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.

State Auditor Joseph Maestas Releases Updated “At-Risk” Lists

Adding a new, third component list for Non-Compliant Local Public Bodies

SANTA FE— The Office of the State Auditor of New Mexico announces the release of the updated “At-Risk” List that alerts the public agencies that have not filed annual audit reports required by law or that are otherwise at risk of being noncompliant with state financial reporting requirements (At-Risk Lists | NM Office of the State Auditor (saonm.org)). This year’s “At-Risk” List now includes a new, third component list. The first component list highlights specific categories of entities that have not filed timely financial reports and now reflects the results of FY ’22 audit submittals. The second component list is composed of entities that have timely filed the required financial reports but whose independent auditors have concluded there may be material and pervasive misstatements in the financial statements (known as an “adverse opinion”) or that there is insufficient basis to form an opinion and any undetected misstatements could be material and pervasive (known as a “disclaimer of opinion”). The third component list is a new report of financially non-compliant local public bodies such as acequias or land grant associations that have not filed timely financial reports.

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FBI, Albuquerque police seek Greedy Goatee (GG) Bandit who recently robbed local Albuquerque Bank

The FBI and Albuquerque Police Department are seeking the public's assistance with identifying a possible serial bank robber; the Greedy Goatee (GG) Bandit, who robbed the Bank of Albuquerque, 2500 Louisiana Blvd NE, at approximately 12:22pm on Monday (03/27/2023); is also suspected of robbing the US Bank, located at 2300 Louisiana BLVD NE, on 01/03/2023 and on 03/13/2023.

During his most recent bank robbery, the GG Bandit entered the Bank of Albuquerque, gave a note to one of the tellers implying he had a weapon, and received approximately $1001 usc.

He was last seen leaving in a white Chevy extended cab pickup. 

The GG Bandit is described to be a Hispanic/White male, approximately 5'10", and in his mid-30's.

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House Republicans respond to LFC Director David Abbey Retirement

House Republican Leader Ryan Lane (Aztec): "Our House Republican Caucus is thankful for LFC (Legislative Finance Committee) Director Abbey's professionalism, responsiveness, excellence, and years of dedicated service to the people of New Mexico. Director Abbey's steadfast dedication to working with legislators in a nonpartisan manner exemplifies his legacy in ensuring that taxpayer funds reach the far corners of our state. We look forward to a robust search in finding LFC leadership that will continue to provide steady leadership and focus on fiscal responsibility in expending working families' tax dollars."

House Appropriations and Finance Committee Ranking Member and House Republican Caucus Chair Gail Armstrong (Magdalena): "I am thankful for the friendship, guidance, and responsiveness of LFC Directory Abbey. He is a true New Mexico legend. Director Abbey leaves behind a legacy of building up lawmakers on our finance committees to develop understanding of how we expend our state budget. It certainly will be tough to fill his shoes, however I am sure that the Legislature will focus its search on new leadership honoring steadfast fiscal responsibility and strong leadership to steward taxpayer funds in a manner that benefits all New Mexicans."

Speaker Martínez and Chairman Small Respond to LFC Director David Abbey Announcing Retirement

Santa Fe, N.M - Today, David Abbey, who has served as director of the Legislative Finance Committee (LFC) since 1997, announced that he will retire this Summer. He is the longest serving director of the LFC.

Director Abbey's long career in public service also includes roles as chief investment officer for the State Treasurer, director of the Board of Finance, and chief economist for the Department of Finance and Administration.

Statement from House Speaker Javier Martínez (D-Albuquerque):
"Director Abbey has responsibly steered our Legislative Finance Committee through both enormous challenges and unprecedented opportunities - from the national financial crisis of 2008 to today's record revenues.

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Spaceport America Appoints New Business Development Director

Sierra County, NM (March 22, 2023)- Dr. Francisco Pallares has been selected as the new Director of Business Development at Spaceport America. Dr. Pallares joins the New Mexico Spaceport Authority from Sul Ross State University and was the former Deputy Director for Economic Development at the City of Las Cruces.  

“Francisco brings an important and expert perspective to the New Mexico Spaceport Authority (NMSA)” said Scott McLaughlin, Executive Director for NMSA. “Spaceport America’s mission is to build the aerospace sector in the state and region, and with his guidance, we can better focus on customers who can help us with that transformational change.”  

Dr. Pallares has over 10 years of experience in applied economic development and economic research. His background includes leading projects on revenue forecasting, cost benefit analysis, economic impact analysis, fiscal impact analysis, local and small business development, COVID recovery strategies including those for workforce development programs to support vulnerable populations and displaced workers, and diversification of employment opportunities. 

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Traffic Alert: White Sands Missile Range / US 70 Roadblock

LAS CRUCES - The New Mexico Department of Transportation District One office (NMDOT) along with White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) have posted an alert for Monday, March 27, 2023. 

US 70 will be blocked two times beginning at 6:25 a.m. and the second block will begin at 8:25 a.m. lasting approximately 1 hour each. The block 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, 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.

DVS to Co-Present the Chaves County Veterans Symposium March 30, 2023

(Roswell) – The New Mexico Department of Veterans Services (DVS) is partnering with several federal, state, and local agencies to present the Chaves County Veterans Symposium on March 30 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Roswell National Guard Armory, located at 1 West Earl Cummings Loop.

Veterans are strongly encouraged to stop by to learn about VA, state, and local benefits and programs for themselves and their families. DVS, VA, and other agency representatives can answer questions and even help file for health care, PTSD/mental health counseling, homelessness/housing assistance, VA home loans, employment, starting or expanding a small business, the GI Bill® college education or vocational benefit, help for women veterans, and many more programs available for veterans and their families.

PACT Act Town Hall Meeting

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Culture Series presentation focuses on ‘Abandoned History’

What: Researching and photographing New Mexico’s ghost towns and settlements is the subject of the next Culture Series presentation at the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum in Las Cruces. The Culture Series, organized and presented by the Friends of the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum, is at 7 p.m. on April 13. The title for this presentation is: Abandoned History: Uncovering The Stories of New Mexico's Settlements & Ghost Towns. Presenters Bridget Harrington and Michael Moore are Albuquerque-based photographers and documentary historians working together as Enchanted Byways Photography. They will talk about their process of researching these sites, everything from using Google Earth to find the settlements to substantiating details using a variety of resources. Harrington and Moore will provide snapshots of four southern New Mexico communities and the stories left behind. Admission is free.

When: 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 13.

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