Community News

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.

See flyer below

On February 20th, the HMS Santa Clara Senior Center hosted Melissa Luna from the Aging and Disability and spoke about the different resources available for our seniors. We had an estimated 26 seniors in attendance. They learned from different Medicare options to how to obtain assistance for a house ramp. One of our seniors stated he never knew how many resources were available for them and he didn't know they could receive a ramp without paying out of pocket while on fixed income. The seniors appreciated all the time she spent answering all their questions and concerns.

Silver City, NM – The Gila Community Foundation (GCF) continues to be a driving force in supporting and empowering nonprofits across Southwest New Mexico. As a "Gateway for Giving," GCF provides essential funding, resources, and capacity-building opportunities to help nonprofits grow and serve their communities more effectively.

With a mission to build a stronger, more resilient region, GCF focuses on key impact areas, including Arts & Culture, Community Health & Wellbeing, Education & Youth Engagement, and Land & Nature. Through grant-making, nonprofit training, and fundraising initiatives, the foundation ensures that local organizations have the tools and funding they need to make a lasting difference.
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