USFS has informed Grant County that the Gila National Forest (GNF) fire danger rating has moved down from very high to high.

As an FYI, the GNF moved up to high on 9/30/24 and has remained at that level and higher (very high and extreme) since then. 

By Roger Lanse

Silver City Police Department officers responded at about 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, to reports from the 4000 block of Omega Place of a single gunshot heard. An SCPD incident report stated the first caller advised at 9:18 p.m. she heard one large explosion, possibly from a shotgun, and then heard dogs in the area begin barking. A second caller about a minute later stated as they were sitting outside, he heard one gunshot, declaring they "didn't see any fireworks."

Wildfire in Gila Wilderness caused by lightning August 1

Silver City, NM, Aug. 7, 2025—The Daisy Fire transitioned from management by local Gila National Forest resources to an ad hoc Type 3 incident management team under Incident Commander Dustin Roper as of 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 6, 2025. The fire is located approximately 16 miles east of Glenwood within the Gila Wilderness along Whitewater Baldy Trail #172, on the ridge between Little Turkey Creek and Iron Creek.

The Daisy Fire, estimated to be 50 acres in size, is creeping and smoldering, consuming dead and down woody debris left by the Whitewater Baldy fire. Most fire activity is observed along its eastern perimeter. Suppression efforts are focused on protecting values at risk, including the Willow Creek subdivision, Indian Creek cabins, range infrastructure, a relic population of Gila trout, and wilderness values.

August 6, 2025 I Sixth Judicial District Attorney Norman R. Wheeler announced today that CAESAR LEYBA, 30, pled Guilty to Count 1: Armed Robbery, a second-degree felony, contrary to §30-16-02, NMSA 1978, occurring on or about April 21, 2024. This case was prosecuted by Deputy DA Mark Abramson. The state argued for 9 years, plus 1 year probation. Silver City District Court Judge Honorable James B. Foy presided over the sentencing hearing, he expressed concern about LEYBA's misdemeanor sentences, probation history, LEYBA's lack of work history and recognized substance abuse issues. Judge Foy sentenced LEYBA to serve 7 years in the New Mexico Department of Corrections.

Attached is the latest graphical Drought Information Statement. This product will be updated on September 7th or sooner if necessary in response to significant changes in conditions.

• Extreme (D3) to Exceptional (D4) drought status affecting Southwest New Mexico and Far West Texas.
• Slight improvement in drought status in July after near to above normal precipitation.
• Drought conditions expected to persist into the autumn season, below normal precipitation and above normal temperatures in August.

National Drought Information Statement Website

U.S. Drought Monitor

By Frost McGahey
Investigative Journalist

Silver City Daily Press Photo -Silver City Police Chief Freddie Portillo, left, shakes hands with Code Enforcement Officer Thomas Hernandez at June 12, Town Council Meeting.
(Editor's Note: Source requested name be withheld for fear of retribution.)
In 2019, the Chief had an opening for a Captain's position within the Investigations unit. Two individuals were considered: a male lieutenant and a female sergeant. Although interview scores are typically evaluated by a board, the Chief opted to make the decision by himself, which he acknowledged was atypical. The male candidate was selected.

Several months later, an armed suspect fired at civilians and officers. The new Captain arrived in an unmarked municipal vehicle and appeared to be drunk. Responding personnel smelled alcohol and noticed slurred speech as he attempted to provide direction. The incident was reported to Chief Freddie Portillo, who arranged transportation for the individual rather than initiating a formal investigation. This is despite internal policy requiring action when substance the impairment is suspected. The individual was later reassigned to a patrol role, and the female candidate became the acting captain.