Here’s a look at today’s headlines:
Governor Susana Martinez along with local business leaders, recently announced that the Job Training Incentive Program (JTIP) created more than 2,000 jobs in 2017 which brings the total amount of JTIP jobs created over the last seven years to nearly 10,000. In addition, this program also saw its second-highest average rural wage at more than $21 an hour. New Mexico has one of the most generous training incentive programs in the country. The Job Training Incentive Program (JTIP) funds classroom and on-the-job training for newly-created jobs in expanding or relocating businesses for up to 6 months. The program reimburses 50-75% of employee wages. Custom training at a New Mexico public educational institution may also be reimbursed.
The New Mexico Public Education Department issued its School Grading results for 2017 year in which Jose Barrios Elementary School in the Silver Consolidated School District, received an A for the second straight year. One other school improved from last year, while three schools dropped, and two stayed the same. Jose Barrios showed above average in four of five categories which includes a “B” for students performing on grade level, and an “A” for general school improvement and for improvement of higher-performing students. The school obtained a ”C” for improvement of lower-performing students, and earned an A for opportunity to learn. The school also received 5 bonus points for reducing truancy, promoting extracurricular activities, engaging families and using technology. Other schools in the District fared as follows: Silver High School with an improved grade of a “C” from a “D in 2016; Opportunity High School dropping a grade from a “C” to a “D”,Cliff Elementary went from an “A” to a “B”, Harrison Schmitt Elementary from a” B” to a “D”, and 6th Street Elementary dropping from a “B” last year to a “C” this year. The schools that remained the same from 2016 are, Stout Elementary with a “C” and La Plata Middle School with an “F” rating for the third year in a row.
The Market Café located on Bullard Street in downtown Silver City, will closing on Dec. 31st, following a decision by the board of the Silver City Food Co-op. The café featured outdoor seating under a covered patio and served fresh organic prepared food, with vegetarian and vegan options. Silver City MainStreet Manager, Charmeine Wait, stated she is hopeful the Artisan Market comprising of local artists can continue after the café closes and the building can be further used for events if the owner doesn’t find a new tenant right away. More than 20 local artists currently sell their products at the café as well as hosting a regular artisan market on the patio.
All Gila National Forest offices and ranger stations will be closed on Monday, September 4th with regular business hours will resuming on Tuesday, September 5th. Despite the office closure, fire personnel, law enforcement officers, and recreation staff will be on-duty during the holiday for the safety of visitors. The southwestern United States is still in monsoon season and the forecast is for showers and thunderstorms, so visitors are reminded to be prepared in addition to practicing good campfire safety and respecting the public lands by packing out your trash. You may check weather conditions for the specific part of the forest you will be visiting at http://www.weather.gov/epz/. For information on the Gila National Forest, check out our website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/gila or join the conversation on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GilaNForest/ or follow us on Twitter @GilaNForest
