1973

Years 382011 VOL. 38, No. 18 SERVING ANTHONY, VINTON, CANUTILLO, EAST MONTANA, HORIZON, SOCORRO, CLINT, FABENS, SAN ELIZARIO AND TORNILLO MAY 5, 2011 NEWSBRIEFS Chili cook-off On May 7th, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, the Horizon City Chili Appreciation Society International (CASI), will be hosting a Chili Cook-off at the American Legion Post 598 on 13000 Horizon Blvd. Entry fee for those who wish to register and compete is $20.00 payable to “Pod of the Pass”. Come taste the goodness of the Southwest. Entry fee for tasters is $300 at the gate. Plenty of parking with dry camping available. Contact info: Carol Straughan at 915 852-3599 or cell 915 491-2766, email [email protected] and Thomas Cavazos at 915 564-1332, email [email protected]. Luncheon

The Southwest Character Council – Photo by Alfredo Vasquez Monthly Luncheon will be Wednesday, ROCK ON – The Neon Desert Music Festival, the first of its kind in El Paso, attracted about 11,000 music lovers. Neon Desert Festival May 11 from 11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at was the brainchild of festival organizers, Zach Paul, Gina Martinez and Brian Chavez. Above a crowd gathers in front of one of the Great American Land & Cattle Company, performance stages to hear one of the 29 bands that perform during the 12-hour event. 701 S. Mesa Hills, El Paso. The character quality for May is Discernment. The cost is $10 per person for lunch, networking and training. RSVP to (915) 779-3551 to Downtown festival drew out music lovers reserve your spot, and make sure enough promise of an array of musicians is what that is missing here when compared to those By Alfredo Vasquez meals are prepared. Cash or check only brought them to the festival, but old friends other places is the ridiculous scalping prices please. Special to the Courier and new acquaintances kept them strolling, for food, drinks, and merchandise. Everything – Kelly McCullough stopping for a cold drink at the beverage depot here is reasonably priced. That’s a sign of EL PASO COUNTY – The day was hot, a and a tasty snack from the food court. good leadership,” Vaughn added. Farmer’s market just right hot for an El Paso spring day. And, Twenty-nine different bands blasted their No major incidents were reported as security as the sun slid westward the forecasted wind sounds on one of four stages- two at San Jacinto and emergency personnel were visibly present The Oz Glaze Senior Center will hold a and gusts had not materialized; instead, a Plaza and the other two near Cleveland Square throughout the festival grounds. Plenty of Farmer’s Market on Saturday, May 21, warm breeze streamed through the downtown Park – during the 12-hour celebration. Local city police officers patrolled the area and 2011 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Booth space is streets cooling off El Paso’s youth as they bands, Austin groups, Mexican and South EMT personnel were prominently situated available for providers of garden produce strolled-into the festival grounds in droves… American conjuntos, California crews, and even to address the needs of a mass of people that and handmade crafts. Booth spaces (10’ x lots and lots of teens and twenty-somethings a European bunch came to share their music. swelled to an estimated 11,000 partiers by the 15’) cost $10.00 each. Providers of jams, walking, talking, smiling with music blaring The event seemed well-organized. The time the lights went out at around 11 p.m. jellies and local honey have signed up. in the background. ample fairgrounds made everything inviting… As for the organizers, a group of 1999 There are plans to have a market on every It was Neon Desert Music Festival’s the youthful crowds walked about making the Coronado High School graduates – Gina third Saturday of May through October. inaugural downtown showcase, and from the four performance stages their destination sites. Martinez, Zack Paul, and Brian Chavez, the For more information or to reserve a start all indications foreshadowed the creation And a sense of calm excitement permeated year and a half of planning paid off. booth call 799-8194 or 852-0062. Email: of a great event. It was like this type of street throughout the spacious festival compound… “We were counting on the people of El Paso [email protected]. – Fred Lopez festival was meant to happen in downtown El no one rushed, no one shoved; everyone and the region to show up and support this Paso – a music jam for entertainment-thirsty smiled intent on having a good time. event and they did just that,” Paul said. “We desert dwellers. “I’m impressed. This is what progressive hope to have the Second Annual Neon Desert Pendell tapped Throngs of girls in shorts and colorful cities do. They involve the youth in coming up in 2012.” Gov. Rick Perry has appointed Jim blouses and hordes of dudes in t-shirts and with great ideas like this. And, the downtown Martinez added, “We are very thankful to all Pendell of Clint as one of five members jeans came together on this last Saturday in location is a perfect setting for this festival,” the wonderful people who helped us make the to the Texas School April among El Paso’s historic downtown said Dan Vaughn, of McAllen TX. “I’ve been Neon Desert Musical Festival a big success. Safety Center facades where otherwise it would have been to other big city music festivals, and this is A big thank you also goes out to all the fans Board for terms to another weekend with empty streets. The comparable to any of them. The only thing that attended.” expire Feb. 1, 2013. The board advises the Texas School Tornillo’s Vranish attends, speaks at NSBA Safety Center in Tornillo Independent School San Marcos, which District (TISD) Superintendent provides school Paul Vranish joined Trustees safety information Rachel Avila, Bertha Brew, and resources for Joe Tittle and more than five thousand school Jim Pendell the prevention of board and state school youth violence, and promotes safety boards association leaders, in the state. Pendell is a crop insurance administrators and other agent at the Sherry Wegner Agency. He is education leaders attending president of the Clint Independent School the 2011 National School District Board of Trustees, past president Board’s Association’s (NSBA) of the Far West Texas School Board Annual Conference in San Francisco from April 9-11 in. NSBA’s Annual conference See BRIEFS, Page 5 offered school board members leadership development and opportunities for collaboration from a nationwide network of There is hope for any manwho can look colleagues. Vranish gave a – Photo courtesy Tornillo ISD in a mirror and laugh at what he sees. presentation TISD’s nationally- feeling to share some of our have so many really cool things eager to bring some of our — Quips & Quotes recognized superintendent innovative methods when doing going on in our district and many successful endeavors to their evaluation. “It is always a great these various presentations. We people at these conferences are own districts,” Vranish said. Page 2 May 5, 2011

Veterans Post By Freddy Groves It’s the law By Texas AG Greg Abbott Without fail Protecting sensitive data after I’ve written here before about What touches my heart is the Freeport Flag Ladies. Perhaps that since Sept. 11, 2001, these an internet security breach you’ve visited their website – ladies have stood on a corner in www.freeportflagladies.com – and Freeport, Maine, each Tuesday Over the last two months, internet and employment information are affect existing accounts and includes looked at the long list of things morning without fail. Wind, rain, security breaches at public and private correct. other exceptions.) Texans should be they do for our service personnel snow, blistering heat (yes, even institutions have compromised If Texans notice unusual activity aware that a security freeze might in harm’s way. in Maine), they’ve been out there Texans’ names, addresses and Social on their credit statements, they be inconvenient – particularly for The ladies have hosted on their with their flags, reminding us -- Security numbers. Unfortunately, should contact the fraud department anyone who is applying for new website thousands of photos taken and honoring those who serve. online security lapses can lead to of one of the three credit reporting credit, an apartment, or employment when they meet with troops who Now, with the coming 10th identity theft. agencies – Experian, Equifax or involving a background check. For have a stopover at the airport in anniversary of 9-11, the ladies As law enforcement officers know, TransUnion – and request a fraud those credit checks in process, the Bangor, Maine. I don’t have to are going hold a three-day special personally identifying information alert. When a person requests a affected individual will have to lift tell you what it means to family event. To pull this off, they’re – including names, Social Security fraud alert from one bureau, that the freeze on their credit file. A freeze members to have those last- hoping to get $1 from each of numbers, and driver’s license company will notify the other two can be lifted for a certain period of minute photos, the final steps on 30,000 people to be able to pay numbers – in the hands of identity bureaus. The person’s credit file will time or for a specific creditor. U.S. soil, before the troops fly to for it. thieves can damage Texans’ credit. be flagged with a statement that says If credit reports indicate that a hostile areas. The ladies make sure For all they do, I think we can An identity thief may use this he or she may be a victim of fraud person is an ID theft victim, he each one gets a special handmade do better than one dollar each, sensitive information to obtain and that creditors should phone or she should immediately file a lucky penny card, a smile and a don’t you? credit cards and checking accounts the person before extending credit. police report. It is very important hug. in their victims’ names. Under the Fair Credit Reporting to complete this step because the They hold fundraisers; send The Freeport Flag Ladies Texans who believe an Internet Act (FCRA), a person can place an report can be used as proof that the weekly cards and care packages, 9-11 10th Anniversary security breach may have affected initial fraud alert for 90 days at a person is an ID theft victim. with special ones going to the 17 School St. them should access the Attorney time and may cancel the fraud alert Victims should report fraudulent combat hospitals; make visits to Freeport, ME 04032 General’s Identity Theft Victim’s Kit at any time. accounts and erroneous information veterans homes… the list of what ______online at www.texasattorneygeneral. When a person establishes a fraud in writing to the credit bureaus and these ladies do is very, VERY Write to Freddy Groves in care gov. The kit is designed to help alert, he or she will receive a follow- the credit issuers following the long. And for the most part the of King Features Weekly Service, victims navigate the process of up letter from each credit bureau. instructions provided with the credit costs come out of their own P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL protecting their credit. It includes Each letter explains how the person reports. More than likely, the credit pockets. Ask why they do it, and 32853-6475, or send e-mail to relevant forms and agency contact can order a free copy of his or her bureaus will ask for a copy of the they’ll tell you it’s an act of love [email protected]. (c) information that is necessary to help credit report from that credit bureau. police report. and gratitude for our military. 2011 King Features Synd., Inc. restore credit and prevent further Texans who fear their personal In all communications with financial harm. information has been compromised the credit bureaus, ID theft Texans should carefully monitor by recent Internet security breaches victims should refer to the unique their bank statements, credit card should take advantage of this identification number assigned to bills and any other statements offer and order their credit reports their credit report. They should send relating to recent financial soon. Identity theft victims will all communications via certified mail transactions. They should request see evidence of it on their credit with return receipt requested – and a copy of their credit reports and reports. be sure to save all credit reports as examine them carefully for signs of ID theft victims may also part of their fraud documentation. fraud, such as unauthorized credit consider a security freeze. Texas The U.S. Department of Justice accounts. Potential victims should law authorizes individuals to place a (DOJ) has the authority to prosecute also check to see if there have been security freeze on their credit reports identity theft at the federal level. multiple inquiries on their credit if they have filed an identity theft Texans can report ID theft to federal report. If a thief is attempting complaint with law enforcement. authorities and receive additional to open up several accounts, an A security freeze is stronger than a assistance with identity theft- inquiry will be listed on a credit fraud alert because it prevents anyone related issues through the Federal report for each of those attempts. from accessing a credit file until and Trade Commission by calling (877) Finally, Texans should check that unless the person authorizes the IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338), or their Social Security number, credit bureaus to release his or her visit the agency’s website at www. address(es), phone number(s) report. (Please note that it does not ftc.gov.

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Y ea rs 382011

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 $10 for 25 words, $15 for 40 words. COPYRIGHT: Ad must be in writing and pre-paid. Entire contents © 2011 Homesteader The Courier reserves the right not to News, Inc. Individual authors retain all print 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 — $25 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 address MAIL SUBSCRIPTIONS: and daytime phone number. Only the Minimum 50 issues for $36. name and city will be printed with the Delivery via 1st class mail. letter. The Courier reserves the right not to print letters to the editor or MAIL: other submitted materials it considers 15344 Werling Ct. inappropriate. Horizon City, TX 79928

Phone: 852-3235 Fax: 852-0123 E-mail: [email protected] Website: wtxcc.com Publisher H Rick Shrum Contributors Homesteader Alfredo Vasquez Est. 1973 Member Texas Community Don Woodyard Newspaper Association Steve Escajeda News, Inc. May 5, 2011 Page 3 San Elizario teacher’s lesson connects students to President

By Cynthia P. Marentes Special to the Courier

SAN ELIZARIO, TX – Borrego Elementary School teacher Celia Aguilar has established a tradition with each class of students she has taught over the years that has provided them with a connection to the White House. Aguilar, a veteran educator with over 25 years of experience in the classroom, has been challenging students to write to U.S. Presidents since Ronald Reagan was in office. Usually, she receives a standard response along with a portrait of the president. However, this time around Aguilar was pleasantly surprised when she opened the package from the White House and discovered a photo of the first family, something that she had never received before. Aguilar’s third-grade class of 20 bilingual students wrote letters to the President back in February as part of a lesson on biographies. The students had just finished reading a book on the life of Barack Obama and were also studying healthy foods when Aguilar suggested that – Photo courtesy San Elizario ISD they write to both the President and COMMUNICATORS – Celia Aguilar’s third grade class wrote to President Barack Obama. The class received a reply that included a photo of First Lady Michelle Obama who is the President and a family picture. an advocate for childhood nutrition. to communicate,” Aguilar said. of the the distance that included daughters Sasha and Malia. reach the White House through their Her students went a step further and For some of Aguilar’s students the their letters had to travel to reach Aguilar had collage picture frames letters,” Aguilar added. decided to also ask about Sasha and letter-writing project was another the White House from San Elizario. made for each student which included Celia Aguilar plans on continuing Malia, the President’s daughters, opportunity to strengthen their Then on a recent, ordinary school the President’s letter, the First Family the annual practice of having her since they could identify with them English grammar. In fact, all the day Aguilar announced to the class portrait, and a photo of the class that class of students correspond with the as students similar in age. students struggled to perfect their that they had received a response to she will ask them to give to their President and hopes to encourage “The lesson for the students was letters since they knew that somebody their letters from the White House parents as a thank you gift. more of her colleagues to conduct focused on writing and how they can as important as the President would and the students were ecstatic. They “This frame is to show the families similar projects since she has seen connect with the outside world. They be reading them. Aguilar also were even more in awe when she that their children made an amazing what a rewarding and enduring learned about the importance of writing demonstrated to students on a map showed them the family portrait that effort in writing and were able to experience it is for students. Page 4 May 5, 2011

STRANGE BUT TRUE By Samantha Weaver

• It was the multitalented Pierre Beaumarchais – born in the 18th century, he was a revolutionary in both France and America as well as a watchmaker, diplomat, musician, spy, inventor, publisher and arms dealer – who made the following sage observation: “It is not necessary to understand things in order to argue about them.”

• If you live in Florida, you probably won’t be surprised to learn that there are more than 3,000 different species of mosquitoes.

– Photo courtesy Canutillo ISD • The experts claim that PULLING FOR SUCCESS – Alexandra Torres, front, joined other El Paso County migrant students in a tug-of-war at Indian Cliffs Ranch. roses don’t really have Socorro Independent School District The events were designed to give the seniors tools to progress in life thorns. Botanically speaking, after high school. thorns are considered to PUBLIC NOTICE be modified branches and Public Meeting to Review Life skills offered to migrant students are difficult to break off the stem. What roses have are Federal Funded Programs known as prickles, which are By Kim Guzman 10% student. The Socorro Independent School District will conduct Special to the Courier The summit provided valuable just outgrowths of the stem’s public information meetings to review the following information for the students. outer skin – and they are, fortunately, much easier to SISD Programs funded by Federal funds: Topics presented to the students CANUTILLO – Several Canutillo included Key Concepts of Personality break off. • Title I, Part A - Improving Basic Programs High School graduating seniors Types, Money Management for • Title I, Part C - Migrant Program recently attended a Regional Young Adults, College Assistance • Statistics show that after • Title I, Part D - SP 2 - Delinquent Youth Graduation Summit for migrant Migrant Program, and Circle of having her first child, a students held at Cattleman’s Influence. • Title II, Part A - Improving Teacher Quality woman’s driving sees a Steakhouse at Indian Cliffs Ranch The students also participated in measurable improvement. • Title III, Part A - Limited English Proficiency (LEP) in Fabens, Texas. team building activities such as tug- • IDEA-Part B, IDEA Pre-School CHS students who attended the of-war, water balloons toss, potato • The name of the great event include: Juan Beck, Jorge relay race, and egg toss. state of Missouri comes The meeting will be held: Campos, Leticia Carrillo, Ismael “These kinds of events are a from a Native American Wednesday, May 11, 2011, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Cruz, Diana Gamboa, Ivette Labra, wonderful opportunity for young adults word meaning “town of large in Meeting Room C at the District Service Loida Loe, Joseph Lopez, Adelaido to become aware of the possibilities canoes.” Center, 12440 Rojas Drive. Moreno, Nelly Nunez, Susana available to them beyond high school,” Pulido, Edgar Renovato, Erika said Margarita Harmeson, Canutillo S.I.S.D does not discriminate against any Sonora, Oscar Torres, and Alexandra Independent School District migrant • A man named Henry individual with regard to race, color, national Torres, who was recognized as a top education lead teacher. Budd, before his death in origin, age, religion, sex, marital or veteran status, 1862, directed in his will the presence of a medical condition, disability, that if his sons, William and Athletic Director steps in as Bulldogs’ interim coach Edward, grew moustaches or any other legally protected status. 42 U.S.C they would receive nothing 2000e-2(a); 20 U.S.C. 1681: Labor Code 21-051. her dual role by practicing By Daniel Escobar from his estate. In further Special to the Courier with the team before school discrimination against facial AVISO PUBLICO and prior to reporting for hair, one Mr. Fleming, a the day as athletic director, British upholsterer, left 5 La junta Pública para Revisar This off-season a 29-year earned her accolades as the pounds in his will to each of los Programas de Fondos Federales veteran with more than 500 head varsity volleyball coach his mustached employees, career wins and a place in at James Pace High School, in but double that to those who El Distrito Escolar Independiente de Socorro were clean-shaven. llevará a cabo una junta pública para revisar los the Rio Grande Brownsville, Texas, Valley Sports Hall where she led her siguientes programas federales: • Those who study such of Fame – Socorro teams to more than things say that the Atlantic • Título I, Parte A - Mejorando Programas Básicos ISD Athletic Director 15 championship Ocean is getting 1.2 inches • Título I, Parte C - Programa Migrante Paula Gonzalez – is seasons. During wider every year. • Título I, Parte D - Jovenes Delincuentes working out the girls her tenure, she was • Título II, Parte A - Mejorando la Calidad de on Socorro High also selected as a • If you enjoy apricots, be Maestros School’s varsity “Coach Who Makes sure you don’t accidentally • Título III, Parte A - Servicios de educación para volleyball team. a Difference” by Fox swallow the pits – they estudiantes de segundo idioma contain substances called Gonzalez took Paula Gonzales News and Coach of • IDEA-Parte B, IDEA Pre-Escolar cyanogenetic glycosides, over the team on an the Year six times. which, once they reach the La junta se llevará a cabo: interim basis this spring to With a history of success digestive tract, are converted miércoles, 11 de mayo, 2011, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. keep the girls on track while in the classroom and with its to cyanide. en el Salón de Juntas C, 12440 Rojas Drive. a new coach is hired. “I’ve decorated athletics programs, truly enjoyed the opportunity Socorro Principal Miguel Thought for the Day: “Half of S.I.S.D no descrimina a ningún individuo a causa to get back on the court and Serrano is looking forward to the modern drugs could well de su raza, de su color, de su nacionalidad, de sus work with a wonderful group the addition of a strong team be thrown out of the window, creencias religiosas, de su género, de su estado of student-athletes,” she said. player that will add to the except that the birds might legal, o de veterano, ninguna condición médica o eat them.” “It will be hard to break away school’s legacy. incapacidad, o ningún otro estado legal. 42 U.S.C – Dr. Martin Henry Fischer once their new coach joins the “Athletics play an integral 2000e-2(a); 20 U.S.C. 1681: Labor Code 21-051. team.” (c) 2011 King Features Synd., Inc. WTCC: 05-05-11 Gonzalez, who is managing See VOLLEYBALL, Page 8 May 5, 2011 Page 5 Borrego students raise funds to help fight cancer

By Cynthia P. Marentes Special to the Courier

SAN ELIZARIO – Gifted and Talented (GT) students at Borrego Elementary School recently used their problem-solving skills to help other children battling cancer and deadly diseases. The San Elizario ISD students participated in the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Math-A-Thon raising $1,000 that will go towards supporting cancer research and medical treatment for children. “We are so proud of our students for embracing Math-A-Thon and raising critical funds for St. Jude,” Adriana Castruita, Borrego GT Coordinator, said. These elementary students devoted at least a month solving math problems, strengthening their own academic skills while also raising funds for St. Jude. They worked out solutions on an online Funbook and asked their friends and family to sponsor their participation in the Math-A-Thon. – Photo courtesy San Elizario ISD Borrego Elementary School MONEY MAKERS – Borrego Principal Elizabeth Prangner Elementary School students presented the Math-A-Thon idea pooled their math talents to raise to Castruita and encouraged her to $1,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. involve the GT students in the St. Jude education-based fundraiser The Borrego Elementary School that takes place at over 10,000 GT students were rewarded with a WANTED FOR WASTING UP TO schools through out the country. To t-shirt for their fundraising efforts date the Math-A-Thon campaign that they had a chance to wear to $150 A YEAR has raised almost $400 million. school. ON ENERGY COSTS FREE officers from the Mission Valley PICKUP & Briefs in reference to a suspicious death. From Page 1 RECYCLING The deceased was found lying off an irrigation ditch road about Association, and a member of 100 yards west of the 300 block the Texas Association of School of Nevarez by two elderly men Boards and Clint Junior High on their usual morning walk. The Band Booster Club. He is also body showed signs of serious a past member of the National trauma. The victim had no Federation of Independent identification but was identified Business, Calcot Cotton Growers, through fingerprints as Juan Jose Texas Tech University (TTU) Esquivel, age 33. Investigators College of Agricultural Sciences are still trying to determine what and Natural Resources Advisory places (bars, restaurants, etc.) the Board, and TTU Chancellor’s victim may have visited and what Council. Pendell received two persons he may have met in the bachelor’s degrees and a master’s hours prior to his death. If you degree in agricultural education have any information about the from Texas Tech University. The identity of the suspects involved, appointment is subject to Senate or if you have information about confirmation. where Esquivel may have been or $30 REWARD people he met the previous night Crime Stoppers and early morning, please call CRIME: Stealing energy, costing innocent Two early morning hikers find a Crime Stoppers immediately at homeowners hundreds of dollars. man’s body along an irrigation 566-TIPS (566-8477) or on-line DESCRIPTION: 10+ yrs old,* medium build, ditch with no signs of life, making at www.crimestoppersofelpaso. fl at top, 5-6 feet tall, no prior arrests. Last seen this the Crime Stoppers “Crime org. You will remain anonymous running in a neighborhood just like yours. of the Week.” On Thursday, and, if your tip leads to an February 17, 2011, at 7:00 arrest, you can qualify for a cash IF SPOTTED: El Paso Electric customers a.m., Crimes Against Persons reward. should call 1-877-643-1956 or visit detectives were called to assist – James Klaes epelectric.com. We’ll pick it up and recycle it for FREE and you’ll pick up a $30 reward.

*No age restrictions. Refrigerators and freezers must be in working condition and must be a minimum of 10 cubic feet in size, utilizing inside measurements. archives: www.wtxcc.com El Paso Electric contracts with JACO Environmental, an appliance recycler, to pick up and recycle refrigerators and freezers. El Paso Electric customers must own the unit(s) being recycled. Limit two units per residential address. A check will be mailed within 4-6 weeks after the appliance collection. Some restrictions apply.

10176_ElPaso_wanted_6.25x8_bw.indd 1 3/2/11 10:00 AM CryptoQuip Answer

If Austalian marsupials drink soft drinks, they should most likely prefer Coca-Koala. Page 6 May 5, 2011 Talent needed: Price needs to step up recruiting Austin, Alabama A&M and Bethel. prankster with the Mets and a few other McDowell there were kids in the stands. By Steve Escajeda Are you going to tell me that even those teams. McDowell then allegedly said kids didn’t Special to the Courier colleges are out-recruiting the Miners? But I’d say his image took quite a turn for belong in the ballpark and went into the stands Even New Mexico State had a player the worst last week. with the bat and asked Quinn how much his It’s no secret that the UTEP Miners football drafted. If that doesn’t get under the skin of The former major leaguer is now the pitching teeth were worth? program has never achieved the status that UTEP football fans, I don’t know what will. coach for the Atlanta Braves and though he’s For his stupidity, McDowell was suspended most thought Mike Price would have it at by If you remember past successful UTEP paid to instruct his staff, he should probably for two weeks and fined an undisclosed now. football teams, they had a number of players pay someone to teach him some manners. amount of money. After a quick start, the program can barely selected in those drafts. At a game in San Francisco last week, one Of course, McDowell has apologized and stay above the middle of the pack in the less- Funny how the more talent you have, the of the fans there with his wife and twin 9-year- said it will never happen again. than-average Conference USA. better the results. old daughters said McDowell got into a verbal Here’s a scoop – anyone who acts the way For years, sports fans and pundits alike Everyone knows that coaching is essential, confrontation with some fans and asked, “Are McDowell did has that kind of hatred and have tried to figure out the reason for the but if you take Phil Jackson off the Lakers’ you a homo couple or a threesome.” anger embedded deeply inside his persona. stagnation. bench and make him the new coach of this McDowell then went on to make some An apology accomplishes nothing. Some say it’s the coaching staff, some say year’s Cleveland Cavaliers – they still lose crude sexual gestures with his hips and a Maybe a year’s suspension without pay will it’s the conference, some say it’s El Paso’s far over 60 games. bat. give him enough time to consider what he did away location. Why? No talent. The offended fan, Justin Quinn, reminded – especially in front of innocent children. When you really sit down and try to evaluate Price and the Miners are heading into a why the Miners have struggled so much on new era with the loss of quarterback Trevor the field the last few years – it isn’t difficult to Vittatoe, wide receiver Kris Adams and come up with an answer. running back Donald Buckram. It’s a simple lack of talent. Also, defensive coordinator Andre Patterson The NFL draft concluded last week without coached the Miners “D” to a rank of 91 in total a single UTEP player selected. defense among the 120 teams in the nation in In the 15 hours and 8 minutes it took the his first season. NFL to conduct the draft, no Miner player was While that doesn’t sound very impressive, deemed good enough to be included among the Miners had been averaging around 115th the 254 players chosen. the last few years. Patterson will have to show And that’s not the worst of it. This marks steady improvement again this season. the third straight year that no Miners were Again, Price has nearly 40 freshmen on the selected. roster for next season and once again we’ll see Now I don’t know about you but that tells how he and his staff did on the talent scale. me that UTEP coaches are just not doing a The clock is ticking on this program. good job evaluating talent. Here’s an interesting note. Some of the A lewd time at schools that did have a player drafted included the old ballpark Florida Atlantic, Lehigh, Hampton, Missouri State, Abilene Christian, Mount Union, Any one who has followed Major League Eastern Washington, Citadel, Portland State, Baseball over the last three decades remembers Chattanooga, Slippery Rock, Yale, Stephen F. Roger McDowell as a free-spirited harmless

the role of St. Peter standing at the mixed-race, for instance), he spells behind the clerk’s counter at a liquor A sporting view By Mark Vasto pearly gates, to make like they’re out the math involved: the Hall store and being recognized by Hall some arbiter of morality? No… translates into real money. Just ask of Famer Ty Cobb. triumvirate has treated baseball with not so much. We don’t even hold Padre Dave Winfield or Expo Gary “I didn’t think you guys wanted to Let ’em in the same sort of hypocrisy the major priests and preachers to such lofty Carter about the commissioner’s talk to me,” he said. world religions are now accused of standards anymore. decision to deny an inducted player Joe… we’re still talking about Zev Chafets files a gem of a story on a near daily basis. But clergy also canned Latin the right to choose what cap they you now. with “Cooperstown Confidential: Yes, baseball is religion in at Catholic Mass years ago and were enshrined in. ______Heroes, Rogues, and the Inside America, as well it should be. Like recently allowed Matisyahu to rap “Shoeless” Joe Jackson died Mark Vasto is a veteran sportswriter Story of the Baseball Hall of all of those “pastime” clichés that a few verses of late. Maybe that’s penniless, but not before the book and publisher of The Kansas City Fame” (Bloomsbury, $15). Part end up becoming so remarkably why Chafets, himself an Israeli ex- relays the poignant scene of him, Luminary. (c) 2011 King Features memoir, part legend, part scholarly accurate, and so much of what pat who readily admits he won’t be long since disgraced, working from Synd., Inc. work and, in some cases, arguably lends so many to either connect let into the good graces of the Hall libelous, Chafets goes where no with it at an early age as if it were or those currently lording over the other baseball writer would dare to some celestially chosen calling or game anytime soon, feels free to 1973 go in peeking behind the curtain of fall in love with it in a born again- burn a bush or two. baseball’s kingmakers. like fervor at a later point in time, Dubious politics, former players, Y ea rs Lord knows I’ve used this it’s what makes baseball worth the commissioner’s office and the 382011 blessed space on more than one revering. Hall’s ownership philosophies form occasion to assail the Baseball I believe it is a baseball writer’s an almost almost DaVinci Code- Writers Association of America, job to spread the word of the mystical like shroud over the story. And the baseball commissioner’s office deeds of the diamond with their while most of the scandalous and and the moneyball-changers inside stories, and every columnist should scurrilous stories are nothing new the temple of Cooperstown. For take the preacher’s stand with a little to beat reporters or beaten down far too long and far too often, this bit of fire and brimstone. But to play fans (Babe Ruth may have been of May 5, 2011 Page 7

Comix Your good health By Paul G. Donahue, M.D.

OUT ON A LIMB By Gary Kopervas DEAR DR. DONOHUE: A to Dr. Donohue – No. 202W, recent blood check showed that Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853- my potassium was high. I was 6475. Enclose a check or money told to stop eating bananas and order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6 drinking orange juice. I also was Canada with the recipient’s told to return to the doctor’s office printed name and address. Please the next week. I did. They took allow four weeks for delivery. another blood sample. They told me nothing more. What happens DEAR DR. DONOHUE: when potassium is high? – F.H. Swallowing became a real problem for me. Food would get Potassium has many important stuck on its way to my stomach. I jobs. It keeps the body’s electrical tried all sorts of over-the-counter charges balanced. It’s involved medicines, but nothing worked. in transmitting nerve signals. It’s I saw a gastroenterologist, who needed to keep the heart beating put a scope down my swallowing AMBER WAVES By Dave T. Phipps and muscles contracting. It takes tube. He discovered that there part in keeping the body neither was a constricting ring of tissue too acid nor too alkaline. at the bottom of it. How did I get High blood potassium raises it? He opened it with a balloon. blood sugar, weakens muscles, Can it come back? – C.W. causes nausea and vomiting, and triggers erratic and dangerous You’re talking about a Schatzki heartbeats. When the level is very (SHOT-ski) ring. It is as you say high, potassium paralysis and – a fold of tissue encircling the death occur. Your potassium must lowermost part of the esophagus, not have been all that high. You and it does cause food to hang up had no symptoms. there. The causes of a high blood How did you get it? Some level include kidney illnesses, theorize that reflux of stomach nonworking adrenal glands, a acid into the esophagus explains THE SPATS By Jeff Pickering lack of insulin, sudden death of why it developed. Acid reflux is body cells, overuse of potassium a fancy way of saying heartburn. supplements and medicines like However, people can have reflux beta blockers. and a Schatzki ring but not have The blood level of potassium any heartburn symptoms. Meat can be read erroneously as high and large pieces of bread are the when the patient, during blood foods most likely to get stuck. collection, keeps clenching and Stretching the ring with a unclenching arm muscles. It rises balloon or other device usually when blood cells break apart in fixes the problem. However, it their journey from a patient’s can come back, and it often does. arm to the laboratory. It could be Because recurrence is common, your reading was high because of many doctors put their patients on either of these situations. medicines that suppress stomach R.F.D. By Mike Marland It’s hard to come up with an acid production. explanation that indicts an illness ______with raising potassium on one Dr. Donohue regrets that he is occasion and not keeping it raised unable to answer individual for a short while. letters, but he will incorporate The electrolytes – sodium, them in his column whenever potassium, bicarbonate and possible. Readers may write chloride – are not well understood him or request an order form by most people. Yet they are of available health newsletters responsible for many body at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, ailments. Readers can read about FL 32853-6475. (c) 2011 North these minerals in the booklet America Synd., Inc. All Rights describing their function. Write Reserved. Super Crossword

IN CHARGE setting Die For” 24 Coup d’_ 83 Sal of “Exodus” 63 Crowded 128 Columnist 29 Part of NATO 84 Irene of “Fame” ACROSS 65 “Just _ thought!” Bombeck 32 Sluggish sorts fame 1 Weaken 66 Petite pest 129 Notion 33 _ Benedict 86 La-la lead-in 4 O’Connor’s “The _ 67 Genetic info 130 Silvers or Spector 35 Like some TV 87 Tasty tuber Hurrah” 68 Actress Anna 131 Hardened channels 90 Coll. cadets 8 Composer Bartok 70 Tammany Hall 132 “_ of the Cat” 36 “Beau _” (‘39 film) 92 Tree house? 12 “Ad _ per aspera” name (‘77 hit) 37 “No dice!” 96 Jacket part (Kansas’ motto) 73 Left open 133 Side 38 Bandit Belle 99 Lawrence’s locale 17 Meadow mamas 74 Item in a lock 134 _ Aviv 40 City on 112 Across 100 “Archie” character 19 Pro foe 75 Premiere 41 Polo’s place 101 Great bird? 20 Sleep like _ 77 Baby butter DOWN 43 Shriver of 102 Dash of “Clueless” 21 Wide belts 78 Fracas 1 Splinter group 44 Dothan’s st. 103 Fast-food favorite 22 Comic-book hero 81 Advance 2 Cognizant 45 ‘64 Shangri-Las hit 104 Cleveland’s lake 25 “Oh, How I _ Get 83 “This _ Moment” 3 Charlemagne’s 48 Boy or boar 105 Summarize Up…” (‘60 hit) dad 50 Cartoon canine 106 French bread? 26 Error’s partner 85 Hut 4 Composer Francis 51 Lip lash? 109 Vision 27 Procure 88 Van of “Shane” 5 Sothern or 53 Mayberry moppet 110 TV’s “Kate & _” 28 - Paulo, Brazil 89 Cycle starter Sheridan 54 Marsh 114 “M*A*S*H” Emmy 30 Tons of time 91 Barely there 6 Forest father 55 New Rochelle winner 31 Box up 93 Baseball stat 7 Use a stopwatch college 115 “The _ Is High” 34 Masters 94 Pinnacle 8 Musical measure 56 General Bradley (‘80 hit) Tournament site 95 _ roll 9 Lilly of 58 - Buddhism 117 Say “Hey!” 38 Urban problem 97 Bailiwick pharmaceuticals 60 Alaskan city 119 Low digit 39 Animated TV 98 TV’s “My Sister _” 10 Rapper Tone _ 62 “Against All _” 120 Knight time series 99 “Gotcha!” 11 ‘92 Wimbledon (‘84 film) 122 Hapsburg dom. 42 Hwy. 100 ‘80 Stevie Wonder winner 64 Recedes 123 “_ Believer” (‘66 43 Bud hit 12 Battery letters 66 Curative hit) 46 Taj town 106 Worry 13 Fast way to the 68 Frosh’s superior 124 Corn portion 47 Tallahassee sch. 107 Result UK 69 Grocer’s measure 125 Grazing ground 48 Rita _ Brown 108 Singer Stratas 14 O’Neill drama 71 Eject 126 Rin Tin Tin’s 49 Tankard filler 111 Knock 15 Shot another 72 Assumed manes? mother 50 Step parts 112 Russian river photo 73 - standstill 52 Even if, informally 113 Superlative suffix 16 For _ (cheaply) 75 Wet blanket 54 Durango district 116 Sans emotion 18 “Unsolved 76 Velvet finish 57 Maestro Lorin 118 Lets up Mysteries” host 79 Graceland, for one 59 Rent 121 “F Troop” role 21 Shallow area 80 Yesterday’s your 61 “The Hustler” 127 Kidman of “To 23 Jai _ 82 Rub it in Answer Page 5 Page 8 May 5, 2011

Social Security Q&A By Ray Vigil One more homework assignment If you’re one of the many as well. lars in your pay. But you’re teenagers or young adults Right now you probably really only allowing the em- planning to get a summer job have family members — ployer to cheat you out of or start a career this summer, grandparents, for example — your Social Security credits. you may be surprised to see who already are enjoying So- It’s also illegal. what’s deducted from your cial Security benefits which Another tip: don’t carry paystub. If you don’t know al- your Social Security taxes your Social Security card ready, it’s time to learn what help provide. around with you. It’s an im- your Social Security taxes are Because you’re a long way portant document that should all about. from retirement, you may have be safeguarded and protected. By law, employers must a tough time seeing the value And it can be a valuable tool withhold from a worker’s pay- of benefit payments that could for an identity thief, if it’s lost check Social Security taxes. be many decades in the fu- or stolen. While usually referred to on ture. But keep in mind that the If you’d like to learn a lit- an employee’s pay statement Social Security taxes you’re tle more about Social Secu- as “Social Security taxes,” paying can provide valuable rity and exactly what you’re sometimes the deduction is la- disability or survivors benefits building up for yourself by beled as “FICA taxes” which in the event the unexpected paying Social Security taxes, stands for Federal Insurance happens. Studies do show that take a look at our online book- Contributions Act, a reference of today’s 20-year-olds, about let, How You Earn Credits, to the original Social Security one in four will become dis- at www.socialsecurity.gov/ Act. abled and about one in eight pubs/10072.html. The taxes you pay now will die before reaching re- Do you prefer videos to translate to a lifetime of pro- tirement. reading? Check out our we- tection, for retirement in old Warning: if an employer of- binar, "Social Security 101: age or in the event of disabil- fers to bend the rules and pay What's in it for me?" The we- ity. And when you die, your you “under the table,” you binar explains what you need family (or future family) may should refuse. They may try to know about Social Securi- be able to receive survivors to sell it as a benefit to you ty. You can find it, along with benefits based on your work since you get a few extra dol- other informative webinars, at www.socialsecurity.gov/we- binars. You can also learn more by surfing the web at www.so- Answer Page 5 cialsecurity.gov.

Volleyball From Page 4

role in our mission of developing 21st century citizens,” Serrano said. “Specifically the leadership Answer Page 5 and mentorship our students receive from our coaches, just as they do their classroom teachers, helps bring out the best in our student-athletes.” Socorro ISD is in the process of hiring a permanent head varsity volleyball coach. Classified Ads

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