Compiled by Denise Ortega

MARCH 1, 1973

STATE POLICEMEN Andy Benavidez and Ray Storment looked over an open package of marijuana which was part of a load intercepted on Feb. 11 north of Socorro. The driver of the vehicle was arrested and charged in the case. Also arrested were two men who claimed to have been hitch-hikers. The pair along with the woman were turned over to U.S. authorities. Taken in the haul were 150 kilos (345 pounds) worth about $175,000 “on the street.”

NEW LOOK. Socorro City police donned new uniforms and helmets this week. Mayor Coulson said the new uniforms and helmets were part of the present administration’s aim to upgrade the department morale and efficiency. Chief Saavedra said new red, white and blue shoulder patches with the American Eagle emblem have been ordered for the new uniformed look. The department recently took delivery of a new police officer and new coats for the officers. The new

uniforms and helmets cost the city about $1,200.

FEBRUARY 25, 1998

FIRST GRADERS READ AT RETIREMENT VILLAGE. A group of Torres Elementary first graders walked a single file line into the dining room of Good Samaritan Village, paperback books in their small hands, for an exercise in reading and personal relations. Each of the first graders was paired with a Good Sam resident, short introductions were made, and the children then opened their books and read aloud. The visit was part of the “Book-It Club” reading program being offered through Denny’s restaurant, in which young readers are rewarded with a free ice cream sundae. The exercise not only gives the first graders reading practice, but also teaches them how to interact with older people. The students were polite, well coached and well behaved, reading in soft, first-grade voices to the great-grandma and great-grandpa residents of Good Sam.

WORK CREWS. Prisoners are working in Socorro’s Riverene Park. The 12-man crew, housed at the Central New Mexico Correctional Facility in Los Lunas, spent Monday clearing salt cedar and cuttind down dead cottonwood trees at Riverene’s Bosque Site. Each inmate is paid and works from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. five days a week. Adam Mitchell is the crew supervisor who works with New Mexico State Forestry office in Los Lunas. Mitchell said the crew is receiving valuable fire-fighting training. Inmates doing this type of work detail cannot be violent crime or sex offenders. Mitchell said that no work-crew member has ever tried to run away and that in the summer they go from eight to 12-member crews.

FEBRUARY 23, 2013

MARGARET AGUILAR and Patrolman Toby Lafave received award plaques for recognition of their outstanding work performance for the New Mexico State Police. Aguilar, secretary at the NMSP District 11 headquarters, was awarded Civilian of the Year for the district, while Lafave was recognized as Officer of the Year for both the district and the entire state. The awards were presented at the Law Enforcement Academy in Santa Fe. “I’m very proud to have them working for me,” Capt. Adrian Armijo said.

FEBRUARY 27, 2013

NOTHING CAN STOP THE MAIL from being delivered in any kind of weather with Paul Bustamante as Socorro’s new postmaster. Bustamante took his new title as postmaster on Dec. 29, 2012. As postmaster, he oversees budget operations and oversees office and hourly overtime shift issues and supervises employees. Bustamante also keeps up with staffing, stocking supplies and stamps, stock reserve and keeps vehicles running in good order. He was a postal employee for 20 years and a supervisor for eight years. As the new postmaster for improvements, he hopes for on-time and accurate delivery, so people get the right mail.

Chieftain Staff Report