Here’s some of today’s news:
Planning is underway for the 2018 Wreaths Across America project that honors veterans during the Christmas holiday at Fort Bayard National Cemetery. The mission of Wreaths Across America, a 501©3 organization, is to remember the fallen, honor those who serve including their families who sacrifice, and teach children the cost of freedoms Americans enjoy each day. According to a release, last year 1.57 million wreaths were placed at 1,422 locations across the United States and abroad, including Arlington National Cemetery where every marker had a wreath. This year, each wreath costs $15; however, for every two wreaths purchased, an additional third wreath will be donated to the Fort Bayard National Cemetery. In addition, a service unique to Fort Bayard is that local special requests for wreath placements are honored and guaranteed. This year, the ceremony of laying of wreaths on the veteran’s graves at Ft. Bayard will be on Saturday, December 15th.
The Gila National Forest, Black Range Ranger District has reported that hunters have been using E-bikes in the Aldo Leopold Wilderness which are prohibited in the area. According to the Code of Federal Regulations 261.16., “The following are prohibited in a National Forest Wilderness: Possessing or using a motor vehicle, motorboat or motorized equipment except as authorized by Federal law or regulation; and possessing or using a hand glider or bicycle. Mobility impaired persons, or persons with disabilities, may use wheelchairs in the wilderness.” An E-bike is a bicycle that can be run on electric power as well as by pedaling. The recent incident was reported to law enforcement.
New Mexico’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was rated at 4.6 percent in August, down from 4.7 percent in July and 6.0 percent a year ago. According to local statistics: the unemployment rate for Grant County is down to 4.9 percent in August from 5.1 percent in July; in Hidalgo County the rate is down to 3.6 percent in August from 3.7 in July; Luna County is down to 7.9 percent in August from 8.0 in July; and in Catron Country, the unemployment rate is remained steady at 5.4 percent.
LifeQuest, the organization that served adults with developmental disabilities and children in early intervention for 45 years in Grant County, donated its remaining assets to five non-profit groups last week. The groups that benefited from the donations are as follows: Western New Mexico University Foundation for scholarships; the Grant County Community Foundation; Supporting People in Need that assists former LifeQuest clients that can’t live alone; the Community Partnership for Children; and the Bikeworks. Earlier this year, LifeQuest closed its doors after losing necessary funding from the state. The LifeQuest building located on Pope Street in Silver City has been sold to the Silver City Food Co-op.
