The Commons Center for Food Security and Sustainability has announced the appointment of Ben Rasmussen as its Interim Executive Director. Mr. Rasmussen brings more than a decade of leadership experience in regional food systems across southwest New Mexico and has a longstanding history of collaboration with The Commons in the areas of food distribution, community education, and local food system development. With this leadership transition, The Commons aims to deepen community relationships, advance ongoing initiatives, and position the organization for a strong and sustainable next chapter.
Thirty-two rural health care organizations will collectively receive $20 million in Rural Health Care Delivery Fund awards to expand primary care services across New Mexico, including Hidalgo County. The fiscal year 2026 awards support projects designed to strengthen local health care capacity and improve access to coordinated, person-centered care in underserved communities. This funding cycle prioritized primary care initiatives from Medicaid-enrolled providers that address documented community needs in areas with limited access to care. Among the funding recipients serving Hidalgo County is Mimbres Valley Medical Group.
The City of Deming has announced that work is continuing on the U.S. 180 Signalization Project along Gold Street, also known as North Gold Street, at the intersections of Railroad, Pine, Cedar, and Ash streets. The project contractor is currently installing new traffic signals, curb and gutter improvements, ADA-compliant ramps, median curbs, roadway signage, and pavement striping. Shoulder work and lane closures will be in place to ensure the safety of both work crews and the traveling public. The project is expected to be completed by the end of January.
In other news:
A federal public-private partnership will provide $5 million over three years to help ranchers in southwest New Mexico and parts of Arizona deter Mexican gray wolf depredations through range riders and other nonlethal methods. The funding, available beginning in 2026 through the NRCS Regional Conservation Partnership Program and driven by private partners including the Western Landowners Alliance, will primarily cover about 75 percent of the cost of range riding and turbo fladry. The program will serve ranchers in Grant, Catron, Sierra, Cibola, and McKinley counties and will focus on conflict prevention, collaboration, and practical solutions for working ranches.
