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NM cabinet officials offering information on broadband, water well testing for Mescalero, Ruidoso • Source New Mexico

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NM cabinet officials offering information on broadband, water well testing for Mescalero, Ruidoso • Source New Mexico


People will have two opportunities this weekend in Mescalero and Ruidoso to speak with New Mexico cabinet secretaries, or their representatives, about topics like workforce assistance, child care, water well testing, broadband access or help with Medicare benefits.

The events called “Cabinet in Your Community” are hosted by the governor’s office as a way for New Mexicans to connect with state government representatives. 

On Sept. 20, cabinet officials and others from New Mexico departments responsible for public health, the environment, public education and information technology will hold an expo and town hall at the Inn of the Mountain Gods. 

Similar events will be hosted at Ruidoso High School the next day, Sept. 21.

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According to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s office, the expo is a space where residents can meet directly with secretaries and state government officials to discuss issues they are having, or give direct feedback on ways state government officials can better serve New Mexicans.

People can learn about state programs to help with a job search, enrollment in Medicaid, help with child care, food or cash assistance, or unemployment benefits.

The town halls later in the day are another opportunity for residents to share issues with cabinet officials.

The Office of Broadband Access & Expansion is a state Information Technology department agency that will be in Mescalero and Ruidoso this weekend. 

Acting director for the office Drew Lovelace said he and representatives will be at both events to discuss issues with broadband communication systems.

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Some infrastructure that provided internet access and cell towers were damaged by the South Fork and Salt fires. This left emergency responders and residents without cell service and access to other ways to communicate at pivotal times during the disaster.

The nonprofit Digitunity will also be at the community events in Mescalero and Ruidoso to take applications from residents who want to receive a donated refurbished desktop computer.

The New Mexico Environment Department said it will offer information and collect samples for free well water testing at both events over the weekend. 

Mescalero and Ruidoso residents can bring a water sample to deliver directly to a representative from the environment department. Tests will be free to the first 100 residents or while supplies last.

Results from that sample will be mailed to the resident within three weeks, according to the environment department.

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Environment department officials outlined directions for people who want to take advantage of the free water well testing.

First, people should bring dimensions for well and water depth. State officials need the latitude, longitude and distance from the well where the sample is collected to the nearest septic tank or leach field system. People are also requested to bring any information on the casing material along the well.

New Mexico environment officials also gave directions on how to collect the water sample for anyone who wants it tested.

Anyone who wants to bring a sample should allow their water to run for at least three minutes. Then, state officials ask the person to fill at least a quart or liter of their well water into a clean, odorless glass or plastic container. Water samples should be collected before any filtration or softener system process. 

Water samples should be collected just before they are delivered to the state officials at the events in Mescalero or Ruidoso.

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New Mexico

What to know: Election Day 2026 in Rio Rancho

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What to know: Election Day 2026 in Rio Rancho


Polls are now open in Rio Rancho where voters are set to elect a new mayor and decide several key measures Tuesday.

RIO RANCHO, N.M. — Rio Rancho voters are set to elect a new mayor and decide several key measures Tuesday in one of New Mexico’s fastest growing cities.

Voters will make their way to one of the 14 voting centers open Tuesday to decide which person will become mayor, replacing Gregg Hull. These six candidates are running:

Like Albuquerque, Rio Rancho candidates need to earn 50% of the votes to win. Otherwise, the top two candidates will go to a runoff election.

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Regardless of who wins, this will be the first time Rio Rancho voters will elect a new mayor in over a decade. Their priorities include addressing crime and how fast the city is growing, as well as improving infrastructure and government transparency, especially as the site of a new Project Ranger missile project.

The only other race with multiple candidates is the District 5 city council seat. Incumbent Karissa Culbreath faces a challenge from Calvin Ducane Ward.

Voters will also decide the fate of three general obligation bonds:

  • $12 million to road projects
  • $4.3 million to public safety facility projects
  • $1.2 million to public quality of life projects
    • e.g., renovating the Esther Bone Memorial Library

The polls will stay open until 7 p.m.



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New Mexico Livestock Board accused of abuse of power in rancher, inspector feud

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New Mexico Livestock Board accused of abuse of power in rancher, inspector feud


LAS VEGAS, N.M. — The approaching desert dusk did nothing to settle Travis Regensberg’s nerves as he and a small herd of stray cattle awaited the appearance of a state livestock inspector with whom he had a 30-year feud.

This was Nov. 3, 2023, and, as Regensberg tells it, the New Mexico Livestock Board had maintained an agreement for almost a decade: Livestock Inspector Matthew Romero would not service his ranch due to a long history of bad blood between the two men. False allegations of “cattle rustling” had surfaced in the past, Regensberg said. 

A dramatic standoff that evening, caught on lapel camera video, shows Regensberg at the entrance gate of his ranch. Defiant, Regensberg says anyone but Romero can pick up the stray cattle he had asked state livestock officials to pick up earlier in the day. Romero, who is backed up by two New Mexico State Police officers, directs Regensberg to open the gate or he will be arrested.

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Travis Regensberg, rancher and contractor, practices his throw on a roping dummy in his barn in Las Vegas, N.M., on Feb. 17, 2025.



Unlawful impound?







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A small herd of Travis Regensberg’s cattle eat feed on his property in Las Vegas, N.M.

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The history

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Travis Regensberg takes a bag of feed out to his cattle followed by his dog Rooster in Las Vegas, N.M., on Feb. 17, 2025.



‘A matter of principle’







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Travis Regensberg gathers his rope while practicing his throw on a roping dummy in his barn in Las Vegas, N.M., on Feb. 17, 2025.


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William McCasland, retired general who led Air Force Research Laboratory, goes missing

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William McCasland, retired general  who led Air Force Research Laboratory, goes missing


A retired US Air Force general was reported missing in New Mexico, with authorities warning that medical concerns have heightened fears for his safety.

Retired Maj. Gen. William Neil McCasland, 68, was last seen around 11 a.m. Friday near Quail Run Court NE in Albuquerque, the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office said.

Officials said they do not know what McCasland was wearing or in which direction he may have traveled. The sheriff’s office has issued a Silver Alert.

“Due to his medical issues, law enforcement is concerned for his safety,” the sheriff’s office said.

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McCasland was a longtime leader at Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico and previously commanded Kirtland’s Phillips Research Site and Air Force Research Laboratory.

Col. Justin Secrest, commander of the 377th Air Base Wing at Kirtland, told the Albuquerque Journal that the base is coordinating with local authorities.

Retired Maj. Gen. William Neil McCasland, a longtime leader at Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, has gone missing. United States Air Force
1st Lt. Steven McNamara (left) and McCasland cut the cake celebrating 100 years of heritage for the Air Force Research Laboratory at the Heritage Annex. Jim Fisher / United States Air Force
“Due to his medical issues, law enforcement is concerned for his safety,” the sheriff’s office said. Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office

“Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time,” Secrest said.

McCasland was commissioned in 1979 after graduating from the US Air Force Academy with a degree in astronautical engineering and held multiple leadership roles in space research, acquisition and operations, including work with the National Reconnaissance Office.

Authorities asked anyone with information about McCasland to text BCSO to 847411 or call the sheriff’s Missing Persons Unit at +1 (505) 468-7070.

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