Here’s a look at today’s headlines:
The Gila National Forest, Reserve Ranger District has reopened the Willow Creek Campground. The creek crossing at the campground has been repaired. All but the fourth campsite are open and available on a first come, first serve basis. All camping on the Gila National Forest is restricted to a 14-day stay.
Silver City MainStreet has been designated as an accredited Main Street America program by the National Main Street Center. Each year, the National Main Street Center announce the list of accredited Main Street America programs in recognition of their exemplary commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach. This year 828 programs received accreditation.
New Mexico State Police are investigating the death of 29 year old Daniel Romero of Bayard after he arrived at the Bayard Police Department with life-threatening injuries. He was transported to Gila Regional Medical center where he succumbed to his injuries. Investigators and crime scene technicians are processing two separate crime scenes. This investigation is ongoing.
The New Mexico Attorney General’s Office has filed charges against Sixth Judicial District Attorney Francesca Estevez. According to the criminal complaint, the charges include prohibited political activities, reckless driving, careless driving, and three counts of ethical principles of public service in the alternative harassment in relation to an incident in June 2016 where Estevez was allegedly driving recklessly from Cliff to Silver City.
Yesterday, Governor Susana Martinez announced that New Mexico Public Education Secretary Hanna Skandera will step down effective June 20th. Deputy Secretary Christopher Ruszkowski will serve as acting cabinet secretary. Ruszkowski served for nearly six years at the Delaware Department of Education before moving to New Mexico. He also taught middle school social studies.
Justice Judith K. Nakamura was sworn in on Wednesday after being elected Chief Justice by her colleagues of the New Mexico Supreme Court. Justice Nakamura joined the state’s highest court in December 2015, after serving nearly three years as a Second Judicial District Court judge and more than 14 years as a Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court judge.