News from November 2023


NM Agriculture's Taste the Tradition Holiday Lookbook returns

The New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) announced the second edition of the New Mexico Taste the Tradition Holiday Lookbook, providing residents with a 58-page online gift guide showcasing locally grown and crafted products. This initiative, launched in 2023, aims to encourage support for businesses within the state, allowing consumers to explore unique gifts made in New Mexico.


NM Agriculture's Taste the Tradition Holiday Lookbook returns

The New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) announced the second edition of the New Mexico Taste the Tradition Holiday Lookbook, providing residents with a 58-page online gift guide showcasing locally grown and crafted products. The lookbook is released as part of an initiative that aims to encourage support for businesses within the state, offering consumers the opportunity to explore unique gifts made in New Mexico.


UNM College of Nursing elected as Vice-Chair of WICHE

UNM Health Sciences announced Barbara Damron, PhD, MSN, RN, FAAN, a professor and senior advisor to the dean of the College of Nursing at UNM, was elected as the Vice-Chair of the Western Institute Commission for Higher Education (WICHE). WICHE aims to foster educational access and excellence for residents of the Western United States and US territories through innovative approaches, collaboration, resource sharing, and effective public policy. This appointment marks a milestone in UNM's representation within WICHE.


UNM HSLIC manager receives recognition from Association of Research Libraries

``` UNM Health Sciences announced that Sally Bowler-Hill, MA, MSIS, PMP, the Manager of Administrative Operations at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Library and Informatics Center (UNM HSLIC), has been selected for the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) 2023 Leadership Fellows Program. This program, designed to foster future leaders in research libraries, is a distinguished initiative recognizing and fostering individuals with the capacity to make meaningful contributions to the profession. This selection marks an important milestone in Bowler-Hill's...


Vibrant children’s art adorns UNM Sandoval Regional Medical Center

UNM Health Sciences announced a partnership between UNM Sandoval Regional Medical Center (SRMC) President and CEO Jamie Silva-Steele and Donna Barnitz, an art teacher at Colinas del Norte Elementary. Each year, the students of Barnitz contribute vibrant artwork to adorn the walls of the medical center, and SRMC hosts an event inviting the children, along with their friends and family, to view their art on display. This partnership is aimed at addressing the emotional toll linked with hospitals by creating a nurturing environment that promotes healing.


UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center launches Lung cancer screening clinic

UNM Health Sciences announced that the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center has initiated a dedicated lung cancer screening program. This new clinic is designed to provide screening, minimally invasive testing, and follow-up, systematically offering these services to eligible individuals at UNM. The program started in November aligning with Lung Cancer Awareness Month.


Bernalillo County commission accepts federal grant for school-based mobile health unit

Bernalillo County announced that the Commission recently approved a federal grant of $422,031 for acquiring and constructing a mobile health unit. The mobile health clinic, situated within schools, strives to improve and expand the current healthcare infrastructure by providing medical services to regions facing economic and medical vulnerabilities. This new initiative is part of a larger effort to enhance accessibility and effectiveness of health services in underprivileged areas.


City of Albuquerque City Council met Oct. 2

City of Albuquerque City Council met Monday, Oct. 2


City of Santa Fe Occupancy Tax Advisory Board met Aug. 25

City of Santa Fe Occupancy Tax Advisory Board met Friday, Aug. 25


BETMGM launches retail sportsbook at Isleta Resort & Casino in New Mexico

BetMGM announced it has inaugurated a new retail sportsbook at Isleta Resort & Casino in Albuquerque, marking its entry into the sports betting market in New Mexico. The BetMGM sportsbook at Isleta, spanning 4,900 square feet and equipped with 35 television screens, also includes two VIP sections. This milestone happened as BetMGM continues to expand its footprint across the United States.


City of Santa Fe Governing Body met Sept. 27

City of Santa Fe Governing Body met Wednesday, Sept. 27


City of Santa Fe Economic Development Advisory Committee met Nov. 1

City of Santa Fe Economic Development Advisory Committee met Wednesday, Nov. 1


Jacobs awarded a water and wastewater utilities renewal contract in New Mexico

Jacobs announced the acquisition of a five-year contract renewal for the operations and maintenance (O&M) of wastewater and surface water treatment plants, as well as wastewater collection and drinking water distribution systems for the City of Farmington, New Mexico. The renewed contract integrates Aqua DNA, a Digital OneWater solution from Jacobs' product suite. This further strengthens Jacobs' commitment to using advanced technologies in improving infrastructure.


NMSU Cooperative Extension service staff member receives 2022 Roberts Memorial Staff Award

``` New Mexico State University (NMSU) announced that Monica J. Lury, administrative assistant at the Cooperative Extension Service Northern District Office, has been awarded the 2022 Stephen W. and Robert E. Roberts Memorial Staff Award in recognition of her contributions. The award is to honor Lury's dedication and service as an administrative assistant who supports five district department heads and occasionally serves as the lead administrative assistant in county offices.


Bernalillo County Tiny Home Village to open applications for new residents

Bernalillo County has announced plans to accept applications for new residents at the Tiny Home Village. The transitional housing initiative provides 18 to 24 months of temporary housing and comprehensive services, fostering community living while residents collaborate with a case management team. This move is set to commence on Monday, November 27th.


UNM researchers develop AI for migratory bird population measurement

The University of New Mexico (UNM) announced that in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, it has initiated the "Drones for Ducks" project, aiming to create a machine-learning model prototype capable of counting birds through drone-captured images. Preliminary results suggest a 95% accuracy in bird detection. This innovative approach to wildlife study seeks to make population tracking more efficient and less disruptive to the animals themselves.


UNM SPA Professor takes lead in public health administration

The University of New Mexico (UNM) announced that School of Public Administration (SPA) Associate Professor Kate Cartwright has played a significant role in enhancing UNM's standing within the American Public Health Association (APHA). Her contributions include participating in the election of the APHA president and voting on the adoption of APHA policy statements. She has dedicated her career to public health, making an impact on a national level through her work with APHA.


UNM COEHS Professor initiates new study for english-learning students

The University of New Mexico (UNM) announced College of Education & Human Sciences (COEHS) Research Professor H. Lee Swanson and Dr. Stefania Petcu are commencing a study to delve into the cognitive processes that could impede monolingual and English language learners in enhancing their math performance. The research, primarily focused on students' mathematical proficiency and memory-related areas, is anticipated to shed light on the underpinnings of learning challenges faced by these student groups.


Albuquerque launches innovative food waste diversion pilot project

The city of Albuquerque announced the initiation of a one-year pilot project to assess food scrap diversion at the Department of Senior Affairs CASA Kitchen and Explora’s concessions run by Three Sister’s Kitchen. The Sustainability Office oversees the project, and the compostable materials are transported to Soilutions by the local hauler Little Green Bucket. This new approach, launched as a bid to enhance environmental sustainability, aims to transform waste practices while simultaneously improving economic efficiency.


City of Santa Fe Planning Commission met Sept. 21

City of Santa Fe Planning Commission met Thursday, Sept. 21