Wednesday's Internet Edition, September 08, 2010.
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| No backyard grilling....until The snow melts (and it probably did by late Wednesday afternoon). Van Horn was hit with a welcome bit of rain mixed with snow on Tuesday. It was the first recorded precipitation here in over two months. |
- Culberson County commissioners met Monday morning to address agenda matters, foremost of which was to consider a partnership agreement with the school district.
Dr. Guillermo Mancha, Jr., superintendent of schools, appeared before county commissioners to ask them to consider partnering with the district for the use of and control of Veteran’s Memorial Park Softball Field for the period January, 2009 through May, 2009.
Dr. Mancha, in his presentation, told commissioners that the district would like to haul in dirt, plant grass seed and water the field for the aforementioned period of time.
In return, Dr. Mancha asked commissioners to extend the dugout some 12 additional feet, to paint the facility, and pay the electric bill if there were an occasion when a game might be continued after dark.
Following some discussion, commissioners agreed to the partnership idea upon learning that it will also be presented to school district trustees at their next meeting.
Under the agreement, the school district will coordinate any use of the softball field during the January through May time frame because it will be used primarily for the girls softball program and games.
Becky Brewster next came before commissioners to ask them to consider several matters as pertains to grants. First, she asked that commissioners approve draw number 7 of the Youth Activity Center (Phase II) grant. She noted that a punch list is being prepared and final payment will not be made to the contractor until the punch list items are complete.
Second, she noted that the application for the Youth Activity Center (Phase III) grant application is due this Friday and would be submitted unless commissioners wanted her to halt. Commissioners told her to proceed.
And thirdly, she presented commissioners with the final plans and specifications on the Texas Department of Transportation Border Colonias grant for their approval. At the same time, she asked them to approve draw number 1 and payment of the engineering invoice for services rendered. That invoice was for $79,900.
After hearing Brewster, commissioners proceeded to consider applicants for County Emergency Management Coordinator.
County Judge Manuel Molinar recommended that commissioners hire Joe Aguilar as Emergency Management Coordinator effective January 1, 2009. Molinar reported that Aguilar was familiar with the duties and functions of the office.
Commissioners proceeded to hire him at a salary of $500 per month. He will also receive $500 a month from the City as well.
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1 Oscar Espinoza appeared before commissioners to request additional help in his office. He noted that the additional help would be utilized to collect more traffic fines and would pay for him/her self in added fines collected.
He also asked commissioners to approve the purchase of a new computer from technology funds to be used by the new employee.
After discussion, commissioners approved hiring a part-time employee for his office and they also approved purchasing the new computer requested.
Following the Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace, commissioners heard County Tax Assessor/Collector Molly Hernandez ask again for her part-time employee to be made a full time employee.
Commissioners agreed to continue part-time funding through the end of the fiscal year at which time they will consider making the position a full time one.
With regard to other items on their agenda which commissioners considered, the following actions were taken:
* Heard that Sheriff Oscar Carrillo had not received any bids on the sheriff’s vehicles he had sought. Accordingly, the Sheriff will look for them in EL Paso and Las Cruces and make sure that any vehicles purchased come from state approved vendors. The vehicles will be completely furnished when they arrive here.
* Commissioners approved a resolution in support of the dairy cattle facility which is being planned for Culberson County. They did this to show support for the facility and the jobs it will create here.
* They tabled action on a USDA pass through grant, at the recommendation of County Attorney Steve Mitchell, so that he could review the document more thoroughly.
* Commissioners heard a behind closed doors executive session to discuss county barn personnel matters. Upon reconvening, they announced that no action would be taken.
* Commissioners set Monday, January 5, 2009 as the date on which they’ll hold a meeting to formally swear in newly elected county officers.
* After hearing the plat was ready for the County Industrial Park, and that $10,000 had been set aside to pay the surveyor, commissioners learned that there were no budget amendments to be approved. They did, however, set aside $5,000 for additional part-time help at Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1’s office.
* After approving the monthly submitted reports, commissioners approved payment of monthly bills and salaries amounting to $263,191.47. Of that sum, $119,497.90 was for payrolls ad $143,693.57 was for monthly bills.
Column One
By Dawn Simpson
Don’t forget that this Saturday evening is the Lighted Christmas Parade, and the activities that go along with it. Let’s hope the temperature is just a bit warmer than this morning. BRRRR. At 8:00 this morning it was 19 degrees. But wasn’t it pretty with everything covered in a thin blanket of snow. It puts us a little more in the Christmas mood. However, the sun was out bright and early and before noon most of the white stuff was gone. No mess, no hazardous roads. You gotta love it. But, I know some of you who were literally jumping for joy with it started snowing Thesday, would like the winter scene to stay around for days. Not me. Give me just a little taste of winter - then let that sunshine come back.
Anyway, back to the parade - it’s a fun time to come together as a town and kick off the Christmas season. Burritos and burgers never taste better than outside on a chilly night with friends all around. There will be vendors around and inside the Museum, and the food vendors in the parking lot. Hope to see you there!
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We’ll be doing our annual Christmas issue of the Advocate next week. Then we will not publish the week of Christmas. Businesses and individuals who would like to take this method of sending customers and friends your holiday greetings, please let us know by Tuesday, the 16th. What better time than now, the holiday season, to say thanks for the support and friendship of our community.
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You are cordially invited to
A Birthday Celebration!!
Guest of Honor: Jesus Christ
Date: Everyday. Traditionally, Dec. 25th (but He’s always around, so the date is flexible)
Time: Whenever you’re ready. Please don’t be late, though, or you’ll miss all the fun!
Place: In your heart....He’ll meet you there. You’ll hear His knock.
Attire: Come as you are....grubbies are okay. He’ll be washing our clothes anyway. He said something about new white robes and crown for everyone who stays till the last.
Tickets: Admission is free. He’s already paid for everyone. It cost Him everything He had, but you do need to accept the ticket.
Refreshments: New wine, bread, and a far-out drink He calls “Living Water.”
Gift Suggestions: Your life. He’s one of those people who already has everything else. He’s very generous in return though. Just wait until you see what He has for you!
Entertainment: Joy, Peace, Truth, Light, Life, Love, Real Happiness. Communion with God, Forgiveness, Miracles, Healing, Power, Eternity in Paradise, Contentment, and much more! All “G” rated, so bring your family and friends.
R.S.V.P. Very Important! He must know ahead so He can reserve a spot for you at the table. Also, He’s keeping a list of His friends for future reference. He calls it the “Lamb’s Book of Life.”
Party being given by His Kids (that’s us!!) Hope to see you there!
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
December 11th - Van Horn Junior High basketball teams play in the San Eli Basketball Tournament today. Directors of the Clark Hotel Historical Museum Association are slated to meet tonight at 6 p.m. at the Clark Hotel Museum.
December 12th - Van Horn Invitational Basketball Tournament starts today at 9 a.m. at the High School and Delaware Gyms.
December 13th - Van Horn’s Annual Lighted Christmas Parade is this evening at 6 p.m. along Broadway. Van Horn Junior High basketball teams continue play in the San Eli Tournament today. Van Horn Invitational Basketball Tournament continues today. The Van Horn JV boys and girls teams continue play in the Fort Davis Tournament today.
December 14th - Attend the church of your choice.
December 15th - The Van Horn Junior High basketball teams play Pecos today in Pecos beginning at 5 p.m. Trustees of the Culberson County-Allamoore ISD are slated to meet tonight at 6 p.m. at the District Administration Building.
December 16th - Members of the Van Horn Rotary Club are slated to meet today at noon at Chuy’s Restaurant. The Van Horn JV and varsity boys basketball teams play Alpine here tonight beginning at 6 p.m. The Van Horn JV and varsity girls basketball teams play Ft. Stockton tonight in Ft. Stockton beginning at 5 p.m. The Van Horn City Council is scheduled to meet tonight at 7 p.m. at City Hall.
December 17th - Nothing scheduled at press time.