Here’s a look at some of today’s local news:

Traffic control was provided by the Silver City Police Department yesterday afternoon on Hudson Street for nearly 3 hours while New Mexico State Police SWAT, assisted by the Las Cruces Police Department, served warrants for two male suspects in the murder of Robert Pena, of Silver City, that occurred in Las Cruces last week. After a standoff with law enforcement at a residence on Dorothy Street, the first suspect, Patrick Salaiz surrendered and was handcuffed. The additional suspect, Gabriel Salaiz, does not appear to have been found on the property. Patrick Salaiz was taken into custody and no one was injured.

Luna County Magistrate Court and the Sixth Judicial District has partnered with an online dispute resolution software program by Tyler Technologies called, Modria. This pilot program was created to help residents resolve disputes online without having to go to court. The courts will use “Modria” in cases involving simple debt and collection in addition to complex family and custody cases. The pilot includes the Second, Sixth and Ninth Judicial District Courts; five Magistrate Courts including Luna, Grant, Hidalgo, Roosevelt, and Curry counties, and Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court.

At the recently completed American Legion 2019 NM Boys State Session, Craig Keys, of Silver High School was awarded the American Legion Luther Otero $1,000.00 Memorial Scholarship.  Additionally, Mr. Keys was elected by his peers to represent the American Legion Department of New Mexico as an Alternate Boys Nation Senator. Other local High School Juniors who attended the American Legion’s Governmental Education Program were: Austin Bailey of Silver High School; Seth Neal, of Calvary Christian Academy; William Scott of Aldo Leopold Charter School and Justin Dominguez of Cobre High School. All five students were sponsored by the Allingham-Golding American Legion Post 18, in Silver City.

Mike Morones, chairman of the Gila Regional Medical Center board of trustees has announced that he will not seek reappointment at the end of his term this month. Morones wishes to now focus on the demands of his accounting firm and family.  In addition, Taffy Arias, GRMC CEO announced that Rosie Lopez has been has been hired as a permanent chief nursing officer.