Holy Cross Catholic Church in Pinos Altos is set to be deconsecrated after years of disuse and deterioration. Diocese of Las Cruces Bishop Peter Baldacchino approved the decision following a review by the diocese’s Presbyteral Council. The church’s sacred items will be transferred to St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Silver City, while the adjacent cemetery will remain unaffected. The historic church, which dates to the late 1800s, has faced structural concerns, an inadequate electrical system, and a lack of running water and septic facilities. The future of the property has not yet been determined.
Republican District 32 state Representative Jenifer Jones announced that new groundwater well drilling associated with border wall construction in southern New Mexico has been halted following concerns from area ranchers and farmers about the region’s limited water supply. Rep. Jones organized a meeting with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, contractors and community stakeholders, prompting CBP to direct its contractor to stop drilling new wells and seek alternative water sources. The decision follows a Deming Town Hall where local ranchers and farmers voiced concerns about unregulated drilling along the border.
Congratulations to the 2026 Nancy Champlin P.E.O. Foundation Scholarship recipients; Dara Werber-Baiter and Lila Knadler. Dara earned nearly 60 dual-enrollment credits through Western New Mexico University and has been involved in environmental work, theater and community service. She plans to attend the University of Arizona’s Eller College of Management. Lila graduated with honors from Aldo Leopold Charter School and participated in conservation programs, soccer and varsity cheer. She plans to study psychology at Northern Arizona University.
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The New Mexico Department of Wildlife is conducting checkpoints throughout the state during hunting and fishing season to collect biological data and detect wildlife law violations. Officials warn the public to expect minor delays and encourage anyone who witnesses suspected wildlife crimes to report them through Operation Game Thief at 1-800-432-GAME. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for cash rewards for information leading to charges.
