Taos News, The

Ktaos to Feature Candidate Interviews

KTAOS Solar Radio's Paddy Mac will interview candidates running for several key positions in the upcoming local Primary Election. The interviews will air May 28 through June 1, between 8:30 and 10 a.m. during Paddy Mac's Morning Show on KTAO 101.9FM.

Broken Pipe Blamed for Fish Kill at Red River Hatchery

A failed pipeline is being blamed for rust-colored water that killed between 2,000 and 3,000 fish at the Red River Fish Hatchery. Michael Sloane, chief of fisheries for the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, told The Taos News that an aging pipeline that carries water from underground springs down to the hatchery has likely rotted out, allowing dirt and debris to get into the pipe, clog screens and pollute the hatchery.

Chamber Briefs

Chamber's annual banquet set May 18 The Taos County Chamber of Commerce's annual banquet is Friday, May 18, 5:30 p.m. at the Sagebrush Conference Center, 1508 Paseo del Pueblo Sur.

Brief

Rocky Mountain holds fundraisers Rocky Mountain Youth Corps is Selling Krispy Kreme Donuts as a fundraiser. Donuts are $8 per a dozen glazed donuts and $10 per dozen for chocolate. Prepaid orders must be received by 2 p.m. Friday (May 4); donuts will be delivered to RMYC noon on Monday (May 7).

Kit Carson Trustee Elections Start May 8

The first of four trustee elections for Kit Carson Electric Cooperative will be held Tuesday (May 8) in the board room of co-op headquarters on Cruz Alta Road. The election Tuesday is for two open trustees seats in District One. District One includes all of the communities within a 15 mile radius of Taos Plaza. Candidates in District One are:

Forums Planned Ahead of June Primary

With several controversial issues driving this year's county commission campaign, residents will have an opportunity to hear candidates answer a variety of questions at three upcoming forums. The Taos County Chamber of Commerce, DMC Broadcasting, KTAOS Solar Radio and The Taos News are co-sponsoring a forum Thursday (May 3) for commission candidates.

Vista Grande Students to Speak at National Conference

Two teachers and a half-dozen students from Vista Grande High School are in Denver at a national Expeditionary Learning conference, where they will present innovative projects they have been working on over the past school year. "Expeditionary Learning" is a teaching method that incorporates hands-on projects, community engagement and thematic curricula that evolve over time. The 2012 Expeditionary Learning National Conference will run from Thursday (May 3) through Saturday (May 5) and will f...

Historical Society to Honor Jerry Padilla, Editor and History Buff

The Taos County Historical Society will honor Jerry A. Padilla for preserving and teaching the culture, language and history of Taos. Padilla will be honored at a luncheon that will take place on Sunday (May 6), noon at the Caballeros Dining Room at the Sagebrush Inn.

Board Approved $2 Million Grant for Taos Water System

The state Water Trust Board has approved nearly $2 million for design and construction of water storage and water-system improvements in the town of Taos. According to an announcement from the town, it was able to secure $1,973,903, "the full amount requested," after Mayor Darren Crdova and public utilities director Amos Torres presented the town's proposals to the board.

Charter Students to Introduce Book, Film

Middle-school students at the Roots and Wings Community School is screening a documentary they made for a unit exploring local and global water issues. With the help of nonprofit Localogy, Taos Shortz and Santa Fe University of Art and Design film students, Roots and Wings students produced a movie called "Water Right," and a book dealing with the "often-competing demands for water," according to information from the charter school. Roots and Wings, based in Lama, engages in an "Expeditionary...

Questa Seeking State Funds for Red River Watershed Planning

The village of Questa has submitted an application to the state for funding of a watershed plan for restoration on the Red River. The ultimate goal is to bring a spectrum of partners together to identify pollution sources on the beleaguered river and create a framework for future restoration projects. "This river runs right through our village, and all of us should be concerned about our watershed," Questa Mayor Esther Garca said in an interview Tuesday (May 1). "I think we need to have that ...

Taos High Teacher Decries Inaction, Points to 'Life-Threatening Situation' at Vocational Shops

With bond construction funds dwindling after three years' worth of district-wide construction projects, Taos High School vocational instructor Joe Torres said he is worried necessary improvements to his facility will be pushed aside once more. Though district leaders, from the superintendent to members of the school board, have spoken to the importance of vocational education, Torres said he is concerned a potentially dangerous situation in Taos High's welding shop will be allowed to persist ...

St. Francis Priest Remains Hospitalized

St. Francis de Ass priest William McNichols is still in serious condition following a possible heart attack last weekend. St. Francis deacon Pat DeLozier told The Taos News Sunday (May 29) that McNichols, 62, had been on a camping trip in Colorado, Friday (May 27) with friends when he was unable to catch his breath.

Taos County May Revisit Land Use Code

Taos County Commissioners say they would like to re-examine the county's proposed land use code as soon as mid-June. The commission chose to "drop" the code by a 3-2 vote in January after a volatile and racially charged hearing that capped seven days of public debate over land use and zoning. At a meeting April 17, Commissioner Andrew Chvez said that hearing, and the days leading up to it, "brought out the worst in our community."

Volunteer Opportunities

MENTORS NEEDED, for Nonviolenceworks, Inc., at 1337 Gusdorf Road. Men and women needed to mentor 16- to 18-year-olds in Taos, Questa and Penasco, a minimum of one hour per week. Questions? Call Todd Gravelle or Mike Martinez, (575) 758-4297. EQUINE SPIRIT SANCTUARY TRAINING DAYS. Volunteers needed for the Horses Helping Kids program. Second volunteer training days is Tuesday, May 15. Volunteers also needed for general barn work and horse care. Contact ESS if you are interested in volunteering...

Gorge Bridge to Be Closed Nights From May 2-May 20

Between Wednesday (May 2) and May 20, the Ro Grande Gorge Bridge will be closed to vehicles and pedestrians from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. The closures will allow the Reiman Corporation, of Moriarty, and the New Mexico Department of Transportation (DOT) to conduct Phase 3 of the bridge construction project. The DOT is urging people to seek alternate routes during the closures.

Town of Taos Agrees to Joins Regional Lanl Coalition

The Taos Town Council voted unanimously April 24 to join the Regional Coalition of LANL Communities, giving the town representation on a board that works to address environmental and economic issues related to the Los Alamos National Laboratories (LANL). Established last year, the coalition also includes Los Alamos, Santa Fe, Ro Arriba and Taos counties, as well as the cities of Santa Fe and Espanola. Commissioner Andrew Chvez represents Taos County on the board of directors, and Councilor An...

Magistrate, D.A. Candidates Debate in Taos County Bar Association's Forum

The stage was set for lively debate on the future of Taos' courts Thursday night (April 26) at the Taos County Bar Association's forum for magistrate judge and district attorney candidates. The magistrate race is whittled down to just three candidates since Gov. Susana Martinez appointed defense attorney Jeff Shannon to the seat vacated upon Judge Betty Martnez' retirement four months ago, but fellow candidates Taos County jail administrator William Crdova and Taos County Sheriff Miguel Romer...

Sen. Bingaman Introduces Columbine-Hondo Wilderness Act

U.S. Sen. Jeff Bingaman, D-NM, has introduced legislation to create the 45,000-acre Columbine-Hondo Wilderness Area. The Columbine-Hondo Wilderness Act, S. 2468, would grant permanent wilderness protection to the area, located near the Wheeler Peak Wilderness in the Carson National Forest. The Columbine- Hondo was designated a "Wilderness Study Area" in 1980 and managed as a wilderness area since. U.S. Sen. Tom Udall, D-NM, cosponsored the legislation to give the Columbine-Hondo full wilderne...

Make a Difference in the Life of an Animal That Cannot Ask for Help

There are many ways an animal can be treated in an inhumane and cruel manner. Basically, just seeing an animal as a stray out on the streets fending for its own survival is a good example of animal cruelty. A human being is responsible for this animal being abandoned on the street and heading for a tragic outcome. Either this poor excuse for a human has intentionally thrown the animal away or treated it so badly that it left for survival.