Compiled by Denise Ortega

JUNE 20, 1972

POSTMASTER RETIRES. Carl J. Dagostino, local postmaster, announced his retirement effective June 30 after more than 34 years of postal service. Carl started his postal career in Socorro as substitute clerk on June 16, 1938. He was instrumental in mechanizing the Socorro city carrier routes — the first motorized routes in the region at an office as small as Socorro. As postmaster, Carl received four post office citations and two cash awards. He also served as state president of the National Association of Postmasters of the United States for two terms.

RECURRING MAINTENANCE troubles have prompted the Socorro School Board to sign a contract with Pino Plumbing, retaining the firm to service all school heating and ventilating systems in 1972-1973. To fulfill his new contract, Pino must put all facilities, especially the high school and Midway Elementary, in top operating shape, then perform preventive maintenance routines and repair equipment as needed. The company will have sole responsibility for efficient functioning of the installations.

SAFEWAY

  • Pork and Beans, $0.17
  • Fresh Butter, 1 lb., $0.82
  • Fresh Eggs, large dozen, $0.38
  • Jack Cheese, 1 lb., $0.89
  • Fresh Milk, 1 Gallon, $1.29

JUNE 18, 1997

THEFT AT CAFÉ. City police are investigating the theft of $100 from a local restaurant Monday night. Employees at Tina’s Hide-A-Way Café came into work Tuesday morning to find the starter money gone. The culprits had to climb up to the restaurant and kick in a back door to get in. Nothing else was stolen or damaged.

JUNE 22, 1997

DEADLY CRASH. A Socorro man was killed Wednesday after his motorcycle ran into a pickup truck. The man died from head injuries at University of New Mexico Hospital. Witnesses said he was drag racing with another motorcycle on East Frontage Road. He was not wearing a helmet. Alcohol may have been involved in the tragedy, but that cannot be confirmed “until we receive an official lab report,” said Police Chief Johnnie Trujillo.

SOCORRO HIGH SCHOOL football players won seven games during the annual Lobos Football camp at the University of New Mexico. The Warriors final win was over Santa Fe Capitol, with a score of 28-0. Socorro ended the camp with an 11-1 record. At the camp, players were instructed by the UNM coaches according to their specific positions and tested in a variety of drills. Three Warriors were named to the All-Camp team: Lenny Baldonado, Josh Barela and Damien Ocampo.

JUNE 16, 2012

MEGA MILLIONS. A Veguita man claimed a $1 million Mega Millions prize from the New Mexico Lottery this week. He discovered the $1 million prize after arriving at his job in the parts department at Bob Turner’s Ford Country in Albuquerque. He called the lottery’s telephone hotline, wrote down the winning numbers and compared them to the ticket in his wallet. As a newly minted millionaire, his plans include helping his three sons, creating trust funds for his grandchildren and making donations to his church. He bought his lucky ticket at Young Baca’s Kicks 66 in Belen.

50 YEARS. Abel and Dolores Montoya celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. They were married on March 3, 1962, at San Miguel Catholic Church in Socorro. The couple now lives in Albuquerque. They have four children, nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. The secret to their long marriage is keeping family ties strong.

El Defensor Chieftain