SOCORRO, New Mexico (STPNS) -- Reserve Magistrate Court Judge Clayton Atwood presided over a preliminary hearing Tuesday for a man who was charged with two felonies after a state police officer discovered more than 100 pounds of marijuana during a traffic stop in August.

Edward Tossa, 36, of Michigan, is charged with one count each of trafficking a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, a third-degree felony.

Trafficking of more than 100 pounds is a second-degree felony.



At about 9 p.m. Aug. 14, New Mexico State Police officer Michael Forgue stopped a van for speeding in Quemado. Forgue said the driver appeared nervous and hesitant.

The officer smelled marijuana and after the driver gave permission to open the van doors, further investigation of the van revealed about 110 pounds of marijuana.  

Tossa?s cash bond was reduced from $25,000 to $5,000 during the preliminary hearing, on condition that the defendant signed a waiver of extradition.

Tossa was being held at the Catron County Jail.

Village board

The Reserve village Board of Trustees met for a special council meeting Aug. 27 to discuss controversy about the building of a multi-purpose facility, which has been in the works for five years.

Comments from the trustees and audience were given for about an hour. Some members of the community were concerned because the building is near a cemetery. The vote was 3-1 in favor of proceeding as currently planned with the building.

It will house a drunk driving awareness program, an after-school program, an adult education program and will be a meeting place for community groups and the Local Emergency Planning Committee, among other uses.

Senior Olympics

Catron County seniors did well in the recent Senior Olympics in Las Cruces. Thirteen seniors, in addition to the country dance team, attended the four-day event.

Karolie Green, Eunice Cox, Joy Waite and Doug Waite brought home 16 medals between the four of them.

Victory and honor

The Reserve School District held its annual Pursuing Victory with Honor meeting Aug. 26. The meeting, which is a requirement of the New Mexico Activities Association Sport smanship Initiative, introduced rules and regulations about conduct in school activities to students and parents.

Guest speaker Stella Gallegos gave a presentation on sexual harassment. Superintendent Loren Cushman introduced the new boys? basketball coach, Stan Thompson, a Luna resident and former Reserve High School graduate.

He brings a wealth of experience as a former coach and is excited about the new job. He has met with some members of the team and is looking forward to meeting with additional parents and students.

Health center

Quemado Schools offers a unique service to students. On Tuesdays, the Quemado Health Center building on school grounds is open to students.

Students can visit the center for vaccines, check-ups and medical tests.

Medical personnel from Reserve staff the center.

Parents may take advantage of the opportunity to fulfill their children?s medical concerns.

New dentist

Catron County has a dentist for the first time in almost 1 ˝ years. Dr. Anna Fuller, who is new to the area, comes to Catron County by way of Louisville, Ky., where she received her doctorate of dental medicine certificate.

Fuller?s office is in the Catron County Medical Center in Reserve. She offers a wide range of services and is comfortable with all ages.

?I love the weather and the countryside,? Fuller said.

She is married to Chad and has five children.

?We are excited to be here,? she said. ?My 6-year-old daughter got her first cowgirl hat at the fair.?

Presbyterian Medical Services recruited heavily to secure Fuller?s services.

?I am here to stay. Don?t worry about seeing anybody else. I will provide quality care to everyone,? Fuller said.

Her office is seeking a dental assistant. Once the position is filled, Fuller will be able to work toward one of her goals, which is to improve the oral health of students.

Fuller is thankful for her trained staff.

?Louise Menges and Kim Faust have been fantastic in helping me,? she said. ?They are real assets to the community.?

PMS offers a reasonably priced dental plan. They also offer one day a month for student needs, thereby addressing attendance concerns.  

For more information, call 533-6456.

Suicide prevention

Suicide has many victims and far-reaching consequences. It is important to recognize and respond appropriately to signs of depression or risk of suicide.

Suicide Awareness Week is Sept. 8 through 12. The New Mexico Suicide Intervention Project has published a list of risk factors and steps to prevent suicide.

Risk factors include prior attempts at suicide, threats of suicide, serious depression, difficulties in school, family conflict, hopelessness and poor problem-solving abilities.

People who notice risk factors should be observant and show they care, ask tough questions and get help.

NMSIP has counseling, education and training centers. Services are free. For more information, call 473-6191.

A toll-free number for anyone who just wants to talk may call 866-314-6847 any time.