Tulare Advance-Register from Tulare, California • 2

Newsroom 688-0521 Local A2 Tulare Advance-Register Thursday, www.TulareAdvanceRegister.com April 11, 2002 Figures detail absentee, final primary vote totals 124 percent in Tulare County used absentee ballots. Tulare A nce-Register Twenty -four percent of Tulare County residents who voted in March's primary election used absentee ballots, final figures from the county Elections Office showed Wednesday. Republicans were only slightly more likely to vote absentee than Democrats, according to the figures. Twenty-five percent of Republicans used absentee ballots; for Democrats the figure was 22.5 percent. The elections office said Wednesday that county Treasurer and Registrar of Voters IN BRIEF Museum's art show will open tonight The Tulare Historical Museum is having a reception tonight in honor of Fresno artist Jason Napier for his show "Parables." The reception will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

in the museum's Heritage Room, 444 West Tulare Ave. "Parables," inspired by biblical scripture, is a series of works on canvas with a wax overlay. For information call 688- 2074. Mariachi concert tickets on sale Las Adelitas, a professionally acclaimed mariachi group, is headlining a Saturday performance at the Porterville Memorial Auditorium. The Mariachi Academy for the Performing Arts Foundation is sponsoring the 2 p.m.

concert. Tickets are A foundation workshop Saturday is open to student musicians ages 7 and older. The workshop is $10 and includes concert admission for the child. Students learn four to five songs and participate in the Saturday performance. Information: Yrene and Doug Smith, 783-1929; or Linda and Raymond Camarena; 781-5951; and Ramona and Jese Rodriguez, 781-5350.

JOB WELL DONE Name: Jesse Sanchez Age: 10 Grade: 4 School: Wilson I Parents: Vickie Ortega and Jose Sanchez Teacher: Joyce Nunes and Cathy Langford I Good deed: Jesse turned in a gold and diamond bracelet that her found on the way to school. I Teacher's quote: "We are very proud of Jesse for turning an expensive bracelet in. however we are not surprised because Jesse always makes good choices. Jesse is a great Wilson Warrior." Job Well Done students are selected by principals at schools Each student selected will receive a free kid's meal at the Tulare Ryan's Place restaurant, 1161 East Tulare Ave. Jimmy Allen had certified the results of the March 5 primary election on March 29.

The results confirmed that Porterville Councilwoman Virginia Gurrola received enough write-in votes to make her the Democratic candidate for the 34th Assembly District race in November. In Tulare County alone, she received 1,110 write-in votes. She only needed 783 in the entire fourcounty district. Gurrola needed write-in votes to get on the November ballot because she failed to file papers on time to get on the March primary ballot. Tulare County Supervisor Bill Maze, the unopposed Republican candidate, received 22,629 votes.

Priest denies rape charges in Hanford Staff and wire reports HANFORD A Roman Catholic priest accused of raping a 16-yearold girl pleaded innocent Tuesday. Additional rape charges have also been filed against the Rev. Miguel Flores, 34, according to Kings County District Attorney Patrick Hart. Flores now faces three counts of rape, two counts of witness intimidation and one charge of criminal threats for allegedly sexually assaulting, a teen-age girl, Hart said. The girl, who was hired by Flores to do clerical work, told police the priest assaulted her in his living quarters at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church on Feb.

16. Flores has been released on a $70,000 bond. Poth Continued from page A1 and done it on his own," she said. Poth's resume includes appearances on "The Chronicle" (Sci-Fi), "Six Feet Under" (HBO), "Judging Amy' (CBS), "Providence" (NBC), "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" (WBN) and "La Femme Nikita" (USA). He appeared in feature films including "Man's Best "Boys and Girls" and "Dean Quixote." A 1993 Tulare Union High School graduate, Poth moved away at age 5 to pursue an acting career, but returned to Tulare at age 14 to attend high school.

He earned a bachelors degree in film production and screen writing from Loyola Marymount in 1997.. Transit Continued from page A1 The city also received $131,000 for the purchase of two Dial-A-Ride vans, but was not granted more funds for transit buses. "We made three separate applications the said Hartman. "We got two out of three." He pointed out Tulare was the only city in the county to receive the money and only Corcoran, which got $314,000, is the other Valley city to get any of the funds. "It's really great.

We're real happy." Amy L. Pack, President The Tulare Advance-Register a Gannett newspaper, is published Monday through Saturday by Visalia Newspapers PO Box 30, Tulare CA 93275 E. Cross Regular subscription price $8.75 per month. Periodicals Postage Paid at Tulare, CA. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Tulare Advance-Register, PO Box 30, Tulare CA 93275-0030.

Hours: Our office at 388 E. Cross Ave. (Cross Avenue and North Street) is open weekdays from 8 a.m. 1 to 5 p.m. Our telephone is (559) 688-0521.

Our fax is (559) 688-7503. Ex-officers lose appeal in harassment lawsuit County supervisors Steve Worthley and Jim Maples and Judge Glade Roper all garnered more than 70 percent of the vote in their races. In the hotly contested republican race for the newly formed 21st Congressional District, Devin Nunes ended up with 46.4 percent of the Tulare County vote, well above former Fresno Mayor Jim Patterson, who garnered 27.8 percent and Assemblyman Mike Briggs, who had 20.6 percent. More than half of the district's population is in Tulare County. The rest live in eastern Fresno County.

Districtwide, Nunes had 38.7 percent, Patterson 34.5 percent and Briggs 26.8 percent. Nunes edged Patterson by 2,339 votes. By Justin Stoner For the Advance-Register An appeals court has overturned most of a jury's verdiet and all of the money and attorney's fees awarded to four female police officers who sued the city of Visalia for sexual harassment, attorneys for both sides said Wednesday. Superior Court Judge John Moran apparently allowed the 12-member jury to consider evidence beyond a oneyear statute of limitations, leading a three-judge panel of the 5th District Court of Appeal in Fresno to say as part of a ruling April 3 that they couldn't determine the legal justification. A state Supreme Court decision less than a year ago established a three-pronged test for cases that involve ongoing but infrequent issues of unlawful employer conduct that the appeals court said should be used in a new trial of the matter.

The case will be sent back to the trial court in about 45 days. Assistant City Attorney Leonard Herr said an initial hearing on the possible retrial could be set for later this summer. That means there could be a new sexual harassment trial for former Officers Elizabeth Sepulveda-Huth and Kristen Santos, seeking a new verdict and possible damages award. In the cases of ex-Officers Jill Bennett and Ana Moore, the jury verdict will apparently stand, but a new jury would be asked to decide damages. Ronald Wecht, atturney for the former officers, said he plans soon to find out how or if his clients want proceed.

By the end of the two month trial in March 1999, the women had racked up more than $800,000 in attorney's fees and costs. The women claim they were essentially forced to quit because of a hostile work environment. A jury awarded Bennett, Sepulveda-Huth, Moore and Santos $92,500 in damages. No money has been paid to the plaintiffs while the case was on appeal, Herr said. Milk tanker truck hits, kills man Police seeking ID on victim; driver does not appear to have been at fault.

By Luis Hernandez Tulare Advance A man died Tuesday night when he was struck by a big rig traveling westbound on Inyo Avenue, west of Street. The man, who didn't have any type of identificatior on him, remains unidentified at the Tulare County morgue. "He had nothing that would lead us to his family or Plane Continued from page A1 "They can't understand what has happened," he said. "A 15-year-old doesn't expect for his best friend to not be here the next day." Family members and others close to the family gathered in a hangar at the airport, where they were periodically briefed by sheriff's department officials. At Golden West High School, students learned about the tragedy at about 1:40 p.m.

during sixth-period classes. Principal Bob Cesena confirmed the rumors that OBITUARIES Lorene Adkins Homemaker Lorene Adkins, 75, of Tulare passed away Monday, April 8, 2002. She was born on Feb. 21, 1927, to her parents Homer and Laura Duckworth in Quail, Texas. She attended Quail Elementary School and High School.

She was a waitress for 18 at Perry's She Coffee Shop years. preceded in death by her husband of 24 years, C.R. "Coot" Adkins, who passed away in 1985. She was a member of the Eagles Auxiliary Lodge No. 1484.

Survivors include three daughters, Linda Garcia and her husband, Leonard, of Tulare, Brenda Warren and husband, Danny, of Tulare and Debra Clark of Tulare; a brother, Delmer Duckworth and his wife, Sue, of Fort Worth, Texas; three sisters, Vergie Prickett of Cisco, Texas, Ann Seale of Welling- SERVICES Today Nathaniel Smooth, 36, of Tulare died April 6. Services 1 p.m. at Visalia First Assembly of God Church. Goble-Miller Fu- er www.TulareAdvanceRegister.com and Publisher Linda Green, Advertising: Please call (559) 688- 0521 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Friday. Circulation: To subscribe, please call (559) 688-0526. Home or office delivery is $8.75 per month including sales tax. Mail subscriptions are $13.50 per month including Tulare County. Single copies are 50 cents.

Copies purchased directly from the Tulare Advance-Register and its news racks include sales tax. Copies purchased inside stores or at other outlets may be subject to sales tax on the cover price. Delivery: If you miss your paper, How to Help Anyone with information about the Tuesday night incident on Inyo Avenue near Street or the identity of the pedestrian killed is encouraged to call 685- 2300, Ext. 2140. friends," said Tulare County sheriff's Sgt.

Tom Wright. "No Wright said the Sheriff's Department ran the victim's fingerprints through a data were spreading through the school about the plane being found with no survivors. "This was the first time I heard our school be so quiet," Jessica Delgado, a Golden West junior, said. "It was really sad for us." During seventh period, the last of the day, teachers allowed students out of class where they gathered together and started a circle where they prayed for the families. A white piece of paper was put on one wall and students started writing messages as a way to get their feelings out.

There was even a parent passing out Kleenex. ton, Texas, and Bobbie Seale of Wellington, Texas; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Chapel services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Miller's Tulare Funeral Home, with burjal at Tulare District Cemetery. Visitation will be until 7 p.m.

today at the funeral home. Cleo Beattie Cleo Geraldine "Gerrie" Beattie, 75, of Tulare passed away Tuesday, April 2, 2002, in Visalia. She was a cook in a restaurant for many years. A private inurnment will take place at a later date. Arrangements are by Dopkins Funeral Chapel in Dinuba.

Ira DeHart Retired cabinet maker Ira Parker DeHart, 86, of Oakland died Friday March 29, resident 2002. He was a long of Oakland, moving from the San Joaquin Valley neral Chapel. Friday I Lorene Adkins, 75, of Tulare died April 8. Chapel services 11 a.m. at Executive Editor Rick Elkins, please call (559) 688-0526 p.m.

weekdays or before days. Please 0521 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please call (559) 735-3288 times. Fax: (559) 688-5580.

The publisher reserves the right scription rates during the term upon 30 days notice. The notice the subscriber, or by notice newspaper itself, or otherwise. changes may be implemented duration of subscriptions. The Tulare Advance-Register was established Dec. 21, postage paid at Visalia CA.

base, but they turned up nothing. The department also contacted the Mexican consulate for help, Wright said. "We have done everything we could," he said. The victim was described as a Hispanic male, 20 to 25 years of age, 5-feet-5 to 5- feet-7 and 160 to 175 pounds. Tulare police Sgt.

Wes Hensley said an investigation into the incident is under way. According to a preliminary investigation, a milk tanker, being driven by Daron Ananian of Cutler, was traveling west on Inyo when it struck "The students just knew that they had to be together, even the teachers knew," Delgado said. "We had to talk about it and 1 comfort each other." The delay At 2:30, Fister said that more helicopters and more personnel had not been able to reach the crash site because cloud cover that had dropped to 4,000 feet, covering the crash site in clouds. At 4:20 p.m., search officials said they were calling off the investigation until the clouds lift, they hoped this in 1947. He was born in Tulare on September 20, 1915 to Charles and Elsie DeHart and attended Manzanella Grammar School and Hanford High School.

In 1937, he married Ruth Tomlinson. They had three children. For most of his life, Ira was a skilled cabinetmaker. He was also an avid gardener. Ira and Ruth were active members of the Park Boulevard Presbyterian Church.

Ira is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Sandra and Claude Chouinard of Santa Maria; his son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Patricia DeHart of Antioch; his daughter and son-in-law, Phyllis and Melvin West of Green River, Wyoming; his nephews, Norman (Barbara) Hart of Visalia and Alfred (Roberta) DeHart of San Bernardino; and niece Adele Duncan of Oakley. He is also survived by sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Josie Cleek, Frankie (Lou) Rodriquez, Miller's Tulare Funeral Home. Pending I Ina Hensley, 68, of Pixley died April 10. Elkins, Editor and before 6:30 10 a.m. Satur- call (559) 688- p.m.

weekdays. at all other to change subof a subscription may be by mail to contained in the Subscription rate by changing the (USPS 643-660) 1882. Periodical the pedestrian. The victim was declared dead at the scene, Hensley said. "There are no indications of inappropriate driving," he said.

The crash was reported to authorities at 10 p.m. Tuesday. Hensley said the tanker, after dropping off a load at the processing plant, was on its way to pick up more milk. Hensley said a witness left before investigating officers arrived at the scene. He said he would like the witness to talk to police.

morning. A timetable for the removal of the bodies and the aircraft was dependent on the weather, officials said. Other agencies will only investigate the scene after the bodies are removed, Fister said. The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration advised the sheriff's department and parks service what information is needed from the crash site before their personnel arrive. NTSB will be responsible for removing the plane from the park, Fister said.

Fred (Ida) Tomlinson and Alford (Margaret) Tomlinson, all of Tulare, and Johnnie Jones of Denver, Colorado. Ira was the grandfather of 10 and the great grandfather of 18. His sisters, Dorothy Pearson and Veta Hart, and his brother, Ed DeHart, preceded Ira in death. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service is planned for May 11, 2002, in Oakland. Obituary Policy The Tulare AdvanceRegister reports deaths and funeral information at no charge as a public service.

For a fee, obituaries can include additional information, as well as a photograph. Complete information is available from Tulare-area funeral homes or from the Advance-Register, 688- 0521. Hamilton Peers-Lorentzen Funeral Chapel. I Isabel Morais, 90, of Tulare died April 9. Miller's Tulare Funeral Home.

Tulare Chamber of Commerce Tulare Improvement Program Manager Mail all correspondence to P.O. CA 93275-0030. Telephone (559) REACH US 688-0521 Tulare weekdays 688-7503 688-0521 688-0524 688-5580 688-0526 weather information: www.TulareAdvanceRegister.com TULIE'S FORECAST Partly cloudy Tonight: Partly cloudy. Low 53. Friday: Partly cloudy and warm.

High 85. Saturday through Tuesday Partly cloudy and warm conditions will continue into Saturday, with lows in the 50s and highs to nearly 90. A cooling trend begins Sunday, with lows by Monday dropping to the mid-40s and highs to the 70s. TEMPERATURES Today's low: 55 (2001: 47) Wednesday (2001: RAIN 24 hours to 8 a.m. today: 0.00.

Season (July 1) to date: 6.19. Last season to date: 7.59. STATE TEMPS Hi Lo Prec. Fresno 78 55 Long Beach 65 56 0.00 Los Angeles 72 56 0.00 Monterey 65 48 0.00 Morro Bay 56 Oakland 66 51 0.00 Palm Springs 63 0.00 Pismo Beach Sacramento 72 51 0.00 San Diego 64 0.00 San Francisco 51 0.00 San Luis Obispo 71 51 0.00 Santa Barbara 65 48 0.00 Santa Cruz 68 South Lake Tahoe 55 39 0.00 Yosemite 69 M-Missing BAROMETER 5 a.m. today: 30.10 5 p.m.

Wednesday: 30.06 HUMIDITY 5 a.m. today: 74 percent 5 p.m. Wednesday: 48 percent SUN Sunset: 7:28 p.m. Sunrise: 6:30 a.m. AIR QUALITY Today: 45 Wednesday: 43 Index: 0-50 good; 51-100 moderate; 101-200 unhealthful; above 200, very unhealthful.

WATERING HOURS Times: Water only on your designated day; before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m. Odd numbered addresses: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Even numbered addresses: Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Monday: No watering allowed.

RIVERS Kaweah River into Kaweah Lake: Inflow 1,127 CFS; release 86 CFS; storage 61,509 acre-feet. Tule River into Lake Success: Inflow 237 CFS; I release 21 CFS; storage 36,099 acre-feet. LOTTERY Super Lotto: Meganumber (17). 1 winner (Burlingame) of $7 million. Daily 3: 0, 4, 9 Fantasy 5: 5, 10, 16, 28, 30 Daily Derby: 1st: 7, Eureka 2nd: 1, Gold Rush 3rd: 6, Whirl Win Time: 1:46.62 April 6 LOTTO (21) 17, 24, 34, 38, 43 April 3 LOTTO (1) 5, 14, 20, 25, 36 More Lottery information: www.TulareAdvanceRegister.com CORRECTIONS The Advance-Register promptly acknowledges and corrects errors.

To report an error in a story, call the newsroom at 688-0521. Member, Greater Member, Operations Postmaster: Mail a Box: 30, Tulare 688-0521. HOW TO REACH Main office: 388 E. Cross 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Main fax: Advertising: News fax: Home delivery: e-mail: To report graffiti: 685-2373 GOOD NEIGHBOR If you have a good neighbor to report call the Tulare Advance-Register newsroom at 688-0521..