Tuesday night’s severe winds weren’t a surprise to most long-time residents of Carlsbad and the surrounding area, but they certainly contribute to several safety and health issues. Eddy County’s Sandpoint Landfill was closed due to high winds by Tuesday afternoon.
Most significantly, the severe winds and dry condition produce a severe risk of wildfires in the area. The Eddy County Office of Emergency Management reports a large wildfire that started east of Tatum on Tuesday night. The fire spread rapidly into northwestern Yoakum County. Critical fire risk continues to exist throughout the area, as does a high wind warning. Please check weather reports before travelling, and refrain from potentially causing any fires.
Pollen count levels also remain very high. You can check a wide variety of sources online for daily pollen counts.
***
There are two events on Thursday evening that you may want to join. Rep. Yvette Herrell is holding a tele-town hall at 6 p.m. You will have the opportunity to ask Rep. Herrell questions and discuss serving the people of New Mexico. To participate in this event, please call 1-877-229-8493.
Additionally, Dr. J. Otto Pohl, who currently resides in Carlsbad, will be giving a talk to the Carlsbad Library (in the Museum’s Hall of Fame Room) at 6 p.m. March 31. Dr. Pohl will be talking about his book “The Years of Great Silence,” which deals with resettlement in the former U.S.S.R. Dr. Pohl gave a very interesting talk to the Southeast New Mexico Historical Society a few weeks ago. Dr. J. Otto Pohl received his PhD in History from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. He has taught at the American University Iraq Sulaimani, University of Ghana, and American University of Central Asia.
***
As announced, the Food and Drug Administration has authorized a fourth Pfizer and Moderna vaccine dose for people age 50 and older. This dose will be available at the civic center clinic, which is held every other Monday, for those who want to receive one. However, the New Mexico Department of Health has been made aware of a text message being sent to fill out a form that includes a social security number. This text message is believed to be a scam- as the DOH does not request your social security number by text or email. If you have any questions for the NMDOH here, please call the local office at (575) 885-4191. It seems that scam attempts are at an all time high, and we should all be extra cautious about providing any personal information.
Sincerely, Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway