Community News

Jamie Thomson and Chris Lemme of Silver City Recycles monitor composted sludge from the wastewater treatment plant in a demonstration project funded by the Town of Silver City to show that processed human waste can be successfully diverted from the landfill, and instead composted for large-scale agricultural, parks and other uses.Silver City -- Where some see waste, others see opportunity. Jamie Thomson and Chris Lemme of the non-profit Silver City Recycles have partnered with the Town of Silver City in a fairly simple yet profoundly promising demonstration project to transform solids from the wastewater treatment plant - a hazardous waste - into compost.

On behalf of Silver City Recycles, Lemme and Thomson presented a detailed proposal to Town Manager Alex Brown, who agreed to give the non-profit $15,000 to fund the demonstration project. Human waste, even after processing, is classified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a bio hazard, and is currently disposed of in the local landfill, a difficult and potentially dangerous process for landfill workers, and a costly one for the town. Disposal of this waste costs the town nearly $57,000 annually, and volatile, airborne compounds are a potential health hazard to landfill workers, who "absolutely hate dealing with this stuff," said Lemme.

"We're really grateful to town management for partnering with us on this project," he added. "In just one week we've already succeeded in establishing that this is a viable project that can be scaled to provide compost for agricultural use, town parks and many other uses."

Western New Mexico University would receive $9M with the passage of Higher Education Bond 3, which is on the ballot this November. Across the state, projects funded by the bond would help educate more pharmacists, expand trade and technical education, renovate and enhance New Mexico's agricultural science and research centers, create centers for early childhood development, boost workforce training, make campuses safer, advance science and space education, and much more—all without raising property tax ratesSILVER CITY, NM—In a presidential election year, when most voters' attention is directed to the top of the ticket, it can be easy to overlook other key items that are also on the ballot. This year, one of those items is Higher Education Bond 3, which provides essential funding for New Mexico's public colleges, universities and specialty schools. This General Obligation Bond would deliver $229,565,000 funding without raising the property tax rate.

The projects to be funded by Higher Education Bond 3 range from renovation of the College of Pharmacy at the University of New Mexico to upgrades to the agricultural science and experimentation stations run by New Mexico State University around the state. All of the projects are designed to ensure students have the tools and learning environments they need to excel.

CEDARVILLE, OH (08/05/2024)-- Megan Gorog, from Silver City, earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree in Music Education-Multi-Age from Cedarville University.

Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 5,456 undergraduate, graduate, and online students in more than 150 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, strong graduation, and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings, and high student engagement ranking. For more information about Cedarville University, visit www.cedarville.edu .

Photo by Cara Staab

The photo shows the Burro Mountains under scattered showers on 080124

Arriana Lopez and Dr. Dan Otero with bike winnerOn Saturday, July 20th, Hidalgo Medical Services (HMS) hosted its Second Annual HMS Celebrates Hidalgo County event. A day to celebrate the local healthcare system and the residents of Hidalgo County.

Participants were given the opportunity to visit the local healthcare system participants, including HMS's Behavioral Health, Dental, Family Support, Human Resources, IT, Medical, Nursing, Operations, and Senior Services divisions. Also participating were Ambercare, Amplified Therapy, Genoa Pharmacy, Lordsburg Elks Club, Lordsburg Fire Department, Lordsburg Hidalgo Library, Lordsburg Police, Main Street Health, Molina, WNMU Veterans Affairs, WNM Communications, and United Healthcare. As participants completed their passports by visiting each healthcare table, they were eligible to be entered into the drawings for free giveaways. Four bikes and four scooters donated by HMS were awarded to area children as grand prizes.

Diné artist Jared Tso led a workshop at WNMU as part of the annual Silver City CLAY Festival, which was held July 22-28, 2024. Founded in 2011, the CLAY Festival features workshops, exhibitions, artists' talks and moreSILVER CITY, NM – Since its founding in 2011, the Silver City CLAY Festival has offered events and activities for experienced ceramicists as well as those completely new to clay. One of the highlights of this year's festival was a WNMU-hosted workshop with Diné artist Jared Tso.

Tso, who comes from a family of Navajo ceramicists, led participants in an exploration of traditional clay practices that included digging clay at NAN Ranch in the Mimbres Valley, learning forming techniques such as pinching and coiling, and pit firing.

Members of Preceptor Tau Chapter, Beta Sigma Phi, began the new sorority year in June with a proposed calendar of meetings, service projects and fun.

The group kicked off the new chapter year with an Opening Day social featuring a country-style meal with a western theme. The event included a Rush Party with guests introduced to highlights of chapter activities, and a birthday celebration for June honorees.

By Nancy Gordon ?

Full slideshow below.

You probably drive by it all the time, that little brick house at the corner of Kentucky and 12th Street. You may not know that WNMU owns it. It is a “twin” to the privately-owned house next door, which is listed on the State Register of Cultural Properties and is certified as a Town of Silver City Landmark Structure. They are both equally valuable as historic resources and should be preserved as a set.

WNMU purchased the corner house at 901 West 12th Street in 2016 and did little to maintain it. It has been used for storage of supplies, scarring the oak floors. A slow water leak in one bathroom went unattended. Feral cats moved in. WNMU’s Albuquerque-based architect said it would cost over $1 million to rehabilitate it. Too much. In January, it was slated for demolition.

And then community members got involved. The decision to demolish it was put on hold.