Non-Local News Releases

USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has begun posting the schedule for upcoming Local Work Group (LWG) meetings. Dates, times, and locations for the meetings will be posted on the Local Work Group Meeting webpages they are announced for each team.

It is the NRCS mission to provide technical, financial and conservation assistance to landowners, operators, and producers in order to assist them in voluntarily conserving and protecting the natural resources on their land. One of the key tools for NRCS to accomplish this mission is through the Local Work Groups (LWGs). NRCS works closely with LWGs to ensure conservation programs and activities are tailored to meet the specific needs of each local area.

Albuquerque, NM – August 22, 2024 - The Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands will be filling permanent full-time fire and fuels positions, from the GS-0462-03 through GS-0462-09 level at duty locations of Mt. Taylor, Magdalena, Mountainair, Sandia, Black Kettle, Kiowa/Rita Blanca Districts and Albuquerque.

The Fire Hire process is used to standardize hiring of permanent wildland firefighter positions to provide consistent practices around the Region and throughout the agency. Fire Hire is currently utilizing a Direct Hire Authority, which has been granted by OPM for the Forest Service to fill critical positions in an accelerated manner. The announcements are open to the public, but many require NWCG qualifications. Each announcement will define what the requirements are.

ALBUQUERQUE, NM, August 21, 2024 – Fire crews have responded to two remote area fires on the Mt Taylor Ranger District of the Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands.

Mt. Taylor Ranger District: Monaghan Fire
Reported Date / Time: August 20, 2024 / 1630
Cause: Lightning Size: .4 acres Containment: 100%

SANTA FE – Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) Director Arthur "Artie" Pepin is retiring after 18 years leading the judicial agency that supports operations of state courts across New Mexico.

"Because of Artie's innovative leadership, courts have improved an array of judicial services for the public," said Chief Justice David K. Thomson. "He embodies all the characteristics of a true leader — integrity, vision, compassion and an ability to inspire and collaboratively work with other people to achieve common goals."

Pepin said, "Working for the Supreme Court and serving the Judiciary truly has been an honor and privilege. I am proud of many things that have been accomplished but I hope any lasting impact I leave will include my respect for the courts and dedication to our mission to bring justice to all New Mexicans. As long as those principles remain the focus of the AOC, progress on any issue is possible."

Pepin's retirement is effective Oct. 1. Karl Reifsteck succeeds Pepin as the new AOC director. Reifsteck joined the AOC as deputy director in January 2023, and previously was a district court judge and the court executive officer in the Thirteenth Judicial District of Sandoval, Valencia and Cibola counties.

 ALBUQUERQUE – At 6:00 p.m. MT on Wednesday, August 28, the offices of U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representatives Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) will bring together representatives from the U.S. Military ServiceAcademies for a virtual Q&A session.

The conversation is an opportunity for high school students and recent graduates to ask questions about the nomination process and attending U.S. Military Service Academies. The New Mexico Congressional Delegation will be accepting online applications for nominations to enter an academy in Fall 2024.

SANTA FE, NM – At their August 14, 2024, meeting the New Mexico County Insurance Authority (NMCIA) Board of Directors appointed Eddy County Manager Roberta Gonzales to fill the southeast geographic director vacancy, the position previously held by former Roosevelt County Manager Amber Hamilton.

Gonzales will hold the position until the self-insurance pool's annual membership meeting on January 21, 2025, when voting representatives from Chaves, De Baca, Eddy, Lea, Lincoln, Otero and Roosevelt Counties elect a director to the position for the 2025-2026 term.

The Board held its August 14 meeting in Roosevelt County at the Jake Lopez Community Center and hosted a dinner the previous evening in honor of outgoing board member Amber Hamilton.

SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has appointed Elizabeth Anderson as State Engineer.

Anderson, a highly respected water resources expert with over 25 years of experience in civil and environmental engineering, will assume the role immediately, bringing a wealth of knowledge and a strong commitment to advancing the state's water security initiatives.

"I am pleased to appoint the first female, Elizabeth Anderson as New Mexico's State Engineer," said Gov. Lujan Grisham. "Her extensive experience and dedication to water resource management make her the ideal leader to address the challenges posed by climate change and to implement our 50-Year Water Action Plan. Elizabeth's proactive approach will ensure that New Mexico remains a leader in water stewardship and sustainability."

Anderson has a distinguished career in water resources management, having held key leadership positions, including Chief Planning Officer for the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority and New Mexico Water Operations Manager for CH2M HILL Engineers. Most recently, she served as Senior Advisor to the State Engineer, where she played a crucial role in supporting water planning, outreach, and strategic initiatives within the Office of the State Engineer (OSE) and the Interstate Stream Commission (ISC).

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) committed $24.8 million to bolster public safety by funding 189 new correctional officer positions, delivering critical support to 22 local entities and the New Mexico Corrections Department.

This significant investment will help offset the cost of new correctional officer salaries for three years, reinforcing the state's commitment to enhancing the security of its correctional facilities and safeguarding New Mexico communities.