Here’s a look at today’s headlines:
Agents with the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives on Thursday, August 4th, filed federal criminal charges against 23-year-old Gordon Schuler of Rio Rancho, New Mexico. According to a press release distributed by the Office of the United States Attorney, Schuler has been charged in connection with the fire that severely damaged the Peace Lutheran Church in Rio Rancho, causing extensive damage to the church. If convicted on this latest criminal charge, Schuler faces a statutory penalty of not less than five years nor more than 20 years of imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
For the seventh consecutive year Western New Mexico University will team up with the Historic Downtown Silver City businesses to host the Welcome Back Bash on Friday, August 11th. Offering socialization for both new and returning students, the event signifies the exciting arrival of the fall semester with music, games and dancing in historic downtown Silver City. WNMU President Joseph Shepard will deliver a State of the University Address at 5:30 p.m. inside Syzygy Tile; located at 106 N. Bullard Street. After updating the community with an account of current and future happenings, the downtown party will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Syzygy Tile parking lot with live music by the Brandon Perrault Band. The event will include family games and information booths by local organizations.
A notice of intent was passed at Tuesday’s Silver City Town Council meeting concerning an ordinance that would allow Animal Control Officers and Silver City Police the authority to break in to vehicles in order rescue animals they believe are in danger because of extreme heat conditions, all at the owner’s expense. In addition, this ordinance would also allow a veterinarian the option to euthanize the animal if deemed necessary. There is a month long time period for public input before the proposed ordinance is put to a final vote.
The New Mexico Lottery announced Fiscal Year 2017 proceeds of $37.8 million for the Legislative Lottery Scholarship fund. David Barden, New Mexico Lottery CEO said, “Fiscal Year 2017 represents an $8.5 million decline in transfers compared to Fiscal Year 2016. This news is very troubling for both students and Lottery players as it not only represents a decline in scholarship assistance, but also resulted in less winnings for players. This year’s reduced transfer is the result of several law changes enacted in 2007.” The New Mexico Lottery’s ability to maximize scholarship dollars for students has been severely hampered by the 30% return mandate, coupled with an increase in contract fees.
