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NEWS:
Volume 3, Number 106
July 8, 2008
July 8, 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 Showers and thunderstorms will be possible today area wide, with the greatest chances through the Davis and Guadalupe Mountains, along the Van Horn/Highway 54 corridor and into southeast New Mexico. The primary threat will be locally heavy rainfall that could lead to flash flooding. Rock and mudslides will be possible in the higher mountain areas along with heavy rainfall, gusty winds and deadly cloud-to-ground lightning. Today: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 83. East wind around 10 mph. Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. East wind between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 79. East wind between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Wednesday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. East wind between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Thursday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 82. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming southeast. Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 91. Friday Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. Saturday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a high near 92. Saturday Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. Sunday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 92. Sunday Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Monday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 98. |
| 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 agendas for Tuesday's meeting
The Artesia City Council is scheduled to meet in regular session Tuesday
night, July 8, 2008, at 7 p.m. in the council chambers at city hall, 511 W.
Texas Avenue.
Under the New Mexico Open Meetings Act, city council meetings are open
to the public and everyone is invited and encouraged to attend. This is an
opportunity to participate in and witness local government in action.
Items to be addressed at Tuesday's meeting include residential mailbox
regulations and curbside delivery. James Maupin, a private citizen,
requested time to present this issue to council.
There are four public hearings scheduled as well. Hard copies of the
agenda will be available at city hall on Monday afternoon or preview the
final agenda and the consent agenda here.
Ocotillo progressing
Photo by Reginia Garner
The Ocotillo Theatre located at Main Street and Roselawn Avenue, has been
undergoing a major renovation for several months. Work continues to progress and the
grand opening is planned for September 4th, opening night for the production of Steel
Magnolias. Auditions for Steel Magnolias will be July 7, 8 & 10, 2008 — 6:30 pm at
510 W. Main (production dates will be September 4-7, 11-13, 2008) -- the first ACT
Production in the newly renovated Ocotillo Performing Arts Center. Directed by Alice
Lorang & Betty Skinner.
Fourth of July
Artesia360 photos
Part of the Fourth of July activities in Artesia are the Firefighter's Olympics. Pictured
above, Francisca Wallace displays her skills in the Keiser Slam and two teams
compete in the popular "water polo" event. Much like rodeo evolved from real life
cowboy chores, firefighter olympics display real life firefighting skills and techniques in
a fun way. It's also a great way for area firefighters to spend time together outside of a
fireground and for their families to get better acquainted with their fire department family.
Artesia Police Department promotes Safer New Mexico
Historically, longer and warmer days have seemed to go hand-in-hand with
increased auto crashes and fatalities. That’s why, this summer Artesia
motorists can expect to see more local officers cracking down on drunk
drivers, speeders and those violating New Mexico’s mandatory seat belt
and child restraint laws. The Artesia Police Department is joining other law
enforcement agencies through out the State of New Mexico in the state’s
second-annual “100 Days and Nights of Summer” traffic safety campaign
which began June 1st and lasts through September 8th.
In 2007, overall crash fatalities from June through August decreased in New
Mexico by more than 15 percent, and this year we’re seeking even better
results. Reducing drunk driving is a major priority of the 100 Days and
Nights Campaign. During last year’s campaign, New Mexico law
enforcement offices conducted more than 700 DWI saturation patrols and
230 checkpoints. Total DWI arrests last summer totaled more than 2200.
So far this year, according to unofficial statistics, alcohol-involved fatalities
are lower by more than 50-percent. It’s our hope that with the 100 Days
and Nights Campaign we can continue our progress and keep these
numbers low. Our efforts are not limited to drunk driving! Nearly 7200
people were cited for not wearing seatbelts and close to 35,000 received
speeding tickets! This does not include citations issued for other traffic
violations during this time period.
During both day and night times, officers will be checking for compliance
with New Mexico’s seat belt law. Seatbelts remain the best defense against
drunk drivers and are a proven lifesaver. Yet not all New Mexico drivers
were seatbelts, and they are at risk of more serious injuries in the event of
a crash. These are the ones who will be targeted by local officers, during
the 100 Days and Night of Summer campaign. Drivers of pickup trucks
tend to buckle up less often than other motorists. In 2006, 61 percent of
people killed in pickup trucks in New Mexico were not buckled up.
Research also shows that adults who don’t buckle up often fail to buckle up
their child passengers.
In addition to owing a fine, a citation for not wearing a seat belt results in a
two-point penalty on one’s driving record, something that can result in
increased auto insurance premiums.
Speed-either excessive speed or driving to fast for conditions-caused more
than 16-percent of New Mexico roadway fatalities last year.
Another way the public can help reduce the threat drunk drivers pose to
innocent motorists is for them to continue calling local law enforcement
agencies or the DrunkBuster hotline anytime they spot a suspected drunk
driver. The number to call from a cell phone is simply: #D-W-I, or #3-9-4.
As a result of calls received by local law enforcement agencies and
DrunkBuster hotline, several drunk drivers have been arrested. With the
public’s assistance in the war against Drink Drivers we’re making a
difference one small step at a time. Officers from the Artesia Police
Department will continue doing their part by conducting DWI saturation
patrols and Sobriety Checkpoints through the month of July and remainder
of the year.
Easy Money to start filming in NM
SANTA FE- Governor Bill Richardson Thusday announced Easy Money, a
Media Rights Capital television series, will be filmed in New Mexico. Easy
Money, a comedic drama, is scheduled to air on the CW Network this fall.
Laurie Metcalf, Jeff Hephner, Jay Ferguson, and New Mexico local Gary
Farmer will star. Producers are Andy Schneider and Diane Frolov (The
Sopranos, Northern Exposure). Co-executive producer is Brandon Hill
(Love Lies Bleeding), with Alyson Evans (Rescue Me) line-producing. Alik
Sakharov (Rome, The Sopranos) will direct.
The production will be shot in Albuquerque from July 22 through December
8. They expect to hire approximately 100 New Mexico crew members and
over 75 actors, including principal and background talent.
“Media Rights Capital is thrilled to have our first production shot in New
Mexico,” said MRC President of Television, Keith Samples. “The
combination of a deep crew and talent base and the far-reaching vision of
the New Mexico Film Office made the decision to film here easy. We plan for
this to be the first of many projects that we bring to the state.”
Since Governor Richardson took office, over 100 major feature film and
television projects have shot in the state, adding over $1.8 billion dollars in
economic impact.
NO FIRE RESTRICTIONS SANTA FE NATIONAL FOREST
Santa Fe National Forest will not be issuing fire restrictions prior to July 4th
weekend but fire officials are making a plea to the public to continue their
fire prevention practices.
"We are on the downside of our normal fire season and are seeing more
cloud buildup, some moisture and approaching monsoons," said Robert
Morales, Fire Staff Officer. "We will not be banning campfires within the
Santa Fe National Forest at this time."
"If conditions or situations change we will re-evaluate and impose fire
restrictions if needed. The Santa Fe National Forest received good winter
moisture and late snow falls which have helped to keep the forest free from
large wildfires. We responded to a couple of abandoned campfires earlier
in the spring that we immediately suppressed because of windy conditions.
"For the past few weeks we've also been responding to several lightning-
caused fires. These fires have been kept to a minimum, most under an acre
in size and one about 6 acres in the area of the old Viveash Fire of 2000,"
added Morales. "The fires we've responded to have not displayed fire
behavior that was extraordinary or would be a red flag on possible large fire
possibilities. We are ramping up fire patrols over the next few weeks to
assure fire prevention measures are being used by public.
"We hope everyone visiting the Forest will take to heart the need to be
vigilant and responsible with campfires," said Morales. "The moisture
received recently and higher humidity levels are sure welcomed but a few
hot, dry days, mixed with lightning make national forests vulnerable to forest
fires."
Forest officials ask that you continue to be good stewards of the land and
make sure your campfire is dead out before you leave an area. Think
Smart, Don't Let Wildfires Start Prepare by checking local weather
forecasts, packing what you need, purchasing the appropriate maps, and
notifying someone of where you are going and when you plan to return.
Please be fire safe and use caution when using chainsaws; don't drive off-
road on heavily grassed areas because your vehicle's exhaust system
could spark a fire; don't toss your cigarettes; be careful with gas lanterns,
barbeques, gas stoves and anything that could be a source of ignition for a
wildfire.
Fireworks are always prohibited in national forests. Here are some
important things to consider when building and putting out your campfire:
ﾷ Make sure that you can have a campfire obey and cooperate with all fire
bans, restrictions and closures;
ﾷ If campfires are allowed, use an existing fire ring or clear a campfire site
down to bare soil;
ﾷ Build a ring out of rocks. Keep the fire under four feet in diameter with no
less than a ten foot clearance around it;
ﾷ Build the fire away from overhanging branches, steep slopes and dry
grass;
ﾷ Keep a bucket of water and a shovel near the campfire;
ﾷ Don't leave your campfire unattended or abandoned;
ﾷ To assure campfire is out: Stir the fire with dirt and more water until all
the fuel is cold to the touch. Never leave a fire until it is out cold or
dead out.
The Artesia City Council is scheduled to meet in regular session Tuesday
night, July 8, 2008, at 7 p.m. in the council chambers at city hall, 511 W.
Texas Avenue.
Under the New Mexico Open Meetings Act, city council meetings are open
to the public and everyone is invited and encouraged to attend. This is an
opportunity to participate in and witness local government in action.
Items to be addressed at Tuesday's meeting include residential mailbox
regulations and curbside delivery. James Maupin, a private citizen,
requested time to present this issue to council.
There are four public hearings scheduled as well. Hard copies of the
agenda will be available at city hall on Monday afternoon or preview the
final agenda and the consent agenda here.
Ocotillo progressing
Photo by Reginia Garner
The Ocotillo Theatre located at Main Street and Roselawn Avenue, has been
undergoing a major renovation for several months. Work continues to progress and the
grand opening is planned for September 4th, opening night for the production of Steel
Magnolias. Auditions for Steel Magnolias will be July 7, 8 & 10, 2008 — 6:30 pm at
510 W. Main (production dates will be September 4-7, 11-13, 2008) -- the first ACT
Production in the newly renovated Ocotillo Performing Arts Center. Directed by Alice
Lorang & Betty Skinner.
Fourth of July
Artesia360 photos
Part of the Fourth of July activities in Artesia are the Firefighter's Olympics. Pictured
above, Francisca Wallace displays her skills in the Keiser Slam and two teams
compete in the popular "water polo" event. Much like rodeo evolved from real life
cowboy chores, firefighter olympics display real life firefighting skills and techniques in
a fun way. It's also a great way for area firefighters to spend time together outside of a
fireground and for their families to get better acquainted with their fire department family.
Artesia Police Department promotes Safer New Mexico
Historically, longer and warmer days have seemed to go hand-in-hand with
increased auto crashes and fatalities. That’s why, this summer Artesia
motorists can expect to see more local officers cracking down on drunk
drivers, speeders and those violating New Mexico’s mandatory seat belt
and child restraint laws. The Artesia Police Department is joining other law
enforcement agencies through out the State of New Mexico in the state’s
second-annual “100 Days and Nights of Summer” traffic safety campaign
which began June 1st and lasts through September 8th.
In 2007, overall crash fatalities from June through August decreased in New
Mexico by more than 15 percent, and this year we’re seeking even better
results. Reducing drunk driving is a major priority of the 100 Days and
Nights Campaign. During last year’s campaign, New Mexico law
enforcement offices conducted more than 700 DWI saturation patrols and
230 checkpoints. Total DWI arrests last summer totaled more than 2200.
So far this year, according to unofficial statistics, alcohol-involved fatalities
are lower by more than 50-percent. It’s our hope that with the 100 Days
and Nights Campaign we can continue our progress and keep these
numbers low. Our efforts are not limited to drunk driving! Nearly 7200
people were cited for not wearing seatbelts and close to 35,000 received
speeding tickets! This does not include citations issued for other traffic
violations during this time period.
During both day and night times, officers will be checking for compliance
with New Mexico’s seat belt law. Seatbelts remain the best defense against
drunk drivers and are a proven lifesaver. Yet not all New Mexico drivers
were seatbelts, and they are at risk of more serious injuries in the event of
a crash. These are the ones who will be targeted by local officers, during
the 100 Days and Night of Summer campaign. Drivers of pickup trucks
tend to buckle up less often than other motorists. In 2006, 61 percent of
people killed in pickup trucks in New Mexico were not buckled up.
Research also shows that adults who don’t buckle up often fail to buckle up
their child passengers.
In addition to owing a fine, a citation for not wearing a seat belt results in a
two-point penalty on one’s driving record, something that can result in
increased auto insurance premiums.
Speed-either excessive speed or driving to fast for conditions-caused more
than 16-percent of New Mexico roadway fatalities last year.
Another way the public can help reduce the threat drunk drivers pose to
innocent motorists is for them to continue calling local law enforcement
agencies or the DrunkBuster hotline anytime they spot a suspected drunk
driver. The number to call from a cell phone is simply: #D-W-I, or #3-9-4.
As a result of calls received by local law enforcement agencies and
DrunkBuster hotline, several drunk drivers have been arrested. With the
public’s assistance in the war against Drink Drivers we’re making a
difference one small step at a time. Officers from the Artesia Police
Department will continue doing their part by conducting DWI saturation
patrols and Sobriety Checkpoints through the month of July and remainder
of the year.
Easy Money to start filming in NM
SANTA FE- Governor Bill Richardson Thusday announced Easy Money, a
Media Rights Capital television series, will be filmed in New Mexico. Easy
Money, a comedic drama, is scheduled to air on the CW Network this fall.
Laurie Metcalf, Jeff Hephner, Jay Ferguson, and New Mexico local Gary
Farmer will star. Producers are Andy Schneider and Diane Frolov (The
Sopranos, Northern Exposure). Co-executive producer is Brandon Hill
(Love Lies Bleeding), with Alyson Evans (Rescue Me) line-producing. Alik
Sakharov (Rome, The Sopranos) will direct.
The production will be shot in Albuquerque from July 22 through December
8. They expect to hire approximately 100 New Mexico crew members and
over 75 actors, including principal and background talent.
“Media Rights Capital is thrilled to have our first production shot in New
Mexico,” said MRC President of Television, Keith Samples. “The
combination of a deep crew and talent base and the far-reaching vision of
the New Mexico Film Office made the decision to film here easy. We plan for
this to be the first of many projects that we bring to the state.”
Since Governor Richardson took office, over 100 major feature film and
television projects have shot in the state, adding over $1.8 billion dollars in
economic impact.
NO FIRE RESTRICTIONS SANTA FE NATIONAL FOREST
Santa Fe National Forest will not be issuing fire restrictions prior to July 4th
weekend but fire officials are making a plea to the public to continue their
fire prevention practices.
"We are on the downside of our normal fire season and are seeing more
cloud buildup, some moisture and approaching monsoons," said Robert
Morales, Fire Staff Officer. "We will not be banning campfires within the
Santa Fe National Forest at this time."
"If conditions or situations change we will re-evaluate and impose fire
restrictions if needed. The Santa Fe National Forest received good winter
moisture and late snow falls which have helped to keep the forest free from
large wildfires. We responded to a couple of abandoned campfires earlier
in the spring that we immediately suppressed because of windy conditions.
"For the past few weeks we've also been responding to several lightning-
caused fires. These fires have been kept to a minimum, most under an acre
in size and one about 6 acres in the area of the old Viveash Fire of 2000,"
added Morales. "The fires we've responded to have not displayed fire
behavior that was extraordinary or would be a red flag on possible large fire
possibilities. We are ramping up fire patrols over the next few weeks to
assure fire prevention measures are being used by public.
"We hope everyone visiting the Forest will take to heart the need to be
vigilant and responsible with campfires," said Morales. "The moisture
received recently and higher humidity levels are sure welcomed but a few
hot, dry days, mixed with lightning make national forests vulnerable to forest
fires."
Forest officials ask that you continue to be good stewards of the land and
make sure your campfire is dead out before you leave an area. Think
Smart, Don't Let Wildfires Start Prepare by checking local weather
forecasts, packing what you need, purchasing the appropriate maps, and
notifying someone of where you are going and when you plan to return.
Please be fire safe and use caution when using chainsaws; don't drive off-
road on heavily grassed areas because your vehicle's exhaust system
could spark a fire; don't toss your cigarettes; be careful with gas lanterns,
barbeques, gas stoves and anything that could be a source of ignition for a
wildfire.
Fireworks are always prohibited in national forests. Here are some
important things to consider when building and putting out your campfire:
ﾷ Make sure that you can have a campfire obey and cooperate with all fire
bans, restrictions and closures;
ﾷ If campfires are allowed, use an existing fire ring or clear a campfire site
down to bare soil;
ﾷ Build a ring out of rocks. Keep the fire under four feet in diameter with no
less than a ten foot clearance around it;
ﾷ Build the fire away from overhanging branches, steep slopes and dry
grass;
ﾷ Keep a bucket of water and a shovel near the campfire;
ﾷ Don't leave your campfire unattended or abandoned;
ﾷ To assure campfire is out: Stir the fire with dirt and more water until all
the fuel is cold to the touch. Never leave a fire until it is out cold or
dead out.
Picnic & concert to highlight Conference
By Justin Bannister, NMSU
LAS CRUCES - New Mexico State University is
set to play host to a collection of local, state and
national leaders, as well as hundreds of
attendees to the inaugural Domenici Public
Policy Conference, Aug. 20-22, at NMSU. The
conference will conclude with a free picnic and
free concert performed by Randy Travis.
New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson is
expected to lead off the conference. Former U.
S. Secretary of State James A Baker, III, U.S.
Senator Jeff Bingaman, former U.S.
Representative Manuel Lujan, Jr. and U.S.
Secretary of Energy Samuel W. Bodman have
all agreed to speak during the event.
“Sen. Domenici is a visionary,” said Garrey
Carruthers, NMSU vice president for economic
development and chair of the Pete V. Domenici
Legacy. “It’s because of his vision that New
Mexico looks the way it does today. This
conference will celebrate his vision and his
impact not only on New Mexico, but on the entire
country.”
“This project is incredibly important – not just to
New Mexico State University, but to the entire
country,” said Waded Cruzado, NMSU’s
executive vice president and provost. “The work
done by Sen. Domenici and those who research
his legacy will guide us for years to come.”
The Domenici Conference is part of the Pete V.
Domenici Legacy, a statewide effort led by
NMSU to honor the senator’s historic tenure in
the U.S. Senate. Domenici will retire this year as
the longest serving senator in New Mexico
history.
Domenici Conference sessions will focus on
topics important to the senator during his time in
office, including behavioral health, national
security, the federal budget and nuclear
nonproliferation.
Registration is available online at the
conference Web site, http://domenici.nmsu.edu.
The registration fee is $200 and $100 for
students, with scholarships available.
Registration is required for most conference
events. The opening ceremony Thursday
morning, a plenary session Thursday evening,
the picnic Friday morning and the Randy Travis
concert Friday afternoon are free and open to
the public. A complete conference agenda can
be found on the Domenici Conference Web site,
where the public is encouraged to sign up for
public events.
“We plan to make this an annual event where
scholars, leaders and friends of Sen. Domenici
gather to share their stories of his contributions
to public policy,” said Christina Chavez Kelley,
project manager for NMSU’s Domenici Legacy
activities.
Other confirmed conference speakers include
Paul Robinson, former ambassador and
president emeritus of Sandia National
Laboratories; Michael J. Fitzpatrick, executive
director of the National Alliance on Mental
Illness; William Hoagland, a former member of
Domenici’s staff; and Siegfried Hecker, co-
director of the Center for International Security
and Cooperation. Other speakers will be
confirmed later this summer.
While the conference will take place at NMSU,
Chavez Kelley said it is a statewide effort, with
support and participation from universities
around New Mexico. Students from NMSU, Dona
Ana Community College, New Mexico Tech, the
University of New Mexico, Eastern New Mexico
University and Western New Mexico University
will have a chance to review academic papers
written by presenters and ask questions of their
research.
Additional Pete V. Domenici Legacy activities will
include housing the Domenici Archives at the
NMSU Library, the planning and construction of
a building on the NMSU campus to honor the
senator and the formation of the Domenici
Public Policy Institute. For more information on
the conference, e-mail pdl@nmsu.edu.
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.
By Justin Bannister, NMSU
LAS CRUCES - New Mexico State University is
set to play host to a collection of local, state and
national leaders, as well as hundreds of
attendees to the inaugural Domenici Public
Policy Conference, Aug. 20-22, at NMSU. The
conference will conclude with a free picnic and
free concert performed by Randy Travis.
New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson is
expected to lead off the conference. Former U.
S. Secretary of State James A Baker, III, U.S.
Senator Jeff Bingaman, former U.S.
Representative Manuel Lujan, Jr. and U.S.
Secretary of Energy Samuel W. Bodman have
all agreed to speak during the event.
“Sen. Domenici is a visionary,” said Garrey
Carruthers, NMSU vice president for economic
development and chair of the Pete V. Domenici
Legacy. “It’s because of his vision that New
Mexico looks the way it does today. This
conference will celebrate his vision and his
impact not only on New Mexico, but on the entire
country.”
“This project is incredibly important – not just to
New Mexico State University, but to the entire
country,” said Waded Cruzado, NMSU’s
executive vice president and provost. “The work
done by Sen. Domenici and those who research
his legacy will guide us for years to come.”
The Domenici Conference is part of the Pete V.
Domenici Legacy, a statewide effort led by
NMSU to honor the senator’s historic tenure in
the U.S. Senate. Domenici will retire this year as
the longest serving senator in New Mexico
history.
Domenici Conference sessions will focus on
topics important to the senator during his time in
office, including behavioral health, national
security, the federal budget and nuclear
nonproliferation.
Registration is available online at the
conference Web site, http://domenici.nmsu.edu.
The registration fee is $200 and $100 for
students, with scholarships available.
Registration is required for most conference
events. The opening ceremony Thursday
morning, a plenary session Thursday evening,
the picnic Friday morning and the Randy Travis
concert Friday afternoon are free and open to
the public. A complete conference agenda can
be found on the Domenici Conference Web site,
where the public is encouraged to sign up for
public events.
“We plan to make this an annual event where
scholars, leaders and friends of Sen. Domenici
gather to share their stories of his contributions
to public policy,” said Christina Chavez Kelley,
project manager for NMSU’s Domenici Legacy
activities.
Other confirmed conference speakers include
Paul Robinson, former ambassador and
president emeritus of Sandia National
Laboratories; Michael J. Fitzpatrick, executive
director of the National Alliance on Mental
Illness; William Hoagland, a former member of
Domenici’s staff; and Siegfried Hecker, co-
director of the Center for International Security
and Cooperation. Other speakers will be
confirmed later this summer.
While the conference will take place at NMSU,
Chavez Kelley said it is a statewide effort, with
support and participation from universities
around New Mexico. Students from NMSU, Dona
Ana Community College, New Mexico Tech, the
University of New Mexico, Eastern New Mexico
University and Western New Mexico University
will have a chance to review academic papers
written by presenters and ask questions of their
research.
Additional Pete V. Domenici Legacy activities will
include housing the Domenici Archives at the
NMSU Library, the planning and construction of
a building on the NMSU campus to honor the
senator and the formation of the Domenici
Public Policy Institute. For more information on
the conference, e-mail pdl@nmsu.edu.
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.
