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TOP STORIESMarch 18, 1998Pecos goes out for Texas Public Schools WeekBy ROSIE FLORESStaff Writer PECOS, March 18, 1998 - Parents are invited to visit all the Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD schools this week in honor of Texas Public Schools Week. The week of March 16-20 has been designated as Texas Public Schools Week and everyone is invited to visit the schools and talk to the teachers, according to Superintendent Don Love. Parents who would like to eat lunch with their children in the PBT ISD should contact their child's school before 9 a.m. that day. Education is the key to the future for Texas' young people. More than four million young Texans will be celebrating that journey in March as they observe Texas Public School Week. This year's theme, "Celebrate Texas Public Schools," emphasizes the array of academic and extracurricular opportunities available to students attending the state's public schools. Schools today face bigger challenges than ever before in their efforts to provide state of the art learning opportunities for all students. Yet every day in classrooms across Texas, teachers, coaches, sponsors, volunteers and administrators make a committment to help every student succeed in learning and in life. "Your investment in public schools pays off each day as students grasp a new concept, and again each year as public school graduates carry their success to a college, a university, or a job in your company," said Love. "This year's Texas Public Schools Week is a celebration filled with opportunities for you to get involved in your Texas public schools," he said. "Stop by for a visit during the week of March 16-20, we think you'll be impressed," said Love. Bessie Haynes Elementary kicked off events Tuesday evening with a Parent's Reading Night. Parents were encouraged to visit the school and read with their children. "The parents and students read together and then they took a comprehension test," said school librarian Cynthia Armbruster. Armbruster stated that they would then receive points, which would be added to the student's reading points. "With these points they can purchase items, such as basketball balls, pencils, giga-pets and other items," said Armbruster. Students have been involved with this program throughout the year and have already accumulated a large number of books read. "After they get enough points, they can either purchase an item or save them to buy a bigger item," said Armbruster. The top reader in fourth grade is saving all his points to purchase a boom box. The points are awarded according to difficulty of the book. Books range from Little Women, which is worth 36 points, to Clifford, which is worth one point. After the reading program, parents were then invited to tour the school and look at the many projects the students have been working on. Refreshments were also served to the many guests. "We're just so excited about this reading program, it has really been educational and fun," said Armbruster. Through this point system students are encourage to read and comprehend what they are reading. "They not only read the books, but the comprehension test tells us that they do understand what they are reading," said Armbruster. A reading program for fifth-grade students at the same school is scheduled for Thursday, 6-8 p.m., in the school library. Pecos Kindergarten will feature a program, sponsored by the bilingual classes at 7 p.m., Thursday, at the school cafeteria. Everyone is invited to attend this special presentation. Pecos Elementary has been celebrating the week, by dressing up in different attire. Monday was "Hats Off to Texas Day," all students were encouraged to wear hats. Tuesday, was "Kick Off Your Boots to Texas Day," everyone wore boots. Wednesday, "Wrap Yourself Up In Education Day," students were encouraged to wear belts, buckles and bandanas. Thursday, at Pecos Elementary School is "Pecos Bill Day," students will wear western clothes. Friday, everyone is encouraged to wear red, white and blue in honor of "Texas Day." Students at Austin Elementary School have been listening to the Pecos Bill story read by principal Beau Jack Hendricks. On Thursday, students will have "Branding Day" and pictures will be taken that day. Western day, everyone is encouraged to wear their western clothes, will be held Friday at the school. School district refuses veterans group requestBy CARA ALLIGOOD Staff Writer PECOS, March 18, 1998 - Catholic War Veterans still do not know if they will be the new owners of foreclosed property, the Mesquite Lounge, at Third and Mesquite streets. "I want to see the Catholic War Veterans get the property, but I don't see how we can legally do it if we have a letter from our tax lawyer advising us to reject the bid," said Trustee Earl Bates during the PBT ISD board meeting last night. Bates was referring to a letter advising the board to reject the veterans' bid because the school board had previously rejected a higher bid. Board president Frank Perea said that personally, he and other board members would like to see the non-profit veterans organization receive the property, which they bid $10 for. Perea's brother was killed in Viet Nam and is one of the veterans the organization is named after. However, there had been a previous bid of $1,100 for the same property. "As a board, we try to do what is best for the district and for the taxpayers," Perea said. Lydia Prieto, the district's tax assessor/collector, said that a committee was formed back in October to address the issue of a mass sale of delinquent property. When the mass sale is held, the board agreed, the Catholic War Veterans will have another chance to acquire the property, but so will other interested parties. In other business, Crockett Middle School will have one less teacher next year as a result of a unanimous vote by the school board. The board of trustees voted to send a notice of non-renewal of his contract at the end of the contract period to probationary employee Phillip Garrison, an eighth-grade history teacher and coach, during last night's meeting. The school board voted to renew other one-year contracts that were up for renewal as discussed while the board met in closed session and a list of those employees will be available this afternoon. Superintendent Don Love announced early in the meeting that the Pecos Swim Team Booster Club had received a donation of $900 which was spent on new touch pads that he said were desperately needed. Elementary Spanish classes may begin during the 1998-99 school year. Love met a few weeks ago with a committee of concerned parents who want Spanish taught in elementary grades. Last night, he said that the idea merits further discussion and would be brought up at next Monday's administrators' meeting. Love also said that he has spoken with textbook committee chairman Danny Rodriguez and the necessary books are available for grades one through six. Lori Lee, Program Specialist, inspected the district's school lunch and child nutrition program last month and reported only two administrative problems. Love said the food service department had done and outstanding job. The textbook committee's recommendations were unanimously approved. Most approved books were priced at or below the amount the state of Texas will allow per book, so the district will only have to pay a small amount for the books it wants. Only three books, one in a foundation subject and two in enrichment subjects, cost more than the state allowance. New textbooks were approved for foundation subjects: spelling -grades one through six; algebra I and II, geometry, biology I, advanced placement biology II and enrichment subjects: art -grades 1 through five, business computer applications I, computer science I and II, microcomputer applications and Latin I and II. Textbooks were not approved for exploratory languages -grades 6-8 or French I-VII. The books with price tags higher than the state allowance were AP biology II, allowed at $48.25 and costing $59.89, Latin I, allowed at $40 with a cost of $42.47 and Latin II, allowed at $40 but priced at $41.59. The interlocal agreement between PBT ISD and Reeves County for using Martinez Field, which belongs to the county, for use by the high school girls softball team was approved unanimously. Gome Olibas, recently appointed to the post of administrative assistant to the superintendent/ personnel director, was named as Title IX and 504 Coordinator. The positions have to do with the district's compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the complaint department. As things stand now, professional personnel will not receive attendance incentive pay for the 1998-99 school year. Love recommended not promising the extra pay right now because of budget constraints, but said the board can reconsider the issue again closer to when the new school year starts, maybe in August. He did not want teachers to believe they were going to receive the pay when they sign their contracts for next year and then find out there wasn't enough money in the budget. Even though the high school may be holding Texas Assessment of Academic Skills testing during their event, the board did approve a request by the Pecos Youth Advisory Commission to waive the fee for them to use a district facility when they host an upcoming youth leadership conference. The board also voted unanimously to approve professional personnel resignations, a transfer and a retirement. Resigning are Zavala Middle School principal Mike Belew, Crockett math teacher Jose Paz, Austin Elementary bilingual teacher Rebecca Paz and Crockett history teacher Dana Titus. Juanita Perez will transfer from teaching English as a second language at Lamar Middle School to ESL teacher at Pecos Elementary. Fariss Murphy will retire as a math teacher at Crockett. Other unanimous approvals by the board include the policy on board member elections and returns, a resolution celebrating Texas Public Schools Week, 1997-98 budget amendments, the sale of old school buses to the highest bidders. Also, the current bills will be paid. Canvass of election returns from the May 2 election will be held on May 5, and the next regular meeting of the school board will be April 9. City not responsible for policeBY PEGGY McCRACKEN Staff Writer PECOS, March 18, 1998 - St. Patrick's Day was more blue than green for several defendants in 143rd District Court, where numerous guilty pleas drew probated sentences, one failed to appear, and one plaintiff lost her claim against the City of Pecos. District Judge Bob Parks granted summary judgment in favor of the city in a damage suit filed by Norma Garcia and her daughter, Jennifer Holguin. Garcia claims she and her daughter suffered physical and mental stress as a result of a drug raid on their home at 502 S. Pecan St. May 10, 1995. During the raid Police Patrolman Cosme Ortega accidently fired one round from his service revolver. The bullet stuck a wall near where the claimants were seated on a bed. City Attorney Scott Johnson said in his motion for summary judgment that the city is not liable for actions of its police officers, and the facts do not support the damage claim. One criminal defendant failed to appear for arraignment on an indictment for forgery, and Judge Parks forfeited his $10,000 bail. Manuel Duran Lopez is charged with forging a check on the Balmorhea Housing Authority, where he was executive director. Judge Parks granted a motion by District Attorney Randy Reynolds to have Lopez arrested and his bail raised to $15,000. Pleading guilty were: --Aaron Jay Howell, possession of marijuana Oct. 30, 1997; five years deferred adjudication probation and a $1,500 fine. In the plea bargain, the state agreed to dismiss a petition for forfeiture of Howell's 1982 Chevrolet pickup. --Daniel N. Fuentez, delivery of a controlled substance June 20, 1996; five years community supervision and a $1,500 fine. --Michael Ray Bragg, theft June 19, 1997, five years deferred adjudication probation, plus a $1,500 fine and $8,400 restitution. --Clemente Urquidez III, delivery of marijuana Nov. 21, 1997, five years community supervision, $1,500 fine. A second marijuana delivery charge was dismissed in the plea bargain. --Thomas Munoz Chavez, hindering apprehension Nov. 29, 1997, three years deferred adjudication probation, $1,500 fine. --Don Wesley Barton, forgery Sept. 9, 1997, five years community supervision, $500 fine. --Kenneth Lee Terry, failure to stop and render aid Nov. 1, 1997, five years community supervision, $1,500 fine. Judge Parks has also entered judgment in one of several damage suits filed against Recovery and Reclamation, a battery recycling plant now known as Battery Conservation Technology Inc. BCTI was earlier dismissed as a defendant in the suits, which were consolidated for trial. Eight plaintiffs claim injuries resulting from a fire at the plant Oct. 7, 1993, and two claim injuries from toxic waste while working in the plant. Although Judge Parks granted default judgment for all defendants, only one has submitted a proposed order. Margarito Carrasco won a $300,000 judgment for injuries he claimed result from exposure to mercury while working at the R&R plant. Defendants are Recovery and Reclamation Inc., Sand Hill Products Inc., P.O.A. Inc., Recovery and Reclamation Trucking Inc., Rose Traders Inc., Reeves County General Contractors Inc., William M. & Associates Inc., Advanced Consulting and Environmental Services Inc., and B.J.B. Leasing Inc. Health clinic coming to BalmorheaBy GREG HARMAN Staff Writer PECOS, March 18, 1998 - Receiving health care should soon get a little easier in Blamorhea since the Reeves County Hospital District board voted unanimously last night to accept a revised lease agreement to establish a clinic there. The clinic will be located at 125 W. North Main. According to hospital estimates, the refurbishment of the building will cost about $4,000 and total start-up costs will run about $8,700. Board member Marcella Lovett, who thought the $300 a month lease was a little expensive for Balmorhea, said that while the hospital will be providing the service to the taxpayers she only hoped that "the citizens will utilize it." Interim Administrator Charles Butts assured the board that many of the improvements to the property that the hospital will be making can be taken with them when they leave. In an apparent reference to recent squabbling between the Pecos Housing Authority and the Community Council of Reeves County, board President Jeannette Alligood warned Butts, "But don't touch that carpet!" By way of making a motion to support the lease agreement, Vice President Greg Luna said he saw the rental agreement as "Phase 2" and looked forward to "Phase 3," when the actual construction would begin. The board accepted the lease agreement. Ralph Hernandez, representing the interests of Catholic War Veterans, came before the hospital board seeking property located at 310 South Mesquite for his organization. The county and the city have already accepted the veterans symbolic offer of $10 for the property. "At one time we were very active and were able to offer scholarships for students . . . now we are like orphans with no place to meet," Hernandez said. Continuing, Hernandez said he sought the property, which had at one time been slated for demolition and would have cost the taxpayers $3,000, to build up their membership and hold fund raisers. Alligood asked if the board accepted the $10 bid would the property then be placed back on the tax rolls or would they then be exempt. Hernandez answered that the organization would be exempt from property taxes. Lovett made the concession that at least "it would be taking care of an eyesore" to grant the property to the veterans organization. Luna asked Hernandez why the school board, who heard his proposal at their February meeting, had rejected the veteran's bid. Hernandez blamed it on personal conflict, saying, "Me and Perea (the president of the school board) are against each other all the time." He suggested that the school board may accept the bid at its March meeting, held last night, because a different representative was going before the board this time. Luna sought to table the item, saying he preferred to wait and see how the school board voted on the issue. But board member Chel Flores urged the board to proceed with a vote, and the bid was accepted. Hernandez assured the board, "We'll make you proud of us." The board took no action on offers from different entities to purchase various oil and gas interests owned by the hospital district. One property that received an offer took the entire board by surprise, with several commenting that they knew nothing about the property. "It makes me wonder," said one member, "what else we have across the state." Lovett suggested that the board send the offers through the finance committee, "at least for informational purposes." Financial statements, payment of bills and medical staff reports were all approved with little discussion. George I. Choumorov, MD, and Charles Silver, MD, were both granted clinical privileges on recommendation of the medical staff. On the monthly board report, Butts informed the board that Balmorhea Ambulance Service has approached the hospital about the possible donation of the old ambulance; issues of storage space for hospital records are still being evaluated; staff changes at the hospital pharmacy -L.G. Crawford, director of nursing, is now in charge; and the issue of paid time off, tabled at the February meeting, was tabled until the budget process for 1999. The paid time off policy, said Butts, would not make a great deal of difference for personnel and would require over $185,000 to start-up. "I wouldn't recommend it at all," said Butts. Greg Luna reported briefly on the training conference for hospital trustees that he attended in Dallas along with Alligood and Lovett. He said they were instructed in Medi-Care billing, compliance issues, quality assessment and patient satisfaction. Luna said there may be a conference held in San Antonio specifically for rural hospital issues in August. Darpolor re-elected to family physicians groupPECOS, March 18, 1998 - Joseph K. Darpolor, M.D., of Pecos, has been re-elected to maintain active membership in the American Academy of Family Physicians through the year 2,000. This re-election is based on fulfillment of his continuing medical education requirements. Darpolor's re-election was in January 1998. In addition, he was also accepted to become a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians in March 1998. His acceptance was based on his six years of continuous active membership; fulfillment of continuing medical education requirements and board certification status. Darpolor is a residency trained, board certified family physician who is trained to work in all major areas of medicine including, OB/GYN, Pediatrics, Adult Medicine, and Geriatrics. OBITUARIESJose BotelloJose Guadalupe G. Botello, 64, died Tuesday, March 17, 1998,
Judy TrammellJudy Trammell, 57, died Tuesday, March 17, 1998, at
Eulalia MarrufoEulalia Marrufo, of Monahans, died Monday, March 16, 1998,
WEATHERPECOS, March 18, 1998 - High Tuesday, 73, low this morning, 51. The Texas Panhandle is under a winter storm watch tonight - it is still winter, you know. Spring arrives at 1:55 p.m. Friday, but first some more snow. The National Weather Service said there's a chance of rain changing to snow over the Panhandle and South Plains tonight, with heavy snow possible tonight and Thursday. The snow should end Thursday. Highs today should be in the 50s north to mid-80s along the Rio Grande. Tonight's lows should range from about 30 degrees north to the 40s south. Thursday's highs should range from the 30s to the mid-70s. An area of dense fog formed across the central South Plains this morning. Otherwise, skies were fair to partly cloudy with variable winds at 5 to 15 mph. Fog reduced visibility to one-fourth mile or less over the upper Texas coast this morning. Otherwise, skies were partly to mostly cloudy over South Texas with mostly clear skies reported over the middle coast.
Pecos Enterprise
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