The United Way of Eddy County’s 2-1-1 program is celebrating “2-1-1” day on Saturday. Especially in a town with so many new residents, having a single point of contact is invaluable. When you call the 2-1-1 line, a local United Way employee will help make sure that the caller is provided information about resources related to utility assistance, food pantries, prescription medicine, veterans services, mental health support, shelters and clothing resources.

The United Way has the important responsibility of keeping track of the different nonprofits and resources that provide these resources, and making sure anyone who contacts them is sent to the right place. This is an excellent service, and we were proud to declare Saturday to be “2-1-1 Day” in Carlsbad.

The United Way’s current staff consists of Director Maria Cole, Marketing and Outreach Manager Jamie Rose, 211 Coordinator Debby Terrazas and Office Assistant Kayla McKinney. We appreciate all of their help with making sure services are provided to our residents, and we look forward to working with the United Way staff and its board. 

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Several bills are currently being discussed at the state level that would address the issues Carlsbad and Hobbs have experienced due to 2019’s House Bill 6, which made changes to New Mexico’s process for businesses reporting sales tax. This week, a Senate bill is being discussed before the Senate Tax committee. We are optimistic that these bills will do well and allow tax money to be invested at a local level. We appreciate all of the hard work by our legislators, especially by Rep. Brown and Sen Kernan.  

Additionally, Rep. Brown’s HB 223 passed out of the House Transportation Committee on Thursday. This bill would provide additional funding for infrastructure projects on U.S. Highways crossing through Southeast New Mexico. There are, of course, many steps left for this bill, but we hope legislators will recognize the need for these improvements. 

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There are a couple more events coming up this weekend that we wanted to mention: The American Legion will be hosting a fundraiser Valentine’s dance from 8 p.m. until midnight. This dance is for members and a guest. For more information, please call (575) 361-5848. 

Additionally, the North Mesa Senior Center will be holding a garage sale from 7 a.m. to noon. Between these, the Valentine’s Dance, the Carlsbad Community Concert Performance,  the Pancake Breakfast and the opening of our mini golf course, we believe you’ll have plenty of options on Feb. 11.

Sincerely,

Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway