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 those events please visit Local News Releases.
NMDOT Traffic Report for week of March 19 to 26, 2023.
- Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
- Published: 19 March 2023 19 March 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.
Interstates:
Date St. Business Loop Roundabout Project, T or C
La Calerita Construction, LLC. (Contractor) construction on Date, Phase 1 is expected to last about 2 (two) months, through April 2023, the following traffic impacts will be in place:
Sierra County Rock and Gem Society to hold first Rock and Gem Show March 25 and March 26, 2023
- Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
- Published: 19 March 2023 19 March 2023
The first annual Truth or Consequences Rock and Gem Show will be held March 25-26, 2023, sponsored by the Sierra County Rock & Gem Society. See poster below.
The show will be at the Sierra County Fair Barn at 1321 Hyde Avenue in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. Hours are Sat 9-5, Sun 10-4. Take a soak in the local hot springs before or after enjoying the show!
Select vendors will offer rocks and minerals, fossils, beads, and jewelry. There will be collecting field trips, presentations, and demos. Come pan for gold and Montana sapphires! Spin our Wheel of Fortune! Family friendly. Free admission, free parking, door prizes.
For more information visit our website: scrags.org/show .
PRC Takes Public Comment on Grid Modernization Plans
- Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
- Published: 18 March 2023 18 March 2023
Five hours of testimony in protest of grid modernization at virtual hearing
Public hearings on PNM's application for Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), commonly known as smart meters, began Friday, March 17, 2023 with a public comment session. The Public Regulation Commission (PRC) took testimony for five hours from doctors, UNM professors, and others stating that smart meters are harmful and even deadly. The hearing was conducted by Zoom and broadcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZGkE-qKkbU
The Public Utilities Act states one of its purposes is the "preservation of the public health, safety and welfare." Yet, the hearing examiner for the case, Christopher Ryan, has prohibited any discussion of health or environment, stricken such testimonies, and excluded all persons concerned with such issues from participating in the proceedings.
Senator Bill Burt Delivers for District 33
- Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
- Published: 18 March 2023 18 March 2023
SANTA FE — The 2023 Legislative Session adjourned sine die at noon Saturday. During the Session, Senator Bill Burt (R-Alamogordo) delivered some major victories for his district and the people of New Mexico.
"I am incredibly proud to serve the people of District 33 and deliver on their priorities," said Senator Burt. "Despite my caucus being in a 15-seat minority in the Senate, we delivered major victories to keep Otero County moving forward."
This session, major victories spearheaded by Senator Burt included:
RPNM Statement Following Conclusion Of The Legislative Session
- Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
- Published: 18 March 2023 18 March 2023
Chairman Pearce commends Republican successes—says, "We saw tremendous grassroots engagement from people around the state."
Albuquerque, March 18th — Today marks the end of the first session of the fifty-sixth legislature. Republican Party of New Mexico Chairman and former Congressman Steve Pearce issued the following statement:
"We knew progressives would take advantage of their majority in the legislature to push through their radical agenda this session. However, despite being in the minority, Republicans successfully passed beneficial legislation and halted other unconstitutional bills from becoming law.
Bill to codify school-based health centers ensures quality healthcare services for students
- Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
- Published: 16 March 2023 16 March 2023
SANTA FE — A bill that codifies school-based health centers into law passed late last night in the House and now heads to Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham to sign into law.
Senate Bill 397, sponsored by Sen. Nancy Rodriguez and Rep. Christine Trujillo statutorily protects school-based health centers by putting them in state statute and preventing them from being eliminated. The New Mexico Department of Health (DOH) will continue to work with school districts interested in providing access to primary care and behavioral health services to children who need it.
“We are thrilled school-based health centers are on track to be codified in law,” said Patrick M. Allen, DOH Cabinet Secretary. “Providing healthcare services to the children of New Mexico is a high priority for DOH and because these centers are based in schools, it means more children have access to the primary care and mental health services they need.”
Human Services Department launches Renew NM campaign to inform New Mexicans about Medicaid and SNAP changes
- Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
- Published: 16 March 2023 16 March 2023
HSD customers will receive a turquoise envelope with vital benefit renewal information.
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD) announced today that they are launching a statewide multilingual media campaign to alert HSD customers receiving Medicaid benefits that important benefit eligibility re-determinations will resume in April 2023.
On March 31, 2023, the federal government is ending the Medicaid continuous coverage flexibility established during the COVID-19 pandemic. The end of this flexibility means all 986,719 New Mexicans covered by Medicaid will have to renew their coverage when they are notified by the department. This week, HSD began sending renewal packets in a turquoise envelope to those customers whose renewal applications are due in April. The department has 12 months to complete all Medicaid renewals.
HSD customers must respond to those notices immediately, otherwise they risk losing benefits. When they are due to renew, HSD customers have several options to submit their renewal application:
PRC to hold public comment hearing regarding PNM’s request for authorization for grid modernization components
- Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
- Published: 16 March 2023 16 March 2023
SANTA FE, N.M. — The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission will hold a hearing to take public comment regarding case No. 22-00058-UT: In the Matter of Public Service Company of New Mexico’s Application for Authorization to Implement Grid Modernization Components that Include Advanced Metering Infrastructure and Application to Recover the Associated Costs through a Rider, Issuance of Related Accounting Orders, and Other Associated Relief. Written comments may also be submitted at any time in this case before the Commission takes final action. Public comments will not be considered as evidence in this proceeding.
Who: New Mexico Public Regulation Commission
What: Public Comment Hearing re: case No. 22-00058-UT
When: Friday, March 17, at 9:30 a.m. MDT