Now You Know

First-time homebuyers

Thinking about buying your first home…but not sure where to start?

Attend this FREE first-time homebuyer workshop and leave with clarity, confidence, and a real plan — not a sales pitch.

Saturday, March 14, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Eddie’s Event Hall, 2825 N Main St., Las Cruces

Lunch is provided. Interactive games and prizes
Bring your questions
Kid-friendly — little ones welcome

This workshop is designed for anyone who hasn’t owned a home in the last three years (or ever!). They’ll break down:

• How to get started (without wrecking your credit)
• What pre-approval really means
• Down payment options (including 0%, 3%, 3.5%, and 5%)
• Loan types (Conventional, FHA, VA, MFA programs)
• What NOT to do while under contract
• Inspections, appraisals, negotiations & closing day
• What buyer representation means and why it matters

You’ll hear from:

·       The Citizens Bank Mortgage Team – explaining credit, budgeting, DTI, loan programs, and down payment assistance

·       Christine Montanez from Southwestern Abstract & Title – covering title insurance and what happens on closing day

·       Laurel Brandi Real Estate – walking you through touring homes, negotiations, ethical duties, and how to move forward confidently

You leave knowing your next step — even if that step is 6–12 months away.

When you register, you’ll also get access to the New Mexico Properties home search portal so you can start browsing listings and get a feel for the market.

Spots are limited. Registration is required.

Register here:
https://www.laurelbrandi.com/first-time-homebuyer-workshop

Support firefighter Rafael Herrera

The Doña Ana County Firefighters Union, IAFF Local 5037, is hosting two community fundraisers to support firefighter Rafael "Rafa" Herrera III, a Doña Ana County firefighter currently awaiting a heart transplant. 

Herrera was diagnosed with heart failure in September and is currently in the intensive care unit at Methodist Hospital in San Antonio, Texas, where he is awaiting a heart transplant. Funds raised will help support medical and related expenses for Herrera and his family during this critical time. 

Fundraiser at Bubba's 33 

On Feb. 27, union members will be on site serving the public at Bubba's 33, located at 510 South Telshor Blvd., from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. During the event, 20 percent of all sales will be donated to support Herrera and his family. 

Guests must mention they are attending the "Dine and Donate for Rafa" event when ordering for their purchase to be counted toward the fundraiser. 

Cornhole tournament

IAFF Local 5037 will also host a cornhole tournament at Ice Box Brewing Company, 2825 W. Picacho Ave. on Mar. 28. 

Registration: 11:30 a.m. 

Tournament start: 12:30 p.m. 

Entry Fee: $25 per player or $50 per team of two 

Proceeds from the tournament will be distributed to the first, second, and third place winners, with the remaining funds donated to Herrera to help support medical expenses. 

These fundraisers are organized and hosted by IAFF Local 5037. Doña Ana County is not sponsoring or organizing these events. The county is sharing this information for community awareness and in support of IAFF 5037's outreach efforts. Community members are encouraged to attend, participate and show their support for a local firefighter and his family.

Cowboy Days on hiatus

Following 25 successful years of the signature Cowboy Days celebration, the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum is launching a community visioning initiative to evolve the beloved tradition for future generations. 

As the museum approaches its 30-year anniversary, leadership is seeking direct public input to ensure the event continues to provide meaningful, family-friendly experiences. While the event will take a brief hiatus in 2026 to facilitate this thoughtful evaluation, the museum remains deeply committed to its role as a premier storyteller of New Mexico’s agricultural legacy.  

“We are looking toward the future of how we share our rich history,” said Steve Loring, interim director. “By pausing to gather community feedback, we can ensure the next chapter of Cowboy Days remains as vibrant and relevant as the last 25 years.” 

How to Participate 

Community members and longtime attendees are encouraged to share their perspectives and ideas through an online survey, available through Apr. 12. Feedback will directly influence the reimagining of this signature celebration. 

Artist reception

The Barela Store, a component of the newly opened Taylor-Mesilla Historic Site on the Mesilla Plaza, will host a reception for local artist Rosemary McLoughlin from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, at the store, 2340 Calle Principal. The event is free and open to the public.

The Barela Store is operated by volunteers of the nonprofit organization Friends of the TMHS.  The gift shop features souvenirs, books, jewelry and textiles from around the world. Cards and prints by McLoughlin will be for sale during the reception, and visitors can meet the artist. All proceeds from the store support the preservation and programs of the TMHS.

“The kindness and generosity of Mary and Paul Taylor and their family gave me a loving home and a place in which to develop my painting,” McLoughlin said. “I'm honored to be invited to share prints of that work at The Barela Store during Love of Art Month.”

McLoughlin, 90, was born in Gerritsen Beach Brooklyn, New York. She became a sister of St. Catherine’s Motherhouse of the Dominican Sisters in Springfield, Kentucky at age 22, taught for five years in Puerto Rico and started a K-12 art department at St. Agnes Academy in Memphis, Tennessee. McLoughlin first came to Las Cruces in January 1973 to attend New Mexico State University, where she earned an art degree in July 1977.

The Taylor-Mesilla Historic Site has some of McLoughlin’s pieces in its collection for visitors to see. One of Ratje’s favorite memories of Rosemary and her art is when Rosemary would use the back of her Honda Fit as a drying spot for her pieces.

The Barela Store is open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday-Sunday, and is also open some Wednesdays, and on special occasions and holidays.

For more information, call 575-449-4193 or email thebarelastore@gmail.com.  Visit taylormesillafriends.com and rosemary-mcloughlin.com.