July 24, 2013

Page 1

POSTAL PATRON U.S. POSTAGE PAID MAILED FROM RUIDOSO, NM 88345 PERMIT NO. 9 PRESORT STANDARD

50 cents

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What’s

happening July 25

The Music of ABBA Arrival From Sweden Tour

The critically acclaimed Music of ABBA Arrival From Sweden is an electrifying concert re-creation of the ABBA phenomenon, Sweden’s biggest music export ever and one of the most commercially successful acts in the history of pop music. Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts, Fried chicken buffet $20 at 6 p.m., Performance $69 and $66 at 8 p.m. 575-336-4800, www. spencertheater.com.

July 26-27

‘Moon Over Buffalo’ presented by Lincoln County Community Theater From the popular theater group that has performed “A Christmas Story”, “Steel Magnolias” and “Harvey”, the group presents “Moon Over Buffalo”, a situation comedy about a struggling husband-and-wife team of actors. Ruidoso High School Performing Arts Center, 7 p.m. 258-3133. $15.

July 26-28

Ruidoso Art Festival

Art lovers, from the serious collector to the first-time buyer, will be sure to discover treasures to complement any lifestyle or budget at the Ruidoso Art Festival, a tradition for more than 40 years. Ruidoso Convention Center, 575-257-7395 www. ruidosonow.com/art-festival.

July 26-29 Zia Festival

The Ruidoso Downs Racetrack salutes New Mexico-made with local vendors and artisans offering their wares in the grandstand on Saturday and Sunday. On Sunday, more than $1 million in purses are up for grabs for New Mexico-bred racehorses. Racing runs Friday through Monday. First post time is 1 p.m. Free parking, free admission.

July 27

Ski Run Road Challenge

A 12M run (solo or team relay) and 3M Fun Run on Hwy 532/ Ski Run Road among the beautiful Sacramento Mountains. A point to point run, uphill to MM 9.5 (10000 feet) with a downhill finish at Ski Apache Plaza (9600 feet). Sanctioned by the USA Track & Field with proceeds benefitting the Ski Apache Adaptive Skier Program. Pre-registration required: (575) 937-7106, www. skirunroadchallenge.com.

Gold medalist of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition

Fame will shower upon the Gold Medalist of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition as the new winner performs with a passion, talent, and precision that cannot be beat presented by the Ruidoso Chamber Music Festival. Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts, 8 p.m. 575-3364800, www.spencertheater.com. Adults $59, Children $25.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 24, 2013 • W W W. R U I D O S O F R E E P R E S S . C O M • V OL . 5 , N O. 2 9

A property of

Downs Police Chief under review Officers cite security, finances in no confidence report By Eugene Heathman Editor eugene@ruidosofreepress.com Ruidoso Downs Police Chief Doug Babcock was placed on probationary status during Monday’s council meeting. Councilors decided to monitor the chief for a period of 60 days following a report presented to City clerk Carol Virden by four out of five Ruidoso Downs police officers. The report delivered to the Ruidoso Free Press addresses a variety concerns including alleged misappropriation of state DWI grant funds in addition to unresolved procedural and safety of Downs police officers against Babcock and his second in command. The police officers and dispatchers of the City of Ruidoso Downs and the Ruidoso Downs Police Department, with the exception of one patrol officer, all contributed their thoughts and documentation in solidarity, and according to the report as a good faith effort

to bring excellence to the workplace, the Ruidoso Downs Police Department. Councilor Judy Miller made the motion, which states Babcock could be out of a job at any time during the 60-day period. If things haven’t been resolved to the council’s satisfaction after 60 days, it would then be up to the council whether Babcock would stay or go. The motion passed on a 3-1 vote, with only Dean Holman voting against. He originally wanted to abstain, citing the precedent the council had set in removing former chief Alfred Ortiz in 2011. He claimed the council was not following the same format this time, but city attorney John Underwood stated Holman could only abstain in the event of a conflict of interest. Holman then changed his vote to one against the motion. Earlier in the meeting during mayor Gary Williams’ comments, Babcock discussed a drug bust his department had taken part in Sunday See BABCOCK, page. A3

Todd Fuqua/Ruidoso Free Press

Police Chief for the City of Ruidoso Downs, Doug Babcock faces a no-confidence complaint from his staff during Monday’s council meeting.

Free Press moves to Wednesday, unveils web news delivery system Staff Reports

Since its inception almost four years ago, the Ruidoso Free Press has been delivered to more than 7,000 Lincoln County homes every Tuesday but has now moved to Wednesday. The move to Wednesday is hailed by the editorial staff as yet another way for the Ruidoso Free Press to better serve its readership with the ability to deliver current governmental affairs, education and sports coverage. Free Press Editor Eugene Heathman had his sights set on the move for several months. “The Tuesday publish date hampered our ability to serve the people of Lincoln County with immediate news regarding Ruidoso Village Council, Capitan, Carrizozo, Ruidoso Downs and County Commission meetings. Moving to Wednesdays enables the Free Press to gain a competitive advantage with the delivery of local news that really matters to people,” Heathman said. The editorial staff of the Ruidoso Free Press unanimously agreed the benefits to the community by changing to a Wednesday delivery would not only position the Free Press to take command of local government coverage but will retain its lead time and shelf life for previewing regional weekend events combined with superior sports and horse racing coverage.

State-of-the-art web and mobile news

With the switch to Wednesday delivery, the timing couldn’t be better for the Ruidoso Free Press to unveil its new web, mobile and social media features for up to the minute breaking news, entertainment and sports coverage. “After extensive research into several online news delivery providers it was time to make the change

to a sharp looking, fast loading yet diverse web and mobile presence. The new web features tune into the demands of how the public choose to receive their local media,” Heathman said. The Ruidoso Free Press is also a property of MTD Media which also own and operate five radio stations throughout Lincoln County and southeastern New Mexico. In the past, each radio station had separate websites for music news, programing information and listening to live streaming music online. The new web and mobile system combined all the radio stations, which will keep their respective identities with the Ruidoso Free Press. “The public can now read their news and listen to any MTD radio

station simultaneously on the mobile phone, tablet or computer, giving MTD media true total market coverage” Heathman said.

Interactive sports reporting features

At select high school youth and high school football, basketball, softball and baseball games, area sports fans can follow the games remotely with game casts provided by iScore, the Ruidoso Free Press’ newest virtual game casting for sports fans young and old. Ruidoso Free Press Editor Eugene Heathman touted the new features as yet another See FREE PRESS, page. A3

Angie K. Schneider appointed to Twelfth Judicial District Court bench

University of New Mexico and By Eugene Heathman her law degree from the UniEditor versity Of New Mexico School eugene@ruidosofreepress.com Of Law. “I am confident she Governor Susana Martinez will uphold the law fairly and has appointed Angie Schneider impartially.” said Governor of Ruidoso to Division IV of Martinez. Enrique Knell, a the Twelfth Judicial District spokesman for the Governor, Court bench. Schneider will also said “Angie was the most fill the vacancy caused by well-qualified and prepared the retirement of William H. candidate for the position, and Brogan in May 2013. she has a strong reputation in Schneider is the owner and Angie K. Schneider the legal community. Governor practicing attorney at the Law Martinez is confi dent that Angie will serve Offices of Angie K. Schneider, where she the people of Lincoln County well.” specializes in criminal defense, domestic reIn 2003, Schneider moved to Ruidoso lations, and juvenile delinquency. Schneider received a B.A. in Political Science from the See SCHNEIDER, pg. A3

CYFD names new juvenile center near Ruidoso The new facility named Lincoln Pines Youth Center

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) announced the naming of its new juvenile center near Ruidoso. The new facility which was formerly known as Camp Sierra Blanca will now be known as Lincoln Pines Youth Center. CYFD enlisted the assistance of its juvenile clients from all of its facilities and the community members of Lincoln County to help name the new facility. The juvenile

clients submitted a total of sixteen names to CYFD’s executive staff for consideration. From there, the list was narrowed down to four. With the assistance of the local Ruidoso media, and with the help of the Ruidoso Free Press who ran an online poll, local individuals were able to give their input on the new name. The final name was then chosen by CYFD executive staff. “We are very excited to announce the naming of our new juvenile center near Ruidoso,” said CYFD Cabinet Secretary Yolanda Deines. “We are grateful for the assistance we received from the Ruidoso community as well as our ALTO

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juvenile clients in coming up with the name for the new facility.” Lincoln Pines Youth Center will house 24 medium-risk youth in its first year. The goal is to regionalize services, and ultimately the youth center will consist of youth who are from the local region. Having a facility in the southeast region will allow the families of the youth to participate in their therapy and to bring added support. “The support and assistance that we have received from the community members and stakeholders of Ruidoso and Lincoln County has been tremendous,” said Juvenile Justice Services Division

Director Sandra Stewart. “Having a youth center in this area will play a major part in ensuring that families from this region will be able to take part in the rehabilitation of their children, which is an essential component of the Cambiar Model.” Lincoln Pines Youth Center is currently scheduled to open in October of this year. The Children, Youth and Families Department is planning to hold an open house before the opening so that the local community members and stakeholders can view the new facility. Further information on the open house will be provided once details are finalized.

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