ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - Gov. Susana Martinez says conditions are in place for another difficult fire season in New Mexico. The governor kicked off Wildfire Awareness Week yesterday by urging residents to be prepared and do their part to prevent fires. State officials say New Mexico has had 75 wildfires so far this year, and more than 2,200 acres have been charred. At this time last year, more than 200 fires had burned nearly 114,000 acres.
CUBA, N.M. (AP) - Documents show that a bus contractor may have overcharged Cuba Independent Schools by as much as $100,000 per year by "padding" the length of bus routes. The Albuquerque Journal reports district transportation director Veronica Casaus (cah-SOOS') received threatening phone calls and was told to drop the issue after she said she noticed discrepancies in the bus routes.
FARMINGTON, N.M. (AP) - Water and gasoline do not mix and the state of New Mexico wants to keep it that way. The state has new rules governing the storage of petroleum fuel in hopes of preventing leaks that can contaminate ground water. The Daily Times reports staffers at the New Mexico Environment Department will work with owners and operators to correct serious violations as soon as possible.
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - The leader of the state Racing Commission says the agency plans to expand random testing of horses for illegal drug use. Commission Executive Director Vince Mares says the Legislature approved money in the upcoming budget year to start "out-of-competition" testing of horses.
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