The federal government shutdown, which began Wednesday, has had an immediate impact in Grant County with the closure of the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument for the duration of the shutdown. In addition, the main office in Silver City and district ranger offices are closed, halting services such as the issuance of permits for firewood, minerals, and other forest materials. Reservations for recreation areas, including picnic sites at the Little Walnut–Gomez Peak day-use area are expected to remain available. Fuelwood permits for the Pinos Altos area, issued through the Bureau of Land Management’s Las Cruces District, remain accessible online via the website.
Jacqueline Hernandez-David was recently sworn in as Silver City’s new municipal judge, following her appointment by the Town Council to complete the unexpired term of former Judge Sonya Ruiz, who retired on September 12. A longtime municipal court administrator, Mrs. Hernandez-David will serve through December, at which time she is expected to be succeeded by Mark VanBuskirk, the sole remaining candidate for the position on the November ballot.
At its recent meeting, the Silver City Rotary Club honored Cobre High School senior Taylor McWhorter with the prestigious “Service Above Self” award, recognizing her exceptional dedication to animal welfare. Taylor’s commitment to the New Mexico Borderland Animal Rescue Coalition (NM BARC) has included donating hundreds of pounds of dog food, treats, blankets, and toys, as well as personally fostering one of the rescued dogs. In recognition of her outstanding service, the Rotary Club also contributed $200 to NM BARC on her behalf, celebrating both her generosity and her inspiring example of community leadership.
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The Lordsburg-Hidalgo Chamber of Commerce is inviting the community to a “Candidate Meet and Greet,” offering residents a chance to connect personally with local candidates running for office in Hidalgo County. Designed as an open, conversational event rather than a formal forum, the gathering encourages one-on-one dialogue and meaningful interaction. The Meet and Greet will take place on October 9 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the James H. Baxter Civic Center in Lordsburg, where residents are encouraged to come, ask questions, and get to know their neighbors who are seeking to serve in public office.
