Here’s a look at some local news:
On November 24th, U.S Customs and Border Protection reported that U.S. Border Patrol Agents working at a checkpoint just east of El Paso seized approximately 260 pounds of marijuana valued at over $200,000 from a Dodge Caravan bearing New Mexico license plates. A canine service dog alerted the possible presence of contraband. Both occupants of the vehicle were placed under arrest for possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute and were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) along with the marijuana.
In a news release from Western New Mexico University, 267 of its students will graduate this fall. Of those, 173 graduates will walk across the Fine Arts Center Theatre stage during the fall commencement ceremony on Friday, December 13th, at 2:00 p.m. They will receive their diplomas then shake hands with WNMU President Dr. Joseph Shepard and with former WNMU Dean of Students and Mustang basketball coach James R. Smith, who is the fall commencement speaker who will be presented with an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters. Diplomas being granted at the fall 2019 commencement ceremony include those for 23 associate degrees, 125 bachelor’s degrees, 117 master’s degrees, 22 certificates and 46 graduate certificates.
The Silver City Mainstreet Project has received $170,000 in state capital outlay funding for the Main Street Plaza. According to a news release from Silver City Mainstreet, the funding is being used towards Phase III, and the completion of the Main Street Plaza located in the lot between 7th and 8th Streets. The MainStreet Capital Outlay Program provides funding for public infrastructure upgrades within a targeted public investment area. Projects must be an economic driver and demonstrate impact on the local economy, improve the appearance and functionality of the district, create connectors, and engage local property and business owners.
