Archive for Estancia Valley
Public Service Announcement – EBWPC Vacancy
The Torrance County Agricultural Position for the Estancia Basin Water Planning Committee (EBWPC) is vacant, and the EBWPC is seeking to fill the position. Interested parties involved in agriculture in Torrance County should send a resume to Catherine Long by March 18, 2009. For more information, contact the EBWPC at 505-384-2272, ext. 103.
New Military Support Group Being Formed
By Bob Steiner
Recently, a group of veterans, active military personnel, related family members, and other interested citizens from the Estancia Valley have met with the goal of forming an organization to assist members of our military community in areas not presently addressed by other support agencies. As yet unnamed, the group included several Vietnam vets, a representative from New Mexico Veteran’s Affairs, and an 87 year “young” Word War II Infantryman.
Initially, there may only be a few sponsors for the group. Involvement by almost any civic, church, civic, or other veteran’s organizations would ,however, be welcome. Non-veterans and individual citizens are encouraged to participate in the group.
Gimme Shelter – Part 1
by John Weckerle
(Editor’s Note: Chuck Ring contributed substantially to this article)
In a January 22 article on outlining financial problems faced by the Moriarty-Edgewood School District, Mountain View Telegraph writer Lee Ross reports on apparent consternation among the local school board members regarding the new Estancia Valley Regional Animal Shelter proposed to be located in Edgewood’s Section 16, south of Edgewood Middle School. According to the article, Moriarty-Edgewood School Superintendent stated: “I honestly did not have any idea that this was going into place.”
Excuse me?
As pointed out by former Town Council member and animal friend Chuck Ring, the regional animal shelter has been the subject of at least 13 articles in the Telegraph alone, all but one of which mentions Section 16 as the location for the facility. One would expect that elected officials would keep abreast of issues affecting the interests of the District, and that District personnel would be scanning the news for such issues and reporting back to the school board. Further, a naming contest was held in coordination with the school district, and Ms. Couch reportedly participated directly in that effort. »» Gimme Shelter – Part 1
Senator Beffort Provides Legislative Update
by John Weckerle
At the Estancia Basin Resource Association (EBRA) annual meeting Saturday, Senator Sue Wilson Beffort provided an update on developments occurring during this legislative session.
Ms. Beffort, who sits on the Senate Finance Committee, indicated that, as currently predicted, expenditures would outweigh tax revenues by $454 million over the next fiscal year, and that number could swell to over $1 billion by next fiscal year. Because the state cannot indulge in deficite spending, Ms. Beffort indicated that some programs may see reductions in funding. According to the Senator, some water programs – which have seen substantial spending in recent years – may be reduced this year. Ms. Beffort indicated that funding in some programs had gone to technologies that “didn’t work,” and that the Finance Committee would be examining that issue this session. Ms. Beffort also indicated that the Senate Finance Committee was proceeding carefully to ensure that key priorities, such as education, forest management, and people relying on public assistance would not be severely impacted. Ms. Beffort also referenced 416 appointed positions recently created by the Richardson administration, suggesting that expenditures needed to support those positions would be a topic of discussion. »» Senator Beffort Provides Legislative Update
EBRA Annual Meeting Scheduled
by John Weckerle
The Estancia Basin Resource Association (EBRA) will hold its annual membership meeting on Saturday, January 24 beginning at 2:00 p.m. at the Moriarty Civic Center. Speakers will include:
- Ryan Schwebach, Chairman, Estancia Basin Water Planning Committee – Estancia Basin Regional Water Plan Update
- Chuck DuMars, EBRA attorney – Current issues in New Mexico water law
- Donzil Worthington, Wilson and Company – Status report on the proposed EMW regional water supply project.
Other events include the annual election for open Board of Directors seats, reports on issues and activities from the previous year, and door prizes. For additional information, contact Art Swenka, EBRA President, at 384-0176.
Moriarty-Edgewood School District 2 Mill Levy Election To Be Held
by John Weckerle
On February 3, The Moriarty-Edgewood School District (MESD) 2 Mill Levy Election will be held to determine whether the current levy will be extended through 2014. Funds from the levy would, according to the MESD brochure, be ” used for the maintenance of buildings, acquisition of equipment, and other capital improvement purposes.” The money cannot be used for operational expenses such as salaries and other personnel costs. Anticipated funding from the continuation of the levy is anticipated to be approximately $930,000 per year, which would be matched with about $35,000 per year from the state Public School Capital Improvement Fund.
It should be noted that “A vote for the captial improvements tax levy will not result in a tax increase.” This is money that is sorely needed for the upkeep of our school facilities, and we urge local residents to support the mill levy. For more detailed information and a list of polling places, please see the MESD brochure.
January At Bethel Community Storehouse
By Bob Steiner
Regular readers of the blog know that we have previously reported on the great work being done at the Bethel Community Storehouse in Moriarty. This outstanding donor-based charitable organization has been serving the needs of less fortunate citizens in the valley for more than twenty two years. Supported mainly by donations from area churches, civic organizations, and private citizens, the storehouse on a given “average” month last year provided services to more than 750 families (1750 people). This number surged to 1100 families (3000 residents) during the recent Christmas season.  It appears that this increase in clients will continue during the coming months. With limited donations coming in, a great burden has been placed on the storehouse staff to see that the people are being served. »» January At Bethel Community Storehouse
Youth Job Opportunities At Wildlife West
by John Weckerle
Each summer, Wildlife West Nature Park in Edgewood provides employment to young people age 14 to 25 in cooperation with the New Mexico Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) program. These jobs not only give participants the chance to earn money, but provide an opportunity to acquire a wide variety of skills and learn about the park’s animals and the ecological aspects of wildlife. The work is broad in scope: the participants may find themselves maintaining trails, guiding tours, assisting zookeepers, building habitats (in fact, the zoo has essentially been built by young people), and much more.
Recruiting for this summer’s program has begun. Applicants must send a resume and two references to the Park by March 15, 2009 to apply for employment this summer. For more information, contact the Park at (505) 281-7655.
The Bees’ Knees, And It’s Time For Trees
by John Weckerle
Long ago, in a county far, far away…
…Your editor took first place in the county science fair for his project on bees. I had live bees, posters, and materials, and learned a few things about our great friends and partners of the order Hymenoptera, and wanted at that time to be a beekeeper (but failed to inspire the parents to the same degree) – so you can imagine the little jump of enthusiasm I experienced when I read the latest East Torrance Soil and Water Conservation District newsletter and found that the District is hosting a workshop on raising bees at the Torrance County Fairgrounds on January 30, 2009 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Now, more than ever, we need to understand how bees make life as we know it possible (no kidding, there) and learn how those of us with a little room and a little time can help keep these incredible creatures working for themselves, the ecosystem, agriculture, and all of us – and maybe get a little honey, to boot. For more information, and to reserve a seat or three, contact Cheri or Kitty at (505) 384-2272, extension 3.
The District’s Spring plant sale has also started, and we recommend getting your order in as soon as possible. For more information and to download an order form, visit the District’s plant sale page.
Mr. Obama May Have To Forget, Ol’ What’s His Name
by Chuck Ring (GadAbout-BlogAlot ©2008)
Quote Freely From the Article — Leave The Pseudonym Alone
Word from today’s New York Times informs that Governor Bill Richardson has removed himself from further consideration or confirmation for President-Elect Obama’s Secretary of Commerce position. »» Mr. Obama May Have To Forget, Ol’ What’s His Name
State Proposes New Restrictions On Hunting, Fishing, Trapping
by John Weckerle
The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish has proposed new regulations regarding hunting, fishing, and trapping on private lands, including unposted private lands. The purpose of the regulation is to require that hunters, fishermen, and trappers have written permission from the landowner. A public meeting will be held at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History on Saturday, January 10, 2009 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. A copy of the press release and draft regulation is provided here.
Debate is likely to be spirited, as it always is when private property rights are balanced against other interests. Property owners will likely argue that they have a right to quiet enjoyment of their land without the need to post it, which can be expensive and require sign maintenance and replacement. Hunters, fishermen, and trappers have already argued that the penalties are too harsh, and that they should not apply to inadvertent or unknowing trespass. »» State Proposes New Restrictions On Hunting, Fishing, Trapping
One Way Or Another — You Will Go Roundabout
by Chuck Ring (GadAbout-BlogAlot ©2008)Â
Quote Freely From the Article — Leave The Pseudonym Alone
Roundabouts, traffic circles, calming devices; call them what you will. Some of them are touted and proven as efficient traffic handlers. There is a difference between roundabouts and traffic circles, so it is beneficial to get them settled in one’s mind. Here’s a webpage that will assist in helping everyone to sort out the differences between the twoÂ
Solar-Power Incentives — Bah, Humbug!
by Chuck Ring (GadAbout-BlogAlot ©2008)Â
Quote Freely From the Article — Leave The Pseudonym Alone
Of course, I’m not against incentives for solar or wind power. Let me explain. The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (PRC) has just approved regulations that requires Public Service Company of New Mexico (PSC) to pay commercial customers 15 cents for ever solar-generated kilowatt used by its commercial customers. This is in addition to a 13 cent scheme for residential customers. The PRC stopped short or refused to require PSC to pay for any excess power generated by the company’s customers. Whether this refusal is good for the customer and PSC is anyone’s guess, but one reason given by the PRC is that the PRC didn’t want the customers to become mini-utilities or words to that effect. On balance all the forgoing seems great for PSC’s customers and it allows PSC to comply with regulations that require it to be more green.Â
Public Service Announcement – MS Support Group Forming
by John Weckerle
We’ve received word from Donna Seagrave on the formation of the East Mountain/Estancia Valley Multiple Sclerosis Support Group. The group will provide support and socialization for people in the area who do not wish to or cannot drive to Albuquerque. Meetings will be held at the Edgewood Community Center on the second Tuesday of each month, beginning January 13, 2008 from 6-8 p.m. and will be facilitated by Donna and Jacqueline. For more information, call 281-0996.
This is great news for area residents who are dealing with the challenges posed by a difficult and not always well understood medical condition. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Sometimes, joining a support group, where you can share experiences and feelings with other people, is a good approach.” We wish the group the best of success and hope those in the area with MS will benefit from it.
A few MS-related links:
Bacon Fried Is Pork Applied
by Chuck Ring (GadAbout-BlogAlot ©2008)Â
Quote Freely From the Article — Leave The Pseudonym Alone
The Rio Grande Foundation (RGF) has just published their latest piggy booklet