JANUARY 2026
A Flight of Thanks
Rio Grande Honor Flight recognizes New Mexico veterans with trips to memorials in Washington, D.C. Page 14
Vietnam veteran Perry Ashby touches the name of a deceased comrade at the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C. PHOTO BY ELAINE PRICKETT, RIO GRANDE HONOR FLIGHT
Jan. 1, 2026 • Vol. 78, No. 1 USPS 175-880 • ISSN 0046-1946 enchantment (ISSN 0046-1946) is published 10 times a year—every month except June and December—by the New Mexico Rural Electric Cooperative Association, 614 Don Gaspar Ave., Santa Fe, NM 87505. enchantment provides reliable, helpful information on rural living and energy use to electric cooperative members and customers. More than 113,000 families and businesses receive enchantment magazine as electric cooperative members. Nonmember subscriptions are available at $12 a year or $18 for two years, payable to NMRECA. Allow four to eight weeks for first delivery. PERIODICAL POSTAGE paid at Santa Fe, NM 875019998 and additional mailing offices. CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Postmaster, please send address changes to 614 Don Gaspar Ave., Santa Fe, NM 87505-4428. Readers who receive the publication through their electric cooperative membership should report address changes to their local electric cooperative office. THE NEW MEXICO RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION provides legislative and educational services to the cooperatives that are members of the association and deliver electric power to New Mexico’s rural areas and small communities. The mission of the New Mexico Rural Electric Cooperative Association is to strengthen, support, unify and represent cooperative member interests at the local, state and national levels. Each cooperative has a representative on the association’s board of directors, which controls the editorial content and advertising policy of enchantment through its Publications Committee. OFFICERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Tim Morrow, President, Springer Electric Co-op, Springer; Charles G. Wagner, Vice President, Western Farmers’ Electric Co-op, Anadarko, Oklahoma; Preston Stone, Secretary-Treasurer, Otero County Electric Co-op, Cloudcroft. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Rusty Gwynne, Central Valley Electric Co-op, Artesia; Bill King, Central NM Electric Co-op, Mountainair; Chris Martinez, Columbus Electric Co-op, Deming; Keith Gottlieb, Continental Divide Electric Co-op, Grants; Antonio Sanchez, Farmers’ Electric Co-op, Clovis; Manny Bustos, Jemez Mountains Electric, Española; Bobby Ferris, Lea County Electric Co-op, Lovington; James Ortiz, Mora-San Miguel Electric Cooperative, Mora; Thomas G. Rivas, Northern Río Arriba Electric Co-op, Chama; Eric Segovia, Roosevelt County Electric Co-op, Portales; Raymond Ruffini, Sierra Electric Co-op, Elephant Butte; Manny Gonzales, Socorro Electric Cooperative; Joe Reeser, Southwestern Electric Co-op, Clayton; Wayne Connell, Tri-State G&T Association, Westminster, Colorado. NEW MEXICO RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION 614 Don Gaspar Ave. Phone: 505-982-4671 Fax: 505-982-0153 Santa Fe, NM 87505 enchantment.coop nmelectric.coop Vince Martinez, CEO Tom Condit, Communications Manager DISPLAY ADVERTISING: Rates available upon request. Co-op members and New Mexico display advertisers, email Shaylyn at enchantmentads@ nmelectric.coop or call 505-252-2540. National representative: American MainStreet Publications, 800-626-1181. Advertisements in enchantment are paid solicitations and are not endorsed by the publisher or the electric cooperatives that are members of the New Mexico Rural Electric Cooperative Association. PRODUCT SATISFACTION, COMPLAINCE WITH APPLICABLE ADVERTISING RULES AND REGULATIONS, AND DELIVERY RESPONSIBILITY LIE SOLELY WITH THE ADVERTISER. © 2026 New Mexico Rural Electric Cooperative Association, in partnership with Pioneer Utility Resources. Reproduction prohibited without written permission of the publisher.
A Cooperative Effort Dear Members, As we begin a new year with Enchantment, I’m excited to introduce something you may not have seen before. In all my years working on this magazine, I don’t recall us ever publishing a letter from the editor. It feels like the right time to begin—both to share updates on where we’re headed and to strengthen our connection with you, our readers. Many of you may remember longtime editor Susan Espinoza, whose steady hand, creativity and dedication shaped this publication for more than 20 years. Susan retired in 2021, and we are honoring her remarkable career and legacy in a special feature during the first quarter of the year. It’s a tribute to someone who helped define the voice of Enchantment for more than two decades. For those who may not know me, I served as assistant editor for 12 years. Upon Susan’s retirement, I stepped into the role of editor and director of communications. While we work closely with a talented production partner to bring each issue to life, the heart and direction of the magazine— including story development, visual guidance, social media and long-term strategy—remains fully in-house. Our Communications Committee, made up of New Mexico Rural Electric Cooperative Association board members, plays an important role in shaping the vision and direction of Enchantment. Their input, along with the guidance and perspective of our full board and cooperative managers, helps ensure the magazine reflects the needs, priorities, and voices of our statewide membership. This year also marks an important moment for NMRECA as a whole. Under the leadership of our new CEO, Vince Martinez, we are moving forward with a renewed commitment to supporting our electric cooperative members, strengthening communication across the state and enhancing the resources we provide through this publication. His guidance is helping us elevate our goals and align our efforts with the needs of rural New Mexico. As part of that direction, we’re introducing several new initiatives to make Enchantment more local, more engaging, and more reflective of everyday cooperative life. In the months ahead, you will see: • More co-op storytelling. Enchantment will have profiles highlighting the people who power your cooperative, from lineworkers and dispatchers to engineers and member services staff. • Youth-centered content. We will feature elementary and high school voices, expanded Youth Tour coverage, and alumni stories that showcase leadership and opportunity. • Technology and innovation highlights. Enchantment is covering broadband expansion, grid improvements, beneficial electrification, safety initiatives and the evolving tools shaping rural energy. • Community and cultural features. This includes local events, traditions, seasonal highlights and stories that showcase the rich diversity of the communities we serve. • Interactive and family-friendly additions. Throughout the year, we’ll be adding to beloved favorites, such as our recipes page, with features including a new energy-focused kids’ coloring page. • Content-aligned sponsorship opportunities. Enchantment will allow local businesses to support specific sections, strengthening the partnership between our advertisers and our statewide readership. These updates are the foundation of a broader, long-term vision: ensuring Enchantment continues to be a publication our members look forward to every month and one that represents the true spirit of New Mexico’s rural communities. Most importantly, I want you to know this: I’m here to listen. Your ideas, suggestions and community stories help guide what we publish. If there’s something you want to see more of or a story from your co-op that deserves to be told, please reach out anytime. Thank you for reading, for engaging and for being part of our cooperative family. I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve as your editor, and I look forward to the many stories we will share in the year ahead. Warmly, Tom Condit Editor & Director of Communications New Mexico Rural Electric Cooperative Association
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January 2026
CONTENTS 4 Your Electric Co-op 6 Enchanted CEO 10 Co-op Holiday Cheer 12 High School Student Spotlight 14 A Flight of Thanks 16 Get to Know Your Co-op 18 Protecting Our Communities from Wildfire Risk 20 The Market Place 26 A Steady Hand Through Storms 30 Youth Art
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Monthly Photo Contest Winner
Congratulations to Debbie Goss, a member of Otero County Electric Cooperative. Debbie shared her Enchantment with the scarecrows at a friends and family fall campout. Debbie wins $20! Take a photo of yourself or someone else with the magazine and email it with a few words about the photo. Include your name, mailing address and co-op name. One lucky member will win $20. Submitting your photos gives us permission to publish or post the photos in Enchantment, on Facebook and in other media outlets. Email tcondit@nmelectric.coop.
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ENCHANTED THOUGHTS
New Year, New Legislature By Vince Martinez, NMRECA CEO With the holidays in our rearview mirror and 2025 just a memory, we can look forward to an active 2026. The New Mexico Legislature kicks off its 30-day session at high noon Jan. 20 and wraps up at noon Feb. 19. As always, several pieces of proposed legislation could affect rural electric cooperatives. Some we know about, and others we won’t know about until the session starts. Ensuring rural electric cooperatives are protected from bankruptcy due to wildfires is one of our priorities. As we face higher liability insurance premiums and only half the coverage we once had,
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New Mexico’s rural electric cooperatives are working with a broad group of stakeholders to mitigate wildfire liability. Legislation concerning the impact of data centers, microgrids and renewable energy standards will be debated. Cooperatives support the economic development and tremendous potential data centers offer, and we must ensure they are not realized on the backs of cooperatives and their members. I encourage you to follow legislative activities and reach out to your representatives with your thoughts and concerns. You can watch and participate in the legislative committees and watch the floor sessions live at nmlegis.gov. Stay warm and safe.
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HALE TO THE STARS | By Alan Hale
The interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS is seen Nov. 20, after it emerged into the morning sky. This month, it travels westward and will soon head out of our solar system. PHOTO COURTESY OF LAS CUMBRES OBSERVATORY/EARTHRISE INSTITUTE
Saying Goodbye to ATLAS As the new year of 2026 dawns, several of our bright planets are missing in action. Venus and Mars pass behind the sun, as seen from Earth, early this month and are invisible to us. Within a couple of months, both worlds will start emerging back into our skies, Venus in the evening and Mars in the morning. Mercury also passes behind the sun this month but will be visible in the west during dusk in February. Our solar system’s two largest worlds are well placed for viewing this month. Saturn, the ringed planet—although the rings are close to being edge-on to us right now—is high up in the western sky as darkness falls. It sets during the mid- to late-evening hours. Jupiter is directly opposite the sun in the sky Saturday, Jan. 10. It shines brilliantly throughout the entire night, passing almost directly overhead during the hours around midnight. One other world easy to find this month is the distant planet Uranus. Throughout January, the seventh planet can be spotted to the south-southwest of the Pleiades star cluster in Taurus. It is 8
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dimly visible to the unaided eye from dark rural sites and shows a small greenish disk as seen through a small telescope. It was 40 years ago this month that the Voyager 2 spacecraft passed by Uranus, giving us our only close-up view—thus far, anyway—of this distant world. The interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS, discovered in July 2025, passed its closest to the sun in October. Although it wasn’t visible from Earth at the time, it passed close to Mars and was observed by spacecraft in Mars orbit and on its surface. Several other spacecraft in various other parts of the solar system also spotted it. It emerged into our morning sky a month later, somewhat brighter than expected, and has been easily detectable with small backyard telescopes. This month, it travels westward through the constellation of Cancer between Leo and Gemini and is at opposition Friday, Jan. 23. This will likely be our last good chance to spy this vagabond wanderer from the far reaches of the galaxy as it completes its passage through our solar system.
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Spreading Ho Across New Mexico, electric cooperatives helped brighten the season with creative Christmas displays and community spirit. Many co-ops created festive scenes— from classic lights and ornaments to handmade touches that reflect the character of their local communities. These decorations are more than holiday cheer. They’re a glimpse into the people behind the power—the employees who serve their members year-round and bring warmth to their co-ops in more ways than one. We’re grateful to the co-ops who shared their celebrations with us and helped spread a little extra light into the new year.
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Central Valley e Electric Cooperativ
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Otero County Electric Cooperative
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Roosevelt County Electric Cooperative
oliday Cheer
rative Farmers’ Electric Coope
Springer Electric Cooperative
Central Valley Electric Cooperative
tive Southwestern Electric Coopera
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HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
An Eye-Opening Trip A New Mexico student discovers purpose, confidence and community on co-op trip to Washington, D.C. When Jemez Mountains Electric Cooperative selected Jill Campbell for the 2025 Electric Cooperative Youth Tour, she expected a busy week in Washington, D.C. She didn’t expect how deeply the experience would change her. At the end of the week, Jill walked away with something she didn’t anticipate: a new sense of confidence, belonging and purpose. Youth Tour brings high school students from across the country to Washington, D.C., for a life-changing week where they tour monuments, visit with congressional representatives and gain valuable leadership skills. Jill first heard about Youth Tour from her mother, who worked at Jemez Mountains Electric Cooperative and has told Jill about the program since she was in middle school. “Honestly, I thought it would be really professional and serious—kind of
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Jill Campbell, left, and Charlotte Peabody were two of the 40 students from around New Mexico who participated in the 2025 Youth Tour. PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE NEW MEXICO RURAL
ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION
intimidating,” Jill says. “I was nervous, especially going that far without my parents.” She was enticed by the idea of exploring the world before heading to college. “Getting to meet new people, going somewhere so different and experiencing a totally new environment—honestly, it was a no-brainer,” Jill says. “And it was free. I just had to be brave enough to go.”
Jill was one of 40 students from New Mexico on the 2025 Youth Tour. Two days of the tour stood out as highlights. The first was a day of touring museums and monuments. “Having our guide explain everything, it hit me how meaningful they are,” Jill says. “I’d known about them, but I didn’t understand their depth.” The other highlight was when students
from all participating states came together in the evenings. After everyone attended various presentations, Youth Tour delegates hung out together in hotel conference rooms. “You could walk up to anyone and start a conversation,” Jill says. “Everyone was excited to talk.” During those nightly gatherings, Jill discovered many of her assumptions about people from other states were wrong. “I definitely had biases because of the media,” Jill says. “Honestly, everyone was kind. Everyone wanted to be there.” Seeing the country through the eyes of hundreds of students gave Jill a deeper appreciation for her home state. “New Mexico is so much more than Albuquerque,” she says. “We have different ecosystems, different kinds of people and this sense of community.” Youth Tour also helped Jill better understand how essential her local electric co-op is back home. “I always knew they handled electricity and outages, but I didn’t realize how much work really goes into it,” she says. Jill says Youth Tour pushed her to become a better person. “I’ve grown so much,” she says. “Now I’m not scared to speak up or take initiative. “I put myself in a box before. Youth Tour opened my eyes. I realized I’m capable of more than I thought. The world is my oyster.”
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High School Student Spotlight
Each month, Enchantment features students from across our service territories who embody the values of curiosity, community and growth. Whether through academic achievement, service or personal milestones, these young individuals represent the promise and potential of rural New Mexico. We’re proud to share their stories and support the bright futures they are creating.
ABOVE: Each year, the New Mexico Rural Electric Cooperative Association sends students on Youth Tour, a week-long trip to Washington, D.C., where they tour monuments and visit with elected officials. BELOW: Youth Tour participants get the chance to meet peers from around the country.
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A Flight of Thanks Rio Grande Honor Flight recognizes New Mexico veterans with trips to Washington, D.C., memorials By Jim Winnerman
Throughout the spring, summer and fall, groups of veterans from across the United States board an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., to visit the national memorials and monuments created in their honor. To date, more than 280,000 veterans have made the journey. The Rio Grande Honor Flight, serving Southern New Mexico out of Las Cruces, began in 2008 and has transported almost 600 veterans to Washington, D.C. It is one of 126 Honor Flight hubs nationwide and one of two serving our state, the second being in Albuquerque. Rio Grande Honor Flight takes two trips each year, with roughly 35 veterans from around Southern New Mexico on each. Veterans on the flight are from all over the state. Once in the capital, the group visits the World War II Monument and seven war memorials, laying wreath after wreath in honor of their fellow servicemembers who perished in battle. Today, most Honor Flight participants are Vietnam veterans. Because of the jeers and taunts they received when they returned home decades ago with their visible and invisible wounds, a visit to the Vietnam Memorial can cause intense trepidation. “All we wanted was to be thanked for serving our country,” says Las Cruces resident Perry Ashby, 75, who served in the Air Force in Vietnam in the late ’60s. Perry was on the 13th Honor Flight in 2022. Before visiting the memorial, the Honor Flight group assembles on a hill overlooking it. There, they are reminded how meaningful their service was during the war, and all accompanying Rio Grande Honor Flight members hug each soldier. For many of the veterans, the trip is the most meaningful opportunity they have had to pay tribute to their comrades. Several will rise from their wheelchairs and salute with tears in their eyes. Many leave the memorial free of the grief they have carried for decades. “One soldier told me his visit to the wall left him feeling that, for the first time since his service, he was able to breathe again,” says Elaine Prickett, operations coordinator and videographer for every Rio Grande Honor Flight since 2014. Children on school trips shake the hands of each veteran, look them in the eyes and thank them for their service. “Many veterans tell me the recognition they receive from students is especially gratifying,” Elaine says. Throughout the trip, the veterans share stories about their service that have never been told before. The bonding that occurs is palpable, and many return home for the first time comfortable with sharing the same experiences with their families. As veterans wait at the airport to board returning flights home, they are handed a thick packet of handwritten letters personally addressed to each of them “I had letters from family and everyone else I have ever known and from people all over the United States, who I had no idea who they were,” Perry says. “It was a ‘blubber fest.’ ” A group of the Rio Grande Honor Flight contingent at the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial in Washington, D.C. PHOTOS BY ELAINE PRICKETT, RIO GRANDE HONOR FLIGHT
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CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Vietnam veteran Perry Ashby touches the name of a deceased comrade at the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C. A joint service color guard representing all the branches of the United States Armed Forces welcomes the Rio Grande Honor Flight to the World War II Monument. Veterans are escorted through the airport concourse by active-duty members of the Unted States Armed Forces, where they receive an enthusiastic welcome home.
When arriving back in Las Cruces, the veterans expect to be picked up by a family member. But as they deplane, the concourse is lined with American flags as they pass applauding people throughout the terminal. A procession of American Legion flag bearers and active-duty servicemembers representing all the armed forces leads the group. A pipes and drums corps plays bagpipes, while spouses, siblings, children and grandchildren wait along the sides of the procession. “We hear that they have waited decades for this type of welcome. What I hear most is that it is all they ever wanted—that it has been among the best days of their lives,” Elaine says. Perry admits when he registered for the Honor Flight, he was simply interested in seeing Washington, D.C., and did not think much else. That changed on the journey. “When I got home, I called Elaine the next day and told her whatever she needed in the future, I was available,” he says. Now, Perry is on the Honor Flight Board of Directors, and his wife oversees recruitment and the organization of guardians. “Anytime I see someone wearing a hat or shirt signifying they are a veteran, I tell them about the program and encourage them to register,” Perry says. “For me, after 50 years, it was the kind of recognition and welcome home I had always hoped to receive. I have suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder from what I had seen in Vietnam, and after the Honor Flight, I felt like a giant stone had been lifted off my back.”
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Honor Flight Q&A
Who can go on an Honor Flight? World War II and terminally ill veterans are given priority, followed by Korean War and Vietnam War veterans. What if a veteran is unable to walk or if there is a medical emergency? A wheelchair is provided for every veteran who needs one, and a doctor and medical staff are along on each flight. What memorials are visited? Memorials visited include the Air Force Memorial, World War II Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery during the changing of the guard and many more. How much does a veteran pay for an Honor Flight? There is no cost to the veteran. Flights are funded by donations from individuals, corporations, schools, veteran organizations and other groups. To apply for a New Mexico Honor Flight, contribute or learn more, visit riograndehonorflight.org and honorflightnorthernnm.org.
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Before working at Socorro Electric Cooperative, Manny Gonzales served in Afghanistan. PHOTOS COURTESY OF MANNY GONZALES
Serving Beyond the Lines Socorro Electric Cooperative CEO Manny Gonzales leads with service, preparation and integrity By Tom Condit When Manny Gonzales reflects on what electricity means to rural New Mexico, he doesn’t reach for technical jargon or industry terminology. Instead, he paints a picture: long stretches of dark highway, mile after mile of open land, until finally, lights appear. Homes. Lives. Community. “When you travel on the highway, you can drive for miles without seeing lights,” Manny says. “Then, eventually, lights come into your vision as you get closer to a town or city where people are living their life. That is electricity. To empower people to live their lives.” Manny has served as CEO of Socorro Electric Cooperative for almost a year. He has already become known for this way of thinking—rooted in service, shaped by 16
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experience and grounded in humility. His leadership style did not begin at a desk but in the high-stakes realities of military service, where responsibility, discipline and accountability are critical to daily life. Through it all, every chapter of Manny’s story has to the same mission: serving others. A Leadership Philosophy Built on Service Manny doesn’t hesitate to describe how leadership requires service. “The service is always about others, and the mission is always bigger than yourself,” he says. It’s a lesson refined through deployments, difficult decisions and the weight of command. He says one particular moment that taught him the difference between theoretical and real
Manny Gonzales
leadership was removing a leader during combat operations. “It was a difficult decision, but we focused on the mission at hand instead of feelings or other barriers to making sound decisions,” Manny says.
LEFT: Manny leads an electrical safety lesson. RIGHT: Manny believes in leading from the field, and helped a crew with a pole replacement.
In stressful environments, clarity matters. Discipline matters. So does humility. “Once a leader signs the dotted line, they take everything that comes with that responsibility,” he says. That sense of responsibility now lives at the core of his work at Socorro Electric. Many CEOs talk about opendoor leadership. Manny leads by walking through the door and into the field. “I don’t lead from behind the desk,” he says. “If you don’t get out from behind your desk, walk around or drive out to the field, you will be leading through third party and what you are told.” At a smaller cooperative, leadership is a 24/7 commitment. It means heading into the field to assist lineworkers, checking multipliers on meter services, meeting members, attending community events and much more. To get through it all, Manny has two guiding principles: transparency and service. The decisions he makes will have second- and third-order effects, and the principles ensure he stays focused on co-op members’ priorities. “Transparency with the front page of the newspaper: How does this look on the front page?” he says. “And service: How does this decision serve our members?” Inspired By Community Although new to Socorro, Manny has already been shaped by its people. “I enjoy getting out in the community and celebrating Socorro and the communities that we serve,” he says. “I am thankful to the many who have done impromptu interviews with me. “I have had great conversations with happy members and even with upset members,” he adds. “Those members just
wanted to be listened to, which helped me understand the situation a little better.” Listening is a recurring theme in Manny’s leadership. Whether he’s meeting a lineworker in the field, a family at a community event or an unhappy member seeking answers, he sees every interaction as a responsibility and a gift. “It can sometimes be overlooked that cooperative employees are also members in and from the community that they serve,” he says. “They are often born and raised in the community, which makes caring and being involved even more important.” New Opportunities Approach Manny is realistic about the challenges co-ops face in the next decade but also optimistic. Cooperatives will need to respond to the growing demand for electricity. Manny says harnessing artificial intelligence could be a way to complement operations. He also believes that renewable energy sources can help support—but not replace—essential baseload power. “Putting renewables that complement coal and natural gas online helps control prices and provides backup in the event of an outage,” he says. SEC is exploring geothermal energy, solar and battery vendors, and opportunities through the New Mexico Fiber Network. Goals must balance beneficial electrification, innovation and grid resilience. Understand, Embrace, Prepare Manny’s vision for SEC is clear and methodical: understand the data, embrace technology and prepare for the future rather than react to it. Current priorities include analyzing outage patterns, identifying vulnerable areas,
exploring new technology and pursuing grants and partnerships. The co-op is also advancing wildfire mitigation efforts. Electric systems today must be resilient, adaptable and forward-thinking. Manny sees that path clearly. “Having talent, tools, technology, and the facilities to deploy from—all of which takes money,” he says. For all the technological possibilities ahead, Manny’s view of the cooperative’s purpose remains focused on people. “A co-op is not a co-op without its members,” he says. “To serve those members, you need a great team.” After nearly a year in Socorro, Manny is a visible presence in the community, a steady hand in strategy discussions and a leader defined not by position but by purpose. For him, every responsibility comes down to the same guiding principles. Serve others. Stay prepared. Lead with integrity. Whether in military command, a community meeting or a late-night outage in rural New Mexico, Manny brings the same mindset. “Be physically and mentally prepared, use discipline to respond to the crisis, then add a great team, and mission accomplished,” he says.
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Get to Know Your Co-op This series shines a light on the leaders and difference-makers who form our statewide cooperative family. Each profile shares the experiences, leadership philosophies and community connections that shape the work of delivering safe, reliable and affordable electricity. By understanding the people behind the system, we gain a deeper appreciation for the mission of our cooperatives. JA N UA RY 2 0 2 6
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Protecting Our Communities From
Wildfire Risk State legislators Pat Woods and Meredith Dixon discuss the state’s efforts to limit wildfires and ensure utilities have access to wildfire insurance
they want to protect their own community. Co-ops are using cutting-edge technology to address wildfire issues across each of their distinct landscapes.
Wildfire risks have gone up for utilities across the country. This has brought rising insurance costs and increased exposure for utilities. New Mexico’s lawmakers are working on solutions that protect communities and incentivize wildfire mitigation work. New Mexico State Sen. Pat Woods and Rep. Meredith Dixon recently spoke with New Mexico Rural Electric Cooperative Association CEO Vince Martinez to discuss why wildfire liability reform is urgently needed and how their proposal would support consumers and the co-ops that serve them.
Understanding the Risk Landscape Q: Wildfire frequency and costs have been increasing nationwide. How is this risk affecting rural communities, co-ops and ratepayers in New Mexico? Sen. Woods: I represent one of the most rural districts in the state, so every summer my constituents hold their breath, because fire is an ever-present threat. I know rural co-ops take fire mitigation work very seriously, because that’s how they protect their communities. Rep. Dixon: We have seen firsthand in New Mexico how quickly fires can grow, with the frequency and intensity of these fires only getting worse in recent years. My own constituents have felt these impacts directly as insurance companies increase prices or even drop them for wildfire risk, even in urban environments like Albuquerque. Wildfire risks and costs affect every New Mexican, regardless of what part of the state you call home.
Connection to Rural New Mexico Q: How has your connection to rural communities shaped your understanding of wildfire risk and infrastructure needs? Sen. Woods: I first ran for public office because I wanted to make sure the voices of rural New Mexico were being heard in Santa Fe. There are great infrastructure needs for a district like mine, because every New Mexican deserves access to power, broadband, et cetera, meaning infrastructure has to cross more miles to every person. When you mix that in with heightened wildfire risks for rural areas, we have to make sure our policies address these unique needs. Rep. Dixon: I grew up along the OhioWest Virginia border and know how each small town is unique and deserves to have their specific needs met. I want to ensure every New Mexican is protected from
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the ever-increasing risk of catastrophic wildfires. And here especially, our communities are interconnected, meaning that what happens in our rural communities has direct implications for urban areas like the district I represent, whether that’s transmission infrastructure to move electrons across the grid, or the effects of wildfire on insurance prices and availability. The Role of Electric Cooperatives Q: What do you see as the role of New Mexico’s electric cooperatives in wildfire prevention and community protection? Rep. Dixon: While my district is not covered by a co-op, I have had the privilege of learning more about them through my work on energy policy. Co-ops are critical to bringing electricity to every home in New Mexico, often covering service territories that for-profit companies will not serve. They have thousands of miles of infrastructure that cross unique landscapes that all have different wildfire risks and need tailored solutions to reduce those risks. I hear consistently of the fire mitigation work New Mexico’s co-ops are doing, and I am excited this legislation provides structure and incentives for the co-ops to do even more. Sen. Woods: My ranch and home are powered by a co-op, so I know firsthand how integrated they are in the community because they are our friends and neighbors. That means co-ops take wildfire prevention very seriously, because
The Motivation Behind the Bill Q: What inspired you to take on the issue of wildfire liability? Sen. Woods: I sponsored legislation last year that called for a new approach to how we coordinate, mitigate and fight wildfires. Out of that legislation, we were able to pull together a diverse working group across first responders, government and utilities. One issue that consistently came up during that process was how rural electric co-ops are unable to get adequate insurance coverage for wildfire risk. Since protecting my rural communities from rate increases
is a top priority, this inspired me to take this issue on. Rep. Dixon: Affordability is probably the single biggest concern I hear from my constituents. Some people in my district also have lost insurance coverage in recent years due to increased wildfire risk, which underscored to me the importance of wildfire mitigation. How the Proposed Legislation Works Q: How would your bill help utilities better manage wildfire risk and keep energy affordable? Sen. Woods: All New Mexico communities deserve to know their power will be on tomorrow, but not-for-profit co-ops are at the most risk of bankruptcy in the case of a large wildfire. This bill would provide more certainty for co-ops, so they are able to continue serving their communities. Rep Dixon: Access to wildfire insurance is forcing co-ops to tighten budgets, which ultimately limits how much they can invest in wildfire mitigation. This bill would help co-ops manage that risk by spreading it more fairly across the state, while also incentivizing more wildfire mitigation projects. What Happens if the Legislature Doesn’t Act Q: What do you believe is at stake for New Mexico communities if no reforms are passed this session? Sen. Woods: Rural communities are doubly at risk by this issue—with more exposure to wildfire risks while also being served by not-for-profit electric co-ops that don’t have the deep pockets of other utilities. Now is the time to act to address these risks, so we don’t look back after another devastating fire wishing we had done more to protect rural communities. Rep. Dixon: We have the opportunity to act now to prevent wildfires and protect rural and urban communities alike. Other fire-prone western states are taking great steps to address this issue, and New Mexico should do the same before we face another catastrophic wildfire season.
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Rep. Meredith Dixon has represented Southeast Albuquerque’s House District 20 since 2021. She serves as vice chair of the House Appropriations and Finance Committee, and as a member of the House Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee. PHOTO
COURTESY OF MEREDITH DIXON
Sen. Pat Woods has represented Senate District 7 for more than a decade, representing the northeast corner of the state, including Curry, Harding, Quay and Union counties. PHOTO COURTESY OF PAT WOODS
Wildfire risks are rising around the country—including in New Mexico.
ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY ERIC SKADSON
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19
THE MARKET PLACE Animals
Real Estate
MEAT RAMS AND EWES FOR SALE. Raise your own meat! This breed, called ‘Rocky Mountain Big’ are very large cross bred Rambouillet/Suffolk sheep specifically bred for raising meat instead of wool. Rams are quite gentle weighing about 350+ pound and with right nutition produce single 7-8 pound lamb at birth, also twins. Lincoln, NM 575 808 2711 (text only).
TUCUMCARI-1120 S SARATOGA, (ALSO NEXT TO US 54/MOUNTAIN ROAD) SALE PENDING $20,000. City water close by. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000, Paul Stout, Broker 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com.
HORSES NEEDING HOMES. Mustang rescue has tamed animals to place into adoption. Many companion animals and a few ready to be trained to ride. www.MustangCamp.org or call Patricia 505-419-2575.
Equipment 1969 3/4 TON CHEV + 1964 CHEV. TON ONE OWNER, 2014 DESIT VAN. 1000LB SCALES. 3 FARM TRACTORS. 2001 32 FOOT FLEETWOOD VAN. PULL TYPE GRADER. MODEL TEE BODDY. OLD TRUNKS. WOOD BURNING HEATER. CAST IRON POT. 1995 3/4 TON FORD TRUCK 4X4. SNOW SLAY SITS 4. ANTIQUE ORGAN. BIG BEAR 4 WHEELER 4X4. 2 WELDERS. BUTCHER GOATS. 3 BUTCHER GUT CART, ALUMINUM. Oh, much more, Just ASK! 505-235-8262.
Great Finds FREE 2000 VHS TAPES. 8 VCR. Magdalena NM. 575-854-3941. HEADSTONES (I.E. CEMETERY MONUMENTS) IS OUR BUSINESS. Over 1,000 designs. An eternal memory of a loved one. TAOS MOUNTAIN HERITAGE. Call 575- 770-2507 or 575-758-3903 or Email: taos_mt_heritage@msn.com. Alfalfa Bales for sale also. Website: www.taosmountainheritage.com.
DATIL/PIE TOWN AREA- 0000 4 HERRINGTON CANYON ROAD, 20+/ACRES EAST OF HERRINGTON CANYON ROAD. North of Sawtooth Mountains and Cibola National Forest. $12,000. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000, Paul Stout, Broker 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com.
CANADIAN RIVER-WEST UTE LAKE- SIX 40 ACRE +/- PARCELS. Lake and Mesalands view. Call for showing and pricing. Owner Financing Available. Big Mesa Realty, 575456-2000, Paul Stout, Broker 17843, 575-7605461. www.bigmesarealty.com.
SOCORRO, SAN MARCIAL-SOUTH OF SAN ANTONIO-WILLOW SPRINGS SUBDIVISION- 16A WINCHESTER, 161 ACRES. Great views in the Chupadera Mountain foothills. $105,000. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000, Paul Stout, Broker 17843, 575760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com.
MILAGRO- 0000 PECOS SPUR, PORTILLO CREEK RANCH SUBDIVISION. Tract 6, 164 acres. Partial fencing. Wide open space. $80,000. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000, Paul Stout, Broker 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com.
EASTERN NEW MEXICO- LET US SELL YOUR LARGE ACREAGE WORKING FARM OR RANCH. Broker is farm owner/operator and lifetime New Mexico resident. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000, Paul Stout, Broker 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com.
MAGDALENA-0000 TBD STATE ROAD 169, 1.28 ACRES. Great mountain views 15 miles from Magdalena. Borders Cibola National Forest. Hunting potential. $15,000. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000, Paul Stout, Broker 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com.
OKLAHOMA PANHANDLE- CIMARRON COUNTY, LET US SELL YOUR LARGE ACREAGE WORKING FARM OR RANCH. Broker is farm owner/operator. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000, Paul Stout, Broker 17843, OREC Broker 209965. 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com.
PIE TOWN- 78 E SAWTOOTH DRIVE, SAWTOOTH MOUNTAIN SUBDIVISION LOT 41. 14.43 acres vacant land. Views of Sawtooth Mountains. Close to Pie Town. $35,000. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000, Paul Stout, Broker 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com.
PRIME BUSINESS LOCATION ON HISTORIC BRIDGE STREET STEPS FROM LAS VEGAS’ HISTORIC PLAZA. Surrounded by beautiful historic commercial establishments, this 1988 building was built in the style of its neighbors. Downstairs retail; upstairs residential or 3 separate offices w/kitchen, dining area, & full bath w/ laundry. New roof 2024; central heat & air; security system; parking in back & on-street. Laurie Frantz, Real Broker, 505-9201346, lauriefrantz@gmail.com.
DATIL/PIE TOWN AREA- 0000 3 HERRINGTON CANYON ROAD. 40+/ACRES WEST OF HERRINGTON CANYON ROAD. North of Sawtooth Mountains and Cibola National Forest. $19,000. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000, Paul Stout, Broker 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com. ESTANCIA BASIN WATER RIGHTS, 17 acres, for sale/transfer. $2,500.00 per acre. Please contact Beth at 505-228-3880
The Marketplace continues on Page 22
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THE MARKET PLACE OPPORTUNITY TO OWN HISTORIC TIERRA AMARILLA PROPERTY. 2-story traditional adobe 1881 Garcia House w/tin roof, with original interior adobe walls & wood floors in most of house. Zoned commercial & residential. Room in back was used as a stage. $200,000. Laurie Frantz, Real Broker LLC, 505920-1346, lauriefrantz@gmail.com. 80 GLORIOUS HILLY ACRES 3 MILES SOUTH OF MADRID OFF TURQUOISE TRAIL. STUPENDOUS VIEWS OF SURROUNDING HILLS & VALLEY. Many building sites, good dirt road to top of lower 40 acres; no graded road beyond that. Shipping container on large level spot on lower 40 acres is great building spot. No utilities in place; no electric in area. Laurie Frantz, Real Broker LLC, 505-920-1346, lauriefrantz@gmail.com.
FASCINATING GEODESIC DOME HOME ON 5 FENCED ACRES WHICH CAN BE SUBDIVIDED INTO 2½ ACRE LOTS. ESTANCIA BASIN WATER RIGHTS, 17 ACRES, FOR SALE/TRANSFER. $2,500.00 per acre. Please contact Beth at 505-228-3880. TUCUMCARI-1516 S SECOND STREET, Three bedroom, two bathroom home with garage and carport. $70,000. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000, Paul Stout, Broker 17843, 575760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com.
Vehicles 1994 JEEP XJ W/200K. 1990 TOYOTA 4-RUNNER W/ 210K. Street legal unmodified $11k en bloc. 505-570-7078.
10 ACRE LOTS WITH POWER AND WATER, GOOD ACCESS, SECURITY GATE. Beautiful views. 3 miles north of Villanueva, NM. Owner financed. Contact Doug Baltzley @505-690-0308. LIGHTLY LIVED IN TOWNHOUSE OFF 4TH IN ALBUQUERQUE NORTH VALLEY. OPEN FLOOR PLAN LIVING/DINING ROOM & KITCHEN. Slider leads to patio & walled backyard. First floor primary 1b1bath, laundry room. Second floor 2b1b. 1-car garage. Energy efficient central heat/cooling, programmable thermostat, low E windows. Laurie Frantz, Real Broker LLC, 505-9201346, lauriefrantz@gmail.com.
To Place a Classified Ad 1. Visit www.enchantment.coop/classifieds and complete form. You will be contacted by email with price and deadline to submit check or money order. 2. Ads will not be accepted over the phone. 3. Or, complete form and select category. 4. Write ad on another sheet of paper. 5. Price: $1.25 per word. For example: 40 word ads are $50 80 word ads are $100 To Send and Pay Your Classified Ad 1. Mail ad and payment (Payable to NMRECA) NMRECA • enchantment 614 Don Gaspar Ave. Santa Fe, NM 87505
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JA N U A RY 2 0 26
Deadline 1. Due the 7th, one month prior. Ads due Jan. 7 for the February issue. Good to Know 1. Only members of New Mexico electric cooperatives may place ads. 2. We reserve the right to reject any ad. 4. Advertisements in enchantment are paid solicitations and are not endorsed by the publisher or the electric cooperatives of New Mexico. 5. PRODUCT SATISFACTION, COMPLAINCE WITH APPLICABLE ADVERTISING RULES AND REGULATIONS, AND DELIVERY RESPONSIBILITY LIE SOLELY WITH THE ADVERTISER. 6. Enchantment prints monthly, except for June and December. Questions? Call: 505-982-4671.
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Blades of a Feather A 12-inch knife of distinction at ONLY $49!
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AROUND NEW MEXICO New Mexico’s rural communities, served by electric cooperatives across the state, are surrounded by breathtaking deserts, mountain ranges, and more than 50 national and state parks. From quiet villages to historic cities such as Santa Fe and Taos, the Land of Enchantment blends Native American, Mexican and Spanish cultures into something truly unique. Here are upcoming local events happening in the co-op areas and beyond: Night Skiing When: 4-7 p.m., every Friday and Saturday in January and Sunday, Jan. 18 Where: 10 Miller Lane, Angel Fire Resort Come ski under the stars for a fun evening outing for families or friends, with resort lights and a chance to enjoy slopes after dark. angelfireresort.com/event/night-skiing/2026-01-02
Free Hot Chocolate & S’mores When: 4-6 p.m., every Friday and Saturday in January and Sunday, Jan. 18 Where: 10 Miller Lane, Angel Fire Resort Warm up the family with free hot chocolate and s’mores as you enjoy winter sports or a getaway at the resort. angelfireresort.com/event/free-hot-chocolate-smoreat-winter-sports/2026-01-02
State 47 Las Cruces Marathon When: Jan. 3 Where: Field of Dreams Stadium track This full-length marathon is open to serious runners but is also a community event, often with support teams, spectators and familyfriendly energy for local fitness fans. raceroster.com/events/2026/99754/state-47-lascruces-marathon
Snowboard Rail Jam When: 5 p.m., Jan. 17 Where: 10 Miller Lane, Angel Fire Resort Catch winter snowboarding trickery and fun. This event is a chance to see local winter sports in action and maybe inspire children or teens. angelfireresort.com/event/snowboard-railjam/2026-01-17/
Késhjéé (Navajo Shoe Game) Celebration When: 6-9 p.m., Jan. 28 Where: SJC Suns Lounge (above Mary’s Kitchen), Farmington Join in or observe an evening of cultural tradition and community: a Navajo Shoe Game celebration full of music, storytelling and heritage in a close-knit setting. farmingtonnm.org/events/keshjee-navajo-shoe-game
Shovel Races When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Jan. 30-31 Where: 10 Miller Lane, Angel Fire Resort This quirky winter event—racing down the slopes on shovels—is a fun spectacle for families, especially for children who like something silly and seasonal. angelfireresort.com/event/shovel-races-2
Santa Fe Snowshoe Classic When: 9 a.m., Jan. 31 Where: Big Tesuque Campground, near Santa Fe This family-friendly 6-kilometer snowshoe hike and race through scenic forest trails is a chance to enjoy New Mexico’s winter wilderness, even if you’re not an experienced snowboarder or skier. runsignup.com/Race/NM/SantaFe/ SantaFeSnowshoeClassic
Ice Fishing Tournament When: Jan. 31 Where: Eagle Nest Lake area If you love fishing and winter outdoors, this event is perfect for you and your family. Join a local ice fishing tournament on a frozen lake, which offers a chance for children and adults to try the sport together. friendsofeaglenestlake.org/_files/ugd/a01fb2_ fcc5bb3e254c45c1bb9ac70771a34936.pdf
Include Your Upcoming Event Send your event details to eventcalendar@nmelectric.coop. Include the event title, date, town and a summary of the event. Include the event website address so readers can get additional event information. Submit the event notification at least 60 days before the event to meet our press deadline. Space is limited, and events are published at the discretion of the editor.
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A Steady Hand Through Storms Before retiring, Les Montoya reflects on eight years of service as CEO of Mora-San Miguel Electric Cooperative By Tom Condit When Les Montoya first stepped into the CEO role at Mora-San Miguel Electric Cooperative, he didn’t arrive as a lifelong utility executive. He arrived as someone who understood rural communities, their challenges and the weight of responsibility that comes with serving them. After decades as Las Vegas city manager, 26
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as San Miguel county manager and as a public servant across Northern New Mexico, Les brought with him a lesson learned early in his career. “Getting the work done and showing people that the work is getting done speaks a lot louder than talking about it,” he says. Over his eight years at the helm of MSMEC, he lived that philosophy daily—guiding the cooperative through unprecedented fires, rebuilding a
devastated system, stabilizing internal culture and restoring reliability for thousands of members across Mora and San Miguel counties. A Path Home to Serve Les didn’t envision a second career in electric cooperatives. In fact, he turned down MSMEC’s CEO position twice. He had already spent 17 years with San Miguel County and nearly two decades
Les Montoya, pictured here with his grandchildren, expected to only stay three or four years with Mora-San Miguel Elecric Cooperative. Instead, he was CEO for eight years. PHOTO COURTESY OF LES MONTOYA
before that in municipal government, managing utilities, solid waste, water, wastewater and community infrastructure. His work brought him into regular contact with former MSMEC board member Robert Quintana, who encouraged him— more than once—to consider leading the cooperative. The third time the call came, Les finally said yes. “I thought I’d had enough years at the county,” he says. “They interviewed me, and the next day they said, ‘We want you to start tomorrow.’ ” He intended to stay only three or four years. Instead, he stayed for eight. “The fire we dealt with made me stay longer than I planned,” Les says. “I needed to be here. I didn’t want to leave in the middle of that.”
Building a Culture Worth Staying For From his first day, Les approached the job with honesty, consistency and a deep respect for the people on the ground. He knew the cooperative didn’t need a lineworker—it needed a leader. “I told the board I didn’t know much about electricity,” Les says. “They said, ‘We don’t need you to know that. We need you to manage the company.’ ” His first major turning point as CEO was reorganizing the cooperative around employees’ strengths. He worked to build the work culture the board wanted—one based on fairness, professionalism, and unity between office staff and field crews. “I think we’ve created a good work environment for employees, both in the field and in the office,” Les says. Leading Through Fire and Rebuilding With Resolve Nothing tested Les’leadership more than the Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire in 2022. It reshaped the co-op’s priorities, infrastructure and future. The cooperative secured a $14 million federal grant for repairs and system hardening—more than $11 million in federal funds, of which $3 million will be matched funds from the co-op. “We made significant improvements,” Les says. “We rebuilt lines, coordinated with agencies and moved the system forward.” The electric utility industry is undergoing rapid change, with increasing demand for power and the need to harden systems against weather and wildfire. Les looks forward to seeing MSMEC finish its repair and hardening projects, and also sees the need for further improvements to the electric grid in the near future. “I see it evolving into an operation that is upgraded,” Les says. “About 40% of the distribution system will be new.” Strengthening Communities Beyond the Power Lines While at MSMEC, Les contributed to local efforts, attended economic development department monthly meetings and ensured the cooperative was not just a utility but a partner.
“We’re probably the largest employer in Mora County,” Les says. “So we felt we should take a big part in supporting economic development.” That presence ties in with the leadership qualities he says matter most. “Being accountable,” Les says. “Setting the example.” He showed up every day, even when he didn’t have to. “If we expect employees to be here daily, then the leader should be too.” Gratitude and Legacy Les says he’ll miss working with the staff at MSMEC. He is grateful for being able to watch them work, give them the tools they need to succeed and get things done for the people who need it. “I’d like to thank the board for having the confidence to hire me,” Les says. “And the employees—they’ve always been reasonable.” In an era of shifting regulations, climate disasters, economic challenges and technological demands, Mora-San Miguel Electric Cooperative needed a leader who was steady, grounded and unafraid of rolling up his sleeves to understand the work firsthand. Les Montoya was that leader. His tenure leaves behind a stronger cooperative, a modernized system, a healthier workplace culture and a community that benefited from his consistency and character. As he steps into retirement, the legacy he leaves is simple, powerful and unmistakably his: Show up. Work hard. Listen. Get it done. Those are the lessons that Les hopes members remember from his time at MSMEC. “That we were responsive. That we got things done. And that they were always the No. 1 priority.”
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ON THE MENU
Red Chile & Warm Skillets When the winds pick up and the temperatures drop, our co-op lineworkers head out into the cold to keep the lights on. On those long winter days, nothing hits the spot for tired and chilled lineworkers quite like a steaming bowl of New Mexico posole. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crew or warming up your family at home, this hearty classic brings comfort, heat and the unmistakable flavor of the Land of Enchantment. Pair it with co-op cabin skillet cornbread, the kind of simple, hearty comfort food that feels like home. It is golden, fragrant and perfect for dipping into a steaming bowl of posole.
e
Lineworker’s Red Chile Winter Posole 2 cups white hominy, canned or prepared from dried 1 pound pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes 1 medium onion, chopped 3–4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon salt (to taste) ½ teaspoon black pepper 1 bay leaf 1–2 cups red chile puree (mild, medium or hot) Optional toppings: diced onion, shredded cabbage, chopped cilantro, lime wedges Shredded cheese of choice
• If using dried hominy, soak overnight, drain and rinse.
• Add hominy, pork, onion, garlic,
broth, oregano, salt, pepper and bay leaf to a large pot. • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 to 11/2 hours, until pork and hominy are tender. • Stir in the red chile puree, and simmer an additional 20 to 30 minutes. • Remove bay leaf, adjust seasoning to taste and serve hot with toppings.
Co-op Cabin Skillet Cornbread 1 cup cornmeal 1 cup all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons sugar 1 tablespoon baking powder ½ teaspoon salt 1 cup milk 1 egg ¼ cup melted butter or oil Optional: diced roasted green chile for a New Mexican twist
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• Preheat oven to 400 F. • In a bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.
• In another bowl, whisk milk, egg and melted butter.
• Combine wet and dry
ingredients; fold gently and be careful not to overmix. • Pour into a greased cast-iron skillet or baking dish. • Bake 18 to 22 minutes, until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. • Serve warm with posole.
enchantment.coop
ISTOCK PHOTO BY LYNNE MITCHELL
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Youth Art
Congratulations to the winning artists who drew what they are looking forward to this year!
Marcus Cates • Age 9 Soutwestern Electric Cooperative Grenville
Alyssa Hyland • Age 12 Otero County Electric Cooperative Alamogordo
Tessa Maes • Age 6 Jemez Mountains Electric Cooperative Santa Cruz
Gabriel Nunez • Age 8 Central New Mexico Electric Cooperative Mountainair
Cassidy Robinson • Age 9 Otero County Electric Cooperative Alamogordo
Jaylyn Vigil • Age 11 Jemez Mountains Electric Cooperative Chimayo
February topic: Happy Groundhog Day! Draw a groundhog in his finest spring wear. Send your drawing to: By mail: Youth Editor 614 Don Gaspar Ave. Santa Fe, NM 87505 By email: tcondit@nmelectric.coop
Deadline: Submit by the 9th, one month prior to publication. Winners receive a $15 gift card and are featured in the magazine. Have a Youth Art topic? Email or mail to the addresses above, or call 505-982-4671.
Checklist Include the following five items on the back of your drawing, otherwise you are disqualified: First and last name Age Mailing address Phone number Electric co-op Artwork accepted up to age 13.
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MINIMUM PURCHASE OF 4 – INTEREST ACCRUES DURING PROMOTIONAL PERIOD BUT IS WAIVED IF PAID IN FULL WITHIN 12 MONTHS
TESTED, TRUSTED, AND TOTALLY PROVEN.2 Offer Ends 2/28/2026 Call for your FREE consultation.
833-694-4341 FINDYOURWINDOW.COM
DETAILS OF OFFER: Offer expires 2/28/2026. Not valid with other offers or prior purchases. Buy one (1) window or entry/patio door, get one (1) window or entry/patio door 40% off, and 12 months no money down, no monthly payments, no interest when you purchase four (4) or more windows or entry/patio doors between 12/30/2025 and 2/28/2026. 40% off windows and entry/patio doors are less than or equal to lowest cost window or entry/patio door in the order. Additional $45 off each window or entry/patio door, minimum purchase of four (4) required, taken after initial discount(s), when you purchase by 2/28/2026. Subject to credit approval.12-month Promo Period: while no payments are due, interest accrues but is waived if the loan is paid in full before the Promo Period expires. Any unpaid balance owed after the Promo Period, plus accrued interest, will be paid in installments based on the terms disclosed in the customer’s loan agreement. Financing is provided by various financial institutions without regard to age, race, color, religion, national origin, gender, or familial status. Savings comparison based on purchase of a single unit at list price. Available at participating locations and offer applies throughout the service area. See your local Renewal by Andersen location for details. License numbers available at renewalbyandersen.com/license. Some Renewal by Andersen locations are independently owned and operated. 2Based on testing of 10 double-hung units per ASTM E2068 20 years after installation. †It is the only warranty among top selling window companies that meets all of the following requirements: easy to understand terms, unrestricted transferability, installation coverage, labor coverage, geographically unrestricted, coverage for exterior color, insect screens and hardware, and no maintenance requirement. Visit renewalbyandersen.com/nationsbest for details. ‡Review aggregator survey of 5-star reviews among leading national full-service window replacement companies. January 2024 Reputation.com.“Renewal by Andersen” and all other marks where denoted are trademarks of Andersen Corporation. © 2026 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved. RBA14201 1
WE WORK YEAR-ROUND TO REDUCE WILDFIRE RISK Living in the rural West comes with undeniable wildfire risk, but it’s a fight we’re facing head-on. At Tri-State G&T, we deploy data-driven monitoring and wildfire mitigation strategies to identify and mitigate risk to protect our communities and the critical infrastructure they rely on. We’ll do anything within our power to protect the people and places our members call home.
WHATEVER THE FUTURE HOLDS, WE’LL POWER IT.®
Scan to learn more or visit www.tristate.coop/wildfire
Tri-State is a not-for-profit power supplier to cooperatives and public power districts in Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico and Wyoming.