Originally the Magdalena Mountain Mail, the newspaper was founded in 1888, and serves Magdalena,
and Socorro and Catron counties.
Solar Car Race Day was held Wednesday, May 26 at Sarracino Middle School, when sixth grade students in Theresa Apodaca’s science class took their cars to the side street next to the school. Apodaca said students were given the assignment on Monday of building the solar car correctly from a kit, and explaining the principles that give the cars power. 120 students in five different class periods participated.Photo by John Larson
SOCORRO - A medical fund had been set up for the victim of what Socorro police are investigating as a random act of violence that occurred Sunday, May 16 in the 700 block of School of Mines Road.
According a police report, a New Mexico Tech employee was walking in the vicinity of School of Mines and Gurdon Ave. shortly before 11 p.m. Sunday when she was approached by three males. The police report said that the three males walked up to her and one of them suddenly punched her in the face, breaking her glasses, and then ran off.
Detective Richard Lopez said the victim was bleeding badly from her left eye when officers arrived. An ambulance was immediately called and she was transported to Socorro General Hospital.
The Mountain Mail is withholding the victim’s name out of respect for her privacy.
“We don’t have a positive ID on the suspect, but the investigation is still very much open,” Lopez said. “We have every reason to believe this was a random attack, and we’re doing all we can to identify the individuals.”
The report stated that the victim could give no description of the males, other than that they were of medium build, but did not know if they were white, Hispanic, or black, and did not have a clothing description. “She did state that they ran east on School of Mines Road,” the report said.
That evening Officer Wes Mauldin began a search for anyone walking in the neighborhood. His search ultimately extended from Leroy to Fifth Street, and from College to Spring Street, including all streets in between.
The following morning, a canvass of residents in the neighborhood provided no new information. Lopez said with little to go on, and no physical evidence, the investigation is difficult although the focus is on young males, possibly teenagers.
“We have questioned and ruled out some individuals, but right now have no ‘person of interest’,” Lopez said. “We have been working closely with campus police Chief Billy Romero on this, as well as on an unrelated incident involving a student a few weeks ago.”
An assault near Jones Hall eight weeks ago caused many on the Tech campus to believe that students were being targeted for attacks. Lopez said, “There is no ‘crime wave’.”
That earlier incident resulted in the arrest of a Socorro man, who is facing a charge of armed incident in District Court. The incident took place at 11:30 p.m. on Mar. 31 near the chiller plant on the New Mexico Tech campus.
The criminal complaint filed in Magistrate Court on April 13 stated that three students were approached by three men who demanded their wallets. When one of the students refused, the suspect became angry and punched the student in the face twice, breaking his jaw.
In fear of retaliation, the three students did not report that crime until April 5. After an investigation by both New Mexico Tech and Socorro police departments, Manuel Lee Baca, 25, of Socorro was arrested. His case is being handled by Seventh District Judge Kevin R. Sweazea.
Detective Lopez told the Mountain Mail there was no evidence to link the two assaults.
“We don’t normally see this between people who don’t know each other and in this neighborhood,” Lopez said. “The three who assaulted [the woman] for no reason will eventually be caught.”
Due to the extent of the woman’s injuries, a fund has been started to help with medical expenses at Wells Fargo Bank, 501 California St. in Socorro.
Tech’s Public Information office has forwarded an email to all students and staff, reminding them to take extra safety precautions. It said Campus Police Chief Billy Romero wants all members of the Tech community to know that officers are available around the clock to provide safe transport for Tech students, faculty and staff. At any time, campus officers will provide an escort or give a ride to anyone.
New Mexico Tech administrators continue to meet with city and county agencies to discuss campus security.
SOCORRO – The New Mexico State League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) office wants the Socorro Electric Cooperative to investigate claims that trustee Charlie Wagner made offending remarks to Hispanics on more than one occasion.
State director Paul “Pablo” Martinez, who will be replaced by Ralph Arellanes, addressed a letter on April 27 to Co-op Trustee President Paul Bustamante, saying he had spoken with consumers and present and former trustees that alleged Wagner made the remarks.
When contacted for comment before the co-op meeting Wednesday night, Wagner said he had been advised by counsel not to respond.
At the meeting, Wagner stayed mum and then passed out bottles of water to the members of the audience as trustee president Paul Bustamante read the LULAC letter aloud.
After Bustamante read the letter, trustees demanded that Wagner respond to the allegations.
After about five minutes, Wagner then said, “I was talking to an attorney friend of mine and he advised me not to respond.”
Attorney Dennis Francish then advised the board that it did not have the power to remove Wagner and that it had to go through the courts.
Trustee Donald Wolberg then made a motion to condemn Wagner’s actions, which was seconded and passed unanimously.
According to the letter, Martinez wrote, “The complaints specifically allege that Mr. Wagner has referred to at least one of the Hispanic Trustee Board member as a “Chihuahua” and made other racial or demeaning remarks toward Hispanic Trustees and consumers. On several occasions, Wagner has referred to Hispanic Trustee Board members as being “stupid.”
Martinez continued, “Evidently, Mr. Wagner perceives that those who speak only English are intellectual and that Hispanics are inferior. It is contended that he demeans those in which English may be one’s second language. It is reported that he maliciously belittles others that speak with a Spanish accent and interrupts them in a pugnacious manner by telling Hispanics that he can’t understand them because they do not speak in complete sentences. He is condescending and treats Hispanic staff and fellow trustees with such callous disregard.”
Martinez went on to say that he was completely appalled by this type of conduct and that the behavior was tolerated by the SEC Trustees and the community of Socorro.
Martinez said he forwarded the information to the New Mexico Attorney General’s Office and U.S. Attorney’s Office and he insisted that the co-op board take immediate action to minimize the potential threat of litigation and liabilities.
“I just want the co-op board to investigate the matter and if the allegations are true, I want them to take corrective action,” Martinez said. “The state of New Mexico does not tolerate this kind of behavior.”
Martinez’s letter was brought up at the co-op meeting Wednesday night and the attorney Dennis Francish briefed trustee members by writing a letter that was received this past weekend.
Bustamante said, “I’ve warned Mr. Wagner several times about comments he has made verbally and in email.”
“Anything about this should come from Paul,” trustee Milton Ulibarri said. “He is our spokesman. We need to act on it. All the documentation is there.
“I have seen an email from Charlie that compared to our co-op meetings to a KKK meeting. I guess he has been to one before. That’s kind of disturbing. We have to act on this. It’s kind of serious.”
The KKK reference came in an email from Wagner to Bill Miller, who was in charge of filling out the co-op’s Form 990 last year.
Wagner was writing about the fight of the reform movement.
Wagner wrote in an email to Miller dated Dec. 9, 2009, “Members for reforming SEC are too familiar with the extreme measures the board majority used to dodge their duty to assure equal representation through trustee elections of 2008 and 2009. Every thing from banning the use of video cameras and tape recorders at meetings to manipulating election’s times, places and limiting hours and not allowing members to present propositions and propose bylaw changes at district and annual meetings.
“Combine that with the number of secret board sessions in which no minutes are kept, which the board publically announces as “executive sessions” without stating its purpose and you have what looks more like a KKK meeting than a Cooperative board meeting.”
Martinez forwarded his letter to the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Rural Utility Service (RUS). RUS is the federal entity that funds the co-op.
“Your Cooperative is federally funded and you are subjected to all Codes of Federal Regulations and applicable federal and state statutes with respect to civil rights acts and non-discrimination,” Martinez wrote. “I feel compelled to also report this matter to the authority that funds your cooperative to investigate this matter.”
SOCORRO - Members of the Socorro chapter of Disabled American Veterans will gather at Isidro Baca Memorial Park for an honor ceremony this Monday (Memorial Day) at 11 a.m. The ceremony will include remarks by Socorro dignitaries and a rifle volley by the DAV Honor Guard.
Since 1971, when Congress declared it a national holiday, Memorial Day has been observed on the last Monday of May, commemorating U.S. men and women who died while in the military service.
Proclaimed in 1869 to honor fallen Union and Confederate soldiers of the Civil War, the first observance of Decoration Day at Arlington national Cemetery was attended by various Washington officials, including Gen. and Mrs. Ulysses S. Grant, who presided over the ceremonies. After speeches, children from the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Orphan Home and members of the Grand Army of the Republic made their way through the cemetery, strewing flowers on both Union and Confederate graves, reciting prayers and singing hymns.
The observance was expanded after World War I to include American casualties of any war or military action.
To ensure the sacrifices of America’s fallen heroes are never forgotten, in December 2000, the U.S. Congress passed and the president signed into law “The National Moment of Remembrance Act.”
According the U.S. Dept. of Veterans’ Affairs, the commission’s charter is to “encourage the people of the United States to give something back to their country, which provides them so much freedom and opportunity” by encouraging and coordinating commemorations in the United States of Memorial Day and the National Moment of Remembrance.
The National Moment of Remembrance encourages all Americans to pause wherever they are at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence to remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation.
The Socorro DAV will also be accepting donations in exchange for small American flags Friday at the Post Office from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., and at Wal-Mart on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Commander Paul Drake said proceeds from the flag sale will go toward flags for graves of veterans.
The DAV will also pay tribute to the members of the 515th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion at Monday’s ceremony.
The observance at Isidro Baca Park will be followed by a cookout at the DAV, 200 N. Fifth Street.
James F. Kelly, 86, passed away on Monday, May 17, 2010 in Socorro, New Mexico. James was born March 25, 1924, to Frank and Francis Elizabeth (Tinguely) Kelly, in Las Vegas, Nev.
He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Anabel L. (Everett) Kelly of Water Canyon, New Mexico; his daughters, Kate Kelly and husband, Pete Urban of Peoria, Ariz.; and Barthy Byrd and husband, Terry Arble of Las Cruces, New Mexico; his brother, Tom Kelly and wife, Hilda of Water Canyon, New Mexico; and several nieces and nephews.
James was a Veteran of World War II serving with the U.S. Army Air Corp. He retired after many years with the Bureau of land Management and also taught farming and ranching at the Alamo Reservation in Alamo, New Mexico. James was an active member of the Magdalena and Socorro Masonic Lodge.
He is preceded in death by his parents, and his son, Bret Byrd, (October 2009). According to his wishes Cremation has taken place and no formal services will be held at this time.Those who wish to send condolences may do so at: www.danielsfuneral.com. Services have been entrusted to: Daniels Family Funeral Services, 309 Garfield, Socorro, NM 87801, (575)835-1530.
Macario R. Trujillo, retired navy Vet., Born to Margaret and Manuel Trujillo on December 11, 1929 in Magdalena, NM. He passed away May 21, 2010, surrounded by his loving and devoted wife and children, Karen and Larry. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Mary Lou; children, Bruce; Steve; Karen; and Larry; grandchildren, Justin; John; Kelly; Nicholas; Justin; Eric; Dane; and Justyne; great grandchildren, Gloria; Kayla; Christopher; Hunter; and Valeny.; siblings, Tony; Barbara; Manuel; Joe; Cleo; Mary Ann; Valentine; Tommy; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and son Macario (Yodie) Jr..
A Memorial Service was held at Mary Magdalene Church in Magdalena on May 27 at 9:30 a.m. Internment of ashes will take place in Santa Fe, New Mexico, at the National Cemetery on May 28, at 1 p.m. In Lieu of flowers, the family wishes that donations be given to the Disabled Vet. Association.
Those who wish to send condolences may do so at www.danielsfuneral.com. Services have been entrusted to: Daniels Family Funeral Services 309 Garfield Socorro, NM 87801
Bertha Vergara
April 13, 1933-May 22, 2010
Bertha Vergara, 77, passed away on Saturday, May 22, 2010, in Socorro, NM.
Bertha was born April 13, 1933, to Carlos and Simona (Sanchez) Angel. She is survived by her children, Andres Vergara and wife Tammy of Kileen, TX; Pedro Vergara and wife Mary of Socorro; Jesus Vergara of Provo, UT; Armando Vergara of Juarez, Mexico; Gloria Gonzales and husband Michael of Belen, NM; Carmen Pino and husband Richard of Socorro; Rosa Gutierrez and husband Javier also of Socorro; 21 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.
Bertha has been a resident of Socorro for 40 years. She is preceded in death by her son Juan Vergara and sister Josefina Correa. A Visitation will be held on Friday May 28, 2010 from 5-7pm, at Daniels Family Funeral Services Chapel. A Rosary will be recited on Friday, May 28, 2010 at 7pm, at Daniels Family Funeral Service Chapel. A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated on Saturday May 29, 2010, at 10am, at San Miguel Catholic Church with Father Andy Pavlak as Celebrant. Burial will take place in the San Miguel Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers are Andres Vergara Jr. , Pedro Vergara, Jesus Vergara, Armando Vergara, Angel Dozal, and Adrian Gutierrez.
Those who wish to send condolences may do so at www.danielsfuneral.com. Services have been entrusted to: Daniels Family Funeral Services, 309 Garfield, Socorro, NM 87801, (575)835-1530.
Michael Clifford, former resident of Reserve and recently of Socorro, died Monday, May 18th in an Albuquerque hospital. He was born February 24, 1929 in Casper, Wyoming, and is survived by his wife, Audrie; daughter, Patricia Barlow-Irick; and sons, Michael and Philip. As we all know, Mike was no ordinary dude.
Apr. 28
An officer responded to a complaint at 10:30 a.m. where a subject was battered at the construction site north of Magdalena. Upon arrival a report was taken where a subject was struck with a hatchet. The case was sent to the District Attorney’s office for review.
Officers arrested a female at 9 p.m. for selling prescription pills. She was charge with several felonies.
May 1
Officers responded at 6:15 p.m. to a call of a suspicious person at a female’s residence. The vehicle and subject was located and questioned. No other action was taken.
May 3
An officer took a report at 1 p.m. of possible controlled substances at an abandoned residence in Hop Canyon. Evidence was sent to the crime lab and a suspect will be filed on.
May 8
An officer was called at 7 p.m. to a disturbance on Dakota Street. One male subject was arrested and charged with assault. The subject also had an outstanding warrant from Socorro Magistrate Court.
May 12
An officer received a call at 9:50 p.m. from a residence on Kelly Road in reference to a subject trying to get into the home. The officer arrived shortly and arrested an intoxicated male subject. The subject was charged and taken to the Socorro County Detention Center.
May 14
An officer stopped a subject at 5:35 p.m. on Elm who was wanted on an outstanding warrant from Socorro Magistrate Court. The subject was taken to the Socorro County Detention Center.
May 16
An officer stopped a vehicle with no tail lamp at 1:50 a.m. The subject was found to be intoxicated, and was arrested for DWI. The subject was driving on a suspended or revoked license and refused breath tests.
May 17
An officer was called at 3:30 p.m. to 500 First Street where a male subject was fighting with his girlfriend and jumped from a moving vehicle. The male was arrested for being intoxicated and the disturbance.
May 18
An officer was called at 10:50 a.m. to take an accident report involving two vehicles at Trail’s End Market. No injuries were reported.
May 24
An officer was called at 8 a.m. to a two vehicle accident at mile marker 8 on Highway 169. One vehicle ran into another after the first vehicle stopped in traffic in a construction zone to avoid a traffic cone. A report was taken.
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