Photo by Sara Creekmore
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Magdalena Quilt Show
Photo by Sara Creekmore
County Gives Old Senior Center To Magdalena
By John Larson
MAGDALENA - The former Magdalena Senior Center building on Spruce Street may soon be property of the village. According to Magdalena Village Clerk Rita Broaddus the Socorro County government has offered to give the building to the village.
“The county has decided to give us the building if we decide to accept it,” Broaddus told the Village Board at its Monday night meeting. “We told them we are interested.”
Broaddus said the offer was confirmed in an email from County Manager Delilah Walsh.
“I emailed her to inquire about the offer, and she emailed me back saying that all they needed to do was execute the deed,” she said. “It looks like they are just going to give us the building.”
Broaddus said she understood the County Commission might finalize the transfer at its November 9 meeting. “I thought it may be a good idea for the trustees to attend that meeting,” she said.
County Manager Delilah Walsh, in her report to the County Commission Tuesday, said she contacted Broaddus to get a firm answer “by the end of November so we can move forward with transferring or listing the building for sale.”
What the village plans to do with the property has not been decided, but Broaddus said it would probably be utilized as a multi-purpose building.
“It may be the place for the Youth Council for meetings and activities, and be rented out for private events,” Broaddus said. “The mayor and the Board will be the ones making those decisions.”
Originally a church, the building has been vacant since June 2007.
In other business:
The Board approved a request by Donna Dawson to apply for a grant through the state’s EMS and the New Mexico Department of Health to purchase a new ambulance. She said the cost would be about $150,000, with the Village being responsible for 25 percent in matching funds.
PRC Launches Investigation Into Unlicensed Title Agent
Mountain Mail reports
The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission’s Division of Insurance warns residents of Socorro and Catron counties of unlicensed title agents operating in their midst.
An investigation is underway into what Division staffers characterize as “an increase in possible solicitation and sales of fraudulent title policies issued by the Socorro-based JM Abstract and Title Company and its owner, Joseph Vallejos.”
In August officials with the Division of Insurance officially notified Vallejos that he was operating in violation of the New Mexico Insurance Code. That apparently did little to deter Vallejos from continuing to violate the code.
“The evidence we’ve gathered indicates that violations may be continuing,” Investigator John Gaherty said.
Gaherty said the Division of Insurance is concerned that several consumers may be holding invalid policies purchased through Vallejos over the course of the past few years. Any area resident who has purchased a title policy from Vallejos is encouraged to contact the title policy company to verify the validity of their policy.
Consumers can also call the Division of Insurance at 505-827-4601 or 800-947-4722 for assistance.
The situation, Gaherty said, is a reminder to all consumers, real estate agents, brokers, bankers and mortgage companies to verify licenses of any and all insurance agents through the NMPRC’s website (www.nmprc.state.nm.us). Licenses should be verified prior to entering into any contractual arrangement.
The Division of Insurance’s investigation into Vallejos continues. Anyone with questions or with information regarding Vallejos and/or JM Abstract and Title Company should contact Investigator John Gaherty at 505-827-4439 or via e-mail at john.gaherty@state.nm.us.
Youth Boxing Club Without Power, Water
By Rebecca Rose
The Socorro Boxing Club sits without power and water, while dozens of local children find themselves wondering if they’ll be back in the ring anytime soon.
David Castillo is the main trainer at the gym, and has worked there since it first opened nearly a year ago. In an interview with Mountain Mail on Wednesday, Castillo said he had no idea the gym was in any kind of financial trouble. He said he first discovered there was an issue on Oct. 2, when he returned from a fight in Kansas City.
“All the utilities were off.” he said. “We had nothing.”
The problems with the gym date back to earlier this year, when the tenant who held the original lease opted to not continue with his involvement in the property, which is owned by the County. He signed it over to another party, who reportedly failed to make payments. Now, the building is behind on rent and utilities.
A professional Lightweight boxer ranked 49th worldwide, Castillo said he was shocked to find out the amount of money that was owed. The outstanding bill owed to Socorro Electric Co-op alone is reportedly over $800.
In an effort to try and keep the club open, Castillo and his wife, Valerie Maez, approached the County Commission at Tuesday night’s meeting to request to be allowed to take over the lease. Maez is a sanctioned judge on the professional boxing circuit, and spoke about the success of the gym.
“We have out of Socorro, three state champions and one regional champion.” She said. This is a positive thing for these kids.”
Adren Nance, Socorro County Attorney, said the matter isn’t as simple as signing a few papers. He spoke with Mountain Mail about the next steps for the couple and the gym.
“Due to New Mexico’s strict Anti-Donation Laws, the County cannot simply be allowed to give the property away.” Nance said that the couple will most likely have to apply for the lease from scratch. That means going through the Department of Finance Affairs, and could take as long as two months. The property will first have to be re-evaluated, and then they can apply. “They will have to get DFA approval, and then we can execute the lease.”
There are solutions for the short-term. “We can do a temporary rental agreement. The County often leases out buildings for events and other things. We have a policy for that. But that doesn’t solve the problem long-term.” Nance said.
Castillo admitted that the problems are daunting, but pointed to the positive attributes the club brings to the community’s children, all of whom come from diverse backgrounds.
“It’s a melting pot in the gym. A lot of them are vulnerable. They come from single family homes. Their parents want them to do something constructive.” he said. “We teach life building skills and discipline. It keeps the kids out of trouble.”
He said that the kids have put a great deal of work into their boxing. “We do bag work, we work mitts, cardio conditioning, and we have speed bags. We travel almost every weekend to different cities to participate in tournaments.”
“A lot of times they win their first trophy, and you see the look on their face, and they’re so happy. It’s all worth it.” Castillo said.
Nance stressed that Castillo and Maez would in no way be liable for any rental debts incurred to the County as a result of the previous tenants default. The same does not go for the mounting utility bills.
Despite the current situation, Castillo is adamant that the kids he works with will get the gym back.
“Even if I have to get the money out of my pocket, I will find a way to turn it on.”
Zombies invade Socorro
Co-op Audit Reveals Policy Issues
By Rebecca Rose
The Socorro Electric Co-op Board of Trustees met on Monday, Oct 25 and revealed the results of two separate audits.
The audits, conducted by two individual firms, BKD and Bolinger, Segars, Gilbert and Moss, exposed numerous issues concerning internal financial policies, but did not find any loss of funds as a result. Jeff Roberts, the auditor from BKD, gave a report to the Board.
In his presentation, Roberts said that since 2008, 28 employees received between $1000 and $7000 loans, borrowed against their 401Ks. The practice of borrowing against one’s retirement plan is a common one in many corporations and organizations. “If an employee wants to get a loan from their 401K account, they’re entitled to that.” Roberts said. “At some point, the Co-op decided they were going to go ahead and advance the money, using Cooperative funds until that 401K money came in from the NRECA.” All of the loans were known to the Board, and were part of regular financial reports they signed off on.
“We even found a policy that was not in the current policy manual, that looks like [the CoOp] had a policy of allowing this.” Roberts said. The policy was so old, it had been discovered on old paper pre-dating computer print-outs.
Roberts said he believed at some point the policy had been rescinded, but was still in practice until very recently. “That’s what brought some of the problems.” he said. The policy is not in the current Co-op policy manual, and it is unsure if it was removed with or without the Board’s oversight.
But Roberts noted that there were issues beyond the out dated policy. The Co-op was not adhering to its guidelines. allowing employees to take out loans that exceeded set limitations, or take out multiple loans beyond what the policy . “If [the Co-op] were to decide that the policy were still valid, it wasn’t even followed.”
Despite the irregularities, Roberts’ report stated clearly that Co-op members did not suffer a financial loss because of them. “There [were] a lot of advances on these 401Ks,” Roberts said. “But we didn’t see any damage in the end to the finances of the cooperative.”
The BKD audit also addressed the issue of employee and trustee per diems for travel. He pointed out that the Co-op’s rates for daily travel ($120 out of state, $80 in state) were higher than comparable rates set by the Federal government. The Co-op’s current policy is to provide a flat rate per day. Roberts pointed out that the Co-op could consider offering to pay back employees and trustees for actual travel expenses incurred.
“We even found a policy that was not in the current policy manual, that looks like [the CoOp] had a policy of allowing this.” Roberts said. The policy was so old, it had been discovered on old paper pre-dating computer print-outs.
Roberts said he believed at some point the policy had been rescinded, but was still in practice until very recently. “That’s what brought some of the problems.” he said. The policy is not in the current Co-op policy manual, and it is unsure if it was removed with or without the Board’s oversight.
But Roberts noted that there were issues beyond the out dated policy. The Co-op was not adhering to its guidelines, allowing employees to take out loans that exceeded set limitations.“If [the Co-op] were to decide that the policy were still valid, it wasn’t even followed.”
Roberts’ report stated that Co-op members did not suffer a financial loss because of them. “There [were] a lot of advances on these 401Ks,” Roberts said. “But we didn’t see any damage in the end to the finances of the cooperative.”
The BKD audit also addressed the issue of employee and trustee per diems for travel. He pointed out that the Co-op’s rates for daily travel ($120 out of state, $80 in state) were higher than comparable rates set by the Federal government. The Co-op’s current policy is to provide a flat rate per day. Roberts said that the Co-op could consider offering travel reimbursement instead of flat rates.
OBITUARY: Michael Martinez
Michael MartinezOct. 21, 1947-Oct. 21, 2010
Michael T. Martinez, 63, passed away on Thursday, Oct 21, 2010 at his home in Socorro, NM. Michael was born on October 21, 1947 to Miguel P. and Vivianita (Trujeque) Martinez in Socorro, NM. He is survived by his loving parents; his devoted wife of 45 years, married July 31, 1965, Gloria (Padilla) Martinez; his loving children, Michael A. Martinez and wife, Francine of Phoenix, AZ; Peter Martinez and wife, Sandra, of Socorro; and Julie LaFortune and husband, Ken of Andrews, TX; four grandchildren, Brianna T. Martinez; Clinton R. Martinez; Andre Martinez; and Emily LaFortune; one great grandchild, Marcus Martinez; his sister, Margie Ortiz and husband, Xavier; three nieces, Karen; Angela; and Victoria; his aunt Rose Benavidez; his cousins, Linda Benavidez; and Dave Benavidez; and his loving In-Laws; Michael was a lifelong resident of Socorro and a devoted member of San Miguel Catholic Church. He retired from NM State Police in 2005, after 25 years of service. Michael and Gloria had the privilege to serve as foster parents for 15 years and 16 children who blessed their lives. Even though, Michael came from a small family, he loved being a part of and was welcomed into the Padilla Family. Michael was preceded in death by his beloved grandparents, Conrado and Luisita Trujeque; his aunt, Analee Baca; his uncles, Morris Benavidez; Tomas Baca; and Ramon Trujeque; and his cousin, Windy Benavidez. A Memorial Rosary will be recited on Tuesday, October 26, 2010 at 9:15 am at the San Miguel Catholic Church in Socorro. A Memorial Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated immediately following with Father Andy Pavlak as Celebrant. Interment will take place in the San Pedro Cemetery in San Antonio, NM. Pallbearers are his sons, Michael and Peter. Honorary Pallbearers are Jon Rosas, William West III, Carlos Padilla, Christopher Padilla, Nicholas Padilla, and Justin Taylor. Any Memorial Contributions may be made to the Cancer Services of New Mexico Foundation, Albuquerque, NM. Those who wish to send condolences may do so atwww.danielsfuneral.com. Services have been entrusted to:Services have been entrusted to Daniels Family Funeral Services, 309 Garfield, Socorro, NM 87801 (575) 835-1530.
Police Seize $1,200 In Heroin
By John Larson
SOCORRO – A Socorro man was arraigned in Magistrate Court Tuesday on one second degree felony count of possession of heroin. Arthur Jojola, 32, was arrested Friday, Oct. 22, by city police after receiving a tip that he was driving down from Belen with “a load of heroin” and that he would be arriving in a maroon Dodge Intrepid at about 12:30 p.m.
According to the criminal complaint, officers were waiting at the north end of town when the vehicle in question pulled into the McDonald’s parking lot.
“Sgt. [Richard] Lopez and myself observed a female getting into the car and we pulled our unit up behind Arthur’s car,” Detective Rocky Fernandez said. “We walked up to both sides of the vehicle just when Arthur was observed pulling a large plastic baggie out of his pocket. He must not have seen us because he was in the process of making a deal. Sgt. Lopez told Arthur not to move and Arthur quickly put the bag back into his pocket.”
The complaint said that Arthur Jojola admitted to having the narcotics on his person. He was handcuffed and the heroin was taken as evidence.
The baggie contained 4.3 grams of heroin, which is estimated to have a street value of up to $1,200.
A search of the woman’s car revealed no drugs. She was interviewed and released.
As of press time, Jojola is being held in the Socorro County Detention Center on a $15,000 cash or surety bond. If convicted he faces nine years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Chief of Police George Van Winkle praised all the officers involved in the continuing narcotics investigations and arrests.
“They do an outstanding job,” Van Winkle said. “With drugs now coming down from Belen, we’re not going to let up. Our officers will continue to go after these guys.”
Fernandez said heroin continues to be problematic in Socorro.
“Meth and cocaine, and even marijuana fluctuates in demand, but heroin is usually steady,” he said. “Also, when you buy it around here you don’t really know what you’re getting, and how easy it is to OD.”
EDITORIAL: Where To From Here When All Seems Lost?
Just Thinking Out Loud
By Gary Jaramillo
By Gary Jaramillo
Everyday the onslaught of horrible commercials from both sides never stop coming – they never stop with their terrible deep cuts and cruel slashes upon one another. They talk about how absolutely low and despicable their opponents are in every way possible. They say that these people we have elected in the primaries have done nothing of any value in their lives, and not one iota of good can be found in who they are and what they stand for.
Our children look at the television in total frightened confusion because the role models that they are supposed to mold their young lives after have fallen to their knees in the mud, dirt and sludge, wrestling in the gross and absurd lies and filth that has become the political way in our nation. It’s America at its lowest point in centuries. It hurts. Our children must watch this barbaric live gutting of one another in an arena of shame and horror.
Every side of the political spectrum has turned our country into a virtual massacre. Gone is respect for one another. Gone is the adult way of conversing and working out those things to which we disagree. People are carrying guns to rallies and holding up signs of Hitler and other, horrific people. Even more disturbing are those people who are calling our very own elected officials by those names and teaching our children that that is the way to gather and teach about our National Political System.
I wonder, are we really the most evolved animals walking the earth? Do we really have the compassion that we say wild animals lack? Have we really come so far as to offer our hand in understanding to another, instead of warning that if the election doesn’t turn out to our liking, we should bear arms to make the changes we want through violence? Where did we all become okay with these kind of blatant words and actions by others who are obviously very sick.
We can vote. It’s one of the most wonderful things that is given to us as United States citizens. Other countries average voting percentage is upwards of 98%. But we can barely get to 30% in most small cities in America. How shameful is that? Some say they care enough to kill their neighbors if the vote doesn’t turn out the way they like it. Yet when asked if they voted in the last election, they say “NO”.
What the hell is wrong with this country?
This Tuesday, go out and vote for who you think can help you. But listen to those who actually have a plan and also to those who are just kicking up the political craziness and hoping to slow our countries progress even more. They are easy to find, and they live in every political party. Listen to what they all say, then look around and ask yourself which one is lying and which one is just jerking your chain.
This election has to be about common sense and respect for one another. You all know who’s done what – So vote your convictions and walk away with a smile and maybe even a hand shake for the next person in line behind you. Now that’s American!
OPINION: I’m Sorry; What Was the Question?
Magdalena Potluck
By Don Wiltshire
By Don Wiltshire
My head is so full of sound bites and PhotoShop creations that I just can’t seem to think a complete thought any more. I do seem to have an impressive gallery of glossy photos of the Good Diane and the Evil Diane; the Good Susanna and the Evil Susanna not to mention the Good and Evil Steve, Harry, Ben and Tom. Just think of the forests that have been cut down to provide us with all of these images! At least they make good kindling for my wood stove. This is what happens when we slam the doors wide open to Corporate Political Contributions. Sound bites designed for short attention spans seem to actually foster short attention spans!
The sum-total effect of this barrage of empty slogans and name calling is one of revulsion and disgust. What once was a privilege and honor to vote, has turned into a dreary selection of the least of two evils. The candidates seem to be little more than hand puppets used by Corporations in our winner-take-all elections.
Nevertheless, there IS a good reason to go to the polls next Tuesday. There are four Bond Issues that need your nod of approval. The one of greatest interest for me is Bond Issue B. It would provide much needed acquisition funds for academic, public school, tribal and public libraries, including the Magdalena Public Library and the Socorro Public Library. Please Vote “Yes.”
You can vote on the other three Bond Issues as you see fit: Bond Issue A would provide funds for senior centers, Bond Issue C would provide funds for pre-kindergarten classrooms and Bond Issue D would provide funds for higher educational and special schools capital improvements. You can find more information on these Bond Issues from a link at the Socorro Public Library’s most excellent web site at www.adobelibrary.org.
I expect to see all of you at the State Engineer’s Preliminary Hearing on the “Water Grab” on Tuesday, November 9th at 1:30 p.m. at the Macey Center. We need to show our serious concern over this matter. NO rowdiness! We need to be on our best behavior in order to lull the State Engineer into holding the Formal Hearings in our “neck of the woods.”
There will be free flu shots available on Friday, October 29 at the Magdalena Public Library during our normal hours of 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Come pick out a book, a movie and get a free flu shot. Does it get any better than that? Yes it does! On Saturday, October 30, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., there will be an Appreciation Potluck for Lucy Pino, our former Library Director who did so much to build the Magdalena Public Library into the facility that it is today. Bring your favorite dish, share stories and add a note of thanks to Lucy’s scrapbook. The weather forecast looks good and we should have a grand time out on the deck; perhaps the last before we all hibernate for the winter.
I’m starting to miss our Wednesday evening Water Meetings. The last one will take place on November 17 at 7 p.m. at the Magdalena Library at 7 p.m. Frank Titus will discuss the hydrology of the San Agustin Plains and the effect that this insane water mining project would have on our community.
Read Magdalena! There is a way that we can bring up the reading levels in Magdalena and our surrounding area. The Adult Summer Reading Program will be having a meeting on Wednesday, November 3 at 7 p.m. at the Magdalena Public Library. We will discuss literacy in Magdalena and how a Village can make a difference. Everyone interested in improving literacy levels in Magdalena, please come. Teens are very welcome. There is no reason that we, as a community cannot augment and supplement the Magdalena community with efforts to teach and improve reading skills for everyone.
What a great gift this would be for the children and adults of this community and how rewarding it would be for those of us willing to spend a few hours a week, sharing the skills that many of us now take for granted.
The Adult Reading Program has been concerned with “Water” as a subject and will continue to do so as the State Engineer’s Hearings get under way. Other subjects of interest will come up . If you have a suggestion, please come and share. Together we can do so much.
If you have any comments, problems, solutions, upcoming events or Empty Milk Jugs, contact Don Wiltshire at mtn_don@yahoo.com.
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