Non-Local News Releases
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.
Senate Republicans Issue Statement on Passing of Former Senator Carroll Leavell
- Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
- Published: 26 June 2023 26 June 2023
SANTA FE — Today, it was announced that former State Senator Carroll Leavell passed away at the age of 86. Senator Leavell served in District 41, representing Eddy and Lea counties, from 1997 to 2018.
The Senate Republican Caucus issued the following statement mourning his passing:
"Senator Leavell will be remembered as a statesman and leader of the utmost integrity. As a longtime member of the Senate, he put the needs of his constituents ahead of politics and he was widely respected by members on both sides of the aisle. Senator Leavell will be dearly missed and we send our deepest condolences to his family during this difficult time."
Youth hunters practice firearms safety during annual event
- Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
- Published: 24 June 2023 24 June 2023
RATON – More than 100 youth from across New Mexico took part in the New Mexico Youth Hunter Education Challenge (YHEC) earlier this month at the Whittington Center near Raton, displaying ethical-hunting and firearm-safety skills they learned from the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish's hunter education courses.
"The YHEC is the culmination of what the participants have learned from participating in and passing a hunter education course," said Jennifer Morgan, hunter education coordinator for the department.
The 120 participants, who ranged between 8 and 18 years of age, and their 45 adult coaches took part in events that tested their marksmanship, firearm-safety fundamentals, responsibility, and ethics. Events included archery, shotgun, light rifle and muzzleloading challenges, as well as a responsibility exam, orienteering, wildlife identification and a hunter safety skills trail. Awards were given to the top scorers in three age groups in each event, as well as to the top teams in each age group.
New Mexico Film Office Announces Pilot"Post 1776"
- Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
- Published: 23 June 2023 23 June 2023
New Mexico Film Office Announces Pilot"Post 1776" Begins Production in New Mexico
Santa Fe, NM - Amber Dodson, the New Mexico State Film Office Director, announced today that the pilot, "Post 1776," will film at the end of June in and around Albuquerque.
Directed by Lance Polland ("DumbFellas"), created by Jay Kliewer ("The Sacrifice"), and starring Vernon Wells ("Commando"), Thom Michael Mulligan ("DumbFellas"), and Larry Butler ("Let Me Sleep"), "Post 1776" tells the story of Gabriel Edwards, Veteran Legion Post 1776 Commander, who must lead his remaining aging members in recruiting younger Veterans to grow their membership.
The film has cast local talent Rob Carriaga ("The Sacrifice"), Patricia Milner ("Crawl"), and Mark Stulberger, and is working with the American Legion Post 13 in Albuquerque.
The production will employ approximately 44 New Mexico crew members, 30 background/extras, and 9 New Mexico principal actors.
For more information, contact: info@Post1776Sitcom.com.
Anthropology freshman becomes the newest NMSU Wase Scholar
- Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
- Published: 23 June 2023 23 June 2023
New Mexico State University anthropology student Abriella Muniz is the newest recipient of the Cheryl L. Wase Memorial Scholarship for the study of archaeology.
With the help of the scholarship, Muniz is attending NMSU's Archaeological Field School at Cottonwood Springs Pueblo this summer.
"Trying to go to field school to get the field experience can be very expensive," said Muniz. "So just having other archaeologists be able to financially support me and even my own teachers being able to give me that support by helping me get the scholarship was very encouraging. It gives me a lot of hope for what I can do throughout college to make this my career."
The Wase Scholarship offered by the Society for American Archaeology provides funding for undergraduate education in archaeology. It is awarded to women who are residents of New Mexico and pursuing a bachelor's degree in anthropology with a specialization in archaeology from a fully accredited university in the state of New Mexico. It covers the cost of tuition and fees along with books for all classroom and field-based courses that are included in an accredited curriculum.
Bat tests positive for rabies in San Miguel County
- Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
- Published: 23 June 2023 23 June 2023
LAS VEGAS, N.M. – A bat found in the Las Vegas area has tested positive for rabies. It is the second bat confirmed rabid by the New Mexico Department of Health's (DOH) Scientific Laboratory Division this year.
Unlike the bat reported by the DOH in May, this bat did not have any known contact with humans or animals; however, livestock on the property where the bat was found received rabies vaccinations as a precaution. Additionally, two people are receiving post-exposure rabies shots as the possibility of exposure to bats while sleeping could not be excluded.
The discovery of the bat underscores the need for knowing basic bat safety: any bat that allows you to approach it, is unable to fly, is active during the day, or is found in an unusual place may be sick or rabid and should never be handled. If you find yourself near a bat, dead or alive, do not touch it.
Bat bites can be very small and are not always visible or painful, so it is important to talk with your healthcare provider or call the New Mexico Department of Health at 505-827-0006 if you have questions about possible contact with a bat.
NMSU researchers study older parakeets to find out whether learning declines with age
- Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
- Published: 23 June 2023 23 June 2023
You can teach an older parakeet a new language, but will he want to learn it? New research from New Mexico State University says it may depend on his ability to make new friends.
In humans, the ability to learn new languages starts to decline as we hit our twenties and as we continue to age, other language abilities also decline. NMSU researchers are using parrots as a model for understanding this sort of decline, both behaviorally and neurologically.
Their results were published June 14 in the "Proceedings of the Royal Society B," the Royal Society's flagship biological research journal. NMSU biology master's student Bushra Moussaoui is the lead author on the paper titled "Evidence for maintenance of key components of vocal learning in ageing budgerigars despite diminished affiliative social interaction."
Traffic Report for week of June 25 to July 2, 2023.
- Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
- Published: 23 June 2023 23 June 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 CN1101231/32
La Calerita Construction LLC. (Contractor) construction, Phase 3 is expected to last about 4 (four) months, through September 2023, the following traffic impacts will be in place:
Traffic on North Date Street will be reduced to one lane in each direction (northbound and southbound) and will be shifted to the east (Northbound) lanes from north of New School Road to Ash Street. Motorists are encouraged to use extra caution in the construction zone, obey lower posted speed limits and allow extra time to reach their destinations. Regular work hours will be 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday although the contractor may work longer hours or on weekends as needed.
I-25 Bridge Replacement Project, Williamsburg CN1100990
El Terrero Construction, LLC. (Contractor) will be continuing construction to replace the bridge at I-25 milepost 75, Broadway Street and NM 187 in Williamsburg. All traffic has been shifted into the southbound lanes; northbound lanes are closed throughout the project limits. The I-25 northbound on-ramp and the southbound I-25 off/on-ramp at Exit 75 is closed, traffic should utilize NM 187 to Las Palomas Exit or the T or C North exit. Currently crews are working on installation of bridge piers and drainage structures. Regular work hours will be 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday although the contractor may work longer hours or on weekends as needed. Access will be maintained to all businesses and residences during construction.
I-25 Guardrail Replacement Project, milepost 102 to 175, Socorro
J-H Supply, Co. (Contractor) will be continuing a guardrail and end treatment project along I-25 in Socorro County from milepost 102 to 175. Motorists can expect lane closures in the northbound lane from milepost 120 to 124 with a driving right lane closure. Southbound lanes are open. Overnight lane closures should be expected. The hours of operation are from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Construction is expected to be completed by Spring 2024.
I-10, Mile Marker 55 to 65, Deming CN1101880
Mountain States Construction, Inc. (Contractor) has completed the roadway rehabilitation project on Interstate 10 from milepost 55 (Quincy) to milepost 65 (16 miles west of Deming). Currently, the subcontractor is installing concrete wall barrier and guardrail throughout the project. Traffic should expect a lane closure in both the eastbound and westbound lanes as needed. The hours of operation will be from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.
I-25, Mile Marker 117 & 121, North of Truth or Consequences CN1101580
Hasse Contracting Co. (Contractor) this project is on winter suspension, contractor is expected to be back mid-July 2023.
US Roadways:
US 70, Mile Marker 151 to 162, Las Cruces LC00470
Mountain States Construction, Inc. (Contractor) completed their section of work on US 70. The subcontractor continues with nighttime work placing permanent striping, working from NASA Rd. to Picacho Ave. Drivers can expect lane closures as the contractor moves along US 70. The contractor's hours of operation will be from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., Monday through Friday.
US 60, Mile Marker 120, east of Magdalena
Uretek USA, Inc. (Contractor) will have lanes closures in place on US 60 for bridge repairs. Lanes closures can be expected on either the eastbound or westbound lanes. A flagging operation will be in place. Contractors' working hours are Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
US 180, Mile Marker 67-87, Cliff Area
Brasier Asphalt, Inc. (Contractor) Starting June 19, 2023, will be completing a Micro-Surface treatment along US 180 near Cliff NM. A pilot car operation and signal light will be in place, please reduce your speed and obey traffic control devices. Work will take place Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Construction is expected to be completed by August 30, 2023, weather pending.
State Roadways:
NM 26 Bridge Rehabilitation, Deming/Nutt CN1102010
Meridian Contracting, Inc. (Contractor) is currently working on a bridge rehabilitation project on NM 26 "Hatch Hwy" at milepost 26.8 near Nutt. Traffic can expect a temporary traffic signal in place with only one lane open over the bridge. Speed limits will be reduced, please obey traffic control devices. The contractor's hours of operation will be from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Drivers should expect delays and plan accordingly.
NM 404 Roadway Widening, Anthony to Chaparral
Mountain States Constructors, Inc. (Contractor), will be continuing the roadway reconstruction and lighting project on NM 404 from milepost 0.9 (Anthony) to milepost 8.8 (Chaparral). Currently, the contractor is installing drainage structures, subgrade preparations and paving along the project. Subcontractors are working on concrete box culverts and concrete barrier wall. The speed limit has been reduced to 45 MPH for the safety of the traveling public. The contractor's hours of operation will be from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, some Saturdays as needed.
Chip Seal Projects, Hidalgo & Grant Co:
The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) has completed "Chip Sealing and Brooming" operations on roadways around Hidalgo Co. Crew will be shifting into "fog sealing" operations on NM90, NM 92 and NM 464. Speed limits will be reduced, no center stripe with loose gravel on roadway. Roadways listed below are scheduled for chip sealing & fog sealing operations.
NM 92, Virden, mile marker 0 – 11.2
NM 464, Red Rock, mile marker 21 – 0
NM 90, Lordsburg, mile marker 0 –25
Starting in July:
NM 113, I-10 south to Muir, mile marker 20.6 - 10
NM 338, I-10 south to Animas, mile marker 0 – 10
NM 80, I-10 south to Rodeo, mile marker 32.3 – 24.8 & 24.8 to 0
US 180, Mile Marker 115 to 128, Silver City
Crews have completed Fog Sealing US 180 from milepost 115 (32nd Street) to 128 (east of Hurley) in Silver City. Striping is scheduled to take place in the upcoming months. Signage will stay in place for safety.
City of Las Cruces Projects:
Sonoma Ranch Boulevard
As part of the Sonoma Ranch Blvd. Mile 1 project, the roundabout at the intersection of Sonoma Ranch Boulevard and Engler Road will be open to traffic starting Monday, June 5, 2023. Also, motorists are advised that Sonoma Ranch Boulevard, between Arroyo Road and Peachtree Hills Road, will be closed for approximately 1½ months to southbound traffic only starting Monday, June 5, 2023. A detour will be in place to direct traffic around the work zone. Commuters are urged to follow all posted signs. The entire project is estimated to be completed by August 25, 2023.
Madrid Avenue
As part of the Bike-Pedestrian Infrastructure Improvements Project, roadway and utility improvements will be done by Highland Enterprises on Madrid Avenue, between Solano Drive and Evelyn Street. Alternating lane shifts will be in place. Work is estimated to last through approximately August 31, 2023.
University Avenue
As part of the University Avenue Waterline and Mill & Overlay project, work is scheduled for roadway and waterline improvements by A-Mountain Construction, LLC on University Avenue between Turrentine Drive and Triviz Drive. Intermittent lane closures will be in place. Two-way traffic and access to residents and businesses will be maintained throughout the project. Work is estimated to last through approximately September 15, 2023. Commuters are urged to follow all posted signs.
For more information log onto www.nmroads.com or call 511.
Heinrich Announces Investments for Military Installations and Veterans in New Mexico
- Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
- Published: 22 June 2023 22 June 2023
Heinrich Announces Major Committee Milestone on Substantial Investments for Military Installations and Veterans in New Mexico
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) welcomed the Senate Appropriations Committee's bipartisan, unanimous passage of the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) bill. As a member and former Chair of this subcommittee, Senator Heinrich is pleased to announce that the FY24 bill includes substantial investments in nine New Mexico projects.
"These major investments in military construction will ensure that service members at installations in New Mexico and across the globe are equipped with the state-of-the-art technology, facilities, family housing, and resources needed to complete their missions,"said Heinrich. "This bipartisan bill will also enable the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide the care and benefits that our military veterans deserve and have earned. I am proud that these investments in our military service members and veterans passed out of committee with strong bipartisan support. As we continue through the appropriations process, on the Senate floor and with our counterparts in the House of Representatives, we need to deliver on our responsibility to support those who have sacrificed to keep our nation safe."