Here’s a look at today’s headlines:

The Village of Santa Clara has approved a master agreement with WNM Communications, allowing them to provide another choice for internet service to residents and businesses. WNM will now have access to village easements and rights of way in order to install the equipment necessary to provide wireless internet. In turn, WNM will pay the village an access fee of $125 per month and $25 for each additional location.

Sadly, there is an ongoing investigation of an apparent murder-suicide that occurred in Deming on Thanksgiving Day. Deming Police responded to a 911 call to a location on the 600 block of Florida Street, where Patricia Hudecek, was discovered deceased, being the victim of a fatal gunshot. Upon further search of the apartment, a second individual was discovered and identified as John Rolfe, dead of a self- inflicted gunshot. According to Police Chief, Bobby Orozco, the investigation is nearly completed.

On behalf of Western New Mexico University, the Town of Silver City, and Grant County, the “One Million Bones” art installation has found a permanent home at the The Bear Mountain Lodge, in Silver City. “One Million Bones”: The Project” is an international art installation that was on display in 2013 at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The installation was created to instill awareness of ongoing genocides and mass atrocities all over the world. Crates that contain the ceramic bones have been delivered to Bear Mountain Lodge, and the public is invited to bring pieces up the hill to the permanent site on December 6th from 10:00 am to 4:00 p.m. Bear Mountain Lodge wished to share One Million Bones as not only public art but to promote world peace and provide a place for reflection and thought. For more information call 575-538-2538.

According to the New Mexico Department of Health, there has was decrease in the 2016 teen birth rate in the state, continuing a steep decline that began in 2007. Births to teens in New Mexico are now at their lowest point in many decades. The birth rate for teens ages 15 to 19 fell 14 percent from 2015 to 2016, in addition, the birth rate for teens ages 15 to 17 saw a significant drop, down by 11 percent from 2015 to 2016. These declines in teen births in New Mexico are similar to national declines observed during the same period. Despite the continued decrease in teen births, New Mexico still has among the highest teen birth rates in the nation.

The Western New Mexico University Student Nurses Association donated baskets of seasonal food and distributed turkey vouchers to residents in need. With the help of small businesses in the community, the student group was able to reach its goal of providing nearly $900 worth of assistance. While the club has served Silver City in this way for several years, last year was the first they were able to provide turkey vouchers. They gathered enough food for more baskets than they ever had previously and worked with area elementary school nurses and counselors, who distributed the baskets to families before Thanksgiving. Thank you to WNMU Student Nurses Association for those in need in our community!