Now You Know Oct. 30, 2026

City offers Halloween safety tips

The Las Cruces police and fire departments are reminding parents to take the necessary steps to make Halloween safe for all involved.

Possibly the most important safeguard – especially for parents of young trick-or-treaters – is to make sure their children are chaperoned by a parent or responsible adult.
To help keep young trick-or-treaters safe, the Las Cruces Fire Department will be handing out free glowsticks on Halloween. The glowsticks are intended to be worn while trick-or-treating and will be available free of charge, while supplies last, on Saturday, Oct. 31, at all Las Cruces fire stations.
Halloween safety tips include:

·       Go trick-or-treating with your child and, if possible, in a group.

·       Make sure that costumes are visible to homeowners and motorists.

·       Use a flashlight while trick-or-treating after dark and consider incorporating a glow stick into your child’s costume.

·       Ensure that costumes fit properly and do not interfere with walking or vision.

·       Keep costumes and decorations away from open flames such as candles in jack-o’-lanterns.

·       Consider using flameless, battery-operated candles or glow sticks in jack-o’-lanterns.

·       Trick-or-treaters should keep to sidewalks and walkways.

·       Cross streets only in designated crosswalks and only after checking for traffic.

·       Parents and caretakers should keep close watch of their children at all times.

·       Those who invite trick-or-treaters on their property should ensure that sidewalks and walkways have adequate lighting and are safe for their guests.

·       Properly contain pets – especially large dogs – that might scare or knock down children or become aggressive.

·       Motorists should be on the lookout for increased pedestrian traffic, especially children, in residential neighborhoods.

·       Thoroughly inspect all treats and candy and moderate the amount your child may consume. If a candy is not wrapped or not properly sealed, do not consume it.

·       Call police immediately to report inappropriate behavior, suspicious activity or potentially dangerous situations.

·       Revelers also should be mindful that not all homeowners celebrate Halloween or enjoy ghosts and goblins knocking on their doors. The basic rules of thumb are to refrain from trick-or-treating at homes that have no Halloween displays or lighting, and keep your activities limited to respectable hours

What’s happening at Memorial

The Memorial Medical Center Board of Trustees, joined by the MMC Executive Leadership team, invite area residents to Memorial Medical Center’s annual public board meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 18, from 6-7 p.m. at the hospital Annex in Conference Rooms A and B, located on the west side of campus (2450 S. Telshor Boulevard, Las Cruces, NM 88011).

This meeting will feature a short presentation providing hospital updates followed by a forum for public comment. The hospital’s board and leadership team truly value and listen to the input and feedback from local residents as MMC strives to best meet the healthcare needs of our community.

The board welcomes all those interested in learning more about the hospital and providing input as Memorial proudly celebrates more than 75 years of service to Southern New Mexico.

City addresses long-term vacant properties

The Las Cruces City Council recently adopted a Vacant and Abandoned Property Maintenance Ordinance, establishing new requirements to address long-term vacancies, encourage property maintenance, and support neighborhood revitalization.

Vacant buildings and underdeveloped property can create lasting challenges for surrounding neighborhoods and businesses, particularly when properties deteriorate, attract nuisance activity, or remain unused for years. The ordinance gives the City an additional tool to address these concerns while encouraging owners to return properties to productive use.

The ordinance generally applies to residential and commercial properties that have not been lawfully occupied or in operation for at least two consecutive years. For multi-tenant properties, at least 50 percent of the residential units or spaces, or 50 percent of the commercial leasable area, must meet that two-year vacancy threshold.

Owners of qualifying properties will be required to register annually with the City, provide current contact information, and identify measures to keep the property in compliance with property maintenance standards. The Community Development Department will administer the program and maintain an online public registry.

Annual registration fees increase based on how long a property remains registered:

·       Residential properties: $500 in the first year, $1,000 in the second year, and $2,000 annually beginning in the third year.

·       Commercial and qualifying multi-tenant properties: $2,000 in the first year, $4,000 in the second year, and $8,000 annually beginning in the third year.

Temporary fee exemptions may be available when owners are taking qualifying steps toward construction, rehabilitation, sale, or leasing; when certain legal proceedings affect the property; or when owners of qualifying historic properties are actively working through the City’s preservation process. Exemptions require City approval and do not eliminate registration requirements or the City’s authority to address unsafe conditions.

The ordinance also provides a process for property owners to challenge a vacancy assessment or exemption decision.

Through these requirements, the City aims to strengthen owner accountability, reduce the impacts of neglected properties, and encourage reinvestment in existing neighborhoods and commercial areas.

For more information, call 575-541-2299, or visit: LasCruces.gov/Vacant

Time capsule project 

Doña Ana County is encouraging residents to participate in the 2026 Time Capsule project. The time capsule will recognize the people, traditions and the culture of our community.

Through this initiative, the County hopes to create a lasting historical record that the residents of 2076 can open and explore, offering a glimpse into life in Doña Ana County as of 2026.

The time capsule can include posters, letters, pictures or any tangible item. Doña Ana County will NOT be accepting any items that are hazardous, illegal or cannot be replaced.

All Doña Ana County residents are welcome to participate. Community members interested in participating can drop off their items Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 2480 Lakeside Dr in Las Cruces, NM. All submissions must be dropped off by Dec. 8.

As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of America’s independence, this time capsule captures a snapshot of life today in Doña Ana County. It preserves the stories, experiences and milestones of our community for future generations, offering a glimpse into who we are and what matters to our people at this historic moment in our nation’s history.

Flag ceremony honoring veterans

A Buffalo Soldier, a horseback messenger to Gen. George Washington, and

the only American female soldier to be in a Nazi prisoner of war camp are only a few of the 300-plus United States veterans who will be remembered Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 2 p.m. at the Mesilla Veterans’ Park on Avenida de Mesilla.

That’s when the Doña Ana Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters

of the American Revolution will gather to honor soldiers from a 250-year period

who fought to win and keep Americans’ freedoms intact. The effort is in recognition of Veterans Day, Nov. 11.

The Daughters have sought sponsorships from friends, family and Las

Crucens-at-large for flags in honor of specific veterans. The flags, standing as

sentinels during the ceremony, will each bear the name of a beloved veteran. Each veteran’s name will be said during the event.

“We take to heart the Pierre Claeyssens quote, ‘To be killed in a war is not

the worst that can happen. To be lost is not the worst that can happen…to be

forgotten is the worst,’” said Mary Lee Bailey Shelton, chairperson of the event.

“It’s vital that we remember our veterans by saying their names. We will

remember living veterans and those who have passed; both those who have served our country at war and at peace time,” she said.

Hillary Floren, El Paso’s ABC-7 Good Morning El Paso co-anchor will emcee the ceremony. Las Crucen KC Counts, KRWG-FM content director, will direct the recitation of the veterans’ names. Pancho Romero, Professor Emeritus from New Mexico State University music department, will play “The Star Spangled Banner” on trumpet. The Gadsden chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution will post the colors in full American Revolution costume.

Mesilla Veterans Park is located on Avenida de Mesilla in front of Andele’s

Restaurant. Parking will be available at Andele’s and at Mesilla Town Hall parking lot. Bleachers will be available and attendees may bring lawn chairs if desired.

For more information or to sponsor flags call or text Mary Lee Bailey

Shelton at 575-644-5121 or email her at mlbs1@aol.com. Information is also

available at the chapter’s Facebook page at Doña Ana Chapter NSDAR.

Hearts Like Fists

No Strings Theatre Company is proud to present “Hearts Like Fists” by Adam Symkowicz (the playwright of “Clown Bar”)  and directed by Joshua Taulbee. You do not want to miss this fast paced, action-packed comedy about love, villainy, and superheroines.

Doctor X (Joseluis Solorzano) is plaguing the city. He is killing lovers in their sleep. Now, people are sleeping alone, afraid to be with the ones they love. Enter the Crimefighters, An all female group of superheroes dedicated to stopping the evil Doctor X!

There’s Sally (Rachel Thomas-Chappell), the leader and strategist of the group, Jazmin (Lisa Taylor), a shrewd investigator who loves violence. Finally, there is Nina (Rachel Maze), a skilled fighter who possesses a dark secret that might endanger the Crimefighter’s mission. Along the way they recruit Lisa (Cassi Galban), a woman who is burdened with beauty and sex appeal and may be the key to stopping Doctor X. To complicate matters, Lisa has caught the eye of Peter (Aaron Setliff), a brilliant doctor working on an artificial heart that could allow people to safely love again. But a nurse (Daniela Westfall) at the hospital is also in love with Peter. Who will win Peter’s heart? Will the Crimefighters stop Doctor X? Will lovers be able to love again? Find out in Hearts Like Fists!

All this takes place on a pop-art set designed by Melissa Munoz Chavez and lit by Bekah Taulbee.  The costumes are designed by Cassie Galban and Karen Buerdsell with props by Darlene DeMondo and sound by Joshua Taulbee.

Performances are Oct. 30 through Nov. 15.  Call 575-523-1223 for reservations.

Roadway hazards

Following recent storms and flooding across Doña Ana County, the County is encouraging residents to share their experiences with flooding and other roadway hazards through Route Ready, the County’s Road Network Resilience Plan. The project’s Interactive Map and three-minute survey will remain available through Nov. 1.

Recent flooding has highlighted the importance of understanding where roadway hazards occur and how they affect the roads and routes communities rely on. Through Route Ready, the County is gathering local experiences to better understand roadway vulnerabilities, access challenges and community connectivity.

Community members can share their experiences in two ways:

·       Interactive Map: Drop a pin to identify where roadway hazards occur and how they affect you.

·       3-Minute Survey: Share the same information by describing the location and your experience.

Community feedback will be considered alongside technical data and existing conditions to help identify roadway vulnerabilities and inform strategies for a safer, more reliable and resilient road network.

Residents are encouraged to share their input at DonaAna.gov/RouteReady.

The final plan will help guide future transportation decisions, project development, partnerships and funding opportunities. 

Public Art Advisory Board

Doña Ana County is accepting applications from volunteers interested in serving on the Public Art Advisory Board from Dec. 1, 2026, through October 30, 2028. Applications are available at www.donaana.gov and are due Friday, Nov. 13. 

The Public Art Advisory Board plays a vital role in supporting and promoting public art throughout Doña Ana County. Members provide input on the development, selection, placement and maintenance of public art installations, and help shape cultural initiatives that reflect the diversity, history, and creativity of our community. The PAAB meets quarterly, starting in January.

Eligibility

Applicants must be residents of Doña Ana County and board membership should reflect the rich and diverse culture and history of our community. Members should have knowledge of various art forms and a commitment to community engagement, while also seeking balanced representation of different backgrounds and perspectives.

Commitment

Selected applicants serve staggered two-year terms so there will be overlapping tenure. This seat on the seven-member board is open due to a resignation.

PAAB members serve on a volunteer basis and must be able to attend regularly scheduled quarterly meetings and participate in public art related activities.

Applications

Please fill out an application online at https://www.donaana.gov/about_us/apply_for_committees_boards/committee_application_form.php

Alternatively, interested volunteers may download an application by visiting www.donaana.gov, then click on the “About Us” tab, then on the “Board and Commissions” tab. PAAB is listed fourth on the list.

For more information, please contact Economic Development Coordinator Luce Rubio at lucer@donaana.gov or 575-386-4347.