The Community Work Group will convene this evening, September 9, at 6 p.m. at the Bayard Community Center to discuss and provide informed recommendations regarding decisions made under the Chino Administrative Order of Consent (AOC). The AOC is a voluntary yet legally binding agreement between the New Mexico Environment Department and Freeport-McMoRan Chino Mines Company, established to evaluate potential health and environmental impacts resulting from past mining activities in areas surrounding the Chino Mine.
A $330,000 roadway crack-sealing project on Business Loop 22 (Pine Street) in Deming began yesterday. Funded as a community investment, the project is scheduled to run nightly for approximately 14 days, from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Crews will complete crack-sealing along the roadway from milepost 0 to milepost 4.2. This maintenance effort is intended to extend the lifespan of the pavement by preventing moisture infiltration, which can compromise asphalt and concrete surfaces and lead to costly future repairs.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is preparing to conduct a prescribed fire project in late September or early October. The project will cover four designated units, totaling approximately 300 to 350 acres. To provide information and address community questions, the BLM has scheduled a public meeting on Thursday, September 11, at 5:00 p.m. at the main Pinos Altos Volunteer Fire Station, located on Pinos Altos Road. Community members are encouraged to attend.
In New Mexico news:
The New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS) has announced updates to its September walk-in service schedule in response to increasing demand for benefits and assistance. DVS Field Offices will designate specific walk-in days for veterans seeking support with VA claims and state benefits. On these days, veterans may access full services without an appointment. While services remain available Monday through Friday, veterans who arrive without appointments on non-designated walk-in days may encounter limited assistance or extended wait times. For veterans in Silver City, walk-in services will be available on Mondays from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call 575-313-5627.
