Silver City Daily Digest Friday, July 03, 2026
Ty's Take
The Sacaton Fire's got the Gila closed off again, and that's hitting different this year—not because fires are new to us, but because the dry season came early and mean, and everybody out there knows what that means for August. Meanwhile, the town's gearing up for America 250 and the Fourth, which is fine, necessary even, but there's something off about hanging bunting and selling fireworks when the wilderness that makes this place worth living in is burning. We'll celebrate anyway, because that's what Silver City does—we hold both things at once, the joy and the worry, the boom and the smoke. Just keep an eye on those clouds, and maybe keep the hose topped off this year.
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Silver City Daily Press
Sacaton Fire closes some of Gila Wilderness
The lightning-sparked Sacaton Fire has grown to 1,229 acres in the Gila Wilderness, prompting officials to close a portion of the northwestern corner to the public as of Wednesday. Dry conditions fueled rapid expansion, though monsoon rains expected next week may provide relief for firefighters...
No matter how dry, state law allows fireworks
Despite severe drought conditions in Grant County, state law prevents local governments from banning all fireworks, though Silver City and the county have restricted certain types under drought proclamations. Fire officials say fireworks stands have complied with bans on the most dangerous devices,...
Silver City to celebrate America 250
Silver City is gearing up for a full day of America 250 celebrations on Saturday, featuring a pancake breakfast, flag ceremony, parade with around 72 entries, and afternoon vendors and live music in Gough Park. The Silver City Museum will also host its 42nd annual Ice Cream Social with family...
Furniture Gallery shakes off early morning fire
A Monday morning fire at the Furniture Gallery on Silver Heights Boulevard damaged the appliance section but was quickly extinguished by firefighters stationed nearby. The store sustained damage to the back wall and some inventory, with business resuming Tuesday and minimal disruption expected for...
Hawkins’ contract extended through 2029 school year
The Silver Consolidated Schools Board unanimously extended Superintendent William Hawkins' contract through the 2029 school year, citing his exceptional leadership and value to the district. The agreement includes a state-mandated 1 percent raise and removes a residency requirement from his...
State public records task force hears law’s flaws
Public records keepers in Grant County told a state task force that they are overwhelmed by public records requests, with some agencies reporting increases of over 100 percent and complaints that the system is being exploited as a profit tool rather than for transparency. Police and county...
Santa Clara water, sewer rates hiked
The village of Santa Clara unveiled its new bike park Friday with a community celebration attended by state leaders, featuring a pump track and skills course that drew enthusiastic young riders from the area. The previous evening, the village board approved increases to water and sewer rates as...
Ex-deputy gives up law enforcement in bunny plea deal
Former Grant County sheriff's deputy Alejandro Gomez pleaded guilty to attempting to commit a felony in connection with an animal cruelty incident involving a baby rabbit in August 2024. He will serve one year of unsupervised probation and relinquish his law enforcement certification under the plea...
Fallen Bataan POW honored at ceremony
Family and community members honored Private Jose G. Jaurequi, a Silver City native and Bataan prisoner of war executed by the Japanese 84 years ago, at a ceremony recognizing the sacrifice of New Mexico soldiers in World War II. The 20-year-old was among 12 soldiers who attempted escape from a...
July 4 vendor, parade entries due Monday
The Silver City Grant County Chamber of Commerce is reminding residents that parade and vendor applications for the July 4th America 250 celebration are due Monday at 5 p.m., with over 70 parade entries and nearly 50 vendors already signed up. Registration is now online through the chamber's...
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Grant County Beat
WNMU Presidential transition celebration 062526
Western New Mexico University held an outdoor reception Thursday to honor departing Interim President Chris Maples and welcome incoming President Jose Coll, with Lieutenant Governor Howie Morales praising Maples' leadership and welcoming Coll back to the institution he attended.
Sacaton Fire sees continued growth in Gila Wilderness 070226
The Sacaton Fire in the Gila Wilderness has expanded to 5,545 acres as a Type 3 firefighting team assumed command operations July 3. The lightning-caused fire continues active growth, particularly along the Iron Creek drainage area southeast of Glenwood.
Cassandra Brazeal sentenced for the deaths of 2 people in house fire.
Cassandra Brazeal was sentenced to 39 years in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of second-degree murder and aggravated arson in connection with a house fire that killed Mary Lou Maynes and Sara Maes. The District Attorney announced the sentencing July 2.
A photo captured the Sacaton Fire actively burning in the Gila National Forest, documenting the ongoing firefighting efforts against the lightning-caused blaze.
Small grass fire on Highway 90
A half-acre grass fire sparked Wednesday afternoon on Highway 90 near mile marker 22 when a horse trailer lost a wheel, with loose lug nuts creating sparks that ignited dry roadside vegetation. The Tyrone Volunteer Fire Department responded with no injuries reported.
Closure order issued for Sacaton Fire
The Gila National Forest issued a temporary closure order for the northwestern corner of the Gila Wilderness effective July 1 to protect public safety during active firefighting operations against the Sacaton Fire. Several popular trails are now off-limits to visitors.
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