Thursday, November 5, 2026 · T or C · Elephant Butte · Hillsboro · Arrey · Sierra County
Hey neighbors. Welcome to the very first Hot Springs Weekly. It's free, it takes about five minutes, and it's all about what's going on right here in Sierra County. This week: Virgin's new spaceship is parked out at the spaceport, the art studio tour is this weekend, and the city has money for water lines and fire gear on the table.
Heads up: Hot Springs Weekly's publisher, Brenden Anglin, works for the City of T or C. Our city coverage sticks to public records, with no opinions.
T or C City Commission (Oct 28): on the agenda were combining the lots at 401 and 403 Silver St. into one (the owner plans to come back later for a building), $65,250 from the fire fund for new breathing gear (SCBA) for the fire department, and change orders on the city's water system work. The city's new refuse truck order also went up $5,000 because of a delay, from $390,000 to $395,000. The minutes aren't posted yet, so check them for the final votes. City agenda packet, Oct 28
A film shoot downtown Nov 10 and 11: a cybersecurity company called Axonius plans to film its online event, Adapt Virtual 26, in downtown T or C on Tuesday and Wednesday, according to the Oct 28 commission packet. It also asked to ceremonially "rename" the town Axonius for one day, Dec 9, when the recording airs. City agenda packet, Oct 28
Cantrell Dam is a city project. The City of T or C maintains the dam and is leading the work to fix it, with help from the Sierra County Flood Commissioner. On Oct 20 the Sierra County Commission voted to chip in $200,000 toward construction, since flooding there affects the fairgrounds, Williamsburg and nearby neighborhoods too. County Resolution 2026-67
Sierra County Commission (Oct 20): a resolution on the agenda names the Sugar Sand Bridge the county's No. 1 infrastructure priority. The county has about $6.84 million lined up for the $8.68 million bridge and is short about $1.84 million. Commissioners also had a suggested data center study and an update on the September flooding on the agenda. County meeting packet, Oct 20
Tigers football: they finished the regular season 5-5 after a 34-20 loss to Ruidoso and earned the No. 10 seed in the 3A state playoffs. First round is Saturday, Nov 7 at noon at No. 7 West Las Vegas (7-3). The winner faces No. 2 Hope Christian in the quarterfinals Nov 13-14. Midnight Horizons Sports, Nov 1
Tiger volleyball is 19-3 and 5-0 in district after sweeping Socorro 3-0 on Tuesday. They play at Cobre tonight (Thursday) at 7. MaxPreps schedule
Mosquito spraying: the city has extended its mosquito spraying through Nov 14. City of T or C
Free Dump Day, Fri and Sat, Nov 13 and 14, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sierra County's transfer stations in Winston, Hillsboro and Arrey take household trash, construction debris and recyclables for free both days. No tires. The county also reminds folks that illegal dumping on public lands can bring a fine of up to $5,000. (Sierra County flyer)
Shooting range closed Fri, Nov 21, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The city says Rio Vaqueros has a maintenance workday out there, so the range is closed to everyone that day. City alerts
Next meetings: T or C City Commission on Wed, Nov 18 at 9 a.m., 405 W. Third St. (Oct 28 agenda). The County Commission hasn't posted its November agenda yet. Watch for it here.
Report it
Spot a problem around T or C? Here's who to call.
Water leak, water or sewer problem: call the Daupler line at (575) 223-1930, or the Water Office at (575) 894-7331.
Outage alerts: call the Water Department to update your phone number so Daupler can reach you. (Water Watch)
Out at the Spaceport
Virgin Galactic's new spaceship finally came home. On Wednesday, Oct. 28, the ship they're calling Apeiron flew in from Arizona, hooked under the mothership Eve, and landed at Spaceport America at 12:59 p.m. Now comes testing. Virgin says paying customers should start flying in early spring 2027 (its "early Q2"), with a second ship following in late spring or early summer. That date has slipped before. It used to be the end of this year. Virgin Galactic, Oct 28 Virgin reports its third-quarter numbers after the markets close Thursday, Nov 12 (Virgin Galactic), and the Albuquerque Journal reports the company plans to share more about testing then. It's been about two years since Virgin last flew from here (Albuquerque Journal).
Tours: Saturdays at 9 a.m. from the Geronimo Trail Visitor Center, 523 N. Broadway (be there by 8:40). You're back around 1. It's $49.99 for adults, and they need at least 7 people for the tour to run. Book here
Watching a launch: launches aren't open to the public. We'll pass along dates when they're announced.
Hiring: the Spaceport has an engineer opening. See 5 jobs hiring this week below.
Road heads-up: the Spaceport Authority asked the county to close county road A039 (about half a mile from A013) and Lewis Road for unmanned aircraft testing on Nov 4, 7 and 10. The remaining windows are Saturday the 7th, 9 to 11:30 a.m., and Tuesday the 10th, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. County meeting packet, Oct 20
5 jobs hiring this week
Five openings around the county we checked this week. Pay is listed only where the posting shows it.
Spaceport Aerospace Engineer, New Mexico Spaceport Authority, Spaceport America. Applications close Nov 10. Apply
Accounting Clerk (full time), Sierra County, T or C. $19.16 to $24.92/hr. Apply
Registered Nurse, Emergency Department (full time or PRN), Sierra Vista Hospital, T or C. Email your application and resume to hr@svhnm.org. Details
Bus Driver, T or C Municipal Schools, T or C. High school diploma or equivalent. Job description and how to apply
Hiring? Send us your opening and we'll consider it for next week.
Lake levels and fishing
Elephant Butte: 4,306.6 feet on Tuesday, Nov 3, holding about 154,800 acre-feet. That's roughly 8 percent full, and the lake has come up about 9 feet since Oct 26. (Bureau of Reclamation) Catfish were slow to fair on cut shad in the last Game & Fish report. The main ramp at Marina del Sur is open. State Parks' ramp list (last updated Oct 26) shows Rock Canyon and South Monticello closed, so call before you head to either one. The park says you need four-wheel drive to launch or pull out, and to watch for debris and shallow spots. Call ahead: 575-744-5923. (State Parks alerts)
Caballo: 4,139.0 feet, about 25,850 acre-feet, on State Parks' Oct 26 update. The west ramp is open and the east ramp is closed. Water levels have been changing since the flooding, so go easy in low spots. Park: 575-743-3942. (State Parks alerts)
Weather around T or C: Thursday brings increasing clouds with a high near 66. Friday is partly sunny, high near 66, with a 30 percent chance of showers Friday night, mainly after 11. Saturday has a 30 percent chance of morning showers, then partly sunny with a high near 66 and a north breeze. Sunday is sunny, high near 68. Lows run in the mid 40s. (NWS forecast, updated 8:36 p.m. Wednesday, Nov 4)
Burn rules: the Gila National Forest lists fire danger as low with no fire restrictions posted (Gila NF alerts). In Elephant Butte, two ordinances are up for a public hearing and final vote on Wednesday, Nov 18 at 2 p.m.: Ordinance 231 adopts the 2021 International Fire Code, and Ordinance 232 sets out prohibited fireworks acts and penalties. Neither is final yet. You can read them at City Hall, 103 Water Ave., or on the city's website.
T or C water work closures (still ongoing): Silver and 9th St. is closed all day (since Oct 14). There's a lane closure around Kopra and Golf Club Drive (since Oct 15). West 6th Ave. and Sierra Vista Drive are closed for service line tie-ins (since Oct 27). Main St. on Clancy to McAdoo, and McAdoo from Clancy to Daniels, are closed for the infrastructure project (since Nov 2). Give yourself a few extra minutes. City alerts
Roads: A039 and Lewis Road close for drone testing Nov 7 and 10 (see Spaceport). For I-25 and highway closures, check NMRoads.com.
This weekend
Artists of Sierra County Studio Tour, Sat and Sun, Nov 7 and 8, 10 to 5, free. Open studios in T or C, Elephant Butte, Hillsboro, Cuchillo and Williamsburg. The Studio Tour Social is Saturday 6 to 9 at Hot Springs Gallery, 517 Austin St. Tour stops and schedule
Range Beef plates at Artisan Wares Expo, Sat, Nov 7, 11 to 5, $10. Sherry Farr of Range Beef will be serving brisket sliders, coleslaw, Dutch oven apple or peach cobbler and drinks at AWE, 906 N. Date St., during the Studio Tour. AWE shop hours are Sat 10 to 5 and Sun 11 to 5.
Enchanted Enterprise, Fri and Sat, Nov 6 and 7. A rural small business conference put on by the Chamber, with 20 speakers. You have to register. torcchamber.org
Community Night Market, Sat, Nov 7, 4 to 7, free. Local makers at Healing Water Plaza, 300 Daniels St. Details
Butte General OHV and Marine grand opening and ride, Sat, Nov 7. 900 Butte Blvd. (NM Hwy 195), Elephant Butte. DJ, free BBQ for registered riders. Waiver required. NMOHVA Elephant Butte posted a notice that the mayor and council members may show up. It says no council action will be taken. City notice
Holiday Exhibition of Giftable Art runs Nov 6 through Dec 7 at RioBravoFineArt, 110 N. Broadway. Gallery
An Ecstatic Dance Journey (No Experience Needed!), Sun, Nov 8, 12 to about 1:30, at The Lighthouse, 124 Austin Ave. Movement and release, hosted by Cherie Love of Soul Shine Sound Baths. Public event that happens every second Sunday.
C.L. Smith live, Sun, Nov 8, 4 to 7, no cover, at T or C Brewing, 410 N. Broadway. Details
Gas prices around town
T or C, regular: $3.89 at Love's, 224 Dr Hubble Rd (I-25 exit 79), as of Wednesday night, Nov 4. (Love's)
Elephant Butte: nobody has posted recent prices for the stations on Hwy 195, so check back next week. (GasBuddy)
Diesel: $5.98 at Love's as of Wednesday evening, the only current diesel price we could find in town. (Love's)
Police and sheriff blotter
Quiet week on paper. We didn't find any arrest news released by T or C Police, Elephant Butte Police or the Sheriff's Office between Oct 28 and Nov 4.
Monthly arrest and ticket counts are coming once we get the numbers from the departments.
County emergency alerts: text SIERRACO to 80946.
Lost, found and looking for a home
No lost or found pet reports came our way this week.
Adoptable pet of the week: Inkspot. She's a black shorthair, a spayed adult who was a stray for a few years before she landed at Desert Haven Animal Rescue (Sierra County Humane Society). She's shy but getting braver, and she's good with dogs, cats and kids. Fair warning: after losing her tail to an infection she takes nerve pain medicine and will need it for life, so she needs a patient home. Desert Haven, 15576 NM-187, Williamsburg · (575) 740-0643 · Inkspot's page
Lost or found a pet? Reply and we'll run it free.
Free help for local families
We give these spots away free to local folks who help kids and families. Nobody paid to be here.
Healthy Families Sierra County. Expecting, or have a little one at home? They'll come to you. They do free home visits from pregnancy through the early years and can point you toward food, housing or health care help. It's voluntary and confidential. 400 N. Broadway, T or C · (575) 223-2585 · info@hfsierracounty.com
Little Things Matter (AppleTree Educational Center). Free home visits for families from pregnancy up to age 3. They check how your baby is developing, help with car seats and breastfeeding, and have a dads' group too. English and Spanish. (575) 894-5646
Aprendamos Early Intervention. Worried your baby or toddler is behind on talking, walking or other milestones? Aprendamos works with kids from birth to 3, mostly right in your home, and it's free for families. Call their main line at (575) 526-6682 · info@aitkids.com
T or C Schools Family Resource Center. If your kids go to T or C schools and you're short on supplies, clothes or other basics, start here. (575) 894-8166
Matthew 25 Food Pantry. Free groceries every Thursday from 9 to 11 a.m. at 405 Austin St. Signing up is quick and you don't need ID. They can always use volunteers and food donations. torcmatthew25foodpantry@gmail.com
Neighbor of the Week
Know somebody who quietly makes this place better? The guy who fixes everybody's swamp cooler, the lady who feeds the strays, the coach who never misses a practice? Reply with their name and why. We'll start featuring them next week.
Photo of the Week
Send us your best shot from around the county: sunsets over the Butte, the river, the Caballos, your dog at the hot springs. Real photos only, from you. We'll credit you by name. Reply with the photo and where you took it.
You Decide, Sierra County
This week's question: what's the one thing you wish we had around here so you didn't have to drive to Las Cruces or Albuquerque for it?
Tap your answer above, then hit Submit vote. No sign-up needed. We'll share the results next week. If you add your name, you agree we can print it with the results.
Entrepreneur Spotlight
Got a business or an idea you're building in Sierra County? We'll feature one local entrepreneur a week: what you do, why you started, and what you need. It's $15 per issue, and the first few are free. You'll get a signed agreement that your idea stays yours. Call or text 575-740-3555.
Sierra County Treasure Hunt
Where in Sierra County is this? We cropped it tight to make you work for it.
Type your guess above and send it, no sign-up needed. We'll reveal the answer next week and print the names of everyone who got it right. Down the road, local businesses may sponsor prizes. Photo: AllenS, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. We'll link the original next week so it doesn't give the answer away.
Above the Hot Springs
What's up in our sky, Nov 5 to 12.
Moon: a waning crescent to start the week, then the new moon is Monday, Nov 9 at 12:02 a.m. our time. After that it's a growing crescent in the evening, and first quarter is Tuesday, Nov 17. (U.S. Naval Observatory)
Sunset in T or C: 5:14 p.m. Thursday, Nov 5, and 5:09 p.m. by Thursday, Nov 12. (U.S. Naval Observatory)
Evening planet: Saturn is the one bright planet up after sunset, in the east-southeast. (When the Curves Line Up)
Morning planets: step out an hour before sunrise for bright Venus low in the east-southeast, with Jupiter and reddish Mars higher in the south-southeast. Mars and Jupiter get about 1.2 degrees apart on the mornings of Nov 15 and 16. (When the Curves Line Up, NASA)
Meteors: the Southern Taurids peaked the night of Nov 4 to 5, and the Northern Taurids peak the night of Nov 11 to 12. They only give you about five an hour at best, but they're known for bright fireballs. The Leonids start up Nov 6 and peak the night of Nov 16 to 17. (American Meteor Society, NASA)
Best night to look up: Wednesday, Nov 11, into Thursday morning. It's the Northern Taurid peak, and the moon is only about 4 percent lit, so the sky stays dark. Get away from porch lights and give your eyes half an hour to adjust. (American Meteor Society)
Rockets: for Spaceport news, see Out at the Spaceport above.
Did you know?
Back in June 2014, a stegomastodon fossil turned up at Elephant Butte Lake State Park. That's an ancient relative of today's elephants, found right at a lake named for a butte that looks like one. (Wikipedia)
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