Here’s a look at today’s headlines:
In a Breaking News Story:
There has been a plane crash at the north end of the Whiskey Creek Airport runway. A 3 alarm grass fire was started from the explosion. Witnesses are asked to go to the Arenas Valley Church to speak with officials about what they saw. Evacuations have begun of the area. The High Desert Humane Society is accepting pets for those who have been evacuated.
The Signal Fire is now 100% contained, and area closure has been reduced. The following recreational sites are now open once more: McMillan Campground, Cherry Creek Campground, Ben Lilly Memorial Observation Site, Signal Peak Trailhead, Woodhaul Wagon Road Trailhead, and the Big Tree Trailhead. Signal Peak Road, Meadow Creek Road, Lockney Road, Signal Peak Trail #742, and the Continental Divide Scenic Trail in the vicinity of Black Peak remain closed. Visit the Gila National Forest Website for the closure map.
US Senator Martin Heinrich will travel to Silver City this Saturday to tour the Signal Fire site 10 miles north of town, and meet with the Forest Service staff to discuss the firefighting and recovery effort. Senator Heinrich launched an online Wildfire Preparedness an Prevention Resource Center on his website about how to protect communities from the effects of wildfires.
While in Silver City, Senator Heinrich will also speak at the celebration of the 90th Anniversary of the Gila Wilderness and the 50th Anniversary of the Gila Wilderness Act. The Gila Wild Exhibit opens at the Silver City Museum this Saturday.
For those of you who are planning to travel during the Memorial Day Weekend, The American Red Cross offers some suggestions on how to travel safely during a busy holiday season. When driving, be well rested and alert, wear your seatbelt, and if you plan to drink, designate a driver who will not be drinking. Take a break when traveling long distances and observe speed limits, and drive carefully if there is inclement weather or blowing dust. For more ideas for safe travel, visit www.redcross.org.
A fatal crash occurred on I-10 between Lordsburg and the Arizona border yesterday around 5:30 pm. The accident occurred during a severe dust storm, and involved both passenger and commercial vehicles. At least six people were killed, and the interstate was shut down to put out a tractor-trailer fire and clear the wreckage from driving lanes. Aside from the six confirmed dead, no other details concerning injuries or those involved are available.
A hiker was rescued by the Grant County Sherriff’s Office and Silver City Police Department after falling ill while hiking out at Chloride Flatts. She was rescued from the trail on an ATV of the Fire Department after her companion called for help, and then airlifted to El Paso for treatment.
The murder case against Christopher Calloway, who is accused of the September 29th, 2012 murder of his girlfriend, is scheduled for a hearing after the defense moved to suppress all statements made by Calloway during interviews. The motion will be considered on May 27th in Judge J.C. Robinson’s 6th Judicial Court.
