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U.S. households can order four free COVID-19 tests from the federal government with the Sept. 26 relaunch of the at-home test distribution program.

How to order free COVID tests from USPS

How it works: Tests can be ordered on ASPR COVID-19 Testing (covidtests.gov) which directs people to a U.S. Postal Service site.

Need help placing an order for your at-⁠home tests?
Call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).

The tests will detect current COVID variants and can be used through the end of the year, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.

Tests will start shipping the week of Sept. 30, per the site.

COVID tests expiration dates

For some previously distributed tests, expiration dates were extended to account for data that revealed a longer than expected shelf-life.

A full list of approved tests and their revised expiration dates is posted on the FDA website.

For more information about COVID-19, assistance with finding the new vaccine, or locating testing and treatment options, please contact the NMHealth Helpline at 833-SWNURSE (833-796-8773).

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Trestle Planting Project aims to replenish trees lost to dwarf mistletoe

ALAMOGORDO, New Mexico, September 24, 2024 – The Lincoln National Forest will host a free public tree planting event at the Trestle Recreation Area on Saturday, October 5, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. A mandatory training brief for volunteers will take place from 9-10 a.m.

Participants will work to enhance species diversity and monitor resilience to white pine blister rust by planting southwestern white pine seedlings. This reforestation project is a collaboration between the Forest Service and Northern Arizona University.

“Our goal is to engage the community and showcase the vital work we do here on the forest,” said Haley Ritger, Natural Resource Officer for the Lincoln National Forest. “Following this year’s devastating wildfires, planting trees can help us reconnect with the landscape.”

Smokey Bear and the Lincoln National Forest Prevention Team will also be on-hand to share important information about fire safety and wildfire prevention and greet volunteers and visitors. There will also be several educational displays.

In 2021, the Sacramento Ranger District began removing trees affected by dwarf mistletoe across 11 acres in the Trestle Trail Recreation Area. This parasitic plant weakens host trees by draining their nutrients and water, significantly impacting ponderosa pine populations in the Lincoln National Forest. Southwestern white pines with genetic resistance to white pine blister rust will be planted instead of ponderosa pine because they are less susceptible to the dwarf mistletoe and will allow for monitoring durability of rust resistance over time.

Volunteers can arrive at the Trestle Recreation Area at 9 a.m. to register prior to participating. Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear, and bring essential items like water, a lunch, sunscreen, and any personal protective gear. Limited gear and tools will be available on-site.

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Projects part of long-term land management strategy

ALAMOGORDO, New Mexico, September 25, 2024 – The Lincoln National Forest is planning a prescribed fire schedule for the fall season from October – December 2024. These plans are part of the long-term land management and wildfire mitigation strategy for the forest.

The following list includes all tentative projects, size, dates, and areas of possible smoke visibility for our upcoming prescribed burn projects:

Smokey Bear Ranger District

Sacramento Ranger District

Prescribed burns are contingent upon current weather and forest conditions leading up to the planned dates. Our personnel employ predictive tools, weather models, and standardized analysis methods to determine the feasibility of proceeding with a prescribed burn.

Projects may be canceled or rescheduled on short notice if conditions are deemed unsuitable for safe completion of the prescribed fire.

The Lincoln National Forest prioritizes long-term forest health, which includes reducing forest fuels through prescribed fire. Our efforts are aligned with the Forest Service’s 10- year Wildfire Crisis Strategy, aiming to increase the use of fire and other treatments to enhance forest resiliency for generations to come.

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Francisco Sánchez Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration, announced today that SBA will close its Ruidoso Business Recovery Center at 5 p.m. onWednesday, Oct. 2. “SBA opened the center to provide personalized assistance to businesses that were affected by the South Fork Fire, Salt Fire and flooding that occurred June 17 – Aug. 20,” said Sánchez.

Until the center closes, SBA customer service representatives will continue to meet with business owners to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process, help each individual complete their electronic loan application and close their approved loans. No appointment is necessary.

LINCOLN COUNTY Business Recovery Center Ruidoso Public Library Archive Room 107 Kansas City Rd. Ruidoso, NM  88345 Mondays – Fridays, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Closes 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2

“SBA representatives will also continue to be available at the following federal-state Disaster Recovery Center to meet with businesses and residents,” Sánchez continued. The center is open on the days and times indicated. No appointment is necessary.

LINCOLN COUNTY Disaster Recovery Center Horton Complex 237 Service Rd. Ruidoso, NM  88345 Mondays – Fridays, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturdays, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. SBA can also lend additional funds to help with the cost of improvements to protect, prevent or minimize disaster damage from occurring in the future.

For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size, SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any property damage.

Disaster loans up to $500,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property, including personal vehicles.

Interest rates can be as low as 4 percent for businesses, 3.25 percent for private nonprofit organizations and 2.688 percent for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.

Interest does not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the first disaster loan disbursement. SBA disaster loan repayment begins 12 months from the date of the first disbursement.

Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

The deadline to apply for property damage is Oct. 19, 2024. The deadline to apply for economic injury is March 20, 2025.

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Date:   September 19, 2024

To:       Mescalero Apache Tribal President, Vice-President, Tribal Council and Mescalero Apache Tribal members

Re:       No Early Voting for Primary Election and No Primary Election

The Revised Constitution of the Mescalero Apache Tribe provides the following at Article IX – Nominations and Elections, Section 7. (A), (B), & (C):

Per (A). “…The eight nominees receiving the highest number of votes, for council member shall be the only candidates for council members in the next general election.”

The Election Board has determined the eligibility of any and all Tribal members that submitted Statements of Intent. There are eight (8) candidates that meet all eligibility requirements. These candidates are listed on the sample ballot.

Per (B). “If the number of candidates filing for…a position on the council is such that a primary election would not serve to eliminate any candidates for a given position then such candidates shall be the candidates in the general election.”

This means that the eight (8) qualified candidates listed on the sample ballot are deemed to be the candidates in the general election.

Per (C). “A “Primary election shall be held for an office or position only when there are more candidates than are allowed in the general elections…”

Because there are only eight (8) qualified candidates and the general election only allows eight (8) candidates, the primary election will not be held. Therefore, there will be no Early Voting on September 27, 2024 and no Primary Election on October 1, 2024.

The candidates are:

1. Christie LaPaz Jr.

2. Salem Tortilla

3. Alta M. Branham (Sobe)

4. Joseph Geronimo

5. Krystal Enjady

6. Dorlynn Simmons

7. Clyde Davis Jr.

8. Coloradas Mangas

Feel free to contact the Election Board at Electionboard@mescaleroapachetribe.com regarding this notice.  Sherlee Enjady, Mescalero Apache Election Board Chairperson.

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**The 2024 Tribal Member Trophy Bull Elk Hunt application is for Tribal members only.**

Conservation will accept applications for the Trophy Bull Elk Hunt until September 26, 2024. Applications must be submitted with a $10.00 Money Order or Cashier Check by 4:30 pm on September 26, 2024. The drawing will be held at noon at the Mescalero Conservation Department on September 27, 2024, the public is more than welcome to come and join.

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MAS Pageant is RESCHEDULED to Wednesday, September 25th out of respect for the upcoming services.

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