Community News

The Grant County Golf Association will be hosting the annual Drew Hunter Junior Golf Camp June 15-19. 

Kids 6-18, beginners to high school golfers are welcome. Learn the game and have fun with Head Pro Len Zamora and staff. 

Cost is $10 per child. Clubs will be provided if you don't have any. 

Lunch will also be provided each day. 

Kids who complete the program will get to play free all summer long. Conditions apply. 

Left: Garrett Peltonen, Ph.D., and Right: Takahiro Sato, Ph.DSILVER CITY, NM — At Western New Mexico University (WNMU), the study of human movement is more than just a science—it is a community mission. Kinesiology faculty members Garrett Peltonen, Ph.D., and Takahiro Sato, Ph.D., detail how the university's program breaks down the walls between the classroom and the real world, proving that "exercise is medicine" for all ages. The program manages several flagship community initiatives that serve as "living laboratories" for students.

Kinesiology, the science of human movement, is divided into two specialized pillars at WNMU: exercise physiology and sport psychology. Peltonen, an expert in exercise physiology and a former professional bicycle racer, focuses on the body's physical responses to exertion. Sato specializes in the psychosocial aspects of movement, exploring how mental performance and motivation influence both elite athletes and everyday individuals.

Silver City, NM — Gila Regional Medical Center (GRMC) is proud to announce that its Physical Therapy team has been awarded the University of New Mexico (UNM) Division of Physical Therapy 2026 Outstanding Clinical Site Award, a distinction recognizing excellence in clinical education and student mentorship.

The award is presented annually based on nominations from graduating Doctor of Physical Therapy students who identify clinical sites that exceed expectations in providing a high-quality learning experience. GRMC received this honor following a nomination from Isaac Swartz, a Doctor of Physical Therapy student and recipient of the UNM Class of 2026 Student Award, who commended the team for delivering an exceptional and impactful clinical rotation.

During his time at GRMC, Swartz worked closely with Natalie Hall, Physical Therapist, who served as his clinical instructor during his rotation and helped create a supportive and engaging learning environment.

The Outstanding Clinical Site Award reflects GRMC's commitment to fostering future healthcare professionals through hands-on learning, mentorship, and a strong emphasis on patient-centered care. The Physical Therapy team plays a vital role in supporting students as they transition from classroom learning to real-world clinical practice.

The Arenas Valley Road construction is expected to last through the end of 2026.

See the PDF for more information

Freeport-McMoRan has engaged Voconiq to conduct a community engagement survey called Local Voices, which focuses on understanding community sentiment toward our operations. This survey is open to anyone aged 18 or older who lives in the Grant County area.

Why this matters:
This survey provides an opportunity for community members to share honest feedback and helps us better understand what we're doing well and where we can improve.

Key details:

• The survey takes approximately 15 minutes
• It is completely confidential and administered by Voconiq (individual responses are not shared with Freeport)
• Each completed survey generates a donation to local community organizations
• Participants will be entered into a raffle for one of three $250 gift cards
• The survey is open now and will close on June 30

We will share overall themes and trends with CPP members once the survey closes to ensure transparency and help guide our ongoing efforts to be the best neighbor possible.

How You Can Help
Please consider taking the survey and help share it with your networks, colleagues, and community members to increase participation. You're welcome to use the message above or tailor it to best fit your audience.

Survey link: voconiqlocalvoices.com/FreeportFCX.

Facebook: Voconiq Local Voices - Freeport-McMoRan | Facebook

Students present their findings at the Spring Student Research SymposiumSILVER CITY, NM — Western New Mexico University (WNMU) conducted its annual spring symposium in late April; the two-day event showcased academic excellence, creative scholarship and the diverse research initiatives of the university's faculty and students. The event provided a comprehensive platform for the university community to engage with emerging insights on topics from local historical preservation to advancements in environmental science. 

In total, the symposium featured 93 presenters and drew an audience of 381 participants over the course of the two-day schedule. The event began with a series of in-person presentations held at the J. Cloyd Miller Library. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the library's corridors and study spaces were transformed into vibrant hubs of intellectual exchange. Students and community members gathered to view poster sessions and attend live lectures that highlighted the university's dedication to rigorous inquiry and regional development. 

Silver City, NM – May 26, 2026 – Hidalgo Medical Services (HMS) is proud to announce the upcoming launch of Vision Services, marking a significant step forward in the organization's commitment to delivering comprehensive, integrated care across southwest New Mexico.

This expansion will introduce optometry services at HMS clinics in Lordsburg and Silver City, increasing access to essential vision care for patients in both Hidalgo and Grant Counties. Many individuals in these rural communities face geographic and transportation barriers that can make routine eye care difficult to obtain. By bringing these services closer to home, HMS is helping ensure patients receive the care they need to maintain their health, independence, and quality of life.

Listen to National History Day students talk about their exhibit, "Tierra o Muerte: The Tierra Amarilla Conflict" at the Palace of the Governors.

What: The New Mexico History Museum is proud to host three special National History Day student guests from Cobre High School, Elias Guadiana, Cheyanne Medrano, and Mateo Salcido, for a talk about their exhibit, "Tierra o Muerte: The Tierra Amarilla Conflict." The exhibit explores the historic 1967 Tierra Amarilla land grant conflict and its lasting impact on New Mexico's cultural and political landscape. The students will be interviewed about their research process, the challenges of interpreting a complex historical event, and the experience of designing their exhibit. This conversation will be held in person at the Palace of the Governors, as well as livestreamed on the History Museum's Instagram, @newmexicohistorymuseum.