Here’s a look at today’s headlines:
The Freeport-McMoRan Foundation through the Grant County Community Investment Fund, has awarded the Silver Opportunity School $80,000 to continue the school’s vision of focusing on vocational education. The funds will allow Opportunity School students to use the WNMU campus and facilities. Currently, some students are taking an introduction to Social Work class in addition to others attending welding classes and a mix of other 100 level classes at WNMU. The benefits of dual enrollment include the development a relationship between Western New Mexico University and Opportunity School students that will prepare them for the transition to college and the ability to have the necessary skills to find worthwhile employment. The Freeport-McMoRan Community Investment Program engages community leaders in cultivating and assessing community projects that address identified community priorities and allows them to allocate Freeport-McMoRan Foundation funds to programs and projects that encourage a strong focus on local capacity-building, community development and sustainability.
The Lawley Toyota Dodge building on Hwy 180 in Silver City is undergoing a total reconstruction that will take nearly a year to complete. The construction will create a modern showroom with a Southwest style. The work is being financed in Grant County with First American Bank handling the loan. With no local contractors having the capability to bond a project of this size, the work will be done by Stoven Construction of Albuquerque, which was the same contractor that completed the recent interior renovations at the Grant County Veteran’s Memorial Business and Conference Center. Paul Lettmae, of the Lawley Dealership, has assured that they will be using as many local subs as they can.
The Deming City Council will convene its monthly public meeting tonight that will contain items discussed in previous sessions. The council unanimously approved a resolution in October to begin the legal process that could lead to the city intervening to clean up a Deming property that has been continually sited by code enforcement for being loaded with trash and debris. The matter will be discussed again tonight. In addition, the council will meet in a closed session to discuss the possible “purchase, acquisition or disposal of real property” located at the Peru Industrial Park. Previously, City Administrator Aaron Sera, has reported that an unnamed company may be interested in purchasing the property for a possible solar energy development. The agenda for tonight also allows for a public comment period in addition to Mayor Benny Jasso presenting a proclamation honoring the 125th Anniversary of Western New Mexico. The meeting will take place at the John Strand Administration Building located at 309 South Gold Street at 6:00 P.M.
The New Mexico House Transportation Committee has approved legislation that would require vehicle owners to get license plates for their front bumpers. House Bill 158 would make it easier for law enforcement to identify vehicles and investigating crimes. The bill would raise vehicle registration by $2 starting on July 1st and the additional plate would not be required until 2022 in addition to providing and exception for older “classic” vehicles. House Bill 158 is now headed to the House Judiciary Committee.
In a local news, here’s an important schedule change:
Joe Martinez, from Congressman Steve Pearce’s Las Cruces office will NOT be visiting Silver City tomorrow, the second Tuesday of the month. Due to scheduling conflicts, Joe will be in Silver City this Thursday, February 15th, from 1:30 to 3:30 P.M. at the Silver City Grant County Chamber of Commerce office, located inside the Grant County Veteran’s Memorial Business and Conference Center 3130 Highway 180 East in Silver City. No appointment is necessary.
