Announcements

• Economic Development Department Announces Green Power Motor Agreement for Zero-Emission Pilot Program and Bus Service Facility
• Press Release from Governor’s Office – Governor issues statement on WNMU board resignations
• Exciting Opportunity: Historic Kearny School – El Raton Media Works Remodel Project Goes Out for Construction Bid
• Special Weather Alert
• Colfax County Awards

Economic Development Department Announces Green Power Motor Agreement for Zero-Emission Pilot Program and Bus Service Facility

Posted January 30, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Contact:  Office of the Governor  
Michael Coleman, Michael.Coleman@exec.nm.gov 
January 7, 2025 

Governor issues statement on WNMU board resignations

SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham issued the following statement after the resignations of the remaining members of the Western New Mexico Board of Regents today:  

“I have accepted the regents’ resignations and will appoint new leaders who understand their primary duty to the public trust. I want to thank members of the New Mexico Legislature who also voiced their urgent concerns about this matter.  

The WNMU Board’s tone-deaf decision to approve a $1.9 million severance package for Dr. Shepard demonstrated an appalling disconnect from the needs of our state, where the median income of a family of four is just $61,000. The amount of money contained in Dr. Shepard’s separation agreement could have addressed food insecurity across the entire WNMU student body for a full year.  

My office is already reviewing candidates to replace the former WNMU board and usher in a new era of accountability at the university. All public universities in New Mexico must uphold their fundamental fiscal responsibility to the people of this state and the students they serve.  

The Board’s assertion that they operate outside the purview of both the Governor’s office and the Department of Higher Education is incorrect and reflects a broader issue of accountability. While I acknowledge the competitive nature of recruiting top talent in higher education, this must be balanced against our obligation to New Mexico’s taxpayers and students.  

I welcome the Attorney General’s review of these contracts and look forward to working with the legislature to reform how severance packages are structured at our public institutions. We must ensure that generous payouts no longer reward poor performance while maintaining our ability to attract qualified leaders. 

Our focus must remain on responsible stewardship of public resources and the success of our students.” 

Note: The terms of Regent Mary Hotvedt and Student Regent Trent Jones expired on December 31, 2024. The Governor did not intend to reappoint them. Their successors will take their positions as soon as they have been confirmed by the Senate. 

  Regents Mary Haviland, Dan Lopez and Dalva Moellenberg have resigned their positions. The Governor will appoint their successors, and they can take their positions upon appointment since they are filling vacancies.  They don’t have to wait till confirmation. 

Exciting Opportunity: Historic Kearny School – El Raton Media Works Remodel Project Goes Out for Construction Bid

Posted January 7, 2025

Raton, NM – January 6, 2025 – The historic Kearny School, a cherished landmark in Raton, New Mexico, is on the brink of a transformational journey. The City of Raton and El Raton Media Works are thrilled to announce that the Kearny School – El Raton Media Works Remodel project is officially out for construction bid. This ambitious renovation project, supported by funding from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and New Mexico State Capital Outlay, is set to breathe new life into the historic site.

Located at 800 South Third Street, the 20,000-square-foot facility will be repurposed into a state-of-the-art film and media training center with a cutting-edge XR studio, bringing high-tech capabilities and workforce development opportunities to northern New Mexico. The project represents a fusion of historic preservation, economic revitalization, and educational innovation. “This project is a great opportunity not only for Raton but Northeastern New Mexico. We get to preserve the historic Kearny School building and bring it into the 21st century providing a great learning opportunity for those in our area and as a future economic driver,” said City of Raton Mayor Neil Segotta.

“We are excited to open this opportunity to contractors who share our vision for honoring the historic significance of the building, which is the oldest school in Raton, originally built as a depression-era New Deal project to bring modern infrastructure and work opportunities to Raton. The project will transform it into a modern facility that will serve as a hub for technology, media production, workforce development, and community engagement,” said Ann Theis of El Raton Media Works.

Project Highlights

• Historic Preservation: Compliance with the National Historic Registry standards will ensure the Kearny School retains its architectural and cultural significance while restoring its foundation and structural integrity.
• Cutting-Edge Technology: The facility will feature a professional XR studio, as well as a media and technology training center, making it the first of its kind in the region.
• Community Impact: Once completed, the facility will host educational programs, workforce training, and film production activities that will drive economic growth in Raton and beyond.

 Bid Details

Interested contractors and vendors are invited to review the bid documents and submit their proposals.

• Submission Deadline: February 6^th, 2025, prior to 2:00 p.m.
• Mandatory Bid Conference: A mandatory pre-bid conference will be held on January 15th at 11:00 a.m. MST at the Kearny School located at 800 South Third Street, Raton, NM 87740.
• Access Bid Documents: Drawings, Specifications and other Contract Documents may be obtained by contacting ARI Graphix (www.ariplans.com) 4716 McLeod Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109. Contact ARI Graphix for costs of printing Contract Documents (non-refundable) at (505) 884-0862. Direct any questions regarding the project to Alisa Giron at alisa@va-architects.com or (505) 890-5030.

This project is a rare opportunity for construction professionals to work on a meaningful initiative that combines history, innovation, and community development. Qualified contractors who are passionate about preserving heritage while shaping the future are strongly encouraged to submit their bids.

Join Us in Shaping Raton’s Future

The renovation of the Kearny School is more than just a construction project—it’s a cornerstone of Raton’s revitalization efforts, bringing new opportunities for residents, businesses, and students. Be part of this exciting transformation!

About El Raton Media Works

El Raton Media Works is a nonprofit workforce development and career hub committed to empowering northern New Mexico through access to cutting-edge tools, training, and careers in media arts and production. Learn more at elratonmediaworks.org.

About the City of Raton

Nestled in the scenic landscapes of Northern New Mexico, Raton serves as the Gateway to the Land of Enchantment. With its rich history, vibrant community, and breathtaking natural surroundings, Raton offers a unique blend of heritage, culture, and outdoor adventure. Whether you’re drawn to its historical landmarks, its thriving arts scene, or the boundless opportunities for recreation, Raton has something for everyone. Learn more at ratonnm.gov.

JANUARY 5, 2025 07:11AM

SPECIAL WEATHER ALERT
Special Weather Statement -Until Mon 5:00 am MST

Action Recommended -Avoid the subject event as per the instructions

Issued By Albuquerque – NM, US, National Weather Service

Affected Area – Far Northeast Highlands

Description

…WINTER RETURNS MID WEEK WITH WIDESPREAD ACCUMULATING SNOW AND MUCH COLDER TEMPERATURES…

After record breaking warmth over the last three days, winter will return during the week ahead with light snow across northern and central New Mexico and much colder temperatures. Total snow accumulation of a few inches will be possible Tuesday through Wednesday morning along the east slopes of mountain ranges and eastward onto western parts of the eastern plains. Locally heavier amounts around a half foot will be possible on mountains peaks and east-facing slopes. At this time the coldest lower elevation temperatures look to impact the area from Raton to Las Vegas and Clines Corners, where subfreezing temperatures are forecast from Monday night until Thursday or Friday afternoons.

A storm system will drop southward over southern California and western Arizona Tuesday, stall for a day, then weaken as it tracks slowly eastward across northern Mexico and/or southern New Mexico during the latter half of the work week. The storm will draw a strong and moist backdoor cold front through northern and central New Mexico Tuesday with light to moderate snowfall developing over northern areas Tuesday morning, then expanding southward to include central and southern areas Tuesday afternoon and night as easterly upslope flow persists and some potentially dense freezing fog develops. Snow and freezing fog should gradually come to an end in many locations Wednesday; however, periods of light snow may return to southern areas Wednesday night through Friday, and possibly farther north depending on the track of the system. High temperatures are forecast to drop into the 20s and 30s across eastern areas starting Tuesday, then over central and western areas as well on Wednesday, except for teens in many mountain locations. Low temperatures look to bottom out Wednesday night mostly in the single digits and teens. In addition, east wind gusts from 35 to 45 mph are forecast below canyons opening into the central valley Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning.

Temperatures this cold will cause the snow to stick to road surfaces making travel hazardous in many locations Tuesday through Wednesday, including much of I-25 and I-40 across central and eastern New Mexico. Additionally, very cold nighttime low temperatures areawide, and the extended period of subfreezing temperatures along the east slopes of the central mountain chain, will necessitate precautions for people, plants, pipes, and pets. Temperatures are forecast to trend gradually warmer Thursday and Friday, but nighttime lows will remain very cold. Please monitor your favorite source of weather information for updates on this evolving storm system, and keep an eye out for potential Winter Weather Advisories from the National Weather Service.

Colfax County Awards

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Contact: Michael Coleman 
Office of the Governor  
Michael.Coleman@exec.nm.gov  

Jan. 1, 2025 
Governor appoints former state Senator Greg Nibert to PRC

SANTA FE — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham today announced the appointment of former state Senator Greg Nibert to the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission for a six-year term beginning January 1, 2025. 

Nibert will succeed Commissioner James Ellison, whose term concluded on December 31, 2024. 

“I am honored to be nominated to the Public Regulation Commission,” Nibert said. “My duty as a commissioner will be to regulate our utilities according to the laws of the land, which includes, first and foremost, the Energy Transition Act. The PRC plays a crucial role in ensuring we meet the renewable energy targets set forth in statute for the betterment of our state. I look forward to securing New Mexico’s energy future for generations to come.” 

  Nibert, whose tenure in the state Senate ended on December 31, was chosen from a pool of more than 30 candidates. The selection process was overseen by the Public Regulation Commission Nominating Committee, established by legislation signed by the governor in 2020 (NMSA 1978, Sec. 62-19-4). This seven-member committee evaluates and recommends qualified candidates to the governor and will continue to convene as needed to fill future vacancies. 

New Mexico Public Regulation Commissioners earn $190,000 annually. 

Nibert, a partner at Hinkle Shanor LLP since 1987, specializes in real property, energy, and administrative law, contributing to major energy and natural resource projects across New Mexico. A former state legislator and community leader, he has served in the New Mexico Senate and House of Representatives, earning recognition for his legislative and public service. 

Eagle Nest Lake Temporarily Closed Due to Unsafe Winter Conditions