New Mexico Senate Leader Is Last Firewall For Democrats – The Associated Press and Santa Fe New Mexican
Longtime New Mexico Senate Majority Leader Michael Sanchez is sure to face more pressure than ever when the legislative session begins tomorrow.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reports Sanchez is the last line of defense for Democrats with the Republican-dominated House likely to pass any bills favored by Republican Gov. Susana Martinez.
As majority leader, Sanchez is allowed to pick which bills get heard on the Senate floor.
The 64-year-old lawmaker will also have to unite moderate and conservative Democrats in the Senate chamber.
Police: 1 Victim In Shooting At Store; No Word On Condition - The Associated Press
Police say there is one victim in a shooting at an Albuquerque Walmart store.
There are few details on last night’s shooting at the Walmart on Coors and I-40, but police say the victim was located inside the store.
No word on the victim's condition yet and no other information was immediately available, including anything about a suspect.
Historic Santa Fe Resort Operating Amid Renovations, Layoffs - The Associated Press and Santa Fe New Mexican
Operators of a storied Santa Fe resort say it's unknown how long a major renovation project will take.
The Santa Fe New Mexican repots that Bishop's Lodge Ranch, Resort & Spa remains open despite having to close several of its major amenities.
Atlanta-based HRV Hotel Partners bought the resort last August.
HRV partner Richard Holland said Saturday he hopes to nail down a completion date soon.
The ranch-style resort laid off 35 workers and temporarily shut down it spa and restaurant Jan. 5.
Holland says the resort hopes to hire back as many as possible once the renovations are done.
Flora Vista Girl Hurt In Accidental Shooting Remains Stable - The Associated Press
An 8-year-old Flora Vista girl who was accidentally shot by her younger sister is in stable condition.
The San Juan County Sheriff's Office says the girl was upgraded Saturday from critical condition at San Juan Regional Medical Center.
Police say the incident happened Friday when both girls and a third sister were helping their father clean the house.
A 6-year-old girl dropped a rifle and hit the trigger, causing a gunshot wound to her sister's throat.
Detectives have not yet determined if the father will be charged.
NAACP Wants Neglected Las Cruces Cemetery Restored - The Associated Press and Las Cruces Sun-News
A Las Cruces cemetery where more than 65 African Americans are buried has become a final resting place for trash and overrun weeds.
The NAACP's Dona Ana County branch is asking city and community leaders for help in cleaning and renovating the neglected graveyard.
The Las Cruces Sun-News reports that improvements to the cemetery could cost as much as $100,000.
The NAACP has started a fundraising campaign and is proposing the two-acre burial ground become a historical landmark.
Records show burials at the cemetery date back to 1940 and the last one was in 2001.
At one time, the cemetery was the only place in Las Cruces that African Americans could be buried because of segregation laws.
Albuquerque Police Search For Owner Of Cash Left At Store - The Associated Press
Police are trying to track down a man who they say left behind nearly $1,000 in cash at an Albuquerque thrift store.
Authorities say a manager at Savers found the cash while cleaning up the store Wednesday.
Surveillance video shows a man with the bag paying for merchandise Wednesday morning and then sitting down by the door to put things into his backpack.
Manager Nathan Fisher says he believes that is when the man forgot his money.
Police believe the man may be a transient and are hoping someone will recognize him.
Fisher says he did not consider keeping the money and is glad it wasn't found by someone who might have kept it.
White Sands National Monument Weighing Admission Hike - The Associated Press and Las Cruces Sun-News
The public will be able to share their input about a proposal to increase admission for White Sands National Monument.
The Las Cruces Sun-News reports that a monthlong public comment period for the proposed fee hikes ends Feb. 13.
A National Park Service news release says the changes would increase admission charges per vehicle, not per person.
The proposal calls for changing the admission from $3 per person to $20 per vehicle. Every vehicle would have to pay $20 no matter how many passengers were present.
Officials say the plan would bring revenue that would help pay for future park improvements.
A National monument spokeswoman says officials are committed to keeping White Sands affordable and that $20 per vehicle is still a good value.