Here’s a look at today’s news:
On Monday, firefighters were called to two separate fires in Silver City. The first call was a grass fire located on Rosedale Road that spread under an acre. The Whiskey Creek Volunteer Fire Department responded along with Silver City firefighters to safely contain the blaze. Later in the afternoon, firefighters were summoned to 109 South Corbin Street where a vacant building was fully on fire. Despite the wind kicking up and multiple piles of debris around the structure, the fire was extinguished using eight firefighters, a crew on standby, two engines and a brush truck.
The Southwestern New Mexico State Fair Association held their annual meeting last week and amended their bylaws to include thirteen board members, up from the current nine. The association re-elected Ed Edwards, Marcus Dominguez, and Denise Ruttle, as directors and added two new members: Karen Reed and Brittany Power. Two additional Board positions will be appointed later. According to a report from Treasurer, Russ Treadwell, the fair was successful with over $200,000 going to the participants of the Jr. Livestock Sale, in addition to net income amounting just over $26,000. The funds will be reinvested for an addition on the livestock office, bleachers, tables, chairs and a well for Building #2.
During a Monday meeting of the Silver Consolidated Schools Board of Education, members were informed that students will still have to take a state assessment test this spring. The new test will be similar to the Partnership for the Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers, also known as the PARCC test, that was ended by an order from Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham earlier this month. The district will receive practice tests starting on February 1st and administrators will have the ability to comment on the elimination of PARCC testing.
Residents can keep track of proposed legislation during New Mexico’s legislative session that began on January 15th running through noon on March 16th by visiting the New Mexico legislative website located at nmlegis.gov. The site delivers information on committees, highlights, and schedules of sessions occurring at the Roundhouse in Santa Fe. In addition, there is a webcast cast link where individuals can watch sessions live online. Next Wednesday, January the 30th, is Grant County Day at the state capitol where Grant County business leaders, local governments and legislative forum presenters meet with state executive and legislative leadership as well as cabinet secretaries throughout the day. In the evening, the Grant County Prospectors and sponsors will host the annual reception held to honor New Mexico Legislators.
