The Gila National Forest is planning on implementing Stage 1 fire restrictions on March 23 due to prolonged drought, increased tree mortality, and forecasts calling for warmer, drier weather through June. Under these restrictions, campfires will only be allowed in designated campgrounds with proper fire rings to help reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires. Officials indicate there is a strong possibility of moving to stricter Stage 2 restrictions, which would prohibit all campfires and limit industrial activities, as early as April if conditions worsen. Grant County is expected to enact burn bans during the same week, while Catron County is already under a burn ban.
A new outdoor education multi-purpose turf field has been completed at Columbus Elementary School in Deming, providing students with a dedicated space for both recreation and physical education. The facility includes a regulation soccer field, two mini soccer fields, a four-lane track, and two kickball fields designed to match youth baseball dimensions. It also features a variety of activity stations, including tire circles, giant tic-tac-toe, running bags, and running ladders. The project was the result of more than a year of planning and collaboration, aimed at creating a versatile space to support a wide range of student activities.
In Lordsburg news:
The Lordsburg City Council held a work session to review a range of city matters, including grant progress, upcoming leadership appointments, and community events. Dozens of active grants are scheduled to move forward within required guidelines, with council members requesting regular updates to stay informed. The council also heard from candidates under consideration for key city positions ahead of a future vote. Additional updates were provided on local facilities and infrastructure projects, as the session aimed to give newly elected members a clearer understanding of ongoing operations and priorities.
The nonprofit organization The Maverick Movement has established Legacy Scholarships to honor lifelong educators, administrators, and coaches who have served Hidalgo County schools. The program will award two $2,000 scholarships to Hidalgo County high school seniors upon acceptance to a college or university of their choice, as well as two $500 scholarships to seniors accepted into a trade school or program. Completed applications must be submitted by May 8. For more information and to apply visit, website.
