Western New Mexico University recently held “El Son de la Gila”: Exploring Culture through Mariachi, a music program to help recognize the rich culture and musical heritage associated with mariachi music. The program gave high school students and mariachi directors across the Southwest an opportunity to network, meet friends and learn from professional musicians that have been performing for years. The students also got a chance to perform at a live community concert during “Fiesta Latina” with the WNMU mariachi group. The university plans on continuing the music program in hopes of preserving and carrying forward this important cultural tradition.
The Opportunity Enterprise Revolving Fund (OERF), signed into legislation in 2022 by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, is now accepting applications for loans to be used in New Mexico to help attract business to the state, grow jobs and diversify the economy. The fund will provide low-interest loans and is available for commercial development projects and renovations of all sizes across New Mexico. The deadline to apply for the first round of funding is July 31st. For more information or to apply, go to website or call 505-992-9687.
New Mexico State Parks Division of Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) will be participating in the annual “Operation Dry Water” campaign that will take place July 1st through the 3rd. The campaign’s mission is to decrease the number of alcohol-related incidents on water and to increase awareness of the dangers associated with driving a boat while under the influence. This national weekend will be dedicated to amplified recreational boater outreach education and coordinated enforcement surrounding boating under the influence.
The Pass Fire on the Gila National Forest, Black Range Ranger District as of early June 30th, has grown to approximately 57,670 acres and is 12% contained since it was ignited by lightning on May 18th. Today, crews plan to complete hand ignitions along the Iron Trail (771) and White Rocks Trail (27) to remove available fuels and establish containment along the southeastern fire perimeter, where fire has been active in the Burnt Corral Canyon area. With these hand ignitions, fire acreage can be expected to be greater tomorrow. Increased smoke production can be expected with today’s firing operations and will settle into lower valleys during overnight heat inversions. Low elevation smoky conditions may persist during early morning hours, generally lifting with solar heating.
