Employment

Los Alamos Police Cmdr. Preston Ballew Retires After 26 Years Of Service

by

Los Alamos Police Cmdr. Preston Ballew on Wednesday in his office at the Los Alamos Police Department. He retires today, Sept. 11, after 26 years of law enforcement service. Courtesy/Chris Ross

By CAROL A. CLARK
Los Alamos Daily Post
caclark@ladailypost.com

On the eve of his retirement, Los Alamos County Police Cmdr. Preston Ballew said it has been his honor to serve “this outstanding community” for nearly three decades. He retires today, Sept. 11, following a 26-year career in law enforcement.

“My service is complete. I’ve been a police officer since I was 21 years old,” Cmdr. Ballew said. Read More

New Mexico To Become First State In Nation To Offer Universal Childcare

by

STATE News:

SANTA FE — Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department announced a historic milestone on Monday: New Mexico will become the first state in the nation to guarantee no-cost universal childcare starting Nov. 1. 

This groundbreaking new initiative will make childcare available to all New Mexicans, regardless of income, by removing income eligibility requirements from the state’s childcare assistance program and continuing the waiver of family copayments. 

“Childcare is essential to family stability, workforce participation, Read More

Los Alamos Deputy Police Chief James Rodriguez Graduates From Prestigious FBI National Academy In Quantico

by

Los Alamos Police Chief Dino Sgambellone, left, with Deputy Police Chief James Rodriguez at his recent graduation from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va., on the U.S. Marine Corps Base. Courtesy/LAC

LAPD News:

Los Alamos Deputy Police Chief James Rodriguez has graduated from the FBI’s prestigious National Academy in Quantico, Va., on the U.S. Marine Corps Base.

Deputy Chief Rodriguez joins a distinguished group of recent and current officers from LAPD who have had the honor of attending and graduating from the FBI National Academy. 

The FBI National Academy is a comprehensive 10-week Read More

Governor On CYFD Secretary Teresa Casados Retirement

by

CYFD Secretary Teresa Casados

STATE News:

SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Friday announced the retirement of Children, Youth, and Families Department (CYFD) Secretary Teresa Casados from state government following years of dedicated service to New Mexicans. 

Casados has served as CYFD secretary since January 2024 and previously served as the department’s interim secretary from May 2023 until her confirmation as secretary by the New Mexico Senate in January 2024. Before leading CYFD, Casados served as chief operating officer in the Governor’s Office from January 2019 Read More

County Seeks Statements Of Interest From Individuals Or Businesses To Operate Los Alamos Golf Course Restaurant

by

COUNTY News:

The contract between Los Alamos County and Cottonwood on the Greens, the current restaurant at the Los Alamos County Golf Course, is coming to an end.

The Los Alamos County Community Services Department (CSD) is now inviting Statements of Interest from individuals or businesses interested in operating the golf course restaurant space at 4244 Diamond Drive, Los Alamos.

On-site restaurant space walk-throughs will be available on the following dates and times:

  • Monday, Sept. 22, 2025, at 9 a.m.
  • Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, at 2 p.m.

These walk-throughs will offer interested parties Read More

North Central Regional Transit District Appoints Nicholas A. Sofoul As New Executive Director

by

Nicholas A. Sofoul is the new executive director of North Central Regional Transit District. Courtesy/NCRTD 

NCRTD News:

ESPANOLA — The North Central Regional Transit District (NCRTD) announced Friday that Nicholas A. Sofoul, AICP, has been appointed as its new Executive Director, effective Oct. 31, 2025. Sofoul will succeed longtime Executive Director Anthony Mortillaro, who is retiring after more than a decade of distinguished service leading the NCRTD Blue Bus system.

Sofoul has 15 years of transit industry experience from bus and rail systems on the east and west coast. He most recently Read More

U.S. Navy Sets Sail For Santa Fe For Navy Week Nov. 10-16

by

CHARLESTON, S.C. (March 15, 2019) The U.S. Fleet Forces Band ensemble Brass Band performs at Marion Square during Charleston Navy Week, March 15, 2019. The Navy Week program serves as the Navy’s principal outreach effort in areas of the country without a significant Navy presence. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jordan R. Bair/Released) 190315-N-FO574-1223

NAVY News:

MILLINGTON, TN — The U.S. Navy proudly announces its return to Santa Fe, New Mexico, for Navy Week, Nov. 10-16. As part of the Navy’s signature outreach initiative, Santa Fe Navy Week will bring Read More

Gov. Proclaims September Workforce Development Month

by

NMDWS News:

ALBUQUERQUE — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has proclaimed September 2025 Workforce Development Month in New Mexico, underscoring the state’s commitment to ensuring well-compensated and meaningful work and calling on workforce leaders to prioritize preparation for high-demand industries and occupations.   

“Workforce development is at the heart of New Mexico’s economic growth,” said Secretary Sarita Nair, of the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS). “By investing in training and career pathways, we empower individuals to succeed and ensure our employers Read More

NFIB August Jobs Report: Unfilled Job Openings Continue To Decline

by

NFIB News:

SANTA FE — NFIB’s August jobs report found that 32% (seasonally adjusted) of small business owners reported job openings they could not fill in August, down 1 point from July. The last time unfilled job openings fell below 32% was in July 2020. Twenty-eight percent have openings for skilled workers (down 1 point), and 13% have openings for unskilled labor (up 1 point).

“While the economy appears to be doing well, small businesses are scaling back on job openings,” Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg said. “Small business owners with job openings are still looking for qualified applicants, Read More

Los Alamos School Of Gymnastics Closes Its Doors

by

Loui Janecky, left, with members of her 2018 LASG Diamond Competitive Gymnastics Team. Courtesy/LASG 

By MILES BEAUX
President
LASG Board

After 50 years of service to the children and families of Northern New Mexico, Los Alamos School of Gymnastics has closed. 

The organization began in the late 1970s. Maureen Hudson (a Los Alamos Public Schools PE teacher) ran a tumbling class in her backyard with a strip of mats, inspiring the love of gymnastics. After a year and significant growth in her program, Myrna McDonald joined her. As the enthusiasm grew, some of the gymnasts’ parents created a support Read More