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By Lynn Janes
On December 12, 2024, the WNMU Board of Regents held a special meeting in the Serna conference room at Western New Mexico University. All regents had been in attendance either in person or online which included board president Mary Hotvedt PhD, Danel Lopez PhD, Dal Moellenberg, Lyndon Haviland PhD and Trent Jones. Dr. Joseph Shepard, president of WNMU, had also attended.
The board had a number of people in attendance for public input so the agenda would be amended to move public comment to the beginning of the meeting. Many had come for public comment for support and non-support of the university and Shepard.
[Editor's Note: Dates of resignation and moving out of president's house have been corrected. My fingers aren't ready for 2025!!!]
By Mary Alice Murphy
After the public meeting adjourned, Shepard met with members of the local media.
The Beat asked about the comment made that the resigning President Joseph Shepard would be henceforth titled President Emeritus and would take a faculty position.
Shepard confirmed both, and said that he would serve as a tenured faculty member, working remotely, from where he and his wife will live in Embudo, NM. after they move from the Western New Mexico University president's home by Feb. 15, 2025.
WNMU President Joseph Shepard and Regent Chair Mary HotvedtWNMU President Joseph Shepard resigns
By Mary Alice Murphy
The Western New Mexico Board of Regents called a public meeting to order after an executive session on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024.
Board Chair Mary Hodvedt presented the reason for the special meeting. "We went into Executive Session for the purpose of discussion of limited personnel matters, an update on possible personnel actions and discussion of president's contract and legal matters subject to attorney client privilege concerning threatening or pending litigation. The new business is the President's contract. I would like to turn this over to our personnel committee for a moment to take us into this issue, and I will ask you, Regent Daniel Lopez to speak to it. Lopez, Regent Dal Moellenberg and I were named to a Personnel Committee for the purpose of deciding how best to proceed forward with a Separation Agreement with the President. We consulted with our attorney, as well as Dr. Shepard's. We also consulted Dr Shepherd on points that we thought needed clarification or adjustment modification. I think we were satisfied that those things that we thought might give rise to difficulties in the future we were able to modify them both in the contract and a letter that later on, Dr Sheppard intends to share with the board."
Photos by Mary Alice Murphy
On Saturday, December. 14, 2024, the Silver City Museum hosted its annual Victorian Christmas. The event featured information booths, a visit with Father Christmas, musical and dancing entertainment, vendors of various arts and crafts, and food vendors. The museum courtyard filled with people to enjoy the music and camaraderie.
US 180 Roadway closure for Blasting
Traffic Alert – Roadway closure expected to last 30 minutes
SILVER CITY - The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) District One, in partnership with Mountain States Constructors, Inc., is continuing with the widening of U.S. 180 from a 2-lane to a 4-lane road from Bayard to Hurley.
Crews have planned a test blast for Thursday, December 19, 2024, starting at 12 p.m. U.S. 180 will be closed from Lusk St. to the Bayard Cemetery at milepost 125.8. Please expect delays. This closure is expected to last 30 minutes.
The NMDOT is committed to the safety of the traveling public and thanks you for your cooperation during this work. For updated information go to: NMDOT at www.nmroads.com or call 511.
NM 61 is now open, removed from NM Roads.
UPDATED ROAD ADVISORY
LANE CLOSURE – Silver City/Faywood Area
NM 61 is closed down to one lane at milepost 11 due to tree removal, a flagging operation is in place. Motorists are asked to reduce speed, obey posted signs, and watch for emergency personnel, and equipment. Please expect delays.
ROAD ADVISORY 1
CLOSURE – Silver City/Faywood Area
NM 61 is closed in both directions from the junction of US 180 to the junction of NM 152 due to a tree fall. Motorists are asked to reduce speed, obey posted signs, and watch for emergency personnel, and equipment. Please expect delays.
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