X 88.7FM Local News

Planned pipe topic of meeting

Aired July 27th, 2015

A planned water pipeline through the Estancia Basin was discussed at the first annual business meeting of the Estancia-Moriarty-Willard-Torrance County Water Association at the East Torrance Soil and Water Conservation District in Estancia. The pipeline is still in its planning stages with the preliminary engineering report currently underway by Forsgren and Associates. The pipeline will run from Willard to Moriarty along N.M. 41. The hope is to secure water availability for the entities involved. The municipalities have all had to, or are planning to, drill new, deeper wells. The preliminary engineering report is underway and is needed in order to receive further funding for the project. The EMWT Association has applied for funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Grant, the New Mexico Water Trust Board, the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, New Mexico Finance and Administration Department Local Projects Grant, capital outlay and others.

The association already has received funds from state Finance Authority and USDA grants and has had talks about private funding, Worthington said. Water rights have also been discussed but rights cannot be purchased until the preliminary engineering report is completed. Phase 1 of the project is expected to cost $19.3 million and the total cost of the project is expected to be $136 million. The Estancia Basin has 8,200 wells according to the Office of the State Engineer and the N.M. 41 corridor is where many of the documented wells are located. However it has been said that, that number is not accurate since some wells are not charted and the information is from 2009. Story by Nicole Maxwell from the mountainview telegraph.


New soccer coach puts players to hard work

Aired July 27th, 2015

East Mountain has a new soccer coach, who on a crisp and cool Monday morning was already drilling the most dedicated of his team, working them up to get into fighting shape for the season. A handful of students were at the inaugural practice, and the new coach wasted no time in getting them started, practicing dribbling, running drills, balancing the ball and basic footwork. Coach Brian Pecorella has been a coach for a while, having played soccer since he was 8 years old, and he's been coaching for decades. He'd previously coached at Manzano and, after a couple of seasons away from the sport, was drawn back to work for East Mountain, primarily to live in the beautiful Cedar Crest area. Pecorella said that it would be difficult to rebuild the team properly, but it will be a fun challenge for both him and the kids. Soccer season will be kicking off this fall, and after a spirited stab at state last season, expectations are high for the East Mountain Timberwolves. Story By Ian Woessner from the Mountainview telegraph.


Councilor seeks removal reversal

Aired July 27th, 2015

Edgewood Councilor Chuck Ring says that a move by the mayor and council to remove him as mayor pro tempore at the council's June 17 violated the state's Open Meetings Act. Ring called on the council to reverse its decision at the board's regular meeting July 15. Ring also said he wants an investigation concerning information that was released to the media by attorney Sheri Raphaelson in April. Raphaelson represents several Edgewood police officers who filed a complaint with the State Law Enforcement Academy against a fellow officer Hellen Gonzalez in April. A copy of that complaint was sent to several media outlets. Ring said he wants to make sure that any information given to Raphaelson was done so legally and appropriately. Ring has filed a tort claim against the town in response to several statements made in the officers' complaint against Gonzalez, alleging the officers made libelous statements and that the town has done nothing to counter them.

It was that tort claim that led to the council to force Ring to step down as mayor pro tempore. None of the other councilors responded to Ring's request for an investigation. Later in the meeting several people who identified themselves as career law enforcement officers spoke on behalf of Ring and Gonzalez. One speaker even stated that the stress of the scandal is what lead to Ring's late wife's heart attack. Three other members of the public spoke in defense of Gonzalez and Ring. Ring reported that Gonzalez had recently had a brain tumor removed and that the prognosis was not good as far as the cancer returning. Also discussed at the meeting was a presentation by The Pinto Pride Foundation for Academic Enrichment on its brick fundraiser and the status of the foundation so far. There were four teachers who received $500 and one who received $499 for in-class projects. The teachers could request up to $500 for the grant and the one who asked for $499 chose to ask for that specific amount. Bibiano reminded the council that the foundation is not an alumni association but it is run by Moriarty High School alumni. Story by Nicole Maxwell from the mountainview telegraph.


A Sweet Fundraiser

Aired July 27th, 2015

Pies, cakes, cheesecakes, cupcakes and more pies went up for auction at the Estancia High School FFA Pie Auction last Saturday. The FFA fundraiser made $3,200 in the auction of 34 entries of baked goods ranging from cupcakes to cream pies, with a professional auctioneer calling the auction. Estancia High School FFA sponsor Milton Harbert said that they did very good and would like to thank everyone for their participation,” The auction featured baked goods including a benefit pie for the Everett family, who recently lost a loved one, which sold for $50.

A table was set up near the door of the auction for non-perishable food items as part of the Stamp Out Hunger program. The goal of 150 donated items was met. The donations will be split between Estancia First Baptist Church and Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Estancia. From the staff at the Mountainview telegraph.

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