Here’s a look at today’s news:
The Silver High School Wind Ensemble took first place in the state championship held in Rio Rancho last week. Jonathan Wheatley, Director of Bands and Choirs at Silver High, is especially proud of the win because the group took on a very difficult piece for the competition to capture the first- place title. Silver High has won first place in this competition for the last three years.
The Area 74 Prescribed Burn, an estimated 9,000 acres in the Black Range, is scheduled to begin Monday, May 7th. The district Fire Management Officer, Dennis Fahl states that “the weather and fuel monitoring conditions have reached the optimal window for this activity.” Fahl anticipates the prescribed burn to take approximately five to seven days. Meteorological conditions have been verified and the many levels of approval have been secured. Area 74 is a high complexity prescribed burn because of steep, rugged terrain, a possible need for air craft, smoke receptors, and the values at risk, which include Mexican spotted owl habitat, archaeological resources and private land.
A fourteen year old Deming High School student was arrested on Monday and charged unlawful carrying of a deadly weapon onto school grounds and larceny of a firearm. The weapon was unloaded and no ammunition was found. On Wednesday, a third charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon was filed when it was reported that the student pointed the weapon at another student in the school bathroom. It has been discovered that the weapon was previously stolen form a local pawn shop.
The New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department recognizes May as Older Americans Month, and emphasizes the importance for older adults to be active and involved in their communities. The theme for this year’s observance is “Engage at Every Age”. Engaging with friends and family and participating in community activities can enrich physical, mental, and emotion well-being for seniors. Remaining socially engaged can improve the quality of life for older adults. In New Mexico and across the United States, adults ages 60 years of age and older is a rapidly growing population. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 434,000 New Mexicans are 60 years of age and older. By 2030, New Mexico is projected to have the third largest senior population, making up nearly a third of the state’s residents.
