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The Valley Sees Rising Demand for Truck and Diesel Repair Services

Victoria Padilla
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The Valley Sees Rising Demand for Truck and Diesel Repair Services

Demand for truck and diesel repair services has risen dramatically in New Mexico’s Valley region. Local repair shops report an increase in customer traffic from freight companies, independent drivers, and agricultural companies. These businesses use heavy-duty trucks.

Truck owners, freight operators, and repair technicians drive the surge in repair demand. It also addresses when (since June 2026) and where (the valley region of New Mexico). In addition, it explains why this is important (to sustain transportation, logistics, and agriculture operations).

The increase in services underscores trucking’s vital role across rural and semi‑urban areas in the Southwest. These areas rely on trucking when moving goods to market. For instance, repair shops in Clovis and Roswell have expanded their service offerings to accommodate the increasing demand they face. This indicates that reliable maintenance of diesel engines is critical to the region’s economic success.

The rise of repair services helps sustain truck operations, reducing downtime for local businesses and creating employment opportunities. Additionally, it will enhance New Mexico’s supply chain, allowing for efficient transport of goods throughout the state and beyond.

The demand indicates the importance of truck and diesel repair facilities as foundational elements of commerce in the region. The ability of repair facilities to evolve and expand their services will continue to support both economic stability and community resiliency.

The high volume of truck traffic and diesel repairs in the Valley demonstrates that transportation and logistics are vital components of local economies. As demand continues to grow, truck and diesel repair shops will play a crucial role in supporting the ongoing operation of businesses, creating jobs, and ensuring the reliable movement of goods throughout New Mexico.

State Offers Loan Repayment Program to Veterinarians in Underserved Areas: Applications Now Open 

Gregg Morgan
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State Offers Loan Repayment Program to Veterinarians in Underserved Areas: Applications Now Open 

Veterinarians serving underserved communities may have a new way to ease their financial burden. A New Mexico program offers student debt relief to eligible professionals working in high-need areas. And the good news is that applications have started. 

State officials recently opened applications for the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program. Veterinarians working in rural, frontier and tribal communities may qualify for up to $80,000 in student loan repayment assistance.

The Higher Education Department administers the program. It aims to address a persistent shortage of food animal veterinarians in the state’s rural and agricultural communities.  

Recipients must spend at least four years providing veterinary services in New Mexico’s rural communities. Their work will focus on food-producing livestock, including cattle, sheep, goats, and poultry. 

The application deadline is July 1.  

Impact of the Program on Veterinarians and Rural Veterinary Services

Eight veterinarians have received awards since the program’s launch. The initiative helps strengthen access to veterinary services in areas that have historically faced provider shortages and protects agricultural economy.  

The loan repayment program awarded veterinarians $15,000 for the first two years of service in the state. It offered up to an additional $25,000 for each of the following two years.  

“Veterinarians are essential to the agricultural sector of communities throughout New Mexico,” said Higher Education Secretary Stephanie Rodriguez. “By supporting these professionals, we are helping strengthen critical services that families, producers and communities rely on every day.” 

The program is part of a broader statewide effort to strengthen the state’s workforce in high-demand fields. It also improves access to critical veterinary services for communities, producers, and animal owners.  

Interested applicants must apply through the New Mexico Higher Education Department website. They must submit their applications by July 1, 2026, to be considered for the program.  

Free Parks. Free College. Free Pre-K. New Mexico Isn’t Just Celebrating Its State Day—Governor Pushes a Bold Bet on Families.

Juan Oliveros
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Free Parks. Free College. Free Pre-K. New Mexico Isn’t Just Celebrating Its State Day—Governor Pushes a Bold Bet on Families.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, on a sun-washed Sunday designated as National New Mexico Day, took to social media to celebrate the state day and its unique identity while pushing for an expansive vision for its future.

“As a 12th-generation New Mexican, I’m proud to call our beautiful state home,” the Democratic governor wrote. “We’ve invested in free child care, free pre-k, and the nation’s most comprehensive tuition-free college program because every family deserves the opportunity to build a future right here in New Mexico.”

The post also served as an invitation. Thirty-five New Mexico State Parks are offering free day-use entry to residents on Saturday, a seasonal perk that encourages New Mexicans to experience the diverse environment that defines the state — from the high-desert mesas and alpine forests to dramatic canyons and storied cultural sites.

New Mexico observes its state day every June 14. However, it is not the anniversary of statehood. New Mexico joined the Union as the 47th state on Jan. 6, 1912. Instead, the celebration is part of a National Day Calendar series paying tribute to states in the order of their admission. The state day has become an occasion to examine its multifaceted past: prehistoric Indigenous pueblos, Spanish colonial roots dating to the late 16th century, and an evolving identity shaped by science, art, aerospace, and a resilient multicultural fabric.

Lujan Grisham’s message underscores policy priorities that have shaped much of her tenure. Under her watch, New Mexico has pursued sweeping initiatives to broaden education pathways, from early years to higher learning. These initiatives aim to address deep-seated challenges, including child poverty, brain drain, and shaping an economy beyond federal allocations and energy production.

The main attraction for many New Mexicans remains the outdoors. State parks officials confirmed the free day-use access for those showing valid New Mexico identification. Certain exceptions, however, apply, such as parking at the Rio Grande Nature Center and fees at Living Desert Zoo & Gardens. The promotion arrives as the state also provides expanded day-use waivers for residents during the off-season.

Residents may explore the red rock formations near Abiquiu that inspired Georgia O’Keeffe. They may also turn to the otherworldly dunes of White Sands and the wild rivers slicing through northern gorges. The state’s public lands remain central to its charm— and its economy. Tourism officials used the celebration to encourage locals to “shop local” and see what they have been missing.

The state day offers a brief, unifying pause for New Mexicans, marking the day with a hike, a green chile cheeseburger, or simply appreciating the state’s vast sky. The day is a reminder that New Mexico continues to evolve, one policy, one trail, and one generation at a time.

Neon, Art and Vintage Cars: How New Mexico Is Bringing Route 66 Back to Life for Its 100th Birthday

Juan Oliveros
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Neon, Art and Vintage Cars: How New Mexico Is Bringing Route 66 Back to Life for Its 100th Birthday

The National Route 66 Centennial Caravan rumbled into New Mexico under a wide desert sky. Vintage cars and commemorative vehicles rolled from Gallup to Grants, through Albuquerque’s Central Avenue, and onward to Santa Rosa. Their polished chrome shimmered under the sun, horns echoed, and townsfolk waved along the sidewalks full of spectators.

For a few sun‑washed days, until the middle of June, the Mother Road—hyped up in song, film, and memory—felt alive again, not a relic of the past but a living vein passing through the high desert, volcanic fields, and Pueblo lands.

New Mexico claims one of the longest and best-preserved stretches of the original 2,448-mile highway. The highway stretches for more than 600 miles along its historic alignment, winding from the Arizona border through Gallup, Grants, Albuquerque, Santa Fe-adjacent communities, and Tucumcari before entering Texas.

Much of the country marks the centennial on November 11 with an old-time vibe. Communities in the state are seizing the moment for tangible revival. Over the past two years, the New Mexico Tourism Department has released roughly $4 million in Route 66 Centennial grants for infrastructure, neon restorations, public art, marketing, and events. These investments are intended to channel through‑traffic into lodging demand and long‑term commercial activity.

The city’s Department of Arts and Culture in Albuquerque is home to the longest urban segment. It is roughly 18 miles along Central Avenue —has launched Route 66 Remixed. It is a signature project featuring 19 artists and about 20 public installations. These include large-scale murals, sculptures, augmented-reality experiences, and creative collaborations with groups like Meow Wolf.

The initiative turns the corridor into an evolving tapestry of culture where drivers and walkers can engage with history through present-day lenses, combining art, audio poetry, and cultural touchpoints that integrate Indigenous, Hispanic, and modern New Mexican voices with the corridor’s historic storyline. Complementary initiatives include Route 66 Summerfest and special markets. Limited-edition “Route 66 Kicks” sneakers blend regional character with the highway’s signature numbering.

Smaller towns are mounting their own ambitious bets. A striking new Route 66 Arch in Grants is now a “glowing landmark lights up the sky with bold colors, fiery designs, and pure Mother Road energy”. And the Spokes on 66 Car Show and upcoming Powwow celebrations draw crowds with vintage vehicles, live music, and cultural performances.

Tucumcari and Moriarty have restored classic motels and diners. Santa Rosa has explored novel ideas such as a “musical road.” Passport programs encourage travelers to gather stamps at museums, trading posts, and revitalized enterprises. The corridor becomes a scavenger hunt of local heritage.

The deeper resonance lies in how Route 66 has always reflected New Mexico’s multifaceted identity. Established in 1926, the highway emerged as a corridor of opportunity for Dust Bowl migrants, returning World War II veterans, Native traders, and Hispanic entrepreneurs. It served as a conduit for mining booms and downturns, fostering connections among isolated towns and shaping the character of roadside life— neon signs, motor courts, and green-chile diners that still define the highway today. Centennial projects intentionally integrate Indigenous Pueblo viewpoints and Hispanic contributions.

“These trails and roads are very important in not just promoting New Mexico, but establishing our culture and changing it, bringing new peoples and new technologies and new ideas on the asphalt,” said New Mexico State Historian Rob Martinez.

But challenges remain. Many historic structures face deteriorating infrastructure. Interstate bypasses long ago drew traffic, and sustaining visitor interest after the centennial event will require more than one-year events. Main Street directors emphasize the importance of sustained conservation funding paired with innovative programs that engage today’s travelers. Those visitors who value authenticity, outdoor adventure, and cultural depth enhanced by vintage‑car aesthetics.

Still, the momentum feels genuine and forward-looking. Economic studies of Route 66 corridors nationwide show that heritage tourism generates substantial multiplier effects. Visitor spending supports local businesses, creates jobs, and funds more reinvestment. Statewide, renewed pride is already visible in fresh paint on storefronts, crowded parking lots at revived diners and conversations among business owners about what the future holds. Next big things include Santa Fe’s Railyard Route 66 Centennial Festival in October, Albuquerque’s summer series, and speaker programs exploring the corridor’s past, present, and future.

The rewards are visceral for those who set out behind the wheel. Journey through Tijeras Canyon at golden hour as shadows lengthen across sandstone. Enjoy the moment beneath flickering neon in Grants or Albuquerque’s Nob Hill. Savor breakfast burritos at a family-run spot where the coffee is strong, and the stories seem endless. Then park where the horizon stretches unbroken. The road disappearing into piñon and sky. And feel the unique American dynamic that reshapes roads into pathways of possibility.

One hundred years after its classification, New Mexico’s stretch of Route 66 adapts. The centennial is not only a commemoration but a reminder that Route 66 still carries travelers toward fresh adventures and untold stories — and that communities along the corridor are ready to lead the way.

Route 66 beckons this year—its lights glowing, stories renewed, and its road wide open.

Pecos Zone Team to Assume Command of Seven Cabins Fire

Victoria Padilla
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Pecos Zone Team to Assume Command of Seven Cabins Fire

On May 14, 2026, the Seven Cabins Fire began burning in the Capitan Mountain Wilderness. Since then, it has burned approximately 31,860 acres. As of June 9, only 94% of the area is contained. Starting on Wednesday, the Pecos Zone Type 3 Incident Management Team will officially assume responsibility for all controls, repair, and initial attack activities at this incident.

This command transition identifies who will be assisting with command transfer and repair activities (crews, Forest Service officials, and incident management teams). It also clarifies when (June 10, 2026) and where (Capitan Mountain Wilderness). Furthermore, it explains how this relates to ensuring that ongoing public safety resources are protected. In addition, it also addresses adequate fire management.

Previous wildfire responses in New Mexico, including Lincoln and Gila National Forests, required coordinated incident management teams to supervise containment and rehabilitation activities. For example, these events demonstrate the need for cooperation. Moreover, these examples illustrate that incident command transitions are a standard operating procedure.

The participation of specialized working groups provides communities with continued oversight, protection of cultural and natural resources, and reduced risk of flare‑ups. In addition, suppression repair (rebuilding after suppression) will allow land restoration. It will also allow protection for the recreational areas that the public uses. Finally, there is a reduced risk of erosion or flooding from the fire.

This situation demonstrates how well-managed, coordinated methods of providing community safety can integrate into a larger-scale wildfire response effort. This also illustrates the significance of having a structured leadership transition in sustaining containment and recovery efforts.

With the containment of the fire nearing completion and repair work already underway, the Seven Cabins Fire exemplifies the benefits of rapid response and an efficiently organized command. Furthermore, ongoing monitoring, resource rehabilitation, and community safety will be primary objectives. This will be the case as New Mexico moves through its wildfire season.

El Tri’s World Cup Victory Sparks Massive Fan Celebrations Across Mexico

Victoria Padilla
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El Tri’s World Cup Victory Sparks Massive Fan Celebrations Across Mexico

El Tri, the Mexican national soccer team, won its first game at the 2026 FIFA World Cup against South Africa. This victory sparked celebrations across the country. Over 300,000 fans came to Mexico City. Moreover, tens of thousands more showed up in Monterrey and Guadalajara to watch and cheer.

Fans, families, and tourism officials joined the celebrations when Mexico won its World Cup match. The victory drew massive crowds across major metropolitan areas of Mexico on June 12, 2026. Additionally, it shows why it matters (it will increase national pride and tourism, and will promote cultural identity in Mexico).

Large crowds have gathered at other major international sporting events, such as fan festivals in the Zócalo and celebrations at the Angel of Independence during previous World Cup events. Meanwhile, these examples demonstrate how football victories have often brought communities together while attracting worldwide attention.

Events such as these help drive tourism to Mexico, with officials expecting Mexico City to see over 2 million visitors in June alone and more than 10 million international arrivals in total. In addition to bolstering the community and providing family-friendly locations for public events, these celebrations will also showcase Mexico’s rich cultural diversity.

Celebrations of sporting achievement and large public gatherings reinforce Mexico’s reputation as a warm and inviting host country. Additionally, they are examples of how sporting and cultural milestones can bring joy, unify people, and increase Mexico’s international recognition.

The World Cup victory and attendance at Mexico’s World Cup matches is evidence of the unifying nature of sport. While the World Cup continues, Mexico’s combination of a passion for football, pride in its culture and growth in tourism will all serve to reinforce Mexico as a major player on the global stage.

New Mexico is No Longer the Deadliest State for Pedestrians. Fatality Ranking Plummeted From No. 1 to No. 9 in 2025.

Juan Oliveros
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New Mexico is No Longer the Deadliest State for Pedestrians. Fatality Ranking Plummeted From No. 1 to No. 9 in 2025.

New Mexico is no longer the deadliest state for pedestrians, with the grim distinction of having the highest rate of pedestrian fatalities per capita in the United States. That ranking finally fell in 2025— to ninth — offering the state its first reprieve from the top five since 2016 and a rare moment of optimism in the often discouraging arena of road safety.

Preliminary data from the 2025 Governors Highway Safety Association annual report show pedestrian fatalities fell to 89 in 2025, down from 102 the year before. The numbers are sobering, and final figures could still shift. But the decline represents a break from a pattern that had long drawn national concern and local frustration.

State officials credited the improvement in ranking to a unified effort with the launch of the New Mexico Department of Transportation’s Target Zero initiative in June 2024. Rather than a single intervention, the initiative is an umbrella strategy that seeks to eliminate traffic deaths by 2050. It brought together existing programs, tightening coordination across agencies and layering in proven tools, from better infrastructure to public education, into a unified system.

National Framework for Safer Pedestrians

The approach draws on the national Safe System framework, stressing Safer People, Safer Vehicles, Safer Speeds, and Safer Roads. That has meant visible changes in communities, including enhanced crosswalks, pedestrian hybrid beacons that give walkers more time and visibility, improved lighting, and speed management measures in high-risk areas. Community-specific, evidence-based safety strategies have shaped where funding is allocated, aiming to address problems where they are most severe instead of spreading resources thinly.

“New Mexico’s progress in pedestrian safety is the result of dedicated work happening across the state,” said Shannon Glendenning, director of the NMDOT Traffic Safety Division. “We’re encouraged by the trend, and we know there’s still more to do to keep reducing pedestrian and roadway fatalities. Reducing fatalities requires sustained, coordinated effort.”

That synergism extends beyond state highways. In 2026, five New Mexico communities received federal Safe Streets and Roads for All funds to develop and implement their own safety plans. Local governments now play a pivotal role, officials say, even as NMDOT holds primary responsibility for performance measures.

‘Improvements in Transportation Safety’

“New Mexico is seeing improvements in transportation safety, and that success is the result of coordinated work statewide,” said David D. Quintana, acting NMDOT Cabinet Secretary. “NMDOT may hold legislative responsibility for traffic fatality performance measures, but local governments are critical partners. By aligning education, enforcement, engineering, and community engagement, we’re demonstrating that a coordinated approach can save lives.”

Supporting the on-the-ground work are newer capacity-building efforts. Programs include the annual Transportation Safety Summit, Road Safety Professional certification training, a Vision Zero fellowship for local governments, and a Community of Practice in Safety cohort. These initiatives aim to professionalize and connect people —engineers, planners, law enforcement, and advocates— who can shape safer streets.

Public awareness campaigns, including the long-running “Look For Me” initiative, have sought to reform driver and pedestrian behavior alike. Officials describe the overall strategy as pragmatic, taking measures with proven track records elsewhere and applying them more systematically in the state. The Department of Health’s Vital Records Division and other responders supported this initiative by data sharing among law enforcement.

Double-Digit Drop is Enough

The final 2025 numbers may still change because official counts use a 30‑day fatality window and the GHSA report is preliminary. But even a midyear report indicating a double‑digit drop has been enough to move New Mexico out of its unwanted top spot.

The improvement comes against a backdrop of difficult challenges. Rural roads, aging infrastructure in some areas, and the vast distances that shape much of the state have complicated safety efforts. Pedestrian deaths typically stem from multiple, interrelated causes — speed, impairment, visibility at night, and land-use patterns, forcing people to walk along high-speed corridors.

“Even so, the decline provides a data point officials hope to build upon. Target Zero’s architects see it less as a dramatic turnaround and more as the first signs of steady and persistent effort. It signals better coordination, steadier investment in proven countermeasures, and an increasing recognition that road safety is a shared system, not just a state or local concern.

Ninth place is not a victory for New Mexico, which has spent years at the top of the wrong list. But it is progress in terms of saved lives and, perhaps, in the steady gains in safer crossings, reduced street speeds, and sharper focus that, together, may help ensure New Mexico never regains its former ranking.

A Lifetime of Hard Work, Stolen in Seconds. Inside New Mexico’s Battle Against Elder Financial Exploitation.

Juan Oliveros
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A Lifetime of Hard Work, Stolen in Seconds. Inside New Mexico’s Battle Against Elder Financial Exploitation.

The calls often convey assurance. A grandson in distress. A government official offering help. A financial adviser with a high-priority investment opportunity. A friendly stranger met through social media who slowly gains trust before requesting that changes everything. These interactions for thousands of older Americans do not end with the comfort of companionship. It ends with emptied bank accounts, stolen retirement savings, and deeply devastating financial exploitation.

New Mexico officials raised alarms ahead of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15. They warn that financial exploitation of older adults is escalating, becoming more sophisticated, and increasingly linked to the digital tools woven into everyday life. The threat is almost impossible to ignore.

$56 Million Lost to Financial Exploitation

In the past year alone, the New Mexico Securities Division documented hundreds of cases involving suspected financial exploitation of vulnerable adults, including older residents. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), New Mexicans reported nearly $56 million in losses from elder fraud complaints in 2025.

Behind those figures are stories of deferred retirement dreams, inheritances lost, and decades of savings undone in just a matter of days. “Protecting our seniors requires vigilance at every level,” said Benjamin Schrope, acting director of the New Mexico Securities Division. “We see the devastation financial exploitation has on victims, and we work tirelessly with families and financial professionals to stop the theft of a lifetime of hard work before the money leaves the account.”

The scope of the problem extends far beyond New Mexico. In its 2025 Enforcement Report, the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) found that securities regulators across North America processed over 3,600 complaints involving older investors and conducted more than 1,650 investigations related to senior financial exploitation and investment misconduct.

What has changed is not only the volume of scams, but also their sophistication. Technology has given scammers unprecedented reach. Criminals now employ artificial intelligence to mimic voices and identities. They manipulate social media platforms to build deceptive relationships. They lure victims into crypto scams dangling promises of sky‑high profits. They prey on trust, urgency, and fear—emotions that can unsettle even the most prudent investor.

Targetted Seniors

Financial professionals note that seniors are commonly exploited because they frequently possess retirement savings, home equity, and investment portfolios accumulated through decades of work.

But the emotional cost can be as severe as the financial one. Victims often suffer shame and embarrassment, making them reluctant to report what happened. Families may discover the exploitation only after substantial losses have occurred. By then, recovering the money can be very difficult.

That reality makes regulators emphasize prevention over reaction. State officials are urging families to have conversations that many would rather not: Who should be contacted if something seems wrong? What unusual financial activity should raise concern? How can loved ones support independence while also providing protection?

One stands out for its simplicity among the steps the officials recommend. Naming a trusted contact on brokerage accounts establishes a crucial layer of protection. When financial professionals spot suspicious activity or fail to reach an account holder, they can contact a person previously authorized by the investor to help verify concerns.

Officials are also urging greater awareness of the Senior Safe Act. Signed into law on May 24, 2018, it protects trained financial professionals who report suspected elder financial exploitation by granting them immunity from liability, even when privacy rules might otherwise discourage disclosure.

And perhaps most importantly, state regulators urge swift action. If a senior appears to be the target of fraud or financial exploitation, families should immediately contact the New Mexico Securities Division or local law enforcement agencies. Early reporting could improve the chances of interrupting scams and recovering assets before funds disappear.

Shared Responsibility

The message behind World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is one of shared responsibility. Financial exploitation thrives in silence and isolation. But it loses power when communities are vigilant, when families ask questions, and when neighbors spot warning signs.

Many older New Mexicans view retirement savings as representing more than money. They are the product of extended work hours, years of sacrifice, deferred vacations, and dreams carefully built over a lifetime. Protecting those savings calls for solutions beyond stricter laws and investigations. It demands vigilance from children and grandchildren, oversight by financial institutions, and openness to speak about a crime that too often remains hidden.

The true tragedy of elder financial exploitation is not simply the dollars stolen. It is the theft of security, dignity, and trust bestowed by those who dedicated their lives. Prevention, officials say, remains the strongest defense against the theft of a lifetime.

For information about financial exploitation prevention, residents may contact the New Mexico Securities Division through its website.

The Plague Didn’t Die Out in the 14th Century. It Just Claimed the Life of a Santa Fe Woman.

Juan Oliveros
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The Plague Didn’t Die Out in the 14th Century. It Just Claimed the Life of a Santa Fe Woman.

Many people think plague belongs to the realm of history — a calamity confined to textbooks, paintings and stories of medieval Europe. But the disease never fully disappeared.

The Department of Health announced that a woman in Santa Fe County had succumbed to plague. It was New Mexico’s first confirmed human case of 2026 and a reminder that one of humanity’s most notorious diseases still exists in some parts of the American West.

Health officials said it has already contacted people who had close contact with the woman and is carrying out an environmental assessment to evaluate ongoing risks and identify any additional exposures. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the friends and family of the woman who passed away due to plague,” Erin Phipps, the state’s public health veterinarian, said in a statement. “This tragedy emphasizes the need for heightened community awareness and for taking measures to prevent plague infections.”

Plague remains endemic in wildlife populations across much of the western United States, where the bacterium Yersinia pestis circulates among rodents and the fleas that feed on them. It occurs naturally in the region, especially in semi-arid grasslands and scrub woodlands in states like Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah.

Typically, humans are infected through bites from infected fleas, although plague can also spread through direct contact with infected animals. Pets that roam outdoors may carry plague-infected fleas into households or develop the illness themselves. In rare cases, the disease infects the lungs, where it can transmit from person to person through respiratory droplets released during coughing.

Despite its deadly reputation, plague nowadays is not without a cure. Early diagnosis and treatment can dramatically increase survival rates. But recognizing the symptoms promptly remains critical.

Health officials say a person with plague often experiences a sudden onset of fever, chills, headache, and fatigue. Its most common form, the bubonic plague, also causes painful swelling of lymph nodes, often in the groin, neck, or armpits.

New Mexico has documented sporadic human cases in recent years. The health department reported a case of plague in a 43-year-old man from Valencia County in 2025. In 2024, health officials reported a case of plague in the state, involving a Lincoln County resident. Animals continue to signal that plague never disappeared. Authorities said three dogs have tested positive for plague in 2026. They also reported one infected cat and four infected dogs last year.

Health officials urge residents to take practical precautions:

1. People should avoid contact with rodents or rabbits that are sick or dead.

2. Eliminate rodent habitats around their homes, use insect repellents containing DEET when outdoors.

3. Ensure their pets get appropriate flea prevention treatments.

4. Seek immediate veterinary care for sick pets.

5. Individuals with sudden, unexplained fever after possible exposure should seek medical attention immediately.

The death in Santa Fe County is tragic for one family and community. But it is also a reminder: plague is not merely a relic of the past. The disease, infamous for killing millions of people in Europe during the Middle Ages, never fully disappeared. Instead, the disease adapted, retreated into wildlife reservoirs, and continues to surface, albeit occasionally and unexpectedly, in the modern world.

In New Mexico, plague has now claimed another life.

Ruidoso Downs Wildlife Fire Made Multiple Agencies To Respond; Residents Urged to Remain Alert

Ruben Reyes
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Ruidoso Downs Wildlife Fire Made Multiple Agencies To Respond; Residents Urged to Remain Alert

Heat is at it full-blast and Lincoln County Office of Emergency Services crews advised people to avoid a structural fire-turned-to-wildfire near Colorado Avenue.

According to the agency, they responded as mutual aid at about 8:46 P.M. to respond to a reported structure fire near Colorado Avenue in Ruidoso Downs.

Various agency has responded to the situation including Ruidoso Fire Department, Ruidoso Downs Fire Department, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Mescalero Fire Department and Lincoln County EMS.

Meanwhile, Lincoln County Office of Emergency Services said residents nearby should stay alert for changing conditions, including smoke and possible emergency notifications.

The agency said the scene remained extremely active and more information would be release when available.

During this type of situation, please remain calm, vigilant, and wait for your local authorities to tell you what to do. We also advise you to listen to the latest news and verify information you see on the internet.

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