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.
Heinrich's Legislation to Complete Continental Divide Trail Receives Key Hearing
- Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
- Published: 21 June 2023 21 June 2023
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, announced important progress on his Continental Divide Trail Completion Act after it was featured during a hearing to consider pending legislation in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks today. The bipartisan legislation, introduced with U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-Mont.), would direct the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Interior to prioritize completion of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDT) by the trail's 50th anniversary in 2028.
View Heinrich's remarks on the Continental Divide Trail Completion Act here.
During the hearing, Senator Heinrich expressed that "improving the trail route by closing gaps and making needed relocations will significantly improve trail safety and enjoyment for visitors, enhancing the trail's ability to support recreation and conservation along the Continental Divide." Heinrich explained that he introduced the legislation with Senator Daines to "improve the safety, accessibility, and quality of this National Scenic Trail that connects Americans to amazing landscapes across five Western states."
Updated Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument planning effort
- Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
- Published: 21 June 2023 21 June 2023
BLM Las Cruces District seeks public involvement
LAS CRUCES, N.M. — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Las Cruces District is announcing the start of the public scoping period for development of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument Resource Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement. A notice of intent posted in the Federal Register on June 22, 2023, formally opening the 30-day public scoping period, which will end on July 22, 2023.
During the scoping period, we are especially interested in receiving feedback on the public's vision for the monument and the issues and concerns regarding the monument's current conditions and future proposed resource management. The BLM is also interested in comments on the preliminary management criteria and possible alternatives.
"During the planning effort, it is our goal to build extensive public awareness and generate as much public involvement as possible to develop a well thought out and supported plan that addresses the diverse resource values and allowable uses of the monument," said BLM Las Cruces District Monument Manager Mara Weisenberger.
Department of Health reports sixth hantavirus case of 2023
- Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
- Published: 21 June 2023 21 June 2023
Two of the six patients with hantavirus have died
SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Health (DOH) reports six New Mexico residents have been diagnosed with hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) since the beginning of 2023. On average, three or four people are typically diagnosed with HPS over the course of a year in New Mexico.
These individuals resided in McKinley, San Juan, and Taos Counties. Two patients have died; the four surviving patients were all hospitalized and required oxygen or intensive care before being able to return home.
"Everyone in New Mexico should learn about hantavirus infections and take the necessary steps to minimize possible exposures," said Dr. Chad Smelser, DOH Deputy State Epidemiologist. "The key to preventing infections is to avoid exposure to rodents and their nests."
Heinrich, Luján Announce Legislation to Codify Right to Contraception, Ahead of One-Year Mark Since Right to Abortion Struck Down
- Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
- Published: 21 June 2023 21 June 2023
Right to Contraception Act would protect American's right to contraception as Supreme Court threatens to roll back more reproductive rights in the wake of Dobbs decision
Ninety percent of Americans support access to all forms of birth control
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) joined Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and U.S. Representative Kathy Manning (D-N.C.) in announcing the reintroduction of the Right to Contraception Act, legislation that would protect and strengthen the right to contraception. Preserving the right to contraception in federal law would reverse steps already taken by MAGA Republicans in states across the country to restrict access to contraceptives and ensure that any future attempt by the far-right majority on the Supreme Court would not endanger access to this essential health care.
New Mexico Counties Board of Directors Elect New Officers
- Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
- Published: 21 June 2023 21 June 2023
L:R- Past President Valencia County Commissioner Jhonathan Aragon, Vice President San Juan County Commissioner Terri Fortner, President Elect Curry County Clerk Annie Hogland, and President Eddy County Sheriff Mark Cage.New Mexico Counties
Board of Directors Elect New Officers, Executive Committee District Representatives
SANTA, NM – During the New Mexico Counties Board of Directors meeting on Thursday, June 15, 2023, held during the New Mexico Counties 86th Annual Conference in Farmington, the Board elected new leadership. They assumed their responsibilities upon adjournment of the Board meeting and annual conference.
The new officers of New Mexico Counties are President Eddy County Sheriff Mark Cage, President Elect Curry County Clerk Annie Hogland, Vice President San Juan County Commissioner Terri Fortner, and Past President Valencia County Commissioner Jhonathan Aragon. Each officer will serve for a one-year term. These individuals were chosen by their peer elected officials as ideal candidates to represent all 33 counties in New Mexico.
NM Game and Fish Leftover draw licenses on sale June 28
- Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
- Published: 21 June 2023 21 June 2023
Leftover draw licenses on sale June 28
SANTA FE – A total of 564 deer licenses not issued during the 2023-2024 big-game draw will go on sale at 10 a.m. MDT June 28, through the Department’s Online License System.
New Mexico residents will get first shot at the licenses for the first 24 hours of the first-come, first-served sale. If any licenses remain after the first 24 hours, the sale will be opened to nonresidents at 10 a.m. June 29.
Important note for youth hunters: Because these are draw licenses, purchasing a license will render youth hunters ineligible to purchase a youth encouragement elk license for the first 14 days of the upcoming sale in July.
Arrowhead Center at NMSU, STTE Foundation partner to host El Paso startup accelerator
- Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
- Published: 20 June 2023 20 June 2023
Success Through Technology Education Foundation has partnered with New Mexico State University's Arrowhead Center to offer a TechSprint online accelerator, STTE Ventures Sprint, to tech startups from El Paso.
STTE Ventures Sprint is one of the new several opportunities offered through STTE Ventures to empower El Paso startups. The accelerator program complements opportunities to pitch at the upcoming Dia de Los Muertos Startup Week, among other resources and opportunities for entrepreneurs.
"Our sprint model promotes the formation of partnerships between entrepreneurs and stakeholders, facilitating seamless integration into the entrepreneurship ecosystem and establishing significant relationships for potential investment," said Carlos Murguia, TechSprint program manager. "This assistance strategically positions startups to actively pursue subsequent funding opportunities by guiding them through activities centered on identifying customers and validating market feasibility."
The STTE Ventures Sprint is a comprehensive accelerator program tailored specifically for tech founders. It provides immersive guidance in validating the technology market. The program places particular emphasis on vital elements like customer discovery, gaining market insights, assessing commercial potential and attracting investment capital from investors. Each session consists of a combination of informative lectures, engaging presentations, interactive discussions, valuable feedback and mentorship from industry experts. To expedite progress for the startups involved, a minimum of three mentors and advisers – with expertise spanning various stages of entrepreneurship – actively support each session.
Wildlife law violation checkpoints start for hunting, fishing seasons
- Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
- Published: 20 June 2023 20 June 2023
The Department of Game and Fish will conduct checkpoints throughout the state this summer to collect biological data and to detect wildlife law violations. As a result, the public may encounter minor delays. Department officers may be assisted by other law enforcement agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, New Mexico State Police or county sheriff's offices.
As a reminder, the 2023-2024 hunting and fishing season began April 1. All hunters and anglers are required to purchase a new license before hunting and fishing. Guides and outfitters are also reminded that new registration is required.
Please report any wildlife crime or suspected crime that you may observe while enjoying New Mexico's great outdoors. To report a wildlife crime, please call Operation Game Thief toll free at 1-800-432-GAME (4263). Callers can remain anonymous and earn cash rewards for information leading to charges being filed. Violations also can be reported online at Operation Game Thief.