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NEWS:
Volume 2, Number 224
January 4, 2008
January 4, 2008
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Special weather information
provided by:
Wendell L. Malone,
Area Skywarn Coordinator
Eddy & Culberson counties
provided by:
Wendell L. Malone,
Area Skywarn Coordinator
Eddy & Culberson counties
| THE WEATHER BOX www.ke5wlm-eddycountyskywarn.blogspot.com Windy conditions are expected across the Guadalupe Mountains continuing into Sunday with sustained winds of 25 to 45 mph and gusts to near 55. Today: Partly sunny, with a high near 69. Southwest wind between 5 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 39. West wind between 5 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 72. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph increasing to between 15 and 20 mph. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph. Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 41. Southwest wind around 10 mph. Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 67. Southwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41. Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 62. Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37. Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 59. Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 29. Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 61. Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 31. Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 59. |
| The United States government's national threat level is Elevated, or Yellow. The U.S. threat level is High, or Orange, for all domestic and international flights. Only small amounts of liquids, aerosols and gels are allowed in carry-on baggage. See the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website for up-to-date information on items permitted and prohibited on airlines. |
Powerball bounces to $63 million
The Powerball jackpot continues to build. Even though the grand prize was
not hit Wednesday evening, 435,405 players across the nation won a total
of more than $3.9 million in prizes in America’s favorite Game.
Because no one correctly matched all six numbers the jackpot will grow to
an estimated $63 million for Saturday night’s drawing.
The cash option for the Saturday, January 5th drawing will be an estimated
$30.8 million.
The numbers drawn Wednesday were 2, 11, 31, 34, 48 and the Powerball
was 5. The Power Play multiplier was 4.
One lucky ticket in Oklahoma correctly matched the 5 white numbers and
won $200,000.
Twenty-seven tickets matched 4 white numbers plus the Powerball and won
$10,000. Eight additional winners of that prize category also had the Power
Play option that multiplied the win 4 times for a total of $40,000 each!
A total 88,772 winning Powerball players multiplied their prize by 4
Wednesday. They were able to do that by purchasing the Power Play
option for one dollar. With Power Play you multiply any winnings from 2-5
times, except for the jackpot. At the beginning of each drawing a wheel is
spun to select that night’s multiplier.
Players should carefully check their tickets after every draw. Even if there
are no jackpot winners there are always tens of thousands of winners at
other prize levels.
Players purchased $17,462,914 in Powerball and Power Play tickets
between Sunday and Wednesday night.
The lotteries sold $2.5 billion in Powerball tickets in fiscal year 2007. That
translates into more than $725 million for worthwhile state projects.
Powerball is now played in 29 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S.
Virgin Islands.
For more information, please visit our Powerball page.
New State minimum wage in effect
SANTA FE - The state's new minimum wage law went into effect on
Tuesday, January 1, 2008. New Mexico's minimum wage increases from
$5.15 per hour to $6.50. In 2009 it will further increase to $7.50.
"This increase will help some of New Mexico's hardest working families, and
it is a fitting legacy for one of the hardest working, best loved members of
the legislature," Governor Bill Richardson said.
"I was proud to fight for and sign this landmark legislation sponsored during
the 2007 session by Senate President Pro-Tem Ben Altamirano and
Speaker Ben Lujan. It was the crown jewel of the 2007 legislature and a
major victory for working New Mexicans."
Governor Richardson signed the bill into law in March. The new wage
increase will benefit some 160,000 workers statewide over the next two
years. It does not affect higher minimum wages already set in Santa Fe and
Albuquerque.
The late Senate President Pro-Tem Ben Altamirano sponsored Senate Bill
324 and Speaker Ben Lujan sponsored House Bill 759.
For more information, go to: http://www.workinnewmexico.gov.
IRS delay may effect some taxpayers
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service announced Thursday that
the upcoming tax season is expected to start on time for everyone except
certain taxpayers potentially affected by late enactment of the Alternative
Minimum Tax “patch.”
Following extensive work in recent weeks, the IRS expects to be able to
begin processing returns for the vast majority of taxpayers in mid-January.
However, as many as 13.5 million taxpayers using five forms related to the
Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) legislation will have to wait to file tax returns
until the IRS completes the reprogramming of its systems for the new law.
The IRS has targeted Feb. 11, as the potential starting date for taxpayers
to begin submitting the five AMT-related returns affected by the legislation.
The February date allows the IRS enough time to update and test its
systems to accommodate the AMT changes without major disruptions to
other operations related to the tax season. As the IRS has said previously,
it will take approximately seven weeks after the AMT patch was approved to
update IRS processing systems completely.
Although as many as 13.5 million taxpayers will not be able to file their
returns until Feb. 11, the effect of the delay may be lessened by the fact
that under previous filing patterns only between 3 million to 4 million
taxpayers file returns with the five affected forms during these early weeks
in the filing season.
“We regret the inconvenience the delay will mean for millions of early tax
filers, especially those expecting a refund,” said Linda Stiff, Acting IRS
Commissioner. “We’ve taken extraordinary steps to figure out a way that we
can start the filing season on time for most taxpayers, including some using
AMT-related forms. Our goal has always been to make sure we can
accurately process tax returns while getting refunds to taxpayers as quickly
as possible.”
The February delay caused by the AMT patch will affect taxpayers using
any of these five forms:
* Form 8863, Education Credits.
* Form 5695, Residential Energy Credits.
* Form 1040A’s Schedule 2, Child and Dependent Care Expenses for
Form 1040A Filers.
* Form 8396, Mortgage Interest Credit.
* Form 8859, District of Columbia First-Time Homebuyer Credit.
While these five forms require significant additional reprogramming due to
the AMT patch, the IRS has been able to reprogram its systems to begin
processing seven other AMT-related forms, including Form 6251,
Alternative Minimum Tax – Individuals. Taxpayers filing these seven forms
should not experience delays in filing, and the IRS expects to begin
processing those returns starting on Jan. 14.
Electronic returns involving those five forms will not be accepted until
systems are updated in February; similarly, paper filers should wait to file
as well. All other e-file and paper returns will be accepted starting in
January. The IRS urges affected taxpayers to file electronically in order to
reduce wait times for their refunds. E-file with direct deposit gets refunds in
as little as 10 days, while paper returns take four to six weeks.
“E-file is a great option for everyone, especially if they are affected by the
AMT,” said Richard Spires, IRS Deputy Commissioner for Operations
Support. “Filing electronically will get people their refunds faster, and e-file
greatly reduces the chances for making an error on the AMT or other tax
issues.”
In addition to filing electronically, the IRS urges taxpayers to take simple
steps to avoid problems:
* Taxpayers filing electronically should make sure to update their tax
software in order to get the latest AMT updates.
* Taxpayers with $54,000 or less in Adjusted Gross Income can use
Free File to electronically file their returns for free. Free File will only be
available by visiting the official IRS web site at IRS.gov. In all, 90 million
taxpayers qualify for this free service.
* Taxpayers who use tax software to print out paper copies of tax forms
should make sure they update their software before printing out forms.
Taxpayers using paper forms can also visit IRS.gov to get updated copies
of AMT forms.
The IRS has created a special section on IRS.gov to provide taxpayers with
additional information and copies of updated forms affected by the AMT. In
recent days, the IRS has posted updated copies of all forms affected by the
late enactment of the AMT patch by Congress.
The IRS also reminds taxpayers that printed tax packages, which will begin
arriving in the mail around New Year’s, went to the printer in November
before the AMT changes were enacted. The packages reflect the law in
effect at the time of printing. The tax packages include cautionary
language to taxpayers that late legislation was pending.
The IRS is also working closely with tax professionals and the tax
preparation software community to make sure they can help taxpayers with
all of the latest developments on the enactment of the AMT patch and other
tax changes.
“The IRS is going to continue to do everything it can to make this a fully
successful filing season for the nation’s taxpayers,” Stiff said. “We will
continue to work to keep taxpayers up to date and make this situation as
easy as possible for everyone.”
The Powerball jackpot continues to build. Even though the grand prize was
not hit Wednesday evening, 435,405 players across the nation won a total
of more than $3.9 million in prizes in America’s favorite Game.
Because no one correctly matched all six numbers the jackpot will grow to
an estimated $63 million for Saturday night’s drawing.
The cash option for the Saturday, January 5th drawing will be an estimated
$30.8 million.
The numbers drawn Wednesday were 2, 11, 31, 34, 48 and the Powerball
was 5. The Power Play multiplier was 4.
One lucky ticket in Oklahoma correctly matched the 5 white numbers and
won $200,000.
Twenty-seven tickets matched 4 white numbers plus the Powerball and won
$10,000. Eight additional winners of that prize category also had the Power
Play option that multiplied the win 4 times for a total of $40,000 each!
A total 88,772 winning Powerball players multiplied their prize by 4
Wednesday. They were able to do that by purchasing the Power Play
option for one dollar. With Power Play you multiply any winnings from 2-5
times, except for the jackpot. At the beginning of each drawing a wheel is
spun to select that night’s multiplier.
Players should carefully check their tickets after every draw. Even if there
are no jackpot winners there are always tens of thousands of winners at
other prize levels.
Players purchased $17,462,914 in Powerball and Power Play tickets
between Sunday and Wednesday night.
The lotteries sold $2.5 billion in Powerball tickets in fiscal year 2007. That
translates into more than $725 million for worthwhile state projects.
Powerball is now played in 29 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S.
Virgin Islands.
For more information, please visit our Powerball page.
New State minimum wage in effect
SANTA FE - The state's new minimum wage law went into effect on
Tuesday, January 1, 2008. New Mexico's minimum wage increases from
$5.15 per hour to $6.50. In 2009 it will further increase to $7.50.
"This increase will help some of New Mexico's hardest working families, and
it is a fitting legacy for one of the hardest working, best loved members of
the legislature," Governor Bill Richardson said.
"I was proud to fight for and sign this landmark legislation sponsored during
the 2007 session by Senate President Pro-Tem Ben Altamirano and
Speaker Ben Lujan. It was the crown jewel of the 2007 legislature and a
major victory for working New Mexicans."
Governor Richardson signed the bill into law in March. The new wage
increase will benefit some 160,000 workers statewide over the next two
years. It does not affect higher minimum wages already set in Santa Fe and
Albuquerque.
The late Senate President Pro-Tem Ben Altamirano sponsored Senate Bill
324 and Speaker Ben Lujan sponsored House Bill 759.
For more information, go to: http://www.workinnewmexico.gov.
IRS delay may effect some taxpayers
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service announced Thursday that
the upcoming tax season is expected to start on time for everyone except
certain taxpayers potentially affected by late enactment of the Alternative
Minimum Tax “patch.”
Following extensive work in recent weeks, the IRS expects to be able to
begin processing returns for the vast majority of taxpayers in mid-January.
However, as many as 13.5 million taxpayers using five forms related to the
Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) legislation will have to wait to file tax returns
until the IRS completes the reprogramming of its systems for the new law.
The IRS has targeted Feb. 11, as the potential starting date for taxpayers
to begin submitting the five AMT-related returns affected by the legislation.
The February date allows the IRS enough time to update and test its
systems to accommodate the AMT changes without major disruptions to
other operations related to the tax season. As the IRS has said previously,
it will take approximately seven weeks after the AMT patch was approved to
update IRS processing systems completely.
Although as many as 13.5 million taxpayers will not be able to file their
returns until Feb. 11, the effect of the delay may be lessened by the fact
that under previous filing patterns only between 3 million to 4 million
taxpayers file returns with the five affected forms during these early weeks
in the filing season.
“We regret the inconvenience the delay will mean for millions of early tax
filers, especially those expecting a refund,” said Linda Stiff, Acting IRS
Commissioner. “We’ve taken extraordinary steps to figure out a way that we
can start the filing season on time for most taxpayers, including some using
AMT-related forms. Our goal has always been to make sure we can
accurately process tax returns while getting refunds to taxpayers as quickly
as possible.”
The February delay caused by the AMT patch will affect taxpayers using
any of these five forms:
* Form 8863, Education Credits.
* Form 5695, Residential Energy Credits.
* Form 1040A’s Schedule 2, Child and Dependent Care Expenses for
Form 1040A Filers.
* Form 8396, Mortgage Interest Credit.
* Form 8859, District of Columbia First-Time Homebuyer Credit.
While these five forms require significant additional reprogramming due to
the AMT patch, the IRS has been able to reprogram its systems to begin
processing seven other AMT-related forms, including Form 6251,
Alternative Minimum Tax – Individuals. Taxpayers filing these seven forms
should not experience delays in filing, and the IRS expects to begin
processing those returns starting on Jan. 14.
Electronic returns involving those five forms will not be accepted until
systems are updated in February; similarly, paper filers should wait to file
as well. All other e-file and paper returns will be accepted starting in
January. The IRS urges affected taxpayers to file electronically in order to
reduce wait times for their refunds. E-file with direct deposit gets refunds in
as little as 10 days, while paper returns take four to six weeks.
“E-file is a great option for everyone, especially if they are affected by the
AMT,” said Richard Spires, IRS Deputy Commissioner for Operations
Support. “Filing electronically will get people their refunds faster, and e-file
greatly reduces the chances for making an error on the AMT or other tax
issues.”
In addition to filing electronically, the IRS urges taxpayers to take simple
steps to avoid problems:
* Taxpayers filing electronically should make sure to update their tax
software in order to get the latest AMT updates.
* Taxpayers with $54,000 or less in Adjusted Gross Income can use
Free File to electronically file their returns for free. Free File will only be
available by visiting the official IRS web site at IRS.gov. In all, 90 million
taxpayers qualify for this free service.
* Taxpayers who use tax software to print out paper copies of tax forms
should make sure they update their software before printing out forms.
Taxpayers using paper forms can also visit IRS.gov to get updated copies
of AMT forms.
The IRS has created a special section on IRS.gov to provide taxpayers with
additional information and copies of updated forms affected by the AMT. In
recent days, the IRS has posted updated copies of all forms affected by the
late enactment of the AMT patch by Congress.
The IRS also reminds taxpayers that printed tax packages, which will begin
arriving in the mail around New Year’s, went to the printer in November
before the AMT changes were enacted. The packages reflect the law in
effect at the time of printing. The tax packages include cautionary
language to taxpayers that late legislation was pending.
The IRS is also working closely with tax professionals and the tax
preparation software community to make sure they can help taxpayers with
all of the latest developments on the enactment of the AMT patch and other
tax changes.
“The IRS is going to continue to do everything it can to make this a fully
successful filing season for the nation’s taxpayers,” Stiff said. “We will
continue to work to keep taxpayers up to date and make this situation as
easy as possible for everyone.”
Presidential Message for 2008
"As we enter this New Year, we reflect on the
past and look forward to a promising year
ahead.
"A future of hope and opportunity begins with a
robust economy. Thanks to America's workers
and entrepreneurs, our economy grew at a
vigorous rate last year. Keeping taxes low and
exercising fiscal restraint helped ensure that the
number of jobs increased and the deficit once
again fell ahead of schedule. The
underpinnings of our economy have proven
strong, competitive, and resilient enough to
overcome the challenges we face. In the coming
year, we will continue to encourage growth in
the economy so Americans have more money to
invest in their businesses, spend on their
families, and put aside for the future.
"In addition to our efforts here at home, the
United States continued its work to spread
freedom and peace around the world. America
is determined to defeat terrorists and extremists,
and we will remain on the offensive against the
enemies of freedom. In 2008, we will continue to
stand beside our partners in the international
community to lay a foundation of peace for our
children and grandchildren.
"America is grateful for the service and sacrifice
of our Nation's troops and their families. During
this hopeful time of year, we remain mindful of
the courage and resolve of the fine men and
women who protect our country and defend
freedom's cause.
"As we welcome this New Year, we move forward
with trust in the power of the American spirit,
confidence in our purpose, and faith in a loving
God who created us to be free.
"Laura and I send our best wishes for a happy
New Year. May God bless you, may God bless
our troops and their families, and may God
bless America."
GEORGE W. BUSH
Beer For My Horses to be shot in NM
SANTA FE - Beer For My Horses, a feature film
starring country music star Toby Keith (Broken
Bridges), and Rodney Carrington (Rodney TV
series) will be shot in New Mexico, according to
a press release from Governor Bill Richardson's
office.
Multi-award winner Michael Saloman will direct.
Toby Keith, Donald Zuckerman (Not Forgotten
currently prepping in Santa Fe, Broken Bridges)
and local New Mexican Brent Morris (Monster,
Smoke Signals) will produce the film. T.K.
Kimbrell will be the Executive Producer.
The film will be shot in Santa Fe, Las Vegas,
and other north-central New Mexico locations
from February 10 through March 13, 2008. The
film expects to hire approximately 75 New
Mexico crew members, 25 SAG principal roles
and 350 background talent.
Beer For My Horses tells the story of two best
friends that work together as deputies in a small
town. The two defy the Sheriff and head off on
an outrageous road trip to save the protagonist’
s girlfriend from drug lord kidnappers.
Since Governor Richardson took office, over 85
feature film and television projects have been
shot in the state, adding over $1.4 billion dollars
to New Mexico’s economy.
Packets available now for up-coming
municipal election
ARTESIA - The Municipal Election will be held
on March 4, 2008. Anyone interested in the
running for one of the City Council positions or
for Municipal Judge should pick up an
information packet outlining the requirements
for filing and the election calendar. Packets are
available at the receptionist’s desk at City Hall.
The only filing day for candidates will be
January 8, 2008, between the hours of 8 a.m.
and 5 p.m. Candidates must file a declaration of
candidacy form and a certified affidavit of the
candidate's voter registration with the City Clerk.
The affidavit of voter registration can be
obtained from the Eddy County Clerk in
Carlsbad or the Eddy County Clerk’s office in
Artesia.
Municipal Elections do allow for declared write-in
candidates. The only filing date to be a write-in
candidate is January 22, 2008, between the
hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Write-in candidates
must also file a declaration of intent to be a
write-in candidate and a certified affidavit of
their voter registration.
"As we enter this New Year, we reflect on the
past and look forward to a promising year
ahead.
"A future of hope and opportunity begins with a
robust economy. Thanks to America's workers
and entrepreneurs, our economy grew at a
vigorous rate last year. Keeping taxes low and
exercising fiscal restraint helped ensure that the
number of jobs increased and the deficit once
again fell ahead of schedule. The
underpinnings of our economy have proven
strong, competitive, and resilient enough to
overcome the challenges we face. In the coming
year, we will continue to encourage growth in
the economy so Americans have more money to
invest in their businesses, spend on their
families, and put aside for the future.
"In addition to our efforts here at home, the
United States continued its work to spread
freedom and peace around the world. America
is determined to defeat terrorists and extremists,
and we will remain on the offensive against the
enemies of freedom. In 2008, we will continue to
stand beside our partners in the international
community to lay a foundation of peace for our
children and grandchildren.
"America is grateful for the service and sacrifice
of our Nation's troops and their families. During
this hopeful time of year, we remain mindful of
the courage and resolve of the fine men and
women who protect our country and defend
freedom's cause.
"As we welcome this New Year, we move forward
with trust in the power of the American spirit,
confidence in our purpose, and faith in a loving
God who created us to be free.
"Laura and I send our best wishes for a happy
New Year. May God bless you, may God bless
our troops and their families, and may God
bless America."
GEORGE W. BUSH
Beer For My Horses to be shot in NM
SANTA FE - Beer For My Horses, a feature film
starring country music star Toby Keith (Broken
Bridges), and Rodney Carrington (Rodney TV
series) will be shot in New Mexico, according to
a press release from Governor Bill Richardson's
office.
Multi-award winner Michael Saloman will direct.
Toby Keith, Donald Zuckerman (Not Forgotten
currently prepping in Santa Fe, Broken Bridges)
and local New Mexican Brent Morris (Monster,
Smoke Signals) will produce the film. T.K.
Kimbrell will be the Executive Producer.
The film will be shot in Santa Fe, Las Vegas,
and other north-central New Mexico locations
from February 10 through March 13, 2008. The
film expects to hire approximately 75 New
Mexico crew members, 25 SAG principal roles
and 350 background talent.
Beer For My Horses tells the story of two best
friends that work together as deputies in a small
town. The two defy the Sheriff and head off on
an outrageous road trip to save the protagonist’
s girlfriend from drug lord kidnappers.
Since Governor Richardson took office, over 85
feature film and television projects have been
shot in the state, adding over $1.4 billion dollars
to New Mexico’s economy.
Packets available now for up-coming
municipal election
ARTESIA - The Municipal Election will be held
on March 4, 2008. Anyone interested in the
running for one of the City Council positions or
for Municipal Judge should pick up an
information packet outlining the requirements
for filing and the election calendar. Packets are
available at the receptionist’s desk at City Hall.
The only filing day for candidates will be
January 8, 2008, between the hours of 8 a.m.
and 5 p.m. Candidates must file a declaration of
candidacy form and a certified affidavit of the
candidate's voter registration with the City Clerk.
The affidavit of voter registration can be
obtained from the Eddy County Clerk in
Carlsbad or the Eddy County Clerk’s office in
Artesia.
Municipal Elections do allow for declared write-in
candidates. The only filing date to be a write-in
candidate is January 22, 2008, between the
hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Write-in candidates
must also file a declaration of intent to be a
write-in candidate and a certified affidavit of
their voter registration.