Here’s a look at today’s headlines:

Western New Mexico University will be hosting the 7th Annual James H. Pirtle Walk for Heroes on Saturday, September 30th starting and ending at Old James Stadium. The walk is named for James H. Pirtle, a native New Mexican, who was killed on the battlefield on October 4th, 2003 during “Operation Iraqi Freedom”.  Pirtle’s mother, Kay Beaman, and local veteran, Mike Lopez and his wife, Elizabeth, with the help of others, established this as an annual event.  The walk will encompass a total of 3 miles around campus and Downtown Silver City. Registration starts at 9:00 a.m. and participants will receive a t-shirt and lunch.

In Deming, a collaberative effort between city, schools, the Police Department and the Deming Masonic Lodge, No. 12, will educate students to stand up against illegal drugs and the dangers of peer pressure and bullying. The groups will be working with the D.A.R.E program, which stands for Drug Abuse Resistance Education and will be recognizing Red Ribbon Week in October. The Masonic Lodge has donated $2000 towards the implementation of the program within the schools. This year’s D.A.R.E theme is “Your Future is Key, So Stay Drug Free.”

Last Wednesday, an Arenas Valley resident, during her regular morning walk was violently mauled by a pit bull. The dog knocked her to the ground and caused serious wounds that required many stitches after she was transported to Gila Regional Medical Center. Later that day, the dog was captured, tested negative for rabies and euthanized.

Jeremy Gonzales, owner and trainer of Iron Works gym in Silver City, has announced that several individuals will be competing in the Clash of New Mexico’s Strongest event in Albuquerque next month. This strength competition is officially sanctioned the U.S Strongman and helps participants to nationally qualify for future events. Recently, members of Iron Works competed in the Dog Days Strongman Competition in Las Cruces and earned several trophies.

Western New Mexico University Foundation’s annual Hats in the Garden is scheduled for Sunday, October 1st at 4:00 p.m. in the WNMU Alumni Gardens. The theme is “Victorian Impressionism” and will give a chance for attendees to unleash their inner British Queens and don their fanciest headwear. There will be People’s Choice Award for best hat, silent auction and fashion show. This event is for men and women, and has become a great mother-daughter afternoon out. RSVP’s are required, call 575-538-6310.