Latest News

TxDOT urges Texans to line up a P.A.S.S. to avoid arrest, injury or death

Whether attending a backyard barbecue, going to an outdoor concert or enjoying a lazy day on the river, Texans are planning for summer fun. As
plans are made, more thought must also go into planning for a sober driver if drinking is involved.

Over the past five summers, alcohol-related fatalities increased by more than 10 percent in Texas. To curb this trend and help reduce drinking and
driving, the Texas Department of Transportation is reminding Texans to obtain a Summer P.A.S.S. (Person Appointed to Stay Sober) and make a sober
driver an essential part of their summer plans.

“We’re reminding people that drinking and driving can land them in jail or worse,” said TxDOT Executive Director Phil Wilson. “Don’t drink and drive.
You can’t afford a DWI and it could very well get you and others killed.”

According to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration survey, 40 percent of drivers who consumed alcohol felt it would be safe to have three
or more drinks within a two-hour period before driving. A portion of that 40 percent believed they could have five or more drinks. Nothing could be
farther from the truth. Numerous studies have shown that consuming as little as one drink can impair your ability to safely operate a vehicle.
In the summer of 2012 (June 1 – Aug. 31), there were 6,576 alcohol-related traffic crashes in Texas, resulting in 2,486 serious injuries and 302
fatalities.

For information about finding a sober ride home, visit www.soberrides.org.

The El Paso Police Department has recently received information from concerned citizens regarding a national telephone scam impacting the local area.  This particular scam involves victims being called by individuals identifying themselves as El Paso Electric representatives.  The scammer then relays information about the need for an upgrade to existing electric service or that electric service is subject to disconnection and requires an immediate payment.  According to El Paso Electric’s Public Relations Manager Henry Quintana, “El Paso Electric never contacts customers over the phone demanding an immediate payment.  Police advise citizens should be extra vigilant when receiving unsolicited phone calls when the caller requests an up-front processing/advance fee or payment via a prepaid debit card.

The El Paso Police Department urges citizens to be weary of divulging personal information, including your name, address, bank account and/or credit card information to strangers over the phone. Citizens should also be advised that due to advances in Internet technology incoming phone calls may appear to be from within the United States or a specific company when they originate in a foreign country or other source. If you believe a call may not be legitimate do not complete the requested transaction and contact El Paso Electric directly at (915) 543-5970 or (9575) 526-5555 to verify the information provided by the caller.

The Police Department urges citizens to report suspicious behavior so scams can be proactively stopped before citizens are victimized.  Call the El Paso Police Department at (915) 832-4436 or (915) 564-7130.

Come join us to thank Mayor John Cook for his honorable and exemplary public service.  This farewell party is open to everyone who wants to celebrate the one and only singing Mayor El Paso has ever had.  Come and be part of a celebration of a mayor who always voted his conscience.

Come sing and dance with the mariachi.  Drinks and appetizers will be provided courtesy of local businesses and organizations that assisted in organizing this meaningful farewell fiesta.

Mayor Cook states, “thanks to everyone for their continuous support in good times and bad times, in right and wrong, and in agreements and disagreements; I always went with what I believed was right.  It has been an honor to do it my way; my way is more about doing it our way.  May God Bless us all.”

What: Farewell Fiesta for Mayor John F. Cook to honor his 14 years of public service, six years as City Representative for District 4 and eight years as Mayor of El Paso.

Where: Convention Center Plaza

When: Friday, June 14, 2013, 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Texas Task Force 1, the state’s elite search and rescue team, was
activated this evening to assist local officials and first responders in
Oklahoma following today’s tornado outbreak.

An 84-member Type 1 Urban Search and Rescue team, including 70 first
responders who specialize in victim extraction and medical treatment will
deploy immediately. The team also includes search and rescue K-9s,
physicians and paramedics, as well as hazardous material specialists,
communications specialists and structural engineers.

Texas Task Force 1 is a 600-member force that is nationally recognized for
its unique search, rescue and recovery capabilities. It was deployed to New
York City following the terrorist attack on 9/11, and to New Orleans
following the landfall of Hurricane Katrina and, most recently, to West, TX.

Gov. Perry released the following statement earlier today regarding the
Oklahoma tornadoes: http://governor.state.tx.us/news/press-release/18540/

Fort Bliss officials and 1st Armored Division Soldiers
will conduct a Memorial Day Service on Monday, May 27 at 9a.m., at the Fort
Bliss National Cemetery.

The service will be conducted in honor of the service men and women of the
United States who gave their lives in the defense of this country.

During the memorial service the Commanding General of 1st Armored Division
and Fort Bliss, Maj. Gen. Dana J.H. Pittard will deliver an address to honor
the fallen men and women of the United States Armed Forces and 1st Armored
Division.

The memorial service will also include a 21 Gun Salute provided by a salute
battery, firing the 75-millimeter howitzer.

For nearly 238 years, America’s Armed Forces have paid with their lives for
the freedoms and dreams we all enjoy today.

Veterans, veterans’ organizations and the general public are invited to this
FREE event.

The main entrance / gate to the cemetery, on Fred Wilson, will be CLOSED to
vehicular traffic for the duration of this event; the walk-in gate will be
OPEN to pedestrians.

Visitors to the Memorial Day Service are encouraged to use SHERIDAN GATE for
access to the National Cemetery.

Parking will be on JEB Stuart and Haan Road’s, on Fort Bliss, directly to
the side and behind the cemetery.

Vehicles entering Fort Bliss must present a valid driver’s license, and have
available proof of insurance, safety sticker and registration.

El Paso Parks and Recreation Mini Sports Basketball League

Register Now at Nolan Richardson Recreation Center

Who:               City of El Paso Parks and Recreation Department

What:              Mini Sports Basketball League (co-ed for ages 4-5 and ages 6-7)

When:              Registration     (starts May 22)

League starts: (June 22nd – August 10th)

Where:             Nolan Richardson Recreation Center, 4435 Maxwell St.

Fee:                 $35 (Youth scholarships available)
(Includes t-shirt, 8 games and a medal)

El Paso, Texas – The City of El Paso Parks and Recreation Department will host a Mini Sports Basketball League that will be co-ed for ages 4-5 and 6-7 at the Nolan Richardson Recreation Center, 4435 Maxwell St.

Registration is $35 with league play starting June 22nd and ending on August 10, 2013. Volunteer coaches are also needed.

Practices will be during the week with games on Saturday Mornings. The league is developmental and non-competitive with registration starting on May 22, 2013.

Information
(915) 594-8934

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El Paso Parks and Recreation Mini Sports Basketball League

Register Now at Carolina Recreation Center

Who:               City of El Paso Parks and Recreation Department

What:              Mini Sports Basketball League (co-ed for ages 4-5 and ages 6-7)

When:              Registration (starts May 22)

League starts: (June 22nd – August 10th)

Where:             Carolina Recreation Center, 563 N. Carolina St.

Fee:                 $35 (youth scholarships available)
(Includes t-shirt, 8 games and a medal)

El Paso, Texas – The City of El Paso Parks and Recreation Department will host a Mini Sports Basketball League that will be co-ed for ages 4-5 and 6-7 at the Carolina Recreation Center, 563 N. Carolina St.

Registration is $35 with league play starting June 22nd and ending on August 10, 2013. Volunteer coaches are also needed.

Practices will be during the week with games on Saturday Mornings. The league is developmental and non-competitive with registration starting on May 22, 2013.

School Uniform Swap

Sponsored by

El Paso County Lions Clubs

Turn in clean used uniforms for a credit slip,

Or donate outgrown uniforms to other students.

Drop off now for 1^st choices – vouchers will go 1st:

       10560 North Loop                      7620 North Loop

       & Horizon                                   &Carolina

10-5 Mon-Fri, Sat 10-4                      10-5 Mon-Fri, Sat 10-4

    Contact (915) 858-0000         Contact Luisa (915) 779-7676

490 N Kenazo Ave, Horizon City

10 – 5 Mon – Fri, Sat 10 – 4

Contact Blanca (915) 317-7517

Distribution Swap Day

Saturday, July 13, 2013

9am – 11am

Eastlake High School

13000 Emerald Pass Ave., El Paso, Tx 79928

No Guarantees of size or quantity

If you are interested in volunteering please contact 915-203-0346

Check us out on Facebook  – https://www.facebook.com/groups/220693311307218/

The El Paso Fastpitch Softball Hall of Fame will induct 11 new members to the 2013 Class at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, May 17, 2013 at the Vista Hills Country Club, 2210 Trawood Dr. This will be the first induction class since 2005 and before that since 1990 as the Fastpitch Softball Hall of Fame Committee has worked to re-establish the Hall after a lengthy absence.

Honorees are in the Living Athlete category are Bobby Morales, one of the most outstanding third baseman and hitters in the game of softball. Larry McFarlin, who never batted less than .450 in his decorated 12 year career. Joe Munoz had a 50 year career in the game and was one of the most savvy and smartest pitchers in the circle. Frank Del Toro one of the most feared hitters ever in the game and also inducted into El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame and Juarez Athletic Hall of Fame. Bobby Nunez was a member of the famed 1961-62 El Paso Dautrich – Jacks International Softball Congress World Champions Softball Team.

The Coach/Administrator category has two inductees, Alfred “Timba” Gomez, who has been involved with Softball for over 60 years and still so today serving through the years as a coach, player and tourney organizer. Rick Perez has been an outstanding player over the years while serving as a varsity softball coach at Franklin High School with 208 wins and numerous district championships.

The Posthumous category has Isaac “Chayo” Torres, an outstanding shortstop and manager for many years in and around the El Paso area. Junie “Pops” Gamboa is known as one of the greatest bunters in the game along with an extensive coaching career, especially with girls softball. Ricardo “Richie” Cardenas always found a way to get on base along with being an excellent outfielder. Rodolfo “Cuyo” Garcia played during one of the great eras of softball in the city during the 1960’s and 1970’s along with the Dautrich Realty, International Softball Congress World Champions.

One of the highlights of the evening will be recognizing the El Paso Community College Tejanas first ever Softball Team in 1997 as many of the former players will be in attendance including some coming from Iowa and San Antonio for this historic occasion. Players include Adriana Carbajal, Jennifer Cieslik, Ericka Colon. Yvonne Contreras, Diane Dominguez, Celina Estrada, Claudia Jacques, Roxanne Luna, Yvette Ramos, Annette Rodriguez, Kathy Rodriguez, Yvette Ruiz, Jessica Baca, Tina Caldera, Edna Garcia and Veronica Garcia. Coaches were Cat Heifner and Alfred Miranda and the athletic director was the late Fabiola Rubio.

Honored at the banquet will be players of the year in girls softball with 5A District Miss Softball Erika Harrawood, Franklin High School, 4A District Miss Softball, Kaitlin Fifield, Chapin High School, and Private/3A Miss Softball Kodi Hill, Loretto Academy.  Softball Coaches of the Year are Rick Perez, Franklin High School at the 5A level and Kevin Mills at 4A level. Special thanks to Price’s Creameries for their support of this first-time event.

Ray Sanchez famed El Paso Sportswriter will receive a special award from the Fastpitch Softball Hall of Fame Committee for his distinguished over 50 year career in promoting sports for all ages in the city. Deadline for tickets is Wednesday, May 15th and for more

Fire fighters will take to the streets of El Paso to “Fill the Boot” for the Muscular Dystrophy Association beginning on May 17^th and running through May 27^th to raise money to help find treatments and cures for neuromuscular disease.

A media kick-off is scheduled for Thursday, May 16^th at 1:00 p.m. at Firefighter Memorial Park located at 316 West Overland in El Paso.  Members of Local 51 of the International Association of Fire Fighters as well as all media are invited to attend and receive information, updates, and locations where “Fill the Boot” is taking place throughout the city.

“We deeply appreciate the work fire fighters in El Paso do for MDA,” said Executive Director Kathleen Born.  “It does make a difference to all the people and families here who are living with muscle disease. They see these American heroes going out to support them, and it tells them they have strong partners standing by their side.”

Fire fighters put their lives on the line every day battling blazes or rushing through traffic to help someone who has been badly injured. They have a sense of compassion for and service to the community that is consistently demonstrated through their commitment to MDA.

“We like to help people, that’s who we are,” said 2013 El Paso “Fill the Boot” firefighter coordinator, Captain James Younger. “We know it’s a good thing to be in the fight against the muscle diseases that cause so much pain and suffering.  We are part of a decades-old tradition to beat these diseases, and we’re not going to quit until the battle is won.”

IAFF became the first national sponsor for MDA in 1954, and over the years, fire fighters have raised millions of dollars to help improve and enhance the lives of those living with neuromuscular disease. Fire fighters have raised money for MDA through their participation in the annual Fill the Boot campaign, as well as by sponsoring golf and softball tournaments. Many also contribute some of their vacation time each year to volunteer at MDA summer camps across the country.

Funds from the Fill the Boot campaign also help send 3,500 kids to MDA summer camp for a free week of lighthearted fun with other kids who are just like them. Many fire fighters become life-long friends of the kids and their families, volunteering a week of their vacation time each year to go to camp and support young campers with muscle disorders.

About IAFF

The International Association of Fire Fighters represents more than 300,000 professional fire fighters and paramedics who protect 85 percent of the nation’s population. More than 3,200 affiliates and their members protect communities in every state in the United States and Canada.

About MDA

MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to finding treatments and cures for muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education.

In addition to funding some 300 research teams worldwide, MDA maintains a national network of 200 medical clinics; facilitates support groups for families affected by neuromuscular disease; and provides free local summer camp opportunities for thousands of youngsters fighting progressive muscle disease. For more information, visit mda.org.

Please follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/MDAnational and Twitter @MDAnews.

The 5th season continues for the Mission Trail Art Market in the San Elizario Historic District with a big schedule of events:

SUNDAY, MAY 19,2013
SAN ELIZARIO HISTORIC DISTRICT

1.  Mission Trail Art Market on Main Street
11a-6pm along Main Street

2.  Grimlords Motorcycle Club Event
10a-12p – 4 Live Bands: Misunderstood; Sancho Villa; Remedy; Synester
Bike Rodeo, Games, Food and more
1500 Main Street

3.   Matt’s Dogs presents the San Elizario Cruise & Car Show
Main Street, 11a-6p

4.  LiveMusic at the Bandido Restaurant & Cantina: Beg, Borrow and Steal: 2pm

5.  Billy The Kid Breakout Reenactments, with the Pistoleros De San Elizario
1pm & 3pm at the Old County Jail on Main Street

6.  Danza Matachin Pavo Real, next to the Main Street Mercantile, 4pm

New Additions to the San Elizario Historic District:
Gourmet Burritos (Mexican Food Restaurant); Main Street ; Open for Breakfast
Green Bee Coffee Shop; Main Street/Glorietta ; open 7am

www.MissionTrailArtMarket.com
www.SanElizarioHistoricArtDistrict.com

Street Improvements Require Temporary Closures and Change in Traffic Flow

Construction activities on Missouri Avenue and Durango Street will begin on May 3, 2013. The project will require substantial improvements to a portion of both rights-of-way:

• Missouri Avenue – between Sante Fe Street and Durango Street
• Durango Street – between Missouri Avenue and Franklin Avenue

In order to expedite the necessary improvements, please note temporary street closures will be in place for approximately 12 months with expected completion by April 2014. Alternative access will be available to residents throughout this construction period and the appropriate traffic control measures and detours will be in place.

Please note that during construction no traffic will be permitted on Missouri Avenue or Durango Street in the subject blocks as described above. Pedestrian access will continue to exist on Missouri Avenue, between Santa Fe Street and Durango Street.

Access to the San Francisco District Neighborhood will be available from Coldwell Street. To assist in traffic flow, Coldwell Street and Missouri Avenue, within the San Francisco District Neighborhood, will be temporarily converted into two-way streets until the improvements to the closed portions of Missouri Avenue and Durango Street are completed.

Because of bad weather in Lubbock, Thursday, May 2^nd, the playoff schedule has been pushed back one day to begin, Friday, May 3^rd.  The times for the first day have also been adjusted.  Please see schedule below for days and times.

The El Paso Community College (EPCC) Tejanas softball team is off to the playoffs.  The Tejanas finished the Region V West Conference in 3^rd place with a record of 18-10 (21-23 overall).  The double-elimination playoff will take place at Lubbock Christian College beginning Thursday, May 2^nd.  All games can be heard live online at  HYPERLINK “http://www.psblive.com” www.psblive.com.

Region V West Playoff Schedule (All Times MDT)

Friday, May 3

Game 1                                11:00 a.m.        Midland – Western Texas

Game 2                                  1:00 p.m.     El Paso – Luna

Game 3                                  3:00 p.m.        Howard – game 1 winner

Game 4                                  5:00 p.m.        Odessa – game 2 winner

Saturday, May 4

Game 5                                  8:30 a.m.        Game 2 loser – game 3 loser

Game 6                                11:00 a.m.      Game 1 loser – game 4 loser

Game 7                                  1:30 p.m.         Game 3 winner – game 4 winner

Game 8                                  4:00 p.m.         Game 5 winner – game 6 winner

Sun day, May 5

Game 9                                  9:00 a.m.     Game 7 loser – game 8 winner

Game 10                              11:30 a.m.         Game 7 winner – game 9 winner

Game 11                                2:00 p.m.         If necessary

Historic property, The Lodge Resort & Spa, located in the picturesque mountain setting of Cloudcroft, N.M., has won top state hospitality industry awards from the New Mexico Lodging Association (NMLA).

The Lodge is proud to announce that Mary Ann Hines, Golf and Retail at The Lodge Resort & Spa, has received First Place as the “Specialized Service Employee of the Year”.    She is truly The Lodge’s “Hole In One”.   Mary Ann has lived and worked in Cloudcroft over 25 years.  We have known Mary Ann for years because of her community service in Cloudcroft.  She has always been available to give someone a helping hand.  In July of 2010 we had the great honor of having her work with us at The Lodge Resort.  It was under unfortunate circumstances with the fire on Burro Street and the loss of several businesses.  But it was the Lodge’s good fortune to reach out into the community and employ some of these folks.  It was one of the best decisions we have ever made.
We found our very own “Hole In One”.  Mary Ann started working in the retail stores.  It did not take her long to want to cross train and work at the golf shop.  She has a feisty personality.  She went on to be the “Best Beer Babe” driving the beverage cart on the golf course.  Our golfers love her and her sales are outstanding.  She has also taken responsibility for landscaping both at the golf course and The Lodge Resort.  This past summer our flowers were beautiful at the Lodge and the Pavilion.  Many of the landscaping projects on the golf course were newly developed.  Her ability to work with others is outstanding.  The golf course crew did a lot of rock work while she planted & designed the flowers.  The projects on the golf course were appreciated by our golf members.
Mary Ann is also cross trained to host in Rebecca’s to cover shifts while others take vacation and during the holidays.  She runs the package sales store at The Lodge Golf Shop during the winter.  This is a lady that takes all of her projects seriously and does an outstanding job at all of them.  The Lodge has not been able to find anything Mary Ann cannot and will not do.  We love you, Mary Ann!!!
The NMLA is a 75-year-old trade association, representing approximately 400 lodging members throughout New Mexico.  For more information visit  www.nmhotels.com.
Seasoned by a rich and cultured past, The Lodge, located in the Sacramento Mountains of Southern New Mexico, is a magnificent monument to a vanished age that possesses a quality unlike any other resort. Since its original construction in 1899, The Lodge remains committed to first-class service and attention to detail. With 59 distinctive Victorian rooms and suites on-site, The Lodge offers fine dining, mountain golf, meeting facilities and a spa in a beautiful and memorable mountain resort setting. For information, visit www.TheLodgeResort.com or call (800) 395-6343 for reservations.