Non-Local News Releases

SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has ordered all flags in the state of New Mexico to be flown at half-staff in honor of former state senator John Arthur Smith, who passed away on October 7. Flags will be lowered from sunrise on October 18 until sundown on October 21.

Smith served the people of New Mexico for over three decades, representing District 35—which includes Dona Ana, Hidalgo, Luna, and Sierra Counties—from 1989 until his retirement in 2020. As the longtime chairman of the New Mexico Senate Finance Committee, he earned the respect of colleagues across the political spectrum, guiding the state's fiscal policy with prudence and ensuring that funds were used wisely to benefit New Mexicans.

NFSR 333 and La Luz Trailhead Parking Area

Order Number 03-03-05-24-15

Albuquerque, NM, October 16, 2024 – The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands (NF&NGs) has issued a closure order (03-03-05-24-15) for National Forest System (NFS) lands, and roads in the Sandia Ranger District, Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands, described below and shown on the attached map.

This Order shall be in effect from October 21, 2024 at 0700 through October 31, 2024 at 1800, unless rescinded.

SANTA FE, NM – SANTA FE, NM – Twenty-plus New Mexico State Parks are inviting residents to lend a hand in sprucing up these treasured outdoor spaces.

The State Parks beautification events—which are part of a new statewide litter cleanup campaign—will take place October 18 through October 20.

"New Mexicans, it's time to rally together to keep our land of enchantment beautiful. Join New Mexico State Parks teams as we kick off this exciting campaign. This effort isn't just about keeping our state parks clean; it's about preserving the enchanting landscapes, vibrant communities, and heritage we all cherish," said State Parks Director Toby Velasquez.

State announces new round of SBIR Matching grants

SANTA FE, N.M. – The New Mexico Economic Development Department announces that applications for the FY25 New Mexico Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Matching Grant will open on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024.

The SBIR Matching Grant is a competitive state-funded grant that supports the commercialization of technologies being developed with federal SBIR/STTR grant awards. This grant assists early-stage companies in product readiness with the goal of market entry, sales, expansion, and job creation.

The Southern New Mexico RAC is seeking five nominations in the following categories:

Category One – One opening for federal grazing permittees; representatives of transportation or rights-of-way interests; representatives of developed outdoor recreation, off-highway vehicle users, or commercial recreation activities; representatives of the commercial timber industry; or energy and mineral development interests.

Category Two – One opening for representatives of archeological and historic organizations; dispersed recreation users; members of wild horse and burro organizations; and members of nationally or regionally recognized environmental organizations.

New Mexico Department of Health encourages immunizations

SANTA FE – Respiratory season is among us, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus immunizations are now available for older adults and pregnant people. RSV antibody is available for infants. Infants are particularly vulnerable to RSV during their first year and RSV is the leading cause of infant hospitalization in New Mexico and the United States.

RSV activity typically starts to increase in the fall and peaks around December and January.

ALBUQUERQUE, NM – October 16, 2024 – The 2024 Wildfire Preparedness is Year-Round campaign provides monthly wildfire preparedness tips and information. The October message from the Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands (NF & NGs), in partnership with the Fire Adapted New Mexico learning network (FACNM), agencies and non-governmental organizations is, the Importance of Prescribed Fire in New Mexico.

Wednesday, Oct. 23 from 3:30 to 6 p.m.

The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) is holding a public information meeting for the community to learn about the new roadway striping and lane configuration concepts being proposed along N. Broadway St and Main Ave. in Downtown Truth or Consequences, NM. The proposed concepts have been developed to reduce speeding, eliminate blind corners; create safer access to the local businesses for drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians for control number HW2M00949.