December 7, 1971

METHODIST COUNCIL elects new vice president. George Baca, a prominent Methodist layman from Socorro was elected vice president 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. The council has as one of its main functions the study of the mission of the district as well as the local churches to determine program emphasis which will assist the local churches in order to perform their mission. Baca was sworn in by Dr. Noe Gonzales and Dr. Sam Ceniceros.

THE BENNIE BACAS were special guests of the 196th U.S. Marine Corps Recruiting Ceremony during its annual Holiday Ball in Albuquerque. The event took place at the Holiday Inn on November 10. This 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 onto the ballroom floor by two columns of Marines. A letter from Mr. Baca recounting his admiration to fellow marines was read which resulted in a five-minute standing ovation. The Baca’s were also presented with a book on the Marine Corps and Gold Key Holders.

LOMA THEATER will be showing a restricted access tale of terror “The Vampire Lovers.” Starring Ingrid Pitt, Kate O’mara, and featuring Peter Cushing, the film guarantees “A bloodstained tale of terror and torture!” Showings go through Saturday at 7:15 and 9:00 p.m.

December 9, 1971

BEEKEEPERS MEETING 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 was held at the Gold Room of El Camino. The major problem considered was the improper use of and spraying of chemicals on agricultural crops, farms, ranches, watersheds and drainage canals as this spraying kills all bees that come in contact. It was recommended that farmers and beekeepers work together to be notified when such chemicals are being administered.

NEW BUSINESS in Socorro. The Yucca Trading Post has officially opened its doors. Owner Mrs. Lillie M. Morris and her husband recently moved from Roswell to open up the new business off the corner across from La Villa Shopping Center. The store will offer souvenirs, novelties, Mexican pottery, as well as other gifts. During the opening Mrs. Morris will be giving away one of her sister’s paintings. The artist Ann D. Warwick is an artist out of Hatch and is a former president of the Southwestern Art Association.

December 4, 1996

SANTA CLAUS is needed. A Santa Claus is very much needed for this year’s Christmas Parade on December 7. The two men who normally play Kris Kringle have other obligations this year. Socorro’s Chamber of Commerce may be able to provide a red suit for the fellow who wants to play St. Nick. Please contact the Chamber of Commerce for more information.

BABES IN TOYLAND musical to take place December 7. Following the annual Candy Cane parade which will begin at 6 p.m., 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 get over to Macey Center after the parade. “Babes of Toyland” is full of classic holiday tunes for the whole family to enjoy.

DWI BLITZ is planned for Socorro County. As part of statewide Operation DWI, the Sheriff’s Office will hold four non-disclosed sobriety checkpoints and several saturation patrols during the blitz that begins December 6 and runs through December 25. The Socorro Sheriff’s Office are one of 58 municipal, tribal, county and state law enforcement agencies taking part in Operations DWI in New Mexico.

December 8, 1996

A PIPE-FLUSHING GLITCH made several city roads a bit slippery on Thursday morning. Instead of running out of manholes as planned, drainage flowed out of pipes onto the Abeyta Avenue Corridor. The overflowing water along California street froze overnight. Abeyta Avenue was closed on Thursday to help prevent accidents.

MICHAEL JORDAN is coming to the Loma Theater. Bugs Bunny and the entire Looney Tunes group are set to throw down on the court with the help of Air Jordan himself. Matinees will take place all weekend long starting at 3 p.m. Evening showings will screen at 7 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.

HOLIDAY DINNER was awarded to students that ride the Rodarte portion of the school bus routine. Bus drivers and transportation staff treated the Rodarte family with various Thanksgiving treats.

December 7, 2011

11 INCHES fall in Socorro County. A weather system blew through Socorro County over the weekend, leaving more than 11 inches of snow along its path. State police dealt with more than 30 crashes along I-25 during an hour’s long highway shutdown. Socorro County Youth Center were able to house 30 stranded motorists at its facility.

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

300 CALLS on the day of the snow storm is what Socorro first responders were faced with. In between calls, officers like Bobby Aragon were able to take time in helping a driver fix a flat tire. On the opposite side of the city, Bo Gallegos’s dog Maya came to the rescue, digging his owner out of the snow during a downhill snowboarding trip along the Tech Golf Course.

Compiled by Greg Byrd

El Defensor Chieftain