Here’s a look at today’s headlines:
The US Department of Agriculture announced yesterday the availability of over $18 million in funding to help educate, mentor and enhance the sustainability of the next generation of farmers. The support is available through the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program. The program awards grants to organizations implementing programs to train beginning farmers and ranchers, including workshops, educational teams, training, and technical assistance. Eligible applicants are collaborative, state, tribal, local, or regionally-based network or partnership of public or private entities. Additional information is available at www.usda.gov/newfarmers.
The Silver City Police Department recently arrested a 37 year old man accused of breaking into Billy’s Barbecue and stealing to large-screen televisions, among other items. Bryan Grabbe, a former employee of the restaurant, was identified using surveillance video and, after a search of his home on January 5th, he was arrested by Silver City Police on January 7th after police found probable cause to arrest him.
Police are also investigating a robbery which occurred last Thursday afternoon at Smokey Joe’s West Smoke Shop. Surveillance tapes showed three suspects taking items and stuffing them in their jackets while the store clerk had his back turned. $1,000 in merchandise, including signs, some shirts, and juice for e-cigarettes were stolen. Anyone with information regarding this crime is asked to contact the Silver City Police Department at 388-3723.
After a major change to the wolf reintroduction program, Mexican Gray Wolves will soon be allowed to roam from I-40 to the Mexican border in Eastern Arizona and Western New Mexico. Currently, 83 wolves roam an area of around 7 million acres of federal, private and tribal land, but a population of between 300 to 325 wolves is expected to be reintroduced and maintained with the expansion of the land. The Mexican Gray Wolf will also be listed as an endangered subspecies.
