NEW!
Enter a word or phrase
below to search Artesia360
Enter a word or phrase
below to search Artesia360
NEWS:
Volume 3, Number 31
March 17, 2008
March 17, 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 Showers and thunderstorms will be possible this morning across the extreme eastern and northeastern portions of the Permian Basin, with gusty winds and brief heavy rainfall accompanying any thunderstorm developments. Showers and thunderstorms will again be possible tonight along and east of a Seminole - to Wink - to Marathon line. Gusty winds and brief heavy rainfall possible. Showers are expected to continue into Tuesday along and east of a Hobbs - Pecos - Lajitas line. Today: Partly sunny, with a high near 66. Southwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42. West wind between 5 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 61. North wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 37. Northwest wind between 5 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 74. Northwest wind 5 to 15 mph becoming south. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 42. Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 81. Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 46. Friday: Sunny, with a high near 82. Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 42. Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 80. Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 35. Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 71. 2008 EDDY COUNTY SKYWARN TRAINING MEETINGS! 2008 Eddy County SkyWarn Spotter Training meetings scheduled in Artesia for tonight, March 17, at 6:30 P.M. at the Artesia Center located at 612 N 8th Street. The Carlsbad SkyWarn meeting will be held at NMSU in room 106 at 6:30 P.M. on Tuesday March 18. The public is invited and if you have never attended one of these meetings then please come join us and learn about the different severe weather threats that we face here in southeastern New Mexico. |
| 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. |
APD honors officers
ARTESIA - On Friday, three officers of the Artesia Police Department were
honored for their courage and commitment to the department. The honors
stemmed from an incident last April in which officers responding to a graffiti
report were fired upon. Officer Steven Devore was injured in the incident
and thankful for the body armour that prevented the injury from being fatal.
Above, Officers Ricardo Huerta, Devore, and Pedro Quinones display the
plaques presented in a ceremony at the Artesia Center.
Below, District Attorney Terry Haake admires the plaque Quinones received.
Photos by Susie Taylor
Artesia MainStreet, Inc. Main Event Car Show & Cruise
by Stephanie Bretz
ARTESIA - Lions, Tigers, Bears, and Classic Cars....OH MY!!! That’s right,
lions, tigers, and bears are certainly intimidating and scary; but classic cars
are fun, inviting, and exciting!!
On behalf of Artesia MainStreet and the Artesia Car Enthusiasts I would like
to invite you to the 11th Annual Main Event Car Show & Cruise, where
everyone is invited and an exciting time is to be had by all!!
This year’s car show will be held at Heritage Plaza located on Texas
Avenue, and is expected to host anywhere from 150-160 cars!! That sure is
a lot of vehicles.....we will have anything from classic pickups to hi-
performance race cars!! Yes, even race cars come out for this spectacular
event! So be sure to mark your calendar for March 28-29th! Here is a full
schedule of events for the car show:
Friday, March 28th:
• 1pm-7pm: Registration
• 6pm-8pm: Free hotdog cookout for participants
• 8pm: Fireworks and Car Cruise
Saturday, March 29th:
• 7am-9am: Registration & Set Up
• 9am-4pm: Car Show
• 4pm: Awards Ceremony
As you can see this is fun weekend packed with lots of excitement!! Other
event features will be DJ John, who provides the best 50’s Rock and Roll
Music; Mike Deans and the Dean’s Pyro Team will also be on hand Friday
night to do what the do best, FIREWORKS!!! Another great feature of the
car show is the food!! Artesia MainStreet is in charge of serving up the best
hamburgers, hot dogs, and hoagies for the event, so be sure to stop by!!
Now before the cars roll into town there is still plenty of preparation to take
place. If you are interested in getting involved with the car show, either by
showcasing your car or just wanting to pitch in a hand, be sure to contact
Frank or Dorothy Hammond at 746-9477. If you can’t reach the Hammonds,
be sure to try Gene or Dolores McCaskill at 746-4796. You can check out
more information about the Artesia Car Enthusiasts, and the Main Event
Car Show and Cruise at www.acecarclub.net.
Also, please feel free to contact AMS anytime if you have questions about
the information in this week’s article or about any MainStreet events and
projects at our offices at 746-1117 or check out our website at www.
artesiamainstreet.com.
High school seniors - visit ENMU-R - you might win a car!
ROSWELL - High school seniors will have the opportunity to win a free used
car on Thursday, March 20, when ENMU-Roswell hosts its annual ‘Evening
with Eastern’ event at the Roswell Convention and Civic Center. The free
event will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. High school students and
parents are welcome to attend. Krumland Auto Group has donated a 1997
Lincoln Town Car to give away as a Grand Prize to a local high school
senior.
Seniors can also enter drawings for a new Gateway notebook computer
and two tuition scholarships provided by the ENMU-Roswell Foundation. All
who attend will have the chance to win a number of other prizes donated by
local businesses and restaurants. The ENMU-Roswell Foundation will give
away an iPod nano.
Students can participate in hands-on activities and meet with ENMU-Roswell
instructors and staff. Complimentary hot dogs and drinks will also be
served. For more information, call 624-7403.
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."
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.
ARTESIA - On Friday, three officers of the Artesia Police Department were
honored for their courage and commitment to the department. The honors
stemmed from an incident last April in which officers responding to a graffiti
report were fired upon. Officer Steven Devore was injured in the incident
and thankful for the body armour that prevented the injury from being fatal.
Above, Officers Ricardo Huerta, Devore, and Pedro Quinones display the
plaques presented in a ceremony at the Artesia Center.
Below, District Attorney Terry Haake admires the plaque Quinones received.
Photos by Susie Taylor
Artesia MainStreet, Inc. Main Event Car Show & Cruise
by Stephanie Bretz
ARTESIA - Lions, Tigers, Bears, and Classic Cars....OH MY!!! That’s right,
lions, tigers, and bears are certainly intimidating and scary; but classic cars
are fun, inviting, and exciting!!
On behalf of Artesia MainStreet and the Artesia Car Enthusiasts I would like
to invite you to the 11th Annual Main Event Car Show & Cruise, where
everyone is invited and an exciting time is to be had by all!!
This year’s car show will be held at Heritage Plaza located on Texas
Avenue, and is expected to host anywhere from 150-160 cars!! That sure is
a lot of vehicles.....we will have anything from classic pickups to hi-
performance race cars!! Yes, even race cars come out for this spectacular
event! So be sure to mark your calendar for March 28-29th! Here is a full
schedule of events for the car show:
Friday, March 28th:
• 1pm-7pm: Registration
• 6pm-8pm: Free hotdog cookout for participants
• 8pm: Fireworks and Car Cruise
Saturday, March 29th:
• 7am-9am: Registration & Set Up
• 9am-4pm: Car Show
• 4pm: Awards Ceremony
As you can see this is fun weekend packed with lots of excitement!! Other
event features will be DJ John, who provides the best 50’s Rock and Roll
Music; Mike Deans and the Dean’s Pyro Team will also be on hand Friday
night to do what the do best, FIREWORKS!!! Another great feature of the
car show is the food!! Artesia MainStreet is in charge of serving up the best
hamburgers, hot dogs, and hoagies for the event, so be sure to stop by!!
Now before the cars roll into town there is still plenty of preparation to take
place. If you are interested in getting involved with the car show, either by
showcasing your car or just wanting to pitch in a hand, be sure to contact
Frank or Dorothy Hammond at 746-9477. If you can’t reach the Hammonds,
be sure to try Gene or Dolores McCaskill at 746-4796. You can check out
more information about the Artesia Car Enthusiasts, and the Main Event
Car Show and Cruise at www.acecarclub.net.
Also, please feel free to contact AMS anytime if you have questions about
the information in this week’s article or about any MainStreet events and
projects at our offices at 746-1117 or check out our website at www.
artesiamainstreet.com.
High school seniors - visit ENMU-R - you might win a car!
ROSWELL - High school seniors will have the opportunity to win a free used
car on Thursday, March 20, when ENMU-Roswell hosts its annual ‘Evening
with Eastern’ event at the Roswell Convention and Civic Center. The free
event will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. High school students and
parents are welcome to attend. Krumland Auto Group has donated a 1997
Lincoln Town Car to give away as a Grand Prize to a local high school
senior.
Seniors can also enter drawings for a new Gateway notebook computer
and two tuition scholarships provided by the ENMU-Roswell Foundation. All
who attend will have the chance to win a number of other prizes donated by
local businesses and restaurants. The ENMU-Roswell Foundation will give
away an iPod nano.
Students can participate in hands-on activities and meet with ENMU-Roswell
instructors and staff. Complimentary hot dogs and drinks will also be
served. For more information, call 624-7403.
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."
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.
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 forms 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.
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.
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 forms 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.
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.
