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Daily Newspaper and Travel Guide
for Pecos Country of West Texas
Top Stories
Wednesday, February 7, 2001
Home warmly welcomes latest donations
By ROSIE FLORES
Staff Writer
PECOS, February 7, 2001 - Transients and people traveling through Pecos
who need a place to stay and are short on funds will be a lot warmer this
winter thanks to a local church group.
The Women's Relief Society from the Church of Christ of Latter Day Saints
donated homemade quilts to the Pecos Christian Home, 1201 S. Elm St.
"We were asked by some of our leaders if we couldn't make quilts for
the needy and we decided this would be a good place to bring them," said
church member Millie Henry.
All the quilts are homemade and come in different sizes and patterns.
The quilts range from baby quilts to full-size ones. "We make them with
blankets inside of them, because we find that by layering them this way,
they are really extra warm," said Henry.
The quilts are made with a lot of love and care, according to Henry.
"We know these will go to people that really need them, especially if they
have children," she said.
"They won't stay here long," said Christian Home Director Bruce Dury.
The church group plans to work on other community-oriented programs
and to make more quilts this summer in preparation for next winter.
This has been a busy time for the past few months Dury said, starting
back in November when the home began getting everything together for the
holidays and the winter months.
"Thanks in large part to all the wonderful volunteer to help we had
for Thanksgiving, we were able to provide a record total number of meals
to everybody that came to eat," said Dury.
The home provides meals to those who don't have anywhere to go during
the holidays.
They provided a record 474 meals on Thanksgiving, while a total of 351
meals were served during the Christmas holiday.
During the Christmas meal they were able to provide every child that
came by with at least one toy because someone had been gracious enough
to donate several boxes of them to be given out. "It was a lot of fun seeing
those little kids sitting on Santa's lap to have their pictures taken,"
said Dury.
"During the normal course of our work of providing assistance, we generally
see around 15-20 people average for any given month, and up until the last
months, this has been the case," said Dury.
During this last quarter, the Christian Home had approximately twice
the normal amount of traffic coming through here, and a large part of this
was due to the bad weather going on all around the country, according to
Dury.
During the past three months, the home has provided assistance for lodging
for 99 single men, three single women, one couple with children and two
couples with a total of two children.
They fed a total of 220 meals, provided showers for 110 people, and
changes of clothing for 75 people.
They had a total of 110 people attend evening Bible studies, and further
witnessed and counseled with 100 of those. "We also provided gasoline assistance
for 18 families and 18 single men," said Dury.
While the cold weather has been hard on those served by the Christian
Home, it's also had its effect on the home itself. "Like everybody else
in town, we got a real shock when we got our gas bill this month," said
Dury.
Along with that added cost, the home also had to replace the transmission
in their van, and had numerous other "unexpected" expenses. Since the home
is a not-for-profit organization, it relies some on community support to
keep it going. "Anything, anybody can do to help us will be greatly appreciated,"
said Dury. "We do want to thank everyone for their support."
If anybody would like to help the group they can contact Dury at 445-2049
or go to the home located on Elm Street.
Council, Galindo to discuss landscaping project for area
By LEIA HOLLAND
Staff Writer
PECOS, February 7, 2001 - Reeves County Judge Jimmy Galindo is scheduled
to meet with the Town of Pecos City Council members to consider a request
for assistance on the landscape development project for Pecos, during the
council's regular meeting at 7:30 a.m., on Thursday morning in City Hall.
The county has been working on numerous landscaping projects including
creation of a hike and bike trail, and will include planting trees being
cultivated at the Reeves County Detention Center. Galindo sent a letter
to the Council explaining the county's request.
In his letter Galindo said that the county has been working on the landscaping
projects for many years, and in cooperation with the Texas Department of
Transportation have begun developing the master plan of the major right-of-ways
in the community.
"The first phase of this development will entail the planting of 250
trees in-and-around the intersection of U.S. 285 and Interstate 20," Galindo's
letter said.
He said county is requesting the assistance from the city to consider
the development of two water taps in that area to help with the watering
of the trees.
The Council is also scheduled to consider a contract with F.I.R.E. Inc.,
a billing and cost recovery service.
If the Council approves the contract it would allow F.I.R.E. Inc., to
bill for services that the fire department has provided to a person or
entity within the department's jurisdiction.
The Council will also consider the ordinance of the city's building,
electrical and plumbing codes to be extended to include the city's extraterritorial
jurisdiction.
Other items on the agenda include discussion of appointments to the
Pecos Economic Development Corporation, consideration of an annexation
policy and approving the minutes of the previous Council meeting on January
25.
Students offer scientific facts in Fair exhibits
By LEIA HOLLAND
Staff Writer
PECOS, February 7, 2001 - Students at Bessie Haynes Elementary spent
the morning, today, explaining science projects they created during the
Bessie Haynes Science Fair.
Fifth grade students from Bessie Haynes submitted 119 projects to the
fair in separate categories including chemistry, life science, physics,
behavioral/social sciences, earth and space science and environmental science.
Bessie Haynes teacher Socorro Mason said that the students are encouraged
to enter the fair as part of the science class curriculum.
"It's a really good learning experience for the kids," said Mason, who
is in charge of this year's Science Fair along with fellow teacher Raynell
Wein.
Mason said the students decided on a topic and area of interest and
then were asked what kind of questions they would have about that topic.
According to a press release prepared by the school, the students use
scientific inquiry or the scientific method for both asking and answering
questions about nature.
"Students make observations, ask questions, make a hypothesis, plan
and do a test, record and analyze their results, and draw conclusions,"
it said.
"The kids that place here will go to the regional science fair in Odessa,"
Mason said. The fair, set for Saturday, March 24 at UT-Permian Basin, will
be for the top three winners in each category.
Bessie Haynes has been holding a science fair each year for the past
five or six years, according to Mason, and will continue being a part of
the science curriculum in the future.
Members of the community, Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD teachers and students
from Barbara Scown's high school science classes make up the list of judges
who view these projects.
"We try to get a combination of people to help judge," Mason said.
The judges are asked to view and rate the projects as well as give some
helpful comments to the student's work.
Mason said that the scores would be tabulated later today and should
be announced during an assembly this afternoon.
PD asks to show special program for HS students
PECOS, February 7, 2001 - A request by the Pecos Police Department to present,
"Shattered Dreams," a program for Pecos High School students, will be discussed
and approved at the regular meeting of the Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD Board
meeting on Thursday.
The group will meet in the board room, 1304 S. Park St. beginning at
6 p.m., and the public is invited to attend.
Board members will listen to a report on Pecos High School roofing and
discuss/approve split payment for taxes.
Under correspondence, board members will review letters from the U.S.
Department of Commerce-U.S. Census Bureau; a donation from the Pecos Eagle
Athletic Booster Club; a letter from Texas Association of School Boards:
School Board Candidate Workshop; letter from Texas Education Agency: Selection
of Districts and Charter Schools for On-Site District Effectiveness and
Compliance Monitoring and Initial ON-Site Charter School Visits, 2000-2001
School year and a $600 grant from Texas Fine Arts Commission.
Under new business, the group will discuss and approve: ordering school
trustee election for May 5 and appoint early voting clerk for the election;
selection of election judges, alternate judges, early voting ballot board
judge and alternate and central counting officials and the election calendar.
The board will also:
- Review purchase of foreclosed property: 605 S. Plum, 1101 S. Locust,
2025 S. Eddy, 616 Ross Blvd, 313 S. Oak, 1407 S. Cypress, Abstract 1831
Block 49-8, Sec. 10 TNP 495 acres Reeves County;
- Discuss preliminary planning for a CATE building and authorize architect
to go forward with design documents on CATE building;
- Budget calendar;
- Discuss/approve 2000-2001 budget amendments;
- Bus bids;
- CATE pickup proposals;
- Action on Take Our Daughters to Work Day;
- Second reading and discuss/approve amendment to Policy DEC (Local);
and discuss 2000-2001 school calendar.
Board members could meet in closed session to discuss personnel or hear
complaints against personnel and for private consultation with the board's
attorney.
Under regular agenda items the group will discuss and approve:
- Professional personnel: appointments, resignations, reassignments,
change of contract.
- Adding personnel to Teacher Appraiser List.
- Tax report.
- Depository securities report.
- Cafeteria report and commodities received.
- Current bills and financial report.
- Investment transactions report.
- Reconciled bank statement report.
- Reeves County Community Recreation Department Report.
- Time and date for next meeting.
- Calendar of events.
- Request for items for next agenda.
Reynolds, McKinney among winners of awards at banquet
By ROSIE FLORES
Staff Writer
PECOS, February 7, 2001 - A young "artist" and frequent volunteer for
various projects was the recipient of the Student of the Year Award presented
by the Pecos Area Chamber of Commerce during their annual banquet last
Saturday at the Reeves County Civic Center.
Randall Reynolds accepted the noteworthy award graciously and said,
"I hope I live up to this award. I feel very lucky to have received it
and thank you."
Reynolds said, "As I have matured in my young life, I have concentrated
on focusing my abilities on things which I feel will prepare me for the
real world. One of the activities that I use in order to better myself
is art."
"It is something I have loved since the age of three, and I have been
improving my talent ever since," said Reynolds. "Perhaps my greatest achievement
in art is last year's contest win."
Microsoft held an international contest to design a logo for their web
site in September 1999. Reynolds worked on an entry and sent it in to the
company and his logo was picked as the winner and used on the Microsoft
web site. "It was thrilling to see my design on the Internet," said Reynolds.
"When I am not drawing or creating designs with my computer, I enjoy
lending a helping hand in the community," said Reynolds. "In the seventh
grade I joined the Pecos Youth Advisory Commission, and I have been a member
ever since."
The Pecos Youth Advisory Commission is a group of 21 teenagers selected
by the Town of Pecos City Council to help make Pecos a better place in
which to live.
"We enjoy serving our neighbors by holding clothing drives, adopting
blocks and highways, and holding fun events for the young people of Pecos,"
said Reynolds.
Every Thanksgiving and Christmas the group delivers turkeys and desserts
to needy families in the community and Reynolds has held officers in the
commission including treasurer and secretary.
In addition to his commitment to the community, he juggles schoolwork
with his position as Co-Captain of the Pecos Eagle Swim Team.
Last year the boys team placed fifth at state and this year they repeated
as district champions. He was part of the relay that set a new district
record two weeks ago in Big Spring.
"I have set high standards for myself that will never change, no matter
where I go or what trials I face," said Reynolds.
Among his many accomplishments and volunteerism include other work with
the commsission, such as clothing drives to give to the needy and to the
Christian Home, , participation in the Adopt-A-Block and Toys for Tots
annual progrmas; in the cancer walks such as Relay for Life; helped repaint
the gazebo at Maxey Park with the Youth Advisory Commission in 1997; goes
Christmas Caroling with the Latin Club where they carol in Latin; caroling
at the nursing home with his church group and every summer he teaches swimming
lessons through the American Red Cross as a Water Safety Instructor.
Reynolds participated in highway and local cleanups with the Pecos Youth
Advisory Commission; at least once a year, youth advisory holds a dance
to keep kids off the streets and out of trouble and he helped plan and
run the dances; helped the youth advisory commission plant trees in the
community; during his eighth grade year, he volunteered three hours a week
at the West of the Pecos Museum, moving boxes and cleaning; was an online
Technical Support Volunteer at NoWonder.com from July 1998 to May 2000,
where he answered questions and helped users solve problems; volunteers
online as a GeoCities.com Community Leader from September 1998 to March
1999, helping people make web pages and coordinated projects and events
for online "community."
Reynolds designed a web page for his church and makes web graphics and
logos free of charge for people on the Internet. They use these graphics
on their web pages and for the past four years, he has drawn the cover
of the calendar put out by the Pecos Soil and Water Conservation District.
He has also drawn the cover for the Golden Girl/Little Miss Cantaloupe
Pageant program.
When he's not busy with his many school activities, Reynolds enjoys
helping adults in the community learn how to use their computers. "I also
enjoy helping friends and teachers," he said.
He is a certified Lifeguard and certified in CPR, is a certified Water
Safety Instructor, which allows him to teach Red Cross swimming lessons.
Other nominees for the coveted award were: John Cole "Jack" Armstrong,
Jr., Grant Holland, Nicole Payne and JoAnn Wein.
All the nominees are active students in Pecos High School involved in
various extra-curricular activities and all have received numerous awards.
Also receiving an award at last Saturday's banquet was Pecos Police
Chief Clay McKinney, who was pleasantly surprised to be named Law Enforcement
Officer of the Year.
Town of Pecos City Mayor Ray Ortega, along with Pecos Police Investigator
Paul Deishler presented the award to McKinney during Saturday evening's
event.
"Something a lot of people don't know about this man, is that he has
a heart of gold," said Deishler.
Deishler told the group assembled that he had grown up with McKinney
and watched him rise from police officer to being his boss.
"He has created several programs that will help make Pecos a better
place to live," said Deishler. "He makes time to listen and is dedicated
to winning the war on drugs, we haven't won yet, but we've made a good
dent in them."
McKinney said that he once read something that said that you have to
take a chance or to be given one. "And this community has given me that,"
he said.
"Thank you and I want to give this community my best," he said.
Obituary
Maria Contreras
Services for Maria Quinonez Contreras, 76, who died Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2001,
in El Paso are incomplete.
Martinez Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Weather
PECOS, February 7, 2001 - High Tuesday 80. Low this morning 41. Forecast
for tonight: Increasing clouds. Low around 45. South wind 10 to 20 mph.
Thursday: Mostly cloudy and windy. A slight chance of showers. High near
60. Southwest wind 20 to 30 mph and gusty. The chance of rain is 20 percent.
Thursday night: Mostly cloudy. Low 30 to 35. Friday: Partly cloudy. High
55 to 60. Saturday: Clear. Low 25 to 30. High near 60.
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 2000 by Pecos Enterprise
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