Silver City Fire Department and Town Council Impose Fire Restrictions effective immediately
Pursuant to the Town of Silver City Ordinance No. 1079 Section 10-2 (9). The Fire Chief and Town of Silver City Council has declared that a state of fire danger does presently exist. By the order of the Fire Chief, the following restrictions are in effect:
A. No building or maintaining of campfires
B. No open burning to include the burning of yard waste, tree limbs, and weeds.
C. UL approved propane grills with appropriate covers/lids are approved.
D. Any other outdoor wood or charcoal burning device shall have protective fire screens and prior approval from the Silver City Fire Department.
E. Underground fire pits for use of meal preparation shall have appropriate covers such as screen, metal siding and /or dirt. Fires used to prepare hot coals must have a protective screen and a five foot clearance around the entire fire pit. Fire pits must have prior approval from the Silver City Fire Department who will issue a special burn permit.
Lightning-caused Fires Keep Fire Personnel Alert
May 15, 2013, Silver City, NM- An upper level storm system from the west mixed with a cold front from the east delivered dry lightning late last week, keeping fire crews vigilant and ready to take action. Several fire lookout towers reported lightning strikes in a variety of locations across the Forest, including the Black Range, the Blue Range Wilderness, and multiple locations in the Quemado Ranger District.
-- Continue readingSilver City Town Council Adopts Greenways and Big Ditch Master Plan
The main topic of discussion at the Silver City Town Council meeting Tuesday, May 14, was on the resolution to adopt the Silver City Greenways and Big Ditch Master Plan.
Councilor Mike Morones said it has been a collaborative effort with Silver City MainStreet Project, and local trails and walkability groups. "It builds on all the other plans we have," he said. "It allows us in the future, as money and desire permit, to execute the plan."
Lucy Whitmarsh, SC MainStreet Project board president, said the groups worked with Charlie Deans of Community by Design to create a "very comprehensive plan. We appreciate the countywide support. MainStreet got involved, because we want more use of the Big Ditch Park. We need trails to get from place to place. The MainStreet Plaza, where the Farmers' Market is held, needs upgrading, including surface grading and restrooms."
CORRECTED: Gila National Forest Heads into Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on May 21, 2013
May 15, 2013- Silver City, NM- The Gila National Forest will be implementing Stage 1 Fire Restrictions beginning on May 21, 2013. “Forest visitors have been diligent in putting out their campfires and taking care not to spark a human-caused fire,” states Kelly Russell, Forest Supervisor, “but we feel it’s critical to reduce the potential for any additional fire starts during this period of drought and high fire danger.”
-- Continue readingWNMU Regents approve agenda items, including the FY 2013-14 budget
During the continuation of the Western New Mexico University Board of Regents' meeting, approvals were given for several items of business, including acquiring land, new degrees, program closure and changes, promotion and tenure and the budget. Also new officers were elected.
WNMU President Joseph Shepard discussed the proposed acquisition of a piece of property adjacent to the university. "We think it is strategic."
Regent Chairman Jerry Walz asked if the university could afford it.
Fire on Whitewater Road
A fire was sparked likely by lightning at about 3:30 p.m. Tuesday afternoon on Whitewater Road, according to Silver City Fire Marshal Milo Lambert. He said the Tyrone Volunteer Fire Department personnel were fighting the fire.
-- Continue readingCobre School Board sets next year's calendar and talks about grant for summer program
On May 13, school board president Toy Sepulveda called the meeting to order at 7:17 p.m. He reported that the closed session had begun at 6:02 p.m. and student identifiable information, limited personnel and possible litigation had been discussed, but no decisions had been made. Member Frank Gomez was at home after a knee operation, but with telephone connections, all board members were present.
Daena Davis, chairman of the school calendar work, reported that community people and students had participated in the 2013-2014 calendar work and comments were in place for board information. The item creating the most interest was spring break; it was placed at April 14 next year to avoid the testing period. Sepulveda commented that state rules mandated that spring break be in March, next year. The first day of school, by this calendar, will be August 13.
WNMU Regents approve tuition increase, domestic partner benefits
The Western New Mexico University Board of Regents, at its monthly meeting Thursday, May 9, in Silver City, heard reports and announced an increase in tuition and fees for next year.
Chairman Jerry Walz introduced several attendees, including David Iglesias, the speaker for the Friday evening's Commencement ceremony, Grant County Commissioner Gabriel Ramos, former Silver City Mayor Terry Fortenberry, Regent Tony Trujillo's wife Susie Trujillo and Walz's mother, who was visiting from Cedar Crest.
The next board meeting was set for May 23 in Silver City. WNMU Vice President of Financial Affairs Sherri Bays said the board would approve the issuance of revenue bonds at the meeting, in addition to a few other items, including capital projects.
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