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TUESDAY, DEC . 4, 2012 • W W W . R U I D O S O F R E E P R E S S . C O M • V OL . 4 , N O. 4 8
What’s
happening December 4
ENMU-Ruidoso Spring 2013 schedule available INSIDE THIS ISSUE
An evening with your legislator
A chance to mingle with and express your legislative concerns and priorities with those that represent you – on a local, state and national level. 5-7 p.m. Ruidoso Convention Center. 575-257-7395. Free.
December 7-9 Walk through Bethlehem
Imagine walking the streets where Jesus walked… travel 2000 years back in time to the most incredible moment in history taking place before your eyes in ancient Bethlehem. This tour is a living re-creation of the village beginning with a visit to the blacksmiths outside Bethlehem, and a conversation with the prophets. Take part in a discussion of ancient words written just for this night; encounter donkeys and other animals as you continue your journey to Bethlehem. Beware of the tax collector at the gate, who frequently demands payment of denari from visitors. Lincoln County Fairgrounds, Hwy 48 in Capitan. 6-8 p.m. FINAL WEEKEND, concluding eight years. www.wtbnm.org. Free, reservations recommended.
A Ruidoso Christmas Carol sparkles through Midtown
By Eugene Heathman Editor eugene@ruidosofreepress.com ’Twas the Festival of Lights Parade 2012 and the streets were lined with smiling parents, children and anxious pets awaiting more than 35 parade floats with the theme “A Ruidoso Christmas Carol, Past, Present and Future.” Steve Stucker from KOB-TV in Albuquerque was this year’s Parade Marshal with hopes of snow in the near future. Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Becky Brooks said, “Word is that it was it one of the best parades we have seen in several years. It takes a Eugene Heathman/Ruidoso Free Press whole team to make a parade happen. The ENMU Community Choir performed for the public at the Old Dowlin Mill following the FesHowever, Mirissa Good, who works tival of Lights Parade in Midtown Saturday. Cider was served and children had an opportunity See PARADE, pg. A3 to share their Christmas wishes with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Property taxes collection: state or local authority?
Sue Hutchison/Ruidoso Free Press
Beverly Calaway, chief deputy treasurer of Lincoln County.
down,” said Robbins. “We were able to pull all those who needed flyers to inform them (if) they need to make partial payments to contact the state, but if they wanted to make full payment they could at my office,” she continued. At the October meeting, commissioners asked Nita Taylor, county manager to compose a letter to the state Taxation and Revenue department protesting the current regulation which declares the state may work with delinquent property owners to make payments, but local counties may not accept anything but payment in full. “I have not done that yet, because I needed more information from the association of counties. I’ve since received an update from them to try and remedy it,” said Taylor. Since the November commission meeting, Taylor composed and sent a message statewide dated Nov. 27 with commissioner’s concerns, attaching a letter Robbins wrote and sent Sept. 24. Mark Doth, commissioner commented about Taylor’s letter. “I would strongly recommend she… focus on who takes the payments. This needs to go to all our newly elected legislators to get then on board with this issue to make sure it doesn’t get dropped through the cracks,” he said. Robbins’ initial letter was sent to Thomas Clifford, PhD, Secretary of Finance and Administration and Demesia Padilla, CPA, Secretary of Taxation and Revenue. The letter included affirmation that an audit performed on the county’s records from Jan. 12 through Sept. 19, 2011 found no deficiencies, according to verbal responses from the N.M. Taxation and Revenue department. She indicated the county has always been compliant under her tenure with regulations concerning the collection and remittance of penalty interest and cost-to-state to TRD, and will continue. “We’ve had a few walk-ins and (partial) payments made in the mail. We’ve had to give them back,” said Robbins. In the past, delinquent See PROPERTY TAXES, pg. A3
By Sue Hutchison Reporter suehutch@valornet.com With the state insisting only full payments be made at local offices for delinquent property taxes, Glenna Robbins, county treasurer says it hinders her department from working with property owners to collect payments. Beverly Calaway, deputy treasurer made county commissioners aware of the issue in October. Robbins was at the November meeting to give an update. “The basic problems are with state statutes and regulations which need to be changed. Meantime, in my office we’ve been affected minimally. What I don’t like is the lack of authority to take partial payments. We sent 213 properties a letter and that number has gone
Warrior charge
December 8
Lincoln County Sheriff ’s Posse Charity Christmas Dance
Festive and jolly with our favorite sounds of Jody Nix and the Texas Cowboys, the charity dance brings our neighbors together. Plus a Native American Craft Show. 8-11 p.m. 575-354-0115. Inn of the Mountain Gods. Advance tickets $35 at the Ruidoso Chamber and Visitor Center, $40 at the door. Military discount: $30.
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A property of
Todd Fuqua/Ruidoso Free Press
The Ruidoso Warrior football team charges on to the field before their Class 3A semifinal game at Silver City on Friday. Story on B1.
Little Bear Fire debris disposal deadline looming By Jim Miller GSWA The existing waiver for debris from Little Bear Fire [LBF] destroyed homes constructed on or before 1988 will end on Dec. 10 according to NMED Solid Waste Bureau officials. Debris from pre-1988 homes that is not disposed of prior to Dec. 10 will then have to follow federal and state law and pay for a HAZMAT team to test the material for asbestos and other toxic material before it can be properly disposed of. If the home is found to
have asbestos, there are additional restrictions to be followed for proper disposal. More than 250 structures were destroyed in June’s 44,000-plus acre Little Bear Fire in northern Lincoln County. Officials have been working directly with cleanup organizations, the regional solid waste authority [Greentree Solid Waste] and the regional landfill to insure proper disposal while streamlining procedures to quickly assist local homeowners directly affected by the fire. Destroyed cars, metal roofs, appliances and other items can be WN! IN TO
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disposed of easily following proper insurance and appraisal procedures. Here’s how. “We are still here to help” states GSWA Operational Supervisor Debra Ingle. She went onto say that “we are trying to keep as much of this clean up and disposal work as possible within the Lincoln County business community. Certified haulers, contractors, wood cutters and others from Lincoln County with an established track record have the best opportunity for honest work and ultimately, See DEBRIS DISPOSAL, pg. A3
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