Now You Know for July 24, 2026

Board terminates county manager's contract  

During a Special Board meeting Tuesday afternoon, the Doña Ana County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to terminate the employment contract of County Manager Scott Andrews, effective immediately. 

Andrews was terminated without cause and will receive six-months of salary, in accordance with the terms of his employment contract and a signed separation agreement. 

The Board of County Commissioners will begin the process of determining next steps regarding county leadership. Additional information will be shared with the public as it becomes available.  

Watch out for rental scams

The Las Cruces Police Department is warning those hunting for an apartment or rental house of potentially deceitful practices that can scam victims out of hundreds – or thousands – of dollars.
In one report taken by LCPD, a woman indicated she found a listing for a rental on a popular real estate website and began communicating with the person she thought was the landlord. The person sent a rental application that was signed by the woman, and the woman electronically transferred a deposit and first month’s rent via Apple Pay.

The woman became suspicious when she was asked for a key deposit and administrative fee from a separate individual. The woman reported losing about $1,800 during the scam.
In years past, LCPD has received reports of similar rental scams from other victims who have found properties on web or social media sites. Police believe, in some cases, the listings themselves are fraudulently posted on legitimate sites by the perpetrators.
It appears the perpetrators are creating online advertisements for rental properties using actual photos of local homes and apartments. The photos and rental property descriptions were likely obtained from legitimate real estate listings. The only way to contact the ad creator was by cell, text or other electronic messages.
Unfortunately, only after transferring funds electronically, do victims learn that they have been scammed. Perpetrators of such scams commonly ask to be paid electronically because those transactions are difficult, if not impossible, to track.

Las Cruces police strongly encourage prospective renters to use caution, and exercise due diligence, prior to entering into any financial agreement to rent or lease property. Other tips include:

·       Avoid engaging in a deal, or money transfer, when the only means of communication is conducted by phone or electronically

·       Meet with the real estate agent, in person, at his or her office before signing any contracts and exchanging any money

·       If possible, conduct a walk-through of the rental property with the landlord or real estate agent

·       Review rental agreements thoroughly prior to signing a contract or transferring funds

·       Be wary if the property owner claims to be traveling, lives out-of-state or is otherwise unable to meet in person – that’s likely an indication the rental listing is phony and an attempted scam

·       Consider using the services of a licensed real estate agent who has a local office

Anyone who has been a victim of such a scam is encouraged to contact police immediately. In Las Cruces and Dona Ana County, victims can file a report by calling (575) 526-0795

Animal Control to host free rural spay and neuter clinics

To help reduce overpopulation and the number of animals entering local shelters, the Doña Ana County Animal Control office will host three spay and neuter clinics late July and early August for residents in Organ, La Mesa and the Village of Doña Ana. 

Each clinic will operate from 6 a.m. to noon on the following dates:

La Mesa: July 27-29

Village of Doña Ana: Aug. 3-5

Residents must be from these unincorporated areas of the county to participate and must also:

·       Schedule an appointment online. Limit one pet per client, per day.

·       Arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled appointment.

·       Follow all pre-surgery instructions provided after the appointment is confirmed, including fasting pets the night before surgery

·       Properly restrain pets; dogs must be leashed and cats must be transported in secure carriers.

·       Upload vaccination records through the online portal. Pets must be fully vaccinated at least two weeks before the surgery.

·       Pets must be at least 6 months old.

·       Bring an e-collar for each pet.

·       Expect to leave pets at the clinic for several hours.

For the safety of pets, Animal Control may decline surgery if animal:

·       Is ill, injured or has an infection.

·       Is not fully vaccinated.

·       Is younger than 6 months.

·       Is older than 2 years.

·       Is pregnant, nursing or in heat.

·       Is obese for its breed or size.

·       Weighs less than 5 pounds or more than 40 pounds.

·       Has fleas or ticks.

·       Displays aggressive behavior or is feral.

·       Is a Doberman due to blood clotting concerns.

·       Is a brachycephalic breed such as a Pug, Bulldog, Boxer or Pekinese, due to increased respiratory risks.

·       Does not have an e-collar available after surgery.

If any of the aforementioned requirements are not met, services will not be provided.  

Residents can visit DonaAna.gov for additional information.