I-25 University Project Construction Continuing; Northbound I-25 Loop Ramp to Close Thurs., Mar. 12, 2020

LAS CRUCES – As construction continues on the $33.3 million, 18-month I-25 University Avenue Project, officials announced the northbound I-25 loop ramp at University Ave. will close on Thursday, March 12, 2020.  The closure is necessary so that the ramp and other project features can be relocated to the north, project officials said.

Commuters heading east on University Avenue will be able to turn left at the traffic signal to access northbound I-25.

Since construction began in January 2020, crews have completed detour paving for southbound I-25, I-25 bridge pier construction in the median, and a concrete box culvert extension south of University Ave.

Construction is expected to last about 18 months, through the summer of 2021.

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SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) has deployed its health care survey team to conduct onsite visits of the 269 licensed assisted living facilities statewide. State survey staff will focus on providing COVID-19 related infection control guidance, written visitor protocols and to address staff, family and resident questions or concerns.

Facilities will receive:

• An onsite visit by a state long term care survey team member;
• Observations and provide feedback on current infection control surveillance from NMDOH staff
• Written instructions and signage for visitors and residents on infections control protocols;
• Direction to websites that can provide up to date information on CDC and NMDOH COVID-9 protocols
• Ongoing support and guidance to all facility staff, residents and family members.

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San Miguel County, NM – On March 9, 2020 at about 3:00 p.m. the New Mexico State Police responded to a single vehicle rollover on I-25 mile post 350 north of Las Vegas, NM. 

Initial investigation indicates a 2001 Ford pickup driven by Laco Rodriguez (43) of Las Vegas, NM was traveling south on I-25.  For unknown reasons the vehicle left the roadway and rolled. Rodriguez was ejected from the vehicle and suffered fatal injuries. He was pronounced deceased on scene by the Office of the Medical Investigator. Seatbelts do not appear to have been properly worn and alcohol does not appear to have been a factor.   

This crash is under investigation by the New Mexico State Police.

Proposal would allow agency to address threat posed to sage-grouse, mule deer and other native species from encroachment of juniper-pinyon woodlands on sagebrush habitat across the West

The Bureau of Land Management today announced a proposal to expedite review and approval of restoration projects across the West designed to address the rapid spread of pinyon-juniper woodlands on sagebrush habitat for the benefit of greater sage-grouse, mule deer and other sagebrush-dependent native wildlife and plant species. The proposal would establish a new categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act, enabling the agency to streamline review of projects that remove encroaching pinyon-juniper trees to allow for sagebrush restoration.

“Improving sagebrush ecosystems by removing Pinyon-juniper woodland is an established and well-studied practice.

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POJOAQUE, NM — The Democratic Party of New Mexico (DPNM) State Central Committee met this Saturday after the state pre-primary convention to elect a Democratic National Committee (DNC) Committeeman and Committeewoman. Marty Chávez was elected DNC Committeeman, and Trish Ruiz was elected DNC Committeewoman. The elected Committeeman and Committeewoman will take office at the first DNC meeting in July 2020 after the 2020 Democratic National Convention. 

“We were thrilled to see so many wonderful people running to represent New Mexico on the national stage,” said DPNM Chair Marg Elliston.“Thank you to all of our candidates for running fantastic campaigns. Our Committeeman and Committeewoman are an important part of ensuring that New Mexico’s voice is heard in national Democratic politics, and we’re sure that Marty and Trish will continue to speak for all New Mexicans in these roles.” 

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SANTA FE, N.M. - The New Mexico State Film Office today announced that the television pilot “The Cleaning Lady,” produced by Warner Bros. Television/4423 Productions LLC for FOX, will film in Albuquerque and Algodones between mid March and early April 2020.

Miranda Kwok (“The 100”) wrote the pilot and will executive produce along with showrunner Melissa Carter (“Queen Sugar,” “Stargirl”), Shay Mitchell (“Pretty Little Liars”), Rose Marie Vega and Paola Suarez. Michael Offer (“Longmire,” “Homeland”) will direct and executive produce the pilot.

The production is employing approximately 120 New Mexico crew members, 20 principal New Mexico actors, and 500 New Mexico background talent.

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Watch the video below:

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In response to concerns regarding COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019), and in accordance with guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), this facility is screening all visitors for certain risk factors before entrance is allowed. 

Please answer the following questions and certify your answers by signing below:

QUESTIONS YES NO

1. Have you traveled internationally in the last 14 days to any country currently designated by the CDC as a high-risk location for COVID-19*?
2. Have you had signs of a respiratory infection in the last 14 days, such as a fever, cough and/or sore throat?
3. Have you had contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with, or screened for COVID-19?
4. Have you traveled to another state with widespread community transmission of COVID-19 in the last 14 days?

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