Here’s a look at today’s latest news:

Today, at the Kiwanis Club of Silver City, Wal Mart made a generous donation in support of Kiwanis and work they do in our community.  A special thanks is given to Wal Mart for their active role in improving and supporting our community.  Kiwanis serves children in our community through programs such as Terrific Kids, K-Kids, Builder’s Club, Key Clubs, CKI, Aktion Club, Student of the Month recognition banquets, Student of the Year recognitions, scholarships, special service projects such as Bike Rodeo, Jump Into Summer, Kiwanis One Day, Kiwanis Community Easter Egg Hunt, Eliminate, Fort Bayard Christmas, and so much more.  Kiwanis extends their thanks to Wal Mart for their support of their programs.

Governor Susana Martinez issued an executive order for flags to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sundown today in honor and mourning of Chester Nez, the last of the original 29 Navajo Code Talkers, who passed away last week, as well as his 28 fellow Navajo Code Talkers.  According to the release, Chester Nez and his fellow Code Talkers demonstrated throughout their lives what it means to be true patriots, leaving behind a legacy of service and sacrifice.

Due to fire danger, Silver City and Grant County authorities have both issued fire restrictions.  In Silver City: there is to be no building or maintaining of campfires, no open burning of yard waste, tree limbs or weeds,  UL approved propane grills with appropriate covers or lids are allowed, any other outdoor wood or charcoal burning device shall have protective fire screens and prior approval from the SCFD, underground fire pits shall have appropriate covers and also require prior approval, and any open burning that will produce any ash or smoldering material not specifically covered is prohibited.  See the full list in today’s additional posting.

In Southern New Mexico News:

There will be a Legislative Finance Committee Meeting June 11th through the 13th in Las Cruces and NMSU’s Pan Am Center.  Included in the agenda will be discussions of the Lower Rio Grande litigation, Lower Rio Grande and San Juan Adjudications and New Mexico Unit Settlement, business development, and education.  Committee Meetings are open to the public and are also webcasted live here http://www.nmlegis.gov/lcs/webcast/default.aspx.

Thanks in part to a new Union Pacific Rail Hub at Santa Teresa, there has been an increase in commercial development.  Businesses along the border crossing are taking interest in the growing share of US/Mexico trade.  New Mexico currently has three international ports along the Mexican border in Santa Teresa, Columbus, and Antelope Wells.  In Columbus, the government recently completed a commercial traffic bypass to reduce congestion, and is planning a port of entry expansion project.