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TuesdAY, AuG. 21, 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. 33
What’s
happening Aug. 23
ENMU-Ruidoso Back-toSchool Bash Register for classes and enter for a chance to win $150 of Ponderosa Bookstore cash. Free food and entertainment featuring susan Kolb. eNMuR, 709 Mechem dr., 5 - 7 p.m. 575-257-3012, www.ruidoso. enmu.edu. Free.
Aug. 23-24
The Bellamy Brothers at the Spencer Theater
Best known for their easyrolling 70s southern soft rock classic “Let Your Love Flow,” the Bellamy Brothers are the most successful duo in country music history, consistently climbing into the upper reaches of the Billboard country charts. Presented by the R.D. and Joan Dale Hubbard Foundation. Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts, 108 spencer Rd. 575-336-4800, www.spencertheater.com. 8 p.m. $66 or $69
Aug. 24-26
Noon Lions Club Antique Show and Sale
A huge array of quality antiques, furniture and jewelry of early American, Native American and european history. Proceeds benefit Ruidoso Noon Lions Club. Ruidoso Convention Center, 111 sierra Blanca dr., 575-336-7706, www.AzAntiqueShow.com. Fri. 5 - 9 p.m., sat. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., sun 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. $3 in advance, $4 at the gate. Three-day tickets $5.
Aug. 25
Lincoln County Juvenile Justice Benefit Run Motorcycle rally and family-fun events. escorted one-hour scenic ride at 11 a.m. sharp. Live music by the Home Grown Boyz at 1 p.m. Lottery poker, bike washing, bike games, tattoo artist, door prizes, bed race and jumping balloons for the kids. 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. All American Park, Ruidoso downs. Bike run: 575-8083267, entertainment: 575378-4001.
Aug. 26
A property of
Increased scrutiny, tougher penalties have Downs racehorses finishing clean
“
By Todd Fuqua and Eugene Heathman Sports Editor and Editor Ruidoso Downs Racetrack officials and the NM Racing Commission are now focused on what the outcome will be of an investigation into the positive drug tests of horses that ran in the Ruidoso – Vince Mares, Futurity and Derby trials back Agency Director in May. NM Racing Commission Racing officials are pleased that test results from the Rainbow trials in July cheaters that would do that.” came up clean. Other theraRD Hubbard, owner of peutic substances – which are Ruidoso Downs racetrack apallowed – showed improperly plauded the results. “We fully high levels in a few horses, support the efforts of Mr. Mares but no other “hot” results were and the NM Racing Commispresent. No illegal substances sion to clean up horseracing. such as the serious Category A It’s evident that trainers and drugs which led to the accusaowners are taking note of the tions in May were detected. stepped up testing procedures,” The overall clean nature Hubbard said. of the tests gave Vince Mares, Currently, the commission Todd Fuqua/Ruidoso Free Press agency director for the New is focused on Chapter 11 of the Native Tea Rose, trained by Cody Joiner and owned by Abigail Mexico Racing Commission, racing rules, which addresses Kawananakoa, is ridden by Cody Jensen to a win in the seva reason to smile. what medications are allowed, enth trial to this year’s All American Futurity. “There are still plenty of and what levels are determined honest owners and trainers out there trying do anything which would put that horse acceptable. Further steps to strengthen to do the right thing,” Mares said. “But or jockey at risk, for the simple reason to penalties are also in the future, according to see rAceHorses, pg 3 there is also a handful that are willing to make more money. We have to focus on the
As long as it takes, that’s how long we’ll work to clean it up.
”
Capitan and ’Zozo schools plan for improvement By Sue Hutchison Reporter suehutch@valornet.com At first glance, receiving a grade of C might appear to indicate average work. But to Patti Nesbitt, administrator and principal of Carrizozo Schools, and Jerrett Perry, principal of Capitan High, the grade isn’t good enough. New Mexico applied for and received a waiver from utilizing Annual Yearly Progress (AYP) as a benchmark for scholastic success. Ten other states received the same waiver. Public schools in New Mexico now use another standard for measurement. “Our current assessment is the third hardest in the country,” says Nesbitt. “In addition
ementary schools to multiple choice earned a C. responses, our third and fourth grade “Public students must education is in a give constructive crisis, and school responses, many reform is here to of which contain stay. We have the three parts.” Nesmoral responsibilbitt welcomes the ity to assimilate to challenge. what kids need,” ’Zozo and says Perry, who is Capitan public Courtesy photo proud of his mid Capitan High School school report card. school grades range from B to C, Principal, Jerrett “We went from Perry according to New a D minus last Mexico Public year to a B this Education Department School year. Our students implemented Grade Report Cards released changes and I’m proud of both in July. Capitan and Carrizozo our students and our staff. Our high schools received C’s. Car- middle school is now one of the rizozo Middle School received healthiest schools in Lincoln a C, while Capitan Middle County.” School earned a B. Both elBoth Perry and Nesbitt
admit the need for improvement and have worked with staff to implement changes. “The level of expectation for our staff has increased, and I’m confident the staff is up for the challenge,” says Perry. “We’re focusing on the key areas of language arts (reading) and math, looking at the specifics of what we teach and how we can better communicate the basics of learning.” Capitan’s Perry is incorporating a new enrichment class for grades 6-12. “The sole purpose is to focus on individual weaknesses of our kids. We hope to close the achievement gap and give each student a chance to succeed.” Enrichment classes will be at the beginning of the academic day, and each see scHooLs, pg 3
Sundays Under the Stars at IMG
Water safety issues persist in Lincoln County
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By Sue Hutchison Reporter suehutch@valornet.com “Eagle Creek is more than 90 percent damaged,” says Randall Camp, utilities director for the Village of Ruidoso. “When the Rio Ruidoso and Eagle Creek show these numbers, you can be sure Little Creek and the Rio Bonito are worse. They’re closer to the burn scar but all our rivers are affected for the long term by the Little Bear.” Tom Stewart, utilities worker for the village, proves the point by submitting creek samples to Aqua Environmental Testing Lab. Eagle Creek water sample taken July 26 showed a total suspended solid figure of 134,576 parts per million. With a normal count of 150 ppm, Eagle Creek is well above safe levels. Also tested was biochemical oxygen demand which revealed a count of 57.4 milligrams per liter. The normal count is 2-3 mg/L. Rio Ruidoso doesn’t fare much better. July 26’s sample showed a fecal coliform colony count listed as too numerous to see wAter sAfetY, pg 17
This week’s live music is Suzie Weber & the Mixx and the movie after sunset is “Wild hogs” with Tim Allen, Martin Lawrence, John Travolta, and William h. Macy. Bring your favorite blanket or chair and enjoy live music and a movie. 6 p.m. www.innofthemountaingods.com, 575-464-7777. Free.
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Photo courtesy of John E. Pijawka
The Wolf Creek subdivision home of John E. Pijawka, NM water system specialist for the Ruidoso field office, was miraculously saved from the fire. Pijawka has a stock tank that fills up every summer, probably built by the CCC back in the 1930s. Right now it’s the highest it’s ever been but full of ash that several agencies have come out to evaluate but offered no assistance so far for clean–up. ALTO
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