By Kevin Hendricks A two-time Navajo Nation presidential candidate who is linked to two cannabis greenhouse operations that were raided by multiple law enforcement agencies Jan. 23 is facing a slew of federal charges. Federal authorities arrested Dineh Benally, who operates the Nihooka Dine Earthly People Church operation near Estancia, in Los Lunas the day […]
Torrance County
Posted inEstancia, Torrance County, Uncategorized
Programmed Fires at Red Canyon Campground Rescheduled
The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands’ Mountainair Ranger District (NF & NGs) strategy to burn an area near the Upper Red Canyon Campground in the Manzano Mountains has been postponed due to unfavorable conditions. As explained by the New Mexico Fire Information website, the area, around 12 miles northwest of Mountainair, was initially scheduled […]
Posted inEdgewood, Estancia, Torrance County, Uncategorized
Feds Raid Two Cannabis Greenhouse Grow Operations in Torrance County
By Kevin Hendricks Multiple federal law enforcement agencies, along with state and local police, raided at least two cannabis greenhouse operations near Estancia. Agents and officers from the FBI, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, New Mexico State Police and the Torrance County Sheriff’s Department arrived en masse at the facilities […]
Posted inEdgewood, Moriarty, Uncategorized
Extreme cold warning for New Mexico residents
The National Weather Service issued a severe weather alert for the New Mexico community. According to the NWS website, extreme cold temperatures will remain in effect from 5 p.m. to 11 a.m. MST on Tuesday. The coldest temperatures of the season are here. An arctic air mass will hit New Mexico tonight, causing below-freezing conditions […]
Posted inEstancia, Moriarty, Torrance County, Uncategorized
New Mexico invests $750k in NewBridge’s CBD Production Expansion in Estancia Valley
An agriculture technology company plans a major expansion in the Estancia Valley to grow and integrate its farming, processing, manufacturing and distribution businesses centered around industrial-scale hemp and CBD. NewBridge Global Ventures and the New Mexico Economic Development Department announced last week that the San Francisco-based AgTech company is close to finishing a CBD processing […]
Posted inEstancia, Moriarty, Torrance County, Uncategorized
New Mexico invests $750k in NewBridge’s CBD Production Expansion in Estancia Valley
An agriculture technology company plans a major expansion in the Estancia Valley to grow and integrate its farming, processing, manufacturing and distribution businesses centered around industrial-scale hemp and CBD. NewBridge Global Ventures and the New Mexico Economic Development Department announced last week that the San Francisco-based AgTech company is close to finishing a CBD processing […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Estancia, Torrance County, Uncategorized
Award-Winning Musician to Perform at Mountainair Hall of Excellence Pinto Bean Dance
The Town of Mountainair announced award-winning award-winning country artist Nathaniel Krantz will take the stage at the Mountainair Hall Of Excellence Pinto Bean Dance in March. The free, all-ages show set for March 29 will run from 8 p.m. to midnight at Dr. Saul Community Center. The dance will feature lively music and plenty of […]
Posted inEstancia, Torrance County, Uncategorized
Mountainair Property Owners Now Responsible for Keeping Town Clean and Safe
The Town of Mountainair has adopted a property maintenance ordinance designed to ensure the community remains clean, safe and welcoming for all residents. The ordinance sets guidelines that hold property owners responsible for following to help keep the town beautiful and free from hazards. According to Mayor Peter Nieto, the guidelines include maintaining weeds to […]
Posted inEdgewood, Estancia, Torrance County, Uncategorized
Big Changes are in Store for The Independent in 2025
Happy 2025. It’s a new year and we have a new way to deliver the news you care about. This year, The Independent News is transitioning from a once-per-week print and email news source to a daily, digital format with an expanded bi-weekly print product. Why the change? Even in our rural areas where we’re […]
Posted inEdgewood, Estancia, Moriarty, Torrance County, Uncategorized
East Mountains Beware: Winter Storms to Bring Widespread Snowfall
Starting Jan. 7, New Mexico is set to experience significant snow coverage, high winds and frosty temperatures. While no heavy snow is expected, the icy temperatures can impact travel and outdoor conditions. Precautions are advised to deal with the light coating since the snow is set to reach a maximum of six inches, with the […]