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Wednesday, November 13, 1996

RCDC debuts local version of `Court TV'

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By ROSIE FLORES

Staff Writer


PECOS, November 13, 1996 - A project to help speed deportation
proceedings locally through the use of a video courtroom was formally
inaugurated Tuesday, with a number of federal officials on hand for the
special ceremony and ribbon cutting ceremony at the Reeves County
Detention Center.

An enhanced version of the Institutional Hearing Program (IHP) will
utilize video teleconferencing to conduct deportation hearings for
criminal aliens. It was on display for the first time Tuesday afternoon
at the detention center, which houses over 650 inmates for the U.S.
Bureau of Prisons.

"This is something we have been working on since last February," said
Reeves County Judge Jimmy B. Galindo.

The IHP is a joint Federal effort by the Immigration Review and the
Federal Bureau of Prisons. It is designed to identify, process and
expeditiously remove all deportable criminal aliens upon completion of
their sentences.

Galindo said he researched the project by asking numerous questions and
finding out more about video teleconferencing and its benefits to both
the community and the inmates housed at the RCDC.

Galindo said that some 600 inmates will be processed through this
facility during the upcoming year.

"It is a beginning and part of the bridge, President Clinton has been
talking about," said Galindo. "To build this bridge to the 21st century.

"The streamlining of federal government has been a goal of this
administration," he added.

The new program will also mean the addition of 10 new federal jobs in
Reeves County and about $250,000 or more in revenue for the community,
according to Galindo.

The highlight of the hearing program is the utilization of video
teleconferencing technology so an immigration judge in Dallas can
conduct deportation hearings in a courtroom at the RCDC.

The RCDC joins other IHP video teleconferencing programs in Big Spring,
Oakdale, La. and Baltimore, Md.

The 10 federal workers will be INS officers will be assigned to Pecos
and serve the Reeves County Detention Center's IHP at an off-site
location.

Individuals attending the ceremony were able to view and hear Dallas
Judge Anthony Rogers.

Rogers talked about the new project and praised Galindo for his effort
to make this dream a reality.

"This is something new that will really help Reeves County," said Rogers.

The immigration judge added that he is kind of "phobic" about modern
technology. "But if you can sell me on this new endeavor then others
will be more receptive also," he said.

"I like it because it is a two-way street," said Rogers. "Inmates walk
away feeling like they had a fair shot."

"It is not my goal to send away so many illegal aliens, but to conduct
things fairly," he said.

Luis Garcia. INS El Paso District Director. emphasized the importance of
the program.

"Promptly removing criminal aliens from our prisons and communities is a
key element in our fight to combat illegal immigration," he said. "This
enhanced program will enable INS to greatly expand the number of
criminal aliens removed from Texas prisons."

Prior to the establishment of an enhanced IHP, the removal process did
not begin until an illegal alien was released from prison. Now, those
who are identified as deportable or excludable while in prison, and
hearings are held during their incarceration.

This process clears the way for prompt removal of criminal aliens upon
completion of their sentences, greatly reducing the need for extended
INS detention and the associated costs.

"Our unified effort with respect to the expansion and use of video
teleconferencing in Texas will result in a much greater number of
adjudications and completions of criminal cases," said Michael J.
Creppy, Chief Immigration Judge. "It is a partnership that has proven
successful and continues to maximize the most efficient use of our
combined resources.

"The use of video teleconferencing at Pecos will eliminate the need to
move alien inmates to hearings before an Immigration Judge in Dallas or
El Paso. At the same time, it will preclude the need to have an
Immigration Judge and an INS Attorney travel to Pecos for each
deportation hearing," explained Vincent Clausen, INS's Assistant
Director for Detention and Deportation.
"Working together in partnership with the Immigration Judges of the
Executive Office for Immigration Review, the officers of the Federal
Bureau of Prisons, and officials from the Reeves County Detention
Facility, we have initiated a front-line fight to regain control of our
borders," said Garcia. "This effort will insure that criminal aliens are
not only taken off the street but also expeditiously repatriated back to
their country of origin.

"We mean business. We have seen that our strategy is working: enhanced
border control, increased work site enforcement and expanded removal of
criminal and other illegal aliens - has proven to be a recipe for
success," he said.

Bands' higher fees cut Fair concert profits

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By PEGGY McCRACKEN
Staff Writer
PECOS, November 13, 1996 - Higher fees paid to bands who played at the
Reeves County Fall Fair Concert cut into profits, despite an increase in
tickets sold this year, executive director Tom Rivera told the Pecos
Chamber of Commerce board of directors Tuesday.

"We sold 800 more tickets than last year, but the bands were cheaper
last year," he said.

The top band, Emilio, received $17,500. Others were Bobby Pulido,
$7,500; Stephanie Lynn, $3,000; Los Jinetes $5,000 and Roman Brothers
$2,500.

Paul Hinojos said that two of the bands played before fans arrived, and
added "Maybe we should not pay two bands to play early."

Fred Dominguez suggested engaging only three bands and having each one
to play twice.

Rivera said the executive committee is working on the 1997 program of
work, and they will accept all suggestions.

He said the concert is the only event that makes money. With $61,000 in
revenues, the concert would have had a larger profit margin but for
higher expenses.

One expense was $2,800 for a stage, which the larger bands required. In
the past, concerts were staged on the bed of a trailer donated by
Winkles Trucks.

"Winkles has been very generous letting us borrow trailers, which they
deliver and set up" said Rivera. "We gave them complimentary tickets."

Gilbert Avila questioned the large number (372) of complimentary
tickets. Rivera said they were given to corporate sponsors, radio
stations for advertising, city and county workers who helped set up, and
for other promotional purposes.

"The city and county and Winkles helped to put this on," he said. "It is
a lot of work."

Some directors suggested the ticket prices were too high, and Steve
McCormick questioned whether fans would pay that much without a top band
like Emilio.

Hinojos said that bands base their fee on the amount of money they made
for the event the previous year. Roman Brothers, a local band, raised
their fee because they have a new release and are popular, he said.

"We need to look at where we can shave money or fine-tune the contract.
We have expenditures on the day of the event we were not aware of. We
need to put in the contract so we don't pay those extras, like the stage
and compressors."

Rivera said one of the band required more electric power than is
available at the rodeo grounds, and he had to rent two generators from
Odessa for $1,040.

"We are going to have to make them live up to the letter of the
contract, instead of us," he said. "Personally I think it went well. We
made a profit. I was just concerned to make enough money to pay the
bands."

After paying out $50,956, the chamber netted $10,045 from the concert.

The barbecue beef cookoff lost $1,307, and the livestock show lost $600.
The fall fair netted $434, and the carnival paid $3,370 in commission to
the chamber.

Overall, the Fall Festival showed a $11,943 profit.

Rivera said that Meyers Electric is working with Texas-New Mexico Power
Co. to propose a multi-service type circuit at the rodeo arena that
would supply any type of power required.

"It will cost less than the two generators we rented, and it will be a
one-time cost," he said.

Rivera said the Golden Gloves Regional Tournament lost money the first
two years it was held in Pecos because the host city has to pay for the
regional winners to attend the state tournament. Last year the loss was
$436.

Hinojos suggested asking a company to sponsor them and matching their
donation.

"I think this is a great deal, but something the chamber was pressured
into," he said.

Dick Alligood said it is a great program for youth, and it involves
their families.

"I enjoy working it, but we can't continue riding these dead horses," he
said. "They are going to take us down with them."

He said the chamber has to sign now for the 1997 tournament in order to
get advertising and notify the boxers to come.

Gilbert Avila said that Little Leaguers and others earn money for their
playoff trips.

"I don't think it is fair for the other kids," he said.

Dominguez said that the boxing team earns money for their own club, and
they don't get any money out of Golden Gloves.

"We can make money out of the tournament to send them to the state
tournament," he said.

Alligood said the host has to buy uniforms, jackets, pay travel, hotel
and food costs for the nine boxers who win a berth on the regional team
to go to the state tournament, along with their coaches.

The total cost was $3,200 this year, he said.

Odessa had hosted large crowds at the regional tournament for years but
gave it up when the city passed an ordinance prohibiting the sale of
beer in the Ector County Coliseum.

"We don't have that kind of crowd to draw from, and the costs are
escalating every year," he said.

David Madril said the chamber should solicit donations from businesses.

Richard Crider made the motion to host the 1997 tournament. "The town
benefits more than $400," he said.

Hinojos presented a ballot with 11 nominations to fill eight positions
on the board of directors. The board approved the ballot, which will
allow members a choice when the vote.

Nominated are Larry Levario, Texas Department of Transportation
maintenance supervisor; David Madril, Reeves County Hospital
maintenance; Bob Trammell, Trammell Construction; Sam Patel, Quality Inn
manager; Leo Hung, Professional Pharmacy owner;

Jim Leonard, Valley Motor Company salesman; Alan Zeman, farmer/producer;
Teresa Winkles, Winkles Trucking; Linda Ornelas, Hubbs Office Supply;
Geneva Martinez, Town of Pecos City secretary; and Mickey Vasquez,
Vasquez Home Furnishings.

The board selected Richard Crider as president-elect for the 1997 year.

Meyers Electric & Cabinet Company and Sen., Frank Madla were accepted as
new members.

Rivera said the chamber has upgraded its modem and computer memory and
has an Internet account. Members are invited to use the computer to
access the Internet, he said.

President Gerald Tellez Jr. said the circus will come to town Dec. 4,
with a cavalcade of cartoon characters featuring Uncle Waldo. Tickets
are available at the chamber, Allcomm, CellularOne and the Pecos
Learning Center. Admission is $5 for adults, and three children will be
admitted free with each adult.

Rivera said he and Harry Nagel attended an economic development
conference in Austin last week and made a lot of good contacts with the
department of commerce and state comptroller.

Work is underway on the 1997 budget and the annual chamber banquet,
which will be Jan. 24, he said.

He asked for nominations for citizen of the year, hidden hero and Ruiz
Profile of Courage awards.

Pecos Ambassadors were holding a ribbon cutting at the Reeves County
Detention Center's telephone conference center at the time of the
meeting, and they had held another earlier Tuesday at Bessie Haynes
Parenting Center, Rivera said.

The next ribbon cutting is set for 10 a.m. Monday at the Classic Cable
office next door to Fonville Jewelry.

Jennette Smallwood said the women's division is sponsoring a holiday
bazaar at Pecos Valley Country Club Friday from 6-9 p.m. Wine and cheese
will be served, and the bar will be open.

Alligood reported the economic development committee held a seminar with
Chip Bauer last month and will meet at 7 a.m. Nov. 19 in the Swiss Clock
Inn.

He reported the tax incentive committee elected Jesse Stephens chairman,
with Louis Matta and Bob Curry as co-chairs. They will meet again in two
weeks to formulate proposals to be presented to Reeves County, Reeves
County Hospital District and the city of Pecos.

Red Bluff OKs pay raises for workers

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By MARI MALDONADO
Staff Writer
PECOS, November 13, 1996 - Employees of the Red Bluff Water Power
Control District will be receiving $9,000 in salary increases after
three years of unchanged pay, following Monday's meeting of the
district's board of directors.

"I'm really concerned about these people," said General Manager Jim Ed
Miller after recommending a total of $18,000 go towards salary increases.

Board Secretary Lloyd Goodrich entered a motion to accept the
increments. It was seconded by Theresa Walker, but the proposal died
when no other board member voted in favor of it.

Board member Richard C. Slack then made a motion to cut the yearly
amount in half and only give $9,000 in raises. The total would give
Robin Felts a $250 a month increase; Buck Deakins a $150 raise; David
Lewis, $100 and James Calaway, $50 and Miller $200.

Miller, who initially proposed a $400 raise for himself, suggested that
the board take the $200 raise provided in Slack's motion and divide it
evenly amongst the other employees, thus giving the other four $50 more
per month. Miller's salary remained at $4,000 a month.

The board agreed to amend Slack's original motion and passed it by a 4
to 2 vote, with Walker and Goodrich casting the dissenting votes.

With the raises, Felts will be making $2,300 a month; Deakins, $3,300;
Lewis, $1,000 and Calaway, $1,200. Miller's $48,000 annual salary does
not include health insurance benefits, like other RBWPCD employees.

A raise for Jimmy N. Lee, who reads meters for the water district on a
part-time basis, was not proposed.

In other action, board members questioned the vehicle allowances for
Deakins, who gets $600, and Lewis, $250. Miller explained that the
district furnishes tires and gas. Both men are also furnished a home and
utilities.

Merit bonuses in the amount of 40 percent of the employees' October
monthly salaries were agreed to by all members of the governing body.

The board unanimously voted to engage the services of Randy Graham, CPA,
of Card, Graham and Company to perform the district's audit. The audit
covers the fiscal year from Nov. 1, 1995 through Oct. 31, 1996, for a
fee of $2,600.

Graham told the board that he raised the fee by $100 from last year
because, "there's a little bit more work...to make sure you're (water
district) in compliance," with new requirements set by the Texas Natural
Resources Conservation Commission.

The CPA added that he didn't anticipate any unusual circumstances, for
which he would charge extra, "since Robin (Felts) does a good job," and,
"the books are usually very clean."

Also on Monday, board members approved an adjustment in the amount of
$1,175.01 on the tax voucher to remove delinquent taxes, "that have been
on the books delinquent for 20 years," said Miller.

"They're no longer collectible (after 20 years)," added Goodrich.

The board instructed Miller to inform RBWPCD constituents that, "the
gates (on the Red Bluff Dam) will definitely close on the 20th (of
November) and then run down," giving them, "five more days," than
originally planned, Miller stated.

"I'm concerned about short-changing anyone," said Board President Randal
Harman.

"If we don't have a cut-off date," said Miller, "they'll (Red Bluff
residents) keep using it (water) until January."

Director Charlotte Wilcox asked if water could be stored in the
reservoir for, "a fee per acre foot," and was informed by Goodrich that
this could not be done.

The October Water Report listed Reeves County Water District #2 and Ward
County WD #3 had no water allowances, while Pecos County WD #3 still had
375 acre feet of water coming; Pecos County WD #2, 1,806; Ward County WD
#2, 5,390 and Loving Count WD #1, 150.

The reported was accepted by the board with a unanimous vote.

Also agreed to, was an amount of $15,907.39 in accounts payable and
$21,413.06 in cash disbursements.

County passes RCDC fence, phone pacts

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PECOS, November 13, 1996 - Reeves County Commissioners approved a
partial payment for the second perimeter fence at the Reeves County
Detention Center, and in conjunction approved change orders for the
project during this morning's commissioners court meeting.

Commissioners met this morning due to the Veteran's Day holiday which
transpired on this particular Monday.

"The change order has to deal with the gate," Reeves County Detention
Center Warden Joe Trujillo explained. He said some modifications will
have to be made to the gate in order for it to be completed, according
to Trujillo.

"This modification is made in order to comply with BOP specifications,"
said Trujillo.

A payment for the fence, which was for materials only, was also approved
in the amount of $205,788.

Road and bridges administrator Russ Salcido told the court that things
are progressing smoothly in the construction of the fence and that it
should be completed by the end of December, weather permitting. The
project is being done by American Fence Company.

Commissioners also agreed to extend the RCDC inmate phone services
contract with Security Telecom, Inc. for another 90-days, following a
presentation today.

Reeves County had requested a detailed report from Security Telecom,
reported Security Telecom representative Rudy Pena.

Commission checks from the company for the past two months have not been
received by Reeves County, and are delinquent. But Pena told the court
that this occurred because his supervisor wanted to hold them until the
report was completed.

"I talked to them and they said they were holding the checks to be sent
out with the report you requested," said Pena.

He also said that a clause in the contract called for an extension if,
due to a riot or other disturbance, the count at the facility went down.

Precinct 3 Commissioner Herman Tarin questioned why a report wasn't
automatically provided without the court having to request one.

"That's why we made this change in services, because of accountability,"
said Tarin.

"The problem falls back to Reeves County requesting a detailed report,
something no one else does," said Pena.

"I just don't see why they can't send the payments out, without the
report," said auditor Lynn Owens.

Although they agreed to extend the contract for 90-days, Tarin said, "In
the past that's why we decided to go with new company, because of
accountability, I just want to make sure you won't let us down."

Personnel and salary changes included new hires at the Reeves County
Detention Center. Oscar Solis, Ernest Allen Ballard, Andrew Madrid,
Danny Bradley, Jeffery Ortega, Jacob Huerta, Benjamin Hernandez and
Delfa Rodriguez are all new hires at the facility beginning as
Correctional Officers I at a salary of $15,000 a year.

Nancy Petty was upgrade from Correctional Officer I to II at an annual
salary of $17,000 per year.

Danny Reynolds will be employed at the Sheriff's Department as a Jailer
at $14,000 per year and Perry Williams as a part-time jailer, as needed
basis at $6.50 per hour.

Mary Calanchi will be working as a Juvenile Detention Officer on a
part[-time, on call as needed basis at the Reeves County Juvenile
Detention Center at $5.50 per hour.

In the Road and Bridges Department, Angel Ramirez will be replaced with
Rodolfo Lujan, who will be working at the RCDC on the second perimeter
fence at $7 per hour.

Cruz T. Muniz will be working for Road and Bridges Department at $6 per
hour.

In the county judge's office, Becky Perea will be working in that office
at the rate of $7.21 an hour on a temporary, part-time basis while
Belinda Salcido is on maternity leave.

Kimberly Gonzales will be serving as administrative assistant for new
detention center CEO Rudy Franco for the next three months, in an effort
to achieve a smooth management transition.

Commissioners also approved reports from various departments, budget
amendments and line-item transfers, and agreed to pay semi-monthly bills
and bill addendums. They included bills from Precinct 2 Commissioner Dr.
W.J. Bang, who also provides medical services to Reeves County.

Howard quits as district's food director

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By MARI MALDONADO
Staff Writer
PECOS, November 13, 1996 - The Pecos-Barstow-Toyah district is in the
market for a new food service director, after former director Calvin
Howard resigned last week.

Howard's last day on the job was Nov. 8. He said during an interview
Tuesday that his notice to leave the post was a short one, and his
intentions were originally to work until the holidays.

"Things just happen," was his overall answer for leaving P-B-T ISD.

He explained that one of the reasons for resigning was that his,
"mail-route was extended."

"I have a contract mail-route," he said, on a route which originally
took him only to Fort Davis. "Now I go to Alpine and Marfa," he said,
which adds another 75 miles to his 150-mile round trip.

"I had someone else doing this (mail route)," Howard said, "but I
decided to do it myself." He added that the augmented route would pay,
"a little bit more money," than the school district position.

"I feel privileged," to have worked with the district, "as long I did,"
he said. He praised the schools' food service program and added, "I did
a lot to help."

Obituary

Margaret Ann Bechtel

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Margaret Ann Bechtel, 70, died Tuesday, Nov. 12 at Odessa Medical Center.
*
Services are scheduled for Thursday, at 10 a.m. at Northside Baptist
Church with Mac McCormick officiating. Burial will be at Evergreen
Cemetery.

She was born Jan. 22, 1926, in Monteceau, Ga., was a housewife and has
lived in Pecos since 1945.

She was preceded in death by her husband, E.L. Bechtel.

Survivors include two sons, Bill Bechtel of Pecos and Roy Bechtel of
Andrews; two daughters, Ann Williams of Granite Shoales, Tx. and Mary
Smith of Yukon, Okla.; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Pecos Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Weather

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PECOS, November 13, 1996 - High Tuesday 75, low last night 42. Tonight,
partly cloudy. Low 45 50. South wind 10-15 mph. Thursday, partly cloudy
and breezy. High 75-80. South wind 15-25 mph.



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