Have a burning question about Rio Rancho and Sandoval County or anything else for that matter? Send us your queries and in The Observer's Glad You Asked column, we'll do our best to answer them.

Q: Why is the flag at Don Chalmers Ford being flown at half-staff (is it that way still because of former President Ford dying?) and it is torn and just flying around. It looks terrible and they should remove it.

A: This question came to us originally as a rant. Since it required more of an answer, however, we decided to include it in this column. I called Pamela Chavez, director of community relations for Don Chalmers, and told her about the flag. She replied that Andy Strebe, the car dealership's service manager, is having the flag taken down for repair. In addition, Chavez explain that Don Chalmers has a regular rotation schedule for its two flags, which are continually rotated so one is being cleaned and sewn while the other is on display.

And, yes, Don Chalmers' flag (as well as every other flag in the state and nation for that matter) is still being flown at half-staff in honor of President Ford, who died Dec. 26.

Here's a little history lesson about flag etiquette. The laws relating to the flag of the United States of America are found in detail in the United States Code. Title 4, Chapter 1 pertains to the flag; Title 18, Chapter 33, Section 700 regards criminal penalties for flag desecration; Title 36, Chapter 3 pertains to patriotic customs and observances. These laws were supplemented by Executive Orders and Presidential Proclamations.

Position and manner of display:

The flag, when flown at half-staff, should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should be again raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day.

On Memorial Day the flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon only, then raised to the top of the staff.

By order of the president, the flag shall be flown at half-staff upon the death of principal figures of the United States government and the governor of a state, territory, or possession, as a mark of respect to their memory. In the event of the death of other officials or foreign dignitaries, the flag is to be displayed at half-staff according to presidential instructions or orders, or in accordance with recognized customs or practices not inconsistent with law. In the event of the death of a present or former official of the government of any state, territory, or possession of the United States, the governor of that state, territory, or possession may proclaim that the national flag shall be flown at half-staff.

The flag shall be flown at half-staff 30 days from the death of the president or a former president; 10 days from the day of death of the vice president, the chief justice or a retired chief justice of the United States, or the speaker of the House of Representatives; from the day of death until interment of an associate justice of the Supreme Court, a secretary of an executive or military department, a former vice president, or the governor of a state, territory, or possession; and on the day of death and the following day for a member of Congress.

The flag shall be flown at half-staff on peace officers Memorial Day, unless that day is also Armed Forces Day.

It is always nice to see people (Americans) get so personal about their flag. It truly is a wonderful symbol and sometimes there is nothing more beautiful that a flag shining in the sun and flowing in a breeze.

Though tattered flags have never bothered me - in fact, I like them. A tattered and well-worn flag has character. Do you honestly think that when the bombs stopped bursting in air and our flag was still there that it looked as crisp and pristine as the first day it was hung?

Q: What is the population of New Mexico?

A: According to the US Census Bureau, the population as of 2005, the latest information that is available, is 1.9 million. In Sandoval County, there are 107,400 residents, according to 2005 figures. And BTW (by the way) did you know that New Mexico has far more sheep and cattle than people. There are only about 12 people per square mile.

Q: What town in New Mexico is known for its annual duck races?

A: That would be Deming. I guess that would mean Deming is to duck races what Hatch is to chiles. Hatch is also known as the green chile capital of the world.