Round the Roundhouse

08/13/2024

August edition of RTR is now available in print and online, roundtheroundhouse.com

07/30/2024

TAX FREE weekend

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is encouraging New Mexicans to take advantage of the upcoming Back-to-School Tax-Free Weekend, which could save shoppers as much as 8 percent or more on purchases.
“New Mexico families should be getting excited about the coming school year without having to worry so much about being able to afford school supplies and clothes for their children. Doing their shopping this weekend can help with that,” said Gov. Lujan Grisham.
Businesses can choose to deduct the sales of various merchandise made between 12:01 a.m. on Friday, August 2, and midnight on Sunday, August 4. That allows them to sell qualifying merchandise tax-free. Many merchants also absorb the tax on non-qualifying items.
“This is a great opportunity for New Mexicans to save some money on clothes and other things they need for their families as children are heading back to school,” said Taxation and Revenue Secretary Stephanie Schardin Clarke.
Among the merchandise that can be sold tax-free this weekend are clothing and shoes priced at less than $100 per unit, computers priced under $1,000, and related computer hardware priced under $500. School supplies under $30 per unit for use in standard, general-education classrooms also qualify.
More information is available on the News & Alerts page at tax.newmexico.gov.

Send a message to learn more

07/29/2024

Group shelters closed at Hyde Memorial State Park due to Tussock moth outbreak

The New Mexico State Parks Division announces that two group shelters must close immediately at Hyde Memorial State Park in the Santa Fe National Forest due to unusually heavy caterpillar activity from the Douglas-fir Tussock moth (DFTM).

“While we expect this outbreak to come to an end within the next few weeks, it is best to close these shelters to help prevent further exposure to the public in these areas,” said Parks Division Director Toby Velasquez. “Once the caterpillars are gone, we will be conducting a thorough cleaning of the park facilities to ensure visitor safety.”

The DFTM outbreak was detected earlier this month in parts of the Carson, Santa Fe, and Cibola National Forests. Caterpillars have thousands of tiny hairs covering their bodies which can cause allergic reactions in people and pets. The most common symptoms are skin irritation, rashes, watery eyes, and sneezing. More severe reactions, though less common, include blisters, coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest tightness.

“This year’s outbreak blew up due to the amount of moisture in the environment at the opportune time for the Tussock Moth,” Victor Lucero, Forestry Division Forest Health Coordinator stated. “We expect to see the caterpillars emerge again around this same time next year, but weather will predict how bad the outbreak will be.”

Group shelters #2 and #3 will remain closed at Hyde Memorial State Park through at least August 15, 2024. Visitors will centime to see moths in the weeks following the end of the outbreak. The male moths fly but the females do not. Visitors will also see trees that appear to be dead as the caterpillars feed on needles of Douglas-fir and white fir often resulting in severe defoliation damage.

“Trees have been known to be eighty percent defoliated and will come back the following spring,” said Cheryl Kolls, Parks Division Central Region Manager. “Over the next two years we will conduct hazard tree assessments and plan for future outbreaks. The Tussock moth is part of the endemic forest ecology, and we must prepare and manage for its impacts.”

While the campgrounds are open at Hyde Memorial State Park, visitors are warned not to touch the caterpillars or their cocoons to prevent an allergic reaction. After the outbreak ends staff will begin cleanup of the heavily affected structures using safety equipment.

The New Mexico State parks system is comprised of 35 parks located in 25 of 33 counties. For more information go to emnrd.nm.gov and click on the State Parks tab.

07/29/2024

Fiesta festivities.....

07/17/2024

State opens grant program to prepare and promote New Mexico for Route 66 Centennial Grants will support special events, marketing and infrastructure projects

The Route 66 Centennial Grant Program, which opened on July 15, allows eligible entities to submit projects related to consumer experiences, events, destination enhancements and marketing campaigns that celebrate and recognize New Mexico’s role in shaping the history of Route 66.

Eligible entities include nonprofit tourism-related organizations, municipalities, county and tribal governments and special districts. Successful applicants must demonstrate a clear association between the significance of Route 66 and the applicant’s destination. Community organizations are encouraged to work with their local government entity or destination management organization on an application. All projects funded by this grant program must be planned or executed by June 15, 2025.

Applications for the marketing and promotions option will close on August 13, 2024. Applications for the special events and infrastructure options will close on August 19, 2024.

During the 2024 Legislative Session, the Legislature allocated a $2.5 million special appropriation to NMTD to be used for promotion of the Route 66 Centennial.

More information about this program, including downloadable resources and links to apply, are available on the Tourism Department website. https://www.newmexico.org/industry/work-together/grants/route-66-centennial-grant-program/

07/10/2024

Free Fridays at the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts!

The IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA) was selected by the Art Bridges Foundation to receive a $240,000 grant, enabling MoCNA to offer free admission on Fridays to all attendees from January 2024 through December 2026. The grant is part of Art Bridges’ “Access for All” initiative, which aims to increase museum attendance through its $40 million contributions to 64 selected US museums.

“We are grateful to Art Bridges for their continued support,” says MoCNA Director Patsy Phillips (Cherokee Nation). “Not only are they sponsoring free admission one day per week for everyone, but they are also supporting marketing dollars to recruit more visitors as well as the costs of bringing more Pueblo members and students to the museum.”

At MoCNA, free Sundays are also offered to New Mexico residents with valid IDs, children under 16, and MoCNA members. The museum is always free for Native and Indigenous peoples and US veterans. General admission is $10. Seniors 62 and older, students with valid IDs, and New Mexico residents with valid IDs are eligible for a discounted $5 admission.

The museum is open Mondays and Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10 am to 5 pm, with the last admittance at 4:15 pm, and on Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm, with the last admittance at 3:15 pm. MoCNA is closed on Tuesdays.

07/10/2024

July's edition of 'Round The Roundhouse published on Monday, July 8th. It is available in print and online, roundtheroundhouse.com

06/20/2024

New Mexico wildfire dashboard....

https://www.nm.gov/wildfire-updates/

Send a message to learn more

06/19/2024

Today, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham declared a state of emergency in Lincoln County and the Mescalero Apache Reservation and deployed additional National Guard to the area in response to the devastating South Fork Fire and Salt Fires.

These wildfires, which ignited yesterday, have damaged more than 500 structures and led to the evacuation of the entire Village of Ruidoso. Further evacuations in nearby
communities are possible. The fires have consumed nearly 20,000 acres and are currently 0% contained.

The magnitude of the fires is beyond local control and requires immediate state intervention to protect public health, safety and welfare.
The governor’s emergency declaration unlocks additional funding and resources to manage this crisis. The fires’ cause remains under investigation.

"The horrific South Fork Fire and Salt Fire have ravaged our lands and property, and forced thousands to flee their homes,”
said Gov. Lujan Grisham. “We are deploying every available resource to control these wildfires, and to provide support to the Village of Ruidoso, the Mescalero Reservation and surround areas.
I extend my deepest appreciation to the courageous firefighters battling these blazes, as well as everyone who has pitched in to help a community in crisis. I
urge everyone to heed official orders at all times to stay safe.”

Key provisions of the executive orders include:
·
The State’s Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) is tasked with coordinating all requests for assistance
and responses.

Deployment of National Guard to provide military support to civil authorities as needed during this emergency.

All Cabinet Departments and agencies under gubernatorial control are directed to provide necessary assistance as required by DHSEM or the state Emergency Operations Center (EOC).

The Southern New Mexico Community Foundation
in partnership with the Community Foundation of Lincoln County is currently directing efforts to Lincoln and Otero counties through the Greatest Needs Impact Fund. This fund
provides financial resources to support the immediate and long-term recovery needs for the people, animals, and places affected by the devastating wildfires in Southern New Mexico. The fund is also supported by the ongoing Shelter Fund, New Mexico Wildfire
Relief Fund, and Emergency Action Fund held within the Albuquerque Community Foundation. Our hearts are with our communities and neighbors in Lincoln and Otero. Those wishing to contribute can do so
here.

Evacuation of large animals/livestock:

ENM Fairgrounds, 2500 S.E. Main, in Roswell, and Lea County Fairgrounds, 101 S. Commercial Street, Lovington, are offering stable space and RV hookups. Contact
Lea County Fairgrounds Director Wyatt Duncan at 575-333-0252.

Shelters
are available at the following locations:
·
The Inn of the Mountain Gods Convention Center, 287 Carrizo Canyon Road, Mescalero

Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell Gym, 52 B University Blvd.

Eastern New Mexico State Fairgrounds, 2500 SE Main St., Roswell

New Mexico Military Institute Athletic Center, 101 W College Blvd., Roswell
·
Church on the Move, 901 W. Brasher Rd., Roswell

Church on the Move Dream Center, 2700 W. Second, Ruidoso

Capitan High School, 519 Smokey Bear Blvd., Capitan

Carrizozo High School, 800 D Ave., Carrizozo
·
Christ Community Church, 2960 N Scenic Dr., Alamogordo

The New Mexico Military Institute, 101 W. College Blvd, and Roswell Civic Center, 912 N. Main Street, are accepting evacuees sheltering with leashed pets.


Individuals sensitive to wildfire smoke should take precautions and use the New Mexico Department of Health 5-3-1 Visibility Method to determine if it’s safe to be outside. Learn more at https://nmtracking.doh.nm.gov/environment/air/FireAndSmoke.html


Check current smoke conditions in your area here:
https://fire.airnow.gov/.

New Mexico's climate offers great outdoor opportunities for work and recreation throughout the year. However, during wildfire season and prescribed burns the air quality can change rapidly, including when smoke comes from neighboring states. This means you might need to make quick decisions about be...

06/10/2024

June already? Yes, it is and our edition is now available in print and online, roundtheroundhouse.com

05/28/2024

Early voting ends June 1st for the primary election.

05/24/2024

“Take A Ride on Us” Program Offers Santa Fe/ Rio Rancho/ Albuquerque Residents a Safe Ride Option for Memorial Day Weekend 2024

Cumulus Media Albuquerque, in collaboration with the Santa Fe County DWI Program, Bernalillo County Department of Behavioral Health, Sandoval County DWI Prevention, Glasheen Valles and Inderman Injury Lawyers, and Sandia Resort and Casino announced today details for a safe ride option for 2024 Memorial Day weekend celebrations. “Take A Ride on Us” provides Santa Fe, Bernalillo, and Sandoval County residents with the option to take advantage of a safe ride option instead of driving under the influence.

The program will offer safe rides from 10 am on May 24th through 2 am on May 28th; Santa Fe, Bernalillo, and Sandoval County residents can open the Uber app and under VOUCHERS, add the code NMMD24. By using the code, riders will receive a credit of up to $10 off two trips. The maximum number of trips available is 2500. First come, first served. The credit can only be used for rides, not Uber Eats, and the discount does not cover tip.

Residents will be reminded about the code throughout Memorial Day weekend through various radio stations, eD FM, Magic 99-5, 95.9 FM/610 AM The Sports Animal, and 94.5 The Pit.

Cumulus Media Albuquerque, Bernalillo County, Sandoval County, Santa Fe County, Glasheen Valles and Inderman Injury Lawyers, Sandia Resort & Casino and ENDWI encourage residents to take advantage of this program rather than drive under the influence. By drinking responsibly and using the “Take a Ride on Us program,” together we can ENDWI.

For more information regarding the Santa Fe County “Take a Ride on Us” program, please contact Chanelle Delgado, Youth Services Administrative Program Manager, Community Services Department, Santa Fe County at [email protected].

05/22/2024

Hurry deadline Friday...
Join the State of New Mexico’s literacy effort
Earn $35/hr as a summer reading instructor


the New Mexico Public Education Department, Higher Education Department and Early Childhood Education and Care Department announced that they are seeking hundreds of additional instructors for the Free Summer Reading Program, an innovative program set to empower 10,000 students, from incoming kindergarteners to ninth graders, with focused reading instruction in small groups with trained literacy instructors. Participating students are expected to make meaningful gains in reading during the four-to-six-week program. Programs offer four hours of literacy instruction, beginning in June and running through July. Instructors will earn $35 per hour for a minimum commitment of 25 hours per week, including a week of paid training.

“As a literacy instructor, you will equip children with important reading skills and help them gain the confidence they need to be successful in all school subjects,” said Public Education Secretary Arsenio Romero. “You do not need to be a licensed teacher to become a literacy instructor, but we encourage retired educators and educators on summer break to consider joining this historic statewide literacy effort.”

“The Summer Reading Program is an excellent summer job and learning experience for New Mexico’s college students,” said Higher Education Secretary Stephanie M. Rodriguez. “After a week of paid training, all literacy instructors will earn $35 per hour while equipping children with the literacy skills they need to advance in school and life. Literacy instructors may also have an opportunity to continue coaching students throughout the school year, providing a source of income, professional development and fulfillment.”

“Literacy is the foundation for lifelong learning and success,” said Early Childhood Education and Care Secretary Elizabeth Groginsky. “The early years of a child’s life are the most rapid and critical period of brain development, presenting a golden opportunity to make rapid progress in reading, writing and comprehension. We’re calling on New Mexicans to consider contributing to the future of our state by working to ensure that children are prepared to thrive in school and beyond.”

Literacy instructors:

Will earn $35 per hour, including training hours.

Do not need to be licensed teachers.

Will receive specialized training by literacy experts prior to the program, as well as ongoing curriculum support.

Must be available for instructor training at the end of May or the first part of June.

Must be able to work a minimum of 25 hours per week.

May have the opportunity to continue as a literacy instructor during the school year.

Free Summer Reading Program objectives:

Improve literacy outcomes for all participating students.

Measure reading progress of students during and upon completion of this program.

Build confidence and competence in literacy skills that will support students’ academic achievement.

The deadline to apply is May 24, 2024; however, instructors are encouraged to apply by May 17, 2024, to participate in programs beginning in June. To learn more about New Mexico’s Free Summer Reading Program and apply to become an instructor, visit literacy.nm.gov.

Send a message to learn more

05/06/2024

May Edition of RTR is now available in print and online, roundtheroundhouse.com

04/26/2024

04/22/2024

“Fresh Start in the First” statewide safe surrender event in Santa Fe, New Mexico

People with outstanding bench warrants from any magistrate or district court in New Mexico can get a fresh start and safely surrender at the Santa Fe County District Courthouse, 225 Montezuma Avenue, on Friday, April 26th from 1-7 p.m. and Saturday, April 27th from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

“Nearly 1,400 warrants were cancelled during the three statewide safe surrender events we had last year,” said Administrative Office of the Courts Director Artie Pepin. “The opportunity to work on a solution is really what safe surrender events are all about.”

The safe surrender event provides anyone with outstanding warrants an opportunity to avoid jail and other consequences by appearing before a judge. At the time of surrender, anyone who appears voluntarily will receive favorable consideration when requesting a new court date, payment plan, or any other option required to comply with the court order.

During a safe surrender event in Taos last fall, warrants were resolved in 707 cases.

A bench warrant is issued by a judge when a defendant violates requirements imposed by a court, such as appearing at hearings scheduled in a case. If you are unsure whether you have an outstanding bench warrant, call the toll-free customer services hotline at 855-268-7804 or check online case lookup at nmcourts.gov.

The First Judicial District serves people in Santa Fe, Los Alamos, and Rio Arriba counties. This event is in cooperation with the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office and the Law Offices of the Public Defender.

04/15/2024

Angels Dine Out is this Thursday!

04/09/2024

April's edition of our publication is now available in print and online, roundtheroundhouse.com.

03/15/2024

New Mexico State Parks considers public feedback, postpones fee hearing

On February 14th, New Mexico State Parks, a division of the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department announced the postponement of the public hearing on its fees scheduled for April 1, 2024. This decision allows additional time to review and consider over 800 public comments and feedback received regarding fee increases. The new date for the public hearing will be announced in the near future.
“We traveled statewide to engage with our valued customers and understand their viewpoints,” said State Parks Division Director Toby Velasquez. “With over 800 public comments in hand, it’s clear that there’s a consensus for enhancing our fee structure. These insights will greatly enrich our revision process.”
State Parks announced a series of informational meetings to present a recently completed fees study and recommendations for changes to park entry fees. Through a series of 12 informational meetings held statewide, State Parks gathered valuable input from the public.
State Parks plans to review the public input received and revise the proposed fee changes in the coming months. Once the review and revision is complete, recommendations will be presented through a rule revision process, which will include additional public meetings and another public comment period.
State Parks will continue to receive public comments on the proposed fee changes through March 29, 2024. The Fees Study and related information are available to view or download in PDF format on the EMNRD website at www.emnrd.nm.gov/spd/public-meetings.

03/13/2024

The deadline for 2024-2025 Big Game Draw applications is ONE WEEK AWAY!
Don't wait until the last minute!
Approaching Deadlines:
- March 20 - Applications for the Barbary sheep, bighorn sheep, deer, elk, ibex, javelina, pronghorn and oryx license draw are due before 5 p.m.. Submit your application here.

- March 20 - Harvest reports for deer, elk, pronghorn and turkey license holders are due with an $8 late fee. Failure to report for these species by this date will result in rejection of all draw applications. Submit your harvest report here.

- April 7 - Harvest reports for Barbary sheep, ibex, javelina and oryx license holders are due, reports filed after this date will have an $8 late fee. Failure to report for these species by this date will result in rejection of all draw applications. Submit your harvest report here.

03/12/2024

March's edition is here! Enjoy online, roundtheroundhouse.com or in print.

02/19/2024

Free Fridays at the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts!

The IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA) was selected by the Art Bridges Foundation to receive a $240,000 grant, enabling MoCNA to offer free admission on Fridays to all attendees from January 2024 through December 2026. The grant is part of Art Bridges’ “Access for All” initiative, which aims to increase museum attendance through its $40 million contributions to 64 selected US museums.

“We are grateful to Art Bridges for their continued support,” says MoCNA Director Patsy Phillips (Cherokee Nation). “Not only are they sponsoring free admission one day per week for everyone, but they are also supporting marketing dollars to recruit more visitors as well as the costs of bringing more Pueblo members and students to the museum.”

At MoCNA, free Sundays are also offered to New Mexico residents with valid IDs, children under 16, and MoCNA members. The museum is always free for Native and Indigenous peoples and US veterans.

General admission is $10. Seniors 62 and older, students with valid IDs, and New Mexico residents with valid IDs are eligible for a discounted $5 admission.

The museum is open Mondays and Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10 am to 5 pm, with the last admittance at 4:15 pm. The museum is open on Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm, with the last admittance at 3:15 pm. MoCNA is closed on Tuesdays.

02/14/2024

Happy Valentine's Day! Our February edition is available in print and online, roundtheroundhouse.com