Good morning, El Paso. Sun City or Snow City? We’ll talk about delays and closures due to the recent weather so you know what to watch out for.

In today’s Border City Buzz:

• Battle of I-10

• 7% rate hike approved by El Paso Water board

• University Medical Center celebrates 110 years

Let’s get to it.

Around Town

Inclement Weather Leads To Delays & Closures ❄️

With the unprecedented snow and cold across El Paso, some schools and government offices have adjusted their schedules. Here’s what to know:

School Districts

• El Paso Independent School District (El Paso ISD): Two-hour delay; no morning extended-day learning.

• Socorro Independent School District (Socorro ISD): Two-hour delay; morning Pre-K three-year-old classes canceled; transportation delayed by two hours.

• San Elizario Independent School District (San Elizario ISD): 1 hour and 30-minute delay; elementary starts at 8:50 a.m., secondary at 9:35 a.m.; bus stops delayed by 1 hour and 30 minutes.

• Clint Independent School District (Clint ISD): Two-hour delay; district school buildings open at regular time for early drop-off; breakfast available; buses delayed two hours.

• Gadsden Independent School District (Gadsden ISD): Remote instruction at normal start times.

• Radford School: Two-hour delay for students and faculty; admin and maintenance report at normal times.

• La Fe Preparatory School: Two-hour delay.

• IDEA Public Schools: Two-hour delay; students arrive by 9:30 a.m.

• New Mexico State University (NMSU): Las Cruces and Alamogordo campuses will open at 10 a.m.

• Doña Ana Community College (DACC): All campuses and centers will open at 10 a.m.

Courts

• Enrique Moreno Courthouse: Delayed opening at 10 a.m.

• Third Judicial District Court and Doña Ana County Magistrate Courts: Open to the public at 10 a.m.

Others

• El Paso County Offices: Courthouse and satellite offices will open at 10 a.m.

• El Paso Police Department (EPPD): Regional command centers and headquarters will open at 10 a.m.

• Centro De Salud Familiar La Fe: Clinics and offices will open on a two-hour delay.

Make sure to plan accordingly and stay safe out there!

7% Rate Hike Approved by El Paso Water Board 💧

El Paso Water is making big investments to keep things flowing smoothly! Here's where your extra $5.71 a month is going:

• Reliability ($342 million): Wastewater plant upgrades, new pipes, better pumping systems, and a meter replacement program. The Bustamante Plant expansion is the star project.

• Growth ($126 million): Waterlines for Northwest and East El Paso, plus Northeast wastewater main upgrades.

• Water Supply ($76 million): Expanding the desalination plant, adding an Advanced Water Purification Facility, and replenishing the aquifer.

• Flood Control ($66 million): New ponds and upgraded dams and pipes to handle heavy rains.

El Paso Water also offers savings to customers through conservation. Low water users (1 CCF) get a 30% discount.

Additionally, the Water Supply Replacement Charge waiver now applies to users of up to 4 CCFs, offering $15.62 monthly savings.

Residential rebates and the WaterWise Rebate Program for businesses are also available. Visit epwater.org to explore these money-saving options. The changes begin on March 1st, 2025.

UTEP Hires First Associate Vice President for Scientific Computing and AI 🤖

The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) has named Salamah Salamah, Ph.D., as its first Associate Vice President for Scientific Computing and Artificial Intelligence.

A leader in computing and cybersecurity, Salamah will enhance UTEP’s research initiatives, strengthen its computing infrastructure, and foster innovation across disciplines.

As chair of UTEP’s Department of Computer Science (2020–2024), he led the department’s growth, secured prestigious NSA designations, and developed AI degree programs.

Salamah’s collaborations with the Army Research Lab and NSA have brought significant funding, boosting UTEP’s research capacity in computing and cybersecurity.

He stated, "I am honored to take on this new role at a time when scientific computing and artificial intelligence are reshaping the world.” Best of luck Salamah!

Things To Do

University Medical Center celebrates 110 years

University Medical Center of El Paso celebrates 110 years of service with a free, family-friendly event on Saturday, Jan. 11, from 2 to 6 p.m. at the El Paso Convention Center.

Enjoy snacks, games, and free health screenings while honoring the hospital’s journey from El Paso General Hospital to one of today’s community provider.

African Children's Choir

Join the African Children’s Choir as they celebrate 40 years of changing lives through song and education.

Enjoy their uplifting performance of African cultural music, spirituals, and children’s favorites on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at 11995 Montwood Drive, El Paso, TX. Don’t miss it!

Latin Night on the Town at Topgolf 💃

Experience Latin Night at Topgolf with El Paso Ballroom! Enjoy a dance lesson from 8-9 p.m. followed by social dancing until 1 a.m. DJ Mane spins top Latin hits.

No partner needed—singles and couples welcome! Cover is $15, including a drink voucher. Call Joan Garcia at (915) 585-0090 to join!

Local Business

iFly to reopen in El Paso

iFly Indoor Skydiving in El Paso will reopen under corporate ownership after months of negotiations between iFly corporate, franchise owners, and the landlord.

The West El Paso facility, previously a franchise, closed several months ago. Impacted customers can request refunds or reschedule their experiences once the location reopens.

Weather

Friday

⬆️ 43 ⬇️ 25 | ☀️ | 9% chance of rain

Saturday

⬆️ 53 ⬇️ 27 | ☀️ | 1% chance of rain

Sunday

⬆️ 52 ⬇️ 29 | ☀️ | 0% chance of rain

Sports

Battle of I-10 🏀

UTEP Men’s Basketball will play before a sold-out crowd at the Don Haskins Center for the first time in nine years on Saturday.

The Miners face NMSU in the Battle of I-10, with 12,000 fans expected. A "Blue Out" is planned so make sure to wear Miner blue if you plan on going.

The Miners are currently 12-3 and sit atop Conference USA. Let’s see if they can extend their 6 game win streak to 7!

Thank YOU!

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