Here’s a look at today’s headlines:
The New Mexico Department of Health has confirmed the state’s first two human cases of West Nile virus infection of 2018. A 43-year-old man from San Juan County and a 71-year-old woman from Doña Ana County have both been affected and required hospitalization. According to the New Mexico Department of Health, there were 33 confirmed cases of West Nile virus in New Mexico last year, including one fatal case, and in 2016, there were six confirmed West Nile virus cases in New Mexico, with one reported death. The mosquitos that spread West Nile Virus can breed in something as small as a bottle cap of stagnant water and it is suggested that residents regularly drain standing water that may collect in empty cans, tires, buckets, clogged rain gutters and saucers under potted plants.
The Gila National Forest is reminding hunters and recreational visitors of potential hazards in the woods. Increased situational awareness is especially important when traveling within the Buzzard and Owl Fire burned areas. Remember to look up, look down, and look all around. Snags and dead trees, flash floods, and unstable soils are just a few hazards to be aware of. According to a release, “Although monsoon season will soon be winding down, visitors should continue to exercise caution and alertness in these areas as rainstorms continue to occur and the risk for flooding exists.” In addition, visitors are reminded not to camp in flood plains as creeks rise quickly and could wash out the camp. For more information on hunting in New Mexico, please go to New Mexico Department of Game and Fish website at wildlife.state.nm.us.
Deming Mayor, Benny Jasso, has again declared the month of September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, as a way bring awareness to the Deming community and continue to honor, Peter Fox, and 8-year old that ended his battle with cancer on August 30th, 2014. Pete has served as inspiration to several organizations that include: The Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation that chose Pete’s family to serve as a representative for children affected by cancer in New Mexico; and the Deming Girl Scout Troop 56123, that received the Girl Scout Bronze Award for creating a community project that focused on keeping the memory of Pete Fox alive. September is also recognized as National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
In other local news:
The Western New Mexico University Foundation has honored alumna and professor, Linda McGee, for forty years of dedicated service to the university, by naming the student study lounge in in historic Light Hall, after Linda and her late husband, John McGee. In 1969, Linda graduated from WNMU with a bachelor’s in accounting and served as an accounting professor for over 30 years. She retired as a full professor in 2010 and began serving on the WNMU Foundation Board of Directors. In addition, Linda began the WNMU Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program in 1982, and recently made a major gift contribution of $100,000.00 to the WNMU Foundation through the John and Linda McGee Scholarship. Congratulations to Linda and John McGee, for your service to WNMU, and the many students you have and continue to inspire.
