Here’s a look at today’s headlines:

According to the New Mexico Department of Transportation, high winds and blowing dust exist throughout Hidalgo, Luna and Dona Ana Counties.  Visibility may be difficult.  Higher profile vehicles are asked to reduce their speed.  All drivers are encouraged to reduce speed, drive with caution and obey all posted traffic signs.  Check out NMroads.com for updated information.

The Community Partnership for Children, a not-for-profit organization that has been working for eleven years to promote excellence in the care and development of young children is completing the first year of a pilot Shared Service project in Grant County that was funded by Freeport McMoRan Community Investment Fund.  The Community Partnership for Children (CPC) has been awarded funding through the Con Alma Foundation to continue the shared service pilot project for the second year. CPC is a 501c3 currently connected with the Grant County Health Council to help fulfill the family resiliency goals.

Western New Mexico University is appearing at the top of several online lists for academic quality and outdoor setting.  College Value Online ranked WNMU fifth in its top lists of most affordable hottest desert colleges. The website describes WNMU as a perfect college for students in search of a friendly small town. Also noted are the wilderness opportunities with the main campus located at the doorstep of the Gila National Forest.

Silver High educator Claudie Thompson was recently selected by the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Council 8003 of Silver City to receive one of their highest and most prestigious recognitions as “Educator of the Year for 2015-16.  Thompson has been a teacher for 26 years.  He has been instrumental in coordinating the National History Day Curriculum at Silver High, and also serves as Baseball Coach.  He has been named New Mexico Coach of the Year for his district 9 times, and been named New Mexico Baseball Coach of the Year Twice.

In sports action, the WNMU Lady ‘Stangs Tennis Team lost two games over the weekend – losing 6-3 against Texas-Permian Basin, and 7-0 against Division I New Mexico State.  WNMU women’s tennis is 4-13 for the pre-conference season.  The Lady Mustangs will no prepare to open RMAC play this Friday at MSU Denver, and will also face future Lone Star Conference opponent Tarleton State.  On Saturday WNMU will play at CSU-Pueblo to close out the weekend.