Curry Commission receives disaster assistance

Curry County commissioners Tuesday approved an agreement between the county and the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Disaster Assistance Program for $2.3 million for repairs due to the super cell storm of May 24, 2023.

The county has to provide $575,000 in matching funds as per the agreement.

The strong storm featured heavy rain, large hail and three tornados near Grady.

Damages included road washouts, broken windows and downed trees across the region.

Tuesday's meeting was held at the Texico Fire Station as the Commission's meeting room at the County Courthouse Annex is in use as an early voting location for the Nov. 5 General Election.

In other business, commissioners tabled consideration of requesting grants to build storm shelters/safe rooms for Melrose and Grady schools.

Commissioners opted to prioritize such a project for Texico schools.

Commissioners felt to request grants for all three schools might result in all three requests being denied.

The estimated cost for each shelter/safe room is $5 million.

The New Mexico Environment Department's Kate Cardenas gave a presentation to commissioners on the status of PFAs testing in the county area around Cannon Air Force Base.

According to Cardenas' presentation the testing shows whether the chemicals are present in the sample and at what concentration.

The test also reveals if medical screening tests are needed for the subject of the test.

The next testing event is planned for November.

There's a waiting list of about 100 people, Cardenas said.

She pointed out free well water testing is being offered to residents who live around Cannon Air Force Base.

Deadline for registration is Dec. 6.

Curry County High Plains Pioneer Museum President Patsy Delk gave a presentation.

Delk said the museum is open Tuesdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Mark Gallegos, Superintendent of the Curry County Adult Detention Center gave his presentation for September to commissioners.

Among the points of his presentation:

• The CCADC is housing 12 people who are facing homicide charges

• The center is housing 50 individuals who are considered violent.

K.C. Messick, general manager of the Curry County Events Center and Fairgrounds, gave his report on the 2024 Curry County Fair.

Messick said attendance was 27,477, which Messick considered good but down from last year's 30,000.

Messick said net ticket revenue was $144,831, and Wright's Amusements netted $114,142, down from last year.

Messick said there were 36 commercial vendors and 24 food vendors.

He reported $122,300 was spent on entertainment.

An agreement between Curry County and the city of Clovis was approved by commissioners for expanded Clovis Area Transit System service into the county.

The county will contribute $5,000 to the city to extend the CATS service area by one mile beyond the city limits as well as to the Clovis Regional Airport and Cannon Air Force Base

A number of proclamations were issued for the county by commissioners:

• October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

• October is National Domestic Violence Prevention Month.

• October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month.

• Oct. 23-31 is National Red Ribbon week, an anti-drug campaign.

• Oct. 26 is National Drug Take Back day.

• November is National Alzheimer's Awareness month.

There was also a proclamation declaring Friday as Coach Eric Roanhaus day.

Roanhaus was present for the proclamation and was presented a plaque by Martin. Roanhaus retired in 2016 after leading the Wildcats to 10 state football championships.