Here’s some of today’s news:
Yesterday, the New Mexico Department of Health announced the first laboratory confirmed cases of flu of the 2018-2019 season. All three persons, ages 8, 11 and 13 years of age, live in Quay County and in addition reported no recent out of state travel. The Department of Health is recommending that everyone six months of age and older get a flu shot every year, especially individuals in the following groups that include: children under 5 years of age, especially younger than 2; pregnant women; people ages 65 and older or in nursing or long- term care facilities; personal care givers; American Indians and Alaskan Natives; and people who are morbidly obese. For more information about flu and flu vaccines, visit the Department of Health influenza website at nmhealth.org.
Deming Police Chief, Bobby Orosco, has announced that the Deming Code Enforcement Division has a new dedicated phone line for tips and concerns. Messages will be checked on a daily basis and the number rings directly to a recording where residents can leave a message for city code enforcement officers. The number to call is 575-567-1036.
The Silver Consolidated School District met at a regular meeting and announced that the district has added 50 students since the beginning of the school year, bringing the total enrollment to 2499 students that include children in the new Pre-K program. Other reports contained a discussion of proposals for some construction and infrastructure projects, and related topics discussed at the “Threat Assessment Committee” meeting that reported a technical issue with electric locks used at the schools.
The Grant County Community Health Council is working towards a possible partnership with Gila Regional Medical Center after significant cuts in funding that have in the past, been provided by the New Mexico Department of Health. The local Health Council, that has served as an agency of Grant County government, has worked in the collecting and presenting health related information to local residents. The organization can no longer afford to pay an executive director and the possibility of partnering with Gila Regional is a possible option to keep the council active and serving the community. The last executive director, Cari Lemon, resigned from the position last week.
