By Andrea Vasquez A proposed bill, HB9, is currently facing opposition due to concerns about its negative impacts on local communities, especially the Town of Estancia and elsewhere in Torrance County. The Immigrant Safety Act aims to prevent state and local governments from participating in detention agreements with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). […]
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Posted inEstancia, Torrance County, Uncategorized
Could Learning Torrance County History Stop Youth From Leaving the Area After Graduation?
By Hannah Grover Estancia Municipal and Mountainair Public school districts high school students may be required to learn Torrance County history in the future. SB 314 would provide the school districts with $250,000 to develop a curriculum for Torrance County history. The curriculum would encompass history from pre-Colonial times through the modern era. Javier Sánchez, […]
Posted inCommunity Content, East Mountains, Edgewood, Estancia, Moriarty, Torrance County, Uncategorized
Hal Crossley and the New Town of Buford, NM
This article is provided by the East Mountain Historical Society. Learn more at eastmountainhistory.org By Rick Holben Buford, New Mexico had its beginnings on 160 acres of land purchased in about 1937 by Hal Crossley, near what is now Old Route 66 and Eunice Road in Moriarty. In 1937, the alignment of Highway 66 was […]
Posted inEdgewood, Estancia, Torrance County, Uncategorized
Legislators Introduce Immigrant Safety Act
This story was originally published by the Santa Fe Reporter. By Mo Charnot As state legislators enter their last week of filing before the new bill introduction period ends on Feb. 20, one bill that would axe New Mexico’s local government agreements with ICE detention facilities has resurfaced for the third time on the legislative […]
Posted inMoriarty, Uncategorized
Eight Cattle Dead After Rollover Crash in Moriarty
By Independent Staff A rollover crash in Moriarty last week left eight cattle dead. According to the Moriarty Fire Department, a semi-truck crashed on Interstate 40 near Moriarty on Feb. 5 resulting in the deaths of eight cattle. The Moriarty Fire Department reported that the incident occurred around 11 p.m. at mile marker 197. The […]
Posted inEstancia, Moriarty, Torrance County, Uncategorized
Estancia Goes to Washington to Seek Funding
By Andrea Vasquez The town of Estancia is planning another trip to Washington, D.C., for funding purposes. Mayor Nathan Dial confirmed that Estancia is considering a trip to the nation’s capitol to secure funding for one of the town’s new “big ticket item” project. The project will include a park, pond and pool, with a […]
Posted inEstancia, Torrance County, Uncategorized
Bill Aims to Stop Libraries from Banning Books Based on Politics, Ideology
By Nicole Maxwell A bill aimed at protecting public libraries from politically charged book ban attempts is making its way through the Roundhouse. HB 27, the Librarian Protection Act, sponsored by Rep. Kathleen Cates, D-Rio Rancho, seeks to prohibit public libraries from getting state funding unless they adopt a policy prohibiting the removal of books […]
Posted inEstancia, Torrance County, Uncategorized
Bill Seeks Funding for Economic Development in the Lower Estancia Valley
By Hannah Grover State legislators are seeking funds for state officials to contract with an entity that can help promote economic development in the Lower Estancia Valley. SB 183 would provide $100,000 to the Economic Development Department to contract with an economic development organization in the region. The bill is sponsored by Sen. Liz Stefanics, […]
Posted inMoriarty, Uncategorized
BernCo District 5’s Legislative Priorities Aim to Enhance Mountain Communities
By The Independent Staff The Bernalillo County Board of Commissioners has announced its legislative priorities for the 2025 state legislative session, with District 5 highlighting the unique needs of its constituents. District 5, which includes parts of the East Mountains, is seeking funding for several projects to improve infrastructure and enhance community spaces. “District 5 […]
Posted inEdgewood, Estancia, Torrance County, Uncategorized
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, […]