October 24, 2008
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By KIM RAPP News Leader Production Manager
MARATHON
– First time M2M entrant Michael Grizzle of Kerrville crossed the line first
for the full marathon last week, clocking in at 2:48:00. His
personal goal at the Sixth Annual Marathon 2 Marathon race was to make the
run in less than three hours. Grizzle
has been running for about 20 years, he told the News Leader, but has never run a marathon. The
UPS driver is planning to run in the “Rock & Roll” Marathon next month in
San Antonio. Winning
second place for the guys in the full marathon was Paul Williams of Austin,
who crossed the finish line in 3:32:56. In
the female division, the first one in was Maria Burchard, running the race in
3:56:55 and coming in second place was Parvaneh Moayedi of Austin, who
clocked in at 4:14:20. Von
Gibbs of Katy took home first place honors in the half marathon with a time
of 1:15:32 while Paul Salazar of Austin came in second with a time of 1:24:07 In
the women’s category, Jennifer Brown of Houston ran the race in 1:26:16 and
in second place was Cynthia Salazar of Austin, clocking in at 1:27:28. Also
running the half-marathon was the youngest of the bunch, nine-year-old Sam
Huber, with his father David. The Hubers reside in Del Rio. The
first female across the line in the 10-K was 16-year-old Arena Rostopchina of
the McDonald observatory near Fort Davis. Winning
the event for the guys was high school cross- country coach Jeremy Baethge. Baethge
is a repeat runner in the marathon who told the News Leader last year, ”I tell my boys I wouldn’t have you do
anything I won’t do.” The
26.2-mile marathon is a qualifying run for the popular Boston Marathon. In the hand-cycle division, Mikhail Davenport
won it again this year for the fifth year in a row. ALPINE
– A joint research project involving Sul Ross State University could lead to
rapid wastewater treatment with both military and commercial applications. Within
the next month, Sul Ross expects to conduct on-site research on a portable
wastewater treatment system as part of a Texas State University System
project. Researchers
at Sul Ross, Sam Houston State University at Huntsville and Lamar University
at Beaumont are working on a project for the US Army Corps of Engineers funded
by an Engineer Research and Development Center grant to develop a portable
wastewater treatment system for both military and civilian emergency use. Professor
of Biology Dr. Keith Sternes is the principal investigator for Sul Ross.
Biology Laboratory Manager Karen Little manages the project. The
Deployable Aerobic Aqueous Bioreactor system is compact, scalable, flexible,
portable and can be fully functional in less than 48 hours. The
system is capable of producing up to 7,000 gallons of grey water per day for
non-drinking purposes. The
system consists of a wastewater feed system and four cylindrical tanks
enclosed in a 20x40 cargo container that can be transported in a Lockheed
C-130 cargo plane and unloaded or hauled on a semi-trailer truck. A
DAAB system will be delivered to Sul Ross by the end of October and installed
at the City of Alpine wastewater treatment plant for testing. Sul
Ross’ role is testing a consortium of naturally occurring bacteria that
attack various effluents in wastewater, including heavy metals, fats, sewage
and organic compounds. “These
bacteria ‘jump start’ the reaction to break down the sewage,” Little said.
“We are looking at these bacteria both individually and in combination to see
how well they work together.” Researchers
also will monitor the quality of water being discharged in order to maximize
the performance of the bioreactor. Units
are being tested in various environments, including the hot, arid climate of
the Big Bend region. “One
of the first goals is to have units ready in the next year or two to deploy
to the US military in Iraq,” Little said. "The DAAB also has potential
for emergency wastewater treatment in natural disasters and to develop small
units for individual homeowners. We're hoping to achieve some far-reaching commercial
goals.” Sam
Houston State, Lamar and Sul Ross researchers are completing the first phase
of the project, with the second phase to begin in February, 2009. Second
phase goals include modifying the system in cooperation with the Army ERDC
for deployment to remote military bases, producing the microbes in pellet
form with a maximum shelf life and optimize shipping options, improving the
sterilization system to eliminate all chemical processes and conducting a
feasibility study to develop plans for an additional module capable of
producing potable water. Little
noted many benefits to the project in addition to the potential for long-term
public benefit. “I
am really excited that we are a part of a project that will make a difference to our troops and
help develop a product with such commercial potential,” she said. “This also
offers the opportunity for graduate and under-graduate research. Working with
scientists and engineers from other universities gives us access to their
expertise and expands our base of knowledge.” By MARK GLOVER Marathon News Leader NOTE:
Last week, we started this interview with attorney Mike Barclay of Alpine
who had been honored for 50 years of service as an attorney. He
told us about his pro bono cases, largely defending “mules” and “coyotes” who
smuggle people and dope across the border from Mexico. But
not all of his clients are poor. “I
had a 12-ton pot case with 17 defendants,” he said. “They were running it
across the river near Lajitas and then stashing it in South Brewster. They
used brand new Winnebagos to haul it to Dallas. “They
were doing alright until one of the drivers got stopped by a deputy who wanted
to tell them they’re license plate was dangling but, before the deputy could
say anything, the guy had rolled down his window and said, ‘You got me.’ The
deputy says, ‘I do?’” Barclay recalled. “Well
the guy’s wife was asleep in the back on top of 700 pounds in burlap bags,”
Barclay said. “These were not very sophisticated smugglers.” However,
former Presidio County Sheriff Rick Thompson was. “I
liked Rick, although he ran the county like his own personal fiefdom,”
Barclay said. “I had heard through the grapevine that the state suspected him
of smuggling. “I
called him,” he said. “Rick told me ‘no way. I’m not involved in any of
that.’ Well eight months later he gets busted with 2,400 pounds of cocaine in
a horse trailer.” Some
countries in Europe have legalized marijuana and the Green Party of the USA
suggests legalization would not only reduce crime and prison over-crowding
but could cut the nation’s deficit substantially by elimination of certain
government agencies. “If
they legalized the stuff it would change things,” Barclay surmised. “I’d
probably be delegated to drawing up wills.” He
rolled a pen in his fingers. “Some
say it’s poison but so is whiskey,” he said. To
be continued next week in the News Leader. Friends
of Marathon Library News By ARLENE GRIFFIS Library Friend MARATHON
– Although we do have a Friends of Marathon Public Library organization, it
has been traditionally rather loosely organized. We
have met upon occasion when we needed to in order to make some decisions and
conduct items of business, but we currently do not have set meeting times or
any policies and procedures. Despite
this lack of formality, our citizens are always there when needed with monetary
as well as in-kind donations, volunteer hours, etc. When
Steve and I first moved to Marathon, Jean Hardy was ready to step down as
president so Steve took over. After I retired last December, I became more involved.
In
May, we had a rather impromptu meeting at which Steve requested to be
replaced and I volunteered to take his place if no one else was interested. Surprise,
surprise. I was elected. We
would like for the Friends of the Marathon Library to be more active this coming
year. I
am always having people ask me what they can do for the library and, although
it is always nice to have folks do that, it would be even better if we had
some opportunities in place all the time so that both locals and visitors
have an idea of some things they can do. Right
now, we need to do some fund-raising as much of our bank account was depleted
by the implementation of another very successful summer reading program.
Last
week the News Leader ran an article about an event scheduled for
October 25 and 26 at the Community Center. That is tomorrow and Sunday. During
the last few weeks, Carol Townsend and Shirley Rooney have been “weeding”
some of the books from the shelves to make room for newer acquisitions so
there are some great books for sale at bargain prices. Tomorrow,
Oct. 25, the Friends of the Marathon Public Library will host a book sale at
the Community Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Most
of these books are hardbacks, both fiction and non-fiction, and will sell for
amounts from $1 to $5. There
are really some great bargains on these books, most of which are in very good
condition. There
are some rare, out-of-print and first editions, which are priced individually
and all prices are negotiable. Steve
is also donating many of his brand new sales review copies from University of
Texas Press, University of New Mexico Press, University of Nebraska Press,
Texas Tech University Press and University of Oklahoma Press. Some
of these books are still in shrink wrap and would make excellent Christmas
gifts. There will also be some handmade craft
items for sale. Carol
and Shirley have made some really cute Christmas ornaments and Carol has also
knitted some scarves and hats in various colors, which have become quite a
hit with some of the library patrons.
I
understand she has even had a few people put items on layaway. On
Sunday, Oct. 26, there will be a salad luncheon at the Community Center.
There is no set price but we ask that you make a donation to the Friends of
Marathon Library. The
book and craft sale will continue, as well. The meal will begin at 12:15
p.m. and, at 1 p.m., local photographer James Evans will share a slide show
presentation of a new book proposal, the subject of which is near and dear to
all our hearts – you guessed it – The Big Bend. James
presented this show at the Way Out West Texas Book Festival in August and
almost everyone in the audience was moved to tears. He
has agreed to share it with us at the event this weekend as well. In
order to make more profit for the library, we are asking that all salads be donated.
There
have already been a number of people who have volunteered to bring a salad or
two but if anyone else is willing to bring one, please contact Carol Townsend
at the library. Please
support this event for our library and our community. I hope to see you there
both Saturday and Sunday. Happy
Reading. Arlene
Griffis is a volunteer at Marathon Public Library, which is a branch of
Alpine Public Library. |
At
the water stops, a few groups had fun decorating their booth to try to win
$100. Good
Times of Fort Stockton won the purse again as they have for the last three
years. Gina
Petit and eight-year-old daughter Courtney Lowther decked out in their casino
royal theme and provided refreshment to runners alongside the highway. Receiving
“special recognition” was Danny Self and the crew from the Marathon Motel. Their “beach party” theme was fun but even the
grass skirts couldn’t compete with a day at the casino. Helping out at the beach party was Danny and
Mindy Self, Steven and Suzie Lewis and Paul and Shawn Barrouk. MARATHON
– Ghosts and goblins will invade Marathon on Thursday, Oct. 30, and Friday
Oct. 31. The
fun kicks off at 5:30 p.m. Thursday with a “spook walk” where kids and adults
alike are encouraged to don their scariest or cutest costume. The
Halloween Carnival is also Thursday at the Elementary school. Each
class will have a booth, with the little guys in Pre-K and kinder offering a
fish pond with the help of teacher Deborah Raatz. Selena
Martin will lead the first and second graders in a bucket toss game and
Andrea Johnson will have fun with her third and forth grade students with a
clown toss. The
fifth and sixth graders will offer cotton candy for those with a bit of a
sweet tooth and Carley Lethco will help. Belinda
Bynum will help the seventh graders with face painting while Margaret Mathews
will assist the eighth grade students with a “jail.” Beware.
If you attend, you’d better behave. Freshman
and sophomores will also join in the fun with a haunted house, the juniors
will offer a Mexican supper and the seniors will have a coke-toss game. The
Parent Teacher Organization will sponsor a cake walk as well as a bounce
house. The PTO will also have a football throw. The
costumes won’t go too far as they will be needed on Friday for the kidos to
go in search of a trick or a treat. The News
Leader hopes you find nothing but the best treats. EL
PASO – A recent Cal Tech doctoral graduate and his adviser from the University
of Texas at Austin have won awards for work using a telescope at the McDonald
Observatory at Fort Davis. Robert
Quimby of the California Institute of Technology and his adviser, UT
Astronomy Professor J. Craig Wheeler, won the Hyer Award from the Texas
Section of the American Physical Society for excellence in physics-related
research by a graduate student and adviser at a Texas higher education institution. The Hyer Award recognized Quimby’s work on his Texas Supernova
Search, in which he discovered two of the most intrinsically bright exploding
stars, called supernovae, ever detected. The award was presented last week at a meeting of the Texas
Section of the American Physical Society here. Quimby discovered supernovae 2006gy and 2005ap, among others,
with the Robotic Optical Transient Search Experiment at the university’s
McDonald Observatory. He identified them as amazingly powerful explosions after
gauging their distance by studying them with the Hobby-Eberly Telescope at
McDonald, one of the world’s largest optical telescopes. ALPINE
– The Tocker Foundation has donated a collection of books celebrating
Jewish heritage to the Alpine Public Library. The
foundation has an unusual and unique mission – to increase the knowledge of
the rural communities of Texas by helping their libraries build a foundation
of books. This
grant, with the approval of the library director, is an 18-book collection
that ranges from children’s books, to books for mature and understanding
adults who wish to learn more about Judaism. The
collection also contains books about the Nazi period, Jewish holidays and
even a Jewish cookbook with 500 recipes. “Aytz
Chaim Books wishes to thank the Tocker Foundation and its officers and board
for their generosity and their vision to bring people together by the knowledge
that books have to offer,” Library Director Anitra Clausen said. “Please come
by the library to view the books. Check out some for your enjoyment.” ‘Amazingly
Fun Farm’ By ARLENE GRIFFIS MNL Editor AMARILLO
– My daughter Casey, her boyfriend Ryan, Ryan’s mother Laurie and I had a
great time Sunday at the Amazingly Fun Farm southeast of here Sunday. It
was a gorgeous fall day, perfect for an outdoor activity such as this. The
main feature of Amazingly Fun Farm is an eight-acre corn maze but there are
also other attractions such as a playground, a petting zoo, a concession
stand, hayrides, a pumpkin patch and several games. Other
than the maze, the most popular attraction seemed to be shooting ears of corn
from a “corn cannon” at a distant target.
Casey,
Ryan, Laurie and I went specifically to navigate the giant maze so we headed
immediately for the maze entrance, where we found a series of mailboxes. One
of them contained a map of the maze and others which were labeled with 12
different categories, some of which were “Sports,” “Girl Scouts,” “Boy
Scouts,” “History,” “TV, Movies, and Music,” “Church” and “Health and Fitness.” A
friendly lady gave us the rules and said that it takes most visitors 30
minutes to an hour to complete their journey through the giant maze but that,
if there are any cars still in the parking lot when they close at 7 p.m., a
rescue party will be sent in. I
think this was meant as a joke but after getting inside and seeing the
vastness of the maze, it was a comforting thought to hold onto. There
are ten question points where people have to answer questions that send them
off in different directions. The
correct answers to the questions take you to the shortest possible route
while the wrong answers will send you off in the wrong direction, adding
extra time to your journey. Although
we knew every answer to the questions in our chosen category, “TV, Movies,
and Music,” there was still a great deal of directional navigation necessary
in order to find one’s way out of the maze.
The
correct answer would point us in the right direction, but there were multiple
nooks and crannies off of each path. The
most fascinating aspect of the maze is that it is in the shape of the United
States. The
map showed an aerial view of the maze and it was almost unbelievable in its
intricate detail. As
we exited the maze, we stopped and talked to Derinda Patton who, along with
her family, opened the Amazingly Fun Farm last year. I
was astounded to hear that the corn is all planted first and allowed to grow,
after which Derinda and her family actually sculpt the “streets and alleys”
of the maze by hand. Patton
said she used to take her four children to a corn maze near Lubbock and was
pleased with how everyone enjoyed the experience, despite the age span. “It
was always a good time,” Patton said. “It’s really hard to find things that
the whole family likes to do together. “Putting
kids through school, you need something to supplement your income,” she said.
“We’ve been farming for years, so starting the fun farm was a good fit for
our life and all we do.” Last
year’s maze was a tribute to West Texas A&M University with a buffalo,
the school’s mascot, in the middle. This
year Patton wanted to do something aimed at the upcoming presidential election. “What
else would you have for this year,” Patton said. “Really and truly we’re
going to try to keep it current with the issues of the day. “I
think it’s very important that people get out and vote,” she said. “It’s a
privilege that we have and a lot of people don’t exercise that. If we can do
something to help raise awareness for the election and voting, I’m glad to
help and be part of that.” She
came up with the design of a donkey and an elephant in the middle of an
outline of the United States of America. The
Maize, a company out of Utah, did the remainder of the work and sent a blueprint
back to Patton. The
2008 season started September 20 and will end November 9. If
you are in the Panhandle prior to November 9, please check it out. You won’t
be disappointed. For hours, prices, directions, etc., visit
their website at www.amazinglyfunfarm.com. |
The
Barrouks described themselves as “workampers.” They
camp at RV stops and work for their keep. There was even a dog in the race. Willard, a
black lab belonging to Cary Dupuy, ran six miles with her and Kate Iltis of
Austin. By ARLENE GRIFFIS MNL Editor MARATHON
– October is Cancer Awareness Month and almost
everyone has experienced cancer personally, either as a victim of the disease
or having a loved one or friend who has experienced it firsthand. Earlier
this month, 11 “walkers” met at
Marathon’s soon-to-open “Famous Burro Bar & Grill” on the corner of Hwy
90 and Avenue D to walk for Cancer Awareness. The
walk began with Marathon resident Rosalinda Crase reading a moving memorial
tribute to her sister, Esmeralda Werbeck, who died of breast cancer on
Thanksgiving Day in 2005. Rosalinda
shared with those gathered the story of Esmeralda’s diagnosis, treatments and
courage as she fought this terrible disease. In
her memory, family back in Austin set up an annual “Esmeralda's Run” the year
she died, which includes a 10K run, a 5K run
and a one-mile walk. “My
sister always had expressed that her greatest fear was not being remembered
by anyone,” Crase said. “This caused her family a lot of emotional heartache
as to what could be done to make sure that her fear was addressed. “Esmeralda’s
Run provided the perfect answer,” she said. “By holding Esmeralda’s Run, my sister’s
memory would live on. “Esmeralda’s
Run would give those who knew her a chance to remember her for the beautiful
person that she was,” Crase said. “Through Esmeralda’s Run, my sister could
be remembered for her valiant fight against cancer. “People
would remember how cancer never held my sister back and how it didn’t dampen
her spirits, weaken her strength, cloud her mind or darken her heart.
‘Esmeralda’s Run’ would ensure that my sister’s greatest fear never came
true. “It
would provide an opportunity for everyone to gather in remembrance of my
sister and to unite together to fight the battle against cancer,” Crase said. Rosalinda
and her husband Tom moved to Marathon in September, 2006, and this year did
not make the trek back to Austin so Rosalinda contacted some of her
fellow walkers to walk not only in her sister’s memory but
to support those presently fighting cancer, to honor the memory of
those who lost their lives to cancer and to continue cheering those
who are surviving cancer. Two
of the new businesses soon to open in Marathon, Pitaya Verde owned by Ann
Urban and Famous Burro Bar & Grill owned by Neil Chavigny supported the
walk by pledging donations on behalf of this walk to the Lance Armstrong Foundation. There
were also some on- the-spot cash donations designated for the purpose of
helping to find a cure for cancer. Those
who walked down Post Road included Ann Urban, Pat
Hedrick, Patsy Cavness, Marilyn Shackelford, Dela Shackelford, Mindy Self,
Wilma Schindeler, Beth Peterson and three-year-old Ella Peterson, Tom Crase,
Diana Cook and Rosalinda Crase. Esmeralda’s
walk in Marathon was somewhat unique in that it did not require that a set
distance be covered. Anyone
who wanted to walk was invited to do so in the interest of cancer awareness.
Some
walked to the Marathon Health Clinic while others walked to a point beyond
the cemetery. Since
the Marathon version of the walk was planned on short notice with little publicity
other than word of mouth, there was no entry fee. Nevertheless,
showing the true spirit of Marathoners, about a dozen participants showed up
to walk, sparking an interest in others around town. Many
who saw the group who walked this year have expressed an interest in walking
or running next year to unite together to fight the battle against cancer. Those
who walked this year reported having such a good time walking and talking
that they all plan to return next year with friends and family. ALPINE – A bank account has
been set up to assist Tom and Gabriele Hyatt of Alpine with medical expenses
for their newborn son Emmitt, who has congenital heart defects that are being
surgically repaired. The
account has been set up at West Texas National Bank here. The account number
is 7089767. The account was set
up by Hyatt’s co-workers at the US Border Patrol Marfa Sector. plans
visit ALPINE
– The C-SPAN Campaign 2008 bus will stop at Sul Ross State University
next week. The
bus will be parked in front of Morelock Academic Building from 11 a.m.
to 1 p.m. Wednesday Oct. 29. The
visit was rescheduled from May 1, when the bus experienced mechanical
difficulties and was unable to reach Alpine. “With
all eyes on the 2008 election, we are thrilled to be making a trip to Alpine
with the Campaign 2008 Bus,” said Jeremy Art, a C-SPAN marketing representative.
“It will be a wonderful opportunity to talk with students – many of whom are
first-time voters – about what issues are driving them to the polls.” The
45-foot mobile production studio is on the campaign trail to promote and
enhance C-SPAN’s political coverage, touring state capitols and traveling to
major political events such as the recent Democratic and Republican National
Conventions and the Presidential and Vice Presidential debates. Since
its launch in January, 2007, the bus has been to 22 state capitals and 150
schools, where 200 elected officials, 2,500 teachers and 13,000 students have
been on board. The
Alpine/Sul Ross visit, in partnership with Sul Ross, US Cable and the Alpine
Chamber of Commerce, is part of the bus’ inaugural “Road to the White House”
tour, named after C-SPAN’s political program that marks its 20th year on the
air in 2008. C-SPAN’s
political coverage can be viewed on the C-SPAN networks, C-SPAN Radio,
C-SPAN.org, or the one-stop 2008 election web site CampaignNetwork.org. In
Alpine, C-SPAN can be seen on Channel 11. A
revamped version of the network’s award-winning School Bus, the Campaign 2008
bus sports a new exterior design wrap in election themes along with interior
modifications that include the latest television production equipment. C-SPAN
Classroom, www.c-spanclassroom.org, is a
free membership service for middle and high school teachers. It offers a
selection of free, downloadable video clips picked from the network’s
political programming, including “Road to the White House,” that are updated
weekly and “classroom-ready,” allowing teachers to readily incorporate a
study of presidential politics into their curriculum. C-SPAN,
the political network of record, was created in 1979 by America's cable
companies as a public service. C-SPAN
is currently available in 91 million households, C-SPAN2 in 84 million households
and C-SPAN3 in more than 15 million households nationwide. |