Damien Willis
@damienwillis.bsky.social
Founder/Editor of Organ Mountain News. Celebrated Introvert. Award-winning Journalist / Gov't PR Guy / Podcaster. Formerly Las Cruces Sun-News & Hot 103. DM's open.
Reposted by Damien Willis
New Mexico AG Raúl Torrez warned four telecom companies over alleged failures to curb illegal robocalls as part of a 51-state enforcement effort launched in 2022.
AG Torrez issues warnings to telecom companies over high volumes of illegal robocalls
Attorney General Raúl Torrez and a national task force have warned four telecom companies about high volumes of suspected illegal robocalls routed through their networks.
www.organmountainnews.com
December 10, 2025 at 2:23 PM
New Mexico AG Raúl Torrez warned four telecom companies over alleged failures to curb illegal robocalls as part of a 51-state enforcement effort launched in 2022.
Reposted by Damien Willis
Las Cruces police issued a Silver Alert for 68-year-old Arthur J. Crothers, last believed to be near Santa Teresa or El Paso after leaving a healthcare facility. Anyone with information should call 575-526-0750.
Silver Alert issued for 68-year-old Las Cruces man last seen near Santa Teresa, El Paso
New Mexico State Police issued a Silver Alert for 68-year-old Arthur J. Crothers, who family members have not seen or heard from in several weeks.
www.organmountainnews.com
December 10, 2025 at 12:20 AM
Las Cruces police issued a Silver Alert for 68-year-old Arthur J. Crothers, last believed to be near Santa Teresa or El Paso after leaving a healthcare facility. Anyone with information should call 575-526-0750.
Reposted by Damien Willis
The Las Cruces Fire Department will use a $456,181 FEMA grant to train 15 firefighters as paramedics through Doña Ana Community College, strengthening local emergency medical response.
Las Cruces Fire Department awarded $456K federal grant to expand paramedic training
A $456,181 federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant will allow the Las Cruces Fire Department to train 15 firefighters as paramedics through Doña Ana Community College, strengthening local emergency m...
www.organmountainnews.com
December 9, 2025 at 4:36 PM
The Las Cruces Fire Department will use a $456,181 FEMA grant to train 15 firefighters as paramedics through Doña Ana Community College, strengthening local emergency medical response.
Reposted by Damien Willis
Casa de Peregrinos has received a $50,000 challenge grant from the Thornburg Foundation to support food assistance for families across southern New Mexico.
Casa de Peregrinos receives $50K Thornburg Foundation challenge grant
Casa de Peregrinos has received a $50,000 challenge grant from the Thornburg Foundation and is urging the community to match it as food assistance needs continue to grow.
www.organmountainnews.com
December 9, 2025 at 2:38 PM
Casa de Peregrinos has received a $50,000 challenge grant from the Thornburg Foundation to support food assistance for families across southern New Mexico.
Reposted by Damien Willis
Four New Mexico State University students spent three weeks in Puerto Rico studying the coffee industry and the climate and labor challenges faced by growers.
NMSU students venture to Puerto Rico to learn about coffee industry
Four New Mexico State University agricultural business students traveled across Puerto Rico to interview coffee farmers, gather data on production trends and document efforts to revive a historic coff...
www.organmountainnews.com
December 9, 2025 at 2:47 AM
Four New Mexico State University students spent three weeks in Puerto Rico studying the coffee industry and the climate and labor challenges faced by growers.
Reposted by Damien Willis
New Mexico State University professor Brandon Hobson, a Guggenheim Fellow and National Book Award finalist, has published his sixth novel, "The Devil Is a Southpaw."
NMSU professor publishes sixth novel, 'The Devil is a Southpaw'
New Mexico State University creative-writing professor Brandon Hobson has released his sixth novel, The Devil Is a Southpaw. Set in a 1988 Oklahoma juvenile detention center, the “novel within a novel...
www.organmountainnews.com
December 9, 2025 at 12:35 AM
New Mexico State University professor Brandon Hobson, a Guggenheim Fellow and National Book Award finalist, has published his sixth novel, "The Devil Is a Southpaw."
Reposted by Damien Willis
Starting tomorrow, restrooms and water fountains at Meerscheidt Recreation Center will close temporarily for construction, with portable restrooms and hand-washing stations provided.
Meerscheidt Recreation Center restrooms, water fountains to close temporarily for construction
Restrooms, water fountains and lobby access at Meerscheidt Recreation Center will be temporarily unavailable beginning Dec. 9 due to construction. Portable restrooms will be provided.
www.organmountainnews.com
December 8, 2025 at 8:59 PM
Starting tomorrow, restrooms and water fountains at Meerscheidt Recreation Center will close temporarily for construction, with portable restrooms and hand-washing stations provided.
Reposted by Damien Willis
Project Jupiter’s projected greenhouse-gas emissions could rival those of New Mexico’s largest cities, raising questions about the climate and energy tradeoffs tied to large data-center development.
Data center Project Jupiter’s greenhouse gas emissions could rival NM’s largest cities
Developers behind Project Jupiter, a massive data-center campus planned near Doña Ana County, say the site could emit more than 14 million tons of greenhouse gases annually — a level that would rival ...
www.organmountainnews.com
December 8, 2025 at 4:09 PM
Project Jupiter’s projected greenhouse-gas emissions could rival those of New Mexico’s largest cities, raising questions about the climate and energy tradeoffs tied to large data-center development.
Reposted by Damien Willis
After pressure to lower winter utility costs, LIHEAP funds have been released in New Mexico, providing heating assistance for low-income households, seniors and families as colder weather sets in.
New Mexico delegation announces release of LIHEAP funds after push to lower winter utility costs
New Mexico’s congressional delegation says long-delayed LIHEAP funding is on its way to the state after lawmakers demanded action amid higher winter utility costs.
www.organmountainnews.com
December 8, 2025 at 2:26 PM
After pressure to lower winter utility costs, LIHEAP funds have been released in New Mexico, providing heating assistance for low-income households, seniors and families as colder weather sets in.
Reposted by Damien Willis
A $2.3M US 70 roadway rehabilitation project begins Monday and will significantly impact traffic for commuters traveling to and from White Sands Missile Range.
$2.3M US 70 roadway rehabilitation project to begin Monday
A $2.3 million roadway rehabilitation project on US 70 near Organ will begin Dec. 8, bringing lane closures and reduced speed limits through Dec. 23, weather permitting.
www.organmountainnews.com
December 8, 2025 at 12:34 AM
A $2.3M US 70 roadway rehabilitation project begins Monday and will significantly impact traffic for commuters traveling to and from White Sands Missile Range.
Reposted by Damien Willis
A $4M federal grant will fund a new express bus connecting Las Cruces and El Paso, improving access for commuters and residents without reliable transportation.
$4M federal grant funds new express bus service between Las Cruces and El Paso
A $4 million federal transit grant will fund a new express bus service linking Las Cruces and El Paso, aiming to improve cross-border access for commuters and transit-dependent residents.
www.organmountainnews.com
December 7, 2025 at 10:24 PM
A $4M federal grant will fund a new express bus connecting Las Cruces and El Paso, improving access for commuters and residents without reliable transportation.
Reposted by Damien Willis
Guest column: Gabriella Brillante reflects on Christmas ornaments as touchstones of memory, family and tradition across generations.
What our Christmas ornaments remember for us
A community guest column explores the history of Christmas ornaments and the personal memories they hold across generations.
www.organmountainnews.com
December 7, 2025 at 7:19 PM
Guest column: Gabriella Brillante reflects on Christmas ornaments as touchstones of memory, family and tradition across generations.
Reposted by Damien Willis
A new investigation by Searchlight New Mexico examines why human remains found in New Mexico’s borderlands often go unrecovered or unidentified for years, even as families search for answers.
‘An open graveyard’: Skeletal remains lie unrecovered in New Mexico’s borderlands
This republished Searchlight New Mexico investigation looks at the challenges of locating, identifying and recovering the remains of migrants who die in New Mexico’s borderlands.
www.organmountainnews.com
December 7, 2025 at 4:08 PM
A new investigation by Searchlight New Mexico examines why human remains found in New Mexico’s borderlands often go unrecovered or unidentified for years, even as families search for answers.
Reposted by Damien Willis
Mesilla Valley officials are seeking a bicycle community representative to help advise regional transportation planning decisions.
Mesilla Valley MPO seeks bicycle community representative for advisory committee
The Mesilla Valley MPO is seeking a Bicycle Community Representative for its Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Advisory Committee. Applications are open through Feb. 2.
www.organmountainnews.com
December 7, 2025 at 2:08 PM
Mesilla Valley officials are seeking a bicycle community representative to help advise regional transportation planning decisions.
Reposted by Damien Willis
Ken Miyagishima was the only gubernatorial candidate to attend a climate-focused town hall, answering questions on energy and water while other campaigns did not appear in person.
Lone candidate for New Mexico governor attends climate-focused town hall
Only one 2026-gubernatorial candidate — Ken Miyagishima — showed up in person at a climate-focused town hall Thursday, while other Democrats sent surrogates and no Republicans appeared. The absence co...
www.organmountainnews.com
December 6, 2025 at 10:19 PM
Ken Miyagishima was the only gubernatorial candidate to attend a climate-focused town hall, answering questions on energy and water while other campaigns did not appear in person.
Reposted by Damien Willis
A $50,000 donation from Project Jupiter helped Casa de Peregrinos distribute hundreds of food boxes at a Sunland Park pop-up pantry as hunger increases across Doña Ana County.
Project Jupiter donates $50K to Casa de Peregrinos during Sunland Park pop-up pantry
Project Jupiter donated $50,000 to Casa de Peregrinos, supporting a Dec. 5 pop-up pantry in Sunland Park as food insecurity increases across Doña Ana County
www.organmountainnews.com
December 6, 2025 at 8:14 PM
A $50,000 donation from Project Jupiter helped Casa de Peregrinos distribute hundreds of food boxes at a Sunland Park pop-up pantry as hunger increases across Doña Ana County.
Reposted by Damien Willis
Got plans for tonight? Leah Romero reviews EPSO’s "A Christmas Fantasia" ahead of the orchestra’s Saturday night El Paso performance, calling it a polished holiday program with humor, warmth and restraint.
Review: EPSO celebrates the holiday season with a bit of whimsy, laughter and nostalgia
Leah Romero reflects on the El Paso Symphony Orchestra’s A Christmas Fantasia, a festive concert featuring holiday favorites, guest soprano Erica Spyres and spirited audience participation
www.organmountainnews.com
December 6, 2025 at 6:04 PM
Got plans for tonight? Leah Romero reviews EPSO’s "A Christmas Fantasia" ahead of the orchestra’s Saturday night El Paso performance, calling it a polished holiday program with humor, warmth and restraint.
Reposted by Damien Willis
Las Cruces has opened registration for a $20 all-day Winter Break Camp for K–5 students, giving parents an affordable option during the school break.
Registration now open for Las Cruces Winter Break Camp
Registration is now open for the City of Las Cruces Winter Break Camp, a $20 program for children in kindergarten through fifth grade running Dec. 22 through Jan. 2.
www.organmountainnews.com
December 6, 2025 at 3:50 PM
Las Cruces has opened registration for a $20 all-day Winter Break Camp for K–5 students, giving parents an affordable option during the school break.
Reposted by Damien Willis
Lane closures begin Monday on US 70 near Organ, directly affecting daily travel between Las Cruces and White Sands Missile Range during a $2.3M roadway project.
$2.3M US 70 roadway rehabilitation project to begin Monday
A $2.3 million roadway rehabilitation project on US 70 near Organ will begin Dec. 8, bringing lane closures and reduced speed limits through Dec. 23, weather permitting.
www.organmountainnews.com
December 6, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Lane closures begin Monday on US 70 near Organ, directly affecting daily travel between Las Cruces and White Sands Missile Range during a $2.3M roadway project.
Reposted by Damien Willis
A coyote near Silver City tested positive for rabies after biting a hiker. A $10 rabies-vaccination clinic for pets is scheduled Saturday in Silver City.
Rabid coyote bites hiker near Silver City, prompting weekend vaccination clinic
A coyote that bit a hiker in the Gila National Forest has tested positive for rabies, marking the region’s fourth case this year. A low-cost vaccination clinic is set for Saturday in Silver City.
www.organmountainnews.com
December 6, 2025 at 2:38 AM
A coyote near Silver City tested positive for rabies after biting a hiker. A $10 rabies-vaccination clinic for pets is scheduled Saturday in Silver City.
Reposted by Damien Willis
BLM has cut Christmas tree and firewood permit fees to $1 through January across New Mexico public lands.
BLM drops Christmas tree and firewood permit fees to $1 through January
The Bureau of Land Management has reduced personal-use Christmas tree and firewood permits to $1 through Jan. 31 and expanded household limits, aiming to save families money and support wildfire preve...
www.organmountainnews.com
December 5, 2025 at 11:55 PM
BLM has cut Christmas tree and firewood permit fees to $1 through January across New Mexico public lands.
Reposted by Damien Willis
LCPD issued 27 citations Thursday on Red Hawk Golf Road during a one-hour traffic sweep.
LCPD issues 27 citations during one-hour traffic operation on Red Hawk Golf Road
Las Cruces police issued 27 citations in a one-hour traffic enforcement operation on Red Hawk Golf Road, including speeding, registration and insurance violations.
www.organmountainnews.com
December 5, 2025 at 9:38 PM
LCPD issued 27 citations Thursday on Red Hawk Golf Road during a one-hour traffic sweep.
Reposted by Damien Willis
New Mexico’s top energy official resigned abruptly Friday for personal reasons, according to the Governor’s Office.
NM cabinet Secretary Kenderdine abruptly resigns ‘for personal reasons’
New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Secretary Melanie Kenderdine resigned abruptly Dec. 5 for personal reasons, citing her husband’s poor health. Deputy Secretary Erin Taylor will serve ...
www.organmountainnews.com
December 5, 2025 at 7:38 PM
New Mexico’s top energy official resigned abruptly Friday for personal reasons, according to the Governor’s Office.
Reposted by Damien Willis
Las Cruces police are sharing 19 safety reminders to help holiday shoppers avoid theft in local stores and parking lots.
Las Cruces police share safety tips for holiday shoppers
The Las Cruces Police Department is reminding shoppers to stay alert and take simple precautions to protect themselves and their property during the holiday season.
www.organmountainnews.com
December 5, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Las Cruces police are sharing 19 safety reminders to help holiday shoppers avoid theft in local stores and parking lots.
Reposted by Damien Willis
More than 160 tax-delinquent properties in Doña Ana County will head to auction on Dec. 15. Here’s what owners and buyers should know.
Doña Ana County delinquent property tax auction scheduled for Dec. 15
New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department will hold a delinquent property tax auction in Doña Ana County on Dec. 15 in Las Cruces for properties with unpaid taxes dating back at least four years.
www.organmountainnews.com
December 4, 2025 at 8:46 PM
More than 160 tax-delinquent properties in Doña Ana County will head to auction on Dec. 15. Here’s what owners and buyers should know.