Here’s a look at today’s headlines:

Senator Martin Heinrich’s Staff will have mobile office hours in Silver City this Wednesday, June 25th, from 10 am to 1 pm.  The office can help with things like Social Security Benefits, Medicare, Veterans Benefits, student loans, immigration, and other federal programs.  If you would like to visit with Senator Heinrich’s Staff, go to WNMU’s Student Memorial Building’s 3rd floor Seminar Room.   If you are unable to meet the staff during the Mobile Office Hours, call the Las Cruces office at 523-6561 or visit Martin Heinrich online.

The USDA announced today the implementation of new Farm Bill measures to improve the financial security of new and beginning farmers and ranchers, as well as a new online resource.  The New Farmers Website, www.usda.gov/newfarmers, has in-depth information for new farmers and ranchers, including: how to increase access to land and capital, how to build new market opportunities, and how to select and use the right risk management tools and access USDA education and technical support programs.  Today’s policy announcements include: waiving service fees for new and beginning farmers, eliminating payment reductions for new and beginning farmers, and increasing payment rates to beginning farmers and ranchers. To review the policy announcements, visit www.usda.gov/farmbill

Rainbow

This past week, five young women from Silver City represented our area at the annual International Order of Rainbow for Girls state convention.  Serina Pack completed her term as state president, known as Grand Worthy Advisor, with her leadership of this weeklong conference. The week was filled with many leadership and public speaking events, including honoring veterans and work on a state-wide project called the Giving Hand Mural to get youth involved in service in their communities and saying thanks to our active military and veterans.  Other young women attending from our area included Charlotte Fritz, who served as page, and Carley Casey, Autumn Hunte, and Krystie Arambula—all who served as state officers and Eleanor Paavola represented Pledge from Copper Rose Assembly.  Serina Pack and Carley Casey also received Rainbow Girls Foundation scholarships.  Carley Casey was appointed to the state’s Rainbow vice-president leadership position for the incoming year. Autumn Hunte and Krystie Arambula also received state appointments. Serina Pack will continue to serve the organization as a Junior Executive and will be honored for her service work and significant leadership projects this year at the International Supreme Rainbow convention to be held in July in Baltimore.

The Grant County Chamber of Commerce has extended registration deadlines for parade entries and vendor booths to 5 pm on June 27th.  So, if you are still interested in having a float, or setting up a booth at Gough Park for the 4th of July Parade, you have until this Friday to register.  The theme for this year’s celebration is “Stars and Stripes Forever.”  To get involved, visit the Chamber of Commerce, or call 538-3785.