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Top StoriesMarch 20, 1998Local welfare rolls follow state trendsBy RICK L. SMITH Staff Writer PECOS, March 20, 1998 - While tax dollars spent on welfare programs in Reeves County have been steadily increasing for the past eight years, the value of food stamps dispersed in the county has decreased, following a state-wide trend , according to figures from the Texas Department of Human Services and the State Comptroller's office. The cost of food stamps remains the largest category of welfare dollars spent in Reeves County, but that amount has been decreasing for the past eight years. In contrast, the total amount of dollars being spent on the aged and disabled has increased dramatically. Records from the human services department indicate a mostly steady increase in total welfare spending in the county from $4.43 million in 1990 to $3.39 million in 1991 to $4.06 million in 1992 to $4.03 million in 1993 to $4.07 million in 1994 to $4.25 million in 1995 to $4.65 million in 1996 to $4.96 million in 1997. Food stamps worth $1.88 million were issued for fiscal year 1997 that ended August 31. That is the lowest dollar amount for this category since 1990. In 1996 $2.29 million worth of food stamps were issued compared to $2.49 million for 1995; $2.47 million for 1994, $2.59 million for 1993, $2.65 million for 1992, $2.36 million for 1991 and $2.22 million for 1990. Food stamp programs are funded entirely by the federal government, while the Texas Human Services Department determines eligibility of applicants and issues the Lone Star card in Texas instead of food coupons. TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families), through the human services department, reached 554 Reeves County recipients in 1997 for a total of $366,998, the lowest dollar amount for the category since 1991. Both the number and dollar amount of TANF assistance in Reeves County have fluctuated during the past eight years, with both decreasing in the last three years. The Reeves County TANF total for 1990 was $366,752; 1991, $352,620; 1992, $386,065. In 1993, Reeves County TANF recipients totaled 571 who received $378,466 in assistance. In 1994 the numbers were 650 for $434,543; 1995, 703 for $476,569; and 1996, 651 for $444,942. The state and federal governments share in the cost of TANF to families where needy children are deprived of support because of the absence or disability of one or both parents. Long Term Care , through the human services department, helped 65 clients in Reeves County nursing homes for a total of $1,318,231 in 1997. Except for decreases in 1994 and 1995, both the number of clients and the amount of payments to clients in nursing homes have increased in Reeves County for the past eight years. In 1990, $450,837 was spent to help clients in nursing homes; $634, 911 in 1991; and $644,746 in 1992. In 1993, 34 Reeves County nursing home clients received a total of $615,503; in 1994 25 clients received $448,276; in 1995, 24 clients received $462,496; and in 1996, 41 clients received$800,709. CCAD (Community Care for Aged and Disabled) assisted 240 Reeves County clients for a total of $1.4 million in 1997. Both the number of Reeves County CCAD clients and the total paid to them have steadily increased since 1994 when figures for this category were first compiled. In 1994 in Reeves County, 179 CCAD clients received $725,358; 1995, 189 received $827,695; and in 1996, 239 clients received $1.11 million. State Comptroller John Sharp reports that welfare rolls in Texas are decreasing. Nearly 1 million Texans have left the state's welfare rolls in the past three years, according to State Comptroller John Sharp. Sharp credits the robust Texas economy, the state's historic welfare reform efforts, and the Lone Star card as the principle reasons for the decline in the welfare roll. "These declines prove that Texas is still leading the rest of the nation toward true welfare reform," Sharp said. "Few innovations in state government anywhere have worked as well as the Lone Star card." In January 1995, more than 2.6 million Texans received food stamp benefits, totaling nearly $193 million. Three years later, by January 1998, the number of Texans receiving food stamps had dropped to 1.76 million, with a total value of $125.5 million in benefits. The Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program also saw a drop in participants. In January 1995, more than 760,000 Texans received cash benefits totaling nearly $44 million. In January 1998, the number dropped to just under 500,000 clients receiving just over $27 million in benefits. Approximately 80 percent of TANF clients also receive food stamp benefits. "We said from the beginning that the Lone Star card would help clean up the welfare rolls and remove anyone who had no business receiving taxpayer-funded benefits," Sharp said. Sharp said the more than 30 percent drop in food stamp rolls and similar decline in TANF participants during the past three years is attributable to the state's growing economy and other comprehensive welfare reform efforts, including recommendations contained in Sharp's 1995 report A Partnership For Independence. Sharp prepared the report at the request of Lieutenant Governor Bob Bullock, who shepherded its recommendations into law. "Now that the reforms have been in place long enough for us to measure the results, it's clear that our original hopes were more than justified -a robust economy and welfare reform, including the Lone Star card, has cut welfare rolls by 920,077 people since 1995," Sharp said. In January 1998, the economy, and welfare reform, including the innovative electronic benefits system, which replaced paper food stamp coupons and welfare checks, saved taxpayers nearly$84 million in benefits when compared to the same month three years ago, according to Sharp. In January 1995, just under $237 million in benefits for both programs were distributed. In January 1998, that figure dropped to nearly $153 million. "When I first proposed the Lone Star card back in 1991, nay sayers such as Stanley Kreitman, the nation's's leading manufacturer of food stamp paper coupons, said it wouldn't work," Sharp said. Kreitman mounted a campaign to stop the spread of the electronic benefits transfer system -because of its potential to affect his business, Sharp said. In 1993, Sharp bestowed his Silver Snout Award on Kreitman, for "firmly having his nose embedded in the public trough." "Now, nearly 30 other states have their own version of the Lone Star card, proving that you can't stop taxpayers from implementing a good idea," Sharp said. "There were other critics, too, who claimed we couldn't improve the old paper coupon system, which was so vulnerable to welfare cheats that it had become an alternate currency on the black market. But we did -and cut the welfare rolls at the same time. "I don't hear any complaints now about the Lone Star card. Do you?" Sharp asked. In October, 1997, Texas Department of Human Services (DHS) Commissioner Eric M. Bost announced the start of TEXAS WORKS, a new statewide initiative to help thousands of current and potential welfare recipients move into the workplace. "TEXAS WORKS is an initiative that we hope will bury once and for all the old culture of welfare dependency in our state," Bost said. Already in place in hundreds of DHS field offices, every able-bodied adult will hear a clear and strong message, Bost said, the message is work is always better than welfare. "The message is we want each person to be self-sufficient so they can enjoy the pride that come from supporting their own family," he said. "The message is we at DHS will do all we can to help families become self-sufficient, but adults must also take the initiative to help themselves." Under TEXAS WORKS, DHS is opening Resource Rooms in most of the agency's 500 field offices, according to Bost. The rooms contain computers with Internet access to job listings, job search and interview technique tips, lists of available child care and transportation and even the names of organizations that provide work clothes. DHS field staff, now known as Texas Works Advisors, will also change the focus of their work from merely determining eligibility to helping adults overcome barriers to employment, according to Bost. The agency's employees will also be encouraged to coordinate with a wide assortment of community groups to provide support for welfare recipients seeking work. "TEXAS WORKS is the first of several steps we will take to help needy families break their dependency on public assistance programs," Bost said. Commissioner Bost said he hopes that the long term benefit of TEXAS WORKS will be felt by at least two generations. Bost said he wants the children of current welfare recipients to see their parents going to work each day and realize that getting an education and a job is the real key to success. Commissioner Bost said he wants adults to know the pride and esteem that comes from earning a paycheck, and every Texan to know that the old welfare system is dead once and for all. Enterprise starts rodeo chat room on InternetPECOS, March 20, 1998 - Former Pecos and Balmorhea high school students who plan to be in Pecos for the West of the Pecos Rodeo and festivities July 4 can contact each other through the Pecos Enterprise web site. "We want to help returning exes to let each other know their plans in advance, so they can plan get-togethers while they are here," said Publisher Mac McKinnon. Exes -and anyone else planning to attend the rodeo -can access the Enterprise rodeo chat page at www.pecos.net/news. Click on the "Pecos" link, then choose "Rodeo Chat" at the top of the links on the Enterprise front page. On the colorful rodeo page, you will find a form with blanks for your e-mail address, name, city, state and phone number. Click on the button to indicate whether you will attend the rodeo and whether your class will have a reunion. Then, in the text block, write something about yourself and your plans for the week of the rodeo. Or if you can't attend, let your friends know what you are doing. We will post the replies at the bottom of the page so everyone can see what their friends are doing and can respond. "I believe this will help everyone have a great time while celebrating our nation's independence," said McKinnon. "We are proud to have a part in reuniting former residents and keeping them informed about what is happening in Pecos and the surrounding area." On Thursday, shortly after the page was launched, Ray Fuentez of Midland responded. He's coming to the rodeo and looking forward to seeing everyone and listening to Tejano music. Tennis Association brings carnival to PecosBy GREG HARMAN Staff Writer PECOS, March 20, 1998 - "Tennis like this has never been seen before," claimed Texas Tennis Association representative Luis Valdez enthusiasticly. And by the looks the several hundred kindergarten through sixth-graders running and playing all manner of tennis-inspired games across the six tennis courts at Pecos High School, surrounded by colorful balloons and loud music, it's just possible he is right. The tennis awareness program brought to Pecos yesterday is a pilot program that Valdez hopes to bring into small West Texas communities so that more children may be exposed to tennis and understand what it is about. The goal of the tennis carnival exercises, said Valdez, is to help young people develop the motor skills necessary for tennis. From the most rudimentary toss-and-catch ball games, to the more elaborate Scrap-It-Up competitions, a non-traditional game where "just as long as the ball is bouncing" it is considered in play, as many as 400 children, according to some coachs' estimates, explored the world of nylon-strung rackets and furry green balls. Valdez said that the Texas Tennis Association recently devoted $3.4 million to its grass-roots effects, which include tennis carnivals, field trips and school assemblies. Pecos tennis team member, Erin Dominguez, was one of many volunteers at the event, said she "didn't expect all these kids to show up." Lamar Middle School and Pecos High School Coach June Blackwell said she estimated the crowd at 300-400. Local FEMA board receives fundsBy ROSIE FLORES Staff Writer PECOS, March 20, 1998 - Agencies in the Pecos area could benefit from federal funds awarded recently to Reeves County. "Reeves County has been awarded federal funds under the emergency food and shelter national board program," said Bruce Dury. Dury is chairperson for the local Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, and stated that the local FEMA board has to get together to decide which local agencies will benefit from these funds. "We have been chosen to receive $10,355 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the area," he said. Any agency in the area that would like to, can apply for these funds. "They must first meet the requirements," said Dury. "We, as a board, look at all the agencies that apply for the funds and decide who it will go to," he said. The selection for Reeves County to receive these funds was made by a National Board that is chaired by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and consists of representatives from The Salvation Army, American Red Cross, Council of Jewish Federations, Catholic Charities, USA, National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. and United Way of America which will provide the administrative staff and function as fiscal agent. The board was charged to distribute funds appropriated by Congress to help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high-need areas around the country. The local board is responsible for recommending agencies to receive these funds and any additional funds available under this phase of the program. "We have four or five agencies in the past which have benefited from this and we would like to put the word out, that these funds are available if other agencies would like to apply," said Dury. Dury stated that these funds are available to agencies only, not individuals. Past recipients include Church of Christ in Pecos; Reeves County, City of Toyah and City of Balmorhea/Saragosa. Under the terms of the grant from the National Board, local governmental or private voluntary organizations chosen to receive funds must: be non profit; have an accounting system and conduct an annual audit; practice nondiscrimination; have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs, and if they are a private voluntary organization, they must have a voluntary board. Qualifying organizations are urged to apply. Lure of marijuana results in many indictmentsBy PEGGY McCRACKEN Staff Writer PECOS, March 20, 1998 - A young Pecos couple were among the 12 defendants named in federal indictments Thursday. Eliza Romo Aguilar, 19, and Estanisloa Aguilar, 19, both of 602 Alberta, are charged with importing and possessing with intent to distribute 24.2 pounds of marijuana. They were arrested March 8 at the Presidio Port of Entry. Others charged with importing and possessing with intent to distribute marijuana are: -Jesus Jose Salcido-Alvarado, 32, of Fort Worth, 61.6 pounds on March 11; -Blasa Gonzalez, 29, of Cicero, Ill., 64.5 pounds on March 5; -Apolonia Ortega, 48, of Andrews, 64.7 pounds and 718.4 pounds. He was arrested March 8. -Michael Brennand Seely, 19, of Austin, 59.8 pounds on Jan. 18, enhanced by carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking offense. Charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana are: -Elsa Vasquez, 22, of Odessa, 91.16 pounds on March 11; -Joanna Lee Cruz, 24, of Odessa, 132.04 pounds on March 7. -Pedro Cuevas-Gonzalez, 27, of Odessa, 50 pounds on Feb. 27. Mario Escobar-Robles, 23, of Guadalajara, Mex., and Eusebio Gonzalez-Olivas, 37, of El Paso, are charged with illegal entry after deportation. Judge issues gag order in murder caseBy CARA ALLIGOOD Staff Writer PECOS, March 20, 1998 - No new details are forth coming on the murder of 19-year-old Yvette Barraz of Muleshoe because 154th District Court Judge Felix Klein has issued a gag order on the case. When contacted at his office, Klein referred further questions to Presidio County District Attorney Johnny Atkinson, who has not been available for comment since Thursday afternoon. Barraz was reported missing by her family in Muleshoe at about 8 a.m. Thursday of last week, and her body was found in the back of her Mitsubishi car behind a store in Presidio at about 1:30 a.m. last Friday. The crime scene was secured by Texas Rangers for at least 13 hours, according to Presidio County Justice of the Peace Daniel Bodine, who was finally allowed access to the scene to pronounce Barraz dead at 2:45 p.m. Friday. "They spent all day out there. They wanted to get a DPS crime scene team in from Austin and they didn't want to let me in," Bodine said. Barraz's body was found by a Presidio County sheriff's deputy. Chief deputy Rusty Taylor said that the young woman "still had clothes on to some extent" when her body was discovered and would not rule out the possibility of a sexual assault. Bodine confirmed that some of Barraz's clothing had been partially removed. The young woman's ex-boyfriend, Gilberto Guadalupe Reyes, 24, is being sought for questioning about the murder, and is believed to be in Mexico. Reyes was arrested last month on suspicion of shooting at Barraz with a semi-automatic weapon and was freed on $10,000 bond. About four hours before Barraz was reported missing, Reyes crossed into Mexico at the Presidio port of entry. Border patrol agents were suspicious because he was crossing in the middle of the night and there had been a rash of burglaries in the area. Additionally, Reyes crossed the border on foot, even though he was carrying a key to a Mitsubishi automobile. The agents noted at the time that Reyes had about $100 worth of nickels, dimes and quarters, Bodine said. Authorities believe the money may have been tips that Barraz had earned while working as a waitress. Reyes was released from the border crossing checkpoint after authorities found that there were no outstanding warrants on him. According to an agent at the port of entry Thursday afternoon, Reyes is not known to have tried to re-enter the United States. Cattlemen hold one-day clinicRANKIN, March 20, 1998 - The Texas Agricultural Extension offices in Upton, Reagan and Howard counties are hosting a "West Texas Cattleman's Clinic -Hitting the Target in '98" one-day meeting beginning at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, March 24. The meeting will be held in the Park Building in Rankin Dr. Charlie Hart, extension range specialist in Fort Stockton, will present the morning's topics: "Getting the Most Out of Your Grass," "Least-Cost Supplemental Strategies," and "What are the Targets at Sale Time?" Other topics of the day include, "Selecting and Using Breeds that Work in West Texas" and "Getting Paid for What You Do." For information and meal reservations, call Jerry Warren at (915) 693-2313. County commissioners meet MondayPECOS, March 20, 1998 - Reeves County Commissioners will meet at 10:15 a.m. Monday in the third floor courtroom of the Reeves County Courthouse. At that time, Commissioners will discuss or take action on: the Realistic Bomber Training Initiative; sheriff's department personnel salary adjustments; a resolution supporting the John Ben Sheppard Public Leadership Student Forum; an interlocal agreement between Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD and the county for the use of the Martinez Baseball Field; modification of #15 of the Reeves County Detention Center statement of work; an interlocal participation agreement between the county and the Texas Association of Counties for the Property and Casualty Self Insurance Fund; bylaws and plan of operation of the Texas Association of Counties Property and Casualty Self Insurance Fund; reports from county departments; budget amendments and line-item transfers; personnel and salary changes (RCDC, County Library, SO, JDC, contract Social Security); minutes from previous meeting; and payment of semi-monthly bills. WEATHERPECOS, March 20, 1998 - High Thursday, 64, low this morning, 34. Clearing skies will bring a warming trend to all of Texas on Saturday after another cold night across the state. West Texas will have fair skies at night and mostly sunny conditions tonight and Saturday. Lows tonight will be in the 30s and 40s in West Texas, highs Saturday will be in the 60s and 70s over most of West Texas, ranging from the 50s in the Panhandle to the 80s in the Big Bend area.
Pecos Enterprise
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