County approves new emergency manager amid fire season urgency

During a recent government meeting, the Curry County Board of Commissioners addressed several key issues, including the appointment of a new emergency manager and the approval of multiple annexations into rural fire protection districts.

The meeting began with public comments, where attendees expressed their views on various topics, particularly the ongoing discussions surrounding windmills. Following this, the board moved to the consent agenda, where they approved the hiring of Jeff Hughes as the new emergency manager. Hughes, a veteran deputy with nearly 30 years of experience, will fill the vacancy left by Ashley Thien, who has relocated to Arizona. His appointment is timely, given the heightened risk of wildfires in the region.

The board unanimously approved the consent agenda, signaling a smooth transition in emergency management leadership. Hughes is set to start his role on Monday, a decision welcomed by the commissioners, especially in light of the current fire season.

The meeting then transitioned to a public hearing regarding the annexation of eight properties into various rural fire protection districts. The commissioners opened the hearing and proceeded to approve each annexation without any public opposition. The properties included those owned by Jeffrey Blanthorne, the Crosby family, and several others, all of which were integrated into the Ophir and Wedderburn fire protection districts.

This marks the 26th annexation approved by the board this year, highlighting ongoing efforts to enhance fire protection services in the area. The meeting concluded with a reminder of the importance of these approvals, especially as the community prepares for potential fire emergencies.