By The Independent Staff A bi-partisan bi-cameral group of legislators introduced legislation Jan. 30 that would establish a program to allow New Mexicans to receive medical treatments from psilocybin mushrooms for qualified medical conditions. According to a press release, Senate Bill 219, the โMedical Psilocybin Actโ lays the path for mental and behavioral health treatment […]
#Edgewood
Kirtlandโs State of the Base: 2024 Accomplishments and 2025 Challenges
Submitted by Colonel Michael Power, Installation & 377th Air Base Wing commander As the installation commander of Kirtland Air Force Base, I am proud to reflect on the significant accomplishments we have made to national security and the local economy this past year. With an annual economic impact of $7.5 billion and a community of […]
DOJ Announces Indictment in Massive Marijuana Cultivation Scheme
By Kevin Hendricks The United States Department of Justice announced Thursday afternoon that a federal grand jury indicted three individuals for their alleged roles in a large-scale marijuana cultivation and distribution operation on Navajo Nation lands. The indictment, unsealed Thursday, charges Dineh Benally, 48, his father, Donald Benally, 74, and Irving Rea Yui Lin, 73, […]
Campbell Ranch Hearing Rescheduled for March
By Andrea Vasquez The Town of Edgewood Commission released a last-minute cancellation and rescheduling notice for the Jan. 30 scheduled quasi-public hearing on Campbell Ranch. The hearing to address an appeal of Edgewoodsโ Planning and Zoning Commission’s approval of a minor subdivision was originally scheduled for Jan.30 at 2 p.m. at the Town of Edgewoodโs […]
Like a Turquoise Cowboy: Estancia Valley to Host First Youth Ranch Rodeo This Summer
New Mexican children will be able to participate in the first Youth Ranch Rodeo, which will be held in Santa Fe on July 19. The East Mountain Rodeo Association of Edgewood (EMRA) was founded in 2020 and has hosted five adult rodeo competitions since then. Now, it is giving the kids a shot. It will […]
Town of Edgewood Commission Meeting Recap
By Andrea Vasquez Public comment during the Jan. 28 Town of Edgewood meeting raised a series of issues concerning transparency, which was a common denominator among the citizens who spoke at the Town Hall.ย Citizen Adrian Chavez Sr. took the podium to express his feelings and concerns about former commissioner Sterling Donner’s reason for resignation. […]
Reserve your Spot for Annual Build-a-Pal by The Edgewood Community Library
By Andrea Vasquez The Edgewood Community Library will host its annual Build-a-Pal event on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 171B, NM 344, Edgewood, NM 87015. This hands-on event will be fun and educational. This event’s intention is to allow children to create a one-of-a-kind, Valentine-themed stuffed animal to take home. All supplies will be provided […]
Feds Charge, Arrest Operator of Cannabis Facilities Near Estancia
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 […]
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 Sheriffโs Department arrived en masse at the facilities […]
Extreme cold warning for New Mexico residentsย
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 […]


