Here’s a look at some local headlines:
According to federal and state agriculture officials, New Mexico farmers produced fewer of state’s famed chiles in 2017. Data has shown that the value of the chile crop has declined with a 12 percent decrease to 8,100 acres planted, with 94 percent of that being harvested. Production in 2017 totaled 62,700 tons compared to 69,600 tons produced in the previous year. In addition, 80 percent of the 2017 crop was sold for processing, leaving the remainder to the fresh market. According the “Southwest Farm Press”, some possible reasons for the declining crop are: the challenging and labor-intensive harvesting process; fewer farm laborers because of tougher immigration laws, and less water availability. The high value pecan crop has expanded and competes for the available water supply.
A former employee of the Town of Silver City has been charged with counts of embezzlement, fraud and forgery from July 2015 to through October 2016. Leann Misquez, served as the town purchasing agent, and allegedly used the position to make personal purchases in addition to covering up the actions by altering statements and receipts. After Misquez left Silver City, a new purchasing agent discovered the discrepancies. The town used an independent auditor, Southwest Accounting Solutions, whereby forensic audit was conducted. The alleged amount of the embezzlement has totaled over $12,000 during a four-year period. Charges have been filed in Bayard Magistrate Court and a warrant for arrest has been issued.
The public is invited to a commemoration of Vietnam Veterans at Fort Bayard National cemetery on Wednesday, March 28th at 2:00 P.M. The wreath laying ceremony will feature local Vietnam Honor Guard. National Vietnam War Veterans Day is a commemorative holiday in the United States which recognizes the sacrifices that veterans and their families made during the Vietnam War. It is also a day to give proper recognition to the men and women who returned home from that war and didn’t receive a proper welcome home. Although the holiday has been celebrated since 1973 in many states, it was not until 2017 that the holiday was official designated as National Vietnam War Veterans Day.
The winner of the Hospitality Industry Education Foundation’s 16th Annual New Mexico ProStart Invitational High School Culinary competition is Deming High School. The Deming culinary team will be traveling to Providence, Rhode Island next month to compete against other state winners for the national championship. The Deming team prepared a three- course meal in 60 minutes utilizing only two butane burners and no access to water or electricity. The Deming team consisited of Lisa Klockgether, Garrett Borden, Briana Escarcega, Milinda Wertz and Team Manager Abigail Camarena. Congratulations to the Deming Culinary team!
