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Wednesday, May 13, 1998

Balmorhea clinic put to use quickly


By GREG HARMAN
Staff Writer
The only missing elements at the grand opening of the
Balmorhea Medical Clinic Tuesday afternoon were confetti and
balloons. A ceremonial ribbon cutting, welcoming speeches,
symbolic key pass and facility tour marked the occasion of
Reeves County Hospital's first satellite clinic.

The clinic was an idea that had been batted around since
1993, said Jeannette Alligood, president of the hospital
district's board of directors, in her opening remarks.

"This is a project that is dear to the hearts of the board"
she said. "We hope the community will support it. We are
very glad to be able to offer it. We hope this makes you a
healthier community."

As Alligood addressed the mid-sized crowd that had gathered
outside the clinic on Main Street, one Balmorhea woman was
already being seen inside by Sheila Brown, physicians
assistant.

A total of four patients were seen during the clinic's
opening afternoon, and 103 Balmorhea residents attended the
event.

Balmorhea Mayor Ismael Rodriguez was presented with a
symbolic key to the hospital's old transfer ambulance,
recently donated to the Balmorhea Emergency Medical Service.

"We had a wonderful turnout," said Nancy Ontiveros, director
of program development and community services for Reeves
County Hospital. "We expect a long relationship with the
citizens of Balmorhea."

The clinic is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 p.m. to
5 p.m. For appointments call (915) 375-0140.

Chamber plans to consolidate fall fair events


By ROSIE FLORES
Staff Writer
Restructuring of the Annual Reeves County Fall Fair was the
main topic of discussion at the regular meeting of the
Chamber of Commerce Directors Tuesday afternoon at the Pecos
Senior Center.

"This year the plan is to have all the fair events on the
same weekend, including the concert," said chamber president
Richard Crider.

C.W. Roberts said that they have already sent in
reservations for the lamb show, but that they could call in
and check on that and change it to the first weekend.

For the past few years, the events have been broken up, with
the concert and barbeque beef cookoff held the first weekend
of October and the other events such as the stock show, fall
fair and carnival set for the following weekend.

"I think we can work all this out and everything will come
out all right," said chamber director Tom Rivera.

One of the problems discussed was people attending the Fall
Fair who sneak into the concert without going through the
front gates and paying.

"We'll also have to set a time for exhibits inside the civic
center to close on Saturday if it is going to be combined,"
said Linda Gholson.

Night In Old Pecos, which is held in conjunction with the
West of the Pecos Rodeo was also discussed.

"This year we'll have three trailers, concession stands and
need volunteers to help oversee them," said Crider.

Volunteers for the supervision of the concession stands were
named with Gerald Tellez in charge and David Madril helping
him out.

Madril also will be helping with cleanup following the event.

Other volunteers were named to help organize the annual
talent show to be held that night, along with other
activities that will be held at the annual event.

"Chris (Metler) has also been throwing some ideas around
about Night In Old Pecos," said Crider, including moving the
stage further back on Oak Street and have tables and chairs
for those who would like to sit down and eat or just listen
to the music.

"We could have the table and chairs so that when people buy
food items at the concessions stands they don't have to walk
around and eat," said Crider. "We're just trying to figure
out how to make this event better."

Funds are still needed to plant the flowers that will be
placed by the trees recently planted along South Cedar
Streets.

The flower planting will be held this Saturday and anyone
wanting to donate their time, is welcome to come out and
help, according to Metler.

Open House will be held at the chamber today in conjunction
with Chamber of Commerce Week, celebrated throughout this
week, according to Rivera.

"The city will be hosting a seminar also on Wednesday, at
6:30 p.m., featuring TNRCC at the civic center," said Rivera.

Suann Cross reported that the Golden Girl/Little Miss
Cantaloupe Style Show was a huge success.

"We sold out of tickets and had to print more, and set up
more tables," said Cross.

This year eight lovely young ladies will be vying for the
title of Golden Girl of the Old West with 11 younger girls
competing for Little Miss Cantaloupe.

"We've already started rehearsals and we still need
volunteers for the stage crews, props and spotlight people,"
said Cross.

Golden Girl nominees will also be on hand lighting the
luminaries this weekend for the Relay for Life Cancer Walk
to be held beginning Friday at the Buck Jackson Rodeo Arena.

"We'll also have a little ceremony for cancer survivors if
anybody knows of any survivor that they want included," said
Gholson.

"We'll be there beginning at 6 p.m., Friday and will have
different people walking for about 30 minutes, if anybody
wants to join us," said Rivera.

Summitt plans write-in bid


By ROSIE FLORES
Staff Writer
A write-in candidate has entered the race for the Precinct 2
commissioner's position in the November general election.

Marlow Summitt has filed his notice of intent and has
declared himself as treasurer in his write-in bid for the
position of Reeves County Commissioner Precinct 2, where
David Castillo is currently the only candidate seeking the
four-year term.

Summitt is the former owner of Hill's Thriftway, had been in
business for himself for 18 years and also worked for a
company for 18 years.

He said he has experience in meeting payroll and believes in
taking "a common sense" approach in running Reeves County as
a business.

"I believe we should take a conservative approach towards
watching the taxpayers money," said Summitt.

He stated that he will approach all problems with honesty
and integrity and will strive towards creating a better job
situation.

"Improving the county's economy and providing more jobs will
be one of my main goals," said Summitt.

The Precinct 2 seat is currently held by Dr. W.J. Bang, who
opted not to seek a third term as commissioner. Castillo ran
unopposed in the March Democratic primary election.

Group wants council to enact ordinance


Town of Pecos City Council will hear from a local citizens
group that is requesting a city ordinance concerning adult
entertainment in Pecos, during their regular semi-monthly
meeting at 7:30 a.m. Thursday in the council chambers at
City Hall.

The ordinance is being sought in the wake of a performance
by male dancers in Pecos. The performance on April 24 drew a
group of protesters outside Club Suavecito on South Cedar
Street.

In other action, the council will also appoint a new mayor
pro tem; consider an award bid for 1998's street seal
coating; enter into interlocal agreement with Reeves County
for a juvenile law enforcement officer; consider advertising
bids for a loader and two pickups for the water department;
and discuss possible creation of easement/alley in block 1B
and 5B in the college addition subdivision.

Also on the agenda is consideration of engineering contract
with Frank Spencer for amendment to wastewater treatment
plant permit renewal; the amending of the Unifirst laundry
contract; and discussion of possible municipal pool repairs.

The council will then enter into executive session to
discuss the performance of and duties of the police
department dispatchers.

School board to discuss class hours for 1998-99


Elementary, middle school and high school class hours for
the 1998-1999 school year will be the focus of discussion at
the Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD board's regular monthly meeting,
to be held at 6 p.m., Thursday, at the board room, 1304 S.
Park St.

Board members will also discuss offering Cisco Academy Class
at Pecos High School starting with the new school year.

During the meeting, UIL academic and athletic participants
will be recognized.

A peace officer for the 1998-99 school year will be
discussed along with summer recreation program, payday
schedule, math/science coop and safe and drug free coop.

Board members will also:

* Hear the gifted-talented advisory committee report.

* First reading for Policy Update 58.

* Discuss/approve appointing two insurance committee members.

* Discuss/approve 1997-98 budget amendments.

* Set budget meetings.

* Discuss/approve bus bids.

* Title-I and Title VI public hearings.

* Discuss/approve professional personnel appointments,
resignations, retirements, transfers.

* Investment transaction report.

* Reconciled bank balance report.

* Depository securities report.

* Tax report.

* Cafeteria report.

* Commodities received report.

* Discuss/approve payment of current bills and financial
report.

The board will also meet in closed session to discuss
personnel complaints or hear complaints against personnel.

C&T students honored during banquet


By MAC McKINNON
Enterprise Editor
Career and Technology students at Pecos High School were
honored Tuesday night at their third annual banquet, as they
received awards they had earned during the past year.

Speaker for the event again this year was Arnold Williams of
the Texas Workforce Commission's Austin office. He noted
that he is a product of a career and technology education.

Williams listed three important objectives for students,
while interjecting humor during his speech.

Those points were:

1. Maintain positive self esteem;

2. Ability to identify educational and training
possibilities;

3. Identify and make use of career information and potential.

Williams also said it's important to watch trends. That can
be identified by breaking down the letters in the word
`trends'.

T-Talk to yourself, say good things.

R-Reach out, network with those who care about you, friends
and family.

E-Education, the equalizer to potential roadblocks.

N-Now attitude, develop it. Procrastinators don't get
anything done.

D-Determination

S-Smart goal, specific goals.

He also spelled out smart goals.

S-Specific.

M-Measurable.

A-Acceptable to you.

R-Realistic.

T-Time based.

Following his Texas Rainstorm demonstration, which showed
what people can do when they work together, career and
technology teachers presented awards.

FFA teachers Bailey Wheeless and Rick Bracy recognized Chris
Armstrong as Star Greenhand and Brandi Harrison as the Star
Chapter award winners. Senior awards went to Kellee Bagley,
Michelle Monroe and Shawn Fowlkes.

Bagley received the sheep production awards while H. D.
Laurence was presented the beef production honor while the
swing production award went to Chris Armstrong.

Bagley is president of the FFA, while Amy Lara is President
of DECA, with Anna Carrasco as secretary and Stephanie
Gonzales as representative.

Julie Payne presented career connection students who spoke
of their shadowing experience, working with local businesses
and professions to see how they liked certain career fields.

Office Administration training stations also were
recognized. Businesses and professional offices
participating include Anchor West, Castle Rock Vision
Center, Community Council of Reeves County, First National
Bank of Pecos, County Judge Jimmy Galindo, Needleworks,
Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD, Primera Iglesia Bautista, JP
Amonario Ramon, Reeves County Hospital, Attorney Randy
Reynolds, Security State Bank and West of the Pecos Museum.

Business Professionals of America instructors Judy Holland
and Jackeline Mandujano presented awards earned by their
students in various competitions. Officers of that club are
Maribel Pena, president; Efrain Rodriguez, vice president;
Rebecca Ortiz, secretary; Lisa Navarette and Claudia Garcia,
co-treasurers; Brenda Pando, sergeant-at-arms; Juan Angel
Ramirez, historian; April Villanueva, reporter and Christine
Gonzalez, parliamentarian.

Awards went to state qualifiers Amy Barreno, banking
concepts; Liza Brown, management concepts; Oscar Medrano,
management concepts; Lisa Navarette, payroll accounting,;
Efrain Rodriguez, spreadsheet applications; Francisco
Rodriguez, database applications; April Ryan, document
formatting; April Villanueva and Melissa Valdez, financial
analyst team, and Noel Ybarra, desktop publishing.

State Alternate Awards went to Amy Barrera for information
processing specialist; Amy Carrasco, Becky Herrera and
Francisco Rodriguez, presentation management team; Christine
Gonzales, prepared verbal communications; Luis Madrid,
spreadsheet applications; Jessica Medina, administrative
assistant; Laura Miranda, administrative specialist;
Veronica Perez & Sylvia Muniz, presentation management team;
Angela Ortega, information processing assistant, Brenda
Pando, desktop publishing; Maribel Pena, prepared verbal
communications; Veronica Perez, database applications;
Desiree Sanchez, extemporaneous speaking; Isaac Solis,
computer aided graphics; Melissa Valedez, computerized
accounting; Lupita Pina, Vincent Bruels, Juan Angel
Rodriguez, Noel Ybarra, Efrain Rodriguez and Maribel Pena,
web page development team.

Career and Technology Education Director Larry Sloan noted
that 75 per cent of the student body at Pecos High is
involved in career education and educators from all over
watches what is happening at Pecos.
"Pecos is doing just great," he added in conclusion.

Odessa woman pleads guilty to pot charge


BY PEGGY McCRACKEN
Staff Writer
An Odessa woman charged with possession of 296.42 pounds of
marijuana Sept. 27, 1997 pleaded guilty Tuesday before U.S.
District Judge Royal Furgeson.

Conseulo R. Montoya, 25, withdrew a motion to suppress
evidence in the case and admitted having the drugs in her
possession with intent to distribute them when she was
arrested in Brewster County.

She will be sentenced July 13, along with Jacob Harms, 19,
of Leamington, Canada.

Harms admitted importing 96.8 pounds of marijuana on Dec. 3,
1997. He was arrested at the Presidio Port of Entry by U.S.
Customs agents.

Judge Furgeson sentenced Gerardo Jacquez-Cabello, 24, of
Acuna, Mex. to 27 months in prison for his part in a
three-man escape from Reeves County Jail Jan. 28, 1997.

Jacquez was convicted of conspiracy to escape and three
counts of aiding and abetting escape from federal custody.
His sentence will run consecutive with two prior
convictions, and his three years supervised release will be
concurrent with other sentences.

Jose Guadalupe Guerra-Coronado, 38, of Juarez, Mex., was
sentenced to 18 months in prison and three years supervised
release on each of two counts for importing and possessing
with intent to distribute 72 pounds of marijuana. The
sentences are to run concurrently.

Saul Caraves Aragon, 34, of Chihuahua, Mex. was sentenced to
46 months in prison and four year supervised release for
possession with intent to distribute marijuana in Sept. 1997.

Judge Furgeson delayed for the second time sentencing for
Juan C. Fierro-Rodriguez, a 28-year-old lawyer from
Chihuahua, Mex.

Fierro filed objections to the pre-sentence report, claiming
he played a minor role in possession of 71.85 pounds of
marijuana on Nov. 27, 1997. When arrested by Border Patrol
agents in Marfa, Fierro was driving a Chevrolet Nova that he
admitted purchasing recently and re-painting.

Suspicious of Fierro's behavior, agents obtained his
permission for a vehicle search and located the marijuana in
air vents.

Taking testimony in a motion to suppress under advisement,
Judge Furgeson gave attorneys for Antonio Luis Arredondo
until today to submit briefs.

Arredondo, 32, of San Angelo, is charged with possession of
61 pounds of marijuana on Jan. 11. He was arrested at the
Sierra Blanca Border Patrol checkpoint.

Several persons, including Fierro's secretary, testified
Tuesday. Additional testimony is scheduled for June 8.

Appraisal notices explained by Markham


Reeves County property owners are currently being notified
by mail about their 1998 proposed property valuations, and
chief appraiser Carol King Markham stressed on Tuesday the
notice sent by her office is not a tax bill.

State law requires county appraisal districts to notify
property owners about changes in their property's value and
Reeves County Appraisal District mailed all property owners
notices showing their 1998 proposed value.

"Please do not pay - this notice is not a tax bill," said
Markham.

She emphasized the importance of the notice and the key
information that it contains. "A property owners has the
right to appeal to the Reeves County Appraisal Review Board
on any disagreement with the property's value, exemptions,
ownership, and other areas," she said.

The appraisal review board (ARB) is an independent panel of
citizens responsible for hearing and settling protests from
property owners who disagree with some action by the
appraisal district. The notice includes instructions on how
and when to file a protest and a protest form.

What should a property owners look for on the notice?
Markham said, "Look at the proposed value for 1998. The
notice shows the land's value and any improvement value for
the property for the current year."

An improvement is a building, structure, new add-ons, or any
other type of fixture to the land.

The appraisal notice also includes current year information
on exemptions granted on the property. It provides last
year's value, too.

Homeowners that qualify for property tax homestead
exemptions have a limitation on their homes' appraisal
value, beginning with tax year 1998. The appraisal district
may not increase their home value by more than 10 percent
for each year since the last reappraisal year. A homeowners'
reappraisal notice shows both the market value for the home
and the limited home value.

Notices to property owners will include "estimated" taxes.
These "estimated" taxes are based on the new taxable value
and estimated tax rates if the taxing units (city, county,
schools and the water and hospital districts) set tax rates
for the same amount of operating dollars as last year.

Generally, taxing units set final 1998 tax rates in August
and September. Final tax amounts may vary from these
"estimated" amounts.

Markham asks property owners to look carefully at the legal
description and mailing address to be sure that there are no
mistakes. "If the notice contains an old address, please let
the appraisal district know. The post office forwards mail
to a new address for a short time only, and tax bills do not
go out until October," she said.

A property owner is responsible for informing the appraisal
district of the correct mailing address. A property owner is
liable for additional penalties and interest on a tax bill
that is not paid on time.

Since this is the reappraisal year, all property owners
receive both real estate and mineral notices.

Markham added, "If you did not get a notice and want 1998
information about your property, please call the appraisal
district at 445-5122. The general deadline for protesting to
the ARB is June 1, for this year."

Chamber plans to consolidate fall fair events


By ROSIE FLORES
Staff Writer
Restructuring of the Annual Reeves County Fall Fair was the
main topic of discussion at the regular meeting of the
Chamber of Commerce Directors Tuesday afternoon at the Pecos
Senior Center.

"This year the plan is to have all the fair events on the
same weekend, including the concert," said chamber president
Richard Crider.

C.W. Roberts said that they have already sent in
reservations for the lamb show, but that they could call in
and check on that and change it to the first weekend.

For the past few years, the events have been broken up, with
the concert and barbeque beef cookoff held the first weekend
of October and the other events such as the stock show, fall
fair and carnival set for the following weekend.

"I think we can work all this out and everything will come
out all right," said chamber director Tom Rivera.

One of the problems discussed was people attending the Fall
Fair who sneak into the concert without going through the
front gates and paying.

"We'll also have to set a time for exhibits inside the civic
center to close on Saturday if it is going to be combined,"
said Linda Gholson.

Night In Old Pecos, which is held in conjunction with the
West of the Pecos Rodeo was also discussed.

"This year we'll have three trailers, concession stands and
need volunteers to help oversee them," said Crider.

Volunteers for the supervision of the concession stands were
named with Gerald Tellez in charge and David Madril helping
him out.

Madril also will be helping with cleanup following the event.

Other volunteers were named to help organize the annual
talent show to be held that night, along with other
activities that will be held at the annual event.

"Chris (Metler) has also been throwing some ideas around
about Night In Old Pecos," said Crider, including moving the
stage further back on Oak Street and have tables and chairs
for those who would like to sit down and eat or just listen
to the music.

"We could have the table and chairs so that when people buy
food items at the concessions stands they don't have to walk
around and eat," said Crider. "We're just trying to figure
out how to make this event better."

Funds are still needed to plant the flowers that will be
placed by the trees recently planted along South Cedar
Streets.

The flower planting will be held this Saturday and anyone
wanting to donate their time, is welcome to come out and
help, according to Metler.

Open House will be held at the chamber today in conjunction
with Chamber of Commerce Week, celebrated throughout this
week, according to Rivera.

"The city will be hosting a seminar also on Wednesday, at
6:30 p.m., featuring TNRCC at the civic center," said Rivera.

Suann Cross reported that the Golden Girl/Little Miss
Cantaloupe Style Show was a huge success.

"We sold out of tickets and had to print more, and set up
more tables," said Cross.

This year eight lovely young ladies will be vying for the
title of Golden Girl of the Old West with 11 younger girls
competing for Little Miss Cantaloupe.

"We've already started rehearsals and we still need
volunteers for the stage crews, props and spotlight people,"
said Cross.

Golden Girl nominees will also be on hand lighting the
luminaries this weekend for the Relay for Life Cancer Walk
to be held beginning Friday at the Buck Jackson Rodeo Arena.

"We'll also have a little ceremony for cancer survivors if
anybody knows of any survivor that they want included," said
Gholson.

"We'll be there beginning at 6 p.m., Friday and will have
different people walking for about 30 minutes, if anybody
wants to join us," said Rivera.

WEATHER


High Tuesday 97. Low this morning 54. Forecast for tonight:
Clear, with lows in the mid 50s. Thurdsday: Chance of
showers and thunderstorms east of the mountains in West
Texas, with the greatest chance being in the low rolling
plains. Highs in the low 90s.



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Pecos Enterprise
Mac McKinnon, Publisher
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324 S. Cedar St., Pecos, TX 79772
Phone 915-445-5475, FAX 915-445-4321
e-mail news@pecos.net

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Copyright 1998 by Pecos Enterprise