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NEWS:
Volume 3, Number 94
June 16, 2008
June 16, 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 Wideley scattered to scattered thunderstorms are expected to develop this afternoon and evening along and north of a Van Horn-Marfa-Alpine-Fort Stockton-Garden City-Snyder line. Primary threats from any thunderstorms will be damaging winds and cloud-to-ground lightning strikes. Any lightning strikes will be apt to start wildfires as vegetation across the region remains dry. Strong winds, hail and locally heavy rainfall will be possible tonight. Today: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 105. North wind around 5 mph. Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. Southeast wind 10 to 15 mph becoming north. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph. Tuesday: Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 101. North wind 5 to 15 mph becoming east. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming east. Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny and hot, with a high near 100. East wind 5 to 15 mph becoming south. Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 67. Thursday: Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 106. Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. Friday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 104. Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 69. Saturday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 101. Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 66. Sunday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 104. |
| 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. |
Dripping Springs Fire in Las Cruces
LAS CRUCES - The Dripping Springs Fire, approx. 1,500 acres in size and
15% contained, started on Saturday, June 14 at 5 pm. The fire is burning in
grass and brush in steep and rocky terrain, east of Las Cruces, NM on the
Organ Mountains near the Dripping Spring Recreational Area and Soledad
Canyon Road. The fire is burning on BLM lands administer by the Las
Cruces District Office and White Sands Missile Range.
At this time, a Type III fire organization is managing the fire with the help of
the following suppression resources: Type I crews, engines, water tender,
heavy air tankers, Type 1 helicopter and Type III helicopter; and misc.
overhead. Burnout operations were successful around structures today,
and engines and crews are currently holding and mopping up. The fire
made significant runs up into the Organ Mountains and is currently burning
in inaccessible and prohibited areas.
Torching and running fire was observed in mixed pinon and juniper. No
structures were lost or injures reported. TYPE # Type I Hand crews 5
Engines 8 Helicopters 2 Airtankers 2 Watertender 1 Misc. Overhead 20 The
Dripping Springs recreation site and Aguirre Springs campground has been
evacuated; road closures for both the Soledad Canyon and Dripping
Springs Roads are closed to non-residences.
The American Red Cross from the Southwestern New Mexico Chapter is in
the fire area assisting the local rural and county fire departments; and
sheriff deputies with hydration and feeding. Also, they are on stand-by to
help with any evacuation needs.
PILT awards millions to NM
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Pete Domenici Wednesday announced that
New Mexico counties have again received the largest award under the
federal Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program for FY2008, with 32
counties to share more than $22.4 million.
Domenici, who serves on the Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee
that funds PILT, reported that New Mexico’s FY2008 award—while the
largest in the nation—is again slightly lower than $22.7 million the state
received last year.
“I like the PILT program, and our counties like PILT payments. They rely on
them as an important source of income to support basic needs and
services,” Domenici said. “I am disappointed that PILT payments continue
to slide some, and am dedicated to ensuring the health of this program. It
is only fair that our counties be compensated for all the federal land
ownership within their borders.”
The top five New Mexico counties receiving the largest PILT payments
include: Eddy, $1.88 million; Otero, $1.86 million; Chaves, $1.69 million;
Doña Ana, $1.68 million; and Rio Arriba, $1.57 million. Only Curry County
does not receive PILT funding because there is no eligible federal land
within its borders.
PILT payments are intended to help counties and local governments make
up for revenues they lose on tax-exempt federal lands. The Bureau of
Land Management (BLM) bases PILT awards on tax-exempt federal land
within state jurisdiction. The federal government owns at least 33 percent
of the land in New Mexico.
New Mexico’s $22.4 million award led all other states in FY2008, with
California receiving $20.7 million, Utah gaining $20.0 million and Arizona
getting $19.0 million. New Mexico, with more than 22.5 million acres of
federal entitlement lands, has traditionally received the highest payment of
all 50 states and territories. This year $228.5 million was distributed.
Domenici has stated his opposition to the Bush administration budget
request to only provide $195 million for PILT next year. Instead, he has
requested $267.0 million for PILT in FY2009, which is $34 million more than
the $228.9 million provided by Congress last year.
Over the years, Domenici has successfully worked to increase funding for
the PILT program, which was created in 1976.
PILT funds are paid in addition to revenue from oil and gas leases and
sales of minerals, timber and other materials to compensate for certain tax-
exempt federal lands. Payments are made directly to local governments,
usually counties, in areas with substantial acreage of federal lands like
national forests, national parks, national wildlife refuges, lands used for
federal water programs, some military installations, and lands managed by
the BLM.
Tips for smoother border crossings
EL PASO – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in El Paso are
providing border crossers several tips they may consider employing to
expedite their border crossing experience during the coming summer
months. These steps can help them cross the border quickly, safely and
without incident.
“Most area schools are now on summer vacation. As a result, we expect to
see some people who don’t regularly cross the border arrive at our
facilities,” said Arthur Gonzales, U.S. Customs and Border Protection acting
port director El Paso. “If the public adopts some of our tips, we believe we
can keep traffic moving while ensuring that our anti-terror mission and other
enforcement concerns are properly addressed.”
One of the most important changes from last summer is the implementation
of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative at land border crossings. Since
January 31, U.S. and Canadian citizens arriving for an inspection must
present documents to support their citizenship claims. Oral declarations are
no longer permitted. Individuals must present a valid passport to enter the
U.S. If individuals have not yet obtained a passport, CBP will accept a
government issued photo ID and proof of citizenship during this current
transition period. A limited number of documents also meet WHTI
requirements. More WHTI info can be found on CBP.gov.
In addition to having the proper documents, travelers should prepare for
the inspection process before arriving at the inspection booth. Individuals
should have their crossing documents available for the inspection and they
should be prepared to declare all items acquired abroad. In addition,
individuals should end cellular phone conversations before arriving at the
inspection booth.
Travelers should plan to build extra time into their trips in the event they
cross during periods of exceptionally heavy traffic like weekends when the
annual Juarez Fair is being held. This includes Dedicated Commuter Lane
users. CBP is also reminding travelers that the DCL service hours were
recently expanded at both DCL locations, making the DCL program an
attractive option for any border crosser.
Travelers should familiarize themselves with the “Know Before You Go”
section of the CBP website to avoid fines and penalties associated with the
importation of prohibited items. ( Know Before You Go ) “Know Before You
Go” brochures are also available at border ports.
Members of the traveling public should consult the CBP website site to
monitor border wait times. ( CBP Border Wait Times ) Information is
updated hourly and is useful in planning trips and identifying periods of light
use/short waits. In addition to vehicle lanes, border crossing information on
select pedestrian crossing sites is also listed including El Paso’s Paso Del
Norte international crossing.
During periods of heavy travel, border crossers may wish to consider
alternative entry routes. For example, border crossers may want to use the
nearby and less heavily traveled Fabens or Santa Teresa ports of entry
instead of the El Paso port.
Visit the port of entry to obtain I-94 travel documents in advance of the
busiest holiday travel periods (4th of July, Labor Day, etc). This will allow
travelers who require I-94 documents (those planning to travel beyond the
border zone or stay in the U.S. for more than 30 days) to bypass those
lines when they formally enter the U.S. They will still be subject to the
inspection process.
Regarding I-94’s, travelers should not attempt to obtain this document at
the Paso Del Norte crossing. Because of an ongoing $26 million renovation
project, space is limited and travelers would be better served by obtaining
this document at an alternate crossing point.
Drivers should ensure that the vehicles they use to cross the border are
properly maintained and mechanically sound and that occupants avoid
riding in areas of vehicles not specifically designed to carry passengers.
Failure to follow these steps can expose crossers/passengers to carbon
monoxide. Keeping a close eye on the exceptionally young and old
members of your traveling party is also important as summer temperatures
often exceed 100 degrees in many border communities.
CBP officials continually monitor traffic and border crossing times and will
employ various traffic management operations to maintain the flow of traffic
during periods of exceptionally heavy usage.
The principal mission of U.S. Customs and Border Protection is anti-
terrorism. CBP officers at border ports of entry are committed to identifying
and stopping terrorists and the tools of terror. As a result, border crossers
should continue to expect a thorough inspection process when they enter
the U.S. from Mexico.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the
Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control
and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of
entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of
the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.
LAS CRUCES - The Dripping Springs Fire, approx. 1,500 acres in size and
15% contained, started on Saturday, June 14 at 5 pm. The fire is burning in
grass and brush in steep and rocky terrain, east of Las Cruces, NM on the
Organ Mountains near the Dripping Spring Recreational Area and Soledad
Canyon Road. The fire is burning on BLM lands administer by the Las
Cruces District Office and White Sands Missile Range.
At this time, a Type III fire organization is managing the fire with the help of
the following suppression resources: Type I crews, engines, water tender,
heavy air tankers, Type 1 helicopter and Type III helicopter; and misc.
overhead. Burnout operations were successful around structures today,
and engines and crews are currently holding and mopping up. The fire
made significant runs up into the Organ Mountains and is currently burning
in inaccessible and prohibited areas.
Torching and running fire was observed in mixed pinon and juniper. No
structures were lost or injures reported. TYPE # Type I Hand crews 5
Engines 8 Helicopters 2 Airtankers 2 Watertender 1 Misc. Overhead 20 The
Dripping Springs recreation site and Aguirre Springs campground has been
evacuated; road closures for both the Soledad Canyon and Dripping
Springs Roads are closed to non-residences.
The American Red Cross from the Southwestern New Mexico Chapter is in
the fire area assisting the local rural and county fire departments; and
sheriff deputies with hydration and feeding. Also, they are on stand-by to
help with any evacuation needs.
PILT awards millions to NM
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Pete Domenici Wednesday announced that
New Mexico counties have again received the largest award under the
federal Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program for FY2008, with 32
counties to share more than $22.4 million.
Domenici, who serves on the Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee
that funds PILT, reported that New Mexico’s FY2008 award—while the
largest in the nation—is again slightly lower than $22.7 million the state
received last year.
“I like the PILT program, and our counties like PILT payments. They rely on
them as an important source of income to support basic needs and
services,” Domenici said. “I am disappointed that PILT payments continue
to slide some, and am dedicated to ensuring the health of this program. It
is only fair that our counties be compensated for all the federal land
ownership within their borders.”
The top five New Mexico counties receiving the largest PILT payments
include: Eddy, $1.88 million; Otero, $1.86 million; Chaves, $1.69 million;
Doña Ana, $1.68 million; and Rio Arriba, $1.57 million. Only Curry County
does not receive PILT funding because there is no eligible federal land
within its borders.
PILT payments are intended to help counties and local governments make
up for revenues they lose on tax-exempt federal lands. The Bureau of
Land Management (BLM) bases PILT awards on tax-exempt federal land
within state jurisdiction. The federal government owns at least 33 percent
of the land in New Mexico.
New Mexico’s $22.4 million award led all other states in FY2008, with
California receiving $20.7 million, Utah gaining $20.0 million and Arizona
getting $19.0 million. New Mexico, with more than 22.5 million acres of
federal entitlement lands, has traditionally received the highest payment of
all 50 states and territories. This year $228.5 million was distributed.
Domenici has stated his opposition to the Bush administration budget
request to only provide $195 million for PILT next year. Instead, he has
requested $267.0 million for PILT in FY2009, which is $34 million more than
the $228.9 million provided by Congress last year.
Over the years, Domenici has successfully worked to increase funding for
the PILT program, which was created in 1976.
PILT funds are paid in addition to revenue from oil and gas leases and
sales of minerals, timber and other materials to compensate for certain tax-
exempt federal lands. Payments are made directly to local governments,
usually counties, in areas with substantial acreage of federal lands like
national forests, national parks, national wildlife refuges, lands used for
federal water programs, some military installations, and lands managed by
the BLM.
Tips for smoother border crossings
EL PASO – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in El Paso are
providing border crossers several tips they may consider employing to
expedite their border crossing experience during the coming summer
months. These steps can help them cross the border quickly, safely and
without incident.
“Most area schools are now on summer vacation. As a result, we expect to
see some people who don’t regularly cross the border arrive at our
facilities,” said Arthur Gonzales, U.S. Customs and Border Protection acting
port director El Paso. “If the public adopts some of our tips, we believe we
can keep traffic moving while ensuring that our anti-terror mission and other
enforcement concerns are properly addressed.”
One of the most important changes from last summer is the implementation
of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative at land border crossings. Since
January 31, U.S. and Canadian citizens arriving for an inspection must
present documents to support their citizenship claims. Oral declarations are
no longer permitted. Individuals must present a valid passport to enter the
U.S. If individuals have not yet obtained a passport, CBP will accept a
government issued photo ID and proof of citizenship during this current
transition period. A limited number of documents also meet WHTI
requirements. More WHTI info can be found on CBP.gov.
In addition to having the proper documents, travelers should prepare for
the inspection process before arriving at the inspection booth. Individuals
should have their crossing documents available for the inspection and they
should be prepared to declare all items acquired abroad. In addition,
individuals should end cellular phone conversations before arriving at the
inspection booth.
Travelers should plan to build extra time into their trips in the event they
cross during periods of exceptionally heavy traffic like weekends when the
annual Juarez Fair is being held. This includes Dedicated Commuter Lane
users. CBP is also reminding travelers that the DCL service hours were
recently expanded at both DCL locations, making the DCL program an
attractive option for any border crosser.
Travelers should familiarize themselves with the “Know Before You Go”
section of the CBP website to avoid fines and penalties associated with the
importation of prohibited items. ( Know Before You Go ) “Know Before You
Go” brochures are also available at border ports.
Members of the traveling public should consult the CBP website site to
monitor border wait times. ( CBP Border Wait Times ) Information is
updated hourly and is useful in planning trips and identifying periods of light
use/short waits. In addition to vehicle lanes, border crossing information on
select pedestrian crossing sites is also listed including El Paso’s Paso Del
Norte international crossing.
During periods of heavy travel, border crossers may wish to consider
alternative entry routes. For example, border crossers may want to use the
nearby and less heavily traveled Fabens or Santa Teresa ports of entry
instead of the El Paso port.
Visit the port of entry to obtain I-94 travel documents in advance of the
busiest holiday travel periods (4th of July, Labor Day, etc). This will allow
travelers who require I-94 documents (those planning to travel beyond the
border zone or stay in the U.S. for more than 30 days) to bypass those
lines when they formally enter the U.S. They will still be subject to the
inspection process.
Regarding I-94’s, travelers should not attempt to obtain this document at
the Paso Del Norte crossing. Because of an ongoing $26 million renovation
project, space is limited and travelers would be better served by obtaining
this document at an alternate crossing point.
Drivers should ensure that the vehicles they use to cross the border are
properly maintained and mechanically sound and that occupants avoid
riding in areas of vehicles not specifically designed to carry passengers.
Failure to follow these steps can expose crossers/passengers to carbon
monoxide. Keeping a close eye on the exceptionally young and old
members of your traveling party is also important as summer temperatures
often exceed 100 degrees in many border communities.
CBP officials continually monitor traffic and border crossing times and will
employ various traffic management operations to maintain the flow of traffic
during periods of exceptionally heavy usage.
The principal mission of U.S. Customs and Border Protection is anti-
terrorism. CBP officers at border ports of entry are committed to identifying
and stopping terrorists and the tools of terror. As a result, border crossers
should continue to expect a thorough inspection process when they enter
the U.S. from Mexico.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the
Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control
and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of
entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of
the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.
Gas-saving tips
With the national average price of regular gas
up to $4 a gallon, and New Yorkers and
Californians paying far above that amount,
people are scrambling to find ways to conserve
gas. Want to save 20% or more on fuel costs?
Follow these 10 simple tips from the Consumer
Federation of America.
Check Your Air Filter
A clean air filter can improve gas mileage by as
much as 10%, and nearly one in four cars
needs an air filter replacement.
Cost Savings: 28 cents a gallon.
Straighten Up
Poor alignment not only causes tires to wear out
more quickly, but also forces your engine to
work harder, which can reduce fuel economy by
as much as 10%.
Cost Savings: 28 cents per gallon.
Tune Up
A properly tuned engine can improve mileage
by 4%.
Cost Savings: 11 cents a gallon.
Pump 'em Up
More than one-quarter of vehicles have
improperly inflated tires. The average under-
inflation of 7.5 pounds causes a loss of 2.8% in
fuel efficiency.
Cost Savings: 8 cents per gallon.
Check Your Cap
It is estimated that nearly 17% of cars on the
road have broken or missing gas caps, which
not only reduces gas mileage but may harm the
environment.
Cost Savings: 2 cents per gallon.
Slow Down
For every 5 mph you reduce highway speed,
you can reduce fuel consumption by 7%.
Cost Savings: 19 cents, by reducing speed from
70 mph to 65 mph.
Drive More Smoothly
The more smoothly you accelerate and
decelerate, the better your gas mileage, with
potential gas savings of 33% on the highway
and 5% around town.
Cost Savings: 48 cents a gallon.
Don't Give Your Foot a Brake
Riding with your foot on the brake not only
wears out brakes but can also increase gas
consumption by as much as 35%.
Cost Savings: 96 cents per gallon.
Lighten Up
For every 100 extra pounds carried around,
your vehicle loses 1 to 2% in fuel efficiency.
Cost Savings: 4 cents per gallon, per 100
pounds of weight removed.
Don't Be Idle
Besides causing pollution, idling wastes gas. If
stopped for more than 30 seconds, turn off the
engine, and don't bother to 'warm up' your car
before driving -- it is not necessary.
Cost Savings: 1 cent per gallon, for every two
minutes you avoid idling.
For more information, tips and ideas, visit
DoSomething.org.
ENMU alumni concert
PORTALES—The Eastern New Mexico
University Alumni Band will meet from June 19–
21 and present a free concert at 7 p.m. on
Saturday, June 21, at 7 p.m. in the Campus
Union Ballroom in Portales.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the
founding of the ENMU Alumni Band. The
ensemble was founded to allow alumni the
opportunity to make music together following
graduation, enhance their friendships with one
another, preserve their bond to the institution,
and recognize the significant impact of their
mentor and director, Floren Thompson Jr.,
Director of Bands Emeritus.
The ENMU Band Alumni Reunion has been held
every two years since 1988, according to Jane
Henry, secretary of the Alumni Band Board of
Directors.
"It’s a lot of fun to rehearse under the capable
direction of Dustin Seifert for two days and
present a concert. We have former ENMU band
students coming from Arizona, California,
Colorado, Nevada, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania,
Texas and New Mexico. For some of us it will be
the last chance to see the Music Building before
it is remodeled with the addition of a new band
hall. In looking in the archives we found the
Music Building opened in 1957 at a cost of
$500,000.00—over budget, of course, from
$379,000," she said.
With the national average price of regular gas
up to $4 a gallon, and New Yorkers and
Californians paying far above that amount,
people are scrambling to find ways to conserve
gas. Want to save 20% or more on fuel costs?
Follow these 10 simple tips from the Consumer
Federation of America.
Check Your Air Filter
A clean air filter can improve gas mileage by as
much as 10%, and nearly one in four cars
needs an air filter replacement.
Cost Savings: 28 cents a gallon.
Straighten Up
Poor alignment not only causes tires to wear out
more quickly, but also forces your engine to
work harder, which can reduce fuel economy by
as much as 10%.
Cost Savings: 28 cents per gallon.
Tune Up
A properly tuned engine can improve mileage
by 4%.
Cost Savings: 11 cents a gallon.
Pump 'em Up
More than one-quarter of vehicles have
improperly inflated tires. The average under-
inflation of 7.5 pounds causes a loss of 2.8% in
fuel efficiency.
Cost Savings: 8 cents per gallon.
Check Your Cap
It is estimated that nearly 17% of cars on the
road have broken or missing gas caps, which
not only reduces gas mileage but may harm the
environment.
Cost Savings: 2 cents per gallon.
Slow Down
For every 5 mph you reduce highway speed,
you can reduce fuel consumption by 7%.
Cost Savings: 19 cents, by reducing speed from
70 mph to 65 mph.
Drive More Smoothly
The more smoothly you accelerate and
decelerate, the better your gas mileage, with
potential gas savings of 33% on the highway
and 5% around town.
Cost Savings: 48 cents a gallon.
Don't Give Your Foot a Brake
Riding with your foot on the brake not only
wears out brakes but can also increase gas
consumption by as much as 35%.
Cost Savings: 96 cents per gallon.
Lighten Up
For every 100 extra pounds carried around,
your vehicle loses 1 to 2% in fuel efficiency.
Cost Savings: 4 cents per gallon, per 100
pounds of weight removed.
Don't Be Idle
Besides causing pollution, idling wastes gas. If
stopped for more than 30 seconds, turn off the
engine, and don't bother to 'warm up' your car
before driving -- it is not necessary.
Cost Savings: 1 cent per gallon, for every two
minutes you avoid idling.
For more information, tips and ideas, visit
DoSomething.org.
ENMU alumni concert
PORTALES—The Eastern New Mexico
University Alumni Band will meet from June 19–
21 and present a free concert at 7 p.m. on
Saturday, June 21, at 7 p.m. in the Campus
Union Ballroom in Portales.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the
founding of the ENMU Alumni Band. The
ensemble was founded to allow alumni the
opportunity to make music together following
graduation, enhance their friendships with one
another, preserve their bond to the institution,
and recognize the significant impact of their
mentor and director, Floren Thompson Jr.,
Director of Bands Emeritus.
The ENMU Band Alumni Reunion has been held
every two years since 1988, according to Jane
Henry, secretary of the Alumni Band Board of
Directors.
"It’s a lot of fun to rehearse under the capable
direction of Dustin Seifert for two days and
present a concert. We have former ENMU band
students coming from Arizona, California,
Colorado, Nevada, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania,
Texas and New Mexico. For some of us it will be
the last chance to see the Music Building before
it is remodeled with the addition of a new band
hall. In looking in the archives we found the
Music Building opened in 1957 at a cost of
$500,000.00—over budget, of course, from
$379,000," she said.