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Archives 1995

Seniors plead for open campus


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PECOS, June 7, 1995 - Pecos High School, senior class representatives
for the 1995-96 school year will convene Thursday evening at the regular
meeting of the Pecos-Barstow-Toyah Independent School District Board of
Education meeting to discuss the possibility of having an open campus
for the upcoming school year.

The board will meet at Carver Center, 600 E. 12th St., at 6 p.m., where
Carver representatives will present the board with a brief educational
program of their campus.

Recognition of the PHS Mariachi Band, which received a Division I at
Solo and Ensemble State Competition in Austin last month, is included on
the agenda.

State track student Willie Mata, who received a second place medal for
his efforts in the 400 meter dash in Austin at the State Class 4-4A
Division, will also be recognized by the board of directors at
Thursday's meeting. Mata has received three state medals in the past
three years for this event.

Also included on the agenda is a report of the recently passed, Senate
Bill 1, which was signed by Governor George Bush last week.
Superintendent Mario Sotelo commented last week that he and other school
administrators will be traveling to the Region 18 Education Service
Center on June 21 for an interpretation of the bill, and should comment
at a later date on how it will affect P-B-T ISD.

Texas Assessment of Academic Skills (TAAS) scores will be discussed.

Discussion/approval of the lease/purchase of buses, next school year's
calendar, Region 18 ESC Math/Science Cooperative and Drug Free Schools
Cooperative programs, budget amendments for 1994-95, health and athletic
insurances and professional personnel actions are all included on the
list of items to be considered be the board.

A public hearing of Chapter I, Title 1 and Chapter II, Title 6 is
scheduled, as is a second reading and approval of Policy Update 49.

A report by Long and Associates, who are conducting an energy
improvement study at the Crockett Middle School and PHS campuses, will
be presented.

The board will also take and consider the adoption of the Texas
Association of School Boards Master Tax Anticipation Notes Program
resolution and a resolution authorizing the district to issue a tax
revenue anticipation note pursuant to the 1995 program.

A closed meeting, under the Texas Open Meetings Act, will be called for
the discussion of the Tax Collector's contract, an informal evaluation
of the superintendent and personnel complaints.

Regular monthly reports including the tax report, depository securities
report, enrollment report and alternative education program report and
other miscellaneous items will be discussed and approved before adjournment.

Budget woes may strike out kids' T-ball


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By Jon Fulbright
Staff Writer

PECOS, June 2, 1995 - By the first week of June in recent years,
registration was well underway for boys and girls ages 4-7 to
participate in the Pecos Community Recreation Department's summer T-ball
program.

But trying to get T-ball started this year has been about as torturous a
journey as trying to get the recent major league baseball strike
settled, though -- just as was the case among strike negotiators last
winter -- several people involved believe there will be a season in 1995.

T-ball has been run through the recreation department for almost 20
years, and before recent seasons, director Debbie Moore has sent out
notices about registration through local schools prior to the end of
classes. But financial problems this year have all but shut the
recreation department down, leaving its athletic programs without a
sponsor.

The men's softball league, which the PCRD had put on in the spring for
years, was organized by players this season, though it has about four
less teams than usual and is playing just three nights a week instead of
four.

However, the T-ball players are a little young to organize their own
league, so the job will have to fall to parents or some other group.

"There may be T-ball this year, but it won't by through us," Moore said
this morning. "I understand some parents are talking and are trying to
get something together."

PCRD board chairman Joey Herrera said in late May that a 50 percent cut
in funding by Reeves County was a main factor in the department's
inability to stage its spring activities.

"They had been giving up $10,000 in the past, but this year, we only got
$5,000," Herrera said. "I don't want us to get half way through T-ball
and then run out of funding."

The PCRD had been getting $10,000 from the county, Town of Pecos City
and the Pecos-Barstow-Toyah school district until the late 1980s, when
the school dropped out of the funding arrangement. Since then, the city
and county have split the $20,000 annual funding cost.

Reeves County Judge Jimmy Galindo said with the county facing a budget
deficit of almost $400,000, all county spending has to be looked at.

"Everybody is short of money," he said last week. "What we've been
trying to do is hold back the other $5,000 and see what is going to
happen."

"We need T-ball, but we still have to come to face a $396,000 deficit,"
the county judge added.

Galindo cited spending, such as on the Reeves County court-at-law, as
areas where budget cuts could be made. Galindo proposed elimination of
the court-at-law in January, and the move was approved by commissioners.
But it was opposed by several local law enforcement officials, and the
required measure to abolish it was not brought up in the Texas House of
Representatives, resulting in a dispute between Galindo, county attorney
Bill Weinacht and State Rep. Gary Walker.

Herrera said last week he planned to talk to Reeves County Commissioners
at their next meeting, on June 12, to see if the $5,000 could be
restored.

"We have to cut back somewhere," Galindo said. "We'd like to put on
T-ball, but we just can't afford the same level of services."

The Town of Pecos City has taken over operation of the Oasis Miniature
Golf Center at Maxey Park that the recreation department has been
running. Moore remains the head of the PCRD, though she's only been
handling record-keeping and keeping other department files in storage in
recent months.

Moore said she had talked to Alvin Rodriguez, who was interested in
staging the T-ball program with other parents this year. But Rodriguez
said he'll have to undergo surgery soon and won't be able to be involved.

He added that he had talked to Mario Flores about running things this
year, and Flores said he and Precinct 1 Commissioner Lupe Garcia, who is
also Pecos Little League president may try and start a T-ball
organization through the national Little League program.

"Joey's supposed to let me know today about where they stand," Flores
said this morning. "I guess if the county isn't going to come up with
the money, Lupe and I may try and get together and start it up through
Little League."

Even if the T-ball season does get started, getting parents interested
could be a problem, based on the turnout for the other Little League
programs this season.

The league was unable to find enough coaches to field a fourth 'C'
division Little League squad this year, and several other 'A' and 'B'
team coaches are doubling up right now, handling both Little League and
Senior League teams. The Senior League itself started nearly a month
behind schedule, as Garcia was unable to find a league supervisor until
Flores agreed to return to the job he held a year ago.

Meanwhile, fewer parents and other family members have turned out to
watch their kids play this season, as areas behind the outfield fence
that used to be filled with a row or two of parked cars have been
virtually empty at the two leagues' fields this season.

Moore said she expects if there finally is a T-ball in 1995, parental
participation will be better than it has been with the older children.

"I'm sure it will be bigger than that, though it may not be as much as
it has been in the past, since it's not through the recreation
department and there will be new people doing it, but it still should be
pretty big."

She added that the late start may keep some from knowing about
registration, since there were no forms passed out at school this year.

"We really needed to do it before school got out, because that was the
best way to get the information out. Now we'll just have to do it
through you (the Enterprise), the radio and by putting a message on Ch.
6," Moore said.

"Whatever happens, I want to try and help any way I can. I don't want to see this program die," she added.

PHS mariachis earn top honor at state event


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By Rosie Flores
Staff Writer

PECOS, May 31, 1995 - The Pecos High School Mariachi Band brought home
top honors in competition held Memorial Day weekend in Austin.

The mariachi band netted a Division 1 rating in their second year after
being organized.

"It was super, they did just great," said Pecos High School Band
Director Gabriel Garcia.

"The kids really worked hard for this and it paid off," Garcia said.
"They practiced well and geared themselves up for this competition.

"Their extra efforts really paid off, since there were so many other
mariachi bands competing," said Garcia.

"There were a lot of mariachi bands, and I can't say just how many," he
added, "So, I'm really proud of these kids getting first."

The first day Pecos performed, 10 other mariachi groups competed in that
event.

The Pecos High School saxophone quartet netted third division and the
brass sextet placed second division in competition.

The mariachi band performed at a secretary's luncheon held recently and
participated in the Mariachi Festival held last month at the Reeves
County Civic Center.

Members of the Pecos High School Mariachi Band include, trumpet players,
Jorge Navarette, Nestor Mendoza and Martin Valenzuela; flute players,
Marissa Levario, Elizabeth Montgomery and Amy Barreno; marimba player,
Christine Valdez; guitaron, Javier Ramirez and Chris Ortiz; guitar,
Alonzo Juarez, Dennis Harris and Cynthia Almanza who also performs
vocals and vocal singers, Dianna Marruffo, Jonnie Fuentez, Luiselda Garcia and Crissy Lujan.|

Policarpio, Paz top PHS graduates


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By Rosie Flores
Staff Writer

PECOS, May 26, 1995 - Rainy weather this morning has led Pecos High
School officials to tentatively move tonight's graduation ceremonies
from Eagle Stadium into the new Pecos High School gym.

Ceremonies are scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. in the PHS gym, but will be
moved back out to the stadium if the weather clears in time, principal
Alice Duerksen said.

Seating in the gym will be limited, and Duerksen said, "Each senior was
given 10 tickets, and the doors will open for ticketed guests starting
at 7 p.m. Unticketed guests will be seated at 7:45 p.m."

Floor level handicapped seating will also be available, but all other
guests will have to view the ceremonies from the second floor stands,
she added.

Guest speaker for the event will be Lena Levario, a State District Court
Judge in Dallas, and a 1979 graduate of Pecos High School.

Tristan Policarpio will give the valedictory addressing, with J.T. Paz
giving the salutatory speech.

A total of 145 seniors will be parading to receive their diplomas.

"There were 154 seniors, but seven were mid-term graduates and will not
be participating in the ceremony," said Duerksen.

Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD School Board president Linda Gholson will be on
hand to hand out diplomas, assisted by board members Earl Bates and
Billie Sandler.

Policarpio ranked first academically in the senior class and was awarded
the Student of the Year honors by the Town of Pecos City.

During the past school year he was a member of Mu Alpha Theta Math Club
and served as president of that club, was an All-District Swimmer;
All-District Tennis; a member of the Honor Society; member of the
Student Council; member of the Catholic Youth Organizations and was in
UIL Academics in Science and Journalism.

Previous accomplishments include, being the recipient of the Bill Dean
Memorial Award; sophomore class president; junior class president; Top
Biology Honors in UIL District Competition in 1994; school musical and
school talent show participant; D.A.R.E. Role Model; member of D-FY-IT
and received school awards in Biology I, Algebra I, Trigonometry and
Calculus.

Policarpio is the son of Teodoro and Teresita Policarpio.

Paz participated in several activities and received several honors
during his senior year.

He was student council vice-president; a member of the National Honor
Society and Mu Alpha Theta; a nominee for Chamber of Commerce Student of
the Year; a member of Catholic Youth Ministry; member of District,
Regional UIL team participating in science; member of the varsity
football team; Section leader and percussion section leader for the
Mighty Eagle Orchestra Jazz Band and received honors in Biology II.

Previous accomplishments include, student council treasurer; member of
D-FY-IT; school musical participant; UIL District member and received
honor awards in Enhanced English I and was a school talent show
participant.He is the son of Jose R. and Rebecca C. Paz of Pecos.

Teachers, students adjust
to new alternative ed program


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By Penelope Leon
Staff Writer

PECOS, May 25, 1995 - The schools are full of teachers who are
interested in helping good students who want to learn.

But those who constantly miss classes or who are a daily problem because
of their bad behavior are sent home, and sometimes permanently expelled
from school.

Nevertheless, state law demands all youths under age 18 go to school
every day.

Until recently, the Reeves County Juvenile Detention Center was the only
place locally providing education outside the regular school system, not
just to youths being held there under court order, but also to kids
expelled because of their bad behavior or who had dropped out of the
regular school program.

But the number of student expulsions have increased in recent years to
the point where it was necessary to open an alternative education
program in Pecos, said Carver Center Director Lucila Valenzuela.

P-B-T Independent School District Board members designated Mrs.
Valenzuela's school on East 12th Street in January as the site of the
new program that provides education to problem students, including those
in the Juvenile Detention Center.

In February, a special classroom was opened in the Carver Center for
those minors as a last-chance education alternative.

The students understand the situation based on their responses during a
group interview. Most of them want to get their high school diploma,
while others want to receive their GED certificate when they reach 18
years of age, and that is one of the reasons they come daily to this
school.

Group members said they prefer going to Carver than to taking classes at
Pecos High School or the local junior highs, and none wanted to spend
time in the Juvenile Detention Center.

In the alternative school program they only have to go four hours --
from 8 a.m. to 12 noon. There are fewer students, teachers put less
pressure on them, there are few rules and grounds for expulsion are far
more lax.

They said in the alternative education program they feel more at liberty
to be themselves, to express who they are and to talk about things in
which they are more interested.

Three teachers have the duty to provide personal education to this
students: David Reyes, who is in charge of the Carver class, teacher's
aid Delia Alvarez and physical education coach Elias Payan.

They also work as teachers in the Juvenile Detention Center on
afternoons. But the center's strict rules make their job easier than
with the alternative education school at Carver.

The class began in February with 20 students between 13 and 17 years
old. In the early going, the students transformed the classroom into a
real battlefield at any provocation, the teachers said.

One stare, one sign, was enough to start a fight in the middle of the
classroom. Youths gave names to rival groups they divided themselves
into.

Reyes said the main reason the youths are sent to the Carver program is
due to their bad behavior, because of their lack of interest in going to
school.

But the way teachers work with students helps to create learning
interest and to control themselves a little more in the classroom.

Tolerance is the key to the class.

Reyes said students are permitted to sit anywhere they want, or even do
their work lying down on the floor, if they feel more comfortable that
way.

Each student learns at their own speed, and when someone finishes the
class work, they are allowed to draw on the blackboard or on frames
wrapped in paper, an activity they like most, Reyes said.

Still, this level of tolerance can cause the instructors headaches and
even nightmares, Alvarez and Payan said.

They said working with the youths created a lot of tension because of
the minimal rules that allow them the opportunity to express themselves
and their problems.

"They come when they want to come. They work when they want to work.
Anyone who disagrees can go home. Tolerance makes our job stressful.

"When this program started I'd arrive home tired. I took the tension
with me to my other job. Weekends were what I wanted most. On Fridays, I
feel like going to party, but on Sundays I began to feel anxious,
because the next day I had to go to school and I didn't know what we
would face now," he added.

Several times the teacher have felt like throwing in the towel,
resigning and just forgetting about the job out of frustration, because
it's hard to see advancement or any change.

The process of changing the youths' attitude is very slow and demands
lots of time and patience. Nevertheless, the teachers come back every
day.

Their tolerance has helped the students feel comfortable around the
teachers, respecting them in their own way. It's a situation that has
united the group.

"They tell us about their things, their life, because they know that what they say will never leave the class," said Alvarez.

Board upholds graduation ban for failing test


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By Mari Maldonado
Staff Writer

PECOS, May 24, 1995 - Pecos-Barstow-Toyah school board members voted to
bar Pecos High School seniors who have not mastered all of the Texas
Assessment of Academic Skills tests, from joining their classmates at
Friday's graduation ceremonies.

Board members not present for the Tuesday afternoon special meeting were
Frank Perea and Hugh Box. All members voted for the decision except for
Billie Sandler. The vote follows a similar decision prior to last year's
graduation.

Prior to the vote, the board met with student representatives and
parents who asked the board to allow seniors who had not mastered the
TAAS, but have earned all the required credits, to participate in
Friday's commencement.

Board president Linda Gholson said the time factor was an important
element in the board's decision.

One student, who passed TAAS but was at the meeting to support the other
seniors, argued that Odessa schools allow such students to go through
graduation ceremonies under certain guidelines and restrictions.

The female student also noted, "that we feel that these students have
gone to school with us for 12 years and it (graduation) wouldn't be the
same without them."

Odessa ISD students are required to prove that they have made an honest
effort to pass the exit exam by attending remediation classes, tutorials
and taking the test every time it was offered to them.

The Midland County school board recently voted in May to allow the
participation of students who have not mastered the TAAS, but have
earned all the necessary credit, with no conditions of remediation this
year, according to Executive Director of Administrative Services Joe
Cummins.

They are however, "attempting to develop restrictions for 1996," said
Cummins.

School board member Alberto Alvarez commented, "we need to talk about
this issue at the beginning of the school year and not at the last
minute." He sympathized with the parents and students, but believes that
the issue should have been discussed earlier.

Alvarez also noted that if a survey was taken at the beginning of the
school year asking how many students are aware of the TAAS mastery
requirement for graduation, the result would show that practically all
students do in fact know of that responsibility.

Pecos High School Principal Alice Duerksen handed out a summary list of
TAAS scores for students not displaying mastery of the exam.

The list revealed that there were 21 students who did not pass the test.

Gholson assured those in attendance that the board is only presented
with TAAS numbers and scores and that no names are published.

Duerksen also showed the board with a senior class survey that indicated
73.3 percent of the students voted in favor of allowing those who have
not mastered the TAAS, but completed the course work requirements, to
walk across the stage and receive an empty envelope. She said 16.8
percent voted against participation.

The survey was given to 131 of the 165 seniors.

A faculty survey showed 60 percent of the high school's professional
staff did not agree with letting the students participate and 33 percent
were in favor of the idea.

Forty-five of the 61 professional, high school employees took the survey.

Board member Oscar Saenz noted that if a composite result of the faculty
and student survey was considered, the majority would still be against
allowing the students to partake in graduation ceremonies.

Duerksen also passed out an attendance sheet for TAAS tutorials, which
indicated a "sporadic" pattern.

The attendance roster showed that students went to the remediation
classes singly, occasionally or in scattered instances.

Another student commented that she was getting anything out of the TAAS
tutorials, and chose to study for the test at home.

TAAS failure rates for PHS seniors were well above other area schools
responding this morning. Both Balmorhea and Fort Stockton senior classes
have no seniors ineligible for graduation because of their TAAS scores,
with Kermit showing only one out of about 100 seniors.

Responses from Monahans and Andrews were not available at press time,
while Odessa ISD staff officials said they did not yet have the results of the final TAAS test given to seniors last month.

Deadline extended on $131,000 PIF loan


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By Rosie Flores
Staff Writer

Representatives from two companies asking for extensions of their loans
from the Pecos Industrial Foundation were on hand at this morning's
meeting of the Reeves County Commissioner's Court.

Commissioners resumed discussion of the loans, to Pecos River Livestock,
Inc., and to Ben's Spanish Inn, they had begun during their May 8
meeting. The loans made through the PIF were for $131,000 and $68,000
respectively.

Rosemary Wilke, of Pecos River Livestock, Inc. gave the court an update
on the financial situation of the company, which is operating at a site
southeast of Pecos.

"The company has different families involved in this venture and right
now I'm acting as president," said Wilke. "That way the man who was
formerly the president (John Teague) can go out and look for investors
and ways to make money."

"Basically, I'm running the dairy by myself," she added.

Commissioners opted to give Pecos River Livestock, Inc. an extension on
their loan payment until June 15.

"He's doing his best to find investors and we do want to keep our end of
the bargain and make the payments," Wilke said.

The company currently has 360 goats, with 150 leased out to an
individual in Tyler. "With the lease money, we have been paying bills
and we still have 110 to 120," said Wilke. "I would like to emphasize
that there have been some changes in the structure of the company."

Wilke has been milking about 50 or 60 kids in an effort to keep the
company going. "We have been trying very hard and we appreciate
everything you have done for us," she said.

In the case of the other loan, a conflict with the Small Business
Association has jeopardized the production of the chile relleno business
owned by Betty Greear.

Greear assumed control of the company, Ben's Spanish Inn, in November of
last year and had asked for an extension at that time of 60 days.
"During that time she asked Dick Alligood of the Pecos Industrial
Foundation, to ask the SBA to allow her to de-collateralize some
equipment in order to better her situation," said County Judge Jimmy B.
Galindo.

"A subordination was granted in the amount of $32,000 of idle equipment
to be sold and used as working capitol," he said.

"When she first assumed the loan, which was $68,000 from PIF, it was
assumed that the county would have first lien position to cover it,"
said Galindo.

"The subordination means the SBA stepped in and wouldn't allow the
county to have first lien on the property," he said.

PIF was supposed to have filed the subordination within 180 days. "I
found in SBA records that he didn't file it until the 28th, the last day
to do so," said Galindo. "And we never did have subordination to cover
the full loan, I don't know if that would have changed your minds about
agreeing or not," he said.

The county currently only has second lien position to everything
belonging to the company, and must wait until the SBA's liens have been
satisfied.

"I am currently not producing anything, since I don't have the funds,"
said Greear. "I have developed some new market ideas, the problem has
been sales."

Greear has asked the SBA to release $32,000 in idle equipment. "I have
asked them to de-collateralize, so that I can use that cash to operate
on, but they want half the money," she said.

"Whether or not we extend payment, she can't pay anyway," said County
Attorney Bill Weinacht. "It's to our benefit to try to help her right
now."

"I believe I can make this business work with my new market ideas," said
Greear.

"For now, we'll just go on daily basis and hope you can sell the
property worth $32,000, so that you can operate the business with," said
Galindo.

"These resolving loan funds had not been audited before and it's just a
big mess," said Weinacht. "If we don't have an arguable claim there's
really nothing we can do about it. Let the SBA do what they have to do."

The only arguable amount the county is entitled to is $40,000 in certain
property, which can be used as first lien for the county. "Alligood
turned it in the day of the deadline, but it's the only amount we can
argue about," said Galindo.

"We'll try to get first lien position on that amount and until then we
don't have anything to talk about," said Weinacht.

"It's the community's money, this is nothing personal and it's not me
that wants the money," said Galindo. "We want to see you succeed, it's
going to be a difficult road."We appreciate you being open with us," he added.

Balmorhea holds graduation for 24 seniors


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BALMORHEA, May 22, 1995 - Twenty-four Balmorhea High School seniors
received their diplomas Friday night during graduation ceremonies in the
Balmorhea High School gym.

Scholarships were also handed out to BHS valedictorian Joseph Apodaca
and to salutatorian Osvaldo Rodriguez, who spoke during the 5-minute
ceremony along with commencement speaker Glenn Humphries, a former
Balmorhea teacher and resident now living in Van Horn.

Apodaca received the State of Texas Honor Graduate Certificate, a one
year scholarship to a public college or university in the state, as
well as a four year scholarship to one of 32 colleges or universities
who are members of the Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas.

The group also awarded a four year scholarship to Rodriguez, and in
addition, he received a College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP)
scholarship from St. Edward's University, along with an award from the
BHS Spanish Club.

The annual Army ROTC scholarship was given to Juan Carrasco.

Diplomas were presented to the students by Balmorhea ISD superintendent
James Haynes, principal Raymond Cobos and school board member Raymond
Carrasco.

A secretary at the high school this morning said all Balmorhea seniors
passed their exit-level TAAS tests, which enabled the entire senior class to attend Friday's graduation.

Murder charge filed in Valeriano death


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By Mari Maldonado
Staff Writer

PECOS, May 19, 1995 - A Pecos man was arrested Thursday afternoon and
charged with the murder of his wife, as the result of a high speed one
vehicle accident early Thursday morning in front of the Airlawn Shopping
Center on South Eddy Street.

Banjamin Valles Valeriano, 36, was arrested after a warrant was issued
out of the Pecos Municipal Court by Judge Phyllis Salyer and served by
Patrolman Cosme Ortega at his residence at 1921 Scott St.

The arrest authorization of 143rd District Attorney John Stickels, after
reviewing several sworn statements from witnesses who said Benjamin
Valeriano was seen assaulting his wife in the Anchor West parking lot
late Wednesday night.

Other statements said Valeriano was later involved in a high speed chase
in his black, older-model Chevrolet pickup with his wife, who was
driving a 1994 Pontiac Grand Am.

Chief of Police Troy Moore said, "The DA felt there was enough evidence
under Penal Code 19.01," which states that a person can be charged for
murder if, "a person intentionally, knowingly or with criminal
negligence causes the death of an individual."

Yolanda Valeriano died after she lost control of her vehicle while
traveling northbound on a curve in the 1100 block of Eddy Street, which
has a 35 mile per hour speed limit. Following the accident, police said
the vehicle's speedometer was frozen at 98 miles per hour upon impact.

According to police, Yolanda Valeriano's car ran off the right side of
the road, and reportedly appeared to have been airborne before coming
down and crashing into the cement block located on the west side of the
old White's sign.

Police, ambulance and fire department officials were called to the
scene, just before 12:30 a.m. Thursday. Yolanda Valeriano was pronounced
dead at the scene by Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4 Lamberto Herrera
at 1:10 a.m.

Benjamin Valeriano is currently at the Reeves County Hospital after
suffering from an epileptic seizure at the Reeves County Jail, after he
was taken into custody about 2:56 p.m.

RCJ officials transported Benjamin Valeriano to RCH about 7:35 p.m. He
was placed in the hospital's intensive care unit and kept under watch by
officers during his overnight stay.

Department of Public Safety and Department of Transportation officials
are working on establishing the accident scene schematically and
searching it for any type of paint samples that may have been left Moore
said this morning.

Officials were out at the accident site Thursday night about 11 p.m.
after blocking off Eddy Street between Walthall and Eighth streets.

Valeriano had not been arraigned as of this morning, said a spokesperson
from the Reeves County Sheriff's Department.

Rosary services for Yolanda Valeriano are scheduled for 8 p.m. today at
Martinez Funeral Home Chapel with services at 2:30 p.m. at Santa Rosa
Catholic Church and burial at Greenwood Cemetery.

The Eddy Street curve has been one of the most dangerous traffic
locations in Pecos over the years, with numerous accidents, including a
fatality three years ago.|

Archives 1995

Seniors plead for open campus

PECOS, June 7, 1995 - Pecos High School, senior class representatives
for the 1995-96 school year will convene Thursday evening at the regular
meeting of the Pecos-Barstow-Toyah Independent School District Board of
Education meeting to discuss the possibility of having an open campus
for the upcoming school year.

The board will meet at Carver Center, 600 E. 12th St., at 6 p.m., where
Carver representatives will present the board with a brief educational
program of their campus.

Recognition of the PHS Mariachi Band, which received a Division I at
Solo and Ensemble State Competition in Austin last month, is included on
the agenda.

State track student Willie Mata, who received a second place medal for
his efforts in the 400 meter dash in Austin at the State Class 4-4A
Division, will also be recognized by the board of directors at
Thursday's meeting. Mata has received three state medals in the past
three years for this event.

Also included on the agenda is a report of the recently passed, Senate
Bill 1, which was signed by Governor George Bush last week.
Superintendent Mario Sotelo commented last week that he and other school
administrators will be traveling to the Region 18 Education Service
Center on June 21 for an interpretation of the bill, and should comment
at a later date on how it will affect P-B-T ISD.

Texas Assessment of Academic Skills (TAAS) scores will be discussed.

Discussion/approval of the lease/purchase of buses, next school year's
calendar, Region 18 ESC Math/Science Cooperative and Drug Free Schools
Cooperative programs, budget amendments for 1994-95, health and athletic
insurances and professional personnel actions are all included on the
list of items to be considered be the board.

A public hearing of Chapter I, Title 1 and Chapter II, Title 6 is
scheduled, as is a second reading and approval of Policy Update 49.

A report by Long and Associates, who are conducting an energy
improvement study at the Crockett Middle School and PHS campuses, will
be presented.

The board will also take and consider the adoption of the Texas
Association of School Boards Master Tax Anticipation Notes Program
resolution and a resolution authorizing the district to issue a tax
revenue anticipation note pursuant to the 1995 program.

A closed meeting, under the Texas Open Meetings Act, will be called for
the discussion of the Tax Collector's contract, an informal evaluation
of the superintendent and personnel complaints.

Regular monthly reports including the tax report, depository securities
report, enrollment report and alternative education program report and
other miscellaneous items will be discussed and approved before
adjournment.

Budget woes may strike out kids' T-ball

By Jon Fulbright
Staff Writer

PECOS, June 2, 1995 - By the first week of June in recent years,
registration was well underway for boys and girls ages 4-7 to
participate in the Pecos Community Recreation Department's summer T-ball
program.

But trying to get T-ball started this year has been about as torturous a
journey as trying to get the recent major league baseball strike
settled, though -- just as was the case among strike negotiators last
winter -- several people involved believe there will be a season in 1995.

T-ball has been run through the recreation department for almost 20
years, and before recent seasons, director Debbie Moore has sent out
notices about registration through local schools prior to the end of
classes. But financial problems this year have all but shut the
recreation department down, leaving its athletic programs without a
sponsor.

The men's softball league, which the PCRD had put on in the spring for
years, was organized by players this season, though it has about four
less teams than usual and is playing just three nights a week instead of
four.

However, the T-ball players are a little young to organize their own
league, so the job will have to fall to parents or some other group.

"There may be T-ball this year, but it won't by through us," Moore said
this morning. "I understand some parents are talking and are trying to
get something together."

PCRD board chairman Joey Herrera said in late May that a 50 percent cut
in funding by Reeves County was a main factor in the department's
inability to stage its spring activities.

"They had been giving up $10,000 in the past, but this year, we only got
$5,000," Herrera said. "I don't want us to get half way through T-ball
and then run out of funding."

The PCRD had been getting $10,000 from the county, Town of Pecos City
and the Pecos-Barstow-Toyah school district until the late 1980s, when
the school dropped out of the funding arrangement. Since then, the city
and county have split the $20,000 annual funding cost.

Reeves County Judge Jimmy Galindo said with the county facing a budget
deficit of almost $400,000, all county spending has to be looked at.

"Everybody is short of money," he said last week. "What we've been
trying to do is hold back the other $5,000 and see what is going to
happen."

"We need T-ball, but we still have to come to face a $396,000 deficit,"
the county judge added.

Galindo cited spending, such as on the Reeves County court-at-law, as
areas where budget cuts could be made. Galindo proposed elimination of
the court-at-law in January, and the move was approved by commissioners.
But it was opposed by several local law enforcement officials, and the
required measure to abolish it was not brought up in the Texas House of
Representatives, resulting in a dispute between Galindo, county attorney
Bill Weinacht and State Rep. Gary Walker.

Herrera said last week he planned to talk to Reeves County Commissioners
at their next meeting, on June 12, to see if the $5,000 could be
restored.

"We have to cut back somewhere," Galindo said. "We'd like to put on
T-ball, but we just can't afford the same level of services."

The Town of Pecos City has taken over operation of the Oasis Miniature
Golf Center at Maxey Park that the recreation department has been
running. Moore remains the head of the PCRD, though she's only been
handling record-keeping and keeping other department files in storage in
recent months.

Moore said she had talked to Alvin Rodriguez, who was interested in
staging the T-ball program with other parents this year. But Rodriguez
said he'll have to undergo surgery soon and won't be able to be involved.

He added that he had talked to Mario Flores about running things this
year, and Flores said he and Precinct 1 Commissioner Lupe Garcia, who is
also Pecos Little League president may try and start a T-ball
organization through the national Little League program.

"Joey's supposed to let me know today about where they stand," Flores
said this morning. "I guess if the county isn't going to come up with
the money, Lupe and I may try and get together and start it up through
Little League."

Even if the T-ball season does get started, getting parents interested
could be a problem, based on the turnout for the other Little League
programs this season.

The league was unable to find enough coaches to field a fourth 'C'
division Little League squad this year, and several other 'A' and 'B'
team coaches are doubling up right now, handling both Little League and
Senior League teams. The Senior League itself started nearly a month
behind schedule, as Garcia was unable to find a league supervisor until
Flores agreed to return to the job he held a year ago.

Meanwhile, fewer parents and other family members have turned out to
watch their kids play this season, as areas behind the outfield fence
that used to be filled with a row or two of parked cars have been
virtually empty at the two leagues' fields this season.

Moore said she expects if there finally is a T-ball in 1995, parental
participation will be better than it has been with the older children.

"I'm sure it will be bigger than that, though it may not be as much as
it has been in the past, since it's not through the recreation
department and there will be new people doing it, but it still should be
pretty big."

She added that the late start may keep some from knowing about
registration, since there were no forms passed out at school this year.

"We really needed to do it before school got out, because that was the
best way to get the information out. Now we'll just have to do it
through you (the Enterprise), the radio and by putting a message on Ch.
6," Moore said.

"Whatever happens, I want to try and help any way I can. I don't want to
see this program die," she added.

PHS mariachis earn top honor at state event
By Rosie Flores
Staff Writer

PECOS, May 31, 1995 - The Pecos High School Mariachi Band brought home
top honors in competition held Memorial Day weekend in Austin.

The mariachi band netted a Division 1 rating in their second year after
being organized.

"It was super, they did just great," said Pecos High School Band
Director Gabriel Garcia.

"The kids really worked hard for this and it paid off," Garcia said.
"They practiced well and geared themselves up for this competition.

"Their extra efforts really paid off, since there were so many other
mariachi bands competing," said Garcia.

"There were a lot of mariachi bands, and I can't say just how many," he
added, "So, I'm really proud of these kids getting first."

The first day Pecos performed, 10 other mariachi groups competed in that
event.

The Pecos High School saxophone quartet netted third division and the
brass sextet placed second division in competition.

The mariachi band performed at a secretary's luncheon held recently and
participated in the Mariachi Festival held last month at the Reeves
County Civic Center.

Members of the Pecos High School Mariachi Band include, trumpet players,
Jorge Navarette, Nestor Mendoza and Martin Valenzuela; flute players,
Marissa Levario, Elizabeth Montgomery and Amy Barreno; marimba player,
Christine Valdez; guitaron, Javier Ramirez and Chris Ortiz; guitar,
Alonzo Juarez, Dennis Harris and Cynthia Almanza who also performs
vocals and vocal singers, Dianna Marruffo, Jonnie Fuentez, Luiselda
Garcia and Crissy Lujan.
|

Policarpio, Paz top PHS graduates
By Rosie Flores
Staff Writer

PECOS, May 26, 1995 - Rainy weather this morning has led Pecos High
School officials to tentatively move tonight's graduation ceremonies
from Eagle Stadium into the new Pecos High School gym.

Ceremonies are scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. in the PHS gym, but will be
moved back out to the stadium if the weather clears in time, principal
Alice Duerksen said.

Seating in the gym will be limited, and Duerksen said, "Each senior was
given 10 tickets, and the doors will open for ticketed guests starting
at 7 p.m. Unticketed guests will be seated at 7:45 p.m."

Floor level handicapped seating will also be available, but all other
guests will have to view the ceremonies from the second floor stands,
she added.

Guest speaker for the event will be Lena Levario, a State District Court
Judge in Dallas, and a 1979 graduate of Pecos High School.

Tristan Policarpio will give the valedictory addressing, with J.T. Paz
giving the salutatory speech.

A total of 145 seniors will be parading to receive their diplomas.

"There were 154 seniors, but seven were mid-term graduates and will not
be participating in the ceremony," said Duerksen.

Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD School Board president Linda Gholson will be on
hand to hand out diplomas, assisted by board members Earl Bates and
Billie Sandler.

Policarpio ranked first academically in the senior class and was awarded
the Student of the Year honors by the Town of Pecos City.

During the past school year he was a member of Mu Alpha Theta Math Club
and served as president of that club, was an All-District Swimmer;
All-District Tennis; a member of the Honor Society; member of the
Student Council; member of the Catholic Youth Organizations and was in
UIL Academics in Science and Journalism.

Previous accomplishments include, being the recipient of the Bill Dean
Memorial Award; sophomore class president; junior class president; Top
Biology Honors in UIL District Competition in 1994; school musical and
school talent show participant; D.A.R.E. Role Model; member of D-FY-IT
and received school awards in Biology I, Algebra I, Trigonometry and
Calculus.

Policarpio is the son of Teodoro and Teresita Policarpio.

Paz participated in several activities and received several honors
during his senior year.

He was student council vice-president; a member of the National Honor
Society and Mu Alpha Theta; a nominee for Chamber of Commerce Student of
the Year; a member of Catholic Youth Ministry; member of District,
Regional UIL team participating in science; member of the varsity
football team; Section leader and percussion section leader for the
Mighty Eagle Orchestra Jazz Band and received honors in Biology II.

Previous accomplishments include, student council treasurer; member of
D-FY-IT; school musical participant; UIL District member and received
honor awards in Enhanced English I and was a school talent show
participant.

He is the son of Jose R. and Rebecca C. Paz of Pecos.

Teachers, students adjust to new alternative ed program
By Penelope Leon
Staff Writer

PECOS, May 25, 1995 - The schools are full of teachers who are
interested in helping good students who want to learn.

But those who constantly miss classes or who are a daily problem because
of their bad behavior are sent home, and sometimes permanently expelled
from school.

Nevertheless, state law demands all youths under age 18 go to school
every day.

Until recently, the Reeves County Juvenile Detention Center was the only
place locally providing education outside the regular school system, not
just to youths being held there under court order, but also to kids
expelled because of their bad behavior or who had dropped out of the
regular school program.

But the number of student expulsions have increased in recent years to
the point where it was necessary to open an alternative education
program in Pecos, said Carver Center Director Lucila Valenzuela.

P-B-T Independent School District Board members designated Mrs.
Valenzuela's school on East 12th Street in January as the site of the
new program that provides education to problem students, including those
in the Juvenile Detention Center.

In February, a special classroom was opened in the Carver Center for
those minors as a last-chance education alternative.

The students understand the situation based on their responses during a
group interview. Most of them want to get their high school diploma,
while others want to receive their GED certificate when they reach 18
years of age, and that is one of the reasons they come daily to this
school.

Group members said they prefer going to Carver than to taking classes at
Pecos High School or the local junior highs, and none wanted to spend
time in the Juvenile Detention Center.

In the alternative school program they only have to go four hours --
from 8 a.m. to 12 noon. There are fewer students, teachers put less
pressure on them, there are few rules and grounds for expulsion are far
more lax.

They said in the alternative education program they feel more at liberty
to be themselves, to express who they are and to talk about things in
which they are more interested.

Three teachers have the duty to provide personal education to this
students: David Reyes, who is in charge of the Carver class, teacher's
aid Delia Alvarez and physical education coach Elias Payan.

They also work as teachers in the Juvenile Detention Center on
afternoons. But the center's strict rules make their job easier than
with the alternative education school at Carver.

The class began in February with 20 students between 13 and 17 years
old. In the early going, the students transformed the classroom into a
real battlefield at any provocation, the teachers said.

One stare, one sign, was enough to start a fight in the middle of the
classroom. Youths gave names to rival groups they divided themselves
into.

Reyes said the main reason the youths are sent to the Carver program is
due to their bad behavior, because of their lack of interest in going to
school.

But the way teachers work with students helps to create learning
interest and to control themselves a little more in the classroom.

Tolerance is the key to the class.

Reyes said students are permitted to sit anywhere they want, or even do
their work lying down on the floor, if they feel more comfortable that
way.

Each student learns at their own speed, and when someone finishes the
class work, they are allowed to draw on the blackboard or on frames
wrapped in paper, an activity they like most, Reyes said.

Still, this level of tolerance can cause the instructors headaches and
even nightmares, Alvarez and Payan said.

They said working with the youths created a lot of tension because of
the minimal rules that allow them the opportunity to express themselves
and their problems.

"They come when they want to come. They work when they want to work.
Anyone who disagrees can go home. Tolerance makes our job stressful.

"When this program started I'd arrive home tired. I took the tension
with me to my other job. Weekends were what I wanted most. On Fridays, I
feel like going to party, but on Sundays I began to feel anxious,
because the next day I had to go to school and I didn't know what we
would face now," he added.

Several times the teacher have felt like throwing in the towel,
resigning and just forgetting about the job out of frustration, because
it's hard to see advancement or any change.

The process of changing the youths' attitude is very slow and demands
lots of time and patience. Nevertheless, the teachers come back every
day.

Their tolerance has helped the students feel comfortable around the
teachers, respecting them in their own way. It's a situation that has
united the group.

"They tell us about their things, their life, because they know that
what they say will never leave the class," said Alvarez.

Board upholds graduation ban for failing test
By Mari Maldonado
Staff Writer

PECOS, May 24, 1995 - Pecos-Barstow-Toyah school board members voted to
bar Pecos High School seniors who have not mastered all of the Texas
Assessment of Academic Skills tests, from joining their classmates at
Friday's graduation ceremonies.

Board members not present for the Tuesday afternoon special meeting were
Frank Perea and Hugh Box. All members voted for the decision except for
Billie Sandler. The vote follows a similar decision prior to last year's
graduation.

Prior to the vote, the board met with student representatives and
parents who asked the board to allow seniors who had not mastered the
TAAS, but have earned all the required credits, to participate in
Friday's commencement.

Board president Linda Gholson said the time factor was an important
element in the board's decision.

One student, who passed TAAS but was at the meeting to support the other
seniors, argued that Odessa schools allow such students to go through
graduation ceremonies under certain guidelines and restrictions.

The female student also noted, "that we feel that these students have
gone to school with us for 12 years and it (graduation) wouldn't be the
same without them."

Odessa ISD students are required to prove that they have made an honest
effort to pass the exit exam by attending remediation classes, tutorials
and taking the test every time it was offered to them.

The Midland County school board recently voted in May to allow the
participation of students who have not mastered the TAAS, but have
earned all the necessary credit, with no conditions of remediation this
year, according to Executive Director of Administrative Services Joe
Cummins.

They are however, "attempting to develop restrictions for 1996," said
Cummins.

School board member Alberto Alvarez commented, "we need to talk about
this issue at the beginning of the school year and not at the last
minute." He sympathized with the parents and students, but believes that
the issue should have been discussed earlier.

Alvarez also noted that if a survey was taken at the beginning of the
school year asking how many students are aware of the TAAS mastery
requirement for graduation, the result would show that practically all
students do in fact know of that responsibility.

Pecos High School Principal Alice Duerksen handed out a summary list of
TAAS scores for students not displaying mastery of the exam.

The list revealed that there were 21 students who did not pass the test.

Gholson assured those in attendance that the board is only presented
with TAAS numbers and scores and that no names are published.

Duerksen also showed the board with a senior class survey that indicated
73.3 percent of the students voted in favor of allowing those who have
not mastered the TAAS, but completed the course work requirements, to
walk across the stage and receive an empty envelope. She said 16.8
percent voted against participation.

The survey was given to 131 of the 165 seniors.

A faculty survey showed 60 percent of the high school's professional
staff did not agree with letting the students participate and 33 percent
were in favor of the idea.

Forty-five of the 61 professional, high school employees took the survey.

Board member Oscar Saenz noted that if a composite result of the faculty
and student survey was considered, the majority would still be against
allowing the students to partake in graduation ceremonies.

Duerksen also passed out an attendance sheet for TAAS tutorials, which
indicated a "sporadic" pattern.

The attendance roster showed that students went to the remediation
classes singly, occasionally or in scattered instances.

Another student commented that she was getting anything out of the TAAS
tutorials, and chose to study for the test at home.

TAAS failure rates for PHS seniors were well above other area schools
responding this morning. Both Balmorhea and Fort Stockton senior classes
have no seniors ineligible for graduation because of their TAAS scores,
with Kermit showing only one out of about 100 seniors.

Responses from Monahans and Andrews were not available at press time,
while Odessa ISD staff officials said they did not yet have the results
of the final TAAS test given to seniors last month.

Deadline extended on $131,000 PIF loan
By Rosie Flores
Staff Writer

Representatives from two companies asking for extensions of their loans
from the Pecos Industrial Foundation were on hand at this morning's
meeting of the Reeves County Commissioner's Court.

Commissioners resumed discussion of the loans, to Pecos River Livestock,
Inc., and to Ben's Spanish Inn, they had begun during their May 8
meeting. The loans made through the PIF were for $131,000 and $68,000
respectively.

Rosemary Wilke, of Pecos River Livestock, Inc. gave the court an update
on the financial situation of the company, which is operating at a site
southeast of Pecos.

"The company has different families involved in this venture and right
now I'm acting as president," said Wilke. "That way the man who was
formerly the president (John Teague) can go out and look for investors
and ways to make money."

"Basically, I'm running the dairy by myself," she added.

Commissioners opted to give Pecos River Livestock, Inc. an extension on
their loan payment until June 15.

"He's doing his best to find investors and we do want to keep our end of
the bargain and make the payments," Wilke said.

The company currently has 360 goats, with 150 leased out to an
individual in Tyler. "With the lease money, we have been paying bills
and we still have 110 to 120," said Wilke. "I would like to emphasize
that there have been some changes in the structure of the company."

Wilke has been milking about 50 or 60 kids in an effort to keep the
company going. "We have been trying very hard and we appreciate
everything you have done for us," she said.

In the case of the other loan, a conflict with the Small Business
Association has jeopardized the production of the chile relleno business
owned by Betty Greear.

Greear assumed control of the company, Ben's Spanish Inn, in November of
last year and had asked for an extension at that time of 60 days.
"During that time she asked Dick Alligood of the Pecos Industrial
Foundation, to ask the SBA to allow her to de-collateralize some
equipment in order to better her situation," said County Judge Jimmy B.
Galindo.

"A subordination was granted in the amount of $32,000 of idle equipment
to be sold and used as working capitol," he said.

"When she first assumed the loan, which was $68,000 from PIF, it was
assumed that the county would have first lien position to cover it,"
said Galindo.

"The subordination means the SBA stepped in and wouldn't allow the
county to have first lien on the property," he said.

PIF was supposed to have filed the subordination within 180 days. "I
found in SBA records that he didn't file it until the 28th, the last day
to do so," said Galindo. "And we never did have subordination to cover
the full loan, I don't know if that would have changed your minds about
agreeing or not," he said.

The county currently only has second lien position to everything
belonging to the company, and must wait until the SBA's liens have been
satisfied.

"I am currently not producing anything, since I don't have the funds,"
said Greear. "I have developed some new market ideas, the problem has
been sales."

Greear has asked the SBA to release $32,000 in idle equipment. "I have
asked them to de-collateralize, so that I can use that cash to operate
on, but they want half the money," she said.

"Whether or not we extend payment, she can't pay anyway," said County
Attorney Bill Weinacht. "It's to our benefit to try to help her right
now."

"I believe I can make this business work with my new market ideas," said
Greear.

"For now, we'll just go on daily basis and hope you can sell the
property worth $32,000, so that you can operate the business with," said
Galindo.

"These resolving loan funds had not been audited before and it's just a
big mess," said Weinacht. "If we don't have an arguable claim there's
really nothing we can do about it. Let the SBA do what they have to do."

The only arguable amount the county is entitled to is $40,000 in certain
property, which can be used as first lien for the county. "Alligood
turned it in the day of the deadline, but it's the only amount we can
argue about," said Galindo.

"We'll try to get first lien position on that amount and until then we
don't have anything to talk about," said Weinacht.

"It's the community's money, this is nothing personal and it's not me
that wants the money," said Galindo. "We want to see you succeed, it's
going to be a difficult road.

"We appreciate you being open with us," he added.

Balmorhea holds graduation for 24 seniors

BALMORHEA, May 22, 1995 - Twenty-four Balmorhea High School seniors
received their diplomas Friday night during graduation ceremonies in the
Balmorhea High School gym.

Scholarships were also handed out to BHS valedictorian Joseph Apodaca
and to salutatorian Osvaldo Rodriguez, who spoke during the 5-minute
ceremony along with commencement speaker Glenn Humphries, a former
Balmorhea teacher and resident now living in Van Horn.

Apodaca received the State of Texas Honor Graduate Certificate, a one
year scholarship to a public college or university in the state, as
well as a four year scholarship to one of 32 colleges or universities
who are members of the Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas.

The group also awarded a four year scholarship to Rodriguez, and in
addition, he received a College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP)
scholarship from St. Edward's University, along with an award from the
BHS Spanish Club.

The annual Army ROTC scholarship was given to Juan Carrasco.

Diplomas were presented to the students by Balmorhea ISD superintendent
James Haynes, principal Raymond Cobos and school board member Raymond
Carrasco.

A secretary at the high school this morning said all Balmorhea seniors
passed their exit-level TAAS tests, which enabled the entire senior
class to attend Friday's graduation.

Murder charge filed in Valeriano death
By Mari Maldonado
Staff Writer

PECOS, May 19, 1995 - A Pecos man was arrested Thursday afternoon and
charged with the murder of his wife, as the result of a high speed one
vehicle accident early Thursday morning in front of the Airlawn Shopping
Center on South Eddy Street.

Banjamin Valles Valeriano, 36, was arrested after a warrant was issued
out of the Pecos Municipal Court by Judge Phyllis Salyer and served by
Patrolman Cosme Ortega at his residence at 1921 Scott St.

The arrest authorization of 143rd District Attorney John Stickels, after
reviewing several sworn statements from witnesses who said Benjamin
Valeriano was seen assaulting his wife in the Anchor West parking lot
late Wednesday night.

Other statements said Valeriano was later involved in a high speed chase
in his black, older-model Chevrolet pickup with his wife, who was
driving a 1994 Pontiac Grand Am.

Chief of Police Troy Moore said, "The DA felt there was enough evidence
under Penal Code 19.01," which states that a person can be charged for
murder if, "a person intentionally, knowingly or with criminal
negligence causes the death of an individual."

Yolanda Valeriano died after she lost control of her vehicle while
traveling northbound on a curve in the 1100 block of Eddy Street, which
has a 35 mile per hour speed limit. Following the accident, police said
the vehicle's speedometer was frozen at 98 miles per hour upon impact.

According to police, Yolanda Valeriano's car ran off the right side of
the road, and reportedly appeared to have been airborne before coming
down and crashing into the cement block located on the west side of the
old White's sign.

Police, ambulance and fire department officials were called to the
scene, just before 12:30 a.m. Thursday. Yolanda Valeriano was pronounced
dead at the scene by Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4 Lamberto Herrera
at 1:10 a.m.

Benjamin Valeriano is currently at the Reeves County Hospital after
suffering from an epileptic seizure at the Reeves County Jail, after he
was taken into custody about 2:56 p.m.

RCJ officials transported Benjamin Valeriano to RCH about 7:35 p.m. He
was placed in the hospital's intensive care unit and kept under watch by
officers during his overnight stay.

Department of Public Safety and Department of Transportation officials
are working on establishing the accident scene schematically and
searching it for any type of paint samples that may have been left Moore
said this morning.

Officials were out at the accident site Thursday night about 11 p.m.
after blocking off Eddy Street between Walthall and Eighth streets.

Valeriano had not been arraigned as of this morning, said a spokesperson
from the Reeves County Sheriff's Department.

Rosary services for Yolanda Valeriano are scheduled for 8 p.m. today at
Martinez Funeral Home Chapel with services at 2:30 p.m. at Santa Rosa
Catholic Church and burial at Greenwood Cemetery.

The Eddy Street curve has been one of the most dangerous traffic
locations in Pecos over the years, with numerous accidents, including a
fatality three years ago.|

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Copyright 1996 Pecos Enterprise
324 S. Cedar, Box 2057, Pecos TX 79772
Phone 915-445-5475, FAX 915-445-4321
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