Here’s a look at today’s headlines:
The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish announced today that more than 2,000 youth antlerless elk licenses will go on sale beginning July 9th. The sale is designed to encourage youth hunting and includes licenses for any legal weapon. Licenses will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis and are open to hunters under the age of 18 on opening day of the hunt. To purchase a license, go to wildlife.state.nm.us beginning at 10 am July 9th.
Governor Susana Martinez recently unveiled the nation’s first permanent Digital Heart Gallery, which helps the Children Youth and Families Department (CYFD) find forever families for the foster children who are available for adoption. Using this digital program allows CYFD to more quickly and efficiently update Heart Galleries so more of our rural New Mexico children can be featured and, as the children are adopted, CYFD will be able to update the online galleries without having to drive all over the state to change out photographs and information. The Heart Gallery can be viewed on the CYFD website, www.heartgallerynm.com.
A recent survey by the Department of Health shows that significant improvements have been made concerning underage drinking in New Mexico since 2011. The number of underage people currently drinking dropped 21.68%, Binge Drinking is down 23.66%, Drinking and Driving is down 4.3%, and drinking before the age of 13 decreased 14.96%. The results of the survey are being partly attributed to the NMAA’s Life of an Athlete Program and other alcohol awareness programs.
Southwest New Mexico will be under a Fire Weather Watch on Friday, June 27th as an Upper Level Trough brings very dry air to the region and winds up of to 25 MPH. Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly, and outdoor burning is not recommended.
