July 23rd, 2014: Local Headlines

Here’s a look at today’s headlines:

The Girl Scouts of the Desert Southwest will hold a workshop for girls who were in grades 1 through 5 for the last school year.  “It’s Fun to Be Me” will help girls learn about self-esteem, how to make friends and keep them, and what good deeds are.  The workshop will be held at the Girl Scout Office, 302 West 11^th Street, on July 29^th through the 31^st.  Space is limited, and the workshop is free to all girls, whether registered or non-registered Girl Scouts.  RSVP to Annette at 538-2481.

The Silver City Ranger District implemented a temporary closure for Cherry Creek and McMillan Campgrounds due to flooding as a result of the Signal Fire.  The low-water crossing entrances at these campgrounds pose a flooding safety hazard to visitors.  All other campgrounds on the Silver City Ranger District remain open.  Visitors are encouraged to check with local ranger district offices for conditions and closures before going into the forest and recreation areas.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack reminded producers yesterday that changes mandated through the 2014 Farm Bill require them to have on file a Highly Erodable Land Conservation and Wetland Conservation Certification.  The Farm Bill re-linked these certifications with eligibility for premium support paid under the Federal Crop Insurance Program.  For more information, visit: www.usda.gov/farmbill

There will be an advocacy and legal training for non profits on July 29^th.  During the training, non-profits will learn how the organization can advance its mission by advocating for or against public policy issues, build an organizations capacity, learn how to get community members engaged in elections, and maintain compliance with IRS advocacy rules and regulations.  The training will be at the Commons, 501 East 13^th Street on July 29^th from 8:30 to noon.

The Silver City Town Council had a meeting last night, where they listened to concerns during the public input portion of their agenda.  Concerns were raised about the passage of stringent regulations regarding the trailer park near Market and Montana streets.  Another resident brought up the deteriorating conditions of Starsky Ridge and Ursa Major.  The council also selected Tim Heidrick as the new Silver City Fire Department Chief.  The council then reported that many town streets are scheduled for chip-sealing during the month of August.  After approving a preliminary budget for the 2014-15 fiscal year, the Town Council adjourned until the August 20^th meeting, set for 6 pm.

A lightning strike from recent thunderstorms cause the Tige Fire in Catron County near the New Mexico and Arizona state line.  The fire was reported at 63 acres last night and is burning in ponderosa pine forest on the northwest rim of Bear Canyon.  The nearby Sycamore Fire on the Apache National Forest in Arizona is contributing to smoke in the San Fransisco watershed that is visible to the communities of Alma, Glenwood and Pleasanton.  Contact the Glenwood Ranger District office for further information.

Deming will hold a series of two amateur rodeos as part of the New Mexico Rodeo Association’s 2014 circuit.  The first evening performance will be September 19^th at the City Arena, and will coincide with an NMRA rodeo in Duncan Arizona.  The second will be the two-day state finals rodeo on November 14^th and 15^th.    The hope is that the rodeo will bring people into Deming and positively impact the city’s economy.  The city arena dates back to the 1970’s, and will likely see some maintenance and an upgrade before the September show, including parking, stables and bleachers, as well as adding lighting and shade canopies.