This category will feature news releases from out-of-area government agencies and representatives, as well as events that are not taking place in the four-county area of Grant, Catron, Hidalgo or Luna. For those events please visit Local News Releases.

State Auditor Maestas Stands Ready to Help Acequias, Land Grants

SANTA FE—Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed the state budget which includes a $500,000 appropriation requested by the State Auditor’s Office to help local public bodies become compliant with state financial reporting laws. These local public bodies include Acequias, Ditches, Land Grants, Mutual Domestic Water Consumer Associations, and Soil and Water Conservation Districts. This funding will allow the State Auditor's Office to hire accountants to work with these local public bodies in various geographic areas to bring them into financial compliance. Almost $6 million in capital outlay appropriation is being withheld from these local public bodies because they are behind on their financial reporting. Executive Order 2013-006 restricts these entities from receiving those funds if they are not up to date on their annual financial reports. The $500,000 will help complete about 250 of the estimated 2,000 annual financial certifications for these entities.

"Thank you to the Legislature and Governor for approving our request for these funds to help these local public bodies," Auditor Maestas said.

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Local ensemble reweaves “The Unraveling Universe” through music and mentorship

Spend the weekend with the classical music ensemble Camerata Del Sol for their concert titled “The Unraveling Universe.” The concert series will begin at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 15 at the Woman’s Club of El Paso at 1400 N. Mesa Street. The Saturday concert is $15 for the general public and free for students. The series continues at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 16 at Atkinson Recital Hall at New Mexico State University. The Sunday concert is free and open to the public with an RSVP.

“The Unraveling Universe” will include pieces from Osvaldo Golijov, Hugo Wolf, Edvard Grieg and University of Texas at El Paso Professor Dominic Dousa. Former NMSU Assistant Professor of Voice John Carlo Pierce will be a special guest tenor soloist.

The title “The Unraveling Universe” is in reference to the piece “Tenebrae” by Osvaldo Golijoy, which the group will perform during this concert weekend. The song is from the perceptive of a spaceship orbiting Earth taking in the beauty of the planet while seeing the pain of it.

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New Mexico Film Office Announces “A Really Haunted Loud House” Has Completed Production in New Mexico

Santa Fe, NM - Amber Dodson, the New Mexico Film Office Director, announced today that Nickelodeon wrapped production on a brand-new feature film, “A Really Haunted Loud House,” in Albuquerque, NM.

The film will follow Lincoln Loud, Wolfgang Schaeffer, (“The Really Loud House,” “Pivoting”), and his best friend Clyde, Jahzir Bruno, (“The Really Loud House,” “The Witches”) as they decide between trick or treating and the signature Loud family Spooktacular or attending a party hosted by Xander, the cool new kid at school. 

Playing the real-life versions of the beloved Loud family in the movie, the cast includes Brian Stepanek as Lynn Loud Sr., Jolie Jenkins as Rita Loud, Eva Carlton as Leni Loud, Sophia Woodward as Luna Loud, Catherine Ashmore Bradley as Luan Loud, Annaka Fourneret as Lynn Loud, Aubin Bradley as Lucy Loud, Ella Allan as Lola Loud, Mia Allan as Lana Loud, Lexi Janicek as Lisa Loud, Lexi DiBenedetto as Lori Loud, and August Michael Peterson as Lily Loud.

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An Easter Message from RPNM Chairman Pearce

7e2a9bc0 68a4 f7ea 69b9 6ffd0954727dToday, as my family and I come together to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, I want to wish all who are observing a blessed and happy Easter.

This has always been a day that I take the time to meditate on the sacrifice that was made for our sins and to rejoice in God's abundant love and mercy.

Easter reminds us that during these challenging times in our nation, good overcomes evil, and light overcomes darkness.

May God's overflowing peace, hope, and joy fill your homes this Easter Sunday.

Blessing from my family to yours,
Chairman Steve Pearce

NMSU regents, chancellor announce mutual separation; Gogue named interim chancellor

At a special meeting Friday, April 7, of the New Mexico State University Board of Regents, the board agreed to a mutual separation with Chancellor Dan Arvizu. The board also announced the selection of former NMSU President Jay Gogue to serve as the university’s interim chancellor, starting Friday. Gogue will lead the NMSU system while the search for the university’s next permanent chancellor takes place.

During the meeting, Arvizu said he believed accelerating this transition will allow the university to put its full focus on finding the NMSU system’s next permanent chancellor.

“This separation is truly mutual,” Arvizu said. “For the past five years, my only motivation has been to do what I believe is in the best interest of NMSU, and transitioning now will allow the university to devote the time and effort needed over the next several months for a successful search.”

“The Board of Regents appreciates all Chancellor Arvizu has done for our university,” said Ammu Devasthali, chair of the NMSU Board of Regents. “As we thank him and wish him well, we, at the same time, welcome Jay and Susie Gogue back to Las Cruces.”

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New Mexico Receives Positive and Stable Ratings for 2023 General Obligation Bond Series  

Moody’s assigns Aa2 and S&P assigns AA/AA 

 SANTA FE – The State of New Mexico received Aa2 and AA/AA bond ratings from Moody's Investors Service and S&P Global Rating on the upcoming New Mexico General Obligation Bond Series 2023, with an estimated issuance of $233.3 million. Both rating agencies assigned a stable outlook, providing confidence in the state to bond investors. 

“New Mexico bonds continue to be attractive to investors,” said DFA Secretary Wayne Propst. “Our reserve levels continue to near historic highs, the state has maintained moderate debt levels throughout the year and reforms related to pension obligations, have moderated past concerns expressed about the state’s two pension plans.” 

Moody's Investors Service assigns an Aa2 rating to New Mexico's General Obligation Bond Series 2023. Following this issuance, the state will have $550.9 million of general obligation bonds outstanding, all rated Aa2.  

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NMDOT Traffic Report for week of April 9 to 16, 2023. 

In all construction zones, motorists are asked to reduce speed, obey posted signs, and use extreme caution, as well as continue to be cautious of heavy equipment and construction personnel in the area. PLEASE NOTE: Conditions are subject to change without notice. Double fines for speeding in work zones may be in effect.

White Sands Missile Range Notification

For information regarding closures, you may call WSMR at 678-1178 or 678-2222 for updates.  

Interstates: 

Date St. Business Loop Roundabout Project, T or C 

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State provides update on in-person wellness checks for disabled clients 

Multiple state agencies involved in wellness checks 

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Health (DOH) reports progress in completing health and safety wellness checks for clients receiving services from the states’ Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver programs.  

As of 12 p.m. on Friday, April 7, 4,654 in-person wellness visits have been completed statewide for the 6,815 individuals receiving services from Developmental Disabilities Waiver programs. These visits identified 68 sites with possible concerns. Every one of these incidents is being fully investigated.  

Of those 68 sites: 

  • 42 sites resulted in reported allegations of potential abuse, neglect and exploitation.  
  • 26 sites had concerns that primarily revolved around home repairs, damages or other environmental concerns. 

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