Mid-Week Matters - July 23, 2025

Upcoming events and a review of recent micro news that affects our daily lives.

Aired on KCCC 930 AM RADIO and available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube

Transcript

MID-WEEK MATTERS RADIO SHOW - JULY 23, 2025

OPENING SEGMENT

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HOST: Welcome to Carlsbad, Where Adventure Runs Deep! You're listening to KCCC 930 AM. I'm Hattie here in Cavern City, and it's time for Mid-Week Matters, bringing you both the best upcoming events and interesting micro-news from around Carlsbad and Eddy County. We'll start with what's happening around town and on campus, then give you the quick news that affects your daily life.

HOST: PAUSE

HOST: Before we begin, a reminder: if you have events, community news, or spotlight requests to share, please submit them through our contact form at kccc930am.com.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

HOST: First up, Lego Time is happening Wednesday, July 23rd at the Carlsbad Public Library. Build, create, and let your imagination run wild with our collection of Legos. The event starts at 4:00 PM and is perfect for all ages who love to build.

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HOST: Attention, students and families! Miguel Briones will be presenting "Macho not Machismo" this Thursday, July 24th, at the Carlsbad Public Library. This award-winning author, illustrator, and distinguished educator will share his experiences and community stories. There are two sessions: 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM in English and 2:00 PM in Spanish. Miguel hopes to inspire and empower future generations of writers and artists by uplifting the lived experiences of Chicanos, Hispanics, Latinos, and those who have been historically marginalized.

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HOST: Thursday, July 24th, adults should know about Summer's End Adult Bad Art Night at the Carlsbad Public Library. Adults have the opportunity to make their own bad art at this event starting at 5:00 PM. Choose from a variety of materials and create your own piece or try to recreate a famous one. It doesn't have to be good - they just want you to have fun.

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HOST: The Carlsbad Farmers & Makers Market opens Saturday, July 26th at 9:00 AM on North Canal Street on the Eddy County Courthouse Lawn. Come support local vendors and artisans. For more information, contact Carlsbad Mainstreet at 575-628-3768.

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HOST: Are you looking to swap seeds and sprouts? The Carlsbad Public Library is organizing Caffeine and Cultivate: a seeds and sprouts swap this Saturday, July 26th from 9:30 AM. Join fellow gardeners at 101 S Halagueno Street for this green community exchange.

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HOST: Students won't want to miss that SENMC Summer Final exams begin Monday, July 28th and continue through Thursday, July 31st. Good luck to all students completing their summer coursework!

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HOST: The Eddy County Commissioners will meet on Tuesday, July 29th from 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM at the Commission Chambers, 101 West Greene Street in Carlsbad. This is an opportunity for residents to stay informed about county government decisions that affect our community or to comment on the potential for above ground interim storage of nuclear waste in the Lea and Eddy County border area. The Supreme Court recently ruled that Texas did not have standing to sue the Nuclear Regulatory Commission over the plan, clearing the first of several hurdles toward its reality. The case has gone back to the lower court, ruling overturned to be reconsidered. The State of New Mexico also opposed the plan and has forbidden state regulatory agencies from issuing permits to nuclear storage facilities. There is no agenda for the next meeting as of this recording; therefore, they are calling for comments. However, a public comment period is available at each regular meeting. If you want them to continue pursuing this opportunity to bring more nuclear jobs and risk, or oppose it, sooner rather than later is better for comment.

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HOST: And finally, a reminder that kids ages 8-10 should know about the Plantitas and friends - bilingual gardening and pot painting workshop on Wednesday, July 30th from 9:30 AM. Let's Grow Juntos! Join us for a fun, hands-on gardening and painting workshop where kids will plant seeds, learn how gardens grow, and paint and design their own pots. For more information, call Yadira Hernandez at 575-234-9247. This event is sponsored by HSI Grant Services and funded by the Department of Education.

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HOST: Looking ahead for our community:

• Saturday, August 9th, National Night Out will bring together residents and first responders starting at 8:00 AM. There will be a 5K walk/run, free food and drinks, jumpers and games, face painting, and giveaways. For more information, visit www.co.eddy.nm.us and check out the upcoming episode of Community Forum, featuring National Night Out with me, Johnny Chandler, and Savannah Cabezuela, Eddy County Public Information Officer, either online or when it airs tomorrow at noon on KCCC 930 am Radio.

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NEWS QUICKIES

HOST: Now it's time for our "Eddy County Quickies" Micro-News.

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HOST:

• According to Source New Mexico, the Trump administration is withholding $612 million in education funding from New Mexico, representing 13% of the state's education budget. This includes money for K-12 schools, adult education, after-school programs, and teacher training. All three of New Mexico's House representatives joined 145 other lawmakers asking for immediate release of the funds, while New Mexico and 15 other states have sued the Education Department over the freeze. New Mexico currently ranks 50th in education nationwide - last in the nation for the eighth consecutive year.
• The Los Alamos Reporter reports that a Los Alamos National Laboratory study found New Mexicans are likely among the most at-risk populations for Valley fever in the United States. The fungal disease is contracted when infected soil is inhaled, with dry, dusty areas prone to dust storms being most at risk. The study analyzed over 1,500 cases over 18 years, with northwestern and southwestern New Mexico showing the highest incidence rates.
• The Gallup Sun Weekly tells us that NMDOT has ongoing road construction projects statewide, including significant work in southeast New Mexico affecting areas near Eddy County. Projects include U.S. 285 improvements south of Carlsbad, State Road 128 upgrades between Carlsbad and Jal, and U.S. Highway 82 improvements between Artesia and Maljamar.
• KRQE News 13 reports that the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management is encouraging residents to enable emergency notifications on smartphones for weather alerts and wildfire warnings. To activate: go to phone settings, select notifications, then emergency alerts, and enable local awareness. Officials recommend every family have an emergency action plan.
• As reported by the Tri-City Record, New Mexico counties, including Eddy County and neighboring Lea and Chaves counties, say the state owes them millions for incarceration costs. According to county officials, 25 counties with jails spent $383 million on operations between June 2023 and July 2024, but only received $4.6 million in state reimbursement - just 1.2% of their costs. Despite a 2007 law requiring state reimbursement for housing state prisoners in county jails, counties report inadequate funding from the state. Counties are considering litigation to enforce the reimbursement law.
• KOAT 7 is reporting that New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham issued a directive requiring children born exposed to methamphetamines, fentanyl, poly-substances, or diagnosed with fetal alcohol syndrome to be taken into state custody with a 72-hour hold to determine if they return home or remain in care. The directive changes the previous CARA plan after more than 24 babies died under the earlier system. Foster parent advocates worry about insufficient resources and foster home capacity.
• We're hearing from KWTV that Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has dispatched a 10-person search and rescue support team to assist New Mexico with flood recovery efforts. The team is working alongside local officials in areas affected by flash flooding that has killed at least three people near Ruidoso.

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WEEKLY FOCUS SEGMENT

FOURTH WEDNESDAY: COMMUNITY CORNER

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SENMC EVENT OR ACHIEVEMENT

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HOST: Up at SENMC, I attended the first-ever Radiological Control Technician graduation on Friday, July 11th. The ceremony was hosted by David Porter, co-owner of Porter House, Inc., our partner in radiological workforce training. Porter, who has been in the nuclear industry for 46 years, spoke passionately about these bright new RCTs entering a field that's short 8,000 technicians nationwide. This presents a great opportunity for our region's residents to enter what I see as an open, stable, and well-paying career field. Porter praised Dr. Monty Harris's promise two years ago "to expand our ability to meet the training needs of employers, workers, and job seekers in Southeast New Mexico" - a promise he continues to deliver on. I spoke briefly with class valedictorian Joey Auxter and salutatorian Jeremy J. Dominguez afterward. Congratulations to all involved, and thank you as always for your service to the community.

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[Insert interview here with valedictorian and salutatorian from first class -- transcript not currently available]

CLOSING SEGMENT

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HOST: PAUSE

HOST: That's your Mid-Week Matters for today from Carlsbad, the county seat of Eddy County. Thank you for listening in Artesia, Carlsbad, Hope, Loving, and all the areas in between, out in the fields, and on the road.

If you have an event or news item you'd like us to share, please contact us using our Contact Us form at kccc930am.com.

This show was produced in partnership with Southeast New Mexico College Workforce and Community Education.

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