Cold weather driving tips ... just in case ...

Yes, yes, I know it is cold and wet around Laredo for a Thursday. Sure, it's not as bad as other parts of the state and United States, too.
Does it hurt, though, to receive a few reminders around driving in cold weather conditions? Probably not.
Thanks to the folks at AAA Texas for these tips:

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During December, January, February and occasionally March, Texas from time-to-time experiences snowy and icy driving conditions. This week forecasters say much of the state will likely have very cold temperatures and the possibility of snow and ice in some parts of the state. It is important the driving public is reminded of the challenge of driving in adverse conditions. Keeping alert and prepared for unanticipated winter travel hazards is the key to your driving survival. AAA Texas encourages all motorists to be prepared for adverse conditions as the weather turns cold.

AAA Texas recommends motorists follow the simple guidelines below:
• Take it slow. Reducing speed and following at a safe distance is your best strategy for maintaining control of your car and ensuring that you have plenty of room to stop or react to whatever happens in front of you.
• Focus only on driving. Distraction is always dangerous, but when you’re trying to navigate icy streets and unpredictable situations, it can be especially risky. Keep both hands on the wheel, turn the radio off, stay off the phone (even if it’s hands-free), and pay attention to your driving.
• Clear your windows, head lights, tail lights, mirrors, roof, trunk, and hood before driving. Windshield wipers aren’t designed to clear wet snow or ice off your windshield and they don’t clear the entire surface.
• Plan ahead. Avoid travel during bad conditions. If you must drive, stick to daylight hours when visibility is better and more resources are available in case you get stuck. Always check on weather and road conditions before you get on the road. Charge your cell phone in advance, in case you have to call for help.
• Get your car serviced for winter conditions. Make sure tires have enough tread and are properly inflated so they’ll grip on slick roads. Check anti-freeze levels to make sure you have the right levels for your region.
• Keep a winter emergency kit in your car. Make sure you have flares, safety triangles, colored cloths to tie on your antenna, and flashlights so you can stay visible if you break down. Pack blankets and extra warm clothes, food, and water in case you get stranded.
If you do find yourself stranded out on the road, please heed the following advice to ensure you’re safe until help arrives:
• Stay in your car. Stay out of the way of other cars that may be sliding on slick roads.
• Stay warm. Keep blankets and extra warm clothes with you to stay dry and avoid hypothermia. Huddle with other passengers to maintain body heat.
• If you get stuck call for help on your cell phone. Never talk on the phone while you’re driving in bad weather.
• Run your engine and heater for a few minutes every hour if you have enough gas. Check to make sure the exhaust pipe isn’t blocked.
• Keep a window cracked. Opening the windows allows for fresh air in case doors and windows freeze.
• Set flares outside your car. Tie bright-colored rags to your antenna so rescuers can spot you.
"A prepared driver is just as important as a prepared vehicle," says AAA Texas spokesperson Sarah Schimmer. "Getting the proper amount of rest and buckling your safety belt before taking on winter driving tasks reduces driving risks and helps prepare you for emergency situations."

Toyota's woes get worse ...

Just when you think it's safe and Toyota is taking care of business around its sticky pedal issue (which it is) ... comes this news Monday.
Kelley's Blue Book, the respected source when it comes to valuation for automobiles, dropped its resale values of Toyota autos for the second time in less than a week, according to an Associated Press story.
So the mighty proud Japanese automaker that has a plant just up Interstate 35 in San Antonio is having to regroup. Just last week, its CEO came out and apologized publicly for Toyota's troubles.

-- Joe Rutland

Narvaez Beef Stores closes E. Saunders location ...

Narvaez Beef Stores closed its East Saunders location on Sunday.

Owner Carlos Narvaez said Monday he closed that store, located at 401 E. Saunders Road, in order to consolidate his business.

"I've been in the business for 34 years," Narvaez said.

He said "maybe 20" employees were affected by the East Saunders closure.

Narvaez added that his Zapata Highway location (219 Zapata Highway) and Narvaez Beef Processors remain open for business.

-- Joe Rutland

TxDOT closing Camino Colombia Toll Plaza/TxTag location Jan. 29 ....

The Texas Department of Transportation Laredo District office sent this message out Friday afternoon. Just passing it along ...

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The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is closing the Camino Colombia Toll Plaza Operations Building at the end of this month. After January 29, 2010, motorists on the Camino Colombia toll road will no longer be able to pick up a TxTag at the roadside plaza building.
Last July, TxDOT stopped collecting cash tolls on Camino Colombia and began requiring that drivers have a prepaid toll account such as a TxTag. To ease the transition to all-electronic tolling, the agency continued to staff the Toll Plaza Operations Building and allowed motorists to stop and open a TxTag account.
Area drivers who wish to open a TxTag account in person will still be able to do so at the TxDOT Laredo Travel Information Center at I-35 North and U.S. 83 and the TxDOT District Office at 1817 Bob Bullock Loop. TxTags are also conveniently available online at TxTag.org or by calling 1-888-GoTxTag. International customers can call 001-512-874-9998 to reach TxTag Customer Service.
Currently, there is no charge for a TxTag sticker, which is installed on a vehicle’s windshield. To open an account, drivers simply prepay $20 in tolls. TxTag is also accepted on toll roads in Austin, Dallas, Houston and Tyler.
The Camino Colombia toll road (State Highway 255) begins near the Colombia-Solidarity International Bridge and stretches 22 miles east to I-35 north of Laredo. Motorists can view toll rates and get additional information about the toll road at www.caminocolombia.org.

Cuellar announces job creation for Census 2010 ...

I received this information from U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar's office on Tuesday morning. Just passing it along as a public service. ...

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, announced that 2,000 new jobs will be created in 11 South Texas Counties including, Webb, Zapata, Jim Hogg, Frio and La Salle, in preparation for the 2010 Census beginning this March. Jobs will include part-time to full-time opportunities for workers ranging between 20 to 40 hours per week.
“These new jobs are a win-win for our community; not only will these workers help our counties get an accurate Census count, but we’ll help create new jobs in these tough economic times,” said Congressman Cuellar. “By getting an accurate count this 2010 Census, we’ll help our communities get the federal funding they need.”
The U.S. Census occurs once every ten years to determine how more than $400 billion per year in federal funding is distributed to state, local and tribal governments.
The new 2,000 Census jobs will help local outreach efforts to encourage 2010 Census participation across Texas. Average pay is $8.00 to $24.00 per hour and bilingual speakers are especially needed along the border. Positions range from Census clerks to supervisors. Hours of employment will primarily be during weekends and evenings.
Applicants need to be U.S. Citizens and at least 18 years of age. They are also required to have a valid driver’s license and access to use of a vehicle. Students, retirees, community leaders, job seekers and full-time workers are encouraged to apply.
Interested applicants can call 1-(866)-861-2010 or call the local Laredo Census Office at (956) 231-5803. Applicants can also visit the local Laredo 2010 Census Office at Molly Drive, Laredo, TX, 78045.
“I encourage people throughout our communities to apply for these jobs and participate in the 2010 Census,” said Cuellar. “The more we work together between now and April, the more accurate our Census will be.”
This March, more than 130 million addresses across the nation will receive a Census questionnaire in the mail. One of the shortest Census forms in history, the 2010 Census questionnaire asks 10 questions and takes about 10 minutes to complete.

J&A Pharmacy closes doors ...

J&A Pharmacy, a longtime fixture on Laredo’s health care landscape, has closed its doors at its McPherson Road location.
A sign on the pharmacy’s front door informs patrons that it closed effective Dec. 31, 2009, and transferred all customer files to The Medicine Shoppe North.
Laredo HME (Home Medical Equipment) will be taking over that spot as some of the store’s equipment already is in there.
J&A had been in business for more than 15 years.
We'll have more on this. Check back here or at www.lmtonline.com for more information.

-- Joe Rutland

Support for Haiti ...

Yeah, I know it's not Laredo business related news ... yet it's hard not to notice the news, video and pictures coming out of Haiti and not be moved by them.
I may be breaking a rule here, OK, but The Miami Herald has offered some incredible coverage of this hellacious earthquake.
Meanwhile, if you want to find out more information about Haiti itself, it's here.
There are numerous contribution locations on the Internet.
Twitter has been quite active by passing along Haitian native singer Wyclef Jean's site that is taking donations for his native homeland.
It looks like people are putting aside business and political differences for the betterment of mankind.
Good. More of this is needed and encouraged for our world.
I have no comment on Pat Robertson.

-- Joe Rutland