In Trout Fire News:
As of the morning of June 26th, the Grant County Office of Emergency Management has provided an update on the Trout Fire. All evacuation zones have been reduced in status, indicating improved conditions. Non-residents are respectfully asked to avoid the area to support continued firefighting operations. The public is also reminded that a Forest closure remains in effect and should be strictly observed.
The Gila National Forest has revised the area closure related to the Trout Fire, reopening National Forest System lands north and east of New Mexico Highway 35 to public access. However, a public safety closure remains in effect for all National Forest System lands south and west of New Mexico Highway 35 and east of New Mexico Highway 15, extending to the southern forest boundary. Additionally, the closure includes lands west of New Mexico Highway 15, specifically those located south of Spring Creek Trail #247, east of Sheep Corral Trail #231, Forest Road 4083V, Tadpole Ridge Trail #232, and Sycamore Canyon Trail #234, and north of Bear Creek from below Preacher’s Point to Forest Road 506 below Ben Lilly Memorial.
In other news:
Single Socks has announced the awarding of $51,000 in grants to support anti-hunger efforts across Grant County as part of its Spring 2025 Grant Cycle. Grants were distributed to four local organizations and one school district to address food insecurity in the region. The recipients include the Grant County Community Food Pantry and St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Parish, which will use the funds to purchase food for families in need. The Silver Consolidated School District received funding to provide food boxes, targeting times when school meal programs are unavailable. Supporting People in Need (SPIN) was awarded funds to provide hot meals through its day program and transitional housing services. Additionally, Frontier Food Hub, received a grant to enhance local food pantries by supplementing federal food commodities with fresh, bulk, and locally grown foods.
El Refugio’s Board of Directors recently convened for a retreat aimed at refining the organization’s strategic direction and enhancing its impact. During the retreat, the board engaged in reflection on El Refugio’s mission and made key updates to better align with the core values and goals of the organization. As a result, El Refugio revised its Mission and Vision Statements. Mission Statement: El Refugio empowers and supports individuals affected by domestic violence by promoting social advocacy and personal accountability. Vision Statement: El Refugio continuously strives to eliminate and prevent all forms of domestic violence, working to create a safer community.
New Mexico-based agricultural businesses are invited to apply for internship funding through the New Mexico Department of Agriculture’s (NMDA) Agricultural Workforce Development (AWD) Program. This initiative is designed to support the growth of the agricultural workforce by providing funding to businesses that hire interns, offering hands-on training for aspiring farmers, ranchers, and agricultural professionals. The program aims to strengthen the industry by preparing the next generation of agricultural workers while assisting businesses in expanding their labor force. Applications will be accepted through March 31, 2026, or until all available funds have been allocated. Funding is available for internships that begin after July 1.
