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NEWS:
Volume 3, Number 114
July 18, 2008
July 18, 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 Isolated to widely scattered thunderstorms are expected to develop today, mainly along and west of a line extending from Tatum to Kermit to Fort Stockton this afternoon and evening. The strongest storms will be capable of producing brief wind gusts to 50 mph, locally heavy rainfall and frequent cloud-to-ground lightning strikes. Today: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a high near 95. South wind between 5 and 15 mph. Tonight: Isolated showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. South wind between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Saturday: Isolated showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 95. South wind between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Saturday Night: Isolated showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. South wind between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 10%. Sunday: Isolated showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a high near 95. South wind between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 10%. Sunday Night: Isolated showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Chance of precipitation is 10%. Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 96. Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. Tuesday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a high near 96. Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 96. Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 96. |
| 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. |
"Hole-y" ground
Photo submitted by ECSO
ARTESIA – The Environmental Bureau of the Oil Conservation Division
(OCD) is on location investigating a brine well that has collapsed forming a
sinkhole that is several hundred feet across and an unknown depth. The
well, located on state trust land is approximately 17.3 miles southeast of
Artesia, NM and situated about 1000 feet north of Hagerman Road and 2.4
miles southwest of State Highway 360. It is owned by Jim’s Water Service
and operating under OCD permit BW-005, API No. 30-015-0236. Wayne
Price, Environmental Bureau Chief arrived on site Thursday afternoon and
is the designated incident commander.
“State, federal, local government and company officials are working to
together to stabilize the situation and determine the cause,” stated Wayne
Price, Environmental Bureau Chief for the Oil Conservation Division.
State Police are in the process of setting up a Mobil Command Center and
have shut down a three mile stretch of Hagerman Road as a safety
precaution. The State Engineer’s Office reports that there is little shallow
ground water in the area that could be threatened by the collapse.
As of 4:00 p.m. Thursday, the sinkhole was still growing in size, but has not
yet reached Hagerman Road to the South. The cause of the collapse is
unknown at this time, but the well is in an area characterized by solution
weathering and erosion in the subsurface, also known as karst topography,
which includes caves, sinkholes, disappearing streams and subsurface
drainage.
The operator, Jim’s Water Service reported the disappearance of its brine
supply to the Oil Conservation Division Wednesday morning, July 16, 2008.
OCD inspectors photographed and measured the site, reporting that it has
more than doubled in less than a 24-hour period and still growing.
Jim’s Water Service produces brine for oil and gas operations by injecting
water into the salt formation at the site, circulating the water until it is brine
saturated. It then sells it as drilling fluid to the oil and gas industry.
Quilter's exhibit at the museum
ARTESIA - The Artesia Quilters Guild’s 8th annual show at the Artesia
Historical Museum & Art Center is open and ready to be admired! Once
again, Guild members have demonstrated that everything in their lives
provides inspiration for designs, themes, and even the materials for their
quilts.
If you don’t know by now, quilts are not just for keeping warm in cold
weather any more! And while this year’s show has more than its share of
beautiful quilts, there are also many quilted items with other functions:
table toppers/placemats, table runners, wall hangings, a purse, & a pillow.
In each case, the quilted design incorporates function with form and beauty
AND reflects the taste and personality of the quilter.
The Artesia Quilters Guild also has community projects that they work on
throughout the year. Each Habitat For Humanity family receives a quilt from
them as a housewarming gift, and the Guild makes child-sized quilts for all
children in the CASA program. Two of their CASA quilts are on display in
this year’s show.
Another Guild project from this past year is a fabulous Magic Vine quilt,
based on a design from 1930. The original design was published in a
weekly series of newspaper articles, and features rows of appliquéd
flowers. Guild member Evolyn Terpening inherited a vintage quilt top in the
Magic Vine design, and Guild members worked together to finish the quilt.
When you see the finished product, you’ll see why they wanted to finish it—
and you’ll want one for yourself! (Any quilters that are interested in making
a Magic Vine quilt can find the original instructions and patterns in The
Magic Vine Quilt by Eleanor Burns)
We also have a room devoted to never-before-displayed vintage quilts,
including 2 recent acquisitions to the Museum’s collection from the
Champion family. There’s a friendship/signature quilt from Mayhill (found in
a garage sale!), a quilt made from WWII patriotic decals (they came free
with nickel candy) and sugar sacks, and even one made from men’s suits!
(Well, we’ve seen quilts in past shows made from men’s ties, so why not?)
Plus there are examples from Guild challenge projects, landscape quilts,
patriotic-themed pieces, sampler quilts based on the Bible and Alaska…so
come on down to the Museum now through August 29th and see them for
yourself!
Artesia Historical Museum & Art Center, 505 West Richardson Ave., Artesia
(575) 748-2390; open Tuesdays-Fridays 9-noon & 1-5; Saturdays 1-5.
Other arrangements can by made by calling the Museum—groups are
encouraged to call ahead.
Don't be conned by worker's comp poster scam
ARTESIA - Information has been collected from sources that indicates a
scam is occurring within NM where persons (no physical description
available with the exception of official looking and sounding) are entering a
business or other building and demanding to see workman’s comp and
minimum wage posters. Regardless of whether or not the poster is legal
these people are “fining” the business and replacing the posters.
Business owners or representatives should ask for credentials from these
persons prior to paying any “fines” or fees. They should also be aware that
they can compare their posters to those required by looking on the
following web pages:
www.workerscomp.state.nm.us
www.dol.gov/elaws/posters.htm
www.freeposteraudit.com
Business owners can avoid workplace poster scam artists, who sometimes
visit businesses posing as a government agent or mail official-looking
solicitations, by partnering with a qualified poster provider. Legitimate third-
party poster sellers offer an easy way to save time, avoid scams and keep
businesses in compliance with current laws. Third-party contractors charge
an annual fee to keep track of pertinent labor law changes and
automatically send companies new posters when needed.
If business owners feel they have been defrauded or an attempt has been
made to defraud them, they should call the Artesia Police Department at
746-5000 or they can remain anonymous and call Crime Stoppers at 748-
2323.
Street Crimes Unit finds juveniles in violation
ARTESIA - Officers from the Artesia Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit
arrested two Artesia juveniles for charges related to drug distribution. The
charges stem from an investigation initially into a possible curfew violation
happening at Walmart on July 11th, 2008 at 2:07 am.
Street Crimes Unit officer made contact with a group of male subjects in the
parking lot of Walmart who did not appear to be over the age of eighteen.
Contact was made with the group and they were identified.
While investigating the possible curfew violation, the officer noticed the
strong odor of marijuana coming from the area. The members of the group
were questioned and some were released. However, Tyler Bain, 17 years
old was arrested and charged with the possession of drug paraphernalia
and the distribution of a controlled substance. Also arrested and charged
with the same crimes was Daniel Colwell (17 years old). They were both
booked into the Artesia Detention Facility and ultimately released to their
parents. They both await arraignment and trial.
If found guilty the juveniles face up to 2 ½ years in jail and/or $6000 in fines.
A significant amount of marijuana and other items were collected as
evidence.
Officers from the Artesia Police Department cited five juveniles after
receiving a report of suspicious activity. The call, which was received on
July 11th, 2008 at 9:07 pm, came from an anonymous person stating seven
to eight juveniles were acting suspicious in the playground of Roselawn
School.
Officers arrived to investigate and noticed graffiti on the school building.
Evidence was also collected. Juveniles in the area were questioned by the
Artesia Police Department Street Crimes Unit. The results of the
questioning led to the following juveniles who all live in Artesia being cited
for graffiti done within the city and released to their parents or guardians:
Angel Urias (11 year old cited for 1 count), Adianna Bodge (15 years old
cited for 1 count), Alan Luevano (12 years old cited for 5 counts), Savino
Gurrola (13 years old cited for 5 counts) and Jeremy Quezada (14 years
old cited for 5 counts).
Other juveniles in the area were questioned and released.
The juveniles, in accordance with city ordinances for graffiti must make
arrangements within 3 business days for the abatement of the graffiti or
their parents could be charged with violating the graffiti ordinance as well.
The maximum penalty for these counts of graffiti if the juveniles are found
guilty, is 90 days in jail and/or $500 in fines.
Anyone with information on these incidents should call the Artesia Police
Department at 746-5000 or they can call Crime Stoppers and remain
anonymous at 748-2323.
State agencies develop policies to save gas
SANTA FE - Governor Bill Richardson today announced the guidelines
state departments and agencies must follow when developing their
Telework and Alternative Work Schedule Program policies. State Personnel
Director Sandi Perez briefed secretaries and agency directors on the
guidelines Monday morning.
“Through this program we can help alleviate the strain of high gas prices on
state employees and taxpayers while ensuring that the public’s access to
state government remains our top priority,” Governor Bill Richardson said.
“These guidelines provide the accountability and flexibility needed for us to
make this bold move without compromising our commitment to the public.”
Each agency must formulate policies related to the Telework and
Alternative Work Schedules Program and submit them to Personnel
Director Perez on or before September 1, 2008. Agencies considering
moving to a 4-day work week, must first identify how the change will still
enable them to maintain operational needs, service delivery requirements,
program goals and back-up coverage in the event of an emergency.
Economic Development Secretary Fred Mondragon announced his
department will be moving to a 4-day compressed work schedule. The
department hopes to implement the pilot program by the beginning of
August.
“I have worked closely with Secretary Mondragon on this move to a 4-day
work week and we believe it is a good fit for Economic Development,”
Personnel Director Perez said. “I will be working just as closely with other
secretaries and agency heads to develop policies that work well for the
specific needs of their departments, employees and customers.”
While employee participation is strongly encouraged, it is completely
voluntary. Employees participating in either Telework or Alternate Work
Schedules must meet eligibility requirements, including completion of their
probationary period and successful job performance. Certain positions will
not be eligible because of operational needs, program needs or the job
duties assigned to the position.
Photo submitted by ECSO
ARTESIA – The Environmental Bureau of the Oil Conservation Division
(OCD) is on location investigating a brine well that has collapsed forming a
sinkhole that is several hundred feet across and an unknown depth. The
well, located on state trust land is approximately 17.3 miles southeast of
Artesia, NM and situated about 1000 feet north of Hagerman Road and 2.4
miles southwest of State Highway 360. It is owned by Jim’s Water Service
and operating under OCD permit BW-005, API No. 30-015-0236. Wayne
Price, Environmental Bureau Chief arrived on site Thursday afternoon and
is the designated incident commander.
“State, federal, local government and company officials are working to
together to stabilize the situation and determine the cause,” stated Wayne
Price, Environmental Bureau Chief for the Oil Conservation Division.
State Police are in the process of setting up a Mobil Command Center and
have shut down a three mile stretch of Hagerman Road as a safety
precaution. The State Engineer’s Office reports that there is little shallow
ground water in the area that could be threatened by the collapse.
As of 4:00 p.m. Thursday, the sinkhole was still growing in size, but has not
yet reached Hagerman Road to the South. The cause of the collapse is
unknown at this time, but the well is in an area characterized by solution
weathering and erosion in the subsurface, also known as karst topography,
which includes caves, sinkholes, disappearing streams and subsurface
drainage.
The operator, Jim’s Water Service reported the disappearance of its brine
supply to the Oil Conservation Division Wednesday morning, July 16, 2008.
OCD inspectors photographed and measured the site, reporting that it has
more than doubled in less than a 24-hour period and still growing.
Jim’s Water Service produces brine for oil and gas operations by injecting
water into the salt formation at the site, circulating the water until it is brine
saturated. It then sells it as drilling fluid to the oil and gas industry.
Quilter's exhibit at the museum
ARTESIA - The Artesia Quilters Guild’s 8th annual show at the Artesia
Historical Museum & Art Center is open and ready to be admired! Once
again, Guild members have demonstrated that everything in their lives
provides inspiration for designs, themes, and even the materials for their
quilts.
If you don’t know by now, quilts are not just for keeping warm in cold
weather any more! And while this year’s show has more than its share of
beautiful quilts, there are also many quilted items with other functions:
table toppers/placemats, table runners, wall hangings, a purse, & a pillow.
In each case, the quilted design incorporates function with form and beauty
AND reflects the taste and personality of the quilter.
The Artesia Quilters Guild also has community projects that they work on
throughout the year. Each Habitat For Humanity family receives a quilt from
them as a housewarming gift, and the Guild makes child-sized quilts for all
children in the CASA program. Two of their CASA quilts are on display in
this year’s show.
Another Guild project from this past year is a fabulous Magic Vine quilt,
based on a design from 1930. The original design was published in a
weekly series of newspaper articles, and features rows of appliquéd
flowers. Guild member Evolyn Terpening inherited a vintage quilt top in the
Magic Vine design, and Guild members worked together to finish the quilt.
When you see the finished product, you’ll see why they wanted to finish it—
and you’ll want one for yourself! (Any quilters that are interested in making
a Magic Vine quilt can find the original instructions and patterns in The
Magic Vine Quilt by Eleanor Burns)
We also have a room devoted to never-before-displayed vintage quilts,
including 2 recent acquisitions to the Museum’s collection from the
Champion family. There’s a friendship/signature quilt from Mayhill (found in
a garage sale!), a quilt made from WWII patriotic decals (they came free
with nickel candy) and sugar sacks, and even one made from men’s suits!
(Well, we’ve seen quilts in past shows made from men’s ties, so why not?)
Plus there are examples from Guild challenge projects, landscape quilts,
patriotic-themed pieces, sampler quilts based on the Bible and Alaska…so
come on down to the Museum now through August 29th and see them for
yourself!
Artesia Historical Museum & Art Center, 505 West Richardson Ave., Artesia
(575) 748-2390; open Tuesdays-Fridays 9-noon & 1-5; Saturdays 1-5.
Other arrangements can by made by calling the Museum—groups are
encouraged to call ahead.
Don't be conned by worker's comp poster scam
ARTESIA - Information has been collected from sources that indicates a
scam is occurring within NM where persons (no physical description
available with the exception of official looking and sounding) are entering a
business or other building and demanding to see workman’s comp and
minimum wage posters. Regardless of whether or not the poster is legal
these people are “fining” the business and replacing the posters.
Business owners or representatives should ask for credentials from these
persons prior to paying any “fines” or fees. They should also be aware that
they can compare their posters to those required by looking on the
following web pages:
www.workerscomp.state.nm.us
www.dol.gov/elaws/posters.htm
www.freeposteraudit.com
Business owners can avoid workplace poster scam artists, who sometimes
visit businesses posing as a government agent or mail official-looking
solicitations, by partnering with a qualified poster provider. Legitimate third-
party poster sellers offer an easy way to save time, avoid scams and keep
businesses in compliance with current laws. Third-party contractors charge
an annual fee to keep track of pertinent labor law changes and
automatically send companies new posters when needed.
If business owners feel they have been defrauded or an attempt has been
made to defraud them, they should call the Artesia Police Department at
746-5000 or they can remain anonymous and call Crime Stoppers at 748-
2323.
Street Crimes Unit finds juveniles in violation
ARTESIA - Officers from the Artesia Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit
arrested two Artesia juveniles for charges related to drug distribution. The
charges stem from an investigation initially into a possible curfew violation
happening at Walmart on July 11th, 2008 at 2:07 am.
Street Crimes Unit officer made contact with a group of male subjects in the
parking lot of Walmart who did not appear to be over the age of eighteen.
Contact was made with the group and they were identified.
While investigating the possible curfew violation, the officer noticed the
strong odor of marijuana coming from the area. The members of the group
were questioned and some were released. However, Tyler Bain, 17 years
old was arrested and charged with the possession of drug paraphernalia
and the distribution of a controlled substance. Also arrested and charged
with the same crimes was Daniel Colwell (17 years old). They were both
booked into the Artesia Detention Facility and ultimately released to their
parents. They both await arraignment and trial.
If found guilty the juveniles face up to 2 ½ years in jail and/or $6000 in fines.
A significant amount of marijuana and other items were collected as
evidence.
Officers from the Artesia Police Department cited five juveniles after
receiving a report of suspicious activity. The call, which was received on
July 11th, 2008 at 9:07 pm, came from an anonymous person stating seven
to eight juveniles were acting suspicious in the playground of Roselawn
School.
Officers arrived to investigate and noticed graffiti on the school building.
Evidence was also collected. Juveniles in the area were questioned by the
Artesia Police Department Street Crimes Unit. The results of the
questioning led to the following juveniles who all live in Artesia being cited
for graffiti done within the city and released to their parents or guardians:
Angel Urias (11 year old cited for 1 count), Adianna Bodge (15 years old
cited for 1 count), Alan Luevano (12 years old cited for 5 counts), Savino
Gurrola (13 years old cited for 5 counts) and Jeremy Quezada (14 years
old cited for 5 counts).
Other juveniles in the area were questioned and released.
The juveniles, in accordance with city ordinances for graffiti must make
arrangements within 3 business days for the abatement of the graffiti or
their parents could be charged with violating the graffiti ordinance as well.
The maximum penalty for these counts of graffiti if the juveniles are found
guilty, is 90 days in jail and/or $500 in fines.
Anyone with information on these incidents should call the Artesia Police
Department at 746-5000 or they can call Crime Stoppers and remain
anonymous at 748-2323.
State agencies develop policies to save gas
SANTA FE - Governor Bill Richardson today announced the guidelines
state departments and agencies must follow when developing their
Telework and Alternative Work Schedule Program policies. State Personnel
Director Sandi Perez briefed secretaries and agency directors on the
guidelines Monday morning.
“Through this program we can help alleviate the strain of high gas prices on
state employees and taxpayers while ensuring that the public’s access to
state government remains our top priority,” Governor Bill Richardson said.
“These guidelines provide the accountability and flexibility needed for us to
make this bold move without compromising our commitment to the public.”
Each agency must formulate policies related to the Telework and
Alternative Work Schedules Program and submit them to Personnel
Director Perez on or before September 1, 2008. Agencies considering
moving to a 4-day work week, must first identify how the change will still
enable them to maintain operational needs, service delivery requirements,
program goals and back-up coverage in the event of an emergency.
Economic Development Secretary Fred Mondragon announced his
department will be moving to a 4-day compressed work schedule. The
department hopes to implement the pilot program by the beginning of
August.
“I have worked closely with Secretary Mondragon on this move to a 4-day
work week and we believe it is a good fit for Economic Development,”
Personnel Director Perez said. “I will be working just as closely with other
secretaries and agency heads to develop policies that work well for the
specific needs of their departments, employees and customers.”
While employee participation is strongly encouraged, it is completely
voluntary. Employees participating in either Telework or Alternate Work
Schedules must meet eligibility requirements, including completion of their
probationary period and successful job performance. Certain positions will
not be eligible because of operational needs, program needs or the job
duties assigned to the position.
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.
Safe & sober summer
Summer is upon us and with that; traveling and
summer activities are inevitable. Officers
throughout the state, including those from the
New Mexico State Police will be conducting
checkpoints and saturation patrols during July
and throughout the summer, as part of the “100
Days and Nights of Summer” campaign, in
addition to the “Superblitz” DWI and seatbelt
patrols. “We will issue citations and arrest
people for driving under the influence, so
designate a driver or stay sober”, warned
Sergeant Moncada of the New Mexico State
Police.
Drinking and impaired driving is a serious crime,
with serious consequences. A driver’s first DWI
offense could cost up to $500 in fines in
addition to other fees, time in jail, community
service, Ignition Interlock, license revocation
and mandatory DWI school.
Thus far in 2008, there have been 151 fatalities
from traffic crashes. Of those, 40 were alcohol
involved. Even though the fatality numbers are
down in New Mexico, the drinking and driving is
ever present. So far this year, the New Mexico
State Police have arrested 1,020 drivers for
DWI. 108 of those arrests have been made in
Chaves, Eddy and Lea Counties.
Sergeant Moncada has some advice, “Don’t
drink and drive, designate a driver if you plan to
drink, the lives you save may include your own,
and remember to wear your seatbelt and buckle
up your passengers – it’s the best defense
against drunk and unsafe drivers.”
The New Mexico State Police and the
Department of Transportation work in
partnership to make driving safe for all
travelers, by enforcing traffic laws and raising
public awareness to prevent traffic-related
crashes, injuries and fatalities.
Museum Task Force seeks ideas
SANTA FE - Governor Bill Richardson's Veteran
Museum Task Force is seeking ideas from
communities. The Veterans Museum Task
Force met recently and they are looking for
local input to choose a location for the new
State of New Mexico Veterans Museum.
The 20 member Task Force has invited
interested communities to present their
proposals on July 30th at 10:00am at the Wells
Fargo Theater at the National Hispanic Cultural
Center. Each community will have thirty minutes
to present. Criteria identified by the task force
that are necessary for a final recommendation
to the Governor include population, local
support, existing facilities and local veteran
population. In their proposals, the task force is
also asking communities to provide a “dream
sheet” image of the size of the proposed
museum, the number of expected visitors per
year and a projected budget.
A final meeting of the Veterans Museum Task
Force will be held in early August to order to
vote on a recommendation. A written report on
the activities of the task force and the
recommended site for the museum will be
submitted to the Governor no later than August
20, 2008.
Governor Richardson has said that he will
support legislation in the upcoming 2009
session to create a Veterans Museum once a
suitable location has been selected.
Communities looking for information please
contact Ana Canales, Department of Cultural
Affairs at 505-827-8425 or via email at
ana.canales@state.nm.us.
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.
Safe & sober summer
Summer is upon us and with that; traveling and
summer activities are inevitable. Officers
throughout the state, including those from the
New Mexico State Police will be conducting
checkpoints and saturation patrols during July
and throughout the summer, as part of the “100
Days and Nights of Summer” campaign, in
addition to the “Superblitz” DWI and seatbelt
patrols. “We will issue citations and arrest
people for driving under the influence, so
designate a driver or stay sober”, warned
Sergeant Moncada of the New Mexico State
Police.
Drinking and impaired driving is a serious crime,
with serious consequences. A driver’s first DWI
offense could cost up to $500 in fines in
addition to other fees, time in jail, community
service, Ignition Interlock, license revocation
and mandatory DWI school.
Thus far in 2008, there have been 151 fatalities
from traffic crashes. Of those, 40 were alcohol
involved. Even though the fatality numbers are
down in New Mexico, the drinking and driving is
ever present. So far this year, the New Mexico
State Police have arrested 1,020 drivers for
DWI. 108 of those arrests have been made in
Chaves, Eddy and Lea Counties.
Sergeant Moncada has some advice, “Don’t
drink and drive, designate a driver if you plan to
drink, the lives you save may include your own,
and remember to wear your seatbelt and buckle
up your passengers – it’s the best defense
against drunk and unsafe drivers.”
The New Mexico State Police and the
Department of Transportation work in
partnership to make driving safe for all
travelers, by enforcing traffic laws and raising
public awareness to prevent traffic-related
crashes, injuries and fatalities.
Museum Task Force seeks ideas
SANTA FE - Governor Bill Richardson's Veteran
Museum Task Force is seeking ideas from
communities. The Veterans Museum Task
Force met recently and they are looking for
local input to choose a location for the new
State of New Mexico Veterans Museum.
The 20 member Task Force has invited
interested communities to present their
proposals on July 30th at 10:00am at the Wells
Fargo Theater at the National Hispanic Cultural
Center. Each community will have thirty minutes
to present. Criteria identified by the task force
that are necessary for a final recommendation
to the Governor include population, local
support, existing facilities and local veteran
population. In their proposals, the task force is
also asking communities to provide a “dream
sheet” image of the size of the proposed
museum, the number of expected visitors per
year and a projected budget.
A final meeting of the Veterans Museum Task
Force will be held in early August to order to
vote on a recommendation. A written report on
the activities of the task force and the
recommended site for the museum will be
submitted to the Governor no later than August
20, 2008.
Governor Richardson has said that he will
support legislation in the upcoming 2009
session to create a Veterans Museum once a
suitable location has been selected.
Communities looking for information please
contact Ana Canales, Department of Cultural
Affairs at 505-827-8425 or via email at
ana.canales@state.nm.us.
