Deadline to file for candidacy in multiple area elections is Aug. 29, 2023

For the Nov. 7, 2023 election, the deadline to file comes up in a few weeks. Anyone interested in filing to run for a full list of positions, including municipalities, school boards, as well as soil, water and conservation and watershed districts, found below, must file at the Grant County Clerk's office on the date and time listed below.

The following offices will file with the Grant County Clerk's Office on Tuesday, August 29 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm:

Town of Hurley

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Three new wildfires sparked by lightning on Gila National Forest

SILVER CITY, NM, Aug. 3, 2023 – Resources responded to several new lightning-caused fires on the Gila National Forest Thursday. Every wildfire response is based on a careful evaluation of firefighter and public safety and risk to communities and infrastructure. Here is a summary of the new fires:

The Porcupine Fire (T11 R15 Sec 6) is in the Gila Wilderness, 3 miles south of Aeroplane Mesa trailhead near Porcupine Canyon. It is estimated at 60 acres. Two helicopters will be used to drop water on the fire Friday. Additional resources will hike into the fire area to assist.

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Revised: Confused about the mail-in ballot you received?

Confused about the mail-in ballot you received?

Here is an explanation in layman's terms.

By Mary Alice Murphy

A mail-in ballot was sent out to all Grant County, NM, registered voters.

Why are you being asked to vote in this election?

The purpose of the ballot and the special vote is to consider an amendment that would repeal the sunset clause from the countywide emergency communications and emergency medical and behavioral health tax increment passed by the County Commission in 2012.

If you vote in favor of the ordinance amendment, your taxes will not increase, but the continuing revenue from the tax increment will maintain a stable stream of revenue to fund Grant County Dispatch services.

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Road closure for road maintenance US 180 mm 90-92 080323

ROAD ADVISORY
LANE CLOSURE – Cliff Area
US 180 from milepost 90 to 92 will be closed for road maintenance. A flagging operation will be in place. Motorists are asked to reduce speed, obey posted signs, and be cautious of personnel and equipment in the area. The closure will be lifted at approximately 3:00 p.m.

Grant County Commission holds work session 071823 and regular meeting 072023, part 6

[Editor's Note: This is part 6 of a series of articles on the Grant County Commission work session on July 18, 2023 and regular meeting on July 20, 2023. This article continues the review of the regular meeting agenda and includes decisions made.)

By Mary Alice Murphy

In the review of the regular meeting at the work session, County Manager Charlene Webb asked Financial Officer Linda Vasquez to present the expenditure report.

Vasquez reported the total for expenditures from June 2-July 7 totaled $3,046,598.49, which included three payroll periods totaling $700,369.31.

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Photo added: Bayard PD hires two new officers

2 new bpd officers and chief carrilloFrom left are Patrol Officer Louis Gomez, Sgt. Trevor Jensen, Chief Hector Carrillo

By Roger Lanse

Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023, Bayard Police Department Chief Hector Carrillo announced two new officers to the force. Sgt. Trevor Jensen and Patrol Officer Louis Gomez were appointed to the BPD on Tuesday evening, Aug. 1, by Mayor Chon Fierro at the Bayard Municipal Court, and sworn in by Alternate Judge Jose Diaz.

Crews continue work on wildfires across Gila National Forest

SILVER CITY, NM, Aug. 2, 2023 – Crews are employing a variety of strategies on the wildfires across the Gila National Forest. While containment is increasing on some, others are moving at a slow to moderate rate in extremely rough and rugged terrain and still others are being checked by lookouts and aircraft as needed.  The following is a summary of fire activity: 

Reserve Ranger District:

The Divide Fire started July 13 and is 18,085 acres, 34% contained and 140 personnel assigned. On Tuesday, resources continued patrolling, and mopping up along containment lines from Horse Camp Canyon to the south and west along FR 30. Crews reinforced the containment line along FR 28 to the south toward FR 143 and from West Elk Tank west along FR 143 to Slater Tank. Crews are using aerial ignitions on ridgelines above La Jolla Canyon to the east of the fire perimeter. Wednesday’s plan is to complete firing operations on the southwest corner of the fire, which will establish a secure perimeter.

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Cobre Summerfest 072923

Photos by Mary Alice Murphy

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Silver City fireman shows a family the equipment they carry.

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Students and parents learn about fire equipment carried by the departments.

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Kids navigate the slalom course of traffic cones.

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A large course was set up.

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A student attempts to get higher on the climbing wall.

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Lillian Galloway of the Silver City Public Library talks about the library resources.

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Informational tents were set up for each school in the Cobre District.

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Cobre High School talks to parents and students.

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Annette Toney of Girl Scouts of the Desert Southwest hands out information to parents and girls

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Bayard Public Library Lbrarian Sonya Dixon and Jenny Castañon show off their new banner.

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Jocelyn Palmer and Sofia Vega represent El Refugio Inc. domestic violence shelter.

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Cobre School Board member Gilbert Guadian drips from just coming out of the Dunk Tank

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Healthy Kids, Healthy Communities Coordinator Alicia Edwards and her assistant coordinator give out information on the program.

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Apache drummers entertain the crowds.

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Steve Armendariz shows off his 1941 restored Chevy pickup.

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Some of the older vehicles as part of the car show portion of the event.

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More cars.

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Newer vehicles in the car show.

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Some of the food trucks.

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More vendors, almost as far as the eye can see.

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People wait in line for something to eat.

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The Cobre Indian, sweltering in a hot costume on a hot day.

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A Cobre school bus

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The Blue Bear representing Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance.

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From left are Bayard Police Chief Hector Carrillo, BPD Lt. Manuel Galaz, New Mexico State Police Patrolman Justin McNett, BPD Sgt. Trevor Jensen and BPD Patrol Officer Louis Gomez

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Lanıyah Gonzales shows off her painted face.

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Gila Regional Medical Center EMS ambulance lets people see what it looks like inside.

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GRMC EMS representatives Dina Rogers and Julissa Alaniz.

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Grant County Sheriff's Office D.A.R.E representatives handing out shirts, from left are Deputy Shelby Mead and Cpl. Jade Binavidez

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The Vet Center mobile display representative hands out information for veterans.

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Bayard Fire Department was on hand with information for residents.

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Pinos Altos Volunteer Fire Department member shows Asher Mosher what a fire jacket and helmet feels like and shows him how to hold a fire hose.

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Eddie Mendoza and Seth Neal represent the Silver City Fire Department.

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Neal shows how to use a fire extinguisher with the PASS system, Pull pin, Aim, Squeeze handle and Sweep.

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Neal shows the sweeping motion.

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On a hot Saturday, July 19, 2023, Cobre Consolidated Schools hosted the second annual back-to-school event, Summerfest. The vendor total tripled from 50 last year to 150 this year, with participation from Silver City groups, Mining District representatives, and with music and activities for kids. Each student had a form to fill out with 15 signatures from various entities in order to get a free backpack and school supplies. Students from all area schools were welcome to participate. 

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