Roswell Daily Record
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SANTA FE (AP) — A former Santa Fe police detective who is fighting to get his job back has provided more details about what he maintains was a federal investigation that targeted Santa Fe’s city manager and a state official. James Vigil told reporters Wednesday during a press conference ... - PAGE A7
THE VOICE OF THE PECOS VALLEY
Irene tightens aim on East Coast
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BUXTON, N.C. (AP) — A monstrous Hurricane Irene tightened its aim on the Easter n Seaboard on Thursday, threatening 65 million people along a shore-hugging path from North Carolina to New England. One of the nation’s top experts called it his “nightmare” scenario. The Category 3 stor m with winds of 115 mph — the threshold for a major hurricane — would be the strongest to strike the East Coast in seven years, and people were already getting
August 26, 2011
FRIDAY
www.rdrnews.com
out of the way. Tens of thousands fled North Carolina beach towns, farmers pulled up their crops, and the Navy ordered ships to sea so they could endure the punishing wind and waves in open water. All eyes were on Irene’s projected path, which showed it bringing misery to every city along the I-95 corridor, including Washington, New York and Boston. The former chief of the National Hurricane Center called it one of his
three worst possible situations. “One of my greatest nightmares was having a major hurricane go up the whole Northeast Coast,” Max Mayfield, the center’s retired director, told The Associated Press. He said the damage will probably climb into billions of dollars. “This is going to have an impact on the United States economy.” The head of the Federal Emergency Management See IRENE, Page A3
Madsen trial vacated AP Photo
Hurricane Irene moves over the Bahama Islands, Thursday.
JESSICA PALMER RECORD STAFF WRITER
TOP 5 WEB
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• Gov: Capping tax doesn’t make sense • Third Valero suspect surrenders • ENMU-R plane is finally unveiled • Rio Rancho: Testing Goddard in Week 1 • Gateway Christian gets a measuring ...
INSIDE SPORTS
Mark Wilson Photo
Lack of rainfall distresses Bitter Lake Severe drought conditions in southeastern New Mexico have affected Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge where water levels are extremely low.
EMILY RUSSO MILLER RECORD STAFF WRITER
Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge in north Roswell is known as an oasis in the desert, pro-
GHS DOWNS NMMI
In the Goddard and NMMI boys soccer season openers, both teams struggled to find the back of the net and as a result, both teams entered their matchup on Thursday 0-1. While the Colts’ offensive woes continued, the Rockets netted two goals in a 2-0 victory. Early and often both squads had opportunities to draw first blood, but some nifty saves and bad touches elongated both teams’ offensive ineptitude. In the second minute, NMMI’s Angel Reyes had an open look in front of the goal, - PAGE B1
TODAY’S OBITUARIES
• Alfredo Caballero • John W. Hall - PAGE A7
HIGH ...98˚ LOW ....70˚
TODAY’S FORECAST
CLASSIFIEDS..........B6 COMICS.................B4 FINANCIAL .............B5 GENERAL ..............A2 HOROSCOPES ........A8 LOTTERIES ............A2 OPINION ................A4 SPORTS ................B1 STATE ...................A7 WEATHER ..............A8
INDEX
viding vital wetlands in an arid environment to thousands of migratory birds and endangered species and plants. But the oasis is drying up due to exceptional
drought conditions, the worst drought category possible, that still persist in southeast New Mexico, Bitter Lake biologist Jeffrey Sanchez said in an interview Thursday after-
noon. Wetlands are at an alltime low capacity, just below 50 percent, and the refuge has received a mere 1/2 of an inch of See BITTER, Page A3
The trial for Jeannie Madsen was vacated, Thursday, following a last minute settlement. The trial was still listed on the docket. At least one of the witnesses, a Roswell police officer, never received notification of the cancellation. According to the District Attorney’s office, the trial was still on the schedule as of 5 p.m., Wednesday. The case stems from an incident in which Police Detective Jeannie Madsen, an 11-year veteran, was arrested following an altercation. The incident took place in January. According to the criminal complaint filed in Magistrate Court, husband Eric Madsen said he and his wife got into a verbal argument, and “she kicked him and struck him, causing bruises and scrapes.”
State jet sells for $2.5M RFD moves fence; damages pipe
SANTA FE (AP) — Republican Gov. Susana Martinez waved goodbye Thursday to a state-owned jet she calls the “ultimate symbol of waste and excess.” Her administration sold the plane for $2.5 million. Martinez presented keys to the aircraft to the new owners, a retired couple from Anchorage, Alaska, at a ceremony at Santa Fe’s municipal airport. “Last year when I was running for governor, I not only promised taxpayers that I would not use this state jet as a personal air taxi, I promised New Mexicans across the state that I would get rid of this symbol of greed and excess in state government. And today, I make good on that promise,” Martinez said. The new owners, Robert
and Linda Felland, stood next to the governor at the airport news conference — the jet as a backdrop with a large “SOLD” sign affixed to it. “I hear it is a sweet ride but I will just have to take their word for it,” Martinez said. The couple and their pilots later took off for Wisconsin, where they also maintain a home. Martinez waved at the couple as the plane headed toward a runway. The twin-engine business jet, a Cessna Citation Bravo, was purchased new in 2005 by Democratic Gov. Bill Richardson’s administration for $5.5 million. Richardson was a frequent flier on the jet, but MarSee JET, Page A3
EMILY RUSSO MILLER RECORD STAFF WRITER
A natural gas leak in Melendez Park in southwest Roswell Thursday morning forced the evacuation of about 20 residences, a preschool and several businesses. New Mexico Gas Company contained the leak within an hour after Fire Department personnel accidently damaged a 2inch natural gas distribuMark Wilson Photo tion pipeline in the park, A gas leak forced evacuations and the closure of South which is located directly Garden Avenue at the intersection of East McGaffey behind Roswell Fire Sta- Street, Thursday morning. tion No. 2 at the intersection of South Garden and operating a Bobcat to tion, said Roswell Fire Avenue and East dig post holes since they Department Division McGaffey Street. Chief Devin Graham. Firefighters were relo- had just finished building cating a fence in the park an addition to the fire staSee RFD Page A2
Esperanza provides help for young victims JULIA BERGMAN RECORD STAFF WRITER
Inside a quaint, blue house on a quiet Roswell street, an organization called Esperanza House Inc. offers young abuse victims a welcome alternative to being investigated within the walls of an intimidating government building: a child-friendly environment, complete with toys and soft furnishings, where speciallytrained interviewers wearing ordinary clothes are available to talk to young victims. “It is much easier
for a child to come to a home than a police station,” says Mandy Airhart, victim services coordinator and a forensic interviewer at Esperanza House. “It is easier for them to talk to someone in plain clothes, someone specifically trained to talk to children.” Founded 20 years ago, the mission of the organization is “to provide comprehensive and compassionate care to victims of child abuse and sexual assault,” says Mike Turner, director of Esperanza
See MADSEN, Page A3
Roswell businesses will need 443 workers in next 12 months JULIA BERGMAN RECORD STAFF WRITER
House. Prior to his employment at the organization, Turner worked as a detective at the Roswell Sheriff’s Office, where he saw first-hand many of the cases that the Esperanza House handles. While working as a detective, Turner was asked to be a member of the founding board of direcSee ESPERANZA, Page A3
In its presentation to the City Council and Mayor Del Jurney Thursday night, the Economic Development Committee said Roswell will have a workforce need for 443 employees, including both skilled and general laborers, over the next 12 months. The EDC discussed local expansions occurring in the community responsible for creating this workforce need, the challenges and opportunities Roswell faces, as well as
EDC’s goals for the upcoming year. “We always talk about this in the office. Everybody wants to see that big win, the 200 jobs coming in; if we can’t fill that 443 employees it does us no good to bring in a brand new company that needs to fill 200 jobs. So that’s why we harp so heavily on the retension and extension side, taking care of our locals,” said Jessica Armendariz, EDC project manager. See WORKERS, Page A2