Tucumcari, New Mexico

The Legend of Tucumcari

Apache Chief Wautonomah was nearing the end of his time on earth and was troubled by who would succeed him as ruler of the tribe.  As legend has it Chief Wautonomah called upon his two finest braves, who would display the classic portrait of love and competition, were not only rivals but were both madly in love with Kari, Chief Wautonomah’s daughter.  Kari’s heart was shattered and sadness filled her soul as Chief Wautonomah called on Tonopah and Tocom and proclaimed “I soon must die and one of you must succeed me as Chief. “Tonight you will meet on the mountain top and fight to the death” for her heart belonged to Tocom. “He who survives shall become Chief and will take my daughter Kari as his squaw.”   The two braves battled on the mountain top as Kari hide nearby.  When Tonopah’s knife met the heart of Tocom, the young squaw rushed out of hiding and took the life of Tonopah as well as her own. 
Chief Wautonomah was crushed by the tragic scene as he removed the knife from his daughter’s heart and buried it deep into his own heart, crying out in agony, “Tocom-Kari”
 
The legend lives on in what is now known as Tucumcari.

Tucumcari is the gateway to New Mexico greeting travelers from I-40, US 54 and the intersections of State Hwy 209 and 104, with a variety of restaurants and hotels to ease the fatigue of mother road. Tucumcari is home to Mesalands Community College’s Dinosaur Museum, housing a large collection of bronze prehistoric dinosaurs, and Tucumcari Historical Museum, home to a collection of historical artifacts. Whether its golfing, biking, fishing, boating, or hunting,  Tucumcari is the center of it all with Conchas lake 30 miles to the northwest and Ute lake 24 miles the northeast.  

The new collection of murals painted by local artist Doug and Sharon Quarles is a wonderful addition to the area and offers many unique photo opportunities.

Services Provided

WIA (Workforce Investment Act) Youth – targeted toward eligible youth ages 16-21 years of age
Classroom Training (CRT)- HELP-New Mexico assists high school dropouts with GED preparation and/or tutoring and provides tutoring to high school students in need of improving basic skills. (Reading, Math, Language)
Work Experience(WE)- HELP-New Mexico seeks employers willing to provide work experience training to individuals that have little or no work history.

NFJP (National Farm Workers Job Program) - targeted toward eligible seasonal or migrant farm workers and their dependents 18 years of age and older.
On the Job Training (OJT) -  HELP-New Mexico seeks employers who will provide training to enhance possessed skills, in growing fields of employment that offer competitive wages to participants .  HELP-NM reimburses the employer up to 50% of the training cost for a period of up to 12 weeks.
Classroom Training (CRT) - HELP-New Mexico offers GED preparation and CRT needed to improve the employment status of participants.

Other Services provided include but are not limited to
Life Skills Training
Career Exploration
Resume assistance
Supportive Services Referrals