Grant County Commission holds work session 071823, part 4

[Editor's Note: This is part 4 of a series of articles on the Grant County Commission work session on July 18, 2023. It continues and completes county reports.)

By Mary Alice Murphy

Randy Villa, director of the General Services Department and fire management officer, was not present at the July 8, 2023 Grant County Commission work session, so Facilities and Grounds Superintendent Jason Lockett gave the report.

He explained that a microburst had created numerous leaks at the Grant County Veterans Memorial Business and Conference Center due to the ongoing roof replacement. "The company didn't get the roof covered up before the storm came off the mountains. It caused the loss of some ceiling tiles on the interior of the building. We had some extra tiles in storage that they are using to fix it. The company will have it ready for weekend events. They are very embarrassed about it."

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Lightning brings more wildfires to Gila National Forest

Noonday Fire reported today north of New Mexico Highway 152

SILVER CITY, NM, July 23, 2023 – The Noonday Fire was reported today on the Gila National Forest, Silver City Ranger District. It is located approximately 6 miles north of New Mexico Highway 152, southwest of Deadman Canyon and west of Noonday Canyon. It is estimated to be 5 acres in size.

"Recent thunderstorms have brought frequent lightning, with scattered rain that has shown mixed results in helping to suppress lightning strike fires," said Silver City District Ranger Elizabeth Toney. "Fire danger is still very high due to dry fuels, as evidenced by the large number of wildfire ignitions over the past ten days or so. Since July 12, at least 14 wildfires have occurred on the Gila National Forest, in addition to about a dozen that have been reported on other jurisdictions."

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Dark, Divide, and Davis fires update for July 23, 2023

RESERVE, NM, July 23, 2023 – The Dark, Divide, and Davis fires continue to burn at low to moderate fire intensity, with backing, flanking, and creeping observed yesterday. Crews have been aided by increased cloud cover and higher relative humidities that help reduce fire behavior. "Rain associated with passing showers is helping to reduce fire activity. However, shifting winds generate more intense localized fire activity and frequent lightning is bringing additional lightning strike wildfires to the area," said Incident Commander Pete Valenzuela.

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Hurley approves water development project

By Lynn Janes

The town of Hurley held a regular meeting July 11, 2023, beginning with the roll call and the Pledge of Allegiance. Attendance to the meeting included Mayor Ed Stevens, Mayor pro tem Richard Maynes and councilors Nanette Day, Reynaldo Maynes and Keana Huerta.

The council approved the agenda with a few changes in the order of topics.

The council approved the audit for fiscal year 2022. Lori Ortiz, city clerk, told the council that the audit did have a finding listed. The audit had failed to be turned in on time. This had not been the fault of Hurley but the auditors Stone and McGee. Mike Stone of Stone and McGee sent a letter to the state explaining that it had been their fault for the late submission. 

Public input

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High Desert Sportsmen's Club Gun Show 072223

Photos by Mary Alice Murphy

The High Desert Sportsmen's Club Gun Show began Saturday, July 22, 2023 and continues from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Sunday, July 23, 2023, at the Grant County Veterans Memorial Business and Conference Center. In the main lobby of the conference Center, American Legion Post 18 had raffle items, and the Republican Party of Grant County sold political shirts and hats, plus had the ability to register people to vote.  

Two rooms had vendors selling pistols, rifles, shotguns, ammunition, various accessories for firearms, as well as jewelry, homemade fabric items and cutting board vendors. Grant County 4-H had food and cold drinks for sale.  

Bayard police chief recognizes three staff members.

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.

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Grant County Commission holds work session 071823, part 3

[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."

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Acreage UPDATED: Dark, Divide, and Davis fires update for July 21, 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.

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