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.

Parental rights move to forefront as families prepare for back to school

ALBUQUERQUE – New Mexico House Republicans today announce a free to download and print Parental Notification and Consent form. The Parental Notification and Consent form is made available to the public following the enactment of several state laws that require and encourage government bureaucrats to withhold notification and involvement of parents of minor-aged students engaged in major lifechanging medical and sexual discussions and decisions.

"The core issue here is the rollback of parental involvement by this government, the same government that has failed so many children at CYFD and continues to reign worst in the country for child welfare," said State Rep. Luis Terrazas (R-Silver City). "Ask any parent- their entire lives revolve around their children. You simply cannot replace a parent or guardian with a government employee or policy. This simple one-page form gives parents back their voice that has been severely undercut in the recent months. People across this state have been calling for action, and we are delivering a commonsense option for parents to remain informed and push back against this violation of their rights."

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Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham requests support for Mora County

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham requests support from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in recovery efforts across Mora County  

Santa Fe, NM – Gov. Michele Lujan Grisham sent a letter this week to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers requesting advanced protective measures to limit flooding off the Hermit’s Peak-Calf Canyon burn scar. This request from Gov. Lujan Grisham allows the Army Corps to design, engineer and construct barriers to protect public infrastructure including roads, bridges and buildings in Mora County.  

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Traffic Report for week of July 9 to 16, 2023.

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 CN1101231/32
La Calerita Construction LLC. (Contractor) construction, Phase 3 is expected to last about 4 (four) months, through September 2023, the following traffic impacts will be in place:
Traffic on North Date Street will be reduced to one lane in each direction (northbound and southbound) and will be shifted to the east (Northbound) lanes from north of New School Road to Ash Street. Motorists are encouraged to use extra caution in the construction zone, obey lower posted speed limits and allow extra time to reach their destinations. Regular work hours will be 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday although the contractor may work longer hours or on weekends as needed.
 
I-25 Bridge Replacement Project, Williamsburg CN1100990
El Terrero Construction, LLC. (Contractor) will be continuing construction to replace the bridge at I-25 milepost 75, Broadway Street and NM 187 in Williamsburg. All traffic has been shifted into the southbound lanes; northbound lanes are closed throughout the project limits. The I-25 northbound on-ramp and the southbound I-25 off/on-ramp at Exit 75 is closed, traffic should utilize NM 187 to Las Palomas Exit or the T or C North exit. Currently crews are working on installation of bridge piers and drainage structures. Regular work hours will be 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday although the contractor may work longer hours or on weekends as needed. Access will be maintained to all businesses and residences during construction.

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State Supreme Court issued an opinion today

The state Supreme Court issued an opinion today affirming a decision by the Public Regulation Commission to deny Public Service Company of New Mexico’s request to abandon the Four Corners Power Plant and issue a financing order for the costs of abandoning the coal-fired plant in San Juan County. 

The case is Public Service Co. of NM v. N.M. Pub. Regulation Commission, S-1-SC-39138. Click here to read the opinion.

New Mexico State Police Participate in C.A.R.E. Operation over 4th of July Holiday

Statewide, NM - During the 4th of July holiday, the New Mexico State Police participated in the Combined Accident Reduction Effort (C.A.R.E.) operation across all roadways within the state.  The goal of the traffic initiative is to increase motorist safety and reduce the number of crashes through a strong law enforcement presence.

Because of the increased volume of traffic during the holiday, NMSP increased its patrol presence during this initiative on roadways throughout all State Police districts, specifically Friday, June 30 through Tuesday, July 4, 2023.

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Hazard Tree Removal Provides Free Fuelwood to the Community

Permits available at select locations

Santa Fe, NM, July 6, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service and the New Mexico Energy Minerals and Natural Resources Forestry Division have teamed up to remove hazard trees from the Hermits Peak Calf Canyon burn scar area in the Santa Fe National Forest. These dead and down trees are now available as free fuelwood for public collection with permit. 

Following the 2022 fire, both agencies identified areas within the burn scar that could pose a risk to hikers and recreationists. Starting in June, removal began along Forest Service roads in the Johnson Mesa, Walker Flats, and Capulin areas of the Santa Fe National Forest. Local northern New Mexico companies were contracted to use a mix of hand crews and machinery to cut and pile the hazard-identified trees.

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Free Lecture Highlights Difficulty of Mars Exploration

Free July Launch Pad Lecture Highlights Difficulty of Mars Exploration
What: The monthly Launch Pad Lecture at the New Mexico Museum of Space History will feature Museum Executive Director Chris Orwoll. His topic will be “Why is it so hard? The Exploration of Mars.”  Orwoll will discuss many of the challenges that NASA faces exploring the red planet.  
 
When: Friday, July 7, 2023, at 9:00 am.
 
Where: New Mexico Museum of Space History, Alamogordo, NM. Take the elevator up to the second floor!

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Traffic Alert White Sands Missile Range -July 7

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 Friday, July 7, 2023.
 
US 70 is scheduled to be blocked beginning at 7:30 a.m., lasting approximately 1 hour. The block will be located at 'BLUE Block' (2 miles east of the access road - Mile Marker 172) and BROWN Block (located at 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.

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