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

TOP STORIES

January 8, 1998


Council appoints McKinney police chief



By GREG HARMAN
Staff Writer

PECOS, January 8, 1998 -A new police chief was named at this
morning's heavily-attended City Council meeting. Clay
McKinney was voted in by the council for a period of six
months at a salary of $33,000, after which time his
performance will be reviewed with a possibility of a salary
increase.

After a lengthy executive session, Pecos Mayor Dot Stafford
called the vote on selecting a new police chief to replace
the retiring Chief Troy Moore. Stafford prefaced the vote by
saying, "I know the community will accept whatever decision
the council makes and cooperate with whoever is chosen."

The vote itself was split, Council members Ricky Herrera and
Johny Terrazas made-up the dissenting votes.

Moore, who announced his resignation to the council on Nov.
13, said that he felt McKinney to be a "good man" who was
"well trained and has the qualifications (to be police
chief)."

Councilmember Danny Rodriguez, who voted in favor of
McKinney, said that McKinney was "familiar with the
operations" at the Pecos Police Department. "It was a tough
decision. I'm glad it's over."

Herrera said that the council had been concerned primarily
with the applicants' qualifications and had not been swayed
by the allegations circulated about McKinney.

"The experience on Lyon's part was the determining factor in
my vote," he said. "But I respect the decision of the
council and will do what I can to support his
administration."

McKinney, who is 37 and has 12 years of law enforcement
experience, said he was excited about his appointement to
the chief of police position and was ready to get started.

"The department will continue to serve the community like we
have in the past," McKinney said. "I have some plans for
community policing projects that I would like to impliment
in the future.

"Right now I'm just letting it all soak in."

McKinney said he felt it was important for the police
department to continue the good relations that have been
developed between the department and the Reeves County
Sheriff's Department. As of Jan. 1 the Pecos Police
Department has been handling radio dispatching for the
sheriff's department. In return city police prisoners are
housed in the Reeves County Jail at no charge to the city.

"We are going to continue our local drug task force and not
back off our fight against drugs at all," McKinney said.

"I want to thank my family and friends for supporting me
through this," he added.

Other items on the council's agenda were dealt with before
entering executive session.

Accounts payable was approved this morning, a General
Services Administration request for the expansion of the
rear driveway at the Federal Courthouse was approved, with
Terrazas abstaining, and an item concerning the expenditures
of the hotel/motel occupancy tax by the Chamber of Commerce
was tabled until the next council meeting.

Tom Rivera, Chamber of Commerce director, was present at the
meeting but was unaware that the item concerning the
hotel/motel occupancy tax was on the council's agenda. The
contract concerning the tax provides for 100 percent of the
collected tax to be turned over to the chamber, which then
will apportion in the following manner.

According to the contract, the West of the Pecos Museum will
recieve 14.29 percent, an advertising committee will recieve
42.85 percent for general promotional and tourist
advertising purposes, the Chamber and Tourism Center will
receive 22.79 percent for general operational and
promotional costs, and the remaining 20.07 percent will be
apportioned to a committee yet to be appointed and spent on
purposes "set out in the guidelines (of the contract)."

Belew reassigned as Zavala principal



By JON FULBRIGHT &
ROSIE FLORES
Staff Writers

PECOS, January 8, 1998 - In one of his first acts since
being appointed Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD superintendent on
Tuesday, Don Love has reassigned head football coach and
athletic director Mike Belew as Zavala Middle School
principal, while naming longtime varsity baseball coach
Bubba Williams as interim athletic director.

Love, who served 1½ years as Zavala principal before being
officially named as superintendent, made the changes after
meeting with Belew and Williams. P-B-T school board
president Frank Perea said Love is able to make
reassignments and add additional duties to school personnel
at his discretion.

"We met and decided we had philosophical differences in the
way things should be run," Belew said this morning. "That's
his call being superintendent, and so I need to go. This is
not the place for me."

"I just want to do what's right for the district," Love said
today. "I feel the district should take a different
direction."

"I think he'll do a great job," Love said about Belew's new
assignment. "We mutually agreed to make this change."

Belew was hired by the P-B-T school board to replace Felix
Urias as football coach and Daylon Whitehurst as athletic
director in April, 1996, and posted 4-6 records in his two
seasons as head coach. He said he accepted reassignment as
Zavala principal, "Until I find another job."

"I don't have any hard feelings. I met some good people,
have some good memories and situations and met some good
kids. It was just a difference in philosophy."

Williams, who was waiting to meet with Love this morning,
said as of now the athletic director post is an interim job.

"I'll stay on as baseball coach. I don't know what all the
other options are now, because I haven't had a full
discussion with Mr. Love."

Love served as offensive coordinator under Whitehurst and
Urias, as well as working as assistant varsity baseball
coach under Williams for six seasons. He spent two years as
assistant principal at Pecos High School before taking over
as Zavala assistant principal in 1996, after Mike Sadler
left that job to serve as Belew's offensive coordinator and
head basketball coach. Sadler and Belew had worked together
on the Odessa Permian coaching staff in the late 1980s and
early 1990s.

"I think right now there are a lot of things that need to be
done," Williams said. "First, I need to get familiar with
the situation of being AD and the job description that goes
with it. But I feel it's a job I can handle or I wouldn't
have accepted it."

Williams added that one of the things he and Love would talk
about is the hiring of a new football coach for the 1998
season. It will be the fourth head coach for the Eagles in
the past seven seasons, after Pecos had just two head
coaches the previous 25 years.

Participation in the football program at the sub-varsity
level, which became a problem in Urias' final two seasons as
PHS head coach, was reduced in Belew's first season as head
coach and AD, but returned in 1997. Both the freshman and
junior varsity teams saw key players quit football and wound
up winless after posting winning records in 1996. Belew also
had troubles similar to Urias in getting varsity players to
show up for workouts, a concern he voiced to the Pecos
Downtown Lions Club just prior to the start of district play
in early October.

Williams, who has also endured problems with players failing
or dropping out of his program over the past few years said,
"We need to do something about the kids, but right now I
don't know what that is."

Belew said he's updated his resume to send out, in hopes of
getting another head coaching job. "I'm in the process of
making some calls and getting a list of coaches openings. I
feel confident that I can take something from this situation
and get a good job, and hopefully, I can take some of the
guys (assistant coaches) with me, because I feel like we
have a good staff."

"I certainly wish the best for the Pecos Eagles' athletic
program. I'm sure Bubba will do a good job," Belew added.

Increase seen in illegal immigrant juveniles



By GREG HARMAN
Staff Writer

PECOS, January 8, 1998 - The high number of out-of-county
detainees listed in December's monthly juvenile report may
have more to do with an increase of illegal immigration
rather than area juvenile offenses.

The report, issued by the Reeves County Juvenile Court
probation department, lists 20 out-of-county youths as
detained during December. Alberto Alvarez, chief juvenile
officer, said that the department was receiving an
increasing number of illegal juvenile immigrants from U.S
Immigration. What is surprising, said Alvarez, is the shift
in nationalities represented.

"We used to get primarily Mexicans, now we're getting more
and more juveniles from Guatemala, El Salvador and Columbia.
There were two youths in this morning from Chiapas," said
Alvarez.

An official with the U.S. Border Patrol validated Alvarez's
findings. "Traditionally there is an increase in OTM (Other
Than Mexican) nationals, or a 'spike,' in the month of
December," said Intelligence Officer James Gilly.

Typically, said Gilly, the immigrants load up on consumer
goods to take back to Mexico to sell during the holiday
season. Also, many who have overstayed their visas, or
entered the country illegally, attempt to travel back across
the border to visit families during this time.

Gilly said there had not been a "tremendous increase" in
Chiapan refugees attempting to enter the country to escape
the fighting in Southern Mexico. "We did see an increase (of
Chiapans) just prior to Operation Rio Grande," said Gilly,
"but no conclusions could be drawn from that."

Apart from the increase of out-of-county detainees, the
report is a mild one -only ten juveniles were referred from
Reeves County during the month of December.

"It's been a very, very quiet holiday," said Alvarez. "It
helps you to believe that this is a nice, peaceful place to
live."

Of the ten detained in Reeves County, four were referred for
assault; two for violation of a court order; one for
forgery; one for running away from home; one for the
unauthorized use of a motor vehicle; and one for the
possession of more than two ounces of marijuana.

Three of the ten were female. Two were listed as white, and
one was listed as black.

Balmorhea Stockshow to be held Saturday



BALMORHEA, January 8, 1998 - The Balmorhea Livestock Show
will be held on Saturday, January 10, beginning at 9:30 a.m.
Students, third grade and up, will gather at the Balmorhea
High School Agriculture Building, located at the corner of
First and El Paso Streets, to compete in five categories:
goat, lamb, swine, steer and heifer.

A barbecue will begin after the lamb show around 12 p.m.
Prizes will be awarded to top contestants and ribbons will
be issued to all who compete.

Ybarra joins race for district clerk



PECOS, January 8, 1998 - Catalina "Kathy" Ybarra has many
good reasons for seeking the Reeves County District Clerk
office.

Ybarra filed her treasurer's designation naming Gilbert
Ybarra as her campaign treasurer and also filed with
Democratic Chairman Bobby Dean for the March 10 Primary
Election. In addition to incumbent Juana Jaquez, Ybarra will
be up against Rosemary Chabarria, who is seeking the same
position.

"Most of my peers finish school, move away to follow a
higher education, or seek better places to work with higher
paying jobs," said Ybarra. "The glamour of higher paying
jobs lures them away leaving our own community behind and
forgotten," she said.

Ybarra states that she chose to stay and to get involved in
all she could to make the community a proud place to live in.

"I was born and raised in Pecos, I attended school here all
my life, I am a proud graduate of Pecos High and it's time I
get involved in helping my community grow," said Ybarra.

"I would like to be given the chance to run a good clean
campaign on my own merits," said Ybarra. "The fact that I am
young should not hinder my ability to give the office of the
district clerk the best I have to offer," she said.

"I believe the people of Reeves County are ready for a
change, and believe they deserve a choice," said Ybarra.

"If I am elected I will promise that under my guidance and
leadership the district clerk's office will run effectively
with positive pride, dignity and the professionalism that
such office deserves."

POLICE REPORT



PECOS, January 8, 1998 - EDITOR'S NOTE: Information
contained in the Police Report is obtained from reports
filed by the Pecos Police Department, Reeves County
Sheriff's Office, 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.

***

Justin Salcido Millan, 17, 2300 Country Club Dr., was
arrested at 3:56 a.m. Dec. 29 in the 300 block of S. Oak for
driving while intoxicated.

***

Gilbert Diaz Herrera, 24, 1809 Hackberry, was arrested at
2:23 a.m. Dec. 27 in the 1000 block of E. 3rd St. for DWI
refusal.

***

The burglary of a habitation in the 700 block of Peach St.
was reported to have occurred sometime between 8:45 p.m. on
Dec. 25 and 1:19 a.m. Dec. 26.

***

The burglary of Amigo's Texaco, 1317 S. Cedar, was reported
at 4:36 a.m. on Dec. 26. Cigarettes and a money box
containing $245 were taken.

***

Jeff Andrew Hankins, 40, of Cleburne, was arrested at 3:21
a.m. Dec. 27 in the parking lot at Flying J Truck Stop for
possession of marijuana, less than two ounces.

***

Michael Joe Marquez was arrested at 3:34 p.m. Dec. 27 at
Wal-Mart for theft under $20.

***

Freddy Hinojos was arrested at 12:05 a.m. on Dec. 31 in the
100 block of Pinehurst for public intoxication.

***

Laura Ann Gabbert, 29, was reported missing at 9:15 a.m.
Dec. 23.

***

At 9:02 a.m. Dec. 25, there was a car fire at mile marker
200 on I-10. The car burned to its frame, but both occupants
escaped without harm.

***

A white 1965 Dodge Dart was reported stolen at 11 a.m. Dec.
19.

***

Bobby Valdez was arrested at 5:14 p.m. Jan. 1 at Toyah
Texaco for theft under $20.

***

Ismael Salcido was arrested at 10:44 p.m. during a traffic
stop in the 300 block of Pecan for DWI refusal, second
offense.

***

Raul Acosta (Rudy) Jurado, 36, 311 S. willow, was arrested
at 4:55 p.m. Jan. 2 on a warrant for injury to a child.

***

Claudelia Martinez, 26, 128 N. Alamo, was arrested at 10:21
p.m. Jan. 2 on warrants for forgery and theft.

***

Matthew Armendariz, 18, was arrested at 2:26 a.m. in the 20
block of E. 12th St. for public intoxication.

***

Miguel Baeza, 21, 1630 Cowan, was arrested at 10:15 p.m.
Jan. 2 for assault causing bodily injury.

***

Adan Salcido was arrested at 9:21 a.m. Jan. 2 on a warrant
for terroristic threat Class B.

***

Benito Chabarria, Jr. was arrested at 7:07 a.m. Jan. 4 in
the 100 block of Lincoln for public intoxication.

***

Gabriel Orona was arrested at 5:36 p.m. Jan. 4 at Sonic for
public intoxication.

***

Santiago N. Fuentez was arrested at 4:34 p.m. in the area of
4th and Park for possession of a controlled substance,
heroin/cocaine.

***

Hector S. Valeriano was arrested at 11:45 a.m. Jan. 6
at municipal court on a warrant for enticing a child.

CRIME STOPPERS



PECOS, January 8, 1998 - Crime Stoppers will pay up to
$1,000 in reward for information leading to the arrest and
Grand Jury indictment of person(s) responsible for the
incident described below. Anyone having any information on
this crime or any other crime can call "Crime Stoppers" at
445-9898 and you will remain anonymous.

On Nov. 30, 1997, while on routine patrol, a Pecos Police
officer observed the back window to the Circle M Bar
missing. Upon checking the building it was determined that a
person or persons had entered the building. The person or
persons had taken money from a small black box which was the
money box to the juke box located inside of the bar.

OBITUARIES


Danica Maynez



Danica Sanchez Maynez, a newborn infant, died Jan. 3, 1998
in Las Vegas, Nev.

Mass is scheduled for 2 p.m., Friday, Jan. 9, at Santa Rosa
Catholic Church with Father Juan Narez officiating. Burial
will be in Greenwood Cemetery (Babyland).

Maynez was born Jan. 3, 1998 in Las Vegas.

Survivors include: her parents, Juan Carlos and Neyrel
Sanchez Maynez of Pecos; one half-brother, Juan Carlos
Maynez, Jr. of Portales, N.M.; one half-sister, Stephanie
Maynez of Portales, N.M.; maternal grandparents Manuel and
Bruna Sanchez of Pecos; paternal grandparents Manuel and
Josefina Maynez of Pecos.

Martinez Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

L.A. Sherrill



L.A. "Larry" Sherrill Jr., 58, died Jan. 6, 1998, in Fort
Stockton.

Service will be at 2 p.m. Friday at the Church of Christ
with burial in East Hill Cemetery in Fort Stockton.

Sherrill was born Jan. 15, 1939, in Pecos and had been a
resident of Fort Stockton since 1974. He was a performance
evaluator for Firestone and was a member of the Church of
Christ.

Survivors include: his wife, Dixie Sherrill of Fort
Stockton; three daughters, Teresa Ward of Littleton, Colo.,
Cindy Payne of Junction and Chris Sherrill of Abilene; one
brother, Richard Tilton of Carlsbad, N.M.; one sister,
Darlene Kendrick of Lockhart; and two grandchildren.

WEATHER



PECOS, January 8, 1998 - High Wednesday, 52, low this
morning, 28. It will be most fair tonight and partly cloudy
on Friday across West Texas. Lows tonight will be in the 20s
and 30s. Highs Friday will be in the 50s and 60s.



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Pecos Enterprise
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324 S. Cedar St., Pecos, TX 79772
Phone 915-445-5475, FAX 915-445-4321
e-mail news@pecos.net

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Copyright 1998 by Pecos Enterprise