Obituary: Jefferson “Skip” Leon Prestridge Jr. Nov. 1, 1943 – Jan. 13, 2026
JEFFERSON “SKIP” LEON PRESTRIDGE JR. Nov. 1, 1943 – Jan. 13, 2026
Jefferson “Skip” Leon Prestridge Jr., 82, passed away Jan. 13, 2026, at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, with family by his side.
Born Nov. 1, 1943, in Brewer, Maine, he was the eldest son of Effie Mae (McGray) and Jefferson Leon Prestridge Sr. In 1961, he earned his high school diploma from RHAM High School in Hebron, Connecticut.
Jefferson went by the nickname “Skipper” or “Skip” by friends and family. Aptly named and following in his father’s footsteps, Jefferson served honorably in the Read More
Heinrich Introduces Legislation To Redirect ICE Funding To Help New Mexico Law Enforcement Keep Communities Safe
U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, joined 5 Senate Democrats to introduce the PUBLIC SAFETY Act, legislation that will redirect almost $75 billion from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and send it instead to local law enforcement to help keep communities safe in New Mexico and nationwide.
“New Mexicans deserve to be safe in their communities. And there’s a lot of ways we can deliver on that by solving real crimes and holding violent criminals accountable. That’s the work our local law enforcement Read More
Advocacy Groups Urge NM Lawmakers To Expand Protections For Immigrants
SUPU News:
ALBUQUERQUE — In these times of terrifying mass deportations and raids across the nation, increased ICE enforcement in New Mexico, and violent, military-like tactics wielded against immigrants and activists by masked federal agents, including the recent shooting death of Renee Good in Minneapolis, several New Mexico immigrants’ rights groups are banding together to urge Governor Lujan Grisham to include expanded protections for immigrant communities on her call at the 2026 legislative session and the Legislature to pass strong safety measures and opportunities for immigrant Read More
OSM Invites Public Comment On Environmental Impact Statement For No Name Area Permit, Navajo Mine
A dragline exposes coal at the Navajo Mine complex, Navajo Nation, Farmington, New Mexico. Courtesy/Navajo Transitional Energy Company
OSM News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Thursday, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM) announced it will initiate a public scoping period and prepare a draft environmental impact statement (EIS) for a permit for the No Name area within the existing Navajo Mine Lease 14-20-603-2505. Comments and information received during the scoping period will inform the scope and alternatives to be analyzed in the draft EIS. Comments are due by Feb. Read More
Economic Development Department Seeks Input On $40M Research, Development, & Deployment Fund
EDD News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Economic Development Department’s Technology and Innovation Office is inviting stakeholders to help shape a new $40 million fund designed to support early-stage innovation and commercialization across the state.
The Research, Development and Deployment (RD&D) Fund, newly created by legislation in the 2025 state legislative session, aims at catalyzing innovation, economic growth and job creation by providing early-stage capital to emerging technologies, start-up businesses and research initiatives that align with the state’s economic Read More
Rep. Gabe Vasquez Secures $3.7M In Federal Funding To Protect New Mexico’s Children, Improve Road Safety
STATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) announced that he had secured federal grants totaling $3.7 million from the Department of Justice for the New Mexico Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Department of Transportation to improve road safety in Albuquerque, Ramah, and Truth or Consequences.
“Communities across New Mexico deserve peace of mind. These grants will have a real impact on our citizens’ safety,” Vasquez said. “I’m working to keep our children safe both on the web and on our roads.”
Specifically, the federal investments Rep. Vasquez Read More
Currier: Oil And Gas Revenue—The Lifeline Behind New Mexico’s Progress
Missi Currier
By MISSI CURRIER
President & CEO of the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association
Our state is a special place to live and work. In recent years, we’ve seen opportunities that create multi-generational benefits. The Opportunity Scholarship that has increased New Mexicans’ access to higher education and trade schools. The potential of childcare for all. Even dollars that ensured those on SNAP would not go hungry when the benefits paused. Strengthening the middle class and lifting those out of poverty through affordable, sustainable energy options. Lending a helping hand is something Read More
Los Alamos Ambassador Program Presents At Rotary Club
Jennifer Armstrong, Manager of Los Alamos Ambassador Program (left), and Melanie Peña, Director of Discover Los Alamos. Courtesy photo
ROTARY News:
Jennifer Armstrong, Manager of Los Alamos Ambassador Program, and Melanie Peña, Director of Discover Los Alamos, recently gave Rotary Club members an update on the Los Alamos Ambassador Program.
The next training will take place from 5-7 pm, Wednesday, Jan. 21, at projectY cowork Los Alamos. It is a free training but RSVP to ambassador@losalamos.org is requested.
The training is ideal for those who wish to polish their communication and customer-service Read More
PAC 8 Community Media Center: Jan. 16–22, 2025
PAC 8 News:
PAC 8 Community Media Center is available for recording events, transferring old media, shooting and editing, live streaming and drone photography and videography.
For information, call 505.662.7228 or visit pac8cmc.com.
PAC 8 Television schedule for Jan. 16-22, 2025:
Friday, Jan. 16, 2026
- 6 a.m. — Democracy Now! – Live
- 10 a.m. — The Thom Hartmann Program
- 11 a.m. — County Council Replay 1-06-26
- 4 p.m. — Democracy Now!
- 5 p.m. — PAC PAGES – Los Alamos County News Updates
- 6 p.m. — Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce “New Mexico Gross Receipts Tax”
- 7 p.m. — PAC 8 Summer Media Classes
- 8 p.m.
Kiwanis Club To Host Aluminum Collection This Saturday
Members of the Kiwanis Club of Los Alamos and K Club students at a previous aluminum can collection in the parking lot of the First United Methodist Church on Diamond Drive near Sullivan Field. Courtesy/Kiwanis
KIWANIS News:
The Kiwanis Club of Los Alamos will be collecting and buying aluminum cans from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 17, which will be sent for recycling.
The collection is in the parking lot of the First United Methodist Church on Diamond Drive near Sullivan Field.
The community is encouraged to bring the aluminum cans they’ve had accumulating and help support our environment Read More
Luján Delivers Nearly $982 Million For Vital New Mexico Projects In Senate-Passed Appropriations Bills
U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján
STATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) announced nearly $982 million in federal funding secured for New Mexico in the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Energy and Water Development; Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies; and Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies appropriations bills.
In the appropriations bills now headed to the President’s desk, Luján successfully secured $981,926,000 for 29 critical New Mexico projects.
- In the FY26 Energy and Water Development appropriations bill, Luján secured $951,248,000 for New Mexico
More Than 260 Artworks Beautify Public Buildings Throughout New Mexico
Jamie Spinello’s aluminum sculpture, Allochory, was installed at the City of Las Cruces’ City Hall Building in 2025 through the Art in Public Places program. A tan stucco building that says City of Las Cruces City Hall with trees, four flags, pathways, and a round abstract aluminum scultpure in front. The sky is blue and cloudy. Image courtesy of New Mexico Arts
NMDCA News:
SANTA FE — Art is in New Mexico’s DNA, and New Mexico Arts, the state’s federally authorized state arts agency, is busy working year-round to support public art for New Mexicans. Through the Art in Public Places Program, Read More
County Offices To Close Jan. 19 In Observance Of MLK Day
COUNTY News:
In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Los Alamos County government offices and services will join other federal, state, and local governments and close on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.
The County’s administrative offices, Atomic City Transit service, and the Environmental Services division are closed on Monday.
In addition, the following facilities will close or have modified hours:
- White Rock and Mesa libraries – Open 1 p.m. To 5 p.m.
- Aquatic Center – Open 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- Los Alamos County Ice Rink – Open 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- Golf Course and Golf Shop – Closed
Utilities will be closed Read More
Daily Postcard: Birds Gather At Feeder In Quemazon
Daily Postcard: Birds gather at a feeder on Jan. 11 in the backyard of a home in Quemazon. Photo by DW Decker Read More
Obituary: Andy R. Wilson 1928 – Dec. 26, 2025
ANDY R. WILSON 1928 – Dec. 26, 2025
Andy R. Wilson, 97, passed away on Dec. 26, 2025, leaving behind a legacy defined by his devotion to his family, his country, and his lifelong passion for creation.
Raised by a single mother in El Paso, Texas, Andy learned the value of resilience early on. Upon turning 18, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving with the occupation forces in Japan. Shortly after returning home and completing his service, he met Edyth Liles, who graciously agreed to marry him in 1948. Their marriage began a journey of partnership and family that ended only with her death in 2021.
In January Read More
LAPS Staff Participate In Inclusive Practices Training
Los Alamos High School teachers Alaina Agnew and Tianmei Seet participated in the Inclusive Practices training. Courtesy/LAPS
PCG representatives Rob Frantum-Allen and Tamara Hall facilitated the Inclusive Practices training for LAPS staff. Courtesy/LAPS
Barranca Mesa Elementary School Teacher Secilli Keeler, said, ‘It was amazing to be a part of a professional development that brings true inclusive practices to the forefront of every educator at LAPS.’ Courtesy/LAPS
LAPS News:
Twenty-seven Los Alamos Public Schools teachers, principals, instructional coaches and special education Read More
Work To Continue On Camp May Road Jan. 20-22
COUNTY News:
While Los Alamos County and contractor DUB-L-EE had planned to pause road and utility work on Camp May Road starting Friday, that plan is being revised to include a road closure from Tuesday through Thursday of next week, Jan. 20-22.
Work on the Jemez Mountain Fire Protection Project (JMFPP) began last April and with unseasonably warm temperatures, the winter pause that was originally scheduled for Dec. 1 hasn’t yet been necessary.
This project includes installation of waterlines and conduit for electric and fiber lines up to Pajarito Mountain.
On a related note, Pajarito Mountain’s Read More
Quemazon Montessori School Gets New Owners
After almost 25 years, Quemazon Montessori School is getting new owners. Tammy Tucker is selling the school to Quemazon Community Childcare, a newly formed nonprofit organization. Courtesy photo
A student enjoys a snack at Quemazon Montessori School. Courtesy photo
By KIRSTEN LASKEY
Los Alamos Daily Post
kirsten@ladailypost.com
After almost 25 years Quemazon Montessori School, 4600 Esperanza, is getting new ownership. Owner Tammy Tucker is selling the school to Quemazon Community Childcare, a newly formed nonprofit organization. Though the nonprofit has a unique name, the school Read More
Council Extends Low-Income Property Tax Rebate Program
COUNTY News:
Los Alamos County Council adopted an ordinance in January 2025, to extend the Low-Income Taxpayer Property Tax Rebate Program for the next four taxable years (2025-2028).
Authorized under Section 7-2-14.3 of the New Mexico Statutes, the program provides eligible low-income property owners in participating communities with a rebate on their New Mexico Personal Income Tax, offsetting a percentage of their property tax payment, not to exceed $350.
Eligible taxpayers can claim the rebate when filing their 2025 personal income tax returns. To qualify for the rebate, taxpayers Read More
Father Theophan Mackey: ‘High Expectations’
View of circle vases covered in plastic to slow drying and let moisture in the clay equalize. Courtesy photo
By Father Theophan Mackey
Rector
Saint Job of Pochaiv Orthodox Church
Happy new year to you all!
It has been an exciting year in the last two weeks. While taking a month-long hiatus from teaching pottery at the Arts Council, I was selected (read: volunteered) to teach “The Theology of the Icon” to our seminary’s MDiv students this Spring semester. We celebrated Christmas on January 6th and 7th, because we are on the Old Calendar (Julian) and thirteen days behind everyone else. And we are now Read More
