4 Charged in Connection With Burglary

By John Larson

Four men have been arrested in connection with burglaries at a Luis Lopez home over a two day period, Nov. 3-4. The arrests followed joint investigations by both the Socorro City Police officers and Socorro County Sheriff’s deputies.Justin Zamora, 20, Bobby Zamora Jr.. 21, and Louis Zamora, 29, have each been charged with aggravated burglary (armed after entering) and criminal damage to property worth more than $1,000. Louis Zamora has also been charged with receiving a stolen firearm and conspiracy to commit a crime. In addition, Robert Gaudern, 39, of Socorro has been charged with receiving a stolen firearm, felon in possession of a firearm and conspiracy to commit a crime.
According to the criminal complaint, the men were arrested following a series of seemingly unrelated events. On Nov. 4, Socorro County Sheriff deputies Shorty Vaiza and William Armijo, while working a DWI Compliance project, came upon a gray Chevrolet Malibu adjacent to an arroyo in Luis Lopez.
Vaiza recognized two men at the scene as Louis Zamora and Justin Zamora. While speaking to Justin Zamora, Vaiza observed several items in the back seat of the car, including a bag of assorted tools and a reddish wooden box.
Vaiza was given permission to examine the box, and found it contained silverware. Justin Zamora said the tools belonged to his uncle and that the silverware was his mother’s. The deputies left the area and a report was filed.
On Nov. 9, Socorro County Sheriff deputies Ed Sweeney and Shawn Baca were dispatched to 2293 State Rd. 1 in Luis Lopez on the report of a burglary. The rear floor and door frame had been broken in and several items were seen stacked near the back door. Apparent drag marks were observed leading from the back door down an incline into an arroyo about 100 feet north of the residence to the spot where deputies Vaiza and Armijo had encountered Justin Zamora and Louis Zamora.
Fingerprints were taken at the residence and photographs were taken of the drag marks.
On Nov. 12, the owner of the home, Donald R. McCance Jr., made himself available at the Socorro County Sheriff’s Department to provide elimination fingerprints. While there, McCance discussed the burglary with Armijo, who recalled his Nov. 4 interaction with Justin and Louis Zamora. Armijo asked if one of the items stolen included silverware in a reddish wooden box, and McCance said yes. Armijo then contacted Sweeney, who took the initial burglary report, and gave him the information.
A search warrant was then served on Louis Zamora’s residence at 2332 State Route 1 in Luis Lopez by Sweeney and Armijo. During the search, Louis Zamora waived his Miranda rights and confessed to taking part in the burglary.
According to the criminal complaint, Louis Zamora said the burglary took place over a two-day period, from Nov. 3 to Nov. 4. Luis Zamora confirmed that Justin Zamora and Bobby Zamora Jr. also participated in the burglary, and added that Justin Zamora had left for California and had taken some of the stolen items with him.
According to the complaint, a wide variety of items were stolen, including flat screen televisions, tools, a Mig welder, a vacuum cleaner and other household appliances, military medals, paperwork, and a pistol.
The complaint said that the three men used a hand truck, clothes basket and plastic trash cans to transport the items from the residence to an arroyo north of the house.
Based on that information, a second search warrant was served by Armijo and Deputy Casey Spurgin at the residence of Bobby Zamora Jr., 2350 State Road 1. A vacuum cleaner was later seized from the residence as evidence.
On Nov. 13, Justin Zamora told Sweeney, during a telephone conversation, that he did not enter the property at 2293 State Rd. 1 in Luis Lopez. “I just helped them move the stuff,” said Justin Zamora. “I knew it was wrong but I have kids here and it was wrong.”
On Nov. 15, Spurgin was contacted at his residence by Jimmy Zamora, the grandfather of Bobby Zamora Jr. Jimmy Zamora told Spurgin that he had seen some items in the ditch next to his residence which he believed were from the burglary. Spurgin later recovered the items and noted that footprint impressions were similar to those at the arroyo near the residence where the items where initially hidden.
On Nov. 23, Socorro Police Det. Rocky Fernandez received a tip that Gaudern, who he knew to be on probation, was in possession of a stolen firearm and was trying to sell it. Fernandez later located Gaudern, who turned over a .38 caliber handgun and said Louis Zamora had given it to him. Armijo confirmed that the gun was the one stolen from the residence in Luis Lopez.
The preliminary hearing in Magistrate Court for Gaudern is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 2.
Louis Zamora was arraigned on Tuesday, Nov. 30, and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Dec. 15.
Justin Zamora and Bobby Zamora Jr. are scheduled to be arraigned in Magistrate Court on Dec. 13.

4 Charged in Connection With Burglary

Solar Heating at Magdalena Library

by John Larson

Volunteers took a step last week toward reducing heating costs at the Magdalena library by installing a passive solar heater.
The home-built unit is attached to the southern facing outside wall of the library in the old Santa Fe depot and, according to interim librarian Don Wiltshire, is as good as a furnace “when the sun is shining.”
“It’s known as a hot air collector,” said Wiltshire. “It will definitely cut our heating bills to some extent.”
The concept is simple. “It draws in cold air out of the building from the floor, and circulates warm air back into the building,” said Wiltshire.
The apparatus has no moving parts, working only by convection.
The four-foot by eight-foot contraption is mounted flush on the outside, coming out about nine inches from the building’s wall, and has a Plexiglass layer on the outside.
“Behind that is a couple of layers of wire mesh painted black,” said Wiltshire. “There’s a four-inch vent on the bottom which draws in the cold air from inside, and another four-inch vent at the top which lets the heated air go back into the building. The only thing you see in the room are the two vents.” The upper vent is about seven feet from the floor.
He said that he feels warm air coming through almost immediately after the sun hits it.
“I came in to open the library one morning and it was already toasty,” said Wiltshire.
And Wiltshire isn’t the only one who feels that way. Library patron Michael Danielson of Magdalena said that he could feel that the library is much warmer compared to how it was before the solar heater was added.
“You can tell the difference,” said Danielson. “I put my hand up by the vent and felt hot air coming out.” He said that the new heating system will most likely cut heating costs this winter.
Once the sun goes down, however, the unit stops working, according to Wiltshire, and any cold air coming through the vents is negligible.
The addition of the heat exchanger is part of an overall effort to reduce heating costs. The installation of storm windows in October also contributes to lowering the heating bill.
Prior to the improvements the library relied on propane and electric heaters.
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Solar Heating at Magdalena Library

General Manager Application Review Meeting Postponed

by Patrick Jason Rodriguez

A meeting scheduled for Monday, Nov. 29, to review the applications for the vacant position of general manager at the Socorro Electric Cooperative was postponed indefinitely. All members of the co-op’s board of trustees were invited to take part in the closed meeting.
The job of general manager has been open since August, following the dismissal of former general manager Polo Pineda Jr.
Members of the board of trustees received a letter on Nov. 24 from co-op administrative clerk Eileen Latasa stating that the Nov. 29 meeting was postponed.
Trustee Charlie Wagner said in a telephone interview on Wednesday that he arrived Monday evening at the site of the meeting and was met there by fellow trustees Donald Wolberg, Prescilla Mauldin, Luis Aguilar and Leo Cordova, all of whom are on the board’s search committee.
Wagner then asked Wolberg why the meeting was cancelled. “Wolberg said, ‘The meeting wasn’t cancelled, it was just postponed,’” said Wagner.
Wagner said that the co-op has received 27 applications for the job of general manager since it has been open, and it is important that a proper hiring process be conducted.
During a telephone interview on Wednesday, Wolberg pointed out that Wagner is not a member of the board’s search committee and need not have been at the meeting even if it had taken place. Wolberg added that the number of applicants for the general manager position has not been made public and he doesn’t know where Wagner obtained the figure of 27 applicants.     
Wolberg also cited Policy No. 209 in the co-op’s policy manual, which states that the process for hiring managers follows the protocol of specific channels, in this case a search committee is established, the search committee appoints a chairperson, the committee vets the applicants, and then the entire board convenes to conduct the hiring process on the advice of the search committees findings.   
Wagner sent an email on Monday, Nov. 29, to Mauldin and Aguilar saying that “… setting up the (closed) meeting was a formal action of the board by majority vote. . . It can’t be cancelled without action of the majority of the board in another open meeting.  So we have another example on record, of illegal action by either the president, a committee, the attorney, or some other entity without proper authority.” 
Aguilar, chairman of the board’s search committee, as of Wednesday, Dec. 1, did not return a telephone call seeking comment.
In other co-op news, a status hearing in the case of the Socorro Electric Cooperative’s lawsuit against member-owners has been set for 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 14 at the 13th Judicial Courthouse in Los Lunas.

General Manager Application Review Meeting Postponed

Gingerbread House Contest Returns

by John Larson

Another sign of the holiday season is coming to New Mexico Tech.
The gingerbread house contest will make its return this month, and the competition is open to the general public.
Organizer Edie Steinhoff said she hopes to see a wide variety of creations this year.
“Over the past six years most of the entries have been breathtaking,” Steinhoff said. “Besides very creative houses, we’ve had people make a fire house, a farm, Brown Hall and other Tech buildings. It doesn’t have to be a house. One year we had a cave created by Dr. Penny Boston’s Cave and Karst people.”
Steinhoff said all major components, such as walls and roofs, must be constructed of gingerbread. However, contestants 12 years old and younger may use graham crackers, cookies, or other edible building materials. “All parts must be edible,” said Steinhoff. “For example, wrapped candies must be unwrapped and lollipops must have edible stems. The only exception is the addition of electricity, like adding Christmas lighting.”
All entries must be delivered to the Fidel Center between 1 and 6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 13. Judging in two age groups will be on Wednesday, Dec. 15. The contest is open to anyone.
Entries will be judged on originality, overall appearance, choice, and use of materials and difficulty of design. Contestants are not limited to building a house; any type of structure – real or imaginary – is eligible.
Gingerbread creations may not be taller than 26 inches and must be attached to a plywood base no larger than 18 inches by 24 inches. Additionally, the base surface (but not the sides) must be concealed with an edible product.
Judging will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 15. Prizes will be awarded in these age groups: 12 and younger, and 13 and older. Youth entrants must complete their own construction.
The entries will be on display at the Fidel Center from Dec. 13 to 18. Entries must be picked up by 3 p.m. on Dec. 18. Any entry not picked up will be donated for distribution to The StoreHouse to area families. 

Gingerbread House Contest Returns

Tech Pledges Academic Quality in Wake of Budget Constraints

by John Larson

New Mexico Tech’s budget concerns might lead to more financial restrictions, but university President Dan Lopez says that the school’s academic programs will maintain high standards.
The university has between 12 and 15 faculty positions currently vacant and is not at the moment in the process of filling those positions. “That means the faculty work load has increased tremendously,” said Lopez.
In addition to shrinking staff, the university is taking steps in other areas at reducing costs, said Lopez.
On the vehicle fleet, said Lopez, the university has reduced the size and reduced travel, including the use of smaller vehicles for travel around campus. “They cost a lot less to operate,” he said.
“We’ve reduced expenses in every category so that the burden is shared,” said Lopez, “and have done it without furloughs or layoffs. We’re hoping that what we do today will offset any future budget concerns.”
Lopez told the Board of Regents on Nov. 18 that the university has accommodated a 16 percent budget cut from the state during the past two years by across-the-board reductions, largely by halting wages and leaving many open positions vacant.
A university statement said that if the state authorizes more cuts during the 2011 legislative session – which appears likely – the school will begin to scrutinize individual departments to identify cost-saving measures.
However, Peter Gerity, vice-president of academic affairs, said the academic departments have been creative in ways to reduce costs, such as employing adjunct and part-time instructors.
In 2008, New Mexico Tech had approximately 1,300 employees. But now, the university has fewer than 1,000 on its payroll.
The state has slashed funding of higher education by $122 million over two years, with 97 percent of those cuts targeting public schools, said Lopez.
“We’re trying to sensitize policy-makers that we [the public universities] are bearing virtually all of the negative impact of these cuts, with two-year schools not shouldering an equitable portion of the cuts,” said Lopez. “That’s an issue we’ll keep harping on.”

Tech Pledges Academic Quality in Wake of Budget Constraints

OBITUARY: Clory Aragon

Clory Aragon, age 81, passed away on Wednesday, November 24, 2010 in Socorro, following a brief illness and hospitalization. He is survived by sons, Alan M Aragon and Edward Aragon; daughter, Ruth Aragon Weaver; grandchildren, Katy Aragon, Ryan Aragon, Allison Aragon, and Ashley Aragon; brothers, Bill Aragon and Juan Aragon; and many loving nieces and nephews. 
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 38 years, Dawn Fraijo Aragon; parents, Ben and Crucita Aragon; brothers, Frank Aragon and Sam Aragon; sister, Marie Aragon Atkinson. 
He had a long and prosperous life as a soldier, a master head chef at the Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles, a restaurant owner, and a local rancher, but he was best known in this area as the school bus contractor that watched over the children on his daily route to and from the Reserve schools.
He will be missed by all.
Rosary will be held on Friday, December 3, 2010 at 7:00 p.m., at Santa Nino Parish in Aragon, NM.  Mass will be held on Saturday, December 4, 2010 at 11:00 a.m., at Santo Nino Parish in Aragon, NM, immediately followed by a reception.
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.

OBITUARY: Clory Aragon

OBITUARY: Charles Robert Farmer

Charles Robert Farmer Sr. born October 9, 1924 in Grady County, Oklahoma, died November 26, 2010 at his home in Socorro, New Mexico. He was preceded in death by his wife, Christine; his mother and father, Calvin and Cora; his sisters, Alma and Mary; and his brother, Arthur.
He is survived by his son, Rev. Dr. Charles R. Farmer Jr. and wife, Jenny of Socorro, NM; and  his daughters, Gail DeGeer and husband Donald of Overland Park, KS; Patricia Steele and husband, Walter of Custer, SD; and Michele Ryan and husband, Tony of Deming, NM. He has twelve grandchildren, Joshua, Jeremiah, Anah, Charlie, and Faith Farmer; Kirstin and David DeGeer; Don and Rob Steele; and Zachariah, Joshua, and Myriah Ryan; Five great grandchildren, two brothers, Jack Farmer and his wife Ruth of Magdalena, NM; and Dale Farmer and his wife, Diane of Missouri; and a brother in law, Dee Baker of Arizona.
Charlie was an avid hunter and fisherman. He served in the Pacific theater during WWII in the US Army and was a life member of the VFW.
He was a long time member and served as a Deacon and Elder at The First Christian Church of Albuquerque and Community Christian Church of Rio Rancho.
After his retirement from Sandia National Labs, he lived for a time in Datil, NM; Rapid City, SD; finally moving to Socorro, NM in 2004.
He was a member of First Baptist Church of Socorro where the Memorial Services will be held at 203 Spring St. on Thursday, December 2, at 2:00 pm with Rev. Dr. Charles R. Farmer Jr. officiating.
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.

OBITUARY: Charles Robert Farmer

OBITUARY: Luis Watson Graham

Luis Watson Graham, 40, passed away Tuesday, November 23, 2010 in Albuquerque, NM. Luis was born on January 1, 1970 in La Grande, OR. to David and Ariopajita (Valadez) Graham.
Luis is survived by his loving mother, Ariopajita Graham of Socorro, NM; his son Roberto Esquivel of Albuquerque; his daughter, River Baggs of Socorro; his devoted brother, David Graham and wife, Andra of Costa Mesa, Ca; his nieces and nephew, Bailey; Sophia; and Luke Hudson; and numerous cousins.
He loved music and was a talented musician and songwriter.
Luis was preceded in death by his father, David Sr. and one sister, Virginia Graham.
Cremation has taken place but no formal services have yet been arranged. 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.

OBITUARY: Luis Watson Graham

OBITUARY: Christine M. Nykiel

Christine M. (Foerster) Nykiel, 84, passed away on Sunday, November 28, 2010 in Socorro, NM surrounded by her loving family. Christine was born on July 16, 1926 in Chicago, Illinois to Henry and Mary (Winkler) Foerster.
She is survived by her loving daughters, Mary Ruff and husband Jim, of Socorro; Valerie Pourbaix and husband Kurt of Mead, CO; and Susan Mueller and husband Terry, of Spencer, WI; her devoted sons, Tom Nykiel and wife, Lolita of Beverly Hills, CA; and Jim Nykiel and wife Julie of Des Plaines, IL; eleven grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Christine was a resident of Socorro since 2008. She was a great Lover of the “Good Sam Band” and Socorro Music Scene. Christine was known for her great sense of humor.
Christine was preceded in death by her husband, Ted Nykiel.
A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, December 4, 2010 at 11:00 am at the Daniels Family Funeral Services Chapel. In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Socorro Hospice.  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.

OBITUARY: Christine M. Nykiel

OBITUARY: Tomasita G. Martinez

Tomasita G. Martinez, 85, passed away Sunday, November 28, 2010 in Socorro, NM surrounded by her loving family. Tomasita was born on March 29, 1925 in San Antonito, NM to Mariano and Emma (Chavez) Gonzales.
She is survived by her devoted and loving children, Emma Jojola and husband Michael; Juanita Rosas and husband, Lawrence; Esther Sena and husband, Mario; and Ernestine Griego and husband, Salo; her sister, Aveni Contreras; her brother, Eddie Gonzales and wife Vera; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, and many other family members and friends. Tomasita was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Max Martinez Sr; her beloved parents, Mariano Gonzales and Emma Gonzales; her beloved step mother, Concepcion Gonzales; her beloved sons, Max Jr., Orlando, Eugene, Chris, and Dennis; her beloved sister, Prudencia; and two brothers in laws, George and Tolano.
A Rosary will be recited Thursday, December 2, 2010 at 7:00 pm at Daniels Family Funeral Services Socorro Chapel. A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated on Friday, December 3, 2010 at 9:00 am with Father Andy Pavlak as celebrant at San Miguel Catholic Church. Interment will be in the San Antonito Cemetery. Pallbearers are Robert Griego, Sal Griego, Eric Rosas, Michael Jojola, Timothy Gonzales, and Eugene Martinez Jr. Honorary Pallbearers are Richard Pino, Salo Griego Jr., Mario Sena, Andre Sena, Evan Sena, and Jaime Luna. 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.

OBITUARY: Tomasita G. Martinez