KEND News

Officials call 4th of July fireworks a “dud.” Rich Hancock has details…

The city of Roswell has expressed dissatisfaction with the services of a Texas-based contractor assigned to provide fireworks this Fourth of July at Cielo Grande Recreation Center. The city and Roswell Fire Department are well aware that many citizens share their disappointment. Roswell officials have said they will take the necessary steps to restore the quality of the fireworks show, and ensure there are no more “duds” during the community’s Fourth of July celebration. I’m Rich Hancock Reporting.

New Mexico tops in tourism. Rich Hancock has details…

Governor Susana Martinez announced 34.4 million trips were taken in New Mexico in 2016 – shattering the previous record. New Mexico is a leader in tourism, with trips to the state growing at double the national average. Martinez says “A record number of people are visiting New Mexico, and that means more money being spent in our communities…” 2016 was the largest single-year increase in visitation since the introduction of New Mexico True as the state’s tourism marketing brand. I’m Rich Hancock Reporting

Judges salaries considered Wednesday. Rich Hancock has details…

An independent panel of legal experts is considering the salaries of New Mexico’s judges in hopes of making recommendations for an increase in the 2019 fiscal year.The six-member Judicial Compensation Commission met Wednesday. The salaries of New Mexico judges have remained unchanged since 2014. A survey by the National Center for State Courts shows the annual salary for a district judge in New Mexico ranks lowest in the nation. I’m Rich Hancock Reporting.

A Roswell teen is recovering from a motorcycle crash. Rich Hancock has details…

A teenage motorcyclist, seriously injured in a crash Monday at around 8:30 pm on North Main Street, is reportedly recovering after being flown to Eastern New Mexico Medical Center. The extent of 18-year-old Jonathan Martinez’s multiple injuries was not reported by family members, who said the Roswell teen was conscious Tuesday and in stable condition following the crash. I’m Rich Hancock Reporting.

An off-duty firefighter was still saving lives. Rich Hancock has details…

Off-duty Roswell firefighter Carlos Garcia was in the right place at the right time to pull two men from a burning truck. Garcia heard a loud noise Friday and went outside to find a furniture truck that was involved in a wreck was on fire. Two men were trapped inside. Garcia and another man were able to free them, but the other driver, 47-year-old Sean Michael Murphy of Roswell, died at the scene. I’m Rich Hancock reporting.

Staffing issues at the Roswell Animal Shelter. Rich Hancock has details…

The Roswell Animal Shelter did not accept animals after 12 noon this Saturday. Todd Wildermuth, the city’s public information officer, said the reason the shelter is not able to accept any more animals during this period is due to limited staffing. Wildermuth said that it’s possible the shelter may not be able to receive animals the upcoming weekend either, but said the staffing issues are temporary. All other services, including adoptions, will remain available during regular business hours. I’m Rich Hancock Reporting.

Democratic New Mexico Sen. Tom Udall and Republican Wyoming Sen. Mike Enzi introduced legislation this week that would allow states to collect their own mineral royalties, protecting money that is rightfully owed to the state. The bill would effectively eliminate a collection fees charged by the federal government, which amounts to approximately $40 million per year. The bipartisan State Mineral Revenue Protection Act is co-sponsored by Senators John Barrasso of Wyoming, Cory Gardner of Colorado and Orrin Hatch of Utah.
Currently, the federal government charges states a 2 percent fee, ostensibly to cover collection and disbursement costs. This legislation would ensure that states can continue to receive their 50 percent share of mineral royalties by giving them the option to administer their own programs, as opposed to relying on Washington.
Wyoming Republican Congresswoman Liz Cheney recently introduced identical legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

THE 22nd ANNUAL HIKE IT AND SPIKE IT 4-on-4 CHARITY FLAG FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT IS COMING UP LABOR DAY WEEKEND AT THE CIELO GRANDE RECREATION AREA IN ROSWELL. ORGANIZER CLA AVERY SAYS THE DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS SATURDAY…
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THE MONEY RAISED BY THE TOURNAMENT GOES TO THE UNITED WAY OF CHAVES COUNTY. TO SIGN UP…GO TO ROSWELLGRIDIRON.COM.

NEW MEXICO STATE POLICE WILL BE CONDUCTING SOBRIETY CHECKPOINTS, SATURATION PATROLS AND REGISTRATION, INSURANCE AND DRIVERS’ LICENSE CHECKPOINTS DURING THE MONTH OF MAY. THE GOAL OF THE ENFORCEMENT CAMPAIGN IS TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF ALCOHOL RELATED FATALITIES.

WE’RE LEARNING MORE ABOUT AN ACCIDENT ON NORTH MAIN STREET IN ROSWELL. PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER TODD WILDERMUTH…
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WILDERMUTH SAYS THE CRASH INVOLVED A MOTORCYCLE AND AN SUV…
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WILDERMUTH SAYS THE CAUSE OF THE CRASH IS STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION.