News

Christmas Tree Permit Costs Drop on BLM Lands as Local Cutting Season Continues

Christmas Tree Permit Costs Drop on BLM Lands as Local Cutting Season Continues

Christmas Tree Permit Costs Drop on BLM Lands as Local Cutting Season Continues

Diego Lopez, Editor
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
CIBOLA COUNTY, N.M. – Families in Cibola County still looking for a Christmas tree or extra firewood this winter will see new savings on nearby public lands, after the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced a temporary “One Dollar, One Tree” holiday fee reduction across New Mexico.
A state map highlights legacy uranium mine sites in the Haystack area north of Grants, including the Schmitt Decline, Moe No. 4, Roundy Manol Strip and other neglected mines now under review for cleanup as part of New Mexico’s Mine Cleanup Initiative. Courtesy Photo

A state map highlights legacy uranium mine sites in the Haystack area north of Grants, including the Schmitt Decline, Moe No. 4, Roundy Manol Strip and other neglected mines now under review for cleanup as part of New Mexico’s Mine Cleanup Initiative. Courtesy Photo

State Launches Uranium Mine Cleanup in Grants Mining District Focuses on Long-Neglected Sites Near Haystack Road

Diego Lopez, Editor
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
CIBOLA COUNTY, N.M. – New Mexico has started the slow work of cleaning up some of its most neglected uranium sites, and that effort now includes mines in the Grants Mining District that have sat abandoned for decades.
Dolores P. Vallejos, sitting Cibola County Assessor and certified winner of Grants City Council District 1 election, faces a Dec. 17 public hearing on her eligibility to take the council district 1 seat under the Grants City Charter’s residency requirements which are being questioned. Courtesy Photo

Dolores P. Vallejos, sitting Cibola County Assessor and certified winner of Grants City Council District 1 election, faces a Dec. 17 public hearing on her eligibility to take the council district 1 seat under the Grants City Charter’s residency requirements which are being questioned. Courtesy Photo

Public Hearing Set on Grants City Councilor-Elect Dolores Vallejos’ District 1 Eligibility, Current City Council to Decide

Diego Lopez, Editor
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
GRANTS, N.M. – The Grants City Council will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, Dec. 17, at 4:00 p.m. to decide whether Dolores P. Vallejos is qualified to hold the District 1 council seat, according to a legal notice published Dec. 10 and signed by City Clerk Frances Salas.
U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez, who represents Cibola County in New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District, has pushed for reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools program to restore federal funding for rural roads and schools. Courtesy Photo

U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez, who represents Cibola County in New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District, has pushed for reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools program to restore federal funding for rural roads and schools. Courtesy Photo

Secure Rural Schools Funding Nears Key House Vote, Funding for Cibola Roads and Classrooms Being Debated in Washington D.C.

News Staff
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Editor’s Note: The final vote for S. 356, the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025 was 399-5. It passed around 4:50 p.m. mst on Dec. 9.The bill heads to Pres. Trump’s desk for signature.GRANTS, N.M.
For the eighth year in a row, Evelyn and Roger Siegmann have teamed up with students from the various elementary schools in Grants-Cibola County School District to spread holiday cheer. In this photo, taken December 1 by Citizen staff, students from Mesa View Elementary School painted the newspaper windows. Not pictured is Joe and Misty Vigil who helped to keep the students focus and spread cheer. Sylvia Anzures Gonzales - CC

For the eighth year in a row, Evelyn and Roger Siegmann have teamed up with students from the various elementary schools in Grants-Cibola County School District to spread holiday cheer. In this photo, taken December 1 by Citizen staff, students from Mesa View Elementary School painted the newspaper windows. Not pictured is Joe and Misty Vigil who helped to keep the students focus and spread cheer. Sylvia Anzures Gonzales - CC

Window Painting Spreads Holiday Cheer

Diego Lopez, Editor
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
GRANTS, N.M. — A little Christmas magic returned to downtown storefronts this past week as local elementary school students from Mesa View Elementary School picked up their brushes for the eighth annual holiday windowpainting project led by Evelyn and Roger Siegmann.

City of Grants Lodger’s Tax

Amerika Rougemont, Reporter
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
GRANTS,N.M.–TheNovember 20 Lodger’s Tax meeting resulted in two approvals The New Mexico Mining Museum received $3,726.39.The invoices for the Grants Cibola County Chamber of Commerce, amounting in $2,008.00, despite the initial agreement of $2,500, were approved as the remaining amount.
Artist's rendering of ABA-accessible viewing platform inside Junction Bridge Cave. Junction Cave Courtesy of DHM Design

Artist's rendering of ABA-accessible viewing platform inside Junction Bridge Cave. Junction Cave Courtesy of DHM Design

El Calderon Trail closes for major upgrade; lava tube access limited through May 2026

Diego Lopez, Editor
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Project will create first accessible lava tube experience at El Malpais NEW MEXICO - As winter cave closures take effect at El Malpais National Monument, visitors are also facing a much bigger change at one of the park’s most popular trailheads.