Non-Local News Releases

 Upcoming Events – Oct. 2025

Fall is in full swing in the Land of Enchantment! Even though the days are shorter and the weather is cooler, there are plenty of opportunities to get outdoors!

Check out these upcoming events to get involved.

You can see all of the Department's upcoming events on our website

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, New Mexico Department of Agriculture and New Mexico Livestock Board are encouraging hunters to help prevent the spread of New World screwworm among wildlife, livestock, pets and people.

New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) is a foreign animal disease and poses a serious threat. The fly's larvae infest open wounds, where they feed on living tissue. The New World screwworm (NWS) was eradicated from the United States decades ago, but recent detections in Mexico pose a risk of northward spread. At this time, it has not been detected in the United States. 

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LAS CRUCES, N.M. – New Mexico singer-songwriter Randy Huston and farrier Jim Keith received the 2025 Rounders Award Oct. 15 at the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum in Las Cruces.

Randy Huston, a rancher, rodeo competitor and acclaimed singer-songwriter, has performed nationwide. His songs have been recorded by artists such as Lee Ann Womack, Darryl Singletary and Chris LeDoux. Huston has earned numerous awards from the Academy of Western Artists, International Western Music Association, Western Writers of America, and the National Cowboy Hall of Fame. Beyond music, he has been a longtime advocate for American agriculture and continues to raise cattle on his family ranch near Cuervo, New Mexico.

October is Firewood Month

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LAS CRUCES, N.M. – Moving untreated firewood across state lines or long distances can introduce destructive invasive pests that threaten New Mexico's forests, landscapes and ecosystems.

October is Firewood Month, and the New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) is calling on residents, retailers and landowners to help prevent the spread of these hidden threats by buying firewood where they burn it.

Alamogordo, NM —State Senator Nicholas Paul announced today that he will be resigning from his position representing New Mexico State Senate District 33, effective October 14, 2025. Senator Paul cited the need to prioritize his health and family due to recent health concerns as the reason for his resignation.

Senator Nicholas Paul (R-Alamogordo) issued the following accompanying statement: 

"Serving the people of District 33 has been one of the greatest honors of my life," Senator Paul said. "I'm deeply grateful to the citizens of Otero, Lincoln, and Chaves Counties for their trust and support. Together, we've worked hard to make our communities stronger, and I will always remain committed to the success of the district and New Mexico."

Senator Paul expressed confidence that the communities of New Mexico Senate District District 33 will continue to thrive under strong local leadership and thanked his colleagues in the legislature, staff, and constituents for their partnership and encouragement throughout his tenure.

State grants will go to public entities, including cities, school districts and tribes

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department is now accepting grant applications from public entities that can demonstrate how new technologiescan be harnessed to develop a reliable modern electric grid. 

The grant funding comes from the Community Benefits Fund the State Legislature created during its 2025 legislative session. The legislature allocated $70 million from the Community Benefit Fund to the Grid Modernization Program administered by Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department's (EMNRD) Energy Conservation and Management Division (ECAM).

In all construction zones, motorists are asked to reduce speed, obey posted signs, and use extreme caution, as well as continuing 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.

(Albuquerque, NM) – The PNM Foundation recently awarded Reduce Your Use Grants to 48 local nonprofits looking to make energy-saving upgrades that directly support their operations and the communities they serve.

More than $250,000 was awarded to the selected organizations. These funds will be used for projects such as insulating locations, updating heating and cooling systems, upgrading to energy efficient lighting, purchasing energy efficient appliances or even solar panel installations.

The nonprofit organizations awarded the grants are: