Former MHS Teacher Claims Her Innocence Of Misconduct Allegation Thursday, May 16, 2013 The Muleshoe Police Department has identified the former teacher under investigation for an inappropriate relationship with a student as Morgan Marricle of Muleshoe. According to a recently released police report, Marricle, who was a first year English instructor at Muleshoe High School, stands accused of touching a 14-year-old male student in an a sexual manner, an allegation denied in a press release from her attorney, Chuck Lanehart of Lubbock. “Morgan Marricle has not been charged with any criminal offense, as has been widely reported by the media. An investigation has been launched into accusations that have been made against her, and she maintains her innocence as to the allegations,” the release from Lanehart states. Full Story

He’s Coming Through Thursday, May 16, 2013 Move over, Mule Junior Baca is coming through! Pictured above, Baca prepares to pass an opponent during the 800-meter run at the state track meet. This was Baca’s final pass before crossing the finish line with a time of 1:56.84, and capturing the bronze medal. (Photograph by Delton Wilhite) Full Story

County Court Approves EMS Expansion Grant Resolution Thursday, May 16, 2013 The Bailey County Commissioners’ Court approved a resolution related to the expansion of the existing emergency medical service building during Monday’s regular meeting. Bailey County EMS Director Kevin Baize explained that the financial resolution was a requirement for a grant being prepared for submission to Mueller Metal Building. Although the contract for the exchange of property adjacent to the EMS’ existing building in exchange for the construction of a new parking lot has yet to be prepared by the county attorney, Baize explained that he had been in contact with Muleshoe Area Hospital District officials whom he said didn’t have a problem with the resolution’s passage to allow the grant paperwork to be submitted prior to the June 1 deadline. Full Story

Ellis Elected To Local City Council Seat Thursday, May 16, 2013 Colt Ellis defeated opponent Isidoro Trevino by almost three to one Muleshoe’s District 1 municipal election, according to totals released by City Secretary LeAnn Gallman. Isidoro Trevino received 15 votes in the election that concluded Saturday, May 11, while Colt Ellis received 44 votes. Only 59 of the registered 474 voters took part in this year’s municipal election. Full Story

Most Municipal Sales Tax Allocations Dip Thursday, May 16, 2013 The majority of area communities recorded a decline in their monthly sales tax allocation, according to figures released by the Texas State Comptroller’s office. Only three communities showed a percentage of increase when compared to last year’s totals, but the community with the highest percentage — Bovina at 58.92 percent, climbed high enough to almost equal the percentage points dropped by the rest of the group. Bovina’s sales tax allocation showed an actual dollar increase of $4,690.53 for the month of May, representing sales tax local merchants collected in March and reported to the state in April. In Muleshoe, the 2.29 percent drop represented $1,378.36 less in sales tax collected, placing it in the middle of the pack in regards to the percentage of increase. Full Story