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NEWS:
Volume 3, Number 16
February 25, 2008
February 25, 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.eddycountyskywarn.blogspot.com A Red Flag Warning is in effect today through late evening for all areas due to very warm, very windy and dry conditions. EXTREME FIRE DANGER. A RED FLAG WARNING IS IN EFFECT THIS MORNING THROUGH LATE THIS EVENING FOR ALL AREAS FOR VERY WARM...VERY WINDY AND DRY CONDITIONS ALONG WITH EXTREME FIRE DANGER Extremely critical fire weather conditions are expected today as very warm, windy and dry conditions are expected for all areas. Outdoor activity involving open flames or sparks is highly discouraged. Very windy conditions will likely lead to areas of blowing dust this afternoon especially near plowed fields and construction sites. Additionally, very strong winds are likely across the Guadalupe and Davis Mountains, with gusts possibly reaching 80 mph. Today: Areas of blowing dust after 11am. Sunny, with a high near 76. Windy, with a west wind between 25 and 30 mph, with gusts as high as 45 mph. Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 36. North wind between 10 and 20 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 57. East wind around 10 mph. Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 31. East wind around 5 mph becoming south. Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 72. South wind between 5 and 10 mph. Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 37. Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 79. Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 38. Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 69. Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38. Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 76. Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 41. Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 72. |
| 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. |
Width restrictions on US 82 during construction
Construction work continues on US 82 in Eddy County. The pavement
rehabilitation project has been reduced to one lane, with 12-foot width
restrictions in place. Work is taking place between milepost 126 to milepost
138.5, in Eddy County near the vicinity of Loco Hills. The work is part of a
12.5 mile long highway construction project costing approximately $5
million. Included in this project are drainage upgrades, increased safety,
and a smoother driving surface for motorists.
Throughout the project, 12-foot width restrictions are in place. Motorists
can expect 10-15 minute delays. Hours of operation are Monday thru
Friday, from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, with work to continue on some weekends.
All work is scheduled to be completed in May 2008, weather permitting.
Motorist are urged to watch for construction personnel working in the area,
observe temporary detours, and obey posted reduced speed limit signs
throughout the work zone. Double fines will be enforced for speeding in the
work zone.
The NMDOT is committed to the safety of the traveling public and thanks
you for your patience and assistance while work is taking place. For
updates on projects and lane closures please visit the NMDOT road
advisory web site at http://nmroads.com/ or call toll free 1-800-432-4269.
For more information concerning this work please contract Raymond
Reeves Project Manager, or Jeff Anderson Assistant Project Manager, at
(575) 637-7200. For questions or comments regarding this press release
contact Manon Arnett Public Information Officer, at (575) 637-7210.
WIPP security contract awarded
CARLSBAD - Washington TRU Solutions LLC (WTS) has awarded a
subcontract valued at over $18 million to Security Walls LLC of Knoxville,
Tenn. Security Walls LLC teamed with Triumph Technologies, Inc. to
provide security services to the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Waste
Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP). The initial 12-month subcontract includes four
one-year options.
“Security plays a key role at WIPP. I certainly want to congratulate Security
Walls on this competitive award and we look forward to a smooth transition,”
said Farok Sharif, WTS president and general manager. WTS manages
and operates WIPP near Carlsbad for the Department of Energy.
Security Walls LLC was established in 2003 and is an 8(a)-certified small,
disadvantaged, woman-owned business. The company has performed work
for the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Health and Human
Services, the Department of Defense, as well as the Department of Energy.
Triumph Technologies, Inc., headquartered in Falls Church, Va., is a
service-disabled veteran, woman-owned corporation and specializes in
program management, information technology and security services to
government and private industry. Together, Security Walls and Triumph
Technologies offer more than 25 years of experience in investigative and
security services.
Four companies provided competitive proposals for the subcontract,
including Santa Fe Protective Services, WIPP security provider since 2001.
Security Walls expects to maintain current security staffing levels under the
new contract.
WIPP is the world's first licensed repository for the permanent disposal of
defense generated transuranic radioactive waste left from research and
production of nuclear weapons and a cornerstone to the DOE national
clean-up effort.
Waste temporarily stored at sites around the country is shipped to WIPP
and permanently disposed in rooms mined out of an ancient salt formation
2,150 feet below the surface. WIPP, which began waste disposal operations
in 1999, is located 26 miles outside of Carlsbad, N.M.
Marietta Biscuit receives $$ to improve/expand operation
ALAMOGORDO – Governor Bill Richardson presented a check for
$200,000 to the City of Alamogordo on Friday for the Marietta Biscuit
Company. Marietta will use the money to expand their baking operation and
to retrofit its ovens to increase overall production capacity.
“I am pleased to see another company is taking advantage of our
incentives and has relocated to New Mexico,” said Governor Richardson.
“Marietta has already brought nearly 100 new jobs to Alamogordo and they
expect that number to double by summer.”
Marietta Biscuit Company, Inc. purchased a 225,000 square foot building in
Alamogordo, formerly owned by Sunbaked Biscuits. The company currently
employs 97 New Mexicans at an average annual salary of approximately
$21,500. They expect to have a total of 200 employees by late summer
2008.
The company has committed to an original capital investment of $6.5 million
to include building, property and existing equipment. An additional $5
million was invested and used for operating capital and the purchase of
new equipment. In addition, the City of Alamogordo will invest $1 million
from its local economic development fund over the next 10 years.
New Mexico Economic Development Department Cabinet Secretary Fred
Mondragón stated: “I am pleased to see that recruiting efforts on behalf of
the New Mexico Economic Development Department and its partners are
continuing to bring new business and new jobs to rural New Mexico.”
“I want to thank Governor Richardson for having the foresight to see an
investment like this pays the community back exponentially,” said Gayle
Misterly, President of Marietta Biscuit Company, Inc. “The $200,000 from
the State will enable us to retrofit additional ovens which will allow us to
increase production capabilities and double our current workforce.”
The Marietta Biscuit Company, Inc. is a full line manufacturer of cookies
and crackers. The company began operations at its Alamogordo plant in
November of 2007.
Manufacturing capabilities include cookie and cracker sandwiches, wire
cuts, rotaries, fruit filled bars, sugar wafers, animal cookies and a variety
snack cracker products. In addition to producing products in the Marietta
label, the company offers services for contract manufacturing and private
label packing.
Organic farming conference starts Friday
ALBUQUERQUE – Organic farming is growing in New Mexico. The 175
state-certified organic farms and ranches have estimated annual gross
sales of $30 million. To keep the farmers and producers abreast of the
latest information in their field the annual New Mexico Organic Farming
Conference has provided sessions in key topics for the past 19 years.
New Mexico Department of Agriculture Secretary Dr. I. Miley Gonzalez will
welcome the farmers and producers to the 2008 New Mexico Organic
Farming Conference being held Friday and Saturday, Feb. 29 and March
1, at the Marriott Albuquerque Pyramid Hotel, 5151 San Francisco Road
NE, at Paseo del Norte and Interstate 25.
Gonzalez, a long-time supporter of organic farming, has worked to extend
support to family-scale farmers in New Mexico as they face challenges
ranging from water availability to finding appropriate markets.
The conference is organized by New Mexico State University’s Cooperative
Extension Service, the New Mexico Department of Agriculture, the New
Mexico Organic Commodity Commission and Farm to Table, a non-profit
education organization.
The keynote address will be given by Francis Thicke at 8:30 a.m. Saturday.
Thicke, the owner/operator of a 75-cow, certified organic, grass-based,
value-added dairy, will speak on ecology as a model for organic agriculture.
Thicke has been in agriculture his entire life, and converted his family farm
to organic in 1976. He has been deeply involved in research and promotion
of organic agriculture, testifying before the U.S. Senate Committee on
Agriculture regarding the 2007 Farm Bill. He currently serves on the board
of directors of the Organic Farming Research Foundation, the Iowa
Environmental Protection Commission and the steering committee of the
Scientific Congress on Organic Agriculture Research.
Among the projects he has worked with is the Shared Vision project to bring
local farmers and community members together to create a vision and
initiate action toward a more sustainable agriculture and community. Thicke
received his doctorate in agronomy/soil fertility from the University of Illinois
in 1988.
During the conference, 30 workshops will cover a host of subjects such as
building a small dairy, vegetable production, heating greenhouses,
veterinary care for organic livestock, beneficial insects, food safety on the
farm, managing the acequia, rotational grazing, conservation easements,
season extension techniques, organic egg production, weed management,
finding the niche market, bee keeping without chemicals and soil health in
drylands.
Hands-on demonstrations will be given in pruning fruit trees, solar system
setup, farm ergonomics, tractor and equipment safety, drip irrigation and a
vegetable washing station.
“This is an exciting conference this year. The speakers are outstanding
professionals in their fields,” said Del Jimenez, agricultural specialist with
NMSU’s Sustainable Agriculture Science Center at Alcalde. “It’s also a great
place to network with other people and farmers that are organic in principle.”
“This conference is the best around for small-scale producers, whether
organic or not, because it is a very good producer conference,” said Le
Adams of Farm to Table. Prior to being involved as an event organizer, she
attended the conference as she learned how to be a Southwest commercial
vegetable grower. “One aspect of this conference is that it has been very
good about providing new and innovative information for people to know
about in the world of production and marketing.”
In the past couple of years, the number of farmers turning to organic
methods has greatly increased as many conventional farmers transition to
organic in order to access a market that is growing at around 20 percent a
year, according to Joan Quinn of the New Mexico Organic Commodity
Commission. “Organic farmers and ranchers are caring stewards of over
130,000 acres of New Mexico’s land, providing nutritious and delicious food
for New Mexicans, while building habitat for a diversity of wildlife, and
creating a fertile soil that conserves water,” she said.
“For some family-scale farmers, organic transition provides the revenue
farmers need to continue farming the land their families have cared for over
generations,” said Craig Mapel, marketing specialist for the New Mexico
Department of Agriculture. “This conference brings together organic
producers from around the Southwest to share information gained over
decades of organic farming in the high desert.”
Registration opens at 7:30 a.m. Friday. Cost is $100 for the two-day event,
or $65 for single day entry. Participants will be served snacks during both
days and lunch on Saturday that will feature locally grown organic foods.
For more information call (505) 841-9067 in Albuquerque or (505) 473-
1004 in Santa Fe.
THERE IS NO SWIM-A-THON!
ARTESIA - The Artesia Police Department warns citizens to be on their
guard about a scam being conducted by persons posing as fundraisers for
an event benefiting Artesia Public Schools.
According to APD Sgt. Lindell Smith, on 02/21/08 at an unknown time, an
unknown person called at least two businesses in town and asked for
donations to the Artesia Public School Swim-a-thon.
According to Dr Crit Caton, principal at the Artesia High School, there is no
such thing. This is a scam.
If you should receive such a call, ask for a name and call-back number or
mailing address. DO NOT GIVE OUT ANY PERSONAL OR FINANCIAL
INFORMATION. Even if you do not have Caller ID or cannot get
information, please report the call to the Artesia Police Department
immediately. The number for APD is 575.746.5000 or visit the station at
702 W. Chisum Avenue or email LSmith@artesiaps.com.
This type of fraudulent crime hurts everyone - if you are a victim, you lose
your moeny and are at risk for identity theft. Legitimate organizations suffer
when they have a need for donations that may not be met as citizens
become wary of requests, and the group that is misrepresented is dealt a
blow to their credibility.
Protect your name, your resources and your community and help stop
these nefarious scamsters!
NMSU & FAA partner for aircraft test center
ALBUQUERQUE – U.S. Senator Pete Domenici Wednesday announced a
cooperative agreement between New Mexico State University (NMSU) and
the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that will help establish the
university as the primary test center for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).
NMSU and FAA signed the Cooperative Research and Development
Agreement (CRADA) to create the university’s UAS Flight Test Center
(FTC) for government and private research, development and testing of
unmanned systems, including a designated air space in southern New
Mexico to safely carry out this work.
“This agreement is the result of years of work, both on my part and on the
part of those at the FAA and New Mexico State University,” said Domenici.
“This is important research, and the information gained will be important as
the need to safely integrate unmanned aircraft into the airspace system
increases.”
The FTC expects to provide research and development for unmanned
aircraft use in areas such as the establishment of standard UAS
regulations, in addition to providing relevant technology for homeland
security, agriculture, defense and science operations. Operated by
NMSU/Physical Science Laboratory (PSL), the center will be headquartered
in Las Cruces and utilize existing airspace, infrastructure, and policies and
procedures to carry out its work.
No standards currently exist for the routine deployment of UAS within the
National Airspace System (NAS). Domenici indicated he expects the
agreement will allow researchers to develop standards consistent with safe
and useful operation of UAS that in the end will be mutually beneficial to
NMSU and the FAA.
The agreement follows significant efforts on the part of Domenici to secure
federal defense funding for the laboratory’s UAS Operations Validation
Program (USOVP), as well as federal approval for NMSU/PSL as a research
hub. In a 2006 letter to the FAA, Domenici noted the need for a UAS flight
research center, as well as NMSU’s strong qualifications for hosting such a
program.
“Over the past several years, I’ve remained convinced that NMSU is a prime
setting for this kind of innovative research. Its geographic location, proven
research capabilities, and positive impact on New Mexico’s economy are
just a few of the reasons I expect the program to be well served through the
signing of this agreement,” Domenici noted.
Domenici is a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee,
including subcommittees that fund the FAA, Department of Defense, and
Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Over the years, he has pressed
DHS to deploy UAS in southern New Mexico.
For more information on NMSU’s Physical Sciences Laboratory and its work
with UAS, visit: http://www.psl.nmsu.edu/uav/.
Construction work continues on US 82 in Eddy County. The pavement
rehabilitation project has been reduced to one lane, with 12-foot width
restrictions in place. Work is taking place between milepost 126 to milepost
138.5, in Eddy County near the vicinity of Loco Hills. The work is part of a
12.5 mile long highway construction project costing approximately $5
million. Included in this project are drainage upgrades, increased safety,
and a smoother driving surface for motorists.
Throughout the project, 12-foot width restrictions are in place. Motorists
can expect 10-15 minute delays. Hours of operation are Monday thru
Friday, from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, with work to continue on some weekends.
All work is scheduled to be completed in May 2008, weather permitting.
Motorist are urged to watch for construction personnel working in the area,
observe temporary detours, and obey posted reduced speed limit signs
throughout the work zone. Double fines will be enforced for speeding in the
work zone.
The NMDOT is committed to the safety of the traveling public and thanks
you for your patience and assistance while work is taking place. For
updates on projects and lane closures please visit the NMDOT road
advisory web site at http://nmroads.com/ or call toll free 1-800-432-4269.
For more information concerning this work please contract Raymond
Reeves Project Manager, or Jeff Anderson Assistant Project Manager, at
(575) 637-7200. For questions or comments regarding this press release
contact Manon Arnett Public Information Officer, at (575) 637-7210.
WIPP security contract awarded
CARLSBAD - Washington TRU Solutions LLC (WTS) has awarded a
subcontract valued at over $18 million to Security Walls LLC of Knoxville,
Tenn. Security Walls LLC teamed with Triumph Technologies, Inc. to
provide security services to the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Waste
Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP). The initial 12-month subcontract includes four
one-year options.
“Security plays a key role at WIPP. I certainly want to congratulate Security
Walls on this competitive award and we look forward to a smooth transition,”
said Farok Sharif, WTS president and general manager. WTS manages
and operates WIPP near Carlsbad for the Department of Energy.
Security Walls LLC was established in 2003 and is an 8(a)-certified small,
disadvantaged, woman-owned business. The company has performed work
for the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Health and Human
Services, the Department of Defense, as well as the Department of Energy.
Triumph Technologies, Inc., headquartered in Falls Church, Va., is a
service-disabled veteran, woman-owned corporation and specializes in
program management, information technology and security services to
government and private industry. Together, Security Walls and Triumph
Technologies offer more than 25 years of experience in investigative and
security services.
Four companies provided competitive proposals for the subcontract,
including Santa Fe Protective Services, WIPP security provider since 2001.
Security Walls expects to maintain current security staffing levels under the
new contract.
WIPP is the world's first licensed repository for the permanent disposal of
defense generated transuranic radioactive waste left from research and
production of nuclear weapons and a cornerstone to the DOE national
clean-up effort.
Waste temporarily stored at sites around the country is shipped to WIPP
and permanently disposed in rooms mined out of an ancient salt formation
2,150 feet below the surface. WIPP, which began waste disposal operations
in 1999, is located 26 miles outside of Carlsbad, N.M.
Marietta Biscuit receives $$ to improve/expand operation
ALAMOGORDO – Governor Bill Richardson presented a check for
$200,000 to the City of Alamogordo on Friday for the Marietta Biscuit
Company. Marietta will use the money to expand their baking operation and
to retrofit its ovens to increase overall production capacity.
“I am pleased to see another company is taking advantage of our
incentives and has relocated to New Mexico,” said Governor Richardson.
“Marietta has already brought nearly 100 new jobs to Alamogordo and they
expect that number to double by summer.”
Marietta Biscuit Company, Inc. purchased a 225,000 square foot building in
Alamogordo, formerly owned by Sunbaked Biscuits. The company currently
employs 97 New Mexicans at an average annual salary of approximately
$21,500. They expect to have a total of 200 employees by late summer
2008.
The company has committed to an original capital investment of $6.5 million
to include building, property and existing equipment. An additional $5
million was invested and used for operating capital and the purchase of
new equipment. In addition, the City of Alamogordo will invest $1 million
from its local economic development fund over the next 10 years.
New Mexico Economic Development Department Cabinet Secretary Fred
Mondragón stated: “I am pleased to see that recruiting efforts on behalf of
the New Mexico Economic Development Department and its partners are
continuing to bring new business and new jobs to rural New Mexico.”
“I want to thank Governor Richardson for having the foresight to see an
investment like this pays the community back exponentially,” said Gayle
Misterly, President of Marietta Biscuit Company, Inc. “The $200,000 from
the State will enable us to retrofit additional ovens which will allow us to
increase production capabilities and double our current workforce.”
The Marietta Biscuit Company, Inc. is a full line manufacturer of cookies
and crackers. The company began operations at its Alamogordo plant in
November of 2007.
Manufacturing capabilities include cookie and cracker sandwiches, wire
cuts, rotaries, fruit filled bars, sugar wafers, animal cookies and a variety
snack cracker products. In addition to producing products in the Marietta
label, the company offers services for contract manufacturing and private
label packing.
Organic farming conference starts Friday
ALBUQUERQUE – Organic farming is growing in New Mexico. The 175
state-certified organic farms and ranches have estimated annual gross
sales of $30 million. To keep the farmers and producers abreast of the
latest information in their field the annual New Mexico Organic Farming
Conference has provided sessions in key topics for the past 19 years.
New Mexico Department of Agriculture Secretary Dr. I. Miley Gonzalez will
welcome the farmers and producers to the 2008 New Mexico Organic
Farming Conference being held Friday and Saturday, Feb. 29 and March
1, at the Marriott Albuquerque Pyramid Hotel, 5151 San Francisco Road
NE, at Paseo del Norte and Interstate 25.
Gonzalez, a long-time supporter of organic farming, has worked to extend
support to family-scale farmers in New Mexico as they face challenges
ranging from water availability to finding appropriate markets.
The conference is organized by New Mexico State University’s Cooperative
Extension Service, the New Mexico Department of Agriculture, the New
Mexico Organic Commodity Commission and Farm to Table, a non-profit
education organization.
The keynote address will be given by Francis Thicke at 8:30 a.m. Saturday.
Thicke, the owner/operator of a 75-cow, certified organic, grass-based,
value-added dairy, will speak on ecology as a model for organic agriculture.
Thicke has been in agriculture his entire life, and converted his family farm
to organic in 1976. He has been deeply involved in research and promotion
of organic agriculture, testifying before the U.S. Senate Committee on
Agriculture regarding the 2007 Farm Bill. He currently serves on the board
of directors of the Organic Farming Research Foundation, the Iowa
Environmental Protection Commission and the steering committee of the
Scientific Congress on Organic Agriculture Research.
Among the projects he has worked with is the Shared Vision project to bring
local farmers and community members together to create a vision and
initiate action toward a more sustainable agriculture and community. Thicke
received his doctorate in agronomy/soil fertility from the University of Illinois
in 1988.
During the conference, 30 workshops will cover a host of subjects such as
building a small dairy, vegetable production, heating greenhouses,
veterinary care for organic livestock, beneficial insects, food safety on the
farm, managing the acequia, rotational grazing, conservation easements,
season extension techniques, organic egg production, weed management,
finding the niche market, bee keeping without chemicals and soil health in
drylands.
Hands-on demonstrations will be given in pruning fruit trees, solar system
setup, farm ergonomics, tractor and equipment safety, drip irrigation and a
vegetable washing station.
“This is an exciting conference this year. The speakers are outstanding
professionals in their fields,” said Del Jimenez, agricultural specialist with
NMSU’s Sustainable Agriculture Science Center at Alcalde. “It’s also a great
place to network with other people and farmers that are organic in principle.”
“This conference is the best around for small-scale producers, whether
organic or not, because it is a very good producer conference,” said Le
Adams of Farm to Table. Prior to being involved as an event organizer, she
attended the conference as she learned how to be a Southwest commercial
vegetable grower. “One aspect of this conference is that it has been very
good about providing new and innovative information for people to know
about in the world of production and marketing.”
In the past couple of years, the number of farmers turning to organic
methods has greatly increased as many conventional farmers transition to
organic in order to access a market that is growing at around 20 percent a
year, according to Joan Quinn of the New Mexico Organic Commodity
Commission. “Organic farmers and ranchers are caring stewards of over
130,000 acres of New Mexico’s land, providing nutritious and delicious food
for New Mexicans, while building habitat for a diversity of wildlife, and
creating a fertile soil that conserves water,” she said.
“For some family-scale farmers, organic transition provides the revenue
farmers need to continue farming the land their families have cared for over
generations,” said Craig Mapel, marketing specialist for the New Mexico
Department of Agriculture. “This conference brings together organic
producers from around the Southwest to share information gained over
decades of organic farming in the high desert.”
Registration opens at 7:30 a.m. Friday. Cost is $100 for the two-day event,
or $65 for single day entry. Participants will be served snacks during both
days and lunch on Saturday that will feature locally grown organic foods.
For more information call (505) 841-9067 in Albuquerque or (505) 473-
1004 in Santa Fe.
THERE IS NO SWIM-A-THON!
ARTESIA - The Artesia Police Department warns citizens to be on their
guard about a scam being conducted by persons posing as fundraisers for
an event benefiting Artesia Public Schools.
According to APD Sgt. Lindell Smith, on 02/21/08 at an unknown time, an
unknown person called at least two businesses in town and asked for
donations to the Artesia Public School Swim-a-thon.
According to Dr Crit Caton, principal at the Artesia High School, there is no
such thing. This is a scam.
If you should receive such a call, ask for a name and call-back number or
mailing address. DO NOT GIVE OUT ANY PERSONAL OR FINANCIAL
INFORMATION. Even if you do not have Caller ID or cannot get
information, please report the call to the Artesia Police Department
immediately. The number for APD is 575.746.5000 or visit the station at
702 W. Chisum Avenue or email LSmith@artesiaps.com.
This type of fraudulent crime hurts everyone - if you are a victim, you lose
your moeny and are at risk for identity theft. Legitimate organizations suffer
when they have a need for donations that may not be met as citizens
become wary of requests, and the group that is misrepresented is dealt a
blow to their credibility.
Protect your name, your resources and your community and help stop
these nefarious scamsters!
NMSU & FAA partner for aircraft test center
ALBUQUERQUE – U.S. Senator Pete Domenici Wednesday announced a
cooperative agreement between New Mexico State University (NMSU) and
the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that will help establish the
university as the primary test center for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).
NMSU and FAA signed the Cooperative Research and Development
Agreement (CRADA) to create the university’s UAS Flight Test Center
(FTC) for government and private research, development and testing of
unmanned systems, including a designated air space in southern New
Mexico to safely carry out this work.
“This agreement is the result of years of work, both on my part and on the
part of those at the FAA and New Mexico State University,” said Domenici.
“This is important research, and the information gained will be important as
the need to safely integrate unmanned aircraft into the airspace system
increases.”
The FTC expects to provide research and development for unmanned
aircraft use in areas such as the establishment of standard UAS
regulations, in addition to providing relevant technology for homeland
security, agriculture, defense and science operations. Operated by
NMSU/Physical Science Laboratory (PSL), the center will be headquartered
in Las Cruces and utilize existing airspace, infrastructure, and policies and
procedures to carry out its work.
No standards currently exist for the routine deployment of UAS within the
National Airspace System (NAS). Domenici indicated he expects the
agreement will allow researchers to develop standards consistent with safe
and useful operation of UAS that in the end will be mutually beneficial to
NMSU and the FAA.
The agreement follows significant efforts on the part of Domenici to secure
federal defense funding for the laboratory’s UAS Operations Validation
Program (USOVP), as well as federal approval for NMSU/PSL as a research
hub. In a 2006 letter to the FAA, Domenici noted the need for a UAS flight
research center, as well as NMSU’s strong qualifications for hosting such a
program.
“Over the past several years, I’ve remained convinced that NMSU is a prime
setting for this kind of innovative research. Its geographic location, proven
research capabilities, and positive impact on New Mexico’s economy are
just a few of the reasons I expect the program to be well served through the
signing of this agreement,” Domenici noted.
Domenici is a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee,
including subcommittees that fund the FAA, Department of Defense, and
Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Over the years, he has pressed
DHS to deploy UAS in southern New Mexico.
For more information on NMSU’s Physical Sciences Laboratory and its work
with UAS, visit: http://www.psl.nmsu.edu/uav/.
Council meeting set for Tuesday
ARTESIA - The Artesia City Council will meet in
regular session on Tuesday, Feb. 26th, at 7 pm
in the council chambers at City Hall, 511 W.
Texas Avenue.
This is a public meeting to which all citizens are
welcome and encouraged to attend. You have
a right and a responsibility to witness your local
government in action. Items on the agenda and
the consent agenda include hiring an
Infrastructure Director and a Certified Police
Officer; and setting seven public hearings.
Hard copies of the agendas will be available at
City Hall Monday afternoon. The agendas, as
well as the minutes and other official documents
are all public record. These are available for
review or copy through the City Clerk's office.
Voting by Machine Begins Feb. 13th
ARTESIA - Absentee Voting by machine for the
March 4, 2008 Regular Municipal Election will
begin on Wednesday, February 13, 2008 and
will end February 29, 2008. Voters who wish to
vote prior to Election Day may come to the City
Clerk’s Office during regular business hours (8
–5), Monday through Friday, file an application,
and cast their vote by voting machine. The City
Clerk’s Office is located in City Hall, 511 W.
Texas Ave.
The City Clerk’s office is also still accepting
applications to mail out absentee ballots. Voters
may request an application to vote 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.
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!
Buckle Down and buckle up!
ARTESIA - During the month of February
officers from the Artesia Police Department will
be continuing their efforts in making the streets
of Artesia safe for people to travel by
conducting sobriety checkpoints and saturation
patrols. In search for drivers who continue to
make the wrong choice, driving while under the
influence of alcohol or other drugs (including
prescription drugs).
It’s not just alcohol. Your driving skills can also
be affected by:
Illegal drugs (Marijuana, Cocaine, Ecstasy, etc.);
some prescription drugs;
some over-the-counter drugs, such as cold
medicines. (Read the label to see if a drug can
affect your driving).
Using alcohol and any of these drugs together
is even more dangerous.
Drinking and driving don’t mix. Remember,
alcohol is a drug. No matter hold old you are,
drinking and driving is against the law and can
be deadly.
"If you heard it once you heard it a thousand
times; you drink, you drive you loose. Use a
designated driver, walk or call someone for a
ride home. Remember, your parents and
friends would want you to wake them up for a
ride rather than receiving a phone call from me,
telling them that you’ve been arrested for
Driving while under the influence of intoxicating
liquor or drugs, or in the hospital or worse, not
coming home at all," said Cmdr. Richard
Martinez with the Artesia Police Department.
Safety belts (also called seat belts) are a
necessity, not a matter of choice. That goes for
drivers AND passengers (including children). In
the State of New Mexico it’s the law. It’s simple:
If you’re in a car, buckle up, if you fail to do so,
chances are you’ll be stopped and issued a
traffic citation for this violation by an officer from
our department working overtime funded by the
New Mexico Department of Transportation
working Operation Buckle Down during the
month of February and throughout the rest of
the year. Keep your sweetheart safe, by
making sure they are buckled up.
The Artesia Police Department and the
Department of Transportation work in
partnership to make driving safe for all
travelers, by enforcing traffic laws and raising
public awareness to prevent traffic-related
crashes, injuries and fatalities.
IRS Seeks Candidates for Advisory
Committee
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue
Service is seeking candidates for membership
on the Electronic Tax Administration Advisory
Committee (ETAAC). All applicants should
submit a resume and complete an application
form for the fall vacancies. In addition, the IRS
will require a federal tax check waiver and a
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) check of
the best qualified applicants. The deadline for
submitting applications is Tuesday, April 1, 2008.
ETAAC provides an organized public forum for
discussion of electronic tax administration
issues in support of the overriding goal that
paperless filing should be the preferred and
most convenient method of filing tax and
information returns. ETAAC provides an annual
report to Congress on IRS’s progress in
increasing electronic transactions.
ETAAC researches, analyzes, considers and
makes recommendations on a wide range of
electronic tax administration issues. Membership
on ETAAC requires expertise in electronic tax
administration, a personal commitment of
approximately 100 hours a year and a desire to
help shape the electronic tax administration
system.
For additional information, please send an e-
mail to etaac@irs.gov.
ETAAC was created in 1998 by the IRS
Electronic Tax Administration as required by the
IRS Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998 (RRA
98).
ARTESIA - The Artesia City Council will meet in
regular session on Tuesday, Feb. 26th, at 7 pm
in the council chambers at City Hall, 511 W.
Texas Avenue.
This is a public meeting to which all citizens are
welcome and encouraged to attend. You have
a right and a responsibility to witness your local
government in action. Items on the agenda and
the consent agenda include hiring an
Infrastructure Director and a Certified Police
Officer; and setting seven public hearings.
Hard copies of the agendas will be available at
City Hall Monday afternoon. The agendas, as
well as the minutes and other official documents
are all public record. These are available for
review or copy through the City Clerk's office.
Voting by Machine Begins Feb. 13th
ARTESIA - Absentee Voting by machine for the
March 4, 2008 Regular Municipal Election will
begin on Wednesday, February 13, 2008 and
will end February 29, 2008. Voters who wish to
vote prior to Election Day may come to the City
Clerk’s Office during regular business hours (8
–5), Monday through Friday, file an application,
and cast their vote by voting machine. The City
Clerk’s Office is located in City Hall, 511 W.
Texas Ave.
The City Clerk’s office is also still accepting
applications to mail out absentee ballots. Voters
may request an application to vote 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.
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!
Buckle Down and buckle up!
ARTESIA - During the month of February
officers from the Artesia Police Department will
be continuing their efforts in making the streets
of Artesia safe for people to travel by
conducting sobriety checkpoints and saturation
patrols. In search for drivers who continue to
make the wrong choice, driving while under the
influence of alcohol or other drugs (including
prescription drugs).
It’s not just alcohol. Your driving skills can also
be affected by:
Illegal drugs (Marijuana, Cocaine, Ecstasy, etc.);
some prescription drugs;
some over-the-counter drugs, such as cold
medicines. (Read the label to see if a drug can
affect your driving).
Using alcohol and any of these drugs together
is even more dangerous.
Drinking and driving don’t mix. Remember,
alcohol is a drug. No matter hold old you are,
drinking and driving is against the law and can
be deadly.
"If you heard it once you heard it a thousand
times; you drink, you drive you loose. Use a
designated driver, walk or call someone for a
ride home. Remember, your parents and
friends would want you to wake them up for a
ride rather than receiving a phone call from me,
telling them that you’ve been arrested for
Driving while under the influence of intoxicating
liquor or drugs, or in the hospital or worse, not
coming home at all," said Cmdr. Richard
Martinez with the Artesia Police Department.
Safety belts (also called seat belts) are a
necessity, not a matter of choice. That goes for
drivers AND passengers (including children). In
the State of New Mexico it’s the law. It’s simple:
If you’re in a car, buckle up, if you fail to do so,
chances are you’ll be stopped and issued a
traffic citation for this violation by an officer from
our department working overtime funded by the
New Mexico Department of Transportation
working Operation Buckle Down during the
month of February and throughout the rest of
the year. Keep your sweetheart safe, by
making sure they are buckled up.
The Artesia Police Department and the
Department of Transportation work in
partnership to make driving safe for all
travelers, by enforcing traffic laws and raising
public awareness to prevent traffic-related
crashes, injuries and fatalities.
IRS Seeks Candidates for Advisory
Committee
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue
Service is seeking candidates for membership
on the Electronic Tax Administration Advisory
Committee (ETAAC). All applicants should
submit a resume and complete an application
form for the fall vacancies. In addition, the IRS
will require a federal tax check waiver and a
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) check of
the best qualified applicants. The deadline for
submitting applications is Tuesday, April 1, 2008.
ETAAC provides an organized public forum for
discussion of electronic tax administration
issues in support of the overriding goal that
paperless filing should be the preferred and
most convenient method of filing tax and
information returns. ETAAC provides an annual
report to Congress on IRS’s progress in
increasing electronic transactions.
ETAAC researches, analyzes, considers and
makes recommendations on a wide range of
electronic tax administration issues. Membership
on ETAAC requires expertise in electronic tax
administration, a personal commitment of
approximately 100 hours a year and a desire to
help shape the electronic tax administration
system.
For additional information, please send an e-
mail to etaac@irs.gov.
ETAAC was created in 1998 by the IRS
Electronic Tax Administration as required by the
IRS Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998 (RRA
98).