Community News

SILVER CITY, NM – Going to college was never part of the plan when WNMU undergraduate Kelly Snyder was younger. "I dropped out of high school when I was like fifteen," said Snyder. "I grew up outside of Philadelphia, and I pretty much lived on the streets for a long time in Philly."

After having her two daughters, however, Snyder knew she needed to make a change in her life, so her first move was to leave Philadelphia and settle in New Mexico. "I just got tired of everything [in the city], the rat race and everything," she explained. "I just needed to get out of there and change my lifestyle."

By Frost McGahey

Eddie Flores, who is running County Commissioner for District 4, spoke to voters on Monday, September 14th. Billy Billings is not running again because he is term limited. Flores speech started off with a question.

"Why are the roads so bad in this county? There's got to be a way to improve them. Chip sealing is only a temporary solution," he said. One woman declared that she gets a cracked windshield every time they do chip sealing on her road.

Members of the first graduating class of WNMU Law Enforcement Training Academy stand with Director Gil Najar at the academy's 50th anniversary celebration, Sept. 11, 2024. Pictured (L-R) are Karl Wiese, Fred Radosevich, David Schuetz, and Najar.SILVER CITY, NM—Western New Mexico University celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of its Law Enforcement Training Academy on September 11, 2024 at the Besse-Forward Global Resource Center.

Those in attendance were welcomed by Director of the Law Enforcement Training Academy Gil Najar and Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Jack Crocker.

Crocker emphasized how the academy has not just contributed significantly to public safety in southwest New Mexico but to the state as a whole. "Many [graduates] have gone on to be leaders in law enforcement and are keeping our communities safe," he said. "We are continuing to serve the community and the state [by graduating] well trained officers who move into the community and serve in leadership positions as well as protect us."

Phase One of Historic Project Nears Completion

Silver City -- As if by magic, the old Waterworks property has been transformed from abandoned and forlorn, to beautiful, vibrant and verdant, thanks to an abundance of hard work, creative vision and community support, much of it expressed through volunteer labor and donation of materials and equipment. Those volunteers will be honored September 20 from 11 am to 1 pm, the first community open house at the property, located immediately north of Jose Barrios Elementary School on Little Walnut Road. The public is invited to bring lunch, enjoy light refreshments and music, and tour the revitalized property.

Silver City Mayor Ken Ladner will open the celebration with a few remarks and a presentation of certificates of appreciation to dozens of volunteers, including Youth Conservation Corp (YCC) crew members, whose many hours of work have been invaluable, not only on the Waterworks grounds, but also in the major clearing, planting and hardscape improvements at the Silva Creek Nature Trail, which forms the western boundary of the Waterworks property, connecting it to Penny Park and town amenities.

Thursday, September 19, 3:00 - 5:00 pm
201 North Hudson Street, Silver City, NM 88061

The Silver City MainStreet Project and the Murray Ryan Visitor Center are excited to announce they will be hosting a Newcomers Open House as part of "Welcoming Week" on Thursday, September 19, 3:00 – 5:00 pm at the Visitor Center, located at 201 North Hudson Street, Silver City, NM.

"In addition to being a resource for out of town visitors, the Visitor Center is often the first stop for new residents," said Sharla Lefkowitz-Oberg, Executive Director of the Silver City MainStreet Project. "We have wanted to hold an open house to provide an opportunity for those who have recently relocated to our community to come together and connect. When I found out about 'Welcoming Week,' it seemed like the perfect opportunity to host this event. I'm excited about the opportunity for networking and connection that the open house provides, and I'm honored that we are part of the 'Welcoming Week' initiative."

Silver City, NM – Silver Consolidated Schools has officially submitted Letters of Intent to the Public School Capital Outlay Council (PSCOC) for two vital infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing the safety and functionality of school facilities. The projects include the Harrison H. Schmitt Elementary Roof Replacement and HVAC Update as well as Fire Detection and Alarm System Upgrades across multiple campuses.

Harrison H. Schmitt Elementary, originally constructed in 1970, has been a cornerstone of the community for years. Despite several additions, including classrooms in 1998 and a cafeteria in 1993, the building's infrastructure is showing signs of aging. Recent assessments from the district's 2024-29 Facilities Master Plan (FMP) have identified the need for immediate updates to both the roof and the fire detection systems to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment for students and staff.

SILVER CITY, NM – Thirty-two nursing student took part in a Purple Coat Ceremony to mark the start of their clinical education and commit themselves to compassionate care, Friday, Sept. 6, 2024.

The ceremony was modeled on the White Coat Ceremony, which was initiated in 1993 at Columbia University. Today, nearly every medical school in the United States, hundreds of nursing schools, and many other health profession schools participate in the tradition.

The ceremony is designed as a rite of passage to emphasize the importance of compassionate patient care at the very start of training. Students recite an oath, dedicating themselves to providing the highest quality care and services. In addition to the oath, students come forward to be "cloaked" before family and friends. While a white coat is usually symbolic of the health care field, at WNMU, students receive a purple scrub jacket, consistent with the university's colors.

Nominations are open for the Presidential Leadership Award, one of Western New Mexico University's most prestigious awards. This honor is awarded annually to the staff member who best represents remarkable achievement, unwavering dedication and leadership, and a commitment to excellence.

Any employee of WNMU with at least three years of service who works in a regular, benefits-eligible position is eligible for nomination, except faculty and senior leadership.