WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 24, 2017) – Today, U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Gary Peters (D-MI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Al Franken (D-MN) sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson urging him to attend the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) meeting of foreign ministers next month. They stated their serious concern that skipping the meeting and instead traveling to Russia will send the wrong message to the United States' allies and adversaries.

"It is more important now than ever that we stand shoulder to shoulder with our European allies and prioritize our attendance at the upcoming NATO ministerial," wrote the senators.

The senators emphasized their concern with Secretary Tillerson's decision to travel to Russia next month, writing, "Given the increasingly aggressive behavior by Russia in the region and abroad and particularly in the operation of our respective democratic institutions, we must prioritize and reaffirm our commitments to NATO, not ignore them."
The meeting of foreign ministers next month is scheduled for April 5 and 6 in Brussels and will bring together all 28 NATO members.

Full text of the senators' letter is below and PDF is available here.

The Honorable Rex Tillerson
Secretary of State
Department of State
Washington, DC 20521

Dear Secretary Tillerson,

We write to strongly urge you to attend the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) meeting of foreign ministers next month. Earlier this week, State Department officials indicated that you did not plan to attend and would instead prioritize meetings with China and Russia. Now we understand you are looking to have NATO reschedule its ministerial to accommodate those other meetings.

We recognize that you were confirmed as Secretary of State only recently and are in the early stages of forming your policy management team, but we find this initial setting of priorities very troubling. The United States has long prioritized western democracies and transatlantic security. Although it is important that our country pursue beneficial relationships with China and Russia wherever appropriate, those meetings and negotiations should not come at the expense of our 67-year-old historic alliance. Nor should a meeting with Russian officials in Moscow occur before visiting Ukraine, in part to help fully appreciate the terrible cost the Russian-backed conflict has imposed.

Next month's NATO summit of foreign ministers will bring together all 28 NATO members and it could not occur at a more critical time. Our NATO allies have begun to question our commitment to the alliance, Russia is interfering in European elections, and Russia is threatening our NATO allies in the Baltics.

The United States has been the primary agenda setter at past meetings. Your absence at this meeting would not only be conspicuous, but it would send the wrong message to our allies and our adversaries. Secretary of Defense James Mattis has called NATO "the most successful military alliance certainly in modern world history, probably ever." Given the increasingly aggressive behavior by Russia in the region and abroad and particularly in the operation of our respective democratic institutions, we must prioritize and reaffirm our commitments to NATO, not ignore them.

We urge you to affirm your attendance at NATO's meeting of foreign ministers in order to reassure our allies that the United States' commitment to NATO remains "unwavering," as Vice President Mike Pence recently characterized. It is more important now than ever that we stand shoulder to shoulder with our European allies and prioritize our attendance at the upcoming NATO ministerial.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

OKLAHOMA CITY — Enid, Oklahoma, native Harold T. Holden will be inducted into the Hall of Great Westerners at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum's annual Western Heritage Awards, April 21 – 22, 2017. The awards celebrate the legacy of those whose works in literature, music, film, and television reflect the significant stories of the Western genre.

The more than 200 men and women honored within the Hall of Great Westerners represent the heart and spirit of the Western heritage and embody a precious and immutable legacy. Explorers, Native American leaders, writers, poets, statesmen and others who have revered the land, cherished freedom of individuality, inspired their fellow peers, and found the strength of character to overcome tremendous adversity find a home within this unique and enduring national memorial.

After graduating from Enid High School, Holden attended Oklahoma State University and graduated from the Texas Academy of Art in Houston. He toured with the Navy during Vietnam aboard the U.S.S. Rainier, and eventually ventured to make it as a professional fine artist. He began his career in the commercial art field, ultimately taking the position of Art Director at Horseman Magazine.

Holden's paintings can be seen nationwide, but one of the most notable is his 5-foot-8-inch oil painting of western Oklahoma hanging in the Oklahoma State Capitol. Additional works from Holden are in Will Rogers World Airport, University of Central Oklahoma, United States Postal Service, among other prominent institutions. His larger-than-life sculptures are displayed at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds, Oklahoma History Center, Gallagher-Iba Arena in Stillwater, Oklahoma, National Cowboy Museum, among several other prevalent destinations. Holden's infamous bronze sculpture of a cowboy on horseback, Wrangler, is awarded to each honoree during the Western Heritage Awards.

"It's an honor to recognize such a remarkable Oklahoman and pioneer of the West at the Western Heritage Awards," said Chief Financial Officer and Interim President and CEO Gary Moore. "Harold's tremendous contributions to our Western heritage will leave a legacy for generations to come."

The Western Heritage Awards Cocktail Reception is at 5:30 p.m. on April 21, followed by the Western Heritage Awards Panel Discussion on April 22 at 11:00 a.m., cocktail hour at 5:00 p.m., and the black-tie dinner and awards ceremony at 6:00 p.m. The events are open to the public by reservation, with ticket discounts available to Museum members.

General admission, black-tie dinner pricing is $185; $155 for Museum members. For more information about Western Heritage Awards and a full list of award winners and inductees, visit nationalcowboymuseum.org or call (405) 478-2250.

Event sponsors at time of press include Ann and David Brown, Wrangler, Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Museum Partners.

About the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
Nationally accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is located only six miles northeast of downtown Oklahoma City in the Adventure District at the junction of Interstates 44 and 35, the state's exciting Adventure Road corridor. The Museum offers annual memberships beginning at just $40. For more information, visit nationalcowboymuseum.org. For high-resolution images related to the National Cowboy Museum, visit nationalcowboymuseum.org/media-pics/.

Ruben V. Diaz, 63, of Silver City passed away Wednesday, March 22, 2017.

A celebration of his life will be held Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at 10 o'clock in the morning at Baca's Funeral Chapels. Concluding services and burial will follow at Memory Lane Cemetery. Officiating is Deacon Bill Holguin. Serving as pallbearers will be, Ivan Aguilar, Orlando Ortega, Gollo Gerardo, Matthew Ortiz, Frank Castillo and Steven Ortega.

Ruben was born March 3, 1954 in Santa Rita. He attended Wilson High School in Los Angeles, CA. Ruben was a person who made friends easily and was always willing to give a helping hand to anyone who needed it. He was very loving and protective of his family and enjoyed spending time with them. Ruben had a humorous personality and enjoyed telling jokes and laughing with family and friends. One place Ruben enjoyed was being outdoors, this was a place where he could go and be at peace. He will greatly be missed by all who loved and knew him.

Ruben is survived by his mother, Lupe V. Diaz; stepdad, Juan Becerra; son, Marcus Diaz; daughters, Nichole Ortiz (Matthew), Eileen Diaz and Ianna Diaz; sisters, Christina Gerardo (Gollo), Velia Maldonado and Yvonne Morales; brothers, Joe Parra (Ceci) and Raul Diaz (Michelle); grandchildren, Dejahila Ortega, Azalea Ortiz, Michael Diaz, Alexis Diaz, Eva Diaz, Rose Diaz and Frank Diaz. He was preceded in death by his father, Raul (Rucco) Diaz Sr. and nephew, Joe Willie Lopez.

Born March 20, 1929 in Albuquerque, NM to Harry H. Hotchkiss and Eunice Griffith. A longtime resident of Bayard and Silver City, he passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 24, 2017.

He was a beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and uncle.He married his soulmate, Renda Truett on April 11, 1948 in Santa Rita, NM.

An Avid reader, his two daughters were raised being read to, often things beyond their young years.

He loved hunting, fishing and taking his horses to the wilderness with his father. He instilled a love for the outdoors in all of us.

He joined the Air Force in 1951 and served during the Korean Conflict, where he was stationed in Muroc, CA, later renamed Edwards Air Force Base, where he gained a great knowledge in multiple fields. They returned home to Santa Rita, NM and he went to work for Boyles Bros. Diamond Drilling, then Kennecott in Santa Rita, UV and then retired from Phelps Dodge in Tyrone.

He is survived by: daughter Teri and husband Allan Jackson, their son Jason Jackson and his fiancé Dustie Clossun and their children Hailey, Aubrey, Johnathan, Kaitlyn, Evan and Ryleigh; daughter Julie Hotchkiss, her daughter Keri Hotchkiss and partner Mike Morales and their son Dakota, and Julie's son Dustin Hotchkiss his son Jacob, Dustin's partner Melonie Riggs and her two children Josh and Carolyn; sister Melba and her husband John Hinrichs and their children Bruce, Denise and Donna; and nephew Ashley Cates.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Renda Truett; his sister Maxine Cates; two nephews Sidney and Craig Cates.

Services are pending with Baca's Funeral Chapels.

White Sands Missile Range Notification

For information regarding closures you may call WSMR at 678-1178 or 678-2222 for updates.

Traffic updates are posted on the NMDOT traffic advisory web-site at http://nmroads.com and can be retrieved through our automated system at 511 in New Mexico or 1-800-432-4269 from any line.

I-10, Mile Marker 91.7 to 94.5, Deming CN 1101250 The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) along with La Calerita Construction (Contractor) continues with bridge rehabilitation and roadway reconstruction operations on Interstate 10 (I-10) in Luna County. Interstate traffic will continue to encounter a detour while work is being performed. All interstate traffic is currently being detoured off the westbound lane and onto the eastbound lane encountering temporary wall barrier along the detour. An 11' width lane restriction is in effect. Motorists are asked to reduce speed, obey posted signs, and use extreme caution, as well as continue to be cautious of personnel in the area. Construction is expected to be completed by summer 2017.

I-25, Mile Marker 147 for Bridge Repairs, Socorro HW2M100606 The New Mexico Department of Transportation and Villalobos Construction (Contractor) will be performing bridge repairs to the approach and concrete barrier railing and joints along with crack sealing on the northbound and southbound lanes with lane closures left over night. Construction operation hours will be from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday through Sunday. Please use caution in this area when workers are present.

US 70, Mile Markers 166.25 to 177.740, Las Cruces CN 1100570 The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) along with Mountain States Contractors, Inc. (Contractor) will be performing roadway rehabilitation operations on US 70 in Dona Ana Co. Construction is expected to be completed by summer 2017. A 12' width lane restriction is in effect. Traffic will encounter lane drops at times with eastbound and westbound exits closed off to all traffic as needed. Motorists are asked to reduce speed, obey posted signs, and use extreme caution, and be cautious of personnel in the area. The closure will be in affect from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm.

US 380, Mile Marker 1 to 2.5, San Antonio The New Mexico Department of Transportation and Hasse Contractors (Contractor) will be performing joint repair work. US 380 from mile post 1 to mile post 2.5 and will have various shoulder closures for rip rap installation under the bridge and a signal light in place. A 15' width lane restriction is in effect. Construction operation hours will be from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday through Sunday. Please use caution in this area when workers are present.

US 180, Mile Marker 161.5, Deming The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) will be performing drainage culvert pipe installation on Keeler Farm Road and US 180 in Luna Co. Construction is expected to be completed Friday March 24, 2017. During this time period, Keeler Farm Road at US 180 will be completely CLOSED to traffic at all times. Through traffic along Keeler Farm Road is advised to be on alert and look for detour signs which will be posted throughout the area to guide traffic around the road closure. Alternate detour routes will be on Arrowhead and Highland Drive.

NM 186, Mile Marker 0.7, Anthony The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) along with AUI Inc. (Contractor) will continue work on a bridge replacement on NM 186 at milepost 0.7 (W Ohara Rd). Work as this location is not expected to impact traffic; however workers will be present around the roadway at this location. Construction at this location is expected to last through March 2017. Operation hours will be from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Please use caution in this area when workers are present.

NM 159, Mile Marker 8 to 10, Mogollon CN ER14103  The NMDOT along with La Calerita Construction, LLC, (Contractor) will perform Roadway & Drainage Improvements on NM 159 with expected completion fall of 2017. The only traffic that will be able to go through NM 159 will be the Mogollon residents and supplies for the Mogollon residents during the week. Construction operation hours will be from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Saturday. Please use caution in this area when workers are present. NM 159 will be CLOSED during construction hours.

NM 273, Mile Marker 9.5 to 10, Anthony The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) will be performing minor pavement preservation (Chip Sealing) operations on NM 273 from mile post 9.5 to mile post 10 in both lanes. No center stripe and loose gravel on roadway, striping to begin in April. Motorists are advised to use caution and reduce speed while nearing and passing through the work zone.

Frontage Road 1037, Mile Marker 0 to 10, Las Cruces and Anthony The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) will be performing minor pavement preservation (Chip Sealing) operations on FRONTGE ROAD 1037 from mile post 0 to mile post 10 in both lanes. No center stripe and loose gravel on roadway, striping to begin in April. Motorists are advised to use caution and reduce speed while nearing and passing through the work zone being cautious of trucks turning and workers in the area.

Las Cruces Projects – City of Las Cruces

Bex Court Open to through traffic.

Bex Street From Farney Lane to Desert Rose Court will be closed to through traffic. Access to residents will be maintained at all times. Motorists will be asked to decrease speed through the construction zone and should proceed with caution.

Calle del Sol From Brown Road to Avenido Blanco will be closed to through traffic. Access to residents will be maintained at all times. Motorists will be asked to decrease speed through the construction zone and should proceed with caution.

Desert Rose Court Open to through traffic.

Farney Lane From Main Street to Hixon Drive will be closed to through traffic. Access to residents will be maintained at all times. Motorists will be asked to decrease speed through the construction zone and should proceed with caution.

Farney Lane From El Paseo Road to Espina Drive will be closed to through traffic. Access to residents will be maintained at all times. Motorists will be asked to decrease speed through the construction zone and should proceed with caution.

McGuffey Street From Windridge Circle to Sirena Lane will be closed to through traffic. Detours are in place. Access to residents will be maintained at all times. Motorists will be asked to decrease speed through the construction zone and should proceed with caution.

N Reymond Street From W. Organ Avenue to Las Cruces Avenue will be closed to through traffic. Access to residents will be maintained at all times. Motorists will be asked to decrease speed through the construction zone and should proceed with caution.

Roadrunner Parkway From Golf Club Road to Frontier Avenue will have the outside south bound lane closed to through traffic. Access to residents will be maintained at all times. Motorists will be asked to decrease speed through the construction zone and should proceed with caution.

Three Crosses From Alameda Blvd to Spitz Avenue will lane closures to through traffic. Access to residents will be maintained at all times. Motorists will be asked to decrease speed through the construction zone and should proceed with caution.

Utah Avenue From El Paseo Road to Mesquite Street will be closed to through traffic. Access to businesses will be detoured for full access. Motorists will be asked to decrease speed through the construction zone and should proceed with caution.

El Paso Projects – Go 10/Border West Expressway

I-10 & Mesa Continuous Until further notice

• The right turn-only lane on eastbound North Mesa St (SH 20) is closed between Osborne Dr and South Desert Blvd.
• The right through lane on eastbound North Mesa St (SH 20) will close between Osborne Dr and South Desert Blvd, but only when necessary and only during the day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Note: Access to businesses will remain open at all times.

I-10 & Sunland Overnight Sunday, March 26 through Thursday, March 30 9 p.m. each night to 6 a.m. each morning

• The Sunland Park Flyover Entrance Ramp to I-10 Eastbound will close.

Daytime Monday, March 27 through Friday, March 31 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day

• The two-lane Sunland Exit Ramp (Exit 13, Westbound) will reduce to one lane.

Daytime Monday, March 27 and Tuesday, March 28 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day

• The left lane on I-10 Westbound will close between Buena Vista and Sunland Park.

Overnight Wednesday, March 29 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following morning

• I-10 Westbound will reduce to one lane between Sunland Park (Exit 13) and the Resler Flyover Ramp.
• The Resler Exit Ramp (Exit 12) from I-10 Westbound will close.
• The Sunland Park Entrance Ramp to I-10 Westbound will close.

I-10 & Executive Daytime Monday, March 27 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• The Executive Center Exit Ramp (Exit 16) from I-10 Westbound will be open; however, the right-turn-only lane onto Executive Center Boulevard will close. Motorists will be able to turn right at the traffic light. Crews are installing a service pole.

Closures are posted on the TxDOT website: http://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/media-center/local-news/el-paso.html

PLEASE NOTE: Conditions are subject to change without notice. Double fines for speeding in work zones are in effect.

For more information log onto www.nmroads.com or call 511.

Critical Fire Weather Conditions may return over southern areas Sunday.

An upper level trough will be moving across the Rockies on Sunday which will bring a return to breezy to windy conditions across the region. The strongest winds will occur over the southern areas from Luna county east into southeast Otero and Hudspeth counties. These winds will combine with minimum relative humidities from 10 to 15 percent to create critical fire weather

New Mexico Fire Weather Zone 111  Southwest Deserts And Lowlands/las Cruces Blm/glz-
New Mexico Fire Weather Zone 112  South Central Lowlands And Southern Rio Grande Valley/blm/glz-Texas Fire Weather Zone 055

On Friday, March 31, 2017, Cesar Chavez Day, the Grant County Democratic Party will again lead an energetic "Day of Service" in honor of the great Hispanic hero.

Frances Vasquez, chair of the GC Democrats said: "We feel it's crucial to remember the contributions of Cesar Chavez, especially in these days when Mexicans, Mexican Americans, and other groups are being disrespected and threatened by national politicians. We'll honor Chavez's non-violent labor, civil rights, and humanitarian efforts by working in the gardens of Silver City. !Si se puede!"

A full day of events will be pursued, starting with volunteer work to clean up the school garden at the Sixth Street Elementary School (405 W. 6th St.), 10:00am-noon. After a break for lunch, volunteers will move to the Volunteer Center (the Commons, at 501 E. 13th St.), to prepare that garden for the growing season. (Participants are asked to supply their own work gloves and water, and urged to bring protection from the sun.)

At 4:00pm participants will gather at Gough Park to march in memory of Cesar Chavez and in support of all workers. At 5:00pm the crowd will return to the Volunteer Center for a delicious LULAC red cheese enchilada dinner.

After dinner (6:00pm) the documentary "Your Vote is Your Voice, the story of Willie Velasquez," will be screened. "Velasquez was another legendary figure in the history of Chicano activism," said Ms. Vasquez. "He focused on empowering Hispanics to register and vote – to participate fully and openly in our democracy -- at a time when those rights were often denied." Dr. Magdaleno Manzanarez, Vice-President of WNMU for External Affairs, will serve as moderator for an open discussion following the film, particularly regarding its relevance to today's struggles.

The Cesar Chavez Day celebration will be sponsored by the Grant County Democratic Party and LULAC Council 8003. Everyone is invited to participate, work in the garden, march for justice, enjoy enchiladas, and watch and discuss the thought-provoking film.

For more information, contact the Grant County Democratic Party at 654-6060 or email grantcountydemocrats@gmail.com.

Critical Fire Weather Conditions may return over southern areas Sunday.

An upper level trough will be moving across the Rockies on Sunday which will bring a return to breezy to windy conditions across the region. The strongest winds will occur over the southern areas from Luna county east into southeast Otero and Hudspeth counties. These winds will combine with minimum relative humidities from 10 to 15 percent to create critical fire weather

New Mexico Fire Weather Zone 111  Southwest Deserts And Lowlands/las Cruces Blm/glz-
New Mexico Fire Weather Zone 112  South Central Lowlands And Southern Rio Grande Valley/blm/glz-Texas Fire Weather Zone 055

Adam Tolar, SHS graduate, at left, will serve his residency in emergency medicine at UNM

In an effort to address the physician shortage in New Mexico, the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque created a program called BA/MD in 2006. Adam Tolar was the first graduate from Silver High School to be admitted to this program in 2009.

Adam will graduate from UNM School of Medicine on May 12, 2017. During a “Match” ceremony that took place at UNM on Friday, March 17, Adam received notification to have matched at the UNM’s hospital residency program. Adam will begin as an Emergency Resident Physician in July 2017.

Adam sent applications to 60 hospitals, throughout the USA, he interviewed in hospitals in El Paso, two in Tucson, Dallas-Fort Worth, Chicago, Michigan, Detroit and Albuquerque. His first choice was Albuquerque, and he matched in Albuquerque.

In Adam’s own words, “Still feels like a dream! So blessed to be able to stay in Albuquerque and practice Emergency Medicine at such an awesome program.” His family and friends wish to congratulate and wish him success.

The National Residency Match Program (NRMP) is a system for the confidential selection of applicants to core residency programs. After registering for a Match at the NRMP and completing interviews, applicants submit a list of programs where they wish to attend, ranked in order of preference.

At the same time, program directors submit a list of applicants that they have interviewed and wish to train. It is the applicants and program directors’ final preferences that determine the Match outcome.

In 2017 there were more than 43,000 applicants registered in almost 5,000 programs offering approximately 32,000 training positions in different specialties. Adam Tolar applied for Emergency Medicine along with 2,047 applicants nationwide. UNM offered 12 emergency medicine positions, one of which was filled by Adam.

http://www.nrmp.org/press-release-2017-nrmp-main-residency-match-the-largest-match-on-record/ 

Statewide - State Police will be conducting Sobriety Checkpoints, Saturation Patrols, and Registration, Insurance and Drivers' License Checkpoints in all New Mexico counties during the month of April 2017.

We are bringing awareness to this, in an effort to reduce alcohol related fatalities, through continued media attention and intensive advertising. These checkpoints are helping to change society's attitude about drinking and driving.

People are choosing to not drink and drive. This is the biggest step in keeping impaired drivers from crashing into our friends and families.

Hundreds of lives could be saved each year if every driver had the courage to make the right decision.

Who:
New Mexico State Police

What:
Sobriety Checkpoints, Saturation Patrols and Registration/Insurance/DL Checkpoints

When:
April 2017

Where:
All New Mexico Counties

Why:
So we can ENDWI in New Mexico

WEATHER ADVISORY:
High wind warning in Hidalgo County, visibility is low due to blowing dust. High profile vehicles please use caution. The NMDOT will continue monitoring the roadway. This event will be updated as conditions change.

Letter to the Editor:

The Silver City money pit, the Silver City golf course also known as the University Course at Scott Park

For the last several years the Silver City golf course was managed by the Silver Fairways company. In February 2016 the company announced that they were broke and would go out of business. The company stated that the reason they were broke was that the number of rounds of golf played at the course dropped from 22,000 to 16,000. The Town was faced with the following options: 1) Abandon the course and let the weeds grow, but there are influential people that want to play golf and the course is thought to be one of the things that draw people to Silver City; 2) The Town could take over the course, but everyone knows the course is a money loser and the taxpayers would not be happy; 3) The Town could use Lodger Tax money to cover the losses of the golf course, but the people who now get Lodger Tax money would not be happy; and 4) Find some other organization that would absorb the loss for the Town.

Enter Western New Mexico University. WNMU took over temporary management of the course on March 1, 2016 , then signed a ten-year lease on July 1, 2016. The terms of the lease are, in a few words, Western runs the golf course, and the associated café and bar, and gets to keep all the income. Western pays the Town nothing. The Town gave all the golf course equipment to Western free. The Town is not completely free of costs. The Town built a new club house with a café and bar at the course for $450,000 financed with a private bank loan. That loan still has to be repaid, but the Town receives no income from the renovated building. The town’s leaders have obtained their goal of making the deficient invisible so the citizens of Silver City will not know it exists.

Looking at the numbers, it appears that Western will lose about $200,000 a year managing the golf course. Where does Western get the money? Western takes it from student fees. In December 2016, Western transferred $100,000 from student fees to the golf course to cover the losses up to then. So the students are going to be the ones to support the golf course so the locals can play. It’s decisions like this that make Western the most expensive university in the state, more expensive than New Mexico Tech, UNM, New Mexico State, Eastern, Highlands or Northern New Mexico.

What does Western get out of it? Not much, the golf teams gets to practice on the course, but doesn’t play any matches on the course. Full-time students get to play free, but students can only play free during May, June, July, and August, if they register for summer school. Has Western taken on this burden to win favor?

For those interested, here are the numbers: Western’s budget for the golf course for July 1, 2016 to June 31, 2017 is $794,156. From March 1, 2016 to June 31, 2016 when Western had temporary control of the golf course only, Western had income of $194,069. The last financial report for Silver Fairways showed income of $530,000. From this it shows that income from the golf course can be expected to be about $400,000 a year and income from the cafe and bar might be about $150,000. At best that a total income of $550,000 or a loss of approximately $250,000 a year.

Alfred Milligan
Silver City NM

You Decide
Interbasin water transfers—are they needed? If a land owner who has a large ranch decides that he can make more money by selling the water under his land than he can by raising cattle on that land, should he have the right to do so?

Pros:
It is his land. He pays taxes on it. If he can meet the requirements to apply for a permit from New Mexico State Engineer to develop 54,000 acre feet of water annually from the Plains of San Augustin and transfer it out of its basin origin, shouldn’t he be able to do so? If he can find investors to back his proposal and buyers for that water where it can be put to beneficial use, isn’t that following the State statutes? This would mean that the area receiving the water would have economic growth potential and that sounds like a positive for the developer, the backers and the receiving area. Isn’t pro-growth a good thing in the State of New Mexico? Just think whether this proposal makes money for a lot of people.

Cons:
The export of the amount of water being requested will have some very negative impacts on the adjoining landowners.

1. The basin of origin is not being recharged at a sufficient rate to keep up with amount being extracted. The basin is in decline at this time due to groundwater leakage to adjacent basins, existing developments within the basin and the amount of annual recharge from rain and snow because of the decades of drought. There is also a high evapo- transpiration rate in this geographic area.

2. The basin has many perched aquifers, which indicates that the water levels vary from a few tens of feet to several hundred feet. The new proposed wells will be pumping water from 2,000 feet below ground level.

This will cause adjacent existing wells to go dry. It has been suggested by Frank Titus, a deceased hydro- geologist, that a vast majority of the wells will go dry within a ten-year period from the start of pumping by the Augustin Plains Ranch, LLC.

3. The basin sediments are referred to as bolson fill. These are mainly very fine grained in the central areas of the two basins and get coarser near the margins. Near the margins and where the sediments thin because of underlying structure these sediments will be subject to earth fissures or tension cracks; which can cause severe damage to anything laying above.

4. This proposal by the APR, LLC, will cause economic loss to the Datil area and land values will drop on the adjacent ranches because of the lack of groundwater. This loss of resources and economic value is not to the benefit of Catron and Socorro Counties; whereas the areas receiving the APR’s water will see economic benefit.

There is no positive outcome from this proposed development for Catron and Socorro Counties.

So how do you think this will play out in the court hearings? Will rural areas across the State be discounted as unimportant in favor of the urban areas? Will money be the driving force?

Dennis Inman, Geologist

Datil, NM

By Mary Alice Murphy

A resolution supporting the transfer of ownership of historic Fort Bayard to the village of Santa Clara at the Grant County Commission regular session on Thursday, March 23, 2017, elicited a great deal of discussion.

Scott Terry, Silver City-Grant County Chamber of Commerce president, spoke on behalf of the transfer.

"New Mexico is not going to use our tax dollars to preserve Fort Bayard," Terry said. "Fort Bayard is special to Santa Clara and all of Grant County."

He said the community has gone to the state to ask for things to be fixed. "But the state is not doing anything. It has no money."

The Grant County Art Guild is pleased to announce its second Art Show of the year, the Old Masters Show. It features artist interpretations of works created by the Old Masters and will be held at the MRAC Gallery in the Wells Fargo bank building. The show begins with an Opening Reception on Friday March 31 from 4-5:30 p.m. with light refreshments, and will be on display through the entire month of April. Gallery hours are Tuesday-Friday 9-4. This year's show will include Mark Bowen's rendering of two Pablo Picasso sculptures from Picasso's series called "The Bathers." Please join us for this fun exhibit while learning about some of the greatest works of art initially created by famous masters. Information at Grant County Art Guild - Pinos Altos, New Mexico.

Joe Bruno Rodriguez 57 of Lordsburg, New Mexico passed away Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at Gila Regional Medical Center.

A Funeral Service will be held at Lordsburg Funeral Home Chapel on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at 11:00am. Interment will follow at Shakespeare Cemetery.

Bright/Lordsburg Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, "Traditional Services and Care for your family and friends", 408 S. Main Street, Lordsburg, NM 88045, 575-542-9444.

Online remembrances can be made at www.brightfuneral.net/

Deborah C. Williams 58 of Silver City, NM formerly of Cliff, NM passed away Thursday, March 23, 2017 at Silver City Care Center.

Cremation has taken place under the direction of Bright Funeral Home. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

Bright Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, "Traditional Services and Care for your
family and friends", 210 W. College Ave., Silver City, NM 88061, 575-388-1911.

Online remembrances can be made at www.brightfuneral.net

Commissioners Browne, Edwards, Kasten, Ramos, and Billings presented the Continental Divide Trail Days proclamation of April as CD Trail Days to Jenny Gaeng, Michele Giese and Raul Turrieta.

The Silver High School wrestling team was recognized as the 2017 state champions. Pictured are Commissioners Billings, Kasten, Edwards Browne and Ramos, along with coaches Luis Alvarado and Jacob Vega, and wrestlers Zeke Marquez, Ramon Rodriguez, Vinny Vega, Armando Galindo, Ricky Villalobos, Lonnie Sandoval, Michael Aguirre III and Jayden Wietholter, Vince Marin, Damon Marquez, Iyan Villines, Will Kammerer and Isaiah Sanchez (not in order).

A third proclamation named April 3-9 as Public Health Week. Presenting the proclamation were the five commissioners and five Public Health Office staff members Margaret Diaz, Susan Garrison, Michele Giese, Brandi Warnack and Marcia Johnson (not in order).

Articles and photos by Mary Alice Murphy

Paul E. Farris of Hurley, NM passed away Friday, March 24, 2017 at his residence.

A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday at Bright Funeral Home Chapel time to be announced.

Bright Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, "Traditional Services and Care for your family and friends", 210 W. College Ave., Silver City, NM 88061, 575-388-1911.

Online remembrances can be made at www.brightfuneral.net.

Karen Marie Blochland, 63 of Silver City, NM passed away on Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at Gila Regional Medical Center.

Bright Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, "Traditional Services and Care for your family and friends", 210 W. College Ave., Silver City, NM 88061, 575-388-1911.

Online remembrances can be made at www.brightfuneral.net.