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You'll receive the Update on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
By Mary Alice Murphy
At the Grant County Commission first work session of 2026, Chair Chris Ponce, before everyone saluted the American Flag and the Flag of New Mexico, reminded everyone that it was the 113th anniversary of New Mexico statehood.
During public input, Bruce Ashburn, as state Rep. Luis Terrazas' aide, invited the commissioners and the public to a ribbon cutting on Jan 9 at the offices of Terrazas and state Sen. Gabriel Ramos in offices in the back of First American Bank on Swan Street.
[Editor's Note: You can see a photo and write up of the event at https://www.grantcountybeat.com/news/news-articles/sen-gabriel-ramos-and-rep-luis-terrazas-open-new-offices-010926 .]
Gila Regional Medical Center Board of Trustees Chair Dr. Fred Fox presented the monthly report to the commissioners. "I would like to present a review of last year. During this year, there was a successful transition to a new medical management advisory group."
By Lynn Janes
The town of Hurley had a regular meeting January 20, 2026. Mayor Reynaldo Maynes, Aron Phillips, Ester Gil and Robert Candelaria attended.
Maynes called the meeting to order.
The town of Hurley had received one letter of interest for the council position left open by Maynes. Robert Jason Cox had submitted a letter of interest.
Jason Cox said he had grown up in Hurley and lived there the majority of his life. Currently he works as the animal control officer for Grant County. At one time he had been the animal control officer in Hurley and owns a business in the town. He wants to see Hurley grow and head in the right direction.
By Frost McGahey
Sheriff Raul VillanuevaSheriff Raul Villanueva retaliated against his former deputy, Marcus Salas, for reporting the baby rabbit killing to the NM State Troopers. Yet, from the police report and video it is clear that Salas tried to protect the animal.
Villanueva claims that Salas failed to act, failed to report, and conduct unbecoming an officer. The Sheriff is using the accusations to prevent Salas from being hired by the NM State Troopers.
Villanueva fired Salas back in August 2025, but not content with that, filed a LEA 90 on September 10. With that complaint outstanding, the State Troopers can't hire Salas.
Here's a recap from the original police report:
On August 16, 2024 at 8:00 p.m. Deputy Salas decided to work overtime in the Hachita area. Deputy Gomez, Corporal Torres, and Sergeant Brandon Reese were also going to work there.
By Lynn Janes
The Cobre Consolidated School Board held a regular meeting on January 19, 2026. Board members in attendance included Gabriella Begay, Gilbert Guadiana, Agelina Hardin, Hector Carrillo and David Wilguess. Interim Superintendent Randal Piper also attended.
Judge Hector C. Grijalva attended to swear in the new board members. He swore in Wilguess, Guadiana and Hardin.
Dottie Pfeifer with Kiwanis attended to present the student of the month awards. None of the students had been able to attend so they will be presented next month.
The board approved the agenda after Guadiana's request to move a few items had been denied. It had to do with the board reorganization. Begay asked for a second on the motion to pass the agenda as written. Piper said he thought his request to be valid after asked by Begay but said it would be the board's decision.
Lane Closure, NM 35 eastbound and westbound from mile marker 22, 5 miles south of NM 15 to mile marker 23, 4 miles south of NM 15, will have lanes closed with maintainers in the area clearing low water crossings of debris. A flagging operation will be in place. This closure will be lifted at approximately 3:00 pm.
By Lynn Janes
(Writers note: This has been written using the minutes provided by the village clerk.)
The Village of Santa Clara held a regular meeting January 8, 2026. Mayor Arnold Lopez called the meeting to order. Mayor Pro Tem Albert Esparza, trustees, Olga Amador, Peter Erickson and Ralph Trujillo attended.
The council approved the agenda, past meeting minutes and department head reports.
Mayor's report
Lopez said he had been impressed by all the projects that came out of 2025 and will be more involved with the ones to come in 2026. A meeting had been held by the state for Fort Bayard phase two, and it sounded like they would be fixing buildings, RV camping and other recreational projects. Lopez said he would be working with the maintenance crew to start prepping the ground for the pump track if it has approval by the council later. The last week of the month he and Sheila Hudman, village administrator will be in Santa Fe for the legislative session.
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