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Carlsbad, NM is home to one of the world's seven natural wonders, the Carlsbad Caverns. Enjoy a day trip to the Caverns, hiking miles under ground to witness one of mother nature's greatest accomplishments. Then return to town and fall in love with the Pecos River by taking a stroll along it's shady, peaceful banks. Rather not walk? Take a ride aboard the historic paddle wheeler the George Washington, or in style on the Bella Notte. Be sure to save an afternoon for the Living Desert State Park where you can experience the true beauty of the Chihuahuan Desert. And don't forget to save some room in your suitcase! You'll find fabulous assortment of treats and gifts in the Trinity gift shop and other boutiques in Carlsbad's historic Mainstreet area.

 

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General  Elections -   2010

New Mexico's Families Continue to Struggle and Teague Thinks Things are Getting Better July 23, 2010

HOBBS, NM – "Congressman Teague mistakenly continues to try to convince people that jobs are being created when they are not.  After spending (and borrowing) trillions of dollars on big government programs, Harry Teague thinks things have gotten better. The reality is our economy is worse. Teague won't create jobs because apparently he doesn't think we need them," stated Jason Heffley, campaign spokesman.   According to numbers released by New Mexico's Department of Workforce Solutions, New Mexico's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is at 8.2%, which is up from 7.1% a year ago.    In a NPR interview over the weekend, Teague stated "we went from losing a half million [jobs] a month to having a positive increase every month.  I think most people are aware of that and will vote accordingly."   The Department of Workforce Solutions' release says,   "The rate of over-the-year job growth, comparing June 2010 with June 2009, was negative 1.8 percent, representing a loss of 14,200 jobs. The job count peaked in New Mexico back in April 2008, and since then we have lost thousands of jobs."   The report also showed that 11 of the state's 13 industries posted year-over-year job declines.   "More government spending and higher taxes are not going to fix our economy.  Families and small businesses all across Southern New Mexico continue to struggle and that is unacceptable.  The hiring of part-time census workers does not constitute economic recovery," continued Heffley.   Additionally, the US Department of Labor released numbers last week which showed the number of Americans signing up for first-time unemployment benefits – a gauge of layoffs – surged to 464,000 last week. ###

                                                                                                                                                                                           

President of Holly Corp.: This Proposal Ought To Be Called The Increase New Mexico Unemployment Act, Because That’s What It Would Do.

Albuquerque –Although Representative Harry Teague felt strongly enough about national cap-and-tax legislation to throw his support behind the measure last June, Teague failed to attend critical hearings—held in his district—to hear public input on a similar plan to be executed on the state level.

In response, Harvey Yates Jr., chairman of the Republican Party of New Mexico, released the following statement:

“Job creation and the economy are the most important issues facing New Mexicans today.   Yet, Harry Teague passed on the opportunity to hear firsthand from his constituents how a state cap-and-trade program, similar to the national plan, will kill employment opportunities and drive business out of the state.
 
“Had Mr. Teague’s attended the cap-and-trade meetings recently held in his district and had he objected to the imposition of state cap-and-trade, he would have partially redeemed himself with his constituents for his irrational vote on the national cap-and-tax proposal. 
 
“This provides further evidence that Teague is more interested in advancing a liberal Washington agenda than he is in representing the state’s Second Congressional District.”

New Mexico environmental department’s proposal to limit greenhouse gas emissions on the state level is currently being considered by the state’s Environmental Improvement Board (EIB).  Yesterday, Teague has failed to attend public hearings on the regulatory plan in Artesia (8/31) and Carlsbad (8/31).

In testimony filed with the EIB, Holly Corp. president, Dave Lamp, wrote:

“The New Mexico Energy Economy proposal out to be called the Increase New Mexico Unemployment Act, because that’s what it would do.  It amounts to state-imposed economic sanctions on the people of New Mexico, forcing employers to assure higher costs that would make them uncompetitive with other businesses elsewhere in the United States and in the world.”

As a New Mexican and member of law enforcement, Susana Martinez recognizes how critical it is that we secure our border. With violence in Mexico reaching unprecedented levels, we must do everything within our power to protect against that crime and violence crossing over the border.

While other candidates talk about border security, Susana Martinez is the only one with actual experience taking on the issue. Martinez’s office prosecutes over 600 cases related to border security every year and works with various law enforcement agencies to secure convictions against members of Mexico’s most violent drug cartels. Martinez understands first-hand the threat these criminals pose to our state and will make securing the border a top priority.

It is true that the federal government plays the dominant role when it comes to immigration law. Unfortunately, the Richardson/Denish administration has gone out of its way to enact state laws that make New Mexico attractive to illegal immigration and run counter to efforts to secure our borders. Susana Martinez will take steps to make the state less attractive to illegal immigration, which will help enhance our border security.

The first place Martinez will start is by seeking to repeal the law that allows illegal immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses. This law encourages illegal immigrants to come to New Mexico and makes it more difficult for law enforcement officials to determine if someone is here illegally. Repealing this law is a common-sense step towards securing our border.

Similarly, Martinez opposes providing illegal immigrants with free tuition through taxpayer-funded lottery scholarships. Not only does this provide further incentive for illegal immigrants to come to New Mexico, it is simply wrong to provide free scholarships to illegal immigrants when members of the military stationed in New Mexico are not eligible for the same benefits.

While it is critical to preserve the rule of law and take reasonable steps to secure our border, we must also never forget that we are a nation of immigrants.  We must enhance our security systems along the border and prosecute those who violate our laws, but we must do so while recognizing that legal immigrants who follow the rules and come to America seeking to improve their lives, and the lives of their family, strengthen our nation.

In Case You Missed It

  King Continues Defense of Licenses for Illegals

“I have certainly said that one of the arguments for driver’s licenses for anybody, including immigrants, is that we have an obligation in New Mexico to make sure people driving on the roads have a basic set of competency so that they’re not causing automobile accidents.” Gary King 8/25/10

Albuquerque— August 26, 2010. Yesterday, during a debate hosted by the NETWORK, between attorney general incumbent Gary King and Republican challenger Matthew Chandler, King continued his defense of New Mexico’s policy which allows those who are in the United States illegally to obtain a driver’s license.  In addition to defending the fundamental position of the state’s licensing law, King also claimed his job was merely to uphold existing law not weigh in on laws which are already on the books.  Ironically, however, during the debate King mentioned several other initiatives he wished to address before the lawmakers during the legislative session.

Chandler, on the other hand, unequivocally stated his position on the law: “I am opposed to issuing driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants; I think it’s wrong.  I think it creates a breeding ground for crime.  I think it attracts illegal immigrants to New Mexico to obtain a driver’s license.”

This is the second time King is on record defending the state’s policy.  On an Albuquerque radio program in June, King made similar remarks.

View King’s defense of NM’s driver’s license law.

Transcript:

Moderator of NETWORK debate: This is a question about immigrants’ drivers’ licenses… Could you please comment on your position on this issue?

GARY KING:  Well, he’s [Chandler] right on that one, we do disagree.  I have certainly said that one of the arguments for driver’s licenses for anybody, including immigrants, is that we have an obligation in New Mexico to make sure people driving on the roads have a basic set of competency so that they’re not causing automobile accidents.  And I think that having a driver’s license is the key.  That’s what states do to make sure that people have that competency.

So if he [Chandler] doesn’t think it makes any difference for traffic safety to make sure that we have people out there without going through the driver’s license exam, I am really concerned about that.

We’re in an interesting position on this question because I haven’t really said whether I am personally am for or against it because I am the state’s chief law enforcement officer and he [Chandler] accurately quoted the law which is on the books which says that we will do that, and so, uh, it actually would be more or less inappropriate for me to say that I was opposed to a law that was on the books because I am the guy who enforces the laws that are on the books.

Listen to all of King’s comments on this issue.

 
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New Mexico Deserves a Proactive Attorney General
It is unacceptable that potential whistleblower lawsuits are bottled-up pending review in the current Attorney General’s office. As of late, Democratic State Representative Joseph Cervantes is on record as taking the current Attorney General to task for his inaction on these whistleblower claims. READ MORE

(Carlsbad, NM)   August 19, 2010.  A New Mexico Climate Policy Briefing was held at the Riverside Country Club, in Carlsbad, New Mexico, Thursday, Aug. 12, 2010. The briefing was hosted by The Carlsbad Department of Development to bring the community up to speed on the state-level climate change policy developments.

The Governor-appointed, state Environmental Improvement Board (EIB) is planning to hear two climate change rules in the next two months, and is likely to issue decisions before the end of the year. One of these proposals, from the New

Mexico Environment Department (NMED), is new and many stakeholders around the state may not be familiar with the details and implications of this proposed state cap and regional trade program. Both proposals are creating significant concern in many industries across the state. These proposals are New Mexico-specific and will place restrictions and rules on New Mexico’s industries and businesses irrespective of the competitive disadvantage it creates with other neighboring states which are not fettered with such regulations.

A guest panel, included State Rep. John Heaton, Sonia Phillips of Xcel Energy, Steve McCutcheon, Potash Association of NM, and  Deborah Seligman,   New Mexico Oil & Gas Association, explored the proposals in more detail and discuss some of the potential implications for the state's economy, including increasing costs of energy, goods and services.

Below are detailed statements from the panelists, as well as some suggested ways to make your input heard.

Briefing Statements:

My name is Jim Townsend and I am Vice President of Holly Corporation, the owners of two refining operations in New Mexico which includes the Navajo Refinery in Artesia.

Today I would like to express our concern and dismay over this type of legislation and to the negative impacts we believe it will inflict to the residents and to businesses trying to operate within the state.

First let me say that this move by New Mexico individually, with the NEE petition alone, will serve NO demonstrable benefit to global warming.  Not one bit.  If you parked all the cars and tractors in New Mexico, shut down all the power plants and refineries in New Mexico, I seriously doubt the folks in foreign countries or even New York would ever notice. But the residents in New Mexico sure will. 

The remaining residents will still require electricity for their homes and diesel for their tractors but both will cost more because they would need to be imported into the state.  The positive impacts to the global environment would be at best miniscule and very doubtfully measurable. Remember what we reduce in production within our state will be produced somewhere else to satisfy the demand.  So we will wind up with fewer jobs, higher fuel prices and a declining work force that will inhibit new business or the growth of existing businesses as our young will be forced to move out of state to find jobs.  What is the real benefit and to whom?  This type legislation will drive the prices for food and fuel higher.  It will increase the cost of living and decrease the quality of living for residents of New Mexico.

What drives this Cap and Trade Bill?  Very simply put,  I believe this bill is a tax that will artificially drive the cost of conventional fuels higher allowing alternative fuels the ability to compete economically at new higher price.  For years, power plants, farms, ranches and refineries have been upgraded, expanded and become more efficient based solely on the entrepreneurial spirit that drives our economy.  Why don’t we allow the same process here?  Why do we have to believe that we can artificially price power, be it diesel or electricity, to the benefit of the consumers? These companies and individuals invested capital based upon rules and regulations that were in place. However, as they have modified and expanded there operations they have adapted to more recent regulations.  That is the cost of doing business.  Yet today some say changing the rules midstream is fair. That isn’t fair and that isnt what made America. That process has never worked and it won’t work to our benefit now.

I am amazed when I think of the impacts, the reasoning and the lack of any positive results.  Our state lacks good jobs for its residents……. yet we have a proposed bill/rule that will reduce jobs in New Mexico.  Our state lacks funding…….. yet we have a proposed bill that will drive existing business from the State thus reducing our sustaining business that pay taxes to support our state.  So we believe these proposed actions are a bad recipe for the growth of our state and will certainly be detrimental to the residents and the businesses of New Mexico.

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 PNM believes that in the U.S., greenhouse gas regulation is inevitable and that our efforts are best spent participating in the dialogue to support policy that achieves meaningful reductions at the lowest possible cost for our customer, the communities we serve and live in, and our investors. We believe this will be best accomplished through comprehensive and sensible federal legislation instead of EPA regulations or state and regional patchwork regulations.  Jeff Buell Governmental Affairs Department, PNM

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Xcel Energy is concerned that the greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction program proposed by New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) will increase our customer’s bills, have negative impacts on the economy of New Mexico, and only minimally affect global GHG emissions. SPS also holds that a state- or regionally-based GHG reduction mandate is a poor policy choice to address climate change, and that insufficient time has been provided to fully review, analyze, and provide input on this proposal.

 A state or regional-based approach to a GHG cap and trade program is not a good policy choice. Climate change is a global problem. A state or regional cap and trade will be less efficient, more expensive in terms of avoided emissions, and less environmentally effective compared to a national program.

While the proposals seek to cap roughly 1/3 of one percent of only one state’s Green House Gas emissions it is done with the complications and overhead of a national program. "Leakage" of emissions to other states of course will occur. Loss of economic activity is almost assured under the proposed GHG efforts as companies will seek lower energy costs elsewhere. New Mexico Environment Department lacks authority to regulate GHGs in other states.  Generation will be built in other states and cities will loose that tax base as well as the good jobs that go along with generation.   Sonia J. Phillips, Manager, Governmental Affairs, Xcel Energy.

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The consumer of NM gets it in the end figuratively and literally with increased utility rates when we attack GHG as a single state with Cap & Trade.  Our goal in this country should be two-fold: a) increase power supply to meet projected demand by 2050 by 40% of today’s capacity with the lowest cost and b) secondly, to reduce GHG emissions.  In order to accomplish this goal it means that every penny a consumer pays in additional costs should be returned to directly change the system.  C&T invites huge political decisions and corruption about what is an offset and what is not, and it invites the kind of political manipulation we all hate.  We need a new model that is clear, transparent, uniform and puts the money directly into changing our system.  We cannot afford to wake up 20 years from now, and think that all the wind and solar will replace base-load capacity.  We have gone 30 years without building a single nuclear power plant.  We’re trying to build our system on a house of cards with a renewable portfolio when it should be defined as a “non-GHG” portfolio or “clean” portfolio.  Our present policies heavily subsidize wind and solar, which will never meet the demands of a vibrant, robust economy.   

This regulation will be so detrimental to business in my district and across the state that if it becomes an EIB rule I will introduce legislation in January to reverse it as well as limiting the authority of the EIB to circumvent the legislative process.  Laws are intended to be made by those the public elected to do so, and that is the legislative branch of government.  The executive has no authority to make laws, only to concur with those offered by the legislature.  This is a clear violation of the separation of powers provided for in the constitution.    State Representative John Heaton,  District 55,  New Mexico House of Representatives.

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A state or regional cap GHG(Green House Gas) emission reduction regulation in New Mexico would have no environmental benefit, would not improve public health, nor can it show social benefits to the citizens of the State of New Mexico but rather is in total disregard of the purpose of the Environmental Improvement Act and the Air Quality Control Act; nor would a state wide or regional GHG emissions reduction regulation have an impact on GHG emissions nationally or globally.  A GHG emissions reduction regulation would have only a negative impact on the citizens of the state, and businesses within the state by increasing costs and driving them to neighboring states thereby negatively impacting the state’s General Fund.  New Mexico is a rural state with less than 2 million people and to ask the residents to carry the burden a GHG emission reductions program is anything but praiseworthy, and I would suggest is an uncaring, selfish act on the part of the petitioners and proponents.   Deborah Seligman, VP Government Affairs,  New Mexico Oil & Gas Association.

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Ladies and gentlemen, I appreciate the information that has been shared thus far. I would like to talk a little bit about Potash and our reasons for objection to the proposed Cap and Tax on Green house gases under review by the Environmental Improvement Board.

90 % of all Potash produced in the United States is produced here in New Mexico. Potash is an essential nutrient for plant growth which  is  necessary in today's hi yield agriculture. Acreages that are farmable are less and less each year and there are more mouths to feed both animal and human.

Canada is the largest producer of Potash in the world ,the US is the 8th largest. Canadian producers are who we compete against ;the Canadians produce the lowest cost potash in the world.  The cost for production plus freight defines our market area. This proposal will significantly increase electricity costs in NM with  no improvement in air quality. The tax cost of complying with the law will be added to the increased cost  for in electricity for even greater production costs. No one has been able at this point to explain how the taxes collected for Carbon credits will lower electricity costs in NM in the future? Simply stated the monies collected will go into the general fund and will not result in any future cost savings for New Mexicans.  California and New Mexico are the only states still considering this initiative, California is considering a ballot initiative but Arizona and Utah have both bailed on the idea stating that they cannot afford it. Sadly those Canadian provinces still considering this initiative are not the ones where potash is produced so the Cap and Tax  proposal and the resulting cost increases will only affect New Mexico producers.

Simply said to control Carbon Emissions on a state by state basis is un-reasonable. Greenhouse gas emissions are a national and more properly stated an international issue if they are really an issue at all.  For this reason along with questions about the validity of the fundamental science driving the global warming debate ,last years' Copenhagen conference ended in disarray.  Experts continue at odds over the fundamental science. Let's not try and solve a problem in New Mexico as a standalone State that is ill defined as well as international in scope; the results will be devastating for New Mexico. We urge the EIB to leave the debate to national and international venues where it belongs.

Steve McCutcheon , Chairman Potash Association of NM

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Make your voice heard on New Mexico’s proposed cap and trade

1. Submit written comment

·         In your own words, send a written comment to the Environmental Improvement Board (EIB) Chair, Gay Dillingham, expressing why you oppose the NMED proposed rule. Be sure to reference Case No. EIB 10-04 to ensure your comment becomes a part of the record.

In order to ensure that written comments are entered into the case record, commentors should be sure to reference the appropriate case number and send their comments to:

Board Administrator, New Mexico Environmental Improvement Board
1190 St. Francis Drive N2153, Santa Fe, NM 87502

FAX: (505) 827-2836/ email: joyce.medina@state.nm.us

The case number for the NMED cap and trade petition is: Case No. EIB 10-04.

The case number for the NEE cap-only petition is: Case No. EIB 08-19

·         Send copies of your written comments to key decision makers such as local elected officials, your state legislators, governor candidates and your PRC commissioner so they are aware of the opposition to this proposal.

2. Attend the public hearing and speak to the EIB directly

Attend the public hearing, which begins Sept. 20 in Santa Fe, and speak to the board directly about why you are in opposition. You may do this whether or not f you have submitted written comment. Ensure that EIB members see the people that this rule will impact before they vote on it.  All hearing details will be posted at www.nmenv.state.nm.us/eib/.

3. Raise the issue in your community

·         Ask for five minutes to present this issue to the organizations you belong to, such as Rotary Club, chambers of commerce, etc. Request they communicate the issue to their members via their web pages, email lists, etc.

·         Propose to your organization that they adopt a resolution in opposition to the NMED rule, and submit the resolution to the EIB to become a part of the record. Again, be sure to reference Case No. EIB 10-04.

·         Write a personalized letter to the editor of your local newspaper expressing your opposition to the proposals, and urging others in your community to submit written comment. Write the letter in your own words and talk about how the measure could impact you and your community.

·         Enter an appearance in the case in opposition to the proposal. Doing so will give you official standing as a party to the case, making you eligible (but not requiring you) to submit testimony and assuring that you receive a copy of all filings related to the case. This also helps demonstrate formal opposition to the measure. (See attached entry of appearance template). All entries of appearance need to be filed no later than Sept. 3, 2010.

Copyright ColoRadio Communications 2010

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Toddler Time at Carlsbad Public Library   Weekly activity program for parents and babies age 0 to 3 years.  

Meets Wednesdays at 11:00 a.m.   Programs begin on Wednesday, September 1.  Call 885-6776 or visit Carlsbad Public Library for more information

The Guadalupe Mountains National Park Visitor Center at Pine Springs is now open daily from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through May. Access to McKittrick Canyon will be open until 6 p.m. through Nov. 1. Info: (915) 828-3251.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park will return to its normal operating hours on Tuesday, September 8. Beginning on September 8, the park’s visitor center will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (MDT) and will continue to offer a variety of self-guided and guided cave tours. The self-guided Natural Entrance route will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The self-guided Big Room route will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The ranger-guided Kings Palace tour will be offered at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily. Tour times are established to allow ample time for visitors to complete their tour before the visitor center closes at 5 p.m.

Evening bat flight programs at the Natural Entrance Amphitheater  has restarted. These nightly programs are free and begin around sunset—call 575.785.3012 for the starting time of each evening’s program.

For visitors looking for a bit more adventure, ranger-guided trips are offered in undeveloped areas of Carlsbad Cavern and in other park caves. Flashlight trips through Slaughter Canyon Cave are led on Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m. Lantern tours of Left Hand Tunnel are available daily at 9 a.m. Lower Cave tours are offered Monday through Friday at 1 p.m. Two strenuous wild caving trips, Hall of the White Giant and Spider Cave, are offered on Saturday at 1 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. respectively.

There are no group size limits or reservations needed for the self-guided tours; however, there are limits and restrictions for guided tours. Reservations are required for guided tours and can be made online at www.recreation.gov or by calling 877.444.6777. The entrance fee, which allows access into the self-guided portions of Carlsbad Cavern, is $6 for adults. Children 15 and under are free, but must be accompanied by an adult. Ranger-guided tour fees range from $7 to $20 for adults and $3.50 to $10 for children depending on the tour.

For additional information, call 575.785.2232, or visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/cave.

Court Appointed Special Advocates is seeking volunteer citizens to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children living in foster care. CASA will be training new volunteers in the fall. For more information, call 887-5966 or visit 118 W. Mermod St.

Preschool story time for children 3-5 meets each Thursday at Carlsbad Public Library, from 10:00-10:45 a.m. Library staff will help children explore books, sing songs, make simple crafts and learn about the world around them. Parents should plan to stay with their children during story time. For more information, please call 885-6776.

THE Free Bat Flight Programs are offered nightly at The Carlsbad Caverns NP through mid-October. Every evening, just before hundreds of thousands of bats fly out of the cave, a park ranger presents a talk at the Bat Flight Amphitheater. The starting time of the talk varies with sunset, so it is best to call the park at 505.785.3012 or check at the visitor center for the exact time. Programs may be canceled in the event of inclement weather.

United Blood Services - 2402 W. Pierce St., Suite 6A Hours ARE Mondays 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursdays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.To sign up as a blood donor or to schedule a specific time, visit unitedbloodservices.org

Looking for a fun event for your organization? Try the wine tasting at the Trinity Inn. For around $20.00 per person you get formal seating in the main dining room for your group. One choice of four New Mexico wines are provided. You can select sweet, white or dry white, sweet red or dry red wine and three glasses three different New Mexico wines from your taste selection are poured for you by the friendly hosts. A variety of appetizers are served which range from tortellini and sauce, salads, breads, chicken marsala, vegetables and cheeses. The wines were some of the best that New Mexico makes and the entire evening was a filling, delicious and lovely event.

The Trinity Hotel will be holding various wine seminars information, food, fun.

Enjoy your stay in Carlsbad New Mexico in the newly renovated and redesigned Trinity Hotel Suites. Built 1893 as the First National Bank, this historic property once served as the law offices of famous Sheriff Pat Garrett, and the site of a bank robbery by notorious outlaws Bonnie and Clyde. Today the old bank building is home to luxurious oversized suites appointed with the finest amenities to meet your every need. It also now boasts a fine dining restaurant, wine gift shop, and coffee. Come, stay and lose yourself in the history and the beauty that is the Trinity

The Trinity serves local New Mexico Wine from Luna Rossa Winery in Deming, NM, along with a selection of wines from around the country. New Mexico wines are available for purchase by the bottle to take home and enjoy.

At the Trinity, it's all about you! Currently there are only two suites available at the Trinity. Each is appointed with the finest amenities. Seven new suites are expected to open in the Spring of 2010.

This king bed suite has an extra large two headed shower, flat screen tv, free Internet access, and a wine chiller with a courtesy bottle of wine for you to enjoy during your stay. Room Price: $149 weekdays $169.00 weekends

This queen bed suites features a fireplace that is original to the building which has been lovingly restored to working condition. The fireplace is located in the oversized bathroom, equipped with a sunken jacuzzi tub and shower, and flat screen TV. The room also has a wine chiller with a courtesy bottle of wine to enjoy during your stay. Room Price: $169 weekdays $189.00 weekends.

*-TravelBank.Com-*

Carlsbad Public Library offerers Preschool Storytimes each Thursday morning for children ages 3-5 years. Sessions times are 10:00 – 10:45 am and 11:00 – 11:45 am. Each session features stories, songs, fingerplays, crafts, and activities. The program is free. Phone 885-6776 for more information

CASA, a nonprofit child advocacy organization will be training new volunteers. For more information, call 887-5966 or visit 118 W. Mermod St.

The Eddy County Search and Rescue Team is looking for volunteers. The team meets at 7 p.m. every second Tuesday at the Permian Basin Regional Training Center. For more information, call 885-2191, 628-8891 or 302-6765.

Did you know that two-thirds of Americans have library cards? They enjoy the benefits of free access to thousands of books, databases, DVDs, magazines, music, software, and the Internet – all at their local public library. So what’s stopping you? Drop by the Carlsbad Public Library today and get a library card. It’ll be the smartest card in your wallet. Carlsbad Public Library 101 S. Halagueno 885-6776 .

The MONTHLY MEETING OF THE CARLSBAD BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE IS HELD THE Third THURSDAY of every month, AT 11:00 AM, IN THE 2ND FLOOR PLANNING ROOM OF CITY HALL.

The Carlsbad Cavernaires Barbershop Chorus is looking for men age 16 and up who love to sing. The group begins at 7 p.m. at Central Christian Church, corner of Oak and McKay streets. For more information, call 885-9054.

Certified Instructor David Moody provides the professional training required by the State of New Mexico to legally carry a concealed weapon. Exercise your right to carry and attend this two day training seminar.

Visit Noah's Ark Animal Shelterto see the animals currently available at Noah's Ark Animal Shelter. The site is updated weekly. There are many animals available, including purebreds. For information, call 885-5769.

Noah's Ark offers 100 spay/neuter certificates THE FIRST TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH at the Cat's Meow, 124 S. Canyon St. The certificates are for Carlsbad and the surrounding area and animals must go to a Carlsbad veterinarian. Proof of residence will be required. One certificate per family. First come, first served. A $10 donation is requested. The certificates are for people who need financial help.

THE DAILY EVENING BAT FLIGHT PROGRAM HAS RESUMED THE BATS RETURN IN THE SPRING AT THE CARLSBAD CAVERNS. EVERY EVENING BEFORE DUSK A DOCENT WILL GIVE A LECTURE, JUST BEFORE THE BATS LEAVE EN MASSE FOR THEIR NIGHTLY FEEDING. THE PROGRAM IS FREE AND IS AT THE NATURAL ENTRANCE TO THE CARLSBAD CAVERNS. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 505-785-3021...

The monthly meeting for the Carlsbad Amateur Radio Club is held the first Thursday of every month on the second floor of the River Walk Recreation Center. The meeting starts at seven o'clock, and is open to the public. For more information call 887-1575. or 146.88

The Pecos Valley Grotto (caving group) meeting falls on the third Thursday of each month, usually at MNSU-C. There is also a Caving in Carlsbad, NM Blog on the Caving in Carlsbad, NM Carlsbad Current Argus web site.

The Downtown Lions Club will place a United States of America flag at your business location during the holidays. For more information, call 628-8248.

ANGEL FLIGHT WEST is a nonprofit, volunteer-driven organization that arranges free, non-emergency air travel for children and adults with serious medical conditions and other compelling needs. For pilots there is not a better reason to fly! And the rewards are unsurpassed! For more information please contact Karyn at 509 947-4715.

To report graffiti or for help in removing it from private property, call Keep Carlsbad Beautiful at 887-0483 and leave a message.

Carlsbad Taverns Brewery Bar-B-Que is located in the the heart of Carlsbad,NM, Main Street District, just thirty minutes from the World famous Carlsbad Caverns National Park. This restaurant and tasting room is also the home of our microbrewery where we bottle and keg all of our great fresh ales for off premise sales. Come by for some awesome bar-b-que, fresh beer and a tour of our brew house.

Carlsbad Taverns Brewery and Bar-B-Que opened in April of 2001 and was voted one of the best brewpubs in Carlsbad, NM in 2003. The Bar-B-Que offers some of the best bar-b-que in Southeastern NM. Our menu features hickory smoked pork ribs, 16-hour smoked pulled pork, beef brisket, juicy chicken, breast of turkey and heart stopper sausage. The menu offers some great appetizers, soups & salads, sandwiches and full platters, all made fresh daily by our skilled kitchen staff.

The Carlsbad two meter net meets on air on the 146.28/88 repeater at 6:30 p.m. every Tuesday.

United Blood Services HAS OPENED UP A NEW location AT 2402 W. Pierce St., Suite 6A Hours ARE Mondays 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.; and Thursdays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.To sign up as a blood donor or to schedule a specific time, visit unitedbloodservices.org

Computer Information Utility, Travel & Recreation Information.