Here’s a look at today’s headlines:
Bayard City Councilman Armando Arzola was arrested Wednesday afternoon. According to a New Mexico State Police Press Release, he was accused of attacking a neighbor with an expandable baton or bat during a physical altercation on September 11th. The neighbor sustained injuries to his face and hands during the altercation.
During the public input portion of the Thursday, Oct. 23, 2014, regular Grant County Commission meeting, General Services Director Randy Villa asked to recognize two volunteer fire departments—Pinos Altos Volunteer Fire and Rescue and Fort Bayard Volunteer Fire Department. The State Fire Marshal officer recognized these two departments for lowering their ISO rating, which could lower fire insurance costs for residences in the departments’ areas.
Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich and U.S. Representatives Steve Pearce, Ben Ray Luján, and Michelle Lujan Grisham sent a letter to President Obama, requesting prompt action on the state of New Mexico’s recent request for a major disaster declaration to assist with recovery efforts following severe storms and flooding caused by Hurricane Odile in late September. According to Governor Martinez’s letter requesting the major disaster declaration, the total severe storm damage has been assessed at $10.2 million, with damage to roads and bridges accounting for more than 70 percent of the total. Other damage includes extensive debris, disruption of oil and gas development, agricultural loss, and water and wastewater infrastructure.
According to a report by the Labor Market review, New Mexico job growth for non-farm payroll employment showed gains in seven insdustries, which offset losses in five others. One industry remained unchanged. Education and health services represented a gain of 4,500 jobs and continue to lead all other industries. Financial activities showed and increase of 2,300 jobs, retail trade added 1,900 jobs, mining employment was up 1,600 jobs, and information, transportation, and other services also saw smaller increases. Manufacturing, construction, leisure and hospitality, and government employment registered lost jobs overall this year.
