Here’s a look at some local news:
Once again this year, Grant County Cattlegrowers purchased a locally bred and raised steer through donations made by local members. In addition, the Grant County Copper CowBelles assisted by providing funds needed to process, cut and wrap the steer. The meat was donated to the area Family and Consumer Science teachers who in turn provided local students the opportunity to prepare beef dishes. The Grant County Cattlegrowers Association was formed in the 1990’s to advance and protect the area cattle industry and work toward solutions to cattle industry problems and promote the well -being of the industry. The Copper CowBelles are part of a national network of women supporting the beef industry. In existence for nearly 80 years, their mission is to promote beef education including knowledge of the many by-products that come from cattle and the nutritional value of lean beef. This organization also provides scholarships to college students pursuing agricultural degrees. The ranching industry contributes over $25 million annually to the local economy.
Western New Mexico University is removing three trees that pose safety hazards in a high-traffic area of campus in addition to planting between 12 to 16 red leaf maple trees to replace them. Mentioned in a recent news release, the elm trees between the PE Complex and College Avenue are unstable, particularly in extreme weather, according to WNMU Assistant Vice President of Facilities and Operations, Kevin Matthes. A local contractor will begin disassembling the elm trees this week. Before a single branch is cut, local woodturner and WNMU employee Joseph Holguin, will have reserved portions of each tree to take to his workshop. Holguin hopes to donate some of what he creates using the wood back to the university. The replacement trees were purchased from a New Mexico company and will be brought from Corrales to Silver City immediately before they are planted at WNMU.
