NEWSBRIEFS

Nobody can have too many friends, butone enemy may constitute a surplus.

— Quips & Quotes

See BRIEFS, Page 4

SERVING ANTHONY, VINTON, CANUTILLO, EAST MONTANA, HORIZON, SOCORRO, CLINT, FABENS, SAN ELIZARIO AND TORNILLOVOL. 31, No. 5 JANUARY 29, 2004

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Drugs haltedAgents of the U.S. Customs and BorderProtection at Ft. Hancock seized 979pounds of marijuana on Jan. 21 and ap-prehended a suspected drug smuggler, 19-year-old Carlos Luis Ramos of El Paso,when they made a traffic stop of a 1995Chevy Astro van traveling Farm Road 192from the Rio Grande River. The bundlesof marijuana, wrapped in white plasticsacks wrapped in brown tape, were clearlyvisible in the rear cargo area of the van,which agents said was traveling low to theground. The drugs were valued at about$783,000. Over the weekend of Jan. 17-18, Ft. Hancock agents seized another 511pounds of marijuana and agents at Fabens,478 pounds. During that same weekend,agents at the checkpoint at 1-25, north ofLas Cruces, discovered some $5 millionin cocaine stashed beneath the cargo areaof a Jeep Liberty, driven by a Kansas resi-dent. To date, agents in the El Paso Bor-der Patrol Sector have made 401 drug sei-zures, valued at over $67 million.

Help with ADHDHelping children cope with the effects ofADHA (Attention Deficit/HyperactivityDisorder) will be the subject of a seminaron Feb. 7, hosted by the El Paso Rehabili-tation Center. Featured speakers in thefields of medicine, education and mentalhealth will discuss preparation to termi-nate medication and/or transitioning intoadulthood, working through frustration,anxiety and failure at school, and positiveintervention in daily challenges. The semi-nar will be at 1101 East Schuster, 8 a.m.to 1 p.m. Registration forms are at the ElPaso Rehabilitation Center, pre-registra-tion fee is $8, late fee after Feb. 4 is $12.All interested persons are welcome, how-ever, only adults should attend as childcareis not available at this time. Information:Lydia Hernandez at 544-8484.

In other news■ A landscaping seminar to assist thoseeligible for the El Paso Water Utilities“Turf Rebate” program will be held onFeb. 26, 28 and March 6. Course topicsinclude how to remove turf-grass, choos-ing and planting water-smart plants andthe basics of landscape design. The coursewill be held at the Texas Cooperative Ex-tension, 1030 North Zaragosa, Suite A.Course participants may then schedule a30-minute, one-on-one consultation on theevening of March 11. Course fee is $35per one set of course materials provided.Registration deadline is Feb. 23, class sizeis limited to 25. Further information onscheduling is available at 859-7725.

■ A family pet photo session forValentine’s Day by photographer Jessie

SAN ELIZARIO — How many times haveyou rolled out of the rack in the mornings to aserious case of bed head, promising that if thatcow lick doesn’t go downyou’ll end up shaving yourhead so you won’t have todeal with it anymore?

We should be so lucky.That’s what San Elizario

High School senior ItzaBeltran thought, at least.During the Christmasbreak, Beltran found herselfalone one day, a teenagersurfing the Internet. Amidsttraffic congestedcyberspace, Beltran founda site that would allow herto change more than herhairstyle. The senior class president clicked onwww.locksoflove.com and found that by sim-ply saving the strands of her soon-to-be snipped

UPPER VALLEY — Canutillo High SchoolModern Dance Class will be one of severalperforming dance groups from area highschools that will participate in the annual“Flashdance” production, beginning at 7 p.m.,Wednesday and Thursday, Jan. 27 and 28, atthe Chamizal National Memorial Theater.

“This is the biggest event in El Paso for highschool modern dance students. The dancers lookforward to this performance more than any other.They get to see all the creative things otherschools have come up with, and we show themwhat we have created,” said Laura Zweber,

MAKING SMOOTH MOVES — Canutillo High School performing dancers, shown sittingfrom left, are Kathleen Norris, Kellum Stephens, Asha Dane’el, Arianni Amaro, Andy Dozal,Lily Nuñez, Jomaira Rodriguez, Rosanne Alderete, Bernice Lucero; and back row, fromleft, is Dulce Torres, Christy Herrera, Kimberly Gonzalez, Ruby Palacios, Celene Arreola,Lisa Santillano, Patty Torres, Laura Torres, Marilyn Carrillo.

Canutillo High School dancersto take the stage in major event

By Alfredo Vasquez�Special to the Courier

By Phillip CortezSpecial to the Courier

Canutillo High School dance instructor.CHS dance students will perform their dance

interpretations to musical selections from theBroadway play “Chicago,” and R&B album“Rhythm Nation.” Zweber’s dancers have beenparticipating in “Flashdance” since its inceptionmore than 18 years ago. She has been the danceinstructor at CHS for the past 10 years — priorto that she taught at Austin High School.

“El Paso Parks and Recreation puts this pro-duction on so that students can get together andmeet each other and have fun. It gives them achance to perform professionally for a diversecrowd and to bond as a dance team,” Zwebersaid.

In 1995, Zweber was named to the El PasoParks & Recreation Dance Hall of Fame.

locks, wigs could be made for sick children.“I’ve always had my hair long,” Beltran said.

“I figured that if I could change my look, oth-ers could have a new look, too.”

“Locks of Love” is a non-profit organiza-tion that provides hairpieces to financially dis-advantaged children under age 18 suffering

from long-term medicalhair loss, according to theweb site. The organization,located in Lake Worth,Florida, says that most ofthe children they help havelost their hair due to amedical condition calledalopecia areata, which hasno known cause or cure.

“The prostheses we pro-vide help to restore theirself-esteem and their con-fidence, enabling them toface the world and theirpeers,” the web site reads.

Needless to say Beltran’s hairstylist wascompletely surprised by her request when shesat in his chair over the holidays. It might have

SEISD senior willingly gives hair to bolster ill youngstershad something to do with the fact that it hadbeen about two years since she significantlycut her hair and that roughly 20 inches of darkbrown hair would be cut off.

“He asked me if I was sure I wanted to gothrough with it,” Beltran said. “But he was im-pressed when I told him what I wanted to do.”

So the mane that used to touch the smallof her back now falls layered just below herneck but not quite down to her shoulders.By making her donation, Beltran says shegot more than a new look for her final se-mester in high school.

“I feel proud of myself because, like me, alot of girls really love their hair,” she said. “Butafter reading through the web site I thought iswas a cool thing to do.”

In order for others to donate to Locks ofLove, Beltran had to follow certain guidelines.The strands of cut hair needed to be placed ina braid or a ponytail and then sealed in a plas-tic bag for mailing.

Locks of love accepts donations from bothmen and women and the length of braided ortailed hair should be at least 10 inches long.Visit locksoflove.com for more information.

CHOP-CHOP — Itza Beltran cut herhair to supply material for wigsbeing made for sick children.

EAST EL PASO COUNTY — Balloons,music and dancing were part of the festivededication on Jan. 16 of Socorro ISD’sDesert Wind Elementary School, located at11 Colina de Paz, northeast of I-10 at theHorizon Blvd. Exit, off Gateway Blvd. West.

The pre-K through 5th-grade campusopened this school year, and has enrolledmore than 650 students during its first year.Students, parents, administrators and schoolboard members gathered in the school caf-eteria and library for the ceremony and re-ception welcomed by Principal David Solis.

Desert Wind students Francisco Tuckerand Alejandra Calvo spoke of their pride inthe school, and various student dance teamsperformed for the crowd. Superintendent Dr.Robert J. Duron, SISD Board of TrusteesPresident Guillermo “Willie” Gandara andTrustees Brenda Castaneda and RayRodriguez joined dancing students on stage.SISD Trustee Craig Patton also attended.

Texas State Rep. Innocente “Chente”Quintanilla and his wife, El Paso Commu-nity College Trustee Gracie Quintanilla alsoattended the event — and danced on stagewith the students.

Later, Dantex Construction CompanyProject Manager Tom Welch and the school’sarchitect, Steve Franco of Carson, Francoand Associates, presented a special metalplaque commemorating the school’s con-struction.

After the ceremony, refreshments andmore entertainment were served up in theschool library as Socorro High School’smariachi group performed and accompaniedparent volunteer and vocalist Carla Gardea.

The school’s celebrations, however, didn’tend Jan 16. The sight of 100 balloons risingover the red roof of school on Jan. 22 markedthe first 100 days of classes. They also en-joyed a parade and a special guest speaker, amember of the Buffalo Soldier’s Organiza-tion, to celebrate Black History Month.

Echele ganas! theysay at Desert Wind

WEST TEXAS COUNTY COURIERPage 2 January 29, 2004

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

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HomesteaderEst. 1973

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Reyes Reports By U.S. Rep. Silvestre Reyes

One perspectiveBy Francis Shrum

There was a time when, if I heardthe name of comedian George Carlin,it was an immediate tune-out. Hedidn’t have anything to say that Iwanted to hear.

Afterall, most of what came out ofhis mouth was meant simply forshock value and dirty words haven’tever had that effect on me. To mythinking, foul language usually justmakes whatever that person said ir-relevant.

But we are all human beings, en-dowed from the beginning of this agewith the capacity for good as well asevil. It was in that context that I re-cently read a piece of writing attrib-uted to Mr. Carlin, sent to me via e-mail from a good friend I do respecthighly. That’s the only reason I readit.

This piece was said to be writtenshortly after Carlin lost his wife ofmany years. I found it surprisinglytouching, filled with insight from aman who has seen life from the bot-tom as well as from the top.

It would be irresponsible for menot to pass it along.

Too bad it took him this long tosay it without turning it blue.

It bore no title other than that givenit by the sender which was “A Won-derful Message.”

“The paradox of our time in his-tory is that we have taller buildingsbut shorter tempers, wider freeways,but narrower viewpoints.

“We spend more, but have less, webuy more, but enjoy less.

“We have bigger houses andsmaller families, more conveniences,but less time. We have more degreesbut less sense, more knowledge, but

Not bad for a guywith a pony tail

less judgment, more experts, yet moreproblems, more medicine, but lesswellness.

“We drink too much, smoke toomuch, spend too recklessly, laugh toolittle, drive too fast, get too angry,stay up too late, get up too tired, readtoo little, watch TV too much, andpray too seldom.

“We have multiplied our posses-sions, but reduced our values. We talktoo much, love too seldom, and hatetoo often.

“We’ve learned how to make a liv-ing, but not a life. We’ve added yearsto life not life to years. We’ve beenall the way to the moon and back, buthave trouble crossing the street tomeet a new neighbor.

“We conquered outer space but notinner space. We’ve done largerthings, but not better things.

“We’ve cleaned up the air, but pol-luted the soul. We’ve conquered theatom, but not our prejudice. We writemore, but learn less. We plan more,but accomplish less. We’ve learnedto rush, but not to wait. We build morecomputers to hold more information,to produce more copies than ever, butwe communicate less and less.

“These are the times of fast foodsand slow digestion, big men andsmall character, steep profits andshallow relationships. These are thedays of two incomes but more di-vorce, fancier houses, but brokenhomes. These are days of quick trips,disposable diapers, throwaway mo-rality, one night stands, overweightbodies, and pills that do everythingfrom cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a timewhen there is much in the showroom

Here in ElPaso, localsmall busi-

nesses pump almost $30 million intoour economy and provide thousandsof jobs each year. With small busi-nesses making such a positive impacton our community, it is important toprovide them with the means to reachtheir potential. A majority of ElPaso’s nearly 1,000 small businesses— and the 23 million small busi-nesses across the country — benefitfrom the U.S. Small BusinessAdministration’s (SBA) 7(a) LoanGuaranty Program.

The $9.4 billion program, whichfinances 40-percent of all SBA loans,is one of the SBA’s most popular pro-grams and is a lifeline for many mi-nority and women-owned businesses.

While many small businesses donot qualify for traditional bank loans,the 7(a) program provides an avenuefor small business owners to accessthe basic operating and expansioncapital they need to survive and grow.

SBA funding essential tomaintaining small business growth

By utilizing this loan program, smallbusinesses have more access to bankfinancing because the SBA guaran-tees 50-85 percent of the loan.

The news last month that the SBAsuspended the 7(a) program under-standably came as a shock to thesmall business community. Duringthese times of high unemployment,why shut this door to opportunity forbusinesses that add about 75-percentof all new jobs to our economy eachyear?

Congress appropriates federalfunding for the SBA each year. TheHouse passed an omnibus appropria-tions bill that included fiscal year2004 funding for the SBA and nu-merous other federal agencies thispast December. The Senate passedthe bill in January, which PresidentBush is expected to sign any day now.Until then, these agencies operate atfiscal year 2003 levels. Due to thepopularity of the 7(a) program, theSBA could not keep up with the de-mand for these loans and was forced

to temporarily suspend the program.The suspension came after the

SBA made efforts to further preservethe program and reach more businessowners by placing a $750,000 cap on7(a) loan amounts.

Fortunately, the SBA re-opened theprogram about a week after the sus-pension began. SBA AdministratorHector Barreto knew the critical im-portance of these loans and that it wasimportant to get the program up andrunning as soon as possible.

Final passage in the Senate and thePresident’s signature of the fiscalyear 2004 Omnibus AppropriationsBill will provide funding for the 7(a)program this year. As Congress be-gins to work on next year’s budget,we will work closely with Adminis-trator Barreto to ensure that the SBAreceives sufficient funding to keepthe program functioning without dif-ficulty. Already, CongresswomanNydia Velázquez, the Ranking

See REYES, Page 5

See PONY TAIL, Page 5

January 29, 2004 WEST TEXAS COUNTY COURIER Page 3

EyeonD.C.

By U.S. Rep. Henry Bonilla

Por la Gente By State Rep. Chente Quintanilla

On a recenttrip to theR o g e l i o

Sanchez State Jail Facility — duringwhich I spoke to inmates who werereceiving their General EquivalencyDiplomas (GED), I was astounded atthe intelligence that some of thesemen exhibited. For one reason oranother, these guys fell through theproverbial cracks, and landed in jail.This is a true tragedy.

I was taken aback to realize thatone reason so many Mexican Ameri-cans turn to crime is that they lack asolid education. Without an educa-tion, their options for making a liv-ing are severely limited. Thus, theyturn to a life of crime, which includeslarceny, drug dealing, and other ne-farious activities.

As a life-long educator, I am thefirst one to say that obtaining a goodeducation is of the utmost impor-tance. I wouldn’t be where I am to-day — as a Texas State Representa-tive — if I hadn’t pursued that edu-

Trip to Rogelio Sanchez facilityreveals need for further education

cational trek. Before becoming a staterepresentative I was an AssociateSuperintendent for the Socorro Inde-pendent School District.

Therefore, I realized that the mostimportant thing a young man orwoman can do is to become educated.I was reminded of this, as I gazed atthe young men who had obtainedtheir GED — a first step in a longprocess, but a vitally important one.I told these young men that anythingis possible, as long as they work hardto attain their goals, and as long asthey keep those goals in mind.

Being a member of this GEDgraduating class is a great thing forthese young people. But, it shouldn’thave to stop there. For those youngmen who are still jailed at that facil-ity, it doesn’t mean that they can’tpursue their dreams even if they’relimited in their movements. The Fa-cility offers them the opportunity tofurther their education.

I am very proud of the great ac-complishment that these men have

garnered. The fact that they were ableto concentrate and focus on obtain-ing their GED is a true measure oftheir abilities. The ability theyshowed in completing their studiesshows that they are not beyond hope.They struggled, they worked hard,and they did it.

This accomplishment wasn’t easy.But, they did it. My message is thatit shouldn’t stop there. Other mem-bers of our society who have had themisfortune of running afoul of thelaw should realize that getting aneducation is the only way they’reever going to make their way out ofthe mire which entraps them. And,yes, today is a new day for those menwho accomplished their dream.

These men strive for that higherpurpose which awaits them. I hopeand trust that they make highereducation their main goal in life.Here’s hoping that these youngpeople learn from their mistakes,and that they keep growing andmoving forward. The last message

As your elected representative inCongress, my highest priority is toserve the constituents of the 23rdDistrict of Texas. Our district coversall or part of 23 counties, which ac-count for approximately 22 percentof the totalsquare miles ofour great state.The 23rd Districtof Texas spanstwo time zones,three climatesand is 55,662square miles.

But no matterwhere you residewithin the 23rdDistrict, my of-fices are there foryou. The members of my staff aretrained to provide a variety of con-stituent services. These servicesrange from assisting people as theynavigate their way through the lay-ers of the federal bureaucracy, tohelping families and schools withtours of Washington, D.C., to provid-ing input on pending legislation, toexpediting passport approvals. Andthat is just the beginning!

The federal government is an enor-mous bureaucracy. And, too often,people who deal with the governmentrun up against confusing, compli-cated and even conflicting rules andregulations. I can help you cutthrough the red tape. Some of themost common problems arise fromSocial Security and Medicare ben-efits; immigration issues; the armedservices; veterans’ services and ben-efits; and regulatory agencies. If youneed assistance with these matters,please do not hesitate to contact me ormy staff at any of my district offices.

We receive calls everyday from

Serving in Congressmeans serving you

constituents requesting informationabout bills pending in Congress, fed-eral laws and regulations, and stateissues. Some excellent resources thatwe use and can be accessed by thepublic include: www.loc.gov/thomas,

a website whereconstituents canlook up informa-tion on pendinglegislation andlaws; andwww.congress.org,a website thatcan be used tosearch for federalofficials, otherCongressionaloffices, theWhite House and

federal agencies. Our Website,www.house.gov/bonilla, providesinformation about Washington, D.C.tourist attractions, how to contact ouroffices, legislative updates, and in-structions about how to order a U.S.flag that has been flown over theCapitol building.

And, of course, if you ever have aquestion, an opinion, or a point ofview about a current issue or a spe-cific piece of legislation, I want tohear from you. Call my office or senda letter or email.

While my office cannot fix everyproblem related to the federal gov-ernment, or fulfill every constituentrequest, we will always try our bestto help. And we can always explorethe options and serve as a source ofreliable information. I believe I haveno higher priority than providinggood constituent service to the peopleof Texas’ 23rd District. If you orsomeone in your family ever thinksmy office can help, I hope you willnot hesitate to contact us.

that I conveyed to them was thatyou can loose your freedom, yourpersonal property, your loved onesbut no one can take away the edu-cation and knowledge you havegained in your lifetime.

For these men, an important first

step has been completed. But, it’sreally up to them to decide how farthey want to go. Life is a challenge,but these men have proved thatthey’re up to that challenge. Goodluck, and God bless you, from yourfriend, Chente for la gente

WEST TEXAS COUNTY COURIERPage 4 January 29, 2004

ORDINANCE NO. 232AMENDMENT NO. 1

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE BUDGET FORTHE FISCAL YEAR OF OCTOBER 1, 2002 TO SEP-TEMBER 30, 2003 FOR THE CITY OF SOCORRO,TEXAS

WHEREAS, an ordinance was enacted on the 15thday of August 2002, which adopted a budget forthe fiscal year of October 1, 2002 to September 30,2003 for the City of Socorro, Texas

WHEREAS, it is now necessary to amend said bud-get for the items not previously considered

BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THECITY OF SOCORRO, THAT:

SECTION I

The following funds to be transferred as follows:

Amount: From: To:

PLANNING DEPARTMENT

$731.04 Salaries Office expense$472.94 Salaries Postage$1,021.37 Salaries Building & property

maintenance$4,066.01 Salaries Telephone$369.12 Salaries Advertising$211.95 Salaries Dues & subscriptions$200.00 Salaries Liability insurance$228.03 Salaries Travel & mileage$686.51 Salaries Vehicle repair

& maintenance$1,251.50 Salaries Equipment repair

& maintenance$1,579.15 Salaries Vehicle fuel

PUBLIC WORKS

$92.55 Salaries Deferred compensation$365.47 Salaries Tools and supplies$2,763.02 Salaries Uniforms$34.78 Salaries Building modification/ADA$674.24 Salaries Building & property

maintenance$15,661.60 Salaries Street maintenance$17,861.68 Salaries Utilities$281.49 Salaries Telephone$57.37 Salaries Dues/subscriptions$241.50 Salaries Support activities$566.92 Salaries Radio communications

& maintenance$8,749.29 Salaries Vehicle repair

& maintenance$7,055.71 Salaries Vehicle fuel$5,259.00 Health insurance Engineering

premiums retainer

HEALTH

$2,015.00 Salaries Dues/subscriptions$950.00 Salaries Support activities

POLICE

$7.50 Salaries Deferred compensation$1,667.32 Salaries Office expense$741.87 Salaries Uniforms$2.90 Salaries Building & property

maintenance$3,800.92 Salaries Telephone$117.00 Salaries Service contract

Amount: From: To:

$729.62 Salaries Equipment rent/lease$9,201.56 Salaries Vehicle repair

& maintenance$2,933.54 Salaries Vehicle fuel$35,525.02 Salaries Property & equipment

COURT

$341.14 Salaries Building & propertymaintenance

$200.00 Salaries Telephone$133.50 Salaries Equipment repair

& maintenance$2,106.93 Salaries Travel/mileage/per diem

ADMINISTRATION

$6,107.45 Salaries Office expense$600.34 Salaries Postage$2,669.15 Salaries Building & property

maintenance$32,421.76 Salaries Legal fees$3,824.98 Salaries Central appraisal fees$3,837.30 Salaries Dues & subscriptions$15,958.29 Salaries Liability insurance$5,516.73 Salaries Service contracts$360.50 Salaries Equipment rent/lease$16,200.00 Salaries Settlements

SPECIAL PROJECTS

$413.82 Health insurance FICA expense$1,219.65 Health insurance Office expense$219.41 Seminars/training Telephone

RIO VISTA COMMUNITY CENTER

$1,099.47 Property & equipment Office expense$762.57 Property & equipment Building &

propertymaintenance

$2,961.03 Property & equipment Telephone$24.51 Property & equipment Support

activities$454.08 Property & equipment Vehicle

repair &maintenance

FROM ADMINISTRATION TO SPECIAL PROJECTS

$5,410.80 Salaries Salaries

Section II

The budget amendment shall be on file with the CitySecretary for public inspection, and upon request, atrue and correct (copy) of same will be delivered inhand, at the City Secretary’s office upon the request ofany taxpayer and citizen of the City of Socorro, Texas.

Section III

This ordinance was enacted with all requisites and for-malities incident the enactment of ordinance, and suchis evidence by the below signatures.

SIGNED AND ENACTED THIS _________DAY OF_________ , 2003

Irma S. SanchezMayor

ATTEST: APPROVED:Yolanda Rodela Chris BorundaInterim City Clerk City Attorney

City of SocorroPUBLIC NOTICEA PUBLIC HEARING will be held at 6:30 p.m. during the City CouncilMeeting of Thursday, February 5, 2004at City Hall, 124 S. Horizon Blvd.,Socorro, Texas. Purpose of the public hearing is to allow any interestedperson to appear and testify at the hearing regarding the following pro-posed ordinance(s):

1) Ordinance No. 232, Amendment No. 1, an ordinance amend-ing the Budget for the Fiscal Year of October 1, 2002 to Septem-ber 30, 2003 for the City of Socorro, Texas.

Those that are unable to attend the public hearing may submit their viewsto the City of Socorro. Accommodations for handicapped persons will beavailable; handicapped persons in need of special assistance for attendingthe hearings are encouraged to contact the City Secretary (915) 858-2915,forty-eight (48) hours prior to this meeting. Ordinances are too extensiveto print. Copies of ordinances are posted in City Hall and are availableupon request.

The City of Socorro promotes Fair Housing/Affirmative Action and is anEqual Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against race, color,creed, or national origin.

YOLANDA RODELAInterem City Secretary

WTCC: 01/29/04

Miller will be hosted Saturday, Feb. 14, 10a.m. to 5 p.m. by Valley Feed/PETsBARN,far west side location, 5500 N. Desert, I-10and Redd Road. Any well-behaved pet canbe brought in, leashes or carriers requestedfor dogs and cats. A portion of the proceedswill go to benefit the El Paso animal rescueefforts. Appointments are required — callAmy Crown at 833-1178.

■ Canutillo High School’s Future BusinessLeaders of America (FBLA) chapter hasfour students advancing to state competi-tion after participating in the FBLA Area IILeadership conference contests held re-cently at Del Valle High School. CHS stu-dents advancing to state for placing first intheir events are freshmen Christy Cereceresand Nancy Esparza; and juniors RicardoHuerta and Zenia Nuñez. Students from 13high schools competed in 41 differentevents for the opportunity to represent AreaII in the FBLA state finals that are sched-uled for March 4-6, in Houston. Highschools participating in the Area II confer-ence were Franklin, Del Valle, Socorro,Andress, Burges, Eastwood, Jefferson,Montwood, Americas, Bel Air, Hanks, Riv-erside, and Canutillo. “These competitionshelp students develop self-confidence andenhance their computer and business skills,and they give them an opportunity to meetFBLA students from other schools,” statedCarmen Guzman, CHS business teacher.Guzman and Yvonne Lugo, CHS businessteacher, are the FBLA co-sponsors forCanutillo High School.

■ The Horizon Regional Municipal Utili-ties District (formerly the El Paso CountyWater Authority) is seeking applications tofill a vacancy on the board of directors cre-ated by the recent acceptance by the boardof the resignation of Skip Lutzweiler. Forapplication information contact theHRMUD at 852-3917.

■ The Texas Department of Agriculture re-minds cotton growers in Zone 10 that Feb.1 is the deadline for cotton stalk destruc-tion to comply with producer-establisheddates to control bollweevils. This deadlineapplies to El Paso County and the portionof Hudspeth County bounded by I-10 onthe north, the El Paso County line on thewest, the Rio Grande on the south and aline from old Ft. Quitman north along Hwy34 to I-10 on the east. Zone 10 is a shredand plow zone with additional requirementthat the ground be plowed to a minimumdepth of six inches. For more information,contact the TDA West Texas office at 806-799-8555.

■ The 55-acres that make up the groundsof El Paso’s National Park, Chamizal Na-tional Memorial, take on new definition inan exhibition entitled Mystical Land —Powerful Forces which opens with a recep-tion on Thursday, Feb. 5, 5:30-7:30 p.m. inthe Los Paisanos Gallery of the ChamizalNational Memorial. The public is invited.Three major works by El Paso artist BillHerring in his exhibit of 32 new pieces de-pict the Chamizal. Poet AntonioYoungblood Evans has written five poemsfor the exhibit, two about the Chamizal.Both will be present for the reception. Theexhibit runs through Feb. 22. For additionalinformation, call 532-7273.

BriefsFrom Page 1______________________

CHANDLER, AZ — Mrs.Estela Alderete Reyes, 80, alongtime former resident ofCanutillo, and mother ofCongressman SilvestreReyes, passed away Wednes-day in Chandler, Arizona.

Born on Jan. 12, 1924,Mrs. Reyes was the fifth of14 children born to Canutillopioneers Bernardo Aldereteand Maria GallegosAlderete. The Alderete fam-ily was not only one of theoldest families in the MesillaValley but one of the oldestin New Mexico, precedingthe pilgrims’ arrival at Ply-mouth Rock.

She died at the home of her daughter Doloresand son-in-law Ruben Enriquez Sr. in Chandler.

She graduated from El Paso High School in1943 and later married Rafael Reyes, son ofSilvestre Reyes and Tomasa Ornelas Reyes.Their first of 10 children was born the follow-ing year. “She devoted her life to her familyand was married for 25 years to Father untilhis untimely passing in 1968,” recalls her son,Rafael II. “Her greatest joy in life was her chil-dren, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.Her memory was legendary, and she never for-got a birthday or a special occasion.

“Mother had a strong devotion to the deityof our Holy Mother and the Sacred Heart ofJesus. Saint Jude was a pillar of support forher. Her faith sustained her through the loss ofher husband and our father, our brotherEduardo and her later health concerns.

“Mother was a great lady, kind, considerate,gentle and loving. She lived her life with a greatdeal of dignity and was humble about her bless-

Estela Alderete Reyes, former Canutillo resident, dies in Arizona

ings. Will Rogers never met a man he did notlike, and Mother never met anyone who didnot like her. A Roman Catholic, she was al-ways respectful and tolerant of others.”

Viewing and rosary will be held 6-8 p.m.Sunday at Falconer Funeral Home, 251 W. Ju-niper, Gilbert, Arizona, to be followed on Mon-day by a funeral mass at 10 a.m. at Christ theKing Church Catholic Church and burial atQueen of Heaven Cemetery in Mesa, Arizona.

She is survived by her sons, Silvestre, RafaelII, Francisco, Jesus and Tomas; daughtersDolores Enriquez, Isabel Carrasco, Mary Grayand Carmen Cortez; brothers, Angel Aldereteand Carlos Alderete; sisters, Albina Alderete,Esperanz Morales, Pilar Saenz and EmmaOrrantia; 24 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. A son, Eduardo, preceded herin death.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be madeto the Diabetes and Kidney Research Founda-tions or a favorite charity.

Estela Reyes, center, with her son Congressman SilvestreReyes and his wife Carolina.

Miss an issue?www.wtccourier.com

January 29, 2004 WEST TEXAS COUNTY COURIER Page 5

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

RENDITIONS1. Personal Property (mandatory beginning 2004 — failure to file a business rendition will

result in a 10% penalty).2. Real Estate

DEADLINE FOR FILING OF RENDITIONS, PROPERTY INFORMATION REPORTS,AND REPORTS OF DECREASED VALUE IS THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2004. A filing exten-sion will be allowed for business renditions upon receipt of a written request received by theApril 15, 2004 filing deadline.

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. Widow 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 2003, 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 USEVALUATIONS IS APRIL 30, 2004, FOR ALL TAXING JURISDICTIONS. ALL OF THEABOVE APPLICATIONS MUST BE FILED EITHER IN PERSON OR BY MAIL AT THEEL PASO CENTRAL APPRAISAL DISTRICT, 5801 TROWBRIDGE, EL PASO, TEXAS79925. FOR APPLICATIONS OR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT THEAPPRAISAL DISTRICT AT (915) 780-2131.

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

★E

L

PASO CENTRAL

★

AP

PR

A I S A L D I S T RI C

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★El Paso Central �Appraisal District �

5801 Trowbridge

Bassett �Center

I-10 EastBelding Dr.

I-10 WestTrowbr idge

Montana Ave. Magruder

N

Member on the House Small Busi-ness Committee, is organizing a hear-ing to review the shutdown of thepopular program.

Over the past three years, the 7(a)program has provided financing tomore than 40,000 new small busi-nesses and 99,000 existing smallbusinesses. SBA officials, banks and

lenders alike praise the program asone of the most efficient and effec-tive programs available to small busi-nesses. Here in El Paso, our cham-bers of commerce and local lendinginstitutions exist to help you under-stand and utilize these governmentloans.

Small businesses build communityand jobs, and in the year ahead, I willwork to ensure that 7(a) funding isavailable for these businesses to con-tinue their important contributions toour economy and quality of life.

ReyesFrom Page 2______________________

Pony tailFrom Page 2______________________

window and nothing in the stock-room. A time when technology canbring this letter to you, and a timewhen you can choose either to sharethis insight, or to just hit delete.

“Remember, spend some time withyour loved ones, because they are notgoing to be around forever. Remem-ber, say a kind word to someone wholooks up to you in awe, because thatlittle person soon will grow up andleave your side. Remember, to give awarm hug to the one next to you, be-

cause that is the only treasure youcan give with your heart and itdoesn’t cost a cent.

“Remember, to say, ‘I love you’ toyour life’s partner and your lovedones, but most of all mean it. A kissand an embrace will mend hurt whenit comes from deep inside of you.Remember to hold hands and cher-ish the moment for someday that per-son will not be there again.

“Give time to love, give time tospeak, and give time to share the pre-cious thoughts in your mind.”

You just never know what’s goingon in somebody’s head. Not bad fora guy with a pony tail.

CarlisleNavidomskis

M.Ed., LPC, RPTFamily Counselor

By appointment only • Se habla españolMedicaid and insurance accepted

14200 Ashford (915) 433-7727Horizon City, Texas 79928 cnlpc@earthlink.net

Horizon Family Counseling

EL PASO COUNTY — Strivingto provide the time, talent, resourcesand room to individualize everychild’s high school experience, ElPaso Academy, a local, privately run,non-profit, tuition free public char-ter high school is paying $1000 eachto its qualified students for college.

A state-sponsored, early highschool graduation incentive programpromising $1000 in college tuitionproved so popular that combinedwith subsequent budget shortfalls,the state ran out of funds and the pro-gram was discontinued.

EPA, rather than discourage itscollege-bound students, now contrib-utes the same funds to its students tohelp them realize the dream of a col-lege education. Students who gradu-ate in 36 months or less receive thefunds for an in-state institution ofhigher learning, which includes aTexas university, community collegeor business school.

“So many kids do fall through thecracks, we feared this might lead toeven more of them foregoing at-tempts to attend college,” said

Katherine Reid, superintendent andfounder of the Academy, which is atwo-campus, non-sectarian, fully ac-credited school adhering to the TexasEducation Agency’s requirements forgraduation.

In addition, the 525-student schoolprovides dual-credit programs com-plete with instructors, college levelbooks and assigned student mentorsto further help qualified students geta head-start on courses when enter-ing community college.

“This attracts not only our core stu-dents, but advanced, honor studentswho take advantage of our gifted andtalented program and are committedto college,” said Reid. “With this cur-riculum, we can accommodate theirdrive to continue their education.”

All Academy programs are self-paced, with students receiving 60hours of contact time with instruc-tors in six-week runs. Two credits ormore are achieved within six weeks,but advanced students and thoseworking toward early graduation canmeet it in as little as two or threeweeks. Classes structured within

three tracks—morning, mid-day andafternoon—help students who workmaintain a flexible schedule.

“Children learn, discover and cre-ate at their own pace,” said Reid, aremedial reading specialist who pre-viously operated Quick Study Learn-ing Centers and spent decades teach-ing in public schools. “We work withevery student to help them determinetheir own level of comfort and ad-vancement while introducing them toa myriad of educational opportuni-ties.”

Amidst very small teacher/studentratios, every Academy instructorholds at least a bachelors’ degree,while many have masters or PhDs.Students derive from public highschool referrals, parent inquiries andinterested students themselves. Allstudents must pass an assessmenttest, sign a code of conduct with theirparents, and wear uniforms.

From “back-to-basics” programsto “expeditionary learning,” theAcademy’s curriculum allows stu-dents to work at their own pace, de-velop strong academic skills, learn

individually or in small groups, haveaccess to state-of-the-art technologyand computer science and use edu-cational software to enhance theirlearning.

“El Paso Academy flexes itsmuscles everyday to give students thebest education, counseling and socialwork,” said Reid. “They’re nevermore than a few feet away from ateacher, counselor, social worker,therapist or staff worker who caresabout them with genuine, loving,supportive, personal attention.”

Charter schools like the Academyhave become Texas’ answer tovoucher programs, which the statedoesn’t utilize. They were created inthe early 1990s and date in Texas to1995. El Paso Academy opened itsdoors in 2000 as a strong alternativefor students who have difficulty find-ing their way in traditional learningenvironments.

Funded by the Texas EducationAgency like all public schools, theyreceive about 60% of the per studentfees received by traditional highschools, an average per-pupil rate of

$4507 vs. $7000. Since charters don’treceive facility funding or propertytax money, they must rely on grantsand community donations to operate.El Paso County’s nine school districtsare all operated on funds derivedfrom individual district propertytaxes.

For more information about ElPaso Academy, its $1000 scholarshipprogram or dual credit communitycollege courses, call Kathrine Reidat (915) 590-8589.

El Paso Academy is an example of Texas’ answer to voucher education

WEST TEXAS COUNTY COURIERPage 6 January 29, 2004

King Super Crossword

By Steve Escajeda�Special to the Courier

TRICKY BUSINESSACROSS

1 Dollops 5 Russian ruler 9 ’87 Peace Prizewinner 14 Incur, as bills 19 “Thanks _!” 20 Dingy digs 21 Jargon 22 Crop up 23 Clothing store? 25 Gary Cooper in“High Noon”? 27 Asian nation 28 Jab 30 Genetic info 31 Poetic preposition 32 Stoltz or Sevareid 34 Actress Perlman 38 Brazier bits 41 Seats picked up inthe Senate? 45 Bank (on) 46 Tai _ (martial art) 47 Recruit-to-be 48 Baseball’s Sammy 50 Coaxed 54 Plane place 57 Bedroom furniture 59 Elbow _ 60 Available 61 Photo finish 62 Bright 64 Part of MST 65 Mediocre 67 Mason’s need 68 Any

69 Deplores 70 Scandinavian com-puter? 73 Puts another wormon the hook? 75 Composer Janacek 76 Chip off Woody’sblock 78 Archaeological site 81 Class ring? 82 Galley feature 83 Absolutely adored 84 “_ Gay” 86 Socialite Perle 90 Anti-knock stuff 92 Glisten 94 Chaos 95 Puppeteer Lewis 96 Israeli dance 97 Counterfeit 99 States, for short100 Mighty mite103 Marina statistics?107 Corelli composition109 Macpherson of “Si-rens”110 Word form for“minute”111 Salon request112 La-la lead-in114 Castle material117 Contaminate121 NBA handicap-pers?127 “One really thicksteak, please”?129 Simpson of fashion130 Paul of “American

Graffiti”131 Currier’s partner132 Siegmeister orWiesel133 Greek sandwiches134 Atlanta campus135 AMEX rival136 Take-out order?

DOWN 1 Stare stupidly 2 Dairy-case pur-chase 3 Piglet’s papa 4 Meryl of “Marvin’sRoom” 5 Even if, informally 6 Trace 7 As well 8 Stink 9 “_ of You” (’84 hit) 10 _ Branco, Brazil 11 Caravansary 12 Like fine wine 13 Tulsa type 14 Brit. fliers 15 Psychic Geller 16 More congenial 17 PC enthusiasts 18 Parisian papa 24 Mata _ 26 Singer Georgie 29 Significant years 33 “Take _ leave it!” 35 Sounded like a ser-pent 36 Seth’s son 37 Evaluate

39 Divulge, with “out” 40 Bronte heroine 41 Detective Charlie 42 Nonstandard con-traction 43 A swan was herswain 44 Country star Brooks 46 Comic Margaret 49 Strong suit 51 Entire range 52 Senator Kefauver 53 Cozy rooms 55 Pants 56 Each 58 Monty’s milieu 59 Loon’s relative 61 Demi or Dudley 63 It multiplies by di-viding 66 Declare 69 Bendix role 70 TV host Robin 71 Major artery 72 Swanky 74 Soprano Gluck 75 See 83 Down 77 Block 78 Go off track 79 Print-shop supply 80 Emulates O’Meara 83 With 75 Down,“Gigi” author 85 Turn pages 87 Andrew of “MelrosePlace” 88 “Guarding _” (’94film)

89 Flock o’ docs 91 Irish island group 93 Inland sea 94 Big beginning 98 Ignites101 ConductorKlemperer102 Christie sleuth104 Bandleader Brown105 Till106 Laughed loudly107 Disreputable108 Aquatic animal111 Unexpected ob-stacle113 “Excuse me”115 Exiled dictator116 Dark blue118 Run in neutral119 Sedaka or Simon120 Dendrologist’s con-cern122 Arafat’s grp.123 Part of USAR124 Funnyman Philips125 Prepare to feather?126 Farm feature128 Nationality suffix

Answer Page 7

It’s surely no secret that, over the years,UTEP has been forced to recruit football play-ers that the major programs around the nationdidn’t consider worthy.

The Miners were always left the scraps thebig-name schools left behind.

And to say that the Miners have done a prettylousy job with their choices over the years

Price, Ebell bring hope to UTEPwould be the understatement of the last threedecades.

But it appears those days may, and I empha-size the word “may,” be over.

And it’s all because of new coach and saviorMike Price.

Because of, and only because of Price, theUTEP football team made national news lastweek. And unlike the norm, the news wasgood.

Seems even one of the most sought after run-ning backs in the nation knows about Mike

Price. Tyler Ebell was considered the top highrunning back in the nation three years ago com-ing out of high school when he signed withUCLA.

In two seasons at UCLA, Ebell gained 1,495yards, scored 12 touchdowns and averaged 4.3yards per carry.

But after those two years, Ebell, because ofa coaching change, decided that he didn’t likethings there and wanted a change of scenery.Ebell considered the Florida Gators and the SanDiego State Aztecs but chose UTEP.

He chose UTEP! That puts UTEP on thecredibility map.

Ebell’s decision to come to El Paso, in a way,tells other recruits that it’s okay to come to El

Paso. It says somethinggreat is about to happenhere.

Let’s see what Ebell,who rushed for 994 yardsas a freshman, did atUCLA in 2002 againstthose big-time PAC-10opponents.

In one six-game span herushed for 203 yards and atouchdown at OregonState, 119 against Oregon,102 and a touchdown atCalifornia, 160 and atouchdown againstStanford, 102 and threetouchdowns at Washingtonand 124 and two touch-downs at Arizona.

Three of those six teams(Oregon State, Oregon andWashington) went on tobowl games that season.

So let’s put it this way, Ithink it’s safe to say thatEbell can compete againstWAC competition.

ESPN, CNN/Sports Il-lustrated, The SportingNews, everybody had thenews of Ebell’s transfer toUTEP. It made news andthat’s what Mike Pricepromised when he tookover the program.

Don’t be surprised to seeother big name athletessign to play football withthe Miners in the next fewyears.

The status quo hasfailed miserably for 30years at UTEP. Say helloto a new era of UTEPfootball. And let’s say

goodbye to the past… hopefully for good.

Pats or Panthers?This Sunday is one of the most special days

of the year — Super Bowl Sunday.And though this year’s game lacks super-

star status (no Marshall Faulk, no PeytonManning, no Randy Moss, no Priest Holmes,no Brett Favre), it’s still an intriguingmatchup.

The New England Patriots, super bowlchamps of just two years ago take on the Caro-lina Panthers, the new guys on the champion-ship-game block.

The Patriots began the season as one of thefavorites to get here while absolutely no onewas talking about the Carolina Panthers.

New England is the favorite and theyhave an emerging superstar in quarterbackTom Brady. Carolina’s quarterback is JakeDelhomme, a guy most fans had neverheard of.

Both teams have very good defenses butthere is one glaring difference that I think willmake all the difference in this one… the run-ning game.

Carolina’s Stephen Davis (1,444) andDeShaun Foster (429) combined for 1,873yards on the ground and averaged 4.1 yardsper carry while New England’s AntowainSmith (642) and Kevin Faulk (638) combinedfor just 1,280 yards and a weak 3.5 yard percarry average.

But in the playoffs, Carolina’s duo of Davisand Foster have been even more impressivegaining 419 yards (140 per game) while thePatriots’ Smith and Faulk have managed just199 yards in two games (99.5 avg.).

So I say Carolina will eke out an overtime27-24 win in one of the best Super Bowl gamesever. Oh, and the commercials should be prettygood, too.

Start a football teamWell, now you can — and at a rock bottom

price.If you’re looking for some football equip-

ment you might want to make a call to EastTennessee State University, which is sitting ona bunch of football shoes, shoulder pads, jer-seys, game pants, practice shorts, practiceshirts, face masks, tackling dummies, sleds andcoaches’ communication systems since theschool dropped football last year.

Starting Feb. 5, the university will beginauctioning off the equipment and the proceedswill go to fund other school sports.

School officials say they have receivedplenty of inquiries about the football stuff soyou better act fast.

I’m sure the Dallas Cowboys are wonderingif they have any quarterbacks for sale.

January 29, 2004 WEST TEXAS COUNTY COURIER Page 7

ComixOUT ON A LIMB By Gary Kopervas

AMBER WAVES By Dave T. Phipps

THE SPATS By Jeff Pickering

R.F.D. By Mike Marland

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ants with incomesless than 40% ofthe AMGI, and 9%will be for tenantswith incomes lessthan 30% of theAMGI. Income lev-els range between$8,650 to $28,680for families withsizes 1-6 house-hold members.The total restrictedincome percent-age of the Devel-opment is 100%.The number ofunits and pro-posed rents (lessutility allowances)for the subjectproperty’s taxcredit units are:

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Tropicana BuildingCorporation ismaking an applica-tion for HousingTax Credits withthe Texas Depart-ment of Housingand CommunityAffairs for the

Socorro Palms de-velopment, locatedon the 10200Block of AlamedaAve, Socorro,Texas 79927. Thisnew developmentis a four-plex com-munity comprisedof 36 units of which61% will be for ten-ants with incomesless than 60 % ofthe AMGI, 17% willbe for tenants withincomes less than50 % of the AMGI,11% will be for ten-ants with incomesless than 40% ofthe AMGI, and11% will be for ten-ants with incomesless than 30% ofthe AMGI. Incomelevels range be-tween $8,650 to$28,680 for fami-lies with sizes 1-6household mem-bers. The total re-stricted incomepercentage of theDevelopment is

100%. The numberof units and pro-posed rents (lessutility allowances)for the subjectproperty’s tax creditunits are:

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If awarded credits,this developmentwould be ready foroccupancy by De-cember 2005. Formore informationon this notice,please contactTropicana BuildingCorporation, BobbyBowling IV, 4655Cohen Ave, ElPaso, Texas 79924,(915) 821-3550.For more informa-tion, seewww.tdhca.state.tx.us.WTCC: 01/29/04;02/05/04

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By Don FloodPoor Steve Irwin.Irwin, the world’s leading Celeb-

rity Crocodile Professional, had noidea of the controversy he wouldstir up by feeding a 13-foot croco-dile while also clasping his 1-month-old son.

Ever since the broadcast, parentshave been asking, “What is theproper age for taking my child intoa cage of hungry crocodiles?”

The experts themselves dis-agree. While some childcare ex-perts say 1 month is a proper ageto expose your child to the jaws ofa large, carnivorous reptile, othersinsist there is no hurry, that it’s OKto wait two or even three months.

The key is to not wait too long.As Irwin himself said, “I would

be considered a bad parent if Ididn’t teach my children to be croc-savvy.” (Certified actual quote.)

So true, especially since otherparents — and non-parents too —can be so cruel.

“Their child wouldn’t know acroc from an alligator if one bit himon the nose,” is a typical exampleof what they’ll whisper behind theback of parents whose childrenlack basic crocodile interactionskills.

But it’s not merely a question ofwhat the neighbors think. Parentsshould ask themselves, would my2-month-old infant know how tohandle a crocodile?

Don’t think you’re safe just be-cause you live in a large city. Aseveryone knows, New York City’ssewers are loaded with crocodiles,some of which moonlight as cabdrivers.

There’s also the intrinsic educa-tional value of the encounter, aswas pointed out by Irwin’s wife,

Get your childrenacquainted with crocs

Terri.Following the feeding, she said

of her son, “He was smiling, and itwas a wonderful sensory experi-ence for him. He dug it.” (Anothercertified actual quote, including the“dug” part.)

Yes, I’m sure it was a wonderfulsensory experience, and Irwin de-serves credit for that.

By comparison, when MichaelJackson dangled his son over therailing of a fourth floor balcony,he placed a cloth over the boy’shead, thus denying him a full sen-sory experience.

Some may question if a 1-month-old child is too young tolearn from a personal encounterwith a crocodile, even one whoappears to really “dig” it.

Absolutely not. In fact, with thelatest technology, babies still in thewomb are now able to begin study-ing for their SATs.

Some fetuses have even takenthe SAT’s, albeit with mixed re-sults.

Said one mother who was dis-traught over her unborn child’sscore of 1470, “I know he couldhave done better than that! I wasup late the night before; I probablykept him up. And all I ate was junkfood, so I’m sure he didn’t have avery good breakfast and…” (Theend of the quote was lost as thewoman was dragged away.)

So don’t put off your crocodileencounter. Before you know it,your child will be 4 months old.

And if there are no crocodiles inyour area, try the next best thing,such as a visit to an aquarium sharktank, or your local junior-high caf-eteria.______________________________________________________(c) 2004 King Features Synd., Inc.

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Tiene problemascon el alcohol? Hayuna solucíon.Informacion: 838-6264.________________________

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WEST TEXAS COUNTY COURIERPage 8 January 29, 2004

Social Security Q&A By Ray Vigil

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THURSDAY

Plenty of sunshine.

60°▲ ▼

THUR. NIGHT

Mainly clear.

FRIDAY

A good deal ofsunshine.

64°▲ 38°▼

SATURDAY

Mostly sunny andwindy.

62°▲ 36°▼

SUNDAY

Abundantsunshine.

64°▲ 34°▼

MONDAY

Brilliant sunshine.

66°▲ 32°▼

TUESDAY

A good deal ofsunshine.

58°▲ 30°▼

WEDNESDAY

Sunshine with afew clouds.

58°▲ 32°▼

WEATHER AccuWeather .com

SEVEN-DAY FORECAST FOR EL PASO

TEXAS WEATHER TRAVELERS CITIESUV INDEX

REAL FEEL TEMP™

AGRICULTURE

Statistics for noon.

Thursday ............ 5 ............ModerateFriday ................ 5 ............ModerateSaturday ............ 5 ............ModerateSunday .............. 5 ............ModerateMonday .............. 5 ............ModerateTuesday .............. 5 ............ModerateWednesday ........ 5 ............Moderate

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

Albuquerque 51/29/s 55/32/pc 53/25/pc 49/25/pc 51/23/sAtlanta 52/34/pc 52/38/pc 46/27/s 46/36/c 51/30/pcAtlantic City 40/26/s 39/24/c 29/22/pc 29/25/pc 43/18/cAustin/San Antonio 62/40/c 67/41/s 67/42/s 61/36/s 57/33/cBaltimore 40/25/pc 43/25/c 32/20/pc 30/18/pc 44/19/pcBoston 34/24/pc 34/20/pc 28/18/sn 26/16/pc 37/20/cChicago 28/12/sf 20/6/pc 18/10/c 24/14/c 22/10/pcDallas/Ft. Worth 58/40/pc 63/41/s 63/39/pc 55/35/s 51/31/cDenver 54/26/pc 54/20/pc 38/15/pc 38/17/pc 46/12/cFlagstaff 44/20/s 46/22/pc 44/16/pc 46/14/s 45/18/sHouston 64/46/c 66/46/s 68/48/pc 62/38/c 56/36/cKansas City 37/29/c 44/28/c 39/20/c 29/15/s 30/14/cLas Vegas 61/41/pc 63/41/pc 58/37/pc 60/37/s 60/37/pcMiami 73/61/s 77/64/c 78/63/c 79/62/pc 77/59/pcMinneapolis 7/-10/c -1/-11/c 4/-3/c 7/-5/c 14/-1/cNew Orleans 63/51/c 66/45/s 68/49/pc 63/42/c 58/38/sNew York City 35/30/pc 36/28/c 30/23/pc 27/27/pc 38/22/cPhiladelphia 38/26/pc 38/22/c 30/18/pc 30/18/pc 39/20/cPhoenix 66/45/s 70/47/pc 72/45/s 70/43/s 70/45/sPortland 54/44/r 48/38/sh 48/38/c 50/37/pc 49/37/cSan Francisco 58/46/pc 56/44/c 56/46/pc 56/47/c 58/43/pcSeattle 48/42/r 46/38/sh 44/38/c 48/37/pc 48/37/cTucson 63/39/s 70/41/s 68/41/s 68/39/s 68/41/sWashington, DC 41/26/pc 46/26/c 34/24/pc 32/24/pc 46/23/pc

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

A ridge of high pressure will begin to strengthen across the region on Thursday. This will keep dry weather over the area over thenext several days with full days of sunshine. Skies will remain sunny with dry conditions into next week.

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

Thursday .................................... 59°Friday .......................................... 51°Saturday ...................................... 48°Sunday ........................................ 51°Monday ........................................ 56°Tuesday ...................................... 57°Wednesday ................................ 48°

The exclusive AccuWeather composite of theeffects of temperature, wind, humidity, sunshine,precipitation, and elevation on the human body.

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

All forecasts and maps provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2004

Anthony 60 36

Canutillo 59 36

Fabens 58 37

Clint 59 37

E. Montana 58 36

Socorro 57 35

Horizon 59 37

San Elizario 58 34

Tornillo 58 37

Vinton 59 36El Paso60/36

Santa Fe47/23

Albuquerque51/29

Alamogordo55/25

Las Cruces57/33

Deming59/29 Carlsbad

63/33

Amarillo60/30

Lubbock62/34

Alpine59/30

Odessa64/36

Lajitas64/33

Ruidoso52/34

Cloudcroft46/27

CiudadJuárez58/33

36°

Mexico

Q: I think I might qualify for Supple-mental Security Income (SSI) pay-ments, except for one problem. Acouple of years ago my father diedand left me a Lincoln Continental. Iwas told I cannot own a so-called“luxury car” and get SSI. Is thistrue?

A: You normally can own one car andstill get SSI. The law allows us toautomatically exclude the value of acar worth less than $4,500. If the car

is worth more, we might be able toexclude its value if you can show youuse it to get medical treatment or forother vital transportation needs. Talkto your local Social Security repre-sentatives about this..

Q: Can a widow get her own SocialSecurity retirement benefit in addi-tion to widow’s benefits?

A: Yes, but the rules about the rela-tionship between retirement benefits

and widow(er)’s benefits, and whenwe pay those benefits, can be com-plicated. You should call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Secu-rity office for more information aboutyour particular situation.

Q: I am in prison and will soon bereleased. I was told I will automati-cally qualify for Supplemental Secu-rity Income (SSI) once I get out. Isthis true?

A: No. The Supplemental SecurityIncome program makes monthly pay-ments to low income people who are

65 or older, blind or disabled. If youare over 65, or have a disability thatwill prevent you from working, andif you have little or no income andfew assets, you can file for SSI onceyou are released from prison. But noone “automatically” gets SSI pay-ments.

Q: If government pensions are usedto offset Social Security checks, whydoesn’t a military pension, which isone form of a government pension,offset a Social Security check?

A: Offsets apply only to pensions

from work not covered by SocialSecurity. Many government employ-ees, including members of the mili-tary, pay into Social Security. Theirgovernment pensions are designed tosupplement Social Security, not re-place it______________________________________________________For more information visit your lo-cal Security office, see www.ssa.govor call us at 1-800-772-1213. If youhave any questions that you wouldlike to have answered, please mailthem to the Social Security Office,11111 Gateway West, Attn: Ray Vigil,El Paso, Texas 79935.