Daily Newspaper and Tourism Guide for Reeves County Trans Pecos, Big Bend of West Texas

TOP STORIES

October 10, 1997

Council commits $10,000 to push through TYC bid

By GREG HARMAN
Staff Writer
PECOS, October 10, 1997 - Hoping to enlist the services of a legislative
expert, or lobbyist, in Austin, city council members approved spending
$10,000 (half of the lobbyist's fee) in the hopes that Reeves County
Commissioners will foot the other $10,000 at their meeting on Monday.
The legislative expert would help to move the city's application with
the Texas Youth Commission for a new juvenile corrections facility
through the last stages of the process in Austin.

No changes have been made in personnel within Pecos' ambulance service,
which has been under scrutiny for their lack of dues collection by the
city council, and no progress report was submitted by the service at
yesterday's council meeting. City Attorney Scott W. Johnson, who was to
have met with ambulance chief Bill Cole, said that they "missed each
other the first part of last week," but promised a "fairly extensive"
report by the next council meeting.

The council went into executive session to consider the employment of a
police reserve officer. Chief of Police Troy Moore requested that
Fernando Luis Valenzuela, who is assistant manager for Bob's Thriftway
and also serves as a reserve officer for the Reeves County Sheriff's
Department, be given the position. The council approved his request.
Money already budgeted by the city was approved for the Pecos Day Care
and the Community Council of Reeves County. Both organizations were
given $1,500. This money will help defray utility bills for the day care
and provide for the Community Council's Meals on Wheels program.

The city also took action in response to a letter from Russell N.
McInturff, of the law firm of Calame, Linebarger, Graham, and Pena,
concerning properties in the area that have been struck off the tax
rolls and, consequently, are not generating tax revenue. McInturff
suggested that, in order to return the properties back to the tax rolls,
the city make a "mass offer to the public to make offers for these
properties." The council voted to allow Tax Collector Lydia Preito take
the bids on the property and then bring the bids before the council for
approval.

Also, the city reappointed Valera Gatewood as the city's representative
on the board of directors on Reeves County Appraisal District. "She's
done an excellent job I understand," said Mayor Dot Stafford.
The municipal and juvenile court reports, along with the accounts
payable, were approved.

INS bottleneck delays citizenship process

By GREG HARMAN
Staff Writer
PECOS, October 10, 1997 - Some legal immigrants trying to become U.S.
citizens are not having much success. Designated fingerprint services in
Pecos, Midland, and Odessa all report extreme difficulties getting their
applications processed by Immigration and Naturalization Services.
The Reeves County Sheriff's Department was authorized as a Designated
Fingerprint Service (DFS) on April 3, 1996. Pam Bustillos, in personnel
and training at the sheriff's office, traveled to El Paso for a one day
class in July of 1996 where she earned her DFS certification. Still, she
said, application packets are being returned by the INS stating that the
sheriff's office is not authorized to perform the fingerprinting duties.
"They'll say they're not signed, when they are. They'll say there is no
date of birth, when there is. I even sent a letter asking for an
explanation but haven't heard anything yet," Bustillos said. "We're
still fingerprinting, but it's hard on them (the candidates for
naturalization) and they get mad when the files are returned."
Many applicants for naturalization come all the way from Presidio and
parts of New Mexico because the sheriff's office here does not charge a
fee for their services. "These people have to go all over the place. I
feel sorry for them," said Rosalee Alvarado, an employee of the
sheriff's department.
"They're getting returned for any little thing," said Lt. Mancha of
Odessa Detention Center, "saying we are not DFS certified, or we don't
have the right signatures." But a listing of Designated Fingerprint
Services issued by the INS includes the detention center.
At the Midland Police Department they are seeing the same problems. An
employee of the department who asked not to be identified said that
often applications were returned for "stupid reasons." Once a card was
returned because it was written in blue ink (the form requests black ink
be used). "We've even had cards that were filled out by INS employees
that were returned," she said.
Once fingerprints are taken they are sealed in a manila envelope for
security reasons, and then, along with the application, are sent to El
Paso. From El Paso the applications are routed to Lincoln, Neb. In
Lincoln, the applications are reviewed and, if they are correct, sent to
an FBI station in West Virginia in order for the fingerprints to be
recorded. But the fingerprints don't always arrive undisturbed.
According to Bustillos, the sheriff's office has had prints returned
because they arrived at the FBI lab already opened.
Applications also get tied up in the process for extended periods of
time. One application, according to Bustillos, was received at the INS
in July and not returned (even though it had been rejected) until the
Sept. 3.

Immigrants seeking citizenship are under time restraints. Lt. Mancha, of
the Odessa Detention Center, said that once the application is returned
the applicant then has 87 days to resubmit before they are fined.
David Reyes, a certified citizenship instructor in Pecos, estimated that
more than 100 legal aliens attend his classes seeking citizenship each
year.

Attempts to contact a representative from the INS at both the Lincoln
center and the El Paso office ended in dead ends for the Pecos
Enterprise. The telephone line at the INS branch in Lincoln was busy for
four days. The El Paso center offered a pre-recorded voice that stated
that the general delivery mailbox "was full and could not accept any new
messages" and that "no operators were available." This also went on for
four days.
At the office of Congressman Bonilla, who was himself unavailable,
Leslie Sanchez, head of immigration issues, said that they "hadn't heard
anything" about the situation, but promised to make some calls to
investigate.

Nov. 4 special election requires special attention

PECOS, October 10, 1997 - A special election will be held Nov. 4, from 7
a.m. to 7 p.m., to adopt or reject proposed constitutional amendments
that have been submitted by the 75th Legislature of the State of Texas.
County Clerk Diane Flores said she urges everyone to be aware of the
issues and come out to vote. "They are constitutional amendments and are
very important," she said.
The in-town voting boxes will be consolidated at the Reeves County Civic
Center in Pecos. Other county boxes will be located at Toyah City Hall,
the Senior Citizen Hall in Balmorhea, the Saragosa Multi-Purpose Center
in Saragosa and the Red Bluffs Office in Orla.Early voting begins on
Oct. 20 and runs until Oct. 30. It will be held weekdays from 8 a.m. to
5 p.m. in the lobby of the Reeves County Court House. Those wishing to
vote by mail may contact Flores at 445-5467. Sample ballots will also be
available at her office.

The 14 propositions of the Nov. 4 election
Proposition 1: "The constitutional amendment to allow a person who holds
the office of municipal court judge to hold at the same time more than
one civil office for which the person receives compensation."
Proposition 2: "The constitutional amendment to authorize the
legislature to limit increases in the appraised value of residence
homesteads for ad valorem taxation and to permit a school district to
calculate the school property tax freeze applicable to the residence
homestead of an elderly person or the surviving spouse of an elderly
person in accordance with the law authorizing the transfer of the school
property tax freeze to a different homestead regardless of whether that
law was in effect at the time the person established the person's
homestead."
Proposition 3: "The constitutional amendment to authorize the
legislature to permit a taxing unit to grant an exemption or other
relief from ad valorem taxes on property on which a water conservation
initiative has been implemented."
Proposition 4: "The constitutional amendment eliminating duplicate
numbering in and certain obsolete provisions of the Texas Constitution."
Proposition 5: "The constitutional amendment authorizing the supreme
court to sit to transact business at any location in this state."
Proposition 6: "The constitutional amendment allowing the Texas growth
fund to continue to invest in business without requiring those
businesses to disclose investments in South Africa or Namibia."
Proposition 7: "The constitutional amendment relating to the
authorization to the Texas Water Department Board to transfer existing
bond authorization for water supply, water quality, flood control, or
state participation from one category of use to another category to
maximize the use of existing funds and relating to more efficient
operation of the bond programs."
Proposition 8: "The amendment to the Texas Constitution expanding the
types of liens for home equity loans that a lender, with the homeowner's
consent, may place against a homestead."
Proposition 9: "The constitutional amendment to authorize the
legislature to authorize an ad valorem tax rate in rural fire prevention
districts located in Harris County of five cents on each $100 of taxable
value of property."
Proposition 10: "The constitutional amendment designating the purposes
for which money in the compensation to victims of crime fund and the
compensation to victims of crime auxiliary fund may be used."
Proposition 11: "The constitutional amendment limiting the amount of
state debt payable from the general revenue fund."
Proposition 12: "The constitutional amendment to establish a deadline
for supreme court action on a motion for rehearing."
Proposition 13: "The constitutional amendment to encourage persons to
plan and save for young Texan's college education, to extend the full
faith and credit of the state to protect the Texas tomorrow fund of the
prepaid higher education tuition program, and to establish the Texas
tomorrow fund as a constitutionally protected trust fund."
Proposition 14: "The constitutional amendment to allow the legislature
to prescribe the qualifications of constables."

Art displayed at Fall Fair

By ROSIE FLORES
Staff Writer
PECOS, October 10, 1997 - Amateur artists will have a chance to display
their talents during the annual Reeves County Fall Fair.
The Pecos Art Association is sponsoring the Annual Children's Art Show,
which will be on display in the west side of the Reeves County Civic
Center during the fair, Thursday through Saturday. The association has
been sponsoring this event for 30 years.
Students in kindergarten through 12th grade will have their art work on
display. The students are from the Trans-Pecos area, which includes
Balmorhea and surrounding communities.
Ribbons will be awarded in different categories.
As a fundraiser, the Pecos Art Association will be holding a drawing for
nine oil paintings.
For a $2 donation, people can purchase a ticket to be included in a
drawing for framed water colors.
This is the only fundraiser the group has throughout the year.
The drawing for the oil paintings will be held at 6 p.m. on Saturday.

Pet show winners announced

PECOS, October 10, 1997 - Big dogs, little dogs and exotic animals
joined in the fun at the Reeves County Civic Center for the Annual Pet
Show.

The pet show, which is sponsored by Zavala Middle School, was held
yesterday. Divisions included dogs; large, medium and small; cats; and
exotic animals.

Buba placed first in the big dogs division, with owner Chris Armstrong
leading him around the ring. Second place went to Simba, owner Billy
Hull, and third place was awarded to Maxy, owner Susan Swinney.
In the medium dogs division, Mijo placed first, owner Kelly Lease;
second place was Shelby, owner Becky Smith; and third place went to
Sparky, owner Jeremy Jackson.

Samantha and her owner Marky Mendoza placed first in the small dogs
division; Monica was second, owner Darla Blackstock; and third place
went to Jonathan Kesey and his dog, Cocoa.

Rebecca Chavez had the best cat, earning her a first place in the cats
division with Sneakers. Second place winner was Stetson, owner Kelsie
Gamboa; and third place went to Blue Tail, owner Genell Willis.
In the exotic pets division a white hen, whose name is Laura Whiting,
owned by Emily and Greg Harman, took first place. Second place went to
Harry, a wooley worm, owned by Brandi Harrison; and third place was
awarded to Stripe the turtle, owned by Asa Hamilton.
Prizes were donated by Gibson's and Wal-Mart.

PBT board postpones search

for superintendent until spring

By CARA ALLIGOOD
Staff Writer
PECOS, October 10, 1997 - Last night's school board meeting was a little
like a big game of musical chairs, but without the music. The meeting
was called to order, minutes from past meetings were approved, then the
board went into executive session, and everyone but the board of
trustees had to get up and leave.

At about 8 p.m., the meeting reconvened in open session, so everyone in
attendance at the meeting filed back in, took their seats, and the board
announced that they were going back into executive session to discuss
the Level III grievance of Lydia Prieto. Again, everyone attending the
meeting got up and left.

At 10:07 p.m., the meeting was called back into open session, and the
board announced that it had decided to take no action on a proposed
settlement in the case of Lozano vs. PBTISD, no action on the Level III
grievance of Lydia Prieto, no action on the Level III complaint of TSTA
members and that they would go into executive session again to
discuss/approve selection of finalists for Superintendent of the
Pecos-Barstow-Toyah Independent School District. The audience left the
board room again.

At 11:26 p.m., the board went back into open session, announced that
they would take no action on the finalists for the Superintendent
position, postponed all other agenda items until the next meeting, and
adjourned one minute later.

According to school board president Frank Perea, the board decided to
wait until spring and conduct a new superintendent search then because
they did not have enough applicants this time. They made this decision
on the advice of Bryan LaBeff, the Region 18 adviser they hired to
conduct the superintendent search for them.
Interim Superintendent Ken Norris has agreed to stay on in his current
position until a permanent replacement is found, Perea said, but there
are still details on his contract that need to be worked out.

Reeves County Commissioners meet Monday

PECOS, October 10, 1997 - Reeves County Commissioners will appoint a
representative to the Reeves County Community Concil Board of Directors
in their regular meeting scheduled for 9:45 a.m., Monday, Oct. 13.

Commissioners also will contract for a chemical dependency counselor for
the Reeves County Detention Center and discuss a county road crossing
for Fin-Tex Pipe Line Company.

The group will discuss a contract for Older Americans Act Program and
discuss bids on 1984 refrigerated van/truck.

A Central Counting Resolution for Nov. 4, 1997 Elections will be
discussed and early voting clerks assigned.

Commissioners will also:

- Discuss/take action on the sheriff's office bonad and oath deputation
for Alfredo Saldana.
- Discuss/take action on advertisement for proposals for 1997 Reeves
County Audit.
- Discuss/take action on reports from various departments.
- Discuss/take action on budget amendments and line-item transfers.
- Discuss/take action on personnel and salary changes (RCDC, Road and
Bridge, golf course, sheriff's office, 911 personnel and auditor's
office).
- Discuss/take action on minutes from previous meeting.
- Discuss/take action on semi-monthly bills.
- Spread on minutes: Certified copy of appointment of assistant auditor;
notice of over-axle over gross permit; the 1998 budget and an agreement
with MHMR.

Some business will close Monday

PECOS, October 10, 1997 - All federal offices will be closed Monday,
Oct. 13, in observance of Columbus Day. The post office will be closed
and no mail delivered to homes, however, mail will be delivered to the
boxes. Both First National and Security State Banks will be closed in
observance of the special holiday. All county offices will remain open
and the Pecos Enterprise will be delivered on that day also. School will
resume at the usual time.

Area Round-up

October 10, 1997

The Fort Stockton Pioneer

The Big Bend Sentinel

The Alpine Avalanche

The International, Presidio Paper

The Sanderson Times

The Monahans News

Marriages

PECOS, October 10, 1997 - Marriages for August, as reported by the
Reeves County Clerk's Office.
Victor Molinar and Gloria Loya Guerrero.
Jose Carmen Munoz, Jr. and Graciela Ronquillo.
Jerry Guerrero Millan and Dorinda Venegas.
Mark Anthony Rodriguez and Yarima Linares Palma.
Melvin Wade Brown and Brenda S. Reed.
Margarito Franco Jimenez and Josie Sanchez.
Omar Adrian Mascarenas and Michele C. Renteria.

Divorces

PECOS, October 10, 1997 - Divorces for August, as reported by the Reeves
County Clerk's Office.
Socorro Garcia Mendoza and Jose Licon Mendoza.
Rebecca Maldonado and Antonio Maldonado, Sr.
Joel Lopez and Tanya Valdez.
Fidencia Gutierrez Abalos and Ricardo Abalos.

Police Report

PECOS, October 10, 1997 - EDITOR'S NOTE: Information contained in the
Police Report is obtained from reports filed by the Pecos Police
Department, Reeves County Sheriff's Office, Texas Department of Public
Surety, or other officers of those agencies. The serving of warrants by
an officer for outstanding fines of either traffic citations, animal
control violations or other court costs are considered arrests and will
be printed as such unless indicated that the fines were paid. In such
instances we will indicate payment and release.
***
On Oct. 1 at 3:57 p.m. there was a report of criminal mischief done to a
1997 Dodge Ram pickup truck. The rear driver side window was broken by
an unknown person while it was parked at Pecos High School.
***
Genaro Rodriguez, 48, 623 S. Peach, was arrested at 7:55 p.m. Oct. 1 for
public intoxication during a traffic stop on the 400 block of W. 13th St.
***
Humberto Delgado, 38, 1301 S. Cypress, was arrested at 8:12 p.m. Oct. 1
during a traffic stop on the 1100 block of E. 12th St. for public
intoxication.
***
Joe Luis Bustamante, 42, 922 S. Mesquite, was arrested at 8:12 p.m. Oct.
1 for public intoxication during a traffic stop on the 1100 block of E.
12th St.
***
Larry Garcia, 34, 713 S. Willow, was arrested at 8:12 p.m. Oct. 1 for
public intoxication during a traffic stop on the 1100 block of E. 12th
St.
***
At 8:20 a.m. Oct. 2, the burglary of a coin operated soft drink machine
was reported. About $30 in coins and/or bills was stolen from the
machine, located at the Quality Inn, 4002 S. Cedar.
***
Jimmy Garcia Abila, 26, Barstow, was arrested at 8:30 a.m. Oct. 2 at the
Adult Probation Office on a warrant service.
***
Nelson McGrew, 811 E. 11th St., was arrested at 11:52 p.m. Oct. 2 for
assault by threat under the family violence act.
***
Ishmael Ramirez Reyes, 22, Muleshoe, was arrested at 4 a.m. Oct. 3 on
the 1300 block of Johnson after a traffic stop for a warrant service for
a parole violation. While the vehicle was stopped, he fled on foot.
After being caught on foot, he started fighting with police officers.
After he was subdued, he was arrested for escape and parole violation.
***
Daniel Perez Aguilar, 35, 604 S. Orange, was arrested at 8:58 p.m. Oct 4
at the Allsup's store at 708 S. Cedar for public intoxication.
***
Between 10:30 p.m. Oct. 4 and 8:30 a.m. Oct. 5, a 1988 Chevy S-10 pickup
was burglarized on the 1500 block of S. Cedar.
***
Daniel Aguilar was served with a warrant for terroristic threat at 11:32
a.m. Oct. 5. while at the Reeves County Jail.

***
Francisco Rodriguez, Jr., 51, 1305 S. Cedar, was arrested at 8:09 p.m.
Oct. 5 for assault under the Family Violence Act, and for retaliation
after the threatened the arresting officer.
***
Jesus Rodriguez Armendarez, 19, 1707 S. Alamo, was arrested at 1:19 p.m.
Oct. 6 on a warrant service at the Adult Probation Office.
***
Jesus Quiros Tarin, 64, was arrested at 10:43 a.m. Oct. 6 on the 1000
block of Pinehurst on an Ector Co. warrant.
***
Edward Hernandez Villalobos, 30, was arrested at 1:12 p.m. at 510 S. Oak
on a warrant service.
***
Raul S. Cardenas, 59, 524 S. Pecan, was arrested at 4:27 p.m. Oct. 6 on
service of two local warrants.
***
On Oct. 6 at about 7 p.m., a male juvenile was taken to the Reeves Co.
Juvenile Center for violation of probation after he was given a citation
for theft under $50 at Wal-Mart.

***
Elojio Rodriguez Rubio, 37, 221 N. Cedar, was arrested at 11:04 a.m.
Oct. 7 at 2nd and Cedar St. on a warrant service for a parole violation.
***
Ruben Hernandez, 37, 221 N. Cedar, was arrested at 10:22 a.m. Oct. 7 at
4th and Locust on a warrant service.
***
On Oct. 8 at 7:38 a.m. a report of criminal mischief was reported to
Pecos Police. Graffiti was sprayed on two doors of the vocational
building at Pecos High School.
***
Alvino L. Tarango, 40, 902 Orange, was arrested at 1:11 a.m. on Oct. 1
on an assault warrant out of Ward County.
***
Between 8 and 10 p.m. Oct. 5, an apartment at the Balmorhea Housing
Authority was burglarized, and $400 in cash and a wrist watch were
stolen.
***
Daniel Castineda Rivas, 26, Roswell, N.M., was arrested at 10:35 p.m.
Oct. 4 at the Buck Jackson Rodeo Arena for assault.
***
Justin Begay, 31, Chianti St., was arrested at 1:40 a.m. Oct. 5 during
the concert at the Buck Jackson Rodeo Arena for public intoxication.

OBITUARIES

E.C. Hughes

E.C. "Jake" Hughes, 74, of Kerrville, died Monday, Oct. 7, at his
residence.
Graveside services will be at 11 a.m., Oct. 11, at Mount Evergreen
Cemetery, with Pastor J.E. McCormick officiating.
He married Carolyn B. LaRue in Pecos in 1988.
Other survivors include one daughter, Carletta Middlemiss; four
step-sons, J.C. Thomas, Aldie Thomas, LaRue Christopher and Larry
Christopher. Y

Inez C. Hock

Inez C. Hock, 84, died Thursday, Oct. 9, 1997, at a Big Spring hospital.
Services are scheduled for 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 11, at the First
Baptist Church in Colorado City with Rev. Ted Spear officiating. Burial
will be in the Colorado City Cemetery.
Hock was born April 12, 1913, in Eastland, was a member of the First
Baptist Church of Colorado City, was a past president and a state
representative of the B&PW, Colorado City Library Board member, Women's
Chamber of Comerce of Pecos, Retirees of ASC, AARP of Pecos and an
active member of the Pecos Senior Citizen's Organization.
Survivors include: one daughter, Ann Woods of Richardson; one son, James
Hock of Spring, Tx.; two sisters, Sarah Gohery of Colorado City and
Louise Bollinger of Sweetwater; four grandchildren; and one
great-granddaughter.
Donations may be made in the memory of Inez Hock to the First Baptist
Church of Colorado City.
Kiker-Seale Funeral Home of Colorado City is in charge of arrangements.

Leonor Rodriguez

Leonor "Nana" Calderon Rodriguez, 82, died Thursday, Oct. 9, 1997,
following a lengthy illness.
A wake will be held at 7 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 12, at Martinez Funeral Home
Chapel.
Church services are scheduled for 4 p.m., Oct. 13, at the Lutheran
Church.
She was born March 11, 1915, in Pecos, was a lifetime Pecos resident and
a Lutheran.
She was preceded in death by two brothers, Wenceslao and Cruz Calderon
and one son, Ben Rodriguez.
Survivors include: her husband, Pedro Rodriguez of Pecos; six sons,
Julio Rodriguez of Surprise, Ariz., Pete Jr., Andrew, Gene, Israel and
Hector Rodriguez of Pecos; five daughters, Isabel Chavez, Louisa Rivera
and Elia Orona of Pecos, Ysidra Uvalle of Litchfield, Ariz. and
Ernestina Fuentes of Meza, Ariz.; one sister, Mary Apolinar of Pecos; 36
grandchildren; and 44 great-grandchildren.
Martinez Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Weather

PECOS, October 10, 1997 - High Thursday, 89, low this morning, 69.
Showers and thunderstorms continued to cover the state and flood
warnings were still in effect this morning for much of South Texas. In
West Texas, scattered showers and thunderstorms doused north central
Texas to the Permian Basin today. Temperatures were in the 60s and 70s.
West Texans can expect showers and thunderstorms over most of the region
through Saturday. Highs will reach the 70s and 80s. Lows will dip into
50s and 60s.

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