Thursday morning briefing: Christmas on the Pecos and leftovers

Good morning. Welcome to Freedom New Mexico’s Thursday morning briefing.

Award-winning maintenance:

The Clovis and Texico school districts have won state awards for keeping up property.

Both school systems received a Silver Level State Ben Lujan Maintenance Award on Nov. 19 in Albuquerque, according to a news release from the state Public School Facilities Authority. Harvey Brady of Clovis Municipal School District won an individual award.

The Public School Facilities Authority presents the award annually. This year, according to the release, 28 districts and maintenance personnel from 13 districts were honored.

“Over the past few years, the Legislature has allocated a record amount of funding to public school construction, and with our current economy, now more than ever, we need a dedicated maintenance effort to keep our facilities in great condition,” state Rep. Rick Miera, D-Albuquerque, said in the release.

Miera, co-chairman of the Public School Capital Outlay Oversight Task Force, presented the awards.

Something to do:

It’s the official beginning of the holiday season, and a highly-rated annual event takes place in Carlsbad. It’s called “Christmas on the Pecos,” and it begins on Thanksgiving night and lasts until New Year’s Eve.

The Pecos River runs through Carlsbad, and more than 100 homeowners along the river lavishly decorate their houses for those taking evening boat tours. Remember the electrical parade at Disneyland? It’s kind of like that, except you’re the one in motion — and it’s quieter.

Tours (50 minutes long) take place 12 to 15 times each night, and tickets are $12.50 per person Sunday through Thursday; $17.50 for Friday and Saturday. Children are cheaper, and those under 2 are free if they sit on somebody’s lap. Call (575) 887-6516.

Web site of the day:

A Web site that gives updates for Portales weather:

http://www.portalesweather.net/

Question of the day:

What’s your favorite way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers? Share by leaving a comment below.

Today’s weather:

Daytime: Thankful for sun? Sunny with highs in the low 60s. Expect 10-15 mph winds.

Nighttime: Round out your feast with a warm drink. Lows around 30. Winds around 5-10 mph.