Here’s a look at the local headlines:

The Signal Fire remains at approximately 5,740 acres, and is now 35% contained.  647 personnel are fighting the fire today, and continue to approach with a full suppression strategy.  Firefighters are focused on eastern portions of the fire, where the blaze continues to challenge fire-line completion efforts.  The weekend looks to be setting up for critical fire conditions with a combination of unstable air mass, very low relative humidity, and increasing winds. By Monday and Tuesday, winds are forecast to gust to 40 miles per hour, creating likely red flag warnings.

The High Desert Humane Society will be taking in house pets in the event of any evacuations due to the Signal Fire.

Governor Susana Martinez will attend the MVD Community Appreciation Day in Deming to recognize the staff for “implementing several positive and proactive operations changes that have lower wait times and improved overall customer service and satisfaction.”

In other news:

Earlier this month, the Grant County 4-H competed at a State Shooting Sports Contest.  The contest is attended by over 200 high school youth and includes events such as archery, rifle, shotgun, and hunting skills.  All teams finished with high marks.  The 4-H Shotgun Team 1 will go on to compete at the National 4-H Shooting Sports Invitational in June.

And Finally:

Area girl scout leaders were recognized for their service to our community at a special banquet yesterday evening.  One of the highest recognitions earned was by Tammi Windsor, for her over 30 years of service to Girl Scouts.   Also recognized with Appreciation Pins, another very special award, were Heidi Hunte and Ann Pavlovich.  Community partners recognized included Kiwanis, Desert Springs Physical Therapy, America Legion, Silver City Radio and Silver Health Care Gardening Dome.  Serina Pack, member of the Executive Board of Directors of the Girl Scouts of the Desert Southwest for southern New Mexico and west Texas, past Gold Award recipient, served as Mistress of Ceremonies. Annette Toney assisted with ceremonies. Annette Toney is thanked for her service as Membership and Marketing manager for this area and being such a significant part of the success of Girl Scouts in this area, where there 12 troops and around 200 Girl Scouts.