County sheriff: Prisoner transports are at a high

Quay County Manager Richard Primrose, right, speaks with the project foreman at the paving project on Quay Road Ap.6 that was completed on Friday.

QCS Senior Writer

Quay County Sheriff Russell Shafer informed county commissioners Friday about a sudden increase in prisoner transports that has kept the office busy.

Shafer presented his monthly report during the commission's meeting at the county courthouse.

Shafer said his deputies have completed six transports as of today, three of which were out of state, as far as Reno, Nevada. He said the recent increase in prisoner transports has taken much of the deputies' time, along with providing security for the 10th Judicial District Court, which has a jury selection and trial set to begin next week.

Shafer said in addition to the transports and court duties, the sheriff's office responded to 91 calls for service, served 33 civil papers and made four arrests in June. He said the number of citations issued has declined largely in part to lack of patrol time.

Shafer later informed the commissioners of three additional prisoner transports that had been requested during the meeting.

Tucumcari/Quay County Chamber of Commerce Director Gail Sanders also updated commissioners on her current duties and the types of advertising and promotions in use to promote the area.

Sanders said Rockabilly on the Route was the busiest time for in-office visitors at the chamber. She said she has been sending out several tourist and relocation packets via e-mail and U.S. Postal Service that outline area activities and attractions.

Sanders said she needs updates to the information on the visitors guides that are placed in local motels and visitor's centers on Interstate 40. She said the old guides still list the Hampton Inn and Rockin Y's restaurant, both of which have closed.

Sanders said Tucumcari and Quay County have been featured in the list of events in the New Mexico True Adventure Guide that highlights the state's many attractions and events for tourist. She said the upcoming Fired Up! event is listed in the guide. A recent edition featured many pictures of Tucumcari landmarks that were not part of the chambers' paid advertising, Sanders added.

“You are doing an outstanding job at the chamber,” said District 2 Commissioner Mike Cherry. “Our town and events are getting recognized and drawing people to the area thanks to your work.”

In other business, commissioners:

o Received a report from Road Superintendent Larry Moore, who informed commissioners of the near completion of paving of Quay Road AP.6 and Quay Road 63 near the Tucumcari Memorial Park Cemetery. Moore said the project took 14 days to complete at a cost was $500,345. He said Dessert Fox was the primary contractor for the project with Pacheco Construction working as a subcontractor. Engineers Inc. designed the project.

o Discussed the DWI audit.

o Approved Resolution 33 for the elected official's 27th pay period adjustment.

o Learned that members of the Wrangler 4-H Club donated a chair dolly to the County Commissioners to be used for setting up chairs at events at the Quay County Fair Barn.

“We appreciate and thank you for the donation of this dolly,” said Commission Chair Franklin McCasland.

o Held an executive session for threatened or pending litigation.

Commissioners returned to regular session and approved the submission of a letter outlining the commissioners' position on the Interstate Streams Commission 2015 application to the New Mexico Office of the State Engineer for water control of the Canadian River and tributary sources including the Revuelto Creek below Ute Lake Reservoir to the Texas state line.