Here’s a look at today’s headlines:
The Kerr Fire on the Reserve Ranger District remained active yesterday, though all fire lines held. Operations included conducting interior aerial ignitions to even out the fire edge before expected winds impacted the area. The Kerr Fire is 3,388 acres and 25% contained. In addition, strong southwest winds are blowing smoke from ongoing fires in Arizona.
The Baca Fire is active and has grown to 375 acres. Actions for today include complete indirect fire line at the head of the fire and begin strategizing fire plan and a north control line in order to establish an anchor point.
Erika Jimenez, 31, of Deming, N.M., was sentenced Friday, May 12, in federal court in Las Cruces to 33 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for her methamphetamine trafficking conviction. Jimenez was arrested on July 17, 2016, on an indictment charging her with distribution of methamphetamine on July 22, 2015, and Nov. 9, 2015, in Luna County.
John Strand, formerly Deming’s City Manager, presented at the Deming City Council meeting on behalf of the SunZia Southwest Transmission Project, which plans to run 515 miles of 500 kV transmission lines across New Mexico and Arizona to deliver renewable energy generated in these two states to major population centers in the desert Southwest. The council unanimously approved a resolution expressing support for the project. Construction is planned for early next year.
Today, the House Republican Caucus announced their budget plan for fiscal year 2018 in advance of next week’s special legislative session in Santa Fe. The Republican plan would meet the funding needs of state government operations and increase support for critical health and education programs without increasing the tax burden on New Mexicans.
