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VOL. 34, No. 14 SERVING ANTHONY, VINTON, CANUTILLO, EAST MONTANA, HORIZON, SOCORRO, CLINT, FABENS, SAN ELIZARIO AND TORNILLO APRIL 5, 2007 NEWSBRIEFS Two San Eli seniors transform CBP offers ways Horizon festival ambition into scholarships to make holiday The First Annual Spring Days Festival in Horizon City, April 5-8, will bring four all the details involved in preparing for higher days of unprecedented fun and festivities By Cynthia P. Marentes education. border crossing to 14100 Horizon Blvd., between Special to the Courier Jesus Martinez recently received a $1,000 Darrington and Kenazo in downtown Ho- scholarship at the 15th Annual Senior All Star a little easier rizon City. Co-sponsored by the newly SAN ELIZARIO — For many San Elizario Football Classic banquet for being chosen as forming Eastlake Lions Club and the Five- High School seniors, spring signals the arrival the only player representing San Elizario High Points Lions Club, the fun will begin daily By Roger Maier of something very important for their college Special to the Courier at noon and run to 10 p.m. with a full car- careers — scholarships. As they head into the See SCHOLARSHIPS, Page 5 nival, food, games, live entertainment, a final months of high classic car show and motorcycle rides. school, seniors begin EL PASO, TEXAS — U.S. Customs and Parking and admission are free. Proceeds taking stock of rewards Border Protection (CBP) officers at the El will benefit the Lions Club charities in they have received, or Paso port of entry and other area interna- their service to the local community. are waiting for, as a re- tional crossings are providing guidance to sult of their accom- assist travelers who intend to travel between Be anything plishments both inside the U.S. and Mexico in the days around the Easter holiday. These tips are designed to MTV’s Making the Band II artist Jonessa and outside of the class- ease the crossing process as CBP officers and Universal Record’s Veer will be at room. This is a critical maintain their principal anti-terror mission. Mountain View High School on April 11 inventory that will de- The upcoming Easter/Holy Week season as part of the Third Annual You Can Be termine whether or not is historically one of the busiest travel peri- Anything high school benefits tour. Five students will have the ods at southwest border crossings. Along local artists will open for Jonessa and Veer, funds necessary to pay with a general 10-15 percent increase in over- beginning at 7 p.m. at the Mountain View for college costs. Two all traffic figures, another area that experi- Gymnasium. Seating is limited — only students who will soon ences a significant increase in volume is the 950 tickets are available — and at $7 each have most of their col- number of Mexican laser visa card holders are expected to go quickly. The artists will lege expenses met have who request the I-94 travel documents re- be available to autograph T-shirts and CDs done so by pushing — Photo courtesy San Elizario ISD quired to travel beyond the border zone. after the show. The event, organized by themselves and being IN THE MONEY — Fernie Ibarra and Jesus Martinez have already Applications for I-94’s typically double or Mary Allaire-Curtis, director of the award- resourceful in finalizing secured financial assistance for their college education. triple at the El Paso port of entry during the winning Lobo Strutters Dance Team, was week before Easter. CBP officers routinely brought about through the assistance of process about 1,000-1,500 I-94’s a day in El Kimberly Baldwin, a former Mountain Canutillo ISD educators noted for Paso but that number jumps to between 2,500 View dance team member, who now works and 3,000 a day in the week before Good for the CEO of BP World Media. Proceeds Friday. Similar increases are typically re- will assist the Strutters to attend competi- accomplishments in bilingual education corded at other major border crossings. tions in Phoenix, Arizona. efforts in bilingual education. CBP officers also typically seize large By Alfredo Vasquez Schenk, in her eighth year as a teacher in Special to the Courier numbers of confetti-filled cascarones in the In other news Canutillo ISD’s Two-Way Dual Language pro- days leading up to the Easter holiday. The I The community of Anthony is invited gram, will be recognized as BEEMS’ Outstand- colorful eggshells are prohibited because to “Come Meet Our County Judge” on EL PASO COUNTY — Canutillo Elemen- ing Bilingual Education Elementary School they may introduce Exotic Newcastle’s Dis- Thursday, April 5 at 6 p.m. at the Ameri- tary School Principal Hector Giron and Dav- Teacher of the Year. ease to the U.S. poultry industry and should can Legion Hall, 221 Popular Street. The enport Elementary School Teacher Laura Candidates for the BEEMS awards were nomi- not be imported from Mexico. Violators will Honorable Judge Anthony Cobos will dis- Schenk were recognized nated by school districts be subject to penalties. cuss plans for the County and the com- for their contributions to throughout the area. Win- In an effort to provide the best possible munity in a question and answer forum. promote high quality bi- ners now qualify for the service to the traveling public during the up- lingual education pro- Southwest Association of coming holiday season, CBP officials are I The Clint Independent School District grams, during the 14th Bilingual Educators proactively reminding members of the trav- will be open for school and business on Annual BEEMS (Bilin- (SWABE) awards program. eling public that there are a number of steps April 9, 2007 to make-up for the Jan. 23, gual Educators Emphasiz- “These educators are they can employ to cross the border as 2007 inclement weather day closure. ing and Mastering Stan- examples of individuals quickly and safely as possible while avoid- dards) Conference. who understand and pro- ing violations of U.S. law. I The Oz Glaze Senior Center is having Giron was named mote the academic ben- “By getting the word out early and work- a rummage sale on April 14 at 13969 Veny BEEMS’ Outstanding efits of bilingual educa- ing closely with the community, we believe Webb in Horizon City. Donated articles Administrator of the Year, Hector Giron Laura Schenk tion. Their contributions we will be able to keep holiday related traf- from the community to sell to support the a recognition shared with go a long way in establish- fic moving while insuring that all our en- center are being accepted until Friday, Ysleta Elementary School Principal Homero ing additive models of bilingual education pro- forcement concerns are properly addressed,” April 13. Vendor tables for arts and crafts Silva, for their achievements as educational grams,” said Antonio Del Campo, BEEMS Co- said David Longoria, U.S. Customs and or other items are available for $10. For leaders and for their professional development ordinating Committee member. Border Protection El Paso Port Director. “It more information call Alice Bennett at is important that we do all we can to protect 852-4006. the American public while allowing law Socorro ISD teacher honored at Bilingual Conference abiding border crossers to reach their desti- I Desert Hills Elementary will host the nations in a timely manner. We believe these First Annual Spring Festival on Saturday, dents well and meet their tips will help the process.” April 28, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Desert Hills By Irma Flores needs,” says Ferguson. • Visit border ports early to obtain I-94 Elementary campus at 300 N. Kenazo in Special to the Courier “As an ESL teacher you travel documents ($6 each). This will allow Horizon City. Admission is free for games, have to be committed to travelers who require I-94 documents (those raffles, crafts, car seat checks, food, mu- EL PASO COUNTY — Socorro ISD teacher doing whatever it takes to planning to travel beyond the border zone sic, face painting and more. Sharyl Ferguson was honored as the Outstand- make sure they succeed.” or stay in the U.S. for more than 30 days) to ing Secondary Teacher of the Year at the 14th SISD Superintendent by-pass busy I-94 issuing lines when they See BRIEFS, Page 4 annual Bilingual Educators Emphasizing and Dr. Sylvia P. Atkinson formally enter the U.S. They will still be Mastering Standards (BEEMS) Conference says Ferguson exempli- subject to the inspection process. held March 29-31. fies what teaching is all • Travelers should prepare for the inspec- Ferguson is the ESL (English as a Second about. “Her commitment tion process before arriving at the inspec- The trouble with public debt is that Language) Department Chair at Montwood to her students is amazing, Sharyl Ferguson tion booth. Individuals should have their private individuals have to pay for it. High School and has taught ESL students for but it is a team effort. She leads a group of crossing documents available for the inspec- — Quips & Quotes nearly 20 years, most of those years at dedicated individuals who believe in helping Montwood. “It’s important to know your stu- their students succeed in life.” See CROSSING, Page 4 Page 2 WEST TEXAS COUNTY COURIER April 5, 2007

know, leave a little for the imagina- rebellious-minded young man should proclaimed that people shouldn’t run One perspective tion. Are safety pins considered decide to shop-lift, he has a lot of around “like third-class citizens in a By Francis Shrum cheating? room in which to store his ill-gotten first-class city.” There are various ideas about how gains. One young man reportedly It didn’t pass — civil liberties and and why this fashion got started but managed to walk out of a music store all — still, I don’t think anyone who there are two that I figure are pretty with a cymbal concealed in his pants. can objectively look at a young man Hitching ‘em up close to the truth. The first is that Sags are prohibited, and rightly so, with his pants falling down can help I was sit- showing off their underthings, which young people enjoy rebelling and as accepted forms of dress in most but chuckle a little — even the youth- ting in Arby’s usually wind up in a lumpy bump just there is nothing more rebellious than organized institutions like work and ful females they hope to impress. having lunch above the waistband which is already an obnoxious, abnormal silhouette school. Even the city of Dallas last I asked my teenage daughters what when this fel- hanging precariously below the equa- that allows you to be border-line ob- year considered passing an ordinance they think of sags. They didn’t say low in the tor, so to speak. There was a time scene at the same time. It’s a match to prohibit wearing sags on the anything. They just laughed. booth near me stood up. when it was considered a disadvan- made somewhere other than heaven. streets. The move was sponsored by C’mon, guys, give us a break. He was a grown man, old enough tage to get caught with your pants Secondly, it is rumored that if a a school board trustee who boldly Hitch ‘em up. to know better, but instead of hitch- down. Apparently that doesn’t apply ing his pants up, he pulled them anymore. down. Anyway, this fellow in Arby’s gets You see, he was wearing a pair of up and hitches ‘em down. And he’s those pants that are way too big. wearing a pair of bright red, slicky There are plenty of uncomplimentary undergarments that look something names used to refer to this style of like a pair of basketball shorts. When pants but for the purpose of this ar- thus encouraged by his downward ticle we’ll call them by the generic tugging, his baggy pants readily com- term “sags.” plied and slid plumb down to his Now, why on earth anybody thighs. thought this was a form of clothing This is cool? that had any sort of style, class, or With a rueful grin, he finally even the most off-the-wall fashion coaxed his pants part way back up, sense, I’ll never understand. Sags are and the whole mess wound up in a also inconvenient, as was about to be wad just above the obscenity level demonstrated by the fellow who and he shuffled off. And I do mean made the unfortunate mistake of shuffled. Because, you see, this fad hitching ‘em down. which seems to have the sticking One of the strangest things about power of the gum you stepped on in this saggy-bottomed fashion is that the parking lot has caused young men somehow, somewhere, some male who wear it to adopt the strangest creature decided that it was exciting way of walking. and interesting to show off his un- They are forced to lean as far back derwear and that someone, hopefully as possible without falling over back- youthful females, might actually ward with their hips thrust forward want to see them. to give their pants something, any- There are plenty of jokes about thing, to cling to. Then they walk by men with “plumber’s crack” but I can thrusting their knees out the side in understand that a little better. After an odd and unnatural way which I all, that is a natural phenomenon that assume is to counteract the down- tends to occur in the process of bend- ward gravitational pull. ing over. It is — as far as I know — At any rate, it looks very funny. not a “style” that any fellow so af- I’ve often wondered if some enter- flicted ever set out to adopt intention- prising manufacturer makes pants ally. Most people I know with the so- like this with Velcro strips in the called plumber’s problem usually get waistband that can be attached to spe- around to hitching ‘em back up and, cial saggy-bottom underwear with thankfully, we are never accursed corresponding Velcro patches so that with knowing what kind of drawers the fashion-conscious young man can he had on, if any. still show off large portions of his Not so with the aficionados of sags. undergarment without running the They seem to take great pride in risk of revealing the whole thing. You

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SERVING ANTHONY, VINTON, CANUTILLO, EAST MONTANA, HORIZON, SOCORRO, CLINT, FABENS, SAN ELIZARIO AND TORNILLO

PUBLISHED: AD DEADLINE: Published each Thursday by Monday 4 p.m. for Thursday Homesteader News, Inc. Appreciation publication. to our many contributors. Office open Monday through Thursday. CLASSIFIED RATES $5 for 15 words, $10 for 35 words. Ad COPYRIGHT: must be in writing and pre-paid. The Entire contents © 2007 Homesteader Courier reserves the right not to print News, Inc. Individual authors retain all classified advertising it considers rights. Pictures, drawings and written inappropriate. material appearing in the West Texas County Courier may not be used or DISPLAY RATES: reproduced without written permission Open rate — $20 per column inch. of Homesteader News, Inc. Call for more information or to set an appointment. The Courier reserves LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: the right not to print advertising it Letter must not be more than 250 considers inappropriate. words in length. They should be dated, must be signed and have an MAIL SUBSCRIPTIONS: address and daytime phone number. 52 issues for $35. Only the name and city will be printed Delivery via 1st class mail. with the letter. The Courier reserves the right not to print letters to the OFFICE: MAIL: editor or other submitted materials it 14200 Ashford 15344 Werling Ct. considers inappropriate. Horizon City, TX 79928

Phone: 852-3235 Fax: 852-0123 E-mail: [email protected] Website: wtccourier.com Publisher Rick Shrum Business Manager # Francis D. Shrum Contributors Homesteader Don Woodyard Est. 1973 Member Texas Community Steve Escajeda Newspaper Association Arleen Beard • Jan Engels News, Inc. April 5, 2007 WEST TEXAS COUNTY COURIER Page 3

View from here By Michael Quinn Sullivan View from here By Marc A. Levin

social problems through real charity and effi- restitution. The Legislature should promote the Greedy taxpayers? cient stewardship of government programs, not Legislature must availability of victim-offender mediation as a wasteful bureaucracy. voluntary alternative to traditional prosecution With Texas taxpayers struggling under ris- The state’s surplus amounts to $600 per empower Texas and incarceration in cases involving minor ing property taxes, the former Democratic can- Texan. If Mr. Bell and other liberals feel guilty property offenses by first-time offenders. didate for governor, Chris Bell, calls them about the rest of us being under-taxed, they crime victims Such mediations result in a written agree- greedy. In demonstrating why 70 percent of can simply write extra checks to their charity The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Cir- ment that typically requires restitution, com- Texans voted for someone else, Bell says tax- of choice: big government. cuit recently overturned a murder conviction munity service, and counseling, which is then payers shouldn’t be asking for a refund of the Of course they don’t have the humility or — solely because the victim’s brother sat in ratified by the prosecutor or judge. Failure to tax surplus. charity to do that. They prefer to use your the courtroom wearing a small pin with a photo comply subjects the offender to traditional In a commentary being distributed by the failed money, and a lot of it, to fund high-cost pro- of the victim on it. prosecution and, if necessary, incarceration. candidate, Bell chastises me for pointing out that grams that simply don’t work. Fortunately, a December decision by the Victim-offender mediation results in im- voters should get back the $14.3 billion surplus — Is it greedy to ask for your change back? U.S. Supreme Court reversed this miscarriage proved restitution collection, better offender extra revenues collected by the state during this That is precisely what thousands of taxpayers of justice and reinstated the conviction. But outcomes, and reduced costs. There are more current budget period. It’s their money! have now done as a result of TFR’s mailing. this case, Carey v. Musladin, demonstrates than 300 such programs in North America and My organization, Texans for Fiscal Respon- Bell wants to grow government with your how victims have been marginalized from not their success is well documented. Some 95 sibility, has now mailed almost 33,000 voters money. And he correctly understands that re- only the courtroom, but the entire criminal jus- percent of cases mediated result in a written in nine senatorial districts. The districts were turning the surplus to taxpayers takes money tice system. agreement, and 90 percent of these restitution selected based on senators who either serve out of the pockets of the spenders, and puts it The 80th Texas Legislature should act to re- agreements are completed within one year, on the important Senate Finance Committee, back in the hands of the earners. store the primacy of victims. giving victims a sense of closure. or chair another influential committee. Taxpayers are continuously told to foot the bill First, restitution must be more than an empty This indicates that coming face-to-face with Bell complains that his home was one of for an increasingly costly government. Last leg- promise. Only one-third of restitution owed a victim instills a moral obligation in many those to receive the mailing. He describes our islative session state lawmakers grew govern- to crime victims is actually collected. House offenders. And because completion of the mailing as inspiring voters to “summon all the ment 18.7 percent, and yet our economy has still Corrections Committee Chairman Jerry Mad- agreement avoids a conviction, offenders are greed they could muster and demand money managed to produce a surplus of $14.3 billion. den (R-Plano) is filing a constitutional amend- more likely to hold a job that enables them to back from the Texas state government.” Far from being greedy, Texans want law- ment to allow Texas judges to order the gar- pay restitution. Victim-offender mediation has He suggests that a long litany of failings in makers to be honest with our money. We were nishment of an offender’s wages to pay resti- also been found to reduce recidivism by 32 government welfare services are “proof” tax- given a price tag for the cost of government, tution. Currently, the Texas Constitution only percent. payers have under-funded the bureaucracy. we overpaid, and now we should get our permits garnishment for child support, but res- Furthermore, mediations cost $250 per case, As was evident to Texans in the November money back. As a trial lawyer, Bell can appar- titution to crime victims is equally important. a fraction of the cost of court proceedings, let ’06 campaign, Bell simply has his facts wrong. ently afford to overpay everywhere he goes, Texas can also strengthen restitution for alone incarceration. The state could impose an He is either unaware of, or indifferent to, the but most working Texans cannot. crime victims by linking the funding of pro- offender fee paid by property offenders upon fact that state funding for Child Protective Ser- Bell claims the surplus grew out of “draco- bation departments to their restitution collec- conviction or a participant fee for offenders vices, public education, and the Children’s nian cuts” to the state’s budget by legislators. tions. Not all departments report their collec- who choose victim-offender mediation that Health Insurance and Medicaid programs have If an 18.7 percent increase in state spending is tions to the state. would cover the up front cost of grants to lo- all increased year-after-year for years, and es- a “cut,” not even Bill Gates could afford the The Texas Public Policy Foundation, based cal district attorney’s offices for such pro- pecially during the last two sessions. Again, leg- “increases” that Bell apparently wants im- on our research, has recommended to the Cor- grams. islators grew government at 18.7 percent; that posed on us. It’s no wonder 70 percent of us rections Committee that five percent of basic Victim-offender mediation is not for every- is real — unsustainable — growth in spending. said “no” to his liberal philosophy. adult probation funding be tied to restitution one, but many victims of minor property of- But on one important point, Bell is right. Texans deserve true tax relief. Lawmakers collections so that departments receive 9.4 fenses primarily want answers, an apology, and He is correct in characterizing many gov- should continue to ignore Chris Bell, and re- cents for every dollar in restitution they col- restitution — all of which only the defendant ernment programs as failing. He’s just turn the surplus to Texas’ taxpayers. lect. Such performance-based funding will en- can provide. Victims deserve this option in wrong about the cause. ______courage departments to maximize their efforts such cases and studies suggest 60 to 70 per- We’ve tried the Bell approach for years: Michael Quinn Sullivan is president of in collecting restitution, which should include cent would choose it. throwing more and more taxpayer money at Texans for Fiscal Responsibility assisting offenders with finding work and ef- Finally, Texas must ensure that restitution problems. The result has been failure. (www.EmpowerTexans.com), an Austin-based fectively managing their finances. and other priorities of victims are fully Let’s try something different. Let’s let tax- organization promoting budget reform and However, victims cannot drink from a well payers keep more of their money, and address taxpayer protection. that is dry, and inmates earn no money to pay See VICTIMS, Page 5

Reyes Reports By U.S. Rep. Silvestre Reyes Intelligence Committee investigates FBI’s misuse of NSL The House — found significant misuse by the tional Security; and John Pistole, Law at Georgetown University and vast under reporting to Congress on Permanent FBI of this authority. Deputy Director of the FBI. former Assistant Attorney General the number of NSLs issued; and ex- Select Com- The Committee received testimony The second panel consisted of ex- for Legal Policy. tensive misuse of the “exigent mittee on In- from two separate panels. The first perts from outside of government: The IG’s report found several se- letters”provision. telligence consisted of witnesses from the Ex- Jim Dempsey, Policy Director of the rious problems in the issuance and We have learned that, despite re- held an open ecutive Branch and included the In- Center for Democracy and Technol- record-keeping of NSLs, to include peated assurances, the FBI was un- hearing recently on the Federal Bu- spector General Fine of the Depart- ogy; Lisa Graves, Deputy Director of an absence of effective FBI controls able to do an effective job of polic- reau of Investigation’s (FBI) use of ment of Justice; Kenneth Wainstein, the Center for National Security on the use of NSLs; possibly as many ing its own use of this powerful tool National Security Letters. The focus Assistant Attorney General for Na- Studies; and Viet Dinh, Professor of as 3,000 violations of law or policy; for investigating terrorism. of the hearing was the recent report The FBI uses National Security by the Justice Department Inspector Letters to obtain information from General, who found that the FBI had third parties, such as telephone com- misused this tool — the authority to panies, financial institutions, Internet request private records, secretly, Service providers, and consumer without judicial review — hundreds credit agencies. of times between 2003 and 2005. NSLs are no longer a limited, precise As someone who spent over 26 tool. They have become a broad li- years in law enforcement prior to cense to collect information on Ameri- becoming a member of Congress, I cans. Much of the information sought appreciate the importance of strong is not useful to a terrorism investiga- investigative tools. I want the FBI to tion. Indeed, FBI officials admit that have strong authority to find terror- most of the time, the FBI uses NSLs ists. But massive data collection does to gather information on people it be- not serve that purpose. If you are sift- lieves are not suspects in order to elimi- ing through mounds of irrelevant data nate them from further consideration. on people you believe have done In passing and reauthorizing the nothing wrong, you are more likely USA PATRIOT Act, we entrusted the to miss the relevant leads that can FBI with very effective investigatory stop the next terrorist attack. powers. Unfortunately, whether The expanding use of NSLs would through abuse or simple mismanage- not be troubling in itself, if the FBI ment, they have betrayed that trust, had proper controls for this power- and there must be accountability. ful investigative tool. But the FBI We will remain focused on this does not. And, in fact, Inspector Gen- subject moving forward in the 110th eral Glenn Fine — our first witness Congress. Page 4 WEST TEXAS COUNTY COURIER April 5, 2007 Resignation of Anthony ISD’s superintendent tops area school news Tornillo High School senior thony, San Elizario and Canutillo construction of the new 10,000- By Don Woodyard school districts. square-foot cafeteria at Alarcon. starts medical studies early Courier Staff Writer Work on the new library and class- San Elizario ISD room addition at Garcia-Enriquez is to join the program which part- EL PASO COUNTY — After three The results of preliminary TAKS expected to be completed sometime By Marla Vranish ners with UTMB medical years at its helm, Vern Butler is retir- (Texas Assessment of Knowledge later in August. Special to the Courier school in Galveston, Texas. ing as superintendent of the Anthony and Skills) reading tests came for The board also approved adminis- She is assured acceptance to Independent School District. third- and fifth-graders under sharp tration recommendations for new TORNILLO — What are the UTMB upon completion of all The AISD board of trustees ap- scrutiny by SEISD trustees at their math textbooks in the middle school chances that a senior student might undergraduate requirements at proved his letter of resignation at its March 21 board meeting. and high school. be accepted to a high UTEP. monthly meeting last week. Principals from Sambrano, It also approved Aug. 27 as the quality medical school She will be among Butler, who has been in the educa- Borrego, and Alarcon Elementary starting date for classes for the 2007- before they even begin peers from the El Paso tion field for 36 years, says he and Schools were taken to task as they 08 school year. their college career? Im- area, gaining research his wife are moving to the Fort Worth reported results ranging from 50 per- possible? Not anymore. skills, knowledge, and area to be with family. Asked about cent to overall scores of 79 percent. Canutillo ISD Just ask Jennifer Cortez, clinical experience that future plans, he was noncommittal, Indicating something has to be Dr. Pam Padilla, superintendent a senior at Tornillo High will prepare them for the merely saying he was “leaving my done, trustee Armando Martinez said of the Canutillo ISD, reported that School. rigorous medical school options open.” he was “very the Gates The Early Medical experience. Butler will upset” with the Foundation has School Acceptance Pro- Jennifer said she has finish out the teachers and the invited the dis- gram (EMSAP) at dreamed of becoming a current school low scores. His trict to apply year. concern was for a grant to UTEP, coordinated by Jennifer Cortez doctor since she was a Dr. Donna Ekal, offers little girl. Her desire is Sally Flores, echoed by other establish an an opportunity to students who to practice general medicine in a president of the board members Early College enroll in the program a reserved rural setting and work with fami- AISD board, as well. High School place at renowned medical schools lies in need. praised Butler’s Agreeing program in across the country. She is the daughter of Adalberto work, saying he with the thrust conjunction Cortez has been nominated and Rosa Cortez of Tornillo. has been a of the trustees’ with El Paso “wonderful ad- questions and Community Vern Butler Mike Quatrini Pam Padilla dition, a won- concerns, Dr. College. She derful asset to the district.” Mike Quatrini, SEISD superinten- said the administration is in the • Master Licensed Plumber • Sewer and Drain Cleaning #M18624 • Faucet and Sprinkler Repair Flores says the board voted to ask dent, looked directly at the as- process of completing the grant • Bonded and Insured • Appliance Installation Dr. James Vasquez, executive direc- sembled principals and said, “We application and getting more infor- • Senior Citizens Discount • Evaporative Cooler Service tor of Region 19 Education Service cannot tolerate mediocre teaching; mation about the program. Center, to work with them to find a our kids don’t deserve it. Enough The board approved adoption of successor. With Region 19’s assis- is enough.” mathematics textbooks as recom- tance, she hopes the board can have He suggested that the principals mended by the District Textbook a successor in place before Butler need to get out and into the class- Committee. leaves in June. rooms and find those teachers who During the open forum, parents Horizon Plumbing “He will be missed,” she added. are not measuring up to standards. and residents expressed support for “He is a good man to work with. He The board received an update on the naming of the two elementary 852-1079 is totally dedicated to the kids.” $8 million in construction projects at schools. One parent suggested that Butler’s resignation was the high- Alarcon Elementary and Garcia- future school buildings be named af- light of actions by trustees during Enriquez Middle schools. Aug. 1 is ter geographical features or signifi- March board meetings in the An- the scheduled completion date on cant landmarks in the area.

tive entry routes. Border crossers may and is useful in planning trips and iden- Crossing consider using the nearby and less uti- tifying periods of light use/short waits. From Page 1 lized Fabens or Santa Teresa ports of • Drivers should insure that the ve- ______entry instead of the El Paso port. hicles they use to cross the border are • Travelers should plan to build properly maintained and mechanically tion and they should be prepared to extra time into their trips in the event sound and that occupants avoid riding declare all items acquired abroad. In they cross during periods of excep- in areas of vehicles not specifically addition, individuals should end cel- tionally heavy traffic. This includes designed to carry passengers. Failure Open Low Prices and Daily Specials lular phone conversations before ar- Dedicated Commuter Lane users. to follow these steps can expose cross- 7AM - 8PM 1330 Fabens St. • Fabens, TX • 764-2215 or 851-3149 riving at the inspection booth. • Unless absolutely necessary, bor- ers/passengers to carbon monoxide. Daily “Family Owned and Operated” • Travelers should familiarize der crossers may wish to avoid cross- CBP officials will closely monitor themselves with the “Know Before ing the border during traditionally traffic and border crossing times dur- You Go” section of the CBP website heaviest periods of traffic including ing the upcoming holiday period. at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/ morning/evening rush hour periods They plan to fully staff all inspection Town of Horizon City travel/vacation/kbyg/ and weekends. lanes during peak periods and to introduction_mission.xml to avoid • Members of the traveling public implement various traffic manage- PUBLIC NOTICE fines and penalties associated with should consult the CBP website site at ment operations to maintain the flow the importation of prohibited items. www.cbp.gov to monitor border wait of traffic during periods of exception- A PUBLIC HEARING will be held during a Regular • Travelers should look to alterna- times. Information is updated hourly ally heavy usage. Planning and Zoning Meeting on Monday, April 23, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 14999 Darrington Road, Elizario ISD this week via Science complete schedule call 937-1700, Horizon City, Texas. The purpose of the public hearing Briefs in the Movies, a non-profit orga- 937-8468, or 937-8400. is to allow any interested persons to appear and comment From Page 1 nization that demonstrates the aca- ______I regarding the following properties: demic concepts behind some of the The El Paso Street Department most amazing stunts and special has scheduled significant mainte- 1) Rezoning from, M-1 Light Industrial to C-1 I Students from kinder through effects. Over 800 students from the nance projects on Scenic Drive Light Commercial. Being a portion of Tract 1-A, 12th have a chance to test their district were able to attend various from April 9-22. Due to the diffi- Section 42, Block 78, Township 3, of Texas and chess skills at the Second Annual demonstrations held at the Garcia culty of working on this section of Crusader Scholastic Chess Tourna- Enriquez Middle School gym. roadway Scenic will be closed dur- Pacific Railroad Surveys, El Paso County, Texas. ment hosted by O’Shea Keleher Mechanics, kinetics, heat, elec- ing these maintenance operations Approximately 7.65 acres. School, 1800 Leroy Bonse. The tronics, optics, chemistry, engi- to through traffic. The roadway Those who are unable to attend may submit their views tournament will be held on Satur- neering, mathematics, computers will remain closed until repairs are day, April 14, 2007 from 8 a.m. to and safety issues were all topics to completed. Only the El Paso Po- in writing to the City Clerk at the above address or call 2 p.m. First, second and third place assist the students to view science lice Academy will be permitted ac- 915-852-1046. Accommodations for handicapped per- awards will be handed out in each in imaginative and enjoyable ways, cess. The maintenance will consist sons will be available; and individuals in need of special division. More than 100 students said Cristina Alvarez, GEMS 8th of repairing damaged concrete assistance for attending the hearing are encouraged to con- are expected to participate. The grade science teacher. paved sections, repairing damaged tact the City Clerk at 915-852-1046, forty-eight (48) tournament is open to all schools concrete joints, re-sealing concrete in the El Paso area. For more ques- I Free ESL classes for adults are joints and cracks, plus backfilling hours prior to this meeting. tions or to register a team or stu- being offered by the Socorro ISD the shoulder of the road. The esti- Fidel Morales dent, call Raul or Veronica Bravo Community Services at H.D. Hilley mated total cost for this project ex- Interim Town Clerk at 856-7383 or 526-7441. School, 693 N. Rio Vista Rd., Room ceeds $60,000. Questions can be #220, in Socorro. ESL I, II, III and addressed to the Street Department WTCC: 04/05/07 I Movie magic came to San Spanish Literacy are offered. For a at 621-6750. April 5, 2007 WEST TEXAS COUNTY COURIER Page 5

Town of Horizon City PUBLIC NOTICE During the Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, March 13, 2007 the Town of Horizon City Council approved the following ordinance(s): 1) Amendment 014 to Ordinance 0102 to add Section 812 — “Yards” to address yard regulations of buildings permitted within required setbacks. 2) Amendment 015 to Ordinance 0102 to amend Section 502 “A-1” — Chapter 5 (Apartment Dis- trict) to increase allowable residential density and to institute a site plan review process for apart- ment developments. 3) Amendment 016 to Ordinance 0102 to amend Chapter 1 “Administration”, Section 101.6 “Re- zoning”, Subsection C “Public Hearings; Notice” to reduce the number of signs required for rezon- ing when such rezoning is initiated by the City.

— Photo courtesy Socorro ISD 4) Amendment 017 to Ordinance 0102 to amend HOPING TO SAVE LIVES — Bennie Grayson, right, teaches 8th grader Jesse Contreras about trains and Chapter 6 “General Commercial Districts”, Sec- safety with a scale train console during Operative Lifesaver’s presentation at Ernesto Serna School. Ap- proximately every two hours, in the United States, a person or vehicle is hit by a train. About half of all tion 603 “C-1” to allow the sale of alcoholic bev- crossing collisions occur at highway-rail intersections when people ignore the flashing lights and/or gates. erages for on-site consumption within restaurants by specific use permits. Operation Lifesaver teaches students Ordinances are always available for viewing or copying upon request from the City Clerk at Town Hall, 14999 to stay safe and off of railroad tracks Darrington Road, Horizon City, Texas, Monday through presenter. “We want kids to stay away them an idea about being inside the Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or call 915-852-1046. By Irma Flores and stay safe. Most of them did not cab and hopefully they share the les- Special to the Courier know that it is illegal to be on or near son with their parents.” Fidel Morales train tracks.” One of the students who had the Interim City Clerk A train horn echoes through the According to the Federal Railroad chance to be a conductor was Jesse WTCC: 04-05-07 hallways at Ernesto Serna School but Administration, in 2006 Texas Contreras who surprised to learn its not coming from the railroad ranked second with 51 pedestrian rail about the laws protecting rail yards. tracks near the school. The horns and trespass fatalities. Topping the list is “It was interesting to learn what whistles are coming from the California with 91. Operation Life- you can and can’t do around trains,” Town of Horizon City school’s gym as students try their saver is a non-profit, international says the 8th grader. “Kids don’t un- hand at being a train conductor. The continuing public education program derstand how dangerous it is to be PUBLIC NOTICE simulation is part of “Operation Life- first established in 1972 to end colli- around trains when they are passing A PUBLIC HEARING will be held at 6:30 p.m. on saver” that aims at increasing aware- sions, deaths and injuries at places or not to play by the tracks or under ness about railroad safety. As stu- where roadways cross train tracks, the trains when they are stopped.” Tuesday, April 10, 2007 during the Regular Council dents take their turn at the real train and on railroad rights-of-way. Grayson along with other engi- Meeting at City Hall, 14999 Darrington Road, Horizon console, engineers and conductors “By using a real train console, we neers, conductors and bus drivers will City, Texas. Purpose of the public hearing is to allow any are showing them why they need to are showing students what we expe- spend another day with students at interested persons to appear and testify regarding the stay away. rience. We teach how dangerous Serna. Their presentations will be held following proposed ordinances: “We are educating the public about trains can be. We show them that on Thursday, April 5, starting at 7:45 train safety and working on the tres- trains can’t go left or right to avoid am until 10:00 am. Grayson expects 1) Repeal and Replace Ordinance No. 0038 — passing issue,” says Bennie Grayson, cars and that trains don’t stop to reach more than 500 students by the Establishing a Curfew for Minors Under the Age engineer and Operation Lifesaver quickly,” says Grayson. “This gives end of this four-day session. of Seventeen Years of Age.

School — especially the close-knit and being able to talk to teachers be- 2) Amendment No. 001 to Ordinance No. 0092 Scholarships community — Jesus is excited about cause of the small student to teacher — Amending Paragraph XI (A) to Make From Page 1 attending school in East Texas. Jesus ratio,” Fernie said. He has been ac- Exceptions to the Requirement of a Surety ______is considering a career in the FBI and tively involved in SkillsUSA and Bond for Certain Vendors and Non Profit will focus either on a criminal jus- taken several Career & Technology Organizations. School in the West vs. East All Star tice or forensics program at SFA. Education (CATE) classes at San Football Game. “I am very proud to Fernie Ibarra is another student Elizario High School and as a result, 3) Amendment No. 003 to Budget Ordinance be the only one nominated,” Jesus said. who has shown remarkable ambition will also be receiving a scholarship 0154 FY 2006-2007. The purpose of the amend- The skills and determination that in realizing his higher education from the Career and Technology Ad- ment is to transfer the salary from the position of Jesus showed on the field in high goals. The Alumni Association of the visory Committee (CTAC) in the school were recognized by Stephen University of Tulsa awarded Fernie amount of $750. Human Resources Director to the position of F. Austin University (SFA). Jesus was with a renewable scholarship of Gloria Fogerson, San Elizario Administrative Aide to Mayor. accepted into the university after be- $8,000 which he qualified for after High School Librarian, has witnessed Those who are unable to attend may submit their views ing recommended as a prospective he submitted an application to the the commitment that both seniors football player and has just received school. Fernie will study engineering have shown in carrying out their in writing to the City Clerk of Horizon City. Accommo- news about another upcoming schol- at the Oklahoma University and is plans for the future. “What is special dations for handicapped persons will be available and in- arship from SFA that will cover all currently in the process of finalizing about these students is they have dividuals in need of special assistance for attending the of his tuition. Although he has en- his financial aid paperwork. “I like shown incredible initiative,” hearing are encouraged to contact the City Clerk at 915- joyed his time at San Elizario High that it is a small, private university Fogerson said. 852-1046, forty-eight (48) hours prior to this meeting. Ordinances are available for viewing or copying upon re- victims the right to be present and the table. The marginalization of vic- quest from the City Clerk at the above address or call Victims heard during any settlement discus- tims is not only unjust, but deprives From Page 3 sions, and requires that judges con- us of the public safety benefits that 915-852-1046, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ______sider the victim’s viewpoint in de- are only realized when an offender’s Fidel Morales ciding whether to accept the plea. conscience is awakened upon realiz- Interim City Clerk incorporated in sentencing. Plea bar- Texas law only says the judge must ing the harm caused to another hu- WTCC: 03-08-07 gaining accounts for 90 percent of “inquire as to whether a victim man being. sentences, but Texas is not among the impact statement has been re- ______22 states that require prosecutors to turned.” Marc A. Levin, Esq. is Director of the obtain the victim’s opinion concern- We must not view crime as simply Center for Effective Justice at the To Advertise ing a proposed plea. an offense against the state, and in- Texas Public Policy Foundation Arizona requires prosecutors to stead ensure that crime victims have (www.texaspolicy.com). He can be consult with victims, guarantees a place in the courtroom and a seat at reached at [email protected]. Call 852-3235 Page 6 WEST TEXAS COUNTY COURIER April 5, 2007 Wayman Tisdale gets an unfortunate, but lucky, break once was, but he’s luckier than he’s ever been. Ouch! Now that’s a top-notch organization. cording to police in Tampa, he did it. By Steve Escajeda He also proved, once again, that the enter- According to West Virgin‘i’a officials, the T- Seems Gates was arrested and charged with Special to the Courier tainment term “break a leg” does indeed bring shirts were printed by the NIT and not by the hitting the pregnant woman in the face and good luck. school. shoving her against a wall during an argument. For any of you that have ever spent any time Makes you wonder how they can spell “Na- Now, that’s the kind of aggression we pay to in the hospital, you probably can’t think of an T-shirt trouble tional Invitation Tournament” correctly. I’m not see on the football field. Let’s only hope that instance when you considered being there a It’s no secret that the National Invitation sure what’s going to happen with the shirts. Gates will pay a much higher price for his actions. great thing, or a time to rejoice. Tournament (NIT) ranks far behind the NCAA But let’s look on the bright side — those T- But Gates didn’t just smack Peggie Laven- Well, for former NBA star and current award- Tournament when it comes to appeal, status, shirts with the misspellings will probably end der in the face. He also gave the police a whole winning jazz musician Wayman Tisdale, a trip talent, interest, coverage, stature and just about up being collector’s items one day. plethora of other things to charge him with. to the hospital may be among the best things any other category you can think of. Now, let’s see — where’s my spell-check Let’s see, first he kicked in the door to the that ever happened to him. And though it’s still nice that the country’s button? woman’s apartment, then he took out his an- It all started when he fell down some stairs “other” good teams have a tournament they can ger on the electronics and destroyed two tele- at his home. The 6'-9" former power forward, compete in, they just don’t get the love the The Rap Sheet visions. He must hate wood because he also who still holds almost every offensive record NCAA guys get. Nobody will ever argue that to play in the destroyed two more doors and punched a hole at Oklahoma, broke his leg and went to the And to prove it, West Virginia, the winner National Football League you’ve got to be a in the wall. hospital for medical care. of this year’s NIT title received cool “NIT tough guy. Why this guy isn’t an interior decorator, I’ll The kicker — pardon the pun — is that when Champion” T-shirts after their win over There’s no room in the NFL for wimps. Ev- never know. doctors examined his leg they found a cancer- Clemson. Only problem was — well — the ery guy has got to stand up to someone who is Lionel Gates’ actions couldn’t have come at a ous cyst below his right knee. name on the T-shirts were misspelled. either bigger, stronger or meaner than he is. better time. I say “better time” because the NFL And because they found the cancer when Yes, that’s ryght — I mean, yes, that’s right. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a reputa- is conducting hearings. even as we speak, on the they did, Tisdale is expected to make a full re- The T-shirts, which were printed before the tion of being one of the tougher teams in the notorious behavior of some of its players. covery. game, were donned by the players as soon as NFL. And why not, when you have a running The NFL claims it is going to clamp down on The 42-year-old will begin chemotherapy the final whistle blew, but the shirts read, “West back like Lionel Gates on your team? ruthless behavior like the kind Gates displayed. next week. The treatments are expected to last Virgina.” It’s apparent that the 6', 233-pound Gates not I mean, what kind of a man beats up a preg- about six months. He will also have to undergo C’mon, look closely, you sports fanatics. only likes to run with the football, he also en- nant women? I’ve got the answer to that ques- knee-replacement surgery. Here’s a hint — the word “West” is not mis- joys beating up pregnant women. tion. No real man beats up a pregnant women. Wayman Tisdale may not be a graceful as he spelled. Well, I’m not positive he enjoyed it but ac- What does that make Gates? You figure it out. Socorro High School names new athletic coordinator and football coach Kempner’s football team was 5A a Dallas Cowboys Coaches Association, By Irma Flores Division 1 Bi-District and regional Football Operations In- the American Football Special to the Courier finalists for three straight years. tern for the Summer Coaches Association, Twenty of his players at Kempner Training Camp from the Greater Houston Foot- SOCORRO — Michael Ferrell has received football scholarships and 26 1990-1994 and in 1998. ball Coaches Association been named the new Athletic Coor- players have gone on to play college Ferrell was the All and the Fellowship of dinator and Football Coach for football. State Game Head Christian Athletes. Socorro High School. He brings with From 1998-2003, Ferrell was the Coach in 2006 for the “On behalf of the him a wealth of experience, coming Offensive Coordinator for L.V. Houston Area Blue Socorro ISD Board of to El Paso from Fort Bend ISD in Hightower High School in Fort Bend Chip South Squad and Trustees and SHS Ad- Sugar Land, Texas, where he has ISD where his team took 5A Divi- won 50-14. He also has ministration, I want to been Head Football Coach and Ath- sion 2 State Playoffs all three years. served on the Board of welcome Coach Ferrell letic Coordinator at H. Kempner He was the Offensive Coordinator for Directors for the and his family to El High School since 2003. Pecos High School in Pecos, Texas Greater Houston Foot- Paso,” said Socorro In- Ferrell was the “winningest” coach from 1996-1998 where he coached ball Coaches Associa- Michael Ferrell dependent School Dis- in Kempner history, including the one All State player and two Permian tion since 2005. He be- trict Superintendent most playoff wins. During his tenure, Basin players. Ferrell also served as longs to the Texas High School Sylvia P. Atkinson. “It is a wonder- ful place with great kids and awe- some parents. He will fit right into Classified Ads the Mad Dog Football Family as he is bent on helping the SHS Football LEGAL will be received at ASSESSMENT APRIL 12, 2007 Adults, Marital, HORIZON SELF Team reach new heights.” the above address SOFTWARE Family. Health in- STORAGE FABENS until 2:00 p.m., CSP NO. DISTRICT surance and fee 418 S. Kenazo INDEPENDENT May 9, 2007 at 199-0413-7093 SOFTWARE scale accepted. 852-9371 3 97 SCHOOL which time they will ACCEPTED CSP NO. 657 Winn Rd. in ______1 DISTRICT be publicly opened. UNTIL 199-0412-7089 Socorro, Texas. 9:00 A.M. ACCEPTED Call 858-3857 for SERVICES 34YEARS Invitation Bid specification UNTIL appointment. 7 200 to Bid packets may be ob- Proposals will be 2:00 P.M. ______“Windshield SERVING ANTHONY, VINTON, CANUTILLO, EAST MONTANA, HORIZON, SOCORRO, CLINT, FABENS, SAN ELIZARIO AND TORNILLO tained by calling received at Busi- Ding — Sealed bids for 915-764-2025. ness Services FINE ARTS HELP Gimme a Ring” Full-Line Food WTCC: 04/05/07- Dept., 12300 FORMALWEAR WANTED JIFFY GLASS CLASSIFIED AD FORM Items, 04/12/07 Eastlake Drive, El CSP NO. REPAIR ______Paso, Texas 79928 199-0412-7079 15 words - $5 per week; 35 words - $10 per week Beverage & Need part-time of- Windshield Repair until the specified ACCEPTED Snack, Bakery fice assistant with Specialists SOCORRO times. Detailed UNTIL Products, Milk very flexible hours. By appt. at your INDEPENDENT specifications are 2:30 P.M. ______and Dairy Call 851-2391, ask home or office: SCHOOL available from the 1234 Products for Mary. R.V. Dick DISTRICT above office be- Proposals will be Bid No. ______Harshberger ______050907-913. tween 8 a.m. and 4 received at Busi- 915-852-9082 5678 Invitation to p.m. Mondays ness Services REAL ______Sealed bids Bid/Respond: through Fridays Dept., 12300 ______9101112 for Non-Food and on the Socorro Eastlake Drive, El ESTATE BERT’S Items Sealed bids/pro- ISD website: Paso, Texas 79928 AUTOMOTIVE ______STOP HERE Bid No. posals/CSP/RFP to www.sisd.net. until the specified For Sale, 291 REPAIR 13 14 15 ( FOR $5 AD. ) 050907-913. furnish the District WTCC-04/05/07 times. Detailed Langford St., Clint. Domestic and with the following ______specifications are 2,700 sq. ft., beau- Foreign ______16 17 18 19 Bids to be ad- products and/or available from the tiful condition, 1/4 852-3523 dressed to Leticia services will be ac- SOCORRO above office be- acre. 3 bedroom, 2 1558 Oxbow, ______Perez, Fabens In- cepted at the fol- INDEPENDENT tween 8 a.m. and 4 bath, open kitchen, Horizon City 20 21 22 23 dependent School lowing times: SCHOOL p.m. Mondays Great Room w/fire- ______District, 821 NE “G” DISTRICT through Fridays place, bonus room ______24 25 26 27 St. Fabens, P.O. FRIDAY, and on the Socorro and laundry room, HORIZON CITY Box 876 Fabens, APRIL 13, 2007 Invitation to ISD website: refrigerated air/cen- PLUMBING ______Texas 79838. Bid/Respond: www.sisd.net. tral heat, storage 852-1079 28 29 30 31 DISTRICT WTCC-04/05/07 shed, sprinkler sys- •Electric rooter Food Bids will be WIDE MATH Sealed bids/pro- ______tem, many extras. service for sewers ______32 33 34 35 received at the PROGRAM posals/CSP/RFP to (817) 657-7818, and drains above address un- K-12 furnish the District COUNSELING (915) 525-4790 or •Appliance Please print.Send form and Contact Information: til 10:00 a.m., CSP NO. with the following SERVICES (915) 241-3869. installation payment (no cash) to: May 9, 2007 at 199-0413-7091 products and/or ______•Many other Name: ______ACCEPTED services will be ac- West Texas County Courier which time they will DAMIAN plumbing services UNTIL cepted at the fol- 15344 Werling Ct. be publicly opened. MAUREIRA, STORAGE Licensed, bonded 9:00 A.M. lowing times: Horizon City, TX 79928 Phone: ______LCSW - Profes- and insured for Non-Food Bids sional Counseling/ 20X45' SPACE your protection. Deadline: Mondays RECRUITING THURSDAY, Therapy: Youth, FOR LEASE ______April 5, 2007 WEST TEXAS COUNTY COURIER Page 7 Comix What’s so great about Canada? OUT ON A LIMB By Gary Kopervas By Don Flood otherwise intelligent Canadians. A recent poll asked people But I’ve been there. We walked around the world if they viewed over while visiting Niagara Falls. various countries positively or Frankly, it seemed about the same, negatively. though Canadians like to make a The United States, unfortu- show of having different money and nately, landed near the bottom — flags and whatnot. But the tacky just behind North Korea. souvenirs were strictly American, North Korea — a country led by made in China, just like here. a crazed dictator with a funky fash- And look at all we share, includ- ion sense who recently set off a ing baseball, the quintessential all- nuclear bomb! American sport that a surprising And there’s more. Canada, our number of people find boring. neighbor to the north, ranked first. Canadians also play in the Na- AMBER WAVES By Dave T. Phipps And France finished third. tional Hockey League, even Why would France be more though they have a hard time un- popular than us? derstanding the sport. OK, I’ll give them french fries. Assuming Canada is another French fries were an extraordi- country, how would we go about nary step forward in the devel- annexing it? opment of world cuisine. But That’s the good part. All we need would french fries be as popular is an executive order from the without McDonald’s? I don’t President. Canadians need not be think so. So France’s reputation involved. rests largely upon the American One big advantage to annexation fast-food industry. is that it would eliminate the prob- But let’s return to Canada. lem of guarding the U.S.-Canadian First, if Canadians had any class, border, as it would no longer exist. THE SPATS By Jeff Pickering they’d announce they are abdicat- What if we just want their ing their title of “favorite nation” reputation? and giving it to the United States, In this case we would simply because we deserve it. confront Canada, saying some- But so far, not even a peep. thing like: “Look, you have some- Canadians like to act self-effac- thing we want, namely your repu- ing, but inside they’re going, tation. Hand it over and nobody “We’re No. 1! We’re No. 1!” gets hurt.” That is so obnoxious when a Some experts on foreign rela- country does that — yelling “We’re tions — in other words, namby- No. 1!” — especially when they do pamby types — consider this line it silently so nobody can hear. of diplomacy a little heavy-handed. Americans chant “We’re No. 1!” They favor a more nuanced ap- R.F.D. By Mike Marland too, but we do it out loud. We don’t proach. We could, for example, pretend not to be obnoxious. start by announcing that from now Clearly, the present situation on there would be no more Canada cannot be allowed to stand. geese. There would be only Here, in the handy “Q and A” America geese. Hopefully, they format that works so well to clarify would get the message — the Ca- issues, are ways we can go about nadians I mean, not the geese. acquiring Canada and/or its repu- The geese, by the way, already tation. love America; they fly here every Is Canada really another country? winter, not North Korea. Excellent question. Many people ______seem to think so, including many (c) 2007 King Features Synd., Inc.

King Super Crossword

DON’T BE ALARMED 64 Vaudeville’s 126 Punta del _ 39 Speck 93 Lay down the lawn ACROSS Tucker 127 Neighbor of Ark. 40 Right away 96 Nay opponent 1 Writer Roald 66 Islamic title 128 Mars has two 41 Concrete 97 Setup 5 Taxing time? 67 Part 3 of remark 129 Gnat or brat component 98 Appearance 10 Thousand _, CA 70 Frank or Dweezil 42 Fuming 99 Automobile, 14 _ vu 74 Greet the general DOWN 43 Bottled spirit? informally 18 Soap additive 75 Peculiar 1 Place to 44 Cartoon Viking 104 Kreskin’s letters 19 Range rope 77 “A mouse!” pontificate 45 ’82 Jeff Bridges 105 Bound bundle 20 Tall story? 80 Biblical city 2 _ Romeo film 106 Author Kingsley 21 25 Across 82 Nice season 3 Songwriter Axton 46 TV’s “_ Search” 107 Gusto maneuver 83 German shepherd 4 Singer Sayer 47 Coasted 108 Relative of 73 22 Start of a remark 85 Cropped up 5 They’re kept in a 54 Pro _ (for now) Down by Henny Youngman 86 Goal quiver 56 Doha’s country 109 Prepare to bear it 25 Skater Lipinski 88 Pub order 6 Rind 57 Holmes’ creator 110 _ even keel 26 Settled on the sofa 89 Elbow 7 Fury 58 Teapot part 111 Choir member 27 Pump part 90 Quindlen’s “One _ 8 Robert of “Quincy, 59 Coal conveyance 112 Chow _ 28 Pressing need Thing” M.E.” 61 Must-haves 113 Boxer LaMotta 29 Runnymede’s river 91 Paper quantity 9 Chou En- _ 64 Police hdqrs. 114 Model Carre 31 Morning moisture 93 Trauma aftermath 10 “Beetle Bailey” 65 _ de France 115 Crooked 32 Baltic city 94 “Die Fledermaus” dog 68 More pallid 118 Seville shout 34 Sault _ Marie, MI maid 11 Like _ of bricks 69 Jacket type 119 Chew it! 35 Chop 95 Part 4 of remark 12 Rib 70 Bernardo’s boss 120 _ -Cat 37 Part 2 of remark 100 Prospector’s prize 13 Diva Renata 71 Romance 121 Peke’s perch 46 Silly Soupy 101 Time to evolve? 14 Base stuff? 72 Puzzling problem 48 Designer Ricci 102 Travel with Tonto 15 Final 73 Affix meaning 49 Mrs. Nick Charles 103 “Tell _ About It” 16 Actor Burns “before” 50 Parent (’83 hit) 17 “Oh, woe!” 76 Delany or Wynter 51 Folklore figure 105 Mideastern mall? 20 With _ of salt 77 Duck down 52 AAA offering 109 Singer Lesley 23 Employ 78 Bald bird 53 “_ the Dog” (’97 111 Iowa city 24 Imminent 79 Patella’s place film) 113 Task 30 Female fowl 80 Gangsters’ guns 54 Ballroom dance 116 Prayer finale 31 Reside 81 Composer 55 Fabric ornament 117 End of remark 32 Artist Magritte Copland 57 Mil. honor 122 Tilt 33 Call _ day 83 Fruit-tree spray 60 Casanova, for one 123 Hood’s handle 34 Play ground? 84 English dynasty 62 Caviar 124 “Wait _ Dark” (’67 35 Silent star? 87 Welcome item? 63 Wagner’s “_ film) 36 Wed in haste 88 Lot size Rheingold” 125 Similar 38 Torrent 92 Udall or West Answer Page 6 Page 8 WEST TEXAS COUNTY COURIER April 5, 2007

cess, you can request a form by call- cepted as proof of U.S. citizenship. Once you have a Social Security Social Security Q&A By Ray Vigil ing Social Security’s toll-free num- These include a U.S. birth certificate, number for your newborn, you ber, 1-800-772-1213, or visiting a a U.S. passport, a Certificate of Natu- should safeguard that number, as well local Social Security office. ralization or a Certificate of Citizen- as the numbers of other family mem- You also will need to provide docu- ship. In addition, Social Security will bers. Keep that card in a safe place Make sure you have a Social Security ments that prove both your and your need to verify your child’s birth with your other important papers. Do child’s identity, and documents that record before you can be issued a not carry your Social Security card Number for your newborn child show your child’s U.S. citizenship card. in your wallet. and age. All of these documents must You must take or mail the com- ______Are you among the approximately wait until April 15 to apply for that be either originals or copies of origi- pleted Form SS-5 to the nearest So- For more information on the topic one in 10 parents who last year did number. You need to apply now. nals that are certified by the issuing cial Security office, together with the listed above, visit our website at not apply for a Social Security num- Here is what you need to do to get agency. We do not accept copies or originals or certified copies of your www.socialsecurity.gov or call us at ber for their newborns before leav- a new Social Security number. notarized copies of documents. supporting documents. 1-800-772-1213. If you have any ing the hospital? If so, you should Complete an Application for a So- Keep in mind there are strict re- We will return your original docu- questions that you would like to have know that you will need a Social Se- cial Security Card (Form SS-5). This quirements on what documents So- ments right away, and we will then answered, please mail them to the curity number to claim your newest form is available online at cial Security can accept to prove citi- mail a Social Security card as soon Social Security Office, 11111 Gate- family member as a dependent on www.socialsecurity.gov/online/ss- zenship and identity. For example, as your documents are verified, way West, Attn: Ray Vigil, El Paso, your federal tax return. And don’t 5.html. If you do not have online ac- only certain documents can be ac- which can take several weeks. Texas 79935. Fraudulent telephone tax refunds among IRS top 2007 ‘dirty dozen’ tax scams All business

erwise taxable income to go untaxed. items such as fuel tax credits to re- are not valid, and the losses are not By Lea Crusberg 3. Phishing cover taxes paid in prior years. Tax- deductible. Special to the Courier Phishing is a technique used by payers should choose carefully when 10. Abuse of Charitable identity thieves to acquire personal hiring a tax preparer. Remember that Organizations / Deductions WASHINGTON — The Internal financial data in order to gain access no matter who prepares the return, the The IRS continues to observe the Revenue Service today identified 12 to the financial accounts of unsus- taxpayer is ultimately responsible for use of tax-exempt organizations to of the most blatant scams affecting pecting consumers, run up charges on its accuracy. Since 2002, the courts improperly shield income or assets American taxpayers and warned their credit cards or apply for loans have issued injunctions ordering doz- from taxation. This can occur when people not to fall for the schemes. in their names. These Internet-based ens of individuals to cease preparing a taxpayer moves assets or income This year the “Dirty Dozen” high- criminals pose as representatives of returns, and the Department of Jus- to a tax-exempt supporting organiza- lights five new scams that IRS audi- a financial institution — or some- tice has filed complaints against doz- tion or donor-advised fund but main- tors and criminal investigators have times the IRS itself — and send out ens of others. During fiscal year tains control over the assets or in- uncovered. Topping off the list are fictitious e-mail correspondence in an 2006, 109 tax return preparers were come. Contributions of non-cash as- fraudulent refunds being claimed in attempt to trick consumers into dis- convicted of tax crimes and sen- sets continue to be an area of abuse, connection with the special Tele- closing private information. A typi- tenced to an average of 18 months in especially with regard to overvalua- phone Excise Tax Refund available cal e-mail notifies a taxpayer of an prison. tion of contributed property. In addi- to most taxpayers this filing season. outstanding refund and urges the tax- 7. American Indian tion, the IRS is noticing the return of The IRS is actively investigating in- payer to click on a hyperlink and visit Employment Credit private tuition payments being dis- — Photo courtesy Canutillo ISD stances of this scam involving tax an official-looking Web site. The Taxpayers submit returns and guised as charitable contributions to Moises Lucero, Canutillo High preparers who are preparing inflated Web site then solicits a social secu- claims reducing taxable income by religious organizations. School senior, recently re- refund requests. rity and credit card number. It is im- substantial amounts citing an Ameri- 11. Form 843 Tax Abatement ceived the Who’s Who award Also new to the Dirty Dozen this portant to note the IRS does not use can Indian employment or treaty This scam rests on faulty interpre- for Future Business Leaders year are abuses pertaining to Roth e-mail to initiate contact with taxpay- credit. Although there is an Indian tation of the Internal Revenue Code. of America (FBLA), Canutillo Chapter, which makes him eli- IRAs, the American Indian Employ- ers about issues related to their ac- Employment Credit available for It involves the filer requesting abate- gible for a scholarship of ment Credit, domestic shell corpora- counts. If a taxpayer has any doubt businesses that employ Native ment of previously assessed tax us- $1,000. Lucero has been the tions and structured entities. whether a contact from the IRS is Americans or their spouses, there is ing Form 843. Many using this scam chapter historian for FBLA for “Taxpayers shouldn’t let their authentic, the taxpayer should call 1- no provision for its use by employ- have not previously filed tax returns the past three years, partici- guard down,” IRS Commissioner 800-829-1040 to confirm it. ees. In a somewhat similar scam, and the tax they are trying to have pating in fund-raisers and Mark W. Everson said. “Don’t get 4. Disguised Corporate unscrupulous promoters have in- abated has been assessed by the IRS meetings held throughout the taken by scam artists making outra- Ownership formed Native Americans that they through the Substitute for Return year. He has also competed for geous promises. If you use a tax pro- Domestic shell corporations and are not subject to federal income Program. The filer uses the Form 843 the past three years at the area fessional, pick someone who is repu- other entities are being formed and taxation. The promoters solicit indi- to list reasons for the request. Often, and state level competitions in various business-related table. Taxpayers should remember operated in certain states for the pur- vidual Indians to file Form W-8 BEN one of the reasons is: “Failed to prop- events. “This award is given they are ultimately responsible for pose of disguising the ownership of seeking relief from all withholding erly compute and/or calculate IRC Sec to members who are recog- what is on their tax return even if the business or financial activity. of federal taxation. A recent 83-Property Transferred in Connection nized as outstanding FBLA some unscrupulous preparers have Once formed, these anonymous en- “phishing” variation has promoters with Performance of Service.” members for their activity and steered them in the wrong direction.” tities can be, and are being, used to using false IRS letterheads to solicit 12. Frivolous Arguments involvement in the CHS Chap- Persons who become involved in tax facilitate underreporting of income, personal financial information that Promoters have been known to ter,” said Carmen Guzman, schemes risk significant penalties, inter- non-filing of tax returns, listed trans- they claim the IRS needs in order to make the following outlandish CHS business education est and possible criminal prosecution. actions, money laundering, financial process their “non-tax” status. claims: the Sixteenth Amendment teacher and FBLA advisor. The IRS urges taxpayers to avoid crimes and possibly terrorist financ- 8. Trust Misuse concerning congressional power to these common schemes: ing. The IRS is working with state au- For years unscrupulous promoters lay and collect income taxes was ment right to privacy. Don’t believe 1. Telephone Excise thorities to identify these entities and have urged taxpayers to transfer as- never ratified; wages are not income; these or other similar claims. These Tax Refund Abuses to bring their owners into compliance. sets into trusts. They promise reduc- filing a return and paying taxes are arguments are false and have been Early filings show some individual 5. Zero Wages tion of income subject to tax, deduc- merely voluntary; and being required thrown out of court. While taxpay- taxpayers have requested large and In this scam, which first appeared tions for personal expenses and re- to file Form 1040 violates the Fifth ers have the right to contest their tax apparently improper amounts for the in the Dirty Dozen in 2006, a Form duced estate or gift taxes. However, Amendment right against self-in- liabilities in court, no one has the special telephone tax refund. In some 4852 (Substitute Form W-2) or a some trusts do not deliver the prom- crimination or the Fourth Amend- right to disobey the law. cases, taxpayers appear to be request- “corrected” Form 1099 showing zero ised tax benefits. There are currently ing a refund of the entire amount of or little income is submitted with a more than 150 active abusive trust IRS still watches 3949-A, Information Referral, avail- their phone bills, rather than just the federal tax return. The taxpayer may investigations underway and 49 in- able for download from the IRS Web three-percent tax on long-distance include a statement rebutting wages junctions have been obtained against scams that fall site at IRS.gov, or by mail by calling and bundled service to which they are and taxes reported by the payer to the promoters since 2001. As with other 1-800-829-3676. The completed entitled. Some tax preparers are help- IRS. An explanation on the Form arrangements, taxpayers should seek off the list form or a letter detailing the alleged ing their clients file apparently im- 4852 may cite statutory language the advice of a trusted professional Five of last year’s Dirty Dozen tax fraudulent activity should be ad- proper requests. The IRS is investi- behind Internal Revenue Code sec- before entering into a trust. scams rotated off the list for 2007. dressed to the Internal Revenue Ser- gating potential abuses in this area tions 3401 and 3121 or may include 9. Structured Entity Credits While the IRS has seen a decline in vice, Fresno, CA 93888. The mailing and will take prompt action against some reference to the paying com- Promoters of this newly identified the occurrence of some of these should include specific information taxpayers who claim improper refund pany refusing to issue a corrected scheme are setting up partnerships to scams — abusive credit counseling about who is being reported, the ac- amounts and against the return Form W-2 for fear of IRS retaliation. own and sell state conservation ease- agencies, for example — other prob- tivity being reported, how the activity preparers who help them. 6. Return Preparer Fraud ment credits, federal rehabilitation lems, such as offshore abusive trans- became known, when the alleged vio- 2. Abusive Roth IRAs Dishonest return preparers can credits and other credits. The pur- actions continue to be an area of par- lation took place, the amount of money Taxpayers should be wary of ad- cause many headaches for taxpayers ported credits are the only assets ticular concern for the agency. The involved and any other information visers who encourage them to shift who fall victim to their schemes. owned by the partnership and once absence of a particular scheme from that might be helpful in an investiga- under-valued property to Roth Indi- Such preparers make their money by the credits are fully used, an investor the Dirty Dozen should not be taken tion. The person filing the report is not vidual Retirement Arrangements skimming a portion of their clients’ receives a K-1 indicating the initial as an indication that the IRS is un- required to self-identify, although it is (IRAs). In one variation, a promoter refunds and charging inflated fees for investment is a total loss, which is aware of it or not taking steps to helpful to do so. The identity of the has the taxpayer move under-valued return preparation services. They at- then deducted on the investor’s indi- counter it. person filing the report can be kept common stock into a Roth IRA, cir- tract new clients by promising large vidual tax return. Forming such an Suspected tax fraud can be re- confidential. The person may also be cumventing the annual maximum refunds. Some preparers promote fil- entity is not a viable business pur- ported to the IRS using IRS Form entitled to a reward. contribution limit and allowing oth- ing fraudulent claims for refunds on pose. In other words, the investments