Regional

By Vanessa Dabovich

Las Cruces, NM – THE ARNOLD AIR SOCIETY WHICH IS AN HONORARY SOCIETY UNDER NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY'S AIR FORCE ROTC IS HOLDING THE EVENT.

THE VIGIL IS HELD IN CONJUNCTION WITH NATIONAL POW/MIA RECOGNITION DAY AND THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE'S BIRTHDAY ON SEPT. 18TH. NATIONAL POW/MIA RECOGNITION DAY IS ON THE THIRD FRIDAY IN SEPTEMBER EVERY YEAR AND IS ONE OF SIX DAYS SPECIFIED BY LAW ON WHICH THE BLACK POW/MIA FLAG IS TO BE FLOWN OVER FEDERAL FACILITIES, CEMETERIES, POST OFFICES AND MILITARY INSTALLATIONS.

By KRWG News

Las Cruces – Las Cruces Police have arrested and charged two men for kidnapping and assaulting a teenager this past Sunday evening.

Andrew David Allison, 24, of the 1000 block of Elm Street, and Dominic C. Garcia, 21, of the 1600 block of Dogwood Street, were arrested Monday evening and both are charged with first-degree kidnapping, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, bribery of a witness and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

By KRWG News

Las Cruces – USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today awarded 31 grants to Hispanic-serving institutions (HSI) to enhance the ability of these colleges and universities to serve underserved students and develop a skilled work force. This included a $290,000 award to New Mew Mexico State University.

By KRWG News

Silver City – Enrollment at Western New Mexico University has increased to a record high during the fall 2010 semester.

A 1.12 percent increase in student headcount represents another enrollment record for WNMU, which now has the highest student population since its inception in 1893.

More than 3,300 students are enrolled at the main campus in Silver City and at the four learning centers in Deming, Lordsburg, Truth or Consequences and Gallup. Enrollment numbers also include students who are taking online courses.

By KRWG News

New Mexico – Republican gubernatorial candidate Susana Martinez tapped national GOP donors and oil and natural gas interests for a big fundraising boost in her race against Democrat Diane Denish.

Martinez reported Tuesday that she collected $2 million in contributions during the past 10 weeks, including $500,000 from the Republican Governors' Association.

By KRWG News

Albuquerque – Admission to the New Mexico State Fair in Albuquerque will be just $2 for adults, senior citizens and children on Wednesday.

The fair's Murphy Brothers Carnival is offering game coupons, single rides and a variety of concessions on the midway for $2 this Wednesday as well.

State Fair general manager Craig Swagerty says the fair usually offers some kind of discount every year, but decided this year to offer the lower admission on one of the fair's historically slower days.

By KRWG News

Texas – The State Board of Education next week is expected to consider what students should learn about Islam.

The Dallas Morning News reported Wednesday that the board will consider a resolution warning publishers not to push a pro-Islamic, anti-Christian viewpoint in world history textbooks.

Members of the board's social conservative bloc have asked for the resolution. A preliminary draft says "diverse reviewers have repeatedly documented gross pro-Islamic, anti-Christian distortions in social studies texts" across the U.S.

By KRWG News

Fort Worth – A more than century-old church in Fort Worth that welcomes gays has left the Baptist General Convention of Texas.

The break by Broadway Baptist Church of Fort Worth ends a relationship that began in 1886, when what became the state's largest Baptist group was formed.

Pastor Brent Beasley told The Dallas Morning News that the church is "committed to welcoming all people here" and would not want to do anything that would be hurtful to anyone just to please the BGCT.

By Vanessa Dabovich

By Vanessa Dabovich

By KRWG News

Las Cruces – The 102nd annual New Mexico Knights of Columbus State Convention will be held May 5-8, 2011 at the Las Cruces Convention Center.

The convention will be hosted by the Las Cruces Knights of Columbus Council # 1226.

"We are very excited about the opportunity to showcase the city's brand new Las Cruces Convention Center and the many attractions our beautiful city and surrounding area has to offer," said Convention Chairman Miguel Frietze.

By KRWG News

Truth Or Consequences – USDA Rural Development State Director Terry Brunner was in Truth or Consequences today to present a certificate of obligation to The Bountiful Alliance, a local non-profit, in the amount of $98,942 to pay for the construction of a certified commercial kitchen.

The Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG) administered by USDA Rural Development's Business and Cooperative Service program is funding the project which will help vendors meet state food processing standards and to compete effectively in the marketplace.

By KRWG News

Las Cruces – The Boston bulldog that was taken Aug. 31 at knifepoint from a 79-year-old good Samaritan has been located and returned to its owner.

Las Cruces Police detectives learned that a woman, who does not wish to be identified, spotted the dog on Saturday, Sept. 11, with a man she believed to be homeless. The woman contacted the Animal Service Center of the Mesilla Valley and the dog was confirmed to be the one stolen Aug. 31.

The dog appeared to be in good condition and was subsequently returned to its rightful owner.

By KRWG News

Las Cruces – Las Cruces Police have arrested and charged three more teens - including the boy who fired a handgun - for their involvement in the Sept. 7 affray at Las Cruces High School.

Lucas Verdugo, 17, and 16-year-olds Pedro Carrillo and Dominic Hernandez have been arrested. Verdugo, arrested Monday, is charged with negligent use of - discharging - a firearm, unlawful carrying of a deadly weapon on school premises, unlawful carrying of a handgun by a person under age 19, conspiracy and public affray.

By KRWG News

Las Cruces – The New Mexico Department of Veterans' Services plans a conference for female veterans and active-duty personnel late this month in Las Cruces.

Two featured speakers will talk about the latest federal developments and services available to female veterans.

Other speakers will outline benefits and services available to women veterans in New Mexico.

The conference is set for Sept. 25 at the Hotel Encanto. The cost is $25 per person.

More than 16,000 of New Mexico's 180,000 veterans are women.