Here’s a look at today’s headlines:
WNMU held a public meeting Wednesday to discuss exterior lighting on campus. The university plans to replace all of its exterior lighting with energy efficient LED fixtures. The project will cost an estimated $200,000, but could save the university $12,000 to $13,000 annually. One of the concerns voiced by public attendees was the brightness of the LED lights affecting nearby homes. However, a spokesperson assured listeners that the designs will be focused toward the ground and many of the lights will be have dimming timers so at a certain time of night they will be less bright.
Grant County Commissioners recently approved an ordinance to issue a bond of $6.6 million to pay for three county capital projects. The projects will include the building of a substance abuse treatment center, internal remodeling of the conference center and improvements to the District Courthouse. Commissioners also approved a cost-of-living adjustment, a half-percent increase, for county employees, excluding the Sheriff’s office, department heads and chief deputies.
Lab tests have confirmed the first case of equine West Nile Virus in New Mexico this year after a horse had to be euthanized last week in central New Mexico. State officials recommend mosquito control measures to protect both humans and horses due to New Mexico’s monsoon season, which has given rise to mosquito populations that can carry the virus. According to a veterinarian for the New Mexico Department of Health, we should expect West Nile Virus activity throughout the state. Annual vaccination of horses for West Nile Virus, conscientious mosquito control, application of mosquito repellant, and minimizing horse exposure during peak mosquito feeding periods will all decrease the risk of infection.
Senator Morales set up a meeting with Board President Trent Petty and the superintendent last Friday, August 8, to talk about career pathways and what we are doing in the Silver Consolidated School District to start up a process by which students and families who feel a career in welding, building trades, child care, and auto might discover a better path to go, than a standard four-year college degree when they finish high school. Former Superintendent Dick Pool had the idea before and had initiated talks with Cobre Schools to serve the students in Grant County. According to Board President Trent Petty, it is one of Silver Consolidated Schools goals to offer more choices to the students.
According to the National Weather Service, the Flood watch continues in southwestern New Mexico for today. A moist and unstable atmosphere, much like yesterday, will persist through this evening. Excessive runoff from these rains may lead to flash flooding along Arroyos and in urban areas. The heavy rainfall and flooding potential should diminish late this evening.
The “I Hope you Dance Ball” hosted by the Deming cancer support group will be held in September to raise funds during cancer awareness month. September brings attention to six cancers, including childhood cancer, gynecological cancer, leukemia and lymphoma, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, and thyroid cancer. Tickets will be $40 per person and proceeds go to the cancer support program. The Cancer Support Group of Deming and Luna County Inc. is an organization that assists and educates local residents affected by cancer. It also creates awareness and educates the community and neighboring communities in regards to preventative measures in the fight against cancer.
