Thursday, November 12, 2026
Clear, 65°Wind: mph,
Welcome to our new web site!
To give our readers a chance to experience all that our new website has to offer, we have made all content freely avaiable, through October 1, 2018.
During this time, print and digital subscribers will not need to log in to view our stories or e-editions.
City trail connects Main Street to Union Avenue
The City of Las Cruces has completed construction of a new multi-use trail segment extending from Main Street to Union Avenue, expanding recreational opportunities and improving connectivity within the community.
Construction began in January 2026 and was completed in June 2026. Four Rivers served as the contractor for the project. Funding was provided through the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration, Trails Plus and the Paso del Norte Foundation.
The trail is designed to accommodate a variety of nonmotorized users, including pedestrians, runners, cyclists and other recreational users. The new segment provides additional access to outdoor recreation while supporting the City's ongoing efforts to develop a comprehensive trail system.
The project represents one component of a larger effort to create a connected network of trails linking neighborhoods, parks and natural areas. These connections encourage outdoor activity, promote health and wellness, support environmental stewardship and contribute to the community's overall quality of life.
Future improvements could further expand the trail network. The City is pursuing funding for Phase II, which would extend the trail from Union Avenue to University Avenue. Additionally, a separate project has completed its design phase and is expected to begin construction soon, further improving trail connectivity to Las Cruces High School.
Together, these projects will strengthen the City's trail network and provide residents with additional opportunities to walk, run, bike and enjoy the outdoors
Youth basketball
The City of Las Cruces Parks & Recreation Department will be offering online individual registration for the Winter 2027 Youth Basketball League.
Beginning with the upcoming league, Youth Basketball will transition from its traditional spring and fall seasons to winter and summer seasons. The next Youth Basketball season will be Winter 2027, with league activities planned to begin Monday, Jan. 4, 2027. A Summer 2027 season will follow.
There will be different grade divisions offered to all genders, between Pre-K through eighth grade. Fee for new participants is $50 per individual (with a jersey) or $40 for returning players (no jersey). Proof of age, or a Parks & Recreation annual waiver is required to register. League play will begin the week of Monday Jan. 4, 2027. Space is limited, and registration is first come, first served.
Online Registration
Opens 9 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17 to Monday, Nov. 30 or until online capacity is met.
Complete registration at LasCruces.gov/Play.
A current P&R Annual Waiver is required to be on file at time of registration.
For more information call the Meerscheidt Recreation Center at (575) 541-2563, TTY 711, or email athletics@lascruces.gov
Apodaca Park Aquatic Playground & Recreation Trail Project begins
The City of Las Cruces Parks and Recreation Department has contracted with Jaynes Corporation to construct an aquatic playground and make various park improvements which will expand outdoor recreational opportunities at Apodaca Park, located at 801 E. Madrid Avenue.
The initial phase of construction will begin on Nov. 9, and is expected to be completed by Fall of 2027. Construction will require the closure of the main public restrooms and restrict access to designated portions of the park. However, the ballfield restrooms will remain open to the public for the duration of the renovations. Construction fencing and signage are being installed around project areas. To ensure public safety, visitors are asked to stay out of designated work zones, adhere to all posted signs, and maintain awareness of construction traffic through the park.
For more information, call the Parks and Recreation Administration Office at (575) 541-2550 / TTY 711, or email Catherine Mathews at cmathews@lascruces.gov
Community listening session
The City of Las Cruces invites residents to participate in a Community Listening Session. This is an opportunity to share your thoughts, concerns, and ideas regarding important community issues: homelessness, substance abuse and mental health,
Your input will help guide community discussions and inform future strategies to address these challenges. We encourage all residents to attend, engage in meaningful conversation, and help shape solutions that strengthen our community.
Date: Nov. 17
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Central Elementary, 105 N. Alameda Boulevard
This session will be mediated, and participants must consent to being recorded, as this information will be used to help develop informational studies that will pertain to the areas of discussion.
Women’s march
Next year Women's March will be celebrating its 50th anniversary. Assembly Leaders have been selected from across the country with 175 women, representing every state, including D.C. and Puerto Rico.
The organization is running a national experiment hoping to rebuild a democracy that works for all of us. Throughout the past several months, Assembly Leaders have been trained and charged with the responsibility of holding assemblies across the country in order to strategize, develop, and ratify a Women's Bill of Rights.
There are two assemblies in November (before the start of the holiday season), and more after the start of the new year. The first assembly will be Thursday, Nov. 12, 5-7 p.m., and the second assembly will be Saturday, Nov. 21, 10 a.m.- noon. Both assemblies will be held in the Roadrunner Room at the Branigan Library. Snacks and refreshments will be provided.
City invites teens to join Youth Council
Las Cruces City Council is looking for young people to join a new Youth Council. Council Members want to hear from young people in our community about their needs and challenges. If you know a teen who is ready to make a difference in our community, ask them to join our engagement efforts. There is no previous experience needed to join.
The City’s Youth Council will meet once a month, plan one community event, and work hand in hand with our Mayor and City Council on real City initiatives. The Youth Council will set their own priorities, learn about City departments, and gain leadership experience.
Applications will be accepted from Nov. 16 – Dec. 11.
Meeting dates:
Jan. 21, 2027, 4-6 p.m.
Feb. 18, 2027, 4-6 p.m.
Mar. 18, 2027, 4-6 p.m.
Apr. 15, 2027, 4-6 p.m.
May 20, 2027, 4-6 p.m.
June 17, 2027, 4-6 p.m.
Food will be provided for meeting dates.
For information, contact Catrina Godinez at 575-528-3003 or by email at cgodinez@LasCruces.gov.
Doña Ana Fire Rescue graduates nine cadets
Doña Ana Fire Rescue will graduate nine cadets at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13. The public graduation ceremony will be held in the Board of County Commissioners Chambers at the Doña Ana County Government Center.
Throughout the rigorous 23-week academy, cadets earned certifications in Hazmat awareness and Operations, Firefighter I and II, Emergency Vehicle Driving, Vehicle Extrication, Wildland Firefighting and Basic Emergency Medical Technician training.
Following the graduation, new firefighters will complete a one-year probation period in the field.
The eighth graduating class of DAFR academy is comprised of the following: Landen Bilyeu, Alexander Burciaga, Ryan Escudero, Ethan Hernandez, Jensen Huang, Alexander Le, Gabriel Ocon, Daniel Pacheco and Stephanie Reardon.
