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Photos and article by Mary Alice Murphy
On the evening of Nov. 10, 2024, the Gaffney-Oglesby Marine Corps League Detachment 1328 held a ceremony at the Western New Mexico University Intramural Gym to celebrate the 249th birthday of the Corps.
Lorraine Anglin led the signing of The National Anthem after the colors had been brought in.
Master of Ceremonies Master Gunnery Sgt. Dean Bearup noted that the U.S. Army, the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Navy are older than the establishment of the United States of America, which became officially a country in 1776.
The Marine Corps began in Tun Tavern on Nov. 10, 1775.
In 2009, Grant County Marines came together and formed the local League, Detachment 1328 with 29 people.
By Frost McGahey, Investigative Journalist
The estimated population for Grant County in 2023 was 27,474. If the under 18 are taken out (22.9%)* that leaves 21,181adults. According to the Secretary of State website, there were 20,930 eligible voters. That’s 99% of adults.
Back in 2016, the percentage of registered adults was 62% in Grant County, but for the 2020 election, it skyrocketed to 97%. According to Pew Research:
By Lynn Janes
The Silver City Town Council held a regular meeting November 12, 2024. Attendance to the meeting included Mayor Ken Ladner, Mayor Pro Tem Guadalupe Cano, , Nicholas Prince (phone) and Stan Snider. Rudy Bencomo didn't attend
Council comments.
Cano wanted to let everyone know about some upcoming events for the weekend. The Red Paint Wowow at the university and the Tamal Festival at Fort Bayard. On December 8, 2024, Cano will be directing a production at the Fine Arts Theater called A Chicano Christmas. It will play only once at 2:00 pm and the tickets will be $5.
Sider said he had received some inquiries about the sludge project at the wastewater treatment plant. This project will convert the sludge into compost and make pellets for burning that produce a blue flame and convert to biochar. The people had been concerned about pathogens and PSFAs. In reference to the pathogens the heat from the process kills all pathogens and it will be tested for ecoli. The PSFA's would be a concern in other areas but Silver City sources its water from wells. The wells have been tested for PFSAs and have not found any. Currently the sludge goes to the landfill and must be treated as hazardous waste. By composting it would be a beneficial product.
Prince thanked everyone for accommodating him through flu season.
Public input
Jose Ray addressed the council with a request and comment. He had heard they wanted to have a citizen committee to oversee the police department. "This is not a good idea. They do a good job and people don't know the policies they have." He extended that to the fire department. "Don't fix something that is not broken." Ray said he would like to see more activities downtown to include everyone, adults and youth.
New business
The town of Silver City had a letter of appreciation to present to Ted Lynn. He has volunteered 27 years working with the Silver City Public Library in different capacities. He recently had to resign from the library advisory group due to health issues. He had not been able to attend, and Ken Dayer, director, and Kim Clark, advisory group, accepted the letter on his behalf. Clark said she had served with the group for 10 years and he would be greatly missed. Dayer said Lynn had predated him, but has been an important part of the library since he had come and appreciated all he had done for them.
The council approved ordinance 1333. This changed the business use downtown to conditional. It will mean people will have to come to the council for business approval. It will also not allow any cannabis businesses near the high school and hospital.
The council approved the appointment of Marion MacDonald to the trails and open spaces advisory committee. They had received just one application, and the chair of the committee recommended her.
Meeting adjourned
By Lynn Janes
The Silver City Consolidated Schools held a special meeting, on November 8, 2024. Members in attendance Ashley Montenegro, Michelle Diaz, Patrick Cohn, Mike McMillan and Kimberly Klement. Superintendent William Hawkins also attended.
Mark Valenzuela, financial advisor, Bosque Advisors LLC attended the meeting and Luis Carrasco, Romero Law Firm, joined online to make a bond counsel presentation and resolution review.
Photo Courtesy of a driver stuck in the resulting traffic backup.
By Roger Lanse
A New Mexico State Police official told the Beat, that on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, a single vehicle crash occurred on Highway 180 at Caballero Drive, about three miles east of Silver City. The female driver of the 2012 Toyota SUV involved in the crash was airlifted to Texas. Her condition is not known at this time. Two children who were passengers in the vehicle were uninjured. After being checked out by EMS personnel, the children were picked up by family members.
By Lynn Janes
The Silver City Town Council held a public hearing November 8, 2024. Attendance to the meeting included Mayor Ken Ladner, Mayor Pro Tem Guadalupe Cano, Rudy Bencomo, Nicholas Prince and Stan Snider.
The council approved (Prince voted no) the transfer of the dispensary type liquor license to Fast Stop Management LLC located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The license will be located at 123 West 12th Street, 1810 North Swan Street and 206 North Hudson Street.
Ladner asked if anyone had any previous discussions with anyone regarding the subject matter of the hearing. None of the council had.
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