The Gila National Forest has issued a notice regarding the current conditions at Quemado Lake, stating that the relatively warm winter has resulted in only a thin layer of ice on the lake. This ice may not be strong enough to support the weight of individuals walking on it. As a precaution, the Forest Service is advising against ice fishing and other activities on the ice at this time.

The Silver City Public Library will host Ty Oliver, the District Fire Management Officer, for an informative session on the collaborative efforts involved in wildfire response. The presentation, scheduled for Friday, January 17th, at 3:00 p.m., will provide insights into wildfire spotting, resource mobilization, team organization and leadership, incident types, and suppression techniques. The session aims to educate attendees on how the Forest Service works in conjunction with various entities to address wildfire challenges.

New Mexico Ag in the Classroom has announced that members of the Cliff and Silver City FFA chapters have successfully completed training for the “The Plants We Eat” agricultural literacy project. With the training now complete, these students are prepared to launch their Agventure in local elementary classrooms. Educators in both Cliff and Silver City can anticipate engaging and informative presentations designed to enhance agricultural literacy among students.

In Hidalgo County News: 

Joseph Marquez was recently honored as the 2024 Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office Officer of the Year, receiving a plaque at the Hidalgo County Commission’s regular meeting. Also, HCSO Officer Miguel Armenta was named Officer of the Quarter for October-December 2024, while Marquez also earned the distinction of Officer of the Quarter for the second and third quarters of 2024. These prestigious awards are determined based on performance statistics, participation in public events, and positive engagement with the community. Congratulations to both employees.