Here’s a look at today’s headlines:
Planning is underway for the Wreaths Across America Ceremony that will be held at Fort Bayard National Cemetery on December 13th. The mission of Wreaths Across America is to Remember the Fallen, Honor those who serve including their families who sacrifice, and Teach our children the cost of the freedoms we enjoy each day. This year, an estimated 550,000 wreaths are expected to be placed at over 950 participating locations all across the US, including Arlington National Cemetery. The cost to sponsor a wreath is just $15, and for every two wreaths purchased, an additional third wreath will be donated to the Fort Bayard Cemetery.
With the threat of Ebola reaching into nearby Texas, Gila Regional Medical Center has plans in place to deal with the disease and other infections diseases that may appear at the hospital. The procedures, based on CDC guidelines, are being reviewed as new information becomes available. The procedures will be tested and the staff trained to care for patients in a safe manner. These procedures are meant to ensure the caregivers and community is well cared for and, according to CEO Brian Cunningham, the staff is “working with extreme diligence to ensure clear protocols are communicated, tested, and followed by the staff and providers.”
The Gaffney-Oglesby Detachment of the Marine Corps League is gearing up for the annual Marine Corps Birthday Ball, which is scheduled for November 10th. The celebration will commemorate the 239th Anniversary of the founding of the United States Marine Corps. The event offers an opportunity for Marines to get together and talk about old times, and for new recruits to see and learn the traditions of the Corps. Reservations to attend the Marine Corps Birthday Ball are encouraged. Contact the Gaffney-Oglesby Detachment to learn more.
Yesterday is officially known as Columbus Day in accordance with federal and state law, but there is a push in many US cities to change the holiday to honor Native Americans instead. New Mexico state lawmakers failed to change the name of Columbus Day once before, but after progress in renaming the holiday in Seattle and Minneapolis, local officials believe there is a good chance New Mexico could follow suit.
According to the head of Arizona’s Game and Fish Commission, a recent proposal that would change the way the federal government manages endangered Mexican Gray Wolves throughout the Southwest would be a disaster unless changes are made. The current proposal fails to define a cap on the number of wolves allowed in the Southwest. It also doesn’t focus wolf management in areas that include suitable habitat and prey, and fails to establish circumstances that would constitute unacceptable impacts to wildlife. The New Mexico Game and Fish Department has also submitted comments, and a final decision on the issue is expected in January.
A New Mexico woman is suing the parent company of the Mimbres Memorial Hospital after hackers accessed personal information belonging to her and more than 4 million other patients. According to the lawsuit, the Tennessee-based Community Health Systems didn’t notify patients in a timely manner. The suit is requesting a judge order the company pay restitution for any losses from identity theft, consumer credit protection, and insurance. During April and June, hackers from China managed to bypass security systems and take patient names, addresses, birthdates, and phone and Social Security Numbers.
