Las Cruces, NM – The United States International Boundary and Water Commission, or the IBWC, is working in Dona Ana County to imrove the levee system. Portions of the Rio Grande flood control levee are not high enough to meet Federal Emergency Management Agency standards.
Las Cruces, NM – Faced with increased violence along the border, the bureau of alcohol, tobacco, firearms and explosives, or ATF, is adding more staff to its gun desk at the El Paso intelligence center. As KRWG's Whitney Jones reports, the measure is part of the Bureau's Project Gunrunner.
Las Cruces, NM – With the New Mexico 2008 legislative session underway, Attorney General Gary King is pushing for legislation to prosecute underage alcohol drinkers. According to the International Institute for Alcohol Awareness, about ninety-three thousand underage New Mexico youth drink each year. As KRWG's Nazca Warren reports, the rise in alcohol consumption is forcing some college campuses to also set stricter guidelines in order to curb the number of underage students who drink.
Las Cruces, NM – Las Cruces district 6 voters went to the polls today for the city's special election. The city council seat was vacated by now Mayor, Ken Miyagashima after November's elections. As KRWG's Jessica Borchert reports, the polls were pretty slow moving, but voter turnout was pretty good.
Las Cruces, NM – On Friday the New Mexico Environment Department issued a notice of violation to Ted Scanlon, owner of the Dove Crossing sub-division in Las Cruces - for violating state environmental laws by discharging sewage into an unpermitted septic system. As KRWG's Evan Woodward reports, Scanlon says he was unaware of the notice, but wants to work out the problem with the Environment Department.
Las Cruces, NM – Last week three homes in the Las Cruces area had photovoltaic solar energy panels installed on their roofs. These systems will provide homeowners with electricity to power their own needs, and are grid-tied meaning excess energy is sent back into El Paso Electrics grid. As KRWG's Evan Woodward reports, the work was done by a company new to Las Cruces called Positive Energy, who has become the only solar photovoltaic business in the area.
Las Cruces, NM – Opening day of the New Mexico Legislative Session is Tuesday, and this year the Environment New Mexico Research and Policy Center is hoping Legislators will allocate funds to build the Rio Grande Trail.
Las Cruces, NM – Earlier this month the United States Department of the Interior rejected an attempt by the Jemez Pueblo to obtain about 80 acres of land near Anthony, New Mexico to be used for a resort and casino.
Las Cruces, NM – Minimum wage earners in New Mexico get a raise this January as the state minimum wage increased to $6.50 an hour from $5.85. The increae is the first for the state since 1993.
Las Cruces, NM – State Senator Mary Kay Papen has asked New Mexico Attorney General Gary King for an opinion on whether or not the city of Las Cruces violated the open meetings act during an un-announced swearing in ceremony for mayor Ken Miyagashima and city councilor Dolores Conner.
Las Cruces, NM – The holiday season is in full swing, and many New Mexicans are still flocking to malls and other stores to finish buying their last minute gifts. As KRWG's Marco Grajeda reports, credit counselors warn that during this time of year many people often spend beyond their financial means.
