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.
New Mexico State Parks gear up for recreational boating season with National Safe Boating Week
- Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
- Published: 18 May 2023 18 May 2023
Life jackets save lives, wear them! Chalecos salvavidas salvan vidas, úsalos!
Santa Fe, NM – National Safe Boating week kicks off May 20-26, 2023, in conjunction with the busy Memorial Day holiday. The State Parks Division (State Parks) of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department, the National Safe Boating Council, and law enforcement across the state want everyone to have fun, but also urge residents and visitors to stay safe on the water and wear a life jacket!
“This year we need to be extra vigilant as record amounts of snowmelt and recent rains fill our lakes and rivers to capacity and above,” says Manuel Overby, Chief of Law Enforcement and Boating Safety. “Boaters, paddlers, rafters, tubers, and jet skiers need to be highly aware and watch out for swift currents, floating debris, and underwater snags that may not be visible until you are on top of it. Wearing a life jacket is your best line of defense. It could save your life.”
NIEER declares New Mexico a "national leader" in PreK State of PreK
- Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
- Published: 18 May 2023 18 May 2023
Report gives New Mexico high marks on progress towards universal PreK
SANTA FE – Today, the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) released its annual “State of PreK Yearbook” report that analyzes and ranks state preschool programs, giving New Mexico top marks for its progress towards establishing free, universal PreK and the state’s significant investments in early education. The report ranks New Mexico in the top ten states for PreK for three-year-olds and 13th for four-year-olds, with the state meeting nine out of ten benchmarks for PreK quality.
“When I took office, I promised to deliver free, universal PreK for New Mexico families,” said Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. “We’ve made incredible progress by increasing access to early education, raising teacher salaries, and funding the largest PreK expansion in our state’s history. These investments establish New Mexico as a leader in early education. This is the solid foundation children in New Mexico deserve so they can learn, grown and thrive in the future.”
Traffic Alert: White Sands Missile Range - US 70 Roadblock
- Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
- Published: 17 May 2023 17 May 2023
LAS CRUCES - The New Mexico Department of Transportation District One office (NMDOT) along with White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) have posted an alert for Thursday, May 18, 2023.
US 70 is scheduled to be blocked beginning at 5:35 a.m., lasting approximately 1 hour. The block will be located at 'BLUE Block' (2 miles east of the access road - Mile Marker 172) and YELLOW Block (White Sands National Park/mile marker 200). Nike Avenue will also be impacted by this block; however, San Augustine Pass and Las Cruces Gate will remain open.
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.
The New Mexico Film Office Announces Feature Film “The Line” Is Currently Filming in New Mexico
- Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
- Published: 17 May 2023 17 May 2023
Santa Fe, NM - New Mexico Film Office Director Amber Dodson announced today that the feature film, “The Line,” has begun production in Las Cruces.
“We are thrilled to welcome ‘The Line’ to Las Cruces. In addition to showcasing our unique locations and talented crew, the film is providing some great opportunities for students to gain invaluable experience,” Las Cruces Film Liaison Andrew Jara said.
The film is a story about Emily, a young filmmaker who sets out to shoot a documentary about reuniting with her estranged mother of fourteen years. When her mother vanishes, Emily’s project explodes from an intimate exploration of family into something much more sinister.
"The Line” is produced by Gary Lucchesi (“Million Dollar Baby”), Aaron Kogan (“5 Doctors”), Steven Klein (Emmy-nominated “Wrestle”), and Michael McKay (“The Age of Adaline”), and Oscar-nominated documentary filmmaker, Pedro Kos (“Lead Me Home”), is set to direct.
Heinrich-Led Public Lands Conservation Bills Advance Out of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee
- Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
- Published: 17 May 2023 17 May 2023
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, is announcing the approval of three landmark New Mexico public lands conservation bills. Each of the bills now head to the Senate Floor for full consideration.
The M.H. Dutch Salmon Greater Gila Wild and Scenic River Act would designate portions of the Gila River, its watershed and other rivers in the Gila National Forest as Wild and Scenic Rivers. The Greater Gila watershed comprises the largest remaining network of naturally free-flowing river segments in the Southwestern United States. U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) is sponsoring the legislation in the House. U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.) and Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) are original cosponsors.
The Buffalo Tract Protection Act withdraws four parcels of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands in southern Sandoval County, including the Buffalo Tract and the Crest of Montezuma, from any mineral development, including gravel mining.
Heinrich, Capito Celebrate Committee Passage of Bipartisan Simplifying Outdoor Access for Recreation Act
- Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
- Published: 17 May 2023 17 May 2023
Bipartisan bill would improve the permitting process for outfitters, educational organizations, and community groups
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W. Va.), celebrated the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee’s passage of their bipartisan Simplifying Outdoor Access for Recreation (SOAR) Act, legislation to improve the permitting process for outfitters, educational organizations, and community groups to access public land. The legislation was included in the America’s Outdoor Recreation Act, sponsored by Chairman Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Ranking Member John Barrasso (R-W.Y.).
“I am pleased that the Committee is moving forward with our legislation to make it easier for families, schools, and community groups to get outside and enjoy our public lands,” said Heinrich. “Our public lands are where we go to camp under the stars, chase bugling elk, or fish for trout in a mountain stream."
New Mexico Counties Awards over $345,000 for Wildfire Risk Reduction
- Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
- Published: 17 May 2023 17 May 2023
2023-2024 Wildfire Risk Reduction Grant Program Recipients
SANTA FE, NM - New Mexico Counties awarded over $345,000 to eleven grant recipients for community wildfire protection plan updates, fuel reduction treatments, and education efforts through the 2023-2024 Wildfire Risk Reduction Grant Program. Grant recipients include Ciudad Soil & Water Conservation District (2 grants – education and fuels), Claunch-Pinto Soil & Water Conservation District, Dixon Community Fire District, East Mountain Wildfire Preparedness Association, Rio Arriba County, Socorro County, South Central Mountain RC&D Council, Taos County, Torrance County, and the Village of Angel Fire. The collaborative vetting process included the Bureau of Land Management, Forest Stewards Guild, NM Counties, NM Department of Game & Fish, NM Department of Homeland Security & Emergency Management, NM Forestry Division, NM State Land Office, and US Fish & Wildlife.
Wildfire awareness, mitigation, and resilience helps New Mexico communities respond to evolving ecosystems.
Traffic Alert: White Sands Missile Range - US 70 Roadblock
- Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
- Published: 16 May 2023 16 May 2023
LAS CRUCES - The New Mexico Department of Transportation District One office (NMDOT) along with White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) have posted an alert for Wednesday, May 17, 2023.
US 70 will be blocked three times beginning at 7:55 a.m. and the second block will begin at 8:55 a.m., and the third at 9:55 a.m., lasting approximately 1 hour each. The blocks will be located at 'BLUE Block' (2 miles east of the access road - Mile Marker 172) and at 'BROWN Block' (Mile Marker 192). Nike Avenue will also be impacted by this block; however, Owen Road and Las Cruces Gate will remain open.
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.