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Newspaper and Travel Guide
for Pecos Country of West Texas
Friday, December 30, 2005
Many local businesses taking Monday off
Many local businesses will be taking Monday off to celebrate the New Year with a three-day weekend. The Pecos Enterprise will be closed on Monday and will print Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 3rd.
City, County and Federal offices will also work regular hours on Friday and then remain closed until Tuesday.
If you forget that extra can of black-eyed peas you can relax. La Tienda grocery will be open regular hours all weekend and on Monday as well.
Both West Texas National Bank and Transpecos Bank will be open regular hours on Friday and then take Monday off, while Winkler County Credit Union will be open regular hours on Friday and Saturday but will also take Monday off.
Lee Lumber Company plans on being open regular hours on Friday and Saturday but will be closed on Monday.
Gibson’s True Value will be open regular hours all weekend and on Monday.
Brownlee Ace Hardware will close early Saturday and remain closed on Monday.
Monday will also mark the last day of Christmas Break for local school kids and school resumes Tuesday morning.
Deputies hunting Balmorhea vandals
Reeves County Sheriff’s Department officers are investigating criminal mischief that was reported just before Christmas.
On Dec. 22, Balmorhea Librarian Pat Smith reported that someone had vandalized the Balmorhea Library by shooting it approximately 13 times with bright, pink, paint balls, according to Reeves County Sheriff’s Deputy Lionel Garza.
Garza said that later that same day he had received another call from Smith.
This time the northwest window was shot one time with a pellet or BB gun causing damage to the screen, window and the Venetian blinds; the northeast window was shot two times with a pellet or BB gun, causing damage to the screen and the window and the southeast window was shot three times with a pellet or BB gun, causing damage to the screen and the window.
“The west north window had also been shot one time, causing damage to the window only,” said Garza.
Garza said that that was the second call.
“At this time there is not enough evidence or witnesses to make an arrest,” said Garza. “Since this happened at two different times, we don’t know exactly at what time the vandals had been out there,” he said.
Garza said that he had heard about several other victims that had had their windows shot out, but some of those individuals did not file a report.
“The only reports I have is the one at the library and one from Viola Machuca, who had a window in her truck shot out,” said Garza.
Garza said that the incident with the truck happened while the vehicle was parked at the Balmorhea School, during a tournament.
“I heard about another lady who had reported some shots to her car, but she didn’t report it,” said Garza. “I also heard about a house that had been shot at, but that also was not reported,” he said.
Garza said that he had heard about the other incidents from other sources.
“These vandals had also been messing with the Christmas decorations at the park,” said Garza.
At this time Garza said he didn’t know if the vandals were anybody local or some other individuals coming in to the small community.
“It’s hard to tell who it is. It could be anybody,” said Garza.
Garza said that the sheriff’s department would be “beefing up” their surveillance.
“We’ll be doing more stops, more searches looking for paint balls, spray guns and BB guns,” said Garza.
Garza said that the department would also be doing stops looking for underage teenagers drinking.
All the incidents are under investigation by the Reeves County Sheriff’s Department.
County adopts burn ban as wildfires sweep state
Reeves County will be joining other counties in the surrounding area, by adopting a fire ban in accordance with provisions of the Texas Disaster Act of 1975, which provides for a ban if it is determined that the state is in imminent threat of disaster from wildfire.
“I’ll be signing this disaster declaration , which will be good for seven days and then we’ll post an emergency meeting and the commissioners will meet as a group to adopt this proclamation,” said Reeves County Judge Jimmy B. Galindo.
Reeves County Emergency Coordinator Ricky Herrera said that the county would be joining other counties in the area that have adopted a similar resolution.
“This is in response to the recommendation from the forest service, that suggested we post a fire ban,” said Herrera.
The proclamation reads in effect: Reeves County has not had rainfall for an extended period and weather forecasters offer little promise of a change in the hot, dry conditions in the near future and these hot, dry condition pose the threat of large, dangerous and fast-moving wildfires.
The Texas Disaster Act of 1975 authorized declaration of a state of disaster “if the threat of disaster is imminent.”
The state of disaster will continue until rescinded in accordance with the statute and order.
While outdoors burning is prohibited by the ban shooting fireworks is not.
However, fireworks are banned within the city limits, according to Town of Pecos City Fire Marshal Jack Brookshire.
“They are banned within the city limits and if they want to shoot fireworks outside the city limits, they need to make sure they have permission from the landowner,” said Brookshire.
Brookshire said that individuals also need to be careful. “Because of the dry weather conditions, if they are shooting fireworks they need to be really careful, because those can turn to fire right away,” he said.
Brookshire said that there is no designated area to shoot fireworks. “That’s why they need to make sure and get permission from the landowner,” said Brookshire.
Governor Rick Perry ordered the deployment of state firefighting assets and issued a statewide disaster declaration Wednesday in response to wildfires occurring throughout the state.
“So far, there have been five fatalities and over 13,000 acres of land burned in mostly North Central and East Texas. Over 100 structures have burned including 78 homes. This led to the Governors decision,” said Ben Gonzalez of the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI). “The only place in Texas not fire dangerous is along the coast line.
According to Traci Weaver, spokeswoman for the Texas Forest Service, Callahan County in North-Central Texas had a blaze that spread through 7,600 acres. It was about 50 percent contained Wednesday morning. The county issued a mandatory evacuation of about 600 people, and it was believed that 50 to 60 homes had been destroyed.
Weaver called the wildfires in the states the worst since February 1996, when blazes that covered 16,000 acres destroyed 141 structures around Poolville, about 40 miles northwest of Fort Worth.
“We are really concerned with fireworks for New Year’s Eve,” she said. “These are really extreme conditions. Texas isn’t used to it, and people need to be very careful.”
Filing deadline for Dem primary Friday
With the deadline to file a treasurer’s designation as the first step towards entering the March 7 race looming, potential candidates are urged to make up their minds this weekend.
The deadline to file a treasurer’s designation is Monday, Jan. 2, in the Reeves County Clerk’s Office.
While the last day to file for a position is Jan. 2, that will also be a holiday, due to New Year’s Day falling on a Sunday in 2006. Candidates can still file with Dean, but the final day the County Clerk’s office will be open before the deadline is Friday, Dec. 30.
“Even though Monday is considered a county holiday, I’ll still be here for those who would like to file a treasurer’s designation,” said Reeves County Clerk Dianne Florez.
Florez said that this is something she does every primary election for the public.
“As a courtesy to the community, the office is closed, but I go ahead and come in for those that want to file a treasurer’s designation on the last day to file,” said Florez.
Florez will be in the office, located on the first floor of the courthouse, from 9 a.m. until noon and from 1:30 until 6 p.m., which is the deadline.
One of the most popular positions sought this election year is Reeves County Judge.
A total of five people have now at least taken preliminary steps towards running for the job, held for the past 11 years by Jimmy Galindo.
Grace Renteria filed her treasurer’s designation with the county clerk to run for county judge, naming Lily Serrano as her treasurer. She has also filed with county Democratic Party Chairman Bobby Dean to make it official.
Candidates in Reeves County have to file with Dean by Jan. 2 to officially enter the March primary race, while under state law treasurer’s designations have to be filed with the Reeves County Clerk’s office.
Local restaurant owner and former Pecos Chamber of Commerce President Al Gomez was the first to enter the race for county judge, while Town of Pecos City finance director Sam Contreras filed his treasurer’s designation, naming himself as treasurer. Both have also filed with Dean to run for county judge, while two other have filed treasurers’ designations: Bernardo “Chaquen” Martinez and Israel Campos.
Martinez was a five-term commissioner for Precinct 4, serving from 1978 to 1998, while Campos has been a Reeves County Sheriff’s Deputy for a number of years.
Another contested race will be that of Reeves County Commissioner Precint 2. The position is currently held by Norman Hill, who has already filed to retain his seat.
Alvesia “Tita” Tarin filed her treasurer’s designation, naming herself as treasurer, to run for Reeves County Commissioner Precinct 2, while Gabriel Martinez filed with the Democratic Party Chairman making him an official candidate for the position of commissioner precinct 2.
Those filing a treasurer’s designation include Richard Slack, who is currently filling the unexpired term of the Reeves County Attorney. Slack named Gloria O. Florez as treasurer of his campaign to serve out the final two-years of the current term.
Slack took over the post in November, after county attorney Luis Carrasco resigned at the end of October, amidst allegations of missing funds. The incident is currently being investigated by the Texas Rangers.
Amonario P. Ramon filed his treasurer’s designation to retain his seat as Justice of the Peace Precinct 1.
Incumbent Justice of the Peace Precinct 2 Jim Riley has filed with Democratic Party Chairman Bobby Dean to retain his seat. Riley was first elected to the position in 2002. Heriberto “Eddie” Rodriguez filed for justice of the peace for Precinct 4, a position currently held by Lamberto Herrera.
Rosendo Carrasco has filed with the clerk for the position of the Justice of the Peace Precinct 3.
The other incumbents who have filed include Diane Florez, who is seeking re-election as Reeves County Clerk; Linda Clark, who is seeking re-election as Reeves County Treasurer; Pat Tarin who is seeking re-election as District Clerk, and Walter Holcombe, who is running for a new term as Reeves County Court-at -Law judge.
Almost all county elected officials over the years have run in the Democratic primary and won its nomination, though candidates can also run as Republicans in the March primary election, and also as write-in candidates for the actual election on November 2006.
Individuals who would like to file for a position in the Democratic primary can contact Dean at 940-4944. He will also set up a temporary office at the old Greyhound bus station at Third and Cypress streets, and will have the appropriate paperwork to fill out on hand.
Voters will also elect candidates for several regional races, along with the governor’s race, the race for U.S. Senate and other statewide positions.
Gallego participates in Dallas marathon
Alan Gallego participated in the White Rock Marathon held in Dallas, on Dec. 11.
Gallego ran 35 kilometers and his finishing time was 4:08:23.
About 3,078 runners participated in the event, with a total of 1,107 females and 1,971 males.
The average time for the runners was 04:24:58.
Gallego was accompanied on the trip by his wife, Blanca and his daughter Blanca.
Police Report
EDITOR’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.
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Pecos police arrested a female juvenile at midnight on Dec. 21 and charged her with evading arrest or detection in a motor vehicle. Police said the arrest took place in the 300 block of South Peach Street, after officers and Reeves County sheriff’s deputies were told a vehicle had been taken without the owner’s permission. The vehicle was located at Third and Locust streets, but the juvenile refused to stop for several blocks despite police car lights being flashed at the vehicle. The girl was then placed under arrest and taken to the Reeves County Juvenile Detention Center.
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Christopher S. Millan, 18, 403 N. Alamo St., was arrested by police on Dec. 22 on warrants charging him with minor in possession of alcohol, a Class C misdemeanor; minor consuming alcohol, a Class C misdemeanor; open container of alcohol, a Class C misdemeanor; disorderly conduct (fighting) a Class C misdemeanor; curfew violation, a Class C misdemeanor; no valid driver’s license, a Class C misdemeanor; and failure to appear on the first two charges, which also are Class C misdemeanors. The arrest took place at 5:31 p.m. at Millan’s home, and he was then taken to the Pecos Criminal Justice Center.
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Randall Lee Wilson, 31, 720 Martinez St., was arrested by police on Dec. 22 on a charge of public intoxication. Police said the arrest took place at 6:47 p.m. in the 700 block of East Fourth Street, when officers were called about one male subject threatening another. Wilson was placed under arrest and transported to the Pecos Criminal Justice Center.
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Ramiro Contreraz Ramirez, 31, of Odessa, was arrested on Dec. 23 at 11:16 p.m. and charged with public intoxication. Police said the arrest took place at the Club Suavacito, 900 S. Cedar St.
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Quastasha L. Barton, 27, 413 S. Mulberry St., was arrested by police on Dec. 23 at 1:51 a.m. on warrants charging her with possession of an open container, failure to appear and unpaid judgment for possession of an open container. Police said the arrest was made after Barton was seen inside the Club Suavacito, 900 S. Cedar St.
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Luis Fernando Salgado, 24, 5439 Chinati Rd., was arrested by police on Dec. 24 at 10:02 p.m. on warrants charging him with failure to appear and expired driver’s license. Police said the arrest took place in the 4000 block of South Cedar Street, and Salgado was then transported to the Criminal Justice Center.
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Juan Valentine Vasquez, 1614 Johnson St., was arrested by police on Dec. 24 at 8:14 p.m. on warrants out of Chaves County, N.M., charging him with probation violation on two previous counts of insufficient funds. Vasquez was arrested at Fifth an Eddy streets and transported to the Pecos Criminal Justice Center.
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Salvador Marruffo, 733 Martinez St., was arrested by police in the alley behind the 700 block of Martinez Street on Dec. 26 and charged with public intoxication. Police said the arrest came after Marruffo’s ex-girlfriend called officers to say he was in the area despite a previous warning to stay away from the property. He was then transported by police to the Criminal Justice Center.
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Albert Lira, 17, 413 S. Alberta St., was arrested by police on Dec. 26 on warrants charging him with debt card abuse, a state jail felony. Police said the arrest took place at 7:04 p.m. following a traffic stop in the 1600 block of Washington Street, and Lira was then transported to the Pecos Criminal Justice Center.
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Theresa Strain, 23, 1417 W. Fourth St., was arrested by police on Dec. 26 on warrants charging her with debt card abuse, a state jail felony. Police said the arrest took place at 7:04 p.m. following a traffic stop in the 1600 block of Washington Street, and Strain was then transported to the Pecos Criminal Justice Center.
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Mark Renteria, 27, 1200 East Third St., was arrested by police on Dec. 26 on warrants charging him with a motion to surrender principal on possession of a controlled substance. Police said the arrest took place at 7:04 p.m. following a traffic stop in the 1600 block of Washington Street, and Renteria was then transported to the Pecos Criminal Justice Center.
Pecos Enterprise
York M. "Smokey" Briggs, Publisher
324 S. Cedar St., Pecos, TX 79772
Phone 432-445-5475, FAX 432-445-4321
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 2003-04 by Pecos Enterprise
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