Here’s a look at today’s headlines:
The deadline for applications to take part in this year’s Lighted Christmas Parade is approaching. Applications are still available for commercial floats, nonprofit and school floats, individuals, and live music. The Parade will be held Saturday, November 29th. The parade normally draws close to 30 floats, but according to organizer Mike Madigan, so far only half a dozen have been registered.
Wednesday afternoon a federal judge sentenced three members of the Reese family to three years probation, ruling that time served prior to the trial was sufficient. The Deming family was convicted of making false statements on investigation forms during a firearms sting. Prosecutors had requested a five year sentence, but defense attorneys argued that maximum sentences should be 15 to 21 months. Before trial, the family served about 17 months before being granted bond and conditional release last year.
The Grant County Sheriff’s Office and other local agencies report receiving calls from area residents that they have won prizes or have warrants for their arrest. The caller asks prize winners to first send money to receive their winnings. The other advises a person to get a pre-paid card from Wal-Mart to cancel the warrant. If you receive a call from anybody requesting any personal information or bank account information, it is more than likely a scam. Never give out personal information to a caller. Please note: law enforcement will not call you on a pending warrant or request any payment.
The Comcast Foundation today announced it will distribute $59,822 in grants to 13 community organizations in New Mexico. The organizations receiving the grants participated in Comcast Cares Day on April 26, 2014. In Silver City, Comcast Foundation will award more than $11,322 to the Mimbres Region Arts Council. The grants will help Comcast’s local community partners continue their mission of serving the community throughout the year. This year, organizations receiving grants include the Albuquerque Public Schools Education Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Juan County, Mimbres Region Arts Council, Heart Gallery of New Mexico Foundation and more. To date, the Comcast Foundation has awarded $618,358 in grants to partner organizations in New Mexico.
The New Mexico Rail Runner Express is launching a pilot program that gives veterans with a VHIC (VA Medical ID card an annual pass to ride the train for free! The program starts this Veterans’ Day, Tuesday, November 11th and runs through December 31st of next year. There are a number of other efforts underway aimed at assisting New Mexico’s veterans – especially for those in rural communities throughout the state – including the development of a well-branded easy-to-use website that puts a direct and comprehensive focus on helping veterans connect to services online and in their community. This website, which will be supported by a call center, is being funded by Federal Transportation Administration grant funds. Additionally, NMDVS is providing the support to sustain ongoing staffing and maintenance of the website into the future. Completion of the “Vet Connect” website is slated for the summer of 2015.
