The United States Department of Agriculture’s- Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) recently awarded over $611,000 in Fiscal Year 2023 to New Mexico through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Funding Program (SCBGP). The grant will help the New Mexico Department of Agriculture fund projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crop products and create new market opportunities for the state’s specialty crop producers. The SCBGP funding to New Mexico is part of a total of $72.9 million that has been awarded to 54 states and territories. The funding for the SCBGP grants is authorized by the 2018 Farm Bill and 2023 funding will be awarded for a three-year period beginning Sept. 30th.
In Local News:
Silver City Consolidated Schools will be having a “What Parents Need to Know about Suicide Prevention” session on Wednesday, September 27th. The session will discuss the warning signs, what not to say or what to say to someone and where to go for help when experiencing suicidal thoughts. The session will take place via zoom from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and all are welcome to attend. For more information and to register, visit the website.
The Gila National Forest is inviting all community members to submit their artwork for inclusion in the Gila Wilderness Centennial posters. All artwork must be inspired by the Gila Wilderness and represent one or more of the five characteristics of Wilderness which include: untrammeled, natural, undeveloped, opportunities for solitude and primitive, unconfined recreation and other characteristics that make the Gila uniquely special. The winning contributors’ artwork will be used as part of an outreach campaign that will be happening next year in celebration of 100 years of the Gila Wilderness. Entries are free and must be submitted by December 1st. For more information, visit the website.
The Silver City Museum and the Western Institute for Lifelong Learning (WILL) have partnered up to bring six diverse “Lunch and Learn “programs this Fall. The programs will be presented by guest speakers and will focus on Artificial Intelligence, Upcoming Legislation to Rural New Mexicans, Chicano Art and The Stories of Chihuahua Hill. All presentations are free and will take place at the WNMU Bessie-Forward Global Resource Center ABC Room. For more information about the dates and times of the programs, visit WILL’s Facebook page.
Hidalgo County residents in need of assistance can contact SPIRIT of Hidalgo County, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping children, women and families in Lordsburg, Animas and the rest of Hidalgo County. Through their food bank, nutrition assistance programs and rent and clothing program, they work to make Hidalgo County a healthier and better place to live. If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, visit the website.
