Here’s a look at today’s headlines:

Harry Browne, Aldo Leopold Charter School business manager and teacher, noted that two leases for a proposed expansion for the school have been written.  The first is a straight lease for the property of what used to be Billy’s BBQ.  The second of the leases continues to be adjusted and, when finalized, should be sent to the state for approval.  State approval on the lease is expected to take around six months, but work can continue slowly on construction and renovations.

The Regional Office has completed their internal review of the Gila NF draft assessment report. The Gila NF planning team is now making some adjustments to the document based on the internal review recommendations. The Gila National Forest expects to release the draft assessment report for public/stakeholder feedback in late summer/early fall. After the draft is released, we will have more community meetings in fall 2016 to discuss key assessment findings and collaborate to determine needs-for-change to the 1986 Gila Forest Plan.

For the fourth consecutive year, Freeport McMoRan has been named to the Civic 50 list of most community-minded companies in the US, and this year also was named the top company in the materials sector.  The national survey and ranking initiative sets the standard for corporate civic engagement and recognizes companies for their commitment to improving the quality of life in the communities where they do business.

Police have arrested a 53 year-old man for a hit-and-run that killed a 6 year-old boy in Anthony.  The boy was riding his bike when the man hit and killed the boy then drove off in his truck.  He is charged with leaving the scene of an accident involving death and failing to stop and render aid.

Last week, Governor Susana Martinez directed the activation of New Mexico Emergency Operations Center to assist in the coordinated response to flooding across the state, including Rio Arriba, Sierra, Dona Ana, and Eddy counties. These counties, including other areas of the state, have been hit with heavy rain, which is expected to continue throughout the week.