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Jan. 10, 1996

Early voting wins on first ballot

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By PEGGY McCRACKEN

Staff Writer

PECOS, TX, Jan. 10, 1996 - Early voting in the city, school and hospital
district elections would be consolidated at Reeves County Courthouse
this year under an interlocal agreement approved Tuesday by the Reeves
County Hospital board of directors.

Pecos City Council and the Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD board of trustees
will consider the proposal in their regular meetings Thursday.

Nadine Smith, hospital administrative assistant, reported that a
committee with representatives from those three entities and Reeves
County drew up the proposal in a Monday afternoon meeting.

County Judge Jimmy Galindo estimated the cost for each entity under the
present system.

Reeves County Hospital District spent $4,613 last year for supplies,
early voting staff, election day staff, central counting equipment and
elections division fee.

The three entities together spent about $17,000. Smith said she
believes consolidation will save $8,600 of that.

"We would add on the administration fee of $2,500," she said. That
would be paid to Reeves County.

Smith said that Virginia Palomino has agreed to administer early voting
and central counting at the courthouse, with Rosemary Chabarria as a
backup in case she gets sick. Both deputys would be given a pay increase
to cover the extra work.

Palomino is chief deputy county clerk, and Chabarria is a deputy in the
office of tax assessor-collector, which handles voter registration.

Although all early voting would be at the courthouse, the city would
not be allowed to hold their election at Reeves County Civic Center with
the other two entities, because it is outside the city limits.

Smith said that no location inside the city limits is large enough for
all three entities. But the hospital district and school district could
consolidate their elections, using only one set of election workers.

Jeannette Alligood said that consolidation would be good for voters,
even if it cost the same amount of money.

"I think there would be a higher turnout," she said.

Smith said that a lot of people who come to the hospital during early
voting say they don't want to go to three different places to cast
ballots.

Alligood made a motion to approve consolidation of early voting with
the city, school district and county. Jesse Prieto seconded, and the
vote was unanimous. Chel Flores was absent.

Should all three entities adopt the proposal, it would be submitted to
the U.S. Department of Justice for approval, Smith said. That takes 60
to 90 days.

The board agreed to work with Lubbock Methodist Hospital to advertise
for applications to fill the position of chief financial officer after
Quorum Health Service's management contract expires Jan. 22.

Terry Andris, who will represent Lubbock Methodist as chief financial
officer, said he feels that a background in hospital finances and in
Texas law is essential for the CFO.

John Lowery, interim CFO for Quorum, said he would apply for the
position and suggested that he continue on a contract basis after Quorum
leaves "to see how things go."

That would give him, the new administrator and hospital personnel a
chance to work together and "see if it is a fit," he said. "If it is not
a fit, nobody is significantly damaged. This is a critical time of the
year, so I would not be averse to staying for a period of time."

Board chairman Raul Garcia said that it would be easier for the audit
that is underway "to flow together. We could get it earlier than we did
last year."

Andy Epps, representing Quorum, said the company would release Lowery
from their standard agreement that no Quorum employee will stay after
their management contract ends.

Andris said that Lowery has done a good job and is highly spoken of.

But, he said, "We look for people with a hospital background because we
are going into managed care. There will be changes in Medicare and
Medicaid. We need someone with a lot of knowledge of the hospital field.

"I recommend the board consider strongly going along with what John
said. The CFO fill be your employee. I suggest you advertise and look
for the best possible CFO you can get, because we are going to need it."

Marcella Lovett echoed Andris' concern that the CFO have a lot of
hospital experience and is versed in Texas law.

"The Quorum contract will be up Jan. 22. I am wondering if Lubbock
would be able to move in with an interim CFO," she said.

Andris said that Quorum has a man with a background in small hospitals
and Texas law who is available to spend three or four days a week in
Pecos.

He said he would work with the hospital administration to begin
advertising the position.

Garcia said he wants applications to come to the board rather than
Lubbock Methodist.

"There's such things as checks and balances," he said.

Interim chief executive officer Harrell Connelly reported that Dr.
Kai-wood Ma is attending obstetrical training in Lubbock and has
delivered three babies.

He said that Dr. Steinbaum has agreed to take over radiology at RCH,
but that he does not have a partner yet to fill in when he is absent.

Epp thanked the board for the opportunity to work with RCH since May
26, 1987.

"It has been interesting," he said. "Trying for folks at times. It's
been fun."

He said that when Reeves County took back hospital operations after
Seventh Day Adventists terminated their management contract, RCH was
left with "a Big Chief tablet and Number 2 pencil for a billing system"
because the Adventists took their computers and records with them.

"You were further down than bankrupt," he said. "It makes me feel good
knowing where you have come. You have $400,000 in the bank. You can pay
your bills. It is tough at times, but you are O.K."

"We appreciate you," Garcia said. "I still have your phone number, and
I may call you. If you hear a Spanish accent, you will know it's me."

Catch alcohol abuse early to help minor

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Early identification of and intervention for potential problems
associated with alcohol use is an essential element, according to Maria
Faye Pena.

Pena works for the Big Bend Safety Council, with Alcohol Education for
Minors and Defensive Driving Classes.

"This is especially true in the area of use of alcohol by young people,
habit patterns begun in youth are the most difficult to alter," Pena
said. "The drinking problem established at this time of life may never
be changed," she said.

Pena, whose main office is located in Fort Stockton, travels to Pecos
once every other month to counsel youth on alcohol use and the effects
and problems associated with alcohol abuse.

"There's a lot of alcohol use by minors, especially in smaller towns
where there seems to be nothing to do," said Pena. "It's true in every
city of course, but it is more prevalent in smaller towns," she said.

The alcohol education class is held every other month on a Monday and
Tuesday, at the Pecos Police Department and the cost is $45 for the six
hour class. The class is divided into two three-hour sessions from 6-9
p.m.

"Youth who have been charged with minor in possession are required to
take this class or face losing their driver's license," said Pena. "If
they don't have a driver's license they may face other penalties such as
probation.

"Taking this class helps them keep their driver's license, the license
won't be suspended and clears their records as minors," said Pena.

"With the general return to a higher drinking age, increased arrests
for illegal use of alcohol by minors have been evident," said Pena. "In
most cases the only sanction available has been a fine and often a
minimal one at that," she said.

An additional possible avenue for dealing with illegal use of alcohol
by young people is the inclusion of an educational approach for such
persons, according to Pena.

On the first conviction of a minor of this offense, a fine shall be
assessed and the defendant required to attend an alcohol awareness
course approved by the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse.

"Even with increased emphasis on problems associated with alcohol use,
most young people, and older perons for that matter, still know only two
basic things about alcohol; where to purchase it and how to drink it,"
Pena said.

"This curriculum is designed to present accurate and straightforward
information about specific topics which relate to alcohol use by young
people," said Pena. "It has the potential, when properly coupled with
appropriate legal sanctions, to enable young people to make sound
decisions about use of alcohol both at this stage of their lives and as
adults," she said.

Free brochure

on women's

health handy

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Heart health, osteoporosis, reproductive health, breast cancer and
emotional wellness are among the topics covered in a free brochure,
"Women's Health: Ideas for a Lifetime of Wellness," offered by Houston's
Baylor College of Medicine.

A U.S. resident may receive a free copy of the brochure by sending a
stamped, self-addressed, business-size (#10) envelope to: "Women's
Health," Office of Public Affairs, Room 1768, Baylor College of
Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030.

A Canadian resident may receive a free copy of the brochure by sending
a self-addressed business-size (#10) envelope to: "Women's Health,"
Office of Public Affairs, Room 176B, Baylor College of Medicine,
Houston, Texas 77030, USA.

Stroade dies of gunshot to head

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No results have been received on an autopsy ordered on the body of a
Balmorhea man, who was found dead from an alleged self-inflicted gunshot
wound to the head.

Doyce Earl Stroade, 55, was pronounced dead at his place of business,
Madera Valley Supply in Balmorhea by Reeves County Justice of the Peace
Precinct 3 Joel Madrid Friday afternoon.

Officials arrived at the scene after Pecos Police Dispatch received a
911 call by a female about 12:30 p.m.. Texas Department of Public Safety
and Reeves County Sheriff's Office were contacted.

Officials said Stroade was found in the bathroom of the building with
what appeared to be a gunshot wound to the head and a 12 gauge shotgun.

Madrid said an autopsy was ordered on the body but has not received the
results as of this morning.

The night before his alleged suicide, Stroade was pulled over at 11
p.m. by a Police Patrolman Chuck Sutlive at the 1800 block of Highwway
17, Balmorhea Highway after he was observed driving in an erratic manner
and striking the curb on more than one occasion.

He was charged with DWI after failing the sobriety test indicated a
police spokesperson and with unlawfully carrying a weapon after a
handgun was found in his possession. The weapon was confiscated and
later released to the family after Stroade was set free from jail Friday
morning on a personal recognizance bond.

Services for Stroade were Monday afternoon and handled by Pecos Funeral
Home.

Taylor hurt in 3-car wreck

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A three-vehicle accident resulted after a college student ran a stop
sign, sending two persons to the local hospital.

Kella Taylor, 19, of Pecos, but attending Abilene Christian University,
was headed westbound at the 1000 block of Fifth Street in a 199 Mercury
Cougar when she ran the stop sign and was struck by two vehicles at each
end.

Eloy Herrera, 46, 325 N. Alamo, was southbound on Eddy and struck
Taylor with the front end of his on the Taylor's passenger door. Angel
Subia Rayos, 68, 319 S. Mesquite, was northbound and struck the driver's
door with the front end of his car.

Pecos ambulance units were at the scene and transported Rita Carrasco,
72, of Pecos, who was riding with Rayos, her brother.

Also taken to the local healthcare facility was 42-year-old Mary
Herrera, wife to Eloy Herrera. Mrs. Herrera was riding in the front
passengers seat with their daughter Amanda Herrera, 6, in the backseat.

Vaughn stated that no citations were issued as of this morning.

Civic Center

lease OKed

by Chamber

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By PEGGY McCRACKEN

Staff Writer

PECOS, TX. Jan 10, 1996 - Pecos Chamber of Commerce directors on Tuesday
approved a lease agreement with Reeves County for operation of the civic
center.

In return for $1 annual rental, the chamber will control the civic
center and rodeo grounds, booking events, collecting fees and keeping
the buildings and facilities in good repair.

With respect to the rodeo, members of the rodeo committee may make
improvements to the arena as they see fit and will control admission
fees and concession contracts.

Any use of the rodeo arena must not disturb the natural surface of the
arena floor or ground without the prior consent of the rodeo committee.

All revenues realized by the chamber from annual productions and
presentations and other uses of the civic center and rodeo grounds will
be used to defray the expenses of the operation and for the general
promotion and welfare of the community and county.

Reeves County will provide equipment and manpower to prepare the rodeo
grounds and civic center for the annual "West of the Pecos Rodeo."

Executive director Tom Rivera said the chamber will not move its
offices to the civic center as originally planned, and will remain
downtown, next to the West of the Pecos Museum.

Fred Dominguez opened the meeting, then turned the gavel over to Gerald
Tellez Jr., incoming president.

Tellez introduced new board members, including his one-year appointees,
Richard Crider, Mike Murphy, Bob Trammell and Bruce Salcido.

Paul Hinojos was named president-elect. Gilbert Abila and Randy Graham
were appointed to the executive committee to serve with Tellez, Hinojos,
Dominguez, Steve McCormick, treasurer, and Jeannette Smallwood, women's
division president.

McCormick reported a bank balance of $11,631 at the close of 1995.

Rivera said this is the fourth consecutive year the general operating
account has a good positive balance. "It will look even better when we
get the fourth quarter bed tax in," he said.

He reported that Dallas Cowboys' fullback Darrell "The Moose" Johnston
will speak at the Monahans chamber banquet Feb. 12, and Tumbleweed Smith
will keynote the Andrews banquet Feb. 1.

During the last quarter of 1995, the chamber staff handled 93 requests
by phone and in person, and greeted 276 visitors, Rivera said, reading
from a report prepared by receptionist Imelda Lerma.

Chamber staff and directors will help man a regional booth at the
Aquaculture America '96 booth in Arlington on Feb. 14-17, he said.

Reeves County Commissioners on Monday approved funding to support the
display on the West Texas shrimp industry, he said.

"We will work with Ward and Pecos counties to set up the display and
will have some brochures there promoting Pecos and Reeves County," he
said.

He said that Texas-New Mexico Power Co. will host an economic
development leadership class Jan. 23. Rivera and Tellez plan to attend.

Pecos will hose a Global Communities workshop May 22-23, which will
cover topics such as grants, tourism development and community projects.

Directors approved purchase of a new telephone system from Oilfield
Phone Service Co. at $1,712. Half that amount will be paid by the
advertising/tourism committee.

Rivera said the present phone system is inadequate, and the new system
will accommodate the rodeo committee's line when they are selling rodeo
tickets.

Debbie Thomas reported the Ambassadors attended one ground breaking,
seven grand openings and three open houses in 1995. They also attended
chamber banquets in Monahans and Fort Stockton, participated in the CAF
Airshow in Midland and the Butterfield Overland Stagecoach Festival in
Monahans.

The next meeting is at noon Jan. 18 in the Holiday Inn.

Jeannette Smallwood reported the Women's Division is obtaining a banner
to use at all functions and are hoping to have pins made for members.
They are working on banquet decorations this week.

Rivera reported that the advertising and tourism committee met Monday
night and approved funding for the Golden Gloves tournament in February.
They received copies of the proposed 1996 budget, which will be
presented for approval in two weeks.

Tellez introduced Bob Bickley, chairman of the new agri-business
committee.

Bickley said a bank account has been established at Security State
Bank, and anyone wishing to contribute to the committee's work may
contact the chamber office.

He has asked Texas A&M about conducting an agriculture survey of Reeves
County to provide a better idea of the potential, "what we have to work
with and what we have to offer."

Efforts are continuing to entice a dairy into the county, he said.

Tellez presented the proposed program of work for 1996, which the board
approved. He said the top priority would be membership, economic
development and governmental affairs.

WEATHER

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PECOS, Jan. 10, 1996 - High Tuesday 69, low last night 28. Tonight,
partly cloudy. Low around 35. North wind 15-20 mph and gusty. Thursday,
sunny. High 60-65. Northwest wind 15-20 mph.



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Copyright 1996 by Pecos Enterprise
Division of Buckner News Alliance, Inc.
324 S. Cedar St., Pecos, TX 79772
Phone 915-445-5475, FAX 915-445-4321
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