SC Council passes zoning change.

By Lynn Janes

The Silver City Town Council held a work session June 27, 2023. The meeting started with Mayor Ken Ladner calling the meeting to order and leading the Pledge of Allegiance and salute to the New Mexico state flag. Council members attending the meeting included Jose Ray, Nicholas Prince, Guadalupe Cano, and Rudy Bencomo.

The council approved the agenda.

The council approved the minutes from the work session May 23, 2023.

Cano had the list of names from each council member and the mayor for appointment to the committee to formulate a job description for the town manager to use in the search to fill the position when Alex Brown retires. Each had submitted five names but had to break it down to three each giving them a committee of fifteen.

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Silver School board approves superintendent's contract

By Lynn Janes

The Silver City Consolidated Schools held a special meeting on June 26, 2023. Patrick Cohn called the meeting to order. Other board members in attendance President Ashley Montenegro (by phone) Michelle Diaz (by phone), and Eddie Flores. Superintendent William Hawkins did not attend but Louis Alvarez, associate superintendent took his place .

The board approved the agenda.

The purpose of this work session had to do with the superintendent's contract.

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CLAY Festival Maker's Market 071523

Photos by Mary Alice Murphy

The Silver City CLAY Festival took place all this past week with demonstrations, workshops, exhibitions and competitions. Saturday, several ceramicists set up booths at the Maker's Market. 

Update on Gila National Forest wildfires 071423

New wildfire on Tadpole Ridge reported today

SILVER CITY, NM, July 14, 2023 – Eight wildfires are currently burning on the Gila National Forest, following numerous lightning-caused smoke reports yesterday, including the new TX Fire on TX Mountain.

The TX fire was discovered today near TX Mountain. The fire is currently estimated to be a single tree with limited fire around its base. Fire crews will monitor the incident due to its location in steep terrain and in a place where fire will be managed for natural resource benefit. Recent rains will keep fire behavior moderated. Light smoke is visible from Pinos Altos and Highway 15.

Progression of yesterday's Doe and East fires, both located north of Highway 59 on the Black Range Ranger District was halted at 60 acres and 18 acres, respectively. Under the leadership of Type 4 incident commanders, air resources delivered retardant around the fire perimeters, slowing their advance and giving crews time to initiate line construction. Progression was also stopped on the Snow Fire, which grew to 22 acres. Crews are working to secure fire edges to work toward containment.

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Multiple lightning strike fires ignite across Gila National Forest

Firefighters are responding to at least 13 fires across the forest today

SILVER CITY, NM, July 13, 2023 – Firefighters are responding to numerous new wildfire ignitions resulting from lightning strikes during recent thunderstorms. The most active of these so far are the Doe Fire on the Black Range District and the Snow Fire on the Reserve Ranger District.

Doe Fire is located near Adobe Canyon north of Highway 59. It is approximately 20 acres in size and a full suppression response is being mounted, with one large air tanker, two single engine air tankers, two suppression modules, and smokejumpers assigned.

Snow Fire is located north of Snow Lake on the Reserve Ranger District. Two engines and the Gila Hotshots are responding..

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CLAY Festival WNMU kid's activities 071023

Photos by Mary Alice Murphy

On Monday, July 10, the CLAY Festival had activities for kids and parents at the Western New Mexico University museum. They all involved painting of Mimbres designs, on bookmarks, ornaments or for a special treat, large pieces of paper, with cups of paint to use with brushes made out of yucca. Lining the middle of the table was a group of pottery sherds for inspiration.

Another similar session will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, July 14, at the WNMU Museum. 

Federal Jury Convicts Santa Clara Man on Child Pornography Charges

ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Francisco B. Burrola, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) El Paso, announced today that a federal jury returned a guilty verdict against Michael Rivera after less than 2 hours of deliberation. The jury convicted Rivera, 31, of Santa Clara, New Mexico, on one count of coercion and enticement of a minor and two counts of production of a visual depiction of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. United States District Judge Margaret I. Strickland presided.

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REVISED: Bridge Damage 1-10 eastbound to I-25 northbound closed

RAMP CONSTRUCTION CLOSURE:

Bridge Damage – Las Cruces Area

I-10 eastbound to I-25 northbound crossover is closed, traffic can detour at exit 141 (University Ave/NM101) or at exit 151 (Mesquite) for I-25 northbound travel until further notice. I-10 westbound and eastbound lanes and I-10 westbound to I-25 northbound lanes are open.  Motorists are asked to reduce speed, obey posted signs, and watch for emergency personnel, and equipment. Please expect delays. No anticipated reopening at this time.

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