Non-Local News Releases

LAS CRUCES - The New Mexico Department of Transportation District One office (NMDOT) along with White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) have posted an alert for Saturday, November 23, 2024.

US 70 will be blocked once at 2:20 a.m. This block will last approximately 50 minutes to one hour and should lift at or around 3:20 a.m. This block will be located at Blue Block (2 miles east of the access road - Mile Marker 172) and Yellow Block (located at Mile Marker 200). San Augustin Pass and LC Gate are NOT affected by this block; however, Nike Avenue will be affected.

All roadblocks are subject to change without notice, please call WSMR at 575-678-2221/2222 for updates or go to New Mexico Department of Transportation: www.nmroads.com or call 511.

SANTA FE, NM – This Black Friday, New Mexico State Parks is offering a special opportunity to enjoy the state's natural beauty and outdoor recreation with free day-use access to all 35 state parks. Visitors can take advantage of this unique offer on Friday, November 29, 2024, to explore New Mexico's diverse landscapes—from scenic lakes and mountains to deserts and canyons—without the usual day-use fee.

"We're excited to invite New Mexicans and visitors alike to skip the crowds and experience the tranquility and beauty of our state parks on Black Friday," said Director Toby Velasquez. "This day is about promoting wellness, connecting with nature, and discovering the incredible outdoor experiences our parks have to offer. We hope people will take the opportunity to opt outside and enjoy some fresh air with family and friends."

ELEPHANT BUTTE—Today, parties to the Kevin S. Lawsuit held a hearing to hear updates from the Children, Youth, and Families Department regarding their progress on the reform agreements reached in the 2020 settlement. Some agreements to be met included trauma-informed care, stable placements, access to services, and data monitoring and collection.

During testimony, Secretary Teresa Casados was questioned as to why many of those agreements had not been met. Secretary Casados was confirmed to her post at CYFD in January, receiving 8 dissenting votes in the Senate.

ALBUQUERQUE NOVEMBER 22—The Chairman of the Republican Party of New Mexico, Steve Pearce, issued a statement following comments made by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham on MSNBC's Morning Joe. During the Thursday segment, she stated that she would not assist President Trump in carrying out mass deportations and claimed that she thinks it would be "unlawful."

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.

CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS MAY BE SHUT DOWN FOR THE WEEK OF THANKSGIVING WITH LITTLE TO NO IMPACT TO TRAVLERS, CONTINUE TO USE CAUTION IN CONSTRUCTION ZONES.

White Sands Missile Range Notification
For information regarding closures, you may call WSMR at 678-1178 or 678-2222 for updates.

SANTA FE, NM – The New Mexico State Parks Division now offers its comprehensive boating safety course in Spanish, giving native Spanish speakers the ability to ensure themselves of safe and enjoyable experiences on the water.

The online course uses interactive videos and graphics to teach Spanish-speaking boaters important topics such as basic boating terminology, life jacket safety, how to navigate adverse weather situations, and rules of responsible boating.

Funding will expand maternal, behavioral, and primary health services

SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced today that four rural health care organizations will receive a combined $5.4 million from the Rural Health Care Delivery Fund to bring health services closer to New Mexicans in underserved areas.

The announcement, made on National Rural Health Day, highlights the first allocation from the $46 million fund championed by the governor and legislature during the 2024 legislative session. The initiative aims to tackle the unique challenges rural health providers face, including geographic isolation and financial barriers.

SANTA FE, NM – New Mexico State Parks is proud to announce the addition of three new officers to its dedicated team of park rangers, further strengthening efforts to preserve and protect the state's unparalleled natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage. 

Officers Abran Briseno and Josh Garcia received their certification from the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy (NMLEA) during a graduation ceremony in Santa Fe on Nov. 6. On Nov. 13, Officer Steven Rosser, a previously certified officer, joined officers Briseno and Garcia as they were commissioned at the State Parks Division headquarters in Santa Fe.