Non-Local News Releases
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.
San Juan County Senators Respond to Farmington Tragedy
- Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
- Published: 15 May 2023 15 May 2023
FARMINGTON — In still developing news, several news outlets are reporting that four people were shot and killed in Farmington including the alleged shooter who died after being confronted by law enforcement. Two officers are currently being treated for gunshot wounds in a local hospital and appear to be in stable condition.
Senator Steven Neville (R-Aztec) and Senator Bill Sharer (R-Farmington) issued the following statement regarding the situation:
"We are deeply distraught and disturbed that violence of this kind would strike our community. We mourn the loss of our neighbors and friends who had their life cut short. Our deepest gratitude goes out to Farmington Police officers who stood up to this individual and put an end to the carnage. We pray for a speedy recovery for our officers shot in the line of duty and for the families who grieve the loss of a loved one tonight."
Communities Across the Country Remove Nearly 664,000 Pounds of Unneeded Prescription Medications to Prevent Drug Misuse
- Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
- Published: 15 May 2023 15 May 2023
El Paso, Texas – On April 22, 2023, DEA and its law enforcement partners came together once again to protect our communities from prescription misuse by safely disposing of 663,725 pounds of unneeded medications at nearly 5,000 collection sites across the country.
Since its inception in 2010, DEA’s bi-annual National Prescription Take Back Day has removed more than 17 million pounds of unnecessary medications from communities across the country.
The 17 counties of West Texas turned in 2,144 pounds while New Mexicans turned in 2,787 pounds. That was 830 pounds more than the October Take Back event in 2022.
For more than a decade, Take Back Day has helped Americans easily rid their homes of unneeded medications—those that are old, unwanted, or expired. These medications can be a gateway to addiction, and have helped fuel the opioid epidemic.
New attorneys take oath to practice law in New Mexico
- Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
- Published: 15 May 2023 15 May 2023
ALBUQUERQUE – Seventy-two new attorneys were admitted to the practice of law in the state of New Mexico during a swearing-in ceremony today.
“I encourage you to find a way to serve others in need of legal services,” Chief Justice C. Shannon Bacon told the new attorneys during a ceremony outside of the University of New Mexico Law School.
“You just took an oath that you ‘will never reject from any consideration personal to yourself the cause of the defenseless and the oppressed.’ You are in a unique position to serve those without means. To meet this portion of your oath, always embrace your pro bono work and responsibilities. By giving to others in need you will undoubtedly benefit from doing so by becoming a better lawyer,” Chief Justice Bacon said.
The oath of attorneys was administered by Supreme Court Chief Clerk Elizabeth A. Garcia. The new attorneys also signed the official roll of attorneys, which contains the names and signatures of people licensed to practice law in the state.
NM Supreme Court denies remand of Avangrid-PNM merger case
- Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
- Published: 15 May 2023 15 May 2023
The New Mexico Supreme Court issued an order today denying a request to remand the Avangrid-PNM merger case back to the Public Regulation Commission. The Court also scheduled a Sept. 12 oral argument in the case. The case is Avangrid v. NMPRC, S-SC-39152.
DPS Secretary issues statement on Farmington shootings
- Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
- Published: 15 May 2023 15 May 2023
FARMINGTON, NM - Department of Public Safety Secretary Jason R. Bowie issued a statement following shootings in Farmington that left at least three people dead and multiple injured, including two law enforcement officers who are being treated at an area hospital.
"Multiple civilians, a New Mexico State Police Officer and a Farmington Police Department Officer were involved in this senseless violent act. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims, injured civilians, and police officers. The first responders deserve our gratitude for their courageous and timely response."
The New Mexico Department of Public Safety is working with our local, state, and federal partners to mobilize resources to assist the Farmington Police Department as they investigate this attack."
Las Tusas Fire, San Miguel County 051523
- Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
- Published: 15 May 2023 15 May 2023
Cool temperatures and light precipitation over the fire area yesterday gave firefighters a boost in securing the line, bringing containment of the fire to 90%. Suppression repair is continuing as firefighters work to fully contain the fire. Fire traffic is still present near the fire and fire managers ask that the public be aware of fire vehicles entering the roads. Moisture and increased humidity are projected to linger throughout the week. Command of the fire will be transitioned back to the New Mexico Forestry Division on Wednesday, May 16, 2023, at 6:00 am. Incident Commander Luke McLarty and the Northern New Mexico Type 3 Incident Management Team would like to thank the public for their cooperation and support for the firefighters during this incident. This will be the last update from the team unless significant changes occur.
Start date: May 10, 2023
Location: West of Sapello, NM approximately 12 miles north of Las Vegas, NM
Cause: Unknown, under investigation
Size: 978 acres, acreage changed due to more accurate measurement via onsite GPS mapping.
Percent Contained: 90%
Game Commission to meet May 19
- Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
- Published: 14 May 2023 14 May 2023
SANTA FE – The New Mexico State Game Commission will hold a meeting at 9 a.m., Friday, May 19, 2023, in the Fisheries Management Division Conference Room at NMDGF Headquarters; One Wildlife Way; Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507. The full agenda, location details, attendee information and general information will be available on the Department of Game and Fish website.
If you are interested in participating and providing comments, but cannot attend the meeting in person, you are encouraged to pre-register to attend the meeting on the Zoom Webinar platform. In addition, there will be a live webcast on the Department’s website. Webcast participants can listen to the meeting using a desktop computer or mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.
If you are an individual with a disability who needs a reader, amplifier, qualified sign language interpreter or any other form of auxiliary aid or service to attend or participate in the meeting, please contact Ryan Darr at 505-476-8027 or ryan.darr@dgf.nm.gov. Public documents, including the agenda and minutes, can be provided in various accessible forms.
Heinrich, Sanders, Omar, and Gillibrand Seek to Expand and Make Permanent Universal School Meals
- Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
- Published: 14 May 2023 14 May 2023
Legislation would save New Mexico nearly $40 million annually
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) and U.S. Representative Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) announced the Universal School Meals Program Act, legislation that provides a permanent solution to end child hunger in schools by offering free breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a snack to all students, preschool through high school, regardless of income. Throughout the pandemic, this program provided food-insecurity relief to families across the country, but expired in September 2022.
With New Mexico’s recent enactment of Senate Bill 4, the Universal School Meals Program Act would save the state around $40 million annually.
“Every child deserves a quality education and a fair shot at success. No child deserves to go hungry. I am working hard to deliver resources for our kids’ education, and I am going to work equally hard to make sure our kids are fed – so that the pangs of hunger aren’t undercutting the opportunities ahead of them,” said Heinrich, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee overseeing USDA nutrition programs.