New Mexico Sun

District 3 Councilor Klarissa Pena, along with Mayor Tim Keller and Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, gathered with other officials today to break ground on the new Southwest Safety Center in Albuquerque. The groundbreaking ceremony marked the beginning of the construction of an innovative facility that aims to enhance public safety and improve emergency response times in the southwest area of the city.Mayor Tim Keller emphasized the importance of the new facility, stating, "When it comes to first response times, minutes matter, and our first responders will be able to get...

An Elephant-Sized Effort: Irene the Elephant Receives Eye Surgery

An elephant-sized effort was put into helping Irene the elephant when she needed eye surgery. The ABQ BioPark partnered with many other caring professionals to assist with the procedure. The surgery was not without its challenges, as highlighted by the statement, "But there are plenty of risks when you anesthetize a 55 year old 7,600 lb patient."The teamwork and dedication involved in Irene's care is emphasized in the statement, "This is a moving story of teamwork and a behind the scenes look at amazing animal care." This collaboration among professionals showcases the...

NMSU Extension to host annual fruit growers workshop March 15 in Alcalde

New Mexico State University’s Cooperative Extension Service is gearing up to hold the 2024 fruit growers workshop on March 15 at the Alcalde Community Center. The event aims to educate fruit growers on methods for orchard improvement, regardless of the size of their operation.Santa Fe County Extension Agriculture agent, Tom Dominguez, expressed, “This is an opportunity to enhance fruit growing knowledge and learn about new and upcoming varieties.”The workshop will feature a range of sessions covering various topics important to fruit growers. Attendees can expect to...

Paradise Hills Community Center Hosts Public Meeting on Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan

Bernalillo County – BernCo’s Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Department is seeking public input on proposed updates to the department’s facilities master plan for the Paradise Hills Neighborhood Community Area. This is the seventh community meeting held so far and will take place at the Paradise Hills Community Center. Residents are encouraged to attend the meeting and provide their feedback on the future plans for parks, recreation, and open spaces in the Paradise Hills area. The department is eager to hear from the community to ensure that their needs and preferences...

NMSU Board of Regents to meet in closed session March 6

By New Mexico Sun | Mar 3, 2024

The New Mexico State University Board of Regents has announced that they will convene for a closed online meeting on Wednesday, March 6 at 7:30 p.m. The purpose of this meeting is to deliberate on the finalists for the position of NMSU president. As stated by the announcement, "The meeting has been called to discuss the finalists for president of NMSU."During this closed session, the discussion regarding the candidates for the presidency will not be open to the public. This decision is in accordance with the provisions set forth in NMSA 1978, Section 10-15-1.H(2) (2013)....

School of Engineering selects senior director of development

The University of New Mexico Foundation has appointed Mary Wolford as the senior director of development for the School of Engineering, effective March 4. Wolford, an experienced fundraising professional, is returning to a familiar role within the university, having previously served as the senior director of development for the School of Engineering from 2012-2014.In a statement, Donna Riley, the Jim and Ellen King Dean of Engineering and Computing, expressed her excitement about working with Wolford, highlighting her past experience in academic fundraising at UNM. Riley...

Spring Cleanup Time at Bosque Redondo Memorial

The Bosque Redondo Memorial at Fort Sumner Historic Site is currently undergoing its annual Spring cleanup, as announced by the site management. This effort aims to prepare the site for visitors keen on exploring the rich history and enjoying the serene surroundings, which now include newborn lambs.According to the site management, the staff is actively engaged in finalizing various interpretive and facility improvement projects, ensuring a more engaging and informative experience for visitors. The site operates from Wednesday to Sunday, welcoming guests from 10 a.m. to 4...

APD charges suspect for 2nd murder, six days after killing ex-girlfriend

APD Homicide detectives have charged Alexander Ortiz with the murder of Nicole Maldonado on Jan. 17, 2024, outside the Adam Market on east Central Ave, just six days after allegedly killing his ex-girlfriend, Alianna Farfan. According to the report, Ortiz was upset with Farfan on the day of the shooting, as revealed by friends and family who spoke to detectives investigating Farfan's murder.Detectives from the APD's Investigative Support Unit began searching for Ortiz following the murder of Farfan. It was during this search that Ortiz was identified as a suspect in the...

Santa Fe County to Host PFAS Town Hall for La Cienega and La Cieneguilla Areas

Santa Fe County is set to host a Town Hall on Thursday, March 14, 2024, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Santa Fe Community College to address concerns related to Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS) in the La Cienega and La Cieneguilla areas. The event aims to provide valuable insights into PFAS for residents, with key stakeholders participating in the discussion.Commissioner Bustamante highlighted the significance of the town hall, stating, "This town hall is an important part of the overall need to listen to community members so that we may collectively address the...

Newly Formed New Mexico Climate Investment Center Seeks First Board Members

The New Mexico Climate Investment Center (NMCIC) is in search of individuals to join its inaugural NMCIC Board of Directors. The center, established in October 2023, aims to tackle the challenges posed by climate change while promoting economic prosperity for low-income households and businesses.Albuquerque District 7 Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn, a member of the board's nominating committee, expressed her enthusiasm for the NMCIC's mission, stating, "The NMCIC brings an unprecedented approach to diminish the impact of climate change for low-income households, small...

APD Searching for Suspect in Shooting Death at Hiking Trail

ALBUQUERQUE – APD detectives are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Paul Arthur Lopez, 28, who is a suspect in Thursday’s shooting death of Marvin Riley at the trailhead of a popular hiking trail.Witnesses told detectives Riley, 37, was sitting in his car and watching the sunset from the parking lot of the Embudo Trailhead, located at 13921 Indian School Rd., N.E. Witnesses said Lopez fired a single shot, striking Riley. Riley collapsed and later died from his injury.Witnesses identified the green SUV that Lopez was driving as he fled the scene. Detectives...

Treasurer Reminds Taxpayers of the 2024 Options: Monthly Payment Plan and the Auto Pay

Bernalillo County Treasurer Nancy Bearce is reminding property owners of the upcoming opportunities for the 2024 tax season. The Monthly Payment Program (MPP) sign-up for taxpayers will commence on March 1 and will run through August 31, 2024. Bearce emphasizes that automatic payments, also known as auto pay, are available for all property tax payments."With the Monthly Payment Program, taxpayers have the option to pay their property taxes in 10 monthly installments, starting June 1, 2024, to March 1, 2025," Bearce explained. She highlighted the convenience and...

Sobriety Checkpoints to Continue Through March in Doña Ana County

The Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office, DASO, has announced that Sobriety Checkpoints and Saturation Patrols will continue throughout the month of March. The initiative aims to reduce the number of crashes, injuries, and deaths related to Driving While Intoxicated, DWI.According to the Sheriff's Office, the checkpoints will be set up in undisclosed locations and areas within Doña Ana County. Deputies will be conducting operations between the hours of 12 p.m. and 2 a.m., focusing on various violations with a particular emphasis on identifying intoxicated drivers.In a...

Gittings Endowed Chair awarded to NMSU College of Engineering’s Gabe Garcia

Assistant dean of student success and Engineering Technology and Surveying Engineering department head at New Mexico State University Gabe Garcia has been honored with the Michael and June Gittings Endowed Chair. This honor recognizes Garcia’s history of leadership and his contributions to the college.In response to the recognition, Garcia expressed his gratitude, stating, “It is an honor to be the first recipient of the Michael and June Gittings Endowed Chair in the College of Engineering. This is not just a recognition of past achievements, but a call to action toward...

NMSU Extension to host AgriVenture Symposium April 10 in Taos

New Mexico State University's Mora County Cooperative Extension Service is gearing up to host the AgriVenture Symposium on April 10 in Taos. The event, which will run from 9:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Taos County Agriculture Center, will delve into various crucial topics surrounding agriculture.The symposium will feature discussions on regenerative agriculture, soil health, wireless fencing, cattle outlook, climate trends, and living with fire-prone landscapes. According to Sunny Finley, Mora County Ag Extension agent, the event is designed to address contemporary...

APD Releases 2023 Crime Stats

The Albuquerque Police Department has recently unveiled the preliminary crime statistics for 2023. According to the data released by APD, crimes against property have shown a stable trend with an 18% decrease since 2018. In specific categories, burglary decreased by 16%, motor vehicle theft by 13%, robbery by 41%, and larceny increased slightly by 2%.Regarding crimes against persons, there was a 19% drop in homicides between 2022 and 2023. Chief Harold Medina of APD emphasized, "We saw a significant decrease in homicides at the same time we continue to solve these cases...

Albuquerque Police Make Arrests and Add New Offenders to Metro 15 List

Albuquerque Police Department recently made arrests related to the Metro 15 List, a targeted effort under Mayor Keller’s Violence Intervention Program. Charles Casias and Todd Haire, both Metro 15 offenders, were apprehended for their respective warrants. Casias was arrested for Probation Violation while Haire was booked for Criminal Sexual Contact of a Minor.Moreover, two new individuals have been added to the Metro 15 List. Imani Malilo, aged 30, has warrants for Aggravated Battery, while Natasha Streeter, aged 36, has warrants for Non-Residential Burglary.The Metro...

APD Releases 2023 Crime Stats

The Albuquerque Police Department recently unveiled its preliminary crime statistics for the year 2023, indicating various shifts in criminal activities within the city. According to APD's presentation available on their website, crimes against property have showcased a stable trend, with an 18% decrease since 2018 when the department adopted the FBI's National Incident-Based Reporting System.In terms of Crimes Against Property, specific changes were noted:- Burglary decreased by 16%- Motor Vehicle Theft saw a 13% reduction- Robbery incidents dropped by 41%- Larceny...

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