Community News

From the Minutes by BJ Agnew

The Gila Basin Irrigation Commission Chair David Ogilvie called to order  the October 16, 2024, meeting at 6:00 pm  in the Conference Room at Amplified Therapy, Cliff, New Mexico.

Present: Harley Allsup, Wendel Hann, Zac Runyon, Rose Shoemaker, Charlene Webb, David Ogilvie, Debbie Ivins, Lester Ivins, Autumn Bruton, Destre Shelley, BJ Agnew.

A quorum of the Gila Basin Irrigation Commission (GBIC) was determined to be present by the representation of the Upper Gila Irrigation Association, the Fort West Irrigation Association, and the Gila Farms Irrigation Association. And, by proxy, the Gila Hot Springs Irrigation Association, the Riverside Irrigation Association, and the Grandpa Harper Irrigation Association.

Silver City, NM — The Grant Soil and Water Conservation District is thrilled to announce the awarding of the Mark Runyan Memorial Scholarship, which will provide $300 to support the New Mexico State Champion Horse Judging Team on their journey to the national contest in Denver, Colorado, scheduled for January 2025. This scholarship not only represents a financial boost but also highlights the importance of nurturing the next generation of agricultural leaders.  

From Left are Tom Shelley, Tucker Gatlin, Dusty Waters, Tanner Frost, Carlie Gatlin. Not pictured: Sarah Gardner

SILVER CITY, NM –Western New Mexico University Artist-in-Residence Elizabeth Gerdeman is well familiar with art residencies, having traveled as far as Armenia and Switzerland on previous residencies. Her current position at WNMU, though, is her first in the American southwest.

"I knew that I wanted to do an artist's residency in the southwest—I was looking particularly in New Mexico—but I hadn't found that nice combination of what this residency seems to offer: to be immersed within both an academic and local community imbued in the arts and surrounded by wilderness," she explained.

The university's location is especially important to Gerdeman because of the nature of her work. "I am driven by places that exist at the intersections of nature and culture," she said, "where my interdisciplinary practice of painting, installation, and site-specificity continues to evolve from experiences in such varied and complex areas of the world."

The WNMU One Stop and University Bookstore are working together to collect food and monetary donations to benefit students. When the Mustang Dining Hall is closed over the winter holidays, many students who choose to remain on campus do not have a reliable source of food. The "Round Up to Fight Holiday Hunger" is designed to provide these students with meals during this period.

The campus community and the general public are encouraged to donate non-perishable, non-expired food. Donation boxes are set up in the University Bookstore (Thomas B. McDonald Student Memorial Center [SMC] 1st floor) and the One Stop food pantry (SMC 3rd floor and in Deming at the Mimbres Learning Center). The University Bookstore will also have donation boxes at the two upcoming home football games, October 26 and November 9.

Photos and article by Mary Alice Murphy

[Editor's Note: This author lost the notebook in her pile of old meeting notes and found it today after forgetting to write this up. Apologies for not getting photos of every candidate. Better late than never, I guess.]

After the dinner, County Commissioner Billy Billings spoke at the event and gave his take on what the word patriot stands for. "It is more than oneself. It includes God, family, country, life, liberty, peace, prosperity and happiness. We need the blessings of God more than ever."

He then said that seven of the eight local Republican candidates would speak at the event.

Candidate for Grant County District 4 Commissioner Eddie Flores said because there are many great people at Gila Regional Medical Center, he would strive and work hard to improve the hospital, as he has heard too many bad stories about it. "I will also work on improving public safety. I served 39 years in public safety, and I will work to get more officers. Another thing that needs improvement are our roads. I also support the two main industries in our county, mining and farming and ranching."

County Commissioner District 5 Candidate Tom Shelley said he had served in the U.S. Army. "I will always defend our flag and our country." He said the three main issues facing the country are immigration, the need for good government leadership and fixing the economy. "I aim to fight for things that matter to you, especially the economy and public safety. I have retired from the mine, but I still work there as a consultant. I am also a longtime rancher in the area."

Sixth Judicial District Attorney Candidate Norman Wheeler noted the district serves three counties, Grant, Luna and Hidalgo. "I plan to do the right things for the community and family. Everyone wants their family to be protected." He said he had heard that the 32nd person from the present DA's office, which has started with 40 people, had resigned.

Incumbent State Representative District 39 Candidate Luis Terrazas said at age 18, he had registered as a Republican. "My dad didn't like it, but I believe it's OK to be conservative and to hold the line." He noted that voter registration in New Mexico is 54 percent Democrat, 34 percent Republican and the rest are Independents or decline to state.

Candidate for State Senator District 28 Gabriel Ramos, who served a term as senator, after replacing then senator, Howie Morales after he was elected Lt. Gov., said out of the past 26 years, he has served 22 of them in government. He was county clerk, county commissioner, served as a Hurley councilor, among other public positions. "I'm the candidate that really wants this position. I really want to serve you again." He noted the area had lost the Central Arizona Project Entity due to actions of the state Legislature. "That was money for our region that they took away from us. Since I left in 2020, the legislators have a approved abortion up to birth, which I strongly oppose. They have tried to get rid of the Second Amendment, which is a federal right, not a state one. I will support the police. I will support bringing morals back to New Mexico. I will fight to close the borders. We need to protect our jobs, our rights and our southwestern values. Please get your friends out to vote. Three words lead me and they are God, family and freedom."

Carol Miller of the Grant County Republican Party announced and awarded the 2024 Volunteer of the Year to Cindy Donovan.

"We have a great team. To God give the glory," Donovan said in acceptance.

The next speaker was New Mexico District 2 Candidate for Congress Yvette Herrell. "I am made in America. I support veterans, family and first responders. I am pro-life, pro-God and pro-business. I will work to protect our borders, to improve our economy and for universal school choice. It is our moment. the government is not going to save us, but God will. I am a war horse to replace the show ponies in government."

Candidate for one of the two New Mexico Senators in Congress Nella Domenici spoke. "I toured the mine (Chino) today and it reminded me of my father, Sen. Pete Domenici, who served many years as one of New Mexico's senators. My father's footprints will be the prints I will follow. I was one of eight kids, and I was born in Albuquerque. I went to law school, but I loved business. I had two requirements for myself, be a good mother and wife and excel. I graduated at the top of my class from law school when I was nine months pregnant. The school gave me a silver rattle for my baby. I wanted to be a role model. I worked for 30 years in business. I want to go to Congress to help businesses grow and thrive. Radical government regulations keep businesses, like the mine from growing. I support ranching and the mining and oil and gas industries. I will fight hard against the progressives and environmentalists. They don't put people first; I will. My values will lead me. My sister has schizoprenia and my parents said most people are ashamed of mental illness. My father looked me in the eyes and said: 'We have to be the voice for those who have no voice.' My father worked with Sen. Ted Kennedy to help change the law so that insurance would pay for mental health care. So now they serve medical and mental health, with parity. I'm running to follow my father in service to be the voice for those without a voice."

Domenici said now is the time to run, because New Mexico is in crisis as the destination for criminals. "New Mexico is at the top for crime and use of drugs, including fentany, and at the bottom for education. I will focus on control of the border. I will fight crime. The federal role is to fight the cartels and the fentanyl. I will fight for the economy to limit spending bills that cause inflation. The current senator has fought to shrink drilling in New Mexico. I will support drilling and developing oil and gas. I will fight against bad education policies that provide the worst social justice. I will push really hard to transform the schools. I will address mental health issues. I am a 35-year member of NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. I will unleash the energy industry in our state."

She noted that her campaign had raised more than any prior senator in New Mexico.

After the speeches, people mingled with one another and chatted with candidates.

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Silver City, NM – October 17, 2024 - Gila Regional Medical Center (GRMC) is proud to announce that it has been named the WINNER of the New Mexico Hospital Association (NMHA) Quest for Excellence 2024 Award for its exceptional work in sepsis care. GRMC was selected from 33 hospitals across the state for this prestigious honor, which recognizes excellence in quality improvement and patient care.

The NMHA Quest for Excellence Award is the highest recognition bestowed by the association's Quality Committee, alongside members and state hospital associations from across the country. This award highlights the significant impact of GRMC's Sepsis Initiative, which has improved sepsis outcomes and set a new standard for patient care.

On Oct. 10, Diana Ingalls Leyba received the  Governor's Award for Excellence in the Arts. A long-time artist and art gallery owner in Silver City, Ingalls Leyba began the Youth Mural project and still directs it along with other artists who lead the students in the construction of the mural.

Courtesy Photos below

On Saturday October 5th, the Gila Valley Library hosted an anniversary celebration commemorating 20 years, almost to the day, of becoming an accredited library in the small community of Gila, NM. The event looked back at this local landmark’s humble beginnings in cardboard boxes in a community center closet, evolving over the years to eventually working its way into a building rented from Hidalgo Medical Services for one dollar a year.

Highlights throughout the day’s celebration included a performance by the Cliff High School cheerleaders, music by local group No Shame and several resident artisans. A speech was given by Chair Emeritus April Crosby on the 20-year history of the library and many attendees enjoyed a tour of the library’s well established pollinator garden given by the garden’s curator Monica Rude. Lunch was provided by the Gila Valley Deli with additional sides and dishes provided by local families.

The Library is run by an Executive Director, a volunteer Board of Directors and many dedicated volunteers. With the newly hired Director Esti Gutierrez, this group is excited to start a “new chapter .“ While they have always prioritized children’s programming they look forward to what Ms Gutierrez will bring to the library with her STEAM programming experience. The GVL has also recently launched a 15-month calendar featuring local artists and GVL library-logoed t-shirts. Both items are available for sale at the library which is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 to 4 and Saturday from 10 to 2.

The GVL invites you to come by and enjoy our great selection of books including a robust southwest selection and the enchanting children’s room. Currently featured in the children’s room is an extensive collection of Cliff School yearbooks dating back to 1939. Patrons can also enjoy free high speed internet, computer services and access to a printer. There is a free seed exchange program, which is the largest collection in the county.

The next time you’re in Gila, NM look for this amazing little library between the post office and HMS.

Submitted by Alida Burchett, GVL Board President

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