NEW!
Enter a word or phrase
below to search Artesia360
Enter a word or phrase
below to search Artesia360
NEWS:
Volume 3, Number 29
March 13, 2008
March 13, 2008
Your contributions, comments
& suggestions are welcome.
Please click News to email us.
& suggestions are welcome.
Please click News to email us.
Artesia360.com
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
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 Very dry conditions, increasing wind speeds and VERY HIGH FIRE DANGER has resulted in a RED FLAG WARNING being issued for all of southeastern New Mexico and West Texas for this afternoon. Rapid development and spread of wildfires is possible. High winds over 40 mph with gusts to 60 will be possible across the Guadalupe and Davis mountains through tonight. Friday will bring CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER across the region. Very low relative humidity, unseasonably warm temperatures and very windy conditions will combine to produce a particularly DANGEROUS FIRE SITUATION. Wind gusts of 50 mph and over will be possible across the plains with speeds of up to 70 mph in the Davis Mountains and 90 in the Guadalupes. Every effort must be taken to avoid the start of wildfires Friday. While fire weather conditions will improve across the area Saturday, localized fire weather concerns will continue through the weekend. Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 82. West wind between 15 and 20 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 50. West wind between 15 and 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Friday: Areas of blowing dust. Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. Windy, with a west wind 15 to 20 mph increasing to between 40 and 45 mph. Winds could gust as high as 65 mph. Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 43. Windy, with a west wind 35 to 40 mph decreasing to between 15 and 20 mph. Winds could gust as high as 55 mph. Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 79. West wind between 10 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45. Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 79. Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46. Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 63. Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 41. Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 70. Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 39. Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 73. 2008 EDDY COUNTY SKYWARN TRAINING MEETINGS! Artesia - Monday, March 17th, 6:30-8:30 P.M. at The Artesia Center Located At 612 N 8th Street. Carlsbad -Tuesday, March 18th, 6:30-8:30 P.M at NMSU, Room 106. |
| 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. |
Pearce protests package putting private property in peril
WASHINGTON - Congressman Steve Pearce Wednesday fought to protect
New Mexico's private property rights by attempting to amend the National
Landscape Conservation System Act - a poor piece of legislation that
significanly damages the New Mexico economy. The Pearce amendments
would protect traditional uses of federal land managed by the Bureau of
Land Management, such as grazing. Ranching, an important part of the
New mexico economy, is put at great risk under this bill. Two additional
amendments sponsored by Pearce would protect the ability to develop
renewable sources of energy and ensure that local governments received
proper PILT payments.
Earlier this week, Pearce called on his New Mexico House colleagues to
explain why they support the National Landscape Conservation System Act
which will punish New mexico's economy. Both Rep. Tom Udall and Rep.
Heather Wilson are cosponsors of the bill.
After the hearings, Pearce released the following comments:
"This bill causes significant damage to the economies of western states. It
threatens private property rights and puts at risk the ranching community in
New Mexico. In addition, it threatens traditional uses of public lands such
as camping, hunting and fishing.
"Rep. Udall and Rep. Wilson have cosponsored this harmful legislation and
they should explain that decision to the people of New Mexico. My
amendments sought to head off the damage it will ultimately do to our
state. Though we were unsuccessful today, I will continue to press for the
interests of New Mexico even if I am the only one willing to stand up for
them."
Beer & wine to be available with pizza and pasta
ARTESIA - In a public hearing Tuesday night, the council voted to approve
an application by Piccolino of Artesia, doing business as Piccolino's, for a
license to serve beer and wine with meals at their Artesia location, 201 N.
1st Street. They began the process in June of 2007. In order to serve
alcohol, servers must undergo training through the State of New Mexico to
become licensed. The training includes learning the penalties and liabilities
of serving alcohol, including issues of serving minors, intoxicated persons
and pregnant women. In a roll call vote, Councilors Raul Rodriguez and
Terry Hill voted "no".
Kathy Kolt was present and spoke in favor of approving the license, noting
that she had submitted a letter to the editor of the Artesia Daily Press
(which she also submitted to Artesia360 - see below The Weather Box).
She referenced her letter, noting that a seventh DWI arrest resulted in the
offender being released on bail [Editor's note: it seems that repeat
offenders are more prevalent in New Mexio than other parts of the nation]
and advocating that "personal responsibility" on the part of customers
should be the standard. Responsible drinking, with a meal, is not
necessarily a contributing factor in most DWI arrests or alcohol-involved
accidents.
In other business, the council approved committee appointments for the
next two years and retained George Holmes as mayor pro tem.
Human Resources Director requested & received council approval to hire
Esteban Sepulveda as a certified police officer.
Chief of Police Don Raley reminded the council that there will be a
ceremony honoring officers involved in last year's shooting incident. The
ceremony will be at 3 p.m. on Friday, March 14, at the Artesia Center, 612
N. 8th Street.
Fire Chief J. D. Hummingbird reported on the early warning siren system,
noting that it will be tested routinely on the first Tuesday of each month at
10:30 a.m.
Community Development Director Tina Torres informed the council that the
home occupation license application for Suzanne Valencia to run a home
day care center had been withdrawn and no further action was required.
This item had been postponed from a previous public hearing.
Following an executive session, council granted permission to City Attorney
John Caraway to proceed with the necessary paperwork for a settlement
agreement between PVT and the City of Artesia.
In final comments, Councilor Raye Miller noted that the current prosperity of
the oil business is a positive aspect for the community. He stated, "I wish all
of the nation were as progressive and positive as Artesia."
Domenici funding request to benefit FLETC
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Pete Domenici Tuesday reported his
requests for funding within a FY2008 Supplemental Appropriations Bill to
further improve the infrastructure and training facilities at the Federal Law
Enforcement Training Center in Artesia.
Domenici, who serves on the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations
Subcommittee that funds FLETC-Artesia, indicated that his requests are
intended to allow the southeast New Mexico campus keep pace with its
border security training responsibilities. FLETC-Artesia is host to the
Border Patrol Academy that trains the agents being enlisted to secure the
nation’s borders. At the President’s request, Congress is expected to begin
work on a supplemental appropriations bill this spring.
“Congress will soon begin work on a supplemental spending bill that will
address national and homeland security needs, and I will work with the
committee to find the resources needed at FLETC-Artesia,” Domenici said.
“The Artesia campus has grown dramatically and is doing a great job. But it
still has needs to maximize its training potential and those requirements
should not be overlooked in the short or long term,” he said.
Among Domenici’s requests to Senator Robert Byrd (D-W.V.) and Thad
Cochran (R-Miss.), chairman and ranking member of the Senate
Appropriations Committee, is a bid for $10 million to support sewer, water,
natural gas, electrical and road infrastructure upgrades within the northwest
quadrant of the Artesia campus.
“With a 400 percent increase of training over the past four years, the
Artesia facility is utilizing significant land mass where almost no
infrastructure exists,” Domenici wrote Byrd and Cochran.
Domenici is also recommending $3.0 million to complete a Student
Recreational Services facility. The new facility, for which Domenici has
already secured $2.1 million in the FY2008 Omnibus Appropriations Act, will
replace a small existing student center that can only accommodate about
20 percent of the trainee population at FLETC at any given time because of
fire code and safety concerns. The new facility would be able to serve
1,600 students at any time.
In addition, Domenici cited a need for $5 million for a larger auditorium to
handle large class sizes and mass meetings for government employees of
at least 400 people. The current auditorium seats 160 people. The
Senator has also requested $12 million to provide FLETC-Artesia with an
indoor firearm training range, which would ensure continuity of training
during inclement weather.
In December, the President signed the FY2008 Omnibus Appropriations Bill
that included funds Domenici worked to secure for FLETC-Artesia,
including $1.2 million for a detention training facility and $2.1 million for
recreational facilities.
The President’s FY2009 budget request issued in February also
recommended $442.4 million to hire, train and equip 2,200 new Border
Patrol agents, which will bring the total number of agents to 20,000 by the
end of September 2009. All of these agents will be trained at FLETC-
Artesia. The FY2008 Omnibus Appropriations Act included $570 million to
hire an additional 3,000 agents.
Tax season, tax scams!
As million of Americans prepare their tax returns, scamsters are also at
work posing as the IRS.
In late January, the IRS warned taxpayers to be wary of e-mailers or callers
claiming to be from the IRS and asking for personal and financial
information. Identity thieves can use such information to drain a victim’s
financial accounts and run up charges on credit cards in the victim’s name.
This year, in particular, the IRS cautioned taxpayers to be on guard against
scams using the proposed tax rebates, part of an economic stimulus plan,
as a lure. Even before the plan had approval, the agency said it is already
aware of one such scheme.
The come-on: A telephone caller tells prospective victims that they are
eligible for large rebates for filing their taxes early, they just need to share
their bank account numbers. If they refuse, the caller tells them they can’t
receive the rebates.
The real deal: The IRS does not gather information by phone. Taxpayers
who choose can have their refunds deposited directly into their bank
accounts – but only if they provide account numbers when filing their tax
returns.
If you suspect you are the target of an e-mail tax scam, you can forward the
e-mail to phishing@irs.gov. This will help the IRS track the origin of the
suspicious e-mail.
The IRS has also identified other types of scams -
Refund E-mail
Bogus e-mails falsely claiming to be from the IRS tell recipients they are
eligible for tax refunds in specific amounts, if they click on a link within the e-
mail to access a refund claim form. The form then asks for personal or
financial information.
However, the only way to apply for a tax refund is to file a tax return.
Audit e-Mail
The come-on: An e-mail tells recipients (who might even be addressed by
name) that their tax returns will be audited and instructs them to click on
links and enter personal information.
The real deal: The IRS does not send unsolicited e-mails to taxpayers.
Changes to tax law e-mail
The come-on: E-mails are sent to businesses and accountants instructing
them to download information on tax changes.
The real deal: Recipients could be unknowingly downloading malware onto
their computers, which could provide scamsters with access to those
computers and the ability to extract sensitive information for fraudulent
purposes. The only legitimate IRS web addresses begin with http://www.irs.
gov.
If you have questions about a specific scam or believe you have been
targeted, visit www.irs.gov for more information.
Senator Submits Requests for FY2009 Authorization for CAFB
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Pete Domenici Friday submitted his requests
to fund military construction projects at Cannon Air Force Base that will
support the ongoing transition of the Air Force Special Operations
Command.
Domenici submitted his requests to the Senate Armed Services Committee,
which will begin crafting the FY2009 Defense Authorization Bill. This
defense policy legislation will help dictate funding for the FY2009 Military
Construction Bill later this year. Domenici’s requests go beyond the single
$18.1 million hangar project for Cannon that was included in the President’s
FY2009 budget request.
In all, Domenici has requested $85 million for five additional military
construction projects at Cannon—all of which are intended to accommodate
the AFSOC mission there.
“These Cannon projects are included on the U.S. Special Operation
Command’s FY2009 unfunded requirements list,” Domenici said. “We face
a difficult budget year, but I believe these projects have merit and are
needed. I will work to get them authorized.”
Domenici, who serves on the Senate Defense Appropriations
Subcommittee, has requested authorization for the following projects in
FY2009 for Cannon:
· $8.3 million for a CV-22 Simulator Facility to support the new CV-22
mission rehearsal and crew upgrade training;
· $39.1 million for C-130 Fuel Cell and Corrosion Control Hangars to
provide sufficient space for necessary corrosion control and composite
repairs on assigned aircraft and support equipment;
· $17.8 million for a UAV Squadron Operations and Ground Control
Station to support year-round operations for the MQ-1 (and future MQ-9)
Predator unmanned aerial vehicle;
· $12.4 million for a MC-130 Squadron Operations Facility to
accommodate flight operations, as well as planning, briefing and critiquing
for MC-130 combat crews; and
· $11.9 million for a MC-130 Parking Apron to provide space for
parking, loading, servicing and fueling C-130 aircraft.
WASHINGTON - Congressman Steve Pearce Wednesday fought to protect
New Mexico's private property rights by attempting to amend the National
Landscape Conservation System Act - a poor piece of legislation that
significanly damages the New Mexico economy. The Pearce amendments
would protect traditional uses of federal land managed by the Bureau of
Land Management, such as grazing. Ranching, an important part of the
New mexico economy, is put at great risk under this bill. Two additional
amendments sponsored by Pearce would protect the ability to develop
renewable sources of energy and ensure that local governments received
proper PILT payments.
Earlier this week, Pearce called on his New Mexico House colleagues to
explain why they support the National Landscape Conservation System Act
which will punish New mexico's economy. Both Rep. Tom Udall and Rep.
Heather Wilson are cosponsors of the bill.
After the hearings, Pearce released the following comments:
"This bill causes significant damage to the economies of western states. It
threatens private property rights and puts at risk the ranching community in
New Mexico. In addition, it threatens traditional uses of public lands such
as camping, hunting and fishing.
"Rep. Udall and Rep. Wilson have cosponsored this harmful legislation and
they should explain that decision to the people of New Mexico. My
amendments sought to head off the damage it will ultimately do to our
state. Though we were unsuccessful today, I will continue to press for the
interests of New Mexico even if I am the only one willing to stand up for
them."
Beer & wine to be available with pizza and pasta
ARTESIA - In a public hearing Tuesday night, the council voted to approve
an application by Piccolino of Artesia, doing business as Piccolino's, for a
license to serve beer and wine with meals at their Artesia location, 201 N.
1st Street. They began the process in June of 2007. In order to serve
alcohol, servers must undergo training through the State of New Mexico to
become licensed. The training includes learning the penalties and liabilities
of serving alcohol, including issues of serving minors, intoxicated persons
and pregnant women. In a roll call vote, Councilors Raul Rodriguez and
Terry Hill voted "no".
Kathy Kolt was present and spoke in favor of approving the license, noting
that she had submitted a letter to the editor of the Artesia Daily Press
(which she also submitted to Artesia360 - see below The Weather Box).
She referenced her letter, noting that a seventh DWI arrest resulted in the
offender being released on bail [Editor's note: it seems that repeat
offenders are more prevalent in New Mexio than other parts of the nation]
and advocating that "personal responsibility" on the part of customers
should be the standard. Responsible drinking, with a meal, is not
necessarily a contributing factor in most DWI arrests or alcohol-involved
accidents.
In other business, the council approved committee appointments for the
next two years and retained George Holmes as mayor pro tem.
Human Resources Director requested & received council approval to hire
Esteban Sepulveda as a certified police officer.
Chief of Police Don Raley reminded the council that there will be a
ceremony honoring officers involved in last year's shooting incident. The
ceremony will be at 3 p.m. on Friday, March 14, at the Artesia Center, 612
N. 8th Street.
Fire Chief J. D. Hummingbird reported on the early warning siren system,
noting that it will be tested routinely on the first Tuesday of each month at
10:30 a.m.
Community Development Director Tina Torres informed the council that the
home occupation license application for Suzanne Valencia to run a home
day care center had been withdrawn and no further action was required.
This item had been postponed from a previous public hearing.
Following an executive session, council granted permission to City Attorney
John Caraway to proceed with the necessary paperwork for a settlement
agreement between PVT and the City of Artesia.
In final comments, Councilor Raye Miller noted that the current prosperity of
the oil business is a positive aspect for the community. He stated, "I wish all
of the nation were as progressive and positive as Artesia."
Domenici funding request to benefit FLETC
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Pete Domenici Tuesday reported his
requests for funding within a FY2008 Supplemental Appropriations Bill to
further improve the infrastructure and training facilities at the Federal Law
Enforcement Training Center in Artesia.
Domenici, who serves on the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations
Subcommittee that funds FLETC-Artesia, indicated that his requests are
intended to allow the southeast New Mexico campus keep pace with its
border security training responsibilities. FLETC-Artesia is host to the
Border Patrol Academy that trains the agents being enlisted to secure the
nation’s borders. At the President’s request, Congress is expected to begin
work on a supplemental appropriations bill this spring.
“Congress will soon begin work on a supplemental spending bill that will
address national and homeland security needs, and I will work with the
committee to find the resources needed at FLETC-Artesia,” Domenici said.
“The Artesia campus has grown dramatically and is doing a great job. But it
still has needs to maximize its training potential and those requirements
should not be overlooked in the short or long term,” he said.
Among Domenici’s requests to Senator Robert Byrd (D-W.V.) and Thad
Cochran (R-Miss.), chairman and ranking member of the Senate
Appropriations Committee, is a bid for $10 million to support sewer, water,
natural gas, electrical and road infrastructure upgrades within the northwest
quadrant of the Artesia campus.
“With a 400 percent increase of training over the past four years, the
Artesia facility is utilizing significant land mass where almost no
infrastructure exists,” Domenici wrote Byrd and Cochran.
Domenici is also recommending $3.0 million to complete a Student
Recreational Services facility. The new facility, for which Domenici has
already secured $2.1 million in the FY2008 Omnibus Appropriations Act, will
replace a small existing student center that can only accommodate about
20 percent of the trainee population at FLETC at any given time because of
fire code and safety concerns. The new facility would be able to serve
1,600 students at any time.
In addition, Domenici cited a need for $5 million for a larger auditorium to
handle large class sizes and mass meetings for government employees of
at least 400 people. The current auditorium seats 160 people. The
Senator has also requested $12 million to provide FLETC-Artesia with an
indoor firearm training range, which would ensure continuity of training
during inclement weather.
In December, the President signed the FY2008 Omnibus Appropriations Bill
that included funds Domenici worked to secure for FLETC-Artesia,
including $1.2 million for a detention training facility and $2.1 million for
recreational facilities.
The President’s FY2009 budget request issued in February also
recommended $442.4 million to hire, train and equip 2,200 new Border
Patrol agents, which will bring the total number of agents to 20,000 by the
end of September 2009. All of these agents will be trained at FLETC-
Artesia. The FY2008 Omnibus Appropriations Act included $570 million to
hire an additional 3,000 agents.
Tax season, tax scams!
As million of Americans prepare their tax returns, scamsters are also at
work posing as the IRS.
In late January, the IRS warned taxpayers to be wary of e-mailers or callers
claiming to be from the IRS and asking for personal and financial
information. Identity thieves can use such information to drain a victim’s
financial accounts and run up charges on credit cards in the victim’s name.
This year, in particular, the IRS cautioned taxpayers to be on guard against
scams using the proposed tax rebates, part of an economic stimulus plan,
as a lure. Even before the plan had approval, the agency said it is already
aware of one such scheme.
The come-on: A telephone caller tells prospective victims that they are
eligible for large rebates for filing their taxes early, they just need to share
their bank account numbers. If they refuse, the caller tells them they can’t
receive the rebates.
The real deal: The IRS does not gather information by phone. Taxpayers
who choose can have their refunds deposited directly into their bank
accounts – but only if they provide account numbers when filing their tax
returns.
If you suspect you are the target of an e-mail tax scam, you can forward the
e-mail to phishing@irs.gov. This will help the IRS track the origin of the
suspicious e-mail.
The IRS has also identified other types of scams -
Refund E-mail
Bogus e-mails falsely claiming to be from the IRS tell recipients they are
eligible for tax refunds in specific amounts, if they click on a link within the e-
mail to access a refund claim form. The form then asks for personal or
financial information.
However, the only way to apply for a tax refund is to file a tax return.
Audit e-Mail
The come-on: An e-mail tells recipients (who might even be addressed by
name) that their tax returns will be audited and instructs them to click on
links and enter personal information.
The real deal: The IRS does not send unsolicited e-mails to taxpayers.
Changes to tax law e-mail
The come-on: E-mails are sent to businesses and accountants instructing
them to download information on tax changes.
The real deal: Recipients could be unknowingly downloading malware onto
their computers, which could provide scamsters with access to those
computers and the ability to extract sensitive information for fraudulent
purposes. The only legitimate IRS web addresses begin with http://www.irs.
gov.
If you have questions about a specific scam or believe you have been
targeted, visit www.irs.gov for more information.
Senator Submits Requests for FY2009 Authorization for CAFB
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Pete Domenici Friday submitted his requests
to fund military construction projects at Cannon Air Force Base that will
support the ongoing transition of the Air Force Special Operations
Command.
Domenici submitted his requests to the Senate Armed Services Committee,
which will begin crafting the FY2009 Defense Authorization Bill. This
defense policy legislation will help dictate funding for the FY2009 Military
Construction Bill later this year. Domenici’s requests go beyond the single
$18.1 million hangar project for Cannon that was included in the President’s
FY2009 budget request.
In all, Domenici has requested $85 million for five additional military
construction projects at Cannon—all of which are intended to accommodate
the AFSOC mission there.
“These Cannon projects are included on the U.S. Special Operation
Command’s FY2009 unfunded requirements list,” Domenici said. “We face
a difficult budget year, but I believe these projects have merit and are
needed. I will work to get them authorized.”
Domenici, who serves on the Senate Defense Appropriations
Subcommittee, has requested authorization for the following projects in
FY2009 for Cannon:
· $8.3 million for a CV-22 Simulator Facility to support the new CV-22
mission rehearsal and crew upgrade training;
· $39.1 million for C-130 Fuel Cell and Corrosion Control Hangars to
provide sufficient space for necessary corrosion control and composite
repairs on assigned aircraft and support equipment;
· $17.8 million for a UAV Squadron Operations and Ground Control
Station to support year-round operations for the MQ-1 (and future MQ-9)
Predator unmanned aerial vehicle;
· $12.4 million for a MC-130 Squadron Operations Facility to
accommodate flight operations, as well as planning, briefing and critiquing
for MC-130 combat crews; and
· $11.9 million for a MC-130 Parking Apron to provide space for
parking, loading, servicing and fueling C-130 aircraft.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
I realize that the Piccolino Restaurant is asking
for a liqour license. I find it interesting that one
of the council members was against this
because of the DWI problem in our community. I
agree that we have a problem, but why restrict a
liquor license from the Piccolino Restaurant?
They have nothing to do with the problem. They
haven't served an ounce.
Recently the Artesia Press reported of a 7th
DWI being released after posting bail. That's the
problem. Go ahead and do the crime; you'll
never do time. Are we waiting for someone to
actually kill someone before he does time?
The person involved didn't get his liquor from a
restaurant, he had drunk his alcohol at home....
think about it. If you're in a restaurant and
you're sloshed, the waitress will cut you off, if
you're at home, just go ahead and drink out of
the bottle.
A few months ago, a couple of fellas who had
had a great time with a bottle of tequila AT
HOME, drove into my brick and pipe fence. A
ten-year-old girl would have had the brains to
go out of control into the hay field across the
street, not these guys. Hit the only brick and
pipe fence for 5 miles. They did this at 6:30 in
the morning. No restaurant involved.
Another comment made in the newspaper article
was that the cops are doing a great job. We will
not be able to keep cops doing a great job if the
bad guy is out on the street in no time. Why
bother doing your job if the ball is dropped at
the next level? How many times do the cops
have to arrest the same folks?
Recently I had a friend visit from Oregon. He
said he dearly wanted some good mexican food.
I took him to LA FONDA. He asked for a beer.
Was told he couldn't have one. I was driving, but
he couldn't drink; not that one beer would have
killed anyone. When he got the bill he said, "Is
that it?" There are plenty of people from out of
town that are used to much stricter liquor laws,
that would leave their money here and would
never dream of trying to get away with drinking
too much because other states are so much
stricter with a DWI.
On another occasion I took friends to PECOS
DIAMOND. They loved the food, but were
shocked to find out they weren't having a glass
of wine with that perfectly cooked steak. In other
states around the country, just about every
good restaurant serves alcohol, they also have
liquor laws that you absolutely don't want to
mess with. It's very common that folks going out
appoint one in the crowd to be the
DESIGNATED DRIVER.
Since I'm a new resident of Artesia and the
south, I was pretty surprised when I had my first
dinner party and NO ONE drank anything.
Served the gals non-alcoholic wine in those
fancy wine glasses I have. They all wanted this
thing ya'll call SWEET TEA. If you ask for that
up north, you will get a bank stare and a "Huh?"
When folks come over and ask what they can
bring....go ahead and bring that tea you drink, I
don't have a clue. (Now, you want to talk latte?
We think we invented it in Seattle. Go to Jahva
House where it's as good as Seattle).
In a closing note, I don't even know who owns
the PICCOLINO RESTAURANT, but when you
go to pick out the wine that's served with your
pasta, can I be on the tasting committee? And
then can you drive me home?
Kathy Kolt
Jazz Fest this weekend
PORTALES—The music department at Eastern
New Mexico University in Portales is presenting
Jazz Fest at 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday,
March13–14, on the main stage in the University
Theater Center.
The event will include performances by the
Gallup High School Band, ENMU Jazz Combo,
as well as guest vocalist Michael Herndon, who
is known for his style influenced by Jazz, rhythm
and blues and gospel. Herndon has opened for
many acclaimed artists including Coco Taylor,
the undisputed queen of blues, Kenny Neil Band
and the Kinsey Report.
Also performing will be guest percussionist
Michael Carney, who is the director of
percussion studies at California State University,
Long Beach. Carney has traveled the world
performing, teaching, and studying a large
variety of musical instruments and styles. His
classical and jazz has taken him around the
world, including Spain, Taiwan, Hong Kong and
Japan.
Admission is free and open to the public.
For more information, call Kathi Fraze at
575.562.2377.
Take Two and Call Me in the Morning
by Sharon Caldwell, Director-Artesia Literacy
Council
Recently my husband underwent surgery. This
has meant many visits to the doctor's office,
medical labs, hospitals, and forms, forms, forms.
There are so many forms; medical history,
medical release, insurance assignment and the
form that states you understand all of the other
forms. All these forms require a lot of reading.
The ability to read doesn't just start or end with
the forms. There is the need to be able to read
the road maps and signs for traveling to the
doctor and hospital. Once you get there you
have to be able to read the direction signs to
find your way around the hospital. This way to
the lab for tests, this way to admissions, this way
to records and billing and around and around
you go.
After surgery you have post-op care form and
you can't forget the prescriptions you will have
to take. Do you know to be able to read and
comprehend the instructions on an aspirin bottle
it requires a functional reading level of 10.0? A
10.0 is the reading level of 10th grade 0 month.
After all this, you have to work with the hospital
to file your insurance. The average insurance
policy tops the list at 12.0!
Do you also know?
* 20% of New Mexicans age 16 years and older
have literacy skills at Level 1, the lowest on a
scale of 1 to 5. These adults are illiterate – they
cannot sign a form, add the amounts on a bank
deposit slip, or locate simple information in a
news article.
* 46% of New Mexicans have literacy skills at
Level II. This means that almost half of New
Mexicans are functionally illiterate, in need of
assistance from Literacy Programs.
New Mexico Coalition for Literacy in part
sponsors 25 volunteer-based Adult Literacy
Programs in New Mexico – Artesia Literacy
Council is one of these 25 programs.
The goals of Artesia Literacy Council is to teach
reading, writing and speaking English to a
functional level; help students with US
citizenship and GED test information,
applications, workplace and everyday survival.
We offer no cost classes that are custom
designed to the needs of each adult student.
Our tutors are caring people, committed to
reducing illiteracy in Artesia and surrounding
towns and are dedicated to achieving this for
each of our students.
If you or you know someone who would benefit
from tutor assistance, please contact us at 748-
9740 or come by 2002 West Grand, Monday–
Friday 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
I realize that the Piccolino Restaurant is asking
for a liqour license. I find it interesting that one
of the council members was against this
because of the DWI problem in our community. I
agree that we have a problem, but why restrict a
liquor license from the Piccolino Restaurant?
They have nothing to do with the problem. They
haven't served an ounce.
Recently the Artesia Press reported of a 7th
DWI being released after posting bail. That's the
problem. Go ahead and do the crime; you'll
never do time. Are we waiting for someone to
actually kill someone before he does time?
The person involved didn't get his liquor from a
restaurant, he had drunk his alcohol at home....
think about it. If you're in a restaurant and
you're sloshed, the waitress will cut you off, if
you're at home, just go ahead and drink out of
the bottle.
A few months ago, a couple of fellas who had
had a great time with a bottle of tequila AT
HOME, drove into my brick and pipe fence. A
ten-year-old girl would have had the brains to
go out of control into the hay field across the
street, not these guys. Hit the only brick and
pipe fence for 5 miles. They did this at 6:30 in
the morning. No restaurant involved.
Another comment made in the newspaper article
was that the cops are doing a great job. We will
not be able to keep cops doing a great job if the
bad guy is out on the street in no time. Why
bother doing your job if the ball is dropped at
the next level? How many times do the cops
have to arrest the same folks?
Recently I had a friend visit from Oregon. He
said he dearly wanted some good mexican food.
I took him to LA FONDA. He asked for a beer.
Was told he couldn't have one. I was driving, but
he couldn't drink; not that one beer would have
killed anyone. When he got the bill he said, "Is
that it?" There are plenty of people from out of
town that are used to much stricter liquor laws,
that would leave their money here and would
never dream of trying to get away with drinking
too much because other states are so much
stricter with a DWI.
On another occasion I took friends to PECOS
DIAMOND. They loved the food, but were
shocked to find out they weren't having a glass
of wine with that perfectly cooked steak. In other
states around the country, just about every
good restaurant serves alcohol, they also have
liquor laws that you absolutely don't want to
mess with. It's very common that folks going out
appoint one in the crowd to be the
DESIGNATED DRIVER.
Since I'm a new resident of Artesia and the
south, I was pretty surprised when I had my first
dinner party and NO ONE drank anything.
Served the gals non-alcoholic wine in those
fancy wine glasses I have. They all wanted this
thing ya'll call SWEET TEA. If you ask for that
up north, you will get a bank stare and a "Huh?"
When folks come over and ask what they can
bring....go ahead and bring that tea you drink, I
don't have a clue. (Now, you want to talk latte?
We think we invented it in Seattle. Go to Jahva
House where it's as good as Seattle).
In a closing note, I don't even know who owns
the PICCOLINO RESTAURANT, but when you
go to pick out the wine that's served with your
pasta, can I be on the tasting committee? And
then can you drive me home?
Kathy Kolt
Jazz Fest this weekend
PORTALES—The music department at Eastern
New Mexico University in Portales is presenting
Jazz Fest at 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday,
March13–14, on the main stage in the University
Theater Center.
The event will include performances by the
Gallup High School Band, ENMU Jazz Combo,
as well as guest vocalist Michael Herndon, who
is known for his style influenced by Jazz, rhythm
and blues and gospel. Herndon has opened for
many acclaimed artists including Coco Taylor,
the undisputed queen of blues, Kenny Neil Band
and the Kinsey Report.
Also performing will be guest percussionist
Michael Carney, who is the director of
percussion studies at California State University,
Long Beach. Carney has traveled the world
performing, teaching, and studying a large
variety of musical instruments and styles. His
classical and jazz has taken him around the
world, including Spain, Taiwan, Hong Kong and
Japan.
Admission is free and open to the public.
For more information, call Kathi Fraze at
575.562.2377.
Take Two and Call Me in the Morning
by Sharon Caldwell, Director-Artesia Literacy
Council
Recently my husband underwent surgery. This
has meant many visits to the doctor's office,
medical labs, hospitals, and forms, forms, forms.
There are so many forms; medical history,
medical release, insurance assignment and the
form that states you understand all of the other
forms. All these forms require a lot of reading.
The ability to read doesn't just start or end with
the forms. There is the need to be able to read
the road maps and signs for traveling to the
doctor and hospital. Once you get there you
have to be able to read the direction signs to
find your way around the hospital. This way to
the lab for tests, this way to admissions, this way
to records and billing and around and around
you go.
After surgery you have post-op care form and
you can't forget the prescriptions you will have
to take. Do you know to be able to read and
comprehend the instructions on an aspirin bottle
it requires a functional reading level of 10.0? A
10.0 is the reading level of 10th grade 0 month.
After all this, you have to work with the hospital
to file your insurance. The average insurance
policy tops the list at 12.0!
Do you also know?
* 20% of New Mexicans age 16 years and older
have literacy skills at Level 1, the lowest on a
scale of 1 to 5. These adults are illiterate – they
cannot sign a form, add the amounts on a bank
deposit slip, or locate simple information in a
news article.
* 46% of New Mexicans have literacy skills at
Level II. This means that almost half of New
Mexicans are functionally illiterate, in need of
assistance from Literacy Programs.
New Mexico Coalition for Literacy in part
sponsors 25 volunteer-based Adult Literacy
Programs in New Mexico – Artesia Literacy
Council is one of these 25 programs.
The goals of Artesia Literacy Council is to teach
reading, writing and speaking English to a
functional level; help students with US
citizenship and GED test information,
applications, workplace and everyday survival.
We offer no cost classes that are custom
designed to the needs of each adult student.
Our tutors are caring people, committed to
reducing illiteracy in Artesia and surrounding
towns and are dedicated to achieving this for
each of our students.
If you or you know someone who would benefit
from tutor assistance, please contact us at 748-
9740 or come by 2002 West Grand, Monday–
Friday 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM.