This category will feature news releases from out-of-area government agencies and representatives, as well as events that are not taking place in the four-county area of Grant, Catron, Hidalgo or Luna. For local events please visit Local News Releases.

Nominations Sought for New Mexico Livestock Inspector of the Year

By: Michelle Frost-Maynard, NMCGA

Deadline for submitting nominations is September 15, 2023. New Mexico Cattle Growers' Association (NMCGA), is seeking nominations for its annual New Mexico Livestock Inspector of the Year Award. The award will be presented during the 2023 Annual Joint Stockmen's Convention, December 14th – 16th, in Albuquerque.

"NMCGA honors a livestock inspector employed by the New Mexico Livestock Board (NMLB) for outstanding service to the livestock industry," said Loren Patterson, NMCGA President. The NMLB mission is to protect the integrity of New Mexico's livestock industry. The inspectors continuously patrol and perform inspections around the state to help keep livestock free from disease and safe from theft.

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Real Estate Activity was Mixed in April 2023 

In April 2023, New Mexico home sales decreased by 12.75% compared to the previous month. While still 26%  behind April 2022 sales, the numbers reflect an increase in the median sold price. In Q1 of 2023, the National  Association of Realtors® reported that Santa Fe was one of the top ten metro areas with the largest percent  gains in existing single-family home prices at an 11.7% increase. 

National Association of Realtors® Chief Economist Lawrence Yun said the Federal Reserve's most recent rate  hike was unnecessary, and he expects the Fed will stop raising interest rates further. "Inflation will not  reignite – inflation will come down closer to 3% by the year's end," Yun stated. Fast-rising rent prices remain  the largest contributor to elevated inflation. According to Yun, the housing market is being held back by the  lack of housing inventory, a problem that existed before the pandemic. “Seeing a drop to 6% rates on 30-year  mortgages, we expect to see more renters transition to home ownership as inventory becomes available,” remarked Hubert Hill, NMAR President. 

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I-10/I-25 Roadway Memorial Interchange Dedication

“In memory of SFC Antonio Rey ‘Rod’ Rodriguez”

LAS CRUCES – Saturday, May 20, 2023, the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT), distinguished guests and community members held the official dedication of Interstate 10 Eastbound from milepost 143.69 to milepost 145.43, Interstate 10 Westbound from milepost 145.43 to milepost 143.69, and Interstate 25 from milepost 0 to milepost 0.19 in Doña Ana County (I-10/I-25 Interchange), as the “SFC Antonio Rey ‘ROD” Rodriguez Memorial Interchange.  

Guadalupe Rodriguez Jaramillo, President of the SFC Antonio Rey “ROD” Rodriguez foundation, met with Lieutenant Governor Howie Morales and executive staff members of the NMDOT to formally request, on behalf of the foundation, the dedication of the I-10/I-25 Interchange in memory of United States Army Sergeant First Class (SFC) Antonio Rey ‘ROD” Rodriguez.

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T or C Construction Update: Water Outage Rescheduled Wednesday, May 24, 2023

5/24/2023 from 3:30-8:30 p.m. - will affect some businesses and organizations

Update as of Friday, May 19, 2023

NOTE: All construction is weather permitting and is subject to changes without notice.

Crews will relocate a section of water line to continue work on an 8-inch sanitary sewer line. During this work, scheduled Wednesday, May 24, 2023, from 3:30-8:30 p.m., the water will be shut off.

Affected businesses and organizations include:

  • Sierra Vista Hospital and Rural Health Clinic
  • Hot Springs High School
  • Truth or Consequences Middle School
  • Shell Gas Station
  • Lakeway Shopping Center, including Organtica Truth or Consequences, Subway, World Finance, Dollar General, Gila National Forest, Black Range District Office, Metro by T-Mobile and Truth Smoke Shop & Vape

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Heinrich, Grijalva Introduce Legislation to Modernize Antiquated Mining Law

Legislation comes as demand grows for critical minerals necessary for the transition to a clean energy future

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and U.S. Representative Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Natural Resources, introduced House and Senate versions of the Clean Energy Minerals Reform Act to modernize the nation’s severely antiquated Mining Law of 1872. The bills will address major environmental justice concerns, protect the environment, and ensure a fair return for the American people.

"We cannot go all in on a clean energy future with a 19th century mining policy on the books. This antiquated law has become a driving force behind centuries of legacy mining pollution that is leaking toxic heavy metals and acid mine drainage into streams and rivers all across the West,” said Heinrich. 

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Heinrich Announces Legislation to Improve Electric Transmission Planning

The Interregional Transmission Planning Improvement Act will help build a more reliable and robust 21st century energy infrastructure

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, introduced legislation to jump start the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) interregional transmission planning process.

“If we want to confront the climate crisis and make our electric grid more resilient and reliable, we need to be thinking across regions,” said Heinrich. “This bill will direct FERC to formalize an interregional planning process. It will be key to modernizing our electric grid in a way that creates good-paying jobs and helps us transition to a clean energy future.”

The bill, first introduced by Senator Heinrich in 2019, directs FERC to create an interregional transmission planning process and ensure that cost allocation methodologies consider economic, reliability, and operational benefits. The bill directs FERC to promulgate a final rule within 18 months of enactment.

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NMDOT Traffic Report for week of May 21 to 28, 2023. 

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.  

Interstates: 

Date St. Business Loop Roundabout Project, T or C 

La Calerita Construction, LLC. (Contractor) construction, Phase 3 is expected to last about 4 (four) months, through September 2023, the following traffic impacts will be in place:

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Construction Update: Northbound I-25 On-Ramp at Exit 75

Will Be Closed for Two Months Beginning Monday, May 22; Southbound Off-Ramp and Part of  Broadway Street Remain Closed

Update as of May 19, 2023

NOTE: All construction is weather permitting and is subject to changes without notice.

Beginning Monday, May 22, 2023, crews will close the I-25 northbound on-ramp at Exit 75so they can install curb and gutter. This closure is expected to last about two (2) months, through late July. 

The following traffic impacts will also remain in place:

  • The southbound I-25 on-ramp and off-ramp at Exit 75 will remain closed
  • Broadway Street will remain closed west of NM 187

Read more ...

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