Here’s a look at today’s news in our area:
The New Mexico Central Arizona Project Entity, the responsible party for the design and construction the Gila diversion project, has agreed that the National Environmental Policy Act or NEPA process can begin. The submission of the project confirmation package by the CAP Entity has opened up the 30-day public comment period whereby several meetings have been scheduled in New Mexico and Arizona. The meetings will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. in the following locations: July 9th at the Grant County Memorial Business and Conference Center in Silver City; July 10th at the Cliff High School Old Gymnasium; and July 11th at the Glenwood Community Center and Library.
Silver City Police Chief, Fred Portillo, has reported that over a pound of methamphetamine has been removed from the streets in the past few weeks by conducting impact operations in areas known for drug problems. In addition, Chief Portillo reported that a tracking system is in place to notify crime victims of their case status. Weekly reports will also be released of department activity, due to a request from Silver City Town Manager, Alex Brown.
A micro-farming workshop was held at The Commons in Silver City to teach members of the community the secrets of small scale farming. The workshop was sponsored by the National Center of Frontier Communities as part of their effort to expand food production in the southwest corner of the state. Participants learned how to build their soil, create proper irrigation, and plant produce that grows well in this region. Micro-farming is defined as small scale agriculture that can be successful in five acres or less. Benefits of backyard gardening and small-scale farming include boosting personal income and improving the local economy by selling the crops at Farmer’s Markets.
The Deming City Council covered topics at their regular meeting last week that dealt with economic development and revitalization of the downtown business district. Cynthia Sosa, Executive Director of Deming MainStreet announced the Deming MainStreet Farmer’s Market will begin on July 7th and continue through September every Saturday at a new location, the Luna County Courthouse Park. In addition, MainStreet is collaborating with the Luna County Sheriff’s Office, Deming Police Department, and the U.S Border Patrol in sponsoring a “National Night Out” event on August 7th. National Night Out, is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live.
