News Flash

Support Local on Small Business Saturday on November 28

With the holiday shopping season in full swing, the City of Las Cruces Economic Development Department is encouraging shoppers to support local businesses by purchasing local goods and services as part of Small Business Saturday, Nov. 28. “Buyi...

City of Las Cruces Names Miguel Dominguez as Police Chief

The City of Las Cruces has selected Miguel Dominguez as its Chief of Police.

Dominguez has been a Las Cruces resident since 1985. He graduated in 2003 from LCPD’s 34th Academy and has most recently served as Interim Chief upon the retirement of P...

No City Council Meeting on November 30

The Las Cruces City Council will not meet or conduct a work session on Monday, Nov. 30, 2020.

In months that have five Mondays, like November 2020, City Council typically does not meet on the fifth Monday. The Las Cruces City Cou...

City of Las Cruces Selects Eric Enriquez as Assistant City Manager

The City of Las Cruces has named a new Assistant City Manager this week as Fire Chief Eric Enriquez has been selected to the position.

Enriquez was born and raised in Las Cruces. He attended Las Cruces Public Schools and New Mexico State University where h...

Utilities Assistance is Available for Residents and Businesses

By Cassie McClure

Las Cruces Utilities (LCU) realizes there are hard choices being made for families and businesses throughout our area.

City Council mandated suspension to utilities disconnections for non-payment at the start of the COVID restrictions in M...

Joint Information Center Notes for November 18, 2020

Media contact: Catherine Zaharko, Doña Ana County 

575/525-5801 • catherinez@donaanacounty.org  

OBJECTIVE: To streamline communication between local government agencies during the COVID-19 response. Partner organizatio...

City Council Work Session Recap for November 23

The Las Cruces City Council was updated on, and discussed, the City’s Mobile Integrated Healthcare program, which is coordinated through the Las Cruces Fire Department (LCFD). The update came during the Council's Monday, Nov. 23, 2020 w...

Community Invited to Provide Input for Soccer Field Improvements

The City of Las Cruces will conduct a virtual input meeting to discuss options for improvements to city soccer fields using recently appropriated state legislative funds of $856,000. The facilitated meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 1.&...

Small Business Saturday Op-Ed

It has been a tough year for Las Crucens as we have learned how to adjust, adapt, and deal with the many challenges associated with this pandemic.

On this Thanksgiving weekend, we genuinely do have something to be thankful for. The resiliency of Las Cruces...

Governor Announces Special Session for State Relief for Businesses, the Unemployed and More

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced Monday, Nov. 23, 2020 she will call the New Mexico Legislature into special session on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020 to take up a relief package for New Mexicans who have been affected by the economic devastation of the COVI...

Financial Services Department Receives Achievement for Excellence Award

The City of Las Cruces has met the requirements to be awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition ...

Las Cruces Glows Together Despite COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic will prevent us from gathering for the annual Las Cruces Tree Lighting Ceremony this year. But it will not darken the tradition of City residents celebrating the holiday season by illuminating Las Cruces with thousands and thousands ...

Las Crucens Are Still Urged to Take the Las Cruces Safe Promise

Las Cruces residents are still encouraged to take the Las Cruces Safe Promise and commit to keeping our community as safe as possible from COVID-19. Their promise can support the success of&am...

Department of Health Expands COVID 19 Testing Surge

Following a successful administration of 10,000 COVID-19 tests throughout southern New Mexico, the state of New Mexico and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services continue their COVID-19 testing partnership efforts to include five locations.

On Sa...

Skating Through Options - Community Participation Welcome

As plans for the rehabilitation of the Las Cruces Skate Park, 151 N. Walnut St., move forward, the community is reminded it can continue to provide input relating to the recommended options outlined in the final assessment report at www.las-cruces.org/LCS...

Mask Up to Clean Up City Council District 1 Event Postponed

The “Mask Up to Clean Up” City Council District 1 cleanup event has been postponed to a later date, due to the Office of the Governor’s shelter in place public health emergency order which is in effect from November 16 to Nov...

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program

The City of Las Cruces RoadRUNNER Transit is a recipient of Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds and is required to establish contracting goals every three years under its Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program.

The City’s proposed...

Construction Suspended on I-25 Project

Due to increasing cases of COVID-19, the New Mexico Department of Transportation has suspended work for two weeks on the I-25 University Avenue Project, effective Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020. This decision has been made to protect the health and safety of t...

Community Forester Gives New Meaning to Tree of Knowledge

Student Government students from Mayfield High School recently received hands-on learning from the City Community Forester when they participated in tree planting as part of a non-traditional education activity. COVID safe practices were strictly...

Restriping of Parking Lots at City Hall

As part of the City’s commitment to address traffic and pedestrian safety at City Hall, Facilities Management is working with a local contractor to restripe the east and west parking lots, north and south fire lanes, the parking area east of the...

New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department Presents Budget

Faced with a high and still increasing demand for services, the New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department has requested $52.5 million to provide services to the state’s growing aging population.

&n...

Las Cruces Utilities Water Leak Detection Keeps Local Infrastructure Safe

By Cassie McClure

Published in the Las Cruces Sun-News on 11/15/20

Water leaks are devious when they’re underground.

The leak can be small and seep into the dry ground around the pipe. It can be particularly frustrating for a customer when the wate...

Fall Planting Ideas at Las Cruces Utilities Demonstration Garden

By Cassie McClure

With a good five more weeks of fall, it might still be time to get some hands dirty to beautify gardens throughout Las Cruces this coming spring.

Selecting the right type of plant that not only creates shade, beauty, and conserves water ca...

City of Las Cruces Thanksgiving Holiday Schedule

City Hall and most City of Las Cruces offices will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 26, 2020 and Friday, Nov. 27, 2020 for the Thanksgiving holiday. Emergency services such as fire and police will not be affected.

The following is a list of closures/modificatio...

David Sedillo Selected as Director of Public Works

The City of Las Cruces is formally announces David Sedillo has been selected for promotion into the position of Public Works Director. Sedillo has been with the organization for more than 15 years and has most recently served as Deputy Director of Public...

City Council Approves 2019 Action Plan Amendments, Additional Police Body Cameras

At its Monday, Nov. 16, 2020 meeting the Las Cruces City Council approved a Resolution amending the City of Las Cruces’ 2019 Action Plan. Included in that action the Council executed an agreement and amended the City's Fiscal Year 2021 budget.

City Council...

Voluntary Remediation Agreement for West Griggs Avenue Property

A Public Notice has been issued by the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) that pursuant to 20.6.3.300.B NMAC a Voluntary Remediation Agreement has been proposed between the City of Las Cruces and NMED for a proper...

Las Cruces Senior Meals Sites Remain on Limited Services Until Further Notice

As the City of Las Cruces Senior Programs continues to address a positive COVID-19 test at Munson Center, Senior Programs has entered into a contract with a food vendor to provide frozen meals for the week of November 16, for participants attending the Mu...

Thomas Branigan Library to Temporarily Limit Services to Grab-and-Go and Computer Lab Use

In accordance with the Governor’s amended Public Health orders, Branigan Library will be temporarily rolling back some of its services to the public.

Beginning Monday, November 16, limited lobby service in the afternoons will be suspended. Patron...

Keep Las Cruces Beautiful Celebrates America Recycles Day

To celebrate America Recycles Day, a Keep America Beautiful (KAB) initiative which was on November 15, Keep Las Cruces Beautiful (KLCB) wants the community to take the #BeRecycled pledge to show its commitment to increasing and improving recyclin...

City of Las Cruces Makes Changes in Response to Governor's Revised Public Health Order

The City of Las Cruces has made some changes in services in response to the Governor’s revised Public Health Order that began Monday, November 16.

Beginning Monday, November 16, employees and visitors entering City Hall will encounter temperature...

New Mexico Re-enacts Most Heightened Level of Public Health Restrictions

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and state health officials, on Friday, Nov. 13, announced New Mexico will temporarily re-enact a statewide order closing in-person services for all non-essential activitiers.

The Governor's action is in order to blunt t...

Take-Out STEM Activities From the Museum of Nature & Science in December

The Las Cruces Museum of Nature & Science, 411 N. Main St., continues to offer take out activity kits in December.

Kits are free but require reservations. To reserve kits please contact Stephanie at shawkins@las-cruces.org or call 575/522-3120. Kits ar...

City Council to Meet November 16

The Las Cruces City Council will meet via video conference at 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16, 2020, for a regularly scheduled meeting.

City Council will discuss and consider the approval of a Resolution amending the City of Las Cruces’ 2019 Action Plan, executing ...

Thomas Branigan Memorial Library Presents Healing Library Boxes Available for Checkout

Thomas Branigan Memorial Library, 200 E. Picacho Ave., is pleased to offer Healing Library Boxes for families available for check out on Monday, November 16. 

The Branigan Library is partnering with The Healing Library to bring materials designed ...

City Hall to be Lit in Blue for Diabetes Awareness Month

The west side of Las Cruces City Hall, 700 N. Main St., will be lit in blue every night from November 12 to November 30 in observance of Diabetes Awareness Month. Blue LED floodlights have been temporarily installed at the base of each of 10 columns on t...

Munson Senior Center Closure

After a positive COVID-19 test in the City of Las Cruces Senior Programs, Munson Center, 975 S. Mesquite St., is shut down for a short period of time. Munson Center staff is working on a plan to get the appropriate testing completed for all staff members ...

City Council Updated on East Lohman Avenue Development Plan

The Las Cruces City Council was updated on the East Lohman Avenue Development Plan during its Monday, Nov. 9, 2020 Work Session. The City has contracted with Sites Southwest to prepare a development plan for City-owned property generally located south of ...

Public Opportunity to Provide Input on Proposed Updates to the City's Animal Control Ordinance

Las Cruces community members have more opportunity to provide public input on proposed, draft changes to the City’s Animal Control Ordinance, specifically Chapter 7: Animals, to the Las Cruces Municipal Code, 1997, as amended.

The Animal control ...

Las Cruces Utilities Water Quality Laboratory: A Step Toward the Future

By Cassie McClure

While a career in utilities may not be the go-to answer for kids when they’re dreaming about being a police officer or fire fighter, it can be a career discovered after being guided by their skills and finding fascination with t...

Notice of Intent to Approve Transfer of Ownership of Dispenser Liquor License to Ten Pin Bowling

Notice is hereby given that the Las Cruces City Council will conduct a Public Hearing to discuss approval or disapproval for a Transfer of Ownership of Dispenser Liquor License No. 2577 to Ten Pin Bowling, at 1201 E. Amador, Ave., Las Cruces, New...

Branigan Library Transitions to Grab and Go Service

Beginning Monday, Nov. 9, 2020, Branigan Library’s curbside pick-up will transition to grab and go service for the winter.

Patrons who have been using curbside will now pick up their materials by appoi...

Skate Park Rehabilitation Update Slated for Council Work Session

Interested community members can access the final assessment report for the Las Cruces Skate Park, 151 N. Walnut St., at www.las-cruces.org/LCSkatePark prior to the project update being presented at the next scheduled City Council work session. Comments a...

GO Bond Recreational Trail Improvements on Track

Progress of planned improvements to city recreational trails as outlined in the voter-approved General Obligation (GO) Bond project is moving forward as the City of Las Cruces works with partnering agencies to finalize trail connections. Current informati...

Meerscheidt Recreation Center - Cardio/Weight Room Open

Meerscheidt Recreation Center, 1600 E. Hadley Ave., will begin taking reservations for cardio and weight room sessions beginning November 7 by calling 575/541-2563 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. All participan...

Las Cruces Utilities Customer May See Trash Collection Day Change

Due to growth and analysis, Las Cruces Utilities (LCU) will be changing the regular solid waste and recycling pick up day for nearly a quarter of Las Cruces residents starting in January 2021.

For those affected by the change in their trash day, a notice w...

COVID-19 Testing Surge Across Southern New Mexico Beginning November 5

The City of Las Cruces is proud to be a partner of the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) in sharing information about COVID-19 testing in our area. This testing is separate from that provided by the local Public Health Office which continues with th...

New Fees for City Building Permits Go into Effect on November 5

A new fee schedule for all building and inspection permits issued by the City of Las Cruces Community Development Department will go into effect on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2020.

New fees will apply to:

1. Administrative fees, including the Technolo...

City Hall Parking Deck Stalls are Blocked Off for Cable Installation

As part of the City’s commitment to improving safety, security, and data and voice communications at City-owned properties, the Public Works Department is working with a local contractor to install communications cable from north Campo Street, t...

"A Laser to the Moon: Science that Began with 'One Small Step'"

The Museum of Nature & Science, 411 N. Main St., hosts Apache Point Observatory astronomer Dr. Russet McMillan and the APOLLO (Apache Point Observatory Lunar Laser-ranging Operation) for a virtual presentation including a live firing of the laser from...

City Council Adopts Ordinance for LEDA project for LaSen, Inc.

The Las Cruces City Council unanimously adopted an Ordinance during its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, Nov. 2, 2020, that approved a Local Economic Development Act (LEDA) project for LaSen, Inc., of Las Cruces. The action from the seven-member Cou...

Tis the season: Las Cruces Utilities Relights Furnaces for Free

By Cassie McClure

Since we’re at the edges of the colder season, it might be time to dust off the neglected old furnace. If you’re feeling squeamish about lighting your furnace and want to make sure there aren’t any gas leaks, Las Cruces Utilities (LCU) wi...

Check Your Grappler Schedule: Trash Routes May Change in January 2021

By Cassie McClure 

The Las Cruces Utilities (LCU) Grappler schedule will be especially important to double-check for City residents this year as the regular day for trash pickup may change. The schedule, which will be sent out at the beginning of ...

City, LCPD Request Continued Mask Use, Social Distancing

The City of Las Cruces is responding with great concern to the growing number of positive COVID-19 cases in the past few weeks in Doña Ana County. City Council is asking residents to remain vigilant and protective of themselves by continuing to...

City Council Extends Mayor’s Emergency Proclamation

The Las Cruces City Council unanimously approved an extension to Mayor Ken Miyagishima’s Emergency Proclamation 2020-06 at a Special Meeting conducted via video conference on Friday, Oct. 30, 2020.

The Mayor signed the Proclamation&nb...

Las Cruces Utilities Warns of Possible Scam Regarding Water Sample Collection

Las Cruces Utilities (LCU), which provides gas, water, wastewater, and solid waste service to the Las Cruces area, is advising that an unknown person may be approaching citizens stating they need to collect a water sample to test for contaminatio...

Utilities Online Bill Pay Unavailable December 11 to 14 Due to Scheduled System Upgrades

Beginning at 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11, 2020, City utility customers will be unable to access the online payment function due to system upgrades. During the upgrade, customers may make their payments by telephone at 866/426-9757 and follow the payment prompt...

Thomas Branigan Memorial Library to Receive a $1,000 Grant to Raise Awareness of Climate Change

Thomas Branigan Memorial Library is one of 25 public and academic libraries from across the U.S. that has been chosen by the American Library Association to receive a $1,000 Resilient Communities: Libraries Respond to Climate Change Grant. 

&l...

City Residents Should Not Try to Trap Skunks

City Las Cruces Animal Control officers are encouraging City residents not to attempt to trap skunks or interact with any wildlife that could be roaming through&...

Farmworkers' Rights: Learning Opportunities from the Branigan Cultural Center

Branigan Cultural Center programming continues with activity take-out kits and online events. Enjoy these virtual events related to the new exhibit Dolores Huerta: Revolution in the Fields/Revolución en los Campos on display at the Branigan Cul...

Celebrating Native American Heritage Month with the Branigan Cultural Center

The Branigan Cultural Center, 501 N. Main St., celebrates November as Native American Heritage Month with the Indigenous Speaker Series from November 9 to November 14. Tune in for these online events! 

5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. November 9 - The Eagle...

Tutoring Services Postponed at East Mesa Recreation Center

Tutoring Services offered at the East Mesa Recreation Center, 5589 Porter Drive, are postponed until further notice.

A future news release will be issued when programming will resume.

For information, call the Parks and Recreation Departme...

Meerscheidt Recreation Center Fitness Area and Weight Room Closed

The Fitness Area and Weight Room at Meerscheidt Recreation Center, 1600 E. Hadley Ave., is closed until further notice.

However, the center will remain open for Teen Study Services, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. The morning sess...

Walsh Named as Las Cruces Utilities Director

Las Cruces Utilities has named Delilah A. Walsh Utilities Director effective October 25, 2020.  Walsh had been serving as Interim Director following the retirement of Dr. Jorge A. Garcia, P.E., on August 28, 2020. “Dr. Garcia built a strong util...

In-House Fabrication for Gas Lines: Las Cruces Utilities Behind the Scenes

By Cassie McClure

Natural gas is a clean, easy and cheap way to heat a home or run an appliance. However, working with its connections needs to be done by those certified in the process to make sure that no dangerous leaks occur. For Las Cruces Utilities (...

Advocates for the Public: Introduction to Las Cruces Utilities Board of Commissioners, Part 2

By Cassie McClure

At Las Cruces Utilities (LCU), oversight to its projects and policies are guided by the Board of Commissioners for the City of Las Cruces Utilities. The Board, established in December 2006, consists of seven Commissioners, two of whom are...

Avoid Being A Victim of Vehicle Warm-up Theft

Las Cruces police remind drivers who warm up their vehicles to refrain from leaving them unattended as they can be stolen within seconds.

Surveillance video from an Oct. 6 incident on Sombrero Court shows that it took less than 15 seconds for the suspect t...

"Through a Different Lens: One Woman's Experience in Vietnam, 1967-1968"

Join us at the Branigan Cultural Center, 501 N. Main St., from Oct. 23, 2020 through Feb. 6, 2021 for Through a Different Lens: One Woman’s Experience in Vietnam, 1967-1968, an exhibit that examines the life of Las Cruces resident Frances Williams during ...

Las Cruces Utilities Hosts Tour for NMSU Compost Club for Upcoming Collaborations

By Cassie McClure

After Las Cruces Utilities (LCU) Deputy Director Solid Waste Robin Lawrence scraped off the top layer of the compost mulch, she stuck her hand into the pungent pile. She was happy to feel warmth. Members of the New Mexico State University...

Advocates for the Public: Introduction to Las Cruces Utilities Board of Commissioners

By Cassie McClure

At Las Cruces Utilities (LCU), oversight to its projects and policies are guided by the Board of Commissioners (Board) for the City of Las Cruces Utilities. The Board, established in December 2006, consists of seven Commissioners, two of ...

Utilities Drop Box Repaired and is Now Operational

The Las Cruces Utilities (LCU) drop box for payments, in the parking lot between Las Cruces City Hall and Thomas Branigan Memorial Library has been repaired and City utilities&nbs...

Fall/Winter Water Restrictions Now in Effect

Citywide spring and summer daytime outdoor watering, from April 1 to September 30, restricted customers from watering during the daytime hours of 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. But, from October 1 to March 31 customers are allowed to water during these hours on their ...

Parks & Recreation Youth Services Offers Tutoring and More

The Parks and Recreation Department's Youth Services provides programs and opportunities for youth, families, and other community members including mentorship, educational programs, civic engagement, beautification projects, tutoring and learning...

Music and Movement Bags Available for Checkout

Thomas Branigan Memorial Library, 200 E. Picacho Ave., is pleased to offer Music and Movement Bags for families available for check out on Tuesday, Oct. 13.   

In the Movement & Music Bag, you will find a variety of rhythm instruments...

Arte Cubano to Open at the Las Cruces Museum of Art

Arte Cubano opens Oct. 13, 2020, at Las Cruces Museum of Art, 491 N. Main St.

Arte Cubano highlights a universally agreed-upon characteristic of the island’s art: an incredible diversity. Cuban art is so rich in large part because of its diverse cultural b...

Beware of Fake Census Workers

Police are warning residents of impersonators portraying themselves as Census takers who may be trying to obtain personal or financial information.

Two incidents were reported last week to Las Cruces police. Neither of the residents fell victim to the impe...

Fusing Pipes on The Fly: Certification for Local Gas Workers

By Cassie McClure 

When a gas pipe needs to be repaired in the field, it takes a steady hand and plenty of knowledge. It is also a process that needs yearly certification and Las Cruces Utilities (LCU) hosts and trains not only its staff, but othe...

Las Cruces Utilities: Jobs for the Future

By Cassie McClure 

It’s early in the morning and the contractor is thrilled to see the Las Cruces Utilities (LCU) truck pull up. LCU Intern Omar Muñoz is there to relocate a water line so a water meter can be installed at a ne...

Changes in Utilities Development Impact Fees Benefit City Growth

By Cassie McClure

At the Las Cruces City Council Work Session on Sept. 14, Council approved the reduction of the water development impact fees (DIF) and the increase of the wastewater DIF. While the allocation of who pays those fees will be further discuss...

Recreational Programming Returns to Community Centers

Meerscheidt Recreation Center, 1600 E. Hadley Ave., and Frank O’Brien Papen Community Center, 304 W. Bell Ave., will reopen on Oct. 5 for specific recreational programming, in keeping with the most recent lowering of restrictions mandated by the...

Take-Out STEM Activities from the Museum of Nature and Science

The Las Cruces Museum of Nature & Science, 411 N. Main St., continues to offer to take out activity kits in October. Kits are free but require reservations. To reserve kits email Stephanie at shawkins@las-cruces.org or call 575/522-3120. Kits are avai...

Dolores Huerta: Revolution in the Fields at the Branigan Cultural Center

Dolores Huerta: Revolution in the Fields/Revolución en los Campos will be on display at the Branigan Cultural Center, 501 N. Main St., from Oct. 17, 2020 through Jan. 9, 2021.

The exhibition shares the compelling story of legendary activist and ...

Teen Study Services Offered

The City of Las Cruces Parks & Recreation Youth Services Section will offer teen study services beginning Monday, September 14 through the Teen Connection Program. The study center will provide students in grades six through 12 - ages 12 and older - a...

Out-of-School Time Tutoring Services will be Offered

The City of Las Cruces Parks & Recreation Youth Services Section will offer tutoring services beginning Monday, September 14 through the Out-of-School Time Program. The sessions will provide students in Kindergarten through fifth grade – 5 t...

Parks & Recreation Aquatic Facility - Fall/Winter Hours

The Las Cruces Regional Aquatic Center, 1401 E. Hadley Ave. and Frenger Pool, 800 Parkview Drive, will implement fall/winter hours of operation beginning Tuesday, September 8, in accordance with the Governor’s Emergency Public Health Order, stil...

Updated New Mexico COVID-19 cases: Now at 136

New Mexico state health officials on Thursday announced 24 additional positive tests for COVID-19.

Per the state Department of Health, the most recent cases are:

Seven new cases in Bernalillo County:

• A female in her 20s
• A female in her 30s
• A male in his 40s
• A m...

Updated New Mexico COVID-19 cases: Now at 100

Updated New Mexico COVID-19 cases: Now at 100SANTA FE – New Mexico state health officials on Monday announced 17 additional positive tests for COVID-19.Per the state Department of Health, the most recent cases are:Five new cases in Bern...

City Manager Search Begins

The national search for a new city manager for the City of Las Cruces has officially begun. Well-qualified candidates may apply electronically to The Novak Consulting Group at thenovakconsultinggroup.com.

The application is accessed by selecting the blue &...

Noise Ordinance Input Meeting

The City is asking for public input on changes proposed to the City of Las Cruces Ordinance 1988 that regulates noise throughout the City of Las Cruces. Ordinance 1988, “Noise,” is included in Chapter 19, Offenses and Miscellaneous Pro...