Front Page News

The Grant County Office of Emergency Management is advising residents that if filled sandbags are needed, there are sandbags available at the County Administration Building and at the Cliff-Gila VFD Station. If you have any questions or concerns, please call Scot Fuller at 575-956-5426.

To download a PDF of the release, please visit the following link: Freeport Declares Quarterly Cash Dividends on Common Stock

PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Freeport (NYSE: FCX) announced today that its Board of Directors declared cash dividends of $0.15 per share on FCX's common stock payable on November 2, 2026, to shareholders of record as of October 15, 2026. The declaration includes a base dividend of $0.075 per share and variable dividend of $0.075 per share in accordance with FCX's performance-based payout framework. The payment of dividends is at the discretion of the Board, which will consider FCX's financial results, cash requirements, global economic conditions and other factors it deems relevant.

FREEPORT: Foremost in Copper

By Roger Lanse

Two incidents, one a shooting and the other a stabbing, continue to be investigated by the Silver City Police Department.

According to the SCPD, when officers arrived at 226 S. Corbin Street at 6:11 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026, they observed a deceased male with an apparent gunshot wound to his chest area. Joshua Villa, 38, Silver City area, has been arrested for the offense and charged with aggravated battery resulting in great bodily harm, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, and on a warrant for probation violation.

Villa remains in custody at the Grant County Detention Center,

Motorists should expect smoke in the area and use caution

SILVER CITY, N.M. — The Bureau of Land Management, in coordination with the U.S. Wildland Fire Service, is scheduled to conduct a prescribed burn beginning Tuesday, Sept. 22, approximately one-quarter mile north of Pinos Altos near NM 15 in Grant County.

Approximately 50 acres are expected to be actively burned over a two- to three-day period. Smoke may remain visible in the area for several days following active burning.

The prescribed burn is part of ongoing efforts to reduce hazardous vegetation and wildfire risk, improve ecosystem health and wildlife habitat, and help protect nearby communities from wildfire.

Photos by Mary Alice Murphy

On Monday, Sept. 14, 2026, recently retired Melody Collins hosted a luncheon to thank the volunteers and staff members she had worked with during her time at the Silver City Museum as book store and gift shop director. 

Collins retired on Aug. 5, 2026 after years working at the museum.

"I just wanted to recognize and thank the volunteers and staff members who keep the museum going," Collins said. 

Melody Collins

See more details about locations  and a mail below.

The U.S. Wildland Fire Service (BLM) plans to burn vegetation and undergrowth in a broadcast burn across the Pinos Altos area of Grant County next week. The Pinos Altos Broadcast Burn will consist of 205 acres, located about a quarter-mile north of Pinos Altos, adjacent roads to Bear Creek Road and NM Highway 15 to the east.

Smoke may be visible from Highways 15 and 180, and from Pinos Altos, Silver City and the Mimbres Valley. The broadcast burn is planned from September 23rd to 25th.

Once the ignitions have been completed, an engine crew will be assigned to monitor the fire, ensuring everything remains under control until all smoke has dissipated.

Andrew Phillip Calanchi

September 17, 2026 — Sixth Judicial District Attorney Norman R. Wheeler announced that 40-year-old Andrew Phillip Calanchi is being held without bond in Luna County after being charged with:
Count 1: Attempt to commit Murder, (1st Degree Felony),
Count 2: Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon, (3rd Degree Felony),
Count 3: Tampering with Evidence, (2nd Degree Felony),
Count 4: Tampering with Evidence, (3rd Degree Felony),
Count 5: Negligent Use of a Deadly Weapon (Petty Misdemeanor).

On August 26, 2026, Deming police responded to a call about a male subject shot in the face with a firearm. Several witnesses advised police that Adrian Mora was shot by a known assailant: Andrew Calanchi.

The Grant County Beat to host candidate forum Oct. 1, 2026

The Grant County Beat has decided to host a candidate forum for the county/state political race—the race for New Mexico House of Representatives District 39, between incumbent Rep. Luis Terrazas and his challenger, County Deputy Assessor Raul Turrieta.

The forum will take place on Thursday, October 1, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. at the WNMU Besse-Forward Global Resource Center Auditorium, on the corner of 12th Street and Kentucky Street.