Grant County officials recently gathered public input for an updated Community Wildfire Protection Plan, which found all 48 evaluated subdivisions at high fire risk. The plan outlines mitigation projects and would make communities eligible for grant funding once approved by the state. Many at-risk areas are in mountainous regions, with a strong emphasis on creating defensible space around homes to reduce fire danger. Challenges such as yard waste disposal and neighborhood coordination were discussed, along with potential solutions like free dump days and community programs. The meeting also highlighted new wildfire detection cameras using artificial intelligence and stressed the importance of community involvement and resource access for effective fire prevention.
The New Mexico Department of Transportation will host a public meeting to discuss an ongoing study aimed at improving the safety and resilience of U.S. 180 over the Gila River near Cliff. The meeting is scheduled for April 2, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Cliff High School. During the session, officials will present proposed concepts focused on flood reduction, riverbank stabilization, and enhancing reliable transportation for the community. Residents are encouraged to attend and provide input or submit comments through May 2 via website.
The Animas School Board announced that Associate Superintendent Robbi Coker will step in as superintendent of Animas Public Schools, replacing Jeff Gephart following his recent resignation. Mrs. Coker plans to continue building on existing programs with a strong focus on students and families, emphasizing the district’s “Team Panther” approach. A graduate of Alamogordo High School and New Mexico State University, Mrs. Coker brings extensive experience in education, including roles as a teacher, principal, and special education director, as well as a decade supporting online learning across New Mexico.
In other news:
Tonight, the sky will glow with the Pink Moon, the first full moon of spring, signaling a season of renewal and new beginnings. Though it won’t actually appear pink, the name comes from bright spring wildflowers that bloom this time of year. For centuries, cultures around the world have named this moon after nature’s awakening, from melting ice to the return of wildlife. It also holds added significance as it helps determine the date of Easter, blending natural beauty with cultural tradition—making it the perfect night to step outside, look up, and take in the beauty of the sky.
