Here’s a look at some local news:

The Hurley Town Council held a workshop last week to hear questions and concerns about ordinances dealing with vacant and neglected homes. The council has facilitated three workshops since April for residents to participate and voice their opinions on the topic. The 2018 ordinance refers that creating and maintaining a public nuisance is now unlawful. Residents are asking for clarity and consistency with the enforcement of the ordinance. The next workshop is scheduled for July 16th.

According to Assistant Town Manager, James Marshall, recycling trucks will no longer pick up residential or commercial recycling bins in Silver City beginning on July 1st. After July 1st, garbage trucks will pick-up both green and blue garbage and recycling carts, and only cardboard will be accepted at recycling collection bins located at the Grant County Administration Center and in the Bealls parking lot, though aluminum and other scrap metal will continue to be accepted at the town landfill.

Arthur A. Garcia, State Director of USDA Rural Development, has awarded Veronika Molina, with the New Mexico National Homeownership Month HERO Award. Veronika, is the executive director of the Southwestern Regional Housing and Community Development Corporation in Deming has worked with southern New Mexico residents by providing assistance in obtaining affordable loans for home ownership. The award is not presented every year and just nine New Mexican have received the award since its inception in 2002.

The Elk Fire that started on June 6th located southeast of Mangas Mountain in the Quemado Ranger District, Catron County and at the time of this report has burned 250 acres. It has been determined that the fire was caused by lightning and fire activity has been of low to moderate intensity. In addition, the Spring Fire, that started on June 5th by lightning has been reported at approximately 3,500 acres, and burning on National Forest System lands in Sierra County. The strategy for this fire is to confine and contain.