Front Page News
Wild, Wild West Rodeo Finals 061023
- Category: Front Page News Front Page News
- Published: 12 June 2023 12 June 2023
Photos, article and video by T.A. Niles
Wild, Wild West Rodeo finals 061023
Wild, Wild West Rodeo finals 061023
The stands are packed early.
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Miss Teen Rodeo New Mexico greets eager crowd
Wild, Wild West Rodeo finals 06102
Bronc rider shoots out of chute
Wild, Wild West Rodeo finals 06102
That’s one steep incline!
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Looks as comfortable as an easy chair
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Didn’t end so well. Just take a seat
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Ride ‘im cowboy!
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MMA on horseback? Looks like a rear-naked to me
Wild, Wild West Rodeo finals 06102
Breakaway rider says, “Gotcha!”
Wild, Wild West Rodeo finals 06102
I’m right behind you little one
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Whoops! A little too close on this breakaway
Wild, Wild West Rodeo finals 06102
Gotcha!
Wild, Wild West Rodeo finals 06102
Bob Weir with a few little ones
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Off to the next section
Wild, Wild West Rodeo finals 06102
Tasting the dirt bronc rider style
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Future cowboys take the stage
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Mutton Bustin’ bronc rider style
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Bert Davis converses with one of the Crew
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That’s a doggone fine leap
Wild, Wild West Rodeo finals 06102
Who needs a hat?
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Just a little more lean
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Flying around the barrels
Wild, Wild West Rodeo finals 061023
A party in the stands late
Day 3 of Silver City’s Wild, Wild West Rodeo
After three consecutive days in the Wild Wild West Rodeo stands, I can now legitimately say, “This ain’t my first rodeo,” because I’ve been there, done that thanks to JoAnn Miller and Carol Parra. A big shout out to Brandon and Christine Brown of Wener Tires (one of the event sponsors) for letting me park my rump in their rodeo box, and huge gratitude to the Biebelles. If it weren’t for the tremendous 2022-23 New Mexico Junior High Rodeo Association (NMJHRA) season that Clair (14) and Amy (11) Biebelle had, I might not have thought of going to my first live rodeo.
Prior to last weekend, I had only watched the PBR on TV. Well, I found out that there’s a whole lot more going on at a live rodeo than bull riding. Sure, bull riding is a crowd favorite, but every event seemed to be a favorite, given the crowd responses to the variety of events held at Southwest Horseman’s Park in Silver City. I think my personal favorite was the Mutton Bustin’. I’m just a sucker for kids. I don’t know how old the eldest rider or roper was who participated in this rodeo, but I do know that we had some as young as 2-years-old taking part in the Mutton Bustin’. Phenomenal!
Jacob Bennett DAR chapter celebrates 120th anniversary 061023
- Category: Front Page News Front Page News
- Published: 12 June 2023 12 June 2023
Photos and article by Mary Alice Murphy and Lucy Whitmarsh - the final three photos are Courtesy of Whitmarsh
DAR celebrates 120th anniversary 061023
DAR celebrates 120th anniversary 061023
One of the displays for historic materials relating to the Jacob Bennett DAR chapter.
DAR celebrates 120th anniversary 061023
Rep. Luis Terrazas gave the invocation, as well as the benediction and blessing of the meal at the end of the ceremony.
DAR celebrates 120th anniversary 061023
Sherry and Bryce Wooten lead "The Star-Spangled Banner."
DAR celebrates 120th anniversary 061023
Lucy Whitmarsh leads the Pledge of Allegiance
DAR celebrates 120th anniversary 061023
Sherry Wooten sings 'O, Fair New Mexico."
DAR celebrates 120th anniversary 061023
Bryce Wooten accompanies his wife on the keyboard
DAR celebrates 120th anniversary 061023
State DAR Regent Patricia French Barger presents congratulatory messages on the 120th anniversary
DAR celebrates 120th anniversary 061023
Fort Bayard Historic Preservation Society Vice President Cecilia Bell talks about Fort Bayard history
DAR celebrates 120th anniversary 061023
A list of the Fort Bayard garrisons that served
DAR celebrates 120th anniversary 061023
An American Flag presented in 2012 by then Sen. Jeff Bingaman to the FBHPS
DAR celebrates 120th anniversary 061023
Whitmarsh presents recognition award to Bell.
DAR celebrates 120th anniversary 061023
Whitmarsh at right presents recognition award to Santa Clara Village Administrator Sheila Human and Mayor Richard Bauch
DAR celebrates 120th anniversary 061023
Some of the attendees singing along with "God Bless America."
DAR celebrates 120th anniversary 061023
Mayor Bauch, Jacob Bennett Chapter Regent Lucy Whitmarsh and Vice Regent Cecilia Bell discussing the importance of pollinator houses.
DAR celebrates 120th anniversary 061023
Whitmarsh presenting the Pollinator House Dedication Plaque to Mayor Bauch and Village Administrator Sheila Hudman.
The Jacob Bennett Daughters of the American Revolution Silver City chapter celebrated 120 years since its founding.
The Founder's Day celebration took place at the Fort Bayard National Landmark Theater. Lucy Whitmarsh, DAR state historian and vice regent of the local chapter, served as master of ceremonies.
New Mexico District 29 Rep. Luis Terrazas gave the invocation.
Next came the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.
LS Mesa Fire Update for June 12, 2023
- Category: Front Page News Front Page News
- Published: 12 June 2023 12 June 2023
Containment is at 60%
SILVER CITY, NM, June 12, 2023 – Crews established containment lines around all sides of the LS Mesa Fire yesterday, declaring the fire 60% contained today. It is located approximately 9 miles east of Gila, New Mexico on public lands managed by the New Mexico Forestry Division, the Bureau of Land Management, and Gila National Forest. Driven by gusty winds, the LS Mesa Fire remains at 132 acres in size and its cause is under investigation.
Today, ground crews have continued identifying and extinguishing sources of heat that could threaten to escape the fire's perimeter. Responding crews include one New Mexico Forestry Division engine and three Forest Service fire engines, two Forest Service 10-person fire suppression modules, a New Mexico Forestry Division 5-person initial attack module, and the 20-person Silver City Hotshot crew. Available air resources include two Type 3 helicopters and a Type 1 helicopter, two single engine air tankers, two large air tankers, and a very large air tanker, along with a fixed-wing air attack platform to oversee aerial resources.
The weather forecast over the fire area this week projects high temperatures in the 80s to 90s, with gusty winds and no precipitation in the forecast.
Cross Point Church hosted a Veterans appreciation Luncheon. June 11, 2023
- Category: Front Page News Front Page News
- Published: 12 June 2023 12 June 2023
Courtesy Photos
Cross Point hosts Veterans Appreciation Luncheon 061123
Cross Point hosts Veterans Appreciation Luncheon 061123
Ronnie Trappman's 1940's military vehicle, with Pace Heyer admiring it.
Cross Point hosts Veterans Appreciation Luncheon 061123
The cake thanking veterans for their service.
Cross Point hosts Veterans Appreciation Luncheon 061123
Mary Cowan, chief organizer of Wreaths Across America for Fort Bayard National Cemetery, talks about the program.
Cross Point hosts Veterans Appreciation Luncheon 061123
Guest speaker Ronnie Trappman is pictured in the back row, third from left. Front in the wheelchair is World War II veteran Mario Kirker.
Cross Point hosts Veterans Appreciation Luncheon 061123
Marine Danny Castillo cuts the cake to serve to the attendees.
Sam Saucedo, who organized the event, served as master of ceremonies
Ronnie Trappman drove his 1940's military truck down from Albuquerque for this event and served as keynote speaker
Trrappman spoke on the importance of having God in your life and told his own story.
How to create a NEWS RELEASE for the Grant County Beat
- Category: Front Page News Front Page News
- Published: 12 June 2023 12 June 2023
By a Frustrated Editor
I've been nice and posted Rules for Submissions to the Grant County Beat, but I continue to get pretty graphics instead of NEWS RELEASES.
I'm guessing that no one knows how to write a news release any longer. Pretty graphics have taken over.
How to Create a News Release for the Grant County Beat
And Make the Editor Happy!
The Beat accepts text documents, either in text or in Microsoft Word.
Please use complete sentences, using proper grammar and spelling.
Don't forget the Who, What, Why, When and Where!
If the document is a photo, please make the format .jpg, at a minimum of 180 dpi and attach it separately from the document.
If you MUST send a pdf, make sure that it's one that we can copy and paste text out of, as well as be able to pull any photos that are part of the document.
Do not send scanned documents as PDFs. We cannot use text out of scanned documents. Please send us only original documents.
If we cannot pull the text and/or photos from a pdf flyer and, resizing it to a jpg at web size makes it too small to read, it will not be posted.
Questions, email editor@grantcountybeat.com
Wild, Wild West Rodeo 061023
- Category: Front Page News Front Page News
- Published: 11 June 2023 11 June 2023
Photos and videos by Lynn Janes
Wild, Wild West Rodeo-LJ- 061023
Wild, Wild West Rodeo 061023
The Wild, Wild West Drill Team performed at the beginning of the evening's activities
Wild, Wild West Rodeo 061023
Grand Entry in opening ceremonies
Wild, Wild West Rodeo 061023
more flag bearing
Wild, Wild West Rodeo 061023
Freeport-McMoRan Inc., a sponsor, supported the opening ceremonies by carrying their company flag.
Wild, Wild West Rodeo 061023
First Financial has a flag in the opening ceremonies.
Wild, Wild West Rodeo 061023
Participants lined up for a group photo before the competitions began
Wild, Wild West Rodeo 061023
An Upcoming Star rides in the arena
Wild, Wild West Rodeo 061023
Another Upcoming Star makes an appearance
Wild, Wild West Rodeo 061023
And a third Upcoming Star rides in the arena
Wild, Wild West Rodeo 061023
a Bronc Rider hangs on
Wild, Wild West Rodeo 061023
Airborne
Wild, Wild West Rodeo 061023
I can do this!
Wild, Wild West Rodeo 061023
That horse can KICK!
Wild, Wild West Rodeo 061023
Dogs perform for the appreciative audience
Wild, Wild West Rodeo 061023
The dog is a tightrope walker
Wild, Wild West Rodeo 061023
Sit! Good Boys, Good Girls
Wild, Wild West Rodeo 061023
Mutton Bustin' outta the gate
Wild, Wild West Rodeo 061023
These dogs create a train, with the help of their owners
Wild, Wild West Rodeo 061023
Mutton bustin' out of the gate
Wild, Wild West Rodeo 061023
I'm hangin' on!
Wild, Wild West Rodeo 061023
Lookin' good!
Wild, Wild West Rodeo 061023
Still hangin' on!
Wild, Wild West Rodeo 061023
Approaching the barrel in Barrel Racing
Wild, Wild West Rodeo 061023
Rounding the barrel.
The final night of the 2023 Wild, Wild West Rodeo had plenty of action. The Wild, Wild West Drill Team joined the rodeo again and performed at the beginning. Flag bearers took part in the opening Grand Entry ceremonies. All the competitors lined up for a group photo. Upcoming Stars paraded into the arena. And then the action began. Bronc riding began the competitions. Well-trained dogs, many of whom were saved from shelters, put on an entertaining show for the crowd. Always a favorite kids mounted sheep for the mutton busting competitions. Barrel racing and bull riding closed the event.
See several videos of the action below.
LS Mesa Fire Update for June 11, 2023
- Category: Front Page News Front Page News
- Published: 11 June 2023 11 June 2023
Crews are constructing containment lines and mopping up hot spots
SILVER CITY, NM, June 11, 2023 – The LS Mesa Fire is located approximately 9 miles east of Gila, New Mexico on New Mexico state lands and the Gila National Forest. Driven by gusty winds, the LS Mesa Fire grew to an updated 132 acres yesterday, following fuels and terrain to the northeast.
Retardant lines laid down by fixed-wing aircraft yesterday have stalled further growth of the fire, aiding with containment along the east flank. All ground crews are engaged in containment line construction, making good progress on all sides of the fire perimeter. Working in the interior, they are identifying and extinguishing sources of heat that could threaten to escape the fire’s perimeter.
The fire was reported Friday night by the Signal Peak Lookout. A combination of state and Forest Service firefighting resources are aggressively suppressing the fire, whose cause is under investigation. Responding crews include one New Mexico Forestry Division and three Forest Service fire engines, two Forest Service 10-person fire suppression modules, a New Mexico Forestry Division 5-person initial attack module, and the Silver City Hotshots. Available air resources include two Type 3 helicopters and a Type 1 helicopter, two single engine air tankers, two large air tankers, and a very large air tanker, along with a fixed-wing air attack platform to oversee aerial resources. One additional hand crew has been ordered.
Silver City's Wild Wild West Rodeo: Day 2- 060923
- Category: Front Page News Front Page News
- Published: 10 June 2023 10 June 2023
Photos and article by T.A. Niles
Wild, Wild West Rodeo 0609232
Wild, Wild West Rodeo Day 2 060923
Day 2 crowd anticipating the action
Wild, Wild West Rodeo Day 2 060923
Teen Miss Rodeo New Mexico carries US Flag
Wild, Wild West Rodeo Day 2 060923
NM state flag bearer
Wild, Wild West Rodeo Day 2 060923
Team Roping Winner Kasey Edwards with Wrangler sponsor banner
Wild, Wild West Rodeo Day 2 060923
Baca Rodeo flag bearers
Wild, Wild West Rodeo Day 2 060923
Young performer riding in opening procession
Wild, Wild West Rodeo Day 2 060923
Teenage performers smiling in anticipation
Wild, Wild West Rodeo Day 2 060923
Is she multi-tasking?
Wild, Wild West Rodeo Day 2 060923
Amy Biebelle in opening procession
Wild, Wild West Rodeo Day 2 060923
Ava Packouz enters the arena
Wild, Wild West Rodeo Day 2 060923
Clair Biebelle, Barrels State Champion
Wild, Wild West Rodeo Day 2 060923
Must be teammates
Wild, Wild West Rodeo Day 2 060923
Future rodeo stars lead the opening procession
Wild, Wild West Rodeo Day 2 060923
Athletes during the invocation
Wild, Wild West Rodeo Day 2 060923
The action begins with bareback bronc riding
Wild, Wild West Rodeo Day 2 060923
Hang on cowboy!
Wild, Wild West Rodeo Day 2 060923
Saddle Bronc riding cowboy does it with flair
Wild, Wild West Rodeo Day 2 060923
Riding high in the saddle
Wild, Wild West Rodeo Day 2 060923
Uh oh, this ride’s almost over
Wild, Wild West Rodeo Day 2 060923
Pickup riders chase down a feisty bronc
Wild, Wild West Rodeo Day 2 060923
So close to breakaway success
Wild, Wild West Rodeo Day 2 060923
Ava Packouz delivers best performance breakaway time: 3.67
Wild, Wild West Rodeo Day 2 060923
I’m coming for ya!
Wild, Wild West Rodeo Day 2 060923
This little guy is heavy
Wild, Wild West Rodeo Day 2 060923
Little guy showing off his mutton bustin’ chops
Wild, Wild West Rodeo Day 2 060923
Nothing sheepish about this ride
Wild, Wild West Rodeo Day 2 060923
Yee haaa! No unraveling for this wild and wooly cowboy
Wild, Wild West Rodeo Day 2 060923
Bert and Francine Davis with the Muttley Crew
Wild, Wild West Rodeo Day 2 060923
Member of Muttley crew does barrels
Wild, Wild West Rodeo Day 2 060923
Almost horizontal on barrels
Wild, Wild West Rodeo Day 2 060923
Bull riding art piece
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How about a little instant replay?
If you measure success by the crowd's size and enthusiasm, Day 2 (Friday) of the Casper Baca Wild Wild West Rodeo at Southwest Horseman's Park in Silver City was an unmitigated success. That's no surprise given that we are in the southwest and that the rodeo offers something for anyone remotely connected to or interested in southwest culture. Ah, not to mention food, drink, and merchandise in vast variety.
I'm relatively new to the southwest and brand new to rodeo, but it's clear that as much fun as it is, the organizers, the participants, and the spectators take all elements of rodeo seriously…while having a blast, of course. From the git-go, it smacks you right in the face that pomp and circumstance are not just for graduations. The rodeo kick-off features the national anthem, flag waving, an invocation and participant processions (including the livestock). It is quite a spectacular sight.