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Daily Newspaper and Travel Guide
for Pecos Country of West Texas
Top Stories
Monday, March 15, 1999
Commissioners say phone pact legal
By ROSIE FLORES
Staff Writer
PECOS, March 15, 1999 - After much discussion and a lot of dissension,
inmate telephone services for the Reeves County Detention Center were awarded
to a new local company during the March 8 regular Reeves County Commissioners
Court meeting.
The contract was awarded to the new company without advertising for
bids, a change from past procedures, but a move commissioners said was
allowed under state law.
Reeves County Judge Jimmy B. Galindo made a motion to bid the item out
for proposals, but the motion died for a lack of a second.
Commissioners then took up the next item on the agenda — "To discuss/take
action on contract for inmate telephone service for RCDC and county jail."
— which was requested by Reeves County Commissioner Precinct 4 Gilberto
"Hivi" Rayos.
The contract for telephone services is renewed every year, according
to Galindo, who said the fair and official way to handle the item was to
bid it out for proposals.
However, all four commissioners opted to vote in favor of the item posted
by Rayos, awarding the one-year contract to Teletron based on his recommendation.
"I had requested that this process be open and that it be fair, because
this would be more beneficial to the county, in the sense that hopefully
we would get the best possible offer that will benefit the county, the
RCDC and the sheriff's department," said Galindo.
Commissioners voted to go with the Teletron offer without receiving
RFP's and without advertising the item for bid, a move commissioners said
was legal.
"If it's for a license it does not have to be bid out," said Commissioner
Precinct 3 Herman Tarin.
Tarin said that Rayos had checked with the 143rd District Attorney Randy
Reynolds before posting the item on the agenda.
"He said that if it was not a contract, but a license, it does not have
to be bid out, we can just do whatever we want to," Tarin said. "We have
complete authority to do it this way."
Commissioner Precinct 1 Felipe Arredondo and Commissioner Precinct 2
David Castillo admitted they had met with the Teletron people before last
Monday's vote, however both Rayos and Tarin said they had not.
Three company representatives were on hand for the regular meeting,
and were allowed to speak on their company's behalf. However, commissioners
opted not to request for proposals from the other two companies, one of
which is the current provider and the other a local vendor.
Dick Slack spoke on behalf of his company, who was awarded the license,
and told the group that he hoped to bring in revenue, by providing more
jobs locally. "We're a local company and will hopefully provide more jobs,
help the local economy," he said.
His proposal was to provide 45 percent of the profits, but no cash bonus
for signing up.
The current provider Evercom, previously named Security Telecom, offered
the county 46 percent of the profits and a $50,000 cash signing bonus.
Dick Alligood, of Allcomm Long Distance told the court that he did not
know that the group was going to vote for the item on that day. "Therefore,
I do not have a proposal ready, but I can provide one, or a license if
that's what the court wants to do," he said.
Alligood said that in the past, the item had been advertised in the
newspaper and bid out for proposals, giving all vendors a chance to submit
their proposals to the county.
"As you can see, the commissioners did not act on proposals, so strictly
on licensing proposals," said Galindo.
"I would like to have the opportunity to provide a proposal or license,"
said Alligood.
"I thought today would be just a discussion on the item and that no
action would be taken," said Alligood. "If I have to submit a license I
will do so, I have to wait until next year, I just didn't know what you
were going to do today."
"Do you remember that last time everybody got a chance to submit a proposal?
asked Galindo.
"Yes, I do, and everybody got a chance to be present and submit their
proposal," said Alligood.
"That's what I'm used to, in facility type system is to find out number
one, the needs of the facility, number two, the needs of the county or
city and three to provide a packet with the proposal," said Alligood.
Galindo questioned the urgency of rushing into such an important decision
for the two facilities, which would provide long distance phone service
for almost 1,100 inmates at both locations.
Rudy Pena, national accounts manager for Evercom, (the current provider)
spoke about the benefits his company had provided during the time of service
it has been associated with Reeves County.
"When you had the riot out at the RCDC back in 1996, there was a lot
of damage done and we replaced everything at no cost to the county," said
Pena.
He outlined the many facets the company had to offer. "We offer our
services to six states and six department of corrections," said Pena. "We
also have a joint venture with INS."
Tarin said that he wanted to vote for the item posted by Rayos, exactly
the way it was. "I just want to proceed, because I don't think it's fair
to listen to Evercom's proposal after they have heard what Teletron has
to offer," said Tarin.
"They had two years to come to us and let us know about their proposal
and they haven't done it," he said.
Galindo explained that this might have been his fault because he led
all the vendors to believe that this would be a "fair and open process,"
and that commissioners had not decided on who to award it to yet.
"It's my fault because I led them to believe this would be fair," he
said.
"I thought it would be done like the last time," said Pena.
"I still believe that's the way it should be done," said Galindo.
Suit by Stickels against PBDTF begins today
By PEGGY McCRACKEN
Staff Writer
MONAHANS, March 15, 1999 - Jury selection began this morning in a 143rd
District Court civil trial in Monahans between former District Attorney
John Stickels and the now-defunct Permian Basin Drug Task Force.
Stickels sued PBDTF and its commander, Tom Finley, after Finley wrote
a letter three years ago calling for Stickels' resignation.
In the letter, Finley calls Stickels a failure as a prosecutor because
he did not obtain convictions on many drug arrests made by the task force.
Among those arrested and later placed on deferred-adjudication probation
were Daniel Salcido Dutchover of Balmorhea and Hector Brito Pando and Yolando
Pando of Pecos.
Hector Pando has since become a fugitive, and Yolanda was sent to prison
after allegedly violating terms of their probation.
"I haven't lost a minute of sleep over what the drug task force thinks
of me," Stickels told the Enterprise after the letter was made public.
He said he handled the cases presented to him the best way he could
with the evidence and reports presented. The letter resulted from Stickels
refusal to support the task force's "illegal" bid for funds from counties
other than Ector, where they were based, he said.
In his suit for libel, Stickels said the content of Finley's letter
was false because the El Paso Court of Appeals ruled in March, 1996, that
the task force has no jurisdictional authority outside Ector County.
In light of that ruling, Stickels said he made whatever plea bargains
he could on the pending task force cases, and he eventually dismissed the
remainder.
Excerpts from the letter were printed in the Enterprise May 31, 1996,
in the Monahans News, Odessa American and on television news reports, being
repeated on several occasions.
It was also sent to area law enforcement agencies, the State Bar of
Texas, District Judge Bob Parks and Randy Reynolds, the current district
attorney, Stickels said.
Contents of the letter was libelous, and they exposed Stickels to public
contempt and ridicule by impeaching his integrity, honesty and reputation,
the suit alleges. Its intent was to cause him substantial injury, Stickels
said.
Hal Upchurch, himself a former 143rd District Attorney, represents Stickels.
Defense attorneys are Jackson Jones, representing the task force, and Scott
Tidwell, for Finley.
The PBDTF went out of business last year after it lost funding from
Texas Gov. George W. Bush's office. It has since been replaced by two drug
task forces, one operated by the Texas Department of Public Safety and
based in Odessa, and the second the Trans-Pecos Drug Task Force, which
is based in Pecos.
Local Baptists discuss split within state
By PEGGY McCRACKEN
Staff Writer
PECOS, March 15, 1999 - Southern Baptists in Texas are Southern Baptists
first and Texas Baptists second, evangelist Rudy Hernandez told a gathering
of Pecos Baptists Sunday night.
Hernandez and his son, evangelist Ruben Hernandez, explained why they
feel an alternate to the Baptist General Convention of Texas is needed
to serve churches who consider themselves conservative.
Southern Baptists have historically held firmly to a belief in the inerrancy
of the Bible, and they feel the BGCT has moved away from that stance and
no longer have a strong financial and theological commitment to the Southern
Baptist Convention.
Churches who are aligned with the BGCT may either do nothing, switch
to the SBT or become dually aligned, said Hernandez.
Each local church is fully autonomous, which means each church has the
authority to choose any affiliation with any group as the Holy Spirit leads,
he said.
But Hernandez spoke strongly against the BGCT's refusal to discipline
an Austin church that has called a woman as senior pastor.
Ordination of women as deacons and pastors is one of the areas where
the fundamentalist-conservative element of the Southern Baptist Convention
and the moderate-conservative element differ.
Southern Baptists of Texas organized as a convention Nov. 10, 1998 and
have opened an office in Irving. Hernandez said that membership and financial
support have been greater than anticipated, and revenues have exceeded
the projected $903,500 budget.
He expects an overflow crowd for the statewide evangelism conference
at First Baptist Church in Dallas during May.
Local churches participating in Sunday's informational meeting at West
Park Baptist Church were First Baptist, Calvary, North Temple, Nueva Vida
and Primera.
Mac McCormick, North Temple pastor, introduced the speakers, who have
held revival meetings here in the past. Rudy Hernandez worked with the
BGCT's evangelism division when a "cotton patch crusade" was held here
in the early 1950s for the Mexican citizens harvesting cotton under the
bracero program.
Ruben Hernandez held a tent revival at Primera last year and has also
preached at North Temple. He preached the morning sermon at West Park,
while his father preached at North Temple.
Parks modifies teen's probation in drug case
By PEGGY McCRACKEN
Staff Writer
PECOS, March 15, 1999 - District Judge Bob Parks on Friday modified
terms of community supervision for Skyler Avery Bechtel, 19, on his conviction
for marijuana possession and delivery of cocaine.
Bechtel is serving a 10-year probated sentence, with adjudication deferred.
District Attorney Randy Reynolds had filed a motion for adjudication,
alleging Bechtel was arrested Jan. 3 in Pecos and charged with minor in
possession of alcoholic beverages, a violation of his probation.
In a hearing March 5, Bechtel pleaded "true" to violating terms of probation,
but offered testimony from his community service supervisor in Oklahoma,
his employer, former employer, the Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation Department
and a representative of the Lions Club.
Bob Wilson of the Surrey Hills Lions Club, said he supervised Bechtel
as he completed more than the 20 hours of community service each month,
and he is "very dependable."
Bechtel also works with children age 5-19 and the homeless at the Pilot
Center for the city's recreation department, where the focus is on gang
related and racial issues.
His supervisor described Bechtel as a "good candidate for positive mentoring
for youth."
"He deserves the opportunity to show others what he has learned and
developed in his lifetime," the supervisor said in a written affidavit.
Both his current employer, Hertz Corp. of Oklahoma City and a former
employer, the Washita Valley Enterprises Inc., said that Bechtel was required
to pass a drug test before he was hired.
His probation supervisor said he has completed 83 hours of community
service, is current on fees, and that he notified the probation office
of his arrest as required.
Since his sentencing last April, Bechtel has lived with his parents
in Yukon, Okla.
Firemen pull puppies from burning home
By ROSIE FLORES
Staff Writer
PECOS, March 15, 1999 - Five little puppies were saved Sunday evening
by Pecos Volunteer Firefighters after they responded to a fire call.
Fire officials were called out at about 7:25 p.m., to the 2100 block
of Cactus street.
The fire, which was contained within 30-40 minutes, was in the kitchen
area, but the puppies were in one of the bedrooms.
At this time, the cause of the fire is still being investigated by Pecos
Fire Marshal Jack Brookshire, who was also on the scene last evening.
"My understanding is that the people that live in the home were out
of town," said Fire Chief Roy Pena.
Pena said that four of the little puppies were in excellent condition,
but the fifth had suffered some smoke inhalation and was in critical condition.
"He appeared in bad condition, we just hope he makes it," said Pena.
In addition, one Reeves County Sheriff's Deputy, three Pecos Police
Officers and one ambulance reported to the scene of the incident.
Futures Forum set for Tuesday at Civic Center
A Texas Community Futures Forum will be held at 7 p.m., Tuesday, at the
Reeves County Civic Center.
Everyone interested in a better future for themselves, their family
and their community is invited to attend.
For more information contact C.W. Roberts at 447-9041.
Lotto
AUSTIN (AP) — No ticket correctly matched all six numbers drawn Saturday
night for the twice-weekly Lotto Texas game, state lottery officials said.
The numbers drawn Saturday night from a field of 50 were: 5-11-28-32-36-45.
Wednesday night's drawing will be worth an estimated $10 million.
***
AUSTIN (AP) — Results of the Cash 5 drawing Friday night: Winning numbers
drawn: 10-24-32-37-39. Number matching five of five: 2. Prize per winner:
$48,935. Matching four of five: 279. Prize: $527.
***
AUSTIN (AP) — Results of the Texas Million drawing Friday night: Winning
numbers drawn: 22-25-64-99. Number matching four of four in Group One:
0. Number matching four of four in Group Two: 0. Number matching four of
four in Group Three: 1. Prize: $10,000. Number matching three of four in
any group: 498. Prize: $300.
***
AUSTIN (AP) — The winning Pick 3 numbers drawn Friday by the Texas Lottery,
in order: 9-6-1 (nine, six, one)
***
AUSTIN (AP) — The winning Pick 3 numbers drawn Saturday by the Texas
Lottery, in order: 4-0-8 (four, zero, eight)
Obituaries
Irene Alba
Irene B. Alba, 70, died Thursday, March 11, 1999 at Sunrise Healthcare
and Rehab Center.
Services were held at 10 a.m., today, at the Pecos Funeral Home Chapel
with Bishop John Swanson officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery.
She was born April 18, 1928, in Del Rio, was a homemaker, and a member
of the Church of Latter Day Saints.
Survivors include four sons, David Alba of El Paso, Humberto Alba of
San Diego, Calif., Armando Alba of Sullivan and Mario Alba of Pecos; three
daughters, Anna C. Lewis of Amarillo, Gloria Rubio of Midland, Irene Alba
of Pecos; 25 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Pecos Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Betty Provenzano
Betty L. Provenzano, 76, died Monday, March 8, 1999 at Reeves County Hospital.
Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, March 16, with Father
Ben Flores officiating at Greenwood Cemetery.
She was born March 20, 1922, in Chicago, Ill., was a homemaker and a
Catholic.
Survivors include one son, Eddy Provenzano of Van Horn; one daughter,
Tina Provenzano of Meschers, France and one sister, Marilyn Genty of Chicago,
Ill.
Pecos Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Weather
PECOS, March 15, 1999 - High Sunday 70; low last night 36. Tonight, partly
cloudy. Low in the mid 40s. South wind 10-15 mph. Tuesday, partly cloudy
and breezy. High in the upper 70s. South wind 15-25 mph.
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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