Blog Archives

New Mexico Approves Rules for Industrial Hemp Cultivation

11/30/2018

Photo: Wikipedia: a hemp field in Côtes-d'Armor, Brittany, France (Europe's largest hemp producer)

(Las Cruces) — The New Mexico State University Board of Regents has approved a rule crafted by state agriculture officials to govern the industrial cultivation of hemp.

The effort stems from legislation that passed in 2017 and eventually became law following a veto fight.

NMSU President John Floros tells The Associated Press that hemp has the potential to revitalize farms across the state and he expects the industry to grow quickly given its profitability.

The rule approved Thursday calls for growers to be licensed and it establishes fees as well as testing and inspection requirements.

There's also a push in Congress by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to make hemp a legal agricultural commodity, removing it from the federal list of controlled substances. Floros said that would provide more assurances for farmers in New Mexico and elsewhere.

Community Celebrates Downtown Festival of Lights and Parade

11/30/2018

(Deming) – The public is invited to attend the Downtown Festival of Lights Saturday December 1st beginning at 5 p.m. with carriage rides, carolers and a visit with Santa. Join downtown merchants as they celebrate the downtown festival of lights.

The annual Christmas parade and tree lighting will also be held Saturday December 1st. The parade begins at 6 p.m. starting at the visitor center on Spruce street, goes to South Gold, then down Gold to Poplar and wraps up at the Courthouse park.

A tree lighting ceremony will be held starting at 7 p.m. with Santa also at the park visiting with local children.

For more information call 546-2674.

Local Crime Report for Thursday November 29, 2018

11/29/2018

(Deming) – Gabriel Madrid, age 18, arrested on a Magistrate warrant for aggravated commercial burglary and unlawful taking a motor vehicle… Jonathan Medina, age 28, arrested on a Magistrate warrant for battery on a household member and Criminal damage to property of a household member… Jimmy Kennedy age 43, arrested on a 6th Judicial District Court warrant for probation violations… Cecil E. Hicks, age 54, arrested on a Magistrate warrant for failure to appear and Benjamin Perez, age 37 of Las Cruces was arrested on a 6th Judicial District Court warrant for failure to appear.

BORDER WALL-NEW MEXICO

11/29/2018

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's top land boss says he is canceling next week's auction of a parcel of state trust land along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Land Commissioner Aubrey Dunn initially pledged to auction the land along the international boundary after sparring with the federal government over trespass concerns.
Dunn claims the government never received authorization to access the trust land via an easement and has not compensated the state for using the property.
Dunn says he will leave the matter for the incoming land commissioner, Democrat Stephanie Garcia Richard, to handle. She will take office Jan. 1.
The parcel is among millions of acres around the state that are held in trust, with the proceeds of any easements, development or leases helping to fund public schools and other beneficiaries.

Dr. Arsenio Romero Addresses the 2 mil levy/SB9 Funds for Building Maintenance

11/28/2018

(Deming) - John Krehbiel talks with Dr. Arsenio Romero, Deming Public School Superintendent on the Morning Show about the upcoming 2 mil levy/SB9 funds that the district uses to maintain buildings.

Dr. Romero said that this is the same levy that was approved 6 years ago, and needs to be approved every 6 years.

He added that it is NOT a new tax, and if passed, would NOT increase local residents property taxes.

Listen to the interview below:

Case Against Ruiz Dismissed

11/27/2018

(Deming) – The felony case against Luna County’s maintenance director has been dismissed.
     The Deming Headlight is reporting that Deputy Prosecutor David Arnone said the state didn’t feel it had enough to proceed with the case against Billy Ruiz, but added that the investigation is ongoing and the state retains the flexibility to reinstate the charges.
     Ruiz had been charged with two fourth-degree felonies: Conspiracy to Commit Making or Permitting a False Public Voucher, and Criminal Solicitation to Commit Making or Permitting a False Public Voucher.
     According to a criminal complaint, Ruiz, along with two Luna County maintenance employees, allegedly provided plumbing services at the residence of then-Luna County Manager Ira Pearson while on county payroll using materials purchased with a Luna County credit card.
     Ruiz, an elected member of the Deming School Board, had worked for the county for over 11 years.
     Related cases against Pearson and maintenance employee Jose Contreras have moved forward to the Sixth Judicial District Court.

Hartmans, Shafer Recognized by NMF&LB

11/27/2018

(Deming) – A Deming family has been honored as the New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau’s Farm Family of the Year, and a Deming High student won the organization’s discussion meet.
     Don and Cheryl Hartman, along with son, Matthew, and his wife, Megan, were named Farm Family of the Year at the 101st annual meeting of the organization in Albuquerque this month.
     The Hartmans currently farm 500 acres of chile, onions, watermelons, small grains, and cover crops in Luna County, and were described as being pioneers in the field of drip irrigation.
     Don serves as president of the Luna County Farm Bureau, and Cheryl is a district representative for the Women’s Leadership Program and recently become a member of the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture’s Outreach Team.

     Also, DHS junior Truett Shafer won the New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Discussion Meet held during the same meeting in Albuquerque.
     Shafer, a member of Luna County 4-H and Deming High FFA, bested 22 contestants from around the state as they debated questions pertaining to the agriculture industry.

Friend of 4-H Recognized Monday

11/27/2018

(Deming) – A longtime youth supporter was recognized as a "Friend of 4-H" during the Luna County 4-H Awards Banquet Monday night.
An appreciation gift was given to Herb Borden, a Deming Public School administrator, father of four, former ag teacher, and all-around supporter of the Southwestern New Mexico State Fair every year.
Borden was selected by 4-H members to be honored for his many contributions to area youth and the local 4-H program.
During the awards ceremony, local 4-H members were recognized for their project record books, and the 4-H members who are high school seniors were highlighted in a presentation for their years with the program.
Also, 4-H clubs compiled baskets which were auctioned to raise money for scholarships and other activities.
The incoming Luna County 4-H Council officers were inducted as well. The 2018-2019 president is Truett Shafer… vice-president is Poppy Schultz… secretary is Kamryn Zachek… treasurer is Ivan Schultz… reporter is Tatumn O’Toole… and song and recreation leader is Melody Ruebush.

Local Crime Report for Tuesday November 27, 2018

11/27/2018

(Deming) – Here’s the area crime report:
Julie Collins, age 46, was arrested for interference with officers… Robert Tafoya, age 27, was arrested on a District Court warrant for failure to comply with conditions of probation… Gabriel Gonzales, age 26, was arrested on a Magistrate warrant for failure to appear… Edward Lynch, age 45, was arrested on a Magistrate warrant for failure to appear… Samantha Wilder, age 26, was arrested on a Lea County warrant for failure to appear… Steven Valdez, age 40, was cited for shoplifting at Walmart… and two 16-year-old boys were cited for shoplifting at Walmart.
Also, a bicycle valued at $100 was taken from a location off S. Tenth St.

Local Crime Report for Monday November 26, 20148

11/26/2018

(Deming) – Here’s the area crime report:
     Manuel Moreno, age 21, was arrested for aggravated DUI… Phillip Clark, age 64, was arrested for DUI and reckless driving… Larry Hernandez, age 33, was arrested for possession of marijuana, and on two Municipal warrants – both for failure to pay fines… Santiago Montano, age 39, was arrested for violating a protection order… Jessica Bunyar, age 44, of Silver City, was arrested for shoplifting at Walmart and drunkenness…
     Francisco Hernandez, age 25, of Albuquerque, was arrested on a Kansas warrant… Kristy Rodriguez, age 40, of Lordsburg, was arrested on an Adult Probation and Parole Office order for a probation violation… Alexis Gallosa, age 19, was arrested on two Magistrate warrants – both for failure to appear… Ariel Holguin, age 42, was arrested on a Magistrate warrant for failure to pay fines… Kristiene Stoddard, age 50, was arrested on a Magistrate warrant for failure to appear… Ruby Torres, age 34, who was already incarcerated in the Luna County Detention Center, was served a Magistrate warrant for failure to comply with conditions of probation… Dayanna Ayala, age 19, was arrested on a Municipal warrant for failure to appear… Jacinto Arroyo, age 29, was arrested on a Municipal warrant for failure to pay fines…
     Adrienne Viramontes, age 18, was cited for minor allowing self to be served alcohol… and Isabel Islas, age 24, was cited for three counts of dog at large and three counts of unvaccinated dog.
     In juvenile news: a criminal summons was issued for a 14-year-old girl for battery on a household member.
     And in other news, a 2015 Chrysler sedan valued at $20,000 was reported stolen from a residence off Hood Road… a 2013 Hyundai sedan was reported stolen from a location off S. Iron and found crashed off Peru Mill Rd… furniture and appliances totaling nearly $1,800 were taken from a rented residence off S. Platinum… a 1997 Ford SUV valued at $1,500 was reported stolen from a location off S. Hickory…  a revolver valued at $800 was reported stolen from a residence off S. Eight St… and tires, wheels, and miscellaneous tools were taken from a storage shed off Barcelona Rd.

<<Previous