those large only use it twice a year. Reglass vases so stylish now, place it with a pretty urn or filled with tall grasses, twigs or plant for a touch of elegance.

a single big leaf.

Have a plan

you lighten up and substitute some light and breezy linen panels. If you’ve got lots of white ware in the kitchen, try some open shelving. There’s no need to go overboard; just try a shelf or two. Then organize your plates, bowls and cups where you can see them – and give the room a bright new look.

Small changes Even small decorating

It may not seem like much fun, but if you plan out your decorating projects, they’ll go more easily and turn out better. Create a project book using an 11-by-17-inch poster board folded in half.

Fill it with inspirational photos, paint chips, fabric or wallpaper swatches. The standard paper size means you can easily carry it in a portfolio. Be sure to include measurements of floors, walls and windows and the

location of doors in the book so you have everything in one spot.

Get an accent We often have too many decorative accessories in some places and not enough in others. For example, resolve to do something about all the bare tops in your house. The tops of refrigerators and armoires are often forgotten – or loaded with a mess – while coffee tables and bookshelves are chocked with tchotchkes.

Accent the top of the refrigerator with a collection of urns, figurines and oversized fruit and tuck in some ivy. Do the same for dressers, side tables and bookcases.

Resolve this new year to make simple, quick changes that will make you feel good about yourself but don’t involve exercise or dieting.

Kathryn Weber is a home and decorating columnist and publishes the Red Lotus Letter feng shui ezine. For more information, contact Weber through her website, redlotusletter.com.

NATURE

Fire ant, mosquito control by poison frogs As kids, our families received National Geographic magazine. Paul vaguely recalls a ’50s article that described indigenous people from Amerindian tribes in Central and South America hunting tree top critters with darts shot from blow guns made of palmwood.

Their secret to success was darts that were dipped in secretions extracted from the skins of poison dart frogs. The secretions were toxic, causing paralysis and death in seconds.

In 1965, Dr. John Daly at the National Institute of Health in Bethesda, Md., published a piece on the toxins-alkaloids found in poison dart frog skins. Years passed and more work was done by Daly, along with several co-researchers. It turns out, the frogs cannot make the toxins that tell predators to leave their brightly colored bodies alone or die in the process – a chemical defense against predators.

They instead collect them from ants, mites and other arthropods eaten on the rain forest floor and sequester them in special-

ized tissues. Those guys do make the alkaloids, or their building blocks, as a natural defense.

Frog chemistry permits them to use what they collect to produce toxins arthropods can not.

Nearly 900 al- PAUL&MARY kaloids have been identiMASTER fied from the NATURALISTS glands in the skins of neotropical poison frogs.

MEREDITH

Fire ants as a food source, a threat To no one’s surprise, one major neotropical frog food source is fire ants. Testing showed particular alkaloid does not deter fire ant attacks very well; they are used to it.

For a while, researchers thought ants were the frogs’ major poison source.

However, analysis of the frogs’ diet showed tiny mites they eat produce more than 80 poisons, the mites’ natural defenses against ants and bigger arthropods – but not poi-

son frogs. Of those 80 or so, 41 also show up in frog sequestration glands.

Last year, using samples Daly collected before his death in 2008, U.S. Department of Agriculture research tested red imported fire ants to see if frog toxins would affect them. After contact with 20 compounds, they found 13 caused convulsions, reduced ambulation (paralysis) and death in ants and mosquitoes.

One of particular interest to researchers, Pumiliotoxin 251D exhibited contact toxicity in levels below the concentrations found on frogs in the wild. What was important was the insects did not have to eat or breathe anything, just touch a surface with dried 251D on it. It was absorbed through the insects exoskeleton. It was 10 times as toxic as any other compound the researchers tested.

Ready to go out and buy some 251D to put on those pesky fire ant mounds? Not so fast. 251D works on insects but is toxic to mammals.

SOURCES: JOHN DALY, ET AL, BATRACHOTOXIN.; RALPH A. SAPORITO ET AL, “ORIBATID

MITES AS A MAJOR DIETARY SOURCE FOR ALKALOIDS IN POISON FROGS“, PNAS, PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, VOL. 104 NO. 21; PAUL J. WELDON ET AL, “CONTACT TOXICITIES OF ANURAN SKIN ALKALOIDS AGAINST THE FIRE ANT (SOLENOPSIS INVICTA)“, NATURWISSENSCHAFTEN, VOLUME 100, ISSUE 2, PP 185-192, 2013; “FIRE ANTS ARE NO MATCH FOR POISON FROGS“, AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014.

Paul and Mary Meredith are master naturalists. Contact them at paulmary0211@sbcglobal.net.

the plant world

As gardeners many of us tend to baby our plants. When we plant seeds, for example, don’t we cautiously await that first sign of a sprout pushing its head up through the soil? Then we start worrying what we did wrong if nothing sprouts in the usual allotted time frame.

LAURIE Or what GARDENING WITH about LAURIE when temperatures drop into the 20s or below? Then we worry about what the cold temperatures might do to all our green babies. To cover them or not to cover them? Well, you get the idea. Humans can develop close bonds with their plants.

We all know that plants aren’t able to move themselves away from danger – whether it be garden pests or diseases. But all our plant babies do have the capability to fight back.

Did you realize that all plants have developed various ways to avoid being bothered or eaten by different insects and even animals? Plant biologists are now discovering that plants actually have a very keen awareness to their environment. It seems that all plants have the ability to recognize different wavelengths of light and different chemical signals that dictate a response from the plant.

There are genes in a plant’s DNA that are activated as soon as certain pest insects take that first bite, or suck, on the surface of a leaf. Immediately, these specialized cells

GARRETSON

send out an S.O.S. throughout the entire plants system. The cells start releasing chemicals that can cause irritation to the pests, or sometimes a sticky, gooey substance is released that entraps the pests. Studies have shown that a plant’s response time to an attack can be as little as 20 minutes.

Plants are also able to call in for backup helpers when they’re not able to handle a problem. Plants can release certain volatile chemicals into the air that attract different types of beneficial insects.

Beneficial insects are not the only ones that can get the call for help. Other plants of the same species, and sometimes even different species, can become more resistant to herbivores once they detect the volatile chemical signal from a stressed plant. One bite of the alerted, nasty-tasting plant, and the animal will move on, hunting for a plant that tastes good not yucky.

The more we learn about the complexity of plants the less likely we’ll think of them as our babies. The day just might come when we realize that our vegetable gardens and landscapes are growing superheroes with roots.

Until next time, let’s try to garden with nature, not against it, and maybe all our weeds will become wildflowers.

Laurie Garretson is a Victoria gardener and nursery owner. Send your gardening questions to laurie@vicad.com or in care of the Advocate, P.O. Box 1518, Victoria, TX 77902.

F4 — VICTORIA ADVOCATE, Sunday, January 11, 2015

VictoriaAdvocate.com

VictoriaAdvocate.com

VICTORIA ADVOCATE, Sunday, January 11, 2015 — F5

F6 — VICTORIA ADVOCATE, Sunday, January 11, 2015

VictoriaAdvocate.com

SUNDAY, JANUARY 11, 2015

G2 — VICTORIA ADVOCATE, Sunday, January 11, 2015

VictoriaAdvocate.com

VictoriaAdvocate.com

VICTORIA ADVOCATE, Sunday, January 11, 2015 — G3

G4 — VICTORIA ADVOCATE, Sunday, January 11, 2015

VictoriaAdvocate.com