Here’s a look at some local news:
According to a release, Assistant Town Manager James Marshall discussed current litigation pending before the Sixth Judicial District Court brought by the Secretary of State against the Town of Silver City and its officials to prohibit the Town from conducting the upcoming municipal election scheduled for March 5th. New Mexico House Bill 98 was passed and signed by the Governor that consolidates most election to the month of November. Silver City is the only municipality in the state that has two-year terms for the office of Mayor and Town Council. The two- year terms require annual elections in order to stagger the terms for Councilor positions. The District Court has issued an order directing the Town Clerk to take no further actions in preparing for the March 5th elections until the litigation has been resolved.
An urgent appeal has been announced concerning an appeal for blood donations that will help patients in other parts of the country where blood supplies have fallen short. Silver City is holding a Community Blood Drive next week from January 30th through February 2nd at locations that include, Western New Mexico University, No X Fit, Gila Regional Medical Center and Wal-Mart. Individuals can schedule an appointment by calling 575-527-1233 or view times and location by visiting silvercityradio.com.
The Grant County Commission will consider scheduling evening meetings during the year in order to give day working citizens an opportunity to attend meetings and stay engaged in community affairs. The commission has been meeting each month during the morning hours for several years.
The Antelope Wells, a small unincorporated community in Hidalgo County, received a second large group of smuggled illegal immigrants during the morning hours last Thursday. Border Patrol agents working at Camp Bounds Forward Operating Base at Antelope Wells encountered the group that was comprised of Central American families and unaccompanied juveniles. The most current group of 115 individuals is the 25th incident of over 100 people encountered with illegally crossing the border since the beginning of this fiscal year. It has been reported that the large groups of smuggled aliens are serving as a distraction in an attempt to move illegal drugs in another area just west of Antelope Wells. Border Patrol agents were able to arrest drug mules and seize 265 pounds of marijuana. Antelope Wells is located 98 miles southwest of Deming.
With colder weather than usual in New Mexico, the Gila National Forest offices will be open temporarily on Wednesday, January 30th from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. for the express purpose of issuing free use personal fuelwood permits to the public. Communities surrounding the Gila National Forest are recognized as being extremely dependent on fuelwood for heating. Free use personal fuelwood and permits may be issued for people living within or immediately adjacent to the National Forest. Offices that will be open for this service only include: Black Range Ranger District in Truth or Consequences; Glenwood Ranger District in Glenwood; Reserve Ranger District in Reserve; Silver City Ranger District in Silver City; and Quemado Ranger District in Quemado.
