Sunday's Internet Edition, July 20, 2008.
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| Meet Goliath.... Goliath is a new Texas Longhorn making his home on the range at the Mountain View RV Park. Mountain View RV Park owners, Doug and Rita Hodges, purchased the Longhorn down in Central Texas and he arrived here two weeks ago. The Hodges hope to make the Longhorn available for school kids to come out and learn more about them and other informative endeavors. |
- Van Horn city council members met Tuesday evening, following a budget hearing, approved the city’s fiscal year operating budget.
The city’s fiscal year begins on April 1st and councils action gave the city a budget document to work from when the new year begins.
The rub with the process as it unfolded is that to make the budget work, the city plans to increase water and sewer rates again. The increases, according to council, are necessary to counter the drain in the water revenue account caused by expensive repairs and maintenance this year. The increases will take effect with the April billings.
Additionally, some of the fees associated with water and sewer operations, i.e. taps, etc., were also increased in an attempt to further stop the bleeding in the water revenue fund.
After handling the budget matters, council heard reports from various city departments. What they reported is as follows:
* Beth Nobles, coordinator of the Texas Mountain Trail Region, came before council to report on the Texas Mountain Trail brochure launch. She reported that of the three launch venues, Alpine, El Paso and Van Horn, Van Horn was by far the best in all areas. Additionally, she reported that Van Horn and the Texas Mountain Trail region made the state magazine, The Medallion.
* Golf Course manager Raul Rodriguez told council members that January and February were very slow months due to the cold weather, but that this month is a lot better. He also reported that the course would be close for a few days in early April for needed work.
* Convention Center staffer Brenda Hinojos reported that January and February were slow for them as well. It is, however, picking up now. We have scheduled the Rural Economic Development and Tourism Seminar for next Monday and Tuesday and the annual Art Show for April. Council also approved the purchase of additional tables for the Convention Center.
* Lisa Garcia, manager of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Rural West Texas, reported that the Clubs are doing well, with the Presidio club having the most members. She also reported that his Sunday, March 25th, the club here will hold a Club Celebration in conjunction with Boys and Girls Clubs Week in Van Horn.
* Jeff McCoy, executive director of Van Horn Economic Development Corporation provided council members with an updated report on economic development efforts ongoing. The report was in an easier to read format. At the same time, he reported on the status of the council chamber upgrades, noting they were nearly complete. And he updated council members on the proposed apartment complex development, noting that financing institutions are awaiting firm project development and construction costs before making a commitment.
* Gas company manager Edward Torres reported that the gas company is presently clearing the company’s right of way and they are planning on going to a line locating seminar in Fort Stockton to get up to speed on new rules being implemented. Torres asked council to include the purchase of two new vehicles in next year’s budget and council made that adjustment before final budget approval.
* And, council heard from Utilities Superintendent Raquel Mendez on projects within her department.
Mayor Okey Lucas proclaimed April as Fair Housing Month, and April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. He also proclaimed March 25th through 31st as Boys and Girls Clubs Week in Van Horn.
Council next approved two agreements. The first with PCSI of Austin for janitorial services at the city and the second with the county to hold a joint constitutional amendment election with the city and school district on May 12th.
After learning that 9 junked vehicles were removed from Van Horn last week, council approved payment of monthly bills totaling over $152,000 and decided to sell any surplus equipment by sealed bid instead of going to auction.
Rio Grande Electric Temporary Power Interruption March 27
Those in the Van Horn area who receive their electric energy from Rio Grande Electric Cooperative will experience a temporary power interruption Tuesday, March 27, from approximately 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. Improvements to the local substation will be placed in service at this time. This will not affect those within the city limits of Van Horn.
Rio Grande always attempts to notify those in the area who will be affected by any such maintenance well in advance. Unfortunately, sometimes the contact information on file is outdated. If you are a Co-op member whose telephone number has recently changed, please call 1-800-749-1509.
Museum asks for help
The Board of Directors of the Clark Hotel Museum announces a new policy regarding hours of operation. The Museum will be closed on Sunday and Monday. There will be someone working at the Museum on Mondays, however, it will not be open to the public unless arrangements are made in advance.
On Tuesday through Friday, we will be open from 1 pm until 6 pm. On the 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month, we will be open from 1 pm until 6 pm also.
When we are able to recruit more volunteers, we will be open additional hours, and possibly in the evening to accommodate working couples and families.
Due to the theft of several items from the second floor displays, we will no longer allow anyone to visit the upstairs unattended by an escort.
This Museum belongs to the people of Culberson County and is a part of our History. Please take the time to visit and learn the history of our county, and our ancestors that worked so hard through difficult times to keep our community going.
It takes all of us to keep our heritage alive and remind our children of the hardships and successes of our past.
Anyone with a few hours a week, or month will be welcome to volunteer at the museum. Summertime would be a perfect time for high school students to help at the museum and learn of our heritage. WE NEED YOUR ASSISTANCE.
Please come in and visit, or call 283-8028 for more information.
Boys & Girls Club to celebrate this Sunday
By Lisa Garcia, CPS, Boys and Girls Clubs of Rural West Texas
Every day after school, kids from across our community have a safe place to go and grow - the Boys & Girls Club of Rural West Texas. Known as The Positive Place for Kids,” the Club provides guidance-oriented character development programs on a daily basis for children 6-18 years old, conducted by a full-time professional staff. Key Boys & Girls Club programs emphasize leadership development, education and career exploration, financial literacy, health and life skills, the arts, sports, fitness and recreation, and family outreach.
March 25-31 has been designated as National Boys & Girls Club Week. Every year at this time, the nation celebrates our organization, which has steadily and methodically saved lives and changed futures of young people for more than 100 years. Using a tried-and-true method of attracting kids with fun, wholesome activities, then involving them in a wide array of education, cultural and character-building programs, Clubs have helped millions of kids overcome barriers, dream of a brighter future and grow into responsible, productive citizens.
Studies show that the most dangerous time of the day for kids are the hours immediately after school, 3-8 pm. As a community, we’re lucky to have the structured environment of our Boys & Girls Club to keep our children safe. We’re lucky to have support form local political figures and generous donors. And we’re lucky to have caring adults to lead the Club and its members. Boys & Girls Club of Van Horn is grateful for your support which makes it possible to fulfill our mission. Thank you for celebrating National Boys & Girls Club Week with us.