Saturday's Internet Edition, July 31, 2010.
|
| Breaking ground.... Last Thursday representatives of El Paso Electric Company, the Van Horn City government and interested citizens gathered behind the Convention Center to break ground for an emergency electrical generation capability for the Convention Center. The generator, being donated to the city be El Paso Electric, will provide emergency electrical power to the Convention Center during times when the power is out in town. This will enable folks with health related issues to come to a place in town and keep their electrical devices operating. Those at the groundbreaking pictured above are (L to R) El Paso Electric’s Vice-President of Power Generation, El Paso Electric’s Vice-President of Customer Care Kerrie Lore, Van Horn CIty Councilman Marcial Gonzalez, El Paso Electric employee Mario Sanchez, Van Horn City Councilman Mingo Corrales, Van Horn City Administrator Fran Malafronte, citizen Debbie Loretz who suggested the idea, and Van Horn Mayor Ben Flanagan. (Photo courtesy of El Paso Electric Company) |
- Hello Readers:
If we were to meet in person, I would shake your hand, tell you my name, listen to yours and our conversation would start. It would probably include things like how long I’ve lived in Van Horn, what brought me here, what you do for a living, and how the wind’s been blowing strong lately. I might add how I miss the bluegrass of Kentucky and that I’m not yet quite used to the blowing West Texas dust.
Introductions on paper are harder but here it goes.
My name is Holly Wise and I moved to Van Horn four weeks ago.
I graduated from Murray State University in Murray, Ky. with my bachelor’s degree in journalism. A year later, in May 2008, I graduated with my master’s degree in mass communication. During that year I worked at the Murray Ledger and Times as a city reporter. Part of my job was covering city council meetings, the county hospital, the university, crime and government.
After five years of living more than 1,000 miles from my family, I decided to pursue a job that would get me closer to home. I worked in Silver City, New Mexico for almost a year as a result. I operated the newsroom at the Silver City Sun-News; I covered city government, the county hospital, two school districts and area agriculture news.
I moved to Van Horn to stay close to my family – Dr. John Thomas, my mother Nancy, two brothers and sister. I consider it a privilege to attend their sporting events, be a part of their academic accomplishments and eat dinner around a full table.
In my spare time I enjoy reading, spending time outdoors, riding horses, traveling, training my dogs and spending time with my family and friends.
I’m looking forward to being a part of your community as a resident of Van Horn and also, thanks to Larry and Dawn Simpson, as a reporter at the Van Horn Advocate.
Please feel free to contact me with story ideas, topics or pictures for your organization or business. I look forward to hearing from you.
Holly Wise, (270) 978-1231, Wiseholly1@gmail.com
Column One
By Dawn Simpson
On the top of my prayer list this week have been the teachers, students, and yes, even the parents at our school district. They are having probably the most stressful week of the school year because it is the week when a large portion of the TAKS tests are given. I know that many nights of sleep are lost over these tests by everyone involved and I just hope and pray for good outcomes.
And it sounds like those good outcomes are already beginning to come in. They are in the process of receiving the scores from the Spring TAKS given earlier this month to 5th and 8th graders and the results are showing positive improvements. That’s great news! I know much is being done by Administration and faculty to get those scores up and I appreciate their efforts. We’ll be anxiously awaiting complete results and will have them for you as soon as possible.
* * * * * * * *
Several years ago Gilda Morales came back to live in Van Horn to care for her parents who were aging and whose health was degenerating. In so doing she put her own medical career goal of finishing her internship and becoming a medical doctor on hold. Her brother, Robert Morales also took a career turn and came back to Van Horn a couple of years later to help her care for their parents. You have to admire ‘children’ like these two who go the extra mile to give back to parents who gave them so much. Both parents have now passed away, with the passing of Mr. Morales last Saturday. My condolences to Robert and Gilda for your loss that will leave an empty spot in your heart, as well as your daily routines of caring for your Mom and Dad.
Gilda, I hope you will now go for that internship. You have certainly earned that right and have a town full of friends that will be encouraging you.
* * * * * * * *
Congratulations are in order for quite a few very dedicated students at our high school. First of all we have so much to be proud of in our Calculator Team. After winning their 13th consecutive 1st Place District Trophy, they went on to win Regional and will now be competing at the State level. Way to go! What a positive representation for our town and school.
Our Lady Eagles Softball team has won 2nd place in District and will be competing at Bi-District. Congratulations on your good season and Best of Luck Saturday!
And last but certainly not least are these outstanding athletes who will be competing at the Regional Track Meet this Friday and Saturday. I’ll bet we see some State Qualifiers out of these. Good Luck as you give it all you have – Jesus (J.J.) Baca, Ricky Ramirez, Leo Hapeman, Alex Baca, Roman Corrales, Alex Virdell, Jermanicus Stanford, Janice Martinez, Brizelda Urias, Diana Padilla, and Alex Quintana.
* * * * * * * *
Have you noticed how clean the Post Office is looking just recently? You’re doing a great job Adrian, and it’s obvious that you take a lot of pride in your work. Thanks!
* * * * * * * *
It’s Fiesta time in Van Horn! One of the great things about living here is how closely we are intertwined with the colorful Mexican Culture. And because of that we enjoy the celebration of Cinco De Mayo. Thanks to those who carry on this annual event each year, and thus keep our Hispanic friends, and especially the children, in touch with their rich heritage. And we have the benefit of joining with them this Saturday to celebrate. Check the ad out in this issue and plan on coming out and enjoying the fun and food. I know I wouldn’t miss the food for anything!
* * * * * * *
Some good Puritan advice……………
Spend your time in nothing which you know must be repented of; in nothing on which you might not claim the blessings of God; in nothing which you could not review with a quiet conscience on your dying bed; in nothing which you might not be safely and properly doing if guests surprise you in the act.
And a great ‘Food for Thought’ is this Greek Proverb……………..
“A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.”
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
April 29th - Nothing scheduled at press time.
April 30th - Van Horn Eagle regional track qualifiers will be at the Regional Track Meet in Levelland today.
May 1st - Van Horn Eagle regional track qualifiers will be at the Regional Track Meet in Levelland today. The Van Horn Lady Eagle softball team will play El Dorado in a bi-district contest today in Crane at 11 a.m.
May 2nd - Attend the church of your choice today.
May 3rd - Nothing scheduled at press time.
May 4th - The Van Horn Rotary Club will meet today at noon at Chuy’s Restaurant. The Van Horn City Council is scheduled to meet this evening at 7 p.m. at City Hall.
May 5th - Nothing scheduled at press time.