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 local events please visit Local News Releases.

NMSU presidential search enters candidate outreach phase

The search for New Mexico State University’s next president is underway and is now entering the candidate outreach phase. Search committee chair and retired NMSU administrator Ben Woods updated the university community on the progress of the search in a message to campus this week.


 
Woods said the presidential search committee met earlier this month to receive its charge from the board of regents, establish a search timeline, and conduct training in university search procedures and equity, inclusion and diversity topics. The board has also developed a presidential leadership profile to describe the skills, capabilities, commitment and traits desired, as well as the opportunities that await the next president of NMSU.

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New Allen Fire 092223 Las Vegas NM

Date/Time/Situation: The Alien Fire was discovered on September 22 at 2:30 p.m. and is located on the Creston Ridge just west of Las Vegas. The fire is burning in timber and grass and is exhibiting crowning and torching behavior. The fire is estimated at 65 acres and is zero percent contained. Heavy equipment crews are constructing fire line on the eastern flank. Structures are threatened within the fire’s one-mile radius. 

Resources: Crews are responding from Forestry Division, the US Forest Service, the City of Las Vegas and City of Santa Fe, San Miguel County, Cochiti Lake, and Angel Fire.

Weather:

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Prescribed Burn Certification Program Goes Live

Certification will train landowners and help decrease liability

 Santa Fe – The Energy Minerals and Natural Resources Department’s Forestry Division has established a voluntary Prescribed Burn Certification program for landowners who wish to conduct prescribed burns on their properties. 

 In February 2021, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed the Prescribed Burning Act. Certification provides landowners and contractors with the knowledge and training to reduce hazardous fuel on private property through prescribed fire, which helps reduce the threat of catastrophic wildfires on the specific property and the surrounding community.  

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Arm yourself against COVID-19 - Free at-home tests

Free at-home tests return September 25 

Arm yourself against COVID-19 – vaccinate and receive free tests for added peace of mind. 

SANTA FE — Yesterday, the Biden administration announced that it is providing $600 million in funding to produce new at-home COVID-19 tests and is restarting a website allowing Americans to again order up to four free tests per household — aiming to prevent possible shortages during a rise in coronavirus cases that has typically come during colder months. 

"Don't wait for symptoms to appear! Get ahead of the curve with free COVID-19 tests delivered to your doorstep,” said Patrick Allen, secretary for New Mexico Department of Health. “Order now and stay one step ahead of the virus." 

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New Mexico State Parks offer free day-use and free fishing

New Mexico State Parks offer free day-use and free fishing for National Public Lands, National Hunting and Fishing Day

Santa Fe, NM – The State Parks Division of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) announces free day-use at all state parks and free fishing in recognition of National Public Lands and National Hunting and Fishing Day on Saturday, September 23.

National Public Lands Day is held annually on the fourth Saturday in September and celebrates the connection between people and green space in their community, inspires environmental stewardship, and encourages use of open space for education, recreation, and health benefits. Typically, this day brings out the highest number of people volunteering to clean up public parks and participate in activities that highlight the value of these public spaces across the country.

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New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division Awards

$1.7 Million in Outdoor Equity Funds  
Programs in 16 counties to receive awards to get 20,000 kids outside 

SANTA FE, N.M. – The New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division (ORD), a division of the New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD), announced the Outdoor Equity Fund (OEF) recipients for the first round of the fiscal year 2024 grant cycle. The first-of-its-kind OEF was created in 2019 to enable all New Mexican youth equitable access to the outdoors. The grant supports programming that provides outdoor experiences that foster stewardship and respect for New Mexico’s land, water, and cultural heritage. 

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed the Outdoor Equity Fund into law at the same time the division was created, ensuring the program remains foundational to the work of ORD. Since then, the fund has granted nearly $4 million to 181 organizations throughout the state. The organizations receiving funding for their youth programs are leaders in the cultural, recreational, and environmental fields of New Mexico that contribute to fostering the next generation. 

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Gov. Lujan Grisham announces new intelligent manufacturing partnership with Hota Group

TAIPEI, Taiwan - New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and Hota Industrial Manufacturing Chairman David Shen announced on Wednesday a final agreement to expand business for the major auto parts supplier into New Mexico.

Taiwan-based Hota Industrial Manufacturing, a producer of automotive gears for North American and European clients, including Tesla, signed an agreement for a 30-acre parcel in the Westpark Industrial Park in Santa Teresa, New Mexico, with construction expected to begin in 2024. The company plans to hire 350 employees and invest $99 million in the state, with future expansions possible over the coming decade.

 Company executives, business, and government leaders made the announcement at a news conference in Taipei City, where Gov. Lujan Grisham was a guest speaker at U.S. Business Day and is leading a trade mission to advance New Mexico as a destination for reshoring Asian manufacturing to the United States.

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EDD Expands Science and Tech Office

EDD Expands Science and Tech Office 
Broadens capacity, adds Entrepreneurship Coordinator

SANTA FE, N.M. – The New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) announced today the expansion of the science and technology office. The newly expanded Office of Strategy, Science & Technology (OSST), previously the Office of Science & Technology, will continue to focus and expand support for innovation and commercialization of science and technology while also incorporating wider strategic initiatives, including entrepreneurship support and federal funding opportunities.

“With support from Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and the Legislature, the Economic Development Department will be expanding the Office of Strategy, Science & Technology to provide additional support to entrepreneurs and businesses, furthering the department’s mission of improving the lives of New Mexico families by increasing economic opportunity, building wealth, and providing a place for businesses to thrive,” EDD Deputy Secretary Jon Clark said.

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