Fatal Accident Claims One Life

By John Larson

MAGDALENA – An accident on Highway 60 west of Magdalena claimed the life of an Arizona woman Tuesday, Oct. 5. The male driver and a two year-old infant received injuries and were transported to Socorro General Hospital, where they are listed in stable condition as of press time Wednesday.
Marshal Larry Cearley said he got the call at 6:44 p.m. and responded with Deputy Terry Flannigan to mile marker 106, in the area of Ten Mile Hill.
“We got there first and called for extrication equipment. An EMT from Datil, and a doctor happened to be passing by and helped until Socorro EMS arrived,” Cearley said. “State Police officers  then took over and we assisted with traffic control. The accident blocked the highway.”
He said Magdalena EMTs were in Socorro at the time on a separate transport, and retuned to Magdalena as soon as they could.
According to Lt. Eric Garcia of the New Mexico State Police, Kenneth Ward, 70, of Holbrook, Ariz., was eastbound in a GMC pickup pulling a trailer filled with scrap metal and furniture.
“The driver misjudged the hill and the trailer started to fishtail. He over corrected and lost control,” Garcia said. “He entered a right hand skid. The momentum of the trailer caused the pickup to roll over approximately three times, landing on the driver’s side door. During the rolling the passenger was partially ejected.”
He said the passenger, Virginia Ward, 67, suffered head trauma and was pronounced at the scene.
The third occupant, 2 year-old Jessica Biefeldt, the Holbrooks’ great-grandchild, was transported along with Kenneth Ward to Socorro General Hospital.
The toddler was secured in a child’s seat, and both adults were wearing seatbelts.

Fatal Accident Claims One Life

Latest Drug Bust Reveals Disturbing Trend

By John Larson

SOCORRO - Two men were arrested Thursday, Sept. 30 on narcotics violations following a tip from a confidential informant.
Victor Herrera, 47, of Polvadera, was charged  with trafficking methamphetamine, conspiracy, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of marijuana; and Julian Chavez, 35, of Los Lunas was charged with trafficking methamphetamine, conspiracy, possession of drug paraphernalia, and tampering with evidence.
Sgt. Rocky Fernandez of the Socorro Police Department said Valencia County law enforcement officers confirmed the informant’s information, and that one of the men, Julian Chavez, 35, of Los Lunas, had valid arrest warrants from a separate investigation.
“Based on identifiers of the suspect and description of the vehicle, we pulled over the car once it got to Socorro,” Fernandez said.
He said two other people were also in the vehicle and that a glass pipe used for smoking methamphetamine was seen in plain view in the vehicle. A scale was also found on the dashboard of the vehicle.
“At first [Chavez] denied it was him they were looking, and said he was being mixed up with his brother. He then later admitted it was him,” Fernandez said.
According to the criminal complaint, Chavez told the officer “he was just messed up and likes to do dope,” and when asked about the scales he said he “was using more than selling.”
“He told me he had swallowed his stash, so he was transported to Socorro General Hospital,” Fernandez said. “He was given [a strong diuretic] and the evidence was identified the next day.”
Fernandez said Herrera, the driver, also admitted to selling drugs, primarily to maintain his own meth habit.
A third person in the vehicle, Tanya Carrillo, was issued non-traffic citations for possession of Clonazepam without a prescription and drug paraphernalia, and released.
Sgt. Richard Lopez, who assisted in the operation, said the numerous drug related arrests in Socorro by city, county and other law enforcement agencies have resulted a decrease of local dealers.
“We’ve been getting an influx of drugs from Belen,” Lopez said. “They look at Socorro as a good market for pot and meth. There are plenty of drugs in Belen [and Valenica County]. We’re see more people delivering meth and pot to Socorro.”
The preliminary hearing for Chavez is scheduled for Oct. 13.
The preliminary hearing for Herrera is scheduled for Oct. 20.

Latest Drug Bust Reveals Disturbing Trend

SocorroFest This Saturday

Mountain Mail reports
Ever since its beginnings in 2003 the end of summer community event – SocorroFest - has been a celebration of music, art, food, drink and so much more. From old time country to gypsy jazz, some Spanish rock and belly dancing thrown in, there will be music, music, music all day and into the night, Friday and Saturday, October 8-9 on the Plaza.
“If you haven’t been to Socorro lately, you’re in for a surprise,” said Deborah Dean, director of the City’s tourism office in a press release. “SocorroFest is a delightful opportunity for the city and its people to showcase their talents and skills both to visitors, and neighbors. The city in the center of the Rio Grande Valley has a diverse and historical culture, and we want folks to know about it.”
SocorroFest, sponsored by the City of Socorro and a host of volunteers, features native food dishes, arts and crafts booths, an array of fun family activities, a harmonica contest, and a talented lineup of musical entertainment.
According to Secretary of the New Mexico Tourism Department, Michael Cerletti, “local festivals are diverse in New Mexico, but all share a celebration of family heritage. SocorroFest gives all of us the opportunity to be a part of small-town New Mexico in a big way. I encourage all New Mexicans and their visitors to accept Socorro’s invitation to fun.”
Plaza events include musical entertainment on three stages, including the main venue in the gazebo, plus a host of games for kids, vendors offering a variety of wares from eats and treats to arts and crafts, and a Star Lab show—a view of the skies—at the church next to the Visitor and Heritage Center on Fisher.
Local musicians performing include Roon, contemporary folk, featuring Ronna Kalish and John E. Dean; Jen Exten, jazz, folk, and blues; Last Minute Bluegrass; and Francie Deters and John Weber, jazz favorites. Also, Steve Thompson and Jim Ruff, who lend their talents to more than just one band.
On Friday, Oct. 8, Grammy winning ZydecoCajun musician, Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience, will kick off the weekend’s festivities at 6 p.m. at the Plaza. Terrance Simien will also headline Saturday’s performances at 8 p.m. Simien has become one of the most respected and internationally recognized touring and recording artists in roots music over the past 25 years.
Remedy, one of Socorro’s hottest and longest running variety bands, will close out Friday evening at 8 p.m. with dance music.
Saturday kicks off at noon, with Et Alia belly dance troupe, followed by several Socorro folk, bluegrass and variety bands. Featured musicians include Asper Kourt, voted Albuquerque’s 2009 Best Local Band Headed for Stardom; and also Le Chat Lunatique, voted “Best Jazz Act” by the “Weekly Alibi.”
A full lineup of local and regional musicians will take to the stages of the Capitol Bar, the historic gazebo, and in front of City Hall beginning at noon Saturday and playing into the night.
Harmonica players can compete for cash prizes starting at 2 p.m. in front of City Hall, followed by Socorro’s Blue Monday jamming with the winners.
Blue Monday features Socorro’s own harmonica virtuoso, Bobbie Olguin. Bobbie also gained fame as the winner of the Bobby Flay Throw Down for the Buckhorn Tavern’s green chile cheeseburger, in San Antonio last year.
The “Spirits Tent” will have offerings from Socorro Springs Brewing Company, a three-time winner of the Telluride Blues and Brews Festival’s “Best of the Fest,” among several New Mexico microbreweries and wineries.

SocorroFest This Saturday

Mountain Mail Welcomes New Editor

By John Larson

SOCORRO – The Mountain Mail welcomes Rebecca Rose as its new editor, as of Monday, Sept. 27.
Rose comes to Socorro from California where she worked with documentary production companies in Los Angeles.
“Documentary filmmaking allowed me to hone my interview skills,” Rose said. “I learned the fine art of asking a question…not just what to ask, but when to ask, how to ask, to learn how to allow a subject to completely tell their story.”
She later relocated to San Diego to work with the military, providing outreach and programs to servicemen and women stationed in San Diego.
“There is probably no more important work in the world than working with the military.” Rose said. “It was eye-opening, to say the least. I was humbled, absolutely.”
She also spent time in Indiana working with an agency that provides services to adults with developmental disabilities.
“Sometimes you have to step away from the label of being someone who writes about life and actually give yourself a chance to experience life,” Rose said.
In 2008 she left to travel “and really focus on being a writer. “It was just something I could never quite shake, how much I missed telling stories,” Rose said. “Living with little more than my car, my dog and my laptop, I wanted to see as much of America as I could.
“I freelanced as a fashion writer and for various film and entertainment websites, including Awards Picks as a film critic, and WetPaint Media, writing celebrity-news items,” she said.
On relocating to Socorro, Rose believes she has found her home.
“I love the outdoors, the desert. This area exemplifies the American West,” she said. “I love hiking with my dog. I love nature. And I think New Mexico is that total package.”

Mountain Mail Welcomes New Editor

Artist Of The Month

Local artist B.J. Lesperance displays new work, inspired by the Day of the Dead at the Socorro Chamber of Commerce. Her paintings can be viewed at their office on the Plaza throughout the month of October.
Some of Lesperance’s earlier work can also be viewed at Sofia’s Kitchen.

Photo by John Larson

Artist Of The Month

Wellborn Amends Pyke Case

By John Larson

SOCORRO – The case against Martin Pyke, 44, who was implicated in a March 2006 fire at the Eagles Club two years ago, will not go to District Court. Additional charges of embezzling gaming funds from the club have also been set aside.
According to District Attorney Clint Wellborn, Pyke has entered a program created by the state legislature in 1978 designed to rehabilitate alleged offenders.
“Pyke has entered the Pre-prosecution Diversion Program, created by the Pre-Prosecution Diversion Act, which is run through our office and not by the courts,” Wellborn said. “It was set up basically for first-time non-violent offenders and sets up a process that lets them rehabilitate themselves.
“It’s used typically for white collar crimes,” he said. “In this case we took input from the Eagles Club and other parties as to what they wanted on the case. It’s been an ongoing thing. We asked specifically what type of resolution they would like to see.”
Wellborn said in order to qualify for the program the person must first make restitution.
“That must be paid up front. Once that amount is agreed to by all parties there is a maximum two years of supervision by our office,” he said. “Among other things this includes monthly check-ins, drug tests, and some community service. The person must also pay a monthly fee to the Administrative Office of District Attorneys which goes toward D.A. training.”
Wellborn said Pyke was accepted into the state-wide program on August 6, and after two years the episode will be stricken from his record.
Now that he is seeing closure to his legal predicament, Pyke told the Mountain Mail in an interview Wednesday that he is appreciative of the support he’s received from friends and family.
Between running his jewelry casting business and being part owner of the Diamondback Restaurant, he said he relishes time spent with his daughters, Ashley, a Socorro High School freshman, and Paige, a 4th grader at Zimmerly Elementary.
“As a member of the Socorro High Class of ’84, I’m very proud of them. Both get straight A’s and are very athletic,” Pyke said. “Ashley got her varsity letter in softball, and she is now on the JV volleyball team. She also plays basketball.
“Paige is involved in soccer, golf, and basketball.”
On those occasions when the three can find time off together, Pyke said, “I’ll take every minute I can.
“Tuesdays are our family movie night. Last night we rented the Karate Kid,” he said. “A couple of weekends ago we went to Albuquerque and went for a ride on the Tram.”
Pyke said he started his Socorro-based jewelry casting studio, Diamondback Design, 13 years ago, and creates about 20,000 silver and gold pieces a year, on average.
“After eight years in the U.S. Navy, four on a ship and four as tech rep for the NATO Sea Sparrow Missile System, I went after my goal of starting my own business back in Socorro,” he said. “Part of my success is that I’m lucky enough to have one of the best silversmiths in the state, Herbert Pino, working with me.”
Pyke will be taking on a little more responsibility when the Diamondback expands its hours in the next couple of weeks.
“We have plans to have the restaurant open in the evening three nights a week,” he said. “We’ve had so many requests from our customers that George [Lujan] and I feel it would be a good move.”
He said the Diamondback will be open normal hours - 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. - and then reopen from 5-9 p.m. Wednesday through Friday nights.

Wellborn Amends Pyke Case

Mountain Lion Sightings In Bosque Force Park Closures

Mountain Mail reports

Several isolated areas within Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge are closed to the public due to mountain lion activity.
In January, 2010, the Refuge and conservation partners initiated a mountain lion study in the east boundary of the Refuge. The study included setting remote sensing equipment to observe mountain lion activity in the area, and collaring of mountain lions on the Refuge. Study efforts to date have resulted in the successful radio collaring of four mountain lions. Juvenile mountain lions have also been observed.
The closure, which is expected to last through April 2011, will impact some public uses on the Refuge.
“We regret that this closure will affect some individuals,” said Tom Melanson, Manager of Bosque del Apache, “but we must balance public safety with our mission to protect and enhance wildlife and habitat. The increase in mountain lion activity warrants this temporary precautionary closure until we have a clearer picture of lions use of the Refuge and then make recommendations in policy regarding these large predators.”
The areas closed will include the Rio Viejo Hiking Trail, the Education Campgrounds, and all refuge-owned lands east of the Low Flow Conveyance, including the Low Flow Channel Service Road, the Rio Grande, and the Little San Pascual Wilderness Area.
Not affected by this closure include the Refuge’s 12-mile scenic Wildlife Auto Tour Loop, all observation decks, all other hiking trails, all observation pullouts, and the Chupadera and Indian Well Wilderness Areas. This closure will not affect any activities associated with the annual Festival of the Cranes, November 16-21.

Mountain Lion Sightings In Bosque Force Park Closures

OBITUARY: Carl B. Lopez

Carl B. Lopez
(Nov. 24,1958-Sept. 30, 2010)
Carl B. Lopez, 51, a resident of Socorro, beloved son, brother, father and friend, died in Albuquerque on Thursday, Sept. 30, 2010 after a short illness. Carl was born on Nov. 24, 1958 to A.R. and Angelina (Griego) Lopez in Riverton, Wyoming.  He is survived by his parents of Socorro; brothers, Martin III and wife Elizabeth of Albuquerque; Ralph and wife Linda of Birmingham, Alabama; his two children, Erin and Jonathan Lopez of Socorro: and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.  He was preceded in death by his beloved sister Angelina Margaret Lopez-Littell of Houston, Texas; his grandparents, Maria and Martin Lopez, Jr.; and his favorite aunt and uncle, Margo and Carl Thompson of Socorro.
Carl was named after his Uncle Carl and Saint Benedict who he believed aided him through his life journey.  He was a 1976 graduate of Socorro High School.  A proud alumnus of the University of New Mexico, Carl followed his cherished Lobo Basketball team through winning and losing seasons.  An avid reader, political pundit and debater, he spurned his vocational interest of becoming an attorney to return to Socorro and assist his grandparents and parents in the family business at Whites Auto Store, Lopez Home and Auto, and Kimo Self Storage where he was general manager for over 30 years.
Carl will best be remembered for his fierce loyalty, extreme generosity, quick wit, and ability to provide an informed opinion on just about any subject.
He is free from the trials and tribulations of this world and is now at peace with cherished family members in Heaven. A Rosary will be recited on Monday, October 4, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. at San Miguel Catholic Church in Socorro.  A Mass of Resurrection will be performed at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 5, 2010 by Father Andy Pavlak as Celebrant at the San Miguel Catholic Church.  Interment will follow at the San Miguel Catholic Cemetery.  Pallbearers are: Michael Lopez; Martin Lopez, IV; Tommy Sanchez; Paul Silva; Alfredo Soto; and Greg Sanchez.  Honorary pallbearers are: Chris Lopez; Alisa Lopez; Audrey Littell; Hayden Lopez; Caine Lopez; Gilbert Lucero and Michael Silva.Those who wish to send condolences may do so at www.danielsfuneral.com. Services have been entrusted to:   Daniels Family Funeral Services 309 GarfieldSocorro, NM  87801(575) 835-1530.

OBITUARY: Carl B. Lopez

EDITORIAL: A Digital Diva Comes Home

By Rebecca Rose

One of my favorite films is a documentary by Oscar-winner Errol Morris, called “Fast Cheap and Out of Control”.  It’s a quote taken from one of the film’s subjects, a robotics expert, who makes a humorousa twist on a famous engineer’s saying. The saying goes that out of  "fast, cheap and reliable," it is only ever possible to create a product that is two of those three.  Somewhere along the way, against the brute force of commerce, some portion of quality must be sacrificed. 
I can’t help but think of his joke whenever I am asked why I opted to make the seemingly backward switch from digital media to print journalism.
With everyone moving into more and more of a digital mindset, the choice to deliberately opt to work for a small print newspaper might seem odd.  I’ve certainly made my bones in the digital world, and racked up a strong following as a blogger.  I’ve logged more time online, blogging for faceless news sites than I care to remember. And don’t get me wrong, I’m not discounting my love of the blogosphere. I love the Internet, technology and all the gifts that the Digital Gods have given us.  I love that we live in a world where my phone is a camera, a MP3 player, and a GPS device that can send Facebook updates and find a recipe for Apple Strudel while I’m playing Tetris online with someone in New Zealand at 2 a.m.   
Take the recent election riots in Iran.  While the world’s media was scrambling to get even the vaguest word of what was going on in a region where the news under the stranglehold of the state, protesters were sending out updates on their Twitter feeds. 
That is awe-inspiring power.  The media has a  new sense of immediacy, the seemingly unstoppable ability to be a powerful instrument for significant social change.
Unfortunately, like all wonderful things we create for ourselves, we’ve begun to abuse these new tools. Yes, the media has the power to inform us in the blink of an eye when something significant happens. 
But blogs have become an easy tool for commerce; a way for budget wary media conglomerates to generate quick cash, all while former print empires breath their last dying breath. 
I was freelancing for a large media site (who shall go nameless for these purposes).  I was excited to be writing for a very well known and well respected news site, so popular they receive over 2 million unique hits per month. (In blogging terms, that’s like being the Tom Hanks of blogs.)  I wanted to report the news and tell stories and be funny and popular, but most of all, I wanted to be good at it.  I wanted feedback from my editors, who I was sure would teach me all the ins and outs of blog-journalism magic: How to get the best scoops, how to write the best leads, and most importantly, how to best inform my readers.
But this wasn’t the case.  The only time I ever heard from my editor was when he sent a mass email, proclaiming that the next writer to reach 1,000 unique hits for their posts that day would get $100.
Wow.  A whole $100.   Who’d have thought the news would sell out so cheap?
And this is what brings me back to that line…everything has become fast, cheap and out of control, all in the name of salvaging a quick dollar.
Fast: Get your material up as quickly as it comes to you.  Never mind taking the time to confirm your facts, or call a few sources or (perish the thought) actually get out there and report on the news.  Just Google and cut and paste, so long as you beat the competition to post time.  And that incredible story you broke about some corrupt politician or the start of war in that third world country?  Well, that was yesterday, and today, Paris Hilton went and bought herself a new puppy, so you’d better get on that before the other blogs beat you to that story.  
Cheap:    Editors are at the mercy of financial boards who rarely see beyond the bottom line, especially when page hits equal revenue dollars.  Get as many eyes on a page in as short a time as possible, and get the most bang for the buck. And don’t worry about anything pesky like the actual quality of the story; this isn’t about winning the Pulizer Prize after all. What difference does it make that Congress just past some new tax law that’s going to impact you; that’s just boring.  And besides…didn’t I just tell you Paris has a new puppy?
Out of Control:  Nothing sums up the downside of the digital age better. Things have gotten down right out of control. During times of increased financial duress at media institutions, jobs are saved or slashed on little more than numbers generated by analytic charts. Blogs are increasingly dependent on cashing in on the shock factor; posting the most inflammatory material, solely designed to generate a rash of hits, mostly from outraged or downright disgusted readers, who can’t help but stop to express their outrage.  But what do the editors care for how upset you are?  Your page views just saved their jobs.
So back to why I don’t find my choice odd.  I consider myself downright lucky to have found a home at a family run newspaper, where the readership is held above all other things. Information is not commerce.  News is not a commodity, to be traded on the market to the highest bidder.  It’s time to stop being so “fast, cheap and out of control”, and try to save what’s left of the reliability the American public depends on us for.  

EDITORIAL: A Digital Diva Comes Home

OPINION: Real Food for Real People

Magdalena Potluck
By Margaret Wiltshire

Are masses of people likely to behave as a herd of animals?  We are the great thinking tribe, adaptors and survivors.  We prize our individuality as much or more than our social relationships. Often we follow the leader and follow the crowd.
Since we started eating meat to ward off cold and feed brain and muscle, we have increased our numbers incredibly.  We are told the concentration camps used for meat and egg production are a necessary evil.  We could not afford eggs, milk, or meat the way they were once raised. On our dairy farm we knew the personalities and had names for most of our cows.  The cows of habit who moved easily through each day, the loners and those whose spirits were never really domesticated, a village of unique personalities left our barn each morning.
When my grandpa retired he became a sheepherder.  No matter what you’ve been told, sheep have great variety in personality traits.   There were family groups and explorers.  I knew one female who acted like she was an Alpha ram.  If you turned your back on her you learned multiple meanings of the word butt.
Cattle ranching may be different, since herds graze vast areas sometimes far from home, ranchers may not “know” individual animals well.  I’d bet that the unique personalities of cattle stand out at branding sessions, roping and herding events.
Living in Magdalena for a dozen years, it’s hard for me to imagine what it must be like to live in city towers or in housing developments thousands of acres wide.  Sixty years ago you could get 250 acres of good farm land for 10K and a good house for 5K.  Twenty-five or thirty years ago you could get a good fixer upper for 5-10K in some places. 
250 acres of good farm land is a rare find and beyond the pocketbook of most people.  Houses on what was our farm have cost their owners hundreds of thousands of dollars.  Like most of us, they buy their milk from dairy concentration camps.
The past doesn’t exist now.  What we remember will never be the whole truth, just what we remember.  The best we can get from the past are good stories that may help in the future.  The future doesn’t exist and your existence in it has no warranty.
So how do you spend each day?  Each hour, minute or moment is yours only once. The life you have is yours only once.  What ever you believe, or don’t believe, in future life, it won’t be the one you are having now.
Around the world and in Magdalena, in Socorro and Catron Counties we have individuals exploring food production in alternative ways from the massed produced meat, egg, milk, and vegetable industries.  More and more people are choosing fewer processed foods and doing more cooking from scratch.
Still many in our huge human herd won’t be bothered with the effort.  Some won’t have the time, health, land, and water.  Others just don’t care.  Often with people, and I imagine animals too, just being crowded together competing for the most basic things is exhausting and depleting.  A depressed apathy sets in.  We have pills for that too.
Research says that processed foods are not “good” for us.  They suggest that many ills, like diabetes II and heart and artery problems are caused by many of the processed foods we consume.  The white foods like flour and sugar are very destructive.  In spite of all this, more people in the human herd are living longer then ever before.  If sitting in front of the TV is considered living.
The animals and plants we consume are given drugs or treated with chemicals to keep them productively alive for us.  We in turn take drugs to keep ourselves alive after we consume years of this mass produced food.  It doesn’t work well but it does work.  The cost can be outrageous.
Real food for real people.  What’s old is new.
Speaking of old and worthy, the Hopi have been doing high and dry farming successfully for a thousand years, give or take a little.  To learn about some of their farming techniques you can google words like Hopi farming, dry farming, swale gardening.

Tentative: Plans are being made to thank and honor Lucy Pino for all her wonderful years of service at our community library.  As I understand it now, it will be a pot luck at the library, Oct. 30, 2010.  We will confirm in our next column.

Reminder: Grizz yard sale. Oct 8 and 9, 9am-1pm Magdalena Fire Dept.  A good event!

Want to write to Margaret? Email her at: Wshireoldadobe@yahoo.com

OPINION: Real Food for Real People

OPINION: Today’s American Power Structure:“Inverted Totalitarianism”

Can We Talk?
By Jack Fairweather

Another professor has written another book.  So, what?  Well, in this book Sheldon S. Wolin, a retired professor of political philosophy at the University of California and Princeton has written what award winning journalist Chris Hedges calls “one of the most important and prescient critiques to date of the American political system”.  In “Democracy Incorporated” Wolin coins the phrase “inverted totalitarianism” to describe our system of power.
Unlike classical totalitarianism which usually revolves around a demagogue or charismatic leader, inverted totalitarianism is anonymous, hiding within the smoke and mirrors of the corporate state.  It claims to cherish democracy, patriotism and the Constitution. All the time it is cynically manipulating structures and individuals to subvert and block democratic institutions.  Example, the people choose between and elect political candidates.  However, those candidates must raise staggering amounts of money…corporate funds  to compete.  This means they owe…and owe big time….they are beholden to an army of corporate lobbyists in Washington and state capitals who write the legislation.  A corporate media controls nearly everything we read, watch or hear.  There is little objective analysis, investigative reporters have a small market for their efforts and daily news consists of material that is controlled by the “if it bleeds it leads” mentality of broadcast news rooms. A large percentage of “news” is simply mind candy or the ranting of the talking heads on Fox News.  In classical totalitarian regimes, such as Nazi fascism or Soviet communism , economics took second place behind politics.
“Under inverted totalitarianism the reverse is true”, Wolin writes. “Economics dominates politics-and with that domination comes different forms of ruthlessness.”
Wolin was interviewed by Chris Hedges about his new book.  He told Hedges that while at one time publications like the New York Review of Books often published his work it is now very difficult for “people like me” to get a public hearing.  He said there is now a lack of interest on the part of publishers for work that critiques American capitalism and warns of the subversion of democratic institutions as the corporate state becomes dominant.
When asked about the administration of President Barrack Obama Wolin indicated he holds out little hope for the President.
He said the basic systems are going to stayin place; they are too powerful to be challenged.  He used the financial bailouts as an example.  “It (the bailout) does not bother with the structure at all.   I don’t think Obama can take on the kind of military establishment we have developed.”  He went on to say he believes Obama“the most intelligent President we’ve had in decades, he is well meaning, but he has inherited a system of constraints that make it very difficult to take on the existing major power configurations.”
In his book he points out that the corporate structure is not going to be challenged and that there has not been one word or even hint of any change min the number of America’s imperialistic projects. That, coupled with the economic collapse,the passivity of the American people and the seeming inability of a floundering progressive movement will likely result in strong inverted totalitarianism andatrue corporate state.the response to mounting discontent and social unrest will probably lead to greater state control and repression…a huge expansion of government power.
Wolin holds little hope for any meaningful resurgence of opposition to such a corporate state….a new interest in true democracy and movement toward a nation that holds promise for the social and economic equality of all its citizens.  In America, of course, such voices are heard only on the left.  Wolin says, “I despair over the left. Left parties may be small in Europe but they are a coherent organization that keeps going.” And sometimes they do bring about benefits for the common good.  “Here,” Wolin notes, “with the exception of Nader’s efforts, we don’t have that.  We have a few voices here, a magazine there, and that’s about it.  It goes nowhere.”

OPINION: Today’s American Power Structure:“Inverted Totalitarianism”

Plea Reached In Shaddock Case

By John Larson

SOCORRO – An Alamo man has pled guilty to four felony counts of contact with a 15 year-old female student and faces sentencing by District Court Matt Reynolds Thursday, Oct. 14.
The case against Mark Shaddock, 45, who was a counselor at Alamo High School, stem from evidence collected by New Mexico State Police in July, 2009. He was arrested July 28, 2009.
Shaddock was originally charged with three counts of criminal sexual penetration, three counts of kidnapping, two counts of criminal sexual contact, four counts of child abuse and one count of aggravated stalking.
He pled guilty to four 4th degree felony counts of criminal sexual penetration, second degree (with a child 13 to 16 years old).
District Attorney Clint Wellborn said his office agreed to the guilty plea based on lack of evidence.
“The fact is, what he actually pled to is what he did,” Wellborn said. “With all the other charges we just didn’t have the evidence, for instance the three kidnapping charges. The current charges are down to what we could prove had we gone to trial.”
Shaddock faces up to six years in prison at his sentencing hearing.

Plea Reached In Shaddock Case

Warriors Fall to Estancia

By Nicky Romero

The Socorro Warriors football team was surprised and beaten by their last non-district opponent of the season, the Class 2A Estancia Bears 20-13.  The Bears (3-3) are ranked seventh in Class 2A.  The Warriors (4-2) were ranked fourth in Class 3A and will limp into district play this week, ranked 5th.
“Estancia is a good football team and I give them all the credit in the world”, said Coach Damian Ocampo.  “They came ready to play and played really well.”
  “Obviously, we came into the game a little hobbled and it got worse on us pretty quick and we lost a couple of guys with some nagging injuries.  Honestly, though our effort was great throughout the game.  Pretty much, everything that could have gone wrong went wrong.”
The Warriors took an early 7-0 lead with 9:28 in the first quarter.  Running back James Thorton ran off-tackle right up the middle for a 66-yard score.  Kicker Zach Binger added the extra point that would give the Warriors their only lead for the night.
With 5:27 in the first, Estancia's quarterback Destry Oberg threw a 10-yard pass to his receiver Troy Mitchell to tie the score at 7-7.
 Both teams played good defense the rest of the first half and went in tied.  The Warriors went into the locker room knowing they had their hands full and a good Bears' team to contend with in the second half.
Socorro received the opening kickoff in the second half, but gave it back to the Bears on a Thorton fumble at the Warriors 24-yd line.
With good field position, the Bears took full advantage.  With 10:38 in the third, Oberg faked a handoff and ran off-tackle to the right for a touchdown.  The extra point was good for a Bears' 14-7 lead.
With 4:38 left in the third, Thorton fumbled on a punt return and the Bears recovered on the Socorro 28-yard line.
Two minutes later, the Bears Juan Dominguez ran a 30-yard post pattern for a touchdown pass from quarterback Oberg.  This time the extra point kick was no good.  The Bears led 20-7 .
But the Warriors were not about to give up.  With just six seconds gone in the fourth quarter. the Warriors surprised the Bears on a fourth down play.  Quarterback Zack Esquivel threw a 24-yard touchdown pass to one of his favorite receivers Ibrahim Maiga.  Maiga broke away from a tackle and spun around for the score.  Binger's extra point kick was no good. The Warriors were now only down by seven points.
With seven minutes left in the game, defensive back Aaron McDaniel intercepted a Bears' pass at the 40-yard line.  The Warriors' offense could not do much with this possession and had to punt after four plays.
Socorro's last chance to score came with 3:36 on the clock.  The Warriors tried to keep their last drive alive.  At midfield and facing fourth and two yards, Esquivel kept the ball and came up one yard short of the first down.
The Bears took over on downs and simply ran out the clock for their third victory of the season.
“We made mistakes holding onto the football”, said Ocampo.  “We had a total of six turnovers.  We were probably in the 150 to 200 yard range in penalties.  That's how bad it was.  We definitely shot ourselves in the foot, more than any team can afford to do.  The good thing is that the kids played their hearts out.  They battled back and kept battling no matter what.  That's important to see.”
The Warriors are hoping to get back on the winning track.  They open up with a crucial game against their district rival the Hatch Valley Bears (3-3).  The game is at Hatch on Friday, October 8th at 7 pm.
“The big thing now is to see if we can rebound, because on paper we are very equal.  On paper, they might be a point or two better than us.  They are a big and physical ball club.  They are huge.  The biggest we are going to see all year.”
“We have to come ready to play and be physical and make sure we do what we need to do this week to give us a chance to succeed.  If we cut down on our mistakes, I feel that we will be right there with them in the fourth quarter and see what happens.  The last couple of years that we played them, it's come down to the last minute and I don't expect this year to be any different.”
“We're going to be ready to go one way or another.  The kids are fired up.  I know they want a chance to get back on the field.  All I ask them to do is to play as hard as they can mentally and physically.  I know if we do that, we're going to have a shot against anybody.”

Warriors Fall to Estancia

Lady Warriors Soccer Team On Winning Streak

By Nicky Romero  

After a slow start in the 2010 season, the Socorro Lady Warriors Soccer Team is off and running and winning, extending their winning streak to six games.  The last two being important district wins against the Hatch Lady Bears 8-0 and the Ruidoso Lady Warriors 10-0.
The wins helped to better their season record to 8-5-2 and a perfect 2-0 in district play.  The Lady Warriors presently stand in eighth place in the state 3A rankings and are tied for first with Silver City in the district standings. The Lady Warriors opened up district play on Thursday, September 30th on the road against the Hatch Lady Bears. 
Socorro went into halftime with a 4-0 lead and added four more goals in the second half for the easy win.  Socorro lost the play of one of their key players, sophomore Amanda Saenz, who broke her leg in this game.  
“Our leading scorer against Hatch was sophomore Dezirae Armijo with five goals”, said 8th year Coach Mitch Carrejo.  “We just got her back about three weeks ago.  She had hurt herself in basketball, so she missed the first seven games.  We struggled a little bit without her, although junior Angelina Stanzione really picked it up.  Right now, Angelina is the leading scorer in state with twenty-seven goals. 
With both of these girls healthy, our offense is pretty potent.  Eighth grader Dominique Molina scored two goals.” On Tuesday, October 5th, the Lady Warriors hosted the Ruidoso Lady Warriors and dominated them with a 10-0 victory.  Ruidoso was able to get only two shots on goal.  Stanzione scored five goals and Armijo had four goals.  Sophomore DamiAna Contreras scored one goal. “We had six different girls with assists yesterday”, said Carrejo.  “Everybody is getting involved  We only have thirteen girls, fourteen before Amanda got hurt.  We've had to move girls around and playing in positions that they haven't played.  But they are really coming together now and we have a lot of confidence going into district. Other players on the team include senior Mileva Gacanich, juniors Zoe Howell, Jordan Vinson, Kaitlin Warden, sophomores Bryn Botko, JeriAna Contreras,  Mirjana Gacanich, freshman Emily Burleson, and eighth grader Tionne Molina. Socorro's next game is on Thursday. October 7th, on the road against new district opponent Silver City at 5 pm.  They then return home to play Hatch on Tuesday, October 12th at 4 pm.

Lady Warriors Soccer Team On Winning Streak

Tech Miners Take On Big Texas Teams

By Nicky Romero 

The New Mexico Tech Miners Men's Soccer Team traveled to play two games in El Paso, Texas, on October 2nd and 3rd.  The Miners lost the first game 2-1 to the conference leader UTEP Miners on Saturday.  They were also defeated 3-2 on Sunday by the NMSU Aggies.
The Tech Miners (2-5) are presently in fourth place in their conference.  Teams in their conference include UTEP, Arizona State, Arizona, Northern Arizona, and New Mexico State.
Due to injuries, Tech was without three starters against number one UTEP (6-0-1), .  But   the remaining players were still competing and hoping for a major upset. 
Second year Coach Brad Winton said,  “Three starters were out, but the guys played really well.  They fought hard and went 0-0 going into halftime.”
Fifteen minutes into the second half, UTEP transitioned against Tech and got a goal off of a header.
Ten minutes later, UTEP had a shot from outside the 18-yard line for a goal and a 2-0 lead.
With ten minutes left in the game, Coach-Player Winton scored Tech's lone goal from a bad pass from UTEP and the final score of the game.  This was Winton's first game this season.  He was forced to play for lack of players due to injuries.
“The guys played really well,” said Winton.  “That was probably our best team effort this season and the best game that we've played as a team.  Maybe because of the injuries we've had, the other guys knew they had to step up.”
On Sunday, Tech lost to the NMSU Aggies(3-3).  The game is being investigated for field and referee allegations against the Aggies.  There is a good possibility the game may be replayed sometime soon.
Tech took the first lead with Calvin Santisteven scoring the goal in the first forty-five seconds of the game.  The Aggies rebounded with two goals in the last twenty minutes of the first half.  The Aggies went in with a 2-1 lead at halftime.
Tech had numerous opportunities in the second half.  One of them a Santisteven shot hitting the post of the goal.  Finally, with twenty minutes left, Santisteven scored his second goal for the tie. 
The Aggies scored the winning goal with eight minutes left that sealed the victory. 
On Saturday, October 9th, the Miners travel to Flagstaff, Arizona, to play Northern Arizona at 7 pm.  Their next home games will be on October 16th at 3 pm against the University of Arizona, and on Sunday, October 17th at 1pm, they will host Arizona State.

Tech Miners Take On Big Texas Teams

Quemado: Rural Book Mobile

Quemado Connection
by Debbie Leschner

The Rural Book Mobile will be here on Tuesday, October 12 by the Quemado post office at 3:45 p.m., Datil post office at1:00 p.m, Pie Town post office at 2:30 p.m and Alamo Cherry housing at 10:30 a.m. The bookmobile will not be coming in November so be sure to come and get some extra books to read till they come again in December.
 Quemado Schools the Quemado Fire Department will be visiting the elementary grades on Thursday, October 14 at 2:30 p.m. On Friday, October 15 at 5:00 p.m. the Junior Varsity and Varsity teams play Carrizozo at home. On Saturday, the 16th , all three volleyball teams play away games against Mountainair.
Quemado Senior Center activities for the week: Pool practice on Tuesday, the movie Letters to Julie and popcorn on Wednesday with bingo and quilting on Thursday. The center will be closed on Monday for Columbus Day. Lunch for Tuesday – BBQ chicken thighs, Wednesday – pork posole, Thursday – chicken strips and Friday – hamburger stew. All seniors are welcome. Please call the center at 773-4820 before 9 a.m. to make your lunch reservations. Happy Birthday to the following October babies: Bonnie Armstrong, Richard Budokowski, Jimmy Clanton, Don Gerhart, Janet Siomiak and Ned Smith.
Men's Fellowship Breakfast will be held Saturday, October 16 at the Cowboy Church located off Hwy 32 nearQuemado. All men in the Quemado and outlying areas are invited to come. For more information on the time call 772-2568.
 All You can Eat Breakfast at the Senior Center on Saturday, October 16 from 8:00 to about 11:30 a.m. Breakfast includes sausage gravy, biscuit, egg and a drink all for $ 6.75. Come have a great breakfast and support the Quemado senior center.

Quemado: Rural Book Mobile

Reserve: Fiesta Raffle Winners

Reserve News
By Richard Torres

St. Francis Catholic Church would like to thank everybody for a very successful fiesta this past Saturday. The winners of the raffle are: Cathy Valles of Socorro(5th prize-Andres Print), Carolyn Rains(4th prize-Barras Wood Art), Davey Estrada(3rd prize-cord of wood), Linda Thompson(2nd prize-$100 gift card), and the winner of the registered Paint Horse(1st prize) is Jack Barragan of Silver City. Congratulations to everyone.
The Solid Waste Program proposed Ordinance should be available to the public very shortly. As reported on last week, this Ordinance seeks to collect funds for the Solid Waste Program. This Program has used an extra $868,000.00 from the General Fund in the last three years. Part II of this series will report on how the Solid Waste Program has impacted the General Fund. A public hearing will be held before the ordinance is past.
The Adopt-a Highway sign honoring Sam Way has finally been delivered to the County Maintenance Yard in Reserve. The committee responsible for organizing and announcing the first annual Highway clean-up date will be meeting shortly. The highway sign recognizing Sam Way will be unveiled at this time. Stay tuned for this very special day to be announced.
Reserve High School Athletic Director/football coach Don Cole was very proud of the effort of the football team in last weeks game. “We lost to Tatum 22-14, but we played our best game of the year.” They have three games left. The Reserve Mountaineers travel to Logan for this Fridays game. “We need to continue to play our best. The boys are really coming together as a team.”

Reserve: Fiesta Raffle Winners

Hollywood Comes To County

Mountain Mail reports

Socorro County will again be one of the settings in an upcoming major motion picture, but the setting will not be the very Large Array, used for “Contact,” and “2010.”
A portion of the movie, “This Must Be The Place,” is being filmed in tiny Bingham, west of San Antonio, beginning this week.
According to a press release from the Governor’s office, the film stars Academy Award winners Sean Penn and Frances McDormand, and is being directed by Paolo Sorrentino. Other cast members include Judd Hirsch, Harry Dean Stanton, David Byrne, and Joyce Van Patten.
 “A gripping examination of a man on the precipice of obsession,” the production will shoot in New Mexico through next week, and is also being filming in Ireland, Michigan, New York and Italy.
“This Must Be The Place” is the story of Cheyenne, a wealthy former rock star (Penn), now bored and jaded in his retirement in Dublin, who travels to New York in the hope of being reconciled with his estranged father during his final hours, only to arrive too late. After 30 years, it is only now in death that he learns the true extent of his father’s humiliation in Auschwitz at the hands of former SS Officer Aloise Lange – an event he is determined to avenge.  Lange is now hiding out in the US and so begins the life altering journey across the heartland of America to track down and confront his father’s nemesis.  As his quest unfolds, Cheyenne is reawakened by the people he encounters and his journey is transformed into one of reconciliation and self discovery. As his date with destiny arrives and he tracks down Lange, Cheyenne must finally decide if its redemption he seeks, or revenge.
The production company will also film scenes in Carrizozo, Alamogordo, Red River, Eagle Nest and Questa.
Release date is targeted for Spring 2010.

Hollywood Comes To County

Sylvia Is Moved To Preposterous Poetry By Sheer Rage

Sylvia
By Anne Sullivan

“No! No! Not again,” Sylvia squawked. “That makes six of those disgusting commercials in twenty minutes.”
“I’ll turn it off,” I said, picking up the remote.
“That’s not enough. I’m going to fight. The pen is mightier than the sword. I’m standing up for the public,” she said, plopping herself down on the floor. “Give me some paper.”
“What happened to ‘please’?” I asked.
“Alright, please, Miss Picky.”
“Good manners are the basis of civilized behavior and should never be neglected.”
“So how come those political candidates and their media cohorts are allowed to have bad manners and I’m not?” Sylvia argued.
“They’re not allowed. They just take liberties.”
“There’s all too much liberty taken these days.”
I could see with dismay that Sylvia was descending into one of her sulks.
However, she recovered quickly, saying, “But I’ll fix ‘em as soon as you give me pen and paper.”
With the swiftness of Mercury, I handed her both pen and paper. She seized upon them and with pen clutched in paw, began writing immediately.
Save for the sound of the wind in the ponderosa trees, quiet prevailed for half an hour since the TV was off and Sylvia was occupied with her mightier pen.
In exactly 34 minutes, Sylvia threw the pen in the air and shouted, “Done! I’ve finished. Do you want to see what I’ve written?”
“Absolutely.”

And this is what she wrote:

Media, please take note,
You won’t get my vote
With a scurrilous election ad.
Although these days it’s all the fad.
Election ads are more than awful;
They should be declared unlawful.
There they go again, those sanctimonious voices,
As though we couldn’t make our own choices.
Every night and day there are more
Even though it’s a huge bore.
I’m so angry I could burst
That I have to vote for the least worst.
Whatever happened to speak no evil?
When no candidate acted like a weevil?
When there was dignity and care
Or at least some words I could bear.
I may be old,
But may I be so bold
To ask each one of you to desist
From the insults, lies and gall.
Otherwise I’m going to resist
Casting my precious vote at all.
“That’s very good, Sylvia,” I said when I finished reading it.
“It is, isn’t it? I think it’s the best poem I’ve written to date. It’ll go in my anthology. I can see it now: ‘Poems by Sylvia’ or maybe ‘Meaningful Poems By Sylvia.’ Which do you think?”    

Sylvia Is Moved To Preposterous Poetry By Sheer Rage

Thefts Rise In Magdalena

Mountain Mail reports

Thefts are slightly up in Magdalena, according to Marshal Larry Cearley.
“The past two weekends we have had a few thefts in the area,” Cearley told the Mountain Mail. “The prior weekend ten Stihl Chainsaws were stolen from Alamo. This weekend there was a Dewalt cutoff saw stolen from the wood yard, and three bags of roofing screws and a vehicle starter stolen from a residence.
“There is a general increase in thievery around here,” Cearley said. “Of course, this comes in cycles. I would urge everyone to pay attention to their personal items and call us if there is any suspicious activity in their area.”

Thefts Rise In Magdalena

Cattle Rustler Sentenced

Mountain Mail reports

A Datil man who pled guilty to cattle rustling in Arizona was sentenced in a Florence, Ariz. court Monday to 2 ½ years, plus seven years supervised probation. He was also ordered to pay restitution to Plateau Partnership.
Jason Lon Kirby, 34, was arrested in Commerce, Ga. on a warrant in early June and was arraigned June 18 in Pinal County on the charges of stealing 200 head of cattle from an Arizona ranch and moving them across two states to Texas and then selling them for $100,000.

Cattle Rustler Sentenced

FYI: The Lowest Bid Is Not Always The Winning Bid

Contract bids are an essential part of the government process. The government routinely solicits bids from qualified contractors, in order to find the best company or individual to the necessary work at the most affordable cost to taxpayers.  Generally, contractors who are able to fulfill all the requirements of the project and submit the lowest bid are rewarded with lucrative government contracts that offer long-lasting benefits.
But did you know that the lowest bid is not always the bid that is selected?
In New Mexico, a state statute actually gives preference to companies that are based locally. According to Section 13-1-21 of the New Mexico State Code, known as “Application of Preferences” there are certain exceptions that preclude local governments from automatically selecting the lowest bid. 
The statute basically says that if a New Mexico company bids on a project, they get a “preference” in the bidding process.  That “preference” is given in the form of an automatic “discount” off the total amount of the bid they submitted, putting them closer to the lowest bid.  The amount of the discount is usually around 5%, but can vary based on a variety of other factors. 
However, that “discount” only applies to the bid as it relates to other submitted bids.  It does not actually apply to the final cost of the project that the county or city pays.  The “discount” is only intended to be used to help in factoring the bids, in essence, helping to level the playing field for New Mexico businesses.  The city or county is still required to pay the full amount of the original proposal. 
For example, let’s say a business from California wants to bid on a manufacturing project in Catron County.  They submit a bid for $100,000 for the total project.  Another business, from Santa Fe bids for the same project, but at the higher rate of $110,000.   The county applies a deduction to the Santa Fe company’s total bid, and then takes that bid into consideration.  Since that bid now equals or is very close to the California companies original bid, Catron County must award the contract to the company from Santa Fe.  However, Catron County still pays original bid price of $110,000.
Also, the statute only applies to bids which are in a reasonable difference to on another. If the company from California submits a bid for $100,000 and the Santa Fe company submits a bid for $10,000,000 on the same project, the statute would not apply.
The rule was designed to reward local and state businesses and encourage statewide economic growth. During a recession, companies who employ New Mexicans receive preferential bidding status, which can stimulate job growth and economic health.  A big construction or manufacturing contract can be a huge windfall for any region; creating jobs and stimulating the local economy. 
There are drawbacks to the rule.  In a recession, long term economic benefits are harder to see.  A county or city that is under budgetary duress is unlikely to feel the immediate benefits of being required to pay tens of thousands of dollars extra for a needed civic project. 
So what if a county or city decided to ignore the law and just take the lowest bid? Then the losing contractor could sue the county for violating a virtually loophole free statue, and would, in all likelihood win. 
Ultimately, the statute is designed to support and promote New Mexico businesses at large. So while one commmunity doesn’t always benefit directly, in the long run, what’s good for one part of New Mexico is likely good for all.

Special thanks to Adren Nance,  Socorro County Attorney 

FYI: The Lowest Bid Is Not Always The Winning Bid

Letters To Myscie: A Western Love Story By Suzanne E. Smith

Part 10 of the series

Socorro, N.M. April 11,1883
Wed Evening
My dear MyscieYour letter written the 4 & 5th was received this morning.  I am very very tired Myscie or would finish and mail a letter to you tonight .  I have been at work very hard all the week and have felt like turning in very early every evening.  I will finish and mail to-morrow evening (Thurs) Good night

Your loving Joe

Thursday Evening April 12 '83   In our room
My dear true Myscie,
It is a perfect shame that I have neglected you by not writing to you for so long and I am ready and willing to take a good scolding for it because I know I deserve it.  Please forgive me Myscie and I know you will when I tell you all about it.  This letter which I send or which I just am finishing  was begun as you will see by the date over two most three weeks ago or will be when you will have received it so you must read it and "figure back".  I retained it, thinking every day I would have a chance to finish it but such things have hindered.  Now to go back a little while.  The last time I wrote on this letter was one week ago Sunday two days ago. We had just returned from our ride. Well, that night Mr. Brey came and in the morning we boys all went over to his room and pulled him out of bed.  He is a nice fellow and I like him ever so much.  This was  Monday; in the evening I was to finish your letter. I went up town after tea and there saw Mr. Waller. He told me the mill was to start up in the morning and that there was a vacancy.  That I might fill it if I wished, but that it was very hard work and he did not believe that I would be able to stand it.  I told him I wanted to try and believed I could carry it through.  He said all right and to be on hand at 7o'ck in the morning.
I had made no preparations so had to go right off that evening and buy a pair of working gloves a heavy pair of shoes "stokics" I call them and some corse[sic] stockings. By the time I finished up my shoping and got home I found it time to go to bed. I thought about your letter but said to myself I will finish it to-morrow night; it will only be one day later.  Tuesday came, I went to work came home tired.  Ed said he wanted to put the carpet down in the room that evening so of course I had to help him.  He had the room all cleaned and papered; very pretty paper with rich heavy border.  When I had finished and got the carpet down to last up, I was tired enough to kill.  I laid right out on my back on the floor and Ed went off and left me.  I found if I did not look out, I would be fast asleep in no time, so I got up, put on my jacket and hat and went to the house and got into bed, about as soon as I coul,  inspite of my desire to finish up your letter and send it off that night.  Wed came and the evening I got out your letter, pen and ink, sat down to the table to write.  Earl and Ray sat out on one hammock, Ed and Minnie on the other and Bell up to the store with George and I sat there alone in the dining room with my head on my arm thinking about you.  My dear girl how I wanted you there; picture after picture; castle after castle I say untill Sallie tapped on the window and asked me what I was thinking about This awoke me from my dream land of paradise and I found I had been a sleep there on my arm on the table for an hour or more.  I tried dear Myscie to get up courage to start to write, but I was too tired; more tired than I ever was in my life before.  Thursday came, evening, I could not; Friday evening came and I had to help move the things up to the room.
Tired, tired, no name for it.  I had never in my life worked so hard or been so tired.  I thought I was strong and tough, but I knew I had found my equal this time, yet I hated to give up and cry baby and I was bound not to if I could possible stand it.  I would come home at night, eat my supper and go directly to bed as soon as I could; get up the next morning and get my own breakfast before anyone was up; pack my dinner pail and start off a mile to the mill.  This lasted untill Monday morning about 9.30 o'ck when I strained my back and I was obliged to call for help.  The foreman was very kind to me which was something strange for he has the name of being a hard man to work under and if they don't come up to the "letter" he "bounces" them at the slightest provocation and gets someone else for there are always plenty ready for the jobs at the mill.  He not only gave me an easier bench, but put me where it required experience to fill.  He gave me position as fireman; quite a responsible place and a hard place to fill for one, of no experience.  The greatest amount of "firing" I ever have done I guess has been at your house, looking after the stoves after Jim had retired but NOW I had a more difficult job and I hesitated for a moment for fear I could not fill the requirements.  I knew something about the engine boiler etc for I had learned and drafted plans of them at school, but as for the practical knowledge, it was all (as fore).  Still I thought to myself I can't more than blow the old thing up and bust the engine so relying on my knowledge of the philosophy of the thing I said I would like to try and believed I could "fill the bill" 
I worked one shift (a shift consists of 12 hours work) with one fireman and then went on alone.  I did splendidly they said and I was quite surprised at myself, even for catching on so quickly.  I began work as fireman Monday night at 12 o'ck midnight; my "shift" being from 12 o'ck midnight untill 12 o'ck the next noon.  Then I went home, had supper and went to bed, sleped untill 11 o'ck (about 3 1/2 hours) and then went to work.  This was Mond-night my first shift.  Tuesday afternoon I wanted to write to you after I got home from work, but I was so tired.  I had to go directly to bed.
Mr. Bass had gone out to the Mountains to look after his mine and would not return before Thursday or Friday, so I was all alone.  George gave me your letter and I took it to bed with me and read it.  Oh Myscie, you are so good to write to me even though I have been so negligent and I love you for it.  Myscie, you have written me one or two letters that have made me feel very bad, but I knew something or somebody was the cause, and I have tried to forget them for I know you truly love me and your letters written from your own true self make me so happy Myscie.
Well I must finish telling you about my work.  Tuesday night at 12 I went to my work.  You would have laughed to have seen me trudging off down the valley at midnight with a dinner pail in each hand-one for my midnight breakfast and one for my morning breakfast. Wednesday (next day) received your last letter but was so completely "played out"  I went directly to bed after I got home at noo, thinking perhaps I would wake up about 10 o'ck in the evening and write to you before I went to work but then I did not wake up untill my clock alarmed at 11 so there was no letter written to Myscie.  I felt as bad I know Myscie to think I could not write you as you did, not to hear from me, for I so want you to know that I was not silent because I wished it, but because I was obliged to be and I had fears what might be your thoughts.  Yet I knew you must trust me by this time if ever even though I might be silent for a month.
Well Wed-night I went to my work as usual but before my "shift" was over the next day (Thurs); my back gave way again and now I am "laying off" for a few days for "repairs".  I knew I should have rested the first of the week and let my back get well before starting in again, which if I had, I should probably have been all OK now, but I did not want to throw up my place for I was to get $100.00 a month and that was no small money so I kept on hoping I would feel better the next day, every time I came home.  Mr. Waller the Supt sent me word this PM that when I got well and rested to come back and they would find me some easier place where I would not have to work so hard, so I guess they must like me by that.  I must close now; will write you again tomorrow. Good-night dear;  forgive me won't you for I truly wanted you so to know all the while.  Yet I was truely not able to write.
Your love and true,
Joe

Socorro, NM April 15, 1883
Sunday evening
My dear dear Myscie
Your good and loving letters written last Sat & Sun the 7th & 8th came Friday morning the 13th.  I was so glad to get it.  I came home to dinner that day and Ed gave it to me at the table.  I could not resist opening it Myscie dear.  You will pardon me if I don't finish that letter to-night which I began over one week ago won't you.  I am so very very tired, I have been at work today all day.  I have handled 70 tons or 140,000 lbs of ores do-day equal to $2500. in money; silver.  This is what I have to handle most every day.   It is very hard work and I am afraid I can not stand it.  I have to work from 7 to 6 every day, Sundays and all.  It is good pay but I am afraid I shall have to give it up.  My "grit" is good by my back gives out.  I can't stand up straight sometimes and I am so tired when I get home nights.  I can harldy move and want to get right to bed.  I surely will finish your letter tomorrow night  (Monday 16th) and send.  I don not want to send it untill I have a chance to answer your letter written the 4th & 5th, which I will do to-morrow night sure, tired or no tired.  Our home is broken up.  Ray, Minnie and Bell start for the East to-night at 1.30 midnight.  I am too tired to sit up and see them off so I will bid them good-by after I write this, and then go to bed.  The boys Ed, Geo & Earl are to see them off all OK, will write you more about it when I write tomorrow night.  My hands are so lame I can scarcely hold this pen so pardon writing.
Good night dear.
Your true and loving Joe

The Magdalena mining district is located  west of the Socorro Mountain range  and south of the town of Magdalena.  The town  is named for the face of Mary Magdalen which is visible on  the mountain  west of town.

Mining activity southeast of  Magdalena in Kelly had been  in progress for some time since significant ore deposits were discovered in 1866.   Kelly was wild and rugged like most other mining towns.  Jim Leighton, Myscie’s cousin had taken up residence there.We’ve often wished we could have read some of his tales, which Joe Smith  described as being “laugherble” and interesting. While J.E. had been living the sopohisticated life  with his town friends, Jim had fallen right into the  midst of  the booming mining industry.  By the turn of the century, the mining district of Magdalena  boasted  production of nearly $10,000,000.00 in metal ore.  

Letters to Myscie, a Western Love Story written by Suzanne E. Smith, All rights reserved.

Pictures: (top) Kelly mine works; (middle) stamp mill; (bottom) smelting the ore
All Photos ©J.E. Smith Collection

Editors note: For the past ten weeks, Mountain Mail has had the distinct honor of bringing you the first ten chapters in “Letters To Myscie”, a true love story for the pages of history.  We will be returning to this story starting again in December.  We thank Suzanne E. Smith for sharing this wonderful opportunity to showcase her novel in our paper.  We thank our readers for joining us in the first part of this amazing journey.

Letters To Myscie: A Western Love Story By Suzanne E. Smith

Socorroans Get Star Struck

By John Larson

SOCORRO – Star-gazers from around the world are converging on Socorro and New Mexico Tech this week for the Enchanted Skies Star Party.
The four day event began Wednesday afternoon and ends with a Saturday night viewing at El Camino Real International Heritage Center, which boasts some of the darkest skies in the county.
Registered participants are able to enjoy a night of observing atop Socorro County's South Baldy, part of the Magdalena Ridge and home to the new Magdalena Ridge Observatory. At an elevation of 10,600 feet, it is a prime astrophotography and observing location.
Participants will also have access to an insider's tour of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory's Very Large Array, located 45 miles west of Socorro. The VLA is currently undergoing a transformation into a new research instrument: the Expanded Very Large Array. Scheduled to be completed in 2012, the new state-of-the-art electronics and software will have completely transformed the VLA into a much more capable research tool with more than ten times the VLA's current sensitivity. This transformation will ensure that the VLA/EVLA will remain one of the best radio telescopes in the world.
On Saturday, the last day of the Star Party, a Southwestern style Chuck-Wagon dinner is prepared and served at the El Camino Real International Heritage Center, ESSP's official "Dark Sky Site."  Observing at the Heritage Center often goes well into the mornings at this very dark site.
Dave Finley, Star Party co-founder and public information officer at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory’s Array Operations Center at New Mexico Tech, said activities include guided tours of the Magdalena Ridge Observatory and Very Large Array, and the U.S. Air Force’s Ground-Based Electro-Optical Deep Space Surveillance (GEODSS) system at White Sands Missile Range, which can track objects as small as a basketball more than 20,000 miles in space.
“We do have a number of free events on Friday,” Finley said. “Two very interesting lectures are open to the public. One is Beginning Amateur Astronomy with Jason Speights of New Mexico Tech, and the other is The Bill Spargo Memorial Lecture, Learning The Constellations, given by Great Bear Cornucopia, a ranger at Chaco Canyon.”
Viewing at Etscorn Observatory is also open to the public Friday night.
He said the public may also take part in the dark skies viewing at El Camino Real International Heritage Center late Saturday, following the campfire lecture.

Socorroans Get Star Struck

Socorro Queen Wins State Fair Title

By John Larson

Miss Socorro County, Catherine Blythe, was crowned the 2011 New Mexico State Fair Queen by New Mexico State Fair Commission Chairman David “Hossie” Sanchez last Saturday, Sept. 25.  In addition, Ms. Blythe received the Horsemanship Award and a sterling silver bracelet presented by Commissioner Jack Duffey.
Blythe, a sophomore at New Mexico Tech majoring in Petroleum Engineering, said she had been preparing for the competition throughout the summer.
The competition was broken down into two parts; 50 percent horsemanship and 50 percent personality.
“It’s really exciting for me, but it’s also a big responsibility,” she said. “It should be a lot of fun.”
The State Fair Queen is required to go to as many county fairs as possible, and also be an ambassador at next year’s state fair.
“It can be time consuming,” Blythe said. “Especially when next year’s county fairs start up.”

A 2009 graduate of Socorro High School, she has been a member of several rodeo organizations, including the New Mexico Junior Rodeo Association, the Gymkhana Rodeo Association, the Bosque Farms Junior Rodeo Association and the National Barrel Horse Association.
“I’ve been doing rodeo since I was 9 years old and got involved in high school rodeo in my senior year,” she said. “We have one of the most competitive states as far as rodeo.”
When she was a Socorro High senior she was crowned New Mexico’s High School Rodeo Queen, and found herself as a role model for the New Mexico High School Rodeo Association.
Right now her attention is focused on her studies at New Mexico Tech, where she aims for eventually getting a Master’s degree in Petroleum Engineering.
A lifelong Socorro resident, Blythe works as a veterinary assistant at Animal Haven.
As the new Queen, Blythe also received a handmade saddle, a two-horse trailer, a sterling silver crown and sterling silver buckle. The saddle, buckles and bracelets were made by Dale Chavez, Inc.; the two-horse trailer was sponsored by T and T Trailer Sales, and the Queen’s crown was made by Montana Silversmiths.

Socorro Queen Wins State Fair Title

No FEMA Funding For Mag Flooding

By John Larson

MAGDALENA – The Village Board voted to accept a conceptual drainage management plan at its meeting Monday night. Pat Stovall, a flood control engineer from Smith Engineering presented the plan and offered several options for drainage, ranging in cost from $20,000 to $2 million.
The most problematic areas included water crossing First Street and water collecting on Magdalena Schools property.
He said the flooding in Magdalena was not severe enough for serious federal funding.
“FEMA will not even consider any flooding less than a foot. They won’t even look at it,” Stovall said. “The worst Magdalena has measured is only .6 feet. That is considered only a nuisance flow.”
The trustees discussed several areas of town that presented the worse cases from heavy rainfall, and Stovall suggested solutions to each problem, but added that “until the streets are paved you will normally see sediment building up [across First Street].”
He said even if relevant roads are paved there may still be a problem with homes that are lower than street level.
Trustee Barbara Baca said she felt the plan favored certain neighborhoods, and that some homes in her part of town experienced water coming into the residences.
“If something is not done my house is going to end up by my cousin’s,” Baca said.
The board thanked Stovall for his work, and Mayor Sandy Julian said it was good that the village now has a current plan to work with. The village could move forward on trying obtain funding through a federal Community Development Block Grant or state legislative grant.
In other business:

•    A request by Marshal Larry Cearley for 500 rounds of .45 caliber ammunition was tabled until board members could question Cearley directly on the need for the extra ammo. Cearley could not attend Monday night’s meeting due to his required presence at Magdalena Municipal Court. According to a note on the requisition form, the ammunition is required to enable the four officers to retain their firearms qualification. “Each officer will need 100 rounds for the testing,” Cearley told the Mountain Mail. “It will take an average of six weeks for the order to come back. Qualification sessions conducted by Socorro Assistant Chief of Police Mike Winders must be completed by the end of the year.”

•    The board tabled a request by Marshal Cearley to purchase 288 “glow sticks” for trick-or-treating children to carry on Halloween. The price quoted was 79 cents each. Trustee Diane Allen said she wanted to make sure the 79 cent items could be found elsewhere at a cheaper price.

•    The board considered options for installing bathroom facilities at the transfer station. Allen said she was concerned about the transfer station’s manager, Josephine Torres, having to use a portable toilet and not having a faucet or running water in her office. “I would like to see something like a holding tank be put down there with enough  pressure to flush a toilet and hand washing,” Allen said. Mayor Julian suggested a separate water line be installed directly from the water tank on the east end of town. “Maybe go straight off the tank to the transfer station,” she said. “It’s something that could be done by our employees. The only cost would be for the pipe.” The board voted to consider both options.

•    The board tabled a franchise agreement with the electric co-op until Village Clerk Rita Broaddus could contact acting manager Richard Lopez, who she said has not returned her calls. “They pay us a percentage of receipts for the privilege of putting light poles on our streets,” Clerk Rita Broaddus said. “It translates to $9,000 to $10,000 a year for the village.”

•    Acting librarian Don Wiltshire reported that operation of the library is running smoothly “thanks to the help of Annie Danielson, who is covering Saturday hours. She is also working on the technical grant proposal.” He requested that Danielson and he share in the 40 hour a week salary, which was approved by the board.

•    Margie Sweeney, president of the Grizz Project in Magdalena, asked for, and received, permission to use the rodeo grounds for a “Blessing of the Animals,” on Sunday, Oct. 17 at 2:30 p.m.

No FEMA Funding For Mag Flooding

OBITUARY: Jeffrey Brian Arnold

Jeffrey Brian Arnold 
(July 17, 1991-Sept. 21, 2010)

Jeffrey Bean Arnold 49, passed away on Sept. 19, at his home in Socorro.  Jeff was born on Nov. 30, 1960, in Albuquerque.
He is survived by his parents, Jim and Frances Arnold, of Carlsbad; His sister Lori Arnold and nieces Ali Swope and Kinsey Swope of Albuquerque. He was a graduate of the New Mexico Military institute, and of the Diesel Mechanics School at CNM.  Jeff was employed at the Dicaperl Mineral Corporation in Socorro.
Friends who wish to offer condolences and celebrate Jeff’s life are invited to attend a Memorial Wake at Stevie’s Grill in Socorro, at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 25. Those who wish to send condolences may do so at www.danielsfuneral.com. Services have been entrusted to Daniels Family Funeral Services, 309 Garfield, Socorro, NM  87801. (575) 835-1530

OBITUARY: Jeffrey Brian Arnold

OBITUARY: Nora Mae O’Neal

Nora Mae O’Neal
(Nov. 20,1925-Sept. 25, 2010)

Nora Mae O’Neal, 84, a resident of Reserve, New Mexico died Saturday, Sept. 25, at the Ft. Bayard Medical Center, Ft. Bayard.  She was born Nov. 20, 1925 in Lee Creek, Arkansas, the daughter of John Henry Campbell and Frances Nora Thomas.
Nora Mae worked for approximately 22 years at the Reserve Senior Center. She began quilting in 1947 and continued for 61 years.
She is survived by stepson Bob O’Neal, of Joshua, Texas; 5 brothers and sisters; 3 grandchildren, Darrel O’Neal, Sherry Bellinger, and Betty Schubauer; and 6 great-grandchildren, Jerry & McKenzie O’Neal, Allen Bellinger, Kelly Connot, Brittany Williams, and Joshua Schubauer. Nora Mae is preceded in death by her parents, husband Ralph O’Neal, son Jerry O’Neal, granddaughter Carolyn O’Neal, grandson Ralph Allen O’Neal, and 12 brothers and sisters. Visitation will be held Thursday, Sept. 30, at 1 p.m. at the Reserve Baptist Church, Reserve.
A Funeral Service will be held Thursday at 2 p.m. also at the church.  Interment will follow the services at the Reserve Cemetery. Services have been entrusted to:  Burnham Mortuary, Eagar, 535 N. Main Eagar, Arizona 85925 To send an online condolence, log on to www.burnhammortuary.com.

OBITUARY: Nora Mae O’Neal

OBITUARY: Martina (Baca) Torres

Martina (Baca) Torres
(March 1, 1918-Sept.22, 2010)

Martina (Baca) Torres, 92, passed away at her home in Socorro, on Sept. 22. Martina was born on March 1, 1918, to Donicio and Luz (Valdez) Baca, in Las Vegas.
Martina was a lifelong resident of Socorro.  She is survived by her loving daughters, Rita Torres Salazar of Socorro; Lorraine Torres Hester and husband, Donnell J. Hester of San Antonio, TX; two sisters, Deluvina Armijo of Las Vegas; and Mela B. Roybal of Las Vegas, NV. She also leaves behind 6 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, and other relatives. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Edward E. Torres, in Nov.1991; brother, Donicio Baca Jr.; and sister, Epimenia Delgado.
A rosary will be recited on Sept. 27, 2010, at 8:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Resurrection at 9:00 a.m. with Father Andy Pavlak as Celebrant at The San Miguel Catholic Church in Socorro. Burial will take place in the San Miguel Catholic Cemetery. The pallbearers are Daniel James Hester, Marshall Puckett, LucasErnesto Puckett, Marcus Edward Puckett, and Don Hester. Those who wish to send condolences may do so at www.danielsfuneral.com. Services have been entrusted to:  Daniels Family Funeral Services, 309 Garfield, Socorro, NM  87801. (575) 835-1530

OBITUARY: Martina (Baca) Torres

OBITUARY: Edward White

Edward White
(Nov. 7, 1940-Sept. 24th 2010)

Edward White went to be with the Lord on Thursday, Sept. 24. Edward was born on November 7, 1940 in Monroeville, Alabama.
He is survived by his wife Patricia, his children, Grand Children, many nephews, nieces and close friends.  Edward was also survived by his mother Rena Bell White, sisters, Karla Diane White, Tara Elaine White and Evelyn Bernice White.
He attended the Socorro Family Christian Center regularly.  Edward retired from the US Army as Sargeant 1st Class E-7 and went to work at Stallion Site White Sands Missile Range for 24 years.  Eddie was an accomplished musician always ready to entertain for his friends, family and anyone who enjoyed music and gatherings.  Edward will be missed for his love of family, music, and love of church – where he played piano upon occasion.
Anyone who knew Eddie will forever remember his kind heart, big smile and caring nature.  May he rest in peace with the Lord eternally.

OBITUARY: Edward White

Sheriff's Blotter

Information for the following items were taken from reports at the Socorro County Sheriff's Department.

June 12
A Lemitar man reported at 1 p.m. that he had left a trailer house on the property of the suspect. He and the suspect had been together and have children together. He stated that he left his pickup on the property as well, and when he went to check on his property found that all four tires on the truck were slashed and a tire rim had been thrown through the front windshield. Also, the interior of his trailer had graffiti, floor damage and furniture damage.

June 13
A woman in Lemitar reported at 6:30 a.m. that the suspect and she had argued and the suspect became irate and broke the windshield of her vehicle. The officer met with the suspect who admitted to the damage and stated that he had already contacted someone to replace the windshield. 

June 15
An officer was dispatched at 10:24 a.m. to a residence on Mt. Carmel in regards to a domestic dispute, and learned that the suspect was attempting to gain entry into the home. She was throwing rocks at the home and kicking the front door. The victim was standing behind the door when she kicked it open and he received a laceration to the lip area. The suspect was placed under arrest and transported to the detention center.

June 16
Vehicle 1 was backing out from a private drive at 3:30 p.m. and struck vehicle 2 which was parked on Park Street. Damage was sustained by both vehicles.

An officer was dispatched to the Socorro County Detention Center at 9 p.m. to help with an unruly and combative prisoner. It was learned that he threatened officers with harm if they tried to move him. The officer asked him to move to another cell and he started to comply. He then threatened the officer and would not enter the cell. The officer Tased him in order to prevent injury to himself, the deputy and other detention officers. The suspect was then placed into his cell without further incident. 

June 17
An officer pulled over a vehicle at 12:20 a.m. for a traffic violation on Interstate 25. A check on the driver showed she had an outstanding warrant for her arrest. She was placed under arrest and transported to the detention center.

A complainant reported at 3 p.m. that the last time he saw his wife was two days prior, and that he learned that his missing wife had gotten a ride to the Lemitar truck stop, where she hitched a ride. He stated he does not know where she is, and said he had received a letter from her stating that she was relinquishing custody of their children prior to her leaving. The missing woman was entered into NCIC.

Sheriff's Blotter

Magdalena Marshal's Blotter

Information for the following items was provided by the Magdalena Marshal's office.

July 12
An officer took a report at 6 p.m. of a two vehicle accident at mile marker 115 on Highway 60. One vehicle tried to avoid another vehicle with a horse trailer turning off the roadway. The vehicle struck the trailer across the yellow line on the opposite side of the road. No injuries were reported.

July 14
Officers from the Marshal’s office and New Mexico State Fire Marshal’s office were called to investigate an arson fire on north Oak Street. The scene is under investigation and arrests are pending.

July 15
An officer arrested a female at 10:20 a.m. from a residence on Las Truces Street who was wanted on an outstanding bench warrant from Socorro Magistrate Court for an aggravated battery charge where a knife was used.

July 18
An officer took a report at 11 a.m. where two vehicles collided on Highway 169. No injuries were reported.

July 19
An officer took a report at 3 p.m. of a breaking and entering on Pierson Road. An unknown suspect entered the residence and did minimal damage. Drug paraphernalia was found inside the residence. An arrest is pending.

July 22
An officer assisted Sierra Propane at 9:15 a.m. in confiscating two propane tanks on Tenth Street. No arrests were made.

Aug. 2
An officer took a report at 9 a.m. of a theft at 700 Elm Street where plants, pots and yard tools were taken. At about 11 a.m. the items were located and no charges were filed due to a misunderstanding.

Aug. 4
An officer arrested a male subject at 11 a.m. on four counts of arson which occurred in July. The subject was placed on a $60,000 bond.

Aug. 6
An officer took a report at 5:50 a.m. where a dog was killed on South Elm Street. The dog was killed after it attacked a man with his dog. Charges were filed against the owner in Magdalena Municipal Court.

Aug. 12
An officer took a report at 1 p.m. of a juvenile having a knife at the Magdalena Schools. The child was placed on suspension.

Aug. 13
An officer took a report at 10:10 a.m. of a dog bite which occurred on South Chestnut. Adult protective services was contacted about the living conditions at the residence. Charges were not filed at this time.

An officer took a report at 1:30 p.m. where a 17 year-old ran away from her residence. The case was referred to Juvenile Probation and Parole.

Aug. 18
An officer took a report at 9:47 a.m. where three juvenile females were smoking marijuana in the girls bathroom. All three were suspended from school and referred to Juvenile Probation and Parole.

Aug. 22
An officer stopped a vehicle at 5:30 p.m. on Fourth Street in Magdalena where the driver was found driving on a suspended or revoked license. The male driver from Silver City was taken to the Socorro County Detention Center where he posted bond.

Aug. 24
An officer took a report at 4:20 p.m. of harassment at Magdalena Schools. The case was turned over to New Mexico State Police and no report was filed. The case will be handled by Magdalena Schools.

Aug. 28
An officer was called to a dumpster fire located on First Street. The fire was put out by the Magdalena Fire department. The fire is listed as suspicious.

An officer assisted state police at 7:15 a.m. on a rollover accident at mile marker 106 on Highway 60 west of Magdalena. The male subject refused medical treatment and was arrested for DWI.

Aug. 30
An officer took a report at 5 p.m. of a battery on a school official at Magdalena Schools. The female suspect was charged with the crime.

Sept. 2
An officer took a criminal damage report at 1 a.m. where a rock was thrown through a window of a residence on First Street. No suspect was located and the case is under investigation.

Sept. 4
An officer took a report at 4:45 p.m. of trespassing on South Chestnut where two people were having an argument. The female was asked to leave the property and given a warning.

Sept. 5
Two officers were called at 4:30 a.m. to a residence on Ash Street on a domestic. The parties were separated and the case turned over to Children, Youth and Families.

Sept. 8
An officer arrested a male subject at 3:15 p.m. on Highway 169 for driving on a suspended or revoked license. The subject was driving a wrecker to a Socorro company. The subject posted bond just after arrest.

Sept. 9
An officer took a report at 9:15 p.m. involving a deer just east of Magdalena.

Sept. 10
An officer took a report at 11:30 a.m. on a lost cell phone at Magdalena Schools.

An officer was called at 7:55 p.m. to a residence on Kelly Road where an intoxicated male was refusing to leave. The male subject was arrested and charged in Magdalena Court.

Sept. 11
An officer took a report at 11:30 p.m. of an accident involving an elk west of Magdalena. A semi driver was not injured and no citations were issued.

Sept. 12
An officer responded at 8:07 p.m. to a call of a possible break-in on Main Street. The officer found it was the owner’s dog that had torn a screen on an outside door.

Sept. 17
An officer was called at 7:15 a.m. to a domestic on Pine Street, where an altercation had occurred between a mother and daughter. The parties were separated and went their separate ways. No charges were filed.

An officer attempted to pull over a vehicle on Highway 60 at 5:45 p.m. The driver turned onto Highway 169 and did not stop until mile marker 5. The San Luis, Colorado, driver was charged with possession of marijuana, possession of alcohol by a minor, and four traffic violations.

Sept. 19
An officer took a report at 10:30 a.m. of a burglary at the telephone company building on Main Street. The suspects stole a North Star Generator from the building. An investigation is continuing.

Sept. 21
An officer arrested three subjects at 7:10 p.m. on outstanding warrants ranging from misdemeanor traffic to parole violations. All three were taken to the Socorro County Detention Center.

Magdalena Marshal's Blotter