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.

Required lane travel for truck tractors

Drivers may be cited

SANTA FE – The New Mexico State Police has teamed up with the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) and the New Mexico Trucking Association (NMTA) to make drivers aware of required lane travel for tractor-trailers.

Beginning Saturday, July 1, 2023, as per New Mexico Senate Bill 102, Section 1. 66-7-376 NMSA 1978, a truck tractor shall not be driven in the left lane of a roadway except under provisions as outlined by the bill. Failure to obey could result in a penalty assessment of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) for the first and second offenses and five hundred dollars ($500) for the third offense.

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Gov. Lujan Grisham announces the departure of Economic Development Secretary Alicia J. Keyes

SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced Thursday the departure of New Mexico Economic Development Department Secretary Alicia J. Keyes.

"New Mexico's economy is booming, and it's more diverse than ever before. Wages are higher and we're seeing historic job numbers," said
Gov. Lujan Grisham. "That's no accident. Secretary Keyes'
commitment to carrying out the vision of my administration and her dedication to making New Mexico a great place to live have been integral to the economic health of our great state. I wish her the very best in the future."

Keyes was appointed by Gov. Lujan Grisham in January 2019, the first woman to lead the EDD.

Read more ...

Traffic Alert I-25 southbound on-ramp overnight closure

LAS CRUCES – The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) will be closing the I-25 southbound on-ramp at milepost 6 (I-25/US 70 Cloverleaf) overnight.
 
The Department will have the on-ramp from US 70 westbound to I-25 southbound (Albuquerque/El Paso) exit closed for overnight roadway repairs. This closure will be in place starting tonight, June 29, 2023, at 11 p.m. until Friday, June 30, 2023, at 4:30 a.m. Motorists are asked to reduce speed, obey posted signs, and watch for emergency personnel, and equipment. Please expect delays.
 
The New Mexico Department of Transportation is committed to the safety of the traveling public and appreciates your cooperation during this work. For updated information visit: New Mexico Department of Transportation at www.nmroads.com or call 511.

Heinrich Joins Bipartisan Legislation to Support Veterans' Health Care

SAVES Act would provide service dogs for eligible veterans in New Mexico

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) is joining Senators Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) to introduce the Service Dogs Assisting Veterans (SAVES) Act, bipartisan legislation that would establish a program to award grants to nonprofit organizations to assist them in carrying out programs to provide service dogs to eligible veterans. The legislation builds on the Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers (PAWS) for Veterans Therapy Act that Senator Heinrich helped pass into law.

It is estimated that upwards of 20% of Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans have PTSD and more than 450,000 service members have been diagnosed with at least one traumatic brain injury over the past two decades. As a result, these veterans suffer from alarmingly high rates of depression, anxiety, joblessness, homelessness, substance use disorder, and other negative behaviors. Far too often, they resort to taking their own lives – roughly 20 veterans die by suicide each day, nearly one an hour.

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NMSU seeks nominees for first Kevin B. Boberg Excellence in Economic Development Award

New Mexico State University wants to acknowledge people and organizations working to positively impact economic development in New Mexico with its first Kevin B. Boberg Excellence in Economic Development Award.

The award is named after Kevin Boberg, who helped launch Arrowhead Center at NMSU and was its first director and CEO. Boberg passed away in March 2021.

"Kevin was a creative force whose vision knew no barriers, and who was dedicated to elevating economic development as a significant element of NMSU's land-grant mission," said Kathy Hansen, director and CEO of Arrowhead Center.

The award is sponsored by NMSU's Arrowhead Center and the Border Industrial Association, and seeks to recognize those with a track record of collaboration with the university and community. Nominations should highlight how nominees amplify NMSU's economic development impact through active partnerships and excellence in innovation.

Awardees will receive a $1,000 prize. Nominations will be accepted from Aug. 15 to Sept 20. Nomination forms will be available here beginning July 1.

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State Police Checkpoints and Saturation Patrols in Counties across the State in July 2023

Statewide, NM - State Police will be conducting sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols; and registration, insurance, and driver's license checkpoints in all New Mexico counties during July 2023.

We are bringing awareness to these events to reduce impaired driving-related fatalities through continued media attention and intensive advertising.

These checkpoints are helping to change society's attitude about driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs.

Hundreds of lives could be saved each year if every driver had the courage to make the right decision not to drive impaired.

Who:
New Mexico State Police

What:
Sobriety Checkpoints, Saturation Patrols, and Registration/Insurance/DL
Checkpoints

When:
July 2023

Where:
All New Mexico Counties

Why:
So, we can ENDWI+ in New Mexico

Your Chance for Dinner with an Astronaut!

DannyOlivasNASADanny Olivas portrait courtesy NASAWhat: In 1973, the International Space Hall of Fame Foundation (ISHFF) was formed to support the creation of what is now the New Mexico Museum of Space History in Alamogordo, and it continues to support the museum today. On July 4, 2023, the Foundation will kick off its 50-year celebration with the annual BIG BANG FESTIVAL "Members Day" at the museum.

The event features special guest Shuttle Astronaut Danny Olivas offering two free presentations in the New Horizons Theater and then he'll be the guest of honor for that evening's "Dinner with an Astronaut". Museum members and non-members can purchase tickets to the dinner on the Foundation website and non-members will receive a 90 membership with their purchase. Tickets are $65 for members and $75 for non-members. Guests will also have the opportunity to participate in a silent auction of select items, several of which will be signed by Olivas or others.

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Wildfire Preparedness is Year-Round

Celebrate with One Less Spark!

Santa Fe – Every New Mexican knows the beginning of July marks the traditional start of monsoon season. While monsoons bring lightning, they don't always bring as much rain as we would like. As Fourth of July weekend approaches, remember fireworks are illegal on most public lands, and always illegal on National Forest Land no matter what day of the year.

The New Mexico Energy Minerals and Natural Resources Department's Forestry Division reminds everyone to work together to reduce unwanted human-caused fires during this holiday weekend, especially when some natural wildfire starts could be around the corner. This month's Wildfire Preparedness Is Year-Round Message: Celebrate with One Less Spark!

Leaving fireworks to the professionals reduces the risk of injury, unintentional wildfire starts, roof damage, and litter. Consider celebrating with safer, alternative methods:Glow sticks – safe for all ages!

• Glow sticks – safe for all ages!
• Noisemakers.
• Red, white, and blue silly string.
• Outdoor movie night with a projector.
• Finding professional fireworks show nearby.

Read more ...

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