Las Cruces News

LAS CRUCES >> A murder trial started Monday afternoon for the Las Cruces man accused of shooting a housemate more than five years ago.

Sizzling Platter, a Utah-based restaurant management company, owns and operates the location at 3835 E. Lohman Ave. Suite 100 - between Pioneer Bank and Jason's Deli.

LAS CRUCES >> The DVD of the movie "Despicable Me 2" is scheduled to be released on Tuesday and one Las Cruces Walmart plans to celebrate the event.

According to a news release, crews were dispatched to the 1300 block of Lynx Trail at 1:45 a.m. Monday after reports of a residential structure fire.

Joselynn Vallejo, 11, gathers with other students to learn mariachi music at the dual-language charter school La Academia Dolores Huerta.

LAS CRUCES, N.M. >> With 1,016 students projected to participate in the fall 2013 commencement ceremony at New Mexico State University at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at the Pan American Center, the 121st event will be the largest attended for a fall ceremony.

SILVER CITY >> The Walmart Foundation has provided additional funding that has allowed Roadrunner Food Bank to increase its hunger programs to seniors through its Senior Helpings Program and senior specific Mobile Food Pantry sites in six New Mexico counties - Dona Ana, Luna, Grant, Hidalgo, Otero and Sierra counties.

LAS CRUCES >> You're on the way out the door to your family holiday gathering when you realize you forgot to buy a present for Aunt Ethel .

SILVER CITY >> Javier J. Reyes, 19, of Santa Clara, pleaded guilty in Las Cruces federal court on Friday to firearms charges, according to a news release from the U.S. Department of Justice.

"Mixed-Media Octopus," by Monte Vista Elementary School fifth grader Isaac Silva, is among works by regional student artists currently on exhibit at the Dona Ana County Government Center.

Las Cruces >> Officials in Dona Ana and Sierra Counties are about to consider formal stances against a state lawmaker proposal that has implications for Spaceport America sales-tax dollars going to local public schools.

"I don't know who could be in here today and not be excited by what they see. I don't know whether to smile or cry," said Shawn McKenzie.

If you violate the rules -- overhauled in January to curb false alarms -- officials can use the ordinance to squeeze your pocket book.

Las Cruces >> Las Cruces city councilors on Monday will hear about a proposal to create a special taxing district to pay for road and drainage infrastructure.

A couple with deep roots in the Verde Valley have been killed in a train derailment in Southern New Mexico.

LAS CRUCES >> The Mesilla Valley is on the national map for a lot of things, like its scenic mountain views and tasty green and red chile, but it may surprise some to know it also boasts a nationally renowned plastic surgeon in Dr. Scot Martin.

Phoenix and other Arizona cities were the latest hit by a wave of fast-foot protests demanding a change in wages.

Trojans >> I am reading Wednesday's article about the Mayfield Trojans and the paragraph about coach Michael Bradley and how he says he is so proud of his kids.

Starring in Neil Simon's "Come Blow Your Horn," opening today at the Las Cruces Community Theatre, are, from left, Laura Cadena, Mike Dick, Grady Easterling and Caroline Iosso.

LAS CRUCES >> Cassadee Pope, winner of the hit TV show "The Voice," will headline the Las Cruces Country Musical Festival in April.