New Mexico has acquired nearly 11,000 acres in the Mimbres Valley to create the Mimbres Ranch Wildlife Management Area, protecting a two-mile stretch of the Mimbres River and important habitat for native wildlife. The property borders the Gila National Forest and includes habitat for the Rio Grande sucker, Chihuahua chub, elk, mule deer, bears, mountain lions, wild turkey and quail. Acquired through the Trust for Public Land, conservation organizations and local communities, the land will expand connected wildlife habitat, protect public lands and provide additional opportunities for hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation.
Congratulations to Chase Dobrinski and Tobe McSpadden of Silver City who earned major honors at the 2026 ATA Grand American World Trapshooting Championships. Chase captured the Sub Junior World Championship after shooting a perfect 200/200 and winning a 75-target shoot-off, while Tobe earned Grand American Short Yardage Runner-Up honors and the ATA 2600 High Overall Class C Championship. Both young shooters also recorded several additional top finishes, including a head-to-head shoot-off in which Tobe took third place and Chase finished fourth.
Deming Public Schools has named Veronica Lozano as the new principal of My Little School PreK and the district’s PreK Program Coordinator. Ms. Lozano brings 22 years of education experience, including early childhood instruction, teacher development and program leadership, and has served in several roles within the district. She will succeed the retiring principal and coordinator at the end of August and plans to continue emphasizing play-based learning and a supportive environment to prepare children for kindergarten.
In other news:
Nearly 25,000 New Mexico taxpayers may still claim a combined $9.9 million in unclaimed state child tax credits from 2024 and 2025, prompting the Taxation and Revenue Department to launch a mailing campaign encouraging eligible families to file or amend their returns. Approximately 24,971 taxpayers could qualify for refundable credits ranging from $53 to $637 per child, depending on income, with eligibility generally requiring New Mexico residency and at least one qualifying child. Letters notifying potentially eligible taxpayers are expected to arrive soon, and credits can be claimed by filing or amending a state tax return.
