Here’s a look at today’s headlines:
Demolition of the former Red Barn Family Steakhouse began on Tuesday, January 3rd. The lot was purchased by Denny’s, who recently received their permit for demolition. A fence was put in place late last year and equipment moved in early this week. The main building of the Red Barn has, at this point, been torn down and the rubble is being collected.
The New Mexico Department of Transportation along with La Calerita Construction will be performing bridge rehabilitation and roadway reconstruction operations to I-10 in Luna County from mile marker 91.7 to 94.5. Interstate traffic will encounter a detour while work is being performed and all interstate traffic will be detoured off the westbound lane while work is being done. An 11 foot width lane restriction is in effect. Construction is expected to be completed this summer. Motorists are asked to reduce speed, obey posted signs, use extreme caution and watch for personnel in the area.
In sports action, the Lady ‘Stangs lost a tough game against Texas Women’s last night, 75-46 in Lone Star Conference Action. The women’s basketball team will return home next Thursday, January 12th, to face off against Midwestern State beginning at 5:30pm.
New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas has announced a new initiative aimed at attacking opioid abuse in the state. Project OPEN – Opioid Prevention & Education Network – will kick off January 11th in Albuquerque in hopes of educating the public on New Mexico’s opioid crisis. Opioids are the main driver of drug overdose deaths nationwide, and New Mexico has the eighth highest rate in the country at 25 per 100,000 people.
With the state hurting for money, New Mexico roads are hurting for repairs. Now a state lawmaker is pitching a gas tax with a twist, to help pay for roadwork. House Bill 63, sponsored by Clovis Republican Randal S. Crowder, is a gas tax which local governments can turn to, allowing up to 5 cents per gallon. The Bill is broad and includes work for roads, sidewalks, and even alleyways. The proposal also states that the people get to decide if they want this tax – and that city councils and county commissions cannot implement that tax without putting it on a local ballot.
