The Paris News from Paris, Texas • Page 2

texas News of sure and local interest from staff and wire reports fbrids New law makes it easier for cable TV companies to crack down on thsevcs HOUSTON A new Ua sha: easier to prosecute cable prompted officials Communications to iiuxYinee for cra.i'k- down after an amnesty period eztix. Although the ictuilly penalties for cable theft, it is mix-h more enforceable, company officisis szid Monday. "The key to this liv, is ibe ease of prosecution," said Harris Counry Jud.ee Robert Eckels. noting the sales taxes and' franchise to theft. Time Warner with 650.000 customers in the Houston area, estimates that 31.000 homes are illegally obtaining cable.

That's an estimated annual loss of about S2.2 million in fees and taxes to local governments. The new law provides for a S500 fine on the first offense, a 52,000 fine and up to a 180-day jail term for the second, and 54,000 and a year in jail for the third. The law also makes "passive" cable theft not reporting that the cable is turned on, even though it wasn't ordered illegal. It is also illegal to hot wire cable boxes and cable splitters. Man sentenced to death for killing 8-year-old boy TYLER A man described by a prosecutor as a monster has been sentenced to death for murdering an 8-year-old East Texas boy, whose skull was unearthed and sent to his parents.

Jurors on Monday set death by injection as punishment for Patrick Horn, 25, who was already serving a life federal prison term without possibility of parole. He is a convicted bank robber and carj acker. Jurors took four hours to set his punishment in the the slsyina of Chad Choice. Jurors were told that when Horn was a high schcol senior, he kidnapped his best friend's little brother, shot him and buried him in the backyard of his said Choice's family did not give ap hope of finding him alive until four years later they found the boy's skull in a plastic grocery sack on their front porch. District Attorney Jack Skeen, who called Horn "odious monster," asked jurors to send a mes- to other criminals who would murder a child by sentencing Horn to death.

Prosecutors have described Horn as "the most diabolic, manipulative, gut-wrenching killer on esrth." Even if jurors had sentenced Horn to life in prison, he would have remained in a federal prison for the rest of his life. Evidence at the trial showed that Horn became a crack dealer for Colombians when he was 17. TAAS LAWSUIT: A judge has ruled that the lawsuit filed by minority advocates who are challenging a requirement that Texas students pass a standardized test before graduating from high school may proceed. The state of Texas had asked a federal judge to issue a judgment in favor of the state after the plaintiffs finished putting on their case. T.RVT STRAUSS SUED: A garment company has sued Levi Strauss accusing the jeans maker of breaching a contract by moving operations across the border in a post-NAFTA effort to cut costs.

The lawsuit was filed in El Paso by American Garment Finishers Corp. SCOTUS-TEXAS VOTING: Justice Department lawyers have been asked by the Supreme Court to file briefs commenting on two challenges by Hispanic voters in Texas to their school districts' system of electing school board members. Couple sentenced in chaining of 8-year-old son A 1 Associated Press HOUSTON A Pasadena couple accused of keeping their malnourished 8-year-old son chained to a bed were sentenced to state jail terms after pleading guilty to charges of endangerina a child. Christopher Shawn Pope, 34, and Trina Pope, 36, who have eight children and one on the way, were already on deferred-adjudica- tion probation for abandoning their children then numbering seven to go to a movie in May 1997. District Judge Carol G.

Davies found the couple guilty in the old cases, thus revoking their probation, and then sentenced them on the latest charge. Prosecutors say Christopher Pope received 18 months in a state jail on the May 1997 case and 18 months for the new charge of chaining the boy. Those terms will run concurrently. Trina Pope's time will also run together, Prosecutor James Alston said. She received nine months in a state jail for the old charge and one year in a state jail for the new charge.

Alston said they will not be eligible for early release and must serve every day of their state jail lime. HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYTHING'S oo EVERYTHING! Pick and choose from the largest selection of Halloween Party supplies for Just A $1.00 in Halloween ver 5 1ider Treat 6U Joined Halloween Serving Sacks 1 a 1 Favors Ail This And Much More! SAVE JUST A $1.00 WHERE EVERYTHING IS A 2313 NE LOOP 286 NEXT TO FOXWORTH-GALBRAITH CHOCTAW SHOPPING CENTER HUGO, OK NEXT TO WALMART Rescue workers carry a victim from the wreckage of a train collision near Paddington Station in West London. Two packed commuter trains collided during the height of the morning rush hour today, killing eight and injuring 160 people. AP i i Schwarzenegger From the Associated Press ST. PAUL, Minn.

Gov. Jesse Ventura has urged his friend, actor Arnold Schwarzenegger, not to run for governor of California. "My advice to Arnold, as a friend, is 'Continue with your movie career, Arnold, don't get involved in it. It won't be worth it to Ventura said. Ventura added that Schwarzenegger is a brilliant and self-made man "who could be good at anything he desires to do." Schwarzenegger said during an interview in the November issue of Talk magazine he had thought "many times" about running for office.

He said the California governorship, which is up for.grabs in three years, would best. thing because you can manage your state." Schwarzenegger's spokeswoman said last week that he wasn't thinking of running for office. BOSTON In her first public appearance since her brother's death, Caroline Kennedy made only a brief reference to John F. Kennedy honoring his commitment to public service. Caroline Kennedy expressed thanks to her brother, who died in a plane crash this summer with his wife and sister-in-law.

"There are a few people I'd like to salute. The first is my brother, John, who brought his own sense of purpose and idealism to public service which I wish we can all continue," she said Monday at a dinner marking the 20th anniversary of the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum. Retired Gen. Coiin L.

Powell, also a speaker at the event, said, "John Kennedy Jr. dedicated himself to the proposition that we owe so much to our country. And let's make sure we keep that truth.alive and our hearts." Design A Jack-0-Lantern Help us decorate for create your perfect jack-o-lantern. Use the pumpkin outlined on this page to color and create your perfect Halloween companion. Then bring it to The Paris News or mail it to 5050 S.E.

Loop 286 Paris, Tx. 75461 by October 26th. Make it scary. Make it funny. Make it the best Halloween jack-o-lantern ever! Staff of The Paris News will vote for their favorites.

The winner of each age group will win $25.00. Enter one time only. Huny and get started on your jack-o-lantem. Then bring it fo the perfect place for the perfect jack-o-lanlem I Name: Official Entry Form 5050 S.E. Loop 286 Age (circle one): 3-5..