The Western Institute of Lifelong Learning is inviting community members to attend their “Lunch & Learn” on March 18 at 12 p.m. at the Besse-Forward Global Resource Center on the campus of Western New Mexico University. During the presentation, the deputy fire chief and fire marshal for the Silver City Fire Department, will discuss key wildfire-related topics, including practical mitigation steps to help protect homes and property, how wildfire risk is affecting insurance coverage, and guidance on evacuation planning through the “Ready, Set, Go” program. The session will also include an update on the department’s current training and staffing readiness.
At Thursday’s regular meeting of the Grant County Commission, District 28 State Senator and District 39 State Representative provided an update on the 2026 legislative session, highlighting nearly $9.6 million in capital outlay funding for Grant County and surrounding communities. The funding includes investments in water infrastructure, local schools, road improvements, park projects, public safety equipment, and upgrades at Western New Mexico University. Additional funding will support new radiology equipment and a $5.5 million linear accelerator for cancer treatment at Gila Regional Medical Center.
The City of Deming is reminding residents and business owners that seasonal water restrictions will soon take effect as part of local conservation ordinances designed to protect the community’s water supply and support statewide water conservation efforts. The restrictions are in place annually from April 1 through September 30 and regulate certain types of outdoor water use, including lawn watering and vehicle washing, to help reduce unnecessary water waste during the warmer months. Regulations will be actively enforced, and violations may result in citations, fines, or a requirement to appear before a municipal judge.
In New Mexico news:
As of March 13th, Governor Grisham has signed more than 70 bills into law following the 2026 30-day legislative session, including an $11.1 billion state budget, universal child care funding, and reforms to medical malpractice laws. Other measures approved include the Immigrant Safety Act, interstate licensure compacts for medical professionals and social workers, the Driver Privacy and Safety Act, the High Quality Literacy Instruction Act, and changes to property tax exemptions for disabled veterans. Several other proposals were vetoed or failed to pass, including certain crime-related bills and proposed gun restrictions.
