Bob Scholl, 93, has hosted Community Forum on KCCC Radio twice a week for the past three decades. He has had numerous co-hosts, including his current co-host, Stella Davis. One of Bob’s beloved features on the show involved him reading through the names of all his listeners, including local cats. He is also fond of providing his listeners with puzzles and trivia.
We were saddened to learn this week that Bob, due to health reasons, has announced his retirement from the radio show. Stella Davis will continue hosting the program on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but we are all going to miss hearing Bob. To quote from Bob himself, “Goodbye and Good Luck.”
In her update on Thursday afternoon, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham focused on the uptick in cases across the state and a 9.7 % positivity rate. One of the most significant announcements is a clarification that the state will not update its upcoming public health order to permit youth/K-12 games or competitions. The NMAA has now sadly announced the rescheduling of its fall volleyball, cross country and golf seasons. New Mexicans were also reminded to exercise safe practices over Halloween.
Last week, Eddy County Manager Al Davis published an opinion piece urging residents to consider getting a COVID-19 test if they are able. Davis has made the argument that one of the key variables for deciding whether schools get to open is related to positivity rate. Increasing the number of tests would stabilize this number and provide reassurance that most people are safe.
The City of Carlsbad is doing what it can to support this effort. This week, the City’s administrative staff – myself included- all received a COVID-19 test. We all tested negative. While it isn’t exactly a pleasant experience, the local tests are administered very professionally.
We have also met with the heads of our four labor unions – the Carlsbad Police Officers Association (Josh Calder), the Carlsbad Firefighters Association (John Riddle), United Steelworkers (Michael Hernandez) and the Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (Mike Najera). All four of these organizations have assured us that they also support increased testing as part of the path forward toward getting our schools open. They plan on being tested themselves soon and encourage others to do the same.
Some good news for Carlsbad Caverns. You may have seen this in the news already, but President Trump has announced a $16.7 million investment to repair and replace two elevators at Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Superintendent Doug Neighbor said the project would modernize and enhance access to the Caverns.
The National Park Service awarded the contract to Tutor Perini Corporation of Sylmar, California. The project will rehabilitate two eight-passenger elevators that were originally installed in 1932 and had only minor improvements over the past 88 years. It will also replace all the structural steel within the shaft, elevator cars, counterweights, elevator ropes, over speed governor, pit equipment, machine room equipment, elevator controls, wiring, plus guiderails and their alignment. The work is targeted for completion by the end of October 2023. Congratulations to our National Park.
Sincerely,
Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway