Here’s a look at today’s headlines:
The Black Range Complex Fires on the Black Range Ranger District consist of four fires: the Kline and Cooney Fires started July 8, the Corduroy Fire on July 17, and the Boiler Fire on July 18. These lightning-caused fires are located in the Black Range Mountains, 65 miles northwest of Truth or Consequences. The Black Range Complex Fires are currently 10% contained.
The New Mexico State 4-H Conference was held in Las Cruces on July 11th through the 14th. Grant County 4-H competed in events such as Hippology, Horitculture Judging, Impromptu Speech, Land Judging, Livestock Judging, Livestock Skill-a-thon, Wildlife and the Talent Contest. Congratulations to the Grant County 4-H youth who competed at the state Conference.
New Mexico State Police officers investigated a single-vehicle crash on San Diego Road in Columbus on Tuesday night. The initial investigation indicated a Ford pickup, driven by a fifteen year-old female, was traveling at a high rate of speed when the driver lost control and rolled onto the west shoulder of the roadway. A twelve year old passenger was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. Neither the driver nor passenger were wearing a seatbelt.
Public access to Campus Rec facilities at Western New Mexico University has been updated to accommodate for more flexibility to community members accessing the fitness center, pool and other facilities. Effective August 15, monthly memberships will be replaced by a swipe system at the same cost. For $50, a community member can purchase 25 swipes allowing for greater flexibility when choosing when to use the swipe throughout the semester.
Today, Governor Susana Martinez announced a new targeted initiative to improve access to services and benefits for women veterans in New Mexico. The Governor also announced that Melanie Suazo, a retired New Mexico Army National Guard non-commissioned officer, will lead the effort.
New Mexico State Auditor Tim Keller announced meetings around the state with community members and advocates on sexual assault evidence kits, commonly referred to as “rape kits.” The meetings will take place in the areas that have been selected for the Office of the State Auditor`s audit that aims to identify the causes of the statewide rape kit backlog.
