The trucks were lined up and the tents were set up for each of the four Las Cruces Utilities (LCU) Sections – gas, water, wastewater, solid waste. It was a Wednesday night, and the Spring class of the Las Cruces Neighborhood Leadership Academy stopped by to learn how water reaches their tap, what happens to wastewater from their homes, how solid waste is removed from their neighborhoods, and how to make sure that they are up to date on their gas safety.

  SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico Game and Fish Department says drought conditions may prompt more encounters between bears and humans.

The Santa Fe New Mexican reports that a lack of green growth that provides food for bears means they may move around more, resulting in so-called "conflict activity."

  A wildfire in a remote area of the Gila National Forest in western New Mexico continues to spread as officials said Saturday that containment efforts so far have been unsuccessful due to steep, rugged terrain and extremely dry fuels.

Approximately 480 firefighters and other personnel are assigned to the fire, which has burned 19.4 square miles (50 sq. kilometers) of timber since it started Tuesday east of Reserve and north of the Eagle Peak Lookout.

Its cause is under investigation.

  ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The past ties of one of New Mexico's Democratic gubernatorial candidates to a consulting company that repeatedly landed contracts to help run a state high-risk insurance pool are drawing criticism from her opponents.

U.S. Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham and her campaign treasurer, state Rep. Deborah Armstrong, co-founded Delta Consulting in 2008. Lujan Grisham divested herself from the company last year but Armstrong is still an owner.

Starting Friday, June 1st, the doors will be open for business at the new LCU East Mesa Customer Service Center, at 5195 Bataan Memorial West. This new service center will provide much closer access for approximately 10,000 LCU customers living on the city’s East Mesa, especially those previously served by Jornada Water and Mesa Development Center.

Doña Ana County Clerk Scott Krahling has appointed Lindsey Bachman as his chief deputy.  Here is the information provided by the county: 

   “Lindsey brings a wealth of education and experience to the Doña Ana County Clerk’s Office,” Krahling said “She will hit the ground running to continue our efforts to build a voting culture in Doña Ana County through outreach and collaboration with a variety of partnering entities and agencies.”

The City of Las Cruces Parks & Recreation Department will offer free swim days this summer at the City’s outdoor pools: East Mesa Bataan Memorial Pool, 6141 Reynolds Rd., and Laabs Pool, 750 W. Picacho Ave.

Free swim days will be from noon to 3 p.m. and 3:30 – 6:30 p.m. on Memorial Day, May 28; Father’s Day, June 17; Independence Day, July 4; and Labor Day, Sept. 3.

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A Democratic candidate for New Mexico governor wants to ensure state residents are not wrongfully denied a driving credential and also make it possible to renew driver's licenses by mail.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate and Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham on Thursday announced plans if elected to reform the state's two-tier system of driver's licenses.

  As a horticulturist with more than 45 years experience, Les Finley has seen Las Cruces grow in plenty of ways. He’s seen the genuine appreciation of trees spread throughout the city, and an interest in making sure that those trees are well-kept and thriving for many years.