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.

Important steps to protect your eyes during the upcoming solar eclipse on October 14, 2023

SANTA FE — On October 14, New Mexicans will be able to witness a solar eclipse and should be aware of the steps they can take to protect their eyesight if they want to view the event. 

Solar eclipses occur when the moon moves between the sun and the earth. It is never safe to look at a partial solar eclipse without proper safety equipment or techniques. During the very brief time the sun is in a total solar eclipse it is safe to look at it, but people should do so with extreme caution as it does not last long.  

"When it comes to witnessing the October 14 solar eclipse, choosing the right eye protection is non-negotiable,” said Patrick Allen, Secretary for the New Mexico Department of Health (DOH). “Ensure your safety with ISO 12312-2 labeled solar eclipse glasses, pinhole projection, or Number 14 welder's glasses. Prioritize your eyesight, as 'eclipse blindness' is a silent danger." 

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Application period opens today for the Land and Water Conservation Fund

Local, state, and tribal governments can apply for nearly $3.2 million dollars to build and improve parks and outdoor recreation areas

Santa Fe – Today the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) State Parks Division will begin accepting applications for $3,193,100 in federal funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) through December 1, 2023.

The Department of the Interior National Park Service (NPS) created the LWCF to assist in preserving, developing, and assuring accessibility to outdoor recreation resources and to strengthen the health and vitality of citizens. The program provides matching grants to States and through States to political subdivisions of the State and other appropriate public agencies, including recognized Indian tribes, for the acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation sites and facilities.

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The Sun to Put on Special Show for Great Southwest Star Party!

The sun is scheduled to put on a special annular eclipse to kick off the Great Southwest Star Party, featuring a deep partial eclipse with over 90% of the sun’s surface covered by the moon. Organizers of the Star Party were delighted to hear of the sun’s participation in the event and noted that it’s unusual for the sun to take part in a Star Party, even though it’s the largest star around.

Even with the sun mostly hidden behind the moon, it’s still dangerous to look directly at it, so the Museum of Space History will be providing free eclipse glasses to the first 1000 attendees.

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State Reps on passing of Mack Chase

House Republican Members, State Rep. Jim Townsend (R-Artesia), State Rep. Cathrynn Brown (R-Carslbad), and State Rep. Jimmy Mason (R-Artesia) issued the following statement on the passing of Mack Chase, owner of Mack Energy Corporation:

"It is with deepest condolences that we mourn the passing of Mack Chase. We express our condolences to the Chase family, Mack Energy employees, and the community who will no doubt feel the loss of Mack, who championed our communities and oil and gas industry in New Mexico."

Traffic Report for week of October 1 to 8, 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.  

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Startups selected for NMSU-hosted pitch competition in Albuquerque

The Scale Up New Mexico program, funded in part by the United States Economic Development Administration and housed at New Mexico State University’s Arrowhead Center, has announced the final selection of innovative startups participating in the 2023 Scale Up NM Pitch Competition. 


 
The event showcases promising entrepreneurs and their groundbreaking ideas, and is set to take place Oct. 26 at Electric Playhouse, 5201 Ouray Rd NW, in Albuquerque.

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NM State Police Participates in National Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week

Statewide, NM – The New Mexico State Police is proud to have joined law enforcement agencies nationwide in recognizing National Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week, taking place from September 17th to September 23rd, 2023.

Throughout National Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week, the New Mexico State Police focused its efforts across the state on enforcing and educating drivers and passengers alike, reminding them about the critical importance of properly securing children in vehicles to prevent injuries and save lives.

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Former NMSU student pursues passion to destigmatize migration

On a spring afternoon in March 2023, Nancy Patterson walked through a playground to enter a migrant shelter in the heart of a Las Cruces neighborhood. Inside, she wound her way past families congregated in a cafeteria under a kaleidoscope of flags, enjoying a moment’s peace from their travels to the United States. She headed into an on-site health clinic and readied herself to assist with medical screenings for incoming migrants.


It was the start of Patterson’s Sunday shift at Border Servant Corps, which operates the shelter. Since 2022, she devoted two days a month to helping the organization fulfill its mission to provide hospitality to refugees and asylum seekers in the U.S. while pursuing dual master’s degrees in social work and public health at NMSU through the College of HEST. 
 

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