Non-Local News Releases

The Las Cruces Public Safety Legislative Task Force has changed venue due to a scheduling conflict. The Task Force is still planned for December 15th, 2025 from 9am to 3pm. The new venue is now the Las Cruces Public Schools Board Room 505 S. Main Street, Suite 249, Las Cruces, NM 88001 and will still be available to view via social media livestream. (see House & Senate Republican social media pages) 

Below, please find contextual information about the Task Force. 

Republican Legislators to Host Las Cruces Public Safety Task Force Focused on Juvenile Crime 

LAS CRUCES- White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) will have a planned road closure on US 70 for Friday, December 12, 2025.

US 70 is scheduled to be blocked twice at 6:40 a.m. and 7:40 a.m. These blocks will last around one hour each and should be lifted at or by 8:40 a.m. These blocks will be located at RED Block (Top of San Augustin Pass/Mile Marker 164) and YELLOW Block (White Sands National Park /Mile Marker 200).  The Las Cruces Gate, Owen Road, and Nike Avenue will also 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.

Madrid, NM – On August 9, 2025, at approximately 10:00 p.m., the New Mexico State Police responded to a report of an individual suffering from a gunshot wound on NM Highway 14 near Milepost 29.

The victim, identified as Patrick Wheeler, was struck by gunfire after an unidentified male riding a motorcycle fired into Wheeler's vehicle. Mr. Wheeler succumbed to his injuries. Investigators are seeking the public's assistance in identifying the suspect or providing any information related to this incident. Members of the public may submit information, including photos, videos, or statements, using the contact options below.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the New Mexico State Police at 505-841-9256 or use the submission link provided.

https://publicsafetynm.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/nmspr2509885 

Sandia Ranger District - Sulphur Unit Piles

Favorable weather conditions in place for hazardous fuels reduction work

ALBUQUERQUE, NM – December 9, 2025 – The Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands (NF & NGs) has implemented prescribed fire operations today on piles within the Sulphur Unit on the Sandia Ranger District. This multi-day operation will continue as weather conditions allow and pending all required approvals.

Las Cruces, NM — On Monday, December 15, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Republican lawmakers will host a public legislative task force focused on juvenile justice. The task force will feature Las Cruces Police Chief Jeremy Story, Farmington Police Chief Steve Hebbe, and New Mexico Department of Public Safety Cabinet Secretary Jason Bowie, in addition to state prosecutors, victims of juvenile crime, community stakeholders, and others.

This public hearing will provide expert testimony and policy discussion from various law enforcement entities, victims of violent crime, community stakeholders, and others. 

Albuquerque, NM — The New Mexico State Police is proud to announce the graduation of 18 new officers from the 106th New Mexico State Police Recruit Class. The ceremony will take place on December 19, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. inside the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy gymnasium, located at 4491 Cerillos Road, Santa Fe, NM.

These graduating recruits have completed months of demanding physical training, academic instruction, scenario-based testing, and field readiness preparation. Their graduation marks the beginning of their service as New Mexico State Police Officers entrusted with protecting our communities across the state.

Favorable weather conditions in place for hazardous fuels reduction work

ALBUQUERQUE, NM – December 5, 2025 – The Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands (NF & NGs) is planning prescribed fire pile burn operations on the Sandia Ranger District as early as Tuesday, December 9 pending all required approvals. We estimate this work to continue throughout the month of December as weather conditions allow.

Fire managers are taking advantage of recent precipitation, snow covered ground, cooler temperatures, and relative humidity recoveries that create suitable conditions for burning piled slash and woody debris from earlier forest restoration work. We use prescribed fires to help protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from wildfires.

New fee reductions offer meaningful savings for families this winter

SANTA FE, N.M. — The Bureau of Land Management has announced a series of holiday affordability measures that will help families save money, enjoy public lands, and support wildfire prevention efforts across New Mexico during the 2025–2026 winter season.

Effective immediately through January 31, the BLM is reducing many personal-use permit fees to just $1, including Christmas tree permits and firewood permits.