Regional

By KRWG News

Las Cruces – Earlier this morning at approximately 11:45 a.m. Dona Ana County Sheriff's Deputies and fire personnel responded to the 570 block of Thorpe Road, after a Senior Services Meals on Wheels worker noticed an elderly man lying unresponsive on the kitchen floor.

When Sheriff's Deputies and Investigators entered the residence, they discovered JERRY PARRA, age 78, dead from what appeared to be third degree burns covering his entire body and his clothing completely burned away.

By KRWG News

Las Cruces – Third Judicial District Court Chief Judge Jerald A. Valentine of Las Cruces has ruled in favor of a request by Las Cruces Public Schools for a preliminary injunction against the school district's bus contractor, First Student, Inc. The ruling prevents the bus company from terminating its fleet service contract "except upon 60 days' notice to the (school district)."

By KRWG News

New Mexico – New Mexico's jobless rate hit 8.8 percent in March, rising from the 8.7 percent rate in February and the 6.3 percent rate of March 2009.

State labor officials say New Mexico's unemployment rate is higher than it's been in more than 22 years, but falls below the national average.

The national unemployment rate remained at 9.7 percent last month.

New Mexico lost 17,000 jobs between March 2009 and March 2010.

By KRWG News

New Mexico – A legislative budget leader says "serious surgery" will be required on state government operations because of continuing budget problems and a slow economic recovery.

Sen. John Arthur Smith, a Deming Democrat, made the comment Thursday as the Legislative Finance Committee received conflicting reports on whether the state' revenue collections are on target for the current budget year.

By KRWG News

New Mexico – New Mexico has been chosen as one of seven states participating in a new effort to strengthen responses to drug abuse in rural areas.

According to the National Association of Counties, 47 percent of county sheriffs say methamphetamine is their top drug problem.

The association also says 62 percent of counties with populations of less than 25,000 report an increase in meth abuse by women.

By KRWG News

New Mexico – The Realtors Association of New Mexico says home sales rose 21.5 percent last month compared to March 2009.

The association says the activity reflects buyers who are trying to beat the April 30 deadline for the expiration of tax credits for homes.

The group's executive vice president, Steve Anaya, says the real test of a sustained recovery will come after the credits expire.

The median sales price of a home in New Mexico last month was $171,000. That's slightly higher than the February median price of $169,950.

By KRWG News

Texas – A former youth jail administrator convicted of sexually abusing a teenager inmate faces up to 20 years in prison in a case that ignited a statewide scandal over the treatment of young offenders.

Ray Edward Brookins was convicted Thursday of two counts each of having an improper sexual activity with a person in custody and having an improper relationship between and educator

By KRWG News

Las Cruces – New Mexico's Spaceport Authority has appointed state Economic Development Secretary Fred Mondragon to serve as acting executive director of the spaceport until a permanent hire is made.

Steve Landeene quit the post last week. His resignation takes effect May 15.

The Spaceport Authority board formally accepted Landeene's letter of resignation Wednesday after a 30-minute executive session to discuss personnel matters.

By KRWG News

New Mexico – An estimated 140,000 uninsured New Mexico adults will qualify for Medicaid under a new federal health care overhaul.

Human Services Department officials outlined the changes to lawmakers on Thursday.

The federal law requires an expansion of eligibility for Medicaid in 2014. The federal government initially will cover the cost of the Medicaid expansion, but states must start paying a share of the larger program in 2017.

By Vanessa Dabovich

Las Cruces, NM – It's a vegetable that is usually in the shadow of the regions beloved green chile, but this weekend the onion will be celebrated with its own festival. KRWG's Vanessa Dabovich has more

By Melissa Aguilera

Las Cruces, NM – The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is offering a rebate for individuals who buy Energy Star Approved Appliances. KRWG's Melissa Aguilera reports.

By KRWG News

Las Cruces – In 1979, New Mexico State University constructed a solar-powered furnace to research alternative means of energy. With alternative energy now an up-and-coming focus of study at the College of Engineering, the solar furnace, which had fallen into disuse and disrepair, was recently restored to its former glory.

Along with the Physical Science Laboratory, the college was able to enlist the help of students, faculty and staff for a successful restoration, which began two years ago and was completed in the fall of 2009.

By KRWG News

Las Cruces – Nearly 1500 residents of southern New Mexico and west Texas celebrated Earth Day by sending a letter to Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, calling for the permanent protection of Otero Mesa in southern New Mexico.

Saying that it is time for action, the signers wrote that they wanted to see Otero Mesa protected, now and for the future. They invited Salazar to visit Otero Mesa to "experience the wild beauty of this landscape" and work with them on a plan for its permanent protection.

By Vanessa Dabovich

Las Cruces, NM – New Mexico State University's Dona Ana County Extension office is taking cooking classes to kids in the classroom. KRWG's Vanessa Dabovich reports

By KRWG News

Las Cruces – Two 18-year-old Las Cruces men are in jail after they broke into an apartment Wednesday evening and were confronted by a resident armed with a handgun.

Ryan D. Galaz, of the 1800 block of Seldon Avenue, and Shannon Robert Vasquez, of the 1500 block of west Parker Road, are charged with one count each of aggravated burglary with a deadly weapon and conspiracy to commit a second-degree felony.