Today's News

Every year about this time, we begin sifting through the year’s Optics to select the biggest local stories of the year. I’ve always enjoyed this year-end chore, but this time around we’re going to do it differently.

This year, you get to be the judge.

Today, on Page B7, you’ll find a master list, compiled by copy editor Art Trujillo, of the big local stories covered by the Optic in 2009. I ask that you go through this list and rank the top 10 stories of the year.

The rules for participation are simple:

A unit of the New Mexico National Guard last week held an exercise with local agencies to prepare for the possibility of a hazardous materials incident.

The 64th Civil Support Team from Rio Rancho supports state and local authorities for manmade and natural disasters and incidents involving weapons of mass destruction and hazardous materials.

A month ago, Alta Vista Regional Hospital closed its doors for a short time to any new admissions, its top official said this week.

Richard Grogan, Alta Vista’s CEO, told the San Miguel County Commission that a lot of people were sick locally and many of the hospital’s employees were calling in sick. He said he closed the hospital to new admissions “until we got to more comfortable levels.”

He said the hospital would have arranged transportation of sick people to other hospitals.

The Police Department has closed its investigation into Robertson High School’s cheerleading coach, who was suspected of “inappropriate” activity.

But Krystle King’s job may still be in jeopardy. She was placed on administrative leave  last month when the allegations became known.

Police Chief Gary Gold said her alleged actions didn’t rise to the level of a crime. Officials haven’t described the nature of the allegations against King.