Last week, in advance of the upcoming special legislative session, a delegation from Western New Mexico University traveled to the state capitol. The Board of Regents Chairman and the University’s Interim President met with elected officials to discuss key issues, including reductions in federal higher education funding, workforce development initiatives, and the pending confirmation of a new member to the [...]

The federal government shutdown, which began Wednesday, has had an immediate impact in Grant County with the closure of the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument for the duration of the shutdown. In addition, the main office in Silver City and district ranger offices are closed, halting services such as the issuance of permits for firewood, minerals, and other forest materials. [...]

Alumni of the Changemakers Fellowship recently launched the Spark Change Awards, a new initiative recognizing schools that demonstrate that improved student outcomes are possible for all learners. The awards highlight schools that are either the highest-performing or the fastest-improving in literacy and math for Yazzie Martinez subgroups, including economically disadvantaged students, English Learners, Native American students, and students with disabilities. [...]

The Town of Hurley held its regular meeting to review recently completed projects as well as those still in progress. Updates included quality-of-life park improvements for the Big Muddy, where soil testing is underway to ensure plants will thrive on the property. The design work for Anza Street and Third Street has been completed, and the lift station is now [...]

The Grant County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) has partnered with the American Red Cross to provide and install free smoke alarms in homes without working units. Through the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, smoke alarms will be made available to county residents, with the OEM coordinating installation. Grant County residents who need a smoke alarm can email the OEM [...]

The Silver City Town Council recently approved a resolution authorizing a $1.4 million loan and grant agreement with the New Mexico Finance Authority to support construction of a new sewer bypass on Mill Road. The council also unanimously passed a resolution notifying the public of its intent to amend the town’s land use and zoning codes. In addition, the council [...]

The Silver City Fire Department, in collaboration with partner agencies from across Grant County, will conduct a prescribed burn at 11 Rosedale Road in Silver City on Saturday, September 27. This planned operation is part of ongoing efforts to reduce hazardous fuels, lower wildfire risks, and enhance community safety within the wildland-urban interface. The burn is scheduled to begin in [...]

At its regular meeting, the Interstate Stream Commission (ISC) reviewed recommendations from the Water Trust Board to determine which projects in four southwest New Mexico counties would be the first to receive funding from the New Mexico Unit Fund. The highest-ranked proposal seeks support for the planning and design of a pump delivery system for the San Francisco Soil and [...]

At the recent Grant County Commission meeting, Gila National Forest officials presented plans to implement a moratorium on new hunting and guiding permits in the forest, aiming to gradually reduce service days from 11,000 to 7,000 through attrition. With 105 of New Mexico’s 278 outfitters operating in the Gila, officials noted that the high concentration has created an increasingly crowded [...]

The Town of Silver City Council will convene its Regular Council Meeting this evening, September 23, at 6:00 p.m. at the Grant County Administration Center. The agenda includes proclamations recognizing “Fire Prevention Week” and “A Reaffirmation and Celebration of the Core Values of the Town of Silver City,” as well as the Town Manager’s report. Council members will also consider [...]