So many of us are shocked and disgusted over the news of Thursday’s attack in Afghanistan, which killed 13 U.S. service members and 90 Afghans. While the terrorist group ISIS-K has claimed responsibility, many of us believe that a mishandling of the withdrawal process, at the White House level, greatly contributed to this tragedy. We must always ensure that our service members and servicewomen are protected by any means. We certainly hope that all possible avenues are pursued in ensuring that justice is obtained for these soldiers and their families.
Carlsbad has many residents who always want to help in times like this, and some of our veterans organizations send care packages and have other ways they help our soldiers. Please contact the American Legion at (575) 885-2493, the VFW Post at (575) 689-7301 or the Auxiliary at (575) 361-5445. You can also contact the United Way’s 211 line and they will be happy to get you in touch with various organizations who want to assist. There are also a variety of national charities that focus on helping the families of fallen soldiers, including the Children of Fallen Patriots foundation and the Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund. Thank you, Carlsbad, as always, for finding ways to support our military and veterans.
On a different subject, we did receive some positive news concerning our state economy. According to a presentation during the Legislative Finance Committee on Friday, estimates for oil and gas tax revenue for the upcoming Fiscal Year are predicted to be at $63.5 million. This is thanks, as always, largely due to the hard work going on in Eddy and Lea County.
Weekend activities: Olga Dominguez and Cipriano Anaya will be performing at the water park gazebo from 7-9 p.m. on Saturday. Please go out and enjoy the show. Olga has been instrumental in helping us get our summer concert series going. The water park will remain open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
There are also several other major events going on around Eddy County this weekend, including the Pie Festival at the Balzano Vineyard & Pumpkin Patch. Hawgfest is going on all weekend at the Eddy County Sheriff’s Posse east of Carlsbad. This event includes a Rodeoweek and Hawgfest parade, which begins at 10 a.m. Saturday at MLK Par and ends at the Beach Parking Lot. Assembly begins at 8:30 a.m. Finally, the Red Dirt Black Gold Festival is being celebrated this weekend in downtown Artesia. Please enjoy yourself and have a great weekend.
Sincerely,
Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway