Archive for Announcements
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.
Fire & Emergency Response Training Coming In March
by John Weckerle
The East Mountain Interagency Fire Protection Association (EMIFPA) will hold its 2009 Spring Wildfire and Emergency Response Training Events from March 7 to 8, 2009 in Tijeras. Events will include a two day training”focused specifically on Initial Attack/transition to Type Three Team Organization. Each agency will be responsible for nominating their people…” EMIFPA will also work with local community members, providing a one-day training event for wildlfire preparedness, fire risk reduction around homes, and evacuation on March 7. There is room for 100 students, and nominations are due by February 6. Candidates will be notified by February 19 regarding acceptance. Community members must reserve their space with Sue Hansen of the Ciudad Soil and Water Conservation District. For more information, see the event notice, and for more information on area fire training, see the EMIFPA training page.
Given the re-emergence of La Nina in the Pacific Ocean, this is likely to be a dry spring, and that means increased risk of wildfire. This training may be a good opportunity for residents unfamiliar with fire risk management to learn about strategies that may save lives and property.
Beef Cattle Producers Workshop Coming To Moriarty
by John Weckerle
The New Mexico State University Santa Fe and Torrance County Cooperative Extension Service Offices will hold a beef cattle producers workshop at the Moriarty Civic Center on Tuesday, February 3 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The workshop is intended for both small and large producers, and specialists and professional staff will be available for one-on-one consultation. Topics will include loco weed infestation, beef management, health, marketing, and much more. Lunch will be provided. Those who wish to attend should contact the Torrance County Cooperative Extension Service at 246-4745 or the Santa Fe County Cooperative Extension Service at 471-4711. Your editor will not be attending; the flier includes a cartoon with the message “Save A Cow, Eat A Vegetarian” and, where lunch is concerned, I’d rather see one than be one.
Been Through The Desert On A Bobcat With No A New Name
by John Weckerle
Wildlife West Nature Park has a new resident, and the new resident has a problem – she needs a name.
The Park recently acquired a 7 month-old female bobcat, formerly an illegal pet from the Alamagordo area. Having been raised in a household environment, she is very friendly (my wife and I spent some time in the cage with her, and she was very interested in attention). She’s also curious, very active, and has a relatively short attention span. Wildlife West recently held a contest to find a name for the newest occupant, and she is now named “Spark,” a name given by a local fourth grade student.
Goodwill Industries Looking To Hire Seniors
by John Weckerle
Goodwill Industries of New Mexico has announced their Senior Employment Community Services Program, in which low-income residents of Torrance County who are 55 and older can earn $7.50 per hour working 20 hours per week. For more information, contact the Workforce Connection office in Moriarty at 832-6774 or stop by their office. The Workforce Connection is located at 777 Old Highway 66 in Moriarty (Chamber of Commerce building).
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.
Moriarty Gets Coffeehouse, Bookseller
by John Weckerle
There’s a new coffeehouse in town, going by the name of Mustang Mudd’s. The cafe, with a bar for bellying up and seating for about 25 customers, is located in the rear portion of the building that now houses Le Barn Wild West Chic, Maggie’s Gifts, and the new bookseller.
Holiday Raffle To Support Community Radio
by John Weckerle
A raffle to benefit the establishment of a new community radio station is under way! Prizes include:
- 1st – $500
- 2nd – $250
- 3rd – $100
Tickets are $1.00 or $5.00 for six tickets. The drawing will be held at the Torrance County Project Office holiday open house on December 18, 2008. For more information and to buy tickets contact Ellen Burgess, Programs Manager, at (505) 832-0332 or by e-mail at eburgess@lobo.net.
We here at NM-Central wholeheartedly and enthusiastically support this outstanding project and urge you all to do so as well, so please call Ellen and find out how to get your tickets today!
Alice King Passes at 78
by John Weckerle
It was a sad moment yesterday when we learned that Alice King, wife of former governor Bruce King and long-time advocate for troubled children, passed away yesterday after suffering a massive stroke Thursday.
I have had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. King several time at functions here in the area, and she was always friendly and warm in her greetings.  As a first lady, and later as a tireless advocate, she worked and fought to protect and serve New Mexico’s children. Even though she is gone, a part of her will always be there in the lives of those who have been helped by the programs she started and sponsored.
We are asking that anyone who has information on a public memorial service pass the word on to us, so that we can post the details here.