Community News

Blanchette's exhibition includes lightboxes filled with water from the Gila River, spotlighting the live growth of SCOBY (bacteria and yeast cultures), lit from belowSILVER CITY, NM —Claire Fall Blanchette is an interdisciplinary artist exploring biology, geology, and human impact. As artist-in-residence at Western New Mexico University (WNMU), she focuses on the high desert and the Gila Watershed's ecological narratives. Ground Truthing, a provocative exhibition by Blanchette, opened at The Francis McCray Gallery of Contemporary Artat WNMU on March 19. The exhibition, which runs through April 9, invites viewers to reconsider their relationship with extractive high desert landscapes through a unique fusion of biological processes, geological history, and local ecology. 

Photo by Kevin Keller for Tour of the Gila. Depicts the UCI women's race jersey wearers after stage three, the Inner Loop Road Race, during last spring's event.Lyman Communications Represented on Climber's Jersey in the 2026 bicycling stage race

Silver City, NM — The four leader jerseys for the 2026 Tour of the Gila presented by New Mexico True are sponsored by new and returning supporters of the road bicycling stage race.

The red New Mexico True leader jersey is awarded to the individual in each category who is leading the overall time standings. 

The green Gila Regional Medical Center sprinter jersey goes to the cyclist leading the points classification determined by intermediate sprints and finishing place in certain stages. 

The white Southwest Bone and Joint/Brian and Lynn Robinson Best Young Rider jersey signifies the leading rider under age 23 on the general classification. 

SILVER CITY, NM — Western New Mexico University (WNMU) Athletics is proud to announce the launch of a transformative new partnership with Nike and BSN Sports, signaling a major step forward for Mustang student-athletes, coaches, and fans. The multi-year agreement establishes Nike as the exclusive provider of uniforms, apparel, and equipment for all WNMU athletic programs, with BSN Sports serving as the official distributor and operational partner. The transition will officially begin in July 2026.

This partnership represents more than a change in apparel—it marks a university-wide branding evolution and a renewed commitment to competitive excellence. Beginning in July, every Mustang student-athlete will take the field, court, and course outfitted in Nike's industry-leading performance gear, featuring the iconic swoosh recognized across the global sports landscape.

SILVER CITY, NM — Following the conclusion of the 2026 legislative session, Western New Mexico University (WNMU) has secured a series of funding wins that reinforce the institution's dedication to student success, athletic distinction, and campus-wide sustainability. This successful cycle delivered substantial boosts to both the university's operating budget and key capital projects, paving the way for growth in the upcoming fiscal year.

A highlight of this year is the $1,825,100 increase in the university's Instruction & General (I&G) appropriation. This crucial funding supports daily academic operations that affect the student experience. The appropriation includes: $1,598,600 from the state's funding formula ($171,500 as a non-formula adjustment for specific institutional needs), and $55,000 specifically for the expansion of the WNMU nursing programs.

The Women of WNMU pictured include Cecilia Jensen Bell, Joan Warren, Isabelle Eckles, Anna Ashenfelter, Ms. Ellen F. Daniels Rogers, Helen Chandler Ryan, Cora Miller Holland, and the 1901-1902 girls' basketball team. Photos courtesy of Silver City Museum, Wayne Harroun, WNMU Museum, Lola Belle Franks Vesely, and Tom HollandSILVER CITY, NM — March is Women's History Month and Western New Mexico University (WNMU) honors the women who made the university what it is today. While the bricks and mortar of WNMU were laid by many, the soul, culture, and academic rigor of the institution were forged by a cadre of pioneering women. Since its inception as the Territorial Normal School, the memories of the women who broke glass ceilings, integrated diverse cultural perspectives, and established a standard of excellence persist today.

Among the earliest luminaries was Fortuna Guerrero, whose presence at the Normal School represented an essential bridge between the institution and the rich Hispano heritage of the Southwest. Graduating in 1912—just months before New Mexico achieved statehood—Guerrero overcame significant systemic barriers to complete the territory's rigorous teacher-training curriculum. Her achievement was a landmark for the Silver City community, signaling a shift toward a more inclusive educational landscape.

Students from a wide range of high schools joined WNMU mascot Rawhide for Spring Discovery Day. Visiting students were provided with WNMU T-shirtsSILVER CITY, NM — On March 5, 2026, Western New Mexico University (WNMU) opened its doors to more than 500 prospective students for its annual Spring Discovery Day. The event gave students considering college or vocational education direct insight into campus life. WNMU provided hands-on classroom experiences and opportunities for meaningful interactions with faculty and current students. The high-energy event transformed the campus into a vibrant hub of exploration. High schools from across New Mexico gathered to experience the university's academic and social culture.

Team Remington Delivers Top Performances at the 2026 Spring Grand American

LONOKE, Ark. – March 10, 2026 – Remington Ammunition celebrates the strong performances of its sponsored trap shooters at the 50th Annual 2026 Spring Grand American, held February 23 to March 1 at the Tucson Trap and Skeet Club in Tucson, Arizona. Team Remington secured two of the top three overall positions along with multiple category championships.

In the High Over All Championship, Patrick Lamont earned Runner-Up Overall after breaking 1,074 out of 1,100 targets. Zachari Nannini secured 3rd Overall with a score of 1,072 out of 1,100 targets. Chase Dobrinski claimed the Sub-Junior Championship by breaking 1,060 out of 1,100 targets. Michael Blazedale captured the Veteran Championship with 1,050 out of 1,100 targets, while Sandra Jo Jack won the Lady II Championship with 1,033 out of 1,100 targets.

Gila Regional Medical Center is proud to announce that it has achieved the highly prestigious international Baby-Friendly designation after a rigorous review process conducted by Baby-Friendly USA, the organization responsible for bestowing this certification in the United States.

This distinguished honor demonstrates that GRMC is adhering to the highest standards of care for breastfeeding mothers and their babies. These standards are built on the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, a set of evidence-based practices recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) for optimal infant feeding support in the precious first days of a newborn's life.