Las Vegas Optic from Las Vegas, New Mexico • Page 1

'Cool temperatures tonight and Wednesday with possible snow later tonight. Expected high Wednesday 36, low 14. Noon temperature today, 27. A MV Established 1879 mt: 99th Year No. 6 Las Vegas, New Mexico--Tuesday, January 9, 1968 Price: 10 Copy scho pus consolidation Concerned City School Superintendent Tom Clgrk was at the Carnegie Public Library early this morning to check on the Town council talks 'Fiesta' Fiesta plans, pipeline and -town- elections-.

were the main business of West Las Vegas council meet-' in'g Monday night. Robert Bogt, representative of a Texas company. Exposition, gave the town council a pitch for bringing a carnival to the Plaza for the 4th of July Fiesta There are 350 people in the organization, 20 rides, three shbws, and "as many concessions as we, 'can Bogt He added that by "concessions" he means- professional games or eating st'iuds. A group of Old Town merchants who attended the meeting did not receive Bogt's carnival plan too however. One spokesman, said- that the merchants be 100 per against having the carnival on the; Plaza." Merchants said that a.

carnival would block stteets cut.off business cor store owners around thVPlaza. Donald Martinez, attorney for the town, said that "we-need something to make 1 this Fiesta 'big again!" He added. that he.didn't know what -that something but that "we need a shot in the arm" in the Fiesta." Council- m'eii as well as merchants agreed The. attorney went on to-say thatihe "only advahtage peppie 'back to; Las Me-'. noted'ihe small crowds present past few years, compared to the thousands who used, to come to Las Vegas for the celebration.

turnout of voters for the Middle School Bond issue. (Staff Photo) Proposes increase of tax for jail By JIM MALDONADO Optic Editor Las Vegans view middle school issue 1 By DAVIO BOURNE Optic Staff Writer Several Las: Vegas citizens gave their opinions on the proposed middle school up for approval today. If the'bond issue-is passed, the school construction will be-, gin. The school will be used for educating all students in the system from grades five to eight. Otto Krutzner, manager of the Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company, had this to say about the proposal, aim for anything that is for the progress of Las Vegas." He added that with his fourth child-about to graduate this year he has always been close: to the school sys- State Senator Junio Lopez, R-San Miguel, is pushing for consolidation in the legislature again this year.

But this time, he hopes the legislature will approve consolidation of School Districts 1 and 2 in the county. In making, the announcement ----Monday, Lopez he will also propose sales tax increase of one-half a cent to provide for a county jail. The Senator made an almost snooessfiil attempt during the 1967 legislature to consolidate East and West Las Vegas. Des- 1 pite favorable moves during "the legislative session, the proposal was defeated by one vote, 35-34, in the House of Representatives after' having passed the Senate and a cor of During the Novem'oer olec- San Miguel County vot- ers defeated a bond issue for the construction a new county jail and courthouse! Lopez is hoping to kill two birds with one stone by eoing through the legislature. There has been some speculation among consolidation officials of the' possibility of joining the' school districts, but a proposal for consolidating the two districts Js not included in the: charter.

Meanwnile. Sheriff Pat Romero and county officials continue to point out the deplorable con- terns and that, he favor of dition of the county jail and' any, project such as this "tnat Xopez said he believes that such consolidation would improve the quality of education and pave the way for an area vocational school to be located will further -education. Frank J. Fitch, a local appraiser; stated: that ''anything which furthers education is a good tiling." said the carnival salesman, can't ride 'wheel watching He Said that the offers'' attractions people ordinarily don't have. access to, and that.it is advantage which could- make Fiesta a Fidel Chief appointed Ernest Chavez, councilman in charge of the Fiesta committee, to meet, with members of his committee and Old merchants and make a decision over the carnival.

In other business, Mayor Gonzales explained the rejection given the Northern New Mexico Gas Authority by 'the Public Service Commission, in simple terms "They think that are paying too much for the gas line," Gonzales- said. The N.N.M'. Gas Authority, which includes interests of Springer, Maxwsll, Wagon Mound, and East and West Las Vegas, wanted to own and operate a natural gas transmission and distribution system of Southwestern States Gas for a sum. of 51,300,000. Gonzales explained that the Gas Authority was interested in the venture because it would mean making more profit off the same line they are paying to use now, and that the towns: involved could buy their gas.

at a lower cost. Gonzales said that the Authority wants all mayors and councilmen from the five communities to meet and decide on possible further action. It was pointed out at a special East Las Vegas council meeting called Friday that She Gas Authority may file another petition and have a rehearing within 30 days. And in election business, the Old Town council passed a resolution for conducting the town municipal elections March 5. The election wiil decide choice of orte mayor for a two year term, two trustees for four year terms, one trustee for a two year term, and one municipal judge for a two year term.

The resolution must be adopted and publicized 30 days prior t.o the set election date. JayCees endorse consolidation In action taken during a recent meeting, members of the Las Vegas JayCees endorsed the proposed plan of consolidation of the City of Las Vegas and the Town of Las Vegas. The endorsement followed a series of mediums in which the members studied the procedure as it was outlined by the Join'. Commission on Consolidation, according to Mark White, president of the J.nyCecs. The JayCees have also appointed a four-man com- rnillcc to work with the Commission sponsoring informative meetings about (he consolidation procedures.

The men are James D'Agostinn, Beincrd Allingham, Tony Encinias, and Carlos In other actions, the group agreed to co-sponsor public forums with the League of Women Voters. The forums, which will focus on will be held on Feb. and 8. The first will he in the County Court House at 7:30 p.m., while the second will be held in the Patio Gym of the East Las Vegas Junior High School, also at 7:30 p.m. P.

Trumbull, insurance salesman, that he agreed wholeheartedly with the at Camp Luna. "This project," Lopez said, "Would cost S200.000 in state money about $800,000 of 1 1 I 1 1 1 1 1 proposal and added "I am defi- federal which, could be nitely favor of it ob ine l' 4 senator said he would "It-is. for the betterment of education," said Rev. Robert Plagge of the proposed middle school. He went on to say that in his estimation the greatest benefit was the individual train: ing a was involved in the curricula.

"I feel it is 1 very important that this bond issue should pass," said J. S. Torres, local businessman. He added that the city was in need of such a project as school facilities will be increased. The presidest of the BanK of Las Vegas, Dale Gerdeman, had this to say of the school, "I favor any development which improves our ability to educate.

Dollars spent for education are the most productive answer to economic problems. The better an individual is educated the easier it is for him to win his own 'war on poverty'." meet with Governor David Cargo before the session to ask if his proposed measures could be included in his agenda of legislation. Referring to the one-half cent increase in the sales tax, Lopez said, the additional sales tax would be used to provide' 000 to lemodel and repair the courthouse and to construct a new jail. "A bill passed in the last legislative session permits counties to levy such a tax. I believe the tax would provide funds to pay off the debt within two years," Lopez emphasized.

Hearing continues The hearing in District Court for Robert Garcia and Eleuterio Trujillo continues today. The two were charged with numerous counts of larceny and breaking and entering. Jn court action Monday, court was recessed after the jury was qualified. BULLETIN As of noon today, schoo', district 1 voters, have voted 101 for and 51 against the proposed Memorial Middle School. If the bond issue fnr $425,000 is approved, it will be matched by state funds amounting to ooc.

Angel appoints attorneys SANTA FE (UPD-- District Judge Joe Angel appointed five attorneys to represent indigent members of the militant Spanish American group allegedly involved in the Tierra Amarilla courthouse raid last summer, United. Press International learned today. The five members of the group said they had no funds to pay.attorneys, and Angel ap- pointed the attorneys. The attorneys are Matias Chacon of Espanola, Seth D. Montgomery of Santa Fe, J.A.

Butham of Santa Fe, John A. Mitchell of Santa Fe and James C. Thompson. They will represent Tobias Leyba, Jerry Nolls, Baltazar Apodaca, Baltazar Martinez and Juan Valdez. The five members of group will appear Feb.

29-with other members at a preliminary hearing on the raid charges. NM reports flu cases spotted SANTA FE (UPD New Mexico is the latest state to report cases of Type A influenza --an influenza virus that has spread from eastern st a throughout the country. Confirmation of the virus in New Mexico came today from the State Health Department. It said the virus had been spotted by the State Public Healh laboratory at Albuquerque. Dr.

Daniel E. Johnson, labor- jitory chief, said evidence of the Type A influenza, better known os Asian flu, was found in 16 out of 38 blood specimens tested in a a so far. He said cn'y one of the specimens were ol a Type virus. Work is in progress at the laboratory to determine if the virus strain known as Asian flu (Continued on page 4 Club Donation Members of the West Nelson, chairman of the committee, Max- Las Vegas Junior High School Social Sci- ine Lujan, Karen Sandoval, and "Ruth ence class donated a check to the Citizens for Consolidation Committee. Pictured left to right are Johnny Arguello, Sef erino Esquibel, Leroy Smith, Alfred Anna Ludi.

Nelson praised the students for their heln in their distribution of public information. (Staff Photo) Nelson heads 1 for Consolidation group Alfred Nelson, 25, civic and business leader from the -community, was selected by a group of leading citizens East and We.st Las Vegas to head the newly formed "Citizen's for Consolidation Committee." The committee is composed of individuals from both communities, who are 100 per cent for consolidation and arc willing to work hard to achieve this purpose, according to Nelson. Committee members are organizing area meetings throughout both communities. Citizens of these respective areas will have a better opportunity to understand the procedures and benefits of consolidation, he aaicl. Commi'tee -members will also be responsible to present the advantages of consolidation and will present a complete explanation of the proposed charter, according to Nelson.

Nelson added that committee members have also planned to hold two large mass meetings, one in L-ach municipality on Feb. 3 and 11. These meetings will take a the six proposed area meetings lusvc been completed. "Funds to cover expenditures confronted by the committee have been coming in at a much higher percentage' than had been anticipated," Nelson said. The sole means of financial operation of the committee is through donations, according to Nelson, who added that of the few leading citizens and business leaders of both communities that had been solicited, none hesitated to donate.

"This goes to show that they 'arc deeply interested in consolidation and arc displaying trust In the goal of the committee," said Nelson. The committee has been divided into two groups, one in East ami one in West Las Ve- gas. West Las Vegas committee members arc Alfonso Ortiz, Chris CAP pro- yram director; Larry Martinez, Alfred Gonzales, Benny Gallegos, Hector Kavanaugh, afid Wilfred Sandoval. Enstside committee members are Martin Suazo, Archie Garduno, Emcrita Russell, Amer- itus Anslcy, Feilx Mohtano, Joe Lujan, AiWnio Gonzales, and Pat The committee is recording donations and donors who are supporting the organization and consolidation to be announced later. (Continued on page 6) Swings slides and baseball bats will be funded for County areas Swings, slides and baseball bats arc some of Die playground equipment a will go to children in rural areas of San Miguel County as a result of the Hum I Recreation Program to yo into effect nearly immediately.

The Board of County Commissioners is charged with dist i i some S87! proportionately in 17 zones throughout the county. Mrs. a A Owen, county home agcnt-aHargc, and Merger vote day i i J' must be chafed H.L.. I limer QICS Early Voter--Max Montoya was among tlio first to cast a vote at Carnegie Public Library for a bond issue which will decide the fate of the proposed Memorial Middle School. (Staff Photo) The joint commission on consolidation met Monday nifilit after it was found that an nltcr- natc date for the consolidation referendum, originally scheduled for Feb.

13, would have to lie decided. Legal requirements, Donald Martinez, district attorney, explained at a council meeting Monday, that notice nf special election must he Kivcn 45 days in advance of the date of the election. Notice must appear in (he IcRal section of a newspaper, lie said. Such legal notice did net take place, and it is less than 45 days until Feb. 13.

Sandy Dcttcrick, member of the consolidation commission, said the six-man group is mnct- inn again today to decide on a new election date. He added that there is sonic confusion as to the legal publication requirements, and that the commission lias contacted the slate attorney general's office this morning for clarification. Detierick said a new date will be decided soon. in Albuquerque Henry Clyde Turner, well known long timr; Las Vegas resident and cmplayre of (he Public Service; Co. died in A MospiUiI early i i following an illness.

He i son of I he 1 Ellas I Jrssic Brown Turner. He was born ill Clear Lake, H. on a 10. IflOl. He was G(5 years at the i i of his a and would have hocn 67 on He was unilud in marriage to Hiihy M-iKKic Mnrr in Las Vo- on Aug.

1020. Tnnuir had resided sinco 1907. lie a in tin: Lns Venus area Tor a years and was also a former employee of the Public Service Company. Following nis employment with the Public Service he worked various other positions in He nu-mbcr tin; 1OOK Las and a cluirlcr member of Mesa Lodge Nv). 27 I GUI' Albuquerque.

i i him arc his wife. Mrs. M. Turner of Lns three sons, Clyde -f Merlon if I.a i C'oin and Bill of Jwlio. a i two Mrs.

Ada Lou Kirb.v 'if Normal. 111., jnul Mrs. Sue Miller of Kspanola: two bmrliers. J)on Tnrnor of Las and Hobort Turner of A nio sislor. Mrs.

Maude O.iUens of Springfield. Ore. I I is also survived by .15 a nieces and nephews. 1'uncral arrangements are ponding ut Hie Hogei-s a Ansclmo R. Sedillo, county ex- tension agent, presented the.

commissioners with a census of children between ages one and 21 in rural areas, at the commissioners' meeting Monday. Sampson, vice-chairman of the board of commissioners, said thr.l liiu money is a a i a and that the equipment may be sent out "right away" or as soon as the census is completed. The money comes from rev(Continued on page 4) Program okayed for SM residents The United States Department of Labor approved a retraining program for 20 unemployed- residents of San Miguel County, it was announced by telegram today. The 20 will be trained as elect i a appliance servicemen and program is to be conducted for 21 weeks. Funds for the project will be provided by the Department of Health.

Education and Welfare and the state board of vocational education. Estimated cost of the project is 816,000. The Labor Department is providing the state Employment Security Agency $29 175 for training allowances, transportation and subsistence mcnts. The telegram was signed ty Clinton P. Anderson and Joseph M.

Montoya of the u.SASenate and Thomas Morris and CJ 1 who will make a complete fim- S. Johnny Walker.i.meriib^rs era' aanonnccmcnt later. Congress. 5.