Another Arizona Mental Health Provider To Leave New Mexico—Associated Press
Another Arizona behavioral health company brought in to replace New Mexico nonprofits accused of Medicaid overbilling and fraud has announced it will stop providing services in New Mexico at the end of June.
Agave Health Inc. runs treatment programs in Bernalillo, Santa Fe and about 10 other counties. The company cited ongoing financial hardships along with Medicaid rate reductions as reasons for its decision.
Agave said in a statement issued Friday that it regrets having to take such as drastic measure.
The move means three of the five Arizona providers brought in by Gov. Susana Martinez's administration in 2013 to replace the New Mexico nonprofits have pulled up stakes in the state.
The state Human Services Department says it's working to ensure there are no gaps in coverage.
Eddy County Sheriff's Deputy Is Accused Of Cattle Rustling—Associated Press, Artesia Daily Press
An Eddy County Sheriff's deputy has been accused in a cattle rustling scheme with another Carlsbad man.
The Artesia Daily Press reports deputy Trey Thompson was arrested Friday on suspicion of two felony counts of transporting stolen livestock and two misdemeanor counts of unlawful disposition of animals.
The newspaper says 39-year-old Skeeter Chadwick is accused of felony counts of transporting stolen livestock and conspiracy to transport stolen livestock plus two misdemeanor counts of unlawful disposition of animals.
The New Mexico Livestock Board investigated after Chadwick contacted them Feb. 1 about stray cattle he was caring for.
The board and other agencies determined that the cattle was physically removed from one property and transported to another. They say the evidence included photos, tire tracks, footprints and fences that had been cut.
Albuquerque Daycare Facility Evacuated Due To Toxic Fumes—Associated Press
Three women have been taken to a hospital after cleaning products created toxic fumes at a southwest Albuquerque daycare facility.
Albuquerque Fire Department officials say more than 80 children were evacuated from the Little Blessings Child Development Center on Friday afternoon.
Authorities say daycare staffers had used various cleaning products on a clogged toilet and the fumes were toxic.
Firefighters immediately evacuated 86 children and 19 adults from the daycare.
Three women were taken to the hospital for minor breathing complaints.
None of the children were taken to the hospital and firefighters gave them snacks and drinks to keep them calm.
Bradbury Offered $250,000 To Head UNM Women's Basketball—Associated Press
The new coach of the University of New Mexico's women's basketball program has been offered a five-year deal making at least $250,000.
The university on Wednesday announced that Mike Bradbury would replace Yvonne Sanchez, who was fired in mid-March after five seasons as head coach.
Bradbury's hiring is still pending but he has signed a letter of agreement on a five-year contract with a base salary of 50,000 for year one that increases to $275,000 thereafter. The contract will include a buyout if Bradbury is fired and has an incentive clause for performance, such as NCAA appearances or conference championships, and ticket revenue plateaus.
Bradbury has coached the women's team at Wright State in Ohio since 2010. He led the team to a 25-9 finish this season.