Community News

SILVER CITY, NM — The Expressive Arts Department and the Francis McCray Gallery of Contemporary Art at Western New Mexico University recently celebrated the culmination of years of rigorous studio practice with the Spring 2026 Expressive Arts Bachelor of Fine Arts Exhibition, which concluded its run May 7.

The works on display spanned a sophisticated range of mediums, reflecting the multidisciplinary nature of the WNMU curriculum. The collections explored complex regional, personal, and contemporary themes, demonstrating the students' ability to blend traditional craftsmanship with deep visual commentary.

COLLEGE PARK, MD – June 11, 2026 – National History Day in New Mexico is proud to announce the teacher honored as New Mexico's 2026 National History Day Teacher of the Year Award nominees. Lee Wilson from Silver High School in Silver City was selected to represent New Mexico in the high school, or senior division. Lee has taught multiple NHD national finalists in his 11 years teaching NHD, and has continued to strengthen a world-class program during his tenure while engaging with and gaining support from his community. 

 "Lee Wilson is one of those teachers who quietly goes about his work every day and changes lives without ever asking for recognition. For nearly 30 years, he has challenged students to think, ask questions, and look beyond the surface of history to understand the people and stories behind it," said Dr. William Hawkins, Superintendent of Silver Consolidated Schools. "What I appreciate most about Lee is that he has always put students first. This recognition isn't something he chased. In fact, if you know Lee, he'd probably rather talk about his students' accomplishments than his own. Whether it's in the classroom, through National History Day, on a committee, or simply helping a student who needs encouragement, he shows up and does the work. This recognition is well deserved because it reflects what so many of us have seen for years: Lee is an outstanding teacher, a respected colleague, and someone who has made a lasting difference in the lives of generations of Silver High students. We are proud of him and grateful for all he has done for our school and community." 

the30something celebrates 2026 nonprofit awardees

The Whiskey Creek Zocalo was the setting for the 2026 the30something awards party this year. As the party started, members mingled in the landscaped grounds near the recently completed Slade Stage, partially funded with an award from the30something last year. The stage looked spectacular and is now ready for outdoor concerts and events. Meanwhile, inside the zocalo, the main stage room was filled with long-time members socializing and welcoming a bevy of new members. 

Photo 1   Janey Katz, David del Junco, Christine Rickman and Trish Kirchhoff, the30something.

Silver City, NM – Hidalgo Medical Services (HMS) is proud to announce that Amanda Barrett, RN, has been recognized with the New Mexico Primary Care Association (NMPCA) Outstanding Team Member Award. This honor recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication, leadership, and commitment to advancing community health. Amanda was one of only two healthcare professionals across New Mexico selected for this recognition.

Amanda was recognized for her remarkable contributions to HMS, where she serves as a Clinical Data Analyst & ECW Super User & Trainer with expertise in health information systems, data analytics, and clinical training. Her unique ability to bridge frontline patient care with operational and technological innovation has made a lasting impact on both staff and patients throughout the organization.

SILVER CITY, NEW MEXICO: The Silver City Jacob Bennett Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and rodeo attendees joined in celebrating America's upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with the 2026 Wild, Wild West Rodeo in Silver City. In addition to the United States and New Mexico flags, the America 250 flag and the DAR Chapter flag flew proudly on mounted horses as they ran the rodeo arena in the opening ceremonies to honor the patriots who valiantly fought for our freedom and independence during the American Revolutionary War.

SILVER CITY, NM — The Humanities Department at Western New Mexico University (WNMU) recently held its final Sin Fronteras Creative Writing Project for Undergraduate Students, a creative writing project to foster community, encourage reading international and regional literature, and investigate the idea of a border in different ways. Professional guest writers/teachers each gave one craft talk/generative workshop, and Associate Professor of English Composition, Professor Heather Frankland, MFA, organized the special project. This session brought together 13 dedicated students, primarily undergraduate students, for an intensive exploration of narrative, poetry and the transformative power of the written word.

Christina Nealson was recognized by Mayor Simon Wheaton-Smith on May 26 as the new Poet Laureate of Silver City and Grant County. She is the latest honoree in a long line of distinguished poets beginning in 2012. Christina will serve from 2026-2028, and has exciting ideas to bring poetry into the community.

Nealson is the author of five books and photographer of four. Her career in photojournalism has taken her to Africa, Central America, and throughout the west from Alaska to the tip of Baja.  She has received numerous honors for her writing. Her love of the wildness of the southwest, its non-human and human inhabitants, geography, history, and culture is long standing.  She has also worked as an interpretive park ranger. After many years in various locations throughout Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico, she has chosen Silver City for its location near the Gila, its vibrant creativity, and absence of pretense.

Caleb Loughran, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of ecology and evolution at WNMUSILVER CITY, NM — Western New Mexico University (WNMU) Assistant Professor of Ecology and Evolution Caleb Loughran, Ph.D., published extensive findings that decode the complex survival and social behaviors of rattlesnakes in Central and Eastern Washington State. His research was primarily conducted in the rugged shrub-steppe landscapes of the Columbia Basin in the Pacific Northwest; the research provides a detailed look at how environmental temperatures and communal social structures dictate the lives of these apex predators. 

Loughran's research on the Northern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus) demonstrates that for these snakes, body size most critically determines their daily "schedule" and survival. Juvenile snakes possess a much higher surface-area-to-volume ratio than adults, meaning their outer skin area is large compared to their overall body mass. As a result, they heat up and cool down more quickly. 

Eastern Washington's volatile climate brings dramatic temperature swings between dawn and dusk, forcing these snakes to operate within much narrower safety windows. Loughran's thermal modeling shows that an adult snake can use its mass to buffer against a sudden spike in solar radiation or intense sunlight. However, a younger snake can overheat lethally in just minutes. This high-stakes balancing act forces younger generations to adjust where they hide and when they hunt prey.