News
Diego Lopez, Editor
GRANTS, N.M. – Five years after human remains were discovered off a remote forest road southeast of Grants, authorities have identified the man as Ever Orozco-Salcido, who was first reported missing after leaving Colorado for the Grants area in late 2017.
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
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
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.
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
City of Grants Lodger’s Tax
Amerika Rougemont, Reporter
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.
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
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
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.
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
The Nov. 25, 2025 U.S. Drought Monitor shows 100 percent of Cibola County in drought, with about 70 percent in Severe Drought (D2) and the rest in Moderate Drought (D1). Courtesy Photo
Cibola County Drought Report
Diego Lopez, Editor
CIBOLA COUNTY, N.M. – As December begins, Cibola County remains firmly in drought, despite a relatively wet October and scattered fall storms.According to the latest data from NOAA and the U.S. Drought Monitor, all 27,213 residents of Cibola County are currently affected by drought.
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Cibola Water Monitoring Report - December 3, 2025
Diego Lopez, Editor
CIBOLA COUNTY, N.M. – As 2025 draws to a close, Cibola County’s water data tells a clear and sobering story: despite scattered rainfall and brief summer storms, both Bluewater Lake and the Rio San Jose have ended the year at persistently low levels.Recently retrieved yearlong graphs from the U.S.
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Ramah Man Pleads Guilty in Rifle Attack on Occupied Vehicle
Diego Lopez, Editor
GRANTS, N.M. – A Ramah man has pleaded guilty in federal court to firing multiple rifle shots into a vehicle occupied by three people after a near-collision on the Ramah Navajo Reservation in Cibola County.
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Pinehill Man Indicted on Federal Child Sexual Abuse Charges
Diego Lopez, Editor
GRANTS, N.M. – A Pinehill man has been indicted in federal court on charges alleging he sexually abused two minors over a seven-year period.
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Bluewater Village Firefighters Respond to Structure Fire; No Injuries Reported
Diego Lopez, Editor
BLUEWATER, N.M. – Bluewater Village Volunteer Fire and Rescue responded to a fire at an unoccupied structure in the early morning hours last week, according to the department.Assistance was provided by the Milan Fire Department, Cibola County Rescue, and the Cibola County Fire Marshal’s Office.
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Zuni Resident Indicted on Federal Aggravated Sexual Abuse Charges
Diego Lopez, Editor
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – A Zuni resident has been indicted in federal court on charges alleging he sexually abused two individuals over a two-year period.
Wednesday, December 3, 2025