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Daily Newspaper and Travel Guide
for Pecos Country of West Texas
Top Stories
Friday, September 14, 2001
EMS, council discuss deal on ambulance hall location
By LEIA HOLLAND
Staff Writer
PECOS, Fri., Sept. 14, 2001 -- Members of the Pecos Ambulance Service attended
the regular meeting of the Town of Pecos City Council last night to
discuss the ownership of land located behind Gibson True Value and
a possible land swap for the EMS to build a new local facility.
During a June meeting the council authorized City Manager Carlos Yerena
to apply for a grant through the state that would allow the city to build
affordable housing. Yerena explained to the council that the city could donate
the land located behind Gibson, on Washington and Johnson streets, for the
construction of the homes.
Since then questions have been raised as to who the land has been promised
to.
The Ambulance Service informed the council last night that the Eisenwein
family had sold the land in question to the city for future use by the Ambulance
Service.
"It was Mr. Eisenwein's intention for the EMS to build a building on that
land," Andy Hannah said.
John Cravey said that he land was donated to the EMS and now the city
is using it for its own project.
Hannah said that if Mr. Eisenwein had known that that was the intention
of the city, he would not have sold the land at such a cheap price.
"If he had known what it would be used for it would have cost you a whole
lot more than $10," he said.
Yerena told the EMS personnel said that the city looked into the records
and the deed to the land belongs to the city. He added that there is a chance
that the city would not receive the grant, which would then free the land
for the EMS.
The ambulance personnel informed the council that they supported the affordable
housing project and did not wish to stop the progress of the grant application
and development of Pecos.
Cravey said that he believes the objective of the city to bring affordable
housing to the area is good and appreciates the city's efforts to develop
the city but he wished the city had not taken the land promised to the EMS
to do it.
"I think it's great," he said. "I just think you should not have taken
our land to do it," he said.
Yerena said that the city had no intentions of upsetting the ambulance
personnel.
"Our intent is not to offend you," he said. "Our intent is to improve
the quality of life for Pecos."
Councilman Frank Sanchez said that he would like to research the matter
further and to look for options of compromise.
Dennis Thorpe, a member of EMS, asked the council if the city would be
able to substitute land in the grant application.
Yerena said that in order to apply for the grant, the city had to give
tentative layouts of utilities and street designs therefore they would not
be able to substitute land.
Thorpe said that he understands that and does not wish for the project
to stop but only for the EMS to be able to have a comparable amount of land
so they would be able to construct an EMS building.
"We're in favor of it (the project)," he said. "We would like to have
been asked before you decided to take the land."
Mayor Ray Ortega said that he and the council are sorry for designating
the land in question for the housing project before realizing what the land
was to be used for. He said that the council is very willing to work with
the EMS to find new land.
"We might have stepped on your toes and we are definitely sorry," he said.
"We want to work with the EMS."
Ortega commended the EMS, as well as all the emergency response personnel,
for their work to help the city of Pecos and said that the EMS is a part
of the city and the council will take care of them.
"You guys have gone beyond the call of duty and that's visible," he said.
"We are not going to leave you guys out in the cold."
City Attorney Scott Johnson recommended to the council that the EMS and
The council would put together a committee that would look for replacement
land and then present it to the council in a future meeting.
The council agreed to look at land to designate for the EMS to construct
a building upon the personnel's approval.
Council members also approved the first reading of an ordinance to adopt
the city budget for the fiscal year of 2001-02.
The council recently met in budget hearings to go over the budget and
the budget they received last night reflected almost all of those decisions
made in the hearings.
Yerena said that the only change to the budget is the addition of $160,000
for the city swimming pool.
Yerena said that the $160,000 would be used to "replace the liner (of
the pool) because that's the major concern that we've had."
Mayor Pro Tem Danny Rodriguez asked Pecos Police Officer Tony Dawdy if
he had any concerns about the budget for the salary of personnel for the
new city detention center.
Dawdy expressed his concerns that once the detention center opens the
police department would lose some officers because they would choose to become
jailers who would be making more.
"You're going to have jailers making more than peace officers," he said.
Dawdy said that officers must go through 10 months of training to get
certified and then once certified they must continue to take classes to keep
the certification up.
"They can't see why jailers would be making more than them," he said.
Dawdy said that he is afraid of losing many good peace officers because
of the salary difference.
Ortega said that the city budget is in the red right now and would not
be able to increase officers' salaries right now, but since the detention
center in not scheduled to open until next year they would be able to take
a look at it again in 2002.
"We have to take this step by step," he said. "We're going to address
it, we just can't address it right now."
The council also re-appointed Pecos Police Chief Clay McKinney to the
Permian Basin Airport Board.
McKinney is the current Pecos representative on the board.
School board given update on CATE building project
By ROSIE FLORES
Staff Writer
PECOS, Fri., Sept. 14, 2001 -- A report on the progress on the CATE building
and a tentative completion date for the next computer facility was
one of the items discussed during the regular Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD
Board meeting held Thursday evening in the board room.
Monte Hunter, with Hunter Corral Associates, was on hand for the regular
meeting and updated the board on the progress of the construction.
"You can see the progress on the CATE Building, it's coming along good,"
said Hunter.
Work in progress is drywall finishing, electrical rough-in, mechanical
ductwork, finishing masonry, trimming metal roof system, ceiling grid system
beginning and installing door frames. Projected completion is early October.
Changes are within project contingency. About $2,833 remains in the contingency
allowance and major changes have been the addition of a security system and
a concrete ribbon around alley parking area.
"Completion date has been set for early October," said Hunter. "The quality
has been good and they have caught up with the work."
"I think it's going really well," he added.
Hunter also updated the group on the repairs at Pecos Kindergarten and
Crockett Middle School. "All repairs have been completed at the kindergarten
except two minor joint repairs and the project was completed within original
budget," said Hunter.
Modifications required from the state inspector at Crockett Middle School
are almost complete, according to Hunter. "Two corrections remain, installing
the proper toilet and replacing damaged ceramic wall tile, are scheduled
for the week of Sept. 17," he said.
All modifications by the contractor will be made without extra expense
to the district, according to Hunter.
Hunter said that carpet replacement at Bessie Haynes Library, high school
field house and the tax office has been completed. "We are waiting on closeout
documents from the contractor to process final payment to the contractor,"
he said.
Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year, Debbie Flores and Region 18 Education Service
Center Elementary Teacher of the Year, Alice Wein were recognized during
the meeting.
Flores and Wein both received certificates of recognition during the event.
In addition, Flores will receive a vest and a $500 grant designated for
a special project at the school, donated by Wal-Mart.
Wein is the Region 18 ESC's recipient of Elementary Teacher of the Year
2002.
Awards will be presented to the recipients on Wednesday, Nov. 14, during
the regular TASA meeting at Region 18 ESC. Southwestern Bell will present
the plaques in the early part of the meeting, which will begin at 10 a.m.
"We're very proud of these two individuals," said PBT-ISD Superintendent
Don Love.
Board members approved the disposal of a 1996 crew cab pickup that is
no longer necessary for the operation of the school district.
"This is property that we feel is no longer of any use to the school district
and we felt it would be best if we just sold it," said Love.
Love said that they could advertise it in the paper and see if someone
is interested in the vehicle. "The vehicle is a diesel with a gooseneck,
which would be ideal for a rancher," said Love.
A bid for vans was awarded local vendor Colt Chevrolet, which was the
only bid received. A bid for buses was awarded to ATC Thomas Buses. Both
had previously been budgeted.
Courthouse bombing memorial dedication planned
PECOS, Fri., Sept. 14, 2001 -- Pecos High School employee Rosie Carrasco
and PHS juvenile officer Hilda Woods are planning a Memorial Dedication in
front of the Lucius D. Bunton Federal Building next week, commemorating the
tragic events that occurred in New York and the Pentagon on Tuesday.
The ceremony will be held for all Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD students, and
the public is invited to attend. It will be held at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Sept.
19.
Everyone is asked to wear red, white and blue throughout that day.
The group is also asking the students to take flowers, cards, balloons
or any token of gratitude and sympathy.
For more information go to the PIP Office at Pecos High School or call
447-7239 and ask for Carrasco or Woods.
Flight re-creation of Earhart's trip on hold for now
PECOS, Fri., Sept. 14, 2001 -- Dr. Carlene Mendieta's re-creation of the
Amelia Earhart's flight has now been postponed until next week.
Mendieta was to have arrived in Pecos on Tuesday, but all flights were
grounded following the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington. Her
flight was grounded in Hobbs, and several rescheduled dates since then also
have been canceled.
Now, Mendieta will be coming in to Pecos sometime next week, at a date
an time to be determined after the lifting of the ban on non-commerical air
flights by the federal government.
Chamber discusses plans for next month's Fall Fair
By ROSIE FLORES
Staff Writer
PECOS, Fri., Sept. 14, 2001 -- Reeves County Fall Fair and the Barbecue Cookoff
were topics of discussion at the regular Pecos Area Chamber of Commerce
meeting held Tuesday at noon.
The group discussed the two events that are coming up the first weekend
in October.
"We just wanted to let everyone know about the cookoff and plans for the
annual fall fair," said chamber of commerce director Tom Rivera.
This year the Reeves County Sheriff's Posse is sponsoring the BBQ Cookoff.
It will consist of country style pork ribs and brisket.
Prizes to be awarded will be for Grand Champion, a silver plate, and the
group must place in both brisket and ribs. First place barbecue brisket will
be $500; 2nd place, $250; 3rd place, $150 and 4
th place, $50.
First place in barbecue pork ribs will be $500; 2nd place,
$250; 3rd place, $150 and 4th place $50.
The cookoff is scheduled for Oct. 5-6, at the Reeves County Sheriff's
Posse Arena, located just south of the Posse Barn. All entrants must be entered
by 5 p.m. on Oct. 5.
For more information contact the chamber of commerce at 445-2406.
Also a trailer mounted barbecue pit will be raffled during the cookoff.
Tickets can be purchased at the chamber office or from any sheriff's posse
member at $5 each.
The group approved a new company to make new city maps. "They'll be coming
in within the next two weeks," said Rivera. "They'll also be contacting individuals
by phone to be sponsors."
Walker Publishing of Fort Worth will be working on the new city maps,
according to Rivera.
Voting reported going slow for school rollback election
PECOS, Fri., Sept. 14, 2001 -- A total of 117 individuals have cast their
ballots during early voting in rollback tax election.
"That is the total for all the eight days that we have been here," said
early voting clerk Nora Briceno.
Early voting is still underway for the tax rollback elections for the
Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD, an election the district is required to have, following
the adoption of the tax rate that will bring in about $2 million in additional
revenues to the school district this year.
The rollback election is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 22, but voters
who would like to take advantage of voting early can do so from 10 a.m. until
7 p.m., at the Community Center, located next door to the Pecos Police Department,
through next Tuesday, Sept. 18.
Increases in oil and gas valuations between 2000 and 2001 is the reason
for the increase in tax revenues, but P-B-T Superintendent Don Love said
under Texas' school funding law, the district will lose that $2 million in
state revenues beginning with the 2002-2003 school year. As a result, Love
asked the P-B-T school board to maintain the current $1.50 per $100 in valuation
tax rate, even though to do so automatically forced this month's rollback
election.
"They are either voting for what the school board has approved as the
tax rate, or they are voting against school board recommendations," said
Love.
Voting for the tax rate set will not mean higher taxes for homeowners,
according to Love. "They will be paying the same in taxes or maybe a little
bit less," he said. "The only ones affected will be the oil companies," he
said.
Bush approves call for 50,000 reservist troops
By SUSANNE M. SCHAFER
Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON - President Bush on Friday gave the Pentagon authority to
call 50,000 reservists to active duty for "homeland defense" and other
missions in response to the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington.
A brief Pentagon announcement said the military services have thus far
identified requirements for 35,500 reservists: 13,000 in the Air Force, 10,000
in the Army, 3,000 in the Navy, 7,500 in the Marine Corps and 2,000 in the
Coast Guard.
No further breakdown was provided.
The Pentagon did not say exactly when the reservists would be put on active
duty.
The reservists will be assigned to the following missions: port operations,
medical support, engineer support, general civil support and homeland defense.
The order signed by Bush authorizes what is known as a partial mobilization
of the nation's military reserves. That means the Pentagon could put as many
as 1 million citizen soldiers on active duty.
"This partial mobilization demonstrates the vital role of reserve forces
in our national military strategy," the Pentagon announcement said.
In all, the United States has 1.3 million people in the reserves.
The last time a partial mobilization of the reserves was authorized by
the president was on Jan. 18, 1991 at the outset of the Gulf War. In that
instance 265,322 members of the National Guard and Reserve were activated.
Bush acted on the recommendation of Donald H. Rumsfeld, who presented
the proposal during a Cabinet meeting at the White House Friday.
Bush had planned to announce the move after the Cabinet meeting, but the
photo opportunity was canceled at the last minute. Two government officials
familiar with the president's plans said he still planned to go forward with
the move.
They stressed that the call-up was not part of a military mobilization
aimed at the terrorists who struck Washington and New York Tuesday. Instead,
Rumsfeld wants the troops, the largest number called up since the 1991 Persian
Gulf War, to support air patrols over New York and Washington and remain
alert elsewhere in the country.
Congress OKs $40 billion for fight against terrorists
By JIM ABRAMS
Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON - The Senate Friday approved $40 billion in emergency aid
to help the victims and hunt down the perpetrators of this week's terrorist
attacks in New York and Washington. It then gave its official consent
for the president to use force against those responsible for the attacks.
The House was also voting on the spending bill, but wouldn't announce
its final tally until after a noon memorial service for the victims of last
Tuesday's attacks.
"This was a bipartisan effort that stretched from one end of the country
to the other, and it's going to help New York tremendously," said Sen. Charles
Schumer, D-N.Y.
The 96-0 Senate vote came just hours before President Bush, accompanied
by a contingent of New York lawmakers, was to visit the site in New York
where two hijacked jets rammed into the World Trade Center towers, destroying
them. Another commandeered airliner was crashed into the Pentagon.
Senators followed with a 98-0 vote on the second measure that authorized
the president to use "necessary and appropriate force" in retaliating against
the terrorist strikes.
The House is expected to vote Saturday on that measure, crafted to show
support for the president while protecting the constitutional role of Congress
in overseeing military actions.
Senate Minority Leader Trent Lott, R-Miss., lauded the rapid-fire work
that brought agreement on both the spending and the separate measure authorizing
use of force.
"These are different times," Lott told colleagues. "And we have got to
act decisively. The American people expect it of us, and they will accept
nothing less."
"It is the down payment on providing the resources necessary to rebuild
this nation," said Rep. David Obey of Wisconsin, top Democrat on the House
Appropriations Committee. The $40 billion package was double what the White
House originally requested from Congress.
The Senate was in an exceptionally somber mood when it approved the spending
measure, with most lawmakers taking the unusual step of sitting at their
desks during the roll call.
House plans to pass the spending bill Thursday night had to be put off
when the White House asked for more control over how and when the money would
be spent. "It was a principled debate about the prerogatives of the branches,"
White House budget chief Mitchell Daniels said shortly after midnight when
the two sides finally shook hands on the package.
The bill provides an immediate $10 billion to be used to respond to the
attacks, counter domestic and international terrorism, increase transportation
security and repair facilities damaged by the facilities.
Another $10 billion would be made available 15 days after the White House
informs Congress of a plan for its use. The remaining $20 billion would be
included in spending bills for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1.
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 instanced we will indicate payment and release.
***
Christopher Hodges, 19, was arrested at 9:04 a.m., on August 29 on East
Highway 80 on two warrants for no driver's license and a warrant for minor
in possession of alcohol.
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Maria Florez, 49, and Margarita Munoz, 24, were arrested at 6:31 p.m.,
on August 30 in the 1700 block of South Alamo Street both for assault under
the Family Violence Act.
***
A male juvenile was arrested at 7:50 p.m., on August 30 in the 1600
block of Missouri Street for possession of marijuana.
***
Rogelio Rangel, 42, was arrested at 6:43 p.m., on September 1 at the
Allsup's on Cedar Street for public intoxication.
***
Epifanio Hernandez, 45, was arrested at 11:18 p.m., on September 1 in
the 2200 block of West `F' Street for Family Violence Act and public intoxication.
***
Donnie Ray Winfrey, 37, was arrested at 1:28 a.m., on September 2 in
the 600 block of East Second Street for aggravated assault-felony two.
***
Eric F. Baeza, 19, was arrested at 9:31 a.m., on September 1 in the
1900 block of Scott Street on a warrant for assault under the Family Violence
Act and failure to adjudicate.
***
Moises Manuel Castillo, 27, was arrested at 1:05 a.m., on September
1 in the 1300 block of East Second Street for DWI refusal.
***
Ramiro Lopez, 23, was arrested at 1:31 p.m., on September 4 in the 300
block of North Walnut Street for assault under the Family Violence Act.
***
Anita U. Lerma, 39, was arrested at 7:18 p.m., on September 6 in the
300 block of West Second Street for public intoxication.
***
Amado Salazar, 50, was arrested at 12:25 a.m., on September 7 in the
600 block of East Second Street for public intoxication.
***
Beverly McGrew, 43, was arrested at 8:43 p.m., on September 9 at Fourth
and Locust Street on a warrant for parole violation.
***
Dante Cerna, 22, was arrested at 7:32 p.m., on September 8 in the 100
block of South Mulberry Street for assault causing bodily injury under the
Family Violence Act.
***
Armondo Rodriguez, 47, was arrested at 10:09 p.m., on September 8 in
the 1400 block of Washington Street for driving while intoxicated.
***
Lauro Villalobos, 29, was arrested at 4:43 a.m., on September 9 at Plum
and Monroe Streets for evading and terroristic threat under the Family Violence
Act.
***
Diane Mendoza, 37, and Genoveva M. Wright, 33, were arrested at 9:29
p.m., on September 7 in the 800 block of East Second Street. Mendoza was
arrested for public intoxication and for a warrant for theft over $50 and
under $500 while Wright was arrested for public intoxication.
***
Senaida M. Mendoza, 26, was arrested at 12:43 a.m., on September 8 in
the 600 block of East Second Street on a warrant for assault causing bodily
injury.
***
Norberto Rodriguez, 18, and Roberto M. Rodriguez, 19, were arrested
at 5:47 a.m., on September 8 in the 700 block of Cedar Street. Norberto
Rodriguez was arrested on a warrant for driving while intoxicated and Roberto
Rodriguez was arrested on a Capias Pro Fine warrant and a warrant for criminal
mischief.
***
Amador Salgado, 35, and Marivel Salgado, 27, were arrested at 5:49 a.m.,
on September 7 at the Pecos Police Department both for Family Violence and
public intoxication.
Weather
PECOS, Fri., Sept. 14, 2001 -- High Thursday 94. Low this morning 66.
Forecast for tonight: Mostly cloudy. Lows in the upper 60s. Southeast
winds 5 to 15 mph. Saturday: Mostly cloudy with a 20 percent chance
of showers and thunderstorms. Highs 85 to 90. Southeast winds 5 to
15 mph. Saturday night: Partly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of showers
and thunderstorms. Lows in the mid 60s. Sunday: Partly cloudy with a
20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs 85 to 90. Monday:
Partly cloudy with a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows
60 to 65. Highs 85 to 90.
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 newsdesk@nwol.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 2001 by Pecos Enterprise
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