Luna County is announcing a Mobile Office Hours event with staff from the Office of Congressman Gabe Vasquez. Constituents can meet with district office staff to discuss problems they are experiencing with federal agencies and learn how the congressional office may be able to assist. The event will be held September 23, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Marshall Memorial Library. Constituents are encouraged to attend if they need assistance with a federal agency or want to make an inquiry on their behalf.
A “People’s Public Hearing” held Tuesday in Silver City drew more than 120 people to discuss the proposed repeal of the federal Roadless Rule. The 2001 rule limits road construction and certain timber activities in designated roadless areas on national forest lands. Conservation groups and other participants at the hearing raised concerns about potential impacts on wildlife habitat, water resources, recreation and the local economy, while the U.S. Forest Service says rescinding the rule would give local forest officials more flexibility in managing wildfire risks, timber and other activities.
The Luna County Commission recently discussed efforts to reach young people who are disconnected from traditional education, employment or other opportunities. State Representative Jenifer Jones told commissioners that New Mexico has an estimated 32,000 young people between the ages of 16 and 24 who are neither working nor attending school. A recent state report identified factors including housing instability, limited job training, health issues, low wages and family responsibilities. The discussion centered on potential ways Luna County could help reconnect these young people with education, workforce opportunities and other available services.
In New Mexico news:
The New Mexico Public Education Department (PED) is using new accreditation findings and spring 2026 statewide assessment results to connect schools with targeted support based on their individual needs. PED says 17 schools improved their ratings, while 67 received federal supervisory designations indicating a need for additional support because of low performance, graduation-rate concerns or persistent gaps among student groups. From September through December, PED staff plan to conduct site visits with schools identified as needing intervention and provide assistance focused on areas such as school culture, leadership, instruction, staffing and accountability.