Roswell Daily Record
Vol. 122, No. 298 75¢ Daily / $1.25 Sunday
THE VOICE OF THE PECOS VALLEY
December 13, 2013
www.rdrnews.com
FRIDAY
Council discusses medical cannabis zoning JILL MCLAUGHLIN RECORD STAFF WRITER
A medical marijuana distributor could open a store in Roswell, City Councilors concluded after discussing whether to change a zoning ordinance Thursday. But a final vote to remove restrictions was postponed. Several councilors spoke in favor of a medical cannabis center, and had a lengthy dialogue with an owner of a state-licensed dispensary in Ruidoso.
After mulling the idea and discussing it with City Attorney Barbara Patterson, some concluded that by removing the reference to medical marijuana the distribution centers could apply to operate. “By pulling it off, there would be a greater opportunity for a distribution center to be established,” Mayor Del Jurney said. Patterson explained that staff would need to explore more infor mation from those who apply, such as
what would be offered and what would be stored. “We’re better off just letting a sleeping dog lie,” said Councilor Steve Henderson. “If you want a distribution center, come to the city and apply for whatever building you’re looking for. Just like anybody else.” Councilor Juan Oropesa said he was supportive of a distribution center locating in the city. “The reason I say that is because I have very close friends and relatives that
don’t have the money to drive to one of the 23 distributors. “So we’re looking at our citizens not being able to have that kind of care,” Foster said. Patterson told councilors that when staff was rewriting the ordinance, the item was placed in the list. But the field is heavily regulated and presents many conflicts with state and federal law, she said.
although he also struggled recently with cancer, he was turned down for a prescription. His friend, though, was still alive because of her ability to secure medical cannabis. “She would be absolutely dead right now,” Huckabee said. “She was starving to death.” Councilor Barry Foster said he had talked to a physician about the issue of the medical cannabis program. The doctor told him many have cards but
are suf fering,” Oropesa said. “One is right now at the point she may not even make it through Christmas.” Oropesa said he spoke with several people at the cancer center recently and at a meeting and couldn’t find one person who opposed it. “We all have friends and relatives who are struggling to get the medical marijuana,” Oropesa said. Councilor Dusty Huckabee also said that
ENMU-R honors largest fall grad class in its history TESS TOWNSEND RECORD STAFF WRITER
Mark Wilson Photo
ENMU-R graduates clown around prior to commencement ceremonies at the Roswell Convention & Civic Center, Thursday evening.
The largest fall graduating class in the history of Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell attended its commencement convocation at Roswell Convention & Civic Center Thursday evening. The university graduated 411 students this semester, according to ENMU-R President John Madden. He said irregular lengths of some programs contributed to the size of the class. Donning silver caps and gowns, about 160 students crossed the proverbial stage and accepted their tickets to bright futures. “It’s nice to be able to see
See COUNCIL, Page A3
the light at the end of the tunnel, to become a professional after so much education,” said Irma Acosta, 22, who received her associate’s degree in teacher education. The Goddard High alumna plans to complete her bachelor’s in education at ENMU-R in May and hopes to teach in Roswell Independent School District. All seats in the auditorium were filled Thursday for the convocation, with family and friends of graduates standing off to the sides to catch a glimpse of the ceremony. The event kicked off with ENMU-R Community Band See GRADS, Page A3
NM senators seek K-Bob’s Steakhouse open for business fed protections for Organ Mountains TESS TOWNSEND RECORD STAFF WRITER
ALBUQUERQUE (AP) — U.S. Sens. Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich on Thursday reignited a decade-old effort to seek federal protections for a mountain range that borders one of the state’s largest cities as well as other scenic areas in Dona Ana County.
The senators’ legislation calls for designating about 780 square miles near Las Cruces as the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument. The area would include eight new wilderness areas and would be overseen by the Bureau of Land Management.
Udall and Heinrich said establishing the area as a monument would help conservation efforts and boost economic development for the border region by putting the mountain peaks on recreational maps around the world. Some concer ns have been raised over the years about whether law enforcement would have flexibility in accessing protected areas along the U.S.-Mexico border. Udall and Heinrich said their legislation is the See PROTECTIONS, Page A3
Business is already booming at the new KBob’s Steakhouse on North Main Street. “We’ve been very busy,” said Carol Jaramillo, a server and bartender at the restaurant, adding that Wednesday and Thursday “there was not a seat empty.” K-Bob’s opened its new location, attached to Best Western Sally Port Inn & Suites Tuesday. The steakhouse serves up meals made from scratch ranging in price from $7.99 to $19.99. Dishes include chicken, seafood, a full salad bar and, of course, steak. Jay Arismendez, general
manager of the Roswell location, claims the house green chile burger is the “best in New Mexico.” Roswellites are no stranger to the chain, which had two locations in town about 15 years ago that have since closed, according to John Calo, New Mexico regional director for K-Bob’s. The new venue houses more than 6,000 square feet of space with capacity for 450 diners, plus capacity for 300 in catering spaces behind the restaurant in Sally Port Inn. Staff count amounts to 125, with 75 servers, bartenders and managers slotted for each shift. Employees enjoy perks such as free meals before and after shifts.
A reception was held Thursday at the Roswell Chamber of Commerce for newly hired Roswell-Chaves County Economic Development Corporation Executive Director John Mulcahy, center.
HIGH 66 LOW 30
TODAY’S FORECAST
• ANDREW D. SKIPPER
Newly hired RoswellChaves County Economic Development Corporation Executive Director John Mulcahy was welcomed with a warm reception at the Chamber of Commerce Thursday. “I can’t say enough nice things about him so far,” said Roswell Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Dorrie FaubusMcCarty. “He’s already getting involved with the Chamber. In order to be
TODAY’S OBITUARIES PAGE A6
• EVELYN “BUNKIE” DECK KEY
Bartender Brian Schwarz and Jazmon Miller, corporate bar trainer for K-Bob’s Steakhouse, a restaurant chain based in Santa Fe, stand behind the new steakhouse’s bar during lunch hour traffic.
“You can’t have people working with food hungry,” said Calo. He said that depending on the flow of customers,
more hiring may be on the docket. K-Bob’s started in Clovis See K-BOB’S, Page A3
Mulcahy takes reins at EDC
JILL MCLAUGHLIN RECORD STAFF WRITER
Jill McLaughlin Photo
Tess Townsend photo
successful, we all have to work together.” Mulcahy began his new position Dec. 1. He relocated from Truth or Consequences, where he served most recently as mayor of the commission. He grew up in southern Arizona and has lived on the East Coast and in Texas. He already has several goals for boosting economic development, he said. “I would like to create job growth,” Mulcahy said. “I would like to grow our median household income,
CLASSIFIEDS ..........B6 COMICS .................B5 ENTERTAINMENT .....A9 FINANCIAL ..............B3
grow the tax base and preserve all the wonder ful things in the community we have now.” Mulcahy said he sees a great deal of potential at the air center, especially with its expansion of maintenance repair overhauls and partnering with area youth to create jobs. “There is enor mous opportunity to take young adults and give them skilled training to take the positions that become available at the air center,”
See MULCAHY, Page A3
INDEX GENERAL ...............A2 HOROSCOPES .........A9 LOTTERIES .............A2 NATION..................A7
OPINION .................A4 SPORTS .................B1 WEATHER ............A10 WORLD ..................A6