Front Page News

Video by Martha Hamblen

This video shows up close the work of Augustin Cruz Tinoco of Oaxaca with  his painted wood figures and alebrijes.

By Mary Alice Murphy

At the Gila Regional Medical Center Board of Trustees meeting on April 24, 2024, Chairman Dr. Fred Fox recognized two employees for their years of service. Neither was available for the meeting. Jaime Jaramillo has served 10 years at the Gila Family Practice, and Tiffany Rascon has served five year with Beginning Years.

With no public input, members reviewed the consent agenda.

Board member Will Hawkins asked if the board could allow questions before approving the consent agenda.

Presentation made to World War II veteran's family

Photos and article by Mary Alice Murphy

Cross Point Church Pastor Tim Heyer introduced the Gaffney-Oglesby Marine Corps League Detachment 1328 Color Guard, who posted the colors.

After the Pledge of Allegiance, Grant County Sheriff's Office Chaplain Danny Castillo gave the invocation.

He also said: "On behalf of all veterans, we appreciate what Cross Point Pastor Tim does for veterans."

Motorists should expect roadway closures. 

SILVER CITY- The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) District One along with Highland Enterprise Inc. (Contractor) will be continuing a maintenance operation project to place "chip seal" pavement on NM 15 and NM 35 in Grant County. The chip seal process is a surface treatment that is placed on the existing pavement. It is designed to seal out moisture and create a more durable surface extending the longevity of the roadway.  

Starting Thursday, June 13th NM 35 will have crews beginning construction from milepost 27 (NM15/NM 35 intersection) to milepost 0 (NM 35/NM 152 intersection). Motorists should expect intermittent lane closures and reduced speeds, please expect minor delays. Working hours will be seven days a week from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m., use extreme caution loose gravel and no center lane stripping will be present in construction zone. Wait times are estimated at 30 minutes.

To download a PDF of the release, please visit the following link: Freeport CEO Kathleen L. Quirk to Receive The Copper Club's Ankh Award

PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (NYSE: FCX) today announced Kathleen L. Quirk will receive the Ankh Award at The Copper Club's annual dinner on June 12, 2024, in recognition of her exceptional leadership and commitment to the copper industry. The Ankh Award has been bestowed annually since 1962 to professionals who have made extraordinary contributions to the copper industry.

Photos, video and article by Cara Staab
From left, Laisha Vargas Garcia, a WNMU President's List student, with her sister 
Tiffany Vargas Garcia, who also performs with the Kaltonaka Dance Group.

Kaltonaka Dance Group (Chichimeca Mexica Azteca) performed an Aztec ceremonial dance program Saturday at the Latina Festival. The dancers wore Aztec regalia that often included feather headdresses and leg rattles. The group is based out of northern New Mexico, but one of its members, Laisha Vargas Garcia, is a President's List student at WNMU.

Laisha's response when asked what is "Chichimeca Mexica Azteca," which is in their header name:

"chichimeca mexica azteca" is basically all referring to our people and our ancestors. our ancestors used to be known through all of those names "chichimecas" "mexicas" (pronounced meh-shee-kahs) and "aztecas, she said."

"Chichimecas were the different groups of peoples who first established themselves in what was known as Aztlán/ Tenochtitlán known as current day Mexico City.

"The chichimecas eventually turned into the Aztec Empire with famous emperors such as Montezuma II.

By Lynn Janes

The town of Bayard held a regular meeting May 28, 2024. Attendance included Mayor John L. Ojinaga, Mayor Pro Tem Eloy Medina, Councilors Eloy Gonzales, and Gilbert Ortiz. Frances Gonzales didn't attend. Martha Salas, city clerk/treasurer also attended.

The council approved the consent agenda that include the April police report, meeting minutes May 13, 2024, and May 23, 2024, and accounts payable.

Old business

By Lynn Janes

The Cobre Consolidated School Board held a regular meeting on May 28, 2024. Board members in attendance included Gabriella Begay, Gilbert Guadiana, David Terrazas, Angelina Hardin, and Emmarie Heredia. Superintendent Michael Koury also attended.

The council approved the agenda after discussion on public input. Guadiana objected to the agenda not providing a public input and public input on agenda items. "We are not being transparent, and it is policy. I have addressed this many times." Begay said she had just received the email from him today on the matter. She had reached out to legal counsel, and they agreed having it on the agenda twice would be redundant. She had included the matter in the agenda to discuss as a council.