Here’s a look at today’s news:
On Friday in Silver City, Sixth Judicial District Court Judge, Jarod K. Hofacket, sentenced former Silver City Police Officer, Bradley Farrington, to life in prison for the first-degree murder of his estranged wife, Cassy Farrington on March 24th, 2014. Farrington’s trial lasted four days and he was taken into custody upon his conviction on August 17th. In addition, time was given for victim impact statements whereby Cassy’s family and friends were permitted to address the court. Before the sentence was announced, Farrington declined to address the court himself. Since New Mexico does not have the death penalty, life in prison is the maximum sentence that the law allows. Farrington will be eligible for parole in 30 years.
The Annual Red-Hot Children’s Fiesta brought out hundreds of children and their families on Saturday in Silver City’s Penny Park. The event was coordinated by the Grant County Health Council with help from other group partners, and featured kid and family themed booths focusing on good health, reading, and education. Walgreen’s provided flu shots from the Blue Cross Blue Shield van, in addition to entertainment from Melinda’s Conservatory of Dance, karate demonstrations by Oni Ken Karate, and performances by the WNMU Mariachi Plata group.
Jessica Etcheverry, Director of Luna County Community Projects for the past eight years, has accepted a position as Director of Grants and Community Relations for Deming Public Schools. Etcheverry, has accumulated a vast amount of experience regarding capital projects, grant writing, and community projects. She will be leaving her current position with the county and starting with Deming Public Schools on September 17th.
The upcoming general election in November will be featuring four bonds on the ballot that will affect residents in the state. The bonds are will be presented as follows: Bond A will fund various improvements for senior centers; Bond B will fund the needs of libraries; Bond C will go towards the funding of school buses; and Bond D is specified for more than $128 million funding for improvements benefiting higher education. If Bond D is approved, Western New Mexico University would receive the $6 million necessary to complete the Harlan Hall renovation project and in addition, furnish the funds needed for projects and upgrades to the Natural Sciences Departments facility.
