Friday's Internet Edition, July 04, 2008.
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- Sheriff Oscar Carrillo appeared before Culberson County Commissioners during their meeting Monday morning and reported that Operation Wrangler, a recon operation held recently by sheriff’s along the border, was a success.
Carrillo noted that the operation, in Culberson County, cost about $8121. The bulk of that cost was for deputy overtime, about $7,303.
Carrillo further noted that during the operation, his deputies wrote over 300 citations, which could potentially bring into county coffers some $54,000.
Carrillo further reported that similar type operations are planned about once a quarter and that funding for the operation comes from the Governor’s office.
While he had the floor, Carrillo also reported that he needed another vehicle to replace one that was wrecked and the insurance company had given the county a check for it.
He asked the court to proceed with the purchase of a new Dodge Charge police unit, noting that it would be paid for with Operation Linebacker funds. Commissioners gave Carrilllo the authorization to advertise for bids.
County Treasurer Susie Hinojos came before commissioners to present her continuing education hours and to report that employee health insurance for county employees is going up. In fact, it is going up about $70 per employee and that means there will be a budget shortfall in the health insurance item.
With regard to other items considered by commissioners Monday, the following actions were taken:
* Commissioners met Wes Holmes who will become the new county extension agent effective March 1st.
* Commissioners tabled a request from Tax Assessor/Collector Molly Hernandez for another full time employee for her office.
* Commissioners voted to proceed with making Adrian Hinojos, the judge’s assistant, a notary public.
* Commissioners approved naming Judge Molinar as a signatory on the clerk’s jury reimbursement account.
* Commissioners also approved the bond for the assistant auditor and at the same time accepted the District Judge’s order relating to the assistants salary.
* A representative of the Adult Probation office here came before commissioners to request a larger office space as they have out grown the space in the courthouse. At the same time, she requested that commissioners look into the feasibility of installing some form of “panic button” in the office for times when it may become necessary foro them to summon a police officer.
* Commissioners took no action but did take under advisement maintenance and upkeep at the county owned buildings on Broadway which are used by state offices.
* Commissioners agreed to look into architecture fees on grants. In particular, how they might be lowered. The matter will be on the agenda for next month.
* Commissioners also talked about the Nutrition Center, it’s grant for operations and why the county has to fund it so much. At the same time, they discussed the possibility of having the Nutrition Center manager bonded.
No action was taken but t was suggested that commissioners speak directly to manager Tencha Sanchez to have specific questions answered.
* Commissioners tabled a request for office space for Commissioner Duane Corrales until a later meeting.
* Commissioners did approve an office in the Child Protective Office area for use by the Rural Border Health Initiative. County Judge Molinar told commissioners that they will pay $400 per month rent for the office space.
* Commissioners appointed 10 members to a Jury of View who will meet on March 13th at 10 a.m. They will address the subject of county roads at that time.
* At the suggestion of County Judge Molinar, commissioners voted to adopt a resolution to the state in opposition to proposed appraisal caps by the legislature.
* After approving budget amendments as recommended by the auditor, county judge and commissioners, commissioners approved the submitted monthly reports, talked county projects and approved the monthly bills amounting to $266,703.82. Of that sum, $98,711.26 was for payroll and related expenses and $167,992.56 was for bills.
Column One
By Dawn Simpson
WOW! Talk about a nail-biting, hair-raising basketball game. Last night’s boys varsity game against Alpine certainly was that. The guys, from both teams, played their hearts out. It was one of those positive experiences in high school sports. In basketball games, at least here in our high school gym, there is only one side to sit on so you had Alpine fans all mixed in with Eagle fans just all cheering for their guys and I don’t know of anyone getting too upset with each other. At least not that I saw. I sat next to a Mother of an Alpine player and there were Alpine fans right behind us. Of course there was disappointment for them, and elation from Eagle fans.
I’m sure Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Ivey were extremely proud of that 3-point winning basket by their grandson, Chad Engle. Another visiting Eagle fan seen at the game last night was John Curry. He coached the boys basketball team here for several years and won the State Championship in 1971. He returned to State Playoffs later in the 70s as well. I’m not sure what year that was. It’s always good to see he and Frances. I hear they are buying older homes in Monahans, refurbishing them and reselling them. That would be a great thing for someone to do in Van Horn. Better yet, maybe John and Frances could move back to Van Horn and do that and it would be a double win for us!
Congratulations to our boys on their win last night and GOOD LUCK at the play-off game with Brady on Wednesday!! I hope many Eagle fans will be able to make the trip to Crane.
And since we are playing Brady, you might know who we got a call from early this morning. Mitch Van Horn! He was trying to ‘trash talk’ Van Horn but if you know Mitch very well, you know he lived here far too long, and something deep down in his heart is really going to be rooting for Van Horn!
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Van Horn made the KVIA News from El Paso last night on a story called ‘Space Race’. It was a good story but we are always disappointed to see what the reporters from cities seem to enjoy doing when they come to Van Horn. They look for the ugliest building and tackiest signs to air. I wonder why they can’t take a picture of the bank building, or one of our nice modern motels or even our busy truck stops. Oh well, I guess it just reminds us of how much we still have to do to make our town look attractive and clean. Obviously, the bad spots (and there are far too many) are the things that get people’s attention.
After hearing how Spaceport America, the other privately-owned space venture between Las Cruces and T or C, is trying everything to raise money to fund their operation, to include a sales tax increase, I think we are extremely lucky to have Blue Origin, who has asked for nothing except privacy.
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Two very special women had birthdays last week and I failed to wish them a Happy Birthday in time so I’m doing it belated, but sincerely just the same. Mary Harrington turned 92 on February 5th. She is in the Pecos Nursing Home and is missed here in Van Horn. I know she’d rather be in Ruidoso as the horse racing season gears up.
Liz Mitchell turned 88 on Feb. 6th and looked beautiful in church Sunday morning. Both these women are to be admired for their positive attitudes. Thanks to both of them for their example of how to grow older and still love life.
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It’s great to get those little notes in with subscription renewals. Received one this week from Phillip Floyd, who lives in Colorado. Included was the info that his sister, Robbie had moved from San Diego to Denver - and was shocked by the weather!
Also received a new subscription request from some other past residents of Van Horn, Alan and Charlotte Hassenflu, who live in Boerne, Texas. Thanks to all who continue to have an interest in Van Horn.
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We’re finally going to be able to see inside our new Clinic at the Hospital. An open house is scheduled for Sunday, 2-4 PM. That’s a nice addition to our medical facilities here in Van Horn. Ladelle Bates, Hospital Administrator invites everyone to come out and take a look.
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Our web page has been a great way for people to stay in touch with Van Horn - or get back in touch after many years.
We got a phone call from one of those this week. Paul Bosenbury called and said he had particularly enjoyed Heradio Luna’s column, since he graduated with Mr. Luna in 1948! The reason for his call was that he had come across a War Bond that his mother had purchased here back in the early 40s and he wanted to donate it to the Museum here and was looking for the right contact to do that. That was very thoughtful of him.
I mentioned his name to Mr. Luna and he remembered him as the nephew of the Sheriff that caught he and some friends stealing grapes from someone’s grapevines here. What would you like to bet me that it probably wasn’t the only time Mr. Luna was in some kind of trouble!
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Christian one-liners........
God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage.
If God is your Co-Pilot - swap seats!
Don’t give God instructions - just report for duty.
The task ahead of us is never as great as the Power behind us.
You can tell how big a person is by what it takes to discourage him.
Don’t let your worries get the best of you; remember, Moses started out as a basket case.
It is easier to preach ten sermons than it is to live one.
God Himself does not propose to judge a man until he is dead. So why should you?
The Will of God never takes you to where the Grace of God will not protect you.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
February 15th - Members of the Van Horn Volunteer Fire Department are slated to meet this evening at 7 p.m. at the firehouse.
February 16th - Nothing scheduled at press time.
February 17th - The Van Horn Eagles play a warm up playoff game tonight in Monahans beginning at 7 p.m.
February 18th - Attend the church of your choice.
February 19th - President’s Day Holiday. Trustees of the Culberson County-Allamoore I.S.D. are slated to meet tonight at 6 p.m. in the District Administration Building.
February 20th - The Van Horn Rotary Club is slated to meet today at noon at Chuy’s Restaurant. The Van Horn City Council is scheduled to meet tonight at 7 p.m. at City Hall.
February 21st - Ash Wednesday. The Van Horn Eagles play Brady in a 1st round playoff game in Crane tonight with tip off set for 7:30 p.m.