Here’s some of today’s news:
John Richmond, the former general manager of the Hampton Inn Hotel in Deming has been hired as the new executive director of the Deming-Luna County Chamber of Commerce. Since last October, when former director, Laurie Findley stepped down, the chamber has been searching for a permanent executive director. The chamber’s business manager Randi Morrow took on the title as interim, but it resulted in a conflict of interest as her husband, Gregory Morrow was board president. Richmond will be assisting with business to business networking and being a liaison figure between chamber membership and the community.
The Hurley Town Council has hired Joseph Carlos as a new police officer. Carlos, has previously served as a sergeant for the Luna County Sheriff’s Office. In addition, the Councilors accepted the resignation of officer Roberto Lopez. Other council news included the approval of J. Castillo Construction to complete tile work at the community center and The Hurley Pride Committee is hosting the Culpepper & Merriweather Circus on April 7th.
Students from Aldo Leopold Charter School are traveling Atlanta, Georgia this week to participate in a “Climate Reality Leadership Corps” workshop. The workshop, led by former Vice-President, Al Gore, and world-renowned scientists and communicators, will train participants to learn about the climate crisis and how it can be solved by working together. The Aldo students, Izabela Chase, Aiden Young, and Emily Cox, raised funds for the trip by working a wetlands restoration project, making direct appeals to local organizations, and use of a Go Fund Me campaign. After returning from the conference, the students will commit to facilitating at least 10 climate change awareness events in the community.
The New Mexico Senate passed House Bill 311 titled the “Home Insurance Increase Notice and Appeals Act. The bill requires the Office of the Superintendent of Insurance to notify residents affected by changes in certain codes 90 days in advance of an Insurance Service Office review. According to a release, “This would provide a window for New Mexicans to reach out to local government officials or their insurance carriers to properly plan for the future. Last year there were skyrocketing home insurance costs due to the downgrading of County fire stations.” In addition, House Bill 311 will require organizations that publish information regarding building code information, public protection classifications, and effectiveness of community fire protection to provide notice of any unfavorable change in a community’s classification to the Office of Superintendent of Insurance. House Bill 311 now heads to the Governor for consideration.
