Sweetwater Reporter (Sweetwater, Tex.), Vol. 113, No. 060, Ed. 1 Sunday, January 23, 2011 Page: 3 of 16
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Sweetwater Reporter
Sunday, January 23, 2011 ■ Page A3
US company stops making
key death penalty drug
ANDREW WELSH-HUGGINS
AP Legal Affairs Writer
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The sole U.S. manufacturer of
a key lethal injection drug said Friday it is ending production
because of death-penalty opposition overseas — a move that
could delay executions across the United States.
Over the past several months, a growing shortage of the
drug, sodium thiopental, has forced some states to put execu-
tions on hold. And the problem is likely to get worse with the
announcement from Hospira Inc. of Lata Forest, 111.
Hospira said it decided in recent months to switch manu-
facturing from its North Carolina plant to a more modern
Hospira factory in Liscate, Italy. But Italian authorities
demanded a guarantee the drug would not be used to put
inmates to death — an assurance the company said it was not
willing to give.
"We cannot take the risk that we will be held liable by the
Italian authorities if the product is diverted for use in capi-
tal punishment," Hospira spokesman Dan Rosenberg said,
"Exposing our employees or facilities to liability is not a risk
we are prepared to take."
Italian Health Ministry officials were not immediately
available for comment.
All but one of the 35 states that employ lethal injection use
sodium thiopental. In nearly every case, they use it as part
of a three-drug combination that sedates and paralyzes the
inmate and stops the heart.
There are other, similar sedatives on the market, but sub-
stituting one drug for another would require new laws or
lengthy administrative processes in some states, and could
also lead to lawsuits from death row.
Similarly, switching to another manufacturer could invite
lawsuits from inmates demanding proof that the drug will
not cause pain in violation of their constitutional protection
against cruel and unusual punishment. Hospira s the only
sodium thiopental-maker approved by the Food and Drug
Administration.
Because of what Hospira described as problems with its
raw-material suppliers, sodium thiopental is already scarce
in the U.S., and any batches Hospira made before it sus-
pended manufacturing more than a year ago are set to expire
this year.
In Texas, the nation's busiest death penalty state, the
Department of Criminal Justice said Friday it is exploring
the use of another anesthetic. The state has four executions
scheduled between now and July but has enough sodium
thiopental to carry out only two February executions, spokes-
man Jason Clark said.
Ohio has enough to carry out a Feb. 17 execution but
will not comment on its supply after that, or on Hospira's
announcement, said Ohio prisons spokeswoman JoEUen
Smith.
Hospira has long deplored the drug's use in executions but
said it regretted having to stop production, because sodium
thiopental has legitimate medical purposes as an anesthetic
used in hospitals. Hospira continues to make two other drugs
used in executions — pancuronium bromide which para-
lyzes, and potassium chloride, which stops the heart.
Without providing details, Rosenberg said the company's
state-of-the-art Italian factory was the only plant capable of
manufacturing sodium thiopental.
Like most other European countries, however, Italy does
not have capital punishment and opposes the death penalty.
Italy's Radical Party brought a motion to Parliament, which
passed overwhelmingly on Dec. 22, requiring Hospira to
ensure thai the drug would be used only for medical purposes
and would not fin< its way into prisons.
The current shortage of the drug in the U.S. has delayed or
disn t ed executions in Arizona, California, Kentucky, Ohio
and Oklahoma.
In the fall, states including Arizona, Arkansas, California
and Tennessee turned to sodium thiopental made in Britain.
That supply dried up after the British government in
November banned its export for use in executions.
But California, which laced an order for 521 grams of the
drug before the ban, filed a notice in federal court Friday
that the order had been received. The state's lethal injec-
tion protocol calls for preparation of 3 grams of the drug
for execution, along with 3 grams on a backup tray. Prisons
spokeswoman Terry Thornton said portions of the drug are
also used for training.
Oklahoma has gone a different route, switching to pento-
barbital, an anesthetic commonly used to put cats and dogs to
sleep. The state has conducted two executions with that drug.
APNewsBreak: State loses
billions in exemptions
APRIL CASTRO
Associated Press
\USTIN, Texas (AP) — Business tax breaks cost Texas $4.3
billion in the last state budget, a figure that amounts to about
a third of the state's massive revenue shortfall, according to a
legislative report obtained Friday by The Associated Press.
The report also found that local governments lost $235 bil-
lion in state property tax exemptions, including those given
for elderly and disabled homeowners, according to the report
prepared by the House Ways and Means Committee. A tally
tor sales tax exemptions — the state's biggest cash generator
— was not available.
One of the largest carve-outs was for the natural gas tax,
which totaled about $1 billion a year in exemptions, accord-
ing to the report. An exemption for bottled water sales
amounted to a loss of about $250 million a year for the state,
while an exemption for corporations with business interest in
solar energy devices cost more than $1 million over the last
two years.
The committee prepared the report to address Republican
House Speaker Joe Straus' charge to examine the exemptions
and determine "how the current costs and benefits compare
with the original legislative objectives," according to the
report, which did not make recommendations about which
tax exemptions should be repealed.
Rep. Rene Oliveira, chairman of the tax-writing commit-
tee, also did not say which exemptions he wou favor for
repeal, but said the report contains as much as $2 billion in
"low hanging fruit."
"We should be looking at exemptions that should be
repealed - whether it's a corporate welfare exemption . or
whether it's a personal one — that the public policy that was
the basis for it 10, 15, 20, 30 years ago no longer exists,"
Oliveira told the AP.
The Legislature is struggling to make up for a $15 bil-
lion revenue shortfall. But rath a new Republican House
supermajority that has largely opposed ta? increases, initial
budget drafts assume no new revenue and propose massive
cuts to state services like education and health care for the
poor, elderly and disabled.
'Before the election many of those exemptions could be on
the table for consideration, now I don't know," Oliveira said.
"There were certainly a significant amount of Democrats that
would have joined me in the repeal of many of these exemp-
tions, they're not here now.
With the superniaxrity of Republicans, they're going to
decide if we do any of these."
Exemptions in the state business tax — which include a
break for small businesses — also included a carve-out for
certain insurance companies that pay another levy on pre-
miums. That exemption cost the state about $1 billion in the
last two years.
Ihe report also examined sales tax exemptions for aircraft
sales, internet service, coin-operated machine sales and bill-
board advertising. It raised the possibility of taxing cosmetic
surgeries and automotive repair find maintenance services.
Straus, along with Gov. Rick Perry and Lt. Gov. David
Dewhurst, has said he opposes ar tax increases.
"We haven't seen any specific legislation concerning
exemptions, and the House members should first have an
opportunity to review any legislation and discuss," Straus
spokeswoman Tracy Young said Friday when asked if the
speaker would support repealing any exemptions.
Show
Continued from page fl1
Stellar Kart and Article One to finish the year strong. In
2010, the band joined Hawk Nelson and Group 1 Crew for
the spring leg of the "Live Life Loud Tour." Most recently
the band shared the stage at Snyder's Red Letter Rockin*
New Year's Eve with Christian bands like Remedy Drive, The
Wedding, The Almost and POD
Undoubtedly, this is just the beginning for a band that
thrives on connecting with its fans on both and emotional
and physical level. By combining powerful, introspective
lyrics that the audience can identify with and an energetic,
engaging live show, this is quite simply becoming the band
to watch for in 2011. For more on the band visit www.aroad-
lesstraveledmusic.com.
Wednesday, Jan. 26, A Road Less traveled will be perform-
ing a free acoustic show and worship set at the Emmanuel
Fellowship Church in Sweetwater, located 1418 Hailey Street
at 7 p.m. Everyone in grades 6 through adults are welcome
to attend. Emmanuel's usual Wednesday night children's
programs will be operating as usual. If you have any ques-
tions about the event visit the church's website at www.efcy-
outh.com or contact Pastor Loran Rule at 933-0129.
0 M
Continued from page 111
Jan. 4-8, 2011. This professional development program of
the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is a comprehensive course
focusing on professional growth and development for asso-
ciation, chamber and other non-profit professionals.
"Institute graduates are recognized across the country
as leaders in their communities," said Raymond P. Towle,
IOM CAE, the U.S. Chamber's vice president of Institute
for Organization Management. "These individuals have the
knowledge, skills and dedication to achieve professional
and organizational success in the dynamic association and
chamber industries."
Since 1921, Institute has attracted association and cham-
ber professionals from across the country to its five univer-
sity sites. During the four years, most Institute participants
attend the one-week sessions at the same site, building
valuable relationships with others in the industry. Through
a combination of required courses and electives, Institute
participants are able to enhance their own organizational
management skills and add new fuel to their organizations,
making them run more efficiently and effectively.
"Institute provides the most comprehensive professional
development available in our profession," said to James
A. Chavez, IOM, President and CEO of the Clarksville
Area Chamber of Commerce and chairman of the Institute
Board of Trustees. "The program allows attendees to share
today's best practices in an ever changing economic envi-
ronment."
Graduates of Institute receive the IOM recognition,
signifying completion of 96 hours of course instruction in
non-profit management. In addition, participants can earn
points toward the Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) or
Certified Association Executive (CAE) certifications. Nearly
1,000 individuals attend Institute annually.
Institute is a 501(e)(3) affiliate of the U.S. Chamber
of Commerce and is the premier non-profit professional
development program for non-profit professionals, foster-
ing individual growth through interactive learning and
networking opportunities.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest
business federation representing the interests of more than
3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors and regions, as well
as state and local chambers and industry associations.
According to McCoy, attending Institute for the past four
years has been one of the most rewarding experiences of
her life and she is very proud to have received the IOM
designation. Jacque McCoy, executive vice president of the
Sweetwater Chamber of Commerce, recently completed a
four-year course of study from the Institute of Organization
Management held on the campus of the University of
Arizona, in Tucson during the week of Jan. 4-8, 2011. This
professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of
Commerce is a comprehensive course focusing on profes-
sional growth and development for association, chamber
and other non-profit professionals.
"Institute graduates are recognized across the country
as leaders in their communities," said Raymond P. Towle,
IOM CAE, the U.S. Chamber's vice president of Institute
for Organization Management. "These individuals have the
knowledge, skills and dedication to achieve professional
and organizational success in the dynamic association and
chamber industries."
Since 1921, Institute has attracted association and cham-
ber professionals from across the country to its five univer-
sity sites. During the four years, most Institute participants
attend the one-week sessions at the same site, bu ling
valuable relationships with others in the industry. Through
a combination of required courses and electives, Institute
participants are able to enhance their own organizational
management skills and add new fuel to their organizations,
making them run more efficiently and effectively.
"Institute provides the most comprehensive professional
development available in our profession," said to James
A. Chavez, IOM, President and CEO of the Clarksville
Area Chamber of Commerce and chairman of the Institute
Board of Trustees. "The program allows attendees to share
today's best practices in an ever changing economic envi-
ronment."
Graduates of Institute receive the IOM recognition,
signifying completion of 96 hours of course instruction in
non-profit management. In addition, participants can earn
points toward the Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) or
Certified Association Executive (CAE) certifications. Nearly
1,000 individuals attend Institute annually.
Institute is a 501(e)(3) affiliate of the U.S. Chamber
of Commerce and is the premier non-profit professional
development program for non-profit professionals, foster-
ing individual growth through interactive learning and
networking < iportunities.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest
business federation representing the interests of more than
3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors and regions, as well
as state and local chambers and industry associations.
According to McCoy, attending Institute for the past four
years has been one of the most rewarding experiences of
her life and she is very proud to have received the IOM
designation.
10127/1962
S7n
Your Loving Husband of
44 years, 2 months, 18 days.
Martha Amanda Worsham
9-12-31 to 1-14-07
Texas teacher accused of
taping first grader's mouth
SAN ANTONIO, Texas (AP) - Officials say a San
Antonio elementary school teacher is on leave after being
accused of putting transparent tape over a first-grader's
mouth.
Danny Kelly says his daughter was afraid to tell him
about what happened the day before winter break.
But he says her classmates at Schertz Elementary told
their parents, who called the principal.
District spokeswoman Rebecca Villarreal says officials
put the teacner on administrative leave as soon as the tap-
ing was reported. An investigation is ongoing.
Villarreal says the district takes "all incidents like this
very seriously.'
Hailey
Continued from page fl1
don't find her and part of me hopes we do," volunteer
Kevin Bowman said as he wiped away tears. "Statistically
speaking it does not get any better as time goes on."
Bowman, a father of three1; and his brother joined
about 20 others to look for Hailey, a middle school
cheerleader who was reported missing more than three
week ago in Colorad City, located about 240 miles west
of Dallas. Wearing yellow vests, the volunteers broke off
into small groups to scour an open field that police had
previously searched.
Hailey was reported missing Dec. 28 by her mother,
Billie Dunn, whose former live-in boyfriend, Shawn
Adkins, said he last saw the girl a day earlier when she
told him she was going to her father's nearby home and
would stay overnight with a friend. She did neither. Billie
Dunn said she last saw Hailey at home the night of Dec.
26.
Investigation spokesman Pete Kampfer, the town's
city manager and a former FBI agent who is speaking
for authorities, said police on Thursda searched empty
buildings in the area and several landfills, including the
one in Mitchell County. 0 Tuesday, he told the AP evi-
dence was found at a landfill in Abilene but declined to
elaborate on w hat was found. No one has been arrested.
Authorities have named Adkins, 25, as one of sev-
eral people of interest in the case. Affidavits said he and
Hailey's mother lied on polygraphs. Both have denied
any involvement in Hailey's disappearance.
Billie Dunn told a small gathering at a Lion's Club lun-
cheon in Colorado City on Thursday that she was grate-
ful for all the donations to help the search effort and for
volunteers who have helped search for her daughter.
"Thanks everyone for every thought and every prayer,"
she said.
Later she said she is hanging on to hope her daughter
is alive.
"Oh, yeah," she said. "Definitely."
Mark Klaas, who organized the KlaasKids Foundation
in the aftermath of le abduction and death of Polly
Klaas in 1993, is assisting in the search.
"I think we need to get our arms around the fact that
this may go on for a while/' he told the Lions luncheon.
Margie Brophy, a 60-year-old Colorado City resident,
said she has been out searching for Hailey since she went
missing. She is frustrated and p* heart is breaking — she
said she believes Hailey's not alive anymore.
"It's gone on too long," Brophy said. "It's gone on really
too long. It's breaking my heart every day that goes by.
Out on a bridge a few miles north of the town lined
with stuffed animals, friends of Clint Dunn, Hailey's
father, added two small, brightly colored ones. Danny
Thurmond and Margie Sanderson fought back tears as
they spoke about their hope that Hailey will come home
alive.
"The days go by, the nights go by," Sanderson said.
"We stay up and think about Hailey.'
Vaccine
Continued from page fl1
Adolescents and adults younger than age 65 years
who have not received a dose of Tdap or for whom vac-
cine status is unknown, should be immunized as soon
as feasible. (As stated above, Tdap can be administered
regardless of interval since the previous Td dose.)
Adults age 65 years and older who have not previ-
ously received a dose of Tdap, and who have or antici-
pate having close contact with children younger than
age 12 months (i.e. grandparents, other relatives, child
care providers and healthcare personnel) should receive
a >ne-time dose to protect infants. (As stated above,
Tdap can be administered regardless of interval since
the previous Td dose.)
• Other adults 65 years and older who are not in
contact with an infant, and who have not previously
received a dose of Tdap, may receive a single dose of
Tdap in place of a dose of Td
• pi Idren ages 7-10 years who are not fully immu-
nized against pertussis (i.e.. did not complete a series of
pertussis-containing vaccine before their seventh birth-
day) should receive a one-time dose of Tdap.
Although giving Tdap vaccine to people 7 through
9 years and 65 years and older is considered off ibel
use, CDC recommends use of the vaccine regardless.
According to CDC experts, "AC11' recommendations
represent the standard of care for vaccination practice
in the United States."
Immunizations are given every Wednesday from 8 -
11:30 a.m and 1 4:30 p.m.; the second Wednesday of
each month until 6 p.m. There is a $6 administration
fee.
For farther information, visit www.immunize.org
If you have immunization questions, you may call
the Sweetwater-Nolan County Health Department at
(325)235-5463 or the CDC-INFO Contact Center at
(800)232-4636.
The Hall
Law Firm
Lance Hall
Michael Hall
People Protection Lawyers
Representing The Injured Since 1974
Please Call Us At
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Sweetwater Reporter (Sweetwater, Tex.), Vol. 113, No. 060, Ed. 1 Sunday, January 23, 2011, newspaper, January 23, 2011; Sweetwater, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth229376/m1/3/: accessed April 27, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Sweetwater/Nolan County City-County Library.