Silver Consolidated Schools has announced that The Public School Capital Outlay Council (PSCOC) has unanimously approved more than $3.4 million in funding for improvements at Harrison H. Schmitt Elementary School. The project includes a new roof, HVAC and control system upgrades, site lighting, and new exterior doors to enhance safety, comfort, and the learning environment. The investment combines approximately $2.15 million in local bond funding with $1.26 million in state matching funds, leveraging additional state dollars through the district’s 2024 General Obligation Bond.
The City of Bayard is among 17 animal shelters across New Mexico receiving a share of nearly $2 million through the New Mexico Animal Welfare Program. Administered by the Department of Finance and Administration, the funding will support $290,600 in improvements at Bayard’s animal shelter, including kennel construction, HVAC upgrades, drainage improvements, and additional storage to enhance the care and sheltering of cats and dogs.
The New Mexico Department of Agriculture will hold public hearings August 4 and 6 on proposed amendments involving pest quarantines and control, pesticide regulations, predator-control devices and commercial feed requirements. The August 4 hearings will be held at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, with virtual participation available by Zoom or phone. The pesticide- and pest-related hearing begins at 9 a.m., followed by the commercial feeds hearing at 1 p.m. An additional in-person hearing will be held August 6 in Albuquerque. Oral comments will be accepted during the hearings, and signed written comments may be submitted through 5 p.m. August 6. Virtual access information and the proposed rule documents are available through the New Mexico Department of Agriculture website.
The Gila National Forest lifted all fire restrictions at 8 a.m. today, Monday, July 20, following recent rainfall and cooler temperatures. Forest officials also lowered the fire danger level to “Moderate,” citing forecasts for continued precipitation that should reduce the risk of severe fire behavior and human-caused wildfires. Visitors are still urged to use caution by fully extinguishing campfires, properly disposing of cigarettes, avoiding parking vehicles over tall vegetation and securing chains that could create sparks. Fireworks remain prohibited on all National Forest lands, and abandoned campfires should be reported to the nearest ranger district or the dispatch center at 575-538-5371.
In New Mexico news:
More than 230 community projects across all 33 New Mexico counties will receive state funding through the Government Results and Opportunity (GRO) program, supporting initiatives such as behavioral health services, senior meal sites, youth programs, public safety, housing assistance, victim services, and rural community development. The performance-based program was created by the Legislature in 2024 to fund pilot programs and local initiatives, with recipients required to demonstrate measurable outcomes over a two-year funding period.
