Community News

Taylor McWhorter receives Service above Self Award from Rotary President Ray Goellner.At its September 30 meeting the Silver City Rotary Club presented awards to Cobre High School senior Taylor McWhorter and to the Indian Springs Ranch.

Rotary's "Service Above Self" plaque was awarded to Taylor for her work to support the New Mexico Borderland Animal Rescue Coalition (NM BARC). Liz Pendleton from NM BARC was also in attendance, along with Taylor's mother and sister. Not only did Taylor donate hundreds of pounds of dog food, treats, blankets and toys, she has also volunteered her time to foster one of the dogs at NM BARC. 

Rotary also donated $200.00 to NM BARC on behalf of Taylor's outstanding service in support of animal rescue. To learn more about this organization please visit https://www.nmbarc.org/. Melissa Clayton, Director of Operations at NM BARC is scheduled as a guest speaker on November 11th, 2025.

SILVER CITY, NM—J. Dean Reed, a recently appointed member of the Western New Mexico University (WNMU) Board of Regents and an alum with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in finance, detailed his commitment to ensuring robust financial oversight and driving strategic university growth. Reed's appointment by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and confirmed in March 2025 by the New Mexico Legislature, restored the WNMU Board to a quorum of five regents and brought his extensive background in sales leadership and senior management in the healthcare sector to the university's governance.

Reed, who serves as the Treasurer /Secretary on the newly completed Board, emphasized his hands-on approach to financial duties and his passion for fiscal accuracy.

Photos Courtesy of Denice Pratesi

Denice Pratesi and her team work together to create an  event to demonstrate and educate youths and adults in the usage and job opportunities offered by the use of drones of all sizes and abilities.

The first event took place on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025  at Fort Bayard National Landmark. 

SILVER CITY, NM — From the quiet mountains of New Mexico to the bustling streets of New York City, Western New Mexico University student Gabriel Farley embarked on a transformative journey this past summer, immersing himself in the prestigious Summer Undergraduate Residency Program at the New York Academy of Art. A junior in the university's Bachelor of Fine Arts program, Farley's art and perspective was profoundly shaped by the month-long experience.

Farley's path to the residency began at WNMU, where he found a key mentor in painting professor Matthew Drissell, who received his master's from the New York Academy of Art. Drissell encouraged Farley to apply for the program while Farley was simultaneously applying for the BFA program at WNMU. The young artist submitted his portfolio and was amazed to receive an acceptance email months later. "I didn't think I would get it," Farley admits. "I basically just completed my spring semester at WNMU and went to New York in June."

The Kiwanis Club of Silver City celebrated students honored as Terrific Kids for September at GW Stout Elementary School.  Sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Silver City, Terrific Kids is a student-recognition program that promotes character development, self-esteem and perseverance. "Terrific" is an acronym for Thoughtful, Enthusiastic, Respectful, Responsible, Inclusive, Friendly, Inquisitive and Capable! Besides getting a certificate, each child is given a packet of terrific kids gear for them and their parents. 

Those honored are: front, Rowan Gojkovich-1, Tayson Jauriqui-1, Jaxon Nickerson-1, Arianna Herbert-2, Jayzlene Lemay-2, Liam Preusch-2; middle, Sienna Archuleta-3, Israel Obuseh-3, Lena Weyenberg-3, Zalia Carrasco-Chavez-4, Jasper Kelts-4; back, Remmy Rodriguez-4, Estevan Gonzales-5, Zavien Varela-5, Ethan Wood-5, Joseph Palacios-6

The Kiwanis Club of Silver City celebrated students honored as Terrific Kids for September at San Lorenzo Elementary School.  Sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Silver City, Terrific Kids is a student-recognition program that promotes character development, self-esteem and perseverance. "Terrific" is an acronym for Thoughtful, Enthusiastic, Respectful, Responsible, Inclusive, Friendly, Inquisitive and Capable! Besides getting a certificate, each child is given a packet of terrific kids gear for them and their parents. 

Those honored are: back, Grayson Montes-3rd, Jenta Gulick-4th, Joliegh Ford-5h, Harper Runyan-1st. Front, Elias Benavides-Pre-K, Laityn Schmidt-Kinder.  Missing is Clay Jenkerson-2nd

Silver City, NM- Hidalgo Medical Services (HMS) is proud to announce the appointment of Annette Verovich, RN, as its new Chief Nursing Officer (CNO). With over a decade of nursing experience and a deep commitment to patient-centered care, Verovich brings a wealth of clinical expertise, leadership, and a passion for community health to her new role.

Verovich has served HMS in several key capacities, including Nurse Supervisor, Quality and Safety Coordinator, Infection Control, and, most recently, Interim Director of Nursing, where she led initiatives to improve care delivery, staff development, and patient safety. Her leadership was instrumental in launching the Lead MA program and supporting the onboarding and mentorship of new clinical staff. 

The 16th annual Wreaths Across America program for the Fort Bayard National Cemetery is underway.

Members of the Grant County community are invited to remember and honor veterans buried at the cemetery during the Christmas holiday season. Wreath placing will be held on Saturday morning, December 13 at 9:00 (Specific Requests) and 9:30 (General). The WAA Remembrance Ceremony will follow at 10:30.