Non-Local News Releases

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.

Traffic Alert -White Sands Missile Range

US 70 Roadblock

LAS CRUCES - The New Mexico Department of Transportation District One office (NMDOT) along with White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) have posted an alert for Sunday, August 11, 2024.

US 70 is scheduled to be blocked one time beginning at 12:25 P.M. This block will last approximately one hour, lifting around 1:25 P.M. The block will be located at BLUE Block (2 miles east of the Owen access road, near Mile Marker 172) and YELLOW Block (near White Sands National Park, mile marker 200). San Augustin Pass and Las Cruces 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.

July 28, 2024 - Ben Lesser is an author, public speaker and a 95-year-old Holocaust survivor. He has dedicated his days and nights to encouraging universal remembrance for generations to come. There are few people that can be considered a human miracle, but Ben is one of them. Out of his immediate family of seven, Ben and his sister Lola were the only survivors of the Holocaust. He endured four concentration camps, two death marches, and two death trains. Ben spent five years in a living hell, as well as losing the majority of his family. As a testament to his strength and spirit, Ben dedicated his life to one main mission: educate, prevent and prevail.

Santa Fe, NM—The New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) has awarded 59 local public entities funding for an additional 190 firefighter and EMT positions across the state.

The $24.9 million in grants will help offset the cost of new firefighter and EMT salaries for three years.

"Firefighters are on the front lines protecting our communities from potentially devastating blazes everyday," said Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. "As fires––and especially wildfires––grow more frequent and more intense in and around New Mexico communities, it makes good sense to provide them with the resources to protect people, pets, livestock, and property."

Company to invest a projected $942 million, create over 900 jobs

ALBUQUERQUE – Today, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and Ebon Solar jointly announced an estimated $942 million investment in New Mexico's solar industry.

Ebon Solar LLC (Ebon Solar) is a Delaware-based, U.S. solar cell manufacturing company.

"We have succeeded in making New Mexico a global center for advanced energy manufacturing," Gov. Lujan Grisham said. "Ebon Solar joins other leading companies in embracing New Mexico's commitment to renewable energy, its talented, dedicated workforce, and the opportunities we provide for job training and tuition-free college."

 WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) are welcoming $800,000 from the U.S. Department of Labor to support disaster-relief jobs and training services in communities affected by the South Fork and Salt Fires.

This federal funding is provided through the Major Disaster Declaration President Joe Biden issued — at the urging of the N.M. Delegation — for Lincoln County, Otero County, and the Mescalero Apache Tribe.

West Nile virus is transmitted by mosquitoes. Residents are encouraged to take steps to reduce their risk of infection. To protect yourself from West Nile virus infection:

Use an approved insect repellent every time you go outside and follow the instructions on the label. Among the EPA-approved repellents are those that contain DEET, picaridin, IR3535 and oil of lemon eucalyptus/para-menthane-diol.

Wear long sleeves and pants at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

SANTA FE – In New Mexico, wildfire conditions are generally receding by the month of August, but this year is different. The National Interagency Fire Center's Predictive Services outlook says that we can expect an increase in fire potential into the month of October. The reasons why may be familiar – warmer and drier conditions brought on by climate change, and a relatively calm 2023 fire season in which very little vegetation burned.

Considering this, it's important to remember the main reason wildfires start — human activity. Humans – like you and us – make simple mistakes that can have devastating consequences. Nationally, humans cause nearly 90% of all fires in the United States. In New Mexico since 2019, humans have caused 70% percent of all fires, burning one million acres and costing $52.6 million dollars.