New Mexico
New Mexico QB Devon Dampier transfers to Utah
Utah has found its new quarterback in Devon Dampier, a dual-threat playmaker from New Mexico. Following offensive coordinator Jason Beck to Salt Lake City, Dampier is set to bring his electrifying skillset to a revamped Utes offense. As a sophomore at New Mexico, Dampier was the centerpiece of a high-powered attack that ranked among the nation’s best, averaging 484.2 yards and 33.5 points per game. His dual-threat abilities generated an impressive 3,934 total yards in 2024, split between 2,768 passing and 1,166 rushing yards, alongside 19 rushing touchdowns.
Dampier’s arrival signals a shift in Utah’s offensive philosophy. Under Beck, the Utes will implement a run-pass option (RPO)-heavy scheme designed to maximize the quarterback’s running ability. At New Mexico, this approach produced the fifth-best rushing offense in the nation, and Dampier excelled as a dynamic runner, forcing 51 missed tackles and showcasing elite speed and agility. His ability to make plays with his legs will provide Utah with an offensive dimension it hasn’t seen since Alex Smith’s 2004 season in Urban Meyer’s spread system.
Despite his success on the ground, Dampier’s passing remains a work in progress. His 57.9% completion rate and 1:1 touchdown-to-interception ratio (12 touchdowns and 12 interceptions) highlight areas for improvement. Beck’s guidance and an offseason to refine his mechanics could help Dampier address these weaknesses and adapt to the increased competition in the Power Four conferences. With 2,768 passing yards in 2024 and flashes of brilliance, including two 300-yard games, Dampier has the tools to develop into a more balanced quarterback.
Dampier is poised to step into the starting role immediately, given Utah’s current quarterback situation. Following the departures of Isaac Wilson, Brandon Rose, and Luke Bottari, the Utes are left with only incoming freshmen Wyatt Becker and Jamarian Ficklin on the roster. Cam Rising’s reported departure would further clear the path for Dampier to lead the offense in 2025. While Utah may seek another quarterback through the transfer portal, Dampier’s familiarity with Beck’s system gives him a significant advantage as the Utes transition to a new offensive identity.
With Dampier’s dual-threat capabilities and Beck’s proven system, Utah’s offense has the potential to reach new heights. However, the success of this pairing will hinge on Dampier’s ability to improve as a passer and adapt to the challenges of competing at a higher level.
DONA ANA COUNTY, N.M. – (KFOX14/CBS4) — Some El Paso Electric customers in New Mexico are speaking out against a proposed rate increase that could raise the average monthly household bill by more than $40 by late next year.
The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission, which will decide whether to approve the proposal, held a public comment hearing earlier this week in Las Cruces.
During the meeting, customers and community members questioned the size of the request and whether the utility is doing enough to serve customers in southern New Mexico.
“This is a border town. It is a college town. It is a retiree town. It’s a military town. We’re not rich like Santa Fe, and the rates just keep going up and up and up,” said Kathy Lucero, a Las Cruces resident.
“We ratepayers and energy consumers should not be asked to subsidize these excessive profits,” said Lynn Moore, a Dona Ana County resident.
El Paso Electric is asking for a $70.4 million increase to its base rates for customers in New Mexico.
El Paso Electric seeks $70.4M hike; average NM bills could rise nearly $42 a month
The utility says the request is needed to recover costs from more than $400 million in New Mexico system investments, including upgrades, reliability improvements and rising costs.
After the hearing, Israel Chavez, a local civil rights attorney, said accessibility is also a concern as the utility asks customers to pay more.
“El Paso Electric closed its office on Water Street. There is no physical office to go to if you live with a disability, if you don’t have the technology to access your utility bill or to talk to somebody, there is no place to go unless you go to El Paso. And I think it’s wrong for El Paso Electric to cut services and then increase rates,” Chavez said.
In a statement addressing concerns about access, El Paso Electric said, “El Paso Electric continues to provide reliable service, along with a range of customer support resources to meet diverse needs, including assistance with account access, bill understanding, and payments.”
The utility added, “We recognize that changes like this can have its challenges, particularly for customers who may face barriers to technology or prefer in-person support. However, we remain committed to ensuring our customers feel supported and have access to the help they need when they need it.”
El Paso Electric said customers can still manage their accounts online, call customer care, or use authorized payment kiosks throughout its service area.
The New Mexico PRC has not made a final decision on the rate request.
If approved, the increase would start taking effect next year in two phases.
FULL PUBLIC COMMENT HEARING
Final community meeting on proposed EPE rate hike in New Mexico draws mixed reactions
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CHIMAYO, N.M. (KRQE) – A suspect is dead following a shooting involving the Rio Arriba County Sheriff’s Office in Chimayo on Highway 76. Deputies are said to be okay. New Mexico State Police is investigating the shooting.
KRQE News 13 will provide updates as they become available.
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KFOX14/CBS4) — A leader in the New Mexico Republican Party was arrested Wednesday, accused of a deadly hit-and-run in Las Cruces.
Former Treasurer of the Republican Party in New Mexico, Kimberly Ann Skaggs, 54, was arrested Wednesday and charged with leaving the scene and tampering with evidence, jail records show.
Police documents show the charges stem from a deadly hit-and-run crash that happened Monday afternoon, which killed 40-year-old bicyclist, Andrew Brown.
Investigators believed Skaggs was involved after an investigation revealed that Skaggs allegedly was driving fast in the area, fled the scene after the crash and then tried to hide the vehicle from authorities.
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The investigation
According to police documents, a witness at the scene of the crash– 850 N. Fairacres Rd.– described seeing a dark blonde-haired woman flee in a black Cadillac Escalade SUV.
Afterwards, investigators said they saw on Flock cameras– A.I. powered license plate readers– a black Cadillac Escalade traveling near the site of the crash minutes before the incident.
READ MORE: Dona Ana County expands Flock license plate cameras as officials cite crime-solving gains
The license plates showed that the vehicle belonged to Skaggs and that, in September 2025, the Las Cruces Police Department had given her a citation for “racing on streets-exhibition driving.”
Investigators stated that a business on Picacho Ave. captured what they alleged was the same black Cadillac Escalade driving fast.
Then, the documents described how investigators tracked down the Escalade using OnStar’s live GPS tracking, discovering the SUV was at a property on the 5000 block of Northwind Road, which investigators said the Dona Ana County Assessors Office confirmed is a property owned by Skaggs.
On Tuesday, at around 6:41 p.m.– over 24 hours after the deadly hit-and-run– investigators executed a search warrant on the property and described finding the black Cadillac Escalade behind a home, under a red metal carport.
Investigators noted damage on the SUV consistent with the crash, highlighting that there was blood splatter near one of the front tires, markings on the front bumper consistent with hitting a bicycle and parts missing, which investigators said were the same parts found at the scene.
Dona Ana County jail records show Skaggs was booked on Wednesday afternoon and remains jailed without a bond.
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About Skaggs
On the official website of the Republican Party of New Mexico, Skaggs was listed as the treasurer before she was removed.
KFOX14/CBS4 has reached out to the Republican Party to learn more and are waiting for a comment regarding the arrest.
Also, according to election statistics, Skaggs ran for State Representative in District 36 in 2022 and 2024, losing both times to Democrat Nathan P. Small.
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