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Last modified:
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Headline
News From Our
Dec. 13, 2002 Issue
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U.S.
Rep.-elect Steve Pearce
says T-or-C/Tularosa road
not on his list of priorities
CLICK ON PHOTO
FOR ANOTHER VIEW
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Congressman-elect
Steve Pearce said Wednesday morning in Truth or Consequences that opening
the road from T or C to Tularosa across highly restricted White Sands
Missile Range will be lacking from his list of priorities when he takes
office next month.
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ACCION
NM extends arms
to Sierra County businesses
CLICK ON PHOTO TO
ENLARGE
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Entrepreneurs
who want to start up a new business but are short of cash, or businesses
that need help in order to grow - but are considered high risk by lending
institutions - can get relief.
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CLICK ON PHOTOS TO
ENLARGE
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Five
HSHS musicians
accepted into All-State
Five
Hot Springs High School students this year have been accepted into the
All-State music ensembles, HSHS Band and Choir Director Gary Shaver
announced Wednesday.
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Medal
of Valor presented to four state park rangers
New Mexico
Park Rangers Ben Hoffacker, Greg Claesson, Russell Woolf and Mike Ormand
rescue people from the waters as just part of the job.
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Wildlands
Project Comes to
Hidalgo County (Part 7)
This week I
intended to discuss The Nature Conservancy (TNC), the 10th
largest nonprofit in our nation.
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Luminarias
at the Butte to
light up Beach Walk
As many as
2,000 luminarias will grace the beaches of Elephant Butte Lake State Park
on Saturday, Dec. 14, as the community and the park celebrate the holiday
season with the fourth annual Beach Walk Luminaria event.
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CLICK
ON PHOTO TO ENLARGE
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Sierra
Santas start Christmas schedule
Thanksgiving is history and
it’s time for the man in red to move into the spotlight.
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CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE
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Elephant
Butte’s
Newest
Restaurant
And Night Club
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OBITUARIES
Notices
for Betty J. Clark Wilson, Walter Winkler, Robert Richard
Branstetter & Maryella Lower.
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…A
listening ear
Congressman-elect
Steve Pearce listens closely to the requests of Sierra County
Sheriff-elect David Martinez concerning the sheriff’s need for equipment
and for federal assistance to bring Homeland Security home to Sierra
County. Pearce was in Truth or Consequences Wednesday as part of his bus
tour throughout the Second Congressional District. Click on photo for
another view.
DJ
photo by Bill Johnson
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…A
powerful response
U.S.
Representative Steve Pearce responds with expressive body language after
hearing the requests of T or C City Manager Richard Ramsey for federal aid
to help with the city’s water and wastewater concerns.
DJ photo by Bill
Johnson
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U.S. Rep.-elect Steve Pearce says
T-or-C/Tularosa road not his priority
By Bill Johnson
of the Desert Journal
Congressman-elect Steve Pearce said
Wednesday morning in Truth or Consequences that opening the road from T or
C to Tularosa across highly restricted White Sands Missile Range will be
lacking from his list of priorities when he takes office next month.
Pearce stopped in T or C for a town
hall meeting with community leaders during his 10-day bus tour of towns
and cities throughout his newly prized Second Congressional District that
encompasses southern New Mexico.
During his “listening” tour, Pearce
said he spent a full day touring WSMR after his election since he is
allowed access after being elected U.S. Representative Nov. 5.
He said he ran into one junction with a
90-degree turn around a very secret facility.
“This is not one I’m excited about.
I’m not going to be a strong representative on this one issue,” he
said.
Pearce’s lack of support for the T or
C-Tularosa road opening proposal comes on the heels of proponents from
several municipalities and county governments in the district who have
resolved an east-west corridor across Southern New Mexico is in their best
interest by fostering tourism and economic development.
A road would cut travel distance from
Truth or Consequences to Alamogordo and Tularosa by about half of the 150
miles it now takes via Interstate 25 and U.S. Highway 70.
Sierra County Manager Adam Polley was
present to echo the wishes of the county to open the road, saying, “One
proposal of the county commission is to open the road from Engle (13 miles
east of T or C) to Tularosa. It’s very important for our area’s
economic development to have an east-west corridor by opening the road.”
Pearce said he agrees with the
statement that national security should protect the country’s borders
and its economic strength. However, he added, “It’s my responsibility
to look at the facts, which are not open to the general public (because of
their secret military status),” he said. “I want to deal with issues
fairly and honestly.”
He said he personally took 24 hours of
his time to tour WSMR up close after some of his friends from Tularosa
asked him to look into the road issue.
“I don’t think the road opening
should be a priority based on what I found (with top secret installations
on WSMR). But my doors will be open and I will listen to constituents’
concerns,” he said.
While the road issue seemed to strike a
sour note, Pearce was supportive of the numerous other recommendations or
requests made by community leaders.
T or C City Manager Richard Ramsey said
that at present water and waste-water issues are the city’s main
concerns. Likewise, Julia Cooper of the Elephant Butte Chamber of Commerce
said wastewater also is a major concern in Elephant Butte. “We like to
work with T or C to help the whole county,” she said.
Pearce said the community must keep a
cooperative spirit alive to get things done. “It’s hard to help
counties without ‘consolidated’ views,” he said.
“There are different problems with no
money to solve them,” Pearce said. “We need to look to each other to
get things done and not necessarily depend on the federal government to
get everything done.”
Besides the Tularosa road issue, County
Manager Polley also pitched other critical needs of the county including:
The continuance of full funding of
Payment in Lieu of Taxes. “With the majority of land in the county under
control of federal land management agencies and other federal agencies, it
is important that the federal government pay its share. With county
services and resources being used more and more on federal land it is
necessary to have full funding of PILT,” he said.
Maintenance and upgrade of federal and
state roadways, which are important to the county’s economic activity.
“Interstate reaches in rural areas are forgotten by the state and
conditions of these road arte in serious disrepair. State roads leading to
the Interstate system are most dangerous in rural areas along with the new
classification by the State to drop most of the maintenance of these types
of roads.
The inclusion of the county government
in planning and implementation of federal projects, which has been
lacking. “The agencies have demonstrated this behavior by the
implementation of the Wild and Scenic Rivers decision and the continuance
of the Mexican wolf project. The County asks Congress to strengthen the
county’s role in the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) and to
reduce the authority of the land management agencies. We ask that the
Counties be given the authority of Joint Lead Designation under NEPA as
true government agencies on federal projects.”
Setting aside of a minimum pool or
water rights in Elephant Butte Lake. “We request that this pool of
reserved water rights be placed at the bottom of the lake for recreation
and other purposes that are vital to the economic health of Sierra County
and continued use of the lake for the people of New Mexico and the United
States.”
Management and financing of healthy
watersheds. “We ask that Congress start a program for watershed health
and the ability for local governments to have a source of funds for the
development of watershed projects. Management of the watersheds is very
important to the delivery of both quality and quantity of water that
residents of Sierra County use for their livelihood. Within the county,
each watershed’s headwaters are within the federal land management
jurisdiction. We ask that Congress direct the agencies to manage these
watersheds for quality and quantity under proven science with counties as
agency partners.”
Polley also asked Pearce to stay
vigilant with the legislation that Pearce’s predecessor, retiring
Congressman Joe Skeen, got passed in the House that will allow lease lot
holders at Caballo and Elephant Butte Lake State Parks to purchase their
improved lots.
Sierra County Sheriff-elect David
Martinez asked for needed equipment that the county doesn’t have,
especially to safeguard major infrastructure such as Elephant Butte Dam
from terrorist attack.
“We’re not through with terrorism.
Without costing ourselves our liberty, I’m asking counties to take up
responsibility (such as providing security measures at the dam). Pearce
said he is well aware of the fact that New Mexico has high potential for
danger in these dangerous times with terrorists infiltrating the country.
Rancher Ben Cain said cattle need
protection from the Endangered Species Act and radical environmentalism.
“The ESA is putting us off our land. How can a cow, which is on the
ground, hurt a Mexican spotted owl, which is in a tree?” he asked.
After hearing everyone’s legislative
requests (many omitted here), Pearce said his constituents shouldn’t
expect a whole lot from a freshman congressman. As a leverage, he said he
will draw upon the seniority of the rest of New Mexico’s congressional
delegation so as to benefit his constituents in the district.
“I will listen to the tough
questions. I won’t always agree with what’s popular but I will work
towards solutions that we can work and live with,” he said.
Pearce’s “Working for New Mexico”
bus tour began Dec. 9 in his hometown of Hobbs as a means to thank voters
for their support in the general election and listen to the important
issues specific to each county.
"Our bus tour serves as an
excellent opportunity for me to travel the district and have sincere and
candid discussions with constituents before I go to Washington,"
Pearce said.
"I am ready to go to work for
Southern New Mexico," Pearce concluded.
The bus traveled through Chaves,
Lincoln, Socorro, Sierra, Grant and Dona Ana counties by midweek before
rounding out the tour with Otero, Eddy, Cibola, DeBaca, and Guadalupe
counties.
<<<
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…Loan
program for high risk businesses
Staff
members of ACCION New Mexico met Wednesday with local loan officers, the
Sierra County Economic Development Organization and news media to pitch
their loan program for micro businesses that are too high risk for banks
to consider.
DJ photo by Bill Johnson
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ACCION NM extends arms
to Sierra County businesses
High risk,
low interes
loans offered
By Bill Johnson
of the Desert Journal
Entrepreneurs
who want to start up a new business but are short of cash, or businesses
that need help in order to grow - but are considered high risk by lending
institutions - can get relief.
ACCION
New Mexico rolled into Truth or Consequences Wednesday to extend its
helping hand to Sierra County businesses that need money but can’t get
it from a bank or credit institution.
All
they need to do is show that they have some character –they have the
drive to do business and maybe succeed as well. That’s according to
ACCION staff members from Albuquerque who spent the noon hour at K-Bob’s
steakhouse explaining their program to a small enthusiastic audience
consisting of local economic development czar Lane Pack, Bank of the
Southwest loan officers Manny Silva of the Elephant Butte branch and Ellen
Evans of the T or C branch, and the local news media.
Established
in 1994, ACCION New Mexico has made a total of 1,926 “micro business”
loans amounting to $5.3 million, this year alone at $1.4 million, with
loans of $2,500 on the average. The average loan size in 2002 is about
$4,000, O’Leary said.
Most
of the loans are issued to low- and moderate-income individuals who turn
to self-employment as a means of providing important sources of income for
themselves and their families.
“ACCION
New Mexico’s work has improved perceptions of the ‘credit
worthiness’ of low-income entrepreneurs within the financial community,
through a historic repayment rate of more than 98 percent,” said Beth
Chavez, Director of Outreach.
A
1998 study of ACCION New Mexico’s data indicated that low-income clients
who had completed three ACCION loans saw a 231% increase in business
profits, an 88% increase in take-home business income, and a 32% increase
in household income. ACCION NM’s work is making a very real difference
in the lives of its clients and is working to stengthen the health of the
communities in which we live,” Chavez said.
“ACCION
NM is an award-winning, non-profit community economic empowerment
organization that increases access to business credit, makes loans and
provides training which enable emerging entrepreneurs to realize their
dreams and be catalysts for positive economic and social change,” she
said.
Landscaping,
janitorial, cleaning, auto repair, mom and pop stores, and just about any
kind of small business with owners at least 18 years of age can qualify
for ACCION’s loans except businesses that primarily promote firearms or
vice such as liquor, tobacco and pornography, according to William
O’Leary of ACCION.
Interest
rates depend on the size of the loan: for example, a $200 loan would
accrue 14% interest but a loan of $20,000 would see only a payback at
10.95% interest, O’Leary said. The average term for loans is 24 months,
he added. Also, the loan process from beginning to end takes from seven to
10 days. ACCION refers loan requests that exceed $20,000 to the Small
Business Administration, he said. Loans can range from $200 to $50,000,
according to ACCION literature.
Loans
can be made for starting up a business or for needed equipment or
vehicles. Loan closing fees apply but there are no application fees.
While
most ACCION clients are considered at risk, the delinquency rate is just
below 7%, according to Sarah Guy, an ACCION loan officer and outreach
worker.
Besides
doing public awareness work, ACCION also sets up an adequate referral
system with banks for customers with poor credit histories, O’Leary
said. So when the bank turns down the loan, the bank also will refer the
rejected applicant to ACCION.
“The
benefit of micro-lending institutions is that they are a powerful economic
development tool. We encourage our customers to work with Small Business
Development Centers for assistance,” Guy said.
“We
help businesses build up their credit history to help them in their
finance plans,” she said.
So
far, ACCION has two clients in Sierra County, including one each in T or C
and Elephant Butte.
“Most
of our clients are from Albuquerque, but we’re trying to get the word
out throughout New Mexico,” O’Leary said. “In doing so, we also have
to set up partnerships with banks and Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs),”
he added.
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…All-State
Band & Choir
Five
Hot Springs High School students have received the honor of being accepted
into the All-State Band and All-State Choir this year. The three HSHS Band
members named to All-State Band are (top photo, from left): David Amin,
Alto Saxophone; William Mateo, Baritone Saxophone; and Stephanie Duffy,
Flute. The two HSHS Choir members accepted into the All-State Choir are
Beth Baray, Alto, and Cody Haver, Bass.
DJ photos by Bill Johnson
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Five HSHS musicians
accepted into
All-State
Five
Hot Springs High School students this year have been accepted into the
All-State music ensembles, HSHS Band and Choir Director Gary Shaver
announced Wednesday.
The
All-State convention will be Jan. 8 - 11. The concerts will be performed
Saturday, Jan. 11, in Pope Joy Hall on the University of New Mexico campus
in Albuquerque.
Two
students from the HSHS Choir auditioned on Nov. 1. Beth Baray was accepted
as an Alto in the Mixed Choir.
Beth
is a junior, and this is her third year in the All-State Choir. Her first
two years, she was in the Treble Choir.
“She
is very happy to have been put in the Mixed, as it seems to be much more
difficult to make,” Shaver said.
The
other choir member in All-State is senior Cody Haver. This will also be
Cody’s third year in All-State, but his first two years were in the band
on his Trombone. This year he will be singing Bass in the Mixed Choir.
“I’m
very proud that Cody is rounding out his musical experience in high school
by having chose to try for the All-State Choir,” Shaver said.
“Two
of our band kids auditioned for the Small School Band, which, true to its
namesake only accepts students from small schools.
Band
auditions were held Dec. 3. Sophomore William Mateo tried out on Baritone
Saxophone and was accepted as one of only two players on that instrument
in the band.
This
is his first time at the All-State convention.
Sophomore
Stephanie Duffy auditioned on Flute and for the second year will be
representing HSHS.
The
fifth HSHS student to audition was David Amin. “David chose to try for
the open class, not the Small School Band. His feeling was that he had
already made it in the Small School band last year, so wanted to challenge
himself with the open class,” Shaver said.
Students
auditioning this way are placed in one of two groups. David was
chosen as first chair saxophone in the Symphonic Band, which is the top
spot a sax player can reach, Shaver said.
“I
am very proud of all of these students and can’t wait to hear their
rehearsals and performances. I am also very proud of my other student who
auditioned but wasn’t accepted. This was a huge first step and you
showed great initiative with your strong work ethic,” Shaver said.
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Medal of Valor presented
to four state park rangers
Summer storm rescue
at EB Lake highlighted
SANTA FE - New Mexico Park Rangers Ben
Hoffacker, Greg Claesson, Russell Woolf and Mike Ormand rescue people from
the waters as just part of the job.
But to the New Mexico State Parks and
Recreation Division, their actions during this summer's worst storm were
brave and heroic, and good enough to earn each of them a prestigious Medal
of Valor.
Such honors were bestowed at the 8th
annual Employee Recognition Awards Ceremony held Dec. 5 at the Radisson
Hotel in Santa Fe.
The dramatic rescues that led to the
awards occurred during one of the busiest weekends and this summer's worst
storm at Elephant Butte Lake.
The officers responded to nine water
calls during that storm. Conditions already were perilous when the unit
arrived on the scene - a capsized boat with people in the water.
In nine-foot waves, four adults and
four children clung to the side of the boat as Officers Claesson and Woolf
dove into the churning water to help them into the rescue boat operated by
Ormand and Hoffacker.
Hoffacker joined the NM State Parks
Division in November 1985, Claesson in July 1995, Woolf in April 1997 and
Ormand in June 1986.
"Since day one of this
administration, Governor Johnson has supported those staff members in the
State Parks Division who have gone beyond the call of duty and he is the
one who has recognized the staff members of this department who have given
beyond their normal work day responsibility," said Tom Trujillo,
director of the State Parks Division.
Trujillo added, "These officers
share an extraordinary commitment to public service. Their courage and
dedication are an inspiration to us all."
The Medal of Valor is a special award
for Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department employees who have
saved lives at the risk of their own.
The State Parks Division administers 31
parks including 18 lakes throughout the state.
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Wildlands Project Comes
to Hidalgo
County (Part 7)
The Wildlands Project - The Nature
Conservancy
Country Girl's Musin'
By Judy Keeler
This week I intended to discuss The
Nature Conservancy (TNC), the 10th largest nonprofit in our
nation. However, in order to understand how some of the players interact
within the environmental movement, I'd like to point out some opinions
I've developed during years of research.
According to my observations, a line
has been drawn in the sand. On one side of the line stand those who
believe in people and the good in humanity. These individuals tend to
believe in their fellow man and enjoy helping their neighbors.
On the other side are those who believe
humanity is a curse on the earth. These individuals tend to suppress and
inhibit other human beings and any human activities they consider
detrimental. Here are some values they perpetuate:
Environmentalism pits man against
nature, i.e., man is killing all wildlife, hacking up their habitats and
destroying the species' ability to survive. Mankind is the villain. His
activities are fouling the land, water and air.
Humans are on a level with all other
species. Animals and plants deserve the same rights as mankind. Although
they concede mankind may have the ability to choose right from wrong, it
is assumed they always choose wrongly. Humanity is inherently bad. Nature
is good.
Everything is a crisis. Extinction of
species will occur tomorrow, or at the least, in the very near future.
Although their belief system is based on evolution, this same evolutionary
process cannot be allowed to continue. They must "save" the
Earth!
They are very elitist. The
organizations and their leaders believe they're the only ones who know
what is good for the planet, including its animals, land, water and air.
It is their job to "educate" others because they possess
superior knowledge. Mankind must stop all activities they perceive to be
destructive.
They are extremists. The word
compromise does not exist in their vocabulary. Whether it is the size of
trees that can be logged, developing oil and gas, or the right of
individuals to manage their own property, they will not compromise unless
it's one of their own doing the cutting, drilling or subdividing.
Most of the organizations involved in
this agenda, and the Wildlands Project specifically, are interconnected,
either through their agenda of "saving" species, open space and
wilderness, or through their funding sources - usually money granted by
large foundations.
Those who scorn humanity have found
some very useful tools to control and ultimately eliminate those who do
not agree with them. Once they have created a perceived crisis in an area,
they use the laws they have helped generate to force compliance.
One of their favorite and most
effective tools is the Endangered Species Act. However, they've been known
to use the Clean Air and Water Acts to suit their purposes as well. What
began in the 1960s as a social agenda to clean up industrial pollution and
save species in peril has today become a nightmare.
The environmental movement had at one
time a legitimate reason to exist. Several industrial corporations were
polluting our lands, air and waters. Some species were actually declining
to the point of extinction.
But through the years, as these
conflicts were resolved, the environmental community changed its focus
from industrial pollution to any activity they considered a pollutant,
i.e. harvesting timber, mining minerals, irrigating desert lands, grazing
rangelands and some forms of recreation.
With time they were also able to change
the public's perception from cleaning up to "saving" every
little bug and crawling critter. It has gone so far now that some
organizations are even trying to save lichen (algae).
Are these organizations becoming even
more extreme in their causes, and why?
David Brower, Sierra Club's first
executive director and supporter of the Wildlands Project, explained how
environmental organizations have built their system to make their agenda
appear mainstream in E magazine: "The Sierra Club made the Nature
Conservancy look reasonable. Then I founded Friends of the Earth to make
the Sierra Club look reasonable. Then I founded Earth Island Institute to
make Friends of the Earth look reasonable. Earth First! now makes us look
reasonable. We're still looking for a group to come along and make Earth
First! look reasonable."
This statement was made in 1990. Today,
we have the Wildlands Project, Center for Biological Diversity, Forest
Guardians, Range Net, and the Earth Liberation Front (ELF!) among about
1,400 other "environmental" organizations that are massaging the
public into believing their claims.
Some of these organizations tend to
make other environmental organizations appear moderate in comparison to
their extremist positions. Many are supported by large foundation and
government grants.
How does TNC fit into this agenda? In
my opinion, when the extremist groups attack miners, loggers, ranchers and
recreationalists, TNC is then free to ride in wearing their white hats.
Appearing to be the good guys, they can
now save the day for everyone, and make off with the goods in the process.
More on The Nature Conservancy next
week.
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Luminarias at the Butte
to light up Beach Walk
As many as 2,000 luminarias will grace
the beaches of Elephant Butte Lake State Park on Saturday, Dec. 14, as the
community and the park celebrate the holiday season with the fourth annual
Beach Walk Luminaria event.
Park entry fees will be waived for the
event, expected to attract hundreds of visitors who will enjoy hayrides,
warm refreshments and campfires along a half-mile loop trail in the Dirt
Dam day-use area south of Marina del Sur.
Park Ranger and event coordinator Mike
Lanford said the trail walk should take 20 to 30 minutes. He advises
visitors to dress warmly for expected temperatures in the 40s and low 50s.
The Elephant Butte Chamber of Commerce
and area volunteers will light 10 campfires along the route and serve hot
chocolate, coffee and cookies. In case of bad weather, the event will be
rescheduled for Sunday, Dec. 15.
Visitors also will enjoy a live
nativity scene and puppet shows on the beach. Boats and recreational
vehicles will add to the display with decorations at Marina del Sur and in
the campgrounds.
The event will be underway from dusk
until 9 p.m.
For more information, call Elephant
Butte Lake State Park at 505-744-5923 or the Elephant Butte Chamber of
Commerce at 744-4708.
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…Santa
comes to town
Santa
visits with children during the Christmas Jubilee sponsored by the T or
C/Sierra County Chamber of Commerce last Saturday in the T or C Civic
Center. Here, Paris Ebberts, 4, tells Santa her wish list for Christmas.
DJ photo by Bill Johnson
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Sierra Santas start
Christmas schedule
Thanksgiving is history and it’s time
for the man in red to move into the spotlight. No, not Red Ryder; we’re
talking about Santa Claus, of course.
During these tough economic times, the
Sierra Santas could make a difference for some Sierra County families this
Christmas, especially more now than ever before.
The Sierra Santas once again are asking
for donations of food, toys, clothing, household items and money.
Donated items may be new or used as
Santa’s helpers will clean and make repairs as needed.
The Sierra Santas will try to take care
of all of the needy families, children and senior citizens in Sierra
County.
The Sierra Santas Workshop opened
Tuesday, Dec. 10, in the Sierra County Fair Barn on South Broadway. The
workshop will be open daily Monday through Friday from 9 to 11 a.m. and
between 1 and 4 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. It will be
closed weekdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for lunch and pickups. The workshop
will remain open through Friday, Dec. 20.
The Sierra Santas will be part of
Christmas activities on Saturday, Dec. 21. The popular Breakfast with
Santa, sponsored by the Elks Lodge, will be from 8 to 9:45 a.m. at the
lodge. Parents can take kids for breakfast and for a visit with Santa.
After breakfast, the Christmas Parade
will leave from the Elks Lodge parking lot at 10 a.m. and proceed through
downtown and continue until it reaches the Fair Barn.
During the Community Christmas Party at
the Fair Barn kids can visit Santa while food baskets are distributed to
the needy. Everyone also can enjoy music, cookies, hot cocoa and coffee.
The Sierra Santas also are working
again with Bank of the Southwest on the Dream Tree project. To
participate, stop by the bank, pick a name or two off the tree and
purchase a present to place under the tree, again for distribution to
needy children.
For more information, to make a
donation for pickup, or to schedule an appearance by Santa, call Jim
Brannon at 894-2181 or Jim Rainey at 894-3915.
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Elephant
Butte’s
Newest
Restaurant
And
Night Club
DJ
Photos
by
Bill Johnson
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…BigFood
does it big
BigFood
Express has changed locations from its drive-up trailer on Highway 195 to
its completely new and modern (out of this world and in this world)
facility with oriental architecture where dragons fly and the patrons hop
at 212 Warm Springs Blvd. And customers can now dine in and eat the same,
great food from the BigFood menu that many carry-out customers had enjoyed
for several years. BigFood Express owner Steve Gentry (top left) got the
job done on a Small Business Administration loan, showing that with
character and diligence one can foster the entrepreneurial spirit. Inside
the BigFood Express and Club Bossa Mundo, one can find a beautiful
arrangement of tables and chairs with Japanese (?) lamps (bottom right
photo featuring staff members Nigel White and Amber) and all sorts of
knick-knacks to feast the eyes, including the big reflector ball (center
photo) that hangs from the ceiling. With great dining atmosphere available
every day until late at night, Dancing also will be available to a full
light and sound show every Friday and Saturday nights, except this weekend
which is the grand opening by invitation only. |
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OBITUARIES
Betty
J. Clark Wilson, 78, a resident
of Truth or Consequences since 1976, died Monday, Dec. 9, 2002, at the
Sierra Health Care Center. She was born March 22, 1924, in Illinois to
James Earl and Ella Mae (Biglane) Blackman. She served in the U.S. Army
Nurse Corps as a Registered Nurse and retired as a owner and partner of
the Damsite Recreation Area and Restaurant at Elephant Butte Lake State
Park for many years. She was active in the community and served as past
president of the Chamber of Commerce and was a member of the Chamiza
Cowbelles and the Republican Party.
Survivors
include her daughters, Kathi and husband Ted Pape of T or C, and Mary and
husband Blaine Moore of Harrogate, TN; her sons, Ed Clark of Las Vegas,
NV, Donald E. Clark and wife Dotty of Albuquerque, Gregory J. Clark and
wife Billie of Denver, CO, and Brian P. Clark and wife Young of Chula
Vista, CA; her grandchildren, Christopher, Brian and Matthew Pape,
Jennifer Mauldin, Marabeth Clark, Jonathan Clark, Lindsay Hauser, Alycia
and Adam Moore, Ryan Buis and Buffie Engler; her great-grandchildren,
Justin and Gavin Mauldin, Alicia and Julia Buis, and Scott and Megan
Abernathy; her sister, Ruth Farris of Orlando, FL; and her sisters-in-law,
Marilyn and husband Walt Kincaid of Albuquerque and Peg Tassalo of
Maryland. She was preceded in death by her son, Michael David Clark.
A
memorial celebration service was held at 10 a.m. today (Friday, Dec. 13)
in the Chapel of French Mortuary of T or C with Rev. Jack Cain
officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in
Betty Clark Wilson’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association of New
Mexico, 1100 S. Main St. Suite 10, Las Cruces, NM 88005. Arrangements are
by French Mortuary of T or C Inc.; 505-894-2574.
Walter Winkler, 70, of Truth or Consequences, died Friday, Dec. 6,
2002, at the New Mexico State Veterans Home. He was born Aug. 20, 1932, in
Wilmot, AR, to Frank and Luch (Shinn) Winkler. He was a graduate of the
University of Alabama and was a retired Western Union computer technician.
He is survived by his two brothers, Frank Winkler of Yuma,
AZ, and Lester Winkler of Hoytville, AZ, and his sister, Florence Millard
of Orangevale, CA.
Cremation will take place and private interment will be held
in the Ft. Bayard National Cemetery. Arrangements are by French Mortuary
of T or C Inc.; 505-894-2574.
Robert
Richard Branstetter, 79, of
Truth or Consequences, died Monday, Dec. 9, 2002, at his home after a bout
with cancer.
He was born Aug. 16, 1923, in Mexico, Missouri, to Rupert
Soloman and Rita Vira (Keith) Branstetter. The U.S. Navy veteran served
his country during World War II and the Korean Conflict. He was a civil
and structural engineer in the construction business.
He has
no surviving relatives; however, he leaves behind the many new friends and
acquaintances he made during the last few years while residing at the
Motor Manor Apartments on Main Street. Special appreciation is extended
Christina Fishback for her care and comfort.
A
memorial mass was celebrated Thursday, Dec. 12, at Our Lady of Perpetual
Help Catholic Church in T or C with Rev. Art Roberts officiating.
Interment was in Fort Bayard National Cemetery. Arrangements were by
Sierra Funeral Home, 507 W. McAdoo St. in T or C.
Maryella Lower,
97, of Fort Bayard, died Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2002, at the Fort Bayard Nursing
Home. She was born March 4, 1905, in Missouri.
Survivors include
her grandson, Dean A. Chamblee of Fountain, CO; four grandchildren; eight
great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded
in death by her daughter, Karol Jayne Eskue; her husbands; Loyd and
Shelby; and her parents.
No
local services are planned and burial will be in the Pamona Cemetery, in
Pamona, CA. Local arrangements are by Sierra Funeral Home, 507 W. McAdoo
St. in Truth or Consequences.
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