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Home , Canutillo High School, Clint High School, Montwood High School

eteenseventythr nin ee

31YEARS tw r o t h o u s a n d f o u

VOL. 31, No. 6 SERVING ANTHONY, VINTON, CANUTILLO, EAST MONTANA, HORIZON, SOCORRO, CLINT, FABENS, SAN ELIZARIO AND TORNILLO FEBRUARY 5, 2004 NEWSBRIEFS

Shot clinics A series of immunization clinics to pro- vide injections to all children through age 17 will be held at Socorro ISD’s campuses of O’Shea Keleher Elementary and Escontrias Elementary. Cost is $5 per shot and $10 for two. Students 18 and older and adults can receive shots at the same price with some variation. The clinics are co-sponsored by the SISD and the El Paso County Health District. The schedule for Escontrias is Feb. 7, March 6, April 3, May 1 and June 5. At O’Shea Keleher, dates are Feb. 21, March 20, April 17, May 15 and June 19. For more information call the District’s Health Service at 937-4044. Deadline extended The Department of Agriculture has JACKPOT — Kayla Schuler, of McCamey, Texas, was selected Grand Champion in the SCIENCE WHIZ — Tommy Chavez took extended the stalk destruction deadline for Market Division and won the livestock trailer shown in background. The Goat Jackpot top honors in SEISD science sweepstakes cotton producers in Zone 10 because of pays off big for young competitors. with a magnetic personality and project. recent heavy rains preventing growers from entering their fields, completing their Second grader noted harvest and destroying cotton plants. The Over 100 compete in new deadline is Feb. 8 for this year only. This deadline applies to El Paso County and for innovative thinking a portion of Hudspeth County. Information: Canutillo’s goat jackpot TDA West Texas office (806) 799-8555. By Don Woodyard FFA Goat Jackpot held last Saturday in a field By Don Woodyard Courier Staff Writer adjacent to Childress Elementary in the In other news Courier Staff Writer El Paso’s Rescue Mission — located Canutillo Independent School District. Fit- SAN ELIZARIO—Tommy Chavez, a sec- just west of Downtown at 1949 West tingly the site of the Goat Jackpot is the loca- ond-grader at Borrego Elementary in the San CANUTILLO — Duffy Galloway stands in Paisano Drive — is getting some help from tion of the district’s planned agricultural-sci- Elizario school district, grins broadly and the middle of the sawdust arena. He rubs his students, parents ence center. holds a trophy about as tall as he is. chin thoughtfully as he intently studies the and administrators. The school is making More than 100 young people participated in You might say he has a magnetic personal- goats lined up in front of him. The judge, an a community project out of an effort to the show which drew entrants from New ity, because Tommy is clutching the sweep- ag-science instructor from the Hereford, TX, repaint the Mission’s dining room walls Mexico and West Texas and as far away as stakes trophy he earned last week in the dis- school district, walks closer and examines the and installing a mural on one of those walls. Lubbock. Hosted by Canutillo High’s FFA trict science fair for his entry, “La Cajita animals that are held in show position by ner- “We felt we could make their dining area a chapter, the all-day event included market and Magnetica,” or The Magnetic Box.” His vous kids. brighter place to eat,” says Montwood’s Stu- breeding shows and Junior and Senior Peewee project earned him top honors in the elemen- Kids holding kids, but the young people do dent Activities Director Laura Price. “This Shows. tary-grade level contest that pitted him against not kid around. They are very serious as they is a project the kids discovered and wanted Taking Best of Show, Grand Champion hon- students in the third-, fourth- and fifth-grades. await the verdict of the judge who, after delib- to do.” LH & R Signs is donating paint and ors in the Market Class was Kayla Schuler from “He won against some tough competi- eration, awards coveted banners saying Best plastic wrap for the project. McCamey, TX. student tion,” says Celia Aguilar who describes her- Doe of Show or Reserve Grand Champion. self as a “very proud” second-grade bilin- The occasion is the 3rd Annual Canutillo Needed construction at and See JACKPOT, Page 4 gual teacher. “He is extremely articulate; the White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) is judges were very impressed by his answers. included in President Bush’s fiscal year “He is imaginative; he is creative. He can 2005 military construction budget, accord- Two Clint High seniors will create things on a moment’s notice. His mind ing to Congressman Silvestre Reyes, a is going so quickly,” Aguilar says. member of the House Armed Service compete for NHS scholarships With assurance, Chavez describes his Committee (HASC). The following are in- project in detail, underscoring his teacher’s cluded: an essay. praise of him. He is not intimidated by adults • $16.5 million for the Missile Defense In- By Laura Cade Cocurricular activities are considered as an as he explains the purpose of his work that struction Facility at Fort Bliss. Special to the Courier essential part of the school curriculum. incorporates small Plexiglas surfaces to • $33 million for the Electromagnetic Vul- While at Estrada has been which magnetic strips are attached. nerability Assessment Facility at WSMR Tracy Estrada and Sara Gonzales, both Clint president of the National Honor Society, mem- In the two-piece Plexiglas structure, paral- for research and testing. High School seniors and members of the Clint ber of the varsity team, and UIL spell- lel magnetic strips are placed on the floor of • $31 million for housing at WSMR. High School National Honor Society, have ing and vocabulary participant. This fall she plans the box as well as on the lid. The lid fits snugly been nominated to compete in the National to attend Trinity University to study English. between the walls of the box and presses down Montwood High School’s Media Tech- Honor Society scholarship sponsored by the Gonzales has been vice president of the Clint against the floor to show how opposites at- nology class is getting practical, hands-on National Association of Secondary School High School NHS and is involved in several ser- tract and like magnetic strips repel. experience in making public service an- Principals. vice projects. She plans to attend Texas Tech Magnets had always interested him since he nouncements for television. Assisted by Morris Aldridge, Clint High principal, an- University in the fall to study business. had found a magnet and wondered how it worked. Thomason Hospital’s Project Care — part nounced the nomination which places Estrada The National Honor Society and the Na- Tommy is the son of Tomas and Magala of R. E. Thomason Hospital’s and Gonzales in the national competition. Two tional Junior Honor Society are the nation’s Chavez. Borrego principal Sylvia Hopp Safe Communities Coalition — the class hundred national NHS winners will be chosen premier organizations recognizing outstand- praises his parents as “very supportive and this spring to receive $1,000 college scholarships. ing middle and high school students who dem- very involved in the education of their chil- See BRIEFS, Page 4 High School National Honor Society chap- onstrate excellence in the areas of scholarship, dren.” Tommy has a sister Jasmine who is in ters from across the country were eligible to leadership, service, and character and are spon- the fourth-grade. nominate two senior high members to compete. sored by the National Association of School Hopp says this is not the first time Tommy The most humiliating thing about science Nominees were selected based on their leader- Principals. The NASSP also sponsors the Na- has been recognized. She says he won overall is that it keeps filling our homes with ship skills, participation in service organiza- tional Association of Student Councils, which first prize last fall in a citywide competition gadgets smarter than we are. tions and clubs, achievements in the arts and provides leadership development opportuni- showing how recycled materials can be used. — Quips & Quotes sciences, employment experience, and aca- ties to prepare and empower students to serve He used toilet tissue and paper towel rolls and demic record. They also were required to write their schools and communities. cardboard to construct a toy tank that moved. Page 2 WEST TEXAS COUNTY COURIER February 5, 2004 One perspective By Francis Shrum A valued customer I knew we until about a year and a half ago I were in for it when our bank informed begin getting all these little extra us that we could now take advantage charges on my bank statement. One of a whole new range of “services.” of them was something called “Over- This utterance from any company draft Interest Charge” except I didn’t can be loosely translated into regu- have an overdraft — not the kind for lar human speak as “we are going to which you get dinged a solid $25. want a lot more of your money.” The way they explained it at the We’ve banked in the same build- bank is that this tidy little charge cov- ing for almost 20 years, though it ers the milliseconds in which there hasn’t been owned by the same bank. may be a deficit on my account be- It started out years ago as First City, fore the electronic credit arrives from then SunWest and finally Bank of some financial institution on some America. unknown planet. It ranged anywhere Every time a new institution took from two cents to a quarter. over we were offered more “ser- Then one day we found that some vices.” Every time it cost more on-his-toes clerk had discovered that money. we still had $500 overdraft protec- Now, the average person probably tion on our account which carried doesn’t know about, let alone utilize, over from the last institution. It had all the “services” that are available an interest rate of about three percent to them. In fact, you can buy life in- if we had to activate it. surance from the same company that So this sharp little boy instead at- sells you toilet paper. Why a com- taches the overdraft protection to our pany that sells toilet paper would Bank of America credit card. want to go into the life insurance That way, should there be an over- business is beyond me — other than draft, it would be charged to our they can charge you more for the toi- credit card in lump sums of $100, and let paper because they are offering the transaction charged as a cash you a phantom “service” you will withdrawal — with an interest rate never use. of about 19 percent. All I want from my toilet paper We took that one in stride, as well. supplier is toilet paper. All I wanted Afterall, an overdraft could be inter- from my bank was simply a place to preted as a genuine inconvenience for put my money, what little of it there the bank, right? is, so I could keep track of it — you However, the last straw was the know, because of the taxman and all. day I found a $5 charge on my state- I must be in the minority, though, ment for having used the overnight because with the latest buyout of my deposit drop. bank I got a big envelope stuffed to It’s not too hard to open a bank capacity with a plethora of “benefits” account. Closing one, we found, was I couldn’t even understand, let alone nothing short of a nightmare, espe- use, all offered at one low price which cially with today’s financial insti- was about twice what I was already tutions which guard their local paying. The price of progress, I figured, See CUSTOMER, Page 5

eteenseventythr nin ee Reyes Reports By U.S. Rep. Silvestre Reyes

31YEARS tw r o t h o u s a n d f o u SERVING ANTHONY, VINTON, CANUTILLO, EAST MONTANA, HORIZON, SOCORRO, CLINT, FABENS, SAN ELIZARIO AND TORNILLO Help is available for PUBLISHED: AD DEADLINE: Published each Thursday by Monday 4 p.m. for Thursday victims of identity theft Homesteader News, Inc. Appreciation publication. to our many contributors. Office open Monday through Thursday. CLASSIFIED RATES In 2003, advantage. Identity thieves then take tion on protecting yourself against $5 for 15 words, $10 for 35 words. Ad 681 El out loans, open bank accounts, buy identity theft and a course of action COPYRIGHT: must be in writing and pre-paid. The Pasoans were cars, open credit accounts in various if you are a victim. Entire contents © 2004 Homesteader Courier reserves the right not to print News, Inc. Individual authors retain all classified advertising it considers victims of identity theft. While some stores, use debit cards, and buy cell In addition to protecting yourself rights. Pictures, drawings and written inappropriate. might have had their purse or wallet phones — all in your name. against identity theft, it is also im- material appearing in the West Texas stolen, the majority of these individu- Victims may lose job opportuni- portant that you make informed de- County Courier may not be used or DISPLAY RATES: reproduced without written permission Open rate — $20 per column inch. als’ identities were stolen through ev- ties, be refused loans for education, cisions when deciding what to pur- of Homesteader News, Inc. Call for more information or to set an eryday transactions such as writing housing, cars, or even be arrested for chase. Every day, consumers make appointment. The Courier reserves a check for groceries or applying for crimes they didn’t commit. In order financial transactions that require LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: the right not to print advertising it Letter must not be more than 250 considers inappropriate. a new credit card. to retain their good credit, victims educated decisions: shopping for a words in length. They should be The Federal Trade Commission spend huge amounts of time work- mortgage or auto loan, understand- dated, must be signed and have an MAIL SUBSCRIPTIONS: address and daytime phone number. 52 issues for $35. (FTC), a federal agency that protects ing with credit bureaus, sifting ing and reconciling credit card state- Only the name and city will be printed Delivery via 1st class mail. the needs of consumers, recently re- through collections notices, and fil- ments and telephone bills, picking a with the letter. The Courier reserves leased their listing of the top ten fraud ing police reports trying to reclaim gym, choosing a retirement plan, the right not to print letters to the ADDRESS: editor or other submitted materials it 15344 Werling Court complaint categories for 2003. For their identity. The whole experience comparing health insurance policies, considers inappropriate. Horizon City, TX 79928 the fourth year in a row, identity theft can be a long, humiliating and frus- understanding credit reports, or de- topped the list. Other complaints in- trating one. ciding something as seemingly Phone: 852-3235 Fax: 852-0123 cluded foreign money offers and The FTC is leading the fight simple as whether to pay by cash, E-mail: [email protected] internet auctions. against identity thieves. Their guides, credit or debit card. Website: wtccourier.com Identity thieves, a new type of entitled “ID Theft: What’s It All The FTC has designated this week, Publisher criminal that surfaced during the About?” and “ID Theft: When Bad Feb. 1-7-, as National Consumer Pro- Rick Shrum 1990s, prey on seemingly innocent Things Happen To Your Good tection Week (NCPW), to make all Business Manager Name,” are available in English and Francis D. Shrum activities that include personal infor- these decisions a bit easier. “Finan- Contributors Homesteader mation. Identity thieves find ways to Spanish both in paper copies and on cial Literacy: Earning a Lifetime of Don Woodyard Est. 1973 access your social security number, their website: www.ftc.gov. You can Dividends” is the theme. During Member Texas Community Steve Escajeda address, or income from, say, a credit obtain paper copies by calling 1-877- Newspaper Association Arleen Beard News, Inc. card application and use it to their FTC-HELP. They include informa- See REYES, Page 5 February 5, 2004 WEST TEXAS COUNTY COURIER Page 3

wish to thank all of our Fabens mer- Bilingual author entertains Damian ES students Write stuff chants who very generously gave donations for our Christmas party. Dear Editor, We are blessed that Fabens merchants By Alfredo Vasquez Thanks to asll of those residents of care about our elderly seniors. We Special to the Courier Horizon who are participating in our have numerous merchants to thank. community’s recycling program. You As always, there was the Giving CANUTILLO — “Sí Puedo, Yes I Can” was the un- are leading the way towards lower- Tree, which Paul and Kit Ryan and derlying message behind Margarita Robleda’s recent, ing costs of operating our fair city. I staff sponsor each year, bringing entertaining presentation to students at Jose H. Damian want to encourage everyone else to cheer to the seniors’ faces. Elementary School, which is in the Canutillo Indepen- join in and bring your recyclable This year, Poncho Garcia, dent School District. waste to the city’s recycling bins. You Fabens ISD superintendent, invited Robleda, a well-known author from Mexico City, read will be helping to lower our refuse the seniors for a lovely Christmas stories, sang songs, and played the guitar for students as collection rates and saving the city luncheon. We want to thank Letty, part of CISD’s writer’s workshop project. “I like to mo- big bucks. manager of the cafeteria, and her tivate children to do the best they can in everything they Andrea Munafo staff. do,” said Robleda. Horizon City Wishing all of you a prosperous “Plans are to bring to the district different authors year. throughout the school year to share their skills and ex- Dear Editor: Elena Slape and Council periences with students and teachers as a way to pro- On behalf of the Fabens senior citi- Members of the Fabens mote a better understanding of the writing process,” said zens of the Nutrition Program, we Nutrition Program Martha Strobach, CISD Academic Language Services lead teacher. Robleda has written over 40 children’s books and Vote February 7, 2004 for New Leadership in makes presentations in schools throughout the South- El Paso County Water Improvement District #1 west and Mexico. Her presentations are in English and For Director 1, Southeast El Paso to the Upper Valley: Spanish. Sponsor for the presentations is book publisher INSPIRATION — Margarita Robleda likes to motivate ❑ Hampton-Brown. children to do the best they can in everything. David Aguilera For Director 3, Clint / San Elizario area: ❑ Mike Diaz $50,000 granted to help low income spay/neuter their pets CHECK ALL For Director 4, Fabens area THREE! Association. tragic and it can be traced largely to ❑ Orlando Flores By Michelle J. Brown Touting responsible pet owner/ failure to spay and neuter,” said Special to the Courier guardianship and the myriad of spe- Patricia Palafox, chair of ASAC. • Honesty • Leadership • Integrity cific health benefits and tax savings “Sometimes that failure is due to ir- El Paso’s Water — Our Most Important Resource EL PASO COUNTY — Area ani- (versus Animal Control picking up/ responsible pet owners, but in some Political Ad Paid for by Orlando Flores Campaign, W.L. Ruiz, Treasurer, 1191 Clint, San Elizario, TX 79849 mal health and welfare programs housing and destroying unwanted cases it’s due to inability to pay. Our have worked to garner a new animals), PETS ALIVE El Paso will hope is that these free surgeries will $50,000 grant from the El Paso administer the voucher program with work to stem the tide of more than City-County Health and Environ- a team of volunteers. PETS ALIVE 26,000 animals euthanized every mental District to provide free received the grant as part of year in El Paso because there are too spays/neuters for approximately $150,000 included in the 2004 fis- many animals and too few to love 725 of El Paso’s dog, cats, puppies cal year City-County Health Depart- them.” and kittens who have pet owners ment budget for spay/neuter. The “We encourage all qualified pet receiving public assistance. other $100,000 will be used to be- owners/guardians to take advantage To qualify, pet owners/guardians gin operating this spring the Health of this valuable program while the must be a resident of El Paso County Departments mobile spay/neuter Pet approximately 725 vouchers last,” Carlisle and be receiving some form of pub- Care-A-Van. said Mark Everett, Public Health Navidomskis lic assistance that includes but is not PETS ALIVE, a Texas non-profit Administrator at City County Health, M.Ed., LPC, RPT corporation that in part raises funds who has played a large role in imple- limited to disability, Social Security, Family Counselor Medicaid, Medicare, Lone Star Card for a variety of pet over-population menting the project in El Paso. (food stamps), WIC, CHIP, etc. spay/neuter efforts, works closely This project aims to spay/neuter Project coordinators urge interested with the El Paso City/County Animal thousands of El Paso area dogs and Horizon Family Counseling pet owners/guardians receiving any Shelter Advisory Committee cats in the next year. El Paso form of public assistance to call 873- (ASAC). Their members have euthanizes more than twice as PETS to obtain an application. Spay/ streamlined efforts for pet owners/ many animals as the national By appointment only • Se habla español neuter appointments will be made by guardians to obtain spays and neu- average (35 animals per 1000 El Medicaid and insurance accepted PETS ALIVE with participating vets ters for their pets. Paso residents vs. national average of the El Paso Veterinary Medical “The plight of homeless animals is of 17 animals per 1000 residents). 14200 Ashford (915) 433-7727 Horizon City, Texas 79928 [email protected] Eye on D.C. By U.S. Rep. Henry Bonilla

American Heart Month ‘Get in on the action!’ Heart attack, stroke and other car- horseback riding, jogging, walking or fight against diovascular diseases remain the num- bike riding, help keep your heart heart disease ber one killer in the . healthy and “just do it!” Other easy is far from over. On an average day in Texas, 150 Tex- approaches to control heart disease Hopefully, with more heart disease ans die due to cardiovascular diseases include eating a diet low in fat and research and better education, fewer and stroke. Heart disease has affected high in fiber, and controlling stress. Texans will fall victim to the disease my family and, chances are, it may One of the myths surrounding this year. As with any other health affect many of yours, too. heart attack and stroke is that it is a problem, please consult a physician Every year since 1963, February “male disease.” Wrong. Heart attack immediately if you, or someone you has been designated American Heart and stroke do not discriminate. In know, shows any sign of a heart prob- Month. This month is the time to fact, heart attack, stroke and other lem. For now, as we remember learn more about cardiovascular dis- cardiovascular diseases remain the American Heart Awareness Month ease detection, prevention and treat- number one killer of American fe- this February, get in on the action and ment. The American Heart Associa- males. increase your physical activity! tion has designated this year’s edu- Research and education are key to For more information or questions cational message as “Get in on the battling and preventing heart disease. concerning prevention or treatment Action!,” urging Americans to make Today, the chances of saving a life of heart disease, please call the Texas physical activity a part of their daily and reducing disability from heart chapter of the American Heart Asso- lives. disease and stroke are better than ever ciation (AHA) at 512/433-7220 or There are a few simple things we because of research done in our life- the San Antonio division of AHA at can all do to reduce the risk of heart time. Important discoveries such as 210/614-4121. disease. Exercising regularly is an life-extending drugs, bypass surgery For more information on this or important step. We all enjoy some and pacemakers, have improved the other issues, please check-out my form of exercise. So, whether it’s lives of many heart patients. But the website at www.house.gov/bonilla/ Page 4 WEST TEXAS COUNTY COURIER February 5, 2004

View from here Briefs strumental in helping us with the human services) will have a ma- By David Aguilera, Mike Diaz and Orlando Flores PSAs and billboards. The students jor impact on local alcohol and From Page 1 come up with the story lines, the drug services. Historically, it has We have recently had the opportu- community relations. We are not con- ______filming and editing. Arellano says been a battle for the border region nity to exercise our rights as Ameri- vinced that community interest is her students Marco Escudero and to obtain resource regarding sub- can citizens to run for the El Paso currently a priority over protecting wrote and shot public service an- Crystle Lopez managed production stance abuse issues and the County Water Improvement District self interest. We, as district taxpay- nouncements, called PSAs, for and other students are working on TCADA has been responsible #1 board of directors. ers, are paying an average of $32,000 seatbelt and pedestrian safety. The billboard and bench ads for the over the past two years to develop Although there are many issues, per month in attorneys fees. This is a class presented the pedestrian campaign. statewide and border specific there are two that are very important big problem, when you consider a safety PSA to El Paso County plans. Under the recommended to us. The first one being equal and recent layoff of 12 employees with a Commissioners Feb. 2. The new Texas wants input on the re-or- restructuring plan TCADA, the fair representation. Out of about much smaller payroll than the announcement should be avail- ganization of the Texas Dept. of single state agency and model 34,000 accounts in the district, district’s legal costs. able to local television channels Health and Human Services & the program will be divided into three 30,000 are small tracts. We believe As elected board members, we in- during the next few weeks. Pat Texas Commission on Alcohol and separate parts. Rio Grande Safe all tracts have agricultural potential, tend to ask for an audit, to ensure our Arellano is the class instructor. Drug Abuse (TCADA). A public Communities Coalition Director perhaps in a different form, or per- tax dollars are being spent wisely. “Project CARE of the Coalition hearing will be held this Thursday, Marge Bartoletti said this change haps for personal applications, but it This is a much better approach for is the sponsoring organization,” Feb. 5, 3-8 p.m. in the El Paso will result in the loss of expertise is the water user’s right to make that the district, for its employees, and for Arellano says, “and they have ar- Community College Administra- and identity of this highly special- decision. its customers. This will not happen ranged for local time on the MTV, tion Center Auditorium, 9050 Vis- ized field as well as dilute areas The distribution of water — how if the district continues to operate in VH1, BET, the Entertainment count Building A to address the of service. “We have advocated much and when you get it — should isolation, defensively postured, and News Network, TNN, SPIKE and be based on fair policy, not on poli- threatened by differences of opinion. following: for years to address this issue tics. As elected representatives we As elected representatives we will Telemundo channels to run this • Request for public input regard- from a continuum of care per- will propose the following: form propose the following: More open dia- announcement. Plus KINT-TV ing Substance Abuse Services, spective and raise awareness at all grower committees, small tract com- logue and joint committees to work on Channel 26 is running the En- Mental Health Services, and the levels,” Bartoletti said “The im- mittees, and employee committees to regional water issues with implications glish-language spots on their Dept. of Human Services in Texas; plications for urban and rural bor- ensure broad input into the decisions for the district. Bottom line, a commit- Spanish language station.” El • Request for input regarding the der communities are grave. Your that ultimately affect everyone in the ment to get along and work together. Paso County’s chief medical ex- new HHSC organizational struc- attention to this issue would be district. It is also important to have a We are three individuals committed to aminer, Dr. Corinne Stern, was ture; greatly appreciated. For addi- comprehensive evaluation of current working for our community by being part of the seat belt project cur- • Request for input regarding fund- tional information visit the policies in order to reduce or elimi- a voice for all water users. We ask you rently on the air. Mary Ellen ing from the state for the El Paso TCADA’s web site at nate privilege and prejudice. for your support and your vote on Feb. Hernandez, Youth Services Coor- region regarding these services. www.tcada.state.tx.us and Health Our second issue is to improve 7, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. dinator for the Coalition, says the Changes taking effect as a result and Human Services site at students are doing an effective of House Bill 2292 (the consoli- www.hhsc.state.tx.us/, then go to job. “Mrs. Arellano has been in- dation of all the state’s health and hhs consolidation. NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING COUNTY OF EL PASO Town of Horizon City Jackpot TEXAS COMMUNITY From Page 1 ______DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM PUBLIC NOTICE A PUBLIC HEARING will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Michelle Bolner won the Senior COLONIA CONSTRUCTION FUND Showmanship award in Breeding PROJECT #723055 Tuesday,February 10, 2004 during the Regular City Showmanship. Council Meeting at City Hall, 14999 Darrington Road, On a chilly and breezy day, there The County of El Paso is considering a proposed amend- Horizon City, Texas. Purpose of the public hearing is to were goats with coats in a variety of ment to its approved 2003 Texas Community Develop- allow any interested persons to appear and testify colors. There were goats with ment Program (TCDP) contract #723055 with the Of- regarding the following proposed ordinance(s): muzzles. There were goat T-shirts (“Goat-Ts”?) for sale. fice of Rural Community Affairs to include additional wa- 1) Proposed Ordinance No. 0117 to rezone a por- They had colorful names. Fresh- ter system improvements. The proposed activities will take tion of Section 31, Block 78, Township 3, Texas man Jason Flores bought a young place in the Leisure Valley Addition along the following and Pacific Railroad Company Surveys, El Paso goat through the FFA and named it streets: Leisure Lane, Little Joe, Sleepy Lane, Helen Rush- Master Chief, after a character in a County, Texas. Area is presently zoned R-2, Single ing and Windgail, pending funding availability. These video game, he says. He feeds the Family Residential and R-4B, Single Family Resi- animal twice a day and exercises it. improvements will be in the general vicinity of other wa- dential to R-4, Single Family Residential. Request He likes the program. ter system improvements already under construction submitted by JNC Development Inc. “It’s fun,” he says. “It teaches me through a County approved TCDP project. responsibility.” He’s enjoyed travel- 2) Proposed Amendment No. 006 to Zoning Or- ing to shows and will be going to A public hearing concerning the proposed amendment is dinance No. 0102 — to add Section 101.6-Re- another show soon in San Angelo. scheduled for Tuesday, February 10, 2004, 6:00-7:00 p.m., zoning to Chapter 1, Administration, Section 101 Canutillo ag-science instructor at the Lower Valley Water District Office, 1557 FM 1110, Mike Morales says the FFA has its General. Clint, Texas, 79836. The purpose of this public hearing own breeding program through will be to discuss the proposed amendment and solicit 3) Proposed Amendment No. 007 to Zoning Or- which students can purchase the ani- mals. About 20 have done so. citizen input on the proposed change in the scope of the dinance No. 0102 changes to Chapter 1, Section 101.4.1 — Town Council to delete the required Alexandra “Alex” Fraire is a jun- county’s TCDP project. ior, and she too purchased a goat vote for an overwrite from Council on a recom- All citizens are encouraged to attend this public hearing through the program and named it mendation from Planning & Zoning. Pepe. More recently she has pur- and present their views to the County. The El Paso County 4) Proposed Amendment No. 008 to Zoning Or- chased a second goat and named it Courthouse is accessible to the disabled; individuals who Powder because it is all white. might have difficulty in attending this public hearing dinance No. 0102, Chapter 8 — General Provi- “This is a good experience. It gives should contact the Community Development Division sions and to include a new Section 811 — Drain- me something to do,” she says of the to arrange for special assistance. If anyone interested in age Ponds. elective high school subject. The ex- perience has had a humorous and attending the public hearing requires a translator, please 5) Proposed Amendment No. 011 to Subdivision colorful moment. She recalls that af- contact the Community Development Division prior to Ordinance No. 0035, Section 5.17 — Drainage ter she had cut and trimmed the hair the public hearing so arrangements may be made. If you and Storm Sewers adding Section 5.17.4 and sub- of one of her goats that she put a flo- cannot attend in person, written comments may be sub- sequent subchapters. rescent coat of many colors on it, a mitted and will be accepted by the County until this pub- coat of pink and yellow and purple. Those who are unable to attend may submit their views Freshman Carlos Delgadillo says lic hearing is concluded. in writing to the City Clerk of Horizon City. Ordinances he has a “very smart goat,” one he A copy of the proposed amendment is available for re- are too extensive to print. Ordinances are always available has named Dexter. “He is always try- view during normal business hours at the El Paso County ing to open gates.” for viewing or copying upon request from the City Clerk Also a friendly goat, he has an ap- Courthouse address listed above. For further information at the above address. parent amorous streak in him. He had concerning the County’s 2003 TCDP project and/or this Sandra Sierra at one time tried to kiss Alex. proposed contract amendment, please contact Jack “These are the cream of the crop,” City Clerk Alayyan, Division Manager, County of El Paso, at (915) says Superintendent Charles Hart, 543-3845. WTCC: 02/05/04 dressed in cowboy hat and jeans and watching the events intently. WTCC: 03/21/02 Miss an issue? Visit www.wtccourier.com February 5, 2004 WEST TEXAS COUNTY COURIER Page 5

getting charged for monthly account Customer maintenance, long after the accounts From Page 2 were closed. ______The latest notice came this week, threatening to turn us into a credit phone numbers like they are CIA se- agency if we didn’t come up with $20 crets and which won’t even let you to cover last month’s account main- into their miles-long answering ser- tenance charges. vice unless you know your Access ID We called a local number — which number — which, by the way, is not had been obtained through long hours your PIN, your account number, your of bloody battle with bank personnel mother’s maiden name, your social — and talked to a young lady who security number or your birth date. requested a long and detailed account In fact, the closest thing I can com- of our complaint. We told her up front pare closing these accounts to is sur- we needed to speak to at least a bank gery to remove cancerous tentacles vice-president. We now insisted. embedded in your brain — you can She hesitated, then said, “I’m a never be sure if, even after all the pain vice-president.” Why didn’t she say and suffering, you actually got it all. so up front, we wondered. We called for instructions on how “I had to make sure you were to close out our accounts, followed someone I wanted to deal with first,” them to the letter, and still have had she said. to make five lengthy telephone calls It’s nice to be such a valued to clear up the $20 overdrafts we keep customer.

tion Center or the Social Security Reyes Administration) and private organiza- From Page 2 tions (such as AARP or the Better ______Business Bureau) are there to help you. Today’s world is full of compli- NCPW, representatives from federal, cated choices — and unfortunately state and local agencies and national those who hope to exploit those advocacy organizations will help choices. My website, consumers — of all ages — under- www.house.gov/reyes, and the FTC’s stand how the decisions they make website provide important informa- in the marketplace affect their over- tion that will empower you as a con- all “fiscal” fitness. sumer in today’s economy. As the Visit www.consumer.gov/ncpw on 681 El Paso identity theft victims the FTC’s website to access a clear- know, identity theft and other forms inghouse of information for consum- of consumer fraud are out there. By ers. Whether you are buying a car, arming ourselves with knowledge, choosing a school or investing your we can protect ourselves and our money, various federal agencies good names — and hopefully put an (such as the Federal Citizen Informa- end to consumer crime. Classified Ads LEGAL the following times: this project. Al- Eastlake Drive, El ing an application occupancy by De- for families with projects include a CALL GREEN though attendance Paso, Texas 79928 for Housing Tax cember 2005. For sizes 1-6 house- Small Town Envi- HOUSE FOR HORNET SOCORRO POWER at the pre-bid con- until the specified Credits with the more information hold members. The ronmental Project - RENT - Two bed- 915-790-1342 INDEPENDENT MONITOR ference is not man- times. Detailed Texas Department on this notice, total restricted in- First TIme Water room, off Alameda We’ll Be Right on SCHOOL METER UNITS datory, all bidders specifications are of Housing and please contact come percentage Service and Com- in Clint, nicely re- It! DISTRICT FOR VARIOUS are responsible for available from the Community Affairs Tropicana Building of the Development munity Develop- modeled in quiet • Free Inspection Invitation to SCHOOLS the information dis- above office be- for the Horizon Corporation, Bobby is 100%. The num- ment Block Grant - area. Call 598-1961 for termites Bid/Respond: CSP NO. cussed at the con- tween 8 a.m. and 4 Palms develop- Bowling IV, 4655 ber of units and pro- Water System Im- or 383-1152. • Knock down 199-0213-0452 ference, and are p.m. Mondays ment, located in the Cohen Ave, El posed rents (less provements. Pro- 02/019 spider webs Sealed bids/pro- FRIDAY, strongly urged to through Fridays. Horizon City’s ETJ Paso, Texas 79924, utility allowances) posals must be ______with all free posals/CSP to fur- FEB. 13, 2004 attend. WTCC-02/05/04 off Darrington Rd, (915) 821-3550. for the subject submitted to the inspections nish the District with AT 2:30 P.M. ______El Paso, Texas For more informa- property’s tax credit Town Clerk by Feb- FOR RENT in Clint, • 24 hours on call the following prod- Proposals will be 79928. This new tion, see units are: ruary 18, 2004, be- 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 7 days a week ucts and/or ser- Bidders may obtain received at the PUBLIC development is a www.tdhca.state.tx.us. fore 5:00 PM at the 142 Jeff Jones. Call SATISFACTION vices will be ac- copies of the bid- Business Services NOTICE four-plex commu- WTCC: 02/05/04 8 - 1 Bedroom Units Clint Town Hall, 200 851-1546. GUARANTEED cepted at the fol- ding documents Dept., 12300 nity comprised of ______for $159-$237 N. San Elizario Rd., TFN ______lowing times: and project plans Eastlake Drive, un- As per Article V, 76 units of which 16 - 2 Bedroom PO Box 350, Clint, ______Jan. 30, 2004 by til the specified Sec. 5.05(a), all 61% will be for ten- NOTICE TO Units for $380-$437 Texas 79836. “Windshield AUTOMOTIVE contacting the times. Detailed owners and ants with incomes PUBLIC 12 - 3 Bedroom WTCC: 02/05/04; SELF-HELP Ding — PARTS - OEM Project Engineer’s specifications are lienholders have less than 60% of SOCORRO Units for $546 02/12/04 Gimme a Ring” CSP NO. office at: available from the ten (10) days from the AMGI, 17% will PALMS Persons who have JIFFY 199-0206-0451 above office be- this date to reclaim be for tenants with If awarded credits, ______a problem with al- GLASS ACCEPTED Borunda & tween 8 a.m. and 4 their vehicles at incomes less than Tropicana Building this development cohol are offered a REPAIR UNTIL Associates, Inc. p.m. Mondays Southwest 50% of the AMGI, Corporation is mak- would be ready for HELP free source of help Windshield Repair FEB. 06, 2004, 9900 Montana through Fridays. Wrecker, 1401 13% will be for ten- ing an application occupancy by De- WANTED locally. Alcoholics Specialists AT 2:30 P.M. Ave., Suite E WTCC-02/05/04 Darrington Rd., ants with incomes for Housing Tax cember 2005. For Anonymous - call By appt. at your El Paso, Texas ______855-1900, 851- less than 40% of Credits with the more information home or office: COMMUNITY DE- 562-4081 for infor- 79925 2091-fax, or it will the AMGI, and 9% Texas Department on this notice, R.V. Dick Proposals will be VELOPMENT AS- mation. Phone: 592-7611 SOCORRO be sold at public will be for tenants of Housing and please contact Harshberger received at Busi- SISTANT - El Paso, Fax: 592-7622 INDEPENDENT auction for charges: with incomes less Community Affairs Tropicana Building 915-852-9082 ness Services PFT, $26,195. An- Tiene problemas SCHOOL VIN - than 30% of the for the Socorro Corporation, Bobby ______Dept., 12300 nouncement TX- con el alcohol? Hay A deposit of $100 DISTRICT IB4GP44RITB334344, AMGI. Income lev- Palms develop- Bowling IV, 4655 Eastlake Drive, El RD-04-11, closes 2/ una solucíon. per set will be re- Invitation to 1996 Dodge Cara- els range between ment, located on Cohen Ave, El BERT’S Paso, Texas 79928 10/04. Benefits in- Informacion: 838- quired for each set Bid/Respond: van, charcoal, New $8,650 to $28,680 the 10200 Block of Paso, Texas 79924, AUTOMOTIVE until the specified cluded. View an- 6264. of drawings a con- Mexico license, for families with Alameda Ave, (915) 821-3550. REPAIR times. Detailed nouncement at ______tractor wishes to Sealed bids/pro- FNB 528 sizes 1-6 house- Socorro, Texas For more informa- Domestic and specifications are www.usajobs.opm.gov, receive. If the plans posals/CSP to fur- VIN - hold members. The 79927. This new tion, see Foreign available from the application forms at SERVICES and specifications nish the District with 2G2AF35W8G9253430, total restricted in- development is a www.tdhca.state.tx.us. 852-3523 above office be- www.opm.gov/ are returned in the following prod- 1985 Pontiac come percentage four-plex commu- WTCC: 02/05/04 1558 Oxbow, tween 8 a.m. and 4 forms/index.htm. STAN’S good condition, the ucts and/or ser- stationwagon, of the Development nity comprised of Horizon City p.m. Mondays For information Maintenance deposit will be re- vices will be ac- white, Colorado is 100%. The num- 36 units of which ______through Fridays. (254) 742-9750, Services funded. cepted at the fol- plates IPAL 485 ber of units and pro- 61% will be for ten- WTCC-02/05/ TDD (254) 742- Interior / Exterior lowing times: VIN - posed rents (less ants with incomes Town of Clint, HORIZON CITY 04LEGAL 9712. USDA Rural Painting and A pre-bid confer- IG3NT27UXC039980, utility allowances) less than 60% of Texas PLUMBING ______Development is an Pressure Washing ence is scheduled 1985 Oldsmobile for the subject the AMGI, 17% will Request For 852-1079 EOE. Residential / to be held at 2:30 ARMORED CAR Galais, maroon, property’s tax credit be for tenants with Qualifications • Electric rooter SOCORRO WTCC-02/05/04 Horizon only p.m., Friday, Feb. 6, SERVICES New Mexico plates units are: incomes less than Engineering service for sewers INDEPENDENT ______Licensed / Insured 2004, at the at CSP NO. FAF 497 50% of the AMGI, Services and drains SCHOOL 852-9927 Socorro ISD Edu- 199-0212-0453 WTCC-02/05/04 24 - 1 Bedroom 11% will be for ten- • Appliance DISTRICT FOUND ______Invitation to cation Center, ACCEPTED ______Units for $159-$237 ants with incomes The Town of Clint is installation 12300 Eastlake UNTIL 36 - 2 Bedroom less than 40% of accepting qualifica- • Many other Respond: WINDOW TINT Drive, El Paso, TX FEB. 12, 2004, NOTICE TO Units for $380-$437 the AMGI, and 11% tions for engineer- FOUND: Wrist- plumbing services • Office • Home 79928. At this con- AT 2:30 P.M. PUBLIC 16 - 3 Bedroom will be for tenants ing services for wa- watch near Horizon Licensed, bonded Sealed bids/pro- • Car ference bidders will HORIZON Units for $546 with incomes less ter system improve- Blvd. Call 852- and insured for posals/CPS to fur- Free Estimates be afforded the op- Proposals will be PALMS than 30% of the ment projects 4817. your protection. nish the District with (915) 549-5774 portunity to ask received at Busi- If awarded credits, AMGI. Income lev- funded by the Of- ______the following prod- ______ucts and/or ser- questions and dis- ness Services Tropicana Building this development els range between fice of Rural Com- vices accepted at cuss any aspect of Dept., 12300 Corporation is mak- would be ready for $8,650 to $28,680 munity Affairs. The RENTAL Page 6 WEST TEXAS COUNTY COURIER February 5, 2004 Too many flags: Officials taint otherwise super game were on American Idol or Star Search. Let’s take a look at last year’s game between local L.A. station? A reporter was interview- By Steve Escajeda They got most of the attention — well, aside Oakland and Tampa Bay, 12 penalties. Two ing the big fella when Shaq lost his mind. Special to the Courier from Janet Jackson. years ago when New England knocked off St. Shaq had just scored 36 points in a win over As I peaked at the time of possession for both Louis, the refs called 11 penalties. Toronto but was upset over the officiating. Last Sunday the NFL crowned a new cham- teams in the big game, New England had the Heck, during Super Bowl XXXIII, when the O’Neal said “My message to David Stern is pion. One team rose above the other and ball much more than Carolina did. The Patri- Denver Broncos beat the Atlanta Falcons, a get some people in there that understand the grabbed the game by the throat and never let ots had the ball for 38:58 while the Panthers grand total of just four penalties were called. game and don’t try to take over the game be- go. had it for 21:02. In fact, this was the most penalized game cause people pay good money to see good ath- And, of course, every championship team But those numbers pale in comparison to the since 20 penalties were called on the Dallas letes play.” has one man who leads it. A man who plays time that Hochuli and his crew had in front of Cowboys and Denver Broncos during Super Now, I agree with Shaq. I’ve always said that that all-important role of captain. A man who the camera. Bowl XII in 1978, 26 years ago! the easiest job in the world is being an NBA stands out front and leads the best team be- I would guess about an hour-and-a-half. OK, Despite the high number of flags, this turned referee because you don’t have to call anything, cause he, very simply, is the best. maybe it just seemed like that long, but I’ve out to be a very good Super Bowl that went or just call things on the non-superstars. And everybody who witnessed the Super never seen a Super Bowl start, stop and sput- right down to the wire. But in the future, refer- But what is Shaq complaining about? No- Bowl last Sunday knows exactly who I’m talk- ter its way through an afternoon. ees should concentrate on the game and have body in the league gets away with more under ing about. That man is referee Ed Hochuli and The game could never get into any kind of a the common sense to let the players on the field the basket than he does. If NBA officials called that team is the rest of his over-zealous offici- rhythm with the referees throwing a flag on decide things. the game correctly, he’d foul out of every ating crew. almost every other play. If I want to gaze longingly at a zebra, I’ll go game… by halftime. Don’t get me wrong, the last-second 32-29 I haven’t seen so much laundry on the ground to the zoo. But Shaq’s worst offense was that he used Pats’ win was exciting, but c’mon, how many since my college days. the F-word during his interview. When the re- times do you have to watch Hochuli discuss- The final tally showed that the zebras called Shut up Shaq porter informed him that he was on live TV, ing a possible penalty with one of his crew for a whopping 20 penalties in the game. And those What has gotten into Shaquille O’Neal? Shaq did it again. 30-60 seconds before coming to a conclusion? are just the ones that were accepted. I know that Shaq has never had the gift of It’s obvious that Shaq has muscles on his Over and over, the yellow flags took over When you calculate it, the referees threw a gab, or the gift of intelligence, either, for that body. I’m beginning to believe that’s all he has the game. They say the best referees practi- flag on 15-percent of the plays. I didn’t even matter. But why the tirade last Sunday after a in head as well. cally go through the game unnoticed. This of- eat a chicken wing on 15-percent of the plays, Lakers win? You’re right, Shaq, the refs are bad. But once ficiating crew went through the game as if they and believe me, I gave it my best. Did you happen to catch his interview by a in a while, take a hard look in the mirror. America’s High School star player decides on a league of her own

EAST EL PASO COUNTY — Americas letter of intent to play with the El Paso they stick together and I’m just hoping to vibe Corona’s signing also means a scholarship High School senior Kathleen Corona signed a Community College Tejanas Feb. 2. with that. Softball is my first love.” from EPCC to help with school expenses. Corona is the first Ameri- cas student signed by the team. “I started catching my sophomore year, and I’m real excited,” the student said just before signing. AHS softball coach Jerry Paugh says Corona is an outstanding athlete. “Very dedicated, and she can play several positions for us, she pitched for us, she’s caught for us. Whatever you ask her to do on the field, she does. She has a great atti- tude — that’s the best part.” FAMILY AFFAIR — Kathleen Corona plans to play locally for Corona says she expects the EPCC Tejanas. During the signing she was joined by her to do her best — “play hard, family. Shown left to right, first row: Kathleen’s father Sergio and show them that they did Corona, Kathleen Corona, her mother Gloria Corona. Second a good job of signing me. I row: Principal Mary Ross; AHS Athlet- know how the team is — ics Coordinator Dale Reinhardt, and EPCC assistant coach Edna Garcia. they’re really strong, and King Super Crossword

AROMANCE 68 Permit 121 Dentist’s directive 43 Santa _, CA 87 Pixie and Dixie ACROSS 69 Grows light 122 French bean? 44 Smith or Page 88 Charge 1 Tower town 70 Studio 45 Like Machu Picchu 89 Vile 5 Ditch 73 Word with camp or DOWN 46 Utmost 91 Road curves 9 Married Mlle. tree 1 Doggy 47 Bizarre 92 Luxury car 12 “_ Life” (’66 hit) 76 “_ Rolling Stone” 2 Restless 48 Nest egg 93 Veronica of “Hill 17 Acted like grandma (’65 hit) 3 Left the Union 49 Zombie base Street Blues” 18 Sills solo 77 Groundwork 4 Fuss and feathers 51 Debra of “Love Me 94 Maestro Leinsdorf 19 Tam material 79 Before, to Byron 5 A Lennon sister Tender” 95 Novelist Cather 20 Sit in on a class 80 Mackie or Marley 6 _ setter 52 Fountain treats 96 St. _ fire 21 Actor Alex 81 Wobble 7 West’s “Diamond _” 55 Use coupons 97 Savanna sounds 22 “Aida” river 83 Add a lane 8 _ kwon do 56 Shampoo ingredi- 98 Startled cry 23 “Meter” leader 84 It may be white 9 Drilling site? ent 99 Vestige 24 Actress Rivera 85 Titmouse kin 10 Club creed 57 Middle Eastern air- 100 Dubuque denizen 25 Throb 87 Emulate Elle 11 Yale or Root line 101 Game fish 26 Loser to DDE 88 _ Castro 12 Tic- _ -toe 59 Electrical measure 102 Intense 27 Author Christie 90 “_ vous plait” 13 “What?” 60 Librarian Melvil 103 Behind schedule 29 Stirrup site 91 Joyce’s land 14 “Farewell, 61 “The Addams Fam- 109 Mil. base 30 Riddle: Part 1 92 Implore Francois!” ily” actor 110 Homeric character 36 Gridiron position 93 Answer to riddle 15 Big guy 62 Pindaric poetry 112 _ -Magnon 37 Z _ zebra 104 “Exodus” protago- 16 Austere 64 Stop on _ 113 Back talk 38 Present for pop nist 17 Close the curtains 65 Delibes opera 114 Sternward 39 Dutch export 105 Plaza Hotel kid 19 Cart 66 Blackboard support 42 Ms. Silkwood 106 Get a galley going 26 Postfix 67 Cry uncle 44 Wine variety 107 Marineland per- 27 Exiled dictator 71 Cleveland’s lake 50 Sought office former 28 Mary of 72 Stagger 51 Famed caravel 108 Kanga’s creator “Dodsworth” 73 English channel? 52 Om, for instance 111 Construct 31 Claire or Balin 74 Fireworks reaction 53 Actress Joanne 112 Crow’s toe 32 Big revolver? 75 Kimono cummer- 54 ABA member 114 TV’s “Mad _ You” 33 Lost bund 55 Skater Hughes 115 Celebrity 34 “The Ramayana” 76 Peeper protector 56 Come out of one’s 116 Mispickel and ga- heroine 77 Senator from Dela- shell lena 35 Barbie’s boyfriend ware 57 Dutch export 117 Costa _ 39 Austrian city 78 Humorist George 58 Sharif role 118 Rampal’s instru- 40 Solemn statement 81 Stowe gear 60 22 Across feature ment 41 “Wait _ Dark” (’67 82 Bisect 61 Internet acronym 119 _ apso film) 83 Sported 63 Riddle: Part 2 120 Draft agcy. 42 Ballet company 86 Civil War initials Answer Page 7 February 5, 2004 WEST TEXAS COUNTY COURIER Page 7 Comix We’re facing Big Mac attack OUT ON A LIMB By Gary Kopervas By Don Flood (Abraham Lincoln himself re- In 2004, still quite early in this portedly considered performing new century, we Americans con- the Big Mac jingle as an encore to front a question never before faced his brief, formal address. Why he in our long and proud history: refrained from doing so remains a What, exactly, is a Big Mac? mystery that continues to puzzle Oh yes, we used to know what a historians.) Big Mac was. We all did. And what of the jingle now? It was — sing with me now — Instead of the classic jingle, “two all-beef patties, special sauce, we’ll have a “low-carb” version lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on that goes: “two-all beef patties, a sesame seed bun.” (awkward pause where “special No more, my friends, no more. sauce” used to be), lettuce, cheese, As a way for dieters to cut car- pickles…” AMBER WAVES By Dave T. Phipps bohydrates, McDonald’s has re- And that’s it! Without the onions cently suggested that customers and the sesame seed bun, the jingle order Big Macs without the bun, goes right off a cliff — the sheer the onions and — you must be kid- poetry of the original blown to ding me — the Special Sauce! smithereens! (And, no, I don’t Excuse me? know what “smithereens” are.) I’m not sure what you would call We need to act now before it’s the remainder, but it’s not a Big too late. Mac! McDonald’s should be required, (I’m sorry to get so worked up by law, to call the “new Big Mac” about this, but I didn’t speak up something else — such as the Big when they came out with low-carb Low-Carb Glop of Stuff. That way THE SPATS By Jeff Pickering beer and look what happened.) the integrity of the original Big Would you buy a house with no Mac and its jingle can be main- roof? No! tained. Would you buy a car with no And what about those on the wheels? Of course not! other side of the transaction — Would you buy a Big Mac with- customers who insist on ordering out onions, special sauce and a a Big Mac but without the essen- sesame seed bun? tial ingredients that contribute to You would? its Big Macness? Oh, well then, this column isn’t These people, of course, would meant for you. have to be arrested, though I would (You will be glad to know, how- strongly recommend that first of- ever, this newspaper is printed on fenders be treated with justice and R.F.D. By Mike Marland special low-carb paper, so eat all mercy. you want. And don’t forget the spe- For most, I’m sure, a year in cial sauce!) prison would provide sufficient But even low-carb dieters should time to allow them to see the error appreciate that the original Big Mac of their ways. and its jingle occupy a special place But for the hard-core, harsher in our American heritage. measures would come into play — Reciting the jingle, a staple of a year in prison with a diet con- junior-high civics classes, was test sisting entirely of McDonald’s of diction and memory, sort of like french fries. the Gettysburg Address, only more ______relevant. (c) 2004 King Features Synd., Inc.

eating fruits and vegetables raw is a Tomatoes, carrots, lima beans, Sprouts like alfalfa and clover can healthy way to get water, fiber, and black-eyed peas, navy beans, soy carry salmonella and E. coli bacteria Vege-toll vitamins. Nonetheless, that should beans, sprouts (alfalfa, clover, etc.), when raw, and cooking them is not be a blanket statement, as there potatoes, and corn live on “the other strongly advised. By Albert M. Balesh, M.D. are others who are convinced that side of the tracks.” It is smarter to So, while “an apple a day keeps the Taxes, death, and vegetables exact some foods are healthier cooked. cook them. Tomato sauce, paste, and doctor away,” unexpected detours to a “toll” on our bittersweet journey on Cases in point are the examples that ketchup have higher levels of the oncologist can be avoided by pay- the road of life. While the former follow. leucopene, an antioxidant that pro- ing one’s “vege-tolls” on the road less drain both coin and vital juices from Most fruits, as well as spinach, tects against cancer and heart disease, traveled. an organism already wracked by quo- broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and than raw tomatoes. Leucopene is ______tidian deceit, exploitation, and mal- red and green peppers, are healthier easier to absorb after a tomato is (2004, Albert M. Balesh, M.D. All feasance, vegetables try to even the when eaten raw. In general, they are cooked, but cooking destroys some rights reserved.) score. essentially quite high in vitamins B, of the vitamin C in tomatoes. They comfort, fortify, and replen- C, folate, and potassium when eaten Blanching (quickly boiling) and • Master Licensed Plumber • Sewer and Drain Cleaning ish, although through no fault of their uncooked. Strawberries are espe- pureeing carrots increases levels of #M18624 • Faucet and Sprinkler Repair own they sometimes taste bad in their cially nutritious and contain the can- antioxidants by 34 percent, and al- • Bonded and Insured • Appliance Installation haste to be good. Those “red, green, cer-fighting phytochemical called lows the body to absorb more beta- • Senior Citizens Discount • Mobile Home Repair and yellow, save-the-day fellows” are ellagic acid, which may be dimin- carotene. Illegitimate children of the king’s champions and our heroes. ished or destroyed by cooking. Un- the Bean Family (lima beans, They do battle with those recalcitrant cooked red and green peppers con- black-eyed peas, navy beans, and bacteria, viruses, oxidants, pollutants, tain numerous antioxidants called soy beans) can attain a degree of poisons, and cancer cells that invade polyphenals. The old adage, “Every- respectability and a birthright portals and illegally homestead on thing in moderation,” must not be through higher temperatures. Eat- Horizon Plumbing prize property. Shortcuts, misinfor- overlooked, however, as too much ing those legumes raw not only mation, and slights of hand, however, spinach, broccoli, cabbage, and cau- hinders the absorption of certain 852-1079 like too many cooks in the kitchen, liflower can cause indigestion and the nutrients, but can irritate the gas- will desecrate a desired result. unleashing of an individual chemi- trointestinal tract as well. Starchy Miss an issue? Do we heat our vegetables or eat cal attack that would make even vegetables are indigestible when them raw? Nutritionists agree that Saddam Hussein blush. raw, causing gas and indigestion. www.wtccourier.com •• MailMail BoxesBoxes •• CopiesCopies •• FaxesFaxes Horizon Contract Post Office • 14200 Ashford, Ste. C • Open 9 AM to 3PM, Monday - Friday Page 8 WEST TEXAS COUNTY COURIER February 5, 2004

applies to me? If your benefit as a spouse is higher ing in the United States, so your SSI Social Security Q&A By Ray Vigil than your retirement benefit, you’ll payments will stop if you move to A: It depends on your age at the time get a combination of benefits equal- Italy. However, your Social Security Q: If I start receiving my Social Se- duction generally stays with you for you become eligible and whether you ing the higher spouse benefit. For checks may continue to be paid even curity at age 62, will I still get cost- the rest of your life. In other words, are eligible for benefits on your own more information about spouse’s if you leave the country. It depends of-living adjustments every year? A your benefit will go up each year with earnings. You may be eligible for 50 benefits, contact Social Security at 1- on the type of Social Security ben- friend said that if I started getting the cost-of-living adjustment, but percent of your spouse’s full Social 800-772-1213 or visit your local So- efit you receive and on your citizen- Social Security benefits before my full your benefit rate will always be less Security benefit when you reach your cial Security office. ship. retirement age, my payments would than it could have been had you “full retirement age.” If you collect ______always be frozen at that amount. waited until full retirement age to benefits before then, they are reduced Q: I get a Social Security check and For more information visit your lo- collect your benefits. by roughly a half percentage point for a Supplemental Security Income cal Security office, see www.ssa.gov A: All Social Security beneficiaries each month of eligibility, down to check. I’m planning to move back to or call us at 1-800-772-1213. If you get an automatic cost-of-living ad- Q: I heard someone say that a wife about a one-third rate payable at age Italy. Can I have my benefit payments have any questions that you would justment every year. Your benefits are can get somewhere between about 62. Keep in mind also that if you’re sent there? like to have answered, please mail never “frozen.” What your friend one-third and one-half of her eligible for both your own retirement them to the Social Security Office, may have meant is that if you take husband’s Social Security retirement benefits and for benefits as a spouse, A: Supplemental Security Income 11111 Gateway West, Attn: Ray Vigil, reduced retirement benefits, that re- benefit. How do I know which rate we always pay your own benefit first. payments are only paid to people liv- El Paso, Texas 79935. WEATHER AccuWeather.com SEVEN-DAY FORECAST FOR EL PASO THURSDAY THUR. NIGHT FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY

Mostly cloudy, a Partly to mostly A good deal of Sunshine and Clouds and shower possible in Plenty of sunshine. Mostly sunny. Sunny. cloudy and cold. sunshine. some clouds. sunshine. the p.m. 49° 30° 53° 31° 58° 35° 60° 35° 58° 33° 60° 32° 58° 30°

UV INDEX Statistics for noon. TEXAS WEATHER TRAVELERS CITIES The higher the UV Index, the greater Anthony 48 30 Thur. Fri. Sat. Sun. Mon. the need for eye and skin protection. Santa Fe Canutillo 51 30 36/18 City Hi/Lo/W Hi/Lo/W Hi/Lo/W Hi/Lo/W Hi/Lo/W Thursday ...... 4 ...... Low Albuquerque 39/24/c 44/26/pc 48/28/pc 47/26/c 47/22/c Friday ...... 5 ...... Moderate Clint 50 29 Albuquerque 39/24 Amarillo Atlanta 48/46/r 56/38/c 54/32/s 48/32/s 50/30/pc Saturday ...... 5 ...... Moderate 38/18 Atlantic City 36/28/pc 41/28/c 42/24/c 39/21/pc 37/18/pc Sunday ...... 5 ...... Moderate E. Montana 51 30 Lubbock Austin/San Antonio 68/35/pc 56/32/pc 58/34/s 58/39/pc 58/36/c Monday ...... 5 ...... Moderate Fabens 50 29 40/24 Baltimore 34/28/pc 40/30/c 40/26/c 38/22/pc 40/19/pc Tuesday ...... 5 ...... Moderate Boston 34/20/s 30/26/c 34/22/c 32/20/pc 32/18/pc Wednesday ...... 4 ...... Low Horizon 52 31 Ruidoso 38/20 Chicago 26/20/sn 28/18/pc 26/16/pc 24/12/pc 28/11/c Dallas/Ft. Worth 52/34/pc 46/28/pc 48/34/s 50/38/pc 50/31/c San Elizario 49 28 Alamogordo 48/22 Cloudcroft Denver 28/13/sf 31/13/c 34/15/pc 41/15/c 39/11/c REAL FEEL TEMP™ Deming 35/15 Socorro 50 29 Flagstaff 34/12/pc 38/18/s 40/18/c 36/16/c 39/12/pc The exclusive AccuWeather composite of the 47/26 Las Cruces Carlsbad effects of temperature, wind, humidity, sunshine, 47/28 Houston 58/42/c 50/34/c 58/34/s 60/44/pc 60/48/c Tornillo 50 29 49/28 precipitation, and elevation on the human body. Kansas City 28/15/c 27/11/c 23/9/pc 32/17/pc 35/13/c El Paso Las Vegas 54/40/s 56/38/s 58/44/pc 68/42/pc 58/36/pc Thursday ...... 46° Vinton 50 30 49/30 Ciudad Odessa Miami 81/71/pc 83/68/pc 80/63/c 77/62/pc 76/61/pc Friday ...... 43° 55/29 Juárez Minneapolis 17/7/c 17/8/c 17/4/c 17/8/c 23/4/c Saturday ...... 47° Shown is Thursday’s 51/28 New Orleans 71/54/t 60/40/c 58/43/s 57/43/s 60/44/c Sunday ...... 47° Alpine weather. 55/26 New York City 36/27/pc 33/30/c 39/27/c 34/25/pc 33/22/pc Monday ...... 62° Temperatures are Philadelphia 36/28/pc 40/30/c 40/26/c 36/24/pc 35/20/pc Tuesday ...... 64° Mexico Lajitas Thursday’s highs and Phoenix 59/39/pc 64/42/s 66/44/pc 64/44/pc 65/39/s Wednesday ...... 50° 59/30 Thursday night’s lows. Portland 47/34/pc 46/35/r 48/34/pc 48/35/pc 49/32/pc San Francisco 57/44/pc 56/44/c 56/42/s 58/43/s 57/41/pc AGRICULTURE Seattle 46/35/pc 46/34/r 45/35/pc 46/35/c 48/33/pc A storm system moving through the region Thursday will bring a stray afternoon shower. Behind this system, high pressure will begin Tucson 55/34/pc 58/36/s 63/39/s 61/36/s 63/36/s to build across the region Friday, bringing plenty of sunshine and unseasonably cool weather for the next several days. Washington, DC 34/30/pc 42/32/c 44/28/c 38/26/pc 41/23/pc Weather (W): s-sunny, pc-partly cloudy, c-cloudy, sh-showers, t-thunderstorms, All forecasts and maps provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2004 r-rain, sf-snow flurries, sn-snow, i-ice. Powerful and Portable

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