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NEWS:
Volume 3,  Number 38
March 26, 2008
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Special weather information
provided by:
Wendell L. Malone,
Area Skywarn Coordinator
Eddy & Culberson counties
     THE WEATHER BOX
www.eddycountyskywarn.blogspot.com

     A RED FLAG WARNING is in effect today
from noon to 9 p.m.     
     Sustained winds of 20 mph or greater will
be possible across the southeastern New
Mexico plains this afternoon and evening, with
minimum afternoon relative humidity values
near 10 percent.  
          
VERY HIGH FIRE DANGER.

     Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 88.
West wind between 10 and 20 mph, with gusts
as high as 35 mph.
     
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around
49. West wind 20 to 25 mph decreasing to
between 10 and 15 mph. Winds could gust as
high as 35 mph.
     Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 87.
West wind between 10 and 15 mph, with gusts
as high as 25 mph.
     Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low
around 48. West wind between 5 and 15 mph,
with gusts as high as 20 mph.
     Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 72.
North wind between 5 and 10 mph.
     Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low
around 45.
     Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 79.
     Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low
around 50.
     Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 83.
     Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low
around 48.
     Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 79.
     Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low
around 49.
     Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 77.
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.
Council considers water recreation site
ARTESIA - The Artesia City Council met in regular session on Tuesday
night with a full agenda and a full house.  Community Development Director
Tina Torres presented information regarding an outdoor swimming pool
versus a splash pad for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park.  A
recommendation was requested as contracts have been awarded for
irrigation and electrical work, and the details of the projects were contingent
on which, if either, project was recommended.

Torres explained that opting for a splash pad would not preclude adding a
pool at a later date, or that the splash pad could be located at another
park.  The Recreation Commission and the Planning Committee were in
favor of a splash pad.  The current budget would allow for the construction
of splash pad and appropriate infrastructure.

Citizen comments favored a pool, citing the broader appeal of a recreation
area for families and the need to provide more activities for Artesia's youth.  
"We want something enticing for our youngsters.  A splash pad is not going
to cover teenagers.  We want something... for all ages," stated Jimmy  
Taylor.  Mrs. Letha Thompson added, "We prefer a swimming pool.  I
understand what you're saying - [a splash pad] is less expensive and we
can handle it now.  I would like to know what the public thinks about it... the
community could have input.  I think most people would enjoy a swimming
pool."  Taylor and Thompson have been involved with the development of
the MLK Park for several years.  Thompson added, "We are grateful for all
the good things you're doing and the good things you are going to do."

Mayor Phil Burch noted that when he initially ran for office as a city
councilor eight years ago, one of his personal goals was to support
construction of an outdoor swimming pool.  "I wouldn't want to give up that
dream."

Councilor Luis Florez added that the project could serve as a draw to
citizens and visitors attending other events or activities in town.  "It's the
perfect setting for activities, celebrations - lots of potential...we can plan for
it in phases."

The council ultimately recommended that the city proceed with a splash pad
and seek community input for a pool and other water features that would be
desired in MLK Park.

Public hearings dominated the agenda.  A question of granting a rezone
from Suburban Acreage 2 (SA2) to Residential 1-B (R1-B) stirred a good
deal of discussion from citizens concerned with the possibility of a
developer crowding an area with mobile homes.  However, the rezone,
which passed, would be more restrictive, allowing for "single family homes."  
Double-wide manufactured homes could be erected, but single-wide mobile
homes would be prohibited.  The area in question involved the
undeveloped land between 22nd and 23rd Streets, from Grand Avenue to
Dallas Avenue.  The developer's plans are initially to build two homes on
Grand Avenue in Phase 1 and address the remaining property in a second
phase.

Council did not approve an ordinance to amend rear yard setbacks from 30
feet to 20 feet in SA-2 and residential zones.  Councilor Terry Hill voted
against the amended ordinance because of a concern that allowing larger
building areas would discourage construction of affordable housing.

Several employees were recognized by council.  Sgt. Bill Goodson of the
Artesia Police Department was presented a plaque of appreciation for his
service to the city.  Goodson's retirement will become effective on April 1,
2008.

Kenny Lipe was recognized as the New Mexico Rural Water Association
Operator of the Year 2007.  Lipe is employed at the Wastewater Treatment
Plant.  The plant itself was recognized as the New Mexico Rural Water
Association Wastewater System of the Year 2007.  WWTP Supervisor Mike
Stroud accepted a plaque on behalf of the plant, commenting that the
award was due to "having good people."  

Human Resources Director Bill Thalman requested permission to transfer
Richard  Zuniga to the position of Equipment Operator I for the Cemetery,
to promote David Serna to the position of Foreman for the Solid Waste
Department, and to hire David Rodriguez as an Uncertified Officer in the
Police Department, all of which were approved.  

Council also granted Thalman permission to hire temporary employees for
the Parks Department and Street Department from April 1st through
September 20th, contingent on funding.

New judge in town for 5th Judicial District
SANTA FE - Governor Bill Richardson has appointed William Shoobridge to
the 5th Judicial District Court.

“Bill Shoobridge has an excellent reputation and I believe that he will serve
the constituents of Eddy, Lea and Chaves counties with honor and
respect,” said Governor Richardson. “Bill has more than thirty years of legal
experience and his proven dedication to the people southern New Mexico
will be an asset to the court.”

Mr. Shoobridge has been in private practice at the Shoobridge Law Firm in
Hobbs for the past ten years. Previously he was a sole practitioner from
1986-1998 and was partner with William J. Heck for five years prior. Mr.
Shoobridge has worked in the private legal sector for most of his legal
career. He was admitted to the New Mexico Bar in 1977.

William Shoobridge earned his bachelors degree and law degree from
Indiana University. He currently lives in Hobbs with his wife, Cynthia Romero
Shoobridge.

Mr. Shoobridge is a member of the Lea County Bar Association, where he
served as President from 1984-1985. Currently, he is the Chairman of the
Disciplinary Board of the New Mexico Supreme Court.

He replaces Judge William McBee, who retired earlier this month. The
appointment is effective until the next general election in 2008.

New Mexico Acequia Association workshop
by Paula Garcia, Executive Director
New Mexico Acequia Association
I would like to invite you to a workshop on Acequia Water Banking at the
State Archives and Records Center at 1205 Camino Carlos Rey (just  off
Cerrillos near Pep Boys).  The workshop will take place from 1:00pm to 4:
00pm on Thursday, March 27.  The New Mexico Acequia Association will
present the workshop along with New Mexico Legal Aid.

The purpose of the workshop is to encourage acequias to take steps to
protect water rights from loss for non-use.  As you may know, New Mexico
state law provides that water rights that are not put to beneficial use may be
lost through forfeiture or abandonment.  This is often referred to as the
"use it or lose it" doctrine.  Fortunately, loss of water rights for non-use can
be prevented.  This workshop will inform you of the legal tools that are
available to acequias particularly the use of "water banks" to shield water
rights from loss for non-use.  The best strategy to avoid non-use is to
ensure that water is used for irrigation of historic agricultural lands.  If water
rights are not in use for some period of time, they can be protected for
future use through "water banking."  

The law authorizing acequias to "bank" water rights simply reflects an
ancient practice of reallocating derechos not in use by a particular
parciante to the remaining parciantes on the acequia to augment their
supply of water.

The acequia water banking law allows this practice by providing for a
"paper trail" demonstrating that an acequia is making the internal
reallocation of water rights for a certain period of time.

Water is a precious blessing and, as acequia officials, you have been
entrusted with its care.  This workshop will be very valuable to you as you
seek to sustain our acequias, our cultural traditions, and the water rights
that are connected to them.  

The New Mexico Acequia Association invites you in hopes that we can all
work together to defend and protect our water.  If you would like more
information about the workshop, please call our office at 505-995-9644 or
go to our website at
www.lasacequias.org.

Artesia City Council meets Tuesday
ARTESIA - The regular city council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday,
March 25th, at 7 p.m. in the council chambers at city hall, located at 511 W.
Texas Avenue in Artesia.  City council meetings are open to the public and
the public is encouraged and invited to attend.  Hard copies of the agenda
are available at city hall Monday afternoon or you can view the
preliminary
agenda and consent agenda here.  

Crystal Darkness to air in New Mexico
On April 10th, 2008, at 6:30pm, the communities of New Mexico will fight
back against Meth. In a historic and unprecedented event, a 30-minute
documentary titled 'Crystal Darkness' will air in a roadblock, which means it
will be broadcast simultaneously on all stations in the area, among them
KOB TV, KRQE TV, WB19, KASA Fox TV, and Telemundo. A simultaneous
training program will be introduced into all the schools in New Mexico to
educate our children. Follow up recovery efforts, fundraising, and
awareness raising could make this the most important community campaign
to hit our state in decades.

For more information about the documentary or about meth, visit Crystal
Darkness on the web at
http://www.crystaldarkness.com/default.asp.

Brain-Teasers at the museum
ARTESIA - The Artesia Historical Museum & Art Center is currently
featuring “Brain Teasers”, an interactive exhibit on loan from the ¡Explora!
Museum in Albuquerque.  The exhibit is on display in our Art Annex gallery
now through June 14th during regular Museum hours: Tuesdays-Fridays 9-
noon & 1-5; Saturdays 1-5 (please give us a call if you’d like to set up a
time to visit outside of these hours).   

The exhibit features 20 different puzzles and mind-challenging games for
visitors to experiment with, grouped around 5 tables.  In other words, this is
an exhibit that you CAN touch!  The activities include knot-tying, number
games, tangram puzzles, balancing games, and lots more.  

Families are encouraged to visit and test their team working skills, and
school classes and other groups are also welcome.  We still have some
funding to sponsor school bus expenses, on a first-come first-served basis,
thanks to The Chase Foundation—just give Nancy a call at the Museum at
(575) 748-2390.  

Wild Horse and Burro Program coming to Artesia
The public lands of the Western United States are diverse, ruggedly
beautiful and majestic - as are the horses and burros that live there. These
animals are born with the colors of the land upon them. The browns, blacks,
reds, blues, dapple grays, and snowy whites all reflect nature's paint-brush.

As early as the 1600's, horses and burros were released by or escaped
from Spanish explorers. As America's west was settled, additional horses
and burros from American Indians, settlers, miners, ranchers and soldiers
established the foundations of today's wild horse and burro herds. Wild
herds like these symbolize our western heritage and pioneer spirit.

Today, America's wild horses and burros are found in 10 western states. It
is the BLM's responsibility to preserve and protect healthy herds of wild,
free-roaming horses and burros as components of the public lands. The
Wild Horse Annie Act of 1959 and the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and
Burros Act of 1971 gave wild horses and burros a legal right to live on
public lands without harassment. The Adopt-A-Horse or Burro Program was
initiated in 1973 to meet the challenges of balancing the health of public
lands with the health of the wild horses and burros.

BLM invites you to adopt a living legend!

In Artesia, adoptions will be April 17 - 19, 2008 at the Eddy County
Fairgrounds.  
*Thursday Preview: 4 - 6pm
*Friday Adoption: 8am - 6pm
*Saturday Adoption: 8am - Noon

Oral Bid Adoption starts at 10am on Friday.  First-come-first-served
afterward for remainder of weekend.

Click
here for PDF informational flyer.

Adoption Requirements

Applicant must be 18 years of age or older.

Applicant must have access to a stall/corral that meets the following criteria:
* Stall, corral, etc. must contain a minimum of 400 square feet per animal
* Stall, corral, etc. that is 6' tall on all sides with access to feed, water and
adequate shelter for anything 2 years or older. The stall/corral height is 5'
for a yearling and 4.5' for a burro. (This area is only required until animal is
gentled, not for the life of the animal.)
* Stall, corral, etc. must be made of protrusion-free materials, (EX) Wood,
Pipe, Cattle Panels. Barbed wire is not allowed in the area that is being
used for gentling the animal.
* Covered stock trailer. Covered stock trailer refers to: solid top, pipe rails,
tarp, etc. BLM will not load into two-horse or drop-ramp trailers.

Applicant must describe their stall/corral, etc. in the application packet and
submit to BLM for approval.
* Application - Describe the area where you will keep the animal(s) during
the gentling phase. (Application is located in back of brochure.)

Once you have completed the application packet, you may:
* Mail your packet to BLM at 221 N Service Rd, Moore, OK 73160
* or FAX your packet to BLM at (405) 790-1050
* or Hand deliver your packet to BLM at an upcoming adoption site

Upon receipt of your application packet, BLM will notify you by mail of your
approval. Approval can take place in a day’s time.

Method of payment: Cash, Money Order, VISA, MasterCard, American
Express, Discover, or Personal Check. Make all checks or money orders
out to USDI-BLM. Sorry, no debit cards are accepted. An adoption fee is
only required when adopting an animal!

FEMA flood information & preparedness advice
Throughout the nation, residents are at risk for flooding during spring, the
time of year when the warming sun and increased rainfall begin melting the
winter snow pack, releasing its often high water content. The Department of
Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency urges
residents to be prepared.

Before the threat of flooding becomes imminent, flood mitigation experts
advise individuals to:
*      Purchase a flood insurance policy now. Homeowner insurance policies
do not include flood loss and there is a 30 day wait period for flood
coverage to become effective. Call your homeowner insurance agent to find
out about flood insurance.
*      Make sure downspouts carry water several feet from your house to a
well-drained area. About 2,500 gallons of water will come from a 1,000
square foot roof with one foot of snow depth across the roof. This much
water may cause problems if allowed to drain next to the house.
*      Move snow on the ground away from the house. Water from the snow
may cause a wet basement if allowed to run down along the basement wall.
If the ground is sloped 1 inch per foot near the house, moving the snow just
3-5 feet from the house will reduce problems.
*      Examine and clean your sump pump, if you have one. Test your sump
pump by pouring water into the pit. Make sure the discharge hose carries
the water several feet away from the house to a well-drained area. Also
make sure that the pipe is on sloped ground so it drains to prevent it from
freezing.
*      Remove snow from around rural yards to minimize soft, wet soil
conditions. Remember that a 20-foot diameter 10-foot high pile of snow
contains about 2,600 gallons of water. Move the snow to well drained areas.
*      Be aware of local evacuation routes.

Consumers may call 1-888-379-9531 (TTY: 800-427-5593) or visit
www.
FloodSmart.gov to learn about their potential flood risks, flood insurance
and how to prepare for floods.
National Geographic goes green in NM
ALBUQUERQUE - The National Tribal
Environmental Council (NTEC) is honored to
announce the participation of the prestigious
National Geographic All Roads Film Project in its
Global Green Indigenous Film Festival.

The Global Green Indigenous Film Festival will
take place in Santa Fe, NM between April 18
and 20, 2008 at the Cinema Café, Center for
Contemporary Arts, and NM Film Museum
Theater. This is the inaugural year of what is
slated to become an annual event of major
significance. Held in tandem with NTEC's annual
Environmental Conference and co-sponsored
by the New Mexico Tourism Department and the
Jicarilla Apache Nation, the Film Festival adds a
new dimension to showcasing the issues,
aspirations and innovations of global Indigenous
communities in their charge to protect Mother
Earth.

The All Roads Film Project is a National
Geographic initiative created to provide an
international platform for indigenous and
underrepresented minority-culture artists to
share their cultures, stories and perspectives
through the power of film and photography.
Members of its Advisory Board include actors
and directors Lou Diamond Phillips, Stockard
Channing, Kiefer Sutherland and Spike Lee.

Presentations by the National Geographic All
Roads Film Project will both open and close the
festival. Opening night, April 18, will feature
Kekexili: Mountain Patrol, a Chinese/ Tibetan
film directed by Lu Chuan. Experience the
unbelievable rugged and death-defying true
story of Tibetan volunteers who battle the
elements, poachers, and each other in their
noble quest to save the Chiru antelope in the
inhospitable mountains of Tibet. On closing
night, April 20, Arctic Son will be shown. This
Canadian/ U.S. documentary directed by
Andrew Walton tells the story of Stanley Njootli
Jr., who escapes a drug-fueled city life to join
his father and his Gwitchin roots in the rugged
Arctic, and embarks on a universal quest to
discover who he is and where he belongs.

The Director of the National Geographic All
Roads Film Project, Francene J. Blythe, states:
"We are thrilled to be a part of the Indigenous
efforts to reach out to the global community
using film as a way to share stories, concerns
and issues about our environment. The Global
Green Indigenous Film Festival is embarking
down a critical path to bring global solutions to
climate change through a medium that can
reach the masses. They are to be applauded
for such efforts".

Global Green Indigenous Film Festival:
www.
ggiff.com.

National Geographic All Roads Film Project:
www.nationalgeographic.com/allroads.

Think MTV | Activism, Community, Politics,
Education, Sexual ... NTEC and the NM tourism
department are sponsoring the Global Green
Indigenous Film Festival April 18-20, 2008 in
Santa Fe, NM.

One World, One Environment
NTEC's mission is to support Indian tribes and
Alaska Native villages in protecting, regulating
and managing their environmental resources
according to their own priorities and values.

Film Festival Venues

New Mexico Film Museum Theater (Formerly
Jean Cocteau Cinema) 418 Montezuma Ave,
Santa Fe, NM (505) 476-5670

Center For Contemporary Arts, 1050 Old Pecos
Trail, Santa Fe, NM (505) 982-1338

Santa Fe Film Center at Cinema Cafe, 1616 St.
Michaels Drive, Santa Fe, NM (505) 988-7414

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.

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.
You need Java to see this applet.