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TOP STORIESFebruary 23, 1998Judge upholds evidence in Bechtel family caseBy PEGGY McCRACKEN Staff Writer PECOS, February 23, 1998 - Drug task force officers who found marijuana and related paraphernalia in the Bill Bechtel home on Dec. 10, 1997 had probable cause to obtain a search warrant, District Judge Bob Parks ruled Friday. Bechtel, his wife, Alta Ruth, and their 18-year-old son, Skyler, filed a motion to suppress evidence found in the home through their attorney, Scott Johnson. Johnson questioned whether officers had enough evidence that they would find contraband before obtaining the search warrant. Municipal Judge Phyllis Salyer, who issued the warrant, testified that she based her action on an affidavit submitted by Pecos Police Department investigator Paul Deishler. Deishler said he did not have personal knowledge that contraband was in the house, but that undercover officer Tony Garcia told him he had purchased marijuana from Skyler Bechtel earlier that evening and had arranged to go back later to purchase another quarter pound. Garcia testified that Skyler Bechtel came out of the house to deliver the marijuana to him when he drove up in his pickup. Skyler offered him four baggies, but he purchased only three for $20 each, and Skyler returned to the house with the fourth baggie, Garcia testified. The suppression motion came on charges of organized criminal activity -marijuana possession -filed against each of the family members. They also face eight other charges alleged in indictments returned by the Reeves County grand jury shortly after their arrest. Deishler seized the family home at 902 S. Hickory, which is within 1,000 feet of Pecos Kindergarten. After a hearing before Judge Parks in December, the Bechtel family was allowed to return home, signing a replevy agreement in which they are to return the property to the state in good condition if it is forfeited. Bill Bechtel is suspended with pay from his position as dispatcher for the Texas Department of Public Safety. Alta is on leave from her secretarial position with the West Texas State School in Pyote. Skyler is a Pecos High School senior. Skyler allegedly delivered cocaine to Garcia, an investigator for the Permian Basin Drug Task Force, on Nov. 20 and Nov. 22, 1997. Indictments also allege the delivery of marijuana on Dec. 3 and Dec. 10 and possession of more than four ounces of marijuana on Dec. 10. His parents are charged with three counts each of organized criminal activity. They allegedly conspired with Skyler to deliver more than one-fourth ounce of marijuana on Dec. 3 and Dec. 10 and possessed more than four ounces of marijuana on Dec. 10. All are free on bail posted by Johnson. District Attorney Randy Reynolds had filed a motion to compel the trio to allow police to obtain prints of all fingers and palms on both hands. That was accomplished last week, said Reynolds. Reynolds agreed to give Johnson a copy of video and audio tapes to be used as evidence at trial, which is set for March 23.
Two children OK after being hit by carPECOS, February 23, 1998 - Two children were treated and released from Reeves County Hospital, following a vehicle-pedestrian accident that occurred Thursday evening. The accident happened at 6:15 p.m., at the corner of Lincoln and Eddy streets as Michelle Flores, 24, drove her 1992 Chevrolet Corsica into the intersection and was temporarily blinded by the setting sun, according to the accident report. The vehicle struck the children as they were attempting to cross Eddy St. Both the 12-year-old girl and a five-year-old boy were conscious and alert moments after being struck by the vehicle, although they were visibly upset and the little boy had abrasions on his face and arm. Onlookers who rushed to the children's aid instructed the girl to remain laying in the roadway until help arrived. Emergency personnel were on the scene within minutes and the two children were transported to the hospital. They were treated and released, according to police reports. "After reviewing the officer's report and in following the investigation, it does not appear that any charges will be filed," said Pecos Police Chief Clay McKinney.
Local candidate expenditures increaseBy GREG HARMAN Staff Writer PECOS, February 23, 1998 - Campaign expenditure reports for the month of January, turned in earlier in February, reflect more interest on the part of the candidates to get their messages out. County Judge Jimmy Galindo still holds the title for the most campaign-related expenses. He disclosed $3,179.59 for the month, going to Elliot Printing in Pecos, radio and news advertising and building materials. He had spent over $6,000 at the end of January. Linda Gholson, his only opponent, spent about $3,300 on her campaign in January. Fast Signs in Midland received most of the money, the went for other advertising and office space expenses. She had spent just under $5,000 by January's end. Gholson and Galindo returned their forms on time. In the district clerk's race, incumbent Juana Jaquez declared a total of $612 of campaign expenses, $285 of which went to Wally's Advertising in Kermit. Rosemary Chabarria returned her form one day late, with $126 in expenditures for the month of January. Catalina "Kathy" Ybarra listed no expenditures. County Clerk Diane O. Florez spent $276.98 on her campaign last month. The majority of the money went to sign-making equipment, photo copies and stamps. Seeking Forez's seat, Kristina K. Talamantez listed $380 in campaign contributions, but no expenditures. Both candidates seeking the county treasurer seat, incumbent Linda Clark and challenger Terry Terrazas, returned their forms by the Feb. 9 deadline. Clark listed a total of $599.58 for her January campaign expenses -$253 for Wally's Advertising in Kermit -going to radio and newspaper advertising, stencils and paint. Terrazas recorded $607.89 for campaign-related expenditures. Allied Signs in San Antonio got $353, the rest went for radio and newspaper advertising. David Castillo, unchallenged for county commissioner, precinct two, has no expenditures. County Commissioner for Precinct 4, Bernardo Martinez, listed $92 in expenses for January, putting him just past the $1,000 mark. The money was spent on gas, stamps and voter lists. Gilbert Rayos disclosed $1,447.34 for the month. County Court-at-law Judge Lee Green has no expenditures. Unopposed Justice of the Peace, Amonario Ramon (Precinct 1) and Lamberto Herrera (Precinct 4), did not return forms. Incumbent Justice, Precinct 2, J.T. Marsh lists $361.31 in January campaign expenses. His challenger Wesley Harpham, who recorded $762.98, returned his form early. Incumbent J.P. of Precinct 3, Joel Madrid, listed no expenditures for the month. He is challenged by Rosendo Carrasco, the only candidate in the race with campaign-related expenditures ($943), David Vejil, and Janelle Ward. Prior to the March 10 primary, candidates are required to turn in three Candidates and Office Holders Campaign Finance Reports. The first was due Jan. 15, the second on Feb. 9, and the third will be turned in eight days before the election on March 2, 1998. According to Texas Ethic Commission's guidelines, candidates also have the option of a one-time modified reporting if the candidate does not intend to accept more than $500 in contributions or spend more than that amount on their campaign. Both county commissioner candidate for precinct four, Mari Maldonado, and County Surveyor Frank Spencer filed modified reportings.
PHS band competes in MonahansPECOS, February 23, 1998 - Thirty seven members of the Pecos High School Band competed in the UIL Solo and Ensemble contest held last Saturday in Monahans. Eighteen of these students advanced to the State Solo and Ensemble Contest to be held in Austin on May 30 and June 1. Four students will participate in two events. Students who will be preparing for the contest in Austin, include Amanda Stickels, Amy Carrasco, Frank Dominguez, Sarah Armstrong, Sarai Garcia, April Ryan, Amy Barrera, Kristen Carreon, Lisa Navarette, Delilia Valenzuela, Frank Dominguez, Lee Lyles, Melissa Valdez, Penny Armstrong, Megan Freeman, Jerermy Thomason, Jack Armstrong, Penny Armstrong, Orlando Lara, Sara Matta and Jeremy Thomason. Other band members who received a Division One on a solo or ensemble were, Fernando Rodriguez, Amanda Jaramillo, Nicole Payne, Jocelyn Paz and Ashley Salcido. The following students received a Division Two on a solor or ensemble, Jacob Barrera, Rebecca McChesney, Lupita Pina, Marty Clary, Sara Dominguez, Ana Gonzales, Jacque Levario, Angela Martinez, Ana Carrasco, Jessica Carreon, Amanda Jaramillo, Jocelyn Paz, Adrian Herrera, Erin Paz, Craig Wein, and Sandy Belles. Megan Joplin received a Division Three on a Class 3 flute solo. "All of the band students who participated put in many long hours of practice to be able to achieve this high goal. They are to be congratulated for their effort and for representing Pecos High School," said PHS Band Director Steven Clary.
Early voting in primary gets strong startBy ROSIE FLORES Staff Writer PECOS, February 23, 1998 - Early voting in the primary election is off to a great start, with more voters turning out than ever before, according to early voting clerk, Debbie Thomas. Thomas said that 301 individuals voted by personal appearance Saturday, the first day of early voting. The county clerk's office was open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. to accomodate those who don't have the opportunity to vote during the week. "We were very excited that we had such a good turnout," said Thomas. This brings the number of early voters up to 510, counting the 209 mailed in ballots. "This is the total as of Saturday evening," said Thomas. A Republican Party booth is set up in the courthouse lobby. "If anybody wants to vote Republican, we are trying to ask the groups that walk in, that if they do want to vote Republican we will help them," said Thomas. The booth was unmanned this morning, but Thomas stated that anyone interested in voting Republican can do so. "There are no local Republican candidates on the ballot, but it is available," she said. Early voting will continue until until March 6, for the Democratic Primary Elections. Individuals can call the county clerk's office to receive ballots by mail. "They should also call us back to make sure they received their ballot, filled it out and that we have received it back," said Florez. On Feb. 28, the clerk's office will have a booth at La Tienda, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. for anyone who would like to vote early and by personal appearance. "The different voting places gives people a chance to vote when they can and this way we get more people to vote," said Florez.
Leaders address drug, alcohol abuse by youthBy CARA ALLIGOOD Staff Writer PECOS, February 23, 1998 - The Town of Pecos City and Reeves County have found themselves with a growing number of juveniles being referred to the Reeves County Juvenile Detention Center, and the common thread among those referrals appears to be drug and alcohol use, according to an early draft of a community plan for dealing with the increasing drug abuse problem. The plan is being called "Save Our Youth." A committee was put together several months ago to develop the plan and start looking for the funding necessary to begin a local drug and alcohol rehabilitation program. Currently, the closest treatment center is 80 miles away in Odessa, and costs about $180 per day, according to the draft of the Save Our Youth plan. "In the fall, we started looking at the grants that were out there, trying to tailor-make a plan for Reeves County," said committee member Jimmy Dutchover, Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD's Alternative Education Program director. Other committee members are Jimmy Galindo, Reeves County Judge; Phyllis Salyer, Town of Pecos City Municipal Judge; Don Love, superintendent of P-B-T ISD; Danny Rodriguez, mayor pro-tem; Lee S. Green, Juvenile Judge, Reeves County; Alberto Alvarez, Chief Juvenile Officer, Reeves County; Dutchover; and Rosie Salcido, a P-B-T ISD guidance counselor. Rodriguez is also the principal of Pecos High School, but is serving on this committee from his position as mayor pro-tem. "This all began several months ago when discussions were held and it came out that most of the young people out here (Juvenile Detention Center) are involved in substance abuse," said Alvarez. He said that about 95 percent of the juveniles at the detention center either had positive results on drug tests or admitted to drug use. Rodriguez said that Dutchover and Alvarez worked with the company who will be providing the outpatient treatment center, Genesis Outpatient Services of El Paso, in writing the grant proposal. "These individuals far and above meet the needs we have in Reeves County," said Rodriguez. Genesis' treatment program is called "Excel" and currently services patients in El Paso, Vinton and Tornillo. "They're experts and that's what we need," said Rodriguez. "We have never had treatment (available here). These people from El Paso walked into my office, looking to put up a treatment center," said Rodriguez. Dutchover said that the district wants to do whatever they can do to help students to stay in school and graduate, and that a drug treatment program would be one more option that could be used to help students to do that. "Last year was the first time we had a summer school just for people on probation," he said. Bringing the drug treatment facility to Pecos is one more way in which local officials are pulling together to better the community, Dutchover and Rodriguez agreed. The school district led the grant-seeking efforts, and Reeves County will provide space at the Reeves County Juvenile Detention Center for the treatment services. Alvarez said that the services would be provided in a separate, portable building on JDC property. The school district is seeking a grant through the Governor's office to help local people pay for treatment services. The Permian Basin Regional Planning Commission administers the governor's criminal justice plan, which funding for the drug treatment center would be a part of. Genesis is a for-profit organization, and treatment will be paid for by Medicaid, private-pay insurance and the grant, if the committee's request for the grant is approved. The draft of the Save Our Youth plan states that when juveniles or families of juveniles enrolled at the Alternative Education Center were asked, 89 percent said that they would enroll in a rehab center or support the juvenile's decision to enroll, if they could afford it. "Even if someone can't afford the program, these other sources of funding can help them out," Dutchover said. "This is a proactive solution to give people more options." "We're not going to hear anything until the end of April -that's when we'll know whether this grant went through or not," said Dutchover. If the grant is awarded, the fiscal year for it will be Sept. 1 to Aug. 31, he said. "If the governor's office says no, we'll just have to go look for somewhere else to get the money," Dutchover said. "We will still have some treatment available," said Dutchover, "but the grant would enable the schools to have control over students the judge orders into treatment." "A great deal of expertise on this project came from Mr. Alberto Alvarez," Dutchover said. Alvarez said that parents often know their children are having problems and call the Juvenile Probation Office before they get involved in legal difficulties. However, his office does not have the authority to do anything with juveniles unless they are referred by the courts. All they have been able to do in the past has been to refer them to outside sources, such as the drug treatment center in Odessa, which many of them could not afford to use. "We are very excited about this upcoming program coming in," said Alvarez. "Some of the calls I get are from community members asking what we are doing to deter the problem, and we don't have those resources right now," said Alvarez. Alvarez said that the number one concern of the juveniles is confidentiality. He said they all ask, "Who can I trust with my secret?" "This company out of El Paso will ensure client confidentiality," Alvarez said. Charlie Garcia, owner of Genesis, said "our focus will be on the youth, but we have a license to treat adults as well. Excel is the adolescent program." "Primarily it will be for youth ages 12 to 17, but we can have outpatient services available for adults with substance abuse problems as well. If the community wants adult services, they will be added as well." According to the company's literature, "The Excel program is a treatment program for adolescents with substance abuse addictions. The program is licensed by the Texas Commission on Drug and Alcohol abuse and accepts referrals from physicians, school counselors, probation officers, social workers and individual parents." "It is a well-balanced program," said Garcia, stressing that it isn't just adults telling kids not to do drugs. Garcia said that there will be a level three, intensive outpatient program, taking up about 15 -20 hours per week for six weeks and a level two outpatient program for youth who are not strongly addicted and using drugs or alcohol every day. He said that the Excel program is modeled on the popular 12-step programs that have proven themselves to be very effective over the years. Garcia said that along with the drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs, Excel will teach HIV prevention, tobacco prevention and education, family support group on Wednesdays and social recreation activities on Thursdays. According to the literature, "The ultimate goal is for each client to effectively meet their needs using responsible behaviors." That is why the program incorporates recreational activities, and group as well as individual therapy. Excel also counsels entire families because the company's experience has shown them that "the more a family is involved with a child, the better the outcome of the therapy usually is." Licensed, certified drug counselors will head the rehabilitation program, Garcia said. The facility will also be licensed as an ACTI (Accredited Certified Training Institute). After the program is established, the facility will be able to train local people who have the proper degrees, but no clinical experience, to become drug counselors. Eventually, they hope to see the program being run entirely by local people, Garcia said.
Commissioners met todayPECOS, February 23, 1998 - Reeves County Commissioners met this morning to take care of several continuing projects. Look to the Pecos Enterprise tomorrow for a complete story on the meeting. Commissioners expected to discuss or take action on a Texas Department of Transportation landscaping master plan for parts of the county; funding for the Pecos Economic Development Corporation; an interlocal agreement between the PBT school district and the county for the use of Martinez baseball field for a girls' softball program; a Balmorhea ISD community recreation program; a storage agreement between Bell Motel U Storage and the Reeves County Detention Center; bids for a housing rehabilitation project; a county road crossing by Interstate Common Carrier Pipeline; a contract for collection of delinquent taxes; a delinquent tax report; county departments' reports; budget amendments and line-item transfers; personnel and salary changes; and other routine matters. An amendment was added to the regular meeting agenda to include discussion or taking action on a water line installation by Pecos City at the Reeves County Detention Center.
Housing authority meets tomorrowPECOS, February 23, 1998 - The Housing Authority of the Town of Pecos City Board of Commissioners will hold their regular monthly meeting at 5 p.m. tomorrow at the PHA /FLH administration office, 600 Meadowbrook Drive. They will approve the minutes from their Jan. 23 meeting and hear from Rosa Dominguez, Chairman of the Balmorhea Housing Authority. Under old business, the PHA board will discuss the CIAP 96 update, executive director's certification, hold an executive session for deliberation/review on evaluation of the Executive Director for the fiscal year of Jan. 1, 1997 to Dec. 1, 1997, then return to open session to discuss/approve the executive director's evaluations and salary for FY Jan. 1, 1996 to Dec. 31, 1996 and FY Jan. 1, 1997 to Dec. 31, 1997. Under new business, agenda items include, resolution/approval of revised utility allowance, resolution/approval of 1997 PHMAP, monthly income and expense report (PHA and CIAP 96), monthly accounts payable and monthly occupancy report. In the Farm Labor Housing portion of the meeting, they will approve the minutes of the Jan. 23, meeting, and discuss monthly accounts payable, monthly occupancy status and rent roll and cash journal.
OBITUARIESRoy BaileyRoy A. Bailey, 93, died Thursday, Feb. 19, 1998, at Pecos Nursing Home. Cremation will be held at Trinity Crematory in Big Spring. Bailey was born Oct. 21, 1903,, in Van Alystyne, Tx. He was a graduate of Texas A&M University, a retired shift engineer for a veterans hospital in Houston for 21 years and a U.S. Air Force World War II veteran. Survivors include: his wife, Irma Bailey of Pecos; one brother, Ben Bailey, Jr. of Lago Vista, Tx.; and numerous nieces and nephews. Pecos Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Henry BryanHenry P. Bryan, Sr., 90, died Friday, Feb. 20, 1998, at the Pecos Nursing Home. Graveside services will be held at 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 24, at Fairview Cemetery with Monty Huffman officiating. Bryan was born Sept. 11, 1907, in Nash, Tx. He had lived in Pecos since 1911 and was a Baptist. He was preceded in death by his wife, Genevieve Bryan on Jan. 7, 1998. Survivors include: two sons, Henry P. Bryan, Jr. and Jerry W. Bryan of Pecos; one daughter, Mary Elaine Wilson of Albuquerque, N.M.; eight grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. Pecos Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Jaime and Emily Marie MattaJaime Matta, Jr. and Emily Marie Matta, infant twin children, died Tuesday, Feb. 17, 1998, in El Paso. Rosary was held at 7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 19, in Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Horizon. Mass was held at 10 a.m., Friday, Feb. 20, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church with Father Pablo Matta officiating. Burial was in Bay Land in Mount Carmel Cemetery. Survivors include: their parents, Jaime E. and Lourdes Matta of El Paso; maternal grandmother, Carmen Rodriguez of El Paso; paternal grandparents, Pablo and Juanita Matta of Pecos; and several uncles, aunts and cousins.
WEATHERPECOS, February 23, 1998 - High Sunday, 73, low this
Pecos Enterprise
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