Here’s a look at some local news:

Last Thursday, Western New Mexico University’s President, Joseph Shepard presided over press conference regarding the university’s participation in the Community Solar Direct agreement with PNM. The agreement will provide renewable energy to the university and other entities. PNM Solar Direct was created governmental and large businesses achieve their goals in a cost-effective manner that is consistent with our ongoing transition to cleaner, sustainable energy resources. According to the PNM website, they have requested approval from the New Mexico Public Regulatory Commission to build a 50 MW solar facility. If this proposal is approved, large or governmental customer like WNMU will be able to subscribe to PNM Solar Direct to receive electricity matching their usage at a set price from this new solar facility. The customer must commit to purchase the requested amount of electricity for a specific length of time.

The Southwest Border Archers group held a benefit archery event this month that enabled them to purchase school supplies for Deming students. Proceeds from the event were used to donated various school supplies for Deming Public Schools Title 1 and McKinney-Vento programs.

The Town of Silver City Town Council unanimously approved a resolution to adopt a new strategic plan for the Silver City Museum. It has been 10 years since the last strategic plan was adopted. The new strategic plan will also be used to complete the work needed for reaccreditation.

Local author, Catalina Claussen, had her latest novel. “Diamonds at Dawn” selected as a finalist om the United Kingdom’s “Wishing Shelf Book Awards.” The book is a sequel to Claussen’s award-winning debut novel, “Diamonds at Dusk”. Both novels take place in rural Southwest New Mexico. According to a release, the novel was reviewed by a panel of seventeen readers and selected as a final in the young adult category.