George Willis News
First responders in San Juan County prepare for unexpected emergencies: 'This is an opportunity to test the plans'
By George Willis | Oct 12, 2022
A situation that looked serious to the uninformed was a necessary drill for first responders preparing for emergency events at two separate locations in San Juan County.
Budzileni on park repairs: 'There's really not a great time because Bandelier is so popular'
By George Willis | Oct 12, 2022
Sections of Bandelier National Monument near Los Alamos are closed for repairs at what is usually one of the busiest times of the year – the weeks surrounding the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
Albuquerque's new New Park and Ride service eases congestion at Balloon Fiesta Park
By George Willis | Oct 12, 2022
The addition of a Park and Ride service helped ease travel to and from Balloon Fiesta Park during the recently concluded 50th anniversary International Balloon Fiesta.
Animal advocates sue to give Mexican gray wolf freedom: 'We’re as sick as anybody of having to sue'
By George Willis | Oct 11, 2022
Animal advocates are suing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to allow the Mexican gray wolf to run free and not be restricted to its current designated habitat.
Space Station photographs large lava flow in New Mexico: 'These [eruptions] have environmental consequences'
By George Willis | Oct 11, 2022
NASA’s International Space Station recorded photographs of an ancient lava flow stretching across the desert on the west side of Carrizozo.
Locals hunters complaining about distribution of elk tags valued near '$83-million'
By George Willis | Oct 11, 2022
Local hunters think they’re getting the raw end of the deal when it comes to handing out elk tags and are asking the state Gaming Commission to review its policies.
Margarita Hill to offer a diversity of food at location that 'feels right'
By George Willis | Oct 10, 2022
A dirt lot near Unser and Westside in Rio Rancho will be transformed into a large food and drink hall.
Settlement reached in civil case in Rust movie shooting: 'We are grateful to everyone who contributed to the resolution'
By George Willis | Oct 10, 2022
Alec Baldwin announced on social media Wednesday he has reached a settlement with the family of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, who was killed on the “Rust” movie set on Oct. 21, 2021.
Family enjoys rare moose sighting: 'They had a blank stare on their face'
By George Willis | Oct 10, 2022
A family in Questa, N.M., got a glimpse of something most people in the state don’t get to see: a moose.
Family boasts three generations of International Balloon Festival pilots: 'It's the first year my grandson is a pilot'
By George Willis | Oct 10, 2022
The 50th anniversary of the International Balloon Festival carries special significance to one family which can now boast of having three generations of pilots taking part in the event.
PNM plans to modernize, 'keep up with what our customers want today'
By George Willis | Oct 8, 2022
Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM) proposed a grid modernization plan that will invest $344 million over a six-year period.
Customer: Panhandlers in Albuquerque force you to 'watch out for yourself'
By George Willis | Oct 7, 2022
Local businesses in Albuquerque are fed up with aggressive panhandlers, saying that their tactics are impacting revenue and making their customers feel uncomfortable.
New Mexico Family devastated by Hurricane Ian: 'It sounded like a train. We were scared.'
By George Willis | Oct 7, 2022
A New Mexico family who relocated to Florida five years ago found themselves in the path of Hurricane Ian and the results were devastating.
Albuquerque summit to provide info, help on 'the harsh reality' of fentanyl, opiods
By George Willis | Oct 6, 2022
Residents of Albuquerque and surrounding Bernalillo County in New Mexico are encouraged to attend a community event next week to learn about the dangers of fentanyl and strategies for addressing the crisis.
GOP calls on Smalls to adhere to Hatch Act: ‘I trust that Rep. Nathan Small will do the right thing’
By George Willis | Oct 5, 2022
State Rep. Nathan Small (D-Las Cruces) has been asked to return any campaign contributions that may have been illegally raised in violation of the federal Hatch Act.
Audobon Southwest on flourishing roadrunners: 'We're actually seeing their range expand' beyond New Mexico
By George Willis | Oct 4, 2022
While drought conditions have presented a hardship to many, it has allowed the roadrunner to flourish and increase in numbers.
Herrera on water supply funding: 'Village of Cuba residents, business owners and surrounding communities depend on this natural resource'
By George Willis | Oct 3, 2022
An emergency declaration signed by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham provided $400,000 that is being used to address the significant damage to the village of Cuba’s water supply.
International Balloon Festival organizers 'excited' for 50th anniversary without COVID restrictions
By George Willis | Oct 3, 2022
The 50th anniversary of the International Balloon Festival began Saturday with no COVID-19 restrictions for the first time since 2019. To some, that seems like a lifetime ago.
Disabled veteran facility wants adjacent building torn down: 'It's the foulest thing I've seen'
By George Willis | Oct 3, 2022
Disabled veterans faced hardships and danger while serving the country. Now they say they are facing the same challenges trying to live on Chama Street in Albuquerque.
Organizers warm Balloon Festival visitors: 'It's very easy ... to be looking up and that child walks away'
By George Willis | Oct 2, 2022
Organizers of the 50th Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta are stressing safety, especially when it comes to young children.