Here’s a look at today’s headlines:
The Gila National Forest would like to remind forest visitors about the importance of campfire safety. The National Weather Service has issued several Red Flag Warnings over the past few weeks, and several small human-caused fires have already been contained. When visiting the forest, please remember to practice safe campfire guidelines: clear all flammable material a minimum of five feet in all directions, make a fire only if you have the means to put it out, have a responsible person in attendance at all times, and avoid making a fire during the windy part of the day. Always put your campfire dead out before leaving it.
The Gila National Forest would also like to update the recruitment announcement made last week. They are looking for students age 17 and older who are interested in a “call-when-needed” summer job that will provide an environment to learn about Fire Management and the Forest Service. All crew members bust be 17 years of age by June 1, 2017 and still be enrolled in high school.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is investigating an agent-involved shooting incident that occurred at approximately 6:15 p.m. on Sunday, April 9. A subject approached the Las Cruces Immigration Checkpoint on I-25 and his vehicle was referred to a secondary inspection. Once in secondary, the subject brandished a handgun and fired one shot through the vehicle in the direction of the agents. Agents returned fire at the driver. Agents immediately secured the scene and initiated first aid. The subject was air lifted to a local hospital. The incident remains under investigation.
U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich introduced legislation to restore broadband privacy rules that will protect consumers from having their personal, sensitive information sold to the highest bidder without their consent. The legislation reinstates the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules that require internet service providers to obtain consent before sharing their subscribers’ sensitive information and adopt reasonable data security protections.
Riders of off-highway motor vehicles will soon have specific laws to follow when driving on paved New Mexico public roads, as stated in legislation signed by Governor Susana Martinez. Senate Bill 51 allows off-highway vehicles to be used on paved roads designated by city or state government officials provided the vehicle is equipped with headlights, taillights, mirrors and mufflers. They must also have special license plates. The new legislation takes effect July 1, 2017. Learn more at www.wildlife.state.nm.us, OHV tab.
