Western New Mexico University celebrated Fall graduates with a hybrid ceremony last Friday. According to a news release, of the graduates receiving diplomas, 229 chose to participate in Friday’s graduation ceremony, with 169 walking across the Fine Arts Center Theatre stage and 60 participating over Zoom. WNMU awarded 54 associate degrees, 157 bachelor’s degrees, 136 master’s degrees, 14 graduate certificates, 28 certificates and 2 fast track certificates. In addition, 170 students across all programs graduated with honors, including members of the WNMU Millennium III Honors Program. To earn the distinction, students in a graduate program must receive a 4.0 GPA, with students graduating with an undergraduate degree or certificate earning a 3.5 GPA or higher. Congratulations to all the WNMU Fall graduates!

The U.S Department of Homeland Security has again extended the deadline for full enforcement of the Real I.D Act until May 7, 2025. Full enforcement requiring a Real ID to board a commercial flight or enter certain federal facilities had been expected to begin on May 3, 2023. Homeland Security officials have notified driver licensing officials across the country of their intent to extend the deadline. According to a news release, currently 77 percent of New Mexico credentials are Real ID compliant. Information about the documents needed for a Real ID license is available at m v d online dot com.

In Luna County, officials have secured a limited supply of COVID-19 test kits to distribute to the community at no cost. The test kits can be picked up from the Luna County Courthouse security desk. Due to the amount available, distribution is limited to one box (2 kits per box) per individual.