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Thursday, Mar. 27, 1997

County hires new housing grant officials


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By ROSIE FLORES
Staff Writer
PECOS, Mar. 27, 1997 - Additional grant administration services and
contract services for housing projects within Reeves County were awarded
at a special commissioners court meeting Wednesday evening.

The meeting was a continuation of a regular meeting by Reeves County
Commissioners, which began Monday evening.

"It's imperative that we make a decision on these agenda item, since we
have a deadline," said County Judge Jimmy B. Galindo, referring to a
letter he received from the Texas Department of Housing and Community
Affairs about the approaching deadline for the biennial Texas Community
Development Program grant competition.

The letter stated that at this time Reeves County has not met the
12-month requirements necessary to apply for these grants. In order for
the community to become eligible, it must meet all the threshold
requirements in the Application Guide.

"We need to have at least 50 percent of the needs obligated in order to
be eligible, that's one of the requirements," said Galindo.

After a lengthy discussion the court opted to contract Carlos
Colinas-Vargas as grant administrator and hire Augustin Hidalgo for the
construction phase of the project.

Hidalgo was approved on a contingency basis.

"I move that we hired Hidalgo on a contingency basis, contingent on
successful negotiations with him," said Precinct 4 Commissioner Bernardo
Martinez.

"You can make that motion tonight and then if he can't handle the job
according to your needs, or not negotiate with him, you can withdraw his
services," said County Auditor Lynn Owens.

Galindo told the court that this was the most important aspect of the
work to be done and that the quality of this work will determine the
success or failure of this project.

Along with Colinas-Vargas, the court received another Request for
Proposals for grant administration services from Municipal Development
Services Inc. of Mesquite.

"They have an excellent reputation also in grant administration," said
Galindo.

Commissioners questioned Colinas-Vargas at length about whether or not
he could save this program, fill out all paperwork on time and be
available for any questions that might arise. They also wanted a total
commitment from Colinas-Vargas and stressed the importance of the
program.

"We really need to do something now to save this program," said Precinct
2 Commissioner W.J. Bang, referring to problems brought to the attention
of county officials earlier this year about work done on homes being
renovated under a TCDP grant.

Colinas-Vargas told the court that he would be in Pecos often and do his
utmost best to meet all the requirements in a timely fashion and to make
sure all other paperwork is in Austin before the deadline.

"Once I have the commitment I'm willing to fulfill it on time," said
Colinas-Vargas.

In order to become eligible, Reeves County must obligate at least 50
percent of the total TCDP funds awarded under the current contract
within 12 months from the contract start date, or prior to the April 25
application deadline.

This means that at least 50 percent of the TCDP funds must be obligated
through contracts for administrative or engineering services,
acquisition, construction, materials purchase, or other contract
activity.

The activities themselves do not have to be 50 percent completed, nor
the funds 50 percent expended; they must, however be obligated through
contracts.

During the regular portion of Wednesday's meeting, commissioners
approved a resolution to allow Madera Valley Water Corporation to submit
their application to the Texas Department of Housing and Community
Affairs.

"This is one of the main reasons we need to move on acquiring grant
administration help and in submitting our paperwork, in order for the
Madera Valley to be able to send in their application," said Galindo.

The application from Madera Valley is to install a 12-mile water line in
the Lindsay Addition, an ongoing project the corporation has been
working on.

In other business, liability insurance for three fire trucks in Toyah
was approved.

"The total approved for the Toyah line-item got reduced in the final
budget, but it was not our intention to do that," said Galindo.

The total was upped to the regular $5,000 instead of $2,500. The funds
will be adjusted from the capital budget miscellaneous line item.

Items tabled included an amendment to the personnel policy and position
descriptions at the Reeves County Detention Center.

City manager pick turns down job

Council backs tax plan, gets comp rebate check


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By PEGGY McCRACKEN
Staff Writer
PECOS, Mar. 27, 1997 - Pecos City Council got an welcome Easter gift
this morning in the form of a check for $6,207 - a rebate on premiums
paid for worker's compensation insurance.

Pecos is one of about 900 Texas cities who have formed a collective
self-insurance fund, said Tom Taylor, Texas Municipal League official.

TML handles the fund for member cities. Taylor said that actuaries look
at the worker's compensation fund every year and determine how much
money is needed to cover obligations that the cities may be liable for.

"Last year for the first time we sent back checks to various members.
They seem to enjoy getting the money," Taylor said. "We enjoy doing it
because we can demonstrate the advantage of being in the pool."

Mayor Dot Stafford thanked Taylor for the check and invited him to
return next month with another one.

Stafford had some bad news to offset the good, however.

Andrew Wayman, who had agreed to come as city manager, has decided to
stay in North Richland Hills. The application review committee met
Wednesday night and will have a recommendation for the council in a
special meeting next Tuesday, she said.

"We were, of course, disappointed, but these things happen," Stafford
said.

The council adopted a resolution of intent to participate in tax
abatement and approved on first reading an ordinance adopting tax
guidelines and criteria.

Council members said they would study the guidelines and criteria and
propose any changes before the ordinance is adopted on second reading
next month.

Dick Alligood presented the guidelines for the task force that developed
them, and recognized private citizens who were appointed by the council:
Leo Hung, Saul Roquemore, Tony Trujillo, Jesse Stephens, David Castillo
and Rudy Martinez.

This is the first tax incentive package to be developed by a committee
of private citizens, Alligood said. "Most are developed by elected
officials."

Bruce Salcido of Anchor West Inc. asked the council to renew the
enterprise zone in which the frozen food plant is located so they can
continue to receive abatement of taxes on capital improvements that have
increased the number of employees to 450, with a projected 750 in the
next three to five years.

City Attorney Scott Johnson said the city must prepare a proposal to
renew the current enterprise zone and send it to the state for approval.

John Wotjkun, who was instrumental in setting up the enterprise zone
along Interstate 20 seven years ago, said it is simply a matter of
renewing it for seven years, with any expansion of territory the council
wants to make.

He suggested extending the zone farther west along I-20 and along Texas
Highway 17.

Johnson said that perhaps Anchor would pay half the cost of applying for
the renewal. He estimated his work plus that of a contractor to help him
would be $2,000 to $4,000.

The council approved a resolution to draw up the renewal application.
Gerald Tellez Jr. noted that the city of Amarillo offered Anchor
millions of dollars to move their operation there.

At the request of Pecos Chamber of Commerce executive director Tom
Rivera, the council renewed a contract for the chamber to spend
hotel-motel bed tax funds, with no changes from previous years.

The funds pay for tourism and advertising promoting the city.

Also at Rivera's request, the council agreed to pay $5,000 toward
operation of the Reeves County Civic Center. That amount was already in
the budget, but finance officer Steve McCormick said the council had
told him not to pay it without their approval.

Rivera said the county also pays $5,000, and utilities alone ran a
little more than $10,000 last year.

A task force is studying long-term needs for the center and whether some
reserved bed tax funds can be used to buy new tables and refurbish the
interior, he said.

Following an executive session to evaluate Municipal Judge Phyllis
Salyer, the council voted to award her a 3 percent salary increase.

Web indicates comet, deaths may be linked


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By ELIZABETH WEISE
AP Cyberspace Writer

Far from being mystical or eccentric, what appears to be the World Wide
Web home page of the quasi-religious group linked to a mass suicide is
as business-oriented as any other Internet company.

However, a second Website that may have been designed by Higher Source
described the group's desire to leave Earth and rendezvous with a
spaceship behind the Hale-Bopp comet.

``The joy is that our Older Member in the Evolutionary Level above human
(the `Kingdom of Heaven') has made it clear to us that Hale-Bopp's
approach is the `marker' we've been waiting for. ... We are happily
prepared to leave `this world' and go with Ti's crew,'' the Heaven's
Gate Website reads.

The site included references to the sieges at Waco, Texas, Ruby Ridge,
Idaho, and at the ancient fortress of Masada, where more than 900 Jewish
zealots committed suicide in A.D. 73 rather than surrender to the
Romans. The Heaven's Gate Website also contains an entry specifically
against suicide.

Nothing on either Website explicitly links them together, but NBC said
the Heaven's Gate page was designed by a Higher Source member.

The Higher Source's Website, an advertisement for the group's computer
services, does not contain any overtly religious material. It features
backgrounds of stars and other galactic imagery - which is common on the
Web.

The group, which was involved in Website design and programming,
occupied a mansion in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., where 39 young men and
women apparently committed suicide. The bodies were discovered
Wednesday.

The Web page says the group ran a sophisticated Website design company
as well as offering programming, systems analysis, and computer security
services.

``We at Higher Source not only cater to customizing Websites that will
enhance your company image, but strive to make your transition into the
`world of cyberspace' a very easy and fascinating experience,'' the site
said.

The site also listed numerous Websites the Higher Source had designed,
mostly for businesses in the San Diego area. They included the San Diego
Polo Club, a parts supplier for British cars, and a film production
company.

The site notes ``The Difference'' of the Higher Source group.

``The individuals at the core of our group have worked closely together
for over 20 years. During those years, each of us has developed a high
degree of skill and know-how through personal discipline and concerted
effort. We try to stay positive in every circumstance and put the good
of a project above any personal concerns or artistic egos. By sustaining
this attitude and conduct, we have achieved a high level of efficiency
and quality in our work. This crew-minded effort, combined with
ingenuity and creativity, have helped us provide advanced solutions at
highly competitive rates.''

The Higher Source Web address is: http://www.highersource.com; Heaven's
Gate address is: http://www.heavensgate.com

Grand jury returns 14 indictments


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By PEGGY McCRACKEN
Staff Writer
PECOS, Mar. 24, 1997 - Crime victims named in 14 indictments handed up
Tuesday by the Reeves County grand jury range from a young child to a
disabled man to the state of Texas.

Randy Raper, 40, is charged with endangering a child under 15 by placing
Travis Raper on the roof of a residence Jan. 25. His bail is $10,000.

Arturo Quezada Saenz, 26, is charged with injury to a disabled
individual, Weldon Brookshire, by hitting him in the head and face with
his hands on Jan. 16. His bail is $15,000.

Gloria Molina was indicted for tampering with government records on May
31, 1995. She allegedly made a false report to a Department of Human
Services worker by failing to report her husband owned a 1994 Pontiac.
The statement was made in order to certify Molina for AFDC benefits.

Her bail was set at $5,000.

Others indicted are:

Carlos Garcia Carillo, 19, burglary of a habitation owned by Dene
Lindsey on Dec. 5, 1996, bail $15,000.

Carlos Garcia Carillo, 19, burglary of a building owned by Ardis Dene
Lindsey on Dec. 5, 1996, bail $10,000.

Miguel Duran Lopez, 43, possession of marijuana, more than five pounds
but less than 50 pounds, on Dec. 23, 1996, bail $15,000.

Angie Jasso, 30, possession of cocaine on Oct. 12, 1996, bail $10,000.

Glenn Ford Cameron, 43, possession of heroin on Jan. 6, bail $10,000.

Glenn Ford Cameron, 43, possession of cocaine on Jan. 6, bail $10,000.

Manuel Melendez Quiroz, 31, possession of cocaine Dec. 3, 1996, bail
$50,000.

Edwin Mark Anthony Brown, 19, burglary of a building owned by Lessie
Woodard on Dec. 2, 1996, bail $20,000, and

Jose Luis Garcia, 33, forgery of $145 check on Rudy M. Abila Aug. 28,
1996, bail $7,500.

Troopers still seek trucker in I-20 death


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By RICK SMITH
Staff Writer
PECOS, Mar. 27, 1997 - Law enforcement officials are continuing to hunt
for a tractor-trailer rig that a witness said was involved in a fatal
hit-and-run accident on Interstate 20 last Friday, Texas Highway Patrol
Sergeant Harvey Stamper said today.
According to reports, David Armando Ramirez, 17, of El Paso, was struck
by an unidentified tractor-trailer as he and his cousin, Daniel Joe
Subia, 18, also of El Paso, walked along the interstate. The accident
occurred about two miles west of Wickett after the car they were
traveling in broke down.
"We are trying to find the vehicle involved but there is no evidence,
such as debris, as to what type of vehicle it was," Stamper said today.
Stamper also said law enforcement officials are looking for the driver
of the vehicle to pursue failure to stop and render aid charges.
Preliminary autopsy results indicate that Ramirez died of a blunt
injury to the back of his head. A complete autopsy is being conducted by
the Lubbock medical examiner and results will not be available for
several weeks, according to reports.
The two El Paso teens were traveling to Midland to visit relatives when
their vehicle stalled at a rest stop between Pyote and Wickett. Subia
told officials that the truck struck Ramirez as the two walked along the
interstate. After Ramirez was hit, Subia said he ran to a business in
Wickett where he called for assistance about 9:15 p.m.
Subia was reported to be very upset and was given a sedative Friday
evening.
Stamper said officers had not been able to interview Subia since the
incident because of family involvement in the funeral for Ramirez.
Funeral services were scheduled for today in El Paso.

Chihuahuan Institute plans

annual plant sale for April


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Gardeners can buy native plants from the Chihuahuan Desert Research
Institute at its annual sale April 26-27 at its visitor center on Texas
Highway 118, just east of Fort Davis.

It is the largest selection available of trees and shrubs native and
adapted to the Chihuahuan Desert region.

Drought resistant and cold tolerant, each species has been chosen for
its superior attributes for home and commercial landscaping in the
semi-arid Southwest.

Grown for the DCRI by the famous Mountain States Nursery in Phoenix,
Ariz., these plants are the result of years of selection and improvement
of desirable traits such as size, foliage and flower color. Only the
best are being offered.

Also available are large numbers of native and exotic cacti, succulents
and dish gardens. The new gift shop has a wide range of publications,
hummingbird feeders, arts and crafts, unusual gift items and more.

Visitors should be sure to ask staff members and volunteers for
information about planting and caring for your plants.

CDRI members are invited to a pre-sale from 6-8 p.m. April 25.
Memberships will be available for purchase.

Free seminars in area cities preceding the sale on "The Latest in
Landscaping with Native Plants" provide information on how to choose
plants, how to care for them and the latest thoughts on planning your
landscape, drip systems and water conservation.

Dates are April 5, Rooney Park's Large Community Hall, Fort Stockton;
April 12, Kokernot Lodge, Alpine; and April 19, Chihuahuan Desert
Visitor Center, Fort Davis.

All seminars begin at 9:30 a.m. and conclude at 12:30 p.m.

Selena's family funds students' trip

to see movie about slain Tejano star


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By ROSIE FLORES
Staff Writer
PECOS, Mar. 27, 1997 - Young fans of slain Tejano star Selena will
receive a special treat in a couple of weeks when they travel from Pecos
to Midland to see the movie depicting her life.

Crockett Middle School students and faculty will be attending the
premiere of her movie on Wednesday, April 9, at the Hollywood Theater in
Midland, thanks to the efforts of a reading teacher at the school and a
$5,000 donation from the foundation run by Selena's parents, Abraham and
Marcella Quintanilla.

"I got the idea from my students, after I asked them what really
interested them and what they would like to read about," said teacher
Lezlie Olibas.

"I wanted to give them the opportunity to read, study, learn and
experience any topic of their liking, and they chose their role-model,
Selena," said Olibas.

She said she received an overwhelming response from her students that
they would like to study and read more about Selena, the young Tejano
star who was killed two years ago in Corpus Christi.

"This led to a discussion on the type of literature available on her and
what else we could do to learn more about her life," said Olibas. "Being
that I am advocate of cultural awareness, I was extremely pleased.

"I immediately consulted my campus administrator, he thought it was an
excellent idea for students to pursue their interest and raise funds to
purchase books for their studies," said Olibas.

"The idea and enthusiasm snowballed and soon the entire student body
wanted the opportunity to take part and participate, the other reading
teachers contacted me and wanted it to be a school-wide study," she
added.

Olibas stated that she had never seen such enthusiasm and fervor in her
students.

"My students began planning and brainstorming curriculum and devising
different ways to explore the various aspects of this educational
experience," said Olibas.

"During this planning process, the idea of actually viewing the motion
picture developed, and since the closest theater is 90 miles away from
where we live, this was going to be a challenging task," said Olibas.

The class decided to read all the material available on her and then
inquired about seeing the movie about her life, which began playing in
the Midland-Odessa area last Friday.

Olibas said the class would try to raise the funds themselves to travel
to Odessa or Midland to view the movie. She also spoke to
Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD Superintendent Mario Sotelo, and while he
approved the trip itself, stated that school funds were unavailable.

"We are going to incorporate this into our curriculum," said Olibas.

What happened next is what totally shocked Olibas.

"I spoke to my parents about maybe calling the Quintanilla family and
finding a way to go, or maybe getting some literature or something from
them, and they said `go ahead, what's the worst that could happen?'"
said Olibas.

Olibas decided make the phone call.

"I called the office, explained my situation and about the students
wanting to read her book," said Olibas.

She said a person the office told her not to read the books published
about Selena since her death, because they were totally untrue and
unauthorized.

"I talked to Lee Garza, who is (Abraham) Quintanilla's right hand person
and he told me to fax him a letter, which I immediately did," said
Olibas.

According to Olibas, Garza told her the Selena Foundation was very
interested in helping us out and that the family would be honored to
have their daughter remembered this way.

"I faxed the letter and got a phone call from him on Monday, he told me
Abraham and Marcella Quintanilla, Selena's parents had read the letter
and were interested in funding our trip to see the movie," said Olibas.

She then received another call from Bert Quintanilla, Marketing Director
for the Selena Foundation. He said the foundation would like to fund the
trip and maybe get together some T-shirts, buttons and literature for
the students.

The foundation would provide enough funds for the meals, tickets for the
movie and try to have a family member speak to the students, Olibas was
told.

The Selena Foundation will reserve two screens at the Hollywood Theater
in Midland and total cost for the trip has been estimated to be about
$5,000. The students will travel in P-B-T ISD school buses. About 331
people will be traveling to Midland on that particular Wednesday.

The group plans to leave Pecos at 8 a.m. and return in the afternoon.

"If for any reason we are late, we will contact the school and let all
parents know," said Olibas.

"I want to stress that this is a learning experience and will be part of
our curriculum," said Olibas.

"The entire school is very excited about everything," said Olibas.

"I think this is a very good thing for the students, we need to
appreciate and recognize her efforts, not only as a Hispanic, but as a
woman and a role model," said Olibas.

Selena spoke to children often on the dangers of drugs, staying in
school and doing their best, and this will be a big part of the
curriculum, according to Olibas.

"We need to recognize that she was a successful woman, she stressed
values and morals, which makes it good for the children to see and
observe," said Olibas.

"I'm totally for this trip," said Sotelo, who plans to accompany the
group to Midland.

"This is not only a fun trip, but a big part of a learning experience,"
said Sotelo. "The students will be implementing this into their
curriculum and will learn more from the trip itself," he said.

"I think it's really awesome," he added.

"This is something real to the students, somebody they can identify
with," said Olibas.

OBITUARIES


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Viola Howrey

Services for Viola Howrey, who died Tuesday, March 25 are scheduled for
Friday at the Coronado Christian Church in El Paso at 11:45 a.m. MST,
with pastor Dr. James Jauncey officiating.

Burial will be in the Ft. Bliss National Cemetery at 1 p.m.

She was preceded in death by her husband, E.E. Howrey.

She grew up in the Barstow-Pecos community, later moved to El Paso and
worked at the company her husband established for many years. Howrey was
a member of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority and a member of the Coronado
Christian Church.

Survivors include two daughters, Mary Ann Howrey Skipworth and Norma
Howrey Hunt and four grandchildren.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be
made to the El Paso Rehabilitation Center, 1101 E. Shuster Ave., El
Paso, Tx. 79902, or to the El Paso Humane Society, 325 Shelter Place, El
Paso, Tx. 79905.

Carlos Sanchez

Carlos Sanchez, 85, died Tuesday, March 25 at Odessa Medical Center
Hospital.

A rosary will be held today at 7 p.m. at the church in Saragosa. Mass is
scheduled for Friday at 2 p.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church
in Saragosa with burial in Saragosa Cemetery.

He was born Aug. 6, 1912 in Saragosa, was a lifetime resident and a
Catholic.

Survivors include his wife, Rebecca Sanchez of Balmorhea; one son,
Carlos Sanchez, Jr. of Balmorhea; two daughters, Lupe Morales and Lydia
Olivas of Dexter, N.M.; one sister, Paz Ybarra of San Angelo; 12
grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Martinez Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

WEATHER


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PECOS, Mar. 27, 1997 - High Thursday 53, low last night 38. Rainfall .08
inch. March rainfall .10 inch. Year-to-date 1.55 inches. Tonight, mostly
clear. Low 45-50. West to northwest wind 10-20 mph and gusty. Friday,
sunny. High 75-80. North to northeast wind 10-15 mph.

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