We at Silver City Radio hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful Christmas Day filled with warmth, laughter, and meaningful moments. Whether spent with family, friends, or in quiet reflection, we hope the day offered an opportunity to pause and appreciate the true spirit of the season. As the Christmas celebrations wind down and we begin returning to our regular routines, Silver City Radio would like to take a few moments to catch up on some of today’s local stories and happenings in our area.

In Grant County News:

Gila Regional Medical Center (GRMC) has announced the integration of Southwest Bone and Joint Institute (SBJI) into its health system as part of an effort to strengthen and expand access to orthopedic care. This transition enhances GRMC’s existing orthopedic clinic and ensures that patients across southwest New Mexico continue to receive comprehensive, high-quality musculoskeletal services. The integration supports continuity of care, expands available treatment options, and retains the same trusted providers, now backed by the resources of the GRMC health system. The transaction is expected to be finalized no later than January 15.

Western New Mexico University has announced the retirement of University Registrar Susan Russell, who has served the university for more than 30 years. During her tenure, Russell exemplified a commitment to continuous learning, earning a master’s degree in interdisciplinary studies in 2018 with concentrations in management information systems, business administration, and criminal justice. Over the course of her three-decade career, she has been more than an administrator, serving as a cornerstone of the campus community, a mentor to generations of students, and a dedicated supporter of the university’s mission.

In other news:

Beginning in 2026, New Mexico will expand property tax relief for veterans by introducing a proportional exemption for disabled veterans based on their U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs disability rating, replacing the previous requirement of a 100 percent disability rating. In addition, the standard veteran property tax exemption will increase to $10,000, with both exemptions subject to annual inflation adjustments. Eligibility requires veterans to be New Mexico residents, honorably discharged from military service, and to occupy the property as their primary residence. For additional information, veterans can visit the website.