Freeport-McMoRan is pleased to announce its foundation awarded $3 million to 68 projects through its Community and Social Investment Funds in 2025, which included support for seven initiatives in Grant County. The funded projects focus on strengthening capacity building, education, economic development, emergency preparedness, housing, environmental stewardship, and workforce training throughout the county. The recipients included Silver Regional Sexual Assault Support Services; Western New Mexico University for ecological and analytical chemistry research enhancements and a Career and Technical Education Feasibility Study; the City of Bayard for a Community Vision and Development Plan; Grant County for an update to its Emergency Operations Plan; the National Forest Foundation for the Grant County Recreation and Leadership Initiative; and Cobre Consolidated School District for a workforce housing project. The investments underscore a commitment to strong community partnerships that foster long-term resilience, sustainable growth, and preparation for a post-mining future.
Volunteers from the Jacob Bennett Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) in Silver City formally accepted an America 250 Proclamation from the Town of Silver City during the Town Council meeting on February 10. Mayor Wheaton-Smith proclaimed that the Town will fully participate in commemorative activities leading up to and through July 4, 2026, and encouraged all community members to observe the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The Town of Silver City has pledged to uplift, support, and promote commemorative activities throughout the anniversary period.
In other news:
Teachers, policymakers and union leaders voiced their support this week for legislation that would ban cellphone use in schools during a meeting of the Senate Education Committee. Senate Bill 23 passed the committee on a 7–2 vote and will now advance to the Senate floor for debate. The measure would require school districts and charter schools to prohibit cellphone use during the school day, amending Senate Bill 11 passed last year, which required schools to adopt cellphone policies. If approved, the ban would be implemented in phases beginning with grades six through eight in the 2026–27 school year, grades nine through 12 the following year and kindergarten through grade five in the 2028–29 school year.
