During the U.S. 180 Corridor Safety Scoping Project meeting, discussion centered on the New Mexico Department of Transportation’s proposed changes, particularly near Juniper Street. The plan would reconfigure the intersection of U.S. 180 and New Mexico State Road 90 to restrict certain traffic movements, a modification officials say is necessary due to high crash rates and heavy traffic volumes. Approximately $2.8 million has been allocated for the project’s initial phases, with long-term improvements — including the possible construction of a roundabout — to be considered in the future.
The Forest Service plans to mobilize heavy equipment beginning Feb. 27 to conduct environmental cleanup activities at the abandoned Challenge Venture Mill near Mogollon. The project will address potential risks to human health and the environment posed by residual mining materials and surface debris left from past mill operations. Planned work includes the demolition and removal of roughly 500 tons of excess materials, which will be transported to appropriate waste management and recycling facilities. The site is located about 7.75 miles east of U.S. Route 180 along New Mexico State Road 159, with the project expected to be completed by the end of March.
The Village of Columbus has officially launched construction at Alberts Field Park, marking a new chapter for one of the community’s most cherished gathering spaces. A recent ceremony signaled the start of a transformation that will introduce modern amenities and bring renewed energy and purpose to the park. The milestone reflects a strong partnership with FAMCO, whose collaboration helped move the project forward, along with the dedicated efforts of the Public Works Department.
In Hidalgo County news:
Animas FFA is emerging as a statewide model for high school barbecue programs after building a mobile BBQ smoker and being honored as the first-ever champions of the New Mexico High School BBQ Association State Championship. Recently, the New Mexico Director of Agricultural Education visited the Animas High School campus to observe the program, conduct interviews, and gather insight into how the teams were developed. The visit underscores a broader effort to use Animas as a blueprint for expanding student-led BBQ programs across New Mexico, highlighting the school’s leadership in hands-on agricultural education and competitive culinary skills.
