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Last modified: December 1, 2008

Headline News From Our
Dec. 13, 2002 Issue

U.S. Rep.-elect Steve Pearce
says T-or-C/Tularosa road
not on his list of priorities

CLICK ON PHOTO
FOR ANOTHER VIEW

  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.

ACCION NM extends arms
to Sierra County businesses

CLICK ON PHOTO TO ENLARGE

  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.

CLICK ON PHOTOS TO ENLARGE

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.

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.

Wildlands Project Comes to Hidalgo County (Part 7)

  This week I intended to discuss The Nature Conservancy (TNC), the 10^th largest nonprofit in our nation.

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.

CLICK ON PHOTO TO ENLARGE

Sierra Santas start Christmas schedule

  Thanksgiving is history and it’s time for the man in red to move into the spotlight.

CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE

Elephant Butte’s
Newest
Restaurant
And Night Club

OBITUARIES

   Notices for  Betty J. Clark Wilson, Walter Winkler, Robert Richard Branstetter & Maryella Lower.

…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

…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

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.

<<<   >>>

…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

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.

<<<   >>>

…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

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.

<<<   >>>

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 8^th 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.

<<<   >>>

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 10^th 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.

<<<   >>>

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.

<<<   >>>

…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

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.

<<<   >>>

Elephant Butte’s

Newest Restaurant

And Night Club

DJ Photos by Bill Johnson

…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.

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.