Non-Local News Releases

SILVER CITY, NM, March 18, 2024 – Increasing costs of maintenance and other requirements are driving the need for the USDA Forest Service to increase fees for use of some Gila National Forest developed recreation sites. Increased fees will be phased in at nine sites from May 10, through July 8, 2024. Site fees support operations, maintenance and improvements, and help keep pace with inflation. 

In 2004, Congress passed the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act, which allows the Forest Service to retain 95% of revenue collected at recreation sites and use those funds locally to operate, maintain, and improve these sites. Revenue is reinvested into forest recreation sites in the form of trash collection, septic and vault toilet pumping, painting, cleaning, addressing the backlog of deferred maintenance, conducting patrols, maintaining high-use trails, campsites, and more.

SANTA FE – Students will have an opportunity to watch an oral argument on a case involving a public school when the state Supreme Court convenes in Albuquerque next month for a program to help young people learn about the law and courts.

The argument on April 29 at Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) represents the fourth year for the Court's Rule of Law Program. The Court will convene at 10 a.m. in Smith Brasher Hall. Students may attend in person or watch virtually through a live stream of the proceeding. A Spanish translation of the live stream will be available.

Jaremy Smith has been captured after a pursuit and OIS involving the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office. For information on the OIS please contact the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office.

More of the situation below this news release:

Updated SUSPECT Information: The suspect in Officer Justin Hare's Murder has been identified as Jaremy Smith, 32, of Marion, South Carolina. New Mexico State Police has issued an arrest warrant for Smith, charging him with First Degree Murder, Armed Robbery, Shooting at or from a Motor Vehicle, Tampering with Evidence, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Taking of a Motor Vehicle, and Criminal Damage to Property.

Smith is considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached. If seen, call the New Mexico State Police at (505) 425-6771 or dial 911.

Senate Republican Leader, Senator Greg Baca, Releases Statement Regarding Fallen NMSP Officer

SANTA FE—Today the New Mexico State Police reported that State Police Officer Justin Hare was killed in the line of duty while responding to a call near Tucumcari. Senate Republican Leader, Senator Greg Baca (R-Belen), released the following statement on behalf of the Senate Republican Caucus:

"We are saddened and angry to learn that New Mexico has lost another one of its finest in the line of duty. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Officer Justin Hare and the entire law enforcement community. 

Officer Hare's killer is still on the loose and we hope they are swiftly captured and brought to justice."  

According to the New Mexico State Police, the suspect was last seen on foot on the I-40 Frontage Road at milepost 304 between Montoya and Newkirk. The suspect is armed and dangerous. Do not approach and call 911 immediately.

New tax law provisions open solar tax credit to more New Mexicans

EMRD is revising program rules before accepting new applications

SANTA FE, NM – Now that Governor Lujan Grisham has signed omnibus tax package for 2024 into law, the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) is preparing to accept a new wave of applications for its Solar Market Development Tax Credit Program.

The 2024 tax omnibus, House Bill 252, contains provisions that make the existing solar tax credit available to more New Mexicans. Those provisions include:

Each year, the University Art Museum at New Mexico State University receives 60 to 80 submissions from both art majors and non-majors for its annual Juried Student Show. An outside juror, chosen by the museum staff, then selects works to be included in the show.

This year's juror, El Paso-born artist Celia Álvarez Muñoz, selected 32 works from 28 different NMSU students for the 2024 Juried Student Show. Álvarez Muñoz' recent UAM exhibition titled "Celia Álvarez Muñoz: Breaking the Binding" included more than 35 artworks spanning a 40-year career.

Heinrich Leads Introduction of Bipartisan Legislation to Accelerate Adoption of Geothermal Energy 

The Geothermal Energy Optimization Act would speed up adoption and development of geothermal energy, lower costs for Americans, and create more pathways to high-quality jobs  

WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), along with U.S. Senators James Risch, (R-Idaho), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), and Mike Lee (R-Utah), all members of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, introduced the Geothermal Energy Optimization (GEO) Act to accelerate the adoption of geothermal energy nationwide. 

New Mexico State University's College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences will host its fifth annual ACES Open House from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 6, on the Las Cruces campus.

Community members of all ages are invited to the free, family friendly event to explore several buildings, labs and auxiliary units on NMSU's agricultural complex and learn about the various academic, research and outreach programs in the College of ACES.