Health Care advocates available Dec. 11

There will be a public information forum on Connect for Health Colorado and access to health related financial assistance, Thursday, Dec. 11 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Mancos Public Library in the Community Meeting Room. The forum is presented by the Piñon Project Health Advocates and Southwest Health System Patient Financial Counselors. This event is free and open to the public.

For more information about this program, call 533-7600.

Free legal clinic at the Mancos Public Library

The Mancos Public Library will host a free legal clinic from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11.

The clinic for people who have no attorney, will be featured from 2 to 5 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at the Mancos Public Library, 211 West First St.

By computer link, volunteer attorneys will answer questions, help fill out forms, and explain the process and procedure for all areas of civil litigation, including family law, property law, probate law, collections, appeals, landlord-tenant law, small claims, veterans issues, and civil protection orders. Walk-ins are welcome, and everyone will be helped on a first-come, first-served basis.

Upcoming dates are: Dec. 11, Jan. 8, Feb. 12, March 12, April 9, May 14, June 11, July 9, Aug. 13, Sept. 10, Oct. 8, Nov. 12 and Dec. 10.

Aztec approves texting-while-driving fine

Motorists caught sending a text while driving in Aztec, N.M., can now avoid a court date.

Aztec commissioners this week approved a texting-while-driving fine.

The Daily Times reports the new $90 penalty has been added to the city's code book under mandatory penalties and fees. It amounts to a $61 fine plus $29 in court costs.

Municipal Judge Carlton Gray had asked Aztec commissioners to approve the new penalty assessment. He says the way the law was written required everyone to appear in court.

Gray and Aztec Police Chief Mike Heal say drivers should have the option of pleading guilty at the time of the stop and paying a fine.

Staff and Associated Press