TOP STORIES

November 21, 1997

Upgrade on 911 almost complete

By GREG HARMAN
Staff Writer

PECOS, November 21, 1997 - Reeves County 911 addressing efforts may be finishing up within the next month, said County Judge Jimmy Galindo, thanks to the cooperative efforts of city and county officials.

The county project to assign addresses to all roads and structures in the area came near to exhausting its $36,000 state-issued funds recently. As a result, Reeves County was granted access to the Town of Pecos City funds by the Permain Basin Planning Commission to continue the project. The city was provided $30,000 for the current fiscal year, but required only a small portion of the money to pay for the remaining data entry, said Galindo.

The Permian Basin Planning Commission pursued and secured grant money for installing a state-of-the-art dispatch center at the Pecos Police Department. The rest of the funds to operate the 911 emergency system are provided by a surcharge on all monthly telephone bills.

The updated 911 system will enable dispatch officers to access exact street addresses by computer, complete with a map of the surrounding area. Emergency calls may also be transferred directly to other emergency personnel.

The county has almost completed placing street signs and assigning physical addresses in Toyah. Pecos Police Chief Troy Moore said the signs, once in place, "are gonna save a whole lot of lives."

Moore said that dispatch personnel are all bilingual, because "when people call 911 they need help, not a translator."

Galindo said that there is also hope for an inter-local agreement, in which the Town of Pecos City would take over all dispatch calls and the county would cease to charge for incarceration of prisoners. "It's all moving in a good direction," Galindo said, "but should have been done a long time ago."

The county/city incarceration agreement, since the city has no jail, has been costing the city about $15,000 a year, said Galindo.

Early detection needed to stem gang activity

By CARA ALLIGOOD
Staff Writer

PECOS, November 21, 1997 - Gang activity may increase in Pecos if measures are not taken to halt its growth now, according to local juvenile officials. To prevent a community-wide problem with gangs, individual parents must detect potential gang-related problems early in their children's lives.

Reeves County Juvenile Probation Officer Alberto Alvarez spoke about local gang activity to parents at Bessie Haynes Elementary Tuesday. Alvarez's presentation was part of the Practical Parenting Education seminars held each month in the Pecos-Barstow-Toyah school district. "We try to have them on the third Tuesday of the month," said Pecos High School Guidance Counselor Pat Cobos.

Cobos said that the seminars are usually given by guidance counselors, but they sometimes have guest speakers. The seminars are open to parents of children enrolled in Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD schools.

Alvarez was invited to speak at Tuesday's seminar because of his experience with youth and gangs. He worked in gang intervention before coming to Pecos and is currently Vice President of the PBT ISD school board.

"There are clear indications that it (gang activity) is coming," said Alvarez.

When Alvarez asked the 15 or so parents present if they believed there was a gang problem in Pecos, one man said that the problem wasn't as bad as it was when he was growing up, and that now those contributing to the problem were all talk and wannabes.

Alvarez replied, "If you have wannabes and they continue to be wannabes, sooner or later they're gonnabes."

There are clear signs that a child is becoming involved in gang activity, Alvarez said.

Abrupt changes in attitude, such as rebelliousness and being defiant in the home, are indicators that a child may be involved in a gang, he said.

Changes in attire and appearance may also point to a child's gang interaction.

"Fashion is questionable, but when you see a dramatic change, that's a clear indicator," Alvarez said.

Other indicators Alvarez said a parent should be aware of are: wearing bandanas around the head, carrying fashion to an extreme, such as refusing to dress up for a church activity, wearing one color all the time, and tattoos. Also, girls may change the type of make-up they wear in addition to changing their style of clothing.

Alvarez said that youth involved in gangs often prefer to be called by a nickname instead of their own name.

Also, the friends that the youngster hangs around are likely to change. "Parents can detect peer association, especially in small communities," said Alvarez. "Parents have a responsibility to know who their children are hanging out with and what they're doing."

A parent should also be aware of the type of music and television programs their children prefer to watch, and be concerned when their child's preferred entertainment is often based on gang or action/violence themes, Alvarez said.

Spending less time at home is also a warning sign, he said.

"One clear indicator is when you see markings on notebooks and book covers," Alvarez said. If a parent sees symbols on a child's notebook and doesn't know what that symbol means, they need to ask their child and school or law enforcement authorities about it.

While some of these signs are normal parts of the teenage experience, they may indicate areas of concern if they become constant behaviors.

Alvarez said that if a parent is concerned that their child is becoming involved with a gang, they should first sit down and evaluate the situation. They can contact local mental health resources at the old hospital building on Daggett Street, school counselors, or the Stay Together program.

Stay Together is the at-risk youth prevention program of High Sky Children's Ranch, and may be contacted toll-free at 1-800-922-1466.

"We do not have magic wands in this facility," Alvarez said about the Juvenile Detention Center.

"For the most part, families will contact us or be referred to us. We won't turn anyone away, but this isn't really our function. Our primary duty is to supervise youth who have already been found guilty of a crime," said Alvarez.

Alvarez also pointed out that most children who are at risk of gang involvement begin showing the signs at an early age, sometimes as early as six years of age.

"We don't have any local source of early childhood intervention, and the juvenile justice system doesn't intervene until a child is 10 years of age," Alvarez said.

Alvarez believes that the best way for a parent to prevent their children from being attracted to gang life is to be involved and in charge early in their child's life.

"I believe a child's character and conduct are determined within the first five years of life," Alvarez said.

Seminar addresses diabetes

By ROSIE FLORES
Staff Writer

PECOS, November 21, 1997 - Community members and interested individuals will have an opportunity to gain more knowledge on diabetes and enjoy themselves at the same time. And all for free.

Reeves County Hospital Home Health, in conjunction with Reeves County Hospital, will be sponsoring a Diabetic Workshop on Monday, Nov. 24, from 6-9 p.m. at the hospital.

"We will have it in the lobby if we get a big enough crowd, otherwise, it will take place in the hospital classroom," said Tojia Criss, RN, Director of Home Health.

Criss stated that the event will not only be informational, but will be a pleasant experience, with a variety of activities.

"We're very excited and hope to attract a lot of individuals, because we will have tons of information," said Criss.

The event is being held to celebrate National Diabetic Month and in conjunction with National Home Health Month, both events happening in November.

Christine Little, of Midland, will be a guest speaker, and will tell the group about general diabetic issues.

"Her specialty is diabetic nutrition, which will be the main thing she discusses," said Criss.

John Libbie, Pecos podiatrist, will have a presentation on diabetic foot care, and will also have a slide presentation.

A display, provided by La Tienda, will feature foods available in Pecos, for those who are diabetic and would like to watch their diet.

"We want people to know that there are foods available here in Pecos, that are right for their diet needs," said Criss.

Door prizes will be given out and refreshments provided during the workshop.

"This is open to anybody, and since it's free we are encouraging everyone to come and join us," said Criss. "This is not just for those who have diabetes, but also for those who would like to know more about the disease," she said.

Criss stated that those who attend will have an opportunity to get their blood sugar tested.

Literature on all phases of diabetic care will be available including diabetic medication, lifestyle changes and exercise.

"We want to invite everyone to come to this very important workshop," said Criss.

State to seize pickups, money

By PEGGY McCRACKEN
Staff Writer

PECOS, November 21, 1997 - District Attorney Randy Reynolds has filed notice of seizure and intent to forfeit cash and two pickups seized Oct. 30 by Reeves County Sheriff's Deputy Clay McKinney.

McKinney filed affidavits claiming the pickups and cash were used in, or proceeds of, drug trafficking.

Carole J. Cone, of Midland, was notified of the seizure of $1,970 in cash and a 1991 GMC pickup.

Aaaron Jay Howell of Stanton is the registered owner of a 1982 Chevrolet pickup being seized.

Antonio Villarreal Suchil of Midland had $1,800 in his possession at the time of the seizure.

Reynolds asked Judge Bob Parks to forfeit the property under state health and safety statutes.

FEMA money for '98 coming to Reeves

By GREG HARMAN
Staff Writer

PECOS, November 21, 1997 - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced this month that $100 million in federal funds had been made available to help fight hunger and shelter the homeless during the fiscal year of 1998.

"These funds continue to reach hundreds of thousands of people who seek food and assistance across the country. We make this money available through more than 10,000 nonprofit and local government agencies in every state," FEMA Director James Lee Witt said. "The funding supplements local efforts to prevent homelessness and hunger in their communities." Signaled out because of high unemployment and poverty rates, Reeves County is to recieve $10,355 for 1998. Chairman of the local FEMA chapter Bruce Dury said that a meeting is pending to decide how to allocate the funds.

Madrid files treasurer designation

PECOS, November 21, 1997 - Joel Madrid will be his own treasurer in his campaign to keep his seat as Precinct 3 Justice of the Peace.

This is a position that Madrid has held for the past term.

"I would like to continue serving the public," said Madrid.

Madrid stated that several individuals had approached him about running again for the office he presently holds because they felt comfortable with him and appreciated all the help he has given them.

"They told me they liked how I've been handling the problems that arise," said Madrid.

Madrid currently holds an associate and a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and hopes to continue his education.

"I think education is a must, it's very important," said Madrid.

Madrid stated that he plans to continue educating himself about the issues and law, since they are continually changing.

"People, and myself included, feel that education is the number one thing a person must hold in the field he represents," said Madrid.

Madrid has also attended several seminars for Justice of the Peace.

"I try to help people not only in my precinct, but everyone, who requests information or help," he said.

Madrid stated that he considers himself an impartial and fair person and always tries to do his best when helping people.

Harpham throws hat in for JP2

PECOS, November 21, 1997 - Wesley "Wes" Harpham filed yesterday to be his own campaign treasurer in his planned bid to seek the Pricinct 2 Justice of the Peace seat in the March 10 local election.

Harpham and his wife of 51 years, Lena, have been Pecos residents for more than 20 years. For 10 of those years he was a Town of Pecos City employee.

Harpham has had more than 20 years of law enforcement experience that he says not only qualifies him for the justice of the peace position but also supplies motivation for him to seek the office.

"When you have that much law enforcement experience it makes you want to stay in it," he said. "And with that kind of background I feel I can do a good job as justice of the peace."

Harpham said his main reason for seeking the Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace position is to, "See that the laws are enforced."

AREA ROUND-UP

November 21, 1997

The Fort Stockton Pioneer

FORT STOCKTON, Nov. 20, 1997 - Two local law enforcement officers suffered minor injuries after being assaulted by a Pecos County man Tuesday evening. Pecos County Sheriff's Deputy Larry Jackson and Fort Stockton Police Sergeant Billy Jackson were treated for minor injuries they suffered while answering a disturbance call. The suspect, Adolfo Burgess, 57, was transported to Big Spring early Wednesday morning for psychological evaluation. Charges are pending the outcome of that evaluation.

The Big Bend Sentinel

MARFA, Nov. 20, 1997 - The last time the Marfa Border Patrol Sector and the U.S. military worked together in Presidio County, an innocent young man was shot and killed. A situation that led to the homicide won't occur this time, when the military returns early next year to improve two dirt roads in remote south county, Sector Chief Patrol Agent Simon Garza Jr. said. None of the troops will be armed, and the two missions are entirely different, he said.

The Alpine Avalanche

ALPINE, Nov. 20, 1997 - New state legislation has added one job to the roster of city employees. At its Nov. 12 meeting the Alpine City Council created the position of Environmental Specialist. This position was because of the need for water wells history including, levels, aquifer and numerous other statistics called for in the state water bill.

The International, Presidio Paper

PRESIDIO, Nov. 20, 1997 - It's going to be a huge weekend in Presidio, where the people are as warm as the weather. The celebrating begins the first Sunday after Thanksgiving when Advent, and Santa Teresa de Jesus Catholic Church will be holding its annual party to decorate the church. On Friday, Dec. 12, Santa Teresa will hold its dedication of the Vision of Guadalupe.

The Sanderson Times

SANDERSON, Nov. 20, 1997 - Sanderson had .30-inches of moisture on the gauge Thursday morning last week and .03-inch of moisture in the official gauge Saturday morning last week. Total rainfall for the year in Sanderson to date is 14.95 inches.

The Monahans News

MONAHANS, Nov. 20, 1997 - Two young children were admitted to Ward Memorial Hospital in Monahans, Wednesday, Nov. 19, as an outbreak of upper respiratory illness spreads across Ward County, the hospital's deputy administrator, Peggy Vestal, reports. Vestal says the illness seems to have targeted younger children but it also has struck the general population. Although the ailment does not appear to be life threatening, it is widespread and serious enough to warrant hospitalization in at least the cases noted.

Commissioners move on RCDC expansion

PECOS, November 21, 1997 - Reeves County Detention Center dayroom addition financing and a general contractor notice to proceed will be topics of discussion at 9:30 a.m. in Monday's regular Reeves County Commissioners court meeting on the third floor of the courthouse.

Commissioners will also discuss water wells for Balmorhea and Saragosa cemeteries; an agreement between Reeves County and the Reeves County Community Council and an agreement between the county and West Texas Opportunities, Inc.

The court will consider naming 4-H barns in honor of Wynn Hamilton and Harold Collier and discuss a resolution for the establishment of a regional water planning group.

In other business, commissioners will discuss the Americans with Disability Act Self Evaluation.

The group will also:

* Discuss/take action on the RCDC building addition contract with DFD Architects.

* Discuss/take action to declare the old copy maching in county clerk's office as surplus material.

* Discuss/take action on Balmorhea ISD Interlocal agreement.

* Discuss/take action on reports from various departments.

* Discuss/take action on budget amendments and line-item transfers.

* Discuss/take action on personnel and salary changes (RCDC and county clerk's office).

* Discuss/take action on minutes from previous meetings.

* Discuss/take action on payment of semi-monthly bills.

* Spread on minutes: Over axle-overgross weight tolerance permit.

Swine validation this weekend

PECOS, November 21, 1997 - Swine validation will be held Saturday, Nov. 22, 1997. Validation will start at 8 a.m. at the FFA Barn, located south of I-20. It will then move to the 4-H pens. To be able to show your hog at the county or any of the major livestock shows, you must get them validated.Each tag will cost $2.50, and the county extension office asks that you have the correct amount with you. Further questions may be directed to County Extension Agent C.W. Roberts at (915) 447-9041.

OBITUARY

November 21, 1997

Mona Davis

Mona Belle Davis, 68, died Monday, Nov. 17, 1997, in Bullhead City, Ariz.

Graveside services are scheduled for 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 22, at Balmorhea Cemetery.

Davis was born Aug. 4, 1929, in Plains, Tx. and had lived in Bullhead City. for four years.

She was preceded in death by her husband, R.L. Davis and two brothers, J.D. and Raymond Spears and her parents.

Survivors include: two sons, Glenn Davis of Columbia, Mo. and Gary Davis of Albuquerque, N.M.; one daughter, Beverly Bowman of Bozeman, Mich.; one brother, J.W. Spears of Lovington, N.M.; one sister, Fern Bell of Bullhead City; and two grandchildren.

Pecos Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

WEATHER

PECOS, November 21, 1997 - High Thursday, 76, low this morning, 38. A cold front stretched early today across the state from North Texas westward into the Permian Basin. Slightly cooler temperatures were in store across the state tonight and Saturday. It will be clear to partly cloudy across West Texas. Lows tonight will be in the upper 20s in the Panhandle and in the 30s and 40s elsewhere across West Texas. Highs Saturday will be in the 50s and 60s over most of West Texas, ranging upward into the mid 70s in the Big Bend area. Some scattered showers fell early today across portions of the Panhandle, eastern sections of the South Plains and in the low rolling plains of West Texas.

Pecos Enterprise
Mac McKinnon, Publisher
Peggy McCracken, Webmaster
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.