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NEWS:
Volume 3, Number 91
June 11, 2008
June 11, 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 this afternoon into this evening for the central and western Permian Basin, southeastern New Mexico, the Upper Trans Pecos, the Davis and Guadalupe mountains and the Van Horn Corridor. A FIRE WEATHER WATCH is in effect for the Guadalupe Mountains Thursday afternoon and evening. Isolated showers and thunderstorms will be possible across the Permian Basin Thursday, with the strongest storms capable of becoming marginally severe. Today: Sunny and hot, with a high near 105. Southwest wind between 15 and 25 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 62. West wind 15 to 20 mph decreasing to between 5 and 10 mph. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph. Thursday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 101. North wind between 5 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 63. Southwest wind between 10 and 15 mph becoming calm. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. Friday: Sunny, with a high near 97. Calm wind becoming north between 5 and 10 mph. Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 67. Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 99. Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 99. Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 69. Monday: Sunny, with a high near 96. Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. |
| 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 approves events, new businesses
ARTESIA - The Artesia City Council addressed several items at its regularly
scheduled meeting Tuesday evening, approving three upcoming events
and two home occupation applications.
In the section of the meeting reserved for hearing visitors, Edward Mullen
appeared on behalf of Bethel Baptist Church to request permission to use
Central Park on July 5th from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for a Black Community
Reunion. The request for the event was approved.
Danielle Moreno of the Artesia Chamber of Commerce requested
permission to use JayCee Park for the annual July 4th event, which will run
from 7 a.m. To 11 p.m.
Linda Stevens of Artesia Clean & Beautiful presented information on the
upcoming Electronic Waste Recycling Event scheduled for June 27th &
28th. Stevens has distributed information about the event throughout the
community and adjacent communities. For more information, contact
Stevens at 575.748.3192.
Five public hearings were scheduled and council approved home
occupation applications for George & Regina Mullen, and for Bessie Major.
Council also approved the transfer of ownership of a liquor license to
Allsup's Convenience Store at 1910 W. Main Street, approved a summary
plat redivision for Quality Milk Sales, Inc., and approved an ordinance
amending rear-yard setbacks from 30 to 20 feet in four zoning districts.
Human Resources Director Bill Thalman presented a final list of summer
recreation applicants that may be hired as summer recreation aides,
leaders, lifeguards and youth workers. Thalman also explained a
restructuring of the Infrastructure Department, which shifted employees
from the Parks Department to Streets and Water and created a Facilities
Maintenance Department.
The consent agenda was passed as written.
Pearce Pushes Policy to Lower Prices at the Pump
WASHINGTON - Congressman Steve Pearce, candidate for U.S. Senate,
discussed the failure of the Democratic leadership in the House to take
action to bring down rising gas prices. Pearce, a Vietnam veteran and
former small businessman, made his comments on KLMA in Hobbs.
"There has been a complete lack of leadership on the part of the new
majority to respond to American's concerns about gas prices," he said. "At
every turn they have voted for policies that will raise, not lower, the price at
the pump. Energy prices are causing an enormous strain on family
budgets and majority is ignoring the problem."
Since the Democrats took the majority in Congress, the price of a gallon of
gas has risen by $1.71, a 73% increase.
"Tom Udall and I have many differences on this issue. He supports the
restrictions that lock up our domestic resources. I want to begin investing in
the energy we have in this country and start drilling in the Outer Continental
Shelf and ANWR [Arctic National Wildlife Refuge]," he said. "Then I
propose we use the revenue from the royalties to begin much needed
investments in renewable sources. The country needs energy and we
need both short and long-term solutions for the problem. Tom Udall is
supporting policies that will cause the price of gas to continue to skyrocket."
Transformers sequel to film in Alamogordo
ALAMOGORDO - Governor Bill Richardson Monday announced
DreamWorks Pictures, Paramount Pictures and director Michael Bay will
return to New Mexico to film major sequences for Transformers: Revenge of
the Fallen. The next installment of the box office hit Transformers is
expected to hit theaters next summer.
“Transformers was a huge success and I am pleased that Dream Works,
Paramount Pictures and Michael Bay have decided to return to New Mexico
to film the second installment,” said Governor Richardson.
The first film, starring Shia LaBeouf, Tyrese Gibson, Josh Duhamel, Megan
Fox and John Turturro, grossed more than $700 million worldwide.
The current production has been prepping in Alamogordo since April and
expects to begin filming in the fall.
Since Governor Richardson took office, over 95 major feature film and
television projects have shot in the state, adding over $1.6 billion dollars to
New Mexico's economy.
Congressmen on hand to welcome Raptors to Holloman
ALAMOGORDO – Members of the New Mexico congressional delegation
Friday formally welcomed the arrival of F-22A Raptor fighters to Holloman
Air Force Base, a move signaling the launch of a new mission for the
southern New Mexico installation.
U.S. Senators Pete Domenici and Jeff Bingaman, as well as
Representatives Heather Wilson, Tom Udall and Steve Pearce, joined Air
Force and community leaders to welcome the aircraft and to commit to
supporting the two squadrons of F-22s that will be bedded down with the
49th Fighter Wing at Holloman.
“The world remains dangerous and we welcome the F-22s for what they
represent in protecting the United States and its interests. Our enemies
are eager to attain emerging technology to challenge our national security,
and countering this lethal technology requires a superior weapons system.
It’s like having a spear that is longer, stronger than your enemy’s. I
consider the F-22 the ‘tip of the spear.’ It guarantees our air dominance
and the ability to defend our forces at any place, any time,” said Domenici,
a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.
“Today is a big day for Holloman Air Force Base. Making Holloman home to
the next generation of fighter air craft demonstrates how major a role the
base plays in keeping our nation safe,” Bingaman said.
“This has been a huge week for southern New Mexico,” says Wilson, a
former Air Force Captain. “The F-22 Raptor is a forward-looking plane that
will be a key part of the Air Force’s arsenal for years to come. And New
Mexico is perfectly positioned to help deploy these aircraft into combat.
Once again, New Mexico is proving how important we are in the defense of
this country, and I’m honored to be here today.”
U.S. Air Force Photo/ Senior Airman Russell Scalf
F-22 Arrival
Col. Jeff Harrigian, 49th Fighter Wing commander, and Lt. Col. Mike Hernandez, 7th
Fighter Squadron commander, fly a pair of F-22A Raptors over White Sands National
Monument, on the way to Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., June 2. The jets are the first
two Holloman-tailed F-22's to arrive on base.
“The Raptor F-22s represent the next generation in air power, and New
Mexico is the perfect place for this new aircraft,” said Udall, a member of the
House Appropriations Committee. “Having these planes will ensure that New
Mexico continues to play a crucial role in defending America, and I am
proud to welcome them to Holloman.”
“Holloman Air Force Base provides the weather, the terrain, the wide open
spaces, and the radio spectrum availability for true combat
demonstrations. The introduction of the F22s poses an enormous
economic benefit to the area and fulfills a critical national security need for
our country,” said Pearce.
Two 18-aircraft squadrons of F-22A Raptors are scheduled to be deployed
at Holloman Air Force Base, replacing the F-117 stealth fighters that had
been assigned to the base for almost 20 years. Members of the delegation
have advocated continuing Department of Defense procurement of F-22
aircraft which could result in the Holloman squadron being expanded in the
future.
The Air Force also intends to place an F-22 Air Force Reserve Unit at
Holloman, which would give the base a broader mission and additional
personnel. The Holloman unit will be an Air Force Reserve “classic
associate unit.” As such, reserve pilots, maintenance and ground crews will
share use of the same F-22 aircraft used by the active units at Holloman.
In addition, the delegation is supporting the administration’s budget request
to provide $25 million for five new military construction projects to support
the F-22A at Holloman, including maintenance, repair and simulation
facilities.
ARTESIA - The Artesia City Council addressed several items at its regularly
scheduled meeting Tuesday evening, approving three upcoming events
and two home occupation applications.
In the section of the meeting reserved for hearing visitors, Edward Mullen
appeared on behalf of Bethel Baptist Church to request permission to use
Central Park on July 5th from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for a Black Community
Reunion. The request for the event was approved.
Danielle Moreno of the Artesia Chamber of Commerce requested
permission to use JayCee Park for the annual July 4th event, which will run
from 7 a.m. To 11 p.m.
Linda Stevens of Artesia Clean & Beautiful presented information on the
upcoming Electronic Waste Recycling Event scheduled for June 27th &
28th. Stevens has distributed information about the event throughout the
community and adjacent communities. For more information, contact
Stevens at 575.748.3192.
Five public hearings were scheduled and council approved home
occupation applications for George & Regina Mullen, and for Bessie Major.
Council also approved the transfer of ownership of a liquor license to
Allsup's Convenience Store at 1910 W. Main Street, approved a summary
plat redivision for Quality Milk Sales, Inc., and approved an ordinance
amending rear-yard setbacks from 30 to 20 feet in four zoning districts.
Human Resources Director Bill Thalman presented a final list of summer
recreation applicants that may be hired as summer recreation aides,
leaders, lifeguards and youth workers. Thalman also explained a
restructuring of the Infrastructure Department, which shifted employees
from the Parks Department to Streets and Water and created a Facilities
Maintenance Department.
The consent agenda was passed as written.
Pearce Pushes Policy to Lower Prices at the Pump
WASHINGTON - Congressman Steve Pearce, candidate for U.S. Senate,
discussed the failure of the Democratic leadership in the House to take
action to bring down rising gas prices. Pearce, a Vietnam veteran and
former small businessman, made his comments on KLMA in Hobbs.
"There has been a complete lack of leadership on the part of the new
majority to respond to American's concerns about gas prices," he said. "At
every turn they have voted for policies that will raise, not lower, the price at
the pump. Energy prices are causing an enormous strain on family
budgets and majority is ignoring the problem."
Since the Democrats took the majority in Congress, the price of a gallon of
gas has risen by $1.71, a 73% increase.
"Tom Udall and I have many differences on this issue. He supports the
restrictions that lock up our domestic resources. I want to begin investing in
the energy we have in this country and start drilling in the Outer Continental
Shelf and ANWR [Arctic National Wildlife Refuge]," he said. "Then I
propose we use the revenue from the royalties to begin much needed
investments in renewable sources. The country needs energy and we
need both short and long-term solutions for the problem. Tom Udall is
supporting policies that will cause the price of gas to continue to skyrocket."
Transformers sequel to film in Alamogordo
ALAMOGORDO - Governor Bill Richardson Monday announced
DreamWorks Pictures, Paramount Pictures and director Michael Bay will
return to New Mexico to film major sequences for Transformers: Revenge of
the Fallen. The next installment of the box office hit Transformers is
expected to hit theaters next summer.
“Transformers was a huge success and I am pleased that Dream Works,
Paramount Pictures and Michael Bay have decided to return to New Mexico
to film the second installment,” said Governor Richardson.
The first film, starring Shia LaBeouf, Tyrese Gibson, Josh Duhamel, Megan
Fox and John Turturro, grossed more than $700 million worldwide.
The current production has been prepping in Alamogordo since April and
expects to begin filming in the fall.
Since Governor Richardson took office, over 95 major feature film and
television projects have shot in the state, adding over $1.6 billion dollars to
New Mexico's economy.
Congressmen on hand to welcome Raptors to Holloman
ALAMOGORDO – Members of the New Mexico congressional delegation
Friday formally welcomed the arrival of F-22A Raptor fighters to Holloman
Air Force Base, a move signaling the launch of a new mission for the
southern New Mexico installation.
U.S. Senators Pete Domenici and Jeff Bingaman, as well as
Representatives Heather Wilson, Tom Udall and Steve Pearce, joined Air
Force and community leaders to welcome the aircraft and to commit to
supporting the two squadrons of F-22s that will be bedded down with the
49th Fighter Wing at Holloman.
“The world remains dangerous and we welcome the F-22s for what they
represent in protecting the United States and its interests. Our enemies
are eager to attain emerging technology to challenge our national security,
and countering this lethal technology requires a superior weapons system.
It’s like having a spear that is longer, stronger than your enemy’s. I
consider the F-22 the ‘tip of the spear.’ It guarantees our air dominance
and the ability to defend our forces at any place, any time,” said Domenici,
a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.
“Today is a big day for Holloman Air Force Base. Making Holloman home to
the next generation of fighter air craft demonstrates how major a role the
base plays in keeping our nation safe,” Bingaman said.
“This has been a huge week for southern New Mexico,” says Wilson, a
former Air Force Captain. “The F-22 Raptor is a forward-looking plane that
will be a key part of the Air Force’s arsenal for years to come. And New
Mexico is perfectly positioned to help deploy these aircraft into combat.
Once again, New Mexico is proving how important we are in the defense of
this country, and I’m honored to be here today.”
U.S. Air Force Photo/ Senior Airman Russell Scalf
F-22 Arrival
Col. Jeff Harrigian, 49th Fighter Wing commander, and Lt. Col. Mike Hernandez, 7th
Fighter Squadron commander, fly a pair of F-22A Raptors over White Sands National
Monument, on the way to Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., June 2. The jets are the first
two Holloman-tailed F-22's to arrive on base.
“The Raptor F-22s represent the next generation in air power, and New
Mexico is the perfect place for this new aircraft,” said Udall, a member of the
House Appropriations Committee. “Having these planes will ensure that New
Mexico continues to play a crucial role in defending America, and I am
proud to welcome them to Holloman.”
“Holloman Air Force Base provides the weather, the terrain, the wide open
spaces, and the radio spectrum availability for true combat
demonstrations. The introduction of the F22s poses an enormous
economic benefit to the area and fulfills a critical national security need for
our country,” said Pearce.
Two 18-aircraft squadrons of F-22A Raptors are scheduled to be deployed
at Holloman Air Force Base, replacing the F-117 stealth fighters that had
been assigned to the base for almost 20 years. Members of the delegation
have advocated continuing Department of Defense procurement of F-22
aircraft which could result in the Holloman squadron being expanded in the
future.
The Air Force also intends to place an F-22 Air Force Reserve Unit at
Holloman, which would give the base a broader mission and additional
personnel. The Holloman unit will be an Air Force Reserve “classic
associate unit.” As such, reserve pilots, maintenance and ground crews will
share use of the same F-22 aircraft used by the active units at Holloman.
In addition, the delegation is supporting the administration’s budget request
to provide $25 million for five new military construction projects to support
the F-22A at Holloman, including maintenance, repair and simulation
facilities.
UNM wins EPA recognition
The University of New Mexico has won an
Energy Star Combined Heat and Power (CHP)
award from the Environmental Protection
Agency for reducing its energy use by 20
percent.
CHP, also referred to as cogeneration, is an
efficient, clean, and reliable approach to
generating power and thermal energy from a
single fuel source. By installing a CHP system, a
facility can increase operational efficiency and
decrease energy costs, while reducing air
pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
“Whether at home or at work, being energy-
efficient is a smart environmental and economic
strategy,” said EPA Regional Administrator
Richard E. Greene. “EPA is pleased to
recognize committed organizations like the
University of New Mexico that are making CHP
and other green technologies a fundamental
part of how they do business.”
EPA recognized the university for its natural gas-
fired CHP system at the Ford Utilities Center.
Part of a major energy infrastructure upgrade
project, the CHP system supplies the campus
with roughly one-third of its total electricity
demand and produces steam to help meet the
space heating, space cooling, and domestic hot
water production needs of more than 25,000
students, staff, and faculty. The CHP system
runs with an operating efficiency of almost 65
percent and requires 20 percent less fuel than
typical alternatives.
In addition to the University of New Mexico, EPA
recognized two other CHP award winners: the
Calpine Columbia Energy Center in Gaston,
South Carolina, and the Verizon Garden City
Fuel Cell Project in Garden City, New York.
Since 1999, EPA has given the Energy Star
CHP Award to recognize organizations and
institutions that install exceptionally efficient
CHP systems. EPA's CHP Partnership seeks to
reduce the environmental impact of power
generation. EPA works closely with energy
users, the CHP industry, state and local
governments, and other stakeholders to support
the development of new projects that have
significant energy, environmental, and economic
benefits. The program plays a vital role in
efforts to achieve a collaborative, public-private
goal of doubling the capacity of CHP in the
United States to 92 gigawatts (GW) by 2010.
Additional information about CHP, the Energy
Star CHP Award, and the EPA CHP Partnership
is available at http://www.epa.gov/chp.
Poetry group opportunities
ARTESIA - Poetry in Motion is a group of writers
who get together to read our poetry, stories and
song lyrics to the group.
We endeavor to help each other get the results
we each are seeking from our individual efforts
whether that is to become published or to better
understand our lives.
We always have something to share and are
encouraged to do so in every meeting whether
it's a few words or a few pages, a question, a
hug.
We have plans for an Open Mike, fundraisers,
special guests, writers and storytellers, and
many more special events.
We meet every other Monday at the Artesia Arts
Council building, located at 510 W. Main in
downtown Artesia, New Mexico. Membership is
free and we have writers of all ages and
backgrounds.
Write us at the poetry club's main email,
poetryinmotionartesia@yahoo.com, or call our
founder, Richard, at 1-575-317-4216 for exact
dates, times, and directions.
Enjoy the website and we hope to hear from you
soon.
The University of New Mexico has won an
Energy Star Combined Heat and Power (CHP)
award from the Environmental Protection
Agency for reducing its energy use by 20
percent.
CHP, also referred to as cogeneration, is an
efficient, clean, and reliable approach to
generating power and thermal energy from a
single fuel source. By installing a CHP system, a
facility can increase operational efficiency and
decrease energy costs, while reducing air
pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
“Whether at home or at work, being energy-
efficient is a smart environmental and economic
strategy,” said EPA Regional Administrator
Richard E. Greene. “EPA is pleased to
recognize committed organizations like the
University of New Mexico that are making CHP
and other green technologies a fundamental
part of how they do business.”
EPA recognized the university for its natural gas-
fired CHP system at the Ford Utilities Center.
Part of a major energy infrastructure upgrade
project, the CHP system supplies the campus
with roughly one-third of its total electricity
demand and produces steam to help meet the
space heating, space cooling, and domestic hot
water production needs of more than 25,000
students, staff, and faculty. The CHP system
runs with an operating efficiency of almost 65
percent and requires 20 percent less fuel than
typical alternatives.
In addition to the University of New Mexico, EPA
recognized two other CHP award winners: the
Calpine Columbia Energy Center in Gaston,
South Carolina, and the Verizon Garden City
Fuel Cell Project in Garden City, New York.
Since 1999, EPA has given the Energy Star
CHP Award to recognize organizations and
institutions that install exceptionally efficient
CHP systems. EPA's CHP Partnership seeks to
reduce the environmental impact of power
generation. EPA works closely with energy
users, the CHP industry, state and local
governments, and other stakeholders to support
the development of new projects that have
significant energy, environmental, and economic
benefits. The program plays a vital role in
efforts to achieve a collaborative, public-private
goal of doubling the capacity of CHP in the
United States to 92 gigawatts (GW) by 2010.
Additional information about CHP, the Energy
Star CHP Award, and the EPA CHP Partnership
is available at http://www.epa.gov/chp.
Poetry group opportunities
ARTESIA - Poetry in Motion is a group of writers
who get together to read our poetry, stories and
song lyrics to the group.
We endeavor to help each other get the results
we each are seeking from our individual efforts
whether that is to become published or to better
understand our lives.
We always have something to share and are
encouraged to do so in every meeting whether
it's a few words or a few pages, a question, a
hug.
We have plans for an Open Mike, fundraisers,
special guests, writers and storytellers, and
many more special events.
We meet every other Monday at the Artesia Arts
Council building, located at 510 W. Main in
downtown Artesia, New Mexico. Membership is
free and we have writers of all ages and
backgrounds.
Write us at the poetry club's main email,
poetryinmotionartesia@yahoo.com, or call our
founder, Richard, at 1-575-317-4216 for exact
dates, times, and directions.
Enjoy the website and we hope to hear from you
soon.
