Here’s a look at today’s headlines:
The Silver City Town Council met this week and discussed several issues, approved resolutions, and made an appointment to the Planning and Zoning Commission. District 2 Councilor, Linda Aiman-Smith, made remarks expressing concern over unlawful use of recreational off-road vehicles in the town and encouraged law enforcement to issue citations when necessary. Police Chief Ed Reynolds, responded by reporting that public education has been completed and there is a zero-tolerance policy in effect for unlawful use of recreational off-road vehicles. The council approved the Town’s Supplemental 40-year water plan in addition to resolutions that support applications to the New Mexico Finance Authority under the Colonias Infrastructure Fund, that include improvements to the wastewater treatment plant up to $300 thousand dollars, and a Ridge Road street and drainage improvement project for $750 thousand dollars. Finally, Mayor Ken Ladner reappointed Carmon Steven to the Planning & Zoning Commission.
The Silver City Museum is holding its 33rd Annual Victorian Christmas open house tonight, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM. Entertainment in the holiday spirit will be presented throughout the evening and will feature live music performances from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. Children of all ages will be delighted by a special visit from Father Christmas, teamed up with Literacy Link-Leamos to share gifts and books, and are invited to participate in hands-on activities. This year, holiday goers will be able to create their own cornucopia Christmas ornament to take home. Museum staff in period clothing will be taking photos with the public. Guests are also invited to explore the 50th Anniversary of the Silver City Museum in the exhibition Fifty Years Ago in Silver City, as well as the semi-permanent exhibitions on the second floor.
The Deming Board of Education met last Friday in executive session that included the board’s legal counsel, which was immediately followed by an open session with members of the community. A special audit that was mandated by State Auditor, Tim Keller, revealed nineteen findings related to suspected skimming activities and forgery by an employee in addition to statement fraud amounting to as much as $145 thousand dollars. A correction plan was issued that addressed the findings that contained several measures that include training staff in recognizing fraud, the implementation of dual sign-off procedures, and greater internal controls and accounting practices. The new plan will be posted in the district’s website for public review.
The Murray Ryan Visitor Center will soon have an outdoor informational kiosk containing maps and brochures of trails and points of interest around Silver City and Grant County. Callie Kennington, the former Executive Director of the Silver Arts and Cultural District applied for and was awarded a $52 thousand dollar grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation and the New Mexico DOT. Current ACD Executive Director, Colleen Morton, announced that the kiosk will be lighted by solar power and in addition to the maps and brochures, there will be benches for public to sit on.
In an important schedule change, “Wreaths Across America” at Ft. Bayard National Cemetery’s wreath placement activity that was scheduled for 9 am this Friday, has been changed to 3:30 pm due to a later delivery arrival time.
