By Andrea Vasquez The Torrance County Board of County Commissioners agreed to extend once again their geopolitical contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for at least three more months. During the special meeting held on Dec. 30, several immigration defense groups voiced their concerns with the decision to expand the contract for a […]
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Life in the East Mountains: A Journey to Edgewood
By Andrea Vasquez To be loved is to be seen, and for Gladys Hinds, love abounds in her life, especially in the form of watchful neighbors. At the remarkable age of 94 (soon to be 95), Gladys is “sharp like the end of a tack,” as her neighbor Treva West explains. If you visit her […]
Mountainair Police Looking for Person who Dumped a Dog at Gas Station
The Friends of Mountainair Animal Shelter announced on social media Jan. 9 that a dog was dumped at a town gas station earlier that morning. According to the social media post, someone in a blue Toyota Tacoma dumped a male husky or husky mix at the gas station around 10 a.m. The dog is safe, […]
New Mexico Supreme Court unanimously invalidates anti-abortion ordinances
By Susan Morée The New Mexico Supreme Court announced Jan. 9 its unanimous decision to invalidate ordinances passed in small communities that previously banned abortion. Several municipalities passed ordinances banning abortion, relying on an 1800s law called the Comstock Act. Those municipalities were the cities of Clovis and Hobbs along with Lea and Roosevelt counties. […]
Multiple crashes on I-40 due to icy weather conditions, Town of Edgewood offices closed
The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) responded to several crashes on Interstate 40 in the East Mountains on Jan. 7. Authorities attribute the incidents to the dangerous winter driving conditions east New Mexico is experiencing. Lane closures included: Caution is heavily advised when driving through these areas. Due to weather conditions, the Town of Edgewood […]
Torrance County Commission seeks ability to pause new cannabis production
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 […]
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 […]


