Now You Know Aug. 7, 2026

Doña Ana County Commission appoints three acting county managers 

Following a closed session during its regular meeting on July 28, the Doña Ana County Board of County Commissioners appointed Deb Weir, Lucio Luttrell and Stephen Lopez to serve as a joint acting county manager during the county's leadership transition. 

The acting county managers will provide executive leadership, support county departments and employees, and ensure continuity of county operations while the board determines its next steps regarding permanent leadership. 

"We are honored by the Board's confidence in us and are committed to working together as a team to provide steady leadership, support our employees and ensure the county continues to operate effectively and efficiently," the acting county managers said in a joint statement. 

NMSU Marketing and Communications to host Gratitude Walk/Run Sept. 19 

As New Mexico State University kicks off the 2026-27 academic year, the Marketing and Communications office invites the campus and Las Cruces communities to lace up their sneakers for its fifth annual Gratitude Walk/Run on Saturday, Sept. 19. 

Whether you’re a sprinter or a scenic stroller, the event is open to all ages and fitness levels. Beginning with a 5K on College Drive between Skeen Hall and Gerald Thomas Hall at 9:15 a.m., followed by a 1-mile fun run at 9:30 a.m., the updated routes will take participants through a journey into NMSU history as they pass campus landmarks. 

To continue the attitude of gratitude, the event will feature activities during and after the race to give runners, walkers and supporters a chance to enjoy the festivities. Aggie enthusiasts can look forward to cheers from Pistol Pete and the NMSU cheer team, along with special appearances by the NMSU Fire Department and, weather permitting, NMSU's hot-air balloon, Aggie Up. Attendees are also encouraged to bring nonperishable food donations to support the Aggie Cupboard, a food pantry that supports NMSU students, faculty and staff facing food insecurity. 

Registration is $25 for the 5K and $15 for the 1-mile fun run. Children 12 and under participate for free. Race bib pickup will take place at the Corbett Center Student Union Aggie Lounge on Friday, Sept. 18, from noon to 5 p.m. The first 200 to pick up their bibs receive a free athletic T-shirt. 

Men Who Cook returns

Mesilla Valley Hospice & Palliative Care invites the community to one of southern New Mexico's most anticipated fundraising events as Men Who Cook returns on Saturday, Aug. 15, from 6-10 p.m. at the Las Cruces Convention Center.

Men Who Cook brings together local leaders, business professionals, restaurant owners, and talented home chefs for an evening of food, entertainment, and philanthropy — all in support of Mesilla Valley Hospice, the region's only locally based nonprofit hospice provider.

This year's event centers around a superhero theme, both fictional and in real life, recognizing the individuals who make our community stronger through service, compassion, leadership, and generosity. From first responders and healthcare professionals to educators, veterans, volunteers, and everyday citizens, the evening will celebrate the many forms of heroism found throughout southern New Mexico.

Guests will enjoy an array of signature dishes prepared by participating chefs while voting for their favorites, all while helping raise critical funds that allow Mesilla Valley Hospice to continue providing compassionate end-of-life care, grief support, and palliative care services to patients and families throughout the region.

Proceeds from the evening directly benefit Mesilla Valley Hospice's nonprofit mission, helping provide expert hospice and palliative care, family support services, bereavement counseling, and other programs that improve quality of life for patients and their loved ones.

For additional information, visit www.mvhospice.org/men-who-cook/. Tickets are $125 each and will be available at the door or at Mesilla Valley Hospice & Palliative Care at 299 E. Montana Avenue.

Three new community radio hall-of-famers

Three new members were added to the KTAL-LP 101.5 FM Las Cruces Community Radio Hall of Fame recently, Rob McCorkel, Julie Lowe-Sanchez and John Horner.

McCorkel, better known by his on-air persona The Frogman, was one half of the Cosmic Troubadours, along with Marty Racine. The show featured Americana, folk, and country music, but the real attraction was the entertaining banter between the hosts. McCorkel also joined the radio station’s Board of Directors before the station went on air and signed up some of its first underwriters.

Lowe-Sanchez is the host of The Prog Rock Hour, which was also one of the radio station’s most popular shows during its first years. She was one of the early organizers who began planning for the radio station after it had acquired a low-power license from the FCC. She was a longtime member of the programming committee and continues to be active in helping to move the radio station into the future.

Horner, better known by his on-air persona Johnny Catalog, is chairman of our Technical Operations Committee. They are responsible for tracking down and addressing all of the multiple glitches that can result in the radio station losing its signal. Horner also led the effort to install a new soundboard and train all of the hosts on how to use it. He and his crew have worked hard to enable us to do more live broadcasts, bringing the radio station out into the community. As Johnny Catalog, he anchors the station’s Saturday night hard rock lineup.

The three new Hall of Fame members were honored during Que Tal’s ninth anniversary celebration, July 26 at The Destination Sports and Arts Complex. They join current members Kari Bachman, Kevin Bixby, Bruce Ernst, Linda Hall (NOLA Girl), MaryAnn Hendrickson, Richard Kadzis (The Buzzman), Dean Matson, Minerva Rivera, and Nan Rubin.