Community News

HMS is grateful for the additional funding support from the New Mexico Rural Health Care Delivery Funds to support needed expansions in primary care,  behavioral health, and dental services. HMS will utilize this funding in support of the purchase of two mobile units, one for primary care and one for oral health care. These units will be deployed to rural communities and our local school systems in both Hidalgo and Grant Counties. Additionally, these funds will assist in ensuring access to Neuropsychological Testing, support the start-up of a Mobile Crisis Response Team, and finally, the development of transportation services for healthcare access in both counties. "The recent funding received by Hidalgo Medical Services is a testament to our collective dedication to improving community health. This significant investment will enable us to enhance our services and provide better care and access to those in need. We must continue to work together to ensure the success of these initiatives and support the well-being of our community. We are grateful to the Governor for these healthcare-specific allocated funds to improve access and care to rural New Mexicans, stated Dr. Dan Otero, HMS CEO."

Silver Stompers attending the NM Line Dancing Jamboree in Ruidoso (seated l to r) Robin Hines, Barbara Carr, Marylee Bell, Sherelle Wilkerson, Phyllis Burris, Christina Placencio, Lupe Carbajal, (standing l to r) Leticia Molina, Jolene Jones, Samantha Jones, Lucy Madrid, Priscilla Lucero, Joseph Drake, Jean Drake, Maria Elena Galindo, Angie VillegasRecent Events and Achievements

The Silver Stompers, led by instructor Barbara Carr, have recently made notable appearances. They participated in the Copper Country Senior Olympics on March 26 at the Grant County Veterans' Memorial Center, impressing spectators with their enthusiasm and precision.

Students, faculty and staff from WNMU attended the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Institution Educators (AHSIE) Best Practices Conference in Chicago, March 9-13, 2025. (Seated L-R: Assistant Director of Title V/Con Ganas Oscar Arteaga Romero, Director Title V/Con Ganas Marivel Medel, Professor of Education Alexandra Neves. Standing L-R: Assistant Professor of Applied Mathematics and Statistics Sundar Tamang, Francia L. Ortega Robles, Valeria Adame, Nancy Lechuga Gallegos, Carlos Carranza, Alexa Greer and Brisa Chacón.)SILVER CITY, NM—A team of WNMU students, faculty and staff had the opportunity this spring to attend the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Institution Educators (AHSIE) Best Practices Conference in Chicago.

The trip was made possible by Con Ganas, a program funded with grant money awarded under the U.S. Department of Education's Title V Developing Hispanic Serving Institutions program, according to Marivel Medel, who directs Con Ganas.

Medel, Assistant Director of Title V/Con Ganas Oscar Arteaga Romero, and Education Professor Alexandra Neves presented at the conference about what WNMU is doing to better serve Hispanic students through the Con Ganas Summer Institute, a professional development initiative funded by the Title V grant.

As another difficult session comes to a close, we are proud to announce that by working together, we have been able to secure funding that will make a real impact on a local level in Southern New Mexico-in every community that we represent. For example, we were able to provide $700,000 jointly to purchase a critically needed CT scanner for Gila Regional Medical Center. This scanner improves local patient access for this service.

Here are the other Capital Outlay funded projects for Southern New Mexico:

SILVER CITY, NM—The New Mexico Senate recently confirmed four new appointments to the Western New Mexico University Board of Regents.

Joining the Board will be former district 2 state Sen. Steve Neville, John V. Wertheim, Keana Huerta and J. Dean Reed.

All four were nominated by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and forwarded by the Senate Rules Committee prior to their approval by the full Senate. While the fifth Regent seat is yet to be filled, the Regents will be able to meet and take action, as they meet the requirement of a quorum.

(l-r) Grant County Magistrate Court-Division I (Silver City) Magistrate Judge D. Matthew Runnels, retired District Judge V. Lee Vesely, former District Judge Manuel D.V. Saucedo, District Judge Tom Stewart, retired Magistrate Judge Y.B. Morales, District Judge Jim Foy, District Judge Jennifer E. DeLaney, Chief District Judge Jarod K. Hofacket, and Grant County Magistrate Judge-Division II (Bayard) Magistrate Judge Hector C. Grijalva. Photo credit: Trial Court Administrative Assistant Katrina Marquez.BAYARD – The main courtroom in the Grant County Magistrate Court in Bayard has been dedicated to Judge Y.B. Morales, the community's first magistrate judge.

Family, friends, members of the community, active and retired judges, and previous coworkers - nearly 60 people - filled the courtroom during a ceremony earlier this month to honor Judge Morales for his devoted service to the people of New Mexico and enduring contribution to justice.

"Providing quality legal services in our rural communities is essential, and Judge Morales, you met that need with unwavering dedication for over four decades," said Sixth Judicial District Chief Judge Jarod K. Hofacket. "The fact that folks in this room and all over the community still share stories about you says everything about the honesty, integrity, and heart you brought to the job."

Bianca Ramirez, DMO, will see patients starting March 31. To make appointments, call 575-800-1HMS (1467)

For more information, see the PDF below:

Shown with St. Patrick green decorations and food are Lynn Baca, MaryLee Bell, Maria Elena Sanchez and Rosalie Saiz.Preceptor Tau Chapter continues to stay busy with monthly activities. As a chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, members follow a calendar of meetings and socials. March activities included a traditional St. Patrick's dinner and election of officers. Elected to lead the chapter in the next sorority year are Debbie Gerleve as president, Rosalie Saiz as vice president, Maria Elena Sanchez as secretary, and MaryLee Bell as Treasurer. Members are looking forward to April socials, and a traditional Founder's Day celebration.