Op-Ed: New Electricity Rules Are At Odds With Climate Goals
By NICHOLAS THOMPSON, Ph.D.
R&D Engineer
Los Alamos National Laboratory
Los Alamos County is implementing two changes to how electricity will be billed. Both of these changes are aimed at reducing the peak grid demand, which is an important goal given how electricity demands are increasing. However, these changes can also result in higher bills for consumers and one of these changes is at odds with the County’s Climate Action Plan.
The first change is known as “Time of Use” rates. The idea here is to reduce demand as much as possible during peak usage times. In general, electricity grids need Read More
Council Proclaims Sept. 15-Oct. 15 Hispanic Heritage Month
From left, Los Alamos County employees Camille Chavez, Jacki Archuleta, Erika Thomas, Maria Tapia, Amy Danforth, Eric Martinez, Paula Nelson, Liza Rivera, Colorado Cordova, Juan Rael and Lucas Frescas accept a proclamation from Councilor Randall Ryti designating Sept. 15-Oct. 15, 2025, as National Hispanic Heritage Month in Los Alamos County during the Sept. 16 council meeting. The employees pictured represent the 351 Hispanic employees who make up 36 percent of the County’s workforce. To mark the month, Los Alamos County libraries will host a Tiny Art Show and youth mural celebrating Read More
Spark Change Awards Spotlight New Mexico Schools Beating The Odds With Improved Student Outcomes
CHANGEMAKERS News:
ALBUQUERQUE — Despite New Mexico’s long history of low academic performance, a coalition of community leaders is determined to spark change and rewrite the narrative about what is possible for the state’s students. Alumni of the Changemakers Fellowship are proud to launch the Spark Change Awards, a new initiative to honor schools that demonstrate improved student outcomes can be achieved for all students.
Sponsored by ConocoPhillips, the awards highlight schools that are either the highest-performing or the fastest-improving in literacy and math for Yazzie Martinez Read More
Beer Hiking Event At Bathtub Row Saturday, Sept. 27
COMMUNITY News:
Join us at Bathtub Row Brewing Co-op Saturday, Sept. 27, for a special beer hiking event with Kevin Holsapple, co-author of the new book, “Beer Hiking Southern Rockies.” Bathtub Row and Los Alamos are featured in a chapter of this book, which highlights 54 breweries and communities across the Four Corners States.
The event is free and open to everyone!
Here’s the plan for the day:
- 10 a.m. – Kevin will be in the beer garden with maps and advice to help you choose a beer hike route that starts and ends right here at the brewery.
- 11 a.m. – Join Kevin for a group-led hike. He’ll
Community Film Screening Of ‘The Wanted 18’ Oct. 3
COMMUNITY News:
At 7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 3, the Unitarian Church of Los Alamos will host a free community screening of The Wanted 18, an internationally acclaimed documentary that blends animation, interviews, and archival footage to tell one of the most unusual stories of nonviolent resistance in recent history.
The film follows the true events of a small Palestinian town during the First Intifada, where residents set out to produce their own milk as an act of independence and defiance. When 18 cows became the target of the occupying military, the villagers’ determination turned into a remarkable—and Read More
More Scenes From 2025 Hilltoppers Homecoming Parade
More scenes from the Los Alamos High School Hilltoppers 2025 Homecoming Parade held Friday afternoon on Central Avenue in downtown Los Alamos. The team took on Capital’s Jaguars at Sullivan Field. Courtesy photo
Courtesy photo
Courtesy photo
Courtesy photo
Courtesy photo
Courtesy photo Read More
National Museum Of Nuclear Science & History Announces Extended Hours During Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta
NMNSH News:
ALBUQUERQUE — The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History is thrilled to announce special extended hours during the city’s world-famous Balloon Fiesta, running Oct. 1–15, 2025. To ensure visitors can experience both the breathtaking morning balloon ascensions and the museum’s engaging exhibits, the museum will open early at 8 a.m. and remain open until 6 p.m. daily throughout the festival.
“We want to make sure Balloon Fiesta guests can enjoy everything Albuquerque has to offer,” said Jennifer Hayden, President and CEO. “By opening early and staying open later, we’re Read More
Hilltopper Girls XC Teams Sweep Rio Rancho Jamboree, Boys 8th Of 23 Teams!
Assistant Coach
LAHS Track and Field
New Mexico Chapter Of The Society Of Catholic Scientists To Host Gold Mass, Public Talk, Conference Sept. 26-27
By LUCY FREY
President
NM Chapter Society of Catholic Scientists
The New Mexico Chapter of the Society of Catholic Scientists invites Catholic scientists and all those interested in the relation between science and the Catholic Faith to a Gold Mass, public talk, and conference this weekend.
Friday, Sept. 26
Gold Mass, dinner, and public talk
5:30 p.m. Mass, celebrant Fr. John Daniel, pastor, homilist Deacon Jim O’Hara.
The Mass will be offered for the repose of the soul of Deacon Ray Alcouffe, who was one of the first members of our NM SCS Chapter.
Dinner and public talk immediately following Read More
Secret City Esports Waffle Breakfast Saturday
Final White Rock Evening Farmers Market 4-7 PM Today
Farmers Market News:
Los Alamos MainStreet and Creative District invite the public to stop by the final White Rock Evening Market of the season this evening, Sept. 24.
The market runs 4-7 p.m. at 118 N.M. 4 (across from the White Rock Visitor Center), and features local produce, handmade goods, and food vendors, including Pi-239 Pizza and baked goods.
Spend a pleasant evening outside getting to know the vendors and take home delicious prepared food, fresh fruits and vegetables, nursery plants, and artisanal jewelry.
The Los Alamos Farmers’ Market, held 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Thursdays at Ashley Read More
Daily Postcard: Sun Reflects Off Los Alamos Middle School
Daily Postcard: Morning sun reflects off Los Alamos Middle School on Monday. Photo by DW Decker Read More
Obituary: Morris John Engelke, Jr. Aug. 27, 2025
MORRIS JOHN ENGELKE, JR Aug. 27, 2025
Morris John Engelke, Jr., 84, passed away on August 27, 2025, in Windsor, Colorado, due to complications from a longstanding illness related to a military service-connected disability.
Born in 1941 in Salt Lake City, Utah, he spent his formative years in Los Alamos, New Mexico, where his father worked as a physicist at Los Alamos National Laboratory, focusing on small reactor research and health physics.
Morris earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from California State Polytechnic University in Pomona, followed by a master’s degree in business administration Read More
Fr. Theophan Mackey: Struggle To Center
Courtesy photo
By Fr. Theophan
Rector
Saint Job of Pochaiv Orthodox Church
My first beginning throwing class at the Los Alamos Arts Council/Fuller Lodge has finished. I had a great time helping the students work through the mechanics of making their first pottery on the potter’s wheel, centering, trimming, and pulling handles. I hope they feel the same way.
A person I taught before called me an “earthbender”. I’ll take that. We’re making earthbenders!
What I have found is that each person needs a different approach in learning. Some need diagrams, some need verbal instruction, and some just Read More
New Mexico Magistrate Judges Association Elects Officers
COURT News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Magistrate Judges Association has re-elected its president and other officers for one-year terms and filled three vacancies on its board.
The association also donated $2,000 and collected $1,850 in donations from individual judges for a flooding relief drive in Ruidoso. The $3,850 was used to purchase household items needed by people affected by flooding in the Lincoln County community.
“As judges we serve the people of New Mexico and want to do our part to help the community and residents of Ruidoso recover as quickly as possible from the devastating recent Read More
Vote For Favorite Self Portrait In Step Up Gallery
‘A Pattern of Habits’ by Tony Borek. Courtesy photo
‘All Color is Accidental’ by Britton Donharl. Courtesy photo
STEP UP GALLERY News:
“Projection and Confession: Self-Portraits” is showing in Step Up Gallery at Mesa Public Library. The exhibit displays nearly 50 self-portraits of regional artists, many of which were created just for this show over the last four months.
Visitors to the gallery are asked to vote for the self-portrait they like best after viewing the show. In lieu of an opening reception, there will be a closing reception 2-3:30 p.m. on the last day of the exhibit, Saturday, Oct. Read More
Rancho De Chimayó Restaurante’s Grand Lady, Florence Jaramillo, Has Died
COMMUNITY News:
CHIMAYÓ — Florence Jaramillo, “Mrs. J”, beloved owner of Rancho de Chimayó Restaurante, passed away on the morning of Sept. 22, 2025, at her home in Chimayó, New Mexico. She was 94.
Florence Jaramillo was a mother, grandmother, friend, visionary, businesswomen, author, philanthropist, and community leader. She leaves a legacy of generosity and a passion for life. She changed the way we gather to share and celebrate through a love of food, culture, and tradition.
Among her numerous achievements, she was named a New Mexico Culinary Treasure in 2014 and was awarded the 2016 James Read More
Support Troop NM1412 At Smith’s & Metzger’s Sept. 26–27
Santa Fe Pro Musica Announces Financial Momentum, Applauds 2024-25 Performance Excellence And Looks Ahead To Powerful 2025-26 Season
SFPM News:
Santa Fe Pro Musica today announced strong financial results in the last fiscal year, powered by 23% growth in ticket sales and a 34% increase in contributions over the prior year—momentum that prevailed against broader headwinds across the arts. “The artistic growth and financial stability achieved in the 2024–25 season go hand-in-hand,” stressed Thomas O’Connor, Co-Founder and Executive Director.
Guided by “momentum with meaning,” the organization will translate its gratifying financial results into sustained artistic investment, audience development, and community Read More
Demolition Of Old Chamisa Building Underway
Chamisa demolition officially underway—the end of an era. Courtesy/Bernadette Lauritzen
Courtesy/Bernadette Lauritzen
Courtesy/Bernadette Lauritzen
Courtesy/Bernadette Lauritzen Read More
