Here’s a look at today’s headlines:
The Glenwood Ranger District, Gila National Forest is planning to burn the Sheridan Slash Pile in the next two weeks dependent on weather conditions. This slash pile is located on the Sheridan Ridge Road (County Road CO54) approximately seven miles south of Glenwood. This burn will take one day, but smoke may be visible for up to two weeks from the areas of Gila, Cliff, Mule Creek, Alma and Glenwood. Prescribed fires are one of the most effective tools available to resource managers for restoring fire-adapted ecosystems. These fires mimic natural fires by reducing forest fuels, recycling nutrients and increasing habitat diversity. Prescribed burns are designed to meet specific objectives, including providing community protection and promoting forest health. Prescribed burns are always managed with firefighter and public safety as the first priority.
The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) reports that although flu activity remains widespread across the state, it appears activity overall in New Mexico has peaked and will likely continue to gradually decrease for the remainder of the season which is expected to be several more weeks. It is common during any flu season to have a peak of influenza A cases – typically the more severe flu – and then later, smaller peak of influenza B cases, which is generally milder. This year the influenza A and influenza B activity peaks were relatively close together leading to the surge in activity that we have seen over the last couple of weeks. According to reports from local health providers, flu cases seem to also be on the decline in Grant County.
A Stars-N-Parks astronomy program will take place this Saturday at City of Rocks State Park located between Deming and Silver City. Attendees will observe highlights of the February sky, including the moon two days old and Leo is rising. The event begins with a night sky tour, followed by views of deep sky objects through a high-powered telescope. The program is viewed in a dark sky setting beginning at about 7:05 p.m., and attendees should arrive at the park at sunset, which is at about 5:56 p.m., so they can become familiar with their surroundings before nightfall. The program will end at about 8:35 p.m. Stars-N-Parks is sponsored by the National Public Observatory, a non-profit membership organization that sponsors astronomy programs. More information is available at Astro dash NPO dot org.
The Grant County Commission heard a presentation by representatives of “Supporting Persons in Need”, during a commission work session this week. The presented topic concerned ideas for a permanent housing solution for the homeless population. The proposal supports the “Stepping Up Program”, which is national an initiative to reduce the number of people with mental illnesses in jails. A developer has been contacted that would build affordable permanent housing in addition to providing specialized management for the project who are trained in dealing with this certain population. Many of those targeted for the project have substance abuse issues. The Supporting Persons in Need group, also called “SPIN” is currently searching for property to build the housing project.
