Non-Local News Releases

CEDAR CREST, N.M. — A man sustained non-life-threatening injuries Wednesday morning after being bitten by a bear while walking his dogs in the Cedar Crest area.

Department of Wildlife conservation officers are currently on the scene investigating the incident and securing the area. The investigation is active and ongoing, and more information will be released to the public as it becomes available.

In light of this incident, the Department is issuing an urgent reminder to all residents and visitors to be "bear aware" while recreating in or near wildlife habitats. Encounters can happen unexpectedly, and knowing how to react is critical for public safety.

SAN ANTONIO, N.M. - White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) has planned road closures on U.S. 380 for Wednesday, August 12, 2026.

U.S. 380 will be blocked once beginning at 5 a.m., for approximately two hours and being lifted by 7 a.m. This block will affect U.S. 380 in the northern portion of the range at Gold Block (mile marker 3) and Silver Block (mile marker 49).

All roadblocks are subject to change without notice. For updates, call WSMR at 575-678-2221 or 575-678-2222, visit the New Mexico Department of Transportation at  www.nmroads.com  or call 511.

Washington, D.C., August 11, 2026-- The U.S. Forest Service today announced an alignment of national wildfire management authorities that strengthens operational efficiency and clarifies reporting roles across the agency. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz delivered the formal delegation of authority letter today, consolidating all fire and aviation authorities under the agency's Deputy Chief of Fire and Aviation Management, Safety, and Employee Wellbeing, a position currently held by Sarah Fisher. The delegation is effective immediately and implements Executive Order 14308 and Secretary Memorandum 1078-017. 

Under the delegation, all fire and aviation authorities outlined in Forest Service Manual 1230 (Delegations of Authority) and 5100 (Fire Management) are reassigned to the deputy chief, except where a specific delegation restricts the exercise of certain powers reserved to the chief. The action establishes distinct lines of authority and reduces administrative layers to support more efficient delivery of national wildfire response and aviation operations. 

The Chaves County Sheriff's Office, Roswell Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are seeking information from the public concerning the recent homicides of the following individuals:

Kent Hoffmann: White Male born in 1969, White hair, brown eyes, 5ft 2in tall, approximately 145 pounds. His body was found in the Hondo River Channel on June 14, 2026.

Andrew Lujan-Huerta: Hispanic Male born in 1979. Black hair, brown eyes, 5ft 8in tall, approximately 175 pounds. His body was found in the Hondo River Channel on July 14, 2026.

Karl Affsprung: White male born in 1967. Brown hair, brown eyes, 5ft 7in tall, approximately 155 pounds. His body was found 10 miles east of Roswell on July 29, 2026.

See poster below

Don't miss your chance! Aug. 12 is the deadline to apply for Sandhill crane and pheasant draw permits.

The information from the NM Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department lays out the steps that communities can use to safely get rid of cut down dead trees, debris from branches cut off to keep a home Firewise and how to benefit yourself and your neighbors. 

Please see PDF below

New Fire Start on Mount Taylor Ranger District
Four Mile Fire in Zuni Mountains

 Albuquerque, NM – August 10, 2026 — Fire resources are actively engaged in suppression efforts on the Four Mile Fire on the Mount Taylor Ranger District within the Cibola National Forest.

Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the first priority. Members of the public should avoid the fire areas.

Drones pose a serious risk to firefighting and can cause air operations to cease. The public is reminded that "If you fly, we can't!" 

Mount Taylor Ranger District- Zuni Mountains: Four Mile Fire

Reported Date / Time: August 9, 2026 / 1528           Cause: Undetermined.         Size: 6 acres.

State Wildlife Action Plan website now available

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Department of Wildlife has released the website for the 2025 State Wildlife Action Planafter the plan received approval from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, ensuring New Mexico remains eligible for millions of dollars in funding to conserve the state's most vulnerable wildlife and habitats.