Here’s a look at some area news:
The U.S. Justice Department has reportedly announced more than $3.8 million will be awarded to the state of New Mexico in an effort to combat drugs and crime. The grants are meant to support treatment, recovery and prevention programs in addition to assist in strengthening adult drug court and veteran’s treatment court programs. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, there were 332 overdose deaths in New Mexico involving opioids, a rate of 16.7 deaths per 100,000 persons compared to the average national rate of 14.6 deaths per 100,000 persons. Prescription opioids were involved in most deaths in 2017 with 171, followed by heroin with 144, and synthetic opioids other than methadone (mainly fentanyl) with 75 deaths.
The State of New Mexico, with the approval from the Board of Finance, has agreed to a 99-year lease with Santa Clara for the Fort Bayard National Landmark as of December 17th, 2019. Through the efforts of many people over the years including the Fort Bayard Historic Preservation Society, work will soon begin on building restoration and plans for future usage. Fort Bayard was established on Aug. 21st, 1866 by the 125th U.S. Colored Troops Company F, under Lt. James Kerr. The property has a rich history and was used as a medical center to treat tuberculosis and other diseases soldiers developed during times of war and peace. Lastly, the hospital, before it was demolished, was used by the State of New Mexico under the Department of Health.
Calvary Christian School presented the first concert featuring 5th and 6th grade students last Friday under the direction of Reverend John Price. Price, a retired band teach from T or C, offered to create and administer a music program at Calvary which includes teaching instrumental music to students as young as 4th grade. Reverend Price currently serves as a priest at Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Silver City.
