Here’s a look at some headlines:
Members of the Grant County 4-H joined together last week to celebrate at the annual Grant County 4-H Banquet that was held at the Cliff Exhibition Building. Jessica Swapp, 4-H/agricultural agent for New Mexico State University’s Grant County Cooperative Extension Service, led the festivities to honor members who received awards at district, state and national competitions in addition to retiring the 2017 officers and installing the 2018 4-H Council officers. Selected members received a black 4-H coat in recognition for completing a 4-H Record Book that documents projects and activities that were accomplished throughout the year. The 2017 retiring Council members were: President, Jade Gutierrez; Vice President, Katy Van Dran; Secretary, Emily McDonald; Treasurer, Hannah Miller; Reporter, Ari Smith; and Song & Recreation, Seth Neal. The 2018 Council Officer Team is: President, Cursten Blanton; Vice President, Hannah Miller; Secretary, Austin Harsh; Treasurer, Ashleigh Armijo; Reporter, Cody Lewis; and Song & Recreation, Tanna Goar. Congratulations Grant County 4-H members for your dedication and hard work!
The New Mexico House Education Committee voted 7 to 6 in favor of approving a constitutional amendment that would allow more money to towards early childhood education from the Land Grant Permanent Fund. The amendment, according to backers, could expand education programs for young children across New Mexico that suffer from the highest rate of child poverty. If approved by voters, the amendment would mean an additional $140 million for education each year. The Land Grant Permanent Fund was established after New Mexico’s entry to the union in 1912 and was built on revenue from the booming oil and gas industry.
The Ruth Chapter No. 6 Order of the Eastern Star will be hosting an official visit from the New Mexico Worthy Grand Matron, Gay Chambers and Worthy Grand Patron, Larry Bishop, in Deming on February 3rd. The Worthy Grand Matron, who is President at the state level, and Worthy Grand Patron, travel the state and visit chapters to share information from the state and national level in addition, the local chapters report on local activities and their plans for the future. Ruth Chapter No. 6 is active in the Deming community by providing an annual scholarship for graduating seniors of Deming High School, contributing funds to help a local disabled veteran obtain a service dog , and other charitable endeavors. The members of the Order of the Eastern Star are dedicated women and men who sincerely reflect the spirit of fraternal love and the desire to work together for good. It gives them the opportunity to give a part of their time to many projects that benefit mankind.
Western New Mexico University held a public forum on the topic of “Poverty and Decline of the Middle Class and the New Tax Law” in the University’s Miller Library. The panel was comprised of Michael Morones, CPA at the Morones and Knuttinen, LLC firm, Francis Reyes, Assistant Professor of Economics at WNMU, and Cynthia Hall, representing the office of New Mexico Senator Martin Heinrich, The forum was opened by moderator, Lynda Aiman-Smith. Discussion topics ranged from health care costs, how economics affect daily life, tax rates, and the opiod crisis. Public Forums happen on the third Thursday of the month at Miller Library. Future topics include: gerrymandering, violence against women, and local candidate debates.
