Here’s a look at some of today’s news:

Deming Animal Guardians and the Deming-Luna County Humane Society are successfully removing 80 dogs that have been living in dire conditions on a five- acre property located southwest of Deming. The former “Ruff-Ruff Sanctuary” faced problems in July when 10 dogs were found deceased due to neglect. Many citizens and local business have pitched in with donations and support for the animals including arrangements for dogs to be sent to no-kill facilities and foster care. It has been reported that a Luna County attorney will be proposing an ordinance that addresses animal hoarding and will bring it to the board of commissioners in January.

Gila Regional Medical Center and the University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center in Albuquerque, have announced that Antonio Fontelonga, MD, will be providing medical oncology care at Gila Regional Medical Center beginning early in 2019. He will be residing in the Silver City area and practice full time at the Gila Regional Cancer Center in addition to being a staff physician with the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Silver City MainStreet in partnership with the Town of Silver City has been awarded funding from the New Mexico Economic Development Department for the Silver City Mainstreet Plaza Project. The project is designed to draw attention to the Big Ditch Park, while creating connectivity, creating an events space, location for Farmers’ Market, artisan space, public restrooms, wayfinding and signage, and parking options. The plaza located between 7th and 8th Streets is located on the west side of the Big Ditch Park and Bullard Street. The improvement and addition will offer opportunities for families to enjoy healthy activities. Other communities that received portion of the $500,000 grant include: Corrales, Las Vegas, Deming, Albuquerque’s South Valley, and Tucumcari.

The Western New Mexico Board of Regents have granted longtime Mustang volleyball coach, Jim Callender, emeritus status during a meeting earlier this month. An emeritus status is a title given after retirement showing honor. In Latin, emeritus originally meant “veteran soldier”. After 20 years at the helm of WNMU volleyball, Coach Callender announced his retirement following the conclusion of the 2018 season.