Here’s a look at today’s headlines:
Western New Mexico University President Joseph Shepard led off remarks during the open forum for the community to give input on the university’s identity. “A couple of years ago, we went through a budget reduction of $5 million,” Shepard explained. “Now, in spite of this year’s legislative decision to cut higher education budgets, and we will lose $600,000, we are well ahead of the other universities. Our reserves are healthy. Being proactive is important for universities. “This forum is to discuss what we as a community want in terms of a university,” Shepard continued.
Cub Scout Packs 110, 112, 711, 133, 134, and 930 joined together Saturday February 27, 2016 to race their Pinewood Derby Cars. 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place finishers in each Pack were eligible to Race in the Geronimo District Race. 26 boys between the ages of 8 and 10 enjoyed the event.
During the final day of the Sixth Annual Natural History of the Gila Symposium, participants were offered field trips. One of them was to observe the trees and other natural flora on the WNMU Campus. Professor Richard Felger of the University of Arizona Herbarium showed the participants the variety of plants that live on the Campus.
A 32 year-old Columbus man pleaded guilty in Las Cruces Federal Court yesterday to producing child pornography involving three young children and to possessing child pornography. The man was arrested in November of 2014 on an eight-count indictment. All eight counts were committed in Luna County.
The House recently passed House Resolution 3716, Ensuring Access to Quality Medicaid Providers Act. The resolution requires the reporting of terminated providers to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, or CMS, within 21 days; CMS is subsequently required to list these providers in a Termination Notification Database within 21 days. The bill additionally stipulates that states keep a comprehensive list of providers, requiring providers to enroll with the state’s Medicaid agency.
Department of Health Secretary Retta Ward was involved in an accident this morning and, unfortunately, she did not survive. A release from the Department of Health in Santa Fe stated the following: Secretary Ward was an exceptional leader, passionate about improving health for all New Mexicans. She was also passionate about making the Department of Health the best place to work in New Mexico. She valued and appreciated her colleagues. For many of us, she was more than a boss, a colleague, and a mentor. She was a true friend.
