Western New Mexico University has opened the new academic year with a focus on collaboration, long-term planning and student success. During the university’s Fall Convocation, President Coll outlined plans to spend the coming academic year gathering input from across campus to develop a measurable three-year strategic plan expected to launch in Fall 2027. The plan will focus on access, relevance, shared governance and completion, while also addressing workforce development, changing student needs and retention. President Coll also highlighted the opportunity to help more of the estimated 324,000 New Mexico adults who started higher education but did not complete a degree or certificate.
Composting is emerging as a potential way for Silver City and Grant County to reduce the amount of waste sent to the landfill. Local recycling advocates are exploring a large-scale composting operation that could process food and yard waste into compost and mulch for local use. The group is also considering locally baling materials such as cardboard and aluminum before sending them to recycling facilities. No facility has been approved, but the Silver City Reuse and Recycle Committee is continuing to study the options, including potential concerns surrounding the composting of sewage sludge.
The Sixth Judicial District Attorney’s Office is expanding its approach to prosecuting serious and repeat offenders across Grant, Luna and Hidalgo counties. The office is making greater use of grand juries to pursue felony indictments and is referring some cases for federal prosecution when federal charges may provide additional options and resources. The district attorney’s office is also working to expand its staff, giving prosecutors more capacity to handle complex cases and address repeat criminal activity. The goal is to strengthen the tools available to prosecutors while improving public safety throughout the three-county district.
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Luna County is increasing surveillance and public education efforts as concerns grow over the spread of New World screwworm, a parasitic fly that can affect livestock, pets and wildlife. The larvae feed on living tissue around wounds, causing infections that can become serious or fatal if not detected and treated quickly. The USDA is also closely monitoring the threat as livestock trade with Mexico resumes under increased inspection requirements. Federal officials are evaluating the potential reopening of livestock ports at Santa Teresa and Columbus, which could have implications for southwestern New Mexico.
