Roswell Daily Record
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KIT CARSON OR CRESTONE?
CRESTONE, Colo. (AP) — Neighbors of Kit Carson Mountain in southern Colorado want to change the peak’s name because of concerns about the Indianfighting frontiersman. Neighbors and Saguache County officials have signed petitions to rename the 14,165-foot peak Mount Crestone. ... - PAGE B6
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House Dems stay with Lujan
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THE VOICE OF THE PECOS VALLEY
AP Photo
Ben Lujan talks to the media after a meeting of the House Democratic caucus in the New Mexico Capitol, Saturday.
Reflections
SANTA FE (AP) — House Democrats retained their top leadership on Saturday and stuck with Ben Lujan of Santa Fe as their nominee to become speaker of the House. Lujan overcame a challenge from Joseph Cervantes of Las Cruces, but no votes were announced for the leadership race. The 37-member Democratic caucus selected their leadership team during a closed-door meeting in the Capitol. The speakership won’t
become final until January when the Legislature convenes and all 70 members cast votes on the top leadership position. Besides Lujan, Democrats voted to keep W. Ken Martinez of Grants as majority floor leader and Sheryl Williams Stapleton of Albuquerque as majority whip. Patricia Lundstrom of Gallup was selected caucus chairwoman in a three-way race. She replaces John Heaton of Carlsbad, who was defeated in the general
election. Lujan said after the party meeting that Democrats were united heading into next year’s legislative session “As far as I could see today we, like a family, expressed some concerns. But at the end of the day ... to me it seemed like a family getting together and ironing things out,” said Lujan. Martinez had no challenger. Stapleton defeated
John F. Russell II dead at 62
See LUJAN, Page A7
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November 21, 2010
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Colorful trees surrounding the ramp to the parking deck at 400 Penn Plaza are reflected in a safety mirror, Friday morning.
A local business and community leader and stalwart New Mexico Military Institute alumnus, John F. Russell II, 62, died unexpectedly in his Roswell office Friday night. At the time of his death, Russell was owner of the Robert V. Ely Insurance agency, vice president of the NMMI Board of Regents, and a member of numerous civic and service organizations. His ties to the community and to the Institute went back to the late 1940s, when the then-6-month-old Boulder, Colo., native arrived in New Mexico with
Courtesy Photo
John F. Russell II
his parents, John and Doris Russell. He grew up in Roswell, and graduated the high school division of
Share the season Las Chismosas donates turkeys with foster care kids
See RUSSELL, Page A7
Jonathan Entzminger Record Staff Writer
JOE D. MOORE RECORD STAFF WRITER
ROCKETS ROLL BY VALENCIA
Goddard’s bread and butter is running the football, simple as that. Yet on Saturday, the Rockets tried to throw it on three of their first four plays. They didn’t have much success with it, and they simply turned to David Anaya. And Anaya answered. The junior carried it just 13 times in the game, but rolled up 213 yards and four touchdowns in leading ... - PAGE B1
TODAY’S OBITUARIES
• John F. Russell II • Lee Roy Barnett • Sarah Whipple Binns • Emmet Joseph Thorpe • Jack W. Merritt • Edwina Manning - PAGE B5, B6
HIGH ...78˚ LOW ....40˚
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INDEX
The excitement surrounding Christmas is not an equal-opportunity employer, at least not for many young people in foster care. This year, Peak Treatment Foster Care is trying to change that. Ladawn Villegas, a Peak treatment coordinator, is issuing a community-wide call to enlist the support of the fine folks and organizations of Roswell. “We’d like to reach out to see if we can work with the community to provide a happy Christmas for the kids,”
she said. Peak does as much as it can and the parents provide gifts, too, Villegas explains. But Peak’s resources are limited and parents don’t receive allowances for necessities like clothing, let alone Christmas presents. “They do a lot out of their own pockets,” she adds. Addressing the misconception that all 20 of the young people receiving Peak’s services are also enrolled in Chaves County’s Court Appointed Spe-
Las Chismosas donated 10 turkeys to Community Program’s Volunteer Thanksgiving Day dinner on Friday. “Right now, we have about 43 turkeys and we’re looking for another 40,” Johnny Gonzales, director of Community Volunteer Program, said. “We want to thank the group that came in to give us these turkeys, because Mark Wilson Photo we’re running short on turkeys.” From left, Bernice Martinez, Vickie Pacheco, Priscilla Carrillo, “We wanted to help Elouise Ortega and Judith Otero, of Las Chismosas Sistersomewhere,” Judith hood donate 10 turkeys to Johnny Gonzales, of Community Volunteer Program, Friday, for Thursday’s free Thanksgiving dinner. See DONATION, Page A7
President tells GOP not to hold up Russia arms treaty
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama took aim Saturday at Republican senators standing in the way of a nuclear arms reduction pact with Russia, saying they were abandoning Ronald Reagan’s lesson of nuclear diplomacy: “Trust but verify.” The Senate’s GOP leader accused his Democratic counterparts of wasting Congress’ lame-duck session on issues from gays in
See SHARE, Page A3
the military to environment regulations. Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., didn’t mention Obama’s push to ratify the new STAR T weapons treaty with Russia, but said extending expiring Bush-era tax cuts needed to be the top priority. Obama, speaking from a NATO summit in Portugal, used his weekly radio and Internet address to focus on international affairs at a time of increased political
gridlock at home as the GOP prepares to take control of the House in the new Congress next year. Describing his nuclear ef forts as part of a fiveadministration continuum, Obama said the treaty to cut the permitted number of U.S. and Russian longrange nuclear warheads by a third was “fundamental to America’s national security.” The president went to great length listing the
prominent Republicans from previous administrations who back the deal, including for mer secretaries of state Colin Powell, George Shultz, Jim Baker and Henry Kissinger. He cited GOP Sen. Dick Lugar’s support, but suggested that other Republican senators were playing politics with national security. “Some make no argument against the treaty — they just ask for more
BY EMILY RUSO MILLER RECORD STAFF WRITER
doling out free flu shots, blood pressure readings, condoms, pregnancy tests, and brochures about general health and nutrition infor mation. Foresters donated most of the health resources, including the door prizes and food. “I just feel that it makes people aware about nutrition and just general information on how to be healthy and stay that way and raise healthy kids,”
Free flu shots, food at 3rd annual health fair
Emily Russo Miller Photo
Maria Marquez winces as a nurse administers a flu shot during a health fair at Mesa Middle School, Friday evening.
Schoolchildren came out in droves to trick-or-treat and enjoy free popcorn and cotton candy in the gymnasium of Mesa Middle School Friday night. The event was not a belated Halloween festivity, but the 3rd annual health fair. The event, hosted by the Pecos branch of Foresters, an international insurance and investment group, featured more than 15 booths
See FAIR, Page A3
time,” Obama said. “If the Senate doesn’t act this year — after six months, 18 hearings, and nearly a thousand questions answered — it would have to start over from scratch in January.” And it would face tougher odds as the Democratic majority loses six seats. Without ratification, Russia may be less cooperative See OBAMA, Page A7
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Thomas Garcia of Ocate. Lundstrom won over Antonio “Moe” Maestas of Albuquerque and Eliseo Alcon of Milan. House Republicans picked up eight seats in the general election. They have 33 members, giving them a greater voice in decisions on legislation and potentially who will run the House next year. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, a coalition of conservative Democrats and Republicans elected a speaker and controlled the House. That could happen next year if enough Democrats broke party
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NMMI in 1966. After briefly attending the University of Missouri, Russell retur ned to NMMI and graduated its junior college division in 1969. He completed a bachelor’s degree at Easter n New Mexico University in 1971. He moved to Ocala, Fla., where he and his wife, Sharon, were married. They and their children lived in Ocala for several
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in enforcing strong sanctions on Iran, securing loose nuclear material from terrorists or helping the U.S. equip troops in Afghanistan, Obama said. He said no agreement with Russia meant no U.S. inspectors watching over one of the world’s biggest
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GENERAL
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ranks in the speakership election and joined with Republicans to for m a working majority. Cervantes declined to say whether he intends to try to form a coalition with Republicans, but he didn’t rule out that possibility. “No politician closes any doors,” he told reporters. Asked why he challenged Lujan, Cervantes said, “I think the voters sent a pretty clear message earlier this month ... that they are expecting change.” Rep. Andy Nunez of Hatch recommended Cervantes in the caucus for the top leadership job and said he probably would support forming a coalition with Republicans if
Cervantes could win the speakership in January. He said he wanted to avoid what happened in the U.S. House of Representatives, where the Democrats retained Nancy Pelosi as their leader despite party losses in this month’s congressional elections. “The electorate .... told us they’re wanting some change. I think we need to make that change,” said Nunez. Lujan said he hoped Cervantes would not try to for m a coalition with Republicans because it would create fractures within the House at a time when lawmakers face difficult problems, such as a looming budget shortfall.
“We’re going to have to work together. We have only a slim majority and we all have to work in the best possible manner to address the predicament we’re in,” said Lujan. The Legislature convenes Jan. 18 for a 60-day session and lawmakers must deal with a new governor, Republican Susana Martinez. She has served as district attorney in Las Cruces since 1997. Lujan has served as speaker for 10 years, and was first elected to the House in 1974. He was the House’s majority whip and majority floor leader before being elected speaker. He succeeded longtime Raymond Speaker Sanchez, who lost his seat
in the Legislature in 2000. The speakership is among the most powerful positions in the Legislature. The speaker largely controls the legislative agenda in the House and has broad discretionary powers in presiding over daily proceedings. Importantly, the speaker also appoints chair men and members of committees, which conduct much of the work of the Legislature by approving and rejecting bills. Martinez, a lawyer, has served as majority leader for half of the 12 years he’s been in the House. His late father, Walter, was House speaker in the 1970s but was ousted by what was called the “Cow-
boy Coalition” of minority Republicans and conservative, mainly rural Democrats. Cervantes, a lawyer, has served in the House for 10 years. After the 2006 elections, Cervantes backed an unsuccessful attempt by Martinez to challenge Lujan in the Democratic caucus for the top leadership job. In the aftermath, Cervantes lost his chairmanship of the House Judiciary Committee and currently is vice chairman. Stapleton has served as Democratic whip since 2005. Lundstrom has been in the House for a decade.
years, and moved to Albuquerque in 1975, where Russell worked in the restaurant industry. The family returned to Roswell in 1978, and he was afforded the opportunity to work for the Robert V. Ely Insurance Agency. He purchased the agency in the early 1980s. Russell’s ties to NMMI did not end upon his graduation. In addition to his service as vice president of the Board of Regents, he had been president of the NMMI Alumni Board. In 1970, he received the
George Ward Memorial, which is awarded to an alumnus who fosters the goals and ideals of the school. Maj. Gen. Jerry W. Grizzle, NMMI superintendent expressed shock and disbelief at Russell’s passing. Carl Hansen, a close friend of Russell and the Institute’s public relations officer called his friend “a consummate gentleman and a consummate professional,” and added, “NMMI has lost a great voice.” Russell was also
involved in many local civic organizations, including the Pecos Valley Rotary Club, of which he was a charter member and as whose president he served in 1985. For his outstanding contributions to the ideals of that organization, he was presented with the Paul Harris Award. He also served as the club’s secretary until the time of his passing. He was a mentor of the Washington Avenue HOSTS Program, sat on the board of the Roswell
Refuge for Battered Adults, was involved with the Big Brothers and Big Sisters program and coached both his sons in the Roswell Youth Football League. “He was just an exemplary person, I think, and what a great reflection on Roswell,” John Henderson, president of the NMMI Board of Regents, said. Russell was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle, who enjoyed the fellowship of a wide circle of friends
throughout his life, especially those associated with NMMI, the Rotary Club, the Friday Lunch Group, the poker group and his golfing group. His friends and family say he will be remembered as a talented public speaker, writer, golfer and guitar player. “He was wonder ful brother,” Patricia Greenwade, Russell’s sister, said. “We're all going to miss his wonderful sense of humor.” A memorial service is scheduled for 2 p.m.,
radio and Internet address, focused on the stubbornly high unemployment rate and Democrats’ failure to alleviate joblessness. He said Democrats had exploded the national debt with the stimulus and other spending programs, and were now asking Americans for more money. He said it was imperative that the Bush-era tax cuts that expire this year be extended.
“Americans don’t think we should be raising taxes on anybody, especially in the middle of a recession,” McConnell said. “But instead of giving Americans what they want, Democratic leaders plan to use the last few days that lawmakers expect to spend in Washington this year focusing on everything except preventing this tax hike, which will cost us even more jobs: immigra-
nuclear arsenals. “Those who would block this treaty are breaking President Reagan’s rule — they want to trust, but not verify,” Obama said. At the NATO meeting, of ficials from Denmark, Lithuania, Latvia, Hungary, Norway and Bulgaria told reporters Saturday that failing to ratify the treaty would set back European security. McConnell, in the GOP
tion; a repeal of the ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’; a reorganization of the FDA; more environmental regulations.” Obama appears ready to compromise with Republicans on temporarily extending the tax cuts passed under President George W. Bush, despite previous opposition to continuing them for couples making over $250,000. Republicans have sought permanent cuts for all, and
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Otero, Las Chismosas member, said. ”That’s what our club does — help the community.” Community Volunteer Program has hosted its Thanksgiving Day dinner in Roswell for more than 30 years. This year, organizers expect to feed about 1,000 people at the Disabled American Veteran headquarters, 1620 N. Montana Ave., from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. Gonzales said tha gathering resources and
McConnell said that the blame for inaction would
fall on the Democrats when the hikes “hit every taxpay-
er and hundreds of thou-
sands of small businesses at the stroke of midnight
on December 31.”
Still, he suggested that
Republicans could compro-
mise on the tax issue.
volunteer support for this year’s dinner has been difficult. However, dif ferent community organizations gave goods to the program this week. On Monday, Lawrence Brothers IGA donated two turkeys. “We have faith that it will come together by Thursday,” Gonzales said. For more information about Community Volunteer Program’s Thanksgiving Day dinner, call 624-7579.
j.entzminger@roswellrecord.com
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Scalia loves his gadgets, but not cameras in court WASHINGTON (AP) — Justice Antonin Scalia seems solidly old-fashioned. He’s devoted to the Constitution’s original meaning, prefers the Roman Catholic Mass in Latin and opposes TV cameras in the Supreme Court. But the 74-year -old Scalia wants it known that he owns an iPod and an iPad and does so much work on his computer that he “can hardly write in longhand anymore.” Scalia revealed his embrace of modern technology at a Thursday dinner of the conservative Federalist Society, which he helped launch nearly 30 years ago to combat perceived liberal bias on the nation’s law school faculties. The Supreme Court justice was not so much the after -dinner speaker as the entertainment, joining CBS News correspondent Jan Crawford for an hourlong conversation in front of 1,400 adoring conserva-
tives. Scalia’s iPod is filled with classical and operatic tunes, music he put there himself. The iPad has been useful for storing the voluminous legal briefs that are the guts of every high court case. Scalia said he no longer has to — and here he employed the precise legal term — “schlep the briefs around.” Said the longest-serving justice: “It’s a brave new world.” —— Yet that great invention of the 20th century, television, still has no place on Scalia’s Supreme Court. He offered several rationales for excluding cameras from the court’s argument sessions, which the C-SPAN cable network has of fered to air gavel to gavel. Almost all the court’s cases are dull, he said, asserting that there would not be widespread interest in watching arguments about pensions, bankrupt-
cy or railroad taxes. But in the court’s heated cases about abortion, school prayer, gay rights and other high-profile topics, he said interest would be so great that broadcasters would take snippets from the arguments and air them out of context. Scalia said he thinks the court is well served by its aloofness relative to Congress and the president. “Familiarity breeds contempt,” he said. “The fact that the court is somewhat removed is a good thing.” On a practical level, he said he expects congressional pressure to allow cameras to diminish with the departure of Sen. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania, who lost his Democratic primary bid for reelection this year. Specter was the “major stimulator” for legislation to open up the court to cameras, Scalia said. ——— Not that Scalia wouldn’t be good on television. His biting wit and good comic
Sunday, November 21, 2010
timing are made for the medium. Those qualities are often on display in the courtroom, for those able to watch Supreme Court arguments in person. In his opinions, Scalia is a clear and precise writer who doesn’t mince words or spare his ideological allies when he disagrees with their approach or outcome. He might once have had visions of being chief justice, but now acknowledges that serving as chief wouldn’t be as AP Photo much fun. Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonin Scalia speaks the William Rehnquist served 14 years on the Roger Williams University law school in Bristol, R.I., April 7, court before becoming 2008. chief justice at the same he would retire in 2001 at time Scalia joined in 1986. conservative members. So Scalia will serve out age 65, but he clearly In his former role, Rehnquist “was a shin-kicker,” his time as the court’s enjoys the job — and Scalia said. “He wrote senior justice, which he being on the winning side sharp, combative dis- became when John Paul of most of the conservaStevens retired in June. tive-leaning’s court 5-4 sents.” Scalia was 50 when he decisions — too much to Once he became chief justice, Rehnquist moder- was nominated by Presi- retire. “I will leave the minute I ated his views for the good dent Ronald Reagan and of the court, although he confirmed by the Senate think I’ve lost a step,” remained among the more 98-0 in 1986. He once said Scalia said.
Utah Supreme Court to decide polygamist extradition appeal SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The Utah Supreme Court will consider a petition to block polygamous sect leader Warren Jeffs’ extradition to Texas to face charges of bigamy and sexual assault. Jeffs, 54, is the ecclesiastical head of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In court papers, defense attorneys argue that sending Jeffs to Texas before a long-running criminal case is resolved denies him the right to a speedy trial. They
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Karin Maimellow, treasurer of Foresters Pecos, said. Jackie Delara, the organizer of the fair, said she appreciates all the donations from the group. “We all need as much as we can get in this economy,” Delara said. Tobosa Developmental Services, Wings for L.I.F.E., Los Pasitos Learning Center, ENMU-R
also objected to the conditions of an extradition agreement signed by Utah Gov. Gary Herbert and Texas Gov. Rick Perry that would deny Jef fs bail in Texas. Third District Judge Terry Christiansen denied the petition on Monday, saying he lacked the authority to overrule an extradition order approved and signed by the governor. The state Court of Appeals issued a stay of the extradition the same day and the case was transhealth department, and the Chaves County Public Health Division were just some of the groups manning booths. Even the U.S. Ar my and the Roswell Fire Department were there. “Kids like the handouts,” Chris Gutierrez, assistant fire marshal, said, referring to the plastic fire badges and candy. “But parents like the information.” Gutierrez was passing out pamphlets about winter fires and fire safety and how to
ferred to the Utah Supreme Court on Wednesday. It’s not clear whether justices will hear oral arguments in the case. The Utah attorney general’s office contends Jeffs has no legal grounds to argue against extradition. In a response filed with the appeals court, the state prosecutors said extradition is a “power explicitly granted to the executive branch,” and can’t be decided by a judge. Prosecutors also said the question of bail is moot
say no to drugs. While kids skipped down the aisles playing ring toss or getting fake tattoos, parents perused the booths for more information about his or her child’s health. Marie Medina, whose son attends the middle school, said she was surprised to learn about the different health initiatives in town. “I wasn’t aware of all the dif ferent programs here in Roswell,” Medina said. “And they have good games and gifts for kids.”
because the laws that govern extradition agreements per mit judges in the “demanding state” — in this case Texas — to set or deny bail Texas authorities have charged Jeffs with felony bigamy, aggravated sexual
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cial Advocates program, Villegas praises the organization’s ef forts. But only three of Peak’s kids are graced by CASA’s goodness, she says. Nicole Vargas, the founder and operator of Roswell’s Adopt-a-Soldier program, is lending her expertise in attracting goods to Villegas, Peak and the children. “Christmas is all about kids,” she says, “especially these kids that are kind of having a bad time.” “This is going to pull anyone’s heart,” she added. Have a heart that’s “pulled” by the circum-
assault and assault for alleged spiritual marriage of underage girls at a church ranch near Eldorado. The charges stem from evidence gathered during a raid on the Year ning for Zion Ranch in April 2008. Jeffs remains at the Utah stances and the means, however modest, to do something about it? Here are three ways you can make a meaningful difference for the 20 Roswell youth at Peak this holiday season. 1) Contribute a suitcase, duffel bag or backpack to “Luggage for Kids,” a non-profit organization with whom Cable One and Peak have teamed up. Luggage can be dropped off at Cable One’s Roswell of fices, 2005 S. Main St., Monday to Thursday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Fridays 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call Cable One’s Roswell office directly at 623-2391 with any questions. Kevin Berry, Peak’s clinical director, explains that most kids in foster
State Prison, 50 months after his arrest, prosecution and conviction on two charges of rape as an accomplice for his role in the 2001 marriage of an underage follower — then 14 — to her 19-year -old cousin.
care move often and, when they do, use trash bags to transport their few belongings from one temporary placement to another. 2) Purchase a gift card of any denomination from a local store. Gift cards can be dropped of f at Peak’s of fice, 1101 S. Main St. 3) Sponsor a child in foster care. Contact Kevin Berry or Ladawn Villegas at Peak at 623-6749, or come by the of fice to pick-up a child’s gender, age and wish list. “They would be thrilled at getting anything,” Villegas says. And she issues a “huge thank you” in advance. jdmoore@roswell-record.com
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