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Volume 3, Number 18
February 27, 2008
February 27, 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 Dry conditions and increasing wind will continue fire weather concerns across West Texas and southeastern New Mexico today. Very low relative humidity values and windier conditions Thursday afternnon will bring elevated fire weather concerns. A Fire Weather Watch is in effect Thursday afternoon for the Guadalupe Mountains/Highway 54 corridor. A High Wind Watch is in effect as wind speeds may exceed high wind criteria across the Guadalupes Thursday afternoon. Fire weather conditions will become a concern again Saturday and Sunday. Today: Sunny, with a high near 74. South wind between 5 and 10 mph. Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 40. South wind between 5 and 10 mph. Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 81. Southwest wind between 10 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 39. West wind 10 to 20 mph becoming north. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph. Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 67. North wind around 10 mph becoming southeast. Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 40. Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 79. Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 48. Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 78. Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37. Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 60. Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 35. Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 69. |
| 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. |
Absentee Voting Ending Soon
ARTESIA - The deadline to vote absentee for the March 4, 2008 Municipal
Election is Friday, February 29, 2008. For more information, call the City
Clerk’s office at 746-2122 or come by City Hall at 511 W. Texas to cast your
vote.
Chaves, Curry, Eddy, Lea & Lincoln Counties to Receive Funds
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Pete Domenici announced Tuesday that 21
New Mexico counties will share $803,809 in federal emergency food and
shelter grants to assist the hungry and homeless in their areas.
The funding is provided through the Emergency Food and Shelter (EFS)
Program administered by the Federal Emergency Management
Administration, an arm of the Department of Homeland Security. In addition
to the 21 recipient counties in the state, the state of New Mexico will also
receive EFS funding.
“The Emergency Food and Shelter Program has worked to help New
Mexicans in need. It is directed to those organizations that work directly
with the needy, which is critical to get aid where it is needed most,” said
Domenici, who serves on the Senate appropriations subcommittee that
funds FEMA and other DHS programs.
U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman said he is pleased that FEMA is providing
$803,809 in emergency food and shelter grants to 21 New Mexico counties.
“This funding will help shelter and feed those New Mexicans with the most
need,” Bingaman said.
The Emergency Food and Shelter (EFS) program has been in existence
since 1983 and was authorized under the McKinney-Vento Homeless
Assistance Act of 1987. The EFS grants provide emergency assistance to
supplement community efforts to meet food, shelter, and other related
needs of the homeless and poor. In New Mexico, more than 90 nonprofit,
voluntary and social service organizations have received EFS grants.
FEMA indicated that additional grants could be selected later by the EFS
State Set-Aside Committee.
Most of this money is allocated by local boards with representatives from
religious and charitable organizations. The boards guarantee that the
funding is directed to areas where it is most needed, and that all monies
are accounted for.
The grant recipients may use the funding on food and shelter, or
emergency one-month assistance with rent, mortgage, and utility
payments. Awards are based on criteria that take into account levels of
population, unemployment and poverty. Congress provided FEMA with
$153 million in FY2008 funding for EFS.
New Mexico entities receiving EFS grants include:
· Bernalillo - $257,649
· Chaves - $25,311
· Cibola - $11,976
· Curry - $14,809
· Doña Ana - $84,570
· Eddy - $19,162
· Grant - $11,101
· Lea - $16,721
· Lincoln - $8,591
· Luna - $28,190
· McKinley – $30,631
· Otero - $23,561
· Rio Arriba - $22,778
· Sandoval - $49,102
· San Juan - $47,882
· San Miguel - $13,588
· Santa Fe - $55,666
· Socorro - $7,163
· Taos -- $20,521
· Torrance - $7,347
· Valencia - $48,363
· New Mexico Set-Aside - $19,807
Terminator Salvation: The Future Begins to be filmed in NM
SANTA FE - Governor Bill Richardson today announced that Terminator
Salvation: The Future Begins will be shot in New Mexico. Production is
scheduled to begin in New Mexico in spring 2008. Christian Bale (3:10 to
Yuma, Batman) will star asJohn Connor.
Terminator Salvation: The Future Begins will be the first film in a new
Terminator trilogy and will mark the latest installment of the multi-billion
dollar Terminator franchise. Moritz Borman, Derek Anderson and Victor
Kubicek will produce. McG will direct the film from a script by John Brancato
and Michael Ferris (Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines).
“Terminator Salvation is the largest picture shot in New Mexico to date and
will continue to showcase our status as a leader in quality locations, quality
crews and talent, and quality productions,” said Governor Richardson.
“This is huge for the state’s film industry – the fact that such a big film with a
blockbuster reputation has chosen New Mexico speaks volumes.”
"New Mexico represents an arid Western United States which has a look
and feel conducive to creating an American Gothic picture,” said Director
McG. “This Terminator is set in a credible post-apocalyptic future and will
redefine the language of its predecessors. This is the story of a man's
search for belief in himself and his fellow man. It's a long journey and the
landscape plays a critical role. Governor Richardson’s office and the New
Mexico Film Office have been extremely supportive and we're looking
forward to an incredible production experience."
The film will be shot from May through August in Albuquerque, Santa Fe
and other New Mexico locations. Production offices will be based at
Albuquerque Studios, where all of the stage work will take place,
representing a large portion of the film.
The film is set to release in North America on May 22, 2009. Warner Bros.
Pictures is handling all U.S. and Canadian distribution rights for the film,
with Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions Group handling international
distribution rights in all territories (excluding Korea and select Mideast
territories). The Halcyon Company acquired all Terminator franchise rights
in May 2007.
Since Richardson took office, over 90 major feature film and television
projects have shot in the state, adding $1.5 billion dollars to New Mexico’s
economy.
Senator Concerned Over Impact on Industry, Job Losses
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Pete Domenici, ranking member of the
Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Monday raised
concerns with a proposed rule in New Mexico that could cause the loss of
hundreds of jobs in the state’s oil and gas industry.
Domenici on Monday expressed doubts to Governor Bill Richardson about
a rule proposed by the state Oil and Conservation Division (OCD) that
could cost industry up to $200,000 for every oil and natural gas well in the
state, diminish overall well activity, drive jobs and business away from New
Mexico and deplete revenues to the state’s general fund.
The rule, which would impact the 55,000 wells currently in operation in New
Mexico, changes the way waste products are disposed of by placing new
restrictions on pits which hold waste from production. In some instances,
no pits would be allowed at all, and onsite disposal of waste would not be
permitted. New Mexico would be the only state in the nation to adopt such
regulations.
“I believe we must do everything in our power to make sure that
contamination from drilling does not occur. But this new rule has the
potential to be double trouble for our country and the people of New
Mexico. At a time when gas prices are soaring, it could curb domestic
production of oil and gas, making us more dependent on foreign oil. And it
almost certainly will drive oil and gas business right out of our state, which
could mean the loss of over a billion dollars a year to our state’s economy,”
Domenici said.
According to published reports, oil and gas royalties are responsible for
nearly a quarter of New Mexico’s $5.7 billion general fund. The state relies
heavily on such revenues to fund public education and other basic needs
for New Mexicans. If costs were to significantly increase for companies in
New Mexico, many would simply relocate to Texas, Colorado or other states
which do not have such regulations.
“We must seek to find a solution that will not have such a severely negative
impact on the industry and our state. Environmental protections are very
important, but we must strike a balance and come up with a workable
solution that won’t result in less production and revenue,” Domenici said.
OCD is expected to issue its final rule next month. The proposed rule
would come on the heels of a new $4,000 fee for new applications to drill
imposed by Congress this year as part of the FY2008 Omnibus
Appropriations Bill. Domenici does not support the new fee, which was
proposed by House Democrats.
Urban Land Institute conducting Advisory Services Panel
ALBUQUERQUE – City Councilor Isaac Benton announced that a national
panel of development experts from the Urban Land Institute (ULI) will be in
Albuquerque this week (Feb. 25-29, 2008) to conduct an Advisory Services
Panel on the redevelopment of the 27-acre Rail Yards property that the
City purchased in November 2007. The sponsors of the study are the City
of Albuquerque, the Wheels Museum, and the University of New Mexico.
Councilor Benton, who led the efforts to acquire the historic property, said
that the ULI study is the first step in planning for the redevelopment of the
site. “It is absolutely critical that there be an open and transparent public
process that drives the eventual redevelopment of the Rail Yards,” said
Benton. “The Urban Land Institute study provides an opportunity for
stakeholders to participate in identifying the important issues and
challenges that must be addressed in order to successfully redevelop this
property.”
During their week in Albuquerque, the panel members will tour the site,
interview a large and diverse group of stakeholders, develop preliminary
recommendations, and present their findings and recommendations in a
public meeting. Those scheduled to be interviewed include residents of the
Barelas and South Broadway neighborhoods, elected officials at the state
and local level, real estate and economic development experts, historic
preservationists, architects, and many others.
The media and general public are invited to attend the Panel’s final
presentation on Friday, February 29, 2008, 9 AM, at the National Hispanic
Cultural Center’s Bank of America Theater. Councilor Benton explained
that the Panel’s recommendations are centrally important to the future
redevelopment of the Rail Yards. He expects public discussion of the
recommendations after which the Albuquerque City Council would consider
adopting them as a starting point to create a Request for
Proposals/Request for Qualifications for a Master Developer. Benton has
already introduced legislation that outlines the steps to be taken to protect
both the site and the redevelopment process (R-08-47, introduced on 2-20-
08).
“I have never doubted that there would be a tremendous amount of interest
from private developers, nonprofits, and others who would like to be part of
the redevelopment of this historic site,” Benton said. “However, the City
has a responsibility to the people of Albuquerque, and especially the
Barelas and South Broadway neighborhoods, to ensure that the
redevelopment of the Rail Yards is the result of a deliberate and public
process, resulting in a plan that benefits the taxpayers financially, culturally,
and socially.”
The Urban Land Institute is a nonprofit education and research
organization that fosters and encourages high standards of land use
planning and development. Established in 1936, ULI is recognized as one
of North America's most respected and widely quoted sources of objective
information on urban planning, growth, and development. The members of
the Albuquerque Rail Yards Panel have been selected from the ULI
membership for their expertise relevant to the challenges and opportunities
facing this project. All panel members donate their time, effort, and
expertise to the Advisory Services program as a personal contribution to
further the Institute's work and objectives.
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.
ARTESIA - The deadline to vote absentee for the March 4, 2008 Municipal
Election is Friday, February 29, 2008. For more information, call the City
Clerk’s office at 746-2122 or come by City Hall at 511 W. Texas to cast your
vote.
Chaves, Curry, Eddy, Lea & Lincoln Counties to Receive Funds
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Pete Domenici announced Tuesday that 21
New Mexico counties will share $803,809 in federal emergency food and
shelter grants to assist the hungry and homeless in their areas.
The funding is provided through the Emergency Food and Shelter (EFS)
Program administered by the Federal Emergency Management
Administration, an arm of the Department of Homeland Security. In addition
to the 21 recipient counties in the state, the state of New Mexico will also
receive EFS funding.
“The Emergency Food and Shelter Program has worked to help New
Mexicans in need. It is directed to those organizations that work directly
with the needy, which is critical to get aid where it is needed most,” said
Domenici, who serves on the Senate appropriations subcommittee that
funds FEMA and other DHS programs.
U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman said he is pleased that FEMA is providing
$803,809 in emergency food and shelter grants to 21 New Mexico counties.
“This funding will help shelter and feed those New Mexicans with the most
need,” Bingaman said.
The Emergency Food and Shelter (EFS) program has been in existence
since 1983 and was authorized under the McKinney-Vento Homeless
Assistance Act of 1987. The EFS grants provide emergency assistance to
supplement community efforts to meet food, shelter, and other related
needs of the homeless and poor. In New Mexico, more than 90 nonprofit,
voluntary and social service organizations have received EFS grants.
FEMA indicated that additional grants could be selected later by the EFS
State Set-Aside Committee.
Most of this money is allocated by local boards with representatives from
religious and charitable organizations. The boards guarantee that the
funding is directed to areas where it is most needed, and that all monies
are accounted for.
The grant recipients may use the funding on food and shelter, or
emergency one-month assistance with rent, mortgage, and utility
payments. Awards are based on criteria that take into account levels of
population, unemployment and poverty. Congress provided FEMA with
$153 million in FY2008 funding for EFS.
New Mexico entities receiving EFS grants include:
· Bernalillo - $257,649
· Chaves - $25,311
· Cibola - $11,976
· Curry - $14,809
· Doña Ana - $84,570
· Eddy - $19,162
· Grant - $11,101
· Lea - $16,721
· Lincoln - $8,591
· Luna - $28,190
· McKinley – $30,631
· Otero - $23,561
· Rio Arriba - $22,778
· Sandoval - $49,102
· San Juan - $47,882
· San Miguel - $13,588
· Santa Fe - $55,666
· Socorro - $7,163
· Taos -- $20,521
· Torrance - $7,347
· Valencia - $48,363
· New Mexico Set-Aside - $19,807
Terminator Salvation: The Future Begins to be filmed in NM
SANTA FE - Governor Bill Richardson today announced that Terminator
Salvation: The Future Begins will be shot in New Mexico. Production is
scheduled to begin in New Mexico in spring 2008. Christian Bale (3:10 to
Yuma, Batman) will star asJohn Connor.
Terminator Salvation: The Future Begins will be the first film in a new
Terminator trilogy and will mark the latest installment of the multi-billion
dollar Terminator franchise. Moritz Borman, Derek Anderson and Victor
Kubicek will produce. McG will direct the film from a script by John Brancato
and Michael Ferris (Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines).
“Terminator Salvation is the largest picture shot in New Mexico to date and
will continue to showcase our status as a leader in quality locations, quality
crews and talent, and quality productions,” said Governor Richardson.
“This is huge for the state’s film industry – the fact that such a big film with a
blockbuster reputation has chosen New Mexico speaks volumes.”
"New Mexico represents an arid Western United States which has a look
and feel conducive to creating an American Gothic picture,” said Director
McG. “This Terminator is set in a credible post-apocalyptic future and will
redefine the language of its predecessors. This is the story of a man's
search for belief in himself and his fellow man. It's a long journey and the
landscape plays a critical role. Governor Richardson’s office and the New
Mexico Film Office have been extremely supportive and we're looking
forward to an incredible production experience."
The film will be shot from May through August in Albuquerque, Santa Fe
and other New Mexico locations. Production offices will be based at
Albuquerque Studios, where all of the stage work will take place,
representing a large portion of the film.
The film is set to release in North America on May 22, 2009. Warner Bros.
Pictures is handling all U.S. and Canadian distribution rights for the film,
with Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions Group handling international
distribution rights in all territories (excluding Korea and select Mideast
territories). The Halcyon Company acquired all Terminator franchise rights
in May 2007.
Since Richardson took office, over 90 major feature film and television
projects have shot in the state, adding $1.5 billion dollars to New Mexico’s
economy.
Senator Concerned Over Impact on Industry, Job Losses
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Pete Domenici, ranking member of the
Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Monday raised
concerns with a proposed rule in New Mexico that could cause the loss of
hundreds of jobs in the state’s oil and gas industry.
Domenici on Monday expressed doubts to Governor Bill Richardson about
a rule proposed by the state Oil and Conservation Division (OCD) that
could cost industry up to $200,000 for every oil and natural gas well in the
state, diminish overall well activity, drive jobs and business away from New
Mexico and deplete revenues to the state’s general fund.
The rule, which would impact the 55,000 wells currently in operation in New
Mexico, changes the way waste products are disposed of by placing new
restrictions on pits which hold waste from production. In some instances,
no pits would be allowed at all, and onsite disposal of waste would not be
permitted. New Mexico would be the only state in the nation to adopt such
regulations.
“I believe we must do everything in our power to make sure that
contamination from drilling does not occur. But this new rule has the
potential to be double trouble for our country and the people of New
Mexico. At a time when gas prices are soaring, it could curb domestic
production of oil and gas, making us more dependent on foreign oil. And it
almost certainly will drive oil and gas business right out of our state, which
could mean the loss of over a billion dollars a year to our state’s economy,”
Domenici said.
According to published reports, oil and gas royalties are responsible for
nearly a quarter of New Mexico’s $5.7 billion general fund. The state relies
heavily on such revenues to fund public education and other basic needs
for New Mexicans. If costs were to significantly increase for companies in
New Mexico, many would simply relocate to Texas, Colorado or other states
which do not have such regulations.
“We must seek to find a solution that will not have such a severely negative
impact on the industry and our state. Environmental protections are very
important, but we must strike a balance and come up with a workable
solution that won’t result in less production and revenue,” Domenici said.
OCD is expected to issue its final rule next month. The proposed rule
would come on the heels of a new $4,000 fee for new applications to drill
imposed by Congress this year as part of the FY2008 Omnibus
Appropriations Bill. Domenici does not support the new fee, which was
proposed by House Democrats.
Urban Land Institute conducting Advisory Services Panel
ALBUQUERQUE – City Councilor Isaac Benton announced that a national
panel of development experts from the Urban Land Institute (ULI) will be in
Albuquerque this week (Feb. 25-29, 2008) to conduct an Advisory Services
Panel on the redevelopment of the 27-acre Rail Yards property that the
City purchased in November 2007. The sponsors of the study are the City
of Albuquerque, the Wheels Museum, and the University of New Mexico.
Councilor Benton, who led the efforts to acquire the historic property, said
that the ULI study is the first step in planning for the redevelopment of the
site. “It is absolutely critical that there be an open and transparent public
process that drives the eventual redevelopment of the Rail Yards,” said
Benton. “The Urban Land Institute study provides an opportunity for
stakeholders to participate in identifying the important issues and
challenges that must be addressed in order to successfully redevelop this
property.”
During their week in Albuquerque, the panel members will tour the site,
interview a large and diverse group of stakeholders, develop preliminary
recommendations, and present their findings and recommendations in a
public meeting. Those scheduled to be interviewed include residents of the
Barelas and South Broadway neighborhoods, elected officials at the state
and local level, real estate and economic development experts, historic
preservationists, architects, and many others.
The media and general public are invited to attend the Panel’s final
presentation on Friday, February 29, 2008, 9 AM, at the National Hispanic
Cultural Center’s Bank of America Theater. Councilor Benton explained
that the Panel’s recommendations are centrally important to the future
redevelopment of the Rail Yards. He expects public discussion of the
recommendations after which the Albuquerque City Council would consider
adopting them as a starting point to create a Request for
Proposals/Request for Qualifications for a Master Developer. Benton has
already introduced legislation that outlines the steps to be taken to protect
both the site and the redevelopment process (R-08-47, introduced on 2-20-
08).
“I have never doubted that there would be a tremendous amount of interest
from private developers, nonprofits, and others who would like to be part of
the redevelopment of this historic site,” Benton said. “However, the City
has a responsibility to the people of Albuquerque, and especially the
Barelas and South Broadway neighborhoods, to ensure that the
redevelopment of the Rail Yards is the result of a deliberate and public
process, resulting in a plan that benefits the taxpayers financially, culturally,
and socially.”
The Urban Land Institute is a nonprofit education and research
organization that fosters and encourages high standards of land use
planning and development. Established in 1936, ULI is recognized as one
of North America's most respected and widely quoted sources of objective
information on urban planning, growth, and development. The members of
the Albuquerque Rail Yards Panel have been selected from the ULI
membership for their expertise relevant to the challenges and opportunities
facing this project. All panel members donate their time, effort, and
expertise to the Advisory Services program as a personal contribution to
further the Institute's work and objectives.
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.
Kaiser bids farewell to council
ARTESIA - District 3 City Councilor Glenn Kaiser
attended his last city council meeting in his
oficial capacity Tuesday night. With Artesia's
municipal election set for March 4th, a new
councilor will be sworn in at the next regularly
scheduled city council meeting on March 11th.
Kaiser was elected in 2004, at which time he
pledged to serve four years and did not run for
re-election this year.
"I love this city," said Kaiser. "I would hope the
person elected [to District 3] loves this city as
much as I do... not just the citizens, but the
employees... are just phenomenal.
In regular council business, the council granted
Human Resources Director Bill Thalman
permission to hire Robert Forrest as
Infrastructure Director. Forrest has over 17
years experience in local government, serving in
Public Works and Public Utilities.
According to Thalman, Forrest holds or has
held certification/licensure in water, wastewater
and laboratory in Oklahoma and Arkansas. He
has six years experience as a public works
director and most recently served as Public
Works Director for Rindge, NH.
Forrest is originally from Oklahoma and enjoys
the southwestern U.S. He enjoys "getting his
hands dirty" and is really looking forward to
getting out of the heavy New Hampshire snows.
He anticipates starting work for Artesia by April
4th.
Bill Heineken was approved for hire as a
certified police officer and Devyn Garcia will
come on board as a recreation aide.
Assistant City Clerk Lisa C. Johnston reported
that early voting has attracted 91 voters - 16 by
mail and 75 in person. Early voting continues
through Friday, February 29th, at 5 p.m.
Holly releases quarterly numbers
DALLAS - Holly Corporation (NYSE “HOC”)
Monday announced the declaration of a regular
quarterly cash dividend in the amount of $0.15
per share payable on April 2, 2008, to holders
of record on March 19, 2008. This dividend
represents a 25% increase from the most recent
quarterly dividend rate of $0.12 per share.
Holly Corporation, headquartered in Dallas,
Texas, is an independent petroleum refiner and
marketer that produces high value light
products such as gasoline, diesel fuel and jet
fuel. Holly operates through its subsidiaries an
85,000 barrels per day (“bpd”) refinery located
in Artesia, New Mexico, and a 26,000 bpd
refinery in Woods Cross, Utah. Holly also owns
a 45% interest (including the general partner
interest) in Holly Energy Partners, L.P. (NYSE
“HEP”), which through subsidiaries owns or
leases approximately 1,700 miles of petroleum
product pipelines in Texas, New Mexico and
Oklahoma and petroleum product terminals in
several Southwest and Rocky Mountain states.
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!
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.
ARTESIA - District 3 City Councilor Glenn Kaiser
attended his last city council meeting in his
oficial capacity Tuesday night. With Artesia's
municipal election set for March 4th, a new
councilor will be sworn in at the next regularly
scheduled city council meeting on March 11th.
Kaiser was elected in 2004, at which time he
pledged to serve four years and did not run for
re-election this year.
"I love this city," said Kaiser. "I would hope the
person elected [to District 3] loves this city as
much as I do... not just the citizens, but the
employees... are just phenomenal.
In regular council business, the council granted
Human Resources Director Bill Thalman
permission to hire Robert Forrest as
Infrastructure Director. Forrest has over 17
years experience in local government, serving in
Public Works and Public Utilities.
According to Thalman, Forrest holds or has
held certification/licensure in water, wastewater
and laboratory in Oklahoma and Arkansas. He
has six years experience as a public works
director and most recently served as Public
Works Director for Rindge, NH.
Forrest is originally from Oklahoma and enjoys
the southwestern U.S. He enjoys "getting his
hands dirty" and is really looking forward to
getting out of the heavy New Hampshire snows.
He anticipates starting work for Artesia by April
4th.
Bill Heineken was approved for hire as a
certified police officer and Devyn Garcia will
come on board as a recreation aide.
Assistant City Clerk Lisa C. Johnston reported
that early voting has attracted 91 voters - 16 by
mail and 75 in person. Early voting continues
through Friday, February 29th, at 5 p.m.
Holly releases quarterly numbers
DALLAS - Holly Corporation (NYSE “HOC”)
Monday announced the declaration of a regular
quarterly cash dividend in the amount of $0.15
per share payable on April 2, 2008, to holders
of record on March 19, 2008. This dividend
represents a 25% increase from the most recent
quarterly dividend rate of $0.12 per share.
Holly Corporation, headquartered in Dallas,
Texas, is an independent petroleum refiner and
marketer that produces high value light
products such as gasoline, diesel fuel and jet
fuel. Holly operates through its subsidiaries an
85,000 barrels per day (“bpd”) refinery located
in Artesia, New Mexico, and a 26,000 bpd
refinery in Woods Cross, Utah. Holly also owns
a 45% interest (including the general partner
interest) in Holly Energy Partners, L.P. (NYSE
“HEP”), which through subsidiaries owns or
leases approximately 1,700 miles of petroleum
product pipelines in Texas, New Mexico and
Oklahoma and petroleum product terminals in
several Southwest and Rocky Mountain states.
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!
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.