Bayard police chief recognizes three staff members.
- Category: Front Page News Front Page News
- Published: 22 July 2023 22 July 2023
By Lynn Janes
The town of Bayard held a regular meeting June 26, 2023. The meeting started with Mayor Chon Fierro calling the meeting to order and leading the Pledge of Allegiance. Attendance at the meeting included Mayor Pro Tem Raul Villanueva councilors Eloy Medina, Frances Gonzales, and Jose Diaz.
The council approved the agenda with the addition of an executive session for information purposes only.
Public input
Resident Larry Ojinaga asked if the town could get brackets for the new light poles to fly flags. He pointed out the old light poles had them and it would be nice for the veterans. He said he had been able to get a tour of the wastewater treatment plant. “A lot of repairs need to be done but they said they had no money.”
Fierro said Freeport McMoRan had donated $1 million and they currently have been looking for more funding.
Resident James Ervin wanted to compliment the maintenance department for doing such a good job fixing the tables in the park. The residents don’t know what has been accomplished unless they have themselves put on the agenda. “We would all benefit if we knew what had been accomplished.” He suggested maybe a separate document that listed the accomplishments and what had been happening with other projects.
Grant County Commission holds work session 071823, part 3
- Category: Front Page News Front Page News
- Published: 21 July 2023 21 July 2023
[Editor's Note: This is part 3 of a series of articles on the Grant County Commission work session on July 18, 2023. It begins with county reports.)
By Mary Alice Murphy
The first county report at the July 18, 2023 Grant County Commission work session came from Detention Center Administrator Joseph Andazola. He noted that he has two officers in training, but eight openings. "We have four potential candidates. We will begin looking at retention strategies. After receiving state approval on the policy and use of the body scanner, it is now in use."
Acreage UPDATED: Dark, Divide, and Davis fires update for July 21, 2023
- Category: Front Page News Front Page News
- Published: 21 July 2023 21 July 2023
[Editor's Note: According to the PIO, the infrared mapping had bad technical issues last night, so these are corrected acreages.]
RESERVE, NM, July 21, 2023 – The Dark, Divide, and Davis fires continue to burn at low to moderate fire intensity, with backing, flanking, and creeping observed yesterday. Cloud cover and higher relative humidities are helping to maintain moderate fire behavior. The fires are located on the Gila National Forest, Reserve Ranger District. Incident Commander Pete Valenzuela assumed command of the cluster of lightning-caused fires July 17.
The Davis Fire, located in the Collins Park area, approximately 16 miles east-southeast of Reserve, is 4,921acres in size. Hand ignitions along Forest Road 4047G on the eastern flank and the Continental Divide Trail along the western flank are nearing completion. Aerial ignitions have been used within the fire's interior to limit fire intensities by burning out pockets of fuel and reduce firefighter risk exposure. Ignitions by hand and air will continue as needed, to assist with moderating interior fire intensities and establishing perimeter containment. Crews are monitoring Continental Divide Trail for users who could be exposed to fire as it moves across the landscape. Signs are posted on the affected section of Continental Divide Trail east of Eagle Peak from Cox Canyon trailhead south to Bursum Road. There are 68 resources currently assigned to Davis Fire, including two Hotshot crews, one Type 3 engine, one Type 6 engine, three dozers, one Fire Use Module, and various overhead.
Grant County Commission holds work session 071823, part 2
- Category: Front Page News Front Page News
- Published: 20 July 2023 20 July 2023
[Editor's Note: This is part 2 of a series of articles on the Grant County Commission work session on July 18, 2023. It begins with presentations.]
Photos and article by Mary Alice Murphy
Costello’s history shows dismissed charges due to incompetency
- Category: Front Page News Front Page News
- Published: 20 July 2023 20 July 2023
By Roger Lanse
According to the July 19, 2023 order, granting State’s motion for pre-trial detention of Joseph Castello, he has been convicted of many violent misdemeanors up through 2018. Over the past eight months he has had a long history of accosting and bothering people on the Dragonfly Trail, and on trails in Dona Ana County. Specifically, he accosted the Silver High School Cross Country team, their coach, and another adult. He also accosted a named adult while making ‘nonsensical’ claims regarding issues between him and the government. These victims perceived Costello to be mentally ill and noted at the conclusion of his tirade, Costello would leave the scene and fire his gun. The order states in none of those events prior to Mr. Timmons’ death did Costello harm anyone or point his gun at anyone, but he did frighten them.
Costello to serve pre-trial detention
- Category: Front Page News Front Page News
- Published: 20 July 2023 20 July 2023
By Roger Lanse
Sixth Judicial District Court Judge Jim Foy ruled Wednesday, July 19, in favor of the prosecution in the matter of pretrial detention of Joseph Costello, charged with first degree murder in the June 26, 2023, death of Stephen Timmons. Foy ordered Costello to be held without bond at the Grant County Detention Center during the pendency of this case.
District Attorney Michael Renteria told the Beat, to his way of thinking, there were three main reasons, among others, the State's motion for pre-trial detention was granted.
First, was Costello's behavior in court. He constantly interrupted his attorney and the judge ignoring admonishments not to interrupt. The order also stated his outbursts were designed to hamper the court's ability to complete the hearing as scheduled.