Removing mandatory minimum sentences

SANTA FE, N.M. – The republican Party of New Mexico did not waste time accusing Democrats in Santa Fe of “Sid[ing] with rapists and remov[ing] punishment for such sex predators,” when attacking proposed House Bill 140.

Chamber of Commerce promotes ‘Shop Local Cibola’

CIBOLA COUNTY, N.M. - The Grants/Cibola County Chamber of Commerce kicked off its “Shop Local Cibola” initiative in December. Matt Munson, Parkhurst pharmacist and Chamber member, wanted to come up with an idea that encourages local shopping and promotes small businesses.

Restoring voting rights

CIBOLA COUNTY, N.M. – The New Mexico State Legislature is considering a bill that restores voting rights to formerly incarcerated people. Under current state law all New Mexicans who are sentenced to prison lose their right to vote; House Bill 74 looks to change that.

ID cards for homeless youth

CIBOLA COUNTY, N.M. – The New Mexico State Legislature is debating a bill which mandates that young people who are considered “homeless” by the state receive an identification card that cab serve as an ID without requiring a parent’s signature. House Bill 127, proposed by NM Representative D.

Items to take to the tax preparer

For many working Americans, April 15 is synonymous with taxes. But taxpayers may be happy to learn that they have two extra days to file their returns in 2018.

Tips for writing an obituary

Do not feel obliged to include cause of death. While acquaintances who first learn of a person’s death via an obituary may be curious about cause of death, loved ones of the deceased do not have to include such information if they are uncomfortable doing so.

School district returns to hybrid option

CIBOLA COUNTY, N.M. – The Grants/Cibola County School District board voted to return to hybrid learning at the Feb. 8 meeting. The option is scheduled to begin Monday, Feb. 22.

Private Prison Moratorium; Current HB 40 status

SANTA FE, N.M. – The New Mexico State Legislature will debate House Bill 40, a piece of proposed legislation that makes it illegal for any city, village, or county to make an agreement or extend a contract with a private prison.

Southwest Yard & Garden; Weeping fig with the wintertime blues

Ficus trees, aka weeping figs (Ficus benjamina), are famous for sudden leaf drop and other seasonal problems. In my experience, once the leaf-drop symptoms start, they usually get worse before they get better. If your ficus houseplant starts throwing a fit, do not despair. It is just a phase.