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

NEWSBRIEFS

If you think nobody cares if you’re alive,try missing a couple of car payments.

— Quips and Quotes

FEBRUARY 7, 2002VOL. 29, No. 6

EL PASO COUNTY — The Rio GrandeRiverpark got a shot in the arm last week whenthe Texas Transportation Commission ap-proved $3.13 million to fund a 10-mile por-tion of the project in the Lower Valley.

— Photo by Don Woodyard

RIVERPARK A WALK AWAY — The Rio Grande levee in the Upper Valley, as in Canutilloshown above, all the way down to the Rio Bosque Wetlands in the Lower Valley, is pro-jected to become a tourist-attractive recreational hiking/biking nature walk providing “rec-reational access to historical, cultural and natural resources.”

Riverpark now has funding forboth Upper and Lower Valleys

�Courier Staff Reports

State Rep. Joe Pickett, who attended theThursday, Jan. 31, meeting, said he had beenpushing for Riverpark funding which waspassed over in last year’s funding cycle.

The funding comes from the federalgovernment’s Statewide Transportation En-hancement Program, which provides additionalfunding for non-highway transportationprojects that “enhance scenic, cultural and his-

toric resources.”The Rio Grande

Trail System is acity-county jointproject that will usethe levee of the RioGrande as an alter-nate route for pedes-trians and bicycles.TTC approved fundstotaling $3,131,040,to cover approxi-mately 10 miles fromthe Rio BosqueTrailhead in theLower Valley toAscarate Park, according to Pickett.

The project originally was not part of the firstround of project recommendations byTxDOT’s staff last fall but Pickett worked dili-gently to convince commissioners of the im-portance of this project.

“I assured commissioners this is a viable planthat will not only improve our quality of life,but bring attention to our historic internationalborder, too,” Pickett said. “I appreciate thecommissioners’ understanding and confidencein our effort to make a difference in our com-munity. I hope we take full advantage of thisopportunity.”

Groundbreaking on the Upper Valley sectionof the Riverpark project was held in Canutilloback in November of 2000, with constructionprojected to begin in the spring of 2001. NowEl Paso County Planning Director Nat Cam-pos is projecting “later in 2002” as a possiblestart date.

The Upper Valley’s initial phase was pro-posed to be concentrated around Gallegos Park

SAN ANTONIO — Followingthe tragedies of Sept. 11 TexasGov. Rick Perry appointed TexasLand Commissioner DavidDewhurst to head the Governor’sTask Force on Homeland Secu-rity. Charged with examiningTexas’ ability to respond to andprevent acts of terrorism in Texas,the Task Force has since heard nu-merous hours of testimony fromexperts on health and bio-terror-ism, the military, first responders,and from city, county, state andfederal officials.

“The Task Force has been veryfocused on ensuring that Texansfeel secure in their day-to-daylives by the State’s being preparedin case of terrorism,” Dewhurstsaid. “We have received inputfrom many experts, and we be-lieve the recommendations willhelp our state be stronger andsafer.”

The just-released “January Re-port” includes recommendationscovering health issues, state re-sponse plans, and intelligencegathering. Specific recommenda-tions include:

See RIVER, Page 5

Governor’s Task Force onHomeland Security addressespossibility of Texas terrorism

• Using a statewide system tocommunicate warning and safetyinformation to the public.

• Request federal authorizationand funding for a second CivilSupport Team (CST) for Texas.

• Support funding for additionalpersonnel for the Governor’s di-vision of Emergency Manage-ment for field personnel to sup-port local government efforts toplan and train for disasters.

• Support the Texas Departmentof Health’s recent plan to improveresponse capabilities in the eventof an anthrax or bio-terrorismevent.

• Establish 10 RegionalHazMat Teams (Hazardous Ma-terials-Weapons of Mass Destruc-tion Teams).

• Establish a centralized pointof contact for intelligence infor-mation involving critical infra-structure.

Prior to presenting the Januaryreport, the Task Force met to voteupon its adoption. A special pre-sentation of the Bexar County and

See SECURITY, Page 5

EL PASO COUNTY — Rep-resentatives from El Paso’s busi-ness community and the El PasoCity/County Animal Shelter Ad-visory Committee (ASAC) havejoined together to raise funds fora new animal shelter and to ex-pand spay/neuter efforts, by cre-ating Pets Alive El Paso.

A Texas non-profit corporation,Pets Alive will work closely withASAC to determine needs andcarry out necessary projects topromote responsible pet owner-ship while generating desperatelyneeded funds.

Although the County of El Pasois contributing $1.3 million (35%)and the City of El Paso has ear-marked $2.5 million (65%), atleast $500,000 needs to be raisedfrom community sources to com-plete a fully sufficient shelter.

“Many people don’t realize thatthe City and County monies arenot enough to build a facility ofthe size and caliber El Paso re-

20,000 dogs, cats destroyedannually in El Paso CountyNew non-profit groupseeks to financea ‘no kill’ shelter

quires,” explained PatriciaPalafox, chairperson of ASAC.“When shelter planning firststarted two years ago, it was con-ceptualized as a community-basedeffort. We need at least anotherhalf-million to make it a reality.The $3.8 million just won’t coverit. That’s where Pets Alive comesin.”

Pets Alive’s first project was atrain float in the Sun BowlThanksgiving Day Parade, whichfeatured ASAC and Pets Alivemembers and their pets in west-ern attire, and some in “cages,”which displayed bilingual bannersencouraging owners to be respon-sible and spay/neuter their pets.

Palafox said that City of El PasoRepresentatives Jan Sumrall andJohn Cook have contributed$9000 from their discretionaryfunds to assist El Paso’s indigentand elderly in getting their petsspayed/neutered. These are petowners who otherwise could notafford to.

“El Paso’s euthanasia rate istwice the national average for ourpopulation,” she said. “With thefundraising work of Pets Alive, wecan focus on a realistic goal of

By Michelle J. Brown�Special to the Courier

See SHELTER, Page 5

Joe Pickett

Agents shot atBorder Patrol agents were fired on duringa recent marijuana smuggling incidentnear Fabens at a site which has seen simi-lar aggravated assaults on agents in recentmonths. At about 4:45 p.m. on Jan. 31agents responded to the sighting of a se-dan coming from Mexico seven miles westof the Fabens Port of Entry. When thedriver sighted the approaching agents heturned and headed back toward the bor-der, subsequently abandoning the vehicleand crossing the river on foot. As agentsapproached the area they could see sev-eral people on foot on the U.S. side of theborder. At about that time, a rear of one ofthe agents’ vehicle was shot out, and thepersons sighted on foot ran across the bor-der into Mexico. A duffel bag found in theabandoned sedan contained 219 pounds ofmarijuana, valued at about $175,000,along with a two-way radio. The JuarezMunicipal Police Dept. and the FBI areassisting in the investigation. Agents in theFabens area have already made 78 drugseizures in fiscal year 2002, valued atabout $15 million.

New school namesThe Socorro ISD is accepting nominationsto name two new schools currently underconstruction. They include a new Pre-K-8th grade school at 11530 Edgemere andLee Blvds. and a Pre-K-5th grade campusat Loma Verde, west of Loop 375, nearthe Student Activities Complex. A com-mittee has been appointed to receive andmake a recommendation to the board oftrustees, which will make the final deci-sions. Nominations should include reasonswhy the name should be chosen. Mail ore-mail may be directed to Vicki Icard,Director of Governmental Relations atP.O. Box 292800, El Paso, Texas 79929-2800 or vicard@sisd.net.

In other news■ William Wesson Navidomskis of Ho-rizon City, a graduate of Clint HighSchool, was recently awarded a Bachelorof Arts degree in political science fromTexas A&M University during mid-yearcommencement ceremonies. He is the sonof John and Carlyle Navidomskis.

■ Americas High School Band will host“Casino Night” fund-raiser on Feb. 16from 7:30 to 11 p.m. Funds will assist theband attend the national All-AmericanMusic Festival in Florida in April. CasinoNight tickets are $10 per person and“funny money” will be provided for useat various games and auction. Music andfood will also be available. Call 856-0783for information.

■ Martha Contreras, a member of theSocorro ISD Board of Trustees, recentlycompleted all requirements to earn aBoardsmanship Basics Certificate fromthe Texas Association of School Boards(TASB) Institute for School TrusteeDevelopment. She earned at least 15 hoursof continuing education credit by attending

See BRIEFS, Page 4

WEST TEXAS COUNTY COURIER February 7, 2002Page 2

One perspectiveBy Francis Shrum

★

Member Texas CommunityNewspaper Association

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

News, Inc.

HomesteaderEst. 1973

PUBLISHED:Published each Thursday byHomesteader News, Inc. Appreciationto our many contributors. Office openMonday through Thursday.

COPYRIGHT:Entire contents © 2002 HomesteaderNews, Inc. Individual authors retain allrights. Pictures, drawings and writtenmaterial appearing in the West TexasCounty Courier may not be used orreproduced without written permissionof Homesteader News, Inc.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:Letter must not be more than 250words in length. They should bedated, must be signed and have anaddress and daytime phone number.Only the name and city will be printedwith the letter. The Courier reservesthe right not to print letters to theeditor or other submitted materials itconsiders inappropriate.

AD DEADLINE:Monday 4 p.m. for Thursdaypublication.

CLASSIFIED RATES$5 for 15 words, $10 for 35 words. Admust be in writing and pre-paid. TheCourier reserves the right not to printclassified advertising it considersinappropriate.

DISPLAY RATES:Open rate — $16 per column inch.Call for more information or to set anappointment. The Courier reservesthe right not to print advertising itconsiders inappropriate.

MAIL SUBSCRIPTIONS:52 issues for $30.Delivery via 1st class mail.

ADDRESS:13899 Horizon Blvd., Ste. 2Horizon City, TX 79928

Phone: 852-3235Fax: 852-0123

E-mail: wtxcc@excite.com

PublisherRick Shrum

Business ManagerFrancis D. Shrum

ContributorsMarjorie F. Graham

Don WoodyardSteve EscajedaArleen Beard

It is raining, see, and the boxer hasher chain wrapped around the swing set.

The girls are clearing up the break-fast dishes and getting ready to starttheir lessons while I venture out tofeed the dogs.

If a job is once begun…I’ve said that little poem to my kids

ad nauseam. It doesn’t matter if yourmother is the only one who is goingto see your spelling definitions, itshould matter to you how well theyare done…It doesn’t matter if yourmother is the only one who sees thebathroom after your shower, it shouldmatter to you…

I can see that the boxer has alsomanaged to dump both water buck-ets. She’s soaked to the skin from therain and refuses to use her plasticshelter. I’m going to have to moveher to the other side of the yard soshe can get under the rock shelterwith the big red dog.

It rains so rarely I sure don’t mindgetting a little wet. It’s cold thismorning but it’ll be a simple job. Itwon’t take long.

Back in the house I put on a rainponcho and a pair of gloves. I leavemy glasses on the bar. They didn’tcome equipped with wipers andwhile I don’t see so well withoutthem, I’ll be even blinder once theyget wet and fog up.

I attempt to unscrew the fastenerthat holds the boxer’s chain to the runline. It is firmly frozen thanks to thewater and the sand and time. Theboxer is jumping and leaping with allthis excitement, and getting memuddy, so I let her off the chain. Thehood on the rain poncho keeps slip-ping over my eyes, so I push it downon my neck.

My hairdo has never been anythingto brag about. A little rain isn’t going

A jobwell done

to hurt anything.I can’t get the clamp loose. Oh,

well, I reason to myself, the rain willstop soon and the boxer will dry rightout. Besides, she’s just a dog.

Never leave it till it’s done…Back to the house. My boots are

all muddy and I don’t want to trackup the floor so I holler at the girls tohand me a pair of pliers.

One pair won’t do it. My handsaren’t strong enough. Back to thehouse to get somebody to hand me asecond pair. My face is really coldnow and my lips aren’t working sogood. I have to repeat my request.

I try to get some leverage with thepliers but I’m off balance, so I putmy knees down in the mud to steadymyself. This simple little job is nowgoing to require a pair of clean pants.

Every second or so I have to keepglancing over my shoulder to makesure the Most Valuable Dog in theWorld hasn’t gone over the fence.She’s bad about that. That’s why shelives on this long chain.

I still can’t get the clamp loose, soI turn my attention to a second chainattached to the big pine tree, left therefor another good dog, now departed.I can’t get it loose, either.

Whether the job be large or small…The dogs think this is great. They

keep nosing me from behind, push-ing me over and disrupting my pre-cious little leverage. I throw a pair ofpliers at the big red dog to make himback off.

I hope the girls didn’t see that.Do it well…I finally go to the shed and get the

wire cutters. I need the help of a ham-mer and a make-shift anvil to disen-gage one of the links on the chain. Iattach it to the gate on the other sideof the yard where the boxer can reach

Eye on D.C. By U.S. Rep. Henry Bonilla

her breakfast, the water bucket androomy, dry shelter.

As I carry my wet, muddy, shiver-ing self back to the house with an

armload of muddy tools, I can hearher begin to yank on the gate, tryingto see around the corner of the housein case someone or something wor-

thy of barking at may be passing byon the sidewalk.

Or not at all.The thought did cross my mind.

On February 6, 1911, RonaldWilson Reagan was born to Nelleand John Reagan in Tampico, Il-linois. This week, people acrossour great country will celebrate

the birthday of our nation’s 40th President.President Ronald Reagan will be remembered for

many accomplishments. Some will remember him forushering in economic growth with his popular 1981 taxcuts. Others will remember his commitment to our menand women in uniform. His commitment brought downcommunism all around the world and spawned the ideafor a missile defense system. And even some others, likemyself, will remember him as “The Great Communica-tor.” I’ll remember how his vision and convictionsbrought all Americans together, raised our morale andonce again made us the proudest citizens in the world. Itis my belief that this was President Reagan’s greatestgift to America.

President Reagan was a very modest man. Althoughmany historians and admirers shower him with thanksfor his accomplishments and contributions to America,he kept a sign on his desk both as governor of Californiaand as President which showed how modest a man hewas. That sign read: “There is no limit to what you canaccomplish if you don’t care who gets the credit.” Thisis a model I have tried to live by during my time as a

Happy birthday Ronald Reagan!representative.

I would like to share with you a portion of PresidentReagan’s farewell speech to the nation.

“It’s been the honor of my life to be your President.So many of you have written the past few weeks to saythanks, but I could say as much to you. Nancy and I aregrateful for the opportunity you gave us to serve…Thepast few days when I’ve been at the window upstairs,I’ve thought a bit of the ‘shining city upon a hill.’ Thephrase comes from John Winthrop, who wrote it to de-scribe the America he imagined…I’ve spoken of the shin-ing city all my political life, but I don’t know if I everquite communicated what I saw when I said it. But inmy mind it was a tall, proud city built on rocks strongerthan oceans, windswept, God-blessed, and teeming withthe people of all kinds living in harmony and peace; acity with free ports that hummed with commerce andcreativity. And if there had to be city walls, the wallshad doors and the doors were open to anyone with thewill and the heart to get here. That’s how I saw it, andsee it still…We’ve done our part. And as I walk off intothe city streets, a final word to the men and women acrossAmerica for who eight years did the work that broughtAmerica back. My friends: We did it. We weren’t justmarking time. We made a difference. We made the citystronger, we made the city freer, and we left her in goodhands. All in all, not bad, not bad at all.”

WEST TEXAS COUNTY COURIERFebruary 7, 2002 Page 3

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGClint Independent School District

A PUBLIC HEARING will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Mon-day, February 25, 2002 during the Clint IndependentSchool District Board Meeting at Carroll T. Welch MiddleSchool, 14510 McMahon Drive, Horizon City, Texas.Purpose of the public hearing is to allow any interestedpersons to appear and testify regarding the adoption ofmiddle school and high school science textbooks.

Parents of students of the District are invited to attendand participate in the hearing.

AVISO DE AUDIENCIA PUBLICADistrito Escolar de Clint

UNA AUDIENCIA PUBLICA se llevara acabo a las 6:30de la tarde el lunes, 25 de febrero de 2002 durante la juntade la mesa directiva del distrito escolar de Clint en la escuelaCarroll T. Welch, 14510 McMahon Drive, Horizon City,Texas. Propósito de esta audiencia publica es para permitircualquier persona interesada a presentarse y testificarconcerniente a la adopción de libros de ciencia de escuelasecundaria y de escuela preparatoria.

Padres de estudiantes del Distrito estan invitados a asistir yparticipar en la audiencia.WTCC: 01/??/02

EAST EL PASO COUNTY —Several Socorro High School stu-dents will compete at the state levelof the Business Professionals ofAmerica convention in Houston Feb.28-March 2 after finishing in topplaces at area leadership competition,according to Socorro Publishingspokesman Marian McQuiddy.

Barbara Cobos, Brisa Alvarado,Norma Ayala, Jessica Melendez,Lorrie Valencia, Aaron Ayala, MelissaArenivar, Ben Fresquez, JenniferAlarcon, Fancy Adams, DaisySantellanes, Alina Avila, Abel Navejas,Valerie Villanueva, Mary JaneNavarette, Dahlia Acosta, JessicaAleman, Denisse Berumen, JessicaPasillas, Nora Nevarez, and BrendaTorres qualified to make the trip.

Another group of equally outstand-ing students will go to state competi-tion in Houston in April after dem-

Socorro High School sends local talent to state contestsonstrating their prowess in the HealthProfessional Academy by placing inthe top three in area contests.

Those qualifying were NoraPadilla, Tanya Kennel, Gaston Baza,Itzel Garcia, Brenda Cervera, RocioTorres, Gabriela Hernandez, RossTerrazas, Karina Quintana, SandraVaquera, Krystelle Barrera, CrystalMorales, Victoria Castellanos, Mel-issa Arenivar, Valerie Villanueva,Celene Robles, Garbriel Esparza,Alina Avila, Jessica Aleman, SusanaMartinez, Lisett Maldonado, ErikaAcosta, Patty Lopez, EmmanuelEnriquez, Ericka Hartford, AngelPineda, Eva Olivas, Dennise Ornelas,Sylvia Rangel, Jessica Hernandez,Jennifer Hernandez, and JasminJuarado.

Joanna Guerro was elected as areaHPA vice-president for the comingschool year.

AUSTIN — Gov. Rick Perry recently announced thedetails of his comprehensive “Trans Texas Corridor”plan, incorporating roads, rail, and utility infrastructure.

Jeff Judson, president of the Texas Public Policy Foun-dation, said the fiscally responsible plan aggressivelyaddresses Texas’ transportation needs.

“As the governor has said in the past, Texas’ fundingemphasis must be on what can move the most people forthe lowest amount of money,” said Judson. “Thegovernor’s plan creatively ends the piece-meal approachto transportation planning of the past. This is the bestplan on the table to efficiently move people and freightacross our state.”

Transportation expert Wendell Cox — a member ofthe federal government’s Amtrak Reform Council —agreed, calling the plan “ambitious and visionary.”

“The governor is signaling a new turn, that Texas willbe using rational decision-making that will leap-frog roadcapacity ahead of congestion problems, rather than try-ing to always play catch-up. This is crucial to job cre-ation and the continued economic advancement of thenation’s second largest state,” said Cox, whose October2001 study of the impact freight rail can have on con-gestion is available at the Texas Public Policy Founda-tion web site, www.tppf.org.

“This is the first time any of the nation’s major electedleaders, whether in Washington or in the states, has fullyrecognized the important role freight rail can play in

Perry’s ‘Trans Texas’ plan good for stateGovernor’s emphasis on cost efficiency signals new priorities

Texas’ transportation policy.”Cox said better utilization of rail and specialized truck

roadways for moving freight across Texas would quicklyimprove traffic congestion, while considerably reduc-ing roadway wear-and-tear.

With trucks taking 3.8 times the road space of a singlecar, moving freight from truck to rail quickly decreasestraffic congestion. Further, rail is able to move freight ata lower environmental cost than trucks.

The governor said today that Texas’ population couldmore than double “in the next few decades.”

Current projections call for a 100 percent increase intruck traffic through Texas’ urban areas by 2020, whichwould increase total urban traffic by the equivalent of20 percent. But if rail freight’s market share continuesits decline to the levels seen in Europe, truck traffic couldincrease 235 percent — the equivalent of a 49 percentincrease in overall traffic.(The Texas Public Policy Foundation is a non-profit, non-partisan research institute guided by the core principlesof limited government, free enterprise, private propertyrights and individual responsibility. The Foundation’smission is to improve Texas government by generatingacademically sound research and data on state issues,and recommending the findings to opinion leaders, policymakers, the media and general public. Research is con-ducted by academics across Texas and is funded by in-dividuals, foundations and corporations.)

View from here by Texas Public Policy Foundation

WEST TEXAS COUNTY COURIER February 7, 2002Page 4

Classified Ads

Open 24 hours — Full family menus plusspectacular buffet and salad bar. I-10 atHorizon Blvd., 859-1906.

Valentine’s February SpecialDinner for Two

Two 10oz. Ribeye Steak DinnersIncludes Choice of Potato

with Soup, Salad and Bread BarFresh Fruit • Dessert Bar

Coupon expires 02/28/02. Notgood with other offers or coupons.

$1999

✁

LEGAL

As per Article V, Sec.5.05(a), all owners andlienholders have ten (10)days from this date to re-claim their vehicles atSouthwest Wrecker,1401 Darrington Rd.,855-1900, 851-2091-fax,or it will be sold at publicauction for charges:V I N -IGKDMI9WIRB543978,1994 GMC van, white,Okla. - PLR-756VIN-IGBT56KOGCI3I,Chrysler New Yorker,brownV I N -IB7JP24T3H54I3359,1987 Dodge Ram, black,LDI-336WTCC-02/07/02________________________

SOCORROINDEPENDENT

SCHOOL DISTRICTInvitation to Bid/

Respond:

Sealed bids/proposals/CSP to furnish the Districtwith the following prod-ucts and/or services willbe accepted at the follow-ing times:

ELECTRICAL PARTS

CSP NO.199-0214-0212THURSDAY,

FEBRUARY 14, 2002,11 A.M.

Proposals will be re-ceived at the BusinessServices Dept., 12300Eastlake Drive, until thespecified times. Detailedspecifications are avail-able from the above of-fice between 8 a.m. and4 p.m. Mondays throughFridays.WTCC-2/07/02________________________

SOCORROINDEPENDENT

SCHOOL DISTRICTInvitation to Bid/

Respond:

Sealed bids/proposals/CSP to furnish the Districtwith the following prod-ucts and/or services willbe accepted at the follow-ing times:

SPECIAL SYSTEMSSUPPLIES

CSP NO.199-0214-0217THURSDAY, FEBRU-

ARY 14, 2002,10:30 A.M.

Proposals will be re-ceived at the BusinessServices Dept., 12300

Eastlake Drive, until thespecified times. Detailedspecifications are avail-able from the above of-fice between 8 a.m. and4 p.m. Mondays throughFridays.WTCC-2/07/02________________________

PUBLIC NOTICEANTHONY

INDEPENDENTSCHOOL DISTRICT

The Anthony Indepen-dent School District willaccept sealed bids tolease/purchase one (1)new 2003 model schoolactivity bus. The bidsshall be in the businessoffice at 610 Sixth Street,Anthony, Texas 79821,no later than Feb. 14,2002 at 10 a.m. MST.Envelopes must bemarked in lower left handcorner “Bus Bid.”

Bid specifications may beobtained at the Adminis-trative Office at 610 SixthStreet, Anthony, Texas79821, (915) 886-6508.

Anthony IndependentSchool District reservesthe right to accept or re-ject any or all bids in thebest interest of the An-

thony IndependentSchool District.WTCC-01/31-02/07/02________________________

SOCORROINDEPENDENT

SCHOOL DISTRICTInvitation to Respond:

Sealed bids/proposals/CSP to furnish the Districtwith the following prod-ucts and/or services ac-cepted at the followingtimes:

RELOCATION OFPORTABLES

CSP NO. 199-0214-0239THURSDAY,

FEB. 14, 2002, 2 P.M.

Proposals will be re-ceived at the BusinessServices Department,12300 Eastlake Drive,until the specified times.Detailed specificationsare available from theabove office between 8a.m. and 4 p.m. Mondaysthrough Fridays.

Bidders may obtain cop-ies of the bidding docu-ments and project plansbeginning Feb. 1, 2002by contacting the SocorroISD office at:

Socorro ISD12300 Eastlake DriveEl Paso, Texas 79927

(915) 860-3497Attn: Mark W. Vechione

A deposit of $100 per setwill be required for eachplan set a contractorwishes to receive. If theplans and specificationsare returned in good con-dition, the deposit will berefunded.

Special Notice:

A pre-bid conference willbe held on Thursday,Feb. 7, 2002, at 2 p.m. atSocorro IndependentSchool District, Opera-tional Services Depart-ment, located at 201Tanton Rd., El Paso, TX79927. At this conferencebidders will be affordedthe opportunity to surveyexisting conditions and toask questions and dis-cuss any aspect of eachproject. Although atten-dance is not mandatory,all bidders are respon-sible for the informationdiscussed, and arestrongly urged to attend.WTCC-02/07/02________________________

BARGAINS

Glass-top coffee tablewith brass legs. $25OBO. 852-1682.

BUSINESS\OPPORTUNITY

NECESITAS DINGRO,extra llama ahora acompañio internacional.Atencion 726-3186 de4:00 p.m. a 10:00 p.m.

OFFICE SPACE

Office for lease in Hori-zon City. Corner ofDarrington and HorizonBlvd. $350/month. CallHorizon Properties, 852-3331.

SELF-HELPOPPORTUNITIES

Alcoholics AnonymousGroup Paso Del Nortemeets at 8501 Kingswayin Westway, Monday-Saturday, 8 p.m. Call886-4948 for information.

Alcohólicos AnónimosGrupo Paso Del Nortesesiones lunes a sabado,a 8-9 de la tarde, 8501Kingsway, Westway. 886-4948 para informacion.

Persons who have aproblem with alcohol areoffered a free source ofhelp locally. AlcoholicsAnonymous Group 8 deEnero meets at 15360Horizon Blvd. in HorizonCity on Mondays throughSaturdays at 8 p.m. Call859-0484 for information.

Tiene problemas con elalcohol? Hay unasolucíon. Visitemos.Alcohólicos Anónimos,Grupo 8 de Enero, 15360Horizon Blvd., HorizonCity, sesiones lunes asábado a 8 de la tarde.Informacion: 859-0484.

SERVICES

“Windshield Ding —Gimme a Ring”JIFFY GLASS

REPAIRWindshield Repair

SpecialistsBy appt. at your home

or office:R.V. Dick Harshberger

915-852-9082

BERT’SAUTOMOTIVE REPAIRDomestic and Foreign

852-35231558 Oxbow,Horizon City

HORIZONCITY

PLUMBING852-1079

• Heating/cooling• Electric rooter servicefor sewers and drains• Appliance installation• Many other plumbingservices • 24-hour serviceLicensed, bonded and

insured for yourprotection.

AL’SPLACE, INC.Household or

Commercial Storageand Yard Space

Fenced and LightedSecurity System

No Deposit418 Kenazo,Horizon City

852-3949

Y&MAIRCONDITIONING

852-1516 or 726-3768Licensed & Insured

Commercial/ResidentialHealting & Cooling

Refrigerated AirHeat PumpsDuct WorkAppliances

VISA & MasterCardTX Lic.#TACLA021147E

Free Estimates onNew Installations

the required courses, which aredesigned to give new trustees astrong foundation in their firstyear of board service.

■ Seven SISD employees andone parent from Robert R. Rojasand Hueco Elementary schoolshave been recognized for theirwork to improve children’s healthby the Texas Association forHealth, Physical Education, Rec-reation and Dance and by the Co-ordinated Approach to Children’sHealth or CATCH program.Teachers James Butler, EddieGardea, Eddie Martinez, Ben

Townes, Cristina Fierro andMartha Vargas were honored, aswas parent volunteer coordinatorSusie Maese.

■ Law enforcement officials areasking community assistance tohelp solve the murder of DavidBlanco, who died on or about Oct.2, 2001 in East El Paso County.Blanco was at first unidentifiedwhen his body was discovered inan area about 100 yards north ofGateway West on Fino Road. Thisarea is located near mile marker 41on I-10. Blanco was last seen aliveby family members on Sept. 30,2001, between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m.Information regarding this crimemay be rewarded with up to$1,000, and callers may remainanonymous at 566-TIPS (8477).

BriefsFrom Page 1____________________

TEXAS — In our last installmenton Texas land history, settlers in theAustin Colony were ready to give updue to the uncertainty of their statusas landowners and the hardships ofthe frontier. But they prevailed andthe rest is history.

Austin settlerssettle in

In their newly official status asMexican subjects, the colonists werecharged with preventing vagrants andthieves from settling among them,providing the authorities with a ros-ter of the immigrant families, andreporting all suspicious activities tothe government.

Meanwhile, in Mexico City, Aus-tin lobbied tirelessly for a coloniza-tion law and confirmation of his con-tract. His talent and genuine interest

The Austin Colony triumphs over frontier hardships and oppositionHistory of Texas Public Lands - Part Four

in the affairs of his adopted countrywon the support and confidence ofthe men in power, and earned himinfluence in their councils, but itwasn’t until January 1823 thatAustin’s patience and tenacity finallypaid off. The Mexican Imperial Gov-ernment at last enacted what came tobe known a the Imperial Coloniza-tion Law on Jan. 4; on the 18th, Em-peror of Mexico Agustín de Iturbidesigned a decree authorizing the settle-ment of Texas.

When Iturbide subsequently abdi-cated in March under the threat ofrevolution, Congress suspended allacts he had signed. But largely dueto Austin’s continued diligence andsteadfast belief in the colony, his con-tract was approved by the Congressthe very next month, making Austin’sColony the only one to be establishedunder the Imperial Colonization Law.

Austin left Mexico City on April18, 1823, no doubt breathing a sighof relief. In August he arrived at thecolony accompanied by the Baron deBastrop, now serving as thegovernment’s commissioner for thepurpose of distributing land and is-suing titles.

Surveying of the land selected bythe settlers began under the supervi-sion of Austin and Bastrop. The set-tlers generally chose land on thebanks of the rivers or principalstreams. The rivers provided water,a means of travel and transportinggoods to the coast, and fertile landalong their banks. The ideal tractsalso included timber and pastureland. The timber was necessary forfuel and building houses and fences,while the pasture lands supplied easygrazing for stock.

In July 1824, Bastrop issued titlesto the first of the 300 families autho-rized by Austin’s agreement with the

government. Austin and Bastrop alsoselected and surveyed a site for thetown of San Felipe de Austin, whichserved as the headquarters for thenew colony.

The settlement — and transforma-tion — of Texas was underway.

In 1824, a constitutional, federalform of government replacedIturbide’s short-lived imperial reign.The federation included the formerprovinces of Coahuila and Texas,now combined into one state. In Au-gust of that year, the Mexican Con-gress approved the National Coloni-zation Law allowing foreignempresarios, which provided generalguidelines but left the details of colo-nization up to individual states. Thenext year, Coahuila and Texas passedits state colonization law with provi-sions for land grants and specifyingconditions and terms for colonizationcontracts.

As much as one league (4,428.4acres) could be granted to familieswhose occupation was raising stockand farming. Single men who hadonly themselves to fend for were of-fered one fourth of a league.

Although these were called grants,that didn’t mean that the Mexicangovernment wasn’t expecting pay-ment in return for the land. Betweenfees for surveying and obtaining the

title, and the actual payment to thegovernment, a settler could expect topay around $150 for a league, sev-eral cents per-acre of land.

Mexican citizens could buy up to11 leagues of public land, if theywere willing to pay: $100 wouldpurchase a league of grazing land;farmland suitable for irrigationcost $200 a league, while the sameamount of non-irrigable farmlandwent for $150._____________________________________(Part V wll continue next week. Theinformation contained in this histori-cal series can be accessed atwww.glo.state.tx.us, and is reprintedwith permission of the Texas GeneralLand Office.)

WEST TEXAS COUNTY COURIERFebruary 7, 2002 Page 5

Village of VintonPUBLIC NOTICEA PUBLIC HEARING will be held at 7:00 p.m. duringthe Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, February 19,2002 at Vinton Village Hall, 436 Vinton Rd., Vinton,Texas. Purpose of the public hearing is to allow any inter-ested persons to appear and testify regarding the follow-ing proposed ordinance(s):

1) An Ordinance Amending a Ordinance No. 088-112 Establishing Regulations, Standards, Require-ments and Procedures for the Subdivision of Landin the Village of Vinton, El Paso County, Texas,and its Extraterritorial Jurisdiction, Planning andPlatting Jurisdiction, Providing for Amendmentsthereto, and Providing for a Penalty for a Viola-tion thereof.

Those who are unable to attend may submit their viewsin writing to the Village Clerk of the Village of Vinton.Ordinances are too extensive to print. Ordinances are al-ways available for viewing or copying upon request fromthe Clerk at the above address.

IRMA RODRIGUEZVillage Clerk

WTCC: 02/07/02

the City of San Antonio TerrorismPreparedness Plan was given byBexar County Judge Nelson W.Wolff, Mayor Edward D. Garza, andAssistant Fire Chief Mike Miller.

Dewhurst also discussed his Jan.

and Valley Creek Park in the ReddRoad area of the Upper Valley, at aprice tag of about $1.5 million. Ofthat, $750,000 was to come from aTexas Parks and Wildlife Depart-ment grant; $370,000 from thePaso del Norte Health Foundation;and $380,000 from the City of ElPaso.

SecurityFrom Page 1____________________

operating a ‘no-kill of adoptable ani-mals’ shelter in El Paso.”

Approximately 20,000 dogs, pup-pies, cats and kittens are euthanizedevery year in El Paso because thereare too many animals and too fewresponsible people to love them, saidPalafox.

Members of the board of direc-tors of Pets Alive include FrankApodaca, CEO of AccessHealthsource; Chris Bradley, attor-ney; Mary Ann Campbell, CPA;Ashton Graham, EPISD Studios;

24 meeting with President GeorgeW. Bush and Gov. Tom Ridge andgave an update on meetings withMexico.

The Task Force will continue tomonitor the fiscal impact and devel-opmental stages of those recommen-dations placed into action. Membersmay also be called upon to addressother safety concerns during theirtwo-year appointments.

The “Community MillenniumTrail” would eventually stretch 42miles from Anthony, through down-town El Paso, and into the LowerValley, according to initial planning,and includes improvements to theRio Bosque Wetlands project inSocorro.

Focus of the linear park systemproject is to create a winding naturalpark system that promotes hiking,biking and enjoyment of the El Paso/Rio Grande area’s natural wildlifeand cultural attributes.

RiverFrom Page 1____________________

Charles Hooten, former CountyCommissioner and realtor; LorettaHyde, vice president of AnimalRescue League; Bob Moore, Man-aging Editor of the El Paso Times;Patricia Palafox, attorney mediatorand ASAC chairperson; Gayle Ray,Community Relations Director forWells Fargo Bank; and PamVaughn, community volunteer.

Formed in 1999, ASAC leads anon-going effort to reduce the petoverpopulation problem in El PasoCounty (by increasing Animal Con-trol adoptions and the number of cityand countywide spays/neuters) andto reach a point of operating a “nokill of adoptable animals” shelter atAnimal Control.

For more information about con-tributing to Pets Alive for its newshelter and spay/neuter awarenessefforts, call Patricia Palafox at (915)833-9430 or Jennie Van Cleef at(915) 833-6769.

ShelterFrom Page 1____________________

EAST EL PASO COUNTY —Ruben Lujan wants tokeep working as Justice ofthe Peace in Pct. 6, stay-ing on track with programsinvolving truancy, trafficcitations and environmen-tal issues.

He announced his can-didacy for election to theoffice on his birthday, Jan.18, during an event at theEmerald Springs GolfClub. He is seeking to re-tain the post to which he was ap-pointed over a year ago following the

Ruben Lujan wants to stay on track with JP Pct. 6 programsretirement of longtime Pct. 6 Judge

Frank Macias.The energetic Lujan

says experience counts,and he points to the num-ber of programs he has in-stituted over the last year,including a weekly “Tru-ancy Day” in his courtduring which he worksone-on-one with parentsand students involved intruancy and juvenilecrime. “Punishing the ab-

senteeism without addressing thecause is counter-productive,” he said.

Lujan has made the Pct. 6 courta mobile one, holding court in theEast Montana community as oftenas needed due to the lack of publictransportation from that area to theTown of Clint where the court isheadquartered.

Environmental issues, includingdesert dumping, are also high on hisagenda, as well as equitable settle-ment of civil disputes.

A member of the Fabens ISDschool board from 1992-2000, heserved as both president and vice-president during those years. His ser-vice on community boards also in-cludes the Thomason Hospital Boardof Managers from 1997-99; the TexasAttorney General’s Child SupportAdvisory Board, the Career Place-ment Advisory Board and FabensDemocratic Party Pct. Chair. He wasbranch-manager of PCI Communica-tions for 23 years and owned andoperated his own business, RioGrande Radio & Communications.

Lujan carries the endorsement ofhis predecessor, Frank Macias, aswell as County CommissionerMiguel Teran.

Ruben Lujan

NOTICE TO TAXPAYERSCora Viescas, Executive Director/Chief Appraiser, El Paso Central Appraisal District, is currentlyaccepting application(s) for the following:

RENDITIONS1. Personal Property2. Real Estate

DEADLINE FOR FILING OF RENDITIONS, PROPERTY INFORMATION REPORTS,AND REPORTS OF DECREASED VALUE IS MONDAY, APRIL 15, 2002.

EXEMPTIONS*1. Residential Homestead Exemption2. Over-65 Exemption**3. Over 55 Surviving Spouse of a Person Who Received the Over-65 Exemption4. Medical Disability Exemption5. Veteran’s Disability Exemption6. Window of Disabled Veteran Exemption

*If you received a Homestead and/or an Over-65 Exemption, or an Over-55 Surviving Spouse of aPerson Who Received the Over-65 Exemption, a Disability Exemption, or a Disabled Veteran’sExemption in 2001, it is not necessary for you to file again this year.

**The Over-65 School Homestead Exemption can be transported to another home within Texas ona percentage basis. (Please contact the Appraisal District for forms and explanation.)

SPECIAL USE EVALUATIONSAgricultural Valuation - Applications are being accepted for Ad Valorem Tax purposes as providedunder Article III, Section 1-d and 1-d-1 of the Texas State Constitution. Properties qualifyingunder these Amendments are valued on the basis of Agricultural Productivity rather than theirmarket value. The tax that would be levied on market value is deferred. Information on agriculturaluse valuation is available in the State Comptroller’s Publication, Taxpayers’ Rights, Remedies &Responsibilities. Copies are available at the Appraisal District Office.

DEADLINE FOR FILING FOR EXEMPTIONS AND APPLYING FOR SPECIAL USE VALU-ATIONS IS APRIL 30, 2002, FOR ALL TAXING JURISDICTIONS. ALL OF THE ABOVEAPPLICATIONS MUST BE FILED EITHER IN PERSON OR BY MAIL AT THE EL PASOCENTRAL APPRAISAL DISTRICT, 5801 TROWBRIDGE, EL PASO, TEXAS 79925. FORAPPLICATIONS OR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT THE APPRAISAL DISTRICTAT (915) 780-2131.

NO FEE IS REQUIRED FOR FILING ANY OF THE ABOVERENDITIONS, EXEMPTIONS OR SPECIAL USE VALUATIONS

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I-10 West

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WEST TEXAS COUNTY COURIER February 7, 2002Page 6

By Steve Escajeda�Special to the Courier

King Super CrosswordCELEBRITY WIVESACROSS 1 Craven or Unseld 4 Thurman of “PulpFiction” 7 Droop 10 Beatnik’s abode 13 Reader’s need 17 Part of 136 Across 19 _ room 20 McKinley or Lupino 21 Actor Vigoda 22 Bread spread 23 “Basic Instinct” ac-tress married to comic? 27 Drill accessories 28 Utah city 29 Goddess of youth 30 605, to Cicero 31 Carpenter - 32 USNA grad 34 “Buttons and Bows”singer married to Celticsplayer? 40 Learned 44 _ -mo 45 Barley beverage 46 Deighton orDawson 47 Charity 50 Heidi’s hangout 53 Nonconformist 57 “Five Easy Pieces”actress married tosports columnist? 62 Quantity 63 Actress Verdugo 64 Stocking shade

65 Investigate 67 Caviar 68 Plaid fabric 71 Pilfers 74 Reverence 75 Teller’s partner 76 Early sitcom ac-tress married to golfer? 80 Paper - 82 Buck’s beloved 83 Mets’ milieu 84 _ quo 86 Taylor or Torres 87 Sierra _ 89 Marmaduke hastwo 91 Slowly, to Solti 93 Madrid month 95 “Tennessee Waltz”singer married to cablemogul?100 Doc102 Start the laundry103 Galaxy glitterer104 Nosh105 Cornfield cry106 Kind108 Best wishes111 “It’s Too Late” singermarried to TV pro-ducer?119 _ Na Na120 “I _ Rock” (’66song)121 Hubbub122 Refusals124 “Dies -”127 Pianist Lupu

129 “Cheers” actressmarried to pop artist?134 “_ Is My Song” (’67hit)135 Chicken _ king136 Private pension137 Sundial numeral138 Place for pews139 Shampoo additive140 Mil. rank141 Delivery truck142 Hosp. employee143 “See ya!”

DOWN 1 Used to be 2 Return address? 3 Trauma aftermath 4 Poetic pot 5 Engage, as gears 6 Played a part 7 Bedding 8 Lyric poem 9 Shriver or Dawber 10 Religious holiday 11 From the beginning 12 Lion’s lair 13 Sampras stroke 14 Excuse 15 Gas gauge 16 Prepared to be shot 18 Cornered the cat 24 Bus starter? 25 Sapporo sash 26 Pitches 33 Attempt 35 Fairbanks’ st. 36 Actress Celeste

37 Sheepish fellow? 38 Beethoven’s “Fur -” 39 TV’s “Father Knows-” 40 Actress Sommer 41 Kingdom 42 Never attained 43 Building wing 48 Welcome item? 49 Fright 51 Orange seed 52 Handbag part 54 Precursor 55 Rock’s _ Maiden 56 “_ Wolf” (’85 film) 58 Land 59 Drug buster 60 Handles 61 Salutes the moon? 66 Defeat 69 General’s helper 70 “_ John B” (’66song) 72 Crank’s comment 73 Insomnia cure? 75 Flying Pan? 77 Horne and Olin 78 Actor Fernando 79 Asian river 80 Mr. Kadiddlehopper 81 Reinforce a rain-coat 85 Place 87 Regional 88 Ike’s domain 90 NCO 92 Fido’s dinner, per-haps

94 Puerto - 96 Math subject 97 “_ never work!” 98 Teacup part 99 “_ bien!”101 Be in debt107 Nairobi native109 Alphabet quartet110 Producer Spelling111 Magna _112 Menotti title charac-ter113 Chatter box?114 Painter Frida115 Perfect116 Cambodia’s Lon _117 Internet acronym118 Maintain an engine123 Cut a cuticle125 Jezebel’s husband126 Begrudge128 Employ129 Cul-de- _130 Ullmann or Tyler131 Geologic division132 _ rickey133 Diocese

Answer Page 7

Looking back on it now, how the heck couldthey have won?

Everything pointed to it. Everything aboutthe day and the time surrounding the momentof the Super Bowl pointed to a St. Louis Ramsloss and a New England Patriots win.

On paper, these two teams don’t even de-serve to share the same ink. The Rams havethe best offense in football and were rankedbetter on defense. The Pats were better in thekicking game and special teams.

But c’mon, no team wins the Super Bowlwith just special teams and kicking…right?

There were several unmistakable signs thatit was going to be the Patriots’ day.

Sign number one: Earlier in the day the NFLaired its annual simulated game where a playerfrom one Super Bowl team plays someone fromthe other Super Bowl team in a video-footballgame.

The crazy thing is that the winning team inthe video game had won the last six real SuperBowls.

Signs of the times — it was time for a Patriots victoryFinal video-game score, Patriots 21, Rams

14.Sign number two: Jimmy’s pick. Not ev-

erybody knows who Jimmy Kimmel is. Manydo. He is a FOX prognosticator who picks foot-ball games with, let’s say, an unusual flair.

And whether you think he’s funny or not,one thing is clear — he does have an uncannyknack for picking the winning football team.

Jimmy’s pick — an upset special — NewEngland Patriots.

Sign number three: There was a heavyAmerican influence leading up to Sunday’sbig game. I don’t mean because there werea lot of Americans there, I mean the themeof the day was about how proud one mustbe to be an American.

There were patriotic songs and music, ex-presidents, American flags, images of the 911disaster. And even foreigners like PaulMcCartney and U2 were singing the praises ofthe United States.

And one person tied all those factors togetherwith the actual football game.

Terry Bradshaw said that on a day like Sun-day, with all the patriotism in the air, it wasn’ta good day to bet against any team who wears

red, white and blue — the New England Patri-ots.

Like I said, the signs were all there. I, asa sports expert, saw them too…just as soonas Adam Vinatieri’s kick sailed through theuprights.

The South has fallenWhat is going on in the Southeastern Con-

ference? It’s a football-rich conference with thelikes of Florida, Auburn, Alabama, LSU, Ar-kansas, Georgia, Mississippi State, South Caro-lina and Tennessee.

Seems now this conference has another thingin common besides winning footballteams…they are also cheating football teams.

On consecutive days last week the KentuckyWildcats and Alabama Crimson Tide were puton probation by the NCAA.

Kentucky received a three-year punishmentwhile Alabama got five years. Kentucky willbe banned from any bowl game in 2002 whilethe Tide will be denied bowl games for 2002and 2003.

Both teams lost scholarships and recruitingtrips. It appears that both teams forgot that thesewere amateur football players and that they

shouldn’t receive paychecks until they madethe pros.

They also forgot that these were students andthat they should do their own homework andtheir own work on tests.

Oh well, the good news is that both teamswill have a lot more time for studying nextyear…especially around bowl time.

Major MinerIt’s no secret that the UTEP Miners basket-

ball team has been major disappointment thisseason. This team’s game has as many cracksin it as the Don Haskins Center floor.

But if there is one player who has surprisedeveryone and will be counted on heavily nextyear, it is center Justino Victoriano.

This guy came from nowhere to be one ofthe best players on the team during the secondhalf of the season. Victoriano is putting together12-18 point games now with consistency andis always hovering around double-digit re-bounds.

And he goes up for rebounds the way Minersof the past did, with quickness and voracity.

Justino Victoriano has been one of the fewbright spots in an otherwise gloomy season.

UPPER VALLEY— Canutillo HighSchool Junior HectorSaldivar can add All-State Honorable Men-tion to his list of ac-complishments as amember of theCanutillo High EaglesVarsity Football Teamthis past season.

Saldivar, 5’11’’ 180-pound running back,previously had beenselected to the 2-4AAll-District First Team and wasnamed to the El Paso Times All-City

Canutillo Eagle athlete namedAll-State Honorable Mention

By Alfredo Vasquez�Special to the Courier

Second Team.“Hector Saldivar might be the first

CHS football player to have earnedthe all-state honor,” said Scott

Brooks, Canutillo VarsityFootball Head Coach.

“I accomplished some-thing I really didn’t ex-pect at the start of theseason. I’m not onlyproud for myself but formy teammates because Icould not have done itwithout them,” saidSaldivar.

Saldivar rushed formore than 1,600 yardsand scored 18 touch-downs as CHS Varsity

Football team posted a four winsand six losses record last season.

Social Security: Q & A by Ray Vigil

Hector Salvidar

Q. I’m 65 and I get my retirementbenefits now. But I want to go backto work. Do I still have to pay SocialSecurity and Medicare taxes?

A. Yes, you’ll always have to paySocial Security and Medicare tax onwork and self-employment earnings.But what you pay may increase yourSocial Security benefit. We examineyour record periodically to see if ad-ditional earnings increase yourmonthly amount. Since your retire-ment benefit is based on averageearnings in a set number of years, itwill only go up if the new earningsare higher than before.

Q. Will I automatically start gettingSocial Security benefits when I turnage 65?

A. No, Social Security benefits willnot start automatically; you must ap-ply for benefits. If you’re nearingretirement, you should know that it’sbest to contact Social Security sev-eral months, even a year, before yourplanned retirement date. Then youcan be sure that you start your ben-efits when it’s best for you.

Q. Can I go back to work withoutaffecting my children’s paymentsfrom Social Security? They’ve beengetting monthly checks on their re-tired father’s earnings record.

A. The amount of benefits your chil-dren receive is not affected by yourearnings. Their payments will con-tinue until they reach age 18 (19 ifthey’re still in high school) or untilthey marry. However, if you receivebenefits as a mother caring for a childunder 16 or disabled, your benefitsmay be affected by your earnings.

Q. Are there special rules for Fed-eral, State and local governmentworkers and their spouses?

A. Yes. There are two factsheetsavailable from Social Security whichexplain the different rules, Govern-ment Pension Offset and WindfallElimination Provision. If your earn-ings were not subject to paying so-cial security taxes, your benefits willbe figured under a different formulaor they might be subject to two-thirdsreduction depending on whether youapply for social security on your own

record or your spouse’s.

Q. My wife recently died at age 56.She had worked steadily up until be-coming ill a couple of months ago.I’m 60 years old. Could I get SocialSecurity benefits as her survivingspouse?

A. Yes. You, as the surviving spouse,may be able to get survivors’ benefitsbeginning at age 60, provided thatyour late wife had enough years ofwork under Social Security to befully insured for benefits.

Q. Do I have to use direct deposit?

A. Social Security strongly encouragesall Social Security and SSI beneficia-ries to receive their monthly benefitsby direct deposit. As of January 2000,75 percent of all Social Security andSSI beneficiaries received their ben-efits by direct deposit. You can stillreceive your Social Security or Supple-mental Security Income benefit bycheck, but you should consider themany benefits direct deposit offers(e.g. no mail delays or check cashingfees, and it is safer).

For more information visit your lo-cal Security office, see http://www.ssa:gov, or call us at 1-800-772-1213. If you have any questions

that you would like to have answered,please mail them to the Social Secu-rity Office, 11111 Gateway West, Attn:Ray Vigil, El Paso, Texas 79935.

WEST TEXAS COUNTY COURIERFebruary 7, 2002 Page 7

OUT ON A LIMB By Gary Kopervas

GOT A LIFE By Terri Davis

THE SPATS By Jeff Pickering

R.F.D. By Mike Marland

Comix

Put us towork for you.

852-3235

Newspapers work!

By Don FloodGood news, frustrated and

frazzled parents!Lawrence Cohen, a Boston psy-

chologist, has written a bookcalled “Playful Parenting” thatstresses the importance of play inraising children.

Take, for example, the classicproblem of a child taking too longto get ready for school.

The old-fashioned approach wasto smack the kid into submission.

Later, as modern parents be-came sensitive to the need for anurturing approach, they threat-ened nuclear warfare or to ban useof the telephone for 10,000 years.

But a new day is dawning. Here,according to Cohen, is what youshould do if your child refuses toget ready for school: put his pantson your head and dance around abit!

Yes, you read that correctly. Puthis pants on your head. Dancearound.

And while you’re at it, getyour paperwork squared away sothat your family won’t have towaste precious time having youcommitted!

Despite the fact I have never

Yes, parenting can be fun!tried this approach — yet — I canguarantee you it will work.

In fact, not only will your child getout of the house in a jiffy, the nexttime you hear from him will be whenhe writes home from college askingfor more money.

Problem solved!If you’re honest, you’ll have to

admit you’ve never even thought ofthat approach, have you?

No wonder your kid is depressed,stuck with a stuffed shirt like you!

Here are more ways — courtesyof me this time — to make a game ofparenting.

Typical problem: You order yourkid a meal at a restaurant, but he re-fuses to eat.

In the old days — about two weeksago — parents would hold a child’snose closed, wait till he was forcedto breathe through his mouth, shovethe food down his throat and then jerkhis jaw up and down to simulatechewing.

In its own way, of course, this wasfun too, but think how much better itwould be to make a game of it.

Using your spoon as a catapult,launch foodstuff missiles into themouths of other family members ornearby diners.

Etiquette tip: If your fellow din-ers don’t seem to be entering intothe spirit of the game, ask to beseated in the “food-throwing” section.

When your child sees how muchfun everyone is having, he’ll begto join in!

Another tip: Take turns shootingfood into each other’s mouths. Foreach successful “basket,” theplayer is awarded two points. Be-fore you know it, dinner will beover!

Typical problem: Child forgetsto brush his teeth.

Take the toothpaste, squirt it upyour nose and then do somersaultsaround the bathroom.

He’ll never forget to brushagain!

Typical problem: Kid fidgets toomuch.

Instead of fussing, collapse onthe floor and start flailing aroundlike an electrified monkey.

If someone sends for medicalpersonnel, “come out” of the con-vulsions briefly to explain thatyou’re just trying to stop your childfrom fidgeting.

If they have children of theirown, they should understand.

And if they don’t understand,then they’re obviously no fun.__________________________________________(c) 2002 King Features Synd., Inc.

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CANUTILLO — Canut i l loHigh School Business Profes-sionals of America (BPA) stu-dents advanced to state finals af-ter placing first or second in vari-ous business events during theBPA area competit ion held atYsleta High School recently.About 300 students from localarea school districts participated.

Nine CHS students will be amongthe group of high school studentswho will represent the El Paso areain the BPA State Conference, Febru-

Canutillo BPAcompetitorsqualifyfor state

ary 28 through March 2, in Houston.Eight CHS students were named statealternates in their events.

CHS State Qualifiers are: RubenSalinas, Jackie Segovia, JeremyNelson, Mildred Ruiz, Brenda Cor-ral, Alejandra Marquez, Ruben Vogt,Alejandra Marquez, and DalilaSalazar.

CHS State Alternates are: PrincessTrillo, Marilyn Valdez, BiancaCortez, Indira Montenegro, RubenSalinas, Jackie Segovia, RubyPalacios, Michael Saenz, AndyAcosta, and Bianca Cortez.

BPA advisors are Canutillo HighSchool teachers Denise Werge, TimBarno, Carol Sherman and BonnieLugo.

Top finishers in the state contestswill be eligible for national competi-tion which will be held during theBPA National Leadership Confer-ence, May 8-12, in Chicago, Illinois.

For more information: 877-7500 or877-7532.

BOUND FOR STATE — Canutillo High students qualify for BPA statecompetition. Shown seated: Alejandra Marquez, senior; and standing,from left, Tim Barno, teacher; Carol Sherman, teacher; Brenda Corral,junior; Ruben Vogt, senior; Jackie Segovia, junior; Mildred Ruiz, jun-ior; Jeremy Nelson, freshman; and Dalila Salazar, senior.

By Alfredo Vasquez�Special to the Courier

WEST TEXAS COUNTY COURIER February 7, 2002Page 8

THURSDAY

Bright sunshine.

60°▲ ▼

THUR. NIGHT

Clear.

FRIDAY

Sunny.

62°▲ 36°▼

SATURDAY

Bright sunshine.

66°▲ 38°▼

SUNDAY

Intervals of cloudsand sunshine.

68°▲ 42°▼

MONDAY

Times of sun andclouds.

66°▲ 36°▼

TUESDAY

Clouds and sun.

58°▲ 28°▼

WEDNESDAY

A good deal ofsun.

52°▲ 28°▼

WEATHER AccuWeather .com

SEVEN-DAY FORECAST FOR EL PASO

TEXAS WEATHER TRAVELERS CITIESUV INDEX

REAL FEEL TEMP™

AGRICULTURE

Statistics for noon.

Thursday ............ 6 ............ModerateFriday ................ 6 ............ModerateSaturday ............ 6 ............ModerateSunday .............. 5 ............ModerateMonday .............. 5 ............ModerateTuesday .............. 4 ....................LowWednesday ........ 5 ............Moderate

The higher the UV Index, the greaterthe need for eye and skin protection.

Albuquerque 56/28/s 58/28/s 56/26/s 58/32/pc 58/32/pcAtlanta 46/32/r 56/36/s 58/38/s 58/40/pc 62/42/cAtlantic City 42/30/sn 44/32/pc 44/28/pc 42/28/c 46/34/cAustin/San Antonio 62/40/s 68/42/s 68/46/s 68/50/pc 68/52/cBaltimore 42/30/sn 46/30/pc 44/28/pc 42/26/pc 44/30/cBoston 36/24/c 36/26/c 34/22/sn 34/22/c 38/32/cChicago 40/26/pc 36/28/sf 38/26/sf 36/24/c 32/18/snDallas/Ft. Worth 58/40/s 64/42/s 64/44/pc 64/46/c 62/48/rDenver 54/28/s 56/24/pc 48/22/pc 54/24/s 46/22/pcFlagstaff 54/18/s 51/20/pc 52/23/pc 50/25/pc 43/6/cHouston 66/36/s 68/40/s 68/40/pc 70/44/pc 72/52/cKansas City 44/22/s 42/24/s 42/28/pc 42/26/pc 40/18/snLas Vegas 63/40/pc 66/44/pc 68/46/c 68/44/c 61/27/pcMiami 80/60/sh 76/58/pc 76/60/pc 78/64/pc 78/63/pcMinneapolis 34/14/pc 34/16/sn 30/12/sf 28/12/pc 28/10/pcNew Orleans 58/38/pc 64/42/s 68/48/s 68/52/s 70/54/sNew York City 42/30/c 42/32/pc 42/28/c 40/28/pc 42/34/sPhiladelphia 42/30/c 44/30/pc 44/26/pc 42/26/r 44/32/pcPhoenix 75/48/s 75/48/s 75/50/s 77/52/s 75/50/pcPortland 48/38/c 50/42/c 52/44/r 50/38/c 46/36/shSan Francisco 58/44/pc 62/44/pc 64/44/s 64/44/s 62/44/sSeattle 48/38/sh 50/42/c 52/42/r 48/38/r 46/36/shTucson 72/40/s 74/42/s 76/44/s 78/46/s 74/44/pcWashington, DC 44/30/c 46/30/pc 46/30/pc 44/28/pc 46/36/c

City Hi/Lo/W Hi/Lo/W Hi/Lo/W Hi/Lo/W Hi/Lo/WThur. Fri. Sat. Sun. Mon.

The region will continue to remain on the dry side of the pattern with much of the storminess remaining to our east. Expect tempera-tures to average near normal with below normal precipitation through the upcoming week.

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

Thursday .................................... 64°Friday .......................................... 60°Saturday ...................................... 68°Sunday ........................................ 70°Monday ........................................ 70°Tuesday ...................................... 60°Wednesday ................................ 54°

A composite of the effects of temperature, wind,humidity, sunshine intensity, cloudiness, precip-itation, and elevation on the human body.

Shown is Thursday'sweather.Temperatures areThursday's highs andThursday night's lows.

All maps, forecasts and data provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2002

Anthony 60 34

Canutillo 61 35

Fabens 60 35

Clint 60 35

E. Montana 60 34

Socorro 59 33

Horizon 61 35

San Elizario 58 32

Tornillo 59 35

Vinton 61 35El Paso60/34

Santa Fe51/21

Albuquerque56/28

Alamogordo58/28

Las Cruces59/31

Deming59/34 Carlsbad

62/32

Amarillo62/26

Lubbock54/32

Alpine60/30

Odessa61/33

Lajitas64/32

Ruidoso55/31

Cloudcroft45/10

CiudadJuárez58/34

34°

Mexico

As another tax season ap-proaches, Social Security Admin-istration is expecting an increasedvolume of social security numberinquiries as taxpayers prepare tofile their tax returns electronically.All dependents born any time incalendar year 2001 will require anSSN or an IRS issued tax identifi-cation number for tax year 2001.Needing an SSN for federal, Stateor local tax purposes is not a validnon-work reason for issuing anSSN to an alien without work au-thorization. Identity theft and so-

SSA changes you should know about while preparing for tax seasoncial security number (SSN) fraudhas always been a concern for theAdministration.

Effective Jan. 14, 2002, the localSocial Security Offices will no longerbe able to issue full “Numident”printouts for purpose of providingSSN verifications. A Numident is arecord of the information provided bythe individual on his or her applica-tion for an original SSN and subse-quent applications for replacementcards. These requests will now besubmitted directly to Central Officein Baltimore, Maryland with the ap-

propriate fee of $16. Various thirdparties have become familiar withsocial security jargon and terminol-ogy that individuals are being askedby these third parties to provide averification of their SSN. Providingthe Numident record to a third partydiscloses more information than thethird party needs. The agency hascreated a new Numident Social Se-curity Number verification documentthat will show name and social secu-rity number only. There is no fee forthis record. Social Security wants toencourage tax preparers to consider

completing the return based on infor-mation and the personal recordsreadily available to the taxpayer, in-cluding the individual’s SSN card,prior year tax returns, W-2s, birthcertificates, etc.

Another change in the SSN processis that a mandatory in person inter-view is now required of any U.S.born individual 12 years of age orolder, applying for an original socialsecurity number. The interview isintended to locate a prior SSN byhelping the applicant recall possiblecircumstances under which an SSN

may have been needed so he/she canlocate the SSN and also prevent theassignment of an SSN to an indi-vidual assuming a false identity.

Two more changes, all U.S. birthcertificates will be verified for allU.S. born applicants over age 1 ap-plying for an original SSN and anidentity document will be requiredfor original SSN applicants regard-less of age.

These changes will affect the SSNapplication process with possibledelays in assigning SSNs and issu-ing SSN cards.