Las Cruces Digest

Happy World Snake Day to all who celebrate!

is recognized every July 16th to increase awareness and positivity towards animals that are often feared, hated, and killed due to negative attitudes humans hold towards them.

There are over 3,400 species of snakes worldwide, 17 of which call White Sands National Park home. Snakes are integral part of every ecosystem they live in including White Sands. Without snakes we would be overrun by disease carrying rodents. We would also see far less animals that depend on snakes for food such as roadrunners, kit foxes, bobcats and American badgers.

Yes, some species are venomous and can pose a danger to humans, but you can eliminate most of the risk of a venomous snakebite if you:

1) Educate yourself about the venomous snakes found in your area.

2) Are aware of where you're stepping while hiking.

3) Don't reach under natural or human created debris where snakes can be hiding.

4) Teach your family and children about snake safety.

5) Never try to pick up or kill a snake you see!

Remember that we are recreating in their backyard, not the other way around. It is up to us to peacefully coexist with snakes to help keep ecosystems such as those here at White Sands healthy and thriving.

Photo Credit: NPS Photo/C.Calvert

Women’s Golf: Aggies Add Olsson and Stauffer to Finalize Roster Ahead of Fall Season

Stauffer, a native of Buonas, Switzerland, will enter her true freshman season with the Aggies....

https://lascrucesdigest.com/2026/07/16/womens-golf-aggies-add-olsson-and-stauffer-to-finalize-roster-ahead-of-fall-season/

City Cashiering, County Treasurer’s Office to Close July 22 for Staff Training

Utility customers will still have several payment options available, including the after-hours payment drop box located between City Hall and Thomas Branigan Memorial Library, the City's 24-hour pay-by-phone system, online payments, Walmart cash payments, and one-time online payments....

https://lascrucesdigest.com/2026/07/16/city-cashiering-county-treasurers-office-to-close-july-22-for-staff-training/

Tuesday Night Train vs. Pedestrian Incident Results in Fatality

About 11:45 p.m. Tuesday, July 14, 2026, Las Cruces police were dispatched to the railroad tracks near Brown Road where a southbound BNSF train struck a pedestrian who was walking along the railroad tracks....

https://lascrucesdigest.com/2026/07/16/tuesday-night-train-vs-pedestrian-incident-results-in-fatality/

Track & Field: Aggies Ink Head Coach Joseph Rath to Contract Extension

"Las Cruces is a special place for my family, and I'm grateful to continue calling it home. I'm excited for what's ahead and look forward to taking our programs to new heights."...

https://lascrucesdigest.com/2026/07/16/track-field-aggies-ink-head-coach-joseph-rath-to-contract-extension/

SBIR/STTR reauthorization extends funding opportunities for New Mexico innovators

"These changes create both immediate opportunities and new compliance considerations for New Mexico companies competing for federal innovation funding."...

https://lascrucesdigest.com/2026/07/16/sbir-sttr-reauthorization-extends-funding-opportunities-for-new-mexico-innovators/

Route 66: Buckle up for a journey through America’s iconic highways.

From Chicago to Santa Monica, Route 66 passed through the heart of New Mexico—Tucumcari, Santa Rosa, Albuquerque, and Gallup—becoming a symbol of freedom, adventure, and discovery....

https://lascrucesdigest.com/2026/07/16/route-66-buckle-up-for-a-journey-through-americas-iconic-highways/

Three Las Cruces Graduates Receive Prestigious National Merit Scholarships

These Merit Scholars join more than 2,500 recipients of college-sponsored awards announced in June....

https://lascrucesdigest.com/2026/07/16/three-las-cruces-graduates-receive-prestigious-national-merit-scholarships/

Not Just the County: Multiple New Mexico Agencies Warn Residents About Rise in Impersonation Scams

The Town of Mesilla and Las Cruces Utilities both warned residents about fraudulent door hangers or flyers claiming to concern water service or water quality....

https://lascrucesdigest.com/2026/07/16/not-just-the-county-multiple-new-mexico-agencies-warn-residents-about-rise-in-impersonation-scams/