Here’s a look at today’s news:

Students from Silver and Cobre High School Kiwanis Key Clubs attended their Annual Southwest District Convention in Chandler, Arizona this weekend. Current Copper Division Lt. Governor, Reagen Barragan was honored with the Robert F. Lucas Outstanding Lt. Governor Award. Reagen was responsible for seven Key Clubs in the Copper Division which included Silver, Cobre, Cliff, Las Cruces, Onate, Centennial, and Mayfield High Schools. In addition, Anaya Peru, of Silver High School was elected as 2018-19 Copper Division Lt. Governor. The Southwest District Key Club is one of the 34 organized Districts of Key Club International. Sponsored by the Kiwanis Southwest District, it consists of members from across Arizona, New Mexico, and El Paso, Texas. There are 4100 members and 110 clubs. Key Club members around the world are learning how to lead and stand for what’s right through service and volunteerism. In partnership with their local Kiwanis club, high school students are making a positive impact as they serve others in their schools and communities. Both Silver and Cobre Key Clubs are sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Silver City. Congratulations to Reagen and Anaya for their achievements!

Warmer temperatures and high spring winds are increasing fire danger in the Gila National Forest.  In addition, fire crews and forest visitors have been reporting an increase in abandoned campfires in and around the Gila National Forest. A fire danger rating of HIGH is defined as “all fine dead fuels ignite readily and fires start easily from most causes.”  Unattended brush and camp fires are likely to escape.  Fires spread rapidly and short-distance spotting is common.  Fires may become serious and their control difficult unless they are attacked successfully while small.  Outdoor burning should be restricted. Please report fires and abandoned campfires to the Silver City Interagency Dispatch at 1-800-538-1644.

The Grant County Board of Commissioners has listened to three presentations from three potential Gila Regional Medical Center partners and leaders. The presentations that outlined visions for GRMC,were provided by Cobre Valley Regional Medical Center, LifePoint Health and GRMC leaders. Commissioners will hold a public meeting on Thursday, April 26th at 6:00 P.M.  at the Grant County Veteran’s Memorial and Conference Center, to provide an update on the partnership exploration process and to listen to members of the community. Meetings with physicians and GRMC employees are also being held.

The Luna County Commission, the Deming City Council, and the Deming Board of Education revised and approved a resolution in support of pre-Kindergarten education programs. The Village of Columbus was not present at the open session meeting held at the Andres Z. Silva Conference Center, but Columbus Mayor Salas had earlier expressed support of the resolution. Arsenio Romero, the Deming Public Schools Superintendent stated that this joint resolution between the three government entities will strengthen the district’s application for funding appropriation for pre-K education at the 2018 legislative session.