Front Page News

Grant County Regional Dispatch Authority is having issues with our administrative phone lines. These lines have been reported to either have a line disconnect, busy signal, or voicemail. However, we wanted to let our citizens of Grant County know we have been working diligently with our service provider to get these lines back up in service. Our agency does not have voicemail and we strongly encourage those trying to call on our administrative line (575-388-8840), to try again or if at all possible, to try calling from a different phone number. This does not affect our 911 system as this system is up and operational. Other administrative lines are listed below. We would like to thank you all in advance for being patient with us as we continue to resolve this issue.

575-388-8846
575-388-8851
575-388-8735
575-534-9422
575-538-5254
575-388-8853
575-388-8862 (FAX)

By Roger Lanse

On Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024, at about 8:54 a.m., a Bayard Police Department officer was dispatched to the area of Tom Foy Blvd. and Hurley Avenue reference a welfare check call. When the officer arrived he saw a female, later identified as Amber Woods, 30, of Bayard, who appeared to be under the influence, yelling obscenities at a male who was parked in front of Blake's Lotaburger.

According to a BPD incident report, Woods refused to obey verbal commands and resisted being taken into custody and handcuffed.

Photos and article by Mary Alice Murphy

Western New Mexico University President Joseph Shepard kicked off the dedication of a very large sculpture of stainless steel columns and two several thousand pound boulders on the side of the campus by Old James Stadium.

"Art is what makes us human," Shepard said in reference to the sculpture, created by Michael Metcalfe, former Department of Expressive Arts chair.

Shepard also explained the overcoat he was wearing on the cloudy, chilly day. "When my dad died, my mom gave me his coat. This coat has symbolism just like art does."

Metcalfe named his created sculpture, which rises over the surrounding campus, "Collaboration."

By Roger Lanse

The Grant County Regional Dispatch Authority on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, at about 5:15 p.m., notified the Grant County Sheriff's Office a caller advised a car was stopped in the middle of W. Highway 180 near Table Butte Road and caller believed the driver to be drunk. The caller also stated alcoholic beverage bottles were in the driver's white SUV and 'alcohol bottles' were being thrown out of the vehicle. A deputy was dispatched and arrived at the scene at MM 94 (1 mile west of Mangas) at approximately 5:30 p.m.

Photos by Mary Alice Murphy

A vast variety of items, collected by Calvin and Barbara Salars over their lives , filled a large room at the Grant County Veterans Memorial Business and Conference Center on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. The sale continued on Sunday, Dec. 8. 

One of their sons, Randy Salars, when asked where all the items came from said: "From Mom and Dad's house."

Calvin died in 2004, and Barbara died in October of this year, and the three sons she and her husband had had and raised, decided to sell off many of the items.  

Photos by Mary Alice Murphy on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024

The Silver City Holiday Artisan Market set up many local artists and crafters to show and sell their wares at the Grant County Veterans Memorial Business and Conference Center for two days—Saturday, Dec. 7, and Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. 

Vendors said the visitors to their booths had been steady all morning and early afternoon on Saturday, They were making sales, too. The variety at this market stuns the visitor, because they can find everything from several jewelry makers, to very different wood workers, to painters, photographers, various fabric arts, including knitting, crocheting and weaving. A couple of artists work with gourds in creative ways. It's quite the feast for the eyes, and prices vary from inexpensive to high-quality expensive gifts. 

Both the wreath placement and Remembrance Ceremony for Wreaths Across America at Fort Bayard National Cemetery will be held Saturday morning, December 14.

Special request or grave specific wreath placements will occur at 9:00 am. The remaining wreaths will be placed at 9:30 a.m. and volunteers are invited to help with this activity.

Photos by Mary Alice Murphy

The annual Western New Mexico University Jingle and Mingle for the students and the community took place Dec. 5, 2024 at Regents Square. Everyone could vote on their favorite tree among those decorated by departments. Music filled the air with school singers and local favorite performers singing Christmas songs. The smells of tamales and other foods tempted everyone to buy tickets for food. Santa Claus heard from kids telling him what they want for Christmas. The area filled with families and students on a breezy, chilly evening. But heaters and gas fires helped people stay warm.