Here’s some local news:
Western New Mexico University professor, Dr. Jennifer Johnston, addressed the federal commission on school safety in Washington, D.C., focusing on her area of study, which is the relationship between news coverage and mass shootings. According to a release, “Dr. Johnston had the ears of the U.S. Education Secretary and Commission Chair, the U.S. Attorney General, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary, and the U.S. Homeland Security Secretary while briefing the commission on her research, which points to a possible three-fold decrease in mass shootings if the media did not name shooters.” In concluding her presentation, Dr. Johnston recommended the commission to adopt the “Don’t Name Them campaign” that addresses the three main traits of mass shooters that include: people tending to be depressed to the point of being suicidal; individuals that are socially isolated or have a recent social connection loss; and individuals that tend to be narcissistic, but are specifically fame-seeking.”
The Gila National Forest is conducting Forest Plan Revision meetings open to the community and stakeholders to keep the public informed and provide an opportunity for feedback and additional suggestions. The Gila National Forest is revising the existing plan from 1986, with the goal of developing a new plan that promotes a healthy, productive, and diverse forest. Local meetings will be held on the following dates and locations: Tuesday, September 25th from 5:00 to 7:30 P.M. in Reserve at the Catron County Fairgrounds building on N.M. Highway 12; and on Wednesday, September 26th from 5:00 to 7:30 P.M. in Silver City at the Grant County Veteran’s Memorial Business and Conference Center, located at 301 U.S. Highway 180 East.
The Luna County Board of County Commissioners met in an executive session last week to discuss matters relating to three county employees that are currently facing charges stemming from conducting plumbing work at the County Manager’s home while on the clock, and purchasing materials for the job with a county credit card. A criminal complaint was filed on August 7th that names: Luna County Manager, Ira Pearson; Luna County maintenance employee, Jose Contreras; Luna County Director of Maintenance, Billy Ruiz; and now former Luna County Maintenance Supervisor, Elliott Orozco. Multiple charges have been filed resulting in a series of fourth-degree felonies. The commissioners stated that they have hired a private investigator and have been working with the New Mexico Attorney General’s office.
Early next year, Del Taco, a fast food Mexican restaurant will be opening in the former KFC building at 2629 U.S. 180 East in Silver City. The company, QK Holdings, are owners of the the Silver City Denny’s restaurant in addition to other Denny’s and Del Taco restaurants across eleven states. Del Taco will be open 24/7 and serve breakfast in addition to tacos, burritos, quesadillas, Mexican combo plates, salads, burgers, and shakes, and will feature both walk-in and drive-through options. Before the grand opening, there will be a hiring event whereby approximately 50 job openings will be available.
