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NEWS:
Volume 3, Number 7
February 11, 2008
February 11, 2008
Your contributions, comments
& suggestions are welcome.
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& suggestions are welcome.
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Artesia360.com
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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.eddycountyskywarn.blogspot.com Areas of locally dense fog will occur across the Permian Basin, the Trans Pecos region and southeast New Mexico Plains this morning. A Dense Fog Advisory is in effect until 9 a.m. MST. Increasing west winds across the Guadalupe Mountains and adjacent plains will result in critical fire weather conditions this afternoon. A Red Flag Warning is in effect for the Guadalupes. Much colder air is expected to spread across the region Thursday night and Friday with light wintry precipitation possible. Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 77. West wind between 5 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 38. North wind between 15 and 20 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 60. North wind around 5 mph becoming east. Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 32. North wind around 5 mph. Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 71. West wind 10 to 15 mph increasing to between 20 and 25 mph. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph. Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 40. Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 56. Thursday Night: A chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 31. Friday: A slight chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 48. Friday Night: A slight chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 29. Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 62. Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 35. Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 63. |
| 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. |
Applications for internships available online
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman today encouraged students
to apply for a summer internship in his Washington office. The application
deadline is March 31. The internships are open to college and university
undergraduate students who attend school in New Mexico or attend school
in the state.
The internship program is designed to educate New Mexico students about
the political process and to allow them to gain experience in the daily
operations of a U.S. Senate office. Summer interns will work five 40-hour
weeks in Bingaman’s Capitol Hill office during one of two sessions:
First session: May 27 – June 27
Second session: June 30 – August 1
Applicants are required to complete an intern application form, as well as
provide a resume, three letters of reference, a writing sample and answers
to three essay questions.
Because of continued delays in mail delivery to Senate offices in
Washington, students are encouraged to complete and submit the
application online at: http://bingaman.senate.gov. The link to internship
information is located under the “Services and Programs” section on the
main page. Students may also submit a printed version via fax at (202) 224-
2852.
Students who apply on Bingaman’s home page will input their resume
information, writing sample and answers to three essay questions into the
page’s special application forms. Letters of reference should be submitted
by fax or e-mailed by the writer to interns@bingaman.senate.gov. To
confirm receipt of completed applications, students can call (202) 224-5521.
Intern positions in Bingaman’s state offices are also available. Please
contact state offices for more information.
Washington (202) 224-5521
Albuquerque (505) 346-6601
Las Cruces (505) 523-6561
Roswell (505) 622-7113
Santa Fe (505) 988-6647
CBP inspects imported flowers
With Valentine's Day just around the corner, U.S. Customs and Border
Protection agriculture specialists working at U.S. ports of entry are busy
making sure that flower imports are free from insects, pests and diseases
that could harm the agricultural and floral industries of the United States.
“CBP’s agricultural specialists are experts at identifying signs of insects,
pests or disease in shipments of flowers, plants and fresh herbs,” says
Vernon Foret, acting executive director, agriculture programs and trade
liaison “They are dedicated professionals, who enthusiastically accomplish
the mission of protecting the United States from the potential threats to our
environment and economy every day.”
Miami ranks first among U.S. international airports for shipments of cut
flower imports, followed by New York and Los Angeles.
Here are more facts about cut flower imports:
* In 2007, Miami CBP agriculture specialists processed more than 5 trillion
stems of imported flowers, compared to 2 trillion flower stems for New York,
and 168 billion flower stems for Los Angeles.
* In these shipments of imported flowers, Miami intercepted 21,152 plant
pests that could be detrimental to American agriculture, New York
intercepted 5,332 and Los Angeles intercepted 2,831.
* The top flower imports in Miami are roses and mixed bouquets from
Colombia, followed by roses from Ecuador.
* The top flower imports in New York are Vanda from Thailand, Ilium from
the Dominican Republic and narcissus from the Netherlands.
* In Los Angeles, roses from Ecuador are the top cut flower import,
followed by dendrobium from Thailand, and dianthus from Colombia.
* The most common type of insects found in cut flower imports are leaf
miner flies, moths, plant bugs and thrips (destructive wingless insects).
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within
the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management,
control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official
ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons
out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.
Compromise stimulus package passes Senate
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Pete Domenici Thusday joined the Senate in
passing a compromise economic stimulus package that will provide tax
rebates to families, seniors and disabled veterans.
The Senate passed the Economic Growth Act (HR.5140) on an 81-16 vote.
The bill now returns to the House of Representatives for consideration, and
indications are that the House and White House will accept the Senate
changes.
The compromise plan builds on a House-passed plan by ensuring tax
rebates are allowed for seniors, disabled veterans and widows of disabled
veterans—all of whom would not have received benefits under the original
House plan. The Senate bill also includes provisions to exclude illegal
immigrants from receiving tax rebates or a $300 per child bonus rebate.
“This is a compromise bill that I hope can be enacted soon so that this
money can be sent to families and seniors as soon as possible. I believe a
vast majority of New Mexican households will benefit from the package. Our
intent is for them to use this money to ease their own financial burdens and
at the same time invigorate the economy,” Domenici said.
“I thought a somewhat larger package would have been better suited to
countering recessionary indicators, but this is as good as we can offer right
now,” he said.
The Senate package adds $9.0 billion to allow seniors, disabled veterans
and widows of disabled veterans to qualify for the rebate checks by
counting Social Security benefits and VA disability payments towards the
$3,000 earned income test. This benefit would help an estimated 20 million
seniors and 250,000 disabled veterans.
U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman said he is pleased that the Senate has
approved an economic stimulus package, but is disappointed that the
measure had to be scaled back to garner enough votes. As a member of
the Senate Finance Committee, Bingaman helped craft the bill.
Bingaman said he preferred the measure that was defeated in the Senate
on Wednesday because it would have extended unemployment insurance
by 13 weeks, providing an immediate infusion into the economy. That
measure was stripped, along with a $1 billion the Low Income Home Energy
Assistance Program, in order to reach the 60 vote threshold for passage.
The bill does, however, authorize “stimulus checks” that will be likely be
processed in the spring. Rebate checks range from $300 for a single
taxpayer to $1,200 for a married couple. Some families also will qualify for
a $300 per child credit. There were also provisions to assist businesses
that are losing money in this economic downturn.
“Our economy is slowing and like many Americans I’m concerned that we’re
heading into a recession. It’s my hope that this measure will help turn our
economy around,” Bingaman said.
The measure has been sent back to the House of Representatives for
approval.
Congressman Steve Pearce applauded the passage of the stimulus
package. After the vote, he made the following comments:
"I thank the Senate for acting quickly to pass the House stimulus package.
As I said yesterday in my call for Senate action, America's middle class
families and small businesses do not have time for Washington's typical
partisan political games. The economy needs an immediate shot in the arm
to soften the effects of the anticipated economic slowdown and the
President and Congress have delivered.
"The package will bring tax relief for those who need it most – including our
veterans, families and low-income seniors –j, bolster our housing market
and help small businesses make investments. Today, we have taken a
positive step toward helping the American people and helping our
economy."
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Pete Domenici announced Thursday that
the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Kirtland Air Force Base will
be the site for laser weapons research, which will be carried out through a
$42 million contract.
Domenici, who serves on the Senate Defense Appropriations
Subcommittee, said the Air Force has awarded a $42 million contract to Ball
Aerospace and Technologies Corp., a Boulder-based firm with a branch in
Albuquerque, for a “Laser Effects Vulnerability Research” project.
The Air Force has initially obligated $640,521 of the contract. An estimated
80 percent of the contract will be executed in New Mexico, mostly in
Albuquerque and at the High Energy Laser Test Facility (HELSTF) at White
Sands Missile Range.
“The Air Force Research Lab is a premier facility and this contract is
intended to advance our understanding of lasers as a weapon,” Domenici
said. “This is also one dynamic of the ongoing push by the Air Force to
develop more high-tech weapons systems that can be used to defend this
nation and its interests.”
The research is intended to enhance the capabilities of the AFRL Missile
Assessment Center Codes and databases by assessing the effects of
lasers on various threat targets, including assessment on space, ground,
and missile targets.
White Sands Film Festival Honors Latino Filmmakers
Festival Dates: March 16-22, 2008
ALAMOGORDO - For its fourth year, the White Sands International Film
Festival has dedicated two days during the 2008 program to honor Latino
contributions in cinema.
Attending the festival are critically acclaimed Mexican Filmmakers, Arturo
Ripstein and Alejandro Gomez Monteverde.
Arturo Ripstein is widely considered Mexico’s greatest and most celebrated
contemporary filmmaker with over 31 wins, 10 nominations, and having
directed over 30 films. After working for years with cinematic genius Luis
Buñuel, Ripstein is perhaps the main director to have inherited the master’s
mantle. In 1997 Ripstein received the National Prize for Arts and Sciences,
one of Mexico’s highest honors. Although European critics and audiences
have enthusiastically received his films, Ripstein remains relatively unknown
to American audiences. The WSIFF plans to help repair that unfortunate
oversight. Arturo will receive the festival’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Originally screened at Cannes, Ripstein’s film La Reina de la Noche (The
Queen of the Night) will appear onscreen in Alamogordo’s new Allen
Theatre complex March 18th, 2008.
Alejandro Gomez Monteverde launched onto the film seen with his critically
acclaimed film Bella. In 2004 Alejandro partnered with actor/producer
Eduardo Verástegui and Sean Wolfington to make Bella and to form
Metanoia Films, a company committed to projects that entertain engage
and inspire.
In September, The Smithsonian Latino Center presented Bella’s filmmakers
with the “Legacy Award” for their film Bella at its annual Smithsonian Con
Sabor! gala. In addition to winning awards around the world including the
prestigious People's Choice Award at Toronto Festival, Alejandro was
invited to the White House to receive an award from the Department of
Citizenship and to attend the state of the Union address with the first lady,
Laura Bush, because of his example as a new citizen making positive
contributions to the country.
Alejandro will present Bella at Alamogordo’s new Allen Theatre complex
March 19th 2008.
Edward James Olmos selected Bella to open the LA Latino International
Film Festival and said: “It is one of the most impressive landmark films to
open our festival in 10 years. It captures the heart and makes you think. It
is one of the best films to come out in a long time.”
Living Treasure nominees sought
ARTESIA - The Artesia Historical Museum & Art Center Foundation needs
your input! The Foundation sponsors the Museum’s Living Treasures
awards ceremony & reception each year, which honors one man & one
woman in Artesia who have made a difference in all of our lives—whether it’
s by preserving our town’s history, volunteerism, good deeds, or by
contributing towards our quality of life in their own way. The one thing all of
our past honorees have had in common is their modesty; therefore we
would like to ask all of you here in town to let us know who you think is
worthy of recognizing as this year’s Living Treasures. If you have a person
in mind to nominate, please take a moment to write down their name and
your reasons why you feel this person deserves recognition and drop it by
the Artesia Historical Museum & Art Center by the end of February 2008, or
mail it to us at 505 West Richardson Ave., Artesia 88210. Thank you for
caring about our local unsung heroes!
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman today encouraged students
to apply for a summer internship in his Washington office. The application
deadline is March 31. The internships are open to college and university
undergraduate students who attend school in New Mexico or attend school
in the state.
The internship program is designed to educate New Mexico students about
the political process and to allow them to gain experience in the daily
operations of a U.S. Senate office. Summer interns will work five 40-hour
weeks in Bingaman’s Capitol Hill office during one of two sessions:
First session: May 27 – June 27
Second session: June 30 – August 1
Applicants are required to complete an intern application form, as well as
provide a resume, three letters of reference, a writing sample and answers
to three essay questions.
Because of continued delays in mail delivery to Senate offices in
Washington, students are encouraged to complete and submit the
application online at: http://bingaman.senate.gov. The link to internship
information is located under the “Services and Programs” section on the
main page. Students may also submit a printed version via fax at (202) 224-
2852.
Students who apply on Bingaman’s home page will input their resume
information, writing sample and answers to three essay questions into the
page’s special application forms. Letters of reference should be submitted
by fax or e-mailed by the writer to interns@bingaman.senate.gov. To
confirm receipt of completed applications, students can call (202) 224-5521.
Intern positions in Bingaman’s state offices are also available. Please
contact state offices for more information.
Washington (202) 224-5521
Albuquerque (505) 346-6601
Las Cruces (505) 523-6561
Roswell (505) 622-7113
Santa Fe (505) 988-6647
CBP inspects imported flowers
With Valentine's Day just around the corner, U.S. Customs and Border
Protection agriculture specialists working at U.S. ports of entry are busy
making sure that flower imports are free from insects, pests and diseases
that could harm the agricultural and floral industries of the United States.
“CBP’s agricultural specialists are experts at identifying signs of insects,
pests or disease in shipments of flowers, plants and fresh herbs,” says
Vernon Foret, acting executive director, agriculture programs and trade
liaison “They are dedicated professionals, who enthusiastically accomplish
the mission of protecting the United States from the potential threats to our
environment and economy every day.”
Miami ranks first among U.S. international airports for shipments of cut
flower imports, followed by New York and Los Angeles.
Here are more facts about cut flower imports:
* In 2007, Miami CBP agriculture specialists processed more than 5 trillion
stems of imported flowers, compared to 2 trillion flower stems for New York,
and 168 billion flower stems for Los Angeles.
* In these shipments of imported flowers, Miami intercepted 21,152 plant
pests that could be detrimental to American agriculture, New York
intercepted 5,332 and Los Angeles intercepted 2,831.
* The top flower imports in Miami are roses and mixed bouquets from
Colombia, followed by roses from Ecuador.
* The top flower imports in New York are Vanda from Thailand, Ilium from
the Dominican Republic and narcissus from the Netherlands.
* In Los Angeles, roses from Ecuador are the top cut flower import,
followed by dendrobium from Thailand, and dianthus from Colombia.
* The most common type of insects found in cut flower imports are leaf
miner flies, moths, plant bugs and thrips (destructive wingless insects).
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within
the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management,
control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official
ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons
out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.
Compromise stimulus package passes Senate
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Pete Domenici Thusday joined the Senate in
passing a compromise economic stimulus package that will provide tax
rebates to families, seniors and disabled veterans.
The Senate passed the Economic Growth Act (HR.5140) on an 81-16 vote.
The bill now returns to the House of Representatives for consideration, and
indications are that the House and White House will accept the Senate
changes.
The compromise plan builds on a House-passed plan by ensuring tax
rebates are allowed for seniors, disabled veterans and widows of disabled
veterans—all of whom would not have received benefits under the original
House plan. The Senate bill also includes provisions to exclude illegal
immigrants from receiving tax rebates or a $300 per child bonus rebate.
“This is a compromise bill that I hope can be enacted soon so that this
money can be sent to families and seniors as soon as possible. I believe a
vast majority of New Mexican households will benefit from the package. Our
intent is for them to use this money to ease their own financial burdens and
at the same time invigorate the economy,” Domenici said.
“I thought a somewhat larger package would have been better suited to
countering recessionary indicators, but this is as good as we can offer right
now,” he said.
The Senate package adds $9.0 billion to allow seniors, disabled veterans
and widows of disabled veterans to qualify for the rebate checks by
counting Social Security benefits and VA disability payments towards the
$3,000 earned income test. This benefit would help an estimated 20 million
seniors and 250,000 disabled veterans.
U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman said he is pleased that the Senate has
approved an economic stimulus package, but is disappointed that the
measure had to be scaled back to garner enough votes. As a member of
the Senate Finance Committee, Bingaman helped craft the bill.
Bingaman said he preferred the measure that was defeated in the Senate
on Wednesday because it would have extended unemployment insurance
by 13 weeks, providing an immediate infusion into the economy. That
measure was stripped, along with a $1 billion the Low Income Home Energy
Assistance Program, in order to reach the 60 vote threshold for passage.
The bill does, however, authorize “stimulus checks” that will be likely be
processed in the spring. Rebate checks range from $300 for a single
taxpayer to $1,200 for a married couple. Some families also will qualify for
a $300 per child credit. There were also provisions to assist businesses
that are losing money in this economic downturn.
“Our economy is slowing and like many Americans I’m concerned that we’re
heading into a recession. It’s my hope that this measure will help turn our
economy around,” Bingaman said.
The measure has been sent back to the House of Representatives for
approval.
Congressman Steve Pearce applauded the passage of the stimulus
package. After the vote, he made the following comments:
"I thank the Senate for acting quickly to pass the House stimulus package.
As I said yesterday in my call for Senate action, America's middle class
families and small businesses do not have time for Washington's typical
partisan political games. The economy needs an immediate shot in the arm
to soften the effects of the anticipated economic slowdown and the
President and Congress have delivered.
"The package will bring tax relief for those who need it most – including our
veterans, families and low-income seniors –j, bolster our housing market
and help small businesses make investments. Today, we have taken a
positive step toward helping the American people and helping our
economy."
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Pete Domenici announced Thursday that
the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Kirtland Air Force Base will
be the site for laser weapons research, which will be carried out through a
$42 million contract.
Domenici, who serves on the Senate Defense Appropriations
Subcommittee, said the Air Force has awarded a $42 million contract to Ball
Aerospace and Technologies Corp., a Boulder-based firm with a branch in
Albuquerque, for a “Laser Effects Vulnerability Research” project.
The Air Force has initially obligated $640,521 of the contract. An estimated
80 percent of the contract will be executed in New Mexico, mostly in
Albuquerque and at the High Energy Laser Test Facility (HELSTF) at White
Sands Missile Range.
“The Air Force Research Lab is a premier facility and this contract is
intended to advance our understanding of lasers as a weapon,” Domenici
said. “This is also one dynamic of the ongoing push by the Air Force to
develop more high-tech weapons systems that can be used to defend this
nation and its interests.”
The research is intended to enhance the capabilities of the AFRL Missile
Assessment Center Codes and databases by assessing the effects of
lasers on various threat targets, including assessment on space, ground,
and missile targets.
White Sands Film Festival Honors Latino Filmmakers
Festival Dates: March 16-22, 2008
ALAMOGORDO - For its fourth year, the White Sands International Film
Festival has dedicated two days during the 2008 program to honor Latino
contributions in cinema.
Attending the festival are critically acclaimed Mexican Filmmakers, Arturo
Ripstein and Alejandro Gomez Monteverde.
Arturo Ripstein is widely considered Mexico’s greatest and most celebrated
contemporary filmmaker with over 31 wins, 10 nominations, and having
directed over 30 films. After working for years with cinematic genius Luis
Buñuel, Ripstein is perhaps the main director to have inherited the master’s
mantle. In 1997 Ripstein received the National Prize for Arts and Sciences,
one of Mexico’s highest honors. Although European critics and audiences
have enthusiastically received his films, Ripstein remains relatively unknown
to American audiences. The WSIFF plans to help repair that unfortunate
oversight. Arturo will receive the festival’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Originally screened at Cannes, Ripstein’s film La Reina de la Noche (The
Queen of the Night) will appear onscreen in Alamogordo’s new Allen
Theatre complex March 18th, 2008.
Alejandro Gomez Monteverde launched onto the film seen with his critically
acclaimed film Bella. In 2004 Alejandro partnered with actor/producer
Eduardo Verástegui and Sean Wolfington to make Bella and to form
Metanoia Films, a company committed to projects that entertain engage
and inspire.
In September, The Smithsonian Latino Center presented Bella’s filmmakers
with the “Legacy Award” for their film Bella at its annual Smithsonian Con
Sabor! gala. In addition to winning awards around the world including the
prestigious People's Choice Award at Toronto Festival, Alejandro was
invited to the White House to receive an award from the Department of
Citizenship and to attend the state of the Union address with the first lady,
Laura Bush, because of his example as a new citizen making positive
contributions to the country.
Alejandro will present Bella at Alamogordo’s new Allen Theatre complex
March 19th 2008.
Edward James Olmos selected Bella to open the LA Latino International
Film Festival and said: “It is one of the most impressive landmark films to
open our festival in 10 years. It captures the heart and makes you think. It
is one of the best films to come out in a long time.”
Living Treasure nominees sought
ARTESIA - The Artesia Historical Museum & Art Center Foundation needs
your input! The Foundation sponsors the Museum’s Living Treasures
awards ceremony & reception each year, which honors one man & one
woman in Artesia who have made a difference in all of our lives—whether it’
s by preserving our town’s history, volunteerism, good deeds, or by
contributing towards our quality of life in their own way. The one thing all of
our past honorees have had in common is their modesty; therefore we
would like to ask all of you here in town to let us know who you think is
worthy of recognizing as this year’s Living Treasures. If you have a person
in mind to nominate, please take a moment to write down their name and
your reasons why you feel this person deserves recognition and drop it by
the Artesia Historical Museum & Art Center by the end of February 2008, or
mail it to us at 505 West Richardson Ave., Artesia 88210. Thank you for
caring about our local unsung heroes!
Artesia city council to meet Tuesday
ARTESIA - The regular meeting of the Artesia
City Council will be conducted Tuesday evening
at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall,
located at 511 W. Texas Avenue.
This is a public meeting and all members of the
public are invited and encouraged to attend.
The agendas for the meeting will be available
from the front desk at city hall Monday
afternoon, or you can view the preliminary
agenda and the consent agenda by clicking on
the links.
Artesia building off to a good start
ARTESIA - Building permits for the month of
January 2008 are off to a good start with project
valuation over $1.4 million.
The projects include four new single family
homes, including one valued near $300,000.00
that was permitted by the city's new permitting
jurisdiction that extends three miles from the city
limits. The authorization for extra-terratorial
permitting was awarded in mid-December.
Project valuation is more than four times the
value of permits issued in January 2007, which
was $311,484.00.
Eastern hosting operas
PORTALES—The Department of Music at
Eastern New Mexico University in Portales is
presenting "Managers, Mediums and Magic": An
Evening of One Act Operas at 7 p.m. on Friday-
Saturday, Feb.15–16, and 2 p.m. on Sunday,
Feb. 17, in Buchanan Hall in the Music Building.
The features include Mozart's "The
Impressario," a story of a theater manager who
has the opportunity to produce one last opera
before he retires; "The Medium" by Menotti, a
story of a psychic; and "Bastien and Bastienna,"
also by Mozart, about the story of the "magic"
that reunites two lovers.
The feature includes performances by Virginia
Slater from Portales/Lubbock, Holly Prince from
Albuquerque, Qianyu Wang from Sichuan,
China, Kaili Liu from Henan, China, SiSi Sun
from Sichuan, China, CiCi Chen from Heilong
Jiang, China, Zhu Shifang from Sichuan, China,
Xinrui Li from Sichuan, China, Kevin Simmons
from Hobbs, Jessye Marquez from Hobbs,
Janice Pacheco from Muleshoe, Derek Gilmour
from Albuquerque, Orlando Shelly from
Portales, Richard McNeill from Grants, Veronica
Valdez-Kent from Canyon, Gerardo Gomez from
Muleshoe and Jenny Gheer from Ruidoso.
Tickets will be available in the music office
(Room 115) in the Music Building beginning
Monday, Feb. 11, and at the door one hour
before the performances. Ticket prices are $8
General Admission, $7 Senior Citizen, $6 pre-
college student, and $5 with an ENMU Student
ID.
Richardson orders release of funds
SANTA FE – Governor Bill Richardson has
ordered the release of $20.5 million in state
funding to help pay for higher education
maintenance projects across the state. The
Governor released the funding, which is on top
of another $20.5 million released July 1, 2007,
after receiving assurances from the Attorney
General’s Office that the funding is legal.
“I am pleased that we are finally able to invest
this money in our colleges and universities,
without further legal delays,” Governor
Richardson said.
The Legislature passed $41 million for higher
education maintenance projects, known as
deferred maintenance, during the 2007 session.
But Governor Richardson vetoed language in
the budget that would have split the $41 million
so that half was distributed through an
established formula and the other half was
spread out according to a recent study of facility
needs. The Governor’s veto meant that the
entire $41 million was distributed through the
formula.
Some legislators questioned the legality of the
Governor’s veto of the language. But after
reassurances from Attorney General King that
the veto was appropriate, Governor Richardson
directed the Higher Education Department to
release the final $20.5 million to colleges and
universities.
Gutierrez Canyon Expanded
BERNALILLO, NM -- The Trust for Public Land
(TPL) and Mayor Martin J. Chávez announced
the protection of 400 acres in Gutierrez Canyon.
Located just off the Turquoise Trail in Cedar
Crest, this property will expand recreational
opportunities for area visitors. It will provide
miles of new hiking and equestrian trails easily
accessible from the National Scenic Byway. Its
protection more than doubles the size of
Gutierrez Canyon Open Space.
"This property connects Gutierrez Canyon Open
Space with the Turquoise Trail, opening a local
treasure to Cedar Crest residents and visitors
alike. Just 15 miles from Albuquerque, this 400-
acre property offers visitors an opportunity to
get out of their cars and enjoy the rugged
beauty of New Mexico's landscape. It includes
great trails for hiking and horseback riding, and
will allow for the creation of a trailhead and
parking area just off the highway," said Jenny
Parks, state director for The Trust for Public
Land.
"I am very pleased that today the City of
Albuquerque will be adding 420 acres of Open
Space to the City's current Public Open Space
Network," said Mayor Martin J. Chávez. "I want
to thank and commend the Milne Family for their
safe keeping of the property, that is essentially
in pristine condition; and now entrusting the City
and the public with its management as an Open
Space and Wildlife Preserve. From day one, I
pledged the City's willingness to take on the
long term management of the property and to
insure that it remains protected for all future
generations of people and animals.
Albuquerque has one of the top Open Space
Programs in the Nation and today we just made
it better."
The property is accessed by a small strip of
land just south of the Cedar Springs post office.
It is surrounded on the north and east sides by
residential development, and abuts Gutierrez
Canyon Open Space on the south. Its protection
brings the total acreage of Gutierrez Canyon
Open Space to 700 acres, and creates the first
public access from N.M. 14, the Turquoise Trail.
The property offers hikers and equestrians
impressive views from its high ground, and
includes oak filled side canyons. Residential
development was a very real threat in this
scenic part of Cedar Springs, but decisive
action from community activists and local and
state government ensured its conservation as
open space.
The $2.2 million purchase was funded by the
City of Albuquerque, capital outlays from the
New Mexico legislature, and New Mexico Land,
Wildlife, and Clean Energy funds. Key support
was provided by Governor Bill Richardson,
Senator Sue Wilson Beffort, Senator Kent
Cravens, Representative Kathy McCoy,
Representative Mimi Stewart, Albuquerque
Mayor Martin Chavez, and Albuquerque
Councilors Isaac Benton and Martin Heinrich.
The Trust for Public Land, established in 1972,
specializes in conservation real estate, applying
its expertise in negotiations, public finance, and
law to protect land for people to enjoy as parks,
greenways, community gardens, urban
playgrounds, and wilderness. TPL has
protected more than 2 million acres across the
country and in New Mexico, TPL has helped
protect over 140,000 acres.
Absentee Voting Continues
ARTESIA - Absentee voting for the March 4,
2008 Regular Municipal Election will begin on
January 29, 2008 and will end February 29,
2008. Voters wishing to vote Absentee must
request an application to vote by absentee by
calling the City Clerk’s Office at 746-2122 or
email at cityclerk@artesianm.com. The
application will be mailed to your address.
ARTESIA - The regular meeting of the Artesia
City Council will be conducted Tuesday evening
at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall,
located at 511 W. Texas Avenue.
This is a public meeting and all members of the
public are invited and encouraged to attend.
The agendas for the meeting will be available
from the front desk at city hall Monday
afternoon, or you can view the preliminary
agenda and the consent agenda by clicking on
the links.
Artesia building off to a good start
ARTESIA - Building permits for the month of
January 2008 are off to a good start with project
valuation over $1.4 million.
The projects include four new single family
homes, including one valued near $300,000.00
that was permitted by the city's new permitting
jurisdiction that extends three miles from the city
limits. The authorization for extra-terratorial
permitting was awarded in mid-December.
Project valuation is more than four times the
value of permits issued in January 2007, which
was $311,484.00.
Eastern hosting operas
PORTALES—The Department of Music at
Eastern New Mexico University in Portales is
presenting "Managers, Mediums and Magic": An
Evening of One Act Operas at 7 p.m. on Friday-
Saturday, Feb.15–16, and 2 p.m. on Sunday,
Feb. 17, in Buchanan Hall in the Music Building.
The features include Mozart's "The
Impressario," a story of a theater manager who
has the opportunity to produce one last opera
before he retires; "The Medium" by Menotti, a
story of a psychic; and "Bastien and Bastienna,"
also by Mozart, about the story of the "magic"
that reunites two lovers.
The feature includes performances by Virginia
Slater from Portales/Lubbock, Holly Prince from
Albuquerque, Qianyu Wang from Sichuan,
China, Kaili Liu from Henan, China, SiSi Sun
from Sichuan, China, CiCi Chen from Heilong
Jiang, China, Zhu Shifang from Sichuan, China,
Xinrui Li from Sichuan, China, Kevin Simmons
from Hobbs, Jessye Marquez from Hobbs,
Janice Pacheco from Muleshoe, Derek Gilmour
from Albuquerque, Orlando Shelly from
Portales, Richard McNeill from Grants, Veronica
Valdez-Kent from Canyon, Gerardo Gomez from
Muleshoe and Jenny Gheer from Ruidoso.
Tickets will be available in the music office
(Room 115) in the Music Building beginning
Monday, Feb. 11, and at the door one hour
before the performances. Ticket prices are $8
General Admission, $7 Senior Citizen, $6 pre-
college student, and $5 with an ENMU Student
ID.
Richardson orders release of funds
SANTA FE – Governor Bill Richardson has
ordered the release of $20.5 million in state
funding to help pay for higher education
maintenance projects across the state. The
Governor released the funding, which is on top
of another $20.5 million released July 1, 2007,
after receiving assurances from the Attorney
General’s Office that the funding is legal.
“I am pleased that we are finally able to invest
this money in our colleges and universities,
without further legal delays,” Governor
Richardson said.
The Legislature passed $41 million for higher
education maintenance projects, known as
deferred maintenance, during the 2007 session.
But Governor Richardson vetoed language in
the budget that would have split the $41 million
so that half was distributed through an
established formula and the other half was
spread out according to a recent study of facility
needs. The Governor’s veto meant that the
entire $41 million was distributed through the
formula.
Some legislators questioned the legality of the
Governor’s veto of the language. But after
reassurances from Attorney General King that
the veto was appropriate, Governor Richardson
directed the Higher Education Department to
release the final $20.5 million to colleges and
universities.
Gutierrez Canyon Expanded
BERNALILLO, NM -- The Trust for Public Land
(TPL) and Mayor Martin J. Chávez announced
the protection of 400 acres in Gutierrez Canyon.
Located just off the Turquoise Trail in Cedar
Crest, this property will expand recreational
opportunities for area visitors. It will provide
miles of new hiking and equestrian trails easily
accessible from the National Scenic Byway. Its
protection more than doubles the size of
Gutierrez Canyon Open Space.
"This property connects Gutierrez Canyon Open
Space with the Turquoise Trail, opening a local
treasure to Cedar Crest residents and visitors
alike. Just 15 miles from Albuquerque, this 400-
acre property offers visitors an opportunity to
get out of their cars and enjoy the rugged
beauty of New Mexico's landscape. It includes
great trails for hiking and horseback riding, and
will allow for the creation of a trailhead and
parking area just off the highway," said Jenny
Parks, state director for The Trust for Public
Land.
"I am very pleased that today the City of
Albuquerque will be adding 420 acres of Open
Space to the City's current Public Open Space
Network," said Mayor Martin J. Chávez. "I want
to thank and commend the Milne Family for their
safe keeping of the property, that is essentially
in pristine condition; and now entrusting the City
and the public with its management as an Open
Space and Wildlife Preserve. From day one, I
pledged the City's willingness to take on the
long term management of the property and to
insure that it remains protected for all future
generations of people and animals.
Albuquerque has one of the top Open Space
Programs in the Nation and today we just made
it better."
The property is accessed by a small strip of
land just south of the Cedar Springs post office.
It is surrounded on the north and east sides by
residential development, and abuts Gutierrez
Canyon Open Space on the south. Its protection
brings the total acreage of Gutierrez Canyon
Open Space to 700 acres, and creates the first
public access from N.M. 14, the Turquoise Trail.
The property offers hikers and equestrians
impressive views from its high ground, and
includes oak filled side canyons. Residential
development was a very real threat in this
scenic part of Cedar Springs, but decisive
action from community activists and local and
state government ensured its conservation as
open space.
The $2.2 million purchase was funded by the
City of Albuquerque, capital outlays from the
New Mexico legislature, and New Mexico Land,
Wildlife, and Clean Energy funds. Key support
was provided by Governor Bill Richardson,
Senator Sue Wilson Beffort, Senator Kent
Cravens, Representative Kathy McCoy,
Representative Mimi Stewart, Albuquerque
Mayor Martin Chavez, and Albuquerque
Councilors Isaac Benton and Martin Heinrich.
The Trust for Public Land, established in 1972,
specializes in conservation real estate, applying
its expertise in negotiations, public finance, and
law to protect land for people to enjoy as parks,
greenways, community gardens, urban
playgrounds, and wilderness. TPL has
protected more than 2 million acres across the
country and in New Mexico, TPL has helped
protect over 140,000 acres.
Absentee Voting Continues
ARTESIA - Absentee voting for the March 4,
2008 Regular Municipal Election will begin on
January 29, 2008 and will end February 29,
2008. Voters wishing to vote Absentee must
request an application to vote by absentee by
calling the City Clerk’s Office at 746-2122 or
email at cityclerk@artesianm.com. The
application will be mailed to your address.