POSTAL PATRON U.S. POSTAGE PAID MAILED FROM RUIDOSO, NM 88345 PERMIT NO. 9 PRESORT STANDARD
50 cents
For more photos and the latest stories updated daily, visit
“Never Settle for Less”
www.ruidosofreepress.com
1404 Sudderth • Ruidoso, NM
575.257.4223
Special Limited Edition
available at newsstands and MTD office tomorrow. For our special broadcast teaser, aired at the top of the hour Wednesday morning, listen to the Mix 96.7 FM, KRUI 1490 AM and KIDX 101.5 or follow us online at www.ruidosofreepress.com
What’s
happening April 13
1st Annual Casino Gala for COPE
This event will feature food, cash bar, casino games, entertainment, silent and live auctions. All profits for this benefit will assist in saving COPE of Lincoln County and the services it provides to Lincoln County victims and their families. COPE is the Center of Protective Environment. Swiss Bar & Grill, 1451 Mechem Drive, 6 p.m. 575-434-3622.
April Glass Art exhibit opens
Ruidoso Regional Council for the Arts displays incredible glass pieces from local artists during this month long exhibit. 1712 Sudderth Dr., www.ruidosoarts.org, 575257-7272. Free.
Carrizozo Music in the Parks, classical harp concert
Carrizozo Music in the Parks is sponsoring a free concert of harp music performed by Anne Eisfeller, principle harpist for the NM Philharmonic. The concert will be followed by a reception for the opportunity to meet Esifeller. Prior to the concert at 5 p.m., the Carrizozo Woman’s Club will host a Swedish Chicken Dinner for at 11th and D Ave. The concert will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church on 10th and D Ave in Carrizozo at 7 p.m., 575-648-2757 www. carrizozomusic.org. Free.
April 14
Country Royalty, tribute to Hank Williams & Patsy Cline
With over 20 of their charttopping hits, the Country Royalty band including Jason Petty and Carolyn Martin, bring back to life two of the beloved singers in country music history. Short-Ribs Buffet at $5 p.m. for $20, Show at 7 p.m. for $69 & $66, www. spencertheater.com, 1-888818-7872.
April 14-15
High Mesa Artist Studio Tour
Fifteen artists & crafters open their studios allowing art enthusiasts to meet the artists and experience their creative work environment during this two-day event. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. http://home.beyondbb. com/kd5sg/highmesa/, 575354-0201. Free.
TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 2012 • W W W . R U I D O S O F R E E P R E S S . C O M • VOL. 4, NO. 15
A property of
Cavers complete Fort Stanton restoration project By Eugene Heathman Editor eugene@ruidosofreepress.com Sunday a tourist from Alaska along with several other visitors were amazed by all the activity at Fort Stanton. Explaining the project, historian and Fort advocate, Lynda Sánchez mentioned that this was a special undertaking initiated by the South West Region of the National Speleological Society (NSS) in exchange for use of the grounds and buildings on site. The NM State Monuments Division had agreed to purchase the supplies, and the SWR folks were to complete the planning and the labor. It was beneficial to all sides and on Memorial Day the organization will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary on the Fort Stanton Parade Grounds. A member of the group commented that this was a positive and wonderful idea and that perhaps each building should have such a group of interested people to help with restoration or renovation. On that everyone agreed. Lynda Sánchez, the Public Outreach Liaison for the group said, “This project is yet another example of what can be done with innovation, care, and a goal oriented group.” Only last month on a very cold weekend the project began with cavers turned into carpenters as they removed rotting wooden spindles (103 in total) and railing from one of the oldest of the Fort Stanton buildings that had seen service from 1866 to the present. Initially the sandstone building had been a guard house, and then changed over time and was added on to as it became the post adjutant’s office, reading room, library, post office and theater. It now serves as the maintenance office for the Fort Stanton State Monument. The second phase in March was for those who had taken the spindles or balusters home to refurbish or simply to replace what was needed in the rotting wood. The final
Photos courtesy of SWR Cavers
phase of the restoration project occurred March 30 and April 1. Approximately 30 individuals travelled from as far away as Arizona and Texas to participate. Several of the volunteers came from different areas of New Mexico as well. The project volunteers arrived with good cheer and plenty of energy to work and complete this incredible project. Caulking, sanding, primer being applied and painting all occurred within a very short time. Despite some wind and dust the beautiful new wooden balusters made everyone proud as they carefully reinstalled each one. The final railing is exquisite and shows
that the original workmanship and skilled carpenters that they had many years ago was incredible. Of course, the present skill set was amazing as well. According to Sánchez, “I just hope that by working in this manner the people of Lincoln County and statewide can see what a magnificent site we have here and that it can motivate folks to help fill in the gaps in a down turn of the economy. However, it takes leadership and thinking outside the box. It also takes a heck of a lot of talent to do what they have done in such a short time. These guys don’t make excuses; they just ‘do it’!”
An open door policy with Carrizozo Mayor Lee Gross By Sue Hutchison Reporter suehutch@valornet.com Manhattan and Carrizozo are worlds apart. Working for the IRS and as the mayor of Carrizozo is too. Lee Gross knows both worlds and says he’s happy to be in this one. He’s had a year to settle into the position. Adding an open-door policy and a suggestion box, Gross says, “I love helping these people.” Gross was appointed mayor early 2011 by Dusty Voss after a string of mayors came and left the position rather quickly. Gross has a background of creative problem solving, and seemed to fit the bill for Carrizozo’s immediate needs. Elected as a town trustee in 2008, Gross accepted the mayoral appointment two and a half years later and offered his expertise in an effort to help the town become productive. A resident only four years, Gross found his niche in town government early.
Before Carrizozo, Gross was an East Coaster. He worked as a CFO and controller in NYC. His skills in management and finding solutions eventually sent him to the IRS in Washington, D.C. He spent 16 years there, working on special challenges and projects. He wrote speeches for officers, worked in the chief financial office and created presentations for staff members. He had charge of a staff of his own, and further honed his management skills which have proven helpful in his current position as mayor. In his off hours he enjoys his Honda Pacific Coast motorcycle. It was while he was still back east that he took a bike trip to Lincoln County and decided he wanted to move. With the small town atmosphere and prices in Carrizozo being more suited to his budget, he’s settled in. “I’m not a micromanager. I think the people who work for Carrizozo are very competent,” Gross says. With a newly elected council he thinks the town is in good D ISHE FURN
REAL ESTATE TEAM SDC, REALTORS®
(575) 258-5008
(575) 257-5111 ext. 117 307 Mechem Dr, Ruidoso, NM
shape, ready to make progress. Because of his background, he wants to make Carrizozo a well-run business. “I have a can-do attitude, and I love working with our people” says Gross, and he tries to surround himself with those who have the same attitude. ’Zozo’s Leann Weihnbrecht is his go-to co-worker. Gross says she wears multiple hats and wears all of them very well. The town is in the process of applying for state and federal grant funding to source several town projects. Gross’ “can-do” includes giving staff members the opportunity to explore options to make town dreams reality. His open-door policy gives ’Zozo residents an opportunity to discuss with the mayor areas of concern. He tries to work with citizen’s schedules, but reserves Tuesday and Thursday afternoons for discussions. He also welcomes visitors to council meetings, currently held the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m.
FEATURED PROPERTY
NICE 3 BEDROOM, 3 BATH HOME LOCATED IN TOWN & COUNTRY NORTH! This home has some great features that you will love. Large game/family room area, partially fenced backyard, storage, workshop and it is furnished too! Enjoy Ruidoso’s amazing climate from the low maintenance decks. Conveniently located. Close to shopping and restaurants or just a short drive to the ski resort. $265,000. #110208
Find Ruidoso’s #1 REAL ESTATE TEAM at: www.ruidosorealestate.com