As part of the nationwide search for the next president of Western New Mexico University, the search firm Anthem Executive is providing a confidential platform for community members to share their input. The Presidential Search Survey allows individuals to anonymously express their views and opinions, with all responses kept strictly confidential and used exclusively by Anthem Executive to inform the search process. For more information and to take the survey, visit website. 

During its recent meeting, the Hurley Town Council passed four resolutions, three of which addressed financial matters, including fourth-quarter budget adjustments and the quarterly report for fiscal year 2024–25, as well as the adoption of the 2025–26 budget. The council also approved the Grant County 2025 Hazard Mitigation Action Plan, which serves as the official emergency response framework at the federal, state, and local levels in the event of a disaster affecting the community or surrounding areas.

The City of Deming will initiate a comprehensive maintenance and clean-up operation at Mountain View Cemetery this month to ensure the grounds remain clean, safe, and well-maintained. As part of the project, items not placed in vases affixed to headstones will be removed. Additionally, funeral arrangements and floral pieces will be cleared once they become unsightly. Any items deemed objectionable or in violation of cemetery regulations may be removed by city staff following proper notification. The clean-up effort will begin on the west side of the cemetery and progress eastward over an estimated two-week period.

Last in our news is the Gila Wildfire Roundup Report: 

The Gila National Forest recently announced that the Trout Fire reached 100% containment on July 24, with the associated area closure officially lifted as of Thursday, July 31. The public is advised to remain cautious when entering the previously burned area, which may still pose hazards such as stump holes, unstable soil, rolling debris, fire-damaged trees, and impassable roads or trails due to fallen trees or flood impacts. Ongoing heavy lightning activity continues to spark multiple new wildfires across the forest daily. Given the high number of incidents and limited firefighting resources, all new fires are being addressed under a full suppression strategy, with prioritization based on threats to life and property.

Several ranger districts are actively managing new and ongoing fire activity:

Black Range Ranger District:
 The Pitchfork Fire (1 acre), located in the Houghton Canyon area north of Beaverhead, is currently being assessed by crews, who have begun containment efforts.

Glenwood Ranger District:
 The Ridge Fire (0.10 acre), reported on July 19, is burning in steep, inaccessible terrain approximately six miles east of the Town of Mogollon.
The Canyon Fire (5 acres), reported on July 30, is located south of Little Turkey Creek in the Gila Wilderness. Crews are on site initiating containment efforts.

Quemado Ranger District:
 The Killion Fire (0.10 acre), reported on July 23 north of Mangas Mountain, remains a low-spread risk as a single snag fire.

Wilderness Ranger District:
 The Turkeyfeather Fire (24,128 acres) recently showed increased activity along its western edge. Crews are monitoring the area and reinforcing control lines to protect the Willow Creek area.
 Firefighters on the Goose Fire (3,692 acres) are currently engaged in mop-up operations and repairing suppression-related impacts. The removal of heavy equipment may cause short-term closures of New Mexico Highway 15, to be coordinated with the New Mexico Department of Transportation. An area closure for the Goose Fire remains in effect.

Other smaller fires—including the Granny Fire (10 acres), Pinnacle Fire (5 acres), Packsaddle Fire (0.50 acre), Sycamore Fire (2 acres), and Spring Fire (0.10 acre)—are burning in remote, inaccessible regions of the Gila Wilderness and have shown no growth or threat to life or property.

Fires declared contained over the past two weeks include:

  • Buck Fire (57,753 acres, reported 6/11/25)

  • Trout Fire (47,294 acres, 6/12/25)

  • Cow Fire (9.2 acres, 7/14/25)

  • Cowboy Fire (1 acre, 7/29/25)

  • Fuego, Lilly, and Little Fires (each 0.10 acre, 7/30/25)

Fires declared out during the same period include:

  • Yam and Wolf Fires (0.10 acre each, 7/19/25)

  • Bear Fire (0.25 acre, 7/24/25)

  • Lefthand Fire (2.5 acres, 7/25/25)

  • Hoague, Cienega, School, Keko, and Fork Fires (each 0.10 acre, 7/30/25)

 

Fires declared controlled:

  • Panther Fire (80 acres, 7/2/25)

  • Skeleton Fire (1.25 acres, 7/29/25)

In addition to local firefighting resources, the Gila National Forest is hosting a rappel crew from Idaho, five contract engines, two state engines, two Hotshot crews, one state initial attack crew, a Type 1 Blackhawk helicopter, and a local type 3 helicopter.