Here’s a look at today’s headlines:
A project to extend the boat ramp at Quemado Lake on the Gila National Forest will begin Oct. 5, 2015. Quemado Ranger District officials expect the construction to be completedOct. 16, 2015. During this temporary closure, the lake will be open; however, the boat ramp will be unusable. Due to low water levels at the lake, the existing boat ramp is approximately 30 feet from the waterline. The water level in the lake has decreased since 2011, which makes launching small boats difficult without high-clearance vehicles. The Quemado Ranger District is partnering with the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish to extend the existing boat ramp 30 feet. If you would like more information about this project, please contact the Quemado Ranger District at 575-773-4578.
The former treasurer of the New Mexico Cattle Grower’s Foundation is going to prison for a decade for embezzlement. KRQE News 13 is reporting 56-year-old Charles Fleming wrote $296,000 in checks to himself while working for the organization in 2010 and 2011. Fleming, a former CPA in Clovis, fled to Lubbock after he was charged. He was caught after a citizen tipped off authorities. In addition to serving ten years behind bars, Fleming will also have to pay back the foundation.
Honorable Sonya Ruiz, Municipal Court Judge, has announced that Silver City Municipal Court will be conducting a Bench Warrant Amnesty program from September 23rd through October 7th. During this time any individual that has an outstanding warrant may walk into Municipal Court during the hours of Monday through Friday from 8am to 4pm and remedy any outstanding cash or surety warrants without the customary $100 bench warrant fee. Defendants may resolve outstanding warrants with payment in full, payment plans and or community service. The goal of the program is to allow Defendants to feel comfortable with coming to the court to remedy their legal issues without the fear of being arrested. Municipal Court currently has approximately 600 active warrants and has recently sent out warrant reminder notices to over 450 last known addresses. Many of these warrants also have license suspensions connected to the citations, so if a defendant takes care of their warrant, they can get the documentation needed to reinstate their driving privileges. For questions or to see if you have an active warrant, call Municipal Court at 388-4504.
The New Mexico Department of Health is reporting the first lab-confirmed cases of influenza for the 2015 – 2016 season. The three cases were reported in women, ages 54, 68, and 77, from Bernalillo county. The 68 and 77 year olds were hospitalized for treatment, and are now out of the hospital. The first flu case last season was reported in September.
The public is invited to participate in National Public Lands Day (NPLD) activities with the Gila National Forest Saturday, Sept. 26. There will be a clean-up activity along Bear Mountain Road from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and another activity at the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument from10:00 a.m. to 3:00 pm. Volunteers for the clean-up activity will meet and receive a safety briefing at the Forest Supervisor’s Office, 3005 E. Camino del Bosque, Silver City, NM Sat. at 8:30 a.m. Participants will drive to the clean-up site and work from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Volunteers should prepare for changing weather and wear outdoor appropriate clothes – long sleeves, long pants and sturdy shoes. Please bring a small day pack with gloves, sunscreen, rain jacket, snack and water.
