Update: August 25, 2020
Congratulations to Carlsbad’s own Trevor Rogers, who was called up to the Majors this week and is expected to start for the Miami Marlins in the second round of Tuesday evening’s double header against the Mets. The seven-inning game is serving as a makeup game to last week’s postponement.
Rogers participated in the Marlins major league spring training and has been pitching at the organization’s alternate training site. Trevor, a Carlsbad High standout, was a first-round draft pick in 2017. Carlsbad couldn’t be more proud of Trevor, who has maintained a high level of involvement in our community even after he made it to the big leagues.
Congratulations as well to Representative Jim Townsend, who was one of six New Mexicans to be selected for the 2020 William S. Dixon First Amendment Freedom Awards. Townsend is the District 54 State Representative, which makes up of Western Eddy County including parts of Carlsbad and Artesia. According to the New Mexico Foundation for Open Government, Townsend was lauded for his efforts toward government transparency.
Specifically, Townsend was credited for notifying the public of the House Appropriations Committee cutting budget deals behind closed doors and for his working to prevent a system that allows members to add public funds to the budget behind closed doors.
He also sponsored several rule changes designed to increase public understanding and make voting records easier to access.
Pizza Inn also reported a favorable court hearing on Monday, at least for their Hobbs location. A district judge ruled that the restaurant, upon completing inspection, can re-open for delivery and takeout dining. Carlsbad’s restaurants who currently have their food permits pulled have similar hearings scheduled soon.
New Mexico’s Supreme Court has also scheduled oral arguments for Wednesday (Aug. 26) in a case that challenges the ban on indoor restaurant dining. In their lawsuit, the state’s restaurant association says that at least 210 restaurants around the state have now permanently closed their doors due to the ordered shutdowns. This is a legal issue we will be following very closely.
We were saddened by the news of Roswell’s flights being cancelled throughout October. This is a bustling area and more air travel options are needed, not fewer. It is our hope that the American Airlines cutback in Roswell is only temporary.
Boutique Air has an Essential Air Service contract through the Department of Transportation in Carlsbad, and we have not received any indication of a cutback of Boutique flights. We’d love to see Boutique continue to grow and serve the citizens of southeastern New Mexico in an even greater capacity.
Artesia General Hospital has updated its COVID-19 count for Eddy County. The hospital now reports 273 potentially active cases, 148 recoveries and five COVID-related deaths. We are currently aware of one hospitalization for COVID-19 in Eddy County.
Sincerely,
Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway