CRIME LPD: Details emerge in shooting case Page A9 TUESDAY JANUARY 1, 2019 $1.00 LMT NEW YEAR Community Laredoan of the Year shares its 2019 resolutions LAREDO MORNING TIMES 2019 has arrived, and it is time to move forward with a new per- spective — both for personal goals and goals that benefit the commu- nity. Therefore, on this New Year’s day, a group of leaders, as well as members of the communi- ty, share their resolutions for the new year. Cristina Segura, teacher at Mar- tin High: “For the new year, I would like to see my students graduate with a plan for after fin- ishing high school. My goals are to be a better version of myself, be more patient, understanding and spiritual. I look forward to watch- ing my two boys grow and be suc- cessful in all they do and having my husband’s business Gitdat Mo- torsports flourish and cement his name in the business.” Franco Zamora, English gradu- ate student at TAMIU: “I really want 2019 to be for personal Danny Zaragoza / Laredo Morning Times growth and preparing for the next Dr. David Garza poses for a photo on Dec. 21 at Laredo Medical Center. decade. There aren’t huge events or big plans in 2019, but that The physician was means I can spend more time on physical and mental health and fi- the driving force nancial savings.” behind Laredo’s 2019 continues on A15 residency program PARTIAL GOVERNMENT By Maria Salas SHUTDOWN LAREDO MORNING TIMES Dr. David Garza sat behind the House round table in his office, foot propped on his knee and as re- Democrats laxed as a busy doctor could be on a crisp December morning. ready strategy Garza, a board certified osteo- Danny Zaragoza / Laredo Morning Times pathic family physician, has been Elmo Lopez Jr., Lauro Garcia, Mery Cortez, Tom Mohr, Enrique Gallegos and David Garza gather to re-open in practice for 25 years and is the for a photo in June during the opening of the residency program in Laredo. director of the family medicine government residency program at Laredo Medical Center. He’s also Laredo Morning By Erica Werner Times’ Laredoan of the Year. The and Seung Min Kim recognition is bestowed to Garza WASHINGTON POST for his work in bringing the first- ever medical residency program WASHINGTON - Democrats to Laredo, a city that has been have settled on a strategy for at- particularly underserved in pri- tempting to reopen the govern- mary care physicians. ment when they take control of The program came to fruition the House on Thursday, aimed at with the help of the University of ending the partial shutdown Incarnate Word School of Osteo- quickly - but denying President pathic Medicine and Laredo Donald Trump the new money he Medical Center. Gateway Com- wants for a border wall. munity Health Center also en- Courtesy Photos Democrats plan to pass a stop- tered into a partnership with the Enrique Gallegos, LMC CEO, Elmo Lopez, Gateway Community Health Center CEO, and Thomas gap spending bill to fund the school and LMC to host the pro- Mohr, University of Incarnate Word’s school of osteopathic medicine associate dean for graduate Homeland Security Department gram. medical education, were among the key players in bringing a residency program to Laredo. through Feb. 8. The bill would ex- Garza graduated from the Uni- tend the existing $1.3 billion versity of North Texas Health Sci- osteopathic medicine in San An- “I took his advice and that was redo’s medical community and spending level on border fencing ence Center-Texas College of Os- tonio. A fellow Texas College of the beginning of how I ended up the leadership of the Texas Osteo- and other security measures, far teopathic Medicine in Fort Worth. Osteopathic Medicine graduate where I am today,” Garza said. pathic Medical Association. short of the $5 billion Trump has In 2013, Garza was about 20 suggested that, since Laredo was His interest in UIW’s plans five The idea of somehow being af- sought to build new walls along years into his private practice so close to San Antonio, Garza be- years ago earned him a spot as an filiated with the brand new school the U.S.-Mexico border. when he learned of UIW’s plans to come involved in the conversa- advisor to the task force, whose was too much for Garza to resist. But unless Trump retreats on look into building a new school of tion. members Garza introduced to La- Garza continues on A15 Strategy continues on A15 TODAY’S WEATHER INDEX LOTTO HIGH LOW LOCAL A3 CRIME A9 SPORTS B1-3,6-7 Due to an early holiday deadline, the Texas lottery OPINION A4 BUSINESS A11 COMICS B4-5 numbers were not available as of press time. Visit 65 42 TIEMPO A6-7 OBITS A14 956 F www.txlottery.org 137th year, No. 201, 40 pages LAREDO MORNING TIMES | Tuesday, January 1, 2019 | A15 FROM THE COVER 2019 From page A1 Laredo Fire Chief Steve E. Landin: “My resolution is to increase my faith and to allo- cate more time to my family, read scripture, nature and physical exercise.” Sarah Reyes, File Clerk for IBC Bank: “I want to do more. Be more active physically, Sakchai Lalit / AP Brendan Esposito / AP creatively and in the community. I look for- Worshippers pray as they take turns lying in coffins at the Fireworks explode over the Sydney Harbour during New ward to going to new places to hang out like Takien temple in suburban Bangkok, Thailand Monday. Year's Eve celebrations in Sydney, Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019. Cowboys and that Rooftop Bar.” Aimee Leal, Assessment Coordinator at Laredo College: “Along with the usual get- The world says ting better in shape and traveling more, I’m hoping to start the steps to advance my ca- goodbye to an reer. I’m also looking forward to my wed- ding in March!” Joel Taylor, TAMIU head basketball unsettling 2018 coach: “I’m 42 years old. I’d like to dunk a basketball again before I die. That’s what ASSOCIATED PRESS rebirth. A new mother, still I’m going to do, just try to get back in shape. wearing her hospital cap, cra- I’d like to dunk once more. I’m not very Sheets of fiery color sizzle in dles her infant. close right now.” the sky over the Sydney Opera These are the faces of the Justyne Bernal, athlete at Nixon High: House. Showers of confetti of- new year, captured across the “My new year’s resolution is to be able to fer a softer alternative to revel- globe as we bid farewell to what maintain good grades finishing off high ry in the Philippines, noted for many considered an unsettling school and starting college. I hope to stay its raucous, even violent, cele- 2018, a year filled with challeng- Yam G-Jun / AP involved and focused while having the ex- brations. Thais lie in coffins in a es to many of the world's most Spectators watch fireworks explode in front of the Petronas perience of a lifetime at UT Austin. To end, ritual symbolizing death and basic institutions. Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Tuesday. my biggest goal is to never let go of who I truly am even though I’m leaving Laredo.” Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina: “To ocratic control, does not want ly to Feb. 8, an approach that long, everything from, ‘Can I keep Webb County on a path of prosperity STRATEGY to put his members in that posi- would allow newly empowered pay rent on time?’ to ‘What From page A1 and continue to execute God’s will above all tion again. Democrats more latitude in de- kind of obligations, if any, can I for this beautiful and prosperous county we “It’s simple: The Senate is termining the agency’s budget incur while it’s uncertain get to call home. Wishing everyone a Happy his demands, Democrats’ legis- not going to send something to for the remainder of the 2018 whether I get a paycheck?’” and Blessed New Year.” lation would not move Wash- the president that he won’t fiscal year. Despite Republicans holding Martin Basketball Coach Hector Noyola: ington much closer to ending sign,” Don Stewart, McCon- Trump has continued to a bigger majority in the Senate "To finally live a healthy life. Eat correctly the partial shutdown, which nell’s spokesman, wrote in an e- publicly press Democrats to in the next Congress, some and workout." has dragged on for more than a mail Monday. cave. Democratic votes will still be Laredo Mayor Pete Saenz: “In 2019, I wel- week and sent hundreds of The bills to reopen govern- “It’s incredible how Demo- needed to pass funding legisla- come a definitive outcome to the ongoing thousands of federal workers ment will be among the first crats can all use their ridiculous tion there, and Democratic sen- FBI probe in our community. I hope to turn home on furlough. votes cast by Democrats when sound bite and say that a Wall ators have been resolute the page and conclude this unpleasant, al- A spokesman for Senate Ma- they take control of the House doesn’t work. It does, and against wall funding even though needed, cleansing chapter in our jority Leader Mitch McConnell, and open the 116th Congress on properly built, almost 100 per- among their more moderate City’s history. I also aim to unify City Coun- R-Ky., said Monday the Senate Jan.