Good morning, Las Cruces.

A federal judge sentenced Las Cruces man Joe Angel Sandoval, 29, to 10 years in prison with no parole for possessing fentanyl, firearms and cash linked to drug trafficking—federal agents found over 500 grams of fentanyl pills, three guns and nearly $140,000 in cash in his home during an April 2024 search.

Las Cruces Public Libraries will offer beginner ukulele classes for adults, teens and children at Thomas Branigan Memorial Library starting April 17; classes for adults and teens run on Thursdays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. until May 8 and for children on Fridays from 3 to 3:45 p.m. until May 9 — pre-registration is required — and spots will fill by enrollment order.

Las Cruces Public Libraries are offering computer literacy classes in April at Munson Senior Center and Thomas Branigan Memorial Library—classes at Munson run on Mondays from 10 a.m. to noon and cover topics from basic computer skills to email, while Tuesday sessions at Thomas Branigan run from 2-4 p.m. and include Windows 11 and MacBook basics—with registration not required though space and laptops may be limited; attendees should bring their own devices.

The estate of Chaparral man Jose Guzman filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Doña Ana County Commissioners on April 8, saying a sheriff’s deputy used deadly force during a chase after Guzman fled a trespassing stop last year.

The suit claims the deputy broke use of force rules (failing to follow policies for handling a man with mental challenges), which led to his death.

Las Cruces Pecan Festival Painting Event

4-5:30 p.m. — Hospitality Tent/Beer Garden — $30/person, excludes drink/food — Unleash your creativity with guided painting while enjoying local pecans.

April El Camino Mercado Show

6:30-10 p.m. — El Camino — Tickets are nonrefundable — Experience an evening of diverse musical performances in a vibrant community setting.

Power of the Purse Fundraiser

4-8 p.m. — New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum — Support local initiatives — Enjoy a fun-filled evening at the annual Power of the Purse fundraiser benefiting Turning Point of Las Cruces.

Alma d' Arte Spanish Market

May 2-4 — Alma d' Arte Charter High School — Free entry — Discover the vibrant cultural art from Spanish New Mexico at this world-class Spanish Colonial Art Market.