By Lynn Janes

_{(Writers note: this article was written using the minutes provided by the Village of Santa Clara)}

_{The Village of Santa Clara held a regular meeting June 11, 2026. Mayor Arnold Lopez called the meeting to order. Mayor Pro Tem Albert Esparza, trustees, Peter Erickson, Olga Amador and Ralph Trujillo attended.}

_{The council approved the agenda, past meeting minutes and department head reports.}

_{Mayors report}

_{Lopez reminded everyone the new bike park would have a grand opening June 26, 2026. Sheila Hudman, village administrator, attended the Copper Collaborative meeting and they discussed funding options for water infrastructure and housing. He added the county has been very impressed with all the work being done in the village.}

_{Public comments none currently}

_Resolutions

_{The council approved resolution 2026-08 amending the policies and procurement manual for the volunteer fire and rescue department pertaining to nominal stipends.}

_{The council went into closed session.}

_{The council came back into open session.}

_{Hiring, raises, terminations, etc.}

_{The council approved the resignation of Toni Castillo, senior center driver.}

_{The council approved a $1 raise for Mark Diaz for obtaining his water level 2 certification.}

_{Second regular meeting will be June 25, 2026, at 6:00 pm
First regular meeting will be July 9, 2026, 2026, at 6:00 pm}

_{Meeting Adjourned}

Courtesy Photo 

Santa Clara officials as well as legislators gathered at the opening of the Santa Clara Bike Park.

By Lynn Janes

On May 28, 2026, the commission had a regular meeting at the city annex building. Alex Brown, chairman, called the meeting to order.

The board approved the agenda and minutes from past meetings

New business

Karl Pennock of RCAC (Rural Community Assistance Program), had a presentation on the rate study for the regional project. He had done one previously a few years earlier and this would be an update on the rate analysis for the project. He said RCAC works with about thirteen states and provides rural community assistance. "I am what you call a small utility consultant." Pennock's background is in financing, and industrial engineering and he looks at an entity's financial capacity building through rate studies and developing budgets. He will be speaking to the revenue needed to cover the costs.

By Lynn Janes

The Cobre Consolidated School Board held a regular meeting on June 15, 2026. Board members in attendance included Hector Carrillo, Gilbert Guadiana, Agelina Hardin and David Wilguess. Interim Superintendent Randal Piper also attended. Dr. Verenice Gutierrez, superintendent, attended. , Gabriella Begay did not attend.

Hardin recognized the people involved in Special Olympics. She thanked their coach Jessica Garcia and volunteers Aaron and Desirea Amador. The athletes recognized Gabie Hardin, Auggie Jaramillo and Ace Amador. All received certificates.

Garcia said in order for the students to participate in the state games they must participate in area games. She said in the past ten years the most she had ever taken to state had been three students. She hoped the board would approve the purchase of uniforms because they have represented Cobre well.

Photos by Mary Alice Murphy

The Clay Festival  featured workshops, demonstrations, various exhibits, and a mural dedication, during its week-long roster of events. It drew artists, visitors and participants from Silver City and beyond.

On its next to last day of events, the Clay Market at the Murray Hotel ballroom, featured many vendors showing their vast variety of items that they create using raw clay from the Earth, utilizing  natural and synthetic colors to create a myriad of shapes and decorative, as well as useful, ceramic items. Galleries around town also featured demonstrations and exhibits. 

(Glenwood, NM, June 26, 2026) — The lightning-caused Sacaton Fire, which was detected Sunday, June 21, in the Gila Wilderness about 4.5 miles west of the Mogollon Baldy Lookout, became more active Wednesday, producing smoke that was visible along U.S. Route 180 between Silver City and Luna.

Isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected Friday afternoon and evening, and gusty outflow winds may influence fire behavior. While accompanying precipitation could reduce fire activity, it will not be enough to fully extinguish the fire. The return of hot, dry, windy conditions could also contribute to additional fire growth. While fire activity is expected to fluctuate from day to day, the public should anticipate that smoke will frequently be visible from numerous places along U.S. Route 180. The Sacaton Fire is estimated to be 69 acres.