Wednesday's Internet Edition, September 08, 2010.
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| Fireworks started a great weekend! Last Friday night’s, professionally done, fireworks display started what turned out to be a wonderful weekend of events andn activities. Thanks to Telstar Communications, the Town of Van Horn and the Van Horn Rotary Club for making this outstanding show possible here. Rodney Amonett, of Telstar said, “This is our way of showing our appreciation to our many customers and those who have stood with us in Van Horn.” (Photo courtesy of Patricia Golden) |
- One of the biggest events in June of each year is the arrival of the American Junior Rodeo Association (AJRA) Rodeo in Van Horn. Welcome rodeo fans and contestants!
This year, the AJRA Rodeo circuit comes to town this weekend, June 26th and 27th. The two-day show will be held at the Rodeo Arena with performances beginning nightly at 7 p.m.
This year’s rodeo queen will be crowned at the start of the Saturday evening show. The queen candidates and a little about them are shown below.
The rodeo livestock producer for this year’s show is Tommy Owen of Rankin. The rodeo’s announcer will be Bucky Etheridge.
The rodeo dance will feature the music of the “Spur of the Moment” western band and it gets underway Saturday evening at 9 p.m.
School district trustees approve $30,000 technology purchase
Culberson County-Allamoore Independent School District trustees met Monday evening to consider the purchase of technology items, consideration of contract services with Region 18 Education Service Center, and to begin looking at budgeting for the next school year.
Superintendent Guillermo Mancha, Jr. recommended that trustees approve the purchase of a blade server and virtualization software for the district. Mancha reported that the $30,000 would be taken from this year’s budget ($10,000) and from next year’s ($20,000).
Trustee John Clark suggested that they look at the 2009-2010 budget to see if they can give salary increases to teachers and staff before we launch out and purchase this technology.
Esteban Urias, the district’s technology guru, told trustees that the items would better utilize the limited space they have and would prepare the district for anticipated technology growth into the future.
Following the discussion, trustees voted 5 to 1 to proceed with the purchase. Trustee Clark was the dissenting vote. Trustee Alvarado was absent from the meeting.
Dr. Mancha next presented the Region 18 Education Service Center contract for services which the district utilizes from them. He recommended that the district proceed to approve the contract.
Again, trustee John Clark asked, “Are we getting our monies worth from these services?” He also asked, “Is anybody tracking these to see how much utilization there is?”
Dr. Mancha assured trustees that the district does utilize these various services and that we are benefited by them.
Trustees Clark and Morales asked about the total cost of these services, but no definitive total for them was readily available since each service has a specific charge.
In the end, trustees approved of the contract with Region 18 by a 5 to 1 margin. Again, trustee Clark was the dissenting vote.
Trustees then directed their attention to where the district stands at present, budget wise, so that they can begin to prepare for the next fiscal budget.
Superintendent Mancha reported that while revenues this year have been less than expected, due to declining enrollment figures, the expenses have been less as well.
Mancha went on to note, “Our staff has been very frugal, this year, when it comes to spending yet at the same time we have maintained the highest standards possible when it comes to the education of our students.”
Dr. Mancha concluded by saying, “I just wanted you to have this heads up on where we are for this budget year, so that you can begin to thinks about the next budget year.”
Before concluding the session, trustees reluctantly accepted Rhonda Schieb’s resignation following 35 years of service to the district. Schieb has decided to go into retirement at the end of this school year.
Rodeo Queen candidates
The Rodeo Queen candidates for this year are the following Van Horn girls:
Valeria Dominguez
My name is Valeria Dominguez, I’m 13 years old, and I was born in Pecos, Texas. My parents are Shorty and Marisela Olivarez. I have many different interests, to begin, I love to play volleyball, run cross-country, work out, ride horses and spend time with my friends & family. I thank the Hinojos Family very much for sponsoring me.
Jeanette Hinojos
Jeanette Hinojos is the 18 year old daughter of Artemio and Anna Hinojos. She is a graduate of Van Horn High School, and plans to pursue a career in Culinary Arts. She will be attending the Scottsdale Culinary Institute in Scottsdale, Arizona, beginning this fall. Jeanette’s interests include riding horses and visiting her father at the ranch. Jeanette also enjoys traveling and working at the Cattle Company. Jeanette was involved in 4-H for 10 years, she showed goats, pigs, rabbits, and chickens. During her involvement with 4-H Jeanette was elected Livestock Queen. Jeanette is sponsored by Baeza Baeza & Co.
Jacque Ojeda
My name is Jacque Lee Ojeda, I am 14 years and have lived in Van Horn all my life. I enjoy playing all sports. I also enjoy horseback riding and attending play days. I have been in 4-H for six years going on seven. I am the 2009 4-H Sweetheart. In 2006 I won Rodeo Princess. This year I am running for Rodeo Queen. I would like to thank my sponsor A&A Repair.