Here’s a look at today’s headlines:

The Marine Corps League Gaffney-Oglesby Detachment 1328 honored three local veterans who took part in the Battle of Iwo Jima 70 years ago.  The three marines who were honored were Curtis Maxwell, Felipe Ortego, and Gene Lewis.  Representatives from Congressman Steve Pearce and Senator Martin Heinrich’s offices were at the luncheon, and were among the speakers who honored the three Marines.  Each Marine was also presented with a proclamation from the New Mexico Department of Veterans Services and a photo of the Iwo Jima Memorial, taken at night by Marine Larry Himes.

The La Plata Middle School Science Olympiad Team attended the state tournament in Socorro over the weekend, and returned with the following awards: 10th place Bio-Process Lab, 7th Place Green Generation, 4th Place Entomology, 4th Place Crime Busters, 4th Place Bridge Building, 3rd Place Fossils, 3rd Place, Road Scholar, and 1st Place Wheeled Vehicle.  Congratulations to all of the participants who competed in the Science Olympiad.

A small, human-caused fire burned a quarter of an acre about one mile north of Bear Creek Cabins in Pinos Altos last week.  The fire was the first of the year of what could be an early fire season.  While it’s earlier than usual, significant fires can pop up before the common fire season on May, June and July.  Though it is too soon to tell, officials suggest that, thanks to good rains and grass growth last summer, in addition to the fact that snow is melting and winds are picking up, conditions look ripe for an early season.

In legislative action:

Legislation that makes it illegal for minors to buy e-cigarettes passed the House floor by a unanimous 52-0 vote.  Currently, state law does not prohibit the sale of e-cigarettes to minors, while 39 other states do.  This legislation will prevent minors anywhere in New Mexico from buying e-cigarettes.  The bill will now move to consideration in the Senate.

Legislation that will allow industry professionals to teach part time in the classroom without having to go back to college to receive their teaching degree passed the House floor by a 31-21 vote.  To qualify, the professionals will need a bachelor’s degree; three years of documented work experience in the subject field; a passing score on the appropriate teacher license assessment; and successful completion of a pedagogy class.  They will also be subject to an evaluation process and, if rate ineffective, they will lose their certificate.