Gila National Forest restoration promotes old growth development

Uses logging as a tool to achieve future old growth conditions

SILVER CITY, NM, August 22, 2023 – The Gila National Forest contains a large amount of mature ponderosa pine forest that is ripe for development into old growth forest conditions. An example of these conditions can be found in a small section of forest in the Negrito Creek basin. The site holds mostly large, old, widely spaced trees, several snags, decadence in the form of live trees with dead or broken tops, and large downed logs. A mix of Gambel oak, juniper, and pine seedlings and saplings provide multiple canopy layers and species and age class diversity.

One of the greatest threats to mature and old growth forests is catastrophic wildfire. Work is needed in many stands to reduce the density of trees and the component of young trees relative to mature trees, as well as to thin ladder fuels that promote crown fires. Logging, hazardous fuels reduction, and fire are the primary tools for meeting those needs.

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Woman arrested on warrant

By Roger Lanse

A Grant County Sheriff's Office deputy was dispatched to 11858 E. Highway 180 on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, at about 3:13 a.m. in reference to a welfare check on a female who was outside screaming, and who had an active warrant for her arrest for failure to comply, bond to be set. The warrant was issued by Magistrate Judge Scott Chandler.

According to a GCSO offense report, the deputy found Christina Proudlock, 28, address listed as homeless, sitting on the front porch. Proudlock answered the deputy's questions by saying she did not want to talk and denied having a warrant. The deputy confirmed the warrant with the Grant County Regional Dispatch Authority and placed Proudlock under arrest. She was booked into the Grant County Detention Center.

According to GCDC staff. Proudlock was released that same day, Aug. 11.

Female driver attempts to elude local police

By Roger Lanse

On Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023, at about 11:38 p.m., a Silver City Police Department officer noticed a silver 2003 Ford Focus traveling north on Leslie Road near 32nd Street. Checking the license plate disclosed the registered owner to be Valoree Ayala, 34, of Albuquerque, who also, according to an SCPD incident report, had two warrants for her arrest, one a felony warrant out of Bernalillo County for receiving or transferring a stolen vehicle, and a second felony warrant out of Luna County for possession of a controlled substance.

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St. Francis Newman Center celebrates Father Bartholomew's 13th anniversary of priesthood

Photos by Mary Alice Murphy (in challenging light!)

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Preparing the food

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A smiling Melissa and her mom.

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choosing goodies

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enjoying the evening

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Two parishioners

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Lining up for the food

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Father comes out smiling and laughing

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some of the church members

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Four church member friends

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Father hugs Melissa

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Sister Rosie and Kathy Gilbert

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Caral Necessary laughs at something Janet Wallet-Ortiz said

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Kathie Gilbert

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Sister Rosie and Father Bartholomew

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Father Bartholomew sitting with several parishioners

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Father and Margaret Smith

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Father and Anna-Mae Carbajal

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After Mass Saturday evening, Aug. 19, 2023, St. Francis Newman Center Parish in Silver City held a reception to celebrate Pastor Father Bartholomew Ezenwelm's 13th anniversary of his priesthood. The actual 13th anniversary fell on Aug. 20. 

Man resists being arrested

By Roger Lanse

A Silver City Police Department officer was dispatched to The Flame, 2800 Pinos Altos Road, on Sunday, Aug. 20, 2023, at about 1:07 a.m., in reference to a male refusing to leave the property and causing problems with staff.

According to an SCPD incident report, after other officer arrived, they found Jacob Alvarado, 29, of Hanover, outside, highly intoxicated, and refusing to leave the property as the officers directed. Alvarado was issued an indefinite criminal trespass warning to the property and instead of leaving began pushing his finger toward the officers and continued to argue with them. Alvarado was given one last warning to walk off the property by the officers, and when he refused, the officers took the 5'10", 260 lb. Alvarado to the ground.

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Fort Bayard Historic Preservation Society celebrates Fort Bayard's 157th birthday of its founding 081923  

Photos and article by Mary Alice Murphy

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Fort Bayard Historic Preservation Society President Douglas Dinwiddie gives a brief history of the Buffalo Soldiers at Fort Bayard

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Harry Jenks center right, Nancy Grayson and Bill Ellsworth check out the reading material, as one of the founders of the Fort Bayard Historic Preservation Society Cecilia Bell, at left,talks about some of the books and pamphlets available to history buffs

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A good crowd watches a movie at the historic Fort Bayard Theater.

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The Fort Bayard Theater hosted the fort's 157th birthday party on Aug. 19, 2023. The official date of founding is Aug. 21, 1866.

Fort Bayard Historic Preservation Society (FBHPS) President Douglas Dinwiddie gave the welcome and an overview of the Buffalo Soldiers from the 125th Colored Infantry, who constructed the first buildings at the site.

Before giving the history, he announced a raffle that would take place after the showing of the movie "Fighting on Two Fronts: The Buffalo Soldiers" produced by the Public Broadcasting System.

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Grant County Commission holds work session 080823 part 2

[Editor's Note: This is part 2 of multiple articles on the Grant County Commission work session on Aug. 8, 2023. It continues with county reports.]

By Mary Alice Murphy

The Grant County Commission work session on Aug. 8, 2023 continued with county reports.

General Services Director and Fire Management Officer Randy Villa presented his report.

He began with maintenance. "They are currently working on ADA and the parking lot of the Silver Street complex. On Bataan Memorial Park, with some funding we had, we have added a driveway by the pavilion. At the Fairgrounds they are working on some demolition in order to construct new offices."

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Santa Clara police department has one more opening

By Lynn Janes

The Village of Santa Clara held its regular meeting August 10, 2023. Mayor Richard Bauch called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Pro Tem Albert Esparza and trustees, Arnold Lopez, Olga Amador, and Peter Erickson attended.

The council approved the agenda for the meeting with a few changes. The minutes on the agenda listed for approval have July 28 but should be July 27. The next meeting will not be a budget meeting but regular meeting.

The council approved the minutes from the July 27, 2023, meeting.

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