Here’s some of today’s local news:
According to a release, the Gila National Forest will be conducting an orientation and training session for the Gila Southwest Firefighter recruitment program for the 2019 wildland fire season. To be accepted into the program, candidates must meet all of the attendance requirements, successfully complete a 40-hour training course and pass a Work Capacity Test. To qualify for the SWFF recruitment program, candidates must attend the introductory session on January 2nd or January 9th, from 6:00. to 8:00 p.m., at the Grant County Business and Conference Center located at 3031 US Highway 180 in Silver City. For further information, please contact Gabe Holguin, Gila National Forest Fire Staff Officer, at 575-388-8233.
The New Mexico Racing Commission has decided to table the decision to issue a sixth and final license for a new horse racetrack and casino in a unanimous vote, and it is not certain when the panel will open the matter again. Legal counsel for Hidalgo Downs, a group that wishes to construct a racino in the Lordsburg area, filed a preliminary injunction last week citing that the commission did not do enough to study the matter. The chairman of the of the commission reported that it is best the commission seek legal advice before moving forward.
The Police Department in collaboration with the Deming Animal Guardians have donated four micro-chip readers to Animal Control Officers in order to lessen the number of incoming animals to the Deming Luna County Humane Society. The scanners come at a cost of $290 each. The police department donated three scanners and the Deming Animal Guardians donated a fourth in November. Pet owners are encouraged to contact their veterinarian about micro chipping their pets to ensure their safety.
During a meeting Roswell last Friday, the New Mexico State Game & Fish Commission voted unanimously to approve a recommendation allowing the release of up to 12 new wolf pups into the Gila National Forest, Gila Wilderness, and parts of Arizona in 2019. The decision is part of a plan to grow the population of the endangered species in the United States. In addition, the commission voted to allow a female gray wolf to be brought in from another state to be placed at Ladder Ranch in New Mexico. Ladder Ranch breeds wolf pups in captivity for release into existing wild dens.
