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TOP STORIESFebruary 9, 1998Low level jets already bother SaragosaBy GREG HARMAN Staff Writer SARAGOSA, February 9, 1998 - You wake with a start to the sound of your windows rattling and family photos clattering against the walls in the hallway. You think to yourself, 'Is this an earthquake? Another tornado?' as a loud rumble fades into the distance. Quiet quickly replaces the nocturnal clamor but your heart is still pounding. This experience is not uncommon to many residents of the Balmorhea/Saragosa area. Low-flying jets have often disturbed their nights and their days. Citizens from southern Reeves County gathered in the Saragosa multi-purpose center Saturday evening by invitation of Reeves County Commissioner Herman Tarin to express concern over what effect the U.S. Air Force's recently-proposed Realistic Bomber Training Initiative (RBTI) may have on their lives and to speculate on what change the initiative may represent to an already frustrating problem. Some present at the meeting complained that low-flying jets are already disturbing their lives. "They fly right over our house," said Balmorhea resident Carol Bagley. "They wake us up in the middle of the night flying at a low range." Bagley said that should the planes fly any closer to her house they would probably break the windows, not just rattle them. Though Commissioner Tarin adamantly refused to express his personal feelings regarding the initiative, it was readily apparent that most who attended the meeting had strong reservations about the possibility of U.S. Air Force bombers training over their houses at altitudes of two to three hundred feet. One attendee charged to the front of the room, mistaking the speaker for a representative of the Air Force, to challenge that he was a "poor man" and to demand to know who would pay for damages to his home due to the aircraft. "I think it is my duty to inform the public on what may take place in the area," Tarin told the crowd of about 25. "Some of you may already know that B-1 and B-52 bombers may be coming to train here. I think it is important that the government and the Air Force listen to your concerns, and to my concerns." Tarin shared the information he had gathered from several conversations with Air Force Lt. Col. Rick Freisen, of the Second Bomb Wing in Barksdale, La., such as the initiative means bombers flying 24 hours a day, six days a week, one about every 45 minutes. Tarin said that each bomber would emit 120 decibels, "like a loud rock concert." The one positive to Tarin's findings was the possible creation of 25 jobs associated with the scoring sites. Speaking of the Air Force, Tarin told the gathering, "If this is approved they will be here to stay." But, he assured those in attendance that "There is still time to do something about it." Pecos resident Clark Lindley, invited by Tarin to Saragosa, brought materials to share that he had gathered at the Air Force scoping meeting, held at the Pecos Community Center on Feb. 3, and raised several questions about the environmental impact the low-level training may pose to the community. "In the long run, what will it do to people? What will the fuel expelled do to the community?" asked Lindley. "What effect will it have on livestock, and the desirability of placing cattle in these areas? What happens to hunting?" In response to these and other questions, representative of the Trans-Pecos Protection Group Dr. Tony Sforza, a former aeronautical engineer and Major in the U.S. Army Medical Corp., stood and addressed the meeting by declaring that the proposed flights posed very definite health risks to residents of the area and recommended that the Air Force follow the Army's example by securing and training in a national training site where no civilians would be affected. Sforza said that the Trans-Pecos area "appeared to be becoming the new national training base" for military aircraft. "They have chosen this area," Sforza said, "not because of the terrain, but because it is the path of least resistance." There is nothing unique about the terrain around Reeves County, he said, it's just flat. Sforza said that the real reason the Air Force was bringing more and more flights to this area was that it was all privately-owned land. "The U.S. government owns two-thirds of the Western United States, and half of all the airspace," he said. In other words, Sforza was saying, land exists where the Air Force may train well away from the civilian population, but to secure it meant going through Congress. Citing reports from the EPA and Consumer Reports, Sforza said, "In the U.S. now we are seeing a doubling of deaths from asthma." The exhaust of jet engines, said Sforza, contains fine particulate matter that can enter the blood stream and, because the particulates are so light, may drift on air currents for long distances. Each jet engine, Sforza said, created the same level of pollution as about 500 cars. Another representative of the Trans-Pecos Protection Group, Bryan Kelley, said that he had brought three suits against the Air Force in the federal court in Pecos to obtain information that has been denied to him but is unclassified. "Our analysis shows that all the flights the Air Force has flown (in the Trans-Pecos area) since 1984 have been illegal and in violation of the National Environmental Policy Act," said Kelley. Charging that the Air Force was also in violation of its CEQ requirements - those that require public notification of the scoping meetings - and that the Air Force skipped entire towns that will be severely impacted by the proposed airspace changes, Kelley said, "We are going to ask the court to instruct the Air Force that all scoping meetings must be done over. We want 23 meetings, not five . . . Only four people showed up at the Van Horn meeting. It will be unlivable there by 2005." At this point one attendee came to the front of the room, Jeff Davis County farmer Larry Turnbough, and addressed the group in support of the initiative. "My dad flew 35 missions in Korea and my brother flew 77 in Viet-Nam. I am very appreciative that they were trained well and survived," he said. "If you are against this you need to have your own reasons, not false ones." He charged that the Trans-Pecos Protection Group was supplying false information. Turnbough said that the real cause of pollution around Balmorhea was not the jet aircraft but cars and trucks on Interstate 20, and in the Davis mountains the bulk of the pollution was caused by people burning fires in their homes. Suzanna Dominguez, a life-long resident of Saragosa, said that the jets already flying over Saragosa were very loud and frightened her and her children. If the low-altitude bomber training came to Saragosa, Dominguez said, she wouldn't be able to sleep. The U.S. Air Force's proposed Realistic Bomber Training Initiative would create new military airspace across northern Reeves, southern Loving and central Ward counties and redefine current military airspace as "low-altitude." This low-altitude space would be strung with 12 electronic scoring sites that would sweep from south-eastern Reeves near Smithers Test Track, through the Saragosa/Verhalen area before exiting into Culberson County from central Reeves near China Draw. The public comment period on the proposal lasts until Feb. 17, 1998. Deputy moves to drug investigatorBy CARA ALLIGOOD Staff Writer PECOS, February 9, 1998 - Seeing drug dealers in court gives Jeffery Baeza a sense of job satisfaction. Baeza been assigned the position of narcotics investigator vacated by Clay McKinney when McKinney was hired as Pecos Police Chief last month. Baeza was a Reeves County Sheriff's deputy before joining the narcotics team. He has 12 years of law enforcement experience and graduated from the Odessa College Police Academy in 1990. Baeza has 90 college credit hours toward a Bachelor's degree in criminal justice at Sul Ross State University. Baeza has prior experience in narcotics investigation and is dedicated to getting drugs off the streets. "I've worked under cover before. I've worked with these guys before, and when Clay left, the Sheriff (Arnulfo Gomez) decided to put me over here," Baeza said. "I really enjoy it," Baeza said of his new appointment. "I'm glad to be over here." Baeza said that the toughest part of working narcotics is executing search warrants at homes where there are young children present. "They're crying and they're innocent," he said. "I stand totally against drugs and I want to aggressively pursue fighting the war on drugs," Baeza said. "It (drug abuse) destroys families and ruins lives." He said that he has seen some cases where people have become rehabilitated after serving sentences for drug crimes. Baeza said that the most rewarding part of his job is "seeing known drug dealers get their day in court." He is happy with the level of cooperation between his office and the district attorney, Randy Reynolds. "I feel that Mr. Reynolds and his staff put forth a lot of effort and are doing a great job" of taking narcotics cases to court, Baeza said. "He backs us 100 percent and he knows what we're doing." Baeza said that his goal is to "continue the good work that's always been done out of this office." He also wanted to give credit to all of the members of the local SWAT team, who "always have to go into houses first" when his office executes a search warrant. "They all volunteered for a job that requires extra training and they get called into work on their days off," Baeza said. Baeza and his wife, Marybell, have three daughters, Tiffany, 15, Brittany, 10, and Esmerelda, 5. He said that in his off-duty time, he enjoys playing golf and watching sports on television. Candidates expenses revealed in finance reportsBy GREG HARMAN Staff Writer PECOS, February 9, 1998 - Most candidates in the March 10 Democratic Primary Election have returned their Candidates and Office Holders Campaing Finance Report on time, several candidates returned the forms late, and one failed to return a form at all. On three separate occasions before the primary election most candidates are required to complete a financial disclosure that details the contributions to each candidate's campaign efforts and how much money the candidate has spent on their campaign. The first report for candidates was due Jan. 15 and was to cover campaign expenditures up to Dec. 31, 1997. In the race for the position of District Clerk, both Catalina "Kathy" Ybarra and Rosemary Chabarria are not required to return finance reports until the Feb. 9 deadline because they did not file a campaign treasurer report until after Jan. 1. Incumbent Juana Jaquez filled out and returned the form, but did so six days late. Incumbent County Clerk Diane O. Florez returned her form on time, with $60 listed for advertising. Her only opponent, January entrant Kristina K. Talamantez, will file her first disclosure on Feb. 9. By far the biggest campaign spender, Reeves County Judge Jimmy Galindo returned his form 12 days late on Jan. 27. According to Galindo's figures, he has spent more than $3,000 on his campaign so far. A $600 Democratic Party filing fee and nearly $2,000 to Allied Advertising made up most of his expenses. When asked about his expenditures, Galindo responded, "As a candidate I take every race seriously and work very hard until the end." Galindo blamed the tardy dislosure form on a miscommunication between himself and Reeves County Democratic Party Chairman Bobby Dean, suggesting that Dean caused more disruption in the Democratic party than unity. Linda Gholson, the only other candidate for county judge, has spent half as much as her opponent. Gholson listed $1,512 -$1,000 of which went to Fast Signs in Midland -in campaign expenditures. She has also paid the $600 Democratic Party filing fee. Her form was returned on time. Both the candidates for county treasurer, incumbent Linda Clark and Terry Terrazas, returned their forms on time. Neither has campaign related expenditures. David Castillo, who is unchallenged for Precinct 2 County Commissioner, filed two days early. In the three-way race for Precinct 4 County Commissioner -involving incumbent Bernardo Martinez, Gilbert Rayos and Mari Maldonado -both Martinez and Rayos met or preceded the deadline, and Maldonado chose a one-time "modified reporting." According to Texas Ethic Commission's guidelines, each candidate may file a modified reporting. This is a one-time report declaring the candidate did not intend to accept more than $500 in contributions or spend more than that amount on their campaign. Maldonado said she was "nowhere near" that amount. Martinez has already spent more than $1,000 on his campaign for advertising, stamps and gasoline. Rayos has spent half that amount for, among other things, campaign cards and barbecue. Both County Court-at-law Judge Lee Green and County Surveyor Frank Spencer filed seven days late. Spencer chose to file a modified reporting. Both are unopposed with no campaign expenses. Unopposed Justice of the Peace, Amonario Ramon (Precinct 1) and Lamberto Herrera (Precinct 4), both filed two days early. Incumbent Justice J.T. Marsh of Precinct 2 returned his form three days early and has spent no money on his campaign. His challenger Wesley Harpham returned his form 11 days late. Harpham has spent more than $700 so far, at least $230 went to a sign company in Kermit. Harmpham said his form was late because he never recieved one in the mail and had to go and get one personally. The four-way contest for Precinct 3 J.P.-involving incumbent Joel Madrid, Rosendo Carrasco, David Vejil and Janelle Ward -has seen no money spent by any of the candidates. All but Ward, who filed to run on Dec. 29, returned their forms. The next Campaign Finance Report is due to be turned in at the County Clerk's office by today at 5 p.m. A third report will be due eight days before the election on March 2.
Most of 38 federal defendants indicted for drug charges By PEGGY McCRACKEN
Guilty pleas clear criminal casesBY PEGGY McCRACKEN Staff Writer PECOS, February 9, 1998 - District Judge Bob Parks presided for multiple jury selections today and scheduled one civil trial to begin tomorrow in 143rd District Court. Friday's guilty pleas cleared several criminal cases that were set for trial on drug violation charges. Pleading guilty to delivery of cocaine were: * Felipe Amarillas Caboda, six years deferred adjudication probation, plus a $1,500 fine and $140 restitution to the Departmet of Public Safety. * Alonzo Dutchover Mendoza, four years community supervision, $1,500 fine and $164.50 court costs. * Dulces Nombres Matta, four years deferred adjudication, $1,500 fine and $140 restitution to the Departmet of Public Safety; and Francisco Herrera Perez, four years deferred adjudication probation, $500 fine ad $140 restitution to the Departmet of Public Safety. Gilbert R. Ortega admitted delivery of a simulated controlled substance -heroin. He was sentenced to four years community supervision, $1,500 fine and $164.50 court costs. Jose Manuel Garcia pleaded guilty to delivery of heroin and was placed on two years community supervision with a $1,500 fine. Rafael Valles Medina admitted possession of cocaie ad was placed on four years community supervision with a $1,500 fine and $164.50 court costs. Balmorhea ISD board meets tomorrowPECOS, February 9, 1998 - A senior class trip will be discussed during the regular meeting of the Balmorhea Independent School District Board meeting at 6:30 p.m. tomorrow in the board room at 1st and El Paso streets in Balmorhea. Other items on the agenda include an order for the elections and appointment of early voting clerks. The group will also discuss appointing an election judge and alternate. Reports will be heard from a grassroots meeting, given by Reyes Castillo. The board will meet in closed session to discuss personnel, employment, resignations, assignments, evaluation, reassignment, duties and or discipline and also to discuss the superintendents evaluation. They will reconvene in open session and take any action based upon discussion in closed meeting. AREA ROUND-UPFebruary 9, 1998The Fort Stockton PioneerFORT STOCKTON, Feb. 5, 1998 -A lawsuit filed against Pecos County and two state district judges by former county auditor Bettye Warnock ended abruptly Tuesday morning with the announcement of an agreement between the two parties. The case was being heard this week in Judge Lucius Bunton's federal district court in Pecos. The Big Bend SentinelMARFA, Feb. 5, 1998 - Area residents attending a U.S. Air Force meeting in Alpine should be aware of a low-level training flight accident in Italy Tuesday that claimed at least 20 civilian lives, an Alpine activist said Wednesday. A U.S. Marine EA-6B Prowler aircraft sliced a cable-car line in the Italian Alps, sending a gondola full of European skiers crashing hundreds of feet to their deaths, according to news reports. The Alpine AvalancheALPINE, Feb. 5, 1998 -A fine clear day last Saturday brought out a lively crowd of around 600 to accept their invitations to an Open House' celebrating the new Hobby-Eberly Telescope (HET) at the McDonald Observatory in Fort Davis. The HET was officially dedicated on Oct. 8, but this was an occasion for West Texas neighbors to visit with their newest resident. The SkylineSul Ross State University, Alpine, Feb. 5, 1998 -Gregory M. Schwab, associate professor of theatre at Sul Ross State University, has been named 1998 College/University Educator of the Year by the Texas Educational Theatre Association. Schwab received the honor at the association's awards banquet Jan. 24. The Sanderson TimesSANDERSON, Feb. 5, 1998 -Terrell County school district has received a grant in the amount of $100,000 from the Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund Board. This is the third round of TIF grants, each designed to provide public schools with the necessary equipment to allow students access to the Internet. This third round was a non-competitive award process designed to level the playing field across the state, with a cap on each award of $100,000. TIF awarded more than 600 grants to individual districts or campuses within districts. The McCamey NewsMcCamey, Upton County, Feb. 5, 1998 - Twenty-two 4-H members from Upton County will be joining other 4-H and FFA members from throughout Texas for intense show ring competition at the upcoming Houston Livestock Show, Feb. 20 through March 8, in the Astrohall. These FFA and 4-H exhibitors showcase their animal projects during the second week of livestock competition - the junior show. Iraan NewsIraan, Pecos County, Feb. 5, 1998 - Cody Dulaney, Pecos
The Monahans NewsMONAHANS, Feb. 5, 1998 -Monahans citizens have started a major drive to bring Boys and Girls Clubs to the Monahans area with the help of a potential $50,000 grant through the Boys and Girls Clubs of America national organization. Under the plan, the Monahans club would operate as a unit of the Midland Boys and Girls Clubs, reports Bill Shuey, the youth organization's executive director in Midland.
OBITUARIESFebruary 9, 1998Mary ShultzMary Shultz, 80, died Saturday, Feb. 7, 1998, at Odessa Medical Center. Services are scheduled for 10 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 11, at the Pecos Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Les Woodard officiating. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery. Shultz was born May 5, 1917, in Floyadada, Tx. She was a resident of Pecos since 1945, a retired secretary from the Texas Highway Department and a Baptist. Survivors include: one son, Joe S. Shultz of Lufkin, Tx.; two nieces; and two nephews. Pecos Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. John TrussServices for John Rial Truss, Jr., who died Friday, Feb. 6, 1998, are incomplete. Martinez Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. WEATHERPECOS, February 9, 1998 - High Sunday, 74, low this morning, 44. Southerly winds with above-normal seasonal temperatures are expected across Texas as the result of a surface low-pressure system extending from South Dakota almost into Texas.Pre-dawn temperatures ranged from 37 at Junction to 68 at McAllen in South Texas, from 39 at Dalhart and Amarillo to 55 at Midland in West Texas, and from 37 at Waco to 55 at Lufkin in the eastern half of the state. Winds could kick up in West Texas, gusting to 30 mph in the El Paso area.
Pecos Enterprise
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