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Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Around New Mexico
Human Services Chief Named
Katie Falls, who has served as acting secretary of New Mexico's Human Services Department for nearly two months, was appointed Monday by Gov. Bill Richardson to fill the position on an ongoing basis.
Richardson made the announcement after the state's previous Human Services Department secretary, Pamela Hyde, was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the administrator of a branch of the federal Health and Human Services Department.
Falls will now face confirmation from the New Mexico Senate during the coming 30-day legislative session. She had been appointed by Richardson on Oct. 2 to serve as acting department secretary.
In a statement released by his office, Richardson congratulated Hyde and described Falls as dedicated to the core mission of the department, which oversees child support, food stamps and Medicaid.
Holiday Coat Drive To Begin
A holiday coat drive for kids begins Thursday.
New Mexicans can donate new or used winter coats and jackets to the KOATS for Kids drive statewide at any Walmart, Jenny Craig or New Mexico Educators Federal Credit Union location.
In Albuquerque, coats may also be dropped off at Molina Healthcare, Melloy Dodge, KOAT 7 or Star Bright Cleaners. Cash donations will also be accepted at the credit union. The donated money is used to buy additional coats, usually for high-demand infant and toddler sizes.
Coats will be distributed by the New Mexico Army National Guard and other nonprofit agencies in communities around the state. For more information, call 1-800-678-KOAT or visit www.koat.com/koatsforkids.
Grad Student Vote on Athletics
University of New Mexico graduate students will get to make their feelings about the Athletics Department clear during an election, but exactly what will be on the ballot is still up in the air.
Graduate student leaders took up the issue Monday.
"We decided to have an election. However, after much debate, we postponed until our Dec. 5 meeting exactly what will be on the ballot," said Lissa Knudsen, president of UNM's Graduate and Professional Student Association.
GPSA had issued a news release last week announcing its plans for an election. Among the ballot items being considered are a no-confidence vote against athletics Vice President Paul Krebs and a request that the $1.5 million in student fees currently going to athletics be reallocated to academic programs.
The vote would be largely symbolic.
Knudsen said she hopes the election can be conducted before the Student Fee Review Board meets in late January.
Warning on Door-to-Door Sales
University of New Mexico Children's Hospital said residents in the High Desert and Tanoan neighborhoods have been approached by two men saying they are selling books to raise money for the UNM Children's Hospital.
They are not affiliated with the UNM Children's Hospital. The UNM Children's Hospital does not solicit for donations door to door. If you have questions about donating, call the UNM Children's Hospital Development Office at 277-5685.
Tot Hurt in Crash; Mom Arrested
A Valencia County woman has been arrested after her young child was seriously injured in a crash early Sunday.
The Sheriff's Department said that 31-year-old Hope Gallegos was partying at a relative's house and then decided to head home with her 16-month-old child.
Investigators think Gallegos passed out or fell asleep and crashed into a fence. The windshield was shattered, metal was twisted and the truck she was driving was destroyed.
According to deputies, the toddler was in a car seat but the roof of the truck collapsed on top of the child.
Deputies said Gallegos took a breath test twice and blew a 0.08 percent and 0.09 percent. The presumed level of intoxication in New Mexico is 0.08 percent.
Gallegos is charged with aggravated DWI and child abuse.
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