News Flash

Online City Services Down for Maintenance

There are two City of Las Cruces online services that are currently undergoing maintenance and one will be shut down through Monday - the other through October 10. Those services are the Las Cruces Utilities (LCU) Online Utility Bill Pay and the City&...

Parks & Recreation COVID-19 Status

The City of Las Cruces Parks and Recreation Department will expand the Phase 2 status for parks and recreational programs that follows COVID-19 safe practices and the State Public Health Order (https://cv.nmhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/091820-PHO...

Updated COVID Funding Report Available on City Website

An updated COVID Funding Report of Las Cruces City Council allocations for COVID-19 response is now available to the public on the City of Las Cruces website. 

The updated report can be found online at https://www.las-cruces.org/DocumentC...

City Council to Meet September 28 for a Work Session

The Las Cruces City Council will meet at 1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 28 via video conference for a regularly scheduled work session.

The work session will be televised live at 1 p.m. Monday on CLC-TV, Comcast Cable channel 20. The work session will also be avail...

Reward Offered for Info on Whereabouts of Wanted Subjects

Las Cruces Crime Stoppers is now offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information that helps police locate the occupants of a vehicle that struck and killed a man on Monday evening.

Heather Mariah Grace Funk, 40, and 34-year-old Earnest Thomas F...

Warrants Issued for Occupants of Fatal Hit-and-Run Vehicle

Police are looking for a 40-year-old woman and a 34-year-old man who is believed to be the occupants of the vehicle that struck and killed a Las Cruces man Monday evening.

Heather Mariah Grace Funk, 40, and 34-year-old Earnest Thomas Fudge were b...

Thursday: Governor, State Officials to Give Press Update on COVID-19 Efforts, Election

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and state officials will host a remote news conference tomorrow afternoon to provide an update on New Mexico’s COVID-19 response, as well as 2020 fall election preparations.

WHAT: Remote news conference with state offi...

Scam Telephone Calls from Police Impersonators

Las Cruces police are warning residents of potential scam telephone calls that are trying to entice call recipients to respond to the scene of a crash or provide personal or financial information.

On Wednesday, Sept. 23, a Las Cruces police serge...

Crime Prevention Event Provides VIN Etching on UTVs, Motorcycles

Las Cruces police and The Power Center are co-hosting a free vehicle identification number etching and VIN inspection event on Saturday specifically for utility terrain vehicles, side-by-sides, and motorcycles.

The free Crime Prevention Event wil...

N.M. Updates High-risk States Under Quarantine Order

City Council Hears from Business Owners About Proposed Changes to the City’s Minimum Wage

The Las Cruces City Council met Tuesday, September 22, via video conference, for a Special Work Session regarding the City’s proposed minimum wage for 2021.

City Council especially sought input from employees, business owners or managers in Las C...

Construction Notice for Roadrunner Parkway

Roadrunner Parkway between Mission Drive and Cheyenne Drive will experience intermittent southbound right lane closure starting Monday, September 28.Additionally, Santo Domingo Avenue at Roadrunner Parkway may experience a flagman operation for telecommun...

Construction Notice for Mission Road

Mission Road between Cheyenne Drive and Roadrunner Parkway will experience westbound shoulder work starting Thursday September 24. Additionally, Sunrise Point Road at Mission Road may experience a flagman operation for the installation of telecommunicatio...

Espina Street Hit-and-Run Kills Man, Injures Another

Police are continuing to investigate Monday evening’s hit-and-run crash that claimed the life of a 43-year-old Las Cruces man and critically injured a second man near the intersection of Espina Street and Arizona Avenue.

About 8 p.m. Monday, Sept...

Parks Upkeep on Forefront of Parks & Recreation Priorities

The City of Las Cruces – specifically the Parks & Recreation Department – is launching a new way community members can hear messages directly from the director. The Director’s Message is a new feature on the City&rsqu...

City Council Adopts New Version of Utility Terrain Vehicle Ordinance

The Las Cruces City Council has repealed and replaced the City’s Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) ordinance with a new version. The council’s action came during its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, September 22.The new version of th...

13 Cadets Graduate from LCPD’s Academy

The Las Cruces Police Department graduated 13 police cadets Friday from its state-certified law enforcement training academy.

Because of the public health emergency, the 49^th Las Cruces Police Academy’s graduation was limited to a short Zoom pres...

Installation of Furnishings at City Hall

As part of the City’s commitment to keeping its facilities in a clean, safe, and well-maintained condition, along with providing responsive customer service and helping improve operations, Facilities Management has contracted with a regional fir...

Del Rey Boulevard Lane Closure Notice

Del Rey Boulevard, between Starburst Ridge Court and Mercury Lane, will experience northbound and southbound inside lane closures starting as early as Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2020.G. Sandoval Construction, under contract with the City of Las Cruces, will be do...

Skate Park Rehabilitation Moves to Next Phase

The Las Cruces Parks and Recreation Department announces 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.The study started in May and was completed in ...

Elks Drive Lane Closure Notice

Elks Drive, between Mohegan Trail and Fran Drive, will experience northbound and southbound inside lane closures starting Monday, Sept. 21, 2020.G. Sandoval Construction, under contract with the City of Las Cruces, will be doing preliminary dirt work in t...

Promotional Video Produced for Las Cruces Arts and Cultural District Creative Tourism Award

A promotional video has been produced which highlights a Creative Tourism Award the Las Cruces Arts and Cultural District won earlier this year from the Creative Tourism Network.

The City’s Arts and Cultural District Coordinating Council was cont...

Man Suspected of Attacking Officer Arrested

A man suspected of using a crowbar to attack a friend’s home and damage at least two vehicles were arrested Wednesday morning after he violently attacked a Las Cruces police officer.

Dominic Lopez, 36, whose address is listed as 999 W. Amador Ave...

Warrant Issued for Subject of SWAT Callout

The subject of an hours-long SWAT callout on Bellamah Drive was not in the home when police entered the residence Thursday afternoon.

Shortly before 8 a.m., Las Cruces police were dispatched to the report of a domestic-related incident at a home on the 170...

State to Amend Guidance for Small Groups in Exercise Settings, Outdoor Activities

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Thursday announced the state will update its guidance within the emergency public health order to permit small groups in exercise settings and safe outdoor activities for New Mexicans.

An amended emergency public health order...

JIC Notes September 16, 2020

Media contact: Catherine Zaharko, Doña Ana County575-525-5801 • catherinez@donaanacounty.org  

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

SWAT Callout Prompts Closure of Roads in Bellamah Neighborhood

A man suspected in a domestic-related incident, and possibly barricading himself inside a home, is the subject of a SWAT callout in Las Cruces’ Bellamah Neighborhood.

The Las Cruces Police Department’s SWAT team, with assistance from Ne...

Suspects in Two Gun Incidents Arrested

Police have charged two men suspected in a pair of Monday morning gun incidents that included rounds being fired and a couple of victims being threatened.

Adan Herrera, 20, of the 5300 block of Sunny Acres Drive, and Javier C. Vasquez, 19, of the 2900 bloc...

Governor to Hold News Conference on COVID-19 Response Today

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and state officials will host a remote news conference this afternoon to provide an update on New Mexico’s COVID-19 response, the state’s rapid response efforts and the 2020 Census.

WHAT: Remote news conferen...

2020-2021 Overlay Maintenance Project – Winston Avenue Road Closure Notice

Winston Avenue, from Lenox Avenue to Topley Avenue, is scheduled to undergo milling and overlay operations by Cutler Repaving, Inc. as part of the City’s 2020-2021 Overlay Maintenance Project. Work will begin Friday, Sept. 18, 2020 and is estima...

2020-2021 Overlay Maintenance Project - Lennox Avenue, Temple Street Road Closures Notice

Lenox Avenue, from Spitz Avenue to Temple Street, as well as Temple Street, from Lenox Avenue to U.S. Highway 70, are scheduled to undergo milling and overlay operations by Cutler Repaving, Inc. as part of the City 2020-2021 Overlay Maintenance Project. W...

2020-2021 Overlay Maintenance Project on San Acacio Street

San Acacio Street, from Desert Drive to Camino Del Rex, is scheduled to undergo milling and overlay operations by Cutler Repaving, Inc. as part of the City 2020-2021 Overlay Maintenance Project. Work will proceed on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020, and is estima...

Lohman Hit-and-Run Crash Proves Fatal

A 28-year-old pedestrian, struck by a vehicle Tuesday evening while trying to retrieve his dog that wandered into traffic on Lohman Avenue, died from his injuries at an El Paso hospital.

The pedestrian was identified by police as 28-year-old Fernando Padil...

City Council Special Work Session Set for September 22 to Discuss Las Cruces’ Proposed 2021 Minimum

The Las Cruces City Council will meet from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Tuesday, September 22, via video conference, for a Special Work Session regarding the City’s proposed minimum wage for 2021.

Mayor Ken Miyagishima will allow the first 20 business ow...

Lane Closure Notice for Spruce Avenue (Between Triviz Drive and Kilmer Street)

Spruce Avenue between Triviz Drive and Kilmer Street will again experience a westbound right lane closure starting Tuesday, September 13. The traffic control will stay 300 feet west of the Spruce/Triviz intersection for the installation of landscaping in ...

Man Suspected of Identity Theft, Fraud in Vehicle Purchase

Las Cruces police have arrested a man suspected of creating a fictitious identity and using it to fraudulently purchase a brand-new vehicle – and nearly a second one before his arrest.

Richard Padilla, 32, who claimed an address of 999 W. Amador ...

Thomas Branigan Memorial Library now New Mexico Safe Certified

Thomas Branigan Memorial Library is now a New Mexico Safe certified facility. A New Mexico Safe certification means that the Library is committed to ensuring the health and safety of staff and patrons in the building using COVID-Safe practices (CSP). &...

2020 - 2021 Overlay Maintenance Project - Road Closure Notice for 4th Street

4th Street from Parker Road to Howell Avenue is scheduled to undergo milling and overlay operations as part of the City 2020-2021 Overlay Maintenance Project. Work will begin Saturday, September 12, and is estimated to conclude on Tuesday, September 15. W...

2020 - 2021 Overlay Maintenance Project - Road Closure

East Mulberry Avenue from North Mesquite Street to North Solano Drive is scheduled to undergo overlay operations as part of the City 2020-2021 Overlay Maintenance Project.Work will proceed Tuesday, September 15, and is estimated to conclude on Wednesday, ...

Thomas Branigan Memorial Library to Begin Offering Limited Lobby Service

As part of its next phase of reopening, the Thomas Branigan Memorial Library is excited to announce it will begin offering limited lobby service starting Monday, September 14, 2020. This is in addition to curbside pick-up and the public computer lab servi...

El Paseo Road Cleanup is Saturday Morning

Las Cruces police, Codes Enforcement, Parks and Recreation, Streets Management and Keep Las Cruces Beautiful personnel will work with business owners Saturday morning to help clear weeds, graffiti and unsightly rubbish from properties along El Paseo Road....

City Council to Meet for a Work Session on September 14

The Las Cruces City Council will meet, via video conference, at 1 p.m. Monday for a work session. 

The work session will be televised live at 1 p.m. Monday on CLC-TV, Comcast Cable channel 20. The work session will also be available online at clct...

Ifo Pili Begins Work as New City Manager

Ifo Pili, the new Las Cruces City Manager officially began his employment with the City this week. The Las Cruces City Council unanimously approved his contract at the Monday, August 17 Council meeting.Pili, who was previously employed as the city adminis...

Man Suspected of Sexually Assaulting Young Girl

Police have arrested a 57-year-old man suspected of sexually assaulting a young girl who, at the time, considered him to be a close relative.

Carlos Prudencio Colorbio, 57, of the 1200 block of Fountain Loop, is charged with one second-degree felony count ...

JIC Notes September 9, 2020

Media contact: Catherine Zaharko, Doña Ana County575-525-5801 • catherinez@donaanacounty.org  

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

Swift Water Rescue Team Dispatched to Luna County

At the request of the Luna County Office of Emergency Management, the Las Cruces Fire Department is sending a Swift Water Rescue Team and Mesilla Valley Search and Rescue is sending a crew to an area near west Deming where severe flooding has stranded sev...

"Wood for Wood: The WPA and Spanish Colonial Style Furniture" at the Branigan Cultural Center

Join us September 2 through October 3, 2020, for Wood for Wood: The WPA and Spanish Colonial Style Furniture, an exhibit that examines the WPA-era vocational training program in New Mexico that drew upon Spanish Colonial furniture to teach young men and w...

City of Las Cruces Names Mandy Leatherwood Guss as Director of Communications

The City of Las Cruces announces that Mandy Leatherwood Guss has been named the City’s new Director of Communications.

Guss joined the City in March of 2016 as Marketing Coordinator for the then Community & Cultural Services Department. Later...

City Council Approves Extraordinary Pay for City Employees

At its Tuesday, September 8 regularly scheduled meeting the Las Cruces Council unanimously adopted a resolution to approve a budget adjustment of $500,000 to the City of Las Cruces’ adopted 2021 fiscal year budget for extraordinary pay for City ...

Man Suspected of Burglarizing Store and Vehicle Monday Evening

Las Cruces police arrested a man suspected of breaking into Sportsman’s Warehouse and a vehicle parked nearby Monday evening.

Armando Almaraz, 25, is charged with two counts of breaking and entering, two counts of criminal damage to property, one...

Fire Damages Nessa’s Cafe

The Las Cruces firefighters extinguished a fire that damaged a portion of Nessa’s Café late Saturday evening.

Shortly after 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, Las Cruces firefighters were dispatched to a fire at Nessa’s Caf&eacut...

Shoulder Work on Nacho Drive Rescheduled

Shoulder work on Nacho Drive, 400 feet south from the east Lohman Avenue, and Nacho Drive intersection is now scheduled to start on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2020.

Comcast will be making telecommunication improvements. A flagman will be utilized for this work wh...

Teen Study Services

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 6 – 12 (ages 12 and...

More City Parks to Open After Labor Day

The Las Cruces community’s hard work to follow COVID guidelines is paying off and because conditions are improving citywide, the City of Las Cruces Parks & Recreation Department will reopen additional parks effective Tuesday September 8, as ...

Take the Las Cruces Safe Promise and Support Our Community

Get ready to take the Las Cruces Safe Promise and commit to keeping the community as safe as possible from the COVID-19 virus, because your promise can support the success of our local businesses. 

 The Las Cruces Safe Promise is a good-f...

Out-of-School Time Tutoring Services

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 Kinder – 5 (5 to 11 years of age) a sa...

Branigan Library Introduces Climate Reads book Club

Thomas Branigan Memorial Library introduces the new Climate Reads Book Club. The book club is part of a national community of readers and writers participating in a year-long reading and discussion of books shedding light on the climate crisis and environ...

Health Secretary Issues Social Distancing Restrictions for Polling Places

New Mexico Secretary of Health Kathy Kunkel this week issued a public health order establishing social distancing restrictions for polling places during the fall election season.

“Election facilities must remain accessible to the public under the...

"Teen Science Cafe - Mapping the Crescent Moon" Online with the Museum of Nature & Science

The Museum of Nature & Science invites all middle and high school students to join us online for a virtual “Teen Science Café” with guest presenters from Apache Point Observatory. The event will be held through a closed ...

N.M. Quarantine Requirements Eased for Certain States

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Thursday issued a revised executive order amending the mandatory quarantine for individuals arriving into the state of New Mexico, exempting travelers and residents arriving from states with lower COVID-positivity rates whil...

Hadley Tree Mite Infestation Scheduled for Second Treatment

Mite infested trees along East Hadley Avenue will receive a second preventive treatment on Thursday, September 3, using a human and pet-friendly spray that does not require sidewalk closure, as part of the Parks and Recreation Department’s effor...

JIC Notes September 2, 2020

Media contact: Catherine Zaharko, Doña Ana County575-525-5801 • catherinez@donaanacounty.org  

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

Arrowhead Center, City, Seeking Participants for Second BizSprint

New Mexico State University’s Arrowhead Center and the City of Las Cruces (CLC) Economic Development department is seeking participants for its second business accelerator designed to help Las Cruces businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic....

Be Counted Las Cruces - Last Call for 2020 Census

With September 30 as the deadline for completing the 2020 Census, critical door-knocking efforts are underway to homes of those who have not yet responded, to reach or surpass the 2010 response rate before the final hour.Census takers are visiting homes t...

Beware of Check Over Payment Scam

Police are warning residents of an overpayment scam that has victimized at least two Las Cruces residents.

Investigators learned that at least two Las Cruces residents received electronic correspondence that appeared to be from a firm that advertises for m...

Governor Lujan Grisham, DFA Announces $150 Million in Grants to Support New Mexico Local Governments

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and the Department of Finance and Administration on Tuesday announced $150 million in CARES Act grants to local governments across New Mexico to cover the cost of necessary expenditures incurred due to the public health emergen...

25 Counties Can Expand Their Nursing Home Visitation Options

Earlier this month, state Officials, under the leadership of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, announced new guidelines for long-term care facilities to expand COVID-safe visitation options for residents and their loved ones. On Friday the state announced faci...

DOH Posts Updated Guidance to Control COVID-19

The New Mexico Department of Health has published a 21-page overview document providing guidance on COVID-19, Policies for the Prevention and Control of COVID-19 in New Mexico. It is intended as a resource for members of the public, health care providers ...

City Selects Christine Rivera as City Clerk

The City of Las Cruces announces that Christine Rivera has been selected to be City Clerk.

Christine held the Deputy City Clerk position from 2016 until her recent appointment as the Acting City Clerk in October 2019. During her time in the acting position...

City Council Approves $1.4 Million for Additional COVID-19 Relief

A resolution authorizing the City of Las Cruces to accept a $1,400,000 budget adjustment for emergency assistance for the impact from COVID-19 for various programs was adopted by the Las Cruces City Council during a Special Meeting on Thursday, August 27....

Iconic Native American Sculpture Undergoes Annual TLC

“Dineh”, the iconic Native American sculpture created by artist Peter Wolf Toth and located in Apodaca Park on the corner of Main Street and Madrid Avenue, will undergo its annual preservation treatment today, August 26, reported the P...

City Council Discusses Proposed Shade Structures for Plaza de Las Cruces

There was consensus from the Las Cruces City Council at a Monday, August 24 work session to proceed with plans to add shade structures at Plaza de Las Cruces.

From a presentation by Vigil and Associates, an architectural firm with offices in Las Cruces, th...

Parks & Recreation Aquatic Facility - Fall/Winter Hours

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

LCPD to Expand Station Office Hours

The Las Cruces Police Department’s Station Office, which has been on an abbreviated schedule since March due to the public health emergency, is set to expand its operational days to two days a week.

Beginning this week, LCPD’s Station O...

Police Watch for DUI Drivers

Las Cruces police plan to conduct at least one saturation patrol within city limits before the end of August.

Saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints held by LCPD are intended to reduce and eliminate the number of motorists who drive while intoxicated....

Crime Stoppers Offers Reward in Armed Robbery Case

Las Cruces Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information that helps identify two young men suspected in the Aug. 13 battery and armed robbery of a 17-year-old boy.

Police learned that about 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 13, a 17-year-ol...

Downtown Las Cruces Partnership Awarded 2020 AARP Community Challenge Grant

The Downtown Las Cruces Partnership (DLCP) has been selected to receive a $12,000 AARP Community Challenge grant. The DLCP is one of only 184 grant recipients selected from across all 50 states, Washington D.C, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

&...

Second Kidnapping Suspect Arrested

Update 8/31/20

Jacob Gonzales, the man believed to be responsible for the Aug. 20 kidnapping and battery of his ex-girlfriend, was arrested Thursday in El Paso, Texas.

After determining probable cause for charges in the case, Las Cruces police obtained a wa...

Take-Out STEM Activity Kits Available from the Museum of Nature and Science

While the Museum of Nature & Science remains closed due to public health mandates, museum programming will continue in September with activity kits. The STEM kits are free to pick up but require reservation to ensure sufficient supply and are availabl...

Keep Las Cruces Beautiful is Awarded New Mexico Clean and Beautiful Grant

The New Mexico Tourism Department (NMTD) has announced that the City of Las Cruces Keep Las Cruces Beautiful (KLCB) program is one of only 37 recipients that have been awarded a New Mexico Clean and Beautiful Grant. The grant is given to local governments...

City Council Approves New City Manager Contract

The Las Cruces City Council unanimously approved a contract for new City Manager Ifo Pili at its Monday, August 17 meeting. Pili, who has been city administrator of Eagle Mountain, Utah since 2012 and has 14 years of experience in municipal administration...

Elections Officials Needed for 2020 General Election

Election officials are being sought for the Nov. 3, 2020 general election. To be an election official interested individuals must:

• Be registered to vote in Doña Ana County.
• Take an oath of office.
• Not be a candidate for any office on the general e...

LCFD Provides Tips for Safe Hiking

Following the rescue of three hikers who became stranded in the Organ Mountains earlier this week, the Las Cruces Fire Department would like to provide tips for those who venture into the great outdoors.

LCFD suggests following these and other safety tips:...

COVID19 Joint Information Center March 20, 2020

1. City of Anthony 

No operational changes.   

2. City of Sunland Park 

Two city employees are out sick, so efforts are underway to ramp up cleaning and disinfecting all operations for&nb...