Here’s a look at today’s headlines:
The National Weather Service in El Paso has issued a wind advisory, which is in effect until nine this evening. Winds are expected to reach a maximum strength up 25 to 30 miles per hour with gusts up to 45 miles per hour, and will slowly diminish after sunset. Visibility should remain above three miles, however local spots next to prime dust sources will see periodic streams of blowing dust which may cause temporary reductions in visibility to a half mile. Affected areas include the southern Gila foothills/Mimbres valley, the southwest desert/Mimbres basin, Dona Ana County, El Paso County and Hudspeth County.
Due to the current spring weather pattern, Black Range Ranger District fire personnel are postponing the Area 74 prescribed fire until conditions improve. Potential weather conditions such as strong gusty winds associated with thunderstorms and precipitation are not aligning with the criteria outlined in the prescribed burn plan that need to be met before the project can begin. Strong winds will create holding concerns for firefighters on the ground and precipitation will adversely affect ground fuels that are needed to carry the fire. This mix of environmental factors will not allow for safe and effective prescribed fire operations.
In sports new, Ashley Newell, Mitch Glasmann and Calum Hill were named the 2015-16 Western New Mexico University Senior Student-Athletes of the Year. This marks the third year the Senior Student-Athlete of the Year award has been handed out. Last year, Ganna Tiurina and Zayde Khalil took home the honors, while two years ago, Rodrigo Almeida and Nicole Luna collected the accolades.
Today, Governor Susana Martinez announced New Mexico’s participation in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday. This day is an opportunity for safe disposal of unwanted or unused prescription medications. On Saturday, from 10 am to 2 pm, expired, unwanted, or unused prescription drugs can be dropped off for proper disposal at collection sites throughout New Mexico. Collection sites will be set up in dozens of communities across the state, and will be staffed by state and local law enforcement agencies. The service is free and anonymous.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded $261,033 to the New Mexico Department of Agriculture’s pesticide program. The grant will help fund activities including pesticides enforcement, certification and training, worker protection, proper pesticides containment, and protecting water quality and endangered species.
