News analysis: Go/no go determination for Copper Flat Mine finally in sight?
Whether the owners of the Copper Flat Mine near Hillsboro can transfer the rights to leased water the mine MUST have to reopen and operate will be determined at a protest hearing to be held by the New Mexico Office of the State Engineer next September.
Unmoved!
The Truth or Consequences City Commission refuses to listen to reasoned arguments about why its $50 monthly charge for opting out of smart meter installation is unfair.
Carving up voting districts: First drafts of state redistricting maps ready for public comment
Members of the public will get their first look this week at maps that could become the new political boundaries in New Mexico. The Citizen Redistricting Commission will hold a 3 p.m. Zoom tomorrow to solicit public input.
Embree (Sonny) Hale of Sierra County, New Mexico: Stories of His Life in Sierra County, and in the Black Range
Published for the Hillsboro Historical Society, this rugged and touching book transcribes recorded interviews with one of the most colorful characters to grace these parts in recent memory,
“Nomadland”
Continuing with his reviews of “movies with a conscience,” the Sun’s film critic assesses whether the acclaim for “Nomadland,” which swept the 2020 Oscars with six nominations and three wins (Best Picture, Best Director and Best Leading Actress) was merited.
Reader at Large: July 2, 2021–September 3, 2021
A digest of some of the best and most thought-provoking articles and books enjoyed by the author in the past month
“At the Precipice: New Mexico’s Changing Climate”
The author makes the argument, backed up with in-depth reporting, that “New Mexico is a microcosm of what’s happening across the globe politically, economically, and certainly when it comes to the impacts of climate change.”
Sourcing for Yeh’s column advising vaccinated to wear masks
A reader asks for, and receives, citations of the medical research that shaped the author’s opinion.
Why the vaccinated should still wear masks
Vaccines work when and only after you get infected, not before. Therefore, vaccinated people who pick up the SARS-CoV-2 virus can spread it to others until their antibodies kick in.
What happened to overtime pay for holiday work?
Have we fallen so far behind in terms of workers’ rights that we have utterly forgotten what used to be an assumed benefit?
The Best Local News Sustainability Bill
The Local News Sustainability Act would enact a series of tax credits that will help consumers buy local news subscriptions or donate to nonprofit news organizations; help newsrooms bear the payroll costs of retaining journalists; and help small businesses buy advertising in local media.
Farming “for as long as I can”
How a small Sierra County grower is coping with the drought
Revenue frenzy?
The City of Truth or Consequences must find up to $2.5 million in new revenues or expenditure cuts in order to end its longstanding practice of using funds meant to cover maintenance, repair and replacement of utilities infrastructure for general operations. But the city commissioners cut short a recent budget workshop aimed at helping them determine what sources of new income should be pursued and what expenditures should be cut.
News analysis: T or C’s financial paradigm shift
City Manager Bruce Swingle’s attempt to educate the Truth or Consequences City Commission about the urgent need to transition from an “electric company running a city” to a government that operates for and by the people will take time.
Police recruitment is a problem everywhere; T or C offers take-home car
Truth or Consequences has advertised for police officers since July 7, with no response. As an inducement, the city commission passed a resolution setting policy on take home vehicles that requires area residency for city employees but carves out an exception for police officers.