Four Mile Fire Near Jamestown

Above, a zoomed view of the fire from Mesa Ridge Ranch. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A few minutes ago, I got back home from viewing (and photographing) the (now named) Four Mile Fire in the Cibola National Forest southeast of our community of Whispering Cedars.

Obviously, the fire wasn't extinguished yesterday and is looking worse than it did yesterday. 

One of our residents posted the following in our community Facebook page: 

 

At least it is moving away from Whispering Cedars. But we're going to keep an eye on it anyway.

Some photos:

Above, a zoomed view of the fire from the top of Mesa Ridge Ranch. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a view of the fire from the top of Mesa Ridge Ranch. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a view of the fire from Birch loop in Whispering Cedars. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the Jeep at Mesa Ridge Ranch. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, an emergency vehicle parked at the top of Mesa Ridge Ranch. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A map of the fire's location:

UPDATE: 

We had some afternoon rain today, they appeared to have put out the fire. Hope so!

Fire Reported Near Jamestown

Yesterday afternoon, we had a fire "scare" (well, not exactly a scare, but something to be concerned about) in the Cibola National Forest that surrounds our Whispering Cedars subdivision in Jamestown, New Mexico.

It was a lightning-generated fire that was located to the southeast of the community. Upon hearing the news, I went outside but saw no smoke. 

Apparently, the fire has been extinguished as no further reports have been made.  Thanks to the McKinley County Fire Rescue and the U.S. Forest Service for the timely response.

Big Texan Roadshow In Gallup

Above, the giant steer in front of the McKinley County Courthouse. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last evening, I headed into Gallup to check out the Big Texan Roadshow that is in celebration of the centennial of Route 66.

The event was held in the McKinley County Courthouse Square. There were about 100 people there. By the time I left, there were at least 300. 

The Big Texan out of Amarillo, Texas is celebrating Route 66's centennial in different cities along the "Mother Road". They will be in Albuquerque tomorrow. 

I don't know how many people signed up for the free 72 oz. steak challenge. It was getting too crowded and I was getting a bit hungry. So I left and went to Jerry's Cafe for dinner. I decided to try our their tostada and beef enchilada plate. Not bad! I will have my usual there tomorrow. 

Above, my dinner at Jerry's Cafe. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Big Texan had the mayor of Gallup there to welcome the attendees and they had a booth of Big Texan souvenirs for sale. Local Native American artisans also had booths of jewelry and other goods for sale.

It was a great turnout, considering what a small town of Gallup is. 

Some photos:

I Voted!

 

Yesterday was primary election day in New Mexico. I headed down to the Whispering Cedars Fire Station to cast my vote. I was voter number 22 according to the polling place.

It makes it easier for me to vote as New Mexico's primary election day is the same as my former state of Commiefornia, the first Tuesday of June. 

Above, the Jeep at the fire station after I arrived to vote. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Big Texan Roadshow Route 66 Tour

Above, the Big Texan Steak Ranch & Brewery in Amarillo, Texas. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last December, my ex-roommate Jessica and I stopped in Amarillo, Texas to visit the Big Texan Steak Ranch & Brewery. We were en route from the Des Moines, Iowa area to Orange County, California. We made the stop along the way.

The Big Texan is famous for their big 72 ounce steak challenge. If someone takes the challenge, and completely eats the entire steak, it is free. We didn't take the challenge, but browsed around for about an hour and a half before hitting the road again.

Well, as things turn out, in celebration of the centennial of Route 66, the Big Texan will be hitting the road along the Mother Road. They will be in Gallup on June 11.

From KOAT:

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The Big Texan Steak Ranch will take its 72 ounce steak challenge to the Mother Road for its centennial celebration.

The Big Texan will make appearances in Gallup, Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Santa Rosa.

The Big Texan posted this on Facebook:

 

I hope to be at the Gallup McKinley County Courthouse to watch. It should be fun!

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions

We're now at Stage One fire restrictions in McKinley County unincorporated areas. I am in one.

It is a good thing that I cut the brush from the back yard. It had gotten overgrown. I was thinking over the years that I would need brush clearing tools as I could not tell if there were big rocks or the ground wasn't level. 

As it turned out, my zero-turn mower did the job just fine. The inspector from the insurance company didn't have any problem with the yard, but they did with the roof. So that was remedied last week. 

I've noticed other neighbors have been cutting down trees and brush over the past few weeks in the subdivision. 

We're considered to be in drought conditions here. It has been a drier than usual winter. 

Forest Fire Near McGaffey

A fire broke out yesterday near McGaffey. 

It is situated south of Fort Wingate and Jamestown. We're keeping an eye on this.  

According to the McKinley County Fire & Rescue:

Strong work today by McKinley County Fire Rescue. We had 4 confirmed Wildland Fires today. Also had two more called in that were found to be the forest fire in McGaffey. Thank you also for assistance by Gallup Fire Department and the US Forest Service. Three are out but the Forest Service is still on scene of the Merrill Fire in McGaffey. Additional resources will be arriving in the morning. Our units were released this evening. Good job everyone.

From the McKinley County Office of Emergency Management:

Updated 5.23.25 at 2259

Fire crews have made good progress on the Merrill fire with the help of two air tanker retardant drops. USFS resources will remain on scene overnight to continue building and reinforcing containment lines.

The Convention That Wasn't

Above, the front of Sammy C's Rockin' Sports Pub & Grill. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A little while ago, I returned home from Gallup.

I went there to attend the McKinley County Republican Pre-Primary convention at Sammy C's Rockin' Sports Pub & Grill. It is owned by Sammy Cioda, who is a radio announcer at KYAT-FM for Millennium Media. 

Above, the main hallway/lobby of Sammy C's. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I got there, there was nothing to indicate that there would be a convention or any kind of meeting at the announced time of 12:45 PM. So, I went to the bar and ordered a screwdriver (vodka and orange juice). I hadn't had one in years. It was good.

Above, the bar, where a women's breakaway rodeo was shown on the monitors. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I sat down at the bar, Sammy C came in and greeted everyone. He makes it a point to greet his customers. I met him three years ago. We were introduced by Nandoh. 

I wandered around the place to look over Sammy's collection of sports and entertainment memorabilia. It is quite a collection. 

Above, enjoying my screwdriver in the bar.

When 12:45 arrived, I and others asked about it. Sammy said the time was moved to 5:45 this evening. Apparently, the McKinley County GOP didn't tell anyone.

Since we are supposed to get a rain and/or snow shower storm coming in after 2:00, I decided to leave and do some grocery shopping before heading back to Jamestown.

Above, a standee of Sammy C near the main entrance. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Although disappointing, it wasn't a wasted trip as I got out of the house and enjoyed looking over Sammy C's memorabilia.

Here We Go Again, I-40 Closed

Above, stopped traffic on I-40 near Coolidge. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It was a good thing I went into Gallup to pick up a strongbox (that I was having re-keyed) and do some quick grocery shopping earlier this morning.

I received the following email from McKinley County:

Per the New Mexico Department of Transportation as of 11:23 a.m.

Eastbound I-40 is closed at mile marker 44 (Coolidge Interchange) while crews repair the roadway through the construction zone. NO DETOUR AVAILABLE. WATCH FOR SLOW MOVING OR STOPPED TRAFFIC. EXPECT DELAYS. This event will be updated on NMRoads.com as conditions change.

It is estimated that the Interstate will be closed for about two hours. I was stuck in stopped traffic yesterday as road crews were repairing a large pothole. It appears the pothole problem is back today.

Fortunately, I am at home and just finished running the mini-bike and Jeep for a while. Despite fixing a couple of things on the Jeep, it is still running a bit ratty (I drove it around the block). I'll have to bring it into the mechanic's when the weather is warmer during spring.

Internet Back On

Above, good thing I had some cash on me when I went to BJ's Kountry Store. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Internet was down for most of yesterday in Gallup area of McKinley County in New Mexico. I don't know what the problem was, but I first learned of it around noon while doing some grocery shopping at BJ's Kountry Store in Thoreau. 

ATMs, card purchase machines and other things that rely on the Internet were not working. Luckily, I had some cash on me and bought what I needed to get by.

It briefly came back on last evening, but blinked out again. I went to bed early. I woke up to find it up and running and with over 120 emails waiting in my In Box. Most of them were junk emails.

Later today, I will be headed to Albuquerque to catch my early morning flight to Los Angeles on Friday for the 50ish Hawthorne High School Reunion. I will be meeting up with Mitch Geriminsky and Dwight Kuntz at the hotel near LAX. The reunion will be held in next-door El Segundo. This will be the first time I'll be stepping foot in L.A. since I moved to New Mexico four and a half years ago.

I spent yesterday, since there was no Internet to use, doing laundry and packing. It was just as well for it rained in the late afternoon and evening.

Interstate 40 Reopened After Flood

Above, the map of the affected area by the McKinley County Office of Emergency Management.

Last evening's thunderstorm that produced flash floods in McKinley County, particularly at Milepost 33 of Interstate 40, has cleared out.

The Interstate was reopened last evening. 

I have to go into Gallup today for some grocery shopping and I am curious at what the Fort Wingate/McGaffey interchange looks like today. I am sure the frontage road (Route 66) is still a mess and remains closed. 

That was one heck of a thunderstorm. Rain came down in Jamestown, but it didn't seem too heavy. But the lightning display was entertaining (at least to me). 

This monsoon season will likely go into the record books. 

Dinner Group: Moving Native American Dances A "Bad Idea"

Above, Ohkay Oelinge dancing at the County Courthouse Plaza. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last evening, we had our monthly supper group dinner at Gallup historian/author Martin Link's home.

It was a good dinner consisting of tamales.

During the conversation at the dinner, it was the unanimous consensus of the group that moving the Native American dances to the Gallup Cultural Center from the County Courthouse Plaza was a bad idea.

The reasons cited are as follows:

• Small area not accommodating for large gatherings.
• Small "arena".
• Poor parking.
• Train noise.
• Poor seating.

Prior to when the dances were held at the Courthouse Plaza, they were held in an area now occupied by the Gallup Skateboard Park. They were moved to the Courthouse Plaza for much of the same reasons cited above. 

Above, the County Courthouse Plaza was ideal for audience participation. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

 

Another reason for the Courthouse Plaza venue: audience participation. Audience participation in the dances requires a large area, which the Courthouse Plaza was ideal for.

Everyone agreed the Courthouse Plaza location was the perfect venue for the dances.

The Emergency Disaster Planning Meeting Was Held

Above, the Whispering Cedars Fire Station where the meeting was held. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Emergency Disaster Planning Meeting was held this morning at the Whispering Cedars Fire Station.

We were in the station's conference room, which wasn't big enough to hold everybody. Why they didn't hold it in the main section where the fire vehicles are kept is beyond me. We had a meeting there a few years ago and it worked out just fine.

The agenda wasn't exactly followed, but most everything on it were addressed by the end of the meeting.

Unfortunately, some of the speakers had a habit of giving long, detailed answers to simple questions. It was a case of "ask him the time and he'll give you the history of watch-making." Oh, well.

At least we found that no prescribed fires are planned for the area. That's comforting to hear. A prescribed burn got out of control near Santa Fe (and is still burning) and merged with another fire.

Interestingly, the juniper and pinon pines in the area usually have around 100% moisture content during normal years. Now they are in the 80s (I think 87% was stated). They need moisture to make sap to fight bark beetles.

We do have a CodeRed alert system in McKinley County. Access to it is through the county website. All one has to do is go to the website and register, which I found to be easy. I registered while at the meeting.

There are currently no evacuation plans, but those are being formulated now. As for livestock and pets, there is the possibility of using the Red Rock Park stables or the Prewitt Fairgrounds stables. They are working on that as well. The main problem is transporting the animals out of danger.

The main bone of contention was the shooting area on National Forest land. It needs to be closed for the duration of the National Forest Stage 3 fire restrictions (closure) that the rest of the Cibola National Forest is under.

One oddity of New Mexico. Fireworks are sold year-round, and not even the governor can halt sales. 

Authorities can "recommend" evacuation, but they cannot force anyone to evacuate in a disaster in New Mexico if they refuse to leave. Interesting.

I talked to one of the guest speakers after the meeting. I spoke with McKinley County Commissioner Billy Moore about freeway signs for Interstate 40. There are no signs pointing the way to Jamestown, just "Refinery". Since we don't live in "Refinery, New Mexico", we need signs for Jamestown. He gave me the contact person information at the New Mexico Department of Transportation to get freeway signs.

It was a useful meeting.

Nearly Half of U.S. Counties are 2nd Amendment Sanctuary Counties

Above, New Mexico 2A Sanctuary Counties.

The Dan Bongino Show website posted an interesting article.

The headline says that nearly half of U.S. counties are Second Amendment Sanctuary Counties. 

I am not surprised, for more than half of New Mexico counties are Second Amendment counties. McKinley County, my home county, is one of them.

According to the article:

Thousands of counties nationwide saw so-called “sanctuary cities” springing up to defy federal immigration law, and asked themselves why they wouldn’t to the same to fight gun control.

In just 2020 alone over 400 local governments, mostly counties, adopted resolutions declaring themselves to be “Second Amendment sanctuaries” in defiance of future gun control legislation. Many resolutions are symbolic, while others specify that no government resources will be used to enforce additional gun laws.

According to data from Sanctuarycounties.com and Constitutionalsanctuaries.com, 46% of all U.S. counties are now sanctuary cities. According to the sites’ webmaster Noah Davis: “There are 1,459 Second Amendment Sanctuary counties, out of a total of 3,144 counties, but I’m still tallying them right now… but they’re happening so fast, and I’m just one person in Virginia.”

To read more, go here.

Durango To See "Godzilla vs. Kong"?

Above, Durango, Colorado is the home of the Durango & Silverton Narror Gauge Railroad. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Despite McKinley County (my home county) in New Mexico has reached "Turquoise" level, which is the best, in regard to coronavirus cases, there are no indications that the theaters in the county will be reopening soon.

So, in order for me to see Godzilla vs. Kong, I have two choices of where to go. It is playing in Show Low, Arizona (about a 163 mile drive) and Durango, Colorado (around a 174 mile drive). Even though Durango is about 10 miles further, I am more inclined to go there to see the movie as I know the town. If I do, I will probably go next week, likely midweek. Durango, of course, is the home of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.

I would stay the night after the screening in The Beast. 

New Mexico McKinley County Now In Turquoise Level

Above, Fire Rock Navajo Casino has reopened after being closed for a year. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Good news about New Mexico's McKinley County was reported last week in regards to the coronavirus.

According to KOB 4 News:

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.- San Juan County and McKinley County are in the Turquoise level of reopening. 

The counties were once hotspots for coronavirus cases in New Mexico.

This means, among other things, that restaurants can open at 75% capacity.

To read more, go here. 

McKinley County Now At Green Level

Above, Earl's Family Restaurant in Gallup can now seat 50% of maximum capacity indoors. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The New Mexico county I reside in, McKinley County, is now in Green Level.

KOAT News:

The red, yellow, green and turquoise county-by-county map for New Mexico shows seven counties operating in the turquoise level, seven counties at the green level and 18 counties in the yellow level and only one county operating in the red level with Wednesday’s update.

Counties that are in the turquoise level are De Baca, Quay, Los Alamos, Harding, Union, Sierra and Catron counties.

The counties in green are Santa Fe, McKinley, San Juan, Roosevelt, Hidalgo, Lea and Socorro counties.

Bernalillo, Doña Ana, San Miguel, Colfax, Sandoval, Chaves, Cibola, Grant, Valencia, Taos, Curry, Luna, Rio Arriba, Lincoln, Eddy, Torrance, More and Otero counties are all in the the yellow level.

Guadalupe County is the only county in the red level.

According to the El Defensor Chieftan:

In the meantime, at the Green Level:

• Essential businesses (non-retail): No capacity restrictions but operations must be limited to only those absolutely necessary to carry out essential functions 

• Essential retail spaces: 50 percent of maximum capacity, indoor and outdoor. 

• Food and drink establishments that are NM Safe Certified: 50 percent of maximum capacity for indoor dining; 75 percent of maximum capacity for outdoors dining. 

• Close-contact businesses: 50 percent of maximum capacity (indoor and outdoor). 

• Large entertainment venues: 25 percent of the maximum capacity for any indoor/outdoor enclosed space on-premises; 50 percent for any outdoor space on-premises. 

• Recreational facilities:25 percent of maximum capacity of any indoor/enclosed space on the premises; 50 percent of any outdoor space on the premises. 

• Bars and clubs: 25 percent of maximum capacity of any outdoor space on-premises, where applicable; indoor not permitted. 

• All other businesses: 350 percent of maximum capacity (indoor and outdoor). 

• Houses of worship: Houses of worship: May hold religious services, indoors or outdoors, or provide services through audiovisual means, but may not exceed 50 percent of the maximum capacity of any enclosed space on the premises. 

• Places of lodging:75 percent of maximum occupancy for those that have completed NM Safe Certified training; 40 percent of maximum occupancy for all others; 10 guests maximum for vacation rentals. 

• Mass gatherings limit:20 persons, 120 vehicles.

 

This is good news. But we must still be careful not to slack off and fall back into more restrictions. The "drives" by the Navajo Nation in getting people vaccinated is a big help in getting McKinley County in the green level.

Maybe I'll go for sushi this weekend.

To read more, go here. 

Primary Election Day: Screwed Up

Above, the Thoreau Fire Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

“What we've got here is failure to communicate.” - from Cool Hand Luke, 1967.

A little while ago, I returned home from voting in today's Primary Election in Thoreau, New Mexico.

Due to the coronavirus, voters in Jamestown, New Mexico have to vote at the Thoreau Fire Station. Normally, we vote at our own fire station (Whispering Cedars). Thoreau is about 14 miles east of Jamestown.

When I got to the polling place, the workers didn't have our precinct information (but they were able to get our information through their computers). I had a feeling that we would have some hassle to vote, so I brought along my voter i.d. card which contains all of my information, including precinct.

Instead of being handed a normal ballot, I was handed a provisional ballot. Because I voted via a provisional ballot, I have to check in ten days to see if my ballot was counted. I had to complete two forms on two envelopes.

When I was done voting, the poll worker told me to hand my ballot to her. Lord knows where she put it. It certainly didn't go into a secure and sealed box.

Above, the notice on our community bulletin board. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

On the way back home, I saw Mindy Schultz in front of our fire station and stopped to chat with her. She said that they didn't get any notice on the voting change. She found out through the notice posted on the community bulletin board. A great case of the right hand not telling the left hand what's going on.

Well, at least I got my voting done.

UPDATE:

This afternoon, I was interviewed by Richard Reyes of the Gallup Independent on the irregularities of today's voting in Thoreau.

UPDATE II:

I received another call from Reyes of the Gallup Independent this evening. He said he spoke with the elections board and they told him that I (and others from Jamestown) had to vote by provisional ballots because "the computers were down". I told him this was untrue as the poll worker successfully scanned the barcode on my voter i.d card and she read off my information with no problem. He said that others who wanted to vote got so frustrated with what was going and decided against voting. 

All New Mexico Retail Can Operate At 25%, With Exceptions

Above, Gallup, part of McKinley County, is exempt from the new order. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

New Mexico retailers are able to operate, within limits, in most parts of the state starting today.

KRQE reported:

SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) – Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham along with state health announced Friday that starting on May 16, all retailers will be allowed to reopen at 25% of their maximum capacity, including big-box stores, and houses of worship can also operate at 25% occupancy. Retail spaces do not include entertainment venues such as movie theaters, concert halls, or amusement parks. Restaurants are to remain closed for in-person dining. 

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said again Friday that the state is ready to slowly start reopening on May 16. Three northwestern New Mexico counties, McKinley, San Juan and Cibola, remain a COVID-19 hotspot and are exempt from the new order. However, they will be allowed to move into the preparation phase that began two weeks ago for the rest of the state.

To read more, go here. 

A "Slight Reopening" of Retailers

Above, firearms stores will be allowed to operate by appointment only in some counties. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A "slight reopening" of retailers in New Mexico has been announced by Gov. "Malevolent Michelle" Lujan Grisham.

According to the Las Cruces Sun News:

SANTA FE — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced a "slight reopening" of businesses in New Mexico to take effect across most of the state on Saturday.  

However, in a shift from the governor's position last week, all New Mexicans will be required to wear face coverings in public spaces under new public health orders.  

Lujan Grisham announced the new guidance during a virtual news conference from the state Capitol building which opened with news that 155 new cases of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus which causes COVID-19 disease.  

The new cases bring the state's aggregate total to 5,364, or 4.7 percent of the 115,011 completed tests as reported by the state Department of Health Wednesday.  

Additionally, she announced 12 new deaths associated with the disease, while 200 individuals were hospitalized in New Mexico. 52 of those patients were on ventilators. 

While most who contract COVID-19 experience mild to moderate symptoms, some patients experience serious complications leading to serious illness or death. A total of 231 New Mexicans have died, or 4 percent of the state's confirmed cases.  

The current public health orders will be extended through May 31 and include numerous modifications, including differentiated regulations for different regions of the state. 

In all but the northwestern area consisting of Cibola, McKinley and San Juan counties, small retailers will be allowed to operate while limiting occupancy to 25 percent of their fire code capacity. For grocery stores and big box retailers, the occupancy limit will be 20 percent.    

Cibola, McKinley and San Juan counties, meanwhile, will enter a "preparation phase" for resuming economic activity, the governor said. 

In those counties, nonessential retailers will be permitted to operate curbside or delivery services, firearms stories will operate by appointment only, and golf courses, pet and veterinary services will also be allowed to open. 

Excluded from the reopening are movie theaters, concert halls and amusement parks.

It looks like that the reopening salons and barber shops, gyms, indoor malls and dine-in restaurants won't come until June.

To read more, go here.