Silver City Daily Press from Silver City, New Mexico • Page 1

Astronaut Quits NASA Schmitt Announces He's Seeking U.S. Senate PLANNED MEMORIAL This artist's conception Shows the planned memorial for the Fort Bayard Cemetery. Under the auspices of Allingham -Golding Post 18 of the American Legion, the facility will be built at a cost of more than $4,000 and will be dedicated Memorial Day, 1976. The project has been accepted as an official Bicentennial Project in New Mexico. Legion Plans Fort Bayard Memorial Allingham Golding Post 18 of the American Legion will build a memorial at Fort Bayard National Cemetery to honor the veterans of past wars who are buried there.

But contributions are needed. Legion Post 18 Commander Herbert Rice said that both individuals and groups are invited to make contributions toward the cost of constructing the facility. Any individual or organization donating or pledging $200 will be accepted as an 1 associate sponsor of the memorial. These donors will have their names on a bronze dedication plaque at the memorial site. The special memorial will consist of a semi circular three and one half feet high and fifty feet across, with a 25 foot depth.

Rock will be copper ore samples of azurite and chalcocite. Placed at intervals along the wall will be flagpoles for the U.S. flag and the flags. of various military branches. In the center of the wall and rising above in an arch will be a six foot by four foot bronze plaque inscribed with the complete text of Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address.

Two other plaques will be mounted in the wall, one at each end. The left plaque will be the one given to the cemetery last year in commemoration of the establishment of the cemetery to national status, donated by the Daughters of the American Revolution. The right wall plaque will bear the names of sponsors, and will be donated by Post 18. Dedication is planned for Memorial Day, 1976. Post Commander Rice said the memorial is the result of the envisionment of Maurice Granger, Post 18 a a whose efforts in behalf of Fort Bayard in 1973 resulted in elevation to national status.

"He envisioned the memorial as a tribute by Grant County's patriotic citizens to the men and women of the many different wars who found a resting place at Fort Bayard. Hundreds of them are far from home," he said. "They served their country in time of need and it is only fitting that we establish this memorial as evidence that they have not been forgotten." A fund drive will be shortly undertaken by Post 18 and other organizations. As' soon as the fund goal is in sight construction of the memorial will be started. Some $4,000 will be needed, Contributors may send their donations to the Fort Bayard Memorial Fund Drive, P.O.

Box H64, Silver City, N.M. 8S061. Editor's Note: Scientist Astronaut Dr. Harrison Schmitt of Silver City was the first civilian scientist to set foot on the moon, when he explored the Taurus Llt- trow Valley on the Apollo 17 crew. SchmHt resigned his post with NASA Aug.

30 to begin his political career. ByHOWARDGRAVES Associated Press Writer ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) --Moon voyager Dr. Harrison Schmitt admits to being a political novice. He peeled off some of that image Tuesday in announcing his candidacy for the Republican party's nominationin the 1976 U.S.

Senate race. "I think it's going to take not a complete turnover in the Congress, not even a majority turnover, but we've got to get people in the Senate and House who have a a a i of what technology can do for you, both for good and evil," he told a news conference. The 40-year-old bachelor, with streaks of gray in his dark hair, said one of those might be Democrat Sen. Joseph M. Montoya.

It is Montoya's seat that comes up for election next year. The two-term veteran is expected to seek re-election. "I don't think that he has the background of ducation, the experie nee in science, technology and public administration that I would bring to the U.S. Senate should 1 be elected," he said. "The times in this state and in the nation are changing so rapidly and issues are becoming so complex so deeply wrapped up in science, technology, philosophy, history and law, that people with a broad background in all those areas are the ones that are going to be required to lead the state and the nation.

I think that's the competitive edge that I have over Sen. Montoya and the main reason 1 feel obligated to run for the U.S. Senate," he said. In December 1972, Schmitt explored the Taurus-Littrow Valley on the moon as as part of the Apollo 17 crew. Schmitt had been "NASA's assistant administrator for energy programs since May 1974.

He is a scholar, has received numerous scholarships and awards and studied in Norway under a Fulbright fellowship. He resigned the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Aug. 30 to start his political career. Schmitt's father, a consulting mining geologist in New Mexico and the Southwest, died in 1966, a year after he was selected as an astronaut. His mother lives in Silver City.

"I feel definitely I can make a good senator," he said, "It's just a matter of getting elected." He said, "The biggest problem with many senators who represent a different i HARRISON SCHMITT System Short $135,000 Silver Schools In Financial Mess By RICHARD PETERSON Daily Press Writer Teachers in the Silver Consolidated Schools District may have to face salary cuts, according to a grim report issued by Supt. David Lee Tuesday afternoon. Lee addressed a meeting of the Silver City Educators Association for some 25 minutes and told them the school is going to have to operate this year $135,000 short of their original expectations. It will be a tough financial crunch for the school system. is one subject I don't like to talk about," Lee said.

"I don't want to push the panic button, but I promised people I would tell them the way it was." Lee said the school, through an over projection in students, has an apparent enrollment reduction of 135. He said funding is about $1,000 per student, hence the $135,000 deficit. "Those of you who are acquainted with finances know that money is developed by average daily membership," Lee said. "If we don't pick them up (additional students), there is only one thing we can do, that's cut back because you don't spend your budget, you spend revenue." said that initially the teachers would have to face extensive reductions in travel, per diem, and any resignations by staff and faculty would not be filled. "Knowing exactly where we are is a long way off, though," he said.

Lee hinted that if things get really bad salary reductions would have to be considered by the system. "We do have to keep in mind that personnel salaries are very, very important, and I consider them very important," Lee said. "But we have to look at all the options. I face a very difficult decision in the next 60 to 90 days, and I don't look forward to it. But someone may get hurt." The superintendent urged teachers to conserve everything possible, especially energy.

"I am very concerned with budget line items for natural gas and electricity," he said. Lee explained that utility costs are constantly increasing, and with recent additions to existing structures, more energy would be required. Lee reported that enrollment at Silver High School was down 38 students; La Plata was up 15 students; Stout was down eight students; Jose Barrios was down 11 students; Sixth Street was down 51 students; Harrison Schmitt was down 31 students; Cliff elementary (grades one through six) was down 16 students; and Cliff High School (grades seven through twelve) was up Tour students. Lee said the school system would have to give the annual budget a close look to find desperately needed operating funds, but said the budget was "already cut to the bone." "Any of the options at this point are bad," he said, "but some are worse than others." SILVER CITY DAILY Associated Press--Full Leased Wire And Independent Gateway To The Gila Wilderness Vol. LXXX-8 pages Silver Cily, New Mexico Wednesday, Sept.

10, W7S--No. 73 Citizens Concerned With Costly Road Project "Ambulance Strike 7 Continuing Some 86 American Smelting and Refining Co. employes voted today to continue their "wildcat" strike at the Groundhog zinc mine'until ASARCO provides an ambulance at the site. Workers belonging to Local 8244 United Steelworkers of America met this after- 'noon in Bayard and instructed union Staff Representative Alex Lopez and 8244 President Felix Muniz to inform ASARCO officials that the strike will continue until the company provides an ambulance. The workers left their ASARCO jobs Monday afternoon following the funeral of Jose G.

Villegas, 28, of Central who was fatally injured in a Sept. 4 mine accident. Villegas, a motorman who operated a battery-powered locomotive used to haul ore, was discovered by workers at 7:30 m. He was taken to Hillcrest General ospital in Silver City and pronounced jdead on arrival. i Lopez said Villages was taken from the County Records the Silver City Daily Press received in the mail a list of county expenditures for July.

As promised, we will run the information free of charge as long as the county provides the information. Your 'comments concerning our attempt to bring you the county records will be appreciate- 1 plant to the hospital in a pickup truck. Cosme Gutierrez, vice president of 8244, said the pickup truck was used as a "last resort" after to summon an ambulance failed. Serving as moderator for the meeting, Lopez told the miners he had requested a meeting today with ASARCO officials but they refused to meet with him or oilier union leaders until the workers report back to their jobs. management has urged him to ask the union leaders to report back to work.

"They told me they won't even look at the situation until the union leaders are working," he said. Speaking in both English and Spanish, Lopez said there is always a threat of violence in wildcat strikes. According to Lopez there are no picket! lines at the mine site, even though there are several union employes who have reported to work. Both Lopez and Muniz said the union has no official position concerning the strike. "We represent the workers, and it seems they will not report back to work until theambulance is provided," he said.

It was brought out during the meeting by Lopez that Local 8244's contract with ASARCO doesn't expire until 1976. Lopez said there is no ambulance clause in the current contract. A union committee assigned to look into ambulance costs reported it would cost about $7,500 to provide an ambulance at the plant meeting all state ambulance specifications. The committee made it clear they would settle for a van or enclosed pickup as long as it was properly equipped. Nolan Probst, superintendent of the Vanadium mine, was not available for comment today.

He said late Tuesday the union had contacted him but no talks had been scheduled. He said operations at the plant are continuing at a reduced scale. Weather Partly cloudy today and tonight i chance of thundershowers; cloudy Thursday i chance of showers and thundershowers, with it being a little cooler Thursday. The high in Silver City on Tuesday was 78 and the overnight low was 54. The expected high for Thursday Is 75 and the expected low Is 54.

The Daily Press recorded .03 of an inch of precipitation during the 24 hour period ending at 7 a.m. today. By JERRY WALZ Dally Press Editor Silver City residents living along the I4th to 17th block of Swan Street apparently have no major objections to the creation of a four lane street with curb and gutter, sidewalks, and one major drainage structure. But over 30 local residents attending Monday night's public meeting held in a drafty fire station with State High Department and Silver City personnel were troubled over the construction cost factor involved for individuals living in the paving district. Ramon Leon, 1306 Swan Street, asked Silver City officials if residents living along the road expansion site would be taxed.

Bob Young, representing the town's legal council in the absence of City Attorney Hilton Dixon, told Leon the Silver City Town Council will make the decision. Young said he didn't know how many people are living in that district but he said if a paving district is approved the residents would have a 10 year period to pay for the improvements. Leon asked Young if residents can be forced to pay for paving twice. He said the city already has taxed him before for road improvements. Young said the prospect of being taxed again is very unlikely but the city retains the final say.

Bob Ringer, technical service engineer for the highway department, explained to the group that Silver City will be responsible for only 20 per cent of the $150,000 project. He said nearly 80 per cent of the construction company funding comes from the federal government and is administered by the highway department. "It's up to the town to come up with their share, how they do it is up to the town council," Ringer said. Leon pressed the taxation a further and asked City Clerk Mike Dyal why a meeting of the town council wasn't held prior to last night's meeting. "The purpose of this meeting was to iron everything we still don't know if we're going to have to pay and if we do how much," Leon said.

Dyal, filling in for City Manager Wilson Conover who is attending a Municipal League Meeting in Taos, said a special meeting will be hejd in the near future and all parties living along the project area will have a chance to express their views. Dyal said the council may decide that a paving tax district isn't necessary and just fork over the city's portion of the construction costs from the general fund. "This is up to the council, 1 can't really say one way or the other," he said. Manuel Martinez, from the secondary highway section, told the audience the project will cover .33 miles and the design speed will be 35 mph. He said all work will be done within the existing right of way, except from 12th to 14th.

Martinez said street widening will be 10 feet to the east due to the nature of the connecting streets. Joe EsCamilla told the highway personnel that he felt a four lane road on that property is "ridiculous." Escamilla said he felt 35 mph was too fast for cars to travel in that area, He said with the number or youngsters riding bikes and playing in that area someone could be hurt. Ringer told Escamilla the city has the option to post any speed they wish. "Thirty five is the maximum, but the city can post lower speeds if they desire," he said. Ringer also said no provisions in the plans have been made for bicycle pathways.

He said if Silver City wants to add onto the project the highway department will cooperate. Bob Powge, technical service engineer, spoke about the highway department's stance on right of way acquisition. He said the state will pay cash market value for the property earmarked for the project. "This means that you will receive the same amount you would get if you sold your property to any buyer under normal conditions. Moreover, you will get cash for your property when you sell to the State and you will save the sales commission and most of the paper work," he said.

Powge said no relocation funds for owners will be used for this project. He said highway studies indicated no relocation problems. Ringer gave a brief environmental analysis description of the project. He said "on the basis of the analysis, the project wilj not have a significant environmental impact." He said no environmental action is required. Dyal said the ultimate goal of the project is to facilitate traffic through Silver City's north end.

He said the project construction is based on projected traffic figures fo' time in terms of their initial election, is the just general lack of background and experience and education in some very, very fundamental issues facing the nation today." He said his experience as an astronaut "is avery largefacet" of his background. But "it's not the only thing I have to offer to the people of New Mexico." "All of us who have been in the astronaut corps feel a very sincere identification with an obligation that comes with having been selected to represent the nation, not only on another planet and in space, but around the world," he said. 'I won't have to emphasize that in terms of my other vocation now in attempting to be elected to the U.S. Senate." Schmitt, who received his doctorate in geology from Harvard in 1964, said he's never met Joe Skeen, another potential GOP candidate. Another possible challenger is Orlando V.

Gallegos of Albuquerque, a former longtime federal employe. Skeen, who hopes to reach a decision later this month on his candidacy, was the party's 1974 gubernatorial contender. Schmitt told questionners that Skeen and Montoya would be formidable opposition. "I do feel there are some imaginative waysinwhichtoreachthevoterandthere are some unique aspects of my candidacy that will tend to balance the advantages that they start with at the present time." Schmitt said he will live in Albuquerque. He also said he still is putting together a campaign organization.

And, he said he didn't believe he'll have trouble raising money for his campaign. His older sister, Mrs. Bob E. Decker, lives in Alamo, Calif. A younger sister, Mrs.

George Franks, lives in Tucson, Ariz. Chino Museum Receives Nearly -67000 Visitors HURLEY Nearly 6,000 persons visited the Kennecott Museum at the Santa Rita open pit mine this summer. The museum, which has been operated by volunteer members of the Grant County Chapter of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) is now closed for the winter. Plans are underway for reopening on June 1, 1976. Included among the visitors at the mining museum were more than 100 families from 20 foreign countries.

Forty eight of the 50 states were represented. The only two not registered in the museum guest books were Vermont and Rhode Island. The AARP operated the museum four hours each day except Monday when it was closed. Guest book records disclosed an average of 74 persons visiting every day. The largest day was Sunday, Aug.

31, when more than 300 persons came to see the photographs of early and present day mining, models of the mine and reduction plant, artifacts, and various other displays, including minerals. A 19-minute color movie about division operations also was shown to visitors. In addition to the museum and the observation point overlooking the Santa Rita open pit mine, the Grant County Art Guild held a display of their arts and crafts every Sunday during the summer months. DAILY ROUNDUP Cub Night Scouting personnel will be at Harrison Schmitt School tonight at 7 p.m. to register boys wishing to join the "cubbing program." Any boy between the ages of 8 -10 and who is accompanied by a parent or guardian is eligible to register.

Meet The Silver High School Parent Advisory Committee will meet Thursday, Sept. 11, at 7:30 p.m. in the high school library. All interested Silver High parents are encouraged to attend. On the agenda will be the election of officers.

Hospital The regular monthly meeting of the Hillcrest General Hospital Board of Trustees wiil be held Monday, Sept. 15 at 7 p.m. in the medical library. The public is invited to attend. Wafer Time Hanover's Mutual Domestic Water Association Inc.

board members will meet Friday, Sept. 12 at 7 p.m. at the Hanover Community Center..