Here’s a look at today’s headlines:
The Gila National Forest, Silver City District is rescinding portions of the Silver and Signal Fire Emergency Road and Trails Closure Order effective Monday, July 25, 2016. The Silver portion of the closure remains in effect in its entirety. The areas to be open were initially closed due to hazardous trees, dangerous falling rocks, flood and debris on roads and trails from the Signal Fire in 2014. Hazards from weakened trees, rocks, and tree roots have been mitigated along roads and trails within the closure. The entire closure order can be found at http://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/gila/alerts-notices/?aid=25954.
98 personnel are currently assigned to the Black Range Complex Fires. Yesterday, Cooney and Kline Fire personnel conducted road and trail assessments for rehabilitation purposes. The Boiler Fire remained in monitoring status with minimal fire activity, awaiting management action decisions. The Black Range Complex Fires received 2/10” of precipitation across the fires, accompanied by lightning. All fire personnel continue to be removed from fire line operations for their safety as storms increase in intensity over the fire perimeters.
Outgoing members of the Hidalgo Medical Services Board of Directors were honored recently for their past leadership. Mike Martin, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Western Bank, has served on the HMS Board of Directors since 2005. Kim Garrison, retired Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Western Bank has served on the Board of Directors since 2008. New members of the HMS Board of Directors were also recognized. Barbara Guber brings over 40 years of healthcare and nursing experience. Betsy Ward retired from the Animas School District after 30 years of service to the community.
US Senator Tom Udall’s measure to solidify Southern New Mexico’s position as a leading testing center for unmanned aircraft systems, commonly referred to as drones, was signed into law as part of the bill reauthorizing the Federal Aviation Administration. NMSU’s UAS Flight Test Center was the original UAS test center. Udall said “this amendment will create jobs in New Mexico by attracting business from innovators and the federal government alike.”
Today, Governor Susana Martinez announced an additional $3.5 million investment in New Mexico’s Early Pre-K pilot program, bringing the total investment to more than $10.5 million over the last two years. Additional funding will now be available at childcare centers in Luna County, among others.
