Today we celebrate Veterans Day, a national holiday dedicated to honoring the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. The holiday serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by military personnel to protect freedom and uphold the nation’s values. Ultimately, Veterans Day emphasizes the importance of remembering and supporting those who have dedicated their lives to military service.

In other news:

The New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services has compiled a comprehensive statewide list of resources and search platforms to help residents easily locate assistance during challenging times. Veterans, furloughed employees, and individuals experiencing benefit reductions can access a variety of food pantries, meal programs, and emergency food assistance services to support themselves and their families. For a list of available resources in your area, visit website

The Board of Directors of PFLAG Silver City recently announced the recipients of this year’s Nancy Kailing Memorial Scholarship, all of whom are students at Western New Mexico University. The winners include Mayah Medrano, a graduate student, who is completing her Master of Arts in Teaching with a focus on History and Social Studies. Bella Drissell, a senior majoring in Expressive Arts, and Gretchen Zobel-Lopez, a graduate student pursuing a Master’s in Social Work. Congratulations to all three ladies. 

The Gila National Forest has announced a public health and safety area closure of Quemado Lake following the detection of a harmful algal bloom. The New Mexico Environment Department’s Surface Water Quality Bureau (NMED) identified dangerously high concentrations of microcystins in recent water samples, posing a significant risk of acute poisoning and potential short- or long-term health effects for both humans and animals. This closure restricts all public access to Quemado Lake and adjacent National Forest System lands located south of Quemado Lake Road (Forest Road 13). The New Mexico Environment Department’s Surface Water Quality Bureau will continue monitoring water quality and provide updated guidance as conditions evolve.