The beginning of a new academic year is set to bring changes and growth to the Western New Mexico University campus in Deming. WNMU Deming will see changes this fall, as in addition to the Mimbres Learning Center, which will house the university’s health science programs. The Smith Center will be the site of courses in phlebotomy and Certified Nursing Assistant, BSN courses for both beginning and advanced nursing students, and nursing simulation experiences. At the WNMU Mimbres Learning Center, the university will continue to offer general education courses, as well as programs in welding and electrical technology, and dual enrollment courses will be offered at both the Mimbres Center and Deming High School.
The State of New Mexico is preparing to invest in water projects in southwest New Mexico, therefore the Office of the State Engineer/Interstate Stream Commission will be hosting three public listening sessions. The purpose of sessions is to gather community input on the draft Pilot Funding Cycle Policy. The first two sessions will take place tomorrow, August 13th at the Marshall Memorial Library in Deming from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and at Lordsburg High School from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The last session will take place on August 14th at the Grant County Veterans Memorial Business and Conference Center in Silver City from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Community water leaders are encouraged to attend to learn about potential funding opportunities.
Luna County is letting community members know that due to recent address changes resulting from the new E-911 that went into effect August 1st, Village of Columbus residents will need to update their voter registration information. The Luna County Clerk’s office will be assisting voters with these updates tomorrow, August 13th and August 21st at the Columbus Village Library from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Columbus residents may also update their information at the County Courthouse or online at website. For more information, call 575-543-6613.
In other News: The New Mexico Public Education Department has announced the return of the “Level Up” Reading Challenge for the 2024-2025 school year. The reading challenge aims to build on last year’s success, where schools from all over New Mexico saw significant improvements in student’s reading skills and is aimed towards K-5th grade students to help them improve their literacy skills. Throughout the 2024-2025 challenge, teachers will use data-driven methods to help students enhance their reading abilities. Each month, the two students with the most significant reading growth in their class will be named “Superhero Readers” of the month, earning them the privilege of wearing a superhero reader cape. The overall goal of the reading challenge is to help students develop a love for reading while improving their reading skills.
