Between Editions: Feb. 28

A Curry County jury on Thursday convicted Darryl Turner for the Sept. 5, 2017, shooting death of David McDonald.

The shooting occurred at the Clovis Apartments.

The guilty verdict for voluntary manslaughter followed almost four days of trial and 90 minutes of deliberation.

In a sentencing hearing scheduled for April 1, Turner faces six years in prison with a possible enhancement for prior felonies in California.

Prosecutor Brian Stover said the state was “exceptionally pleased” with the verdict, while public defender Ibukun Adepoju said she was “confident this will come back” on appeal.

• Curry County Manager Lance Pyle and Eastern New Mexico University student Joseph Gergel III were appointed Thursday to fill openings on the ENMU board of regents.

Pyle, an ENMU graduate and current treasurer of the university’s alumni association, was appointed to a six-year term through the end of 2024. Gergel, a Rio Rancho High school graduate studying political science at ENMU, was appointed to a two-year term through 2020.

The appointments were made by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham.

The terms for former board president Jane Christensen and former student regent Kekoa VonSchriltz expired at the end of 2018.

• Senate Bill 121 — aimed at keeping livestock off of state highways — has passed the New Mexico state Senate, 32-0.

The bill would require “owners or custodians of livestock to exercise due diligence to keep livestock off state highways,” according to a news release from the New Mexico Senate Republican office.

“This bill would also require (Department of Transportation) to post warning signs at least every two miles along unfenced highways, warning motorists to exercise caution and also construct fences along all highways under its jurisdiction.”

Sen. Pat Woods, R-Broadview, said in the release: “This is an opportunity to remind the Highway Department and farmers and ranchers of their responsibilities to help keep our motoring public safe on state highways.

“It is also a good reminder to motorists to be aware we are a rural state and to keep a sharp eye out when driving. Anything from anywhere can enter our highways, especially on the stretches along unfenced highways where warning signs should be posted.”

• From Roosevelt County: The Roosevelt County Road Department will be working on SRR 3, from U.S. 70 to SRR O; and also SRR 3, from SRR S to SRR U beginning Monday.

These projects are expected to be completed by March 21, weather permitting.

Both road projects are being enhanced to caliche from dirt as part of a Local Government Road Fund Grant. We ask all residents to drive slow and watch for heavy equipment and personnel.

Information: 575-356-5942 or 575-356-5307

— Compiled by The Staff of The News