New Mexico Appoints New Natural Resources Trustee – Associated Press
New Mexico has appointed a new trustee who will lead the state's efforts to ensure contaminated or damaged natural resources are restored and can benefit residents and visitors.
The state Environment Department on Thursday announced the hiring of Maggie Hart Stebbins as New Mexico's Natural Resources Trustee. Hart Stebbins is wrapping up a year as chair of the Bernalillo County Commission.
First elected to the commission in 2009, Hart Stebbins' public service also has included work with the New Mexico House of Representatives and the Mid-Region Council of Governments, where she focused on water conservation and regional transportation.
Lawmakers Cheer Bid To Ease Air Force Contamination Impact - By Susan Montoya Bryan Associated Press
New Mexico's congressional delegation is praising a defense spending bill that's close to clearing Congress. They say the measure would provide relief for communities affected by contamination at Air Force bases in the state and elsewhere.
New Mexico is in a legal battle with the U.S. government over plumes at two military installations that contain chemicals left behind by past firefighting activities.
Under the legislation, the U.S. Defense Department would have authority to take action to prevent further human exposure and provide alternate sources of water for those affected.
Santa Fe Council Moves Forward With Plans For $20M Pipeline – Associated Press
City officials in New Mexico have approved a proposed project to design and construct a $20 million pipeline that would funnel treated wastewater back into the Rio Grande River despite concerns from environmentalists and irrigators.
Santa Fe City Council directed city staff Wednesday to develop and propose 40-year and 80-year water plans to maximize resources. The plans include construction of the pipeline.
Environmentalists and farmers say the plan could jeopardize the amount of water available for irrigation. City officials say the proposed project was in its early stages and would require dozens of permits before breaking ground.
US Water Chief Praises Colorado River Deal, Sees Challenges - By Ken Ritter Associated Press
States in the U.S. West that have agreed to take less water next month from the drought-stricken Colorado River got praise and a push for more action from the nation's top water official.
U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Brenda Burman told water managers from seven states that the promises they made to avoid severe cutbacks are crucial. She also said Thursday that tougher challenges are ahead. Beginning Jan. 1, Arizona, Nevada and Mexico start taking less water from the river that supports about 40 million people. Officials say cuts won't be noticeable. California, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming also have a stake in river water.
AP Exclusive: Jackson Wink MMA Academy Offers Naming Rights - By Russell Contreras, Associated Press
Jackson Wink MMA Academy, the storied mixed martial arts gym that has trained UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon "Bones" Jones and other notable fighters, will offer naming rights.
Gym co-owner Greg Jackson told The Associated Press on Wednesday that he and fellow owner Mike Winkeljohn will begin entertaining naming rights offers for their globally known training facility in Albuquerque.
Jackson said the naming rights could potentially grant international exposure to a company, but he didn't give a price. "It's something we've been talking about for a while now," Jackson said. "We are exploring our options, and we think we can give a partner a lot of exposure around the world because of our reputation."
Jackson Wink MMA Academy is a sought out gym for mixed martial artists around the world. In addition to Jones, the gym has trained former UFC Woman Bantamweight Champion Holly Holm and former UFC Welterweight Champion George "Rush" St. Pierre.
The gym has been featured in several sports documentaries. Located just off Route 66 in downtown Albuquerque, the gym regularly attracts MMA fans and tourists who take selfies outside the facility. The gym recently opened an MMA-themed cafe.
Family Files Lawsuit Over Deadly New Mexico School Shooting – Associated Press
The family of a New Mexico student who was killed when a gunman opened fire inside Aztec High School in 2017 is suing the school district and police, saying more could have been done to prevent the tragedy.
Casey Jordan Marquez's family recently filed a wrongful death lawsuit in state court. School officials and police have declined to comment on the lawsuit. Marquez and classmate Francisco "Paco" Fernandez were killed.
The shooting prompted lawmakers to allocate more money for infrastructure projects to improve school security around New Mexico, but Marquez's family says not much has changed at Aztec High School.
New Mexico Tribes Get $36M For Affordable Housing Projects - Associated Press
Several Native American tribes in New Mexico will share more than $36 million in federal funding for affordable housing projects.
The U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department announced the funding Wednesday. In all, tribes across the country will be getting nearly $200 million in grants for new construction.
Officials say the money is expected to result in about 1,200 new housing units for low-income families living on reservations or in other Native American communities.
Housing authorities that serve Zuni Pueblo and the Jicarilla and Mescalero Apache tribes are among the recipients.
US Seeks Dismissal Of New Mexico's Immigration Lawsuit - By Susan Montoya Bryan Associated Press
U.S. lawyers want a judge to dismiss claims by New Mexico that immigration officials shirked their duties earlier this year by quickly releasing thousands of mostly Central American migrants into communities after they crossed into the United States.
New Mexico claimed in a lawsuit filed in June that the practice left communities to pick up the tab for housing and feeding the asylum-seekers until they moved on to find relatives or other hosts elsewhere in the U.S.
A judge heard arguments Wednesday but it could be some time before a ruling is issued.
White Sands Monument Closer To Gaining National Park Status - By Susan Montoya Bryan Associated Press
A national monument in southern New Mexico is one step closer to being re-designated as a national park.
The U.S. House on Wednesday approved a defense spending measure that includes language to boost the classification of White Sands National Monument. Aside from the name change, the bill would clear the way for a land swap between the National Park Service and the U.S. Army.
President Donald Trump has said he'll sign the measure, which is expected to pass the Senate.
New Mexico Principal Arrested In Alleged Baseball Bat Attack - Santa Fe New Mexican, Associated Press
A New Mexico middle school principal is facing charges after police said he threatened his brother with a baseball bat while drunk.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reports West Las Vegas Middle School Principal Thomas Sanchez was arrested Monday a day following his alleged altercation with his brother.
According to police, the 39-year-old Sanchez showed up to his brother's house in Las Vegas, New Mexico, and threatened him with a bat. Sanchez then reportedly damaged his brother's truck.
West Las Vegas Public Schools Superintendent Christopher Gutierrez says Sanchez has been placed on administrative leave with pay, pending an investigation.
World Championship Event Aimed At Revitalizing Pro Skiing - Associated Press
Efforts to revitalize traditional professional alpine ski racing are culminating in a network-televised world championship event planned for April 2020 at Taos Ski Valley in northern New Mexico.
On Wednesday, World Pro Ski Tour CEO Jon Franklin announced the single-elimination, head-to-head competition with a $100,000 purse and competitors including U.S. Olympic gold medalist Ted Ligety.
The U.S.-based World Pro Ski Tour was revived in 2017, and the April race is the first championship-style event since then.
The ski mountain on U.S. Forest Service land outside the town of Taos has been transformed by new investments in amenities in recent years.
Woman Accidentally Calls DA Investigator, Gets Needed Walker - KOB-TV, Associated Press
An 84-year-old New Mexico woman's misdial meant for a medical supply store went to an investigator in a district attorney's office — and led to a new walker.
KOB-TV reports Bernice Weems mistakenly called Kyle Hartsock with the Bernalillo County District Attorney's Office in Albuquerque, New Mexico, seeking a new walker. She left a voicemail.
It turns out Hartsock's number is just one digit off from the medical supply store she was trying to call.
Hartsock says instead of ignoring the message, he went out and got Weems a walker.
"I called her and I said, 'Bernice, we have a walker for you.' She said, 'Awesome.' I think she still thought we were like a walker store," Hartsock said.
This surprise came just in time for Bernice's grandson's wedding in Denver.
"They made me feel oh so good. It's been a long, long time since I've felt that good," Weems said.