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Headline News From March 8, 2002 Issue

Local accountant arrested on fraud, racketeering charges 

  An Elephant Butte accountant was arrested Monday on multiple charges of fraud, forgery and racketeering, stemming from a state police investigation into the financial wrangling of the Agape Mission Project.

Lois Reaver-Black stays, Johnson’s cookie crumbles 

  Truth or Consequences City Commissioner Lois Reaver-Black was elected to a third consecutive term in Tuesday’s local elections. Another incumbent, Cookie Johnson, however, lost her bid.

Click Photo To Enlarge

Meet the Cast of
‘On Golden Pond’ 

  David Jordan makes his first appearance in a tour de force performance as Norman Thayer Jr., the 80-year-old patriarch of the Thayer family now "raging against the waning of the light."

Elephant Butte Lake plans summer
drenched in attractions & activities 

  Just because New Mexico hasn’t seen much rain recently doesn’t mean that Elephant Butte Lake, the state’s number-one water destination, is having a dry spell.

Church youth group strives to set Guinness world record

  By the end of May, the youth group of the First Baptist Church in Truth or Consequences hopes to have collected a million and one pennies.

Residential care facility is first to open in county 

  Sierra County now has its first and only private state-licensed, 24-hour residential care facility.

Community Chorus concert features American character

  The Truth or Consequences Community Chorus will pay tribute to the American spirit and several American characters during its annual spring concert Sunday, March 24.

A post and barbed wire frame the old Palomas School House that overlooks the Rio Grande and Caballo Mountains a few miles south of Truth or Consequences.
Photo by Bill Johnson

The Rio Grande flows with plenty of irrigation water as it passes this point along the bank in Las Palomas a few miles south of Truth or Consequences and makes its way to Caballo Reservoir.
Photo by Bill Johnson

Local accountant arrested

on fraud, racketeering charges

Rose Mary Pedersen posts $10,000 bond

By Bill Johnson of the Desert Journal

An Elephant Butte accountant was arrested Monday on multiple charges of fraud, forgery and racketeering, stemming from a state police investigation into the financial wrangling of the Agape Mission Project.

The magistrate court set bond for Rose Mary Pedersen, 57, of 208 Black Range Avenue, at $10,000 for the felony charges of four counts of third-degree fraud over $2,500, two counts of fourth-degree fraud over $250, 11 counts of third-degree forgery, and one count each of second-degree racketeering and fourth-degree tampering with evidence. She posted bond on Monday and was released.

Pedersen between Jan. 1, 1999, and April 30, 2001, managed to defraud the Agape Mission Project and its president, Sherrill Burk, for a total amount of $43,500.32 in fraudulent credit card and check cashing charges occurring on both legitimate accounts belonging to Burk and fraudulent accounts set up by Pedersen under Burk’s name while Pedersen was in a position of trust, according to the affidavit for arrest warrant filed March 1 by Norman Rhoades, criminal agent for New Mexico State Police.

Pedersen was the treasurer and signer on the checking account of the Agape Mission Project, as well as served as a member of its Board of Trustees. She also handled Burk’s personal accounts with her duties including handling all of the bookkeeping records for the Agape Mission and paying Ms. Burk’s mortgage and credit cards from the Mission account.

“This arrangement was made based on the defendant’s volunteering her accounting services and on the fact that Ms. Burk spends the bulk of her time at the Mission in Mexico. The defendant operates her accounting services out of her residence in Elephant Butte,” according to the agent’s affidavit.

On June 4 last year, Agent Rhoades was assigned to investigate allegations that the Agape Mission Project and Burk were victims in a fraud or embezzlement.

Burk told police that she had received a credit report regarding her financial status during the processing of a loan refinancing application on May 5 last year. She learned upon review of the report that four accounts listed her name as delinquent on payments, but she had neither opened nor charged on them, including $1,513 from Providian Financial, $10,550 from MBNA America Bank NA, $6,000 from Chase and $10,525 from Magnus.

The credit report also showed a charge balance of $6,535 on a Bank One of Arizona account that Burk reported she hadn’t used since 1998 and whose last balance was $880.99.

Burk told police that the next day (May 6) she called Pedersen, “who acknowledged that she knew about three of the accounts… but that she knew nothing about Magnus. [Pedersen] stated that her daughter must have opened the accounts, noting that her daughter, who lived at her residence for a time, is on drugs. However, [Pedersen] went on to assure Burk that she would take full responsibility for repaying all of the outstanding debts,” the agent’s affidavit said.

Burk also provided paperwork to Agent Rhoades including: a letter from a Providian fraud investigator who stated Burk did not complete the application that resulted in the opening of the Providian account; several checks from credit card accounts signed with Burk’s name that she did not write; and statements from accounts that indicate charges were made in the United States when Burk was in Mexico.

Burk told Rhoades that on May 18 Pedersen allegedly admitted she was responsible for the charges on the Capitol One credit card account. “At that meeting [Pedersen] gave Ms. Burk $450 toward the payment of money due on the Capital One account,” the affidavit said.

On Nov. 20, Burk came up from Mexico to meet with Rhoades at the District Attorney’s Office in Truth or Consequences. Before that meeting, Rhoades said he had obtained records from a search warrant served at Pedersen’s home-business in Elephant Butte as well as documents from some of the financial institutions associated with the case.

“Ms. Burk went over each account from which I learned that there were both fraudulent accounts and fraudulent transactions made on Ms. Burk’s actual accounts. Some of these actual accounts were several years old and Ms. Burk was very careful to identify as fraudulent only those transactions that she was sure she had not made,” Rhoades said in the affidavit.

Rhoades said that besides the $43,500 fraudulently charged to Burk’s accounts, other costs have been incurred such as over-limit fees and finance charges.

According to the criminal complaint, Pedersen destroyed, changed, hid or fabricated evidence including credit card statements, account information and documentation with the intent to prevent her apprehension, prosecution and conviction.

The last count of the complaint alleges Pedersen “did engage in a pattern of racketeering activity in order to acquire or maintain, directly or indirectly, any interest in or control of any enterprise.”

First appearance for Pedersen has been set by the magistrate court for 2:15 p.m. Monday, March 25.

Pedersen’s business advertisements regularly appear, especially during tax time, in the Sierra County Sentinel, and are broadcasted on KCHS radio station, both of whom she also has done accounting services. She has been operating as an accountant in the Sierra County area for at least 10 years.

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The branches of the tree and the clouds in the sky seem to swirl around the Caballo Mountains in the background.
Photo by Bill Johnson

Lois Reaver-Black stays,

Johnson’s cookie crumbles

Besides T or C’s races, voters also elect 

officials in Elephant Butte & Williamsburg

By Fred Mramor of the Desert Journal

Truth or Consequences City Commissioner Lois Reaver-Black was elected to a third consecutive term in Tuesday’s local elections. Another incumbent, Cookie Johnson, however, lost her bid.

Reaver-Black received 361 votes, narrowly beating Sierra County Commission Chairman Ralph Gooding who got 336 votes, according to unofficial tallies from the city clerk’s office Wednesday.

“I’m very pleased to be reelected and to have the confidence of the people. And I will continue to work toward open government in Truth or Consequences,” Reaver-Black said following Tuesday’s election.

Robert Burrows, also vying for City Commission Position 3, received 134 votes.

K-Bob’s restaurant owner Glen ‘Bud’ Stevenson defeated incumbent Cookie Johnson in the race for city commission Position 1. Stevenson received 448 votes to Johnson’s 332.

“I’m just tickled to death that the good citizens of Truth or Consequences put their trust in me and I’ll try to do my best and be honest with them,” Commissioner-elect Stevenson said Wednesday.

Write-in candidate Gail “Lee” Davis garnered only 28 votes in his race against Stevenson and Johnson.

After ballots are canvassed Friday, Reaver-Black and Stevenson will be sworn into their four-year terms just before the regular city commission meeting Monday, March 11.

A total of 1,639 voters, or 42 percent, of T or C’s 3,877 registered voters went to the polls on Tuesday, according to City Clerk Mary Penner.

Elephant Butte election results

In Elephant Butte, incumbent Jack Grimm received 222 votes to recapture his at-large seat on the city council.

Retired State Income Support Division Director Patsy Barnett won the second available city council seat with 289 votes.

Receiving only 179 votes, contractor Mike Rose was not elected to the city council.

“I’d like to thank the people who voted for me and I hope that since I’ve been reelected we can continue to make the good progress we’ve made up to this point,” Councilor Grimm said Wednesday.

Patsy Barnett said she’d like to thank everyone who supported her and that she hopes she will be able to do all the things that need to be done to make Elephant Butte a great city.

About 354 of Elephant Butte’s 939 eligible voters, or 37.7 percent, cast their ballots Tuesday, the city’s deputy clerk said Wednesday.

Williamsburg election results

Former Trustee, Mayor Pro-tem and Acting Mayor Carol Sue Jackson was elected to a four-year term in an uncontested race for mayor of Williamsburg.

Also elected with no opposition were Carol Woods (who will assume Jackson’s Trustee Position 4), incumbent Gorden Mishler to Trustee Position 1 and Michael Gurnsey to the village’s municipal bench.

A total of 33 of Williamsburg’s 319 registered voters, or 10.3 percent, went to the polls Tuesday, according to Village Clerk Sheila Hall.

<<<   >>>

…‘On Golden Pond’ debuts tonight

Norman Thayer Jr., played by actor David Jordan, takes and admonishes the sailor doll that is dear to his wife Ethel, played by actress Susie Wootten, during a marital squabble in a rehearsal performance Wednesday night of “On Golden Pond” by Earnest Thompson. The Truth or Consequences Community Theatre’s production will open tonight (Friday, March 8) in the Ralph Edwards Auditorium of the T or C Civic Center, 400 W. Fourth Ave., with performances to continue this weekend (March 9 and 10) and next weekend (March 15, 16 & 17). See details inside!
Photo by Bill Johnson

Meet the Cast of ‘On Golden Pond’

By Julio Mateo

David Jordan makes his first appearance in a tour de force performance as Norman Thayer Jr., the 80-year-old patriarch of the Thayer family now "raging against the waning of the light."

A frequent visitor to T or C, David recently retired from his law practice to pursue a successful acting career in Los Angeles, where he has appeared professionally in various film and stage productions.

His acting achievements include the Best Actor of the Year award for his performance as Cyrano, and the Best Actor in a Leading Role award for his role as Colonel Kincaid in the play "Last Meeting of the Knights of the White Magnolia."

Susie Wootten takes on her first dramatic leading part on the T or C stage in her demanding leading role as Ethel, Norman's patient wife of 50 years. A native of Denver, Susie studied theatre, music and modern interpretive dance at the university in Denver.

Arriving in T or C in 1996, she's been active on stage as a singer with the Sweet Consequences and 4 Plus More, as well as with the Community Theatre as an actress in last year's productions of "G. I. Jukebox" and "Love Rides the Rails."

Larry Potter (Charlie the Mailman) recently appeared in his memorable acting and singing performances in TCCT's production of "G.I. Jukebox," as well as in "Love Ride the Rails," playing Harold Stanfast, the loyal stand-up man of the play's hero.

In his current role as the easy-laughing Charlie, Larry plays a pivotal character as Chelsea's sad/funny childhood sweetheart and good-natured fall guy of Norman's jokes.

Diana Heddlesten-Brown (Chelsea Thayer) earned her B.S. degree in Education with a major in Speech/Theatre. She has previously appeared as an actress in the Community Theatre productions of "The Gazebo," "A Midsummer Night's Dream," "G.I. Jukebox" and "The Loves of Mr. Woolf," which she also authored and co-directed, as well as in last June's "Love Rides the Rails," which she also directed.

It may be noteworthy to mention that in our current production Diana served the Community Theatre with distinction by accepting the part of Chelsea just two weeks before opening night.

A.J. Saunders (Billy Ray) is a native of Albuquerque and an honors freshman student at Hot Springs High School. He previously appeared as an actor with the Community Theatre in the role of Puck in the June 2000 production of Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream."

A.J. is a natural in his role as Billy, teenage son of Chelsea's fiancé, Bill Ray, putting his considerable stage acting gifts to bear in this performance as the irreverent, spunky and wise-beyond-years son that Norman Thayer never had, bringing hope and transformation through his youthful freshness to Golden Pond.

John Hammett (Bill Ray), a native of Roswell, NM, has lived in T or C for the last seven years. In his debut acting role with the T or C Community Theatre he brings his previous dramatic experience from Sandia High School and his talents as radio announcer with KCHS to his outstanding performance as Bill Ray, the between-a-rock-and-hard-place fiancé on his first encounter with his future in-laws.

As an interesting note of cosmic symmetry, or "life imitating art," we might mention that John is the actual stepfather of A.J. Saunders, who plays Billy, his stage son in this production.

Don't miss this extraordinary theatrical presentation of Ernest Thompson's "On Golden Pond," coming to the T or C stage on March 8, 9, 10, and March 15, 16 and 17 at the T or C Civic Center Auditorium, 400 W. Fourth Ave.

Advance tickets and dinner-theatre reservations are on sale now at Merle Norman Cosmetics, 603 Main St. in T or C; (505) 894-7425.

Performance only tickets cost $8 adults, $7 seniors, $3 children 6-18 (children under 6 free). Combination dinner-theatre/performance tickets (reservations required): $15 adults, $14 seniors, $10 children 6-18.

<<<   >>>

…More room than you can imagine

While drought may be bad for the farmers, it should provide a boon for recreational opportunities at Elephant Butte Lake this spring and summer as more and more beachfront becomes available with the water level receding at the state’s largest lake. To put it simply, there’s a lot more room to park all of them RVs and boat trailers, plus more room than you can imagine for water fun.
Photo by Bill Johnson

Elephant Butte Lake plans summer

drenched in attractions & activities

It’s still a splash!

Just because New Mexico hasn’t seen much rain recently doesn’t mean that Elephant Butte Lake, the state’s number-one water destination, is having a dry spell.

Though the water level at the Butte has dropped significantly in past years, it’s average when compared to records from the last 50 years. And while there’s still plenty of water in the lake, the extra parking and elbow room on the beaches means fewer conflicts among visitors and more choices for campsites.

“Last summer was the first time that we didn’t have to close down areas due to overcrowding,” said State Parks Program Manager Rolf Hechler.

The changing shoreling and landscape also will give regulars a new perspective. “With the lay of the land,’ says Elephant Butte Lake State Park Manager Ray Kirkpatrick, “visitors are going to have an incredible camping experience. Some of these new points reach right out into the water.”

The state park’s staff is working hard to make sure boat ramps and other facilities remain convenient and accessible to visitors.

The park is constructing nine beach-access roads between Dirt Dam and Rock Canyon along the southwest edge of the lake. The inroads, located every quarter mile, will be outfitted with such camping amenities as chemical toilets and dumpsters.

When the water level dips a little lower, the park will take the opportunity to construct a new boat ramp at North Monticello, which will help alleviate congestion at the ramps at the south end of the lake.

Getting out on the lake takes on very different meanings to Elephant Butte Lake’s diverse visitors – spending a leisurely weekend on a houseboat, making waves on jet skis, or even taking in the view from above during a parasail trip.

The lake’s three marinas – Dam Site, Marina del Sur and Rock Canyon – and Sports Adventure offer visitors a wide range of water sport rentals and experiences.

Lakeside accommodations get a little more comfortable when Dam Site opens a bed and breakfast in the spring. Formerly the Bureau of Reclamation’s administration building for the construction of Elephant Butte Dam, the facility will include 10 guest rooms and baths, a large breakfast room, and an 1,100-square-foot porch overlooking the Butte.

The gateway to Elephant Butte Lake State Park, the City of Elephant Butte is just four years old in 2002 but has much to add to the lake experience. In town, visitors will find the beautiful 18-hole Oasis Golf Resort, fishing guides, restaurants, motels and boat dealers who can get you on the water without delay.

Together, the state park and City of Elephant Butte offer an endless calendar of events that will take place at the park this year, including:

Easter celebration, March 31.

Kite Festival, April 20-21.

Alamo Open Bass Tourney, April 27-28, and in August.

2^nd annual RV & Boat Show, May 3-5.

Historic Preservation Week events, May 11 & May 15.

Summer of Fun children’s activities, every Thursday from May 30 to Aug. 22.

Water safety program, June 1 & 29, July 27 and Aug. 17.

Our Feathered Friends, June 22.

Fireworks, July 4.

Carp Roundup, August.

Senior Open Bass Tourney, September.

Balloon Regatta, Sept. 14.

Fall Festival, Oct. 26.

Luminaria Beach Walk, Dec. 14.

Elephant Butte Lake State Park also is host to 10 free, eight-hour boating safety courses from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 6 & 19, May 4 & 17, June 8 & 21, July 13 and 26, Aug. 9 and 24. The class is also held at several other locations across the state. State Parks offers all participants two free nights camping for successful completion of the course.

For more information about Elephant Butte Lake State Park and state park events, call the park at 505-744-5421 or visit the calendar at www.nmparks.com. TO learn more about the City of Elephant Butte, visit the Chamber of Commerce’s website at www.elephantbuttecoc.com, e-mail ebchamber@zianet.com or call 505-744-4708.

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The old country road heads straight toward Palomas Gap before being halted on its easterly trek by the Rio Grande.
Photo by Bill Johnson

Church youth group strives

to set Guinness world record

By the end of May, the youth group of the First Baptist Church in Truth or Consequences hopes to have collected a million and one pennies.

If successful in their quest, the young people will set a world record with Guinness.

The teens are trying to raise the money to attend a World Changers mission trip to Sioux City, Iowa, in June. They came up with the idea from their youth pastor, Brian Sundheimer.

“We will set a record with whatever we collect, but we are hoping to fill up that box,” said Sundheimer, referring to the big white box in the worship center.

“The specs for the box were taken from a fundraising book where I get some of my ideas,” Sundheimer said. “And Guinness has created a new category for us, so whatever we collect will set the record.”

First Baptist has been collecting pennies, and even silver coins, bills and checks, since last October to help pay the way for the mission trip.

“I’m excited about going to help people in Sioux City with building, roofing and painting at homes there,” Sundheimer said. “We will even do a project here in T or C in April similar to the work we’ll be doing there in June. Yes, it’s been fun collecting pennies to set a world record, but it’s the opportunity to help other people that makes it fun for us.”

Bank of the Southwest has been helping in the endeavor, exchanging coins and bills for pennies. The bank even will provide penny wrappers and bags in May as the youths count, roll, bag and then deliver the money to the bank.

“Alma Grantham and the tellers at the bank have been so gracious,” Sundheimer reported. “They all know me when I walk in now because they know I’m coming in for pennies.”

“It’s been lots of fun so far, but I really want to get more pennies,” he said. “I wanted to publicize this and give others in our community the chance to be part of the record.”

People interested in participating in the project may go by the church office, 220 Broadway, which is open from 9 a.m. to noon and between 1 and 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

If the goal is reached, the million and one pennies will be just over $10,000 and would go a long way in helping the students on their mission trip.

<<<   >>>

Fresh tire tracks are made over the new gravel surface that was poured and leveled Wednesday afternoon by detainees of the Sierra County jail in the parking lot of the T or C-Sierra County Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center at Foch and Main streets in downtown T or C. The Chamber is kicking off a community wide clean-up to prepare the town for Fiesta in May and the busy summer season at nearby lakes.
Photo by Bill Johnson

Residential care facility

is first to open in county

Sierra County now has its first and only private state-licensed, 24-hour residential care facility.

Senior Alternative Living is owned and operated by Bridgette and Richard Moorhead and is located across the street from the Moorhead residence at 616 Corbett St. in Truth or Consequences.

Richard has been a resident of T or C since 1983. He moved here after retiring with 20 years honorable service with the U.S. Army. His service included military policeman, explosive detector dog handler, kennel master and medic.

Most of Richards's service time was spent in foreign countries. He is currently employed with the City of Truth or Consequences in the street department.

Bridgette has worked in all the health care fields from medically fragile infants (as a living skills trainer), physically and mentally handicapped children and adults (as a habitation trainer) to extensive training in the field of geriatrics working mainly with Alzheimers patients.

She owned and operated a 24-hour care residence for the mentally and physically handicapped in Arizona before moving to T or C in 1993. She became an independent contract worker providing in-home services for the elderly.

In1999 Bridgette opened her home as a 24-hour care facility for one resident and obtained her residential license in 2000. This year she celebrates 36 years in the health care field.

Both Richard and Bridgette have received training from the New Mexico Health Care Association. Richard is a certified trainer for the transportation of special needs individuals and is responsible for staff training.

Bridgette and Richard are certified in proper administration of medications for residents and training of their staff.

Senior Alternative Living is a congregate residential setting that provides or coordinates personal services and care, 24-hour on-site support and assistance (both scheduled and unscheduled), activities, and health related services by qualified staff members for three ambulatory adults.

It is designed to minimize the need to move, maximize the resident's dignity, autonomy, privacy , independence, choice, safety, quality of care; and they encourage family and community involvement.

The mission of Senior Alternative Living is to provide a loving, caring home atmosphere with a carefree and enjoyable lifestyle. They provide a safe, secure, healthy environment and quality care to those who need or want assistance with daily living.

To accomplish this, they provide a clean and comfortable private room for the resident. Also provided are common areas for the enjoyment of their residents.

Home-cooked meals are provided that meet the need and desires of each resident. They also provide complete housekeeping, laundry and maintenance services as well as activities to promote physical, social, and psychological well being.

The facility also offers short-term services, including:

Temporary shelter for those individuals on waiting lists for other health care facilities and hospitals.

Respite Services (short term care - no more than 30 days consecutive) for individuals in order that a caregiver is afforded an opportunity for rest or those individuals leaving the hospital and needing temporary living assistance.

Fees will vary according to the levels of care each individual needs.

Senior Alternative Living is a member of the New Mexico Health Care Association. This gives them access to monthly reports on important legislative issues concerning long-term care and future symposiums and workshops offered to their staff members for continuing education purposes and to ensure quality care for their resident's and the support of the resident's family members.

They are also members of the National Center for Assisted Living, their source for leadership in the assisted living profession, serving members through consumer information, networking opportunities, development and public policy advocacy.

The residents’ continued health and well being are ensured through treating the residents with the utmost dignity and respect of his or her rights. Staff members are carefully screened and are required to have high moral values and standards. They comply with all the applicable rules; regulations and laws regarding the operation of an adult residential care facility.

The facility is regularly inspected and the highest quality of care is provided through the assistance of outside professionals.

For those interested parties who wish to visit the facility or want more information on fees and other amenities offered by Senior Alternative Living, call (505) 894-2392 for an appointment.

<<<   >>>

…Graduating from basic

U.S. Air Force Airman Kimberly S. Markmiller has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, TX. During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization and customs; performed drill and ceremony marches, and received physical training and special training in human relations. In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force. Markmiller is the daughter of Sue Stevenson of 33 S. Silver St., Truth or Consequences, NM. The airman is a 1994 graduate of Hot Springs High School in T or C.

Community Chorus concert

features American character

The Truth or Consequences Community Chorus will pay tribute to the American spirit and several American characters during its annual spring concert Sunday, March 24.

The concert begins at 2 p.m. in the Ralph Edwards Auditorium of the T or C Civic Center, 400 W. Fourth Ave.

The $5 suggested donation will help defray costs of bringing this musical tribute to Sierra County.

Betsy Ross will be on stage, working diligently on her masterpiece. Abe Lincoln will be there too looking stately in his stovepipe hat.

A cowboy will come in off the range to join the chorus, and the Andrews Sisters will return for an encore performance, along with the Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.

Songs such as "This Is My Country," "My Old Kentucky Home," "Shenandoah," "Down By The Riverside," "This Train," and others will be performed.

There will be lots of old fashioned, American fun for the whole family.

Joining the chorus on stage will be the Sweet Consequences, adding their harmonies in several American favorites. They will sing a number from the Carpenters, along with several Irving Berlin songs, including a tribute to the Statue of Liberty.

Please make plans now to attend this harbinger of spring in Sierra County. Bring a friend who has never attended as well.

Uncle Sam wants you to join forces with others in our community in welcoming spring by paying tribute to our country.

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A tree leaps toward early March skies anticipating spring's just around the corner.
Photo by Bill Johnson