Front Page News

By Lynn Janes

The town of Bayard held a regular meeting September 17, 2025. Attendance included Mayor John L. Ojinaga, Mayor Pro Tem Eloy Medina, Councilors, Frances Gonzales (phone), Eloy Gonzales and Gilbert Ortiz. Martha Salas, city clerk, did not attend but Tanya Ortiz, deputy clerk filled in.

The council approved the consent agenda that included minutes, accounts payable and department head reports. It also approved attendance of the fire chief to an EMS expo in Socorro. Medina asked that they put together the fuel bills related to fire, police and maintenance because the council had not seen them.

Od business

By Lynn Janes

The Silver City Consolidated Schools held a work session and regular meeting September 15, 2025. Members in attendance Ashley Montenegro, Patrick Cohn (regular meeting), Mike McMillan and Kimberly Klement. Superintendent William Hawkins also attended. Michelle Diaz attended halfway through.

Montenegro started the meeting out with the expressed grief of the district for the loss of one of the students. "We not only pray for the family of this sweet student that was lost but would also like to take a moment of silence." She asked all to join her in that moment of silence.

Work session

October 10, 2025 — Sixth Judicial District Attorney Norman R. Wheeler announced that 24-year-old Ryan Kenny is being held without bond after being charged with Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon, a third-degree felony, for violently stabbing a fellow passenger on a westbound Greyhound bus on September 29, 2025.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Cynthia Clark represented the State during the hearing, which was presided over by the Honorable Judge Tom F. Stewart of the Sixth Judicial District Court. Judge Stewart granted the State's Motion for Pretrial Detention, determining that KENNY poses a danger to both the victim and the community.

ADDITION from Clark: Defendant was bond ed over on attempted first degree murder and Deputy DA Mark Abramson was also prosecuting the case

Simon Wheaton-Smith

By Frost McGahey

(Editor's Note:  The Grant County Beat asked Candidates questions so voters can determine who they want to vote for. Early voting starts October 7, and Election Day is Tuesday November 4. The replies are posted in the order received.)

1A. How long have you lived in Silver?

I was three when I came to Grant County to stay with my Grandmother. I have lived in Silver City extensively while I have also lived and worked in NM, AZ, NY, UK, and Australia gaining broader experiences.

In 1895 my great-grandfather came to the area as a miner. His daughter, my grandmother, grew up in Mogollon, married a miner, and during WW2 went to the UK as a nurse's assistant, but lived out her decades on the Mimbres. My father went to college in the UK but joined the British Army when WW2 broke out and thus lost his US citizenship. When the USA joined the war, he transferred, took part in D Day, landing at Omaha Beach, Fox Red, but it took ages to get his citizenship back hence why I was educated in the UK; I am of course a US Citizen. My father returned to the Mimbres, and encouraged ranchers to consider using the Charolais cattle, and my aunt was very active in Silver City especially with our lovely Museum.

To download a PDF of the release, please visit the following link: Freeport Announces Third-Quarter 2025 Reporting Schedule and Conference Call Plans

PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Freeport (NYSE: FCX) today announced that it plans to hold a conference call with analysts and investors in November 2025, to provide a report on the investigation of the September 8, 2025, mud rush incident at the Grasberg Block Cave and present FCX's multi-year operational and financial outlook, including for PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI). FCX and PTFI are advancing the investigation, damage assessments and the development of future operating plans. The date of the November 2025 conference call will be announced as the investigation progresses toward completion.

Gerard Flores

October 9, 2025 — Sixth Judicial District Attorney Norman R. Wheeler announced that Gerard Flores, 38, has been held without bond following charges of 1 count of criminal sexual penetration of a minor [2nd Degree], 2 counts of Criminal Sexual Penetration-4th Degree [School Employee], and 2 counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor-4th Degree [School Personnel].

Chief Deputy District Attorney Cynthia Clark represented the State during the hearing, which was presided over by the Honorable Judge DeLaney of the Sixth Judicial District Court. Judge DeLaney granted the State's Motion for Pretrial Detention, determining that FLORES poses a danger to both the victims and the community.

The NWS has issued a situational briefing for potential heavy rainfall / flash flooding Saturday through Tuesday. Flood watches have not been issued at this time, but watches are possible closer to the weekend. For more information see the attached NWS briefing. 

Attached is a Situational Awareness Briefing for... Heavy Rain and Flash Flood Potential THIS Weekend:

Candidate Q&A for Jennifer Metzler Rider – Silver City District 4

By Frost McGahey

Jennifer Metzler Rider – Silver City District 4 Candidate

(Editor's Note: The Grant County Beat asked Candidates questions so voters can determine who they want to vote for. Early voting starts October 7, and Election Day is Tuesday November 4. The replies are posted in the order received.)

1A. How long have you lived in Silver?

I've lived in Silver City for 33 years, my family has lived in Silver City since 1980.

1B. Where did you come from?

I was born in Omaha, Nebraska, but Silver City has been my home for most of my life.