The Rabbit

The School Resource Officer Newsletter

North Conejos, Sanford, and South Conejos Schools

Sgt. R.L. Noga, SRO

Message Corner

I know my memory slips me sometimes, but didn’t we just celebrate Thanksgiving? How can Christmas be right around the corner already? And that means that 2025 is about to arrive.

I would like to ask for another favor for those that go the Centauri High School and Middle School campus. If you are pulling out of the middle school side, please do not block the intersection where cars cannot pull into the high school side. This is especially important because if a bus has to turn into the campus, they cannot do it. This creates an issue where traffic backs up on the highway. When that happens it also creates a view obstruction for cars wanting to turn north onto Highway 285. If a car happens to pull out and is unable to see vehicles traveling south on the highway, the crash that could take place will have devastating consequences. Please don’t be in a hurry to get in line to pull up to the stop sign. Lives could be lost. Thank you.

New laws to take effect January 1, 2025

I want to pass along information on a couple of new laws that will take effect starting on January 1 that are important. The first one is a law dealing with cell phone use while driving. All drivers will no longer be able to hold or manually use any mobile or cellular device for calls or any other reason. This new law will now require the use of a hands-free device. One exception is the reporting of an emergency. This new law will carry a fine of $75 and two points against a driver’s license. Repeat offenders will see higher fines and additional points. For first-time violators, the ticket will be dismissed if proof is shown to the court that a hands-free device was purchased.

The second law deals with changes to the child restraint laws. Here is the breakdown:

• Booster seats: Children must now use a car seat or booster seat until they are 9 years old (previously under 8 years old).

• Rear-facing car seats: Children under 2 years old and weighing under 40 pounds must be restrained in a rear-facing car seat in the rear seat if available (previously under 1 year old and under 20 pounds). Children under 2 years old but weighing over 40 pounds may use either a rear-facing or forward-facing car seat.

• Seat belt or car seat requirement ages: Children under 18 years old must now be properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint system (previously under 16 years old)

Thank you for using a hands-free device and for always having everyone in your vehicle buckled up!!

Reading my newsletter may get you lunch on me!

My question last month was about when the Great Sand Dunes were designated as a national monument. President Herbert Hoover made this designation on March 17, 1932.

Thank you, Jolie Holtcamp, for reading my newsletter, and doing a little research to find the answer. Keep on reading!!!