Here’s a look at some local news:
The Owl Fire that started on June 30th, is located on Aspen Mountain and has crossed FR 209 into Frieborn Canyon in an inventoried roadless area. The fire is comprised of 4,543 acres and is currently 63% contained. On the southwest corner of the fire, crews have halted fire spread with direct line construction and abundant monsoonal moisture will continue to flow in from the south and east, for more scattered storm activity over the next few days. Smoke settles in drainages and washes and begins drifting about 9:00 p.m. and peaking at 6:00 a.m., when they become unhealthy for sensitive groups. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures such as leaving windows closed. For more information on air quality and health impacts due to wildfire smoke, please visit the New Mexico Department of Health website at nmtracking.org/fire.
A suspect who was wanted in the connection with the death of 37-year old Manuel Oscar Chavez on June 18th in Deming, was found and arrested after a nationwide warrant was issued. Hector Corral was eventually located in Kentucky, on Friday, July 6th, and is being detained awaiting extradition to New Mexico. The victim died from a single gunshot to the torso following an altercation at a residence located in the 1400 Block of O’Kelley Road in Deming. Corral was wanted on an open count of murder and tampering with evidence.
The Silver City Walmart celebrated a Re-Grand Opening last Friday morning to present the completion of their multi-million-dollar renovation. Store Manager, Sandy Gonzales, led a ribbon cutting ceremony along with Silver City Grant County Chamber of Commerce President, Scott Terry, and Silver City Mayor, Ken Ladner. Some of the new additions and renovations include, new fixtures and paint, updated refrigeration and cooler cases, a pharmacy consultation room, and an automated pickup tower that works like a giant vending machine for the benefit of online customers. The Walmart store in Silver City employs approximately 300 individuals.
The National Weather Service has predicted a chance of rain in the afternoons and evenings all this week with a chance of hail. The best way to avoid lightning, flash floods and other dangerous weather events during the monsoon season is to monitor current weather forecasts on tv, radio, internet or a NOAA weather radio. For more information. New Mexico and other areas across the Southwest U.S. are affected by the North American Monsoon System (NAMS) every summer, and the “Monsoon Season” is designated as the period lasting from June 15th through September 30th.
