State

I-25 Southbound Lane Closures

November 19, 2013 by Submitted by Carol A. Clark

NMDOT News:

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) Geotechnical Section will begin sampling material on upper La Bajada Hill off of the I25 southbound shoulders from the Waldo Exit (MP 267) to the Cochiti Exit (MP 265).

The sampling and testing of material will start Wednesday, Nov. 20 and continue over the next few days. There will be intermittent right lane and left lane closures Wednesday through Friday. The lane closures will be in effect 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and the work is anticipated to be completed by Friday, Nov. 22, weather permitting. Read More

Governor to Propose Substantial Capital Investment in New Mexico’s Water Infrastructure

November 19, 2013 by Submitted by Carol A. Clark

Gov. Susana Martinez

STATE News:

SANTA FE – Today, Gov. Susana Martinez will propose a substantial capital investment in water infrastructure throughout New Mexico.

Several statewide and community groups working to improve New Mexico’s water and business environment will join Martinez for this announcement, which will address dire needs in water infrastructure across New Mexico in the face of historic drought and unprecedented wildfires and floods. Read More

Texting While Driving … Lethal Distraction

November 19, 2013 by Submitted by Carol A. Clark

STATE News:

Gov. Susana Martinez is encouraging New Mexico’s teenagers to prevent fatal motor vehicle accidents by not texting and driving.

Martinez’s announcement comes during “National Teens Don’t Text and Drive Week.” The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that 21 percent of teenagers in fatal crashes were killed because of drivers distracted by cell phone use.

“I’m challenging New Mexico’s teenagers to take the lead in setting an example for our fellow drivers not only here in New Mexico, but across the country, by pledging not to text while driving. There’s Read More

Thirteen Organizations Honored with 2013 New Mexico Performance Excellence Awards

November 18, 2013 by Submitted by Carol A. Clark

QNM News:

ALBUQUERQUE – Quality New Mexico, Administrator of the New Mexico Performance Excellence Awards (NM Executive Order 2012-003), announces 13 recognition recipients including eight Piñon Recognition and five Roadrunner Recognition. There was no Zia Award Recipient in 2013.

“I’m delighted to announce the 2013 New Mexico Performance Excellence Award Recipients,” said Julia Gabaldon, President/CEO of Quality New Mexico. “These organizations have made a commitment to provide the best service/product to their customers and to be role model organizations in our Read More

New Mexico Volunteers Are Needed for Community Free Tax Help Programs

November 18, 2013 by Submitted by Carol A. Clark

IRS News:

PHOENIX – Helping in either the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs can be rewarding while serving a vital role in your local community.

The VITA and TCE programs offer free tax help to people with low-to-moderate income, senior citizens, persons with disability, those who have limited English proficiency and others who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. In the majority of the free tax help sites, taxpayers can get one-on-one help from IRS-certified volunteers who prepare their taxes for them. Volunteers Read More

FBI Seeking Matthew Maley on Federal Drug Charges

November 18, 2013 by Submitted by Carol A. Clark

Matthew Duke Maley is on the lam and the FBI is asking the public’s help in finding him. He is considered armed and dangerous so do not approach him but rather call the Albuquerque FBI at 505.889.1300 (24 hours). Courtesy/FBI

FBI News:

The FBI is asking for the public’s help in locating Matthew Duke Maley, 46, of Tucson, Ariz., who is wanted on federal drug charges and has ties to New Mexico, California, Colorado, Texas and Nevada, besides Arizona.

Maley is a white male, 6’1″ tall, approximately 180-190 pounds, bald, with hazel eyes. He has several tattoos on his Read More

Rep. Garcia Richard Advocates for Veterans

November 17, 2013 by Submitted by Carol A. Clark

By STEPHANIE GARCIA RICHARD

Dist. 43 Representative

As some of you may know, I am a proud daughter of a World War II Veteran. My father’s service overseas and later back home helped shape my siblings and me. My Dad made sure I understood the value in dedicating one’s life to service, to protect and respect the rights of all Americans. My father and the millions of other men and women who willingly sacrifice for our rights are a driving force behind my determination to be a voice for the people in public office.

One of the things I enjoy most about being a State Representative are the opportunities

Strong Winds & Mountain Snow on the Way

November 16, 2013 by Submitted by Carol A. Clark

Courtesy/NWS

NWS News:

The National Weather Service in Albuquerque reports that a potent upper level disturbance is bringing accumulating snow to the higher terrain, then jet stream to strengthen and bring strong and potentially damaging winds.

Timing – Through Sunday Morning.

Location – Snow impacts Northern Mountains; Wind impacts area wide, but most significant eastern slopes of the Central Mountain Chain, Adjacent Highlands and East Central Plains.

Key Impacts:

West winds 40 to 50 mph with some gusts near 60 mph Saturday through early Sunday east slopes of the Central Mountain

Valles Caldera Modifies Hunt Lotteries

November 16, 2013 by Submitted by Carol A. Clark

VCNP News:

New Format Expected to Boost Participant Numbers

JEMEZ SPRINGS – The Valles Caldera Trust has made dramatic changes to its elk and turkey hunt lotteries, which are expected to deepen the pool of applicants during these difficult economic times.

The Trust will combine a reduction in lottery application fees with a one ticket per hunt code purchase limit to attract more participants. The Trust will also eliminate multiple-ticket discount purchases. The changes are effective immediately and will apply to the 2014 hunting seasons.

“In the past, every ticket had an equal chance Read More

Bill Expanding White Sands Missile Range Clears Key Committee

November 16, 2013 by Submitted by Carol A. Clark

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Thursday, a bill sponsored by U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., Tom Udall, D-N.M., and John Cornyn, R-TX, to strengthen the missions at White Sands Missile Range and Fort Bliss cleared the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Earlier this year Heinrich, a member of the committee, along with Senators Udall and Cornyn, introduced the bipartisan proposal that represents a three-party agreement between the two military installations and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

“This expansion to White Sands Missile Range is critical Read More