Here’s a look at today’s news:
The Grant County Board of Commissioners is currently accepting applications for an appointment of one Community Member to the “Tu Casa” Advisory Board. Tu Casa is a substance abuse and addiction treatment center owned by Grant County and operated by Hidalgo Medical Services (HMS). The facility provides medical evaluations, medication-assisted therapy, intensive outpatient, and other counseling services to the community, including family services and after care. The nine-member Advisory Board provides recommendations that will support the success of the program and enhancement of the services provided. The term of service for the Community Member position is 3 years. Interested Individuals may obtain an application and a copy of the Advisory Board Charter by visiting grantcountynm.com or by contacting Stephanie Ramirez at 575-574-0006. The deadline for materials is Tuesday, April 9th at by 5:00 P.M.
In legislative news, the New Mexico House of Representatives passed House Bill 24 titled “The School Bus Stop-Arm Law” that aims to protect students and reduce illegal passing of school buses by tripling the penalty for violations from $100 to $300. According to a release, the bill, sponsored by Representative Raymundo Lara, defends the protection of children and “the penalty for endangering students’ lives should be more than the penalty for littering.” House Bill 24 now heads to the Senate for further consideration.
A formal opening of the new Visitor’s Center located in the former National Guard Armory building in Santa Clara has been planned for Friday, March 22nd from 11:30 A.M. to 1:30 P.M. The Village of Santa Clara and the Fort Bayard Historic Preservation Society are hosting the event that will feature historic photographs and exhibits that trace the history of Fort Bayard from its founding in 1866 up to the present. The Visitors Center tells the Santa Clara story as well, and features historic photographs donated by the Village through the generosity of Dillon and Jimmy Stone. The Visitors’ Center was made possible through the generosity of the Village of Santa Clara, the Fort Bayard Historic Preservation Society, and PNM. The Preservation Society received a $10,000 grant from PNM through its New Century of Service program, to provide equipment and signage for the facility. The Visitors’ Center will begin regular hours of operation on March 23rd and will be staffed by volunteers from the Preservation Society and the Village. Regular hours will be Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The Luna County commissioners met for a work session yesterday morning and presented service awards to Jessica Jara, for 5 years with the Manager’s office and Rosa Baeza, for 5 years with the Parents and Teachers organization. Congratulations!
