Here’s a look at some news:

The Wilderness Ranger District, Gila National Forest, is closing the RV dump station located at the Mesa Campground effective immediately. The RV dump station was installed for the use of campers at the Mesa Campground, but It is now being used by multiple campgrounds across the district and the capacity has maxed out. The cost for pumping four to six times a year has become prohibitive and the small amenity fee is insufficient to meet that cost. Some alternative RV dump stations include: Mountain Spirits RV Park at mile post 2 on NM Highway 35; Silver City RV Park and Rose Valley RV Ranch in Silver City; Flying J Travel Plaza and Love’s Travel Stop in Lordsburg; and Faywood Hot Springs that is approximately three miles from City of Rocks State Park. Visit fs.usda.gov/gila for more information.

A group of four persons attempting to enter the United States illegally, were rescued by U.S. Border Patrol agents near downtown El Paso where they entered the American Canal. Agents saw three individuals climb out of the south side of the canal and run back into Mexico, while four others remained in the water struggling to stay afloat. The agents, using rescue ropes, were able to pull out all four individuals comprised of three adult males and one juvenile, all from Mexico. The victims were assessed for health concerns and did not sustain any injuries. The three adults will be facing criminal prosecution and the juvenile will be repatriated to Mexico in a collaborative effort with Mexican Government officials. The canal is known for strong undercurrents and has been a danger to immigrants crossing the border illegally in the El Paso area.

The 2018 Copper Country Summit provided technology training for students and teachers last week at the Grant County Veterans Memorial and Conference Center. The event was hosted by the Silver Schools in collaboration with funding from Freeport-McMoRan and featured keynote speakers most of them being Google Certified Teachers, Google Education Trainers, and Google Innovators. In addition, participants were able to add the speakers to their “Personal Learning Network” and connect with them throughout and after the summit.

The Town of Silver City has banned certain fireworks because of the current drought. Due to the hazard this season, the following types of fireworks are not to be used according the extent allowed by the state of New Mexico: stick rockets, aerial spinners, and ground audibles. Fire Chief Milo Lambert, has been working with local fireworks sales outlets to not ship any of the banned varieties.