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TOP STORIESMarch 4, 1998Another strep infection death; total reaches 13 statewideNo dangerous cases reported in Reeves CountyFrom Staff and Wire Reports PECOS, March 4, 1998 - A 5-year-old Houston-area boy has died from a virulent bacterial infection caused by group A streptococcus, bringing to 13 the number of recent strep deaths across Texas. Harris County Health Department officials are trying to find people the boy had contact with before his death Sunday. Reeves County has experienced some cases of the infection, but none have developed into a dangerous condition, according to area health specialists. "We've had some cases of strep throat, but even though they were the same type of strep throat, strep A, the cases we've had here weren't as serious, and have been treated with antibiotics," said Pecos Valley Health clinic nurse Joseph Ortiz. "We usually get one or two cases a week and we put them on antibiotics and they have been resolved in two or three days," said Ortiz. "As far as I know, we haven't had any cases where anyone has had to be hospitalized." Ortiz said that if it becomes hard for someone to swallow, or they experience symptoms such as painful swallowing or a sore throat, they should come in and be checked out. He said that strep throat is not always the cause of such symptoms, other factors such as allergies can cause the same symptoms, but if it is strep throat, treating it as soon as possible with antibiotics is recommended. As of Tuesday afternoon, Harris County health department spokeswoman Linda Forys said, no other cases of group A streptococcal illnesses had been reported in the dead 5-year-old boy's family or preschool. "We are working with the school district to make recommendations to identify contacts with that child to provide preventative treatment," she said. "It can be treated with many antibiotics." The Harris County Health Department has recorded 15 cases since Dec. 1. As of the end of February, 72 people across the state had been infected with group A strep, according to the Texas Department of Health. Twelve had died, including another person in Harris County. The group A streptococcus is found in the throats and on the skin of up to 20 percent of the population but may not cause symptoms. It can cause infections resulting in a range of illnesses, from a mild sore throat to life-threatening diseases. Two of the most severe but least-common forms of invasive group A strep are necrotizing fasciitis, also known as the "flesh-eating bacteria" and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, a rapidly progressing infection that injures internal organs such as the kidneys, liver and lungs. The Channelview-area boy, whose name was not released, became ill with the toxic shock syndrome last Friday, Forys said. Symptoms are sometimes like those of the common flu, along with a skin rash and abdominal pain. Good personal hygiene, such as washing hands before eating, can prevent infection. Editor's Note: The Texas Department of Health has set up a phone line to answer questions about the virus. The phone line will be open through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The toll-free number is (888) 388-6332 or (512) 834-6795 in the Austin area. For information on where to get chickenpox vaccinations, the toll-free number is (800) 252-9152. Mother, daughter killed by drunk driverFORT STOCKTON, March 4, 1998 - Martha Galindo, 20, Fort Stockton, and her four-month-old baby died after being hit by a vehicle driven by a drunk man, according to Texas Highway Patrol Sergeant Luis Najera. Although the investigation into the fatal accident is not complete, authorities do know that Galindo was walking west on Gonzales Loop in Fort Stockton with her baby, whose name is not yet available, at 6:45 p.m. yesterday when she was struck from behind. Raul Arana, 36, of McCamey, was driving a Chevrolet S-10 pickup and had been drinking when he hit Galindo and her baby, according to law enforcement reports. "He has been charged with intoxication manslaughter at this time," said Najera. Students explore future careersPECOS, March 4, 1998 - Fourth-and fifth-grade students at Bessie Haynes Elementary have been exploring careers they may enter when they finish their educations. "Educating young people about the importance of developing good academic and work skills is an important component of building a highly-skilled work force," said Michelle Workman, Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD Career Planning Coordinator. To ensure that students are prepared to make a smooth transition from school to careers, Workman said, the whole community must be involved -schools, families, students, and business and community leaders. She said that students achieve more when they see the connection between learning and working. Bessie Haynes counselor Virginia Caballero has been teaching guidance lessons using career exploration workbooks and the school recently hosted guest speakers, who gave presentations on their career fields and how school subjects relate to the world of work to the youngsters. Both Workman and Caballero would like to thank the following speakers for meeting with the students: Felipe Villalobos -Pecos Police Department, Linda Gholson -retail store co-owner, Johnny Terrazas -deputy court clerk, Dia Renteria -driver's license examiner, Gabriel Martinez -Reeves County Detention Center mechanical services director, Adiee Madrid -RCDC teacher, Kristina Talamantez -legal secretary, Bertha Cordova -sales, Fred Dominguez -pest control/entomology, Charlie Marmolejo -RCDC Assistant Warden, Garrett Timmins -bank vice president/cashier, Hilda Woods -Reeves County Sheriff's Department deputy, Jesus Franco and Boddie -sheriff's deputy and drug dog, Joey Martinez -musician and middle school teacher, Vaughn Garnto -RCDC captain, Lawrence Williams -PBT ISD athletic director, Mark Zuniga -funeral director, Leticia Gutierrez -phlebotomist, Linda Lester -court reporter, Kim Ewing -day care center director, Jamison Reed -U.S. probation officer, Louise Moore -juvenile probation officer, Clay McKinney -chief of police, Lydia Prieto -tax assessor collector, Henry Dominguez -manager, Dot Stafford -mayor, Rey Carreon -Department of Human Services manager, Butch Renshaw -automotive technician/owner and Armando Gil -emergency management coordinator. Bessie Haynes parental involvement aides provided the speakers with refreshments. Workman also provided the following suggestions on ways that parents and families of elementary school children can get involved in development of career awareness among their students. 1. Have your child use his or her leisure time to volunteer for a charity or community organization. This will enable your child to better the community and to develop interpersonal and organizational skills. 2. Help your child in developing basic competency -following directions, speaking, reading, writing and basic math. Help your child practice these skills through homework, housework and other activities that reinforce basic skills. 3. Become involved with an existing Career Day at your child's school. Bring in tools, materials, uniforms or pictures that represent your work and allow the children to handle the items and ask questions. 4. Encourage friends, relatives and acquaintances to talk to your child. Arouse your child's curiosity about their life and work rolls. 5. Spend time telling stories about your career, discussing the highs and lows and obstacles and challenges you may have faced. 6. Encourage your child to use your local library or the career and technology office (447-7262) as resources on careers and information gathering. 7. Help your child develop a strong awareness of self. encourage your child to talk about his or her feelings in terms of goals, values, wishes, interest, likes, dislikes and strengths. 8. Talk about how talents, interests and hobbies can turn into careers. Discuss your own hobbies and encourage your child to develop his or her own hobbies. 9. Make an occupational family tree indicating the careers in your family. Cowboy poet honored by peersBy PEGGY McCRACKEN Staff Writer PECOS, March 4, 1998 - Paul Patterson nearly dropped his few remaining teeth when he heard his biography being read during the awards ceremony at the 13th Annual Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Alpine Saturday. The 88-year-old (nearly 89) writer attended all three days of the gathering, reading some of his new poetry, plus some old favorites by request -a poem from "High Wide and Then Some." When the widow of a famous poet, the late Buck Ramsey, was called to the podium during the awards ceremony, Patterson thought Ramsey was to receive the Heritage Award posthumously. But not so. When he heard Mrs. Ramsey begin the biography detailing his birthdate and place "and what I had done and hadn't done," Patterson realized he was the man of the hour. "I'm the oldest one still alive, if I am alive, and they awarded me that," Patterson modestly opined. Although he's written six books of poetry, two novels, a children's book and articles in numerous book compilations, Patterson said his main claim to literary fame is noted Western writer Elmer Kelton, whom he taught in high school. "I taught him more than I know myself about writing," Patterson said. Elmer was just out of high school when Patterson published his first book, "Sam Magoo." "I sold it for just $2, but it died early of poor circulation," Patterson said of Magoo. "Now a freshman at Sul Ross State University said he paid $150 for a copy." His second book, "Crazy Women in the Rafters," is out of print, but the printer sells it for $100 per copy -none of which Patterson gets. "I didn't even make my money back on that one," he said. "It didn't pay until the secod printing, and it didn't have a second printing." Old age has slowed Patterson to the point he attends only two cowboy poetry gatherings a year -Alpine and Lubbock. He no longer travels to Arizona and several gatherings in New Mexico. The rarefied air in Ruidoso is too much for him nowadays, he said. He and his wife, Marjorie, live in Pecos fulltime now at 512 S. Oleander, except for an occasional visit to Crane to "pay my bills." They have a home provided for them in Crane, and "It is hard to look a gift house in the mouth," said the witty writer. Patterson's Heritage Award leather notepad cover was hand tooled at the Big Bend Saddlery in Alpine. It sports an engraved silver orb with the inscription "Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering, 1998. With his name in block letters on the front, Patterson is not too worried about someone else mistaking it for his own. OBITUARYFrances WilsonFrances Elkin Wilson, 98, died Monday, March 2, 1998, at a Midland nursing home. Graveside services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m., Thursday, at Fairview Cemetery with Reverend Tommy Potter officiating. Wilson was born Nov. 13, 1900, in Abilene. She attended the College of Industrial Arts, later known as Texas Women's College. Wilson lived in West Texas all of her life, had worked at a bank in Pecos. She had taught school in Balmorhea and Stanton. She moved back to Midland from Lubbock in 1974 and was a member of First Christian Church. Wilson was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard Lee Wilson in 1956. Survivors include three nieces and one nephew. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to Manor Park, 2208 North Loop 250 W., Midland, Tx., 79707. Ellis Funeral Home of Midland is in charge of arrangements. WEATHERPECOS, March 4, 1998 - High Tuesday, 78, low this morning, 38. Ready for some stormy weather across Texas? Clouds and temperatures are on the increase across the state as low pressure over the South Plains and Panhandle begins setting the stage for thunderstorm activity, the National Weather Service cautioned today. Most Texas towns were reporting readings in the 50s and 60s as south to southeast winds at 10 to 20 miles an hour continued to pump moisture into South Texas. That was one of the ingredients for possible thunderstorm activity later today, weather officials noted. Temperatures were expected to increase as the day progressed with temperatures in the 80s possible by late afternoon across South Texas. "Showers and thunderstorms will develop over the course of the day, becoming more numerous later this afternoon and this evening. There is the potential for some of these thunderstorms to become severe," the weather service said in a morning statement. An area of surface low pressure was located early today along the New Mexico state line near Dalhart, and a trough extended southeast into the Abilene area. The combination of low pressure over the western half of the state and high pressure over the southeastern United States caused southerly winds nearly statewide, which results in an inflow of moisture from the Gulf. At 4 a.m. today, temperatures were 10 to 15 degrees warmer than at the same time on Tuesday, ranging from 45 at Wichita Falls to 55 at Abilene. Elsewhere, it was 48 at Austin and 66 at Brownsville, Harlingen and McAllen. Across West Texas, the early morning readings ranged from 32 at Dalhart to 58 at El Paso. Highs were expected to range from the 70s north to the middle 80s in the Big Bend. Temperatures on Thursday were expected to be cooler.
Pecos Enterprise
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