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Daily Newspaper and Travel Guide
for Pecos Country of West Texas
Top Stories
January 29, 1999
Laney promotes Walker, demotes Craddick
From Staff and Wire Reports
While one West Texas Republican has lost his committee
chairmanship in the Texas Legislature, State Representative Gary L. Walker
has been given one of his own by House Speaker Pete Laney.
The Hale Center Democrat appointed Walker (R-Plains) to
serve as chair of the Land and Resource Management Committee. Walker
also retains his membership on the Natural Resources Committee under
Laney's new assignments.
Walker, was first elected as District 80 representative in 1994, was the
only third-term member to receive a chairmanship. His district
includes Reeves County and other counties along the Texas-New Mexico
border stretching up into the South Plains.
"I am honored by these appointments," said Walker.
"I appreciate Speaker Laney showing such confidence in me. I intend
to work hard, not only to prove his confidence is appreciated, but
to show that West Texas know the value of hard work," he said.
he House Committee on Land and Resource Management has
oversight of: the management of public lands, the power of eminent domain,
and annexation, zoning and other governmental regulation of land use.
The House Committee on Natural Resources has oversight: land
and water conservation, water usage, irrigation, reclamation and
water supply districts, and the control and development of land and
water resources.
"It also has jurisdiction over a few state agencies, including the
General Land Office," said Walker.
"Honestly, I didn't anticipate the honor of becoming a
committee chairman, but I am excited about the opportunity to work
closely with the other eight committee members as well as the
House leadership. Serving on Natural Resources will allow me to
continue to work hard for the issues that are important to the citizens of
my district, I know that water issues are important, and promise to
represent your interests well," he said.
While Walker was elevated by Laney in his appointments
on Thursday, state Republican leaders are crying foul over other
committee assignments, including those given to Midland Republican Tom Craddick.
Rep. Rene Oliviera, D-Brownsville, will replace Craddick, R-Midland,
as the head of the tax-writing Ways and Means Committee.
"He (Laney) has invoked partisanship on to the House
floor today," Craddick, who had headed the committee for six years, said of Laney.
Craddick attributed the demotion to his work to get more
Republicans elected. He also has been considered a leading contender to replace
Laney as speaker if the GOP gains a House majority in the future.
Committee chairpersons wield extensive power over
legislation assigned to their committee and are instrumental in deciding whether a
bill lives or dies.
Laney didn't specifically address whether partisanship influenced
his decisions. But he said some committee heads had been replaced
"with talented members who have shown the kind of leadership that I
believe is needed in the House Ï leadership that is committed to working with
all members of the House and the Senate and the governor _ leadership
that brings people together for the best interests of all of our citizens."
Democrats, who hold a 78-72 edge in the 150-seat chamber, now lead
23 of the House's 36 permanent committees. A nine-member
select committee appointed to consider a constitutional rewrite will be
headed by Rep. Joe Driver, R-Garland.
"I have tried to accommodate the requests made by each member
as much as possible and to apply the talents and interests of each
member to their best use," said Laney, of
Hale Center.
"The major objective of any speaker is to ensure that the work
of the House gets done in an orderly manner while giving every member
an opportunity to contribute to the process."
"Pete Laney and the Democratic Party seem intent on
bring Washington D.C. style partisan politics to the Texas Legislature,"
said Susan Weddington, Republican Party chair.
She pointed to the budget-writing House Appropriations
Committee, where Republicans hold only eight of 27 seats, and the
Calendars Committee, where they have four of 11 seats. The Calendars
Committee decides which bills reach the House floor for debate.
On the Public Education Committee, only two of the
nine members are Republican.
"The political season apparently did not end on Nov. 3 for
Speaker Laney," Ms. Weddington said.
"The Speaker's politically motivated committee assignments ran
contrary to Republican hopes of having a bipartisan session."
Walker stated that a priority for this session should be for
members to work together in a bipartisan manner. "Gov. Bush had it right
when he pointed out that the national spotlight is on Texas now, and
that we have a chance to show the rest of the United States what
government in our state is all about," said
Walker, referring to Wednesday's State of the State address by the governor.
Texas is unique because of our limited government, which meets
only 140 days every two years, Walker said. "It is our job this session to
put partisan politics aside and show the rest of the country that we
have something bigger that unites us - we're all Texans," he added.
Walker noted that one of the issues Bush is focusing on is education,
and helping Texas school children gain the tools they will need to
be successful.
"I agree with Gov. Bush that education should be a top priority
for the legislature this year," said Walker.
Psychiatric testing ordered for Bigham
See Photo Bigham
By PEGGY McCRACKEN
Staff Writer
PECOS, Jan. 29, 1999 - District Judge Bob Parks this morning ordered a
psychiatric examination for murder defendant Christopher John Bigham.
Bigham is charged with shooting his girlfriend, Lora Ann Brooks,
on Dec. 1, 1997. His attorney, Adrian Chavez, filed notice that he may
raise the insanity defense at trial and requested the exam.
Judge Parks said the Fort Worth psychiatrist would determine
only whether Bigham was sane at the time of the alleged offense. He
warned Bigham that if he does raise the insanity defense, the psychiatrist
may testify about her conversations with him, and the written report may
be made part of the evidence.
"Unless you raise the insanity defense, the results of
the examination would not be admitted at trial," Judge Parks told Bigham.
Chavez, who has also filed a motion to suppress
Bigham's confession, stipulated that the written transcription of the taped
statement is accurate.
Judge Parks said the question of whether the statement is
admissible is one of law and, to a large extent, interpretation of the code of
criminal procedure. Chavez and District Attorney Randy Reynolds are
to submit briefs on the law by Feb. 12. Trial is set for March.
Bigham left his ranchette north of Pecos after Brooks
disappeared, moving with her daughters to Washington state. District
Attorney Randy Reynolds obtained a murder indictment against Bigham and
had him extradited from Washington. He has been in Reeves County Jail
since September, 1998.
Chavez also filed a motion to suppress a statement made by Bigham
that he shot Brooks after she stuck a pistol in his back and threatened to
shoot him. He said he burned her body in a barrel, then disposed of the remains
in a dumpster in Pecos.
A Texas Department of Public Safety dive team found a barrel in the
Pecos River where Bigham said he put the burn barrel. Analysis of its
contents supported Bigham's story, Reynolds said.
Texas Ranger Jerry Villalobos said
Suspects jailed on fugitive warrants
By PEGGY McCRACKEN
Staff Writer
U.S. Magistrate Judge Stuart Platt on Thursday held an identity
hearing for Jesus Rodriguez, 43, of Odessa, and ordered him returned to
Abilene on federal fugitive warrants.
Rodriguez was arrested Wednesday when Department
of Public Safety Trooper Darren Storer of Monahans stopped his pickup
on Interstate 20 for defective equipment and expired tags.
When a license check turned up the warrants, Rodriguez was
arrested and taken to Ward County Jail. Further search of the vehicle
turned up two semi automatic rifles hidden under the vehicle, Storer
said. Rodriguez was searched and officers found an alleged user amount
of cocaine on his person.
Judge Platt revoked bail for Felicitas Gonzales de Castillo, 39,
of Fort Worth. Gonzales was also arrested on a fugitive warrant
after violating terms of her pre-trial release a year ago.
She is charged with importing and possessing marijuana with intent
to distribute; conspiracy to import and possess marijuana and to cause
and attempt entry by an alien at a place not designated a port of entry;
to elude examination and to defraud the U.S. Immigration and
Naturalization Service.
Gonzales was arrested Nov. 21, 1996 when she drove a
pickup containing marijuana from Mexico into the Presidio Port of Entry.
She claimed she did not know the marijuana was in the pickup, and
that she was taking the truck to Marfa to a man she had been living with
for nine years — Arturo Pena.
Pena has no citizenship papers, she said. They were to travel to
Fort Worth together, and he had given her $1,100 to travel to Fort Worth.
Gonzales had posted $1,500 in cash on her $15,000 bail set by
U.S. Magistrate Judge Katherine Baker of Alpine.
Judge Platt revoked that bail and ordered Gonzales held for trial.
Cold front drops snow north, west of Pecos
By PEGGY McCRACKEN
Staff Writer
Snow fell to the north and west of Pecos this morning, but a
low temperature of 35 degrees produced only misting rain here and to the east.
A reported whiteout at Loving, N.M. closed roads in the area,
and reports were that numerous roads around Carlsbad, N.M. were
closed early today.
Gary Ingram said Toyah had received about an inch of snow
by 5:30 a.m., when he left for Pecos. A thunderstorm at 4:30 a.m.
contained some sleet, he said, and the snow followed.
The cold front kicked up dust Thursday night, after a high of 60
was recorded for the day.
Jodi McElroy said this morning that snow was falling in
the mountains south and west of Balmorhea, but none fell
in Balmorhea. Fort Davis also reported no snow and no rain.
Greg Harmon said he drove from Odessa to Pecos this morning in
a steady drizzle.
Further to the Eagles, The Associated Press reported
that thunderstorms produced an inch or two of rain per hour in parts of
Texas early today, resulting in flooding that closed some roads and washed
out at least one bridge.
Several streets in Crockett, 140 miles southeast of Dallas, were
under six inches of water, and a 20-foot gap washed out of the Lake Creek
Bridge on U.S. 287 in Anderson County, 10 miles northwest of Palestine.
Crockett is in Houston County, which adjoins Anderson County on the south.
High water also was reported on Highway 21 southwest of Crockett.
U.S. Highway 84 was closed at the railroad tracks west of Teague
in Freestone County, to the west of Anderson and Houston counties.
A flash flood warning was issued for Hunt and Delta counties,
about 60 miles northeast of Dallas. Others were issued for counties from
Denton to Fort Worth, Corsicana, Mexia and Marlin. Others covered
southeast Texas areas from Palestine to Crockett, Lake Livingston
and Huntsville.
Freezing rain and snow were reported in the Panhandle, along
with winds that gusted to 20 mph and above.
A mixed bag of weather was noted along with some icy roads in
the Panhandle, northern South Plains and the low Rolling Plains. Freezing
rain with embedded thunderstorms was reported across the Panhandle.
Temperatures across West Texas at 4 a.m. ranged from 31 at Amarillo
to 41 at El Paso.
The National Weather Service said an upper-level low front would
move across the Panhandle today, spreading a band of heavy snow.
A wintry mix of precipitation is expected over the Permian Basin, Big
Country, Concho Valley and northern Edwards Plateau.
Highs today were expected to be in the 30s over most of the
Panhandle and South Plains with lows tonight and Saturday in the 20s and 30s
and highs Saturday in the 30s and 40s north and 40s and 50s south.
Sleet or freezing rain was expected for much of the region
today, changing to snow by mid or late morning. Snow could be heavy
at times, with heavy accumulations at times. Total snow accumulations of
3 to 5 inches are possible, with locally higher amounts possible.
A chance of light snow continues on Saturday with snow ending
by mid-afternoon.
Warm temperatures and cloudy skies persisted over south
Texas overnight. A few showers and thunderstorms were moving
across northern sections. The southeast winds kept temperatures in the
60s and low 70s at most locations except for a few 50s and upper 40s over
the hill country. Patchy fog was also reported.
Temperatures at 4 a.m. ranged from 48 at Junction to 72 at Corpus
Christi and Port Isabel.
Eagles' games in El Paso area still scheduled
The Pecos Eagles' boys and girls basketball teams were still
planning to make their trip as scheduled to El Paso for tonight's games against
the Canutillo Eagles. The varsity games are set for 7 and 8:30 p.m. CST.
Interstates 20 and 10 are open between western Reeves
County and El Paso, though snow was reported in the mountains
around Balmorhea early this morning. However, fans planning to
drive back to Pecos tonight should be aware of possible icing on
roads, especially between Van Horn and the I-10/I-20 junction 40 miles
west of Pecos. Up to an inch of snow is in the forecast for the
Trans-Pecos area tonight.
Police ReportEDITOR'S NOTE: Information contained in the Police Report is obtained from reports filed by the Pecos Police Department, Reeves County Sheriff's Office, or other officers of those agencies.
The serving of warrants by an officer for outstanding fines of either traffic citations, animal control violations or other court costs are considered arrests and will be printed as such unless indicated that the fines were paid. In such instances we will indicate payment and release.
***
Gary Goode, 41, was arrested at 2:35 p.m., on January 19, at the Adult Probation Office, on a warrant for a motion to revoke (burglary of a building). He was transported to Reeves County Jail.
***
Sergio Saenz, 22, was arrested at 4:46 p.m., on January 21, in the 100 block of Pecan Street, for no proof of insurance and tampering with I.D. numbers. He was transported to Reeves County Jail.
***
Christopher G. Zermeno, 22, was arrested at 2:42 a.m., on January 24, in the 2400 block of Sage Street, for assault under the Family Violence Act. He was transported to Reeves County Hospital, then Reeves County Jail.
***
Brian S. Rodriguez, 28, was arrested at 7:37 a.m., on January 24, at the Reeves County Hospital emergency room, for public intoxication. He was transported to Reeves County Jail.
***
Teresa Matta Morales, 35, was arrested at 12:27 a.m., on January 24, at the Riverside Ballroom, for assault. She was transported to Reeves County Jail.
***
Jesus Ortega Jr., 20, was arrested at 4:24 p.m., on January 24, at Beall's, for theft under class B. He was transported to Reeves County Jail.
***
Guadalupe Becky Ybarra, 32, was arrested at 11:51 p.m., on January 24, in the 1000 block of South Ash Street, for assault under the Family Violence Act. She was transported to Reeves County Jail.
***
Lucas Ruiz, 20, was arrested at 9:49 a.m., on January 26, on a warrant for possession of marijuana (over 2 ounces). He was transported to Reeves County Jail. ***
Eric Garay, 21, was arrested at 9:40 p.m., on January 26, at the Sheriff's Office, on a warrant for a Motion To Revoke (resisting arrest). He was transported to Reeves County Jail.
***
Concepcion Jasso, 45, was arrested at 4:31 a.m., on January 28, on Capias Pro Fine warrants. He was transported to Reeves County Jail.
***
Maria Escontrias, 37, was arrested at 11:23 a.m., on January 28, on a warrant for assault under Class C. She was transported to Reeves County Jail.
***
Antonia Caldera Palacios, 42, was arrested at 12:10 a.m., on January 28, at Reeves County Jail, on a warrant for allowing a child under four to ride unrestrained. She was transported to Reeves County Jail.
***
Hector M. Rey, 40, was arrested at 5:07 p.m., on January 28, at the Circle M Bar, for public intoxication. He was transported to Reeves County Jail.
***
Rodolfo T. Orona, 23, was arrested at 2:09 a.m., on January 29, in the 600 block of West Fourth Street, for driving while license suspended. He was transported to Reeves County Jail.
Obituaries
Louis Thorp
Louis Jack Odom Thorp, 6, died Wednesday, Jan. 27, 1999, in Columbia Medical Center in El Paso, following a lengthy illness.
Viewing is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 30, Sunday, Jan. 31 and Monday, Feb. 1, at Martinez Funeral Home Chapel.
Graveside services will be held at 2:30 p.m., Monday, Feb. 1 at Mount Evergreen Cemetery.
He was born June 17, 1992, in Tulsa, Okla. and was a longtime Pecos resident.
Survivors include his mother, Vicky Thorp of Pecos and one sister, Casey Thorp of Pecos.
Pecos Enterprise
York M. "Smokey" Briggs, Publisher
Division of Buckner News Alliance, Inc.
324 S. Cedar St., Pecos, TX 79772
Phone 915-445-5475, FAX 915-445-4321
e-mail news@pecos.net
Associated Press text, photo, graphic, audio and/or video material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium.
Copyright 1999 by Pecos Enterprise
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