Here’s a look at today’s local news:
The Freeport McMoRan Foundation has established matching grants that will enable four regions to secure federal funding targeted for strategic planning though the U.S Department of Agriculture Rural Economic Development’s “Rural Economic Development Innovation initiative. “REDI” was created to support rural communities that facing regional economic challenges. According to a release, the initiative provides free technical assistance to 47 rural regions seeking to build economic development plans and implement planning projects. The Freeport-McMoRan communities will be paired with McClure Engineering Company, who is partnering with CO.STARTERS, a Tennessee-based consulting firm, to help build plans to spur economic and community development, strengthen workforce readiness programs, and support entrepreneurship. Among the four communities, Grant County was chosen to participate in the initiative that includes the Chino, Tyrone and Cobre mining operations.
On Monday, U.S Border Patrol agents discovered 17 migrants in a U-haul truck on N.M Highway 9 near Deming. According to the Deming Headlight, the adult male migrants were found in sweltering conditions in the truck’s cargo area with only a 2-inch opening at the rear door. The driver of the truck and all the migrants were taken to the Deming Border Patrol station for processing. According to the report, the driver was identified as a U.S citizen and remains in custody pending charges.
Sixteen youth from around the county competed in ten state contests at the 2019 State 4-H Conference. Grant County 4-H members competed in Prepared Public Speaking, Land Judging, Horticulture, Livestock Skill-a-thon, Livestock Judging, Consumer Decision Making, Horse Bowl, Agriculture Presentation, Wildlife Habitat Evaluation, and Range Management. In addition, Cursten Blanton, from Grant County, the 2018-2019 State 4-H Song and Recreation Officer also completed her year of service as a State 4-H Officer. Cursten, completed her duties and gave a retiring address to complete her tenure in Grant County 4-H.
