Here’s a look at today’s headlines:
According to new data, drought conditions have been continuing to get worse across New Mexico. The most recent map released by the US Department of Agriculture’s Drought Monitor shows 9% of New Mexico, specifically in the northeast and northwest parts of the state, are in exceptional drought conditions. Approximately 46% of the state is in extreme drought conditions, which is the second most serious category. Portions of Catron County are in the extreme drought range with Grant County scoring in the severe drought category. Luna County remains abnormally dry.
The Western New Mexico University Board of Regents voted to grant New Mexico Lt. Governor John Sanchez an Honorary Doctorate degree at this spring’s commencement ceremony. In addition, the Board unanimously approved the 2018-2019 Budget, the Final Budget Adjustment Request and the Quarter 3 Financial Actions Report and revised both the 2018-19 Tuition document and the Capital Projects Transmittal for Underground Utilities that were presented at the last meeting.
The Silver Consolidated Schools will conduct kindergarten registration for all kindergartners today and Wednesday from 3:30 P.M. to 6:30 P.M, and Thursday from 3:30 P.M. to 5:30 P.M. at Sixth Street Elementary School, located at 405 West 6th Street in Silver City. Please call 575-956-2150 if you have any questions. Registration at Cliff Elementary School will be held on Thursday from 9:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. Kindergarten students must be five years old prior to 12:01 A.M. September 1st. Parents and or Guardians must present the child’s birth certificate and immunization records in order to enroll them in kindergarten.
As part of the Whitewater Native Fish Restoration Project, the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish will be using rotenone to continue with the eradication of non-native fish from the waterways in Whitewater Canyon for the restoration of Gila Trout and other native fishes. The EPA has determined that rotenone is highly effective for selective removal of invasive fishes and that the resulting concentrations of ingredients poses little, if any, hazards to public health. Once the rotenone has been introduced, the water will then be treated with a neutralizing agent, potassium permanganate, which prevents the treated water from being carried beyond the project area. It is Federal regulation that people cannot be near the water corridor while these treatment and neutralizing processes are in place. A temporary closure order will be signed by the Forest Supervisor and implemented prior to and during the restoration efforts. Portions of the watershed will be treated from June 20th through the 21st, and in October during a time period to be determined.
