Tres Marias Golf Championship LPGA Tour In Morelia, Michoacan Cancelled For Security Risks

Drug cartel violence in the Morelia region led to the LPGA golf tour cancellation.

By H. Nelson Goodson
February 3, 2011

Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico - On Wednesday, the Ladies Professional Golf Association's (LPGA) Commissioner Michael Whan announced the association's decision to cancel the April 21-24 Tres Marías Champhionsip Tournament in Morelia. Whan cited security risks and concerns about the recent drug cartel violence in the state of Michoacan. The LPGA is taking precautions in keeping female professional golfers safe.
The tournament was going to be held at the Tres Marías Residential Golf Club in Morelia and prizes totaling $1.3 million were going to be awarded to winners.
The next tournament in Mexico is the Lorena Ochoa Invitational, which is scheduled to take place November 2011 in Guadalajara.
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Michael Whan
LPGA Commissioner

Photo: LPGA

Tres Marías Golf Championship LPGA Tour In Morelia, Michoacan Cancelled For Security Risks

Michael Whan
LPGA Commissioner

Photo: LPGA

Drug cartel violence in the Morelia region led to the LPGA golf tour cancellation.

By H. Nelson Goodson
February 3, 2011

Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico - On Wednesday, the Ladies Professional Golf Association's (LPGA) Commissioner Michael Whan announced the association's decision to cancel the April 21-24 Tres Marías Champhionsip Tournament in Morelia. Whan cited security risks and concerns about the recent drug cartel violence in the state of Michoacan. The LPGA is taking precautions in keeping female professional golfers safe.
The tournament was going to be held at the Tres Marías Residential Golf Club in Morelia and prizes totaling $1.3 million were going to be awarded to winners.
The next tournament in Mexico is the Lorena Ochoa Invitational, which is scheduled to take place November 2011 in Guadalajara.

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Mexican Federal Judge Approves Drug Kingpin González "El Charro" Extradition To U.S.

Carlos Montemayor González "El Charro"

Mexican drug lord facing multiple federal drug charges in the U.S.

By H. Nelson Goodson
February 3, 2011

Mexico, D.F. - On Thursday, the Mexican Attorney General's Office reported that a federal judge approved the extradition of Carlos Montemayor González, 38, or Alejandro García Treviño, aka, "El Charro" to the U.S. The U.S. government is working out the extradition process with the Mexican government. González will be turned over to the U.S. authorities as soon as the Mexican officials transfer custody.
González is the father in-law of Edgar Valdéz Villareal, aka, "La Barbie." González was wanted in Mexico for murder, drug trafficking, smuggling and distribution against the public health. He took over the Barbie criminal organization and drug cartel after Villareal was taken into custody on August 30.
González originally from Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas was using the name Treviño to pass himself as a businessman and promoter of events for Charros en Huixquilucan in the state of Mexico. Intelligence provide to the Secretary for Public Safety (SSP) by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) led to González arrest in November. González is wanted in the U.S. for cocaine trafficking.
González had confessed to transporting more than a ton of cocaine into the U.S. between 2003 and 2005 with the help of the Beltrán Leyva Cartel. He met La Barbie at the same time and La Barbie later married one of González daughters five years ago. Before La Barbie was captured he told González to take over the organization to secure La Barbie's wife financial future and to collect drug shipment debts owed to him.

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U.S. Fugitive Zachs Wanted For Murder Arrested In Mexico After 22 Years On The Run

Adam Zachs

Photo: West Hartford Police

Zachs facing 60 years in prison for homicide.

February 3, 2011

New Haven, Connecticut (HNNUSA) - On Wednesday, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reported that Adam Zachs, 47, formerly of West Hartford, had been arrested on Tuesday in Leon Guanajuato, Mexico. He is married to a Mexican national and has two children. Zachs is being held in Mexico City by the Mexican Attorney General's Office for an extradition hearing.
In 1988, Zachs was convicted by a Connecticut jury for the first-degree murder of Peter Carone in West Hartford. In June 1989, while released on a $250,000 bond, Zachs failed to appear for a scheduled court proceeding and, since that time, has been a fugitive from justice.
On July 24, 1989, a federal warrant was issued charging Zachs with unlawful flight to avoid confinement in violation of 18 USC Section 1073.
In a released statement, U.S. Attorney David B. Fein said, “Through the diligence and perseverance of the U.S. Marshals Service, West Hartford Police, FBI, and Mexican authorities, a convicted murderer is finally in custody and, after nearly 22 years, justice will be served. Hopefully, Mr. Zachs’ apprehension will provide some measure of closure for the victim’s family and loved ones."

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New Mexico Governor Martínez Orders Police To Check Legal Status Of Immigrants On Traffic Violation Stops And Other Crimes

Governor Susana Martínez

Police began to ask for legal status from Hispanics during traffic stops for minor violations and other crimes.

By H. Nelson Goodson
February 2, 2011

Santa Fe, New Mexico - On Monday, Governor Susana Martínez, 51, (R) signed an executive order rescinding New Mexico's sanctuary status and ordering law enforcement officers to inquire about the legal status of immigrants who commit crimes and those who are arrested for minor violations in the state. "The order takes the handcuffs off New Mexico's law enforcement officers in their mission to keep our communities safe," Governor Martínez said. The undocumented immigrants busted for any violation of state laws and ordinances should be reported to federal authorities, according to Martínez.
Immigrant rights activists say, Governor Martínez executive order will lead to racial profiling, discrimination and immigrants will now fear about reporting crimes because police could request their legal status in the country.
She is also heading the political movement to repeal the 2003 state law that allows undocumented immigrants the right to apply for a driver's license with two IDs like a Mexican Matricula Consular, birth certificate from a foreign country or a marriage license from the U.S.
Martínez became the first Hispanic woman to be elected as governor in U.S. history and became the first to be considered as anti-immigrant for the GOP in the country.
Republican State Representative William "Bill" R. Rehm (R-Albuquerque) on Monday introduced a bill to revoke almost 83,000 New Mexico driver licenses issued to undocumented immigrants by 2012.

Execuive order (PDF) signed by Governor Martínez at link: http://bit.ly/dQxieV

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Milwaukeeans Begin To Dig Out After 80 Percent Of City Paralyzed After Almost Two Feet Of Snow fell

Vehicles blocked by almost two feet of snow.

A South side alley blocked by high snow drifts.

Photos by HNG

50 mile winds and snow fall overnight created 6 to 7 foot snow drifts blocking streets, alleys and highway exits

By H. Nelson Goodson
February 2, 2011

Milwaukee - On Wednesday, thousands of Milwaukeeans began the task of digging out after heavy snow fell between 12 to 18 inches and 50 mile gusts of winds created 6 to 7 foot snow drifts along streets, rural roads, alleys and highway exists. The City of Milwaukee was paralyzed during the early hours, but 355 city snow plow trucks kept most of the main streets cleared. The plows have created snow mounds blocking traffic flow from side streets and alleys, which have to be cleared in order for vehicles to can get into the main streets. The side streets and alleys kept people blocked from moving their vehicles as a result of the high snow drifts. The North Lincoln Memorial Drive along the lakefront is closed. 
Most Milwaukee downtown main streets are cleared, but sidewalks are blocked and traffic flow is scarce as people stay home.
City officials are warning people for hidden dangers such as blocked heating furnace vents outside blocked by high snow drifts. Some reports by residents say that carbon monoxide was noticed building up in their homes. People should check the vents outside and clear them, according to officials.
Mitchell International Airport cancelled most of the fights last night and are expecting to resume flights after 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Some flights out Mitchell on Thursday have been cancelled. Milwaukee Public School District, Racine and Kenosha School Districts will remained closed for Thursday.
Shopping malls like Southridge, Mayfair, Brookfield and Bayshore are expected to open after noon. The Milwaukee County Transit (public bus transportation) has cancelled all their routes, so people should avoid bus stops for now.
The City of Milwaukee is expecting 0 degree weather for tonight with -10 to -20 windshields and 35 mile blowing winds causing more snow drifts.
The first related snow shoveling death was reported by police. A 66-year-old man died after shoveling snow at the 5200 block of N. 66th St. He walked back inside his home and collapsed, according to police. The second death was reported before noon in Brown Deer, a 53-year-old man using a snow blower in the 8600 block of N. 64th St. collapsed and died at the scene. The third blizzard related death was reported in Franklin, a 54-year-old man using a snow blower collapsed shortly after noon and later died at the 6700 block of Yale Dive. The deaths are under investigation by the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office.
The Milwaukee Police Department is warning that some intersection stop lights are out and people should proceed with caution. The Wisconsin National Guard was deployed overnight to help authorities and stranded motorists along highways and rural roads that became stuck due to snow drifts.
Parts of Interstate 94 from Northbound was reported closed and Highway 47 Southbound closed. Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office is asking people who left their vehicles on County highways to try and remove them. No tickets will be issued for the day and the may concern at the moment is to help people remove their vehicles, according to Sheriff David Clarke Jr.
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett is calling it the million dollar snow clean up of the decade. The city budget for snow clean up is $6 million dollars per Winter season.
Interstate 43 between Mukwonago to Beloit remained closed on Wednesday, according to the Wisconsin State Patrol.
In Madison, at least 100 people were rescued when they became stranded overnight in highways.
In Racine and Kenosha counties, about 5,200 residents reported power outages overnight and this morning We Energies reported they are at least 1,800 homes without power. Power crews had been working to restore power to homes.
Highway 50 is shut down and authorities are trying to help people stranded in their vehicles on the highway. Interstate 94 is reported closed in Kenosha County.
Racine reported at least 18 inches of snow and other reports say between 23 to 25 inches of accumulation.
North of Milwaukee at least 6 to 12 inches of snow fell, according to the weather center. 

Photos by HNG

On Wednesday, Ismael Acosta and snow removal helpers clearing the 2600 block of W. National Ave. sidewalk in front of the Mitchell Senior Court in Milwaukee's South side. Photo by HNG

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Snow Blizzard Conditions Caused Major Closings Nationally Effecting 100 Million People And Wisconsin Governor Declares A State Of Emergency

An unidentified bicyclist pedals Northbound along S. 27th St. and W. Oklahoma several hours before a major snow storm hits Milwaukee. (Temp was at 23 degrees)
Photos by HNG

44 miles an hour winds began blowing around 4:00 p.m. and so far at least four inches of snow have fallen in Milwaukee, and 7.9 inches reported in the Holy Hill area on round first of the snow storm.

By H. Nelson Goodson
February 1, 2011

Milwaukee - On Tuesday, the Milwaukee Public School District announced they will have no school on Wednesday in anticipation of a possible 50 mile an hour gusting winds and snow blizzard, effecting more than 88,000 students. Other school districts have announced no school for Wednesday includes Wauwatosa, West Allis, West Milwaukee, Elmbrook, Racine, Kenosha and other school districts throughout the state are expected to close as well. A major blizzard snow storm warning for Southeastern Wisconsin went into effect and high wind gusts with a mix of snow began to hit Southern Wisconsin.
Governor Scott Walker (R) declared a state of emergency in Wisconsin and all state government buildiings will be closed on Wednesday. City of Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett declared a snow emergency beginning at 11:00 p.m. to noon on Wednesday. Barrett warned that vehicles parked after 11 p.m. where prohibited when snow removal emergency is declared, will be towed in order to plow and clean the streets and major roads. More than 400 snow plow trucks will begin plowing the streets of Milwaukee later on Tuesday, Barrett said.
On Tuesday, the metropolitan shopping malls, Mayfair, Southridge, Brookfield and Bayshore closed at 5 p.m. and are expected to opening by noon on Wednesday. Both the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, University of Wisconsin-Madison and Marquette University closed at 4 p.m. Milwaukee Area Technical College closed at 1 p.m.
Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee has cancelled most of its flights for Tuesday night, and airlines canceled 10,000 flights in the storm effected Midwest and the New England regions. Milwaukee Police Department is warning people to stay off the roads once the snow storm arrives after 7:00 p.m. and 22 inches of new snow is expected to fall around Wisconsin.
In Illinois, Chicago reported the first snow fall and gusting winds and the second round of the storm is expected to drop at least 2 feet when it hits the state later on Tuesday. Chicago school officials closed its entire school district for Wednesday for the first time since 1999. City officials closed Lake Shore Drive as a safety measure because of heavy snow build up.
In northern Texas, the snow storm closed major highways and more than 100 people were rescued by authorities and areas experienced minus 30 degree wind shields. Some highways in Dallas were deserted due to snow and icy conditions. Those that had to travel got stuck on the Dallas and Fort Worth interchange highway. Most of Dallas stores, Super Bowl XLV events were cancelled and travel has shut down. Dallas reported 20 degree weather and warmer weather in Texas is expected by Friday.
The winter snow storm is effecting nine states, which four have declared state of emergency. The storm is dropping between 2-3 inches of snow per hour along the 2,000 miles long blizzard and is effecting more than 100 million people.
It has caused major electric power outages and will leave about an inch of ice in some areas as it moves East to New York.
In Indiana, Interstate 70 from Indiana to Missouri was shut down closing all lanes due to ice build up and snow.
The latest, Ground Hog day has been cancelled.

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