Here’s a look at today’s headlines:
The Emergency Medical Services at Gila Regional Medical Center celebrated National EMS Week with a special lunch at the hospital. Native Air 32 provided the meal that was served to EMS employees in addition to members of the Silver City Fire Department, volunteer firefighters and area dispatchers. National EMS Week was implemented in 1974 by President Gerald Ford to celebrate and honor EMS practitioners and the important work they do in the nation’s communities.
Volunteers are needed to place graveside flags on all graves in Fort Bayard National Cemetery for the Memorial Day event on Monday at 10 a.m. The placing of the flags will be on tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. Volunteers are requested to bring a hammer and a ½ inch to ¾ inch rod to make the pilot holes for the flags. Volunteers will also be needed next Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. to pick up the flags.
The Gila National Forest has issued the “06-18-005 Buzzard Fire Temporary Area Closure Order” to insure firefighter and public safety. All roads and trail interior in the boundary described in the Forest Order, are closed with the exemption of: persons with a Forest Service permit specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission; any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty; and residents in the area accessing private property via a restricted Forest Service road to the extent necessary to gain access to their private property. Visit online at fs.usda.gov and click on the Alerts and Notices tab for maps and additional information.
In addition
The U.S Forest Service Gila National Forest has issued alternative routes for hikers traveling on the Continental Divide Trail that is located east of the Buzzard Fire. Hikers are advised to avoid this area and seek suggested reroute options. Water containers will be set out for hiker consumption at the junction of Forest Road 94 and County Road 054; and at the junction of Coyote Peak and County Road 16. Hikers are advised to fill up water at these locations as the remainder of the reroute will be dry. The water will only be available throughout the duration of the Buzzard Fire. Maps of the alternative routes are available at the district office, the Gila National Forest website, or visit silvercityradio.com. Hikers with questions are urged to call the Reserve Ranger District at 575-533-6232.
In Deming, Bataan Elementary School students let off some “end of the school year” steam by taking part on their school’s 4th annual Air Band Competition. A combination of 20 individuals and group participants were able to mimic their favorite musicians and bands. The competition was open to students in grades three through five, in addition to any staff members that wished to compete. The winners were as follows: Tremya Marshall; Yasmine Garcia; Victor Perea; Alejandro Hernandez; Rubi Rodriguez; Crystal Galarza; Irene Silva; and Jacklyn Perez, Angel Baca; Charlie Roger, Jovanny Roman; Alejandra Pena; Jaqueline Salinas; and Mia Silveyra.
All Gila National Forest (Gila NF) offices and ranger stations will be closed on Monday, May 28. Regular business hours will resume Tuesday, May 29th. Despite the office closure, fire personnel, law enforcement officers, and recreation staff will be on-duty on the Memorial Day holiday for the safety of visitors. The Gila National Forest is in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. Please keep in mind that campfires are only permitted in developed campgrounds with fire rings. Explosives and fireworks are always prohibited on National For
