Here’s a look at the latest news and headlines:
Members of the Girl Scouts of the Desert Southwest in Grant County hiked to the “Big Tree” in the Gila National Forest last weekend with their parents and Girl Scout Membership Manager, Annette Toney. The tree, an Alligator Juniper, is nationally ranked as the 2nd largest. The bark patterns of the tree resemble the skin of the alligator and is also known as a mountain cedar in Texas, oak-barked cedar in Arizona, and checkered-board cedar in other places. Many people consider it a cedar tree because of its odor. The largest Alligator Juniper registered is located near Prescott, Arizona, and was saved by firefighters during the tragic fire when 19 Granite Mountain Hotshots perished. The Gila National Forest tree is 63 feet tall.
There is a public meeting being held by Luna County Officials next week to discuss the future of the Starmax Entertainment Center and the Mimbres Valley Learning and Special Events Center. Residents are encouraged to attend and share ideas about how to improve the facilities in addition to proposing programs for the learning center that involve training people for employment. The meeting is set for Tuesday, November 13th from 5:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. at the Mimbres Valley Learning and Special Events Center located at 2300 East Pine Street in Deming. Individuals not able to attend the meeting can share their input online at lunacountynm.com starting on November the 13th.
The Gila Regional Medical Center Board of Trustees unveiled a new logo and brand image during their regular meeting on October 26th. During the next year the logo will be rolled out in stages appearing on signage, brochures, website and advertising. The new logo represents a modern image of the sun rising over the mountain ranges of the Gila National Forest. The logo was uniquely created to represent southwest New Mexico. According to GRMC CEO, Taffy Arias, “the new logo will help connect consumers, providers, and caregivers with the hospital by reminding people of our mutual history and identity. GRMC has not only been part of the community for more than 130 years but integral to its very landscape.”
The Grant County Administrative Offices will be closed Monday, November 12th, in observance of the Veterans Day Holiday. Regular business hours will resume on Tuesday, November 13th. Individuals can contact the Grant County Regional Dispatch Authority at 575-388-8840 with questions or concerns pertaining to roads and/or law enforcement.
