Front Page News

Photos by Mary Alice Murphy

In the Gila Regional Medical Center courtyard, Chief Nursing Officer Ron Green awarded the annual Daisy away to this year's winner. Green said they received 67 nominations out of the over 100 nurses in the facility. The nominations included almost half the nursing staff at 44 names. 

Green presented the history of the award, which was created by the family of Patrick Barnes, who was treated for 8 weeks for an autoimmune disease that finally took his like. His family was able to spend most of their time with him in the hospital and saw how wonderful the nurses were. Patrick's parents created a foundation to recognize outstanding nurses in hospitals all over the world.  More information can be read at https://www.daisyfoundation.org/about-us#MV 

Traditions include Daisy cookies, and cinnamon rolls, which Patrick asked to have during his hospitalization, and always insisted that the nurses also receive cinnamon buns. The award comes with the recognition certification, as well as a basket of goodies, but the special part of the award is a small statue carved by a sculptor in an African nation. This yea, the sculptor lives in Zimbabwe.

To pause the slide show, mouse over the image.

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 started 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?

Born in Santa Rita, but have lived in Silver for the  past 32 years.

2.  What do you like best about Silver City?

Silver City is my home, and I love it here.

3. Least?

Nothing.

4.  Why did you decide to run? 

I saw a need for positive change to help our citizens have a better life.

5. What is your top priority if elected?

I have three that I consider top: 1. Public Safety, 2. Our Economy, and 3. Infrastructure 

6. With the recent controversy about funding the Stonegarden grant, are you for or against continuing it 

I do not oppose Stonegarden which is a grant acquired by the County and has been around for a long time. The small portion the Town of Silver City receives, states exactly what the funds are allocated for. I support  applying and receiving any outside assistance to better serve and protect our community.

7. How is your working relationship with local law enforcement? 

I visited with Police Chief Portillo and we hit it off well. I did inform him that I do support law enforcement and first responders. As a graduate of t Army's Military Police School, I still have some blue blood in me. I want to work with him and the officers to better the police force.

8. What is your approach to attracting new businesses?

I'd establish good relationships with small business owners to understand their issues and work to create solutions. Supporting small business is one of by most important concerns. Small businesses are vital to the economy. We need them and want them to thrive.

9. What are your priorities for maintaining roads, utilities, and other  infrastructure?

Working for Engineers Inc., I was involved in overseeing the construction of the Visitor Center,  Downtown Lighting, and installation of several bridges including the Big Ditch Bridge. 

 I have 27 years experience in this area. Working with Ms. Priscilla Lucero of the Council of Governments, we have acquired funds from local, state, and federal agencies. The grants were used for water and sewer systems and upgrades or new construction of roads.

10. What makes you the best candidate to represent the entire community?

My concern for others, and  willingness to work to improve conditions. 

I will represent District 4 to the best of my ability, but it will take all of us.

11. How would you ensure the town's budget is managed responsibly?

Review the entire budget and go through it line item by line item and discuss if changes are needed.

12.  Are you a member of any organizations?

I am a member of Harvest Church, National Notary Association, and AMAC.

If people want to donate to your campaign, where can they do so?

Facebook: vnanez for silver city council district 4

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to obtain donation information.

October 23, 2025 — Sixth Judicial District Attorney Norman R. Wheeler announced that Daniel R. Lopez, 32, was found guilty by a Silver City jury. Lopez was convicted of the following charges:

Count 1: Aggravated Burglary-Armed After Entry (2nd Degree)Count 3: Possession of a Controlled Substance (4th Degree)Count 4: Possession of a Controlled Substance (4th Degree)Count 5: Attempt to Commit a Felony (Larceny) – MisdemeanorCount 6: Evading an Officer – MisdemeanorCount 7: Resisting an Officer – Misdemeanor

Freeport 3Q 2025 Supplemental Financial Data

Freeport Reports Third-Quarter and Nine-Month 2025 Results

To download a PDF of the release, please visit the following link: Freeport Reports Third-Quarter and Nine-Month 2025 Results

Click Here for a complete listing of Freeport-McMoRan Inc. press releases.

In connection with FCX’s 3Q earnings release, the company also published supplemental financial data.  Here is a link: FCX 3Q25 Supplemental Financial Data

By Lynn Janes

The Village of Santa Clara held a regular meeting October 9, 2025. Mayor Arnold Lopez called the meeting to order. Mayor Pro Tem Albert Esparza, trustees, Olga Amador and Peter Erickson attended. Ralph Trujillo didn't attend.

The council approved the agenda, past meeting minutes and department head reports.

Mayor's report

The village will hold an open public meeting for the residents to ask bond questions. Some have already said they would be coming because they have questions. The bond will be needed to do the road projects in the village. It has been over 20 years since major work had been done on the roads. Lopez went over some of the areas he wanted to do, and areas then need curbs and gutters.

By Roger Lanse

Two car fires were reported on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, within an hour of each other but miles apart. One occurred around 6:37 p.m. on S. Highway 90 near Humphreys Enterprises, while the second was at a home on Spur Road off Highway 15 near Owl Hoot Trail.

According to Silver City Fire Department Battalion Chief Preston Johnson, the two fires were not related. He said the fire on Highway 90 probably involved a warm weedeater, spilled gasoline, and static electricity, as the fire started when occupants of the Chevy Equinox were unloading the vehicle and quickly pulled blankets out causing static electricity which ignited the spilled gasoline.

By Lynn Janes

The Cobre Consolidated School Board held a special meeting on October 13, 2025. Board members in attendance included Gabriella Begay, Gilbert Guadiana, Angelina Hardin and Hector Carrillo. Emmarie Heredia didn't attend. Interim Superintendent Randal Piper also attended online.

The board approved the agenda. Begay wanted to add public comment. Guadiana pointed out it had not been on the agenda and published for the public. He said they could hear the comment but could not respond.

Public input

By Lynn Janes

(Author's note. This article was written using the minutes provided by the Bayard clerk's office. It had not been recorded.)

The town of Bayard held a special meeting September 26, 2025. Attendance included Mayor John L. Ojinaga, Mayor Pro Tem Eloy Medina  and Councilors, Frances Gonzales and Eloy Gonzales. Gilbert Ortiz and Martha Salas, city clerk, did not attend but Tanya Ortiz, deputy clerk filled in.

The council went into closed session to discuss personnel matters in the wastewater department.

The council came back into open session.

Action for personnel