News from April 2024
Job Opportunity at the ABQ BioPark: Assistant Zookeeper II
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 2, 2024
The ABQ BioPark is offering a job opportunity for the position of Assistant Zookeeper II at its Heritage Farm department. The successful candidate will be involved in various duties related to the care and maintenance of the farm grounds, animals, and crops at the BioPark.According to the job description, the Assistant Zookeeper II will be responsible for tasks such as weeding, pruning, planting, feeding animals, operating farming equipment, and assisting the public with inquiries. The position also entails basic repair and maintenance of the farm grounds, along with...
APD Relaunches Duke City Case Files to Help Solve Cold Cases
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 2, 2024
The Albuquerque Police Department has relaunched the Duke City Case Files, a video series aimed at generating tips in unsolved homicides. The series, initially launched in 2021, led to the resolution of four out of seven cases that were featured.The first case highlighted in the relaunch is the September 2021 homicide of 22-year-old Brittany Ramirez. Speaking about her daughter, Jessica Valdez Ramirez said, "She just loved to love, and her personality was very outgoing, and charismatic… she was everything a mom wanted her child to be." Jessica expressed the family's need...
The University of New Mexico Health System Expands Critical Services to Roswell, NM
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 2, 2024
In an effort to improve healthcare accessibility, The University of New Mexico Health System has opened a new clinic in Roswell, NM, focusing on HIV and sexual health care services. The expansion into Roswell aims to address the lack of such services in the area, providing primary care, behavioral health care, and screenings for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.Senior Vice President of UNM Clinical Affairs, Mike Richards, emphasized the importance of creating access to healthcare without stigma, stating, "We need to be able to talk about these health care...
UNM alumna earns award at Met Opera Competition
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 2, 2024
Lydia Grindatto expressed her excitement and disbelief after winning the Fernand Lamesch Award at the Metropolitan Opera Eric and Dominique Laffont Competition. Grindatto, an alumna of The University of New Mexico, shared, “It feels a little bit surreal because this competition was something that I’d always heard about in school and as I was going through training. It’s such a big deal and so I never assumed that I would go on to be in the finals, much less win. It just feels so surreal and very exciting.”Grindatto's journey to success was not without challenges. She...
Fire Rescue Academy 4 Graduates 17 Firefighters
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 1, 2024
Doña Ana County Fire Rescue is set to honor the graduation of 17 firefighters who have successfully completed the rigorous requirements to become certified firefighters. The ceremony will take place at 1 p.m. on Friday, April 5 at the Doña Ana Community College, East Mesa Campus Auditorium in Las Cruces, welcoming members of the public to join in the celebration.According to the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress, each graduate has satisfactorily finished a 16-week-long Fire Academy course, earning them certification from the prestigious organization. These...
New Mexico Department of Health Celebrates National Public Health Week
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 1, 2024
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Department of Health (NMHealth) is currently observing National Public Health Week from April 1 to 7, acknowledging the vital contributions of its staff statewide. The theme for this year's Public Health Week is Protecting, Connecting, and Thriving.Public Health Division Director, Dr. José Acosta, expressed the department's commitment to making New Mexico the healthiest state in the nation by 2040, stating, "The department is determined to reach our ‘North Star’ goal of making New Mexico the healthiest state in the nation by 2040." He emphasized...
CASAA Professor's Research Reveals Link Between Sports Betting and Binge Drinking
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 1, 2024
UNM Professor Joshua Grubbs' research on the connection between sports betting and binge drinking has been published in the prestigious journal JAMA Network Open. Grubbs' study, funded by the International Center for Responsible Gaming, analyzed data from over 4,000 adults across the U.S. to investigate the relationship between sports wagering and alcohol misuse.Grubbs emphasized the significance of his findings, stating, "The sports gamblers, just by the fact that they are sports gamblers, are substantially more likely to be reporting high levels of binge drinking." He...
Possible Quorum of Civilian Police Oversight Advisory Board at Citizen Police Academy Training
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 1, 2024
The Civilian Police Oversight Advisory Board has issued a notice regarding a potential quorum at the upcoming Citizen Police Academy training session. According to the notice, "a quorum of the Civilian Police Oversight Advisory Board may be in attendance at the Albuquerque Police Academy, 5412 2nd Street NW, Albuquerque, NM, 87107, regarding the Citizen Police Academy."The training is scheduled to take place on Thursday, April 4, 2024, starting at 6:00 p.m. However, the Board has clarified that "no Board business will be discussed at the Citizen Police Academy training on...
Global Education Office to celebrate 60 years
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 1, 2024
The Global Education Office (GEO) at the University of New Mexico (UNM) is gearing up to celebrate a significant milestone in its history. GEO is marking its 60th anniversary this year, an occasion that will be commemorated with a special event on Thursday, April 25 at the University Club from 4 to 6 p.m.Originally known as the Office of the Foreign Student Advisor when it opened its doors in August 1964, GEO has played a vital role in supporting international students at UNM for six decades. From its humble beginnings of assisting 205 students from 65 countries in its...
County Assessor’s Office Sends Valuation Notices and Sets Up Outreach Locations
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 1, 2024
The County Assessor’s Office has taken steps to inform property owners of their property values and tax obligations. According to the office, property owners have until May 1 to protest the values listed in the Notice of Value that was sent out on April 1. County Assessor Eugenia “Gina” Montoya Ortega provided details on the protest process, stating that protests must be submitted in writing to the office's address in Las Cruces, NM.In addition to protesting property values, taxpayers have the opportunity to apply for various exemptions. These exemptions include cases...
Second Suspect in Weekend Shooting Taken into Custody
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 1, 2024
APD officers in Albuquerque have apprehended a second suspect in connection with a shooting incident that took place over the weekend. The suspect, identified as Zane Katzenberger, 18, was taken into custody following his involvement in the shooting in Downtown Albuquerque. According to reports, officers responded to the shooting after hearing gunshots and receiving a shot spotter activation.Katzenberger was detained by officers after they observed a handgun in his possession. He reportedly admitted to being highly intoxicated at the time of the incident. Video footage of...
Nusenda Credit Union Receives Platinum Level Family Friendly Business Award
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 1, 2024
Nusenda Credit Union has once again been recognized for its outstanding workplace policies, earning the prestigious "platinum level" distinction in the New Mexico Family Friendly Business Award. The credit union has received this accolade for the seventh consecutive year, showcasing its commitment to providing a supportive and inclusive work environment for its employees.Michelle Dearholt, Nusenda's Executive Vice President of Operations, emphasized the importance of prioritizing the well-being of their team, stating, "At Nusenda Credit Union we believe that taking care...
Keller Administration Outlines Vision for Upcoming Fiscal Year Budget
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 1, 2024
Mayor Tim Keller has unveiled the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2025, emphasizing the administration's dedication to public safety and tackling housing and homelessness challenges. The $1.4 billion budget reflects a strategic approach to address these issues while navigating economic uncertainties."We are focused on continuing to invest in public safety, and fully supporting our frontline workers and the programs and services they provide to help address our city’s challenges," Mayor Tim Keller stated.The budget, with a modest increase of 2.3% compared to the previous...
Bank On Burque Connects Thousands of Families to Financial Empowerment Tools
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 1, 2024
Today, the Bank On Burque initiative gathered local leaders, partner institutions, and members of the community to kick off Financial Empowerment Month and share more about the resources available to help people obtain financial independence. Bank On Burque’s mission is to connect people to safe and affordable bank accounts, helping them take control and better understand their finances without being victimized by predatory practices or unnecessary fees.In 2019, Mayor Tim Keller announced the Bank On Burque Blueprint for Financial Empowerment, and since then, the...
NMSU’s Pitch Deck Sprint accepting applications from NM tech startups
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 1, 2024
New Mexico State University’s Arrowhead Center is set to provide its Pitch Deck Sprint online accelerator for tech startups located in New Mexico. The program, part of the Scale Up New Mexico initiative, aims to enhance the pitch deck presentations of entrepreneurs and startups in the state.“The Pitch Deck Sprint program stands as a pivotal resource for New Mexico's entrepreneurs, offering vital support that is instrumental in refining their pitch presentations,” said Dana Catron, deputy director of Arrowhead Center. “This initiative not only equips them with the tools to...
