Non-Local News Releases

OTERO COUNTY, NM, JANUARY 9—Republican Party of New Mexico (RPNM) Chair Amy Barela acknowledged Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham's attendance at a public safety town hall in Otero County on Wednesday, an important opportunity for community concerns to be addressed directly.

"Governor Lujan Grisham's visit to Otero County provided a platform for residents to voice critical issues, many of which affect communities statewide. It's encouraging to see the Governor engaging with constituents, though the effectiveness of such engagement will ultimately depend on whether it translates into meaningful action," said Chair Barela.

This is your notification that BLM has published a record of decision for the Organ Mountains Desert Peaks National Monument Resources Management Plan. The subject document is available on the eplanning website: https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/92170/510

The Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument (Monument) Proposed Resource Management Plan (RMP) and Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) describes and analyzes a range of alternatives for managing public lands within the Monument planning area.

New round of advanced energy grants open until Feb 6

SANTA FE, N.M. — Applications are now being accepted for the Advanced Energy Award Pilot Program from the New Mexico Economic Development Department.

The New Mexico Advanced Energy Award Pilot Program is a competitive state-funded grant that awards non-dilutive funds to New Mexico small businesses for advanced energy innovation and commercialization research and development. The grant funding will assist early-stage companies developing a unique product with strong growth potential. Selected businesses will be awarded between $250,000 and $1,000,000. Applications are due February 6, 2025, at 5 PM MST. 

Gangs and Cartels, your time is up! New Mexico State Senator Craig Brandt brings RICO Update that will make it easier for prosecutors to go after you.

Santa Fe, NM — Today, Senator Craig Brandt (R-Rio Rancho) has pre-filed a measure to expand and strengthen our state's Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) statute. The bill expands the scope of crimes that qualify for RICO prosecution including sexual exploitation of children, expanded human trafficking, gangs, cartels, and more. Senator Brandt has been in collaboration with various law enforcement entities as well as with the Governor's Office as part of collective efforts to address the out-of-control crime crisis in our state.

Outdoor recreation in New Mexico may seem limited in the winter, but there is still a lot you can do out there!

Check out these upcoming events to get involved.

You can see all of the Department's upcoming events on our website.  

Attention Hunters!

 Our friends at the Boone and Crockett Club announced the official unveiling of the Fair Chase and Hunter Ethics Course, an online learning module that is sure to excite new and seasoned hunters across the continent. The 

hour-long instructional unit is sure to keep you entertained and on point with attention-grabbing videos, interactive questions, audio recordings and great historical photos from the B&C archive. The course is designed to:

• Deepen Your Understanding: Dive deep into the rich tradition of Fair Chase. Learn not just the "how," but also the "why" behind responsible and ethical hunting.
• Establish Your Ethical Ground: Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just beginning, redefine and solidify your hunting principles. Ensure every hunt respects the animal and nature.
• Join a Legacy: Be part of the long tradition of the Boone and Crockett Club. Know that you're aligning with the best in ethical hunting practices.

SOUTHWEST CATCHES OF THE WEEK

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Bear Canyon Lake: With help from Daisy and Dominic (pictured), Virginia Borunda caught four rainbow trout using PowerBait on Jan. 1. 

Young Pond: Colt Vaughn caught three trout using PowerBait Salmon Eggs on Jan. 1. “First cast of the year!”, he said. “Had fun, caught three trout.”

SOUTHWEST FISHING REPORT

Alumni Pond: Closed for repairs until further notice.

Bear Canyon Lake: Fishing for trout was fair to good when using PowerBait and spinners.

Bill Evans Lake: Fishing for bass was fair when using Strike King Wire Spinners. Fishing for trout was slow when using Green PowerBait, salmon eggs and worms.

Caballo Lake: We had no reports from anglers this week.

Elephant Butte Lake: Fishing for walleye was slow to fair when using plastic baits. Fishing for catfish was fair to good when using cut bait.

Escondida Lake: Fishing for trout was fair when using salmon eggs and PowerBait.

Gila River: Streamflow near Gila Monday morning was 63.9 cfs. Fishing for catfish was fair when using crawdads.

Gila Waters: Streamflow near Gila Hot Springs Monday morning was 49.9 cfs.

Glenwood Pond: We had no reports from anglers this week.

Lake Roberts: Fishing for trout was good when using PowerBait and spinners.

Percha Dam: We had no reports from anglers this week.

Quemado Lake: Fishing for trout was good when using PowerBait and Chartreuse PowerBait Eggs. Fishing for tiger muskie was fair to good when using red-and-white Mepps spinners.

Rancho Grande Ponds: We had no reports from anglers this week.

Rio Grande: Streamflow below Elephant Butte Dam on Monday morning was 1 cfs.

Snow Lake: We had no reports from anglers this week.

Trees Lake: Fishing for trout was good when using PowerBait.

Young Pond: Fishing for trout was fair to good when using small rainbow-pattern spoons and PowerBait Salmon Eggs. 

An Unforgettable Evening of Creative Drinks, Fun, and Fundraising

Las Cruces, NM—January 7, 2025—Girl Scouts of the Desert Southwest is excited to announce the highly anticipated Cookies & Cocktails event, set to take place on Saturday, January 18, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM MST at Las Cruces Convention Center, 680 E University Ave, Las Cruces, NM 88001. This unique event will bring together community members for an unforgettable evening filled with delicious drinks, tasty appetizers, dancing, and a silent auction—all benefiting Girl Scouts of the Desert Southwest.

The event will feature talented bartenders and mixologists who will create signature cocktails inspired by the beloved Girl Scout cookies. Whether you prefer alcoholic or nonalcoholic beverages, there will be something to satisfy everyone's taste. Guests will have the opportunity to sip and vote for their favorite drink of the night. In addition to the drinks, a selection of appetizers will be available throughout the evening.

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that U.S. Army Pfc. Arthur A. Clifton, 17, of Los Lunas, New Mexico, killed during the Korean War, was accounted for August 19, 2024.

Clifton's family recently received their full briefing on his identification, therefore, additional details on his identification can be shared.

In the winter of 1950, Clifton was a member of Headquarters Battery, 48th Field Artillery Battalion, 7th Infantry Division. He was reported missing in action on Dec. 11 after his unit was attacked by enemy forces as they attempted to withdraw near the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea.

In 1954, during Operation Glory, North Korea unilaterally turned over remains to the United States, including one set, designated Unknown X-15690 Operation Glory. The remains were reportedly recovered from prisoner of war camps, United Nations cemeteries and isolated burial sites. None of the remains could be identified as Clifton and he was declared non-recoverable on Jan. 16, 1956. The remains were subsequently buried as an unknown in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu.