Here’s a look at today’s headlines:
The New Mexico Public Education Department released their 2017 school grades with Cobre District Schools either improving or remaining the same as last year. The three schools that improved for the 2017 year were Central Elementary, raising their grade from an “F” to a “B”, and Hurley Elementary and Snell Middle School improving from a “D” to a “C”. Schools that did not change are Cobre High School with a “C”, Bayard Elementary with a “D” and San Lorenzo Elementary with an “A” grade. Silver Consolidated Schools not mentioned in the news report yesterday are, Cliff Elementary, grading from an “A” to a “B” and Harrison Schmitt Elementary from a” B” to a “D”.
The Healthy Kids Healthy Luna County Program has been coordinating efforts with the VIVA Connects Program out of the University of New Mexico Prevention Research Center, in creating an electronic guide to local trails and parks. The guide is accessible through the Deming-Luna County Chamber of Commerce “Guide to New Mexico” app that is available on Apple and Android smart phones. Besides promoting outdoor activity, the Healthy Kids Healthy Luna County program also focuses on public access to healthy foods and facilitating workshops on backyard gardening. The efforts through HKHLC are made possible through funding provided by the Obesity, Nutrition and Physical Activity office in the New Mexico Department of Health. They have worked to support local and statewide efforts to reduce obesity and improve health of residents.
The Bayard City Council is considering rate increases for utilities that will allow the hiring of two additional limited maintenance employees. Mayor Charles Kelly, explained that the new hires are necessary to keep up with current and future workloads. The increase could mean a total $5 increase per month for base service rates consisting of water, sewer, landfill and garbage. Decreasing population is sited as an additional factor in the amount the proposed increase.
The Wilderness Ranger District, Gila National Forest wishes to inform all visitors that the RV dump station at the Gila Center has been closed indefinitely. Maintenance and pumping costs have proven to be prohibitive and the district is exploring other options for funding the operation. Serving as an alternative location, the Mountain Spirits RV Park, located at 2743 NM-35 in Mimbres has a fee dump station.
The Silver City Grant County Chamber of Commerce held their First Annual Murray Ryan Golf Tournament last weekend at Scott Park. Over 40 golfers enjoyed the day, complete with food, refreshments and prizes. Each of the 18 holes were sponsored by local businesses and the event has been deemed a total success. Funds raised will benefit the Chamber in continuing to assist and strengthen the business community.
