Here’s a look at today’s headlines:
New Mexico State Auditor, Wayne Johnson, has released the results of a Special Audit of the municipality of Silver City regarding allegations embezzlement and fraud by a former employee. Silver City municipal government discovered irregularities on credit card purchases made by a former employee in late 2016. The Town, working along with the State Auditor’s office and an independent accountant, found over $12,000 in potentially fraudulent use of the former employee’s town credit card. The audit identified the potentially fraudulent activity and provided a roadmap to fix and avoid such problems in the future.
Santa Clara Mayor, Richard Bauch, presented outgoing Trustee, Richard Esparza with a proclamation and plaque honoring Mr. Esparza’s 8 years of service to the Village of Santa Clara during a regular meeting last week in the Village Hall. He will remain active in the community and continue to serve on the Cemetery Committee. Thank you, Richard Esparza, for your service.
A 2004 Deming High School graduate will be competing in the 2018 Paralympics Winter Games in PyeongChang, South Korea. Travis Dodson competed in the 2014 paralympic games in Russia as a member of the U.S Nordic Ski Team. This time he will represent the U.S. as a member of the Paralympic Sled Hockey Team. Dodson had to give up his place on the U.S. Ski Team after qualifying for the hockey team in 2015. The 2018 Paralympics will be taking place from March 8th to March 18th. Best of luck to Travis Dodson at the 2018 Paralympic Winter Games!
The permit application for a proposed dolomite mine in Luna County is still considered incomplete by the federal Bureau of Land Management. The American Magnesium Company, based in Elephant Butte has been seeking to obtain a minimal impact mining permit to quarry dolomite from federal lands near the Florida Mountains in Luna County. The New Mexico Mining and Minerals Division has determined the application prepared by American Magnesium is administratively complete, but the BLM claims that there are “instances of missing, inconsistent, or implausible presentations” by the company. The BLM states that once the plan is determined as complete, they will open the plan for public comment before rendering a decision.
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge 413 celebrated their 120th anniversary in Silver City last week. Local members gathered for the celebration in addition to members of the National Grand Lodge. The National organization was founded in 1868 and is now headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. Lodge 413 members in Silver City have contributed to many local causes that benefit children and military veterans over the past 120 years.
