All participants answered similar questions, usually in different order

By Mary Alice Murphy

The first applicant to speak was Curtis Clough, Silver Consolidated Schools associate superintendent.

He said he has spent 31 years in education, with 21 in administration, with his last three years here in the associate superintendent position. "I've done everything, teacher, principal, athletic director, superintendent, associate superintendent."

Q: What is your plan for the decreases of small schools funding issue?

[Editor’s Note: This is part 1 of a multi-article series on the Commission’s combined work session and regular session on April 8, 2021. This article addresses the presentations, proclamations and the GRMC update.]

By Mary Alice Murphy

The first presentation at the Grant County Commission combined work session and regular meeting on April 8, 2021 featured a report from SE Group, which has been hired to create a Trails and Outdoor Recreation Plan for the county. SE Group Director of Community Planning and Design Mark Kane said: “One of the things we’re excited about is exploring the outstanding outdoor opportunities in Grant County and looking to enhance the quality of life for residents and those who want to come visit. We want to collaborate with the Gila National Forest. We have a lot of experience with collaboration with public agencies and communities.”

He introduced Drew Pollack-Bruce, the project manager, who would present an overview of the projected steps and timeline.

CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING... .Westerly winds across portions west of the Rio Grande intensify this afternoon as a surface low develops over western New Mexico. The strongest winds are expected in the southern portions of the Gila region and the southwest deserts this afternoon and early this evening. Also humidity continues to be below 10 percent. Thus, critical fire weather conditions are expected today.

NEW MEXICO FIRE WEATHER ZONE 110
SOUTHWEST MOUNTAINS/GILA NF/APACHE NF/GLZ-
NEW MEXICO FIRE WEATHER ZONE 111
SOUTHWEST DESERTS AND LOWLANDS/LAS CRUCES BLM/GLZ-
250 AM MDT Sat Apr 10 2021

RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 9 PM
MDT THIS EVENING FOR GUSTY WINDS AND VERY LOW HUMIDITY FOR FIRE
WEATHER ZONES 110 AND 111...

By Mary Alice Murphy

A virtual meeting on a "new vision for the old Grant County Jail," was held on Wednesday, April 7, 2021 to hear from the members and consultants of Groundwork Studio and to hear from members of the community what their questions and concerns are.

Amy Bell, landscape architect with Groundwork Studio, led the discussion. [Editor's Note: Yes, if you listen to the recording, she called out this editor for pointing out that her children and her husband could be heard in the background and replied: 'It's just the way things are nowadays. I hope it's not too distracting."]

The New Mexico Environment Department and Grant County are engaging with Groundwork Studio in the process to develop a judicial complex and community center at the site of the old jail behind the Grant County Courthouse.

Department of Health Secretary Dr. Tracie Collins, Human Services Department Secretary Dr. David Scrase, and Aging and Long Term Services Department Secretary Katrina Hotrum-Lopez spoke to New Mexicans on April 7, 2021 about the progress the state is making against COVID-19.

"Let's start with our vaccine update," Dr. Collins said. "Fortunately New Mexico remains the fastest state for vaccine administration." Dr. Collins added that 50% of New Mexicans that have registered to receive the vaccine have gotten their first shot, and 31% are fully vaccinated.

At this time, all New Mexicans over the age of 16 are eligible to receive the vaccine.

"100% of in-state Phase 1 registrants have received an invitation to a vaccine appointment," Dr. Collins said. "If you have been invited and haven't been able to attend an appointment, you will receive another invitation." Dr. Collins said the DOH continues to prioritize those that are over 75 and seniors with chronic conditions.

Incident Overview Margo Fire

There was no change in acreage or containment overnight, but firefighters are GPS'ing the perimeter of the fire to get a better size up; remains 500 acres and 20% contained. Today, firefighters will continue working to secure the open fire line on the south side and keep the fire within the Gila River bed, north of the agricultural fields, east of the two-track boundary, south of San Pedro Road, and west of the town of Dudleyville. Firefighters are also actively engaged to protect values at risk, including the town of Dudleyville, which includes hundreds of homes and commercial structures, San Carlos Power and Electric infrastructure, Salt River Project infrastructure and State Route 77.

GO status (evacuate) remains in place for the town of Dudleyville and incident command will reassess repopulation efforts later Friday. Power lines were deenergized Thursday for firefighter safety now those lines must be assessed for damage before they can be turned back on safely. When it is safe to allow residents to return home, the Pinal County Sheriff's Office will make notifications to residents. Approximately 200 residents were evacuated due to unsafe conditions, high fire activity, smoke impacts, and proximity of involved fuels. A shelter remains open at Ray High School in Kearny.

A fire investigator with the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management arrived on the incident Friday morning. Approximately 100 personnel are assigned to the fire, including DFFM, local cooperators, the Tonto National Forest, the Coronado National Forest, and the Bureau of Land Management. Aircraft will be utilized again today to help with suppression efforts.The Arizona Department of Transportation reopened SR 77 late Thursday night. Drivers in that area need to use caution as firefighters are working off the roadway.