Non-Local News Releases

LAS CRUCES — James C. Flowers, 110, of Las Cruces was awarded the New Mexico Medal of Merit at his home on March 20 in recognition of a lifetime of service, sacrifice and dedication to his country.

Brigadier General Retired Jamison Herrera, Cabinet Secretary of the New Mexico Department of Veterans' Services, presented the award on behalf of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.

Flowers served during World War II from 1940 to 1945 as a first lieutenant and pilot with the 99th Fighter Squadron, part of the 332nd Fighter Group, known as the historic Tuskegee Airmen, the first Black military aviators in the U.S. Armed Forces, helping break racial barriers and pave the way for future generations of service members.

SANTA FE — Thirty fire departments across New Mexico will receive a combined $1.6 million in state grants to purchase protective gear and life-saving equipment, the Department of Finance and Administration announced today. 

The grants will fund high-priority equipment for new hires, including self-contained breathing apparatuses, firefighter turnout coats and pants, helmets, face shields, safety goggles, and other specialized protective equipment. 

In 2024, DFA funded 190 new firefighter and EMS positions statewide. Local communities, especially rural and remote areas, have long struggled with fire and emergency medical responses due to extended response times, large coverage areas, and a shortage of first responders. 

SANTA FE, N.M. – The Bureau of Land Management today announced an oil and gas lease sale scheduled for May 20, 2026, to offer 74 oil and gas parcels totaling 33,530 acres in New Mexico and Texas. 

The BLM completed scoping on these parcels in December 2025 and held a public comment period that closed in February 2026 on the parcels and the related environmental analysis. A 30-day public protest period to receive additional public input opened today and will close April 20, 2026. 

Leasing is the first step in the process to develop federal oil and gas resources. Before development operations can begin, an operator must submit an application for permit to drill detailing development plans. The BLM reviews applications for permits to drill, posts them for public review, conducts an environmental analysis and coordinates with state partners and stakeholders. 

In all construction zones, motorists are asked to reduce speed, obey posted signs, and use extreme caution, as well as continuing 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: 

I-10 Bridge Deck Repairs, Mile Marker 102 to 105, Deming/AkelaHW2M700118

SANTA FE – With New Mexico entering what state officials are calling an exceptionally dry fire season, the state Forestry Division is urging homeowners to take steps to protect their properties and their insurance coverage before fire season peaks this summer. 

An historically low winter snowpack is creating dangerous conditions across the state, with dry grass fuels building in the eastern plains and heavy tree fuels accumulating in forested areas. 

"We're heading into an exceptionally warm and dry wildfire season," said EMNRD Acting Secretary Erin Taylor. "These extreme conditions call for extra precautions. We need everyone to take action to prevent wildfires from impacting their communities."

NM Department of Wildlife stocking the pond with rainbow trout

PORTALES, N.M. – New Mexico State Parks will host an annual fishing derby at Oasis State Park on Saturday, March 21, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

The event is held in partnership with the Oasis State Parks Friends' Group and the New Mexico Department of Wildlife, which will stock the park pond with 800 rainbow trout measuring approximately 10 inches, to create a high-quality fishing opportunity for anglers.

"For many families, this could be the moment a child catches their very first fish," saidToby Velásquez, State Parks division director. "Experiences like that stay with people for a lifetime, and partnerships like this help us make long-lasting memories possible in state parks."

QUAY COUNTY, VILLAGE OF LOGAN REQUESTS U.S. ATTORNEY, NM ATTORNEY GENERAL INVESTIGATE FRAUD BY EASTERN NEW MEXICO WATER UTILITY AUTHORITY

ENMWUA fraudulently acquired state and federal grants and loans

LOGAN, N.M. (March 19, 2026) – Fraud has been committed by Eastern New Mexico Water Utility Authority in order to obtain funds from the federal and state governments, according to information sent by Quay County and Village of Logan to the U.S. Attorney, Inspector General for the U.S. Department of the Interior, New Mexico State Auditor and New Mexico Attorney General.

New Mexico Office of the Superintendent of Insurance Highlights Program To Assist in Wildfire Home Hardening

Santa Fe, NM – The Office of the Superintendent of Insurance (OSI) is proud to announce that the first certificate through the Wildfire Prepared Home Program has been issued to a homeowner in Otero County. Through this program, developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), residents can receive a certificate showing their insurance company the steps they are taking to mitigate their homes and properties against wildfires. The ideal result is to provide additional protections to property and lower insurance rates for residents.