Here’s a look at today’s headlines:

A new fire was started by lightning on Friday, May 12th.  The Baca Fire is located 6 miles northeast of Quemado Lake and is currently 330 acres in size.  There are no values currently at risk.  Fire personnel are constructing hand line on the north perimeter to the pre-identified control features to contain the fire with limited exposure to fire personnel and the public.  The current fire behavior is helping with restoring healthy forest and watershed restoration.  CDT hikers are discouraged from using the trail due to heavy fire activity.  Forest visitors are also discouraged from using Baca Pit Road due to fire activity.

The Reserve Ranger District continues to manage the Kerr Fire 17 miles northeast of Reserve as high winds have grown the fire to 3,255 acres.  Fire managers are conducting aerial ignitions and monitoring fire activity this afternoon.  Wind is expected to increase today, and the fire remains 17% contained.

Hidalgo Medical Services recently presented scholarships to graduates of each high school in Grant and Hidalgo Counties.  Recipients include Hayleigh Drozda of Cliff High School, who plans to become a family practitioner; Gabriella Nicole Montes of Silver High School, who has an interest in social work; Allison Sedillos of Cobre High School, who has a goal of becoming a physician’s assistant; Kylie Guilliam of Animas High School, who plans to major in psychology with a minor in criminal justice; and John Plowman of Lordsburg High School who will pursue speech and language pathology and intends to return to practice in Lordsburg.

In sports news, congratulations to the Silver High School softball team for winning their 7th straight 4A state championship.  The Lady Colts defeated their rival Lady Indians 4-3 in the final softball game of the season.