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NEWS:
Volume 3, Number 52
April 15, 2008
April 15, 2008
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& suggestions are welcome.
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& suggestions are welcome.
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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 today for the Guadalupe Mountains, the Van Horn Corridor, the southeast New Mexico Plains and the Upper Trans Pecos for very dry and windy conditions together with VERY HIGH FIRE DANGER. A FIRE WEATHER WATCH has been issued for Wednesday for all eareas except the extreme Low Rolling Plains and the Lower Trans Pecos. Today: Sunny, with a high near 86. South wind 10 to 15 mph increasing to between 20 and 25 mph. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph. Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 51. South wind between 10 and 20 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 84. Windy, with a southwest wind 15 to 20 mph increasing to between 25 and 30 mph. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph. Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 50. Windy, with a southwest wind around 30 mph becoming northwest. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph. Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 69. Windy, with a north wind 25 to 30 mph decreasing to between 10 and 15 mph. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph. Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 38. Friday: Sunny, with a high near 81. Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 51. Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 87. Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 51. Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 84. Sunday Night: Clear, with a low around 45. Monday: Sunny, with a high near 81. |
| 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. |
City open house
ARTESIA - The City of Artesia Open House on Monday - "Come Share Our
Excitement" - was an exciting event as citizens, public officials and city
employees got a deeper understanding of the project and how it will benefit
all residents of Artesia and northern Eddy County.
The project is designed to bring fire & emergency medical services, law
enforcement agencies from the city, county and state, and municipal court
under one roof. One major goal in doing this is to improve communication
between cooperating departments, whether in person, via electronic
transmission or hard copy reports. The expected efficiency this will bring
will help all of the departments to do a better job.
On hand to share information Chief Don Raley from the Artesia Police
Department, Chief J. D. Hummingbird of the Artesia Fire Department,
Municipal Judge Kaye Kiper, Sgt. Javier Moncada representing the New
Mexico State Police and Lt. Jeff Zuniga from Eddy County Sheriff's Office.
Architects from ASA Architect Studio presented drawings and a model of
the building to show how the agencies would be housed and share common
areas.
As the city grows, the need for two fire stations becomes more and more
evident. The new complex will allow for a main fire station, and the city will
continue to operate a main fire station at the current location.
Several door prizes were awarded from generous donors, including the
Heritage Inn, the Artesia Chamber of Commerce, Wal-Mart, Artesia Fire
Eqipment, The Cop Shop, Stylish Stitches, the Artesia Daily Press and the
Carlsbad Current-Argus.
The staff of the Artesia Senior Center was extremely gracious in opening
their doors for the gathering, and pitched in to help set up and serve hot
dogs & sodas. KSVP Radio was on hand for a remote broadcast to share
the information with thousands.
Permian Basin Regional Fire Training Center events
CARLSBAD - The Permian Basin Fire Training Center will host a week of
events, including a ribbon-cutting at the Bobby & Terry Smith Educational
Center and a memorial dedication. For more information, click here.
Senator Cosponsored Extension for Clean Energy Incentives
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Pete Domenici Thursday voted with the
Senate to attach legislation he cosponsored to extend expiring clean
energy tax credits to a housing assistance bill passed by the Senate today.
Last week, Domenici signed as an original cosponsor to the Clean Energy
Tax Stimulus Act (S.2821). Today, the bill was offered and approved by a
vote of 88-8 as an amendment to HR.3221, legislation intended to mitigate
the economic impact of the current housing crisis.
Like S.2821, the renewable energy amendment approved Thursday would
provide a one-year extension of the renewable energy production tax credit
and an eight-year extension of the solar energy and fuel cell investment tax
credit, and provide other incentives for clean energy and energy efficiency.
“Our 2005 energy bill included some of the most sweeping tax credits for
clean energy technology to date. We cannot let them expire. Recent work
in areas such as solar technologies—including groundbreaking work at
Sandia National Laboratories, and the advancement of wind technology in
New Mexico—all faced big setbacks without this legislation,” said Domenici.
In addition to extending production and solar tax credits, the amendment
authorizes $400 million for Clean Renewable Energy Bonds, and extends
tax credits for those who modify or build energy-efficient homes and
commercial buildings. The amendment also extends credits for energy
efficient appliances such as dishwashers and refrigerators.
While some have advocating paying for the tax credit extensions with
specific offsets, Domenici reiterated his belief that it was unnecessary due
to the stimulative effect of the tax credits.
“As former chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, I have been
committed to fiscal discipline for my entire career. But when one takes a
larger view of these energy tax credits, it becomes obvious that they
stimulate the economy, create jobs, and help America become less
dependent on foreign sources of oil, which in my judgment is currently the
biggest strain on our economy. It is therefore unnecessary to offset the tax
credits, since the end result will be a benefit to our economy and energy
security,” Domenici continued.
Among the technologies that benefit from the renewable energy tax credit
are wind, biomass, geothermal, small irrigation power, landfill gas, trash
combustion and hydropower facilities.
Domenici supported and voted for the inclusion of clean energy tax credit
extensions in the economic stimulus package earlier this year. Ultimately,
Congress passed a stimulus package which did not contain the tax credit
extensions.
In terms of the Housing Bill (HR.3221), Domenici voted for the legislation,
which passed by a vote of 84-12. It contains provisions to mitigate the
economic impacts of the recent home mortgage and foreclosure crisis.
Among other things, it calls for homeowner counseling, as well as tax
breaks for responsible mortgage lenders.
Mathematics Awareness Month events to be held at NMSU
LAS CRUCES - April is Mathematics Awareness Month and the department
of Mathematical Sciences at New Mexico State University is recognizing the
occasion with three events.
The theme for this year is Mathematics and Voting and speakers will use
mathematics and statistics to attempt to answer the question, “What makes
your vote matter?”
The department is hosting a panel discussion on the topic at 4 p.m.
Tuesday, April 8, in Science Hall Room 107. Nancy Baker, associate
professor of Government, will be moderator. The panel will include
representatives from the departments of Mathematical Sciences,
Psychology, Communication Studies, and Government.
The panel will discuss how procedures for counting votes can influence the
outcome and how polling and predictions in the media influence voter
psychology and results.
Lane. A. Hamaspaandra, professor of computer science at the University of
Rochester, will be guest speaker at lectures at 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 16,
and 1:10 p.m. Thursday, April 17, in Science Hall Room 107.
In the first lecture, Hamaspaandra will discuss how computational
complexity, already used to protect commercial Internet transactions, can
be used as a shield to prevent bribery and control of elections. He will show
that an election system developed by the 13th century Catalan mystic
Ramon Llull and the closely related Copeland election system are both
resistant to all standard types of electoral control.
In the second lecture, Hamaspaandra will discuss a voting system created
in 1876 by mathematician Charles Dodgson, who wrote “Alice’s Adventures
in Wonderland” under the name Lewis Carroll. Hamaspaandra said the
system has long fascinated political scientists and the algorithm used in the
system never incorrectly declares a non-winner to be the winner.
Mathematics Awareness Month is held each year in April. Its goal is to
increase public understanding of and appreciation for mathematics.
All events are free and open to the public. They are sponsored by the
departments of Mathematical Sciences, Computer Science, Psychology,
Government, Communication Studies and History and the office of the dean
of the College of Arts and Sciences. For more information call (575) 646-
2030.
ARTESIA - The City of Artesia Open House on Monday - "Come Share Our
Excitement" - was an exciting event as citizens, public officials and city
employees got a deeper understanding of the project and how it will benefit
all residents of Artesia and northern Eddy County.
The project is designed to bring fire & emergency medical services, law
enforcement agencies from the city, county and state, and municipal court
under one roof. One major goal in doing this is to improve communication
between cooperating departments, whether in person, via electronic
transmission or hard copy reports. The expected efficiency this will bring
will help all of the departments to do a better job.
On hand to share information Chief Don Raley from the Artesia Police
Department, Chief J. D. Hummingbird of the Artesia Fire Department,
Municipal Judge Kaye Kiper, Sgt. Javier Moncada representing the New
Mexico State Police and Lt. Jeff Zuniga from Eddy County Sheriff's Office.
Architects from ASA Architect Studio presented drawings and a model of
the building to show how the agencies would be housed and share common
areas.
As the city grows, the need for two fire stations becomes more and more
evident. The new complex will allow for a main fire station, and the city will
continue to operate a main fire station at the current location.
Several door prizes were awarded from generous donors, including the
Heritage Inn, the Artesia Chamber of Commerce, Wal-Mart, Artesia Fire
Eqipment, The Cop Shop, Stylish Stitches, the Artesia Daily Press and the
Carlsbad Current-Argus.
The staff of the Artesia Senior Center was extremely gracious in opening
their doors for the gathering, and pitched in to help set up and serve hot
dogs & sodas. KSVP Radio was on hand for a remote broadcast to share
the information with thousands.
Permian Basin Regional Fire Training Center events
CARLSBAD - The Permian Basin Fire Training Center will host a week of
events, including a ribbon-cutting at the Bobby & Terry Smith Educational
Center and a memorial dedication. For more information, click here.
Senator Cosponsored Extension for Clean Energy Incentives
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Pete Domenici Thursday voted with the
Senate to attach legislation he cosponsored to extend expiring clean
energy tax credits to a housing assistance bill passed by the Senate today.
Last week, Domenici signed as an original cosponsor to the Clean Energy
Tax Stimulus Act (S.2821). Today, the bill was offered and approved by a
vote of 88-8 as an amendment to HR.3221, legislation intended to mitigate
the economic impact of the current housing crisis.
Like S.2821, the renewable energy amendment approved Thursday would
provide a one-year extension of the renewable energy production tax credit
and an eight-year extension of the solar energy and fuel cell investment tax
credit, and provide other incentives for clean energy and energy efficiency.
“Our 2005 energy bill included some of the most sweeping tax credits for
clean energy technology to date. We cannot let them expire. Recent work
in areas such as solar technologies—including groundbreaking work at
Sandia National Laboratories, and the advancement of wind technology in
New Mexico—all faced big setbacks without this legislation,” said Domenici.
In addition to extending production and solar tax credits, the amendment
authorizes $400 million for Clean Renewable Energy Bonds, and extends
tax credits for those who modify or build energy-efficient homes and
commercial buildings. The amendment also extends credits for energy
efficient appliances such as dishwashers and refrigerators.
While some have advocating paying for the tax credit extensions with
specific offsets, Domenici reiterated his belief that it was unnecessary due
to the stimulative effect of the tax credits.
“As former chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, I have been
committed to fiscal discipline for my entire career. But when one takes a
larger view of these energy tax credits, it becomes obvious that they
stimulate the economy, create jobs, and help America become less
dependent on foreign sources of oil, which in my judgment is currently the
biggest strain on our economy. It is therefore unnecessary to offset the tax
credits, since the end result will be a benefit to our economy and energy
security,” Domenici continued.
Among the technologies that benefit from the renewable energy tax credit
are wind, biomass, geothermal, small irrigation power, landfill gas, trash
combustion and hydropower facilities.
Domenici supported and voted for the inclusion of clean energy tax credit
extensions in the economic stimulus package earlier this year. Ultimately,
Congress passed a stimulus package which did not contain the tax credit
extensions.
In terms of the Housing Bill (HR.3221), Domenici voted for the legislation,
which passed by a vote of 84-12. It contains provisions to mitigate the
economic impacts of the recent home mortgage and foreclosure crisis.
Among other things, it calls for homeowner counseling, as well as tax
breaks for responsible mortgage lenders.
Mathematics Awareness Month events to be held at NMSU
LAS CRUCES - April is Mathematics Awareness Month and the department
of Mathematical Sciences at New Mexico State University is recognizing the
occasion with three events.
The theme for this year is Mathematics and Voting and speakers will use
mathematics and statistics to attempt to answer the question, “What makes
your vote matter?”
The department is hosting a panel discussion on the topic at 4 p.m.
Tuesday, April 8, in Science Hall Room 107. Nancy Baker, associate
professor of Government, will be moderator. The panel will include
representatives from the departments of Mathematical Sciences,
Psychology, Communication Studies, and Government.
The panel will discuss how procedures for counting votes can influence the
outcome and how polling and predictions in the media influence voter
psychology and results.
Lane. A. Hamaspaandra, professor of computer science at the University of
Rochester, will be guest speaker at lectures at 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 16,
and 1:10 p.m. Thursday, April 17, in Science Hall Room 107.
In the first lecture, Hamaspaandra will discuss how computational
complexity, already used to protect commercial Internet transactions, can
be used as a shield to prevent bribery and control of elections. He will show
that an election system developed by the 13th century Catalan mystic
Ramon Llull and the closely related Copeland election system are both
resistant to all standard types of electoral control.
In the second lecture, Hamaspaandra will discuss a voting system created
in 1876 by mathematician Charles Dodgson, who wrote “Alice’s Adventures
in Wonderland” under the name Lewis Carroll. Hamaspaandra said the
system has long fascinated political scientists and the algorithm used in the
system never incorrectly declares a non-winner to be the winner.
Mathematics Awareness Month is held each year in April. Its goal is to
increase public understanding of and appreciation for mathematics.
All events are free and open to the public. They are sponsored by the
departments of Mathematical Sciences, Computer Science, Psychology,
Government, Communication Studies and History and the office of the dean
of the College of Arts and Sciences. For more information call (575) 646-
2030.
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.
Senators applaud Latino museum bill
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jeff Bingaman
and Pete Domenici Thursday applauded the
passage of legislation that takes a first step
toward creating a national museum focusing on
the history and culture of the Latino community
in America.
The bill, which the New Mexico Senators
cosponsored, creates a 23-member
Commission charged with creating a plan for
constructing a museum honoring the
contributions Hispanics have made to the United
States. The bill was introduced by Senators
Ken Salazar (D-CO) and Mel Martinez (R-FL.).
“Washington is home to many museums that
honor our country’s diversity. A museum
recognizing Hispanic culture and history would
be an important addition,” said Bingaman,
chairman of the Energy and Natural Resources.
“I believe the United States has been made a
better country through the contributions and
influence of Hispanic Americans. This bill will
allow us to determine how best to recognize
those contributions and whether a national
museum would be appropriate and feasible,”
said Domenici, ranking member of the Senate
Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
The Commission will be charged with convening
within 18 months a national conference to bring
stakeholders, experts, policymakers and other
interested parties together to discuss the
museum's viability; developing a fundraising
plan to create an extensive public-private
partnership; and submitting to Congress within
24 months of its national conference a detailed
report recommending a plan of action for taking
the museum from concept to reality.
The bill must now be approved by the U.S.
House of Representatives and then sent to the
White House to be signed into law.
Pearce protests to preserve ranchers'
rights
WASHINGTON – Wednesday, Congressman
Steve Pearce heavily defended the New Mexico
economy and protected the rights of ranchers in
western states against an enormous land grab.
During debate over the creation of the National
Conservation Landscape System, Pearce
offered an amendment that preserves grazing
rights on land that would come under this new
designation. The amendment passed 214 -
207. If it had failed, much of the land included
in the NLCS could have been closed to ranching.
"Our ranching communities dodged a bullet
today," said Pearce immediately after the vote.
"The economies of western states depend on
the use of public lands and we can't simply shut
it off. It would be devastating."
Though Pearce ultimately voted against the
overall bill, the addition of the Pearce
amendment remains a solid victory for New
Mexico and western state economies. The
Pearce Amendment was endorsed by the
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the
New Mexico Cattle Growers Association.
"In New Mexico and across the West, our
ranchers are our real conservationists and know
how to protect the land they depend on
everyday," Pearce said during debate over the
amendment. "Their lands are often the
backstop against growth and they are the voice
of preserving the rural nature of our lands."
"However, in counties in the West that are 30,
18, or 6 percent private land, our ranchers
depend on public land for their operations," he
continued. "These ranchers bring millions of
dollars in economic activity to New Mexico and
the entire West. In many places, ranching is the
single largest economic driver in our
communities."
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.
Senators applaud Latino museum bill
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jeff Bingaman
and Pete Domenici Thursday applauded the
passage of legislation that takes a first step
toward creating a national museum focusing on
the history and culture of the Latino community
in America.
The bill, which the New Mexico Senators
cosponsored, creates a 23-member
Commission charged with creating a plan for
constructing a museum honoring the
contributions Hispanics have made to the United
States. The bill was introduced by Senators
Ken Salazar (D-CO) and Mel Martinez (R-FL.).
“Washington is home to many museums that
honor our country’s diversity. A museum
recognizing Hispanic culture and history would
be an important addition,” said Bingaman,
chairman of the Energy and Natural Resources.
“I believe the United States has been made a
better country through the contributions and
influence of Hispanic Americans. This bill will
allow us to determine how best to recognize
those contributions and whether a national
museum would be appropriate and feasible,”
said Domenici, ranking member of the Senate
Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
The Commission will be charged with convening
within 18 months a national conference to bring
stakeholders, experts, policymakers and other
interested parties together to discuss the
museum's viability; developing a fundraising
plan to create an extensive public-private
partnership; and submitting to Congress within
24 months of its national conference a detailed
report recommending a plan of action for taking
the museum from concept to reality.
The bill must now be approved by the U.S.
House of Representatives and then sent to the
White House to be signed into law.
Pearce protests to preserve ranchers'
rights
WASHINGTON – Wednesday, Congressman
Steve Pearce heavily defended the New Mexico
economy and protected the rights of ranchers in
western states against an enormous land grab.
During debate over the creation of the National
Conservation Landscape System, Pearce
offered an amendment that preserves grazing
rights on land that would come under this new
designation. The amendment passed 214 -
207. If it had failed, much of the land included
in the NLCS could have been closed to ranching.
"Our ranching communities dodged a bullet
today," said Pearce immediately after the vote.
"The economies of western states depend on
the use of public lands and we can't simply shut
it off. It would be devastating."
Though Pearce ultimately voted against the
overall bill, the addition of the Pearce
amendment remains a solid victory for New
Mexico and western state economies. The
Pearce Amendment was endorsed by the
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the
New Mexico Cattle Growers Association.
"In New Mexico and across the West, our
ranchers are our real conservationists and know
how to protect the land they depend on
everyday," Pearce said during debate over the
amendment. "Their lands are often the
backstop against growth and they are the voice
of preserving the rural nature of our lands."
"However, in counties in the West that are 30,
18, or 6 percent private land, our ranchers
depend on public land for their operations," he
continued. "These ranchers bring millions of
dollars in economic activity to New Mexico and
the entire West. In many places, ranching is the
single largest economic driver in our
communities."