$1.3 million road improvements coming to US-180

SANTA FE – New Mexico drivers voiced their concerns about US-180 between Deming and Hurley. The asphalt is deteriorating due to weather and wear and tear. Debris is then kicked up, causing damage to drivers’ windshields.

NMDOT listened to their needs and last week, provided $1.3 million for improvements. The two lane highway frequently traveled by drivers living in southwest New Mexico is about to get a makeover with a micro-surfacing project. Workers are already on the roadway collecting debris and sweeping the area. The re-surfacing will begin in early February and should take about three weeks to complete.

Lieutenant Governor Howie Morales said, “The response is part of our Governor’s administration and NMDOT’s commitment to improve our state’s infrastructure and address New Mexican’s concerns. The entire state deserves to drive on safe, efficient roadways.  I personally drive US-180 serval times a week. I know what the drivers are experiencing. I’m so pleased NMDOT heard the concerns of the people in the area and responded so quickly.”

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LANE CLOSURE – Silver City Area - for the week of Jan. 13-17, 2020

NM 90 southbound lane at milepost 41 “Hudson Street Bridge” will have workers and equipment in the area for rock shoulder placement. A flagger operation will be in place for the safety of our crew. Motorists are asked to reduce speed, obey posted signs, and be cautious of personnel and equipment in the area. This closure will be in place daily from 8:00 am till 2:00 pm all week.

NM CAP Entity agrees to continue process of securing AWSA water 010720

In spite of loss of federal construction funding, "it's about the water"

By Mary Alice Murphy

For the first item of business on the New Mexico Central Arizona Project Entity regular meeting on Jan. 7, 2020, Howard Hutchinson, representing the San Francisco Soil and Water Conservation District, moved to retain the officers from 2019. They are Chairwoman Darr Shannon, representing Hidalgo Soil and Water Conservation District; Vice Chairman Vance Lee, representing Hidalgo County; and Secretary Van "Bucky" Allred, representing Catron County.

Shannon introduced the Open Meetings Act for 2020: "It is identical to last year's, except for the dates." Members approved the OMA 2020.

No one stepped up to give public input.

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Social Security telephone scam - hang up is best advice

[Editor's Note: This editor just received an extremely threatening SCAM phone call OSTENSIBLY from the Social Security Administration. Do not call back or you will be scammed. I listened and hung up, because I knew it was a scam I will also report it to the Office of the Inspector General.]

This is information from The U.S. Social Security Administration website FAQs: https://faq.ssa.gov/en-US/Topic/article/KA-10018

If there is a problem, we (the U.S. SSA) will mail you a letter with your Social Security number. Generally, we will only contact you if you have requested a call or have ongoing business with us. Recently, scams—misleading victims into making cash or gift card payments to avoid arrest for Social Security number problems—have skyrocketed.

Our employees will never threaten you for information or promise a benefit in exchange for personal information or money. Social Security employees also will not:

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Silver Alert for Silver City Police Department–Michael A. Mercer

Silver City, NM - The following is information for the distribution of a Silver Alert from the Silver City Police Department (SCPD).  Please refer all media inquiries and questions to SCPD at (575) 388-8840.

SCPD is asking for the public's assistance in locating Michael A. Mercer.  Mercer is a seventy-six-year-old Caucasian male, six-feet-one-inches tall, weighing 200 pounds, with gray hair, and blue eyes.  Mercer was last seen around 8:00 a.m. on January 3, 2020, driving away in a vehicle from 208 South Corbin in Silver City, NM. 

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Two Silver City town councilors file and will run unopposed 010720

Yesterday was filing day for positions on the Silver City Town Council. Incumbents District 1 Councilor Cynthia Ann Bettison and District 3 Councilor José Ray filed with no opponents filing.