State OKs meth cleanup rules

The state Environmental Improvement Board has approved new rules that require owners of properties that have housed meth labs or other clandestine drug operations to prove the property has been cleaned of chemicals before it can be rented or sold.

The rules approved Tuesday also call for the illegal lab properties to be listed on the state Environment Department's Web site, where prospective buyers could see if the mess has been cleaned up.

The state Environment Department's Hazardous Waste Bureau drafted the regulations, which were presented to the board Monday and Tuesday.

The rules, modeled after an Albuquerque ordinance and similar laws in 14 other states, call for law enforcement to notify the Environment Department after they post a contamination notice on the affected property. The department would post a description of the property on its Web site and notify the property owner of the regulation.

The department also would post a list of companies certified to clean up drug chemicals. A property owner would have to hire a company to clean up residue and a company to measure contaminant levels before and after.

Sen. Cisco McSorley and Rep. Al Park, both Albuquerque Democrats, have questioned whether the Environment Department has the legal authority to adopt the rules. They have voiced concerns that the department might be encroaching on the power of the Legislature to enact laws.

McSorley and Park said three bills related to meth lab cleanup failed during the last legislative session.

AG joins youth tobacco effort

New Mexico Attorney General Gary King has joined a national effort aimed at curbing underage smoking.

He and attorneys general from 41 states and Guam have reached an agreement with grocery store chain Kroger in which the company will implement tougher measures to prevent tobacco sales to minors, including reporting violations to corporate headquarters and modifying franchise agreements so Kroger can terminate the franchise for violations.

"Every day we keep a child from smoking is a public health victory," King said in a statement issued Tuesday. "With this agreement, Kroger joined the growing list of retailers who have demonstrated their commitment to keeping our kids healthy in New Mexico and across the country."

King said the Kroger settlement was the 11th such agreement produced by a multistate tobacco enforcement effort. Combined, the agreements cover more than 80,000 retail outlets across the nation.

Kroger operates more than 2,400 stores in 31 states, including 25 Smith's Food and Drug stores in New Mexico.

Report on deadly fire pending

State Fire Marshal John Standefer said Tuesday that the investigation into a house fire in Namb & eacute; that killed a 7-year-old boy is still pending.

An autopsy on the boy's body was completed Saturday, Standefer said.

Private funeral services for the boy, Gavin Luchini, will be held today. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to the Gavin Luchini memorial Fund at Los Alamos National Bank.

Media critic to speak Saturday

Norman Solomon, media critic, author and anti-war activist, will speak Saturday in Santa Fe.

Solomon is the founder and executive director of the Institute of Public Accuracy, a national group of researchers and analysts who provide alternative sources for journalists. He has also been active in the media watchdog group Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting.

His speech begins at 7 p.m. at the James A. Little Theater at the New Mexico School for the Deaf. For more information, call Peace Action New Mexico at 989-4812.

Groundbreaking for clinic today

The groundbreaking for a new family health center in the village of San Miguel, 40 miles east of Santa Fe, takes place from 1 to 2 p.m. today.

The new clinic is part of El Centro Family Health and will be located across from the San Miguel Church off N.M. 3. It will replace a 20-year-old clinic that was housed in a modular building, according to clinic officials.

"We really have needed a new facility for some time," said Jack Lanstra, board chairman of El Centro Family Health. "This clinic is a lifesaver for many people in this rural valley, and they deserve a decent clinic."

Sen. Phil Griego, D-San Jose, and Rep. Richard Vigil, D-Ribera, helped secure funding for the clinic.

Rock-building event Saturday

The community is invited to help the young men and women of YouthWorks! build a rock wall around the YouthWorks! property on 420 La Madera St. from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

The event is part of the group's effort to landscape the leased property and turn it into a series of gardens and outdoor classrooms. The youth in the program designed the project with the help of the State Farm Youth Advisory Board Service Learning Program and Design Workshop.

Volunteers should bring gloves and sturdy boots. Lunch will be served. The property is near Alameda Middle School on the corner of Agua Fria and La Madera streets. For more information, call 989-1855.

Land culture leads forum agenda

Ranchers, farmers and scholars will gather 9 a.m. to noon Saturday in Espa & ntilde;ola at the Northern New Mexico College theater for a forum on "The Shift of Land."

The Center for Sustainable Food, Agriculture and Environment at the college is hosting the public event. Presenters will explore the land-culture connection in New Mexico and agriculture trends such as international trade agreements and genetically engineered crops.

Speakers include Emigdio Ballon, director of the Tesuque Agricultural Project; farmer Estevan Arellano; Danny Sam, head of the Picuris Pueblo Bison Program; and Robert Jessen, political science professor at the College of Santa Fe.

The college is at 921 Paseo de Onate in Espanola. For more information, call 505-747-2100.

Cotton season is in full swing

CARLSBAD — Cotton producers in Eddy County have gotten some help from timely rains and a warm early fall.

"I have never seen cotton that good," Eddy County extension agent Woods Houghton said after walking some of the county's fields. "The quality is good, and I think the price will be good this year."

Eddy County producers could get a good price because Houghton said crops in West Texas, home to the nation's largest cotton producers, were impacted by adverse weather. He added the world market also will have an impact on price.

"India is having problems with its cotton production," he said.




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