Here’s a look at today’s headlines:
The Gila National Forest, in cooperation with the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is seeking public input on a proposal to restore native Gila trout and other native fishes to Whitewater Creek and its tributaries. The purpose of the proposed action is to contribute to the recovery of the Gila trout by restoring it to approximately 24 miles of perennial stream to establish a fishable population. The entire project area is within the Glenwood Ranger District of the Gila National Forest and the majority of the project area is within the Gila Wilderness. The public is encouraged to review the proposed action for the recovery project; it is available on the forest website.
The grass fire that started Saturday, Feb. 27 near the junction of Highways 152 and 61 has been contained. Grant County Fire Management Officer Randy Villa said the fire spread over a little more than nine acres and the cause is still be investigated.
Surprise medical bills, sometimes for exorbitant amounts, are blindsiding many consumers across the country. In one frequent scenario, patients are treated without their knowledge or consent by providers who do not participate in their health plan, even though patients have sought care at an emergency room or hospital that is in their insurance plan’s network. New Mexico’s Office of Superintendent of Insurance hopes to gain better insight into surprise and balance billing practices through public forums during the month of March.
U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich announced that the U.S. Department of Labor has approved Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) for workers laid off from Freeport-McMoRan’s Tyrone copper mine. More than 200 employees lost their jobs when the mine reduced production last year, severely impacting the local economy. Trade Adjustment Assistance will help former employees transition to new jobs by providing career training, employment services and other support.
Agriculture Secretary Vilsack announced $18 million in grants will be available to strengthen research and teaching at historically black land-grant universities during a meeting with the 1890’s Council in Washington. The grants are available through the 1890 Institution Research, Extension, and Teaching Capacity Building Grants program administered by USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).
Don’t forget: today is Municipal Election Day. In Silver City, go to the Woman’s Club Building and vote for Mayor, Councilor District 2 and Councilor District 4. Voting is open until 7 o’clock tonight. In Bayard, vote for Councilor. Santa Clara has two trustee positions open, as well as a municipal judge. There are two Town Council positions in Hurley, as well as municipal judge. Voting in Deming will take place at either the Holy Family Parish Hall or the Mimbres Valley Learning Center until 7 pm. The only contested race in Deming is for municipal judge.
