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TOP STORIESMarch 30, 1998Band auction nets $5,000By ROSIE FLORES Staff Writer PECOS, March 30, 1998 - Pecos Eagle Band Boosters brought in more than $5,000 at the Annual Band Auction Saturday. "We did really, really well and we want to thank all the local merchants for their generous donations," said booster president Linda Chabarria. In conjunction with the auction, a barbecue plate sale, bake sale and fashion show were held at the Saragosa Hall Saturday. "We even had individuals come in and make flat donations," said Chabarria. Chabarria stated that the bake sale, which consisted of beautifully decorated cakes, did really well also and all cakes were sold. "We had some really beautiful cakes," she said. The baked goodies were brought in by Pecos Eagle Band members. Several local boutiques showed off their spring and summer fashions with different shows scheduled throughout the day. "We're really glad that this was a huge success," said Chabarria. The funds raised will go towards the scholarship fund. Big items up for bid during the auction included a sink vanity, a Las Vegas trip and a huge picture of Selena, the slain Tejano star. "The flower shop items were also big sellers," said Chabarria. "We couldn't have done it without the community and we just want to say thank you for everything," she said. Chabarria stated that they were also very proud of all the band members and volunteers who were on hand to help with the yearly event. Border shooting investigation continuesBY PEGGY McCRACKEN Staff Writer PECOS, March 30, 1998 - District Attorney Albert Valadez may use testimony gathered by the federal grand jury in his investigation of the border shooting that left 18-year-old Esequiel Hernandez dead last May, a federal judge has decided. U.S. District Judge Royal Furgeson has signed an order granting Valadez's motion for the grand jury transcripts and any other materials acquired in the course of the government's investigation of the shooting in Redford. A Presidio County grand jury no-billed U.S. Marine Cpl. Clemente Banuelos in the shooting death. The federal grand jury in Pecos heard testimony from the three marines who accompanied Banuelos on a special drug-deterrent detail along the Rio Grande and from investigating officers. After three grand jury sessions without an indictment or a no-bill, government prosecutors said their investigation was complete, and that no charges would be filed. In his order, Judge Furgeson said that the court may disclose federal grand jury proceedings to state officials or subdivisions of a state where there is a showing that such matters may disclose a violation of state law. "During the hearing on its petition, the government informed the court of its basis for believing that the federal grand jury proceedings may reveal a violation of state law," he said. "In order for the state to make a fully informed decision as to whether it should bring charges against any of the persons involved, the court agrees with the government that all of the grand jury materials should be disclosed to the state district attorney for the 83rd Judicial District of the State of Texas." To limit intrusion on grand jury secrecy, Judge Furgeson ordered that all staff members who may handle the transcripts should sign an oath of confidentiality. Trucker found dead on I-20PECOS, March 30, 1998 - A Hudson, Fla. truck driver was found dead at the Flying J Travel Plaza on I-20 last night. When Pecos Police responded to a 7:11 p.m. call reporting that a body had been found at the truck stop they discovered Eldon Patterson, 51, dead, according to Investigator Kelly Davis. Patterson was pronounced dead at 7:45 p.m. by Justice of the Peace J.T. Marsh. Davis said that no foul play was suspected, and that there wasn't any evidence of alcohol or drug abuse at the scene. Patterson's body was taken to Lubbock for an autopsy. Program allows adults to earn high school diplomaBy CARA ALLIGOOD Staff Writer PECOS, March 30, 1998 - Adults in Pecos who dropped out before graduating high school now have a chance to go back and earn their high school diplomas. By enrolling in the free "Back to School Again" program through the Alternative Education Program at the Carver Center, adults who have earned more than half of their high school credits may take classes on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and finish their high school educations. This is an alternative to getting a General Equivalency Diploma (GED), although this program is not meant to slight or replace the GED program. Jimmy Dutchover, Alternative Education Program Director, said that "some people just aren't satisfied with a GED, and that's who we are trying to target." Dutchover said that groups targeted by the "Back to School Again" program are adults in the workforce who need a better education, adults wanting to enter the workforce who need better skills and recent dropouts who only need a few credits to graduate. Dutchover also said that the Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD board had opted not to give a high school diploma to anyone who earns the majority of their credits through an alternative education center, so this program is for people who have already received most of their credits while in high school and are just a few credits shy of graduation. To be eligible for the program, a person must have a minimum of 11 credits from any high school in the state of Texas. So far, no one has tried to enter the program with credits from an out-of-state school, he said. "Back to School Again" classes are taught by certified teachers, Dutchover said. However, classes aren't taught on a semester basis as in a traditional school setting; the curriculum is self-paced. Classes are available for English, science and math. On May 22, diplomas will be awarded to current students who have completed their graduation requirements. They will not be part of the Pecos High School graduation ceremony. Dutchover said that on average, there are about 20 students per night attending the evening classes. "The reason classes are taught from 6 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday is because we are trying to be customer friendly," said Dutchover, who noted that although employers want employees with more skills, neither the employers or the employees want their work days interrupted. "I'm very pleased with the turnout and the devotion these people have to their educations," said Dutchover. He said that people take the classes because employers want employees who have more skills than what is provided in the GED program. Also, many adults enter the program when their children reach a point in their education when parents can no longer answer the children's questions and enter the program to gain more knowledge and become better parents. Dutchover said the program is funded through federal money awarded to school districts to be used for parental involvement programs. It is left up to school districts to decide how to use the money. He said that Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent Gome Olibas wanted those parents to be able to come back to school and earn their diplomas. He also wanted students who are recent dropouts to be able to come back to school and earn their diplomas without disrupting the flow at other campuses. "Mr. Olibas feels that a smarter community is a better community," said Dutchover. Right now, current "Back to School Again" classes are scheduled to end the last week of May and resume again next spring, but Dutchover said that could change if there is enough demand for the program in the fall, pending school board approval. Dutchover said that anyone interested in the program should call the Carver Center at 447-7265 during the school day or stop by during an evening session. The Carver Center is located at 600 East Twelfth Street, across the street from Bessie Haynes Elementary's athletic field. Leadership, buzzword at Saturday's forumBy GREG HARMAN Staff Writer PECOS, March 30, 1998 - More than 50 middle- and high-school-age youth from Reeves County transformed the Pecos High School new gym into a boot camp for future leaders Saturday during the John Ben Shepperd Public Leadership Institute training day. Throughout the day-long forum, young people were broken up into small groups for several sessions on topics such as Leadership, Communication, Goal Setting and Community Service. Also, a prominent Texas suicide and drug prevention team, Straightway, performed after lunch to the rave reviews of the audiance. Straightway, a 15-year-old organization, based in Hungerford, Tx., is dedicated to reaching young people with its message of hope and love. Nine members of Straightway's 15-member performance team, led by 27-year-old Brandon Oliver, entertained and challenged Reeves County youth to rise above the many negative messages and role-models in their lives and instead commit themselves to living full and successful lives. Oliver, who comes from an alcoholic and abusive family, testified during the performance for 55 local middle and high school youths that members of the Straightway team were not without problems themselves. "By the time I reached 18 years of age I had already messed my life up in so many ways." "We believe," he said just prior to the performance, "we have something to say to this generation." As team member Rebekah Kirschke, 20, said later of the various Straightway members, "They chose to stand strong even in the hard times. It's why I have so much love and respect for everyone on this team." Their message of abstaining from drugs, alcohol and premarital sex, was presented within a flurry of hip-hop dance steps, matched with edifying R&B and rap-styled lyrical deliveries. Members included Oliver, 27, Kirschke, 20, Hannah Garcia, 13, Courtney Davis, 14, Yvette Cantu, 18, Carrie Dumont, 13, Kelley Crowson, 14, Jessica Crawford, 14, and sound man Steve Poulan, 24. The day's events were the result of two months of planning, said John Ben Shepperd Public Leadership Institute Field Rep. Evan Crumpton. "Hopefully by the end of the session (the youth participants) will be planning their own community service projects." Crumpton said that a group in Baytown, Tx., had raised $1,450 from Baytown businesses to feed needy families for Christmas. Speaking of the Pecos leadership forum, he said it was worth it "Even if the outcome in one life changed, one decision to register and vote when 18." To be an effective leader, Crumpton said, it was first necessary to learn to serve and be a follower. Pecos Mayor Dot Stafford gave the opening speech for the event, laying a foundation on the importance of good leadership. "I tried to open their ears and minds to what was being presented," said Stafford. Impressed by the Straightway performers, Stafford said that there were tentative plans to bring the group back to perform at Pecos High School in the fall. "It's a good start," said Crumpton, appraising the day's activities, "These kids will take their experience home with them and inspire others for the next time." City Secretary and PYAC Coordinator Geneva Martinez said that the children had a great time at the forum and even suggested making it an annual event. At the close of the day, the youth decided to pursue the opening of a city-wide recreation center. According to City Manager Kenneth Neal, youth are vital to the future of Pecos. "That's where new ideas are gonna come from. Kids have the energy and enthusiasm." Neal said that several downtown buildings could possibly be converted into a recreation center. "I'd like to bring downtown back," said Neal. Neal and Martinez said they wanted to especially thank the sponsors and all who helped serve the food. Those who dished it out to the students included Alice and Ernesto Matta, Debbie Almuina, Kim Calhoun and Dot Stafford. Organized by the Pecos Youth Advisory Commission (PYAC), the forum was presented by the John Ben Shepperd Public Leadership Institute from the University of Texas of the Permian Basin. Local civic leaders took part in the activities as "facilitators," leading the small groups of students. Facilitators included city councilmembers Ricky Herrera and Johnny Terrazas, City Manager Kenneth Neal, Chief of Police Clay McKinney, County Judge Jimmy Galindo, Lamar Principal Robert Hernandez, P-B-T ISD Administrator Ana Hernandez and Pecos High School teachers Jackeline Mandujano and Juan Dominguez. ObituariesMarch 30, 1998Catherine MooreCatherine Moore, 91, died Friday, March 27, 1998, at Sears Methodist Center in Abilene. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m., Sunday, March 29, at Cate-Spencer and Trent Funeral Home Chapel in Sweetwater with Rev. Malcolm Brown officiating. Burial was in Garden of Memories Cemetery. Moore was born Feb. 6, 1907, in Marshall. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Sweetwater since 1946, was a lifetime member of in Mamie D. Crane Chapter #1018 of the Order of the Eastern Star, and served as a Red Cross Volunteer during World War II with the U.S. Army Air Corps in Pecos and Pyote. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jesse Lee Moore on Feb. 5, 1982. Survivors include: one son, Jesse L. Moore, Jr. of Littleton, Colo.; one daughter, Barbara Rowlett of Lubbock; one sister, Addie Carter of Longview; six grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. The family requests that memorials be sent to Sears Methodist Centers, 3202 S. Willis, Abilene, Tx. 79605, or First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 1258, Sweetwater, Tx. 79556. Joe HagarJoe M. Hagar, 83, of Pecos, died Saturday, March 28, 1998, at his residence. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, April 1, at Mount Evergreen Cemetery with Rev. Greer Willis officiating. Hagar was born Aug. 3, 1914, in Royce City, Tx. He was a retired grocery store owner and a Baptist. Hagar was preceded in death by his wife Ava Hagar in 1996. Survivors include several nieces. Pecos Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. WEATHERPECOS, March 30, 1998 - High Sunday, 92, low this morning, 50. Showers and thunderstorms will dampen most areas of Texas tonight and Tuesday. But skies will be clearing across West Texas after a full day of showers and thunderstorms. It will be mostly fair tonight and mostly sunny on Tuesday in West Texas. Lows tonight will be in the upper 20s in the mountains and in the 30s and 40s elsewhere in West Texas, highs Tuesday will be in the 50s in the mountains and in the 60s and 70s over the rest of West Texas. A cold front stretched before dawn today from the low rolling plains of West Texas to the Big Bend area. Some light rain fell across West Texas during the pre-dawn hours.
Pecos Enterprise
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