Here’s a look at today’s headlines:
Dry and windy weather continues to result in critical fire weather conditions across southern New Mexico and far west Texas this afternoon. Winter Storm Selene, which is making its way across the Midwest states and blizzard-like conditions has caused nearly 200 miles of road closure along I-70 in Colorado, has generated gusty winds across all southwest fire zones in New Mexico. The Red Flag Warning remains in effect until 7 o’clock tonight for strong winds and low relative humidities.
Future Farmers of America at Deming High School competed well during the District 6 Career Development Events. The district contests were a two-day event held in Deming on Friday, March 18 and in Silver City on Saturday, March 19. Deming hosted Agronomy, Entomology, FBM, Floriculture, Homesite, Land, Livestock, Pasture & Range, Vet Science, and Wildlife judging. Silver City hosted Ag Mechanics, Horticulture Produce, and Landscape Design.
In sports action, due to upcoming storms expected to hit the Colorado Springs area this weekend, the WNMU softball team games have been moved up to Thursday and Friday. The matchups and game times will remain the same, with WNMU facing Colorado Christian on Thursday at 9 am, followed by a game against the host team UC-Colorado Springs at 2 pm. WNMU will play UC-Colorado Springs again on Friday at 10 am and Colorado Christian at noon.
Rural Business Cooperative-Service Administrator Sam Rikkers today announced that USDA is seeking applications for loans and grants to help support the start-up or expansion of rural businesses. The funding is being provided through the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) program. Under this program, USDA provides zero-interest loans and grants to local utilities, which use the funding to create revolving funds for projects that will create or retain jobs in rural areas. For information on how to apply for REDLG loans or grants, contact your Rural Development state office.
Today, Governor Susana Martinez announced that New Mexico saw a 36-year low in the number of DWI deaths that occurred on our roadways last year. In 2015, there were 122 DWI deaths – a 28 percent decrease from 2014. This marks a 70 percent decrease since 1979, the year New Mexico started tracking DWI fatalities.
