By ANNA La FLEUR

News Leader Writer

SANDERSON — Sanderson Junior High Lady Eagles came in first in several events at the Rio Grande Relays here Saturday.

Abby Carrasco was first in the 2,400-meter run, the 1,600-meter run and second in the 4 X 400-meter relay.

‘Nopalito’ moves to next step

By ANNA La FLEUR

News Leader Writer

SANDERSON — The committee named by the Chamber of Commerce to develop an arts market here met Tuesday in the News Leader office to take the next step.

A working name is the “Nopalito Market,” named for the vegetable part of the prickly pear cactus pad. 

Serving with me are Steve and Shellie Martin, Randy Feille, Dale Carruthers and Donna Muñiz.

Teacher-coach out on bond

By ANNA La FLEUR

News Leader Writer

FORT DAVIS — Teacher and Coach Jarime Baethge was released on $40,000 bond last week after being arrested on two felony counts of improper relationship between an educator and a student.

The 28-year–old Baethge, a seven-year veteran of the Fort Davis school system, was arrested Feb. 24 as a result of an investigation by the Jeff Davis Sheriff’s Office after a parent had complained to High School Superintendent Larry Butler.

‘Recall’ panel seen

DRYDEN – Terrell County rancher Steve Forest told the News Leader this week he plans to create a “recall” committee to deal with a crime wave in eastern Terrell County and to steer him to what he sees as “more professional” law enforcement in the area.

“In Sanderson, you live in Mayberry but we live in the Old West out here,” he said. “It’s great to read about the Old West but not to live in it.”

County ‘going to dogs’

SANDERSON – There may be an answer to stray dogs and cats that have plagued Sanderson residents for a long time.

Chloe Baer of Austin and Sanderson told County Commissioners Court Monday she could volunteer her services to “make what we have more animal friendly.”

Lifeguarding good summer job

SANDERSON — With Spring officially starting next weekend, summer is again on the horizon. The swimming pool at Bicentennial Park will open May 30 and Terrell County is now looking for lifeguards.

Adults and teens at least 15 years old are welcome to apply.

“Since certification lasts for three years, then why not apply because you will qualify for three years of summer employment at the pool basking in the sunshine?” Pool Superintendent Mike Sanchez said.

By ANNA La FLEUR

News Leader Writer

SANDERSON – Ed Layton & Marcia Kneeland came into the News Leader office bringing along friends of theirs Tuesday.

Glenn Wilson visited here with his two daughters, Julie Wilson Skye & Jan Wilson, who had roots in Sanderson’s history.

Open camping offered

FORT DAVIS – The Nature Conservancy of Texas offers an open preserve this weekend at its Davis Mountain facility near here.

Visitors may participate in camping, horseback riding, self-guided hiking, picnicking, photography, birding, stargazing and other activities at their leisure.

Open weekends are today, March 12 through Sunday, March 14, May 7 through 9 and July 9 through 11.

BBNP to get ‘stimulus’

WASHINGTON, DC – More than $10 million has been approved from the “Stimulus” bill for road and trail preservation at Big Bend National Park.

US Rep. Ciro D. Rodriguez said the $10.5 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding will allow for concurrent treatment of the park’s 123 miles of paved roads, rehabilitation of historic early-20th century officers’ quarters and repair of infrastructure damaged by flooding.

“Anyone who’s ever been to Big Bend National Park knows what a treasure we have in our district,” Rodriguez said. “I am proud to represent this area and am also proud that the Stimulus continues to deliver on the promise of strengthening our economy while providing needed funds for important initiatives.

Presidio gets more transfers

MARFA – The repatriation of volunteers to Mexico over Presidio/Ojinaga has been extended from Tucson to El Paso.

The Marfa and El Paso Sectors of the US Border Patrol, in consultation with their Mexican counterparts, have instituted a program to help protect citizens of Mexico who have requested and are eligible for a voluntary return to Mexico.

A similar program with two busloads per day from Tucson drew complaints when it was introduced in November.

SANDERSON – US Marine Private First Class Phillip Lascano arrived here for leave this week after graduating from Boot Camp at Camp Pendleton, CA, March 5.

Lascano, the son of Dale Carruthers of Sanderson, graduated as first squad leader and with a rifle expert medal.

Attending the graduation ceremony were his mother, his grandmother Guadalupe Hagelgans, nephew Anthony Scott Lascano, cousins Rob and Annette Harris and Ashley Hagelgans, friends Teri and Blakeney Chriesman and others.

ALPINE – Sanderson's Terry "Tex" Toler is the newest addition to the Big Bend Texas Mountains Travel Association board of directors, elected at its meeting this week at the Museum of the Big Bend on the Sul Ross State University campus.

The full Board of Directors confirmed for 2010-11 are President Mike Davidson of Alpine, Toler will serve as vice president, Beth Nobles of Van Horn will take the task of secretary, Ron Sanders of Alpine was elected treasurer and Mercer Black of Marfa is the editor of the Big Bend Texas Mountains Travel Guide.

Litter contest offered

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Transportation has offered a chance for high school seniors to earn cash for college by composing a 350-word essay suggesting additional mea-sures to be used in the state’s fight against litter.

Dow Chemical Company is partnering with Keep Texas Beautiful to sponsor the 2010 Don’t Mess with Texas Scholarship Program. 

High school seniors can submit essays explaining how they tackled a litter-related problem in their own school or community.

The grand-prize winner will receive $3,000 for college tuition while two second-place winners will receive $1,000 each.