Here’s a look at some local news:

Western New Mexico University has started a Food Pantry for students whose budgets can’t support purchasing an adequate amount of food during the school year. Students at the university are particularly in need when the campus concession closes down during school breaks and many of those students remain on campus. The next big school break is for the Christmas break starting this week from December 14th through January 15th. The public can assist these students by dropping off non-perishable food items at The Pretty Sweet Emporium and Honeebee Goods, both located on Bullard Street in downtown Silver City. Each business has pledged to take 10% off purchases every time 3 needed items are donated. They have a collection jar so additional items for the food pantry can be purchased that include: can openers; microwave safe dishes; and microwave safe plastic wrap. In addition, there is a collection jar on campus at the student store, and a food collection box in the office next to the student gym.

Deming residents came out in impressive numbers on Sunday to support the Deming-Luna-Mimbres Museum during the annual Green Tea fundraising event at the historic former National Guard Armory, located at 301 South Silver Street in Deming. The three – story structure was built in 1916 and was utilized during the conflict involving U.S. Army General John “Blackjack” Pershing and Mexican revolutionary General Francisco “Pancho” Villa. The Green Tea event was originally called the “Silver Tea”, a formal event when the community would gather to visit the museum and leave silver dollars on the tea trays. The name was changed to the “Green Tea” when guests preferred to donate paper currency. It has been estimated that over 400 people attended the event this year that was served by volunteers from the Deming High School SkillsUSA Culinary Arts students and instructors. The museum has earned a reputation throughout the region as the “Smithsonian of the Southwest.”

The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) along with TLC Company will be holding a public involvement meeting to discuss the improvement project of NM 15 Pinos Altos Road Reconstruction tomorrow from 6:00 to 7:30 P.M. at the Grant County Veteran’s Memorial and Conference Center, located at 3031 US Hwy 180 E in Silver City. The meeting will provide local residents with project information regarding construction, detailed project specifications, and information regarding the timeline of the project. The public is encouraged to attend and ask questions and provide comments to address any concerns they may have as it relates to the Silver City project.

A remembrance of our local deceased veterans will be provided this Saturday when 4,485 wreaths with bright red bows can be viewed on markers at Fort Bayard National Cemetery.  Every marker at every grave will have a wreath this year that serves as a fantastic tribute to our veterans. Over 600 individuals, organizations, families, and businesses have sponsored fresh green balsam wreaths that are shipped directly from Maine.  The Wreaths Across America Remembrance Ceremony will begin at 10:00 A.M. sharp this Saturday, December 15th, with Dr. John Bell serving as emcee for the program.  The guest speaker will be recently retired Navy Captain Diane LeBlanc, and music will be provided by the Hi Lo Silvers. Visitors are urged to come early in order to allow extra time due to limited parking for handicapped only within the cemetery gates.