Saturday
October 16, 2010
Written and/or edited by Harold Oakes. Click here to email
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Saturday October 16, 2010
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Written and/or edited by Harold Oakes. Click here to email |
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Ruidoso School Events | |||
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Local NEWS (Click on pictures to enlarge) Pile
burning scheduled (posted October
16, 2010) Approximately
510 acres of slash piles generated from forest thinning activities on the
Smokey Bear Ranger District are scheduled to be burned Monday, Oct. 18
through Friday, Oct. 22, 2010, weather conditions permitting. The
Munoz Prescribed Burn is part of the Southwestern Region’s Central
Priority of restoring fire-adapted ecosystems, which includes reducing the
risk of crown fires, protection of private resources and restore forest
health. The
location of the burn area is northeast of Ruidoso Downs, near Devils
Canyon by the Sierra Blanca Regional Airport. Residents in Ruidoso and
surrounding Lincoln County communities will see and smell smoke for the
duration of the burn. When
burning begins, signs will be posted along roadways, which may be affected
by smoke. Motorists are urged to use caution. As always, firefighter and
public safety are the top priority. For
more information, please contact the Smokey Bear Ranger District office at
(575) 257-4095, between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The address is: 901 Mechem
Drive, Ruidoso, NM, 88345. For more information on the Lincoln National Forest, please review our updated web site at: www.fs.usda.gov/lincoln or for the latest fire information, follow us on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/lincolnsmokey. 2nd
Annual Empty Bowl Event Scheduled
(posted October 14, 2010)
The Empty Bowl Event is the brainchild of ENMU’s instructor Judy Pekelsma. A $15 entry fee yields a choice of one pottery bowl filled with delicious pozole, baked potato soup and chicken vegetable soup made by the students in the culinary program. Bread will be provided by Cornerstone Bakery and desserts and drinks are also included. The Empty Bowl Event features over 400 pottery bowls handmade by Pekelsma, ENMU pottery and ceramic students, HEAL board members and staff, to benefit the women and children who live at the Nest. Local artists have donated art and pottery for the silent auction. Music will be provided by Mountain Top Music and Cindy Fogelson of Capitan, who teaches classes in guitar, mandolin, cello, violin/fiddle. The music students will play gospel, celtic, fiddle and other eclectic music from 4:30 to 7 p.m. There will be quartets, quintets and the whole group, as well as solos and duets. . Tickets may be purchased at the ENMU bookstore, the Nest, Sweet Charity Retail Boutique, Chamber of Commerce and Josie's Framery. For further information, please call the Nest at (575) 378-6378. Pictured are HEAL board & staff members with Pekelsma at ENMU making bowls for the Empty Bowl Event. Ruidoso
woman struck and killed
(posted October 10, 2010) LAS CRUCES – Rosa Rodriguez-Bersosa, 57, of Ruidoso, was killed when she stepped out of her vehicle and was struck by a passing motorist at about 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 8. New Mexico State Police said Rodriguez-Bersosa was traveling south on US 54 in her vehicle when she pulled to the shoulder near mile post 10 (10 miles north of Chaparral) and stepped out of her pick-up in an attempt to speak to her sister who was traveling behind her in another vehicle. While walking towards her sister’s vehicle a southbound 1995 Cadillac driven by Robert Turner, 46 of Deming struck her with his vehicle and threw her to the side after impact. The Office of the Medical Investigator pronounced Rosa Rodriguez-Bersosa deceased on scene. Turner was not injured in the crash and once completed the accident report will be submitted to the Otero County District Attorney’s office for review. Seatbelts were worn and alcohol has been ruled out as a contributing factor in this crash.
Judge
Mike Line Remembered (posted October
9, 2010)
Altrusa
of Ruidoso is proud to dedicate the 23rd annual Low-Cost
Mammogram Program to the memory of Judge Mike Line.
He was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1993, after discovering a
lump the size of a marble in the breast tissue. A
lawyer for over 20 years, he decided after his diagnosis to quit
litigating and in 1994 was elected Ruidoso Municipal Judge.
He continued to serve in that position until his resignation in
March. Judge
Line died this past May, after a 17-year battle with cancer.
He passed away even as 1300 attendees at the Lincoln County Prayer
Breakfast were praying for him. Village
residents remember Judge Line as fair, honest and compassionate. Although
breast cancer in men is rare, there are about 2,000 cases diagnosed in the
United States each year. Because this cancer is rare, screening men with routine mammograms is not
advisable unless their doctor recommends it. However,
men and women both should do a periodic self exam to check for lumps. For
most men, breast lumps are easily detected because the male “breast”
area has less fatty tissue compared to the female breast.
Generally, a breast cancer lump is not painful.
A man or woman who finds a new lump in the breast, should see a
physician at once to determine whether the lump is suspicious. With
the month of October designated as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month,
Altrusa would like to remind women to schedule an appointment for their
annual mammogram. Women aged
30 to 39 should have a baseline mammogram to be used as a comparison to
later testing. Women aged
forty and older, or who have other risk factors, should have one every
year. Early detection with a
mammogram can save your life! Patients between the ages of 30 and 64, who are residents of Lincoln County or have a doctor in Lincoln County, are eligible for the annual Low-Cost Mammogram Program. The program offers routine mammograms only, and cannot serve patients with implants or augmentation. Appointments are available through Friday October 29. Call Terri at 258-4615, Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm to schedule your appointment. Symposium
kickoff (posted October 7, 2010)
Pinecliff Village Condominiums owners Lynn and Bruce Morgan visit with a guest, center, Wednesday night at the annual Pinecliff Village Cowboy Symposium Kickoff. Tommy Allsup and a group of musicians perform at the Pinecliff Village indoor pool in the annual jam session where dozens of the musicians performing at the Symposium get together and play during this annual event. All the musicians take to the stages at Ruidoso Downs Racetrack Friday. See Today's Events each day during the Symposium for a complete listing of the activities. Photos by Harold "The Boss" Oakes.
September
births at Lincoln County Medical Center (posted October 7, 2010)
McKinley
out, Morales in at Free Press (updated
November 1) Ruidoso Downs Racing fired Ruidoso Free Press Publisher Emmett McKinley Monday, Oct. 4 and installed Lisa Morales to head the weekly newspaper. McKinley came to the Free Press from FIG Publications in Las Cruces under a management agreement. Morales was the General Manager of the Ruidoso News. She resigned her position there about a week ago and, according to staffers at the Ruidoso News, cleaned out her office and left. Morales has worked at the Alamogordo Daily News and Carlsbad Current-Argus also. UPDATE: RuidosoToday.com has learned that McKinley was not fired. McKinley works for FIG Publications and was running the Ruidoso Free Press under an agreement with Ruidoso Downs Racing. Ruidoso Downs Racing exercised their option to terminate that agreement. McKinley remains an employee of FIG Publications and Ruidoso Downs Racing is reportedly committed to continue paying for his services for 60 days.
Film Shooting in Carrizozo (posted October
5, 2010) Film stars
two-time Academy Award® –winner Sean Penn SANTA FE,
NM—Governor Bill Richardson today announced that a portion of acclaimed
director Paolo Sorrentino’s English language debut THIS MUST BE
THE PLACE is being shot in New Mexico. Locations include
Bingham, Alamogordo, Carrizozo, Eagle Nest, Red River, and Questa, and
overall the production is expected to hire more than 100 New Mexicans for
crew and background talent. A gripping examination of a man on the
precipice of obsession, the production will shoot in New Mexico through
next week, and is also being filming in Ireland, Michigan, New York and
Italy. “This is an
impressive production with a terrific cast and I am pleased they are
working in rural locations around New Mexico,” said Governor Richardson.
“The top filmmakers in the industry continue to take advantage of the
many benefits our state has to offer and bring with them jobs and
opportunities for New Mexicans.” Academy Award®-winner Frances McDormand (Fargo) co-stars alongside Sean Penn. Other casting includes Judd Hirsch, David Byrne, Kerry Condon, Simon Delaney, Joyce Van Patten, Harry Dean Stanton and newcomer Eve Hewson. The date of the filming in Carrizozo is unknown, but will be reported here, if it is released. Officer
struck by vehicle (updated
October 5, 2010) A vehicle struck a Ruidoso Police officer at about 9:29 a.m. Saturday. Officer David Gallegos was directing traffic at Mechem and Terrace when he was struck. The police were diverting traffic from Mechem Drive for the annual Aspenfest Parade. The Ruidoso Police Department said EMS took the officer to Lincoln County Medical Center for treatment of "non-life threatening injuries." Gallegos was treated and released. The
driver was identified as Brady Hester. He stated he was traveling south on
State Road 48. He was stopped at the intersection of State Road 48 and
Terrace Drive by a Police Officer. As Hester was proceeding into a left
turn Hester struck the Officer, with the assistance of Ruidoso PD two
witnesses to the crash were identified and their statements were taken
after the crash. State
Police Officers identified the pedestrian as Dave Gallegos, the officers
investigation determined Gallegos was directing traffic at the
intersection of State Road 48 and Terrace Drive. The vehicle was directed
to turn east onto Terrace Drive off of State Road 48, by Officer Gallegos.
As the vehicle was making the turn it struck Officer Gallegos and stopped
in the middle of the roadway. After Officer Gallegos was struck he fell to
the right side of the vehicle. Located on the right front of the vehicle
were black marks consistent with markings left from Officer Gallegos' duty
belt. State
Police will be filing charges against Hester for reckless driving.
Fugitive
in custody (posted October 1, 2010) The Alamogordo Department of Public Safety took John Ortiz into custody last night, according to Carrizozo Chief of Police Rachel Weiser. Ortiz was sought for assault on Carrizozo Police officer Gary Lindsey and then eluded arrest Monday, Sept 20. Weiser said she spoke with Ortiz on the phone Wednesday Sept. 29, and he agreed to turn himself in. He did not.
First
Class of 8th graders to finish new program (posted September
30, 2010)
The graduating class of Leadership Lincoln’s
8th grade program were honored on Monday September 27th
at the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce. Cheryl Strong, Chairman of
Leadership Lincoln presented certificates to Frank Lester, Zane Reynolds, Lea Zoller and Rylan
Vega, all of Ruidoso Middle School. The entire class includes: Strong told the students “As graduates of the 8th grade program, you have helped us enhance the quality of leadership in our area. Your enthusiasm, your willingness to participate, your frankness, your spirit, your humor, - just being yourself – made this program more than we had envisioned. Long after we are gone – you will carry on the tradition of Leadership Lincoln. Knowing that you will face many challenges ahead, we have confidence you will meet these with integrity, gusto and a willingness to do the right thing. Leadership Lincoln is a non-profit organization whose mission is “to identify, enlighten, encourage, and retain leaders of diverse backgrounds, occupations, and cultures for the purpose of enhancing the quality of leadership in our communities.” The concept for the 8th grade program began in 2008 and was implemented in 2009 at Ruidoso Middle School with the goals of: Promoting the development and enhancement of leadership skills, Defining Leadership, Developing Leadership Skills and Practices and Practicing Leadership through Service. The initial session was held in November with subsequent sessions held each month covering a different topic and skill. Once school ended the students committed to do at least one community service project to qualify for graduation from the program. The school year ended on a high note for those involved with the 8th graders. The next step is to provide this program to schools in Corona, Carrizozo, Capitan, Hondo and Mescalero as well as continue at the Ruidoso Middle School. Leadership Lincoln alumni in each community will implement the sessions under the guidance of the Youth Leadership Committee. Eventually the hope is to expand the program to include students in the 6th and 7th grades.
Aspenfest
Parade street closures (posted September
29, 2010) Parade on Saturday, October 2nd Ruidoso Police will be closing streets in advance of the Aspenfest Parade through Midtown Ruidoso Saturday. At 9:15 a.m. Mechem Drive will be closed to all southbound traffic at Terrace Drive (Thriftway Grocery Store). At 9:30 a.m. Sudderth Drive will be closed to all westbound traffic at Paradise Canyon Road. At 9:45 a.m. Sudderth Drive will be closed to all traffic from Mechem Drive to Carrizo Canyon Drive. All streets intersecting Sudderth Drive will be closed. Sudderth Drive will reopen to traffic as the parade passes through town from Mechem Drive to Carrizo Canyon. Citizens wishing to view the parade may park in authorized parking areas along the route prior to 9 a.m. Motorists should plan ahead and seek alternative routes to avoid delays. The parade begins at 10 a.m. and goes east on Sudderth to Carrizo Canyon Drive.
Fugitive
still at large (posted September 28, 2010)
Carrizozo Police are still seeking John Ortiz. Ortiz allegedly assaulted Police officer Gary Lindsey and then eluded arrest Monday, Sept 20. Carrizozo Police Chief Rachel Weiser said Ortiz has a long criminal history and is considered to be dangerous. If you know where John Ortiz is, please call 911 or the Carrizozo Police Department at 575-648-2351.
Services
set for jockey (posted September 28, 2010) HOBBS — Funeral services for jockey Mark Villa, who was killed in a race riding accident at Zia Park on Saturday, will be held at 1 p.m. on October 6 in Phoenix. The services will be held at the Deer Valley LDS Stake Center at 2939 West Rose Garden Lane. On October 5, there will be a viewing from 5-8 p.m. at the Shadow Mountain Mortuary at 2350 East Greenway Road in Phoenix. There will also be a viewing at 11 a.m. on October 6 at the Deer Valley LDS Stakes Center, immediately preceding the funeral service. A
graveside service will follow the funeral service at Phoenix Memorial
Cemetary. The
fund for the Villa family is being coordinated through the Ruidoso Downs
Race Track Chaplaincy. Checks should be made out to "Race Track
Chapel" and sent to the Ruidoso Downs Race Track Chapel, P.O. Box
449, Ruidoso Downs, New Mexico 88346. Please specify "Mark Villa
family" in the memo line on the check.
Safety Corridor
to change (posted September 25, 2010) The New Mexico Department of
Transportation Traffic Safety Section is taking proactive steps to keep
traffic moving on U.S. 70 and N.M. 48 in Lincoln County, while enhancing
safety for motorists and pedestrians along those busy corridors. The
Department is designating N.M. 48 as a safety corridor and removing the
safety corridor from U.S. 70. The Department has
collaborated with many local agencies to establish N.M. 48 as a Safety
Corridor which basically designated sections of roadway where fines for
speeding are doubled. The New Mexico Department of Transportation
District Two Traffic Safety Section announced safety corridor change from
U.S. 70 to N.M. 48, after a review of traffic safety data. Safety corridors are designed
to reduce motor crashes, U.S. 70 was designated a safety corridor during
the U.S. 70 Hondo Valley Project in 2003, and was the second highway to be
designated a safety corridor. The segment of road on N.M. 48
between Ruidoso and Capitan, from mile marker 9 to mile marker 19, will
have new signs notifying motorists of the safety corridor. The
change will take affect the week of October 4th. A safety corridor is designed
to reduce traffic crashes and fatalities on certain stretches of a highway
that have high crash rates. The safety corridor designation allows
for an increased law enforcement presence, along with an increase in
traffic violation fines. Motorists caught speeding in a safety
corridor will be assessed double fines. Seatbelt use will also be
closely monitored with general emphasis on safe-driving habits. The primary objective of a
safety corridor is to instill safe driving habits among motorists and
reduce crashes. Other goals include education, speed control,
heightened inspections of semi-trucks and tractor-trailers and better
signage. The Department designates safety corridors based on the
crash rate per road miles, followed by an action plan to improve safety on
the designated route. There were a total of 303
accidents on N.M. 48 during the last three years. Safety Corridors are
authorized by New Mexico Statute Section 66-7-301, Subsection A (allows
DOT to designate safety corridors), and Section 66-8-116, subsection D
(doubles fine for speeding in the corridor). For up-to-date information on road conditions in New Mexico, go to the NMDOT road advisory website at, www.nmroads.com or dial 511. Dangerous
fugitive still at large (posted September 24, 2010) Carrizo Police are still searching for John S. Ortiz, 39. Magistrate Judge Martha Proctor issued an arrest warrant for Ortiz Tuesday, Sept. 21, after Ortiz allegedly broke a window of a Carrizozo home and then threatened officer Gary Lindsey with the glass from the window and attempted to ram Lindsey's patrol car when Lindsey followed him while awaiting back up. Police Chief Rachel Weiser, Sheriff's Deputies and State Police joined the hunt for Ortiz Monday evening, but were unable to locate him. Weiser contacted Ortiz Tuesday and he said he would turn himself in. As of 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 23, Ortiz had not appeared to answer for the charges. Carrizozo police say Ortiz has a long criminal history of theft, larceny and assault on police officers. Weiser said he is considered to be very dangerous and has said he will not go back t prison without a fight.
Racetrack
tax narrowly passes (posted September 21, 2010) By a vote of 3,719 for and 3,299 against, Lincoln County voters favored implementing a 3/16th of one percent Gross Receipts Tax to supplement taxes at Ruidoso Downs Racetrack Casino for the next five years. The results will not be official until validated by the County Commission at their meeting on Friday. The Business Retention Gross Receipts Tax will go into effect County wide January 1 and remain in effect for a maximum of five years. Ruidoso Downs Racetrack majority owner R.D. Hubbard has said that if the tax passes he will not move the racetrack during these five years. The ultimate goal for the Racetrack is to get a tax parity bill passed in the Legislature, bringing their tax rate on the casino closer to the rate paid by the Mescalero Apaches on the slots at their two nearby casinos. That measure has passed the House of Representatives twice, but never got out of the Senate Finance Committee for a vote by the Senate.
Polls
close today (posted September 21, 2010) Those who wish to vote in the Business Retention Gross Receipts Tax election will have to hand carry their ballots to Carrizozo today. If you haven't already mailed your ballot, it must arrive at the County Clerk's office by 7 p.m., and you may only turn in your own ballot, which could mean a drive to Carrizozo this afternoon for some procrastinators. Over 50 percent of the ballots of active voters had been returned to the Clerk's office as of Friday, which is a larger than usual turn out for any election. The turn out proves opponents of a special election wrong about how many would return the ballots. Their argument was there would be larger turn out in the General Election in November. RuidosoToday.com will post the results of the election later this evening, when the count is finished.
Thousands
of bikes roar through town (posted September
19, 2010)
Ruidoso Police led the Golden Aspen Motorcycle Rally Parade down Sudderth Drive to Highway 70 Saturday morning. The police bikes were followed by thousands of motorcycles, including a large contingent from Mexico. The parade ended at the Ruidoso Downs Racetrack Sport Theater where long lines waited for registration. Attendance numbers were down for Wednesday and Thursday but seemed to be back on track for Saturday, according to organizers. Photos by Harold Oakes.
Riordan
found not guilty of murder (posted September
18, 2010) The jury delivered their verdict just before 6 p.m., Friday, Sept. 17, finding J Tyrone Riordan not guilty of killing Jonathon Lopez. They did find him guilty of tampering with evidence and conspiracy to tamper with evidence for his part in burying the body of the mentally disabled 20-year in a shallow grave near Arabella. Riordan showed no emotion as the verdict was read by Judge Karen Parsons and expressed no gratitude to his two Public Defenders, refusing to shake hands with attorney Jeff Van Keulen before leaving the courtroom to return to Lincoln County Detention Center. Attorney Jim Walker said the primary witnesses against Riordan, James and Michael Woodull and Marcus Hurley, kept changing their stories to appease the police officer they were talking to. Walker also said there was no way to prove how Lopez died. Walker said his theory is that Lopez died as a result of a tragic accident at the hands of Michael and James Woodull. After the trial District Attorney Diana Martwick said she still thought Riordan was the ring leader of the group and that he was more responsible than the others. The Woodull brothers had made a deal with previous District Attorney Scott Keyes to plea guilty to tampering with evidence and conspiracy to tamper with evidence in return for their testimony against Riordan. "I feel sorry for the Lopez family," Martwick said.
Jury
to decide Riordan's fate (posted September
17, 2010) The jury is expected to begin deliberations Friday morning to decide if J. Tyrone Riordan is guilty of killing Jonathan Lopez in August of 2006. Defense attorney Jim Walker requested a directed verdict from Judge Karen Parsons on Thursday, after the State had rested their case. Walker said the contradictory testimony didn't even show that Riordan was present when Jonathan Lopez was killed. Parson said the contradictory evidence was the reason it need to be decided by the jury and denied Walker's motion. Walker's only witness for the defense was Riordan's father, Gary Riordan, who testified that the truck reportedly used to haul Lopez's body to the Arabella grave site was broken down at the time. Gary Riordan said Micheal Woodull burned the clutch out of the truck riding the clutch while driving. Gary Riordan also said that the Yukon Jack bottles found at the Ruidoso Downs house fur months after the crime were his and he purchased them from Walgreen's. The first order of business in the trial in District Court for the fifth day of the trial will be to instruct the jury in how they may find in the case. Second degree murder is the finding District Attorney Diana Martwick will be asking for. Not guilty will be the finding Walker will request. With the jury dismissed for the day, Riordan asked to be excused from the proceedings while the attorneys discussed which instructions the jury would hear. Riordan protested that his defense attorney's, Walker and Jeff Van Keulen, were not doing what he asked of them. Riordan wanted them to introduce the tapes of the witnesses interviews with police to demonstrate that the witnesses had changed their stories or added to their testimony since those interviews. After the attorneys and Parsons explained why these tapes could not be given to the jury as evidence, Van Keulen relented to Riordan and requested the tapes be entered into evidence. Martwick cited the law and Parsons disallowed their entry. Van Keulen then gave Riordan the law book with the citation Martwick used to prevent their being used as evidence. This is the first time Riordan has spoken during the trial, except to whisper to Van Keulen, who is seated beside him at the defendant's table.
U.S. 70/380
work continues (posted September
16, 2010) The New Mexico Department of
Transportation District Two will continue surface maintenance work of
nearly 24 miles on U.S. 70/380 just west of Roswell. Crews are
working from mile marker 326 to mile marker 302. The maintenance work is in an
effort to seal the surface of that section of U.S. 380.
Overall maintenance work includes usage of recycled asphalt millings, a
pavement surface engineering technique, in an effort to keep water out the
surface structure and extend the life of the highway. Work is anticipated to be
complete by the end of the month. Reduce speed signs, loss gravel
signs, and message boards are being utilized to alert motorists of work.
Motorists are encouraged to slow down, and proceed with extra caution when
driving through the work zone.
Murder
trial continues (posted September
16, 2010) The murder trial of J. Tyrone Riordan recessed a little early on Wednesday, but continues this morning. As Judge Karen Parsons dismissed the jury for the day at about 3 p.m. Wednesday, she told them they were way ahead of schedule. However two expert witnesses were unavailable to testify for the State on Wednesday, so the prosecution continues their case with these witnesses Thursday morning via a video link. Wednesday's testimony included the Sheriff's Deputies that pursued the case and a family friend of Riordan's. That family friend testified that Riordan, Michael and James Woodull came to his house in Roswell to clean up after they buried Jonathan Lopez's body in a shallow grave near Arabella. He testified that Riordan told him what happened and that he had choked Lopez down. The defense is expected to have their chance to present witnesses later today.
County
property tax mil rate goes up (posted September
15, 2010) The Lincoln County Board Of Commissioners certified a mil rate increase for property taxes at a special meeting yesterday, according to KWES Radio News.. Capitan residents will see the largest increase in residential rates, going up 17. 78 per cent to 18.184 mils. In Ruidoso the mil rate has been set at 26.2 mils. The previous rate was 25 .988 mils. Alto residents will see a five per cent increase to 14.922 mils. Countywide, the mil rate will go up an average 3.53 per cent. Property tax bills should be in the mail by around the first of November, with the first half of property taxes due by November 10th. The second half is due by April 11th.
Murder
trial goes into third day (posted September
15, 2010) The murder trial of J. Tyrone Riordan continues today, Wednesday, Sept. 15. On Tuesday, District Attorney Diana Martwick presented the heart of her case with the testimony of James and Michael Woodull. The brothers claim they were there when Riordan strangled Johnathan Lopez Aug. 28, 2006 and helped him bury the body in a shallow grave near Arabella the following day. Defense attorney Jim Walker questioned the Woodull's motive for pointing the finger at Riordan, claiming that they blamed Riordan to get a deal from the State to drop murder charges against them. Michael Woodull was the one that led police to Lopez's grave, four months after Lopez was killed in Ruidoso Downs. The day ended with Lincoln County Sheriff's Deputy Sergeant Ken Cramer testifying on the physical evidence and on his investigation that led him to arrest the Woodull brothers and Riordan. Cramer resumes his testimony this morning. Murder
trial begins (posted September 14, 2010) The murder trial of J Tyrone Riordan began Monday morning at the District Court in Carrizozo with a jury of eight women and six men hearing testimony. In her opening statement, District Attorney Diana Martwick said the State's evidence would show that Riordan strangled 19 year old Jonathan Lopez at a Ruidoso Downs home Aug. 28, 2006 and buried the body in a shallow grave near Arabella the next day. Defense attorney Jim Walker said this is the story of "J.T. (Riordan) and the three snitches. Walker said the three witnesses had every reason to point to Riordan as the murderer, to take the blame from themselves. Brother's James and Michael Woodull are the primary witnesses against Riordan. They have both pled guilty to tampering with evidence for their part in burying Lopez's body, which they said they did under threat from Riordan. Security is high at the court because Riordan has escaped once and attempted to escape again, since he has been in jail. The trial is scheduled to last all week. Two
arrested, three sought in shooting (posted September
9, 2010) Ruidoso Police have arrested two and obtained arrest warrants for three others believed to have been involved in Monday night's shoot out in Two Rivers Park. William Lothridge, 20 years old, has been arrested and charged with aggravated battery, conspiracy to commit aggravated battery, shooting at or from a motor vehicle, and conspiracy to commit shooting at or from a motor vehicle. Victoria Arauz, 21 years old, has also been arrested and charged with abuse of a child. Outstanding warrants have been issued for the following persons believed to have been involved in the shooting: Anthony Arauz: Wanted for abuse of a child, conspiracy to commit aggravated battery, and conspiracy to commit shooting at or from a motor vehicle. Tomas Guilez: Wanted for conspiracy to commit aggravated battery, and conspiracy to commit shooting at or from a motor vehicle. Ricci Granado: Wanted for conspiracy to commit aggravated battery, and conspiracy to commit shooting at or from a motor vehicle. Anyone with knowledge as to the whereabouts of these persons is urged to contact the Ruidoso Police Department immediately. Crime Stoppers will pay a cash reward for information leading to the arrest and District Court bind over of these persons. The Crime Stoppers phone number is (575)257-4545 or (575)258-7300. The Ruidoso Police Department has impounded two vehicles involved in the shooting. Investigation continues into this shooting incident. Shootout
in Two Rivers Park (posted September 8, 2010) Ruidoso Police are currently investigating a shooting incident, occurring at approximately 10:20 p.m. Sept. 6, 2010 in the 100 block of Robin Road, next to Two Rivers Park in Ruidoso. Arriving at the scene officers reported finding numerous spent bullet casings on the roadway. Shortly thereafter, the officers were notified that two male gunshot victims at Lincoln County Medical Center. Mescalero Bureau of Indian Affairs notified Ruidoso Police of another gunshot victim on the Mescalero Reservation. Identification of the gunshot victims are being withheld pending investigation of their possible involvement in the shooting.
Counting
the Boot money (posted September 8, 2010)
Ruidoso Firefighters watch as Carol Psencik runs money through the counter at First National Bank Tuesday, Sept. 7. The Firefighters spent Labor Day weekend collecting money at Sudderth and Paradise Canyon, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day, for the Labor Day Muscular Dystorophy Association fundraiser. Once the money had been counted, First National Bank cut the MDA a cashier's check for the $21,130.18 dropped into the boots. Captain Mike Morrow's shift won the annual internal competition, collecting $9,148.72. Morrow said they had the advantage of having the first day's collection, which are always the most. Photo by Harold Oakes.
Report Highlights Economic Impact of Extreme Weather A
new Environment Mexico report documents how global warming could increase
the frequency and severity of extreme weather events like the 2008 Ruidoso flood. On
Sunday, July 28th, 2008 remnant moisture from Hurricane Dolly
dropped nearly seven inches of rain over Ruidoso Village, flooding the
Ruidoso River and damaging over 350 houses, campers and mobile homes. The
flood also left many residents and visitors stranded. “I had three
different rescue teams working throughout Lincoln County,” said Travis
Atwell, Emergency Manager of Lincoln County. “Citizens were trapped in
the upper canyon of the village and campers were trapped near Bonito Lake
and around the Glencoe area.” “The
2008 Ruidoso flood is just one example of how extreme weather threatens
New Mexico’s economy and public safety,” stated Veronica Gutierrez,
Federal Field Organizer for Environment New Mexico. “Given that
unchecked global warming is likely to increase the occurrence of these
weather events, we need to start regulating global warming pollution
now.” The
new report, entitled Global Warming
and Extreme Weather: The Science, the Forecast, and the Impacts on America,
details the latest science linking global warming to hurricanes, coastal
storms, extreme precipitation, wildfires and heat waves.
The report also summarized some of the most damaging recent weather
events nationally, including 2010’s “Snowmageddon” and 2008’s
Hurricane Ike. The
report is being released as the Obama administration begins developing new
global warming pollution and fuel efficiency standards for cars and
trucks. If stringent enough,
these standards could result in significant cuts in global warming
pollution, while slashing oil use and saving New Mexicans money at the gas
pump. Also
related to the release of the report is Congress’ consideration of
several bills to let polluters off the hook by blocking global warming
pollution standards for some of the largest pollution sources.
Environment New Mexico urged U.S. Senators Bingaman and Udall to
hold polluters accountable and to reject Sen. Jay Rockefeller’s Dirty
Air Act (S. 3072), which would block the Clean Air Act’s ability to
clean up global warming pollution from coal-fired power plants, oil
refineries and other stationary sources.
Coal-fired power plants are the largest single source of global
warming pollution. “The
threat of increased extreme weather is just one of many reasons why we
need to hold polluters accountable for their pollution,” stated
Gutierrez. “If our senators
pass Rockefeller’s Dirty Air Act, coal fired power plants and oil
refineries will be allowed to pollute our air and water supplies and put
us at risk for more frequent extreme weather events like the 2008 flood in
Ruidoso.” Gutierrez
noted that while no single event can be entirely attributed to global
warming, a warming climate increases the odds of more extreme weather.
Each weather event arises from a combination of short-term weather
patterns and long-term climatic trends, and global warming “loads the
dice” for severe weather. “Today’s
report shows how the 2008 Ruidoso flood was just a taste of what’s to
come for New Mexico unless we curb global warming pollution,” said
Gutierrez. Key
findings from the Environment New Mexico report include:
Environment New Mexico is a statewide,
citizen-based environmental advocacy organization working to protect New
Mexico’s air, water, and open spaces.
Hix
surrenders (posted September 3, 2010) Ruidoso Police confirmed Friday afternoon that Christopher Hix has turned himself in to authorities in California. See story below.
Felon
sought (posted August 31, 2010)
Ruidoso Police are searching for a man wanted in California on felony warrants, who has been living in Ruidoso for three years under an alias. Sergeant Dale Harrison, discovered that Christopher L. Hix, wanted for five outstanding warrants from California, has been living and working in Ruidoso under the name David Van Dellene since at least 2007. Four of the California warrants are for felonies and are extraditable offenses. Hix is believed to be driving a silver 2003 Dodge Intrepid, license KPH352, and told co-workers at Cattle Baron Restaurant that he was going to El Paso. Harrison has also filed nine counts of concealing identity and 24 counts of forgery, a fourth degree felony, against Hix. The Ruidoso charges stem from numerous contacts with the Ruidoso Police Department and Lincoln County Magistrate Court since 2007, in which Hix used the identity David Van Dellene and signed official documents under that name.
Bear
attack in Ruidoso Downs (posted August 28, 2010) Police
and Wildlife agents tracked down and killed a bear that killed a goat and
threatened a teenager behind Walmart in Ruidoso Downs Wednesday, Aug. 25. 14-year old Vivian Twite was going to feed the horses and goats when she saw a bear attacking one of their goats. She ran back to the house screaming for her father, who armed himself with a pistol and followed her back to the lot. Harv Twite said the bear stood on it's hind legs and threatened his daughter before he could get there. Vivian reportedly grabbed a 2x4 and began swinging it and screaming at the bear, who loped off and crossed a nearby fence. Twite said the bear returned a third time and came over a six-foot fence. Ruidoso Downs police officer Joseph Bailey shot and wounded the bear while it was atop the fence and it ran away. Ruidoso Downs police officers and New Mexico Fish and Game officers tracked the bear for two hours before locating and killing it. The bear was once again reportedly returning to the scene of the attack when it was located. The incident happened on Wood Lane, directly behind the Ruidoso Downs Walmart Supercenter. "We're glad they eventually shot and killed that bear, but overall, dozens of shots were fired within 300 feet of Walmart," the teenager's mother Ann Twite said. "Scary." Pictured: Vivian with goats Ginger and Fern in April 2009. Courtesy Anne Wilson Twite.
Highway
54 work scheduled (posted August 24, 2010) UPDATE: Because of a jury selection today, Wednesday, Aug/ 25, the Highway Department will not be doing this work until Thursday. The
State Highway Department advises motorist not to park on Highway 54
through the center of Carrizozo on Wednesday & Thursday – August 25
& 26, 2010. The
Highway Department will be coming through with equipment to patch the
road. The equipment and material could damage your vehicle. If you are parked along the Highway, you could be asked to move your vehicle.
McGovern
announces resignation (posted August 22, 2010) Ruidoso Downs Racetrack president and general manager Ann McGovern announced Friday, Aug. 20 that she is resigning. McGovern, who replaced Bruce Rimbro when he retired in 2008, said she will be leaving after the racing season, which ends Labor Day Weekend with the running of the All American Derby.
Top
Cop Shots (posted August 22, 2010)
New Mexico State police officer Paul Flores, front right, won the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 26 shooting competition at the Ruidoso Gun Range on Hale Lake Road Saturday, Aug. 21. FOP Lodge 26 president Jonas W. Proctor, right to left, front row, runner up NMSP officer Alex Horcasitas and third place finisher Ruidoso Deputy Police Chief Dewayne Goar, pose on the range with Range Officers, back row right to left, Dana Terlecky, Dave Mader, Ray Merritt and Jim Minter. New
Mexico soldier killed in Afghanistan (posted August
19, 2010) The
Department of Defense announced Aug. 18, the deaths of two soldiers who
were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They
died Aug.17 in Kunar province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when an
improvised explosive device caused a military vehicle roll-over. Killed
were: Pvt.
Charles M. High, IV, 21, of Albuquerque, N.M. Pfc.
Benjamen G. Chisholm, 24, of Fort Worth, Texas. They
were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade
Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.
Commissioners
to delay next meeting (posted August
18, 2010) The next Lincoln County Commissioners meeting will be held on a Friday, instead of the usual Tuesday. Mindful of the need to canvas the results of the Sept. 21 Business Retention Gross Receipts Tax election and expecting an update on the financing of a bond for paving roads in Deer Park Valley, Commissioners agreed to delay the September meeting until September 24. The canvassing of the election results will be a part of the meeting.
Two
arrested for drugs (posted August
14, 2010) RUIDOSO DOWNS – Ruidoso Downs Police served two search warrants and arrested two Ruidoso Downs residents on drug charges Saturday, Aug. 7. “We were doing a joint operation with State Police SID at the Racetrack,” Ruidoso Downs Police officer Joseph Bailey said. “We were looking for over serving and purchasing alcohol for minors, when we observed a yellow Dodge driving around with an open container.” Bailey said they stopped the vehicle and administered a field sobriety test to the driver, David Carter, 38. “He passed the field sobriety test but we ran him through NCIC and it came back that his license was revoked with an arrest clause,” Bailey said. Following the arrest of Carter, officers searched the vehicle and found nylon bag containing clear plastic baggies that they suspected of being drugs. “We went ahead and secured the vehicle and had it towed,” Bailey said. “We then got a search warrant for the vehicle.” Ruidoso Downs Police officers searched the vehicle. Bailey said they recovered 2.8 grams of methamphetamines in baggies and drug paraphernalia from the bag. “He (Carter) was charged with possession with intent to distribute, a class 2 felony,” Bailey said. Ruidoso Police officers Matt Christian and Lance Ledford, State Police officer Cory Crayton and Ruidoso Downs Police officers Corporal Jim Minter, Alex Valenzuela, Chris Rupp and Bailey served a second search warrant on Highlands Drive, where Carter was living. There they found more drugs and arrested Katherine Keaton, 36, on charges of possession of methamphetamines, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of under one ounce of marijuana. Carter was also charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while license suspended or revoked, consuming or possession an open container of alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle and possession of under one ounce of marijuana.
Highway
380 roadblock scheduled (posted August
14, 2010) Highway 380 is scheduled to be closed for a missile firing commencing at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 16, 2010 for about two hours until 12:00 noon. Road blocks will occur at about mile marker 3 eastbound and about mile marker 28 westbound. Travelers are advised to adjust their plans accordingly.
Holloman
announces F-22 flying schedule (posted August
13, 2010) Officials
with the 49th Wing have announced the flying schedule for the week of Aug.
16 to Aug. 20. Sonic
booms could occur Monday, Aug. 16, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Tuesday, Aug.
17, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Wednesday, Aug. 18, from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.;
Thursday, Aug. 19, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; and Friday, Aug. 20, from 9
a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Schedules
can change based on a variety of reasons and scheduled times do not always
mean sonic booms will occur. For additional information, please visit the Holloman Web site at www.holloman.af.mil. Phone
outage at ENMU-Ruidoso (posted August
12, 2010) Eastern New Mexico University Ruidoso campus suffered a telephone outage Wednesday, Aug. 11. The problem is expected to be resolved by the afternoon of Thursday, Aug. 12.
Recreation
fees waived on the Lincoln National Forest (posted August
10, 2010) Recreation
Fees will be waived August 14 and 15 on the Lincoln National Forest. It is
a great time for everyone to get outdoors and hike, bike and enjoy the
adventure and mystery of the mountains and caves. Fee-free sites on the Smokey Bear Ranger District are: Cedar Creek Picnic/Pavilion, Schoolhouse Picnic Area, Monjeau Campground, Skyline Campground, Baca Dispersed Campground, and Three Rivers Campground located on Highway 54 north of Tularosa. Fee-free sites on the Sacramento Ranger District are: James Canyon Campground, Upper and Lower Karr Campground, Bluff Springs, the Trestle Recreation Area, Silver Campground and Silver Overflow Area. The Guadalupe Ranger District offers fee-free days at Sitting Bull Falls Recreation Area, including Last Chance Trailhead, located near Carlsbad. The Recreation Enhancement Act permits federal land management agencies to charge modest fees at campgrounds, high-impact recreation areas and at day-use sites that have certain facilities. The Act is designed to increase consistency, coordination, maintenance and enhance visitor services across participating Federal agencies and provides a safe and healthy recreation setting on public lands. For additional information on the Lincoln National Forest, please contact the Supervisor’s Office at (575) 434-7200; the Smokey Bear Ranger District Office at (575) 257-4095; Sacramento Ranger District Office at (575) 682-2551 or the Guadalupe Ranger District Office at (575) 885-4181, between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Forest Service maps, brochures and Smokey Bear memorabilia items are available. For more information on the Lincoln National Forest and its District Offices, review our website at www.fs.fed.us/r3/lincoln and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/lincolnsmokey. Old Lincoln Parade (posted August 9, 2010)
An old Fire Truck leads the parade through Lincoln Sunday, Aug. 8 in the annual Old Lincoln Days Parade. The event also included the conclusion of the Lincoln County Sheriff's Posse Pony Express Trail Ride from White Oaks to Lincoln with the delivery of mail bags to the Lincoln Post Office. For more parade photos go to Harold Oakes on Facebook.
Holloman
flight schedules (posted August 7, 2010) Officials
with the 49th Wing have announced the flying schedule for the week of Aug.
9 to Aug. 13. Sonic
booms could occur Monday, Aug. 9, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Tuesday,
Aug. 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Wednesday, Aug. 11, from 8:30 a.m.
to 2:30 p.m.; Thursday, Aug. 12, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; and Friday,
Aug. 13, from 8:30 to 12:30 p.m. Schedules
can change based on a variety of reasons and scheduled times do not always
mean sonic booms will occur. For additional information, please visit the Holloman Web site at www.holloman.af.mil Construction
continues outside Lincoln (posted August
6, 2010) The New Mexico Department of Transportation wants to remind those traveling to Fort Stanton Live/Old Lincoln Days to observe temporary traffic signals that are in operation during bridge replacement work on the U.S. 380 Priest Gulch Canyon Bridge, in Lincoln County. As part of the work, temporary mobile traffic signals are in place for one lane operation. The traffic signals are in operation 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This $1 million project includes the installation of a new bridge with placement of new guardrail, permanent signing and striping, erosion control measures, and other miscellaneous construction. Work is anticipated to be complete this fall. Motorists are asked to watch for construction personnel working in the area, observe temporary construction signing, and reduce speed to posted speed limits. For up-to-date information on this work, visit the NMDOT road advisory web site at, nmroads.com.
PNM
schedules community meeting
(posted August 4, 2010) PNM has scheduled another meeting in Ruidoso concerning proposed rate hikes. PNM
invites customers to attend community meetings to hear and discuss the
drivers behind the company’s first request for a rate increase in more
than five years. Utility rates for PNM’s customers are set by the N.M Public Regulation Commission through a public process that began in June when PNM filed a request for an approximately 20 percent increase for its former TNMP customers in Southern New Mexico communities to be phased in over two years starting in 2011. (Other PNM customers could see a 22 percent rate increase.) Making sure that customers have reliable power today and in the future at the least cost is the key focus for PNM and for regulators, according to Darnell. PNM has or will make significant ongoing investments in power plants, substations and power lines to assure reliability and must be able to pay for them. At the same time, while PNM bills would remain more than 25 percent below the national average even with the increase, Darnell acknowledges that tough economic conditions make any increase a matter of concern. In response to rising energy costs, PNM offers programs to help customers reduce their energy use at home and at the office, and to help customers living on a limited or fixed income pay their PNM bills. That information will be available at the meeting and is also posted online at PNM.com. “We welcome the opportunity to discuss the current and future requirements of the electric system with our customers and to listen to their concerns,” said Darnell.
Special
election dates set
(posted August 3, 2010) Lincoln County
will conduct a Special Election on September
21, 2010 through an all –mailed ballot in accordance with the
Mail Ballot Election Act. The Voter
Registration Books close on August 24, 2010 at 5:00 p.m. The County Clerk
will mail out the ballots for this election between September 1 and
September 3, 2010. County Manager
Tom Stewart said he has received reports of someone conducting a phone
survey asking County residents if they are in favor of the tax and stating
they are doing the survey on behalf of the County. Stewart said the county
is not conducting the survey and did not authorize anyone to do it on
their behalf. A precinct
board will be appointed by the County Clerk and will convene, as stated in
the proclamation, to tally the results. As a reminder,
the return envelope must be signed by the voter for the ballot to be
counted. Voted ballots must be received by the County Clerk no later than
7:00 p.m. on September 21, 2010. F-16s to replace F22s at Holloman
(posted July 30, 2010) The
Air Force announced July 29, that Holloman Air Force Base is scheduled to
lose the F-22, but gain the F-16. The Department of
the Air Force announced its actions to consolidate the F-22 fleet.
The secretary of the Air Force and the chief of staff of the Air Force
determined the most effective basing for the F-22. This requires
redistributing aircraft from one F-22 squadron to units at four F-22
bases. A second squadron will be relocated to an existing F-22 base.
The affected bases
are: Holloman Air Force
Base, N.M.: Deactivate one squadron of F-22s and disperse that
squadron's aircraft to other F-22 units. Relocate the remaining
squadron to Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. Elmendorf Air
Force Base, Alaska - receive six additional aircraft Langley Air Force
Base, Va. - receive six additional aircraft Nellis Air Force
Base, Nev. - receive two additional aircraft Tyndall Air Force
Base, Fla. - receive one additional squadron "This plan
maximizes combat aircraft and squadrons available for contingencies,"
said Kathleen Ferguson, deputy assistant secretary for installations.
"By consolidating aircraft at existing bases, F-22 operational
flexibility is enhanced." Teams surveyed
four F-22 bases, evaluating them for feasibility, timing, cost, and
planning purposes to accept additional F-22 aircraft. The secretary
of the Air Force and the chief of staff of the Air Force carefully
considered the site survey results and military judgment factors in making
these basing determinations. These actions will be finalized subject
to completion of appropriate environmental analysis. The secretary and
chief of staff of the Air Force then announced the transition of Holloman
Air Force Base, N.M., to the F-16 training mission. The Air Force
determined that Holloman has the capacity to accept two F-16 training
squadrons and offers ability to synergize training activities with MQ-1/9
training occurring on the same base. Transitioning
Holloman to F-16 training stabilizes an enduring training mission and
capitalizes on the existing airspace and range complex. Implementation of
this action is subject to completion of appropriate environmental
analysis.
Deadline
for scooter raffle approaching (posted July
30, 2010)
The
deadline to purchase raffle tickets for a Scooter SL50QT-7 is quickly
approaching, according to Joe Gomez, President of Help End Abuse for Life
(HEAL) who is conducting the raffle. Miss Teen Ruidoso Juliann Lamb will be showing the Scooter at the HEAL at the INN 2010 inaugural charity golf tournament, which occurs Saturday, August 14th at 1pm at the Championship Golf Course at the Inn of the Mountain Gods. The few remaining tickets will be available during the tournament. Miss Lamb will draw the winning raffle ticket during the Awards Ceremony and Cookout, following the tournament. Tickets
can be purchased at Sweet Charity Resale Boutique, the Chamber of Commerce
or from any HEAL Board member. Please call the Nest for further
information at (575) 378-6378. Bridge
construction to cause delays (posted July
29, 2010) The
US 380 Priest Canyon Bridge, in Lincoln County may
be closed intermittently on Friday, July 30th, between the hours of
6:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. while work takes place. As part of the work
motorists can expect 15 to 20 minute delays. All work is weather
permitting. It is advised that motorists seek alternate
routes. The
New Mexico Department of Transportation began bridge replacement work on
the US 380 Priest Canyon Bridge, in Lincoln County in May. As part of the
work, temporary mobile traffic signals are in place for one lane
operation. The project includes the installation of a new bridge
with new guardrail, signing and striping, erosion control, and other
miscellaneous construction.
Mayors
to discuss rate hike (posted July
29, 2010) Ruidoso
Mayor Ray Alborn is putting together a conference of area mayors, who’s
communities are served by Public Service Company of New Mexico. The
purpose of the meeting would be to discuss PNM’s proposal to raise
rates over 21 percent beginning next year. Alborn says he’s not “anti-PNM” but the proposed increase is “a matter of concern for everyone. “What we’re gonna do is get all the other mayors from PNM South to come to Ruidoso and talk about this rate increase and see what we can do to alleviate some of that,” Alborn said on KWES Radio Wednesday morning. “What I'm concerned about is the economic impact on everybody...citizens and businesses. We're trying to get people to come here, but is that gonna negate that because of the high cost of utilities". The Mayor says he hopes to have that conference in Ruidoso in the next couple of weeks.
Supplies
for The Nest (posted July
29, 2010)
Ruidoso Optimist Club treasurer Lisa McMinn shops for school supplies for the children at The Nest Domestic Violence Shelter at Walmart Supercenter in Ruidoso Downs, Wednesday, July 28. The Optimist Club, First Savings Bank, and Walmart are sponsoring the the annual drive to provide school supplies to The Nest for children who find themselves in an unfortunate situation and needing supplies for school. Donations can be made at First Savings Bank or with any Optimist Club member. Photo by Harold Oakes
County begins year with extra cash (posted July 27, 2010) CARRIZOZO – Lincoln County is starting the fiscal year with more money than they expected, allowing them to add some projects. “Living conservatively, within our means, with minimal staffing and conservatively estimating our revenues, while pessimistically forecasting budget expenditures for the worst case has, once again, paid great dividends,” County Manager Tom Stewart said during the Public Hearing on the budget Tuesday, July 20. “In the preliminary budget, a beginning General Fund cash balance of $5,500,00 was used. The actual beginning cash balance for the General Fund is $7,619,263.” Stewart corrected this amount to $7,465,625. “We had to split that amount,” he said. “We had to put some cash into the Road Fund.” Stewart said that did not change the actual beginning cash amount, it just moved some of it into the Road Fund because they could not begin the year with a zero balance in that fund. “We received $633,321 more revenue than we budgeted to receive,” Stewart said. The increased revenues were in spite of a reduction in Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) received from the Federal Government. “Which was a reduction of $293,116,” Stewart said of the annual payment for Federal land in the County. Stewart said revenue, without PILT, has grown at an average of 7.65 percent while expenditure have grown at an average of 7.54 percent and appraisal values has grown at an average of 7.49 percent, since 1997. “In 1997 it was $406,541,068,” Stewart said of the appraised value of property in Lincoln County. “And now in 2010 it is $1,036,199,737.” Stewart said averaging that amount out gave him the growth figure of 7.49 percent in property values. Property values will change in 2011 with a reappraisal. “We’re not sure what the 2011 reappraisal is going to say,” County Commissioner Tom Battin said. “It could decline. Also, PILT could decline.” “There’s a lot of questions out beyond 2012 about PILT that are kind of unknown,” Stewart said. Stewart presented the Commissioners with four pages of recommended adjustments to the preliminary budget. “Our ending reserve, or required reserve, with all of the above adjustments made, was $2,160,833,” Stewart said. Stewart recommended spending this money for projects:
“Including these suggestions puts the reserve above required reserve at $95,234,” Stewart said. Commissioner Jackie Powell questioned the inclusion of the fence, road and concrete pad planned for Espuela Arena. “That’s not in there,” Stewart said. Commissioner Dave Parks, the County’s representative on the Greentree Solid Waste Authority Board, said the amount needed to complete the trash dump area was not known and GSWA director Debra Ingle was out of town. The public hearing ended with commissioners joking about a trash tax or business retention tax to fund the trash collection area construction. The Commissioners approved the budget additions, including $25,000 for the Espuela Arena trash collection site. This brought the reserve above required reserve number down to $70,234. Stewart said the required reserve is $3.2 million. “We’re in good shape going in to 2011 and 2012,” Stewart said. “I’m really concerned about 2012 going forward and I’m trying to look at it so we are not dependent on PILT.” The Commissioners also approved some transfers from the General Fund to balance the budget for 2009-2010 and close that out. “This is probably the shortest list of transfers I have ever encountered,” Stewart said. Stewart listed four transfers from the general fund to specific programs, totaling $12,716.50, all of which he said the County will receive back. F-22 Flight schedules this week (posted July 27, 2010) Officials
with the 49th Wing have announced the flying schedule for the week of July
26 to July 30. Sonic
booms could occur Monday, July 26, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and 12:30
p.m. to 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 27, from 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
to 3 p.m., Wednesday, July 28, from 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and Thursday,
July 29, from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. At
this time, no flights are scheduled for Friday, July 30. Schedules
can change based on a variety of reasons and scheduled times do not always
mean sonic booms will occur. For
additional information, please visit the Holloman Web site at
www.holloman.af.mil.
Hitting the street (posted July 25, 2010)
Vendors lined 12th Street in Carrizozo Saturday, July 24, for the Street Fair. The Carrizozo Women's Club served food, the Special Olympics sold water and candy, the Little League held a cake walk and lots of artists displayed their wares for sale. Susan Kolb and Lanny Maddox provided the soundtrack for the event that drew an estimated 175 people, before the rain threw a wet blanket on the party. Photo by Harold Oakes
Museum closed for a day (posted July 23, 2010) The Hubbard Museum of the American West will be closed on Saturday, July 24th for one day only, and will re-open for regular hours on Sunday, July 25th. “We apologize for the inconvenience to our patrons,” said Jay Smith, Director of the Museum, “We have scheduled our annual fundraising event that day, and the staff, volunteers, and City Councilors will be busily preparing the Museum for the annual event and making sure we are ready for business the next day. Generating funds for future exhibits, programs, and other public outreach activities is extraordinarily important, so we hope that the public understands our need to have the Museum ready for an event that can generate as much as 10 to 15 percent of our annual budget.” Please call the Museum at 575-378-4142, or visit our web site at <www.hubbardmuseum.org> for more information about the facility, or about other events taking place at the Museum. If you would like to purchase tickets to the Annual Fundraiser, please contact Jim Kofakis at 575-378-4142. The
Hubbard Museum of the American West is located at 841 Highway 70 West, and
is open seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. to
Back to school schedule (posted July 22, 2010) Ruidoso schools start
in just a few weeks. District officials
say students should be registered by August 9th. School supply lists
are available from each school and from the District Office…and are also
available at Walmart, Walgreens, and the Dollar Store. Orientation for
students at Sierra Vista, White Mountain Elementary and Ruidoso High
School will be held on August 16th. Orientation for Nob Hill Early
Childhood Center will be August 18th. You can visit the
Ruidoso Schools website at www.ruidoso.k12.nm.us for a list of times.
Buses will begin running on August 17th. Call the bus contractor for a list of stops and times. Special election now on (posted July 21, 2010) County Commissioner Don Williams changed his mind and his vote on a Special Election for the Business Retention Gross Receipt Tax, and that changed the outcome. Supporters and opponents of the Gross Receipts Tax filled the Council Chambers and the lobby outside Tuesday afternoon and the Commissioners listened to over an hour of passionate testimony from those on both sides before revisiting the Special Election matter. The Commission had rejected a Special Election during their June meeting. At the June meeting Ruidoso Downs City Attorney H. John Underwood said he would form a Political Action Committee and raise the $25,000 cost of the Special Election. On Tuesday Underwood brought the $25,000 check, raised from donations from over 150 individuals, and Ruidoso Downs Racetrack, the benefactor of the tax, agreed to stay in Lincoln County for five years or repay the tax collected. Williams, who voted against the Special Election in June, said the assurance that the Ruidoso Downs Racetrack would stay in Lincoln County convinced him to change his vote on the Special Election. Commissioners Jackie Powell and Eileen Sedillo voted against the Special Election, just as they had in the June meeting. Commissioners Tom Battin and Dave Parks voted for the Special Election as they did in the June election. The decision about implementing a one-sixteenth of one percent Gross Receipts Tax throughout Lincoln County to offset taxes paid by the Casino at Ruidoso Downs Racetrack will be made by the voters in September in an election held by mail. Each registered voter will get a ballot and have about 30 days to fill it out and send it in.
Fire destroys home (posted July 19, 2010)
A Sunday morning fire destroyed a home in Ruidoso Downs and left the family with only the clothes on their backs. Firefighters from Ruidoso Downs and Glencoe responded to Parker Road, north of the bridge, at about 8 a.m. Sunday, to battle the blaze. The occupants of the home escaped safely, but barefooted. Walmart donated $225.89 worth of shoes, socks and essentials for the victims.
Nutrition program receives $10,000 grant (posted July 18, 2010) New Mexico Alliance for Children (NMAC) announced Saturday, July 17, that it has received a $10,000 grant from the General Mills Foundation to support a preschool health and fitness program for Lincoln County Head Start during the 2010-2011 school year. Over 1,150 organizations applied for the Champions for Healthy Kids grant nationwide, and NMAC, a non-profit organization based in Ruidoso, was one of fifty national recipients. The General Mills Champions for Healthy Kids initiative, in partnership with the American Dietetic Association, has awarded grants to community-based organizations across the United States for programs that provide youth with the tools they need to live healthy, balanced and active lifestyles. “This grant will allow us to expand our health and fitness enrichment program, Eating SmART, to include 175 preschool-age children in Ruidoso and the surrounding communities,” says Julia Price, Director of NMAC. “We’re really glad to have the chance to provide vital services for so many more children in our area, and to take our program inside the school year. In addition to the nutrition and fitness classes, we have some wonderful art, music, and gardening projects planned for the kids year-round.” As a part of the Eating SmART/Head Start program, NMAC is building a Children’s Demonstration Garden at 411 Fort Stanton Road this summer. The garden includes raised beds, an in-ground vegetable garden area, a strawberry patch a butterfly habitat, a lasagna garden, composting and worm boxes, and cold frames. Children from ages one to hundred are welcome to drop in and participate in the ongoing garden projects! The garden will be open all day Saturday, July 24, from 9AM to 5PM, for mural painting and a Lady Bug Release at dusk. Call Julia Price at 336-1933 for more details. “Our biggest priority, through our partnership with the General Mills Champions for Healthy Kids initiative, is the health of our nation’s children,” says Judith L. Dodd, registered dietitian and chair of the American Dietetic Association Foundation. “This is a complex issue that requires the combined effort of families, schools, communities, corporations and health professionals such as registered dietitians to address the issue. By working together we can make a difference.” The
mission of New Mexico Alliance for Children is to improve the quality of
life for children in high-needs areas of the state through nutritional and
health-related programs and to promote youth empowerment through the arts.
Its goal is to develop creative ways to help kids of all ages incorporate
physical fitness and good nutrition into their daily lives.
For more information about Eating SmART, visit www.eatingsmartwellness.org. Lost
hikers rescued (posted July 17, 2010)
It took rescuers five hours to find and five hours to rescue a lost Texas couple Thursday, July 16. The Weatherford, Texas couple were reported missing at 7:15 p.m. Thursday. Five hours later, rescuers located Jeff and Jennifer Bell south of the Spring Cabin off of trail 29 where they had moved to get cell phone reception. At first, what they thought were headlamps from the searchers turned out to be lights from a cell tower. With no moon or flashlights, the Bells were not able to walk out on their own. The couple was able to walk almost the entire way out. A wheeled Stokes litter was used to take Jennifer. Bell out the last section. "These guys are my heroes,” Jennifer Bell exclaimed. Chuck French, Deputy Fire Chief for Bonito, said his crew must have walked over 17 miles tracing various trails. Also assisting were 8 members of the Mesilla Valley Search and Rescue including Incident Commander Ruben Gonzalez and 3 members from the White Mountain Search and Rescue who all fall under the New Mexico State Police. State Police were also on scene. Lincoln County Deputy Bill Heineken provided critical radio communications between the Bonito rescuers and dispatch. The exhausted rescuers and the Bells were treated to ham and cheese sandwiches, snacks and drinks provided by the Sierra Blanca Disaster Relief team. Pictured: Jennifer Bell thanks members of the rescue team that brought her and her husband safely out of the Lincoln National Forest Friday mornng. Photo by Arthur Hoopes/Sierra Blanca Disaster Relief. Information provided by Kathryn Minter, Bonita Volunteer Fire Department.
Burglary
victims sought (posted July
16, 2010) Police are still waiting for victims of last year’s burglary ring to come forward and identify their property. Although they have identified most of the victims of the burglars who stole some $350,000 worth of property from numerous homes in Ruidoso, Capitan and Lincoln County, there are still some items that remain unclaimed and the police need the victims to identify it as theirs. Mainly, this is power lawn and garden equipment the police believe to have been stolen from homes on Paradise Canyon Drive in Ruidoso. Property owners who wish to claim their property should contact Capitan Police Chief Randy Spear at 575-937-1125. The following residences have been identified, thus far, as victims of the burglaries: Lincoln County: 114 Neil 602 Sun Valley 130 El Centro 116 Tobaggon 196 Musketball 163 Musketball 107 Musketball 124 Spring Canyon 106 Cedar Creek 112 Cedar Creek ??? Cochise 142 Meander 113 Deborg Rainmaker Maintenance Area Village of Capitan 130 Pinehurst 133 West Lobo 216 Long Road 100 Lonesome Pine 129 Short Drive 137 Short Drive Village of Ruidoso 142 Mt. Blanc 123 Mt. Blanc 125 Mt. Blanc 127 Mt. Blanc 102 Spruce 110 Davis 158 Yellow Pine 132 Yellow Pine 118 Maple 230 Hemlock 109 Main Road 749-B Main Road 300 block of Wingfield (identified during interview) 615 Wingfield 211 Lookout 409 Paradise Canyon 107 Dogwood 310 Barcus 103 Monica Court 158 Apache Hills Drive 156 Apache Hills Drive 154 Apache Hills Drive 152 Apache Hills Drive 150 Apache Hills Drive 309 LL Davis City of Ruidoso Downs Ruidoso Downs Maintenance Garage Village
behind in reconciliations (posted July
15, 2010) The Village of Ruidoso has implemented new measures to ensure the Village's bank accounts are reconciled in a timely manner. According to Mayor Ray Alborn, the Village was thirty months behind in bank reconciliations. "I've heard one of our ex Councilors referred to as the fiscal watch dog,” Alborn said. I'm not sure where the watchdog was when this was all going on". The
Village has put in place, a process where the Village manager and the
finance director sign off on each reconciliation to ensure no future
lapses. From Mike Kissling, KWES Radio News John
Farnsworth Painting Workshop
(posted July
14, 2010) Famed Santa Fe artist, John Farnsworth, will conduct a week-long painting class through ENMU-Ruidoso Community Education. The class begins Monday, July 19 and runs through Friday, July 23. Farnsworth
is known for his large watercolor and oil paintings of horses, bulls, and
landscapes. His workshops concentrate on color mixing using a limited
palette to create vibrant and translucent color. Last year, he closed his
Canyon Road gallery to travel and to teach. He recently finished an
installation at the Premiere Gallery Collection at La Posada Resort and
Spa. The fee for the class is $550 for the week. Space is limited and filling up fast. Registration may be made by calling ENMU-Ruidoso Community Education at 257-3012. Charity
BBQ Raises Funds for Shelter (posted July
14, 2010)
Thriftway of Ruidoso hosted a charity BBQ to benefit the Nest, Lincoln County's first and only shelter for victims of domestic violence. Over $800 was raised at the event, which was held last Saturday in the store's parking lot. Thriftway donated the potato salad, coleslaw, chips, sandwich buns, onions & peppers and serving items. Coca Cola contributed the soft drinks and bottled water. Hereford Brand Beef and their staff brought in the Rib-eye steaks for the BBQ. Miss Teen Ruidoso Juliann Lamb worked at the BBQ as part of her community service. Lamb's platform in the pageant was domestic violence prevention. The BBQ was staffed by Thriftway employees, local radio personality Perry Champion of KBUY, a Hereford rancher from Mesilla, a representative of the national Certified Hereford Beef Association and the Nest Directors and Shelter Supervisor. The Nest is operated
by the local nonprofit organization, Help End Abuse for Life, Inc. For
further information about the Nest, please call the shelter at (575) 378-
6378. Downs
holds short meeting (posted July
13, 2010) The Ruidoso
Downs City Council took care of business very quickly Monday evening at
their regular meeting. They were finished in less than 10 minutes. The only
action item on the agenda was naming a voting delegate for the New Mexico
Municipal League meeting. Councilor
Rene Olivo made a motion that Mayor Tom Armstrong be designated as the
voter with Mayor pro tem Dean Holman as the alternate. The measure
passed unanimously. During the
public input, Wayne Williams said when he talked about being against a tax
to help one business being unconstitutional at the previous Council
meeting, he may have said Hubbard Museum, but he meant Hubbard Racetrack
and Casino. The meeting that began promptly at 5:30 p.m. adjourned at 5:38 p.m. County
to lift fire restrictions (posted July
11, 2010) The
Lincoln County Commissioners have scheduled a special meeting for
Wednesday, July 14, to lift the fire restrictions. The meeting is scheduled to start at 9:30 a.m. and the lifting the fire restrictions they put in place June 22 is the only item on the agenda, so far. Holloman
announces F-22 flying schedule (posted July
11, 2010) Officials
with the 49th Wing have announced the flying schedule for next week –
July 12 to July 16. Sonic
booms could occur Monday, July 12, from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and 12:30
p.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Tuesday, July 13, from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Wednesday,
July 14, from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. and Friday, July
16, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. At
this time, no flights are scheduled for Thursday, July 15. Schedules
can change based on a variety of reasons and scheduled times do not always
mean sonic booms will occur. For additional information, please visit the Holloman Web site at www.holloman.af.mil. Illegal
Dumping ‘Dirty Dozen’ Gets Worse in 2010 (posted July
10, 2010) The Lincoln County Illegal Dumping “Dirty Dozen” for 2010 is now official: the Highway 380 Mile Marker 106 and 107 area east of Lincoln has the dubious distinction of winning the No. 1 position in Lincoln County’s “Dirty Dozen” for the second year in a row. A nasty illegal dump of construction waste at the location totaling nearly 110 cubic yards on June 30 and on July 2 raised the total of 2010 illegal dumping at the site to 852.5 cubic yards, icing the area’s position as the worst illegal dumpers in Lincoln County. Nor is the County-wide illegal dumping news any better. The total of illegal dumping across the County rose from 1,219 cubic yards in 2008-2009, to 2,049 cubic yards for the year just ending on June 30, 2010. Here’s Highway 380’s notorious ‘Dirty Dozen’ company:
Greentree Solid Waste Authority response to the Highway 380 situation was swift in coordination with the Lincoln County Manager’s office. Additional grapple trucks and manpower was dispatched to the scene to pickup 60 cubic yards of illegally dumped construction waste on June 30. A similar deployment was made again days later on July 2 for another 45 yards of illegally dumped construction waste at the same location. All trash dumpsters were then removed from the Highway 380 site following the July 2 cleanup following loose trash dumped on the ground amid construction waste. Area residents were directed to begin disposing of household solid waste at the disposal site at the “Y” on Highway 70 where additional trash dumpsters were also placed to receive the increased trash volume. Construction of a new solid waste disposal compactor site eastward at the Espuela arena is expected to relieve much of the illegal dumping that has plagued Highway 380 and the NM Department of Transportation for years. However, the project was delayed in early July when site construction bids came in above the project budget. Site construction will be delayed until the job is rebid at a lower project cost, or the Authority can identify and secure additional outside funding. The area continues to be an illegal dumping ‘magnet’. The NM Department of Transportation had threatened closure of dumpster sites by April 15 at Tinnie and the Highway 70 / 380 “Y” intersection, citing the continued problem of illegal trash dumping by areas residents at the two sites. Continued dumping of sacks of trash, discarded construction and building materials, appliances, furniture, yard waste and other items outside of the designated dumpsters has led to the DOT mandate. DOT issued a temporary reprieve to the Authority until the Espuela site can be built and brought on-line. “This has been a continuing issue that the District [DOT District #2] has dealt with on and off for the last 10 to 12 years” stated a April letter from Gary Shubert, DOT District Two Engineer to the Solid Waste Authority. Earlier efforts by the Authority working with private Hondo Valley citizens at identifying new temporary dumpster locations off of US and NM highways have been unsuccessful. “We are even getting small Wal-mart sized plastic sacks of trash and loose, unbagged trash dropped on the ground outside of the empty dumpsters,” stated GSWA Operational Supervisor Debra Ingle. “It should be a matter of community pride for Valley residents to properly dispose of solid waste and to join together to prevent others from dumping illegally. The Hondo Valley is such a beautiful place, but not with constant illegal dumping.” The prohibition of placing trash outside of approved containers is not limited to Lincoln County. Trash disposal and collection sites across New Mexico are increasingly subject to greater restrictions, requiring closed top roll-off containers, locked and fenced areas not open 24 hours a day to ensure resident safety around potentially hazardous materials, equipment, and conditions. Unfortunately, illegal dumpers dump anyway on the open ground. They dump. The citizens pay. In other portions of the County, surveillance cameras have been used to identify illegal dumpers. Prosecution resulted in one County resident following court conviction serving jail time in the County jail earlier this year. Several cases are pending prosecution through the District Attorney and the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department. To report illegal dumping reporting, contact the Lincoln County Sheriff at 1 - 800 687-2419, or the New Mexico Illegal Dumping Hotline at 1-800-867-7666, or www.nmed/swb/Solid Waste and Dumping Complaints.
HEAL
Board of Directors Focus on Shelter at Retreat (posted July
10, 2010)
The Board of Directors for Help End Abuse for Life (HEAL) recently met at their annual Board Retreat to focus on shelter funding and service projections for the new fiscal year, which began July 1st. According to Board President Joe Gomez, "The current economic downturn means continued financial restraint. Our staff and board have always been fiscally conservative but the time of significant impact we have been dreading is upon us." The HEAL Board of Directors meets each June at a retreat with their Executive Director and Operations Director. Topics of discussion include revisiting the HEAL mission and vision statements, planning for pending budget cuts, teambuilding exercises, domestic violence education and the new Sweet Charity Resale Boutique that benefits the Nest. For further information or to apply to be considered for the Board of Directors, please call Coleen Widell at (575) 973-0828. Pictured are HEAL Operations Director Kathryn Walker, Deacon Bob Racicot, Treasurer Jules Videau, Vice President Danny Sisson, Gina Klinekole, Executive Director Coleen Widell, President Joe Gomez and Secretary Josie Powell. Not pictured are Jamie Estes and Victor Montes. Mystery
meet (posted July 8, 2010) The
Ruidoso Downs City Council held a special meeting Wednesday, July 7 to
discuss “acquisition or disposition of real property.” They did not
specify which property. “Mayor,
I make a motion for the City Attorney to move forward with the proceedings
that were discussed in executive session,” City Councilor Dean Holman
said when the open meeting resumed. Councilor
Gary Williams asked that the motion be clarified. “I
think my instruction are, as the discussion was, for me to get the
necessary documentation from the parties involved and bring it back to the
Council for final review,” City Attorney H. John Underwood said. Underwood
would not comment on the documentation required or the parties involved. Mayor
Tom Armstrong invited Underwood, City Clerk Carol Virden, City Finance
Director Teri Mosley, Robert Donaldson and Ed Berger to attend the
meeting. The Mayor also asked Hubbard
Museum of the American West director Jay Smith to stand-by outside the
Council Chambers, in case there were questions for him. Berger
works for Ruidoso Downs Racetrack owner and former The Council gave unanimous approval for Underwood to obtain the documentation and bring it to the council. Truck
strikes pedestrians (posted July
7, 2010) A pickup truck struck two pedestrians in the crosswalk on Sudderth Drive, at about 11:50 a.m., July 4. Officer Tillman Freeman reports the vehicle, a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck, driven by William Stewart of Alto, struck Harry Wolf, 58, of Midland, Texas and Molly Fike, 48, of Prescott, Ariz. As they crossed Sudderth Drive at the Eagle Drive intersection in Midtown Ruidoso. EMS transported Wolf to Lincoln County Medical Center for treatment of back pain. Fike reported minor injuries to her right elbow. Stewart reportedly said he was distracted by a black car that was partially in the intersection and, once he saw the pedestrians, it was too late to avoid hitting them. Freeman reports the pedestrians were walking south in the crosswalk, with the light. Freeman cited Stewart for failure to yield to pedestrian.
Downs
attorney contract renewed (posted July 6, 2010) The Ruidoso Downs City Council gave unanimous approval to the second renewal of the contract for legal services with the firm of H. John Underwood and gave approval to a special assignments for the firm on a split vote during the Council meeting June 28. The renewal of the legal services contract was done quickly. There was a motion, a second, no discussion and unanimous vote. The consideration for special assignments involved discussion and the vote was not unanimous. “Let me just explain what this is for,” Underwood told the Council. “I have been contacted by various groups to make presentations on the Economic Development Ordinance that has been passed by the Legislature and that this body authorized me to lobby for at the last session.” Underwood said that Business Retention Gross Receipts Tax issue would be coming up either through a special election or the general election. “I know that there has been discussions with this body in the past regarding the importance of Ruidoso Downs Racetrack to the economic well being of this community and the economic well being of the people of this community,” Underwood said. “So, I have been asked to participate in public information forums and things of that nature and so I am asking that the City of Ruidoso Downs, as provided under my legal services agreement, allows me to do that as a special assignment under my legal services agreement.” Underwood said he didn’t think this fell under the routine legal services to the City. “So, before I incur a lot of time doing that on your behalf, I wanted to get your permission to do that,” he said. Underwood said this would not take away from his duties to serve as the City Attorney. Ruidoso Downs Racetrack president and general manager, Ann McGovern, spoke on behalf of the Council approving the special assignment for Underwood’s firm. “John’s knowledge of the issues really benefits Ruidoso Downs and represents this community well,” she said. “I would support him being the person who represents this council and this community.” Councilor Dean Holman questioned the fees for this special assignment. “Would the fees be separate from the basic legal services provided?” Holman asked. “No, sir,” Underwood said. “The hours would be included in the same amount of hours I put in elsewhere in the same contract.” Holman asked Underwood to spell out the exact topics he would be discussing in regard to the Business Retention Gross Receipts Tax authorized by House Bill 203. Underwood said it was about whether to vote on the tax authorization in a special election or the general election and about being in favor of passage of the tax to insure that Ruidoso Downs Racetrack does not move. “There are going to be lots of public forums and lots of public events to explain that process,” Underwood said. “And I would act within those events and those forums as an advocate on behalf of the City of Ruidoso Downs.” Councilor Rene Olivo made the motion and Councilor Gary Williams seconded. Olivo and Williams voted yes. Holman and Councilor Tommy Hood voted no. Mayor Tom Armstrong broke the tie with a yes vote. The Lincoln County Commission is scheduled to address putting the tax measure on the ballot during their July 20 meeting in Carrizozo. In other actions, the council gave unanimous approval to the plan to renovate the old Motel and RV Park on Harris Street and Short Street. The developers received unanimous approval for the project from the Planning and Zoning Commission June 1. The project includes spaces for six recreation vehicles and six motel rooms. There are also two apartments, where the owner, Richard Ford and his father plan to live. The Council also approved a plan presented by Keep Ruidoso Downs Beautiful to place a flagpole where the old Cigarette Alley sign was at All American Park and approved payment of the May invoice for the Wastewater Treatment Plant. The City Council has a special meeting scheduled for Wednesday, July 7 at 5:30 p.m. The agenda calls for a closed session. An informed source told the Ruidoso Free Press there will probably be an open session with action taken following the closed session. From the Ruidoso Free Press
Zone
change approved (posted July 6, 2010) It took a zoning change for Richard Ford to renovate and reopen the RV Park and motel on Harris Lane in Ruidoso Downs. On Tuesday, June 28, the Ruidoso Downs City Council gave their approval to a special conditional use Mixed Use Planning Unit Development (M-PUD) for Ford to reopen the RV Park and motel at the intersection of Short Drive and Harris Lane. The property was zoned C-1. The motel part of the project is going to be called a “bunkhouse,” rather than a motel. “It will be for week long stays,” Ford told the Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z), June 1st. “We can have overnight stays, but we will not have a daily service.” Ford said the rates and service would be based on three to seven day stays, with daily towel service, but weekly linen exchange. There are six rooms in the bunkhouse that are for rent and two living quarters where Ford and his father plan to live. “It was one living space, but we put in a wall and divided it into two spaces,” Ford said. Where the previous RV Park has 16 or 17 RV Spaces, there will now be six spaces. “When I looked at this project I took your ordinance for RV Parks and put it into the site,” architect Eric Collins said. Collins said he accounted for set backs, traffic flow and the requirement for recreation space in designing the RV Spaces. The plan also includes a six-foot fence around the property and a stop sign at the exit on to Harris Street. “In the Comprehensive Master Plan there is much mention of doing what we can to improve our community,” P&Z Chairman Paul Van Gulick told the City Council. “This has to be one of the most squalid properties I have ever seen. “The owner has already done a lot to improve the property,” he said. P&Z gave their unanimous approval to the project. The property had contained a motel and an RV Park that had sat empty for years. “There have been problems with that site,” attorney Alan Morel said at the City Council meeting. Morel represents Ford. “We have done a lot to address those problems. There is going to be an on site owner. Additionally, fencing is going to help a great deal. And the fact that we dropped it from 16 to 18 RV spaces down to six should help tremendously.” Councilor Rene Olivo questioned the owners allowing parents to continue to drop off and pick up school children at the busses there. “I have talked to Mr. Ford and he said that he would allow parents to drop their kids off there,” Morel said. “Actually he is looking at putting a gate in so the kids can cut through to the street behind the property instead of having to walk around.” At the June 1 P&Z meeting Mayor Tom Armstrong and Virginia Armstrong voiced objections to the zoning change. The Armstrongs live behind the property. The Armstrongs objection was to having a transit population in the residential neighborhood, as it was when the previous RV Park and motel operated there. After the P&Z meeting the Armstrongs and the Fords met outside City Hall and discussed the renovation plans. After that informal meeting and discussion, Mayor Armstrong told Ford he would support the zoning change. Ford has also purchased a barn at Ruidoso Downs Racetrack and he and his father, Jess Ford, train and race horses at Ruidoso Downs. He said during the racing season most of the RV spaces would be used by family and friends. “What we have submitted is all we can do,” Morel said at the Council meeting. “A planned use development does give more flexibility to the developer and to the City.” From the Ruidoso Free Press
Sharing the
cool (posted July 6, 2010)
David Graham shares his icee with his puppy at the Little League All-Star game in Alamogordo Monday, July 5. See Sports for the results of the game.
Lost
11-year old found (posted July
5, 2010) Searchers were called out Sunday, July 4
to look for an 11-year old boy wandered away from his family at Southfork
Campground. Youth Conservation Corps workers located
the boy on Cedar Crest Trail and returned him safely to the campground. The search began at about 3:45 p.m. with
Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies, Forest Service employees, and other
volunteers, and lasted about three hours.
Heavy
rains, flooding possible (posted July
2, 2010) Lincoln County Fire and Emergency Services advises everyone of possible heavy moisture occurring this July 4th weekend. Meteorologist Ron Roberts is forecasting rain throughout the weekend with possibly heavy rains on Sunday. There is a chance of severe weather this holiday weekend and please keep aware of your surroundings: · Don’t camp near streams or river beds. · Avoid low laying area’s when the rain occurs · Do not attempt to cross flowing rivers or streams · If flooding occurs seek higher ground Most importantly keep informed on current weather in your area and stay vigilant. New
Chamber Board takes office (posted
July 2, 2010) The Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce announces their new board officers for the Fiscal Year 2010/2011. President--Glenda Duncan of Noisy Water Lodge; President-Elect--Anne Reveley of Anne Reveley Interiors; Treasurer---Rutalee Jernigan of Farm Bureau Insurance; VP of Economic Development---Brad Treptow of Lincoln County Medical Center; VP of Membership--Bruce Timson of Crown Point Condos. To ensure proper representation from the membership, the Chamber Board consists of 12 members representing 10 business councils. Each year four new members are replaced on the board. The newly elected board members are Clayton Alred of ENMU-Ruidoso, Marne Modine of Square Moon Gallery; Rutalee Jernigan of Farm Bureau Insurance; and Brad Treptow of Lincoln County Medical Center. The Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce would like to thank the exiting board members for their exceptional service and sound advice: Lydia Radosevich of The Ruidoso Physical Therapy; Avril Coakley of Ruidoso Office Supply. “The Chamber had a strong ballot for our membership to choose from,” said Glenda Duncan, New Chamber Board President. “I’m looking forward to working with the four new directors as we continue to work on issues important to businesses and our community. Their eagerness is apparent as two have already volunteered to become officers,” Duncan added. The Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce is a member organization dedicated to encouraging prosperity in the Greater Ruidoso Valley. The duties of these directors are to guide the direction of the members to work together, build better business relationships and provide the resources to do so. If you would like to become more involved with the Chamber, please contact any of the directors or call 257-7395.
El
Capitan Precious Metals merger (posted
July 2, 2010) El Capitan Precious Metals, Inc., and Gold and Minerals, Inc, have agreed to a merger, according to KWES Radio News. The result of this action will leave El Capitan Precious Metals, Inc. the surviving Company and 100% owner of the New Mexico Property. The Company has raised, through a private placement equity facility, approximately $800,000, to date, and are in the process of raising additional working capital. The net result of the merger is to facilitate a sale to a major mining company. El Capitan Precious Metals is an exploration stage company that owns a 40 percent interest in the El Capitan property located near Capitan, as well as a joint venture and 20 percent ownership of 13 mining claims and other assets known as the C.O.D. mine located near Kingman, Arizona.
Downs
resident wins $200,000 (posted June
30, 2010) Curry
Reynolds of Ruidoso Downs won a $200,000 prize from the New Mexico
Lottery. On
Saturday morning, Reynolds bought a $20 ticket from the lottery’s
“$200,000 Black Gold” Scratcher game while stocking up on water jugs
to take to a job site. The
self-employed carpenter said the discovery of a six-figure prize didn’t
faze him a bit. “I
went out to my truck and drove to the job,” Reynolds recalled for
lottery officials in Albuquerque.
“I didn’t get nervous, but I was in a real good mood all
day.” Reynolds
kept his lucky ticket a secret until that evening.
“I got more excited showing it to my wife,” he said. The
surprise nearly ruined their dessert. “She
was making a peach cobbler when I told her and she just started throwing
everything in,” he recalled. Reynolds spent his
weekend spending his prize. “It’s
time to work on my own house,” he said.
Reynolds purchased his ticket from Allsup’s Store No. 343 located
at 127 E. Highway 70 in Ruidoso. Previously,
the store has sold five large prize-winning tickets paying between $1,000
and $30,000. Earlier in the year, Ruidoso resident Bill Swann won $3.54 million playing Hot Lotto®. PILT
check lower this year (posted June
30, 2010) Lincoln County received their Payment in lieu of taxes check from the Federal Government Tuesday, and it was less than last year The County received a deposit of $1,437,375, without any explanation. Stewart had to figure out that this was the PILT payment. “When the DOI (Department of the Interior) calculated the 2010 PILT payments, they took into consideration “federal land payments” made through other federal agencies,” Stewart said in an email to County officials Tuesday. “ Every December, LGD (Local Government Division) prepares a report, by county, showing prior year federal land payments from Taylor Grazing, Forest Reserve, Edward Jones, etc. The January 2009 forest reserve payments were substantially larger than the 2008 payments due to a reauthorization of the federal Secure Rural Schools Act. Therefore, those counties that receive forest reserve payments may see a lower 2010 PILT payment.” According
to the Department of Interior, for purposes of calculating the 2010
payment, the per acre amounts are adjusted for inflation from the 2009
payment of $2.37 per acre and thirty-three cents per acre to $2.40 and
thirty-three cents per acre, and the population variables are adjusted
from $63.68 - $159.18 to $64.56 - $161.38 per capita. The 2010 payment
will fund the authorized level of $358.4 million. This includes $400,000
for program administration. The
computation also adjusts the payment for the level of prior-year revenue
payments and the amount that a county receives under Sections 6904 and
6905 of the PILT Act. Revenue payments are federal payments made to local
governments under programs other than PILT during the previous year. These
include those made under the Refuge Revenue Sharing Fund, the National
Forest Fund, the Taylor Grazing Act, the Mineral Leasing Act, the Federal
Power Act, and the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination
Act of 2000. Sections 6904 and 6905 provide additional payments for
additions to the National Park System and National Forest Wilderness
areas. As
a result of increases in Forest Service timber and Mineral Leasing Act
payments, reductions in PILT entitlement land, expiration of section
6904/5 payments and payments falling below the $100 threshold, the total
2010 PILT payments to the following twenty-eight states will be lower than
their 2009 payment: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia,
Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana,
Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota,
Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Tennessee, Virgin Islands, Virginia, Wisconsin
and Wyoming. The result of all these calculations is that Lincoln County received $293,106 less from the Federal Government for the 925,092 acres of Federal Land in the County. “Although
there was a slight delay in payments this year, local governments received
their funds by June 29,” Secretary of the
Interior Ken Salazar said. “We deeply appreciate the
support these communities provide federal lands and disbursing this money
before the counties’ fiscal year begins helps them budget for essential
services, such as firefighting and emergency response, and allows for
additional improvements to school, road and water systems.” The
Department of Interior said the 2010 payment amounts were delayed because
of late reporting by some entities and the complexity of evaluating prior
year payment amounts authorized by the Mineral Leasing Act and the Secure
Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act. Each of these statutes
and the PILT statute include requirements that impact the development of
county payment amounts under a multi-factor formula.
Forest
waste tonnage on the rise (posted June
30, 2010) The
2010 forest slash pickup schedule is in full swing for residents in many
southern The guidelines for forest slash and pine needle pickup include: · Piles may be placed on residential property lines with no overhead utility wires, adjacent to county road so that the grapple truck driver may reach the pile · Do not place piles too close to fences, overhead wires or culverts · All tree branches and trunks must be cut to 4 feet lengths or less · No construction lumber, household trash, metal or rocks in piles · No stumps in piles · Piles are picked up only on lots with houses. Pickups are paid for as part of quarterly residential solid waste bills · Piles on vacant lots will be picked up, for a one-time charge, only by calling the Authority office for an appointment. Empty lots pay no regular solid waste bill which would include forest waste pickup. · Slash or pine needles should be left loose and not be bagged in plastic sacks · Slash should not be placed in or next to dumpsters, polycarts or compactors and will not be picked up at household waste disposal sites All collected, clean forest slash is delivered to a private company to be ground up into garden and roadside erosion control mulch. Thanks for your cooperation! For more information on forest slash pickup, contact the Solid Waste Authority office at 378-4697, and toll free at-1-877-548-8772, via email at gswa@greentreeswa.org or at www.greentreeswa.org.
Holloman
announces F-22 flying schedule (posted June
30, 2010) Officials
with the 49th Wing have announced the flying schedule for the next two
weeks – June 28 to July 9. For the week of June 28 to July 2, sonic booms could occur
Wednesday, June 30, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.; and
Thursday, July 1, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. For the week of July 5 to July 9, sonic booms could occur
Tuesday, July 6, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.;
Wednesday, July 7, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Thursday, July 8, from 8 a.m.
to 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. At this time, no flights are scheduled for Friday, July 2,
and Monday, July 5. Schedules can change based on a variety of reasons and
scheduled times do not always mean sonic booms will occur. For
additional information, please visit the Holloman Web site at www.holloman.af.mil
Hira
to appear, magically (posted June
27, 2010) Magically each July David Hira reappears in Ruidoso. Hira has been performing his jaw dropping magic for the Ruidoso Evening Lions Club Magic Show since 1993, missing only one year. He got sick that year. There are now parents who saw Hira perform when they were small and take their kids to the show. For the Evening Lions it is about the kids. Businesses buy the tickets from the Lions and then, usually, donate them back to the Club to be given to kids to attend the show. But, Hira is not just a kid’s magician. He is an international performer who has performed on stage at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, in London, in Sydney and on cruise ships. He has also been on 36 television shows in the United States and Japan. “Of all the fund-raisers we do each year, this is the members favorite,” Evening Lions Club president Mike Zaragoza said. “It is just so much fun to watch the amazement of those kids, and the adults, as David does his magic.” The Lions have been presenting a Magic Show in Ruidoso since 1983 and the Evening Lions have been the sponsor since 1989. This year the show will be held on Saturday, July 10 at the 1st Christian Church on Hull Road at 1 p.m. Businesses who wish to purchase tickets to either use or donate can call Lion Ron McDaniels at the Ruidoso Evening Lions Club at 575-257-6305. Ron is there Monday through Friday from 8 to 5.
Deadman
Canyon fire contained (posted June
27, 2010) Fire officials declared the Deadman Fire 100-percent contained Friday, June 25. The fire crews continued mop up operations and looked for hot spots in the fire that consumed 3,046 acres about 15 miles north of Hondo in two days. Lightning started the fire on private land Wednesday. Four engines and 20 fire fighters were conducting the mop up operations.
Deadman
Canyon Fire 75-percent contained (posted June
25, 2010) Firefighters reported Friday, June 25, at 4 p.m., that they now have the Deadman Canyon Fire 75-percent contained. The fire burning about 15 miles north of Hondo has consumed 3,046 acres. It started from a lightning strike Wednesday, June 23. "The objectives for the fire today was to continue to patrol and mop up to secure the perimeter, with the majority of the concentration being on the southern end of the fire near the Nelson Road," the update from Jennifer Myslivy said. "Deputy Incident Commander, Larry Ashley from the BLM, stated “due to the excellent progress by the fire resources the fire is now 75% contained.“ Resources will start being released tomorrow with a couple engines staying on the fire to continue patrolling and mopping up the fire perimeter."
Smokey
Bear Ranger District – New Ranger In Town (posted June
25, 2010) The Lincoln
National Forest is happy to announce the new District Ranger for the
Smokey Bear RD, Chad Stewart. “We had a
strong list of candidates that applied but with Chad’s experience,
education and talent his skills showed through as we went through the
process of selection. We are very fortunate to have him move into a Line
Officer position”, said Lincoln National Forest Supervisor Jacque
Buchanan. Chad has
worked in the Lincoln NF Fire/Timber Staff for the forest for the last 3
years. Chad Stewart’s start date, as the Ranger, is set for August 29,
2010. Congratulations
Chad from all of us! Welcome to the Smokey Bear Ranger District
Deadman
Canyon Fire update (posted June
24, 2010) The
Deadman Canyon Fire, a lightning caused fire, has burned 3,500 acres so
far about fifteen miles northeast of Hondo. The
fire is burning in rough, rocky terrain east of Highway 368 near
Tinnine. It
started on private property and has also burned some BLM lands. Aerial
operations from two air tankers provided brief support yesterday, until
they were grounded by thunderstorm. Today, a helicopter will join two
type two hand crews, five engines, a water tender and other service
trucks in the attack on the fire. No
structures are threatened by the Deadman Fire. Depending
on winds, Ruidoso and Ruidoso Downs residents could see and smell smoke
from that fire. As of the last report, at 8:45 a.m., June 24, the fire was zero percent contained. Mike Kissling, KWES Radio, provided this update after talking to Jennifer Myslivy, NM Type III Interagency Incident Management Team
Deadman
Canyon fire burning near Arabella (posted June
24, 2010)
Smoke rises over the hills as fire crews prepare to go out and battle a wildfire burning on the Cooper Ranch near Arabella yesterday. There are three fire crews battling the blaze, named the Deadman Canyon Fire, that has consumed a reported 2,000 acres. Smoke from the fire blew into Ruidoso and Ruidoso Downs last night, prompting a rash of 9-1-1 calls to report smelling smoke. Picture courtesy Arthur Hoopes, Sierra Blanca Disaster Relief Team.
Plane
crash preliminary report released (posted June
24, 2010) A
preliminary report by the National Transportation Safety Board gives some
new details on the crash of a private plane that killed five people and
seriously injured two others, last Thursday at the Ruidoso Airport. One
of the two brothers who survived the crash told investigators that in the
moments before the crash, "the wings were rocking and it
felt like the airplane was being tossed around by wind," Mike
Kissling at KWES
Radio
reports. Aviation
consultant Denny Kelly has been looking into crash. He said winds
were light at the time. "Winds
gusting to 10 knots, so that shouldn't have been a factor,” Kelly said. Kelly
said the plane showed signs of stalling. A witness at the airport
said the plane came in a little too high on approach ˜ then dropped
nose-down rapidly at a highly unusual 60-degree angle.” According
to the report, the left wing hit, then the nose; then the twin-engine
plane cart-wheeled and burned, indicating to investigators the plane may
have stalled. Investigators
are looking at the plane's load, and the possibility it may have had too
much weight on board. The seven passengers were aboard a six seat Cessna
310 airplane.
Mayor
to appoint Rebstock replacement (posted June
24, 2010) Ruidoso Mayor
Ray Alborn will have the task of selecting someone to replace Village
Councilor Michelle Rebstock. Rebstock
resigned from the council on Tuesday. Rebstock was elected to the council
in 2004 and re-elected in 2008. Her term expires in March 2012. Mike Kissling
at KWES Radio reports that Alborn is in no hurry to make the appointment,
in order to make a correct decision. He reportedly has six to eight
candidates to choose from. "I'm
looking for someone who can stand on their own two feet and take care of
all the business associated with being a councilor, and, that doesn't have
an agenda," Alborn told Kissling There were
five candidates for Village Council in March 2010 who did not get elected.
Gloria Sayers got the most votes, among those not elected. Alborn will
make the recommendation to the Village Council, who then must approve his
choice.
Smoke
from Arabella fire reaches town (posted June 23, 2010) East winds are blowing smoke into Ruidoso from a fire burning on the Cooper Ranch near Arabella. Kathryn Minter with the Bonito Volunteer Fire Department said the fire started about 9:30 Wednesday morning and has burned about 2,000 acres. Minter said Ruidoso area residents have been calling 9-1-1 to report smelling smoke. Hot shot crews are battling the blaze Minter said the smoke should be less noticeable in the Ruidoso and Ruidoso Downs area as the winds die down for the night.
Commissioners
say no to special election
(posted June 23, 2010) The
Lincoln County Commission said “No” to a special election on the
Business Retention Gross Receipts Tax, Tuesday, even if it would cost
nothing. The
Business Retention Gross Receipts Tax would offset up to $750,000,
annually, in State taxes paid by the Ruidoso Downs Racetrack. Tuesday
afternoon the Commissioners defeated a motion offered by Commission
chairman Tom Battin to hold a special election in September, funded by a
Political Action Committee, by a vote of 3-2. Attorney
H. John Underwood, the City Attorney for Ruidoso Downs, told the
commissioners he was prepared to form the Political Action Committee and
raise the $25,000-plus cost of the election from local businesses. Underwood
said he had talked to the Deputy Attorney General and County Attorney Alan
Morel, and could find no prohibition against a PAC donating to the County
to pay for a special election. The
Special Election in September would have allowed the tax to take effect
January 1, 2011. “My preference would be no action,” Commissioner Eileen Sedillo said. The
Commissioners were presented with options ranging from taking no action,
to a special election, and putting the tax on the ballot in the General
Election in November. “I kind of feel like I am being held hostage,” Commissioner Jackie Powell said. “I would like to do nothing too, but I am just one person out of 20,000 and I think the people need to vote on this. But I think that vote should be in the General Election.” Battin
agreed with Powell that the measured needed to be voted on by the public. “If it is no cost to the county, I don’t see the difference between a Special Election and the General Election,” Battin said. Parks
sided with Battin on the Special Election, as long as it didn't cost the
County. “I went on the record during the campaign that I am not in favor of Special Election because of the cost to the taxpayers,” Commissioner Dave Parks said. “If there is no cost to the taxpayers, I see no difference,” Commissioner
Don Williams questioned the amount of the difference between the tax
taking effect in January and July. That difference, it was pointed out, is
$375,000, to Ruidoso Downs Racetrack. “I
think it is a lot transparency and perception,” Powell said. Sedillo,
Powell and Don Williams voted against the Special Election. Battin and
Parks voted for it. The
Commissioners did vote to hold a public hearing during the July 20
Commission meeting, to consider putting the tax on the ballot in the
General Election in November. If
the tax is on the ballot in November and if it passes, it would take
effect in July 2011.
This
is National Lightning Awareness Week
(posted June 22, 2010) June
21-26 New Mexico
is prone to violent and severe thunderstorms and lightning strikes every
summer. The Department of Homeland Security and the National Weather
Service remind all New Mexicans that awareness of the danger posed in
lightning strikes just might save your life. The state averages 17
thunderstorm events per year and a 1.1% chance of a fatality from
thunderstorms or lightning every year. New Mexico, at times, has been ranked as number two in the nation for lightning strike deaths. Lightning strike wildfires are also a danger with this month being an example of that with multiple events that have been caused by lightning generated by thunderstorms. Lightning’s unpredictability increases the risk to individuals and property and often strikes outside of a thunderstorm too far away for thunder to be heard. However, the storm may be moving toward you. Most lightning deaths and injuries occur in the summer months during the afternoon and evening when people are caught outdoors with no safe shelter. A safe shelter is one fully enclosed with a roof, walls and floor and has plumbing or wiring. A safe vehicle is any fully enclosed, metal topped vehicle such as a minivan, car, bus or truck. Convertibles, golf carts, open tractors and similar vehicles are not lightning safe. Even though there is no safe place outdoors, there are certain precautions and actions that can increase your chance of safety and survival. Pay attention to the weather, if a thunderstorm seems imminent and you are outdoors avoid open areas and fields, the top of a hill or ridge and stay away from tall isolated trees or other objects. If you are in the forest, stay near a lower stand of trees. When camping, set up your camp in a valley, ravine or other low area. If you are in a flash flood area avoid the arroyos. A tent offers no protection from lightning. Stay away from water, wet ropes and metal fences and poles. Metal objects and water are excellent conductors of electricity. If you are inside, stay off corded phones and use a cellular or cordless phone. Unplug electronic equipment before the storm arrives. Don’t take a shower; wash your hands or dishes. Stay away from windows and doors and open porches. Don’t lean against concrete walls. Remember your pets. Dog houses are not safe shelters from lightning. Dogs that are chained to trees or poles or wire runners can easily fall victim to a lightning strike. Bring your pets inside. If a building is struck, lightning can travel through a structure through wires or pipes that extend outside and through the ground. If you are in a boat on the water, get as low as you can. For more information go to www.ready.gov or www.weather.gov
Holloman
announces F-22 flying schedule (posted June
22, 2010) Officials
with the 49th Fighter Wing have announced the flying schedule for this
week – June 21 to June 25. Sonic
booms could occur Monday, June 21, from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30
p.m. to 2 p.m.; Tuesday, June 22, from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Wednesday,
June 23, from 8:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. and 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.; Thursday,
June 24, from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Friday, June 25, from 8 a.m. to 10
a.m. Schedules
can change based on a variety of reasons and scheduled times do not always
mean sonic booms will occur. For
additional information, please visit the Holloman Web site at
www.holloman.af.mil.
July LCHS program announced (posted June
22, 2010) The July program of the Lincoln County Historical Society will be at the Nogal Mesa Ranger Station. The Nogal Mesa Station served the Lincoln National Forest from its establishment in 1908 to 1958. Although most of the Ranger Station has been torn down, the old barn is still used by the Forest Service today. Gary Cozzens, Vice President of the LCHS will give the program. While the program will focus on the Ranger Station, the talk will also include the Jornada Mogollon culture in the region, the Bonito Pipeline and a homestead site in the area. The program will begin at 1:00 p.m., July 15, in the trees at the Ranger Station, but participants are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and a picnic lunch before hand starting about noon. Summer programs and presentations are a major fund raising event for the LCHS and participants are encouraged to donate $10 per person at the event. Directions to the Barn and Ranger Site: The site is located just off Highway 37 in Lincoln
County. Traveling south on Highway 37 turn right (west) on Ranger
Road between mile markers 5 and 6. If you are traveling north on
Highway 37 Ranger Road will be on your left and almost across Highway 37
from Cora Dutton Road. Go about 0.7 mile and as the road makes a
“S” curve and crosses a bridge over Magado Creek the barn will be on
your left. If you park in the open area before you cross the bridge
you will be in the general area of the Ranger Station site. For more information call Gary Cozzens at (575) 354-3185.
Racetrack
tax on the agenda (posted June
21, 2010) The Ruidoso Downs Racetrack tax is on the agenda for the Lincoln County Commissioner's meeting tomorrow, but only for discussion. The agenda for the Tuesday, June 22 meeting lists the "Business Retention GRT Timeline/discussion" as item 16 on the agenda for the meeting that starts at 8:30 a.m. in the Commission Chambers in Carrizozo. The Business Retention Gross Receipts Tax bill passed the legislature earlier this year, allowing Lincoln County to vote to allow a gross receipts tax to offset the taxes paid by the casino at Ruidoso Downs Racetrack. Ruidoso Downs Racetrack owner R.D. Hubbard said that if this tax passes, he will not go through with his plans to move the track to Las Cruces. The County Commission must put the tax on the ballot for voters to decide yes or no before the tax can be imposed. Because this is a discussion item, that will not happen at this meeting.
Miller
honored (posted June
20, 2010)
Jim and Nancy Miller visit with Carol Price and Coda Omness at the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet Saturday, June 19 in the Turf Club at Ruidoso Downs Racetrack. Jim Miller was honored as the Chamber Volunteer of the Year for his work with recycling projects, renewable energy and his work with the Ruidoso Optimist Club youth projects. Jim retired as President of Eastern New Mexico University-Ruidoso a few years ago and has dedicated his time to recycling, renewable energy and Optimist Club projects. Photo by Harold Oakes.
Hikers
rescued (posted June
19, 2010) Six hikers were rescued from the Lincoln National Forest on Friday after spending the night in the mountains. The hikers became lost on the Aspen Trail Thursday afternoon and were located from their cell phone. Rescuers did not get them off the mountain until Friday morning. One of the hikers was airlifted the the hospital for treatment of injuries reportedly suffered during a fall.
Plane
crash victims identified (posted June
18, 2010) The
five killed in yesterday morning’s airplane crash at Sierra Blanca
Airport have been identified as two couples and an 11 year old child. Mike
Kissling of KWES
Radio reports New Mexido State Police identified the victims as Rodney
and Delanie Duree, both about 50, their 11-year old son Lake Duree and
Karl and Kaeri Richey. Karl Richey was 46, Kaeri 44. The
Richey’s two sons, 16-year old Alexander and 12-year old Christopher
were reportedly thrown from the plane and survived. Both were transported
to El Paso where they are in intensive care. According
to Magic Forest Restaurant manager, Brian Hennington, the couples were
friends of Avalon Development owner Don Murphy and were scheduled to have
dinner at the Magic Forest with Murphy and his family last night. The
twin-engine Cessna 310 was registered to Rodney Duree, who was chairman of
the Granbury Texas Municipal Airport Board. The
Cessna 310 is a six-seat aircraft last produced in 1980
Plane
crash kills five (posted June
17, 2010) A plane crash killed five and seriously injured two at about 10 o'clock this morning at Sierra Blanca Regional Airport, north of Ruidoso. "It was on approach to Sierra Blanca Airport," State Police Sergeant Robert Eshom said. "It was a twin engine Cessna with seven passengers on board. "Five are deceased and we have two that were airlifted out," he said. "Names are being withheld due to the fact that next of kin have not been notified. Eshom said authorities have not positively identified the source of the flight. "We are still in the process of identifying where they are from and what their final destination was," Eshom said. Eshom did say that the plane was from Texas. "From what I have been told they were on approach to the airport on runway B," he said. "There is no indication of them having trouble. He was calling in to the airport." Eshom said the crash started a small grass fire, but Airport and Bonito Volunteer Fire Departments were able to extingish the blaze and remove the survivors from the plane. "What I have been briefed, the two individuals that were transported were somewhat coherent, although they did have life threatening injuries," he said. "One was up moving around, the other was lying on the ground. They both had signs of life." Eshom said the National Transportation Safety Bureau out of Denver, Colo. would be taking over the investigation. "We are waiting for them to arrive," Eshom said.
Grass
fire burns two acres (posted June
17, 2010) Quick response by Lincoln and Hondo firefighters held a grass fire to under two acres Wednesday, June 16. The fire started around 5:30 p.m., at about mile marker 95.5 near Lincoln and was extinguished a couple or hours later. Lincoln County Emergency Services Manager Travis Atwell said the fire, named the Vigil Fire, appears to have been human caused, ignited by a cigarette. "No structures were threatened, due to quick response," Atwell said.
Ruidoso
firefighters qualify for World title shot A
team of four Ruidoso Fire Fighters has qualified for the Firefighter
Combat World Challenge XIX. The
four Ruidoso Firefighters participated in the Scott Firefighter Combat
Challenge on Saturday June, 5th.
The
team of Firefighters Nick
Baker, Steve Gonzales, John Herring, and Captain, Michael Morrow did well
enough to qualify for the Firefighter Combat
World Challenge XIX to be held in South Carolina in November.
The competition featured some 50 teams from around the U.S. and was
held in record temperatures of 114 degrees, in Carlsbad, N.M. While
the Ruidoso Fire Department Team only had four members, they were up
against teams which had five members.
The course must be completed in six minutes and these men from the
Ruidoso Fire Department were able to complete the entire course in 1:54
seconds. This puts them in a
position to compete for the World Title in South Carolina.
John
Herring and Steve Gonzales both ran individual races.
Herring won his heat and Gonzales placed 2nd overall for
the “40 years and over class”. Herring
and Gonzales then competed in a tandem heat which they won handily.
The
firefighters have been training for this event for a few months in the
Virgil Reynolds Unity Gym at Station 1.
This gym was fully equipped by donations from SERG (Special Events
Resource Group). A stair
climber machine donated by The RAC has also helped build the leg endurance
needed for the competition. The
World Competition in South Carolina is set for November 8th – 14th and
will bring firefighters from around the globe. Competitive firefighters
from the US, Canada, New Zealand, Germany, Argentina, Chile and South
Africa are expected. Officials expect the competition to draw 5,000
competitors along with their families and friends.
The Ruidoso Fire Department team is currently seeking area sponsors
to help get them to the South Carolina.
If you or your business would like to help them in this effort,
please contact Elaine Reynolds at (575) 937-4798.
The
success of this team has inspired other members of the Ruidoso Fire
Department to try to get a second team qualified for the World Finals by
competing in Lubbock later this summer.
The Scott Combat Challenge
consists of five events: The first event is the
Stair Climb. This challenge consists of a 42 lb. hose
which must be carried up six flights of stairs. This activity replicates a
five story building where water is needed at the top. The 42 lb. hose is a
standard 100 ft., 1.75 in. thick hose. The second event is the
Hose Hoist. Using a hand-over-hand motion, the Competitor must pull up a
42 lb. hose roll and place it into the box on the top of the 5-story
Tower. The 42 lb. prop is a donut roll of large diameter hose plus 7 lbs.
of rope. The third event is the
Forcible Entry challenge. This event simulates a firefighter breaking down
a door or wall to enter a burning building. In this event, the firefighter
must drive a 160 lb. steel beam a total of 5 feet with a 9 lb sledge
hammer. The fourth challenge is the
Hose Advance. This simulates a firefighter running from a fire engine
towards a fire. The competitor sprints 140 feet and picks up a 1.75 in.
diameter charged (pressurized with water) hose then drags it 75 feet. The
firefighter must then break through a set of swinging doors and open the
hose nozzle, releasing water onto a small target. After
hitting the target, they must close the nozzle and drop the hose, which
completes the event. The fifth and final event
is the Victim Rescue. This event simulates a firefighter removing a victim
from a fire as quickly as possible to save the victim from injury. A 175
lb. mannequin must be picked up from the ground, grabbed from behind, and
dragged backwards 100 ft. Time ends once the 175 pound mannequin and the
competitor passes the 100ft line. Then competition has ended and time is
stopped. The Holloman Air Force Base also competed in this event and did exceptionally well. Film
Symposium scheduled (posted June
16, 2010) Film Lincoln County NM, the newly formed county wide film commission, will host a film industry symposium on August 26th at the Spencer Theater. This symposium will have speakers from the State Film Office, the International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees, New Mexico Women in Film, Crew New Mexico and more. The purpose of the film industry symposium is to inform the county about the state of film making in New Mexico and how that can affect Lincoln County. This will also allow people in the industry to see what Lincoln County has to offer the film business. Film Lincoln County NM was formed in March of this year and has a representative from each of the municipalities and one from the county itself. Currently Film Lincoln County NM is in the application process to become a member of the AFCI which is an international film liaison organization. The mission of Film Lincoln County NM is to “promote Lincoln County as a film location, and to foster the art and education of film making in Lincoln County.” The Film Lincoln County NM website is www.filmlcnm.org and provides information to film makers about Lincoln County. It includes a photo data base for locations, and a directory for film workers. Anyone living in Lincoln County or anyone whose business is located in Lincoln County and is related to the film industry may register for free. This directory will help film makers locate local resources to use when filming in Lincoln County. The members of Film Lincoln County NM wanted to bring those who are knowledgeable about the industry to come to Lincoln County and talk about what this industry does for the state. Speakers from the New Mexico State Film Office will be presenting the facts about the state’s tax incentives that are offered to the film industry and make it clear as to how they benefit the state.
Former
Ruidoso Downs Mayor dies (posted June
15, 2010)
John Columbus Day, Jr., 84, died June 11, 2010 at his home in Ruidoso Downs, N.M. Day, better known to locals as J.C., was born October 24, 1925, the youngest of five children born to Dollie Brooks and John Columbus Day, Sr. of Snyder, Texas. J.C. entered the US Navy in 1944 serving 28 months in the South Pacific as a Navy Armed Guard Gunner aboard Merchant Vessels. After discharge from the service, J.C. returned to Snyder, Texas where he worked for his father as a truck driver. There he met Betty Ray Roberds, “the cutest little waitress”, at the local coffee shop. J.C. would save his nickels for a cup of coffee just so he could see her. The two were married November 24, 1949. The Day’s moved their family of four children to Ruidoso in 1960 where J.C. worked as a finish carpenter until a sledding accident shattered his hip. While still recovering, J.C. went to work as Maintenance Supervisor for Ruidoso Hospital which later became Lincoln County Medical Center. A former active member of Ruidoso Evening Lions Club, J.C. retired from the hospital in 1978 and later was elected and served as Mayor of Ruidoso Downs from 1982-1986. J.C., very well known for his lighthearted since of humor and “joke of the day”, is survived by his wife of 60 years, Betty, one son John Day III of Ruidoso, two daughters, Mickie Reynolds of Ruidoso and Alisa Day-Kenyon of Carrizozo, New Mexico. There are three surviving grandsons, six granddaughters and fourteen great-grandchildren. Mr. Day was preceded in death in 1996 by his eldest son, Stephen Ray Day. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held Wednesday, 2:00 pm, June 16, 2010 at Gateway Church of Christ. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Lincoln County Community Health Council Mobile Food Pantry. Monetary donations sent to: The Counseling Center, 206 Sudderth Dr. Ruidoso, NM 88345, with Mobile Food Pantry on the memo line. Arrangements are under the direction of LaGrone Funeral Chapel. Condolences can also be sent thru LaGrone at www.lagroneruidoso.com.
Retiring
the flags (posted June 15, 2010)
Jack Shuster, right, organized and led the Flag Retirement Ceremony, conducted by area Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts and their Troop and Pack leaders, during the Flag Day Celebration at the Ellis Store in Lincoln June 14. 90 American Flags were ceremoniously retired during the ceremony.
More
than spilt milk (posted June
13, 2010)
Clean up crews work to right a Price's Dairy Truck that wrecked at about 4:30 a.m. Saturday, June 12, at mile marker 306 on Highway 70. The driver was taken to the hospital in Roswell and reported to have been in stable condition. It took 6 1/2 hours for crews to clean up the accident scene. Photo courtesy Sierra Blanca Disaster Relief. Ruidoso
Downs Energy Fair scheduled (posted June
13, 2010) Apply for Help with Utility Bills and Food, Get Great Giveaways, Information and More The New Mexico Alliance for Children (NMAC) and PNM will hold a free energy fair on Friday, June 25, at the Zia Senior Center, 393 U.S. Highway 70 West in Ruidoso Downs, from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., featuring nutrition and food program information, help with utility bills, giveaways, snacks and more. “Our organizations have joined together to help people living on a limited or fixed income,” said Maddie Martinez, PNM manager of low-income customer programs. “We are also reaching out to help parents provide nutritious meals and a safe environment for their children,” said Julia Price, New Mexico Alliance for Children executive director. The first 200 families to apply for the PNM Good Neighbor Fund, PNM Budget Billing or the government-funded Low income Home Energy Assistance Program known as LIHEAP will get a $25 Walmart grocery card. Applications can be made for both programs, which provide a once-a-year grant to help pay utility bills. The PNM Fund has helped nearly 3,000 families this year, thanks to the PNM customers and shareholders who donate to the fund. Families
will also be able to apply for free home weatherization, Medicaid and the
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP or food stamps). Additionally, the fair
offers these attractions: Energy efficient light
bulb giveaway; · Lincoln County DWI
simulator rides; · Art exhibit by area
children who participated in Southwest Art Traditions art classes offered
at the Hubbard Museum of the American West sponsored by PNM and NMAC; · Face painting courtesy
of the Ruidoso Regional Council of the Arts; · Information on energy
efficiency and nutrition for children. Assistance programs are
based on household income. To sign up, please bring: ·
Proof
of household income; ·
An
ID for the person filling out the application; ·
A
Social Security number for all household members;
·
One
of the following from the last 12 months:
o
Your
highest gas or electric bill for 30 days of service; o
An
account history printout from a propane company or receipts for two
propane fills with the fewest days in between; o
A
receipt for a wood purchase, or,
o
A
disconnect notice, if you have received one, or the cost of starting
utility service at your home. For information, call PNM at 1-888-DIAL PNM (1-888-342-5766).
Holloman
announces F-22 flying schedule (posted June
13, 2010) Officials
with the 49th Fighter Wing have announced the flying schedule for next
week – June 14 to June 18. Sonic
booms could occur Monday, June 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and 12:30
p.m. to 2 p.m.; Tuesday, June 15, from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Wednesday,
June 16, from 8:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. and 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.; Thursday,
June 17, from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Friday, June 18, from 8 a.m. to
9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Schedules
can change based on a variety of reasons and scheduled times do not always
mean sonic booms will occur. For
additional information, please visit the Holloman Web site at www.holloman.af.mil
.
More
arrests expected in burglary ring (posted June
12, 2010) Six
months into an investigation of a burglary ring that operated throughout
the county for the past two years, police continue to make arrests and
recover stolen property. At
this point, seven arrests have been made and eight more could be made
soon, according to the Task Force investigating the burglaries. The
Ruidoso Police Department, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Capitan
Police Department and the Mescalero Apache Reservation Bureau of Indian
Affairs Police Department make up the Task Force that continues to work in
a joint operation to identify the criminals and recover the stolen
property. So
far, they have been able to solve 86 burglaries that have occurred in the
past two years. The
investigation into the burglaries began in December 2009, when an
individual burglarized a residence in Ruidoso and, in the same time
period, another individual burglarized a residence in Alto. The property
from these crimes was traced to the Village of Capitan, where it was being
traded for narcotics and money. As
a result of these two incidents, the Ruidoso Police Department Criminal
Investigations Division and the Special Response Team were deployed Dec.
31, 2009 to conduct search warrants and investigate the burglaries with
the Capitan Police Department and Sheriff’s Department. Officers
arrested Bryan Painter, 26, and Autumn Judd-Painter, 22, for probation
violations and arrested Donna Baker, 56, for felony possession of stolen
property. Officers also cited Tanner Davis-Ferris for misdemeanor
possession of stolen property. As
a result of these search warrants, the investigation expanded to the
Mescalero Apache Reservation. With the cooperation of the BIA Police
Department, more stolen property was recovered there. The
investigation has reached El Paso, Texas, where one of the suspects
arrested in the case, is accused of burglarizing a commercial store. Investigators
also allege that property was disposed of in Albuquerque and Clovis, New
Mexico, as well as in Phoenix, Ariz. The
Task Force estimates the value of the property recovered so far at
$350,000. Items stolen range from children’s toys to power tools, a
wedding dress with matching shoes to a sink, and books to coins. The
investigation continues, attempting to recover additional property stolen
during the burglaries. Identified
victims will soon receive a letter from Capitan Police Chief Randy Spear
requesting they contact him at 575-937-1125 to recover their property. The
victims will have a chance to view the property between June 14 and July
1. The
following residences have been identified as victims of the burglaries: Lincoln
County: 114
Neil 602
Sun Valley 130
El Centro 116
Tobaggon 196
Musketball 163
Musketball 107
Musketball 124
Spring Canyon 106
Cedar Creek 112
Cedar Creek ???
Cochise 142
Meander 113
Deborg Rainmaker
Maintenance Area Village
of Capitan 130
Pinehurst 133
West Lobo 216
Long Road 100
Lonesome Pine 129
Short Drive 137
Short Drive Village
of Ruidoso 142
Mt. Blanc 123
Mt. Blanc 125
Mt. Blanc 127
Mt. Blanc 102
Spruce 110
Davis 158
Yellow Pine 132
Yellow Pine 118
Maple 230
Hemlock 109
Main Road 749-B
Main Road 300
block of Wingfield (identified during interview) 615
Wingfield 211
Lookout 409
Paradise Canyon 107
Dogwood 310
Barcus 103
Monica Court 158
Apache Hills Drive 156
Apache Hills Drive 154
Apache Hills Drive 152
Apache Hills Drive 150
Apache Hills Drive 309
LL Davis City
of Ruidoso Downs Ruidoso
Downs Maintenance Garage Three
Lincoln County schools to get solar power (posted June
10, 2010) Ruidoso, Carrizozo and Corona
Schools are among the 15 New Mexico
schools selected for solar power. Governor Bill Richardson announced Wednesday, June 9, that $4.5 million in federal stimulus funds are now available to 15 school districts for installation of solar photovoltaic electric systems. The projects will create jobs and allow schools to invest in energy-saving technology. “These new solar systems will not only create jobs and help these schools reduce their utility bills, but the entire process – from installation to monitoring the energy and cost savings – will serve as an invaluable educational tool for both students and teachers,” Governor Richardson said. “We want these projects to inspire students to pursue education and jobs in New Mexico’s emerging green economy.” The 15 school districts were selected through a competitive application process and include: Belen, Carrizozo, Corona, Dulce, Elida, Gallup, Hatch, Los Alamos, Los Lunas, Moriarty, Peñasco, Portales, Rio Rancho, Ruidoso, and Taos. Funds will be used to purchase and install a 50-kilowatt solar photovoltaic system at a school in each of the 15 districts. “Districts can look forward to lower utility bills and students can expect new hands-on learning opportunities,” Secretary of Education Veronica C. Garcia said. The Public Education Department will manage the projects and the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department will provide technical assistance. “We are pleased that the renewable energy projects at these schools will provide jobs for New Mexicans at a time when they are greatly needed,” said Jon Goldstein, Cabinet Secretary of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department. “And we are happy to see so many additional projects around the state that help us to further reduce our dependence on non-renewable resources.” The program will be funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment State Energy Program administered by the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department and supported by the U.S. Department of Energy. Through Recovery Act funding, the State Energy Program is overseeing, to date, 39 other renewable energy and energy efficiency projects around the state, including the recently completed statewide traffic light project that replaced 150-watt incandescent bulbs with 6- to 12-watt LED bulbs. A photovoltaic energy system is a solar electric system that converts the sun’s abundant energy into clean, reliable, and affordable electricity. Multiple components, like solar modules, structure mounts, and inverters that convert solar energy into usable electricity, make up the system. As a renewable energy technology and a domestic source of energy, it has numerous environmental benefits and contributes to the nation's energy security.
Missing
hiker found (posted June
9, 2010) Search and Rescue teams initiated a search for a 71
year old hiker Monday, June 7, after he got separated from his group while
hiking the Crest Trail in Lincoln National Forest. After not hearing from him for three hours, the
group contacted the Lincoln County Sheriff's Department. White Mountain Search and Rescue, Lincoln County
Sheriff's Department, Bonito Volunteer Fire Department and the New Mexico
State Police began the search. The man walked out to the south Bonito Lake area between 6:30 and 7 p.m. and called his wife on his cell phone, ending the search.
Nob
Hill wants your votes (posted June
9, 2010) Nob
Hill Early Childhood Center (NHECC) is seeking votes. NHECC
is among 30 schools in the running to receive a $5,000 grant from
Windstream. The
technology committee at NHECC applied for the Windstream Classroom
Connections Technology Grant in March. In April they were notified
that they were in the top 34 schools. In May they received the news that
they did not make the top five for a $25,000 grant, but were still
eligible for a $5,000 Spirit Award grant. To
receive the $5,000 grant, NHECC must gather more on-line votes than most
of other schools. To vote for NHECC go to |
