Here’s a look at today’s headlines:
The Gila Regional Medical Center CEO Selection Committee met for the first time this week. The committee, made up of 15 GRMC personnel and retirees, and community members representing government, schools, and businesses, attended the orientation session.
The Cobre School Board at its Monday meeting again discussed the four-day school week coming this August in all the district’s schools. A recent survey taken of parents, students and staff showed those in the district overwhelmingly chose the four-day calendar over the two five-day versions presented at the last meeting. In addition to saving the district money on transportation costs, research shows the extra time for each class pointed to improved quality and better grades.
Danny Chavez was arrested on Friday by Bayard Police Officers after an incidence of aggravated battery that occurred on Wednesday, February 22nd between Chavez and his grandfather. Witnesses reported that Chavez threw a kitchen knife at his grandfather, striking him on the right side of his head. A report was made at Gila Regional Medical Center and Chavez was arrested without incident at the Bayard Food Basket.
Prosecutors are seeking a life sentence without the possibility of parole for an Ohio man charged with killing a New Mexico police officer, who was fatally shot during a traffic stop. 39-year-old Jesse Hanes is charged with murder in connection with the death of Dona Ana County Officer Jose Chavez, who was killed in August of last year in Hatch.
In sports action, the WNMU men’s tennis team defeated No. 22 Point Loma 6-3, but lost against No. 13 Azusa Pacific 5-3 and lost against UC Riverside by a score of 5-2. The Mustangs return to action March 9-11 against UT Permian Basin, St. Mary’s and St. Edward’s.
The women’s tennis team faced #24 Point Loma and #25 Azusa Pacific and lost both games, but played well against the tough opponents. The Lady Mustangs also play UT Permian Basin, St. Mary’s and St. Edwards March 9-11.
In legislative action, SB259, a bill to prohibit domestic violence offenders under certain protective orders from possessing or purchasing a firearm while under the order, passed the Senate Judiciary Committee with full bipartisan support.
The House Appropriation and Finance Committee passed House Bill 44 on a bipartisan 15-1 vote. The bill proposes to discourage attacks against child protective service employees while they are carrying out their duties to safeguard New Mexico’s children by making it a crime to commit assault or battery against an employee of CYFD while on the job.
HJM 14, WNMU as the Public Liberal Arts College NM, unanimously passed the House Education Committee on Monday. The Joint Memorial would identify the University as the Liberal Arts College of New Mexico as it attempts to move forward into the future and compete in the fields of applied technology and professional programs.
Some New Mexico school districts could save tens of thousands of dollars in transportation costs if they are allowed to use SUVs instead of large capacity school buses to transport some students to school. Under the SB381, SUVs could be used to transport one to six students who live five or more miles from their school.
