Joshua Boyd is the New Mexico State University Sierra County Cooperative Extension Service agricultural agent and director. His 4-H Horse Judging Manual earned national finalist honors from the National Association of County Agricultural Agents.
(NMSU photo by Darrell J. Pehr)WRITER: Kristie Garcia, 575-646-4211, kmgarcia@nmsu.edu.

New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service agents are racking up the awards.

NMSU Sierra County CES Agriculture/4-H Agent Joshua Boyd earned national finalist honors from the National Association of County Agricultural Agents for his 4-H Horse Judging Manual. The NACAA's communications competition recognizes agricultural agents on the state, regional and national levels. Boyd's manual earned the second-highest award level possible.

"When I learned I was a national finalist, I was extremely shocked and felt blessed for the acknowledgement and the recognition of all the work," Boyd said.

Two NMSU CES agents also received the coveted 2017 NACAA Distinguished Service Award and Achievement Award.

Leigh Ann Marez, Guadalupe County Extension Program Director/Agent received the Distinguished Service Award, which recognizes an agent with over 10 years of experience who has demonstrated exceptional Extension work with his or her respective county clientele and across the state.

Jason Lamb, Quay County Extension Agricultural Agent, received the Achievement Award, which recognizes an agent with fewer than 10 years of experience who has demonstrated excellence in programming in his or her respective county and statewide.

The NACAA only selects one Distinguished Service Award recipient and one Achievement Award recipient from each state per year.

As for Boyd's 4-H Horse Judging Manual, he couldn't be more pleased, especially for his first time entering the competition.

"I was encouraged to enter the competition by the New Mexico Association of County Agricultural Agents," he said. "And I've received positive feedback from FFA teachers and advisers, as well as 4-H coaches. To my surprise, some Texas schools are using the manual for their main source of reference."

The user-friendly manual provides a basic outline for coaches and beginning horse judges. It includes concepts on how to judge various classes of horses, as well as information about horse anatomy, judging criteria and advanced practical judging reasons.

The NACAA communications awards include several categories, such as publication, newsletter, website, feature story and video presentation. Award results are announced in mid-May of each year.

In addition to Boyd''s recognition in the publication category, the following NMSU CES agents received certificates in the West Region, which includes 13 states:

• Bonnie Hopkins, San Juan County Extension Agricultural Agent, program promotional piece category: Alfalfa and Range Workshop
• Newt McCarty, Valencia County Extension Agricultural Agent, video recording category: Food Camp for Kids (videography by Jane Moorman)

State certificate winners include:

• Newt McCarty, Valencia County Extension Agricultural Agent, personal column category: Preserving Agriculture
• Samantha Ortiz, San Miguel County Program Director/Extension 4-H Agent, feature story category: NMSU Extension Hosting Annual Ag Day in Las Vegas, New Mexico
• Steve Lucero, Sandoval County Program Director/Extension 4-H and Agricultural Agent, publication category: Small Farms Task Force Year-end Report (numerous agents contributed to this project)
• Donald Martinez, Rio Arriba County Agricultural Agent, program promotional piece category: Rio Chama Equine Expo
• Leigh Ann Marez, Guadalupe County Extension Program Director/Agent, publication category: Recommended Trees and Shrubs for Guadalupe County and Surrounding Areas

Marez is the communications chair of the New Mexico Association of County Agricultural Agents.

"County agents across New Mexico – as part of the NMSU Cooperative Extension Service – are doing great things, so it's important to be recognized at the regional and national levels," Marez said.

The Distinguished Service Award recipient, Achievement Award recipient, regional certificate winners and national finalist will be recognized during the NACAA National Convention July 9 to 13, which will be held in Salt Lake City this year.

For more information about NACAA, visit nacaa.com. For more information about NMSU's Cooperative Extension Service, visit extension.nmsu.edu.

For the weekend beginning Friday May 19, 2017 at 4:00 pm and ending Monday May 22, 2017 at 8:00 am Officers of the Silver City Police Department responded to 86 calls for service, had 167 self-initiated activity, and made 13 arrests, including 0 for DWI.

Included in the above calls for service are 1 Domestic Disturbance, 2 fights, 1 Aggravated Assault, 1 Robbery, 4 Shoplifting, 3 Criminal Damage To Property, 3 Disturbances, 2 Reckless Drivers, 1 Injuring – Tampering, 2 Loud Party/Loud Music, 1 Vehicle Burglary.

Silver City, NM (May 22, 2017) – The Silver City Arts & Cultural District is pleased to share some of the media attention Silver City has been receiving lately, both regionally and nationally.

A recent article in the April issue of Edible Santa Fe, the annual travel issue, features an article titled "Handmade in Silver City." Publisher, Stephanie Cameron, in collaboration with Instagram duo Caitlin Jenkins and Amy Tischler of @TravelNewMexico, visited Silver City for two days back In February. The article mentions a number of Silver City's colorful dining options, including the newly opened Revel, Mi Mexico Viejo, Little Toad Creek Brewery & Distillery, and 1zero6. Additionally, a handful of Silver City's local businesses also are featured in the article, such as Sygyzy Tile, Power and Light Press, the Murray Hotel, and A Space Studio Art Gallery. Arriving on Territorial Charter Day weekend, the group rounded out their trip with a hike on Boston Hill and a short tour around La Capilla.

"We are thrilled about the recent media attention Silver City has been receiving, as it directly benefits tourism in our town. People hear about the town through these different avenues and then typically do their own research online – which is why we are so pleased to have rolled out our new website www.visitsilvercity.org this past fall! We have already received a number of compliments on it. Of course, we also have an active social media presence, which is super important nowadays."

In addition to the story in Edible Santa Fe, Silver City has recently been recognized in publications such as True West and Sunset magazines as a top western town, as well as Expedia.com.

For more information, please call 575-538-5560 or E-mail info@visitsilvercity.org.

Albuquerque, NM - Today, Governor Susana Martinez announced a $2 million investment in Bayotech Inc. - the first homegrown startup to receive funding from the newly established Catalyst Fund. Bayotech, which manufactures high-tech nitrogen fertilizer production equipment, will now be able to finish testing and begin delivering on commitments worth $1.5 billion in sales North America.

"The Catalyst Fund is a powerful toolbox to help businesses grow and create jobs throughout New Mexico," said Governor Martinez. "New Mexico has enormous potential to become a high-tech jobs leader. By helping homegrown startups get off the ground, we'll be able to continue diversifying our private-sector economy and create more jobs."

Governor Martinez recently announced the Catalyst Fund, a $40 million partnership between the State Investment Council, which the Governor chairs, and private-sector investors. These funds will invest in seed and early-stage companies with a focus on tech companies. It is expected the Catalyst Fund will support over 50 companies in New Mexico.

"We're extremely excited that Cottonwood and the State of New Mexico have chosen to invest the capital needed to prove our technology at production scale here in the state," said Justin Eisenach, CEO of Bayotech. "We look forward to continuing our growth and making our technology a success, right here in New Mexico."

The Catalyst Fund capitalizes on New Mexico's history of strong and successful research and development. The fund will help catapult ideas from New Mexico research institutions - including federal labs and universities - and into the market.

"Albuquerque's entrepreneurial ecosystem if ripe for development and I am excited that the Catalyst Fund has been created, aimed at growing and keeping our local businesses," said Mayor Richard J. Berry. "With today's investment in BayoTech, we will be able to keep an innovative business in the Albuquerque area which is another example of why it's important to strengthen the pipeline for Sandia National Labs technology to prosper locally. This is a great home-grown success story that we can all be proud of."

"We are excited by Bayotech's incredible technology and its potential application in various industries," said Dave Blivin, Managing Partner of Cottonwood Technology Fund. "We're excited about our investment in Bayotech. Thanks to the Catalyst Fund, we've been able to leverage more private investment to help Bayotech grow."

"Bayotech is a unique, homegrown company with lots of potential for growth," said Economic Development Secretary Matt Geisel. "With investment from the Catalyst Fund, we are able to provide access to capital and help anchor companies like Bayotech in New Mexico."

Funds interested in applying for a commitment from the Catalyst Fund should contact Sun Mountain Capital by email: CatalystNM@Sunmountaincapital.com. New Mexico-based companies wishing to identify venture capital funds that have received Catalyst Fund investment will be able to find a list on the New Mexico Economic Development Department's website: www.gonm.biz.

Larry Hobson, right, of Chaves County receives the New Mexico Outstanding Leadership Award May 5. The award was presented during the New Mexico State University College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences' annual ACES Awards Day. With Hobson is College of ACES Dean Rolando A. Flores.
(NMSU photo by Darrell J. Pehr)WRITER: Darrell J. Pehr, 575-646-3223, pehr@nmsu.edu.

New Mexico State University College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences faculty, staff and community members were honored for their excellence and distinguished contributions in the field of agriculture during the college's annual ACES Awards Day event.

Larry Hobson was awarded the New Mexico Outstanding Leadership Award.

Tom Sidwell was awarded the Leyendecker Agriculturist of Distinction award.

Bruce Hinrichs was awarded the Fabian Garcia Founders Award.

The Kringle the Cat Distinguished Teaching Award was given to Blair Stringam.

The Malone Farms Endowed Staff Award (Off Campus) was given to Terri Davis.

Soum Sanogo was awarded the Mobley Family Endowed Research award.

Priscilla Bloomquist received the Charles Tharp Farms Distinguished Service Award.

The on-campus Distinguished Staff Award was given to Janie Wagoner.

The NACTA Teaching Award was awarded to Brian Schutte.

Richard Heerema was awarded the Underdog Distinguished Extension Award.

The Distinguished County Agent Award was given to Leigh Ann Marez.

Barbara Hunter received the Distinguished Professional Staff Award.

The team award was awarded to the members of the Plant Pest Response Network.

Leah Platero was awarded the Outstanding 4-H Agent Award.

The Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management Industry Leadership Award was awarded to Vanessa Cabrera.

Ernesto Carranza was awarded the Family and Consumer Sciences Industry Leadership Award.

Virginia Lerma was awarded the Outstanding FACS Teacher award.

Daniel Mathews received the Outstanding Agriculture Teacher award.

This is the week! The 22nd Annual Silver City Blues Festival is finally here! The Mimbres Region Arts Council has been working hard to get everything ready for this event. All we need now is for you to come out and enjoy the festival! The 2017 Blues Festival will be a Community Celebration of the Arts.

On Friday night, come to Gough Park from 5 pm – 10 pm to witness the Gila Glass Classic – hosted by Silver City's own The Glasserie. Come see many very talented artists compete in creating unique glass blown sculptures! The Ghost Town Blues Band will also be playing on Friday night from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm.

The Blues Festival is proud to announce that this year's Beer and Spirits Pavilion will be hosted by none other than The Little Toad Creek Brewery and Distillery! We love that we have been able to get many local businesses involved in the festival this year, as the whole goal of the festival is to bring amazing entertainment to Silver City while supporting the local economy. A few exciting things to note are that there will be NO admission fee to the Beer and Spirits Pavilion and every drink will be only $5. Come enjoy the Blues Festival while cooling off with The Little Toad's specialty Silver City Blues Brew! Don't forget that once the Blues Festival closes for the evening, you can find more wonderful entertainment in downtown Silver City.

As always, we would like you to know that everyone is welcome to come out and enjoy this FREE music festival. There will be designated motorcycle parking, as well as many bike activities hosted by Silver City's Q's Southern Bistro. Please go to our website, www.silvercitybluesfestival.org for more information!

There will be a wide assortment of artisan, food, family and community vendors for you to see this year. Please come out and support them! They have all worked hard to be part of this wonderful event. Bring your kids and families out to have fun with Albuquerque's Explora Museum who will have interactive science activities. There will also be artist demonstrations from The Clay Festival and the Southwest Print Fiesta. The Silver City Art Association will be at the fiesta doing plein air painting and will also be hosting a gallery walk on Sunday.

We would like to kindly remind everyone that while the Blues Festival is fun and exciting, there are many business that neighbor Gough Park that will still be open for business this weekend. Please stop in and say "Hi" and "Thank you" to them for cooperating with us to put this event together. Please respect their property and all signage posted.

We know how much you all love your furry friends, but please leave them at home when coming to the festival. Per The Town of Silver City, there are no animals (except service animals) allowed inside Gough Park. Please keep your pets at home so they can stay cool!

For more information on the 2017 Silver City Blues Festival, please visit our website, www.silvercitybluesfestival.org for more information. We hope to see you all this weekend!

WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall released the following statement on reports that President Trump's budget calls for $800 billion in cuts to Medicaid. The $800 billion cut assumes that the House-passed bill to repeal the Affordable Care Act, known as "TrumpCare," would become law. Tomorrow, Udall will deliver a speech on the Senate floor outlining his opposition to TrumpCare, which would take away health care from hundreds of thousands of New Mexicans and could send New Mexico into recession.

"The proposed cuts to Medicaid in the president's budget and in TrumpCare would devastate the health and economic security of families across New Mexico. President Trump's disastrous proposal would strip away health care from the 265,000 New Mexicans who gained coverage through the Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act, and would jeopardize the health care of the more than 900,000 New Mexicans who are currently enrolled in Medicaid. TrumpCare drastically reduces Medicaid funding across the board -- not just the expansion passed as part of ACA. This inhumane budget represents an astonishing and brazen broken promise from President Trump, who pledged clearly and repeatedly not to cut Medicaid, which protects kids, the elderly and disabled, and low-income families.

"Not only would the president gut Medicaid and threaten the health care of nearly a million New Mexicans, but his cuts would also deal a crippling blow to New Mexico's already struggling economy. TrumpCare would cost New Mexico nearly 32,000 jobs and $11.4 billion dollars in much needed revenue for our state, threatening to send New Mexico into another recession. Most shockingly, President Trump and Washington Republicans want to enact these catastrophic cuts to Medicaid just so they can give a massive tax cut to the wealthiest Americans.

"President Trump and Washington Republicans' Medicaid cuts would have disastrous consequences for New Mexico, and they must be stopped. I will keep fighting in the Senate to make sure that these devastating cuts never become law."

Lucille Lowe, 81, a resident of Deming, NM entered eternal rest on Monday, May 22, 2017 at Mountain View Hospital in Las Cruces, NM.

Arrangements are pending with Terrazas Funeral Chapels ~ 575-546-0070.

By Mary Alice Murphy

Public input came toward the beginning of the special budget meeting held by the Gila Regional Medical Center Board of Trustees on May 22, 2017.

Chris DeBolt, who retired from Gila Regional, said: "I will continue to be at meetings that concern the hospital, because I care deeply about Gila Regional. I think what has been neglected is the voices of the patients, their families and friends. They spoke last week at the forum on the Cancer Center. I was impressed by them. They are afraid and angry."

She said the three worst words a person can hear are: You have cancer.

"I hope you are open to listening to them before you make a decision," DeBolt said.

Billy Fred Massey was born March 18, 1928 in Kaufman, Texas, the middle son of O'Dell and Beatrice Massey. His time on earth ended May 17, 2017.

Older family members called him Billy Fred, more people knew him as Bill, but when the first grandchild, Tammy, came along she dubbed him Daddy Bill and the name stuck.

Shortly after Billy Fred was born the family moved to Houston where his dad worked for the Hughes Tool Company before moving to Fabens, Texas in around 1931. Bill, as most knew him, grew up on the Lee Moor farms and graduated from Fabens High School. After graduation he moved to present-day Green Valley Arizona helping his dad and brother run a thousand-acre farm. He married Carleen Lyerly of Tucson, in 1946. They raised two sons, Randy Lee and Ricky Alan.

Bill's lifelong passion was farming, starting as a water boy, carrying buckets of water to the men in the fields for fifty cents a day. When he was big enough to reach the pedals he began driving a tractor.

In 1952 when the Animas Valley was beginning to be opened up to farming, Billy Fred and his brother William Moore both bought farms here. A year later their father followed them to Animas. They successfully scratched out a living growing cotton and raising a family through the 1950's and 60's. When Randy and Ricky graduated from college Massey Enterprises was formed.

Bill was always open to change. Over the years the farm produced cotton, milo, corn, chile, jalapenos, pinto beans, wheat, barley, oat hay and alfalfa. With each new crop Bill and the boys worked hard to make the best possible yield. There were very few pieces of farm equipment that were not modified in some way by Bill and his boys. He was forever tinkering. Together, Bill and the boys helped revolutionize growing cotton on 30 inch rows, adapting a cotton stripper to the new spacing. A few years later Case International and John Deere introduced machines for the "New" row spacings. In July of 1985, Bill was featured on the cover of the Cotton Farming magazine.

When Massey Enterprises began growing chile, it wasn't long before Bill once again became obsessed with finding a better way. First it was by growing chile under sprinkler irrigation, which everyone said could not be done. Then by narrowing the rows it was grown on, and finally inventing a chile picker to harvest the crop. By now he had the grandsons involved as they all worked together and invented and built the "Massey Pepper Harvester" in their shop. When they were done, their machine would harvest three truck loads of Jalapenos in 6 ½ hours. This would take 200 men to do the same, and according to Border Foods, the chile was cleaner than hand picked.

Bill loved farming. He loved his family. He loved John Wayne and he loved Mickey Mouse. He passed these passions on to the generations to follow. Bill always said his goal was to have a thousand-acre farm and own a pickup. Well, he succeeded in accomplishing that and much more, farming with his family and attaining great success in such a tough industry. The legacies that Daddy Bill has passed on to his sons, his grandchildren and his great-grandchildren are a tremendous love of the land, a great work ethic, a deep pride in one's accomplishments and unconditional love of family.

He is survived by his two sons, Randy Lee Massey, his wife Vicki, and Ricky Alan Massey and his wife Bobbie, all of Animas; Two brothers, William Massey of Animas and Milton Massey and his wife Carolyn of El Paso, Texas; five grandchildren, Tammy Pompeo and her husband Mike of Animas, Tisha Loranc of Las Cruces, Alysha Wagley and her husband Sam of Animas, Scott Massey and his wife Carrie of Animas, and Cash Massey and his wife Kanzas also of Animas; and 12 great-grandchildren... Dallas and Troy Pompeo, Jaxon, Kaylee and Jaci Loranc, Rayce, Ty and Coy Wagley, Jade and Cap Massey and Lindsey and Piper Massey.

He was preceded in death by his parents O'Dell and Beatrice Massey and his daughter-in-law Sheila Massey.

Graveside services will be held at the Middle Animas Cemetery on Saturday, May 27, 2017 at 10:30 AM.

Robert Wayne Jensen, 85, known by his family and friends as "Bob" of Silver City passed away on Saturday, May 20, 2017 at his residence surrounded by his loving family.

Bob was born on October 29, 1931 to Bert and Erma Jensen in Albuquerque, NM.

He retired from the US Forest Service as an engineer. Bob loved being with his family and was always there for them in time of need. He also enjoyed the horse races, casinos, riding his four wheeler and old western movies. Bob was watching a western movie and as the credits were mentioned, he passed away. Bob was loving, outgoing, and telling his forest service stories. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Bob is survived a daughter, Cindy Delph (John); son-in-law Danny; grandchildren, Marvin Romero (Charmayne), Michelle Wicketts (Johnny), Bobby Fisher (Tiff), Mary Ellen Henderson (Forrest), Shawn Fisher and Lindy Pickinpaugh (Chris); great-grandchildren, Chantel Loera (Rene), DJ Bleich (Kaylee), Dylan Wicketts, Dakota Wicketts, Trinity Rose Fisher, Charlotte Pickinpaugh, Josh Ivy, Liam, Joshua, Lennon and Brooklyn Fisher; great-great grandchildren, Catalya Loera and Kaylie Bleich; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bert and Erma Jensen; wife, Emily Alice Jensen; a son, David Jensen; daughter, Kathie Fisher.

Cremation has been entrusted to Baca's Funeral Chapels. A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, May 27, 2017 at Fairview Memorial Park in Albuquerque, NM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Bob's favorite charity, St. Jude Children's Hospital.

Winnie Louise Holdridge, 87, of Deming, NM passed away Sunday May 21, 2017, at her home.

A full obituary will follow.

Jimmy Arvil Maddox (Big Jim), 81, passed away in the early morning hours of Thursday, May 18, 2017, at Gila Regional Medical Center. His wife of 54 years, Lucinda, was at his side.

He was born on October 9, 1935, to James W. Maddox and Earlene Wilson Maddox in Port, Oklahoma.

After graduation from High School, he moved to NM and lived with his maternal Grandmother Mary Myrtle Mathews while he attended NM Western College in Silver City. He spent the remainder of his life living and working there.

During his lifetime he held many jobs. He entered each one with enthusiasm and skill. He always researched every field that he worked in and became proficient in whatever he was working at. He enjoyed the outdoors, camping, and hunting, which he passed on to countless youth as a Boy Scout leader. He worked with several welding supply companies; sold insurance; and was an excellent cook, making and selling bread, dinner rolls, and cinnamon rolls for many years. He was especially known for his sourdough bread, which always sold out quickly. He loved riding his Harley and logged many miles and friends along with it. For many years he was Santa Clause to many children of Grant County.

He was a member of the Loyal Order of Moose, Silver City Lodge #1718 where he held several different offices and held the Legionnaire and Friendship degrees. He was also a longtime member of The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Silver City Lodge #413.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years and the love of his life, Lucinda, his son Thomas and his wife Julie; grandsons Kyle Maddox, his fiancé Latisha Herrera, and Sean Maddox; one great-grandson Logan Kaide Maddox; his sister-in-law Mary Maddox, and nieces Beverly Frederick, her husband Dale, and Cynthia Maddox.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Mary Myrtle Mathews, parents, James and Earlene, his step-mother LaVonne, one brother, Jerry Lee Maddox, and a son, Duncan Wayne Wayne Menhkoff.

He was loved by many and will be sorely missed.

New Mexico Fire Weather Zone 110 Southwest Mountains/gila Nf/apache Nf/glz-
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- New Mexico Fire Weather Zone 113 Capitan And Sacramento Mountains/lincoln Nf/lnz-Texas Fire Weather Zone 055 El Paso County-texas Fire Weather Zone 056 Hudspeth County-705 Am Mdt Tue May 23 2017

Fire Weather Watch In Effect From Thursday Afternoon Through Thursday Evening For Strong Winds And Low Relative Humidities For Fire Weather Zones 055, 056, 110, 111, 112, And 113...

The National Weather Service in El Paso Tx/Santa Teresa has
issued a Fire Weather Watch, which is in effect from Thursday
afternoon through Thursday evening.

LEGAL NOTICE

New Mexico CAP Entity Regular Meeting:

Date: June 1, 2017, Thursday
Time: 9:00 am
Location: Grant County Commission Chambers
1400 Highway 180 East; Silver City, New Mexico

The agenda for this regular meeting will be available on or before 4:00 pm on May 26,2017 in the Grant County Manager’s Office located at 1400 Highway 180 East in Silver City, New Mexico. If you are an individual with a disability who is in need of an auxiliary aid or service to attend the meeting, please contact 575/542-9341 (Darr Shannon, Chairman of the NM CAP Entity) in advance or as soon as possible.

NM 90/ Hudson Street Bridge
Silver City, NM

Silver City: The New Mexico Department of Transportation District One office (NMDOT) has posted an alert for Tuesday May 30, 2017:

The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) along with Interstate Highway Construction (IHC) (Contractor) will be performing bridge jacking operations on May 30 in order to repair bearing assemblies. The contractor will utilize single lane closures with reduced speed during jacking operations. Traffic will be allowed across the bridge in each direction. Please call the Project Office (575)544-6561 with any questions or to confirm any wide loads during the time frame of May 30 through June 16.

For updated information go to: New Mexico Department of Transportation at www.nmroads.com.

(Washington, D.C., May 23, 2017) – Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue today issued the following statement on the proposed FY 2018 budget:

“President Trump promised he would realign government spending, attempt to eliminate duplication or redundancy, and see that all government agencies are efficiently delivering services to the taxpayers of America. And that’s exactly what we are going to do at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

“Having been the governor of Georgia from 2003 to 2011 – not during the best economic times – we did what it took to get the job done, just like the people involved in every aspect of American agriculture do every single day. While the President’s budget fully funds nutrition programs, wildland fire suppression and food safety, and includes several new initiatives and increases for Rural Development, whatever form the final budget takes, it is my job as Secretary of Agriculture to manage and implement that plan, while still fulfilling the core mission of USDA,” said Secretary Perdue.

Background:

Earlier today, Secretary Perdue sent the following video message to all USDA employees:

You may click HERE (PDF, 3.1 MB) to view the USDA proposed budget summary.

By Roger Lanse

According to its agenda, the Silver City Town Council, at its Tuesday, May 23 meeting, will consider a resolution to adjust property tax rates within the town. Town Manager Alex Brown told the Beat the measure, if approved, will increase property taxes to make up for an expected revenue drop in the form of reduced “hold harmless” gross receipts payments from Santa Fe. The council meeting begins at 6 p.m., in the Grant County Administration Center.

By Barbara Jorgen Nance

Ravens are as rich as their dreams, it seems. Our pair of ravens that nest in the tree behind our house have been having doughnut dreams apparently. These birds have been showing up lately with doughnuts for dunking in our bird bath. We have a shallow cement bowl with a bad crack in it, so we added a sturdy dog bowl in the center to hold water. Our raven family, we think there are five in all this year, take turns visiting the water hole. But lately they haven’t come empty handed.

This started a few weeks ago when one bird showed up with a doughnut to dunk in the bird bath. It looked to be a plain glazed doughnut. The bird tore off a few pastry pieces and placed them in the dry cement bowl. We assumed he was leaving some for the next family member to come along. Then he dunked a couple pieces and ate them. Refreshed, he flew back to the nest and sent Mrs. Raven to the watering hole. She dunked and ate a few doughnut morsels and flew off. Another bird showed up and finished off the doughnut pieces. We thought this was a once in a blue moon incident. But no, it was just the beginning. The next time the bird showed up with an iced doughnut with sprinkles! I had the binoculars ready to get a better look. Sprinkles, really! The bird went through the same procedure in dividing up the doughnut to share.

As time went on, they brought dinner rolls and of course more doughnuts. I’m sure they’ve dunked a dozen doughnuts by now. Then, there were a few times that the raven showed up with large cookies! Hard to tell from my vantage point as to whether the cookies were raisin or chocolate chip? The mystery of the source of these pastries wasn’t hard to figure out. Albertson’s market is right down the road a piece as the crow flies. The birds must have access to their dumpsters. Perhaps someone realized the ransacking and finally shut the lid, for the ravens have stopped bringing doughnuts. Now they visit regularly to drink water and rinse off guts of dead critters they’ve found.

Our dog, Lightning, seems to be more interested in the dead guts than the doughnuts. The birds don’t even seem to care any longer that Lightning invites herself to scavenge their leftover dead guts. Perhaps I better go out and buy the ravens a dozen doughnuts to share with Lightning. They can bring them to the watering hole for dunking. Lightning might stay healthier scavenging doughnuts, as opposed to dead, rotting critter guts.
Ponder on!