Regional

By KRWG News

New Mexico – A new horned dinosaur, one of the largest known, has been discovered in northwestern New Mexico.

It's called Ojoceratops (Oh-ho-SAHR-uh-tops).

Scientists say the newly discovered dinosaur was a predecessor to Triceratops and Torosaurus, two well-known dinosaurs from the end of the Cretaceous Period, 65 million to 70 million years ago.

By KRWG News

New Mexico – New Mexico is applying for $75 million in the second round of the U.S. Department of Education's Race to the Top competition to improve student performance.

The state Public Education Department said Thursday that New Mexico's application included a proposal to tie the evaluations of teachers and principals to student achievement, and provides for possible extra pay for "highly effective" educators.

By KRWG News

New Mexico – The new United States attorney in New Mexico will be formally sworn in Friday.

Although Kenneth Gonzales already has taken the oath of office, a formal investiture ceremony is scheduled at the federal courthouse in Albuquerque.

Gonzales was appointed to the post by the President Barack Obama.

U.S. Chief District Judge Martha Vazquez will administer the oath at Friday's ceremony. Retired New Mexico Supreme Court Chief Justice Joseph F. Baca will speak.

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.

By Vanessa Dabovich

Las Cruces, NM – A recent surge in home burglaries in the Las Cruces area and unincorporated Dona Ana County has prompted the police department offer safety tips and a reward for information. KRWG's Vanessa Dabovich reports

By Vanessa Dabovich

Las Cruces, NM – New Mexico State University has been awarded a grant to purchase a state-of-the-art optical imaging microscope. KRWG's Vanessa Dabovich reports

By KRWG News

Las Cruces – The New Mexico Department of Transportation will have JAR Construction modify its working hours for the next few days. JAR will continue if pavement rehabilitation on I-25 that will affect the southbound driving (right) lane. The lane closures will be as follows:

By KRWG News

New Mexico – New Mexico Human Services Secretary Katie Falls has decided to not award a contract for the New Mexico Works Program, and instead will redesign the program that serves the state's Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program.

She says the redesign will begin with a pilot project in southeastern New Mexico.

She says that pilot program will work to better serve families with case management, career planning, education and other support services.

By KRWG News

New Mexico – Henry Sena of Roswell is running as an independent candidate in the 2nd Congressional District of southern New Mexico.

Sena was among several independents who filed Wednesday with the secretary of state's office.

In the congressional race, Democratic incumbent Harry Teague faces Republican Steve Pearce in the general election.

Las Vegas contractor Travis Regensberg is running as an independent for state House District 70, held by Democratic Rep. Richard Vigil of Ribera.

By KRWG News

Las Cruces – The National Science Foundation awarded New Mexico State University with a Major Research Instrumentation grant to purchase a highly sophisticated optical imaging microscope.

The laser scanning confocal microscope will boost research efforts with its expanded capabilities and allow NMSU to broaden research and teaching capacities for faculty, graduate and undergraduate students.

By KRWG News

Las Cruces – The City of Las Cruces wants to hear from you. The city needs community input on naming the nearly completed Regional Recreation and Aquatic Center located on the northeast corner of Solano Drive and Hadley Avenue.

The Project Management section of the Facilities Department will accept nominations from the public through Friday, June 11th. Name suggestions can be submitted to Sonya Harmon via email at facilitynaming@las-cruces.org or by calling 541-2573.

By KRWG News

New Mexico – Unofficial returns in New Mexico's primary election indicate that about 28 percent of eligible Republican and Democratic voters cast ballots.

More than 257,000 total votes were cast in Tuesday's election, according to unofficial returns on the secretary of state's web site.

That's almost 62,000 more votes than in the 2006 gubernatorial primary, when 22 percent of eligible Republicans and Democrats participated. Both major party candidates for governor ran unopposed in that primary election.

By KRWG News

Las Cruces – Las Cruces Police arrested a man who broke into an area pharmacy and then attempted to hide in the closet of a neighboring home.

Marc J. Cordova, 19, of the 900 block of south Solano Drive, is charged with one count each of non-residential burglary; criminal trespassing; and resisting, evading or obstructing an officer.

By KRWG News

Las Cruces – The Las Cruces Police Department's new chief will be sworn-in on Monday, June 7, during the city council's regular meeting.

Richard Williams, an 18-year veteran with New Mexico State Police and currently the commander of that agency's Standard's Bureau, will begin his duties as Chief of the Las Cruces Police Department on June 7. Williams will be sworn-in as chief during the Las Cruces City Council meeting set to begin at 1 p.m.

By Vanessa Dabovich

Las Cruces, NM – Dona Ana County is looking into ways to crack down on illegal dumping. KRWG's Vanessa Dabovich has more

By Vanessa Dabovich

Las Cruces, NM – The South Central Solid Waste Authority is working on ways to recycle glass in the area. KRWG's Vanessa Dabovich reports