BLM Plans Control or Eradication of Invasive Species

(Deming) – BLM lands within Luna County could be affected by  a plan to treat non-native, noxious and invasive plant species in the  area.
       
Officials with the Las Cruces District Office of the Bureau of Land  Management have prepared a draft Environmental Assessment which analyzes the environmental impacts of treating the targeted plant species within the counties of Luna as well as Otero, Dona Ana, Sierra, Grant and Hidalgo.
       
In addition, the BLM has been working with partners to treat non-federal  lands within these counties when funding is available.
       
Reportedly, officials are proposing an Integrated Pest Management  approach to controlling or eradicating the non-native, noxious and invasive  plant species that occur on BLM and adjoining lands.
       
The approach would utilize cultural, manual, mechanical and herbicidal  methods to treat the invading plants.
       
Experts say these non-native plants, which have been brought into the  area and have been able to adapt to the conditions here, are now sometimes out-competing native vegetation.
       
BLM officials say the control or eradication of these species will help  return the lands to a productive and healthy condition.
       
The Environmental Assessment is available for public review and comment  at www.blm.gov/nm/lascruces.
       
Comments must be submitted by September  18th.

AP-NM--Ruidoso Downs-Drug tests confirms drug use in horses 

 ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Three trainers whose horses tested positive for an  exotic painkilling drug could face suspensions, fines and criminal charges.

New Mexico Racing Commission executive director Vince Mares says independent  lab tests have confirmed that nine horses had been drugged with dermorphin.

He tells the Albuquerque Journal that the cases are being
forwarded to the state Attorney General's Office for possible criminal prosecution.

Trainers can mask an injured horse's pain by using illegal drugs like dermorphin and still race the horse. But the horses could break down, injuring the animals and their riders. 

The three trainers had invoked their right to have their horses' blood and  urine samples re-tested by an independent lab after initial tests in May. 

Mares says they will be subject to an administrative hearing in the coming weeks.

Today's Local Crime Report

(Deming) – Here’s the area crime report:
       
Joseph Gomez, age 20, was arrested for possession of marijuana,  possession of drug paraphernalia and interference with officers… Cesar  Rodriguez, age 25, was arrested on a District Court warrant for failure to appear and on two Magistrate warrants – also for failure to appear… and Connie 
Jimenez, age 34, was arrested on a Magistrate warrant for local  charges.

NM teacher receives probation on voyeurism charges


ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — An elementary school teacher caught taking images up girls' skirts has been sentenced to five years' probation.

Christopher Lucero apologized in court Wednesday for using a camera attached to his shoe to videotape girls as young as 10 at an Albuquerque amusement park  in 2007. He pleaded guilty to five misdemeanor counts of voyeurism.

KRQE reports that Lucero had faced up  to five years in jail as part of a plea agreement with prosecutors.

Lucero says he's a changed man and recognizes how to stay away from high-risk situations.

 He recently completed a 14-month program for sex offenders, though he's not required to register as one.

West Nile Virus Hits NM Again.

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Three more New Mexicans have been diagnosed with West Nile
virus infection, bringing the total in the state this year to eight human cases. 

No deaths have been reported so far. State health officials say two of the cases  are in Bernalillo County and the third is in Dona Ana County.

State requires New Form for immunization exempts

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico Department of Health is asking parents to  stop citing philosophical reasons for exempting their children from
immunizations required to attend public school or day care. The Santa Fe New  Mexican reports state officials say the only reasons a child can be exempted  from vaccinations are medical and religious. A new form for those seeking an  exemption asks parents to spell out the nature of their beliefs.