New Mexico Legislature Seeks Reforms to Spur Internet Access
Social worker Victoria Dominguez, background right, delivers supplies she collected at Cuba High School, to deliver along a rural school bus route outside Cuba, N.M., Oct. 19, 2020. The switch to remote learning in rural New Mexico has left some students profoundly isolated — cut off from others and the grid by sheer distance. The school system is sending school buses to students’ far-flung homes to bring them assignments, meals and a little human contact. (AP Photo/Cedar Attanasio)
By CEDAR ATTANASIO Associated Press / Report for America SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico legislators are advancing bills that would modernize efforts to expand access to high-speed internet service as online schooling during the pandemic exposes infrastructure gaps. The state Senate on Wednesday endorsed a bill that creates a centralized office for broadband internet access. Outside of New Mexico's metro areas, internet access can be slow, expensive, or simply not available. District 32 State Representative Candie Sweetser who represents Luna County said, “The Connect New Mexico Act helps all New Mexicans, whether it’s for your education, business, job, ranch, or farm, we all need access to the high-speed, affordable, broadband internet necessary for life today.” Proposals from House and Senate lawmakers would set up a centralized clearinghouse within state government for improving internet access — following the example of many other states that address broadband internet through one agency.
Luna County Records Two Additional COVID-19 Deaths
DEMING – Luna County recorded two residents died from COVID-19 Wednesday bringing the county’s total loss of life to the virus to 79 people. New Mexico state health officials described the first person as a man in his 60’s and the second person as a woman in her 80’s. Luna County also recorded 10 additional COVID-19 cases on Wednesday. The state’s COVID-19 dashboard (https://cvprovider.nmhealth.org/public-dashboard.html) shows the total number of active cases in the Luna County is now 520. The state is reporting 2,510 people have completely recovered and 79 people have died, making the cumulative number of positive cases in Luna County 3,109. The dashboard also shows 35,526tests have been administered in the county. To schedule a free COVID test go online to www.curative.com. To get on the list for the free COVID vaccine when it is available go to www.vaccinenm.com.
Local Crime Report
DEMING - Here’s today’s local crime report: Juliana Flores, age 40, arrested for receiving or transferring a stolen motor vehicle and no proof of registration… Victor Estrada, Age 43, arrested on a fugitive complaint from Colorado…Sergio Uribe, age 29, arrested on a warrant for failure to register as a sex offender… Mark Almanza, age 28, arrested on an Adult Probation and Parole warrant for probation violations… Jay Anderson, age 46, was arrested on a Grant County warrant for failure to appear… Christopher Aviana, age 18, wa arrested on a Magistrate warrant for failure to pay fines.. Clyudia Martinez, age 42, arrested for causing criminal damage to property. In other reports: A 44-year old Deming woman reported credit card fraud after over $400 worth of purchases were made unlawfully around the city. A BMX bike valued at $120 was reported stolen from a residence off of Santa Cruz street.
Local Deming Radio Weather - Steve Hamilton
Today: Sunny and windy. High: Mid 60s. Wind: NE 15 to 25 gusting to 30.
Tonight: Mostly clear. Low: Mid 30s. Wind: E 10 to 20.
Saturday: Sunny and breezy. High: Mid 60s. Wind: SE 15 to 25 gusting to 30.
Saturday Night: Clear. Low: Mid 30s.
Sunday: Sunny. High: 70
Monday: Some sun and some clouds, and warmer. High: Mid 70s. Wind gusting to 25 mph.
Tuesday: Partly sunny and windy. High: Low to mid 70s.
Windy conditions will continue today, especially across much of eastern NM
as a cold front exits the state and moves into the TX panhandle.
We may get a few lingering light showers over the mountains this morning, but overall,
precipitation will be over with by midday. However, winds of 40 mph or higher will
continue in the Pecos valley, causing difficult travel for north and south-bound
high profile vehicles.
Winds should calm down by midday or early afternoon for most areas except for the
eastern plains. Our weekend weather looks fair as an area of high pressure results
in dry conditions and warming temperatures. Another storm system may
result in light showers and more wind by the middle of next week. Steve Hamilton
Click below for latest sales flyer from Peppers!
Effective immediately, Free Oral Covid-19 testing hosted by Curative will move the the Mimbres Valley Learning Center, 2300 E Pine St. Appointment may be made by clicking the sign at the left or at https://curative.com/search#9/32.2714/-107.733.
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