LAS CRUCES - Some staff members were excited — others a little nervous — as Memorial Medical Center on Wednesday began inoculating hospital employees against COVID-19.
SpinLaunch at Spaceport America announces more jobs, expansion
SPACEPORT AMERICA — A company developing and testing a mass accelerator with the aim of launching satellites into space orbit — using kinetic energy instead of rockets — is expanding at New Mexico’s Spaceport America, Cabinet Secretary Alicia J. Keyes announced Tuesday.
Las Cruces receives first doses of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine
LAS CRUCES - Two Las Cruces-area hospitals on Tuesday received their first shipments of Pfizer's recently approved COVID-19 vaccine. A shipment of 975 doses arrived Tuesday morning at Memorial Medical Center; MountainView Regional Medical Center received 325 doses.
Enchanted delivery: Monthly subscription boxes bring New Mexico goods to your doorstep
LAS CRUCES – Displaced New Mexicans — or residents who want to experience new products while supporting New Mexico businesses — will soon have a way to get a box of New Mexico-grown products shipped directly to their doorsteps.
Enchanted New Mexico Boxes — a subscription-based service, locally curated to provide a taste of New Mexico on a monthly basis — was started by Heather Salopek, owner of the Mesilla-based Legacy Pecans, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ax-throwing venue opens its doors in Las Cruces amid COVID-19 pandemic
LAS CRUCES – It’s definitely not your typical entertainment venue, but ax-throwing has been gaining popularity across the United States. One Las Cruces entrepreneur hopes that it will catch on in the City of Crosses.
But, as many small-business owners have discovered, grand openings during a pandemic can present a number of challenges.
New Mexico film 'The Penny' among many productions halted amid COVID-19 pandemic
LAS CRUCES – During the COVID-19 pandemic, most industries have been disrupted. Many things are difficult in the current environment. Making a film in New Mexico may be among the hardest.
Nevertheless, four New Mexico filmmakers have a story to tell. And they’re eager to tell it.
Lucky Dog Billiards shows determination while opening during COVID-19 pandemic in Las Cruces
LAS CRUCES – There is no crystal ball when one decides to open a new business. It can take a long time, and there’s no telling what the future may hold. It’s a lesson that Sara and Alán Armijo have learned all too well as they try to open the city’s only pool hall — behind the 8-ball.
Often overlooked, Las Cruces-area truckers provide essential service during pandemic
LAS CRUCES – Even during this once-in-a-century pandemic, we’ve all had to visit the grocery store. But how much thought have you given to the people responsible for transporting the items that fill your shopping cart?
Long-haul truckers are, obviously, essential employees during the COVID-19 crisis. A few weeks ago, I spent some time talking to one about his experience during the current pandemic.
Award-winning teacher steps away from profession due to pandemic
“I feel like I should tell you that I’ve retired — and I haven’t really told a lot of people, because I had planned on going back when all of this settles in, and I can do some double-dipping,” Dinsmore told me on Friday. “I really am enjoying what I was doing, but I was not ready to go back.”
NM elected officials pay tribute to famed author Rudolfo Anaya
On Tuesday, following news of Rudolofo Anaya's death, several elected officials and lawmakers weighed in on the cultural impact of Anaya's work in New Mexico and the writer's legacy.
A life well-lived: Las Cruces City Councilor Gabe Vasquez remembers his Tío Sergio
LAS CRUCES – It came on suddenly. One day, Sergio Vasquez was not feeling well. The next, he was hospitalized at Del Sol Medical Center in El Paso, isolated from those who cared for him most. It was COVID-19. On Sunday, June 21, he died.
Arrowhead-based DNA lab at NMSU steps up to help with COVID-19 antibody testing
LAS CRUCES – I have never contracted COVID-19, apparently.
On Friday, June 12, I tested negative for antibodies — which the human body typically begin to produce within eight to 13 days of contracting the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
81-year-old Las Cruces COVID-19 survivor recounts strange illness, hospitalization and recovery
LAS CRUCES — Eddie Bernal is tough. The retired 81-year-old correctional officer — who now splits his time between Las Cruces and his ranch in Mexico — has just recovered from COVID-19 disease.
Here's how Las Cruces banks have adapted to the ‘new normal’ during COVID-19 outbreak
LAS CRUCES – As the nation’s economy continues to struggle to find its footing following the near-nationwide shutdown during the COVID-19 pandemic, banks and credit unions are continuing to adjust while helping customers and members navigate uncertain times.
Lucky and blessed: King Zah's Pizzeria tries to open during coronavirus pandemic
LAS CRUCES – Talk to Wade McDonald for very long, and the words you’re likely to hear more than any others are “lucky” and “blessings.” That might come as a surprise after you hear what he’s been through.
Former Las Cruces DJ postpones product launch, pivots to mask production amid COVID-19
LAS CRUCES – Five weeks after COVID-19 prompted the shutdown of New York City, Amer Jandali sat in his Brooklyn apartment, gazing down on the city’s empty streets. It was April 28 — five days into Ramadan — and Amer, who is Muslim, was sipping tea and enjoying a post-fast snack of peanut butter and apples.
“It feels like a movie,” he said.
Former NM Gov. Richardson partners with Olmos, Trejo on COVID-19 Relief Fund for colonias
LAS CRUCES - Former New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson wanted to do something to help the impoverished and vulnerable residents of the colonias in southern Doña Ana County, many of whom are feeling the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic as it sweeps across the nation. A couple weeks ago, he called up actor Edward James Olmos, whom he has known for about 20 years — long enough to call him “Eddie.”
New fund supports Las Cruces restaurants, provides free meals to residents
LAS CRUCES - What started as an idea for helping Las Cruces restaurants survive during the COVID-19 pandemic materialized Tuesday morning with several cars lined up to receive free enchilada plates in the parking lot behind La Nueva Casita Café.
Corona, N.M., learns to adjust in the age of coronavirus
CORONA, N.M. - Last Wednesday, I went for a drive. After leaving Las Cruces and driving to Tularosa, I headed north through the sagebrush, juniper, creosote and what might have been skunkbush sumac, Mexican poppies or yellow-flower purslane — or maybe Todson’s pennyroyal — nestled between the rolling hills of the Tularosa Basin.
By the numbers: How Santa Teresa Port of Entry emerged as leader in exports to Mexico
LAS CRUCES – The port of entry at Santa Teresa, coming off a breakthrough year, has emerged as a leader in exports to Mexico and the world. According to figures recently released by the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2019 New Mexico led all U.S. states, at 31 percent, in export growth to the world. Last year, New Mexico also led all U.S. states, at 68 percent, in export growth to Mexico.