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 those events please visit Local News Releases.

NMDA recognizes 51st National Agriculture Week

March 17 to March 24 celebrates the agriculture industry of today and tomorrow

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LAS CRUCES, N.M. – The New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) celebrates the 51st National Agriculture Week – observed March 17 to March 24 – acknowledging and recognizing the essential work that all farmers, ranchers and agricultural professionals do to feed, fuel and clothe communities in New Mexico and across the nation. 

We also recognize that the agriculture industry helps stabilize the economy and supports more than 46 million jobs across the United States, while allowing those working outside the agriculture industry to have access to the safest food in the world.  

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Gail Armstrong Invites Governor Lujan Grisham To Ride With Rural Students

HOUSE REPUBLICAN CAUCUS CHAIR GAIL ARMSTRONG INVITES GOVERNOR LUJAN GRISHAM TO RIDE ALONG WITH RURAL STUDENTS TO AND FROM SCHOOL

SANTA FE, NM— State Representative Gail Armstrong (R-Magdalena), the current House Republican Caucus Chair and a former local school board member, today invited Governor Lujan Grisham and Public Education Department Secretary Romero to ride along on a school bus with students from Quemado or Reserve as they travel to and from school.   This invitation is being made in response to the Lujan Grisham administration’s new rule requiring rural school districts to eliminate their successful 4-day school week and force rural students to spend up to an additional 4-hour per day school bus ride each week to and from school.    

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Traffic Alert White Sands Missile Range March 19, 2024.

Traffic Alert - White Sands Missile Range

US 380 Roadblock

SAN ANTONIO - The New Mexico Department of Transportation District One office (NMDOT) along with White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) have posted an alert for Tuesday, March 19, 2024. 

US 380 will be blocked one time at 6:10 a.m. for approximately 2 hours and should be lifted at 8:10 p.m.  This block will be located at Gold Block (Mile Marker 3) and at Silver Block (Mile Marker 49).

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.

Gila National Forest adjusts recreational fees at select facilities

SILVER CITY, NM, March 18, 2024 – Increasing costs of maintenance and other requirements are driving the need for the USDA Forest Service to increase fees for use of some Gila National Forest developed recreation sites. Increased fees will be phased in at nine sites from May 10, through July 8, 2024. Site fees support operations, maintenance and improvements, and help keep pace with inflation. 

In 2004, Congress passed the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act, which allows the Forest Service to retain 95% of revenue collected at recreation sites and use those funds locally to operate, maintain, and improve these sites. Revenue is reinvested into forest recreation sites in the form of trash collection, septic and vault toilet pumping, painting, cleaning, addressing the backlog of deferred maintenance, conducting patrols, maintaining high-use trails, campsites, and more.

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Supreme Court to hear case in Albuquerque for educational program

SANTA FE – Students will have an opportunity to watch an oral argument on a case involving a public school when the state Supreme Court convenes in Albuquerque next month for a program to help young people learn about the law and courts.

The argument on April 29 at Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) represents the fourth year for the Court’s Rule of Law Program. The Court will convene at 10 a.m. in Smith Brasher Hall. Students may attend in person or watch virtually through a live stream of the proceeding. A Spanish translation of the live stream will be available.

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CAPTURED: Updated: NM State Police issues arrest warrant for fellow Officer Justin Hare's murder

jaremy smithJaremy Smith has been captured after a pursuit and OIS involving the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office. For information on the OIS please contact the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office.

More of the situation below this news release:

Updated SUSPECT Information: The suspect in Officer Justin Hare's Murder has been identified as Jaremy Smith, 32, of Marion, South Carolina. New Mexico State Police has issued an arrest warrant for Smith, charging him with First Degree Murder, Armed Robbery, Shooting at or from a Motor Vehicle, Tampering with Evidence, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Taking of a Motor Vehicle, and Criminal Damage to Property.

Smith is considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached. If seen, call the New Mexico State Police at (505) 425-6771 or dial 911.

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Senator Greg Baca, Releases Statement - Fallen NMSP Officer

Senate Republican Leader, Senator Greg Baca, Releases Statement Regarding Fallen NMSP Officer

SANTA FE—Today the New Mexico State Police reported that State Police Officer Justin Hare was killed in the line of duty while responding to a call near Tucumcari. Senate Republican Leader, Senator Greg Baca (R-Belen), released the following statement on behalf of the Senate Republican Caucus:

“We are saddened and angry to learn that New Mexico has lost another one of its finest in the line of duty. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Officer Justin Hare and the entire law enforcement community. 

Officer Hare’s killer is still on the loose and we hope they are swiftly captured and brought to justice.”  

According to the New Mexico State Police, the suspect was last seen on foot on the I-40 Frontage Road at milepost 304 between Montoya and Newkirk. The suspect is armed and dangerous. Do not approach and call 911 immediately.

New tax law provisions open solar tax credit

New tax law provisions open solar tax credit to more New Mexicans

EMRD is revising program rules before accepting new applications

SANTA FE, NM – Now that Governor Lujan Grisham has signed omnibus tax package for 2024 into law, the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) is preparing to accept a new wave of applications for its Solar Market Development Tax Credit Program.

The 2024 tax omnibus, House Bill 252, contains provisions that make the existing solar tax credit available to more New Mexicans. Those provisions include:

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