Here’s a look at some local news.
The 2019 fire season has started and the New Mexico Department of Health is urging residents to protect their health during wildfires and on smoky days. The “5-3-1 Visibility Method” is a health campaign created by the New Mexico Department of Health Environmental Public Health Tracking Program, and its locally-based state and federal partners specializing in air quality and wildfire management. If visibility outdoors is less than 5 miles, or 3 miles or 1 mile, there are specific precautions to take concerning children, the elderly, and people with chronic health issues. Residents are urged go to go n m tracking dot org to learn more about the 5-3-1 visibility health campaign.
The Southwest New Mexico Food Hub’s Program Assistant, Kristen Lundgren, of Silver City, is transporting produce from regional growers in order to distribute it throughout the area thereby helping to improve the local food economy. According to Lundgren, she travels over 200 miles a week connecting local growers with larger markets that they could not reach alone. According to the USDA less than $500,000 of the estimated $9.9 million in annual southwest New Mexico regional retail sales of produce and nuts are supplied by local growers in Catron, Grant, Hidalgo, and Luna counties. The Southwest New Mexico Food Hub is continuing to work toward expanding the local proportion of sales and production in the region.
National Census Day will be held on April 1st, 2020 to kick off the U.S Census that is required by the United States Constitution and has been conducted every 10 years since 1790. The Census Bureau for the for the first time will be rolling out a primarily data collection system in hopes of gathering the information from communities in a more timely manner. A local “Complete Count Committee” has been formed in Grant County to assist residents and local communities in preparing and participating in the 2020 Census.
In Western New Mexico University sporting news, golfer Gonzalo Pan De Sorluce, has been named to the Ping Division II All-American Squad. Last year he led the Mustangs with a 71.89 average, earned a 863-148 win-loss record, in addition to being the 2019 Lone Star Conference Champion. Gonzalo will be returning to WNMU in the fall.
