County Government

What About All Those Ticks Around Town?

A brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus). Courtesy/CDC

A rocky mountain wood tick (Dermacentor andersoni). Courtesy/CDC

COUNTY News:

Why is there an increase in ticks in Los Alamos County?

In Northern NM, an increase in tick populations in 2025 is likely due to several factors:

  • Climate change: Milder winters and earlier springs, due to climate change, allow ticks to survive and reproduce for a longer period, leading to larger populations. Ticks are exotherms, meaning they don’t regulate their internal temperature, so they thrive in warmer conditions. Changes in precipitation patterns
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Four Tractor-Trailers And 275-Ton Crane To Navigate Downtown Los Alamos For Ice Rink Chiller Installation Tuesday May 20

COUNTY News:

As part of the installation of a new chiller at the Los Alamos Ice Rink, a 275-ton crane and four tractor-trailers will be making their way, 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday May 20, through Downtown Los Alamos.

Due to its substantial weight, the crane and accompanying tractor-trailers will not be able to cross the Omega Bridge. Instead, they will travel up the Main Hill via N.M. 502/East Road, proceed along Trinity Drive to Diamond Drive, and finally turn onto West Road to reach the Ice Rink.

The Los Alamos Police Department will provide escorts, if necessary, for the crane as it travels up N.M. Read More

Chandler: Notice Of Value

By GEORGE CHANDLER
Los Alamos County Assessor

This year and next year you will see a number of changes in your Notice of Value (NOV).

Mailing and Protest dates: State Law normally requires us to mail the Notice of Value no later than the first day of April. Because of some of the changes discussed below, and the effective date of certain legislation that affected them, the Property Tax Division gave us a 30 day waiver that allowed us to mail the NOV’s for tax year 2025 on April 30, 2025. That has the additional effect of pushing the last day to file a protest to May 30 2025.

Veterans: The Veteran’s $4,000 Read More

Council Proclaims May 2025 ‘Historic Preservation Month’

Los Alamos County Councilor David Reagor presents a proclamation on behalf of the Council declaring the month of May 2025 ‘Historic Preservation Month’ in Los Alamos. Reagor is joined for the presentation at the May 13 Council meeting by local historians Gerry and Georgia Strickfaden and Historic Preservation Advisory Board member Carrie Gregory. The County Council encourages citizens to celebrate those who own and preserve historic properties and support preservation efforts. ‘National Preservation Month’ highlights the importance of maintaining history, helping future generations
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County Council Appoints Wendy Servey Interim Fire Chief

Following her appointment at the May 6 Council meeting, Wendy Servey will serve as interim fire chief for up to one year. Los Alamos County will begin a nationwide search for a new chief later this year. Courtesy/LAC
COUNTY News:

The Los Alamos County Council unanimously affirmed the appointment of Deputy Fire Chief Wendy Servey to serve as Interim Los Alamos County Fire Chief during the May 6 Regular Session. 

Servey began her career at Los Alamos Fire Department (LAFD) in 2006 and brings a deep well of experience, technical expertise, and leadership to the position.

“I’m honored to serve the

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Elias Isaacson Begins Role As Los Alamos County’s New Community Development Director

Elias Isaacson. Courtesy/City of Santa Barbara

COUNTY News:

Elias Isaacson, Los Alamos County’s new community development director, officially began his role Monday, May 12. The County Council approved his appointment March 11, 2025.

Isaacson brings more than a decade of public-sector leadership and planning experience. He most recently served as community development director for the City of Santa Barbara, Calif., where he led the city’s land use, development, and growth management efforts.

Prior to his time in Santa Barbara, Isaacson held senior leadership positions in the cities Read More

LAFD Begins Hydrant Testing Around Los Alamos County

Firefighters testing water pressure and flushing out sediments in a fire hydrant in 2020 on Trinity Drive. This year’s testing runs May 19 through Sept. 1 throughout the County. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com

COUNTY News:

The Los Alamos Fire Department (LAFD) will be testing fire hydrants throughout Los Alamos County May 19 through Sept. 1.

The purpose of testing is to ensure that the hydrants will provide an adequate water supply for fire suppression and to flush out sediments that have accumulated in the water distribution system over the past year.

These tests are part of the regular Read More

Storytelling Through Drumming At White Rock Library May 24

Jordan Ramos-Flores of Unidrums will lead ‘Storytelling Through Drumming’, 2-4 p.m., May 24 at White Rock Branch Library. Courtesy/LAC

COUNTY News:

The Los Alamos Public Library System will host a unique experience in “Storytelling Through Drumming”, 2-4 p.m. Saturday, May 24 at White Rock Branch Library.

Jordan Ramos-Flores of Unidrums will lead the afternoon workshop, guiding participants through exercises to stimulate the flow of storytelling through rhythm and percussion. Ramos-Flores will lead the exploration and invite contributions from those compelled to share.

“I’m truly Read More

Scenes Of School Bus And Car Collision On Diamond Drive

Los Alamos police and firefighters responded to the scene of a school bus and car collision early this afternoon on Diamond Drive near Los Alamos High School. LAPD reports that the bus driver was cited for failure to yield, and the juvenile in the other car was transported to Los Alamos Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. Courtesy photo 

The school bus involved in a collision with a car early this afternoon on Diamond Drive near Los Alamos High School in which the bus driver was cited for failure to yield, and the juvenile in the other car was transported to Los Alamos Medical Center Read More

Community Invited To Provide Input On Wildfire Prevention

COUNTY News:

A research team from Fire Adapted Communities New Mexico and Northern Arizona University is asking the community’s help in understanding local concerns related to human-caused wildfires in the Los Alamos area.

Los Alamos County is hosting a series of public discussion groups to gather resident perspectives and ideas about wildfire risk, forest restrictions (including closures), and other strategies that could be used to protect the community.

These conversations are confidential. Key points will be summarized and shared with local, state, regional and national wildfire Read More

Virtual Public Meeting On Guaje Pines Cemetery Master Plan Wednesday

Courtesy photo

COUNTY News:

Los Alamos County has partnered with Sloane Consulting Group to develop a comprehensive Master Plan for Guaje Pines Cemetery. This plan will outline a long-term vision for the care, maintenance, and development of the cemetery, ensuring it remains a peaceful and meaningful place for generations to come.

As part of the community engagement process, the County invites residents to take part in a Virtual Public Meeting at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 14, to share feedback and ideas directly with the project team. This meeting is an opportunity for community members Read More

Scammers Using Local Names To Intimidate Community Members With Fake Warrants

Los Alamos Municipal Judge Elizabeth K. Allen

COUNTY News:

Scammers are targeting residents by impersonating trusted local officials, including using the name of Los Alamos Municipal Judge Elizabeth K. Allen to falsely claim that a bench warrant or summons has been issued.

These scams can be especially frightening because the perpetrators are using real names, phone numbers, and addresses they find online to appear legitimate. In some cases, scammers even “spoof” phone numbers—making it seem like the call is coming from a local agency or official.

“If you receive a call saying you owe money, Read More

County: Faulty Gasket Caused Sinkhole In White Rock

A crack in this new gasket would have allowed a slow leak in the line to erode the earth around it enough to cause the recent sinkhole in White Rock. Courtesy/LAC

COUNTY News:

A new, but faulty, gasket appears to be the cause of the sinkhole that recently appeared on the road near the intersection of N.M. 4 and Rover Boulevard in White Rock.

The water transmission line feeding White Rock and running parallel to N.M. 4 was replaced earlier this year under a Los Alamos Department of Public Utilities (DPU) project. Contractor Wagner Construction led the effort, which included a section of pipe that crossed Read More

May Update On Los Alamos Golf Course Review

COUNTY News:

Los Alamos County staff have been monitoring the golf course and as published, performed a review of the course today, May 12, to provide better clarity and to ensure optimal conditions for play.

The updated schedule reflects changes in course availability and ongoing preparations.

Updated details:

The practice range and main putting green will remain open. These areas will be available to golfers for practice. Range balls are available 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. The practice range closes at 3:30 p.m. on Sundays to prep the range for mowing Mondays.

The course Read More

Coexisting With Cougars: Protecting Wildlife While Reducing Conflicts

A handsome cougar appears on the prowl, perhaps searching for dinner. Photo by Hari Viswanathan.

PEEC News:

Mountain lions are secretive and rarely seen, but are an important part of the local ecosystem. Los Alamos sits on the edge of prime mountain lion habitat, and as more people live, work, and explore the outdoors, occasional wildlife encounters may happen.

Fortunately, mountain lions go to great lengths to avoid people.

The Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC) will present an engaging and family-friendly talk during which Bandelier National Monument Natural Resources Read More

County Environmental Sustainability Board To Meet May 15

COUNTY News:

The Los Alamos County Environmental Sustainability Board is scheduled to meet at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 15 in Council Chambers at the Municipal Building at 1000 Central Ave.

This meeting is open to the public in person, and for convenience, the following Zoom meeting link and/or telephone call-in numbers may be used for public viewing and participation:

Please click this URL to join. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85656951187 or one tap mobile:

+17193594580,,85656951187# US

+16694449171,,85656951187# US

See the agenda here. Read More

Cone Zone: Week Of May 12, 2025

COUNTY News:

Public Works Projects:

Los Alamos County Public Works staff manages the projects listed in this section through contractors.

For more information, email lacpw@lacnm.us, call 505.662.8150 or visit the County Projects page at https://lacnm.com/pw-projects.

Please slow down and use caution within the construction work zones. Note: the information below is based on a schedule provided by the contractors and may change due to weather or other delays. 

Bathtub Row Reconstruction Project Updates

Construction crews with TLC Plumbing & Utility continue the Bathtub Row Reconstruction Read More

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