The Socorro Rewind – El Defensor Chieftain

December 7, 1971

METHODIST ADVICE elects a new vice-president. George Baca, a prominent Methodist layman from Socorro has been elected vice-chair of the Western District Program Council of the Rio Grande Conference of the United Methodist Church. The Western District encompasses the State of New Mexico and West Texas. One of its main functions is the study of the mission of the district as well as of the local churches to determine the direction of the program that will help the local churches to accomplish their mission. Baca was sworn in by Dr Noe Gonzales and Dr Sam Ceniceros.

THE BENNIE BACAS were special guests at the 196th United States Marine Corps recruiting ceremony at its annual holiday ball in Albuquerque. The event took place at the Holiday Inn on November 10. It was a ceremony for their son Isidro Baca, who was killed in service during the Vietnam War at the age of 19. After the traditional cake cutting, Mr. and Mrs. Bennie Baca were escorted to the ballroom floor by two columns of Marines. A letter from Mr. Baca recounting his admiration for his fellow sailors was read, resulting in a five-minute standing ovation. The Baca were also given a book on the Marine Corps and Gold Key Holders.

LOMA THEATER will show a restricted-access terror story “The Vampire Lovers”. Starring Ingrid Pitt, Kate O’mara and Peter Cushing, the film guarantees “A bloody story of terror and torture! The screenings take place on Saturdays at 7.15 p.m. and 9.00 p.m.

December 9, 1971

MEET THE BEEKEEPERS held in Socorro. The New Mexico Beekeepers Association held its annual state meeting in Socorro on December 3-4 and voted again to return next year. The convention took place at the Golden Hall of El Camino. The major problem considered was the improper use and spraying of chemicals on agricultural crops, farms, ranches, watersheds and drainage canals, as this spray kills any bees that come in contact. It was recommended that farmers and beekeepers work together to be informed when such chemicals are administered.

NEW COMPANY in Socorro. The Yucca Trading Post has officially opened. The owner, Ms. Lillie M. Morris, and her husband recently moved from Roswell to open the new business around the corner across from La Villa Shopping Center. The store will feature souvenirs, novelties, Mexican pottery, and other gifts. At the opening, Ms. Morris will donate one of her sister’s paintings. Artist Ann D. Warwick is a Hatch artist and past president of the Southwestern Art Association.

December 4, 1996

SANTA CLAUS is necessary. A Santa Claus is a must-have for this year’s Christmas Parade on December 7th. The two men who normally play Kris Kringle have other obligations this year. Maybe the Socorro Chamber of Commerce can provide a red suit for the man who wants to play St. Nick. Please contact the Chamber of Commerce for more information.

BABIES IN THE LAND OF TOYS The musical will take place on December 7. Following the annual Candy Cane Parade which will begin at 6 pm, there will be a performance of “Babes in Toyland” which is part of the New Mexico Tech Performing Art Series. The musical begins at 8 p.m., giving families time to head to the Macey Center after the parade. “Babes of Toyland” is full of classic holiday songs for the whole family.

DWI BLITZ is planned for Socorro County. As part of Operation DWI statewide, the Sheriff’s Office will organize four undisclosed sobriety checkpoints and several saturation patrols during the blitz that begins December 6 and ends December 25. The Socorro Sheriff’s Office is one of 58 law enforcement agencies involved in DWI operations in New Mexico.

December 8, 1996

A PIPING FLUSHING FAILURE made several roads in the city a little slippery Thursday morning. Instead of running out of manholes as expected, drainage flowed from the pipes into the Abeyta Avenue corridor. The overflowing water along California Street froze overnight. Abeyta Avenue was closed Thursday to help prevent accidents.

MICHAEL JORDAN arrives at the Loma Theater. Bugs Bunny and the whole Looney Tunes group are about to take to the pitch with the help of Air Jordan himself. The mornings will take place all weekend from 3 p.m. The evenings will be screened at 7 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.

HOLIDAY DINNER was awarded to students who take the Rodarte portion of the school bus routine. Bus drivers and transport staff gave the Rodarte family various Thanksgiving treats.

Dec. 7, 2011

11 INCH fall into Socorro County. A weather system passed through Socorro County over the weekend, leaving more than 11 inches of snow in its path. State Police have dealt with more than 30 crashes along I-25 during an hour-long freeway closure. The Socorro County Youth Center was able to accommodate 30 motorists stranded in its facilities.

SOCORRO HIGH SCHOOL CHORUS was able to sing during the annual “Lighting the Christmas Tree” ceremony. The festivities took place at Elfego Baca Park on Saturday evening. It was one of the many traditions celebrated during the annual Socorro festivities.

300 CALLS on the day of the snowstorm, this is what Socorro’s first responders faced. Between calls, agents like Bobby Aragon were able to take the time to help a driver fix a flat tire. Across town, Bo Gallegos’ dog Maya came to the rescue by pulling her owner out of the snow on a snowboard descent along the Tech Golf Course.

Compiled by Greg Byrd


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