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Daily Newspaper and Tourism Guide for Reeves County Trans Pecos, Big Bend of West Texas

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Monday, Nov. 24, 1997

Drive nets $2,000 for tots

By ROSIE FLORES
Staff Writer

A group working towards giving children a "warm and happy" Christmas this coming year, brought in over $2,000 this weekend during their door-to-door drive.

"I'm just happy we raised this much," said Christmas for the Kids coordinator Sofia Baeza.

Baeza stated that the group had a lot of volunteers who worked hard Saturday, during their annual door-to-door drive.

The group is trying to raise funds to bring a little cheer into the holidays for children who would otherwise not receive anything.

"Our goal for this year is to raise at least $5,000 and we're just a little shy of that goal right now, but I'm confidant we're going to do it," said Baeza.

Keeping children warm and in school is the main objective of the group.

Coach Mike Belew and his staff, were in charge of the Athletic Department involving all the athletics, who participated during the drive.

In conjunction volunteers from the Pecos Fire Department and Ambulance Service were stationed at the corners of Third and Cedar Streets and 7th and Eddy, collecting for the same worthy cause.

Individuals who would like to be recipients can pick up applications at the Reeves County Sheriff's Department.

"We currently have 72 applications and we will be accepting applications up until Dec. 5," said Baeza. "We want to reach as many children in the community as we can," she said.

Not only does the group provide clothing, shoes, and jackets, but they also strive to help with school supplies and other necessities the children might have, according to Baeza.

Hopes high for education

Beginning Jan. 1, 1998, taxpayers may be eligible to claim a nonrefundable Hope Scholarship Credit against their federal income taxes, according to a press release from Odessa College.

The Hope Scholarship Credit may be claimed for the qualified tuition and related expenses of each student n the taxpayer's family (i.e., the taxpayer, the taxpayer's spouse, or an eligible dependent) who is enrolled at least half-time in one of the first two years of postsecondary education and who is enrolled in a program leading to a degree, certificate, or other recognized educational credential.

The amount that may be claimed as a credit is generally equal to: (1) 100 percent of the first $1,000 of the taxpayer's out-of-pocket expenses for each student's qualified tuition and related expenses, plus (2) 50 percent of the next $1,000 of the taxpayer's out-of-pocket expenses for each student's qualified tuition and related expenses.

Thus, the maximum credit a taxpayer may claim for a taxable year is $1,500 multiplied by the number of students in the family who meet the enrollment criteria described above.

The amount a taxpayer may claim as a Hope Scholarship Credit is gradually reduced for taxpayers who have modified adjusted gross income between $40,000 ($80,000 for married taxpayers filing jointly) and $50,000 ($100,000 for married taxpayers filing jointly). Taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income over $50,000 ($100,000 for married taxpayers filing jointly) may not claim the Hope Scholarship Credit.

Both the dollar limitation on the expenses for which the credit may be claimed and the modified adjusted gross income limitation will be indexed for inflation in 2002 and years thereafter.

The Hope Scholarship Credit may be claimed for payments of qualified tuition and related expenses made on or after Jan. 1, 1998, for academic periods beginning on or after Jan. 1, 1998. Therefore, the first time taxpayers will be able to claim the credit is when they file their 1998 tax returns in 1999. The Hope Scholarship Credit is not available for any amount paid in 1997.

Council may trash recycling pact

The City Council of the Town of Pecos City will meet tomorrow morning to discuss the
termination of contract with Butts Recycling, Inc. and the possibility of the city leasing baling
equipment. Employment of CPA Dan Painter will be considered. Painter would perform audits
semi-annually on the city's general purpose financial statements.

The adoption of prior service credit for probationary credit is scheduled to be approved on its
second reading. The council will consider the quality of service provided by Classic Cable; an
interlocal agreement with Permian Basin Regional Planning Commission for recycling grant and
materials; and amending departmental budgets.

The purchase of a vacuum truck for the sewer department, renaming of Palmer and Pinehurst
roads for 911 service and joining and participating in the coalition of Texas-New Mexico Power
Company will all be considered at the meeting.

The council will go into executive session to discus and consider the duties and salary of the City
Secretary, Geneva Martinez. The monthly reports for financials, ambulance, and tax collector's
are all set to be approved at the meeting, which will be held in City Council Chambers at 7:30
a.m.

OBITUARIES

Buster Franklin

Buster Klyce Franklin, 25, of Pecos, formerly of Big Spring, died on Friday, Nov. 21, 1997, in Plainview.

Services were today at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Rosewood Chapel with Matthew Williamson, pastor of Abundant Life Church, in Pecos, officiating. Burial will be in Trinity Memorial Park.

He was born on Aug. 7, 1972, in Big Spring, attended Martin County schools and graduated from Grady High School in 1990. He was a member of the Future Farmers of America and was employed by Agri-West in Verhalen. He was a member of the Church of Christ.

Survivors include his wife, Angela Franklin of Pecos; a stepson, Jacob Chappell of Pecos; one daughter, Kathryn Renee Franklin of Pecos; his mother and step-father, Janice and J.T. Pitts of Pecos; one sister, Mandy Garza of Stanton; one brother, John Franklin of Lenorah; his grandmother, Olena Franklin of Big Spring and his great-grandmother, Mrs. W.J. (Clara) Allred of Stanton.

Josefa Nunez

Josefa Nunez, 61, died Sunday, Nov. 23, 1997, at Reeves County Hospital.

Mass is scheduled for 2 p.m., Wednesday in Apostolica De La Fe Church, with burial in Greenwood Cemetery.

She was born March 30, 1936, in Mexico, was a lifetime Pecos resident and a member of the Apostolic Church.

Survivors include her husband, Manuel Nunez of Pecos; four sons, Cosme, Roberto, Rodrigo and Noe Nunez of Pecos; two daughters, Romelia Salgado, Delma Gabaldon of Pecos; four brothers, Zaragosa, Isaias, Eliazer and Joel Rodriguez of Ojinaga, Mexico; seven sisters, Ofelia Pando and Aida Gomez of Presidio, Tx., Luz Divina Moralez of Ojinaga, Chih., Mexico, Belsua Pando, Espenza Parra of Lovington, N.M., Sara Urquidi of Midland, Tavita Garcia of Pecos and 12 grandchildren.

Bessie May Pruett

Bessie May Pruett died Oct. 24, 1997.

She was born June 1, 1903 in Barstow, attended Texas Women's University in Waco, began her teaching career in the same classroom she had been in a as a student in Barstow and married Thomas Benton Pruett on July 8, 1927. She taught school in Pecos for 25 years.

Survivors include one son, Thomas William Pruett, two grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

WEATHER

Fair weather to cover state

By The Associated Press

High Sunday 71, low this morning, 35.

Breezy, cool weather is expected to prevail across the state Tuesday and skies will be clear in most regions.

In West Texas, morning skies were mostly fair region-wide. Temperatures were in the 30s and 40s. Wind was variable at less than 15 mph.

The forecast for West Texas calls for mostly sunny skies today
with increasing cloudiness. Highs will reach the 70s to the north
and the 90s in the Big Bend Valleys.



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