Friday's Internet Edition, September 03, 2010.
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Cinco de Mayo is about heritage.... The Travesura Musical group from San Elizario, Texas performed Saturday at the 10th annual Cinco de Mayo festival held at the County Park in Van Horn. The event is sponsored annually by the local Quinto Sol. According to Quinto Sol’s Vice President Julie Calderon, one of the event’s purpose is so “the kids will know their heritage.” Quinto Sol’s President Debbie Villegas added that the event also helps the community because booths at the event keep their earnings. “It’s helping the town with their organizations,” she said. Quinto Sol includes Linda McDonald, secretary; Anna Luna, treasurer; Lorina Gonzalez, member; Heradio Luna, member; and Fernando Calderon, member. (Photo and caption by Holly Wise)
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- Saturday, May 8, 2010 will see voters heading to the polls to select folks to represent them at all levels of local government, except the county.
Polls open Saturday at 7 a.m and will remain open until 7 p.m. The polling place, for all four elections, will be at City Hall.
The four contested elections are Van Horn City Officer, Culberson County Groundwater Conservation District Director, Culberson Hospital District Director and Culberson County-Allamoore ISD Trustee elections.
Candidates vying for positions in the 4 elections are as follows:
Van Horn City Officer:
Mayor: Incumbent mayor Ben Flanagan is seeking re-election. He is being challenged by former mayor Okey D. Lucas and former city alderman Dennis McBride.
Alderman: Voters will select two aldermen from the field of candidates. Incumbents Domingo “Mingo” G. Corralez and Gilda Morales are seeking re-election. They are being challenged by Dusty Etheridge, Ruben Mendez and Esteban “Steven” Urias.
Culberson County Groundwater Conservation District:
Director: Voters will select three directors from the field of candidates. Incumbents Don Collins, Vance Cottrell and Howard Shelley are seeking re-election. They are being challenged by Refugio “Cuco” Corrales.
Culberson Hospital District:
Director: Voters in this race will also select three directors. Incumbents Edwin Easley, Carole Fitzgerald and Lloyd Taylor are seeking re-election. They are being challenged by Jesus Olivas and Armando Ortega.
Culberson County-Allamoore ISD:
Trustee: Voters in this contest will also select three candidates to represent them. The field includes incumbents Angie Gonzales, Omar Ortega and Andrea Ramirez seeking re-election. They are being challenged by Lourdes Conley, Gracie Mendoza, Jason Owen, Romelia “Romy” Ramirez, Paul Uranga, and Emilio Iglecias.
Early voting in all the races concluded on Tuesday of this week. The results of all voting will be posted sometime after the polls close on Saturday evening.
Until then, we wait!
Council approves 3 year lease for software conversion and updates
Van Horn City Council members met Tuesday evening and wrapped up their business in near record time.
Council members first looked at a proposed lease with Diversified Lenders. The firm has offered to lease the city it’s Incode Computer Financial Conversion and Utility System Upgrade to include 24/7 support.
The 3-year lease deal would amount to approximately $3,393 per quarter. The software is what the city uses for all of its billing (water, sewer, gas, fire department, Christian Shelter, etc.)
According to City Administrator Fran Malafronte, this conversion and upgrade of system software is vital if the city is going to be able to expand it’s services to customers in the months ahead.
Following discussion, council members opted to enter the 3-year lease agreement at the stated quarterly amount.
Council next heard a request to advertise in the upcoming Marfa Magazine. A special rate has been proposed for the city if they will take a double page spread in the magazine.
The $600 rate per page, $1,200 total, is available just until the magazine closes advertising. The 2-page, full color spread will push our community in the areas reached by the magazine.
Council members approved the advertising as quoted.
Other agenda items considered by council during the session, and actions taken include the following:
* Council members approved waiving swimming pool fees for an end of the school year party for the Junior High students. The party will be held on June 3, 2010.
* Council members, following some discussion, approved an offer from Western Bank to purchase the storage building, sitting on it’s property, which belongs to the city. Council accepted the $3,500 offer from the bank to buy the building.
* Council members also gave their approval to the local Girl Scouts to hold a 5K Run on Saturday, June 19, 2010 as a fund-raiser. In approving the request, council also approved some street closures for the event.
* And, after receiving an update on various grant projects that are ongoing, council members announced that they will be presenting a dedication plaque to the school district Thursday, May 6th, at noon in front of the Clark Field baseball diamond.
Dedication marker to be presented today at noon
The Van Horn City Council will officially present a baseball field dedication plaque to school district representives today at noon at the Clark Field ball park.
The dedication plaque is commemorative of the 1991 Class 1-A State Champion baseball team from Van Horn.
All interested folks are encouraged to attend this ceremony.