Here’s a look at today’s news:
The Cooperative Extension Service in New Mexico State University’s College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences and the Southwest Border Food Protection and Emergency Preparedness Center are hosting a workshop titled “The Luna County Large Animal Rescue Workshop”, to train Luna County emergency response personnel on how to handle large animals in vehicle and trailer traffic accidents. It has been determined that practice is needed in case of a livestock emergency, especially since Interstate 10 runs through the county. The free training will be held on Wednesday, February 28th, 9:00 A.M at the Southwest New Mexico State Fairgrounds, 4100 Raymond Reed Boulevard in Deming. For additional information, contact the Luna County Extension Office.
A resident of Cliff was taken into federal custody pending trial for being a danger to the community in addition to possession of drugs, firearms and ammunition. Richard G. Dinwiddie, was arrested on February the 6th and later detained following a hearing in U.S. Magistrate Court in Las Cruces. During the execution of a federal search warrant in Dinwiddie’s home, officials allegedly found methamphetamine, marijuana, various drug paraphernalia, several firearms and rounds of assorted ammunition. If convicted of the charges in the criminal complaint, Dinwiddie could face a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison.
Senate Bill 231, sponsored by Senator George Munoz of Gallup that provides a up to a $1000 tax credit for employers that hire youth in the state’s foster care system and those over 18 who are now living on their own after spending time in state custody. The legislation passed the Senate with a unanimous vote and later passed the House on a vote of 60-2. The bill will provide the tax credit for employers who hires a current or former foster youth aged 14 and up who will work at least 20 hours a week.
The Grant County Commission launched a website to serve as a resource for additional information for employees, patients and the community regarding the future of healthcare in Grant County. The site, GRMC Forward dot org, shares information about Gila Regional Medical Center including updated taskforce exploration information in addition to allowing employees and the Grant County Community to ask questions, sign-up to receive updates, and read about GRMC’s work to ensure quality care. A review of partnership options is now being explored to determine whether GRMC will remain independent or look for a like-minded partner.
Today is Presidents’ Day. Originally established in 1885 in recognition of President George Washington, it is still officially called “Washington’s Birthday” by the federal government. Traditionally celebrated on February 22—Washington’s actual day of birth—the holiday became popularly known as Presidents’ Day after it was moved as part of 1971’s Uniform Monday Holiday Act, an attempt to create more three-day weekends for the nation’s workers. While several states still have individual holidays honoring the birthdays of Washington, Abraham Lincoln and other figures, Presidents’ Day is now popularly viewed as a day to celebrate all U.S. presidents past and present.
