Public Safety

State Water Courts Reorganized Into Regional Structure

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NMSC News:

SANTA FE — A reorganization of water courts in New Mexico takes effect Wednesday under an order by the state Supreme Court to promote the timely and efficient resolution of legal disputes over water.

“This plan helps the judiciary address complex, technical water disputes that occur regularly because of conflicts between water users and appeals from administrative decisions,” Chief Justice David K. Thomson said. “Having regional water courts will be particularly important during periods of sustained severe drought when water disputes likely will become more frequent and can Read More

County: Stay Warm And Heat Safely!

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COUNTY News:

As we tiptoe toward colder weather, make sure you use space heaters safely! NEVER plug heaters into multi-plug adapters or use them with extension cords.

Heaters draw a lot of energy that could melt, or even ignite the plug.

Use space heaters that are child-, pet-, and clumsy-proof to prevent them from accidentally tipping.

Always keep heaters away from flammable and combustible sources and turn them off when they’re not needed. Read More

County: North Mesa Road Pavement Preservation Project Begins Monday … Expect Lane Closures

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Map of North Mesa Pavement Preservation Project. Courtesy/LAC 

COUNTY News:

The Los Alamos County Public Works Department announces that the next phase of the North Mesa Pavement Preservation Project will begin on Monday, Oct. 6, on North Mesa Road. Albuquerque Asphalt is performing the work.

North Mesa Road

  • North Mesa Road will be reduced to a single lane from the Diamond Drive Roundabout to San Ildefonso Road during work hours, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.;
  • Traffic will be limited to traveling in the eastbound direction, Roundabout to San Ildefonso Road, during all phases of this work; and
  • Westbound traffic
Read More

New Mexico Association Of Food Banks Applauds Legislature And Office Of Governor For ‘Swift And Proactive Action’ During 2025 Special Session

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STATE News:

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Association of Food Banks applauds the New Mexico Legislature and the Office of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham for swift and proactive action during the 2025 Special Session to protect families from the harmful impact of federal cuts to basic needs programs.

When Congress passed the federal reconciliation bill in July, more than 54,000 New Mexicans, including seniors, veterans, and people experiencing homelessness, faced a potential, immediate risk of losing their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. SNAP, previously known Read More

New Mexico Environment Department Warns Of Harmful Algae Blooms In Charette, Clayton, Maloya Lakes

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NMED News:

COLFAX AND UNION Counties — The the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) is urging visitors to Charette Lake, Clayton Lake, and Lake Maloya in Northern New Mexico to use caution due to the formation of harmful algae blooms.

Samples collected by NMED from these three lakes show that harmful algae blooms are present.

NMED is urging visitors to take the following precautions: 

  • As always, do not drink untreated surface water;
  • Avoid swimming in algae blooms;
  • Rinse fish with clean water thoroughly before cooking, eat only the fillet portion;
  • Keep pets and livestock out of the water
Read More

New Mexico Environment Dept. Enhances Transparency With New Streamlined Records Requests Portal

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NMED General Counsel Zachary Ogaz

NMED News:

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) is enhancing transparency by making public records more accessible by improving its records requests portal.

NMED launched its online public records portal in December 2024, allowing requestors to submit requests electronically.

The department has implemented two major improvements to the portal designed to streamline the records request process and improve the overall user experience:

  • NMED updated its public-facing page to help requestors more clearly define the records they are
Read More

Governor Signs Special Session Emergency Relief Package

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Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signing emergency legislation Friday to shield New Mexicans from federal cuts to food assistance and health care programs. Courtesy photo

From the Office of the Governor:

  • Four bills provide $162 million to counter federal cuts

SANTA FE — New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed emergency legislation Friday to shield New Mexicans from federal cuts to food assistance and health care programs, deploying $162 million in state funds immediately to maintain services across the state.

“When federal support falls short, New Mexico steps up — that’s our commitment Read More

Cone Zone: Week Of Oct. 6, 2025

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COUNTY News:

Los Alamos County services such as mail delivery, trash and recycling collection, and emergency services will be maintained for each project detailed below.

Residents and businesses will often experience large equipment and construction noise. 

Motorists and pedestrians are advised to always use caution and slow down around construction activities and avoid entering work zones outside of designated detour paths.

Road and Utility Work:

North Mesa & North Community Pavement Preservation Project

  • Location: 39th, 37th, 36th, North Mesa Road, San Ildefonso Road, Stoneview
Read More

FBI: Pigeon Springs Man Receives 3 Year Probationary Sentence For Role In Fatal Drunk Driving Crash

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FBI News:

ALBUQUERQUE — A Pigeon Springs man was sentenced to 3 years of probation for his role in a fatal drunk driving crash that claimed the life of a passenger.

According to court documents, Sept. 22, 2024, Irvin Virgil Wauneka, Jr., 35, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, operated a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol after consuming alcohol and falling asleep at the wheel.

Jane Doe was a passenger in the vehicle. Wauneka’s impaired driving resulted in a head-on collision with another vehicle. Jane Doe suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. Read More

Los Alamos County Council To Consider Legal Services To Help Pursue Recovery Costs In Nationwide PFAS Claim

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COUNTY News:

At its meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 7, the Los Alamos County Council will consider a recommendation from the County Manager and Utilities Manager to approve an agreement with the law firm Stag Liuzza LLC.

The agreement would provide legal services to help the County pursue recovery of costs in a nationwide lawsuit involving damages to public drinking water and wastewater systems caused by per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

While Los Alamos County’s drinking water remains safe, with PFAS levels well below federal standards, County officials recommend legal representation Read More