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NEWS:
Volume 3, Number 41
March 31, 2008
March 31, 2008
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Special weather information
provided by:
Wendell L. Malone,
Area Skywarn Coordinator
Eddy & Culberson counties
provided by:
Wendell L. Malone,
Area Skywarn Coordinator
Eddy & Culberson counties
| THE WEATHER BOX www.eddycountyskywarn.blogspot.com A RED FLAG WARNING is in effect from noon until 10 p.m. for all of southeast New Mexico and West Texas except the Presidio Valley, Big Bend and Lower Trans Pecos. A HIGH WIND WARNING is in effect for the Guadalupe Mountains from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. Lesser winds of 30 to 40 mph will affect the higher elevations of the Davis Mountains today. Today: Sunny. Highs in the lower 80s. West winds 15 to 25 mph. Tonight: Clear. Lows in the mid 40s. West winds 15 to 25 mph decreasing to 10 to 15 mph after midnight. Tuesday: Sunny. Highs in the mid 70s. North winds around 10 mph shifting to the east in the afternoon. Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy. Lows in the mid 40s. Southeast winds 10 to 15 mph. Wednesday: Partly cloudy. Highs in the lower 80s. Southeast winds 10 to 15 mph shifting to the south 15 to 25 mph in the afternoon. Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 50s. Thursday: Sunny...windy. Highs in the lower 80s. Thursday Night: Partly cloudy. Windy. Lows in the upper 40s. Friday: Partly cloudy. Highs in the upper 70s. Friday Night: Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 40s. Saturday: Partly cloudy. Highs in the lower 80s. Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy. Lows in the lower 40s. Sunday: Partly cloudy. Highs in the lower 80s. |
| 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. |
Guest Water Lecture Speaker April 3
LAS CRUCES - Dr. David Merritt, Riparian Plant Ecologist from U.S.
Forestry Service, National Resource Ecology Laboratory, Colorado State
University will speak from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. Thursday April 3, in Wooton Hall
Room 105, about The Success of Tamarix in Western American Rivers:
Unraveling Myth and Science.
His current projects include: response of vegetation to Tamarix removal
along the Rio Grande and upper Green Rivers; processes governing
Tamarix invasion in the western US; the role of hydrochory in structuring
plant communities; the effects of dams and diversions on riparian
vegetation, structured population modeling of riparian plants; streamflow
regimes necessary to support riparian vegetation; National riparian
definition, classification, and trend monitoring.
Housing $$ benefits special needs individuals
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Pete Domenici Friday reported that almost
$1.5 million has been made available to support the construction or
rehabilitation of low-income affordable housing to help families in Valencia
County, Albuquerque, Socorro, Hatch and other areas in New Mexico.
Domenici, who serves on the Senate appropriations subcommittee that
funds the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), said
the grant funding is being provided through the Federal Home Loan Bank
of Dallas as leverage to support local affordable housing initiatives. In all,
the funding will be used to support 164 housing units in New Mexico.
“These awards will be used to help ensure that more low-income families
have homes. I’m pleased that these investments are also going toward
housing for homeless or disabled individuals who face added challenges
when it comes to securing housing,” Domenici said.
The Affordable Housing Program (AHP) grant funding will be used by local
organizations to purchase, construct, or rehabilitate single-family,
transitional and multifamily projects for very low- to moderate-income
families. The grants will be issued through financial institutions in New
Mexico that are members of the Federal Home Loan Bank.
AHP funding, backed by New Mexico banks, has been provided for the
following projects:
· Habitat for Humanity of Valencia County -- $180,062, backed by
MyBank of Belen, to support the construction of 18 single-family homes.
· Habitat for Humanity of New Mexico -- $328,000, backed by Bank of
Albuquerque, to support principal reduction on home purchases for 41 low-
income families.
· New Mexico Housing and Community Development -- $500,000,
backed by State National Bank, to support the rehabilitation and
preservation of the 40-unit, multi-family Socorro Village Apartments in
Socorro to house very low-income elderly and disabled residents.
· Tierra del Sol Housing Corp. of Las Cruces -- $294,000, backed by
Pioneer Bank of Las Cruces, to support the construction or rehabilitation of
42 homes in the southern New Mexico region served by this non-profit
organization.
· Tierra del Sol Housing Corp. of Las Cruces -- $56,000, backed by
Pioneer Bank, to support the rehabilitation of 8 single-family homes
damaged by flooding in Hatch, N.M.
· Supportive Housing Coalition of New Mexico -- $135,00, backed by
First National Bank of Las Vegas, to support development of a 15-unit
apartment complex for low-income residents with mental health or physical
disabilities, with special consideration being given to people who are
homeless or at risk for homelessness.
Established in 1932, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas is a wholesale
bank, made up of commercial banks, savings institutions, credit unions and
insurance companies in New Mexico, Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and
Mississippi.
Domenici serves on the Transportation, Treasury, and HUD Appropriation
Subcommittee. He also authored the legislation that created the highly
successful Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH)
Program. The PATH program provides community support services to
persons with severe mental illnesses who also are homeless or at risk of
homelessness.
Beef ban lifted
ALBUQUERQUE – U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman Thursday said he is
pleased that the American ranchers can resume exporting beef cattle to
Mexico.
Mexico barred live cattle imports in 2003 when an isolated case of “mad
cow” disease was detected in a Canadian-born dairy cow in the state of
Washington. In 2006 Mexico’s ban on dairy heifers was lifted. Today’s
action means New Mexico ranchers can resume exporting live beef cattle,
as well.
“The past few years have been hard on our state’s cattle ranchers. Finally,
New Mexico’s ranchers are able to resume exporting live cattle, including
breeding bulls, to Mexico,” Bingaman said.
In 2002, before the ban, the United States exported over 90,000 beef cattle
to Mexico; since the ban, it’s been zero.
Pearce visits with veterans
ALBUQUERQUE - Thurday, Congressman Steve Pearce met with veterans
and employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs and spoke about
health care, veterans' benefits and national security. Pearce, a veteran who
flew combat missions in Vietnam, has been a reliable advocate for veterans
during his time in Congress and has a strong record of working to resolve
conflicts between the agencies and New Mexico veterans.
"No matter how many times we say it, we cannot thank our veterans
enough. I firmly believe they are directly responsible for the freedoms we
enjoy today," he said. "We are one of just a handful of countries that is
willing to fight for the freedom of others. Our veterans provide the world with
the reassurance that there will always be someone willing to fight for justice,
human rights and liberty."
Pearce, who flew overseas missions in Vietnam from 1971 to early 1974,
has worked tirelessly in Congress to protect veterans' benefits and ensure
they are treated fairly. Last year, Pearce repeatedly pressured
Congressional leadership to pass increases to a Veterans Appropriations
Bill.
"Vital funding for veterans is being delayed due to political partisanship and
media grandstanding. We believe veterans' funding should be above the
partisan battles and public relations ploys of Washington," he wrote in a
letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Pearce has also sponsored legislation that would increase veterans'
reimbursements for travel expenses. Current reimbursements are less than
a quarter of what federal employees receive.
"Our veterans are a national treasure," he said today. "We must honor their
sacrifice often and in any way we can."
Fund established for local hero
ARTESIA - The Artesia Fire Department estimates that Capt. Sammy
Martinez has responded to over 10,000 emergencies in his career. Now,
he is battling cancer and the AFD is requesting your help. Please go to our
community events section to read the letter from Fire Chief J. D.
Hummingbird and get information on how you can help a local hero who has
devoted his life to helping others.
Flood Insurance - fact or fiction?
Information from the Federal Emergency Management Agency
Popular yet incorrect notions about the National Flood Insurance Program
can lead homeowners and businesses to avoid this easy and important
safeguard. Here are some truths about National Flood Insurance that can
help residents prepare for floods.
Myth: Homeowners insurance policies cover floods.
Fact: No, most standard multi-peril home and business insurance policies
do not cover flooding. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is the
only way a homeowner, business owner or renter can limit the cost of
damages from flooding. Homes, businesses and their personal property
and business inventory contents are covered for flood by NFIP. Policies
may be purchased through private insurance companies or directly from an
NFIP Agent.
Myth: You cannot buy flood insurance if you do not live in a high flood-risk
area or if your home or business flooded in the past.
Fact: You can buy National Flood Insurance no matter where you live,
provided your community participates in the National Flood Insurance
Program. You are still eligible to purchase flood insurance even if your
home, apartment, or business has experienced a flood. Even if your area is
not considered a high flood-risk, all areas are susceptible to flood. Nearly
25 percent of all NFIP claims are from outside high flood-risk areas.
Myth: National Flood Insurance does not cover flood damage to anything in
the basement.
Fact: Yes, it does. The NFIP defines a basement as any area with a floor
below ground level on all sides. In a basement, the NFIP covers essential
home equipment connected to an electrical source such as sump-pumps,
furnaces, water heaters, air conditioners, heat pumps, circuit breakers etc.
The NFIP also covers structural components in the basement such as
staircases, elevators, dumbwaiters, unpainted drywall walls, ceilings and
fiberglass insulation. If the resident or business owner chose to insure their
basement 'contents' with their policy, NFIP would cover clothes washers and
dryers, food freezers located in the basement as well as the food inside.
The NFIP does not insure 'finished' basements. The NFIP will not cover
improved basement walls, ceilings, furniture or entertainment electronics in
a finished basement.
Myth: You cannot buy flood insurance immediately before or after a flood.
Fact: You can buy National Flood Insurance anytime but there is a 30-day
waiting period after the first premium payment before the policy becomes
effective. The waiting period is reduced to one day during the first 13
months after a change to the local Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). If the
building or home was recently revised to be a high flood-risk area, an NFIP
policy takes effect one day after the first premium payment.
To learn more about the National Flood Insurance Program, visit their
Website at www.floodsmart.gov. On the Web site you can learn if your
community participates in NFIP and where to locate an insurance agent that
sells National Flood Insurance near you. The interactive portion of the site
offers specific information on flood risk to your home or business and can
estimate your flood insurance premium. For more questions about NFIP
and the Floodsmart program, call their toll-free telephone number at 1-888-
379-9531.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for,
preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all
domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
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.
LAS CRUCES - Dr. David Merritt, Riparian Plant Ecologist from U.S.
Forestry Service, National Resource Ecology Laboratory, Colorado State
University will speak from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. Thursday April 3, in Wooton Hall
Room 105, about The Success of Tamarix in Western American Rivers:
Unraveling Myth and Science.
His current projects include: response of vegetation to Tamarix removal
along the Rio Grande and upper Green Rivers; processes governing
Tamarix invasion in the western US; the role of hydrochory in structuring
plant communities; the effects of dams and diversions on riparian
vegetation, structured population modeling of riparian plants; streamflow
regimes necessary to support riparian vegetation; National riparian
definition, classification, and trend monitoring.
Housing $$ benefits special needs individuals
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Pete Domenici Friday reported that almost
$1.5 million has been made available to support the construction or
rehabilitation of low-income affordable housing to help families in Valencia
County, Albuquerque, Socorro, Hatch and other areas in New Mexico.
Domenici, who serves on the Senate appropriations subcommittee that
funds the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), said
the grant funding is being provided through the Federal Home Loan Bank
of Dallas as leverage to support local affordable housing initiatives. In all,
the funding will be used to support 164 housing units in New Mexico.
“These awards will be used to help ensure that more low-income families
have homes. I’m pleased that these investments are also going toward
housing for homeless or disabled individuals who face added challenges
when it comes to securing housing,” Domenici said.
The Affordable Housing Program (AHP) grant funding will be used by local
organizations to purchase, construct, or rehabilitate single-family,
transitional and multifamily projects for very low- to moderate-income
families. The grants will be issued through financial institutions in New
Mexico that are members of the Federal Home Loan Bank.
AHP funding, backed by New Mexico banks, has been provided for the
following projects:
· Habitat for Humanity of Valencia County -- $180,062, backed by
MyBank of Belen, to support the construction of 18 single-family homes.
· Habitat for Humanity of New Mexico -- $328,000, backed by Bank of
Albuquerque, to support principal reduction on home purchases for 41 low-
income families.
· New Mexico Housing and Community Development -- $500,000,
backed by State National Bank, to support the rehabilitation and
preservation of the 40-unit, multi-family Socorro Village Apartments in
Socorro to house very low-income elderly and disabled residents.
· Tierra del Sol Housing Corp. of Las Cruces -- $294,000, backed by
Pioneer Bank of Las Cruces, to support the construction or rehabilitation of
42 homes in the southern New Mexico region served by this non-profit
organization.
· Tierra del Sol Housing Corp. of Las Cruces -- $56,000, backed by
Pioneer Bank, to support the rehabilitation of 8 single-family homes
damaged by flooding in Hatch, N.M.
· Supportive Housing Coalition of New Mexico -- $135,00, backed by
First National Bank of Las Vegas, to support development of a 15-unit
apartment complex for low-income residents with mental health or physical
disabilities, with special consideration being given to people who are
homeless or at risk for homelessness.
Established in 1932, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas is a wholesale
bank, made up of commercial banks, savings institutions, credit unions and
insurance companies in New Mexico, Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and
Mississippi.
Domenici serves on the Transportation, Treasury, and HUD Appropriation
Subcommittee. He also authored the legislation that created the highly
successful Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH)
Program. The PATH program provides community support services to
persons with severe mental illnesses who also are homeless or at risk of
homelessness.
Beef ban lifted
ALBUQUERQUE – U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman Thursday said he is
pleased that the American ranchers can resume exporting beef cattle to
Mexico.
Mexico barred live cattle imports in 2003 when an isolated case of “mad
cow” disease was detected in a Canadian-born dairy cow in the state of
Washington. In 2006 Mexico’s ban on dairy heifers was lifted. Today’s
action means New Mexico ranchers can resume exporting live beef cattle,
as well.
“The past few years have been hard on our state’s cattle ranchers. Finally,
New Mexico’s ranchers are able to resume exporting live cattle, including
breeding bulls, to Mexico,” Bingaman said.
In 2002, before the ban, the United States exported over 90,000 beef cattle
to Mexico; since the ban, it’s been zero.
Pearce visits with veterans
ALBUQUERQUE - Thurday, Congressman Steve Pearce met with veterans
and employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs and spoke about
health care, veterans' benefits and national security. Pearce, a veteran who
flew combat missions in Vietnam, has been a reliable advocate for veterans
during his time in Congress and has a strong record of working to resolve
conflicts between the agencies and New Mexico veterans.
"No matter how many times we say it, we cannot thank our veterans
enough. I firmly believe they are directly responsible for the freedoms we
enjoy today," he said. "We are one of just a handful of countries that is
willing to fight for the freedom of others. Our veterans provide the world with
the reassurance that there will always be someone willing to fight for justice,
human rights and liberty."
Pearce, who flew overseas missions in Vietnam from 1971 to early 1974,
has worked tirelessly in Congress to protect veterans' benefits and ensure
they are treated fairly. Last year, Pearce repeatedly pressured
Congressional leadership to pass increases to a Veterans Appropriations
Bill.
"Vital funding for veterans is being delayed due to political partisanship and
media grandstanding. We believe veterans' funding should be above the
partisan battles and public relations ploys of Washington," he wrote in a
letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Pearce has also sponsored legislation that would increase veterans'
reimbursements for travel expenses. Current reimbursements are less than
a quarter of what federal employees receive.
"Our veterans are a national treasure," he said today. "We must honor their
sacrifice often and in any way we can."
Fund established for local hero
ARTESIA - The Artesia Fire Department estimates that Capt. Sammy
Martinez has responded to over 10,000 emergencies in his career. Now,
he is battling cancer and the AFD is requesting your help. Please go to our
community events section to read the letter from Fire Chief J. D.
Hummingbird and get information on how you can help a local hero who has
devoted his life to helping others.
Flood Insurance - fact or fiction?
Information from the Federal Emergency Management Agency
Popular yet incorrect notions about the National Flood Insurance Program
can lead homeowners and businesses to avoid this easy and important
safeguard. Here are some truths about National Flood Insurance that can
help residents prepare for floods.
Myth: Homeowners insurance policies cover floods.
Fact: No, most standard multi-peril home and business insurance policies
do not cover flooding. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is the
only way a homeowner, business owner or renter can limit the cost of
damages from flooding. Homes, businesses and their personal property
and business inventory contents are covered for flood by NFIP. Policies
may be purchased through private insurance companies or directly from an
NFIP Agent.
Myth: You cannot buy flood insurance if you do not live in a high flood-risk
area or if your home or business flooded in the past.
Fact: You can buy National Flood Insurance no matter where you live,
provided your community participates in the National Flood Insurance
Program. You are still eligible to purchase flood insurance even if your
home, apartment, or business has experienced a flood. Even if your area is
not considered a high flood-risk, all areas are susceptible to flood. Nearly
25 percent of all NFIP claims are from outside high flood-risk areas.
Myth: National Flood Insurance does not cover flood damage to anything in
the basement.
Fact: Yes, it does. The NFIP defines a basement as any area with a floor
below ground level on all sides. In a basement, the NFIP covers essential
home equipment connected to an electrical source such as sump-pumps,
furnaces, water heaters, air conditioners, heat pumps, circuit breakers etc.
The NFIP also covers structural components in the basement such as
staircases, elevators, dumbwaiters, unpainted drywall walls, ceilings and
fiberglass insulation. If the resident or business owner chose to insure their
basement 'contents' with their policy, NFIP would cover clothes washers and
dryers, food freezers located in the basement as well as the food inside.
The NFIP does not insure 'finished' basements. The NFIP will not cover
improved basement walls, ceilings, furniture or entertainment electronics in
a finished basement.
Myth: You cannot buy flood insurance immediately before or after a flood.
Fact: You can buy National Flood Insurance anytime but there is a 30-day
waiting period after the first premium payment before the policy becomes
effective. The waiting period is reduced to one day during the first 13
months after a change to the local Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). If the
building or home was recently revised to be a high flood-risk area, an NFIP
policy takes effect one day after the first premium payment.
To learn more about the National Flood Insurance Program, visit their
Website at www.floodsmart.gov. On the Web site you can learn if your
community participates in NFIP and where to locate an insurance agent that
sells National Flood Insurance near you. The interactive portion of the site
offers specific information on flood risk to your home or business and can
estimate your flood insurance premium. For more questions about NFIP
and the Floodsmart program, call their toll-free telephone number at 1-888-
379-9531.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for,
preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all
domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
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.
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
A 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!
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
A 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!