Here’s a look at today’s top stories:
Mandatory harvest deadlines are fast approaching for hunters and trappers who held licenses for New Mexico’s 2017-18 seasons. The deadline to file a free report for hunters who held 2017-18 deer, elk, antelope or turkey licenses is midnight February 15th. After that date, an $8 late fee will apply. Hunters must report on or before the March 21st application deadline or their applications will be rejected from the big-game draws. The deadline to report for those who held 2017-18 Barbary sheep, javelina, oryx, ibex, or trapping licenses is midnight April 7th. The later harvest-reporting deadline allows license holders for those species to submit results after the seasons have closed. License holders must file a report, even if they did not hunt or trap. Failure to file a mandatory harvest report on time will result in rejection of all big-game applications. The mandatory harvest report can be filed online at sales dot wildlife dot state dot nm dot us. Reports can also be submitted by phone toll free at 888-248-6866.
Yesterday, a Memorial to add opioid use disorder as a qualifying condition to the state Medical Cannabis Program, passed the House Floor. House Memorial 67, introduced by Joanne J. Ferrary, of Las Cruces and Deborah A. Armstrong, of Albuquerque, would provide an alternative to opioids in acute and chronic pain management and in preventing and treating opioid use disorders. There is a growing body of research showing that medical cannabis may be a safe alternative allowing the replacement or reduction of opioid-based treatments, reducing the risk and number of opioid-related deaths. The memorial is also sponsored by Representatives, Bill McCamley of Mesilla Park, Christine Trujillo of Albuquerque, and Rodolpho “Rudy” S. Martinez of Bayard.
Tractor Supply Company stores in New Mexico are collecting donations during National FFA Week, February 17th through 24th to support grants for FFA chapters in their community. Tractor Supply customers can donate $1 or more at checkout Feb. 16-25 while shopping in-store, online at tractor supply dot com or by calling Customer Solutions at 877-718-6750. Since its inception in 2016, the “Grants for Growing” program, has raised more than $1.4 million for the National FFA Organization. The initiative has funded a total of 692 grants supporting projects involving more than 69,000 students. Earlier this year, FFA chapters submitted applications detailing how they will start or expand on a project that will benefit their communities as well as both current and future FFA students. Funds have been requested to purchase vegetation, trees, seed, chickens, feed, mulch and tools for projects ranging from greenhouses to aquaculture labs. Grants, awarded to winning FFA chapter initiatives in the spring, have a minimum value of $500 and a maximum value of $5,000. All donations remain within the state in which they were raised. The National FFA Organization is a national youth organization of 653,359 student members as part of 8,568 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. For more details about the program, visit f f a dot o r g slash grants for growing.
In Deming, a beautification project has begun at the Mountain View Cemetery located at 3410 East Pine Street. City officials have started the project with the help of Baca’s Funeral Chapel who donated new entrance signage in addition to granite posts that replace sectional signs that visitors can use to locate grave sites. In other improvements, the City has budgeted the replacement of the pavilion roof, an addition to adding a moveable shade canopy, and spraying the grounds to help alleviate the growth of weeds and goat heads.
Early voting in local municipal elections begins today and ends on March 2nd. Absentee voting has been underway since January 30th and will end on March 6th. Voters wishing to vote prior to the March 6th municipal election can visit their town/city clerk’s office to file an application and cast a paper ballot.
