Community Events

Select from the list below to view the article for that event. Shown in order of date published.

Kicking off Holiday Season at Annual Convention Center Bazaar

Pottery, jewelry, leatherworks, quilts, knitted items, and jams and jellies, were just a few of the wonderful gift items available for holiday shoppers at the annual bazaar held in the convention center on Saturday, November 18, 2023. Many of the vendors who filled the convention center depend on this once-a-year event to fill their own coffers, usually to buy more supplies for next year’s event.

Generally, this is the first of many bazaars held in Raton during the holiday season. Other bazaars coming up are the Phil Long Ford Christmas Bazaar on December 2, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM and First United Methodist Church, Little Critters Bazaar, December 2, 9:00 PM – 1:00 PM.

Other related holiday events are Photos with Santa by the Raton Humane Society, November 25, 10:00 am – 3:00 PM in the Shuler Theater and the Santa in the Center hosted by the Raton Lions Club on November 25, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM. On December 2, in the Raton High School Cafeteria, the Grinch movie along with pictures with Grinch or Santa will benefit Raton Cheer. On December 16, Duncan Automotive at 245 N. 2^nd Street will be holding a Picture with Grinch event, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Check the dates on The Ratonian Calendar to see the corresponding flyers for the events listed.

Of course, there is the year-round bazaar at the Made in Raton consignment shop at 216 N. 2^nd Street where gift buying is available Thursday through Saturday and the many wonderful gift shops and boutiques in Raton that offer hand-made and specialty items. Watch for some gift-giving ideas when The Ratonian begins the daily “Santa Shops in Raton” feature beginning on Tuesday, November 21.

Photos by Frank Mahannah – except the one of himself.

Tails and Ales Event Finds Homes for Furry Friends

The Raton Humane Society volunteers walked several larger, older dogs and showed off a few kittens to prospective owners during Saturday’s Tails and Ales event held at the Gate City Craft Bar, 244 S. 1st Street. Success! One dog and two cats found forever homes.

During the event, John Curry, a driver/volunteer for the Pampa Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) located in Pampa, Texas, stopped by to ask about collaborating with the Raton Humane Society, when they are transporting animals from kill shelters in Texas to non-kill shelters in Colorado. Curry asked if Raton could provide the Raton van if Pampas’ van breaks down during transport. Barb agreed to lend whatever help they could.

The Raton Humane Society, one of the most active volunteer organizations in Raton, lead by Barbara Bonahoom, holds various fund-raising events throughout the year in order to purchase food, supplies, and other help that the local animal shelter needs and to provide awareness to the community. Several volunteers help at the shelter by socializing the dogs and cats, helping during photo shoots, and offer their assistance by selling raffle tickets. There are still raffle tickets available for purchase. The items being raffled are a painting by Carl Swanson and two donations quilts.

November 15, 2023

First Responders Appreciation Dinner Serves Those Who Serve

By Mary Elder, Contributor

More than 100 first responders and immediate family members from around the region were treated to an early Thanksgiving feast Nov. 15 at the Raton Convention Center. Honorees included personnel from the Raton Fire Department, Raton Police Department, Colfax County Rapid Response, Colfax County Sheriff’s Office, New Mexico Department of Game & Fish, and New Mexico State Police.

Family Worship Center Pastor Forrest McConnell, flanked by a squad of cheerful volunteers in matching “#loveyourcity” tee shirts, told invited guests: “We serve you this one night because you serve us all the time.” He also acknowledged the critical support first responders receive from spouses, children, and other family members. “Your understanding when there are the inevitable conflicts between work and home life makes it possible for them to do their important jobs,” he said.

FWC presented inscribed dog tag-style pendants to honorees to serve as a constant reminder of the community’s backing. “We’re always here for you, any time, even if you just need someone to talk to,” Pastor McConnell assured them. Additionally, volunteers delivered hot meals to first responders on duty during the dinner.

This was the seventh year of the event hosted by the Family Worship Center, with assistance or donations from Leonard Zamora, the City of Raton, and Super Save Discount Food.

Photos by Mary Elder

October 23, 2023

Mya Burgos Volleyball Tournament Fundraiser

To help with medical bills for RHS student Mya Burgos, a volleyball fundraiser was held on October 23, 2023 in the RHS gymnasium. Various teams signed up to compete against each other paying a $30.00 entry fee per student player or a $60.00 fee for adult player. All proceeds were for Mya’s family.

Photos by Frank Mahannah

October 21, 2023

Raton High School Fall Festival

Raton High School hosted the inaugural Fall Festival on Saturday, October 21, 2023, in the Raton Tiger Stadium. The event offered fun booths, food, and a variety of activities like a cornhole contest, pony rides, a bouncy house, costume contest and more.

Several of the high school classes had booths set up to help raise money to fund their future senior class trips. In addition, non-profit groups were set up to raise funds for their organizations.

Photos by Frank Mahannah

September 28, 2023

Suicide Prevention Awareness Candlelight Vigil Held

Raton, like many communities throughout our nation, has seen an increase in suicides that touches lives of nearly everyone. With the increase in numbers, has come an increase in the importance of shining a light on the causes and resources available for the friends and families left behind.

On Thursday, September 28, the Northeast New Mexico Suicide Awareness Project, headquartered in Las Vegas, New Mexico, organized a candlelight vigil in Ripley Park to bring awareness to the community, and to provide a time for family and friends to remember those they have lost. Several speakers connected to the project spoke about the ones they have lost and the grief they have endured. The opportunity to remember and share in their grief with each other allowed them to begin the healing process, but knowing they will never forget.

For more information call Tina Gallegos (505) 587-3825 or email nenmsap@gmail.com

Photos by Frank Mahannah

September 15, 2023

2nd Annual Recovery & Remembrance Celebration

The Second Annual Recovery and Remembrance Ceremony held at Ripley Park in Raton on Saturday, September 15, 2023, provided an opportunity for friends and family to remember loved ones lost to drugs and alcohol.

During the event, several groups were on hand to provide information about resources available about drug or alcohol addiction, suicide prevention, and other issues the community faces. Not only did the event provide information, but it gave several guest speakers, who are recovering, time to share their experience, strength, and hope.

This year’s event included a luncheon of green chili beef enchiladas, chicken tenders, and salad prepared by K-Bob’s and Super Save, with water and sodas. The meal and drinks were provided by the following sponsors:

Regional Agency Intervention Network dba RAIN

Recovery Cities of New Mexico

Local Collaborative 8

Krossroads Integrative Health & Recovery Solutions

Pinwheel Health Center

Rio Grande ATP

First United Methodist Church

Holy Trinity Episcopal Church

Mesa Pharmacy

Raton’s Peak Inn

The Ratonian

September 3, 2023

Raton Museum Honors Howard Woodworth

The Raton Museum paid special tribute to Howard Woodworth in August for his long-time commitment to the Museum, the Santa Fe Trail School for the Performing Arts, the Raton Humane Society, Raton MainStreet and to the Raton community in general. Woodworth has served with various organizations as board member, actor, organizer, and volunteer for several decades, and just recently retired from his volunteer duties.  The reception honoring Woodworth coincided with the closing of the Bernard Sandoval gallery exhibit, “New Mexico Impressions.”

Membership for the Raton Museum is $35.00 annually and provides free admission to the museum and the various exhibits throughout the year. Daily admission is $5.00 during open hours, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Thursday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

The Raton Museum in collaboration with Vermejo is offering a tour of the Koehler mine in late September. The fee of $75 per person goes to support the Raton Museum. Call (575) 445-8979 for reservations, limited number of spots available.

Rocky Mountain 3-Gun Shooting Competition

By Denise Johnson

Rocky Mountain 3-Gun started at the beautiful NRA Whittington Center in 2003. It was started by the same people who ran the last Soldier of Fortune match back then. Eight stages of natural terrain 3-Gun.

But, what is 3-Gun? It’s one of the most dynamic shooting sports out there. Usually, it’s an individual competition. Each shooter uses rifle, pistol, and shotgun either alone or in some combination on each stage. A stage is one challenge. At Rocky Mountain 3-Gun, they now have 9 stages for shooters each year.

The great thing about the Whittington Center is the back-drop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to shoot into. There are gullies, mountains, rocks, draws, cliffs, mesas, ruins…all sorts of things to add to the challenges of accuracy, speed and safety.

3-Gun is a timed event where fastest time wins. Everything the shooter does wrong on a stage adds to their time. The targets may be, steel, paper, clays and once in a while, even a balloon or a clown. For rifle, the Whittington center allows for quite nice distances. Usually out to 400 yards, but every year there are a couple beyond that out to 600 yards, and there’s always some quite close targets to mix things up. Shotgun targets can be stationary or moving. They have stationary steel and clays and they have thrown, lofted, swinging, flying clays to add to the challenge. A few targets are for slugs each year and can be out to 150 yards. For pistol, a target can be at point blank or even out to 50 or 60 yards.

Each gun tests the shooters skills in many ways. Add to that, the shooter must move through the area and locate targets and decide when to engage them and from where. Walking over rocks, wet areas and wildlife adds to the challenge. Competitors have seen snakes, bugs, bears, foxes, turkeys, deer, pronghorn and even mountain lions while on a stage, and at times even have to wait for the wildlife before continuing. There’s no shortage of wild, wildlife stories.

In 2006, JJ and Denise Johnson ran the match unofficially and took over the match officially in 2007. In 2014, Rocky Mountain 3-Gun went International with 14 countries including Russia, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Mexico, Canada and Germany descended on the Whittington Center for five days of shooting with 15 stages and a team shoot for some crazy fun!

In 2022, Rocky Mountain 3-Gun celebrated its 20^th year. The Johnsons passed the match on to Emily and Jared Bucher from Colorado and Ben Herman from Cimarron to continue the tradition of classic 3-Gun in the natural terrain.

Rocky Mountain led the way into natural terrain stages as well as helped bring 3-Gun to the marines. The dynamic nature of moving and shooting, abandoning firearms safely and then retrieving the next one safely, helped marines get more self-aware. Many marines have expressed that it is better training that just lying on the line.

All that is needed to start in the game is a semi-automatic rifle and pistol to be competitive. The shotgun can be semi-automatic or pump and the rifle can be scoped or not. One can have red dots or not, depending on the division.

At this time, Rocky Mountain 3-Gun has five divisions. Open Division is the least restrictive. Anything goes…bipods, bags, scopes, dots, side sights, whatever one wishes. Competitors can even use a mag fed shotgun, but only in Open Division. Limited Scope division requires that the shotgun and pistol have iron sights, but the rifle can have a scope. Limited Iron require all guns have irons (a rifle can have a 1X dot.) He-Man Scope – which is .308 (can have a scope), pump 12 gauge and .45 pistol. These are the big guns. He-Man was named by a Pueblo police officer, Eddie Rhodes and was originally only the guns for He-Man Iron – .308, 12gauge pump and .45 pistol. Iron on all 3. Today, 1X on the rifle is allowed. Occasionally, a sling is needed on the rifle or the shotgun.

In all divisions, a holster that retains the pistol during basic movement is required, magazines for rifle and pistol are needed (more than one might think – all pistol stage had 52 targets in 2023 – all rifle stage had 36) and some kind of holders for the shot shells. There are a couple of different methods to load and can be seen online. The All Shotgun stage had 37 bird and 2 slugs.

3-Gun is multi-tasking at its best. Just to give an example, in 2023, stage 9 at Rocky Mountain started inside the ruins at the Company Store (which is up Van Houten Canyon). The rifle is held at low ready. The shotgun is tube loaded, empty chamber around the corner, and the competitor’s pistol is completely empty in holster.

On the start signal (the timer beeps) the competitor climbs up on some rocks and shoots the rifle at three swinging steel targets on the hill, and then six small dangly steel targets, and a big stationary steel target called an ABC. Then he or she climbs down and heads to the door, where there is a couple more dangly steel and a very close paper target. The competitor then runs to the other door, shoots another ABC and then abandons the gun muzzle down in the barrel on safe or empty! Then the competitor gets the shotgun, loads it and begins to shoot the shotgun targets. Most targets are steel, though there was a bird that shot straight up in the air near the beginning when the popper was shot. The competitor then progresses down the hill and around a couple bushes to get to the shotgun dump barrel. Then he or she abandons the shotgun on safety or empty and then draws and loads the pistol and continues down the path engaging two paper and 10 steel while moving down the path. This is one of the shorter stages, but is so much fun!

As one can imagine, there was some missing, some swearing and some great success. There was a dead rattlesnake out there and a bear wandered through as well.

There is nowhere like Whittington to shoot this kind of action match. There are films online of people shooting stages throughout the years. There are a number on Facebook as well!

To see more pictures from Rocky Mountain and more, please go to:  https://rm3gun.smugmug.com/

If you enjoy shooting, nature and having fun, you might look into Rocky Mountain 3-Gun!

Contact: rockymountain3g@gmail.com

Photos courtesy of Denise Johnson

Duncan Automotive Celebrates Grand Opening

On Saturday, August 19, 2023 at 12:00 PM, the Raton Ambassadors and several people from the community were on hand to welcome Duncan Automotive to downtown Raton. Family members grilled up hot dogs and hamburgers, chips, punch, and a cake to commemorate the event. Additonally, Raton MainStreet Director Brenda Ferri presented owner Daniel Duncan with the traveling Key to Downtown Raton.

Duncan has had several years of experience as a mechanic and is looking forward to putting his expertise to work in his own business located at 245 N. 2nd Street, Raton. Call (575) 245-2886 Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

24th Annual International Golf Tournament

The largest tournament held every year at the Raton Country Club and Golf Course, the International Golf Tournament, had 81 participants from New Mexico; Raton, Clayton, Las Vegas, Las Cruces, Socorro, Albuquerque, and Rio Rancho, as well as participants from Colorado and Ft. Worth, Texas.

There were no entries in the 1st Flight. The winners in the other flights were:

4th Flight L-R: Scott Parker, Susan Parker, Kenny Lee
3rd Flight L-R: Shane Trujillo, Donald Eikleberry, Mike Bhatty
2nd Flight L-R: Joe Stein, Canon City, CO; Rod Soden, Rocky Ford, CO; Sam Adams, Fowler, CO

Community Baby Shower

August 5, 2023

Several organizations came together recently to provide new mothers and expectant mothers with some necessary baby supplies and information about resources that are available in our community that can help those in need. The Walking with Moms in Need organization provides that outreach and was created as a direct result of St. John Paul II’s leadership in efforts to “build a culture of life” throughout the Catholic Church.

The community baby shower held on Saturday August 5, was a culmination of the past nine months “spiritual adoption” effort to bring attention to the needs of expectant mothers. Although this inaugural community baby shower was limited to volunteer efforts by the St Patrick-St Joseph Catholic Church, Vickie Blaisure, one of the organizers, explained that she would like to see this as a true collaboration by the entire community. For more information about Walking with Moms in Need call St. Patrick-St Joseph Catholic Church (575) 445-9763.

Local Rider to Compete in Supercross

The Third Annual Supercross in Raton on September 9, 2023, is expected to draw a huge crowd of spectators and participants from New Mexico and surrounding states. One local competitor, Lennox Cummings is nine years old, and has been racing for the past three years and is a member of the Rocky Mountain Riders Association. Young Lennox, who started riding on a four-wheeler at the age of four,  races the 50cc 7-8 Class, 50cc Open and the 65cc 7-9 Class.  His favorite Pro 450 rider is of course New Mexico’s own Jason Anderson, who has family in Raton. He also likes Haden Deegan in the 250 Pro Class.

According to Kim Davis, one of the organizers who helped bring Supercross to Raton, the Colfax County Event Center and Rodeo Grounds needed a lot of work to get it ready for Supercross. The location had to be widened by 50 feet, with new dirt and sand being hauled in. All of the work was done by dedicated volunteers and the sand was donated by the TO Ranch outside of Raton and hauled in by Colfax County trucks.

Lennox’s local sponsors are Phil Long Ford of Raton, Money Inc. Motorsports,  Kathleen Hanson Suite Kizmets’ Pet Resort, Raton Mainstreet Brenda Ferri, Kennedy Hunting Services, Jami Esquibel WIT Accounting Services, The Sprinkle Dispensary ®, Woodys Furniture Trinidad, and Topar Racing.

Photos by Hallen Ass Productions are courtesy of Christine Gutierrez.

Visit https://www.centerci.org/raton-supercross for more information or to buy tickets.

2023 Raton/Colfax Relay for Life

August 5, 2023

The annual Relay for Life event was held on August 5, 2023 at the Raton High School Tiger Stadium. Several family, friends, and co-workers of survivors, and of those who were lost to this disease, were on hand to raise funds to donate to the American Cancer Society in its efforts to find a cure and eradicate this disease.

Team members, who had taken pledges of donations, took turns walking around the luminaria-lined track during this eight-hour event. During the relay, which consisted of ten teams, cancer survivors took a lap to celebrate them as survivors, then caregivers join them, followed by a remembrance ceremony of those who fought.

Photos by Frank Mahannah

Back to School Barbeque and School Supply Give Away

The annual school supply give away held this year in Roundhouse Memorial Park gazebo on July 29th included games, food, and schools supplies. Zia Youth, with the help of local donations and a $1,000.00 donation from First National Loan Production Office in Raton, provided the barbeque and over 300 bags of school supplies to several local children.

Photos by Frank Mahannah

Raton Pickleball Gains in Popularity

Pickleball is the fastest-growing recreational pastime across the country, even earning Sunday afternoon national sports coverage on CBS this past weekend. With the increase in interest, pickleball courts are popping up in many communities, including Raton, to accommodate this popular sport. However, the Raton courts are simply tennis courts taped out in the proper dimensions for pickleball, making two tennis courts into six pickleball courts. The Raton Pickleball Club is hoping to convince the City of Raton to provide real pickleball courts for this enormously popular sport, which according to Forbes has been the fastest growing sport for the past two years.

Recently, the Pickleball Club in Raton held a three-day tournament by applying tape to the tennis courts located north of Raton High School to convert it to six smaller pickleball courts. The event drew competitors from locations throughout New Mexico, including as far away as Albuquerque. The local club hopes to convince the City of Raton to build eight pickleball courts in the downtown area in the empty dirt lot north of the post office. According to Barb Bonahoom, a former tennis player and instructor, who has converted to pickleball in recent years, the project would receive $100,000 from Stanlee Gatti to go towards building the courts in that location to help clean up and improve the empty lot and downtown Raton. Gatti, an event designer and arts administrator, based in San Francisco, California, is from Raton, and continues to invest in various ventures in his hometown. However, the lack of parking in the downtown location and traffic congestion during tournaments would need to be considered. Another location that has been discussed is near the Raton Regional Aquatic Center in the Roundhouse Memorial Park. The park currently contains a horseshoe park, frisbee golf course, and a dog park; all of which have been suffering disrepair and neglect.

With the popularity of this sport, the Raton club is convinced that the courts would encourage visitors to stop in and stay a few days. Tournament players that came from Albuquerque for the Raton tournament mentioned that Albuquerque has recognized the draw of pickleball, and has ten courts, with plans to build 100 more.

In an interview, City Manager Scott Berry stated that the city is currently looking at plans to add restrooms to the Little League field, continuing the bike path throughout town and into Sugarite Canyon State Park, clearing and improving the underground tunnel that connects the downtown to the Roundhouse memorial park, and other projects that have been on hold for the past several years because of the tight budget. Now that the city’s finances are improving, the city is working at providing improvements to the infrastructure and maintenance to the existing parks. Although the Commissioners have not designated a place where they would consider building pickleball courts, they have not yet committed to the need to build them at this time.

Read more about the history of pickleball at https://www.forbes.com/health/body/what-is-pickleball/

To learn more about Raton’s Pickleball Club, visit their Facebook page for more information.

Crewing a Hot Air Balloon

June 31 – July 3, 2023

During the 2023 International Santa Fe Trail Balloon Rally, the Raton Police Association, the Raton Crime Stoppers, and the Colfax County Sherriff’s Association, sponsored the Intervention Balloon from Albuquerque, New Mexico, piloted by Robert “Derek” Grassbaugh.

Throughout the three-day event, volunteers from the three organizations, helped unload, set up, and inflate the balloons to get it ready to fly. Once the balloon was airborn, the crew “chased” it to where it landed in order to deflate, wrap back up, and put away.

This year, Derek, a very skilled pilot, was able to land the balloon in the field south of the ascension area after a 20 minute ride on the first day. The second day, after a 40 minute ride, he landed it right back in the airfield just north of where it took off by finding the “box” overhead. The “box” is the air directions that carry the balloon in one direction, depending on the altitude the balloon reaches. By ascending or descending, the pilot is able to direct the balloon back to the ascension location.

The International Santa Fe Trail Balloon Rally began with six balloons in 1994 through the efforts of the Raton Chamber of Commerce with Mark Roper as the Director. For several years, the event grew to include more than 30 balloons until the Track Fire of 2011. After the fire, the event was cancelled because of drought and fire-hazard concerns. Later, Raton MainStreet took up the cause and has been responsible for bringing this event back every year during the 4th of July celebration.

Class of 1973 Reunion

June 30 – July1, 2023

During the weekend of the 2023 4th of July celebration, the Raton High School Class of 1973 celebrated its 50 year reunion. On Friday, June 30, the class caught up on old times together at the Raton Country Club and Golf Course. The following Saturday, they enjoyed the International Santa Fe Trail Balloon Rally, which included a 1973 class reunion sponsored balloon, co-sponsored with local radio KRTN titled Mae’s Magic, piloted by Shane Shipman. That evening the festivities continued with a dinner at the Elks on Saturday, July 1, catered by one of Raton’s favorites, Mr. C., followed by a dance with Noby Gomez as DJ.

Raton photographer Frank Mahannah was on hand taking pictures of the fun.

First National Loan Production Golf Tournament

July 9, 2023

On July 9. 2023 the Raton Country Club and Golf Course hosted the third annual First National Loan Production Golf Tournament. Twelve teams competed in one flight in the two-day event. The winners, JR Alderette, Tommy Barksdale and Eric Ortega took first place with a total combined average score of 107. Second place with a score of 113.4 went to Mike Bhatty, Kenny Lee, and Eric Caldwell. Third place was won by Danny Valenzuela, Diana Sanchez, and Carlos Chacon with a 115.0 score, and fourth place was taken with a score of 115.8 by Adam LeDoux, Bob LeDoux, and Tino Cordova.

Pictures provided by David Swanson.

Tillie Fund Awards $1,000.00 to Three Raton Youth

June 2, 2023

An award ceremony was held at Zia Youth, 207 Park Avenue, on Friday evening, June 2, at 6:00 PM where three young people were presented with $1,000.00 checks for their entries in the Tillie Fund application.

The Tillie Fund was started by Kathleen Hanson in remembrance of her dear Tillie, a pit bull who was a sweet and gentle companion. The fund was intended to encourage those youth who may not always receive recognition for their accomplishments, young people that Kathleen describes as “Quiet Shiners. ” As Kathleen said, “Limitations were assumed upon Tillie because she was a pit bull. Limitations should not be assumed upon anyone or anything. Just like the term ‘Children should be seen and not heard.’ Children are our world! Children have the best, most genuine, caring, loving, innocent ideas and the endearment and love, just like Tillie.”

Sponsors for the Tillie Fund included Doggie Stylz by Kathleen, Mesa Vista Veterinary Hospital, Home Associates, Inc., Phil Long Ford of Raton, Mesa Pharmacy, Donna Klassen, Pappas’ Sweet Shop, Bruno’s Pizza & Wings, Woody’s Furniture & Appliance, Wendy Mileta – Realty One, 111 Park – Espresso Bar & Cafe, Gate City Craft Bar, Solano’s Boot & Western Wear, and Zia Youth.

A committee was responsible for judging the entrants on the short essay that each entrant was required to submit describing the plan for a community service project, along with a letter of recommendation from someone other than a family member.

As the inaugural year for the Tillie Fund Award, the number of entrants was small simply because of the limited amount of time to get everything organized and promoted. However, organizer and sponsor with Zia Youth, Jeff McLean knows the number of young people participating and the number of community sponsors will grow each year as community awareness grows. The Tillie Fund is open to youth throughout Colfax County in 7th through 12th grades.

Select the following links to read the submitted essays: Chiara Martinez essay, Victoria Vega essay, Daisy Wingo essay.

Pictures below were provided by Frank Mahannah. First picture left to right: Victoria Vega, Daisy Wingo, and Chiara Martinez. Bottom row: First picture from left to right are: Linus, Kathleen Hanson, Valerie Alderette, Liz Wick, Victoria Vega, Linda Headley, Lucy, Jeff McLean. Second picture from left to right: Linus, Kathleen Hanson, Liz Wick, Chiara Martinez, Linda Headley, Jeff McLean. Third picture from left to right: Linus, Valerie Alderette, Kathleen Hanson, Liz Wick, Daisy Wingo, Linda Headley, Lucy, Jeff McLean.

NRAWC Trap Shoot

by Vixie Zoro June 2, 2023

For some people, nothing brings more joy after a long and hard day than heading down to the shooting range, calling “Pull!”, and smelling the gunpowder after crushing a clay target. I know that’s the case for me! Even though it’s rarely on TV, trapshooting is an amazing sport full of amazing people. Last week, the NRA Whittington Center held the 75th annual New Mexico State Trap Shoot, which started May 23 and ended May 28. As someone who competed in the shoot, I can tell you a little about what happened, the different states people came from, and more.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the sport, let me explain: there are three main “events.” During Singles, a competitor shoots at one target that comes out at random angles. During Doubles, the competitor shoots at two targets that come out at exactly the same spot each time (wind permitting). Handicap is basically just Singles, only you are pulled further back depending on how good you are. During the 6 days, approximately 160 trapshooters came to Raton, including people from Colorado, Arizona, Texas, Florida, Oklahoma, Kansas, Iowa, California, Wyoming, Nebraska, and even New York. Even though it was the New Mexico State Shoot, people from all over the country came to compete with and against us for points on the national level. Over 120,000 targets were shot at with 12 gauge shotguns by both male and female competitors with ages ranging from as young as 11 to over 80 years old.

Trapshooters encourage everyone to participate in the various shooting events. The NRA Whittington Center (NRAWC) and the Raton Trap Club (RTC) also encourage anyone who is interested in participating in this sport or learning more about it, to attend the next event on August 19 and 20, at the Raton Trap Club, located on NM 64 just south of Raton. For more information on how to become a member, contact the president of RTC, David Piancino, at (575) 643-5594 or the NRA Whittington Center at (800) 494-4853.

Frito Banditos Car Show

June 3, 2023

A car show gives the public the opportunity to enjoy a variety of beautiful machines that may bring back memories of days gone by. Although today’s automobiles’ styles and looks have blurred, the cars on display at the Fritos Banditos car lot on Saturday, June 3, 2023, gave the public an idea of the unique look of the various models of cars that lasted for decades.

This inaugural car show sponsored by Jag’s Fritos Banditos, located at 1012 South 2nd Street, will be an annual event that owner Jag knows will grow each year. Saturday’s car show hosted eleven cars with three of them earning a trophy and cash prizes for first, second, and third place. Earning the first place trophy and a $100.00 pay-out was a 1968 Chevy Camaro owned by Bob Fernandez. Second place trophy and cash prize of $60.00 was given to Johnny Martinez for his 1956 Chevy Sedan, and third place of a trophy and $20.00 went to Tanya Hooper with her 1957 Ford Fairlane.

Family Pass Available at Local Libraries

Information provided by Angie Manfredi

Happy summer! New Mexico residents I realize many of you don’t know that if you visit your local public library you can check out – for free – a New Mexico Family Pass! A Family Pass gives up to six people FREE admission to 7 historic sites and 8 museums across the state. 6 of you, for free, to say the Museum of International Folk Art or the Bosque Redondo Memorial, which is an amazing site. All you have to do is go check one out from your public library. You can find out more about the pass here: https://nmstatelibrary.org/services-for-new-mexico-libraries/programs-and-services/new-mexico-familypass/?fbclid=IwAR3vZq49alO3jHTEJ3YmuK12ZnvctqLmMSB8lzWJSZPN2WEQuD9wzfrvnCA

Democratic Party of Colfax County Meeting

The Democratic Party of Colfax County will meet on Saturday, June 17th from 2 to 4 pm at Casa Lemus Restaurant (350 Clayton Road; Raton, NM 87740)
For more information email colfaxcountydemocrats@gmail.com.
The group will be voting on a strategy and funding to guide the Democratic Party of Colfax County through the 2024 elections. 

Raton High School graduates 49 seniors in Class of 2023

By Leonore Barfield May 23, 2023

Raton High School in Raton, New Mexico, celebrated the graduation of 49 seniors in the Class of 2023 on Friday, May 19, 2023. The commencement ceremony took place at Tiger Gymnasium, where the graduates received their diplomas and accolades in front of a packed house of family, friends, and faculty.

The ceremony featured speeches by Valedictorian Cayden Walton, Salutatorian Anderson Weese, and keynote speaker Brian Colon, the New Mexico State Auditor. Walton spoke of the importance of failure as a learning opportunity and a stepping stone to success. He also expressed his gratitude to everyone who supported him and his classmates throughout their high school journey.

Weese reflected on the history and memories that the Class of 2023 made as the last class to attend both Kearny and Columbian schools and the second 7th grade class to attend the high school. He also encouraged his fellow graduates to make wise choices and pursue their passions in life. Colon shared his personal story of overcoming adversity and achieving his dreams. He also urged the graduates to value every moment and make a positive difference in the world. He encouraged the students to have a heart for service to each other .

The graduates were recognized for their academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and community service. They also received various awards and scholarships totaling more than $622,000. Some of the graduates plan to attend college, vocational school while others will join the workforce or the military.

The ceremony concluded with the traditional tossing of the caps and a rendition of the school’s alma mater player by the school band . The graduates hugged their friends and family members, celebrating their accomplishment and looking forward to their future adventures.

Raton High School is part of the Raton Public Schools District and serves grades 7-12 under the Direction of Kristie Medina as the School Superintendent and Olga Neurauter as the High school Principal.
It is home of the Fighting Tigers….Go Tigers!