News from September 2021
South Valley Respite Center to 'serve generations,' offering elderly, disabled care
By Karla Florez | Sep 4, 2021
South Valley Respite Center's doors are opening, aiding families who are caring for elderly or disabled family members.
Most New Mexico healthcare and corrections workers have complied with vaccine mandate, but some 'willing to quit my job over this'
By Solange DeLisle | Sep 4, 2021
All hospital workers, long-term care employees, and those who work at a correctional facility were required to receive at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by Aug.t 27 per a mandate issued by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-NM) earlier this month.
Mask required at 2021 Balloon Fiesta following state health orders
By Emily Bevard | Sep 4, 2021
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta released COVID-19 guidelines this week, requiring masks and encouraging increased social distancing throughout the event.
Roadrunner Food Bank CEO encourages New Mexicans to donate during Hunger Action Month, begin 'conversations around the issues related to hunger'
By Emily Bevard | Sep 4, 2021
As September marks the beginning of Hunger Action Month, Roadrunner Food Bank President and CEO Mag Strittmatter emphasized the importance of the month to take the time and help those in need.
Herrell: 'We need transparency' as New Mexico leaders debate response to Afghan refugee influx at Holloman Air Force Base
By Karla Florez | Sep 4, 2021
New Mexico state officials continue discussing an appropriate plan for the refugees landing at the Holloman Air Force Base.
13 vie over 4 vacant seats on Albuquerque School Board, but incumbents not among them; '13 years is a long time,' president explains
By Solange DeLisle | Sep 3, 2021
Four seats on the Albuquerque Public Schools' Board of Education are up for grabs during the upcoming November election, with none of the current holders planning to run to keep their spot.
Roswell looks to fill two engineering positions open 'for about a year' as staffing shortages slow projects
By Trina Thomas | Sep 3, 2021
As projects continue to stack on top of each other, the Roswell Engineering Department is on the hunt to hire more engineers for 29 upcoming projects.
'I am very hurt that he had to lose his life this way': 13-year-old boy's mother urges new legislation after Washington Middle School shooting
By Alexus Barnhart | Sep 3, 2021
After a bullying incident resulted in 13-year-old Bennie Hargrove getting shot and killed by a classmate, the Bennie Hargrove Gun Safety Act is being presented to the New Mexico legislation.
A noble lie?
By Alan Brooks | Sep 3, 2021
Plato was one of the most influential people in history and widely considered the founder of western political philosophy.
Repeat offender accused of sexual assault on UNM campus
By Caleb Lombardo | Sep 3, 2021
A known repeat offender has once again been accused of sexual assault of a female University of New Mexico (UNM) staffer in her own office, according to KRQE.
Lujan Grisham: Business restrictions 'extra last' resort, placing faith in mask, vaccine mandates
By Emily Bevard | Sep 3, 2021
As indoor mask requirements return, New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham told KOB Wednesday business restrictions would be placed only as a last resort.
San Juan County GOP calls on medical center to support healthcare workers against governor's 'hardline mandatory vaccinations'
By Andy Nghiem | Sep 3, 2021
San Juan County lawmakers are urging the San Juan Regional Medical Center (SJRMC) to support local healthcare staff against the governor's mandate requiring vaccination.
Clayton gives ‘warm welcome’ to Bearsun during New Mexico leg of his journey
By Kasey Schefflin-Emrich | Sep 3, 2021
Jesse Larios, otherwise known as Bearsun, recently visited Clayton wearing a bear costume during his journey across the country to raise money for numerous charities.
New Mexico Department of Health looks to 'build up trust' as hospitals face critical levels of care amid COVID-19 surge
By Timothy Stuckey | Sep 3, 2021
New Mexico hospitals are set to reach crisis levels of care by next week due to an overflow of patients being treated for COVID-18.
Bounkeua breaks 'bamboo ceiling,' succeeds Williams Stapleton as New Mexico's District 19 representative
By Timothy Stuckey | Sep 3, 2021
Kay Bounkeua has been appointed by the Bernalillo County Commission to succeed Rep. Sheryl Williams Stapleton in the New Mexico House of Representatives District 19, making her the first Asian American woman to serve in the state legislature, according to a report by KOB 4.
City Officials Meet With Legislative Interim Economic Development Policy Committee
By City Manager Report | Sep 2, 2021
City of Las Cruces officials have asked the New Mexico Legislature’s Interim Economic Development and Policy Committee to consider updating state statutes to make New Mexico more competitive in the recruitment of businesses.
Las Cruces Utility Successful Protesting Penalties and Price Hike From Winter Storm Uri
By Utilities | Sep 2, 2021
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approved a waiver of all penalties and interest associated with Winter storm Uri imposed by El Paso Natural Gas Company (EPNG) on utilities, including Las Cruces Utilities (LCU).
“Teen Science Café – A.I. and Machine Learning”
By City Manager Report | Sep 2, 2021
The Museum of Nature & Science invites all middle and high school students to join the museum online for a virtual “Teen Science Café – A.I. and Machine Learning,” with guest presenter Steven Sandoval, Ph.D.
Suspect in Sexual Assault Wanted by Police
By Public Safety | Sep 2, 2021
Police are asking for the public’s help locating the suspect believed to be responsible for a violent kidnapping and sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl.
'Paying attention' to women on the street is the first step for Street Safe New Mexico
By Solange DeLisle | Sep 2, 2021
An Albuquerque-based nonprofit has spent more than a decade simply "paying attention" to women struggling with homelessness, addiction, working in the sex industry, and those being forced into it through their lives on the streets.