Eddy County has the second highest wages in the state, according to a recent release by the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions. According to the data, the average wage distribution in Eddy County is $1,235.
Los Alamos is first in the state with an average weekly wage of $1,960. Lea County is third with an average weekly wage of $1,060. The nuclear industry, oil and gas industry, and potash industry all offer high paying jobs, which contribute to Eddy County’s high wages. We all know that having high wages comes with its own set of challenges, but we’re very glad that this community has industries able to offer good salaries to so many men and women.
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On Friday, CYFD and Judge Jane Shuler Gray will host the annual Walk Against Child Abuse, which ends on the district courthouse lawn. This is part of the national effort to increase awareness of this ongoing tragedy. Every year, more than 6.6 million children are referred to child protection agencies. The United States loses four to seven children every single day due to child abuse and neglect. This is utterly unacceptable. Unfortunately, one of the many negative side effects of the COVID-19 pandemic was that many children were unable to get away from abusive situations at home. Issues such as unemployment and addiction only made this terrible problem even worse.
The march begins at 9 a.m. Friday at the CYFD Office at 901 Debaca Street and will head to the district courthouse for a short ceremony. Events such as Friday’s walk help increase awareness and remind us that we need to do more to protect our children. Thank you to Staci Compton for all of her hard work organizing the event. We hope members of the public will join us.
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Congratulations to Loving High School teacher Tyler Finch, who received a Milken Educators Award from New Mexico Secretary of Education Kurt Steinhaus. He receives $25,000 as a recipient of the award, which was announced at Loving High School. Finch is also a football and track coach who created the Falcon Strong program in Loving. He holds a master’s in curriculum and instruction from Eastern New Mexico University.
Over the past few years, good teachers have really stepped up and made a difference more than ever. We were very glad to see an educator in Eddy County received this outstanding education award.
Sincerely,
Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway