Community News

Professor of History at WNMU, Scott Fritz, Ph.DSILVER CITY, NM — In a recent deep dive into the archives of Southwest history, Professor of History at Western New Mexico University (WNMU), Scott Fritz, Ph.D., unveiled new insights into how Silver City escaped the "ghost town" fate of its 19th-century neighbors in a chapter for the book, "Unpacking Silver City: Revealing the Rich Tapestry of a Historic Town."

While many Western mining camps collapsed following commodity crashes, Silver City's longevity was built on a foundation of accidental diversification and fierce political self-reliance.

In his research, notably featured in the book "Unpacking Silver City," Fritz argues that while Silver City followed the classic "boom-to-bust" trajectory of the 1880s, it possessed unique stabilizers.

"Unlike towns like Georgetown or Gila, which relied on a single commodity, Silver City relied on two: mining and cattle," Fritz explains. "I don't know if the town purposely thought about diversifying, but it happened from its beginning in 1870.  It quickly became a regional hub where its businesses serviced the needs of a growing number of mines and ranches in the area.

Jenny Castañon, access services librarian, WNMU April Employee of the MonthSILVER CITY, NM — Western New Mexico University (WNMU) named Jenny Castañon, access services librarian, as its Employee of the Month for April. The award recognizes Castañon's behind-the-scenes efforts to maintain the structural integrity of the university's library while fostering a welcoming environment for students navigating the complexities of higher education.

Castañon grew up in Bayard; her deep-rooted connection to the area informs her approach to support, as she understands the unique challenges and the strong sense of communal reliance that defines the local culture. After graduating from WNMU with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Castañon pursued a Master of Fine Arts at Illinois State University, but a desire for the collective spirit of her home community drew her back to Silver City.

Castañon joined the university staff two years ago, initially serving as a part-time reference librarian. Her rapid progression highlights her versatility and commitment to the institution. In her current capacity, she serves as a vital engine for the Miller Library, managing work-study students, overseeing interlibrary loans, and ensuring that the facility remains an organized, functional space for academic pursuit.

SILVER CITY, NM — On March 2, the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) accepted the Western New Mexico University 2026 Quality Assurance Report without notes or conditions. This rare distinction confirms that the business curriculum meets global standards for excellence. With this filing, the university stays on track for its next reaffirmation cycle in 2028.

The ACBSP is a premier specialized accrediting body that shifts the focus from traditional research-heavy metrics to teaching excellence and student learning outcomes. Its framework is designed to foster a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring that member institutions do not stagnate between major reviews. Maintaining this status is a perpetual process. 

Sobriety Checkpoint and Saturation Patrols Scheduled for the Months of May through July

– The Grant County Sheriff's Office will be conducting Sobriety Checkpoint and Saturation Patrols during the months of May, June and July, with enforcement activities taking place during peak travel times into late evening hours.

These efforts are part of the agency's ongoing commitment to reducing impaired driving and enhancing roadway safety. The checkpoint and saturation patrols are intended to raise public awareness, deter impaired driving, and prevent alcohol- and drug-related crashes.

Mariah Sanchez, a single mother and WNMU graduate, with her twin boysSILVER CITY, NM — At Western New Mexico University (WNMU), student success is measured by the strength built during the journey. Mariah Sanchez's story reflects how a supportive environment makes all the difference in creating a self-fulfilling, purposeful future.

A native of Belen, New Mexico residing in Albuquerque and an online WNMU student, Sanchez just completed a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, with a focus on special education and criminal justice. Her road to higher education involved navigating a complex landscape of personal hurdles. For a long time, the idea of walking across a commencement stage felt more like a distant, flickering dream to Sanchez rather than a tangible reality.

"When I first started, I wasn't sure if I belonged in a university setting," Sanchez admitted. "But through my classes and the support here, I realized that my unique perspective is an asset. I've learned that my voice matters, and I want to use it to help the next person who feels the way I used to feel."

Silver City, NM — Gila Regional Medical Center (GRMC) is proud to announce that Mary Gruszka has been honored with the Nursing Excellence Award for Excellence in Practice – Maternity/Women's Health. This prestigious recognition highlights Ms. Gruszka's outstanding dedication to patient-centered care and her commitment to women and families in our community. The awards were presented at the New Mexico Nursing Excellence Awards Gala, held on April 11, 2026, at the Sandia Resort & Casino.

In addition to this achievement, GRMC is proud to recognize two additional team members who were nominated in their respective categories. Alan Cheverine, CNP, received a nomination for the Rural Practice category, while Christopher O'Dell, RN, was nominated for Excellence in Practice – Critical Care. These nominations reflect the exceptional skill, compassion, and professionalism demonstrated daily by GRMC's nursing staff.

Margie Gomez, graduating on May 8, stands in front of a WNMU wall she helped decorate as a studentSILVER CITY, NM — For seven years, Margie Gomez has walked the halls of Western New Mexico University (WNMU) with a quiet, steady determination. On May 8, the Silver City local will reach a long-awaited academic pinnacle. Gomez graduates with a Master of Arts in Counseling. This milestone was born not just from textbooks and lectures; it emerged from a profound personal storm and a calling to serve the community that has always been her home.

Gomez's path to academia was far from traditional. A hairdresser by trade for decades, her life took a sudden, heartbreaking turn in 2019.