Here’s a look at some local news:

The New Mexico Higher Education Department has released an announcement that they are awarding millions in scholarship funds to New Mexico colleges and universities for teacher education scholarships, providing up to $3,000 per semester toward each eligible applicant’s tuition, fees, books, course supplies and other costs beginning with the fall 2019 semester. House Bill 275, also known as the “Teacher Preparation Affordability Act”, provides up to $10 million for students studying education and intending to become teachers. In addition, the “Grow Your Own Teachers Act”, also known as House Bill 20, provides more than $500,000 for educational assistants to complete programs of study and become licensed teachers. Scholarship recipients under this program will also receive up to $3,000 per semester as well as paid time off from their schools to complete degree and licensure requirements.

Deming High School student, Ahmad Alsheikh, has been chosen as one of two senators representing New Mexico for American Legion Boys Nation in the Washington, D.C. this month July 19th through 26th. Boys Nation is an annual American Legion program that focuses on civic training, leadership development and Americanism. Ahmad, an incoming senior at Deming High, will serve as Student Council President and New Mexico Association of Student Councils 2nd Vice President this coming school year.

According the Forest Service Gila National Forest, the lightning caused Rocky Fire that started on July 8th, has encompassed 85 acres so far with 0% containment. The strategy for this fire is to continue scouting Trail #741 and #74 to evaluate the necessity to prep and protect private property at Cooney and Terry Canyon. The lightening caused South Fire that started June 29th has covered 2,330 acres with 0% containment. The strategy is to continue monitoring via lookouts and aerial reconnaissance. The forest service reports that Helicopter reconnaissance shows that these naturally-ignited fires are doing good things for the land and are exhibiting low to moderate fire behavior.