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Daily Newspaper and Travel Guide
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Top Stories

Wednesday, August 9, 2000

Rodeo, Fall Fair look at cost adjustments

By ROSIE FLORES
Staff Writer

PECOS, August 9, 2000 - Final results and the total payoff for the West of the Pecos Rodeo were announced during the regular meeting of the Pecos Chamber of Commerce Directors Meeting held Tuesday at noon.

Chamber member Starkey Warren told the group that Bad Company Rodeo was very pleased, the crowd and the rodeo committee. "Everyone was really pleased with this year's event, however, that doesn't make us any money," he said.

"We didn't make enough for us to keep going the way we have been," said Warren. "We need to do something else."

Warren stated that it's hard to keep paying the amount of payoff money that has been paid in the past. The West of the Pecos Rodeo's payout has more than doubled in the past 10 years, in order to remain among the Top 20 rodeos in the United States and Canada in terms of prize money.

The total payoff amount this year was $224,200 and the All Around Cowboy, 14-time World's Champion steer roper Guy Allen, received $7,337.

Warren said this year's newest idea, to broadcast the rodeo over the Internet, did not work out as planned.

"We tried on July 5, as a trial run, it was on for 10 minutes and then it went off line," said Warren. "We tried again Thursday, Wednesday, and then finally, they flew in people from San Diego, and it supposedly was on Saturday."

He said the Rodeo Committee is working on getting their money back on the venture. "He assured us he would do us right, it is on the archives, but it wasn't on until last week," said Warren. "I had thought that maybe they could do it for free next year, but Kevin (Duke), suggested we just get our money back."

"I may have made a mistake, but we learned something," he said.

Board member Leo Elliott stated that he had looked for it and never saw Pecos listed on the Internet site. "They had a list of all the rodeos, but Pecos wasn't even listed on there," he said.

Warren told the group that Bad Company Rodeo owner, Mack Altizer was doing well following surgery to repair fractured vertebrae he suffered in a swimming accident he had in a Pecos motel, during the rodeo events. "He'll have to wear that halo for awhile, but otherwise he's doing good," said Warren. "The surgery went really well."

Warren also said some people were disappointed in the new program for the rodeo that was issued this year, which was printed in a tab-size newspaper format instead of the glossy program used in the past. The Rodeo Committee had lost money on the higher-cost programs in recent years, and this time, Warren said, "We made some money out of it and learned some new things."

In other business, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tom Rivera told the group that he had good news about the Main Street Project. "I shipped off the application to Austin and called Ken McKnight and they have already done the initial screening," said Rivera. "Pecos made it through the initial screening."

"It will be formally submitted and this means at least we're in the running," said Rivera.

Chamber board directors discussed the Reeves County Fall Fair and the Fall Fair Concert during their luncheon.

"This year, we won't have a fall fair concert," said Rivera.

"I think the time for concert money making are gone," said chamber president Jeannette Alligood.

Jason Owen puts on ranch roping and is willing to do a 3-day ranch rodeo. "And all we would have to do is sell concession, which is what we did at the concerts," said Alligood.

Owen will be responsible for the entire rodeo and maybe he could do this every year, according to Rivera.

"That's something we'll be pursuing," said Alligood.

Alligood said for the first few years the concerts were a big moneymaking project that brought in a lot of out-of-towners and provided revenue for the chamber. "Then everybody started getting in on it, and the big Tejano names that used to bring in people, were coming to area cities and towns and they just didn't attract a big a crowd in Pecos anymore," she said. "Their price also went up."

The only way that a concert would make it in Pecos would be to bring in top bands that charge from $75,000-$100,000, according to Alligood.

"Let's try to find something different to have during the fall fair," she said.

The Fall Fair is scheduled for the first weekend in October and the Fall Fair Committee will be meeting next Tuesday at lunch at Cattleman's Restaurant.

"We'll be working on the booklet and get it out in September," said fall fair president Barbara Creager. "We encourage everyone to attend this meeting and share ideas with us."

Aside from canceling the fair concert, Rivera said they also plan some changes in the World's Championship Barbeque Beef Cookoff.

"This year, we're going to limit the amount of prize money at the cookoff to the amount of entries," said Rivera. "The money we give out as prizes will depend on the number of entries."

"Tom is still looking to see if there is any company out there that wants to come in and put up the banners and take them during the rodeo," said Alligood. "We had a company that used to do that, but they're out of business now."

The good think about the company that up the banners is that in two days, the whole town was decorated and after the rodeo in two days all the banners would be down, according to Alligood.

"This is a good venture for someone who is looking for a short-term money-making project," said Rivera.

"It doesn't have to be an out-of-town company or a company at all, but just individuals that want to do this during the rodeo. I know of some companies that have the banners and they stated that within two years of doing this, you could start making money on it," he said.

"We're still trying to get a computer class going and will talk to Odessa College about it," said Alligood. "We're still trying to get that together."

Teachers `rescued' in S.W.A.T demonstration

By LEIA HOLLAND
Staff Writer

PECOS, August 9, 2000 - The Pecos Police Department demonstrated their ability to handle any hostage or terrorist situation to Pecos-Barstow-Toyah Independent School District teachers today.

Police Chief Clay McKinney said this is the first year for the police department to offer a additional awareness program to the teachers and administration of area schools.

"This is a proactive program the department has developed to bring awareness to the faculty of the department's capabilities and inform them of some safety issues if something should happen," he said.

McKinney said the department has been training in area schools even before such incidents as the April, 1999 Columbine High School massacre in Littleton, Colo., occurred.

"We don't want to be in a situation where we say why didn't we come up with this earlier," he said.

Investigator Kelly Davis informed the teachers of the accessibility children have to bomb formulas and how easy some bombs can be made. Davis also informed them of the damage a homemade bomb can do and the common ingredients used in them.

Lt. Tony Dawdy then showed and explained some equipment the S.W.A.T. team uses on raids and stakeouts.

The teachers were then able to see the S.W.A.T. team in action. Volunteers were asked to sit on a bus in the Eagle Stadium parking lot while the team raided the bus as they would in a hostage situation.

The demonstration seemed to be effective as the teachers walked off the bus holding their hearts and trying to calm their frayed nerves.

McKinney said the police department gave the demonstration to allow the teachers to see what they do and not just hear about it.

"They enjoy seeing the hands on demonstrations," he said. "It is different hearing about it than seeing it."

McKinney said the program also informs the teachers what they need to do to prevent such incidents as Columbine from happening and what they could do if an incident should happen.

"The teachers learn the more information they can give the station the better chance they can get out people safely," he said.

Davis said the teachers could help the police department by paying attention to their surroundings and reporting anything suspicious.

Pecos High School principal Danny Rodriguez said he is glad they can count on the police department to do a great job.

"They have a lot of training and that speaks for itself," he said.

Rodriguez said the police department has known the layouts of area schools since before Columbine happened and is confident that if something should happen they will be able to handle it well.

Rodriguez said he enjoyed the program especially the S.W.A.T. team demonstrations.

"It was great," he said. "You actually get a feel of what they do and talk about."

"I think it was a very good program that will help us be safe," Rodriguez said. "Our number one objective is to be safe."

City to review plans to build detention site

By LEIA HOLLAND
Staff Writer

PECOS, August 9, 2000 - The Pecos City Council will discuss the feasibility of a Municipal Law Enforcement Center and a Municipal Court facility and the site selection of at their regular meeting at 7:30 a.m., on Thursday, August 10 at City Hall.

The city is discussing building a new detention center that would house U.S. Marshal's Service prisoners awaiting trial in U.S. District Court in Pecos. Most of those prisoners are currently being held in out-of-town facilities.

The Council will also discuss funding of the design phase of engineering services for the South Worsham Well Field through Frank Spencer.

They will also discuss two different emergency measure ordinances referring to the ability to drill water wells in Ward County along with the plans for the city's new water field. The first ordinance authorizes Pecos combination tax and revenue certificates of obligation in the amount of $8,375,000. The second is an ordinance authorizing Pecos combination tax and revenue certificates of obligation in the amount of $460,000.

The Council will also discuss and consider the change order for final closure of Trench 1-Area B, Type I Sanitary Landfill.

Town of Pecos City and Pecos-Barstow-Toyah tax assessor-collection Lydia Prieto will ask the Council to consider the Texas property tax code submission roll for Fiscal Year 2001 and City Manager Kenneth Neal will discuss with the council the city's wish list of projects to be given to the Texas Department of Transportation.

School board to certify 2000-2001 tax rolls

PECOS, August 9, 2000 - Certified appraisal values of Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD and certification of anticipated collection rate by tax collector are scheduled to be discussed and approved during the regular monthly school board meeting on Thursday.

Members will meet at 6 p.m., in the boardroom, 1304 S. Park St. The public is invited to attend.

Board members will listen to a report on Crockett Middle School lab addition project and the Pecos High School and Austin Elementary roofing projects.

The board will discuss and approve calculation of rollback tax rate; sale of foreclosed property located at 420 S. Mulberry Street; a public meeting date for budget and proposed tax rate and discuss/approve Teacher Appraisal Calendar-2000-2001 and PDAS Appraisers.

In other business, the board will discuss and approve 2000-2001 bus routes; employee health insurance and prescription co-pay proposals; fuel sealed proposals; pickup bids; worker's compensation sealed proposals; the 1999-2000 budget amendments and will discuss the 2000-2001 budget.

The board will hear the first reading on Policy Update 63.

In regular business the board will discuss and approve:

· Tax report.

· Depository securities report.

· Current bills and financial report.

· Investment transaction report.

· Reconciled bank balance report.

· Reeves County Community Recreation Report.

· Set date and time for next meeting.

· Calendar of events.

· Request for items for next agenda.

The board will also meet in closed session, for private consultation with the board's attorney and to discuss personnel and hear complaints against personnel.

The board will return to open session and take action, if any, on items discussed in closed session.

Board members will also approve professional personnel: assignments, resignations, reassignments, and changes of contract.

P-B-T accepting applications for school lunch aid program

By ROSIE FLORES
Staff Writer

PECOS, August 9, 2000 - Applications for free or reduced-priced meals for children in the Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD are currently being accepted.

"If they want to come in before school starts, so they can be prepared we are already processing the applications," said P-B-T ISD Food Services Director Helen Miller.

Miller encouraged everyone to come in and fill out an application.

The food services office is located on the southwest side of Pecos High School, between the baseball and football fields.

"They still have the 30-days after school starts, but we would like to let people know that if they want to do it before school starts they can do it now," said Miller. "That way it will be taken care of before the beginning of school and the parent or guardian will know if their student is eligible or not."

Miller said they have received a few applications already.

Food services personnel will be on hand at pre-registration at both Austin Elementary School and Bessie Haynes Elementary School, scheduled for 6 p. m. Thursday.

"We'll also be at Zavala on Friday," said Miller.

The food services personnel will be handing out the applications at those times as well and helping individuals fill them out.

The school announced its policy for providing free and reduced-price meals for children served under the National School Lunch Program and/or School Breakfast Program.

Each school and/or the central office have a copy of the policy, which may be reviewed by any interested party.

The household size and income criteria identified below will be used to determine eligibility for free and reduced-price benefits. Children from households whose income is at or below the levels shown are eligible for free or reduced price meals. Foster children who are the legal responsibility of a welfare agency or court may also be eligible for benefits regardless of the income of the household with whom they reside. Eligibility for the foster child is based on the child's income.

Application forms are being distributed to all households with a letter informing households of the availability of free and reduced-price meals for their children. Applications also are available at the principal's office and cafeteria's in each school. To apply for free and reduced-price meals, households must fill out the application and return it to the school cafeteria or the Food Service Office. Applications may be submitted any time during the school year. The information households provide on the application will be used for the purpose of determining eligibility and verification of data. The school officials may verify applications at any time during the school year.

Under the provisions of the free and reduced-price meal policy, the Food Service Director and/or Food Service Secretary will review applications and determine eligibility. Parents or guardians dissatisfied with the ruling of the official may wish to discuss the decision with the reviewing official on an informal basis. Parents wishing to make a formal appeal for a hearing on the decision may make a request either orally or in writing to Don Love, 1302 S. Park, or call 915-447-7201.

Households that list a food stamp or TANF case number must report when the household no longer receives those benefits. Other households approved for benefits based on income information must report increases in household income of over $50 per month or $600 per year and decreases in household size. Also, if a household member becomes unemployed or if the household size increases, the household should contact the Food Service Office. Such changes may make the children of the household eligible for benefits if the household income falls at or below the levels indicated on the application.

In accordance with federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call 202-720-5964.

Balmorhea ISD board to discuss budget meeting

PECOS, August 9, 2000 - The Balmorhea Independent School District Board of Trustees will discuss a time and date for the 2000-2001 budget meeting at their regular meeting at 7 p.m., on Thursday in the Balmorhea ISD Board Room.

The board members will also discuss the adoption of the 2000-2001 teacher appraisal calendar as well as the resolution to amend authorized representative for TexPool.

Obituary

Sadie Barlow

Sadie L. Barlow, 80, of Marfa, died Saturday, Aug. 5, 2000, in a Las Cruces, N.M., Care Center.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, Aug. 11, at First Baptist Church with Rev. Lloyd Conner officiating. Burial will follow at Marfa Cemetery.

She was born in Ozark, Ark., on May 13, 1920 and married Riley M. Barlow on Sept. 2, 1948. They lived in Marfa twice during Mr. Barlow's Border Patrol career, moving there a second time in 1959.

Barlow was a long time member of the First Baptist Church and was actively involved in many community clubs and organizations, including Order of the Eastern Star. Later in her life when she began to lose her sight, she began a life-long dream to paint and became an accomplished artist with numerous art exhibits in the West Texas area.

Survivors include three daughters, Ann Barlow of Las Cruces, N.M., Karen Wells of Reston, Va. and Kathy Redford of Shrewsbury, N.J.; one son, Mike Barlow of Auburn, Wash.; two brothers, James Buchanan of Austin, Mickey Buchanan of Lampasas; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, memorials made be made to the Marfa Public Library or First Baptist Church of Marfa, or National Alzheimer's Foundation, 100 N. Brand Blvd., Suite 200, Glendale, Calif. 91203.

Memorial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Weather

PECOS, August 9, 2000 - High Tuesday 98. Low this morning 70. Rainfall past 24 hours at Texas A&M Experiment Station .08 inch. Forecast for tonight: Partly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms. Low 70-75. South wind 5-15 mph. Thursday: Partly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms. High 95-100. South wind 10-20 mph. Thursday night: Partly cloudy. Low 70-75. Friday: Partly cloudy. Lows 70-75.



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