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KRTN broadcasts all regular city commission meetings live on AM 1490
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News
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| January 3, 2013 |
KRTN Listener Wins the Guess the Christmas Story Window Contest! |
A Happy Fonda Davis Poses With Prizes
Congratulations Fonda from all of us at KRTN!
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Story by KRisTiNa ~ KRTN Multi-media
Photograph by
Sandy Solano
Sandy Solano and Mike Kowalski of Raton MainStreet announced the winner of the 2012 Guess the Christmas Story in the Window Contest on This, That & the Other Thursday January 3rd. Fifteen local businesses participated in the holiday window decorating contest this year and several more businesses participated by contributing items for the gift basket for the contest winner.
Winning with 11 of 15 correct answers, KRTN listener Fonda Davis!
Ms Davis is an avid supporter of all things Raton and takes the prize for the third year in a row. Her reward for having the most correct answers is a gift basket filled with many wonderful items from participating downtown businesses. Her basket is filled with:
Hair moos, body oil and free pedicure, from Bangs Spa & Salon; 2 Note pads and 2 pens, from Discount Office; A Sheet Cake from Enchanted Grounds Coffee Shop; A Bracelet from Joef's Tutu Parlor; A Free Haircut, from Just Teazin; A Free CD of music of Fonda's choice from KRTN, Enchanted Air, Inc.; A Water bottle from Park Avenue Insurance; A Candle from Willow Springs Quilt Guild; A Tin Can Robot from Radio Shack; A Candle and Hand Soap from RatPack Gift Shop; Post cards from Raton MainStreet; A Chili Rista from Santa Fe Trail Traders; A Santa Claus Bottle Stopper, Cowboy Playing Cards, Leather Gloves and a Candle from Solano's Boot & Western Wear; An Exercise Video and Nike T-shirt from Sports Arena; and also a Five Piece Accessories Set (3 candles, 1 frame & platter) from Woody's Furniture!
Congratulations Fonda and thanks to all who participated in guessing the Christmas Story in the display windows. Thanks also to Raton MainStreet for another year of holiday cheer and festive holiday window decorating.
We look forward to participating again in 2013!
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| December 18, 2012 |
Shop At Home for the Holidays Grand Finale Friday!!!
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Santa & Mrs. Claus feed the baby
International Bank President Ron Schmeits draws a winner in 2011
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KRTN Multi-Media
A Christmas classic is our Shop at Home for the Holiday program and grand finale event at International Bank coming up on Friday December 21st. The event starts at 10:00 am and goes on till 2:00 pm as International Bank hosts their annual Holiday Open House and KRTN's Shop at Home Grand Finale.
Plan on spending time with us as we give away two $500.00 Raton Bucks prizes provided by International Bank for a total of $1000.00 in Raton Bucks, two $100.00 Kickback Cards provided by Adams Conoco/State Oil and prizes donated by our participating sponsors.
You can still register at participating sponsors for prizes to be awarded today and tomorrow morning. We'll be gathering the buckets Thursday, December 20th. Friday's prizes will be drawn from the buckets so be sure to register!
International Bank has the bucket for this week's $100.00 Kickback card drawing. And there will be a 2nd bucket to register for a 2nd Kickback card for those who come by during the Grand Finale.
We'll be putting all the shop buckets in one great big bucket to draw for the Raton Bucks; you could be the lucky one... but, you have to enter to be eligible to win.
Come out and enjoy holiday refreshments, eggnog and punch, visit with old friends and meet your neighbors and new friends and get your picture taken with Santa Claus if you like!
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| December 8, 2012 |
Miracle on 34th Street Opening Night! |
Little Susan Walker (Zoe Gomez) and Kris Kringle (Rick Trice)
Susan (Zoe Gomez) tells Fred Gailey (Dreyson Solano) what she wants for Christmas.
Kris Kringle (Rick Trice) and Susan Walker (Zoe Gomez) at a party thrown for Walker.
Lost in thought is Susan Walker (Zoe Gomez)
The RHS Band fills the orchestra pit below and in front of the stage at the Shuler. Band Director Nate Ashbaugh proposed the idea to Director Gail Wilden for the play.
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By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
A Christmas classic from 1947 comes to the Shuler stage this holiday season for one and all to see there really is a Santa Claus.
The play begins with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade where Santa Claus first appears. This Kris Kringle (Rick Trice) is such a hit that he is hired for the in store Santa. Kringle informs a Macy’s customer that archrival Gimbels has the toy she is looking for. Kringle then surprises a young Susan Walker (Zoe Gomez) when he speaks dutch to a young orphaned girl.
The marketing idea that Kringle started catches on and promotes a new wave of cooperation between the stores. Both store owners meet later in the play to actually shake hands after years of never speaking to each other.
As the play progresses Kringle finds himself in a mess, as he is considered crazy because he thinks he is Santa Claus. A test which Kringle purposely fails only complicates things. Ms. Walker (Jillian Solano), Susan Walker’s mom simply didn’t believe in Santa Claus but finally fell to the charm and worked to help get Kringle out of the Bellview mental Hospital. Walker enlists the help of her neighbor Fred Gailey (Dreyson Solano) who is also an attorney to prove Kringle really is Santa Claus. Gailey proves that with a little faith and belief you really can make it happen as he proves there really is a Santa Claus.
Another treat this year for the performance is a pit orchestra to provide music for the play. Members of the RHS band directed by Nate Ashbaugh, RHS band director, fill the space in front of and below the stage. It's live music for this one and it really adds to the ambiance of the play.
Make arrangements to be at the Shuler Theater to see how Santa Claus works miracles and brings a family together and proves there really is a Santa Claus.
Santa Fe Trail School for the Performing Arts' production of Miracle on 34th Street will run December 7 and 8 at 7:00 p.m. and December 9 at 2:00 p.m. and again on December 14 and 15 at 7:00 p.m.
Call the Shuler Theater for tickets: 575-445-4746.
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| December 7, 2012 |
Ledoux New Mayor of Raton |
The Raton city commission newly reorganized on thursday December 6 at a special meeting in city hall.
L to R Mayor Pro-tem Chris Candelario, commissioner Sandra Mantz, commissioner Jimmy Fanelli, Mayor Bobby Ledoux, commissioner Neal Segotta.
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By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
The Raton city commission met Thursday afternoon for a special meeting to reorganize the commission after selecting Bobby Ledoux to fill the vacant commission seat left by former mayor Charles Starkovich.
Ledoux was nominated by commissioner Chris Candelario for the seat of mayor and received a 5-0 vote. Commissioner Neal Segotta was nominated for mayor pro-tem but withdrew his name after mayor Ledoux nominated commissioner Candelario for the position. Segotta stated that since Candelario has been in that position that he felt he should stay.
Mayor Ledoux thanked his peers for the vote and went on to say that he is looking forward to fixing some of the problems that face the city. He added we have had too much infighting and that it is time to work together and move the city forward to restore it to its former self.
He went on to say that the city finances need work as well as infrastructure and that he looks forward to working with this group of commissioners to make things happen.
Commissioners then went into executive session to discuss the Enserco amended agreement. City manger Pete Kampfer indicated that the threatened litigation on the session would not be discussed since city attorney Ray Floershiem would not be available for the meeting.
The commission will meet again on December 11 at 6:00 p.m. for the regular city commission meeting.
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| November 28, 2012 |
Bobby Ledoux Approved to Fill Vacancy in Commission |
The vision statement for Raton as presented to the Raton city commission Tuesday evening.
Down the road we go. It will take a commitment from the entire community to bring the vision for Raton to fruition.
The stamp you will see more of in the future as Raton Ready will be the catch phrase for Raton's visionary plan moves forward.
Raton City Commission will meet again on December 6 for a special meeting at 1:00 p.m.
The next regular meeting is scheduled for December 11 at 6:00 p.m.
KRTN broadcasts all regular city commission meetings live on AM 1490. |
By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
The Raton city commission met in regular session on Tuesday, Nov. 27 and approved Bobby Ledoux, a former commissioner and mayor, to fill former commissioner Charles Starkovich's vacant seat.
Commissioner Neil Segotta nominated Ledoux citing his experience and former positions within city government. Commissioner Sandy Mantz then nominated Kathy Harris noting that she had received a few calls requesting that she champion Harris for the open commission seat. The vote went 3-1 in favor of Ledoux. Raton resident, teacher and business owner Kathy Honeyfield was the other candidate eligible for consideration by the commission. Reorganization of the commission was postponed until all commissioners could be present.
Paul Jenkins of GrowRaton! and Christopher Reed, Raton's economic developer, presented the Visioning Plan Report to commissioners. They noted that there are five strategic priorities, "trustworthy government" is listed as one of the main priorities. The report specifically noted that Raton needs to have commissioners elected by district. Other priorities included great neighborhoods, a healthy economy, a secure environment and quality physical assets. The document contains a timeline and lists of responsible parties for each task. It is lengthy and Reed noted that it would soon be online at www.ratonnm.gov for everyone to read.
Commissioners heard from water department manager Dan Campbell concerning a loan/grant to continue restoration and other work on the Lake Maloya watershed. The loan is for $400,000 with the grant covering the remaining $600,000. The loan term right now is 20 years, but commissioners discussed paying the loan off in as little as 18 months or possibly five years. Commissioners approved moving forward with the loan/grant.
Campbell noted the importance of continuing the work especially since the lake is now well below the spillway. Additional work that needs to be done at the lake includes the dam project which will likely use capital monies the water department has.
The next item on the agenda was the city manager’s report. Kathy McQueary, RPS Board President and attorney Robin Blair had requested to speak to the commission concerning the Enserco agreement with RPS, which was listed as an agenda item on the city manager’s report. There was some question earlier in the meeting as to when they should be allowed to talk about the agreement. Commissioner Mantz lobbied that the appropriate time to hear the speakers would be when the item came on the agenda. After Blair made his comments, City Manager Kampfer admonished the commission for allowing public comment during his report. He noted this was the first time he was put in the situation that public comment was allowed during the report.
Kampfer then informed the commission that he had been negotiating with Enserco and had easily reached agreement on two of three points of contention including a point that Blair brought up concerning an overlap with the effective dates. ARPA’s agreement ends on January 31 and the Enserco agreement starts on January 16. Kampfer also disagreed with Blair's assessment of the situation because of Kampfer's negotiations with Enserco.
An update on the Raton multi-modal project was also listed on the agenda for the City Manager's report, but after the RPS/Enserco discussion, Kampfer abruptly said he was finished with his report. Mayor Candelario then called for a quick adjournment but was informed about the item on the agenda concerning a miscellaneous document. However, no discussion or explanation on the document was was offered and the adjournment moved forward.
The commission will meet again on December 6 for a special meeting at 1:00 p.m. The next regular meeting is scheduled for December 11 at 6:00 p.m.
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| November 14, 2012 |
Reed Says Raton's Economic Future Looks Bright |
Christopher Reed, Economic / Community Development Director and Executive Director of Raton MainStreet
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Story & Photograph by Christina Boyce
KRTN Multi-Media
Recently I sat down to visit with Christopher Reed, Raton’s newly hired Economic/Community Development Director and also the Executive Director of Raton MainStreet, in his office at Raton City Hall. I started by asking him what he was currently working on. Reed calls my attention to four projects currently on his desk: the new Multi-Modal center, training and board development for Raton MainStreet, ongoing efforts to bring racing to Raton, and Community Clean Up.
That’s a lot on one person’s plate. I asked Reed how it is working for him. Reed calls my attention to the City’s Vision Statement he helped to create through a collaboration between GrowRaton!, Raton City Commissioners and a community task force. This framework guides him as he develops his workflow. He cites his abilities for effective and efficient time management and the support of a great board of directors for Raton MainStreet and capable coworkers at the City of Raton who are positive about the work they are doing.
Reed has been in office since August of this year. In addition to setting city economic and community development goals and getting projects lined up, he’s working with Raton MainStreet’s current board members to identify and plan their projects. He has attended several trainings provided by the state Main Street program. Current board members are Pam Ninneman – President, Sandy Solano – Vice President, Chris Valentini, Howard Woodworth, Hal Porter and Brian Flottemesch - Treasurer. A top priority for Raton MainStreet is filling the board. To fulfill Raton MainStreet’s by-laws they are seeking applicants for three open positions. Reed cites the need for lots of involvement and community buy-in. MainStreet starts small and grows out. The goal is to strengthen area businesses. “When everybody does well then the community as a whole will prosper”.
Reed is thrilled to be here in Raton. As a child he spent time visiting his grandparents in Raton. In fact, he met his wife for the first time during one of those visits when he was nine years old. He moved to Raton as a teenager during his sophomore year in high school and graduated Raton High School in ’96. Reed married his wife Nacia in 2008. They have a four-year-old daughter, Brynnen. He’s always thought of Raton as a magical place. He loves that there are no skyscrapers, the views all around are beautiful and that people know each other and say hi to each other on the streets. Christopher is a goal-oriented person with visions for his new hometown. He is determined make a positive impact on the town in his dual position in the city government and as a concerned citizen.
When asked if the two positions conflict with each other, Reed states that they are aligned in their goals for economic development and community involvement. He notes that the state director of MainStreet is very supportive of the dual position. MainStreet is about community and economic development with the focus on the downtown areas it works with. The National Trust for Historical Preservation developed the MainStreet program over the last twenty years as a revitalization program for downtown areas. The Raton MainStreet website explains, “Based on the premise that historic buildings cannot be saved unless the downtown area itself is prosperous and offers economic viability, local programs such as Raton MainStreet are set up as private-public partnerships, combining the resources and efforts of local government, downtown merchants, area businesses, and interested members of the community, including community leaders and volunteers”.
On the subject of racing in Raton, Reed speaks of the challenges currently facing the city. The courts have the job of determining whether current permit holder Michael Moldenhaur’s bid to hold on to the permit will prevail. Reed projects twelve to eighteen months of litigation before the matter is settled. In the meantime the city is working with a new investment group, comprised of Ernie Wood of Texas, New Mexico rancher Lyle Burns and Santa Fe attorney Frank Bond to gather information that will make the case to the Racing Commission that the last racing permit belongs here in Raton. The city is excited about their expanded vision for a Racetrack, Casino and Event Center built to host indoor and outdoor events.
The Community Clean Up project is well under way with the first tool implemented. See, Click, Fix is an application that empowers citizens to photograph any site or problem in the city, send location data and a photograph to the city thus enabling the city to dispatch crews to fix the problem. Reed says the Public Works Department has been able to resolve incoming reports in less than 48 hours in most cases.
Reed’s guiding light for community and economic development is Asset Based Community Development (ABCD). The idea is to increase communications that highlight area and community assets. His face lights up as he relates that he’s been all over this great nation and Raton has always been a magical place where citizens come together to take care of each other in times of need. Like wise, when times are good Raton has been a thriving town, and many citizens remember times when the city was really “hopping”.
Reed reiterates, “We all need to be working together in a collaborative effort to outline our strengths”. Towards that end, Reed introduced a “Strategic Priorities” initiative at the city commission meeting November 13th. He explains, “This piece is a piece of work we have been collaborating on for approximately a month. The full presentation will be at the commission meeting on November 27th. Paul Jenkins of GrowRaton! has been a great asset and leader for the development of this initiative.”
Reed is looking into the future in one-year, three-year and four-year increments as a way to track the progress of his work for the city. I’m looking forward to visiting with him in a year to look at how things are going.
In the interim, Christopher Reed, Economic / Community Development Director and Executive Director of Raton MainStreet will be keeping KRTN in the loop with news from his offices.
For more information visit these site:
http://www.ratonnm.gov/CityOfRatonVision.pdf
http://www.ratonnm.gov/seeclickfix-1
http://www.preservationnation.org/main-street/about-main-street
http://trinidad-times.com/events-center-part-of-latest-racino-proposal-p4106-1.htm
http://ratonrange.com/city-selects-economic-chief-rhsgrad-will-also-lead-raton-mainstreet-p3699-1.htm |
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| November 14, 2012 |
Short Agenda Short Meeting for Raton City Commission |
KRTN broadcasts all regular city commission meetings live on AM 1490
The next regularly scheduled city commission meeting will be on Tuesday November 27th, 2012. |
By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
It didn’t take long for the Raton City Commission to move through a short agenda Tuesday evening and end by going into executive session to discuss implementing a city treasurer and city engineer position.
Commissioners approved the MOU with the Raton golf course, which included an easement agreement dated back to 1990 to ensure the city had access to the parking lot and other areas should repairs or maintenance be needed on the watering systems at the golf course.
Paul Jenkins and Chris Reed presented to the commission a strategic planning report. The report will be further discussed at the November 27 city commission meeting. The time will give commissioners a chance to go over the report and develop questions.
Commissioners approved a new procurement policy that explains the procedures for purchases and how petty cash and gas cards will be handled. It was noted by City Manager Pete Kampfer that this is a living document and changes can be made as needed to address issues that may arise in the future.
Kampfer informed commissioners that the multi-modal project will move forward despite several attempts to contact BNSF Railroad about a small parcel of land between city property and BNSF property that could be included in the project.
Kampfer also thanked agencies and others for the help on the El Portal fire. With over 4 million gallons of water used according to Raton Water Director Dan Campbell. The city will look into getting help from the state to help cover expenses incurred battling the fire. Discussions will be held with the landowner about insurance reimbursement to help cover expenses incurred as well.
During the reports from meetings by commissioners it was noted that the Warzilla unit engine exploded, literally. It is unknown if it will be covered by insurance for replacement or just repairs. This means Raton now has no way to generate power.
Commissioners will meet again on November 27 for their next regular meeting.
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| November 10, 2012 |
El Portal Burns |
The sign stands tall as the building crumbles around it. Built in 1914 the demise of the historic building came in flames.
The Southwest corner of the El Portal Hotel collapses onto the sidewalk.
This fire fighter shoots water on the blaze in the southwest corner of the fire.
Raton Fire and Emergency Services ladder truck is used to pour water on the El Portal Fire Friday night.
Flame and smoke billow from the El Portal Hotel Friday night as fire fighters battle the blaze.
The middle portion of the west wall collapsed early on in the fire leaving a gapping hole for firefighters to pour water through.
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Story By Billy D with Photographs by Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
RATON– Raton lost a historic building and familiar face last night as the historic El Portal Hotel caught fire and was totally destroyed. Firefighters from Raton, Angel Fire, Cimarron, Maxwell and Philmont poured hundreds of thousands of gallons of water on the blaze in an attempt to keep it contained to the El Portal block and from spreading to adjacent structures. The call came in just after 7:00 pm on Friday night. By the time the first responders arrived on the scene the building was fully engulfed. There were no injuries or fatalities reported.
After a full night of battling the blaze it was still smoldering this morning. Because of the close proximity of power lines in the alley between Park and Clark Avenues, Raton Public Service crews had to cut power to sections of the town. Power had been restored as of about 8:30 am Saturday morning.
Traffic remains blocked on Saturday morning on Park and Clark Avenues between 2nd and 3rd Streets, including the alleys. Also closed is Third Street from Park to Clark. The public is cautioned to stay away, as there is a very real danger of collapse of the remaining walls. Further compounding the problem is the cold front expected today which is predicted to come with strong winds. The plan is to push the walls inward, especially on the east side that faces the alley.
This was the second major fire to El Portal and certainly the most devastating. The first fire in February of 2009 destroyed the south portion of the structure that was mostly empty, but also caused major damage to the northwest apartment side of the building. The El Portal had been, for the most part, empty since then.
Built by immigrant Hugo Seaburg, construction was started in 1904 and by 1914 the El Portal had a total of 400 rooms. At that time, and for some time after, it was the largest hotel in New Mexico. The hotel was expanded in segment and it sometimes seemed, walking from one hall to another, as if you were going into another separate building.
Some said it was haunted, and certainly if those walls could talk they would tell some amazing tales. Unfortunately, those walls have come crashing down.
The cause of the fire has yet to be determined.
More photographs by Marty Mayfield are on our facebook page. |
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| October 20, 2012 |
Ribbon Cutting for Raton DAV Chapter #8’s New Van October 20th |
New DAV Van between trips to ALB VA Hospital at the Raton VA Clinic
Glenn-DAV Headquarters security chief hands the keys to Rey
Jimmy-DAV maintenance and delivery steward key handover
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By Christina Boyce
KRTN Multi-media
RATON– A new chapter has begun for Raton’s DAV Chapter #8 with the acquisition and deployment of their new van and the time to celebrate has come. The van has been in service since August. On Saturday, October 20th, the DAV Chapter #8 will recognize this milestone and give thanks with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 2:00 pm at the parking lot of the Raton VA clinic.
Commander Laura Vigil invites all who helped to purchase the van with donations, time, energy and prayers to join in the celebration. The district commander, volunteer drivers, and city officials will be present. It will be a chance to meet the drivers, Chapter #8 members and see the new van.
The old van, in service for five years, had well over 400,000 miles on it by the time the new van arrived in Raton for service. Rey Gaytan had flown to Kentucky to pick up the van at the National Headquarters of the DAV in Cold Spring, Kentucky. He drove the van to Albuquerque for it’s official check in with the New Mexico VA Health Care System and then up to Raton for deployment with Chapter #8. When Rey arrived at Raton’s VA Clinic the new van’s odometer was reading just under 2000 miles.
Veterans and family members can ride the van to Albuquerque’s VA hospital with advance notice of 72 hours. The service is all volunteer run and currently has seven drivers. Most weeks the van makes the trip to Albuquerque Monday through Friday. Chapter #8 is seeking more volunteer drivers.
Some DAV Chapters of New Mexico have enough drivers that each only has to make the drive once a month; currently the drivers of Chapter #8 make the drive just under once a week. Anyone interested in becoming a driver is especially encouraged to attend Saturday’s Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.
What: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony & Reception
When: Saturday October 20th, 2:00 pm
Where: Raton VA Clinic Parking Lot
Why: Celebrate DAV Chapter #8's New Van & Give Thanks
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| October 10, 2012 |
Commissioners Approve Projects Funding |
A proclamation appreciating the contributions made to Raton and the area by Billy Donati and KRTN program This, That and the Other. Donati has played a vital role in providing support and news coverage to our communities for over 40 years.
Mayor Starkovich presents Lee Phillips, Janis Stuart, Freda Baca and Angel Marquez with a proclamation for Domestic Violence Month. Raton Alternatives to violence is working to provide effective intervention, prevention, community education and support to build a non-violent family environment.
Raton Professional Business Women's week is October 22-26. The proclamation presented by Mayor Starkovich to Michael Ann Antonucci, Diane Dixon, Freda Baca and Tammy Luksich supports the efforts of the organization and the contributions women have made to their communities, states and country.
Jim Flint shows commissioners the parcel of land that is in question between city property and the BNSF rails. The black lines on the aerial photo show the city property and Flint's index finger is on the west most BNSF track.
Raton City Commission will meet on October 23, 2012 for their next regular meeting. |
By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
The Raton City Commission met on Tuesday, October 9 and approved the funding of paving projects and a painting project at the airport. They also approved the procurement of legal services by Modrall Sperling for work they are doing on electric utility and gas utility issues for the City.
The city approved the payment of $10,500 to help with the paving project at the golf course. With the city’s match and money raised by the country club, and the Laird Foundation will match that with $20,000. The city’s portion will come from the Lodger’s Tax non-promotional fund. Commissioner Mantz and city manager Pete Kampfer disagreed on whether there is enough money in the fund to cover the project, so Mayor Pro-tem Chris Candelario had stated that he was willing to let go of the remainder of the $25,000 allocated for the horse shoe pit and bocce ball courts as those costs were estimated at under $10,000. With that in mind commissioners approved the resolution on a 4 -1 vote with commissioner Mantz voting no.
Commissioners then voted 3-2 for continuing the procurement of legal services of Modrall Sperling for legal services concerning the electric utility and gas utility. A motion had been made and seconded and the vote was being called for when Commissioner Mantz requested that the commission discuss the matter. Mayor Starkovich stated the question had been called and was ready for a vote before Mantz asked to discuss the matter and she was therefore called out of order. This move greatly upset some members of the audience with Commissioners Mantz and Fanelli voting no.
Jim Flint with Bohannan Huston gave a presentation on the progress of the multi-modal center, which hasn’t moved as far as hoped. According to Flint, BNSF is being difficult to work with or “should we say trying” as Flint stated. He added they are going to request help from the New Mexico DOT Railroad Division for help. In question is a parcel of land between the railroad track and city owned property. Bohannan Huston wants to include this in the project so that it won’t look like a left over.
It was noted the grant monies will expire in March and that if BNSF doesn’t respond or offer their cooperation in the project they will have to move forward with the project on city property and leave the small area left out.
Commissioners also approved the use of $1950 of a grant that is used for consumables. The grant was not budgeted and Tuesday’s approval of the expenditure recognizes the grant and puts it on record so that a budget adjustment can be recorded later. Commissioner Mantz asked for discussion on the matter after Mayor Starkovich had called for the question. Starkovich then called a point of order. Several members of the audience became upset and verbally disruptive and left the room. Since a motion had not been made yet commissioner Mantz was in order to ask her question, which was how much money was the grant for? The grant is for $7000 and is specifically designated to be used for consumables. The money will be used for paint for a new compass on the runway at the airport.
City manager Kampfer’s report included sanitation issues that land owner Mark Van Buskirk has brought up about the landfill closure. Kampfer also noted that the MOU with the NM Game and Fish Department for the bear-proof dumpsters has been modified and will affect the city financially if they move forward on the matter. The dumpsters are in jeopardy should the matter not be resolved. He also noted that no agreement with Red River Waste has been approved either for the city’s trash pickup.
Commissioners then went into an executive session to discuss personnel matters. They will meet on October 23, 2012 for their next regular meeting.
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| September 26, 2012 |
Commissioners Move Quickly Through Agenda |
Raton City Commission will meet again on October 9th for a regular meeting.
KRTN will be there to broadcast that meeting live on 1490 AM. |
By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
Commissioners met Tuesday night and moved through a short agenda fairly quickly before going into an executive session to discuss the purchase of property pending litigation and personal matters involving the Raton firefighters association.
The golf course paving project was tabled. The country club is asking the city for approximately $10,500 to cover the paving of the lower parking lot. John Vincent from Des Moines donated the aggregate from stock he purchased from the highway 64/87 project. William Serazio donated to the project as well making the cost for the project $47,000 down from an estimated $200,000 for the original project. Other funding and grants are being pursued to cover the remainder of the expense.
City Manager Pete Kampfer felt he had found some money from the Lodger’s tax funds with commissioner Sandy Mantz questioning where Kampfer found the money. Commissioners then tabled the agenda item.
The house at 416 North 5th street was proclaimed a dangerous building and after several attempts to resolve the problem with the new property owners, Eggerbilt Properties, LLC., the city will now proceed with the demolition of the building.
Commissioners approved the purchase of a new police vehicle after hearing from Police Chief Terry Sisneros on where the funds would come from and how it was to be repaid.
The Clean and Beautification Grant for work done around the aquatic center was approved to be paid.
Commissioners agreed with the Lodger’s Tax advisory board and approved the use of $3000 to the Kiwanas club and Friends of Sugarite fishing derby. The funds will help pay for the promotion of this year’s derby and other expenses. It was noted that over 600 participants fished this year’s derby coming from four states as well as local citizens.
City Manager Kampfer informed commissioners that they are going over the July and August financials with the new system it is a learning process. Bids for a street sweeper are in the works with a novel approach of going through NMDOT to get the funding. Bids for digital document archiving is in the works as well and the MOU with Main Street is being finalized.
An RFP for a Lodger’s Tax Single source vender will go out soon. Memorial Lane drainage improvements and the purchase procurement policy will be presented to commissioners in October. The city property inventory is almost complete and property appraisals will be done to secure the proper amount of insurance.
A presentation for the skate park was given with Mayor Starkovich still pledging $25,000 to the project. The revised project is now proposed at $90,000 with a skate plaza plan being promoted. It was noted the plaza approach could be used for BMX bikers as well as roller blades.
Robert Beaudette spoke to commissioners asking why the city needs a new police car, why the lodger’s tax advisory board would no longer have input into how lodger’s tax money is spent. He went on to ask about the procurement policy and what real property the city is wanting to purchase as well as how much, when is it going to happen.
Commissioners then went into executive session and will meet again on October 9th for their regular meeting.
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| September 12, 2012 |
City of Raton Commissioners Productive In Long Meeting |
Nancy McGlothin is sworn in as the new City Clerk/Treasurer Tuesday evening during the Raton city commission meeting.
Nancy McGlothin joins team Raton
Raton City Commission meets again at City hall on September 25, 2012.
KRTN broadcasts these meetings on our sister station AM 1490 for Raton listeners.
Thanks for listening!
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By Marty Mayfield/KRTN Media
KRTN Multi-Media
Raton city commissioners met for four hours Tuesday night to swear in Raton's new City Clerk/Treasurer, also, approving a number of items on the agenda including a runway extension and horseshoe pits.
Commissioners approved the bid from Northern Mountain Constructors for $3,289,004.51 for runway 2-20 extension. The project includes dirt work, paving and lighting. FAA will pickup 90% of the project costs and the remaining costs will be covered by the state. A grant was received for the project for $3.7 million and that will cover the city’s cost since the bid for the project came in as low as it did.
The city also approved the spending of $25,000 for 12 horseshoe pits and lighting to hold tournaments plus the installation of a dog park, and a bocce ball pit. These facilities will be placed between the Aquatic Center and Bonahoom Park.
Commissioners approved a city recycling strategic plan for the next five years. It is hoped that the city will be able to meet a goal of 33% diversion from the waste stream to recycling.
Commissioners then heard about an emergency response plan for the city of Raton. Mayor Starkovich spent over 20 minutes going over some of the finer points of the plan and how the city government would fit into that plan. That plan also fit into many aspects of the remaining agenda items, as Mayor Starkovich would point out through out the night.
Commissioners approved a MOU with the Raton Humane Society for responding to emergencies where family pets may need housing and care. The Humane Society is still waiting to hear from FEMA if they were approved for reimbursement for some of the costs they incurred during the track fire.
Commissioners approved the annual agreement with Colfax County for public safety dispatch services. The agreement is for one year at a cost of $37,000.
Commissioners then approved an internal/external communications policy spelling out how city employees and commissioners should respond to requests for information and dealing with the press.
City manager Pete Kampfer showed the commissioners changes in the Infrastructure Capital Improvements plan that included moving the transfer station and recycling to the top of the list of projects followed by city street drainage and improvements.
In a 3-2 vote with Mayor Starkovich and Commissioner Mantz voting no the commission approved a MOU with MCMC for use of the Aquatic center. MCMC employees will be allowed use of the pool free for exercise classes and MCMC will provide certified instructors for water exercise classes free of charge to the city. It is a trade off that had some commissioners uneasy.
Gordon Environmental was chosen to design and engineer the solid waste transfer station for the city. It was noted that the city landfill is still operational until November.
Commissioners approved $5000 for a cooling system for the new computer and electronics that were installed at the police department. It was noted that DFA didn’t mention that the $400,000 worth of electronics and computers didn’t come with a cooling system.
Commissioners heard from Chris Reed on a new citizen trouble reporting solution called Seeclickfix. Citizens who see a problem, ie a pot hole, can take a picture with their smart phone and upload it and the location of the problem using their smart phones or the Internet.
Commissioners approved the initial cost setup of $1500 and a yearly fee of $3600 to come out of the budget line item for computers. There are details that will still need to be worked out but the system should be up and running soon.
Commissioners will meet again at City hall on September 25, 2012.
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| August 10, 2012 |
City of Raton & Raton Public Service Company Achieve Agreement |
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In a meeting convened on August 9th by the City of Raton & Raton Public Service Company and presided over by temporary chair Ron Schmeits of International Bank, the two parties reached a unanimous agreement to work together for the good of Raton and its citizens.The text of the agreement reads as follows:
(A Joint Public Statement)
AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF RATON AND RATON PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
August 9, 2012
An agreement was reached today between the City of Raton and Raton Public Service (RPS) in the matter of The City of Raton vs. RPS, Case No. D-809-CV-2012-145: concerning City of Raton Ordinance #942 and said counter suit by RPS. Both the City of Raton and RPS have agreed top withdraw said litigation. Further consideration of Ordinances #731 and #942 by the Raton City Commission and the Board of Directors of Raton Public Service shall reflect a cooperative effort that is mutually beneficial for the public interest in recognition of the community trust.
We believe that working together and with other organizations; as a community, we can encourage the future economic growth of Raton.
We encourage local citizens to redirect their personal passion and energy into forward-looking ideas about how they might pull together to build trust and positive plans for the community. The potential to improve the quality of life for the community is real.
This agreement is mutual and amicable.
The agreement is signed by City Commissioners Chris Candelario, Sandra Mantz, Jimmy Fanelli, and Neil Segotta (also RPS board), Raton Public Service Board Members Kathy McQueary, Mark Jansen, and Frank Ferri and Mayor Charles Starkovich (also RPS board).
Click this link for an image of the agreement. |
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| August 10, 2012 |
Local Volunteer Gomez Makes Costuming Magic |
Misty Gomez has been busy this summer making costumes for Willy Wonka Junior, Santa Fe Trail School for the Performing Arts Summer Youth Theater Workshop Production
See Gomez's costumes this weekend at The Shuler, as the Santa Fe School for the Performing Arts presents the culmination of the youth theater workshop's production of "Willy Wonka Junior" tonight and Saturday night, at 7:30 p.m. and a final matinee performance Saturday at 2:30 p.m.
Visit The Shuler Theater or, call 575-445-4746 for ticket information.
A golden ticket for Willy Wonka Junior, Santa Fe Trail School for the Performing Arts Summer Youth Theater Production Opening Friday August 10th.
Costumes for Clair Willden and Ila Medina, two birds of a feather in Seussical Junior, Summer 2011. Photo by ~Tim Keller Arts
Another photo of Seussical Junior, Summer 2011. Photo by ~Tim Keller Arts
A photo of Dr. Dolittle, Summer 2010. Costumes are by Misty Gomez and Ursula Garcia. Photo by ~Tim Keller Arts
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Story and photos By Christina Boyce
KRTN Multi-media
Additional Photos TimKellerArts
It’s been obvious for a while now that there is something special going on with Youth Theater in Raton and those the developments are spear-headed by director Gail Dixon-Wilden. Watching the costuming become more and more ambitious over the last few years has my curiosity sparked. Last year, two productions, “Seussical Jr." and “Little Shop of Horrors”, reached a new level of cohesive and inventive execution for SFTSPA. I thought it was time to visit with one of the volunteer costumers making a difference in our theater community. Misty Gomez, a native of Raton, is making magic with costumes for The Santa Fe Trail School for the Performing Arts youth productions. I sat down to talk with Gomez about her work with SFTSPA as the final dress for Roald Dahl’s "Willy Wonka Junior" was soon to start.
Gomez’s costuming for Santa Fe School for the Performing Arts began with helping Ursula Garcia on “Arabian Nights”. Gomez’s daughter Asia had the role of “Speaking Bird” and Gomez made her costume. She enjoyed it so much that she offered to help Ursula on other youth productions, so much so that they become a team and also good friends. Last summer, Gomez landed the job of costumer for the youth production of “Seussical Jr." while Garcia was the costumer on the adult production of “Little Shop of Horrors”. Individually these women achieved outstanding costume designs for their shows, bringing the visual production quality of SFTSPA’s to a new high in 2011 and setting a high level of expectation for audiences in 2012.
Costuming SFTSPA’s youth theater productions is a big job because the casts are always large; they are designed to give as many kids as are interested a positive experience in theater. As costumer, Gomez is charged with creating a “world” for each show in which the characters look and feel at home and are excited about their costumes. She says, “Costumes have to be fun. If you don’t give the kids a costume they like they’re not going to act well for you.” For “Willy Wonka Junior” Gomez wanted the feel to be bright and colorful and also have “funk”. I asked her what that meant and she explained that she was looking for a mixture of cute, adorable and funny.
Costuming “Willy Wonka Junior” presents an additional challenge because so many people love the story and have seen it many times. There is a lot of expectation walking in the door with the audience. Gomez says this, and the success of “Seussical Jr.”, have made her a bit nervous about this production, but she is happy with the show and hopes the audience will enjoy it.
Helping Gomez with the job of costuming for “Willy Wonka Junior” were Kay Medina, Lisa Robertson, Ila Medina, Lori Clark, Maryanne Dailey, Mollie Freeman, Rosabelle Sneed and Ursula Garcia. Gomez is also responsible for the hair and makeup. She is quick to remind me that she has always had parents and others step up to help and that she could not do what she does without their many hours of help and support.
Gomez credits theater with giving kids a safe place to be themselves, to explore their identities playing different characters and, at the same time, learn to collaborate and to be more responsible.
She does the costuming for no pay, saying that she wants her kids to know what it is to give back to her community. I asked her why this was so important to her.
Misty admits that she was a troubled youth, leaving Raton when she was 16 years old, and not yet graduated from high school, for Denver where she thought she would make it big as a rapper. Even so her practical nature led her to take a job right away, finding work in a senior home in the laundry room. The reality of earning a living came quick, and her ambitious nature led her to get certification to be a nurse’s aide, enabling her to advance in her job. As her life settled, Gomez’ rapping dreams faded but not before winning 3rd place in a women’s competition in Boulder. Working closely with seniors, which she did for many years in Denver, helped her find peace with her troubles. She credits her mom with showing her how to sew though she says she learned to sew from one of the residents. Gomez returned to Raton in 2002 and is happy to call Raton home.
She’s the mother of four children, Johnny Gentry, 12, Asia Gentry, 11, Koby Gomez, 3 and Koriann Gomez, 2 and is happily married to Corey Gomez. When not tending family or working on costumes, she’s taking classes in Criminal Science with Luna Community College, which she began after attaining her GED this summer. Taking a part-time schedule so she can be at home to raise her children, she will complete her degree in approximately 6 years. Her goal is to go to work with at risk youth, helping them to find their path into personal success in their community. She will continue to volunteer with Santa Fe School for the Performing Arts and would like to expand her contributions into fundraising.
Gomez is excited about all the programs available to youth in Raton, though she would like to see more options in music. She believes that families are key to helping troubled youth and their families find their way to happiness and has seen Raton’s youth theater make a difference in many kid’s lives. To that end she would like to see more families engage in the many activities available to youth.
Misty Gomez has found her strength and is well on her way to creating much magic in her community as well as the costumes on stage at the Shuler Theater in “Willy Wonka Junior”.
Gomez's costumes can be seen this weekend at The Shuler, as the Santa Fe School for the Performing Arts presents the culmination of the youth theater workshop's production of "Willy Wonka Junior" tonight and Saturday night, at 7:30 p.m. and a final matinee performance Saturday at 2:30 p.m.
Visit The Shuler Theater or, call 575-445-4746 for ticket information.
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| August 2, 2012 |
Student Costume Designer Inaugurates Costume Department |
 Holli McFadden, costume designer for Santa Fe Trail School for the Performing Arts' Summer Repertory Season, is a student at Adams State College in Alamosa, Colorado
The Shuler’s Kaleidoscope Players close their professional season with the mystery “Web of Murder” tonight and Friday night, then “Church Basement Ladies” Saturday at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.
At The Shuler Theater, Call 575-445-4746 for ticket information.
McFadden’s website is http://McFaddenmcfadden.yolasite.com/
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Story & Photo by Christina Boyce
KRTN Multi-media
Holli McFadden has completed her first professional contract as costume designer for the Santa Fe Trail School for the Performing Arts' Summer Repertory Season. McFadden is a student at Adams State College in Alamosa, Colorado. Her costume design brought a new level of professionalism to the productions of Santa Fe School for the Performing Arts’ Kaleidoscope Players.
Curious to know more about this new aspect of the company’s evolution, I spoke with McFadden about the job and her career aspirations.
Designing costumes for four shows that run in repertory is no small feat. A student of theater at Adams State College in Alamosa Colorado, McFadden has done an admirable job in her first paid job as a costume designer.
McFadden grew up in Northglenn, Colorado. Her family supported her interest in the theater though her siblings were mostly interested in sports. Her mom made her take sewing classes in 4-H, and McFadden admits that she hated it. Later, in high school drama classes, she found herself interested in the back-stage aspects of theater, finding her way into costuming. She credits Joy, the “costume lady” and a volunteer at her high school, with teaching her “a lot about myself and the kind of career I could have in the industry”. The mentorship she received from Joy led McFadden to decide to pursue a degree in the theater.
After completing high school she enrolled in Casper College in Wyoming, completing a two-year program and then transferred to Adams State College to work on a Bachelor of Theatre degree. Last February, when Gail Dixon-Willden, Bill Fegan and TJ Mendez came to ASU to scout talent for the 2012 Summer Season, McFadden made an impression and landed the job as costume designer for Santa Fe School for the Performing Arts.
McFadden began working on the shows in the spring, reading the scripts and meeting with both directors, Mendez and Dixon-Willden, about their ideas for the shows. She came to Raton in March to get a sense of what resources were available here in Raton. This advance work afforded her the ability to pull items from the costume collection at Adams State College she would not be able to find in Raton. Arriving late May in Raton, with her costume box, McFadden met again with her directors and began to pull costumes for “Unnecessary Farce” and “Church Basement Ladies”. A trip to a costume shop in Pueblo landed the bunny costume for “Church Basement Ladies”. Well into the production season, and after more meetings with directors and pulling from the costume collection of SFTSPA, it became clear to McFadden that she would have to build much of “Servant of Two Masters”. Two local volunteers who had stepped up to the plate, Molly Freeman and Maryanne Dailey, were invaluable to her, assisting her on all four shows. The final show of the season, “Web of Murder” was pulled from the collection of SFTSPA; alterations and reconstructions brought the design concepts together and are a huge part of why the shows looked so good.
McFadden is winding down, now that all the shows are up, cleaning up the costume shop and replacing items in the costume collection. She has to restore order to SFTSPA’s storage and build spaces before her contract ends after the final performance and tear down of the last show of the season, “Church Basement Ladies”. I asked her what her favorite part of costuming was. She replied, “Seeing the final product on the stage”. She is interested in pursuing creative costuming looking to Cirque de Soleil or perhaps “horror-burlesque”; the attraction of having “no restrictions” inspires her creative muse.
McFadden will graduate in May of 2013 and hopes to find costuming work in a larger city, maybe Denver, where she can get her “feet wet before I hit the ground running.” She dreams of having name recognition in her field, but not in the usual name up in lights kind of dream one so often hears from young people. She wants to do good work and be respected in her field.
Given the look of her work on the Shuler stage, McFadden is on her way. Remember the name, you’ll be able to say you saw her first professional work right here, in Raton New Mexico.
McFadden’s costumes can be seen one last time, this weekend at The Shuler, as the Shuler’s Kaleidoscope Players close their professional season with the mystery “Web of Murder” tonight and Friday night, then “Church Basement Ladies” Saturday at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.
At The Shuler Theater Call 575-445-4746 for ticket information.
Holli McFadden’s website is http://McFaddenmcfadden.yolasite.com/ |
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| August 1, 2012 |
City Commission Recesses After Comments |
City commissioner Jimmy Fanelli looks over the petition signatures that was presented to the city commission during the public hearing phase of the special meeting held Tuesday night.
The crowd in the city commission chambers at City Hall for the public hearing on the proposed ordinance
It was standing room only in the lobby of city hall. The overflow crowd was present to hear the decision on the proposed ordinance to repeal ordinances 731 and 942.
Mayor Charles Starkovich recognized City Clerk/Treasurer Geneva Trujillo Tuesday night as this will be her last city commission meeting.
Commissioners recessed the special meeting and will resume the meeting at Raton Convention Center at 4:00 p.m.on August 16.
 Audio of July 31 Meeting
The next regular city commission meeting is scheduled for August 14 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall.
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Report & Photos by Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
The Raton city commission in a surprise move, Tuesday night, July 31st, after hearing comments from the public and comments from the commissioners recessed the special meeting and moved it to the Raton Convention Center at 4:00 p.m. August 16.
Commissioners moved the two Raton Public Service budget items up on the agenda and dealt with them first before moving on to the public hearing. Commissioners with no comment approved the fourth quarter financial report in a 3-2 vote with Mayor Starkovich and Mayor Pro-tem Candelario voting no and also voting no to approve the final fiscal year 2012-2013 RPS budget.
Mayor Starkovich read the rules for public comment for a public hearing and then called forth the individuals who had signed up to speak to the commission. In light of a short list Mayor Starkovich allowed five minutes instead of three minutes that he had planned. David Mitchell RPS general manager came to the podium first. He indicated that almost 1500 people had signed a petition against the repeal of ordinance 942 and 731. He stated that he hoped that the city would seek other opinions concerning the matter.
Former RPS board member Steve Cunico spoke next and gave a brief history of the last attempt on the RPS franchise agreement. He indicated that RPS and the water board were put together with successful business men. He added RPS is not overcharging you alluding to the agreement to get Raton out of ARPA. He went on to add that the reason for the reserves that RPS has accumulated is because of the equipment they have in the system. A transformer sitting in the substation costs about $1 million each and there are three at the Raton sub by the power plant. There is switchgear and transformers in the plant and other places in town that cost a large sum of money. The Burro Canyon line is 26 miles long and according to Steve it should take over $10 million in reserves to be ready should a major storm cause damage to the line. That line is estimated to cost about $1 million a mile to replace.
During the Track Fire Governor Martinez had to step in to get power switched in from Springer. With the Track Fire so close to the Burro Canyon line is was felt for safety reasons that it needed to be shut down.
William Daily indicated that the ordinance was a draft and didn’t need to be voted on tonight. He went on to say that since the matter of the legality of the issues is now in the hands of attorneys and the court that the city should let that play out before moving forward with this issue.
Bob Beaudette handed in a petition with 1432 signatures on it opposing the repeal of ordinance 731 and 942. He added they represent the will of the people and he added that should the commission move forward with this be prepared for a recall.
Mark Jansen a RPS board member spoke about ordinance 942 indicating that the writers of the ordinance knew what they were doing. The ordinance was designed to keep political whims from changing the direction of the utility. He added perhaps it does need a couple of tweaks but don’t destroy it tweak it.
Kathy McQueary president of RPS said there are differences in opinion but ordinance 942 was crafted professionally. She went on to look at the proposed ordinance and spoke about the where as comments in the beginning of the proposed ordinance indicating that some of them were whining about what RPS supposedly refused to do. Then she read the one where as that mentions all of the utilities, electric, water, wastewater, sanitation and gas utility services. The city wants to control all of these under the proposed ordinance.
Rose Marchetti spoke about the how RPS and the water department had put money aside and built reserves to fund things in an emergency. She also noted the ordinance didn’t address the experience under fire that both general managers have.
Frank Ferri spoke about the effects to the employees which the ordinance doesn’t address either.
Mayor Starkovich talked about state statute 3-12-10 and agreed it states “may” and then went on to quote letter “C” which states “Any municipality establishing a board of utility commissioners shall retain and possess all powers with respect to the utility for which the board is established as are consistent with the laws and constitution of New Mexico.”
Mayor Pro-Tem Candelario said, “We didn’t expect this when we got into reorganizing the city.”
Commissioner Mantz indicates the proposed ordinance doesn’t address the representation of the Extra Territorial Zone outside the city limits. And as proposed she feels you will loose that expertise that has been gained over the years.
While commissioner Fanelli asked why we were spending so much money o the Wartsila plant and that we wont be able to run and have to give 48 hour notice according to the new power agreement with Enserco that takes effect on February 1, 2013. Both Mantz and Finelli agree this is just a draft.
Commissioner Segotta, the last to speak with some emotion showing, says there is work to be done on the ordinance and in the community. He went on to say RPS and the Water board have done an excellent job over the years. He went on to indicate that during the Track Fire the Water board infused the city with money as did RPS but it took jumping through hoops to get money from RPS. He added, “it shouldn’t be that hard.” What set commissioner Segotta off was when there was talk about selling the Burro Canyon Line, which is touted as a major city asset.
Commissioner Segotta then made the motion to recess the meeting to the Raton Convention center, the date was set for August 16 at 4:00 p.m.
Audio of July 31 Special Meeting broadcast live on KRTN AM 1490
The next regular city commission meeting is scheduled for August 14 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall.
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| July 30, 2012 |
Mayor Charles Starkovich's Statement |
 On Monday morning, July 30th, Raton Mayor Charles Starkovich appeared on KRTN’s This, That & the Other, and issued this statement.
Listen to Mayor Starkovich on This, That & the Other part 1, Monday July 30, 2012
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On Monday morning, July 30th, Raton Mayor Charles Starkovich appeared on KRTN’s This, That & the Other, and issued this statement.
“This morning, I’m pleased to announce that attorneys for the City of Raton and Raton Public Service are addressing recent issues that have been formally and informally presented by each of us to the Citizens of Raton. Our goal has been to resolve the compliance issues with the current franchise ordinance, and we stand ready to work with RPS to resolve this issue.
As we discussed at last week’s City Commission meeting, the pursuit of an additional business enterprise caused the City to review current franchise ordinances. In doing so, we realized a compliance issue with New Mexico public Regulation Commission law involving the current City of Raton-RPS franchise agreement exists.
While we took this step because of our broad responsibility for protecting Raton public interests and obligations to comply with state regulations, we came to realize the likely impact to our business ventures. The fact is, the City Commission has been collaborating with City Manager Pete Kampfer to bring the benefit of several business relationships he has shared with the City to open new opportunities for economic and community development. We realized that sending a message to new businesses that the City and its’ electric utility could not resolve differences in the best interest of citizens could destroy good work done by the City Manager and compromise opportunity for positive economic growth. Plainly put, businesses choose to create, relocate to and grow in a community when they have comfort with business, civic and government stability of that community.
With this in mind, we believe that a positive, unified image is in the best interest of Raton as it increasingly plays on larger economic development stage across New Mexico and the Southwest.
Successfully securing opportunities with a race track and casino and with several other potential business enterprises currently considering Raton for operations can be game-changer for our City at a time when other communities in our region are continuing to feel the effects of an unstable economy.
We applaud all who have contributed to bringing the City and RPS to this position, and look forward to delivering further positive economic news to our citizens in the near future.”
Mayor Charles Starkovich
Listen to Mayor Starkovich on This, That & the Other part 1, Monday July 30, 2012
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| July 26, 2012 |
Raton Public Service Company Regular Meeting |
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Report by Billy Donati
The Raton Public Service Board of Directors met Wednesday night in regular session at Raton City Hall and among the items of business was an update from David Roman, a member of the law firm representing RPS in the injunction filed against them by the City of Raton.
Mr. Roman told the crowd assembled that RPS was not the aggressor in the lawsuit, but the claims filed against its board members made RPS seem like a rogue entity. According to Roman, if the RPS board were to follow the direction the City wants them to go, it would then actually be in violation of ordinance 942 and would then be neglecting its fiduciary duties. It is the opinion of the law firm that there is nothing illegal as set up and that the municipal statutes in NM don’t apply to every single utility for every city. Roman went further to say that the statute states a city may set up, not that it shall set up. Roman went on to defend the board's actions and inform the crowd that an injunction has been filed on behalf of RPS on its own and is asking for a declaratory judgment on each aspect of ordinance 942.
RPS board president Kathy McQueary said, ”we all want Raton to grow… there’s nobody sitting on this board that wouldn't want to sit down with the city commission to help achieve Raton’s economic goals.”
Under the general manager’s report, David Mitchell informed the board that discussions for a possible sale of the Burro Canyon line had begun in March with Tri-State Generation, and that part of the process was an inspection of the line. The process was to be paid for by Tri-State, and had taken five months to schedule , but that on the first of July, Raton City Manager, Pete Kampfer called the company and told them to cancel the inspection, a move that Mitchell called ‘very inappropriate”. Board member Frank Ferri called Burro Canyon, ‘our lifeline”.
Under David Mitchell’s report, he also said the ECA rate reduction initially proposed by the City on May 23 was not even mentioned at Tuesday night’s City Commission meeting. What was mentioned was a franchise fee, which Mitchell says is essentially is a tax and couldn’t be done legally. Mitchell said that in lieu of a franchise fee, the city delivers electricity to the city, which according to the financial report last year amounted to almost $700,000.
The interim budget for RPS which was approved by DFA, was rejected again by the Commission on Tuesday. The RPS board voted unanimously to resubmit the budget back to the Commission as drafted for approval. McQueary stated that any budget can be adjusted down the road for any agreement that might be reached. Deadline for the RPS budget to be in to the state is July 31.
Scott Berry told the board that regardless of the situation an inspection needs to be done of the Burro Canyon line because of safety and liability issues alone. The cost of the inspection will be somewhere in the $100,000 range and Berry, a former interim city manager, said he could appreciate the city’s position of trying to find new revenues with the Hold Harmless gross receipts tax fund drying up and all costs going up.
In other action, all parts for the repair of the Wartsilla generating unit have arrived and the crew will be here on august 6th to begin work. The Wartsilla unit when running can generate 7.5 megawatts, which is enough to handle the power load of Raton in most situations. Because it is powered by natural gas, the sooner it’s up the better for ratepayers. The unit was purchased when RPS divested itself from ARPA and can be used without penalty .
There are some 4000 electric meters and RPS is getting ready to install the final 1050 auto read meters purchased from San Isabel electric.
The annual audit is set to begin on August 27th.
The RPS board then adjourned into executive session to discuss litigation and did not return to open session.
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Letter to The Citizens of Raton from Mayor Starkovich |
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Dear Citizens of Raton,
As Mayor of the City of Raton, the following are 10 common questions I have been asked about our new Utility Ordinance over the past several days. Included here are my answers. This should be helpful information for the Public:
Q1. What's going on between the City and RPS?
In short, the franchise ordinance that establishes grounds for the operation of Raton Public Service is - and, apparently, for at least 26 years, has been - non-compliant with New Mexico Public Regulation Commission rules. Knowing now of this non¬compliance, we're obligated to bring the ordinance into compliance. As part of this process, we also have an ongoing responsibility to protect the overall value that our electric facilities are delivering to tax and ratepayers.
Q2. What caused you to learn that the Franchise Ordinance was non-compliant?
The City is currently investigating the potential to acquire a business that would compliment City owned utilities. The Mayor instructed the City Manager to provide the electric ordinance to the attorneys and craft an amendment to this ordinance to fit the new utility into that ordinance. During this process, the City discovered the current electric ordinance was not in compliance with state laws.
Q3. Is it true that all of this has been driven by a desire of the City Commission to reorganize RPS?
No. One of the key roles of the City Commission is to be active stewards of all city assets, and part of that means periodically taking a fresh look at all aspects of our operations. RPS is a component of city government and, as such, is within the scope of such a review process. In addition to the non-compliance with State Law, this drive for continuous improvement further underscored the need for change,.
We are concerned that the rates and management practices of RPS don't support the needs and expectations of the larger Raton community in 2012. To meet the needs of current and future residents and business in Raton, we must make a change from how the city's electric assets have been managed in the past.
Q4. How is it that a 97 year old corporation with a storied past is no longer meeting the needs of the people of Raton? It seems that a track record of delivering dependable electrical service is what we need.
The full package is for taxpayers and citizens to receive dependable electric service at the cheapest cost rate, AND to have a public entity that is in compliance with state law AND to deliver strong community value when compared with similar publicly owned utilities in comparable communities AND to operate in a transparent manner in service to all in the city.
Q5. You keep talking about RPS not delivering full value to taxpayers. What do you mean?
RPS grew out of a history of continuing investment by the city of Raton in electrical generation, transmission and distribution. RPS was formed by the city in the early 1900s because of the then new invention called electricity. The City created a freestanding entity within the roster of city departments, equipped with an appointed group of trustees and board members to help make the many decisions that would accompany the quickly growing electric utility industry of that day.
Over time, RPS trustees and board members moved further and further away from a role of efficiently and transparently supporting the city's overall service to individual and business residents. In this evolution, RPS amassed financial reserves beyond reasonable system needs from electric rates paid by individuals and businesses in Raton, and RPS increasingly was operating beyond the reach of the ultimate owners of the assets they have been charged with stewarding and voting for the benefit of rate payers and the City.
In recent years, RPS has mothballed Raton's own power generation capabilities, opting to buy all the city's electricity from other producers. This raises additional questions about the strategic capabilities of RPS in managing an essential element of quality of life and economic development for our city. RPS invoking political independence is contrary to its origin and counterproductive for the individual and business citizens of Raton, as such independence comes with the need for transparency and accountability that currently is drastically absent.
Q6. RPS has also said that its real function is to isolate the city's electricity transmission and distribution assets from politics. In today's climate, that seems to be a reasonable mission - why is city government opposing this thinking?
If removing the accountability of city commissioners in the event of a significant problem at RPS, and if operating a public utility with a business model where the majority of RPS's senior leadership is not subject to accountability and public replacement is a reasonable mission, then current RPS activities are appropriate. We clearly disagree.
Current trustees and board members have lost their allegiance to the City of Raton by operating RPS as if it were not accountable to the City. They accuse the City of political subterfuge when in reality RPS seeks ultimate political control by lobbying efforts beyond its corporate charter. By so doing, they are jeopardizing our current business acquisition and Racino investor recruitment.
Q7. Recap what you want to accomplish by revisiting the mission and function of RPS.
What taxpayers expect is addressed in our proposed ordinance, which corrects inconsistencies with state law, provides for transparent and responsible governance, supplies better overall stewardship over electric utility rates and funds, and furnishes a framework for strategic planning, by the city electric utility that has been missing in RPS's operation of the city's assets.
Q8. RPS board President Kathy McQueary has repeatedly called Franchise Ordinance 942 a "solemn and binding contract" between RPS and the city. How do you respond?
We believe both parties viewed it as such when the most recent version of Ordinance 942 was signed in good faith in 2005. However, you can't overlook the obligation of the city to correct the legal problem of inconsistency with state law in as timely a fashion as possible after becoming aware of this problem. Private contract law and municipality law are in contradiction, and speculation by one RPS board member is responsible. Only the Court can decide. Further, in the year 2005, Raton was just ahead of a second major and sustained economic downturn. We have no reason to believe that conditions will naturally improve in the near term, so we must take steps to actively improve the opportunity for Raton to thrive in the challenging economy of today and the future.
Q9. I understand that a financial audit is part of what the City Commission is seeking of RPS. Is that a necessary and an appropriate expense?
A periodic audit is a management tool used to assure constituents that assets and funds are being properly used. Well managed organizations see this as a necessary investment and an affirmation of their good stewardship. Any challenge to an independent audit by RPS should raise questions among its constituents.
QI0. Is the situation with RPS so problematic that it could really take a full rework of the city's approach to managing its electric assets?
Without doubt, the people of Raton expect good stewardship of their electric dollars, expect transparency, expect responsibility to accompany authority, and expect a commitment to both long range strategy and short term hard work. It speaks volumes that the two people on the RPS board who are most accountable to the taxpayers - the two representatives of the City Commission - are overruled by the three "independent" board members when the benefit to the City is at stake. We must restructure the legally flawed ordinance, replacing it with one that meets the test of the Public Regulation Commission and reflects the current and future needs and realities of the city's new economy.
Respectfully,
Charles Starkovich |
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| July 25, 2012 |
Commission Discusses Proposed Ordinance at Regular Meeting |
Citizens of Raton begin to fill the Raton City Commission chambers to hear arguments pro and con to repeal ordinance 942.
Eight citizens were there to comment on the move by city commissioners to to repeal ordinance 942.
Public hearing Tuesday, July 31 at 6:00 p.m.
The next regular city commission meeting is scheduled for August 7th at 6:00 p.m.
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Report & Photo by Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
Commissioners heard from citizens who are adamantly against the repeal of ordinance 942 and 731 Tuesday, July 24t., Citizens filled the commission chambers to hear the discussion about the proposed ordinance.
It was a full house with overflow into the lobby Tuesday night, eight citizens had signed up to speak and all of which are adamantly opposed to the city repealing Ordinance 942. Bob Beaudette informed commissioners that they had over 1000 signatures on petitions requesting the commission not to repeal Ordinance 942 that deals with Raton Public Service Company as a franchise and separate entity yet owned by the city of Raton. Beaudette went on to say that passing the new ordinance would equal their resignation a sentiment echoed by others in the crowd.
The simple matter to this issue is that in an attempt to draft an amendment to the ordinance to allow the city to enter into another business opportunity attorneys found the current ordinance to be in violation of state statutes. According to Mayor Charles Starkovich the city has no choice, we have to bring the ordinance into compliance with state statutes. It is also an attempt to clarify confusion over the bucket system of reserve funds that RPS has. This is a complicated issue that will take some time to work out. The first draft of the ordinance is on the website www.Ratonnm.gov. It is recommended that citizens take a look so they can make their own educated suggestions at the first public hearing July 31 at 6:00 p.m. Based on comments from the public hearings the ordinance will likely be revised before a final draft is voted on by the commission.
Since RPS also serves residents outside the city limits there are issues to representation and other legal issues that will require some legal clarification before this ordinance can be passed. Issues about term limits on board members as well as the amount of monies that can be kept in or put in the reserve funds that RPS has for a rainy day. Commissioner Mantz said,” this is a beginning of an ordinance but it needs a lot of work.”
During the discussion of the RPS final budget commissioner Mantz requested that the budget be sent back and asked RPS Manager David Mitchell to try to find a way to include a 2% franchise fee in the budget since it included a 2% pay raise for RPS employees. That raise only comes to $19,583 including benefits. Mitchell also tried to explain that the city’s electric cost had gone up to $150,000 up from $140,000 previously, which is about equal to what RPS would pay into the city’s general fund. Mantz said maybe the city really needs to look at tightening its electric belt.
Mayor Starkovich also brought up the high electric rates that they are a drawback to economic development because it was a subject brought up by new investors to the racino. Starkovich also suggested that the city start the process to get the land back from Michael Moldenhaur so that it could be used for future development.
In other commission news the commissioners appointed Mera Gleason to the Chamber of Commerce board. Approved the MOU with the Raton woman’s softball league as long as they get their insurance in order. Commissioner Mantz asked why they didn’t fall under the parks and rec department? Something the parks and Rec department will have to look into with all of the small leagues like that.
They approved an agreement with the NM department of environment for $100,000 to construct and equip the transfer station. They approved the Raton Main Street fall fair permit.
They also approved the Intergovernmental agreement concerning cooperative planning with Las Animas county as well as other counties in Colorado to develop a plan for the area.
They approved the resolution to demolish the building at 416 N 5th. The building was involved in a fire a couple of years ago and has began to fall in on itself.
City Manager Kampfer informed commissioners that the RFPs for banking services are out and they are going to make every effort to try and keep it local. His office is also looking at proposals for privatizing trash pickup in the city with several details to be worked out.
The next regular city commission meeting is scheduled for August 7th at 6:00 p.m.
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| July 23, 2012 |
Web is Spun at the Shuler |
Minerva (Janese Little) is pronounced dead. Nora(Brenda Ferri), Belle (Catherine Herrick), Dr. Adler (David Trudeau) Mary (Bethany Hernandez), Keith (Jason Wells)
Dr Adler (David Trudeau) prim and proper with the sinister German accent brings suspicion on himself.
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Photos & Review by Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
High Drama takes the stage at the Historic Shuler Theater Saturday night for the final opening of the Kaleidoscope Players summer season. The spider begins to spin the web early on in the play and soon begins to capture its prey. But not in the way one might think, there is deceit and twists in the plot to keep one wondering what will happen next. But of course money is at the root of all the evil to take place during the play. Minerva Osterman (Janese Little) has it and others want it. Minerva has prepared a will and sets out to find out who is worthy of the treasure.
First in line for the inheritance is her daughter Stephanie Osterman (Jillian Solano) or is she really her daughter, followed by Mary Hamilton (Bethany Hernandez) neice of Minerva. Another neice Belle Hamilton (Catherine Herrick) who because of her lifestyle is left out of the will.
The major twist comes later in the play when Nora, the housekeeper (Brenda Ferri) explains who she is not or more importantly who she really is. No doubt there is an attorney known as “the man” (HM Burleson) who knows the secret. A secret that has garnered “the man” money from Minerva to keep it quiet, but one that will be his undoing.
It appears the play will go this way as the end nears but just before the curtain falls the audience sees a final twist to the end of the play that will be a surprise, no doubt. Or will it end the way it ended in the opening night as director TJ Mendez has been known to pull a fast one or will he with this play written by Jonathan Troy.
There are other characters in the play who are used to distract from the real suspect such as Keith Latimer (Jason Wells) who plays Mary’s boyfriend. Then there is the sticky fingered Pete Martinelli(Zach Salazar) playing Belle’s boyfriend. The one who brings the most suspicion however is Dr. Adler(David Trudeau) who by his part in the play alone will bring suspicion upon himself.
The play will be on stage again July 26, and August 2nd and 3rd at 7:30 p.m.
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| July 21, 2012 |
Relay Dances Forward |
The survivors make a lap around the tack at Tiger Stadium, celebrated as a victory lap that they survived this dreaded disease.
Nancy Valdez not only a survivor but a care giver as well put out a special thank you to the caregivers.
Headed for middle school Tyler Lucksich talks about the simple things like getting a locker in school this year and being at the same school as his brother.
Connie Reid a lung cancer survivor spoke to the crowd gathered at this year's Relay for Life at Tiger Stadium about her battle with the disease. |
By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
The 11th annual Colfax County Relay for Life got underway Friday evening at Tiger Stadium with a Disney theme this year called “The Magic of Relay”. During the opening ceremonies Friday evening Connie Reid, a cancer survivor, told her story about the lung cancer she had. Connie, a lady who was seen walking through downtown Raton quite often began to struggle last year with her walking that is when she received the bad news. Today she is able to make a couple of laps around the track at Tiger Stadium.
Tyler Luksich was the other survivor speaker, a young lad with a form of leukemia, who has a simple look at life as he talks about going into middle school in Springer this year. A simple thing of getting a locker at school brings joy to this vibrant young man.
Nancy Valdez spoke as a caregiver but she too is cancer survivor. She put it simply that a caregiver was so important to a patient who is battling this disease. Nancy in her own vibrant way also participated in the costume contest later in the evening.
Rev Adrianne Coleman who is also a survivor gave the invocation in song this year. Coleman is also in the play Church Basement Ladies at the Shuler. Raton Commissioner Sandy Mantz welcomed everyone to the event. Gloria Martinez-Friestad with the American Cancer Society said she enjoyed so much listening to Tyler speak about his upcoming year. This year she challenged Tyler to think more long term and one day wanted to come back and hear him talk about earning a college diploma and becoming a researcher to find a cure for cancer.
After the survivor’s lap, caregiver’s lap and the parade of teams they held a costume contest where International Bank’s little ones took third with Team Esparza coming in second and the team from Springer taking first place honors with Snow Shite and the seven Dwarfs.
Other activities included mud jousting, Zumba and volleyball. As darkness fell the luminarias along the track were lit up. The bags are decorated some very simply say in memory of someone while others are decorated more elaborately. It is always an inspiring sight to see all those flicker lights along the track and in the bleachers.
One of the goals of relay is to raise money to help those locally with travel expenses and other expenses. This year there was also another treat in that the younger generations are showing an interest in helping out as Tess Neary and Ila Medina are in charge of youth development and Tess is the treasurer for this year.
Relay is also about being there for the survivors and in memory of those who lost their fight with this disease. It has different meanings for different people. Some a sense of sadness as Tyler eluded too in his speech. Others a sense of relief that have survived the fight. One thing that is so touching is to see the smiles at Relay, there are so many.
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| July 15, 2012 |
Servant of Two Masters Opens at Shuler |
Silvio (Jason Wells) proposes to Clarice (Bethany Hernandez) while Dr. Lombardi (HM Burleson) Silvio’s father, Brighella (Jillian Solano) Pantalone (Rick Trice) and Smeraldina (Brenda Ferri) look on to see the proposal.
It’s a sword fight to the end, no it’s a comedy remember, as Beatrice (Catherine Herrick) and Silvio (Jason Wells) vie for the affection of Clarice, while her father Pantalone (Rick Trice) watches.
Here Trufaldino (David Trudeau) and Smeraldina (Brenda Ferri) find out they have an attraction for each other.
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By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
No doubt the Kaleidoscope Players put together the funniest play of the summer season on the Historic Shuler Theater Stage. The Servant of two Masters is not only a comedy, but a romantic comedy that twists the lives of more than just two characters as written by Carlo Goldoni on a day in 1787 Venice.
What made this opening one of the best at the Shuler was the way the play was presented to include audience participation. Participation that even included a cell phone in, of all times, Venice 1787. Wait there weren’t any cell phones in 1787 Venice, so how is this possible? Perhaps Billy D will enlighten you.
It’s a comedy and laughs are expected but not like this, it’s a side-splitting laugh a minute and of course the crowd participation simply adds that much more to it.
And by the way there is a test. A test with rewards don’t ya know after all it’s a comedy. The test deals with who is marrying who. Another twist in the play starts when Truffaldino (David Trudeau) works himself into a situation where he serves two masters. His current master Beatrice (Catherine Herrick), who plays her dead brother, almost crosses paths several times with her love interest Florindo (TJ Mendez) who is running from the authorities. This is where the food flies and the Frisbee is discovered.
This play is simply laughingly entertaining and a must see event at the Shuler. Performances will be on stage again July 19, 20, 28 at 7:30 p.m. and a matinee on July 29 at 2:30 p.m. |
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| July 10, 2012 |
Raton Commission Looks to Restructure Utility Franchises |
The next city commission meeting will be July 24 at 6:00 p.m. in the commission chambers.
Listen to the meetings live on KRTN AM 1490.
Thanks for listening! |
By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
Raton Mayor Charles Starkovich threw out the question, “Should the city of Raton be in the electric business?” Starkovich feels that yes we should. But he went on to say it is a different business than it has been in the past.
Raton is no longer a power provider but a power broker in that Raton no longer produces its own power. He added would the ratepayers of Raton be in a better place if we were to sell all the assets and go with a public regulated company?
Commissioners introduced a new ordinance to repeal ordinance 942 (Raton Public Service franchise) and 731 (Raton Water Works franchise) this evening at the regular city commission meeting. The proposed ordinance will then create a utility board of commissioners with five appointed members, the mayor and mayor pro-tem as well as over sight by the entire commission. The ordinance as proposed has several oversight features built in to protect each utility both financially and politically.
The four utilities, electric, natural gas, water and sanitation will be kept financially separate and money from one utility cannot be used to finance another. Starkovich said they have to stand-alone and support themselves.
The move to repeal the franchise ordinances stems from changes in state law concerning municipally owned utilities and their franchise agreements. At question is Raton’s franchises in compliance with state law or not. The RPS board feels the statutes do not apply in this case, while the city commission feels it does apply.
In other commission business they tabled the intergovernmental agreement concerning cooperative planning with Las Animas and Huerfano counties for further study on new material that has been brought up as well as tabling the introduction of an ordinance to change the energy cost adjustment and amend ordinance 970.
Commissioners approved Neil Segotta as the voting delegate to the New Mexico Municipal League with commissioner Jimmy Fanelli as the alternate.
They approved the special dispensers permit for the Sanchez wedding August 12 at the convention center.
They also approved the final budget adjustments for Fiscal year 2011-2012 so the clerk can begin closing out the books for the year.
City Manager Kampfer informed commissioners that they have posted a job opening for a community developer/main street director. Kampfer will make a formal offer to hire the new fire chief tomorrow (today). There is also a posting for a new code enforcement officer as the past officer quit rather suddenly.
In the next couple of weeks the city will send out a request for proposal for banking services this is a requirement every five years.
Commissioners then went into closed session to discuss the purchase of real property, personnel matters and matters concerning pending/threatened litigation.
The next regular city commission meeting is scheduled for July 24 at 6:00 p.m.
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| June 30, 2012 |
These Ladies Cook It Up! |
 and Pastor Gunderson (David Trudeau) 250 PW.jpg)
Karin and Pastor Gunderson chat over a morsel and coffee
Its another tune about food and life on the Shuler Stage with Mavis, Vivian, Karin, and Signe
Mavis (Brenda Ferri) adds her own brand of elder wit and gossip to bust a gut with young Signe (Bethany Hernandez)
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By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
All the way from the church basement to the stage of the Historic Shuler Theater these four ladies bring you the best in dead spread.
Yes, these ladies not only cook, gossip, but also solve the day-to-day problems of the church and family with a twist of wit and humor. Then comes Pastor Gunderson (David Trudeau) who interjects his own brand of dry midwestern wit. Each are quick to the coffee pot to provide Pastor G with a cup and even a spill.
Set in a small town Minnesota church, Vivian (Adrianne Coleman) over sees this crew of church cooks, there’s Mavis (Brenda Ferri) who adds her own brand of elder wit and gossip to bust a gut. Karin (Jillian Solano) and her daughter Signe (Bethany Hernandez) bring the younger blood to the church basement culinary staff.
This band of cooks has all the menus for each event, with a Scandinavian twist, memorized by heart. They not only cook up a great meal, but when the church suffers the loss of the church janitor, Willie, their Scandinavian wit and humor not only cheer up the troubled pastor but manage to bring warmth to the event.
There is even a wedding in the play that brings special meaning to the ladies. But wait they handle this one too with wit and a caring heart for one of their own.
Folks this is a play for all ages to enjoy and laugh at as the ladies explain the way it is. All four of the girls display the gamut of expressions along with that sparkle in the their eye. They deal with winter and here you have to pay close attention to the costumes to appreciate the full meaning of the scene.
As act two roles in so does a Hawaiian theme that Vivian finally admits to being too old to understand. Pastor Gunderson however brings a smile to warm her heart. July brings panic and oh did we mention these ladies can sing a song or two.
Find your way to the Shuler Theater in July for more Church Basement Ladies where they will be performing on July 7, 8, 12, 13 and again the 27th. July 8th is a matinee with two shows on July 27th and again August 4th. Matinees begin at 2:30 p.m. all other performances are at 7:30 p.m.
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| June 30, 2012 |
Unnecessary Farce; Intrigue, Drama and Laughter |
The Detective and Accountant, ohh la la this one gets well you will have to see the play to hear more about this twist in the play
The Detective and Accountant, ohh la la this one gets well you will have to see the play to hear more about this twist in the play
 Bethany Hernandez, TJ Mendez & Jason Wells
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By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
The historic Shuler Theater is once again alive with the sound of laughter, how can that be there is intrigue, a Swiss bank account, scandal and a water gun, donut toting cop, and laughter?
Unnecessary Farce, a play by Paul Slade Smith graces the Shuler stage as the Kaleidoscope Players begin the 2012 summer season. And, a start it was, as the crowd found themselves on the edge of their seat and the next minute laughing to the antics of a bumbling Barney Fife type police detective (David Trudeau) and his meter maid sidekick (Bethany Hernandez) as they prepare to make an arrest of the Mayor (Billy Donati) with the help of a hot, sexy accountant (Catherine Herrick).
All is going as planned until Agent Frank (T.J. Mendez) city hall security man on the spot, who is also associated some how with the Scottish Clan. The Scottish Clan, spelled with a “C” of course. What do they have to do with this you ask as a bagpipes toting Highland hit-man (Jason Wells) appears to play away the accountant no that’s blow away the accountant. You see, he plays his bagpipes so badly you will want to kill yourself and if that doesn’t work he then will kill you himself.
The laughter continues as the two-room sting scene plays out with more twists and turns than a crooked road. Finally the mayor returns to the room and they prepare to hear how he swindled the town out of $16 million. Then the final twist comes to light when the mayor’s wife (Wanda Henson) is revealed for what she really is.
Unnecessary Farce plays again June 22, 23, 30 and July 1, 5, 6 on the Shuler Stage. What? You wanted me to reveal the total plot, no, no make a trip to the Historic Shuler Theater to witness for yourself the drama, the intrigue, no wait this is a comedy remember the water gun toting meter maid and the bagpipes playing hitman. 7:30 at the Shuler is the time and place to learn how the Scottish Clan spelled with a “C” is controlled by Big Mac.
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| June 27, 2012 |
Commissioners Recognize Fire Chiefs’ Service |
The next city commission meeting will be July 10 at 6:00 p.m. in the commission chambers.
KRTN AM 1490 broadcasts these meetings for our Raton listeners.
Thanks for listening! |
By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
Raton City commissioners said thank you and good luck, to Raton’s Fire Chief and Assistant Chief during Tuesday night’s Raton City Commission meeting at City Hall.
Commissioner Chris Candelario said the 40 years of combined experience they have will be tough to replace and former mayor Neil Segotta expressed even greater thanks for all the tireless work during last year’s Track Fire. With that, Fire Chief Dave Pasquale (21 years) and Assistant Chief Ken Maestas (20 Years) were presented with plaques of appreciation for the dedicated service they have provided the city over the past two decades.
As the commission meeting moved to comments from the general public, former Raton resident Roger Rael wanted to address the commission. Rael however didn’t sign in by the noon sign-up deadline or make arrangements prior to the meeting as per the new rules adopted by the commission. City Manager Pete Kampfer informed the commission that Rael had made prior threats on the phone with Chief Sisneros present and was already under a no trespass order from previous City Manager P.J. Mileta and so Rael was escorted by police out of the building.
Commissioners then discussed briefly the new sanitation rates and approved them. Commissioner Mantz apologized to the citizens of Raton that they had to do this now and that it hadn’t been done sooner than this. The residential rate will now be $25.60 up from $12.00. Commercial rates will vary on use of dumpsters and whether they share a dumpster with another business.
Commissioners also approved a resolution to setup an account to hold monies for the cost of closing the landfill and monies to cover the monitoring program for the next 30 years. The initial closing of the landfill has a price tag of $1.5 million.
Commissioners heard a report from Joe Martinez, Code Enforcement officer about a property the city had cleaned up and a request to start the procedure to tear down the building at 416 North 5th street. Commissioners requested that city manager start the proceedings to remove the building.
Commissioners appointed Blanca Charriez-Quinn to the Library board to fill out the term of past member Marge Parker. They reappointed Ferman Ulibarri to the Parks and Recreation Board.
Commissioners approved the request from the Raton Golf Club for $500 to advertise the Raton Golf course in the New Mexico Golf Destinations magazine. They approved $3500 to Phillips Broadcasting to help host the regional Texaco Country Showdown.
Commissioners approved the Joint Powers agreement with the Game and Fish for bear proof dumpsters. The program is a $300,000 offering over the next 10 years noted city manager Pete Kampfer who also said, “we are going bear proof. “
Approved the closure of the 100 block of Buena Vista for the St. Patrick’s St Joseph’s Catholic Church Fiesta on July 30-August 5.
Commissioners discussed the May 2012 financial report and noted a small bump in the gross receipts tax paid in May, which covered the March time period. A budget workshop is now scheduled for July 10 at 5:00 p.m.
Commissioners will meet with staff in a retreat on June 30 to continue the work started in the visioning retreat earlier in June.
The next city commission meeting will be July 10 at 6:00 p.m. in the commission chambers. |
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| June 14, 2012 |
June 14, 2012 City Commission Meeting Report |
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Report by Alan Kenny
After the opening Pledge of Allegiance to the flag, City Mayor Charles Starkovich called the meeting to order. It was so noted that all commissioners, except Sandra Mantz were present. Mayor Pro-Tem Chris Candalerio participated by long distance conference call.
The meeting started with a city commission report by City Mgr. Pete Kampfer who stated they were working with Federal Agencies on a possible acquisition of the Davidson Law Center as an asset to the City. Next item of discussion was the Ordinance Amending Solid Waste Ordinance 920, increasing refuse rates; discussion was held with possible adoption to be held at the next City Commission meeting.
A resolution was passed in support of the possibility of reopening Springer Boys School, next a request for Lodgers Tax Funds for the Museum was passed. This request is the same as last year’s request for $1250.00 per month or $15,000.00 per year for a period of one year. The Request for Proposal on Annual Street and Drainage Maintenance Program authorizing the City Manager to execute all documents then passed. (City Manager Pete Kampfer went out to bid on this and received bids from two contractors.) Ace Mosimann Contracting firm won the bid. It was noted by Mayor Starkovich that there was $18.000.00 difference between the two bids.
Commissioners then voted in Sarah Kowalski as NM Film Liaison for another two year term. Item # 7 on the agenda was the Southwest Chief Amtrak updated report made by Fred Sparks who wanted to quash any rumors that Amtrak was leaving… Sparks reported that he had spoken with the President of Amtrak to Verify that Amtrak was staying. Mr. Sparks also noted that 4000 Boy Scouts utilize Amtrak each year and that Raton was 2nd most frequently ticketed stop in the whole state.
Item #8, Raton Public Service quarterly financial report presented by David Mitchell - After a lengthy discussion and a few sticking points between the City of Raton and RPS, with the City Commission trying to save money for the taxpayers they serve and RPS trying to cover their Debt Service being the thrust of the main disagreement, the City Commission went into executive session to discuss real property. After they returned they voted to accept the Financial Report as presented by David Mitchell with the caveat that more information will be available in the near future.
The MOU with City of Raton and The Raton Baseball League, authorizing the City Manager to execute all documents, was then passed. In the City Managers report, Pete Kampfer announced that the City Commission and City Staff Community Retreat will be held June 30 at the NRA Whittington Center and also that the job posting for Raton Fire Chief Position has been placed with an application deadline of June 29th. It was also noted that on June 26th, plaques will be given to retiring Fire Chief Pasquale and Maestas, and that the interview process for the new Chief begins June 19th. The City Commission voted to adjourn the meeting at approximately 2:15pm.
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June 12, 2012 |
1 Year Later - Raton Track Fire 2011
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A year later sportsmen enjoy fishing at Lake Maloya after the Track Fire blew through the area.
While the devastation of fire is still evident around the lake many signs of regrowth are everywhere.
Simply enjoying a lazy sunday afternoon fishing at Lake Maloya, one year later after the Track Fire devastated the area.
Fire has decimated some of the pines around the lake many are still green and growing a year after the track fire blew through the park.
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By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
It was a windy lazy Sunday afternoon just over a year ago on June 6 when as some would say all hell broke loose and the quiet world in Raton was put in turmoil as a wildfire that started near the railroad tracks by the north Raton exit on I-25 roared up the hillsides.
The fire spread quickly and by evening voluntary evacuations of north Raton were being called for. By midnight those evacuations became mandatory. Within a day evacuations of Sugarite Canyon and Lake Maloya had been imposed.
Today, one year later it is again a lazy Sunday afternoon and area residents are enjoying the afternoon at Lake Maloya. Once again families are fishing together while others were hiking and canoeing on the lake. Others simply enjoyed a picnic or just sitting there watching the water lap against the shore.
Campers are filling Lake Alice campground to overflow. Soda Pocket Campground is still closed while state parks works on building new campsites and shelters at Soda Pocket.
Reminders of the devastation are still present yet new growth of oak brush, grass going to seed and other signs of rejuvenation are abundant. Birds are again singing and flying about the area as other wildlife graze the grasses.
According to Dan Campbell at Raton Water the water shed into Lake Maloya is still a concern. Water quality at the lake will continue to be monitored very closely for the next couple of years, as will restoration work in the watershed.
Today many Raton residents are counting their blessings that they, unlike many New Mexico residents, are homeless due to wildfires in the state over the last year.
While fire is devastating it too can be renewing as is evidenced by the new growth on the hillsides along I-25, along Sugarite Canyon and Yankee Canyon.
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May 30, 2012 |
Raton City Commissioners Reject RPS Budget
Mayor Asks for Fuel Cost Rate Reduction
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Residents are welcome and encouraged to speak at commission meetings. In order to speak at meetings one must sign up before noon on the day of the meeting one wishes to speak at.
There is a simple form to fill out. You can call city hall, 445-9551 and ask to sign up, stop by Raton City Hall at 224 Savage Avenue
to fill out the form or download the request form, complete it and deliver it to the City Clerk Office.
Please be sure to deliver the request by noon on the day of the meeting.
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Report by
Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-media
Raton city commissioners met Tuesday evening for a budget hearing and discussion in order to send a preliminary budget to the Department of Finance Authority. The city also approves the budget of the water department and Raton Public Service before it is sent to DFA.
During the public hearing portion of the meeting several residents spoke in favor of keeping the Aquatic Center open all year round instead of closing it during the winter. Those that spoke talked about the people who use the facility for health reasons, as well as a way for kids to have something to do to stay out of trouble and the out of town people the facility attracts that creates other gross receipts. Commissioners all echoed that they didn’t want to close the pool but budget constraints are pressing them to look at some form of reductions.
City Manager Kampfer told commissioners that sanitation is the real headache this year with the budget and that there are still several variables involved with that department. The big question being whether or not privatization of the department will be in Raton’s future. Rates will undoubtedly go up, the question is how much will those rates go up. At $24 for residential rates the city will still see over a $200,000 deficit yet Kampfer feels that a rate of $26 could erase that deficit.
The city is expecting to see some additional revenues but as to how much is anyone’s guess. The revenues should come from construction projects this year and the city is hoping for more tourism dollars to flow in. Yet these variables can only be guessed at so the budget is projecting them lower in the hopes they will be up.
The water department budget was reviewed and it was noted that the Track Fire was the biggest expense to that department and will be for the next three years. The biggest increase there was the cost of electricity to pump water from Cimarron. Normally that cost is fairly low since Raton pulls water on a gravity feed basis from Lake Maloya.
Several improvements will take place at the lake over the next year or so. The emergency spillway is now considered to be inadequate and will have to be enlarged. Other projects include repairs to the dam and the piping that collects water from the lake to bring it into the water system.
The RPS budget however was a totally different matter. Mayor Starkovich asked the RPS board to come up with a rate reduction of .005 cents in the fuel adjustment costs. That cost is supposed to be a pass through cost from the RPS electric supplier to the customer. The current energy cost adjustment or ECA is .091 cents per kilowatt-hour. Starkovich was asking RPS to bring that down to .086 per kilowatt-hour for the next six months. In January the new power agreement will take effect and Starkovich was asking RPS to cut that ECA from .073 to .071. That would cost RPS about $312,000 over the fiscal year. That would also put RPS just under $47,000 short to pay for debt service which Starkovich feels RPS could easily pay for from the 60 day reserve fund that as of April had over $370,000 in it, or the $2.6 million improvement and replacement fund.
With the current budget RPS will end the year with over $860,000. If they implement the ECA reduction the end result will be over $500,000 at the end of the fiscal year. The cost savings to Raton residents will be about 10% over a 10-year period.
Another contention with both Mayor Starkovich and commissioner Segotta is the 2% pay raise that RPS employees will receive this year as well as the 2% they received last year. Segotta said he felt RPS employees deserved it but the city wasn’t able to give their employees any raise this year or over the past couple of years. It was also noted that water department manager Dan Campbell was on hand to answer question but no RPS representative was present. Also Commissioner Mantz noted the lack of detail in the budget as well as Mayor Starkovich’s comments about the RPS board not doing a line-by-line budget review.
When looking at all three budgets as the commissioners did tonight it was noted that RPS budget was over $7 million or about 50% while the water department was about $3 million or 20% and the city portion of the total budget was just over $4 million or 30% of the budget.
The budget planning process is ongoing and will result in a final budget that is due to the Department of Finance Administration on August 1st, 2012.
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May 29, 2012 |
City Commissioners Consider
Raton Regional Aquatic Center Winter Schedule |
Raton Mayor Charles Starkovich on This, That & the Other Tuesday May 29th, 2012.
2012 Summer Pool Hours:
Monday – Tuesdays:
6:00 am – 10:00 am Adult Lap Swim;
10:00 – 12:00 noon Open Swim;
12:00 noon – 1:00 pm Adult Lap Swim
Wednesday – Fridays:
1:00 pm - 5:30 Open Swim;
5:30 – 6:30 Adult Lap Swim;
6:30 – 8:15 Open Swim
Saturdays:
10:00 am – 7:30 pm Open Swim
Sundays:
1:00 pm – 6:00 pm Open Swim;
Also, available for rentals 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
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Story & Photographs by
Christina Boyce
KRTN Multi-media
Raton’s primo swimming complex, in it’s second year of operation, is the subject of discussion these days as City Commissioners consider hours of operation for the fall.
The rumor that the pool is closing is false, “We are not closing the swimming pool”, Mayor Charles Starkovich announced today on KRTN’s morning talk program This, That & the Other.
Summer 2012 pool hours (through Labor Day weekend) are as follows:
Monday – Tuesdays: 6:00 am – 10:00 am Adult Lap Swim; 10:00 – 12:00 noon Open Swim; 12:00 noon – 1:00 pm Adult Lap Swim
Wednesday – Fridays: 1:00 pm - 5:30 Open Swim; 5:30 – 6:30 Adult Lap Swim; 6:30 – 8:15 Open Swim
Saturday: 10:00 am – 7:30 pm Open Swim
Sunday: 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm Open Swim;
Available for rentals 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Citizens will have the opportunity to hear budget issues and concerns at tonight’s budget workshop and at the regular city commission meetings. The issue at hand is cost. City Commissioners are working through annual budget planning to find the best way to serve residents while managing city finances responsibly. The city is considering three options that take into account last year’s use and expenses and allow the commissioners to evaluate the best way to operate this very popular facility.
Option 1 would have the pool open April 1 – September 30 for regular hours and closed for the winter season, October 1 – March 31.
Option 2 would have the pool open April 1 – September 30 for regular hours and for the winter season, October 1 – March 31, open on Friday, Saturday & Sundays.
Option 3 would have the pool open April 1 – September 30 for regular hours and for the winter season, October 1 – March 31, open on Friday, Saturday & Sundays, as in Option #2 but adds the ability for the city to open the pool on a case by case basis for special events and rentals.
Mayor Charles Starkovich supports Option 3. He invites residents and concerned citizens to attend tonight’s meeting, 5:30 - 7:00 pm, so they can hear the commissioners’ discussion and find out more about the issues at hand and positions held by commissioners.
The budget planning process is ongoing and will result in a final budget that is due to the Department of Finance Administration on August 1st, 2012.
Residents are welcome and encouraged to speak at commission meetings. In order to speak at meetings one must sign up before noon on the day of the meeting one wishes to speak at. There is a simple form to fill out. You can call city hall, 445-9551 and ask to sign up, stop by Raton City Hall at 224 Savage Avenue to fill out the form or download the request form, complete it and deliver it to the City Clerk Office.
Please be sure to deliver the request by noon on the day of the meeting.
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May 23, 2012 |
Raton Commission Deals with Agenda Quickly |
May is proclaimed Foster Parent Appreciation Month.
May 20-26 is Emergency Medical Services week.
May 20-26 is proclaimed to be National Public works week.
National Police week May 13-19 as designated by the Congress and President of the United States .
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Story & Photos by
Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
Raton city commissioners moved quickly through the regular meeting agenda Tuesday night hearing about landfill deadlines, the possibility of a new VA Clinic along with presenting four proclamations.
May is proclaimed Foster Parent Appreciation month for swerving the family as the primary source of love, identity, self-esteem and support. New Mexico has approximately 2316 children and youth in foster care providing a safer secure and stable home along with the compassion and nurture of a foster family. Accepting from Mayor Charles Starkovich is Patricia Gonzales and Rose Ahern.
May 20-26 is Emergency Medical Services week proclaiming how vital a public service the emergency medical services play in our community to provide lifesaving care on a 24/7 basis. Access to quality emergency care dramatically improves the survival and recovery rate of those who experience sudden illness or injury. Accepting the proclamation from Mayoe Charles Starkovich is Neel Duenas, Jacob Butt, Nick Bever, Ken Gonzales and Captain Chris Espinosa.
May 20-26 is proclaimed to be National Public works week noting that public works services provided in our community are an integral part of our citizens everyday lives. The support of an understanding and informed citizenry is vital to the efficient operation of public works systems and programs such as water, sewer, streets and highways, public buildings and solid waste systems. Accepting for the public works Department is Ernest Castillo, Troy Lopez and Luis Casillas from Mayor Charles Starkovich.
National Police week May 13-19 as designated by the Congress and President of the United States congratulates the members of law enforcement. The Raton police department plays an essential role in safeguarding the rights and freedoms of Raton. It is essential that the citizens of Raton understand the duties, responsibilities, hazards and sacrifices of their law enforcement agency by protecting citizens from violence and disorder and by protecting the innocent against deception and the weak against oppression. Accepting for the Raton police department is LT William Holland, Chief Terry Sisneros, Leonard Baca, Paul Mares, Robert Gonzales and Richard Garcia from MAyor Charles Starkovich.
In the committee reports from commissioners it was noted that a possible July 1 deadline in closing the city landfill may loom on the horizon as well as the Veteran’s Administration being only a month or so away from going to bid on a new clinic in Raton. It is hoped that construction could begin early next year.
Commissioners approved the New Mexico Uniform Traffic Ordinance as the city traffic laws.
They also approved the application for the Sweet Shop to get a beer and wine license. Mike Pappas noted he had sold their full service liquor license to an establishment in Albuquerque.
Commissioners tabled the memorandum of understanding with the Raton Baseball League. The league had been asked for additional paperwork establishing its non-profit status and insurance coverage. Commissioner Mantz noted that the non-profit status comes from the IRS not a simple note indicating that no profit will be made but lots of expenses will be incurred.
Commissioners also approved the contract with J&J Auctioneers to auction off city property. The Raton Schools have also asked to be included as they dispose of some of their surplus equipment.
After receiving two proposals for sanitation services the city manager requested the commission reject the proposals due to insufficient information. The city will revise the RFP and send it out again. City manager Pete Kampfer noted in his report that they are seeing too many variables in working with the solid waste process. Kampfer also noted that he is working on a new sanitation ordinance and because of the variables they have encountered the ordinance in commissioner’s packets is a changing document.
They approved the final 2010 audit report then appointed Joe rodman to the library board and approved the special dispensers permit for the Gaidea Quinceanera to be held June 30, 2012.
Commissioners adopted the public comment period policy they initially adopted in March. They also approved a resolution supporting the New Mexico Racing Commission in their adoption of rules to tighten drug testing of horses after races.
After some discussion and changes commissioners approved a resolution setting a uniform public meeting place for all city boards, committees and franchises. The meeting place is city hall and provisions will be made for meeting time conflicts and for those that might require a larger meeting room or one for closed meetings.
Commissioners then went into closed session to discuss personnel and the purchase of real property.
Commissioners will meet again next week May 29, for a budget workshop at 5:00 p.m.
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May 22, 2012 |
Peace & Remembrance March Raises Funds for David Westphall Veterans Foundation |
COL (Ret.) Gilbert N. San Roman
San Roman invites supporters to join him on that final quarter mile from the entrance of the Memorial to the Memorial itself.
He predicts he will arrive at the entrance of the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial between 11:00 and 11:30 in the morning on Saturday May 26th.
All are invited to join him in remembrance of veterans, active duty service members, POW/MIA’s, their families and for peace around the globe.
Departure: Wednesday May 23, 6:00 am Old La Mesa Park in Raton
Predicted Arrival: Entrance gates at VVM in Angel Fire, Saturday May 26, 11:00 – 11:30 am
Join: Final Quarter Mile of Peace & Remembrance March
Donations: Checks in any amount made out to David Westphall Veterans Foundation
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Story & Photo by
Christina Boyce
KRTN Multi-Media
COL (Ret.) Gilbert N. San Roman starts an 80 mile walk on Wednesday, May 23rd in a very personal effort to raise funds for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Angel Fire, New Mexico. Gilbert begins his Peace & Remembrance March at 6:00 am, leaving from the gates of the old La Mesa Park in Raton. San Roman served in the Air Force, active duty 1971 – 1979; he served three consecutive combat tours in 1972, ’73 & ’74 in SE Asia. He also served 23 & ½ years in the National Guard, retiring as a full Colonel on November 11, 2007.
San Roman has made his Peace and Rembrance March every five years since 1982. He does this to honor all soldiers who never came home, their families, the POW/MIA’s and their families, for all Veterans of all wars and their families, and for peace so our brave men and women serving in uniform around the globe can return to their families.
Covering 84.1 miles in four days requires a steady pace. San Roman is a tall man and with his long gait he is able to cover 25 miles per day, walking approximately 8 hours each day.
San Roman says that this is probably his last march due to knee and ankle concerns. He admits that age is a factor in his decision. In 2007 his March raised $1700.00 for the David Westphall Veterans Foundation and San Roman would like to be able to present an even bigger purse for his possibly last march. Any amount is appreciated and checks should be made out to the David Westphall Veterans Foundation. While most of his fundraising has been done prior to beginning the march, there are two perfect opportunities to hand a check to him: at the beginning of his march and also on the final quarter mile approach to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Angel Fire.
San Roman invites supporters to join him on that final quarter mile from the entrance of the Memorial to the Memorial itself. He will be starting the final leg of the March at Toby Campground in the Cimarron Canyon at 7:00 am and predicts he will arrive at the entrance of the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial between 11:00 and 11:30 in the morning on Saturday May 26th. All are invited to join him in remembrance of veterans, active duty service members, POW/MIA’s, their families and for peace around the globe.
Departure: Wednesday May 23, 6:00 am Old La Mesa Park in Raton
Predicted Arrival: Entrance gates at Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park in Angel Fire, Saturday May 26, 11:00 – 11:30 am
Join: Final Quarter Mile of Peace & Remembrance March
Donations: Checks in any amount made out to David Westphall Veterans Foundation
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May 7, 2012 |
Raton Commission Honors Senator Harden |
Raton Parks and Rec director Jared Chatterly presents Senator Harden with a life-time membership to the Aquatic Center.
Mayor Charles Starkovich, former Mayor Joe Apache, Senator Clinton Harden, former city manager Pete Mileta, Jr., and Senator Pete Campos were in attendance during a small ceremony to honor Senator Harden.
Former Mayor Joe Apache reads the proclamation honoring Senator Clinton Harden for the work he did for Raton while he was in the state senate.
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Photos & Story by
Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
In a special meeting the Raton city commission honored Senator Clinton D. Harden for the work he did for Raton while in the state senate. The proclamation noted his support during the Track Fire, helping with the Aquatic Center, Canadian River watershed and other wastewater issues.
Commissioners then heard from city manager Pete Kampfer about the budget and what is expected to happen over the next few weeks during the up coming budget workshops.
The special meeting adjourned and the regular meeting began with the usual agenda items. They conducted a public hearing with no comment adopting the New Mexico Uniform Traffic Ordinance. The city uses the traffic code as their primary traffic laws. The ordinance will be considered at the next meeting.
The commission authorized city manager Kampfer to move forward with the multi-modal center documentation and final design of the project.
They approved the closure of Cook Avenue in front of the White House Saloon for the Class of 82 reunion dance on July 27.
City Manager Kampfer recommended the use of J&J Auctioneers LLC to conduct the auction of the city equipment that will be put up for sale. The auction is expected to take place sometime in June.
Commissioners approved city manager to negotiate and execute the documents with the runway expansion.
Commissioners discussed the budget adjustments presented and then approved those changes. Commissioner Mantz and Mayor Starkovich requested that the adjustments be made during the year instead of all at the end of the year.
The Raton Rodeo Association will receive $2500 of lodger’s tax money to promote the Raton rodeo to be held June 22-23.
Commissioners heard that city manager Kampfer was able to negotiate a smaller fine with the NM Solid Waste Bureau for fines levied in 2011. The original fine was $26,700 and was lowered to $15,000. The city will also pay off a $6000 levy in one lump sum.
The city then approved Memorandum Of Understandings with the Raton Little League, the Raton Chamber of Commerce and GrowRaton! The MOUs are the same as last year with only small date changes and names.
City manager Kampfer informed the commissioners about the all city board orientation on May 17. The budget workshops that will be held on May 15, 22nd and 29th. He also provided a copy of the updated landfill emergency contingency plan for their information.
The commission then moved into executive session to discuss the purchase of real property.
Commissioners will meet again for their regular meeting on May 22.
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May 5, 2012 |
Raton Regional Recycling Center Ribbon Cutting |
Mayor Charles Starkovich, with Senator Pete Campos, Pat Vigil - Raton Public Works Superintendent, Steve Porter, Raton's new Recycling Coordinator, David Wentling and fellow GrowRaton! representatives, Raton Ambassadors, recycling volunteers and Jesse Just of New Mexico Recycling Coalition gather to cut the ribbon, officially opening the Recycling Hub Facility.
Raton Recycling Task Force Members salute Steve Porter, Solid Waste Recycling Coordinator.
Raton Recycling Task Force Members salute Steve Porter and David Wentling as they shake hands at the end of another successful first Saturday Recycling Collection Day, May 5, 2012.
Steve Porter is the new Recycling Coordinator for Raton Regional Recycling Hub Facility. He stands in front of the new bailer, the real star of the facility.
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Photos & Story by
Christina Boyce
KRTN Multi-Media
Cinco de Mayo was a day for cultural celebration as well as quality of life ceremonies in our area. Citizens of Raton and surrounding towns and villages took time to celebrate the fully functioning Raton Regional Recycling Hub (RRRH) Facility with an official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Sponsored by the Raton Chamber of Commerce and Raton Ambassadors the ceremony was attended by Senator Pete Campos, Mayor Charles Starkovich, District Attorney Candidate Sarah Montoya, District Court Judge Candidate Jeff McElroy, Jesse Just of New Mexico Recycling Coalition, Pat Vigil - Raton Public Works Superintendent, Steve Porter, Raton’s new Recycling Coordinator, David Wentling and fellow GrowRaton! representatives, the Raton Ambassadors, recycling volunteers and many invested citizens.
Recycling has finally taken hold in Northeastern New Mexico and Raton takes the lead in the quest to expand recycling into rural New Mexico. The RRRH Facility makes it possible for towns too small to have a baler of their own to offer recycling to their citizens. Partnering communities bring their collected recyclables to the facility so those materials can be baled and taken to market.
Currently the nearby towns of Cimarron & Maxwell are officially “spoke communities”. Several other communities in the area are looking at becoming spoke recycling towns. Economic and environmental benefits to citizens will expand as the RRRH Facility builds this network of cooperation in our region. The main goal is to divert as much recyclable materials from the waste stream as possible, saving money on disposal costs.
Raton’s landfill is soon to be full, at which time citizens will be faced with an increase in waste fees because the city will have to truck the trash to the landfill operation in Wagon Mound.
Recycling Coordinator Steve Porter was pleased with the day’s ceremony and recycling. “It went well considering all the Cinco de Mayo events going on in the area; 125 cars came through the facility while an uncounted batch of citizens chose to use the collection trailers parked just outside the facility”.
Porter will be focusing his efforts in the next several weeks on working with the many entities involved in recycling, gathering input from citizens as well, to create a long-range recycling plan for the region. Citizen input from a community input forum will be used to create a “living document” which must be in place when the new fiscal year begins on July 1st. Details for the forum will be announced soon. In the mean time, citizens may contact Porter at his home, 575-375-2454.
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April 24, 2012 |
Raton Commission Moves Through Agenda |
Child Abuse Prevention month was proclaimed by Mayor Charles Starkovich with Patricia Gonzales accepting Tuesday night. Child abuse and neglect are serious problems and finding a solution involves the people within our community. There are approximately 30,000 reports of neglect in New Mexico each year and the citizens of Raton share the responsibility of raising awareness of and the prevention of Child abuse. Report abuse to CYFD hotline at 855-333-7233.
In 1872 Sterling Morton proposed to the Nebraska Board of Agriculture that a special day be set aside for the planting of trees. More than a million trees were planted in Nebraska to observe the holiday called Arbor Day. Trees reduce erosion of topsoil by wind and water, cut heating and cooling costs, produce life-giving oxygen and countless other products. April 27 is proclaimed Arbor Day. Accepting the proclamation is Jerry Seward of the Colfax Soil and Water Conservation District.
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Report By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
The Raton city commission met Tuesday night at City Hall for their regular bi-monthly meeting and quickly sped through a lengthy agenda that included some good news about the budget and the bad news, its that time again, budget workshops begin next month.
City Clerk Geneva Trujillo informed commissioners that while the general fund is slightly below expectations there was a bump in property taxes being paid as well as a small bump in gross receipts taxes. Compared to last year however GRT is down by 4.53% while it falls just over 6% below the budgeted amount.
City Manager Kampfer informed the commission that next month they will begin budget workshops next month and he is hoping to have the budget almost finalized by May 29. He mentioned to them that for the city to move forward and begin the cleanup process that the public works budget will be closely looked at and he is hoping to see some improvements in it. He felt that the public works department couldn’t do their job properly with the funding they currently have.
The commission approved a request to close Savage Street from First Street to Second Street for the Cinco de Mayo celebration. Also approved the special dispensers permit for the Raton Arts and Humanities Council fundraiser at the convention center for May 12.
Commissioners approved amendment four with Children Youth and Families for the JJAC Grant. This grant is used to help provide programs to help keep at risk kids in school. Commissioner Mantz felt the wording in the agreement that calls the city the contractor should be changed to fiscal agent since the city is only a pass through entity for administering the grant. The agreement passed 4-1.
The city of Raton will be placing several items and equipment up for auction. The list includes items from most of the departments in the city and can be found on the city web page at www.ratonnm.gov
The city introduced the newly updated New Mexico Uniform Traffic Ordinance. Commissioners will consider the ordinance at the May 22 regular meeting. The city currently uses the state traffic code and this will basically be a formality.
Commissioners appointed former commissioner Fred Sparks along with commissioners Chris Candelario and Neal Segotta to an Ad-Hoc committee to study and report on the Amtrak Southwest Chief service that passes through Raton.
Commissioners passed a resolution that creates commission approval for any negotiations or sale of city assets in excess of $5000.
City manager Kampfer informed the commission that he will be holding a all city boards orientation on May 17. The orientation is to acquaint new board members and current board members on what is expected of them and an overview of policies.
Re-Claim Raton is a new visioning process that citizens will be hearing more about in the future. The vision will be to create a Smart Communities model for effecting change in Raton. Civic Engagement will include not only voting citizens of the community but the youth as well.
Commissioners then went into executive session to discuss personnel and threatened litigation.
KRTN broadcasts Raton City Commission meetings on AM 1490. Comment on our facebook page at:
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April 10, 2012 |
City Commission Hears About Bear Dumpsters |
Diane Dixon, Michael Ann Antinucci, Mayor Starkovich, Paula Cacciatore and Sue Holland accept the proclamation for Equal Pay Day. It is noted that woman still receive as much as 9% less than their male counter parts in many management positions. Over a lifetime women could loose an estimated $700,000 in lost wages.
Comcast's Joe Horner accepts the proclamation from Mayor Starkovich for the Comcast Cares day, Saturday 21. This year Comcast will partner with Alternatives to Violence to do housekeeping repairs and maintenance at their building.
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Report By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
Raton city commissioners heard the more formal proposal from the New Mexico Game and Fish for the bear proof dumpsters Tuesday night.
A joint powers agreement will be forth coming for the commission’s final approval at a later date, Tuesday night the Game and Fish wanted a verbal go ahead from the commission. The proposal is for $335,000 of which 65% will be covered with a Federal “Share with Wildlife” grant and the 35% match will come from the Game and Fish. Approximately 40 20 yard dumpsters and 10 50 yard dumpsters will be ordered and the materials to retrofit approximately 100 of the city’s current dumpsters will be retrofitted.
According to City Manager Pete Kampfer the city will be retiring a couple of the trash trucks and will replace them with new trucks that will handle the new dumpsters. The location of the dumpsters is still being considered and will be dependent more on space considerations due to the size of the dumpsters than other factors.
Commissioners then approved the street closure request from Team Builders for their fundraiser on April 21 at Ripley Park. 1st Street will be closed during the day of the event.
Commissioners then approved the contract extension for Heinfeld Meech & Co. for the city audit. The contract is a three-year contract and this is for the second year for a price of $50,470. Commissioner Mantz asked that when the contract is up that the Lodger’s Tax audit be put out to bid to local firms. The Lodger’s Tax audit is separate from the main city audit. Mantz indicated that there are local firms that can handle the Lodger’s tax audit but not handle the main city audit.
The commission then moved into executive session to discuss personnel and possible litigation.
The next City commission meeting is scheduled for April 24 at 6:00 p.m.
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April 5, 2012 |
NM Representative Dennis Roch Meets Citizens |
NM State Representative Dennis Roch and Raton Mayor Charles Starkovich- Photo by Frank Mahannah
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KRTN Multi-Media
Citizens and city officials had a chance to get to know NM State Representative Dennis Roch Monday evening on April 2nd at Mulligan's Restaurant. Weather conditions were decidedly against a large turnout. Representative Roch was pleased with the event and enjoyed speaking with the 10 - 12 people who attended.
KRTN's Bill Donati was there and left impressed with Representative Roch's sincerity, intelligence and enthusiasm.
Learn more about Representative Roch from his website, and about redistricting changes at the New Mexico Legistature website.
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April 2, 2012 |
NM Representative Dennis Roch Meets Citizens Tonight |
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KRTN Multi-Media
Recent state redistricting changes the map in our area, adding territory to district 67. Northern Colfax County, which was District 68 now becomes part of State Representative Dennis Roch's area of interest as District 67 is redrawn to include northern Colfax county, including the city of Raton.
Representative Roch will meet his new constituents at a "Meet & Greet" tonight, hosted by Mulligan's restaurant from 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm.
Learn more about Representative Roch from his website, and about redistricting changes at the New Mexico Legistature website.
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March 27, 2012 |
Raton Commission Sets New Policies |
Report By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
The Raton city commission began their Tuesday meeting hearing from the New Mexico Game and Fish about bear proofing dumpsters and a mutual aid agreement that will have larger dumpsters and rolloffs as well as all the dumpsters in Raton bear proofed.
The commission will hear the details of the agreement at the April 10 meeting, which will include $300,000 to make this happen. The new containers will belong to Game and Fish for 10 years and then revert to the city after they have been depreciated.
Terry Baca reported to the commission that Housing and Urban Development posted a new policy in December 2011 that capped the Raton housing authority at 156 units. Raton has 156 units and therefore will not be able to use the CDBG grant that would have built new units for the housing authority. Also due to budget cuts to the housing authority the board chose to be financially responsible and keep the funds in reserve rather than to use the funds for match money for the grant. Baca also mentioned that with the cuts the housing authority may be forced to dip into their reserve.
Commissioners discussed briefly the policy that will govern their conduct as a commission. The policy is something the commission has been wanting in place for some time. It was also noted that the policy will be a living document that will be revisited as circumstances arise.
Commissioners then discussed the policy that replaces a controversial ordinance that was passed last year. The policy governs how the commission will conduct their business both at meetings and behind the scenes. The policy also discusses how meetings will be conducted and in what manner ordinances, hearings and other commission business will be handled.
Commissioners then discussed the new public comment policy. The policy is not to keep people from addressing the commission but a policy to keep the meetings orderly and to meet the open meetings act. It also gives citizens a way to know what other citizens might want to address the commission on by requiring those who want to be on the agenda such as the Game and Fish did for this meeting.
The policy will be used for the next four meetings and then be revisited for tweaking or final adoption. The policies will be posted to the city web site.
Commissioners approved the request for Lodger’s Tax money from Music from Angel Fire to print and promote the upcoming free concert series. Commissioners approved the $2000 request.
Janis Schumpert was reappointed to the Library board. It was noted that there is another opening on that board which was vacated by the passing of Marge Parker. Mark Kossler was appointed to the airport board and Diane Dixon was appointed to the Planning and Zoning board.
City Manager Pete Kampfer noted that there will be discussion on sanitation rates at the upcoming meeting and that the new administrative assistant will be cross trained to be able to fill in at other posts. Commissioner Candelario asked if the new assistant might be so trained to break the clerk treasurer position into a clerk position. Kampfer noted it is in the works as a response to the division of duties as noted in the exit audit.
Commissioners then went into a closed session and adjourned. Commissioners will meet again on April 10.
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March 15, 2012 |
Raton Seats New Mayor and Mayor Pro-tem |
Jim Flint of Bohannon Huston presents site proposals to the Raton City Commission Tuesday night (3-13-2012) for their consideration.
After some discussion, commissioners choose concept Site A, making changes for possible zero-scaping and low water usage trees.
Commissioners were sworn in at the City Commission Swearing-In Ceremony on
Monday March 12, 2012
Raton city commissioners Sandra Mantz, Chris Candelario, Jimmy Fanelli, Neal Segotta & Charles Starkovich
Judge Roy Manfredi swears in the newly elected Raton City Commissioners Jimmy Fanelli, Neal Segotta, Charles Starkovich and Chris Candelario Monday afternoon at City Hall.
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Photos & Story By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
One of the first items in the agenda Tuesday night for the new Raton city commission was to reorganize the commission by selecting a mayor and mayor pro-tem.
Commissioner Chris Candelario nominated Charles Starkovich for mayor and was seconded by Commissioner Sandy Mantz. Commissioner Neal Segotta and Sandy Mantz were both nominated for mayor pro-tem but failed without a second. Commissioner Candelario was nominated by commissioner Starkovich and seconded by Commissioner Mantz to fill out the figureheads of the commission.
Commissioners then filled out the boards they would sit on with Commissioner Fanelli filling those held by former commissioner Montoya. With the exception of those mandated by ordinance everyone kept their same appointments with the mayor being on the RPS board and mayor pro-tem seated on the water board.
Commissioners approved the special dispensers permit for the Hops and Vines fundraiser for Main Street to be held at the Raton Museum on March 31.
Commissioners reviewed the proposal from Bohannon Huston on the Multi-Modal site to be located near the Raton Train Depot on First Street. Some discussion about turf and trees followed noting concerns about maintenance and water. Raton Main Street selection committee chose site plan concept A. Bohannon Huston will return in the near future with a final concept drawing for final approval by Raton Main Street and the city commission.
City Manager Pete Kampfer presented some ideas and concepts on how the new commission should work together, discussing six rules to effect change, principles of governance and getting commission’s work done along with dealing with the other groups and organizations within the city. Commissioners considered a document covering commission governance principles and policy. They agreed to table the document in order to give them time to read and reread for changes. This document will be reviewed further at the next meeting. City Manager Kampfer indicated the document is likely to be a living document to allow changes to be made as new situations arise.
Commissioners also discussed the audit exit interview. They will decide if they should call for an executive meeting at a later date depending on how many commissioners could make the meeting.
Commissioners then discussed another new document on public comments before the commission. The policy spells out that a form needs to be filled out for those wishing to be placed on the agenda. It also spells out how long comments can be and how or what the commission may respond depending on whether it is during a public hearing or just comments from citizens at the meeting. That document was also tabled to allow commissioners time to make any changes they might feel necessary and it will be back for consideration at the next meeting.
In the city manager report Kampfer indicated that he has had discussion with the Game and Fish and will be working with them to complete the grant for bear proofing dumpsters around town. Indicated that the city did receive $100,000 capital outlay funding for the transfer station.
He told commissioners that he would be working with city staff on team concepts and included the overview for commissioners to look at. He also included comments to be reviewed on the exit audit with Moss Adams. Those comments dealt mostly with the Raton Public Service responses to their portion of the audit.
Commissioners were informed of a new commission member workshop in Albuquerque on March 31.
With that the commission adjourned and will meet again on March 27. |
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| February 29, 2012 |
New City Manager Attends His First Commission Meeting |
New City Manager Pete Kampfer
Michael Ann Antonucci and Freda Baca of Professional Business Women accept the proclamation from Mayor Neal Segotta for Woman's History Month
Sarah Montoya was presented a certificate of Thank You for her service to the city. The certificate was presented Tuesday night since it was the last meeting before the municipal election in March.
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Photos & Story By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
As the city commission meeting got underway Tuesday evening a new face was present, Pete Kampfer the new city manager who has been on the job a little over a week now.
In the city manager’s report Kampfer went over some of the things the commission and his office will work on in the coming months. The first priority will be the landfill and sanitation followed by the budget and as Kampfer looked at it they will go hand in hand and that brought him to talk about the Racino and local economic development. Kampfer believes these all depend on each other. Kampfer indicated that he will look at and go over the commission policies and make changes in the way the commission deals within itself and the public. Along those lines Kampfer will introduce a new balanced scorecard that he will use in dealing with the commission and city employees.
Commissioners tabled the FY 2010 final audit report prepared by Moss Adams in a 4 to 1 vote, with commissioner Mantz voting no. There are questions about the audit report and changes that the commission feels need to be explained and or changed.
The city will apply for a $100,000 Coop grant from the New Mexico Department of Transportation to be applied to various street projects. Commissioners approved the Roundhouse Road drainage project as the project to be completed by a $63,636 coop agreement with NMDOT. The city will match the grant with $15,909 while the state will provide $47,727. The city will apply for a Municipal Arterial Program grant for $500,000 on a yet to be determined road project.
In the financial report the city continues to see a decline in gross receipts taxes. City Clerk Geneva Trujillo informed the commission that most departments were operating just above or on budget. The big note in the budget is the
reserves the city has in the general fund have shown a steady decline over the last couple of years and will be something the commissioners will have to watch more closely.
Commissioners then moved into executive session to discuss the city manager. |
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February 20, 2012
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Raton Professional Business Women Present Candidates Forum Tonight
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KRTN Multi-Media
Raton City Commission will see some new faces this year in 4 of 5 seats and Raton Professional Business Women will present a candidates forum that will give citizens an opportunity to get to know the candidates. Doors open tonight at 6:00 pm and the event will begin at 7:00 pm with a brief introduction leading into opening statements. The forum is scheduled to end at 9:00 with question & answer session and then closing statements. 93.9 KRTN, Enchanted Air radio will broadcast the forum on FM 1490.
Candidates for the open positions have been invited to the forum and will be given time to make opening and closing statements as well as participating in a question and answer session. Sandy Mantz, serving for District 1 holds the one seat not up for grabs in the upcoming election. Her term will end in 2014.
Candidates running for the open seats on the Raton City Commission are as follows:
In District 2, a 4-year term, Steven Draper, Brenda Huff and Charles Starkovich hope to serve the citizens of Raton.
District 3’s seat is a two-year term, and is an uncontested race with current city commissioner Chris Candelario the only entrant. However, Krystle Avrit has certified and is on record to be a write-in candidate.
Vincent Gatti and Jimmy Fanelli are hoping to fill the seat for District 4’s 4-year term.
In District 5 Neil Segotta and Fred Sparks vie for the seat, also a 4-year term.
The election for these seats will be held on March 6th, 2012. Polling places are the Raton Convention Center at 901 Third Street for Precincts 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16, and St. Patrick’s – St. Joseph’s Parish Hall at 104 Buena Vista for precincts 10, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22. Polling places will open at 7:00 am and close at 7:00 pm.
Absentee Voting Ballots will be mailed to qualified voters whose applications have been accepted between January 31, 2012 and March 2nd, 2012 at 5:00 pm. Completed ballots may be returned to the Office of the City Clerk until 7:00 pm on March 2, 2012 at 5:00 pm.
Early voting on paper ballots by machine is currently being conducted in the Office of the City Clerk during regular business hours and will continue though March 2, 2012 at 5:00 pm.
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February 16, 2012 |
Raton City Commission Approves Grants; Supports Amtrak |
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By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
Commissioners heard from the Colfax County Senior Center’s Toby Kessler and Julie Mantz on programs the center provides to area seniors. The Senior Centers are a non-profit organization operating off of donations, grants and some federal funding. Some of the many programs the center operates include meals at the centers and what used to be called meals on wheels. They have succeeded in reworking the funding to provide choir services year round as opposed to just a portion of the year. Last year the center provided commodities for 390 families in the area. CCSC has developed a partnership with Philmont Scout Ranch to take their leftover non-perishable food stuffs after Philmont's summer season ended, redistributing those foods via a large number of food sacks to area residents.
Commissioners also approved a $25,000 contract with the New Mexico Aging and Long Term Services Department for senior center improvements.
Commissioners also approved the Raton Arts and Cultural District plan for Raton. According to Howard Woodworth this is important to help with funding and grants. Woodworth also noted that the top 15 growing cities in the nation, comparable in size to Raton, are growing because of arts and cultural opportunities in those communities. Only four are communities that rely more heavily on manufacturing. Of those four communities, Raton has equal or slightly more manufacturing than they do. Woodworth made the point that Raton needs to focus on its strengths, which are the arts and also tourism opportunities such as fishing, hiking and hunting.
Commissioners also approved a rural recycling grant with the New Mexico Recycling Coalition to purchase a skid steer loader/forklift to stack and organize recycling bails produced by the city's new baler. They also joined the New Mexico Recycling Coalition and the R3 Coop. Membership includes 3% cost reductions on fees for training, marketing help and many other benefits according to Solid Waste Recycling Coordinator, David Wentling.
The resolution to rename Memorial Lane to Eva Mae Sproule Memorial Lane was tabled in part at the request of Commissioner Candelario so that the city can look into memorializing Raton’s war dead on Memorial Lane or as discussed by commissioners creating plaques or nameplates along the walking paths. An ad-hoc committee will be formed to look into ways to accomplish this.
Approved also, was a resolution to extend the time frame for the MAP-7607 project to June 2013 because of a biological study required by the DOT that will have to be conducted once the weather warms up. This is the street project for Memorial Lane. The study will look for endangered plant species and animals.
The city approved a resolution to be sent to elected officials and those along the path of Amtrak’s Southwest Chief to help obtain funding to improve the rail condition between Kansas and New Mexico. This route and stop is very important to Philmont Scout Ranch. Amtrak also wants to keep the route due to its scenic beauty. Important to Raton is the Multi-Modal center that Raton is hoping to build. It was noted that 18,000 passengers came through Raton's Amtrak station last year.
Approved, Dan Ward and Jack Woodul to the airport board. Woodul was approved by a 4 to 1 vote with Commissioner Candelario voting no.
Approved Robert Stoller to the Housing Authority Board.
There were no applicants for the vacancies on the Lodgers tax board and Planning and zoning board.
Commissioners approved a cooperative agreement with the DOT and specified three projects to repair Savage Ave next to Ripley Park, continue the drainage work on Roundhouse Road and crush some cement debris Raton has stock-piled on Hereford Ave.
Commissioners will meet again on February 28.
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Disabled American Veteran's Chapter #8 of Raton to Replace Van
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The current van at Raton Veteran's Clinic.
With 362,735.8 miles + on the odometer this van is ready for some shorter trips!
Rey Gaytan drives once a week on a regular schedule. He says this makes it very easy to commit to.
 John Lisle, a resident of Trinidad Colorado, who happens to be a first time rider on the day this picture was taken, is very happy as he disembarks the van. Mr. Lisle states that he couldn’t be happier with the service and plans to use it from now on.
Veterans can call 575-445-8962 to arrange for a pick-up. Please call at least 72 hours in advance.
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Photos & Story by Christina Boyce
KRTN Multi-media
On the day that I interviewed retired army veteran Laura Vigil for this story, we waited for the van to arrive home from its trip to Albuquerque, and spoke about the organization that drives this service. Raton’s DAV Chapter #8 is an all-volunteer run organization operating since March 11th, 1952. The organization provides support for disabled American veterans, color guards for the annual memorials services for Pearl Harbor Day, D-Day, Flag Day, Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day and also funeral service salutes. Another service it provides, and the focus of my interview with Vigil, newly appointed as Van Coordinator, is free transportation for veterans and their spouses from southern Colorado and northeastern New Mexico to the VA Hospital in Albuquerque. Chapter #8 is currently focused on fund-raising efforts to raise funds to purchase a new van; with over 300,000 miles on the odometer it is now time to replace the van making the drive.
Running a route between Raton and Albuquerque’s VA Hospital, Chapter #8’s van runs one of the most active services in New Mexico. Serving disabled veterans of all wars who are currently living in southeastern Colorado and northeastern New Mexico, Chapter 8’s van runs regularly Monday through Friday along the I-25 corridor. Providing pick-up spots along the route all the way to Albuquerque, Chapter #8 serves veterans living in Raton, Trinidad, Clayton, Maxwell, Cimarron, Springer, Roy, Las Vegas, Pecos, Santa Fe and many smaller towns along the way. Veterans meet the van at specified stops along I-25. Raton Chapter #8’s van runs five days a week, providing 20 - 25 trips per month, for 5 - 12 veterans per week. There are six active drivers, two part-time drivers and one driver-in-training. The 12-person capacity allows for spouses to travel along, as long as space is available. This is extremely helpful when home-care and medication instructions are given to veterans by treating doctors.
The program is part of a national service that operates with state direction and the volunteer efforts of local chapters. Local chapters are responsible for raising matching funds to purchase the vans, providing drivers to service the route and for scheduling the drivers and pick-ups that serve the needs of the participating veterans. Chapters must run fifteen trips per month in order to qualify to run a van service.
Chapter #8 has been running vans since approximately 2003. The order for the new van was placed on December 31st and officers must write a check for $14,500.00 to complete the order on March 15th. At the time of this interview Chapter #8 had raised $10,200.00. The remaining $3,300.00 is the goal of current fund-raising efforts. Vigil estimates that individual donations come in at rates ranging from three per day during holiday season to the current rate of about three to five per week. Individual donations provide a reliable source of funding to support the van service and Vigil says that the Raton members are remarkable in their generous support of local veterans. Chapter Treasurer/Adjutant Robert Mantz estimates membership in Chapter 8 to be about 72 strong. He notes that donations increased substantially after members appeared on KRTN’s Super Stars of Business program to promote the organization and its current fund-raising need. Those numbers have since tapered off and so the fund-raising continues.
Two upcoming fund-raisers are a Valentine's Dance on Saturday February 11th at the VFW Post in Raton, and 93.9 KRTN, Enchanted Air radio’s Valentines Day Dial-A-Thon on February 14th. On Valentine’s day, KRTN will play all requests, all day while raising funds to benefit Chapter #8’s van fund. For a minimum donation of $10.00, listeners can make song requests and dedications to be read and played on 93.9 KRTN, Enchanted Air radio. KRTN will give 100% of the proceeds to Chapter #8.
The current van began its service on July 20th, 2007 with 113 miles on the odometer; it has been running for five years. Twenty-one volunteer drivers have run 781 missions to the Albuquerque VA Hospital thus far. Vigil states that the van, with 362,735.8+ miles on the odometer, is very well maintained. “It will be a good transport vehicle even after it retires from the VA Hospital route”. She notes that one possibility for further service is to transport the color guard to the regular memorial events and functions that they attend.
Vigil looks for compassion in the drivers that she interviews for volunteer service. She has one volunteer training to be a driver who is not a veteran. Volunteer drivers must take a driver orientation course in Albuquerque that teaches safety and how to run a government vehicle. Volunteers take the van down to the training site; this provides an orientation to the route along the way. Veteran Rey Gaytan, a retired teacher and also a successful artist in his civilian life, has been driving for chapter #8 since March 2011. He makes the trip once a week. He says that volunteering on a regular schedule makes it very easy to commit to. He also feels great about giving back to the veterans’ community in this way. While some drivers, like Gaytan, have a regular schedule they drive, others drive on an as-needed basis.
Chapter #8 would love to have more drivers. Individuals interested in becoming a driver can call Vigil at 575-445-8962. She will be happy to answer questions and schedule an interview. Once a volunteer has been trained and begins driving they can participate in an incentive program that recognizes “various milestones have been achieved in both the DAV Transportation Network (TN) and Department of Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS) programs.
Be sure to listen all day on Valentines Day to FM 93.9 KRTN, Enchanted Air radio. Feel the love and help buy a van for our veterans!
This Valentines Day you can send your loved ones a Valentines song & dedication that thousands will hear and will be a Valentine for our veterans. Cupid’s arrows are two-fer’s this year at 93.9 KRTN, Enchanted Air radio. For a minimum donation of $10.00, listeners can make song requests and dedications to be read and played on 93.9 KRTN, Enchanted Air radio. 100% of the proceeds will go to Raton's DAV Chapter #8. Make your check payable to “DAV Chapter #8 Transportation Fund”, stop by the studio to get your dedications made, call us at 575-445-3652 or send an email to krtn@bacavalley.com
Donations to Chapter #8’s van fund can be made at First National Bank of New Mexico and also at International Bank, or mail to DAV Chapter #8, PO Box 634, Raton New Mexico. Make checks payable to “DAV Chapter #8 Transportation Fund”. |
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Blues Brothers Party at the Shuler
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Jake & Elwood fronting the band at the Shuler
Jake Reviewing the Blues Thursday Night
Dancing so fast their feet are a blur~
Arnaé Batson doing Respect ~ A Knockout!
Lead guitarist Kory Montgomery taking a solo
Photos & Review by Tim Keller
www.timkellerarts.com
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Photos & Review by Tim Keller
www.timkellerarts.com
Jake and Elwood Blues credited “The Billy Donatelli School of Dance” for their choreographed moves in concert at the Shuler Theater last week, a clever nod to the show’s producer, KRTN’s Billy Donati, who booked the show as a fundraiser for the Shuler Restoration Commission. The Blues Brothers also plugged the soup at Enchanted Grounds, the hats at Solano’s Boot & Western Wear, and the hospitality at Holiday Inn Express. As Jake said to Elwood, “Ya know what I like about this place? They got fresh air!”
It was that kind of night. The Official Blues Brothers Revue put on a party – the word “concert” evokes an audience sedately seated – that drew a larger crowd than the theater is accustomed to getting for its excellent series of plays. Men outnumbered women in the audience and on stage as Wayne Catania and Kieron Lafferty convincingly resurrected the beloved characters Jake and Elwood Blues, created in 1978 by actor/comedians John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd for a skit on Saturday Night Live. The Blues Brothers skit took on a life of its own, leading to best-selling record albums and the 1980 Hollywood film.
Even the 1982 death of John Belushi couldn’t stop it. It’s continued so widely around the world that this production has to make clear that it’s the Official one, sanctioned by Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi’s widow, who auditioned countless actors and singers before settling on Catania and Lafferty as Jake and Elwood.
Their physical resemblance was spot on, and they’d obviously studied films of Jake and Elwood to duplicate the demeanor and moves of the suit- and hat-wearing front men. The production, built by a staff of 15 theatrical professionals, choreographs their dance moves and surrounds them with a crack rhythm & blues band. Even their singing and Lafferty’s harmonica playing were up to snuff.
No wonder the Raton audience had such a boisterously good time. They got their money’s worth, and they were called to stand and sing so often that they even got some exercise.
And yet underneath it all there was a sense that Catania and Lafferty had done this exercise too many nights in too many towns with too little variation. The production sends its program ahead to each venue on the tour; the program includes the show’s sequence of 23 songs, which appears to be followed night after night without change. To re-ignite the enthusiasm of its stars, they should consider a flexible set list with lots of improvisation.
The heart-and-soul highlights came when the revue featured young lead guitarist Kory Montgomery, a wild man when cut loose – he seemed to be pulled across the stage as if trying to hold the guitar down – and divine singer Arnaé Batson, who took a featured solo in each of the night’s two sets. Combining Aretha Franklin’s “Think” and “Respect,” then singing James Brown’s “It’s a Man’s World” in the second set, Batson and band suggested that the night could have been even more exciting if they’d just kept going themselves, sending the Blues Brothers down the street for a drink.
Like the band, the music itself was strong enough to shine in any context. From the genres of soul, blues, and rhythm & blues, the show featured such classics as “Can’t Turn You Loose,” “Hey Bartender,” “Land of 1000 Dances,” “Green Onions,” “Shake Your Tail Feather,” “Messin’ with the Kid,” and “Shout,” drawn from such classic artists as Sam & Dave, Big Joe Turner, Robert Johnson, Junior Wells, Floyd Dixon, Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding and even Cab Calloway.
That The Blues Brothers began as a comedy skit by two comedians but grew into an irrepressible phenomenon that can still draw hundreds to the Shuler Theater on a Wednesday night in January speaks volumes about the show’s appeal. No one was disappointed; in fact, days later people are still talking about the high-energy show. The large turnout presumably raised much-needed funds for the Shuler Restoration Commission, which deserves thanks for bringing such a party to town.
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KRTN Focus on: GrowRaton! Beautification & Pride Task Force
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By Christina Boyce
KRTN Media
GrowRaton!, the DBA for Greater Raton Economic Development Corporation, which was founded in September 2010, was created through the shared vision of a group of Raton citizens who felt there was more that they wanted to and indeed could do to 1) support existing efforts to improve Raton and 2) to bring positive changes and improvements to life in Raton.
Four committees within the organization were formed to facilitate the successful implementation of the group’s vision. This article will take an in depth look at the Beautification & Pride Task Force (B&P) and is the first in a series on GrowRaton!, the organization.
I spoke to Ted Kamp, Co-Chair (along with Pat Walsh) of the Beautification & Pride Task Force, about the purpose and efforts to date of the Beautification & Task Force. Kamp says that the group is working on several projects that will enhance the life of Ratonians and our visitors. These projects came out of community input meetings held this past summer in which citizens were asked to provide input on ways to make Raton a better place to live for local citizens as well as a more attractive destination town for travelers and businesses.
The task force applied for funding through the National Parks Service’s Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program for 2012. The program provides technical assistance in planning and finding funding for projects. The task force proposed completing the 1.5 mile long trail in Raton’s Climax Canyon Park and building a six-mile trail between Raton and Sugarite Canyon State Park.
With NPS grant monies secured, they are able to proceed with plans to develop a hiking & biking trail connecting the City of Raton and Sugarite State Park and to assist in developing trails in Climax Canyon Park. The National Park Service will be helping GrowRaton! develop the trail design and usage and also with finding funding options. Kamp explained that ideally the trail between Raton & Sugarite would be a multi-use trail with room for walkers, runners, horseback riders and bicyclists. The task force will present the project to local economic development organizations in their efforts to find funding. “ These trails would be a huge asset for Raton and all its citizens and a big attraction for visitors,” Kamp reiterates, during our conversation about the Beautification & Pride Task Force’s activities.
B&P has been working to support the efforts of Carl Patti and Richard Rubilio to create a place for area youth to enjoy skateboarding and in-line skating here in Raton. They are currently awaiting responses from grant funding requests made on behalf of the skateboard park. Their efforts helped to secure the city’s investment in the project. The city granted land in Roundhouse Memorial Park for the skate park.
GrowRaton! B&P meets regularly on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 7 pm. Their next meeting will be on January 11th in David Stafford’s Law Office. United in their vision to be a part of making Raton a better place to live and a “must visit” tourist destination, members of the task force are committed to creating a task force that will be successful in improving the quality of life for our community.
The task force is comprised of several “core” members, Pat Walsh, David Stafford, Howard Woodworth, Steve Block, Linda Bennett, Jerrod Chatterly, Don Day, Carl Patti, Bob Dye, and several others. Their combined expertise is a real asset to the force; with the energy and brainpower of several others who are involved, this task force is equipped to bring a new level of energies to ongoing community efforts to bring prosperity and vitality to the citizens of Raton and the surrounding area. Interested citizens are welcome and indeed invited to attend the meetings and get involved. Sourcing funding streams and writing grants are particularly needed skills; if you have experience in these areas and know you can help, this is a good place to get involved.
Membership in GrowRaton! helps support the organization in its mission to be a catalyst for economic and community development in the Greater Raton area.
For more information visit their website at: www.growraton.org or send a note via email: GrowRaton@BacaValley.com, or via post: GrowRaton!, PO Box 1753, Raton NM 87740,
or call: Phone (575) 447-4561
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Recycling Becomes a Reality for Raton in 2012!
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Pat Vigil and volunteers welcome recyclers into the Armex Building on Raton's first recycling collection day.
Recycle Volunteers Sandy Mantz and Richard Fox welcome recyclers and gather information
The Foothold ready for the bailer
This Dog is Happy to Recycle Too!
Happy Recyclers Celebrate on a Mountain of Cardboard
www.GrowRaton.org
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By Christina Boyce
KRTN Media
The Solid Waste Recycling Task Force of GrowRaton! reports that the first recycling effort in Raton on December 10th, 2011 was a success. David Wentling, who recently became Raton’s new Solid Waste Recycling Coordinator, reports that there were 27 volunteers and one city employee who made the event happen smoothly.118 cars drove into the Armex building where volunteers eagerly stepped up to help with sorting and getting recyclables into the correct piles. Of those cars, 80 % were Raton city residents, 16% came from the extra-territorial area, and 4% came from out of the area (Des Moines, Folsom, Trinidad, Maxwell, Vermejo Park). Plastic #1 - 79%, Plastic #2 - 74%, Mixed paper - 68%, Cardboard - 59%, Aluminum - 47%, and Tin - 40% made the day’s collection a sure sign of the appreciation that citizens had for this new service.
Materials collected will soon be baled and then sold to recyclable markets. Pat Vigil, Raton Public Works Superintendent, hopes this will delay the closure of Raton’s landfill by 18 months. Vigil wrote the grant, which funded the purchase of the baler, collection trailers, and modifications to the Armex Building for it’s new life as Raton’s recycling center. The collection trailers will be placed in convenient locations around town so people will be able to take their recyclables to those locations at their convenience. They will be designed so that they will only accept the materials to be collected. This aspect of the trailer design is crucial to collection as it prevents the trailers from becoming dumpsites.
The design and build of the collection trailers provides GrowRaton! an opportunity to “spread the wealth”. Wentling, explains that there will be a contest for design and build of the collection trailers to be placed throughout the town. He is looking for multiple “winners”, confident that several bids will qualify for purchase awards. He states that splitting the grant monies amongst qualifying bidders is economic development and is another way that recycling will help our local economy. Local welders/constructors are encouraged to submit design bids. Details will be available soon.
Vigil is passionate about his job handling Raton’s solid waste. He informs me that the city makes mulch from the tree branches that are brought to our local landfill. The city offers it for free to citizens and they will even load your truck or trailer. There are also tire bales available at no cost, loaded on your vehicle; these can be used for erosion control and also work well as filler for stucco walls and driveway entries.
Vigil states that by diverting these items from the landfill itself, the city is able to postpone the closure of the landfill significantly as well as provide citizens with valuable commodities at no cost. These efforts are an important aspect of Vigil’s job, however, there will come a day that the landfill reaches capacity and must be closed. That day could be the day Raton’s Recycling Convenience Center is in place to divert recyclables from the waste stream, providing Raton with a valuable resource it will be able to sell to markets that are ready to buy.
Diverting as much as possible from the waste stream becomes especially important should Raton have to send its waste to the Wagon Mound Landfill. Given the distance to that site, every pound trucked there will cost the city dearly. The city will be forced to increase waste collection fees for residents and businesses alike. Currently citizens pay $12.00 per month and businesses pay $36.00 per month per 3-yard container. Those costs will increase as soon as the landfill closes so every effort is being made to bring every citizen on board to recycle. Vigil is dedicated to transforming trash into revenue by diverting as much as possible into the recycling market stream.
As soon as the baler is in place and operational the city will be able to make money from the diverted materials. Keeping waste fees at the lowest possible rates is everyone’s goal. Our new recycling center is key to the successful implementation of a sustainable solid waste management program. Citizens have the power to make recycling pay for our community as every recyclable item not trashed is potentially making money.
Jim Grant, a Raton native who has returned to Raton for his retirement after nearly 60 years in California and Nevada as a mechanist, is a life long recycler. Asked what he would like citizens to know about recycling, he responded, “You’re helping fill our landfill if you’re not recycling.” He joins many citizens working for years to make recycling possible in expressing excitement about Raton’s commitment to growing the recycling station into a full fledged transfer station for northern New Mexico.
The transfer station will serve as a “hub” for nearby communities who can enter into Memorandums of Agreement to collect recyclables in their communities and transport collected materials to the Raton Convenience Center.
The benefit to smaller communities is the same as it is for Raton: diverting recyclables from the waste stream will reduce the costs incurred to haul and dump those same materials. Villages will have to take a look at their collection and removal costs and weigh them against the costs to provide collection trailers and then transport those to Raton. In most cases it will be a positive change for the villages and towns as they will be able to offer their citizens recycling and save on waste disposal. Currently there is the possibility of receiving grant monies through New Mexico Recycling Coalition that will pay for the collection trailers. This is an excellent time for the smaller towns and villages in our area to start the process that will bring them into the recycling hub & spoke system.
Pat Vigil is excited about getting the baler installed in the Armex Building and started up. Once the baler is up and running and the system is running smoothly he hints that there will be a bit of a celebration with media attention… KRTN Media will be there!
GrowRaton! Recycling Task Force will meet again tonight, Tuesday, January 3, 2012 from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm, in the Ponderosa Room of the Holiday Inn Express Suites to prepare for the next recycling collection event on Saturday January 7th. The second day that citizens can bring their recyclables to the Armex Building on South 4th Avenue.
For more information visit www.growraton.org |
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District Court Denies NM Racing Commission Request for Dismissal
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KRTN News Media -Friday December 15, 2011
The quest for La Mesa Racetrack and Casino’s reinstatement of its New Mexico racing license is still alive. John Paternoster, 8th Judicial District Court Judge, denied New Mexico Racing Commission’s motion for dismissal of La Mesa’s appeal.
Ruling in La Mesa’s favor, Paternoster said the case was a unique situation and has concerns of a substantial public interest. Stating that the core central issues in the lawsuit remain undecided by his court and that there are ” larger thematic issues that have been raised…due process, fundamental fairness and substantial justice. “ Paternoster will certify the matter to the Court of Appeals. He asked all counsel present to submit a draft of the proposal to the Court of Appeals by next Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011.
With the order, Paternoster also left the stay order in effect. The order prevents any other entity from applying for a racing license in New Mexico until the higher court resolves the matter.
In attendance, representing the NM Attorney General’s office, were Chris Coppon and Tonya Maestas. Representing Coronado Partners (Tucumcari and Quay counties) was Kent Bonoff, Penn National was represented by a Mr. Stratton. Representing La Mesa Racetrack and Casino was Sam Bregman, and attending via via telephone conference hookup, was La Mesa owner and Canadian investor Michael Moldenhauer.
Penn National is the third largest gambling entity in the United States. According to Mr. Stratton, the state is losing an estimated 12 to 15 million per year by not having a racing facility in place. He and Coppon also asked Judge Paternoster to take the case out of the 8th Judicial District Court, arguing that it is an improper venue. Paternoster said his court does have jurisdiction.
The hearing began at 8:30 at the Leon Karelitz Judicial Center and was over at about 10:30 am. Earlier in the hearing, Paternoster ruled in favor of Penn National and Coronado Partners who were seeking to intervene as parties in the case. Paternoster also earlier denied a motion by La Mesa attorney, Sam Bregman, to include some evidence from a previous action by a hearing officer.
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Christmas Carol Especially Merry This Year
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Ebenezer Scrooge (Joe Zink) counts his assets in the 10th annual production of
"A Christmas Carol" at the Shuler Theater.
Here Joe Zink as Scrooge eating his Christmas dinner.
The Ghost of Christmas Past (Carol Crary) watches as Scrooge (Joe Zink) checks his eyes when he awakes to find Snow Sprites (Autumn Archuleta and Asia Gentry) at the foot of his bed.
Joe Zink joins the cast for a curtain call.
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Review and Photos by Tim Keller, www.TimKellerArts.com
Director Gail Dixon-Willden obviously coached her actors to stoke the merriment in this year’s 10th annual Shuler Theater production of Charles Dickens’s classic “A Christmas Carol.” The production evolves each year; last weekend’s three shows had been tweaked to provide the audience more laughs than ever.
Willden provided many of her actors, in both major and minor roles, with their own scenes, and more often than not she found ways for them to bring generous laughter to the appreciative holiday audience. Sometimes it was a clever sight gag, other times a funny bit of dialog. The result was closer to a comedy than the iconic tale of redemption has been before, and all the better for it.
Joe Zink returned for his fifth season as the cold-hearted miser Ebenezer Scrooge, easily earning his top billing. Zink gets better in this role every year; it’s now hard to imagine a better Scrooge.
The rest of the featured roles were spread pretty evenly between a dozen or so other actors – this is an ensemble community theater musical production now grown to over 60 actors on stage. Matt Fleming was a welcome addition to the local theater scene, with his history of acting that had ended 17 years ago. He returned to the stage as patriarch Bob Cratchit, perfectly cast with his elastic face that shifts easily from despair to a huge warm grin.
Shuler regular Mark Jansen continues to improve through his many roles; in this year’s “A Christmas Carol” he had not one but two featured roles, as Fred and as Marley’s Ghost.
Carol Crary returned as a gentler Ghost of Christmas Past, bringing with her a pair of Snow Sprites played by young Asia Gentry and Autumn Archuleta, who were a delightful addition to the play.
If there’s a role asking for an actor to go over the top, “chewing the scenery,” then Michael Porter is the man for the job. Here he returned as the Ghost of Christmas Present with a performance that was a Christmas present for the audience.
Chicky Lee Gomez played both Young Scrooge and the masked Ghost of Christmas Future, shaking up the elderly Scrooge in both cases. It was good to have John and Sue Martin back as Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig: they bring infectious zest to their roles and add their rich voices to the song-filled musical.
The Cratchit family was more endearing than usual, close-knit and lovely, with matriarch Desiree Martinez and kids played by Marisa McCarty, Clair Willden, Nathaly Torres, Lijah Medina, and a fine Tiny Tim Cratchit played by Zebediah Medina. The muted brown colors at the family’s Christmas dinner were an effective part of a charming set design.
Young Jeff Redlick and Kristina Jansen, both Shuler veterans, enjoyed their playful romp at a dance. Newcomer Kelly Jones was good as Millie, especially when her wonderful singing voice emerged in the layered harmonies.
Pam Harkness and Pat Walsh played a pair of street vendors, adding salt of the earth crustiness as they nagged at Scrooge but embracing the Cratchits with the generous warmth of the yuletide season.
Elizabeth Record and Sarah Record came close to stealing the show in their turn as charwomen come to steal away Scrooge’s things after his death – witnessed by the living Scrooge thanks to the magic of the Ghost of Christmas Future. As the two women stripped away the sheet from under Scrooge’s dead body, then the red woolen socks from his cold feet, the audience repeatedly erupted in laughter in a scene that perfectly illustrated director Willden’s amping up of the comedy this year.
As the production has grown, the number of costumes has had to grow, too. Costumers Misty Gomez and Ursula Garcia, assisted by Janese Little and Ashley Atwater, really upped their game this year: the costumes looked splendid, and markedly improved from the past. Attention to detail paid off with all of the play’s women wearing warm scarves against the winter cold – this is London in December 1884 – and much of the footwear fit the setting as well, so that Scrooge’s ridiculous bedroom slippers of rubber-soled moccasins were the exception rather than the rule.
The production featured 18 carols and songs conducted by music director Michael D. Higgins, who joined in one musical highlight when he turned to add his own deep resonant voice to a mix of male harmonies. The “Box Carolers” in the balcony sang a transcendent featured carol along with many harmony accompaniments.
This year’s smooth scene changes reminded that it’s best for a stage manager’s work to be unnoticed: that means everything is going well. Mariah Fleming invisibly directed seven assistants and crew chiefs as they all kept more than 60 cast members exactly where – and when – they were supposed to be.
The Santa Fe Trail School for the Performing Arts produces most of Raton’s local theater. Their annual “A Christmas Carol” is always eagerly anticipated; this year’s production stands out as perhaps the best yet. |
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Raton Downtown Merchants Offer Holiday Fun!
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Photograph by Marty Mafield
The official tree-lighting ceremony took place on a chilly evening, Saturday November 26th and was a part of the annual holiday kick-off. |
Story by Christina Boyce
KRTN Media
Raton MainStreet has been as busy as Santa’s elves this holiday season. Three incentive programs offer shoppers opportunities to support our local businesses with a “Shop at Home” initiative designed to help grow our local economy.
Over thirty-two businesses in downtown Raton have joined forces in a festive effort to provide extended business hours and also purchase incentives for shoppers in Raton.
Extended Holiday Hours - Through December 23rd participating merchants are open until 8:00 p.m. on Friday nights. Receipt savers will receive double value during the extended hours from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Receipt Saver Promotion - Shoppers who participate in the Receipt Saver Promotion will be eligible to win prizes in a raffle that counts dollars spent at participating businesses. Every $10.00 spent will get 1 ticket to enter the raffle. Be sure to save your receipts in the handy envelopes available when you make your first purchase at a downtown merchant. This program began on November 18th and will run through December 31st. Raton MainStreet tallies the receipts for you so you can enjoy the fun without any stress. The Old Pass Art Gallery will host a reception when receipts will be tallied and prizes awarded on January 13th, 2012 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Prizes include a free recliner, cash awards and gift baskets from participating businesses.
Name that Christmas Carol - Take a stroll around downtown to view the holiday window displays and guess the Christmas Carols in the numbered windows. Pick up a contest-form at Raton MainStreet in The Historic Shuler Theater. Stacie Hull, Raton MainStreet’s Executive Director wants everyone to know that the same Christmas carol may appear in more than one window. Every contestant will receive 5 tickets in the Receipt Saver Raffle. The entry with the most correct answers will win a gift basket full of items from Raton merchants. This contest runs through December 21st. Drop off your entry forms at the Old Pass Gallery, Raton Museum, Shuler Theater or the Visitor’s Center by Wednesday December 21st. The winner will be announced on This, That & the Other on 93.9 FM on December 22nd.
Shop at home so your dollars stay right here where you live. Enjoy this season’s holiday memories knowing you are helping to grow this vital thriving community. |
Raton MainStreet
575-445-4760
www.ratonmainstreet.com
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Poetry Out Loud is a Raton winner!
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Story and Photos by Tim Keller ~ TimKellerArts.com
Thursday’s first Raton High School Poetry Out Loud competition was a big success, spurred by inspiring performances from thirteen well-prepared Raton teens. Freshman Clair Willden took top honors and will represent Raton at the New Mexico state championships February 12 at St. Francis Auditorium on the Santa Fe Plaza. The state winner will go on to represent New Mexico at the national championship May 13-15 in Washington, D.C.
Sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts and Poetry Foundation, Poetry Out Loud is a six-year-old program designed to rekindle the age-old traditions of recitation and oral interpretation. High school students from all 50 states compete at school, state, and national levels, with students winning cash awards for themselves and their school libraries. Each participating student selects two poems from the program’s 650-poem database, memorizing the poems, then honing their delivery to best bring out the poems’ meanings for a listening audience.
One hundred Ratonians gathered Thursday morning in the high school library to hear the young performers. Judges Bill Fegan and Brenda Ferri graded each performance on a six-point scale in each of six criteria – Physical Presence, Voice and Articulation, Dramatic Appropriateness, Level of Difficulty, Evidence of Understanding, and Overall Performance. Accuracy judge Christina Boyce followed the texts to determine an accuracy score which was factored into each performance score.
Willden’s second performance, Delmore Schwartz’s “The True Blue American,” was the event’s top point winner, followed by junior Marisa Rose McCarty’s rendering of Edward Thomas’s “The Brook” and senior James Neary’s evocation of Matthew Arnold’s “Dover Beach.” Not coincidentally, McCarty and Neary followed Willden in the overall standings as well, with McCarty winning third place and Neary, with second place, designated as Raton’s alternate entry in the New Mexico championship.
Other top finishers included Mariah Fleming in 4th, Kristina Jansen 5th, Dominique Zamora 6th, Caleb Stolarczyk 7th, and Sara Caruana 8th.
The other performers included Colette Village Center, Makayla Mondragon, Taylor Hull, Moriah Daniel, and Kelli Ortiz.
RHS students Megan Holland, Chelsea Chavez, Matthew Ortiz, and Tess Neary helped to make Thursday’s competition run smoothly.
As Clair Willden and James Neary prepare for the February competition in Santa Fe, RHS English teachers just received word that Raton’s Whited Foundation will fund nearly half of April’s Poets-in-the-Schools program; the teachers are searching for other funding sources in time to book the poets, who are much in demand throughout the state during April, which is National Poetry Month.
The competitors, from left, Marisa Rose McCarty, Mariah Fleming, Clair Willden,
Makayla Mondragon, Dominique Zamora, Kelli Ortiz, Sarah Caruana, James Neary,
Caleb Stolarczyk, Moriah Daniel, Kristina Jansen, and Collette Village Center.
(Not pictured: Taylor Hull.) |
Neary, with second place, is designated as Raton’s alternate entry in the New Mexico championship
Listen to Jame's recitation of Dover Beach
Listen to Marisa Rose's recitation of
The Brook
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VFW Patriotism Essays Earn Awards for Raton Teens
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Raton High School junior Marisa McCarty topped the Voice of Democracy contest winners
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Story and Photos by Tim Keller ~ TimKellerArts.com
Is there pride in serving in our military? Raton’s recent Veterans Day events resoundingly gave the town’s answer, but earlier in the month Raton teens responded to the question in the VFW’s patriotism essay contests.
Raton High School junior Marisa McCarty topped the Voice of Democracy contest winners with her essay, which is so moving that we’re sharing it below. McCarty receives a $500 savings bond from the Raton VFW chapter. 2nd place Matthew Ortiz wins a $300 bond, 3rd place Blake Washburn $200, and 4th place Callie Wilson $100. All four receive VFW backpacks, pens, medallions, and certificates as well.
Raton Middle School students competed in the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen essay contest, with Cy Brower taking top honors, followed by McKenna Valdez, Mabry Requa, and Heather Sandoval. Their prizes are the same as the high school teens, with Brower winning the top $500 award.
Brower’s winning essay joins McCarty’s 650-word essay to move on to district competition where after Thanksgiving judges will weigh them against winning essays in their divisions from Las Vegas, Taos, Clayton, and other northeastern New Mexico towns. The two winning district essays will go to the state finals, judged sometime after December 16 but not announced until the VFW’s annual state conference in Albuquerque in February.
Should either Brower or McCarty win the state essay contest, they will accompany their essay to the VFW’s national competition in the spring, where 50 winning state essays will compete for the $10,000 national top prize. Last year, Raton’s Dante Sparaco won the New Mexico Patriot’s Pen essay award and represented the state at the national convention in Texas.
Brower, an avid horseman featured in the September 2011 Western Horseman magazine with his mother, Raton nurse practitioner Marcia Hefker, is also an enthusiastic woodworker and sportsman – he plays baseball, basketball, and football. He and his mother race their Arabian horses throughout the west: in 2010, Brower was ranked number 2 nationally in junior division 100-mile horse endurance racing.
McCarty, daughter of Cindy and David McCarty, approaches her senior year ranked number one in her class with a perfect 4.0 grade average. Active in Key Club and National Honor Society, she’s been president ofYouth Alive since 2009 and was nominated for National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine this year. In addition to her busy schedule with school, clubs, and church, she works as a checker at Super Save.
According to Joe Esparza at Raton’s VFW chapter, this year’s Raton entries in the VFW patriotism essay contests dramatically eclipsed last year’s. The middle school’s Patriot’s Pen entries jumped from 30 to 42, while the high school’s Voice of Democracy entries grew from last year’s single entry, by Riley Wilson, to this year’s more robust 13 entries. Combined with this month’s rousing Veterans Day celebrations, it’s clear that Raton is feeling its patriotism this year! There is perhaps no better expression of the feeling than Marisa McCarty’s winning essay, which we share with you here. |
VFW’s Patriots Pen essay winner Cy Brower of Raton Middle School
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Economic Development and Taxes Discussed
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| Raton City Commission Meetings
2nd & 4th Tuesdays
KRTN broadcasts live on AM 1490
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By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media |
The Raton city commission met Tuesday night where taxes and economic development was a major portion of the discussion during the meeting.
Commissioners approved the lodger’s tax advisory board recommendation for $5,000 to the Raton Genome project, which will launch a family tree of the community with a goal of increasing tourism to Raton. They also approved $19,997 for billboards with Lamar Companies to advertise Raton to the traveling public. The five billboards will be placed on I-25 near Wagon Mound and Las Vegas, on highway 87 near Clayton and two near Raton.
Then came the discussion on an economic impact analysis. The city is requesting to use up to $40,000 to do an impact study. The issue comes when the impact study is too narrow and directed toward a racino and the financial feasibility of a $24 million revenue bond issue. According to the Department of Finance Authority a narrow study done specifically for a racino would be an illegal use of lodgers tax monies. However it was determined if it was for a broad use it would be a more proper to use lodgers tax monies.
Ron Schmeits told commissioners that they needed the study to show prospective businesses why they should move here, whether it is investors for a racino or a retail business. They need the data and details about the trade area to make an educated decision. Commissioners approved the project with a 4-1 vote with commissioner Mantz voting no.
Commissioners also discussed the introduction of a ¼% gross receipts tax with commissioner Starkovich suggesting the tax issue be put on the March ballet. The city has the option to impose a ¼% GRT by commission vote and a ¼% GRT that must be put before voters. The city is in need of the tax increase to provide city services.
The question is how long would it be before the GRT could be brought back before the commission if it was defeated in March. If it is two years then commissioners will have to carefully consider how to proceed. Commissioners are planning to meet for a work session on December 3 to work on issues like this.
In other commission matters they approved the franchise agreement with Baca Valley Telephone. The NMDOT has approved a waiver for matching funds on the Cedar street project. The city’s 25% match is now 0% and with that in place approved the resolution to proceed with the project.
They also approved the placement of the Pearl Harbor Memorial in Ripley Park near the WWII Memorial. Commissioners will now meet again in December for a work retreat and the regular meeting later in the month. |
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Journey to Freedom ~ Veterans Day Ceremony
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Journey to Freedom 11/11/2011
Sergeant Alfred Tafoya USMC Retired, leads the honored speakers at Raton Museum's 2011 Veterans Day Celebration
2011 Veterans Day Ceremony, Gallery View, with Raton Glee Club at The Raton Museum
Photo by Tim Keller
Ron Chavez, Veteran of the Vietnam war, at Raton Museum's 2011 Veterans Day Celebration
Alan Kenny of KRTN Radio announcing during the live broadcast of the Raton Museum's 2011 Veterans Day Celebration
Raton Museum
108 South 2nd Street
Raton, NM
575-445-8979 |
by Christina Boyce / 93.9 KRTN, Enchanted Air Radio/Web/TV
A moving ceremony marked 11/11/11’s Veterans Day at The Raton Museum in Raton New Mexico.
Hosted by the museum in conjunction with the close of the Smithsonian Exhibit, Journey Stories, veterans, family, friends and fellow citizens came out to honor, support, recognize, and thank our veterans for their service to the United States.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars Honor Guard posted the colors, opening the ceremony which offered a moving debut presentation by the newly formed Raton Glee Choir, tales of courage, pain and pride from four of our Raton veterans, and music from the WWll & Big Band era by the Trinidairs.
Sergeant Alfred Tafoya, retired US Marine Corps, led the group with grace and dignity. His daughter Felecia Tafoya–Castillo and Ron Chavez and Gilbert San Roman joined him in sharing some of their experiences and thoughts on service in the military for the core of this event.
Felecia Tafoya–Castillo represented women in service, honoring her grandmother who also served and speaking of her own experiences as a helicopter mechanic.
Ron Chavez spoke of the experiences he had coming home from the Vietnam war, noting that in Raton he experienced only appreciation and respect in stark contrast to the experiences veterans of that war experienced in the big cities. He reminded us that the soldiers are not the ones to blame for wars we do not support. If we are serious about opposing war we must take our concerns to the politicians and policy makers.
Gilbert San Roman read from an article detailing the experiences of prisoners of war, bringing a difficult subject to light amongst respectful and caring hearts present to bear witness to his experience.
Raton Museum’s exhibit, The Wall of Heroes, is a moving tribute and historical legacy of Raton and area veterans. Photographs, uniforms, information and artifacts from WWl through to current military engagements are on display. This display is set up each year and is a moving documentation of our area’s service members.
The ceremony was broadcast live on FM 93.9 KRTN, Enchanted Air radio. Alan Kenny, Assistant Manager and Sales Manager of 93.9 KRTN, Enchanted Air radio, provided commentary to listeners throughout the evening.
The Raton Museum succeeded in giving us all a special celebration and the opportunity to honor and pay respect to our country’s service men and women. Thirty-one veterans from the area were in attendance along with many friends and family joining the celebration and ceremony. Raton enjoyed a night of glory not soon to be forgotten.
Perhaps the most poignant moment of the evening came when Ron Chavez, retired Vietnam veteran said that the real heroes of any war are the mothers who stay at home praying for the safety of their children in service and for their safe return. There was not a dry eye in the crowd.
Felecia Tafoya-Castillo, Veteran, speaks to a rapt audience at Raton Museum's 2011 Veterans Day Celebration ~ Photo by Tim Keller
Next Saturday, November 18th, at 1:30 p.m. Raton Museum will present Elmo Baca of the New Mexico Department of the Humanities who will give a lecture titled Rapp & Rapp; American urbanism & New Mexican Identity. This lecture opens the Raton Museum NM Centennial Project which will present ongoing exhibits, lectures and events celebrating the upcoming centennial of New Mexico statehood. |
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Raton Murder Mystery
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| And Then There Were None
Review
The Plot Thickens
Emily Brent (Kathryn Engel) lectures Vera Claythorne (Brenda Ferri)
Vera Claythorne (Brenda Ferri) & General MacKenzie (Bill Fegan) in
And Then There Were None |
Story & Photographs by Tim Keller
~ www.timkellerarts.com
One by one the characters reliably died off Friday night as Raton Community Theater presented Agatha Christie’s “And Then There Were None” in the first of three weekend performances at the Shuler Theater.
Christie fans delight in trying to figure out her intricate murder mysteries, but they’re so cleverly constructed that the only hope of success is a wild guess. Making that guess is a big part of the fun.
Written in 1939 as “Ten Little Indians,” the story unfolds at a British island resort where ten guests have been lured for supposed vacations but instead find themselves stranded as someone is mysteriously killing them off – one at a time and each by a different method – for their own past sins.
The ensemble cast includes a partial “who’s who” of Raton theater. Brenda Ferri and Clint Henson play opposite each other in roles that remind how fun they were in “Man of La Mancha” two years ago. Michael Porter commands the center of the story as the visiting judge Sir Lawrence Wargrave. Joe Zink effectively effects the blowhard ex-cop William Blore, while Mark Jansen gets all servile as the butler Mr. Rogers, alongside Desiree Martinez’s maid Mrs. Rogers (in red high heels!).
As Dr. Armstrong, stage newcomer Janese Little is a revelation: why is this only her first Shuler performance? Let’s hope she gets the bug and returns regularly. Likewise Kathryn Engel, who charms as Emily Brent this weekend but has shared her talent with Raton audiences too little. Bring these women back regularly!
Poignantly, General MacKenzie is Bill Fegan’s final performance. Bill’s grown into a beloved and legendary figure since his arrival at the Shuler – in 1963! Now 84, he looks to all appearances as active as ever, but he says he’s done memorizing all the lines required of character parts.
Newcomer Joshua Alcorn is confident and fun playing a rakish, fast-driving, cocktail-drinking young Brit. Shuler regular Jeffery Redlick plays an island porter who earns good laughs telling about his role hunting Moby Dick. In fact, for a suspenseful murder mystery, this production is surprisingly generous in provoking audience laughter, usually as the result of expertly delivered line readings by Raton’s accomplished actors.
The final acting credit went Friday night to the disembodied “Voice”, played by one Billy Donati, even while many in the audience knew that the real Billy Donati was simultaneously broadcasting a Raton Tigers game from Albuquerque. Throwing his voice – all the way from Albuquerque – what a talented guy!
Veteran director Gail Dixon-Willden has done it again, mounting another great entertainment for Raton. To entice audience members to come back for more, she’s given each of this weekend’s three performances a different ending, all written by Agatha Christie herself for different adaptations of her work. As the characters are killed off one by one, growing increasingly fearful for which of them will be next, the audience can take increasingly pleasure in trying to outguess Christie, and Willden, in figuring out which – if any! – will be the last one standing.
All The Players on the Stage at the Shuler During a Tense Moment
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Veteran’s Day -- A Time to Pay Tribute
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Raton Middle School Veteran's Day Ceremony
Guest Speaker Sgt Alfred Tafoya USMC retired, spoke primarily to the students at RMS about respect for the flag and the soldiers.
Taps is being played and each veteran honors the fallen in their own way.
Veteran's Day ceremony at
Raton Middle School |
By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
Its 11-11-11, not only a numerically significant day but it is also Veteran’s Day, a day that is celebrated each year at the Raton Middle School and today was no different as the students and staff held their annual Veteran’s Day ceremony.
The colors were posted with respect and the Pledge of Allegiance was respectfully done. A presidential proclamation was read, as was the Governor’s proclamation. Other selections included a “Flag poem”, “It’s the Soldier” and “No, Freedom Isn’t Free.”
All of those lead into the words spoken by guest speaker Sergeant Alfred Tafoya USMC, Retired. Tafoya directed his remarks mostly to the students, because the students are our future and the ones who will one day defend the flag and the freedoms it stands for.
Tafoya went on to add,""This flag, that we as veterans, so proudly defend has draped over 1,000,000 coffins over the years. Veterans who have given the ultimate sacrifice to protect the freedoms you enjoy today".
He reminded the students that the flag deserves their respect much like when another team or school was to come into our school and disrespect our banner. He asked them what they would do should that happen. Certainly a fight or confrontation would result to protect the honor of our school. The Flag deserves that same respect so next time remember to place your hand over your heart when the flag is presented don’t laugh and play around show your respect.
A Soldier is responsible for the free speech you hold dear not the reporter. A right to a fair trial is a freedom given by the soldier not the lawyer. It is a soldier each one of these men who sit here today that we call brothers, brothers that have defended the flag and our freedoms. He added, “If it’s worth fighting for have the courage to fight for it.”
Today was set aside to honor those that have served and as Tafoya put it, "all we want is to be acknowledged. Spend some time with your veterans, they all have stories especially those who have seen combat. Spend some time and get to know them".
As taps was played, memories were awakened and as Tafoya put it unless you are a veteran you really don’t know what it's like to see your buddy wounded, torn apart or even killed; in those situations a special bond is created a bond that lasts, a bond that allows us to call each other brothers.
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Dreams of Fame & Bling Come to Raton
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30th Annual Texaco Country Showdown
 Keeira Lyn Ford Jumps for Joy after her win at the 2011 30th Annual Texaco Country Showdown
Keeira Lyn Ford Singing at the 30th Annual Texaco Country Showdown
Nicole Unser Performs "Dig Deep"
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I can see the excitement that the 30th Annual Texaco Country Showdown regional finals have brought to Raton even as I approach The Shuler Theater driving my Kia on Second Street in downtown Raton. There are no parking spaces to be had for as far as the eye can see.
Inside, the lobby is buzzing and audience members are given goody bags from the show’s host. It’s 6:20 and people are already taking their seats for the 7:00 p.m. show. Downstairs the seats are mostly filled; I decide to take a look in the balcony where I find the view is great.
Nicole Unser of Maxwell has made the journey as far as state champion and will represent New Mexico tonight. Clearly the hometown favorite, she’ll compete against seven other state winners -- though Texas is so big it has North, South and Central winners.
Tonight’s champion will win an all-expense-paid trip to Nashville for the chance to compete for a grand prize of $100,000 and opportunities to launch a national career.
Albuquerque’s Redneck The Band took the stage at 6:45 with a short warm-up set of loud but well-received honky-tonk, ending its set with a Dwight Yoakam cover. The band gave a spirited performance that got the audience’s attention and enthusiastic applause. The band remained on the stage to accompany singers for the contest.
North Texas finalist Hatti Bridges took the opening slot in the contest, singing “Don’t Worry About Me” in a classic country voice. Loud and clear she demonstrated her intention to win! Her second selection, “Look it Up!” by Ashton Shepherd got my attention with a delivery full of attitude.
Arizona’s finalist, Keeira Lyn Ford, with a honey sweet voice, connected to this listener’s heart with an original, “I Told You So” ringing out clear and full of emotion. Full of soul, her delivery cut straight to the heart. Keeira Lyn’s second song was another original allowing her to further make the case for her songwriting abilities and luscious voice.
Katy Laurel, the Colorado finalist, made sure to make the stage her own before she started her song set. I liked that. Her first number, an original, “Be Somebody” was another anthem for young women in the heartland to dream big and work hard to make those dreams come true. Dismissing the band she did her second song solo with her guitar. The song failed to excite and revealed a nasal quality that just doesn’t work for this listener.
Nicole Unser, representing New Mexico, took the fourth spot in the lineup. Redneck band mates gave her one of their guitars to use for her act, giving me the impression that they had chosen her as the winner and wanted her to sound her very best. Her original, “Dig Deep”, a heartfelt prayer for healing and triumph over inertia, landed right in the hearts in the audience. Losing the guitar for her second song she sang a fine rendition of Bobby Russell’s “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia”. Nicole’s voice is unique and stands out, rich, with wide range and myriad emotion. She worked the whole stage with just enough embellishment to make the song her own yet kept the folks who love this hit happy. Without the guitar, free to move around the stage, she made her abilities as a dynamic performer clear. The audience loved her and the applause was noticeably louder for her set. As a fan I was proud, though I thought her wardrobe choice probably hurt her scores. Still, Nicole did New Mexico proud!
Next to the stage, the first male performer of the evening, Cody Brunette gave two originals. Delivering his songs in a casual country mode, his voice didn’t stand out as a winner though the Southern Texas fans he brought with him did make a big noise for him.
The final three acts were full bands so the show hosts took time to give away some freebies while Redneck The Band gave the stage over to the upcoming acts.
Oklahoma’s finalist, The Jeremy Collins Band, took the stage after this brief break. An all male act, they presented a powerhouse sound that the audience seemed to like very much. For me it was much too loud. I took the opportunity to visit the ladies room and stretch my legs. Returning for the second song I was able to see that they brought a lot of talent to the competition.
Next up, all glitter and dreads and shaking up the “Country” genre, Dump Truck Butterlips, the finalists from Kansas, made a visually arresting entrance. This four piece “country, folk, soul, bluegrass” band challenged the audience for their open minds. Delivering two original songs, their second song, “My Daddy Warned Me About Boys Like You” really worked. The audience had warmed up to them and the band let their wonderful harmonies and beautiful souls loose. With such an eclectic band persona, creative arrangements and delightful musicianship, I’m looking forward to hearing their music on the radio!
Kimberly Dunn, the Central Texas finalist, was the last contestant to vie for the winner’s prize. She brought her four-piece band from San Antonio. A good-looking band with plenty of polish and refreshingly without the night’s plentiful bling, their sound, complete with harmonies, rang out strong and clear. Kimberly’s smile was infectious. I felt she and her band were having the most fun.
Redneck the Band again took the stage while the judges retired to the place judges go for the difficult task of the night. They were given twenty minutes to decide who will take this regional championship and make that coveted trip to Nashville. We in the audience were entreated to stay in our seats and enjoy the music till the winner was announced.
By now the audience had realized what a crack-up band Redneck The Band really was and they did a little bragging before their first song. The band’s career has included touring with Chris LeDoux and appearances with Garth Brooks, Alabama and the Western Underground. The wait-for-results set opened with a wonderful rendition of “Ghost Riders in the Sky”, fitting the mood of suspense and excitement perfectly. The audience sat happy as horny toads in the sun enjoying their performance, no doubt wondering how on earth the judges were going to come up with a winner from this eclectic range of talent. Given the range of styles brought to the stage, the judges must have had an agonizing deliberation. How can you compare such variety and say one band takes it all?
Audience members were invited to rate the acts along the way using the same criteria the judges were given. The scoring sheet and invitation to rate the acts as the show progressed was in the goody bag. Points were awarded for Marketability in Country Music, Vocal/Instrumental Ability, Originality of Performance, Stage Presence/Charisma, Talent and bonus points given for Songwriting Talent.
Raton native Stan Lark was one of the three judges, along with Pat Carter of Santa Fe and Brandon Holland of Tulsa Oklahoma, all of whom were volunteering their time to make the Nashville dream real for just one of these acts. Stan Lark commented, “We really enjoyed ourselves!” Finally the big moment arrived and the results of their deliberations were announced. The 2011 regional finalist is Keeira Lyn Ford of Arizona.
This was a great night of entertainment brought to Raton’s Shuler Theater by a long list of sponsors. They hope to host the regional finals again in 2012. Given the nearly sold-out capacity of the theater and the distances that most contestants and fans had to drive, this is one more example of an event that puts heads in beds and brings national level talent to our very own town. Raising the profile of Raton, the 30th Annual Texaco Country Showdown was a huge success! Kudos are well deserved to all who made it happen. I for one look forward to next year’s show… right here in Raton, New Mexico. by Christina Boyce |
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A Screaming Good Time
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Review of Dracula
 Coleman and Neary  Tegan Thompson, James Neary, Ila Medina  Kuchan, Coleman, Neary
Raton High School Mask & Wig Club Performed Their First Full Length Drama Over the Halloween Weekend
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Reviewing small town community and high school theater is more about appreciation and promotion than criticism and finger-pointing, but the fecund state of Raton's local theater scene has brought us to a point where such positive commentary is more often accuracy than generosity. Raton High School's Mask & Wig Club -- young actors in a young club -- this weekend mounted a dramatic production of "Dracula" that was startlingly good. Almost to show off their youthful energy, for Halloween weekend they mounted a second Saturday night performance at 11 p.m. last night, running the full-length play well into Sunday. (On the other hand, when you accomplish something very good, doesn't it give you a burst of energy?)
Most high school drama clubs mount their shows in the school's auditorium; some have to settle for the school's "cafetorium." In Raton, the venerable 97-year-old Shuler Theater always makes room in its schedule of professional productions for the local community and high school plays, which goes part way toward explaining the town's strong theater scene.
My first impression of this production of Dracula was that there was a lot of screaming. And then there was more screaming. Let's say the young actors really bit into their roles. But then the story settled down and developed into a forceful drama. This was both the first drama and the first full-length play by this young drama club that's only in its second year, founded with the arrival at the school of its director, Cian Hazen, who clearly deserved a great deal of credit for this weekend's success. But sixteen young actors and a dozen young crew members all threw themselves into this production with relish, and it was obvious that they had a bloody good time.
Several of the roles had as many lines and as much stage time as the lead role of Dracula, but senior James Neary's performance was so demonically commanding and possessed that there was never any doubt that he was the star. With not even the slightest nod to Bela Lugosi, he made the role his own. His Dracula had had 500 years to build such confidence that his smile was both ever-present and chilling. It was impossible not to suspect that the smile also signaled how much fun Neary had with the role.
As the serious doctor Van Helsing, sophomore Nathan Coleman shined in only his second foray on stage, following one appearance in a fifth-grade musical. But after Neary and Coleman, the other juicy performances mostly belonged to the girls.
Senior Etta Briscoe played the captive mad doctor Renfield to the hilt, causing two momentary interruptions to the play when the audience insisted on applauding her. Tegan Thompson again demonstrated that she's a natural actor, immersing herself and emoting convincingly, here in her role as Lucy Westphal.
That leaves two performances to note, tiny roles but hard to wipe from the mind. Ila Medina as Mina Grant had simply too much fun being blood-thirsty, but that was a good thing in this context. Kristina Jansen's part as "Child" was similar, but she provided the play a chilling coda when, after Dracula had received the climactic stake through the heart, Jansen skipped into a cold spotlight front and center: as she went down to drink from yet another victim's still-warm neck, her bloodlust was unsettlingly chilling. In that moment she equaled -- indeed, she replaced -- Neary's Dracula and closed the play on an appropriately frightening note.
- by Tim Keller / TimKellerArts.com |
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City Commissioners Discuss Several Issues (10-25-2011)
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 Paul Jenkins of GrowRaton! speaks at Tuesday night's City Commission Meeting
KRTN 1490 AM broadcasts live at Raton City Commission meetings on the 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of the month. |
Fuel Farm upgrades, restoration and grants all part of the conversation at Tuesday night’s Raton city commission meeting.
The Lodger’s Tax board is looking at using $85,000 for billboards from Colorado Springs to Las Cruses to promote Raton. That proposal could come before the commission in the next month. A committee is working on a Pearl Harbor Memorial that they would like to have it placed in Ripley Park near where the WWI memorial is currently located.
The old pass road was also a topic of some discussion as property owners past the city property are upset about trespassers and damage being done by individuals some of which ride ATVs. Their concern comes from unlimited access and with persons partying and building bonfires as well as going up there to use high power weapons shooting up signs, trees buildings ect. City Manager Condrey felt the research he had done along with help from Nancy Robertson could answer the questions the landowners had.
Paul Jenkins of Grow Raton spoke to commissioners about a memorandum of understanding with the city to provide economic development support. Commissioner Starkovich cited city ordinance that was passed in 2009 that spells out economic development and what the city is responsible for. It also indicates that the city manager is the contact for economic development in the city. Commissioner Starkovich didn’t want the commission to relinquish that responsibility to any organization as was being suggested in the MOU.
The MOU that Jenkins brought before the commission also spelled out some of the activities that Grow Raton would be engaged in and Starkovich indicated those are things that Grow Raton didn’t need an MOU to perform. That included things like education support for recycling.
The MOU also spoke about a Community Alliance between Main Street, the Chamber of Commerce and Grow Raton. It also appeared to Starkovich that Grow Raton was making itself the head of the alliance. The Main Street board and Chamber board are still looking at the issue.
Commissioner Mantz wanted the commission to take the MOU and city ordinance and study them to see what can be done while Mayor Pro-Tem Montoya suggested that commissioners look at how they could marry the MOU with the ordinance and accomplish some form of cooperation between the city and Grow Raton. Montoya continued that we haven’t had any economic development in a long time and it was good that someone or a group was willing to step up and do something.
For the sake of continuity Commissioner Starkovich nominated Mark Jansen as a trustee to Raton Public Service Company. Starkovich indicated that Jansen had been on the board during the ARPA turmoil and was already up to speed on what is going on at RPS. The only other candidate David Wentling removed his name from consideration and supporting Jansen and also citing the need for continuity.
Commissioners approved an agreement with Eaton Sales and Service to rebuild the Fuel Farm at the municipal airport. The state who will fund 90% of the project had a couple of concerns that were addressed by commissioners adding that the project should not exceed the $190,240.88 cost. The concerns stemmed from the possibility of transportation costs fluctuating for transporting tanks to Raton.
Commissioners approved a resolution to allow the water board to request funding for continuing the restoration of Sugarite Canyon. The board will seek $1,000,000 in funds to help with erosion mitigation, tree mulching, aerial seeding and planting of seedlings.
Commissioners accepted a Community oriented policing services grant. The grant will provide funding to hire one officer for three years. At the end of the three years the city is required to keep the officer for one more year. Chief Sisneros is hopeful that the city will be in better financial shape or possibly through attrition will be able to keep the officer.
The city approved the bid from WM Serazio Construction to build a drainage structure around the major drainage south of Memorial Lane. Serazio’s bid came in just a bit above the engineer’s estimate.
Commissioners introduced an ordinance granting Baca Valley Telephone a franchise agreement. Baca Valley has purchased the current fiber optic project from ENMR Telephone. ENMR Telephone was the principal in obtaining the federal grant to do the project but due to ENMR’s position in the state they agreed to sell the Raton part of the project to Baca Valley.
City Clerk Geneva Trujillo indicated that the city was now at 24% of budget and expenditures are at 23% of budget, which means city departments are working within their budgets pretty well. Trujillo however has some concerns that the GRT payments will drop over the summer months as a result of a lack of tourism due to the track fire.
City Manager Jeff Condrey introduced the new code enforcement officer Joseph Martinez. He added that the audit concerns with Moss Adams had been cleared up and noted the new auditors were in town to perform this year’s audit.
Condrey also noted that there would be advertising on Comcast Cable during Monday night football promoting Raton.
Commissioners then adjourned and may meet in a special meeting in November to handle urgent matters or wait till November 15 for the regular meeting.
- Marty Mayfield KRTN Multi-Media |
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Journey Stories at Raton Museum Bring Visitors
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 Raton High School seniors examine a century-old aerial photograph of Raton, looking for their own houses.
Journey Stories
Raton Museum
Wednesday - Saturday:
10:00am - 4:00pm
Phone: 575-445-8979
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Raton High School english classes visited Raton Museum's current exhibition of the Smithsonian's "Journey Stories" which holds a wide array of interesting history. The museum has been working diligently to make sure that youth are involved, bringing the Raton High School English classes in for hour long visits. Visit Tim Keller's blog for more about their visit.
Also happening at the museum on Wednesday mornings at 10:00 a.m. through November 9th is the program Remembering When "Tales of Yesteryear". Sponsored by Raton Business Professional Women these round table discussions present speakers on topics of interest relating to travel and area culture. 
Linda Davis was one of the speakers present last week for the discussion on ranching in our area.
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 Raton High School seniors examine a century-old aerial photograph of Raton. |
Raton High School freshman Christian Granado examines an exhibit in the Smithsonian Institution's traveling show "Journey Stories" at the Raton Museum, October 2011. |
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Metales M5 Mexican Brass RAHC Performing Arts Season Opens with a Splash!
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Metales M5 Mexican Brass
Metales M5 Mexican Brass
Metales M5 Mexican Brass
Metales M5 Mexican Brass in concert at the Shuler Theater, Raton, New Mexico, October 12, 2011 |
A Heavy Metal Concert
Wednesday evening marked the opening of this year's concert season presented by Raton Arts & Humanities Council, with the Whited Foundation, at the Shuler Theater. I've learned to trust the bookings, because on paper some of them sound underwhelming and for me they mean spending hours in town after work, then getting home after 10 only to get up at 5 for the commute to work again the next morning. But the shows never disappoint, and so I never miss one. Metales M5 Mexican Brass consists of two trumpeters, a trombone, a french horn, and a tuba. (See what I mean?) From the moment the opening curtain parted, it was clear that we were in good hands with an entertaining evening ahead. In our first look, the musicians were dressed as British Tories, complete with powdered long-hair wigs. Through the first set, they gradually, and comically, reduced the amount of costuming until they were dressed in contemporary black. It was easy enough to enjoy on a strictly entertainment level -- boys will be boys, dueling trumpets...and I mean dueling with them as light sabers during the Star Wars segment -- but what quickly became apparent was that these consummate entertainers had long ago mastered their instruments and their music. They played elaborate, sumptuous arrangements so effortlessly that they could perform comedy antics simultaneously with the music. Easy to escape notice was that they never played straightforward songs or melodies, but rather had arranged each piece into constantly shifting and challenging arrangements. It was seriously good music played by virtuosos who never took themselves too seriously. The group is based in Morelia, Mexico, the urban center of Michoacan, Christina's and my favorite area of Mexico, an area where I've spent a lot of time since first holing up in Patzcuaro in the summer of 1985 to write songs and practice my Spanish. Most of the Metales M5 musicians perform with the Morelia Symphony Orchestra, and some also teach on music faculties. But their fall tour has them away from home for three months: 55 concerts across the western half of the United States, of which the Raton show was number 26. They were in great form, engaging the audience throughout the show and earning both laughter and strong applause, despite the fact that three of the players knew no English. The stage patter was handled effectively by Alexander Freund, a German who speaks many languages, has been in Morelia for eight years, and has a knack as an entertainer; he was occasionally assisted by trombonist Timothy Dueppen, guesting with the group for this tour but usually based in his native Los Angeles, where he's a busy session player.As so often happens, the Shuler Theater was only about half full for this touring show. That's a shame. Too many people have worn depressions in their couches across from the TV, forgetting how exciting and moving a night of live entertainment can be. No matter the sacrifice it might require, I've never yet regretted staying out late for a show at the Shuler.
by Tim Keller / TimKellerArts.com
October 16, 2011 |
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Raton High School seniors examine a century-old aerial photograph of Raton, looking for their own houses.
Raton High School seniors examine a century-old aerial photograph of Raton.
