The Silver City Town Council is moving forward with plans to hire an outside search firm to help find a permanent town manager. The search could cost about $25,000 and take an estimated 10 to 12 weeks once a firm is selected. Strong experience in public finance and administration will be among the key qualifications sought, as the town continues to address financial and other community priorities. The council is also expected to gather three written quotes from search firms before moving forward with the hiring process. Officials hope to complete the search by the end of the year.
Bighorn and Cosmic campgrounds in the Gila National Forest will temporarily close beginning Monday, Aug. 24, while crews install shade ramadas to provide covered areas and improve visitor comfort at the campgrounds, which have limited natural tree cover. The closures are expected to continue through Friday, Aug. 28, with the campgrounds expected to reopen Saturday, Aug. 29, if construction stays on schedule.
In Deming news:
The Deming City Council has rejected a proposed lease involving American Magnesium and approved a five-year moratorium on the sale of city-owned water rights. The decisions reflect growing concerns over protecting local water resources and managing future industrial demand in Luna County. The lease rejection does not stop American Magnesium’s proposed Foothill Dolomite Mine near the Florida Mountains, which remains subject to existing federal approvals and environmental review. The water-rights moratorium will prevent the city from permanently selling or transferring its water rights during the five-year period as officials take a more cautious approach to the community’s long-term water supply.
The 47th Annual Great American Duck Races continue today and throughout the weekend in Deming, bringing duck racing, entertainment, carnival rides and family activities to the community. A major highlight of the weekend will be Saturday’s Tournament of Ducks Parade, beginning at 10 a.m. The parade will travel from East Pine Street to South Gold Avenue before ending at Luna County Courthouse Park. Live duck racing and other events will continue through Sunday, when the weekend’s championship races are scheduled to take place.
