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Daily Newspaper and Travel Guide
for Pecos Country of West Texas
Top Stories
Wednesday, March 24, 1999
Odessa College approves campus for Pecos
By ROSIE FLORES
Staff Writer
Pecos, March 24, 1999 -- A lengthy effort to bring a satellite college
campus to Pecos moved a step closer to reality Tuesday night, when the
board of Odessa College approved bringing a campus to Pecos.
Community members have been trying for several years to bring OC classes
to Pecos full-time, in order to make getting a higher education and learning
more about computers easier for area residents.
"We're very excited about this and are looking forward to making it
a reality as soon as possible," said Odessa College President Dr. Vance
Gipson.
He said the OC board had met last night and the decision was unanimous
to approve a Pecos campus.
"We're just glad that Dr. (Norman) Harris has donated the old White's
building and we can't wait to move in," said Gipson.
The building, located in the 1000 block of South Eddy Street, was most
recently used by the Pecos Autoplex car dealership. The building contains
four automotive bays, something OC officials sought for use by vocational
classes. The remainder of the building will be divided up into classrooms
for other courses.
The property committee, several OC administrators and Gipson visited
the site recently and talked with members of the Pecos Economic Development
Corporation.
Gipson said that prior to that, OC officials had done a survey in Pecos
and assessed the needs of the community. Based on that the curriculum was
chosen, as well as the site.
"We received several different ideas from the community through the
survey," said Gipson.
The curriculum will consist of basic college level courses, academics,
vocational, occupational courses and a complete computer lab.
"Later we may offer adult basic education, English as a Second Language
and continuing education," said Gipson.
The OC president added that it will take awhile, but the college plans
to move as fast as possible to make this a reality.
"The building is in need of some repairs, a few minor roof repairs,
air conditioning and walls built to enclose the different classrooms,"
said Gipson.
"Other than that, the building is in very good shape," he said.
Renovating the White's building is expected to save several hundred
thousand dollars over plans to renovate other local buildings that had
been considered, or building an entirely new building for OC to use.
The Pecos Economic Development Corporation has offered to help and get
operations moving as fast as possible, according to Gipson.
"We plan to do all the legalities and design of the building as soon
as possible and move from there," said Gipson.
"Were just very excited to be able to extend these services to Pecos,"
said Gipson.
"We also need to get a director in there that will help everyone," said
Gipson.
Financial aid will also be a top priority. "We want to make sure that
everyone that wants an education can get one," said Gipson. "We'll be looking
at Pell grants, financial aid, scholarships and other forms of financial
options to offer," he said.
Gipson said the group has made a strong commitment to Pecos and the
community. "We're just glad that we have the opportunity to do something
for Pecos that will benefit them," he said.
County discusses home rehab, burial problems
By ROSIE FLORES
Staff Writer
Pecos, March 24, 1999 -- Reeves County Commissioners approved several
items during their regular commissioners court meeting on Monday, and continued
to deal with the aftermath of the burial of a Pecos man in the wrong plot
at Greenwood Cemetery.
Commissioners approved a payment to Banes General Contractors for the
Reeves County Detention Center support shell and recreation buildings during
Monday's meeting, along with a contract between Reeves County and Texason
Management Group, Inc. for juvenile boot camp program and a resolution
to allocate motor fuel tax funds to support county road system.
The creation of a foreign medical graduate position at the RCDC was
approved, at an annual salary of $28,500.
A mother and daughter were on hand at the regular meeting to discuss
an ongoing problem resulting from a housing rehabilitation project the
county was involved with in 1996.
"There's been some issues concerning this particular problem and Frank
Subia asked that this be put on the agenda," said Reeves County Judge Jimmy
B. Galindo.
The problem started when Lucia Lozano and her family wanted their house
rehabilitated through the county-sponsored project. The home was actually
two living areas -- two separate homes, according to Galindo.
"We've been out there to look at this and we still think it was divided
just right," said Galindo.
"I don't know what he's problem is, because the county looked at it
before beginning the project and we have paperwork that proves that was
my mother's property they worked on," said Becky Sanchez, Lozano's daughter.
Lozano applied for the program and the home was approved for rehabilitation
in the 1996 project. But workers found the home was attached to another
one which is owned by Frank Subia, and Galindo said, "Well, now, Mr. Subia
is stating that we ruined his home when we did the rehabilitation on the
other part of the house owned by Lucia Lozano."
"It's written in the courts and it clearly states where the division
is and the county wouldn't have remodeled my mom's home if it wasn't clear,"
said Sanchez.
She said that the family felt that it was Frank Subia's responsibility
to hire a surveyor and a lawyer to look into the matter. "We don't have
anything to lose, so if he wants to do something about it, he can go ahead,"
said Sanchez. "We just don't understand what it is he wants."
Galindo said that in his correspondence to the court, Subia had stated
that he felt the county should reimburse him $6,000-$7,000 for defacing
his property. Subia said that the county had damaged his home and should
pay for it.
"I was out there the other day and I really don't see that the county
damaged his home," said Galindo. "However, it's a matter that Subia will
have to take responsibility for."
"Well, it seems to me that its his responsibility to provide more proof
that it's his building, his land, before he brings charges against the
county," said Precinct 2 Commissioner David Castillo.
Precinct 1 Commissioner Felipe Arredondo made the motion to forward
this matter to County Attorney Walter Holcombe and to let him try and find
a resolution to the matter.
Commissioners met in executive session to discuss an insurance settlement
and reconvened in open session. The settlement was approved for $7,576.
Commissioners were also scheduled to discuss the Charlie N. Millan burial
and plot resolution, but it was tabled because District Attorney Randy
Reynolds was not available.
However, during the open session Commissioner Precinct 1 Felipe Arredondo
tried to talk to the Millan family that was present in court and was rejected.
"It's too late somebody should have called us right away," said Florencia
Millan, Charlie Millan's widow.
The problem began when Millan was buried in the wrong plot, a plot belonging
to former Reeves County Commissioner Precinct 1 Lupe Garcia.
Arredondo offered a solution to the problem and offered to pay for it
himself, but the Millan family rejected him. Before leaving the court Mrs.
Millan turned to the court and told them they had four months to do something
and that nothing had been done. "You all haven't been right with us and
now you haven't seen the last of us," she said.
Personnel and salary changes included a promotion for Anthony Baeza
at the Reeves County Detention Center to case manager at an annual salary
of $25,000 and Ruben Dominguez to counselor at an annual salary of $24,000
and Mary Luna to counselor at an annual salary of $24,000. At the Reeves
County Sheriff's Department, Norma Martinez, from $16,700 to $17,000 annually.
District jurors convict Rayos on coke charge
By PEGGY McCRACKEN
Staff Writer
Pecos, March 24, 1999 -- District court jurors on Tuesday found Manuel
Rayos, 39, guilty of possession of cocaine and sentenced him to two years
in state jail, recommending probation.
Visiting Judge Joseph Connally presided for the trial and will enter
judgment Friday.
Rayos was indicted along with two other suspects after the local drug
task force searched a residence in Balmorhea on Sept. 29, 1998.
Also charged along with Rayos were Sylvia Roman, 37, and her son, Kenyon
Roman, 18. Sylvia Roman pleaded guilty this morning before Judge Connally
and received a two-year suspended sentence and a $500 fine.
District Attorney Randy Reynolds dismissed the charge against Kenyon
Roman.
The trial began Monday afternoon, following a morning session of jury
selection.
Council weighs enterprise zone expansion plan
By PEGGY McCRACKEN
Staff Writer
Pecos, March 24, 1999 -- Downtown Pecos is part of the enterprise zone
extension proposed by the Pecos City Council, and they will hold a public
hearing at 7:40 a.m. Thursday for public input on the changes.
The zone presently lies primarily along I-20 and Texas Highway 17. If
the ordinance amendments on the council's agenda is adopted, the lines
would be redrawn to encompass more land in that area, then extend north
to take in much of the downtown area and Eddy Street.
La Nortena Tortilla Factory on East Third Street is one target of the
new zone, as requested by the Pecos Economic Development Corporation. David
Castillo, owner, has offered to share the large La Nortena annex across
the street from the original tortilla factory with a barbecue sauce factory.
The council will also consider an ordinance establishing guidelines
for tax abatement and reinvestment zones and another for tax abatement
with Brad M. Bennett Inc..
Other items on the regular meeting agenda include a status report on
the Third Street sewer project; an engineering agreement with Frank X.
Spencer on a water well project; parking in residential areas and closing
an alley in Block 15, original addition;
Dedication of an alley in Section 9 & 16, Block 5, Texas Community
Development Program for fiscal year 1999; and a citywide Easter egg hunt
at Maxey Park, sponsored by the Reeves County Sheriff's Explorers.
Routing monthly reports include municipal court, juvenile court, ambulance,
tax collector and financial.
The council meets at 7:30 a.m. in council chambers at City Hall. Public
comments are welcome on items not on the agenda.
McCree noted for work in community
By ROSIE FLORES
Staff Writer
Pecos, March 24, 1999 -- It's been just over a month, but a longtime
Pecos resident, beloved friend and active community leader is not forgotten,
especially by his mate of more than 60 years.
"I sometimes can't really believe that he's gone," said Elizabeth McCree.
Her husband, W.S. "Creamy" McCree, died Feb. 22.
McCree was known in the community as being active and was loved by all
that knew him, according to Mrs. McCree.
McCree had been honored with several awards throughout his life, including
being named Methodist Man, of which he was the president in 1962; he was
president of the Lion's Club from 1950-1951 and received the Master Key
from that club.
He had been employed with the Pecos Furniture Store and the Pecos Funeral
Home and received an award from Texas Funeral Directors Association in
recognition of his years of service.
He received an Outstanding Community Service Award in 1969 from the
Pecos Chamber of Commerce and served as president of that organization
in 1964. He was also named Citizen of the Year by that organization.
The Shriner's Hospital for Crippled Children recognized him in 1986
for his outstanding service in that area add the Pecos Rodeo and Fair Committee
awarded him a plaque for his years on that committee from 1956-1963.
McCree also served on the Toyah-Pecos-Barstow ISD board and was an active
member of the Methodist Church.
Asked about the secret to a long and happy marriage, Elizabeth McCree
stated, "Creamy was asked that once and his reply was that we had only
one counselor and that was the Lord Jesus Christ."
"With him by your side everything is possible," she said.
McCree also belonged to the prestigious "Coffee Club," which was first
established 70 years ago.
The couple were high school sweethearts and their love for each other
is what had sustained them throughout the hard times.
They have two children, Nancy Sue Leavitt of Elephant Butte, N.M. and
W.H. "Buddy" McCree of Dallas; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren
and three step grandsons.
"At least I have them now, that my beloved Creamy is gone," said McCree.
"But it's so hard to go on by yourself after you've lived with someone
for so long," she said.
Band Boosters auction planned for Saturday
Pecos, March 24, 1999 -- The 21st Annual Pecos Band Boosters Auction will
be held Saturday beginning at 10 a.m. at Saragosa Hall on East Sixth Street.
The event will also be televised on Classic Cable Ch. 6 and aired over
KPTX-98.3 FM. Along with items up for sale to benefit the Pecos Eagle band,
there will be a barbeque plate and a bake sale during the auction, along
with a membership drive.
Lotto
AUSTIN (AP) — Results of the Cash 5 drawing Tuesday night: Winning numbers
drawn: 4-12-13-18-20. Number matching five of five: 0. Matching four of
five: 238. Prize: $943.
***
AUSTIN (AP) — The winning Pick 3 numbers drawn Tuesday by the Texas
Lottery, in order: 4-4-3 (four, four, three)
Obituary
Kevin Jay Gradel
Kevin Jay Gradel, 30, of Austin, died Monday, March 22, 1999. Services
will be at 10 a.m. Thursday in Memorial Chapel of Cook-Walden Capital Parks
Funeral Home near Pflugerville. Interment will follow in Cook-Walden Capital
Parks Cemetery.
Kevin was a Pecos High School graduate whose favorite hobbies were computers
and photography. He resided with his grandmother, Ruth Wells, the retired
business manager for the Pecos Enterprise.
Survivors include his parents, George and Barbara Bunch of Florida;
one sister, Carey Herrera of Pflugerville; and his grandmother, Ruth Wells
of Alpine.
Memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association.
Betty Hinkle
Services for Betty Hinkle, 72, will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Pecos Funeral
Home Chapel, with Rev. Ernest Waggoner officiating. Burial will be at Fairview
Cemetery under the direction of Pecos Funeral Home.
Hinkle was born on April 14, 1927 in Pecos, and died Tuesday, March
23, 1999 at Reeves County Hospital. She was a retired X-ray technician
and a member of the First Christian Church.
Survivors include several nieces and nephews.
Weather
Pecos, March 24, 1999 -- High Tuesday 76; low last night 44. Tonight, cloudy.
Areas of drizzle and fog after midnight. Low in the mid 40s. Southwest
wind becoming northeast 10-20 mph. Thursday, cloudy with drizzle and fog.
A 20 percent chance of rain. high in the lower 60s. Northeast to east wind
10-20 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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