Here’s a look at today’s headlines:
The Independence Day parade in Silver City saw over 82 entries in various categories, including one for cars, trucks, motorcycles and tractors, one for walking groups, an equestrian group, and for floats. Winners of the various categories include Norman Ruebush & Friends Antique Tractors, the Holiday Inn Express, and Copper Little League in the category for vehicles; Jerry Boswell the Blue Can Man, Grant County PFLAG and Grant County LGBT, and the Gaffney-Oglesby Detachment #1328 Marine Corps League in the walking category; Healing Hands Equine Service in the Equestrian Group; and the top floats were StarDancers Studio, Elks Lodge of Silver City, and The Door Christian Fellowship Church. Scott Terry of the Silver City Grant County Chamber said “I can’t wait until next year. We’re going to throw out some crazy ideas to make the parade even more fun.”
The Institute for Rural Social Work Research awarded a $3,000 scholarship to Western New Mexico University student Okwuchi Lilian Ezeala. Ezeala was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria and earned a bachelor degree in social work with honors at River State University of Science and Technology in 2009. The scholarship was awarded to Ezeala for her work as a social work student.
A Rio Rancho man is being investigated for check fraud after cashing nine checks totaling $37,163. The counterfeit checks contained copied signatures from the Southwest New Mexico Council of Governments, but it is unknown how he obtained the signatures. The man claimed the checks were sent to him from an employer he found on Craig’s List. He was arrested at 1st American Bank in Rio Rancho attempting to cash another six checks totaling $29,685.
Today, the New Mexico Economic Development Department announced that 18 communities have been selected to receive Local Economic Assistance & Development Support Grant to help the communities create jobs, develop their tax base and encourage economic development. Included in the communities receiving the grants are Deming Luna County Economic Development Inc. for $7,500 for Real Estate Development and Attraction and the Southern Luna County Economic and Community Development Corporation for $5,000 for Retention, Expansion and Entrepreneurship.
Friday’s state mandated recount of two local races did not change the outcome of Primary Election results from the June 7th election. The Republican Party race for the District 32 House seat recount maintained Vicki Chavez’ victory over Scott Chandler in both Grant and Luna Counties. In the House District 38 Democratic race, Mary Hotvedt retained her lead over Karen Whitlock in the Grant County recount also held last Friday.
Las Cruces City Council passed a resolution urging the State Legislature to pass legislation requiring comprehensive background checks for all gun sales in New Mexico by a vote of 5 to 1 with one abstaining.
