Here’s a look at today’s headlines:
The US House of Representatives recently passed the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abotrion Insurance Full Disclosure Act by an overwhelming vote for the bill. Representative Steve Pearce issued the following statement concerning the vote: This common-sense legislation codifies the longstanding Hyde Amendment that no federal funding may be spent for abortions except in the case of rape, incest or where the mother’s life is endangered,” said Pearce. This week, hundreds of thousands of Americans spoke up at the National March for Life in Washington, D.C., and at similar rallies like those in Santa Fe and Las Cruces. Staff and I attended the National March for Life in Washington as well as local events to lend our voice for the voiceless—the unborn. All human life is created in the image and likeness of God. No matter what the circumstance, life is always a blessing.”
Steven Morales, 36, of Silver City, charged with the death of Estevan Ortega on Wednesday, Jan. 14, was the subject of a search by law enforcement on Thursday, Jan. 22, north of Ridge Road and again on Friday, Jan. 23, when officers surrounded the Shady Grove area. However, in both instances, according to Grant County Sheriff Raul Villanueva, Morales was not found. Villanueva said Crimestoppers is offering a reward for information leading to Morales’ arrest. Information can be left anonymously at Crimestoppers by calling 575-538-5254.
The Deming Luna County Chamber of Commerce recently held its 99th annual Luau to celebrate local businesses. After a steak dinner was served, incoming president elect Jim Dye took over from outgoing president Lori Coleman, and announced the winners of the 2014 Community Achievement Awards. The winners included: Agribusiness Persons of the Year – Kenny and Merrianne Treadwell, Education Person of the Year – Janean Garney, Outstanding Citizen of the Year – G.G. Gore, Business Person of the Year – Greg and Wendy Church, and New Business of the Year – Patricia Prince of The Cookie Jar. Congratulations to all of the winners.
A New Mexico State Legislator on Friday proposed legislation that would expand the penalties for various child sex crimes in the state. Under the legislation, a person in a position of authority, including a parent, relative, household member, teacher or employer, who coerces a child ages 13 to 18 to submit to sexual penetration would be guilty of a second-degree felony instead of the current third-degree felony charge. The proposed legislation would also modify the statutes defining second- and third-degree criminal sexual contact, removing a requirement that a child between the ages of 13 and 18 must suffer “personal injury” as a result of the forced or coerced sexual contact. Finally, the proposed legislation would make aggravated indecent exposure to a child a third-degree felony. Currently, it is punishable as a fourth-degree felony. The bills were crafted with help from the New Mexico Children, Youth and Family Department.
