Here’s a look at local headlines:
Columbus Elementary School was locked down for about an hour-and-a-half yesterday morning before the building was cleared and the school returned regular schedules. The Luna County Sheriff’s Department reported that two separate calls were made at about 8:40 a.m. claiming that shots were fired north of Columbus Elementary. Sheriff deputies, along with law enforcement personnel from New Mexico State Police, U.S. Border Patrol and U.S. Customs arrived to assist school security in searching the school, its perimeter and the surrounding area. No evidence was found of any shots being fired, and the area was cleared at about 10:15 A.M.
The Village of Santa Clara Library has been opened to the public operating from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M Monday through Thursday and until 3:30 P.M. on Friday. There are many books available for young people and Mayor Bauch hopes the community takes advantage of this opportunity to expand their reading. The library is currently located in the Santa Clara Village Hall at 105 North Bayard Street.
The Silver Consolidated Schools hosted a school safety forum on Wednesday night featuring a panel comprised of School Superintendent, Adie Brown; board member, Ed Flores; Silver City Police Chief, Ed Reynolds; Silver City Fire Chief Milo Lambert; New Mexico State Police Lieutenant; Ramon Terrazas and Grant County Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant; Fermin Lopez. The district announced that a school safety and security committee has been formed and is focusing on short-term and long-term goals that address the concerns of each school. Parents were urged to work directly with their school and be certain to update their contact information that is on file. Attendees were assured that all threats will be taken seriously and any persons making threats will be pursued aggressively. Other discussion included, the aim to install armed security guards at each school in the district, additional law enforcement presence at rural schools like Cliff and San Lorenzo, and a new app the school system is rolling out allows for anonymous reporting of bullying and any other concerns. Superintendent Brown closed the forum and suggested anyone with questions or concerns to contact his office or their school directly.
U.S. Senator Tom Udall is inviting New Mexico college students interested in gaining legislative or press relations experience to apply for summer internships in his Washington, D.C., office. During the upcoming summer internship program, Udall’s office in Washington, D.C., will host two summer internship sessions: May 29 – June 29, and July 2 to Aug. 3rd. There may also be limited availability for students who prefer an internship for the full summer. Applications and letters of recommendation for either summer internship session must be submitted by March 18th. Students of all majors are accepted and internships may count toward college credit. or more information and to apply for an internship, please visit tom udall dot senate dot gov slash help slash internships.
Remember to “spring forward” and set your clocks ahead one hour before going to bed Saturday night. Many fire departments encourage people to change the batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors when they change their clocks, because the time change is a convenient twice-yearly reminder. The official time change is 2 a.m. on Sunday.
