Luna County recently honored employees Paul Sanchez and Miguel Carreon for their significant service milestones to the Luna County Detention Center. Paul was recognized for his dedicated 5 years, while Miguel was honored for his impressive 25 years of service. Congratulations to both employees and thank you for the vital role you play in making the County of Luna a better place.

The Animas Public School Health Advisory Council invites all community members to a meeting on Monday, September 23rd at 4 p.m. in the Animas High School Library. The agenda will cover important topics such as the school wellness policy, substance use prevention, and nutrition education. All community members are encouraged to attend to share their input. 

The Office of Broadband Access and Expansion (OBAE) has announced that three rural communities in Southwestern New Mexico will soon gain access to high-speed internet, facilitated by a state grant exceeding $5.6 million. This funding, awarded through the state’s Connect New Mexico Fund, will enable Valley Telephone Cooperative to provide fiber broadband connections to residents in Animas,  Hachita and Cotton City. The project aims to extend fiber service to 324 homes and 101 local businesses, targeting 170 unserved and 255 underserved locations. Completion of the project is anticipated as early as spring 2025.

As summer comes to a close, the Gila National Forest is preparing its recreation facilities for winter, which means the Piñon and Juniper campgrounds at Quemado Lake Recreation Area will close for the season on September 24th. These developed campgrounds offer enhanced features to accommodate a variety of visitors, but will shut down during the winter months to minimize operational demands and protect against potential damage from freezing conditions. Both campgrounds are expected to reopen in May 2025.

In other news: 

Graduating high school students in New Mexico can now apply for the Daniels Scholarship, which covers the full cost of attendance at partner colleges and universities across the state. This program is designed for seniors who demonstrate exceptional character, leadership, and community service. In addition to financial support, Daniels Scholars gain access to a strong community, personal support, professional development opportunities, and a vast network that helps ensure their success in college and beyond. The application deadline is October 18th. For more details and to apply, visit website.