The Torrance County Commission is concerned about the impact cannabis farms have on communities and the lack of local control. The commission passed a resolution Wednesday on a unanimous vote supporting legislation that would allow counties to petition for a moratorium on cannabis production licenses and associated water permits. This resolution comes a few months […]
Edgewood
Town of Edgewood Commission Meeting Recap
The Edgewood Town Commission approved the 2025 Comprehensive Plan at its first meeting of the year Tuesday night. The Jan. 7 session covered several topics, including an internship program, budget adjustments, the 2025 holiday calendar and the discussion of a memorial for late Mayor Lawrence Keaty. After public comments and matters from the commissioners, the […]
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 […]
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 […]
Mountainair announces first inductee into 2025 Hall of Excellence
The Town of Mountainair announced Larry Gustin is the first inductee into the 2025 Mountainair Hall of Excellence on Jan. 7. Larry Gustin, a lifelong resident of Torrance County and owner of Gustin Hardware in both Mountainair and Estancia, will be honored posthumously along with seven other individuals at a March 29 ceremony. Mountainair Mayor […]
39 Pets Find New Homes at Woofstock Pet Adoption event
Nearly 40 pets found homes as the Friends of Estancia Valley Animals hosted Woofstock, a multiagency pet adoption event, Sept. 21 at Edgewood’s Venus Park. The nonprofit has promoted responsible pet ownership through education, low-cost spay and neuter events, and adoption fairs in the Edgewood area for over a decade. Woofstock, Edgewood Animal Control’s annual […]
Mountainair Hiring EMS Chief, Certified Police Officer
The Town of Mountainair is looking for qualified individuals to fill two key public safety positions: Emergency Medical Services chief and police officer. Mountainair Mayor Peter Nieto called a special Town Council meeting in July to discuss hiring a police force. Nieto announced on social media last week that the town has hired Paul Lucero […]
Edgewood Zoo Welcomes Donations to Help Feed New Bear Cub
An Edgewood animal sanctuary welcomed a new addition to the neighborhood last month, and she is adjusting quite well to her new home. In fact, Magdalena, a 1-year-old bear cub who goes by Maggie, is fitting in so well that Wildlife West Nature Park is seeking donations to help feed the fast-growing cub whose food […]
Nine Mile Picnic Ground Reopens for First time Since 2017
The Nine Mile Picnic Ground, a popular day-use site located off of N.M. 536 at mile marker 9 in the Sandia Ranger District, reopened Friday, Sept. 6, after an $800,000 makeover. The area had been closed to the public since 2017 due to public safety concerns and a backlog of deferred maintenance, according to the […]
Groovy Dogs Available to Adopt at Woofstock
The Friends of Estancia Valley Animals are hosting Woofstock, a multiagency pet adoption event set for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 21 at Venus Park, 181 N.M. 344 in Edgewood. The nonprofit has promoted responsible pet ownership through education, low-cost spay and neuter events, and adoption fairs in the Edgewood area for over 12 […]