Here’s a look at local news:
The Toys for Tots program, organized locally by the Gaffney-Oglesby Marine Corps League Detachment 1328, and headed by Danna and Robert Lopez, collected over 2,000 toys from the community this year. All Grant County schools received a total of 1300 toys, with the exception of Harrison Schmitt Elementary that chose not to participate. In addition, toys were distributed through El Refugio, Sierra Counseling, CYFD, HeadStart, Children’s Medical Services, the Gospel Mission, First Born, LifeQuest, and Fort Bayard Medical Center. Families that had signed up with the program went to the Santa Clara Armory and picked up toys last Saturday, which included welcome drop-ins.
Last week, approximately 50 students in the Silver School District were absent from class from possible flu related illnesses. The New Mexico Department of Health encourages some helpful tips to decrease the chance of sickness during the flu season that include: wiping down objects that are regularly touched by others, get the seasonal flu vaccination, wash your hands frequently using soap and water or alcohol based hand cleanser, cover your cough or sneeze with your sleeve or tissue, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, and very importantly, stay at home if you are sick.
Officials for the New Mexico Environment Department will be conducting public outreach meetings in Deming with the first scheduled for Tuesday, January 9th from 5:30 to 7:00 P.M at the New Mexico Department of Transportation office, 2912 E. Pine Street. Representatives from the department will be providing information regarding the repeal of the “Total Suspended Particulate Standard,” and will include background information and elements of a dust mitigation program and an adoption of a fugitive dust rule. Fugitive dust is generated by vehicular traffic on unpaved roads that leads to road deterioration and sediment run-off that negatively impacts human health. The federal and state agencies set air quality standards for outdoor air. The purpose of these standards is to prevent air pollution from reaching levels that harm public health and welfare. More information can be obtained by calling 575-544-6530.
An “Open Letter to the Community” was presented last week by members of the Gila Regional Medical Center Taskforce. The Grant County Commission established the Taskforce to bring about thoughtful discussion regarding the future of Gila Regional and explore whether the hospital remain independent or enter into a partnership with another entity. Gila Regional is the last county owned hospital in the state. The taskforce maintains the following: “It is important for you to know that selling the hospital is not the sole objective of our work and no decisions regarding GRMC’s future have been made as a result of the Taskforce being formed and meeting. We are thoughtfully exploring all of the available options in order to make a fully informed decision about the future GRMC. Ensuring financial stability and continued high quality care are of the utmost importance to the Taskforce.” The Gila Regional Medical Taskforce Members include: Taffy Arias, GRMC CEO; Dr. Michelle Diaz, GRMC Physician; Alicia Edwards, Grant County Commissioner; Brett Kasten, Grant County Commissioner; Jeannie Miller, GRMC Board of Trustees; Mike Morones, GRMC Board of Trustees; Dr. John Stanley, GRMC Physician; and Charlene Webb, Grant County Manager.
