Posted inEstancia

Estancia library closes indefinitely after vehicle strikes electrical equipment

The Estancia Public Library has closed indefinitely after a vehicle struck its electrical boxes, forcing the power company to shut off electricity to the facility, according to a social media announcement from library officials. The library turned over security camera footage of the incident to the Estancia Police Department, according to the announcement. No information […]

Posted inMountainair

Mountainair completes street micro-sealing project, plans major cleanup initiative

The town of Mountainair has completed micro-sealing work on three streets and announced plans for a comprehensive cleanup initiative targeting dilapidated structures, Mayor Peter Nieto announced Friday. Sunset Avenue has reopened to traffic, while Third Street and part of Cedardale Avenue were expected to reopen later Monday afternoon, Nieto said.  Additional road improvements are planned […]

Posted inMountainair

Forest Service announces fall prescribed burns

The U.S. Forest Service will conduct prescribed burns across central New Mexico this fall in areas near Mountainair through December. The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands announced plans for multiple controlled burns designed to reduce hazardous vegetation and protect communities from catastrophic wildfires. In the Mountainair Ranger District, crews are already burning piles covering […]

Posted inLocal Gov., Moriarty, Moriarty

Moriarty mayor resigns amid city’s financial crisis

Moriarty Mayor Brandon Webb resigned from office during a special city council meeting Monday night, citing ongoing political opposition and frustration with what he called constant resistance to his reform efforts. “I’m tired of getting stabbed in the back,” Webb said in a phone interview with The Independent News on Wednesday morning, explaining his decision […]

Posted inTorrance County

Torrance County manager warns of economic ruin if detention facility closes

A potential ban on federal immigrant detention facilities in New Mexico would have a devastating impact on Torrance County, according to a local official. Jordan Barela, the Torrance County manager, told a bipartisan group of state legislators at an Aug. 26 meeting of the Courts, Corrections and Justice Committee, in Las Cruces, that one such […]