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Names added: Grant County Cattle Growers hold annual event 081421
All photos are courtesy of Grant County Cattle Growers.
Grant County Cattle Growers hold annual event 081421
Grant County Cattle Growers hold annual event 081421
Gathering to get inside and eat and listen to speakers
Grant County Cattle Growers hold annual event 081421
At left is Clayton Bearup, FFA Silver Schools advisor, center is Buddy Eby speaking on behalf of Grant County Cattle Growers. At right is Laura Frost, secretary-treasurer of Grant County Cattle Growers.
Grant County Cattle Growers held annual event 081421
Congresswoman for District 2 New Mexico Yvette Herrell spoke to the crowd.
Grant County Cattle Growers held annual event 081421
District 39 State Rep. Luis Terrazas addressed the crowd.
Grant County Cattle Growers held annual event 081421
Lizzie McDonald, FFA officer, introduces speakers
Grant County Cattle Growers held annual event 081421
Michelle Greeman, New Mexico Cowbelles secretary, speaks to the gathering.
Grant County Cattle Growers held annual event 081421
Caren Cowan speaking.
Grant County Cattle Growers held annual event 081421
Lucy and Trent Eby.
Grant County Cattle Growers held annual event 081421
The crowd
Grant County Cattle Growers held annual event 081421
Visiting a vendor
Grant County Cattle Growers held annual event 081421
Two FFA members
Grant County Cattle Growers held annual event 081421
Dessert
Grant County Cattle Growers held annual event 081421
Recognizing the sponsors
Grant County Cattle Growers held annual event 081421
Laura Frost and Michelle Greeman
Grant County Cattle Growers held annual event 081421
The crowd listening to speakers
Grant County Cattle Growers held annual event 081421
Two ranchers talking business. Ty Bays is on the right.
On a rainy Saturday, ranchers, farmers, wives, speakers, FFA students and supporters gathered at NAN Ranch for the annual Grant County Cattle Growers barbecue event. Sponsors and vendors were outside with their wares. Inside the large barn, members had set up tables and chairs for the participants. A large sign recognized the sponsors.
[Editor's Note: As the Beat was unable to attend due to weather, we received the photos, but we don't know who everyone is. if you see this and you know who someone is please, reply to editor@grantcountybeat.com and we'll change the captions. Thanks.]
Releasing the Vision of the Old County Jail
By Lynn Janes
In May of 2019 Grant County hosted a meeting to get ideas for the old county jail property. The county last used the facility in 2013, and it has been left abandoned ever since. The community participated, and proposed several ideas including a judicial complex, arts/cultural center, recreational center, school, gardens, and Supportive housing shelter.
In March of this year, they started the "Vision Process." That included the development of a website for email sign up and updates on the progress. Steering committee meetings, public meetings, survey, and focus groups came next.
On August 17, 2021, the second public meeting and the last one before presenting their report took place. Amy Bell from Groundworks Studio, heading the project, hosted the meeting. Rebecca Cook and Savannah Richards from the NM Environmental Department spoke, as did Grant County Planning and Community Development Director Priscilla Shoup.
Silver City Grant County Chamber of Commerce Announces Romeo Cruz as Interim Director
The Silver City Grant County Chamber of Commerce has appointed Romeo Cruz, Interim Director, of chamber and conference center operations. According to Immediate Past Chairman of the Board, Dr. Sabrina Pack, "Mr. Cruz is an exceptional individual who has been serving as Assistant Director/Conference Center Manager and is certain to do an excellent job in the interim position. He not only has experience, but a strong background in business, including a bachelor's degree in Business Management with minors in Economics, Public Administration, and Entrepreneurship."
Pack added, "Steven Chavira has served the Chamber of Commerce outstandingly over the past 19 months, being integral in many community, regional, and state-wide efforts through the pandemic. The board applauds Mr. Chavira's next chapter in his life, as he will continue to help our community emerge from the pandemic and grow economically." Mr. Chavira announced recently to the Board that he has accepted a position with another Economic Development organization.
Chavira shared, "I've had the chance to collaborate with some of the brightest minds in New Mexico and I've served with people who have a true passion for New Mexico and New Mexicans. I have had a seat at the table when we've discussed public health issues, public safety issues, employment concerns, Business Development opportunities, issues that affect rural New Mexico, broadband disparity, funding for small business and services to the poor and disadvantaged citizens of our county. We've discussed education initiatives along with issues that affect Seniors, Veterans and Children. When it comes to the future of Grant County and our economic recovery, please understand that there are a great number of people working behind the scenes to make sure you have all you need to succeed. I'm grateful to the Board of Directors of the Silver City Grant County Chamber of Commerce and to the administrative offices of Grant County and the town of Silver City, for they have given me every opportunity to succeed here."
Romeo Cruz, when asked about future direction and goals, shared, "I am excited to continue to work for the Silver City Grant County Chamber of Commerce in the Interim Executive Director position. My goal is to continue to serve our members and the business community as set forth by the dynamic leadership that Mr. Chavira has brought to the County. My focus will be on helping promote business and tourism across our great county. This will be done connecting people, building bridges, and empowering our local businesses. I plan to use my experience, education, and leadership to drive our organization to new heights."
Currently resumes are being accepted and considered for the Executive Director position. For information on the position and to submit your resume, go to silvercity.org or contact Dr. Sabrina Pack.
The mission of the Silver City Grant County Chamber of Commerce is to serve their members by promoting business, commerce, and tourism in Grant County. The board of directors includes Jeanie Mitchell of Quality Inn and Comfort Inn serving as Chair; Jack Herndon of First Savings Bank serving as Vice-Chair/Treasurer; Bart Roselli of the Silver City Museum serving as Secretary; Dr. Sabrina Pack of Silver City Radio/SkyWest Media serving as Immediate Past Chair; and additional board members Melanie Gomez of First American Bank; Bruce Ashburn of PNM; Dr. Joseph Shepard of Western New Mexico University; and Mike Moronoes of Morones & Knuttinen.
Information on Filing Day for candidates 082421
For anyone even thinking about running for a whole bunch of offices in Grant County, Aug. 24, 2021 is your day to file. All filing will take place at the Grant County Clerk's Office in the Administration Center at 1400 Highway 180 E between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
A large number of positions are open for candidates. They include school district board members for Silver and Cobre, town of Silver City positions, city of Bayard, town of Hurley and village of Santa Clara. Several positions are also for a watershed district and several soil and water conservation districts.
See the PDF below for all the positions that need to be filled and for when and what you need to file.
Pedestrian Fatally Struck on U.S. 180 in Grant County
Grant County, NM - On August 19, 2021, at approximately 5:32 a.m., the New Mexico State Police investigated a pedestrian that was fatally struck by a vehicle on U.S. 180, near mile post 119, by Santa Clara, NM.
The initial investigation indicated a 2017 Ford F-150 pickup was traveling west on U.S. 180. For reasons unknown a pedestrian, Daniel Palomorez (39) of Santa Clara, NM was walking in the right lane of the roadway and was struck by the Ford. Palomorez sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on scene by the Office of the Medical Investigator.
The driver of the Ford, who will not be named, was not injured. Alcohol does not appear to be a factor and seatbelts were properly utilized by the driver of the Ford. This crash is under investigation by the New Mexico State Police.
Grant County Commission reviews regular meeting agenda at work session 081021 and considers items at 081221 meeting, part 6
[Editor's Note: This is a continuation of the articles about the commission work session on Aug. 10, and regular meeting on Aug. 12, 2021. This one begins with the review of the resolutions on the agenda.]
The preceding articles covering the Grant County Commission work session can be read at https://www.grantcountybeat.com/news/news-articles/66731-grant-county-commission-hears-updates-at-work-session-081021 ; https://www.grantcountybeat.com/news/news-articles/66741-grant-county-commission-hears-updates-at-work-session-081021-part-2; https://www.grantcountybeat.com/news/news-articles/66788-grant-county-commission-hears-county-reports-after-two-presentations-081021-part-3; https://www.grantcountybeat.com/news/news-articles/66804-grant-county-commission-hears-reports-and-updates-at-regular-meeting-081221-part-4; and https://www.grantcountybeat.com/news/news-articles/66825-grant-county-commission-reviews-regular-meeting-agenda-at-work-session-081021-and-considers-items-at-081221-meeting-part-5 .
The first resolution under consideration amended and restated a resolution passed in 2018 relating to the proposed industrial revenue bonds for the Great Divide Wind Farm LLC project. The resolution declares the intent of Grant County to issue the IRBs in an aggregate principal amount up to $400,000 to develop the project site and construct and install the project.
At the work session, District 5 Commissioner Harry Browne asked if anything was different other than dates. County Bond Attorney Luis Carrasco of Rodey Law Firm attended by telephone. "There are a couple of changes. Back in 2018, when you approved the resolution, you had set a deadline for issuance of the bonds as Dec. 31, 2021. Due to delays and complications, it will not allow the issuance of bonds to be completed by that date. We have extended it to Dec. 31, 2023. The other thing that this resolution changes addresses the recent legislative changes to the issuance of industrial revenue bonds. House Bill 105 was adopted this year, which basically provides that payments in lieu of taxes need to be shared among all the school districts in the county, even though they may not be the district in the location of the project. So, the receipts will be shared with the Silver Consolidated School District and the Cobre Consolidated School District, in compliance with the new law. And finally, it just gives us approval to publish a notice of intent to adopt an amended ordinance in the local newspaper."